Cadillac Past - Automotive Restorations, Inc.

Winner, 2010 Cadillac & LaSalle Club Newsletter Excellence Award
Winner, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 Old Cars Weekly Golden Quill Award
Volume 30, Page
Issue1 6of 12
June, 2012
Cadillac Past
Cadillac Past
A Newsletter of the
New England Region
Cadillac & LaSalle Club, Inc.
Two of General Motors finest products, both built in 1949. Boston & Main Railroad 1,500 HP diesel-electric locomotive #4266
was built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) for hauling heavy freight trains. The locomotive is currently owned by th 470
Railroad Club of Portland, Maine and is leased to the Conway Scenic RR, North Conway, NH. See “About the cover” Page 2.
June 24
NERCLC Regional Meet
Home of Dick Shappy
Judged Event!
Warwick, RI
July 8
Bay State Club
Annual Auto Show
Endicott Estate
Dedham, MA
July 29
North Shore
Concours
Misselwood
Beverly, MA
Please check the calendar page for a complete list of upcoming events.
Features:
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Club Calendar
NERCLC Event Info.
Favorite Vendors
“Unclassified Ads”
Excerpts from the VP
Trip Log
Running Board
Meeting Information
Membership
Highlights:
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4
9
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Shop Tour Report
Automotive Restorations
6
Mixing Business and
Pleasure – Tucker Museum
7
The Taj Mahal of Overhaul,
Part II
8
North Shore Concours
D’Elegance
11
Driver’s Seat
Last month, my column focused primarily on
the tours that are being planned for the 2013
Grand National. After the recent meeting of the
2013 Grand National Planning Committee , I
have a few updates and clarifications on some
of the tours.
First, plans for the optional New England
Clambake Dinner on Friday evening have been
finalized. Attendees will experience a traditional
Clambake at the Gloucester House Restaurant
in Gloucester, MA. Transportation to the
restaurant will be provided. Diner will be served
with harbor views and include creamy clam
chowder, fresh steamed lobster, local mussels
and steamers, barbeque chicken, corn bread,
corn on the cob, potatoes, and dessert. The
cost, driven by the fresh, local seafood, will be
$99 per person, including the transportation to
and from the restaurant.
Second, we again reviewed the optional
Continued Page 5
Cadillac Past
Page 2
Club Event Calendar
June
Mon
2012
Tue
Wed
Thu
Upcoming Events Information
Fri
Sat
Sun
For a complete list of upcoming events in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New
Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine area, please visit the Maynard Area Car Club:
http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/maynardaac/index.html
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For a complete listing of events in the Connecticut and Rhode Island area, please
visit Lynne Flanders DJ Services: http://lynneslines.mysite.com/article_1.html
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For Cruisin Bruce Palmer events and other local events, please visit Cruisin Bruce:
http://www.cruisinbruce.com/
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For cruise nights in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, please visit the Mass
Cruisers: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=masscruisers
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6/13-6/16 – 2012 CLC Grand National, St. Augustine, Florida.
You can still register if you have been procrastinating!
6/19 – Member Meeting, Mick Morgan’s, 973 Providence Hwy
(Rte. 1 South), Sharon, MA. 7:00p.m. All meetings include soft
drinks and coffee.
6/24 – NERCL Regional Meet, Home of Dick Shappy, 26
Katherine Ct, Warwick, RI. 10 to 2, $10/vehicle. Enjoy Mr.
Shappy’s personal collection of classic and exotic automobiles
and motorcycles, as well as his workshop. Lunch vendor.
Judged event, awards presented in various classes. See details
back cover. Contact Chris, [email protected] or (401)316-8370.
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Tue
Wed
Thu
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Sat
Sun
July
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2012 NERCLC Event Information
6/24 – NERCLC Regional Meet (Judged Event), Home of Dick Shappy,
Warwick, RI. 10:00 a.m.
7/8 – BSAAC Car Show and Swap Meet, Endicott Estate, Dedham, Mass.
Arrive by 9:00 a.m.
7/13-7/15 NEW EVENT ADDED! – Lower Hudson Valley Region Driving
Tour, Newport, RI (Please see advertisement on Page 4)
7/29 – North Shore Concours d’Elegance featuring Cadillac, Endicott
College, Beverly, Mass. Visit www.endicott.edu/concours.
8/4 – MotorMania, Nashua Telegraph and Gazette, Nashua, NH
th
8/5 – NSOCC 60 Anniversary Car Club Meet, Collings Foundation, Stow,
MA. Rain date 5/26. 10:00 a.m.
8/18 – NERCLC Summer Cookout, Home (and Garage) of Joe Cutler,
Douglas, Mass.
8/25 – Cadillac Day, Long Cadillac, Southborough, Mass. New date! 10:00
a.m. Free event, door prizes, parking in the showroom!
9/8 – Family Fun Day, Animal Adventures, Bolton, Mass. More details to
follow. Please hold the date.
9/15 – Cadillac Day, the “new” Cadillac Village of Norwood, Mass.
Entertainment, new showroom open, arrive by 9:00 a.m.
10/13-10/14 – Regional Driving Tour to Ogunquit, Maine. Registration is
now open. See insert this newsletter.
10/20 – Season’s End All Car and Truck Show sponsored and hosted by
NERCLC, Canton, Mass.
11/4 – Annual Driving Tour, details to be confirmed
If you have an idea for an event and would like it to be considered, please
contact the NERCLC Tour/Show Chairman Rick Ciavarro at
[email protected] or (978) 998-0338.
