Rustbusters Gazette

RUSTBUSTERS GAZETTE
Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association
August 2010
PRESIDENT’S NOTE By Don Hartzell
Our August 7 meeting at Ropkey’s definitely created an excitement among those in attendance as we went over
the last preparations for our rally to be held there September 17-19. We have been talking about it and planning it for
months, but being on the grounds and visualizing all the events and activities that will take place there served only to
heighten the anticipation. The area is beautiful and spacious, the museum is one of the best of its kind anywhere, and our
hosts are especially excited to have us there. What more could we ask?
The rally planning committee and your IMVPA officers are hoping that we have a huge turnout of the
membership for the rally. The support of the public is important, but your support is even more vital. This is our chance
to show our enthusiasm for our hobby and ultimately what it stands for: to honor those who have served and who operated
these military vehicles in the service of their country.
We hope to see you all there. And, as I have said before, have fun and keep those MVs rollin’!
INDIANA MVPA OFFICERS - 2010
PRESIDENT:
Don Hartzell
765-643-7059 /
tractorman7@hotmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT/
Mike Lusty
PRESIDENT-ELECT 765-664-3380 /
mlusty@indy.rr.com
SECRETARY:
Lani Ropkey
765-794-0238 /
ropkey@hughes.net
TREASURER:
Deb Rood-Woodward
317-758-4215 /
lil.deb@hotmail.com
NEWSLETTER TEAM: Mike Lusty & Lani Ropkey
WEBMASTER:
Mike Lusty
NEXT MEETING: 18 September 2010 – 10 AM,
ROPKEY ARMOR MUSEUM, 5649 E. 150 North,
CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN
Minutes from last meeting – AUGUST 7, 2010
The August 7, 2010 meeting of the Indiana MVPA was called to order at 10:25 a.m. by President Don Hartzell. There
were 19 people in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Don asked for the minutes from the last meeting to
be read but Lani said that they were in the last newsletter so that action was suspended. Deb gave the Treasurer’s report.
Because we had some new people attending our meeting for the first time everyone introduced themselves. Steve Shaw
was a member a long time ago and has rejoined the chapter. John Taylor introduced himself. He is a volunteer at
Ropkeys.
Ted generously offered to bring a PA system next time so that those in attendance can hear better whenever the meetings
are held in Crawfordsville.
OLD BUSINESS
Larry Dorsey turned in a bill for advertising for the rally. Sam reported that when he called the people on his “call list” he
only spoke to 2 people; he left messages for everyone else.
Ted had some questions concerning our membership cards. Deb indicated that she would reissue cards to those who
needed a new card.
Don reported that he attended the Mid Ohio Vehicle Rally in Marengo, OH. He said he had a great time. Scott asked
about how it compared to the show in Findlay. Don replied that it was actually a better venue and very well organized
although it was smaller. He also said it was about 3 hours travel time each way. Ted asked if there had been any vendor
issues and Don said no, there was plenty of room for everyone. Don also reported that several of the vendors mentioned
that they really wanted to come to our rally in Sept. but couldn’t due to another event being held in PA.
NEW BUSINESS
Tom Stolz mentioned the auction in Iola, WI on August 13/14/15. He was up there a couple of weeks ago and met Chet
Krause. Fred reported that he has heard that people are coming from all over Europe and the US to attend this auction.
Mr. Krause is reported to have spent over $300,000.00 on the restoration of a GPA, amphibious jeep.
Don reported that a jeep belonging to Kent Frost was purchased by an east coast collector for $25,000.00.
Lani reported that she and Fred had been approached by a motorcycle group having a fund raising ride for a friend who
has been diagnosed with cancer. They want to stop at the Ropkey’s Museum on the Saturday of the rally and she asked if
the club would waive admission for the group. They are the Warthogs Motorcycle Club of Boone County and the
members are all firefighters and law enforcement people. They are part of a motorcycle club that is as big as Hells
Angels, just on the other side. They are having a benefit ride for one of their own, Mike Gideon, who was diagnosed with
esophagus cancer in July. His insurance will not cover his chemo treatments. There will be at least 100 motorcycles,
weather permitting. The club unanimously agreed to waive admission for the group.
Ted wanted to discuss insurance for the rally. It was decided that Don and Lani would call the MVPA in St. Louis and
each would request a Certificate of Insurance from the club for the rally. Lani indicated that she had received a Certificate
of Insurance from the Henry Co. Wright Flyers RC Club for the rally.
Lani mentioned that the HCWF RC Club is having their fly-in on Sept. 3-5. It was agreed that we would all try to attend
their event if possible. She also said that a group of them would be coming to the farm on Aug. 14 for a site check as well
as to fly a few of their planes.
Tom Stolz asked for more copies of the fliers and Lani said she would make copies and send them to him.
