Apparently it is now "Classic GMC Motorhome "scam season

[Stu Rasmussen]

As a recent arrival in the universe of GMC Motorhome devotees I was
heretofore utterly unaware of such shenanigans.

In the last week there have been several listings on nearby craigslist
sites of GMC motorhomes for sale. One in Eugene Oregon and the other in
Portland. Both at very reasonable (some would say 'too cheap') prices
for what were lavishly described as virtually pristine.

Since my gutted Eleganza is going to be a major project I thought it
would be nice to acquire a complete coach and get a head start on GMC
nirvana.

The craigslist ads show pictures of beautiful GMC units - and
descriptions are wonderful beyond words. Here's one of them, look fast
because it will probably get taken down RSN
:https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvs/d/portland-classic-motor-home-in/6841635099.html

I emailed both sellers and got almost word for word the same reply from
both ads for what were obviously two different coaches.

Also a collection of pictures of the coaches which were apparently twins
separated at birth, but not by much.

A sample from 'Nicole Colborn'

Hey there,

My name is Nicole Colborn and I'm the owner of the 1976 GMC Eleganza II
(only 34,711 actual miles on Toronado 455 engine, Classic Motor Home,
Always garaged, Drive it as is or refresh/restore/upgrade to suit your
taste and style, original 6000 kw Onan generator it works, original 3
burner stove and oven, and original roof-mounted AC units, Has its
original upholstery and carpeting). It is in immaculate condition,
meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident... The
title is in my name and is clear. I am selling it at this final price
of $5,900 because my husband died 2 month ago (he had a heart attack)
and it brings me bad memories and I, along with my daughter decided to
sell the house and so we moved in Butte trying to start a new life.
That's the reason why I want to sell it asap and my last price is
$5,900 including delivery to your home address.
Let me know if you are interested, email me back.

Thank you

and a reply from 'Sue Hodges'

> Hey there,
>
> My name is Sue Hodges and I'm the owner of the 1976 Gmc (26 ft, 104k
> miles, 455 engine runs strong, backup camera, updated faucets, trailer
> hitch, rooftop AC, water pump and heater, new: furnace, window rubbers,
> floor covering, couch and chairs, walls/cabinets painted, new brakes,
> master cylinder and wheel cylinders). It is in immaculate condition,
> meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident. The
> title is in my name and is clear. I am selling it at this final price of
> $4,000 because my husband died 2 month ago (he had a heart attack) and
> it brings me bad memories and I, along with my daughter decided to sell
> the house and so we moved in Butte trying to start a new life. That's
> the reason why I want to sell it asap and my last price is $4,000
> including delivery to your home address.
> Let me know if you are interested, email me back.
>
> Thank you
>

Googling the email addresses of the senders indicates multiple ongoing
scams relating to RV sales.

Oh well, after I get done playing the 'stupid card' for a while with
these grifters (I am easily entertained) it'll be back to me scraping
spray foam off aluminum.

Stu
Silverton, OR - W7QJ
'74 gutted Eleganza

I met a woman last night who said she would take me to heaven for $50.
Damn these religious fanatics and their annoying fund-raising scams!

 

[LQQKatJon]

Stu,

unfortunately it seems GMC motorhome is a popular vehicle for the scammers to use. I am not sure why?

post the craigslist address for any GMC ad you find out is a scam. Usually the same ad/photos are out there across the country. We have been
successful in getting the group to "flag" or in today's sense "prohibit" the adds. it seems when one ad is flagged or clicked on prohibited by
multiple people in a short amount of time, we usually see that ad disappear. there used to be 25+ ad's out at one time, but i think it is more rare
now.

as for the insulation, I have seen some people use a super pressure washer(not any average one), to rip out the foam. The other method I have seen
used is the oscillating multi tool. they strip away foam pretty quick.

However, most people I think will agree getting the foam out is not the best plan of attack. spray it with some mold killer if it is moldy, or clean
it. then use reflectix insulation on top of the foam. The foam actually does create part of the strength to the GMC body structure. Some spray
foam people have spray foamed over the original foam as well. But I am not sure it is worth the work of stripping it out, for the small gain you
have in replacing it with a different insulation. Just go over the top with the new.

