Summer 2022 | Issue 160 A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes The Transformation of “Bob”[ GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL CornerTechnical[GMC Motorhomes at Classic Car Shows[ Member Shares GMCMI Memories[ 0Anniversary th 1982-2022 G M C MOTOROHOMES INTERNATIONAL The Future of the GMC Motorhome Join Us in Tennessee! As Seen by GMC Designers in 2006
Pharr, TX 78577 | >>admin@gmcmi.com612-501-4600|gmcmi.com GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International. Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | admin@gmcmi.com612-501-4600 Editor | Janet Frey | freyjanetr@yahoo.com215-536-9064 Technical Editor | Randy Van Winkle 417-429-5925 | rlvanwin@gmail.com >> Online Version Flipbook of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving >> Submission Please send articles and newly found part numbers to the managing editor. >> GMCMI.com Website 612-501-4600 | admin@gmcmi.com >> Disclaimer Articles are contributed by members and others which are published as a service to members. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Independent verification is urged. ©2022 GMC Motorhomes International GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby 2 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM Dolph Santorine President Margie McLaughlin VP Northeast David Blackshear VP Eastern Lou Boone VP Southeast Randy Van Winkle VP South Central John Pryzbylek VP Great Lakes Lucy Weidner VP Midwest Emery Stora VP Rocky Mountain Gary Coaster VP Western Jerry Work VP Northwest Kim Weeks VP Administration Janet Frey Secretary Fred Hudspeth Treasurer John Smyrski Director Keith Weeks Director Stan Edwards Past President 2021-22 GMCMI Board of Directors Non-Discrimination Statement: GMCMI is committed to maintaining an environment of non-discrimination and noncoercion on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, handicap, or political preferences. GMCMI Status Membership stands at 829. Refer a new member today! Receive a $10 voucher which can be used towards renewal of GMCMI dues, products, apparel, or fees for a Convention. GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL magazine “It amazingbeenhasanride!” – DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT
For those with one of the 2,059 GMC Motorhomes built in 1973, they have certainly hit middle age, and that Golden Anniversary is here. There are 1,666 in the registry, and 107 members of GMCMI indicate that they have an example of the first year of production.
Our membership meeting will be held at this Convention where you will be voting on the slate for the 2022-2023 GMCMI Board of Directors. Our board is an important part of what makes us successful. If you have value to add, please step up. We always need great leaders.
I have been taking my GMC Motorhome to car shows for quite some time now. It is a real attention getter, and you know, it has a toilet. I believe that both these factors add to the car show fun. A bit of “peacocking” and sharing a lot of the joy that these motorhomes provide. You never know when you might provide the spark that causes a future owner. Check out the feature about GMC Motorhomes at car shows on page 18.
This is my last column as president, and it has been a wild ride. The separation from FMCA, new by-laws, and then COVID. With the board’s approval, we have made changes and improvements, and I believe that GMCMI is well positioned for the future.
Lebanon Tennessee – the 40th Anniversary of GMCMI. Your 1973 Motorhome is turning 50! I cannot believe that we are going to have eight chapters/clubs using the Convention as a rally! THIS IS BIG! Mind boggling. Amazing. You gotta be there. Of course, you should be there!
The fact that we can track 80% of the originals built after half-a-century speaks to the tenacity of our GMC Community. That so many still exist after all these years is a combination of outstanding engineering by General Motors, a truly classic design, and our wonderfully active Community. Your photos and the story of your 1973 motorhome could be in the 2023 calendar, a commemorative book, and of course, this magazine. Get them together and send them in! What you need to know is on page 14. I hope to see your first year production coach there.
GMCMI is a social organization with a technical bent for the best motorhome ever designed. These fantastic machines are getting old, and the number of coaches will continue to decline.
Indianola, IA 50125 Corporate: 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit
Dolph Santorine 352 273
president’s cornerGMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL >> GMC Motorhomes International Admin:1214 N Jefferson Way Ste
I have been honored to be the president during a time that has been remarkable. Thank you for trusting me to remain at the helm for four years. I am always looking ahead. While you cannot tell where you are going if you do not know where you have been, it is what you see in the windshield that is so critical to where you steer.
Our Community has always been in flux because it is an endeavor best suited to retirees. We have a new group of prospects on the horizon who have been unshackled from the office by being able to work remotely. We need to give them a compelling reason to join GMCMI, pack their children into a half-century old coach that they may have to fix en-route, and join us at the next Convention. We must try as many things as we can to find the right “recipe” for the future. We can do this. I know we can meet that challenge. For me, I am going to continue to serve GMCMI in roles where I can add value. It is a great organization of which I am proud to be a member. It has been amazing to be your president. Thank you. Onward.
CONTENTSWINTER2020
INTERNATIONAL
Be part of the GMC technicalFacebookCommunitypagebysharingphotosofourGMCs,adventuresandthoseimportantquestions.Joinusatfacebook.com/groups/vintagegmcmotorhomes/TechnicalSupport,PartsInterchange,HistoryandMore!GMCMI.com DEPARTMENTS 2 P resident’s Corner 10 FMCA Report 11 GMCMH Vendor Profile 12 GMC Motorhome History 2726221324 GMCs,FacebookCommunitypagebysharingphotosofouradventuresandthoseimportanttechnicalquestions.Joinusatfacebook.com/groups/vintagegmcmotorhomes/TechnicalSupport,PartsInterchange,HistoryandMore!GMCMI.comKeepinformedaboutGMCMIEventsandMembers.Joinusatfacebook.com/GMCMIReadtheflipbookversionofthe GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com
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WINTER 2020 GMC MOTORHOMES 3 Shop for specialized GMCMH and previous thegmcmhstore.commagazines!
ON THE COVER Pictured along the banks of Lake Pepin on the Minnesota side looking at Wisconsin is a 1976 Palm Beach owned by Tim and Niki Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. This coach features a rear bed, wet bath, side kitchen with oak countertop along with bunks above the sofa. The coach is mostly original interior with the original paint job on the outside plus Alcoa wheels, recently rebuilt 455 engine, Carefree awning, Sully style air bags, and air horn. They purchased it in 2013 with ~40,000 miles on the odometer from friends of the original owners in Kansas. They plan on installing fuel injection this Spring in preparation for a trip from Minnesota to California. When not on vacation, almost every other weekend from spring thru fall they travel to campgrounds, car shows, parades, pumpkin patch, tailgating at the racetrack, GMC rallies, and all sorts of other activities. They proudly show their coach at the car shows. Pictured are Cooper (9), Logan (7), Nash (5), and Remington aka Remi the golden doodle (3 months).
4 GMCMI . . . A New Era BEWARESCAMSOF 8 Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Readfacebook.com/JoinMembers.usatGMCMItheflipbookversionofthe SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INT ERNATIONAL 3 12 GMC Motorhome History 13 Technical Corner 22 GMCMH Suppliers List 24 Classified Ads 26 Regional GMCMH Activities 27 GMCMH Events Calendar Be part of the GMC GMCs,FacebookCommunitypagebysharingphotosofouradventuresandthoseimportanttechnicalquestions.Joinusatfacebook.com/groups/vintagegmcmotorhomes/KeepinformedaboutGMCMIEventsandMembers.Joinusatfacebook.com/GMCMIReadtheflipbookversionofthe GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com CONTENTSWINTER2020 4 GMCMI . . . A New Era BEWARESCAMSOF 8 17 CONTENTSSUMMER2022 2 President’s Corner 11 Letters to the Editor 21 Member Profile 22 Technical Corner 29 GMCMH Suppliers List 31 Classified Ads 33 GMCMI Trivia 34 Regional GMCMH Activities 35 GMCMH Events Calendar DEPARTMENTS The Storas Share GMCMI Memories124THE FUTURE OF THE GMC MOTORHOME 20 The Transformation of “Bob” the GMC Motorhome 0 ANNIVERSARY0 1973GMC MOTORHOME Do you own a 1973 GMC?Do you own a 1973 GMC? H Calendar2023 H CommemorativeBookCommemorativeBookCalendar2023 14 18 SEPTEMBER 26 OCTOBER2,2022 15
Steve Anderson (deceased)
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As Seen by GMC Designers in 2006
Design
Thecompetition.firsttorespond to my request was Christine Ebner, a native German who was still working at GM as a senior lead designer. I prepared her with my questions and we arranged a telephone interview. The second to respond was Sidney Levy, a Frenchman and digital modeler on the project, now a senior director of design and innovation with Changan Automotive, a Chinese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, China, and who works at their Euro Design Center in Turin, Italy. We corresponded via email. I am still hoping, in the future, to interview Frank Saucedo and Jay Bernard. Frank is the founding studio director of GM’s 5350 Advanced Concepts Center in North Hollywood, California and Jay works at Stellantis as a designer. And when I do interview them, I will write and submit part two of this article.
Phil
THE FUTURE OF THE 4 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
BY KAREN BREEN Royale Birmingham, Michigan • PHOTOS COURTESY OF GM DESIGN ARCHIVE & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Digital Modeling
ConceptManagerandStrategy
Jay Bernard Interior Design
The Team
| 1978
Senon B. Franco III Design
Christine Ebner Color Frank Saucedo Studio Director
If you are like me, you clamor for new and exciting news having anything to do with GMC re-entering the Class A RV industry. Well, that happened when I read about General Motors winning a design contest during the LA Auto Show on January 5, 2006. And perhaps since then you have even seen this concept vehicle in your Internet searches. It was called the GMC PAD. PAD stands for “Portable Architectural Dwelling”. I wondered who the design team was, what became of the concept – literally and figuratively – and if GM was entering the RV market again as a manufacturer. Years passed and my GMC PAD questions remained. Press articles were still appearing on Internet searches and with the help of LinkedIn, I recently tracked some team members down. What I was also burning to know, all this time, was what became of the concept vehicle. So, I reached out to them. The competition involved ten participants who were invited to create vehicles that are “environmentally aware of their global footprint” for the 2006 LA Auto Show, the third year of the
AlessandroBrianSidneyTaniokaLevyHortonZezza
Exterior
Judge Stewart Reed (l to r) Saucedo,FrancoBernard,Anderson,SteveJaySenonIII,FrankChristineEbner,ChuckPellyandStewartReed.
Tom Matano Director of Industrial Design for Academy of Art University
“All the entrants were fantastic designs, but this design was the one which took the biggest risk.”
“This is the true all-around vehicle. This creates a new segment between the RV and the SUV. The future of this Living Activity Vehicle would appeal to many buyers including corporations, future homeowners, traveling business people and constant travelers looking to go beyond the stereotypical RV.”
Imre Molnar Dean of the College for Creative Studies
Stewart Reed Chairman of Transportation Design at the Art Center College of Design The Judges
GMC MOTORHOME SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 5 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
Judge Tom Matano “We chose this vehicle because it was the pinnacle of creativity.
Some of the projects Christine has highlighted during her professional career are: BMW Z4 4th Gen, VW Microbus Concept (2000), Audi TT (2000), Pontiac Solstice (2003-04), EcoJet for Jay Leno, Corvette Gran Turismo (2013), Chevy Chaparral (2014), Chevy Colorado (2016), and Cadillac Halo Portfolio (2017-Present).
