ÿþb t c N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9 R E V

Page 1
Page 2
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Labor Day Car Show
The second of Emmanuel Baptist Church’s car shows for this year took place
on Labor Day as scheduled. The first was on Memorial Day. The event started
with a pancake and sausage
breakfast for the participants
and members. There were
approximately 60 vehicles
present and the
weather was absolutely fantastic.
BuickTown was
represented by Bill
Cook
(1960
Pontiac), Ken Ferguson (1963 Wildcat Covrtible), Bob
Gardner (1990 Reatta convertible),
Bob Gorski, Bob
and Judy Leets
(1962
Sk yl ark
convertible and
1 9 9 1
Reatta
convertible), Jim
McLean (1956 Roadmaster), Charles Miller (1975 Electra
225) and Duane and Eunice Williams (1973 Boat tailed
Riviera). Bill Cook
and Eunice Williams won door
prizes and Charles
Miller won the
President’s Trophy
with his deuce and
a quarter with a
four and a quarter.
Everyone seemed to
have a good time
and with the early
start most of us were able to be home by noon to celebrate the holiday with friends and family.
Thank you, Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Bob and Bentley
Page 3
If you’ve ever been tuned down for an auto
loan, contact Maureen Bearss 810-653-1000.
She’ll show you how low, weekly payments
can virtually guarantee approval and put you
in a late model car or truck—-some with new
vehicle warranties .
Page 4
2009 Officers & Chairpersons
Director
ROGER TYYSKA
[email protected]
810-636-8450
Assistant Director
CHARLIE JONES
810-845-4779
Secretary
CAROL ZIMMERMAN
810-732-7806
Treasurer
Inside This Issue
JOHN WELBY’S 1959 LESABRE
1
EMMANUEL LABOR DAY CAR SHOW
2
OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS
4
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
5
COMING EVENTS
6-9
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S NOTE
9
COVER STORY 1959 LESABRE
10-11
THE EDITOR SAYS
12
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
14
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
15
PATSY LOU DEPUTY SALES PROGRAM 16
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
18
BUICK, FACTORY WHISTLE & ME
19
DAVID BUICK BOOK
19
MANUSCRIPTS / WILLIAM C. DURANT 19
DO YOU REMEMBER?
21
AUGUST MEETING FERGUSON’S
22-23
MICHIGAN BUICK BASH
24-25
ECHOES / WHEEL ROOM
27
YOU’RE FROM FLINT IF
29
PUZZLE
30
ALL AMERICAN CLASSICS
30
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
31
BURMA SHAVE
32
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
33
BACK TO THE BRICKS
34
ABBEY PARK
35
CLASSIFIED
36
ASS’T EDITOR’S SPARE PARTS
38
ADVERTISER CAR GUYS GARAGE
39
BUICK NEWS
42
BUICK DEALERS
43
BUICKS AT PATSY LOU’S
43
DAN EMERTON
[email protected]
810-732-0565
Member-at-Large
JERRY WALKER
[email protected]
248-634-2755
Past Directors
ED MCQUIGG
[email protected]
BRIAN E KITCHEN
810-655-4824
[email protected]
810-732-5011
Membership
JIM MACLEAN
[email protected]
810-736-1578
Activities and Awards
DAVID BOTHAMLY [email protected]
810-513-0377
HOWARD ZIMMERMAN
810-732-7806
Editor
BOB GORSKI
[email protected]
810-239-9324
Assistant Editor
BOB GARDNER
[email protected]
810-659-8557
Social
GARY & DEBBIE MINCH [email protected]
810-653-1967
Historian
RON WOODS
[email protected]
810-653-7985
Sloan Auto Fair Representatives
JOHN DAILY
BRIAN E KITCHEN
DAVE LANGDON
esyrdr7@aol,com
810-658-0126
[email protected]
810-732-5011
[email protected] 810-636-2676
Student Program Liaison
Mott Community College
LARRY SHERMAN
[email protected]
JIM BEAL
[email protected]
810-695-4026
810-695-3063
U M - Flint
SUZANNE SHERMAN
[email protected]
810-695-4026
50 / 50 Sales
JOHN WELBY
248-628-8787
DAVID BOTHAMLY
[email protected]
810-513-0377
Swap Meet
JAMES DRURY
989-770-4541
CHARLIE JONES
810-845-4779 cell
810-266-4833
Technical Advisor
JOE TAUBITZ
[email protected]
810-655-8988
Photographer
BUICK CLUB OF AMERICA
www.buickclub.org
ROBERTA VASILOW
[email protected]
810-655-8277
DAVE LANGDON [email protected] 810-636-2676
KEN MCCLELLAN
[email protected]
810-875-4606
Web Master
ROBERTA VASILOW
[email protected]
810-655-8277
Page 5
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Summer wrap-up and the BCA National
Recently our members have been exposed to a flurry of end of season activities. The BDE tour, the regional Buick Bash and Golden Memories were three of the more prominent. Now it’s time to arrange for
car storage, prep the old vehicle and begin wondering where you left the snow shovel. The September
monthly meeting was a culmination of the year’s events. The meeting was at the Buick Gallery with the intention of focusing on club-sponsored activity. This included the Mott Interns, new restoration classes, restoration progress on the 1953 Skylark and the new Archival Internship sponsoring UM-Flint students.
