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‘Vair Heels
NEWSLETTER OF CORSA/N.C., Inc.
Chartered Chapter #271 of the
Corvair Society of America
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter271
Note from the editor: ‘Vair Heels articles should be submitted by the 15th of the month for inclusion in
that month’s edition (space permitting.) Articles received after the 15th will be included in the following
month’s edition, if still applicable.
VOLUME 41, NUMBER 6
July 2: Tom Smithey
July 6: Tracy Serviss (4C)
July 11: Trish McCrory (MC)
July 12: Barb Mee (MC) &
Vince Hamrick (CC) &
Roger Moody
(Current members: 65)
June, 2013
July Birthdays
July 24: Willard Moody (CC) &
Ed Smiley (4C)
July 25: W. Ron Hawkins (AL)
July 26: Pat Martin (CC) &
Ron Mercier (MC)
July 30: Diane Young (CP)
July Anniversaries
July 2, 1955: Lillie & John Nance (CC)
July 12, 1959: Pat & Bill Hatchell (CP)
July 3, 2004: Diane & Dale Young (CP)
July 18, 1970: Judy & Tim Strawn (CC)
July 9, 1988: Linda & J.C. Nelson (AL)
July 18, 1981: Linda & Ed Smiley (4C)
July 11, 1952: Monna & Dan l. Stamm (4C)
July 23, 1983: Toni & Jeff Barrett (MC)
July 29, 1961: Chris & Ray Hatchell (CP)
Message from the Secretary/Treasurer
Welcome New Members:
Steven & Kelli Hulsey (4C)
2738 Cox Mill Road
Sanford, NC 27332
Ph: (919) 696-5524 (Cell)
Email: [email protected]
Dennis & Lynne Mitchell (4C)
44 Wes Sandling Road
Franklinton, NC 27525
Ph: (919) 494-2062 & (Cell) (919)339-9425
Email: [email protected]
We welcome you all to CORSA/N.C. and hope you enjoy the fellowship and fun in celebrating
the Corvair throughout NC. We look forward to visiting with you at the next quarterly meeting in
August. Drive your Corvairs and be prepared to give details on how you got yours and what
adventures you’ve had with them.
Updates/Changes to the Roster
Shirley Swiney (MC) has had an email address change to [email protected]
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Member Updates
Bruce McKeon’s Mother, Rita Wood McKeon, passed away May 30, 2013 at her home in
Holden, MA from congestive heart disease. You may send your condolences to Bruce and Ven
at: 650 Walker Rd., Thomasville, NC 27360-8434.
We also send our prayers and “get well” wishes to Allen Martin’s daughter, Celeste Lyons, who
is in Forsyth Memorial Hospital with blood clots in her lungs and leg.
As always, those with ongoing illnesses and difficulties are in our thoughts and prayers.
A Valued Friend of CORSA/N.C.
Many of you remember William A. “Bill” Sloan from the NC
Transportation Museum dedication ceremony for the ’61
Rampside. Bill was the owner who donated the Rampside to
the museum. Bill passed away June 12, 2013 at his home
outside High Point. Bill was very interested in CORSA/N.C.’s
restoration of the Rampside. CORSA/N.C. is very appreciative
for Bill’s contribution to the museum making it possible to bring
back to glory “his” ’61 Rampside. Bill’s full obituary can be
found and online condolences may be made at
www.cumbyfuneral.com
President’s Piece
The summer is flying by and it's not even here yet! Does that make sense to you? Seems the
older you get the faster it moves. In less than a month we will be heading up to Kalamazoo for
the convention, which means that some of the work I wanted to get done before won't until after
July. I still want to have the Loadside stripped and ready to be media blasted and to my body
guy before then. Wish it would stop raining.
I'm hoping that our 2014 calendars will be ready before the 15th of July so that we can take
some of them to Kalamazoo. I have not been able to obtain assurance that they will be ready by
then.
I hope that your summer is proving to be as productive and fun as you had thought it might be.
Keep driving and showing your Corvairs to the world. See you in Kalamazoo!
John Nickel, President, CORSA/N.C.
LOCAL CLUB NEWS
Coastal Plain Corvair Club: (Reported by Suzanne Martin, Secretary) The Coastal Plain
Corvair Club had a fun lunch Saturday, June 6, 2013, at the Meadow Village Restaurant,
Benson, NC with 10 members present.
We discussed the request at the State Quarterly Meeting to provide a Silent Auction item for the
‘Vairs in the Valley show. We unanimously selected to provide a “Made in North Carolina Gift
Basket”. Our discussions also included developing ideas to promote CORSA. Our ideas will be
sent to Lee Barriage for consolidation. The Camaros for Hero’s Car Show is scheduled for June
15, 2013, at the Fayetteville Drag Strip.
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Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 2:00 PM. Dale and Diane
Young graciously invited our club to their home for hamburgers and hot dogs with a dish to
pass. We plan to prepare our Gift Basket at that time.
