Updated 30-Jan-2007 - Copyright (c) 2007 Corvairs of New Mexico.
EDITOR
Jim Pittman
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday October 2nd 7:30 PM Galles Chevrolet, Lomas & University
THIS MONTH:
Dues Due Sylvan Zuercher
September Meeting, Board Notes Chuck Vertrees
The Driver's Seat Robert Gold
August NMCCC Meeting Notes Mark Martinek
Calendar of Coming Events Everybody
October Meeting Preview Sylvan Zuercher
October Election Sylvan Zuercher
CNM Ladies Anne Mae Gold
Christmas Party Plans Rita Gongora
Seven Years Ago Jim Pittman
Get Ready for Summer aolsvc.carguides.aol.com
For Sale, Trade or Wanted Everybody
Photos: Corvairs going to the New Mexico State Fair
COVER: Let's all go to the New Mexico State Fair!
Are you ready for the International Balloon Fiesta?
===
The tusks that clashed in mighty brawls
Of mastodons, are billiard balls.
The sword of Charlemagne the Just
Is ferric oxide, known as rust.
The grizzly bear whose potent hug
Was feared by all, is now a rug.
Great Caesar's bust is on the shelf,
And I don't feel so well myself.
-- Arthur Guiterman
Dues Expired or Due or Approaching Due:
John Mattern 2002-Jul
Debbie Deck 2002-Sep
Robert McBreen 2002-Sep
Lee Olsen 2002-Sep
Jon Anderson 2002-Oct
John Topp 2002-Oct
Wendell Walker 2002-Oct
David Huntoon 2002-Dec
Walter Huntoon 2002-Dec
If your membership is due or has expired, please send your dues to:
Wendell Walker, CNM Treasurer,
301 Utah Meadow, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Note: the Club will mail in your National dues when you renew,
but only if you send us the renewal form from CORSA Communique!
===
SEPTEMBER MEETING NOTES - Chuck Vertrees
The meeting was called to order at 19:33 on 9/04/02 at Galles Chevrolet. All
officers were present.
Brian Zolna was introduced as a guest. Some of us older members remember Brian
since he used to be a member of CNM about 10 or 15 years ago before he moved.
He is here right now on vacation, but as anyone who has ever lived here, he is
considering moving back. We would be very glad to have him back.
Joel Nash wanted the minutes amended to show that he has had some discussions
with the zoning people and no violations. The car mentioned has been moved
inside his lot and he is trying to find out who owned it before anything is
done to it. Joel also wanted it known that the last time he sent a car to the
crusher was in 1964 and that there is a long story that goes with that
happening. Joel regards any car, with or without an engine, as a moving hollow
sculpture. The minutes were changed to reflect this and were approved as
amended.
Treasurer Wendell Walker reported that we have $738.64 in the Wells Fargo
Account and $4,798.65 in the GMAC Account for a total worth of $5,537.29.
CAR COUNCIL REPORT
Car Council representative Mark Martinek was not at the meeting since he was
out of town. His minutes of the C.C. meeting are on line. These are some
excerpts from his report.
Several presentations were made concerning future car shows. (All of the future
events can be found on line at the CNM web site.)
The Museum car show is scheduled for 5/18/03. A five-person committee was
formed to negotiate with the city. Los Lunas is still under consideration for
the 2003 car show.
Southwest Motor Sports want the C.C. to hold the 2003 swap meet and car show at
their facilities. Individual clubs will be surveyed.
The 2002 Swap Meet will be September 29th in Los Lunas. Clubs need to volunteer
at least 2 members to work 2 hours each, as gate guards, etc.
Mark will also be out of town at the time of the next C.C. meeting. Jerry Goffe
will cover if he is in town.
OLD BUSINESS:
Robert Gold reminded the CNM members about the State Fair Car Show on the 29th.
He has all the ribbons and they made a lot of 2nd and 3rd place ribbons, so
there will be at least three awards in the 16 novelty classes. Everyone will
win something!
Election of officers will be in October. Everyone can run for an office. If
anyone wants to contest for secretary, that is OK. The slate of proposed
officers will be printed elsewhere in this newsletter.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mark Domzalski reported that Oregon has finally appointed a chairperson for the
2005 convention in Portland.
Steve Gongora has Mark's old red F.C. and it is in the shop right now to have
the suspension worked over. This is the truck that Mark and Elizabeth brought
here from Oregon when they moved here.
