Updated 30-Jan-2007 - Copyright (c) 2007 Corvairs of New Mexico.
EDITOR: Jim Pittman
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday November 5th, 7:30 PM
Galles Chevrolet, Lomas & University
THIS MONTH:
Pass the Torch Sylvan Zuercher
Dues Due Sylvan Zuercher
October Meeting Notes Chuck Vertrees
October Board Meeting Chuck Vertrees
NMCCC Meeting Notes Geoff Johnson
Route 66 Cleanup 2003 Oliver Scheflow
Rebuilt & Restored Mark Domzalski
Trip to California & Utah Del Patten
For Sale, Trade or Wanted Everybody
Calendar of Coming Events Everybody
CNM Ladies Anne Mae Gold
Seven Years Ago Jim Pittman
State Fair Report Robert Gold
Catastrophe: No Brakes! Robert Gold
TECH: Think Before You Do Steve Goodman
COVER: The Concorde's last takeoff. CNM's Library Van.
===
We was playin' the Homestead Grays in the city of Pitchburgh. Josh Gibson comes
up in the last of the ninth with a man on and us a run behind. Well, he hit
one. The Grays waited around and waited around, but finally the empire rules it
ain't comin' down. So we win. The next day, we was disputin' the Grays in
Philadelphia when here come a ball outta the sky right in the glove of the
Grays' center fielder. The empire made the only possible call. "You're out,
boy!" he says to Josh. "Yesterday, in Pitchburgh." -- Satchel Paige
Dues Expired or Due or Approaching Due:
Robert Harvey 2003-Aug EXPIRED
Jacob Schlessinger 2003-Aug EXPIRED
Jon Anderson 2003-Oct EXPIRED
Willard Davis 2003-Oct EXPIRED
John Topp 2003-Oct EXPIRED
Jason Ward 2003-Oct EXPIRED
Del Patten 2003-Nov THIS MONTH
Jack Bryan 2003-Nov THIS MONTH
David Huntoon 2003-Dec
Fred Edeskuty 2003-Dec
Joel Nash 2003-Dec
Roger Pape 2003-Dec
John Wiker 2004-Jan
LeRoy Rogers 2004-Jan
John McMahan 2004-Jan
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!
/*
A billion seconds ago Harry Truman was president.
A billion minutes ago was just after the time of Christ.
A billion hours ago man had not yet walked on earth.
A billion dollars ago was late yesterday afternoon at the U.S. Treasury.
*/
===
Passing the Torches
Sylvan Zuercher
Torch #1
After over 25 years of publishing (going to and picking up from the printer,
collating, stapling, folding, stamping and mailing) the Enchanted Corvairs
Newsletter, it became time to relinquish these duties and I mentioned
something about this to Jim Pittman several months ago. A short time later, I
received a call that Heula Pittman had volunteered her services. By now Heula
has been publishing the newsletter for about six or seven months and I want to
say "Thank You" for assuming this responsibility as I know the rest of CNM
members will do.
Torch #2
Sometime after joining CNM in August of 1974, I also began recruiting new
members and while I don't think there were any broken arms there seemed to be
quite a bit of success. There were many leads and tips from various sources.
Having approached a member to run for office for a few years and declining to
do so, after last month's meeting at the Route 66 Diner he was approached to
take over the duties as Chairman of the recruiting committee. The reply was;
"Sure, I can do that." He has already talked about some good new ideas. Our new
President, Mark Domzalski, made the appointment official.
His name is David Huntoon. My sincere thanks to Dave for stepping up to the
plate.
So the torches are passed.
-- Sylvan, ex, ex.
===
Meeting Notes October
Chuck Vertrees
The meeting was called to order about 19:30 on 10/2/03. Galles had scheduled a
safety meeting for its employees in our regular meeting room. Therefore we had
a quick meeting in the parking lot of the adjoining Saturn dealership. We just
finished as it started to sprinkle. My notes are pretty vague, being written on
a jiggling pad.
The first thing mentioned was that CNM was scheduled to clean up our piece of
"Old Route 66" on the coming Saturday. The Highway Department was out of the
yellow safety vests (?) so it was decided that we should wear our yellow shirts
during the pickup.
Wendell Walker reported that CNM had $992.63 in the regular checking account
and $4,644.76 in our GMAC account for a total of $5,637.39. Wendell also
brought the Annual Treasurer's Report for the year 2002, from 10/01/02 through
10/01/03. Your secretary has a copy if anyone would like to look at it.
According to Wendell we made a profit of $155.95 during the year.
