Director’s Thoughts

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! Hope you all had a quiet yet healthy & enjoyable NEW YEAR!  I still cannot believe that a year went by so swiftly! Why, it just seems like yesterday we were celebrating & bringing in 2019!!  As the years go by, we all get a year younger, right? (HaHaHaHa)

As we “WELCOME” 2020 into our daily lives, we cannot forget who we are & what we want to accomplish throughout this year.  For some, it might be planning & organizing a huge vacation, planning a wedding, starting a family, maintaining your family in todays’ world, or just spending more time with family; doing some remodeling or repairing to you home, looking towards retirement, or just looking at purchasing a new/newer vehicle, preferably a BUICK, no matter the year!  We all have so many ideas & plans on what we want to complete this year, but we all have one idea/hobby in common: BUICK(s)! While some of us own & drive older BUICKS, some of us own & drive newer BUICKs. Some of us may not even own or drive a BUICK anymore, but it all boils down to one thing, we love the cars & the hobby/history behind the cars!  This is what makes us ALL unique & interwoven with one another. Some of us may own other makes of cars; Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Ford, etc. Here, again, your love/interest in cars keeps that hobby going. “THANK YOU” for maintaining your love/interest with the “Free Spirit” Chapter, Buick Club of America! You make this chapter alive & well!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!                             Your elected Director, Sally                                                

“Free Spirit” December Chapter Meeting Minutes

The annual “Holiday Gathering” was held @ the Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in lieu of the monthly chapter meeting.  29 members & 2 guests were in attendance. Of the 3 entrees (Chicken Parmesan, Black Diamond Steak, Broiled haddock) Chicken Parmesan was the most popular entrée chosen.   

Despite the winter weather the days before, the Schaedels and Bob Miles traveled to & from the event without a hitch!!  Newcomers, Mr./Mrs. Hersh, along with Steven Chappelear & Lisa Senishen, were in attendance & thoroughly enjoyed their evening out!  

The night started off very well.  Sally “Welcomed” & “Thanked” everyone for attending.  Martha Kriebel gave “Grace.” Everyone enjoyed their meal(s).   

During dinner Sally gave out a golden ornamental tree to the couple who had reserved first for the evening:  Bruce/Louise Stephens. After dinner, everyone picked out a “Noise Maker.” The songs, “Jingle Bells & Deck The Halls” were sung by all including everyone playing their noise makers!  Oh what a fun time that was!! Noises from harmonicas, kazoos, ratchet handles, & rattles were heard loud & clear! I wish it could have been recorded!!  

The Induction of Officers & BOD’s took place with everyone holding onto the “Free Spirit” banner with their left hand, while their right hand was held up.  Laura Getz performed the swearing-in of the Officers/BOD’s:  

•         Director = Sally Getz
•         Assistant Director = Debbie Brady
•         Secretary = Lisa Senishen
•         Treasurer = Sally Getz
•         Membership Chairperson = Dolores Kennedy
•         Activities Director = Shirley Schaffer
•         BOD’s = David Brady
•                         Steven Chappelear
•                         Howard Kreibel
•                         Alfred Paul

After the Induction, “Crazy Bingo” was played.  It started off, a bottle of Amore was making its’ rounds amongst the members.  It started out being unwrapped by John Moore, but went home with Steven Chappelear, if my memory serves me right.  I believe it changed hands about 4 or 5 times till Steve got to take it home. Shirley Schaffer couldn’t seem to hold onto her original unwrapped gift, a box of Josh Early Chocolates!  She started with the chocolates, then a Yankee Candle & old truck scene plaque, then BUICK cleaning rags, to then Turtle Wax!! Her friends just couldn’t see her being happy with her original gift, CHOCOLATE!  

Another hot item was “A Stinker Boy.”  Yes, that’s what I aid, a Stinker Boy! Alfred Paul unwrapped it, it being his original gift, got taken away to Debbie Brady, then, I believe it got back to Bobbie Paul who gave it back to Alfred!  Boy what fun this was!! You just had to be there!

 While other years bottles of wine were a hot wrapped item, this year it was candles & chocolates! 

