NOV - DEC `12 GSMR NEWSLETTER - online

There are two more GSMR events scheduled this
year. The bus tour, November 17th to the NASCAR
Hall of Fame and of course our annual Christmas
Party on December 7th. It is always a huge success
and this year will be no exception.
…
Fall is beginning to fade and winter is definitely in the
air. The colors were beautiful this year.
Saturday, September 29th, we were invited to Tom
Dyers to see his wonderful Packard collection.
Sixteen members, including Junior member Eric
Perry, Mike Perry’s grandson, and 3 guests were in
attendance.
We are fast approaching the time of year to renew
your membership in AACA/GSMR. At our Christmas
party we will be electing and installing new officers.
Kim LaRowe will be our new president and he is
looking for volunteers to serve on the various
committees. If you are interested please contact Kim
at 828-891-8299. Having a role in the planning and
organization of club events can be a fun and
rewarding experience.
Our next event was the Motorama/Autorama held in
downtown Hendersonville on October 13th. We
joined up with the new car dealers this year to
display our classics to coincide with the introduction
of the new model year. Many thanks to Richard
Rhodes for making it possible to merge Autorama
with Motorama this year.
The Great Smoky
Mountains/Little Detroit Chapter picnic was
scheduled for October 27th at Harmon Field in
Tryon. It stacked up to be a memorable event. This
year was the first year we invited the South Carolina
Region to be our guests. These joint club ventures
are becoming very enjoyable and are well-attended
by both Regions. Lots of fun and fellowship. Our
thanks to Paul Ianuario and Hennie and Yvonne
Jacobs for helping make this event a success.
As the year gets closer towards its end, we look
forward to the change in the seasons. Autumn has
its own beauty with the changing of the leaves, and
Jeanne and I sometimes crank up the classic and
take a spin along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in
the spectacle of it all before the snow starts to fly.
After all, isn’t this why we’re here in the mountains—
to enjoy “just another day in paradise”? As we
approach the holiday season, Jeanne and I would
like to wish all of you and your families a happy, safe
and wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Year holiday.
Happy Motoring
Ray
Loose Nut at Computer / Sad News / Trivia / Get Well
2
Packard Collection
3
Packard Collection cont. / Rumbling Bald Car Show
4
Autorama/Motorama
5
Autorama/Motorama cont’d
6
Feature Car
7
Birthdays / Anniversaries / Membership News
8
A Word from Our Sponsors… / Auto Trivia Answers
9
Calendar of Events / For Sale / R%D Finishing Tour
10
R&D Finishing Tour cont’d / Renewals
11
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Reserve on your calendar, December 7, 2012 for this
year'
s Christmas Party at The Cedars in
Hendersonville. This is our end-of-year celebration
for both Little Detroit Chapter and Great Smoky
Mountain Region. The event will be as festive as
ever with a great dinner, social time and
entertainment. A sign up sheet will be available in
the November/December newsletter and online in
November.
I hope you will make our Christmas Party a major
event to attend for the season.
Ann Graves
THE HIGH BEAM
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS REGION AACA
President—Ray Robertson 828-683-7701
V.P.– Kim LaRowe
Secretary—Kathie Nowakowski
Treasurer—Paula LaRowe
Little Detroit Chapter President: Floyd Sauvé
Executive Board Members:
Mike Gill
Steve Nordt Dale Beardsley
Autorama: Kim LaRowe
Asst: TBA
Club Equipment: Hulon McCraw, Trailer—Chip Boyd, AV–
Budd Benner, Apparel
Club Activities: Pat Holland—GSMR, Alvin Perry, Asst. /
Gary Barnett—LDC / Special Events Div. Tour—Budd
Benner
Meeting Chair: Ray Robertson, Picnic - Karen
Beardsley, Christmas Party—Ann Graves, Lynn Nordt,
Asst.
Membership-Dick Jones
GSMR Event Notices—Steve Nordt
Car Show Schedules—Lou Ganser
Newsletter Distribution-Larry Brady
Web Master-Mike Gill
Email at: mjgill@4thepackers.com
Editor-Dawn Dreibus
1127 Drucilla Church Road
Nebo, NC 28761
828-659-1428
Email at: moepar@frontier.com
All material for publication should be submitted to the Editor
either in person, by regular mail or by email for the next issue
by the 25th of each odd month (Jan., Mar., May, Jul., Sep.,
and Nov.).
Officers & Directors Meeting quarterly on February 1, May 2,
August 1, and October 31, 6 PM, at Binions in
Hendersonville, NC. For more info contact Ray Robertson.