7/8 – 41st Annual Bay State Antique Auto Club Car Show,
Endicott Estate, 656 East St, Dedham, MA. Please use Class CC,
Cadillac. Cars 1987 and older judged. Annual favorite event! This
year with improved parking for NERCLC. Please arrive by 9:00
a.m. or parking becomes tight. $15/car ahead; $20/day of show.
Register at www.bsaac.com
7/10 – NERCLC Board of Directors Meeting, Panera Bread,
130 Providence Hwy, Walpole Mall. 7:00p.m.
7/21 – 2013 GN Planning Meeting, Long Cadillac, Rte. 9,
Southborough, MA. 10 to 12:00 p.m.
7/29 – North Shore Concours d’Elegance. MIsselwood at
Endicott College, 407 Hale St., Beverly, MA. Up to 85 concours
cars on oceanfront field; 100 collector car show on adjacent field.
NERCLC will have a 2013 Grand National promotional display at
the event. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Register your car today at
www.endicott.edu/concours or purchase tickets at
www.ticket.endicott.edu. Proceeds support student scholarships.
Fashion shows, Music, Jewelry, and more. Contact
[email protected] for more information.
About the cover – The automobile is a 1949 Series 62 Sedan currently owned by NERCLC member Dennis Ackerman of Sanbornton, New
Hampshire. In 1989, when this photograph was taken, member Dwight Smith owned the Cadillac, and he was also part owner and manager
of Conway Scenic RR. The photo was taken at Conway Scenic RR by Dwight Smith.
Cadillac Past
Favorite Vendors
John Gately, ’37 to ’85 Parts. Large selection at Brookline
warehouse. Over 100 Caddies in Roxbury graveyard rusting in
peace. Advice gladly given; often right. 2499 Washington St.,
Roxbury, MA. (617)445-3300, 11AM to 10PM
Dennis Akerman, ’30 to ’69 Parts. Some ‘70s. NOS and Used.
Sanbornton, NH. [email protected], (603)286-3903,
www.caddyparts.com.
Then and Now Auto Parts - 1903 & Up, Parts. Mech. parts;
rebuilding done. Tom Hannaford, Weymouth, MA. (781)3358860, www.then-now.com
Page 3
2012 Advertising Rates:
To help offset the increased cost of print and distribution, NERCLC is
asking its supporters for a modest fee to continue to run advertisements.
The fee structure is as follows:
Text Ad only
Business Card Ad
Quarter Page Ad
Half Page Ad
Full Page Ad
$10 per year (12 issues)
$30 per year
$75 per year or $10 per issue
$100 per year or $15 per issue
$300 per year or $50 per issue
Dues paying members may advertise for no additional cost. All ads will also
be featured on our website, www.nerclc.com. We are consistently in the
top of most related Google search results.
Dick Shappy Classic Cars, '11-'34. Large quantity of Cadillac
parts and cars for sale. (401)521-5333, www.classiccars.ws
Christopher Limo. '40 Cadillac and New Stretch Cars.
Norwood, MA. (866)762-2601, www.ChrisLimo.com
Willington Cadillac - '60 - '70 restorables & parts. Jeff Burland,
(860)805-1575, www.WillingtonCadillac.com
Joe Cutler, ’48-‘49 my specialty. Several '49 parts cars, misc.
parts for sale. Buyer of '48-'49 parts and parts cars. Douglas,
MA. (508)476-3490, [email protected]
J&M Machine Company. Complete Engine Rebuilding, Model
T, A, V-8. Babbitting, Crank Grinding, Crack Repairs, Dynamic
Balancing, Unleaded Conversions, Line Boring. Michael and
John Gulbankian, 40 Mt. Vickery Rd., Southboro, MA 01772.
www.jandm-machine.com, (508)460-0733
The Silverstone Club. Premier car storage and enthusiast club.
2350 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA. Paul Flückiger,
www.silverstoneclub.com, (866)426-4480
Xtreme Restorations. Concourse quality automobile
restorations. 35 Railroad St., Slatersville, RI 02876. Ken
Washwell, Sales Manager, www.extremerestorations.com,
(401)762-5544
Cadillac Repair and Parts, ‘60s and ‘70s. Bill Glazier, 11
Kempton Rd., Swanzey, NH (603)352-1005
Dave’s Model Racing Engineering. H.O. Slot Car Parts,
Accessories, and Tools. Electronic Repairs, Restorations, and
Custom Work. Dave Vazquez, [email protected],
(781)828-4141, www.davesmodelracing.com.
Jim’s Auto Detailing & Sales. Auto, Boat, and Truck detailing,
Paintless Dent Removal, Deodorizing, Sales and Installation of
Accessories. Jim Powers, [email protected], (508)7541344, www.jimsautodetailing.net.
Werner Sullivan & Nilsson. All your Automotive Parts, Paints,
Equipment and Supplies in our large warehouse in Providence,
RI. [email protected], (401)421-4600.
Kelley’s Sun Roof Parts. Weather stripping and other parts for
sun roofs. Jake Kelley, (888)298-8140.
Talermade Cadillac Exhaust. Made to order factory
specifications since 1965. Vehicle not required. Starting with
year 1913 and up. Warren Gladbach, 90 Spring St., Hanson,
MA. (781)447-5916.
NERCLC Apparel for
Sale! Order Today!
Shirts: $30
Sweatshirts: $25
T-Shirts: $10
S through 3XL
M through 2XL
M and L only
To order, please indicate item, quantity,
and size and send your name, address, and phone number
to: Lester Wax, NERCLC Shirts, 40 Pole Plain Rd., Sharon,
MA 02067. Please include $2.50 per item for shipping and
handling.
