FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETTER February/March 2018 Volume 4 Issue 2 & 3 VCCA GULF COAST REGION www.gulfcoastvcca.com CAR SHOW We will be starting the planning for the October 20 car show in May. First meeting will be around the first or second week of May at the Methodist Church (car show location). I will be sending a notice to all on the exact date and time. We welcome any and all input on this. MEMBER INFORMATION We have five T-shirts, two XL and three L if anyone is interested, $12 at a meeting or $14 mailed. Contact Patrick Kroeger. -------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT Any items that you would like to see in the Newsletter, tech articles, photos, etc. please send to me pkroeger@tampabay.rr.com. ----------------------------------------------------------- MEETING DATES, TIME & LOCATIONS We will not have a meeting in April but will pick back up on May 24th at a location to be determined. Perkins has not worked out very well, so Bob Bernstel is checking out a few locations in mid or south Pinellas County to make it easier for all to attend. If anyone has a suggestion on a location that would enhance member attendance, please let us know. -----------------------------------------------------------
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 2 Bob Young passed away on March 9, 2018 and his family had a celebration of life on March 18 at Heritage Village in Largo FL. Bob was a volunteer at Heritage Village for many years. It was attended by the Gulf Coast Region officers and it was a really nice affair. Bob s 1921 Dodge was on display and many stories were shared by Bob s family and friends. Bob was always friendly and offered his knowledge on antique vehicles freely and with a bit of humor. Bob will be missed.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 3 Our March meeting was held at Pistorius Auto Restorations in Odessa FL on the March 31st. The attached minutes have more details of the meeting. The following are pictures during our meeting and afterwards.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 4 I received an email from Steven Gross from Colorado Springs CO on February 22 nd to tell me that his 1936 GMC T-14 had been stolen from a field south of Hays, KS, and since he knew that I had a similar truck and that they are not very common, he asked if I would see if there was anyone who might be attempting to sell it. I told him to send me some pictures and that I would put some information out on it. I posted the information on the https://oldgmctrucks.infopop.cc/eve?csra=y&s=272004236 website, which is run by another VCCA member, Rob English. Rob also posted the information on the Old GMC Truck Facebook page on March 2 nd. By March 25 th, there were 100,000 hits on the Facebook page about Steve s stolen truck. Someone on Facebook contacted the Ellis County Sherriff s department with a name and photo of someone who posted a picture of the truck in their garage. On March 8 th, the truck was located and Steve started to make arrangements to go get his truck back. A couple of interesting notes on this, Facebook page had over 122K hits which meant a large number of people saw it, the truck sat in a field south of Hays KS for about 17 years, and the grandson of the property owner cleaned the property for his grandfather and he has been questioned for the theft of the vehicle which he sold to another man in Hays KS for $1200, Steve has had this truck for over 40 years. He noticed on Thanksgiving 2017 that the truck wasn t where it was supposed to be, it was confirmed missing after his brother searched the property in February of 2018. It had been taken in June of 2017 and was sold in July. Finally, there was a real good chance that the truck might not ever been recovered this quickly without the broad communication that Facebook was able to provide. Say what you will about Social Media, but it was a tremendous help in this situation. I did tell Steve also to get that truck locked up so it doesn t run away again. The truck is secure in a storage unit for now and will be headed to Colorado soon.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 5 Clark s Corvair Parts Our catalog lists over 15,000 parts for your Corvair. We carry engine parts, body panels, upholstery and much more! There are 1,000 s of reproduced items available, pages of technical information and lots of other helpful hints. Check us out at www.corvair.com or call today to order a copy of our printed catalog. You will quickly see why we are the world s largest supplier of parts and all your other Corvair needs. Clark s - More than Parts! Clark s Corvair Parts 400 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 (413)625-9776 www.corvair.com email: clarks@corvair.com --------------- FOR SALE 1927 Chevrolet car running board aprons and radiator splash guard. They are rough but restorable. Price is free if you pick them up at my place in Clearwater. Tom Burtch (727) 203-5179 or tomsoldcarhobby@yahoo.com. WANTED Received this email: Patrick, I just got off the phone with Jim Gebhardt and he referred me to the Tampa chapter of VCCA. I now live in the Ft Myers area and am trying to find a 32 Deluxe like the picture I have attached. I let that car get away before I could look at it. At the time I had a 40 Chevy and a 36 Ford. I have since sold those and down to a beautiful 29 Model A. I've always wanted a 32 or a 33 Chevy. Doesn't really matter which model as long as it s the Deluxe. If you get a chance could you call me at 404-345-4561. I would love to see if you know of a car like I'm looking for. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Randy Capes at randycapes417@yahoo.com --------------- NOTE: Items listed will run for two issues and then deleted. Any member is free to list items and we ask that price be included. Send items to Patrick Kroeger at pkroeger@tampabay.rr.com.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 6 Minutes of VCCA Gulf Coast Region monthly meeting February 17, 2018 Attendance: 1. Bob Thacker 2. Tom Burtch 3. AI Robinson 4. Robert Bernstel 5. Hal Bruce 6. Pat Kroeger 7. Pappy Papenfuhs 8. Dennis Denninger 9. Randy Coen Meeting Location: Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, Pinellas Park, FL. The meeting began at 1:00 pm with a tour of the museum. Many unusual and well restored vehicles were on display. The staff was very knowledgeable and eager to discuss the cars and add insight to their history. Some of even learned the real history of how Audi vehicles got that name. The monthly business meeting was called to order by Patrick Kroeger at 2:18 pm. Minutes of 01/25/18 meeting were accepted as distributed. President's comments: Patrick Kroeger welcomed all to the meeting. Although there were no new members, several spouses and guests were in attendance. Treasurers Report and Membership Update: AI Robinson reported that our bank balance at January 31, 2018 stood at $1,726.15. AI noted that the balance has grown significantly over the last year, largely due to the successful car show last October. We will host a show again this October and now have a more appropriate buffer in case of bad weather or low attendance. We currently have 24 paid members. 2018 Member contact list: Tom Burtch distributed copies of the 2018 Gulf Coast Region member roster with contact information for those who wish to share. This will allow us to better keep in touch but should not be distributed to others who are not club members. The contact list will be distributed with the minutes but will not be posted on the website. Please contact Tom (tomsoldcarhobby@yahoo.com or 727-203-5179) with any changes or corrections to your information. Other items: Tom Burtch reported that we still have four 2018 club calendars and they will be given to any new members upon joining the region.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 7 Patrick will soon be ordering more club T shirts. Please contact him at pkroeger@tampbay.rr.com with any requests. Patrick also reminded us that Mecum Auctions has partnered with VCCA to offer special deals when attending Mecum auctions. You may have seen an email message from the national VCCA and this information is also in the G&D magazine. Robert Bernstel will add our October car show to the show calendar in "Cruisin' News" This is the season for many local car shows. Enjoy the events and if you get a chance to talk to potential new club members, please mention the VCCA. Remember that a membership application is included with each issue of the G&D so it is a great idea to have one to hand out and also to promote the Gulf Coast VCCA region. Our next monthly meeting is at Pistorius Auto Restoration on Saturday March 31 at 11 am. The property is at 12820 Gibson Lane, Odessa, FL 33556. Brando will be there to take us through the restoration shop and offer his insight on the old car hobby. The grounds around the shop are available for us to use from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and there is even a pond if anyone wants to try fishing. We have a reservation at the Tarpon Turtle Grill (1513 Lake Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs FL, 34689) at 2:00 pm for anyone who would like to go to lunch after the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 2:35PM. Minutes prepared by: Tom Burtch, Secretary - VCCA Gulf Coast Region