There were no new members or guests present. Mark Martinek has a copy of the
Car Council report on the web. It was moved and accepted that Mark's work as
Car Council was much appreciated and he was presented with a certificate for
his efforts. Past president Robert Gold will be taking over as our new Car
Council representative.
Members were reminded that a breakfast meeting was planned for 08:30 on the
18th at the Owl Cafe. This is the one on Lomas and Eubank so nobody should
drive the 75 miles to San Antonio.
There was discussion of whether we should try to plan a tour North on the 19th.
After some discussion it was decided that it was a little late to try to do so.
The upcoming Great Fan Belt Toss and Swap Meet was discussed. Some CNM members
are planning on going. Joel Nash has registration forms if anyone needs one.
It was then time for our annual election of officers. The slate presented by
the nominating committee consisted of Mark Domzalski for President, Sally
Johnson for Vice-President, Charles Vertrees for Secretary and Wendell Walker
for Treasurer. Since there were no nominations from the floor (regardless of
the pleading of some of the candidates) the slate was accepted by acclamation.
There being no further business, and a light scattering of dampness, our
meeting under the stars (or under the clouds) was adjourned at 20:06.
===
October Board Meeting Minutes
Chuck Vertrees
The board meeting was called to order at HOUSE OF COVERS on 10/15/03 at 19:00.
Present were Mark Domzalski, Wendell Walker, Joel Nash, Steve and Rita Gongora,
Robert Gold, Jim Pittman, Sally Johnson, Geoff Johnson, Sylvan Zuercher and
Chuck Vertrees.
OFFICERS' REPORTS:
Sally reminded those present of the breakfast at the Owl Cafe on the following
Saturday. It was suggested that Sally could look for other sites for future
Saturday breakfasts, such as on the West side or in the East Mountains.
Wendell reported that CNM had $908.98 in the checking account and $4,644.76 in
the GMAC account for a total of $5,553.74. No other officers had a report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Rita and Steve reported on the Christmas dinner. It is all "go" on 12/07/03 at
the Officers Club on Kirkland AFB. The time was changed from 11:00 to 12:00 so
that it would not conflict with many CNM members who go to church on Sunday.
The requirements needed to get on base will be printed in detail in the
newsletter later, but briefly, be sure you have proof of car insurance, your
car registration, and a picture I.D.
Sylvan has been the membership committee for many years and would like to take
a little rest, which he well deserves. Dave Huntoon has agreed to take over the
job from Sylvan. The board fully approved this change. Dave will do a great
job.
Robert Gold was out of town at the time of the Car Council meeting. Mark
Martinek filled in for Robert. The Car Council report is on line.
NEWSLETTER REPORT:
Jim said that he might need some help on the November issue since he may have a
scheduling conflict at the time of the newsletter deadline.
Jim also brought up the idea of publishing a special issue of the newsletter
for our upcoming 30th anniversary in March 2004. Old-timers will remember that
we put out a special issue in 1989 for our 15th anniversary and another special
issue in 1999 for our 25th anniversary. Or, maybe we should wait until 2009 for
our 35th anniversary? Anyway, we need to decide on that, and if we do it, we
will need to select a theme and decide on a special cover. Mark said that he
would be glad to help and would even spell anniversary correctly this time.
OLD BUSINESS:
Robert said that CNM was represented at the Car Council Swap Meet. By and large
the meet seemed to go well. The future at the location is somewhat in doubt.
It was decided that the board would work on a schedule for next year's events.
This could take some time and Mark has to catch a plane this evening. If you
have any suggestions for events, either new or ones that you would like to
repeat, please let one of the board members know or come to the next board
meeting.
Sally does not have anything set up for the November meeting. She is going to
try to get Larry Blair again. Maybe the third time will be a charm. Also she
will check on trying to get a tour of the Galles Body Shop in the future.
Members need to be reminded of the November Potluck and Auction. It will be on
11/15/03 at House of Covers. The time is 18:00, or for civilians, 6:00 PM. Be
sure you do not miss this because of the fun. Ask Robert Gold about his tub of
eyeballs.
NEW BUSINESS:
As a possibility for the 2004 garage tour, down south is a group of
experimental aircraft. Some of them are using Corvair engines. I think it is
Sally who will check on this.
Mark says that we need to resurrect the Membership & Family Care Committee.
This would help members when the member needs help, a visit or just some
encouragement. Rita and Elizabeth would help on this.
It is time to resurrect the Bylaw and Constitution review committee.
Also the we need to resurrect the Award Committee to solidify the definitions
and criteria. It has been five years since we have been giving the Boydston
Award. Sylvan and Mark will help work on the criteria for this.
