Daily Pose Archive    

You have found the vault, this is where I put past daily pose posts as to not clog up the main daily pose page giving it faster downloads of the page for you.  Yes, I will update this page dropping older posts but you will have access to some of the older stuff here.  Tips and other instructional things will be assimilated into the main pages of the site over time.

 Thanks for your interest in what we do here, hope it helps you in some way. 

NOTE:  The latest posts are on top.

3.6.09

Seems that we have more folks tuning us in as of late, glad to see you guys and hope coming is both entertaining and informative.

As a reminder, our "CMW project" membership helps us pay for all that goes into keeping the Co-op visible on the internet, keeps our toll free and cell lines open to you 24/7 and basically helps me pay for all this infrastructure that helps folks access us for information and entertainment.  Your annual dues of $40 has kept us up and having all this fun plus has given many people the input needed to build and maintain their classic coach.  Do you have one of our "member pins"?    If not and if you would like to support our efforts, give us a call on the toll free line 1-877-275-4462 and we'll set you up.  If you have been a member but it's been some time since you have renewed your membership, give us a call & We'll help out.  This really is important especially in this economic situation.  We want to keep doing what we are to help the community.  If you feel what we do is beneficial, this is how you can help us.  OK, thats enough "gratuitous advertising", let me say thanks for your support.

Yep, the weather is fine down here, check out our mascot flower getting ready to blossom. This is why we live here!

OK, Mr. Fed Ex man has truly smiled on us, looky what came in yesterday , boy it's just like Christmas but I know what Santa is bringing me from New York.  The box is filled with the hand embossed headliner panels sent off for covering .  Now we are cookin with gas!  This weekend I'll start fitting them onto our ceiling.

Our dash base panel is covered and going in , next will be the inspection panel covers then the main bezel cluster.

Ray has been working the galley back splash all week and we are finally at our end, what an awesome look , this panel goes in this weekend.

Jeff came in yesterday and got out prototype motorized overhead cabinet figured out.  Here it is up and closed and then Craig presses the button and it opens to full .  We will have 6 of these automatic opening overhead cabinets, burlwood covered and glassed to a gloss finish--- very cool!

The wiring is my "chicken" and here is the interior control panel with the generator control, systems monitor, water heater and inverter switch.  .  The panel hinges down to access the 12 volt fuse block and the inverter itself.  All the "prewiring" is now paying off, circuits stubbed out are being integrated and functioning, it's a wonderful thing!

OK, lets call this enough for today, the weather is scheduled to be stellar and we have good direction.  We're off and running again on the 32' stretch, things will happen soon on it and 2 coaches are scheduled to go out by Monday.  Tom dropped by for a couple of check ups, no problem, all was well so away we go.  Thanks for the visit and support.  We're gearing up for the "shindig" next weekend in Dothan, hope to see ya there.  Call if I can help and give your coach a hug for me.

3.5.09

Things are opening up now on the 26 Duramax project moving in the direction of bringing certain aspects of the project to a close and bringing others to a head to get going to completion-- a very exciting time. 

Going to cover several subjects today, maybe even keep the post today open and add to it throughout the day, lets see how this goes.  Just got a post from the editor of RV buddies on a special show they are doing for the RV community, check it out http://www.turnto23.com/north_river_county/18844858/detail.html  Mark Summers of RV Buddies is trying to support the GMC community so I in turn am hoping to support his efforts-- stay tuned and lets seee how we can get into their schedule.

Here is another interesting web destination, thanks Jim Galbavy for getting involved.  http://fmca.com/index.php/join-family-motor-coach-association/meet-a-member/796-jim-and-jane-galbavy-chesterfield-va
 

In times like this whatever that phrase means, we all need to band together, support eachother and keep ourselves covered.  To that end, I want to support those that support us so I'll put more stuff here, more links to other web sites we are involved with. 

Hey, all you Sunshine Statesmen members-- go to the web site www.gmcss.com and check out the "member newsletter" page.  We are nor publishing the monthly newsletter on the web site, check it out.

Also, I've gotten a post asking about adding new AV entertainment geer to our GMC.  I good and timely question, let me give you guys input as I build up the Duramaz 26'.  I'll give you guys input on what we are doing and why.  There are just so many ways to go on this, so much logic, so many components and ways to connect them.  Not only to help Raymond understand what we are doing to his coach but also for you guys, let me talk to ya each day about the systems, components and wiring logic we have going into his coach.

First of all, we have installed a main TV up front, we chose a JVC 32" LCD flat screen with a DVD in the set.  As opposed to plasma, the LCD sets are not only less $ but also are far more stable for automotive application, pulls minimal current and it less susceptible to temp changes.  I included the DVD player actually in the unit mainly to make the whole system easier for folks to understand.  I mean, you wanna see a DVD, plug the disc into the TV and sit back-- it's all gonna work.  No switching this or that, it will simply come opn and work.  This TV now has to be able to get it's power on the road not plugged in or while plugged in, again trying to keep the logic of operation simple.  We are installing a 800 watt modified sine wave inverter to run all the flat screens on board. , controlled by a single switch on his control panel over the frig , the inverter will power the front and bedroom flat screens via the 12 volt on board electrical system.  When on the road or even plugged in to shorepower, this inverter can operate the sets.  There will be an option of bypassing the inverter is needbe and power the 2 sets direct from the shoepower.  In case of inverter failure or simply to bypass them, the 2 TV sets will have the option of 2 power sources.  This system is in now on Raymonds, more info on the system to come.

The first step to the dash AC system install has happened, the unit has been mounted on the pass. side firewall .  Eric is now running the defroster ducts.  This is a "Vintage Air" brand, Gen II micro system-- heat or cold, it will be the air source for the dash.

Steve got mounted for fitting the galley overhead cabinet yesterday , this cabinet will hold the microwave and give space for canned goods and other food stuffs .  It will be finished off with the burlwood veneer and clearcoated.  Stay tuned for more here.

Chris has broken down and is starting in on the repair of the bath module , stay tuned for more here. 

So like I said, things are coming together on the Duramax project-- just as they do when any project hits this point-- pretty fun and interesting stuff so stay tuned.

Enough for today, plunking this down also gives me the enthusiasm and direction to get the day going.  Hey, it's therapy and entertainment for us all!  The sun is out so that means the day is upon us, have fun-- see ya later

3.4.09

Another 40's morning, just makes it tough to get out there and start going.  Yesterday showed we have good progress though it feels like we're backing up, today we go after the overhead cabinets.  The AV system is taking shape and if the drape hardware was not backwards we could have gotten that all in-- hey, it's nothing but a thing, but it is a thing!  We'll start in on recoloring the bathroom this morning.  Repairing the holes and cracks in the fiberglass mold then prepping it for the single stage gloss paint.  I'll do pics on all this for ya.

Thanks to those that have posted comments on the progress, yes it is looking good and yes, it is gratifying that we are having the opportunity to work on such an awesome project.

On other fronts, we have 2 coaches ready to go home, Tom is out and about down here in Florida checking out his baby and though you see and hear all this doom and gloom on the economy, we are staying on the steady. 

You know, it really is true that having a vintage motorhome and maintaining it , well at least as far as it goes for a GMC, is about the least expensive thing you can deal with.  The insurance alone on a new motorhome or even a big Suburban to travel in will cost you more than using a GMC for this purpose.  I would obviously be a liar if I said all is as it was but we are still seeing many people using their GMC on a daily basis, keeping them up and also purchasing them and getting them to a reliable condition so I feel much better about the state of affairs having to do with the GMC than I see other markets having their problems.  Thanks to all of you who understand the issues, your GMC is here to help you.  Hey, you can't be "homeless" if you have a running GMC!  So if it comes to that at least you will have a roof over your head!  Boy, now isn't that a positive statement!  There are several coaches for sale on places like Craig's list, Ebay and more.  If you do not have one, it's a good time to look around and if you do, don't you feel good about having the option of taking a vacation on the cheap!

I'll have pics for ya today, stay tuned and stay warm

Update

At home this evening, it was a good day.  Had some setbacks, my supplier says it will be a week from Fri. before my burlwood gets here--- bummer.  Hey, we do have cabinets to build but I sure would love to get on them.  Steve has been working on the galley overhead where the microwave will go .  Heat or Cold, Steve wraps up and comes on if for a good days work and here was todays offering   Eric and Jeff were on a mission today.  There was nothing left but to install our front 32" flat screen   Jeff had headed this project so it's his baby   Prewired 12 volt and AC, AV cables run, the structure covered, the mechanism installed and wired-- here is the front TV in   and out 

Ray went after the 3 level hammering process , each layer takes the finish deeper , man I'm happy he has the patience! 

One of our eletric windshield blinds was custom built upside down-- like I said we always can't have it all!  Tomorrow we hang the galley overhead and measure for the rest of the overheads--- one step further!

3.3.09

Oops, time flew past here it is Tuesday morning "core number day" and I missed Monday altogether-- just blew past and the next thing I know I'm here.  It's just so true that time passes so quickly when you have things to fill in the time! 

Was brought to me an interview that Jay Leno did about the ZDDP oil lubricity issue, check it out

video_player.shtml-vid=198306  The one thing I would add to that and BTW I think I will do an episode on the Bus Hole show about this to fill in some blanks I still do not like to blindly follow marketing trends and just go out and do what the articles say so stay tuned my that.

It's a bit on the cold side this morning, clear and sunny which means it will warm up and us reptiles down here should get to a motivating state early.  We say this weather is "why we live here" and it is true but one problem it does not help is we are ill prepared to adapt to any weather conditions at all.  The guys at the paint shop suffer just about every day from something.  I see them fight the sweat falling in their DA paper when it's hot, I hear the catalyst  won't "kick" when the temp drops, I hear about humidity messing up the curing cycle, you guys up north with a conditioned place to paint in really do have a better idea!  Well, we just march on!

Had a great word from LM, our Duramax decorator on the copper clad work I did the weekend.  One exciting aspect of this work is learning new processes and doing the Duramax galley in copper was one of those.  You see copper in use and wonder how was that done?  I had the opportunity to do just that and found a world of possibilities in working the stuff.  Have you ever wondered why someone would take a hammer and beat a piece of soft metal to death, it's called a "hammered finish".  A good thing about soft metals is that is can be "worked" and contoured but there are rules and keeping to a process is important to a quality outcome.  A simple raw sheet of copper is actually pretty delicate, it creases easily, scratches and basically is difficult to maintain.  Ah but in my studies I have found that :hammering" the stuff brings the molecular structure tighter making the soft metal harder. Thats why you see a blacksmith at his fire heating a metal then pounding on it.  This is called "annealing" the metal and in this process many things are possible.  I studied this carefully then took my hammer and a new torch loaded with a yellow bottle gas called "MAP" gas and started putting in practice what I had learned.  Slowly, I heated, pounded, heated and pounded the gopper to the compound shape of the countertop .  It was amazing the process and the farther I went the more I learned about physics and how the metal reacted to the annealing process.  Getting the shape we now needed the finish, Emailing LM, my question was is
hammered" our desired direction, coming back with a yes I felt good about her giving us the creative license to follow our discovery on the many finish levels of hammering copper.  First putting our panels together I tried to get a pic to see what it looked like together.  The facets of the lightly hammered copper reflected light in a way that a good pic was all but impossible , looked more like some surrealistic Dali painting and at that point I knew we were onto something interesting.  This hammering process has years of experiences involved with many levels of finishing.  Reading and learning more I decided to really take hold of our responsibility to create a unique finish so "hammer down" my son Ray took on the task of really bringing this hammered copper finish to a new level of refinement.  We know the process, we know the look and now we know what it will take to get there, Sure would have been easier to simply lay out some laminate over the walls and counter hey, but that would be boring!  Hold onto your hat cause we are going for it on this one   This is the level of commitment it takes to build something truly unique-- stay tuned cause today we "hammer" the galley walls!

Also, just so you know, it is also stuff like this that turns a simple countertop into a labor sucking work of art!  One more solid gold decorator nail in this puppy!

Another important subject for those that appreciate and pursue "vintage" RVing is insurance.  man, I hate insurances, well I say that till I need it and by it's nice to have it.   So why does the world revolve around this industry?  I hope to also cover this on the next episode of the show so stay tuned.

I'm rambling a bit, not staying on task here, there simply is so much I want to tell you about.  In the economic climate of today, there needs to be more reason to do something than "I want it" and this is where our niche business seems to be doing well.  A vintage RV, more specifically the GMC, is not only a really cool alternative to spending big dollars in the accepted RV industry but we are actually the "cheapest toy in the box" for those that do their homework.  First, you must say "I have a need for a vehicle of size to move me around".  It's true that my Suzuki Samuri will cost less all around than most any other way to motivate but you sure cannot carry much, you go slow and forget about living in the sucker!  No, you first must decide you need a vehicle to travel in but when that plateau is reached, the decision to have a Vintage GMC becomes far less a stretch to come to.

Just like the food industry seems to say you need to spend a buck to get a burger, a taco or something that has any sort of flavor, the RV industry is telling folks that you must step up and invest $100,000 to have something descent in their world.  Dude, that is a pile of shells no matter how you look at it!  And just like the food guys with the "burger theory" not having much of a way around spending that dollar, there are not any short cuts to having something nice if you say you need and want some sort of travel vehicle.  There will always be those that feel the need to get out there so if you have this "wander lust" prepare yourself to be vested into the travel world or really do not get into it.  So, if you still feel you need a machine of some sort, this is where our vintage RV world begins to shine.  There is NO cheaper way to get out on the open road with a machine that has the chance to do what you want than with a vintage GMC motorhome, this is a fact!  So if you are at all interested in this line of reasoning, stay tuned for more on this.

It's still cold out there today but with the sun doing it's thing, I will soon be able to motivate out there.  The guys will show and we'll be off ant running for another day.  Thanks for dropping by for the visit.  In a world thats increasingly harder to find someone not giving disappointing news on the economy I appreciate you guys dropping by for some positiveness (my spellcheck says thats not a word, well it should be!)  You know what I mean anyway so again, thanks for dropping by-- we'll see ya later.

Update

Leaving late but I got is done, was an interesting job I know much more about copper now.  The idea is to let it oxidize for patina     to go with the hammered distressed copper sink but it sure looks nice raw.   Tomorrow I'll put in the hammered copper walls-- man look out for some glitz!

2.27.09

Janie is helping me fight back.  The last salvo of stuff she and the druggist came up with for last night did something  I am breathing easier and the *&^%$*(^&) coughing has subsided, thanks for hanging with me.  Of course the first thing someone always says to me when I say I'm feeling better is "now relax, take it easy, don't exert yourself".  Wait, I thought I was supposed to do all that when I was sick, now that I'm feeling better you want me to still force myself to do nothing?  Why did I get better-- I need to work!  OK, I'll move a little slower but after just laying around for a couple of days like a dang Manatee chewing lazily on watergrass I'm about to go nuts!  There will be plenty of time to relax, right now we need to work.

I drug myself over to the paint shop to push the progress on the 23' Duramax paint a bit.  Boy, what a lousey pic I took-- proof positive I was rolling like a flat rock when I went over there!  .  We had an "unexpected result" trying to push on the clear in less than perfect temp conditions so Jeff aborted the shoot and will get everything prepped up and go at it again this weekend.  Shooting a material that has no color and only adds gloss is not as easy as you think, especially the stuff we are using-- high solids clear, you know the stuff that makes that low rider car look like it got honey dropped on it-- really glossy.  He'll get it right the next time, I have faith.  It's tough to admit but whenever you put "try" at the beginning of a sentence you are always hoping for the best possible scenario but the reality is if it were that easy, they would be doing it at Jiffy Lube!  You have issues and the best to hope for is to have the tenacity to see it to the eventual positive outcome.  So thats what we're doing.

From there I went to my "metal man".  Got a call which keyed me-- it is here!  Pulling in to the huge delivery bay, the raw material came to the dock on an overhead dolly , looked like something they carried the shuttle on!  Backed Janies poor truck under the mass and down it came     From dealing with the GMC in Orlando for 11 years, one great thing is the associations we have made with specialty materials suppliers, man we can get it!  What is "it"?  It took a couple of guys to drag the crate off the truck at the shop, popped her open and behold--- copper sheet .  2, 36x120" sheets of pure copper to be molded into the countertops for the 26' Duramax, now thats what I'm talkin bout!  Guess I'll play blacksmith this weekend!  Ouh, you can't miss this one!

Had a comment the other day that our maintenance work was "expensive".  I appreciate that comment and would like to respond to it.  Working with 30+ year old 12,000 pound projectiles you just cannot take anything for granted and if one mechanic sees that one part is working we look at that same part and try to figure out where it is in it's lifespan.  Hey, everything eventually fails and if our goal is to make something work well, is there a timetable on the "working well" thing?  If you only fox something to work today, it will surly fail tomorrow and there is no way around that.  When you say, "my brakes feel funny", man that "ain't funny", thats down right scary and if I go in and only replace say 1 out of the 4 wheel cylinders that failed, what good did I do.  I think this falls into "don't go by the lowest bid" when you are working with a vintage machine like this.  Our mission is to make whatever machine we work with safe and reliable.  You cannot do that by simply making it work.  I do not bring this up as a defense rather I like the fact that we are doing more on a job than other people.  It's not a matter of the parts or the labor costing more, it's to total volume of work that is being done.  I would follow caution every time and replace anything questionable and I make no apologies for that.  So be sure folks are comparing similar work when they say one person is "more expensive" and it never bothers me to compare myself in that way.  Thanks for the frankness of the person who confided in me with that statement, I am committed to offer the best overall comprehensive work for the money.  Hey and do not pull back when it comes to working with brakes or bearings-- it will ruin your day if a wheel passes you on the road!  How bout that Cal?

Gotta go, as you can tell, my verbage is getting longer, I must be feeling better!  Talk to ya later

2.26.09

Another night with a cold who says you can't get a cold where it's not!  A bit less coughing this morning, hey I'm looking foe even small victories.  Janie went out and quizzed the Pharmacist some more and brought back some more sure fire cures, pretty soon I will be so healthy (as the label says) I should live forever!  And if God will just grant me the luxury of letting me finish all of my projects before I go, I WILL live forever!  Better be careful who I make fun of....

Now if my copper sheet will get here you guys will really see something unique, yesterday Raymonds hadn worked copper sink arriver     We're not worrying about polishing up the chrome, this puppy is going in a completely different direction!  The key to this finish will be the "patina".

Got word that the custom covered headliner panels we sent out to New York are on the way back, now we need to prepare the headliner pieces parts.  Man there is no way LM would want this white AC cover on her ceiling , gonna have to do something about this!

Bill & Molly brought their new purchase by for a mechanical update yesterday.  The have a pretty nice looking new member of their family Even though as descent as the coach looked, I have to give them full marks for still understanding that it is still a 30+ year old machine and the first thing they did was to make arrangements and they drove the coach over from Sarasota.  I have said many times that I guess because of the engineering that went into the GMC that coaches will actually drive well broken-- Bill said there was a bit of play in the wheel and the brakes were a little soft but the coach drove pretty well.  I did not say much at that time other than preparing them that there may be a few issues when they dropped off the coach.  Yesterday we got into the mechanical review  first looking at the B&B's (bearing and brakes) .  At this distance actually you can see some issues.  The the forward backing plate is dark in color?  That is brake fluid causing that.  That wheel has a leaking wheel cylinder, it's not bad but it is leaking.    You can see the brake components are aged, these simply cannot be relied upon-- especially when you think these are the components that must stop you 12,000 pound projectile!  On the other side we found "spider crack" on the shoes   This is from heat, these shoes are toast, i9t's not even that the previous owner even knew about this so it's "trust but verify" when you pick up a coach, there has been just too much water under the bridge to trust major components.  This wheel is obviously wet from leaking fluid .  Now the report was "the brakes seem a bit soft", see what I mean, these puppies will run down the road sick!  Sure wish I could pull off that hat trick!  This all is no big deal and it can all be fixed in short order.  New wheel cylinders, shoes, maybe some hardware, new brake hoses and this puppy will give change for that dime again.

Let me jump the soap box here a minute, someone has soft brakes like this and immediately will blame it on a bad design from GM, next they will start throwing bags of money at their coach changing to disc, sensatized boosters and a pile of other stuff.  guys, all you need to do is fix what ya got and things will be good!  It may also take a master cylinder, we'll see but my guess is the brake fluid has been in there so long it probably resembles Koolaid!  You don't need to go to DOT 5, just bring the system to standard-- so we'll do that for Bill & Molly and their new investment will be one they can rely upon.

John Richardson dropped by for a visit yesterday .  He's on the trail of an interesting idea for helping solve the reformulated oils issue.  As you know, synthetic oils have increased lubricity which is the root of the problem when our government mandated the removal of ZDDP from the oil supply.  Well, another issue though with switching to synthetic oils is the cost, that stuff is expensive.  So they say you can leave that stuff in your motor extended lengths of time and that makes it cost less.  OK, we're playing with words here-- the stuff is great but it is still expensive, I like to change my oil often looking at it as "dialysis" by removing all the gunk the oil picks up.  So it's not the fact that the synthetic oils are not better, we know they are but it's the cost--- it always comes down to the cost of stuff so here is where John is looking to help the GMC community.  He will be at Dothan signing people up as "preferred customers" for Amsoil which will give you the chance to buy the stuff direct from Amsoil cutting out the local retailer which-- will lower your cost.  Brilliant idea!!  So if you would like to switch to Amsoil, go see John in the vendor area at Dothan!

It took a bit of energy from me to put this out this morning, I felt it was important though.  Ihave piles of stuff to do today but I still feel catching you guys up to whats happening is important.  I'm watching the road for the 23' Duramax, actually I'll go over today and see whats keeping that project, we have Marylin's coach over there too so I do feel fortunate here that we have a gracious pile of work going on, thanks to the GMC community for their support.  Man, if I can just kick this cold!  Hey, we're here, we're fighing back the killer bees so be thinking of us. 

My son, Ray, dug in to Rick's side rails this morning.    Being a "work in progress coach", Rick is bringing his coach to standard little at a time but on his last use, he had some serious leaking going on with the rain.  Rick, being my sons scout master before me, is a very resourceful fell and at least solved his problem short term on the outing, he did however need to empty his bucket a could of times!  When ray got the upper rail loose he found the problem .  Butyl tape may have been the original standard for under this rail but when the previous owner attempted to seal the rail, there was problem.  We will dig all this "goopenpucky" out and reseal the seam with RTV before replacing the rail.  Hopefully Rick will be able to stow away his waterwings on the next trip!  This rail truly is a less than perfect situation, sealing it properly is a big deal.

Stay tuned, more fun to follow

2.25.09

When I got home last night Janie would not hear me doing ANYTHING!  Hey, that's tough for me.  She propped me up in my easy chair  , 2 blankets, 2 pillows, medicine and my anniversary present-- a PEZ teddybear .  She said the PEZ Teddybear would do the trick-- but don't move out of the chair anyway.  Hey, she takes care of me!

So this morning I do feel a bit better though I ate almost a whole pack of PEZ, I still am not feeling perfect, guess we'll have to break out the second pack!

Anyway, The Duramax bedroom overhead cabinets, thats what I was going to show ya.  Hey, regular ole cabinets are fine but we're looking for something different on this rig.  We're going for that dropping aircraft overhead bin look.  A couple of weeks thought and this is what we have .  The "bin" styled overhead will be electric servo controlled, dropping down at the push of a button .  This shell will be covered with burlwood vineer then clearcoated.  In that they will be over the headboard of the bed, we need lights in them, here you see the control switch and mounted, one of the 15 element LED floodlights.   And I mean "floodlight" .  Could not take the pic straight on at the light, the auto light meter freaked out.  After prooving up the first cabinet, the second one went together with no problem   Now we need to burlwood vineer.  Got the closet linet yesterday as well so who says I can't work between coughs!  This project is hitting it's exciting part, things are coming together-- stay tuned.

On another fron, Ken's 23' Duramax is in clear now, it's wet sanding and buffing thats happening now, I'll try and go over for some pics today.  Jeff came over the shop yesterday afternoon to dust in some color on "Blueocity" .  Jerry's coach came in for some maintenance and is about ready to hit the streets again.  Hey Kent, the Bose system is back, give me a call & we'll make some plans.

So I'm still not hitting on all 8 but oh yea, we're here.  I can't stay away, not now-- not with what we have happening around here so come on back tomorrow and see what goes.  Thanks for the visit and we'll see ya then.

Update

Thanks everyone for the Emails and calls  hey, someone is watching!  Today was a toughy-- between laying down in Larry then getting some energy to get up we still did have a good day.  I have some interesting pics of the designs of the overhead cabinets.  Many times you have to "drop back & punk" on new ideas.  Some ideas are just no good or you have unexpected results as you get into the build.  Today, the clouds all lines up cause the rear cabinet concept worked beautiful.  Let me go home and rest for a bit & I'll try & post the pics I took.  We should be getting in the copper sheet for the galley tomorrow.  Yes, I will anneal copper sheet to cover the galley counter-- a compound curve, lets see how THAT goes!  Things are happening pretty fast now, much to go but much happening.  I wish all I had to work with myself was the interiors that we're doing now.  Ah, but it's called a "motor" home so we have all of that too.

True to his word, my son John has put together an opening to be used on the bus hole show.  Go check it out www.youtube.com/coopmotorworks  He wrote the music, performed it and everything, sly little devil isn't he!  Thanks John, now I need to do another episode-- stay tuned!

I'll be back later

2.24.09

Please repeat after me--- Happy 30th Janie & Jim  Yep, it was 1979 and I guess that 3 piece double knit leisure suit worked cause Janie has put up with me ever sense!    I mean where did all of that time go anyway!  I know where 11 years of it went, here at the Co-op.  Janie has been my CFO and you know this place would not run without a team effort.  People say you just cannot work with your spouse-- lucky for me we broke that mold cause I need her here.  And here we are planning to go out tonight for at least a dinner with friends and I could not sleep last night so many things rolling in my head and then I got the aches to go with it.  Not wanting to get our friends sick as well again we'll have to go for a rain check.  I tell ya at some point these rain checks are going to build up to a category 5 hurricane-- she is so patient!  So if you call today, please tell her I appreciate her, she's heard it from me for so long I'm not sure it means as much.

A sunny day today but being a bit under the weather it will be a tough one.  We've got parts still rolling in for the Duramax, keep em coming.  Everyone is working hard on the machine, we're giving it the ole College try.  Almost 10AM and no one is here yet, I've been out there doing things but it's still a bit chilly for me.   The rubber is meeting the road!  Thanks for dropping by, not much energy to say much today, all that does take a certain amount of enthusiasm and I'm tapped out right now.  Mr. Sun will warm things up and we'll be OK.  Hey, life is that way!

2.23.09

My day right now are pretty much taken up  in sleeping, thinking and then waking up and then living the Duramax.  Eating is in between-- oh and a couple of hours to replenish my mind to do another day.  Janie is a key to keeping it together during this time, we're going out on the side car bike for desert.   Hey, it's cheap and you still get out together and I think thats the important part.  Talk to ya later, looks like the party is afoot....  .

Did you see the "Oscars" last night?  I certainly do not see myself as a film critic but Janie took me to see "Slumdog Millionaire" a couple of months ago.  I looked at the title and figured it would be some sort of documentary, interesting but not noteworthy.  I came out of the theater disturbed that those conditions were accepted for many in the world and also dang please God threw me into the spot he did.  We are just so fortunate that there has to be a way to squeeze out some of that stuff to bring humanity in general up a bit.  I mean torture for it's own sake is evil, exploiting anyone for your selfish goals when it totally strips someone for dignity and everything leaving only misery is also evil.  The gap between the haves and have nots is just so wide really a new approach to it needs to be done.  What that is I'm not qualified to discuss but we are all here together and we all need to look out for one another.  I mean here we *&^%$ about affordable healthcare while people living just under the balcony of Indias financial district are drinking poison laced water sleeping on a garbage pile-- I just cannot process that!  So as Rob from "down Under" would say "Good on Ya" to all who felt it important to make and show this film-- it was disturbing, riviting and a story for our time and something we need to pay attention to.

BTW, tomorrow is a really important day for me-- well for our family.  Janie has put up with my "wild eyed southern boy" antics and the dare to be great stuff I have perpetrated for 30 years as of this Tuesday, Feb. 24th.  I beat the odds I thought even getting to this point in my life & I know I would have been watching the root side of the daisies long ago if it were not for her intervention.  We are a great team, she keeps me alive and I her.  Please give a congrats if you call the shop to her.  She is deferring any celebrating for now knowing how hectic our lives are at this very moment and how important what we are doing is.  I have told her there will be "our time" one day and she is patient-- thank goodness!  So what it the 30 year thing, I'm sure it's not luan plywood and glue, help me out here guys!  30 years, I've been happily married more than half of my life to a wonderful person who cares about me, what more can a man ask for!  How bout 30 more?

OK, it's morning & I am here again waiting for a little warmer weather before this "reptile" gets out there to work.  I just really do not react well to the chilly weather!  I know, I know I'm a wimp--- and damn proud of it!  Been just blowing along and forgot about the project specific page I opened for the Duramax project over on the "gallery" page.  I'm going to start laying out the daily progress there to help keep the daily pose less cluttered.  Go to Cruz'in and scroll down to the bottom for the progress.

Had a Q about finishing off window trim, there are many ways to skin this cat and whatever you do if it works is good for you.  I do mine in a way that blows off all the old trim-- it all looks crappy to me.  I resize the wall "closeout panels" then use a trim material to finish off the edge.  Was asked where I got it-- you canget it from me, sorry bout sounding clandestine but just like one person busts his hump to do something he should get the hazzies for it's funky look or accolades for its together look-- the stuff i$1.90 a foot.  Window breakdown is :

o big window-- 16'

o door or galley-- 10'

o bedroom sides-- 12'

Here is a pic of the finished look.  I know it's hard to not look at the flashy red velvet insert, look over at the window.   Like I said, there are many ways to finish off windows, this is mine.  There is a thread on the GMC Net about this, hope this helps those folks out a bit.

Craig pulled in yesterday for some post trip punch list stuff before bedding his east coast ride down before flying home to Sacramento.  He has one stretch he runs there and one here, saving fuel costs in favor of cheap plane tickets allows him to maintain as well as have bucks to run his fleet-- interesting angle.  Craig is a now retired economist and if he sees value in doing this, you just might want to think in this direction.  Our "down under" contingent, Rob, also does the double coach deal having one in Australia and one here in the lower 48 for him to save on room and board when visiting us here in America.  I also look at his thoughts as savy.  See, the GMC is not just for killing grass in the back yard!

The sun is out, it's going to be another perfect day here in paradise so this means I will soon be out there plugging away.  We have the 23' Duramax emerging with glossy colors this week, we have body prep going on with Marylins coach, we have decisions being made on Mark's 32' stretch and well, all the other stuff that makes up the Co-op all happening as we go.  Thanks for stopping by for a visit and I hope it was benificial.

BTW, I promise to get another episode of the "Bus Hole Show" out this week!  Stay tuned

2.22.09

Had someone figure I would cut out my posting cause I was too busy-- Hey, it is therapy for me to plunk down stuff here.  I may not be as comprehensive, I am focusing on the Duramx projects so I hope I don't turn boring.

Today Craig & Jeff came in to help get the 32" overhead TV cabinet covered and in the coach   The face will have a cover panel of course.  LM is considering something to dress this up, stay tuned .  Got the galley cabinet covered with Copper Kettle material , the copper countertop is next.  I recessed a panel to hold the generator control, systems monitor and water heater switch, it flips down to access wiring     Stay tuned for tomorrow's fun

2.21.09

Had some comments that you could feel the stress building in my posts  Hey, thanks for noticing, I guess I should be a bit less transparent but what can I say, you said you DID what to know what it's like around here.  It is sort of funny but really, isn't that what a business like this is about!  I used to and actually still do have to chuckle when I watch these "designer restoration shops" on TV when they contrive some stress and then try to build the excitement into the show.  After thinking about it a minute you know it's all made up.  The "Pimp my Ride" is especially unrealistic when they "rebuild" a gals Firebird, for instance.  Yea, they go for paint, an interior foof and hang a chandelier in the car but hey, they didn't do anything to the motor, the brakes, suspension or any of the things you can't see.  Bet they had to tow that junker out of the bay then let it roll down a hill to get a pic of it driving!  There is so much more to a restoration than the glitz.  So much more to consider and unless you just buy the parts in a box and bolt it on, there is so much more to making something like that come together.  I think shows like that lessen what it takes in many peoples mind as to how involved a restoration really is!  And then you get to us, restoring a vintage motorhome--- we deal with every system and feature of a home except for grass and shrubs as well as all systems and considerations in a car!  Hey, these are huge undertakings, many people think they can do all this but find it is just too big a job to get your hands around!  Everything we touch is old, rusty, grease covered, worn out usually and to fit a part up to a 30+ year old unit, the operative phrase is "it almost fits perfect"-- so what is the operative word of that operative phrase--- yep, almost!  True there are we think 7-8000 GMC's still out there which speaks volumes about the coach and it's community and this is a prime reason why the GMC actually can undergo the trauma of a refitting but still the other side of the coin is "there are only 7-8000 left (half full/half empty) so there are good and bad with dealing with these old things.  So if the producers of those shows REALLY wanna get a taste of REALLY what it's like to go up against a 26' Mastodon and win-- they need to see me! 

