DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, DECEMBER 2022 

   “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” to everyone!! It seems we had just reconvened with the monthly meetings, & here it is the Holidays already!!  Whew, where did the time fly?  It seems that the time goes quicker each year. But we do not get any younger, right? 

From what I have been hearing, we are in for a terribly snowy winter, worse than in the past.  Mother Nature sure does have a mind of her own, right?  If the weather is treacherous on meeting nights, please stay home, for if the roads aren’t safe to travel, the meetings will be cancelled.  If the weather is in question, give Sally a call before 4:30 pm to see if the meeting is or is not cancelled, 484-464-3418.   

 Before you know it, June will be upon us.  Did you reserve your room for the June 21-24, 2023 Tri-Regional Buick Meet to be held at the Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa?  If you did, GREAT. If you did not, call the HOLIDAY INN, Morgantown DIRECTLY!  Do not go through the call center. When you call to make your room reservation, be sure to mention, “BUI,” to get the discounted room rate.  Call today, should something come up you have to cancel, you can cancel up to couple days prior to the event w/ no monies spent.  Our chapter has been asked to organize & maintain the hospitality area during this event.  The area will be inside the mall.  Ladies, while the men help to park cars, you can help to keep snacks & beverages available for car participants.  Plus, individual saran wrapped baked goods would be the cat’s meow!   Most everyone enjoys homemade baked goods, right?

                                          Your Elected Director, Sally Getz                                                                          

“Free Spirit” Meeting Minutes – November 1, 2022

Meeting called to order @ 7:26 pm.  11 members present.  Sally “Welcomed” everyone to tonight’s meeting.             

Motion to accept September meeting minutes, Todd Kriner, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.       

 Treasurer’s report:  Treasurers report for October 2022.  Motion to accept Howard Kriebel, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS:       

Historian: no report

Lehighton:  “Old Car” show report given by Sally Getz.  Some changes were discussed.  A total of only 10 members were present to direct this show.  Of those 10 members, only 2 members parked cars in 9 classes!!  MORE HELP IS NEEDED FOR 2023 or the show will not be held. 

Membership – member renewals completed

Newsletter –  no report

Publicity –  no report

Technical – no report

Ways-n-Means no report

OLD BUSINESS:    Tri-Regional Buick Show to be held at the Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa,  June 21-24, 2023.  Make your Holiday Inn room reservations for the 2023 show now.  Be sure to mention “BUI” upon making your room reservation(s). CALL HOTEL DIRECTLY!!!!!   Make them, for you can always cancel up to 2 weeks in advance before the show.  Please keep abreast of the future newsletters to keep yourself updated on information on this show.  The following is what one can expect:

•  Wednesday =  Cruise-In at the Mall, 4 pm -8 pm.
•  Thursday = day tours =  AOW/Bulgari’s Restoration Shop,
•                             Dinner tour to Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
•  Friday = show car day followed by a banquet.
•  Saturday = day tours = AACA Library/AACA Museum

Our chapter has been asked to organize & maintain the hospitality area during this event next June in the mall.    

NEW BUSINESS:       The following nominations went to vote by the membership:

• Secretary = Lisa Senishen
• Treasurer = Sally Getz
• BOD’s = Steven Bubbenmoyer, Dan Reiniger,  
• Membership chairperson = Dolores Kennedy

      The Slate of Officers & Board of Directors will be inducted during the “Holiday Gathering” on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

      A “Thinking of You“ card was passed around for Jane Hummel on the passing of her husband days before the 46^th Annual Old Car Show was held.

      “Get Well” cards were also passed around for David Brady. Please keep him in your prayers. 

      John Moore is feeling much better.

      Congrats to Lisa/Steve Chappelear on their upcoming Wedding on Friday, November11, 2022.  

     Congrats to the following participants during the 2022 Hershey Region AACA car meet:

•     Todd Kriner, historic preservation, 1982 Buick Riviera
•                           historic preservation, 1979 Olds Cutlass
•    Michael Nester, repeat historic preservation, 1978 Electra
•    Gary Hiller, Second Jr., 1951 Ford
•    Bruce Swayze, 1^st Jr., 1955 Buick Roadmaster

   Motion to adjourn, Steve Chappelear, seconded by Martha Kriebel, so carried, 8:37 pm.

