Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Just read the family rving february magazine (From Junker to Museum piece)
| Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340828] |
Sat, 09 February 2019 22:02  |
Fipp
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2017
Location: Aledo, Illinois
Karma: -1
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Junior Member |
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I just reread the article "From Junker to Museum piece" in the february rving magazine. In 2017 at the convention we went to the museum but I didn't see the $500,000.00 GMC. Just wondering if any of you read the article and have any comments? The article was very disappointing to me.
Scott D. Fippinger
Aledo, Illinois
1976 Royale
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340838 is a reply to message #340828] |
Sat, 09 February 2019 22:50  |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Here’s the GMCMI response:
*************
The members of the GMC motorhome community were dismayed to read the article “From Junker to Museum Piece”, but can understand the Princes’ profound disappointment after chasing their version of the motorhome dream.
Regardless of its enhancements or the amount of money spent, it’s still a 1977 special interest vehicle. A vehicle that requires special knowledge and tools that RV “generalists” do not typically possess. It is not the truck based chassis they usually service or upfit.
We are an association of over 1,100 members who regularly drive and enjoy their front wheel drive GMC motorhomes.
GMC motorhome information is curated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, and supported by dedicated specialists throughout the country who are able to service and repair the coaches.
The place for information on these motorhomes is GMC Motorhomes International, an FMCA chapter that is a vibrant national association of owners, in association with regional chapters who have frequent rallys and meetings to enjoy fellowship and share technical details.
More than four decades after production of the GMC Motorhome ceased, it’s still a sought after model, because of its superior driveability and riding comfort.
To this day, it is the only motorhome designed, built and tested by a major automobile manufacturer.
It was produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1978, with total production run of 12,921 units, a stunning number of a single model of RV. There are estimates that today, approximately 6,000 are still around.
Nearly half of them are still out there after 40 years!
There are a number of reasons for the GMC Motorhomes spectacular longevity, and chief among them is handling and ride, both of which were design goals for the engineers.
There are two videos that clearly demonstrate the superior ride and performance, and they are available here:
https://www.gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos/
It’s also a stunning piece of design that’s been adopted by our culture. From Hot Wheels toys, to Barbie (her most popular motorhome is a GMC) to Hollywood movies, it remains an iconic shape, and it’s what many people think of when motorhomes are mentioned.
Some of the coaches even have antique license plates on them, mostly because they are antique vehicles, and their reliability is going to be heavily influenced by the person maintaining them.
I hope that the RV/MH Hall of Fame will concentrate on the positive aspects of this coach, and not the driveability problems caused by the extensive modifications which appear to have been made without consulting the people who restored the chassis.
In March, more than 250 vintage GMC Motorhome enthusiasts will gather at Tallahassee, Florida for one of our two annual Conventions. There will be fun and good fellowship. Technical sessions for those so inclined, and general fun and mirth.
These motorhomes will be driven to Tallahassee by their owners. Based on an average distance of 275 miles each way, they will log a total in excess of 68,000 miles. I know most of them will experience a smooth ride, and precise and easy driving.
The GMC Motorhome is also one of the few enthusiast vehicles that is being admired and purchased by the upcoming generation of RV owners. That’s rare for any vehicle, but especially a vintage motorhome.
The Prince’ experience is indeed both uncommon and unfortunate.
GMC motorhome owners usually enjoy a smooth ride and enjoyable drive.
I invite you to ask one of us who makes memories in our vintage coaches, and to join us and our chapters!
Dolph Santorine
President
GMC Motorhomes International
*******************
Dolph
DE AD0LF
Wheeling, West Virginia
1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
“The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
> On Feb 9, 2019, at 11:02 PM, Fipp via Gmclist wrote:
>
> I just reread the article "From Junker to Museum piece" in the february rving magazine. In 2017 at the convention we went to the museum but I didn't
> see the $500,000.00 GMC. Just wondering if any of you read the article and have any comments? The article was very disappointing to me.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340839 is a reply to message #340838] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 10:23 |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Well written, indeed!
D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio K2GKK
Since 30 November '53
USAF and FAA, Retired
Member GMCMI & Classics
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
TZE166V101966
'76 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Dolph Santorine via Gmclist
Sent: Saturday, February 9, 2019 22:50
To: GMC List
Cc: Dolph Santorine
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine
Here’s the GMCMI response:
*************
The members of the GMC motorhome community were dismayed to read the article “From Junker to Museum Piece”, but can understand the Princes’ profound disappointment after chasing their version of the motorhome dream.
Regardless of its enhancements or the amount of money spent, it’s still a 1977 special interest vehicle. A vehicle that requires special knowledge and tools that RV “generalists” do not typically possess. It is not the truck based chassis they usually service or upfit.
We are an association of over 1,100 members who regularly drive and enjoy their front wheel drive GMC motorhomes.