Tim Shickles welcomed the club to the Buick Gallery, summed up the past year’s events at the museum
and spoke briefly on future plans. Dr Clark Harris and Greg Keller teamed up to review the performance of
the Mott interns and progress on the Skylark. These programs are working very well; students are both
productive and enthusiastic. Seven students applied for this fall’s opening. Dr Harris further outlined the
two new classes in auto restoration for paint and metal forming. In the Gallery, our new initiative is about
Buick documents and other Buick related artifacts now located in “deep” storage. Jane McIntosh described
the content, quantity and work to be done in general terms. Much time will be devoted going piece by
piece through all the boxes to understand what is at hand. Hence, our new archival intern will wade into
this morass under the guidance and direction of Jane and Dr John Ellis. John is the Chair of the History
Department at UM-Flint and will identify potential candidates. He is very enthusiastic about this unprecedented opportunity for Flint students and will be the guiding force on behalf of the University. We welcome
Dr Ellis’s support and assistance in our quest to preserve, organize and make available the archival assets
of the Gallery.
By the time you read this edition of the Crier, our final car related activity, the Fall Color Tour, sponsored by
the Callards and Beals, may be history. Our annual swap meet looms dead ahead! Please call up Charlie
Jones or Jim Drury and sign in for a job at the swap meet at Patsy Lou’s. “If ever we needed you, we need
you now”. Really, do what you can. Every little bit counts and is greatly appreciated. We have always
pulled this off in style.
The agenda for our last meeting was very congested and the meeting ran on way too long. I apologize!
The good news is we have a full slate of officers. Thank you to our nomination committee.
Because of recent events, or lack of, my personal comments and opinion about our National BCA organization are noteworthy, unfortunately. I see this as a time when more chapter and division members should
get informed and play a part in BCA affairs, especially with individual officers. We have seen prices for
membership take a high percentage jump without warning or member participation. We see intra organization communications dwindling such as cutting out the Regional Directors and near zero support from the
central organization on the critical issue of tax filing. I recently received a letter offering a prize to the chapter bringing in the most new members. Yes, membership is a priority, at all levels, but other critical issues
have been let to lapse which negatively affects the desire to be a member. Is there a widening gap between the central organization and its subsidiaries? Are we content with that?
Best (Buick) Regards
Page 6
Coming Events
October
12
14
15
Columbus Day
Executive Board Meeting Patsy Lou 5pm
Color Tour hosted by
Jim Beal and Marshall Callard
17
McLaren Fall Fun Fest
24-25 Al Setzke Swap Meet Patsy Lou Buick
28
Regular Monthly Meeting
Hope Lutheran Church, Linden
November
3
11
18
26
Buick Motor Division lunch meeting
GM Heritage Center
Veteran’s Day
Regular Monthly Meeting Election
Night Fenton Farms
Thanksgiving Day
25
Pearl Harbor Day
Regular Monthly Meeting
Banquet Christmas Party
Merry Christmas
Hope Lutheran
Church
MONTHLY MEETING
October 28, 2009
Hope Lutheran Church
Community Room
7355 W Sillver Lake Rd
Linden, MI
6:00 pm
Social Hour
7:00 pm
Buffet
Pulled pork w/ all the fixen’s
December
7
??
REGULAR
Awards
ONLY
8:00 pm
$12.00
Meeting
Buick Club
website
presentation
Please
contact Charlie Jones
at (810) 845-4779
to sign up
Page 7
Buicktown goes to
HELL!
Fall Tour to Hell, MI
Thursday October 15th 2009
Depart the Silver Lake Mall
(Owen Rd & Jennings Rd, Fenton)
9:00am
Tom Walker's Grist Mill is a Michigan
Historic Site, commonly known as the
Parshallville Cider Mill, sitting on the
A small town named Hell complete
banks of the North Ore Creek. in
Livingston County . The 136 year old
with a gift shop, beer store, post ofmill which is one of the few remaining
fice and a bar.
water-powered mills in Michigan. Cider,
spiced
donuts,
caramel
apples,
and homemade apple pies
are available in
addition to
a Gift
Zukey Lake Tavern was built on the north shore of Zukey Lake right after
Shoppe
offering
the end of Prohibition and is the only full service restaurant on the Huron
Michigan
River “Chain of Lakes”. Our friendly atmosphere and great food make it a
products.
must stop whether you’re on your boat or in your car
Hosted by
Marshall & Diane Callard / Jim & Jackie Beal
Page 8
Wednesday Cruise
Nights
5pm—9pm
Joe’s Garage
Sports Pub & Grub
6468 W Vienna Rd (M 57)
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Elections
November 18, 2009
Fenton Farms
Golf Club
12312 Torrey Rd
Fenton, MI
(810) 750-6098
6:00 pm Social Hour
7:00 pm Dinner
Boiled root beer Ham Buffet
Only $15 per person
8:00 pm Meeting
Please
contact Charlie Jones
at (810) 845-4779
to sign up
Invitation from Buick Motor Division
Buick Motor Division has extended an invitation to the Buick
Club of America to attend a lunch meeting at the GM Heritage
Center in Sterling Heights, MI on November 3rd, 2009. BMD
would like to review their plans and new cars with the BCA and
will be open to questions and constructive suggestions for the
future of the Buick automobile. Any and all BCA members are
invited to attend. Buick Motor Division hopes that we could
have 200 - 250 individuals on hand. More information will be
forthcoming, and we will keep everyone informed via email as
we hear more. There is no charge for this event, and it is an
excellent opportunity for the BCA to assist our favorite car
manufacturer in planning for the future. Please pass the word to
your Chapter members and other BCA members that you feel
might want to attend.
GO BUICK!!!!!
Mike & Nancy Book
BCA National Office Administrators
Page 9
NOTES
FROM THE
ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR
The swap meet is
coming together in great
shape thanks to Jim Drury and
all the other members helping spread the word. But our
team still needs more players. Please give me a call so
we can divvy out the assignments.
So far over sixty indoor and outdoor spots have
been reserved.
And Patsy Lou has offered showroom space for
a “premium” car corral.
Charlie Jones
PS
I’m still working on plans for our December
Christmas party and Awards night. The goal is to have
as nice an event as in the past, but make it affordable so
that more will be able to join in the fun.
