Page 5 - GMC Vintage RVing Spring 2016

height. This has a strong influence on the horizontal nature of the design.The windshield and cockpit window component is different and presentedin an equally strong manner. To resolve the issue, I like what GMC stylists did with the early designs; add a smaller stripe under the cockpit area to contrast with a larger stripe running below all the windows. Or, consider what the Pontiac division did on the coach that was used in the TransAm Territory promotion (see Eagle Aerie and Flow Gently). Make the design compliment the transition.CORRECT INCORRECTGreat Lakes EagleRay and Lisa Erspamer | 1978 RoyaleThe Royale ChallengeCoachman, probably the most significant upfitter of the GMC Motorhome, provided a variety of layouts but not much design sense on exterior of the coach. Chief among these is the Royale’s immature striping scheme compounded by the challenge of window placement. For instance, the bedroom windows onThe Compound Curvethe rear bath Royale were placed over the rear tires. To add insult to injury, the side bath models have two windows and a large expanse of solid area on the street side but four windows on the curb side. What a headache! No two sides are alike. I believe Great Lakes Eagle meets the challenge quite well.In ClosingThere you have it; the basic things to consider in designing a paint scheme for the GMC Motorhome. From an understanding of artistic concepts to the engineering challenges of inherent shape there are several issues and other cues just waitingto be successfully implemented. Hopefully this article will assist you in having a better appreciation for the timeless look of our favorite vintage RV.Check out additional paintschemes and information at www.songerconsulting.net/gmcmhart/The Compound CurveThe Compound CurveWhen painting or adding a vinyl stripe on the GMC body the most difficult task is getting the compound curve optically and geometrically correct. Taking a three- inch stipe around the forward corners and across the hoods just doesn’t work because the top to bottom measurement is different on the near vertical sides than on the more angular hood area. Care must be taken to keep the parallel line horizontally accurate. This can be done correctly by using a laser level(see illustration).Eagle AerieJohn and Debra Pryzbylek | Swanton, OhioFlow GentlyALLOYS ALLOYSALLOYSIllustration by Byron Songer February 2011SPRING 2016 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 5