At least six months. What is your background? I am a product designer. Was there ever any discussion about progressing this into a prototype or even production, given that it had won a prestigious award and received a lot of media attention? It was never considered to be a real vehicle. It was more like a vision they had. This LA Challenge…the team were all visionaries. We had a blank slate to work with. The thought process was “what if…” The movie industry was interested in using it but GM did not build it. A rendering was used in the animated movie, GI Joe: Rise of Cobra Like trailers for movie stars or…? No, as vehicles in the movies themselves.
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Obviously, because it is digital – we never made a model of it – so CGI. It was all rendered digitally. Were you involved in the project from the beginning? No. I do not think I was. I get pulled into different projects and do not participate in all the meetings. It is just the nature of what I do. Remember we are talking about how it is used. What is important. Small space, multi-functional, and supersmart storage areas in a “tiny home”. Features that are removable and adaptable. How long did the project take from the delivery of the brief?
Scenes from the animated movie, GI Joe: Rise of Cobra, featuring GMC PAD renderings. For this design challenge, we reviewed the brief and brainstormed. Being in LA and seeing the prices of homes presented an opportunity to live in a more mobile way, due to the traffic situation, the unpredictability of traffic, and to simplify life that way. This vehicle would be parked close to work, be mobile, and live in a beautiful space. It is funny that this was 2006 and now we see all these motorhomes parked on the side of the road. Through the Pandemic they were parked all along the Pacific Coast Highway in the summer. Everywhere. A step up from living on the street. How did this project come to relate to the GMC Motorhome of the 1970s that actually went into production? Were people on the team very familiar with that vehicle? That I cannot remember. I am not an exterior/interior designer. I came in when they were looking for materials. In a way, the only person from the design studio (“GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio”) was Frank Saucedo. I cannot remember if they were looking at the production GMC Motorhomes or whose idea it was to emulate that vehicle. The exterior designer was Senon Franco. The interior designer was Jay Bernard. Unfortunately, the project manager, Steve Anderson, passed away a few years ago. Steve was the main driver behind the project. Frank Saucedo would probably know the answer to that question. What was your role? When were you brought in? My role at the studio was color, material, and technology. Projections onto the wall for textures. The lady sitting down in the press photo shows a media wall to watch a movie. The idea is multipurpose technology, using things in different ways. My role was more on the material side.
Q+AShow.
Frank Saucedo would know more about that and it would also have gone through Steve Anderson. Do you think the concept would work today? I think it would. I am not sure how it would fit into the overall DNA of GM.
Do you recall how the project came to be? We were all involved with it, but I have not seen the team in recent years. The LA Design Challenge related to the LA Car Show. I remember a few of the organizers and the judges. What they did is send out a brief to the different design studios and asked if we wanted to contribute to this challenge. That particular year’s theme was the “Living Activity Vehicle.” Each year they were asking different teams to present a solution to the design challenge. Then the winner was announced at the LA Car with EbnerChristine
With the PAD, your LA Adventure is your next stop. It’s where you live, where you work, or merely where you want to be. Whether located in walking distance of your job at TBWA/ Chiat/Day (ad agency) spending a couple evenings along PCH or wintering at Mammoth, with the PAD, home is where you want it. And commuting is what other people do.
Sensible. The PAD features a Diesel-Electric Hybrid System, which acts as a generator for the onboard power grid as well as propulsion for DriveMode. With the PAD’s resource management technology, onboard fuel and water supplies would last for weeks or even months on end. During daylight hours, the PAD’s SkyDeck features 6 M-Sq of photovoltaic cells that collect and store the sun’s natural energy. An electromagnetic suspension system aids in leveling and stabilization when the PAD is being used in LifeMode as well as remarkably easy handling while in DriveMode.
The PAD, an urban loft with mobility, a concept for living in the everchanging cultural landscape of Southern California or, quite simply, an alternative for those priced out of Southern California’s escalating housing market. It’s a home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller. The PAD represents a reasoned solution to the problems of urban sprawl, development, congestion and it’s damaging effects on the region’s environments.
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 7 Life, Connected. DirectTV, OnStar and XM Satellite, Wi Fi are continually online to provide an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options and the PD’s LCD interior architecture creates a media-rich environment unlike any other. Electronically variable exterior glazing means privacy is always at your fingertips. The PAD’s rearmost area is devoted to a personal spa created in partnership with Kohler. The food prep/kitchen area features a full suite of PAD-specific appliances developed by Thermador, and with a teraflop of onboard memory, the digital life has never been so deep and abundant.
Why Commute?
Affordable Housing…in LA?
Adapt. The PAD has also been created with modularity in mind. As such, the vehicle could easily be adapted for use in government roles such as disaster response and emergency housing as well as public sector uses such as “Star Waggons” for the entertainment industry or on-site management offices for events, construction and media.
Enjoy. For outdoor living. The PAD features an integrated SkyDeck for enjoying the sights and sounds of LA culture.
Poster GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
At the time, working for General Motors in North Hollywood was a reward for designers that were appreciated by our top management in Detroit. In 2006, there was a new contest at the LA Auto Show. It was called the “California Design Challenge”, which was organized for the LA Auto Show. The goal was for studios in Southern California to showcase their creativity.
On a funny and light note, we were told many movie studios and music video producers were calling to have the vehicle featured in their videos. Steve had to tell them that the GMC PAD did not exist! It was merely a CAD model rendering. Everyone was in disbelief and were upset! They simply could not believe that the images did not depict a real vehicle. If I were you, I would talk to Senon Franco and Frank Saucedo. Along with Steve Anderson, they were the main characters driving the project. Super charming that you are talking about such an old project that was done in an incredible design studio that hosted a lot of really influential designers of today.
I also supported Jay Bernard who designed the interior of the vehicle. He is currently a Jeep designer at Stellantis. During the project, we were also able to experiment with Bunkspeed (we were the inaugural users!), software able to transform a 3D model into a realistic picture. This was extremely advanced technology in 2006. I am French, so I did not know much about the GMC Motorhome before moving to America. During my studies at the ArtCenter in Pasadena, and then working in Detroit at GM for two years, I had time to familiarize myself with all American cars, including the GMC. Of course, the GMC Futurliner (1936-41, 1953-56) had been a vehicle that we all admired, and the concept would actually be more successful today. Remember, no one was talking about “tiny houses” in 2006! And while we thought that real estate prices were high in Los Angeles, of course, it is laughable today! During this project, I was far removed from the product planning organization of GM. As a matter of fact, this project was not initiated by them. I imagine that this project would not have been appealing compared to the high margin trucks that we were building and the icons that we created in the Suburban and Cadillac Escalades. More so this vehicle would not have shared many parts with platforms in 2006 and hence we may not have been the best company to produce it!
Our boss at the General Motors West Interview with Sidney Levy via email
“Our involvement was to be really light as we had to concentrate on some other more important projects: production cars and visions for Detroit!” Sidney Levy
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We used the inspiration of the 1970s GMC
Coast Design Studio, Frank Saucedo – an amazing car person – decided that we would enter the contest. Our involvement was to be light as we had to concentrate on some other more important projects: production cars and visions for Detroit! While all of us thought about reviving the Chaparral, a racing car, or some other folly or crazy vehicle, our colleague Steve Anderson (who passed away in 2018), was a bit more intellectual than most of us and proposed that we design a vehicle which could be a cool dwelling because the price of real estate in Los Angeles was soaring at the time. There were a lot of proposals made, and the one that was selected was from a young designer, Senon Franco. He designed a vehicle that was completely crazy in terms of proportion and as the design matured, the involvement of the studio became more serious and intense. And, of course, we all wanted to participate in the fun project! It started as an after-hour support exercise then Frank made it possible for all of us to “put in working hours” on the Atproject.thetime I was comfortable with Alias 3D software, which allows the transformation of a sketch into a CAD model. Senon and I had been schoolmates at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena (I finished a bit before him). Helping him transform his vision into reality was really fun! We were encouraged by Frank to be as creative as Additionally,possible.
Whose idea was the GMC PAD?
I am an exterior designer and studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. I have worked for GM, Honda, Hyundai, and now Canoo.
I became the design lead with a theme sketch that was selected by Frank and Steve and I followed the project through. I was involved from the onset. What is your background?
Wikipedia: Canoo is an American automotive startup based in Bentonville, Arkansas that develops and manufactures electric vehicles, and plans to sell a lifestyle vehicle in the year 2022. The company also plans to produce commercial electric vehicles such as vans for vehicle rental and ride sharing services. The company has engineering services located in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles, California. The Q+A with FrancoSenonIII company Justin,operationshasinTexas. Were this1970sthefamiliaryouwithGMCofthepriortoproject?
Yes. We took inspiration from GM history. Was there any reference made to the 1970s GMC Motorhome? Yes. We used it as inspiration for the “living on wheels” aspect of the design theme, and the purity of the design. The theme was called “LAV: Living Activity Vehicle”. Would the concept work today? Yes, this would work today, especially with gas prices and the housing market prices up.
Motorhome for the “living on wheels” design.
The concept came from Steve Anderson. The design theme was mine. How did you become involved with the project?
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 9
• The vehicle would be powered by a diesel-electric motor, serving as an on-board power plant, supplementing the equipped solar panels.
Steve Anderson
One judge stated that the GMC PAD represents a new segment between the RV and the SUV.
“This is more like an architectural project than a car design project,” with GM looking beyond transportation solutions toward “lifestyle solutions,” with the next step building a scale model of a PAD.
•
“It’s not recreational at all. It’s about living. The target audience being young professionals for whom the sense of permanence in lifestyle isn’t as important as it would be later in life.”
• The biggest misconception about the PAD is that it is intended as a recreational vehicle. “It’s not recreational at all. It’s about living. It is as permanent as absolutely possible,” Anderson said. “Driving and sleeping are two things that are kind of relegated to subordinate activities” in the PAD design, which leaves more room for a multimedia living room, a designer kitchen, and a personal spa area. The target audience is young professionals for whom “the sense of permanence in lifestyle is not as important as it would be later in life.” Designed to house one or two people, it probably is a bit too confined for a family.
• Anderson received an email from a man who had lost his home to Hurricane Katrina (August 2005). The man said, “if I would have had a PAD, I would still have a property,” making an interesting validation.
• The vehicle also features a “Skydeck,” providing views through large ceiling windows.
The PAD is a smaller vehicle than the GMC of the 1970s. “It’s about the size of a large FedEx delivery truck,” Anderson said, “with a ceiling height of 8 ½ to 9 feet. Fully loaded the GMC PAD might cost about $250,000 to $300,000.”
•
10 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM Highlights from January 24, 2006 Interview with Steve Anderson by Glenn Roberts, Jr. from Inman News
•
• Anderson hoped that the vehicle has the potential to go into production, stating, “We have the opportunity to help it see the light of day. There is by no means a green light for production. We conceived it as a vehicle that could not have been built yesterday.”
