MAY 2007 http://groups.msn.com/antiqueautomushersofalaska In Memory of Thomas R. Belleau Thomas R. Belleau, 81, died April 22 at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, with his family at his side. Tom was born Jan.28,1926 to Lena (LaRoy) and Thomas Belleau in Kalispell Montana, He attended school in Cle Elum, Washington. Tom joined the Army Air Corp and proudly served as a tail gunner in Europe with the 34th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force during the 2nd World War. After the end of hostilities in Europe, he served in the Philippines as a maintenance sergeant with the 18th Fighter Group of the 13th Air Force. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Tom obtained a FAA Engine Mechanic Certificate and went to work for Boeing Airplane Co. in Everitt, Wash. While working the swing shift at Boeing he also completed flight training and obtained his flight instructor ratings. Tom would later spend many years in Alaska training young pilots in the art of flying safely in the Alaskan bush. In 1948 he married Madeline Mills in Seattle, Wash. In 1953 Tom took a job in Kodiak with Kodiak Airways as a pilot and mechanic. In 1959 he begin working for Reeve Aleutian Airways. He would pilot a number of aircraft but the Grumman Goose was one of his favorites. In 1971 he began working for the US Department of Interior. He held the position of Chief Pilot for a tome, and retired in 1991 as Director of Flight Training. He was an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and was awarded the FAA s Charles Taylor Master Mechnic Award in 1995. Tom enjoyed aircraft and antique cars. He was a member of the Antique Auto Mushers, and his 36 Cadillac, 35 pick-up, and 39 Ford Coupe were frequently seen in parades. His Starduster Too home built biplane won a craftsmanship award at the 2001 Experimental Aircraft Association in Arlington, Wash. fly-in. Tom is survived by his wife, Madeline, Sister Jenny Byers of Renton, children and in-laws: Thomas and Dorothy Belleau of Anchorage, Clifford Belleau o Anchorage, William Belleau of Portland, Cynthia and Jim Baker of Seattle, grandchildern Carmen Belleau, John Phauth- Belleau, and Lena Baker. Tom was preceded in death by his sister Molly Lofstrum and infant son Christopher. A memorial service will be held June 23 from 6::30pm to 8:30pm at the Alaska Aviation- Heritage Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles program or the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum.

MAY 2007 Tinkering Times PAGE 2 President Jim s Corner Hello Fellow Members, It was a leap of faith to do our first drive-a - round after the April meeting, but it worked out very well with only a little rain at the Sears Mall. Thanks to all who came. The crew at Tasty Freeze loves to have us anytime. Brings back memories of summer nites and A&W Drivein s. MATI Clean up was very successful. Thanks to all and apologies to any who didn t get the date change. Aviation Museum show was a great time. The link with the FED EX Aviation trade show seemed to draw quite a few people. Thanks to Mike Wiedmer for coordinating. There is no shortage of events this month. Hope to see you at the meeting to review all the possibilities. Thanks, Jim Officers President: Jim Fredenhagen :243-5214 Vice President : Jeff Hassler : 267-1882 Secretary : Sara Stoops : 345-5592 Treasurer: Howard Hansen 345-1268 Members at Large Peg Stout 2006 LeRoi Heaven 2006 Kurt Rein 2006 Ralph Centoni 2005 Immediate Past Presidents Jim Fredenhagen (2006) Fred Schurman (2005) Diane Allen (2004) Fred Schurman (2001, 2002, 2003) Peg Stout (2000) Ken Stout (1999) Dennis Allen (1998, 1997) George Chase (1995) Editor s Howard and Barbara Hansen Send letters, articles and ads to: Tinkering Times, 14840 Loc Loman Lane, Anchorage, AK 99516 E-mail: howbarb@alaska.net (Place Tinkering Times in the subject line.) Telephone: (907) 345-1268 The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska s premier antique and classic automobile club The Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage, AK 99523-2086. The opinions expressed by the authors who contribute to the Tinkering Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.