Larry Blair got a call from a possible member who had just moved here from
Arkansas and his 1968 110 Powerglide doesn't like 5000 feet altitude. Larry
referred him to Dave Langlois and offered to help him get there if necessary.
It was also reported that Dave has gotten the films and manuals on Powerglide
transmissions and may start to work on them.
It was also reported that our sponsor, Joe Trujillo, has gotten his car running
again. He was planning to try and make this meeting but was unable to do so.
Mark Domzalski said that if you are planning on going to the GWFBT&SM you
should try to stay at the Ocotillo Hotel. It is an older place but has been
kept up very well. This is where the stars used to stay.
A future event that you should put on your calendar is the Annual (?) Potluck
and Auction at House of Covers on November 2nd at 18:00. Bring your white
elephants and other items that you would like to get rid of. Also bring small
bills and change. Proceeds will go to CNM. More later!
The meeting was adjourned at 20:08.
===
SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING
by Chuck Vertrees
The meeting was called to order at 17:18 on the 18th at House of Covers.
Present at the meeting were Robert Gold, Steve Gongora, Jim Pittman, Sylvan
Zuercher, Larry Blair, Wendell Walker and Chuck Vertrees.
Wendell reported that the CNM had $637.37 in the checking account and $4,798.65
in the GMAC account for a total worth of $5,436.02. The minutes of the last
board meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
The first item discussed was the State Fair Car Show on next Sunday the 22nd.
There are 15 cars committed to come, including an Ultravan. Robert has 38
ribbons to award so everyone should get several. All cars can leave around
16:00 and should leave together.
The next Car Council meeting is on the 25th, which is a week from tonight. Mark
will be out of town but Larry Blair has agreed to go if at all possible. The
Car Council swap meet is on the 29th of this month and they need 3 to 5 CNM
members to work the gates. Robert will check Steve's E-mail to get the person
to contact and try to get some volunteers at the show.
The election is scheduled for the October meeting. All of the current officers
have agreed to run for one more year. It was unanimously agreed that it would
be great if other members would contest some or all of the offices. It is
rumored that Joel Nash might be interested in the vice-president position,
however this is a several times removed rumor. It was also suggested that the
board might stir up some interest if we moved to impeach the president,
possibly on he charge of moral turpitude. This fell through when the only
grounds we could find was that at one time he owned a Mustang.
There was no discussion of the 2003 Tri-State. If we remembered right, the crew
was supposed to go to Raton on the 19th, tomorrow.
When Joe Trujillo became our sponsor, CNM gave him a membership in CORSA. This
has now expired. Steve will see if he enjoyed the membership and receiving
CORSA Communique each month. If so we will set up an automatic renewal of his
membership. Joe has his Corvair running now but it still needs a lot of work.
Sylvan is getting ready to send in the Chapter renewal and will hold it until
Steve checks with Joe.
It is reported that our former sponsor and member, Milton Sanchez, has sold his
Corvair (a nice early convertible) to an out of state buyer.
The meeting was adjourned at 18:00.
===
FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT
Robert Gold
It's hard to for me to believe that my term as President of CNM is coming to an
end. I'd like to believe I have made a positive contribution to the club during
the past year. You, the members, are the ones who will decide that. I know for
sure my work as president made me appreciate the efforts of the presidents who
served before me.
One of my great fears was not realized - that the club would end its existence
during my term. I feel that the reason any president is successful is in large
part due to the great support of the membership and that the main job of the
president is to make sure everyone receives proper recognition for their hard
work.
I therefore want to thank the current slate of officers for their help -- Larry
Blair, Chuck Vertrees and Wendy Walker. Jim Pittman deserves thanks on a
monthly basis for his work on the CNM newsletter. Thanks also to Mark Martinek
for his steady work as our Car Council Rep. This in spite of my best efforts to
make his job a hard one! Finally, and most importantly, I need to recognize all
the CNM members who made our numerous activities possible. I can't overstate
their importance. These activities are an important part of my family's social
schedule. I can't imagine not having a chance to participate in the varied
things this club does on a monthly basis.
Oh yes, I need to make special note of the contributions made by the CNM Ladies
to the club. The family friendly atmosphere we have is in large part due to the
work of the Ladies. Also, their work has been noted on the national level and
serves as an example to other clubs to emulate.
