Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » looking for happy stories
| looking for happy stories [message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 01:16  |
appie
Messages: 902
Registered: April 2013
Location: denmark
Karma: 2
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These sites are a lot about troubles, brake downs etc. And for a obvious reason, i learn a lot.
For my peace of mind I would like to hear happy stories: Did you drive 100K miles without reaching out for your screwdriver?
Crossed the highest mountains without running hot ?
Done 20 M/gl?
And, as important: how did you do it. How did you get your couch to perform so well?
Appie
eleganza 76 "Olga" now sadly sold
6 wheel discbrake
Quadrabags
Springfield stage 2 462 olds
Manny tranny
( pictures at http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6489-olga.html
Fulltiming in Europe july 2014 til july 2016
Denmark
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| Re: [GMCnet] looking for happy stories [message #217494 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 01:46  |
dwayne jacobson[1]
Messages: 345
Registered: July 2009
Karma: 0
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Hi Lenze;
Last year at this time there were 3 coaches heading across BC and Alberta
on our way to the tip of newfoundland. Following that we head south to New
Orleans then across to Tuscan - Phoenix, Las Vegas - Reno and home. 14,500
miles of very enjoyable time. The best part was meeting other GMC owners
as we crossed the nations. Were there any breakdowns - yes but nothing to
stop us for one of the most pleasant memoriable trips.
Another Happy Story - being away in our Coach is very relaxing for Sharon
and myself, no TV, NO newspapers, No phone calls, No one grabbing for our
attention. Just the 2 of us in our Love Nest.
Dwayne
77 Kingsley
On Thu, Aug 8, 2013 at 11:16 PM, lenze middelberg <lenze@middelberg.dk>wrote:
>
>
> These sites are a lot about troubles, brake downs etc. And for a obvious
> reason, i learn a lot.
>
> For my peace of mind I would like to hear happy stories: Did you drive
> 100K miles without reaching out for your screwdriver?
> Crossed the highest mountains without running hot ?
> Done 20 M/gl?
>
> And, as important: how did you do it. How did you get your couch to
> perform so well?
> --
> Appie
> eleganza 76
> Denmark
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Dwayne Jacobson
White Rock BC
Cell: 604-644-8090
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| Re: [GMCnet] looking for happy stories [message #217497 is a reply to message #217494] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 06:23 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Driving up to a rally, stopping at a little campsite in the middle of nowhere, seeing all of your GMC friends, , especially those we have not met yet, staying the coach while rebuilding a kitchen, seeing more friends. Miles with no major troubles. Traveling with the pets.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] looking for happy stories [message #217503 is a reply to message #217497] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 07:58 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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| tphipps wrote on Fri, 09 August 2013 06:23 |
Driving up to a rally, stopping at a little campsite in the middle of nowhere, seeing all of your GMC friends, , especially those we have not met yet, staying the coach while rebuilding a kitchen, seeing more friends. Miles with no major troubles. Traveling with the pets.
Tom, MS II
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Sounds like us Tom.
See you in Branson
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: [GMCnet] looking for happy stories [message #217507 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 08:17 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Appie,
I understand what you have noted below and I'll respond with a question; how many good news stories are shown on Danish TV?
Most people don't take the time to send in messages telling about successful, trouble free trips. Maybe because they think people
will not be interested.
The way to get a coach to perform well is to put together a plan to check each and every system in the running gear and house then
work through it step by step.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of lenze middelberg
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 1:17 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] looking for happy stories
These sites are a lot about troubles, brake downs etc. And for a obvious reason, i learn a lot.
For my peace of mind I would like to hear happy stories: Did you drive 100K miles without reaching out for your screwdriver?
Crossed the highest mountains without running hot ?
Done 20 M/gl?
And, as important: how did you do it. How did you get your couch to perform so well?
