THE HILLHOLDER The official newsletter of the North Georgia Chapter SDC

Transcription

1 January 2015 THE HILLHOLDER The official newsletter of the North Georgia Chapter SDC NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING AT THE DECEMBER 2014 MEETING Pictures at Right More Inside NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2015 JANUARY 2015 MEETING OF NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER TO BE HELD IN KENNESAW GA JANUARY 4, 2015

2 January 2015 Vol. 40 No. 1 COLUMNS/REPORTS (For 2014) By Ben Alspach President s Last Words Editor s Note Technical Topics December Minutes Attendees Celebrations Treasurer s Report December Meeting Pictures Studebaker Corral If Your Car Could Talk I was quite interested in the recent experience of Charlie and Hellen Attaway as they took it upon themselves to track down an early owner of their 51 Starlight coupe, share the news of its survival with him and then arrange a reunion of their beautifully restored Studebaker with this interesting old gentleman. In case you missed our Christmas party (or the article in a recent edition of the AJC newspaper) when Charlie and Hellen first acquired the car a few years ago, it was decided they would do a total restoration. In the process of completely disassembling the coupe, Charlie came across a couple of pieces of paper that had slid down behind the back seat and had presumably been there for many years. The scraps of paper included the name Winfred Brown and it was assumed that Mr. Brown might have once been an owner of the car. Curiously, rather than discarding this trash, the Attaways decided to hold onto the papers along with all the other old parts and pieces they d removed. EVENTS Studebaker Calendar January Meeting Directions Southeast Zone Meet Flyer Fast forward about four years. The 51 Starlight coupe has been painstakingly restored and looks as good (or better!) than the day it left the showroom. The Attaways are justifiably proud of their fine car but still a bit curious concerning its early history. On a whim, Charlie hits the Internet searching for one Winfred Brown of Alabama. (They knew the car spent much of its life in Alabama.) Remarkably, he comes across a Mr Winfred Brown who lives in Selma Alabama. Phone calls are made and they finally reach Mr. Brown, a 93 year old retired pharmacist who did, indeed, own the Starlight about 60 years ago. As it turns out, Mr. Brown was not the original owner of the car but took it on trade from one of his customers to settle a $100 debt. This happened in about 1953 so the car was only a couple of years old at the time (a very good deal for the drugstore owner). Mr Brown grew fond of the distinctive Studebaker styling (especially the sleek coupe lines and the aircraft inspired front end and drove the car daily for a couple of years. In about 1955 or 1956, someone came along who fell in love with the maroon Stude and made Mr. Brown an offer for it that he just couldn t refuse. So, the Starlight went to a new owner and Mr. Brown never thought much more about the unusual coupe. Now, six decades later, Charlie calls out of the blue to ask Mr. Brown about the car and report that he not only owns it but has restored it to like-new condition. Mr. Brown is quite taken with this surprise development and (Continued on Page 7 See Last Word.) -2-

