Spring - Mid-Atlantic Chapter of NCRS

Mid-Atlantic
Chapter
NCRS Regional
at Gettysburg
Spring 2010
Volume 28 Number 2
MAC
Articles about chapter events and the members
present, technical subjects, and personal experiences
that would be of interest to the MAC membership
are welcome for inclusion in the Signal Seeker. In
addition classified advertisements may be submitted
for inclusion as space permits. Email is the preferred
means, but we have the ability to scan both text and
pictures if you send them by mail.
Signal Seeker Schedule
Issue Date
Articles Due
Publish Date
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
March 15
June 1
September 1
December 1
March 29
June 15
September 15
December 15
Business Card Advertising
Business cards must be no larger than 2-inches by
3.5 inches. Yearly Rates; MAC members: $20.00,
non-members; $30.00
Commercial Advertising
Full Year
(4 issues)
Full Page (8.5” x 11”)
Half Page
Quarter Page
1/16 Page
$250.00
$140.00
$75.00
$50.00
Single
Issue
$65.00
$35.00
$20.00
$15.00
Member corvette related classified “Wanted and Parts for
Sale” are free; however, they cannot be carried over to the
next issue unless requested before the issue deadline.
Advertising requests should be sent to:
MAC Chairman:
K.C. Strawmyre at suestrawmyre@embarqmail.com
Cc: Signal Seeker editors at jocarpenter@comcast.net,
or secarpenter@comcast.net
2010 MAC Board of Directors
Elected Officers
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
Judging Chairman
K.C. Strawmyre
Duane Ravenberg
Dave Gray
Bob Baird
John Yglesias
Northeastern
Southeastern
Southwestern
Northwestern
Jim & Diane Hofferbert
Ken & Marti Hartzog
Page Campbell
Ron & Sharon Wilson
Regional Directors
Appointed Board Members Charitable Activities
Historian
Membership Manager
Merchandise Manager
Nat’l Corvette Museum Ambassador
NCRS Chapter Awards Representative
Properties Manager
Signal Seeker Editors-in-Chief
Signal Seeker Pub. & Distribution
Technical Advisors
Web Site Manager
Alternate
Jim Hofferbert
Vacant
Bob Patton
Diane Hofferbert
Dick Schmid
Martha Baird
Bob Baird
John Carpenter & Susan Carpenter
Larry Negley & Ron Wilson
Mike McCagh & Jeremy Turner
Gary Wilkerson
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
n/a
n/a
n/a
Leslie Lemish
* * *
Contact MAC Chairman,
K.C. Strawmyre
at
suestrawmyre@embarqmail.com
for more information
* * *
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 3
MAC
Membership
Bob Patton
Welcome
New Members
James & Linda Board 11402 Jordan Lane Great Falls, VA 22066-1313
April 2010
Daniel & Kelly DePumpo 8605 Lombardy Lane
Alexandria, VA 22308-2400
April 2010
Don (Rick) & Patti Risser 17 N. Clearview Drive Palmyra, PA 17078-9330
May 2010
2010
MAC Schedule of Events
Jul 13 - 18
National Convention
Concord, NC
NE Section Road Tour - July 7 - 13
Aug 26 - 29
Corvettes at Carlisle
Sangrey 6th Annual Open
House
Shippensburg Leasing
Corp 9th Annual Picnic
Carlisle & Shippensburg, PA
Sep TBD
Road Tour
TBD
Sep 9 - 11
Midwest Regional
Columbus, OH
Oct TBD
Mini Meet/Tech Session
Virginia Vettes
Williamsburg, VA
Ken Hartzog
Nov TBD
Annual Meeting
Jack Evans Chevrolet
Front Royal, VA
K.C. Strawmyer
We at Mid-Atlantic Chapter (MAC) of the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) take great pride in
welcoming our new members. Our chapter has been growing and striving to meet new challenges since
1982. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds, some with expertise on restorations, some with
knowledge of Corvette history and some who just enjoy taking an occasional drive on a Sunday afternoon.
Whatever your interests may be, please take some time to mark your calendar with our upcoming events
and activities. As always, we look forward to seeing you and your family attending MAC events (your car
or cars to be included of course). Should you have any membership questions, please call Robert Patton
at (540) 788-4563, email rrpkcp@earthlink.net or contact any MAC officer.
4 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
Chairman’s Message
K.C. Strawmyre
antastic! How else would you describe the
F
Gettysburg Regional? The event was a great
success. I would like to thank everyone who
event. I was actually speechless during the ceremony.
