New owner in Southern Cal

[roycej]

After years of lusting after a GMC, I'm finally a proud owner. I've had several RVs over the years. About 20 years ago we decided we wanted a Class A motorhome. I really wanted a GMC, but we looked at one and my "better half" didn't like the driving position (too exposed). We wound up buying a Winnebago that drove like an absolute pig. Lesson learned. Fast forward 20 years and this year I am newly retired and sadly recently widowed. So my dog and I decided it was time to look for a GMC. I went online to look at ads and the first ad I saw was for a 1978 Birchaven (23 foot) rear bath, which is coincidentally my number one preferred year, model and floor plan. It was drivable but slightly “cosmetically challenged”. The price was fair and best of all, it was only twenty miles away! Needless to say, I bought it.

It’s in the shop now for new rims/tires, tune-up, and checking out the rest of the running gear. It’s had extensive brake work and a complete new fuel system in the last two years. The “house” systems are present but untested. I enjoy keeping busy with projects like this, so I’m looking forward to getting the coach home where I can play with it.

Royce

 

[Matt Colie]

Royce,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
While I am sure that the loss in your life was not rewarding, but it seems that you are managing. I am not sure I could do as well.
Even if it came with all the documentation, you will do well to join GMCMI and get the flashdrive with all of it loaded and lots of other stuff as well. The support that this community provides is nothing short of awesome.
Please fill in more of the sigfile. While we can fine Royce and 78 RBBirch, a geographic reference would be good too. Showing up here means you have just acquired several hundred new old friends. There may be some in striking range that can help you a lot.
Be aware the Coachmen and particularly 23s have some differences that many do not know about.
When you meet other owners, they may be more forward than you expect. This is just the way of the community. As a waterman, this was comforting as it is so much like my world.
Finally, I like to welcome any new owner here much as you might be welcomed in that world because I like it. So,

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

Matt

 

[Tom Katzenberger]

Roy's,

Welcome aboard. I, like you, fell in love with my 23' rear bath Birchhaven. I sold my pristine airstream to get it and when it was lost due to a brake failure, I totally rebuilt another 23' rear bath from the ground up. Now I am back to having my dream come true again. I wish you much luck and safe healthy beautiful travels.
Tom K.

 

[bdub]

Welcome to the family, Royce.
There is a very active group in SoCal that will become your newest best friends. Visit the GMC Pacific Cruisers at http://www.gmcpc.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/452658788228404/
GMC Motorhomes International is at http://www.gmcmi.com/ and GMC Western States can be found at http://www.gmcws.org/.
There is a international registry for GMC motorhomes at http://www.gmcmhregistry.com/.
For lots of info, manuals, links, visit my website at http://www.bdub.net/. (better bring a sandwich)

You are welcome to join the Facebook groups:
GMC Motorhome Marketplace at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/
and
Classic GMC Motorhomes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes

and finally,
For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes.
Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com/contact/form.html
(There are currently over 8,880 GMCs accounted for)

Find the VIN tag is on the firewall behind the passenger side hood.
Or on the inner glove box door tag.
Or on the title.

* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center, similar to "032174". The example indicates the build date as March 21st, 1974. *

 

[SteveW]

Royce -

Welcome !!

Where are you ?? There’s a pretty active crew in the Costa Mesa / Huntington Beach and Inland Empire area…

Steve W

 

[roycej]

Royce -

Welcome !!

Where are you ?? There’s a pretty active crew in the Costa Mesa / Huntington Beach and Inland Empire area…

Steve W

I’m currently in the L.A./Pasadena area. I’m staying with an old family friend on a temporary basis. I lived in California for many years and have recently returned from Texas. My step-daughter and her family are in Rancho Cucamonga and I hope to finally relocate in Southern California, but I have a couple of legal matters which are still in process and have to be resolved before my living situation is settled. I plan to be full-timing in the GMC as soon as it’s in good running condition. The state of the “house” systems is unknown, but I have a portable generator, a microwave, cooktop, coffee maker, and an ice chest, and that’s fine for the time being while I work on getting things sorted.

 

[tmsnyder]

I’m currently in the L.A./Pasadena area. I’m staying with an old family friend on a temporary basis. I lived in California for many years and have recently returned from Texas. My step-daughter and her family are in Rancho Cucamonga and I hope to finally relocate in Southern California, but I have a couple of legal matters which are still in process and have to be resolved before my living situation is settled. I plan to be full-timing in the GMC as soon as it’s in good running condition. The state of the “house” systems is unknown, but I have a portable generator, a microwave, cooktop, coffee maker, and an ice chest, and that’s fine for the time being while I work on getting things sorted.

So sorry for your loss.