GMC motorhome information is curated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, and supported by dedicated specialists throughout the country who are able to service and repair the coaches.
The place for information on these motorhomes is GMC Motorhomes International, an FMCA chapter that is a vibrant national association of owners, in association with regional chapters who have frequent rallys and meetings to enjoy fellowship and share technical details.
More than four decades after production of the GMC Motorhome ceased, it’s still a sought after model, because of its superior driveability and riding comfort.
To this day, it is the only motorhome designed, built and tested by a major automobile manufacturer.
It was produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1978, with total production run of 12,921 units, a stunning number of a single model of RV. There are estimates that today, approximately 6,000 are still around.
Nearly half of them are still out there after 40 years!
There are a number of reasons for the GMC Motorhomes spectacular longevity, and chief among them is handling and ride, both of which were design goals for the engineers.
There are two videos that clearly demonstrate the superior ride and performance, and they are available here:
https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmcmi.com%2Fcommercials-and-videos%2F& ;data=02%7C01%7C%7C84fa0866c56049476f5308d68f72a005%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636854119799188234&sdata=9O4fbBm6%2FkDjA06%2B F3L40nqbedAKoHmoA9y%2FW%2FWcBGs%3D&reserved=0
It’s also a stunning piece of design that’s been adopted by our culture. From Hot Wheels toys, to Barbie (her most popular motorhome is a GMC) to Hollywood movies, it remains an iconic shape, and it’s what many people think of when motorhomes are mentioned.
Some of the coaches even have antique license plates on them, mostly because they are antique vehicles, and their reliability is going to be heavily influenced by the person maintaining them.
I hope that the RV/MH Hall of Fame will concentrate on the positive aspects of this coach, and not the driveability problems caused by the extensive modifications which appear to have been made without consulting the people who restored the chassis.
In March, more than 250 vintage GMC Motorhome enthusiasts will gather at Tallahassee, Florida for one of our two annual Conventions. There will be fun and good fellowship. Technical sessions for those so inclined, and general fun and mirth.
These motorhomes will be driven to Tallahassee by their owners. Based on an average distance of 275 miles each way, they will log a total in excess of 68,000 miles. I know most of them will experience a smooth ride, and precise and easy driving.
The GMC Motorhome is also one of the few enthusiast vehicles that is being admired and purchased by the upcoming generation of RV owners. That’s rare for any vehicle, but especially a vintage motorhome.
The Prince’ experience is indeed both uncommon and unfortunate.
GMC motorhome owners usually enjoy a smooth ride and enjoyable drive.
I invite you to ask one of us who makes memories in our vintage coaches, and to join us and our chapters!
Dolph Santorine
President
GMC Motorhomes International
*******************
Dolph
DE AD0LF
Wheeling, West Virginia
1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
“The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340845 is a reply to message #340838] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 11:32 |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Very good, Dolph! Makes our points without attacking anyone.
Ken H.
On Sun, Feb 10, 2019 at 11:12 AM Dolph Santorine via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Here’s the GMCMI response:
>
> *************
>
> The members of the GMC motorhome community were dismayed to read the
> article “From Junker to Museum Piece”, but can understand the Princes’
> profound disappointment after chasing their version of the motorhome dream.
>
> Regardless of its enhancements or the amount of money spent, it’s still a
> 1977 special interest vehicle. A vehicle that requires special knowledge
> and tools that RV “generalists” do not typically possess. It is not the
> truck based chassis they usually service or upfit.
>
> We are an association of over 1,100 members who regularly drive and enjoy
> their front wheel drive GMC motorhomes.
>
> GMC motorhome information is curated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts,
> and supported by dedicated specialists throughout the country who are able
> to service and repair the coaches.
>
> The place for information on these motorhomes is GMC Motorhomes
> International, an FMCA chapter that is a vibrant national association of
> owners, in association with regional chapters who have frequent rallys and
> meetings to enjoy fellowship and share technical details.
>
> More than four decades after production of the GMC Motorhome ceased, it’s
> still a sought after model, because of its superior driveability and riding
> comfort.
>
> To this day, it is the only motorhome designed, built and tested by a
> major automobile manufacturer.
>
> It was produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1978, with total production
> run of 12,921 units, a stunning number of a single model of RV. There are
> estimates that today, approximately 6,000 are still around.
>
> Nearly half of them are still out there after 40 years!
>
> There are a number of reasons for the GMC Motorhomes spectacular
> longevity, and chief among them is handling and ride, both of which were
> design goals for the engineers.
>
> There are two videos that clearly demonstrate the superior ride and
> performance, and they are available here:
>
> https://www.gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos/ https://www.gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos/>
> It’s also a stunning piece of design that’s been adopted by our culture.
> From Hot Wheels toys, to Barbie (her most popular motorhome is a GMC) to
> Hollywood movies, it remains an iconic shape, and it’s what many people
> think of when motorhomes are mentioned.
