Tim And Lori Bridgeman`s Rare `61 Impala

1903 Kalamazoo
by Michigan Buggy
Logo Designed by Norm Knight
VOLUME XLVII; NO. 8
August 20, 2013
Tim And Lori Bridgeman's Rare '61 Impala
Visit us at www.kaarc.org
PRESIDENT
Stan Rakowski 269 375-3669
SDRAKOW2@aol.com
VICE-PRESIDENT
Ben Barber 269 567-9336
w2barber@yahoo.com
TREASURER
Gary Hawkins • 269-496-9596
ghawk8066@aol.com
SECRETARY
Sue Forrester • 269-349-4442
susan.k.forrester@gmail.com
WINTER SWAP MEET
Stan Rakowski 269 375-3669
sdrakow2@aol.com
RED BARNS SPECTACULAR
Stan Rakowski 269 375-3669
Jim Holland, Jr. 269 377-7756
Paul Van Stratton 269 344-5714
Pvanstratton@yahoo.com
Gary Willoughby 269-323-9532
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRAR
David Long 269 649-4494
longdavejudy@ecybermind.net
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
- 2010 PAST PRESIDENT
Cody Sarenius 269 720-8616
firesole12@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor: John McLellan
jmclellan75@comcast.net
John Lacko 269-344-4764
jalacko@aol.com
Bill Binning 269 -345-7837
wbinning@gmail.com
INSIGNIA & APPAREL
Steve & Kalli Inman
8980 East EF Ave.
Richland, MI 49083
269-629-5383
THE KAARC MEETS AT 7:00 PM THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT THE PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1747 W Milham
Ave, Portage, MI except for the JUNE meeting/club picnic which is held at the Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI.
COVER CAR: TIM AND LORI BRIDGEMAN'S RARE '61 IMPALA
About 2 years ago we went to Schoolcraft to look at a 1962 Vette for sale. The price was too high, but he had
a couple other cars for sale and we ended up buying the 1961 Impala convertible. The car looked good until I
started to strip it. It needed floors, quarters, rockers, wiring, glass, chrome, engine, trans, in other words, a total
restoration. Of the thousands of cars we looked at over the past 2 years, we have only seen two 1961 Impala
converts. - Tim and Lori Bridgeman
THANKS TO THESE SPONSORS WHO HELPED MAKE THE RED BARN SPECTACULAR A SUCCESS:
DeNooyer Jaguar - Kalamazoo • Auto Trim Design - Kalamazoo
Vicksburg Chrysler - Vicksburg • DeNooyer Chevrolet - Kalamazoo
Galesburg Ford - Comstock • Outerwears Performance - Schoolcraft
Maple Hill Auto Group - Kalamazoo • Cole Krum Chevrolet - Schoolcraft
Rock Auto LLC - Madison, WI • Lane Automotive - Watervliet
Don Seelye Ford - Kalamazoo • T.W. Lane Enterprises - Kalamazoo
Auto Value - Battle Creek • Auto Zone - Gull Road • Hagerty Insurance - Traverse City
Bubba Sherwood Auto Repair - Galesburg • M & M Motors - Sprinkle Road
D & A Auto Body - Portage • Midwest Business Forms - Comstock and Kalamazoo
MITroll.com - Richland • GRautogallery - Grand Rapids • John Lacko Photography
Phil Renuart - KAARC Member • Kalamazoo Stripping and Derusting - Portage
Morris Rose Auto Parts - Kalamazoo • Waber Tool - Kalamazoo
Toothman Printing - Otsego • KZoo Tire Company - Portage
Sibella Richardson - KAARC Member • Chris and Patty Welborn - KAARC Member
Jim and Patty Holland - KAARC Member
PATRONIZE AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE BUSINESSES
MOST OF THEM HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING THE KAARC FOR MANY YEARS!
Page 2
THE RED BARNS AND THE RED FLAG
by David Lyon
Protect your womenfolk, put the children behind
doors, and leash your animals! Dangerous machinery
approaches, with engines exploding and speeds that
take your breath away. Danger! Danger! watch for the
man with the red flag.
