Antics Winter 2013-2014 - Halifax Antique Car Club

WINTER 2014 (February)
1
ANTICS
The Official Publication of the Halifax Antique Car Club
2014 EXECUTIVE
INFO LINE: 463-1948
President
Garth Scott
684-9166
Vice-President Dave Houlihan 864-7606
NEWS AND EVENTS
Secretary
Edith Steffens 876-7908
Treasurer
Mabel Dodsworth 865-7548
Watch your email for local
Membership Rick & Karen Gallivan 852-3612
events from Karen Gallivan
Historian
Judy Houlihan
864-7606
Social Jane Power 202-0535, Jean Lawlor 455-4067, Jackie Bowman 445-4914
WEBSITE
www.hacc.chebucto.org
[Carol Way 865-1258]
ABOUT US
The Halifax Antique Car Club was formed in 1963. The club meets on the 4th
Sunday of every month (except July, August and December), at the Museum of
Natural History on Summer Street in Halifax, at 7 p.m. Annual dues are $30.00
for first time members. Yearly renewals are $25.00 if paid by Jan 31 each year,
and $30.00 after that date. The Antics is the official publication of the Halifax
Antique Car Club and published quarterly. Member submissions are welcome.
WEEKLY GATHERING
Club members gather every Tuesday at Arby’s, on the Bedford Highway. Come
out and meet your fellow members, show off your four wheel babies, get a 10%
discount, try your luck on the 50/50 draw—but most of all—chat with your friends,
old and new. There are also gatherings on Wednesday (in the warm weather) at
A@W in Sackville and Thursday at the A&W in Woodside.
Antics Editor: Judy Houlihan E-mail: jhoulihan@ns.sympatico.ca
Technical Support: Shelley Oderkirk and Lisa Gallivan
Opinions expressed in Antics are not necessarily those of the Halifax Antique Car Club.
2
INDEX
Page 1.......................................................................................................Club information
Page 2...........................................................................................................................Index
Page 3.............................................................. President’s Massage and From the Editor
Page 4........................................................................................................... Nuts and Bolts
Page 5.................................................................................................... What’s Happening
Page 6.......................................Motor Romances of Years Ago Match from the Archives
Page 7................................................................................Cruising 2013 by John Beaulieu
Page 8-9 ....................................................................Bernie McDonald by Judy Houlihan
Page 10-11 ................................................................ On the Road 1914 by Judy Houlihan
Page 12-13 .................................................. Dodge - 100th Anniversary by Judy Houlihan
Page 14-15 .............................................. Volvo Canada and Days Gone by Paul McKay
Page 16................................................... Pictures of Paul’s Volvo and Cyndi’s Dodge Dart
Page 17-18 ............................................ 1974 Dodge Dart by Jim Way and Judy Houlihan
Page 19................................................................Cajun Chicken Casserole by Carol Way
Page 20.................................................................................................................... For Sale
Page 21............................................................... Wanted Items and Readers’ Comments
Page 22........................................................................................................ Business Cards
Page 23.......................................................................................... Hagerty Advertisement
Club jackets available. Call Jean Lawlor 455-4067.
Only 4 left: S M L
Answers to Poem Match: 1-G 2-R 3-H 4-S
7-J
8-U
9-K
10-V 11-L 12-A 13-M
16-C 17-O 18-D 19-P 20-E
21-Q 22-F
5-I
14-B 15-N
6-F
3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Well, 2013 is now history and 2014 is well under way. A Healthy and Happy New Year
to all and good restoring, cruising, touring and showing throughout 2014.
It looks very positive towards a Club Tour this spring. Our 51st Show plans are already
underway.
Our meetings and socials are continuing to be well attended. Please keep this up, as
your participation and ideas are very important. Remember, we shall stress more and
more fun at our meetings and all gatherings. Plus, don’t forget – we want to see and enjoy
your show & tell item or items. They do not have to be vehicle-related – just interesting
and perhaps unusual.
Happy & Safe Motoring
Garth Scott, President HACC
FROM THE EDITOR
Winter has been one to remember with all the snowstorms, rain and ice. Spring is on the
horizon. Why not send me a story about your car or projects while your car sits in
storage. Send me your information and we can create an article for Antics. I need articles
about Canadian cars for this year’s Antics. The struggle to get something submitted to
Antics is not a new one. I have read 50 years of Antics and found that to be nothing new.
We need to add new content to Antics to make it interesting to read – what do you want
in Antics?
Please tell me if I left out your car from the lists in Nuts ‘n Bolts, all errors or mistakes.
Judy Houlihan, Antics Editor and Club Historian
4
NUTS ‘N BOLTS
New Members for 2014:
Birthdays: Nancy Beaulieu will be 70 April 16, 2014.
