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Daily Pose

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The Co-op is proud to be a member of the elite new force of bloggers bearing their soul at the same time offering you an inside look at the things in their world through the WWW.  Before a "blog" was called one, the "Daily Pose" had been here pumping out GMC owners and enthusiasts a dose of what its like hanging around our shop, seeing what we do and maybe picking up a tip or something that can maybe improve your GMC experience.  Heck, I didn't know what a "blog" was, I was just having a good time showing you guys what we were doing.  We certainly did not invent the blog but I will say it's good other people figured out doing it was an interesting thing to do.  So here is our "blog" and for what thats worth I hope there is something here that helps you.  I am most interested in your comments and suggestions. 

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11.20.08

39 deg. this morning did the polar ice cap shift!  We are at the record for our area with this, the sun is now out and maybe Mr. Sun can help us out but dude-- this is cold weather for us down here!  We have had to suspend any paint work, you simply cannot shoot in lower than 65 deg. weather.  Now up north, you guys spend big dollars for heater-- you should, they make popcicles at the temps. you have but down here it does not make sense to put dollars into a heater system that only gets used maybe 2 months out of the year.  I did go out and buy a jet engine looking heat maker some time back and my bet is it will get pulled out today but still anyone not standing in the way of it's wash will be cold.  I'm kinda like a reptile, when it gets cold we just "stove up" and can't operate!

First of all I'd like to thank Scott C. and John D. for bringing to my attention that there was a problem with the link to the recent article I was involved with on the RV Adventure magazine, they have it all fixed so you can now go there and read it.  Go to www.RVAdventureMag.com/ and click on the article "missing link".  This is a fledgling on line publication that really needs our help.  Like the past "Motorhome Classics" magazine that tried to focus on our market a couple of years ago, we need to support anyone who is providing any service to such a niche market.  So go there please, spend some time, there are other articles of interest-- rear the "editorial" page on this months issue and maybe you can help them in their effort to get off the ground, I am doing what I can.

Rob is fun working with, we're replumbing his maserator and sewer dump, we agreed to get the tank cleaned out first-- what a good solution and then he offered to get the old water heater out, I didn't get the pic but just after I took this one some black oil looking goop started draining out--- yukkkk!    Can you believe this Aussi out here in shorts!  Man, and he walked in the door just now with shorts on!  I'm layered!

So, as soon as the ice falls from the door knobs we'll get out there and do something, not really but it feels to me there shoulf be ice.  Hey, also go to http://www.rvbuddiesonline.com, they have a GMC they are working on, we're looking to get involved with their project too-- check it out and give them some support.

Thanks for the swing by, I hope to have some mock up graphics for the 23' Duramax today, stay tuned for that.

11.19.08

Sorry, not much time this morning to talk had to spend some time updating the SS club web site, still more to go-- it's 41 deg. this morning, hey thats cold for here-- I've got my long johns on, 3 layers of jackets-- dangit, where are my gloves!  The heater in the Suzuki is good but it needs to go to my muffler man Ben, I think the exhaust system fell off while we drug the critter to Pensacola and back!  It reminds me of the old days with cut outs and side pipes on my ole Chevy!  Can't hear the radio at 30 MPH!

We're having a great time here with Rob sorting out the mechanicals on his coach, Jeff will be in today to do more on the Duramax dashes and I am of the understanding that Megan who we're working with on the Duramax interiors will be getting with me with some updates on that.  The first shake down run with Tom's coach went well, well in that I found some things to check out-- thats fine, thats what getting it out on the road is all about-- would rather have a few systems show their weak points with me than with him!

There have been comments about an upcoming shortage and even the discontinuing of our unique 2 sided air bags used on the rear suspension-- have no fear, there will be bags available through us but remember "the only thing guaranteed in life is change" and for this reason we have been perfecting the new design 4 air bag system nicknamed the "quadrabag" now for a couple of years.  Yes, change is on the horizon but change need not be scary, the "Qbag" upgrade   is a retrofit system that assured the GMC will continue to be the king of the road for the future. 
    So don't freak out and worry that we will have to mothball our classic coach because of not rear suspension-- yes, to get involved with this system there is an initial expense but after that you will be good to go, these new air bags can be had at any Firestone "Riderite" dealer and using new "offshelf" parts to maintain our coaches is a good thing.  Read more about this system here New 4 air bag system.

If you are still interested in running the original 2 bag system though, give me a call and at this time we will still be able to support the system.

Looks like it

s going to be another clear sunny day down south here and I hope even with the chilly temp we will get stuff done.  So here I was saying I didn't have much time to talk and I've drug this post out-- what can I say, I enjoy spending this time with you guys-- so I gotta go, have a great one, thanks for the visit as always and keep the faith, hey why not, there are piles of less fun things wanting our attention!

11.18.08

Got the date wrong yesterday It's hard to get back in my "groove" around here.  With a 161 count on the hit counter it looks like I didn't loose too many of you with the absence-- thanks for hanging with me.  Today is the 18th which makes yesterdays post from the 17th-- not the 14th-- oh well, I think you get the idea.

Our "down under" (lives in Australia) man (Rob Mueller) rolled in early yesterday and up on the lift he went. .  Met Rob over the internet, sent parts out to him and when he picked up a coach here in the states he vowed to bring it by for a looksee.  So we started "down under' on his coach with his fuel tanks, body pads, air and brake lines and his poopy tank.   So what are ya hiding there Rob hanging out under your machine?  Nothin up my sleeve -- presto, we're having fun!

Then I'm sitting there trying to get things going but who is standing there in the lot---- Larry Coldren from Denver shows up.  Larry is the namesake of my coach "Larry" and also helped us find our 23' coach "Tin Soldier" that I have high hopes of one day putting together.  It's good to see Larry, thanks for dropping by.

Jeff made headway on the Duramax dash structure figuring out how to secure the inspection panels on the dash .  We have the Lizard skin on, the leaded foam sheet in place so lets see whats next.

Cold again this morning but sunny and clear so we have a shot at a productive day. 

Have a great day, thanks for the visit and thanks for your support.

11.14.08

4 days away and the keyboard is still in the same place, thank goodness for things you can trust on I will tell you we have had one of those memorable trips driving "JayGee" pulling the Suzuki all the way to Pensacola and then back again and I want to tell you about that of course and the great time we had but I gotta tell ya leaving then coming back to this seat the 2 big changes I see are one-- of course weather in the low 40's which for me is a bit traumatic but hey-- how bout them gas prices!

Yesterday leaving the Blue Angels base campground we paid $1.93 for regular!  Now really, this is a big deal to us folk who have a GMC, at that cost compared to the cost of milk, eggs and a Big Mac, just about the cheapest entertainment you can have is to hop up there in the drivers seat of your coach and enjoy the ride!  When I left Orlando a gallon of go juice was $2.23, bringing that cost down under $2 a gallon means traveling in your coach has become a real bargain and I expect others to see the value here.

OK, so we are still in an economic turndown, jobs are going away and few new houses are being built but at least there is one relief!

So yes, we made it back home last night after an all day run from the panhandle of Florida.  I-10 has not changed, it's still a long boring stream of asphalt but I gotta tall ya I had a wonderful time.  I am convinced that the RV lifestyle is something for Janie & me, the people out there are so friendly and there really is so much to see and places to go, a "gypsy life" has much to offer.  Yes, yes, a shower at the house did feel good and I fell to sleep in seconds in our bed but hey, life should be about more than a hot shower and a familiar bed!