Page 10
Cover Story
The Year, the Buick,
the
’59
by John Welby
I am writing this story on my way out to the Buick Nationals in Colorado Springs where the 50th anniversary of
the 1959 Buick will be celebrated.
A good friend and I are taking the southern route. Sadly
we are not driving the blue 1959 LeSabre sedan. We will
travel through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas,
then on to New Mexico and to the Nationals in Colorado.
On the way back we will go north through Colorado,
Wyoming, South Dakota and back to the Midwest across
Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger.
The story of the ’59 started in the spring of 1982 on the
east side of Detroit. Being in the refrigeration service
business, I went on a service call to an elderly woman’s
home. She had lived in the house since the 1940’s and was
now too old to keep up the property, so everything was up
for sale. The day I was there she had the garage door open
and I saw the ’59 LeSabre. I asked if the car was for sale.
The woman had no family and no one to leave the car to.
So she said she would sell it.
Page 11
I then went out to the garage for a closer inspection and found the car was up on blocks and covered with dust. The
car still had the 1962 Michigan plate on the back. Now I was very intrigued and started asking a lot more questions. I
was told her husband worked at Buick for 40 years and retired in 1959. He never liked automatic transmissions, so he
ordered this Buick with a stick shift, a radio, white wall tires, deluxe wheel covers and nothing else. The original
owner drove the car until 1962, when he passed away. His widow never drove cars and never had a driver’s license.
So the Buick was put up on blocks, the gas drained out and never driven again until I found it in 1982.
A deal was struck and the Buick was mine for the price of $1200, plus a refrigeration repair job. The next weekend I
went back to the house on the east side with a new battery, some gas and an air pump to inflate the original tires. I
changed the oil and filter and got the car started.
That’s when I noticed the odometer read 14,000 miles
and was told those miles were correct. (The car now
has 24,000 miles on the odometer.) I was followed by
a friend while I slowly drove the car back home on
the original tires. The original tires are on the car to
this day. Some people think I am a little loony to
drive around on 50 year old tires. I guess I will put on
a new set sometime in the next few years! If you have
never driven one of these late ‘50’s Buicks with a
stick shift, you are missing something. It is a whole
different experience than a Dynaflow!
So now I’m back from Nationals after driving
through 12 states and traveling 5000 trouble free
miles in a vintage Buick. If you are not comfortable
driving an old car long distances, just remember the
old adage is true, “Buicks were built to be driven!”
Page 12
the editor says
One advantage to being editor is being able to throw out what you wrote and redo it after reading
everyone else’s contribution to the monthly Crier. So this month, after reading Roger’s words of wisdom, I
decided to quote myself about the Buick Club of America and their actions regarding members and chapters. But being over 18 and no longer the smartest person in the world, I had to go through more than a
couple dozen Criers to find it. An interesting thought after searching through all those old Criers is that
you get a glimpse of the heart and soul of our Chapter from the words of the Buicktown Directors, Assistant Directors, Past Directors, Chairpersons, and yes maybe the Editor and Assistant Editor too. So if you
ever get bored or can’t get to sleep some night, pick up an old Crier and look back and remember and reflect.
I finally found the statement but it never was in a Crier. It was part of the Editor’s Report to the
Chapter Board.
“On a sad note, our Chapter newsletter will not receive
an award from the National for 2008. The B. C. A. Board of Directors has determined that it no longer has the financial or
personnel resources to review the chapter publications and
distribute the tokens of recognition to the Chapters and Divisions. New blood and a dues increase were not sufficient to
maintain the program at this time.” The program needed to be
improved to be a greater benefit to the Chapters and Divisions.
I think the time may be right for B C A members and
chapters to let their feeling be known by e-mail, US mail, or
telephone to the National Office and the elected B C A Board
members. Communication and service is more important now
than ever for the B C A.
Have fun driving safe
Editor, Bob Gorski
Page 13
Based out of Grand Blanc, MI
Certified stated value insurance appraisals
Numbers matching and date coding service
Former sub-contract adjuster
For Hagerty and JC Taylor
Jason Phillips, owner
(810) 694-2008
Page 14
1
3
3
5
7
8
9
11
11
12
12
15
15
17
17
17
17
19
20
20
21
21
22
22
24
25
25
26
26.
29
Bobbie Cutter
Faith Aseltine
Jackie Metcalfe
Richard Bozung
Dale Butler
Greg Pauly
Jackie Beal
Larry Wilson
Kathy Daily
Marvin Stephenson
John Daily
Wendell Stringer
Colleen McClellan
James Aseltine
Cathy Neumann
Michael Hurley
Evelyn Wilson
Jack Diamond
Ron Frakes
Saniya Hamady
Jackie Booth
David Waite
Sally Lurvey
James Campbell
Jim Heiser
Barb Phillion
Judy Leets
Ed McQuigg
David Hall
Robert Bonk
EVERY DAY IS SOMETHING
SPECIAL AT SHAP’S
Mondays
Italian Night
Tuesdays
Polish plate day
Wednesdays
BBQ Ribs
Thursdays
Mexican Night
Fridays
Fish Fry
Saturday morning Mini breakfast Buffet
Sundays
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Page 15
5.
10.
12.
13.
20.
22.
23.
23.
25.
Don & Patsy Lou Williamson
Dean & Eydie Michael
Patrick & Cathy Olinski
Bill & Jackie Metcalfe
Tim & Debbie Donlan
Norbert & Leone Burwell
Clare & Dodie Barcome
Jim & Jackie Beal
Robert & Judy Leets
Bob and Ellen Cushman are celebrating
their 60th wedding anniversary on October
8, 2009. Also they are joined in celebration
with their daughter and son-in-law, Bill and
Jane Harris, who are celebrating their 27th
anniversary on the same day. Bill and Jane
are long time Buicktown Chapter members. Ellen was Director and Bill was Assistant Director in 1990. This is a big day
for them and they would like to share their
joy with their Buick Friends.