3 Editor s Note: I want to thank Ben Alspach for writing one final column. I was so pleasantly surprised when I received it. I hope that you all have enjoyed his columns as much as I have. At the December meeting, North Georgia Chapter 2015 officers were elected and something should be noted. It was disappointing that with over 60 memberships in the North Georgia Chapter no one would volunteer to run for the office of Vice-President. Barbara Miller graciously volunteered in last minute desperation when no one stepped forward to fill the office. Barbara already serves as the Membership Secretary, probably the most time consuming of all of the offices. I am really concerned about what is going to happen in 2016 when the incumbents in the offices of recording secretary and membership secretary are no longer eligible to hold the offices and more volunteers will be needed. Also, in 2016 a new editor for the newsletter will be needed. When a volunteer cannot be found to fill even one office, how can we fill three positions? Think long and hard. An organization without the support of its members can be in trouble. While I am on the subject of support, another issue concerns me. The Southeast Zone Meet held in Nashville TN in October 2014 only had about 35 attendees. For a Southeast Zone Meet, this is deplorable and the SDC Chapter hosting the Meet was harmed by the lack of attendance. Now I know that bad timing probably played a big part in this. The Southeast Zone Meet was held only about three weeks after the Tri-State Meet in North Carolina and at the same time as a meet sponsored by the Palmetto Chapter in South Carolina. The Florida State Meet was only three weeks after the Southeast Zone Meet. It was probably too much in too short a time. I am ashamed to say that Bill and I didn t attend the Southeast Zone Meet either. We will be at the next one! The Southeast Zone Meet in 2015 will be in April and there should not be any conflicting activities. It will be a good way to kick off the season for car shows and meets. The flyer for the Southeast Zone Meet in Alabama is on page 10. Why don t you join me there for a great time! Well, I have said my piece. The North Georgia Chapter is a good club and the members are good people. Let s not see it become less than what it is today. Our thanks go out to all of the officers who volunteered to serve in We ll be a better club because of your efforts. Thought for January: An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. Bill Vaughan ( ) An American newspaper columnist and author. ### -3- (This month s feature is an excerpt, reprinted with permission, from the Odds N Ends column written especially for newsletter editors by Pete Yuen, a retired newsletter editor.) THE TWIN TRACTION REAR END Twin Traction is the Studebaker name for what is commonly called Positraction, because that is what GM called it. It is a limited slip differential that was made by Dana and used by several manufacturers. The unit works very well and is very sturdy, using steel clutch plates instead of the more common bronze plates used in the other units. This is great for strength and durability; however, there is a big downside. These units MUST USE THE CORRECT REAR END LUBRICANT. First, make sure that the product you use is rated for limited slip differentials, then, AND THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT - You must add GM POST ADDITIVE that is available at any GM Dealer. This is essential as it contains additives that will allow the steel plates to slip when you go around a corner. Without this additive, the plates will chatter and then deteriorate quickly as they chew themselves up. This will result in damage to the whole rear end as the metal articles circulate. This problem often develops when the pinion or axle seals leak and the rear axle unit is topped up by either the owner or a garage that doesn t know that the car has a limited slip unit in the first place and doesn t realize the need for the GM Product. Even if they did know that the unit is limited slip differential, they may not have the GM additive so they just top up the fluid using the regular hypoid gear oil. The only answer is to repair the leaking seals immediately and drain and re-fill the rear end unit with the additive so that the additive will not be diluted by adding more hypoid oil. So, if you have one of these cars, be very careful when you take it in for service. While there may be (Continued on Page 7 See Technical.)

4 North Georgia Chapter SDC Minutes Sunday, December 7, 2014 Winder Women's Club, Winder GA Ben Alspach, President, called the meeting to order at 2:45 PM. He thanked the meeting hosts Billy and Charleen Carey, Wayne and Ann Lee, and Dan and Barbara Miller for the wonderful holiday set up and everyone for bringing such great food. He welcomed our guests. Sign-in Sheet being passed around. Charleen Carey moved, Rochelle Ziglin seconded, to approve the November 2014 minutes as published in The Hillholder. Motion carried. Barbara Miller moved, Alan Ziglin seconded, to approve the October 2014 Treasurer's Report as published in The Hillholder. Motion carried. Ben congratulated those with December birthdays/anniversaries. Those to keep in our thoughts: Alan and Rochelle Ziglin, whose son Eric is recovering from the motorcycle accident; Carol Nichols who will undergo knee replacement surgery soon; and Billy and Charleen Carey on the death of his sister. Announcements Charlotte Delli presented Ben with a gift in thanks for his excellent president articles in the newsletter. Reports 1. Ed Burris (National) Encourages members to attend zone meets. Our zone is down 99 members from January to September Wayne Lee 47th Southeast Zone Meet will be April in Spanish Fort, FL 3. Bill Delli (Treasurer) Balance 11/1/2014 was $ Balance 11/30/2014 is $ Complete report in The Hillholder. 4. Barbara Miller (Membership Secretary) pay 2015 dues now. New Business 1. Charlie and Hellen Attaway found some small slips of paper in their 1951 Champion, which led them to the name of the owner of the car in 1951! He now lives in Selma, Alabama and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the car when the Attaways drove it to Selma. 2. Richard Forgay has some dashboard plaques from the 1990 zone meet for anyone who wants them. 3. Alan Ziglin moved, Jim Nichols seconded, that the club accept by acclamation the 2015 ballot: Wayne Ziemer-President, Barbara Miller-Vice President, Terry Ziemer-Recording Secretary, Bill Delli-Treasurer, Barbara Miller-Membership Secretary. Motion carried. The next meeting is Sunday, January hosted by the Fishers. Chip Branch moved, Richard Hickock seconded, to adjourn at 3:10 PM. Door prizes were given. Henry Malin won $61.00 in the 50/50. The North Georgia Chapter Studebaker Driver s Club banked $ Submitted by Terry Ziemer, Recording Secretary -4-