GMC Magazine
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 11 Letters to the Editor SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS TO ADMIN@GMCMI.COM Good Stuff! GMCMI Spring Mailing Stephen Brenton | 1973 Painted Desert | Toledo, Ohio Mine came today and other good stuff too, thanks so much for all the hard work. Update GMC Motorhome Parts Interchange Index Bruce Woodbury | Rapid City, South Dakota Update for lighting on page 18 of the 2022 Parts Interchange Index. Front Access Door, Switch Hillman #427638 Direct Replacement available at Lowes Home Center ($8.08) #543144 Thank You for all you do! It makes life with the GMC easier. SPRING 2022 For your convenience, a listing of DEDICATED GMC PARTS AND SERVICES SUPPLIERS, who are also club members, included in this publication. Founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby GMC Motorhome Parts Interchange Index GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL ©2022 GMC Motorhomes International. Parts Interchange Index Usage Disclaimer: By opening this Index, you hereby accept and agree: This Index shall be used for individual and personal reference purposes only. This Index and the contents proprietary product of GMCMI and provided to it’s members as member benefit. The contents of this Index may not, This Parts Interchange Index should be used in conjunction are periodically updated. The Publication Article Index contains great number of items that are not covered in this Parts Interchange Index. Members should look at the front of the Spring 2020 Publication Article Index for the revised also have copy of the #78Z Parts Book. This book has been used as the reference source for original part numbers and members may find the numerical and alphabetical index located in the back of the book to be quite helpful. also very helpful when looking for the correct part name and/ or the original part number. The Parts Interchange Index is compilation the interchange parts listed newsletters/magazines #1 through #159 plus some additional items that have been mentioned (available at www.gmcmi.com or via purchase of the GMCMI Flashdrive at thegmcmhstore.com) is recommended since many references are made to newsletter/magazine issues and page numbers so that members can obtain additional Index arranged alphabetically by major part groupings and may differ from the Publication Article Index titles. Index, there may be numbers that are no longer current, have been superceded or may in fact not be proper for certain by the membership at large and may in fact contain errors or incorrect applications. It is imperative that each member This information intended to be used solely as way to communicate thoughts, ideas, opinions and procedures from and to members and there is no implied attempt to replace or supersede the recommendations from General Motors or any other component manufacturers. In the electronic version of the Parts Interchange Index you will notice that under each Category, Sub-Categories have been implemented for easier navigation. The electronic version available at gmcmi.com in the “members only” Thesection.Parts Interchange Index is published from GMCMI and the GMCMH Community and published as service to members. Accuracy and performance not guaranteed.
Submit a Letter to the Editor. The GMC Vintage RVing magazine wants to hear what you think. Send your email to admin@gmcmi.com. By submitting a letter, you have agreed to let us use it – in part or in full – in our magazine and/or in our eNews. By default, our published letters include a writer’s full name, city, state, and GMC Motorhome information.
BENEFITAdmin Address Corporate Address 612-501-4600 866-519-0047 kimweeksgmc@gmail.com an opportunity to receive via email a list of new members in their area. To receive this information, simply have your club/chapter president send an email to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com with your request.
GMCMOTORHOMES INTERNATIONALHHHH H HHHH H BENEFITMEMBER
Simply Amazing Bob Miller | 1978 Eleganza | White Bear Lake, Minnesota First of all I hope you and Keith are doing well this summer, and are able to enjoy it. I am mainly writing to say thank you for the GMC Magazine, it is simply amazing to have and I know, without you and your expertise in the publications industry we would never have had such a fantastic magazine. It certainly is unique to our club and we are proud of it. We are so lucky to have you in the position you have. You have done an excellent job throughout the years. May there be many, many more.
Editor’s Note: For the past seven years, GMCMI has been publishing the GMC Vintage RVing magazine for their membership. Without the submissions of articles from our members there would be no magazine. Behind the scenes are several people that assist with the magazine. I would like to thank our Editor Janet Frey and Tech Editor Randy Van Winkle for the time and talents. In the infancy of the magazine, I requested the assistance of proofing the magazine from the GMCMI Executive Committee, Emery Stora, and Jaye Hodges. Thank you all for making the magazine a huge success!
www.gmcmi.com GMCMH Owners Located in the Northeast Will Biederman | 1977 Kingsley | Cornwall, Vermont With fuel costs up we are looking at the GMC Nor’easters to let more folks in our region know about our group and rallies close to home. How would you suggest I go about tracking down GMC owners that are not already members of the Nor’easters. We are looking at contacting owners only about the Nor’easters and not about anything else. Thoughts or suggestions? Editor’s Note: GMCMI offers to the regional club/chapters
1977 KINGSLEY FREDERICK, COLORADO
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0Anniversary th G M C MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 1982-2022 12 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
BY EMERY STORA (AND MICHELLE) |
The Storas Share Memories
2008 Fall GMCMI Convention, Harrington, Delaware: Emery taking a moment and enjoying the GMCMI Open House.
2013 Fall GMCMI Convention, Branson, Missouri.2004Fall GMCMI Convention, Marion, North Carolina: The GMC Motorhome that is currently in the GMC Heritage Musem was present at the Convention.
Michelle and I first started motor homing in 1970 with a Corey Cruiser which was a long Dodge Van with a commercial raised fiberglass body. We joined FMCA and have the membership number 10324. We traveled from our base in Teaneck, New Jersey to Michigan, New England, Florida, and even to Arizona and California. It had two beds (convertible dinette and fold down front seats with a mattress over the inside engine box). It was fine for our family of five but when our fourth child came in 1973 we decided to buy a 27’ Travco motorhome. We had this motorhome until 1978 when a ball joint on the pitman arm broke off about three miles north of Leadville, Colorado. We went over a 40-foot cliff! Some cuts and bruises but no broken bones. We were towing our CJ-7 Jeep and it ended on its side at the bottom. The wrecker pulled it over onto four wheels and I drove it out. We drove it back to Michigan. We eventually bought a 1977 GMC Kingsley in 1981 and we still have it. We did not join clubs until I retired in 1998, we were at the first GMCMI Convention in the Summer of 1982 in Southbend, Indiana (Notre Dame). We were at the FMCA convention in our GMC and saw the line of 60 GMC Motorhomes being escorted into the grounds by a police escort. We did not join GMCMI until 2000 and went to the Rayne, Louisiana Convention. There were 251 GMCs there. In the last 41 years, we have had our GMC in all lower 48 states, many more than once. In the Fall of 2003, at the Elkhart, Indiana Convention GMCMI decided to change management. I was interviewed there and selected to be the membership and convention manager. I assisted with the next convention in Las Vegas, Nevada and put on my first Convention at Tom Johnson RV PARK in Marion, North Carolina with 210 GMCs. I held this position until 2008. I have been on the board as president, treasurer, area vice president and vice president of administration. I have filled the positions of club manager, newsletter editor, and convention manager from 2004 through 2022 and will likely serve even longer.
2013 Spring GMCMI Convention, Dothan, Alabama: GMCMI President Emery Stora addresses the membership.
2007 Fall GMCMI Convention, Amana, Iowa: Michelle at the Red Hat Luncheon.Ladies
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 13
2012 Fall GMCMI Convention, Amana, Iowa: Emery and Glenn Herzberger.
2019 Spring GMCMI Convention, Tallahassee, Florida: Emery presenting a tech session.
2007 Fall GMCMI Convention, Amana, Iowa: Priscilla Wartman shows Emery glowing “worms”.
2005 Fall GMCMI Convention, Rapid City, South Dakota: Emery “all dressed up” at the Red Hat Ladies Luncheon. Later hisadornedspottedwithredboa.
Over the years we have made many, many friends in the club. We can go about anywhere in the country and find GMC friends. We have only missed about six Conventions in the last 22+ years; due to surgeries, illness, family problems, or motorhome issues. We hope to be at many more in the future. It is great to go to a Convention and know many on a first-name basis. Unfortunately, some of our friends have passed or stopped driving their GMCs and we sorely miss them. We try to stay in touch with our friends by phone, email, text, or in person and would enjoy calls or emails from you. See you in Lebanon, Tennessee in September!
2019 Spring GMCMI Convention, Tallahassee, Florida: Emery and Randy Van Winkle at the Pineblock Derby.
Sink pulled out from cabinet. Stool comes out from under end of twin bed. (left) TV rises from right half of cabinet and the wall moves forward with shower behind. (right) A towel warmer was behind the bottom right hand door. photosmultiple(submitofoutside)
14 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM CURRENT OWNER Current Owner(s) Name: Keith & Kim Weeks Address: 1214 N Jefferson, Ste 352, Indianola, Iowa 50125 Phone: 612-501-4600 Email: kimweeks04@gmail.com Purchased: May 11, 2014 Do you have a name for your GMC & why? The Drewes Coach Name of Pet(s): Toby (chow chow) and now Sir Bentley (poodle/bishon) Narrative (250 words max): We are pleased to enjoy the Drewes’ dream for the coach, which is now our dream. 0 ANNIVERSARY0 1973GMC MOTORHOME Do you own a 1973 GMC?Do you own a 1973 GMC? H Calendar2023 H CommemorativeBookCommemorativeBookCalendar2023 Year: 1973 Model: Painted Desert - customized twice Length: 26 foot TZE Number: TZE063V101077 A SAMPLE SUBMISSION OF A 1973 GMC: OWNER #2 Name(s): Bob & DrewesMarlys Address: Flandreau, South Dakota Purchased: August 18, 1999 Narrative (250 words max): Bob installed a new engine, fuel injection, and many other wonderful features. The entire inside was gutted and redesigned as pictured below. OWNER #1 Name(s): Elam & Sarah Fayard Address: Atmore, Alabama Narrative (250 words max): Elam completely remodeled the inside and out. Many unique features including a custom flat wood dashboard. Have your GMC featured in THREE publications! Let’s tell the story of the 1973 GMC Motorhomes and their owners. These stories will be brought to life in a coffee table style commemorative publication. Additionally, they will be featured in the 2023 GMC Motorhome Calendar and in the GMC Vintage RVing magazine throughout 2023. What an opportunity! GMCers rarely need an excuse to talk about their coaches, but now you are being encouraged to let loose and brag it up! We are asking for high resolution jpg photos of the inside and outside of your coach (just the coach). Then include photos of your coach with yourselves and any pets. It is not necessary to send details as sample below but if you have info, pleaseCurrentshare.paint scheme was done by first owner. He also added outside compartment drawers.
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 15 SEPTEMBER 26 OCTOBER2,2022 Limited Spaces! Registration Closes September 1 GUESS WHO IS JOINING US TO CELEBRATE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY? GMC Colonial Travelers, GMC Dixielanders, GMC Eastern States, GMC Flatlanders, GMC Great Lakers, GMC Six Wheelers, GMC Sunshine Statesmen, and GMC Tidewater Crabs will be utilizing the GMCMI Fall Convention as a rally. This is going to be a very unique Convention. Special, singular, distinct, unusual, different – ONE OF A KIND –all those words describe the happenings. Turn the page and check it out... Registration is Open! AFTER LEBANON October 2-5, 2022 Camp Cedar in Mason, Ohio This is a great stop just five hours from Lebanon, Tennessee. For more information: www.gmcgreatlakers.org/ BEFORE LEBANON Begin Arriving Sept. 22 & leave morning of Sept. 25 Nocculula Park in Gadsden, Alabama Make reservations directly with the park: 256-543-7412 This will be an unstructured event. There are several things to see and do in the area. It is about 200 miles, all interstate highway to Lebanon. Check www.gmcmi.com/2022f-convention-info for more information. Pre-Rally Post-Rally
Boot Scootin at Fiddler’s Grove
A list of items in the Silent Auction is posted with pictures at www.gmcmi.com/2022f-convention-info
Round up a team and particpate in the several competitions including the “Outhouse Races”!