>
> Some of the coaches even have antique license plates on them, mostly
> because they are antique vehicles, and their reliability is going to be
> heavily influenced by the person maintaining them.
>
> I hope that the RV/MH Hall of Fame will concentrate on the positive
> aspects of this coach, and not the driveability problems caused by the
> extensive modifications which appear to have been made without consulting
> the people who restored the chassis.
>
> In March, more than 250 vintage GMC Motorhome enthusiasts will gather at
> Tallahassee, Florida for one of our two annual Conventions. There will be
> fun and good fellowship. Technical sessions for those so inclined, and
> general fun and mirth.
>
> These motorhomes will be driven to Tallahassee by their owners. Based on
> an average distance of 275 miles each way, they will log a total in excess
> of 68,000 miles. I know most of them will experience a smooth ride, and
> precise and easy driving.
>
> The GMC Motorhome is also one of the few enthusiast vehicles that is being
> admired and purchased by the upcoming generation of RV owners. That’s rare
> for any vehicle, but especially a vintage motorhome.
>
> The Prince’ experience is indeed both uncommon and unfortunate.
>
> GMC motorhome owners usually enjoy a smooth ride and enjoyable drive.
>
> I invite you to ask one of us who makes memories in our vintage coaches,
> and to join us and our chapters!
>
> Dolph Santorine
> President
> GMC Motorhomes International
>
>
> *******************
>
>
> Dolph
>
> DE AD0LF
>
> Wheeling, West Virginia
>
> 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
> Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
>
> “The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
>
>> On Feb 9, 2019, at 11:02 PM, Fipp via Gmclist
> wrote:
>>
>> I just reread the article "From Junker to Museum piece" in the february
> rving magazine. In 2017 at the convention we went to the museum but I
> didn't
>> see the $500,000.00 GMC. Just wondering if any of you read the article
> and have any comments? The article was very disappointing to me.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340849 is a reply to message #340828] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 11:50 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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The museum is a favor to the opwners... if they're well to do (and they certainly look it) they can get back the money they (foolishly in my opinion) pissed away as a donation against their income tax liability. Otherwise, they'd simply be hosed half a million.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340860 is a reply to message #340845] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 14:30 |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Hi Fipp:
Mike Kelley here: Yes - I read the FMCA article and was very disappointed as it seemed to downgrade all GMC’s. FMCA knew (or should have known) that these GMC rigs drive and handle better than most motorhomes - and should have said so in their article.
We actually saw the Prince GMC shortly after it had been remodeled (I believe at the Dothan, Al. GMCMI convention). Fantastic
job of aesthetic upgrades, but the M H company’s in-experience w/ GMC’s bit them and the owners good.
Very top heavy and poor weight distribution ruined the driving capability of this unique rig!
The remodeling company actually did a seminar at the convention and to hear and see their capabilities - it sounded fantastic. So very glad the Prince’s let our community know that this MH Company’s expertise is not engineering, weight distribution, or anything GMC related!!!
If I had been the Prince’s, I would have considered suing - but of course I don’t know all the details! I just know spending a half million dollars to upgrade a coach and then have it not be drivable would be heart breaking. It sure is beautiful to look at - interior and exterior wise - just scary and a fright to drive (actually very unsafe to
drive).
Looking forward to seeing you guys at our May rally - check the schedule - not the normal third weekend!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 10, 2019, at 11:32 AM, Ken Henderson via Gmclist wrote:
>
> Very good, Dolph! Makes our points without attacking anyone.
>
> Ken H.
>
> On Sun, Feb 10, 2019 at 11:12 AM Dolph Santorine via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Here’s the GMCMI response:
>>
>> *************
>>
>> The members of the GMC motorhome community were dismayed to read the
>> article “From Junker to Museum Piece”, but can understand the Princes’
>> profound disappointment after chasing their version of the motorhome dream.
>>
>> Regardless of its enhancements or the amount of money spent, it’s still a
>> 1977 special interest vehicle. A vehicle that requires special knowledge
>> and tools that RV “generalists” do not typically possess. It is not the
>> truck based chassis they usually service or upfit.
>>
>> We are an association of over 1,100 members who regularly drive and enjoy
>> their front wheel drive GMC motorhomes.
>>
>> GMC motorhome information is curated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts,
>> and supported by dedicated specialists throughout the country who are able
>> to service and repair the coaches.
>>
>> The place for information on these motorhomes is GMC Motorhomes
>> International, an FMCA chapter that is a vibrant national association of
>> owners, in association with regional chapters who have frequent rallys and
>> meetings to enjoy fellowship and share technical details.
>>
>> More than four decades after production of the GMC Motorhome ceased, it’s
>> still a sought after model, because of its superior driveability and riding
>> comfort.