Page Campbell and Ken Hartzog put on a great tech
session in March at Zip in Mechanicsville, Virginia. The
shielding session was very informative. Also the slide
show from the Corvette start-up line was good and
brought back memories. Thank you to Zip for opening
up their facility for our tech sessions and providing
lunch. All of our proceeds were donated to the Cystic
Fibrosis Charity.
volunteered to help make this thing possible. Thank
you to Mike Greenfield, Ken Hartzog, Jane Ravenberg
and John Yglesias for their work getting all the
paperwork processed and prepared for this event. A
very big thank you goes to Duane Ravenberg who
coordinated this regional. I know it would not have run
so smoothly without him. Thank you! I also want to
thank all of our sponsors who advertised in our book The next big event is the National Convention in
and/or provided merchandise. Please support them.
Charlotte, North Carolina. The dates are July 13-17,
2010. I hope a lot of our MAC members are planning
Thanks to Bill Sangrey for coordinating the special
to attend. If possible, plan to participate in the planned
car displays and the people that brought them: Lance
road trip. You will have a lot of fun.
Miller, Ray Zisa, and Greg Gabel. It is always interesting
to see these kinds of cars.
Remember, we need members to send in technical
articles for our magazine. If you have an idea for an
Our regional was different from most of the events article and need some help writing it you can contact
we have and I think that is what everyone enjoyed. John Carpenter and he will be glad to help you.
The awards banquet was quite unique; the Gettysburg
Museum and Vistor Center was a great place for the Hope to see you in Charlotte.
It’s a big job, but someone
has to do it. Candid shots
show the multi-faceted MAC
Chairman K.C. Strawmyre
enjoying no dull moments at the
Gettysburg regional.
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 5
Editor’s
Note
John Carpenter
W
OW! Three months have just flown by since the last issue of
Signal Seeker. If you are anything like me, it sure feels good
to have warm weather for a change. This has been a busy time
with the tech session at Zip Products in Richmond, all the efforts
for the NCRS Gettysburg Regional Meet, and the preparations for
the upcoming NCRS National in North Carolina.
Technical sessions provide lots of useful information for
restoration and are also a great forum for exploring issues
with newer models. I own an ‘04 Z06 and occasionally hear and
feel a clunking sound when I back the car out of the garage. It
normally only happens after the car has been sitting for several
days. I assumed it was likely to be a bad wheel bearing. However,
thanks to Justin Abbot at the March tech session at Zip Products,
I learned the noise is actually rear end clutches hanging up due
to a temporary lack of lubrication. After the car rolls for a mile or
so everything is fine. Zip Products has always provided first-class
sessions and MAC thanks them for that.
The Gettysburg Regional Meet was a resounding success with
many positive comments received from attendees. Even the
weather cooperated, for the most part. The facilities at the
Wyndham Hotel were some of the best I have seen with helpful,
friendly, and courteous staff. The trailer parking area worked (pun
alert!) without a hitch and provided easy entrance, exit and access
during the show. There were lots of activities to enjoy, Corvette
judging, Battlefield tours, and even two high school proms.
Early Saturday morning I was standing at my hotel window
watching heavy rain come down on the judging field. Suddenly I
noticed a gentleman holding an umbrella over his head while using a
squeegee on his mid-year coupe...in the rain. Now that’s dedication.
Saturday night at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitors Center was
a memorable occasion from start to finish. The bus transportation
was well-received and taught me something very important about
punctuality. I was one of the bus coordinators assigned to make
sure people located the buses and got on board. I planned on
taking the second bus but as I walked back in the Wyndham lobby
to make sure nobody was left behind, the bus left me behind!
Rumors have it the bus driver was heard to say he’s always on
time. Oh, yeah! To top it off, the wind was blowing quite hard,
disturbing the recently mulched landscaping. On the way to my
car I stopped to talk with Bill Sangrey. When he put the window
down, his Corvette immediately began to fill with mulch. (Okay,
I exaggerate...but not mulch! J) At the Visitors Center we were
greeted by three wonderful hostesses in period dresses (see page
6 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
20) and were treated to an outstanding menu fashioned after
meals typical of the Civil War era. At the awards presentation we
enjoyed a very presidential address by our own Abe Lincoln and
his wife. I never knew K.C. was such a good actor!
It is most important to thank all our members who gave so
much of themselves to make the Regional a great success.