Page 16
Patsy Lou Williamson’s
Deputy Sales Associate Program
N o w
that Jim and
Jenna Dollinge r
h ave
moved back to Patsy Lou Williamson’s
Buick, GMC, Chevrolet dealership in
Flint the activity level is picking up.
Patsy and Don Williamson were on
hand to welcome BuickTown members
to their dealership and introduce them
to the Deputy Sales Associate Program.
Dani Dye handed out vouchers
worth $150.00 when a deputy brought
an associate in to purchase a new vehicle from Patsy Lou’s.
Susan greeted everyone at the
front desk and Shap’s restaurant provided
their spicy chicken wings for everyone’s
enjoyment. The musical quartet Dixieland Dujour consisting of Delores Borrow, Paul Sterling (BuickTown member),
Jim Booth and Lee Crandler provided
entertainment for the group.
Howard Zimmerman did his usual
superb job of pulling the BuickTown
group together on relatively short notice
and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time.
Bob and Bentley
Page 17
Page 18
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Get Well Cards were sent to
Jean Crocker, Bill Salisbury, Rollie Rolison
Sympathy Cards were sent to
John and Annette Lucky
death of John’s mother
Larry and Suzanne Sherman
death of Larry’s father
Sympathy cards, Get well cards, Glad you’re well cards, etc. are sent to members and families
for the well being of the Chapter.
Please notify the Social Committee if you are aware of any situation needing our consideration.
Gary and Debbie Minch
Social Committee Chairpersons
(810) 653 1967
Page 19
Bill Lamb
Veteran broadcaster DJ spins
story of Flint,
Buick and factory workers
David Buick’s
Marvelous Motor Car
a 232-page book including about 80 black-and-white photos
and other illustrations and a 16-page color section
Bill Lamb hosted a radio show dedicated to Buick
factory workers called
"The Factory Whistle" for
26 years. His children convinced him to share the
stories he collected during
his career in a book. His
book "Buick, The Factory
Whistle & Me!" is available at area Buick dealers,
the book store at the Sloan
Museum, or by calling Bill
at (810) 694-1421 for an
autographed copy.
written by
Lawrence R.
Gustin
published by
the Buick Gallery
and Research Center
of the
Alfred P. Sloan Museum
The book is available from
the Sloan Museum
(810) 237-3450
www.sloanmuseum.org
(regular edition $30,
leather bound $55
Incl. postage & handling)
Scharchburg Archives
Richard P. Scharchburg was instrumental in the establishment of The Kettering/GMI Alumni Foundation Collection of Industrial History in 1974. Upon his
death in 2000, the collection was renamed in his honor. Scharchburg dedicated
his life's work to automotive history.
In recognition of General Motor's 100th Anniversary the Scharchurg Archives
has published the previously unpublished and unedited manuscripts of William
C. Durant, founder of General Motors from our collection. These writings cover
Durant's experiences in the vehicle industry starting with the Flint Road Cart
Company in 1886 and includes photos from the Durant Collection.
The book may be obtained at the Archives with a donation of $20.00 during
normal business hours. It may be obtained through the mail by sending a check
for $22.00 which includes shipping and handling ( payable to Kettering University ) to: Kettering University Archives, 1700 W. Third Ave, Flint, MI 48504.
Page 20
Page 21
DO YOU
REMEMBER?
Bill Stolpin
Located in Holly Michigan,
(about twenty minutes south
of Flint Michigan), Bill
comes from a talented family. His father was an engineer and sculptor while his
mother was a stockbroker, a
pianist and composer, and
his brother is a retired journeyman model maker and
an inventor with several patents in his name. An eagle scout and a retired engineer himself, Bill used to play the flute, has done everything in
Community Theater including directing, and has studied
lithography (with Emil Weddige), woodcut (with Akira
Kurosaki) and etching (at Crown Point Press). He currently
teaches printmaking at the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint.
Bill Stolpin has been making prints since he was a kid. In
junior high school, he was making linoleum block Christmas cards. The year he made a card with 7 blocks, and fifteen colors, he decided to take advantage of his printmaking skills.
In addition to his own prints, Bill began printing with the
late James Anthony in 1980. Quickly joined by Stefan
Davidek and Carole Brender, the four printmakers soon
became known as DAS PRINT Co. As a well known group
in the Flint area, they have printed together ever since.
They have had group shows throughout mid-Michigan, and
recently had a twenty-five year retrospective show at Alma
College in Alma Michigan.
Many of Bill’s prints are available through the Art Rental
program at the Flint
Institute of Arts (810234-1695) ups at the
Flint Art Fair every
June.
Did everyone recognize and remember Smith-Bridgeman’s,
First Presbyterian Church, and
the 1947 Flood in Bill Stolpin’s
paintings in the October Crier?
Page 22
August Chapter Potluck Meeting
Hosted by
Ken and Charlene Ferguson
Page 23
Page 24
Michigan Buick Bash 2009
Hosted by West Michigan Chapter
Gilmore Museum, Hickory Corners
I have heard from the more seasoned members that they have been to
the Gilmore Museum many times and they are looking for something new and
different. Well this was my first trip to the Gilmore and I was totally overwhelmed by the size, diversity and scope of the facility and I will need to return many times
before I will feel
like I have even
scratched the surface of all that is
on display and
things I want to
see.
But now
more about the
2009 Buick Bash
event.
