The Porthole - Mason-Dixon Chapter

The Porthole
March/April 2016
Newsletter of the Mason-Dixon Chapter of the BCA
UPCOMING EVENTS -- MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mason-Dixon chapter items are in red
2016
Saturday April 2, 2016 - Rural Heritage Museum Driving Tour The location is 7313 Sharpsburg Pike,
Boonsboro MD. 21713. I have made arrangements for us to arrive at around 10:00am for the beginning of the
museum’s Open House festivities on Saturday. As most of the group will be coming from the east those out there
would need to contact each other to connect up, if you wish to drive as a group. They have 3 museum buildings to
tour. Check out their website: ruralheritagemuseum.org. Of course the car collection is what is of interest to the
car people. Also they will have the village buildings open, displaying crafts and activities. Bread baking etc.
They will have food vendors on site. Although for a lunch stop I have contacted “Bonnie's at the Red Bird”.
Bonnie’s is located at 19409 Shepherdstown Pike, Keedyville, MD. Possibly around 1:00 for lunch to drive about
5 miles to Bonnie’s. They have a large back room that can accommodate about 50 people. Please let me know by
March 28th if you wish to participate so I can get numbers to The Rural Heritage and Bonnie’s. Larry DiBarry
717-263-3804 email: [email protected]
Sunday April 3 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, Mechanicsburg
April 7-10 - Charlotte Autofair and AACA Southeastern Spring Meet, Charlotte, N.C.
April 20-24 – Spring Carlisle (Collector Car Auction held Thursday April 21 and Friday April 22)
Saturday May 7 (TENTATIVE DATE) – Central Penn Region Annual Spring Show at Kelly Cadillac,
Lancaster PA – all makes of cars welcome
May 5-7 – AACA Special Spring Meet, Auburn, Indiana, in conjunction with Auburn Spring Auction
May 19-21 – AACA Eastern Spring Meet, hosted by the South Jersey Region in Vineland, N.J. (For information –
609-221-5435)
Sunday May 22 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, West York, PA
June 2-4 – AACA Annual Grand National Meet, hosted by the Susquehannock Region in Williamsport, PA (For
information – 570-368-2570)
Saturday June 4 - The Mason-Dixon Chapter and Freysinger Buick host their 8th Annual Buick Show at
Freysinger Buick/GMC, 6251 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA. All makes of cars welcome this year. Peer
Judging with 9 Buick Classes, 3 awards per class. Two classes for other GM makes, two classes for nonGM makes, and an all-inclusive modified class, 3 awards per class. Other awards include Best of ShowBuick, Best of Show-Other Makes, Dealer’s Choice Buick, Long Distance, and Oldest Car awards. Dash
plaques to the first 75 entries. Registration 8:30-10:30. Show 9-3. Advance registration $10 until May 25th,
$12 day of show. Free hot dog and drink to all exhibitors. For information, contact Larry DiBarry, 717263-3804 or [email protected]; or Dick Beckley, 717-395-7128. See flyer at the end of this newsletter.
June 10-12 – The Elegance at Hershey - Grand Ascent Hillclimb held on Friday June 10; Antique Car Auction and
Seminars held on Saturday June 11; Concours d’Elegance on the grounds of the Hotel Hershey held on Sunday
June 12. (For information – 717-534-1910)
June 17-19 – GM Nationals at Carlisle
June 18 – AACA Museum Car Show, Hershey, PA
June 23-25 – Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction – first-time event, held at the Mohegan Sun, Uncasville,
Connecticut (between Boston & NYC).
July 14-16 – Central Penn Antique Auto Auction (Grant Miller), Lock Haven, PA
Saturday July 16 (TENTATIVE DATE) – CLC 10th Annual CLC Inter-Regional Meet at AACA Museum – all
makes of cars welcome
July 17-21 – AACA Founders’ Tour, hosted by the Allegheny Mountain Region, Huntingdon , PA (For information
– 814-251-2299)
July 21-23 – Mecum Auction in Harrisburg – 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Sunday July 24 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, Mechanicsburg
July 27-30 – Buick Club of America National Meet in Allentown, PA – BCA’s 50 th Anniversary meet will be
hosted by noted collector Nicola Bulgari.