Wendell says that since we have lots (?) of money in our account, we should
figure out how to use some of it to benefit the members. It was suggested that
we could use some of it, possibly $1,000.00, to help underwrite the cost of the
March 2004 anniversary dinner. This is still an idea for discussion. The board
is open to suggestions from the membership.
Joel said he received e-mail about a 1963 Rampside in Artesia. If you are
interested, see Joel.
The meeting was adjourned at 17:47 so Mark could go to the airport.
===
Car Council Meeting Report
Geoff Johnson - October 22nd 2003
The meeting started at 7:30.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion on how the Swap meet/Car Show went. Overall it was a success, with a
few drawbacks. Primary complaint was that it was too far out of town. Also it
was said that they had far too few volunteers to run it, and they need to
cultivate more volunteers for future events. Volunteering for events seems to
be a big problem, and they really need people to come out and give a helping
hand at events. CNM was acknowledged and thanked for volunteering.
The Council is still tentative about where to have it for next year. Spaces to
hold it in Albuquerque do not exist, at least in any price range or sizable
space that is needed to put on the event. It was asked that if anyone has a
better idea on where to hold it to please come forward and make a suggestion.
Drawbacks of the Los Lunas and UNM parking lot locations were discussed, and
why it is not feasible to hold it there. It was suggested that the show portion
had a smaller turnout then expected because of most people did not want to go
through the hassle of showing a car and participating in the swap meet. Next
year they are thinking of having just an informal show-n-shine instead of a
formal show at the event, and will likely eliminate the Car Corral for lack of
interest.
NEW BUSINESS:
Next year's May car show at the Albuquerque Museum was discussed. The Council
voted that they would continue to hold it there for the next three years. The
City is very receptive to having the show there every year, and would like to
ensure it continues to be held there through 2006 for Albuquerque's 300-year
anniversary celebration. The 2003 show had 385 cars. Arrangements have been
made for more parking spaces for cars for next year's show, and they would like
to see 450 cars show up. Hopefully by doing this the Council can build rapport
with the City, and from that hopefully the City will be more helpful to the
Council in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45. -- Geoff Johnson
===
Club Holds 3rd 2003 Old Route 66 Cleanup
Oliver Scheflow
The October 4 cleanup occurred on the same day as the Balloon Fiesta opening.
The news-weathermen had been predicting possible rain for several days before.
Sure enough, Saturday morning looked like rain. Gordon Johnson reported driving
through a shower on his way to our meeting area.
There was no rain, but the sun played hide and seek with us during the pickup.
When we finished, the sun was shining and we had to shed some of our clothing.
The trash was very light that day and no unusual items were found. David
Huntoon said the State had a group of prisoners out cleaning up a few weeks
earlier.
Those participating were: Steve Gongora, David Huntoon, Gordon Johnson, Joel
Nash. Del Patten, Ollie Sheflow, Chuck Vertrees.
During the year, some 15 members and guests participated. Thanks to all who
helped. They were: David Huntoon; Steve Johnson & daughters Jessica and Yvette;
Joel Nash; Ollie Scheflow; Kevin Sullivan; Chuck Vertrees; John Wiker & Ronnie
Mann, a cadet from John's reserve unit; Jim Pittman; Robert Gold; Bill Reider;
Larry Blair; Hurley Wilvert.
I hope to see you all again out on Old Route 66 in 2004. -- Ollie
===
Tech Tip - Think Before You Do
by Steve Goodman
Denvair News - Rocky Mountain CORSA - October, 2003
I had Laura's new addition, a 1963 GREENBRIER in the shop last week. The first
problem was an oil pressure failure when turning corners. What I found was two
things: first, the oil pan was crushed into the oil pickup and thus almost
sealing it against the bottom of the pan, and the pickup was full of strings of
silicone from the last pan gasket job.
Now dropping the pan isn't a bad job you say? Wrong, not when whoever installed
the dual exhaust system chose to strengthen up the mufflers a bit. They welded
a 1/2" cold rolled steel rod across the two mufflers. To make matters worse,
they welded another bar across the two u-bends. I promise you, the mufflers
would stay on that engine if it was dropped from an airplane. The problem is
this: the rod across the bottoms of the mufflers also ran across the oil pan;
thus I had to cut the rod to drop the oil pan.
Second problem is that the mufflers are supposed to be dropped separately (like
a 140 dual system) so that the entire exhaust system doesn't have to be removed
just to change a valve cover gasket. If the two mufflers are tied together then
the entire system has to be removed for the simplest of repairs.
