May 2013 - Gateway Chapter BCA

Monthly Newsletter of the St. Louis Chapter
BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA
Volume XXXII, No. 4
Upcoming Events
See Details on Page 4
May 13
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Monthly Meeting
Sports Café
*Remember it’s a Pizza
Party
May 2013
Welcome Back Mike Saputo!
Look for a Member’s spotlight featuring him in an upcoming Gazette.
We thank Steve Dodson for his many years of hard work and time
for doing the Member Spotlight.
Joe Horvath Jr. has volunteered to take over those duties once held by
Steve and will have new member spotlights shortly so please stay tuned.
May 25
Saturday, 12:00 p.m.
Lunch and Winery
Pere Marquette Visitor
Center
Park-13112 Visitor Center
Lane, Grafton, IL 62037
Winery-300 West Main,
Grafton, IL 62037
June 10
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Monthly Meeting
Sports Café
June 16th
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.
Father’s Day Car Show
Museum of
Transportation
3015 Barrett Station Road,
St Louis 63122
June 29th
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Oldsmobile Club BBQ
Creve Coeur Park,
Greensfelder Pavilion
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
Easter Show (Photo courtesy of Adam Martin)
The Next Meeting is Monday May 13th and will feature a
presentation on Powder coating by Les Schneider.
Back by popular demand we will have appetizers and pizza for $6.00.
Children under 10 will be ½ price. Drinks are not included in the $6.00.
Please tip the waitress accordingly, thanks!
The Dave Sinclair Buick Show that was cancelled will
be rescheduled for later this year.
1
The weather still
can’t seem to
straighten
itself
out. I thought we
had turned the
corner after the Easter Car show, but that is not the
case. After monsoon rains we are now facing
colder weather again. What’s the deal! I guess we
shouldn’t complain, last year we already had the
AC on and were complaining about how hot it was
already.
Hopefully the weather will start
cooperating as we have some good events coming
up on the calendar. Don’t forget that our first club
event is the display at Dave Sinclair Buick on May
4th. Let’s get those cars out and have a good
showing for our club at the dealership.
The April meeting was
held at the Sport’s Café in
Bridgeton, MO on April
8th. 21 members and
guests were in attendance.
The meeting was opened with The Pledge of
Allegiance of the United States.
The meeting was facilitated by John Lasinski,
Director.
Members Ill:
• Bill Wester passed. Flowers were sent on
behalf of the club.
Additions/corrections to the January 2013
minutes:
• Approved as printed in the Gazette.
Upcoming Events:
• Ranken Car Show, April 21st
• Gateway Classics Spring Fling, April 27th
• Dave Sinclair Club Display, May 4th
• May 13th meeting: Powder Coating
presentation by Les Schneider
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
I want to thank Kristina and Pete. They are both
working hard on setting up the club sponsored
charity car show for the Shriners in September.
Offer your support in any way you can. They are
looking for sponsors, giveaway prizes and
contributions.
Our next meeting is Monday, May 13th, 7:30 at the
Sports Café. This will be another Pizza Party with
plenty of pizza and appetizers for only $6.00 per
person, drinks are extra. Arrive at 6:30 for a great
deal on dinner. We will also have a presentation
on Powder coating by Les Schneider.
As always, Happy Motoring!
John
Treasurer’s Report:
• Club Account: $3,188.01
• 2013 Dues are due - $15.00, see Pete
Old Business:
• Club Logo Door magnets, $15. 4 remain
New Business:
•
•
•
Tax Exemption status was retained.
Sending out a request to other clubs in the
region for donations to our Shriner’s Show.
Getting quotes from Embroidery On
Demand for club shirts with price
breaks.
Performance Division:
• Kristina Richards: (None)
Modified News:
• Pete Nathan: (None)
Regional News:
Fred Pennings Reported:
• Chicagoland Region planning a Cruise
Night in Chicago, with driving tour to
the National event.
• Urged to register as soon as possible.
2
National News:
• 2013 BCA National Meet, South Bend,
IN, July 17-20th
Activities Calendar:
Kristina Richards Reported:
• Kristina working on the Shriner’s Car
Show, September 22nd
Guest Speaker:
Barb from Creative Auto Restyling Specialists
(C.A.R.S.):
•
Barb gave a presentation on auto upholstery,
showing examples of work she has done and
sample products. Barb can do original to
custom interiors including consoles and stereo
systems. Call her for your upholstery needs.