MAY 2007 Tinkering Times PAGE 3 MATI CLEAN-UP By Dennis and Diane Allen The annual Spring Clean-Up at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry took place Saturday 28 April. Turnout was light but numerous organizations were represented. Of course MATI members were present but also Alaska Territorial Cavalry (Motorized), Alaska Live Steamers, Antique Power Club of Alaska, and AAMA came out to lend a hand. Moving vehicles from storage into the display areas was expedited by towing rather than dealing with batteries and fuel to get them running. This is probably better for the engines since they never get totally warmed up before they are parked for the summer. Moving vehicles to display areas who s pulling who? Fred and Jim holding down the parking lot! AAMA members and cars present were President Jim Fredenhagan 53 Ford Tudor, Mike and Gwyn Wiedmer 31 REO, Ken and Rhea Evans 70 Chevrolet P.U., Fred Scharper, Roy Foster, and Dennis and Diane Allen. Some great volunteer who couldn t make it on Saturday came during the week and raked the picnic area greatly reducing the amount of work required. Unfortunately they missed Pat Durand s great hamburgers and hotdogs and the wonderful potluck dishes. Quonset hut at Matanuska Lakes Resort. Mike and the REO work hauling the Bennett Lake Boat. In the afternoon a number of volunteers drove to the old Matanuska Lakes Resort to look at a barn and two Quonset huts MATI wants to turn to page 5

May 2007 Tinkering Times Page 4 Coming Events! May 9 Rolling Meeting 6:30pm Robbie s May 12 UAA Car Show 10:am to 3:pm UAA Rear parking area -Tech Center (free lunch) May 13 Mother s Day Run 2:00pm at Meet at Carr s Huffman@ 1:15 Turnagain House pm Chair Scott hulse349-8108 Wiedmers 243-7005 May 19 Adopt-A- Road Clean up 9:am Carrs on Muldoon chair Gwyn Wiedmer 243-7005 May 19 Kool Cruise 8:am Meet at Northway Mall/ cruise to Alaska Raceway Park May 26 Shake-Down Cruise Hatcher Pass Lodge chair Jeff Hassler 276-1882 to meet at Red Robin/Northway Mall at 9:45am June? Kulis Air National Guard TBA need Chairman Car Show June 7 Serendipity Adult Day Care 1-1:30pm Need Chairman Center (Marilyn - 278-0501) June 8 Colony Days Car Show, Palmer 7-10pm Jim Ede - 376-4631 Palmer Library Parking lot June 9 Colony Days Parade, Palmer 10:am Palmer chair LeRoi Heaven Police parking lot 376-5679 June 13 Rolling Meeting 6:30pm Robbie s June 14 Day Break Adult care 1-2;00pm chair- Diane Allen - 345-6355 Center (Nancy Haley - 346-2234) June 16 Transportation Expo Car Show 9:am MATI- need Chair June 19-21 Model A Group TBA chair -Jim Fredenhagen 243-5214 June 21 Summer Solstice 5-10pm Mirror Lake -Valley Cruizer s Event June 29-July 7 Long Distance to Juneau TBA chair - Bruce Campbell 345-3129 July 4 Parades/ Anchorage,Chugiak, Wasilla, Seward TBA Need chairmen July 11 Rolling Meeting 6:30pm Robbie s July 13 Bear Paw Car Show -Eagle River TBA need chair

May 2007 Tinkering Times PAGE 5 Dennis and Diane s Great Adventure! Wednesday morning, the day after our accident on Mar 20, we parked at Liard Hot Springs Lodge while Dennis crawled under the motor home to dig out some of the snow around wheels and frame. As we prepared to leave, Dennis shook the snow out of his Carharts and packed them away.in an outside bin. As we left Whithorse Friday morning Dennis realized he was missing a set of keys. We have several for the motor home but this was one of two originals sets that included keys for the entrance door locks and side bins, ignition, fuel tank, battery compartment, and transmitter for the alarm system. After some thought he decided that the last time he had see them was at Liard and they had been in the pocket of his Carharts. They must have fallen out when he shook off the snow after crawling under the motor home. We knew there was little chance of them being found with all the traffic in that parking lot. But nothing ventured nothing gained so we called Laurie at the Lodge and told her our dilemma. She took our address and said she would look for the keys and if found would send them to us. On April 22 we received a call from Don Smith wanting to speak with Richard Allen. He was on the Glenn Highway hauling a load of boats from Vernon BC to Alaska Mountaineering and Driving in Anchorage. He said he had a package for us from Laurie at Liard Hot Springs Lodge. We met Don at Alaska Mountaineering and Diving shortly after he arrived. They were slightly bent and rusted but still serviceable. 18 wheelers had run over them numerous times. Diane receiving the keys from Don There is a world of wonderful people out there that we seldom hear about. The bad guy s get on the news even though they are in the minority. Thank you Don and Laurie for helping us get our keys back. Dennis and Diane (Cont from page 3) move to the museum grounds. Our main interest was in determining how to move the Quonsets. They could be set up to show case the military artifacts and provide display space for ATC(M). Those that didn t make it out missed wonderful weather, a good lunch, and a chance to work with a great bunch of people! The museum is now ready for the 2007 tourist season.

