Restoring, repairing or upgrading an RV is something most of the 8.2 million RV-owning households have either done, wanted to do, or dreamed about doing over the course of their RV ownership.

RV Buddies wanted to show them how we’d do it - in a way that maintains the integrity of a coach’s original design but updates it to supply the owner with the modern amenities that he or she wants.  We decided the best way to go about it was to find ourselves a major fixer-upper and give it a stem-to-stern restoration.

This project would also give us a good opportunity to highlight a variety of aftermarket products and services that are offered to the RV consumer by some excellent companies and to test them out and give them a thorough review.

We put a lot of thought into what would be the perfect coach for our purposes – one that had been around for a while and had established itself as a true classic, a coach that had stood the test of time.  And something that was going to be fun for us to work on!

After careful consideration we decided to go with a GMC, a true classic with unique design, detailing and engineering features.  Considered to be ahead of its time, GMC built 12,921 models from 1973 to 1978 before deciding to discontinue producing luxury motorhomes to focus on their truck operations. Since then, the GMCs have developed a reputation as being one of the most restorable and rebuildable of the vintage motorhomes. Many formerly abandoned GMCs have been successfully brought back to life because of their durable construction.  It was the perfect vehicle for our purposes.  Estimates suggested that at least 8,000 to 9,000 vehicles from the original production were still in running condition.  All we needed was one.

GMC built the bodies and, in most cases, the interiors in-house, and designed the chassis and drivetrain to create a motorhome enclosure that could serve a range of purposes. Empty shells were supplied to other RV manufacturers for upfitting the interiors and also to specialty manufacturers for a range of custom purposes ranging from mail delivery and mobile training facilities to people movers and ambulances. They came in two lengths: 23 and 26 feet.  With a wide variety of possibilities out there, we weren’t sure what GMC variation with which we'd begin.

We were certain, though, that we were going to approach our project with the idea that we wanted to remain faithful to GMC’s original ideal. So we developed a plan to try and accomplish that - while improving the systems, increasing the coach’s reliability, and adding a few fun surprises of our own.

After a lengthy search, RV Buddies found a very used 1977 GMC 26’ Royale.  It was sitting in one spot in a backyard in Pasadena, California under a tree in mulch-like soil for at least 10 years. While sitting there, it had actually sunk into the ground half way up its wheels.  We had to pull it out with a tow truck just to get a look at it!  We were ecstatic to discover that a 35 year-old chassis that had been sitting in the ground for a third of its life remained rust free!  The entire floor structure was rock solid – without rot – without rust – simply unbelievable.  It was a GMC Transmode with rear bath and Coachmen had built out the interior.  The coach had 35,000 original miles on it.  It was perfect.  We had found our  "Project RV"!

Over the next nine months, RV Buddies will film and report on our Project RV through four phases – demolition, chassis and drive train, interior, and exterior body and paint.  We hope you enjoy following along as we restore and rebuild this classic coach!

In the process of designing for the GMC remodel, we have to research every single bolt, nut, pump, TV, switch and, well - you get the idea.

Fortunatley, many things have changed over time. With so many demands generators have gotten smaller - so power isn't as much of a problem as it used to be.

In studying speed and performance, we also found that to equal the performance of a sports car you need one horsepower per 100 pounds of weight. For the GMC that means 1200 horse power. That would be great, except that the current eight MPG figure would probably suffer.

In the meantime, this large propane tank presented itself on a daily outing. It serves the local rapid transit bus station for their clean burning fleet.

The tank is 26' long and 8' in diameter. Hmmm. Same size as the GMC. Finally, the perfect capacity! That's one problem solved. Now onto the rest of them!

A few days ago, Southern California GMC coach genius Miguel Mendez of MGMGMC.com dropped by to make a few repairs to the RV Buddies coach, a 1976 26' Royale.

There will be a lot of news coming up on Project RV - but to get things rolling, Miguel had to resolve a starting problem (electrical/battery) and suspension issue (bypass the compressor and install schrader valves).

In the process, Miguel found out that the coach has an under-sized fan clutch. RV Buddies will be driving in the next few days - taking advantage of cooler weather and the rain forecast to avoid over-heating.

The trip will take the coach from Southern California northbound to the Bay area where Jim Kanomata is standing by at Applied GMC to get started on all the mechanical issues. There are 61 line items on the list just for the chassis alone - the fan clutch being one of them.

Stay tuned. This project will be on the fast-track and RV Buddies keep you posted on every phase and detail of the action.

As we finalize our plans to get the GMC project underway, there are always a few setbacks - Like being able to drive or move it!  Such is the case with a recent melt-down of the diodes under the suspension switches.

After some conversations with Jim Bounds, his analytical and diagnostic skills appear to have our coach close to being back on the road.