Keep your eye out though, there are some deals that come up. Pacific northwest can be a little tougher, but they still do show up, if you are
looking to take two GMC's and make one good one out of two.

> As a recent arrival in the universe of GMC Motorhome devotees I was
> heretofore utterly unaware of such shenanigans.
>
> In the last week there have been several listings on nearby craigslist
> sites of GMC motorhomes for sale. One in Eugene Oregon and the other in
> Portland. Both at very reasonable (some would say 'too cheap') prices
> for what were lavishly described as virtually pristine.
>
> Since my gutted Eleganza is going to be a major project I thought it
> would be nice to acquire a complete coach and get a head start on GMC
> nirvana.
>
> The craigslist ads show pictures of beautiful GMC units - and
> descriptions are wonderful beyond words. Here's one of them, look fast
> because it will probably get taken down RSN
> :
>
> I emailed both sellers and got almost word for word the same reply from
> both ads for what were obviously two different coaches.
>
> Also a collection of pictures of the coaches which were apparently twins
> separated at birth, but not by much.
>
> A sample from 'Nicole Colborn'
>
> Hey there,
>
> My name is Nicole Colborn and I'm the owner of the 1976 GMC Eleganza II
> (only 34,711 actual miles on Toronado 455 engine, Classic Motor Home,
> Always garaged, Drive it as is or refresh/restore/upgrade to suit your
> taste and style, original 6000 kw Onan generator it works, original 3
> burner stove and oven, and original roof-mounted AC units, Has its
> original upholstery and carpeting). It is in immaculate condition,
> meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident... The
> title is in my name and is clear. I am selling it at this final price
> of $5,900 because my husband died 2 month ago (he had a heart attack)
> and it brings me bad memories and I, along with my daughter decided to
> sell the house and so we moved in Butte trying to start a new life.
> That's the reason why I want to sell it asap and my last price is
> $5,900 including delivery to your home address.
> Let me know if you are interested, email me back.
>
> Thank you
>
> and a reply from 'Sue Hodges'
>

> > Hey there,
> >
> > My name is Sue Hodges and I'm the owner of the 1976 Gmc (26 ft, 104k
> > miles, 455 engine runs strong, backup camera, updated faucets, trailer
> > hitch, rooftop AC, water pump and heater, new: furnace, window rubbers,
> > floor covering, couch and chairs, walls/cabinets painted, new brakes,
> > master cylinder and wheel cylinders). It is in immaculate condition,
> > meticulously maintained and hasn't been involved in any accident. The
> > title is in my name and is clear. I am selling it at this final price of
> > $4,000 because my husband died 2 month ago (he had a heart attack) and
> > it brings me bad memories and I, along with my daughter decided to sell
> > the house and so we moved in Butte trying to start a new life. That's
> > the reason why I want to sell it asap and my last price is $4,000
> > including delivery to your home address.
> > Let me know if you are interested, email me back.
> >
> > Thank you
> >
>
> Googling the email addresses of the senders indicates multiple ongoing
> scams relating to RV sales.
>
> Oh well, after I get done playing the 'stupid card' for a while with
> these grifters (I am easily entertained) it'll be back to me scraping
> spray foam off aluminum.
>
> Stu
> Silverton, OR - W7QJ
> '74 gutted Eleganza
>
> I met a woman last night who said she would take me to heaven for $50.
> Damn these religious fanatics and their annoying fund-raising scams!
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

 

[douglas smith]

Hello all,
First post...

Many of you have seen my GMCI listing wanting bumpers for my '73.
That is the only place I have placed a listing of any kind.
Well, I am up to four scams offering me "new" bumpers.
Two by phone and two by email.
Relatively convincing, but the pictures in the emails give it away.
I was especially appreciative of the GMC the guy was "parting out" that looked waaaay better than mine.
What a pain.

