January 2009 - Corvette Club of Northern Delaware

Vettester
The official newsletter of the Corvette Club of Northern Delaware - January 2009
In this month’s issue:
On the Road with Andy
Bob Gerber – Member of the Month
The Breakfast Club
1982 Corvette Specifications
20 Questions with Jim Ebner
CCND Officers
President
Andy Rumford
Vice President
Steve Blanchies
Treasurer
Harvey Smith
Secretary
Christine Carlantonio
Member of the Month Bob Gerber & wife Charlotte
Member at Large
Elouise Wolos
Webmaster
Barry Kimmelman
Social Chairperson
Marion Crank
Show Co-Chairman
Michael Crank
Show Co-Chairman
Bob Gerber
Newsletter Editor
Jim Ebner
The Breakfast Club”
Copyright 2009 Corvette Club of Northern Delaware.
www.vetteclub.org
As I sit in front of my window and compose this article, the snow is lightly falling and it seems so very long ago
that the 2008 “season” took place. In reality, only 7 week ago, the “Chip” show occurred...it just seems like it
was eons ago.
January finds us in the throngs of the so-called “Off Season” with many of us making improvements or simply
doing maintenance on our cars. I am no different, installing front and rear Bilsteins, new rear tires and
addressing other areas of concern on my Corvette.
January has CCND’s Holiday Party taking place on Saturday, January 17th from 7PM to Midnight at the IBEW
Hall on route 141 in New Castle, Delaware. CCND Members Frank and Theresa Ventresca are catering this
event. Please purchase your tickets from Linda Kimmelman by January 10th. A sign up sheet is located on
the clubs website at www.vetteclub.org. Also in January the Philadelphia Auto Show is being held at the
Pennsylvania Convention Center. The show runs from January 31st to February 8th. You can read about the
show at www.phillyautoshow.com .
Moving ahead to February, there are two notable indoor car shows are taking place, one in Harrisburg and the
other Atlantic City. Motorama 2009 takes place at the Harrisburg Farm Complex February 21st and 22nd.
Please check www.motoramaevents.com for additional information. The Atlantic City Car Show takes place
February 26th to March 1st. Their website is www.acclassiccars.com and the show is billed as “America’s
Largest Indoor Classic Car Show”. Hope to see you at one of these events.
As we move into the New Year, CCND will be “exhibiting” shortly our new Club Store. When it is fully
completed, Elouise and Barry will explain all the wonderful items we can purchase. Stay tuned for much more
to come on this “upgrade”.
The CCND Club Calendars for 2009 have officially “Sold Out” of the first printing. Kudos to Jim Ebner for all
his hard work on this project. If we have enough interest from the Membership, we will go ahead and do a
second printing. Please see Jim with any questions on this item.
On December 7th, Larry and Mary Lou Gilbert were kind enough to open their home to all of us for an “Old
Fashioned Christmas”. It was a wonderful time indeed. About 30 CCND Members attended. The night was
filled with great food and friends as well as wonderful singing. Thanks to the Gilberts for making the night
truly special.
Well, its time I start to wrap the last few gifts I have remaining before Santa arrives. I wish all of you a very
Happy Holiday Season and thanks once again for making my time as President of this Club, something I will
remember for a lifetime!! Hope to see all of you…………………
Corvette Club of Northern Delaware …… Agenda 1.6.09
Call to Order:
Welcome:
New Members:
2009 Officers Reports:
Vice President:
Steve Blanchies
Treasurer:
Harvey Smith
Webmaster:
Barry Kimmelman
Member @ Large:
Elouise Wolos
Newsletter Editor:
Jim Ebner
Social Chairperson:
Marion Crank
Co-Show Chairman:
Michael Crank
Co-Show Chairman
Bob Gerber
CCND Governor:
Vacant
** Club Ambassador: Bob Gerber
Old Business:
New Meeting Locations ( Newark Country Club Review ), Iron Hill, Hunters
Den etc…( ANY other suggestions? )
CCND Holiday Party, $$$$$ to Janet by 1.10.09 (January 17th party)
Friendship House Check Presentation
Club Calendars for sale …2nd printing?
New Business:
Year Long Food Drive….Community Involvement
Website Marketing
Atlantic City Car show…February 26th-March 1st.
Contes Corvettes...discount for ’09 Work/ Corvettes for Chip Flyer
( Purple People Eater….award, 2009 )
Adjournment:
50/50:
Next Meeting date is February 3, 2009
** Not an Officer Position
CCND DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES
Minutes from the last CCND meeting - 12/2/08
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Andy Rumford on December 2, 2008. Andy brought a cake for
all members celebrating a December birthday. Thirty-nine members, including the board were in attendance.
