Director’s Thoughts –  APRIL, 2021

April Showers bring May Flowers! As I am typing away at getting information into this months newsletter, the sun is beaming bright and the temperature is in the 40’s.  There is about a 10 mile per hour wind breezing on by, but overall, it’s a pretty nice day today.  The township street crew just went whizzing by dong the spring road clean up/street sweeping chore.  Boy is the dust flying everywhere!!!  Thank goodness I have the garage windows and door closed!!!

Well, as I scan through the many car show web sites, there seems to be quite a few clubs and associations advertising their car events!  “Free Spirit” chapter IS planning on holding the 45^th Annual Old Car show event @ Lehighton on Sunday, October 31^st this year, unless a surge of virus restrictions reoccur. I will soon get to placing our ad onto web sites shortly.  The flyers will soon be available for members to hand out at events they attend. Please keep this date, Sunday, October 31, 2021, on your calendars.

 “Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, MARCH 2, 2021

The meeting was called to order @ 7:34 pm. 17 members were in attendance.

 Sally “WELCOMED” everyone to tonight’s meeting.  When the group was asked, “What fun things did everyone do during the snowstorms?”  The Ducketts made “SNOW VOLCANOS” with their grandchildren!  Needless to say, you take SNOW, form a volcano, add food coloring dye on your volcano, pour in some vinegar and baking soda, and tadda, you get an active explosive volcano!!  Sounds like a bunch of FUN!!  Steve and Lisa spent time with their children sledding!! Gosh, do you remember the last time you went sledding?  They had gads of FUN!!  David brady is working on redoing seats and carpeting in a 1909 8 passenger Jet Charter Airplane!  He needs to be sure what he does, meets all of the specifications under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Good luck” David, have gobs of fun!!

Motion to accept February meeting minutes, no meeting occurred due to the inclement weather.

Treasurer’s Report = Report for FEBRUARY 2021.  Motion to accept, William Hamilton, seconded by Dolores Kennedy, so carried. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A. Historian –  no report   

B. Lehighton Show –  The 2020 Flyers for the Old Car show will be amended for 2021 and hopefully ready for the chapter members to be handed out.

C. Membership – It’s good to see Dan/Sandy Reiniger tonight!!  They have really been through the wringer w/ multiple health issues. Also, Martha and Howard Kriebel were in attendance tonight.  Is great to see all 4 of them!!

“THANKS” to David Webster for being the early bird for renewing his chapter 2021-2022 membership dues, “Many THANKS, David!”

Received are new members, Mr./Mrs. Peter Berkin.  They join this chapter being their 1962 Buick Special Deluxe into this Buick family!

     Peter/April Berkin 

Thomas Duckett and Lisa Senishen will look into getting chapter membership badges made.  Once information is obtained, a vote will be taken and badges will be ordered.  

D. Newsletter –  13 out of 14 newsletter advertisers renewed.  Meixners Awards will not renew due to depleted funds incurred w/ Covid 19. Hopefully as 2021 moves on, he will renew next year. 

E. Programs – no report

F. Publicity –  no report

G. Technical – no report

H. Ways and Means –  Lisa Senishen bought a “BUICK TAPESTRY” Coverlet!!  Thank you Lisa!

RAFFLE:  None this month

OLD BUSINESS:  Howard Kriebel is sworn – in as a Board of Director.  He was not in attendance during the December “Sworn-In” process.

In asking the group what are some of their ideas as to what this chapter may do as far as day tours, other suggestions were as follows:

•           Hugh Moore – Park/Canal
•           Eckley Miners – Village tour          

NEW BUSINESS :   The AACA 2021 Annual Convention is cancelled due to Covid 19.  There may be a chance that something may be held in the Fall of 2021but held at a different venue.

Much discussion on the “TEAM GETTYSBURG” 2024 proposal status.  Those involved are the following with their chapter memberships:

•                    John Scheib, CT = Team Leader
•                    Kevin Keenan, NJ = Deputy Leader
•                    Larry DiBarry, Pa = Local tours
•                    Richard Sills, Pa = Esquire
•                    Sally Getz, Pa = Assist with registration/Hospitality Room
•                    Jon Henry, MASS = Security and trailer parking
•                    Marty Jablonski, NY = Flea market spaces
•                    Marc Alssid, NY = CPA
•                    Bonnie/Marc Anderson, CT = bus Tours
•                    Ken Creary, NY = Communications
•                    Elizabeth Lane, CT = Program booklet

Meet dates = June 12-15,2024, host hotels = Wyndham of Gettysburg, Pa and Interstate Hotel, sister hotel to the Wyndham hotel. 

To have local BUICK dealer have, on display, BUICK ELECTRIC CARS!

Day tours ; AACA Museum,  Baltimore to Fort McHenry, Inner Harbor,   local snack factory tours,   Gettysburg battle Fields,    Eastern Museum of Motor Racing

Judging of participant cars to take place on Saturday with banquet Saturday evening.

Will celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the 1924 BUICKS, will be honored with their Anniversary Award Certificate.

John Moore made an announcement; he’s cleaning out some things and is offering some older car magazines for the taking.  2 members inquired.

Motion made to adjourn: Debbie Brady, seconded by Shirley Schafer, so carried.  Time = 8:55 pm.