With all that said, after pondering all the good times I've had in the past
year I've decided to run again for President of CNM. Please don't let this fact
prevent any of you from running for President or any of the other officer
positions. The only way the club will progress is to have new people
contributing to our operation. I'm pleased to recognize Joel Nash for his
willingness to run for the position of Vice-President. Joel has previously
been President and VP of the club. Now that he is retired he feels he has the
time now to contribute his energy to the club. I hope he will serve as an
example to other members to run for club office.
Since I've spent most of this column recognizing the good deeds of our club
members I'd like to now take this opportunity to recognize something that is
central to our club -- THE CORVAIR!
I learned when I first joined the club 20 years ago that owning a Corvair was
not an absolute requirement. All the club asked was that you have an interest
in the car. But among the club members who have Corvairs and drive them there
have been several that I have "lusted after in my heart" (to quote a former
President).
There was George Morin's Lakewood from the 1980's that now graces my driveway
and is my wife's daily driver. There was Jon Anderson's 500 that I wanted to
steal, but he left town too soon! Well, for quite another reason I would like
to recognize a car currently owned by a CNM member that has made quite an
impression on me. It's the early model coup owned by Geoff Johnson.
Geoff is a second generation club member who has demonstrated a dedication to
the Corvair that is an inspiration to me. He started with a giveaway car and
through hard work and inspiration has created a car to be proud of. It's one
thing to simply pour money into a car, it's quite another to invest pure
enthusiasm into a car project. This, I feel, is what Corvair ownership is
really about. Keep up the good work Geoff!
Well, I've finally run out of steam. I just want to thank you all again for
putting up with me during the last year. Let's see what wonderful things we can
do in the next year.
-- Robert Gold
===
August 2nd, 2002 NMCCC Report
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:34 PM.
2. The treasurer reported $6228.38 in the checking account and over $12,000.00
in CD (actual CD totals not available).
3. Several speakers talked on upcoming events:
-o Bill Callihan, T or C, told of the 2002 Veteran's Day Car Show in T or C on
9th November to benefit the residents of the New Mexico Veteran's Home.
-o Jeanine Otera told of the Aug 31 & Sep 1 car show at Traditions.
-o Representatives from the Rainbow Roadrunner Car Club told of the 2nd Annual
Balloon Fiesta Car Show to be held on 6 Oct (Free admission to the fiesta for
participants).
-o Tom Willers told of the Orphan Car Show to be held at Tires Plus, NE corner
of Eubank & Manuel (not Rio Rancho) on 14 Sep.
4. The Museum Car Show is scheduled for 18 May 2003. A five person volunteer
committee was formed to negotiate with the city.
5. A car show in Los Lunas is still under consideration for 2003.
6. Mike Gonzales reported that the Southwest Motor Sports people wants an
answer as to holding the 2003 Swap Meet and a car show at their complex. After
some discussion it was decided that individual clubs should be surveyed to see
if there was support for events at the site. SWMS would provide advertisement.
The results of the club survey would be consolidated at the September meeting
and a decision based on the survey would be made.
7. The 2002 Swap Meet planning and organization, 29 September in Los Lunas, is
well under way. Clubs are asked to volunteer at least 2 members to work 2 hours
as gate guards. (I did not commit CNM to any times as I would not be at the
CNM, NMCCC Meetings or the swap meet. I did ask Steve Gongora to help
coordinate support). Two free spaces will be given to car clubs providing
support for club use (not for sale of items). It was mentioned that Jerry Goffe
had not let the organizers known of PSAs coordinated.
8. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Mark Martinek -- CNM Representative
===
SEVEN YEARS AGO -by- Jim Pittman
One Year Ago - October 2001 - Volume 27 - Number 10
The cover showed a pre-9/11 view of York City's twin towers of the World Trade
Center, reminding us of another day that will live in infamy. Do you remember
what you were thinking in October a year ago? I thought it was the end of the
world as we knew it -- was I mistaken? Just what has changed during the last
year? Maybe by now we all have a different and more realistic view of our place
in the world. Or, maybe not.
Seven Years Ago - October 1995 - Volume 21 - Number 10
The cover depicted a California Corvair van with five open doors on the
passenger side. The illustration was not Photoshop-enhanced, but showed a van
that was built by surgically joining a front two-thirds section with a back
two-thirds section on a lengthened Buick frame. Power was by a 325-HP Buick V-8
and gas mileage was in the 12-14 MPG range.
In September Larry invited us to meet at the AMAFCA office as Casa Chevrolet
was still being remodeled. We had $1,068.64 in the bank. Bill Reider reported
that the NMCCC swap meet and the State Fair car show were on the same weekend.