Page 25
It was an Agatha Christy kind of morning when
the intrepid six vehicles showed up at the McDonald’s
restaurant at the corner of Elms and Miller roads at
7:30 AM. Bill (U-turn) Smith and his wife Pat led the
parade in their 1984 Riviera with Ken (tail gunner)
McClellan and his wife Colleen bringing up the rear in
their 1985 turbo Riviera. Trapped between those two
were Bob and Agnes Gardner in their 1990 Reatta Convertible, Ed and Marj McQuigg in their 1979 Electra
225, Dan Bower and his grandson Paxton in their 1978
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz with Bob Gorski riding shot-
gun, and Roberta Vasilow in her 1970 GSX. Now one thing
the seasoned members of BuickTown neglected to mention is
that you cannot get to the Gilmore from Flint. You either
have to go to Kalamazoo and come back or go west of Lansing and then go south. Bill Smith did a fantastic job of leading the group over the secondary roads and once the fog
burned off it was a beautiful trip through rural Michigan.
Other Buicktown members and Buicks attending the
Bash included David Bothamly (1968 Wildcat), Norb Burwell
(1967 Skylark GS convertible), John Root (1964 Riviera),
and John Welby (1959 LeSabre).
I don’t know how many Buicks were at the Gilmore
but I do know that I was #87 and there were many more that
arrived after we did. The West Michigan Chapter of the
BCA did a fantastic job of providing great weather and a
terrific Buick Bash at the Gilmore facility and I personally
hope to return there many more times.
Bob and Bentley
Page 26
Automotive art in its many forms reflects the interest and passion for the dynamic automotive world.
We seek to further this excitement by commissioning original works, offering exclusive products and providing high-quality reproductions. Motorcities Dreamakers presents a dynamic and constantly evolving environment featuring an extensive collection of some of the most creative, innovative, and collectible automotive artists and their works. These works are available in a number of various editions - from limited-edition
offset lithography prints to the most current digital process reproductions. Let us fill your corporate boardroom, office, lobby or personal workspace with a custom work that will enhance your prestige for years.
Whether you're a racing team member, a shade tree mechanic, or an automotive enthusiast, we
have the finest in automotive and racing memorabilia in a convenient and secure online shopping environment. We represent the most creative, innovative and collectible artists and product lines in the automotive
art industry and the Motorcities Dreamakers e-commerce website is an important aspect towards our continued efforts. A truly versatile site, www.Motorcities Dreamakers.com allows customers to browse our gallery and features online shopping, membership benefits and special promotions; additionally, each month
we highlight an artist or selected works in our collection.
The gallery's main hall, an ideal setting for a variety of events and private and select viewings, is located on S. Saginaw St. in Grand Blanc, Michigan. We're here to make your experience enjoyable and effortless; if there is anything we can do to serve you better, please contact us by calling (810) 695-9200.
The Motorcities Dreamakers Team
Page 27
ECHOES
FROM THE WHEEL
ROOM
AT THE HOTEL DURANT
.·
Animals run to eat or to avoid being eaten; we run for fun. Is this really
progress?
·
Move in the direction of your dominant thought.
·
You never know when you are making a memory.
·
Even the big chicken has to deliver the eggs.
Photo Courtesy of Kettering University Archives
Page 28
Joe’s Garage Sports Pub and Grub
6468 W Vienna Rd (M 57)
(810) 686-1100
Clio
Page 29
You Know You’re From Flint If:
You know what a coney is
You’ve been to a Generals game
You know what an Eastsider is
A gourmet meal is “two up to go”
You have heard Rosie Sing “Won’t you come home Bill Bailey”
Page 30
B U I
U
I
C
K
T
O
W
N
C K T O W N
All American Classics
Recently the Flint Cultural Center Corporation invited the
members of the “Friends of the Sloan” to attend an evening at the Sloan Museum to view and enjoy the “All
American Classics” display. There are nine cars from the
20s, 30s and 40s on display which were top of the line offerings from the various American automotive companies
of that time.
While you are sitting out on your patio enjoying
some leisure in the late Summer or early Fall sunshine, try your skill at putting “Buicktown” in each
row and each column and each of the nine minisquares. The solution to getting “Buicktown” to all
four corners or everywhere it should be will in next
month’s Crier with another brainteaser.
B
C
O
B
O U N
I
C
W
W O
T
O
K
U
K
I
U
T
W
B
O
C K N
T
I
B
B
Hors d’Oeuvres were provided by “Special Occasions”
which is operated by Marjorie Murphy who once again
has proven we eat with our eyes long before we experience with our taste buds. What an excellent presentation.
All the cars were borrowed from private owners or museums except the 1936 model 91 Buick which is owned by
the Sloan Museum. Cindy Ornstein and Tim Shickles conducted a short thank you presentation and everyone
seemed to have a good time.
Bob and Bentley
Page 31
ARROW
AUTOMOTIVE
SUPPLY INC
SEALED POWER
PLASTICOAT
SPRAY PAINT
(810) 239-3108
2931 E. COURT ST
FLINT, MI 48506
“Service is Our Aim”
NEW & REBUILT
PARTS
HOURS
MON-FRI 8-5:30
SATURDAY 8-5
FILTERS
SHOCK ABSORBERS
IGNITION PARTS
RELINED BRAKE SHOES & PADS
CARBURETORS
STARTERS - ALTERNATORS
FUEL & WATER PUMPS
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
SIGNAL STAT LIGHTS
WIX
Welcome
New
Members
Michael & Carrie Book
FILTERS
COMPLETE MACHINE SHOP SERVICE
ROTORS & DRUMS TURNED
“LET US HELP LOCATE PARTS FOR YOUR BUICK”
Linden MI
Sponsored by: Denny Manner
1970 Gran Sport 2 Door
Mike McNamara
1702 DAVISON ROAD—FLINT, MI
Linden MI
(2 BLKS WEST OF FRANKLIN AVE.)