Once everyone had an unwrapped gift, the 6 table centerpieces were raffled to the following 6 persons:   

• Kathleen Duckett
• Howard Kriebel
• Ed Lenny
• Bruce Stephens
• Lisa Senishen
• ShirleySchaffer

Congrats to you ALL!  They got to pick from a Reindeer bottle centerpiece, a Grinch bottle centerpiece, a man Snowman bottle centerpiece, & a woman Snowman centerpiece.

There were 4 jars of Candies given out to those who guessed the correct number of candies in each jar.  The following were those recipients: 

• Peppermint Patties = William Hallman
• Kit-Kats = Laura Getz
• Welch’s Fruit Snacks = Thomas Duckett
• Reese’s PB Cups = Bruce Stephens

Sally reminded everyone about returning back to the Diner, January 7^th, meeting time.  Joe Irvino will be our guest speaker for the evening, “Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Plane.”  She then wished everyone a “Safe, Happy & Healthy Holiday & New Year.” Merry Christmas, Sally Getz

January, 2020 will be the presentation on Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.^[2] It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the design’s innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.^[3] The shape of the SR-71 was based on the A-12 which was one of the first aircraft to be designed with a reduced radar cross-section.

The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents with none lost to enemy action.^[4][5] The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including “Blackbird” and “Habu“.^[6] Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12.  

Due to November’s technical difficulties, this presenttion will be done during the January meeting.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.

Everything You Need to Know About Switching to Waterless Coolant

Water has been used in cooling systems for over 100 years for its superior ability to transfer heat, but water has it challenges and limitations. Water promotes corrosion and has a boiling point only slightly above the coolants normal operating temperature. Evans Waterless Coolant offers a solution to overcome the drawbacks of water, whether it’s to enhance performance or preserve collectables.

Evans’ technology is simple and effective and may even be viewed as a contradiction to long held beliefs that nothing works better than water. Below are some common questions and answers about radiators and Evans Waterless Coolant that will help ease the transition to waterless coolant and maybe even dispel some of the pre-conceived ideas or misunderstandings about waterless coolant technology.

Q: What type of radiators does Evans recommend?

A: Evans recommends single-pass radiators as they have less flow resistance than multipass radiators. The following are minimum radiator core suggestions:

• 300 horsepower or less without AC
• 4 rows: .50-inch tube copper/brass
• 300 horsepower to 400 horsepower with AC
• 2 rows: 1-inch tube aluminum
• 400 horsepower to 600 horsepower
• 2 rows: 1.25-inch tube aluminum
• 600 horsepower and above
• 3 rows: 1-inch tube aluminum or 2 rows: 1.5-inch tube aluminum

Q: Does Evans require periodic maintenance?

A: No periodic addition of additives is required, nor should any ever be added. Evans recommends inspecting the cooling system at least once a year to ensure water content remains below 5 percent.

Q: If I have a leak and Evans is not immediately available, what can I safely add?

A: The likelihood of coolant loss and the need for topping up are greatly reduced with Evans. In the event a leak occurs and Evans is not available, water or water-based coolant may be used to top up, but the boilover and corrosion protection of Evans Waterless Coolant will be reduced. As a temporary measure, stop leak products may be used.

Q: What happens if I have water in my cooling system after installing Evans?

A: A water content higher than 5 percent will lower the boiling point and may reduce the corrosion protection. If water content exceeds 5 percent, drain a portion from the system and add new Evans waterless coolant until below 5 percent.

Q: How do I install Evans Waterless Coolant?

A: The conversion process is fairly simple but should be done thoroughly and according to written instructions, or by viewing instructional videos at: https://www.evanscoolant.com/how-it-works/conversion-installation/

The basic installation steps are as follows:

1. Drain all old water-based coolant out from radiator, block, and heater core if accessible.

2. Use high-volume air to force out remaining coolant.

3. Fill with Evans Prep Fluid (waterless flush) and run for 15 minutes to circulate.

4. Allow to cool and drain out Prep Fluid in same manner as old water-based coolant.

5. Fill with Evans Waterless Coolant and run for 15 minutes to circulate.

6. Test for water content to confirm less than 5 percent water. Water content can be measured with a refractometer or a sample can be sent to Evans for testing at no charge.

