NEWSLETTER
March, 2008
FEATURES:
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Feature Cars
As you can see (or not see) the title has been changed from Feature Car to Feature Cars ! The reason for this is twofold. One, it's still raining and cold outside, and two, it opens up an opportunity to consider the future of our hobby and the fuels we power them with. It seems obvious to me that the current pricing and repetitive increases of gasoline and the "Go Green" and "Protect The Environment" bandwagons that everyone is on or , at the very least, paying lip service to - is not going to go away. Understanding this, one has to consider at what point are our vehicles going to become so obsolete and/or so expensive to fuel, that all the fun is gone? For some of us money is not a problem, but for most of us it is tighter than it used to be and, with approaching retirement and its attendant drop in income combined with the continuing increase in the cost of living - IT SOON WILL BE!
So, what to do? Convert to diesel fuel. It's cheaper-not by much and probably not for long. It's less money to maintain as there are no spark plugs at about $4.00 each-but there are injectors that can cost about $250.00 each. There is no carb to be overhauled at about $300.00 -but there are electronic fuel injection pumps for about $1800.00 . It burns cleaner within the engine so they last longer and you can still get that “rump rump rump” that we all love with a wild camshaft. Unfortunately with a diesel it means that your electronic fuel injection pump is failing. BUT look at all the money you would save in stereo equipment since you can't hear it over the clackity, clack, clack of the diesel. Guess what. Someone in this town has a 1929 Ford Tudor that has a Peugot diesel engine in it! Obviously he hasn't seen this newsletter.. . ..
Convert to battery power. I know of a couple of pickups in town that have done this and they have had limited success. If your T-bucket has a really looooong bed it might work for you. A coupe or sedan may be feasible if you like the smell of Hydrogen Sulphide in the morning. Consider the size and output of the alternator you would need to keep those batteries up to charge. And that nice rumble you used to get with your cammed small block is now probably a battery about to blow.
Convert to pedal power. We know that ain't gonna cut it! Who hasn't had to push their car once in a while? Are those old gnarly knees of yours going to stand up or will one of those varicose veins "pop"? I think the most viable solution is for all of us to move to a commune in the Rockies. If we build our homes on the hills opposite each other, on bright sunny days, we can open our garage doors at the same time. Then we each roll them down the hill and into the garage across the street for the next time! We won't pollute the atmosphere, we won't be paying exorbitant gas prices and we won't be paying as much for car insurance either. With global warming (read freezing here) we'll probably have only a few sunny days a year anyway's!
Gordon
Minutes
The meeting was brought to order at 7:30 P.M. with 28 members present. Guests were introduced as Mike and Denny as well as Hughey. Former member Russ Brown was welcomed back.
Treasurers Report - was given by Larry
Secretary's Report -Nothing to report this month
Old Business
- Pres Bob Parker advised that the club had rejoined the SVBCA and suggested that members join themselves as it was very worthwhile in terms of what they've been able to accomplish as well as a very informative newsletter every quarter. Pres Bob Parker advised that our two bank accounts have not yet been rolled into one as agreed upon during the last meeting.
New business
- There was some discussion about fender less vehicles and the dangers of running a vehicle without fenders.
- Bill Campbell offered a list of activities for the club this year which was discussed at length and is offered within this newsletter.
- Francellis' Coffee Shop is to be hosting on Saturdays only this year.
- Prez Bob Parker spoke of a conversation he recently had with Terry Deloume of Hot Rods and Classics magazine out of Nanaimo. Terry is very interested in covering our Run this year and has also offered a discount price on subscriptions to the magazine by club members. If you haven't read the magazine recently it is much improved since its inception and it now offers lots of information that is sadly lacking in other mags.
