Oct /Nov 2014 - Waukesha Old Car Club

Waukesha Old Car Club
t
o promote the interest of automobiles for
the mutual enjoyment of the members
Visit our new website at
www.waukeshaoldcarclub.org
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Spark
and
Sputter
October – November
2014
Waukesha Old Car Club
PO Box 645
Waukesha, WI 53187
Cover Photo
2014
President
THE 1956 CHEVY
Ron Wichinski
Owned by Wes and Judy Sodemann
Vice President
Steve Heinemann
Treasurer
Jim Young
Secretary
Roy Tomasczak
Board Members
Joe Couture
Nic Gengler
Jim Haas
Victor Perugini
Harry Rozanski
Bob Schumann
Wes Sodemann
Mel Stark
Tom Sznaider
Frank Wilke
Editor/Board Member at Large
Bob Merner
Dues
Member dues are $25.00 per year and are due
on February 15 of each year. Members receive
a 50% discount on dues by working a minimum of 4 hours for the club throughout the
year. Members who have not paid their dues
by the due date will not receive credit for
hours worked and will have their name removed from the roster.
Club Meetings
The club meets the second
month at 7:30pm at Fox
Waukesha.
The board meets the first
month at 7:00pm at Fox
Waukesha.
Monday of the
Run Lanes in
Monday of the
Run Lanes in
Spark and Sputter
The club newsletter is published 6 times a
year on the even numbered months. The
deadline for putting articles and photos in the
newsletter is 2 weeks prior to the newsletter
being published.
Send items to be published to Bob Merner or
email at romer512@gmail.com
The year is 1964, it's summer in Wisconsin, I have just
turned 21, an absolute drag racing nut. I had purchased a
20,000 mile 1956 Chevy off the used car lot of the local
Chevy dealership for $750. I had transplanted a 1961
Pontiac and 4-speed and did some street racing, but, the car
was destined to become a full blown racer. The 56 was
taken to newly opened dragster shop located in Kenosha,
Wis, R&B Automotive owned by Dennis Rolaine and John
Buttera. A very young Buttera transformed the 56 by
installing a complete aluminum floor and fire wall, and
locating the small block Chevy under the dash. The 56 was
given a straight axle with quarter elliptical springs. John
explained that by using quarter elliptical springs the car
would lift at a high RPM launch but the tires would stay on
the ground for better control. Steering was handled by a
new Ford Econoline box. A roll cage was installed along with
Super Stock seats from Bostrum, a seat manufacturer
located in Milwaukee. The rear axle was a 1957 Pontiac with
4:88 gears, leaf springs with slapper bars (for good traction)
with the 10" M&H slicks. A one piece fiberglass flip front end
and a Midnight blue paint job finished off the 56. The drive
train was high tech for 1964 and would most likely hold its
own today, 50 years later. I started with .030" over Chevy
block, forged steel 283 crankshaft, Mickey Thompson
aluminum rods, 12:1 JE forged pistons. Roller camshafts
from Crane, Ingle, and Schneider were used, having best
results from Schneider Racing Cams. Heads and aluminum
rockers arms were from Crane Engineering. The engine was
topped off with Hilborn fuel injection and spark provided by
a Vertex magneto. The engine was basically a mail order
item assembled in my parents basement. The transmission
was a Chrysler 727 Clutchflite built by another Kenosha
racer Perry Sites. The Clutchflite is a special transmission, it
used the 727 Torqueflite automatic with the bellhousing cut
off then an adapter is made to fit a Chevy bellhousing,
flywheel, clutch disc and pressure plate. A Chrysler push
button shifter was installed. To launch the 56 I would take
the engine to 6000 RPM, let the clutch out, hang on, watch
the Sun tachometer then push the shift buttons at 8000
RPM. JUST LOADS OF FUN.
It's now 1968, married
and need of a house,
the car is sold, never to
be seen again.
Time goes really fast,
it’s now 2014, I'm now
71 and decided to build
a facsimile of my first
love " THE 56 "
LETS GO RACING
WES
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Original 1956 race car
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Donna Young is this years high bidder for Nancy Kelly’s doll. The proceeds from the auction of the doll is matched by
the club and that amount is given to the charity selected by Nancy. The winner of the drawing for the doll painted by
Nancy’s Mother was Wes Sodemann. Thanks to all who came, brought their “junk” for auction and those who
participated. Thanks to Tom Garibaldi and Scott Kimball for cooking the meat and all those who brought a dish to pass.