                                  Respectfully submitted, Lisa Senishen

“Holiday Gathering,” Tuesday, December 6, 2022

You won’t want to miss this year’s “Holiday Gathering.”  Each person in attendance will pay $15.00.  Entrees offered: 

 Monterey Chicken      Broiled Haddock      Meatloaf dinner

Dinner will include:  All U can eat soup/salad bar, entrée, dessert, & coffee/tea/sodas.  Cash bar will be available.   The entertainment is something you will want to be a part of!!  I highly encourage you to bring your iPhones & cameras, for you will thoroughly be surprised, plus never forget the evening!!  Please submit your reservation(s) to Sally Getz by November 30, 2022.  Payable: “Free Spirit” Chapter.

Name(s) of member(s):______________________________

Entrée(s): ________________________________________

$15.00 per member(s) attending: ______________________

Hope you can attend this fun-filled night of exciting fun!!!

46^th Annual Old Car Show, October 30, 2022 Lehighton

150 cars and 10 outside flea market vendors attended this years’ show. The weather couldn’t have been any better than it was!!!!  The major problem is there were not enough members to perform the duties needed. 

The following were award recipients:

• Class A = 1^st  Jim Spece, Pottsville, 1938 Chevy PU
• Class B = 1^st  Barbara Reppert, Breinigsville, 1949 Ford   
•                  2^nd Nelsen Steigerwalt, Lehighton, 1948 Chevy
• Class C = 1^st  Jo Satan Rodgers, Effort, 1954 Chevy
•                 2^nd  John Alonis, Bartosville, 1957 Chevy Wag
•                 3^rd  Stephen Kuntz, Breinigsville, 1050 Ford 
•                 3^rd  Len Ahner, Lehighton, 1954 Buick
• Class D = 1^st  Paul Day, White Haven, 1968 Cougar
•                   2^nd  Robert King, Jr, Lehighton, 1964 Chevy
•                   2^nd  David Kost, Weatherly, 1965 Pontiac
•                    3^rd  Barry Heckman, Lehighton, 1968 Chevelle
•                    3^rd  George Reppert, Breinigsville, 1965 Ford
• Class E = 1^st  Mike Rudelitch, Lehighton, 1970 AMX
•                   2^nd  Harry Lewis, Andreas, 1970 Buick
•                   3^rd  Rich Tomolinski, Coplay, 1972 Chevy
• Class F = 1^st  Jim Vento, E. Stroudsburg, 2017 Corvette
•                  2^nd  Jerry Yost, Coplay, 1982 Corvette
•                    2^nd  Ed Rodriguez, E. Stroudsburg, 1991 Chevy
•                    3rd  Steve Sikora, Hanover Twp., 1991 Cadillac
•                    3^rd  Amber Curran, Lehighton, 1987 Pontiac
• Class G = 1^st  Paul Kuntz, Beaver Meadows, 1949 Mercury
•                  2^nd  Bryan Dahm, Brockton, 1931 Ford
•                  3^rd  Mary Wood, Palmerton, 1931 Ford Model A
• Class H = 1st  Tim Yezik, Slatington, 1956 Chevy
•                   2nd Dale Sechler, Danielsvile, 1953 Ford
•                    3^rd Rodney Helmer, Lehighton, 1965 Ford
• Class I = 1^st  Jeff Elder, Lehighton, 1993 Harley Davidson 
• 50/50 Raffle = $182.00
• Director’s Award = Paul Kuntz, Beaver Meadows, 1949 Mercury

Shifting Gears

Why Tire Sidewalls turn brown & How to Prevent it – Tire sidewalls turn brown mainly because of an element added to the rubber called antiozonant.  It saves tires from premature drying & cracking due to the process of oxidation.  Tire browning is usually called blooming, it’s a continuing process that can be prevented by thoroughly cleaning & protecting the tires. 