Where am I getting all the time to bang this out for you?  Well it's just "well digger" cold out there in the bay, I'm here but just in the office waiting for Mr. Sun to do his thing so I can get to work.  Craig & Jeff are coming in @ 10 to finally put in the 32" flat screen mount up fron of the 26' Duramax.  I covered it late last night before my fingers froze up so the base is ready to go in and when they get here we will fit the door, reassemble the whole thing and then she goes in.  These are stressful but still very exciting times.  After so much time, things are coming together and it feels good.  So many designs, so many tries, failures and successes all come together on each part of this monster machine.  Still there are issues left to manage, things that have not been figured out but we do have light, we are further than anyone has ever gone.  Nelson, a dear mentor that always helps me keep my feet on the ground came by yesterday.  A retired engineer, he is always good for some serious sounding board action.  It's good to have the hard questions asked, keeps your focus where it needs to be.  As he and others say, it is far more important to do a complete job to make this machine all it can be than to hit timetables and focus more on the rush to delivery.  In the end, the quality and creativity of something like this machine far outweighs the "get-r-done" attitude.  There is always a balance though and finding that fence top is really what this sort of work is all about.  You can polish off the finish os a "brass monkey" keeping it shiney, at some point you need to use it so thats where we are on this project.  Actually to some extent all project ultimatly come to this so lets see how this one rolls out.

Our UPS guy is starting to make up words draffing in all the pieces/parts we're ordering in to complete the project   Blinds, toilet, frig, satellite system, banga-banga-banga are all coming in.  The KVH A-7 flat array satellite system (looks like the "saucer section" of the Enterprise NCC-1701D) came in and went up yesterday.  This is the unit flopped upside down having it's shock feet installed.  It's up on the roof now, safe and ready to wire in.  It's a flippen zoo down on the ground in the trim shop with all the goings on on the coach so the best place for this delicate, awkward piece of equipement is on the roof in place.  With that done, we'll go back to our other worries.

Of course there has to be a little down time, even when they built the pyramids so Ray, my son, and Chris help us to all chill out a bit by resting their fingers a bit

On another front here at the shop, Jason & Buster was into alignments while we fretted over the Duramax project.  We have 3 coaches that need to straighten up their act.  Mark's 32; strtch, Rick's personal retro project we are heading his mechanical focus and "Larry" my beast which we're trying to get ready for the GMCMI convention coming up.  My stuff is last of course so we first went at Maak's 32' stretch.  The original batteries are not holding a charge so we had to help things out a bit to get her fired up to move .  Like  big dog in a small car, the coach had a problem getting it's butt into our 26' bays , it was like 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bay and when we started strapping the coach in toour machine the elastic bands would not reach from wheel to wheel so the guys had to get "creative .  The initial reading showed we guessed well on the camber but we had the backward setting on caster .  A little this and that and we had what we needed.  Next moving the heads we got the back in checked out  .  We had one arm bent as per the spec so after going after that  the alignment looked good so it was on to Rick's worry.  His coach is coming back to life on his leisurely pace and thats fine with us.  We're doing much of the mechanical issues of motor, tranny, generator, B&B (bearings and brakes) and suspension.  It's back here now for an aux AC system and to set up his alignment after a pile of suspension work previously done.  The machine was not messed up from the 32' stretch and it set up just fine on our machine   .  A little this and that brought Ricks wheels in line.  Oops, I always try to do more than is possible and with the day shot out of the tube, Larry will have to wait till later for his set up.  Isn't that "par" though, a perfect example of how the "plumbers pipes always leak", my coach could not make the alignment yesterday.  Hey, it will be here--- right?

OK, it's getting a bit brighter out there and I am sure the temp is coming up but hey, my blood is still saying -- too cold-- so I'll give you guys a bit more.

Here is some important news.  As you may know, the story has always been that if you wanted to retrofit your coach to 16" tires the only rim to go with was the "Alcoa" brand units.  Those boys had 3 versions that would "hub fit" to our 16.4" suspensions with no other rim doing the job well.  I support those that support me, I see this as a critical issue if we all are going to make in it this niche industry.  Well, Alcoa in their infinite wisdom decided to discontinue the LTS and "Hot Shot" versions of the rims we could use leaving only the "classic" wheel to fit our need.  The Alcoa rims have always been rather expensive but being the "only" rim that fit I have always said it's our only choice.  You know me though & I don't like to be told what to do-- heck I'll go the path not used just because sometimes people tell me I must.  I think it's some sort of genetic heritage!  I put ip with this though when it came to these expensive Alcoa rims.  Now though I understand that within a year or so, Alcoa has plans to blow out even our last fitting classic rim citing "there just isn't enough market.  Hey guys, I think you have gotten too big for your "knickers"!   OK guys, it's a matter of support here, so what do we do with someone who has decided to shift their support?  Remember I prescribe to to the logic of Tom Petty "you can stand me up in the gates of Hell but I won't back down".  Another wheel manufacturer has stepped up to the plate and brought us an option and in that they are looking to support us I will support them.  Eagle Wheels has helped our market, guess they are willing to help the small guy where Alcoa has said poo on us so here ya go   This is a special built Eagle rim, spec cast to our needs it is rated to handle 2600 pounds where their previous units were at 2000 pounds.  Check out the additional shoulder cut in the hub that fits to make a hub center line up which is something we have always held as what we need.  That along with a second "lug center" system as well I feel this rim will be the one to choose and hay bonus-- it is much less money than the nose in the air Alcoa units.  They would price out with the caps, nuts and all at just under $300 each while these spiffy Eagles come in at $210 each loaded.  Thanks guys, it's vendors like you guys that we need so in turn we will support your efforts.  So guys, my spots are now changed, call me for your rims and you will get Eagles-- it's what we will use now!  It fits, the new weight rating is right and it looks great.  It looks like the right thing.

OK, my fingers are tired, my brain is ready so it6's out to the mine to dig for gold on the Duramax.  I have my camera loaded so I'll do some pics for ya.  Please continue to have us in your thoughts, we are trying to make it happen and if the "good lord willing and the creeks don't rise" we will do our best.  "Hey you'all, watch this"!

2.20.09

Did you see that!  I has so wigged out with all that I was thinking that I even forgot to date the last posting!  It's crowded up there in the ole cranium  right now.  We have so many outrageous project all peaking of coming to a point at the same time that while it is most exciting it is also most stressing.l as distressing!  Let me give you just a few of the bubbles floating around here at the shop:

1.  The 26' Duramax is driving to it's debut and if we hit that mark everyone with a GMC will immediately have an exposure and recognition explosion.  We have the vision and the light is becoming brighter in the tunnel but man is this a uphill climb! 

2.  The 23' Duramax is reported to be in it's clearcoat and cut free from the bonds of the paint shop in days.  This impossible dream of a machine even faster, even more outrageous in way that Ken saw desirable that it really will be another cutting edge "one of a kind" if that is possible. 

3.  We are in the decisions of totally reskinning the 32' stretch coach of Marks.  There are darn few GMC's of this length so this coach already is something few have dealt with but bring it to all it can be by actually replacing the less than perfect aluminum walls and even replacing the early style floppy original floor design with a more robust structure in the effort of building this better mousetrap is nothing short of insane!!  No one would even consider doing this!  It is taking renovation to an all new level and "boy howdy" this machine will be over the top in it's own way!

Bring all that into the picture with a new push to bring together the GMC community with a renewed push for cooperation in the club scene, something that has been building to a crescendo to the GMCMI convention coming up next month in Dothan Alabama, yes the future is just that much brighter for the GMC community and the future of our classic machine.  I am excited and honored to be a part in this as well.

Now, lets throw into the mix the economy.  Here we are breaking new ground in the way we all exist!  Companies we once thought were AAA stable are divulging that it will take millions, billions and even trillions of dollar gifts to keep their doors open, heck here we are really small fish in a seriously turbulent huge ocean!  In times like this where everyone are pulling their ears into their shells and protecting everything they have we are out here making bold statements!  "Are we not men, we are Devo", wild is not the word to describe all that we are right now.  Wanna see something outrageous, "Hey you'all, watch this!"  The best defense is a strong offense, I only played high school football for one year but I have to say I think my coach would be proud.  The Co-op is not slowing down, in fact we are pushing our way forward.  As the wind blows past my ears, it's scary at this pace but you guys give me an outlet, a way to blow off some of this stuff pinned up, I need to get rid of some of this to keep sight on our goals. 

I told the guys that we are in a battle, one that we cannot do anything but win.  "darkest before the dawn" has to be true for us all.  We all must be optimistic in times like this.  We must have the faith but not just sit there and believe all will turn out OK, we all need to move-- get to work-- make things happen-- make a difference.  I hate to bring up more copy from a Devo song but here goes.  "You have to move forward, look ahead, it's not to late--- to whip it, whip it good...".  Ok, so lets whip it, whip it good and do what we can.  The strength we have is that all of us can band together.  I really appreciate all that you guys have done for me and my business.  I would have never thought in a million years I would be where we are today.  The Co-op has been a true epiphany and the GMC has become such a part of the Bounds family that we have been changed forever. 

OK, I feel better and hey, you were the one that clicked on my "daily pose" so there ya go.  Have a great day today, stay tuned for news on many fronts.  I've just ordered up the most expensive set of blinds in existence for the 26' Duramax, wait til you see those!  We have actually created a new association with our paint crew to bring the 23' Duramax to fruition and "damn the torpedoes" we are getting ready to go where few have gone in totally reskinning a heavily modified coach-- top to bottom.  Wow Nelly, here we go!

Well, we hit the point  What is the point, the point is that point of any huge project that the pressure to race to the end takes over from the goal of taking the time to do everything you can.  Decisions must be made, progress must be made and like it or not, we have to now make things happen.  We are closing in on the timetable where the Duramax 26' must make it's screen debut.  You can keep investigating, measuring, thinking, drawing and thinking but it all comes to the "point" and now thins will get serious.

Who said things like this come the way you want them, along with this timetable we have the GMCMI convention where many things for the GMC will be coming together.  We have plans to make the rally, we also have commitments to get the Duramax coach out on the road.  Man, this really will be a race like they want you to believe those designer projects  on TV go.  This is the real thing, the real deal, the real pressure is on!

I may not be able to post as much in the past, I'll do what I can-- we'll have to see.  Please wish us luck on this big final push.  As I said it always happens to some extent on projects and the more ambitious the project the more pressure there is to the inevitable end.  We have only a few impossible project left and a few important parts left to get together.  The labor, the time to bring it all together is the wild card.  it may be left to Red Bull to bring us across the finish line--- this should be good!

We will need to split our labor to keep everything else going at the same time giving the Duramax 26 that extra push.  OK, so thats what on my mind, it's full so there's really nothing left to do but "get-r-done" so in the words of the greatest southern gentlemen--- "Hey, you'all, watch this!"

See ya later

Update

Hey Ken, here are the stripes in base      (cut-n-paste)     

Raymond, here are some pics of the fitwork on the grill      

And for you audio freaks, take a look at one of the MA Audio 8" bass drivers   We'll have 4 of these!  Unbelievable!

2.17.09

Spent too much time answering Emails and doing a bit of a scan on the GMC Net sorry but I have to stay in touch.

I did want to however tell you about an insurance issue I have been looking at here recently.  Everyone is advertising "saving money on insurance", man I hate the whole thing!!  "saving" money when you buy something is like that huge long reciept janie gets from the grocer on the money she "saved" on the stuff she bought-- heck we spent money too, you just can't forget that it cost money to save money---- OK, whatever     --- So what is the "real Deal" on insurance?  The real deal for the GMC is getting an "agreed value" coverage policy.  You can get "full coverage" all day long from anyone standing in a phone booth but if you have a real need for the policy (and isn;t that the reason you "spent money" inthe first place) you will start to "negotiate" what they will pay you.  Take it from me they will never understand why you felt you needed to put insurance on your GMC in the first place if they do not know what a GMC is and that the "vale added" stuff that you coach has is really where the value is.  It's not in getting another set of wheels or paying off what their "book" says your coach is worth!  No, you must have a policy that takes into account all that money you put into your coach over and far above sometimes what you paid for the coach initially or what some retail value book says it is worth.  There is no original value still attached toyour vehicle-- it has "bottomed out".

An "Agreed Value" policy is what you need.  There are few companies that understand what this product is all about and the motivations behind it.  I have had amny people ask me where to turn with this situation and until recently I really was at a loss to help.  Now, I have come up with a company that is interested in talking to you people about insuring your motorhome through an agreed value policy.  I have talked to an actual person, have found that they actually do understand what we are talking about and are ready and willing to talk to you about your vintage motorhome and insure it as it must be insured.  Are you interested--- are you ready to write this down?  Here goes--- Call Miller Insurance, ask for Cheryl or Marlene at 1-800-622-6347, they are in Oregon so call in the afternoon on the east coast.  Tell them I told you to call (that means nothing other than it will key them to the exact conversation I had with Cheryl about our community and what we are looking for.  I think you will find they understand fully your needs and insure motorhomes all the time just like what we need.  If they are unable to help you or you get a funny feeling when you talk to them, please let me know.  Recommending something like this I am linking the integrity of my company to the issue & I need to know it is a good horse I am throwing in with.  So there you are, check it out and tell me what you find please.  Good luck.

And about the Dothan GMCMI rally.  I am bringing "Larry" filled with whatever I can bring, I will be organizing windshield installations and if I know by Tues. morning at the show we have a good chance of having windshields installed properly, sealed and guaranteed at a really fair cost.  I will be installing window felts and rubbers (please pray for my fingers) , we'll be doing a "demo" install on a quad bag rear suspension system-- anyone out there want to get a set installed at the show--- call me right away!  Each evening the Sunshine Statesmen will sponsor the "GMC after hours" tech session where the club will bring their tent and each evening after the dinner and evening festivities of the rally are concluded the lights will go on in the club tent and the bull will commence.  Hey, you've spent a pile of $ to attend the rally, why go to sleep early.  I love a rally that you need to go home and relax a bit after!  So if you can and have a mind to, make the rally and lets see what sort of trouble we can get into!

OK, I've covered what I had to get to ya, the sun is up and the temp will stay a bit low but it's enough to get out in and work.  Gotta go, much happening so I'll try and post some stuff soon.

Update   

BTW guys, The Closer is on tonight!    on TNT   I always forget to say anything till it's almost too late but hey, they have repeats for a couple of days.  Anyway, thats tonight, see ya tomorrow.

Ken, I think I will have pics of the lay out in base.  We'll see

I'm more writing this to myself so I don;t forget to tell you guys about some interesting insurance information-- I forgot this morning.  So if I forget please give me a call!  Man, I sure hope I remember that tomorrow, can you imaging how phone line would be!  Oh, and about what we'll be doing at the GMCMI Dothan rally!

Talk to ya then

2.16.09

Sorry, blew the time this morning to post ere banging out something for the last issue of the RV Adventure Magazine.  I was honored to bo be asked to be a contributor to the last on that publication.  They need to edit my pile (you know that will take a bit) but the issue should be out by this evening.  Go check it out at http://www.rvadventuremag.com.

This week has great promise, the weather is still looking good for work, we have good direction and support so we should see great things come about.  My weekend was refreshing so we're already off and running as I set here the sky is blue and the temp. is moderate.

Call me if you ned something, stay tuned for more info and watch for good things happening.

2.14.09

Happy Valentines day and all that   I'll be back later with more but check this stuff out till I get back.

There is a pile of oil right under our feet in the good ole US of A: 

Update

Now this is what I'm talkin bout  Bookum Dano, Murder 1!  The guys worked early this morning and the base color is on.  Check out how the flash picks up the green in the base color

                  Now we work on the stripe layout.  The lower stripe in the green mask tape is still one we're working with, stay tuned on those negotiations.  These colors we are now using are most unique, hey wait till you see the shadows on the "whoop stripes"!

2.13.09

I hesitate to start off the "Friday the 13th" posting on a somber note but it is first on my mind this morning.  I am sad to announce that after the next issue of the on line RV Adventure Magazine, this forward thinking publication will stop offering us it's flavor or RV interests.  Yes, as it goes with many groundbreaking ideas, there has to be that balance of many things to bring an idea to success.  The notion of offering RV based content on the internet was not the problem, as Donald Fink, the editor, explained it was merely a fact that the business plan of trying to at least pay for the hardware, software and time to put the publication together streatched out too far in the future for their budget-- ain't it that way for many of us!  I met Don and his wife who doubled as the proof reader (and you know how much fun she had with my articles!) a couple of months ago when they put together the expose on Florida.  We had a great dinner together and I felt honored to be published with them.  If you enjoyed things you read on their magazine, you may want to go there today   www.rvadventuremag.com and download articles of interest to keep.  I'm keeping my first literary pursuits and will think fondly of the time I spent putting them together.  Well, this was not the first stuff I put out, if those who were around will remember the hard copy Magazine "Motorhome Classics", now that was another publication ahead of it's time.  I was excited about where that rag would have taken the vintage RV community but they too had the problem of "when would we ever make any money".  As many have said, that was a really classy magazine but without a way to support itself there was no hope.  In the end, all that good wishing, romantic ideas and enthusiasm to want to do something worthwhile does not always pay the bills, I fully understand that concept as we are struggling with embracing the cutting edge, out of the ordinary projects here and trying to figure out how to pay for doing all of this one off stuff!  It is a struggle to be sure, I seem to be attracted to these hard to do ideas but really would not change things for the world as they say.  It is and always has been part of me, is something I seek out when others my leave them on the table.  I think of a song I remember way back called "Nashville Cats".  "And the record man said they were all yellow "Sun" records from Nashville, I'm afraid nobody buys them but I said but I will".  Yes, oddly maybe thought of as a  prophetic line, I do think of it often and enjoy the fact there are many things I like that maybe others wonder about-- guess it's a genetic thing but for whatever reason I enjoyed each RV Adventure Magazine issue.  Wish there were some way to keep it going until the rest of the literary community caught up!  Mark my words, some time in the future, on line magazines -- not just a "blog format" but a true reader oriented, advertising attracting and critically acclaimed concept will be commonplace.  Once more, prowl through the issues of RV Adventure magazine and know you are looking at a first, a "Commodore 64", a "VW Bug", a "DC3" of an industry.  I am proud that I was a part of cutting edge idea.  My Mom was a librarian, I grew up in a library and to me bringing literature and reading entertainment from the "book place" to the internet is a worthwhile endevour, thanks Don for make me a part.

OK, getting that all out of my head, I can get a bit back to focus.  Yesterday afternoon was a good one.  After a "Tabernacle" prayer meeting with the guys over at paint on Ken's 23' Duramax paint project we are again moving ahead.  It's never hard figuring what to do, the hard part is always trying to figure out where to stop!  This was the case with the body prep for the 23' Duramax.  Having a pretty hard act to follow with the unbelievable paint on the 26' Duramax, the guys were understandably paranoid to paint another machine to come behind the heals and sit beside such a bizarre and and awesome machine.  To build a "Taj Ma Hal" once, how do you build a second one!  We here at the Co-op are not here to only build up this Duramax machine once, here we are doing a second one and we have aspirations beyond these so duplicating such a machine is what we are trying to document and there comes the problems.  Just hoe Do you do that?  We are going to great pains to KNOW what we are doing on each step of building these 2 coaches, we see a future in doing this and are sure doing our "due diligence" so future coaches can be built.  You say, "who would want to spend in the neighborhood of $400,000 and more for a GMC?  Hey guys, look what people are spending for what a box--- a regurgitated bus--- a machine as big and hard to live with as a 3rd world country!  Not for me and not for a growing number of people.  This Duramax project is not for many but there is a place -- actually these machines are still "the cheapest toy in the box" for those with their hands in the upper end luxury coach market.  The "go fast" bus, the "road rocket" of the bus world, this is where we feel these machines will excel. 

OK, so you now are calling the Mod Squad to come over here with a straight jacket to take me to that big rubber room!  Not so fast, open your mind a bit to what is out there, what some are wanting in a travel vehicle and what the RV industry is struggling with trying to make something unique.  Heck, we are already there!  You want custom, special, unique, powerful, luxurious, distinctive, retro stylish, attractive and last of all impressive--- "I got your machine!"  And we can build it!

OK, off the soap box but take a look at the 23' Duramax in it's underwear.  You gotta have a good fitting pair of "fruit of the loom" to dress well and well the color today is grey:

You might say WHAT-- whats the big deal, well for those that know what it is to have a clean primer surface these pics represent over 200 hours of work.  So maybe this is another one of those "If you don't understand I can't tell ya".  Thanks to all who have brought us to where we are today, some are still with us while others have fallen to the side.  Such is life!

The day is on me now, gotta go.  Thanks for the visit & making through my verbage, stay tuned for more fun and have a great weekend

2.12.09

Back in the "groove" again we're having a great time here.  Weather cannot be better, sorry about the bad stuff up north there, my son sent me pics from Sierra Vista where is actually snowed!  I don't do "snow"!

First I wanted to tell you about something we learned yesterday.  We had gone over Tom's suspension, checking and replacing things we found an issue.  See the problem is not figuring out what we think should be replaced, it's figuring our where to stop!  I mean there are fiftymillion parts that are 30+ years old and if all we did was to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" and replace "it all", the saga of bringing a drive train to standard my never end!  You must evaluate each system and make calls.  Ok, so when we got his coach all back together, aligned and what we say is "ready to go", we found 2 issues on the test drive.  First the steering was "squirrely over 40 MPH.  Well thats no good and there was an annoying whop-whop sound with it.  Well those bugs must be squashed so do we have 2 critters hiding in the coach or 1.  As Tom reported, neither of them was there when the coach came in.  Ok, so it had to be having to do with something we touched.  Before we pulled out everythi9ng we did, I had the guys pull his Alcoa rims and put on some original wheels, we had replaces his tires and maybe there was something wrong with them-- remember we are looking for anything different from the time it came in    Yea, it is a pile of work we're looking at but our charge was to update the coach and make it run better so "diver down" we had to go back in.  The drive test told us his new tires were fine so it's back into the suspension.

OK, here is what we found, the relay lever bolt, you know that big sucker with the mondo torque holding the part to the frame had been stripped out somewhere in it's past and a nut/bolt arrangement was rigged into place.  The job looked sound and in that there was no way to rethread the frame, we worked with that rig making sure the bolt up was tight on the new parts.  Well, the end where the stripped threads were had worn enough to introduce some slop in the assembly and using the nut/bolt set up instrad of the threaded frame, the top plate squeezed in on the new relay lever and bound it up.  The torque on the system was done as if it was using the threaded frame attachment and is standard but with the rig, you needed to resize the relay lever.  Jason welded a resizing washer to remove the slop in the frame and resized the relay lever to not pinch in place---- steering issue gone!

Now we had the "FLB" (funny little bump sound, we thought is sounded like it was coming from the driver side bogy wheels so all that came apart to yeild nothing.  I told the guys, heck, we've got most everything apart, we might as well go for the pass. side bogy wheels too.  I mean lets make this a "Full Monty"!  Ah, and there it was, we did not replace the rear bearings, they looked OK on inspection so they were repacked and reinstalled.  Flushing them carefully here is what was found .  Scoring on a couple of the rollers.  We of course did not introduce whatever contaminate that caused this, it looks to have been in there for a while, guess repacking them, cleaning out the old goo and putting new synthetic grease in caused them to talk to us-- good thing cause Tom would not have gone far with this situation.  This is a perfect reason for a test run after work-- you must assume nothing and look for problems, not just that things are good but look for stuff you had not considered before!  We probably had a bearing going out but did not pick it up on inspection-- a scary thought-- I mean now-- how far should we take our updating! So now in the future, we will probably not just inspect and repack rear wheel bearings, they will all be replaced as a matter of fact in the future.  Another thing that shows you really must go all the way when working with a 30+ year old machine.  Thanks Tom for giving us the time to figure this all out.  All the bearings will be replaced today!  For me to feel good about you driving this puppy to Tenn., it's gotta be done!

OK, on to other stuff.  Talking with Robert building the Stainless grills for the 26' Duramax "remote" from California, we both agreed we needed to better fit his masterpiece before sending it back for finishing.  Crag & Chris were thrown on the job .  It's not easy to put a seriously rigid component in place of a "loosygoosy" part like the original GMC grill is.  You guys who have worked with the grill know what I mean.  We first reshaped the corners to fit the 26' Duramax exactly next we will add the curves to the vertical sides, I mean that puppy is not a flat opening and the stainless bar that the new grill is made of is!  More on this when we are done.

Now we get into the cool stuff.  Remember Omar bringing the diamond padded red velvatine wall inserts the other day?  Ok, well having them here was mu "Q" to get on the rear bedroom walls and get them in.  I had been waiting for these panels so off to the trim shop to figure out how to do it.  This was an idea I had suggested to compliment the red velvet rear seating being made and to break up the "Copper Kettle" wall covering a bit.  Hey, if we're already out there free from gravity going toward the moon, lets kick it up a notch and see if we can reach Mars!  So with the panels cur and fitted, the inserts are now fitted   .  Now, we cover the panels and secure the inserts to them and boy, do we come up with a look  In the light, the padded velvet comes alive and now I'm getting excited to see what we have with these electric walls in place.  Howd we do boss?      You WILL NOT see another bedroom looking like this!  The panels glow with and electric, hot look-- man this material is something!  Got these in the last thing last night, No one was around when these pics were taken so they will think the "elves" came in last night like the shoe maker and did the magic over the night.  Naaaa, it was just me burning the lights-- There aren't any Munchkins out there to help ya, there's usually only "Murphy" trying to mess things up!  So stay tuned for more on Raymonds bedroom fit.

Steve now turned his attention to the unique galley and living area floorplan fitting into the Duramax.  Everyone including me have been holding our breath in figuring out the forward floorplan incorporating that huge Duramax motor and the reproportioned front area.  This is one of those "impossible missions" that has been out there waiting.  It is something though that had to be overcome and now was the time.  The galley count had now been fabricated with it's curves and all so next was to fit the scissors sofa/bed to the space we had-- a 6' bed was our goal plus having it articulate and leave a walkway to the bedroom while missing the monster amp wall at the door.  Look nothing up our sleeve-- Omar came over to inspect the selected sofa frame   This is proving out to not be your run of the mill sofa, we had serious considerations.  Check out the right side of the frame mods needed to clear the forward platform.  Weld here, cut there, reshap this and modify that, Chris was a welding fool bringing our ideas to life   Building the unique sofa platform with room for the double reinforeced "dead reasonance" sub woofer box   (2 thicknesses of 3/4" high density MDC, screwed, glued and tatooed the work yeilded what I would call the perfect part -- under the sofa, as a sofa this fit like a glove and as a bed, the same results a custom, perfect solution to an impossible thing -- fitting 10 pound of doody in a 5 bound box!  Steve & Chris will do the final mods found on fitting and Omar will come in this evening to pick up the base for the new foam and upholstery-- this was an exciting and fun project!  Hey Rob, remember that old aqua sofa you had to work around at the shop-- it worked perfect and guys thats what "custom" is all about!  Now Omar will sand blast and refinish the steel frame then fang new foam and the upholster this set of bone with the diamond pattern red velvet-- you will not recognize this pile of bones very soon!  Guys, this is the fun of all this, making something from nothing and making it the best it could be, bringing together ideas and talent to bring those clouds in the sky to reality.  I think all the folks who are helping this project come alive!

And finally, Ray is getting jiggy with Marylin's coach, stripping off the exterior parts to get the coach ready for a new exterior finish   The orginal pea green will finally be retired in favor of something a bit more modern, stay tuned to watch this transformation.

All of this work is focued to bring the classic GMC up to todays standard of technology, style and reliability.  We're not just looking are replacing a frig or "piecemealing" as reapir to make these vintage machine work for one more day, no we're bringing machine we work with here back to a useful, comfortable, impressive machine.  The "cheapest toy in the box", a viable alternative to spend the big bucks the RV industry says you must to have something nice.  I mean wouldn't really rather drive a quality classic? 

Hey, and thanks goes out to you guys for your support and input on all this, it's what keeps us going around here-- Viva La GMC!

2.11.09

A little late on this today, had @ 200 pics to clear out of the camera before I could lay down the next "Bus Hole Show" episode.  Got it done now and I hope to update the SS page with pics of the rally this evening.  Hey, there is just so much behind the scenes stuff needed to keep this mess going!

Yesterday, I had to get with the guys on the 23' Duramax, while I appreciate they want it to be the best it can be, over 200 hours of prep time is getting deep into our timetable.  Everyone must understand things are what they are but it is still stressing trying to keep all moving forward AND get the quality we need.  We MUST move on with the paint on that critter soon.  I know you guys are tired of seeing primer on that thing--- me too!  Keep up with us, things should go faster soon.

Wanted to just take a minute and talk about this "twin Duramax" project for a minute.  First conceived as the ultimate GMC, this idea has now become bigger than it was ever thought.  I must tell you guys you gotta be careful for what you dream about cause it just may come true!  This is the case for a dream of mine and the 2 people who saw the clouds in the sky link together into an awesome  idea.  Really, this is becoming a life of it's own, you guys who have watched this idea turn to reality have seen it grow.  Now with bringing in the high powered fabricator in Robert Nagle and interior designer LM Pagano, we are entering uncharted waters for the GMC.  Ground effects that killed 4 fiberglassers to produce, finding talent to actually bend laminated glass, discovering unbelievable products to treat metals for heat and sound, tapping commercial marine generator designs, interior materials never seen in the manufacture of a GMC, competition pro sound equipment, state of the art diesel technology-- have I left anything out?  This is truly a monster machine to be unleashed to the roads and this all started with that one dream-- it just makes the hair on the back of my head stand up!  Always, the first question after someone tours the progress in person here at the shop asks, "When can I see it done?" And boy isn't that the $100,000, try maybe the $200,000+ question and you will be at least in the ballpark!  Yes, I have always said you must break a few eggs to make an omelet-- well we are up with the bailout program and have escalated this project as it has unfolded.  Hey, you can't stiffle the creativiity, you can't pull things in and make it less than it can and should be, you just need to follow the dream and boy this "yellow brick road" is rolling hard through those poppy fields!  I gotta tell ya I love it and I just get tingly all over when I see where it is going.  Back to the question of "when", I have to say the cake will rise when it's good and ready, the sprinkles on the top of the cake look inviting but you just can't pull it out of the oven till it's done so all I can tell those who ask is "stay tuned".  It's not sitting on our hands thats taking the timetable and turning it long, it's finding what it takes to be the best and the best is what these machines will be!  In a day where the economy is stiffling creativity and businesses are focused on just hanging in there we are saying "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" and that act also makes the hair on my neck stand up!  This is not the time to do creative things but we have been given this challenge and we are sticking with it.  So you guys also hang with me on this, watch with me as we just "go for it" and put our livelihood in your prayers cause brother, we are out there on that proverbial limb!

Ok, thats out of my mind and running down on the floor, thanks for wading through it with me, I just sometimes need to empty my mind a bit!  Hey, it's crowded in there so now you know where we are and you understand our realities.  I hope it gives you a vision on whats happening here, why and how it will progress.  There are no better 2 "partners in crime" on this project than Raymond and Ken.  Raymond having extensive background in vehicle restoration of all sorts and Ken a hot rod enthusiast and builder both understand what it is to build something special.  I dare say you must be familiar with what it takes to deal with all of this, the "mud, the blood and the beer" needed to succeed so we have all the tools needed with this so watch us run daddy!

Guess I had a little more to "download", I feel better now!  Of course there is much more happening here than these labor sucking monster, I need to get out there and work a bit now so pardon me while I do that.  I'll see about showing you more of our fun later.  The light is up and I need to be out there.  Have a great day, do something memorable because as they say "It's the first day of the rest of your life", we're at the top of the food chain so do something with your opportunities and abilities.  See ya later

Update

Pardon me while I do a little work here  Ken has the 23' Duramax and we are battling getting the body ready to paint.  The problem lies with the fiberglass ground effects kit that it took 4 fiberglass companies to finally get made.  Jeff   is picking up where each of those folks left off and every time he shoots the final sanding sealer then goes to smooth it out, he finds pinholes, blow outs and other non uniform issues in the glass parts.  Here is what is happening         Like I said he is battling it and with close to 200 hours in prep on stuff like this he says it will be ready very soon , check out this area that he feels is ready   Yes, I can see the difference.  So lets all take a deep breath and know things-- the are a happenin!

Oh and Raymond, I got the stainless steel outer ring from Robert to fit today , this is the grill in it's custom stainless steel jig   -- Hey, can you say coooooollllll!!!!  A billet stainless steel horizontal bar grill, oh yea man!  Tomorrow I'll fit the corners for Robert and take a few more pics.  Hey and we got in the diamond padded wall panel inserts for Raymonds bedroom from Omar today ,  yea man-- it's the look we want so now the bedroom back walls can go in.  Stay tuned for that!

OK, it's dark now, I've done my duty, this place got all of my daylight today.  Janie is wanting to go for a few beers, think I'll do that too.  It's been a good one-- lets do it again tomorrow

2.10.09

Dang, the sun is up and I just got through my Email pile it's tough trying to catch up on all theis.  Have not even had time to scan the GMC Net yet, probably will not get that luxury for a bit.  I have a pile of pics form the weekend to download before I can do another episode of the "Bus Hole Show" so wish me luck on the work!  We're going to try and do some editing through my son John on this one.  You know, link together several clips-- hey Sunday Morning move over!

