The Rally has started!
Check here for play by play reports and photos from Gene Fisher

Gene Fisher's PHOTOS
and
John Ruff's PHOTOS

_________________________________________

Wed 4/22/2009 8:19 AM
The gang is starting to collect.  Only a few vendors so far, Pat is here with his Ragusa stuff, Steve is here with his bushing information, I am here (the APC) guy, and I would guess about 30 coaches.  Today is registration day so it  will be real busy.

This morning is beautiful, COOL, and clear.  Hope it will be cooler today.

I find interesting optimism here with the  guys, FrankC sold his 26 and is starting over with a new old 73-26. SteveF has his 26 here (no - really)  with almost everything new in the mechanical parts. Me, I am collecting parts for my new/old 23. Pat was thinking of moving from a 23 to a 26 but they love their 23. ChuckG had a great 5,600 mile trip to the east coast and his 3 gas tanks worked well.

I find optimism about the new/replacement parts that are becoming available for our coaches,... quadra bags, dual bags, new design lower control arms, "the zerk" for 100,000 mile bearings, new bushings, Lenzi's stuff, ...

There is a lot to talk about, and it has not even started yet;>) I will post some pictures gene

_________________________________________

Fri 4/24/2009 8:10 AM
Had dinner last night with Betty Gaw and Marilyn Maxwell, from Atascadero,
ca. These Gran-dams, were a real hoot recounting their experiences driving their own GMC since the early 80s. One time in Canada they went all over the country side trying to get their transmission fixed, only to find it was the thermostatic fan coming on. (been there done that)

Speaking of fan clutches, lots of problems for those coming to the rally. It was sooooooo hot. One member has changed his clutch 5 times in the last 2 years, seems normal. SteveF. has his fan stuck on, and I know of 2 others. Hope JimK (Applied GMC) brought a lot of them.

Had an excellent presentation on OILS by FrankC and I will post the handouts. Later today SteveF is going to repair all of our coach front ends for free, ( well maybe he is just going to talk about it ;>)

Miguel Mendez (MGM-GMC of Ontario,CA - 909-982-7747 - mokingo6@msn.com) is here with his coach that has the new Genrac generator installed. Have to get over to see that.

Well, off to the sauna and a shower before breakfast. What a great facility and a super rally put on by GMCWS.
gene

Presentations:
Ten Minute Combiner Install
Combiner Assisted Boost Switch
Oils

_________________________________________

Fri 4/24/2009 8:21 AM
Gene,
I just returned from an attempt to fix your coach's front end for free. Where were you? Oh well, next coach please........
Steve F

_________________________________________

Fri 4/24/2009 8:47 AM
FLASH: Manny Travao (Manny's Transmissions of San Jose, CA 408-937-1583 mtrovao@hughes.net) was seen yesterday chasing a nice looking gal (and a nice gal) in a STRING BIKINI, all over the coach parking area. I don't think he caught her
but wish I had my camera with me. When asked about this event, he said "well, someone has to do it"
gene     very exciting    ;>)

_________________________________________

Sat 4/25/2009 9:26 AM
Al Chernoff (MR.C) presented a technology update on MagicJack, / Skype and GPS technology. He demonstrated MagicJack that many of us use at home and on the road for free telephone calls in the US and Canada. Al used a standard Kitchen phone to connect to the computer and place and receive calls.

www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

Mr.C also placed and received calls from his Nuvi GPS to show the blue tooth technology that you can use on the road.

It was a very active discussion
gene

_________________________________________

Presentation:
I Can't Tell You How To Do Email

2/22/2008

I'll try to add some new info that has not been readily available regarding this rally and the fairgrounds
Here is a link that show the fair grounds layout www.sonomacountyfair.com/fi_map.php

The RV park is located to the extreme south across from gate seven. Shows as horse trailer parking but not true.

All activities/seminars will take place at Finley, Garrett and Kraft buildings. The plan is to place vendors along Lindwood so that all would pass by the vendors from the RV park to get to the activity buildings. The distance from the RV park area to the Activity buildings is about 3/8+ mile. Many of the members will have vans and cars to help with those who do not wish to walk.

Current thought is that there are several nearby dump station close to Linwood. Power and water are available along Linwood.

Do a google satellite view for more info. HERE

WE, Western States, have arranged for dinner on Saturday night for our members. More importantly, since we are in the midst of CA wine country we have also set up a late afternoon Saturday wine tasting and non alcoholic beverage with excellent snacks for all, for a charge of $10.per person. The tasting will be at the Jockey Club, and can be paid at registration for all early arrivals.

BTW the Jockey club offers nationwide off-track betting as well as excellent lunches for a three dollar fee in a nice setting.

Please direct any comments about the facility to Ray. Any questions about WS to me.

Frank Condos
President GMC Western States

For all of you coming out to the rally March 30 - April 5, there are some other happenings that you might want to see. The weekend of March 28 - 30, there will be a horse show (Arabians, we think) happening at the fairgrounds. For those of you into horsepower, instead of horses, there will be a vintage car race happening at Infinion Raceway (the ex- Sears Point track) running from April 4 thru the 6 and spectators are more than welcome. Also happening that weekend is the Boat and RV show at the fairgrounds. (NOTE: Free admission to rally attendees!)

Hope to see everyone at the rally - we are really trying to pull out all of the stops to make this the best rally GMCMI has ever held in California!! Be prepared for vendor surprises.

Bert and Fay Curtis
"76 Glenbrook
Kneeland, CA
www.bdub.net/curtis-unlimited