GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

2010 FALL CONVENTION

Pueblo, Colorado

September 27 - October 2

The 55th GMC Motorhomes International Convention

 

2009 FALL CONVENTION REPORT
Colorado State Fairgrounds
Pueblo, Colorado
September 27 - October 2

First, a very big thank you to the Western States Club for holding one of their annual rallies in conjunction with the GMCMI rally. Carol and I understand how important they were in making the Pueblo Convention a huge success. The extra seminars, the Saturday dinner, and two extra social events gave added value even to those attendees who were not WS members, but participated in the WS "extras". And our thanks to the Mountainaires for all the extra help in keeping the place clean and orderly, and shuttling people back and forth to the campgrounds. It was quite a hike to the far corners of the campgrounds. Everyone who had toads was very gracious about offering rides to those who did not. Thank you very much for those acts of kindness and consideration for others. GMC'ers are the best.

This convention was among the best we have had. Several people said it was the best ever. The facilities were attractive with lots of trees and landscaping and, in general, very well suited although a bit dated and in need of maintenance in some cases. Weather was good most of the time, a little cool, with very high winds one day. The seminars were excellent, both technical and non-technical. The food was some of the best we have ever had, and everything seemed to go off without a hitch. I cannot say enough about the Hodge's, Engman's, Baxter's, Hudspeth's, Stora's, Slaten's, Jim Buchanan, and others who just grab the bull by the horns and make it happen. The problem with mentioning names is that you always miss someone. My apologies if that someone is you.

Again, the schedule was very full with seminars all morning, and into the afternoon in several cases. Open houses, coach weighing, Emery's Duracool demo, Dave Lenzi's front bearing replacement demo, Red Hat Tea, flea market, and book exchange filled the afternoons. Meals, socials, seminars, Lucy Weidner's hilarious production, Pinewood Derby Races, and Bingo filled the evenings. We are always amazed at how many people take the Bingo very seriously, and don't miss a night. Carol even tried it this time and won $20, so I suppose she too is hooked now.

People were again very generous with donations for the food drive, and the ladies made 64 blankets, all of which were donated to "Compassionate Care" and " The Caring Pregnancy Center", who were very appreciative local charities. Carol took two carfuls to the charities Friday afternoon. That makes 434 blankets the ladies have made since the program's inception. Carol thought the ladies may be getting tired of this program, but they decided to keep doing it at subsequent rallies. Very commendable, I would say. Again, GMC'ers are the best.

We had a maximum of 145 coaches which occurred Monday night, and had a total of 147 different coaches, a few for only a day or so. In addition, we had 11 off site or local registrations. 16 vendors were present, which is down a little from previous conventions, but all were good, quality, supportive suppliers. Many quality items were donated by the vendors to again make the raffle a big success. Thank you very much to all the vendors for your contributions to the GMC community, and to GMCMI. I think it is noteworthy that we had a first time vendor at this convention who sells gas fireplaces/grills. He said "you folks" have a wonderful thing going here, and we would like to be a part of it. This is from a husband and wife team who attend many different conventions. While there, they arranged for his brother to buy a GMC from Michael Bozardt, and they too are looking for a GMC to either replace or complement their SOB. That's quite a testament to our conventions and camaraderie!

Carol and I try to introduce something a little new or different at each convention. This time it was the Pinewood Derby, thanks to interest generated on the GMCnet forum, and the precedent set by the Great Lakers. By default, since no one else seemed interested in doing it, I made 110 racer kits (including rejects and mistakes), the track, and the timer system, all of which are paid for, thanks to the sale of the cars, a $150 donation by Jim Kanomata, and a $350 donation by the Pacific Cruisers, initiated by Fin Beven. Thank you very much, Fin and Jim, for your enthusiasm, support, and promotion of this event. The hardware and software are now considered property of GMCMI, although no GMCMI funds were used to pay for it!