Last night was interesting, I finally delivered that second CJ side car bike to a fellow in North Dakota.  No, I didn't drive there, Kenny (thanks BTW Kenny for coming up with a home for this puppy) had a race car running down at the Volusia Speedway in Barberville @ 70 miles north of Orlando, my son Ray and I loaded up that puppy on my bikes trailer hooked up to the Suzuki I we delivered it up to Barberville.  Kinda felt sad not having "twins" here to look at         All new, fresh and ready to make someone happy.  Good luck Lenny.  The bike got off the trailer and us home so thats done.

Ray & Chris were hard at work yesterday finishing the stripping of Mark's 32' stretch roof   The ole roof AC units made it successfully to the "green file"   We're installing his new antenna and a couple of the new "Max Fan" roof vents   Pulling the plumbing vents we found interesting unexpected results from aftermarket body work    The seam of the roof panels was too close to the vent.  Hey, ain't nothin but a thing!

More happening but I gotta get to work, more cool stuff later

2.9.09

We're back-- Now this biggest job will be getting that huge rock rolling again up hill.  The momentum to get going again after having a great relaxing weekend sometimes is such an energy sucking pig that I am scared every time this happen-- oh well, such is life and the horse it rode in on!

Thanks Richard R. for this letter, I thought you guys who have never thought in this direction may be interested.  Here goes, go here and take a read Economy woes.

As I said, this weekend was a serious departure on my everyday energy product, I don't get out much and driving "JayGee" @ 175 miles round trip and living in that general for a couple of days taking part in it's features was a real blast.  Hey, think about this.  I say we in the south are "weather wimps".  Hey, but while you guys up north are hunkered down, winterized and all that-- we down here are out camping!  Hey, it was 19 deg. (countem, a snow ball from front on the grass here in Florida!  So while you guys were inside, we were outside, many of the folks at the rally had no furnace-- they were cold, I had a digital furnace and when the power failed at 2AM Sat. morning Janie & I were bugs in rugs!  Scott C. called in from Toronto and reported 30 below-- good he was inside but we were out there cold but doing it so I say we are "manly men" in a true sense!  Give it a couple of days & I'll post pics on www.gmcss.com of the rally-- stay tuned.

So as I said I will post pics soon of the goings on, lets not dwell on that here right now, lets go on and get in some business.   It's 45 this morning which is effecting us a bit but with clear sky and a promise of temps in the 70's, I'm looking forward to some real productivity this week.  The 23' Duramax is in line for paint, words from out interior decorator (LM) is calling for some cool "copper top" counters for the 26' Duramax, should be interesting and we have movement on the 32' Stretch project.  Stay tuned for pics

The side car bike was a hit both from people enjoying looking but also from relieving stress from me as well.  Riding out there in the woods, bouncing around is a blast, I'll give ya pics of that too.  And as usual, it took longer than I ever thought to find a home for that 3rd side car bike I helped Marcus bring into the country, now I have 3 people interested in getting one-- it always seems to go that way.  I am again thinking these things are an answer to uncomplicate folks lives, if you have been on the fence interested in them-- let me know.  Maybe we can line up another shipment.  Hey they really need our help is this rollercoaster economy!

2.5.09

"Well Diggers A^^" comes to mind getting out in the weather this morning and NO-- I did not get out on the side car bike this morning!  I am preparing for another ritual that maybe will put us "weather wimps" closer to the ranks of you hearty weather souls.  You guys have your coaches now all tucked away, hunkered down winterized put wherever you can put them.   You all are hovering around the exhaust fans of your hard drive feeling that warmth-- oh no, we out here in Florida are planning actually many folks already at the club rally in Brookesville.  The coldest morning of the year, we are having a rally--- a manly move you must admit!

I gathered up JayGee from the house this morning, loaded for bear and ready for the last stop at the LP dock for a load of furnace gas before we head off into the cold.  I'm tasting winter camping maybe more than even you guys up north now!  I'll do a trip report on this one for ya, should be interesting.

And on the interesting note, this is not GMC related but I have to say I think interesting-- I would like to expose you guys a little to the vintage motorcycle world.  If you have any interest in this, even if it's just for enrichment and entertainment, check out this web site http://www.changjia ngunlimited. com/misc_ 04.htm . I think it may interest you.  I have a M1M, flat head military version of the machines you will see.  I'll have it with me this rally to put around with and turn heads-- will be fun.y looking at this stuff and hey, if you are interested let me know-- I really think this small world of interest is pretty exciting!'

Back to the GMC world---  Being really cold this morning, I do not expect much from the guys around here.  I made a decision to loan my commercial diesel powered heater to Kevin & Jeff over working on Ken's 23' Duramax paint-- they are really suffering, not heat, a tin rof,tin sided building with no insulation and the sun at 90 deg. to their roof makes their shop super cold!  The guys here are gonna hate life with no heater so as I said, not will happen

late report--- "Jim Dandy to the rescue"  Craig's Jim Dandy-- Craig's Jim Dandy!!  Craig backs into the lot just now sporting the "smudge pot" LP heater from his back yard for the shop   Hey, you da Man!!  The manly man of all men,  it should be toasty in the trim shop in no time now!!  Hey, we all work together here, I love it!  Now, we may get something done!!

Gotta go, headed out to get LP in JayGee, gotta get ready for the weekend.  Stay warm and we'll talk soon

Update 2

Hey Paul, here is the light I was tilling you about   I call this the "super dome" LED.  Has 15 super bright LED lights all in a 1 1/4" lens (1 3/4" base diameter) assembly, has a metal casing and a really long sheathed wire.  Don't install Halogens-- they are hot, I mean really hot and they are current sucking pigs!  These puppies pull very little current, creat ), none, nada heat and man are they bright!    .  They have a pretty wide dispersion, we will be using gobbs of these in Raymonds Duramax.  Cost is $36.  All new, very neat, these solves piles of problems.  Let me kno0w if you are interested. 

Update

Another one bites the dust .    Soaping the bag shows this bag is leaking internally with air coming out from the places where the weathered chunks from the outer wrap have fallen off, hey give it a gold watch it's done it's job!  Danny, if we left this bag in there, you would not make it home, the compressor was running full time to keep this baby up.  We're putting in a good used air bag to get ya home, alsso shutting down whats left of the rest of the system using schraeder valves-- with this you will get home.

2.4.09

Woke this morning to no power in the house I laid there for a moment thinking about those folks where it really is cold, covered up in all the quilts they owned with frost on the door handles-- man I'm glad I live in Florida right now!  Hey, it's cold but not really.  The power folks pulled up just as I was coaxing my side car bike to life.  Actually, it likes the cold, kinda like a VW bug.  A chilly ride into work means the rest of the day will be warmer, hey it works for me!

Janie is packing today "JayGee" for this weekends Sunshine Statesmen rally in Brookesville, should be a good test for our furnace.  Gonna tow the bike with us.  Riding our through the Scout ranch property is what that thing was made to do-- no roads, no high speed just fun.

I think we have Danny's coach ready for the road, I'll drive it around this morning and see how she feels.  He is going at his renovation in waves, we did our best to make it safe, now he needs to do some work on his own.  Oh, we will need to do an alignment on it today, forgot after doing all the bushings and all those parts need to be straightened together.  Stay tuned for that.

Yesterday was another day of working in the Duramax 26' on interior issues.  One step at a time, Raymonds "blanket locker" or "headboard" as some referr to it is fitted, covered and in place to see how the next parts will fit .  This interior is pretty complicated in that the materials all are unique colors.  The paint folks did a nice job of matching the "Copper Kettle" wall material.  As more of the interior comes together, the intent of the decorator is taking shape.  I mean have you ever walked into Caesar's Palace in Vegas and wordered if you were supposed to be in that lobby?  This is the look the interior is going for.  The pics don't project well what you can see in person and as the diamond padded red velvet goes in (here is a sample of the pattern selector ) I think you will see things come together.  Certainly, this will be a more opulent interior that you have seen for a GMC!  Finally, after mixing 2 red stains, I think we have to color for the walnut burlwood veneer, we are matching to the chrome, leather, red burlwood custom steering wheel we had selected some time ago.  It still needs the high polish finish but I think the color finally came in line when I mixed in the red oak to the cherry stain   , the process for finishing off the wood is no less critical, these are the details you have to anguish over on a build up like this -- stay tuned.

Just walked out to open up the bays, it's daylight now but still damn cold out there!  Oops, I forgot, I should not whine-- there are many more of you chipping ice burgs from your driveway-- I just cannot imagine!  Sorry but the productivity around here drops to new levels when the cold sets in like this and there is not much that can be done to help it out!

2.3.09

Got caught up in a thread on the GMC Net yesterday morning sorry, it turned out being a waste of time trying to get a point across.  Should just stay here where I feel more comfortable.  This is a strange time economically speaking which means there is more opportunity than ever to offer more to those that support you than ever.  Speaking of parts, does the guy down at the local parts house give you tips on how to install those brake shoes he special ordered for ya or maybe that ball joint that took him a week of searching to find-- you know, the one you had to pay for up front.  See, thats what we can do in these times to make every part you get have more value-- I mean not only do we have or can tell you where to get most any part you need for your coach, the reason we can do that is because we actually install those parts every day.  We have to know how to do things--- because we do them!  The main focus of the Co-op is literally every function and part of your classic coach.  We do repairs, maintenance, upgrades and even custom one off stuff pretty much exclusively on the GMC.  Can you walk into your local repair shop and find a "Warner" bearing removal tool and a torsion bar adjuster tool hanging on the wall?  Let me think---- probably not.  And if you ask the guy with the greasiest hands out in the bay which was an Oldsmobile distributor turns he may know but then again he may not.  That's what we have worked hard here to be prepared for and with many parts of the economy circling around the bowl, I just feel it important for all of this niche market enthusiasts to help eachother, keep us going so we can help keep you going.  Things need to be a win-win, I may be wrong but I didn't hear about any bailout dollars earmarked for the GMC motorhome market so guys, I hate to say it but it looks like we are on our own!

I was counciled via Email to not worry about the overall GMC market and to continue to be here for the likes of you guys and that should be where the focus should do the most good.  I will admit whenever the downs outnumber the ups in the past, you guys have always been there to help us through it and you just cannot know how calming that support really is.  Janie & I have committed our livelihood in a direction I could have never guessed before we got into this but the more we do, the more we see the need and the sense in doing this.  Thanks, really, for the support and I need to put scanning and posting on the GMC Net as 3rd in line of priority and do as my Grandad told me once a very long time ago, "worry about what you are doing, let the rest of things worry about themselves".

So it's onward and upward.  As the song I listened to last week said, "Be a Born Again American", do what is right, pay attention to what needs to be and take care of the folks around you"-- hey, I'm into that!  So if you are too far away to drop by, call me when you have a problem, lets talk about it and anything I can do to help --we'll figure out what is needed and "get-r-done".

Had to share this one with ya.  Got this in a letter yesterday along with another years support of the CMW Project from Ben   Had not heard from Ben in some time see he's a doctor working I think in an E Ward, very busy but has a fantastic GMC and is watching obviously and uses his coach when he can.  It is great to hear from him if only through a cryptic message which tells me he's still thinking of us here, following the pose and has kept up even watching the latest "Bus Hole Show" episode about the Q bag system.  It warms my heart just knowing there are those out there in the ranks of support I may almost never hear of, it's what keeps me going!  The message could be a page right out of a Dr. Seuss book-- I mean I love the script, it says so much more that most any other letter can say.  I love it, there will be a place on my wall for it-- thanks man and look, let me know when you wanna do that Q bag set up-- we'll "foam the runway" for ya!  Hey, Fitz-- your urging has not fallen on def ears!

Doing the Email pile now and had to give you this one for thought:

Tascam 144 eh? Believe it or not, I still have a Tascam 234 in my basement, still with its original box. It probably has less than 20 hours of use on it. I bought thinking I was building my own studio, but then was hired 3 months later to work for a commercial studio, so it has spent most of its life in the box. I modified it by installing balanced XLRs w/phantom power. Worked great for a couple of remote gigs. Those were the days. I keep thinking I should quit my real job and go back. Somewhere the train in life jumped the tracks. Got very good at something that nobody cares about any more - high speed cassette duplicators. As a studio tech, I became obsolete.

Anyway, its sounds like you have a reasonable handle on the acoustical task. Any thought of going with Servo-Drives?? Just kidding.

I'm often surprised when I find GMCers who have never heard of you. Chatting on RVnet, I mentioned about the LF72, and a GMCer had to ask what it was. Sent him to the Cruzin link. I think there were a few people impressed.


Dave

This post was referring to the considerable knowledge base that is going into the Duramax sound system and the "glory days" of the past in electronics.  Support like this and the knowledge that people with "hutspa" are watching, really makes me think of the "Boss" and the song "Glory Days"-- did ya happen to see the energy he belted that song out at the 1/2 time concert at Super Bowl?

Just had some correspondence with Danny on his "new" GMC purchase.  He did do well on his core purchse but of course that doe not mean he has no challenges, his holing tank had the badges and afflictions of being original , man you could not see a better buildup in Luray Caverns!  Bubba put his trans cooler lines together and we have a headstart on the needed front end work taking his coach from this to this   but here still has some work to do-- I mean tell me the PO did not know the fuel tanks were leaking!!!  and the radiator was waiting to drop it's load!   All in all though I do still call this a good buy, I mean all the parts are still there and we can figure out where all the corroded parts did go   This is further proof that these machines run even broken   Danny is a car enthusiast, a boat builder and is going into this project eyes open and that is the way things should be.  I have no doubt that this 74 beauty will once again be a loved member of someones family, but there will need to be a few "prayer meetings" to heal her.

2.1.09

A morning meal of biscuits and gravy, my Dad's favorite and a brisk ride on the bike with a sunny clear sky, in the 50's Super Bowl Sunday morning  dressed up in my Eisenhower jacket cinched tight around my waist, red scarf, black Bronson cap, amber goggles and my Kevlar/carbon fiber composite "brain bucket" Head Trip helmet I enjoyed this morning.   Taking a bike ride in the morning is a very cleansing experience for me, helps me get a perspective on all that is happening right now.  There are great thing about to happen, each day brings the Duramax "go fast" coaches closer and the only impediment to success now is the time and energy it is taking to do the very best. 

After a ride filled with the sharpened senses from the wind and cold, the attention to the sounds of the machine under me and the appreciation of what it is to have the chance to feel all of this, not ending the experience but to further it I pulled into the shop and fired up the computer to do some posting before I got jiggy in the back of Raymond's coach,  I came upon an Email from our "down under" friend Rob Mueller offering me this link, this puts in words and music the way I want to feel and promote our nation for the future--- I warn ha you may need a tissue for this one!   http://www.bornagainamerican.org   Thanks Rob, I needed that.

Now, I am really motivated to look at the bigger picture!  Yesterday was a good one bringing together some of the interior of Raymonds 26' "Go Fast".  Ray, my son, and  I went about doing the piecing of months worth of planning  on the interior design.  Sometimes it is the most difficult thing to bring together the designers vision, the owners hopes and the builders eye all together.  This is what we are doing right now.  Just like the designer vision of another coach we built "The Engine of Mischief" envisioned by another designer, Sara R. Engine I had to bring Sara's ideas in with me when I put that coach together-- we are now trying to get into LM Pagano's head to bring to life a dream of Raymonds.  Look, I know maybe putting all this down may sound sort of odd but I enjoy the chance to bring you guys into my head a bit on this-- cobb web filled as it is!  So, if this is boring you I apologize, it may be getting off the subject of GMC's but in a very real sense it is increasing my GMC experience-- at least for me.  Here lets get back to some pics I took yesterday-- enjoy:

The blanket locker for the Duramax is about ready for it's covering. The new cabinet is sporting my idea of dressing the 90 deg. edges in the coach.  On the big buses, there is the room to wide radius corners.  Doing this eats up valuable space making room for those rounded corners.  The most efficient way to build walls are to make 90 degree edge squares.  The space in a GMC is at a premium, we do not have the luxury of this space needed for rounded corners. It's sort of like outfitting a smaller sailing boat, every cubic inch is valuable so I came up with another "corner treatment".  Using a soft radius trim that I have used in the past, I molded them in to the horizontal and vertical edges   to give the Majilite copper kettle material a smooth transition around the corner.  A straight aluminum edge mated to the walls gives every corner a strong, interesting detail shape.    So the walls are finally coming together, it's tight in here and difficult to make a pic for you but here goes

This is where I catch up to now.  I'm out now in the shop to bring a little more of Raymonds bedroom together, sure it's Superbowl Sunday and Janie has planned a great evening around that with family and friends for me-- thanks for her help too so we'll talk to ya later.  Thanks for the visit and support.  Sure there is more going on that just Raymond's Duramx-- Kevin & Jeff are about to make history on the paint finish for the 23' Duramax and there are several interesting projects going on, I'm just on this today and hey, this page is supposed to be about what we're about --- so thats about it, see ya

update

This day was a great day not great in that piles of stuff got done, not that we had piles os shipping or even people call in but today we turned a corner, we opened the pages of some past stuff that I had all but forgotten.  I will say though that today something happened that I enjoyed greatly -- namely the past of consumer electronics of the 70's and 80's.  When you mixed and matched your audio components to be an extension of how you listened to music and haw you felt about yourself.

This may get off the GMC theme a bit so you guys that really didn't think much of the audio electronics craze "way back" may want to skid the next blue print but you guys who remeber what a Technics SL1200 was or maybe some Cerwin Vega Drivers were, you just may want to follow along!

So today we reached the point of pulling up the prewiring and the previously selected components for the sound system in Raymond's Duramax 26.  In "thise days" I was reasonably involved the consumer electronics.  I made the semi annual Consumer Elrectronics Shows (CES), heck I even went to the one and only Institute of High Fidelity (IHF) show held in of all places Atlanta.  I enjoyed those years blowing our brains out with monster amps and speakers we felt in that day would pinch the hand of God.  He were fearless and the louder the DB level the better.  I met many interesting people along that path, some I am sure are dead now while others mearly can't hear and H bomb on ground 0!  In those years of electyronics and baby goods buyer, manufacturers, distributer and direct rep, store owner and all around sound guy, I met many people who really were interesting.  Like I said some could now be dead but others came in and out of my life as I ran along my path.  Such a person was Craig  So you guys that were players I think will understand.  And Jeff was his partner, in those days we all tried to find a part of the business they could live in.  Jeff & Craig went in to electronics repair, I went into sales.  Then, one day Craig dropped by and we all brought it back together.  Craig brought in Jeff and it was again full circle.  We all lived through those tumultuous days and now werev came together to make the sound system in the Duramax 26.  The 2 came in this morning and I layed out to them the vision that was put into the mondo sound system for the coach.  8500 watts of real power-- we could weld with that-- 2x 12" woofers like I have never seen , 4x 8" woofers that I think would crumble the great wall and a machine bif enough to fill a full 1/4 wave 20 cycle signal.  A chance to just do it-- 3 guys who loved audio when it really was a thing.  We have a chance to again build up a system using the acoustics theory of old and again lend it to blow the windows out of this huge car!  Jeff took hold and  the box started today.  Not a "box" like all the other bass boxes these guys are building today, oh no, we read the specs of the speaker and the box Jeff will build with technically speaking perfect.  I'll take a real box any day!  You see the cube (cubic air displacement) of the box always has to match the Q ( frequency at which the speaker driver is most efficient) , actively crossed over and powered to move the cone of the speaker with the maximum amount of cotrol (Damping Factor).  yes, we will do all of that, this system will crank!  Forget plywood, blow off particle board we are starting with MDF which is about the densest building material you can find for sub box construction  .  The figuring is done, now we build the twin inverted, second order, sealed enclosure, 12 inch sub base cabinets from &^%% !  In other words, a proper box.  Screwed and glued , that sheet of marvelous material turns into something really special.  the box comes together the decision is made to damped the structure further by doubling the MDF thickness , this will make the driver really perform.  Throw out all those designer boxes, this is going to be the real thing!  Wait till you see this thing come together!  Stay tuned

1.30.09

OK, so now I know why they say "Lights" first!  I'll get lights for the next video, thanks for those comments.  Got this from one watcher

Jim,
The you tube may put the daily pose out of business.(HA, HA)
GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!
 

I don't know about that but it does give us a real opportunity to express ourselves.  We will get better and explore more of the tools but for now hey, it's happening.  Thanks to both of my sons, John for pushing to this and Ray for holding the camera for episode 2.

OK, it's rainy today and getting a nip in the air, I am working hard to organize the manpower here to projects in the Duramax 26' interior.  Things are coming together.  Working more with the new materials I am finding interesting ways to finish stuff off-- this is very exciting and rewarding for me.  This is the part that turns me on!  Everyone around here are feeling the excitement and wanting to lend a hand, there are just soooo many issues, so many things to do and all of it is first time stuff.  Raymond, you are putting the challenge on me brother!  Oh, hurt me so good!

Had a good conversation with Robert, the guy building the billit aluminum grills, and he's excited too.  There are many hands and heads in this machine.  Stay tuned for how this thing goes together.  As we speak, I have glue drying on bedroom panels! 

Gotta go-- oh wait, Ken needs some pics on the 23' Duramax.  Kevin stopped by this morning and we discussed the colors getting ready to go on.  The coach in holding it's final prime coat       Jeff is laying on coat after coat of primer building up and blocking out each for that "baby butt" smoothness we have to have , the utility hatch is in , relief cut in and we're all but ready for color.  Ken & Jeff are at an understanding on the stripe layout so onward we move.  This weekend could be pivital.

OK, now I gotta go, here it is 11:20 & I'm not dirty yet!  What gives, hey you guys are also very important to me and as are the other projects we're doing.  Bill got his new Zip Dee awning   .  Twas a bit of work, had to extract the old nasty A&E to make room for this new Zip Dee-- a good choice!

Danny's coach is closing in on it's mechanicals, hang for more on that one later.

See ya

1.29.09

Ran out of time this morning so much happening.  I did however get the edisode 2 of the "Bus Hole Show" posted on You Tube.  Go take a look at that http://www.youtube.com/coopmotorworks

Your input is apprciated.  We'll talk later

Update

Ken, how is this forward stripe

1.28.09

Big day today, we're putting "Low -Ride-Ur's" best foot forward for a gentleman flying in to take a gander   The baby needs a new home, wish it luck.  This is a really nice machine, you can read more about it on our gallery page Low-Ride-Ur if anyone else is looking for a refined coach you may want to throw your hat in the ring, this puppy will go home soon.

Tom saw all the new driver footwells finally come in stock and jumped at the one extra tan one we got in.  The colored ones don't always match well with the interior but in his case it looks great   Good thinkin Tom!

Mark is not quite home and back in up in Maine, I got Chris in on his coach finishing the top of removing the rear wheel wells for replacement .  Yes, they are held in with some huge head rivets but they are also glued in-- a fun job.  So there ya go, now this baby is really coming apart!   .  You must "break eggs" to make a 32' omelet so "stretch" is starting to look rough after the media blasting it got from Marks hand last week

On to the Duramax projects, Raymond has a most unique fuel delivery system.  We have twin "saddle" tanks fitted to the chassis with fills on each side of the coach for ease of fill .  Sounds easy--- right, well not soo there, tieing the tanks to the caps took some custom work behind the scenes from Craig to get them both in but we prevailed.  Now the trick will be to plumb in the Kubota diesel generator to the selector solenoid.  The system uses a fuel return system from the pressurized rail system so both feed and returns must tie together without effecting eachother-- we're doing this today, wish us luck on this!

OK, one more step to perfection, Ken's 23' Duramax is in primer!          After all the work of mating the ground effects to the body and getting everything smooth and ready, all we have left is one driver side compartment door and cut outs on the insert ends and the color will flow.  You bet you gotta stay tuned for this one!

Yesterday was a red letter day on Raymonds 26' Duramax, I set out the "copper Kettle" wall covering and went in on how to work with the stuff   It is a very different material than I had worked with before but I figured it all out, behold-- the first copper kettle panel   Wild man, you better hold on to your sunglasses walking in this puppy!

We have a new daily poser in our midst.  Danny dropped off his new (well you know what I mean) toy last week for the mechanical update. You saw pics of the progress the other day.  He posted me and said he really enjoyed watching how things were going on his coach.  Here are his totally rebuilt drive shafts   , if you will remember here is a pic of his split shaft before we started still on the coach.  We were fortunate that the cages and ball bearings in the outer CV's were still in tact!  We are hoping to have the coach back on the ground by the weekend with alignment performed early next week.  Stay tuned for more on this.

Last but certainly not least, go check out:

 they have just entered into a relationship with a card company and have reamed up with the ASPCA to try and promote and help the plight of so many pets in the country.  We can easily help them and ourselves.  Read through all that and see if it is anything to you please.  Mark Summers of RV Buddies is a huge GMC supporter, they have a GMC project coach we will be helping them with.  Thanks for any support you can give to this effort.

So thats about all for today, this morning time with you guys has turned back into a pleasure for me and a time to gather my thoughts for the day.  As you can see we have much going on, there needs to be to keep up with the bills.  It is increasingly difficult to keep the talented group and the access to the specialty pieces/ parts we need to rehab these classic machines.  Hey, it's what we're here for though so support us and we will continue to support you.  I dare say there are not provisions for the vintage RV market in the government economic stimulus package so I guess it will be up to all of us to continue to help eachother.  Would be nice if they could figure out something about healthcare though, having to buy insurance out there in the market is not fun right now!

So go make this a red letter day on something, I mean what else is there to do!

1.27.09

Well alrighty then, I knew he would recover, 5 operations and a reconstructed shoulder couldn't hold our man down!   Hey and don't ya just love how they are all worried about his recovery making sure he does not tax himself-- betcha next week a bridge is falling and he goes in like "Big John", holds up the bridge and saves a school bus full of kid-- he really is their "heavyweight" on the show now!  A man of few words, convinced the whole room there was merit in the medical report that there was something foul about the suicide, so they all respect him when he does talk.  A deep character with deep past wounds that nobody takes for granted-- ahhhh, and there I was worried he was off the show!  I had faith though.

Got here a bit late this morning, hade some "agreed value" surveys to do for some folks.  BTW, you really need to make sure you have MORE that a "full coverage" insurance policy on your coach.  Full coverage means they will look in the book and give you the full value listed there of the value of your coach-- and do you know how much that is?  If you total your coach, the book says your classic, vintage coach has a value of @ $7000.  Hey, try and pick up a good looking, working GMC for that-- for a new car, a "full coverage" policy is fine, the book says they do have a value but old machines like the GMC have bottomed out as far as the initial value goes, the value of your coach needs to be based on what has been renovated, updated and upgraded-- thats where the value is and a "full coverage" insurance policy does not cover any of that.  No, you need an "Agreed Value Policy".  Many carriers do not offer this sort of policy but I gotta tell ya it's what you need.  Do some homework, ask your agent about your policy, is is full coverage or an agreed amount, they may try and discuise what the policy is-- it must actually say "agreed value" and there must be an agreed dollar amount on the policy, if there is not be prepared to fight if your coach is damaged!  If you switch to an agreed policy, thour underwriter will require a written survey from some professional in the industry.  You can use someone they put you to which would run @ $500 or you can call me.  Most of our surveys run $160 and are accepted by insurance underwriters as a competant evaluation.  They may require this written inspection every year so you can see that at $500 a year, this is one of the speed bumps they put in to keep out the "rif-raf" from exploiting the policy.  If you are interested and want to learn more about "Agreed Value" insurance, like I said get with your agent and also give me a call, I can help.  Hey, I hate insurance, it feels to me like gambling but is a real sense you are gambling if you are not covered so hey, whats the difference and believe me, I have seen many people totally "hooped" with a totalled coach and no way to recoop any of their investment.  Don't play around with this!!

Back to posting-- had to answer some calls 

Danny's coach is now in Hover mode while the guys do the B&B (bearing and brakes) refitting.  The rear brakes are now on , pulling down the rear suspension we found the bearings swimming in water so they will be all replaced.  The front suspension is really out , we found one knuckle out of tolerance and all the bushings bad .  It's nice though that we had the replacement parts to do this critter up right!  One of the main features of the "daily Pose" page is to give folks a look at the work we're doing on their coach, so there ya go man-- things are coming along.

Also, to that end-- I've got Raymond's recolored rear cap back in so it's onward and upward from here.

No word as yet on the 23' Duramax progress, it's in process to stay tuned for that update.

Gotta, have a great day.

Update

Hey guys, don't forget to follow our guy Raymond Cruz   tonight on the "Closer" on TNT.  Remember last season he took 3 in the back for his buddy.  Is he still with us-- inquiring minds need to know!!

1.26.09

OK "snow birds" come on down!  It's gonna be in the 70's today, no rain and Disney is in full swing!  Bring your tax dollars, we're ready to entertain!  Hey, other than pulling up orange trees and planting houses, we are an entertainment state -- you know kinda  like "lisa" on Star Trek.  This is why we live here, blue skies and warm weather.  Don't worry, we'll get a bit cold soon but this-- right now-- is what the all the hubub is about down here.  This is perfect weather for riding a motorcycle too, just a chill in the morning makes your gloves feel good then you peal off the jacket and get back in the warm wind-- oh yea, thats what I'm talkin bout!

Today almost feels empty, Kerry pulled out yesterday afternoon after battling his new floor

Before I get into all of the weekends fun, I gotta get the trailer mounted compressor Mark used back to the rental folks before more rent is due-- wish me luck

Come back a little later for more...

OK, only took an hour with traffic-- man, I'm glad I live close to the shop, there is just too many people around here trying to go somewhere all at the same time!  The compressor really wasn't that heavy and had almost no tongue weight, it just looked funny, pulling into the lot the guys inside Sunbelt had a bit of a laugh -- I told them the compressor pushed me half the way there.  Hey, it was good for a smile or 2-- anyway that is done so we can get back to work.

Like I said, Kerry, Leanne & Google took out yesterday afternoon for parts unknown .  With their Moto-Sat Datastorm on top and their Saturn stationwagon "trailer" in tow and of course with their new laminate floor    and the color keyed short pile carpet came out great , there was also a new bath countertop installed because pulling up the counter to get to the leaking water tank below the back wall you just can't put back in swollen and rotted particle board.  Hey, this is a classic example of pulling one thing off to find more work needed.  The fresh water tank had been slowly leaking for a while, you could not tell it until you got the floor uncovered. We tried to repair the holes in the tank 3 times and finally threw in that towel and had a new one sent in , Ray replumbed all the in/ out fittings , the old tank made a descent table for him, so all went well but it all had to happen.  As I said, this is a perfect example of how some jobs sometimes escalate and you must be prepared for this sort of thing.  Also, his flasher switch on the steering column was broken.  For repairing that, the steering wheel and a pile of columnm pieces/ parts had to come out , the turn signal/ flasher switch assembly is still available so out with the old and in with the new.  Like I said, one thing leads to another so now was the time to just do it.

Exciting times for the Duramax project, with most of our materials now in house, I can start in at building up the interior.  First things first, the rear cap had already been colored Taupe and installed with the headliner panels precut in out standard patternbut under the direction of LM Pagano Designs, the new spec is in a very different direction, this panel needed to come back out to get it's new coat of color   which will match the copper kettle walls -- very cool!  Hey, we're gonna do this right, no short cuts taken!  It's now back in so stay tuned for pics of this build-up, hey this is the good stuff!

So Mark and the media blasting experiment is behind us and the lessons learned was worth the hassles.  First he needed some serious "CFM" so this puppy had to be rented , a diesel compressor-- big bucks!  Next, the coach had to be in a blast booth to recover the blast media .  The outcome showed what we knew the body is full of openings .  Alsi that the years and attempts at stopping the incoming water has to be backed out   and the layers of old paint had to come off .  You know it's funny, todays story is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst when working with your coach and 2 people have already called asking what they should expect on different jobs they are going in to.  I first told them to pull up the daily pose, read and then prepare accordingly.  Look, it's always all about doing all you can to do the job right-- cut no corners and expect to do more than you thought and you just may prevail!  Lesson for the day and hey, it may be the story for the next episode of the "Bus Hole Show", stay tuned for that.

Hey Cal, I got it in the box, it's outa here today Hey and check out the GMC memorabilia I found while cleaning up the trim shop--   It's a Arther (Radio Shack) TV antenna box, check out the motorhome on the box!  Anyone seen this one before?

So the guys are here and we're off going at a new week here at the shop, the cold is gone for now which makes me feel much better, the sky is blue which means out work outside will be easier and man, the week is going.  Have a great day, stay tuned for great things afoot and do what you can to make things better for yourself and at Roy Rogers said, "Happy Trails to you, until we meet again...

1.24.09

Have had some questions as to how the media blasting on the 32' stretch was going.  Just as you find adapting most any process or part to an application for the first time there is discovery involved.  The media being used was specifically selected to not damage the aluminum but peal away the paint, primer and filler one layer at a time and relating that to a 26' long machine it is obvious that it will entail a great deal of work.  I have found few processes that actually turn into a shortcut that will save time & $.  Doing a proper job to the exterior of our coaches is just a labor sucking pig!  All you can do to pop out the other side of the tunnel when doing this work is just to be persistent!