The High Beam is the official bimonthly publication of the
Great Smoky Mountains Region of the Antique Automobile
Club of America. Our purpose is to serve as a source of
information for all members and supporters of the Region, to
heighten interest in the preservation of antique vehicles, and
to enjoy the fellowship of those with whom the one common
thread of love for antique automobiles binds us. For more
information on membership and the AACA, please contact
any club officer.
LOOSE NUT AT THE COMPUTER
As we head into winter, please don’t
forget that there are still opportunities
to get involved with club activities.
Don’t forget that the ice cream socials in
Rutherfordton and Columbus continue, and that
both GSMR and LDC hold Donut Derelicts
breakfast get-togethers every Saturday morning,
weather permitting. There is also the Bus Tour to
the NASCAR Museum and Concord Mall on
November 17. And there is the Christmas Party at
The Cedars in Hendersonville in December.
I wish everyone a great holiday season and a
fantastic new year—and I hope to see all of you at
an upcoming event!
Dawn Dreibus
Editor
SAD NEWS
Long-time GSMR member Paul Macomber
passed away at the age of 90 on Oct. 19.
Please keep Mae
Macomber and
family in your
prayers.
Tim
Hudson’s
father
passed
away in October.
Please remember
Tim and family in
Paul Macomber, at club
your prayers.
picnic in 2006
Mary Ruth Bennett
Tim Hudson
A. Which automotive manufacturer was the first to set up a finance company to provide retail financing for its
vehicles?
B. Which automotive manufacturer offered the first large-scale layaway plan for buying cars?
C. What was the average selling price of a new car in 1929?
D. What was the average selling price of a new car in 1985?
E. What is the average selling price of a new car in 2012?
Answers on page 9
PACKARD COLLECTION
Saturday September 29, 2012 GSMR
hosted a tour to Tom Dyer’s Packard
collection, literature and memorabilia.
Neither the overcast, cloudy,
sometimes-drizzly weather could deter
GSMR members and guests from
enjoying some unique and beautiful
vehicles today.
Tom has restored and collected over 40
Packards during his life. Now in his later
years, Tom has been liquidating some
of his inventory. However, he says he
will never be without a Packard in his garage. Tom
does most of the restoration work himself. The
painting he hires-out to the shops with the
equipment to ensure a great paint job—like the one
on his most recent completed restoration of a 1958
Packard Hawk. The Hawk was one of the last
production models of the Packard era. This vehicle
with its unique factory options package is one of
only four painted black. Total production of the
Hawk was less than 160 in 1958. Also in Tom’s
collection is a 1941 Packard Limousine; you may
remember he showed it at our last Autorama. Also
in his stable is an Amphicar which caught the
attention of our youth member, Eric Perry, who
accompanied his granddad Mike Perry on the tour.
Tom has a 1955 Caribbean hardtop and is
presently working on a 1956 Caribbean convertible.
I asked Tom what his next project was going to be
and he stated very emphatically the convertible
was his last. At 81 years young I can fully
understand his emphasis. The newest acquisition
to Tom’s collection is the Packard Patrician that
was brought back to life after a serious rear-end
(Continued on page 4)
(Continued
from page 3)
collision. What was a four-door Patrician now
stands proudly as a Packard Pickup resembling a
“flower car”. Tom purchased the vehicle this year at
the July 4th event at the Ag. Center. Although
Packard only built one Packard Pickup, a 1951 for
the CEO of Packard who requested that
engineering and production build him a Pickup with
car ride quality. This vehicle showed up in Hershey
about four years ago along with all the factory
documentation to support its authenticity. I
mentioned earlier that Tom has and continues to
sell some of his collection. He has for sale now a
Jaguar; I wish I could remember the year but my
mind fails me here, though it is a newer one.
After spending a couple hours in Tom’s shop
reminiscing over his memorabilia and literature,
seventeen GSMR members including Eric Perry
and three guests, Tom Dyer plus Warren and
Deborah Neill of the Blue Ridge Packard Club,
motored down to Saluda, NC. There Green River
BBQ was waiting anxiously to serve us some of the
finest BBQ in south. They didn’t disappoint anyone.
It was great to have our sponsor, Bill Merrill of
Merrill Paint and Decorating, join us on the tour. Bill
actually introduced me to Tom two years ago. Mike
Perry and myself had the opportunity to visit Tom’s
collection last spring but it has taken this long for
our scheduling to work out for the club to enjoy—
and enjoy they DID!
