No-Name Newsletter

Quarterly publication of the Carolinas Chapter

National Corvette Restorers Society

March 2008 Vol. 12, No. 2

http://ncrscarolinaschapter.org

Spring – March 2008 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 1

CHAIRPERSON’S COMMENTS

Chapter Events Scheduled for 2008 and 2009

Sorry for the slight delay in this newsletter, but we waited until after the dyno day at Barry Bodine’s shop because there was a board afterward. The purpose was to put together a schedule for all the chapter events for 2008 and 2009. That schedule is in this newsletter.

So far 2008 has been a bummer as far as Corvetting goes because of the weather and lack of opportunity to go cruising. In April things will get off to a with the Hornet’s Nest Auto Fair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, April 3 – 6. If you are there, feel free to stop by the semi-official Carolinas Chapter spot located at space BBO 2 or 3. If anyone has anything they would like to sell there, let me know and we can make arrangements.

Two weeks later the NCRS judging season gets into full swing with the second regional of the year, the CHOO CHOO Regional in Chattanooga, TN. It is sponsored by our neighbors to the south, the Southeast Chapter. Plan to make it if you can as this group always puts on a fine show, and Chattanooga has a lot to offer in the few spare moments you will have.

The Carolinas Chapter will have its spring judging event at Motorama Classic Cars in Monroe on May 10, 2008.More details on this later also. Dale Ledbetter and Carlton Tyson have graciously agreed to host this meet. The best feature, other than looking at all their fine cars, is that we can move indoors if needed.

I received some feedback from my Army captain buddy in Baghdad about the magazines. They were a great hit, and disappeared within hours of being displayed. Thanks again to everyone for contributing. The Chapter collected and sent well over 100 pounds of magazines to the troops in Iraq. We may do this again in the summer so start saving your magazines.

Wow, it is hard to believe that this is the first newsletter of the thirteenth year of the chapter. This newsletter will be sent to all NCRS members in NC and SC who have membership numbers above 30,000 to try to recruit new members. Anyone below than 30,000 knows about the chapter and apparently has no interest, Also, I will add a list of people whose CCNCRS dues are past due. Please check the list and see if you have forgotten to sign up again. If I have made a mistake please let me know.

OOOOOOOH, by the way—the 2009 regional has moved back to the speedway as the convention center at the Embassy Suites will not allow any cars

So much for chapter stuff. My Z076 was dynoed a month or so ago and I recommend the experience for every Z06 owner and any C6 owner, It was quite an experience watching my 700 mile Z06 do 160 MPH without moving, not one time but five. We made five pulls, two baseline pulls and three pulls trying to tune it to the satisfaction of chief engineer Alvin Anderson. When completed, the car made 476 rear wheel HP, but most importantly the 1–4 shift is gone. May it rest in peace.

My other project is at a major step also. Street Shop has completed my chassis and it should be ready to install under the 1965 396 body. When it is completed, I will work on restoring the old original 396 chassis and driveline. That should keep me busy for a while.

Last, but not least, I finally bought a parcel of land in Tennessee in an equestrian community to build my retirement garage on. (OOPS) I meant to say house but as anyone knows. the house is planned around the garage. At this time I plan on a three- car garage 32’ x 26’ at floor level, a full basement of 1800+ ft. sq. and of course a barn for the horses (in my case horsepower) of 1600 ft. sq. Unfortunately, building this garage (OOPS) house will take most of my spare Corvette time for the next couple of years.

YA GOTS ANY PICTURES YA WANTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE???

THE ENGINE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUT NEVER WAS, THE SEMI HEMI SMALL BLOCK

THE MARK II 427 MYSTERY ENGINE. FORE RUNNER OF THE MARK IV ENGINE

VICE CHAIRPERSON’S COMMENTS

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks…….

As I sit here thinking what subject I might discuss this time around, I find that a new venture of sorts comes to mind. This actually started last July on the return trip from the National Convention in Boston. Hopefully this will be a good starting place and additional thoughts will fall into place.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Then, with the advent of computers, suddenly there was no secretary to turn it in to. It was mandated that all be done on the new computer by the originator and emailed to the required recipients. Sounds simple enough…or does it? I was extremely intimidated by these things from the start and kept my distance as long as I could. I also had not typed since the 10

using the computer keyboard, not only at work but also for my personal use. I also learned to type pretty fast; that helps when you are the confirmed user that I have become. Chalk up one for the Old Dogs! One NEW trick learned!

We have old friends (I sold him his first Corvette, a red ’67 convertible, back in early ’80s) that we enjoy visiting whenever we are in the Lancaster, PA area. Returning from Boston and heading that way after a stop-over with friends in NJ, we were

looking forward to spending a long weekend in PA. Unfortunately he had just purchased a 9K-mile ’04 Commerative Edition convertible. No biggie there, especially after I had heard over and

over again what a great car it was, but I was obliged to check it out. WOW, what a car for sure!