The Sunshine Statesmen rally way out on the far end of the state was a huge success, we had 23 coaches attend with several people stop by for a visit without their rig just to show support.  Jerry Heartly from Alabama (which BTW I found out was just across the river) stopped by to break bread Fri. night, a great friend and of course long time GMC owner.  John Richardson put together a really awesome event not only did we see the homecoming Blue Angels airshow but we had a guided tour of the Naval air museum which you really need to see but Janie & I found an awesome beach, something you just don't see much anymore.  Perdido Bay has a National Seashore Park made from a long sand key which the only way to get to it's end is by foot through the sand-- and guys I mean "through the sand" .  Janie & I walked with out lawn chairs @ 3 miles down the totally deserted beach for a view of the airshow from across the bay  that few   can duplicate.  You could not capture what it was like to see the show with a camera-- you just had to be there .  Back at the rally the scenery was awesome right from our picnic tables .  I got involved in the cooking and if you wondered what happens to all those stove/ oven combination units we are pulling from the coaches during renovation know that their next life is useful .  The food was awesome, we had fish and sausage Gumbo made by a native couple to the area club member Kay & Bobbie Williamson .  John brought us to a restaurant legend in the area "Lamberts" where they are famous for being the "Home of the throwed roll".  Yep, you want a bisquit--- hold up your hand and they throw it to you from across the room--- yea, I know it sounds weird but the food was also something to see. I figured I would get something good for me-- you know trying to take care of myself-- the guy beside me also ordered a salad, when he left he looked at me leaving a pile of greens still laying there in the bread bowl and said "I just got tired of eating" !  I ate that salad all the way home to Orlando yesterday  !  But the get together was all about the GMC and the ride and all that goes with getting out on the open road with these machines and just going for it-- and we did and after a white knuckle ride all night to get out to the rally Wed. night, the ride home was done Sunday in the daytime, not a cloud in the sky, a beautiful smooth interstate where JayGee and I came together and just "rolled that ball" .  Let me do some math but having time to "fiddle" I think I got some pretty respectable mileage, I'll let ya know when I figure it out.  You've just gotta get out there on the road with a GMC to understand this, working on them all day though I truly enjoy it is just one part of the experience and running down the road on a beautiful day, everything doing it's job, your hands of the wheel of a 26 foot pony poised to do your bidding-- the planets aligned and all you have to do is make that next rise-- oh and watch the fuel gauge is-- well just what the GMC is all about!

So now we are back to the shop, it's a chilly 40 deg. and we have Tom's coach to deliver today.  After his alignment on Wed. before we left Buster and Jason both worked hard to take the rear wheels from this   where the toe was out big time and the front wheels were pointing different directions to this where camber and toe are right on and the caster spec is where we want to see it go .  With his tires now trued all thats left is a little tweeking and he will be off for the fun I had the weekend.

Oh, BTW for those that wonder about this one-- "Elvis has left the building" , after a check of all the parts and a few funny looks at eachother, that Avion trailer that has been such a thorn in my side finally was picked up and off to do it's own thing.    It's too bad, it would have made a nice machine if it were treated properly-- hey, someone else can make that unit the best it can be-- not ME!  So ends that chapter and as they say "thus ends that lesson" and a good one it was.  Do your best for everyone as the Cub Scout motto decrees but when it gets ridiculous and you have done all you can do without getting used--- move on.  Thanks to all who helped me through this learning experience and thanks for putting up with watching all of it here on the pose-- like I have said, you see the mud, the blood and the beer when you come here!

Rob Mueller from Australia will be in today with his state side coach, always good to see Rob and help him out.  Tom is scheduled to pick his coach up and let's see where we are with the 26 and 23' Duramax projects.  We are on a race to the finish on these projects.

So there, I think I'm caught up with you guys, I bet I have 1000 Emails so if you sent me something be patient, I'll get to those things next-- I need to get through cranking the shop back up today though.  Pray for a stronger economy each day, watch to see what you can do to help the matter and above all live today and everyday to it's fullest-- it's what we were put here to do.

See ya later 

11.12.08

well Tom's delivery is going bout the same as most bringing all the loose ends all togather where they tie up nice and neat makes for a handful of string!  Got it out to warm up the tires to get them trued Of course this meant the guys had to step up with the coach up on the jacks to keep working    To properly true and balance new tires, you must drive them to get them hot, then get the coach off the ground while hot   Then the fun begine with the tire truing machine .  While that was being done, the guys started the final check out and found the Honda generator fuel pump dead -- what can I say, she ain't pumpin!  This morning we will fix that then get the coach in for it's alignment.  I'll do some final interior pics for ya when I get a chance.

Went over to Kevins to check on the 23' Duramax-- hey, she's about to get color!  Here you see the primer on except for the entry door where Kevin is resetting the door flare section-- it just did not line up   Check out how smooth the surface is, this has to be the case for a clean finish     .  Could be the next time you see this critter it will have color-- fingers crossed!

While having the 26' Duramax out of the bay for a little air, we cycled the air ride system.  Several have asked about the wheel clearance-- here is the coach in travel height       Pulling the coach in you can see some new progress, the tail lights wiring is in   Slowly but surely, a bit at a time is how these machines will finish out.

As a reminder, Janie & I will be attending the Sunshine Statesmen Pensacola rally this weekend so don't get upset if I do not post.  I'll be back soon, take the weekend off from the computer and go hug your coach, I bet it misses ya!

11.11.08

Getting ready to deliver Tom's coach and all the rest made yesterday a more than usual stressful Monday It's always difficult getting a week going after a weekend- getting everyone in to work, getting projects back up on the plate and remembering where everything stopped and all.  Tom's coach has been with us for a time and with all the projects that are wrapped up in the coach, it is difficult to try and make sure all is as it should be.

I finally got the patterns for the Duramax driver windows put together, here are both frames after their fitting .  Going out of town to meet the owner of the business making the custom curved glass was more of a learning trip than actually delivering the patterns, first I had to learn what was needed by the builder then I had to come back and furnish what he needed.  He took the radius of the curve when I brought the frames but now he needed the exact shape of each pane of glass.  Craig helped me put this together   It's difficult to know the level of "accurate" the patterns need to be in that this is new ground for us.  The front pane will be fixed and framed in with metal while the rear window will slide forward.  Yes, it's going to be a huge window-- but it needs to be.  2 other side windows gave pieces to make these windows so if the question is how easy was it to make and how cheap will they be--- the answer will have to be no, it is not easy and no, they will not be cheap!  I am also having a pair of panes made to fit an original size driver window to make at least one -- I need to see if it can be done.  Stay tuned for more here.

One thing I wanted to point out to you if it already has not been abundantly evident--- when we take on a project, it's actually more than just one thing-- there are many small projects involved in most anything we do.  I say "small" but it seems that every small project is in itself an object that can create frustration.  You link many of these seemingly impossible issues together and if you are lucky you end up with a completed project.  There are very few things we do that are "cut-n-dried" and many are first time ideas that start out pretty wet!

Give ya a good one, Buster was working on the 26' Duramax yesterday, refinishing the LP compartment. The original compartment door was propped up with the usual push broom but with the mass of the ground effects, the door was pretty hefty, the side profile shows what I mean .  Sure we all knew this was there, it had to be but along with the outside surface you could see there were the sides and the back surfaces of the door that also had to be finished off, and all that made the door a bit on the heavy side--- and the broom moved. That door came down with a force never seen in a compartment door--- boom onto first Busters head then onto the body with a bang.  Now, the problem, aside from the not on Busters noggin, is the fact that the door is heavy!-- This door as you know is a pretty flemsy door originally-- now it has been reinforced and has a huge, heavy weight at the bottom--- we are going to have to make that door safe and convienant to open--- oh, pull out another 50 feet of shoreline and a left handed smoke bender-- we need to make something that holds this paperweight up! Oh yes, as we need a system to hold it down latched in place for travel so now we have 2 new things no one has had to deal with before.  The original compartment latches will not do, they are covered up and the  frameless windows have no lip to hook that obligatory rubber hose strap in.  Now you know how flemsy the upper supports of this door are and if we were to use the gas struts like some have in the past the door would surly crack--- so here we go, another "impossible mission" !   See, this is what I mean when I say doing many small project wrap up into one job and I guess these things is what takes all the time to do stuff like this.