Why Antiozonant Causes Tire Sidewalls to Turn Brown – Tires bloom because antiozonant pushes its way to the outer edge of the rubber casing with time.  As the element comes into contact with Oxygen, it leaves a brown residue on the surface of the tire.  Antiozonant is organic & helps tires last longer as it slows deterioration due to oxidation.  This is what makes it possible to manufacture long-lasting high-mileage tires that can last up to 10 years.

The rubber structure is built in a way that allows the element to move forward to the surface, thus continuously providing the material with its benefits.  As a result, the tire remains pliable & UV/oxygen-resistant for a longer time.

Mold Releases as Contributors to Tire Blooming – Mold releases used in tire manufacture don’t make tire sidewalls turn brown.  However, they contribute to the issue as they keep antiozonant on the surface of the tire.  Moreover, the more of it is left near the outer edge of the tire structure, the more the oxidation process will make it leave brown residue. 

Mold releases are non-stick lubricants put in tire molds.  They help release ready tires from the forms freely.  Some of the lubricant usually remains on the tire, so it may contribute to blooming after just a couple of weeks of driving.

Silicone as a Contributor to Tire Blooming – Tires do not bloom because of silicone-based tire dressings.  Silicone is sticky, so it may allow dirt & dust to hold on to the surface of the tire as you drive, which makes the sidewalls turn brown.  The tire becomes dirty but doesn’t bloom.

In this case, you can remove the color with a simple clean, using a brush & some water.  Likewise, you can also remove silicone-based dressings w/ special degreasers & scrubbing.

Ways to Cope with Tire Blooming – Thoroughly cleaning & protecting the tires are the 2 ways that will help you cope w/ tire blooming.  It’s best if you do both to achieve desired results.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 2022          “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” 

• 6 – Annual “Holiday Gathering”, Starlite Siner & Lounge, Rt 100, Fogelsville, Pa.  YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON A FUN-FILLED EVENING OF EXCITING FUN!!

JANUARY2023           HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• 3 – Monthly chapter meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.  

FEBRUARY 2023       HAPPY SWEETHEART’S DAY

• 7 – Monthly chapter meeting, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting & 7:30 pm, Starlite Diner& Lounge, Allentown, Pa.

                    CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

4 – 1963’s & 2 – 1964 Rivieras in various conditions 4 sale.  Looking for people who have the time/money to invest in these BUICKS.  They should be saved but do not have the time or money.  267-680-5116 between 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm during the week only.  Ask for DON.  

1972 Buick Centurion – is a project car.  Clean title.  Husband was rebuilding carb when passed away.  All body parts, engine & glass intact.  All tires hold air.  Interior all there but needs work.  Buyer responsible for all tax & transfer fees.  Must be towed/hauled.  Terry @828-610-1880. 

