Director’s Thoughts, FEBRUARY 2021

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!!  Cannot believe its February already!!  Before you know it, it will be the Holidays again!!  LOL.  Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for the car hobby!!  Hope all of you stay well, safe and warm for the upcoming months left in Winter!!

                                                                                                         Sally              

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, January 5, 2021

Meeting called to order @ 7:33 pm.  9 members were in attendance.  Sally “WELCOMED” everyone to tonights’ meeting.  Even though the turnout was not up to snuff, everyone had a good time.  Mask wearing and social distancing was maintained.  Sally asked everyone how they spent their New Year’s Eve evening?  Some partied w/ their family, some by themselves, and some w/ Mr. Mike, Mr. Miller Lite, Mr. Jack Daniels, Mr. Rumchata,  Mr. Smirnoff, Mr. Busch, Mr. Coca Cola, plus all their other buddies!!  (LOL)  It was nice to see Brian Hersh, one of the latest chapter members who joined within the last year! 

Motion to accept December meeting minutes as printed in the January newsletter, NO minutes, Annual “Holiday Gathering” event took place of the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report = Report for December 2020.  Motion to accept, Lisa Senishen, seconded by Debbie Brady, so carried. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Historian –  no report   

B. Lehighton Show –  If you have 2020 Lehighton flyers, please see Sally gets them.

C. Membership – Sandy/Dan Reiniger, along with Martha/Howard Kriebel have been “UNDER” the weather lately.  Please remember them by giving them a call, or sending them a note of “CHEER.”  Janice Rosetti has a new address.  Please change this address in your roster, furthermore, send her a card to wish her well. 

• Janice Rosetti
• Fellowship Community Skilled Care
• 3000 Felloship Drive
• Whitehall, Pa 18052

D. Newsletter –  10 out of 13 newsletter advertisers have renewed their yearly subscription. If you know of someone, or business, that would like to take out a monthly ad in the “Free Spirit” newsletter, please contact Sally for further information.

E. Programs

F. Publicity –  no report

G. Technical – no report

H. Ways and Means –  coverlets sold in 2020 = February = 1 to MASS.;  August = 3 to MASS.;   November = 1 to California, 1 = Pennsylvania;    December = 2 to Texas.

RAFFLE:  None this month

OLD BUSINESS:        Thomas Duckett was sworn-in by Director Sally Getz as a Board of Director member.  (Thomas was absent during the “Holiday Gathering” event.)

NEW BUSINESS :       The annual January Auto Mania Thaw which usually took place @ Ag Hall, Allentown, Pa, will now be held in at the Carlisle Fairgrounds tis January 15/16th. 

Much discussion took place as to suggestions for day tours &/or activities that this chapters’ membership may be interested in doing this coming year, Covid w/ some restrictions or not.  The following are some of those suggestions:

• Bill’s Old bike Barn, Bloomsburg, Pa
• Luis Mascaro Auto Museum, Birdsboro, Pa
• Covered Bridge Tour, Lehigh County, PA
• Boyertown Auto Museum, Boyertown, Pa
• American Treasure Tour Museum, Oaks, Pa
• A Night @ the Drive-In Movies, Shankweiller’sDrive-In, Orefield, or Becky’s Dive-In, Berlinsville, Pa
• America On Wheels, Allentown, Pa

Now, some of you are probably thinking, “well, the chapter did some of those tours/museums.”  Well, in fact, the chapter did, however, most places change their venues and so there’d be different items to see.  Besides, time passes by and new things go on displays.

BECOME INVOLVED!!!

Besides suggestions, ARE YOU WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN ATTENDING any activities/day tours?  Maybe you have other suggestions of what the chapter membership can visit and see.  We’d love to hear from you!!  REMEMBER, this chapter needs YOU to participate to make things a success!  If you have suggestions but do not want to organize them, give Sally a call, she will do the foot work, BUT, then remember, YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE.  This chapter is what you make it out to be.  You can sit back and be a part of nothing, or you can step up to the plate and become active and plan fun things to do and to see.  It doesn’t take much to organize something. Please try to attend the February meeting to voice your suggestions.  We would be so glad to see and to hear from you.  If you are unable to attend, please send your suggestions to Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net, 610-377-6130.  Please let us know what you are thinking.    

