Director’s Thoughts –  MAY, 2021

Well, as 2021 cruises along, we now find ourselves in the month of May.  I just love this month.  Trees become green, flowers bloom, hopefully car events will be held w/ some restrictions, weather is warmer, daylight hangs around longer each day, and the grass will need to be mowed!  For the ladies, house SPRING Cleaning gets done, right ladies?  For the gentlemen, awaking up your BUICKS to get them ready for the SPRING driving season gets done, right guys?

5 Steps: Bring Your Car Out of Storage for Spring Driving Season

As large swaths of the country free themselves from the shackles of Old Man Winter, it’s time to grab those keys and bust your classic out of cold-weather quarantine. Spring is here–are you ready?

No amount of lamp light will cure the car lover’s seasonal affective disorder, suffered when the weather is too cold or the roads too salty for driving a classic. Luckily, spring is upon us, which means many of us are champing at the bit to get our cars out of storage and onto our favorite roads. If you haven’t already, you’re likely planning to go out to the garage soon in order to peel the car cover off and greet an old friend for a fresh season of cruising. Tempting as it might be to just turn the key and go, it’s often wise to make sure everything is in order, so as to avoid any mechanical diversions from the next blissful day of weekend sunshine. These five steps should do the trick:

Clean & Inspect:     Even if your beloved ride has been living under a cover for the last few months, it could use a good cleaning before hitting the town. The best part about a good deep clean-up is that it gets you up close and in personal with your car. A basic walk-around tends to overlook a handful of areas, but going over the whole body with a microfiber or a clay bar will get you noticing a lot more than a passing glance would turn up. Keep a pad of paper handy while you do this and document your observations while you go over the car front to back, or snap some photos on your phone. This written status report or photo documentation can be a useful reference in future to better understand how components are wearing or aging.

If you have the ability, put the car up on a lift or jack stands and roll underneath for a quick peek at the undercarriage. Follow the brake lines from end to end, visually inspect the suspension, and look on the floor for evidence of leaks that might have popped up or gotten worse. Again, document what is happening and make note of elements that might need more careful monitoring as the driving season goes on. Any big changes you don’t recognize should be addressed before leaving the garage.  While you’re at it, take the time now to undo any traps or rodent deterrents you placed in the fall.

Gas, Tires, & Oil:     Start at the top or the bottom, but attend to these three things before the keys get near the ignition. Tire pressures likely changed over the storage season, so top up and inspect for dry rotting and general condition because tires are often “set it and forget” items for many owners despite being items that age and wear out. The four-number code on the side of tires can help keep you and your passengers safe while cruising. Blowouts are not fun. 

You used stabilizer in the gas tank when you put the car into storage right?  Check the oil level and general condition. I typically recommend putting cars into storage with fresh oil, which makes bringing them out easy because it is a simple level check, top off any that’s missing, and good to go. If you want to go over the top and have decent DIY skills you can prime the oil system before first start. This is a fairly easy task on most engines but does require pulling the distributor along with a tool to spin the oil pump driveshaft.

Brakes:     I’ve personally heard at least a few instances of someone firing up their pride and joy, dropping it into reverse and only realizing once rolling that their brakes were not ready for driving. It typically doesn’t end well. To prevent this, my favorite easy method (in addition to the visual inspection noted above) is the “hard/harder test.” Before starting the car, sit in the drivers seat and press on the brake pedal firmly—think of the pressure that is normal medium speed stop—and then release. Now press on the brake pedal harder—akin to the force of a panic stop—and hold it for 5-6 seconds. The pedal should remain rock solid. If there is any give or slow release of pressure there is a problem that needs addressing in your brake system. This test is designed to suss out problems that might not be visually apparent without disassembly: leaky wheel cylinders or soft brake lines, for example. Take it slow … by not moving at all.  Finally, start the engine. Even if you ran it a few times through the winter, take this opportunity to do it with a careful eye. Let it idle up to running temp. This will give you time to oversee the engine as it warms up. Inspect for leaks, smoke, or any unusual noises. Address as needed.