Check out Fiddler’s Grove at www.fiddlersgrovetn.com
WHAT ELSE...HOW ABOUT A
Want an opportunity to bid?
Yes, it Is happening! For example, there will be items from the private collection of Al Walker. Al was the last person to leave the GMC Marketing office. He is scheduled to attend the Convention and will share interesting facts from the plant. And – a very special item is the “GMCMI Convention Logo Quilt” that the ladies worked on at the Fall 2021 Convention in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
16 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
We will begin our 40th Anniversary Celebration on Monday and run through Sunday. There are eight regional GMC chapters and clubs using this Convention as their rally! Yea! These groups will be parked together. Because there is no meal planned for Monday night, everyone can get settled, socialize, relax, and then get together for a big social and enjoy ice cream, bingo, cards, etc.!
Thanks to Jean Kubisen for leading the group and Martha Boone for quilting it.
Finally – no, not finally, but also! There will be the experience called “Boot Scootin at Fiddler’s Grove”. It is buildings, competitions, music, dinner, and a special frontier gift. And much more!!
Simply contact someone who is attending and have them bid for you!
Please keep in mind that there will also be a different format for meals. Still planned and still will be great. But the timing is different (there’s that word again) so evening meals can be used as gatherings for the regional groups.
But Somethingwait... else special, singular, distinct, unusual, different – Tuesday morning we will have a full catered breakfast followed by the Welcome Meeting! What a way to start a convention. A full belly and a full brain –delicacies and details. What could be better?
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 17 Don’t Delay....Limited Spaces! More information and registration www.gmcmi.com/2022f-convention-infoform In line with the 40th Anniversary of GMCMI, we are going back to the 80s! Remember Neon, Big Hair, MTV, Leotards and Leggings, ‘Thriller’? You’ve got the idea! Do you remember where you were (i.e. Hawaii, Germany, Alaska, Tennessee…) or what you were doing (i.e. going to school, pregnant, working...)? Come to the Ladies Luncheon wearing something depicting what you were doing at that time, or an outfit about where you were or something from that era. IN 1982? WHEREWEREYOU www . logolenses . com Vendors • Vendors • Vendors Book Exchange & Bookworms theheldExchangeforandbooks,toRememberbringyourtapes,DVDstheBookduringConvention. Bring your favorite book and share it at the Bookworms and Their Diet Session. A list will be provided of all books shared following the session. Check out previous lists at: community-book-listwww.gmcmi.com/ PINEBLOCKDerbyKit Order your kit on the Convention registration form for pickup at the Convention. Some have placed well in the Derby with little modification to the Pineblock. Or, order at the on-line store (thegmcmhstore.com) and build your derby racer at home. Only $20 each with free shipping. Get those GMC racers out of the closet and fine-tune them for the Derby! For rules go to: pineblock-derby/www.gmcmi.com/gmcmiParts Exchange • Flea/Craft Market Tech Sessions • Forums
The GMC was chosen over a Ford Tractor with a 289 V8 and a nicely restored GMC cab over truck. There were no Toronados shown but there was a beautiful red 1967 El Dorado. We have all been to car shows and admired the vintage, unusual, and fun vehicles. Maybe we have dreamed a little? Well, calling all GMC owners! You can be the object of admiration when you enter your GMC in an open car show. This is a great way to let people know about the GMC Motorhome. We hope to do articles featuring shows in which the GMCs were featured in future magazines. Ever thought of doing it? Well, take a look at some of our members who have done it and here are their experiences. You too can have this fun – send your photos and information to kimweeksgmc@gmail. com. Remember, as a member benefit, GMCMI offers “free of charge” generic brochure with basic GMC Motorhome information. Look how easily you can create a personalized brochure featuring your own GMC. What are you waiting for?
PRINTABLE
OWNERS: Neal Burtner & Sue Bennett Canandaigua, New York
Membership Application 1973-1978 The Classic MOTORHOME _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________FirstNameSpouseName___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CountryCodeZip/PostalStateCityCellPhoneEmailAddress_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________YearLengthMileage_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________FloorPlanHowlonghaveyouownedGMC?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________PersonthatRecruitedYou_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________EmergencyContactNameTelephone_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________youarememberofanylocalGMCChapters,pleaselist you!Thankaddress.listedtomailandcheckyourwithenvelopeencloseportion,thisdetachPlease And... An organization dedicated to promoting the legacy, enjoyment and use of the GMC Motorhome. GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL Admin Address 1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125-1400 612.501.4600 | f.866.519.0047 Corporate Address 1402 S Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577-6288 www.gmcmi.com GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL >> Welcome to the GMC Motorhome Community Whether you own a GMC Motorhome, looking to purchase or just think their interesting. There is one thing you can say about the community of GMC Motorhome owners, they are a “special family”. GMC owners are proud of their coaches, they enjoy their coaches and they are always happy to see one on the road. We invite you to explore the “GMC Community” page atgmcmi.com/gmc-community where you will find: The GMC Motorhome Community Calendar A List of GMCMH Chapters & Groups Around the World The GMCMH Suppliers & Service List GMC Marketing Tools Community Book Authors • Community Recommended Book List (“The Bookworms”) • Community Cookbook GMCMH Crafts Other GMC Sites Informational generic brochures are available “free of charge” to hand out at shows. Send your request kimweeksgmc@gmail.com.to 1974 CANYON LANDS OWNERS: John & Cathie Heslinga HOME: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada SHOW: “KMS Tools” Show and Shine in Edmonton DATE: July 30, 2022 So many people to talk to and of course everyone showed some level of interest in the coach, but the best part was interacting with those that had a high amount of interest. As a fundraiser for charity, it was also a great way to help out. The coach was in good company with a vast collection of great cars and super owners. BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR ListaboutInformationYour
SHOW: Parade & Show to benefit the East Bloomfield Historical Society in Canandaigua, New York
BIRCHAVEN1978
GMCMI developed a brochure for distribution to those brochure is provided as Reader. Your personal information be added to the “About Option! Receive the above GMC Motorhome placed Simply email a jpg file of You will receive via email Motorhome placed on the GMCMH Brochures “MY
HOME:
GMC chapter websites to list in this brochure, but we invite you to visit the (www.gmcmi.com) website where you can find: Basic InformationHistoryon Models and Floorplans GMC Chapter Listings GMC Vendor Listings Brochure Developed By An organization dedicated to promoting the For more information about the GMC Motorhome our organization, visit us at www.gmcmi.com >> Modified or not, the GMC Motorhome’s reputation for quality and originality owners take pride in. About This MOTORHOME THIS IS A SAMPLING OF INFORMATION THAT CAN BE Jack & Jill Travler Some City, State, U.S. Year, Length & Model by Coachman Industries Engine 4-barrel QuadraJet carburetor Transmission FWD 3-speed automatic Suspension 6-wheel, independent, front torsion bars, rear tandems (adjustable height) Fuel Capacity Two, 25 gallon tanks Gas Mileage 6,000 watt by Onan Interior Features Rear with tub, shower, sink and toilet; two-burner gas stove; convection microwave; built-in vacumn cleaner and gas/electric refrigerator/freezer 18 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
AWARDS:
DATE: Saturday, July 30, 2022 Choice of the Historical Society
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 19 1976 GLENBROOK OWNERS: Greg & Sharon Keller HOME: Lumberton, Mississippi SHOWS: Multiple over the past two years AWARDS: A total of four including best display award and top 50 award. It seems the more original the more the car show attendees appreciate these wonderful machines. We display information and items that give that 70s vibe. I like being an ambassador whenever I enter our GMC and feel proud to show the public road!iscoach40+amazingthisyearoldthatstillonthe brochure for owners who desire a brochure that is suitable who are curious about the GMC Motorhome. This an interactive pdf. It can be viewed and edited in Adobe information about your particular GMC Motorhome can this GMC Motorhome” column of the brochure. above brochure as an interactive pdf with a photo of your placed on the front cover! of your GMC Motorhome to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com. email an interactive pdf of the brochure with your GMC the front cover! “MY GMC MOTORHOME BROCHURE” WITH YOUR PHOTO! 1978 PALM BEACH OWNERS: David & Michele Servati HOME: Rochester, New York GMCMOTORHOMES INTERNATIONALHHHH H HHHH H BENEFITMEMBER 3 GMCS on Display at the Spencerport Canal Days Car Show 1974 ELEGANZA SE OWNER: Robert Hopper HOME: Rochester, New York Pictured above left 1977 ELEGANZA II OWNERS: Ernest & Cindy Dankert HOME: Spencerport, New York Pictured above right On July 30, 2022 many greatquestions.touredattendeesandaskedItwasfun! aboutInformationYouandGMCMH A Photo of Your GMC Motorhome
Notes Interestof
The GMC Motorhome was first offered in the 1973 model year. Over the six year production period, a number of changes and enhancements were made Improving on the original design. Probably the biggest change was for the 1975 model year when many improvements were incorporated. Later in mid 1977 the 455 cu. in. engine was replaced with the Olds 403 as a result of General Motors corporate downsizing. Manufacturing continued through1978 when was decided to end production and use the manufacturing facilities for van and pick up production. The story doesn’t end there however, of the 12,921 built, is believed more than half of them are still on the road nearly 40 years later. Some have been well maintained while others have suffered from neglect. Some have been restored and others have been renovated and customized. A number of dedicated vendors help keeping these coaches running with new as well as innovative replacement parts, providing their owners with a high level of support. Enthusiastic owners are members of number of GMC Motorhome chapters that are fully recognized by Family Motor Coach Association. An original interior from 1973 brochure An original interior from 1978 brochure customized interior Innovative Ideas above the chassis is complete cage of heavy gauge aluminum ribs and stringers. On top of this substructure are bonded skin panels not unlike that of today’s aircraft. The roof and upper side panels are mirror-smooth aluminum while the lower skin panels, nose and rear sections are molded fiberglass. Imron paint was used for the exterior finish. motorhome to be tested in a wind tunnel front wheel drive technology utilized by the Oldsmobile Toronado along with the Oldsmobile 455 and later 403 cubic-inch engines and Turbo-hydramatic transmission front torsion bar suspension and in-line tandem rear wheels suspended by air bags and an automatic leveling and raise/lower ability for leveling at a campground. a low floor for easy entry and exit by occupants a low center of gravity for better handling a low roofline for maximum clearance built in vacumn cleaner customized exterior
Motorhome or www.gmcmi.com back in the 1970s, you probably would have started with a box by major automotive manufacturer. Nearly 13,000 GMC Motorhomes in 23 or 26 foot lengths were produced during the 1973-78 production period. Initially 15 floor plans and four models each with unique were available over the production period. could sleep four to six people with air conditioning, bathroom and shower. beautifully styled, luxurious motorhome, originally selling for as much as $40,000 fully equipped.