Doug Smith

 

[LarryW]

> Hello all,
> First post...
>
> Many of you have seen my GMCI listing wanting bumpers for my '73.
> That is the only place I have placed a listing of any kind.
> Well, I am up to four scams offering me "new" bumpers.
> Two by phone and two by email.
> Relatively convincing, but the pictures in the emails give it away.
> I was especially appreciative of the GMC the guy was "parting out" that looked waaaay better than mine.
> What a pain.
>
> Doug Smith

Hey Doug,
Good to see you here!! Any chance we will see you at Tallahassee rally? Try contacting Bob Dunahugh. He posts here often and has the remnants of a
coach that burned. Might have what you are looking for. Hope all is well with you and yours...

--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

 

[Matt Colie]

> Hello all,
> First post...
>
> Many of you have seen my GMCI listing wanting bumpers for my '73.
> That is the only place I have placed a listing of any kind.
> Well, I am up to four scams offering me "new" bumpers.
> Two by phone and two by email.
> Relatively convincing, but the pictures in the emails give it away.
> I was especially appreciative of the GMC the guy was "parting out" that looked waaaay better than mine.
> What a pain.
>
> Doug Smith

Doug,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.......
You found your way here and that is a very good thing. You don't say how long you have owned the coach, but that really does not matter. Being here
does matter.

Before too long, do both us and you a big favor. Build a sigfile with your real name (glad to see that for starters), a short about the coach (they
may all look similar, but there are differences that matter) and being a 73, they can matter a lot. It is only worse if your coach is a 23. Then
watch out. If you include a geographic reference, that is also nice. The half of this community that reads this as email will not the the "Lincoln,
NE" in the header. I will get to why this matters.

It all matters because you are now (I am not going to say like it or not) a part of an amazing community of people that will do their best to help and
support you and your coach. I could tell you stories, but just spend some time here and I won't have to. The reason the sigfile really matters, is
that you may need assistance. Someone may choose to help. If that someone knows about the issue and is in striking range, he may just show up to
lend the hand you need. This community is rife with such stories. I even have a few of my very own.

The big advice I am going to give you right now is two fold. First is go looking for the local chapters and get to a rally as soon as practical. Do
not even consider the condition of your coach, if it runs and gets you there and you love it, that is all that really matters. The second advice I
have is that there are more than a few GMC Motorhome groups on FaceBook. It is fine to join and read them, but do not accept any maintenance or
repair advice there. To date, I have seen two owner accept the wrong advice. Both coaches had been salvageable, but ended up being sold as scrap
because the bad advice extended the damage to an economic limit.

You are 1300 miles from the International that starts Friday, you could make it......
You are also less than 1000 miles from the fall International at Mansfield OH. That is only 2~3 road days and very do-able.
We will be doing a little more than that starting tomorrow.
I know that our dear Chaumière will be one of the shabbier looking coaches there, but we don't care and I don't believe that any of the several
hundred friends that we will see there (again) will either. That is just not this how this goes here.

This is an amazing community. I am lucky, I come from such a community and that is the watermen. These things are rare, and for that reason, I have
taken to welcome all that show up here much as any new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Doug.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[douglas smith]

Thanks for the warm welcome Matt.
But I know you. I know all you guys, I’ve been watching you for years.

I’ve even been on the Black list for years. I had no experience with it until Larry Weidner rescued me from a transmission failure. I wrote a one-pager about it that Kim was kind enough to put into the GMCMI magazine.
The original included this paragraph which Kim had to edit out because of space:

"As for Larry, I asked why he did all this for a stranger who shows up on a cold call? By his own admission–“Because that’s what we do on the Black List.” It takes a particular kind of person to drive a ‘70’s motorhome. It takes a rather more special person to drop what they’re doing and rescue a stranger in what might be a complicated, burdensome, and rather specialized episode. I will be forever grateful to Larry for his kindness, willingness to spend time helping solve my problems, and of course, his technical expertise. Because I am also on the list, and Larry said his payment would simply be me doing the same for someone else, I am definitely going to up my game.