Ted warned of a lady who was at the last rally at Joe’s who stole things off of other people’s tables. She and her husband
drive a Dodge pickup truck and haul a white trailer. No one could remember her/their names but we need to be vigilant
about stealing.
Three Port-o-Pots are being delivered for the rally. Clarence Moore is in charge of that portion of the rally. Larry is
bringing out large trash containers and Sam suggested that we (Fred & Lani) order an extra trash pickup for our dumpster
after the rally.
Steve Shaw announced that Jerry Getz’s 1942 Dodge Truck is for sale. Jerry is an old member who recently passed away
and his niece is selling it.
The meeting inside adjourned at 11:05 and the group went outside to further discuss rally plans. After that we had a lunch
with delicious barbeque provided by various members along with other goodies.
The raffle drawing for $50.00 took place and Paul Frame of Martinsville was the winner.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lani Ropkey
WELCOME returning IMVPA MEMBER: Steve Shaw, Lebanon, IN.
Visit www.indianamvpa.com for more club updates, events, ads, and the latest news.
Guide to 2010 Indiana MVPA
Rally and Swap Meet
Dates: Friday, 17 September-Sunday, 19 September
Hours: 9AM-5PM Fri & Sat, 9AM-2PM Sun.
Entry: $5/Day, $10/Weekend. Free: Current
Military with ID; VN Reunion with wristband;
Military Vehicles and drivers.
Lodging:
Holiday Inn Express, Crawfordsville (765-3234575), mention the Rally to get special rates. If the
HIE is full, the Quality Inn (765-362-8700) has
agreed to provide rooms at a special rate as well.
Limited Primitive Camp Sites available.
Facilities
Local food vendor will be on site.
Activities: (check website for updates)
Ropkey Armor Museum Access - Daily.
Muncie-based Henry County Wright Flyers will be
flying their Warbirds from the airstrip.
Amphibious Vehicle Swims. Featuring a WWII
German Swimmwagen (actual times pending).
GPAs and other amphib vehicles welcome (check
with the Ropkey museum to make sure they can
accommodate).
Jeep Trail Runs and Local Jeep Routes – Daily.
Both, on site trails and roads within the local
community, will be open for use.
Swap Meet – Daily. Parts & Militaria. Free vendor
sites available. Bring your spare items down to
trade or sell.
Historic Military Vehicle Displays – Daily. Besides
the museum displays, attendees with military
vehicles are invited to display them. There is no
formal vehicle judging planned for this year.
Technical Advice & Camaraderie – Daily. Come
meet your fellow enthusiasts for the hobby. Get
advice from others who have been there and done
that project. Hang out with the cool kids with the
cool toys.
For more information watch our website or contact
Fred and Lani Ropkey or Larry Dorsey.
What is it?
No one was able to identify the tool shown in the last issue. It is a puller for the M37 front axle oil seal.
Trivia Question
The answer to the last issue’s question: The 3/4 diameter red circle was discontinued by TB 9-265 in 1959.
Tech Tip: tighten up those mirrors
From PS Magazine, Issue 3, 1951 Series.
SPRING
MPVA News by Mike Lusty
New judging guidelines adopted by the MVPA were announced this year. Beginning at the 2010 International
Convention in Topeka, Kansas, new vehicle judging subclasses and standards went into effect that will primarily apply to
the Restored and Master Class events. Mr. Tom Wolboldt, MVPA Judging Chairman, has developed the new guidelines
in an effort to impart a consistent standard to the international judging process and to produce a more fair result for the
participants. Previously, if only one CCKW truck displayed at an event, it automatically won within its category. Now
the vehicle will have to meet a specific standard to gain points in order to win a category. This means, if a truck shows at
an event that is not up to a minimum of standards, it won’t advance in its category just because it was the only vehicle of
its kind entered at that event.
The application of the new standards will help strengthen MVPA’s international recognition of all military vehicles by
implementing judging categories applicable to US as well as non-US vehicles often encountered at shows worldwide.
Additionally, Mr. Wolboldt is developing a new evaluation checklist to account for trailers and their characteristics rather
than judging them using the same criteria as a powered vehicle.
The standardization will establish set subcategories that would often vary from event to event. Most Restored and Master
Class vehicles will now be judged primarily within their vehicle series group or original SNL designation. For example
the ¾ ton M series (M37, V41, M42, M43, M56, etc.) trucks are all in the same G741 SNL group regardless of period or
era represented; a Korean Conflict era truck will be in the same subcategory as a Vietnam era truck and so on and all will
be judged using the same standard. Motor Pool Class vehicles will remain to be largely era-orientated in their categories.
Another noteworthy change here addresses the era of the representation. All vehicles must be correct for the era
portrayed. Any variations must be verified by the owner before it can be judged. A vehicle from WWII could be
accepted as a Korean Conflict representation if it was in service in that configuration during the Korean Conflict and can
be substantiated. So, unless you can document or verify its existence in military service, don’t mount that flame thrower
on that quarter ton’s pedestal mount just because it looks cool on display.