Anniversaries: Dodge celebrates 100th anniversary of making cars
Buick celebrates 110 years since it sold its first car.
Recovering at home: Barb Hamilton, Doug Redden (Nov 14, 2013)
Deaths: Mac and Jackie Brown died November 29 2013 (members 1968, 1975-81)
Don Borgal’s mother died November 2013
Cars that are 30 years old: Lee and Karen MacRae’s19 84 El Camino
John and Sandy Soosar’s 1984 Mercedes 380SL
Cars that are 40 years old: Cyndi Way’s 1974 Dodge Dart 4 door Sedan
Cars that are 50 years old: Lloyd and Jackie Anthony’s 1964 Ford Galaxie
Dave and Margaret Burris’ 1964 Cadillac Convertible
Cliff and Karen Doubleday’s 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL
Joe and Sharon Doucette’s 1964 Pontiac
Gerry Geldart’s 1964 Ford Thunderbird Roadster Convert.
Dave and Judy Houlihan’s 1964 ½ Plymouth Barracuda
Alex and Jessie MacDonald’s 1964 Ford Galaxie H/T
Don Mahar’s 1964 Chevy II Nova
John and Audrey Peake’s 1964 ½ Plymouth Barracuda
Brian and Janet Richards’ 1964 Ford Convertible
Ron Ring and Olive’s 1964 Chevrolet Belair 2 door post
Byron and Dale Veinot’s 1964 Comet
Cars that are 60 years old: John and Nancy Beaulieu’s 1954 Chev Belair
and 1954 Chev Convertible
Marilyn Enders’ 1954 Ford Skyliner
Jim and Barb Hamilton’s 1954 Lincoln Capri
Humphrey Longard’s 1954 Fargo ½ Ton Short Wheel Base
Stephen and Sandy MacDonald’s 1954 Chev
Wilson and Catherine Methven’s 1954 Chrysler New
Yorker Deluxe
Bill and Marilyn Murphy’s 1954 Ford Crestline Skyliner
Robert and Joan Sagar’s 1954 Chevrolet 210
Cars that are 80 years old: Bernie and Madeline McDonald’s 1934 Buick
Cars that are 100 years old: Jeff Lee’s 1914 Hudson Touring
5
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Peter Pan? Mary Poppins? No. It is Dave
Dodsworth at December 1, 2013 meeting. During
Show and Tell, he talked about the umbrella his
father brought home from the Korean War. As a
little boy, he would jump off the roof of their
garage thinking the umbrella would keep him air
born or slow his fall. He did that twice just to
confirm the result was the same. His mother
always says, “as long as he lands on his head, he
will be OK”!
Other items displayed were a 1950’s popcorn
wagon, pictures of cars at the Nevada Salt Flats
and salt from there, 1960’s album of HACC
members and their cars, stained glass of Garth’s
“Christine” car, picture and sculpture of
Hantsport author Norm Creighton, Star 1890’s
ice skates, and lady’s pin with blue sapphire set
in platinum with rose diamonds circa 1900.
Join us at the meetings and bring in something to amaze, educate or make us laugh.
Refreshments are served at the meetings- no need to go to Tim’s after the meeting.
Remember to pay your membership dues for 2014
Yes! I wish to renew my membership in the Halifax Antique Car Club for 2014.
Dues for 2014 are $25.00 if paid by January 31, 2014.
$30.00 if paid after January 31, 2014.
Please make cheque payable to The Halifax Antique Car Club
Mail payment to: Rick & Karen Gallivan
17 Mary Jollimore Road, Terence Bay, NS, B3T 1X8
Please enclose the following information with payment:
Name: _______________________________________
Address: ____________________Tel. No. Home:__ Work: __ Cell: __
Email Address: _________________________________
Cars: _________________________________________
Rosters are out in March so send updates and corrections, too
6
Answers on Index Page 2
7
CRUISING 2013
By John Beaulieu
As 2012 came to a close, my 54 Chev convertible was nearing the end of its build. I was
able to log on a couple of hundred miles before loading it into the trailer for the trip to
Florida. In early January, we were off to Kissimmee, Florida for our winter escape. Some
of you may know that the car was built by Alan Oickle of Alan’s Upholstery For those
who would like to view the build, go to Alan’s site @ www.alansupholstery.com Click
on photos then scroll down to “view all photos”. Each of the builds has its own file.
Once I had the RV parked and set up, the next thing was to remove the 54 Chev from the
trailer for its first exposure to Florida. Keep in mind that this was my only means of
transportation while we were there. The campground is located within walking distance
of Old Town where there are car events each week. The most popular is the Saturday
night cruise. Depending on the weather, there can be over 300 cars on any Saturday night.