--
Appie
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217514 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 09:21 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Appie, Teri and I installed the aluminum radiator before hitting the desert lands of the southwest. We have never over heated. Installed one of Jim's final drives, never found a mountain we can't climb. Always tow a car. I always figure once we get past the first 60 miles, we have it made. Only broke down twice and it was major engine catastrophe. Can't let that bother us. When we are not " tripping" and parked at home for extended time periods, I keep the gmc fired up and running. Sometimes using it to transport some of our grand kids. Got to keep vehicles road worthy by using them. Same with the onan. Most trips in these old coaches are non breakdowns but as mentioned, we rarely report those. However, when we are on the road, I do keep my blog current and report on everything. Others, like Ken H. do the same. I feel like Charles Kurwalt, an old time news reporter in US, when we are on the road in the GMC. Our plans are to once again hit the road for an extended period of time soon. Many breakdowns seem to occur do to lack of preventive maintenance. Same thing happens on newer motor homes.
Just my two cents worth. This is not only a social gathering but a " solve my problem" group that meets here. Most active forum I have ever participated in.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217515 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 09:26 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I did not pay very much for my GMC. So I have fully expected some breakdowns, and alot of work. I actually thought when I was picking it up, it would take at least 12 months of hard work to even be able to move it out of the driveway.
it has proven me wrong since. 3 weeks after I got it, I Headed out over 2 hours away for the weekend, and have been enjoying trips since.
We camp with friends, we camp as a family. I use it to stay in comfort when hunting well into cold december. I use it to go get ice cream. Daycare kids think my daughters are rockstars when i pick them up from Daycare in the GMC. I have used it for hauling wedding parties around. We have taken friends down as a group to just day outings. Lots of good memories.
Heading out tonight for 2 nights at our hunting land for a summer target shooting, BBQ, 4 wheeling, and entertainment.
Wife has taken my two daughters by herself to go camp with one of her highschool friends.
I do work on the GMC alot. but it has never ruined or gotten in the way of our memories. Actually created some additional memories of being proud of the work done, because we are enjoying the result of that hard work.
I posted some pictures of some good times:
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Fri, 09 August 2013 09:28] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217521 is a reply to message #217516] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 09:41 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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We have driven from Los Angeles to Sturgis SD twice and once from Los Angeles to Talahassee Florida with out a "major" incident. Always towing a trailer with two motorcycles. Oh maybe a few little rumages in the tool box to fix somwthing loose. But we made it. (Cavat - on the way back from Sturgis we had a little wheel bearing problem 3 exits from home - but thats close enough)
You just have to make sure the systems are reasonably safe before you go. It is unreasonable to expect that 30 year old fuel, water or power steering hoses won't fail. Replace them first.
Then just go.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
[Updated on: Fri, 09 August 2013 09:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217525 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 09:59 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| appie wrote on Fri, 09 August 2013 02:16 |
These sites are a lot about troubles, brake downs etc. And for a obvious reason, i learn a lot.
For my peace of mind I would like to hear happy stories: Did you drive 100K miles without reaching out for your screwdriver?
Crossed the highest mountains without running hot ?
Done 20 M/gl?
And, as important: how did you do it. How did you get your couch to perform so well?
|
Appie,
Go back and search up the report I wrote 08 April 2013.
Title is - Trip Report (technically boring).
We did cover over 3800 miles with great comfort.
We didn't climb any real mountains, but did drive about 90 miles of goat path roads that were a scary as those on the side of a Alp.
We didn't get 20m/gal, but I never expected to.
We stop for a repair (elected) that I had been trying to diagnose for a long time, but it was cheap and fast.
How do I do this?
I do the required inspections and maintenance.
Chaumière and I - We take care of each other...
We are about to embark on an 1800 (minimum) mile excursion that will take us all the way around Lake Michigan and to many places we want to see and some we want to see again.
I think very few GMC owners can go a long distance without having to tinker with something, but that is part of the charm of a GMC. You can do that stuff.
Matt - Making my coach better one little piece at a time.