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 8 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minutes of VCCA Gulf Coast Region monthly meeting March 31, 2018 Attendance: 1. Patrick Kroeger 2. Bob Thacker 3. Hal Bruce 4. Jim Blanton 5. Bob & Jennie Bernstel 6. Ray & Lola Baker 7. Al Robinson 8. Tom Burtch Meeting Location: Pistorius Auto Restoration, Odessa, FL. The meeting began at 11:00 am with introductions and welcoming comments by Brando & JoAnne Pistorius. - They began with a brief history of their restoration business which was established on the Odessa site in 2010 and now has four staff in addition to Brando. - JoAnne provided interesting comments and insight about the initial Gasparilla Concours d Elegance set for April 19, 2019, which she will chair. Fifteen people are already on the organizing committee and they meet regularly this is a significant project. The Gasparilla Concours d Elegance will be a premiere event comparable to the Amelia Island Concours d Elegance with unique vehicles attending by invitation only. There are opportunities to volunteer for several roles from participating in the organizing and planning activities through on-site support during the event. Please contact JoAnne at (813)714-1019 if you would like more information. - Brando is the president of the AACA Hillsborough region and very active in promoting and encouraging old car activities and events. He related some of the challenges opportunities they have encountered. - Brando and JoAnne provided snacks as we moved into the Gulf Coast Region business meeting. The monthly Gulf Coast Region business meeting was called to order by Patrick Kroeger at 11:50 am. Minutes of 02/17/18 meeting were accepted as distributed. President s comments: Patrick Kroeger welcomed all to the meeting. Treasurers Report and Membership Update: Al Robinson reported that our bank balance at February 28, 2018 stood at $1,658.15.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celebration of Life Bob Young Gulf Coast Region charter member Bob Young passed away on March 9, 2018. A celebration of his life was held on March 18 th at the Heritage Village in Largo where Bob had volunteered at the General Store for many years. Several members from the Gulf Coast Region attended the celebration and we donated $100 to the family to offset some of the costs incurred. Bob was an enthusiastic and active member of the region and a keen old car enthusiast who owned a 1932 Chevrolet and a 1921 Dodge. Tom Burtch circulated the thank-you note from Bob s wife Carole and family. Recognition Patrick Kroeger suggested we formalize a financial provision to recognize those who pass away while current members of the region. Tom Burtch proposed a motion to allow up to $100 for gifts such as flowers or cash either to family or designated causes at the discretion of the regional directors. Jim Blanton seconded the motion and it was accepted unanimously. Car Show Bob Bernstel noted that the second annual Gulf Coast Region car show is set for October 20, 2018. We should all start to look for sponsors or gift donations for the show. Remember to ask for 100 of anything, if possible, as even small items provide good content for the participant goodie bags. Regular car show planning meetings will begin in May. Area 9 VCCA Meet Patrick mentioned the VCCA Area 9 Nationally Judged Meet which will be held on April 26-28 in Statesville NC. He plans to attend and get a feel for this type of event, which includes a car show, tours and visits to local attractions. We may be hosting the Area 9 Meet in 2021. Other items: Patrick reported that he has been in contact with the person who maintains the 1926 Chevrolet Jitney which has been restored and is in use Tarpon Springs for parades and special events. Sounds like a potential new member and perhaps a great story to share about a unique vehicle. Next meeting We are looking for a good meeting location farther south in Pinellas county to encourage attendance as the evening drive north for many members is a slow ride due to traffic. Also, the Perkins Restaurant in Clearwater has been too busy in recent months to provide private space suitable for our meetings. Bob Bernstel will check on potential venues and advise. We will not meet in April as there is no urgent business and some members plan to be at the Statesville meet. The next meeting will be on May 24 th at 6:30 pm as we return to the fourth Thursday schedule. Please mark your calendars with location to be determined. 50/50 Draw: The 50/50 was again well supported. Tom Burtch was the winner and donated most of his prize back to the club for a net addition of $40 to the bank account. Meeting adjourned at 12:20 PM.
FLORIDA GULF COAST VCCA NEWSLETER PAGE 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post meeting Brando led the Gulf Coast members on a tour through his restoration facility with many comments and stories about the current and future projects on the property. He and JoAnne were very generous with their time and hospitality and the setting is unique and attractive. Among the vehicles that Brando showed us were: 1927 Oldsmobile, 1936 Studebaker, 1937 Studebaker, 1941 Hupmobile, 1953 Buick customized, 1953? Lincoln, 1956? Corvette, 1957 Thunderbird, 1962? Studebaker, 1968? AMX plus more, A very interesting mix. Several members then proceeded to lunch at the Tarpon Turtle. It was a fine day for the gathering. Minutes prepared by: Tom Burtch, Secretary - VCCA Gulf Coast Region