Car Trivia Test

What was the first official White House car? A 1909 White Steamer, ordered by President Taft.

Who opened the first drive-in gas station? Gulf opened up the first station in Pittsburgh in 1913.

What city was the first to use parking meters? Oklahoma City , on July 16, 1935.

Where was the first drive-in restaurant? Royce Hailey’s Pig Stand opened in Dallas in 1921.

What was the first car fitted with an alternator, rather than a direct current dynamo? The 1960 Plymouth Valiant

What was the first car fitted with a replaceable cartridge oil filter? The 1924 Chrysler.

What American luxury automaker began by making cages for birds and squirrels? The George N. Pierce Co. of Buffalo , who made
the Pierce Arrow, also made iceboxes.

What car first referred to itself as a convertible? The 1904 Thomas Flyer, which had a removable hard top.

What car was the first to have it’s radio antenna embedded in the windshield? The 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix.

What type of car had the distinction of being GM’s 100 millionth car built in the U.S. ? March 16, 1966 saw an Olds Tornado roll
out of Lansing , Michigan with that honor.

What U.S. production car has the quickest 0-60 mph time? The 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409. Did it in 4.0 seconds.

What car was reportedly designed on the back of a Northwest Airlines airsickness bag and released on April Fool’s Day, 1970? 1970 Gremlin, (AMC)

Did You Know?

March 3, 1931 = Star Spangled Banner became our National Anthem

6= Well known and loved Walter Cronkite signs off as anchorman off the CBS Evening News (1981)

7= Monopoly board game is invented (1933)

12= Girl Scouts were founded. (1912)

 21= The infamous Alcatraz prison is closed. (1963)

26 =The Eastman Dry Plate and Chemical Company manufactures the first motion picture film. (1885)

29= Coca Cola is invented. (1886)

30= Jeopardy debuts on television. (1964)  

Calendar of Events

JANUARY 2020                “HAPPY NEW YEAR!!”

7 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm. (WEATHER PERMITTING)

17-19 – Automania, Ag Hall, Allentown, Pa  

FEBRUARY 2020              “HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!”

4 – Monthly chapter dinner (6 pm) & business meeting (7:30 pm), Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa

15-17 – Motorama Show, Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Pa

MARCH 2020                 “HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!”

1 – Hamburg Swap Meet, Sports Fieldhouse, Hamburg, Pa

3 – Monthly chapter dinner (6 pm) & business meeting (7:30 pm), Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa  

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1967 Buick Skylark 4 Dr Sedan 340 2-barrel, ST 300 Switch Pitch, PS, manual brakes, cassette player, no air.  70,100 original miles. Maroon color 

Exterior, cloth maroon interior.  $10,00.00.  610-377-6130.

1967 Buick Special Deluxe Sport Coupe 2 dr, 300 2-barrel.  Spruce Green exterior w/ vinyl top, black interior.  68,305 original miles. Power steering, manual brakes.  RH mirror, AM/FM radio. Spinner wire wheel covers. UNRESTORED.  Garage kept! $8,500. 610-377-6130

1991 Chevy Suburban, 2500,  Big block, 454 engine, 111,530 original miles.  2×2. Turbo 400 transmission. Black w/ gray interior, 3^rd seat, AC (front/rear), AM/FM radio, tow package, cassette player, power door locks/windows, vent shades, tailgate window, in GREAT condition.  Garage kept! Very powerful! $8,000. 610-377-6130 

Heater Core, NORS made in USA, fits 1982-87  Buick Regal/Olds Cutlass
Supreme $25.00
Heater Core NORS made in USA , fits large Buick 1978-1988 $25.00
Heater Core Good Used  Circular under seat fits 1954-57 Buick  Century $20.00
Contact H Kriebel..Sauenohr1@gmail.com

In Search Of

1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com1976 Caddy Eldo 500 ci – Pete Stoki, 609-915-9948