WAUKESHA OLD CAR CLUB Regular Meeting August 11, 2014
The meeting was called to order. Officers, Board members and guests were introduced.
Sunshine Committee– reported that the club sent a card to Harry Rozanski. Harry had heart surgery.
Secretary’s Report– Roy Tomasczak read the minutes from the July meeting. The minutes were accepted as
presented.
Treasurer’s Report– Jim Young gave a treasurer’s report for the months of May, June and July. The report was
accepted as presented.
Vice-President’s Report– had no report.
President’s Report– Ron Wichinski thanked everyone who helped at the Car Show. We had a great show, the
weather was perfect and the park was filled with show cars and spectators.
Committee Reports
Mel Stark read the list of people who won an award at the show. He also had a couple of awards that were not
picked up at the show. He will be contacting those people and make arrangement to get their awards to them.
Bonnie Herman has club hats for sale, black khaki or tan.
Fall Jefferson is September 26-28, as before the club rents 8 spaces and sets up the tent, members pay $10.00 to
sell under the tent, more information will be available at the September meeting.
Frank Wilke reported that the car club calendar is progressing nicely. He got the names of all the trophy winners
and will be contacting them to get pictures of their cars for the calendar.
The fall tour will take place October 4-5. The group will be traveling to Bonduel, WI. They will be visiting Doc’s
Harley-Davidson Cycle and Auto Museum. If you are interested in going contact Dale Schneider @ 262-252-3035.
The hotel is the Super 8 in Shawano. Hotel phone number is 800-363-2297, be sure to mention reservation
number 58751082.
This year’s picnic and auction will be September 14, at Pewaukee-Nettesheim Park N26 Prospect Ave (Hwy SS). It
starts approximately 9:30 am with the usual, coffee, donuts and juice. Bring your treasures from your garage,
basement, attic, even your neighbors garbage. Bring a dish to pass, using your favorite recipe or a surprise. The
club provides the meat, condiments, plates, and the rest of the essentials. As usual, we eat at about noon, and the
auction will start after everyone has eaten or approximately 1 o’clock. Of course, the fuel for the party, beer, soda
and water will be there also. Any questions please call Tom Garibaldi at 262-547-5212.
Fire truck driver training for those of you who want the excitement of driving the fire truck.
Please call Tom Garibaldi @ 262-547-5212 a date will be determined.
We will be using West high school parking lot.
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WAUKESHA OLD CAR CLUB Regular Meeting September 8, 2014
The meeting was called to order. Officers, Board members and guests were introduced.
Sunshine Committee– had no report.
Secretary’s Report– Roy Tomasczak read the minutes from the August meeting. The minutes were accepted as
presented.
Treasurer’s Report– Jim Young gave a report of income and expenses for the month of August which included
the Car Show. He noted that all the expenses were not in yet therefore he did not have final numbers for the
show. Jim mentioned that he will be “passing the can” again this year to collect money to be donated to the
Waukesha charities supported by the club. The money collected is in addition to the money the club gives from its
treasury.
Vice-President’s Report– had no report
President’s Report– Ron thanked everyone who helped at the Car Show. It was a great show He especially
thanked all the committee chairpersons who worked so hard to make their areas run smoothly. He added that if
they had concerns for next year they should bring them to the Board so that they can be addressed. At the
December meeting we will be holding elections for President, Secretary and 5 Board members.
Committee Reports
The picnic and auction will be September 14 (refer to page 5 for more details).
Ray Terry and Tom Garibaldi are planning a cruise to the Wade House in Greenbush, WI which is approximately 65
miles from Waukesha depending on the route. The Wade House is an old stagecoach inn that has been restored
and is beautifully furnished with period pieces. The cruise is October 11 and will be leaving from Fox Run at
8:30am Call Tom at 262-547-5212 at least a week before so he can get a count for a group rate.
Jefferson Swap Meet is Sept 24-26, (refer to page 5 for more details).
Mork Oravetz has a limited number of 2014 Car Show shirts available. The cost to members is $9.00 each. If you
want one, contact him and he will bring it to a future meeting.
Mel Stark said that the 2015 Appreciation Banquet will be held
at Pano’s restaurant, same place as the last few years. It will
be held on February 28 as not to conflict with the World of
Wheels. The cost remains the same as last year, $20.00 per
person. More details will be available at the meetings and next
newsletter.