As it is, after @ 4 hard days discovery and actual work, they have the multiple added cross seams and the side rails of the roof down to their "root mean" and the discovery on the volume of "skin" filler used in giving the coach a reasonably smooth finish has been discovered-- this is all valuable information but it comes at a price.  The CFM needed to run the media blaster requred a pretty major investment by Mark .  Was this exercise effective in reducing the cost of the exterior renovation of the coach ----no!  The coach had to be basically wrapped in a "cocoon" to capture the blasting material in that it was so expensive and needed to be reused .  This why I say it was not cost effective.  I was unable to make the decision to perform such tests in that I could not determine the level of success without taking a great deal of liability upon myself, Mark was keen on trying it out so he and a friend came down from Maine (a great vacation from the cold) to pull off the test, great.  All ideas are on the table for the outfitting of the exterior of the coach, even thinking in the direction of a "Line X" coating to try and overcome the shortcomings of the cross seams and side rail integrity-- this process has not as yet been decided on.  So all of this does not come without a cost to Mark, I am supporting the effort by giving my opinion based on my experiences.  The goal is to understand more, at least in Marks discovery, as to how to make the best looking, longest lasting and most integrity in a roof and body finishing technique.  I am always open for new ideas and am happy Mark was willing to invest this much time and money to go for it.  The final outcome of all of this is yet to be seen-- I'll show you how it comes out.  Today is the last dance, they must go home today. 

LM (our Duramax decorator) has requested to see the samples of the countertop materials I recently found.  Expensive-- yes but not when you compare it to what the Fo granite, Corian and it's derivatives  go for.  It's the effect we're going for not the frugalness so don't figure this process will be for the budget minded.  They also make some designs in 1/4 and 1/8" thick sheets with some of it transmitting light so very cool effects can be made-- here is an example    Cool hey!  Don't know about the fishes in the coach but hey, it's the concept.

Have has a spirited thread on the GMC Net as of late concerning the Firestone air bag delima.  Yes, we were essentially locked out of playing the games with the last inventory of the critters but you know I really do not have a problem with that.  I hate the concept of "supply and demand' and the thoughts it conjures up.  I don't wanna be made out as "OPEC" in reference to the oil supply.  No, I just don't wanna play that game.  For those of you who have contacted me to get air bags-- have no fear, through my contacts I will still probably be able to supply you with air bags hopefully without playing in the muddy pool .  The bags will be produced by Firestone until June when the plant will close where the jig and tool are kept.  It will take them that long to produce even the allocation amount so be cool about the timetables of getting them-- there is nothing anyone can do.

Now the life of our machines will turn to the 4 air bag suspension design.  On that front let me give you a warning, there are 2 systems available and I had first installed the old design, less expensive model for over a decade.  I have first hand experience on both systems available and I will tell you now with no reservation that the Q bag system we promote is the safest, most adapted system of the 2.  It's not because I sell them I say this but I sell them because I can say this.  You might need to read that statement again to desifer the play on words but doing something as long as I have working with the 4 bagger design, you just cannot help but to learn things.  The most important issues of a system such as this is the structural integrity of the components.  The air bag rating of 100 psi should not be discarded in favor of using them at higher pressures under normal use.  The stationary vertical member of the system cannot be allowed to flex and deform under normal use and the system must be designed in a manner to make installation and maintenance a reasonable experience.  The Q bag does all of this, the bag pressures are within the rating of the bags used,the 3/8" double steel vertical member of the structure is much more robust than the seperated 1/4" vertial plates held apart be a thin steel dowl.  Also, using a center line attachment / fitting design of the bags in the Q bag system is the most stocked bag configuration there is.  The offset bag model the other system uses is not as widely used.  One major feature of the Q bag system is it will accept such a wide number of air bags on the market.  All of this wraps up a package that is safer, easier to maintain and has specifications well within the perameters of the components used-- oh and the performance which used to be the main reason to purchase a 4 bagger is much closer and better than the original ride performance.  Yes, it does cost more but you really do not want to base such an important system as the rear suspension of your coach on the cheapest way to get out!  I will not expose my customers to the liability of the older system so do not call me if you want to go that way.  If you want the best rear suspension system for your coach and for the money then lets talk. 

1.23.09

Wow, frost on windshields in Florida I'm not made for this!     No, no, no, this is not for me!  The sun is out and we are going to the 50's so maybe me feet will work-- stay tuned for news!

Check out this new stuff , this "solid surface" counter material is made of the stuff they make bowling balls from.  It is light, durable (well I guess so!), good to work with, comes in 1/2x36x120" sheets.  There are many colors but I am thinking of one of these for the Duramax counters.  This will make a solid surface removable table a reality.  Before all the solid surface materials were too heavy and breakable to have them loose.  Cool stuff, I'm excited that this stuff is now available-- new, new, new.  It is only available through a strict dealer franchise.  Hey, I can understand them not wanting this stuff to end up in Wal-mart!  I'll show you more about it if we are going to use the material.

A few things to consider on your coach, if your rear brake hoses look like this , move away slowly!  The bulge at the end is caused by rust on the cremp, the rounded center block means it is original and over 30 years old-- you SHOULD NOT have this on your coach.  We have beautiful teflon line, braided stainless, sleeved super hoses to replace them with.  These are custom DOT approved hoses, call me if you want to get into this-- no, if you have hoses like the first pic-- you really need to do something, this is a safety issue!

With all the "hubub" about the original air bags being discontinued, I got a post asking what a bad air bag looks like.  Hey, thats a good question, here is one that is working fine but is at the end of it's life.  I would look at this and council the customer to consider something.  Here is one that I would not run , the outside skin is coming off in pieces, it has "hotdogged" bowing up in the middle.  I would back away from this slowly.  And finally here is one you should jump up and run from , the outer skin is totally comprimized.  There is an inner air holding bladder but the cords and outer skin hold the bladder in place.  Without this outer skin in tact, the bladder would blow up like a ballon taking out parts of the body.  Do not play with old air bags-- I am sorry but this is the reality of the situation.  If you are looking to purchase a coach know that if the air bags look like these there will be a $2000 retrofit in your future.  The Q bag  (4 air bag system now available) costs $1595.00 plus @ $100 in shipping with @ 6 yours installation.  What can I say, this will now be the future standard, there are no original air bags available anymore. Let me know if you have more questions.

So 2 cold days with another on in the wings makes for a rough days work around here.  The chaw has cleared the windshield so I'm going out into the freezer, we'll talk to ya later-- wish me luck.

1.22.09

Brrrrrrrr, 32 deg. in Florida means it is definitely winter and I am definitely cold!    Yea, Jason is the real man of the bunch, no hair and hands open-- my hero!  It will warm up to the high 50's, big woop!  Dude, I just don't work well in this stuff.  Gotaa tell ya looking at the crew we have here, this is a group of very specific talent-- years of beating on the same machine has given this bunch of guys trying to help a great ability to help.  Thanks to all of them for their efforts-- they help keep me from spinning out into space!

Yesterday Ray, my son, helped me get one leg up on the next big driver side windoe for Ken's 23' Duramax .  It had been shaped by Jesse before, now we need to fit the glass to the frame and the frame to the coach.  Stay tuned.

It did warm up enough for Steve to dive into the carpet binding needed on Kerrys floor replacement , Buster was impressed with his work and Ray helped line up Steve's work.

Work on Mark's 32' stretch continues, I will have to say they are keeping neat sweeping off my lot, the inside and out of the coach.  He built up a catch room to capture the media for reuse in the metal building.    Behold, the "Tyvek Room", Wow, now thats wanting to try something really bad!  He is having some success and he's learning alote as to the *&^%$&$&$%&$%&$$$&*&*&*(^%$ you go through to work on SMC plastic and aluminum sheet.

Raymond's big driver window on the Duramax 26 is now getting the frame refinish, fitting and sealing process , in that this has never been done, the process to the finished product is also being discovered.  Hey, nothin but a thing, we'll handle it.

Along with the new floor in Kerry's coach, we are replacing the driver footwell.  Just got in our shipment if you were back ordered with us on this and we got in the special ordered tan one to match his new carpet .  This is a really nice update, most of the driver footwells are looking pretty crappy by now.  We have some currently in stock in black and one more in tan, the grey is a special order.  They are $85 plus shipping of course.

Had a post talking to me about the "diatribe" I sometimes put out about different things.  He really wanted to see more pics and things we were doing.  This is why I am putting in the format  of a pic and an explaination today.  Let me know how you guys feel about this-- don't worry though, I will continue to loose it once in a while and go off on something, hey thats entertainment too--- right?  Ok, let me get to work, I have more but I gotta go pay some bills, have a great day and know we are freezing our *&^^ off!

1.21.09

Yea, I know I said I would not post this morning but something came up I really feel is important to pass on  Many times it is difficult to separate the fact from fiction, the real story from fabricated and those to seek to unduly benefit from situations.  This is a difficult subject in that those that are on the favor side are jumping for joy while those of us who are smaller but have the enthusiasm of lions are being locked out.  I am referring to the recent decision by Firestone to discontinue our beloved 2 sided air bag used exclusively in the GMC motorhome.  We got word last year through our line of distribution that there would only be one more "dip" from the well for the air bags before the tool and the jig that makes our air bag would be retired.  Hey, time marches on and in that I feel the preponderance of the evidence has proven that the new 4 air bag "Quad bag" system we have partnered with and brought to market is a superior retrofit replacement still we wanted to place a final order of the original air bags to supply the customers who look to us for their maintenance parts.  An order for fifty air bags was properly placed with Firestone on their timetable and accepted--- so here comes the kicker--- last night I got word that Firestone was changing the rules and that they would be allocating the lions share of the now discontinued bags to 2 dealers who basically do not support the GMC community by going to rallies and conventions, do not ungage in the internet mailing lists and have proven in the past that they vigorously support the free enterprise system by pricing and selling products on a sliding price of what the "market will bear".  So what I mean by this is the last slug of air bags will be held captive and will be dolled out not to folks trying to help the community but to line the pockets of some people who will exploit the situation.

Hey look, we do live in America and we are the ones who say "free enterprise" is a right of our market but having a lock on a market and capitalizing on that to get as much as someone will pay I feel is just not right.  Look what is happening of the gas front.  Hey, so why DID the price of gas go up to $4 a gallon so fast and just as fast go down to $1.50 which I felt was obviously too low to support the folks making it.  That little hickup blew off most everyone trying to explore alternative fuel sources, probably wiped out the majority of the momentum T. Boone had and maybe that was the intention!  What I am saying and yes, I am talking from the side of the situation being blocked out from playing their game (hey and maybe I don't wanna play the game) but as it looks now, there will be others determining where the last inventory of air bags will go and what the cost of those air bags will be.  I do not see this as a fault of Firestone but of the attitude of the dealer distribution network in charge of bringing the product to the market namely the dealer structure.  We had figured that $279 each would be a fair price based on the price Firestone was willing to sell us the quantity we could invest in.  Of course the cost of things will always slide based on how many you would buy and it looks like also will determine even where the bags will go so maybe the best we can do now is to use this situation to point out to the community who is looking to profit from our situation.

We are still engaged in a headlock with the powers to be on this situation and with 50 back orders in house currently, I would at least like to have enough allocation to support our customers who have asked us to get them air bags.  This may not happen though and if we are a casualty of free enterprise I want to see what price those that won this political game will price this final inventory at.  If they bought in at the quantity above us they would have probably paid less that we were willing to, lets see if they hold the price or as OPEC does on a regular basis seek to "stick it to us" on this.  Maybe the best we can hope for out of this is to see who is really seeking to help the community and see who is seeking to help themselves!

As some of you know, I have gotten different views from my "soap box" stuff like this and as I said in the past as Tom Petty so aptly put is "You can stand me up in the gates of Hell but I won't back down"!  Yes, it put me back on my heals the fact that Firestone has been pressured to send the final air bag inventory elsewhere, heck maybe I should just let it happen-- I mean there really was not much income to be derived from the price we set the bags at and maybe being Americans this is what we are supposed to do--- but being one who has constantly been labeled as a loose cannon, one who does not play ball and make good with the politics this crap happens to our business a great deal.  If the air bags show up at prices appreciably higher than $279 I say shame on the ones who sell them & I hope they choke on their gouged out profit! 

I also do hope that if you see bags higher than that they you resist the urge to buy them and let those dealers choke on their investment themselves.  You are NOT held captive by these people, your coach CAN live on by simply refitting the coach to accept the off shelf air bags manufactured by almost every air bag supplier in the market, when you invest in the future of your coach and do this now, you are saying to those that seek to rip us all of on sitting on their pile of air bags and hold them high above your heads and say "JUMP"-- I hope you throw that back in their face.  The future of the GMC is resting on refitting the coach to the new air bags that will be available basically forever and if we all can say as a community "we are going to keep alive and not going to be held captive" I think we will all be better off for the effort.  Yes, the initial investment is a bit but just think after that you can worry about the fifty-million other things our coach needs and that our rear suspension will be better, safer and perform better.  Hey, maybe this should be looked at as a good thing, a real way to stay independent and say to the "man" and stand like that mouse does on the cliff giving the final gesture of defiance as that eagle swoops down and tries to pluck him from the rock-- maybe we need a bat and swat that predator out of the sky to save ourselves and everyone else that bird would try and eat in the future!  OK, I have started a nosebleed from standing up here yelling but dangit I do not like being again placed under the thumb of big business!  I do hope the person who has sucked up all of this final inventory suffers from doing this to me, my business and the community in general.  OK, so now you know the scuttlebutt, lets sit back and let the players make their move--- and watch!  People have told me I get "long winded", well if it takes that to make you aware of complicated political moves being perpetrated behind your back-- well then stop reading if you like but it directly effects you and who you rely upon for critical maintenance parts for your GMC--- enough on this for now, if you would like to know more, let me know and stay tuned. 

OK, I'm off the box and back on the work.  Ken, here is the lay out Jeff finalized, call me on this-- as soon as the cold gives us a window the paint is ready to go on. 

More happening today, I'll carry my camera

1.20.09

This posting should be called "update" but I think I will be out in the bays early in the morning so lets call tonight's plunking tomorrow.  So here it is -- a stretched top to bottom slider window--- installed!        Tomorrow I will build up the same window for the 23' Duramax.  Yep, thats curved, laminated glass, I'll seal it in tomorrow too.

Chris is really getting in to this trailer hitch , he has the main double walled center beam fabricated   this hitch could be called upon to pull a huge load, it needs to be stout"-- he might have it in tomorrow.

Hey you'all, watch this----  these worn out old seats will soon be refinished in red velvet and will be in Raymond's Duramax bedroom   Omar took them home with him, follow this new project.

Got 2 original coaches getting a serious bath , it's amazing what a good pressure wash with degreaser does for a moldy old coach!

OK, I need to cut this short and get some sleep.  Know that early I will be in the bay working through the second big slider window, follow how that goes

Finally, I have news.  The original Firestone double sided bag is no more, allocations were cut so if we are able to fill current orders, we will be lucky.  The best suggestion now will be to refit your coach with the 4 air bag "quad bag" suspension system.  Click here to read more about the complete retrofit kit. New 4 air bag system.  Please do not think this will effect the GMC being a serviceable machine, actually the new system will increase our classic coaches quality, reliability and performance.  Read now and call me if you have any questions.

Thanks for the visit, we'll talk later

1.19.09

I did a few things to feed my head yesterday, a few maintenance things on the bike, some housekeeping stuff on the computer ans surveyed the shop for this weeks excitement.  Make was here testing out his idea of using plastic media to remove 30 years of yuk from the roof of the 32' stretch (I'll tell you about that in a minute) so not wanting to get caught up in that I took a bike ride over to my ole Circuit City store (837) for a looksee on what was going on.

Just like the song says "There is a season, turn, turn, turn, and a time for everything".  Actually, this old protest song has roots in marketing-- there is a thing called the "bell curve" that dictates the market life of most everything.  A new widge comes out, only one person has it, it costs a great deal of money and everyone wants it.  Market demand attracts more folks to make it, the price get competitive and thus more people can buy it.  Then the market matures, everybody makes them, they are now cheap but no one needs to buy them because everyone has one.  Thus is the plight of Circuit City.  I have to say I was proud of the 3 or so years I was with them from 1989-91.  The company was in a building process, taking over the country as it were.  I had a small car stereo shop in Orlando and when I heard the "big boys" were moving in with huge momentum and unbelievable prices I sold the shop right away and put in an application to jump on board the speeding train.  It was an awesome ride back then, we were dominating the countryside with electronics-- there was a mission, there was a direction and no one could touch the package Circuit City had when they moved into a market.  Up to then, the Consumer Electronics industry was dotting the country with many "mom & pop" stores which all fell to the wayside when Circuit City came to town.  It was like what Wally-World & Home Depot did to their markets.  I was helping open, build, man, t6rain and basically obliterate the small guy electronics stores throughout Florida.  My past being not only a shop owner myself but also tied up on the rep side of consumer electronics selling Technics, Panasonic, Teac, Tascam, Altec, Zenith and a pile of other smaller lines I felt it was my destiny to bring the "real deal" to the territory I called mine.  Unfortunately that pesky "bell curve" came to sour the train ride and when other people caught on to what Circuit City was doing, they too came into the market to really muddy up the waters which brings us to where the consumer electronics market and Circuit City is today -- I feel they all lost their way.   

Circuit City became unfun, one of my tinters from the store I had before "CC" came in was my boss which did not bother me in the least but he did not know how to separate fact from react and since I was a sort of "loose cannon" to the higher ups at CC, they gave Chuck the job of blowing me out.  Hey, it didn't take much because I canot thrive where someone does not want me and thus ended my career with those boys.  As I said my time there was a blast back then-- we had focus, we had a mission and we had a great time--- now all thats it left is old ideas of the "good ole days" and the market has now eclipsed and past the once monster giant of the industry.  I say to them thanks for the memories and bon chance.  It was sad walking into the store 837 yesterday, the "road shop" the first car stereo shop I opened and the place I did all my training was shut down, I wanted to walk through there one more time-- shake hands with the last roadshop manager, being the first I felt that moment would be a healing one but alas it was already gone.  I walked into the "soundroom", the place where I spent hours wiring, testing, connecting up and installing new radios in the display board, now it was a system that blew away our old manual relay switching it had a TV monitor with block diagram designing of systems-- star wars compared to the stuff I installed there.  The once smart, state of the art displays was not much more sophisticated that the shelves at Wal-Mart with nothing there that Wal-Mart did not have -- the spark was gone.  I walked through the store one more time, the place I opened, the place that was the center of my world at one time, the place I was excited to go to and just felt then end of the line for that dream.  I walked out of the automatic doors and never even touched a thing, not even the door.  There was nothing there for me, my beloved Road Shop was closed-- I remember watching them building the walls of the place before I started work there and wondered how I could get involved with such an awesome company-- I did that, it was mine and I have the marks to prove it.  They whipped me hard and made me realize my destiny was not with a big company, I had to go out on my own and from them I took the path of the GMC.  Thanks Circuit City for the good times and thanks for making me see where I truly needed to be.  I am going to buy something from them, one thing before the doors are closed.  Not anything big but something very small, very cheap, something I can look at, tough and feel again the excitement that was Circuit City.  There are many people now that have been tastes of things that happened to them at a Circuit City, to those people I have to say yes-- they screwed me too but in the beginning it was not that way-- CC was a phenomena, it transformed the consumer electronics industry to what it is today-- us old timers of the home and auto sound world sya there was a "BCC" (before Circuit City) and an "ACC" (after Circuit City) and I say to be involved, a part of somethig and profound as that when it was the fast freight train balling that jack through the countryside was a thrill-- thanks Rick Sharp, then CEO and our fearless leader, thanks Rob Cox, the guy who hired me and thanks Chuck Kravickas for lightly bringing me back to the ground when it all came apart on the floor.  I feel more for living those days, more for learning life lessons there and more for the good things CC did for many people at that time.  It's time to go now though, the stores are closing the market taken over seemingly by every discount chain out there, you can get awesome electronics components at a store where the sales guy has no idea what is inside the box-- the knowledgeable electronics salesman has no place to call home, no place to say I'm a part of something big-- there is no big-- it's all gone!

Ahhh, bit now that I don't have to DO electronics for a living, it's alote for fun! Craig that's here with me now was with me also in that "hey day" before Circuit City, we were both a part of the BCC days and we have the historical knowledge, I feel, to do an awesome job on stuff like the sound system in Raymonds Duramax project.  The amp panel array was something I jumped on right away when I started in on the interior , the equipment we selected for this system was put together just like the "old days".  The bass drivers are more than we ever could dream about back then . In those days we would say, "you could see God himself with this stuff", now I have to say we are going to make him mad with the db level we will reach with this stuff!  The amps as something to me similar to those apes touching the black obelisk on "2001 A Space Odyssey"  and boy howdy we have what it will take to make this puppy sing!  In those days, the base enclosures were built using measurement from acoustic theory, today they just make a box that fits and thats it, we will build proper enclosures, we will "tune" the sub system.  You know when a car pulls up and the license plate rattles, thats not hard to do, have the system vibrate your hood from 30 feet away, now thats a tuned enclosure and thats what this system will do.  Like I said, I put together the electronics early in the project and it's been just sitting there -- waiting for the time to wake up and say hello, that time is drawing close!  We will start the bass enclosures this week, they will be under the sofa which will make sitting on it somewhere close to lethal!  Hey, forget that vibrating recliner, the entire sofa is going to move similar to an earthquake.  I remember back in 1978, Crewin Vega had a booth at the one and only IHF electronics show in Atlanta where their display was deemed hazardous by OSHA, yea baby-- thats what we're going for!  We're going to suck the life out of Raymonds electrical system when the system is exercised!  It should be one of those "hey you'all, watch this" moments.  And that time is drawing near.  I'm going to dust off my Ole Eico sine wave signal generator and with his parametric band controller set up each freq. like we used to and my buddy Craig will be there helping-- oh man, this is gonna be fun!  This thing is going to be as cool as the rest of the coach, it will be what we learned all that stuff for, my son Ray will also be there to see what his old man did while he was pumping out dark matter.  I had a VW rabbit in 1985 with 2x 15" Cerwin Vega woofer driven by a HiFonics "Zeus" and if you know what that stuff is-- you too can be called an "old fart' in this business.  I could open the sun roof and tune my band pass box that doubled as my car body-- thats the sort of fun we are going to have here!

Ok, enough of all that but I just wanted to paint a pic of some other out the top stuff that is going into the Duramax projects.

As promised, I wanted to give you an update on the project Mark S. is doing attempting the strip job on his 32' stretch roof.  The thing was painted with a brush using some material I can only say is tougher than woodpecker lips!  He has gone at it with plastic media and has found it will take a beachfull of the stuff to complete the job.  Speaking of "beach", the plastic media has transformed our inland lot to a beautiful white sand beach , it's mostly up now but little did he know going in that the media would be mildly successful.  Yes, he pulled off the rear hatch on this 1973 coach and learned what was involved in extracting the brass inserts on the early style rear hatch, anyone who has done this know what I mean! Hey, he's deep in his learning process and having fun at it   Lets see what happens next.

So the day is afoot, Craig & Jeff got in which BTW, Jeff was into consumer electronics "BCC" too and we all will "go down together" on Raymonds sound system!  Oh yes, this will be awesome!  Like I said, the day is at hand, I need to stop plunking here so go out and secure your future today, I'm hard at work on the same.  Thanks for the visit and watch tomorrows Washington goings on, it will be a mark on the page in future history books as MLK day is today-- and enjoy that too.

1.18.09

Sorry for the time away, I have been immersed in details on several projects.  The Duramax coaches are not consuming much of my thought processes.  There are just soooo many things to consider, little things that will end up being huge directions.  It is great, however, to have 2 customers so involved, a decorator that is readily available and people in the loop that are great for bouncing ideas off of.

Remember this machine we were involved in putting together    This inventive machine was brain formed for a special use prop for making movies.  Raymond runs in the group that this inventor and fabricator is part of--- In passing the excitement around the room on the Duramax project, this unique fabricator in Hollywood got excited and will be doing our side, front and rear grillwork needs from billet aluminum bar stock-- a very cool feature of this very cool machine.  It's very cool Raymond and others are taking an active roll-- I think very cool is coming up with a new definition!  These custom patterns will be sent tomorrow to the left coast for their corroboration on the project, I think that "very cool" fits again in this sentence.  Also, in talking  with our decorator "LM" Pagano of Hollywood on this issue, we might be doing a grillwork on the rear air foil cut up feature-- stay tuned on that.

Since this is a sort of "blog" that describes the trials, tribulations and motivations that make up the "Co-op", this past Friday the guys met for an off campus gathering to watch Steve (one of the trim shop interior guys) "work through" his frustrations doing another fine job with another of his passions.  It's great to have folks with more than a mono focus and Steve not only being our go to guy for organization of the shop and interior fabrication issues, also maintains a talking parrot, a huge boa and has done his best for years to beat a hole in the snare drum on his drum set .  Steve, on his midnight to 4AM shift is a roving drummer for several corroborating musical groups, we witnessed him blowing some jazz tunes with a trio this weekend .  He gets serious about all that he is involved with and we had a blast watching him do things we don't see at work Thanks Steve for the great night out .  Man, I wish I could play an instrument-- well I do blow on my backback harmonica when I'm out in the wild-- out there no one can run away from the screech!  There is a special talent to add to music at this level and I feel honored by having someone working with us with that intensity. 

Today, I'm at the shop doing up some loose ends without the days bother, Mark S. is here blowing off the roof paint on the 32' stretch with a walnut shell media blast-- should be interesting to see goes that goes so this sunny day is not wasted.

Thanks for dropping by, hope it found all of you enjoying your day so get on out there like I will and do something!

1.16.09

Another day, another challenge  Yep, here we are-- a cilly ride on the bike, the sun is coming up and I have the day to break into 15 min. time slots to get all the work we have to keep up with.  Yesterday we finally got the patterns figured out for the side and grill inserts for the 26' Duramax.  Raymond has a buddy over in LA that is going to build up a billet insert for this area --- coool! We hope to get them out to Raymond today.  On the same project, we had to have some resizing done on the expanded driver window-- here it is now and I hope to get it installed today   Stay tuned and see how that goes.

Time marches on and Craig with the help of Steve & Jeff are getting Kerry & Leanne's floor down.  It has been a struggle in that these laminate square tiles all lock together so like trying to build a Lincoln Log floor, "clicking" it all together is a tedious job.  My suggestion is to stay with the plank styles laminate floor-- this stuff is difficult!  Hey, as I tell the guys every day "If it were easy, they would do it at Jiffy Lube"!  We are here to do the impossible and take the path not often traveled so off we go!  It will be a descent looking floor though and hey, isn't that what it's all about?

As I said before, not meaning to ask for cheese with my "whining" but when the outside temps get into the 50's and 40's (and thats above 0) us reptiles down here in Florida who do not really prepare our lives for cold really have a difficult time of it.  One thing I have learned and maybe is why I brave what we call "cold" & ride my bike to work is after a brisk 4 mile ride with a helmet and goggles, most any place I go seems warm.  I think if I can condition myself just a bit to this that maybe I'll be able to function in this stuff----- naaaa, it still feels flippen cold and I don't like this stuff!  We will struggle on theough, maybe just with not as much enthusiasm and I guess thats the best that can happen.  it's funny how the mechanical work is now coming in, folks wanting the guys to "bust-a-move" out there in the open cold-- dang if I can beat emup to get more work, I'm happy they show up and do as much as they do!  Of course with a tin roof with little to no insulation as those up north have, block walls with no insulation and the bay doors up, there's just no sense to try and heat anyplace up save the office-- which BTW I seem to hang out in much more lately!  Oh for those days of sweat pouring off and hot asphalt under our feet--- I have no doubt and if there really is global warming happening, right now it does not have quite as much trouble associated with it happening-- I think we need a little global warming right now!  Oh, I'm sure it's not a good thing and all, it's just living in the moment as folks tell us to do-- this moment I am cold!  OK, lets practice "Be Here Now" as Rham Das tells us to but lets do it wearing a coat!

There, did that give you guys up there living in the freezer next to the ice trays enough to complain about?  Yea, I'm a wimp and proud of it!   Have a great day, as the late George Carlin would say, "most of us are already living in good days, why wish just another one on everyone-- lets go for better than that".

1.15.09

Well guys, I guess if you didn't already know my adventure into the "Bus Hole" show proves I just have too many things rolling around in my head!  I did get Alan's first name and the first letter of his last right-- over the years I have just had so many of you respond to what we're doing here that hey, whats in a name when you know everyone is reading the same page and yelling "right on"!

I really would like to have your input as to things you would like to see in future episodes of the "Bus Hole Show".  There are no taboos.

Yesterday was a hoot!  Dropped by with Alan to view first hand the progress on the 23' Duramax project.  As I have explained before, cold weather down here causes us "reptiles" to move slowly.  We have little defense from the cold weather, needing 65 deg. and above to "kick" many of the materials we use we watch the thermometer and cram in as much work as we can do each day.  Right now, final sanding can fill the chilly times of the morning getting prepared for the rest of what it takes to create this portion of the project.  The 23' Duramax is pulled inside it's "hanger" waiting for that go ahead nod The fan at the door is useless right now and the light above is all we have to stave off the cold-- not much.  We are continuing to move forward though and thats the direction we need to keep the focus.

Listen, I recognize the fact that some of you wonder where the sanity is of such extreme modifications as we are attempting here.  Yesterday, after an involved conversation with "LM" our award winning interior decorator, I have renewed excitement that we are doing something here that is not only obviously unique but also will be a departure on the norm and something worth doing.  We will have "mild" and "wild" having to do with these 2 machines with each making an unique statement.  I really feel you guys are watching a blow by blow of what it is to step out across that fuzzy line we see as the "outer limits" so keep you mind open as we go forward from here.  Not as just a yaht but as a "superyaht" I feel we are building something others will see as worth doing.  Please hang on to our progress and know that it all will mean something.  Chipping away at Mt. Rushmore too some work, lets see what image comes out of the rubble.

No folks at the park, Alan too off to Palatka after a new transmission, brakes, an exhaust system and a couple other issues resolved on his machine.  Richard L. was my "sidekick" taking a ride to pick up his replacement steering box transporting to the parts house in what I call style!  It's the small things that help keep you sane!

All the cutting and grinding on the hitch structure for the Duramax coaches is starting to look like something.  Chris is reinforcing the structure using compartmental stress design concepts   Interesting, lets see where this takes us.

Kerry's floor marches forward, getting his repaired fresh water tank back in place we found yet another leak issue so out it came again for more repairs-- now is the time to get it figured out.  We'll also replace the damaged bath counter top as well.  His floor though is forging ahead with Steve getting the cork substrate material in this is a special pad designed to not carry harmful chemicals into the interior .  You can see a piece of the finished surface on top of it's cork pad .  Stay tuned for more on this project.

So this brings us to where we are today.  Riding in on the bike on a 43 deg. morning makes me feel alive.  I did this to give heart to those up north having their breath turn to ice-- hey, there is an atmosphere to strive for and hang in there, we're all pullin for ya!  Scott C. from the Toronto area called yesterday to report a -32 deg. temp.-- ouch!  So I'll suffer a bit for ya brother-- I did feel some of your pain (even if it was just a bit) this morning!

Please guys, stay warm today.  Create a disturbance in your mind at least to help keep those electrons spinning arounf your atoms, dream of warmer days and let that help get you through.  The day here will be clear so our friend "Mr. Sun" should bring us warmth soon-- I'mwatching for the mercury to come up a bit, you watch your thermometer for the same.  See ya later.

PS:  BTW, Got a post from Joff F. about where some people are going in the future--- heck-- and you though some of my ideas were nuts, take a look at what they see as "portable" internet and computer technology.  Is this Inspector Gadgets pen? It looks a bit different, is it a camera? Oh no, it's much more than that one is your "blue tooth" keyboard while the other is your "blue tooth" heads up monitor. Do you call this "blue teeth"?  And for the conformist that still wants to walk into the room with a hand held gadget, check out that new product Unbelievable!!!!  I want some of this stuff!

1.14.09

Good Morning America It's 43 deg. here in the sunny south which we actually do have sun, Scott C. called first thing to tell me to not whine about "cold" cause it was 32 below up there in Toronto--- hey, thats not a temp -- that number is something else!  So for your guys that worry if your door lock is frozen or not-- stay warm.

Yesterday was a good one, much got done but before I get into that I wanted to tell you about a new thing I have been challenged to do (you know to NEVER tell me I can't do something!).  With this new age of information that the internet has given us, communication has exploded.  Used to be you had to wait till Walter Cronkite came on before dinner to see what happened to the world, not heck-- you can be notified by your blackberry as to when the 3rd tank in line crosses into the west bank!

Videos are everywhere and using all the tools at our disposal gives us new ways to communicate so to that end, my son John has been pushing me into the video age of the internet.  What we have attracted with the Daily Pose here can now be expanded into the video age.  OK, the only way to do something is to start, we are going to start a weekly video show via You Tube today.  Again, on a bet by my son, I have named the project "Big Jim's Bus Hole" or "The Bus Hole" would probably a bit more palatable.  The idea is to deliver content, something of interest to you guys, more than we are now-- to use the technology at our disposal.  OK, my You Tube site will be the launching point for some of this future shock stuff.  Go there and click on the "Bus Hole" episode1 http://www.youtube.com/coopmotorworks Just checked the link and found it worked so off we go.  Give me some topics you feel you would like to have covered.  I have a few in mind, I'll pick up a tripod for the camera and next week we'll have something to see.

OK, on to yesterdays stuff, today Jeff promised to have a final drawing and a color board on the 23' Duramax paint scheme.  Hang in for that.