                                                                                          Lisa, Secretary    

“Free Spirit” Annual Chapter Picnic, Sunday, June 13, 2021

 Come one, come all to the annual chapter picnic to be held under the “WEEPING WILLOW” pavilion, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, Pa.  The date of the long awaited event is Sunday, June 13, 2021.  ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE and to have a good time!  Masks can be worn, social distancing can be performed.  As the chapter will provide the meats, drinks, utensils, and paper products, members bring their selections they are good at making/baking: 

• A-H = Hot selection(s)
• I-P = Dessert(s)
• Q-Z = Cold selection(s)

Lunch will start to be served @ 12:30 pm.  So remember to wear your chapter badge and bring your lawn chairs, empty belly’s and your good adventurous stories to be enjoyed by all!!

    Dolores Kennedy will be taking the chapter renewal dues since the end date to renew is June 30, 2021.  Remember, WEAR YOUR BADGE!! 

    Hope to see you there!!!                                      Sandy/Dan Reiniger

2021 DUAL National Meet Cancelled

The Buick Club of America Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 2021 Dual Meet scheduled for June/July this summer.  The National Meet Committee (NMC) held several meetings with the board to review the current public health guidance related to the pandemic and the impact on the event.  These guidelines included capacity restrictions and face covering mandates both indoors and outdoors along with contract tracing and health check requirements.  After much discussion, careful consideration and an overabundance of caution, the board decided to cancel the meets this summer.  Strongsville and Charlotte/Concord are excellent locations to host National Meets therefore the BOD and NMC will be working with the local chapters and hotels to determine their interest in hosting a meet in future years. The majority of the BCA membership’s demographic is considered in the “vulnerable population” and consequently at a higher risk for the COVID-19 virus.  Naturally, this vulnerability leads seniors to be very concerned for their safety if attending a mass gathering event such as a national meet.  In addition, there is uncertainty as to how businesses (including those we had planned on for activities) will be operating in the June/July timeframe and possibility not being open at all.  This is currently the case with some tour activities that were planned for Strongsville.  Given this, the events would look very different than what was planned and experienced by the membership in past years.  The current public health orders in both locations do not provide a conducive environment to holding our typical national meet event. The board offers their sincere appreciation to the National Meet Committee and the 2021 host chapters for their hard work and dedication for not only planning the meets but for providing detailed information on the current pandemic restrictions and how the events could be affected.  This decision was very difficult for the board to make but felt it is in the best interest of the BCA membership to cancel.    Meet registrations that have been received will be refunded within the next two to four weeks.  The National Meet Committee and the board look forward to welcoming everyone to the 2022 National Meet in Lisle, Illinois. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.                                                Pat Wojahn, Chair, National Meet Committee

Calendar of Events

APRIL 2021                              HAPPY SPRING! 

• 6 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30pm.
• 11 – Antique/Classic Car meet w/Market, Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 21 – 25 – Spring Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
• 25 – Leesport Farmers Market Car Swap Meet

MAY 2021                               HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

• 5 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting 7:30pm.
• 15 – Chariots of Fire Show, Auto Mall Morgantown, Pa

JUNE 2021                                HAPPY SUMMER!

• 13 – “Free Spirt” Chapter Annual Picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa
• 19 – “MASON-DIXON” Car Event w/ AACA Museum, Hershey, Pa.
• 25 – 26 – GM Nationals, Carlisle, PA

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1982  Buick Coupe Riviera V8, Auto Trans, 50K original miles.  Interior = leather seats, ALL ORIGINAL.  Exterior = Landau 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, 4 brand NEW tires, clean/clear title.  $10,000.00.  Sally Getz, 610-377-6130.  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;  1962 Electra; 1957-58 Oldsmobile;   1964 Wildcat;  1967, 1968-69 LeSabre;   1963-65, 66-67, 69  Riviera;  1968, 1971 Skylark;  1971-72 Oldsmobile Cutlass;  1967 Pontiac Lemans

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;   NOS Riviera over axle pipe, #1234750;  1966-70 Riviera over axle pipe, after market;  1966-70 Riviera Resonator Rear, 1 pair

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 Electra,  pretty rusty
• 1966 Electra (Very Nice)
• 1963 – 64 Riviera (NICE)
• 1966 Electra ( NICE)
• 1966 Skylark
• 1967 Skylark
• 1968 Skylark
• 1965  Wildcat 
• 1958 Special  (NEEDS WORK)
• 1965 Skylark
• 1965 Skylark  
• 1968 Skylark  (VERY NICE)
• 1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders

Bumpers:  1966-67, 1968 Riviera front bumper; 1968-69 Riviera back bumper

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

Radiator Support:    1965, 1967 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 several 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

1965 Riviera rear seat top;  1966-70 Riviera front arm rests NOS;  1969 Riv rear seat,1966-69 Riv rear 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:   Torbo 350 w/ convertor, 1963 Dynaflow 401/425 w/ convertor;   1965 ST 300 SP, code MJ w/ 15” convertor;   1967 Riviera ST/TH 400 w/ converter

Trunk lid:    1949 Super;  1963-65, 1966-69 Riviera;  1964, 1965, 1966 Wildcat;   1967 LeSabre;  1965- 1971 Skylark;  1966 Electra & Wildcat;   1970-72 Skylark;  1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Front Valance:   1963-64 Riviera; 1965, 1966-67 Riviera GS Front valance Panel

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