While this is sort of a “it takes a village” story, you need to understand that as a GMC owner, you already have a village. The Black List exemplifies the best part of owning a vintage GMC– a circle of new friends you haven’t met yet, who will help get you out of a scrape. Whether you realize it or not, the list adds quite a lot of value to your coach. You won’t see it at resale, but you’ll certainly celebrate it when trouble comes. We are all richer because of the Black List and some extraordinary people on it. I, for one, could not be more grateful.”

I think that last paragraph is the heart of both the story and the experience.
This forum falls in the same category.

Douglas & Virginia Smith
dsmithy18 at gmail, Lincoln Nebraska
’73 “Canyonlands” since ‘95: Quadrabag/6 wheel disks/3;70 final/Paterson QuadraJet/Sundry other
P&W PT6, no wait, that's the wish list...

>

>> Hello all,
>> First post...
>>
>> Many of you have seen my GMCI listing wanting bumpers for my '73.
>> That is the only place I have placed a listing of any kind.
>> Well, I am up to four scams offering me "new" bumpers.
>> Two by phone and two by email.
>> Relatively convincing, but the pictures in the emails give it away.
>> I was especially appreciative of the GMC the guy was "parting out" that looked waaaay better than mine.
>> What a pain.
>>
>> Doug Smith
>
> Doug,
>
> Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.......
> You found your way here and that is a very good thing. You don't say how long you have owned the coach, but that really does not matter. Being here
> does matter.
>
> Before too long, do both us and you a big favor. Build a sigfile with your real name (glad to see that for starters), a short about the coach (they
> may all look similar, but there are differences that matter) and being a 73, they can matter a lot. It is only worse if your coach is a 23. Then
> watch out. If you include a geographic reference, that is also nice. The half of this community that reads this as email will not the the "Lincoln,
> NE" in the header. I will get to why this matters.
>
> It all matters because you are now (I am not going to say like it or not) a part of an amazing community of people that will do their best to help and
> support you and your coach. I could tell you stories, but just spend some time here and I won't have to. The reason the sigfile really matters, is
> that you may need assistance. Someone may choose to help. If that someone knows about the issue and is in striking range, he may just show up to
> lend the hand you need. This community is rife with such stories. I even have a few of my very own.
>
> The big advice I am going to give you right now is two fold. First is go looking for the local chapters and get to a rally as soon as practical. Do
> not even consider the condition of your coach, if it runs and gets you there and you love it, that is all that really matters. The second advice I
> have is that there are more than a few GMC Motorhome groups on FaceBook. It is fine to join and read them, but do not accept any maintenance or
> repair advice there. To date, I have seen two owner accept the wrong advice. Both coaches had been salvageable, but ended up being sold as scrap
> because the bad advice extended the damage to an economic limit.
>
> You are 1300 miles from the International that starts Friday, you could make it......
> You are also less than 1000 miles from the fall International at Mansfield OH. That is only 2~3 road days and very do-able.
> We will be doing a little more than that starting tomorrow.
> I know that our dear Chaumière will be one of the shabbier looking coaches there, but we don't care and I don't believe that any of the several
> hundred friends that we will see there (again) will either. That is just not this how this goes here.
>
> This is an amazing community. I am lucky, I come from such a community and that is the watermen. These things are rare, and for that reason, I have
> taken to welcome all that show up here much as any new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
>
> May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
>
> Welcome Doug.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[emerystora]

Doug —
Plus the many friends you make. Michelle and I are looking forward to seeing you and Virginia again the next time we go through Lincoln. Unless we meet again at a rally before then.