50/50 Drawing:
Jim Hall won &30, pot was $60.
Next Regular Meeting:
• May 13th @ the Sports Café in
Bridgeton, Dinner at 6:30pm, Meeting
at 7:30pm.
This month’s In the Garage segment comes from Chet Palumbo about his 1999
Buick Park Avenue.
On March 16th our Park Avenue reached a significant milestone: 300,000 miles.
We purchased the Park Avenue, April 27, 1999 at Kelly Buick, in Chamblee, GA, with 200 miles showing on the
odometer.
Probably the most notable part of the car’s history; it began life as an “Official Car” used at the PGA’s “Bell
South Classic” held April 4th at the Atlanta Country Club. Other than that; no one of importance has ridden or
driven the car, and as far as I know, no one was conceived in the back seat.
We replaced the motor and transmission around 150,000 miles. The Park Avenue has been in a few minor
accidents; twice the rear bumper was used to test the crumple zones of lessor vehicles, with neither hit
requiring a body shop visit for the Park Avenue. Probably the most heart wrenching experience was a late
night hail storm in Nebraska. Living in the country, traveling a lot of back roads, the Park Avenue has made its
contribution to road kill, mostly squirrels, with one major hit which collected a significant amount of deer
“butt hair” in the grill, hood and headlight.
I
remember
when
we
purchased the car, I told
Jeanne “I’m going to drive the
wheels off this car” well the
wheels are still on and we
continue to roll. The Park
Avenue continues to run great
and I have no idea how much
more she will go, but I do
know, it will be a sad day when
we get to “The End”
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
3
** If you would like to help with the Shriners event please let
Kristina Richards know. Her email is: [email protected]
Regular Monthly Meeting – Monday May13th 7:30 p.m.
Meeting is at Sports Café 3579 Pennridge Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044
To reach the Sports Café, take I-70 or I-270 to West on St. Charles Rock Road at I-270. After one block, turn left
at the traffic light onto Boenker Rd., then after one block turn left onto Pennridge Dr. The restaurant is on the
right. Plan to arrive by 6:30 and enjoy dinner prior to the 7:30 meeting. Pizza Party For $6.00 per person we
will have appetizers and pizza. (Individuals pay for their own drinks) The club will be ordering appetizers for
6:25p.m. and lots of pizza for 6:40. Everyone will be going home stuffed.
********Guest Speaker Les Schneider Powder Coat Specialist********
Lunch and Winery Cruise – Saturday May 25th Noon-? PLEASE RSVP for this event by MAY 15th
We will meet at Pere Marquette Visitor Center for lunch, you can buy food there or bring a picnic lunch
After lunch, we will cruise down the Illinois River Road to Grafton Winery
Estimated arrival time at winery is 1:30 – Band starts at 3:00
Address for Park: 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037
Address for Winery: 300 West Main, Grafton, IL 62037 www.thegraftonwinery.com
Regular Monthly Meeting – Monday June 10th 7:30 p.m.
Meeting is at Sports Café 3579 Pennridge Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044
Father’s Day Car Show – Sunday June 16th 11:00 am-3:30 p.m.
Museum of Transportation – 314-615-8MOT Address: 3015 Barrett Station Road, St Louis 63122
*** Park your car, then head inside to check out the collection and Air Conditioning Admission: Adults $8,
Children (3-12) $5
2013 Great Race Stop in Washington Mo – June 25 (See Page 9 for details)
Oldsmobile Club BBQ – Sunday June 29th 3:00 p.m.-Dark
Creve Coeur Park, Greensfelder Pavilion – 3:00 to Dark. Hawaiian Theme, Dress to the theme Pot Luck Everyone brings a side dish or snack. Private Parking Lot – So Bring Your Cars ! ! Restrooms and Park close by –
Families encouraged to come NEED to contact GENE a week before to give him a head count
May 2013
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Judy Driscoll – ‘65 Riviera
Jimmy & Rachel Gehm– ‘72 skylark conv.
Cathleen Horst– ‘2-55 Special 4-door sedans
Nancy Longworth– ‘86 grand national
Dennis McDonough - ‘86 grand national
Susan Palazzolo
Barb Thomas – ‘56 Studebaker
Steve & Sherri Dodson – '68 Electra 225 Convert.
