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Resto GMC? Perhaps it is time [message #73139]

Sun, 07 February 2010 01:04

Michael Bozardt

Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Notice the price of motorhomes lately? Even the 10 year old used ones are in the $50s and up.

Why not do as Jim Bounds advocates and begin putting GMCs back on the road. Jim talks about how a $70k GMC is competitive with the new motorhomes they build now, maybe even better.

How about with rebuilt engine, Manny transmission, 3.21, 3.42 or 3.46 final drive, new appliances(not the high end ones), a full size bed in back, two chairs and a table for dining, the OEM couch that makes a bunk bed, 7 Alcoas, Frank Elkins fiberglass parts as needed, a mimimum but effective paint job, new windshields and whatever used parts that are functional and/or no longer available, using other parts from GMC vendors as appropriate and retail for $50-$60,000.

How about it JimB, Jeff Sirum, Leigh Harrison? Time to branch out? What competition is there in that price range? Heck, the little diesel Sprinter chassis Class Cs are $65-100k! JimK could do it but he does not have any room.

I think it is worthy of serious discussion and the GMC is the perfect brand because it was and is still advanced in design and construction. There are a large number of them sitting around rotting away and could be brought back to life, perhaps even better than original by using better insulation and fixing some of whatever the inherent problems were/are-like using the two air bag system per side(not the 4-bag which could be an option), 15k btu A/C; Vintage Air dash A/C, better interior materials and more.

Once a prototype is built and decisions made about final equipment and materials, and suppliers lined up, production would be straight forward. There are people around like Caspro who did the restorations and could lend valuable advice about the pit falls and good things in undertaking this enterprise.

We don't want to reproduce the GMC but to reintroduce it as a modern RV priced toward the entry level side where there is only competition from used motorhomes which are overly priced and, in many cases, not as good as the GMC.

Reliability, using the tried and true mechanical and other OEM systems plus updates where needed and modern but inexpensive furnishings is the concept.

We already have engine builders, carburetor builder, transmission builder, final drive builder, suspension builder, fiberglass parts builder, electric w/s wiper and cruise control builders, custom builders, intake manifold builder, header builder, CV joint builders, radiator builder, a Vintage Air dash A/C that has been successfully installed and more. Cinnabar produces many new parts as well.

There would only be one basic model, a 26 foot coach, and it would not change from year to year though the buyers could purchase some options like 2 vs 1 roof A/C, but only one model generator would be offered like a 5.5kw modern Onan. I would suggest only one fuel tank(saves weight) and two holding tanks(1 for grey and 1 for black water). With one fuel tank you get about, what, 200 miles and no fuel transfer switch. You can leave the grey tank hooked up and open while in the park hook up site. Of course, a macerator could be an option.

Who else thinks of this wacky stuff at 1a.m. besides me??
Thx, Michael at GEMRECS

[Updated on: Sun, 07 February 2010 01:08]