The Locomotive on Highways Act, colloquially
known as the Red Flag Act, was passed into law by
the English parliament in 1863. Britain had a long
history of steam powered vehicles dating from 1903,
and huge machinery rolling on tall wheels and puffing
black smoke plied the English highways carrying
passengers from London to rural villages during this
period. Then in 1863 and again in 1865, the horse
drawn vehicle lobby brought the issue to the legislative
body and a bill was passed that limited the speed of
self propelled vehicles to 4 mph, required three men
on board to navigate the locomotive, and another man
in front with a red flag or lantern to warn the public of
the approaching menace.
The legislation severely hindered the evolution of
the gasoline powered automobile in England, and
the marvelous Rolls Royce was not built until 1904.
The act pushed the British industry well behind
competitors in France and Germany. The Red Flag Act
was finally rescinded in 1896, and was celebrated with
a joyous convoy of horseless carriages from London
to Brighton. The American built Duryea, fresh from its
victory in the 1895 Chicago Times-Herald race was
among them. That 1896 celebration was re-enacted
in 1929 and was open to identified antique vehicles.
The definition of an antique was 25 years or older
then, as it is now, setting the date of 1904 as the entry
requirement. The London to Brighton celebration run
continues to this day with the same requirement, with
only a hiatus during the conflict years of World War II.
Social resistance to the automobile was not
exclusive to Britain. In the spirit of the times, Henry
Ford had a bicycle proceed his inaugural drive of the
Quadricycle in 1896, and at the turn of the century a
farmer’s organization in Pennsylvania demanded that
a horseless carriage must be stopped and covered
with canvas or otherwise hidden, when a horse drawn
vehicle approached. In 1903 the Kalamazoo council
set restrictive speed laws at 4 mph, and country
bumpkins were known to sabotage an automobilist’s
drive by laying railroad ties across the highways.
Three International Harvester highwheel motor buggies
and one 1904 Holsman highwheeler, which is owned
and operated by Phil Renuart and is the only LondonBrighton eligible car in the KAARC, were present to rePage 3
enact that historic London to Brighton celebration at
the Red Barns Spectacular. Butch Porath proceeded
the cars on an Ordinary (high wheel bicycle) and
KAARC club member Matt Inman was the man with
the red flag, leading the motorcade with shouts of
“Stand back, dangerous machinery approaching,
danger! danger!” as was typical conduct after the Red
Flag Act was past.
Some 300 companies built highwheel buggies in this
country from 1894 to 1914. The Duryea was the first,
and the International Harvester was the last. This buggy
was designed to go over or through whatever the roads
had to offer. In a sense it was America’s first sport
utility (SUV) vehicle. However, as roads improved, the
highwheeler was subsequently replaced by a “better
idea,” the Ford Model T, which was manufactured
from 1908 to the spring of 1927.
The mood around the parade was joyous, with much
applause and shouts of “Why is that man waving a red
flag?” This day was the first time the historic Red Flag
Act was recognized at the Red Barns Spectacular, the
first time an automobile built in 1904 was exhibited at
the show, and the first time for a featured parade of
highwheel motor buggies. Matt’s courage to walk in
front of these dangerous vehicles, and his infectious
enthusiasm were much appreciated by those who
understood his mission.
“A really big show!” as Ed Sullivan would say with
his quirky mannerisms, pursed lips and unmistakable
accent.
Matt Inman with the flag, Butch Porath
on the Ordinary and Phil Renuart
at the Holsman’s tiller.
RED BARNS: JUDGED SHOW AWARDS
by David Lyon
The Red Barns offered awards for 15 classes that
consisted of the “Best in Class” and two “Honors in Class”
for each class. In addition, five special trophies were
awarded which are used to acknowledge and celebrate
other extraordinary cars present at the show.
1) GILMORE MUSEUM AWARD
Ryan Devries, Grand Rapids, MI; 1909 Cadillac: The
popularity of unrestored cars is growing in the hobby and
this car is untouched. It is a marvelous piece of history
that is appropriate for any vintage automobile museum.