It was loaded up with automatic transmission and options that I was totally unfamiliar with. I declined to drive it, but we did go for a ride—mistake #1 for sure! And the color was my favorite, BLUE, with a sort-of tan interior (actually called Slate). I was SO impressed with the car that I made a passing comment on the order of "I would buy one of these if the right one became available." That was undoubtedly Mistake #2!

We all get these wild hairs now and then, and this was certainly one of mine. I have TOO many cars already, and am totally satisfied with my once-new, now almost vintage ’91 convertible. Incidentally, it is JUST a coincidence that this ’04 comes into mind at this time. It is not directly related to the embarrassing failure of the ’91 on the road tour to Boston….I think.

Well, long story short as they say, I did purchase an ’04, almost exactly like my friend’s, and it does have the required automatic transmission. (there is a change for me!) I am inclined to state that this cannot be considered Mistake #3 – end of that line!

Which brings me back to this topic of

During the course of the past months I would take out the owner’s manual and read through it and converse with my buddy in Pennsylvania about setting up the personal operations of the car. He was having problems with some of his, and I was attempting to understand the programming etc. during my study time. The more I read, the more that manual shifted me from one section to another. I took on an air of frustration during the process! As an example, I tried to find tire pressure value, a simple request as this car had the then-new run-flat tires. I found myself jumping

to various sections as instructed, and it never did tell me what the tire pressure should be.

Already I was not a fan of this factory literature. Fortunately I recalled that there was a sticker on the door of some cars that might have that value. It did show a typical sticker in the manual but did not reference where one could locate it. I did find it on the car, so I solved that one.

After spending several nights poking though the manual, I decided that it was time to start getting the car ready for the road. Since this car has so many do-dads, I figured it was best to plan on more than a minute to establish the proper settings for my driving positions and moved the car outside in the sun. I left the top up, as it was cool, and we are back to March 6.

The very first planned step turned out to be lost in the shuffle, I could not remember and did not have a clue as to what I was supposed to start with. Out came the manual again, and after thumbing through it, sometimes with great frustration, I actually did manage to complete the first few settings quite easily….. hmmmm. Getting smarter I believe. Perhaps I would not have to rely on my grand daughters to bail me out on this new fangled stuff after all.

For those of you that are not familiar with the new series of Corvettes, (I am in this category) personal settings include seat and mirror positions with three memory settings available for three drivers, easy in/out entry, headlight-on time in darkness, alarm settings with horn, lights, or both, activated with key fob for lock/unlocking, heads-up display monitoring of selected car operations, and…….I cannot remember them all, but that is touching on some of them.

It took me about 30 minutes to complete what I considered to be enough of the settings. I did opt to skip the radio and temperature preferred settings. I was ready for the road now! Oops, forgot to work on the heads-up display, a feature that is really pretty neat. I opted for speed, RPM, and oil pressure displays.

Mind you, I did drive this car from Richmond to Waxhaw back in December, but that is all I did – no personal settings. I was ready for a real test drive now. I removed the key and the seat and steering wheel moved back/up for an easy exit….pretty neat! Certainly a great improvement over the ’91, where I have learned over the years to shoehorn myself in and out. I got out of the car, closed the door, and locked it with the key fob, then proceeded to unlock it and found entry a cinch.

Once seated, inserting the key did not provide proper seating positioning, but I believe that it would have if I had set the key fob to my settings (my memory is not sure on that one). The #2 seat position (I am reserving the #1 for Lynne, if that tells you anything) put things into action. I was now ready….varooom! What a pleasure to drive and FAST-FAST! Of course, this is not a Z06, but certainly capable of blowing the doors off my ’91, ’63, and any of the assorted iron in the stable. I love it! GOOD choice in my opinion and I believe I will keep it!

The real test comes next week when we load it up for a two-week trip to Florida. No more skimping on the luggage, packing shoes under the headlights etc. (yup, sure learned to pack that ’91 tight after the years of ownership) and also gone are the plastic grocery bags of loose clothing stuffed around the single suitcase, a REAL trunk will be pretty handy! So, folks, for

On another front, most of you have already signed into the NCRS Discussion Board – what a change! I am not a great participator as far as postings go, but I visit it on a daily basis and do reply privately on a number of occasions where I believe advice is warranted. I have to remain neutral on the new look; I find that the previous format was just fine for my needs. However, I have read many posted opinions that this new look is far superior to the old one, so I have resigned myself to the fact that this too will require teaching

Spring is almost here. I have been to a couple of cruise-ins and am looking forward to Spring AutoFair and the host of other car-related events

that the warmer weather brings. It is always a great pleasure to visit with you; so get it in gear and make yourself visible! With all of this said, my old mind is tired and will call it quits for this issue. Do have a great year, and for sure Save the Wave! P.S. The Bodine-dyno day was GREAT!