John & Kitty Lasinski - '72 GS 455
Chet & Jeanne Palumbo – ’99 Park Avenue
Vic & Patricia Panus – ‘88 Reatta Coupe
Jim & Karen Poole – ‘37 Special
Bill & Maggi Wester – ‘88 Reatta Coupe
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
4
Buick in China
By Scott Keller
What is the largest current market for Buick in the world? It is not the U.S.—Its China! Buick is GM's
founding brand, as well as its oldest brand. Plus, the last emperor of China had several Buicks in the early
1900's. These facts give Buick a strong brand reputation there. Much stronger reputation (and sales)
than Chevrolet and Cadillac, both of which are also sold in China.
Buick sold over three million Buicks in China between 1999 and 2011. In 2007 Buick sold over
330,000 Buicks in China; more than twice what was sold in the U.S. They sold over one million in 2010
alone! Buick sold over 250,000 Excelle's (known here as the Verano) in 2011.
Let's take a look at some Buick's on the streets of China...
Above: Ad in the Beijing airport for the Regal GS. Note the black
panther running alongside the car in the ad.
Right: An ad on a bus stop for a Buick LaCrosse. The car is sold
there with an option of flat screen video headrests.
Basically it is otherwise the same as its North American version.
Below: The first version of the Regal sold in China. These started
to be offered in 1999, and are powered by a 2.5L V6 engine. The
front and rear of the car are slightly different than the North
America version.
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
5
Early version of Buick Excelle.
Buick Sail. Based on Daewoo/Opel vehicle.
New Regal T front and rear pictures. This is one of several world platforms for Buick.
Buick GL8 minivan. Not available in the U.S.
A five door version of the Excelle (Verano).
Pontiac Montana? No! Early version of the GL8 minivan, sharing the same platform.
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
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Park Avenue. RWD and often used as a limo. Based on Austrailian Holden Caprice.
2013 Club Calendar
May 2013
4
Sinclair Buick Car Show (Cancelled/Weather)
5
Gateway Motorplex Swap meet
13 Regular Monthly Meeting – Sports Café
25 Lunch and Winery Cruise – Grafton, IL
June 2013
10 Regular Monthly Meeting – Sports Café
16 Father’s Day Car Show – Museum of
Transportation
25 Great Race Stop – Washington Mo
29 Oldsmobile Club BBQ – Creve Coeur Park
1963 Buick Le Sabre
2 owner car stored for 10 years in garage 67,000 original miles, White with white and grey interior In good
condition, has 2 flat tires.
Owner is Leslie 314-353-8984 Secondary Contact - Dale Martin 314-802-8928
1987 GN - $13,000
78XXX mile T-top car with pw, pl, tilt, pwr seat, AM/FM/cassette with concert sound, Kirban braces, Eibach
springs, SPA1 shocks & air bags. I can‘t remember all of the numerous upgrades but do have receipts.
Motor is a transplant from 40K mile GN. TE49 turbo with modified turbo shield, PTE remote oil system, big neck
intercooler, Tinman cold air kit, ATR polished up pipe and MAF pipe, LT1 MAF, ceramic coated headers, ATR 3" DP
& external wastegate, ATR single shot exhaust, 42.5 injectors, 340 pump, HR poly mounts, aluminum radiator and
B&M trans cooler.
Scanmaster, temp & oil gauges in console. Newer paint, weather strips, carpet, headliner, & seat covers.
Enkei 15x8 with newer tires. Also have stock wheels for an extra price.
Bob Schurwan 314-795-2662 [email protected]
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
Jeff 314-660-6038 [email protected]
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Misc from Bob Schurwan
OTC 4000E scanner with manual - $200 OBO
Direct Scan - new in box -$125
Pair of upper door panels for GN in excellent condition. These are new OEM. - $400
Auto Meter pillar dual 2 1/8-5/8” gauge pod (10400) (gray) NIB - $15
(5837) NIB - $50
Auto Meter Phantom temp 2 5/8” gauge
Auto Meter Phantom oil 2 5/8” gauge (5827) NIB - $60 Bob 314-795-2662 [email protected]
1990 Buick Reatta
Car has over 100,000 miles on it, and was driven onto Wagner Buick parking lot.