Signal Seeker recognizes Ron Dill who took hundreds of
photos of the award winners at the Wyndham and also at the
Awards Presentation and Vinnie Peters, editor of the NCRS
Restore magazine, who also took photos for three days at the
event. Both Ron and Vinnie willingly shared their work with us
so we could put together this edition of Signal Seeker. I also
want to thank Andrew Callimahos who took many photos at the
Zip Products technical session. He was very kind to share the
photos from that event.
Now we are looking forward to the National Road Tour and
National Convention in July and Carlisle in August. I still need
technical articles with photos that I can use in the next issue. My
email address is jocarpenter@comcast.net.
NCM
Report
Ambassador
Dick Schmid
W
ell, nothing new to report about at the Corvette
Museum. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
My local club (Village Vettes) just finished an overnight trip
to Bowling Green with a guided tour through the Museum
and factory. Many who had been there recently, including
myself, couldn’t believe how much had changed with new
displays, a large children’s area and an expanded Museum
delivery area. This is just a few areas added by the 47,000
square foot addition to the museum. The latest is the
planned Motorsports Park. There isn’t space to cover all
that is involved with this huge project. Those of you who are
members no doubt have seen how much space is dedicated
to this in the museum magazine America’s Sports Car which
is sent free as a part of the membership fee. It is being
supported by corporate racing teams one is Pratt and Miller
as well as Tom Wallace.The effort is to have the park be
self-sustaining by having a naming sponsor and not be a
financial burden on the museum.
Become a member and you will really enjoy the museum
magazine and remember, membership is tax deductible.
Also check out the website for all the raffle information and
upcoming events at www.corvettemuseum.
newsletters in the contest conducted by the National Corvette
Museum. Believe me there was completion from all over the
Zip Products Tech Session
and Judging School
by John Carpenter
O
Since shielding doesn’t always fit together like a glove
it is common to see hammer marks on the ends of
the shielding where a little “persuasion” was used to
assemble it all. GM eventually went to nonmagnetic
shielding likely to avoid as much radio interference
as possible. Spark plug shields for ’56 through ’61
are identical. ‘62’s are different to accommodate the
327 blocks. The Antique Automobile Club of America
(AACA) in Hershey, PA has several original drawings of
C1 ignition shielding manufacturing and assembly data.
Bob Baird, MAC Secretary and Equipment Manager The drawings are not on line however they are viewable
began the day with an in-depth discussion, with computer at the AACA library.
photos, about C1 ignition shielding. It is interesting to
note that C1 shielding is all magnetic stainless steel. The Page Campbell, MAC’s Region III Representative
’56 is the only year that is chrome plated. Fuelies are followed with a discussion of C2 ignition shielding.
different from other models because they are narrower. C2 cars had shielding installed in St. Louis. Cars with
’56 to ’60 cars are different from ’61 and ‘62s because no radio had no shielding. Another way to ensure an
the later models have a shorter skirt. Reproduction original installation is to check the French locks on the
parts are slotted for easier installation and magnetic exhaust manifold bolts. The locks should not be bent
on the sides however their tops may not be magnetic. over because the bolts had to be removed to install the
Reproduction shields are actually made better than OEM shielding. Page gave a very positive “thumbs up” to
Noland Adams book, The Complete Corvette Restoration
parts with more weld points.
and Technical Guide, Vol. 2: 1963 Through 1967. He
considers it to be one of the most thorough and detailed
research tools.
n March 27, 2010, David Walker, owner of Zip
Products in Mechanicsville, Virginia, hosted a
technical session and judging school for 36 members
of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Corvette
Restorers Society. MAC member Page Campbell
coordinated the event and made sure coffee and several
dozen doughnuts were on hand. Presenters including
Page, Bob Baird, Ken Hartzog and Zip’s own Justin
Abbott covered several topics.
Top: Bill Sangrey (left) and
David Walker enjoy the coffee
before the session.
Left: Bob Baird makes his
presentation on C1 ignition
shielding.
Right: Examples of ignition shields and brackets
are demonstrated and passed around for close
scrutiny.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREW CALLIMAHOS
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 7
K.C. Strawmeyer, MAC’s Chairman, followed with a
briefing about ’66 and ’67 big block shielding. He
indicated that currently, all reproduction shielding is
different from originals. Original bolts all have “EL” head
markings. Repro hardware in most cases has “E” which
is not typical factory production. Also, big block spark
plug wires are made of non-magnetic stainless steel. ’67
- ’74 big blocks wires are grounded to a valve cover bolt.