Sponsored by: Charlie Jones
810-238-9601
ALL WORK
GUARANTEED
1990 Reatta Convertible
INSURANCE CLAIMS
HONORED
WINDOW GLO GLASS CLEANER
AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT
GLASS CUT TO PATTERNS FOR
ANTIQUE CAR
-ALSOSTORM WINDOWS, SCREENS REPAIRED
MIRRORS—TABLE TOP GLASS
LOIS JENSEN, RETIRED
MEMBER: BUICKTOWN CHAPTER, B C A,
& BUICK DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS
BARRY JENSEN OWNER
Bob & Lorene Wilson
Grand Blanc, MI
Sponsored by: Bob Gorski
2001 LeSabre
Page 32
10% Discount for Buicktown Chapter Members with Ad
OLD DOBBIN....
READS THESE SIGNS....
EACH DAY....
YOU SEE, HE GETS....
HIS CORN THAT WAY....
BURMA SHAVE
I'VE READ....
THESE SIGNS....
SINCE JUST A KID....
NOW THAT I SHAVE....
I'M GLAD I DID....
BURMA SHAVE
THE MINUTES....
SOME FOLKS....
SAVE THROUGH SPEED....
THEY NEVER EVEN....
LIVE TO NEED....
BURMA SHAVE
Page 33
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Happy Turkey! Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is nearly
here. The months and years just seem to fly by anymore. I have
gotten some positive feedback since I began using my "Me and my
First Car" snapshot.
It’s kinda fun looking back to the simpler times. It's strange
how when you were young you wanted to be older and now that
you're old you complain that youth is wasted on the young. Go figure.
We now have 190 Memberships with 347 members. Renewal
time is nearing. Be sure to check that you are paid up for the coming year. Membership applications will be in future CRIERS.
Drive Safely,
Jim MacLean,
Buicktown Membership Chairman
Page 34
BACK TO THE BRICKS 2010
Planning for the 2010 ‘Back to the Bricks’ Cruise and Car Show is well underway. The committee has begun
to form subcommittees for the various jobs and tasks that come with putting on a show that is five days in length. The
dates for the 2010 event will be August 17th through the 21st. Once again, we will be lining up with the ‘Woodward
Dream Cruise’. Back by popular demand, we will be kicking off the event with the 2nd Annual ‘Drive In’ movie. We
do not know what the film will be but for sure, it will have a lot of car action in it. Look for more details to come in
future updates. We are already starting to receive requests from car clubs requesting side street reservations. If you
are thinking about it, please visit our website at www.backtothebricks.org for further information.
It has been estimated that this year’s ‘Back to the Bricks’ event brought in $10-20 million to the local economy. Jerry Preston, President of the Flint Convention and Visitors Bureau said there was a significant increase in hotel reservations this year with many out of state attendees as well as in state attendees. Vaughn Smith, Chairman for
the Burton Chamber of Commerce ‘Back to the Bricks’ activities, said that Burton is already working on their ‘B2B’
activities for 2010. He had also told me that the merchants along the ‘Rolling Cruise’ route in Burton experienced a
significant positive impact on their business. Vaugh also related the following story to me. One of the host sites,
‘Trapper Joe’s’, brought in extra help for three nights of the event. One of the waitresses, a single mother of six children, collected more than $600 in tips for the three nights work. It may not sound like much to some of us, but I can
tell you with no doubt, the lady was more than pleased. It is little side stories like this, that somehow brings it all together and makes it worthwhile. Hopefully next year she can make $1,000 in tips.
It has been suggested that we look into a swap meet and car corral for next year and we would like your feedback. Is this a good idea or what? We do have the space at the U of M’s ‘White Lot’ (located at Saginaw and Robert
T. Longway). Let us know what you think. Email your suggestions to: [email protected] and she will make
sure the committee reviews them.
The last item for this month’s update; please help us get the word out on the new ‘zero tolerance’ rule that will
be implemented next year regarding ‘burn outs’. This is something that the ‘Back to the Bricks’ committee has requested that the police departments implement and we
don’t want anyone
complaining ‘that we
did not know anything about it!’
Let’s all of us get the
word out and work
to continue to have a
safe event.
Cordially,
Al Hatch,
Chairman
Back to the Bricks
Cruise and Car
Show
Page 35
Abbey Park
The weather was cool but the sun was shining and
there was no rain and the annual Abbey Park “Classic Buick
Day” came off without a hitch. Howard Zimmerman did a
great job of pulling together about 14 BuickTown members to
display their vehicles to the Abbey Park residents. There
were hot dogs and brats as well as soft drinks and Mario from
“Timeless Music Productions” doing a lip sync presentation of
the oldies but goodies for everyone to enjoy.
Many of the Abby Park residents
came out to view the cars and reminisce
about when there was one just like that one
in their family. One elderly gentleman noted
that he had one just like one of the cars being displayed but his wife took it away from
him. I bet there are two sides to that story.
Everyone had a good time and the
residents seemed to have a good time inspecting the Classic Buicks.
Thanks
Howard.
Bob and
Bentley
Page 36
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Classified Ads are free to members of the Buicktown Chapter and will run for 3 consecutive
months unless specified otherwise. Ads must be to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior
to the month in which the ad will run.
BUICKS FOR SALE
1948 Roadmaster 4 dr sedan real
good
condition,
black,
extra
parts, $15,000 (989)799-3070
1
1955
Special--2 dr HDTP 264 V-8
Dyna, Nice Clean #3, Runs good,
Blue & White, George (810)742-3375
$11,000 or B.O.