MY SUGGESTION IS TO THINK about other repair operations before you install
something that causes problems later.
LASTLY: Use any silicone/RTV sparingly. A tiny bead of RTV only 1/8" wide will
spread an inch or more when squished together. All of the excess is pushed into
cavities or openings such as the bottom of the engine or the transfer hole
between the transmission and diff.
===
Rebuilt & Restored
Mark Domzalski
October 25, 2003
One of the benefits of being president exactly seven years ago is being able to
read a recap of what I did then. Hopefully, with your help and support, I can
do it better this time...
Since I was away on business for the election, I want to thank you for your
support and confidence by electing me as the leader of this unique CORSA
Chapter once again.
Thanks to immediate past president Robert for his service and stepping into
Mark Martinek's position as New Mexico Car Council liaison. And thanks to
immediate past vice-president Joel for his support and service. Special thanks
to secretary Chuck, treasurer Wendy, and editor emeritus Jim and his publishing
assistant Heula for their consistency and continuity of support for all of us.
Welcome to Sally for stepping up and agreeing to take on the duties and some
new responsibilities as your vice-president. Extra special thanks to Steve and
Rita for their long history and continued support to CNM by hosting our monthly
Board meeting and annual pot-luck and auction at House of Covers.
A few weeks ago, longtime membership chair Sylvan called and requested that he
be allowed to retire from the position. In his always thorough and diligent
support of our chapter, he identified a replacement who has agreed to step in
and continue the mission of membership. With understanding and gratefulness, I
have agreed to Sylvan's proposal and hope that you will all thank him for his
service the next time you see him at a meeting or chapter activity. During my
time as an officer in CORSA I heard, on several occasions, that one of the best
and easiest chapters to work membership with was CNM. CORSA Executive Secretary
Harry Jensen always praised the accuracy and thoroughness of Sylvan. You can
also thank, as did I at our last breakfast outing at the Owl Cafe, Dave Huntoon
for taking on the responsibilities of the membership chair.
So, you ask, what the heck am I going to do for the next year? Well, I have
already outlined goals and presented them at the last Board meeting. Three
overall goals are to resurrect the Care Committee, execute a review of our
by-laws and constitution, and form a standing Award Committee. Over the next
few months, I will share more specifics regarding these goals. Beyond that, our
plan is to have a great celebration for the 30th anniversary of CNM next March
and have plenty of interesting and fun family oriented activities during the
year.
News flash: Last night I was watching a special program on the Sci-Fi channel
about an alleged UFO incident in Kecksburg, PA on December 9, 1965. They showed
a clip of a witness from the era who stated: "I was workin' on a '64 Corvair
when I looked up and seen a red ball of fire in the sky..." Hmm... No other
description to determine what model... But, another Corvair in modern prime
time!
Again, thank you all for your support. Elizabeth and I look forward to another
great year in CNM.
===
Still Outta Gas...
Del Patten
So you got to read all about Dave's trip to Chicago... pretty good article I
thought... and let's not forget the trials and tribulations of Mark Martinek's
self destructing engine... oh yes and his seemingly endless soliloquies on the
Car Council.
So I guess I really must tell you about my trip of some 2400 miles in
September. Except nothing happened!!
Drove to Provo, Utah and all around the area... then drove through Vegas to
Riverside, California to see my sister get married and then drove home. No
fuss, no muss. Something close to 2400 miles all told, averaging about 25
MPG... not bad for me!! Boring trip. I did have the Flowmasters in there... at
about 75-80 MPH they mellow out and you can hear pretty good. Unless you have
young ears and by then you are as deaf as I am and it doesn't matter. They
aren't so mellow idling through parking garages (nasty is the term that comes
to mind!) but the combination with all the car alarms starting up was rather
pleasant!
By the way, EverReady batteries last about 10 hours in my tape recorder which I
need to listen to books on tape! That Louis Lamour tells a pretty good story!
It wasn't too hot in AZ or NV actually and I think it was only about 98 as I
went through Phoenix. Since I don't have the AC hooked up, I did resort to
frequent dosings of the cold cooler water if I was starting to overheat as I
motored across the Nevada desert. And I love the trip to UT... once you get out
of NM!! Some great rainstorms north of Gallup and again south of Salt Lake City
on the way to Riverside that kept the temps down for much of the time.