Heck, even on Tom's coach which compared to the Duramax project is nothing has many first time issues that had to be worked out.  His overhead galley cabinet was an exercise in first time stuff   The soft radius with the recessed flat screen was not just for show, it was done to give a place for everyone in the main area of the coach to see the TV set and to house the microwave as well as his toaster oven without looking busy.  We wanted a clean, smooth look and we had to struggle to get there.  Prebending the laminate so it would stay was a trick recessing and mounting his flat screen TV to give access to the manual controls was interesting and than actually making it fit the coach and look like it was a part of the coach  was another one .  Nothing less than sharp would do, this cabinet is the first thing you see when you step in his coach-- a goose egg here puts yoke on every face that looks at it.  Just this overhead cabinet took several days of thinking and doing-- and this one worked out well.

See, if all goes perfect, we have success but if something does not it usually takes that project back to the bench for another idea.  I'm not trying to justify the time it takes to do this stuff -- just showing the complexity and the challenges we have every day.  The Duramax LP and generator doors will have some breakthrough solve their issues.  Tom's overhead came out good, Mark's 2 tank sewer system will be interesting in the 32' stretch which BTW, no one has ever had to deal with.  The original 2 tank system was a bit of a mess-- we can't just leave that so again we go under the microscope on out discovery.  The Duramax driver windows I showed is yet another example of a missions impossible project and other than that Bush Beans commercial that used a plexiglass window, a top to bottom slider even in an original size frame has never been done much less one the size we have for that project.

Hey, I asked for it and challenges we have here and I have to say these things are what folks bring stuff like this to us for.  We make mistakes, we have to readjust our thoughts but I do not look at those issues as "failures", just unexpected results that we learn by.  We take as much input as possible and run with what we find.  You just cannot take the time to diagram out every detail of stuff like this, you take as much input on the front end and dive into the water, then you see if you can swim in it.  It's the only way to afford to do this stuff.

Jim G's coach had a problem, the previous outfitted had built a pretty sharp looking dash   Hey, but how do you get to the fuse box!  There is no glove box to open!  We studied the issue, adapted and overcame   and even made it look descent and functional .  No one, not even the dude who made that dash thought about the problem till someone needed to check a fuse-- that would be us!  Now, Jim has a map pocket covering the hole to access his fuse box--- problem solved but we needed to see the problem before we could make a fix and if we were the ones who made the dash, I hope we could think through the issue farther than what was done and plan to check the fuse box.  I try and think of that poor soul that one day will need to service something we make and only hope we do not paint ourselves into that veritable corner!

So maybe that is what we are here for and this is our plight in life.  If this is true I hope those that look to us to make that silk purse from that sows ear will understand and party with us on our missions.  Doing all this surrounded by this imperfect world I feel is what we try the hardest to do.  Doing a brake job and installing a wheel is not big deal but making sure the flare/ground effects kit on the Duramax clears the 19.5" front wheels is a bit tricky and making these huge rims mesh in with 16" rear wheels without making them look silly is another slight of hand   See-- now the cat's out of the bag, I probably should have never said anything but this was accomplished pretty well by the shape of the flare kit-- wait till we get an aluminum rim on the front, you will not be able to tell---- I hope!

So I guess the thought for the day is appreciate what it takes to do some of the stuff we're charged with please, watch how it all goes and know that if we first do not succeed, we must try again.  Don't look at us a magicians, only someone willing to try and try again.  Hey, few other people would even take on some of the stuff we do!  Any you know, they are not wrong in passing some of this stuff up-- hey, someone has to try though so thanks for watching, thanks for supporting our efforts and thanks for all you do to keep us going and keep our creative juiced flowing.

We are working this week toward getting many project done, Thurs & Fri Janie & I will be heading to Pensacola to the Sunshine Statesmen rally-- remember I committed I would be at all the rallies this year but at the same time we must get our work load completed.  Today we true and balance Tom's tires, do his alignment and start in on his shakedown for a Monday delivery-- wish us luck.  Today is the "hump day" for that coach, I'll give you a playback this evening.  "JayGee" must be made ready for the Panhandle trip, it will come to the shop tomorrow for it's prep and believe it or not, we still have that Avion trailer sitting here which is a serious object of frustration for us.  Help us will that issue away.

Thanks for today's visit, hope I didn't bore ya too much but living this shop every day has become such a challenge that I do not know what to do without such things standing in my way.  We'll see ya tomorrow

11.10.08

Little bit of a late start this morning needed to read through all the Emails that the weekend brought in.  Bundling the "archives" seems to be something several of you feel would be beneficial--  I'll look into it.

Several have said they were happy to see I was soaking my brain in other things-- thanks for understanding man does not live by GMC's alone and to that end-- I was out on the bike and picked up a hitchhiker yesterday ,  "Godzilla" loved the warm side car cover and did try his hand at the big seat too and was prepared except for not being able to push that start button     Like the bike, "Godzilla" draws a crowd wherever he goes too and together they were a real sight   Ok, it was just for fun--- and it was

Had a few interests in the EL II retrofit project, here is the finished retrofit It uses 2 compressors, yes this does make it a little pricy compared to the usual retrofit of the system but man does it go up right now!  Hey, and don't we Americans want to fix something better when we do it? I used the original solenoid valves, added 2 110/145 regulators, 2 compressors with their own check valves and along with a few fittings and things put this together.   You must have an operating height sensor circuit to have this system operate in "auto" or "travel" mode.  As you can see, I modified the original platform to have the new system fit back into the coach in the original location.  If you are interested in putting this together give me a call, I can ship you the parts.  If you want it built and installed in your coach AND you are in the area, give me a call on that too.  Like I said, it does cost @ $$550 in parts but man what a system!  Is supplying 2 times the CFM to each air bag so you can guess how it works--- fast!

Kerry, packed up Saturday evening and headed out for parts unknown   Glad to have you with us kerry, happy trails.

Things will get going soon so I need to sign off, have a great day, call if I can help ya and be good to your coach and it will be good to you.

11.8.08

Gleening through my Emails, got one from Gary:

Thanks man, I'm just scared any minute my provider is going to pull the plug.  The web site is getting big and it's growing every day-- I mean how much fun can one web site hold!  Let me talk to John and find out my limits, I didn't know all that was looked through or anyone really cared!  Pose Archive

OK you guys, I know you follow the daily pose here to see what sort of madness we get into.  Hey, and I hope I don't let you down on that point.  I mean think about it, as faw as cutting edge stuff we have tried to integrate into the GMC platform I would say we are going after some things right now that we would usually leave in those dreams.  The Duramax is one direction that I feel will yield fantastic results-- and we are close to that "edge".  So now the question has been asked me several times "Whats next".  I would have to first say lets get these critters kicking before we look further --- but at the same time as putting wrinkles in my brain dealing with impossible issues with the Duramax projects I would be lying if I told you I dream of nothing else, in fact I have been batting back and forth another integration concept-- one that goes even farther than the Duramax.