The process begins with the first stage of judging or the operating segment done by the hosting club or organization. The
vehicle must earn at least a 70% score in the operating segment of judging prior to being eligible for the second stage or
international (MVPA level) judging. Additionally, to win Master Class, a 96.5% minimum score must now be achieved
to move from the Restored Class to the Master Class. Previously, a vehicle must have won a 1st place in the Restored
Class to be eligible for the Master Class and those wins will still be recognized if awarded prior to January 2010.
The April/May 2010 issue of Supply Line has more information and updated judging checklists are due out soon.
Club News (Keep current at www.indianamvpa.com)
Roger and Deb Woodward have been quite busy with the hobby lately.
If you didn’t catch it in the IndyStar, Roger and Deb took their jeep out on Memorial Day and visited several area senior
communities to show their jeep with veterans from WWII and the Korean Conflict. You can see more at
“www.alliancehomehealthcare.net/blog1” or visit our website for a link to the YouTube video.
And they recently acquired a 1945 Ben Hur 1-ton trailer. It is shown here by itself and behind their 1945 Chevy 1 ½-ton
truck. Their motorpool keeps growing.
The scuttlebutt has it that Scott Ward has started work on his 1951 M37. Scott has had this truck for about 6 years and
pushed it to the back corner to work on his other projects. Recently he mentioned he pulled it out of the corner, began to
clean it up some with the help of his wife Marsha, and inventoried parts in preparation for the restoration. Good luck.
Congratulations go to Paul Frame, the winner of the $50 door prize drawing at the 7 August meeting.
The Muncie-based Henry County Wright Flyers R/C Aircraft Club is hosting their annual Indiana Warbird
Campaign 3-5 September. The Indiana MVPA has been invited to participate with a vehicle display at the event. If you
would like to help support them, please contact Dennis Crooks at 765-739-6842 or dcrooks @ dishmail.net for details.
Our website has the links to get you to their event site. Their aircraft are fantastic to watch and they will be participating
at our September Rally and Swap Meet. Please come out, enjoy the show, and support them.
For Sale / Wanted (Also posted at www.indianamvpa.com)
For Sale: Submit your ads by sending to Mike Lusty via email or the website “Contact Us” page.
1. WWII era Willys and Ford Jeep parts. About 50 different parts including fuel pump, oil pump, hand rails, Ford
pistons, Ford bolts, and many more - too many to list here. Some F marked, some not. All usable and original stock.
Worth $2700 in value, $2000 for all. Call for complete list.
2. Bendix Aircraft Radio Set. 1942 dated, marked with US Navy and RAF markings. Complete set-includes
transmitter, receiver, shock mounts, cabling, and antenna assembly. Inner workings in clean condition, outside could use
some work from handling and storage. $400.
3. U.S.S. Hornet Kapok Life Preserver. Very rare item; marked U.S.S. Hornet and has the original 1942 dated label.
This vest was on board the Hornet during the Doolittle Raid and used when the ship sank in 1942. Brought home by the
sailor. Sought after by the USS Hornet Museum and by the USAF Museum for their displays. Call for more information.
4. Norden Bombsight. US Navy marked, complete in original wooden case. Logbook intact, excellent condition. $1500
5. Autographs from WWII Air Aces. American, British, and German combat fighter Aces’ autographs. Call for
selection.
Contact Larry Wells - 219.996.5607
1958 M56 Contact Maintenance Truck. Complete with heavy duty 3/4 ton chassis & box, good NDT tires, winch &
cable, and generator/arc welder set up. VN era OD paint scheme with Signal Depot (39th SIG BN) markings. 3000
miles, good title, will meet requirements for IN BMV permanent Military Vehicle registration. Will include ¾” drive
socket set and a case of oil. $9000 - Located in Indianapolis,
Contact Jeff Niese - 317.244.3630 after 6PM.
1954 M38A1 Jeep. Very good body tub, with little rust on rockers and tool box floor. Mostly complete except for seat
frames, tool box lid, one 16in wheel, generator, regulator, and battery lid. Most of the straps, reflectors, some extra gauges
and lights are included. Has windshield for a "C" series recoilless rifle jeep. Engine stuck. Came from Crane Naval
Base in mid-70s; stored inside since 1977. Illinois title. $2000 – Located in Mt Carmel, IL.
Contact Ed Jamison - 618.262.6443 or 262.5472
Wanted:
1965-1982 M35A2. Looking for basic diesel deuce, good running condition, without troop seats and without cargo cover.
Prefer less than 50K miles, for Waterloo, IN area. Contact Dave Gagnon – davgagnon@hotmail.com.