For more information, call Chris Milici at (508)384-7578 or email NERCLC at [email protected].
Cadillac Past
Page 4
"Unclassified Ads"
available. Work done by Cadillac under 100k
mile warranty. All ETC options. Has 140k
miles, mostly highway. Downsizing in
retirement. $5,000 cash. Alan (774)2754100, [email protected]. (9/12)
▲‘49 Cad Series 6269 Sedan. Less than
500 miles on extensive ground-up restoration.
Stunning 2-tone paint scheme; Triumph Blue
Metallic lower, Beige upper. Dark blue
broadcloth/grey Bedford cord interior.
Vincennes Red wheels w/small hubcaps &
trim rings. Loaded w/accessories incl GM-type
windshield visor, Guide spotlight, more.
Runs & drives beautifully. Won Best of Show
at 2011 NERCLC Regional Meet. Should
easily score high 90's at AACA or GN meets.
Meticulous attention to detail. Over $33,000 in
receipts. Sacrifice for $26,500. Lesser
examples have been selling on eBay &
elsewhere for more $$. Joe, (508)476-3490,
[email protected]. (10/12)
‘58 Fleetwoods, two. First is complete,
trouble starting, every possible '58 option
including Tri-Pwr, air ride, pwr vents and air
cond. Second is solid, trim off, sabre wheels,
easy restore. $5,500 for the pair. Joe Gildea
(617)288-6626 or [email protected]
(10/12)
‘76 Eldo Conv, runs good, trans. problem,
great for parts. $750. Joe Gildea
(617)288-6626 or [email protected]
(10/12)
‘64 CAD Series 62 SDN. Always garaged,
17,000 original miles. $20,000. Andre,
(207)351-0077,
[email protected] (9/12)
CYCLE PARTS * SERVICE * ENGINE MACHINE
SHOP * PART FABRICATION
www.kgscustommachine.com
Call Tom Kelly 508-400-1726 or 508-297-3370
614 Park Street, Stoughton, MA 02072
▲‘65 Cad CDV, second owner, excellent
condition, car has always been garaged, all
original Black interior and exterior, seats are
black leather all original with seat belts.
Cadillac Grand National First Place winner,
also many first place trophies locally. Car only
driven for Cadillac shows and cruises.
Mileage 88,200, car has power steering,
brakes, antenna, door locks and windows.
Car is maintained per manual, tires were
purchased about 5 years ago, little mileage on
them. Looking to sell my car it’s too much for
me to maintain as I age. Asking $20,000.
Jack, [email protected] (401)737-5209.
(10/12)
▲‘78 SDV Mint, one owner, 87k miles. All
paperwork. Car loaded w/every option except
locking wheel covers. Pale yellow int & ext,
yellow vinyl top, never saw winter weather,
always garaged. Too much for me to
maintain. Best offer over $10,000. Car in
Saratoga Springs, NY. Bob, (518)587-6595
before 6:00p.m. (6/12)
’85 Seville Elegante, 85k miles, two-tone
grey/grey leather, digital dash, Bose sound
system, original gold keys. Purchased from
Long Cadillac in 1990. Not used in winter.
Nice original piece. Will entertain any
reasonable offer; need room. Car located in
Westboro, MA. Call for honest details. Bill
Leland, (508)278-6504 (10/12)
‘99 DeVille Concourse, White Diamond
color, tan immaculate interior. Car is in great
condition and has never seen winter. 80,000
miles. Asking $9,000 OBO. Mike, (617)3644435, [email protected] (10/12)
2000 Cad Eldo Touring Coupe ETC.
Excellent condition in and out, mechanically,
electronically. Sterling Silver Metallic ext, black
ETC trim leather int w/Zebrano wood trim.
Limited edition ETC was $62,300 in 2000
bought be me From RH Long Cadillac,
Framingham-Southboro. Over $3,000 of
upgrading last 15 months incl alternator,
battery, brakes, serpentine belts, all fluid
system flush, and much more! Maint records
▲Cadillac Collection for Sale: The
following cars are from the collection of Pat
Comesky of Utica, NY and all are for sale:
Fully Restored Cars:
• 1937 Cad Series 60 w/rumble seat - $80k
• 1937 LaSalle Ser 50 Conv Sdn - $80k
• 1938 LaSalle Ser 50 Conv Sdn - $80k
• 1939 Cad Ser 75 Conv Cpe - $98k
• 1938 Buick Ser 60 Conv Sdn - $75k
Unrestored, Original Cars:
On the road to Newport…
Members of NERCLC
are invited to:
Lower Hudson Valley Region
Driving Tour
Friday, 7/13 to Sunday, 7/15
Join LHVRCLC for three days
cruising and seeing the sights
southeastern Connecticut and parts
Rhode Island as we go on the road
Newport.
of
of
of
to
Please RSVP! Your commitment to this
event must be confirmed. Call Dave
Rubin at (845)225-5990, or e-mail
[email protected]
to
reserve your spot. This event is rain or
shine. If the weather is not to your
liking, you can take your regular car!
You do not have to participate in all 3
days, the tour is a-la-carte. Hotel info
so you can make your own reservation
will be distributed as soon as possible.
Please visit www.lowerhudsonclc.org.
Cadillac Past
Page 5
“11 years of Cadillac dealership experience”
Local ads, all Cadillac or LaSalle only.