Corvair belt buckles were here, $16 each. We were planning an auction, a photo
rally, a group visit to the Marine Corps Band and our annual Christmas party.
Monthly committee meetings for the convention were continuing. Larry Blair
wrote his "swan song" as president and reviewed our accomplishment during the
last year. Our board decided we would not accept paid advertising in the
Newsletter. Bill Reider was working on the third edition of the Care & Feeding
booklet.
Tech tips included a report on Rush Limbaugh's analysis of the career of our
friend Ralph Nader (no, he did not like him), cleaning your old steering box,
fixing dim tail lights and the world's best concrete driveway cleaner. And Kay
Sutt FAXed a report on the State Fair Car Show as experienced by Kay and Tarmo;
their '64 convertible took first place.
Fourteen Years Ago - October 1988 - Volume 14 - Number 10
The cover was a Mark Morgan drawing of a Corvair-visaged hot air balloon. (We
adopted this theme for our 1996 convention.) We had $562 to spend. We planned
our participation at the NMCCC swap meet. Bill Lawless asked for member input
to plan for the Aspencade next month. Richard Twilley announced he would be
auctioning off all his Corvair tools and parts. Sylvan reported on meeting the
Dare-Vair in Clines Corners. Steve Gongora reported on the trip to Las Vegas
and a tour of Montezuma Castle.
Twenty-one Years Ago - October 1981 - Volume 7 Number 10
Mark Morgan's popular series of articles on driving in various foreign
countries took us to Italy this month; the cover showed Lieutenant Mark and his
Avis Greenbrier being passed by a tiny Fiat. Robert "Bob" Gold was a new member
this month. Robert "Bob" Phillips gave another interesting talk on body work.
The "Dummy of the Month" told about buttoning up an engine, complete with sheet
metal, carbs, fuel lines and throttle linkage, only to realize that the fan
belt could not be installed because the fan bearing, the fan and the fan pulley
were still sitting on a shelf, not on the engine. Tech tips included: using the
correct short bolts to install door hinges (long ones WILL dimple the door
skin), a tire-pressure table, correct lubricant for positraction, preventing
thermostat breakage and fixing early model water leaks.
Twenty-eight Years Ago - October 1974
At our eighth meeting we planned our first Winrock Car Show, which turned out
to be a big success.
===
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Wed 2nd Oct 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sat 12th Oct 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - Balloon Fiesta at the Golds' residence
Wed 16th Oct 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 25th Oct 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
Sat 2nd Nov 6:00 PM Pot luck / Auction - held at House of Covers
Wed 6th Nov 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Fri 8th Nov ....... Great Western Fan Belt Toss and Swap Meet - California
Sat 9th Nov 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies -- The Goffs' residence
Wed 20th Nov 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 22nd Nov 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
Sun 1st Dec 11:00 AM Christmas Brunch at Kirtland AFB. Rita: 292-5570
Wed 4th Dec 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sat 14th Dec 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - TBA
Wed 18th Dec 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 20th Dec 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=++=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Election in October -by- Sylvan Zuercher
We have the following slate of candidates for office:
President: Robert Gold
Vice-president: Larry Blair and Joel Nash
Secretary: Chuck Vertrees
Treasurer: Wendell Walker
Anyone who wants to run for office should contact the Nominations Committee
(that's Sylvan) at 299-7577 in order to be listed as a candidate. Nominations
from the floor before the election will also be accepted, with the caveat that
the Club allows no railroading. When nominations are closed we will vote. New
officers assume their duties at the start of the November meeting. Vote early
and vote often!
October Program Note -by- Sylvan Zuercher
Our October speaker will be Sy Feldman who will have an approximately 45 minute
slide and talk presentation relating his experience as an American pilot flying
for the RAF during WWII. This presentation is NOT TO MISSED.
CNM Ladies -by- Anne Mae Gold
Greetings to one and all! I'm sorry to say that due to very busy schedules,
trips and prior committments, the September gathering had to be canceled. Thank
you to Brenda Stickler for being so understanding! She has offered the use of
her cabin for a gathering later in 2003, sometime in the spring... maybe May?
Let me know how you all feel about meeting on Mother's Day weekend... Yes, No?
October will find us here at the Gold Abode. It will be an open type meeting.
I've scheduled a Pampered Chef party... it is one of the Balloon Fiesta week-
ends... bring friends, relatives, heck bring strangers you meet on the corner!