August 11-13 – AACA Southeastern Fall Meet, hosted by the First Capital Chapter, N.C. Region, in New Bern,
N.C. (For information – 252-637-2319)
August 16-20 – Professional Car Society National Meet, Gettysburg PA
September 22-25 - Charlotte Autofair
Sunday September 25 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant, West York,
PA
September 28-October 2 – Fall Carlisle (Collector Car Auction held Thurs. September 29 and Fri. September 30)
October 5-8 – HERSHEY
Thursday November 24 - Frostbite Run, sponsored by the Historic Car Club of Pennsylvania – on the grounds of
the Massey House in Broomall, PA. A Thanksgiving morning tradition.
Sunday November 27 – Mason-Dixon Chapter Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., Hoss’ Restaurant,
Mechanicsburg, PA
Support your Buick Club events! There are many car shows, but no others
that focus specifically on our favorite marque.
We are still asking for someone to step forward to be coordinator of our yearly car show.
We as a chapter are extremely lucky with the support of Freysinger's. Many other
chapters have to go begging for support and foot the bill for awards themselves. So our
ambassador of good will to the dealership is very important. Our need is for a person that
is near by the area of the dealership to be able to meet and coordinate. I am an hours
drive to all the activities but do try to make these meetings.
Larry
Dues are due now!!
If you haven't done so already, please be sure to pay your
dues for 2016 now, in order to continue your membership and to continue receiving this “Porthole”. See renewal form at the end of this newsletter. Send the form and your check for $10.00 to John Kuchtiak, Treasurer.
Thanks!
Directors Message
I hope all have recuperated from our January blizzard. Sorry to have to cancel January’s meeting but, snow happens!
View looking out from my garage after the snow storm!
The executive committee and I have begun planning our 8th annual car show to be held on June 4th. We still will need
input for the final makeup of the new classes of awards since we have opened the show up to all makes. Hopefully
this will all be settled before our next meeting on April the 3rd. I am planning to kick off the spring touring season
with the Rural Heritage Museum tour, this year on April 2nd. Joan and I had a good time and since no other
activities are planned for the spring we would like to invite all to join us. See the notice in the calendar. I am also
involved with the developing the BCA Pre-War division After Tour following the Allentown 50th Anniversary
celebration.
Other than doing needed maintenance on the 1925 and 1937 I do get to make calls to and received from prospective
members. One such call had me evaluate a 1927-24 Roadster to see if I could get it back on the road for the new
owner. After I tried to put the “hard sell” (gave him copies of the Porthole and the Bugle) on the new owner to join
the club, he tried to sell the car to me! Seems that he over paid for the “barn find” with lovely patina that had sat for
50 years.
He said he has no mechanical skill and his “guy” who works on his cars had no idea about how to deal with this
ancient Buick. Well, he did have a suggestion. Just yank out the driveline and drop in a Chevy V8 so it can go down
the road at 80MPH! Another reason he wanted to sell was that after he bought the Buick he bought a 1963 Corvette
Split window and is in pretty deep! If I only had the space and the money....….
Through the prodding of other BCA (friends)? I have made a decision to run for the BCA board of directors
hopefully to express the wishes of our membership. I do not know what, if any influence I may have but I am
willing to try.
Happy Motoring!
Larry
PROPOSED 2016 PWD AFTERTOUR July 31- August 1-2
Hotel and Departure location to be designated
DAY 1 – Depart hotel 9:30 AM for Reading. Drive will be through Kutztown, with a brief coffee stop and
look around. There will be on a short section of four lane highway, but not Interstate.
Depart Kutztown at 10:30 PM for drive to Reading. We will pass through Fleetwood, former site of
Fleetwood Body Works of Cadillac reputation. Reading was the home of Biehl Auto Body (started as a
blacksmith shop in the 1820s, and then into a custom horse carriage company), the makers of wood bodies
for Woodie Buicks in 1940. The cowl and chassis were shipped to Reading from Flint and then returned for
interior and exterior finish. It was also the home of Duryea for several years.
Decision: To drive up the switchback on Duryea Drive (this is the drive used frequently by Charles Duryea
to test his automobiles to reach the top) to Pagoda, or reach Pagoda via Skyline Drive (easier climb). Stop at
Pagoda, and Fire Tower. Lunch will be arranged near Reading.
We will take rural roads to reach Boyertown for a tour of the Boyertown Auto Museum, after which we will
continue on rural roads back to Allentown by 6:00 PM, including an afternoon Ice Cream stop.
Day 2 - Today’s first Destination is the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA where we will take most of the
morning. This could include a box lunch. This will avoid losing time. Or we could arrange a sit-down
lunch.
From Doylestown, we will travel to New Hope, PA for an ice cream break and a short tour of the tourist
town. Details will need to be finalized but we will probably depart there for a causal, and hopefully a cool
ride, drive along the Delaware River to a point where we head back west to Allentown.