The main concept of the Duramax coach is to incorporate new technology to stuff in soooo much torque and diesel powered nads that the coach would fly rather than scoot across the pavement and I must say that we have achieved that.  But, there are other new technologies that seek to achieve efficiency, economy and superior characteristics in other ways.  Well....... yesterday we have reached another plateau and though I never set myself up for a fall anticipating something that may never come-- and dealing with this sort of cutting edge stuff, that happens all the time--- in communication with this GMC oener/ electrical engineer we have settled on a system that has the promise to put us in another high tech drivers seat--- A "hybrid" GMC--- and guys, to put you on the same cloud as I am right now and so you don't wonder if my marbles just hit the floor---- go click on this and spend some time outside your body  http://allisontransmission.com/product/electricdrive/epsystem.jsp  So now my secret is out, my mind is smoking and now this dream is possible too!  This will be the next project as soon as the Duramax coaches are operational and set loose on the highways.  If you can't dream, how can you discover new things and here is another dream machine.

Craig and his 2 sons just showed up so we'll get some stuff done, gotta go-- I think I've said enough for now.  So, did I answer your question?

11.7.08

Got a bit of a late start this morning, sorry-- I'll see how much I can post before things start jumping around here  Today is "do it day" for that trailer getting off our property.  If not we go in for round 2-- I gotta tell ya I have learned alote with this-- mostly that everyone has rights and just proving you are right does not always bring everything to where they should be-- it takes perseverance and I think you guys know I have that!

Jeff dove into the deep end on preparing our aluminum dash panels for the Duramax projects   Forgot to get pics of shooting the ceramic insulation, I'll get some pics of that to you later.  You can see the black coating on the edges of thew dash top panel.  The sliver is our leaded foam insulation we use in our generator installs. It has a lead/nylon streamer, 2 layers of foam and the silver mylar you see.  This stuff is called "1 pound goods" in that 1 square foot weighs 1 pound.  With the spray on sound insulation, spray on ceramicheat barrier and the leaded foam product we should have a quiet diesel motor in the coach.  We are using the leaded foam only in the generator compartment, we'll see how that works.  At last, we have the dash panel in, next we secure it and sart in on the removable panels.   We will install and secure Ken's 23' Duramax dash on Monday.

Jason is on the job mounting the remote mounted generator radiator on the Duramax coach , hoses run from the generator compartment up front to this location, we have hopes of firing his generator today.

Here is a project I will be heading up on Craig's 28' stretch.  it is a 1978 coach and his air ride system--- yep, the system that has irreplaceable parts.  .  Follow my retrofit modification to make this system not only serviceable for the future but also a super strong upgrade.

So thats it for today, a clear sunny cooler day, just perfect for work outside-- and as you know thats where we are!  Have a great day, see ya later.

11.6.08

I've got too much in the "archive" file, go rummage through there if you like before I blow out some of it.

What a great day yesterday, went over to see progress on the 23' Duramax -- we're in the final prep stages and Kevin was a "sanding fool" when I showed up yesterday   That tail cut is a ery important feature of the body mods and it not only must look perfect it also needs to be very stable.  He's "pickin' really hard, looking at every little pimple so his smoothing out starts off looking like Clearasil dabs , doing custom body work like this requires this level of attention   This driver windoe opening has to be finished to the tees   as does the rest of the body and Kevin is on the job and hard at work--- this WILL be where it needs to be.  NOW, take a look at the last project our air brush technician just finished         I dare say we are not looking for a "Medusa" lookalike but someone that can do this will certainly add a real talent to what we are looking for on the layout on the 23' Duramax.  You bet you gotta stay tuned for this one!

Looks like we're headed for "round 2" with the Avion trailer issue.  Hey, I'm learning a great deal about the legal system and how much you must endure to stay at arms length from people like this-- thats fine, we are on the side of right so bring it on!  This sort of thing consumes me, take time from other stuff and maybe that is the crime that will need to prevail, like I said "damn the torpedoes"!

Tom's coach is inching to the gate with the silly small issues now, didn't get any pics-- I'll do that today.  Mark's 32' stretch will get attention on the sewer system today I hope and we have an alignment check already here waiting for the machine.  Kerry blew in late last night so it's great to have him with us --- so the beat goes on.  Have a great day, the ride in on the bike was exhilarating so I'm ready for "rock-n-roll".  Thanks for the visit and we'll talk again.

  11.5.08

Change has definitely come to America!  and whether your candidate won or not, things will be different in the future-- I think that will be a good thing.  I'm most interested to see what will happen to help the small business man and of course our economy and how the world views us.  Moving forward and laying new track is to me a positive thing, now we all need to get behind our leader because history has shown the US that united we can do most anything!  Lets see how the bean counters feel about all this, that will be the first "bellweather".  Big change like what we seek is usually a slow process so we will all need to be cool about it all and give things a chance to gel so lets revel in the fact that fuel prices are low today and may stay that way.  I'm also very interested to see how the new regime sees the "Pickens Plan" and what the want to do about energy dependence.  T Boone has not updated his video blog yet, will be interesting his spin on this.  More than this this race, other candidates in our area have also sided with "change" so there are factors lining up that may seem to help the new concept for our country-- I think that also can be seen as a good thing for it all.  I'm not really smart enough about all of this to say for sure what it all means so this will probably be all I'll say about it-- we all need to get behind the American position and not fight within so now it's onward and upward.  I will say this that the American experiment was formed from the desire to change-- so I guess we're still doing what we do best. 

We had a good day at the shop.  Jason and Buster went after undercoating the 32' chassis.  With the 2 holding tanks down, you can see how unprotected the underside of the coach really was , the forward tank is still in on this pic, when it came down the same bare wood was found.  So after degreasing and descaping all that then laying on some gloss black and rubberized undercoating, we have this .  We'll go in and "foof" up some thin areas then Craig & Eric will get jiggy with installing a new 2 tank custom sewer system.

Mike and Megan came by yesterday to get into the Duramax interior project and designing the all new custom dash.  This is a mold we have made some time back for a one piece fiberglass dash that fits our original floorplan , our plan is to pull a part from this mold then modify it and mold that.  The direction is to retain as much as possible the original dash design and look.  I think this is a great idea, of course it will still have a great deal of "change"-- oops, there's that word again!  We are heading into new ground today with this issue, we will be sound and heat coating the aluminum top panel in preperation for it's installation.  Mike will be working on the "doghouse" engine cover and this dash cluster so we have our direction on this.  Jason is keeping pressure up on the connections of our Kubota generator which may fire up today-- the exhaust system is our next issue on that front.

Don't forget now that we are also making headway at the same time on the 23' Duramax.  I'm going to slide over to Kevins and get a few pics on that project so Ken will have some stuff to look at-- and you guys too.  Projects are making way for more focus on the Duramax projects as I was trying to do.  We're into the final touches on Tom's interior work.  We're into the little things now and a an example-- it's so noice when things do come together.  Take a look at the color match of the seat belts to the new taupe seats in his coach   I tell ya it is an exact match-- that does not happen that much when it comes to matching any color than black!

I'll do pics of the heat and sound coating for both Duramax projects, stay tuned for that.  Lets all breath a sigh of relief in that as Americans we can all know where we are going and can all line up our support.  All those negative political ads trying to scare us are all over, I don't know about you but I just hated all that.  Maybe we can now get back to all of our drug ads and having them tell us how much better our lives will be taking the "purple pill" or being concerned about an erection lasting more than 4 hours!  Yea, thats also pretty scary too!  Doesn't look like rain today so we should have a full work day and I'm thankful for that.