1 9 6 2
Special
convertible
Mint
cond, new
top, new upholstery & trim, chrome
wheels, V8, $7,500 OBO Jerry (810)
653-4364
***
1 9 6 2
Skylark
v i n y l
hardtop
New interior,
original car, new red paint, black
int & top, $6,500 OBO Jerry (810)
653-4364
***
1964 Riviera cream w/ tan interior
41k, in storage 8 years, full
power, 465 wildcat engine, good
shape needs work, $4000 Dave (810)
691-6814 ***
1972 Electra 225 Custom 4 dr HT
1989 Riviera 2Dr Coupe Sapphire
Blue Firemist (two-tone), blue
leather
and
suede
Interior,
gorgeous
$5,500
firm
(cash)
[email protected]
***
1989 Reatta coupe, zero rust,
needs new home, $2500 firm M
Callard (810)655-6388
3
1990 Reatta
coupe, red &
tan,
low
miles,
2
sets wheels
&
tires,
$6500 Ed (734)676-2493
3
1990 Reatta coupe, red & beige,
64k, $4100 (248)342-0356
2
1990 Reatta coupe,
$3500 obo
(248)634-2755(810)8699-4148
2
1990 Reatta coupe, Black, red
int, wrecked right front, less
than 100k miles, no wheels,
$1000,
[email protected]
or call (810)767-2501 for pic
or to see
*****
1991 Reatta coupe, black & tan,
sun roof, $3500 complete car or
part
out
Bob
(810)655-4202
(for your parts needs)
3
1997 Century Limited beautiful
and nicely optioned 56k miles
$4200 /$4800 w/ new custom rims
& tires Ron (810)653-7985
***
BUICK STUFF
FOR SALE
“BCA Senior Car” Sunburst yellow
w/Black vinyl top Green cloth interior, 47k miles, $15,000 Diana
(989)743-5347
***
1983
Riviera
convertible
white /
new
top,
$8,500
Harry
(810)
694-1694 ***
1985
Riviera
coupe with 307 v-8.
A complete
parts car.
It was driven into
storage.
Last chance to secure
those parts before China does…
Only $500.
Roger Tyyska, (810)
636-8450.
2
1970s,80s,90s chassis service
manuals
(248)634-2755
(810)
8699-4148
2
1 1981 LeSabre new 15" chrome
wheel with new royalseal tire
Jerry (810) 869-4148
****
1966 Riviera 425 Eng. QJ Carb
to pan, no Exh Manifolds. Turns
over w/ wrench. stand & gasket
set incl’d Alt & PS brkts incl’d
$700
Jim
(810)735-1928
*****
1936
rear
axle
asm.
Incl.
brakes & drums $230 Dick Fenton
(810)629-3043
3
1979-85 Riviera front end clip.
rust free southern sheet metal,
only $400. remanufactured 307
v-8 engine, $800, Transmission
$200 Roger Tyyska (810)636-8450
2
FOR SALE
aluminum ramps pick-up truck Jim
(810)736-1578
***
17 years of Automotive Quarterly
(hard cover) magazine approx 70
issues Ron (810)653-7985 *****
1987 BMW K75 street bike low
miles,
large
windshield
optional-comes standard windshield
(248)634-9426 ***
Scottsman automatic ice maker 50
pound capacity clear cube white
cabinet $325 John (248)628-8787
***
Steel wheel gantry crane w/ C-M
trolley rated at 1 ton each,
9’6” overall height, 7’3” inside
width, $100 J P Lucky (810)6593529
***
Metal folding picnic table, good
shape, $20 Bill (810)694-3281
2
WANTED
14” x 7” for show car, nice condition (chrome or other) Dave
evenings (810)767-9465 3
1930-1950 sedan delivery Bob
Hadley (989)799-1233
***
1994-1996 Buick Estate Wagon
Harry (810)694-1694
***
1995 to 1999 Riviera seven spoke
chrome wheel Must be free of
corrosion at the surface where
the tire seals to the rim. Need
one now and will buy four if
available. Roger Tyyska. (810)
636-8450
1
1968 full size Buick wiper
uransmission and arms David
(810)513-0377
2
Edlebrock 850 cfm carb vacuum
and secondary Jerry (810)6594664 2
1931 Buick 86 series outside
doorhandles and rear bumper
(2 bars) Charles SeKrenes
(810)742-0318
2
FOR RENT
Grand Blanc Furnished Studio
Apt, AC, TV, Utilities paid,
carport, (810)694-8454
2
Page 37
Page 38
Spare Parts
Boy, talk about bad timing. No sooner do I take up the cause of not
having an events chairperson in last month’s Spare Parts column and I
find out that Howard Zimmerman has stepped forward and volunteered to
fill this position. Congratulations Howard and thank you for filling this
very important office and successfully sponsoring the Abbey Park and
Patsy Lou events.
OK everyone who thinks we have had a “bummer of a summer” line up over there and all those, like me, that
think we have had a great summer not having to run the air conditioner line up on the other side. Now don’t talk to
each other because neither of these groups are going to change the others minds and besides that it doesn’t make any
difference and there is nothing any of us can do about it. Sure I miss the prolific tomato crops that didn’t happen because of the cool weather but I can find all the fresh fruits and vegetables I want at the Flint Farmer’s Market (the
most loved Farmer’s Market in the country) and I don’t have to worry about the weeds and bugs. My feeling is I am
cooped up long enough in winter I don’t like being cooped up in summer too while the air conditioning is running.
On page 32 of the September Buick Bugle Helen V. Hutchins does a book review on two recent books relating
to GM design and styling. “Driving Style, The Art and Colour of General Motors” is broken into several segments
written by different essayists. The seventh segment “New Challenges in the Post-oil Crisis Era” is authored by BuickTown member Larry Gustin. What a great Christmas present to get a copy of this book, have Larry personalize it, and
give to your Buick aficionado on Christmas morning.
That’s all for now.
Bob and Bentley - Assistant Editors
Page 39
Car Guys Garage welcomes do-it-yourself car gals, too
Excerpts from a 2005 Flint Journal article by James M. Miller
Mike Lown owns the Car Guys Garage, a car storage facility and workshop in Mt. Morris Township.
The facility offers a car lift so patrons can work on their cars as well as store them there
It's obvious: The new
Car Guys Garage is a garage for
car guys. But it is for women,
too, the owner says.
