Fair Warning - Price's coach in Family RVing....

[Matt Colie]

There is an article in February Family RVing about the Price's high buck rework of a GMC.
The title is "From junker to Museum Piece". I would not agree.

The author of the article was very kind. For those of us that saw this up close and personal, we can tell how kind this was. They point out some of
the problems that they had, and those of us that know GMCs will recognize that some of these were very curable and some were created in the
modifications.

If you recall seeing this coach and the ensuing discussions of total cost, you will be interested in the fact that they did identify that the total
expenditure was north of anything most of us would have guessed.

Yes, it is in a museum, but as a long time aficionado of museums I would argue that its place is not in a historical display setting. It may have a
place somewhere, but I still think the pick-up truck nose does not add anything to final result. Admittedly, that is just my opinion, but that is
also just one of many things. As to what can be done to one of these coaches, I think some of us own better examples of mods and upgrades.

Matt - sitting in the warm and watching numbers creep closer to Zero - On their Way Up!!
--
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

 

[Russell]

Matt,
I also read the article this morning about the $500,000 GMC Motorhome that Bob and Janet Prince paid to create.

I was deeply saddened (almost angered) by some of Janet Prince's comments about their coach. Such as:

"On level terrain, it did not handle well. It was terrifying to drive." Janet said, "You could feel the tires vibrating up the steering column"

and: following an electrical fire in the engine compartment she said:

"That," Janet said. "was the straw that broke the camel's back". Actually, her back was almost broken. "When my disc exploded, it was from the hard
ride. Not only did (the GMC) try to kill me, when I was not there it tried to kill Bob by burning down the house." She chuckled. "it's like a little
poltergeist lived inside of it. It was possessed."
[btw, the house was not damaged]

and the article continued:

Once, while Janet was driving in heavy highway traffic in Naples. Florida, the GMC's engine died, forcing her to maneuver to the berm without power
steering or power brakes.
_____________________

Matt, as you mentioned, their issues could have been corrected, if they had just reached out and asked for help from the right people.

Here is a link to the article. Don't read it if you have high blood pressure.

https://familyrvingmag.advanced-pub.com/?issueID=75&pageID=52

--
Russell Keith,
1978 Eleganza II "Harry" 403, Danny Dunn Tranny (w/shift kit, 3.50 sprockets, Allison), Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Dakota
Digital Dash, 6.5kW Onan, Dunedin, Florida

 

[jim kanomata1]

These people thought they know enough not to ask or consult with people
like Jim Bounds and other shops .
The weight distribution was wrong and it could not be corrected.
They deserve to waste their funds.
That unit should be pulled out and scrapped.

> Matt,
> I also read the article this morning about the $500,000 GMC Motorhome that
> Bob and Janet Prince paid to create.
>
> I was deeply saddened (almost angered) by some of Janet Prince's comments
> about their coach. Such as:
>
> "On level terrain, it did not handle well. It was terrifying to drive."
> Janet said, "You could feel the tires vibrating up the steering column"
>
> and: following an electrical fire in the engine compartment she said:
>
> "That," Janet said. "was the straw that broke the camel's back". Actually,
> her back was almost broken. "When my disc exploded, it was from the hard
> ride. Not only did (the GMC) try to kill me, when I was not there it tried
> to kill Bob by burning down the house." She chuckled. "it's like a little
> poltergeist lived inside of it. It was possessed."
> [btw, the house was not damaged]
>
> and the article continued:
>
> Once, while Janet was driving in heavy highway traffic in Naples. Florida,
> the GMC's engine died, forcing her to maneuver to the berm without power
> steering or power brakes.
> _____________________
>
> Matt, as you mentioned, their issues could have been corrected, if they
> had just reached out and asked for help from the right people.
>
> Here is a link to the article. Don't read it if you have high blood
> pressure.
>
> https://familyrvingmag.advanced-pub.com/?issueID=75&pageID=52
>
> --
> Russell Keith,
> 1978 Eleganza II "Harry" 403, Danny Dunn Tranny (w/shift kit, 3.50
> sprockets, Allison), Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster,
> Dakota
> Digital Dash, 6.5kW Onan, Dunedin, Florida
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[T McManus]

I just talked to Jerry Work, the FMCA liaison for GMCI. He had heard a little about the article but hadn't seen it yet. He said he would look into it.
I also wrote a reply to the magazine telling them that this article doesn't say why the couch was a bad driver and that by not saying anything about
the way it was put together was basically stating that the GMC is a bad vehicle.
So much for telling the whole story. My question is why it this THING so important other than it belonging to people with more money than brains. FMCA
is litterly throwing the GMC under the bus.
Tks...
--
Tom McManus
1977 Royale

Chesapeake VA

 

[emerystora]

We should ask FMCA to let us write an article correcting some things in that article that give an uncalled for impression of the GMC.

