Why take a 45 year old machine and spend all that time and money on it? I call them a “26 foot, 120,000 pound hot rod with plumbing– with plumbing” and that can be very difficult put together.
Recently, I had someone call and while discussing their ideas about their GMC, I was asked the simple question, “Why do I feel renovating a GMC is worth doing?” Thinking for a moment I had to admit things DO all break down to that root question. Sure there are those that would devote such effort just because they want to and I will admit there is that “thrill of the chase” but as expensive as it is to accomplish such an undertaking, there has to be some certain amount of sanity to the concept. And as it turns out, not only does it make a little sense — it actually makes a great deal of sense and when I thought about how to fully answer the question, I realized it would take a bit of work to do it. I also thought that it might be easier for me to articulate this answer in writing.
There’s something about operating a machine, having that mechanism react to your wishes, provide you power, strength and performance. We take serious this desire to create and improve our vehicles, to build from our ideas even more comfortable, powerful and stylish types of transportation. We take great pride in the vehicles that interests us.
Well — at least I feel that way! What you believe is your reality and while I appreciate there must be those that don’t look at life as I do, I just can’t help feeling that my ride is very important. Travel, to me, should be something done well. I guess the journey is a large part of any trip and traveling is something that should be done in style and if this is true then over the road driving should be an end in itself.
I remember the Falcon station wagon our family rode in, my Dad was a Greyhound Bus driver so you know we made “Damn Good Time”! You may question my choice of rolling stock but my first new car was a Pinto station wagon, I thought having a machine to travel with all of the stuff I wanted to bring was important. The first new car Janie & I purchased was a 1981 Chevy S-10 Blazer, I needed “room” to bring all the stuff for our son. As our family grew we picked up a minivan with a topper, a custom built machine and we drove the wheels off of. With now 2 boys, we were all over that thing!
And then it happened, I met a GMC Motorhome and my world changed forever! You may wonder why I gave you a brief story of the transportation world as I know it but I think it plays in heavily upon why I do what I do today and why I feel as many do renovating a GMC is a good idea.
Since traveling seems to be so important to me, having a machine that reflects this importance I feel just makes sense and if for no other reason renovating a GMC is the right thing for me. The original engineering that went into the design has not been equaled. What 40+ years ago, the GMC has design parameters that builders still cannot equal, things that make this 26 foot machine just by having things like a CG (center of gravity) of 34 inches off the ground make it perform like no other vehicle of its kind or size. Oh sure it looks cool but the way it was made is much more than on the surface and this design also makes the GMC just about the only machine of its type that actually lends itself to be updated.
Just like the design of a commercial aircraft, the GMC can actually be taken apart and refitted with all new components. Most every motorhome has one part built upon the next and to pull one part out, it all has to come apart. You simply cannot take apart most vehicles of its type, it all comes tumbling apart– not so with a GMC. The “monocock” fuselage body is built like an aircraft which means it is designed to be taken apart, rebuilt and reused. An airplane is too expensive to use and throw away and there are still twin engine DC-3 airplanes in service. In this way, a GMC has the option of being rebuilt time and again. This one feature makes it a good deal to rebuild and makes good economic sense to do so.
So you can rebuild a GMC for far less than to go out and purchase a new motorhome, we are the cheapest toy in the toy box. Why go through all the work to renovate a GMC? Heck, it’s the cheapest way to have a custom built machine of its type and size AND the best. That revolutionary design is still that and bringing back a GMC will again put you at the cutting edge of auto technology so not to mention the style is as fresh and clean actually cleaner than something new today, it is cheaper and better as well.
With retiring its old colors of burnt orange and pea green in favor of lighter interior colors, metallic paint, flat screen TV’s, laminate and solid surface finishes the GMC is a better choice when you know what you want and I think maybe this is what many see as the reason they look at a GMC as the way to have what they want. When you look at all of these attributes I hope you can see why we feel doing what we do is the best bet at fulfilling the deep seated desire to have the best transportation vehicle for the road.
The GMC is a personal road rocket, not unlike the 2 seater sports car only you sure can take more stuff with you as you enjoy the call of the road. Why do it? Well, I hope this helps answer this question. Anything worth doing is worth doing right, renovating a GMC is less a factor having to do with a timetable to completion and more to do with messaging this platform to be the best it can be for the job it is being designed to do. It ends up being that extension of the character of its drive but also a statement and a testament to what that person feels a good ride should be and should include. As we progress on a project, we find more features we feel should be included, you can get as involved as you like rebuilding a GMC to fit its new job. Sometimes you don’t see what you need until you get there and once you’re at that point you just might as well go all the way. I am proud of what we have accomplished working with folks on their GMC, each one finishes off unique and different from the next. Every job reflects the personality of its owner and maybe for me this is the thrill for me.
Why do this indeed, Why not do this is what I say. So if you are looking for a unique travel machine you really do not need to look farther than a GMC. Come into a GMC renovation project with you ideas and you will come out with something that will make you happy. They make me happy everytime I get behind the wheel!
I hope this answers the question for you, it does for me. If you are interested in starting a GMC project, give me a call– let’s talk and if you still wonder why this is a good idea– well, it may not be for you.