5 NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER ANNUAL 2014 CHRISTMAS PARTY ATTENDEES Ben & Janet Alspach Charlie & Hellen Attaway 1951 Starlight Coupe Hobo & Brenda Bodkin Melvin Bohannon Chip & Kaye Branch 1956 Golden Hawk Edward Burris 1964 Land Cruiser Mike & Marsha Byrd 1962 Hawk Billy & Charleen Carey Jim & Dotty Carto Bill & Doris Cope Bill & Charlotte Delli Richard & Helen Forgay Billy Greene Richard Hickok Buddy & Dot Hunt Richard Knoblock Wayne & Ann Lee Henry & Loretta Malin 1951? Ron Martinez Peter McCaffrey 1958 Scotsman Dan & Barbara Miller Loren & Helen Nelson Vicki Greene Noreen Jim & Kathy Palmer 1957 Golden Hawk Suzanna Williams Wayne & Terry Ziemer Alan & Rochelle Ziglin 1951 Starlight Coupe Carl Ziglin JANUARY CELEBRATIONS BIRTHDAYS Phyllis Major 1/7 Rick Kamen 1/8 Frank Petru 1/8 Barbara Loftin 1/12 Wendell Geiger 1/13 Bruce Rawley 1/13 Linda Soncrant 1/14 Arlinda Martinez 1/16 Terry Ziemer 1/16 Richard Forgay 1/17 Marilyn Sullivan 1/25 ANNIVERSARIES Jim & Carol Nichols 1/1 Wayne & Terry Ziemer 1/1 Buddy & Dot Hunt 1/6 Guests: John Clark; Mike & Brandi Miller and Children; and Mark Shiflett Treasurer s Report Submitted By Bill Delli, Treasurer November 1, 2014 $ Beginning Balance Deposits November 50/50 Withdrawals ( 5.39) Postage December 2014 Newsletter November 30, 2014 $ Ending Balance NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER 2015 OFFICERS PRESIDENT- WAYNE ZIEMER VICE-PRESIDENT-BARBARA MILLER RECORDING SECRETARY-TERRY ZIEMER TREASURER-BILL DELLI MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY-BARBARA MILLER -5-

6 Longtime members, new members, friends and family came together to enjoy the fellowship and sharing of the season. Like an annual Christmas homecoming, everyone shared Studebaker stories, family happenings and renewed old acquaintances. As Tiny Tim said, God bless us everyone!. Once again the North Georgia Chapter held a great Christmas party with the most attendees in all of the 2014 meetings present. Hosts Wayne and Ann Lee, Dan and Barbara Miller and Billy and Charleen Carey outdid themselves with great food and beautiful decorations. Members contributions of food were both goodtasting and plentiful.. In lieu of a gift exchange at the Annual Christmas Party, North Georgia Chapter members donated to Children s Healthcare of Atlanta. In a total of cash donations and checks, $ was raised for a very good cause. -6- More pictures on page 7

7 December Meeting pictures continued. (Last Word Continued from Page 2) happily shares some early info and recollections concerning the car. Charlie and Hellen find Mr. Brown so interesting and enchanting that they decide to arrange a day trip to Selma to let the old gentleman take another look at his long departed Studebaker. The trip is made; Mr. Brown gets a ride in the beautiful Starlight and has an opportunity to tell stories and feel like he s 30 years old again. It was a wonderful gesture on the part of the Attaways but, to hear them tell it, they enjoyed the encounter just as much as Mr. Brown did. Studebakers shown like Christmas ornaments in the bright sunlight. It s quite a story and, in the process, the Attaways not only made a great new friend but also learned a good bit about the early history of their car. This made me think about our own 49 coupe. I know a little about the original owner...a cabinet maker and.handyman named Bernie Chestleson who lived in northwest Iowa. I ve heard a few snippets about old Bernie s exploits, including him hauling his carpentry tools around in the trunk of our car (or in the sidecar of his Indian motorcycle!). Wouldn t it be fascinating if there was a way to learn more about the daily life of your old Studebaker? All about the folks who owned it over the years the families, the relationships, the trips they took, the situations, decisions and challenges they faced everyday? I m betting you d stumble on some very interesting and enlightening information. If only our cars could talk ### (Technical Continued from Page 3) other products that claim to do the job, the GM product is the original one developed for these units and it works for sure. Use only the GM product and you will enjoy the benefits of Twin Traction for many years. ### -7-