Hulon McCraw
RUMBLING BALD CAR SHOW
Vintage Tin'
s Rumbling Bald was another hit,
boasting cars from eight states. The oldest car
was a 1910 Franklin. A nice array of GSMR and
LDC cars were also on display.
Gary Barnett
Pictures by Craig Holbrook
AUTORAMA/MOTORAMA
This year’s Autorama/Motorama
was held Saturday, October 13th,
in downtown Hendersonville N.C.,
combining local new car dealers
and GSMR displaying new and
classic cars on Main Street. This
year we merged back with
Richard Rhodes and Motorama,
our club filled the two city blocks
we were assigned. Our sister
club HACC filled the last two
blocks on South Main Street. This
event was well-advertised and
accounted for the large crowds
inspecting new autos and antique
cars. Weather was cool in the
morning but the hot coffee and
donuts supplied by our good
friends Steve and Faye Gray (who
now reside in Utah) was a great
treat.
Brian Johnson of Blue Ridge Community
College set up a booth in front of the old Court
House promoting their alternative Fuels and
Automotive Technology programs.
Brian
discussed educational opportunities to several
interested people. GSMR needs to continue to
support BRCC.
Mark Ray, owner of Dad’s Cats Hobby Shop
arranged to have Ken Sterne show his 1971
Mercedes Benz 280 SE convertible and
Grady Wilson brought his 1966 Ford GT-40
MK-2 which was the same type of car which
won the 1966 24 Hours Lemans Race in
France. Allen & Joan Groome joined five
other members of the Early Ford V-8 Club of
Greenville, SC to attend our show. I appreciate all
the help from our club members setting up tables
and tent, parking cars and handling administrative
duties, making our 14 annual Autorama a success.
Special Thanks to Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts,
Napa Auto Parts, Ward’s Auto, O’Reilly’s Auto
Parts, Carquest Auto Parts, Kilwinn’s and Marble
Slab that donated products and coupons for door
prizes.
Kim LaRowe
Photos by Mike Gill
Photos continue on pg. 6
Photos continued from pg. 5
Clockwise from top: Mike Gill with friends; Cars
along Main Street, Hendersonville; Club
members getting some lunch.
I am the owner of a 1974 Chevrolet Nova. I purchased this
car from LDC member Janet Sauvé. I was doing yard
work for Floyd Sauvé, the president of our local LDC
Chapter of AACA, when I asked him what they planned to
do with the car. I had always wanted the car and eyeballed
it every time I went to visit my girlfriend, Caroline Sauvé,
who just happened to be Floyd and Janet’s daughter. Floyd told me that they would probably sell the car; a
little later I asked how much he wanted for it. That Christmas my parents bought it for me. I am the second
owner of the car. Janet’s parents bought it new for her when she was in college. The car had been sitting for
some time when I got it and it had lots of rust, which I am currently working on disposing of. Floyd told me it
would be a long process to restore the car and at the time I didn’t have any clue how right he was. When I first
got the car my goal was to drop in a 350 small block Chevy and drive it. That was quickly thrown aside and I
decided I wanted to do it right the first time. So at this time the car has no drive train in it, no frame under it, and
no interior inside it. All this hopefully will soon be replaced with new or restored parts. The frame has been
cleaned, wire brushed, and painted. All control arm bushings have been replaced and will soon go back on the
frame. The engine is at a precision engine building shop. There was rust on the quarter panels but I cut out the
rust and welded in new sheet metal. The panels are now awaiting finish body work that will be done when it’s
time for paint. I am replacing the bench seats with buckets and reusing the transmission and rear-end. I have
bought a drum-to-disc conversion kit for the front brakes and will be switching to power-assisted brakes. I will
be replacing all window and door seals and adding a complete new fuel system. I have ordered thousands of
dollars worth of parts that are still sitting in boxes waiting to be used. My ‘74 nova is a very expensive project
but is on a tight budget. The car is being built as a driver and is not going to be an all-original show car. It will
be driven at least once a week but probably a lot more often than that. The car has a long way to go but I will
hopefully get it done in the near future, I just have to buckle-down on it. I really love my Nova and I thank Janet
so much for selling it to me.
Jared Edwards
Editor’s note: Jared is a student member of LDC and has been very active in the club. Its really great seeing a
young member with this much enthusiasm and willingness to be involved—and all it took was an interest in the
car and for Floyd and Janet Sauvé to bring Jared to a meeting!