Motion to adjourn, Shirley Schaffer, seconded by David Brady, so carried @ 8:34 pm.  Respectfully submitted, Lisa Senishen, Secretary

Hamburg, March 2021

For those who would normally attend the Ontelaunee Region AACA Hamburg Show in March @ the Hamburg Field House, there will be NO SHOW this year.  The BOD of Ontelaunee has decided NOT to hold this show due to the ongoing of Covid-19 virus.  Hopefully 2022 will be the next this show will be held.  Sorry for any inconveniences this may cause to the yearly attendees.

Is Investment in Classic Cars a Good Idea?

Are classic cars a hot investment? It appears that the jury is still out on that one. Although classic cars have risen in value over the last 30 years, investing in a classic motor is not a guaranteed way to earn a decent crust. In fact, if you buy the wrong vehicle, you could end up losing a lot of money.

Millions of people are madly in love with their old classic car. Ferrari F40s, Shelby 427 Cobras, Corvette Stingrays, and Aston Martin DB5s are all sought after collectible cars and some collectors will pay a fortune for the right model in optimum condition. These cars are ultra-cool and represent the cream of the crop. But what you need to remember is that today’s old car is tomorrow’s classic. That old rust bucket gathering dust and cobwebs in the shed outside could be worth a packet in 40 years – that is, if it hasn’t fallen to bits in the meantime.

A Volatile Investment

The classic car market is notoriously volatile. Prices surged in the late 1980s with a Ferrari F40 fetching nearly one million at auction, but by the early 90s, the bottom had fallen out of the market and prices had dropped by up to 40%. Today, a Ferrari F40 is lucky to fetch £800k on the open market, and that is only if it is in mint condition.

Figures released by the Queen’s bank, Coutts, reveal that classic car prices have risen by 257% in 13 years. The Historic Automobile Group International concurs. They claim classic car prices rose by 12% in 2014 alone. However, experts warn that some classic car values have now plateaued and may not rise much further.

The problem with classic car investment is that not all models are equal. Some cars appreciate far more than others, so you need to know your cars before you snap up an old classic at auction. Vehicles associated with movies or celebrities are worth more. For example, the James Bond 007 connection has boosted the value of Aston Martin DB7s. Lotus Elans are also a smart buy, thanks to the Avengers connection. Any classic car associated with Steve McQueen is worth a mint, with his Ferrari 275 GTB fetching £6 million at auction in 2014.

Scarcity affects classic car values. Rarer classic cars tend to be more valuable. A Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti from 1957 sold for an astonishing £25 million in 2016. It was one of only four, but it also had an impressive history having been driven by Stirling Moss at Le Mans.

Classic car investors also speculate on which of today’s models are tomorrow’s classics. A classic Mark 1 Golf GTI from the 80s, a notorious ‘boy racer’ car, will fetch up to £15k if in mint condition. There are plenty of these cars still around, but nostalgic collectors love them to bits.

Compared to other types of investment, classic cars are a risky proposition. Investors typically ask what are CFD trading returns compared to classic cars and Google will reward you with a wealth of conflicting articles. Whereas with CFD trading, you never actually own the asset, if you buy a classic car you must pay for storage costs as well as other costs of ownership such as insurance and maintenance, so bear this in mind before you buy a classic car at auction.

In The Market For a Classic Car? Here’s the Guide You Need

How to inspect and buy the classic car that’s best for your purposes.

Buying a classic car might be one of the most exciting auto purchases you’ll ever make. So it pays to do to your homework. Antique and vintage cars can be costly to purchase, restore, and maintain. Classic car insurance works differently as well, as the cars generally appreciate rather than depreciate in value.   Whether you’re looking for a project car to work on yourself or a fully restored show car, you’ll want to make a smart, informed decision.

How to Buy a Classic Car

There are numerous options when buying a classic car. But before getting out the checkbook, it’s good to think about what’s right for you.

Be careful about the investment. Making money on classic cars can be very difficult. Buying something simply because you think it’s a good investment can be risky. The collectible car market is very volatile. Experienced dealers will tell you that a collectible car is only worth as much as someone will pay for it. “Book value” isn’t a guarantee. If this car will be for fun, focus in on cars that you would be proud to own and drive for years to come.

Decide how it will be used. Think carefully about what you want to do with the car. Will it be driven daily or just on weekends? Would you like to show it? Will it sit in your garage under a tarp and rarely get used? How you answer these questions will determine what you should buy.