"Unclassified Ads" will run for 3 issues (or 3
months). Expiration shown in “( )” at end of
each ad. Ads may be renewed indefinitely
upon request. All ads edited at the discretion
of the Editor. Deadline is the 10th of the
preceding month. Donations accepted,
although ads are free for members, including
photographs. There is a processing charge of
$10 for non-members. Send ads to the Editor
with check payable to NERCLC.
• 1938 LaSalle 4 dr., solid, runs - $20k
• 1937 LaSalle, 4 dr., 46k orig miles - $25k
• 1941 Cad Ser 62 Sdn, runs - $25k
Partial Restoration Cars:
• 1937 LaSalle Conv Coupe - $45k
• 1937 LaSalle Coupe - $12,500
• 1937 Cad Ser 60 Coupe - $20k
• 1938 Pontiac Conv Coupe - $25k
• 1935 Rolls Royce Model 2025 - $15k
• 1940 Pontiac Coupe - $5,000
• 1941 Pontiac 4 dr. Ser 25 - $2,000
• 1937 Pontiac, Barn Fresh - $6,000
• 1937 Pontiac Cpe, disassembled - $6,500
• 1938 Cad Limo, partially apart - $6,000
• 1940 Cad Ser 60 4 dr. - $7,500
Chris’s Comments
Driving Tour on Tuesday, June 30. The
Committee was confident that summer traffic
prohibits us from including the Heritage
Museum in our route. Therefore, the tour will
only focus on Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth
Rock, and the Mayflower II. The charge of $25
per person covers discounted admission to
the Plantation.
Below are additional updates from the
Committee:
• Jack Carroll is finalizing a simplified GN logo
design for use on embroidered items.
When this is complete, I will share with the
group. We will use this simplified logo on
polo shirts, hats, and possibly goodie bags,
but those decisions will be made at
subsequent meetings. Jack has also
obtaining pricing information from our teeshirt screen-print vendor. Our order does
not need to be placed until early 2013.
Likely pricing will be $12 advance order,
$15 at the show.
• I am working with the hotel to try to open
reservations early, but this is unlikely. The
best we may be able to do is obtain the
Dad’s Classic Car Parts: Hundreds of
Cadillac Parts, large and small. All
categorized, but far too numerous to list.
Looking for something specific? Please
respond to [email protected]
or to Jeff at (203)727-8316. Over 300 parts
plus another 300 parts that correspond to
cars which will be up for sale soon.
Collection of the Frank Peters, former
NERCLC member. (6/12)
Please contact Pat, (315)724-9616 between
10a.m. and 5p.m. ET for more information.
(7/12)
Cadillac Parts for Sale: NOS front Y-pipe
’61-’62 all series $195, ’65-’67 all (exc ’65
Ser. 75) $175; NOS rear bumper #20728142
’80-’92 RWD $400; ’38 LaSalle nice used
grille $350; Left cylinder head for ’55 only,
refaced, magna-fluxed, seats done, guides
knurled for lead-free fuel $500; Left stainless
trim for ’54-’55 fender skirt w/retainer clips,
nice used $85; New Trico wiper motors, Cad
’37-’38 Ser. 60 Conv. & Sed., LaS all Ser. 50
$150, Cad ’36 all Ser. 60, LaS ’35-’36 Ser.
50 $160. Warren Gladbach, Hanson, MA.
(781)447-5916 (6/12)
Wanted: Rear seat back (upper section) of a
'54 to '56 Cad Conv. No speaker cut-out on
these. Only need the frame, not the material
on it. Bob (781)659-7325 or
[email protected]. (9/12)
Wanted: I need 4 tire/rim combinations that
can hold air to roll around my ‘donor’ 1964
DeVille parts car. If you have just one or two
that will be a help! Bald tires/rims set
welcome! Condition not important, just needs
to hold air. Ideally an already mounted
tire/rim combination so I don’t have to search
and pay to mount bald tires. I am located in
the Franklin/Walpole, MA area. Jim Dunlea
[email protected], (617)653-6412
(9/12)
Cadillac Parts for Sale: ’57 and ’58 parts
with many specific to Eldorado. Too many to
list. Includes manuals, emblems, chrome
parts, lenses, rebuild kits, etc. Also Sabre
Wheels, excellent condition originals, never
disassembled or replated, stored for 35
years. No. 38612 for ’55, fits newer years
rear and front w/spacers. No replating
needed. $150/ea. Alan Feltham, (774)2754100, [email protected] (6/12)
From Page 1
reservation code early with attendees able
to make their room reservations beginning
the first week of August. Hotels generally
have a strict policy about when room blocks
can be opened; typically 51 weeks prior to
an event. I do not expect Marriott to be able
to wave this program just for our event.
• I never received any promotional materials
from the City of Quincy, so we will not have
those on display in Florida. However,
everything else has been given to Charles
and Cheryl Grysell to bring down to Florida.
I will take some photos of our display so
you can see what we had to offer 2012
Grand National attendees.
• Just this week, we have been offered a 10
x 10 foot spot at the North Shore Concours
d'Elegance to promote our Grand National.
Next year, the Concours will take place the
weekend before our Grand National, so
there is a great opportunity to get attendees
to come early and participate in both. If you
are not familiar with this event, please
check the details on the Calendar Page,
Page 2, or visit www.endicott.edu/concours.
The event this year is July 29, and we will
need volunteers to help staff our table. You
can also register your car and join us for the
event.
• We will have our Grand National display
table and banners at all our events through
2012 and early 2013.
• The sponsorship program is completed.
Thanks to Nancy and Dave DiTomasso.