Ray picked up the glass for the driver windows yesterday, I hoped to put that together when they arrived-- you know I try and squeeze more into a day than is possible so I hope to do that today.  The velvet material for the 26' Duramax beroom seating came in yesterday-- check this stuff out  We are in the realm of high end now!  This material will cover the satte seats and the forward sofa, Omar will be here to pick up the seats and material so stay tuned.

Kerry's floor hit a small snag when we found a seriously wet floor at the back under all of the carpet.  The fresh water tank on a rear bath Royale is across under the back window.  Pulling the tank out, we went about trying to dry out the compartment using the fan to get air back there.  Turns out we had 3 leaks the red mark shows a stress crack at a corner   from the years of swelling from the weight of the water, the others were from screws poking into the tank compartment .  The tank swells from the weight of the water, presses agianst the tiny end of the screw-- 30 years pass and we have 2 holes.  How do I know this is the case? chafing and the screw poking through and the residue stain---- yep!  I pulled out the "thermo plastic welder", fixed the spots and we reinstalled it carefully watching for leaks.  We also cut a 1/2 piece of plywood ro surround the tank and help keep it from swelling-- should fix this issue for the future.  These older water tanks were not secured well and the swelling of the tanks from the weight of the water is a real issue.

Next, meet Chris, he will take over Jessies position as designated welder , here he is prepping steel for the trailer hitches on the 2 Duramax coaches With his background cutting steel with fire (plasma cutter) is no big deal.  It's good to have his talents on the property.

JR Slaten & Jeannie dropped by for a visit. JR is the current prez of GMCMI and with Jeanies help is a real asset to our communityThe belt buckle I have on was a gift from JR, I prize it.  Thanks guys for dropping by.

Hey, is this enough for today?  I gotta get out there, we have stuff happening & I wanna be in the middle of it all.  Have a great day, know we are here and having a great time ourselves.

1.13.09

Sorry for the time away, it could not be helped There has been much goings on this weekend and that along with my "gimp" heal (I think it was another touch of gout showing up again) I have been playing double duty trying to keep up. Mom and others, don't worry-- Iyou know I don't remember reading about this "getting old" thing in the brochure coming here!  Well, I;ve got the issue down to my toe now so while I'm still gimping around a bit we're getting done what needs to.

The weekend at the Sunshine Statesmen rally was groundbreaking, with new technology as it is, the club is now in the new age of communication with a member section driven by password, the club has "IT" people with Bob H. having a WiFi network tied to his lap top whenever we have a rally and with the ability to easily post pics of our recent rallies, communications has brought our club much closer together.  Take  look at this weekend's rally, go to www.gmcss.com and click on "past rallies".  We introduced all this at this weekend's rally ,standing up there with now wires connecting my lap top to anything-- off the grid, showing the web site via the internet, live, real time was really something, I mean think about doing that in the past-- could not happen!

Leaving the rally Sunday, I got a call from one of the folks there with troubles, coming back we found Alan in the TA truckstop parking lot with "FLN", thats (funny little noises)-- hi tech terminology so on Mr. Hook he went for his free Goos Sam ride to the shop.  Check this out, pulling into the lot waiting for his hook ride, another motorhome pulled up next to us-- if you could call it that.  The thing literally shaded our coach hey and 2 people got out of that 3rd world country!  Just goes to show you progress or maybe what "they" try and convince you what you need!  Oh, and that beast was towing a Silverado 4 door, 4 wheel drive pickup!  All I can say is unbelievable!  Bet he can't go where I go with that monster!

OK, I'll stop picking, hey but it's just such an easy (and big) target!

We mat several friends this weekend, Alan of course is at the shop, these guys also followed and helped out around the shop yesterday-- thanks to all , their coach looed like JayGee's twin almost down to the stripe , well the stripe was a little different but the colors were right on!

We pulled down Mark's front and rear caps on his 32' stretch so now it's "really" apart.  Some further floor rot was uncovered with daylight coming in showing the ground.  Hey, it's the sort of stuff you find in 35+ year old coaches-- no problem.

OK, with Alan's tranny out and his new "Manny Tranny" in by the end of the day, we have a couple more issues to solve hopefully before todays rain sets in and he'll be outa here.

Craig, Jeff & Ray went after Kerry & Leann's floor shovelling out loads of old carpet, pad and I don't know what else We found a water tank leak so while Ray dug down to that, Craig & Jeff set about laying out the laminate floor

Then the mail came in and we got our first look at the ceiling treatment selection for the 26' Duramax This copper inlaid material will cover the headliner with the walls another copper styled texture material with the green tab marking.  This will really be a one of a kind interior!  The headliner panels will be special sized to keep the pattern in line.  So now with materials selected and ordered, soon we will be moving to the installation phase--- bout time!  Hey but anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do right so hang with us bringing these Duramax projects to life.

Got word from our glass outfitters that the resizing of the drive window panes are complete so I should be able to build up both the 23 and the 26' windows today, stay tuned for that and I got word from Kevin and Jeff that they should be in the mode of laying out and painting the exterior of the 23' Duramax this weekend--- oh boy, we're gonna crank up the heat a notch when that puppy comes outa paint!  You may have a complete bottom to your seat but you'll only need the front edge when that gets here!

Our new Welder, Chris, started up working on the mondo trailer hitch for the Duramax coaches , a friend of our last welder Jesse, Chris is also taking classes at the local MMI training school.  From Virginia, he comes from a background of welding fabrication on farm equipement so when I say "strong" welding work-- I mean strong work indeed!  Stay tuned to see the monster hitch we are building into the Duramax coaches.  Remember, these machines will pretty much have the power to pull more than their weight so the hitch has to be really ready for some pressure!

So I guess I'm now pretty much caught up with whats happening around here, lwe'll get Alan back on the road outa here, prep up the 32' stretch for a mediablast roof stripping, get that new floor in Kerry's coach and keep the Duramax projects moving forward.  Oh yea, we also are going in on another paint project when the 23 Duramax gets it's colors.  Marylin's coach with it's front body damage gets repaired and will throw off that original Palm Beach green for some racy new threads.  If you've lusted after new colors on your coach, stay tuned for the process on her machine.

Our next Prez will take office soon, the stock market is battling to find it's level, the auto makers are doing some soul searching and though gas is coming up a bit it's still no where near the straw breaking level of a couple of months ago.  The economy is on the front burner for our government and hey, maybe Hillary can get the middle east to chill out a bit-- we have good stuff in our future so take heart, as a great man said "There is nothing to fear...." and we'll figure all this out.  Stay cool, enjoy the day and lets make tomorrow just a bit better-- I mean the alternative will not be what we want.

1.9.09

All I can say is   Go Gators

Guess I'll have to wipe out that image I have of those bad boys getting kicked out of the SEC for that frat party where everyone got arrested!  Hey, UF really is a power house, no foolin and no fluke!  Still Whooda Thunk it would happen down here in the south.  The Gator Nation I though was more full of folks like Don Garletts, Tom Petty and other home town folk not Tebow!  So Bill B. among other Gator heads, the 23' "Jimigator", "Litigator   and everyone out there in G'ville--- Hoooyaaa!

Sitting there last night trying to figure out how to post the Youtube stuff and the game was on, was the only game of the season I saw but I still think it makes me a gator-- I live here!

Thanks for the comments on the videos--- no, I think we have the wobble at the full deployment of the 32" TV figured out and yes, that Zip Dee awning is expensive-- @ $6500 if I remember right but hey, this coach HAS to have it!

Today started out on the nippy side, not nippy as in freezing your facial hairs off but jacket weather for this place, the sky is clear and as soon as our sun wakes up and starts up his thing, it will warm up.  I have another Sunshine Statesmen rally to hit tomorrow, good thing cause it looks like I'm gimping again with my left heal acting up.  I walk like "Festus"  "Comin Mr. Dillon!"  Hey, I didn't read anything about this getting old thing in the brochures coming here!  I have no doubt this too will pass, just something else standing in my way and I will prevail!

Like to say a Good Morning to my Mom wizzing around on her new lap top, WiFi and DSL set up.  Guess I need to run things more through spell check now!  Naaa, it's my right as an American to spell any way it comes out so have no fear nothing will change, Mom just know I do know where that button is but I refuse to alter my artwork!  I can hear it now---"oh, so thats what you call leaving apostrophizes out?

Anyway, JayGee is all packed up now, saw towing the Suzuki in this morning that the lights were all messed up, whats with that-- I don't remember changing any wiring so how do trailer and towd lights always seem to need rewiring?  We must be towing "Murphy" along with us!

Anyway to that too, have a great day, as you saw we do have a handle on things that move around here, now we just need to make it look good--- thats next.  Have a great weekend, the colors for the 26' Duramax are chosen, ordering starts next week.  The final colored version of the 23' Duramax paint layout comes in maybe today and the fiberglass dash mold goes to the next level for those machines and the headliner woods are up   , next is---- we cover!

1.8.09

It's late just got home from a busy day.  Go to www.youtube.com and search "Co-op Motor Works" for 3 new videos-- one on the Zip Dee auto deploy awning and 2 on the 32" flact screen TV both in the 26' Duramax coach being custom built for Raymond Cruz.  My eyes hurt, I need to dream a bit, see you guys tomorrow.

update

I'm at the house tonight and still up, how about that!  Had dinner with Kerry and Leanne  had a great time and it was great to see them.  They are setting up as lot security for us looking to refinish the floors in their coach.  So next time you see them at a rally, go look at their floor-- sure hope it turns out good!

Hooked up the Suzuki to JayGee and headed out to fill him up for the Sunshine Statesmen rally this weekend.  Hooked up then fired it up and scanned over the gauges.  Putting the coach in drive I headed out checking the rear view mirror as the towd was following.  Suddenly it hit me, I had a real motorhome--- it was ready to go, ready to take us where we wanted to go.  This could be one of the first times I really went through all the stages probably you guys do to get ready for a rally.  JayGee seems to really have turned into "our" motorhome.  It is certainly not perfect, there are many things I would change but really who cares, it fits us and hey, I know somebody that will give me a deal when I need some repairs! 

The coach is plugged in at the house now and we start getting ready.  If you are hunkering down here in Florida right now, come on over to the Lazy Days rally park as my guest this weekend-- that does not mean I'll handle your park fee but I will introduce you with vigor at the Sunshine Statesmen rally this weekend.  Janie, JayGee & I will see ya there.

1.7.09

Missed it yesterday, not only did I call it "08" after the sun came up the day blew by like a 30,000 pound load of bananas in a runaway truck now how's that for a description!  What I mean is each morning I try and plan what needs to get done that day, yesterday while I was writing up the list, the pen was yanked out of my hand and it seemed like everything was happening all at the same time.

I stopped yesterday with showing a pic of the expanded driver window ready to go in.  On that front, My son Ray and I fitted the window yesterday and if all goes as planned where there is a huge hole in the side of the 26' Duramax, there will now be a window.  Can't tell ya how many have shook their heads at this project to point out how it would never work---- hey you'all, watch this!  I have no pics of this for now, you would probably not wanna see what was modified to install this puppy and probably the prognosticators of doom may not have been far off if we were talking about an original sized driver window, the length gave some leeway.  Next I will build up the 23' driver window since now I know how to do it and don't forget I did have the glass bending wizards make up a set of panes for an actual original sized window so we will see how that goes soon.  Guys, DO NOT try this at home, it is not a project that will be cost effective, hey but when did that stop me!

Now something I ran out of time yesterday I wanted to show you, "The Awning" has entered the building!  You may say whats so unusual about an awning for a GMC, well the awning for this Duramax project IS a big deal.  All Zip Dee Awnings are custome hand made for each customer this is true, there is nothing "off shelf" about the quality and fit of a Zip Dee awning but this awning--- ah, this one is really special.  Talking with Jim W., head of Zip Dee, I showed him our plans when he was in Florida last and he committed to personally walk with the manufacture of the awning for the Duramax and make it special and to our spec.  This is their "New Century" armless awning.  Now you may have seen armless awnings before, so it's no big deal -- right?  How about one that is an auto deploy awning using a wireless remote that incorporates a wind sensor that will automatically secure your deployed awning in a strong wind!    And if thats not enough, most awnings measure fully deployed out at 7 feet, this puppy extends a full 10 feet!  And all of this is wrapped in a black powder coated package-- oh yes, this is a special awning and the guys the other day finally got up the gumption to mount that puppy.  They had been measuring and carefully installing the massive mounting hardware through bolted to the roof structure, I mean think of the cantilever forces on that thing!  .  Borrowing Jerry H. forklift next door (this unit weights in at @ 350 pounds dry), it was time to erect the thing.  Heav-ho, the awning was perched on the forklift for it's journey skyward.   The whole crew here got in on this one, there could be no mistakes.  There was a narrow margin for error.  The casing has a mounting slot that must be hit right on.  Slowly the beast dropped into place   It all looked good on paper and the theory was sound but would it line up.  Don't forget, we did install one of these puppies some 3 years ago on "Blueocity" so we had background but hey, that was 3 years ago when maybe I didn't know better than to do something wild.  Now, I think I know more and still here we are pushing that limit!  Wouldn't it be nice if we had "Blueocity" here to compare?  Don't forget that wish, I'll come back to it later.  So, as you probably guessed, "The Eagle Landed" and we had mounting capture, the guys secured the awning into place and the coach was put back into it's caccoon for more work.    Now it is Craig's turn to wire in the puppy and bring it to life.  But wait, I "gotsta know", what does it look like out!  Hey, there is a manual back-up system to deploy--- Hey Ray, get up there with that crank , where's that hole-- lemme call Zip Dee.  Oh yea, the 3rd hole from the left, put the crank in and lets see what happens -- there it goes, check clearances and keep cranking   Oh yea man, now thats what I'm talkin bout!    Craig says "Holy S- - -", stop a minute I see an adjustment, this thing is huge!    Fully deployed, it covers most of the trim shop bay! Over the radial arm saw and the drill press, over the table piled with pieces/parts being used on the coach.  Man, it's out there, looks like that picture in my mind of the opening footage of the Flintstones when the Drive in Girl heaves up the tray of Dino Ribs on Fred's log car and it falls over from the weight!  Man, it's out there!  Hey, the chick CAN hold the smoke!        I know Raymond, that you are dteing to see the awning on the roof in black, I'll get that for you soon, I just can't get an open shot inside.  Remember how I said earlier, "Wouldn't be nice to have "Blueocity" here to compare mounting and wiring systems for this big awning?".  Hey, sometimes it feels like the Gods are raining down on ya but sometimes the clouds part and something happens that tells you they are on your side and to keep going!  Yesterday, up from Palm Beach, look who just showed up for some maintenance---- , yep, it was Kent pulling in with "Blueocity".  I could not believe that after 3 years they decided seriously out of the blue to bring her in for a tune up!  But here it is and we will get the chance to pull the 2 coaches side by side and see one coach with a painted awning and the other with detailed roof accessories in black-- a once in a lifetime opportunity!  Awesome!  So now it's up to Craig to get the awning apparitional for that comparison, for now we are back in the bay under operation.

So if that was not enough excitement for you on the Duramax, got a call From Raymond over in tensile town where he has been spending time selecting the high end fabrics and materials for the interior finish.  We have $100 a yard covering for the rear sofas, we have hand made textured wall covereing and some sculpted ceiling material that he could barely describe.  It is a special process to bond the ceiling material to the substrate, we will be shipping our cut panels to California to have covered then back here for install--- Wowzers there Gadgetman!  The selection of the leather hides for the seats took full attention of Raymond and our award winning decorator which I need to ask if I can mention her name-- I'll get to you guys with that.  Super-dooper, after more than a year of planning, we are putting this thing all together and it feels good!

Speaking of feeling good, my side car bike is doing it's job-- keeping me sane through all of this.  He (I think his neme needs to be "Atilla the Hun") is popping off on command and putting me in the air like a pro, just look at it resting after this mornings ride , a weathered old leather jacket, leather gloves and utility goggles tinted amber-- wind in my face and a clear road in front of me-- you just can't ask for more!  Oh, BTW, you guys know I have another one of these bikes exactly like mine here ready to bring someone else to "Nervana" --- Raymond, you may NEED this puppy!  That is if someone else doesn't beat ya to it. 

Now, last for today but certainly not to be the least, another impossible side of the Duramax 26 is the AV system.  In this I mean our direction on every aspect of this machine is "out the top" so how are we doing that with the audio/video system for it?  I have mated up to a 23" flat screen TV "which actually is in "Blueocity" to a GMC, how do we beat that--- how about a 32" flat screen with an integrated DVD player--- retracting out of the ceiling?  OK, now who slipped something into my iced tea?  Leave it to Jeff to make it happen A long time friend of Craig's, Jeff has come over to help us all with the AV system.  so with Craig, myself, Craig's son Eric AND Jeff, we simply have the talent to pull this off.  Once again hey you'all, watch this!  It's up and then it's down   We're using 2 electric servo units with over 200 pounds each of force, I think you could crack wallnuts with this puppy!  Maybe today we operate the system with the flat screen attaches, stay tuned.  So we have the system for a 32" CD/DVD player out of the ceiling-- imagine that!

Like I said, there's just too much going on here for me! And it only gets better from here.  Ken has been in contact with us furthering the corroberation on the 23'Duramx paint lay out.  What started out as a "simple" design of course had to go further, I mean how can anything be "common" with these machines!  Kevin and Jeff (another one) are both mad hatters making magic on that front, let me see if I can do pics for you today on that. 

They are calling for 60% rain today, it's OK, we're all inside so the work will go on.  All is well and everything is "on the 5's".  I hope your day will be filled with excitement and wonder too, with Janie holding the fort as we all venture out into the uncharted, I have to say thanks to her and all who are making this come together.  A real dream come to fruition, Viva-La-Duramax!

1.5.08

Yesterday was one of those that you started out thinking nothing was , again, going to go right and your main focus would be to stay positive while seemingly everything around your is turning to "decomposing organic matter"-- namely "&^%$".  For the past 3 weeks or so while my arm had been gimpy from the pinched nerve my side car bike had been on the fritz.  It was such a simplified lawnmower design mechanism that it didn't bother me knowing that when I recovered and would need the bike again to recover my sanity it would easily be fixed and life would be good.  Well, as they say "all good ideas made by mice and men" I had been battleing that (*&^%*(*&*__(*^%$$ motor for e solid days along with trying to do work.  One of the 2 huge jug cylinders was a dead fire.  Had fuel, had fire and all the mechanical things were going.  What could it be.  I actually drew out the entire engine system-- mechanical, ignition and fuel delivery system and checked each component completely--- even pulled the flat head and actually watched the vales open and close measuring their lift and duration--- no teddy bear  .  So I pulled the bike up for the last couple of days onto it's trailer and turned it to a "trailer queen" like hanging a sign on the thing-- "I can't go so I'll just show".  So pulling onto the lot yesterday with "trailer queen" in tow I put my emotions and reputation on the line-- that *&^%$ has to go today.  Looking at the drawing at all the stuff I touched and verified worked, what did I miss because it had to be the culprit--- Awh, lets go through the steps one more time-- Pulling the plug-- I said lets see fire and the screwdriver sent a spark to the plug top-- but wait, where is that spark coming from and is it strong enough, I had not checked the points feeding the dual output coil.  I popped the cap on the single point dead fire point system and using the kick turned the points to open--- they barely did.  I checked the book and it called for a larger gap so just opening it a bit by eyeball, I left the cap off and touched the starter--- that beautiful tension reliever rose to it's feet and stood there pop, pop, putter, putter, putter --- I found it!  If I had just backed up one more step from the coil-- but it was sparking-- just not enough--- a lesson well learned!!!!  I spent say 1 minute to really set the points to spec, then pulled out the carb syncros and set the idle vacuum to 4" then balanced both fuel funnels to 14" and vwala, the trailer queen was tugging at it's straps to get off that trailer-- and this marked the beginning of and awesome day to be sure. 

I told you all of that to limber you up for some really cool stuff that marked this day as special and it all didn't hit me till I got a call from Raymond Cruz, big daddy of the 26' Duramax project and I started laying out how the day went and discussed his roll of the build up for the next day.  Before I give you the Duramax update, I have had several people come by to see this puppy up close and person and just about without exception the question has been "This is just too much and what prompted this "endeavor".

A fair question and one maybe you guys who have been with this from day one may already have in your head but one that in the upcoming weeks will be coming to fruition so it would not hurt to give a layout to this insanity.

Just calling one coach a "core" automatically means there must be something on the extreme other end of the scale, sort of like saying if there is a "left wing" thought by definition there must be a "right wing" one to compare it too-- the "Ying/ Yang" theory.  Ok, so this is the other side of a "core" in relation to what is possible with a classic GMC platform.  When Raymond Cruz flew out from tensil town with the idea that he wanted the "best of the best" and challenged me to give him my wildest dream, out of the chemical imbalance known as free thought and the phrase "what if" the Duramax project was born.  Like the factitious story recently printed here of the guy that bolted a JATO "srb" rocket to his Impala and found out what happened when he said "hey you'll, watch this", bringing to my mind that childhood toy I had of "Rat Fink" with his torso sticking out of the roof of his twin blower Willys, 8 ball shifter high above his head with flames pouring from the open headers in the wheels wells with huge tall slicks billowing smoke as the front bike wheels hung from their leaf springs -- those thoughts again came alive but this time for real!

The project was to build an actual "26' hot rod with plumbing" void of whatever limitations there were.  To make the machine that is out the top, sick, bad to the bone, insane yet still recognizable as that 41 Willys under Rat Fink.  And today, I could walk out into the trim shop bay and look at the real thing sitting there dripping with the blood sweat and tears it has cost all of the guys here-- we were putting together that 41 Willys one bolt at a time, that "26' hot rod with plumbing" and not only were we closing in on that infamous comparable glamour shot of Rat Fink, we had another 23' coach coming in right behind that one that could beg the question, "what else could we possibly do to top this"!  Dude, we are on a collision course with calculated insanity, why are we doing this --- well, we found 2 people who raised their hand and said "I want one too" and we said "OK, a full tank of gas, half pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sun glasses---- great-- hit it, we're on a mission from God!".  I guess we should leave the big man out of this but if he is the one who makes everything possible then he also is having a hand in this himself!

OK, so you now maybe see where I am in my head each morning as I pull into the gate and where my head was at yesterday morning because we had 2 "impossible" components of the 26' Diramax that just might come together that day.

First was the redesigned and expanded driver window.  If you will remember, the driver position had to be renegotioated because of the emensity and location of the Duramax Turbo Diesel drive train.  That section of the firewall was pushed back 8" which put the side of the drivers head between the wall of the driver and large window and that would not do.  So resizing the large window to the size of the bedroom window, redesigning the wall of the coach we had to also resize the driver window to match the opening created by that project.  While we were at that, one impossible dream was sturred by that infamous Bush Baked beans commercial showing a "top to bottom" slider window for the driver.  For decades now the driver would make up new words every time he had to communicate through that post card sized slider window to the toll gal.  Some one had to come up with it but it always looked out of reach-- hey, an expanded driver window was already out of reach so why not just throw in a second impossibility to the project of the window-- so we did.  We set out to design, build and install a large driver slider window with a top to bottom slider window system.  First thing was to design the frame structure and some time ago Jessie performed that head game .  Then it was time to make the frame to fit and behold that was accomplished with patterns of the custom curved glass that would somehow be built   .  Now understand that sure, the windows in your car are curved but that took some high powered mass production machines with millions put onto molds and design work-- we could not use any glass "off shelf', these radius panes had to be custom built.  Not something anyone could do, I had to find someone who could build a one off (well 2 off for the same set up for the 23' Duramax) custom sized and curved set of laminated windows.  So to the tune of $1000 per pane, this was accomplished, an impossible feat!  OK, they were here, but did they fit and would the window open?  No, the fit would be the trick and this was my duty yesterday-- to make a very expensive and completely needed part of a huge impossibility work!  My bike was not kicking so could I pull off 2 head rushes in a row?  "Nip Tuck" was what the day would contain for me.  The weekend was filled, all 48 hours of it, with discovering the challenges.  Taking the panes to a local glass shop to have the second fit modifications accomplished, where I again use the word impossible.  The end of the day saw this the window is together, framed, fitted painted and ready for it's next step.

Sorry, ran out of time, take it from me the rest of this is worth reading, I'll finish it tonight-- till then know it's rockin over here!

1.4.08

First, let me say yes, I know the guy finding what it really means by "pealing the skin off your face fast" is not real in fact the story has turned into quite the "wives tale" among those that like to think they are fast.  I mean when someone comes up with this while guys are standing around kicking tires & telling lies--  mean how can you come back?  It just seemed to be appropriate for the moment it was sent to me, thanks man for the humor

So now that we have that straightened out, let me do a little work here and do a show and tell for Ken on what I think could be our final corroboration on the paint lay out for the monster 23' Duramax project.  This is how you put stuff like this together, input from all sides coming together so sit back and read through this as if your name was Ken and you were sweating nickels wanting everything on your go fast machine just so.

OK Ken, here is the latest and greatest from Jeff, I will describe what we feel it says:

 Here we go, we do not want something flashy but hey, you will be driving the meanest go fast on whatever road you are on, so you gotta show some business!  The base color is a light sorta off white metallic, the 1.5"  3 shades darker stripe coming off the front is rapidly being sucked into the mesh grill louver venting cool air to the rear wheel brakes.  The scavenged effect from that brings up a wisp colliding into a "malfunction junction" that fills the area between the windows then flows back in line with the front stripe into the tail lights where they will travel across the back and come together behind the 19.5" spare tire.  The lines should flow front to back save the turbulent flow from getting sucked into the wheel louver.  Hey, this is as conservative as you can go dressing Jessie Ventura for business!

There, what do you think about that, I think it's as conservative as you can be projecting the vehicle you have.  Putting a machine like this in a plain brown wrapper would be a travesty, this thing is going to block traffic wherever it goes.  Out the top, sick, mean, I don't know what else could describe a 8,000 pound body on a 22,000 GVW chassis geared to pull a shuttle bus?  The story below was sent to me I think because the sender wanted me to curb my "While E. Coyote" project of catching the Roadrunner mentality.  Sorry man, we're too far gone, the next stop is the cliff!

We're closing in on getting color on the 23' Duramax and closer than ever to having materials picked for the 26' Duramax interior.  The guys should be able to mount and deploy the 10' armless electric arning tomorrow, I'll try and do a video on that.  Good things have already come to 2009 for us here, I feel this is a sign of things to come.  Have a great day, come back tomorrow for more.

Update

I just had to pass this one on:

This years Dawrin awards has it's new winner of the year

Yea, but if it weren't for that darn mountain and the guy had a heavier vehicle-- maybe a GMC would do it..........

1.2.09

Lets start off the new year by dumping some of the page into the "archives" and get this thing to load faster.  Janie and my family have done their best to load me up with renewed energy, I look back and must admit I was getting a bit beaten down by the work load and stress of it all.  As I said yesterday, we all need to do all we can to make 2009 a positive turn in all areas. 

I mean look at all the things we have going for ourselves-- gas is cheap (at least for the time being), if you have a GMC, you cannot be "homeless", there is renewed hopes that our government is starting to recognize the plight of the common man in society today and we won't loose Nickelodeon from the Bright House system!  Hey, keep your computer on 24/7 and the room it is in will stay warm, I wonder if you could make a vest that would circulate the exhaust air from your lap top as it runs to keep you warm while you're outside?  Could work!  I can see it now, have a hose from the side of your lap top bag fed into your jacket, a muffin fan is hanging from your collar and smurf pipe lines your T shirt-- hey, maybe I need to look into a patent on this!

I put my son, John, on a plane headed back to his UAV training early this morning, it was good to have everyone together this holiday.  In the past I had been so busy I had sometimes missed the feeling of the season.  So I feel the time doing that was well spent.  Here we are last night at a going away party at Janie's folks house (headquarters)  ,  I hope all of you had an inspiring time as I had over the holiday, now-- lets prove that and lets get to work!

  It's a bit on the chill this morning at the shop as the sun rose, the weather man says it will top out in the 70's today with a weekend of more of the warm stuff coming from south of us.  Like most reptiles down here, I move slowly when it gets cold!

We'll have to see who makes it in for this one day before the weekend, I made it an "optional" day for the crew.  I will spend my day filing and fitting the custom slider windows for the Duramax coaches.  It's amazing how exact you need to have those frames!  A pretty day should lift my spirits and help to get everything back on track.  We have a short list to finish on Tom's coach before his pickup, we have "Blueocity" coming in for some servicing tomorrow, here is a link to pics of that machine Blue-ocity .  We have the 32' stretch still nudged up to the bay looking for some attention so stay tuned for more fun.

BTW, we are planning to participate in the Spring GMCMI convention in Dothan Alabama in March, if you are planning to come let me know if there is anything (parts or whatever) we can bring for you.  We will have a showing of parts and I'll be there with Janie to say "Hey" to everyone.  If you are planning to come, please come by and lets spend some time "kicking tires".  If you would like to know more about the get together, go to my "links" page and find the GMCMI web site then click on that.  This should be a really good convention, we'll also have a contingent there from our local club (GMC Sunshine Statesmen) with our tent where we will keep the lights on after the days festivities for all who what to mill around and talk GMC-- should be fun.

OK, so have a great day and weekend, I'll be here of course so if you need something, give me a call.

1.1.09

2009 Happy New Year 

Yep, we made it, 2009 and with a positive spin from the press, some help from our bankers and the governmentit just may be that!  Janie, John & I brought in the New Year over at Nelson's over at his dock watching the panoramic view across the lake of all the fireworks from Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World and all of the other stuff lighting up the midnight sky.  Yes, I really do feel this year, as one of the news reporters said this morning, will the the year it will be fashionable to be smart.  Smart in our finances, smart in our politics, smart in the way the world interacts and smart in just how we decide to carry on our lives.  I really feel that if we do this, if we work to make things better we all know it's all connected together and it's something we must do for ourselves and our future.  This is a great time to be alive, so many unbelievable things are possible and I sure want to be involved.

So it's Happy New Year and lets keep the enthusiasm all year and into the next.  I'm starting 2009 out with a bike ride, yea it's a little cold but at least nothing like up north so I will give thanks for being in Florida this time of year.  The plan is to have one more party for our son John before he flies back to Sierra Vista and his work there.  We're all together, Ray, John, Janie and I will enjoy this day together and prepare for the hard work of next year which BTW will start in tomorrow.  Yes, we'll be open on Friday and for that matter I expect I'll be around the weekend getting more of the details lined up on the Duramax Projects among other things.

We found part of the problem with Tom's steerability was a steering box.  Took out about half of the play, now we find the rest.  The brackets for the big Zip Dee armless awning is up so I'll see if I can borrow Jerry's forklift to get it up on the coach.  Be sure to stay tuned for that. 

OK, if we're done here now, I'll coax the ole bike to life and take it around the park for some exercise.  Stay warm cause if it's chilly here it's surly colder elsewhere, have a great 1.1.09 and make plans to make things better.  We'll talk again tomorrow.

12.30.08

Drat, I left my camera at the house this morning, sorry bout that guys.  Janie might see it there and bring it on in for me, if so I'll add a few pics with the verbage then.  I'm also sorry for you guys up north, I watch on the news about the seriously cold weather, yesterday was about like they are calling for today here, it was 61 making it to the Suzuki and they are calling for clear skies and temps in the upper 70's, yea this is why we live here!

So yesterday, Tom's alignment check showed the toe was off, this was probably caused his difficult driving.  A few more lines on the punch list and he will be ready to go.  Steve, Craig and my son Ray went at securing the roof mount for the Zip Dee armless electric awning on the Duramax coach.  The awning will deploy a full 10 feet with no arms so these mounts must be securely through bolted to the roof members.  We should be able to mount and wire the awning today.

Looks like we are one step further on the paint scheme on the 23' Duramax.  This drawing  was doctored up a bit with ideas from Jeff and Ken the owner ,  the forward stripe will get a more radius set of curves, Jeff will have a mock up drawing of that today and with a few more prep details we will be shooting paint.

Now here is some really great news, you know sometimes things that look like a setback actually come out to be a blessing, with our interior decorator not working out, my only recourse would be to work out the color design myself between Raymond.  Got a wonderful call yesterday evening from him and as it turned out, a good friend of his got Raymond together with an award winning decorator over in LA and we now will be using designs worked out with he.  Hey, I don't care what you say, having a professional touch on color and texture design is key on a project such as this-- and boy we have one now!  Stay tuned for more on this as we get our materials in.

Well thats about it, Mr. H is getting one of our custom add on dash AC unitsMarylin's coach will start getting it's breakdown for it's body repair and full paint and I need to see why the brake light on the Suzuki flashed on every time I take a left turn--- Hmmmmm!

Have a great day, stay on your ship til the staks reach the water--- then call it a submarine and go for the dive record!

PS, just got this post from Dennis L.

12.29.08

You can't "just have lunch" at 1PM at Disney and get right home.  Martin & Shirley D. invited us to lunch at the Grand Floridian over at Disney, they were having a 2 week big vacation with their expended family and since we had not seen actually seen each other (only talking on the phone about this and that about their coach) we had a great time in wonderland.  If you have been there you know they can't just have a swimming pool there  , everything has to be a big deal and so was the visit.  The traffic home was the usual zoo so by the time I got through with all that about all I could do was crash at home! 