You will not see many unrestored cars of this caliber and
vintage.
A. J. Eyre won Best in Class with his 1915 Ford Ames body speedster. A.
J. is eleven years old and he conducted the car interview like a veteran.
2) DIRECTOR'S AWARD
Don & Julie Cox, Ft. Wayne, IN; 1957 Chevy Belair: This
Chevrolet was finished in Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige
and was just about flawless. Interestingly, the owner
purchased it used while in high school and just recently
had it restored to impeccable condition.
3) KAARC PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Howard Reinke, Auburn, MI; 1936 Chevrolet: This
beautiful black coupe turned the head of the KAARC
president because of its quality of restoration, and the
accompanying Mullins trailer in tow. It was an attractive
and quite frankly, a rather rare combination. The Mullins
Red Cap trailer was built in 1936-37, and these tear drop
trailers remain available today.
The 1909 unrestored Cadillac, owned by Ryan DeVries, won the Gilmore
Museum Award
4) PHOTOGRAPHER'S AWARD
Lee & Carol Abraham, Tucson, AZ; 1954 Kaiser Darrin: This
car is a higly modified “gasser” and was one of the most
outrageous cars in the show. It drew the special attention
of the official photographer, and rightly so, for cars of this
architecture and power are seldom seen.
5) HISTORIC VEHICLE AWARD
Michael Pettick, St. Joseph, MI; 1963 - ½ Ford: The
“Oldest Car Award” was changed several years ago to
the “Historic Vehicle Award” in order to provide a means
of celebrating not just early veteran cars, but cars with
a special impact in the history of the automobile. The
1963½ Ford Lighweight has a standard Galaxie body that
has been made lighter than the production model and is
powered by a 427.
The reasonably rare (1,571 built) 1958 Edsel Citation convertible was
part of the field from the 1950s and 1960s.
6) HISTORIC CAR AWARD,
Gary Plowman, Saranac, MI; 1970 Dodge Charger R/T:
MOPAR muscle at its finest, with Hemi power is finished
in “big bad orange” and black. The car was judged by
several KAARC members and found to be flawless. The
1970 Charger has a registry and currently lists 2,981
cars from around the world, so this is not just an icon in
America.
The following photos offer up a "flavor" of this year's
show.
Page 4
The 1932 Ford highboy represents the large array, estimated at 750-800
cars, that filled the People’s Choice area.
SCENES FROM THIS YEAR'S RED
BARNS SPECTACULAR
by John Lacko
Page 5
CLUB NOTES:
Need 5 Convertibles for the Comstock Homecoming
on October 11, at 7 PM----contact Richard: 269-3534211
METRO CRUISE EVENT
Don't forget the club's Metro Cruise Event on August 2324th at Car City in Grand Rapids. We can caravan there or
just show up. The best part is that we have a huge lot right
on 28th St where we can park. We can set up our tents,
have our own food and, the best part, we can come and
go as we please. Cruise for a while, then come back and
have a parking place. Car City is on the North side of 28th
Street, just east of Burlingame.
A NOTE FROM JIM HOLLAND
Thurs bright and early the impromptu vendor layout
crew broke out the measuring tapes, ropes and the
paint and went to work… Old hands at a tough job…
In short order (5 hours) the field was marked and the
peoples choice area was being tackled as well.
As we pulled in on Friday… Rain pouring down… The
bent tent frame and cranky vendors already waiting….