I was going to think of something clever to tell about Tarmo (I make all that
stuff up don't you know... fiction, not a lie!!) but I think I'll wait till he
goes to Palm Springs. He has always told us that trip was for the foreign
exchange kids to go to Disneyland but it is really an excuse for him to see if
he can spot Annette Funicello!! But it is more fun to kid him after he steals
all the good stuff at PS!! I did hear he makes the kids buy him dinner while
they are there... otherwise they have to sleep in the back of the Corvair...
with all his parts... you know, the ones he hasn't moved under their bed yet!!
Ya gotta love the little guy though!! At least Kay has to love him!
Any Old Mouse...
By the way... Hinckley in Ogden, UT is the oldest Chrysler dealership in the
US!! The guys in the service department did think the car was pretty cool!!
They drove home in Neons though.
===
* * * * * * * * * * * * FOR SALE, TRADE OR WANTED * * * * * * * * * * * *
FOR SALE: Elliott Knapp's daughters want to dispose of a few Corvair parts,
including:
= one pair of brake drums
= one Monza wheel cover
= two mufflers
= other assorted car-related parts are available
= a 1950 Buick with 30,000 miles is available, but it's in a barn in
Oklahoma.
For more information, please call 296-9421
YARD SALE: Lots of Corvair parts at very low prices. Some free.
Mike Stickler - 344-2039
FREE: 1964 Corvair coupe - needs restoration, new cylinder head.
Geoff Johnson - 720-1484
FOR SALE: Yellow Tri-State T-shirts, Golf Shirts.
Call Bill Reider 299-4597
* * * * * CNM ADS ARE FREE TO CNM MEMBERS, $5.00 TO NON-CNM MEMBERS * * * * *
===
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C O R V A I R S o f N E W M E X I C O C O M I N G E V E N T S
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| | | |
| N o v e m b e r | D e c e m b e r | J a n u a r y |
| | | |
| : : : : : : 1 | : 1 2 3 4 5 6 | : : : : 1 2 3 |
| 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 | 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
| 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 | 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 | 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 |
| 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 | 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 | 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 |
| 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 | 28 29 30 31 : : : | 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 |
| 30 : : : : : : | : : : : : 2003 | : : : : : 2004 |
============================================================================
Wed 5th Nov 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Fri-Sat 7-8 Nov Great Western Fan Belt Toss & Swap Meet - California
Sat 8th Nov 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - Ruth Boydston's
Sat 15th Nov 6:00 PM CNM Pot Luck & Auction - more information later
Wed 19th Nov 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Wed 19th Nov 9:00 PM ===EARLY=== Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
Sat 22nd Nov 8:30 AM Owl Cafe Breakfast - Eubank & Lomas & I-40
Wed 3rd Dec 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sun 7th Dec 12:00 noon Christmas Party - Kirtland AFB Officers' Club
Sat 13th Dec 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - TBA
Wed 17th Dec 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 19th Dec 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman (early)
Wed 7th Jan 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sat 10th Jan 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - TBA
Wed 21st Jan 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 23rd Jan 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
Wed 4th Feb 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sat 14th Feb 1:00-4:00 CNM Ladies - TBA
Wed 18th Feb 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 20th Feb 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
Wed 3rd Mar 7:30 PM Regular Meeting - GALLES CHEVROLET 1601 Lomas NE
Sat 13th Mar CNM Ladies - TBA
Wed 17th Mar 5:00 PM Board Meeting - House of Covers
Fri 26th Mar 9:00 PM Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=++=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
CNM LADIES -by- Anne Mae Gold
Sorry I've been so lax about keeping you up to date about things. I'm afraid
that coaching 7 six year old girls in soccer once a week and then going to
games all day Saturday has reduced me to a wobbling mass of jello. Is it too
late to rethink this motherhood thing? Can I decide now that I want to be a
stay at home mom? Especially since the kids go to school? Hmmm.
Anyhow, we are still meeting. We just thought that instead of monthly we would
meet 3 or 4 times a year... or more as long as there is interest. Let me know
of events you would like for us to attend or meet for. If you know of something
cool that you've been dying to have someone go to with you, let me know and
I'll write it up.
On November 8, we will meet at Ruth Boydston's house. The meeting time will be
from 1pm to 4pm. In November we will also be having the famous, once a year
opportunity, chance of a nighttime, bring your junk and trade it for new
treasures, pot-luck dinner and auction at House Of Covers. Please check the
calendar in this newsletter for date and time!!!
In December we will be gathering for the Christmas Brunch. Elizabeth Domzalski,
Ruth Boydston and I have traditionally prepared the gift bags for the kids.