FROM THE JUDGING CHAIR

2008 Schedule

As usual, winter months do not offer much news in the judging arena. The Carolinas Chapter board of directors has set events for the remainder of 2008. Two of them will be judging meets with the first one May 10 in Monroe. A registration form for that is enclosed in this newsletter.

New Judging Guides

A brand new fifth edition of the 1963-64 judging guide is available from the Cincinnati office. I understand the first printing is already sold out, and more are being prepared.

Another group of Corvettes has become eligible for judging. 1992-93 models were begun last September, and that guide is available also.

New Judges Needed

As NCRS keeps adding more classes to its judging, personnel to do the judging is needed. Many of us do not know these new models and don’t care to learn. As Dick told officials last year when he was drafted to judge C4s: "I cannot even spell C4." This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get owners of these later cars involved and recruit new members for NCRS.

dyno day at Barry Bodine’s shop

We are recruiting young.

Carolina Chapter Board Members

Chairperson

Co - Chairperson Bob Young 704-843-7156 rlyoung63@aol.com

Treasurer Mike Cranford 704-849–2981 Mike427cranford@aol.com

Secretary Carole McIntyre 704-785-4194 chipmunk51@charter.net

Judging Chairperson Reba Whittington 336-667-4226 rebals5@aol.com

Asst. Judging Chair Duane Ravenberg 336-474-1602 dravenberg@triad.rr.com

Regional Rep. Dick Whittington 336-957-6106 rrangus@aol.com

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NCRS Legal Notice:

Regional Representative’s Comments

New Editor for The Restorer and New Discussion Board

I trust that everyone came through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays okay. That always is a time to reflect on family and friends. It seems that I just finished writing the December report and now I am writing the March report.

I hope that everyone has visited the new NCRS Technical Discussion Board. It is a great improvement over what we have used for over 10 years. If you have been unable to log on, please contact me and I will assist you in doing so—that is if you are a paid member.

As most know by now, we have hired a new editor for The Corvette Restorer. Vinnie Peters was selected by your publications committee. You have already seen a couple of issues he has done since our former editor resigned. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, folks, the next issue will be the best ever!!!! He needs member articles so submit them now.

The Board of Directors meeting is coming up about two weeks from now. Our agenda is quite lengthy and should result in more for you, our members. Lots of ideas are floating around as to how to make NCRS a better organization.

The SouthEast Chapter will host the Choo Choo Regional in Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 17-19, 2008. Make plans to attend. I am sure that they could use judges, workers, whatever. For information contact Toni Sams tonisams@pstel.net or Janet Kennedy resalered@prctnet.com

Keep in mind that the NCRS Convention in St. Charles, Missouri, is just around the corner. I hope to see all of you there.

FUTURE EVENTS: REMEMBER THAT IF YOU ATTEND ANY NCRS

EVENT, YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THAT EVENT PER NCRS GUIDELINES

Chapter and Local Events

Every Sat. Night Cruise In, Good Old Days Café, Highway 51, Charlotte

May 10, 2008 CCNCRS Spring Judging Meet – Monroe, NC

May 30—31, 2008 MAC Spring Meet – Front Royal, VA

June 7, 2008 CCNCRS Nuts & Bolts, Raleigh, NC

September 26-28, 2008 Judging and Annual Business Meeting, Wilkesboro

October 17–18, 2008 SE Chapter Meet at Corvette Expo – Sevierville, TN

November 8, 2008 Judging School, SC

December 20, 2008 CCNCRS Christmas Luncheon – Concord, NC

February 21, 2009 CCNCRS Nuts & Bolts, Pinehurst, NC

April 22 – 25, 2009 Speedway Regional – Concord, NC

June 13, 2009 CCNCRS Judging School – TBD

November 14, 2009 CCNCRS Nuts & Bolts – TBD

December 19, 2009 CCNCRS Christmas Luncheon – Concord, NC

April 17 – 19, 2008 Choo Choo Regional Chattanooga, TN

May 1 – 3, 2008 Rocky Mtn. Regional Denver, CO

May 15 – 18, 2008 Motor City Regional Novi, MI

June 12 – 14, 2008 Seven Springs Regional Seven Springs, PA

Sept. 11 – 13, 2008 Northwest Regional Bend, OR

Oct. 23 – 25, 2008 Lone Star Regional Waco, TX

CONVENTIONS

2008 July 20 – 24, 2008 St. Charles, MO

2009 July 12 – 16, 2009 San Jose, CA

2010 July 13 – 18, 2010 Concord, NC

Classified Section

Call Alan Beaver for chapter hats, shirts, and jackets.