Emery Stora

>
> I just talked to Jerry Work, the FMCA liaison for GMCI. He had heard a little about the article but hadn't seen it yet. He said he would look into it.
> I also wrote a reply to the magazine telling them that this article doesn't say why the couch was a bad driver and that by not saying anything about
> the way it was put together was basically stating that the GMC is a bad vehicle.
> So much for telling the whole story. My question is why it this THING so important other than it belonging to people with more money than brains. FMCA
> is litterly throwing the GMC under the bus.
> Tks...
> --
> Tom McManus
> 1977 Royale
>
> Chesapeake VA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[Irish Rogue]

I am w/ Emory S.
It surely needs to be said/done!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
76 Eleganza II 26’
76 Glenbrook 28’ stretch
78 Glenbrook 26’ project coach

Sent from my iPhone

>
> We should ask FMCA to let us write an article correcting some things in that article that give an uncalled for impression of the GMC.
>
> Emery Stora
>

>>
>> I just talked to Jerry Work, the FMCA liaison for GMCI. He had heard a little about the article but hadn't seen it yet. He said he would look into it.
>> I also wrote a reply to the magazine telling them that this article doesn't say why the couch was a bad driver and that by not saying anything about
>> the way it was put together was basically stating that the GMC is a bad vehicle.
>> So much for telling the whole story. My question is why it this THING so important other than it belonging to people with more money than brains. FMCA
>> is litterly throwing the GMC under the bus.
>> Tks...
>> --
>> Tom McManus
>> 1977 Royale
>>
>> Chesapeake VA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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

 

[adolph santorine]

I’m writing this as the president of GMCMI, and as a fellow owner.

I’ve been in touch with members of the GMCMI Board and others, including Jerry Work, Emory Stora and Fred Hudspeth.

We are putting together a response.

I’m leaning toward extolling the virtues of the GMC Motorhome, especially it’s superior handling and ride qualities.

Both key items that have kept it on the road for more than four decades, and is chief among the reasons for the GMC Motorhome's lasting popularity.

I believe we all know what happened here. A few calls to any of the GMC Motorhome experts would have avoided many of the problems they experienced.

I don’t know that criticizing what the Price’ contractors did to their coach will help us communicate the message we need to deliver.

The official GMCMI response will be released tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.


Dolph Santorine
President
GMCMI

Phone: 304-219-3100

DE AD0LF

Wheeling, West Virginia

1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission

 

[Ken H.]

Dolph, et al,

Thanks for your efforts -- I too am appalled by the false impressions given
by the FMCA article. I can imagine SOB owners looking at us sadly, shaking
their heads in pity at the agony (they think) we're enduring. NOT the way
to maintain our membership.

Ken H.

On Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 11:09 PM Dolph Santorine
wrote:

> I’m writing this as the president of GMCMI, and as a fellow owner.
>
> I’ve been in touch with members of the GMCMI Board and others, including
> Jerry Work, Emory Stora and Fred Hudspeth.
>
> We are putting together a response.
>
> I’m leaning toward extolling the virtues of the GMC Motorhome, especially
> it’s superior handling and ride qualities.
>
> Both key items that have kept it on the road for more than four decades,
> and is chief among the reasons for the GMC Motorhome's lasting popularity.
>
> I believe we all know what happened here. A few calls to any of the GMC
> Motorhome experts would have avoided many of the problems they experienced.
>
> I don’t know that criticizing what the Price’ contractors did to their
> coach will help us communicate the message we need to deliver.
>
> The official GMCMI response will be released tomorrow. Thank you for your
> patience.
>
>
> Dolph Santorine
> President
> GMCMI
>
> Phone: 304-219-3100
>
> DE AD0LF
>
> Wheeling, West Virginia
>
> 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
> Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Jim Hupy]

Those who stand still for an oil change that costs north of a grand do not
think the same way as "normal" people do.
If their station in life is determined by the perceived value of
their possessions, instead of the trust of their friends, that fall from
grace is going to end with a resounding thud. I pity the fool that places
their values in material possesions.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403 ( It's old and ugly, but it gets me to where my true
friends are)

> Dolph, et al,
>
> Thanks for your efforts -- I too am appalled by the false impressions given
> by the FMCA article. I can imagine SOB owners looking at us sadly, shaking
> their heads in pity at the agony (they think) we're enduring. NOT the way
> to maintain our membership.
>
> Ken H.
>
> On Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 11:09 PM Dolph Santorine