Please let one of us know if you'd like to help out some way. We'll be asking
how many kids will be attending... your children or grandchildren... so let
your husbands know the kid count for the Christmas Brunch so that no one will
be disappointed. Give me a ring with any suggestions! 268-6878.
Ta ta for now, Anne Mae
===
Seven Years Ago - November 1996 - Volume 22 - Number 11
On the cover a couple of ex-Navy types, unfamiliar with the Crest Road, drive
right past the end of NM 536. Ouch! President Mark ran our meeting. A guest
came to try to sell a Corvair he inherited from his grandmother who only drove
it to church on Sundays. Treasurer Will reported $1288 in the kitty. Sylvan
introduced new member Paul Campbell. He recently bought a 1965 Monza and found
a copy of Bill's "Care & Feeding" in the glove box and followed up on it. Bill
reported on Car Council activities and plans. The Old Town "Unfair" car show
was so successful there were plans to do it again next year. Bill also wrapped
up some convention details. We had 31 members who worked on the convention and
with family and friends the total number of workers was about 56. We decided
that all members who worked would have two years of dues paid by the club. Bill
said he and Debbie had received many expressions of thanks from vendors and
other clubs for the fine job CNM did. There was $15,583.40 in the convention
account with all known bills paid but with some checks not yet cashed. At the
board meeting we learned that $7,831.36 went to CORSA and $1,000 went to the
Corvair Preservation Society. We donated $250 to the San Diego's "ResQ-921"
project. We also donated $250 to the Michelle Goffe Foundation.
We had our election and the results were: Mark Domzalski, president; Jon
Anderson, vice-president; Charles Vertrees, secretary; Will Davis, treasurer.
Our "Convention How-to" packet was nearly ready to send to CORSA and the clubs
working on the Lake Placid convention. Larry Blair announced a carburetor
rebuild session at his garage on January 11, to be directed by carbmeister
Sylvan Zuercher. Rita previewed our Christmas party. Debbie assured us there
was no shortage of CNM cookbooks to use for Christmas presents. Mark told us of
an upcoming "Ethnic Potluck" with German, Italian, Japanese, Cajun, Polish,
English and Mexican dishes. Mark tech-tipped us with a how-to on winterizing a
Rampside to keep cold air out at highway speed. Mary Lou told about the
adventure of having her convertible filmed by a Czeck crew for an Israeli
television commercial. Chuck told us about the real-life history of the forward
control locomotives used by the Southern Pacific railroad in the 1940s to climb
the steep grades in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This was a very full 12-page
newsletter!
Fourteen Years Ago - November 1989 - Volume 15 - Number 11
The cover's early Corvair was subject of a Road & Track road test. What year
was it? We had $678 in the bank. LeRoy reported on a successful swap meet. Bob
McBreen and William Denison were new members. Evaluation of other club
newsletters (for newsletter exchange) was still going on. Francis told us that
25 Ultravans were at the Balloon Fiesta this year. We elected Dale Housley, Tom
Martin, Brian Zolna and Charles Vertrees for our officers. Tom's monthly
article, LA VENTANA, told about past president Bill Hector and his Corvair
career starting in DeKalb, Illinois. Bill's column, CARE & FEEDING, featured
his new driving control computer and what it could tell him about his 1967
sedan. Jim told us about test driving the new 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Tech tips
included a cylinder head temperature sensor adapter and what a voltmeter can
tell you about your battery.
Twenty-one Years Ago - November 1982 - Volume 8 Number 11
The cover paraded CORSA insignia. Robin DeVore's minutes said we had $355 in
the bank and we had not heard from CORSA about our bid for a convention. There
was an effort to get the legislature to approve a special license plate for old
cars. We elected LeRoy Rogers, George Morin, Chuck Hollingsworth and Bill
Hector for our officers. Our speaker was Mike Wiener who showed us part of his
collection of old license plates. Tech tips included filling your new oil
filter with oil before installing it, a discussion about oil additives, and the
best way to adjust valves according to Cal Clark. Finally, Jim provided a story
about the club's recent trek to Trinity Site and his awe at standing on the
spot where the nuclear demon was first made real.
Twenty-eight Years Ago - November 1975 - Volume 1 Number 10
The cover showed a Cavalier, a Corvair Corsa modified for better handling and
distinctive styling. Wonder how many were actually sold? Do any still survive
today? At our last meeting we had 32 members and guests and membership stood at
52. We were looking forward to being fully chartered as a CORSA chapter. New
officers were Sylvan Zuercher, Joel Nash and Steve Gongora - I suppose
secretary-treasurer was one job back then. Editor and former president Mark
Morgan reviewed the new Chevrolet "Monza Spyder" and compared it to the
1960-1969 Corvair Monzas and Spyders. No, he didn't like it. New members were
Brian Ballou, Ralph DeBush, O.C. Love and Fletch Miller.