Mike Lown of Walled
Lake has opened the business at
5190 Clio Road in a building
that once served as the used-car
office for a Buick dealership.
Car Guys Garage has a hoist
and other equipment that can be
rented by the hour or by the day
so customers can work on their
own cars. Lown said he also has
a wire welder, arc welder,
torches and a drill press available for customers to use.
"Women can be 'car
guys,' too," Lown said. "It was
my wife that suggested the
name." He said Car Guys Garage will store cars for customers, and has room for about 45
cars. Lown said he also will
take cars for sale on consignment, and plans to sell vehicles and project cars.
After he bought the building, Lown said, he was talking with a
neighbor who said, "I'd like to rent a little shop in there." That gave
him the idea to set up a work area to rent to car guys who don't have
their own shop.
The Mt. Morris Township business has a 3,000-square-foot
showroom and a 7,000-square-foot area used for vehicle storage and a
work area. The Car Guys Garage is located at 5190 Clio Road in Mt.
Morris Township. . Details: (810) 787-4181.
Remember to patronize our advertisers
Page 40
B&B BOAT
COMPANY
3472 N. GENESEE RD.
FLINT, MI 48506
1/4 MILE N. OF RICHFIELD RD.
810 736-4110
OPEN
6 DAYS
ARCTIC
CAT
MON-FRI 9:30 - 5:30 EVINRUDE
SAT 9:30 - 12:30
MerCruiser
SALES
SERVICE
PARTS
RINKER
POWER BOATS
CLASSIC CAR
STORAGE
Clean and Safe
24 hour alarm
Easy entry and exit
Accessible to expressways
$40 per Month
On site management by
TERRY HANSON
BCA # 05897
2540 South Grand Traverse
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 767-2500 (Office)
(810) 423-3330 (Cell)
HEATED SHOWROOM
Thanks for visiting The Hot Dog Stand!
Home of the “Original” Red Sauce
Hot Dog Stand Coupon
Purchase 6 or more of any of our delicious hotdogs
and receive a free 1/2 gallon of Rootbeer.
Not valid on Tuesdays or with other specials Expires 12/21/2008
Hot Dog Stand Coupon
Enjoy a Hot Dog featuring our
Original Red Sauce. Only $1.00
Valid only on hot dogs.
Expires 12/21/2008
What is the history of the “Original Red Sauce”?
My grandparent’s Ellsworth and Aileen Moore were involved in the A&W business when they came to Flint in 1935 and opened the
city’s first A&W. My Grandfather had never cared for the taste of ketchup, so my Grandmother came up with a homemade ketchup recipe better suited to his taste. It has been used ever since in our restaurants. My Grandfather and Father in 1964 built the Hot Dog Stand in
Grand Blanc that my family currently operates. Our family also had the A&W in downtown Flint, on Beech Street, that was in our family
for over 50 years. The A&W name may be gone, but our restaurant still uses the original recipe that has been in our family businesses for
the last 70 years. The “Original Red Sauce” is only available at the Hot Dog Stand in Grand Blanc. - Rhonda Moore
Tuesdays are
Coney Days
only $1.19 each
Open March 1– December 23 ~ The Hot Dog Stand ~ 11338 S. Saginaw St.. Grand Blanc, MI ~ 810.695.7597.
Page 41
Page 42
BUICK NEWS
Buick Takes Another Look at
Premium Small-Car Market
With Action Avant Concept
After years of
avoiding
the
competition that
exists in the premium small-car
market, Buick
has decided to
take
another
look at it -- and
some of the innovations the brand's designers have come
up with are very impressive.
The vehicle pictured here is the Buick Action Avant, and
as best we can tell it exists principally in artists' renderings. No problem, because it's very clear to see a designer's work this way, especially when it's conveyed in a
publicly accessible video.
We strongly encourage you to check it out. If you do,
you'll be able to see some of the nifty innovations Buick
designers have come up with recently. They include:
A luggage porter that consists of automated trays
or arms that extend luggage to you, rather than requiring
you to reach into the vehicle to get it.
A "smart door" that recognizes when you've pulled
into a tight parking space and automatically slides forward
to facilitate exiting.
And, seats and other components that move sideways (inward and outward) to maximize occupant space
depending on how many people are in the vehicle.
The video's narrator says "this is a small, very premium
vehicle, somewhat coupe-like, for city driving." That it is.
But it's also a showcase of GM innovation and a Buick a
normal person could easily get excited about.
If the Action Avant is an indication of what Buick intends
to take to the premium small-car market, we would not be
surprised if it thrived there -- if the brand's reliability and
fuel economy are on par with the attention this concept
gives to customer needs
Page 43
BUICKTOWN
5925 STATE ST SAGINAW
989 497-4444
TOLL FREE 1 888 GOGARBER
www.gogarber.com
BUICK’S
ARE BACK AT
PATSY LOU BUICK
SHOWROOM
S SAGINAW ST
GRAND BLANC
810 694 5600
TOLL FREE 1 888 493 8956
www.alserra.com
Joe Talbitz’s 1972 Skylark GS Convertible
8700 MAIN ST BIRCH RUN
810 742-7650
TOLL FREE 1 800 856 4400
www.suskiusa.com
I-69 & M-15 DAVISON
810 653-1000 TOLL FREE 1 800 WALDRON
www.jimwaldron.com
G5511 CORUNNA RD FLINT
810 732 7500
TOLL FREE 1 800 362 5246
www.patsylou.com
Bob and Nancy Gorski’s
1967 Skylark Convertible
Harry and Shirley Abbott’s
1985 Riviera Convertible
Buicktown Chapter, B.C.A.
Robert John Gorski, Editor
1337 Peachwood Drive
Flint, Michigan 48507-5629
USA
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
FLINT MI
PERMIT NO. 172