NOVEMBER
Barbara Andrews
Cheryl Cary
Donna Kelly
Linn Springer
Gene Carlson
Terry Hatley
Grady Hawkins
Grover Keough
Jimmy McCarson
Brian Zumstein
DECEMBER
Angela Jackson
Marian Huck
Suzanne Orsillo
Kathryn Wilson
Tom Furey
Jerry Morrow
George Sermersheim
David Watson
NOVEMBER
Cathy Calton
Ann Crandall
Dolorez Keough
Gary Barnett
Bob Delwiche
Bob Huck
John Joen
Eli Lanter
Claude Taylor
Dawn Dreibus
Beverly & Dale Benjamin
Liz & Barry Brigham
Cathy & Carson Calton
Joan & Frank Costerisan
Bulah & Gerald Lavender
Ernestine & Sten Lundgren
Patty & Calvin Shook
Pat & Jimmy McCarson
Jackie & Don Wilson
Johnnie & Keith Wood
DECEMBER
Joyce Noble
Lynn Nordt
Barbara Smith
Neil Flavin
Paul Mcomber
Floyd Sauve
Brian St Clair
Jan Neal & Jesse Atchley
Georgia & Bill Burson
Betty & Bob Delwiche
Faye & Steve Gray
Linda & Hulon McCraw
Elaine & Bill Merrell
Fran & Lee Padgett
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From page 2
A. Willys-Overland in 1915
B. Ford in 1923. One could lay away $5 a week to a
dealer, then pick up the vehicle when paid for.
C. $700
D. $11,500
E. Approximately $30,000
How many did you get?
OLDER MOTORS
THE BIKERS EMPORIUM
SALES, SERVICE, PARTS for and RESTORATION of OLDER VEHICLES
and VINTAGE HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
Steven T. Wilson, Owner
4351Chimney Rock Road, Edneyville, NC28727
Phone (828)685-2210 Fax (828)685-2221
Email: oldermotors@att.net or steve45hd@yahoo.com
Web: www.oldermotors.com
!!!
“DONUT DERELICTS” - EVERY SATURDAY FROM 7:30—9 AM, WEATHER PERMITTING, AT THE ETOWAH INGLES ON HWY 64.
JUST A BUNCH OF OLD CAR NUTS KICKIN’ TIRES, TELLING TALL CAR TALES & GETTING THEIR DAILY HIGH-OCTANE CAFFEINE
FIX. FOR MORE INFO CALL MIKE PERRY AT 828-891-4676.
“DONUT DERELICTS SOUTH” - EVERY SATURDAY FROM 7:30—9 AM, AT SMITH DRUGS FOR BREAKFAST, MAIN & POWELL
STREETS, FOREST CITY. EVEN MORE TALL CAR TALES AND TIRE KICKIN’ FROM A BUNCH OF WILD AND CRAZY GUYS AND
GALS. FOR MORE INFO CALL GARY BARNETT AT 828-248-1510
NOVEMBER
1—4—Hilton Head Show, Hilton Head, SC. Contact Grady Hawkins, 828-693-7057
1—LDC ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 6:30, Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream, Rutherfordton NOTE CHANGE BACK TO REGULAR
DATE & LOCATION
13—GSMR ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 6:30, Scoop’s Ice Cream, Columbus
17—NASCAR MUSEUM & CONCORD MALL LDC/GSMR BUS TOUR, CHARLOTTE. Contact Ernie Dustman, 828-288-2967
s on Main, 303 N. Main St., Hendersonville.
20 - GSMR MEETING 6PM. Mike'
29—LDC MEETING, 6:30 PM, Rollins, Forest City. Bring one unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. 2013 LDC officer
elections. After the meeting, we will cruise to Main Street, Forest City, to enjoy the Christmas Lights.
DECEMBER
6—LDC ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 6:30, Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream, Rutherfordton
7—GSMR/LDC CHRISTMAS PARTY, The Cedars, Hendersonville
13—GSMR ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 6:30, Scoop’s Ice Cream, Columbus
FEBRUARY 2013
6—9—AACA Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
21—23—AACA Winter Meet, Lakeland, FL
1959 TRIUMPH TR-3 ROADSTER, asking $17,000. 1934 DODGE COUPE, asking $13,000. These cars were
part of Paul Macomber’s collection. Dale Benjamin, 828-877-3987
Selling stuff? Looking for stuff? Tell the editor and your ad will run for one issue unless renewed before the
next deadline. Submission information on page 2.