>>
>> To this day, it is the only motorhome designed, built and tested by a
>> major automobile manufacturer.
>>
>> It was produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1978, with total production
>> run of 12,921 units, a stunning number of a single model of RV. There are
>> estimates that today, approximately 6,000 are still around.
>>
>> Nearly half of them are still out there after 40 years!
>>
>> There are a number of reasons for the GMC Motorhomes spectacular
>> longevity, and chief among them is handling and ride, both of which were
>> design goals for the engineers.
>>
>> There are two videos that clearly demonstrate the superior ride and
>> performance, and they are available here:
>>
>> https://www.gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos/ > https://www.gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos/>
>> It’s also a stunning piece of design that’s been adopted by our culture.
>> From Hot Wheels toys, to Barbie (her most popular motorhome is a GMC) to
>> Hollywood movies, it remains an iconic shape, and it’s what many people
>> think of when motorhomes are mentioned.
>>
>> Some of the coaches even have antique license plates on them, mostly
>> because they are antique vehicles, and their reliability is going to be
>> heavily influenced by the person maintaining them.
>>
>> I hope that the RV/MH Hall of Fame will concentrate on the positive
>> aspects of this coach, and not the driveability problems caused by the
>> extensive modifications which appear to have been made without consulting
>> the people who restored the chassis.
>>
>> In March, more than 250 vintage GMC Motorhome enthusiasts will gather at
>> Tallahassee, Florida for one of our two annual Conventions. There will be
>> fun and good fellowship. Technical sessions for those so inclined, and
>> general fun and mirth.
>>
>> These motorhomes will be driven to Tallahassee by their owners. Based on
>> an average distance of 275 miles each way, they will log a total in excess
>> of 68,000 miles. I know most of them will experience a smooth ride, and
>> precise and easy driving.
>>
>> The GMC Motorhome is also one of the few enthusiast vehicles that is being
>> admired and purchased by the upcoming generation of RV owners. That’s rare
>> for any vehicle, but especially a vintage motorhome.
>>
>> The Prince’ experience is indeed both uncommon and unfortunate.
>>
>> GMC motorhome owners usually enjoy a smooth ride and enjoyable drive.
>>
>> I invite you to ask one of us who makes memories in our vintage coaches,
>> and to join us and our chapters!
>>
>> Dolph Santorine
>> President
>> GMC Motorhomes International
>>
>>
>> *******************
>>
>>
>> Dolph
>>
>> DE AD0LF
>>
>> Wheeling, West Virginia
>>
>> 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
>> Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
>>
>> “The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
>>
>>> On Feb 9, 2019, at 11:02 PM, Fipp via Gmclist
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I just reread the article "From Junker to Museum piece" in the february
>> rving magazine. In 2017 at the convention we went to the museum but I
>> didn't
>>> see the $500,000.00 GMC. Just wondering if any of you read the article
>> and have any comments? The article was very disappointing to me.
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340866 is a reply to message #340849] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 17:12 |
Fipp
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2017
Location: Aledo, Illinois
Karma: -1
|
Junior Member |
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|
I am glad others were as angry as I was regarding her comments in the article. As a businessman, the most obvious reason for the donation to the museum was for tax purposes. What could potentially disappoint me even further is the fact that the museum,, or anyone for that matter, would have allowed or appraised the vehicle to be donated at that price or any price. The museum should get rid of the vehicle in my opinion. It is not a museum piece.
Scott D. Fippinger
Aledo, Illinois
1976 Royale
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just read the family rving february magazine [message #340871 is a reply to message #340866] |
Sun, 10 February 2019 17:50 |
JerryW
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I personally have toured that museum. It has what has been described as the
first Chassis built RV. Another made out of a Plymouth sedan. Several
unique tow behinds. Charles Kuralt's motorhome used in the first year of
his series "On the Road." It was rumored that he had a little romance going
on with someone in Colorado, but I don't know how true that is. A virtually
untouched GMC. Many others. Museums frequently are offered vehicles that
they use for collateral or trading stock. Some museums have restrictions on
what they can display. But, who actually knows what restrictions the donor
may have placed on the museum.
I personally have seen more than one GMC that had more than
$150,000.00 invested in it.
But, too much weight placed in the wrong place in the coach, with the
wrong wheel and tire combination, can play havoc with handling and
steering, no matter how much was invested. I think that the GMCMI president
took the correct approach with his response. Good job.
Jim Hupy
On Sun, Feb 10, 2019, 3:23 PM Fipp via Gmclist I am glad others were as angry as I was regarding her comments in the[/color]
> article. As a businessman, the most obvious reason for the donation to the
> museum was for tax purposes. What could potentially disappoint me even
> further is the fact that the museum,, or anyone for that matter, would have
> allowed or appraised the vehicle to be donated at that price or any
> price. The museum should get rid of the vehicle in my opinion. It is not a
> museum piece.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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