Drive!:    Get out of the garage and head out for a short drive, start with a lap or two around the neighborhood at low speed to just get a feel for the car again. Remember, old cars have old brakes and it might require a bit of mental readjustment after a winter behind the wheel of your modern daily driver. If anything feels out of the ordinary be sure to take a mental note (or a physical one—you still have that pad of paper handy right?) and either look into it at a stop or upon returning home, depending on the severity.       HAPPY DRIVING SEASAON!!

 So there you have it, my fellow “Free Spirit”  enthusiasts!! 

                                                                        Your Director, Sally Getz

 

 “Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, APRIL 6, 2021

The meeting was called to order @ 7:33 pm. 14 members were in attendance.  Sally “WELCOMED” everyone to tonight’s meeting. Everyone was asked how their Easter Holiday went, was there any special events anyone did?  While the Ducketts and the Kriebels had Easter Basket hunts, Lisa and Steve had Easter Egg hunts with their families.  You are never TOO OLD to have a HUNT!!!

Motion to accept March meeting minutes, as printed in the April newsletter, Howard Kriebel, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried..

Treasurer’s Report = Report for MARCH 2021.  Motion to accept, Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Tom Duckett, 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 will be ready by the May chapter meeting for chapter members to hand out.
• C. Membership – Having badges made is a problem.  Debbie Brady to look into a place in Emmaus.  Will report back at the May meeting.
• D. Newsletter –  no report
• E. Programs – no report
• F. Publicity –  no report
• G. Technical – no report
• H. Ways and Means – quiet right now

OLD BUSINESS:  Day tours for the membership: 

•               Cruise-in to the Ritz, Allentown, Pa, MAY
•               Drive-In Movie night, Schankweiler’s, Orefield, JULY?
•               Eagles Mere Auto Museum, Eagles Mere, JUNE?
•               Lehigh County Covered Bridge tour
•              Received J C Taylor support for award allotment fund. 

NEW BUSINESS : Introduced was the idea of some members driving together to attend, “Sizzling Summer Cruise” event @ Hershey Museum, Hershey, Pa, June 19, 2021, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Thomas and Kathleen Duckett are already registered.  If you want to attend, you need to register, SEE BELOW, then call the Ducketts to organize the drive. 

June 19, 2021   HERSHEY PA.  Sizzling Summer Cruise In @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This year, MASON-DIXON will be combining our event with the annual AACA Museum car show, because of the limited opportunities for planning.  The information below relates to the AACA Museum show.  The Buicks will have a separate area to park, and we will be able to present our own awards.  The information below relates to the AACA Museum show, of which we will be a part. Mason-Dixon Chapter Buick Show at the AACA Museum 161 Museum Drive Hershey, Pa.    Sizzling Summer Cruise In    8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Registration/participation is FREE, but due to current capacity guidelines, please let us know if you plan to attend.  Register by calling 717-566-7100 or go to the link below.   www.aacamuseum.org/event/museum-car-show

Specials for Cruise-In Participants Each participating vehicle receives

·         One FREE breakfast voucher courtesy of C&J Catering (while supplies last)

·         An AACA Museum cap (one cap per vehicle while supplies last)

·         One complimentary Museum general admission ticket

Additional Museum general admission tickets discounted to $10.
Breakfast and lunch selections can be purchased onsite on the day of the event.

BCA and MASON-DIXON Club Members please Contact, Larry DiBarry 717-263-3804, dibarjo@hotmail.com or Dick Beckley 717-395-7128. dbeckley@epix.net. As we need numbers as will have a separate parking area

Tom and Kathleen will lead a group to Hershey. Will leave the Star-Lite Diner & Lounge at 7am sharp. The return trip is on your own. This way people can leave whenever they choice. 610-760-2467. 

