The Official Newsletter of the Richmond Region AACA January 2016
Transcription
The Official Newsletter of the Richmond Region AACA January 2016
Gas Light The Official Newsletter of the Richmond Region AACA January 2016 - Volume 65, No. 1 www.RichmondAACA.com Richmond Region AACA Inside the Cover - Family Heirlooms By Budd Lacy The antique car hobby has a wide variety of collections. Some people prefer only Fords, some like European—but basically we're all in the same church, just in different pews. As for me, I enjoy a wide variety of antique cars, but the 2 that are special to me are my Packards. So here we go... Hi! My name is Budd and I'm a caroholic, and I've been one all my life. When I was a young kid I would spend my summers with my grandfather. Some will say I was his favorite grandson, others will tell you I was his only grandson. Both are true (there is nothing wrong with winning by default ). Anyway, my grandfather was a member of the AACA since1962, so basically I was going to every car show from Winchester to Macungie, Pa. Not sure if he always enjoyed it, or just didn't want to hire a babysitter - either way I got to go. The 1940 Packard that I now own was purchased by Pop in 1963 for $25.00 from a lady’s basement in Baltimore. The engine was stuck at the time, and he brought the car home. Pop was a good mechanic and freed up the engine, and drove it on some club outings. Now Pop was a very proud man, and the car was not quite an antique at the time. He was teased about driving a used car instead 2 of his antique one (Pop also had a 1929 Hudson at the time). So basically that car sat in his garage for a few years. Then in 1972 an opportunity came up to buy the ‘48 Packard, so that let the ‘40 sit a little more - the ‘48 has a straight 8 with overdrive, while the ‘40 is just a 6 cylinder. Now the ‘40 was still used, just not driven (Pop kept a blanket in the car for his afternoon naps). When Pop bought the car in 1963 it only had 23,000 miles on it. When he gave the car to the family in 1987 it had just 27,000 miles on it….so basically it had more dreams in it than outings. Since I was spending my summers with him, I could coax him into getting the car out every once in a while. I'm not sure if it was my good looks or my ability to talk to people (I've had Cindie fooled for 15 years with one or the other ); either way it was nice to get it out every so often. In 1987 when he decided to give it to the family, we joined the Richmond Region. So for the next 12 years that was our antique car. It was generally me and Dad Inside the Cover (Continued) going to the shows and day trips. I was not nearly as active in the club back then, because I've always said perfume smells better than gasoline. The other car that means the most to me is the 1948 Packard. Like I said previously, Pop tle kid who'd ask a million questions. That's just a little bit of history on some of my collection. Now as for being a “caroholic,” I'm not sure I can break this habit (sorry Cindie because I would never complain about your horses). bought the car in 1972, and I purchased it from his estate in 2007. Pop drove that car more than any other— I'm not quite sure what drew him to that car. For me I guess it's the memories of going with him to a PHOTOS BELOW: show on Saturday mornings. Or it could be the first time I drank a beer with Pop before I was 21 (I can say that now because the statute of limitations has run out on being grounded). It could be because I was named after him—I don't know. I've kept the car exactly the same as he had it— even his name badge is still pinned on the sun visor. I guess when I'm in that car I still feel like the lit- LEFT - Dad with me and the 1941 Buick, circa 1974. RIGHT - With Pop and 1919 Frick Steam Tractor which had just pulled out the 1936 Caterpillar, circa 1984. 3 President’s Message Hello everyone, Here we are in the dead of winter in the midst of a big snow storm as I write this. In just a few days it will be time for some of us to head off to Philadelphia for the Annual Meeting of the AACA. This is one of the antique automotive highlights of the year for me. We always try to get our Richmond group together for a dinner on the town on Thursday night; plus there are some great little restaurants within walking distances of the hotel. The only problem is, it is Philly and it is always cold and most of the time there is snow on the ground, so we bundle up for the walk! Heading Friday night Debbie and I attend the Region’s President dinner before going to the auction. Each year there is an auction held to benefit the AACA Library. Members donate items of automotive interest that are auctioned off to the highest bidder; we have come away with some pretty interesting items in past years. During the day on Friday and Saturday there are informative seminars that can be attended. Actually this year Debbie and some other Richmond Region members will be presenting a seminar explaining the many ways of attracting attention and raising awareness for the local regions. We will also have an interactive booth in the Trade Show both days advertising our Eastern Divisional Tour on July 31 – August 3. Saturday afternoon is the General Meeting and then the Awards Banquet is held Saturday night. I hope we have a nice representation from the Richmond Region this year. OFFICERS Tommy Nolen, President 5805 Centralia Road Richmond, VA 23237 804-586-2892 Bruce Woodson, Jr. Vice President 7106 Club Road Richmond, VA 23228 804-264-8551 Alice Cameron, Secretary PO Box 588 Ashland, VA 23005 804-798-8125 Mert Fowlkes, Treasurer 106 Gaymont Road Richmond, VA 23229 804-288-4439 Place you r m essag e h ere. Fo r m axim um i mpact , use two or t hre e se ntenc es. BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Smith Tony Smith Debbie Nolen Budd Lacy 804-897-6803 804-353-4224 804-586-2892 804-252-2196 Car Show Committee Bruce Woodson, Jr. Joe Guckert 804-264-8551 804-530-0461 Legislative Representative I want to take this opportunity to inform the club members that we have a new Website and a new Webmaster. John Musgrove has agreed to create and maintain a new website for our club. Fred Fann has been our webmaster for the past ten years and he has done a wonderful job, but Fred isn’t a member of our region or of the AACA, so it is really good that we now have one of our own as our webmaster. Thank you John! Reggie Nash Darlene Hatcher 804-598-1962 In closing I want to say that we recently lost one of our long time faithful members, Tommy Cox passed away. Newer members never had a chance to meet this very interesting man or his wife Madelyn. I joined this club some twenty years ago. One of the first club outings that I remember attending was at the home of the Cox’s, it was the last time the club visited their home. I’m glad I was there that day. In an email to the members, Dayton wrote a very fitting tribute to Mr. Cox, I hope you took the time to read it. Youth Coordinators Andy & Mary Beth Fuhrman 804-467-1458 Let’s get this snow outa here so we can enjoy our cars, Tommy 804-320-2636 10670 Cherokee Road Richmond, VA 23235 Public Relations Gas Light Editor Brian & Lisa Munsey 2809 Murano Way Glen Allen, VA 23059 864-680-2079 NEW WEBSITE - NEW LOOK - NEW CONTENT! www.RichmondAACA.com From the Editors Happy New Year! What did the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas have in common with the Detroit Auto Show (besides both occurring this month)? These events gave us a glimpse of how quickly advances in electronics are impacting the auto industry. We have entered a new revolutionary era for automobiles. Computers are being integrated into cars that not only tell us what’s wrong with the engine, but can control speed, braking (it even knows when to brake before a possible run-in with another car!), warns if you are too close to an object and/or are lane drifting. The GPS aspects can give real-time travel directions, plus advise on the closest gas station, restaurant or other places of interest. Some cars are capable of parallel parking all by themselves. These advances are making our antique cars even more “antique”! All the mechanical controls have to be guided by human hands (and feet) rather than pushing buttons or programming – and it takes physical strength (rather than computer knowledge) to turn a steering wheel and to brake. Depending on the year and model of the antique, you may also need that strength to crank it up in order for it to start... You can look at, study and admire all the mechanicals of an antique car, know and understand how it works – and how to fix it. Modern cars and their computers, not so much. It’s just the magic of a “black box”! So, as we dive deeper into the new year, appreciate and enjoy all the technological advancements that can make our lives easier (perhaps we won’t have to stop driving in our old age - the car will do it all by itself). We can also savor the fun of fixing, maintaining and actually driving our antiques! Brian & Lisa Richmond Region AACA Past Presidents 1952-1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958-1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971-1972 1973 1974-1975 1976 David Garriques Frantz Hershey Jerome Powell Kenneth Adelstein David Garriques Warner Hall Harold Via/John Adams John Adams Charlie Kidd Ellis Walton/Jerome Powell Jerome Powell George Taylor Donroy Ober James Brannon/Fred Singleton John Glisson Gary Greene Reggie Nash Hugh Hawthorne Bill Bowman Jimmy Jones Jim Whittne 1977 1978-1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988-1989 1990-1991 1992 1993 1994-1995 1996 1997-1998 1999 2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 Hugh Hawthorne John Puryear Hugh Hawthorne Lee Crenshaw Morris Cameron Robert Smith Morris Cameron Fred Phipps John Adams Fred Phipps Morris Cameron Dayton Leadbetter Morris Cameron Wendel Bowles Dayton Leadbetter Richard (Dick) Ivey Mert Fowlkes Alice Cameron Kenny Baker Dayton Leadbetter Tommy Nolen 7 2005-2006 2007-2008 2009-2010 2011-2012 2013-2014 George Duke Peter Francisco Morris Cameron Andy Fuhrman Budd Lacy Casual. Small Town. Chic. Friendly. Atmosphere For your business. If your retail business could benefit from being located on a major thoroughfare near a major upscale tourist destination then you should consider The Hub or Lakeside Town Center. The Hub is one of Richmond’s oldest shopping centers and Lakeside Towne Center is a new complex anchored by a restored vintage Esso Service Station. Recently expanded, The Lakeside Farmer’s Market operates at the Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both locations are highly visible on Lakeside Avenue and within view of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Small and large retail spaces are available starting at $695 per month. Peter L. Francisco Co. 8 Great News!!!! By Debbie Nolen I am proud to announce that the Richmond Region Antique Automobile Club of America (RRAACA) club is now considered an affiliate organization with Henrico Division of Recreation, Parks and Facilities, thanks to our Director of Recreation and Parks, Mr. Neil Luther. Based on our continued participation with Henrico County Recreation, Parks and Facilities your volunteer efforts and contributions of time and your antique vehicles both past and future have been recognized. What this means to the club is, that moving forward; the yearly rental fees have been waived for the use of Belmont Recreation Center and other County locations for the 2-3 social events charged for the use of our facilities. These fees totaled $2210 in 2015 (10 monthly meetings and 3 social functions: actual cost $3010 - $800 in returned security deposits) and $1570 in 2014 (10 monthly meetings and 1 social function: actual cost $1970 $400 in returned security deposits). This also includes the use of the tent, tables and chairs for the annual car show. What follows is the data and foundation that the approval was based upon thanks to your efforts! the summer. Even more notably in 2015, 45 club members directly assisted with 6 automobile related Division programs through many methods, including research, speaking, social media, assembling other car owners and associated marquee clubs, and many provided their personal classic cars (at some programs, up to 4 vehicles have been brought by a single individual!). Many more members brought vehicles on the day of the event but were not counted in this statistical total. Richmond Region’s membership and their efforts have provided at no cost to the county over 289 hours of volunteer service, valued at amazing $7,052.00, based on the County HR volunteer rate of $24.40 per hour. The rate is based on the National Bureau of Statistics average wage for VA. These programs and events could not have been offered without the expertise and continuing generosity of each individual within the Richmond Region AACA club. Individual program specifics follow in the following graph. Secondary results from the Richmond Region and Henrico Recreation and Parks’ association has resulted in national exposure of the County by the RRAACA has resulted in visitation from across the US through tours presented by other national automotive clubs with Henrico County their destination to tour our facilities, as evidenced by the September Vintage Chevrolet Club Tour of the Henrico Water Reclamation Plant, Dorey Park, Dabbs House Museum and the Tourist Information Center. In 2016, July 30-August 3, Richmond Region AACA will host an AACA National Divisional Tour and highlights of that tour will include visitation at numerous county facilities including Meadow Farm and Walkerton Tavern. Founded in 1953, Richmond Region has 80 enthusiastic members ranging in age from 10 to 90. Many have grown up within the club and there are a high percentage of Henrico residents as well. Richmond Region AACA is a nationally recognized region of the AACA holding Virginia non-profit status. Richmond Region meets monthly at Belmont Recreation Center and holds two to three other social functions in county facilities throughout the year. As a Recreation Manager and member of the AACA Board of Directors, I would like to validate the substantive amount of volunteer service that has been provided by the Richmond Region active membership that shows their tremendous support of the County. Richmond Region club members feel strongly about giving back to the community and they have had a long term relationship over the years with the Division. Antique and classic cars have been provided when requested for numerous program events such as Therapeutic Recreation’s Sock Hop dance, the Senior Party in the Park programs and special functions such as the dedication and open house of Armour House and Gardens, to name a few. Club members provide many services to the County, most recently evidenced by Peter Francisco’s Farmer’s market serving as a spectator viewing station for the UCI Bike Races. Antique vehicles are provided at Courtney Road Service Station every major special event at Meadow Farm and in the community. For the 2016 Henrico Teen Scene program, a series of mini-car presentations is in the process of being planned for each location throughout Planned for 2016: April – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: A Japanese Tuismai: The Datsun/Nissan Z Sports Car- In association with the Richmond Z Car Association. May – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: The American Legend: The Chevrolet Corvette – In association with the Richmond Corvette Club. June – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: TBA June – August - Henrico Teen Scene program, a series of mini-car presentations at each location. August - BUGSTOCK: A 60’s VW Happening! September, October and November – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: TBA 9 2015 Richmond Region AACA Total Programming Participation and Volunteer Value to Henrico County Participants Participating Marquee Clubs Sp ect ato rs C a r s Nu mb er of He nric oR &P Staf f wor kin g eve nt Volunteers # hours spent by AACA Volunteers in program prep, vehicle/club recruitment/ organization/ meeting # AACA Volunteers on the event day x # hrs each = T ot al V ol u nt ee rs To tal Ho ur s Total Hours x $24.40 = Volunteer Value To The County March – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: Mustang: 50 Years an American Icon Central VA Mustang Club 150 40 2 2x10 hrs ea = 20 hrs 5x5 hrs ea= 25 hrs 7 45 $1098 April – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: Henry Ford’s Ladies: the Model T and the Model A Vehicles Model T Club (Henry Nelson was part of this program and club) and the Model A Club 85 30 3 4x10 hrs ea= 40 hrs 5x5 hrs ea= 25 hrs 9 65 $1586 May – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: The British Sports Car in America British Car Club, Jaguar Club, MG Club 65 30 2 1x10 hrs ea= 10 hrs 4x5 hrs ea = 20 hrs 4 30 August – BUGSTOCK: A 60’s VW Happening! Central VA Vintage VW Club and West Broad VW 2x 5hrs ea= 10 hrs 6x7hrs= 42 hrs ea 1600 45 7 (5 full time and 2 part time) 8 52 $1269 October – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: Trucks: Workhorses of the Auto World Old Dominion Historical Fire Society 100 25 November – Sunday Afternoon with the Classics: The World of Automotive Orphans Multiple organizations, Auburn, Cord, Duisenberg club, LaSalle, Nash 130 30 Courtney Rd Service Station Special Event Vehicles (July 4th, Harvest Festival, Holidays) Sometimes requires 2 club members to deliver car to site & return at event close. Sometimes they stay with the vehicle. Totals AACA volunteers assisted w/show field layout prior to the event/ car to dealership and back. AACA volunteers park show cars, greet public, coordinate, tally public vote 2 2x10 hrs ea= 20 hrs 3x5 hrs ea = 15 hrs 7 35 $854 2 2x10 hrs ea= 20 hrs 6x5 hrs ea= 30 hrs 7 50 $1220 3 12 $293 45 289 $7052 3 x 4 hrs ea= 12 hrs ?? All who come to the event see the vehicle as advertisement and some choose to go to the service station and tour. 2130 200 $732 2x10 hrs ea = 20 hrs Vehicle on site for the duration of the event, time reflects getting vehicle to site & back 18 Visit us at henricorecandparks.com 11 Beyond My First Car - (Part Two) By Mike Harton Not long after I got my first car, a 1960 Austin Healey 3000, I happened to spot a really cool old car in a really odd place: a '51 MG TD sitting in front of a country auto repair shop. I inquired, and was told a college student was driving it across country when it threw a rod. He left the car and went on his way, telling the mechanic to see what it would take to fix it. When he was told a short block cost $500, plus labor, the student said sell it! The mechanic didn't know what to ask for it and told me to make an offer. The wooden body skeleton was another matter. Pretty much shot, but not so much that dad couldn't use the pieces as templates. My job was to carefully extract them. His job was to fashion a new frame pieces from white oak! The MG was a fun car, and I got to where I could replace the rear axle blind-folded (thanks to a grabbing clutch). Finally, I just started skipping first gear and starting in second. Dad and I shared the MG, but he was always looking for another challenge. Since he had the major $$ invested in it, I could only protest so much when he wanted to sell it in order to buy an airplane. Wish I knew where the MG is today! The Healey had to go, too. After marriage, Raylene needed a car to contribute to the car pool of teachers commuting across town. Don't know where it went either. My dad was a machine nut. He managed the When I called my dad and told him I needed his help pulling this $175 purchase home he thought I'd paid too much for a car that wasn't running! Dad, whose first job was in a machine shop, quickly realized the block wasn't damaged (the rod went through a water jacket), and re-boring and a cylinder sleeve were a quick fix. automotive division at Sears, and when they sold go-karts, he had a demonstrator with two chainsaw engines which he and I both raced. Sold lots of karts, because we won everything! As I said, Dad was a machine nut (even after he bought and operated a lumber company). After dad passed it was my job to dispose of two bulldozers, a backhoe/end loader, a tractor 12 Beyond My First Car (Part Two) - Continued and equipment, and various old cars (the plane was already gone). I've had other projects: restoring an MG-B for One car now remains in mom's garage: a beautiful '31 Model A Roadster that my sister and I are both eying. We'll see …... one son, a Mustang for another, and a CJ 7 for yet another. Then there were the Fiat 124 Spider (great engine, but a rust bucket), and a Miata. But mom gave me dad's '31 Dodge Brothers, and '15 Model T, which occupy me now. Reggie Nash helped me get them running, and Morris Cameron and Bob Richmon helped me put a starter on the T (well, actually I helped them). Then there's the '70 VW Beetle, my daily driver, that belonged to a family friend who bought it new. 13 Scrapbook: Recent Richmond Region Events to a great tour, and even saw two of “Mat Richmon's” kinfolk (mannequins). Now many of you Jan. 16 - Fun Run to Appomattox Manor By Budd Lacy On January 16th, fifteen members plus one four legged member met at the Science Museum, for our 2016 January Fun Run. There was a little concern about that day as it was supposed to rain the night before, and into the next morning. After several calls to Alice I said lets go for it, but I had an alternate date in mind if needed. (As it turned out we picked the right date - just wish I could pick lottery numbers like that - because the next day Old Man Winter decided to show up. My back up date was for January 21st. Well, Old Man Winter and Mother Nature got together, and basically said LET THE PARTY BEGIN with the blizzard of 2016.) Almost everyone arrived on time, with the exception of Amy and Jimmy which isn't unusual. I give them a hall pass on being late, because they have to come from Jetersville. Everything in Jetersville is a little slower (they don't get Monday night football ‘till Thursday morning). Eventually we were on the road, had a nice ride through the city then down Rt. 5 over into Hopewell arriving at City Point/Grant’s Headquarters. Now one of the couples actually arrived before we did. They claim they got separated in town. I think they were riding behind Tommy and Debbie, and his car was probably smoking and leaking fluids (well that's the story I'm telling—to quote Tony Smith, never let the truth get in the way of a good story). At Grant’s Headquarters we were treated know Mat hasn't been around lately, because of an unfortunate accident he suffered. I understand that he is mending nicely now after a care package was sent (now to hear the Paul Harvey “rest of the story,” just ask Bob Richmon). After the tour the club has one more destination, and that was lunch at the Dockside restaurant. With full bellies everyone went back to their respective homes, anxiously waiting for the next fun run. 14 Calendar of Regional Events January 31, 2016 - Sunday Richmond Region Annual Banquet Belmont Recreational Center - 5 PM February 6 Richmond Region Fun Run Chelsea Plantation - West Point, Va. Cost $15.00 per person RSVP needed - please contact Budd Lacy April 17 - Sunday Sunday Afternoon with the Classics The Datsun / Nissan “Z” Sportscars (See page 11 for details) May 15 - Sunday Sunday Afternoon with the Classics The Chevrolet Corvette (See page 11 for details) June 18 Richmond Region Annual Car Show Richmond International Raceway July 31 - August 3, 2016 National Divisional Tour Hosted by Richmond Region AACA 15 Calendar of National Events February 11-13, 2016 AACA Annual Meeting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 717-534-1910 March 17-19, 2016 Winter Meet - Naples/Marco Island Region Naples, Florida April 7-10, 2016 Southeastern Spring Meet - Hornets Nest Region Charlotte, North Carolina 704-847-4215 May 5-7, 2016 Special Spring Meet Auburn, Indiana 717-534-1910 May 19-21, 2016 Eastern Spring Meet - South Jersey Region Vineland, New Jersey 609-221-5435 June 2-4, 2016 Annual Grand National Meet - Susquehannock Region. Williamsport, Pennsylvania 570-368-2570 September 1-3, 2016 Western Fall Meet - High Plains Region Cheyenne, Wyoming 307-631-0625 September 11-16, 2016 AAA Revival Glidden Tour (Pre-’43) - VMCCA hosted North Conway, New Hampshire October 5-8, 2016 Eastern Fall Meet - Hershey Region Hershey, Pennsylvania 717-566-7720 October 20-22, 2016 Central Fall Meet - Gulf Coast Region Galveston, Texas 713-299-2349 November 5-11, 2016 Reliability Tour (Pre-’16) Savannah Region. Savannah, Georgia 912-313-0598 February 9-11, 2017 AACA Annual Meeting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 717-534-1910 June 10-12, 2016 The Elegance at Hershey & Grand Ascent Hill Climb Hershey, Pennsylvania 717-534-1910 June 12-17, 2016 April 6-9, 2017 Southeastern Spring Meet - Hornets Nest Region Charlotte, North Carolina 704-847-4215 Sentimental Tour (1928-1958) - Hornets Nest Region Salisbury, North Carolina 704-847-4215 July 14-16, 2016 Central Spring Meet - Minnesota Region Mankato, Minnesota 320-256-7866 July 17-21, 2016 Founders Tour (Post ‘31) - Allegheny Mountain Region Huntington, Pennsylvania 814-251-2299 July 31 - August 3, 2016 Eastern Divisional Tour - Richmond Region Richmond, Virginia 804-839-5405 August 11-13, 2016 Southeastern Fall Meet - First Capital Chapter, NC Region New Bern, North Carolina 252-637-2319 16 Marketplace 17 Marketplace FOR SALE 1947 Packard, Custom Super Eight, all mechanics rebuilt including engine, transmission, rear-end, brakes and front end; tires like new; new wiring; exhaust system; paint; original interior; overdrive; electric clutch; radio and heat. This car is accepted by the Classic Car Club as a full Classic. $22,000 Contact Bob Powell: 804-389-2555, rlplkp@comcast.net 18 Marketplace For Sale: Old Pay Phones They are expertly restored and are in working order. They look great on the wall of your garage. Great gifts for the car guy! I also have some Model A Ford parts available for sale. Robert Kurzman 804-276-2615 For Sale 1964 Thunderbird – 394 Engine, 2 door hardtop, red/white ribbed interior, Automatic Transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, breakaway steering wheel, automatic transmission, New replacement AC, console, AM/FM Radio. $21,000 or best offer. Call Bill Yuhase: 804-752-2557 804-477-4379 804-690-3232 19 One More Thing This is the time of year when we all like to make predictions for the future. Reggie and Cindi Nash have provided us with an original column from the December 1975 issue of Ladies Home Journal. The column details the magazine’s predictions for the 20th Century, as it was written in December 1900. You may need to enlarge the page, or use a magnifying glass, but it’s worth it !!! 20 Brian & Lisa Munsey, Editors 2809 Murano Way Glen Allen, VA 23059