Ken Hartzog, MAC’s Region II Representative was next
with a discussion of C3 ignition shielding. Some of
the more interesting facts are: C3 vertical shielding is
longer than C2s. C3 shielding has a hole drilled in it to
accommodate a new location for the water temperature
sending unit. ’69 big blocks have only top shielding;
All shielding is chrome plated through ’69; ’70 and
subsequent shielding is cadmium plated; in 1978, GM
dropped metal shielding and went to plastic.
Bill Sangrey, NCRS Road Tour Chairman briefed the
group about the upcoming 2010 event. Bill joked that
his wife Joanne, has informed him this is the last year
for him to be the Chairman. While we all laughed I
must point out that Bill has provided unending support
to NCRS for countless years and continues to always
Above left: Ken Hartzog continues the discussion
of ignition shields with a presentation on the C3.
Above center: One of many historic photos of ‘63
pilot cars taken at the St. Louis assembly plant,
now available on CD.
Above right: Page Campbell leads an in-depth
discussion about ‘67 trim tags.
Below right: Justin Abbott displays many
differential parts for his presentation.
8 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
be willing to help, as time allows, any member with
their Corvette restoration issue. Bill says that as in life,
the best part of the Road Tour is the journey not the
arrival. There are so many country roads used during
the tour that if you use a GPS, “you will get lost”! As of
March 27, 62 cars were signed up with an expectation of
approximately 125 total.
What got everyone’s attention is the first day out for
MAC will include a stop at Mike McCagh’s farm in
Cumberland, MD. The usual outstanding McCagh
barbeque that is beyond description will this year be a
five-course chef-prepared meal. The chef will be NCRS’s
own Vinnie Peters, the Restorer magazine’s editor and
cuisine expert.
Duane Ravenburg gave an update about the Gettysburg
regional (see coverage starting on page 12) and put in
a sales pitch for shirts, and tan & black caps with the
Regional logo. Stats as of March 27 were: ’67 classes
were filled with 5 cars wait listed. ’63 & ’64 scheduled
for 2-day judging. 250 members were registered for
the event including 110 for flight. General admission
gate passes to the judging area were set at a suggested
$10 donation to the NCRS Charity program. Finally,
the C4 technical sessions would be conducted using
three Corvette Challenge cars. Fewer than 100 cars were
prepared in 1988/89, so to be able to even get close to one
of these cars promised to be a memorable experience.
After Page and helpers returned with lunch from the local
Subway shop, compliments of Zip Products, Page played
a CD developed by Patrick Hulst of the Michigan Chapter,
NCRS. The CD consists of stunningly clear photos of
’63 pilot cars taken at the St. Louis assembly plant at
the end of ’62 production. The photos show jigs used to
build bodies, weld birdcages, and assemble components
and, also shows how the factory was configured for
production. If you’ve never seen the CD, find a copy.
It’s worth it!
Bob Baird / (804) 368-8465 / envcons@ comcast.net
MAC owns a collection of tools and literature,
primarily unique to Corvette restoration and repair,
for use by members. Generally these are special
use tools needed one time during a restoration/
repair project. If you have any suggestions for
other unique tools that would make it possible
to do your restoration task yourself, let me know
and I can present your suggestion to the Board
of Directors.
Following the CD presentation, Page led an in-depth
discussion about ’67 trim tags. He showed an interesting
assembly of seven tags all from convertibles built on
Monday, September 3, 1966. One car in particular didn’t
leave the factory until November 1, 1966. This was likely
due to a strike that occurred October 4, 1966 and lasted
until October 25, 1966. That same year A.O. Smith was
on strike from the end of August until the following
January. After the strike, the St. Louis plant went on two
shifts to catch up with orders. A.O. Smith built 50% of
the Corvettes produced from January 1964 through the
end of the ’67 production.
Engine Stand - 2ea
The last presentation was about Corvette differentials
and given by Justin Abbott who works for Zip Products.
Justin had lots of differential parts as examples of
several differences over the early production models.
Eaton manufactured all original differentials for Corvette
however many parts are becoming scarce. In fact,
differentials from 1963 and ’64 Corvettes are no longer
rebuilt with original factory assemblies because parts
are not available. 1962 Positraction units were basically
hybrids. 1966 and subsequent differentials will directly
bolt into ‘63s and ‘64s so that is what is normally used.
Dana built all differentials in ’82 and from ’85 through
’96. Heavy-duty differentials from the C2s and C3s
are identical to regular-duty types except for stronger
pressure applied to the internal spring plates. Current
differentials are almost identical internally to mid years
except for their location with the transmission.