The have a stage near the center of activity were a live band plays 50’s music. At 8:30
cars line up for a cruise down Main St., People line the streets on both sides and wave
and comment on the cars as they pass. My car was on the road most every day visiting
places ranging from the East Coast beaches to the West Coast beaches and lots of places
in between. Of course being Florida, there are many shows every weekend. There are so
many shows it was sometimes hard to decide. Some weekends I managed to take in
several. Gary and Hazel Porter were able to join us on a number of top down cruises.
When the cruises lasted into the evening, we were forced to put the top up but still had
lots of fun cruising.
While wintering, we attended car shows on both the East and West Coasts and other
places. One of the highlights was attending the Classic Chevy show held in February in
Orlando. They invited cars for a photo shoot. They asked us to submit a story about the
car, which I did. A little while after my return in the spring, I was contacted and advised
that my car would be featured in the July issue of the Classic Chevy magazine. Needless
to say, I was pleased. Around the same time, Gary Porter compiled pictures he had taken
in Florida and submitted a story to Canadian Hot Rods magazine, too. His story and my
car were the feature of the July issue. I never thought I would ever have a car in a
magazine so having it in two magazines- in one month- was exciting and a highlight of
my years in the hobby.
8
Bernie McDonald
By Judy Houlihan
Bernie and Madeline have been members of HACC since 1968. In 1979, he was Run
Chairman and in 1977-78 and in 1988 he was Vice President. They became Life
Members in 1995 and recognized again in 2012 with a Life Membership certificate and
shoulder badges. They participated in many club events over the years and enjoy going
on club runs today, usually in their 1967 Buick Skylark.
They have raised a family of six boys and a girl. They are now grand parents and have
four great grandchildren as well. The gene for the love of old cars is evident in their
family. Four of their sons have antique cars. Their son-in-law and his son also own old
cars. Another grandson was given his father’s car that had been Trevor Brown’s (1975
Chevrolet Impala hardtop). Chevrolet convertibles seem to be the preferred vehicle in this
family. That is a strong gene to inherit!
In the 60’s when Mike was thirteen or fourteen, Bernie’s brother, Bob, told them about a
1931 Chev that was “traded in”. They had caught the “bug”. The search was on for a
“donor car” so they could fix it. They never got it running but sold it to Dave Houlihan.
The next car Bernie bought was a 1937 Chevrolet. It was mid winter in 1968 when he
found the car in Indian Point near Chester. It was stored outside and frozen in the ground.
Mike and Bernie towed the car home. “You do foolish things when you are enthusiastic”.
They weren’t far into their journey home when a tire blew. Fortunately, there was a spare
in the car. The problem was the tire was in a bed of ice! They got it out and onto the car.
As they inflated the tire, chunks of ice flew off the tire in all directions. They were lucky
that the tire stayed inflated! They made it home without any further difficulties. This car
was sold to HACC to be raffled off. Bernie believes it ended up in Cape Breton.
In 1970, shortly after selling the ’37 Chev, Bernie bought a car from Leo Henderson who
was running a car show in Liverpool. Sitting in a corner was a car that had not been
cleaned for the show. Bernie offered to clean the car for Leo. By the time, Mike and
Bernie finished polishing the Buick, Bernie knew he had to have the car. The “dreaded
car bug” bit again! Bernie still owns and drives the 1934 Buick. He has done some
engine work on it. It has never been painted and still has the original upholstery! The
odometer broke at 82,000 miles and it remains unrepaired. Madeline and Bernie have put
“some serious miles on it” since then. They drive it regularly and trailered it to
Fredericton for a Run with the Prewar Club in 2012.
9
In 1968, Mike saw an ad in the paper for a 1931 Essex. “Car people” knew about this
car. Many had been trying to buy the Essex for years. Miss Holloway must have been
impressed with Mike because she sold it to them. Mike was sixteen and got his drivers
license with the Essex. The only thing done to the car over the years was a motor rebuild
by Norm Snow and Trevor Brown. Mike still owns and drives the Essex. (The story of
this was told in previous Antics.)
Mike and Bernie heard about an Alfa Romeo in 1975. They knew it was a rare car,
especially if it was “prewar”. They located it in Fort Wallis where it was sitting in mud
up to its axle with no roof, fenders or glass! The man brought it back from England when
he was in the Navy. He took it apart to restore it. There were two motors with it but they
were in a million pieces. It was a convertible and Bernie knew it was rare. What he didn’t
know is that it would lake him twenty years to restore it!
Everyone thought he was crazy to undertake this project. He wrote letters and compiled a
large file of information on the car (this was before computers and took months to get
responses using the mail). The Tuscher family in Switzerland sent Bernie the serial
number, paint number, work order, delivery date and the person’s name that received
delivery… and gave him original company badges for the car. This was a one of a kind
car - the only one made!