R&D FINISHING TOUR
The August 25th day tour across the mountain into Elizabethton,
TN started with a cloudy overcast and fog but as the day
progressed the weather improved. Our trip was at the invitation
of Rick Smith of R&D Finishing. Rick, his wife Debbie, and
Jessie and Cody their twin sons own and operate the family
business, R&D Finishing in Elizabethton, TN. Their
sponsorship helps us maintain a quality, award-winning
newsletter for club members to enjoy. It’s evident Rick and his
family enjoy their association with GSMR by inviting the club
to tour his plating facilities. Rick also scheduled a tour of TriCity Plating for us while in the area. Tri-City Plating is well
known for quality bumper repair and plating while R&D
Finishing specializes in plating small pieces, pot metal and gold
plating.
At our first stop at Tri-City Plating everyone was awed by the
number of used bumpers stored behind the shop.
Approximately four acres of piles of used bumpers in various
conditions are on hand so if you need one there’s a good chance
they have it. From the repair shop to the final plating, rinse and
packaging for shipment, it was evident the level of pride each
employee took in their craftsmanship.
Separated by only a couple of miles, we were off to R&D
Finishing located in an old historic textile mill. Debbie met us
there and began the tour by sharing how she checked/logged in
(Continued on page 11)
(Continued from page 10)
all pieces received. After a nice walk through the grounds, it
was off to the finishing rooms where Jessie and Cody
demonstrated their techniques fo bringing out the bright luster
of a plated part. They made it look so easy but as you might
expect they had their share of questions from our members.
Engaging these young men in conversation was very
informative and encouraging. Too often we hear
that young people are not interested in the antique
car hobby. Jessie and Cody are proof that statement
is flawed. They appreciated our interest and
involving them with our questions.
Rick, being the gracious host he is, had lunch
planned for us at the Ole Barn Restaurant owned
and operated by Wayne Ayers and Sons, hobbyist
and AACA members also. Like all good men, Rick
left Debbie stuck with paying the bill. Thanks
Debbie.
After a terrific family-style lunch we needed an
excuse to walk off some of the calories. The owner
of the restaurant obliged by inviting us to view his
and his and son’s collection. Housed a short walk behind the
restaurant were about ten beautifully restored Buick Rivieras,
two Olds 442 W31s and a W32 as well as a Chevy pickup.
Capping-off a wonderful day tour for all attending members
was the beautiful drive back across the mountain into
Asheville.
Hulon McCraw
Left: Rick explaining the plating
process to club
members on the
tour.
2013 Membership Renewal
It’s that time of year again – to think about renewing your AACA and GSMR dues, that is! Please
complete the renewal form below and return it, with your check, by year’s end. For your convenience, this
form can be used to pay both dues. (You will also receive a renewal reminder for your AACA dues in the
next edition of Antique Automobile. If you pay those dues directly, or through another Region, to AACA,
please don’t pay them twice!)
DUES ARE PAYABLE JANUARY 1, 2013, AND IF NOT RECEIVED PROMPTLY WILL RESULT IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP
BEING TERMINATED, AND YOUR HIGH BEAMS AND ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINES BEING CUT OFF!
ACT NOW, AND KEEP YOUR MEMBERSHIPS CURRENT!
2013 AACA and Great Smoky Mountains Region Dues Renewal
Name(s) ______________________________________ AACA Memb. No._________________
Address _______________________________________ Phone No.______________________
City/State/Zip ___________________________________ E-mail _________________________
DUES:
AACA*
GSMR
Total
Member
$35.00*
14.00
$49.00
Student
$12.00
Free
$12.00
Junior
$10.00
Free
$10.00
Mail check, payable to GSMR, to:
Dick Jones
245 Sweetgum Trail
Hendersonville, NC 28739
* NOTE: IF THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PAYMENT, PLEASE CHECK HERE TO CONFIRM THAT YOUR
AACA DUES ARE PAID DIRECTLY TO AACA OR TO ANOTHER REGION OR CHAPTER. FOR INSURANCE REASONS,
ALL REGION/CHAPTER MEMBERS MUST ALSO BE AACA MEMBERS.
SEPTEMBER 18— 6:00 PM
GSMR MEETING
Mike’s on Main
303 N. Main Street
Hendersonville
SEPTEMBER — 6:30 PM
LDC MEETING
Rollins Cafeteria
Forest City
OCTOBER 27—10 AM TIL ?
GSMR/LDC PICNIC
Harmon Field
Tryon, NC
Bring a side dish (salad, dessert, etc.)
Club will provide BBQ
Bring your folding chairs, too!
Lunch starts at noon.