Hitting the sack early though gave me the "umph" to to beat the rooster up so I got to the shop super early to do more on the Duramax driver window.  As you can see if you look at your "A: frame window, there is a pronounced radius from top to bottom.  An ordinary flat glass frame would not do and this is the reason we had to seek out a company who could perform such a feet  to laminated glass-- and we found such a man  right here in Florida.   Having laminated glass cut and curved to spec. made this impossible project possible.  First, cutting and welding the frame to fit the coach, we made exact plywood templates of the shape of the glass.  Taking those with me and a vertical frame section for the radius bend we wanted, I drove 4 hours each way 2 times to have the glass custom manufactured.  Now is where we pick up this project.  Now the job of fitting that glass to the frames was my next impossible mission.  Now the glass must fit the stretched frame within 1/16" to allow the rear top to bottom glass to slide.  The frame was hand welded together from 2 A frame windows so the tolerance was shall we say open.  So how can we bent the welded frame?  We need a large press, one who can give a smooth bend to the frame without giving a tight kink.  Lets see, what do we have here, that can do that.  What has a smooth vurce with the power to bend double "C" channel aluminum like that.  Our bearing press would not do, we would need a radius dye for that which would probably cost more than the expensive glass.  I'd love to have a press that would do it but hey, not being made of Franklins here, we have to do with what we have.  Hmmm, how can this happen----- I got it!  So jacking up the front of Larry (my coach) I put my 12x 33" front wheel into duty as a press and went about the job of calibrating my newest custom tool.  I took the upper vertical bar and bent the lower one to match   It was good no one was there to tell me this could not be done-- and it worked In this frame, I had figured the forward glass would be fixed with the rear glass to slide 100% forward.  There will still be much fitting to allow the slider to move free but it all fitted together.  To my knowledge this process has never been done but hey, thats what we do best here-- the impossible --- and here is the expanded frame fitted with it's new stretched glass     As I said, we still have a bit more fitting to allow for clearances to slide the rear glass but hey, thats only a bit more work, I can see the light!  All of that will be my "chicken" to pluck while the guys stay on other tasks. 

Today, Craig, Eric and Steve will fit the automatic Zip Dee awning to the 26' Duramax, this has to be done to locate the brackets bolted to the sturdy cross members of the coach roof.  When it's up, we will be able to make some decisions on the roof acc. color.  The goal is to keep the style lines of the coach while having the roof AC units, the huge awning and all that perched up on the roof.  I am wanting to say coloring the roof accessories black will leave the style of the coach in tact.  The awning was powder coated black so lets see what that looks like.

Jason & Buster have mechanical chores to perform, an alignment check, looking into Tom's rear brakes among some other things.  Rob bugged out yesterday headed toward Houston so you guys along I-10 keep a watch out for the bloke will ya!  We have had an awesome time working with Rob of his Stateside coach named "Double Trouble".  See Rob has another GMC down under, this one will be for living and traveling when he visits us here in the lower 48.  Good luck Rob and hey, gimme a call if I can help.  It was great having Rob here helping the guys and myself, he is a world of knowledge in diagnosis and fabrication having cut his teeth on world renounced projects such as the Apollo project "going to the moon"!  seriously, remember when the engineers were given the task of fitting that round air scrubber from the "lem" into the square CO2 scrubber in the command module?  He was there!  Hope I didn't make your blush Rob but that story put a lump in my throat-- it is just exciting to know there were engineers that DID put a round peg in a square hole when it was needed most-- Good-on-ya mate"!

Hey Mark S., now that we have Rob out on the road, we need to get back into your 32' stretch, give me a call and lets talk about whats next.  This is another exciting project if you guys will remember A serious stretch with serious potential.  Hey, we just keep coming up with the unusual-- maybe we should call up Ripley"s!

So there you are, we are caught up to the sunrise on the last Monday of 2008.  We have many exciting things going on here so stay tuned.  We'll be on task today and tomorrow but will again close for New Years on Wednesday.  I know all of this are important times and actually they are also teaching me patience-- patience in that I would rather be working but have to make time for the other important things of life.  I hope you too have made plans to celebrate putting 2008 in the ash can and bringing up 2009 to save the day.  Good luck to all on this, good luck and look hard for that silver lining because it is still out there--  we have to hold on to that fact.  America is still the best place to live, well I think so anyway and I am excited to be able to do my part to keep the good times rolling, please do whatever you can to make that so too.

Hey Ken, here's the latest and greatest, gimme a call and lets work off this one 

12.28.08

Taking some time away, seeing friends and family, getting up late and basically feeding both body and soul is certainly a good thing--- but I gotta tell ya walking out of the house just before dawn on a cool crisp morning, hopping up in my crappy ole Suzuki jeep and hitting top cog as I made my way over to the shop then rounding the corner to see my gate still locked tight with that herd of coaches all milling around somehow looking like they were waiting for me to feed them is just such a feeling that I relax in the knowledge that "bless this mess" I'm back home again.  It's easy to say "creature of habit" but seriously, it's the way I am and getting back to my regiment gives me a feeling of comfort all the places, people and things I have been experiencing just cannot equal.  And coming in on a quiet Sunday with a project in mind that has been waiting for my attention makes it that much nicer to get back behind that rock and get both hands back pushing.  My thumb now only tingles ever so often so I know the time off just mucking around was a good thing but I must say it was a good thing to put me back in the saddle, back in the place I want to be, back to that all familiar place that dreams, at least for me, come true.

Today will be a short one, Janie & I have been invited to a lunch over on the Disney grounds by Martin D., a GMC owner of course who is in the area on business I think and just wanted to get together and enjoy company.  This will, I am sure, be a highlight of this day but in a close 2nd, I am going to start the fitting of that custom glass to the top to bottom slider windows on the Duramax twins.  Before I leave early today, I will post pics of this progress, remember along with the 2 custom windows for the twins, I also had a set of panes cut and shaped to refit an original sized driver A frame wind with this top to bottom slider.  You know, like the one on the Bush Beans commercial, that one was a plexiglass mock up for the commercial shoot but seeing that I just had to try and really make a glass one--- so here we go.

See what I mean, for me this is the place where dreams come true, I saw that commercial and fell out of my chair-- I mean if it can be made to look like it would work, why can't it really work!  And so today, I start the fitting of my pieces/parts.  Now don't you get all lathered up to have this in your coach just yet, these custom cut and bent glass pieces are really expensive so sure I will have these things work but to make them cost effective will take a few more miracles!  The first step is to dream, the next step is to make it so and after that is to make it affordable so if you can, follow me on this one but don't jump out and want this for yourself---- just yet.  The end game is to produce them for sale but as you will see, that take a bit more work.

Here are my 2 sons spiriting Janie & I sitting in the back seat, man now that too was a unique situation, I would much rather been driving but hey, if I'm supposed to rest and take it easy then I'll play along! 

Rob was still at the shop when I opened the gate and come in.  I had to chuckle a bit when he told me about the "bits" (an aussi term for all those loose ends, tight this, move that over and tie those up things we always find when finishing up a project of the size he had.  Hey, it makes me feel a little better to see it doesn't just happen to us.  As he said they are all not a big deal but each one needs just that much more attention.  His plan is to bug out by noon to put him into Houston by Tuesday-- Good hunting Rob on the plan.

So now that I have some of that off my chest, I'll open up the middle bay and start sorting the driver A frame window project.  I'll be sure to keep my camera on my hip to give you a blow by blow of that work.  Have a great Sunday, ours looks to be super and we'll see ya tomorrow.  The shop will be open Mon. and Tues. before new years, I'm not quite sure about the days closed for that event though.  Rest assured we will be "back in black" very soon.  I hope I can solve just a few of the impossibilities of the A frame windows before that.  See ya later and if I don't see ya before New Years, make it something memorable, remember it will only turn 2009 once in our lifetime.

12.26.08

Hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas and not that big lump of coal.  Today, I'm in Jacksonville at my Mom's place on her WiFi talking to you guys.  Isn't technology wonderful.  I don't get up here that often so I'll have my hands full with "honey do lists" and basically catching up on the goings on up here.  I'll post some more here a bit later.  Got several posts, one saying they missed it when I could not post sometimes, sorry bout that & I will make a promise to try and set aside time to at least come up and spend at least a little time here every day.  I really appreciate all of you dropping by so the least I can do is come here too.  I gotta tell ya when we get all of this holiday stuff out of the way (it's all important too but it sure is irritating having to take time away) hey but it's important so as soon as all that stuff is over we have some really exciting things lined up to do.  I know I don't even have to tell you the Duramax stuff is right there.  Kevin and company are on task on the 23' coach and Raymond Cruz is picking colors, as soon as thats figured out we'll be "throin fur" getting both coach interiors done.  Besides all that we have some other new projects lined up so I do hope you guys all enjoy the holiday and can get back here and watch all the goings on.

I'll trey and get back soon, enjoy the day, we'll see ya later. 

Update

Oops, I lost the day, got involved and there it went.  Have a good Christmas, I'm late--- see ya

12.24.08

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas

So now that we've got all that out of our systems, there will be enough of all that from everyone else, let this be a place to excape all of that and keep some of our sanity and talk about something else.  Too much Ho, ho,ho sometimes makes me nervous!  Yep, I'm here at the shop this morning, by myself which sometimes is a good thing around here.  It's great, don't let this fool ya, having so many people working hard to help and I appreciate their efforts but on a day like this, I get to work unobstructed.  Next Month I will get a great deal of this sort of work time when I do some all nighters on the Duramax projects.  Today though I have the focus of tieing up loose ends to get Rob Mueller out of here and

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  Stop the press, I have Jeff over here and need to show Ken the new sketch.  First for you other guys, here is Ken's come back to yesterdays drawings:  .  Here is Jeff's latest update   OK Ken, we're talking about a couple more colors-- don't worry about what it will take to do this-- everyone on this side is committed-- this needs to happen.  Give me a call ASAP and lets talk.  Here's another  

Oh man, what a wild day I gotta go home & lick my wounds!  I'll have enough energy tomorrow to tall ya about it, talk to ya then.  For now, stick a fork in me, I'm done! 

Update

Ken, here are some ideas for your paint scheme.  Gotta go, let me know what ya think

 For you guys, this is Ken's original idea so watch as we all settle on the design 

12.23.08

41 deg. this morning, too chilly for this Florida boy!  There is good reason why I live down here, no snowman her!   They say we could get 80 tomorrow, lets see.

Sent all of the materials samples to Raymond Cruz yesterday with suggestions, the books offer literally a cornucopia of colors and textures.  Using these, this interior should truly be stunning.  Talked with him last night and we're looking into actual discressed leather , not the Fow stuff.  If this comes to pass I think he should sell tickets to sit in these seats!  Only the best of the best will go into this baby. 

As usual, it's getting a bit harder to keep everyone on focus only a day here now till the big man arrives, for some reason though I just can't get into the festive thing.  We're so close to having these Duramax machine terrorizing the road if wishing could make things progress we would be there.  It's difficult for me to hurry up and wait, always has been but hey, thats me.  After so many years of using the word "if" when talking about exciting one of a kind projects we are using "when" and thats a huge distinction. 

When we have the colors set for the headliner, side and bulkhead walls, the dash and countertops the interior of both of these projects will really take shape.  We have prebuilt many of the sidewall and ceiling panels in anticipation.  Both coaches are prewired so when we start things will go fast.

Rob knows what I mean when I say everything takes more time than you ever thought.  Yes, he is still here working on his coach, had to reschedule his flight home to Australia to stay with his project.  I will tell you though that everything he has done was thoroughly investigated and accomplished with the utmost quality.  Sometimes it's hard to believe it takes so much pushing to get something done but with Rob, he knows because he as been involved and has been right there with us.

Yesterday, more final issues turned the day from his alignment to attending to the details so this morning I have already opened and cleared out the alignment bay to get him and Tom's coach in.  We also have Tom Foster driving in for a 30K front bearing replacement so it will be a mechanical fest today.

Craig and his son Eric are a bit how we say "under the weather", I've been whipping them pretty hard on electrical issues on the Duramax especially so they may not be here and frankly they deserve a bit of time off.  It is such a help to have someone here who can desifer my electrical ramblings.  Craig worked with me as far back as 1977 in electronics and his son Eric has had such a mentor on electronics that well, he is a true help around here.  No smoke blowing here, these guys are the real thing!

Made it over to Kevins to check out his progress.  The roof of the 23 Duramax is in color     The color is a soft Saab tan, this is the color of course and before the gloss clear is on it will look dull, I compare this to that "ugly duckling" so until the clear is on it will look less that awesome.  Jeff worked a bit on lower body details looking to smooth out the transition between the ground effects and the original body   With this mornings cold, the filler will not "kick" so all they will be able to do probably today will be sanding.  Down here in the sunny south we do not have heated work areas and the times the temps drop below the working temperatures of the materials work has to stop.  I should see Jeff this morning with his idea drawings for the paint scheme, he was over at the coach working yesterday when I took these pics.

Hey, if you guys have the oportunity, you need to make plans to attend the GMCMI convention in Dothan Alabama in March.  Go to the GMCMI web site (a link there is on my "links" page) and check out the schedule.  I'm hitting it along with the Sunshine Statesmen club, we'll set up our tent and will have bull sessions each night after all of the planned festivities.  Some people still wanna go after everything is done so this will be our clubs offering to support GMCMI-- You'all come now, ya here!

Galbavy's problem on the road did turn out to be a bad battery.  He hit a shop somewhere on the road that verified the trouble.  I had him disconnect his chassis battery and switch on his "combiner switch" I had installed which proved his battery had become a load and was dragging down his start current.  Have not heard from him since that repair was made so my guess is he's down here.  Also bumped into Max Pardy at Old Town last weekend.  You remember Max from when he and Clarence Buskirk were in business up in Sandusky building those awesome stretch coaches.  Was good to see him and he said he would drop by the shop when he gets a chance.  Yep, the snow birds are landing left and right.  Thats great that they come down and help out our economy down here--- thanks guys!  As always you guys are all welcome to drop by-- I mean we ARE the cheapest CentraL Florida attraction!

Not much content on the GMC net lately, looks like many people are turning away from their usual and turning all to a holiday schedule.  Variety is a good thing so I guess it's that time of year.  Our hit count here on the pose is staying up and I appreciate all of you guys dropping by, thanks for that.  Something you may want to start watching is the web site www.rvbuddies.com .  They have a GMC project coach which we will be helping with, should be some fun there and also while you are plunking around on the internet don't miss the on line magazine www.rvadventuremag.com .  We did an article on fire supression systems this month with them, check it out.

OK, I'm ready for the day, my meds are down, the arm feels pretty good, the sun is up and all thats needed now is for the guys to get in.  Rob has already come in and we've talked about todays schedule.  Sorry bout you guys up north and the cold, it must be difficult to stay warm when the power stays out for a week or more.  Hey, break your coach free from the ice and come on down here-- there is no snow and after the sun gets up I bet you would love the warmth!

Get that last minute shopping in, our economy needs it, enjoy the holiday and stay warm.

12.22.08

It's the Monday before Christmas and all through the shop, not a creature was sturring of course no one is moving around, I'm the only one here at dawn except me!  I've tried to continue to work while I have tried to let my arm heal.  I've built up some good energy (hopefully) and will be ready to bust out the last 2 days before the Christmas holiday.  Well, let me take part of that back-- Rob Mueller is probably still counting sugar plums in his coach over on the lift.  Our focus today and probably tomorrow will be to get him finished up and out the gate before he gets blocked in by Santa's sleigh-- oh, you didn't know-- we are a designated field service facility for his transportation vehicle.  He's had a nasty time with his outer CV joints the last couple of years and we're hoping the new sticky boots and the double bands will solve his problems!

Some of the materials samples for the 26' Duramax have been sent to Raymond Cruz for his input, in the meantime we are fitting wall panels and continuing on the design work for the ceiling mounted 32' flat screen, wiring and scads of other stuff.

The computer alignment machine will be stoked up and working on Tom's coach and Robs after his complete suspension rebuild.  He has a complete set of Steve Ferguson's hi tech A arms and some stuff from Dave L..

Went over to talk with Kevin and see his progress on the 23' Duramax.  He's been away with family issues.  I found him doing some final sanding on the body getting ready to shoot paint   A quality finish is all about the prep work, Kevin knows this so every detail is attended to.  The final finish ready for paint can be called a masterpiece in itself smooth, clean and flowing is what you want.  Rob came over with me and hopped up in the coach right away to see how we are going to make the interior "work" for a 23' coach with that huge motor   The first step will be bagging off and shooting the roof.  Then Kevin will finish off the lower part of the coach and shoot that.  We'll have some drawing pics on the paint layout so stay tuned for that.  It looks that we are back on track with the 23 Duramax exterior with Kevin back on the task.

As I said before, I tried to work while trying to heal up this weekend.  One pesky detail was the over the back window "3rd brake light".  After wiring up and installing the fixture last week I found one of the LED lights in the string inside it was dim.  Hey, we can't have that!  OK, one out of what 20 seems like is a picky thing but how can I let a silly little thing like that go by!  I pulled off the fixture, removed the original LED compliment and installed one of my own   More LED's in the same fixture-- I like that!

STOP THE PRESS!!!!  Kevin has been doing some serious behind the scenes negotiating on the 23' Duramax graphics project, meet Jeff Sanders , Jeff will be heading up the graphics design, lay out and shooting.  Jeff comes to us through Kevin and will be helping Kevin first person.  Graphic design is his specialty so over a cup of coffee we just now have been sketching out ideas based on Ken's original design   His first blush is to have the coach design done and on the coach with the coach painted and in clear in 2 weeks--- now thats what we're looking for!  Someone who will get out there and move!  Ken, now we WILL have drawings tomorrow if not sooner!  Jeff is on board, has seen the 26 Duramax and is "hot to trot" on what this is all about.  A real "God send".  Thanks Kevin for getting the quality help you need!

WOW, another "stop the press" thing just happened, UPS just arrived and guess what we have in the boxes    Give ya a hint, it's what we have been waiting on for the interior of the 26 Duramax interior--- stay tuned, I'll be right back to ya.

OK, here we go   I'll be into this for a bit, see ya later when we finish thi--- Raymond, stand ready!

12.20.08

Talk about exciting-- here we are!  Sure, it may have something to do with the meds my doc has got me on but last night it hit me -- we are truly on the edge of the future an now, every day will be one for the record books-- and you guys will be witness.  What am I talking about---- check it out-- Elvis really has entered the building and my life really is getting ready to be exciting-- hey and yours too!

What am I babbling about?  Yesterday this happened   It happens with little fanfair but the 26 Duramax came out of one bay ind into the other kinda like when the Apollo command module swung around and docked with the lunar module -- preparing to land on the moon.  Remeber this pic well, here it is now  and our progress has reached a milestone!  One step at a time, the back up camera and 3rd brake light is now in   and we find that it was good.   The headlights are in and that too is good   And now with the coach in the trim shop we move into the next phase   namely the build up of it's interior   The phrase says it all  , GMC Custom Coach-- thanks Raymond for badging this new concept.  You will now be witness of some exciting stuff!  If you thought it has been interesting, in the words of many down here, "Hey you'all , watch this!". 

This is our future, it's not "if" but now it's "when"!  The future is here today and whats more exciting is Kevin is painting the 23' project right now!  Rob will go with me this morning to take a looksee at that progress so soon you will see these 2 machines in their buildup!  Stay tuned, I'm gonna have picks of that today!

All of this will come together soon.  We have battled our way to where we are and I know it will be worthwhile.  All that is behind us and isn't is great how our mind blocks out that trauma in favor of what comes next.  Today is a new day, today marks a new beginning.

The sun is up now and my excitement is driving me forward.  You just can't have a better day than me today!  My arm is under control and it's a good thing cause I need it-- I need all my senses and reason for this stuff!

Good news, Jim G. is back on the road, using his "combine " switch, we were able to isolate his problem and we found his chassis battery failed on him.  The good news is through some simple investigations we were able to determine his problem and through the added features we have in his coach he was not on the side of the road.  He bypassed the battery and kept on going.  You should be so lucky, he was!  Thanks Jim for putting me in your loop and giving me that chance to help.

Too excited to sit here any more, we'll see ya mater-- may stop and post pics of the 23 Duramax later today, come back later

12.19.08

My word for today is "heat" Not heat to damage stuff but healing heat.  I have been battling this pinched nerve thing for a couple of weeks now and in all the time, I have been trying to figure out what caused it and how could I make it go away.  I finally found that if I sit up straight in a chair, tilt my head to the right and drop my chin just a bit I could drop the pain enough to sleep.  I also noticed that if I stuck my arm out the rolled down window as I was driving home the pain increased.  Ok, so I had been approaching this thing like I do problems with the coaches I work on and told Janie yesterday that the muscle relaxers, pain pills, stroid pils and all that just did not seem to touch the root problem and I thought maybe heat on my neck might do something.  She came home last night with this spiffy digital heat pad.  Had to read the instructions on how to use it, reminded me of trying to figure out how to use that calibrated brake pressure bleeder tool we bought.  I cranked that baby up and worked with it over the night and this morning my arm is feeling better.  Whoda thunk that something as simple as heat would do anything productive!  But is seems to be doing something.  Hey, maybe those ole hot water bottle really are useful!  I don't know but I tell ya this, I am sitting here plunking on the keyboard with this digital heat pad on my shoulder-- we'll see how the day goes.

Oh man, I hat it when this happens!   Doesn't look too bad from the front but look at the damage from the side   Marylin was in traffic, the guy in front of her slammed into the car in front of him without even hitting his brakes wheich put Marylin into his bumper even though she had a good braking distance from him.  The bumper did it's job, crumpling but keeping the main part of the body away from the truck in front.  You can see just a small crack at the center top of the body front.  After all of the mods we did on the interior, the next step was to get rid of the pea green exterior so she decided now was the best time to do that.  We will be repairing the damage from the accident and then repainting the complete exterior.  We'll start in on this project after Christmas so stay tuned for those details.

Now that I don't have to hurry up and wait for thew interior decorator with the Duramax project, we are moving forward on interior projects.  The flip down 32" JVC LCD flat screen project got some attention yesterday.  We worked out the geometry on the mechanism and fitted the set to the bracket .  Hey, it's not easy to move such a big unit with no visible means!  the triangular brackets on the sides will be driven by 2 worm drive servo motors, the project is coming together nicely.  It's stuff like this that you can't just pick up at your local parts store and it's stuff like this that sets a job apart.  Hey, anyone can put a 19" set in a headline, try a 32" HD unit!

The rear compartment latch project has come to it's conclusion and the outcome is--- We Won!    The door is now secured and lockable.  The turn latches are all keyed the same .  Persistence paid off so now I know how to do that.  His HID healings and the front light harness is all but complete too .  The "phrase" fitted this project-- "Everything ALMOST fitted perfect".  Sure, the HID bulb was a 7" round configuration but they did not fit the baskets and the trim ring would not fit, all that had to be modified-- hey, thats fine, it's what we're here to do!  Today, we back the 26 Duramx out of the alignment bay and into the trim shop bay for some in depth build up on the interior.

Let me tell you something about Rob Mueller, he is not only a perfectionist but in years of working on NASA projects he also knows how to look at a project and do the best possible with what tools there are.  This is a very worthwhile attribute.  Some will take a thing completely apart and then go about reinventing that wheel wheile what really needs to happen is to think through the use, the need and the possibilities then make a game plan.  This simple way to look at things is what I have learned after years of beating my head on these machines.  Here is the underside back of his coach, can you pick all of the extra stuff he did to make sure everything was done well?

And so this day begins, we have this and that to get done, we have stuff to do before other stuff can get done, we have people to call, we have places to go and we have things to do.  One thing is I don't have to worry about getting laid off.  Heck if my arm will get a little better I'll have so many things to do I may never have to worry about anything.  Let the incoming regime worry about the economy, the price of rice on the Asian market and all that, me-- I'm wanting to get 2 alignments done today!

Oh and I got a call from Jim G. coming down last night, he was in NC at a flying J.  His starter looks like it wet the bed, all he has to worry about is not getting wet from the rain while he replaces that starter, not a really bad problem!  Take heart, your GMC needs you and you need it so what do we have to fear but fear itself!  I think I've heard that one before, have a great day and look around to find something to worry about, the rest of it can take care of itself!

12.18.08

Thanks for the comments on the side marker lights funny but every post said pretty much the same thing-- both styles have merit.  I will probably try both styles on coaches so if you are interested in either call me, I will have both available.

My kindergarten teacher told my Mother I talked too much even back then so I feel gratified that been able over the years to hone my skills!  Today, I have 2 things to blurt out so don't let any of this get on ya!

1.  Had 2 people contact me yesterday interested in purchasing a GMC, first time owners.  I am pleased these folks contact me because they are our "next generation" of coach owners and they are very important in keeping our classic coach viable and on the road.  I think of myself as a farmer, laying our seeds all day long, looking for and cultivating new GMC owners and helping to grow the GMC community.  One thing though I would like to discuss here though is I spend a great deal of time first listening to what their vision is-- what they expect a GMC to do for them and what their expectations are going in to a relationship with a vintage RV.  In the case of both of these people though their expectations were too great and the ability of a 30 + year old motorhome were too small.

It's not that I feel a GMC is worth a lot of money rather that to have a machine that will do all the things a GMC can do and to put one into a position that it can do all of those things well is not cheap.  The first gentleman said all the right things like he wants the coach to be reliable, comfortable, good looking and impressive but he wanted to invest a total sum of $10,000.  I had to politely let him know he was dreaming!  I also laid out by example why.  The math simply adds up to more than that if you really need to have all aspects of a coach investigated, updated and upgraded.  Look, there are good deals and then there are unrealistic expectations!

The second person also seemed to have all the right questions and accepted the right answers and when asked explained they would be interested in investing up to $25,000 into a useable GMC and while that is much more realistic, I would say even doable if that is a limit of the investment I would still say he may find himself squeezed in a wringer possibly because a complets drive train replacement is running in the $10K range for a complete consideration, a quality exterior refinish is also in that range.  You just cannot short change quality, it will bit you and if the expectation is to not have to drag a tool trailer doing anything but a total refit of a system on something as old as our machines is not right thought.

So the story I want to say is you need to really have your head around a $50,000 investment if you say you want to go out on the open road and not worry about getting home.  Hey, I don't carry that sort of pocket change & my bet is most of you do not either and I'm not saying you have to have a fat wallet ready to empty that cash right away, I'm just saying that getting into an investment like a motorhome of any sort will quickly turn into a black hole if you are not prepared.

2. The second subject for the day is "commitment".  What I mean is you must understand what it is to have the option of driving a beast such as we have and what it is to maintain one of these things.  They are not of the faint of heart and renovating and working with these machines is also something you must really work at.  I can't tell you how many dealers I have worked with that after their involvement in some aspect of renovating the GMC they say, "I'll never do that again"!  Heck, we have been in and are still deadlocked in trying to get projects accomplished on the 2 Duramax projects that we have over and over again dealers crap out on us.  Yep, here we go again but this time I'm just going to handle it myself.  You know that the only person you can really rely upon will always be yourself and trying to build upon others will always make for shafting sand for your foundation so maybe this is a good thing.

Anything worth doing will be difficult and if we believe this I see that as further proof that we are onto something and it gives me more energy to keep pushing.  The "interior decorator" we tried to incorporate into the Duramax project has let us down but I'm not depressed on that note, it just goes to press me to work harder.  In picking up the pieces, I have found some very interesting materials to incorporate into our renovation tactics.  How bout using a "distressed leather" look product for the upholstery?  We're also looking at textured wall covering products and electric blinds.  Stay tuned for some cool stuff!

So for today I have to say as I think of what U.S. Grant said to Crazy Horse when questioned about what should be done about the inadequacy of the government bureau in charge of the reservations set up to take care of the Indian relocation and care  "Endeavour to Persevere".

Have a great day, I'm going forward, which way are you going?

12.17.08

7:30 and I'm just getting to posting Back at the wheel this morning after a really productive day yesterday, everytime I get into the groove here it just feels right for me.  Thanks for the posts about the fire suppression article in RV Adventure Magazine and yes, I forgot to say what it costs to have the  protection of a Halon system is.  Protecting your engine compartment with the Fire Fight automatic system will set you back only $225 for the kit with installation time of @ 1 hours work.  I can step you through the install.  The generator compartment system funs $125 and a hand help unit will run $95.  These are of top quality manufacture with inspection meters and quick disconnect brackets   .  Give me a cal if you are interested and look guys, if you do not have any protection as you-- you really need to.

Ok, enough of that -- you have had the talk and now it's up to you.  Like I said, yesterday was pretty productive, Eric, Jeff, Craig and myself hovered over the 26' Duramax yesterday.   Eris has Raymonds Dalta HID headlights mounted and wired , I swallowed my fear and went after the rear compartment doors and designing their compartment latch mechanism.  If you will remember, these are the doors that kicked my butt and pinched the nerve in my arm recently.  With the ground effects, our latch mechanism needed to be redesigned on these doors.  Of course we want them to lock and this is the assembly we settled on   Unlocking the turn handle you can lift the chrome ring and rotate the knife latch to unlock the door   It is a bit scary cutting holes in such a perfect paint job, there is little room for error and when finished off this assembly of course needs to have that special look and feel.  Jeff got up in his project of creating a ceiling mounted hide mechanism for the 32 inch LCD flat screen TV and here is the first look at our structure .  Out of the front headliner, the 32" JVC HD flat screen TV will hide away until needed.  Stay tuned for more on his build up.  Our fiberglass contingent came through with our first look at the dash .  With the look of the original GMC dash, we are fitting the Workhorse digital LCD panel in front of the driver , stay tuned for more on this.

Janie whipped up a huge pot of spaghetti and we all took a break to enjoy it .  We really have a great crew working together on all of these GMC projects and I'd like to thank them all for their hard work.  You see I am including Rob in this, he's been here now long enough that I can call him part of the team.  Sure he's helping the guys in working on his coach but he is doing much more than that.  He has become part of the team, thanks man for the help.  hey, his coach is coming along-- can you tell the difference in the old and new parts on his suspension?    There's a pile of new parts in there.  Today we hope to get Rob and Tom's coach up on the alignment machine.  Speaking of Tom's coach, his adjustible push rods are in   Having it's valve train tolerances "machined in" with no valve adjustments sometimes it becomes necessary to dial in this part of the motor.  In the past we have tried several ways to accomplish this and have now found the perfect way to both offer this important feature while retaining the integrity of having locked in specifications as the original design touted.  These adjustable push rods are much more stable than the previous ways we have attempted to accomplish this job.  This feature will increase performance if there are issues while not hurting the concept of having a locked in valve train design.  Call me if you are interested in having this system on your coach.

OK, here are 2 new options of replacing the side market light design in favor of the newer LED systems.  Tell me what you think, is it the style 1 or do you like the looks of the style 2 design   Either one of these systems cost less than 1/2 what it is to replace the original and being LED I am sure will last longer and look sharper.  Help me out, let me know your thoughts. 

Someone asked to see the rear door on the 32' stretch that we're working on.  Here ya go   Yes, the coach has it's new shoes on, it's sporting our new Quad bag 4 air bag rear suspension.  This is a huge project but one that when complete will turn out a unique road machine.  We're working on whats next for this coach, stay tuned to see which way it goes.

Finally, a person called yesterday and wanted to discuss renovating a GMC for their special need.  I have many contact us with many of the same questions and I thought it might be useful to write down some of the stuff I talk about over and over when folks call.  The big question always comes up "Why do it? Ok, so let me answer this for ya, I took some time and verbaged out a few thoughts I bring up whenever someone asks this question.  Go to Why do it which is at the end on the " why we're here" page.

Doing what we do with the GMC is not what many would call "easy" or "simple".  No, it's not rocket science but it can get a bit involved and for some complicated.  You really need a clear vision of where you are going, the wearwithall to see it through and the time to do whats needed.  You cannot rush the work and you never know what you will run into so take your time when you decide on a project for your coach.  Research as much as you can to prepare you for what might come up but also understand that you just never know really how a project will go.  Give ya an example,  Tom shipped in a GPS system which included a tag mounted back up camera but on the GMC, our tire cover would not allow for a wide view out the back so we mounted the camera in his spare tire cover   Can you pick pick out the camera?

Anyway, I'm starting to ramble a bit.  It looks to be a good day coming up, the sun is now up-- Rob is up so the day begins.  On the GMC Net there is a good thread about the quad air bag system and yes, I do think it's the best way to go.  Gimme a call if you have interest.  Don't fret about Firestone discontinuing the original air bag, retrofit to new off shelf bags and be done with it!

See ya later

12.16.08

In trying to catch up after several weeks of barely holding things together sorry but I'm a bit late getting to you guys.  There's just soo much paperwork and computer things I have wound into my life if one of the "pie plates" I have spinning does not get wobbled things get all fouled up.

Kevin made it back to Florida and back on the job yesterday.  His Mom passed away and the situation that he was there for her was a priceless thing for the family.  I want to extend my condolences to him and his family.  I'm happy he had that opportunity but of course it impacted our timetable and being less I can do about that I see what I need to do and what I am doing is to focus on working with what I can effect to get all of this done.  If that sounds "cryptic" I don't mean it to but I see it more as the focus.  We have professionals in all the areas we need to get things done.  Attacking our projects this way is the only way to get this level of quality and complexity done.  I am excited about our accomplishments and about our opportunities, also I am excited that you guys are here watching.  I need your support, I need your input if you have something so be a part of this and if your part is nothing more than watching hey, thats something too!