Car needs extensive restoration, or could be used as a parts car. Owner Rusty Wagner at Wagner Buick. Call
Rusty Wagner at 618-560-9493
1962 Corvair Rampside Pickup
Not restored but much mechanical work done, new tires, new brakes, etc., $5,300. Contact Bill Bicknell at 573364-8586 or [email protected] for photos and a list of work done.
Huge Quantity of 1964 Buick Riviera parts For Sale.
Donated to our chapter by a Buick enthusiast, proceeds will be used to fund chapter activities.
Call Paul Meyer, 314-574-9853, ASAP for the Rivi parts you need.
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
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2013 Great Race to stop in Washington on June 25
Washington, Mo., will host a lunch stop on the 2013 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty on Tuesday,
June 25, race promoters have announced. The Great Race, the world’s premiere old car rally, is expected to bring up to 100
antique automobiles to Main Street in downtown Washington for the $150,000 event. The race will start June 22 in St. Paul,
Minn., at the State Fairgrounds as part of the “Back to the 50s” car show and weave its way down the Mississippi River toward
the Gulf of Mexico through 10 states and cross the river a dozen times before the finish in Mobile, Ala., on June 30.
The stop in Washington will be the first on Day 4 of the 9-day race. The cars will arrive from the overnight stop in
Hannibal.
The Great Race, which began 30 years ago, is not a speed race, but a time/speed/distance rally. The vehicles, each with a
driver and navigator, are given precise instructions each day that detail every move down to the second. They are scored at
secret check points along the way and are penalized one second for each second either early or late. As in golf, the lowest
score wins.
Cars start – and hopefully finish – one minute apart if all goes according to plan. The biggest part of the challenge other
than staying on time and following the instructions is getting an old car to the finish line each day, organizers say. The cars will
arrive after noon at one-minute intervals for more than an hour and a half and stay for an hour each to allow spectators to
visit with the participants and to look at the cars. It is common for kids to climb in the cars for a first-hand look. The
Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is helping with the plans. Cars built prior to 1969 are eligible, with most entries
having been manufactured before World War II. In the 2012 Great Race, a 1907 Renault and a 1914 Ford Model T were the
two oldest vehicles. There were also two 1916 Hudsons, a 1916 Packard, a 1917 Hudson and a 1917 Peerless in the event and
many of those cars are expected back again in 2013.
Last year’s winners, Barry and Irene Jason of Keller, Texas, drove a 1935 Ford coupe. The 2013 winners will receive $50,000
of the $150,000 total purse, based on 100 entries. Over the decades, the Great Race has stopped in hundreds of cities big and
small, from tiny Austin, Nev., to New York City. “When the Great Race pulls into a city it becomes an instant festival,” race
director Jeff Stumb said. “Last year we had 25,000 spectators at the start in Traverse City, Mich., and another 15,000 people at
lunch in Fairport, N.Y., on our way to having 250,000 people see the Great Race during our 20 city stops.”
After leaving Washington the cars will head south to Cape Girardeau, Mo., for the fourth of nine overnight stops, eight of
which are on the Mississippi River or the Gulf of Mexico. The other overnight stops along the route are in La Crosse, Wisc., on
June 22; Davenport, Iowa, on June 23; in Germantown, Tenn., on June 26; in Vicksburg, Miss., on June 27; in Baton Rouge, La.,
on June 28; in Covington, La., on June 29; and in Mobile on June 30.
The other lunch stops are Eau Claire, Wisc., Dubuque,
Iowa; Peoria, Ill..; Paragould, Ark.; Monticello, Ark.; Natchez, Miss.; Crowley, La.; and Irvington, Ala.
The event was started in 1983 by Tom McRae and it takes its name from the 1965 movie, The Great Race, which starred
Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood and Peter Falk. The movie is a comedy based on the real life 1908 automobile race
from New York to Paris. In 2004, Tony Curtis was the guest of the Great Race and rode in his car from the movie, the Leslie
Special. The Great Race gained a huge following from late night showings on ESPN when the network was just starting out in
the early 1980s. The first entrant, Curtis Graf of Irving, Texas, is still a participant today and will be racing a 1916 Packard again
this year.