As some may wish to depart the next morning, we will plan a brief gathering at a group dinner this evening.
(The details will be developed.)
Day 3 This day, we will travel northwest from Allentown into what is known as the “Coal Region”.
You can expect a bit more hilly terrain in this area. The destination will be the town of Jim Thorp, where we
can learn the history about early coal mining and who Jim Thorp was and why the town was named after
him. You can stroll through the town, take a short train ride or drive in your car. We will select a place for
lunch, allowing departure for your trip home at any time in the afternoon. Otherwise we will caravan back
to Allentown, for departure.
If you are interested in this latest PWD adventure, we would encourage you to research these places on the
internet. If you cannot find them, we will have additional information in the next message. We want to
just get the information to you at this time to determine interest. Can I ask those interested to let Larry or
John know if you have interest so we can determine the number that might want to take this adventure? We
ask that if anyone else in the area that wants to work with us, please let us know.
John Scheib at [email protected] or 860.558.6764 or Larry DiBarry at [email protected] or
717.372.2315, phones between 9 AM and 9 PM Eastern Time, please
If you haven’t paid your dues for 2016, please “due” so now!!!!
Included at the end of this newsletter is a renewal form for your convenience. If you dues are not paid for 2016, we
will have to drop you from the membership and you will no longer continue to receive the Porthole. We do not
want to do this. So, please, support the Mason Dixon Chapter with your $10 dues. It could be the bargain of the
year!!!
S
It’s Time to Register for the 2016 BCA National Meet – July 27-30 in Allentown, PA
We are fortunate to have next year’s BCA National Meet very close to home. This meet, celebrating the
Club’s 50th Anniversary, is expected to be one of the largest turnouts ever of Buick cars and enthusiasts.
It’s now time to register, and to reserve your hotel rooms. Full information is now available on the BCA
website, including registration forms, tour reservations, hotel information, and an aerial view of Nicola
Bulgari’s “Celebration of the American Motorcar Complex”, which we will be invited to tour. Registration
can be accomplished on-line with a credit card, or by printing out the form and mailing it. Hotels are
now accepting reservations.
There will be tours to appeal to everyone in the family. They will include Lehigh Valley covered bridge
tours; visits to the AACA Museum and Library in Hershey; tours to Philadelphia including Independence
Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum; a visit to America on Wheels, a
great automotive museum in Allentown; a visit to the C.F. Martin Guitar Company; an historic Bethlehem
tour; visits to Dorney Amusement Park and Wildwater Kingdom; and a visit to the Clover Hill Vineyards
and Winery, Josh Early Candies and the Allentown Farmer’s Market. And, for those who want to tour on
their own, other local attractions include the Mack Truck Historical Museum, celebrating the history of the
trucks with the famous bulldog mascot, and the Coca-Cola Baseball Park, home to the Lehigh Valley
IronPigs, the triple-A level minor league baseball affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This variety of
interesting destinations should help to attract visitors from all over the country. Last but not least, the
opportunity to visit Mr. Bulgari’s collection will be nothing short of memorable.
The Buick Heritage Alliance is planning a dinner on Friday evening, and the BCA will host a buffet dinner
on Saturday evening. Visit the BCA website for more information, and register early in view of the large
turnout expected.
Past Happenings
January 24, 2016 – Membership Meeting at Hoss' in York. Due to the 30 inches of snow falling the night before,
we had to cancel this meeting.
February 28, 2016 – Sundae at the Movies. Held in conjunction with the York Antique Car Club, there was a total
of 51 members and guests show up to watch old-time movies and eat ice cream sundaes. It was a beautiful day for
winter 2016, with the high temperatures of 64°. John & Hillary Hess showed vintage films featuring a Road
Runner cartoon, newsreels from 1945, 1955 and 1965, an old daredevil film, a 1954 Pontiac commercial, Abbott
& Costello meet the Keystone Cops comedy, a color film on the design and testing of the “new” 1961 Buicks and
the Three Stooges in “Violent is the word for Curley”. After the film we made our own ice cream sundaes with a
variety of toppings and snacks.
Services Offered
From time to time I have asked those of you who have found good suppliers of parts, materials and services to
please share them with us. I have had good experience with these businesses.
