Newsletter, April, 2012
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NEWS FROM DA’ PREZ, LUCY WEIDNER
Greetings and salutations!! Hope everyone had a safe and healthy winter. It’s hard
to believe that we’re getting ready for our spring, summer, and fall rallies already, but
it’s also exciting because we get a chance to see each other again and the guys can get
together and act smart and talk dirty!!! Not really, but I’m sure that a lot of “techeez”
will be forthcoming.
Ladies, we have some work to do also as we plan for hosting the
GMCMI Ladies get together at Amana Colonies. We have a more specific theme, thanks
to Brenda Gens, and several of us met in Shawnee, Ok to firm up more ideas, so it will
be fun to share and create!!
We took the long way around to get to Shawnee, spending time in Florida with family,
met up with the Haseks, spent time with Bob and Yvonne Miller at Turkey Creek, some
Great Lakers in Titusville, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring more of Florida, Alabama,
Louisiana, and spending time with Fred and Sharon Hudspeth in Tyler, TX who we
traveled with to Shawnee, OK.
For those of us who arrived early, we were met with 4
days of rain with one day getting 4 inches in 12 hours. Lots of red clay became rivers of
Red mud and made a mess of our clothes and coaches. Fortunately, the sun came out
and “dried up all the rain” so the attendees had better ground under them when they
arrived.
We had 100 coaches, 17 first timers (some of who presented), 2 live video tech
sessions, one involving Dave Lenzi installing a wheel bearing and the second live
demonstration was given by Todd Sullivan installing the Sully Airbag system. Both of
those presentations were exceptional and the attendees were thrilled to be able to see
these installations up close and personal. Larry Weidner was the capable cameraman
with Dan Shaub from the Great Lakers doing the lights. GMCMI is pursuing the
equipment requirements that will be needed for future presentations like these.
The Expo Center was well laid out with two floors at our disposal. The area wasn’t as
well prepared for our visit, as OK had so much rain they were a month behind and we
couldn’t avail ourselves of the new sites, but we all managed. The restrooms were not
well cared for so Jayne Hodges took it upon herself to clean the ladies areas so they
could be used. Kim Weeks has made the set up easier by ordering table covers so “no
more plastic” that has to be taped and falls down all the time”!
Marlys Drewes, Jane
Hasek and I were among 20 who completed the CPR & AED Program as the GMCMI has
purchased an AED (Automatic Electrical Defibrillator).
All in all, it was a wonderful
convention with the opportunity to spend time talking and laughing with folks, doing
puzzles, sharing books and tips with each other.
The Tulsa Lunch Bunch put on a chocolate lover’s filled afternoon, with plates of
home-made chocolate confections, a video clip of “I Love Lucy” and the candy making
episode, lovely handmade and hand painted bird houses by Dorie Broostin as center
pieces which were auctioned off with the money going to a Tulsa charity, and each guest
left with a wooden shape of OK with diffuser oil and sticks. It was a lovely way to spend
an afternoon and everyone had a great time.
It was great to have some of our Midwest Classics members at the rally: The
Glennas, Whites, Sandi Renk, Haseks, Drewes, Dalls, Joe and Randy Johnson (without
their coach), John Smyrski, and a surprise visit from Don and Angenette Denesia. We
all had a ball together!!
Before we traveled home we had the opportunity to spend time with some Great
Lakers, the Lenzis, Bolzers, and Drubers. We traveled to Southern OK and one of the
surprises we encountered during our stay was how lush and green it is with some
beautiful clean lakes. We visited the National Memorial in Oklahoma City as well as the
Cowboy Museum, which we highly recommend, the zoo and Science Museum. The
Chickasaw Cultural Center was magnificent and we learned more history about the area
and the Chickasaw and Choctow Nations.
On our way home we got to visit with Wally
Anderson and Sue Philbin in Omaha and the Drewes in Flandreau, SD. It’s a treat to
stop and see where some of the members live, their homes and the areas they spend
their time in. Of course, going out to dinner with the Drewes involves stopping every 10
minutes so they can greet someone or have someone greet them!!
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in June in
Fairmont and know that Brenda and Rod Gens are arranging for all of us to have a
fun time together. Ladies are reminded to continue to collect Dr. Suess items
and bring what you do have to the Fairmont rally so we can see if we’re missing
anything. As always, if you ever have a concern or question, please feel free to
contact me. Lucy Weidner, President
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT—YVONNE MILLER
Time to start thinking about summer rallys. Rallys are a great time to get together to
talk about and hopefully solve problems anyone is having with their coaches, visit and
have a few laughs. Ladies let’s have a show & tell session regarding books, crafts,
recipes, travels or anything you like.