Despite the dual BCA National Meets having been cancelled this year, they will be held in the years to come.  Therefore, talk in helping to host an  Eastern Seaboard Regional Meet in 2024 has been, once again, rescheduled.  It may be held as soon as 2023 and will be considered a “SUPER REGIONAL”.  Some places of interest to be held are:  Gettysburg, Hershey Museum, Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, Pa.  More to come as zoom meetings are being held w/ John Scheib.    

Motion made to adjourn: Dolores Kennedy, seconded by Shirley Schafer, so carried.  Time = 8:40 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

AACA Spring Nationals, Auburn, Indiana

Sally is looking for someone who may be attending this event in Auburn, Indiana July 2-4, 2021.  If you, or you know of someone attending, please have them contact Sally ASAP:

            Sally Getz   610-377-6130, 484-464-3418    csgetz@ptd.net

                                                                Many thanks in advance, Sally

Calendar of Events

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
• 15 –Wheels On the Canal, Northampton, Pa

JUNE 2021                                HAPPY SUMMER!

• 6 – “GM” On Display Car Show, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa
• 12 – 15^th Annual Fleetwod Car Show, Fleetwood Park, Fleetwood, Pa
• 13 – “Free Spirt” Chapter Annual Picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa
• 19 – “MASON-DIXON/AACA” Car Event w/ AACA Museum, Hershey, Pa.
• 25 – 26 – GM Nationals, Carlisle, PA
• 27 – West End Car Show, Gilbert, PA

JULY 2021                              HAPPY 4^th of JULY!

• 3-4 – Allentown Vintage Car Show, Fairgrounds, Allentown, Pa
• 10 – Quakertown Farmer Market Car Show, Quakertown, Pa
• 17 – Doylestown @ Dusk Car Show, Doylestown, Pa
• 18 – Hanoverville Road House Show, Bethlehem, Pa
• 31 – 6^th Annual Bicentennial Park West Show, Bethlehem, 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.  Recently inspected.  New muffler. $10,000.00.  Sally Getz, 610-377-6130.  Pics upon request.

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

Bumpers:  1966-67, 1968 Riviera front bumper; 1968-69 Riviera back bumper.   1965 Cadillac taillights and front bumpers; 1951 Cadillac bumper ends; 1946-48 Ford bumper guards; Model “A” front bumper pieces; 1950 Packard bumper corner ends; 1959-60 Plymouth bumper w/ dent; 1977 GMC front van bumper; 1987 GMC  Van rear bumper.

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. 1967-70 pr of Riviera Door panels plus rear ¼ trim panels for PW car;  1966-70 pr of Riviera rear ¼ trim panels for manual window car;  1966-70 pr of Riviera front arm rests.

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.

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

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

Hoods:    1953 Buick;  1962 Electra; 1957-58 Oldsmobile;   1964 Wildcat;  1967, 68-69 LeSabre;   1963-65, 66-69  Riviera;  1967, 68, 71 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.

1977 GMC Van Rims, Van Dura 25 Emblems, grill, van letters, “GMC” emblem, mirrors, Van Dash cluster

Mufflers:  (NOS)  Body = 35” long on all mufflers;   1962-64 Buick dual exhaust mufflers, 1 ¾ hole = LeSabre, Invicta, Electra.  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)
• 1965 – 1968 Skylark
• 1958 Special  (NEEDS WORK)
• 1950 Super
• 1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders

Patch Panels:    1966-69, ’70 Riviera;  1967-68 Electra, Wildcat, LeSabre 4 door aftermarket;  1948 Olds 98 splash pan (NOS)

Radiator Support:    1965 – 67 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; 1971 Skylark “A” body; 1962 LeSabre

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

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

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 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

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.

Buick Chrome Rally = 14 x 6 code 813,  810,  914,  991;   15 x 6 code 853 w/ tires. 

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.

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