>
> > I’m writing this as the president of GMCMI, and as a fellow owner.
> >
> > I’ve been in touch with members of the GMCMI Board and others, including
> > Jerry Work, Emory Stora and Fred Hudspeth.
> >
> > We are putting together a response.
> >
> > I’m leaning toward extolling the virtues of the GMC Motorhome, especially
> > it’s superior handling and ride qualities.
> >
> > Both key items that have kept it on the road for more than four decades,
> > and is chief among the reasons for the GMC Motorhome's lasting
> popularity.
> >
> > I believe we all know what happened here. A few calls to any of the GMC
> > Motorhome experts would have avoided many of the problems they
> experienced.
> >
> > I don’t know that criticizing what the Price’ contractors did to their
> > coach will help us communicate the message we need to deliver.
> >
> > The official GMCMI response will be released tomorrow. Thank you for your
> > patience.
> >
> >
> > Dolph Santorine
> > President
> > GMCMI
> >
> > Phone: 304-219-3100
> >
> > DE AD0LF
> >
> > Wheeling, West Virginia
> >
> > 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
> > Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>

 

[jeanette]

Way to go Dolph n GMCMI leaders. Positive is good.

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Those who stand still for an oil change that costs north of a grand do not
> think the same way as "normal" people do.
> If their station in life is determined by the perceived value of
> their possessions, instead of the trust of their friends, that fall from
> grace is going to end with a resounding thud. I pity the fool that places
> their values in material possesions.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403 ( It's old and ugly, but it gets me to where my true
> friends are)
>

>>
>> Dolph, et al,
>>
>> Thanks for your efforts -- I too am appalled by the false impressions given
>> by the FMCA article. I can imagine SOB owners looking at us sadly, shaking
>> their heads in pity at the agony (they think) we're enduring. NOT the way
>> to maintain our membership.
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 11:09 PM Dolph Santorine

>>
>>> I’m writing this as the president of GMCMI, and as a fellow owner.
>>>
>>> I’ve been in touch with members of the GMCMI Board and others, including
>>> Jerry Work, Emory Stora and Fred Hudspeth.
>>>
>>> We are putting together a response.
>>>
>>> I’m leaning toward extolling the virtues of the GMC Motorhome, especially
>>> it’s superior handling and ride qualities.
>>>
>>> Both key items that have kept it on the road for more than four decades,
>>> and is chief among the reasons for the GMC Motorhome's lasting
>> popularity.
>>>
>>> I believe we all know what happened here. A few calls to any of the GMC
>>> Motorhome experts would have avoided many of the problems they
>> experienced.
>>>
>>> I don’t know that criticizing what the Price’ contractors did to their
>>> coach will help us communicate the message we need to deliver.
>>>
>>> The official GMCMI response will be released tomorrow. Thank you for your
>>> patience.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dolph Santorine
>>> President
>>> GMCMI
>>>
>>> Phone: 304-219-3100
>>>
>>> DE AD0LF
>>>
>>> Wheeling, West Virginia
>>>
>>> 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
>>> Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[1976GMC]

This discussion reminds me of people who make some monstrous upgrade on their sport car suspension and then complain that it doesn't handle well.
They then turn around and sell it because it was "bad" and badmouth the entire lineup of the vehicles in that make. If one does something dumb to the
vehicle, you can't blame the manufacturer for your poor(sounds like expensive oenes in this case) choices.
BTW, Does anyone have a PDF of the article? Can you share it?
--
Vadim Jitkov
'76 Glenbrook 26'
Pullman, WA

 

[Carl Stouffer]

I would like to suggest a letter writing campaign to FMCA. They always publish feedback to their articles, and if they get enough letters, I'm
guessing they will publish some of them.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[emerystora]

I would suggest that you allow Dolph to finish his response on behalf of GMC owners. Too many responses might just cause them to ignore them all.

Emery Stora

>
> I would like to suggest a letter writing campaign to FMCA. They always publish feedback to their articles, and if they get enough letters, I'm
> guessing they will publish some of them.
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[Carl Stouffer]

Okay, well when Dolph is finished with his response, Letters can be addressed to FMCA Editor Robbin Gould (mailto:rgould)
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[jerry work]

I just talked to Jerry Work, the FMCA liaison for GMCI. He had heard a little about the article but hadn't seen it yet. He said he would look into it.
I also wrote a reply to the magazine telling them that this article doesn't say why the couch was a bad driver and that by not saying anything about
the way it was put together was basically stating that the GMC is a bad vehicle.
So much for telling the whole story. My question is why it this THING so important other than it belonging to people with more money than brains. FMCA
is litterly throwing the GMC under the bus.
Tks...
--
Tom McManus
1977 Royale