After the 2012 Grand National, letters will go
out to the potential sponsors we identified at
the last planning meeting. I will be discussing
possible support from Cadillac with the
Directors of CLC in Florida, but I do not
anticipate any financial support. We may be
successful in having Cadillac bring several
new cars and setup a professional display.
• Over the next two months, I will be sending
some e-mails out to various Committee
members to help with easy tasks that can be
accomplished over the summer driving and
touring months. If any non-committee
members are interested in helping out with
some small tasks this summer, please
contact me!
CP
Cadillac Past
Page 6
Shop Tour Report: Automotive Restorations
Despite the rain, an enthusiastic group
st
arrived on March 31 for a combined
New England Region/Lower Hudson
Valley Region event at Automotive
Restorations in Stratford, Conn.
Employing over 40 skilled craftsmen,
Automotive Restorations has been in
business since 1978, and it has been a
loyal supporter of CLC, offering
particular expertise in Cadillac
restorations. In addition to restoration,
repair and maintenance services for a
wide range of collector vehicles,
Automotive Restorations offers
comprehensive support services to
enable their customers’ interests in
shows, rallies and vintage racing
events.
The event was hosted by CEO Kent
By Dr. Joseph O’Connell
Bain who led the group on an extremely
informative facility tour that included the
vintage race shop as well as the panel,
paint, and trim shops.
One tour highlight was a
demonstration of panel fabrication
utilizing an English Wheel by fabricator
Steve Hall, who actually created a hood
scoop from aluminum sheet metal
during the demonstration.
Automotive Restorations is one of the
largest and most comprehensive
restoration facilities in the country with
many ongoing projects from driver to
Pebble Beach quality all in an extremely
well-organized, meticulously clean
environment.
CP
Dr. Joseph O’Connell is a member from Westport,
Conn. and frequently writes for Cadillac Past.
◄ Custom ‘73 Fleetwood station
wagon owned by the Jackson
Five in the paint shop. During the
tour Kent shared his thoughts on
why he prefers Glasurit paint.
► Two ‘50s Cadillacs
undergoing restoration
▼ From left: A beautiful ’49
Coupe ■ Engine compartment of
the ’49 Cadillac ■ Kent Bain
explaining the details of a Pagani,
a rare Spanish marque ■ Steve
Hall demonstrates panel
fabrication with an English Wheel.
▲ A pristine Mercedes 280 SL gullwing.
Page 7
Cadillac Past
Mixing Business and Pleasure
As member of the New England Region
know, I travel quite a bit for my work.
Most trips do not afford much time other
than the usual rigor of planes, trains
taxis, and hotels. Occasionally, though, I
find myself with a free afternoon to
spend relaxing or sightseeing as I
please.
Recently, a combination of meetings
and training left an open afternoon while
visiting the Washington DC area. As
has become habit, I will often seek out a
few members of the local region of the
CLC for some advice on finding a good
antique auto museum, cruise night, or
other related activity. I sent a note to
Jack McClow, Vince Taliano, and
Richard Sills hoping to turn up
something other than the Smithsonian.
And I was in luck!
After a series of e-mails, my Tuesday
afternoon in April was set. Sandy
Kemper, Potomac Region Secretary,
would meet me at my hotel where Jack,
National Director, would pick us up in
his 1957 convertible. We would then
drive together to David Cammack’s The
Tucker Collection in Old Town
Alexandria followed by an early dinner
and then back to the hotel via some
scenic roads along the Potomac River.
Before this business trip, I had never
laid eyes on a Tucker. Being a “car guy”
means, of course, I had heard of a
Tucker, but knew only of its very short
chapter in automotive history. I did not
know it never actually made a
production vehicle, that it failed in
scandalous collapse, or that the cars
produced had some of the most
innovative features of the time. So, yes,
I missed the 1988 Francis Ford Coppola
movie, Tucker: The Man and His Dream
starring Jeff Bridges.
The weather was ideal, so Jack rolled
in with the top down and me and Sandy
were off to The Tucker Collection. We
were met there by Tom McQueen who
was very happy for the occasion as he
had not previously had the chance to
visit the collection. Once we arrived, we
entered the museum, although the
owner of the vast collection of Tucker
artifacts does not think of it as such. I
could not believe my eyes; an entire
warehouse dedicated to the
preservation of a car company that
By Chris Milici
never made a single production vehicle!
David Cammack is a self-proclaimed
Tucker nut. From original Tucker radios
and seat covers still in their boxes to the
full-scale test chassis that exemplifies
Preston Tucker's unorthodox
innovations; from the mimeographed
memos from the corporation to its
employees to the eight different engines
displaying all but one of the powertrain
configurations the company tested; the
collection is vast. But then there’s the
second floor, where long folding tables
covered with binders and boxes house
50,000 blueprints for the individual
components and tooling needed to
manufacture the cars.
Speaking of the cars, David has three.
He is the only person in the world to
own three different Tucker automobiles.
He purchased the first from a museum
in New York in 1972. The car is Tucker
number 1022, the 22nd prototype built,
and it is this car that resulted in the
collection as we observed it. Next came
number 1001, the first Tucker prototype
built, in 1973 followed by number 1026
in 1974. The latter was the first
prototype fitted with an automatic
transmission.
Today, only 47 of the 51 prototypes
exist. And David knows exactly where
each one is.
Our tour left no fact about Preston
Tucker unturned. We learned about his
innovative disc brakes concept, his
aluminum engine blocks, the Cyclops
headlight which turned with the steering
wheel to help guide the driver around
corners at night, and his independent
suspension.
