Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI (Looking for suggestions on salvage)
| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247412 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 17:05   |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Kevin,
Thank goodness all of you are unhurt. I'm sure you're thanking the GMC for
its protection.
Have you checked the Black List? There are several GMCers listed nearby
who may be able to help, if with nothing more than a shoulder to cry on.
One of them lists having a heavy truck servie in Grand Rapids; perhaps he
can be of help in arranging movement and storage of the hulk.
Good luck,
Ken H
On Mon, Apr 14, 2014 at 11:44 AM, Kevin wrote:
>
>
> While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI -
> we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and
> felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only
> had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But,
> our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
>
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Ken Henderson
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247414 is a reply to message #247405] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 17:15 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I was thinking the same thing. It looks drivable. The question is, drivable to where? It is 175 miles north of me and easy highway down here. There would be no problem driving it in Michigan and Indiana. He is in Illinois and there is a good chance Illinois would grab anyone driving it.
I would be willing to come up there with an engine hoist (cherry Picker) and trailer to retrieve the Onan for you.
You really need a place somewhere in Michigan to take it to while you disassemble it.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247426 is a reply to message #247414] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 18:41 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Going home from Montgomery we spun a main bearing. I knew my rig was not
going to make it another 700 miles.We were fortunate to get to an abandon
gas station on Hi way 287 and across the street was a convenience store
that had a deli with table and chairs. A couple of older gents were having
coffee and discussing the usual small talk when I approach them asking if
they had any space I could rent from them to store a motor home until I
could get back there. One fellow said sure I just live two tenths of a
mile behind the store. I thanked him and told him I would get back to
him. I went back to my coach and enlisted the help of a couple of club
members to find someone that would allow me to store my coach until I could
get back with an engine. Low and behold an ex GMC'er owner 40 miles down
the road welcomed me to store my coach at his place. I took him up on the
offer and went back to the store to tell the other guy that I was able to
make other arrangements with my coach. Thanked him again and said my
goodbyes after offering to pay for his coffee.
Point is the Black List is worth it's weight in gold, but there are
strangers out there that would also help out someone in need. You just got
to talk to right ones.
On Mon, Apr 14, 2014 at 4:15 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> I was thinking the same thing. It looks drivable. The question is,
> drivable to where? It is 175 miles north of me and easy highway down here.
> There would be no problem driving it in Michigan and Indiana. He is in
> Illinois and there is a good chance Illinois would grab anyone driving it.
>
> I would be willing to come up there with an engine hoist (cherry Picker)
> and trailer to retrieve the Onan for you.
>
> You really need a place somewhere in Michigan to take it to while you
> disassemble it.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247435 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 19:59 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| 75realsteel wrote on Mon, 14 April 2014 09:44 |
While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles, etc.
We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to salvage anything at this point.
We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in something as fine as our beloved '75.
The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out what to do next.
Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
Kevin
Chicago, IL
'75 Eleganza II
[ IMG ] http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html [ /IMG ]
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Personally I wouldn't give up on it yet. The front cap and windshield are easily replaceable. The rest of the roof can either be pushed back up or replaced as well. It may not be financialy practical. but I hate to see a coach go to salvage status that easily!
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247438 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 20:10 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Kevin,
If I had to eat the damage I would fix it. First thing is to seal it up to
keep the weather out. Duck tape and visqueen. Then a jack and a four by
four to raise the roof into a semblance of it's original shape. Replace the
damaged airbag and get it to a safe spot. A used windshield and more duck
tape makes it roadable. I've seen pictures of crashed coaches and it was
determined that there is not that much attaching the complete roof
section to the body sides. Find a coach being scrapped and change the roof.
Then continue the restoration. In the words of the late Jim Valvano, "Don't
give up, don't ever give up!".
Gary Kosier
77 PB w/500 Cad
Newark, Oh
-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 11:44 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI
While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI -
we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and
felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only
had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our
'75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but
would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it
at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to
complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack
the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles,
etc.
We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to
salvage anything at this point.
We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in
something as fine as our beloved '75.
The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out
what to do next.
Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
Kevin
Chicago, IL
'75 Eleganza II
[ IMG ]
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html
[ /IMG ]
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247441 is a reply to message #247426] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 20:15 |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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First thought, you are all OK and able to chat about it. That alone is
priceless.
Second thought , it is a runner and everything else is sheet metal and
plastic with a bit of fiberglass thrown in. Any good A&P should be able to
fix that without too much trouble.
Assuming the suspension, frame, and running gear are unscathed, and all the
systems work I'd park it in an outbuilding and have at it. I know where
there was a front cap that may still be available.
Just my opinion.
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Hart
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2014 4:41 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI
Going home from Montgomery we spun a main bearing. I knew my rig was not
going to make it another 700 miles.We were fortunate to get to an abandon
gas station on Hi way 287 and across the street was a convenience store that
had a deli with table and chairs. A couple of older gents were having
coffee and discussing the usual small talk when I approach them asking if
they had any space I could rent from them to store a motor home until I
could get back there. One fellow said sure I just live two tenths of a mile
behind the store. I thanked him and told him I would get back to him. I
went back to my coach and enlisted the help of a couple of club members to
find someone that would allow me to store my coach until I could get back
with an engine. Low and behold an ex GMC'er owner 40 miles down the road
welcomed me to store my coach at his place. I took him up on the offer and
went back to the store to tell the other guy that I was able to make other
arrangements with my coach. Thanked him again and said my goodbyes after
offering to pay for his coffee.