MAY 2007 Tinkering Times PAGE 6 Events-cont July 13-15 Hope Weekend TBA Need Chairman July 21 Adopt- A- Road 9:00 am Carrs on Muldoon Clean-up chairs Tom &Marcy Cresap July 28 Model A group TBA chair Art Isham 688-3671 August 4 Pre Show & Show & Shine TBA McDonalds/Diamond & Jewell Lake --MSSRA event Contact Jeff Hassler(jeff-betty@gci.net).276-1882, or Jim Fredenhagen (takecare@alaska.com) 243-5214 with any suggestions or comments. Shake -Down Cruise - May 26, 2007 This year the shake -down cruise will be to Hatcher Pass Lodge. The club will meet at Red Robin/Northway Mall parking lot. We will depart at 10:00 am for Eagle River where we will stop at Fred Meyer (parking lot/gas station location). Those joining the cruise in Eagle River can meet us there at 10:30 am. We plan a rest stop in Palmer at the Tesoro station (intersection of Arctic Ave. and Glenn Highway). The lodge is another 20-30 minutes away so we should arrive in plenty of time for lunch. Hatcher pass offers some wonderful photo opportunities and has paved access until the last 30 feet (driveway into the lodge ). Due to the size of the lodge/restaurant, it would be helpful to have an approximate number of people participating. Would you please let us know if you will be joining us and the number in your car. Please contact Jeff or Betty Hassler, 276-1882 or jeff-betty@gci.net

MAY 2007 Tinkering Times Page 7 May Birthdays Becky Wilber May 1 Ken Evans May 6 Jim Fredenhagen May 19 John W. Piper May 27 Diane Wohland May 30 Anniversary Ted and Colleen Kimzey May 28 Most Improved Vehicle Award! The most Improved Vehicle Award was presented to Sara Stoops on behalf of Gary and Friends for the 1936 Cadillac at April s meeting. Brain Twister! Can you match the model name for each of the following cars? 1. Tucker A. Darin 2. Hudson B. Avanti 3. Kaiser C. Starfire 4. Edsel D. Corsair 5. Packard E. Hawk 6. Henry J. F. Pacer 7. Studebaker g. Ambassador 8. Oldsmobile H.Torpedo 9. AMC I. Bermuda 10. Corvair J. Capri 11. Lincoln k. Hornet 12. Rambler L. Monza What s a Delco anyway? - General motors Corp. merges AC Rochester and Delco Remy component divisions into Ac Delco Systems - Brief Article (From Ward s Auto World) General motor s Corp. s AC Rochester and Delco Remy component Divisions officially merged and became AC Delco Systems July 1, 1994, What the rest of the automotive world ponders what this means to the future of the auto industry. Many may have forgotten A C and Delco stand for. Turns out AC stands for Albert Champion, the bicycle racer and spark plug maker who became GM s firs just-in-time supplier when Billy Durant brought him to his Buick plant in Flint in 1908. Delco stands for Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., the workshop of Charles(Boss0 Kettering, the legendary inventor who- among other things- invented the electric starter in 1911. The erstwhile Remy comes from Frank and Perry Remy, who merged their electric business with Delco in 1916. At the March Meeting, Alan Gould brought to our attention a problem with the IM inspection regulations for antique cars. President Jim talked to the Health and Social Services Dept. and found that cars between 68 and 72 need a tail pipe inspection if they are to be used every day. Or one can get a seasonal use permit for summer driving and a conditional use permit for one event such as Fur Rondy.

Howard & Barb Hansen- Editors April 2007 Tinkering Times PAGE 8 May Rolling Meeting will meet at Robbie s Club House, 3318 Jerde Circle on May 9. Tinkering Times Article Deadline Please submit articles for the Tinkering Times by the 25th of March for the April newsletter. Fax information to Barb Hansen (907) 345-1268 or e-mail: Howbarb@alaska.net. Please put Tinkering Times in the subject line.