| GMs inspiration for the GMC MH [message #98212] |
Thu, 02 September 2010 11:31  |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma:
|
Senior Member |
|
|
GM's inspiration for the GMC? [message #97946 is a reply to message #97920 ] Tue, 31 August 2010 14:31
ldone
I find any conversation along these lines to be very informative and interesting....the new gmc owners, I am thinking, might also like to know about the mh origins.
It is too hot outside to work on the coach.....learning more about it is the next best thing.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76PB
>
>
Start talking about GMC MH history and you know it won't be too long before I show up ;^)
Here is what I know:
GMC chain of command (1973)
M.J. Caserio GM VP & GMC T&C Gen. Mgr.
W.W Edwards GMC T&C Chief Engr.
K.K. Stubenvoll Product Development (Motorhome Mgr.)
Ralph Merkle MH Chassis engr. (the motorhome was his idea)
John Locklin MH Body engr.(aeronautical Engr., no wonder the body is compared to an airframe)
Michael Lathers Chief Designer/GM Design staff (GMC "style" his idea).
Nancy Bundra Secty to Stubenvoll, ended up as Chief. Engr. for interior design/HVAC.
Alex Mair replaced Caserio in mid 1973 when the initial design was already completed. Caserio designed the MH to be a reasonably priced large volume vehicle, Mair wanted the MH to be more upscale (GMC Halo vehicle)as can be seen with the Eleganza SE being that first and the 1975 redesign a full blown upgrade.
There were FIVE makes of motorhomes using the Toronado engine/drive train, Revcon, Clark, Travoy, Tiara & GMC. GMC was the last of the five to come out with a MH design.
I have talked/interviewed all of the above with the exception of Caserio, and they all agreed that the review of the other designs led to a list of things they didn't want the GMC to use, rather a list of new/different ideas to be incorporated in the GMC design.
Merkle started with a design of 21' & 24', was unhappy when "sales" added lenght to get everything inside. Led to traction problem which frustrated him no end.
Thats probably enough for one sitting, much more detail is available @
http://www.bdub.net/billbryant/
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
[Updated on: Thu, 02 September 2010 20:00] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