At Hershey I bought a spare gas tank and a set of bumpers for my 1925 Buick. (I just think they do look better with
bumpers.) Unfortunately once cleaned, the gas tank was pretty “Swiss cheesed”. My Buick buddy David Blaufarb,
(who has a beautiful 1928 Standard Touring), had his Gas tank cleaned, repaired and sealed by WEST YORK
RADIATOR SERVICE 1463 West King Street York PA. 17404 717-852 9545. The price I paid was reasonable
according to the amount of work to be done. The turnover was about a week and the finished product was very good
considering how much solder had to be used. They also do any of our old style radiators including re-cores.
Now that the restoring of the gas tank was done I thought I would have the bumpers I bought redone also.
Plating the bumpers would be well over $1,000. Those of you have seen my 1925 know it is a “20 footer” driver
quality vehicle. Anything I have invested in its upgrading and maintenance is for my pleasure. I had already learned
my lesson about re-chromed bumpers on my 1937. Nine years ago it cost $1,695.00 for the 2 bumpers and 4
bumperetts! The parts were in excellent condition with minimal prep and not done with show quality chrome. The
Powder Coating, seemed to be an affordable alternative. To do all pieces for front and back bumpers as well as
several other pieces came to $300 even. They have capacity to even do full chassis coating.
I wish I could recommend the gentleman who did the top boot for my 1925 (in order to cover my ratty incorrect
top). I have known him for the 30+ years I had worked at the Chambersburg High School. His shop was across the
street and every week I would see exotic, custom cars, hot rods and a few antiques that he would be working on. He
is an excellent craftsman but has retired from custom upholstery work and is working on a 1955 Chevy Hot Rod.
Building it from the ground up. He agreed to do the boot for me 2 years ago. Since his shop was across the street
from the High School where I worked and 6 blocks from my home. I could just drive the car over for fitting.
Convenience was the word! But best laid plans….. First the material delivered was wrong. Then an accident
requiring surgery to his wrist. Recuperation time put him 6 months behind on the Chevy. I have had to speak
carefully in negotiating the completion of the boot over the last year. Finally it was finished at the end of October.
Just in time to put the top up! But a beautiful job.
Please Note....f you'd like to submit any information, articles, cars for sale...whatever....contact newsletter e
itor John Hess at (717) 757-7666 or via email at:
York, Pa. 17402.
[email protected] or via snail mail at 1285 Christensen Rd
Wanted
old signs, automobilia, petroliana, old gas pumps, barber shop collectables, etc.
Contact Dick Beckley at [email protected] , phone 717-395-7128. PO Box 128, Lewisberry, PA
17339.
For Sale
Parts For Sale
Set of 1969 Electra tail lights. Used condition. $50.00
1969 Electra 4 dr. Rocker stainless.
$20.00
1949 Buick radio with nice chrome grill. $100.00
Larry DiBarry 717-263-3804
For Sale
1964 Buick Riviera....425 Nail head V/8, Auto. PS/PB, Runs good, no smoke or leaks,
45K miles, sat for many years outside. Complete car needing complete restoration or great
parts car. Good glass, stainless, bucket seats. Asking $3500. Call for more details:
Chuck, 201-416-3345
For Sale
Hi All,
I have decided to sell my dad's 1941 Century sedan. Basically a nice original well maintained car, early production
model in very good condition. I am asking $22,500 and hope to place it in a good home. If you may have an interest
or know of someone who might please have them contact me.I also have parts, literature, tools and a couple of old
V8 Ford's I will be selling as well. I hope that you all are enjoying a Happy Holiday Season and wish you and
yours a very prosperous New Year!Best Regards,
Hank Reus, Jr
Cell (410) 499-6196
Home (410) 377-8331
Mason-Dixon Chapter of the Buick Club of America
Dues Reminder Notice!
Dues are $10.00 per year
Must be a member of the BCA to be a member of Mason-Dixon
This is the only notice you will receive!
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________
Zip _________________
BCA# ____________________________________
Phone ____________________
Buicks owned:
State_____________________________________
E-Mail _____________________________________
Please list year, model, body style, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Dues are $10 per year, due on January 1 of each calendar year. You must be a member of BCA national to
be a member of our Chapter.
Mail check payable to Mason-Dixon Chapter BCA to:
John M. Kuchtiak, Treasurer
453 Clearview Road
Hanover, PA 17331
Meetings are bi-monthly, last Sunday of the month, 3PM
Quarterly Newsletter, by e-mail or snail mail if no e-mail
Annual show
Other Events as planned
Contact:
Larry DiBarry, Director
[email protected]
Tim Spigelmyer, Assistant Director [email protected]
Phone 717-263-3804
Phone 717-514-5728