Thanks for the visit, I'll carry my camera today.  Oh, today is also a good day in that if all goes well that Avion trailer will go home and get out of our hair-- thats been an interesting experience, guess I'll hang up my power suit-- oops, late update, just got a call from the "other side" who said they have a problem with the release document.  Are we playing tidily winks again?  We'll find out soon and I'll let ya know.

11.4.08

Really, this is "04" and election day,guess I got ahead of myself yesterday so today everyone get out and vote and we'll see where the "American experiment" takes us.

Yesterday was a good day, got a bunch done.  First thing, we pulled out the Duramax coach to get to the alignment machine for Ben's coach.  Man, I just salivate when I see this thing out in the daylight       It's measure twice and cut once-- especially with a piece of aluminum like this .  This is the rew material we will make the dash and firewall from.  It needs to really fit well to keep out, sound, heat and fumes so the measure is the deal   Oh man, look at the lines of that body, looks kinda like the side view of a 57 Chevy!  So the cut begins   these openings will be to service the power plant.  Jason is "diver down" on the Kubota generator install , the install is a bit of a challenge in the original location but as usual he prvails.  You can see how compact this unit really is , it just has a little taller profile but it's in now and now we can go about hooking it up.  The question was asked about turning radius on the Duramax chassis, take a look at "full lock" , in other words it's much better than the original chassis and dude, look at the "meat on the ground!  This thing is gonna be a hole digger!    Are you as excited as I am?

We pulled the Duramax out to get Ben's coach into the bay for his alignment check , Buster was "diver down" on this project .  The machine showed up our challenges on the rear wheels and the front .  This is not surprising after the A arm bushing replacement we did.  A couple of words and whatever and we had a good readout   and a test drive confirmed the work took.  While Janie got a shipment of original bedroom seats ready Craig and Eric pulled down Mark's holding tanks on the 32' stretch   How bout that unprotected floorboard!  Next step we will undercoat all that and the rest of the undercarriage.

Like I said, yesterday was a good one, hopefully today will continue the progress.  The sun just came up, it looks a bit overcast though the weather guy said 10% rain-- we'll just have to see.  Craig has an 8AM dentist appointment and Steve is off at his son's wedding-- hey, 2 very important things but I still am hoping for a strong day.  It's all we can do, take each day and work them to the fullest.

We have a fiberglass guy coming in for the dash molds we'll have to make, stay tuned for that.  Megan will be bringing him, she is our "interior decorator" for the Duramax project and this will hopefully get our interior push going.  Raymond and Ken both will be watching our work now with keen attention-- thats great and I too am excited on the progress.  Isn't it fun for the rest of you guys to follow all of this-- I would if I were you!

Have a great day, hey and get out there and vote-- it's your duty-- hey and thanks for the visit, I see with our hit counter making over 250 regularly we are attracting many of you guys-- thanks for coming by and thanks for the support, I hope it was fun

11.4.08

Election week so we all know what to do, complain a bit but know this is the event that sets us apart-- make the best of it and lets see if we can make a dent in our problems---- VOTE!

Today we will pull the 26' Duramax out of it's bay, we have an alignment to do in that spot and besides, the baby needs a little sunlight, I'll have my camera to document the event.  Jason should be all over the generator install and Craig should be inside with the dash and firewall mods, stay tuned for that.  Ben gets his alignment check after a pile of front suspension work and when finished we will have another GMC back on the road.

A question I was asked last week, or as it was a comment that I spend a great deal of time talking to you some 300 or so guys that I may be slacking off on my duty of promoting our business elsewhere.  Well, I will say it is easy and much easier to talk to you guys in that I feel you come here for a reason and am in the mindset of understanding our focus, I also do spend time on the GMC net but even counting the folks there it is true that even those numbers of enthusiasts cannot fully support the expense of all of the stuff we do.  I mean we offer a full parts inventory or at least a line on any part you would need-- hey thats a huge service -- one we need to probably promote more.  There are those that also offer parts but I feel the thing that sets us apart is that more than just getting the part in that our main focus is the total renovation of the GMC that we can also help you on installation, adjustment and if needed the operation and possible issues associated with parts you get from us.  I see this as a "complete package" and I feel this is what is needed in a specialty market such as this.  Parts can be had-- it's the expertise that is difficult to find.  Check out our "Just For GMC" parts page-- know though that there is only a smattering of stuff we have so if you need something, we can help.

We also offer more than restoration services, we do any sort of repair or maintenance on the GMC.  Whatever you need, we do it hey and everyone comes to Orlando at some point so make a list of stuff you need and come on by-- hang out at Disney while we work on your coach-- look at it this way, man we have a really involved waiting room!  You can hunker down in the lot for a day or so if you like, save a park fee and get some stuff done, of course tethered to our drop cord there is not as much to see-- that is unless you want to see some wild stuff happening on GMC motorhomes and then this place is a wonderworld!  Bring some dirty clothes and we'll put ya to work too!  What fun, well in some ways!

And then there is the reason for us being here, to bring the classic GMC back into the limelight and make a renovated coach the viable option it is to having a great travel machine for the best possible cost.  This is what we do, we are here to turn your dreams into reality.  Yep, thats a pile of work and it is not easy but thats what we have been here doing for over 10 years.   If you think this is the way you want to go, we can do it.  Look over our successes on our Gallery page.

So why all the gratuitous  advertising here-- hey, if you didn't know it we are in some sort of economic situation and biy we too need to take care to stay above water.  We need your help with that, if there are things you need, things you need to get done or something you are thinking of doing to your coach, please think about putting us in your loop.  I can tell you we can help, can help you do what you want in the best possible way, can help you to get there in the most economical way and in return by letting us help you in turn you will be helping us.  It's a win-win and I like that sort of thing.  Soto all those saying I need to pay attention to more than just the visitors here I say OK, but you guys need to help me with that.  Tell others, tell those interested in a GMC and those with one that the Co-op is here to help them and I will make a promise to you to do my best for them and you.  It's why we are here so we need your help to keep doing it.  I enjoy every day here at the Co-op-- well some days are better than others but they all go to a good end so it's all worth supporting I think-- thanks for your past support and looking forward to years of more fun.

Sorry for the plug but I just needed to bring all that up, every day is a challenge for any small business and boy we are a "posterchild" of all this economic stuff the politicians are beating their chests about.  Looser credit, lower taxes, healthcare, lower materials cost, a handle on transportation costs, energy dependency oh yea and some way to retire-- we are all about all of those things.  The Co-op needs a new facility, we could do so much more if we had more tools, a better facility, better working conditions and all that but as the Rolling Stones say, "You don't get what you want, you get what you need" so we'll do our best which BTW is what the Cub Scout Motto is and I like that as much as "Be Prepared" and you know who says that!

Have a great day, come back tomorrow and see how this week will unfold and help us do our best, talk us up please.

Just checking Emails:

OK John, yes, those satellites Kerry is having fun with ARE in

11.3.08

For you guys looking to purchase a coach there are several really great deals on the for sale page.  Also I just put a page of stuff that I have here at the shop.  There may not be anything there that suits you but if there is something here you could be interested in, you should know what is here.  Check out what is here and see if you can help us find them a home.

11.2.08

It's Sunday and I'm in here doing up some loose ends it has started off quiet and for once thats a good thing. I enjoy my Sunday mornings.

Oh, a post script good news item-- well I guess it's perseverance and the fact that I had documented every detail as I always do from day one but it looks like this coming Wed. that Avion trailer issue will finally be resolved.  The courts order looks like will be listened to and as soon as I have the trailer off the property another chapter in the life of dealing with all sorts of people will be ended.  Thanks to all who have given me support on this, thanks for asking how it was going and all that-- it made a difference.  I certainly do not want to go through all that again -- but I will if I need to defend myself and you bet I'll keep taking pics of every little thing!