Point is the Black List is worth it's weight in gold, but there are
strangers out there that would also help out someone in need. You just got
to talk to right ones.
On Mon, Apr 14, 2014 at 4:15 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> I was thinking the same thing. It looks drivable. The question is,
> drivable to where? It is 175 miles north of me and easy highway down
here.
> There would be no problem driving it in Michigan and Indiana. He is
> in Illinois and there is a good chance Illinois would grab anyone driving
it.
>
> I would be willing to come up there with an engine hoist (cherry
> Picker) and trailer to retrieve the Onan for you.
>
> You really need a place somewhere in Michigan to take it to while you
> disassemble it.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247445 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 20:29 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I'd also think that it may be more repairable than you might think. The front cap is one large piece of plastic, the driver's side windshield, and perhaps some roof work may make it salvageable. I think you need to check the mechanicals, but it could be done.
Glad it held up well to keep you safe!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247446 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 20:26 |
Chuck and Lureen
Messages: 16
Registered: April 2013
Location: West Michigan
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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On 4/14/2014 11:44 AM, Kevin wrote:
>
> While enjoying the first trip of the year - to Muskegon State Park in MI - we were met with disaster as unexpected tornadoes moved into the region and felled a 50 foot white pine - directly on top of us. Fortunately, we only had minor injuries due to the limbs that came down with the tree. But, our '75 Eleganza did not fare so well.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6590-crushing-disaster.html
>
> I've uploaded some pictures here. I'm afraid the vehicle is totaled, but would appreciate any other feedback/advice regarding what we can do with it at this point other than have it towed to the salvage yard.
> We unfortunately only had liability coverage on it as we were waiting to complete our rehab before getting it fully assessed - big mistake.
>
> We've salvaged the new refrigerator, oven, awning and batteries, but we lack the means to salvage the generator, engine/trans, new Dave Lenzi knuckles, etc.
>
> We'd definitely appreciate any suggestions for what we can possibly due to salvage anything at this point.
> We definitely want to get back on the road someday - and hopefully in something as fine as our beloved '75.
>
> The vehicle still sits at the Muskegon State Park campground as I work out what to do next.
>
> Appreciate any suggestions via this thread or PM -
> Kevin
> Chicago, IL
> '75 Eleganza II
>
> [ IMG ] http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crushing-disaster/p54246-img-05611.html [ /IMG ]
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Kevin,
I live three miles from Muskegon State Park. While I don't have room to
store another coach at my home, my brother, who lives within five miles
of the park, has offered to let you temporarily park your motorhome at
his home. I'm sure that you can count on a work crew of volunteers to
travel here and help out. I just stopped by at the park and saw your
Eleganza. You were very lucky to not be injured. Trees of that size have
caused fatalities when they come down on a car or truck. Right now, a
snow storm is coming in, but if at possible you should get the unit
moved from the public area it's at and get a cover over it.
Chuck Mullally
GMC Great Lakers
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Chuck and Lureen Mullally
West Michigan
1975 Glenbrook
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247450 is a reply to message #247369] |
Mon, 14 April 2014 21:06 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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The only vendors somewhat close I know of are Tom Hampton and Cinnabar. Cinnabar did have a flatbed and 454 truck to pull it. Don't know if Tom can tow. Might call them both. They may have coach cores dammaged in different ways as donors. Or they may give you X to part it out.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Dreams Crushed in Muskegon, MI [message #247462 is a reply to message #247369] |
Tue, 15 April 2014 05:41 |
75realsteel
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2012
Location: Chicago
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Thanks so much for all the warm wishes and suggestions. Particular thanks to Chuck and Lureen Mullally for their very kind offers. We have since made it back to Chicago, with most of our personal items out of the coach - and a few of the bigger ticket items (awning, refrigerator, oven, electronics). The Jeep was drivable, fortunately and we rented a Uhaul.
As you might expect, insurance is not going to be helpful for us here - and doubtful the park's would cover either. I do have towing included in my insurance - and that may come in helpful once we decide what to do.
I'm going to call a few of the suggested vendors to get their thoughts on potentially fixing.
I do appreciate the suggestions for trying to save the coach - I certainly would want that first and foremost. However, I know the work is beyond what I have the means for right now working a full time job in Chicago. I just don't have the space close to home to store it such that I can work on it more often than once in a while.
The impact pretty much destroyed all the internal furniture - the closet area, the sink area and the refrigerator cabinet. So, a gutting is required in addition to whatever structural work would be needed to bend the roof back and fix the front and rear window areas.
I'll certainly be getting some quotes/suggestions via vendors this week and try to decide what to do next.
Again, thanks for all the support - great folks here!
Kevin
'77 Kingsley 26 - Chicago, IL
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