Jim sent me one of his "short" instructional emails... I did exactly as Yoda instructed - connect this, check that. Disconnect this, check that. Lo and behold it appears his plan narrowed things down to the relay at the compressor. I'll know for sure  when I switch that out.

Here's the picture of the initial melt-down of the diodes. The connectors are melted too so they have to go.

I left things exposed and hard-wired a few sacrificial diodes to see if that was the problem or if it was down-stream. They melted upon ignition.

Here are the new connectors installed. All clean and pretty. When I removed the switch panel, I discovered an old towel that had been stuffed into the wall to hold up the map pocket. It was hard, moldy, crusty and well - disgusting.

Here are the diodes prepped for installation. They MUST be installed with current flowing in the correct direction. As I write this, I'm going to check again to make sure!

Looks okay in this picture - the diode stripe to the striped wire. Notice two wires have black tape around them - that's so the left and right don't get confused.

After checking for tight connections, everything looks good and I cover with electrical tape for insulation.

Here's the culprit under the back sofa by the air compressor. That relay appears to be defective. Jim sent me four different part numbers and the auto parts store scratched my head until his computer found the Everco relay. Just the same, I'll call Jim to make sure - one melt down is enough. No fires are even better.

This is the harness that goes into the relay. I have to check the original electrical schematics to make sure some one along the last thirty plus years didn't make some change that is a problem as well.

Well - the relay is on order. The chassis battery is refusing to hold a charge. That's another problem - but I'll deal with that once I can get the suspension "up" and running - sorry, I couldn't resist! More as it develops...

PS - All GMC owners CLICK HERE for an important note on GMC wiring and a potential fire hazard. It's a flaw in the original design and Jim has an easy fix for it!

After the coach sat for a while in storage - I got it home and charged up the batteries. So far so good. We'll see if they hold a charge in a few days.  In the meantime - I fired up the ole girl to fill up the air suspension.

Smoke was coming out of the side panel above the suspension switches. I smelled an electrical fire brewing.  I removed the panel and saw two funky connectors. You can see the one circled in "red" that was melting and causing the smell and smoke.

Glad I had my halon extinguisher nearby, and was parked so I could remove the panel and avert a potential disaster.

I contacted our friend Jim Bounds at GMC Coop, and he's walking me through this so I can avoid any further problems.

Most importantly, you can't ever forget the potential for fire - and must always remain prepared and mindful. RV Buddies will be devoting a lot of attention to fire control this year. Feel free to check out FireFight1.com to see where we got our fire extinguisher.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing GMC project.

It seems timely to visit this classic coach - the Argosy - with the loss of Wade Thompson, President of Thor Industries. Airstream is a division of Thor and Thor never betrayed Wally Byam's vision and dream for this RV.

At one time even Ford wanted to support the future vision of the company co-developing a concept car with Airstream. (Photo courtesy NY Times)

Wikipedia states that "In 1974 Airstream began manufacturing a Class A motorhome, badged "Argosy". They began as painted aluminum 20- and 24-foot (6.1 and 7.3 m) models, and were followed in 1979 by the first examples of the Classic model motorhome, with both a painted and unpainted aluminum body much like the trailers.

Airstream-badged Class A motorhomes began as 24- and 28-foot (7.3 and 8.5-m) models in 1979, and in the 1980s and 1990s, models ranging from 25 up to 37 feet (7.6 up to 11.2 m) were marketed. The aluminum motorhomes were followed by more traditional-looking fiberglass models in the 1990s. Airstream discontinued manufacture of Class A motorhomes in 2006."

Members of the GMC community and its admirers can appreciate the advanced thinking if this incredible product. If anyone has pictures or more information - please feel free to submit so we can share it with everyone.

The restored Argosy shown here resides in Europe as a rental unit. For more information , CLICK HERE. As for the painted 20'er - do you think the owners of that fine little baby know there is all the beautiful aluminum under there? (Picture courtesy of Flickr)

Okay, well it doesn't have to be just a Toad. It can be your favorite off-road toy. But here's the thing - this bad boy is street legal as well. So if you ever wanted to justify something fun and outrageous - check this out.

The Rally Fighter is built by Local Motors, an American company based back East. The facility is set up based on the concept of a "Micro-Factory" and is fueled by a community of gear-head enthusiasts.

The Rally Fighter was the winning submission of thousands of designs. The winning one you see here. Sangho, the designer, was born is Seoul, South Korea. His father was an inspiration to him throughout his youth. Today, he attends the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Graduating in 2010, he has already made his mark in the automotive world. It will be truly interesting to see where he surfaces after graduation!

The Rally Fighter uses lightweight body panels including carbon fiber. The finish is a vinyl skin that is customizable to your imagination, and more environmentally friendly than paint.