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217547 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 11:54 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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We've thoroughly enjoyed our GMC since buying it just over a year ago (hard to believe!). We bought a "good one" with LOTS of work and upgrades, and have never had a second's buyer's remorse over spending twice what a fixer-upper would have cost us. I'm a car nut and a tinkerer, so I've enjoyed most of the mechanical things I've done, but nearly all of them were improvements, not fixing something that was broken.
The sum total of "fixing" I've had to do in 10,000 miles or so has been limited to an ignition switch, some new fuel lines, a new relay arm and some adjustment to the steering box, a new chassis battery and a new CV boot (the latter two items being bad when we bought the coach). Other stuff has been a labor of love - installing an inverter, a PD power supply ,Straight Track bogie devices, ram air, a MUCH better sound system, a rearview camera, a water filter, five more seat belts, etc.
The coach has carried us from AZ to IL then NC then TX then home, to Mexico twice (where it served as a bus, and then a program management office for house-building weeks with high school kids), recently up to Williams, AZ where six adults and five young kids were able to experience the outdoors in comfort thanks to our coach (and an 8-person tent). It gave our five grandkids a chance to get reacquainted in a setting that wasn't "normal" (no fixation on the TV or the pool). Every time I pick up the coach from storage, I can't help but think how lucky we are (and OK, what a great job I did finding the right one). 
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217550 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 12:10 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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Appie,
I've found there are many shades of happy in the GMC world. At times I have been happiest broken down on the side of the road and the GMC community has come to my aid, whether with physical labor, key information via the internet and telephone, or good old commiseration and moral support.
It's quite hard to describe to someone how I was happy broken down on the George Washington Bridge on a 97F degree day, during rush hour, with no generator, but it's true - I was. Knowing there are people rallying to your support that you've never met and can never repay can't help but restore and replenish your faith in Humanity. I just hope to be able to pay it forward.
As far as actual good good times...? Too many to list. Discovering out of the way bargain campgrounds, attending rallies and meeting new people, traveling on roads where you're scared for life and limb and living to tell about it. Having Eureka! moments and discovering new things about your coach, like what a previous owner was thinking when they did something a certain way.
When good things happen, well, that's just good, but when bad things happen and you live to tell the tale, those events make great bar and forum stories.
“Shared pain is lessened; shared joy is increased”
-Spider Robinson
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217575 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 16:44 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Appie
I found a good camp ground withinin an hour from home. Perfect for long weekends 2 to 4 times a year. It has allowed me to increase my nerve for longer trips. I have camped in nc mountains a couple times. 50 miles on blue ridge parkway was an exciting few hours. Music festival this past spring was so much fun that I am planning to attend again n the fall.
Every time I use mine I get moe comfortable. Between trips I try to inspect the things I can while I try to learn from this site what I am best to leave alone.
I do underatnd from working on printers that new stuff can be junk. smaller, lighter, maybe disposible. My gmc, thou can break at any time, it was not built with todays disposoble mentality, it was built to be used. I dont think has gotten any better, I have just gotten more comfortable
brian
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217578 is a reply to message #217493] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 17:02 |
John Hunt
Messages: 70
Registered: January 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
Karma: 0
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Hi Appie,
We bought our coach on Ebay primarily because it was a good buy and had solid mechanicals, and with my wife, two teenagers and questionable common sense, drove it all the way across the U.S. to bring it home. It was tired inside and out but ran and stopped like a top. Interior ceiling panels and walls were free of any attractive coverings and I was afraid to run any system for fear of causing something to fail that I couldn't easily fix. The side window was held in with duct tape we applied (on the side of the road, my wife sitting on my daughter's shoulders) after that window started to pull away from the body on the road. ("um, Dad - we better stop - i think the window's coming out!") The fuel tanks were so rusty inside I had to change a temporary in-line fuel filter installed for the trip every day (only once did a clogged filter cause the engine to stall, after which I began my daily regimen). Yet we were never stranded and drove home in several memorable days.