Walt Halley and his noteworthy team of "experts" actually organized the race and managed its running. We were very worried about participation and lack of interest right up until the time of the race. Once the race started, we had no worries. Many people were there, racers and non racers, hooting and hollering and cheering. The racers ranged from works of art (Fin Bevens), to last minute chunks of wood with wheels (Fred Hudspeth, Laurie Burton). The next morning I sold out of all the racers I had brought along, even the rejects and blem's and 23' models by 10:00 in the morning. I believe there will be at least twice as many participants at Montgomery. Should be great fun. Billy Massey took the track home with him and will set it up for a Classic's rally, and to promote the event for Montgomery. So watch out for the fine tuned racers at Montgomery!!

If you need racers, I think Jim K still has some, but I am out and will have to build another 100 or so soon so you can get them in time to get them ready for Montgomery.

In a closing note, Carol and I have had enough fun putting on these conventions, and feel it is time to let someone else have as much fun{:>) We are resigning effective after the Fall '10 Convention at DuQuoin, IL. It is a paid position ($17,500/year, or 10 cents an hour, whichever is greater) and has some nice perks. So if you are interested please contact us or one of the board members and we will follow up with you.

Regards, Druber

VP Administration
GMC Motorhomes International
574-457-6448

P.S. Sorry this got so long. This was an exceptional convention, and the Derby was a real hoot!

 

Pueblo is in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The grounds are very nice, and the facilities are excellent. The GMC Western States Club will have their Fall Roundup in conjunction with the Pueblo convention and we look forward to a resounding success as in Santa Rosa. The GMC Mountaineers are already busy gathering up information on things to do and sights to see in and around the beautiful state of Colorado.


 

TRAVELING TO PUEBLO IN OUR GMCs

Links to attractions along the way provided by the
GMC MOUNTAINAIRES CLUB

 


Activities while there (in reverse order)

10/03/09
Everyone busy getting ready to head home and other destinations. The assembly crew busily tearing down and packing up all the clubs equipment. It's kinda sad that it's over, but good knowing that another is coming up in a few months. Saw lots of old friends and made lots of new ones. We'll meet again soon, God willing and the creek don't rise.

10/02/09
9am - Duane Simmons presented "Troubleshooting the Onan". This presentation just keeps getting better and more refined. There's always something new to learn about our electric generating trolls from under the GMC.
10:15am - Membership Meeting. Had an interesting plea for our (GMC owners) participation from the Rocky Mountain area FMCA VP, Allen Rein. They promise to park us GMCs together if we request it. We don't have to arrive together any more. They will bend over backwards to accommodate our specific needs. He invited us all to attend the area rally at Farmington, NM October 13 to 17.
GMC Pinewood Derby winner trophies were awarded to Jim Kanomata in the men's group, Mary Beven in the women's, and to a sweet little girl (help me with the name?) for the kids group.
Raffle tickets were drawn for Dominoes donated by Glyn Trimble, Fire Extinguishers donated by Ralph Kennerknecht of FireFight Fire Suppression Systems, GMC Tumblers donated by Motorhome Enhancements, a handmade purse by Betty Kennedy, a quilt by someone, and the grand prize winner, Lanny Young won a 3.7 final drive plus installation donated by Jim Kanomata of Applied GMC .
7pm - Lost another $20 playing Bingo. But then had a heaping bowl of ice cream with toppings. It was great fun.

10/01/09
9am - Jerry Work presented "Battery Power for Better Coach Living". This was a very interesting and eyebrow raising presentation. Very well thought out.
10:15 - Bob Drewes gave a insightful presentation on TBI Calibration Techniques.
11:30 - Dave Lenzi presented "Hub, Knuckle and Bearing Problems and Solutions". Dave has come up with better ways of doing this and shared it graciously with us.
2:30 - More drooling over gorgeous interiors and cool ideas.
6pm - Catered roast turkey and ham. Delicious! Ray and Carol found the best caterers who served excellent meals every time!
7:30 - GMC Grand Production orchestrated by Lucy Weidner. You had to be there. It was hilarious! Everyone had a great big time! Thanks Lucy.