We were wondering … Is this the direction of the
weekend???… Through out the morning… On and off
it poured… Some very dedicated volunteers working
with wet paper, blowing rain and running though the
slosh… We hunkered down and pushed on to finish the
set up… By afternoon, it was looking promising. Then
by late evening, with the rain delay behind us the fields
set, tents and displays in place, and the signs up… The
place had been transformed… Campers were arriving…
the sounds of vendors wrapping up their day… We were
ready
Pulling in Saturday morning the heavy fog, the sun
just breaking… Setting up the road signs for the early
morning traffic. Not a soul on the road… Sleepy KAARC
volunteers were arriving… setting their areas, hustling
around… Last minute details… Vendors arriving trying
to get a space…
With the sun just at the tree tops… Show cars were
coming up the drive… Wanting to have the bragging
right of being there the first… at first it was a few… then
more… KAARC members all a flutter, trying to adjust to
the day’s challenges ahead…
With the sun burning off the dew. Suddenly it was cars
pouring in from all gates… loud ones, colorful ones,
originals, trailers, vendors, specialty cars, cars and
trucks everywhere… all shapes, conditions and years…
With the day in full progression the visitors streaming
through… Old friends meeting up. Laughter and Joy
filled the air… Little kids pointing at those funny High
wheelers… and someone exclaiming “how can you
balance on a bike so high?!?!” The judging, peoples
Page 6
choice, vendor and cars for sale tents… Looking like
beehives… And the noise… oh my, you couldn’t talk, so
much wonderful noise of people enjoying themselves.
Volunteers waving flags and parking cars… people
filling the isles… wandering around each car. In one
barn and out the other… Standing in awe of the military
equipment… “Have you seen this?” “No, I hadn’t gotten
there yet… But I was over there and saw”…
High noon and the horns went off… 100 plus years of
automotive music filled the air… Then shortly after all
faces turn up… The distinct sound of the biplanes…
“There they are”, I heard a voice announce… Arms
waving and pointing… People coming out from
building and from under shade trees… As they circled
overhead…
Later in the day some highly dangerous vehicles moved
through the crowd… Fortunately the “Red Flag Man”
was there to warn us of their approach… The red flag
parade of highwheelers and bicycles was a great hit.
All the while the KAARC volunteers and the GCM staff did
a fantastic job of making the celebration run smooth…
Out and about the fields were various party tents set
up… New friends being made… Old ones laughing at
how many years they have met there… Several car club
corrals, each sharing their passion for the best model
ever…
Finally the time came to announce the awards… How
do you choose between so many cars?… The quiet staff
of judges and tallying crew had once again proven they
are the best… Like clock work they figured it all out…
Awards given and the Sun now starting to show the age
of the day… The engines fired up. The mass exodus
began and just as crazy as it took to get everyone in…
Like migrating geese they were gone… Volunteers
packing up… Handshakes and ear-to-ear grins…
Shouts being heard across the fields…“Thanks for
coming!!” “We loved it” and “we are planning next year
to tell our friends”…
With the sun turning down for the day… looking across
the fields… The crowds now gone… The Red Barns
Spectacular was a roaring success. The KAARC and the
GCM staff can pat themselves on the back. Knowing
they did one fantastic job, enjoying the day!!!!
RBS Stats;
1,100 cars Est total
750 Peoples Choice – Up 10%
126 Judged – Up 30%
74 Cars for sale – Down 26%
100 KAARC
11 special displays
Vehicles from cities and states (Data still coming in)
20 military vehicles
14 wooden boats - Up
30 campers - Up
200 plus vendors - Up
GCM spectators (Data still coming in)
SELL AND SWAP
For Sale: Two G-78x15 tires with 3" wide white
sidewalls. $30.00 pr. Bob Anderson 269 375-9619
For Sale: 1966 Dodge Charger, 383-4bbl,
Torqueflite, white, black interior, nice driver, needs
some TLC. $8,500.00 John McLellan 269 580-2770
For Sale: Four BFGoodrich 225x70-14 tires 500
miles, $125.00. John Lacko 269 344-5588
For Sale: Ford V8 60 engine and transmission,
$800.00; 1949 Whizzer, Schwinn with heavy duty
wheels, twist grips, chrome belt guard and chrome
exhaust, $3,500.00 Call Mel Taylor 269 673-2578
For Sale: 1948 Buick Super Convertible $20,000;
1983 Imperial, $3,200.00; 1977 Cadillac 2-Seater
Convertible, $13,500. Call Bob Toothman 269 6858434
For Sale: 1953-54 Chevy instrument cluster. Roger
Meekhof 269 268-0356
For Sale: 1969 Mercury Comet, gold exterior,
150-200,000 miles, has been sitting in a barn near
Mattawan since 1992. Call Frank 372-3299
For Sale by Lew Clark:
1967 Chevelle Sport Coupe, 283, PG/
PS/PB, air, restored in 2001, $27,000
1946 Cushman Tep-Thru, 4 HP, never run
1953 Cushman Allstate Step=Thru, 5 HP
1930 Ford Air Compressor w/"B" engine,
Car Caddy, ready to go Speedway Mini-Bike,
new engine, rims and tires, 1929 Chevy mechanical
parts, Cushman parts, Shophand Tools - Align
boring bar, Cylinder boring machine, 8 HP Wheel
Horse. Call Lew at 269 327-5522
For Sale: Cleaning house! The following cars
and parts are for sale.