Capital City Corvair Club (Submitted by Tom Hulsey, Treasurer) The club met at Cristo’s NY
Pizza restaurant Monday, May 10th with six members present. The low turnout was attributed to
the severe weather watches and warning that evening. Return guest, Dennis Mitchell joined the
Capital City Club at the meeting. There were insufficient members to conduct a formal meeting
so the evening covered miscellaneous topics involving member's Corvairs and general
automotive subjects.
This week, Steven Hulsey joined Capital City and CORSA/N.C. with his 1966 Monza
Convertible.
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday each month at Cristo’s NY Pizza, Quail
Corners Shopping Center, 1302 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, 27609. The next meeting will be
July 8th, 2013.
NC Mountain Corvairs (Reported by John Nickel, President) On the 7th of June, members of
the Mountain Corvair club met at the La Strada Restaurant in Lake Lure to greet the Hot Rod
Power Tour. Nine Corvairs and 15 members lined up to show off our air cooled wonders and to
share a great lunch with the tour participants. Due to the rainy weather and some more violent
weather that occurred in the Texas/Arkansas and Tennessee areas of the tour, a severely
limited number of vehicles showed up just as the sun came out. There were only 4 Corvettes
and a ‘56 Ford Station wagon in their convoy! A great meal was had by all and good
conversation as well.
Our next meeting date has been changed to the 22nd of June at Daddy D's in Hendersonville
due to the final sale date in Oxford, GA being moved to the 29th. Many of our members want to
go back or go to that sale to shop!
Classic Corvairs of the Triad (Reported by Ven McKeon) Due to inclement weather – severe
weather watches and warnings – the monthly meeting scheduled for June 10 was cancelled.
Our next meeting will be July 8 at Omega House Restaurant in Winston-Salem. Join us for
fellowship and eats at 6 PM with the business meeting beginning at 7 PM.
Reminder
Updated rosters for the Information Directory will be provided after the annual renewal process
is completed. If you have an address, phone or email change, please send it to Tom Hulsey at
[email protected] with a copy to me, Ven McKeon at [email protected]
Thanks!
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CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED:
Rebuildable ‘65-‘69 Corvair engine – 95HP or 110HP. Does not need to be in running condition
as long as it can be rebuilt. Will also consider parts, such as blocks, heads, rods and cranks
from same years if available.
Please respond to Randy at 910-366-9424 and have code off of engine if possible.
Thank you, Randy Langdon
From Ray’s Garage:
Summer is here and we are driving our Corvairs more. Don't let a bad axle bearing leave you on
the side of the road, I have a fresh batch just out of my rebuild shop, all years and models
available, at prices for the whole axle assemblies ready to slide in and cheaper than what you
can buy the bearing for from any Vendor. Replace it now!!
Call me at (919) 223-0863 before they are all taken.
Regards /Ray
Contact Bill Prichard, Western NC’s Corvair specialist, for all your mechanical needs.
FOR SALE: Fee Negotiable. Call Allen Martin, 336-940-8638 for details.
FOR SALE & NOW AVAILABLE: Maxxis Brand Radial P185/8013 5/8” Whitewall Tires (Part #
C12601 - $99. each.) at Clark’s Corvair Parts, Shelburne Falls, MA. This is a limited supply, so
you may want to order ASAP.
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Fond Remembrances of Charles West
Jay Carrington (CP) had a recent encounter that will bring back fond memories of one of our
favorite “Corvair” people. We all knew Charles West to be a great and honorable man as well as
an unparalleled Corvair enthusiast. It’s nice to hear that others also had a high regard for
Charlie.
Jay drove his Greenbrier to the main Post Office in Sanford last month when he noticed a new
gun shop nearby, so he parked in a lot adjoining the gun shop and went in to check it out and
made a new friend of the “shop man.”
As he was leaving, Jay motioned to the Greenbrier and said to Stefan (Augy) Augustin, “I bet
you haven’t seen one of those lately.”
Stefan replied, No, it’s been quite a spell.”
Never one to miss an opportunity, Jay told him all about the “Corvair” club and how he and
Charles West had met and become friends and that he had gotten Charlie’s Greenbrier when he
passed away in 2012.
Stefan interrupted and said, “Wait a minute! You mean Col. Charles West, USAF?”
Jay replied, “Yes, he’s the one.”
Stefan did not know that Charlie had passed and as he and Jay continued their discussion, he
shared the following memories of his encounters with Col. Charles West.
Stefan (Augy) Augustin and Jay Carrington with the “famous” Greenbrier
Reminisces from “Augy”
January, 1978 - Arrived Pope Air Force Base - Assigned to the 39th TAS.
They were having a German Fest at the Officers’ Club with the Little German Band from Raleigh
playing. They also had a small dance group getting ready to perform. Since I had performed for
10 years in New Jersey, they asked me if I knew how to do a “Hochsprung” or High jump (a
“Houchsprung” is a part of a dance called a “Shoeplatler”.)
I said “Yes, it’s easy” and I proceeded to show them. So the group went out to perform for the
members of the club. Then they announced that they were going to have an audience
participation dance and teach people how to do the “Shoeplatler.”