Vice President:
Steve Blanchies reported 84 paid memberships.
Treasurer:
Harvey Smith presented the financial report.
Webmaster:
Barry Kimmelman is trying to create a new club store with gift type items – there
will be two separate stores, regular and specialty items such as Mary Lou Gilbert’s
embroidered clothing. Should be up in about a month. Will be able to order a custom
t-shirt with your car on it.
Member at Large:
Elouise Wolos not able to be present
Newsletter Editor:
Jim Ebner got his first newsletter out. Anyone who wants to contribute an article,
send to Jim. Needs Member of the Month articles. Starting a new column entitled,
“Owner’s Garage” so if you have a picture of your garage that you want included, , or
anything you want to share with the membership send to Jim. The 2009 calendars are
sold out. Printing can be done if more are needed. Working on the 2010 calendar –
send pictures if you want to be included. He is also thinking about a golf outing
(KFCC vs. CCND). Would need 60 golfers minimum, late April, early May
timeframe.
Social Chairperson:
Marian Crank not able to be present
Co-Show Chairman:
Michael Crank reported that Bill Perkins (Friendship House_ will be at next month’s
meeting to accept the club donation.
Co-Show Chairman:
Bob Gerber reported nothing new
CCND Governor:
Vacant
* Club Ambassador:
Bob Gerber reported no new business
Old Business:
Joe Biden Membership Packet – Bob Gerber will get out this month
New Meeting Locations – Andy went with some club members to check Newark
County Club – ample parking, Hunter’s Den – space tight, a lot more expensive to eat,
and couldn’t guarantee the biggest room. Will look at Clarion Hotel & Stewart’s in
Bear.
CCND Holiday Party – 1/17/09 – Janet Taylor reported that it will be held at the
IBEW Union Hall, 814 W. Basin Rd. (Rte 141), New Castle, catered by Therese &
Frank Ventresca – 7 – 12 pm - $55 pp – includes beer, wine, soda, chocolate
fountain, etc- by latest, Janet needs # attending by 1/10/09. Six people signed up so
far.
Ronald McDonald House – 20 members served breakfast – great opportunity to give
back
County Corvette Toy Drive – Annual toy drive – 80-100 corvettes
New Business:
Club Calendar for sale – 10 left @ $10/ea.
Adopt-A-Family – local family, a lot of members volunteered to shop. Mark &
Debbie Sandlands (new members in Nov, 2008) donated toys leaving more money for
gift cards.
Shutterfly 2009 – CCND year in review (20 pages, $29.99)
Year Long Food Drive – Andy will send e-mail to members a few days before
meeting to remind members to bring a non-perishable food item. May do a coat drive
for the Friendship House sometime in future.
50/50:
$20 to Jim Ebner
* Not an Officer Position
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Christine Carlantonio, Secretary
NEXT MEETING DATE IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2009
Member of the Month
Bob Gerber - January 2009
I have wanted a Corvette since I had a ride in a 69 way back in Jr. High School. I put it in my
long term goal list.....until Charlotte, my wife expressed interest in a 94 coupe. That was only
the beginning; I was living my wish through her.
I then got the opportunity for a nice "cop
catching red" C5 and that became her
Valentines Day present.
Charlotte knew I wanted a 78 pace car and
when she saw one on Conte's website, she
encouraged me to get it. Wow what a rush.
Early in 2008, we saw a 04 yellow ragtop
and knew we just had to have it. At this
time, I was looking for something I could
drive on a regular basis and we had the 78
up for sale when we saw the 03 electron
blue on Conte's website this summer. One
visit and we made a deal flipping the 78.
It is great to have a wife with the same
passion for cars that I do. I believe 2009
will be a challenge, but will also provide
some unique opportunities to grow
outside the box as nothing will be the
same as it always has been. As I always
say,
"Life is good",
Bob
MC’ing the fun at the Corvette’s for Chip Show
Ronald McDonald House "THE BREAKFAST CLUB" –
Story and Photos by Bob Gerber
On November 30th at 8AM approximately 20 members of CCND hereafter to be known as "THE
BREAKFAST CLUB", met at the Ronald McDonald house in North Wilmington to make
breakfast for the guests of the facility.
We served up eggs, bacon, sausage, scrapple, hotcakes, danish, hot & cold cereal, with a lot of
smiles. We had a fantastic time with good conversation & comradeship while helping a worthy
cause.
We had a chance to get to know each other in a way we do not get the chance at a car show or
dinner. I would like to make this an ongoing event perhaps fall, winter, and spring. Now that we
know the drill, we would be more efficient and have even more fun!