Solid Axle Rear Spring Banding Tool
After a full day of tech sessions and judging highlights
the group adjourned at 3:00. MAC is very grateful to
David Walker for hosting this session and appreciates
his staff being available for the day.
Hydraulic Engine Crane & Tilter - 2ea
C1 / C2 Body Lifting Jig - 2ea
Solid Axle Rebound Strap Riveting
Tool
Engine Start-Up “Dash Board” Box
California Screamin’
NCRS Racing DVD
NCRS Training 5 DVD Set
Judging 101, Ops, Matrix Training,
Ref Manual, Paint & Fiberglass
Coil Spring Compressor
Mid-Year Trailing Arm Tools
Radiator Stamp Kit
“GM” “16 CT” “06A CG”
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 9
Would I Coat It Again?
by John Carpenter
I
t all started one fall afternoon while I was sweeping my
garage floor. I thought how nice it would be to have
a beautifully painted, glossy-coated floor to work on.
My father had owned an Esso station in Vermont in the
1950s and I knew how tough it was to keep a concrete
floor clean. Back then we used lots of soap mixed with
lye once a week to remove as much of the grease, oil and
road salt (during winter) to make the floor clean enough
to walk, or even lie on when necessary. My house was
built in 1979 and has a reasonably large 24 by 28 foot
attached garage that has served many purposes over the
years. In the spring of 1980 I had coated the floor with a
product that was supposed to be the same stuff used in
aircraft hangers to keep them pristinely clean. Over the
years it had worked fairly well. However, I could tell it was
wearing off where walking patterns were established.
I decided I needed something really neat like…UCoat It.
Having been to many Carlisle events, I had always
noticed the UCoat It floor coating in one of the buildings.
I thought that the product must be pretty good to stand
up to all that foot traffic year after year. So I did some
research and compared other coatings like Rust-Oleum
EPOXYShield Concrete Floor Paint, Weatherbeater
Epoxy Floor Coating, and ArmorClad by Armor Proxy
to name a few. In the end I decided to go with UCoat It.
(I figured if it was good enough for Jay Leno it was good
enough for me!) I met with the UCoat It representative
at Corvettes at Carlisle and ordered what I needed to give
me the look I wanted. I chose the medium gray color and
also ordered the Uflek-AF and UGloss-AF Kits. When
I received my order I was impressed that the kits had
practically everything needed to accomplish the task.
They even included such things as drop cloths, rubber
gloves, brushes, safety glasses, a roller, a clean- up bag,
and a very helpful how-to video. I had to buy muriatic
acid for etching the floor but that was about all.
They are made of diamond dust and come in different
grits. I choose the “fine” grit to avoid taking off too much
material. The grinder can be used wet or dry. The folks at
the rental shop told me if I have the floor wet it will keep
some of the dust down, but it will be a bear to clean. I
elected to use it dry. I cleared all my stuff out of the
garage, put on my safety glasses and a dust mask and
proceeded to start grinding.
After grinding the floor for approximately 20 minutes in
an area of about 16 square feet, I decided the fine grit
Dyma-Serts I bought were not abrasive enough. They
were getting some of the surface off but not enough to
get below the old finish. I went back to Suncoast and
bought the course stones. Major realization: 30-yearold concrete is some kind of hard! The course stones
cut into it pretty well, but I still spent more than 6 hours
grinding the entire floor. And the dust, oh yes, the dust!!
This stuff is so fine it could likely be mistaken for talcum
powder or volcanic ash. Really!! Forget about using
the little pollen filter dust masks. This process calls for
serious lung protection like a dust mask respirator. This
is nothing to fool with because long-term exposure to
concrete dust can possibly lead to silicosis. Moreover,
the dust goes everywhere. It coats your garage doors; it
sticks to all the garage door rails and door opener tracks.
It sits on every shelf, every tool box, and even wafts out
onto the driveway. What an experience!
After grinding the floor down, I vacuumed up everything
I could and then hosed out the garage to get every last
bit of dust up. Then I the mixed about 1.25 gallons of
muriatic acid with 2.5 gallons of water and spread it
across the floor with a stiff bristle brush. I allowed it to
remain on the floor for the required time to provide a deep
etch and then I rinsed it off. I thoroughly hosed the floor
three more times to make sure the acid was neutralized
and none was remaining. After the floor dried I taped
Of course I had to also rent a floor grinder too. So I went off my walls and cabinets. The next day I moistened the
to my local Suncoast rental shop and rented an electric floor, mixed the Part A Activator with the Part B Base and
EDCO concrete floor grinder. The grinder was practically mixed in the Part C Co-plastimer additive. I applied the
brand new; it just needed grinding discs to be installed. epoxy bond coat with a roller; it was easier than painting
When I took it out of my vehicle I couldn’t believe how a wall since I didn’t have to hold the roller up! Seriously,
much it weighed (237 lbs.); it was a handful, to say the it went on beautifully and dried fast. I allowed the bond
least. The machine uses various types of grinding tools coat to dry overnight and then applied the finish coat the
and stones but the ones I chose are called Dyma-Serts. next day. While applying the finish coat I used the UFlek
10 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
7
1
2
8
4
3
9
6
Against the backdrop of the finished floor, the
garage floor project starts with 1) 30-year-old
concrete with an old finish, ready for 2) the
Edco floor grinder. 3) Part of the old finish is
ground off, requiring a lot of 4) vacuuming.
5) The first coat goes on fast. 6) The finish
coat includes laying down the flakes. 7) Wall
bumpers reflect off the Ugloss-AF urethane
coat. 8) As it dries, the finish looks ready
to repel anything. 9) A newly finished floor
prompts a facelift for the workshop, including
new lighting and laminate countertops.
5
flakes in Deco to achieve the terrazzo look. There is a
definite technique to using this product properly. The
flakes are actually pieces of plastic that you toss in the
air and allow to float down on your damp finish coat.
The instructions say to coat a 4 to 5 square foot area
and then apply the flakes. That’s good advice for sure
because any bigger area prevents you from controlling
the evenness of the flakes. It can be heavy in one spot
and light elsewhere. It is challenging.
garage into a showroom. I love the look and I am fairly
happy with UCoat It. It can be slippery as the devil when
wet and if I had it to do over again I might have used
some Utex Anti-Slip Additive. Unfortunately the coating
has pulled up under the tires of my Chevy Tahoe, but
there is no way to know if it’s because I didn’t grind the
floor enough, there was residual dust on the concrete, or
if the product just doesn’t stand up to heat. Would I do
it again? I might. I’m not sure I’d go with the terrazzo
look next time: if you drop something on the floor like
I let the finish coat dry overnight and then applied the a circlip or washer it is practically impossible to find it
Ugloss-AF which is a solvent-based two part urethane unless you get down on your hands and knees and sight
designed to stand up to any chemicals you may drop across the floor. Since there are so many other products
on your garage floor. It gives it a very high gloss that is on the market, I think I would research it all over again.
easy to hose off and squeegee and really transforms a
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 11
Gettysburg Regional Wrap Up
by Duane Ravenberg
W
OW, what a great time was had by all! Over 330
registrations were received with 100 Corvettes
registered for flight judging, 37 for Performance
Verification, 3 for Founders Operations Check, 4 for
American Heritage Sign Off, and 25 for Sportsman
display. In addition, we parked 74 trailers and 5 big rigs,
sent 97 people on battlefield tours and sold over 270
awards night tickets. In the end, the numbers were almost
double in many areas over what we projected when we
first started planning the meet. To cap it all off, over $700
was collected for our chapter charity, the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, through gate admission to the judging field
and a silent auction. Plus, another $650 was collected for
the NCRS Foundation through silent auctions.
12 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
We received so many accolades from those who attended
especially about how friendly and helpful the MAC people
were. One of the most telling compliments was from one
person who said it was like a small National Convention
in how it was conducted, the activities for attendees and
the quality of food provided. Once again, MAC proved
itself as one of the best chapters in NCRS.
So, each and every one of you who volunteered your
time should give yourself a big pat on the back for a job
well done. When we first started planning the meet there
was a big concern among some people that we might not
have enough volunteers to do the work. That concern
was quickly quelled when the word went out that your
PHOTO: VINNIE PETERS FOR NCRS
help would be needed. Within a very short time we had
more than enough people to do the job. And, during
the event those same people stepped in where ever they
saw the need without being asked. That is the spirit that
makes our club so great!
I have been honored to work with each and every one of
you who helped in any way to make this regional meet
a great success. We may have even set a new standard
for others to shoot for.
This was a great warm-up for the National Convention
we will host in July, 2013 at the Hampton Convention
Center in Hampton, VA. Mark your calendars and plan
on attending (and volunteering when the call goes out).