8 STUDEBAKER CALENDAR NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER MEETINGS SOUTHEAST ZONE EVENTS 2015 MEETINGS January 4, 2015: Kennesaw GA. Hosts: Jim & Linda Fisher. February 1, 2015: Morrow GA. Hosts: Terry & Dora Smith March 1, 2015: Cumming GA. Hosts: John & Arlene Hollier April 11, 2015 (2 nd Saturday): Blue Ridge GA. Hosts: Jim & Carol Nichols Note changed date from previous notice. May 3, 2015: Marietta GA. Hosts: Ron & Connie Bergeron June 7, 2015: Duluth GA. Hosts: Marvin & Carolyn Sikes July 12, 2015 (2 nd Sunday): Loganville GA. Hosts: Wayne & Terry Ziemer August 2, 2015: Winder GA. Hosts: Billy & Charleen Carey. Annual Chapter Picnic at Fort Yargo State Park September 12, 2015 (2 nd Saturday): Snellville GA. Hosts: Lenny & Phyllis Major October 4, 2015: Acworth GA. Hosts: Ben & Janet Alspach April 17-18, 2015: Spanish Fort AL. 47 th Southeast Zone Meet. Host: Gulf Coast Chapter SDC. Information: Mary Baumgarten Meet Hotels: Fairfield Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott. $84-$94 per night. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST SOUTHEAST ZONE EVENT IN THE 2015 SEASON. PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW AS A DON T MISS MEET! Details on Page 10. OTHER STUDEBAKER EVENTS March 5-7, 2015: York PA. York Fairgrounds. Annual Swap Meet. Hosts: Keystone Chapter SDC. Details to follow. August 16-22, 2015: Marilyn Heights MO. 51 st International SDC Meet. Hosts Gateway Chapter SDC. HQ: Sheraton Westport. 2016: Warrick R. 52 nd International SDC Meet. 2017: South Bend IN. 53 rd International SDC Meet. NON-STUDEBAKER CAR EVENTS RETIRED OLD MEN EATING OUT (ROMEO): Marietta GA. Meets informally every Tuesday at 8:00 AM with their antique cars at the Marietta Diner on Cobb Parkway (Highway 41). Contact Ed Bellair at ejb@mindspring.com for information. For a complete listing of cruise-ins in the southeast, go to the following web site: southeasternwheelsevents.com November 1, 2015: Colbert GA. Hosts: Tim & Guadalupe Taylor December 6, 2015: Monroe GA. Hosts: Hobo & Brenda Bodkin. Annual Chapter Christmas Party and 2016 Officer Elections MANY THANKS TO ANN LEE FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE NORTH GEORGIA 2015 MEETING SCHEDULE. -8-

9 NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER SDC JANUARY 2015 MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, :00 PM PROVINO S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 440 ERNEST W. BARRETT PARKWAY NW KENNESAW GA (678) VIEW MENU AT DIRECTIONS: Ernest Barrett Parkway NW can be accessed from either I-75 or I-575. (It is recommended that I-575 access be used since turns to restaurant can be made more easily with right turns.) From I-575: Take Exit #268 for I-575 off of I-75 North. Continue on I-575 for approximately 1 mile. Take Exit #1 (Ernest W. Barrett Parkway) and turn west toward Town Center Mall. Go ½ mile and turn right onto Busnee Parkway. (If you reach I-75, you ve gone too far.) Restaurant will be on your immediate right. From I-75: Take I-75 North to Exit #269 (Ernest W. Barrett Parkway) and go east toward Town Center Mall. (Be sure to get into the correct lane for the left turn onto Busbee Parkway.. It is marked for entrance to Town Center Mall. There is a Shell Oil Station on the right side where you turn.) Turn left on Busbee Parkway. Restaurant will be on your immediate right. -9-

10 47 th SOUTHEAST ZONE MEET Mobile/Spanish Fort, Alabama April 17-19, 2015 Hosted by the GULF COAST CRUISERS Chapter SDC At Fairfield Inn & Courtyard Marriott & Cypress Way, Spanish Fort, AL , , Limited number of rooms available. Please ask for special Studebaker Drivers Group rates from $75-$84. Breakfast Fairfield - on-site bistro bar & Courtyard Deadline for registration at discounted rates March 31, 2015 Welcome all Studebakers, Avantis, Packards! Please help us make this the best Zone Meet in the South. Make THIS Zone Meet your vacation destination. Registration (includes dash plaque for 1 st 50, hospitality room access, goodie bag free lunch Show) $15.00 Car Show Registration $10.00 Additional Car $ 5.00 Banquet/Awards Dinner Saturday 6:00 PM (Maximum 50 seating) Adults $25.00 Each Children $10.00 Each For more information, contact: Mary Baumgarten or Jan Hartman or visit the Chapter on SDC or simpoffsup@bellsouth.net. -10