Establish an affordable budget. Carefully figure out what you want to spend and stick to it. Keep in mind that restoration projects can be extremely expensive. If you buy a fixer-upper, you may quickly exceed your budget on parts and labor. A bargain car may end up costing you more than a pricier, but cleaner version.

Do your research. Be sure to check the average retail value to get a baseline price. Read any information you can find. Check auto auctions and price guides to help determine what the fair market value is for your car. Be extra cautious when buying a car on the web.

Check mileage. As with most used cars, the fewer miles on the speedometer, the more the car is probably worth. Don’t be afraid to purchase a high-mileage car. Just be sure the high mileage is reflected in the price.

Classic Car Inspection Checklist

Careful inspection is important when buying a classic car. You may want to use an inspection service. Or if you want to do it yourself, here are a few things to consider:

• Clear title: Check if the car is registered to the seller, or not registered at all. Fees and penalties can add up if you need to research previous ownership and apply for a new title.
• VIN: Make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the official VIN tag on the car. If they don’t match, it’s possible the vehicle may have been in a serious accident, the title is counterfeit or the vehicle was stolen. VIN numbers were first standardized for U.S. automobiles manufactured in 1981. The length and character types used for the VIN on older vehicles will vary depending on the manufacturer.
• Interior: Original is best. Check if the seats, upholstery, badges, radio, dashboard, and emblems are damaged, or not factory original. Finding and replacing these things can really add up.
• Exterior: Try to examine the car in natural daylight. Look for the condition of the paint, obvious dents, and panels that are misaligned or mismatched. Further inspection may reveal signs of major welding which could point to significant structural repairs.
• Rust damage: A little can be expected but, if complete sections of floorboards or body panels are rusted or show signs of repair or replacement, be cautious. If a professional did not do the repairs correctly, there’s a good chance the rust could return.
• Test drive: If the car is running and safe and legal to drive, take it out for a spin. It’s a good opportunity to check for any serious problems. Listen for anything out of the ordinary, such as noises, squeaks, and clunks. If it feels loose going around corners or over bumps, there may be costly suspension problems.

Insurance for Classic Cars

Some employees at the State Farm^® Vehicle Research Facility love classic cars, too. So much so that they built a half-and-half ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible to demonstrate the importance of assigning proper values to collector cars. The driver’s side is restored to factory-stock specs while the passenger side is customized with lots of flashy aftermarket parts and custom bodywork.

Whatever vehicle you decide is right for you, you’ll want help protecting it. Be sure to check eligibility for classic car insurance. Be sure to check eligibility for classic car insurance.

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1982  Buick Coupe Riviera V8, Auto Trans, 50K original miles.  Interior = leather seats, ALL ORIGINAL.  Exterior = Landua top, medium Sandstone w/ pin stripe, ALL original.  Factory air, AM/FM radio w/ power antenna, PW/PDL, PS, PB, CC, Center console, rear air suspension, mag wheels.  $10,000.00.  Sally Getz, 610-377-6130.  Pics upon request.

Various Buick Parts   (Pics upon request)

Brake Drums:  Buick caste iron aluminum drums, 90 fins and 45 fins.

Doors: 1965-66 Electra/Wildcat passenger (manual windows);  4 – 1966 Electra (2 front/ 2 back) in very good condition;  1966 Wildcat (pair from 2 door car, manual window);  1967 Sport Wagon rear w/ manual windows.

Driveshafts:  1962 Cadillac/Olds F-85; 1963n Olds F-85 Sedan;  1964 Riviera;  1965 Riviera & GS; 1966 Wildcat/Electra;  1966-67 Riviera;  1968 Buick;  1969 Riviera/Electra.

Gas Tanks:  1966-69 Riviera;  1971 LeSabre plus others

Hoods:    1953 Buick;  1957-58 Oldsmobile;  1965, 1969 Electra;  1964 Wildcat;  1968-69 LeSabre;   1963-65, 1967 Riviera;   1953, 1967, 1968, 1970-72 Skylark;  1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Misc:  Buick (NOS) 1970 header panel;  Pontiac full size (NOS) 1962-3?? Rear trunk/tail light panel;   Pontiac Ventura (NOS) grill surround;   GM Buick Resonator (02/70A);   1 pair of 1966-70 Riviera

REAR resonators, 1 = left driver side/1 = right passenger side;    Universal wheel spacers.   (NOS) ?1970? Buick Header panel.  