The story behind how David acquired
the paperwork that Tucker's engineers
left behind is quite fascinating. When
the corporation was liquidated, an
investor purchased all of the
engineering drawings, as well as all
rights to the Tucker name, for $2,000.
"When I was originally talking with him,
he was asking for $10 million," David
said. Needless to say, David declined.
After the man's death, his family,
apparently not realizing the value of the
drawings, tried to dispose of them at a
Chicago dump, only to be told that the
blueprints were unacceptable because
of the chemicals in the ink and paper
that was used. The man's grandson
took the papers and offered them to the
Tucker Automobile Club of America,
which contacted David. He obtained
them at a much more reasonable price.
David plans to continue as the
caretaker of Tucker automotive history
for as long as he can, after which the
collection is destined for the Antique
Automobile Club of America's museum
in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A 3,500See Tucker, Page 9
▼ From left, Tucker #1001, David Cammack, Chris
Milici, Tom McQueen, and Sandy Kemper. Photo by
Jack McClow.
Cadillac Past
Page 8
The Taj Mahal of Overhaul, Part II
II
By Chris Milici & Joe Cutler
In Part II, construction of the Taj Mahal
or Overhaul continues with roof work,
finishing trip, and installation of the
asphalt. Ready to build your own “man
cave”?
CP
▲ Joe and his helpers progress with the installation
of the roof trusses. They were ordered to
specification and delivered to the site.
▲ The entire structure can now be seen taking shape. All of the roof trusses have been installed,
T1-11 siding is completed, and the side door has been installed. Anyone have another ladder? (Oh,
wait, see below.)
▲ The metal roof has been installed over the high bay, and it has taken two full days to cut, stain, and install the trim. Due to the early arrival of Winter with
dropping temperatures and some snow, there was no progress for several days.
▲ The remaining metal roof was installed after the snow (you
can see some evidence of snow in the photo above, left). Joe
also mounted his large wooden American Flag. As many of
you know, Joe is a retired Wood Shop Teacher and the flag
was made in his shop. After the Winter, and once the
temperatures became more seasonal for Spring in New
England, the paving crew came in to complete the project.
First, some existing pavement was removed and the current
driveway saw cut for a nice transition to the new section.
◄ The finished project with gutters in stalled, overhead doors
working, and pavement complete. And, of course, Joe’s family
parked inside. One of those cars is NOT a Cadillac. Can you
pick it out? The remaining work will be tackled during this
summer; adding insulation to the walls, installing drywall, and
the sliding doors between the high bay and adjacent single bay
have yet to be installed.
Cadillac Past
Page 9
Tucker
square-foot room has been built
at the museum for the
collection, through a donation
by his late brother Bill.
After the tour, David joined us
for a bite across the street at a
local favorite restaurant. Then it
was back to my hotel in style.
Thank you to David for opening
his collection to us and for
spending an entire afternoon
answering our questions and
sharing so much information
about Preston Tucker and his
innovative ideas.
My fun continued the next
day, however, as I made my
way with a little help from
Sandy to Capitol Cadillac for a
Potomac Region member
meeting. I had the chance to
talk a little about the 2013
Grand National to the members
in attendance.
Thanks to Jack and Sandy for
taking the time to welcome me
and arrange the special tour of
The Tucker Collection, and to
the members of the Potomac
Region for allowing me to join
in the meeting. The activities
certainly made my business trip
more enjoyable, and I look
forward to visiting again in the
future. This is exactly the type
of thing that makes our Club so
great! CP
▲ From left: David Cammack explains a few of the many photographs
and Tucker artifacts that cover the walls of the warehouse. ■ The
experimental Tucker chassis sits on permanent display, itself covered
with all things Tucker. ■ A series of experimental engines that were built
and tested for use in a production automobile. That, of course, never
happened.
BSAAC Car Show
Sunday, July 8
Endicott Estate
656 East St., Dedham, MA
The Bay State Antique Auto
Club proudly announces our
41st Annual Antique Car
Show, Car Corral, Trading
Bee and Family Fun Day on
Sunday, July 8th!
Cadillac – Class CC
Please arrive by 9:00 a.m. for
best parking available
Cadillac Class Peer Judged
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards
Excerpts from the Vice President
The Amherst, NH classic swap meet
runs every last Sunday of the month
through October, I have been attending
this event for many years without fail.
On the way up to the meet, I took my
trusty, newly acquired, ’89 Fleetwood
Coupe out for a spin. I must say she
rides a lot bigger than she is. As I waited
in line for 40 minutes, and for not
leaving extra early as usual, I paid the
price. I knew I should of have changed
the alternator before a break down, but
you know, we all put things off until later.
Well, as the story starts, a puff of smoke
came out of the hood, and a loud pitch
whine came with it, eeeeeeee!
By Dave Vazquez
Immediately, I pulled to the side of the
road to assess the damage, but I knew
right away what the problem was. The
belt was shredded, and the alternator
bearing seized, so I needed a tow.
As I waited by the side of the road, I
met Paul DiMaio, and other members
who offered help. Paul asked me if
wanted a ride home later. I thanked him,
but I had to get her home. Through the
wait, I met many people asking me if
she was for sale!
Finally, the tow truck arrived, where I
met this nice gentlemen, who I asked for
as he was an experienced car guy. She
went up the ramp truck with out a hitch,
and off we went back to Canton. You
know, I really liked this guy, he's what
you say “a good man, Charlie Brown.”