Family and friends helped him restore the car. Bernie spent three nights a week and
Saturdays for three years working with Trevor Brown putting this 1939 Alfa Romeo
together. Bernie remains amazed and in awe of Trevor’s talents. Trevor would create
parts that they couldn’t find! The white leather upholstery was done in New Minas by a
man who had worked on Mercedes Benz in Germany. The instrument face was done
through the graphics skills of his daughter in law. She found someone to do the silkscreen
who was also a car nut. He was honored to be able to work on such a rare car. Bernie
planned to paint the Alfa red because most Alfa Romeo cars were red. He discovered
remnants of the original color under the body side molding – two-tone gray. It took him
15 years to locate the coachworks decal – Tuscher Brothers, Switzerland. Four years after
Bernie had completed the restoration, he had a heart attack. Reluctantly he sold it and it is
now in a museum in Switzerland. This car was in many magazines including Canadian
Classics. It appeared in a three-part story in September/October 1997, Jan/Feb 1998 and
Mar/Apr 1998 Antics. He has just learned it is to be auctioned off in Paris, France on
February 5, 2014 by R&M Auction Company with an estimated value of $340,000$450,000 US$.
Today Bernie and Madeline still own the 1934 Buick and 1967 Buick Skylark and
recently added 1993 Mercedes Benz convertible to the fleet. Their car of preference to
drive on the longer club runs is the more comfortable 1967 Buick. This year the 1934,
Buick is 80 years old! She is in great condition for her age.
10
On the Roads in 1914
By Judy Houlihan
With the turning of a new year, I wondered about the cars that would be on the roads a
hundred years ago. It is always amazing what you find on the massive internet. My
search took me to a list of cars and pictures taken from “The Early American
Automobile”. I know American cars and parts were used in Canada so this would fit in
with my goal of writing about Canadian cars for 2014 Antics. I found the names very
interesting as well as seeing how long some of the production companies lasted and how
many companies were making cars in 1914. Enjoy your trip back in time to see what
vehicles were driven one hundred years ago.
Allen Touring
Allen Motor Company
1914-1922
Alter Touring
Alter Car Company
1914-1916
American Borland Electric Borland- Grannis Company
1903-1914
American-Broc Electric
American Electric Car Company 1909- 1916
American Fiat Touring
American Fiat Company
1910-1918
American LaFrance
The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company 1911-1918
American Touring Car
American Automobile Company 1902-1924
Baker Electric
Baker Motor Vehicle Company
1899-1916
Benham
Benham Manufacturing Company 1914-1917
Briggs-Detroiter and Detroiter Briggs-Detroiter
1912-1917
Buick
Buick Motors
1904- today
Cadillac
Cadillac Motors
1902- today
Carter
Carter Car Company
1905-1915
Chevrolet Baby Grand
Chevrolet Motor Company
1911- today
Crane
Crane Motor Company
1912-1915
Davis
George W. Davis Motor Car Corporation 1908-1930
Detroit Electric
Anderson Electric Car Company 1911-1939
Dile Runabout
Dile Motor Car Company
1913-1917
Dodge Touring
Dodge Brothers 1914- today 100th anniversary this year!
Dudley Bug Cicle Car and Runabout- Dudley Tool Company 1913-1915
Engler
W.B. Engler Cyclecar Company
1914-1916
F.R.P. Runabout
Findley-Robertson-Potter Company 1914-1918
Grant Runabout
Grant Motor Car Company
1913-1922
Haynes Touring
Haynes Automobile Company
1905-1925
11
Keystone
HC Cook & Bros
1914-1915
Kline-Kar
Kline Motor Corporation
1911-1923
Knox Runabout
Knox Automobile Company
1900-1915
Marathon
Marathon Motor Works; Nashville, Tennessee; 1910-1915
Marion-Handley Six-Forty Mutuals Motor Company
1914-1916
Maxwell
Maxwell Motor Corporation
1913-1925
Milburn Electric
Milburn Wagon Company
1914-1922
Mitchell Speedster
Mitchell Motor Company
1903-1923
Model T
Ford Motor Company
1904- today
Munroe Coupe
Munroe Motor Company
1914-1916
Norwalk Touring
Norwalk Motor Company
1911-1922
Oakland
Oakland Motor Car Company
1907-1931
O-We-Go Cyclecar
O-We-Go Car Company, Owego, NY 1914-1914
Owens
Baker, Rauch & Lang Company
1914-1919
Packard
Packard Motor Company
1903-1955
Peerless
Peerless Motor Company
1900-1931
Premier
Premier Motor Corporation
1903-1925
Simplex
Simplex Automobile Company Incorporated 1907-1917
Saxon Coupe and Roadster Saxon Motor Company
1913-1923
Scripps-Booth Rocket
Scripps-Booth Company
1913-1923
Sphinx
Sphinx Motor Car Company
1913-1923
Studebaker
Studebaker Corporation
1902-1954
Trombly Cycle Car
Trombly Car Corporation
1913-1915
Turnbull Runabout
American Cyclecar Company
1913-1914
Wagenhals
Wagenhals Motor Company
1910-1915
Westcroft
Westcroft Motor Company
1912-1925
Woods
Woods Motor Vehicle Company
1899-1919
Companies located in northeastern United States made the large majority of the cars in
the above list. Most companies only lasted a few years. Some only produced a couple
cars. There are probably many other companies that are not listed whose cars have not
survived and there may be no recorded information on them. Only five of the 51
companies are in existence today.