The “Owners Garage”
The “Owners Garage” is a place where other members can contribute to the monthly newsletter. As with all
garages, you may find anything in here. It can be anything that you want to share, Corvette related or not. You
could tell us about an upcoming wedding anniversary or family birth announcement. Anything you want to
share with the CCND Membership. I am hoping this gives everyone the opportunity to contribute. If you want
to send me something, you can e-mail me at jimebner@msn.com or jimebner@vetteclub.org.
Can’t own a ZR1 now C-5 owners can have wheels like them:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/mam-debuts-zr1-wheels-for-earlier-corvettes/
January’s Birthdays
Nick Cervelli
Gene Mullins
Brenda McKenzie
Thomas Groer
Elaine Raign
Nancy McCarnan
January 5
January 6
January 9
January 16
January 21
January 28
Nancy Stewart
Sandra Lee Simkins
Diane Picho
Larry Gilbert
Mike Mortarulo
January 6
January 7
January 16
January 18
January 22
Member – 20 Questions
Get to know your other club members
Name: Jim Ebner
What is your age? 47
What is your occupation? I am a by title AVP of Financial Systems for work, but I hope that I am better
known as a great husband and father.
Where do you live? Middletown, DE
What is your marital status? Married
Do you have children? 1 Daughter, Emily age 9 but at times wants to be 18. She is the love of my life.
Do you have pets? 1 Dog named Cody a Yellow Lab less than a year old and 1 cat that we took in as a stray
over 5 years ago. My daughter named her Kitty-Girl not very original but Emily was just 3 when she named
her.
What is your Favorite Food? Yep – Being 6’2” - 300lbs I guess your could say everything is a favorite
What is your Favorite Music? Rock and Roll I guess they are classics now but anything pre 1990 is best.
What made you want to join CCND? Meet people, learn about Vettes, and to find something for my daughter
and I to do together that would give us the opportunity to send time together.
How long have you been a CCND Club member? Less than 2 years
How long have you been interested in Corvettes? Way before I could ever drive. My father had a lot to do
with that. Check out the April 2008 member of the month
Are you a Driver or Passenger? Driver most of the time unless my way tells me she’s driving
When did you get your first Corvette? 2007
What year was your first Corvette? 1999
What is your favorite over-all Corvette? The one I have not driven or owned yet. For now, I will have to
say mine.
What is your current model year Corvette? 1999
Do you prefer coupes or convertibles? Convertible, Coupe, Hardtop really if it’s a Vette is that not enough?
Do you prefer Automatic or Manual Transmissions? I can drive both so it really does not matter, as long
as it is attached to a Vette
Do you do your own service work on your Corvette or do you take it to a mechanic? I know nothing
about the inner-workings of cars which is not good generally speaking but I look at it this way. I feel everyone
is very good at something and when it comes to my car, I want those people working on my car, not me.
Besides CCND and Corvette related activities, what non-Corvette interests do you have? I have been
to over 40 countries around the world for business; someday I would like to travel to them just for fun. I also
love to play golf and going to Disney with the family. In the past 5 years, we have been to there 14 times.
1982 CORVETTE
Corvette specs by the year
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For the first time since 1955, no stick shift Corvettes were produced.
Every Corvette had a new type of four-speed automatic transmission with lockup function in every gear except first.
Under the hood was a new kind of 350-cid V-8 with Cross-Fire fuel injection.
Twin throttle-body injectors with computerized metering helped boost horsepower to 200 (10 more than in 1981) and cut emissions at
the same time.
This was the first fuel-injected Corvette in nearly two decades.
It had a much different type of fuel-injection system since mini-computerization had arrived.
In the gas tank was a new electric fuel pump.
Externally, the final version of the "big" (Stingray-style) Corvette changed little, but the Collector Edition model displayed quite a few
special features, highlighted by a frameless glass lift-up hatch in place of the customary fixed backlight.
Its unique Silver-Beige metallic paint was accented by pin stripes and a "fading shadow" treatment on hood, fenders and doors ... plus
distinctive cloisonne emblems.
Special finned wheels were similar to the cast-aluminum wheels that dated back to 1967.
The Collector Edition's removable glass roof panels had special bronze coloring and solar screening.
The model's crossed-flags emblems read "Corvette Collector Edition" around the rim.
Inside was a matching Silver-Beige metallic interior with multi-tone leather seats and door trim.
Even the Collector Edition's hand-sewn leather-wrapped steering wheel kept the theme color and its leather-covered horn button had a
cloisonne emblem.
The tires were P255/60R-15 Goodyear SBR WLT Eagle GT
Standard equipment for other Corvettes included
o power brakes and steering
o P225/70R-15/B SBR tires on steel wheels with center hub and trim rings
o cornering lamps
o front fender louvers
o halogen high-beam retractable headlamps
o dual remote sport mirrors
o tinted glass
The body-color front bumper had a built-in air dam.