Above: A panoramic view of the judging field as the
Mid-Atlantic Chapter NCRS Regional at Gettysburg, PA
gets underway.
Below, left to right: Vinnie Peters, Mike McCagh and Mike
Lombardi welcome early arrivals. Judging Chairman John
Yglesias addresses owners at the start of the proceedings.
A line of mid-year Corvettes awaits the judges. The Wyndham
Hotel provides the backdrop to the Gettysburg Regional.
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 13
All Roads Lead to
Gettysburg
May 2010 sees the convergence,
from near and far, of Corvettes,
vintage and newer, for two days
of inspecting, learning and fun.
Whether brought in trailers or
under their own power, ‘Vettes of
all eras to be judged are given the
once- and twice-over and rolled into
place for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter
NCRS Regional at Gettysburg. After
a flurry of washing, detailing and
preparation, all is ready for the meet
to begin.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON DILL AND VINNIE PETERS
14 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
u
GETTING THE SHOW
ON THE ROAD
u Jane Ravenberg and JoAnn Sangrey
supply attendees with their credentials.
v Drivers line up for their photo
opportunities. Photographer Ron
Dill frames the shot in front of lush
landscaping and the Gateway Theater.
v
Thursday activities include Performance
Verification, Judging School and
Gettysburg Battlefield Tours. At the
close of day, the Welcome Reception
and Sportsman Awards give everyone a
chance to relax and re-acquaint.
w Event Chair Duane Ravenberg
welcomes everyone and begins the
program.
x MAC Chair K.C. Strawmyre and his
daughter, Ellen, pose for an informal
portrait.
w
x
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 15
THE SHOW GOES ON
Friday events include Flight Judging for
the years 58-60, 63-64, 65, 67, 68-69, 7882, 84-89 and 90-93. For Civil War buffs
and others, Gettysburg Battlefield tours
are offered. Later, in the afternoon,
partipants enjoy a tech session on
the Corvette Challenge Program (see
below).
Tech Session:
Corvette Challenge Program
Taking it all in, Regional attendees look, listen and
learn about the three special Corvette Challenge
race cars displayed by Lance Miller, Ray Zisa and
Greg Gabel. GM built and had
modified 74 of these cars
for use in the 1988 and 1989
Corvette Challenge marquespecific race series.
16 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
Great Cars and
SCENES FROM THE REGIONAL
Judges sit, crawl, twist and otherwise contort themselves in order
to inspect and grade the more than 160 registered Corvettes from
all over the U.S. An impressive fifteen MAC members presented
their cars for judging. Directly below: Demos of the “Backyard
Buddy” lift draw interested crowds.
Great Friends
Above: They Also Serve Who Sit and
Tabulate. Nancy Faltisko Calorico, Val
Crosby and Thomas Fetchik miss the rain,
wind and sunshine as they tabulate scores
indoors at the Wyndham.
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 17
THE REGIONAL wraps up
Saturday’s early showers give way to sunshine and
brisk winds. Flight Judging includes the years 56-57, 6162, 63-64, 65, 66, 67, 70-72, 73-77 and 94-95. For the two
days, 100 Corvettes are registered for flight judging, 37
for Performance Verification, 25 for Sportsman display,
4 for American Heritage Sign Off, and 3 for Founders
Operations Check. Afternoon activities include the
Ladies Tea and 1860s Fashion Show (see opposite page).
Great Cars and Great Friends.
KUDOS TO MAC
Thanks so very much for another
great Regional. We had a great
time, met some new people.
Also, thank the folks at the Visitor
Center. They helped [my wife]
Shirley with her mobility and gave
her easy access to the Awards
ceremony. Thanks again,
Howard Baker, Member No.35.
18 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
T
Ladies’ Tea & 1860’s
3 Fashion Show 4
aking a break from all things Corvette, a curious group of lady MAC members stepped
back in time to take tea and enjoy an 1860’s “fashion show.” Suitably attired, of course,
Connie and Larry Clowers of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania assumed the characters of President
and Mrs. Grant to make a very entertaining presentation of fashion
trends from the 1860s. The event was chaired by Connie Hair with
Suzanne Veen and Sue Carpenter assisting.
u
u A Presidential Receiving Line. Connie and Larry Clowers (aka President
and Mrs. Grant) greet guests at the Ladies Tea and 1860’s Fashion Show.
v Cutting a Handsome Figure. MAC member and Civil War re-enactor,
Bob Baird models his authentically-reproduced Confederate soldier’s uniform.