You guys know Kerry, Leanne & Google-- well they have been keeping our lot company hanging with us for the past couple of days   With his Motosat "Datastorm" cranked out he is a formidable component of the lot.  For those that do not have the pleasure of knowing Kerry, he is close to a fixture at the WS rallies, bounces coast to coast riding for months at a time doing what I would call "full time" duty living in their rear bath Coachman Royale.  The huge dish on his roof is a Motosat brand satellite uplink system that gives Kerry direct access to the internet satellite system circling the globe.  When he comes to any rally, he is our on location router providing internet access to all at the rally.  His coach is set up as a moon rocket with his direct port injected Chevy crate motor.  You will not see Kerry's tires rot off, he wears them out!  I'm proud to have Kerry spend time with us here, break bread and just have his company.  Thanks Leanne, Kerry and of course their travel partner Google which BTW is the biggest poodle looking critter I have ever seen-- he says its as poodle, doodle, curly haired Google dog-- something like that.  Google  has traveled with Kerry and Leanne for going on 4 years now and we have seen him grow from a puppy with energy you just had to see to believe to a mature, big part of their family.  Hey, who says 2 people and a full grown dog cannot travel cross country in a GMC!

BTW, in the pic above, you can see one of my 2 1962 Lincolns, anyone out there feel they can't live without one of these ultimate lead sleds you need to give me a call.  Hey, for a movie or just to say you own one of these critters, you NEED one, I got one for ya.  Hey, and if you know someone who needs one, let them know!

I have finished the writeup on Tom's entry door fitting and refinishing and also threw in Ben's door refitting.  Go back to that page through this link and scroll through to the bottom where the final posting was done or you can start at the top and see how the project progressed Door renew

11.1.08

Was a good day but of a mild sort.  yes, we made progress but as always not as much as I would have liked-- maybe I'm just expecting too much but hey-- thats how you get things done "shooting far Mars, will usually at least get you to the moon!".

I'll post more later but you can follow Tom's door refinish, I'm doing a page on my "information" section on the site on this service.  Go to  pull that up and take a read.  I'll do more later, see ya then.  Door renew

Tomorrow Craig and Eric will be all over the Duramax dash and firewall panels, be sure to see that.  Jason will have the Kubota diesel generator fitted with will be similar to fitting 10 lb. of *&^% into a 5 pound bag-- oh, you can't miss that!  I'm going to do some work at the house-- I don't get to do much of that.  We'll talk again later, thanks for the visit-- hope you have a great day.

10.31.08

Happy Halloween    Hey, I had to do it, everybody else is!  Yesterday was a good one.  Before anyone got in, Fed Ex came by to dro off something special.  Go to Cruz'in and scroll down to the bottm.

Tom's coach took some real shape today.  Eric got it together and got Tom's dinette seats and table positioned and installed.  Out goes the soaf and in go a  couple of our captains seats and an original design "flip" table       The seat pedestals swivel and lock facing the table, we have retractable seat belts on both seats, their headrests are not on giving a bit more headroom.  With the table stowed, the fixture matches the seat color but when out the table takes on the wood look of the interior walls.

Today we will address the entry door.  Tom has an original "birch" screen door in great shape.  The only mod we have done to this door is color keying the sliders to the wood interior color   The door is not "ugly" but it just needs something so watch and see what comes out of this project.

We'll be installing Raymond's diesel generator so stay tuned.

Thanks for the visit, we'll see ya later

10.30.08

One nice thing I find about riding a motorcycle on cold mornings Doesn't matter if the place you are going has heat or not-- it will always be warm!  We set a record this morning of 44 deg. down here, I know that is probably nothing to most of you but for down here it conjures up body parts of well diggers for me!  Wanted to switch from my gloves with the finger ends cut off to the fur lined ones but they got wet last week at the Mag Fest so--- in the immortal words of Ben Franklin, "when it rains, you get wet" and in this case the wet turned to cold for my gloves.  So as soon as my fingers loosen up it will feel pretty good here in the office even though there is no heat.

Sorry bout missing yesterday mornings post but I had a good reason.  I've been trying to make a trip to a secret place where they say they can "bent" laminated glass for the new idea for the driver side slider window.  You know, if you saw that Bush Beans commercial where the GMC they used had a top to bottom driver slider window-- I flipped when I saw that and have always wanted to make something like that happen.  You know that project is not an easy one, in fact everyone to date has said it was impossible and this may be why we got a 3 piece window from GM.  Hey, I don't want something like being "impossible" to stop me so when we needed the expanded driver window for the Duramax project I saw this as the chance to make something happen on this front-- thus the first person trip to the heart of darkness to see if we could pull a live one out of the barrol.  This is a proprietary process that in one off products is extremely difficult but I found these folks who said they could do it, and looking at a piece of their finished product, I think they can .  You know how I am with the camera but after taking this pic, they asked me to not take any more-- hey, I can appreciate the nature of their work so I did not take any more.    The drive at 55 MPH in the Suzuki Samuri (not what I would call a road machine) took almost 5 hours, I left at 4AM yesterday morning.  So blasting down I-95 (at least as a snail would report)   and with a semi barreling down on me in the mirror, I watched the sun rise over the highway -- it was a solitary moment that you just had to be there to appreciate. 

 As it turned out, the craftsman I have building our new design vacuum brake boosters is in the same town so I figured I would kill 2 birds and drop by there for some discussions about an idea he had about our boosters.

Ray has been doing vacuum brake boosters for over 30 years.  His shop looked like one of those dark cobblers shops with boxes of parts lined up higher than you could reach.  I was so taken by the place that I forgot to snap any pics of the boosters and parts lined up on shelves to the ceiling, sorry -- but I did get a few shots of his process.  If you had not followed our concept on our boosters-- as it turns out there are a couple of internal parts on the original GMC booster that are not available so if you get a rebuilt one there are some key internal parts that must be reused no matter their condition.  Ray suggested that he build us up a later model booster, one that all the component parts ARE still available and adapt it to our service and that is the boosters we have.  As you saw in the pic, he autographs each diaphragm the inside with his name and the date of manufsacture plus any important info.  It was funny but I had a customer send back one of the boosters we sold saying it did not work, Ray opened it up and though the outside looked like one of ours  -- it wasn't.  Every booster is hand built by Ray personally tested before it leaves his shop so unless they get damaged in shipping OR on installation it is difficult to see them not working-- now before you jump up and say I am accusing anyone we do live in an imperfect world and "stuff" does happen-- what I am saying is Ray does everything he can to make sure our boosters are "A #1" and I appreciate him for doing that.  I have been getting reports that people are interested in a more "sensitive" feel on their brake pedal.  That's no problem for a guy who is building up every part of every booster so Ray took some time and explained to me the additional steps taken to build in more sensitivity into the booster   It takes a different derometer plug, a different spring and a unique length push rod to do this the real way but he has no problem with that.  As I said before, he documents the mods on the diaphragm and will start building in this feature in our units.  I don't know if you can call this feature "better" but maybe "different" would be the word anyway, we are going to incorporate this into our future boosters.  I think the trip to his place was time well spent and after communicating through UPS and the phone for so long, it was great meeting him and understanding how special our late model boosters really are.