Some would call this a nightmare trip in a jalopy of a motorhome but for us it was an awesome memory and great fun. Call us crazy.
Best interaction with other motorhome owners was when a new, very fancy and huge diesel pusher pulled up while I was filling up at a gas station and called out to me. I thought "uh oh, what'd I do now". The driver said he loved the GMC I was driving and just wanted to compliment me on the decision to own one. I complimented his as well, and he said, "trust me, you don't want my payments or maintenance. You're the smart one".
The ole' GMC is 6 wheels up now on wooden cribbing in my garage getting a stem-to-stern and top-to-bottom going thru of every system. Hopefully by next summer we'll be hitting the road in a big way.
John
'76 Eleganza
Orange County, CA
1976 Eleganza II,
1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2,
1978 Merlyn Formula Ford,
1981 Lola Sports 2000
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217626 is a reply to message #217493] |
Sat, 10 August 2013 08:01 |
Rowlie
Messages: 55
Registered: April 2012
Location: Indianapolis
Karma: 0
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We've had lots of great fun with ours in the 18 months we've had it:
Spring break trip that allowed us to reconnect with friends in Missouri
Several trips to state parks either as a family or with others (our purchase inspired 2 other families to buy RV's but everyone ends up in ours since it's the "cool one")
We've had several tailgates with it to both high school and college games
We used it as a fundraiser for our school district twice by auctioning a local trip in it
We've taken it to the high school football championship filled with 9 screaming girls
It's been to the Indy 500
We decorated it with Christmas lights and had a couple of traveling parties to look at Christmas lights with our elderly neighbors and parents
One work rally in Cincinnati
It was the centerpiece for a summer-themed office party
I'm sure I'm leaving things out, but when we went on our annual summer vacation to Harbor Springs, Michigan in our minivan, my wife actually wished for the GMC.
I get a huge smile on my face every time I see it. Can't wait for the next trip to who knows where. I had hoped to get to Branson, but a work conflict is preventing it.
Eric Rowland
'76 Palm Beach
Indianapolis, Indiana
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| Re: looking for happy stories [message #217650 is a reply to message #217493] |
Sat, 10 August 2013 11:28 |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma: 1
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This is a very happy story! The GMC changed our life, my wife and I have remarked, what would our life been like if we didn't have the GMC. Now, 30 years and a couple of hundred thousand miles later we look back at the wonderful people we have met, the many wonderful miles all over this country, many great rallies and as someone else said, you can't help but get a big smile just remembering those good times.
Only got towed once, from RI to NY and was fully covered by towing insurance. The original final drive suddenly lost some teeth without warning  Not a bad record for many many miles.
My venture into GMC MH history was a logical extension of my interest from my antique auto hobby, which got its start when I was in high school. I always wondered what was in the minds of those that caused the uniqueness of those vehicles, the engineers, company owners, sales concerns, financial concerns, competition, etc.
I was never just a "Ford or Chevy" guy like many people, I liked a variety of makes because of their unique differences. 1910 Hupmobile, 1914 Metz, 1914 Ford (still have after 63 years) 1930 model A, 1932 Chrysler, 1935 Lincoln, 1939 Chevy, 1954, 57 & 65 Corvettes, etc.
I thought collecting history for the GMC would be a snap, after all, it was only made for six years. Maybe, 12 sales brochures if they had as many as two per year (I have about 50). Maybe they even made a HotWheels model (there are over 70 different versions of the GMC). Maybe I could even find someone that worked on the GMC when it was designed or built (have met, interviewed and become good friends with a number of original GMC/GMers). Don't want to bore you, but there are many, many more examples.
So, when I reminisce about that part of my life, I would do it all again, no question!
If you haven't gotten out in that GMC, do it now, times a wasteing.
Happy travels,
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
[Updated on: Sat, 10 August 2013 13:41] Report message to a moderator |
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