The Classic MOTORHOME Basic Information
The GMC’s appearances in popular culture A GMC appeared as an armored personnel carrier in movie Stripes and as high-tech platform for tornado tracking equipment in In promotion in 1977, Mattel released three toy GMC versions in a Barbie Doll Star Traveler promotion. It’s timeless design inspired Mattel to produce die-cast versions of the GMC motorhome in its Hot Wheels line. Over 70 with new versions still being released. September 16, 2006 The Dyno Sources land speed record coach powered with 454 for the
After the first year of ownership working out some kinks and making necessary repairs and maintenance, we began looking into the VIN and glove box tags. You see, there was yellow paint coming through the tan paint job. And inside the door frame and under the hood it was also yellow. I enlisted some help from Bill Massey and Bill Bryant, both great resources and historians. As it turned out, “Bob” was born as a Canyon Lands in 1973, number 1,025 off the factory floor and indeed his original color was Pineapple Yellow. I was able to find the paint code online for the Pineapple Yellow and had a color chip made up to be certain withitItattention.motleycoachpoorwaswewould($10kjobAswetoofwetheinlongThedamntheWegmcmi.com/gmcmh-basic-information).(www.lookedupseveralimagesandfoundthatstripewehadwasnotoriginalbutlookedgood,sowekeptit.journeytotheactualpaintingwasaone.Mysonwasabodyandpaintguyapreviouscareer,sohehadthetoolsandcontactstogetthejobdone.Bythetimeweresettogetthejobdoneinthespring2020,COVIDhitandeverythingcameahalt.FastforwardtotheFallof2021wereabletoputthingsintomotion.weallknow,tohaveashowroompaintdonewouldcostthousandsofdollarsquote).So,abackyardpaintjobitbe.StartinginSeptemberof2021didbodyrepairandpatching.Nextupsandingandpriming.Thismadeol’Boblooksick.WetooktheoutinMayandevenwithitsappearancehestilldrewalotofisnowthebeginningofJuneandison.Thepainthasarrivedalongthereducerandhardener.Nancie and I spend the better part of two hot days hanging plastic and taping. Now this is a “backyard” paint job. We needed to keep the spray confined as much as possible as well as keep debris from blowing in, so we built an 8-foot wall of tarps around the entire coach. The painter (my son Jim) does three coats of paint before it starts to get too dark to work. We close up for the night. The next morning it is all on me to complete the job. Luckily the hard part is behind me and I breeze through two more coats. After boondocking in Jim’s backyard for three days, it is time to go home to prep for the stripes. We did wait a few weeks so as not to damage the paint. In the meantime, we went on a rally with the GMC Nor’Easters to Riverdale Farms Campground where we got lots of comments. As a whole, most opinions were positive with some folks
20 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
The Transformation of “Bob” the GMC Motorhome BY JIM DEMELLIA | 1973 CUSTOM CANYON LAND | SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
This story starts with an accidental introduction to the world of the GMC Motorhome by my son. He showed up at my house one day with a 1975 Palm Beach named the Silver Bullet (with a Coors logo). His intention was to drive around the entire United States, which he did but that is another story. I took one look at it and instantly fell in love. The more I learned about GMC Motorhomes, the more I wanted one for myself, so the search began. It was not long before my wife Nancie and I found a coach in New Jersey. We made arrangements and off we went to see it. After a bit of negotiation, we became the proud owners of a 1973 GMC Motorhome.
just saying “now that’s yellow”. The general consensus was that it was a big improvement. The stripe taping was less time consuming but a bit more tedious around the turns. This time we setup in our backyard without the tarps and picked a morning with little or no wind. We were able to complete five coats in half a day. We purchased the Canyon Lands logo online from DL WhippoorwillanotherWe(www.dldesignstore.com).Designhavenowgonetorally(fullystriped)atCampground in Lake George, New York. This is about a 3.5-hour drive from home going through New Hampshire and Vermont. I must say in the five years we have had the pleasure of owning this coach we have never received so much attention. Folks on the highway were waving and motorcyclists were giving us thumbs up as they rode by. We had people at rest stops come over to tell us how much they liked it and asked more about the coach. The wise guys from our camping group were now full-on converts since the stripe went on. We could not be happier with the outcome of our endeavor. We are happy to bring Bob back to his glory.
BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR
JIM AND NANCIE met online when they were both living in Salem, New Hampshire. Both previously married, they were pretty sure they knew what they were looking for in a new relationship. After meeting in a chatroom online, they had their first date at Denny’s – for breakfast. Their second date was that evening on the beach. They were upfront with one another and found common interests in the beach, the mountains, camping, and Renaissance fairs. By the way, their wedding anniversary is 10-10-10! Nancie is an JimBob.inJimaccompanyingare(landscapes).doesseamstressaccomplishedandalsophotographyHerskillsevidentinthephotoofandNanciedressedtheirpirateoutfitswithAwesome!alsoisaskilledfellow, having worked as a production supervisor at Gillette and then twelve years at Lowe’s as a merchandising manager. Although he retired last year, his hobby keeps him busy. He is a brewmaster! He took classes, began to brew beer, and is now the official brewmaster of the Nor’easters. He is also their secretary. As for the rest of their family, Nancie has one son, and Jim has two sons and four grandchildren. There are no pets – as Nancie noted, they plan to travel a lot and did not think it would be fair for the Nanciepet.has camped in her past, enjoying fun trips with her family as a youngster in a pop-up trailer. Jim and Nancie also tent camped for a couple of years. But when they got Bob, the travel bug bit hard. They put a lot of time and effort into Bob, but the result has been fun trips with plans for an extensive trip next year from May to August or September, probably going west and into Canada. Nancie commented that when they arrive home from a trip, she can hardly wait to get on the road again. Hopefully, we will meet this fun couple somewhere down the road. Bob before striping.
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 21 A MemberGMCMIProfile
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Radiator drain petcock T-handle opens counter-clockwise.
In order to work on the engine cooling system, we need to remove some of the coolant. The system contains about five gallons of coolant, but we only need to remove a gallon or so. The radiator has a drain port on the back of the radiator, on the driver’s side. The drain port, called a “drain cock” or “petcock”, is unscrewed by turning the T-handle in a counterclockwise manner. The petcock is designed to be loosened by hand, but it is likely to be stuck and rmay equire a more robust
tool than our fingers. Best practice is to spray it daily with “PB Blaster” penetrating lubricant, starting a day or two before actual work begins. With luck, a pair of pliers will be enough to loosen the petcock and allow coolant to drain out into a bucket.
The engine thermostat has a simple task: when the engine is colder than it should be, the thermostat blocks heat from leaving the engine which allows the engine to warm up. Once the engine warms up to optimal temperature, the thermostat allows heat to exit the engine in the form of liquid coolant. General Motors specified that the optimal engine operating temperature was achieved when the coolant in the engine reaches a temperature of 195 F (90.5 C). We can achieve this temperature by installing a 195 F thermostat. The thermostat can fail in two different ways. If it becomes stuck open, the engine will constantly lose heat and fail to reach proper operating temperature. More serious is when the thermostat becomes stuck closed. Then heat will be blocked from exiting the engine and an overheated engine will soon result. Replacing the thermostat at home on a cool engine, before it fails, will provide peace of mind.
GMC 101 is a recurring column written for owners who may be new to mechanic work but have an interest in learning how to perform their own repairs. We cover common GMC maintenance projects that can be accomplished with basic tools. Our goal is to perform this work ourselves while aiming to achieve the quality found in professional mechanic shops. Over time we will gain confidence, save money, and increase the reliability of our coach. The parts needed to perform the work in this column can be purchased from GMC vendors that support our community by their membership in GMCMI. Many parts will also be available at auto parts stores.
glycol is not dangerous to touch but can be deadly when swallowed by humans or animals. Manufacturers add a bitter flavoring to discourage the drinking of coolant, but as responsible mechanics we are obligated to capture any spilled coolant for proper disposal.
One method of capture is to lay a sheet of plastic on the ground under the engine bay. A bed of oil dry absorbent or cat litter can be spread on the plastic, and one or two plastic pans on top of the absorbent to catch spilled fluid. At the conclusion of work, unused coolant can be disposed at a local auto parts store for free (same as used motor oil), and the plastic sheet can be wrapped up and thrown in the trash.
The engine in the GMC Motorhome has an optimal operating temperature which helps maximize performance and longevity and minimize emissions. This ideal temperature is maintained by the “engine cooling system” using time-tested methods that are generally reliable and effective. The engine cooling system is discussed in Section 6K of all GMC Motorhome Manuals. There are several components to the engine cooling system, Ty Hardiman 1977 Kingsley Norman, Oklahoma Bag and failure of any components on the road will be inconvenient at best, and expensive and damaging at worst. One component is the engine thermostat.
Coolant pooled on top of the engine can be removed with an inexpensive disposable
Life AIR SPRINGS EXTENDED •Road grit and dirt accumulate here •Extend air springs greater than normal •Wash with soap and flush with clean water •Air dry and return to normal position •Effective for cone and bag systems1GMC Motorhome Maintenance for New Owners
Handling and Disposal of Engine Coolant
Draining Engine Coolant
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The CoolingEngineSystem
The proper coolant for the GMC engine is a green liquid known as “ethylene glycol” which is then mixed with water. Auto parts stores carry pre-mixed gallons of ethylene glycol and water, and a gallon should be sufficient to replace any spilled during this Ethyleneproject.
1 Extending
Corner MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE 22 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
WARNING: Don’t work on the engine cooling system when the engine is hot. The system contains pressurized, boiling liquid during engine operation, and for some time after shutdown. Let the system cool down to a safe temperature before starting work.
The Engine Thermostat
Part numbers include Mr. Gasket 4365 or Robertshaw 330 and are available from GMC vendors. These heavy duty thermostats can be identified by the gold/ copper colored band surrounding the base, and lack of a visible spring.
Lifting the housing exposes the thermostat.
The best thermostat for the GMC is a heavy-duty thermostat suited to the harsh conditions of a motorhome application.
For additional technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 23
Heavy duty thermostat with gold/copper colored banad and hidden spring. Before installing our new thermostat we need to remove and replace the gasket which prevents leaks. The new gasket is a Fel-Pro 35130 and is easy to install. More difficult may be the removal of the
Once we have clear access to the two thermostat housing bolts, we can remove them with a 1/2” socket on our ratchet. A four-inch extension is helpful to reach the bolts. At this time you can also loosen the clamp where the large coolant hose attaches to the housing. A flat head screwdriver or 5/16 wrench will work. Hidden behind the large coolant hose is a metal tube connected to a small rubber hose. Loosen this hose clamp also and the housing can be removed. A small metal pick is often necessary to separate the hose from the tube. Once the small hose is loose you can raise the housing and expose the thermostat below. Housing bolts removed. The large hose clamp can be loosened along with the small hose clamp hidden behind it. A metal pick or probe, or small screwdriver, helps break the rubber hose loose.
Engine thermostat housing.
“turkey baster” available at stores that sell kitchen utensils. Any other incidental coolant can be diluted by rinsing the area with a garden hose. Replacing the Engine Thermostat Open the engine hatch and remove the air filter housing (GMC Vintage RVing, Issue 158). This will expose the metal thermostat housing at the front of the engine. Move any wires or obstacles out of the way to access the two bolts holding the housing to the engine. The carburetor fuel supply line may be in the way, feel free to disconnect this line if helpful (GMC Vintage RVing, Issue 159). Always unhook the negative (–) battery terminal from the engine battery before disconnecting the fuel line. This will prevent an attempt to start the engine, which would spray gasoline in the engine compartment. An easy way to unhook the battery is with a battery disconnect switch (GMC Vintage RVing magazine, Issue 157).