Articles for the Rustbusters Gazette! Send in your articles, tech tips, bios, information about your vehicle, or anything
you would like to share with us by sending it to Mike Lusty via email. Photos are welcome!
Upcoming Events (Watch for updates on www.indianamvpa.com)
August 20-21, 2010
Shiloh, OH
8128 Planktown N. Road.
2nd Annual Shiloh Summer Rally & Military Vehicle Show
Free admission, free parking, 8AM-5PM both days.
Muncie, IN
2010 Indiana Warbird Campaign (RC)
September 3-5, 2010
Henry County Wright Flyers. Contact Gary Bussell at 765-288-3541. Military vehicles requested to participate in display.
September 11, 2010
Sunbury, OH
Mercy & Grace on Wheels Gospel Car Show & Christian
Motorcycle Rally, Honoring the Military
A D Farrow Harley Davidson. Contact Frances Wright at 614-269-8567, mercygraceonwheels@yahoo.com.
September 11-12, 2010
Vincennes, IN
Indiana Military Museum. Contact Jim Osborne at 812-882-8668.
3rd Annual Living History Event
September 17-19, 2010
Crawfordsville, IN
Indiana MVPA Rally and Swap Meet
Ropkey’s Armor Museum. Contact Fred & Lani Ropkey; 765-794-0238, info@ropkeyarmormuseum.com
September 17-19, 2010
Kokomo/Greentown, IN
28th Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion
Reunion attendees are welcome to the Indiana MVPA Rally, free Rally admission with Reunion wrist band.
October 15-16, 2010
Holland, OH
Holland Gardens, 6530 Angola Rd.
Great Lakes Military Collectors Show
Friday 5PM-8PM; Saturday 8AM-2PM
October 15-16, 2010
Chattanooga, TN
Tri-State Military Vehicle Club Swap Meet
Camp Jordan, off I-75. Contact Buddy Mumpower at 432-894-4897, budro1885@yahoo.com. Friday 8AM-dark; Saturday 8AM-5PM.
Indiana Military Vehicle Registration Update
Are you still trying to register or have you thought of registering your Historic Military Vehicle under Indiana Code IC 918-14 (AKA Chapter 14)? This latest information comes from Adrian Minniear, Supervisor of Plating and Registrations,
Indiana BMV, courtesy of Roy Mullis who recently went through the process and passes this on for others. Below is an
extract of information he received from IN BMV HQ on the process:
“We do offer a Permanent Antique Military Registration according to IC 9-18-14 for these types of vehicles. Please see
appropriate steps below and let me know if you have any further questions, I would be happy to help.
1.) Obtain antique police inspection on the vehicle by contacting State Police and requesting inspection. Form to be
completed is the State Form 37935.
2.) Take 3 pictures of vehicle, each showing government issued military numbers.
3.) Submit completed SF 37935, 3 pictures and title to local license branch.
4.) Register vehicle as Antique, excise and sur tax will be due (registration fee is waived). You will then receive antique
plate, to be kept in vehicle, at the branch or through the mail depending on branch’s inventory.
5.) Branch personnel will mail all appropriate information to Central Office.
6.) Central Office personnel will complete permanent registration and mail to address on customer’s file.
The antique plate needs to be kept in vehicle along with the registration proving all appropriate fees have been paid. No
need to attach anything to the exterior of vehicle as government issued military numbers will suffice.”
For more background information on this registration process, see the Rustbusters Gazette issue from December 2008.
Thanks Roy for passing this on.
Visit www.indianamvpa.com for more club updates, events, ads, and the latest news.
NEXT MEETING: 18 Sep 2010 – 10:00 AM, ROPKEY ARMOR MUSEUM, 5649 E. 150 North, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN
INDIANA MILITARY VEHICLE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
NAME
PHONE (
ADDRESS
EMAIL
CITY
STATE
TODAY’S DATE
Dues per year: Free for 2010.
YOUR MILITARY VEHICLES
NEW / RENEWAL
(circle one)
)
ZIP
MPVA MEMBER?
, MVPA #
2011 Indiana MVPA dues: Single $10, Family $12.
(Military Vehicle not required to belong.)
1.
3.
2.
4.
Benefits:
Access to information on Indiana Military Shows and events.
Connect with individuals that are versed in military vehicles and can help with your problems and fixes.
Enjoy the support of local members and events.
Help protect your rights to own and operate vintage military vehicles.
Receive quarterly newsletter with free classified ads.
Send completed application and dues to: Lani Ropkey, 5649 E. 150 North, Crawfordsville, IN 47933-8089
Memberships are for one calendar year. Please do not send cash.
Indiana MVPA
The Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association
714 High St.
Anderson, IN 46012
www.indianamvpa.com
[Member Mailing Address Here]
NEXT MEETING: 18 Sep 2010 – 10:00 AM, ROPKEY ARMOR MUSEUM, 5649 E. 150 North, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN