The Denvair News The Denvair News CORVAIR

The Denvair News
January 2009 Vol. 35, Issue 3
A Member of the Corvair Society of America
rocky mountain
corsa
CORVAIR
ears old!
RMC is 35 Y
Christmas Party Riot Erupts When Larry Ends
Up With ‘55 Chevy Gift
Perhaps “riot” is overly-dramatic, but the RMC Christmas Party was a very
entertaining affair, complete with an excellent meal, good company, and
the always-interesting Yankee Gift Exchange. Bastien’s Restaurant was a
very interesting host location, starting with a vintage building that might
have been designed by The Rat Pack for a Jetson’s episode. In fact, in our
upstairs loft (accessible by a narrow spiral staircase)
was a baby grand piano, and several guests remarked
that it wouldn’t seem out of place to have Frank, Dino
and Sammy Davis wander in and start playing.
Several guests had been here before. In particular, Paul
Seyforth had last visited Bastien’s Restaurant in 1963
while he was serving at Lowry. The event was his third
date with Maxine, and their relationship evolved from a
blind date to a marriage of 42 years and counting.
Paul Seyforth shares table with the Ladies in Red: Joan Wilshire (left),
Laura Wilshire (center), and wife Maxine.
Bastien’s provided a wide menu selection which ensured that there was something to please everyone.
Portions were generous, and the meals were topped
off by a dessert of pumpkin pie. A few anti-pumpkin
mumbles were heard, and several pieces of cheesecake
appeared as if by magic. That is flexibility!
Gifts were exchanged when the food disappeared.
The variety and quality of the gifts was quite interesting, and there were almost as many “Hers” as “His”
this year. Several gifts were in high demand, and only
settled down after three “exchanges” made them ineligible for further lifting.
Larry Yoder mulls over his Santa list with Steve Goodman, while Lynn tries
hard to ignore them.
Thanks to Laura Wilshire for arranging the
Chirstmas Party. Her efforts will be sorely
missed, and RMC is still seeking a member
to fill the Activity Director spot in 2009.
Christy Barden (Santa hat) shares tales with Darrell and Elaine
Jackson. What elixir is contained in his insulated drink vessel?
Attended by: Darrell/Elaine Jackson; Steve/
Ruth Goodman; Ray/Bauw Klomp; Laura/Joan
Wilshire; Eric/Linae Schakel; Larry/Lynn Yoder;
Ricardo/Marilyn Gamboa; Ed/Cheryl Halpin;
Paul/Maxine Seyforth; John/Debbie Dinsdale;
Christy Barden
Rocky Mountain Corsa (RMC) has been a chartered
chapter of the Corvair Society of America (CORSA) since
October 1974, and is dedicated to the preservation and
enjoyment of Corvair automobiles.
Membership & Dues
Rocky Mountain Corsa annual dues are $23.00, Corvair
Society of America (CORSA) annual dues are $38.00,
which includes a subscription to the Corsa Communique,
an award-winning monthly magazine. Combined dues are
The Denvair News is a monthly publication for members
$61.00 annually. Checks should be payable to RMC, mailed
and affiliates of Rocky Mountain Corsa. The Denvair News is to: RMC, c/o John Dinsdale, 3240 Billings St., Aurora, CO
now available as a PDF by request to the Editor.
80011-2231
Editorial Contributions
We encourage your participation! Please forward stories,
ideas, jokes, recipes, and/or photos to the Editor. Content
must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the desired publication month. Electronic files are mucho preferred.
Classified Ads
Individual RMC member ads are free. Classified ads are limited to 25 words, and may include a photo. All ads will run
for three issues. Non-members may advertise for $10.00.
Please submit ads to the Editor, with payment due in advance to the Treasurer. Please make checks out to RMC.
Monthly Meeting
RMC holds meetings the 1st Friday of each month at our host
dealership, Burt Chevrolet, 5200 South Broadway in Englewood. Join us at 7:00 PM in the upstairs meeting room.
RMC Officers
President: Larry Yoder
[email protected]
303.420.1279
Vice President: John Dawson
[email protected]
303.779.4356
Secretary: Joan Wilshire
[email protected]
303 660-0914
Business Advertising
Commercial advertisers are welcome. The following per-issue Treasurer: John Dinsdale
rates apply:
[email protected]
303.341.2327
Business card size – $2.50
Historian: Steve Goodman
¼ page – $5.00
[email protected]
303.934.5027
½ page – $10.00
Full page – $20.00
Newsletter Editor: Eric Schakel
[email protected]
303.660.0914
RMC Merchandise
Past event t-shirts, RMC name badges and other merchandise Auditor/Trustee: John Drage
303.466.8755
are available. Please contact Larry Yoder (until a new Activto be determined!
ity Director volunteers) for a current list of goodies.
Temporary Activities Director: Gary Hoffman
[email protected]
303.233.7020
RMC Mailing Address
Correspondence, ads, & articles may be snail-mailed to:
Auditor/Trustee: Rob Brereton
RMC
[email protected]
303.730.0820
PO Box 27058
Lakewood, CO 80227-0058
Membership Chair: Paul Seyforth
[email protected]
303.280.2025
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 2
!
RMC Cor vair Happenings
k, 11:00am. See details below.
Other Side Restaurant, Estes Par
— New Years Brunch, the
• Thursday, Januar y 1, 2009
sent video
7:00pm – Gary Hoffman will pre
ay,
adw
Bro
on
let
vro
Che
t
Bur
RMC Meeting at
• Friday, Januar y 2, 2009 —
SE race venues
g at Road Atlanta and two other
pin
lap
footage of a V8 Cor vair
e
Eric Schakel will present effectiv
vrolet on Broadway, 7:00pm –
Che
t
Bur
at
g
etin
Me
C
RM
—
• Friday, February 6, 2009
cozy and quiet to your Cor vair
insulation solutions for adding
Western Kachina Lodge @
Taos, NM. The hotel is the Best
in
nt
Eve
tate
Tri-S
9
200
31—
y
the group rate.
• Friday, May 29 - Sunday, Ma
ntion that it is a Cor vair event for
Me
.
275
8.2
.75
575
l
Cal
ht.
$69 per nig
President’s Letter
Larry Yoder
With 2008 nearly over and a new year starting, I want to thank the RMC Officers for their support. I unexpectedly assumed
the President role when we lost Dale Wilshire, our dear friend and leader. I want to thank John Dawson for filling the VP role.
I also want to especially thank Laura and Joan Wilshire for their support as Activities Director and Secretary. Joan and Laura
resigned their posts at the end of the year after many years of service to the chapter. Thank you, Linae Schakel for filling the
Secretary post. Gary Hoffman volunteered to be the January Activities Director. A few of us are urging him to take up the
position a month at a time. We’ll see... :-) Eric Schakel does an outstanding job each month producing the newsletter. John
Dinsdale, as Treasurer, keeps our books in order. Paul Seyforth serves as our Membership Chair and Steve Goodman, with an
encyclopedic memory, serves as Historian.
I also want to thank the general membership for their support. Each month I enjoy seeing familiar faces at the chapter meetings and always look forward to greeting new members and visitors. I encourage all, in the coming year, to attend as many
chapter meetings and club activities as they can.
Thank you,
The Prez
New Years Day Brunch
The Otherside Restaurant 11:00 a.m.
RMC Needs You!
Laura
Wilshire has retir
ed as Activity Director afte
r years of distinguished serv
ice. We don’t
know how long
we can rope
temporary volu
nteer Gary
Hoffman into th
e role, so
please contact Pr
esident Larry
Yoder if you wou
ld like to fill
the Activity Direc
tor position!
Did you make reservations to attend the New Years
Day Brunch held at the Otherside Restaurant in Estes
Park, 900 Moraine Ave, Estes Park?
The brunch includes a full buffet, made to order omelets, salads, pastries, desserts, coffee, tea, tax and
gratuity all for $20.00. To attend send your check to
John Dinsdale by 12-20-08 or pay at the club meeting
or the Christmas Party. If you haven’t attended before,
you won’t be disappointed by the food or the beautiful
drive to the mountains, after all this is why we live in
Colorado. I look forward to seeing you driving your
Corvair on the first day of 2009!
Laura Wilshire
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 3
RMC Meeting Minutes — December 5, 2008
The December RMC meeting was called to order by President Larry Yoder at 7:08pm and adjourned at 8:11pm.
There were 21 members in attendance.
Old Business
✔ Treasurer John Dinsdale reported a bank balance of
$2733.26.
✔ Minutes were approved as written in the December Denvair News
✔ John Dawson was thanked for arranging the tour of the
Light Rail facility - if you missed it, you missed a cool thing!
New Business
✔ Annual RMC Officer changes. A motion was called for
and accepted to confirm the following 2009 RMC Officers:
-
Larry Yoder, continuing as President
John Dawson, continuing as Vice-President
John Dinsdale, continuing as Treasurer
Paul Seyforth, continuing as Membership Chair
Rob Brereton, continuing as Auditor
Eric Schakel, continuing as Newsletter Editor
Linae Schakel will assume position of Secretary
John Drage will assume position of 2nd Auditor
Note: Activity Director position needs a volunteer
✔ RMC needs a volunteer for the Activity Director position. If you are interested in filling this key RMC role, please
contact Larry Yoder.
Coming Events
✔ New Years Lunch at the Other Side Restaurant in Estes
park (see Happenings list - prepayment was due to John
Dinsdale by 12/20)
✔ RMC Meeting, January 2. Gary Hoffman will show video
of Mike Levine’s V8 Corvair racing at Road Atlanta and two
other southeast racing venues.
Visitors/New Members: None present.
Meeting Activity
Laura Wilshire brought items and presented a “What’s In
the Bag?” car part identification contest. It was quite challenging and fun to attempt to identify a range of early, FC,
and LM parts by feel! Winner Steve Goodman (who fondles
Corvair parts regularly) missed one, but won first prize with
8 of 9 correct answers. Close behind were John Dawson
and John Drage.
Refreshments: Provided and served by Linda Duncan
and Lynn Yoder. Thanks!
Door Prizes: Door prizes (now limited to three per meeting to reduce “prize-acquisition-stress”) were won by Gary
Hoffman, Eric Schakel, and Chuck Riblett.
50/50: Dexter Norris won $23.00 with the same to RMC.
Respectfully submitted by Joan Wilshire, RMC Secretary
(Retiring after 10 years of distinguished service! Thank you,
Joan!)
Dale Nielsen is barely visible, but we really
wanted to show his his newly-completed 140
Monza coupe. The paint is incredibly smooth,
and the wheel/tire combo fills the fenderwells
nicely. The interior is equally detailed and
updated.
Below, interior in process. Note the DINmount audio head unit and (could it be?)
electric window conversion kit...
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 4
Deborah Dinsdale inspects her gift choice, while John
looks on and considers whether or not to claim it for
himself.
Below, Eric Schakel uses time-honored technique of shaking and judging mass for gift selection.
Below, Ray and Bauw Klomp are looking forward
to... Well, perhaps we’re better off not knowing
what Ray is thinking!
Ed Halpin snares a
good Christmas gift. Will
he retain it?
Linae Schakel ventures through crowd with gift, above, during the exchange. At
right, the colorful gift table prior to the start of the selection process.
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 5
Winter Tech Tips
Steve Goodman
will get slick from snow/icy feet and
again the rubber will wear quickly from
the grit. Obviously cleaning both the
inside and outside of your glass will
If you followed my tips from a couple
be needed often, especially when the
Door Hinges: Every once in a while I inside frosts up or gets condensation
of months ago and had lighter weight
oil and a good tuneup and battery then will have a door hinge begin to squeek, during damp times.
your car started on the morning when it usually again after a very moist snow.
I instantly spray lube it to keep wear to Another advantage of keeping the glass
was -17 degrees. Since our Colorado
a minimum. The late model door hinges clean is the lack of reflection when
temps fluctuate so much, with snow
(especially 65-6) are the worst for faildriving into the low sun in early mornone day and the next day 60 degrees
ing, the ‘hold open’ spring feature will
ing/late afternoon.
in sunshine the next, our cars can do
break easily if allowed to stay dry (no
some odd things. Thus we must have a
Safety: Try to check your tail lights/
lubrication).
constant vigil on the mechanical parts.
turn signals and headlights once in a
Other Squeeks: Once in a while the while, dusk seems to last for a long time
Tire Pressure: Warm weather one
pedal bushings and cable pulleys will
and visibility can be pretty poor under
day and tire pressures are correct, it
make some noise too, again usually
snow or early evening times. Even if
gets very cold that night and the air
pressure decreases by a large amount. after some pretty moist conditions. Even you can’t get into a car wash, rememinside the tunnel moisture can make
ber to wash your headlights/taillights;
Obviously the correct air pressure not
some problems for the cables and shift
the easiest time is while fueling your
only dictates tire wear but also fuel
linkage. It is important to attend to any
car. The Corvair has minimal brightness
economy and steering/braking. Monifor tail/brake lights compared to new
toring tire pressures should be constant of the issues immediately, cable breakage or bushing wear can be prevented cars. If it is a concern, investigate the
with special attention after a temp
if some attention is applied sooner
tech tips about LED lights or even just
change.
instead of later.
buying new lenses will work wonders
Suspension Lube: If you drive
for visibility. When you are fueling the
through many puddles after a snow day Cleanliness: If you have climbed into car also check your wiper blades and
the car with wet shoes for several days, the amount of washer fluid still in the
you have pushed a lot of the grease
raise your floor mat and allow some air reservoir. I am always amazed of the
from the ball joints and tie rod ends. I
to circulate when the weather warms
am not suggesting a grease job after
amount of washer solvent that can be
up. Pay particular attention to this if you used during the day or two of warm
every single snow/melt time but lubhave a rubber floor mat, moisture will
ing the suspension pieces through the
weather after a snow. Those slushy
winter time will ensure that everything is remain between the rubber mat and the days are hardest on the wiper blade
staying lubed instead of drying out and car floor for a long time allowing rust
rubber too with all of the grit hitting the
to begin. Also vacuum the carpet often, front of the car.
even rusting. I also spray the rubber
the grit and junk that is tracked into a
pieces in front and rear with silicone
car will be ground into the carpet easLastly, try to keep your car clean al(Amor-all or similar) to try and keep
ily.
The
carpet
will
wear
quickly
from
though driving the car until dry can be
them softened. Another place to pay atthe
abrasive
materials.
Try
to
clean
difficult during the cold months. Those
tention is the e-brake cable that passes
the
bottoms
of
your
footwear
before
of
us who are still driving our cars
across the rear of the car. It is shielded
entering
the
car,
even
good
pedal
pads
probably
exercise most of the above
and can easily become dry and the
tips and it is still an enjoyable drive in
my Corvair everyday regardless of the
road/weather conditions.
Those of us who still drive our Corvairs
through the wintertime must watch our
cars carefully during the cold weather.
cable itself gets stuck in the housing.
Spraying with a good penetrating lube
is best (remember that WD-40 is NOT a
penetrating oil).
Corvair cylinder barrels. Your Editor was feeling guilty
for not having many car pictures, so you get to see
the 1960-type barrel (far left), the 1961-1969 barrel
(center), and a Salih barrel. Salih used iron sleeves
with aluminum fins to allow big bores.
Interestingly, Clarks now offers full fin cylinder barrels
like the original 1960 version. Theory suggests the
full-fin barrel will maintain better ring seal, regardless
of the heat load.
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 6
Editorial Ramblings
Eric Schakel
Resolution Time
If I had a dollar for every resolution I’ve
broken in my lifetime, some one else
would be writing this because I would be
a member of the Ferrari club, and wintering in Hawaii right now.
Since that is clearly not the case, I’m
going out on a limb and making three
car-related resolutions for 2009:
1. Yenko Stinger 066 will live to race
again no later than April of 2009;
2. My 1971 Trans Am will be able to
move under its own fresh LS1 power
before 2009 melts into 2010;
3. The Frankenstein project will move
under its own power in 2009.
noticed that crawling out from under a
Corvair takes a bit more effort than it did
20 years ago.
From a racing perspective, Colorado is
unique with new venues being built right
now, and several active clubs. Many
states don’t have these options. How long
will they last? I don’t know, but I want to
enjoy them while I can.
The 1971 Trans Am is a boyhood acquisition I’ve ignored through my corporate
career. All of the cool parts in the world
don’t make a good driver if they’re
spread around the garage. Linae and I
used to go on dates in the car, and I want
to be able to do that again. Besides, it
will give me a platform to learn EFI (electronic fuel injection) programming.
Of course, I’m probably going to eat better, lose weight, learn to speak Mandarin,
Which brings me to the Frankenstein projand all of those other ballast items that
are jettisoned by February first... No point ect: The Pig car has allowed me to spend
some quality time in a Corvair. It’s a
in wasting much time on those, right?
legitimate daily driver with contemporary
The car things are important because it’s
handling dynamics and a nice ride.
beginning to dawn on me that I won’t be
On the other hand, it’s more than 40
able to do all these things forever. All it
years old and technology has evolved
takes is one little cardiac episode to fail
pretty dramatically in the age of the
a racing physical, for instance. And I’ve
microprocessor. What to do?
If I were a good car collector, I’d build a
nice shiny turbo Corsa with skinny tires
and fresh hides of Nauga. We’d go to
shows and win trophies in stock class. It
would be a lot of fun.
But that’s not the way I’m wired. Instead,
I’m going to resurrect a rusting ‘66 coupe
from my yard, pull the 140 engine and
factory AC from a whanged Monza, and
toss in the leftover suspension bits from
the Stinger bin. I have a freshly-built Lifetime Warranty 3.08 axle assembly from
Rear Engine Specialists on the bench.
If you’re into this sort of thing, watch for
the Frankenstein (that’s Fronken-Shteen,
as in Gene Wilder’s Young Frankenstein)
updates, hopefully starting soon after you
see some Stinger racing news in 2009.
I hope you’ve made some Corvair resolutions for 2009. Let me know, it would be
great to keep a tally in the Denvair News.
And, it might just give a little “shove” to
keep things rolling!
Stuff For Sale
Car For Sale: 1963 Corvair Spyder, blue/blue interior. Car in storage most of past 20
years, very good condition, runs with no major problems apparent. Price is negotiable.
Jim Arnold 970-669-5086 home; 970-744-1519 cell
Car For Sale: 1961 Corvair 4-door sedan, red/red interior. Car appears original and
clean, 137,000 one-owner miles. 145 CI engine with 4-speed. Contact Mel the Mechanic
for specific car information, or Ms. Rotchstein to discuss price.
Lolean Rotchstein 303-421-0534; Mel the Mechanic 303 421-0534
Rear Air Grill – 1965 – perfect – make offer.
Rear Air Grill – 1966-69 – Not perfect – free.
Wanted: 1966-196? REAR Seat Belt – Black - Model #105
John Dinsdale 303-341-2327 303-873-4599 [email protected]
PARTING OUT: ‘64 Monza sedan, 4sp. Good hood and deck lid. Rest of body has rust.
Chrome wheels. Stainless trim good, aluminum trim useable. Windshield cracked, other
glass OK. Also ‘66 auto trans coupe - parts incl good windshield.
John Drage 303-466-8755
Denvair News - January 2009 - Page 7
Due Dues Reminder
January
Robert & Lora Attwood
Steve & Ruth Goodman
Duane & Murva Ann Rodgers
December
Robert Mitchell
Tom Tauskey
Joe White
November
John & Karen Dawson
Greg Zurla
Gone Next Month...
Robert & Jayne Reiter
RMC dues in 2009
are up $1.00,
which still makes
it a stunning
bartain! Renew no
w!
For fast turnaround, make your check payable to RMC and mail it to:
RMC, c/o John Dinsdale, 3240 Billings St., Aurora, CO 80011-2231
lent time to expand your Corvair collec
As a new year begins, this is an excel
just one Corvair if you
have
can’t
you
that
fact
nown
tion. After all, it’s a well-k
actually intend to drive it.
one
it is mandatory that you have at least
To have a driveable beater Corvair,
parts Corvair.
red,
ble Corvair, two parts cars are requi
If you wish to have a clean show-capa
nal.
optio
are
more
and
, along
least three parts cars are mandatory
If you plan to race your Corvair, at
with an unlimited credit card.
requireother club members) can shift the
Clever use of Corvair resources (ie,
that these numbers
see
l
You’l
:
leaks
oil
the
smell
and
ments, but look around
soon!
plans and begin your acquisitions
are not far from reality. Make your
(Izzy Guiffe)
You have a Corvair!
If you aren’t already a member, we invite you to join Rocky Mountain Corsa (RMC), a local chapter of the national Corvair
Society of America (CORSA). RMC is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of Corvair automobiles.
We meet the first Friday evening of every month at Burt Chevrolet, 5200 S. Broadway, in Englewood. Meetings are held in
the upstairs training room, starting at 7:00pm.
There are a number of benefits from joining the group, including an annual show, monthly group events, a monthly local
newsletter, Denvair News, and Corvair Communique, an award-winning monthly magazine published by CORSA.
Whether you race, show, or just drive your Corvair, you’ll find others who share your interests.
Combined single/family membership to both RMC and CORSA costs just $60.00 per year. Dues can be mailed to RMC,
PO Box 27058, Lakewood, CO 80227-0058, or simply pay at the monthly meeting - we hope to hear from you soon!
Membership Application
Name(s):
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
E-mail Address:
Telephone Info:
Corvairs in your life:
Referring Member (if applicable):