The running gear is state-of-the-art with a BMW clean turbo diesel generating 425 lb-ft of torque through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

There are dual ride-height settings for street and off-road. And get ready for this off-roaders. This monster has 18" of suspension travel! That's insane!

If that isn't enough, the Rally Fighter seats four adults and gets a claimed 38 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG off-road.

So you're interested? CLICK HERE to check out their site. You can reserve your serial number for $99. Yes, that's less than one hundred dollars. However, when your build time comes around, prepare to put down a hefty deposit and plan to pay upwards to $50,000 depending on how you finish out your, er um, Toad. Ribbit.

Drivetrain
•    BMW 335d
•    3.0 Liter, Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
•    6 speed automatic transmission
•    265 Horsepower @ 4200rpm
•    425 lbft @1750 RPM
•    Rear Wheel Drive
•    Clean Diesel
Exterior
•    Overall Length: 189 inches (4800mm)
•    Dual Ride Height (Manual Capability)
•    Overall Height: 69.25 inches (1759mm) High ride height / 61.25 inches (1556mm) Low ride height
•    Overall Width: 80 inches (2057mm)
•    Wheelbase: 115 inches (2921mm)
•    Track Width: 69.5 inches (1765mm)
•    Curb Weight: 3,000-3,200 lbs.
Chassis
•    Construction-Tubular steel space frame
•    Front Suspension: 18" Travel, independent double A-arm with detachable stabilizer bar
Spring System-Long travel coil-over shock absorbers
•    Rear Suspension: 20" Travel, 3-Link Solid axle with Panhard and stabilizer bars
•    Lug Pattern-6 x 135mm
•    Steering TypePower assisted rack and pinion
Brakes, Wheels, Tires
•    4-Wheel Anti-lock disc brakes.
•    Front: 13" ventilated - dual-piston floating
•    Rear: 13.7" ventilated - single-piston floating
•    Emergency brake: Rear drum in rotor
•    Wheels: 17"x8" aluminum alloy
•    Tires: 275/70R-17 (High ride height) / 265/50R-20 (Low ride height)

On the opening day of the 36th annual K&N Halloween Classic presented by Harland Sharp, the biggest race of the season takes place right here at Summit Motorsports Park. The race is huge! It’s also ponderous, cumbersome, slow, and anything but boring. Yes…it’s the General RV Center Mean Motorhome Race, the most unlikely drag race imaginable. With speeds and times approaching that of a startled Water Buffalo, track officials are careful to allow plenty of time to complete this preposterous event.

Unlike other races throughout the racing season, contestants in the motorhome race must buy their way into the race. They have to pay the track crew to get into the staging lanes, out of the staging lanes, and then they have to pay the starter to start the race! What, you may ask, is the customary form of tender for the privilege of participation? Well, let’s just say that these may be the only alcohol powered motorhomes in the world! This choice of currency also becomes a “driving” force for the track crew.

The behemoths in competition regularly succeed in dumping a significant amount of liquid on the dragstrip, the contents of which we can only imagine. This may also be responsible for a whole new meaning to the term “track cleanup!” We noticed, during last year’s race, that an extraordinary number of the motorized living rooms had a GPS running during the race. It seems that it would be exceptionally difficult to get lost on the dragstrip.

This remarkable race is more fun than we should be allowed to have, and it’s just the kickoff to the next 5 days of rolling fun! It’s also just one more reason to make plans to attend this hysterical historical race. No matter what other racing machinery comes through the gates to run at the K&N Halloween Classic presented by Harland Sharp, there is no bigger race for the entire event. Literally!!

Highlights of Special Activities going on throughout the week!
General RV Center “Mean Motorhome” Race (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)

•  Open to Class A & C Motorhomes!
•  Must be pre-entered into the Main Event!  - NO Additional fee!
•  Family and Friends are REQUIRED to participate!
•  No delay boxes or down track throttle stops!
•  2 Time trials (6:00 pm) then we go racing (by 7:00 pm)!
•  Winner in each class receives a General RV Jacket & $250 CASH!

Now live on RVBuddies, the 3rd Annual Florida Sunshine Statesman GMC Drag Race from Orlando, Florida.

Eastern correspondent and friend of the program, Jim Bounds, owner of Cooperative Motor Works, hosts this RV Buddies Online special event show-casing the historic GMC motor home.

Born of automotive heritage, the GMC boasts a 403 or 455 front-wheel-drive drive train – revolutionary for its time. These cult classics can still be seen throughout the United States and Canada.

There are a number of shops specializing in the restoration, and in some cases – "severe modification", of these classic coaches. RV Buddies is currently involved in a massive GMC project. Jim Bounds is known for his extreme projects which include dramatic styling changes, high-end audio and video systems, and of course – performance from turbos, new engines and diesel transformations.

Some GMC owners drove thousands of miles to attend the event. The camaraderie, along with the pride of ownership makes this one of the closest-knit communities within an already close RV world.