City of Waukesha Christmas Parade
"VISIONS OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME"
Sunday November 23 @ 4:00pm
Date:
Saturday November 1, 2014
Time:
7:00pm
Location: The Eagles Club
709 N. Grandview Blvd
Waukesha, WI 53186
Costume Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
Music
The Vice President will be collecting dues at the
November and December meetings.
$6.00 for members and guests
Get your tickets today!
It is not too early to think about making changes to
your information in the roster. There will be a form in
the next newsletter for that purpose.
For more information contact :
Tom Garibaldi at 262-547-5201
Len Litt at 262-548-9420
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Article taken from The Studebaker Drivers Club Publication Turning Wheels
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If you have an item to sell
contact Bob Merner at romer512@gmail.com
to have it included in the newsletter.
It will be listed it in two consecutive newsletters as
space allows.
Swap Space
For Sale: 1997 Lincoln MKVIII LSC for parts, or whole, except engine,
transmission, differential, and a few other items. Body essentially rust-free
with a few dings, window glass, independent rear suspension, leather seats,
power sun roof, etc. Contact Jerry Oesterreich, 262-352-9349.
For Sale: Complete convertible top, black, for
2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Has very little use. $600
or best offer. Contact Jerry Oesterreich @
gerbrioes@yahoo.com : 262-691-9595
Wanted: Looking for a WONDERBAR radio for a 1958
Chevrolet Impala, or information regarding who can repair the
radio that I currently have. Any assistance is appreciated
Contact Jim Warwick @ 414-744-9490
For Sale: Power Probe III- PPKIT03 - Ultimate Circuit Tester
Kit Easy to read backlit voltmeter reads voltage in 1/10th volt
Makes locating shorts and open circuits easier Gold series lead
set includes: Power Probe III, ECT2000 & Gold Series Lead
set contains Gold Series 4mm leads and connectors continuity
tester relay and Component tester works on 12-24 volts. Contact Mary Richter @262-544-6536 or woodltd@sbcglobal.net
For Sale: 1985 Chevrolet IROC Camaro, 305 TPI,
P/S P/B, P/W, T-Tops, fresh repaint, southern car no
rust ever Asking $5,298.00 Contact Jerry Kawatski
@ (days) 262-547-1771, (evening) 262-547-1621
For Sale:1961 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, original
59,000 mile Canada car, fresh repaint no rust ever
Asking $21,980.00 Contact Jerry Kawatski @ (days)
262-547-1771, (evening) 262-547-1621
Nader Kart Racing
at the Briggs and Stratton raceway
W377 S1851 Gramling La
Dousman, Wi
Racing starts around 10:am
Admission is free
Go to their web site badgerkartclub.com for more information.
There are about 7-10 different classes, from adult to 9 year olds, running a variety of engine sizes, and
straight drive to shifter carts.
THE DATE: October 5th Meet at Fox Run at 10:00am
Of course, no racing in the rain
Inconclusive travel plans for 2014-2015
I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently you can’t go there alone. You have to
be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have
however been in Sane. They don’t have an airport someone has to drive you there. I have made several trips
there, thanks to my family, friends and co-workers. I have also been in Doubt. It is a sad place to go and I try
not to go there too often. I have been in Flexible, but only when it is important to stand firm. One of my favorite
places to be is in Suspense. It really gets the adrenalin flowing and the heart pumping. People keep telling me
that I have been in Denial but I am positive that I have not. Sometimes I think that I am in Vincible but life
shows me that I am not. I may have been in Continent but I don’t remember. It must be an age thing. However
they tell me that it is very wet and damp down there.
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Advertise your business here
The newsletter is published bi-monthly.
The newsletter is provided to all members.
The newsletter can be also be found
on the club website
The cost for a business card ad is $60.00 per year
Contact the Club for more information
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PO Box 645
Waukesha, WI 53187
October 4-5
Fall Tour to Doc’s H-D Museum Page 5
October 6
Board Meeting
October 11
Cruise to Wade House Page 6
October 13
Membership Meeting
November 1
Club Halloween Party at Eagles Club Page 6
November 2
Daylight Savings time ends (turn your clocks back)
November 3
Board Meeting
November 10
Membership Meeting
November 23
Waukesha Christmas Parade Page 6
February 28
Member Appreciation Banquet Page 6
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