FOR SALE

1.

Many back issues or

fellow NCRS member. These are to be given away to a needy home. Call me

if you are interested in filling out your collection. Help me get rid of these

before Libby makes me.

Used copper radiator for a midyear, reasonable

Call JIM GREGG 704-577-9812 tio2jim@aol.com

3. Body dollies made – Contact Doug Aldridge

4. Collection of

Vette Vues

Promotional Model Collection from 1972 – 2000 in boxes

Call Bill Locke 704-948-8107 Email wrlenzo@aol.com

NUTS & BOLTS June 7, 2008

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, the Carolinas Chapter will have a nuts and bolts session in the shop of Frank Everitt,

3410 Buck Run Trail, Wake Forest, NC 27587 (919) 554-1076. The subject of the session will be determined.

Display cars are welcome. We will cruise to a local restaurant for lunch.

Saturday June 7, 2008

10:00 am Session Begins

12:00 Noon Lunch – cookout

2:00 P.M. Dismissed

NCRS MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT. THE TECH SESSION WILL BE OPEN TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS. REGISTRATION MUST INCLUDE NCRS NUMBER AND CAR VIN NUMBER ALONG WITH PROOF OF INSURANCE AND OWNERSHIP FOR DISPLAY CARS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL JIM REGG AT 704-847-5408.

G

HOLD HARMLESS CLAUSE

WHEREAS OWNER VOLUNTARILY ENTERS HIS / HER VEHICLE IN THIS EVENT IT IS AGREED:

1. OWNER WILL INSURE VEHICLE AGAINST LOSS, DAMAGE, AND LIABILITY AND PROVIDE PROOF OF SUCH.

2. OWNER HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS CC/NCRS, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OR ASSIGNS FOR ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE THEFT, DAMAGE, OR DESTRUCTION OR INJURY OCCURRING DURING THIS EVENT, WHEREVER LOCATED.

3. OWNER, IN ATTENDING THIS EVENT DOES SO VOLUNTARILY, AND AGREES AND ASSUMES THE RISK OF ANY AND ALL DAMAGES TO HIS / HER VEHICLE OR OF INJURY TO HIM / HER SELF OR OTHERS AND HOLDS CC / NCRS ARMLESS.

H

Or call Jim Gregg - 704-577-9812 or email tio2jim@aol.com

May 10, 2008 CCNCRS JUDGING MEET

CAROLINAS CHAPTER NCRS Motorama Classic Cars, 1601 Skyway Drive, Monroe, NC 28110

Saturday May 10 9:00 A.M. Registration Opens

9:30 Judges Meeting

9:45 Owners Meeting

10:00 Judging Begin

Noon Judges Lunch

3:00 PM Award Ceremony / Depart to Holman Moody Inc.

NCRS MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JUDGING PORTION OF THIS MEET. THE TOUR WILL BE OPEN TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS.

HOLD HARMLESS CLAUSE

WHEREAS OWNER VOLUNTARILY ENTERS HIS / HER VEHICLE IN THIS EVENT IT IS AGREED:

1. OWNER WILL INSURE VEHICLE AGAINST LOSS, DAMAGE, AND LIABILITY AND PROVIDE PROOF OF SUCH.

2. OWNER HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS CC/NCRS, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OR ASSIGNS FOR ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE THEFT, DAMAGE, OR DESTRUCTION OR INJURY OCCURRING DURING THIS EVENT, WHEREVER LOCATED.

3. OWNER, IN ATTENDING THIS EVENT, DOES SO VOLUNTARILY, AND AGREES AND ASSUMES THE RISK OF ANY AND ALL DAMAGES TO HIS / HER VEHICLE OR INJURY TO HIM / HER SELF OR OTHERS AND HOLDS CC / NCRS HARMLESS.

SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

I would like to Judge _____ Tabulate _____ NCRS Level ________

1

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

NAME _____________________________________________________NCRS # __________

Names of Family Members or Guests Attending______________________________________

Address ___________________________ City ___________ST _______ ZIP _________

E-Mail______________________________ Phone _____________

MEET REGISTRATION FEE (family)

CAR ENTRY FEE

SPORTSMAN

DISPLAY OF PREVIOUS Bowtie or Duntov or McLellan

LATE REGISTRATION mailed after April 15, 2008 $10 ______

NO CARS AFTER THIS DATE!!!

Total Enclosed $ ________

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Registered car information

YR ______ BODY ______ VIN ____________________________ PAINT CODE________ TRIM CODE _______

ENG. _______ H P ________ INSURED WITH _____________________________________

POLICY # _________________________________ Exp. Date ___________________________

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

Reba Whittington 256 Oakwoods Lane Wilkesboro, NC 28697-7418

ROCHESTER FI UNIT FOR WHAT???? TELL ME YOUR BEST GUESS