1940 Chevy 2-door sedan. Owned this one for 41
years. It's a runner and includes a very good used
frame from AZ, Pickup truck full of good used and
NOS parts for this car, 2 extra engines, one good
used removed from running hot rod project, one
rebuilt with all new parts and 3/4 cam, balanced.
The car now has a '52 216 truck engine rebuilt
40.000 miles ago. $8,000.00
1950 Pontiac Silver Streak, 2 door fastback,
black, 6-cylinder, Phil Hissong's old car. Just
purchased last fall and driven about 50 miles, A 46K
Page 7
mile survivor. Talk to me if you are really interested.
1986 Buick Regal Limited, 57K survivor,
excellent condition, air blows cold. I just replaced
$300 worth of O2 sensors. Extra parts and a file box
full of literature.$4500 (reduced from $6,000). Doug
McFarlen 269 345-5667 before 9.
For Sale 1931 Chevy 2 Dr. sedan,many new parts and
lots of spares. Ken Maxam 269 330-5362
For Sale:1981 Lincoln Mark VI, 2 dr. $1,800OBO; 1990
Chevy G20 Van conversion, 200,000+ miles,but runs
good, rusty but trusty. $700.00. Fran VanderRoest 269
382-4573
For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet standard bore block, crank,
rear end and other miscellaneous parts.
Jack Myers 269 344-2624
For Sale: 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS, original, 327,
automatic transmission, air, vinyl, needs restoration.
$5,000. Call Jeff Maile, 269 521-4203
Wanted: Parts for 1930 Model A 4 Door, Mike Wolthuis
269 254-6078
For Sale: 1984 Trans Am, bad motor, bad interior,
good body, $500.00 John Van Lierop, 269 621-4226
For Sale: 1962 Thunderbird, 390, 4 bbl., 9” rear end,
new exhaust, new carpet, runs good, needs brakes,
project car, interior stripped. $1,000, Rich McCracken
269 207-4765
For Sale: 1955 Chevy Bel Air, 4 door 6 cyl., powerglide.Restored, rebuilt engine asking $12000. Jerry
Anderson 269 383 3959
For Sale: 1959 Ford Fairlane 2 dr hardtop,paint,
everything like new, very nice, show car, or drive
$14,500. Call Ray at 377-8582
For Sale: 1953 Chevy passenger car bumpers. (Briz
Bumpers). They are new! $400.00 Call Dave Hayes
(269) 659-4164
Wanted: Model T Ford wire wheels and hubs, also
accessory wire wheels for Model T. Al Rohrstaff 3444571
Wanted: Two Model AA 5-Hole 20" wheels. Will
Pugsley 269 539-0149
Wanted: Information on 1968 Commer 2500
Highwayman van conversion, British made by Rootes
division of Chrysler. I have one looking for a good
home and restoration. John McLellan 269 580-2770
HOMETOWN AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
5317 E. MICHIGAN AVENUE
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49048
269 343-7533
Servicing All Makes & Models
Specializing in Classic Cars
Carl Meisel - Phil Weinreich
Owners/Operators
www.Hometownautomotivellc.com
KALAMAZOO ANTIQUE AUTO RESTORERS CLUB
P.O. BOX 532
OSHTEMO, MICHIGAN 49077
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