9/30/09
9am - Steve Ferguson shared his long battle to find the best Fan Clutch for his GMC. He came up with some interesting findings.
10:15 - We now have the chance to "Ask the Experts" consisting of Dave Lenzi, Bob Drewes, Alex Sirum, Jim Kanomata, and Bill Bramlett. They all fielded their share of questions without hesitation. It was a very interesting session.
11:30 - Emery Stora gave a presentation on replacing your current A/C refrigerant with Duracool, which is a propane based product. It works very well and is inexpensive. That's my kind of product. And we can do it ourselves! What more could you ask for?
2pm - Alex Sirum brought his digital scales and along with Ron Bolser weighed everyone's coach that wanted to participate Mine came out to

Right Front-1800 Left Front-1800
Left Center-1900 Right Center-1825
Left Rear-1775 Right Rear-1850


Alex said I was in pretty good shape.
4:30 - Western States sponsored the "Taste of the Vine" with Hor d'oeuvres for a small fee. It was well worth it. Got me in the racing spirit! :-)
7pm - GMC Pinewood Derby racing action! I bought my kit from Ray months ago. I finally started assembly yesterday. With sandpaper and paint I bought at a local Autozone, I put together a GMC that took 4th place. Not trophy material, but close. It was a fun activity enjoyed by all. I imagine this is going to become a standard GMCMI activity at the conventions. I know I'll be more prepared next time to beat the reigning champion, Jim Kanomata (who incidentally donated the aluminum track and trophys). Jim is to be commended over and over on his faithful and generous support of our club.
8:30pm - Strawberry shortcake for all. mmmm good!

9/29/09
9am - Jim Buchanan led us through removing our windows. Then he showed us how to install a set of his beautiful new frameless ones. They are the cat's meow! He then told us a lot about taking care of them and cleaning the ones we have for a less stressful trip.
10:15am - Gene Dotson presented "Keeping Your Hot Engine Cool". This involved most every part of the engine cooling system including his new Aluminum Radiator.
11:30am - Jim Kanomata and Chuck Aulger presented their Reaction Arm Rear Suspension Brakes. This is the only way to keep your rear wheel on the ground during a panic stop. It will not slide! The design is sheer genius!, but you have to have disc brakes. Their Firestone air pump looked good. Their "Dual Bag" air bag replacement is a nice starting path leading to the "Quadra Bag" in the future. It uses the same bags so you don't have to buy them again. Chuck's new front bearing grease fixture takes away the pain since there's no need to disassemble your whole front hub. This is great if you don't want to drill your knuckle for grease zerks. This presentation was very cramped. There just wasn't enough time to do the products justice. Besides that, it ran into lunch time and wives were getting impatient at the door. I hope they get more time at Montgomery next spring and that they get their presentations more refined.
2pm - This was the first of two open house sessions. Lots of folks visiting others to see what ideas they could glean for their own use. It's very humbling as some of the interiors so beautiful! I don't think there's any way I can make mine as pretty.
6pm - Had catered Rigitoni with sausage and meatballs for supper.

9/28/09
Always lots of donuts and coffee to get us started. It's a long way from where the GMCs are parked to the dining hall, so a good appetite is had by all.
9am - Dick Paterson explains How a Carburetor Works and Why. You just should have been there. The man is genius!
10:45 - Dick starts his Engine Rebuilding Extraordinaire. This one had to continue after lunch and didn't end until 2pm. Talk about a repository of information! If you haven't seen one of Dicks presentations, you're missing out on a lot of information.
3pm - The Flea Market and Parts Exchange was very well attended. Lots of parts and cash changed hands. I think everyone left with something "new to them".
7pm - Bingo was fun. Over all, I wasted $60 on it. :-(   haha
7:30 - Dave Lenzi reported the progress on his 8.1 Chevy engine install. It was amazing to say the least! That thing is a monster puller!

9/27/09
2pm - Jerry Work presented a very interesting view on the upcoming debate over a National Energy Strategy.
3pm - Frank Condos presented OYL, What's in your Pan? about the changing market and what we need to pay attention to when choosing motor oil for our old engines.
6:30pm - Had a very nice catered meal of Chicken Parmesan followed by a very slow and long winded oration of the history of Pueblo.