There are over 20 clubs nationwide under the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association),  umbrella dedicated to these GMC aficionados alone.

There was a lot of fun at the event. Besides the GMC RVs - motorcycles, trucks and cars ran down the drag strip. Initially, the audience was a bit taken back by the site of the motor homes. The video shows some traditional "trash-talking" as spectators and contestants alike brag, boast and predict all possible outcomes. Strategies included whether to empty the holding tank or not for better traction on the track. One racer pondered turning the TV on during his run for entertainment.

Action in the pits was ever-present. GMC owners and experts helped each other out with maintenance and upgrade issues. Fire Fight, a provider of fire suppression systems  was on hand to educate the GMC owners on the value of these life-saving devices. Besides the practical pit-side activities – much food and beverage was shared.

There is nothing as American as an RV. And RVers love NASCAR and drag races. So the idea that the front wheel drive of an RV can burn rubber down a drag strip has to be a dream-come-true.

The winner of the event who set a new record (22.514 seconds at 62 MPH), was Bob Heller, driving #9587, a 1974 GMC running a 455 big-block engine with 110,000 original miles. Bob does all his own work and maintenance.

Many more events are planned for the future; and all who participated vow to continue to set new speed records.

The time has come. All the designs are complete, and I'm anxious to get started. So RV Buddies went on a road trip - to Applied GMC in Fremont, California.

Anyone familiar with the cult of GMC motorhomes knows that there are few high end shops that cater to this amazing futuristic marvel. One of course is in Florida, known as the GMC Coop. That facility is run by a man by the name of Jim Bounds. If you are on the Eastern portion of the United States, you will be familiar with his mad scientist-like obsession with these coaches. But it doesn't stop there, do visit his website and check out the CRUZ project. If that doesn't push boundaries, very little does. Jim also has an affinity for sound - and pretty much any machine coming out of his facility will have, as a requirement, a state-of-the-art audio and video system. (Or as close as the new owners budget will allow Jim's vision to design in!)

But we're on the West coast. So RV Buddies visited the other top shop of the land - Applied GMC. This shop is also run by a Jim, Jim Kanomata. This shop is located in Fremont, California - just a bit inland of the San Francisco Bay area.

After an uneventful 350-mile drive up from LA through the California Central Valley to the Bay Area - on a holiday weekend, no less, I arrived at Applied GMC – which was tucked away in the back of a non-descript industrial complex.

Rounding the corner to the building you see a parking lot full of old GMC coaches owned by customers - some showing their age, others in great condition for their age. In the back corner, a classic Cortez rests in dissaray, rusty, aching for some TLC.

Jim and I sat down and discussed the overall plan for the coach (video is being edited), and got to specific details for the chassis.

Before we sat down to cover the project coach, Jim gave me a tour of the facility. First off, it's huge. Second, it's like my desk. I know where everything is if no one moves anything on me! Applied GMC is the same - Jim knows where everything is. And there's a lot of everything. He has large quantities of the hardest to find GMC parts. And when an odd request comes up, he goes as far as coordinating a large buy with the other GMC gurus around the country to make sure the community is taken care of.

Wandering around the building was like touring a museum of old and new. There were several pallets of air bags, hundreds of feet of stainless tubing ready for custom exhaust systems, rare body parts, a complete wet bath compartment, gear sets, engines, and the list goes on and on.

It became clear that Applied GMC is seriously in this business. Several coaches were in the shop - one getting a much-needed upgrade to its air conditioning system courtesy of Vintage Air.  The bottom line here - RV Buddies appears to be in good hands with Applied GMC!

Before the coach arrives at Applied GMC, it will be stripped down to its original "Transmode" origins. Getting it there should be interesting. The suspension is leaking severly on the left, and the engine overheats. It's tempting to attempt the drive up in the cool of night - then if need be, a tow might come into play - but hopefully not.

Upon arrival, the drive train is to be pulled and some frame work can be done.  New positions for the black and grey tanks have been engineered, and the frame will be modified in the rear to increase the departure angle. Also, over the years there have been a few tugs at the under-carriage, and those will be repaired.

Starting with the rear end, the plan is for all discs, the quadra bag suspension, and the new anti-dive rear suspension. That one sentance sounds simple, but the price tag - well, nevermind that!

On the front end, the tranny needs a rebuild, new gear ratio, heavy duty control arms with new disc brakes, variable ratio power steering and... While we're at it - how about a new crate engine! So essentially, the coach will be brand new with 2009 technology. A new dash and gauges only seem appropriate. So that will be done during this phase, along with a new steering column and steering wheel.

Jim had submitted a bid to us a few months ago, and after meeting and revising a few things, he is reviewing the numbers. His quote is due to RV Buddies within the week. So it looks like a go. Cross your fingers, this should be a fun project!