I've found I'm not worth much in the evening and I do my best work early in the morning.  This morning I put together an article that will appear in the online magazine "RV Adventure Magazine".  I felt this is a subject of extreme importance, something you guys also need to consider.  Hey, I need to do more on this to protect myself so maybe if we can get jiggy we can help others, I'm talking about fire suppression for our motorhomes.   Don't think it will never happen to you, I know of friends that felt that way and are now hating life!  Here is the draft of what I sent in, as usual please overlook my spelling.  Go to Fire Suppression on my "information" for this.

I have all sorts of things done yesterday I can show ya, let me get some more of this stuff knocked out and I'll get back to ya.

12.15.08

We're back from a badly needed rest and I am again plunking my keyboard with both fingers!  Sometimes I have to be forced to do the right thing and this time is more true than most.  I could not see how beaten down I was till I stepped back a bit to look at myself.  To tired to put my side car motorcycle in a show-- now thats pretty bad, I hitched up the Suzuki to the back of "Low Ride Ur"  and headed to the Sunshine Statesmen Christmas rally leaving the motorcycle in the bay-- I just could not muster the energy to hitch up the trailer and drag the bike up onto it-- how sad is that but as it turned out I was happy I kept at the rally cause we had a great time. Leaving late Thursday evening from the shop I was bushed!  After so much going on, so many things both good and not so happening this month I couldn't see the "forest for the trees", I was just done for!  That pinched nerve in my arm had interrupted sleep for a week and man I was the walking dead!  Gerry and Bill had spend the week at the shop getting things attended too on their coaches, they left Wednesday evening ad were already there.  We had Thursday to tie up some loose ends and get some shipments of parts out before the shut down so by the time we pulled away from the shop -- like I said we were ready.

One of the perks of this business is getting the opportunity to shake down renovated coaches and Low Ride Ur had been around here waiting for it's chance on the road.  It was a short run down to Kissimmee near Disney none the less it was a chance to get out on the road for me and I don't care how far the run, it's all good to me!  A really nice Royale, this was a chance for Janie & I to experience a non GM floorplan interior like our coach "JayGee" was.  The coach with it's unique floorplan layout would be interesting.  Had a great spot on the corner where we set up the coach, put out the awning and claimed the spot as our own  

As I said, this past week was filled with high profile work.  "High Profile" in that along with all the restoration work we have on the Duramax projects and the other ones around here, we must always keep room open for folks coming down on vacation, those that have issues while on the road and all that sort of stuff.  Bill Shepard drove down yes to go to the Christmas Sunshine Statesmen rally but he also wanted to "kill two birds with that travel stone" and get some things done on his coach.  After actually changing out his own frame (did it all by himself in his driveway!) he needed an alignment.  Gerry, came in for some odds and ends using the rally as an excuse to get it all done also at this time.  Rob is still living at the shop helping us work on his coach   He's been a great help with his coach as well as helping us on other stuff around here.  Bill's middle wheel on the pass. side was toed out wheich means we had to find a way to push it in-- not usually the case.  Propping his coach up in the arch of the bay door with the alignment machine connected we pushed against the arch of the door to put his wheel pointing the right direction. "Necessity being the Mother of invention", Bill hals a spend relay lever as Jason situated our 6 ton hydraulic  ram to push the arm into place   Hey, whatever it takes, we will find a way!

We had a big delivery last week, The 26' Duramax armless Zip Dee awning arrived   An 18' long, some 300 pound crate, it took most of the crew here to get it into the bay   We will pop the box and mount this puppy on Raymonds coach this week, you gotta watch for that!

I think that sometimes "recoperation" from pains is more of getting used to having the pain than truly it going away.  Yes, I do feel much better but I can feel the arm is still not healed.  I feel though I can handle it and sometimes that may be as good as it gets.  Thanks to all who have expressed concern over me, I appreciate the support.

Uups, it's started, a coach just pulled in & I'm gonna try and stay ahead of it all-- at least lets start off Monday giving it the ole College try!  Thanks for the visit, I hope to get back in my groove and show and do some fun things this week.  Hey, it's all what we want to do so how can it be bad!  Make the most of your week and if you need some help with your coach, give me a call.

BTW, in being here the time he has, Rob suggested that to make my day a bit less of a "ZOO", I should ask you guys to give me a call early in the day if you have questions-- that is of course if you can wait.  I truly love to help and get into your issues but it wears on me and opens up my day.  So if possible give me a call first thing in the morning if you have questions.  Hey, I don't know but that might help.

See ya later

12.11.08

The day went well, much was accomplished and we all went home tired What are Jerry and my son Ray looking at? Hey, we're working on it outside the bay on the 26 Duramax .  Wiring the front lighting, Craig and his son Eric are loving life   We have the Delta "HID" headlights going in as well as the new front and LED side lights.  While thats going on, Jason an Bill S. prepare the alignment bay where we park the Duramax ready for Bill's alignment .  Bill had a pile of work done on his coach, he actually replaced the frame himself, instaled one of our crate Jasper motors, rebuilt his suspension, install a Quad bag system-- the works and now he's down from Charleston SC to get it all set up   His frontend lined up perfect and here are the numbers   3.4 deg. of caster will give him a great highway ride.  The rear wheels presented some issues, the pass. "center" wheel was toes out-- thats a problem to push that wheel in.  We aligned the coach up with the arch of the bay door and pushed on the wall to get it in .  Ken H. will remember when we did that to his 23' coach-- a pain but it had to be done  

Megan and her cabinet people came by to plan on the interior.  We have some interesting new ideas for the Duramax interior.  "Out the top" and thats what we have.  Sorry, got so involved in the talk I forgot to take any pics.  Just trust me when I tell you this interior will be one for the record books!  My fiberglass guy came through and made us a part to work with on the dash-- finally, a fiberglass guy who listens!  Next week looks like a serious Duramax week, stay tuned.

We're headed to the Sunshine Statesmen Christmas rally this evening in Kissimmee.  Being close to the shop give me the opportunity to drive "Low Ride Ur" to the outing.  Lest night I cleaned up the coach getting it ready and snapped a few shots.  I think I'll do a "road test" story on Janie & I using the coach.  This is the great part of doing restorations--- the shake down.  Hey, somebody has to sit in all the seats and punch all the buttons.  I do have a one page punch list of things-- that fine, it gives us our focus but man -- is this a nice machine or what?

       Wiped down and oiled up the original wood veneer interior bulkheads and cabinets .  One interesting idea that looks like a real feature is deploying only one bedroom seat into the bed position while leaving the other side as a seat, this gives you the oportunity to stack supplies on the bed side while still having the other side to sit   I'll be sure to take pics of how it goes.

So what do I recommend you do with that original "mondo" jack that came with the GMC?  I'm using 2 of them to jack up my building at home while Ray & I replace the rotted main structure beams   I knew they would come inhandy one day for something!

WOW, we already have 20 backorders for the original air bags!  As I said earlier, Firestone is discontinuing them at the end of the year so this will be the last order to get some.  Really, if you are interested in getting a set for the future-- time is now.  Currently, the cost is $279 each, we hope Firestone will keep their current price on this last order.  Give me a call on the toll free line 1-877-275-4462 if you want to get on the list.  Understand though that after this, we will still have the option og the Quad bag system so don't fret that our coach will go to the side of the road because of this-- we'll be alive and well in "4 bag land" but if you want one last shot with the originals, give me a call.

Looks like rain so I gotta get out there and work, talk to ya later

12.10.08

Sorry but I'm in a bind today 2 days til the rally and I have to be there.  Thank someone it is nearby in Kissimmee.  We have 2 coaches here in the lot, been hunkering down for the past 2 days getting things checked out.  It's been a good time working on the coaches but as I said time is running out.  We have 3 alignments needing to happen today and we have the Duramax 26 in the alignment bay.  We've been trying to finish up issues on it to get it out of the bay for the alignments-- so far one thing after another-- we cannot move the coach until certain issues are resolved.  Like I said it makes for some drama around here.  Have no fear, we will prevail!

Gerry's generator took a dump sitting here.  His PC board smoked and that was that.  Recently there has been a thread about the "generator prime circuit" talked about on my information page.  While I appreciate those that want to work with the original circuits and mechanisms, these power drawer generators are nearing the end of their useful envelope and I do not see the logic in spending hours and big bucks bringing them back from death.  So, and to probably freak out those that want their coaches to remain original, I'm going to remove the entire wiring harness from his generator and run it with a toggle switch.  I can hear it now, "Oh you butcher" but hey, the thing does create power when it runs so lets make it run!  If it will not do that the only job for the unit will be as a boat anchor so what have we to loose!  I'll do some pics for you of this "frontal lobotomy" and if you too have a troll thats lost it's pulse pay attention to what I will do and I'd be happy to help you wire this up.  For those of you that think this is heresy, sorry-- hope you can forgive me.

Gotta get out there, time before the phone starts ringing and people start pulling me back and forth is good working time for me.  If we can get through this day and get what needs to happen done, I can talk at home tonight to a.  We have an appointment to be at the rally Thursday evening, it's motorcycle night at Old Town and this christmas bike a car show is the biggest of the year.  I really want to make it there.

Talk to ya later.

12.9.08

Sorry, not able to spend too much time today I have 3 couples plugged in here at the shop geetting suspension and mechanical issues worked on before the Christmas rally this weekend, we will be attending the rally Thurs- Sunday in Kissimmee so our week will be a short one, we have so manyy other things happening here all at the same time I just cannot slow down-- gotta keep moving.

The Awesome Zip Dee awning for the Duramax arrived yesterday, the first molds of the Duramax dash came in too and now we are fitting it to the dash.  Found a contaminated component in the Duramax brake system (has been haunting us) and that replacement part will come in today.  Including Tom's coach we have 3 coaches waiting for the alignment machine.  We're upgrading the 12 volt system on Tom's coach -- I'll try and carry my camera for that one so you can see what we do there.  Doing 2 alt light circuit mods, watch that and Rob is getting his suspension and brakes back together today.

Like I said, I need to get out there and stop playing here.  Jim G. called, I had to ask him to call back-- I think he wanted me to talk about the upcoming change on air bag availability so I'll do that here:

Yes Jim, Firestone is moving on and our original air bags will be discontinued from their lineup at the end of this year.  This sort of thing is happening to many important parts that help keep the GMC on the road.  The air bags are a unique part only used on our coaches and that compounds the problem.  Sales volume on our bag has slowly dropped to the point that it does not make economic sense for Firestone to continue production.  It's sad but it is a fact of life and wether we like it or not, we are faced with this situation.

If you are getting close to needing a new air bag, I would strongly suggest for you to call me and get your name on the list.  There will be one more production run before the tool is retired.  We are not sure what Firestone will sell these bags for, we hope we will be able to keep the price of the bags at the $279 level but with the state of the current economy we will need to wait and see.

After this last order is exhausted, you will need to retrofit your coach to accept the current Firestone air bas by installing a "Quad Bag" system.  Yes, doing this will be more expensive up front but after you have been refitted, you will be able to use current off the shelf air bags.  We are most fortunate that we have this option.  The new design "Quad Bag" system will keep our classic coaches on the road and viable in the future so do not think just because Firestone had had to move on that we are in trouble.  The GMC will continue to roam the roads even though the original air bag has been discontinued.

If you would like to get a pair of bags though, please give me a call.  We are listing for a backorder on them.

So now I need to go, we have much happening-- I started another regime of meds to help with my pinched nerve-- hopefully I'll be able to motivate while this thing heals.  I'll try and get up early tomorrow and have time to post stuff for ya here.  Ken, I was promised drawings this morning-- I'll post it when I have it.  Talk to ya later

12.8.08

Saturday was "Deja Vu" as I watched the sun rise over I-95 sitting the the Suzuki   Leaving Orlando at 5:30, it was a brisk day, the little car scooting down the road at a blistering 55 MPH made the 3.5 hour trip feel like forever but hey, I'm in a 2 seater sports car.... thats doesn't go very fast.... that doesn't handle very good.... that doesn't look very sporty......... hey but other than that I could go through the gears, hear the exhaust, the bumping around with the wind in my face and at least feel like I was sporty!  One thing the Suzuki does have is a good heater and it felt like the tunnel heat my ole Spitfire gave off as it gave me a ride. The Deja vu  was delivering the patterns for the custom windows we want to make for the expanded Duramax driver windows.  Got a call from Bob that my laminated glass had been cut and curved to my spec and now it was time to go pick them up.  I waited til Saturday to do this not wanting to be away from the shop on a workday.  Even in this silly little machine, I love getting out on the highway , see this is proof positive that there are places in Florida where the tourists don't clog up the highway, where you can get out on the road and cruise-- man I love that!  Pulled into the wizard's den early and waited for Bob to get in-- Doing custom stuff like this takes special people, you just don't go down to your local hardware store to have custom laminated glass bent, it's a trick doing them "one off" and at least I did find someone in Florida that could do this.  As I named him before Bob is a "wizard", I mean check out some of the stuff he can do   That piece of glass he's holding is some of that frosted wavy stuff-- with a 45 deg. bend in it!  He would not let me take pics of his facility-- you know "Secret Sam" and all that but bringing me out to where the magic is made I found my windows and patterns waiting for me .  I had 6 windows cut, 2 for each Duramax and a set to prototype up an original sized driver window.  First though I needed to get the glass to Orlando and the the Suzuki rather small I found I needed to drop the top to get the glass settled for the ride.  Hey, the heater is good and it was a clear sunny day so even with the outside temp a bit chilly, I drug on my thickest coat, dropped the convertible top and pointed the little critter north toward Orlando.  I somehow felt like that stagecoach carrying the outpost payroll.  Putting up with the weather, indian raiding parties and the rough road and all I was out there "hauling the mail" .  Now I really got the feel of the road! The sky had all the colors of blue, it was such a beautiful day I kept my hands in the path of the warm air blowing from under the dash and took off home   Stuff like this makes you feel alive-- yes a bit cold but still alive, another impossible mission created by the Duramax dream-- a driver slider window, a 2 pane window with a top to bottom slider--- us GMC enthusiasts have dreamed about this for years and after seeing it on that Bush Bean commercial (theirs was plexiglass, I wanted a real one) it just had to happen.  Got several looks from car passing me-- and at 55 you know there were many, hey but I did pass one car on the trip-- I didn't care, I was in my make believe sports car with a real prize stashed in there with me.  Made it to the shop @ 3PM with my glass in tact , wrapped in blankets and whatever else I had all 6 pieces made it with no problem .  Now with the glass made, we'll have to fit it to the frames, seal them and fit them to the coaches-- I can't wait!  The 7 hour ride in the Suzuki was a killer, wore me out so like it or not it was all I could do that day.  I left the top off the Suzuki and headed home to rest-- yes the ride was fun but even fun of that sort is tiring!

Janie wanted to do some shopping so after a nap, we went out to see what we could see.  I don't know if it's this way around you but the stores are really offering some great prices on stuff right now.  Gas is $1.58 a gallon-- can't remember when I've seen that last!  What can I sat, we bought "stuff", maybe it was trying to help the economy but I think it more just seeing prices you just cannot afford to pass up we loaded the Suzuki down-- got another exciting component for the Duramax ptroject-- picked up the 32" JVC LCD flat screen TV.    This one has a DVD player built in, this will really save miles of wiring and make Raymond's AV system easy to operate.  I tell ya, prices on big ticket items like this are way down-- this will be a centerpiece of the interior of the coach.  A motorized flip down 32" flat screen out of the headliner-- yes, we're gonna do that too!  Stay tuned for that.  So this morning with the top still down, I cut the cold air heading to work.  42 Deg., ahhh, feels good to be alive-- don't let it fool ya, it's only a 3.5 mile run to work.  One thing about convetrtible tops, when it is cold you do not take down or set it up, the thing is brittle and will crack-- so it's another cold run, that's OK, it is supposed to reach 74 today and leaving the car in the sun I should be able to put the top up by noon.    What a memorable drive-- oh and I forgot to show ya some of the wildlife I ran into at a station down south.  Guess it was too clod to stand out there in the weeds, this peacock was wondering around the mini-mart down near Jupiter (not the planet).  Like I said a memorable weekend which should make this week really exciting!  My job will be to fit, assemble and install these custom windows-- stay tuned and see how it goes.  Oh BTW, several people have expressed a desire to have one of these top to bottom slider windows and yes, I am prototyping one just to say we've done it-- let me warn you though, having laminated glass custom cut and then bent to shape is an expensive process.  A pair of glass to do this runs over $1400 so if you ask the question "Is this cost effective?"  I would have to ask you how important is it to you?  Well, don't answer that right away, lets see how the project comes out.

Oh and if you ask :How can I fit a 32" flat screen LCD TV in the headliner-- well, stay tuned!

The water heater in the 26' Duramax was not leaking but hey, we're going this far so lets pull that puppy out anyway-- good thing we did , as they say "Don't drink the water"!  Is yours leaking?  Should you leave it in your coach?  You tell me!  Mark's seats came in Friday and while we mounted his new rims and tires mounted.  I'll drive the coach to warm up the tires for truing maybe today. 

And while my son, Ray, trims of and seals the 26' Dursamax "frameless" windows Craig go the new design compartment latches mounted.  It's just one step after another and these puppies are coming together.

Rob is moving along on his coach replumbing the brakes and air ride system, finally there is something to see , most of the stuff he's been doing on his coach cannot be seen though it's all very important , new SS brake lines, a new brass combo valve, new braided brake hoses and stuff like that.  Today I think we'll have his fuel tanks back in place then he'll need an alignment to sort out his new suspension components.

So as you can see, we have "fun " afoot, hey I'm excited-- I get to figure all this out, "make it all so" number 1 and all that stuff!  Oh, oh and on top of all that we should see the Duramax electric armless awning arrive!  Had a post asking the price of that puppy.  OK, I'll tell ya and please don't think we are nuts-- this is the "Big Dog" of awnings retailing out over $6000.  Yep so there isn't much to compare this thing too-- it's custom, it's new, it's the best and that means it's expensive-- hey but wait till you see this thing!  It's the best and thats what we need for the likes of this machine--- stay tuned.

Kevin should be back in town and if the air temp will creep over 65, we should have movement on the 23' Duramax paint, the drawings of the paint scheme should be here-- there's just so much coming together right now-- how exciting it is around here!  I'll check my Emails next and come back if I have anything good to show ya, if I don't talk to ya til then, have a great day, do something memorable if you can.

Oh, my arm is getting better-- thanks for asking.  Maybe it's because I have all of this other stuff to think about, maybe it's because of the cold or maybe it's really getting better but whatever the reason I feel good going into Monday, lets see how I hold up!

12.5.08

Didn't have a chance to go back up yesterday with our new LED lights, here is the poop:  I had stayed away from these lights until I could understand the source and the lights really did replace and fit well.  These original styled top clearance lights are a "dead nuts" replacement right down to the "cats eye" fin on top , even the screw holes are in the right place.  A sealed unit, they not only have a nice light profile from the face but they also distribute the LED elements on the spine to light that up as well .  A total count of 17 LED elements really light this fixture up, they look as bright as brake lights!  .  So now you can have a classic original styled light assembly that is "state of the art", they pull almost no current and are said to "last forever" whatever that means and for $12.50 each it's a no brainer to switch to these on a restoration.  We will be carrying these in stock so give us a call if you have interest.  One word of note, our American market is being deluged by cheap knock-off parts from overseas, they do not respect patent laws and will pop out most anything for a price, get the real thing-- do not get taken, these are the real thing!  Yes, they come with a gasket.

OK, speaking about new products, check out the all new modified sine wave 1800 watt inverter that just hit the market .  Inverters are not new but in the past to get a good one you really had to dig deep into your wallet to get something nice.  I can see that the manufacturer has had several "think tank" meetings to design this new model.  Being a modified sine wave unit, it is much more efficient and costs less than the "pure sine wave" units at this watt range, we can get this unit to you for $390!  They designed some really nice features, the control/monitor panel on the front is removable and with a 25' data cable you can remote mount the panel .  It gives you input voltage-- very important as well as output voltage and current to really let you see what you have.  The remote panel could have had a little larger lip on the face, the hole has to be cut pretty close but with a little effort the unit really tucks nice and looks great on the original control location in the coach .  This is not a cheap China knock-off from some obscure company-- this is also the "real thing" and with them offering what the customer is looking for you can now have the luxury of turning a good 12 volt DC signal into a useful 1800 watts of good AC current.  No, it does not have an internal transfer switch, this system is best connected to discrete circuits, I do that anyway.    The outputs can be hard wired but in this configuration I left the 2 "GFI" outlets on the unit.  The receptical plugged in supplies power to 1 galley overhead circuit, 1 galley wall outlet and 2 AV outlets for Tom's flat screens and DVD player.  I added a input power kill switch in case the system needs to be disconnected and to assure there is no current drain to the batteries during storage.  I'm impressed, it's just the sort of machine I have been looking for.  Let me know if you are interested, like I said before it is $390, the kill switch is $26.

On the subject of good parts, Cal's coach wet the bed-- how many of you guys came and watched me install one of Mac's "Mac Daddy" dashes in Cal's coach at the WS rally this year?    I'm sure you had heard of the saga we had getting to the rally.  His tired 403 motor was sick, it had overheated cracking both heads, we just made it to the rally getting his heads replaced hours before we had tyo bug out from LA to make the rally.  Coming over the "grape vine" heading home his motor overheated again and after that event you could tell something was missing-- slowly the motor layed down and finally died a couple of months later.  So now it's "out with the old and in with the new" .  We're having a 455 crate motor built up for Cal as we speak, yep we're taking out the 403 and installing one of our fire breathing 45 roller cam motors.  Miguel at "MGM-GMC" will be doing the work.  The long block core came from our shop here in Florida.  This is the great thing about our program, it's a nationwide program where we can offer a motor from Florida to be installed by qualified techs all the way in California.  So no matter where you are, we can get a motor to you-- no need to make a trip down here.  The motor has a nationwide warranty, you have "people" if you have troubles.  Hey, with over 50 motors on the street we have proven this program works-- yes, with that many motors out we have had a problem or 2 but the nice thing is Jasper is in our pocket to help and with their huge dealer network they are making this program work.  If you are interested in hearing more about this go to Crate Motors.  Call me if you have any other questions.

Thanks for asking, yes Rob is having great fun working with us on his coach , a "netter" came by yesterday to meet Rob and to watch his progress -- hey, we're all a big happy family!  Here's Rob getting ready to install his new SS cased 110/heat exchange water heater , a really nice unit-- I mean after 30+ years, why replace just the tank, put an all new unit in and make it the best one you can find   Cost recently did go up to $325 for this 6 gallon close to exact replacement but hey-- other than gas which is a great thing, what else does not cost more!  Again, I don't wanna make all this sound like gratuitous advertising but call me if you would like one of these.   It is fitting perfect into his Avion Transmode and will also fit all standard GM floorplan coaches.  You guys with an LP water heater are "hooped" , this unit will not fit for you.

Last but not leaset, & I didn't plan to make todays post all about parts but I had 2 inquiries about the "big boy" Zip Dee awning we will have in on Monday for the Duramax coach.  One question was why is it so expensive?  Hey, a good question and there is a really good answer.  This unit was designed primarily for use on huge Prevost million dollar and up buses.  It deploys a full 10 feet when the standard awnings we are used to deploy 7 feet.  It is not only "armless" not having and hardware hanging from the side of the coach but also goes in and comes out via it's motorized remote controlled mechanicsm.  Yes, it is a bit on the large side but working closely with Zip Dee (BTW, those guys are super and the owner Jim W. of the company cut the companies teeth on the GMC) to design a model to fit our coach. Here is the awning we designed cooperating with Zip Dee a couple of years ago for the "Blueocity" restoration:

 A huge crate, the unit comes in by truck freight which also runs a little high (@ $300) Here is a mock up Zip Dee provided us when the system was designed for the GMC Takes up a little space of the roof but does not look that bad actually.          It will partially deploy   or go the full 10' length and it can be all controlled via remote control     We're having the Duramax awning powder coated black, stick with us, the unit will be here on Monday.

See, I'm getting my meds under control-- no more "Lucy in the sky", I feel great this morning-- it's a clear blue sky this morning and the weather guy says we will hit 75, now thats what I'm talkin bout!  Ray, my son, is "diver down" helping clean and organize-- something we really need and I am able to do work again which helps with my sanity.

Thanks for dropping by today, hope there was something in all that for ya, we're here so call if we can help.

12.4.08

$96,000.00 (as tested)  our honor, I rest my case!  You guys who get FMCA magazine check out the front page article for December-- bout fell off the throne this morning-- a Winnabago/Sprinter "B" motorhome for that kinda money makes a totally renovated GMC the best deal on the planet!!!  I mean seriously, I can build a machine for $100,000 that will do more, get descent mileage, more plush, have more hi tech gadgets, more power, more room--- basically more-more-more!  If you were on the fence wondering if you should upgrade your GMC or dump it for something new----- I think your mind should now be made up.  Come on man, we have more for less!  The industry is scrambling to figure out how to compete in the downsized motorhome market-- they are desperate and this is what they will try and tell you is the answer--- oh give me a break!!  Go read the article and know the GMC can beat the pants off that thing.

Hey, and if you are looking to get a GMC-- really, what are you waiting for?  Heck, let me know-- I'll find you one, build it up and you too and blow that Sprinter off the road!  Make a realistic budget comparing to this machine and you will be delighted with what you get.  This is the reason we are here and after 11 years here at this spot in business doing exactly this one thing I will tell you this will be a sure bet for you.  With fuel costs low and looking to correct itself and stay low compared to the rest of the stuff in the world, renovating a GMC is now really cost effective!  I'll stop now but when I see stuff like that, what the industry is trying to shovel down our throats I am excited more than ever as to what we build.  If you compare the GMC to what the "market value" we really are the cheapest toy in the box!

Great news, going Saturday to pick up our custom radius glass for the big slider windows for the Duramax coaches, now we will need to actually put them together and make them work--- just one more "mission impossible" we will overcome-- stay tuned.

Left my camera at home this morning, I have some more new LED light assemblies to show you.  Got a really nice rear or front clearance light with 17 (countem) LED elements!  They are $12.50 each-- very nice stuff.  I'll add pics of them when Janie comes in with the camera.  We have LED compartment lights, bulbs that will fit our aircraft bullet interior lights, 3 element bulbs for our side markers, back up lights and I have another new one for our tail light assemblies that is rectangular.  There are sooo many styles available I have 3 direct companies we are buying through to try and filter out the off shore crap out there -- and there is a bunch of it!  "How low do they go" seems to be how they are being marketed but there is a point when the lights turn to junk and you do not get your money's worth.  There are "first generation-- second generation, hi energy, low current, cool spots, flat"  I mean all sorts of them -- the quality and prices on them are all over the board.  Look, lemee help ya with all that, I am bringing in all sorts of LED assemblies to do specific jobs on our coach and will be pricing them really low-- I'm not gonna get in that "beat the price" thing-- I will have really nice quality stuff at good prices and will be here to stand behind them all-- stay tuned for our line of LED products.

Last but certainly not least-- who says our GMC has to stay on the paved roads, Carl S. sent me this pic of what he uses his coach to do-- he mounts his off road jeep to the back of his coach and goes for it Nice machine Carl, I know you get all sorts of looks and you are having a great time driving-- hey and isn't that what it's all about?  Hey and you other guys, crack the wallet to get your coach to this level and you will really have something!

Gotta go, I'm all fired up for the day, got a meeting planned on the Duramax interiors, drawings for the 23' Duramax paint, gonna pull the 26' Duramax out for a looksee (you gotta be here for that) oh-- oh, just got confirmation on the Zip Dee armless auto deploy 10' awning delivery on Monday-- dude, this is really the E ride ticket and I get to play with LED lights today-- nothin but fun in all that!

My arm is hanging in, reducing the regime on that hard core stuff is getting me less loopy and my son dug out the old office from where we had piles of junk stored-- hey Tom, we're getting our poop grouped!  What a great day today will be, stay tuned for the details-- hey and thanks for the visit.

12.3.08

How bout yesterday!  don't call the Betty Ford Clinic- I'm OK.  Bob Heller came by in the afternoon and asked if there needed to be some intervention, walked in and said "whats new at the Zoo"!  I will say this though, it took way over 3 PM before I started slowing down-- great, I can get back to work! Lets see if I can string a few thoughts together today for ya.

What I think I was trying to say is a GMC can fit into your budget if you are looking for an economical way to travel.  There are some great deals out there right now, you are not tied to the higher labor costs associated with RV's and the dollars you spend on a GMC seems to equate to a good value.  Thats it, plain and simple-- cut back on big dinners out, but go out in your coach for the night.  Don't worry about buying small tubes of toothpaste, the "large economy sized" one fits just fine in the bathroom shelf and never mind renting a car when you get to where you are going, the GMC can take you just about anyplace you need to go.

From my perspective here I see more people, ones investigating a way to travel are calling and asking good questions which tell me this is all true.  Really, I know you have heard me on the soap box before talking about this but I must tell you it seems to be truer than ever.  I have 2 guys coming in to look at coaches down here in Florida.  Prices are down, there are those that feel it's time to sell their coach and others interested in buying so don't let all this recession mess get in your way of enjoying your coach. 

OK, now that I have that straightened out lets see if I can focus here a bit.

Ordered it just before the holiday so it should be here this week-- the awning for Raymonds 26" Duramax-- and you know what we will be using-- yep, the Zip Dee "New Century 10' electric remote monster.    Top of their line, this awing is primarily used on the big buses, super technology, all electric deployment-- even uses a wireless remote!  Yes, we have used this awesome awning before on "Blueocity" if you will remember , been in servise on that machine several years and the coach owner loves it.  As Raymond said, I want something outstanding and that is where we are going.  We're working on the finals of the exterior now, sealing the rails, installing lighting which BTW will all be LED with HID headlights.

Our LED light order arrived, all new stuff-- how bout the front parking lights     a bad pic but this is a 25 LED bulb-- lets look at the face of the sun type stuff!  Our new 194 3 element ultra bright flat LED with a ceramic casing for the clearance light are awesome and our 4 element super small side markers .  If you are interested in these, below is their pricing:

1156 amber-- $21 each
194 white-- $21 each
Side Marker-- $15 each

We're also bringing is some 15 element "ultra bright" driving light modules-- you will NOT miss Cruz'n!  These were back ordered but will be here soon.  I gotta tell ya guys, techinal advancements in lighting is not on the way--- they are here!

Now the Delta 7" Classic hi/lo system runs in the neighborhood of $1300 for the complete set , like I said-- "out the top"!  These landing lights will certainly light the way!  Oh yea man, this is gonna be the "bomb"!

Rob treated us to lunch yesterday from "Dixie Chicken", didn't get a pic of that but this morning I found that all the cats in the area feasted after us , hey they need to eat too!  Maybe Rob will take a few back to Australia when he goes?   Naaaa.

My son Ray has now joined the team here and will be working with us, thanks for lending a hand, it's great to have him with us.  Stay tuned for pics of him and his help.

We're doing a recheck on Tom's alignment today.  You might ask, "Why do he have to recheck this"?  Listen and for you guys involved in suspension and steering know that a perfect ride is possible but takes some serious attention.  The numbers looked right but what we are after is that last 2% to give the GMC the perfect ride it can achieve-- everything has to be right and that is what we do here.  Tom is also getting an inverter system to run his microwave, coffee maker as well as his AV system.  There are many types of inverters available-- some rather expensive.  It's not easy to make higher current 110 VAC from 12 volts DC, I want to show you what we have learned so stay tuned for that install and how we wire this system in.

Really though, I want to thank everyone who has cared enough to want to help me with this pinched nerve thing.  I feel we have it on the run now, our workload has not suffered though I still do feel the arm is not up to 100% it is allowing me to work and we are on the down hill slope to recovery-- thanks for caring guys.

41 deg. this morning, clear, no rain in sight so good things are afoot today.  Come by tomorrow and see how it went.  This is cold for us but with the warm hearts and all we have around here I feel it will be a good day.  Hope you have good things lined up for you today, make the most of it and we'll see ya later

PS, I'm checking my Emails now and thought this one is good, here ya go:

2.12.09

Back in the "groove" again we're having a great time here.  Weather cannot be better, sorry about the bad stuff up north there, my son sent me pics from Sierra Vista where is actually snowed!  I don't do "snow"!

First I wanted to tell you about something we learned yesterday.  We had gone over Tom's suspension, checking and replacing things we found an issue.  See the problem is not figuring out what we think should be replaced, it's figuring our where to stop!  I mean there are fiftymillion parts that are 30+ years old and if all we did was to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" and replace "it all", the saga of bringing a drive train to standard my never end!  You must evaluate each system and make calls.  Ok, so when we got his coach all back together, aligned and what we say is "ready to go", we found 2 issues on the test drive.  First the steering was "squirrely over 40 MPH.  Well thats no good and there was an annoying whop-whop sound with it.  Well those bugs must be squashed so do we have 2 critters hiding in the coach or 1.  As Tom reported, neither of them was there when the coach came in.  Ok, so it had to be having to do with something we touched.  Before we pulled out everythi9ng we did, I had the guys pull his Alcoa rims and put on some original wheels, we had replaces his tires and maybe there was something wrong with them-- remember we are looking for anything different from the time it came in    Yea, it is a pile of work we're looking at but our charge was to update the coach and make it run better so "diver down" we had to go back in.  The drive test told us his new tires were fine so it's back into the suspension.

