Page 5 - 2017-Fall Vintage RVing

GMCMI Charter MembersGMC Vintage RVing Editor Janet Frey | Milford Square, Pennsylvania | 1976 Palm Beach Roger and Jo BinnsOn a pleasant October weekend, I had a chance to catch up with Charter Members Roger and Jo Binns from upstate New Jersey. They have owned their GMC Motorhome since they purchased it from a Colorado dealership in 1976. But the story of the Binns and their GMC begins in 1973 when Roger saw the first oneat a Pontiac dealership in Union, New Jersey. Surprisingly, test drives were not allowed, so Roger continued on his way. Later, he saw a number of GMCs at another dealership in Texas. This time, he went for a test drive and he loved it!On the same trip, they saw a GMC at the World’s Fair in Seattle. Roger wasoffered a show special to buy it on the spot. Since they were on a trip with their children they could not make a deal. Later, they were on their way homefrom Canada in their Winnebago and stopped in Denver at a GMC dealer.There, they finally purchased their GMC Motorhome. It was an interesting experience as they transferred their belongings from one motorhome to theother! They enjoyed many family trips in the GMC but, in time, the shagcarpet became soiled and there were stains on the seats and ceiling.At a GMCMI Convention, they were inspired by the open house tours and other exhibits. So, after over 87,000 miles of fun and much planning and researching, Roger began his redo of the motorhome. He started withthe mechanics, removing and replacing as he went, going over all the wiring, removing the dash, etc. Then he removed all the windows and the interior.Roger painted all thecabinets, reupholsteredthe couches, replaced thecarpet, replaced the drapeswith miniblinds, added atable for a rear dinette,replaced the headliner –a complete makeover.The former Eleganza was transformed. Although thedesign and layout remainedthe same, it now had tan cabinets, dash, and headliner along with hunter green carpet and accents. The exterior is now a sparkling tan with a Binns-created hunter green stripe. Roger did all the work in his garage and workshop, including the painting and even the reupholstery.Bill Helmore and “Charlie“.Bill HelmoreIn Elkhart, Indiana, I had a chance to chat with GMCMI Charter Member Bill Helmore aboutsome key moments in the history of the GMCMI. His personal association with GMC began in Juneof 1967 when he worked for GMC as industrial engineer doing time studies on heavy duty trucksand buses. He spent three months on the GMC Motorhome. In those days, the motorhomes would beused by executives for 3,000 miles and then disposed of. In January 1974, he got his first GMC Motorhome – a 1973 26 ft. Canyonlands. In 1977, after selling the1973, he got a 1977 Palm Beach. In May 1995, in Eureka, Missouri, it was involved in an accident andhad to be totaled. Wanting to get another GMC, Bill contacted Clarence Buskirk and settled on a 1978Palm Beach that he still has today.Bill has great first-hand knowledge of the history of the GMC Motorhomes and GMCMI. Forexample, Mac and Gloria MacDonald had been hired by GMC to form chapters and notices were placed in the GMC Travelerpublication to recruit members. The first chapter of GMC owners was the GreatLakers, founded in January 1976. By 1978, there were 26 regionalchapters. It is also interesting that Mac and Gloria had the ideafor the GMC Motorhome Hot Wheels.Jo’s designer touch created a welcoming, stylish interior. So, even though the vehicle title says 1976, the Binns’ GMC looks and performs like one much younger. Now, at over 150,000 miles, the Binns’ GMC is still rolling along and creating more fun memories. Oh, and as a very noticeable bonus, Roger purchased a 1976 VW Beetle for a tow car and painted it to match the GMC! Many times, it attracts as much attention as the GMC! Thanks to Roger and Jo for sharing their story.FALL 2017 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 5