w Not Just for Easter. Connie Clowers, as “Mrs. Grant,” dresses a (more or
less) willing volunteer in a bonnet while discussing headwear for each and every
occasion. Ten lovely models from the audience show off the millinery.
x Victorians’ Secret. “Mrs. Grant” deconstructs a daytime outfit right
down to the hoop and the many other undergarments.
v
y No Latex Zone. A jovial volunteer models a typical late 19th century
swimming suit/calisthenics outfit. Guests participate in a demonstration of
lady-like exercise typical of the times.
z Tea and Aromatherapy. Guests enjoy tea, scones, fruit and more while
fragrant door prizes are awarded.
w
x
y
z
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 19
Left: Hoop-skirted hostesses greet
arrivals at the Gettysburg Museum
and Visitor Center. From left are:
Diana Gray, Sue Strawmyre and Jane
Ravenberg.
Below: Diners enjoy the Awards
banquet in the Visitor Center’s postand-beam dining room. The meal
featured menu items similar to those
served at battle encampments.
As some participants take in the
exhibits in the Museum, others
enjoy the multimedia show in the
meticulously restored Cyclorama;
meanwhile, preparations are made
for the Awards ceremony.
20 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
Top: Peter Rosa of NCRS New
England Chapter receives the NCRS Duntov Mark of
Excellence Award from NCRS President, Vito Cimilluca
for his ‘66.
Below: Mid-Atlantic Chapter Member, Frank Paschal,
from Jacobstown, New Jersey, accepts a Founders
Award for his 1977 coupe. NCRS Judging Chairman,
Roy Sinor presents the award.
Right: “Abraham Lincoln” (MAC President K.C.
Strawmyre) gives the “MAC Gettysburg Address” at the
Awards presentation
as “Mrs. Lincoln” (Sue
Strawmyre) looks on
during A Night at the
Museum special event
awards banquet held at
the Gettysburg Museum
and Visitor Center.
Below:
Mid-Atlantic
Chapter
Member,
Fred Alley,
from Troutville,
Virginia, accepts
an NCRS Chevrolet
Bowtie Award for his
1967 convertible,
from Roy Sinor,
NCRS Judging
Chairman.
THE (MAC) GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
KC Strawmyre’s Awards Banquet opening remarks
O
ne score and 16 years ago our Founders brought forth a new
organization, conceived as a hobby and dedicated to the
proposition of preservation and restoration of the Corvette.
Now we’ve been engaged in great battles, testing whether the
originality and condition of our Corvette or any Corvette can
endure and achieve the Top Flight Award. Many of us met on the
great Performance Verification battle field. Some of us survived
and some of us gave all to that cause.
We come here at this time to recognize these judging field
combatants in a time honored tradition in front of their peers and
to present their battle ribbons. It is all together fitting and proper
that we should do this.
The Corvette world may little note nor long remember what
transpired here. But it is for us to make an increased dedication to
the events which have occurred here.
Great Cars and Great Friends.
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 21
Parting Shots
by Susan Carpenter
Corvettes and personalized plates seem to go together like burgers
and fries. There were plenty of sightings between the tail lights (and/or headlights) at the Gettysburg Regional, ranging from the simply declarative and
descriptive to the aspirational. Here’s an album of Corvette statements in 8
characters or fewer...
And last, but not least...
22 NCRS Mid Atlantic Chapter
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
National Corvette Restorers Society
Membership Renewal
2010
Name
Spouse
Address
City
State
Zip +4
Home Phone
Work/Cell Phone
Email Address
@
-
NCRS # (Required)
Corvettes (Years) Currently Owned
Delivery of the
MAC Signal Seeker Newsletter:
Delivery of the
MAC Membership Roster:
Electronically / Soft Copy (Default)
Electronically / Soft Copy (Default)
U.S. Postal Service / Hard Copy
U.S. Postal Service / Hard Copy
Please choose one of the following options for Future MAC Renewals:
Electronically / Soft Copy (Default)
U.S. Postal Service / Hard Copy
Annual Calendar Year Dues - $30.00
$25.00 for 1 Year, $50.00 for 2 Years if Postmarked by Jan. 15, 2011
Make check payable to Mid-Atlantic Chapter NCRS and mail to:
MAC/NCRS
Robert Patton, Membership Chairman
12257 Elk Run Church Road
Midland, VA 22728-2418
SIGNAL SEEKER June 2010 23
INSIDE:
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
NCRS Regional
at Gettysburg
12257 Elk Run Church Road
Midland, VA 22728-2418