12
Dodge – 100th Anniversary
By Judy Houlihan
Horace (gifted mechanic) and John (skilled financier) Dodge started Dodge Brothers
Company in 1900 as a supplier for car parts in Detroit Michigan. Henry Ford bought out
all Ford’s shareholders in 1914 and the Dodge boys received $25 million for their shares.
In 1914 Horace created a new 4-cylinder Dodge Model 30, an all steel body with a 12
volt system with a sliding gear transmission and was 35 HP (Model T was 20 HP). They
now were making and selling their own cars – competing against Henry Ford!
John died January 1920 pneumonia and Horace in December 1920 from cirrhosis. Dillon,
Read & Company bought the company from Horace and John’s widows in 1925 and later
that year bought 51% of Graham Brothers Inc. In 1927, they bought the remaining shares.
(Graham-Paige cars) The Senior Six-Cylinder was introduced and the 4-cylinder was
renamed Fast Four until the names changed to Standard Six and Victory Six. Dodge
dropped to fifth in the car market. Changes were unsuccessful in regaining their former
spot in the car market.
Walter P. Chrysler bought the company in 1928. In 1930, an eight-cylinder was added to
replace the Senior Six and the cars were streamlined and lengthened. The six and eightcylinder lines continued until 1933. The cars were restyled to the “wind stream” look in
1935 adding safety features: smooth flat dashboard (no protruding knobs), curved door
handles, and padded backs of front seats.
Like all car plants, they shut down car production for the war in 1942-45, focusing on
making war vehicles. With few changes made since the war, 1953 saw changes like
smaller bodies, the first V-8 Red Ram Hemi and a fully automatic “Power Flite”
transmission. A new era for Dodge had arrived 1955-1960 with style changes and
increasingly stronger engines that created “Freeway travels”. The Dart, LaFemme (white
and orchard trimmed hardtop marketed for women) and Texan (gold accented sold in
Texas) appeared on the market. Larger cars evolved like the Custom 880. A lower priced
($2000) Dart was unveiled in 1960. All Dodges were unibody construction.
Over the next years Lancer appeared (in 1961 compact car trend), mid-sized Coronet,
mid-priced Polara and higher priced Monaco in 1965. The 60’s and 70’s was the muscle
car era .Dodge responded with sporty fastback Charger, Coronet R/t and Super Bee. The
65 Dart GT had a high performance 235 HP as an added option and optional vinyl roof;
vinyl seats were standard equipment. A Pony Class of 1970 Challenger Sports coupe and
convertible, and subcompact Colt (Mitsubishi) competed with the Gremlin (AMC), Ford
Pinto and Chevrolet Vega that were part of the fast changing car landscape.
1973 was dominated by the oil crisis and car sizes decreased. The Omni subcompact
remained through the 80’s as well as the smaller Colt and a 4-cylinder Challenger. In
1976, a new Aspen replaced the Dart. In 1977, Diplomat replaced Coronet and Charger.
13
Chrysler was in trouble by 1979. Lee Iococca became president of Chrysler and obtained
a Federal loan guarantee. It bounced back with the Chrysler K-Car and Dodge Aires front
wheel drive. The new Mini Van trend had Dodge market the Caravan. They added sporty
cars like Daytona, Dodge 600 and Lancer; the Stealth remained until 1996. 1992 saw an
aluminum V-10 engine and composite body in the Viper and a “cab forward” design to
the Intrepid that gave more passenger room. Changes and rapid advances in technology
propelled the car industry into the 21st
century.
14
Volvo Canada and Days Gone By
By Paul MacKay 2013
In 1964, while I was working as an electrician’s helper in Truro, my friend, Karl Mosher,
was working as a paint foreman for Volvo Canada on the Dartmouth waterfront. Karl
suggested I apply for a job and I started work at Volvo November 2, 1964. At that time
Volvo Canadians and “554” models were being assembled at the Dartmouth plant after
the components arrived by boat from Sweden.