===
State Fair Car Show
Robert Gold
In my former life I was a bicyclist who would take to the open road and ride
100 miles at a time. It's hard for me to believe that I did that with any
regularity, but I guess now chasing after a 6 and an 8 year old could be seen
as the same sort of activity. Anyway, the toughest 100 mile tour I participated
in was called the "Enchanted Circle Tour" that started in Eagle's Nest and
wound through Taos and Angle Fire and back to the starting place. The first
year I participated I was subjected to hail, wind, and rain. Just surviving was
quite an accomplishment. Contrast this to the last time I went on the tour and
the sun was shining and I had a gentle tail wind pushing me along.
Well you might now be asking yourself, "What the heck does this have to do with
the 2003 State Fair Car Show?" To answer that question all you have to do is
think back to 2002 when the Corvair crowd got together at 7:00 am to enter the
fairgrounds and we were met by a stiff, cold wind that made us doubt our sanity
for attending the show. This year however, it was nothing like that. Just like
my last 100 miler, when we got together to enter the fairgrounds the wind was
calm and the temperature was civilized. In fact my 8 year old son was
comfortable without the jacket his mother told him to wear.
A quick survey of the cars lined up revealed a nice mix of various models and
years. I'll give you a recap of who drove what, but I have to say the one
vehicle that stood out from the others in my opinion was the 1963 Rampside that
Larry Hickerson was driving. Any verbal description would not do it justice. It
had a paint job that was sooooo perfect it looked like a mirror. All I can say
is that this vehicle showed a pride in Corvairs that I hope stands as an
example for all us to attain. Good going Larry!!
Anyway, back to the play by play of the car show... around 7:20 (that's how I
put it in last month's newsletter) we caravanned into the fairgrounds. Keeping
with the tradition that has continued since our first fair show, we all entered
the Fair for free. I figure that based on a entry fee of $2.00 per person,
Corvairs of New Mexico members have saved $156 over the last six years. This is
akin to me being able to avoid getting any speeding tickets since 1970.... when
I do get a ticket I can't complain. That'll be the same thing if or when we
have to pay in the future.
So the 14 assorted cars (I really mean this, since one of our cars was a 1966
Chevy Pickup!) assembled on Heritage Avenue under those wonderful trees that
shelter us every year from the New Mexico sun. In no time we were set up and
off to have that breakfast burrito we always get.
A nice aspect of this show was the great support the members gave me.
The judging of the "novelty" classes was distributed among the members and to a
person they did a wonderful job. It was such an impartial job that I notice
that when all the 51 novelty ribbons were distributed my two cars had the least
amount of ribbons. However, if you look at the following listing you'll see how
I made up for it. The judging did include a real attempt at judging the merits
of the cars. Here are the results of that judging. These folks got the purple
"Best of Show" ribbons:
1. Best car - late (1965-1969) 1st Tarmo & Kay Sutt 1965 Corsa
2. Best car - early (1960-1964) 1st Mary Lou & Mark Martinek 1963 Convertible
3. Best Forward Control 1st Larry Hickerson 1963 Rampside
4. Best Gold Family Car 1st Robert Gold 1961 Rampside
(That's the benefit of putting on the show!!)
I think it would be pointless to list in detail all the winners of the 17
novelty classes. Suffice it to say that true to my promise everyone got to take
home at least one ribbon. For those of you who haven't attended the show, all
those ribbons draped on the cars are quite a sight to see. So to give credit to
all those who attended the show here is a listing of the individuals and their
cars:
Car Show entries:
1. Robert Gold 1961 Rampside (Did I mention this won a purple ribbon?)
2. Sally Johnson 1961 Monza Sedan
3. Geoff Johnson 1963 Monza Coupe (This one has returned from the dead!)
4. Frank Stadler 1961 700 4-door (Frank has owned this since it was new!)
5. Kim & Del Patton 1966 Monza (*)
6. Robert & Anne Mae Gold 1965 Monza 4-door
7. Larry Hickerson 1963 Rampside (I want this truck!)
8. Mary Lou & Mark Martinek 1964 Convertible
9. Steve Gongora 1966 Corsa
10. Tarmo & Kay Sutt 1965 Corsa
11. Mike Stickler 1962 Greenbrier
12. Jake & Dana Schlessinger 1965 Monza Convertible (**)
13. Dwight Simmons 1966 Chevy Pickup (Yes-- that's right!)
14. Carl Johnson 1964 Greenbrier (And it actually ran!)
* (Del said I needed a class for the loudest pipes-- he would have won it
going
away!)