It also happens to be the due date for our Chef so bring rubber gloves, we
might have a real exciting time!
On November 2nd we will be having a White Elephant Auction at House of Covers.
It will also be a pot-luck. Doors will be open for us around 6:00 (although
Robert insists it's 5:58). Bring what you like to eat, bring enough to share,
plates and cutlery will be provided. There is a coke machine there, but if you
are picky... bring your own beverage. Also bring lots of small bills! We don't
make change easily when everyone brings their high-roller wads of money!!
November 9th, the second Saturday of the month, we are scheduled to meet at the
Goffs' home. Time is still from 1-4 pm. If you need any added info or want to
set up a carpool, give me a call at 268-6878.
Thank you all for your support! -- Anne Mae
Will we have a December meeting, or is the Christmas party our December
meeting? Stay tuned.
Christmas Corvair Brunch -by- Rita Gongora
We are getting ready early this year: the Christmas Corvair Brunch is on track!
It will be on Sunday December 1, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Kirtland AFB Officers'
Club, the same
location as last year. It will be okay if you need to arrive after 12:00 noon.
When you go to the Wyoming gate to KAFB be sure to have your driver's license,
proof of vehicle insurance and the vehicle registration.
For more information, call Rita at 292-5570 or 256-0551.
Aspencade 2002 - Jim Pittman
At the board meeting someone said, What about this year's Aspencade? We all
looked at each other and realized we had all forgotten about it. So we decided
to call Tarmo for ideas - after all, Tarmo and Kay have put together many
spectacular and enjoyable trips for us over the years! Some ideas: A repeat of
the drive to the Salman Ranch and return through Mora. A drive up to the Santa
Fe Ski Area where we could ride to the top on the ski lift. A drive to Santa
Fe, then take the train to Lamy. A drive to Santa Fe, then take in some of the
many museums or look at the arts along Canyon Road.
So, members, what would you like to do? Bring your ideas to the October meeting
or contact Tarmo (505-471-1153 or tarmo@juno.com) or one of the CNM officers.
===
Chapter Five - The Final Chapter (or so I Hope)
Mark J Martinek mjmartinek AT juno DOT com (505) 275-3271
Dave called on Tuesday the 6th of August that the Corvair was ready for pickup.
He had done some additional work not specified in our original agreement at no
extra charge. He had repainted the engine compartment and installed a new
clutch cable.
On Friday, 9 August Mary Lou and I went to get the Corvair. I took a couple of
pictures of the engine and compartment before I started it up and got it dirty.
It looked great and after starting it I could tell that it had never run so
great before.
After paying Dave and getting instructions on the care, upkeep, and warranty
and getting information on what was done and old parts reused, I took off. The
Corvair ran like a champ so I went driving around town showing it off and
conducting some business.
After leaving the House of Covers while proceeding east on Central the Corvair
started to stall like from a lack of gas. I was able to push it off Central to
the corner of Hermosa and Copper where I sat in the hot sun for about an hour
or so waiting for Mary Lou to bring me a can of gas. I tried restarting the
Corvair by priming the carburetors to no avail. I disconnected the fuel line
into the pump to check for gas flow, which there was. I tried again to prime
the carburetors and restart the car again with no luck.
By now I am frustrated and decide that the fuel pump is not working. I called
Dave and made arrangements to get a used pump. While waiting for it, it dawned
on me that the fuel flow was rather weak, so I once again disconnected the fuel
line. This time there was no apparent flow of gas so I blew hard into the line.
I felt something give like a plug was removed. When I applied suction the fuel
flowed rapidly. I reconnected the line, primed the carburetors, and started the
car. I had no trouble driving home.
After letting the car sit for about an hour I decided to drive back to Dave's
and discuss the problem with him. After driving three blocks to the
intersection of Candelaria and Eubank it again stalled. I was able to coast
into the Mac Donald's parking lot. Being smarter now, I immediately
disconnected the fuel line, blew it out, applied suction, reconnected the line,
primed the carburetors and started the car. Not wanting to risk another stall
in heavy traffic I returned home.
After discussing the problem with Dave and being advised to install an electric
fuel pump, preferable an Autozone OEM type for a 1985 Honda Accord, I decided
to drain the tank and pull the fuel outlet/sending unit to make sure the screen
was not dirty and getting plugged.