My first job was working with the forklift operator on the wharf where we uncrated car
bodies and set them on dollies. We were known as the “wharf rats”. The car bodies were
painted in Sweden. Then they coated them with wax to protect them from salt damage.
We pushed the dollies into a booth where the bodies were pressure washed to remove the
wax. From there they hoisted them onto Line 1 to begin the assembly process.
I worked on the wharf for a month and then assigned to the paint shop. I sanded the
wheels before they were painted. Next, I moved to the sub-assembly where they
assembled front ends. The job consisted of installing the upper and lower control arms,
shocks, rods, disc brakes and sway bars.
In 1966, I ordered a 1967 Volvo 122 Canadian with automatic shift and watched it travel
along the line. It had a large “P” marked with a yellow marker under the hood, which
indicated it belonged to Paul. It took approximately one day to assemble a vehicle
completely. The Purchase had to go through the dealership Agricola Motors, where I
picked it up just before Christmas. After my $400 employee discount, my total cost was
$2,700. A few years later, I sold it to a man I worked with.
My next job took me to Line 2. I worked on one side of the line and my friend, Norm
Tully worked opposite me. We installed floor mats, kick panels, door panels and door
and window handles.
In 1967 Volvo started to assemble the 140 model series (3 models), which eventually
replaced both the 544 and 122 models. In 1968, Volvo moved to Pier 9 in Halifax. It was
larger than the “old sugar refinery” in Dartmouth accommodated increased production. It
made its final move to Bayers Lake before Canadian assembling ceased Dec 18, 1998.
I next moved to sub-assembly of engines. Using a hoist, I lifted the engine onto a dolly
where I installed the transmission, starter, carburetor, speedometer cable, fan, motor
mounts, and rear cross members. I also added the oil to the motor and transmission. I then
pushed the engine over to the start of Line 2. From there I joined two others as “utility
man” and Line 2. Our job was to act as “relief” for the men when they took their breaks,
were sick, etc. I left Volvo in May 1974 and worked as a self-employed carpenter that
was more challenging than working on the assembly line.
15
In 2001, I discovered a 1967 Volvo Canadian 123 GT, 4-speed (built in Dartmouth) on
EBay. It was located in Kamloops, BC. I shipped it by rail to Nova Scotia where I
restored it with the help of a friend, Kevin McNeil, from Cape Breton. I really enjoy the
car and have wonderful memories of many trips to Carlyle, Boston and many car shows
in NS and NB. October 2013, I drove it to Stratton, Vermont to the Volvo Club of
America meet. 7 Volvos from Nova Scotia drove to this Eastern Meet along with a friend
from Pennsylvania who joined us with his white 1964 544 Volvo after driving it around
the Cabot Trail ( something he always wanted to do).
Beside the 1967 GT, I own a 1972 and 1976 Volvo that I bought from Rick Hamilton (he
bought them on EBay). The 1972 Volvo 142 has 29,000 original miles and its original
paint. The 1976 Volvo 242 has 11,000 original miles and its original tires.
16
Cyndi Way’s 1974 Dodge Dart
17
1974 Dodge Dart
By Jim Way and Judy Houlihan
Automobile: 1974 Dodge Dart 4-Door Sedan (Lucerne blue)
Owner:
Cyndi Way
Stock Options: Power steering, trunk light, rear window defogger, AM radio with rear
seat speaker, foot operated windshield washer pump and 2-speed electric wipers.
Engine:
Original 225 CID slant-six
Drive train:
Automatic transmission
Other modifications: All original except for seats- replaced with upgraded vinyl model
with center armrest from a 1975 Dodge Dart. Jim installed five Dart Sport rims
with trim rings and new chrome centers with raised white letter tires. June 2010
he purchased trunk mat from YearOne, Georgia, USA.
Jim and Carol Way purchased the 1974 Dodge Dart from Seymour MacMillan at Robie
and North Shell May 1980. Seymour had just bought the car that day (Friday) from
Halifax Chrysler Dodge for his daughter. Jim saw it that night when he stopped for gas.
He told Seymour if his daughter did not like it, he wanted it. Jim contacted him Sunday
and Seymour said his daughter did not like it. They arranged for Jim to pay $1650 (his
cost) on Monday. Marjorie S. Smith of South Park Street traded it in on a new K-Car.
When Jim filled it with gas, the odometer read 32,042 miles.