I bought him lunch and on the way
back we talked about life, cars, and his
towing stories over the years. But there
is something about a man who's life
span is unknown, especially when you
have a terminal disease that is
progressing. Very sobering! With the car
landed in my driveway, I felt as if I lost
an old friend as he drove away.
The alternator was replaced that same
day. Try digging tools out of the tool box
on a day like this.
CP
Cadillac Past
Page 10
Trip Log
Minutes From Past Meetings Submitted by Jeff Dodge, Secretary
May 1, 2012
The May meeting was called to order at 7:04
p.m. at Panera Bread, Walpole, Mass.
Present were Chris Milici, President; Dave
Vazquez, VP; Charles Grysell, Treasurer;
Jeff Dodge, Secretary; and Joe Gildea, Past
President.
• VP Report: Dave discussed the fall
Season’s End Car Show and Cruise
Nights at the Trinity Episcopal Church in
Canton, MA. He also reported on the
Cruise Nights at Patriot Place run by the
Mass Cruisers.
• Secretary Report: The meeting minutes
from the April BOD meeting was accepted
unanimously.
• Treasurer Report: Due to the early
meeting date this month, bank statements
were not yet available. Two additional
donations for CLCMRC were received and
will be forwarded with Region match.
• Committee reports (Newsletter, Website,
Grand National) were submitted and
approved. Committee reports are available
by request from the Secretary. Chris
reported that the Boston Marriott Quincy
cannot accommodate reservations beyond
51 weeks. Therefore, there will be gap
between the close of the 2012 Grand
National and the opening of registration for
the 2013 event. Chris will check again with
the hotel before the 2012 GN. All of the
promotional materials for the 2013 GN
have been passed to Charles who will
bring them down to Florida in early June.
Materials include a large 8 foot tall banner,
a smaller hanging banner, post cards,
brochures, and fliers. The materials will be
displayed next the registration table.
• The NERCLC calendar of events was
reviewed: The NERCLC Regional Meet
will be held at the Shappy Residence on
June 24, which is the Sunday AFTER
Father’s Day. This is a JUDGED event.
Anyone wishing to judge, please contact a
Director. The judging form will be the
same as last year and follows the CLC
format. Food service will be provided by
volunteers raising money for their church.
This is good practice for the 2013 Grand
National. Joe Gildea noted that traffic
enforcement is usually heavy on the local
roads near Mr. Shappy’s home. ■ Chris
has met with Bob Koch, the show
chairman for the BSAAC, to discuss an
improved parking layout for NERCLC. A
gazebo has been erected near the
Cadillac parking area which the Club
might try to use for its table and displays.
The BSAAC Show is Sunday, 8. ■ The
North Shore Old Car Club (NSOCC) has
invited NERCLC to a Car Club Meet on
August 5 at the Collings Foundation in
Stow, MA. The Long Cadillac Summer
Cadillac Day has been moved to August
25 as a result. ■ The North Shore
Concours d’Elegance is Sunday, July 29
and NERCLC will have a table and
professional display to advertise the 2013
Grand National. To volunteer to work the
table (free admission to the event), please
contact a Director. There has also been an
offer to place a ¼ page ad in the color
program. In return, NERCLC will promote
the 2012 and 2013 North Shore Concours.
Next year, it will occur the weekend before
our Grand National in Quincy.
• 2012 Grand National – To support the
silent auction, which raises money for
CLCMRC, Directors approved
unanimously to donate a complete 2013
Grand National package, including 5
nights stay at the host hotel for a member
and one guest, registration, all events, and
a single car registration. Chris will prepare
a certificate to bring to the auction in
Florida.
• Chris learned Bill Pappas, a member of
NERCLC, is one of the founding members
of the new AACA Boston Region. Chris
will reach out to Bill to explore
opportunities to collaborate with this new
region to increase membership of both
NERCLC and AACA Greater Boston.
• Archived newsletters are now available
from the NERCLC website thanks to the
work of our webmaster, Vadim Meter.
There being no further business, the meeting
was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
CP
For information, please contact:
Running Board
President
Chris Milici
120 Lorraine Metcalf Dr
Wrentham, MA 02093
(508)384-7578
[email protected]
Vice President
Dave Vazquez
194 Turnpike St.
Canton, MA 02021
(781)828-4141
[email protected]
Secretary
Jeff Dodge, DMD
45 Payson St.
Attleboro, MA 02703
(508)226-5064
[email protected]
Treasurer
Charles Grysell
59 Marble Rd.
Sutton, MA 01590
(508)865-2852
[email protected]
Appointments
Past President, Joe Gildea
Editor, Chris Milici
Chief Judge, Bill Callahan
Web Master, Vadim Meter
Tour/Show Chairperson, Rick Ciavarro
Publicity, Vacant
Elections, Vacant
Cadillac Past is a publication of the New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club, Inc.
The New England Region of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club serves
enthusiasts in the six New England states; Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Cadillac Past is published monthly for the members of NERCLC
and is available in either paper or electronic format. Submission
deadline for articles, events, classified ads, and other items of
th
interest is the 10 of the preceding month. Please send materials to
the Editor. Submitted materials may be altered or omitted at the
discretion of the Editor.
Published content is the property of NERCLC and cannot be reprinted
without permission. Other content provided with permission and so noted.
The logo appearing on Page 1 and representing NERCLC is
copyrighted and used with permission from CadillacLaSalle.com.
The opinions expressed in Cadillac Past may not represent those of the
NERCLC, its members, or its Directors. Thank you for your continued
support.