Ty Hardiman will be conducting his “GMC Motorhome 101” tech session at the 2022 Fall GMCMI Convention in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Before and After Gasket Removal
old gasket. Both the engine surface and thermostat housing will likely need to be scraped clean. A wire brush on a drill or Dremel tool can help remove baked-on gaskets. Reassembly This is a good time to replace the small rubber hose to the housing. The hose should be replaced with a new heater hose, 3/4” inside diameter and 2 1/4” long. The inside of the hose can be lubricated with a bit of antifreeze to help it slip on easily. Slip the hose onto the engine and drop on both hose clamps, to be tightened in a bit. Install the new thermostat, making sure the gold/copper band drops down into the engine. Thermostats will fit if installed upside down but the engine will not cool properly, so take care to avoid this common and time-consuming mistake. If the thermostat has “FORWARD” or “FRONT” printed on it, make sure to rotate that side toward the front of the coach. Install the new gasket on top of the thermostat, and then set the housing on the gasket while also fitting the small rubber hose into place. Use the 1/2” socket to tighten the bolts. If you have a torque wrench, tighten the bolts to 20 Tightenfoot-pounds.upthelarge hose clamp and the two small clamps behind it, and reconnect the fuel line. At the front of the coach, remove the metal cap on the radiator and add new coolant to replace what was lost during the project. Also, make sure the
plastic coolant recovery tank in the front is filled to the “COLD” or low mark, which permits hot coolant to expand into the tank while driving and return to the radiator when the engine cools down. At this time we can start the coach, let it warm up, and check for leaks. If all is good we can reinstall the air cleaner housing and lower the hatch. New thermostat and gasket. It is time to update the log book and call it a day – congratulations once again on a job well done!
Maintenance Manuals AVAILABLE AT... ...www.thegmcmhstore.com This 8g flashdrive consists of a collection of GMC documentation and tools of over 1,200 items. Here is a sampling: Operators, Maintenance, and Onan Manuals, Wiring Diagrams and Structural Drawings, Factory Service, Recall Bulletins, GMC Vintage RVing Magazines, GMCMI Newsletters, Newsletter Article Index, GMC Parts and Service Suppliers Listings plus so much more! $20 includes U.S. Shipping ...www.gmcmi.com The most andManuals,MaintenanceGMCdownloadableinformationcollectionextensiveofGMCMotorhomeincluding:pdfsoftheMotorhomeOperators,andOnanServiceBulletins,somuchmore! And it is FREE! www.gmcmi.com/gmcmh-manuals
Technical Corner MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE 24 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
COVID 19: GMCs…and many of their owners have been parked – however, gas prices have not. Before getting back on the road…let’s see if we can do a few things to improve mpg, “aside from driving at 55 mph”. A running engine only needs fuel & air & spark…delivered in the right quantities, in the most efficient ways. What impacts quantities and efficiency?
Spark The ignition system should receive periodic maintenance. The plug wires need to be inspected for flaws and the spark plugs need to be checked for overall condition. The spark plug gaps should be checked and set to 0.040” (do not go by what the shop manual calls for). The distributor requires several things to be checked and this maintenance can be done without removing the distributor from the engine:•Remove the cap and rotor.
• Position the notch on the rotor and put it back on.
1. Use a stiff bristle brush and thoroughly clean the area around the base, where the distributor sits in the engine.
Gas will destabilize during storage by absorbing water and decomposing. Fresh fuel should be added as soon as convenient. Prior to the first start-up after storage, remove the air cleaner and “drizzle” an ounce of gas conditioner (with lubrication properties) into the front vent of the carburetor. This will free up the power valve that could be stuck closed or, worse, open guzzling fuel. Air Air should flow freely through a “clean” air filter, a low-cost replacement item.
FuelMAINTENANCE!
4. Remove the hold-down clamp and twist the distributor. If it will not budge, give it a squirt of penetrating oil then use an adjustable wrench on the lower square section of the housing (caution, do not try to pry up the dist). You may have to let it soak overnight. Once free to twist, rotate the base to align the rotor tip back directly over your white-out mark then lift it straight up only about an inch. You will see the rotor move about 3/4 inch. Stop there and put 2 dots of white-out under the new position of the rotor tip.
Dick Paterson Ontario,
Canada | Springfield Performance Ignition | www.paterson-gmc.com PowerValve AdvanceDist
3. Make a mark (I use “white-out”) on the rim of the distributor housing directly below the rotor tip.
6. To put the distributor back into the a)engine:Lower it down except for the last 1 1/2 inches pointing the straw at the mark on the firewall.
For additional technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/ SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 25
b) Turn the rotor to place the tip directly over the 2 white-out dots and lower it down. c) The rotor tip should turn and line up over the first white-out dot. d) Hold the distributor base as you replace the hold-down clamp, and tighten it. You are now “back in time”.
• Then with needle nose pliers remove one spring and its weight.
5. Lift the distributor out (stuff a rag in the block to keep any dirt out).
“On the Road Again”
Pulling the distributor out of the engine should follow these few easy “prep” steps:
2. Looking down on the distributor as a “clock face“, you will see that the vac advance points to about 5 o’clock –pointing toward the firewall. Slip a soda straw over the vac advance spigot on the distributor and put a mark where it touches the firewall. Now remove the distributor cap and plug wires as a unit – tilting them forward toward the carburetor.
| 1976 Eleganza II | Coldwater,
• Look at the condition of the metal terminals inside the cap and the rotor tip. If they are corroded and/or etched... replace them as a “pair”.
NOTE: If you are installing a block-off kit or need to disassemble the distributor as suggested above, the distributor has to come out first.
• Put a dab of grease on the pivot pin and put the weight back on (numbers facing down) then its spring. Repeat these steps for the other spring and weight. The weights should lie flat in their position and should not be “piggybacked” on each other.
• Check to see that it is mounted “flat” then twist to advance timing and feel the resistance against the spring stretch. If it resists twisting or is slow to return to rest then to fix it requires that the distributor be removed and disassembled.
Changing battery chemistry is not as simple as tossing in a LiFePO4 battery in place of the heavy lead acid flooded cell batteries. Motorhomes generally use this technology while electric cars and your cellphone use Lithium Ion. Your charging system from mains (shore power) and the chassis alternator needs to be modified or re-programmed (if possible) to properly charge and maintain these batteries. If you still have the old “buzz box”, the original battery charger that shipped with our coaches, it is a good time to Whatupgrade.follows is a rough comparison of the two technologies.
300 Amp Hour LiFePO4 Battery – only 68 lbs.!
One of the most talked about upgrades to the GMC Motorhome is changing to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries for the house systems. In the years that we had Lead Acid batteries in our coach, I only managed to get 3-4 years out of a pair of 225 amp hour “Golf Cart” batteries. I was typical in how I treated them and maybe used them a bit harder because of the pure sine wave inverter/charger that we prefer. Sooner or later you are going to replace the coach batteries. You can control when and how much that exercise will cost.
Lead Acid The batteries that I used were Trojan T-105 flooded lead acid batteries. They could deliver up to 225 Amp-Hours (20=hour rate). They weigh 124 pounds for the pair. You need to check the water at least monthly. They can be operated between -35 degrees Fahrenheit up to 140 degrees, operate well in the environment under the hood of the GMC, or tucked in back behind the Onan generator. If you treat them well and never drop below 70% state of charge, you can expect about 500 charge/discharge cycles in use in your RV. Drop below 50% and you will permanently damage lead acid batteries. The cost for these batteries ranges from about $200$350 for the pair. I left them in the coach
LiFePO4 I currently have an off-brand 300 amphour Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) battery in the coach. It is a single, 68-pound package. It is completely maintenance-free. It does not off-gas and generates practically no heat during charge. They like to “live” where you do, meaning from 35 degrees to about 110 Fahrenheit. Ours is relocated under the permanent bed in the back of our 26-foot coach. Most quality LiFePO4 batteries have a low-temperature cutoff in the Battery Management System (BMS) which are electronics within the battery case and some have a high-temperature cutoff as well. You can run them from 100% all the way to zero with reckless abandon and receive a minimum of 1,000 cycles.
Charging LiFePO4 batteries takes a little more voltage (14.6 volts compared to 13.7) and a completely different charging curve. You will want to contact the manufacturer of your converter charger or inverter/ LiFePO4 Battery Technology
Dolph Santorine |
1977 Palm Beach | Wheeling, West Virginia
Expect 2,000 plus in typical use in a GMC Motorhome, provided you keep it out of the freezing weather and relocate the battery away from the hot generator. I cannot stress enough the importance of staying well within the temperature range. I remove the battery from the coach in the off-season and store it indoors in a heated garage. Based on being able to run the battery down to zero, you have 300 amp-hours available, meaning nearly triple the power of the lead acid battery. The capacity does not change based on usage, as long as you remain within the capacity of the battery’s BMS, which in my case is 200 amps. 300 amp hours of capacity but no more than 200 amp draw. Run the coffee pot and microwave, and you will see 180 amps or more of draw.
Basedyear-round.onthe 50% state of charge requirement, you will only realize 112.5 amp-hours of capacity. The other negative about lead acid batteries is Peukert’s Law which states that if you use them hard, they have lower capacity. Recharge time from 50% state of charge is many hours depending on your converter.
Technical Corner MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE 26 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
Over the years, I have used a lot of different battery chemistries. I have built batteries sourcing cells and BMS primarily for uninterruptible battery supply for data backup. One of the neatest things about LiFePO4 is how they take a charge. Our charger is capable of delivering 100 amps, and these batteries just soak it up. While I have never had them below a 10% state of charge, they recharge to 100% in as little as three Whenhours.onthe road, we boondock about every other night, and there are few things that I appreciate more than a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Since I usually travel with my lovely and talented wife, that is two cups of coffee for two of us. Our coffee pot draws about 1,100 watts, which is 120 amps. We have become comfortable with using what is in the coach because it always works. That was the design goal. All the charging systems in your coach will need to be LiFePO4 compatible.
charger to determine if you can change its programming to accommodate LiFePO4. If your charger is not compatible with LiFePO4, do not use it. It will destroy your nifty new Thebattery.other issue is charging from the chassis electrical system. I have seen some people eliminate that part of the circuit. I chose to preserve it and replaced the combiner and “boost start” relay with a Lithium Battery Isolation Manager (Li-BIM) from Precision Circuits. It has a microprocessor that manages charging, keeps your alternator from selfdestruction, and prevents harmful battery charge levels.
For technical session presentations and papers, go to www.gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
State of Charge by Voltage
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 27
Since your charging system will be running at capacity, you want to make certain that the V-belt driving the alternator is in good condition and properly tightened. An alternator approaching end of life running at full capacity is prone to failure. I would budget for a new one, just in case.
Most charge managers also permit the house system to charge the chassis battery, which I find reassuring when it is time to start the engine and move to the next stop. These are the basics. You can add all kinds of monitoring if you choose. Some battery makers include a Bluetooth system so you can directly monitor the health and state of charge of the battery. Victron and others have Smart Battery Monitors that you can add and have all kinds of display options. We have chosen to use the volt meter that is built into our inverter/charger and the chart that is in this article to determine our state of charge.