He had Robie/North Shell check it thoroughly. They installed new brake pads, brake hold
down kit and gas tank. The car had some minor body damage. The left front fender
(behind the front wheel) and left front door were poorly repaired. Even the paint used did
not match. Jim did some bodywork on the bottom rear corner of the left front fender and
had the car undercoated with grease and graphite. He installed an original rear-speaker
control unit, a rear speaker and trunk light. April 30, 1984 Robie/North Shell installed
two new lower ball joints. Henry Moore’s Wheel Alignment on Kaye Street did a wheel
alignment May11, 1984. October 8, 1985, Jim bought both front fenders (new) at Halifax
Chrysler Dodge from Harry Colford in the Parts Department. May 31, 1986 Jim bought
four new Michelin P195/75R14 tires from Robie/North Shell. He next replaced the front
bumper with a new one from George May, Halifax, and then August 13, 1992 Pat Burke
painted it after doing minor body repairs.
Jim stored the Dart in the Windsor Exhibition cattle barns every year. Carol drove it in
the summers for family transportation. They made three family trips to Ontario to visit
relatives- all trouble free. !982, they left the gas cover at a Quebec gas station. They used
an after market chrome one until an original replaced it when the Dart was last repainted
October 2005 by Randy in Gary Dorion’s garage, Tucker Lake.
18
Prior to the repaint, October 2002 Allan Ross arranged purchase of four Dart rims, trim
rings and chrome centers from Sandy Colter ($575). Damage to the rim and one center
went unnoticed until later; Allan replaced the rim with one from his Salvage Yard. Jim
installed two tail light bezels purchased on EBay (1 NOS in November 2004 and another
“good-used” in February 2005). The paint job and new bezels made the bumper look dull
and shabby- “re-chroming” is another project. Jim replaced the cracked dash-pad with
one from a 1974 Dart and dyed it to match the interior. Not happy with the wheels, he
bought four Chrysler 14–inch sport rims, trim rings and chrome centers from South
Carolina that were sand blasted and painted in October 2005 and a new set of all white
lettered Cooper GTS tires October 2009 from Round and Round.. In Sept 2009 and
February 2010, Jim bought two new centers (each time) from Halifax Chrysler Dodge. In
June, their son, Hugh, helped Jim install the new set of Cooper Radial GTS tires, sports
rims, centers and trim rings and new brake drums and shoes (from YearOne). Three days
later Jim installed the new trunk mat. Odometer read 107,842.
It was ready for the Shelburne Car Show July16, 2010. They drove it to Yarmouth
Seafest, as well, and enjoyed several days of eating seafood and local hospitality. Not
letting the dust settle, they drove the Dart to the Digby Scallop Days August 7 and
August 8 Car Show that was sponsored by Beliveau Motors, the local Ford dealership.
Over 150 cars were on display on Digby’s Main Street. Again, more seafood- scallop
lunch on Main Street!
April 2011, Jim installed a new top post Mopar battery from Halifax Chrysler Dodge in
October 2010. Odometer read 108,994.
When the Dart came out of storage in 2012, Nova Automotive installed a new exhaust
manifold delivered by UPS from Stevens Specialty Auto Parts of Fort Worth, Texas. July
19 it passed an 85-point inspection by Steele Chrysler with odometer reading 109,181.
They installed new wiper blades, horn, shocks, tailpipe and belts in preparation for their
trip to New Hamburg, Ontario for the August 19 Mopar Fest- Canada’s largest Mopar
Car Show. After visiting relatives and exploring areas, they arrived home with odometer
reading 112,657 miles. Their only mishaps with the Dart were a blown 20-amp fuse for
the brake lights on the way up and a burned out headlight on the way home!
Doug Fulmer appraised the car in 2007- value $5,700. What is it worth today after all the
restoration work done to it?
Many people asked why they would restore an old 4-door car, but the Dodge Dart is a
member of their family. It was a good reliable car for over 30 years and deserves the
respect it has earned. The odometer is over 113,000 miles. When their daughter, Cyndi,
joined the Halifax Antique Car Club in January 2012, Jim and Carol turned over the “old
family car” to her so it will continue to be part of the family.
19
Cajun Chicken Casserole
Quick and easy to make
2 large carrots cut in large pieces
1 large yellow onion cut in large pieces
4 small potatoes and I medium sweet potato or 6 small potatoes
6 garlic cloves
6 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons Cajun spice (adjust to preference)
¼ teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
½ tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
½ cup hot water
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
¼ cup water + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Add butter and oil to bottom of casserole dish.
Mix broth and hot water and add to dish.
Layer carrots, onion, potato and garlic in dish.
Mix salt, pepper and Cajun spice. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of this mix over vegetables.
Layer chicken thighs over vegetables. Sprinkle rest of spice mix over the chicken.
Cover with lid or foil.