Cadillac Past
Page 11
Joining the New England Region Cadillac & LaSalle Club
NERCLC proudly serves Cadillac and LaSalle enthusiasts from all six New England States. Membership is open to all individuals and there is no
restriction on the year or model of Cadillac or LaSalle. Ownership of a car is not required. NERCLC publishes monthly award-winning newsletters, hosts
events and meetings, and provides an opportunity to interact with other members from across the Region. Classified ads are offered free to members.
For more information, visit us online at www.nerclc.com. The NERCLC membership year begins Feb. 1 and ends January 31. Members are asked to
renew annually during the month of January.
Dues: $20 (after Sept. 1, membership benefits extend through Jan., 2014)
Please make checks payable to NERCLC, Inc. and mail to Chuck Grysell, NERCLC Treasurer, 59 Marble Rd., Sutton, MA 01590
Name:
Date:
Spouse’s Name:
CLC Member Number*:
Number and Street:
Apt./Unit:
City:
State:
Phone 1: (
)
-
-
Zip Code:
Phone 2: (
)
-
E-mail:
Newsletter Preference:
Delivery by E-mail (color & fastest delivery)
Delivery by Mail
Other Cub Affiliations:
By providing an e-mail address, I agree to receive e-mail from NERCLC. I understand that I may unsubscribe from e-mail delivery at any time.
MAKE
(CAD or LAS)
YEAR
MODEL
(INCLUDE SERIES # IF APPLICABLE)
Upcoming Member Meetings
Meetings
All member meetings held at:
Mick Morgan’s
973 Providence Hwy (Rte. 1 South)
Sharon, MA 02067
Please join us for reports from recent Club happenings.
Dinner and meeting, 7:00p.m. Members are responsible for
their own meals and beverages. Meetings are held then
second or third Tuesday of the month (as indicated below):
June 19; September 11;
October 9; November 13
Guest speakers are invited. If you know of someone who
would be interested in sharing some stories and entertaining
discussions during a meeting, please contact an Officer.
With yet another spectacular show in
2011, the North Shore Concours
d’Elegance at Misselwood has turned
heads and wheels on more than one
occasion.
If this is your first time attending the
North Shore Concours d’Elegance,
we welcome you to our Misselwood
Estate, located in an area often
referred to as the “Gold Coast”; a
summer destination for wealthy
Bostonians and New Yorkers in the
late eighteenth and early nineteenth
COLOR
DESCRIPTION
CLC Membership Requirement
*The By-Laws of the National Cadillac & LaSalle Club require
all region members to maintain active membership status in
the National Club.
Each year, NERCLC is required to submit our member roster
for review.
The Cadillac & LaSalle Club offers many benefits, including
the award winning monthly magazine, The Self Starter,
participation in national events, and award eligibility at regional events.
You are invoiced separately and responsible for your National Club dues. Dues
are $35 per year for regular delivery or $50 per year for first class mail. To join, or
make corrections to the National Membership Directory, please contact:
Nancy and Mike Book, CLC Office
P.O. Box 360835, Columbus, OH 43236-0835
Phone: (614)478-4622
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cadillaclasalleclub.org
century. Set in this idyllic backdrop,
literally at the edge of the Atlantic
Ocean, the North Shore Concours D’
Elegance rivals other noteworthy
concours shows with its location.
Car Registration or Tickets:
www.endicott.ed/concours
More Information:
Patrick Cornelissen,
[email protected]
NEW ENGLAND REGION
CADILLAC & LASALLE CLUB
Chris Milici, Editor
120 Lorraine Metcalf Dr
Wrentham, MA 02093
Page 5 of 8
Cadillac Past
The New England Region CLC is very pleased to partner with member and collector
Dick Shappy for the 2012 Annual NERCLC Regional Meet. The event will take place at
Mr. Shappy’s residence. Attendees will be able to enjoy his personal collection of
classic and exotic automobiles and motorcycles, as well as his workshop.
Lunch will be provided at the event and will help support Trinity Episcopal Church.
Directions:
From the North
I-95 South to Exit 14, Rte 37 East, toward Warwick, RI
Merge onto Rte. 1 South (Post Road)
Turn left on Airport Rd. (travel 1.5 miles)
Continue onto West Shore Rd. (travel 3.2 miles)
Turn left on Warwick Neck Ave. (travel 2.4 miles)
Turn left on Lisa Ln.
Turn right on Katherine Court
This is a judged event. Awards will be presented in the classes listed below. Please
attempt to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to ensure ample time for judges to complete all
required forms and tabulation of results.
From the South
I-95 to Exit 10, Rte. 117East toward Warwick, RI
Turn right on Rte. 117 (Centerville Rd.)
Follow Rte. 117 to Warwick Neck Ave. then follow above
General Event Information:
• This is the annual NERCLC Regional Meet.
• You must be an NERCLC Member to be considered for an award.
• There will be three prizes presented in each Class, First Second,
and Third Place. There will also be a Best of Show Award and
other superlative awards given.
• To be considered for an award, you must arrive by 10:30 a.m. and
have your hood raised, convertible top up, and be present at your
vehicle during inspection.
• Judging results will be available after the show to all entrants.
• Judging is performed by experienced Club members.
New England Regional Meet
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Home of Dick Shappy
26 Katherine Court
Warwick, RI 02889
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration: $10 per vehicle
Classes
Pre-1940, all Cadillac
1941 to 1949, all
1960 to 1969, all
1980 and up, all Cadillac
All Commercial Chassis
All LaSalle
1950 to 1959, all
1970 to 1979, all
All Allante
Modified