Sullybuilt Replacement Air Spring
Another great replacement bag system is now on the market. It is intended to
replace the existing OEM single bag system that exists on our GMC’s. It is called the
“Sullybuilt Replacement Air Spring” and is manufactured by Todd Sullivan of Seattle
Washington. If you have access to the internet, here is the URL for the information to
this system. http://www.bdub.net/sully/ If you do not have access to the internet,
following is a description taken from that web site.
The air spring suspension system on the GMC motor home produced from 1973-1978
has functioned well in its original design for decades. Many coaches are still supported
by the original Firestone air springs. The original air spring design performs all of the
leveling and weight support for the coach while driving down the road or adjusting the
coach to a level condition while parked for camping. New replacement air springs were
available through various distribution channels until recently when Firestone halted
production of the original part number and have failed to offer a direct replacement to
take its place. There have been many unique designs offered to replace the original
GMC air spring system. These different systems vary in complexity, price, ease of
installation, as well as similarity to the original system function. The Sullybuilt air bag
mounting system is the least expensive replacement option available that retains factory
like ride height adjustability. It is also the simplest and easiest to install.
The Sullybuilt air bag mounting system is a refinement of a concept published by
Mark Grueninger of Valmeyer, Illinois. In the course of his business, Mark had access to
a number of different air springs and started doing research and tinkering. The original
Markbag was the result. In building my own set I made a few discoveries of my own
which led to several changes in design and construction techniques implemented for
manufacturing. The Sullybuilt air spring system Is the result. The main changes made
prior to production were:
1. The Diameter of the mounting plate standoff was increased to enlarge the
mating surface between the bracket and the bogie arm.
2.
The standoff was redesigned with a welded nut for mounting to the bogie arm
rather than a bolt to allow for more flexibility with various air supply line
configurations such as manual fill/shut off valves.
3. The standoff was redesigned to allow the fill port to be housed within the standoff
to relocate the inlet line and plumbing from the direct debris field of the tire and
resolve interference between the air line and the tire when the air spring is in the
fully deflated condition.
4. The diameter of the backing plates was increased to add more protection to the air
spring in the event of a tire blowout.
Installation of the Sullybuilt air spring system is slightly more complicated than
changing a tire but easier as Sullybuilt air spring bracket kits are available individually or
as a complete set. A complete set will do both air springs. Individual spring kits can be
installed on only one spring but I recommend replacing both air springs for an even,
consistent ride and keeping one functional OEM spring on board the coach as an
emergency spare. Individual bracket kits come with all needed hardware to install with
the exception of one of the original air spring nuts and washers, which are retained from
the removed OEM spring.
Bare steel brackets, $175 per side or $350 for a complete set.
Painted steel brackets, $220 per side or $440 per set. If only one side ordered, color
will be gloss or flat black. If a complete set is ordered then more color options are
available.
Hot dip galvanized steel brackets, $200 per side or $400 for a complete set.
Stainless steel brackets, $280 per side or $560 for a complete set.
Shipping is $15 per side or $30 per complete set.
Powder coated brackets.
With the massive variety of powder colors/textures and
manufacturers I am reluctant to offer a multiple of color choices. I can have them
powder coated black if a complete set is ordered and the cost will be $125. If you want
powder coat and want to pick a custom finish, I recommend purchasing the bare steel
brackets and taking them to a powder coater of your choice near you so you can pick
the color at the facility. I think that you will find that you can have a complete set done
in the color of your choice for less than I have quoted here for black.
Above pricing does not include the air spring itself.
The air spring is a Firestone
manufactured air spring part # WO1=358-9294. There are other cross referenced
springs available. A cross reference sheet as well as a spec sheet on the Firestone air
spring is available on the Firestone corporate web site and included with each side set of
Sullybuilt air spring brackets.
Available on the web from ~$118 each, here is a web search for the required air
bags: www.google.com/search?q=WO1-358-9294
As a source of reference, here are all of the bag systems available:
http://tinyurl.com/7cmonu4
JUNE RALLY; FAIRMONT, MN June 14, 15, 16, 17th, 2012 Rally Masters: Brenda
& Rodney Gens
Flying Goose Campground: 2521 115th St, Fairmont,
MN 56011. Tele # 507-235 3458 Their website is
www.flyinggoosecampground.com/
Reservations need to be in by May, 15th, 2012. Everyone will need to call the
campground directly to make their own reservations (make sure you tell them you are
with the GMC group). They are holding campsites for our group, all in one spot and
close to the building we will be using.