Bake 375 F. for 30 minutes. Turn chicken. Cover and return to oven for30 minutes
more. Mix water and cornstarch and add to casserole. Return to oven without cover
for 10-15 minutes.
Makes enough for a dinner and a lunch for two people.
A family favorite of Carol Way
20
For Sale:

1946-48 Flathead Ford/Mercury dual exhaust manifolds. May fit other models.
Excellent condition. $75 Call 445-3384
meteor_1953@hotmail.com
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1957 Desoto Firedome 4-dr sedan pink/white; legendary Hemi V-8 engine; (last
production year in Desoto); almost indestructible Torqueflite 3-speed pushbutton
automatic; power steering; power brakes; AM radio (not working); 64,661 miles; less than
8,000 miles since complete restoration on a rust free southern car in 2000 – 2001
(pictures to prove). This beautiful rare classic was featured in 2005 Super Cruise
calendar and on cover of 2006 Drummer magazine (I have both copies).
Contact: Serious buyers call Wayne for more pictures and additional information at
(902) 632-2964
cwromans@nncweb.ca
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 1955- early 56 Ford, Mercury automatic transmission; complete with torque converter,
flywheel and ring gear; air cooled variety; PBM 7003A; serial # 20-147193; appears
complete but may need rebuild.
$200.
Contact: Gordon
462-3004 Dartmouth
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 1925 Cadillac Trippe Light (driving light/headlight); 8 ¾ inch outside diameter; has
original working bulb; in excellent condition; fits other large cars of that era. Asking
$300
 Several non-working radios for sale for various 1920’ – 30’s cars and 1960’s and 70’s
(some work).
Contact: Dave Houlihan 864-7606
dhoulihan@ns.sympatico.ca
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 Set of exhaust manifolds for 1955 Lincoln. $300
Contact: Jim Hamilton
883-9933
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
 4 GM 15-inch newer style rims with tires. $75 OBO
Contact: Gerard Lawlor 445-4067
lawlor52@hotmail.com
…………………………………………………………………………………..
 1930’s Chev passenger front end. Drums from ’37 are rebuilt (never used) –new shoes,
wheel cylinders and hydraulic fittings. Invested $600 – asking $250 obo
 1931 Chev – 2 headlight bars $50 each or $75 for both
 1931 Chev tail light arm and bucket with lens (cracked) and bezel from pickup.$30 obo
 1990s Chev pickup truck rear end ready to install in 30 Chev ($600) with rebuilt brakes,
shoes, wheel cylinders, hydraulic liners and fittings. Over $1000 invested. $450 obo
 Will sell 30’s front end and 90’s rear end for $550.
Contact: Harold Dillon
860-3267
harold.dillon@bellaliant.net
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1954 Chev parts and accessories- rare outside mirror, tissue dispenser, Auto headlight
parts, newly lined gas tank, remote spotlight/mirror made by Guide, installation
instructions for most 1940’s cars are just a few of items for sale.
Contact: John Beaulieu 876-8120
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
21
1950’s, 60’s memorabilia too numerous to list (Coca Cola, die cast cars, radios, etc)
Contact: Wayne Biron 860-3807
Wanted:

Wanted: 1931 Dodge right front fender with a wheel well.
Contact: Dave Houlihan 864-7606 dhoulihan@ns.sympatico.ca

Wanted: Columbia 2-speed rear end for 1935-40 Ford.
Contact: Jim Stevenson 835-2660 nandjstevenson@eastlink.ca

Wanted: Driver’s side, rear fender for 1931 Chevrolet in decent shape.
Contact: Harold Dillon 860-3267 harold.dillon@bellaliant.net

Wanted: Owners/shop manual for 1985 Honda Rebel 250 motorcycle
Contact: Robert and Heather
randhhazelton@eastlink.ca

Wanted: 1980 license plate. Call John 876-8120 johnandnancy@gmx.com
Readers’ Comments:
Dave and I want to thank Janet Richards for her excellent account of our little
excursion in October 2013.
We were asked to plan another little trip this spring - the long weekend in May. If
anyone has ideas of where you would like to go, please contact us by email at
mabeld@accesswave.ca or call (902)865-7458.
Dave and Mabel Dodsworth
Regarding November’s Restoration Tips on winter storage from 1973 archives:
1)
In an unheated garage if the carburetor bowl is left completely empty,
condensation will build up over a six-month period. The bowl and associated
mechanisms in close proximity will rust. Better to leave it full of fuel with
stabilizer added.
2)
Any battery not being used will build up deposits on the plates that
eventually short out. A trickle of charger/battery maintainer will prevent this from
happening. Battery case should be cleaned to prevent shorting to the ground.
Lee MacRae