BUMPERS

• #809    NOS/OEM 1975-76 Pontiac Ventura Front bumper, #496144 
• #810    1970 Pontiac LeMans/Tempest front bumper reinforcement, #9799137 
• #811    1970 Pontiac front brace, #9786445 
• #812    Pontiac front brace, #523152 
• #814    1967-68 Pontiac Firebird upper FRONT bumper reinforcement, #9786219 
• #815    Pontiac, #480830, bumper reinforcement 
• #816    1972    OEM Buick Skylark rear bumper, #1239576 
• *#817    1967-70 Buick   ????     rear bumper
• *#818    1966 or newer Buick Skylark? rear bumper  w/ dents
• #819    2-1963-64 Riviera rear bumper, have 2,      1 w/ dents, 1 w/ dents;  1 good one
• #820    1963-65 Riviera FRONT LOWER bumper,  w/ dents/damage;         Riviera TOP  bumper piece 
• #821   (red)  2960 Cadillac Deville Fleetwood front hood extension end 
• #826    1973 Centurion FRONT bumper w/ absorbers,         back bumper,       back inner bumper brackets
• #827    NOS Aluminum FRONT bumper, ??  small car?  (FORD PINTO??) 
• #828    1991-94 NOS/OEM  GMC/CHEVY S-10/Blazer, #15961870 FRONT bumper 
• #829    1963 Riviera speedometer cable.  Will fit 1962-63 Riviera, LeSabre, WC, Electra wo cruise control but w/ dynaflow
• #830    1963-65 Riviera parking brake cables
• #831    1965 Riviera surface rust, solid rear bumper
• #833    2-1967 Electra, LeSabre, WC FRONT bumper
• #834    1971-72     Olds/Buick Skylark front bumper, #1239909, w/ rubber ends, #1236434 RS/#1236435 LS 
• #835    1965 Special FRONT bumper
• #836    2 – 1965 FS Buick = Electra, WC, LeSabre, FRONT bumper w/ dent on side end & 1 w/ dent drivers front 
• #837    1965 Electra rear bumper
• #839    1967-68   LeSabre ????   valences
• #840    Buick FRONT bumper, solid, surface rust backside #25517831:
• ’77-79 Century;    ’77-79, ’85-87 Regal;   ’77-79, ’85-89 Estate Wagon;    ’77-79, ’85 LeSabre;    ’77-79 Electra;    ’79, ’85 Riviera;    ’77-79 Skyhawk;    ’77-79, ’85 Skylark;    ’88-90 LeSabre Estate Wagon.     
• #841    1963 Electra rear center piece bumper 
• #842    1971-72 LeSabre rear  bumper 
• #844    NOS 1967 NOS Chevy Impala FRONT bumper

FAN SHROUDS 

• 319   1967-69  Riviera fan shrouds (2), will also fit ’67-68 LeSabre and Electra
• 783   1964 – early 65  Skylark style downflow 
• 784  1967 Skylark 300/340
• 785  1967 Skylark V6 
• 786  1968 Skylark 
• 787  1969 Skylark 
• 788  1970 Skylark 
• 789  1971 Skylark
• 790  1965 Riviera
• 791  1963-65 Riviera 
• 792  1967 Riviera 
• 793  1967 Riviera w/ air, has chunk missing
• 794  1966 Electra/WC REPAIRED, w/ air
• 795  1978 Electra 403, 2 pieces
• 796  1973 Centurion 350
• 798  1969 LeSabre 350/Electra,  #1385492 
• 799  1972 LeSabre w/ crack, #18436572, NO AIR
• 800  1969-72 Chevelle 4 BBL 350
• 802  1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass w/ air, has chunk out  
• 803  1970’s Oldsmobile cutlass w/ air 
• 804  1971 Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, #3986905

                                 FENDER SKIRTS

• 768   1964 Electra 2 pairs w/ brackets. OEM + 1 single LH   $200.00/PAIR,  $125.00/1.  2 pairs = Blue n black, single = maroon
• 769   1965 Electra 4 pairs w/ brackets, OEM:  black, blue, gray/silver, white/black
• 770   1965  Electra RH w/ bracket, OEM, turquoise
• 771  1966 Electra 4 pair w/ brackets, OEM, black, light blue, blue/yellow. gold
• 772  1967 Electra/WC w/ brackets, OEM, 2 pairs:   1 pr., mint green, missing trim pieces,     1 pr. Light/powder Blue
• 773  1969 Electra w/ brackets, OEM,  1 pr (green)
• 774  1967 Skylark w/ brackets, OEM, 3 prs.:  white, blue/gold, gold, gold, light green 
• 775  1971-76 Chevy Caprice/Impala Convertible w/ brackets, OEM, #6262354, green  1 pair
• 776  1971-76 Pontiac,  #2840559, 1 pr., black w/ trim/white wo trim 
• 778  1965-66 Cadillac w/ brackets, OEM, 1 pr, brown/tan
• 779  1961-62 Cadillac w/ bracket, OEM, RH only, maroon rusty 
• 780  1968 Electra w/ brackets, OEM, 2 pr: 1 pr light blue, 1 pr gold
• 781  1972 Electra w/ bracket. OEM, ?drivers side only
• 782  1968 Skylark w/ brackets, OEM, 1 pr, gold/green 
• Pictures upon request, Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net