COST: $35.00 + tax for Electric & Water (according to web site).
DIRECTIONS: Located approximately one mile southwest of I-90 at exit 107, or five
miles East of Fairmont, or 125 miles East of Sioux Falls on Lake Imogene. Watch for our
GMC Club sign. There are Pontoons, Paddle, Boats and Canoes for rent and a 18 hole-
Mini-Golf Course. There are other interesting sites and activities available in the area.
RALLY SCHEDULE;
Thursday, June 14th (Flag Day)
Arrive (Check In 1 pm)
Group or individual decision(s) regarding Dinner
Friday, June 15th
8:00 am -Breakfast: Oatmeal, Rolls and Fruit (bring a cup of fruit to share)
6:00 pm -Pizza and a ‘potluck dessert’ (Bring a dessert to share).
Saturday, June 16th
8:30 am -Breakfast: Egg Bake
9:30 am -Business Meeting followed by Tech sessions and Sharing
6:00 pm Catered Dinner
Sunday, June 17th (Father’s Day)
8:00 am -Breakfast: Oatmeal, Rolls and Fruit Rally ends:
(Leave at your own pace) Check Out 1 pm.
Motels in Fairmont, MN are: Holiday Inn, Super 8 Fairmont, and Comfort Inn
JULY RALLY; BLACKHAWK PARK, DESOTO, WI July
15th (early arrival), 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 2012 Rally Masters: Jane & Wayne
Hasek
BLACKHAWK PARK (US Army Corps of Engineers) DeSoto, WI
E590 Cty Rd B1, DeSoto, WI 54624. Their web site is
www.recreation.gov Tele # 877444-
6777
Everyone will need to call the national registration number and make their own
reservations for Blackhawk Park, DeSoto,WI as soon as possible. You can ask for
campsites # 46 thru 51, or 62 thru 66 or 70 thru 73 or any Electric sites. If those are
taken then reserve any campsite and the Park Ranger will rearrange us so we are
together. Please send me an email, note or call when you are registered so I can
communicate and coordinate with the Park Ranger.
COST; $24.00 per night (They accept Golden Age Passport, Access, and other Senior
and special discounts – usually ½ off)
DIRECTIONS; Located adjacent to the main channel of the Mississippi River, the park is
three miles north of DeSoto, WI and 30 miles south of La Crosse, WI, just off Wisconsin
State Highway 35 on County Road B1. Blackhawk Park is the largest public use facility
in the Mississippi Pool 9. Watch for our GMC Club sign.
Visitors commonly see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, ducks,
geese, whitetail deer and wild turkey. The site was designated in 1983 and was the
location of a Black Hawk Indian War battle.
RALLY SCHEDULE:
Sunday, July 15th
Early Arrival – Check In 2 pm
Monday, July 16th
8:00 am -Rolls and Coffee
6:00 pm -Pot Luck Dinner. Bring your own plates, utensils, meat and a dish
to share. Grills available.
Tuesday, July 17th
8:00 am -Breakfast in a bag, Rolls and Fruit.
(Bring a cup of fruit to share).
Coffee.
9:00 am -Business Meeting followed by Tech sessions and Sharing.
5:00 pm -
Narrated Boat Tour on Mississippi Explorer Cruise Boat & Dinner
at Lansing, IA.
Wednesday, July 18th
8:00 -am Breakfast: Oatmeal, Rolls and Fruit.
9:00 -am Private Tour of Lock & Dam 8 at Genoa, WI
Afternoon –
Optional tour (1 –
1 ½ hr) of the Genoa National Fish Hatchery,
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (near Blackhawk Park) Lake
sturgeon and pond management.
6:00 pm Dinner -Great River Roadhouse
Thursday, July 19th 8:00 am – Rolls, Fruit, Coffee
Rally ends: (Leave at your own pace) Check Out 2 pm If anyone needs overnight
accommodations/motel contact Jane Hasek.
FALL RALLY: This rally will be at the International GMCMI at the Amana Colonies
at Amana, IA,
September 22-28, 2012. We are hosting the Ladies Luncheon. You can get more
information from the GMC Motorhomes International web site: www.gmcmi.com
Midge Glenna is sunshine lady so send her the name of anyone needing a little
sunshine and Midge will send them a card.
For paying dues,
change of mailing address, or Email changes: Please notify Treasurer, Larry
Johnson, 14451 Highway 23, Cold Spring, MN 56320-4613
Visit the club's website at www.gmcmidwestclassics.org
It has great information about our GMC club.