** (These newlyweds have gotten married life off to a wonderful start with this
car!)
As if attending the State Fair wasn't interesting enough, when it came time for
us to go, we got a front row seat when the Budweiser Clydsdales turned from
Main Street up Heritage Avenue. Being a St. Louis Cardinals fan I had a Seventh
Inning Moment.
All I can say was that it was a lot of fun this year. It just keeps getting
better and better. So I'm counting on you to join us in 2004 to see how much
fun it is.
-- Robert Gold
===
Corvair Catastrophes
Robert Gold
About two years ago when I first became CNM President I suggested that members
write about the problems associated with Corvair ownership. I thought that a
good name for such a monthly newsletter column would be "Corvair Catastrophes."
I figured that any one who has owned a Corvair for more than 20 minutes has a
story to tell about how their car "did them wrong." I also said that I was
willing to write the first article. Well, it's two years later and I've finally
gotten around to telling my tale.
Actually when I thought about it two incidents came to mind. One was associated
with my lovely wife and the other occurred with another "friend" of mine that I
knew before Anne Mae. Obviously you will now hear my Anne Mae story!
It's hard for me to believe, but there was a time before I married Anne Mae. I
say this because I've enjoyed married life so much. Anyway, I had just met Anne
Mae and we were about to go on our first dinner date up into the mountains at
Belle Vista in Cedar Crest. I wanted to impress her so I selected my sexy '65
Corsa convertible to drive to the restaurant. I spent the day before polishing
and cleaning and when the day arrived I was all set to go. Well sort of.... You
see, like many Corvair owners I set priorities on what I will repair on my car.
At this time I had two items that were high on my list. One was to install a
radio that actually worked and the second was to fix that spongy brake pedal.
Since I'm a child of the 60's, rock and roll is very important to me. So I did
a great job of installing the radio. Twelve years later I still have that radio
in the car and it works great! However, there was the issue of the brakes....
So the night arrived and I picked up Anne Mae and we drove to the restaurant.
That 140 really did perform nicely going up to the mountains. What was nice
about the trip was that I really didn't need to use those brakes much since
everything was uphill. So when we entered the parking lot I had a big grin on
my face thinking about how nice the car ran and how well I was impressing my
date. That was until I pulled in to that uphill parking spot. I pulled the car
into the spot and pushed the brake pedal to stop.... It was then that I heard
this really loud squishing sound from the right rear wheel and the pedal went
straight to the floor. For you who do not know this, most Corvairs have single
master cylinders. That means that if a problem occurs in a brake line (like a
wheel cylinder bursting) you have no brakes. I HAD NO BRAKES. Here we were up
in the mountains and I HAD NO BRAKES. So what did I do? I smiled at Anne Mae
and said, "There's really no problem, let's go eat".... After all I didn't want
to ruin our meal with the fact that I HAD NO BRAKES... So we had a nice meal at
Belle Vista and once we got back into the car I turned to my date and told her
that I HAD NO BRAKES....
The question at this point was what to do? Most sane people would have arranged
for alternate transportation back home. Especially if you were on your first
date with someone and you wanted her to think you weren't totally crazy. So
what did I do? I said, "It's ok, let's just drive home." Can you believe that?
Today, now that I'm an old married man with children I can't believe it. But at
the time it seemed like an ok thing to do.
So like they said in the "Blues Brothers" movie, there we were with miles to
go, it was at night, we were in the mountains, and I HAD NO BRAKES. Away we
went down the mountain... one nice thing about the Corsa was that it had a
manual transmission and better yet, an emergency brake.
It was because of those things that we made it back alive. Between downshifting
and use of the emergency brake we got back to my place in one piece. All the
time Anne Mae was looking at me trying to figure out what possessed her to go
out with me in the first place. All I can say was that it must have been love,
because after that experience she continued to date me and the rest is history.
So what conclusions can be drawn from this experience? First of all, you might
consider replacing that single master cylinder with a dual one. Larry Blair
gave a talk on that a few years back. The second conclusion is that if you go
out with someone who is willing to overlook the fact that you are willing to
drive a car that HAS NO BRAKES, you might consider marrying her.
That's my Corvair catastrophe story. I'm sure that you have a more interesting
tale to tell. Just write it down and send it to Jim so you can share it with us
in the next newsletter.
Thanks. -- Robert Gold
=end=