Mufflers:  (NOS)  Body = 35” long on all mufflers;   1962-64 Buick dual exhaust mufflers, 1 ¾ hole = LeSabre, Invicta, Electra;  2 ¼ hole =  Wildcat, (NOS).    1952-55 Cadillac front muffler

Paired Fenders:   

• 1969 Riviera  w/ small dent passenger side fender.  Also can fit ’68 Riviera w/ cornering light as option.
• 1965 Wildcat w/ rust out behind wheel cut out
• 1968 – ‘69 LeSabre  pretty rusty
• 1966 Electra (Very Nice)
• 1963 – 64 Riviera (NICE)
• 1966 Electra ( NICE)
• 1966 Skylark
• 1968 Skylark
• 1965  Wildcat 
• 1958 Special  (NEEDS WORK)
• 1967 Riviera  (some damage)
• 1965 Skylark
• 1965 Skylark  
• 1968 Skylark  (VERY NICE)
• 1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders

Patch Panels:    1966-69, ’70 Riviera;  1967-68 Electra, Wildcat, LeSabre 4 door aftermarket

Radiator Support:    1965 Electra;   1966, 1969 Riviera;   1965 Wildcat;  1965, 1967 Skylark;  1968 Pontiac (NOS);  1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass;  1980-1090 ALL GM (NOS) RWD “B” body except Cadillac 1984-90

Rear:    1963-65 Full Size Buick, except ’65 LeSabre,  ratio 3.07 rear.  #1365221,  $1366777, #43-14

Rear Glass:     1966-69 Riviera REAR tinted glass wo cracks or chips.  Have 1 NOT tinted.  Have sevral to pick from, ALL from original Rivieras!

Roof Glass:  1967 Buick Sport Wagon/Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser roof glass exclusive panels

Seats:  1967 Skylark Back seat;   1971 Skylark Cpe back seat

Single fenders:    1958 Special;  1962, 1966, 1978 Electra;  1978 Electra Wagon;   1966-67, 1969 LeSabre;  1963-64, 1965, ’70, ‘72 ’73-74 Riviera & Boatail Riviera;   1965, ’67 Skylark;  1964 Wildcat

Transmissions:   1967 Riviera ST/TH 400 w/ converter

Trunk lid:    1949 Super;  1963-65 Riviera;  1964 Wildcat;   1965 Wildcat & Skylark;  1966 Electra & Wildcat;   1970-72 Skylark;  1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Various paired fenders:  1950 Super;  1958 Special;  1966 Electra;  1965 Skylark;  1966 Skylark;  1968 Skylark;  1968-69 LeSabre;  1965 Wildcat;   1963-64, 1967, 1969  Riviera; 1980 LeSabre Diesel

Wheels: Buick wheels = 15 x 7, code 885, code XT, code K499/BHE;   15 x 6 code BX disc brake, 768 (NOS) manufacturer sticker = OEM precision X-40168/MW35984;  15 x 6 code 802 = 1966-67 drum brakes, chrome 3^rd design;  15 x 6 code 895 chrome 1971-87; 15 x 6 code 853 chrome 2967-70, 4^th design.;   14 x 6 code 795 GM chrome wheels; 14 x 7 code UD.

Oldsmobile Rally, code 887 w/ trim rings;   14 x 7 Rally code 887DO; 14 x 7 Rally code 878;  14 x 6 Rally code NM, #22505907.

Buick Chrome Rally = 14 x 6 code 813,  810,  914,  991;   15 x 6 code 853 w/ tires. Sally Getz, 610-377-6130, csgetz@ptd.net .  Pictures are available upon request.

Parts for Sale for Buick 1953–1956.  ( V–8)

• Point set; Condenser; Resistor; Rotor; Distributor cap; 8  Autolite Spark Plugs. SOLD AS A SET $60.00.  ((BOB’S AUTOMOBILIA PRICE, $75 PLUS SHIPPING.))
• Pair of fan belts (non a/c).  Power Steering & Fan Generator$ 15.
• Anco wiper blades  (2) $6. 
• Upper & Lower Radiator hoses $16. 
• Front Brake Hoses (2) $18. 
• 4 New Wheel Cylinders 2 front, 2 rear $25.                  Howard Kriebel 610 489 1253.

LOOKING FOR : 

• A good used Pickup Truck 1978 to 1989, Dodge, Ford, or GMC/Chevy. Howard Kriebel, 610 489 1253