Since your new Lithium Iron battery can take 100% of your alternator output, the Battery Isolation Manager controls how long the alternator is delivering high output levels and gives it time to cool down. I understand that it uses a 20-minute on and 20-minute off cycle.
For us, it is seamless. We leave the inverter/charger on all the time. It keeps the microwave from flashing 12:00 and when it senses shore power it charges the batteries. It is one less thing for us to think about. I expect that the battery we have will still have usable output in eight years or so. Then, of course, it will be time to look at the next greatest and latest thing. LiFePO4 Battery Isolation manager installed in place of the “Boost” relay.
I have had great results from Progressive Dynamics equipment where it is appropriate. I am partial to Xantrex but have seen terrific installs with AIMS, Victron, Renogy, and WhileMagnum.this is no longer “bleeding edge” technology, it is still early in the process. Any of these companies could fail tomorrow. I implore you to choose what fits your risk profile and budget. I chose to go with
Theyprojects.onofaIexperience.ofbecausebattery“off-brand”anpriorhadusednumbertheseotherexceeded their rated specifications in every way. One application has put the same brand and model of battery through 700 cycles (twice a day for a year) with negligible degradation. One of the battery sites I follow did a tear-down, and it was no better or worse than “premium” batteries, or the ones I have assembled in the past. If you do not have the propensity to research and test, Battle Born, Renogy, and Dakota Lithium are all brands with which I have had excellent results.
Inverter chargers are another item. I insisted on “Pure Sine Wave” for the inverter. The inverter I am using makes about the prettiest sine waves you have ever seen and is frequency stable at 60 hertz. Power company grade
Therepower.are many “modified sine wave” inverters available. They output a square wave, with a spike on the leading edge. If you put a typical volt meter on the output, they only show 90 volts or so, unless you have a true RMS meter.
EnergyVictron
A modified sine wave will run most 120-volt equipment but motors will tend to run hot.
Xantres inverter/charger. A batterydedicatedmonitor.
Some of the Chinese brands are trying to be taken seriously and I have seen acceptable results from Chins, Ampere Time, and SOK. Make certain that any Your GMC InformationMotorhomeSource...www.gmcmi.com
Technical Corner MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE 28 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
The control panel for inverter/ charger in my coach.
One thing that I hear time after time is people wanting to run their air conditioning from batteries through an inverter. The first problem trying to do this is basic math and physics. The second problem is how and where we use our Mycoaches.15,000 BTU Coleman Mach rooftop heat pump uses a measured 14.5 amps at 120 volts when cooling. That is 1,740 watts. My 300 amp hour battery has a stated capacity of 3,840 watts. That is about two hours of air conditioner run time. I could spend another $3,000 on batteries and get six hours of run time. I do not see the point. My coach shipped with a generator, and gasoline is about 33,500 watts per gallon. Taking this calculation one step further, if you want to run your AC on solar panels (Photovoltaic panels), you need about 5,000 watts of panels to run the AC and charge the batteries. That is more watts than the AC uses because they do not make their rated power all day long. Clouds and night are a thing. When it comes to bang for the buck, it is the generator every time. I hope I have made the point that you can make this conversion on a budget without a plethora of interconnected boxes. You can simply add huge capability to your 45-year-old motorhome in a way that enhances your experience and the coach’s usability. I tend to think that’s the goal. As for us, the LiFePO4 batteries are so much better in an RV than lead acid. I am going to enjoy the ride.
AXantrex
reviews and tear-downs are on the same size battery you intend to buy. They vary wildly.
We welcome all historical and technical information. If there is something that you would like to share, please contact kimweeksgmc@gmail.com. Thank you!
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 29 GMC Motorhome Supplier/Vendors List >> COMMERCIAL PARTS SUPPLIERS Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs, and hard to find parts. We ship to all states and Canada. New updates available. Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, repairs, and parts. Final drives with various gear ratios, headers, 3” mandrel bent eExhaust parts, mufflers, trannies, and engine replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance. Cooperative Motor Works 407-857-5777 | coopmotorworks@yahoo.com877-275-4462| www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts, and service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to full renovations available. Gateway Motorhome Company 636-931-8282 | 800-654-0374 | www.gmcmotorhomeparts.com Committed only to the GMC Motorhome since 1986. Large selection of GMC Motorhome parts. Shipped daily. Golby Motors 352-793-7000 | Specializing3375www.golbymotorcorp.comgolby@golbymotorcorp.comCountyRoad528,Sumterville,FL33585inGMCMotorhomeservice,repairs, and original body parts. Check out our website today! Grandview Motorhome Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 | 937-537-1612 cell 13880grandviewh@gmail.comWeaverRoad,Marysville, Ohio 43040 Miscellaneous GMC Motorhome parts. SS brake and tranny lines. >> OTHER PART SUPPLIERS Alan Henderson | Two Items! 478-320-5974 | alan@mgcads.com | gmcwipersetc.com GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Conversion Kit Mechanical and electrical parts to install your locally purchased electric motor. Replaces hydraulic motor with a reliable electric motor with intermittent sweep. Large Format Electrical Diagrams Enlarged wiring diagrams for GMC Motorhomes - All years 12V Chassis, 12V &120V Living area – 18”, 24”, 36” Gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Motorhome_Wiring_Diagrams.pdfwide Albert Branscombe 519-368-7129 | branscoa@bmts.com | www.bdub.net/branscombe/ 33 Rae Street, P.O. Box 44,Tiverton, ON, N0G 2T0 CANADA All SS/Alum/Teflon kit, includes all cables, pulleys, brackets. Also, Air Powered Actuator kit – $575. Disc brake parking caliper kit -$475. Complete instructions included. 10 year warranty. >> FULL SERVICE, PARTS & REPAIR FACILITIES Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs, and hard to find parts. We ship to all states and Canada. New updates available. Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, repairs, and parts. Final drives with various gear ratios, headers, 3” mandrel bent. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line. Cooperative Motor Works 407-857-5777 | coopmotorworks@yahoo.com877-275-4462| www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts, and service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to full renovations available. Golby Motor Corp 352-793-7000 | Specializing3375www.golbymotorcorp.comgolby@golbymotorcorp.comCountyRd528,Sumterville,FL33585inGMCMotorhomeservice,repairs, and original body parts. Check out our website today! >> SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITIES Bob Stone 618-964-9124 | Carbondale, IL Service and repair. DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@gmail.com | www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive St., Sheridan, OR 97378-1125 Cinnabar certified service and repair. New and used GMC parts. Frank Borrman 519-335-3857 | Fax 519-325-6263 | frank@borrmannsgarage.com 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale, ON N0G 1G0, Canada Complete gmc mechanical service and repair. KEN FREY – formerly Frey Auto Repair New, Used, and Rebuilt GMC Motorhome Parts NEW PHONE NUMBER: 215-219-8685 2230 Milford Ave., PO Box 4, Milford Square, PA 18935 Check website at www.kenLfreyautorepair.com for partial listing, please call to check availability, or for parts or service information. PLEASE CALL BETWEEN 8 a.m. and Noon, eastern time.
30 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM Blaine Merrell 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net | www.bdub.net/blainemerrell/ 101 Way West Airpark, Bainbridge, IN 46105-9449 Front window screens, wind wings, lower radiator guard. Bob Burkitt 513-530-5021 | rburkitt@cinci.rr.com | www.bdub.net/bobburkitt/ 11382 Marlette Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2210 Offer repairs, parts, and accessories for existing Birch doors. Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC JR Slaten | 502-836-2097 | jrslaten@aol.com | www.bdub.net/slaten 7702 Old Third Street Road, Louisville KY 40214-0341 Engine Oil Cooler Lines, Engine Oil Cooler Stainless Steel Rigid Tube Set Exact, Lighted Entry Handles, Power Level II Leveling Valve Set (1973 thru early 77) CruzinGear Christo Darsch | info@cruzingear.co | www.cruzingear.co GMC Motorhome Wall-Mounted Bottle Openers. Get Your Shine On. Custom Instrument Panels Mac McNeal | 704-985-0171 | Custom28585www.custominstrumentpanels.comcipdash@sbcglobal.netValleyDrive,Albemarle,NC28001instrumentpanelsandinstruments. Dave Lenzi 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net 2285 Montague Road, Davison MI 48423-9103 Steering components, leveler linkage, leveler valve rebuilding, embossed copper exhaust gasket. DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@gmail.com | 233www.djsgmc.comNWOliveSt., Sheridan, OR 97378-1125 Cinnabar certified service and repair. New and used GMC parts. DL Design Store Terry Taylor | 510-276-5111 | n6mon@pacbell.net | 801www.dldesignstore.comViaManzanas,San Lorenzo, CA 94580 GMC Model Name Emblems, personalized GMC paraphernalia. DMAR Enterprises | Stainless Steel Tanks Jim DeMaere | 403-329-3091 2812 – 48th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B3 SS replacement air and water heater tanks. Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | Electronic12495www.gmcidiotsguide.comgary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.comMullerAvenue,RedBluff,CA96080IgnitionKitfor4kw&6kwOnanGenerators GMC RV Shades (formerly Guske Sales) Gary Coaster | 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com 2600 Knob Hill Drive, Reno, NV 89502 “Guske” Day/Night shades custom fitted for GMC Motorhomes, outside window covers. High-End Motorsports 916-774-6686 | sales@high-end-motorsports.com | 8331www.high-end-motorsports.comSierraCollegeBlvd,#210, Roseville, CA 95661 Made in the USA accessories, custom sunshades, plate frames, tags, receiver covers, and more. Jim Hupy 503-362-1583 | jamesh1296@gmail.com | www.bdub.net/jhupy/ 1754 82nd Avenue SE, Salem, OH 97317 | Master Cylinder Power Bleeder and Remote Controlled Wireless Air Suspension System. John Biwersi | Engine Cooling Fan | Direct Replacement 651-779-6498 | jbiwersi@mac.com 2938 N Mary St, Maplewood, MN 55109-1671 For all GMCMH that have the original steel blade fan. It is the same OD and pitch but has 10 blades instead of 7. Hub is steel and blades are molded nylon, this is not a “flexfan”. “Made in the USA” and is 100 % precision balanced to minimize vibration to fan clutch and water pump. John Richardson 850-830-6100 | jrichsr@aol.com | P.O. Box 5191, Niceville, FL AMSoil32578 synthetic motor oil. CamShield ZDDP motor oil additive. Keith Vasilakes | MicroLevel 763-732-3419 | my427v8@hotmail.com Intro, Install & Oper, Diagram at www.gmcmi.com/air-suspension/ 5131 Greenwood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112-4834 MicroLevel: A Microprocessor controlled air suspension controller with RF Remote and Camp Ground Leveling. Rance Baxter 814-596-5254 | rancefi@frontiernet.net | www.rancefi.com 230 Mountain View Road, Genesee, PA 16923-9725 Port fuel injection, Cadillac and Oldsmobile engine cores, and 425 transmission/ final drive cores. Springfield Performance Ignition Dick Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com 3956 Line 11 North, RR#3, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO Re-curved distributors. Rebuilt carburetors. Wire sets, 1973-74 points conversion. GMC Motorhome Supplier/Vendors List
SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 31 TZE Zone Restorations John R. Wright | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net 1196 E Olson Road, Midland, MI 48640-8610 Front Air Dam, Bolt kits for bumpers, axles, exhaust manifolds, & header. >> RoadCAMPGROUNDS/RESORTSRunnerRVPark Ray Doonkeen | 405-677-2373 | www.roadrunnerrvparkokc.com 4740 S I-35 Service Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73129 Our new facilities boast a 6,000 sq. ft. Event Center/Rec Hall with full kitchen, 132 full hook-up concrete sites with grass, paved roads, four storm shelters, and free Wi-Fi. Closest RV park to downtown Oklahoma City & medical center. We are easy on & off I-35. Open year-round. Classifieds >> GMC MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1973 – 26’ GMC Motorhome FL | $16,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Second owner and stored inside. It has a 455 cu engine, 75,000 miles, generator, sofa, and table turn into beds, plus an awning. William MacKenzie | 352-873-7857 | bmack0121@gmail.com 1973 Birchaven MN | $44,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Completely renovated inside and out in the past three years. 455 olds engine and transmission rebuilt. Manuals and all spare parts including a new set of air bags will go with the coach. A must see! Lonnie Brichacek | 218-821-1313 1973 – 23’ Custom Glacier – Price Lowered FL | $75,000 $80,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com “One of a Kind”, fully customized, everything upgraded/new and ready to roll! Have over $120,000 in her. All major mechanical work performed by Jim Bounds, Coop Motor Works. John & Julie Eidson | 206-999-9023 | JulieMEidson@gmail.com 1973 – 26’ Custom GMC Motorhome CA | $75,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com A beautiful paint job along with many new items, custom solid wood cabinetry, must see photos and list of items. Jerry Schneider | 310-962-7208 1974 – 26’ GMC Motorhome BC/WA | $16,500 US OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com
This
1975
This
coach is a pampered survivor. All original with 86K original miles on the coach and 42K miles on a new 455 engine. Looks great, drives great, feels great. Sleeps 6. Looking for a good home. Stored 30 miles east of Bellingham, which is north of Seattle. Jim | dci1988@hotmail.com | 800-401-2211
Custom Transmode – Price Lowered CA | $35,000 obo $40,000 obo | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com
one-of-a-kind custom rebuilt GMC is loaded with features! This coach is never short on power including solar, battery backup, True Sinewave Inverter/charger with automatic transfer switch large enough to power the 110v AC, and much more. Aaron | 530-701-5678 1975 – 26’ GMC Airport Transport OR | $8,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com This was an airport transporter. It has no seats and is ready for someone with an imagination. The entry door, as you can see, is extra wide and will accommodate a wheel chair or, as we used it, for motorcycles. It has a 455 Toronado rebuilt engine and an automatic transmission. Body is in excellent condition. Terry | 503-320-0226 1976 Palmbeach FL | Owned$5,000GMC for over 20 years. Have altered it half way. Stored under canopy. Outside is cream color. Have not started for several years. Call for more information.. Steven Light | 850-980-0565 1976 Palm Beach – NEW! TX | $15,000 OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com The kids have moved on and it needs a new home. Many updates, mechanically sound. New toilet, new golf cart batteries, rebuilt engine (10,000 miles), fuel injections, and so much more! Selby | 281-222-4643 1976 Royale TX | $19,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Previously used to attend weekend soccer tournaments. Stored in building and batter tenders. Rebuilt 403 engine/transmission and new diffeential transaxle in 2020. Passed TX inspection. Kristopher Hochart | 210-421-2691 Classified Ads GMCMOTORHOMES INTERNATIONALHHHH H HHHH H BENEFITMEMBER GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge! GMC Motorhome classified ads can include up-to-nine photos on the website. Email your ad to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com.
32 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM Classified Ads 1977 Eleganza II – Price Lowered CA | $17,500 $23,000/OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Recently serviced and certified by Applied GMC in Newark, California! All repair paperwork and GMC manuals. Ronald Shoffeitt | bigbearmoon@aol.com 1977 GMC Motorhome CA | As is $18,000 in primer. Finished $30-55,000 photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Here is your chance to build your own. This 77 is going into primer tomorrow. You can pick both the paint scheme/colors and interior upholstery. Mechanically it will be ready for the road. Ty Chamberlain | 425-9711-9304 | tycham@vintagecoach.net 1977 GMC Motorhome – NEW! OH | $29,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Oldsmobile 455 | Renovated and updated. Beautiful paint scheme, nicely updated, MUST SEE!!! John Ciarlariello | 330-730-2621 | ciarlariello79@gmail.com 1977 Eleganza II IL | $49,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Complete renovation in 2010 and stored inside. Olds 455 engine replaced with a factory-rebuilt engine in 2013 for $12,649 and has 7,300 miles on it. Need to check list of updates and new items! Roger Deichman | 217-971-4972 | problemsolver50@gmail.com 1978 Kingsley (restored) MI| $49,000 OBO | photo on www.gmcmi.com This super smooth-running coach has been used continuously for the past 18 years and is ready to roll. We have meticulously restored her over the years, in a constant effort to keep her looking and performing great. Located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nick | 734-368-2671 Visit the GMC Motorhome StoreVisit the GMC Motorhome Store Apparel | Merchandise | Back Magazine Issues | Plus More... www.thegmcmhstore.com GMCMOTORHOMES INTERNATIONALHHHH H HHHH H BENEFITMEMBER 1978 Palm Beach IL | $40,000 | photo on www.gmcmi.com Restomod frame-off rebuilt 455 motor, transmission, 366 final drive, front suspension, four bagger, Hydroboost stainless steel lines and hoses, macerator, stainless mandrel bent exhaust into 1 - 3” out. Bob Stone | 618-964-9124 1978 Revcon Chamelot 31.5’ w/Toronado drivetrain! NC | $19,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Zombie Themed – Many repairs/new items done by Barry Owen in the past two years, plus additional mechanicals. Michael Owens at 336-225-1445 | Calls ONLY please. >> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE Olds 403 Engine, Complete MA | $3,150 | photo on www.gmcmi.com This engine powered a 1977 GMC motorhome for eight years and approx 8,800 miles. The engine needs a new camshaft, however, runs well and all cylinders make power. See ad for additional information. Matthew Haggerty | 617-293-8033 message | mkhagg56@gmail.com 455 CID Oldsmobile Engine CO | Engine$750isfrom a 1973 GMC Motorhome: long block, was running when removed. Will deliver FREE up to 200 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado. Jim Egan | 720-308-4586 call or text
8 In what year was the first “Red Hat Ladies Tea” held at the Spring Convention in Mobile, Alabama. A - 1999 B - 1995 C - 2002 9 ConventionwasConventionWhichthe t-shirt introduced? A - Spring 2011 B - Fall 2010 C - Spring 2010 Take the Challenge... Test Your Knowledge So, what do you know about our GMC Motorhomes International? Answers can be found on page 35. 1 How many GMCMI Conventions have been held? A - 80 B - 61 C - 77 2 In what year did Ralph Luby place a flyer under the windshield wiper of each GMC at the Summer FMCA Convention in Notre Dame University to hold a meeting to discuss the organization of GMCMI? A - 1982 B - 1980 C - 1983 3 What year did the GMC Vintage RVing debut?magazine A - 2017 B - 2014 C - 2015 4 What was the largest attendance at a GMCMI Convention? A - 285 B - 396 C - 302 5 What year was the first Pineblock Derby held? A - 2009 B - 1999 C - 2003 6 In 1999 the fall newsletter reported highest membership count for GMCMI at: A - 2,402 B - 1,864 C - 2,034 7 After 25 years, in what year did GMCMI hold a Summer Convention in Branson, Missouri? A - 2005 B - 2010 C - 2015 SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 33 GMCMI Trivia Questions Read more about GMCMI’s history in the 35th Anniversary article in the Fall 2017 issue of GMC Vintage RVing magazine www.gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/at: Largest GMCMI Convention held at Tom Johnson Camping Center in Marion, North Carolina.
Our second rally in 2022 was held at the St. Thomas Dragway, hosted by Andy and Helen Spriet with four coaches present. Besides the drag racing, we experienced an in-depth tour of Port Stanley, St. Thomas, and London.
34 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM >> Regional GMC Motorhome Activities...
We held our rally at Atwood Lake Park in Mineral City, Ohio. Dolph Santorine was our host and made arrangements for us to tour the Age of Steam Roadhouse and the Auma Museum of Radio and Television.
The Wine Country Rally in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada was a huge hit! Judith & Peter McBride were gracious first-time hosts. 16 GMC Motorhomes plus two others. A great presentation on many things solar, and Rose led the group in creating some fabulous art pieces with her Acrylic Pouring class. Kenny Durkee broke out his guitar after dinner and his talent was enjoyed by all. We enjoyed a wine tour bus and wine tasting at Nk’Mip Cellars.
>> GMC Great Lakers – June Rally
>> GMC 49ers Motorhome Club – May/June George and Jodell Banovich, members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, spearheaded arrangements for use of this impressive event center. We enjoyed the Jackson Classic Car Show and the tour of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church built in 1894. Jodell led the group in making miniature birdhouses.
GMC Cascaders – June Rally
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We welcome event photos and write-ups. Submit them to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com. Thank you.
GMC Heritage Cruisers – June Rally
TO SUBMIT A RALLY DATE Email date informationand to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com SUMMER 2022 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 35 GMCMH Events CalendarLooking for a regional rally in your area? Go to www.gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar SEPTEMBER 26 OCTOBER2,2022 WELCOME TO... The GMC Colonial Travelers, GMC Dixielanders, GMC Eastern States, GMC Flatlanders, GMC Great Lakers, GMC Six Wheelers, GMC Sunshine Statesmen, and GMC Tidewater Crabs that will be utilizing the GMCMI Fall Convention as a rally. www.gmcmi.com/2022f-convention-info>>AreaChapter/ClubOpportunity.. We invite you to utilize one of our Convention facilities for your rally. Either come in a day or two early or use our Convention as your rally and hold a social and/or business meeting. We take care of the registrations for you! We offer coffee, bottled water, paper products, etc. at no cost for your gathering. Contact Kim for more information. 612-501-4600 | kimweeksgmc@gmail.com 0Anniversary th G M C MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 1982-2022 Registration is Open! 24SE2 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSEiAPRIL 3-9iMINEOLA, TX hosted by GMC Motorhomes International Vintage RV Rally LIMITED REGISTRATIONSSPACES!CLOSE SEPT. 1 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! 1 - C 77 Conventions 2 - A 1982 meeting was held with 62 present 3 - C 2015 Fall issue 4 - B 396 5 - A 2009 was the first Pinewood Derby later named the Pineblock Derby 6 - A 2,402 7 - C Also at that Convention the GMC Motorhome Activity Book debuted (can be purchased www.thegmcmhstore.com)at 8 - C 2002 was the first and the last one was held at the 2010 Fall Convention in DuQuoin, Illinois 9 - B Fall 2010 in DuQuoin, Illinois GMCMI Trivia Answers (page 33)
1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL hosted by GMC Motorhomes International Be part of the “event of the year” hosted by GMCMI in Mineola, Texas located near the eclipse centerline and experience the total darkness of the eclipse together! See page 7 for more information. APRIL 3-9, 2024 Vintage RV Rally TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 24SE2