So with my mind excited over both stops down here in the "den of iniquity" down there near Miami and all that mess, I jumped in my turbo skateboard for the 55 MPH trip home which put me back at the shop close to 4PM.  The critter did pretty good and after finding 2 screws missing in the valve train rack the day before, having Jason fix that and finding a loose timing belt I felt pretty good that I got @ 35 MPG and made it from door to door without a mishap.  Hey, I had to go and if there was no challenge-- what would the trip have been!  I pulled it right up to Jasons bay door and having ordered a timing belt, a new water pump and a gasket kit, they dug into the squirrel cage right away.  Thats why I am riding the bike today-- it's all I've got!  Hey, you must pay attention to maintenance issues on any vehicle, GMC or otherwise and after giving me a flawless bucking bronco ride I rewarded the little critter with some new parts--- relate that to your coach and once in a while give it too some new parts, it should reward you with reliable service as well.

Getting back to the shop, it warmed my heart to see the guys working on stuff.  Eric had Tom's transfer switch in and operational   He mounted it in the cedar lined closet for easy access. Yes, we could have stuffed it into the original utility closet but see I think of the poor guy that someday may need to trace an electrical problem (heck, it could be ME!) and i like the ide of making things easy to get to, easy to trace wiring and easy to modify if needed or repair.  After I refit the cover panel there to snug up to the wiring  , we'll install the steel cover on the box and that job will be in the bag.

Also, Craig and his son Eric did it-- it being measuring twice before cutting the holes in our beautiful new laminate floor for the new dinette captains chairs   Of course these must be "through bolted" to the floor with seat belts attached so today we hope to finish up this process, stay tuned for that finished look.

Craig was "diver down" installing the new hold tank sender for our new systems monitor and found something no one knew about-- yes, "cap com" we have a poopy problem .  By the residue line you can see there has been a leak in the holding tabk caused by the stress of the mounting strap for some time-- gotta fix it, so Craig spent some time to see if a patch would take.  Normally, a situation like this would call for a new tank and this being an original one (you can tell by the white  Thetford bolt on gate valve) we usually just replace the whole 9 yard-- we're gonna try a patchwork on this one-- wish us luck.  Craig also finished up the plumbing install under the galley sink area yesterday getting the filter in the system and getting the rest of it plumbed before the actual sink gets installed   , today the sink should be set.

Well, I guess I'm talked out, after missing yesterday I felt compelled and excited about giving a good pic as to whats happening.  I'm going to try and whittle down the Email box right now, I'll post anything that looks interesting.  The sun is up now but hey, it's still pretty cold out there for me so I'm gonna sit here for a little and let our sun do it's thing.  It's a clear morning and with the sun shining the temp should come to a tolerable level soon.  If I don't post anymore here we'll see ya tomorrow-- thanks for the visit, hope it was worth your time spent.

10.28.08

Few---- This morning reminded me about what "chilly" means!  I know I am probably sounding like a wimp but 50 deg. before dawn on a motorcycle is chilly to me.  Hey, makes you feel alive though!!  It's times like this when you appreciate those 2 jugs sticking out the side of the bike just in front of your feet, they make great foot warmers The motor really likes the cool weather, no vapor lock this morning, thats for sure!

It's great to see the hit counter up, I was a bit concerned that I ran a few of ya off not being on for the 4 days we were away, thanks for the support.  Ken also hung out the weekend down here and yesterday came in early to take a look at and talk about the upcoming build out of his 23' Duramax.  We went over to Kevin's to check out the progress He had not seen it together in person and as he said, it's hard to grasp the totality of it all till you look in there and see all of that stuff fitted together!  There is much done but still much to go--- but it is together and it is breathing!  Details on the body work are now being attended to, things that had to be secured before it could be made to look right--- it's one step at a time and to finish up with a look at the project requires is just-- well, worth doing right.

The guys were like ants crawling over Tom's coach yesterday.  Craig had to wait til Eric got out of the hallway to finish up the plumbing.  If you will remember we replumbed this 73 model removing all the copper piping in favor of 1/2 fitted and cremped plastic piping Getting all the LP and water lines attended to under the galley sink, Steve was able to final fit and secure the galley counter top while Eric continued to working on the wiring in the hall   Oh yea, the finish IS coming out as clean as it looks.  Eric is installing a 50 amp "transfer switch" that will select shore or generator power automatically.  He's also cleaning up the other wiring both 12 and 110 volt stuff.

Had a question about the generators going into the Duramax coaches.  Yes, we have used Honda units in the "gasser" coaches but here we are switching to another unit for diesel application.  Check out these boys http://www.nextgenerationpower.com These are commercial/marine application custom built units with Kubota motors, belt driven, water cooled with a remote mounted radiator.  They are very compact, powerful and extremely stable.  Hey, I also like the idea that they came out of Jacksonville Fla., hey, talking to the guys I can tell there is a little Skynard built into every one of those critters.  They are building the unit for the 26' right now, we already have the unit mounted in the 23' Duramax   This one is 3500 watts, the unit for the 26' coach will be a 5500 watt machine.  One difference about diesel generators is they want to run closer to their rated output, they want to torque down so we figure a 5500 watt diesel should surpass a 6000 watt gasser with no problem--- lets see.  Anyway, after some long talks with Ken at Next Generation, I think this will be a greay unit for this project.  If you are interested in one of these, give them a call, ask for Ken and tell him I said hello.

OK, so a couple of posts have asked me to not forget to post a few pics of our GMC at the Mag Fest.  I have a pile of pics to download but here are a few of the fun we had.         Oh yea, they were out there--- and these boys too   So we were not alone!  We had a green space which gave us an open view.  Oh, and check this food vendor out can ya see it--- yes, there is a GMC out there named "the Pickle" , I'll post more pics of the Pickle later.

Right now I need to process the rest of the Mag Fest pics before the guys get here and the day starts to unwind.  I'll post more stuff later

10.27.08

934 on the hit counter means you guys are itching for something new  No, there was no WiFi out there in the fringe of civilization it the Mag Fest.  Heck, we didn't even bring a TV and the 6 radio stations mainly talked about hog futures!  I'm back to where they don't need to pipe in sunlight and man if feels great to be back in this seat getting ready for a great week here at the shop.

There was so much memorable stuff happening during the past 4 days, much of it has little to do with the GMC but there were a few times when I would not have given anything for the GMC.  2 of those moments were driving too and comeing home last night from the event.  I tell ya for those that have and do it you will know what I mean and for those that have as yet not or it's been a long time since-- "JayGee" ran like the race horse it is, I loaded him up, dug in the spurrs and we dropped into the "tunnel" and flew high over Interstates 10, 75 and then did a run on the Florida Turnpike and I gotta tell ya with an introduction and a leaving such a great event with 2 great events such as that--- Wow, what a weekend!

Have not even tried to sort through my Email box, I'm sure it too is reaching 1000 if not pasty that, if you have sent me some sort of correspondence there please bear with me, it is going to take a bit to get to the bottom of the bucket there!  We have Ken who belongs to the 23' Duramax in today to go over paint schemes and look over our progress.  As I said lest week, things are going to be getting serious on these 2 machines now.  Plus thinking how difficult it always seems to be cranking up this juke box after a long weekend, I have no doubt that the Email pile will not get attention for a time.  If there is information we need to discuss right away please call and resend the post so I can find it and we can talk.

Ole "JayGee" ran like a champ, he took care of us all the time giving us a warm place to sleep, a place to cook food and just a place to call our own in the middle of such a pile of different camping rigs.  Janie has the camera in some of her stuff and will bring it in later.  I have some great pics, we had the only "green" space amid all the campers next to our coach and got many comments on the coach.  Had the side car bike with us and of course it was a big hit.  The weather was good, one day of rainy weather then the cold front moved in and I actually cranked up the furnace I was whining about installing in Jay Gee for my son last month-- yes, it was nice to set the thermostat and have a warm place to come home too!