Chesapeake VA

Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed & hand crafted
in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building
in historic Kerby, OR
http://jerrywork.com

 

[john r. lebetski]

I have not rx'ed my FMCA copy yet. But I did tour the black coach in Ellhart and "got the story" on it from the lady at the front desk. I'd love to
be able to drive it and look it over to see what they did wrong. Could be something really stupid and correctable. Heaven knows I've picked up a few
"problem child" vehicles over the years that no one could sort so they went through several owners and eventually aquired them at a price too low to
get hurt by. Usually a good visual inspection is a great place to start.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

 

[Gary Coaster]

I saw the Price coach at the Dothan rally. When I saw all the cabinets and fancy electronics in the upper half of that coach I thought this is akin to a Peruvian woman with her blanket cache on her head riding a bike.
Throw in the full size washer/dryer and full size bath plus having to set up your bed each night, this project was lost leaving the gate.
It’s quite obvious, members of the GMC were not on their “consultants list”.

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

>
> I’m writing this as the president of GMCMI, and as a fellow owner.
>
> I’ve been in touch with members of the GMCMI Board and others, including Jerry Work, Emory Stora and Fred Hudspeth.
>
> We are putting together a response.
>
> I’m leaning toward extolling the virtues of the GMC Motorhome, especially it’s superior handling and ride qualities.
>
> Both key items that have kept it on the road for more than four decades, and is chief among the reasons for the GMC Motorhome's lasting popularity.
>
> I believe we all know what happened here. A few calls to any of the GMC Motorhome experts would have avoided many of the problems they experienced.
>
> I don’t know that criticizing what the Price’ contractors did to their coach will help us communicate the message we need to deliver.
>
> The official GMCMI response will be released tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.
>
>
> Dolph Santorine
> President
> GMCMI
>
> Phone: 304-219-3100
>
> DE AD0LF
>
> Wheeling, West Virginia
>
> 1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
> Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Sullybilt Bags, Manny Transmission
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[slc]

Hello Everyone

I don't know of this coach but I have sure heard a lot recently.

My take on this is not as radical.
It only makes sense when you think about it, look how long these coaches have lasted over the years and then again, how many are still running around
the country, as well as other countries.

They have more than shown for themselves that they were built to hold up well.

the article that has the group fired up is one sided and only shows the perspective of the owners AFTER they made
some major changes on their own.

Their coach does not fit the OEM GMC pattern anymore.

The Magazine should or should have seen this before it went into print, and now they may have to do a rebuttle to save face with its readers and the
GMC community, and to correct an opinion of the GMC as a whole to the readers of the rag.

For the GMC and its owners, its business as usual, travels and get togethers. No major complications happening, and none really expected, wouldn't
you say so???

have a wonderful day and enjoy that GMC, minus the created problems that the magazine speaks of because they seem to have been created by its owners.

The very best to you all.

--
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO -
UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center

 

[Ken H.]

There's another GMC "upgrade" in progress that I've just learned of. It
will receive a lot of comment, including disparagement, but not in the same
vein as our disappointment with the Price coach. It's a Rear wheel drive
(I don't recall what BIG engine) with THREE active axles and BIG wheels
(for Off-Road use). The construction photos I've seen reflect exceptional
engineering and construction (Hal St Clair quality). When the chassis work
is completed it's to receive an "upgraded" GMC body. The expected $1.5M
cost will be astounding to at least "most" of us. We'll probably learn
more only when the TV special arrives.

Ken H.

>
>

 

[kimweeks]

Where did you see/hear about it?

Kimberlea Weeks | GMC Motorhomes International
1402 So. Cage Blvd., Unit 273 | Pharr, TX 78577-6288
612.501.4600 | f.866.519.0047 | www.gmcmi.com

On Wed, Jan 23, 2019 at 5:43 AM Ken Henderson
wrote:

> There's another GMC "upgrade" in progress that I've just learned of. It
> will receive a lot of comment, including disparagement, but not in the same
> vein as our disappointment with the Price coach. It's a Rear wheel drive
> (I don't recall what BIG engine) with THREE active axles and BIG wheels
> (for Off-Road use). The construction photos I've seen reflect exceptional
> engineering and construction (Hal St Clair quality). When the chassis work
> is completed it's to receive an "upgraded" GMC body. The expected $1.5M
> cost will be astounding to at least "most" of us. We'll probably learn
> more only when the TV special arrives.
>
> Ken H.
>
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>