After draining the tank and pulling the unit I found there was no screen on the
end of the pickup tube. Feeling the best I could inside the tank, I was unable
to find a loose screen or any sign of rust, corrosion or debris that could have
blocked the fuel line.
After refueling, actually filling the tank, I decided that the problem must
have been vapor lock and that an electric fuel pump would solve it. Since the
tank is now full of gas the installation of the pump will have to wait till
most of it is used up. If the pump works this is the end of my sad tale. If it
doesn't there will be more to come.
===
Note: Larry asked me if I remembered an article on how to "wake up" a Corvair
that had not been driven for a long time. I remember reading several
discussions over the year but off course, I could not remember a specific
article. So I tried Google on the web and came up with the following. Maybe it
will help:
http://aolsvc.carguides.aol.com/cars/articles/46351_edmunds.html
How to Get Your Car Ready for Summer
If you live where the summer months get hot, you'll want to take a few things
into consideration regarding your car, truck or SUV. It's important to remember
that hot weather can be tough on mechanical components. For example, your
cooling system has to work harder to keep the engine from overheating, tires
have to perform under hotter conditions, and if you have a breakdown, you
should be prepared to subsist in hot weather until some form of assistance
arrives, or you're able to repair the vehicle yourself.
While there are many similarities between getting your vehicle ready for summer
and getting it ready for winter, a couple of differences do exist. These are
covered below in the following numerated subjects and corresponding photos.
Let's take a look.
1. Remove snow tires. While snow tires work great in the winter, they're not
much good in the summer months when there's no snow on the ground. Plus, you'll
wear them out much faster by using them on dry pavement. It's a good idea to
have two sets of wheels: one mounted with snow tires and one with summer or
all-season tires. You can even swap the wheels yourself since you won't have to
go to a tire shop to have two sets of tires removed and remounted on one set of
wheels, which could run $40 to $50 each time you do it.
(continued on page 10)
2. Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is important at all times. It's
critical to have properly inflated tires, as this assures the best possible
contact between the tire and the road. Read your owner's manual to find the
correct tire pressures, and, if necessary, adjust pressures to compensate for
the hotter operating conditions -- especially if you're doing lots of
high-speed driving on a summer-vacation road trip. Properly inflated tires will
also last longer and improve gas mileage.
Because of summertime's higher temperatures, the air pressure in a warm tire
rises. Why? Because air is a gas, and gas expands when it heats up. Keep this
in mind if you are checking tire pressures. Generally, for every 10-degree
Fahrenheit rise in ambient temperature, your tire's inflation pressure will go
up by about 1 psi.
Also, an improperly inflated tire can heat excessively, potentially leading to
a blow-out on the highway.
3. Change the engine oil and adjust the viscosity grade. This isn't as hard as
it sounds. Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil. For example, maple
syrup has a higher viscosity than water. Engine oils are sold with different
levels of viscosity, and many of them are also multi-viscous, which means the
oil's thickness can change depending on its temperature. Generally speaking,
the warmer the oil is, the thinner it will be. If the oil is too thin, the
engine might not get the proper lubrication.
To solve this summertime issue, you can change your vehicle's engine oil to one
that is a little thicker. Even when the thicker oil is cold, it is still not
too thick for proper engine lubrication.
Determining what type of oil your car should have during the summer is easy.
Simply read your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual will list the
manufacturer's oil recommendations for different climates. If you have a
dealership or local garage perform the oil change, you can ask the manager what
type and viscosity of oil they are putting into your vehicle. Most modern cars
have recommended oil grades of 5W-30, 10W-30 or 10W-40 which are all
multi-viscous grades.
4. Inspect the belts and hoses. The belts and hoses in modern cars last a long
time. But that doesn't mean they don't have the potential to fail. Before
summer begins, have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle. And if
you're not sure when they were last replaced, consider having them changed,
especially before commencing on a long road trip.
5. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is always important and our
experience tells us that summer storms can be quite severe in some parts of the
country. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades
are dried out and not making full contact with the windshield, replace them.
Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. A summertime thunderstorm isn't
the best time to run out of wiper fluid or to discover your blades aren't
performing properly.
6. Check the battery. A battery gives little warning before it goes dead. And
it'll likely do so when you least expect it. Hot weather can put additional
strain on a battery similar to what is experienced in cold weather. If your
vehicle battery is more than three years old, have it tested at a certified
automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free
of corrosion. If you're embarking on a long trip, consider replacing the
battery if you don't know how old it is. These days, batteries are not very
expensive, and it's cheap insurance when you're out on the open road. We also
recommend that you always carry jumper cables, as mentioned below in the
emergency kit section.