Also standard
o Luggage security shade
air conditioning
push-button AM/FM radio
o concealed wipers
power windows
time-delay dome/courtesy lamps
a lighted visor vanity mirror
o headlamp-on reminder
o a leather wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
a 7,000-rpm tachometer
o an analog clock with sweep second hand
a day/night mirror
o a lighter
a trip odometer
Bucket seats could be trimmed in all-cloth or leather options
Standard body colors were
o White, Silver, Black, Silver Blue, Dark Blue, Bright Blue, Charcoal, Silver Green, Gold, Silver Beige, Red, Dark Claret
Four two-tones were available
o White and Silver, Silver and Charcoal, Silver and Dark Claret, Silver Blue and Dark Blue
Interiors came in Charcoal; Camel; Dark Blue; Dark Red; Silver Beige; Silver Green; and Silver Gray.
I.D. NUMBERS
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The serial number [Vehicle Identification Number -- VIN] was stamped on a plate on the inner vertical surface of the left windshield
pillar visible through the windshield.
The Bowling Green Assembly Plant Serial numbers ranged from 1G1AY87*6C5100001 to 1G1AY87*6C512408
Engine serial number began 0001001
Corvette engines have the last six digits of the VIN stamped on the block just ahead of the cylinder head on the right-hand side
combined with a three-letter engine code suffix
Also cast into the top rear of the block is a four-symbol code indicating when the engine was built
o The first letter of the date code shows the month the block was cast
o The one or two numbers shows the month
o The last digit shows the year
IDENTIFICATION
Model
Model No. Body/Style No.
Corvette
1Y
Body Type
Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
Y87
$18,290
3213
18,648
$22,538
3222
6,759
2-dr. Coupe - 2 passenger
Collector Edition
1Y
Y07
2-dr. Hatch Coupe - 2 passenger
ENGINE
Feature
Standard Engine (RPO L83)
Type
V-8, 90-degree Overhead valve
Block
Cast iron block
Displacement
350 cid (5.7 liters)
Bore & Stroke
4.00" x 3.48"
Compression ratio
9.0:1
Brake horsepower
200 @ 4200
Torque
285 lb-ft @ 2800
Main bearing
five
Valve lifters
hydraulic
Fuel supply
Cross-fire fuel injection (twin TBI - throttle body injection)
OPTIONS
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RPO AU3 Power door locks ($155).
RPO A42 Power driver seat ($197).
RPO CC1 Removable glass roof panels ($443).
RPO C49 Rear window defogger ($129).
RPO DG7 Electric sport mirrors ($125).
RPO D84 Two-tone paint ($428).
RPO FE7 Gymkhana suspension ($61).
RPO K35 Cruise control ($165).
RPO N90 Four aluminum wheels ($458).
RPO QGR P255/70R-1 5 Raised-white-letter steel-belted radial tires ($80).
RPO QXH P255/60R-15 Raised-white-letter steel-belted radial tires ($542.52).
RPO ULS Radio delete ($124 credit).
RPO UM4 AM-FM electronic tuning stereo radio with 8-track tape system ($386).
RPO UM6 AM-FM electronic tuning stereo radio with cassette ($423).
RPO UNS AM-FM electronic tuning stereo radio with cassette and CB system ($755).
RPO U58 AM-FM stereo radio ($101).
RPO U75 Power antenna ($60).
RPO V08 Heavy-duty cooling ($57).
RPO V54 Roof panel carrier ($144).
HISTORICAL NOTES
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Introduced: December 12,1981.
Model-year production: 25,407.
Calendar-year production: 22,838.
Model-year sales by U.S. dealers: 22,086.
All Corvettes now came from the factory at Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Production fell dramatically this year, reaching the lowest total since 1967.
The 1982 model was the last Corvette to employ the same basic body introduced in 1968.
Its chassis dated back to even five years before that.
No doubt, some buyers preferred to wait for the next generation to arrive.
Still, this was the end of the big 'Vette era: "An enthusiast's kind of Corvette. A most civilized one," according to the factory catalog.
Road & Track called it "truly the last of its series," though one with an all-new drive train.
The Collector Edition earned the dubious distinction of being the first Corvette to cost more than $20,000.
The Collector Edition was built to order, rather than according to a predetermined schedule.
It carried a special VIN code with a "0" in the sixth position (Body Code 07), but did not have a separate serial number sequence.
The special VIN plates were used to prevent swindlers from turning an ordinary Corvette into a special edition (which had happened
all too often with 1978 Indy Pace Car replicas).