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theGMCRV · 05-05-2016, 08:13 AM

Hey Guys,
We're a bit oddball around here as we don't have an airstream. We're restoring a 1976 GMC motorhome. Not an airstream right? So why are we here?
Well basically we are rebuilding this motorhome to be modern, well appointed and we are taking almost all of our inspiration from airstream builds. I am constantly reading on this forum for insight, ideas, and just to see what everyone here is doing.

We're on the GMC forum as well, but the community there is a bit different than here. Mostly older folks who are pretty set in their 90's mentalities both as far as design and modification. There seems to be a lot more interest in the design and building around here.

Basically we just love the way you guys do things, but we ended up with a GMC instead of an airstream, something about the GMC just called to me.

Anyway I just wanted to make an introduction, we're Justin and Kathleen (I'm Justin) and we're well on our way to completing this beast of a project.

We've got a blog going at www.thegmcrv.com if you want to check it out.

Here's the GMC as we bought her nearly a year ago:

And where we currently sit:

Plasma800 · 05-05-2016, 08:36 AM

cool project!

**moosetags** · 05-05-2016, 09:45 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us, even though you don't have an Airstream.

I have always admired those vintage low profile motor homes. We think that they are way cool. It seems like such a logical configuration. I have always wondered why they went away from that format.

Best wishes on your project, and please keep us posted on your progress.

Brian

KJRitchie · 05-05-2016, 10:13 AM

Those GMCs are really cool but I don't envy the work you have a head of you. Hope you can keep the motivation and funds going to complete the project.

Kelvin

theGMCRV · 05-05-2016, 07:53 PM

Thanks for the kind words guys!
And Kelvin, the work is the whole reason we bought it. I'm a project guy, I go crazy without a project, and this is a big one that's lasted a year so far. No loss of interest whatsoever because it's always something new to do! It really is a blast.
We got half the ceiling in tonight so we're really making progress.

m.hony · 05-06-2016, 10:19 AM

Not an Airstream, but still awesome!

enived2 · 05-08-2016, 09:17 PM

I have loved those since I was a kid! I bet you have less leaks than an airsrteam also!

field & stream · 05-08-2016, 09:37 PM

Hi, and best wishes with your project. I have also loved those for the last 40 years!

ROBERTSUNRUS · 05-09-2016, 02:05 AM

Hi, those are great motorhomes and I have always liked them. For a short time, I worked at an Oldsmobile / GMC dealer. I did a few repairs on them. One repair was to rebuild the transmission. It was the hardest transmission to remove and re-install, but the easiest to rebuild. I like their looks, rear air bags, low profile, and they way they drive. Like Airstreams, the GMC motorhomes compared themselves to the White Boxes. What a difference.

wbrisett · 05-09-2016, 04:10 AM

Want to see what can be done with that GMC? Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUzqXJjpq94

This guy (he is a custom builder) did a fantastic job! I want one!

paiceman · 05-09-2016, 04:12 AM

Welcome. Only time I ever saw the inside of a GMC MoHo was sometime in the 70's we helped pull them out of the sand at Ney's Provincial Park in Ontario. They were build so low to the ground and so long that this one bellied out and got stuck. Nice job.

Bud

mimiandrews · 05-09-2016, 07:01 AM

Nice project! I too have admired those GMC motorhomes since they first came out, 'way back then.

Meeks · 05-09-2016, 01:46 PM

Stripes!

azgerbil · 05-09-2016, 07:23 PM

We can see one of these (forest green) down the street from our house. I've seen him working on it, starting it up but never seen it move (yet). It should be challenging (and hopefully rewarding/fun!

There are a lot of purists (which is fine) in the restoration circles but every now and then, folks want to have a more modern design with all of the bells and whistles of today. I'm hoping when we restore our(s) it will be fit to sit off grid or on a slab but, no matter what, I want convenience and comfort(s) and some technology. So, to each his or her own!

Good Luck!

NWRVR · 05-09-2016, 11:54 PM

Welcome to the Air Forums. I remember seeing the first GMC when they came out, loved the futuristic look. Great blog, it looks like we could all learn a thing or two from you!

ALANSD · 05-10-2016, 05:29 AM

ever seen the GMC Coop in Florida? He specializes in rebuilding and customizing the GMCs.
I visited years ago when I was looking at buying one, went with an Airstream Classic motor home instead. The work they do is really high quality.

theGMCRV · 05-10-2016, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

ever seen the GMC Coop in Florida? He specializes in rebuilding and customizing the GMCs.
I visited years ago when I was looking at buying one, went with an Airstream Classic motor home instead. The work they do is really high quality.

Yep,
That would be Jim Bounds, he does very nice work. They just moved into a new 12000sqft facility!

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a love of the GMC's. They are something different for sure.
That decoliner is awesome! Leno certainly has all the toys anyone could ever want.

We have officially started on the build out! We got the ceiling in and I CNC cut one set of cabinets last night. There will be a blog post update at some point in the nearish future. Very busy with work also at the moment (aren't we all)