Emery Stora

>
> Thanks for the warm welcome Matt.
> But I know you. I know all you guys, I’ve been watching you for years.
>
> I’ve even been on the Black list for years. I had no experience with it until Larry Weidner rescued me from a transmission failure. I wrote a one-pager about it that Kim was kind enough to put into the GMCMI magazine.
> The original included this paragraph which Kim had to edit out because of space:
>
> "As for Larry, I asked why he did all this for a stranger who shows up on a cold call? By his own admission–“Because that’s what we do on the Black List.” It takes a particular kind of person to drive a ‘70’s motorhome. It takes a rather more special person to drop what they’re doing and rescue a stranger in what might be a complicated, burdensome, and rather specialized episode. I will be forever grateful to Larry for his kindness, willingness to spend time helping solve my problems, and of course, his technical expertise. Because I am also on the list, and Larry said his payment would simply be me doing the same for someone else, I am definitely going to up my game.
>
> While this is sort of a “it takes a village” story, you need to understand that as a GMC owner, you already have a village. The Black List exemplifies the best part of owning a vintage GMC– a circle of new friends you haven’t met yet, who will help get you out of a scrape. Whether you realize it or not, the list adds quite a lot of value to your coach. You won’t see it at resale, but you’ll certainly celebrate it when trouble comes. We are all richer because of the Black List and some extraordinary people on it. I, for one, could not be more grateful.”
>
> I think that last paragraph is the heart of both the story and the experience.
> This forum falls in the same category.
>
>
> Douglas & Virginia Smith
> dsmithy18 at gmail, Lincoln Nebraska
> ’73 “Canyonlands” since ‘95: Quadrabag/6 wheel disks/3;70 final/Paterson QuadraJet/Sundry other
> P&W PT6, no wait, that's the wish list...
>
>

>>

>>> Hello all,
>>> First post...
>>>
>>> Many of you have seen my GMCI listing wanting bumpers for my '73.
>>> That is the only place I have placed a listing of any kind.
>>> Well, I am up to four scams offering me "new" bumpers.
>>> Two by phone and two by email.
>>> Relatively convincing, but the pictures in the emails give it away.
>>> I was especially appreciative of the GMC the guy was "parting out" that looked waaaay better than mine.
>>> What a pain.
>>>
>>> Doug Smith
>>
>> Doug,
>>
>> Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.......
>> You found your way here and that is a very good thing. You don't say how long you have owned the coach, but that really does not matter. Being here
>> does matter.
>>
>> Before too long, do both us and you a big favor. Build a sigfile with your real name (glad to see that for starters), a short about the coach (they
>> may all look similar, but there are differences that matter) and being a 73, they can matter a lot. It is only worse if your coach is a 23. Then
>> watch out. If you include a geographic reference, that is also nice. The half of this community that reads this as email will not the the "Lincoln,
>> NE" in the header. I will get to why this matters.
>>
>> It all matters because you are now (I am not going to say like it or not) a part of an amazing community of people that will do their best to help and
>> support you and your coach. I could tell you stories, but just spend some time here and I won't have to. The reason the sigfile really matters, is
>> that you may need assistance. Someone may choose to help. If that someone knows about the issue and is in striking range, he may just show up to
>> lend the hand you need. This community is rife with such stories. I even have a few of my very own.
>>
>> The big advice I am going to give you right now is two fold. First is go looking for the local chapters and get to a rally as soon as practical. Do
>> not even consider the condition of your coach, if it runs and gets you there and you love it, that is all that really matters. The second advice I
>> have is that there are more than a few GMC Motorhome groups on FaceBook. It is fine to join and read them, but do not accept any maintenance or
>> repair advice there. To date, I have seen two owner accept the wrong advice. Both coaches had been salvageable, but ended up being sold as scrap
>> because the bad advice extended the damage to an economic limit.
>>
>> You are 1300 miles from the International that starts Friday, you could make it......
>> You are also less than 1000 miles from the fall International at Mansfield OH. That is only 2~3 road days and very do-able.
>> We will be doing a little more than that starting tomorrow.
>> I know that our dear Chaumière will be one of the shabbier looking coaches there, but we don't care and I don't believe that any of the several
>> hundred friends that we will see there (again) will either. That is just not this how this goes here.
>>
>> This is an amazing community. I am lucky, I come from such a community and that is the watermen. These things are rare, and for that reason, I have
>> taken to welcome all that show up here much as any new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
>>
>> May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
>>
>> Welcome Doug.
>>
>> Matt
>> --
>> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
>> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
>> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
>> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org