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I went onto the dance floor and acted as if I didn’t know what I was doing. Then they announced
that there was a “ringer” in the crowd and they pointed to me. The guy that was attempting to
teach me said out loud, “He doesn’t know what he’s doing!” I then proceeded to take one of the
female dancers, had the band play and performed for the crowd.
Col. West was seated with the other Colonels’ and Squadron Commanders at their table and
one of them asked, “Who’s that guy?” Col West recognized me as the “new navigator in the 39th”
and turned to then Lt. Col Frank Kelley and said, “Frank, if you spent more time in the
Squadron, perhaps you would know your people!” Then they came over and introduced
themselves to me. So much for keeping a low profile!
Then one day I was at the mini-BX and saw a parked Corvair convertible. As I was admiring the
car, Col West came out and we started discussing his love for them. I later learned that he had
formed a club for Corvair enthusiasts.
Our friendship lasted until I left the Air Force in 1984.
Stefan (Augy) Augustin, Capt/USAF
If you’re in the Sanford area, check in with “Augy” at the Gunlocker & Pawn close to the main
Post office and get to know another of Charles West’s great friends.
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GEORGIA’S PROGRESS
Billy McColl (CC) has been busy working on Georgia, his ’63 Monza coupe, 4 speed, white with
black interior. After trailering Georgia home (with the help of his Dad), Billy
1. Rebuilt the carburetors.
2. Rebuilt the fuel pump. And
3. Reassembled the top side of the engine. That got her running and driving great.
Of course, there is always more to do so … Billy:
4. Resealed the pushrod tubes, and oil cooler.
5. Upgraded the 3 plate, to an 8 plate oil cooler.
6. Installed late model P.E.V carburetors for better performance.
7. Replaced the factory single exhaust with factory dual exhaust.
8. Upgraded the worn front seats, with late model seats with custom brackets adapted for an
early model.
9. Replaced the factory air-filters, with the optional "oil bath" air filter.
10. Assembled a late model 110hp engine with Isky 280 cam to install over the winter in place of
the original 145ci 102hp engine. And
11. Added a dash mounted vintage Dixco tachometer.
Billy with Georgia
Pretty good shape for a car that a tree fell on!
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The interior, front, back floorboard and seats.
The exhausts.
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The Carbs - great workmanship.
Engine Compartment
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Top of the engine removed.
What a difference!
Look out for Georgia at Maggie Valley in October!
Billy is continuing to work on his own Georgia, but if anyone needs a mechanic, a reminder that
Billy is looking for money for college.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 20-22, 2013, Corvair Olympics, Virginia International Raceway and Roxboro Dragway,
Danville, VA Check out www.neccmotorsports.com for more details.
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June 22, 2013, Westbend Vineyards Blast from the Past Antique Car Show, Lewisville, NC.
Free admission, show runs from 1-5 PM with gates open at 11AM. For more information, call 1866-901-5032 or check out www.westbendvineyards.com
July 16-20, 2013, CORSA International Convention, Kalamazoo, MI Sponsored by the West
Michigan Corvair Club. Host hotel is Four Points Sheraton Kalamazoo, 269-385-3922 and is
sold out.
Alternate hotels: Holiday Inn Express, 3630 E. Cork, 269-373-0770, hiexpress.com or
Best Western, 3640 E. Cork, 269-381-1900, book.bestwestern.com or
Fairfield Inn, 3800 E. Cork, 269-344-8300 or
Candlewood Suites, 3443 Retail Place Dr., 269-270-3203, candlewoodsuiteskalamazoo.com or
Red Roof Inn, 3701 E. Cork, 269-382-6350,redroof.com/.
Contact Dave Dykwell for more info at 616-583-9429, [email protected] or see your
Communiqué for additional details.
Note: Clark’s Corvair will be present with discounts as usual.
October 11-12, 2013: ‘Vairs in the Valley 2013, Maggie Valley, NC - ATTN: SILENT
AUCTION – Fundraiser for CORSA/N.C. during the ‘Vairs in the Valley show, Maggie
Valley, October 11-12, 2013.
This year, we are again holding a Silent Auction to raise funds for the CORSA/N.C. treasury.
We are asking each local club to provide one (1) “item” for the auction. We request the item be
described (including a starting bid) by a local club member at the Board and General meeting
August 3, 2013 (the next quarterly.) At-large members may participate by contacting a local club
closest to you and offering your suggestions and comments. The “item” may be a collection of
parts, pieces, equipment, etc. or just one piece. Donating members and the local clubs will be
designated as contributors and CORSA/N.C. membership forms will be displayed with the
auction items. Coastal Plain is designing a “Made in NC Gift Basket” which will bring lots of
interest and bids. Let’s see what other great ideas we can come up with to raise money to keep
us in the black. Please contact Ven McKeon at (336) 472-0958 or email:
[email protected] for more information.
Summer, 2014, CORSA International Convention, Tacoma, WA Sponsored by Corvanatics
This will be the first time a Special Interest Group has ever hosted a Convention!
Your help is needed to ensure a successful show. Please become a Volunteer to work at this
show if you can be there.
Contact President John Nickel: email [email protected] or Phone 828-626-3617.
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