11 STUDEBAKER CORRAL These advertisements are provided as a service.. Ads will be posted on a first come, first serve basis with preference given to Studebaker-related ads. North Georgia Chapter members will be given priority when space does not permit all ads.. Each ad will be posted for 3 months. If space permits, ads can be posted for additional 3-month periods. Month of current posting is placed at the end of each ad. To extend or delete an ad, contact the Newsletter Editor at calh407@comcast.net.. One photo may be included for each ad. All ads and photos should be sent to calh407@comcast.net. The Newsletter Editor and members of the North Georgia Chapter SDC shall not be responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of the contents of the ad. The advertising party shall be solely responsible for the ad contents, although the newsletter editor reserves the right to reorganize ad contents, without changing facts, to best fit the space available.. VEHICLES FOR SALE 1954 Champion. 4-Dr. 6 Cylinder. Good shape. Drivable. Asking $4200. Lots of NOS parts and part car. Parts are separate. Contact Bobby at Jefferson GA (DEC 2014) 1947 Studebaker. Asking $600. Contact Bob Sanders or ww4t@bellsouth.net. (DEC 2014) 1963 Daytona Wagoneer. California black plate car. A/T, PDB, P/S, 4- barrel, power tail gate window, NO rust that I have found. Too much new and NOS to list. Very nice car that needs to go to a Stude person that understands them. Very reasonable $ Need to sell to finance my 1964 R1 Hawk. Contact Lanny McNabb at Dunlap TN (NOV 2014) PARTS, VEHICLE FLOCKS, & EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Two Vinyl Front Bucket Seats and Rear Matching Seats. Bucket seats are reclining and the color is Golden Sand. They are all in excellent condition. They came from a Bordeaux Red 1964 GT Hawk. Price $650. Contact Dan Miller at or alexmil@comcast.net. (DEC 2014) STUDEBAKER MEDIA SOME THOUGHTS ON RESTORING A STUDEBAKER Written by Chuck Lampman, this 99 page book is based on articles written by Chuck Lampman, North Georgia Chapter SDC member, that appeared in Turning Wheels in the early 1990 s and won the SDC Churchill Award for Best Article, Non-paid. Some material edited out of Turning Wheels is included in the book as well as -11- updates and several new items written after the Turning Wheels series was published. Some Thoughts is aimed at the first time restorer but will be of value to the more experienced. It is not intended to be a how to restore book but gives a look at the decision-making processes, tools, spaces, and basic skills needed to do a restoration. It also provides a framework to help structure a project and contains several chapters of Studebakerspecific advice. Cost for the book shipped to continental US addresses is $22.50 plus $4.00 for handling and postage. Payment can be made through PayPal sent to chuck@lampman.com or by mailing a check or money order to Chuck Lampman, 4141 Lynette Court, Kennesaw GA Contact Chuck Lampman directly for purchases outside the continential US. (DEC 2014) NEED NEW OR USED STUDEBAKER PARTS? Contact Dan Miller, North Georgia SDC member, for parts at prices less than out-of-town dealers and ZDD Plus TM oil additive that replaces zinc. Telephone: alexmil@comcast.net.

12 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER SDC To join this Chapter, complete this application and mail with $10.00 dues ($5.00 if joining after July 1 st ) check or money order in US funds to the following: North Georgia Chapter SDC c/o Barbara Miller 1691 Flowery Branch Road Auburn GA Note you must be a member of the National Studebaker Drivers Club to join this Chapter. National SDC Member Number: Date joined National SDC: Date: (This Application) Name: Your Birthday (Month/Day) Spouse/ Companion: Spouse/companion Birthday (Month/Day) Wedding Anniversary (Month/Day) Street Address: City State ZIP Telephone: Cell Phone: Studebakers Owned (Year/Series//Model) NOTICE To be a member of the North Georgia Chapter SDC, you must be a member of the National Studebaker Drivers Club. To join the National SDC, go to the web site Click on About then Membership. NORTH GEORGIA CHAPTER OFFICERS President: Wayne Ziemer wziemer@bellsouth.net Vice President: Barbara Miller alexmil@comcast.net Reporting Secretary: Terry Ziemer ziemer111@hotmail.com Treasurer: Bill Delli calh407@comcast.net Membership Secretary: Barbara Miller alexmil@comcast.net Web Master: Chuck Lampman chuck@lampman.com Chapter Web Site: Georgia Chapter Newsletter The Hillholder Charlotte Delli, Editor, calh407@comcast.net SOUTHEAST ZONE OFFICERS Southeast Zone Director: Edward Burris edwburdun@mindspring.com Southeast Zone Coordinator: Jack White bamajak@gmail.com Georgia Regional Manager: Unknown