For Sale
| Items for Sale | Owner |
|---|---|
| — 1940 Ford Coupe, all the body work is done, no engine or trans, Mustang II front end, 10 bolt rear end, $13,000 or best offer | Rick Brown at AFE on Gorge Road |
| - '40 Ford Tudor sedan -Excellent frame and body, choice of either new fibreglass fenders and hood or metal ones, no running gear or interior | Dennis Fea 656-2719 |
| — "as new" OEM heads for a 350 Chevy completely redone by J+B Machine — "as new" steel, louvered cover for the rear glass on a 1982 to 1992 Camaro |
Gord Bradley 478-9253 |
| — 32 Ford parts, new GM water pump for a 350 Chevy, 4 bolt (offset) valve covers for same | Ken Mann 477-6773 |
| - 350 heads (studded) | Garry Foster 479-5393 |
| — 55 Ford Crown Vicky | Gordon Eue 380-7101 |
| - 56 Chevy fordor | Brun Knight 246-4213 |
| — '86 Jaguar XJS - 350 V-8 conversion, nice shape $4500.00 O.B.O. | Ed Dyke 743-4779 |
| - '50 Ford Coupe - Corvette running gear nice car | Ed Dyke 743-4779 |
| — '64 Chrysler New Yorker- basically everything except the drive train - - so big you could start your own Getto, play baseball on the hood, open the trunk and go bowling! | Reinhardt Petersen 383-4816 |
| - Standard bell housing, flywheel, clutch and pressure plate for small block Chevy, also rebuilt starter for 454 Chevy, also rebuilt 6 volt starter and generator for Ford V-8-newer style | Brian Pearce 652-2643 |
Wanted
| Items Wanted | Owner |
|---|---|
| — pretty much anything you may have available to build an "old style" t touring roadster, not a rat rod but a nice primered runner | Dan Lowe 478-6575 |
Interesting Website - www.intuh.net/barnfinds/afa70.htm
Coming Events
- - April 5 and 6 Portland Swap Meet 503-678-2100
- -July 27 Mission Drags Bob Parker 721-0724
- -August 10 Blethering Place Collector Car Festival - Johnny Vallis and Virtual Elvis
Century Toppers Club Activities for 2008
- April ? - Garage Tour - LeJeune Performance
- May 19 - Costco Charity Show 'n Shine - Nanaimo
- May 23/24 - Abbotsford Swap Meet - take the bus with the Chevy Club
- May 25 - Ford Spring Spectacular - Joe Cunningham Ford-Parksville
- May 25 - Local rod dbrunch (co-ed )
- June 1 - AW Car Show in Duncan
- June 1 - Parkwood Place Show 'n Shine -305 1 Shelbourne (retirement home ) Joint clubs participation for the residents
- June 1 - Mid island Swap Meet - Parksville
- June 13-14-15 Fathers Day Run - Qualicum - members run up on Sunday June 15, leaving from the Thetis Lake parking lot at 7:30 A.M.
- June 22 - Victoria Swap Meet
- July 6 - Golden Oldies Show 'n Shine - Port Albernie
- July 16 - Outdoor meeting at Beaver Lake Picnic shelter 7:30 P.M.
- July 20 - Fords 'n Friends Victoria
- July 25-26-27 - Goodguys in Puyallup
- July 26-27 Prime 'n Shine Sunday Swap Meet - Duncan
- T.B.A. - run to Paige Point - Winery Tour, Club picnic on Wallace Drive, run back to Nanoose Bay
- August 2 - Old Tyme Memories Car Show - Sidney
- August 2 - Blast From The Past - Coombs
- August 4 -Nautical Days Car show - Comox
- August 8-9-lO - Sleepy Hollow Run - Sechelt
- August 8 - Thunder in the Valley - Port Alberni
- August 17 - Beverly Corners Show 'n Shine - Duncan
- August 29 - Century Toppers Show 'n Shine
- August 31 North island Cruisers 16th Show 'n Shine - Campbell River
- September 14 - Local rod-run brunch (co-ed)
- Shop Tour T.B.A.
- December - Christmas Party - members/partners/spouses - dinner party - T.B.A.