9/26/09
7am - I think I heard Freddi "Dynamo" Condos leading a group on a walk around the fairgrounds. It's a little fuzzy.
9:30am - Steve Ferguson presented a very interesting seminar on "Why Our Air Conditioners Do Not Work". He had the HVAC ductwork available for demonstration.
6pm - Western States provided a wonderful catered meal for it's members.

9/25/09
6pm - GMCWS provided catered Hors d'oeuvres and abundant of wine tasting. All slept soundly afterward.

 

8/05/09
GMCnet

The Pueblo convention is shaping up very well and registrations are rolling in at a steady pace.  The grounds are very nice and well suited for such a convention, but most of the parking is a fair distance to walk (not quite as far as it was at Santa Rosa).  Vendors and handicapped will have parking close to the buildings and the vendors will be right on the path from the main camping area to our buildings.  For more information about the facilities, go to http://www.coloradostatefair.com/  The Chili festival http://imagespueblo.com/index.php/site/articles/food/annual_chile_festival_heats_thing
s_up_in_pueblo
which last year attracted some 110,000 people will be in full swing for the early arrivals September 25-27.  We are trying to arrange for a bus to take people to downtown Saturday or Sunday afternoon and pick them up again, but don't hold your breath.
 
The Mountainaires did a bang up job of compiling a list of things to do and see in the Pueblo area.  This list is on the back of your registration form, and is in "clickable" form on the registration forms shown on http://www.gmcmi.com/
 
For a registration form and tentative schedule click on the appropriate registration form depending on whether you belong to Western States or not.  The schedule does not have a "titled" list of seminars because, well, I haven't done it yet, but it will be posted as soon as possible.  We have a good line up of tech seminars and Carol is working on the non tech seminars. 
Dave Lenzi will do his hubs and knuckles seminar and may have a full fledged seminar ready on his 8.1 engine transplant. 
Dick Paterson is doing his engine rebuild seminar and one on Carbs-how they work and why. 
Jim K and Chuck are doing the seminar on the improved braking system, and upgrading the suspension compressor. 
Steve Ferguson - fan clutches. 
Jim Buchanan - side windows. 
Gene Dotson - cooling system. 
Duane Simmons
- troubleshooting the Onan. 
Emery Stora - Duracool.  Frank Condos - "oyl". 
Jerry Work - electrical systems. 
Michael Bozardt - short one on replacing the dipstick tube. 
There are a couple more I am trying to find a place for.  Once again we have more than enough good quality seminars than we have room. 
Bob Drewes may do one on calibrating the TBI, and
Larry Weidner may do his seminar on the Cad engine installation. 
Jerry Work also has a presentation available that would be of general interest (men and women) on Energy Policy.  I understand he puts on quite a show{:>)
Gary Worobec could do one on solar power. 
Steve Ferguson could do his seminar on the lower control arms, but since most of the western people have seen this one, we may have to save it for Montgomery. 
Very good seminars such as Fred Hudspeth's maintenance seminar and "The Best Thing I Ever Did to My Coach" seminar made popular by our own Mr. Erf at Santa Rosa will probably have to be placed on hold.  Another excellent series of seminars on the steering column update, installation of Electro-Motive C/C, dimmer switch, and electric wipers will have to be delayed until Montgomery, along with John Sharpe's excellent tank level system.
 
As you can see, there is no shortage of quality seminars.  I will get this all sorted out and posted on the GMCMI website as soon as possible.
 
Nor have I got the registration page for registering over the 'net up and running.  It is on my long list of "to dos", but not very high priority as Google costs have gone up to match Paypal's which is an outrageous 3% for US registrations and 4% for Canadian.
 
The aluminum pinewood derby track (which IS high priority) is in the workshop awaiting cutting, splicing, and adaptation.  Not sure what to do about a timer yet, but rest assured it will be ready for Pueblo.  Get your racer kits from Jim K or me, paint them up, and get them ready for the Pueblo hoedown!
 
I welcome any comments/suggestions you may have.
Druber

PINEWOOD DERBY PREPARATIONS for PUEBLO