The event’s main sponsors are Hemmings Motor News, Hagerty, Coker Tire, Reliable Carriers, Meguiar’s and Steele
Rubber. If you have any questions please call the following:
Peter Brown – Great Race Washington Liaison 904-608-2522
Mary Beth Rettke - Washington Chamber of Commerce 636-239-2715 ext. 101
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
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The Sham Rock Away
Thanks to Bill Bicknell for this gem, please check out the link for the details and more photos.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/tag/shamrockaway/
The “ShamRockAway was one of many projects Dad did when he retired. When people ask him, Why? He would say, “Why not?” He
was an inventor and motor home enthusiast since 1948. Dad bought a 1942 school bus and converted it to a camper as it was called
back then. He also converted a 1958 Flexible coach in the 1960s and toured the United States with his family, Michael and Colleen.
He was one of the founding members of the FMCA, at the first meeting in Maine. Other projects he worked on were a wind machine
to generate electricity which he mounted on his house and a semi electric car.
Buicks were his favorite cars to drive. “I have always enjoyed the smoother ride offered by the coil springs on a Buick automobile
and decided to have a motor home with the same handling and comfort.”
Michael (son-chip off the ole block) designed and built the unique steering gear box that allows all four front wheels to turn. Other
features: power steering, air shocks on the drive wheels (only one rear axle is powered), near equal curb weight per wheel, power
plant from an Electra 225 Buick, 401-cubic inch-displacement V-8 engine, Dynaflow transmission, and eight wheels, two gas tanks,
solid frame, two heaters, two air conditioners, weight 9,960 lbs., tires L78 except “J” on the tag wheels, double core radiator,
standing height six feet and length 28 feet to bumper.
The inside of the doors in front were built to hold maps and booklets. A special folding door enlarged the bathroom area. The
kitchen and stowage areas were molded into existing space with ample room for walking between the living and driving
compartments. The driver sits over the engine. Dad also put in an altimeter, a CB radio, vacuum gauges, auxiliary battery switch and
an unusual horn—a bicycle bell to ring when people waved or kids that thought he had an air horn. How people would smile!!!!
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
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Back in The Day
Thanks to Chet Palumbo for passing along an email with these photos in it. I did some research and contacted
the owner of the photos (Hank Suderman) and he was great to talk to and glad I asked permission to use his
photos. You have to check out the other great photos on his site.
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com
“Thank you so much for asking first. Lately I have had many people just helping themselves to pictures from my
site and posting them on Facebook. Yet when we approach them for not asking permission they get all upset
and start calling us names. So I am grateful that you've asked me first. I have permission from the person who
sent me the auto carrier photos to allow certain people to use them.”
Photos courtesy of Hank Suderman
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
11
The GATEWAY GAZETTE is a monthly newsletter, free to paid members of the St. Louis Gateway Chapter of the Buick Club of America. Articles,
technical information, For Sale and Want Ads, photos, restoration sagas and coming events are welcomed, but must be submitted by the first
Monday of the month to assure inclusion in the next issue.
Our membership year runs from May 1 to April 30. Membership is renewable on May 1. Members joining between January 1 and April 30 are paid
up through the next April. Dues are $15 per year for the local chapter. Contact Pete Nathan, Treasurer. See address below. Current dues for the
national club are $50 per year, payable to: Buick Club of America, P.O. Box 360775, Columbus, OH 43236-0775.
The Gateway Chapter meets monthly on the THIRD MONDAY of the month. Meetings begin at 7:30 PM and guests are welcome to attend. We
meet at various restaurants around St. Louis and most members and guests try to arrive by 6:30 or earlier to have dinner before the meeting.
For more information, our local mailing addresses are as follows:
Director:
Asst. Director:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Activities Director:
Newsletter Editor:
Webmaster:
Web Site:
John Lasinski
(636) 225-9850
Steve Dodson
(314) 846-5588
Pete Nathan
(314) 413-2966
Chet Palumbo
(636) 398-4336
Kristina Richards
(314) 313-8596
Joe Horvath
(314)842-0425
Adam Martin
(314) 713-1262
440 Avalon View Ct
Fenton, MO 63025
6240 Beyes Ln.
St. Louis, MO 63129
#1 Huntleigh Trails Lane
St. Louis, MO 63131
3 Calloway Lake Drive
Defiance, MO 63341
283 LeBeau Lane
St. Charles, MO 63303
11236 Claywood Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63261
1212 Cloverbrook
St. Charles, MO 63304
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.gatewaybca.org
_________________________________________________________________________________
Gateway Gazette – May 2013
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