OK, here is what we found, the relay lever bolt, you know that big sucker with the mondo torque holding the part to the frame had been stripped out somewhere in it's past and a nut/bolt arrangement was rigged into place.  The job looked sound and in that there was no way to rethread the frame, we worked with that rig making sure the bolt up was tight on the new parts.  Well, the end where the stripped threads were had worn enough to introduce some slop in the assembly and using the nut/bolt set up instrad of the threaded frame, the top plate squeezed in on the new relay lever and bound it up.  The torque on the system was done as if it was using the threaded frame attachment and is standard but with the rig, you needed to resize the relay lever.  Jason welded a resizing washer to remove the slop in the frame and resized the relay lever to not pinch in place---- steering issue gone!

Now we had the "FLB" (funny little bump sound, we thought is sounded like it was coming from the driver side bogy wheels so all that came apart to yeild nothing.  I told the guys, heck, we've got most everything apart, we might as well go for the pass. side bogy wheels too.  I mean lets make this a "Full Monty"!  Ah, and there it was, we did not replace the rear bearings, they looked OK on inspection so they were repacked and reinstalled.  Flushing them carefully here is what was found .  Scoring on a couple of the rollers.  We of course did not introduce whatever contaminate that caused this, it looks to have been in there for a while, guess repacking them, cleaning out the old goo and putting new synthetic grease in caused them to talk to us-- good thing cause Tom would not have gone far with this situation.  This is a perfect reason for a test run after work-- you must assume nothing and look for problems, not just that things are good but look for stuff you had not considered before!  We probably had a bearing going out but did not pick it up on inspection-- a scary thought-- I mean now-- how far should we take our updating! So now in the future, we will probably not just inspect and repack rear wheel bearings, they will all be replaced as a matter of fact in the future.  Another thing that shows you really must go all the way when working with a 30+ year old machine.  Thanks Tom for giving us the time to figure this all out.  All the bearings will be replaced today!  For me to feel good about you driving this puppy to Tenn., it's gotta be done!

OK, on to other stuff.  Talking with Robert building the Stainless grills for the 26' Duramax "remote" from California, we both agreed we needed to better fit his masterpiece before sending it back for finishing.  Crag & Chris were thrown on the job .  It's not easy to put a seriously rigid component in place of a "loosygoosy" part like the original GMC grill is.  You guys who have worked with the grill know what I mean.  We first reshaped the corners to fit the 26' Duramax exactly next we will add the curves to the vertical sides, I mean that puppy is not a flat opening and the stainless bar that the new grill is made of is!  More on this when we are done.

Now we get into the cool stuff.  Remember Omar bringing the diamond padded red velvatine wall inserts the other day?  Ok, well having them here was mu "Q" to get on the rear bedroom walls and get them in.  I had been waiting for these panels so off to the trim shop to figure out how to do it.  This was an idea I had suggested to compliment the red velvet rear seating being made and to break up the "Copper Kettle" wall covering a bit.  Hey, if we're already out there free from gravity going toward the moon, lets kick it up a notch and see if we can reach Mars!  So with the panels cur and fitted, the inserts are now fitted   .  Now, we cover the panels and secure the inserts to them and boy, do we come up with a look  In the light, the padded velvet comes alive and now I'm getting excited to see what we have with these electric walls in place.  Howd we do boss?      You WILL NOT see another bedroom looking like this!  The panels glow with and electric, hot look-- man this material is something!  Got these in the last thing last night, No one was around when these pics were taken so they will think the "elves" came in last night like the shoe maker and did the magic over the night.  Naaaa, it was just me burning the lights-- There aren't any Munchkins out there to help ya, there's usually only "Murphy" trying to mess things up!  So stay tuned for more on Raymonds bedroom fit.

Steve now turned his attention to the unique galley and living area floorplan fitting into the Duramax.  Everyone including me have been holding our breath in figuring out the forward floorplan incorporating that huge Duramax motor and the reproportioned front area.  This is one of those "impossible missions" that has been out there waiting.  It is something though that had to be overcome and now was the time.  The galley count had now been fabricated with it's curves and all so next was to fit the scissors sofa/bed to the space we had-- a 6' bed was our goal plus having it articulate and leave a walkway to the bedroom while missing the monster amp wall at the door.  Look nothing up our sleeve-- Omar came over to inspect the selected sofa frame   This is proving out to not be your run of the mill sofa, we had serious considerations.  Check out the right side of the frame mods needed to clear the forward platform.  Weld here, cut there, reshap this and modify that, Chris was a welding fool bringing our ideas to life   Building the unique sofa platform with room for the double reinforeced "dead reasonance" sub woofer box   (2 thicknesses of 3/4" high density MDC, screwed, glued and tatooed the work yeilded what I would call the perfect part -- under the sofa, as a sofa this fit like a glove and as a bed, the same results a custom, perfect solution to an impossible thing -- fitting 10 pound of doody in a 5 bound box!  Steve & Chris will do the final mods found on fitting and Omar will come in this evening to pick up the base for the new foam and upholstery-- this was an exciting and fun project!  Hey Rob, remember that old aqua sofa you had to work around at the shop-- it worked perfect and guys thats what "custom" is all about!  Now Omar will sand blast and refinish the steel frame then fang new foam and the upholster this set of bone with the diamond pattern red velvet-- you will not recognize this pile of bones very soon!  Guys, this is the fun of all this, making something from nothing and making it the best it could be, bringing together ideas and talent to bring those clouds in the sky to reality.  I think all the folks who are helping this project come alive!

And finally, Ray is getting jiggy with Marylin's coach, stripping off the exterior parts to get the coach ready for a new exterior finish   The orginal pea green will finally be retired in favor of something a bit more modern, stay tuned to watch this transformation.

All of this work is focued to bring the classic GMC up to todays standard of technology, style and reliability.  We're not just looking are replacing a frig or "piecemealing" as reapir to make these vintage machine work for one more day, no we're bringing machine we work with here back to a useful, comfortable, impressive machine.  The "cheapest toy in the box", a viable alternative to spend the big bucks the RV industry says you must to have something nice.  I mean wouldn't really rather drive a quality classic? 

Hey, and thanks goes out to you guys for your support and input on all this, it's what keeps us going around here-- Viva La GMC!

2.11.09

A little late on this today, had @ 200 pics to clear out of the camera before I could lay down the next "Bus Hole Show" episode.  Got it done now and I hope to update the SS page with pics of the rally this evening.  Hey, there is just so much behind the scenes stuff needed to keep this mess going!

Yesterday, I had to get with the guys on the 23' Duramax, while I appreciate they want it to be the best it can be, over 200 hours of prep time is getting deep into our timetable.  Everyone must understand things are what they are but it is still stressing trying to keep all moving forward AND get the quality we need.  We MUST move on with the paint on that critter soon.  I know you guys are tired of seeing primer on that thing--- me too!  Keep up with us, things should go faster soon.

Wanted to just take a minute and talk about this "twin Duramax" project for a minute.  First conceived as the ultimate GMC, this idea has now become bigger than it was ever thought.  I must tell you guys you gotta be careful for what you dream about cause it just may come true!  This is the case for a dream of mine and the 2 people who saw the clouds in the sky link together into an awesome  idea.  Really, this is becoming a life of it's own, you guys who have watched this idea turn to reality have seen it grow.  Now with bringing in the high powered fabricator in Robert Nagle and interior designer LM Pagano, we are entering uncharted waters for the GMC.  Ground effects that killed 4 fiberglassers to produce, finding talent to actually bend laminated glass, discovering unbelievable products to treat metals for heat and sound, tapping commercial marine generator designs, interior materials never seen in the manufacture of a GMC, competition pro sound equipment, state of the art diesel technology-- have I left anything out?  This is truly a monster machine to be unleashed to the roads and this all started with that one dream-- it just makes the hair on the back of my head stand up!  Always, the first question after someone tours the progress in person here at the shop asks, "When can I see it done?" And boy isn't that the $100,000, try maybe the $200,000+ question and you will be at least in the ballpark!  Yes, I have always said you must break a few eggs to make an omelet-- well we are up with the bailout program and have escalated this project as it has unfolded.  Hey, you can't stiffle the creativiity, you can't pull things in and make it less than it can and should be, you just need to follow the dream and boy this "yellow brick road" is rolling hard through those poppy fields!  I gotta tell ya I love it and I just get tingly all over when I see where it is going.  Back to the question of "when", I have to say the cake will rise when it's good and ready, the sprinkles on the top of the cake look inviting but you just can't pull it out of the oven till it's done so all I can tell those who ask is "stay tuned".  It's not sitting on our hands thats taking the timetable and turning it long, it's finding what it takes to be the best and the best is what these machines will be!  In a day where the economy is stiffling creativity and businesses are focused on just hanging in there we are saying "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" and that act also makes the hair on my neck stand up!  This is not the time to do creative things but we have been given this challenge and we are sticking with it.  So you guys also hang with me on this, watch with me as we just "go for it" and put our livelihood in your prayers cause brother, we are out there on that proverbial limb!

Ok, thats out of my mind and running down on the floor, thanks for wading through it with me, I just sometimes need to empty my mind a bit!  Hey, it's crowded in there so now you know where we are and you understand our realities.  I hope it gives you a vision on whats happening here, why and how it will progress.  There are no better 2 "partners in crime" on this project than Raymond and Ken.  Raymond having extensive background in vehicle restoration of all sorts and Ken a hot rod enthusiast and builder both understand what it is to build something special.  I dare say you must be familiar with what it takes to deal with all of this, the "mud, the blood and the beer" needed to succeed so we have all the tools needed with this so watch us run daddy!

Guess I had a little more to "download", I feel better now!  Of course there is much more happening here than these labor sucking monster, I need to get out there and work a bit now so pardon me while I do that.  I'll see about showing you more of our fun later.  The light is up and I need to be out there.  Have a great day, do something memorable because as they say "It's the first day of the rest of your life", we're at the top of the food chain so do something with your opportunities and abilities.  See ya later

Update

Pardon me while I do a little work here  Ken has the 23' Duramax and we are battling getting the body ready to paint.  The problem lies with the fiberglass ground effects kit that it took 4 fiberglass companies to finally get made.  Jeff   is picking up where each of those folks left off and every time he shoots the final sanding sealer then goes to smooth it out, he finds pinholes, blow outs and other non uniform issues in the glass parts.  Here is what is happening         Like I said he is battling it and with close to 200 hours in prep on stuff like this he says it will be ready very soon , check out this area that he feels is ready   Yes, I can see the difference.  So lets all take a deep breath and know things-- the are a happenin!

Oh and Raymond, I got the stainless steel outer ring from Robert to fit today , this is the grill in it's custom stainless steel jig   -- Hey, can you say coooooollllll!!!!  A billet stainless steel horizontal bar grill, oh yea man!  Tomorrow I'll fit the corners for Robert and take a few more pics.  Hey and we got in the diamond padded wall panel inserts for Raymonds bedroom from Omar today ,  yea man-- it's the look we want so now the bedroom back walls can go in.  Stay tuned for that!

OK, it's dark now, I've done my duty, this place got all of my daylight today.  Janie is wanting to go for a few beers, think I'll do that too.  It's been a good one-- lets do it again tomorrow

2.10.09

Dang, the sun is up and I just got through my Email pile it's tough trying to catch up on all theis.  Have not even had time to scan the GMC Net yet, probably will not get that luxury for a bit.  I have a pile of pics form the weekend to download before I can do another episode of the "Bus Hole Show" so wish me luck on the work!  We're going to try and do some editing through my son John on this one.  You know, link together several clips-- hey Sunday Morning move over!

Last night was interesting, I finally delivered that second CJ side car bike to a fellow in North Dakota.  No, I didn't drive there, Kenny (thanks BTW Kenny for coming up with a home for this puppy) had a race car running down at the Volusia Speedway in Barberville @ 70 miles north of Orlando, my son Ray and I loaded up that puppy on my bikes trailer hooked up to the Suzuki I we delivered it up to Barberville.  Kinda felt sad not having "twins" here to look at         All new, fresh and ready to make someone happy.  Good luck Lenny.  The bike got off the trailer and us home so thats done.

Ray & Chris were hard at work yesterday finishing the stripping of Mark's 32' stretch roof   The ole roof AC units made it successfully to the "green file"   We're installing his new antenna and a couple of the new "Max Fan" roof vents   Pulling the plumbing vents we found interesting unexpected results from aftermarket body work    The seam of the roof panels was too close to the vent.  Hey, ain't nothin but a thing!

More happening but I gotta get to work, more cool stuff later

2.9.09

We're back-- Now this biggest job will be getting that huge rock rolling again up hill.  The momentum to get going again after having a great relaxing weekend sometimes is such an energy sucking pig that I am scared every time this happen-- oh well, such is life and the horse it rode in on!

Thanks Richard R. for this letter, I thought you guys who have never thought in this direction may be interested.  Here goes, go here and take a read Economy woes.

As I said, this weekend was a serious departure on my everyday energy product, I don't get out much and driving "JayGee" @ 175 miles round trip and living in that general for a couple of days taking part in it's features was a real blast.  Hey, think about this.  I say we in the south are "weather wimps".  Hey, but while you guys up north are hunkered down, winterized and all that-- we down here are out camping!  Hey, it was 19 deg. (countem, a snow ball from front on the grass here in Florida!  So while you guys were inside, we were outside, many of the folks at the rally had no furnace-- they were cold, I had a digital furnace and when the power failed at 2AM Sat. morning Janie & I were bugs in rugs!  Scott C. called in from Toronto and reported 30 below-- good he was inside but we were out there cold but doing it so I say we are "manly men" in a true sense!  Give it a couple of days & I'll post pics on www.gmcss.com of the rally-- stay tuned.

So as I said I will post pics soon of the goings on, lets not dwell on that here right now, lets go on and get in some business.   It's 45 this morning which is effecting us a bit but with clear sky and a promise of temps in the 70's, I'm looking forward to some real productivity this week.  The 23' Duramax is in line for paint, words from out interior decorator (LM) is calling for some cool "copper top" counters for the 26' Duramax, should be interesting and we have movement on the 32' Stretch project.  Stay tuned for pics

The side car bike was a hit both from people enjoying looking but also from relieving stress from me as well.  Riding out there in the woods, bouncing around is a blast, I'll give ya pics of that too.  And as usual, it took longer than I ever thought to find a home for that 3rd side car bike I helped Marcus bring into the country, now I have 3 people interested in getting one-- it always seems to go that way.  I am again thinking these things are an answer to uncomplicate folks lives, if you have been on the fence interested in them-- let me know.  Maybe we can line up another shipment.  Hey they really need our help is this rollercoaster economy!

2.5.09

"Well Diggers A^^" comes to mind getting out in the weather this morning and NO-- I did not get out on the side car bike this morning!  I am preparing for another ritual that maybe will put us "weather wimps" closer to the ranks of you hearty weather souls.  You guys have your coaches now all tucked away, hunkered down winterized put wherever you can put them.   You all are hovering around the exhaust fans of your hard drive feeling that warmth-- oh no, we out here in Florida are planning actually many folks already at the club rally in Brookesville.  The coldest morning of the year, we are having a rally--- a manly move you must admit!

I gathered up JayGee from the house this morning, loaded for bear and ready for the last stop at the LP dock for a load of furnace gas before we head off into the cold.  I'm tasting winter camping maybe more than even you guys up north now!  I'll do a trip report on this one for ya, should be interesting.

And on the interesting note, this is not GMC related but I have to say I think interesting-- I would like to expose you guys a little to the vintage motorcycle world.  If you have any interest in this, even if it's just for enrichment and entertainment, check out this web site http://www.changjia ngunlimited. com/misc_ 04.htm . I think it may interest you.  I have a M1M, flat head military version of the machines you will see.  I'll have it with me this rally to put around with and turn heads-- will be fun.y looking at this stuff and hey, if you are interested let me know-- I really think this small world of interest is pretty exciting!'

Back to the GMC world---  Being really cold this morning, I do not expect much from the guys around here.  I made a decision to loan my commercial diesel powered heater to Kevin & Jeff over working on Ken's 23' Duramax paint-- they are really suffering, not heat, a tin rof,tin sided building with no insulation and the sun at 90 deg. to their roof makes their shop super cold!  The guys here are gonna hate life with no heater so as I said, not will happen

late report--- "Jim Dandy to the rescue"  Craig's Jim Dandy-- Craig's Jim Dandy!!  Craig backs into the lot just now sporting the "smudge pot" LP heater from his back yard for the shop   Hey, you da Man!!  The manly man of all men,  it should be toasty in the trim shop in no time now!!  Hey, we all work together here, I love it!  Now, we may get something done!!

Gotta go, headed out to get LP in JayGee, gotta get ready for the weekend.  Stay warm and we'll talk soon

Update 2

Hey Paul, here is the light I was tilling you about   I call this the "super dome" LED.  Has 15 super bright LED lights all in a 1 1/4" lens (1 3/4" base diameter) assembly, has a metal casing and a really long sheathed wire.  Don't install Halogens-- they are hot, I mean really hot and they are current sucking pigs!  These puppies pull very little current, creat ), none, nada heat and man are they bright!    .  They have a pretty wide dispersion, we will be using gobbs of these in Raymonds Duramax.  Cost is $36.  All new, very neat, these solves piles of problems.  Let me kno0w if you are interested. 

Update

Another one bites the dust .    Soaping the bag shows this bag is leaking internally with air coming out from the places where the weathered chunks from the outer wrap have fallen off, hey give it a gold watch it's done it's job!  Danny, if we left this bag in there, you would not make it home, the compressor was running full time to keep this baby up.  We're putting in a good used air bag to get ya home, alsso shutting down whats left of the rest of the system using schraeder valves-- with this you will get home.

2.4.09

Woke this morning to no power in the house I laid there for a moment thinking about those folks where it really is cold, covered up in all the quilts they owned with frost on the door handles-- man I'm glad I live in Florida right now!  Hey, it's cold but not really.  The power folks pulled up just as I was coaxing my side car bike to life.  Actually, it likes the cold, kinda like a VW bug.  A chilly ride into work means the rest of the day will be warmer, hey it works for me!

Janie is packing today "JayGee" for this weekends Sunshine Statesmen rally in Brookesville, should be a good test for our furnace.  Gonna tow the bike with us.  Riding our through the Scout ranch property is what that thing was made to do-- no roads, no high speed just fun.

I think we have Danny's coach ready for the road, I'll drive it around this morning and see how she feels.  He is going at his renovation in waves, we did our best to make it safe, now he needs to do some work on his own.  Oh, we will need to do an alignment on it today, forgot after doing all the bushings and all those parts need to be straightened together.  Stay tuned for that.

Yesterday was another day of working in the Duramax 26' on interior issues.  One step at a time, Raymonds "blanket locker" or "headboard" as some referr to it is fitted, covered and in place to see how the next parts will fit .  This interior is pretty complicated in that the materials all are unique colors.  The paint folks did a nice job of matching the "Copper Kettle" wall material.  As more of the interior comes together, the intent of the decorator is taking shape.  I mean have you ever walked into Caesar's Palace in Vegas and wordered if you were supposed to be in that lobby?  This is the look the interior is going for.  The pics don't project well what you can see in person and as the diamond padded red velvet goes in (here is a sample of the pattern selector ) I think you will see things come together.  Certainly, this will be a more opulent interior that you have seen for a GMC!  Finally, after mixing 2 red stains, I think we have to color for the walnut burlwood veneer, we are matching to the chrome, leather, red burlwood custom steering wheel we had selected some time ago.  It still needs the high polish finish but I think the color finally came in line when I mixed in the red oak to the cherry stain   , the process for finishing off the wood is no less critical, these are the details you have to anguish over on a build up like this -- stay tuned.

Just walked out to open up the bays, it's daylight now but still damn cold out there!  Oops, I forgot, I should not whine-- there are many more of you chipping ice burgs from your driveway-- I just cannot imagine!  Sorry but the productivity around here drops to new levels when the cold sets in like this and there is not much that can be done to help it out!

2.3.09

Got caught up in a thread on the GMC Net yesterday morning sorry, it turned out being a waste of time trying to get a point across.  Should just stay here where I feel more comfortable.  This is a strange time economically speaking which means there is more opportunity than ever to offer more to those that support you than ever.  Speaking of parts, does the guy down at the local parts house give you tips on how to install those brake shoes he special ordered for ya or maybe that ball joint that took him a week of searching to find-- you know, the one you had to pay for up front.  See, thats what we can do in these times to make every part you get have more value-- I mean not only do we have or can tell you where to get most any part you need for your coach, the reason we can do that is because we actually install those parts every day.  We have to know how to do things--- because we do them!  The main focus of the Co-op is literally every function and part of your classic coach.  We do repairs, maintenance, upgrades and even custom one off stuff pretty much exclusively on the GMC.  Can you walk into your local repair shop and find a "Warner" bearing removal tool and a torsion bar adjuster tool hanging on the wall?  Let me think---- probably not.  And if you ask the guy with the greasiest hands out in the bay which was an Oldsmobile distributor turns he may know but then again he may not.  That's what we have worked hard here to be prepared for and with many parts of the economy circling around the bowl, I just feel it important for all of this niche market enthusiasts to help eachother, keep us going so we can help keep you going.  Things need to be a win-win, I may be wrong but I didn't hear about any bailout dollars earmarked for the GMC motorhome market so guys, I hate to say it but it looks like we are on our own!

I was counciled via Email to not worry about the overall GMC market and to continue to be here for the likes of you guys and that should be where the focus should do the most good.  I will admit whenever the downs outnumber the ups in the past, you guys have always been there to help us through it and you just cannot know how calming that support really is.  Janie & I have committed our livelihood in a direction I could have never guessed before we got into this but the more we do, the more we see the need and the sense in doing this.  Thanks, really, for the support and I need to put scanning and posting on the GMC Net as 3rd in line of priority and do as my Grandad told me once a very long time ago, "worry about what you are doing, let the rest of things worry about themselves".

So it's onward and upward.  As the song I listened to last week said, "Be a Born Again American", do what is right, pay attention to what needs to be and take care of the folks around you"-- hey, I'm into that!  So if you are too far away to drop by, call me when you have a problem, lets talk about it and anything I can do to help --we'll figure out what is needed and "get-r-done".

Had to share this one with ya.  Got this in a letter yesterday along with another years support of the CMW Project from Ben   Had not heard from Ben in some time see he's a doctor working I think in an E Ward, very busy but has a fantastic GMC and is watching obviously and uses his coach when he can.  It is great to hear from him if only through a cryptic message which tells me he's still thinking of us here, following the pose and has kept up even watching the latest "Bus Hole Show" episode about the Q bag system.  It warms my heart just knowing there are those out there in the ranks of support I may almost never hear of, it's what keeps me going!  The message could be a page right out of a Dr. Seuss book-- I mean I love the script, it says so much more that most any other letter can say.  I love it, there will be a place on my wall for it-- thanks man and look, let me know when you wanna do that Q bag set up-- we'll "foam the runway" for ya!  Hey, Fitz-- your urging has not fallen on def ears!

Doing the Email pile now and had to give you this one for thought:

Tascam 144 eh? Believe it or not, I still have a Tascam 234 in my basement, still with its original box. It probably has less than 20 hours of use on it. I bought thinking I was building my own studio, but then was hired 3 months later to work for a commercial studio, so it has spent most of its life in the box. I modified it by installing balanced XLRs w/phantom power. Worked great for a couple of remote gigs. Those were the days. I keep thinking I should quit my real job and go back. Somewhere the train in life jumped the tracks. Got very good at something that nobody cares about any more - high speed cassette duplicators. As a studio tech, I became obsolete.

Anyway, its sounds like you have a reasonable handle on the acoustical task. Any thought of going with Servo-Drives?? Just kidding.

I'm often surprised when I find GMCers who have never heard of you. Chatting on RVnet, I mentioned about the LF72, and a GMCer had to ask what it was. Sent him to the Cruzin link. I think there were a few people impressed.


Dave

This post was referring to the considerable knowledge base that is going into the Duramax sound system and the "glory days" of the past in electronics.  Support like this and the knowledge that people with "hutspa" are watching, really makes me think of the "Boss" and the song "Glory Days"-- did ya happen to see the energy he belted that song out at the 1/2 time concert at Super Bowl?

Just had some correspondence with Danny on his "new" GMC purchase.  He did do well on his core purchse but of course that doe not mean he has no challenges, his holing tank had the badges and afflictions of being original , man you could not see a better buildup in Luray Caverns!  Bubba put his trans cooler lines together and we have a headstart on the needed front end work taking his coach from this to this   but here still has some work to do-- I mean tell me the PO did not know the fuel tanks were leaking!!!  and the radiator was waiting to drop it's load!   All in all though I do still call this a good buy, I mean all the parts are still there and we can figure out where all the corroded parts did go   This is further proof that these machines run even broken   Danny is a car enthusiast, a boat builder and is going into this project eyes open and that is the way things should be.  I have no doubt that this 74 beauty will once again be a loved member of someones family, but there will need to be a few "prayer meetings" to heal her.

2.1.09

A morning meal of biscuits and gravy, my Dad's favorite and a brisk ride on the bike with a sunny clear sky, in the 50's Super Bowl Sunday morning  dressed up in my Eisenhower jacket cinched tight around my waist, red scarf, black Bronson cap, amber goggles and my Kevlar/carbon fiber composite "brain bucket" Head Trip helmet I enjoyed this morning.   Taking a bike ride in the morning is a very cleansing experience for me, helps me get a perspective on all that is happening right now.  There are great thing about to happen, each day brings the Duramax "go fast" coaches closer and the only impediment to success now is the time and energy it is taking to do the very best. 

After a ride filled with the sharpened senses from the wind and cold, the attention to the sounds of the machine under me and the appreciation of what it is to have the chance to feel all of this, not ending the experience but to further it I pulled into the shop and fired up the computer to do some posting before I got jiggy in the back of Raymond's coach,  I came upon an Email from our "down under" friend Rob Mueller offering me this link, this puts in words and music the way I want to feel and promote our nation for the future--- I warn ha you may need a tissue for this one!   http://www.bornagainamerican.org   Thanks Rob, I needed that.

Now, I am really motivated to look at the bigger picture!  Yesterday was a good one bringing together some of the interior of Raymonds 26' "Go Fast".  Ray, my son, and  I went about doing the piecing of months worth of planning  on the interior design.  Sometimes it is the most difficult thing to bring together the designers vision, the owners hopes and the builders eye all together.  This is what we are doing right now.  Just like the designer vision of another coach we built "The Engine of Mischief" envisioned by another designer, Sara R. Engine I had to bring Sara's ideas in with me when I put that coach together-- we are now trying to get into LM Pagano's head to bring to life a dream of Raymonds.  Look, I know maybe putting all this down may sound sort of odd but I enjoy the chance to bring you guys into my head a bit on this-- cobb web filled as it is!  So, if this is boring you I apologize, it may be getting off the subject of GMC's but in a very real sense it is increasing my GMC experience-- at least for me.  Here lets get back to some pics I took yesterday-- enjoy:

The blanket locker for the Duramax is about ready for it's covering. The new cabinet is sporting my idea of dressing the 90 deg. edges in the coach.  On the big buses, there is the room to wide radius corners.  Doing this eats up valuable space making room for those rounded corners.  The most efficient way to build walls are to make 90 degree edge squares.  The space in a GMC is at a premium, we do not have the luxury of this space needed for rounded corners. It's sort of like outfitting a smaller sailing boat, every cubic inch is valuable so I came up with another "corner treatment".  Using a soft radius trim that I have used in the past, I molded them in to the horizontal and vertical edges   to give the Majilite copper kettle material a smooth transition around the corner.  A straight aluminum edge mated to the walls gives every corner a strong, interesting detail shape.    So the walls are finally coming together, it's tight in here and difficult to make a pic for you but here goes

This is where I catch up to now.  I'm out now in the shop to bring a little more of Raymonds bedroom together, sure it's Superbowl Sunday and Janie has planned a great evening around that with family and friends for me-- thanks for her help too so we'll talk to ya later.  Thanks for the visit and support.  Sure there is more going on that just Raymond's Duramx-- Kevin & Jeff are about to make history on the paint finish for the 23' Duramax and there are several interesting projects going on, I'm just on this today and hey, this page is supposed to be about what we're about --- so thats about it, see ya

update

This day was a great day not great in that piles of stuff got done, not that we had piles os shipping or even people call in but today we turned a corner, we opened the pages of some past stuff that I had all but forgotten.  I will say though that today something happened that I enjoyed greatly -- namely the past of consumer electronics of the 70's and 80's.  When you mixed and matched your audio components to be an extension of how you listened to music and haw you felt about yourself.

This may get off the GMC theme a bit so you guys that really didn't think much of the audio electronics craze "way back" may want to skid the next blue print but you guys who remeber what a Technics SL1200 was or maybe some Cerwin Vega Drivers were, you just may want to follow along!

So today we reached the point of pulling up the prewiring and the previously selected components for the sound system in Raymond's Duramax 26.  In "thise days" I was reasonably involved the consumer electronics.  I made the semi annual Consumer Elrectronics Shows (CES), heck I even went to the one and only Institute of High Fidelity (IHF) show held in of all places Atlanta.  I enjoyed those years blowing our brains out with monster amps and speakers we felt in that day would pinch the hand of God.  He were fearless and the louder the DB level the better.  I met many interesting people along that path, some I am sure are dead now while others mearly can't hear and H bomb on ground 0!  In those years of electyronics and baby goods buyer, manufacturers, distributer and direct rep, store owner and all around sound guy, I met many people who really were interesting.  Like I said some could now be dead but others came in and out of my life as I ran along my path.  Such a person was Craig  So you guys that were players I think will understand.  And Jeff was his partner, in those days we all tried to find a part of the business they could live in.  Jeff & Craig went in to electronics repair, I went into sales.  Then, one day Craig dropped by and we all brought it back together.  Craig brought in Jeff and it was again full circle.  We all lived through those tumultuous days and now werev came together to make the sound system in the Duramax 26.  The 2 came in this morning and I layed out to them the vision that was put into the mondo sound system for the coach.  8500 watts of real power-- we could weld with that-- 2x 12" woofers like I have never seen , 4x 8" woofers that I think would crumble the great wall and a machine bif enough to fill a full 1/4 wave 20 cycle signal.  A chance to just do it-- 3 guys who loved audio when it really was a thing.  We have a chance to again build up a system using the acoustics theory of old and again lend it to blow the windows out of this huge car!  Jeff took hold and  the box started today.  Not a "box" like all the other bass boxes these guys are building today, oh no, we read the specs of the speaker and the box Jeff will build with technically speaking perfect.  I'll take a real box any day!  You see the cube (cubic air displacement) of the box always has to match the Q ( frequency at which the speaker driver is most efficient) , actively crossed over and powered to move the cone of the speaker with the maximum amount of cotrol (Damping Factor).  yes, we will do all of that, this system will crank!  Forget plywood, blow off particle board we are starting with MDF which is about the densest building material you can find for sub box construction  .  The figuring is done, now we build the twin inverted, second order, sealed enclosure, 12 inch sub base cabinets from &^%% !  In other words, a proper box.  Screwed and glued , that sheet of marvelous material turns into something really special.  the box comes together the decision is made to damped the structure further by doubling the MDF thickness , this will make the driver really perform.  Throw out all those designer boxes, this is going to be the real thing!  Wait till you see this thing come together!  Stay tuned

1.30.09

OK, so now I know why they say "Lights" first!  I'll get lights for the next video, thanks for those comments.  Got this from one watcher

Jim,
The you tube may put the daily pose out of business.(HA, HA)
GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!
 

I don't know about that but it does give us a real opportunity to express ourselves.  We will get better and explore more of the tools but for now hey, it's happening.  Thanks to both of my sons, John for pushing to this and Ray for holding the camera for episode 2.

OK, it's rainy today and getting a nip in the air, I am working hard to organize the manpower here to projects in the Duramax 26' interior.  Things are coming together.  Working more with the new materials I am finding interesting ways to finish stuff off-- this is very exciting and rewarding for me.  This is the part that turns me on!  Everyone around here are feeling the excitement and wanting to lend a hand, there are just soooo many issues, so many things to do and all of it is first time stuff.  Raymond, you are putting the challenge on me brother!  Oh, hurt me so good!

Had a good conversation with Robert, the guy building the billit aluminum grills, and he's excited too.  There are many hands and heads in this machine.  Stay tuned for how this thing goes together.  As we speak, I have glue drying on bedroom panels! 

Gotta go-- oh wait, Ken needs some pics on the 23' Duramax.  Kevin stopped by this morning and we discussed the colors getting ready to go on.  The coach in holding it's final prime coat       Jeff is laying on coat after coat of primer building up and blocking out each for that "baby butt" smoothness we have to have , the utility hatch is in , relief cut in and we're all but ready for color.  Ken & Jeff are at an understanding on the stripe layout so onward we move.  This weekend could be pivital.

OK, now I gotta go, here it is 11:20 & I'm not dirty yet!  What gives, hey you guys are also very important to me and as are the other projects we're doing.  Bill got his new Zip Dee awning   .  Twas a bit of work, had to extract the old nasty A&E to make room for this new Zip Dee-- a good choice!

Danny's coach is closing in on it's mechanicals, hang for more on that one later.

See ya

1.29.09

Ran out of time this morning so much happening.  I did however get the edisode 2 of the "