7. Check coolant/antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of coolant and water
inside your vehicle's radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this
norm, then hot-weather performance (and cold) can be compromised.
If you were to put pure water in your vehicle's radiator, it would boil at 212
degrees Fahrenheit. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of
antifreeze, the new mixture boils at a much higher temperature.
You can check the composition of a radiator's mixture by using an antifreeze
tester. You can find these at all auto parts stores, and they are inexpensive
and easy to use. If the mixture's balance is off, adjust it by adding either
coolant or water.
8. Carry an emergency kit inside your car. Things you might consider carrying
include the following:
a. A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
b. Jumper cables.
c. Extra clothes and gloves.
d. Paper towels.
e. Extra washer fluid.
f. Food and water.
g. Basic tools like wrenches, a ratchet and sockets, screwdrivers and pliers or
Vise-Grips.
9. Things to Consider When Removing a Vehicle from Long-Term Storage
Those of you who live in an area of the country where the winters are tough
might store a car on a long-term basis to protect it from the elements. If you
do that, you'll want to think about a few things before pulling the car out of
the garage and hitting the road.
If you changed the oil before putting the car away, then you'll be in good
shape when it's time to start it up after a long winter in storage. Before
starting the car, though, check the oil level on the dipstick first. Recheck it
once the car has been idling for a few minutes.
If you have relatively easy access to the spark plugs, consider removing them
and pouring two to three small drops of oil in the cylinders to prelube the
cylinder walls before startup. This isn't absolutely critical (we know that
plug access on some vehicles is very difficult) but would certainly be helpful
in prolonging engine life.
In addition to engine oil, check all vital fluid levels. This includes the
brake system's master cylinder, the coolant level, the power-steering fluid and
the transmission fluid if the vehicle has an automatic transmission.
Gasoline stabilizer poured into the tank before the long-storage is begun is
also a good idea. If this was done, you'll be in good shape during startup
after the term ends. If getting the vehicle started is a problem and you didn't
use any stabilizer, you might need to drain the old fuel and pour in new gas.
Replacing the fuel filter might also be a solution to any problems related to
getting the vehicle started after long-term storage.
After parking the vehicle for storage, it's a good idea to disconnect the
battery. It's also a good idea to remove it from the vehicle, too, if you can.
Obviously, if you disconnected the battery, you'll need to reconnect it before
starting.
As mentioned earlier, you'll also want to check tire pressure before hitting
the road after long-term storage.
Finally, before moving the vehicle at all, thoroughly check underneath it to
determine if there are any leaks that might need attention. Tending to this and
the other basic concerns noted above will ensure that you'll be set to go after
your car has been stored for a long period of time.
===
* * * * * * * * * * * FOR SALE, TRADE OR WANTED * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FOR SALE: Set of seats (front & back) for 1965 Monza
blue. Good condition. Asking $50 OBO
Robert Gold 268-6878
FOR SALE: Early sedan fender skirts, new, painted
white. Asking $25. Geoff Johnson 344-3178
FOR SALE: RB block with freshly ground crank .010,
.010 with distributor gear, eccentric for fuel pump,
spacer, and slinger. Clevite 77 bearings rod & main
.010, .010, has 891 cam. Will install bell housing
with new seal for either automatic or standard.
Block ready to install pistons and jugs. $400
FOR SALE: Two 110 heads with valve job. Heads have
been cc'ed. Comes with copper head gaskets. $350
FOR SALE: One Dale rebuilt Harmonic Balancer. $100
FOR SALE: Black Clark's carpet for late coupe. $90
FOR SALE: Padded dash Clarks 65-66 installed on metal
support, black. $140
FOR SALE: One NOS late model front bumper. $175
FOR SALE: One rebuilt idler pulley w/new bearing. $40
FOR SALE: Tow hitch for 65-69 Corvair with 2" ball
has been power coated black. $25
Call Bill Reider 299-4597
* * * * * CNM ADS ARE FREE TO CNM MEMBERS, $5.00 TO NON-CNM MEMBERS * * * * *
===
Go to the State Fair meeting place. Windy weather. Beautiful light for photos
before the sun comes up. A lot of nice Corvairs - and an Ultravan! Take a lot
of photos. Home to put them in the newsletter. How to decide which to include?
Well, here they are. Enjoy them! -- Jim
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