So pics will come a little later, just wanted to let you know we are on post, we are on duty and we are ready for it all.  Had 20 messages on the answering machine-- got those sorted out and will get those questions answered this morning.  "Step one and  now for step 2-- I'm diving into the Emails now, come on back later -- I hope to process some of the pics.

Thanks for holding the fort down, we'll talk again a little later

From Emails, here is an interesting idea-- wonder if it is an idea that might just work for GMC "folk" interested in traveliing this way:

10.22.08

"Well our bags are packed, we're ready to go" Yes, it kinda feels like I'm abandoning the shop but Janie & I are off again for a long weekend and a great relaxing trip in JayGee.  I've always said you guys are sooooo lucky having the opportunity to just get out there and hit the road-- by golly Janie is forcing me to get out there and at least taste some of the good life!  We're headed to the "Mag Fest" where we will rub shoulders with all of those folk many still living in those past simple days of hanging out at music festivals, sleeping under the stars-- or rain as it may be and just worrying about dinner-- that is if there is any.  A great place to remember but at the same time arriving and living in our GMC I think we also make a statement that our backs can't handle the ground anymore and it sure is nice to have a sink to brush your teeth in!

So getting JayGee ready, I'm just like you guys, find a last minute problem or 2 that has to be attended to.    The check valve in the city water inlet stopped checking and I found a leak in my fresh water tank.  This is a major issue in that there will be no water hookups-- only power.  Hey, the rest of the machine is operational so it should not be that big a deal to fix these things-- I hopeihopeihope!

I'm going to gather info to put together an article for RV Adventure Mag on the event.  They are interested in destination events for RVers to go and feel this would be of interest.  Also, I did a piece for them on the Lizard Skin material we are investigating.  Seems that more than the GMC can benefit from this this technology.  Go to www.rvadventuremag.com and take a read. The on line publication is new and as such are interested in what other folks are interested in, my suggestion is to put it in your favorites and support their efforts, they are a literal "grass roots" start up with Don and his wife traveling the country editing and publishing this publication as they go.  I feel they are worthy of our support, this is why I am helping them by offering my support.

Our coaches seem to have a continuous problem with water leaks.  In the past I have tried to lighten up the situation by saying drill holes in the floor to let the water pass through-- I know thats pretty lame but what can I say, it seems that it is an ongoing and everlasting struggle to keep our classic coaches dry on the inside.  Tom's coach is not unique and he had listed on his "to do" list to check around for water leaks.  Hey, we crawl over the coaches with a magnifying glass and have all sorts of procedures trying to ferrit out these pesky leaks.  The best system though is to look at the openings on the roof and see if there are any sealant lefts or openings that might let in water.  being a monocock aircraft designed fuselage, the body has expansion joints-- it must to keep from cracking!  Even with this design we still do see cracks but a main issue is these expansion or moving seams pop their sealant.  This is one of the problems with Tom's coach, as you can see his front cross seam has popped up causing a huge opening for water to get in   the aluminum first panel has lifted away from the SMC front cap.  The old sealant elastimer rate or how far it will stretch before it pulls away had been reached because the original panel adhesive had broken free.  We used 3/16 "blind rivets" and resecured the aluminum panel to the support structure then taped off and resealed the joint.  There is also a similar cross seam at the rear of the roof, it seems to still be doing it's job.  Looking further, his front Fantastic fan had been sealed well but hey, UV rays and just the passing of time works hard on sealant, here is what we found on his front vent   There are many places water could get in.  Pulling up the old sealant I found several old screw holes that if linked up to the sealant cracks could be a problem.  I pulled up all this old sealant (BTW, it does no good to gobb new sealant on this old stuff, it will pop open very soon if you do that), put pop rivets in the open screw holes and resealed the entire vent with fresh RTV in hopes that it will give that spot integrity and we can worry about other potential leak areas.

OK, in bringing Ken into the loop on the paint scheme for the 23' Duramax, we have his ideas as to what to dress his cutie in.  Here is his ideas we will start with   I think a great part of this job is when we take ideas and bring them to life.  Anything worth doing is worth planning and this is where we will start with the paint scheme on the 23' Duramax.  Next, Kevin and "Tank" will put their 2 cents in and having ideas on what they can lend to the pot then I get to mesh the 2 and see what comes up.  White is a good color but there are a million shades of white and as many yellow.  "White is white" till you park it next to another white then it may turn tan or blue or even green.  Also white can give something a plain or sophisticated look,  is it solid color, pearl or metallic.  is the yellow solid color or does it have highlights, a flip flop pearl or whatever.  Then, does the "swoop" do something, does it attach to something else-- I mean what is it there for and is it supposed to represent something.  I tell ya laying out a paint job is a seriously complicated affair!  So you guys can see it from this beginning, lets see where this goes.  I think ken is even going to fly in to be first person involved in this phase-- great, the more the merrier!  Hey and you guys get to sit in the comfort of your home and watch all of this unfold-- isn't this fun?  If you have any ideas on the lay out, send me a post.

Well, thats it for a bit, don't know if I will have WiFi out there at the Mag Fest, if I do I'll post but if not I'll see ya on Sunday.  Hang with us, have a great rest of the week and weekend.  See ya on the other side

10.21.08

Hey, whoever in Scottsdale who sent me this-- thanks    A very nice artistic rendition and a very interesting artist.  Go to www.richard-neuman-artist.com and check out what this guy does.  This will make a great little plaque to hang out as a nameplate at rallies of JayGee.  it is a limited print on very nice cloth type quality material-- just looks high end!  It really captures the way I see this coach, it does mean though that I need to install and awning now!  I wanted to and this now gives me the initiative-- thanks for that.  He has several other things to make prints from and as you can see he can customize them to your desires, like I said, thanks to whoever thought enough of JayGee to add this to the "provenance" of the coach.

More final touches on Tom's coach are coming together.  We are pushing this project through the pipeline to make way for the Duramax projects.  Steve is recovering the overhead cabinet end panels with the new  vinyl Craig and his son Eric finishes up the electrical issues.  It's great when things come together, here are some final images that show our focus:

    Tom did not want a contrast break with the vertical edges so Kevin put his thinking cap on with this challenge.  He came up with a pearlescent 2 color base/clear system to bring the aluminum radius edges to a finish that would blend into the woordgrain bulkhead wall laminate.  It was amazing how the finish actually has a depth like the woodgrain has.  Great job man!  The color keyed headliner and walls outline the woodgrain bulkhead and overhead color great and the chosen woodgrain color has come out very unique.  it looks clean, fresh and well defined-- I like the feel of this interior.

Craig and Eric also have installed an auto switching system for the LP tanks set up Tom previously had   The system will pull from one tank till it is spent then automatically switch to the other.  You may say it was silly taking out the original tank, if you will look these 2 tanks do not only take up less space but can be replaced with filled tanks at most any place.  if all you do is use the frig., even these tanks will last a long time and hey, isn't LP available most anywhere-- why do you have to carry a 6 month supply anyway!

Today, we will finish more of this coach, stand by for more on this.

This weekend marks my final hura before hunkering into build mode on the Duramax project.  Janie & I are going to the "Mag Fest".  This is an annual music event at a venue named (The Spirit of the Suwannee) near Live Oak Florida.  Do a google search for it.  We should have a great time.  We're getting ready for that today and tomorrow so JayGee is getting the once over looksee.  There will be a GMC there set up as