VAIRC R February 2009

HEART of AMERICA CORVAIR OWNERS ASSOCIATION

WWW. HACOA.ORG

While Don and Barb were out gallivanting about the Mediterranean the monthly meeting was in the able hands of VP Scott Allison. Scott looked right at home in the captain’s chair.Before the meeting there was a quick Board of Directors meeting to

allow the purchase of new checks by Treasurer and a printer and supplies for the club’s newsletter (THANK YOU!). Scott brought the meeting to order, Elaine Richardson read November’s minutes. Sandy Dawson gave the treasurers report and a reminder that dues were due in January. Travis Bolton reported that the website improvements were coming along. Gary Moore gave the newletter report inviting members to write stories, put in a ad or have their business card published in the VairCor. Travis Bolton gave the cars, parts and tools report due the absence of Kenny Ragan Everyone gave Kevin Koch a round of applause for hosting such a wonderful holiday party. Kevin graciously volunteered to have the party at his house again this December 4th; Ada wasn’t able to attend the meeting so we would like to extend the thank you to her. Hopefully Kevin tells her about hosting next year’s party before she reads this. It was a special night with 3 new members attending the meeting. Chris Campbell of Olathe, owner of a blue 1965 Monza convertible. Chris said he has had many older cars, but this is his first Corvair. We also welcomed Mark Whitman of Weatherby Lake, Mark is looking to purchase a drivable late model coupe. The third visitor was Chris Bennett son of Bill Bennett, proof the Corvair disease can be inherited. Mike Dawson announced he will be holding a Tech Session at his home on February 8th. (see tech page for details) To the delight of Scott, as VP he is in charge of the scheduling programs, there were many volunteers to be presenters. February’s program is on computer maintenance and will presented by Raze Computer Repair. March’s presentor will be Bill Anderson of ARI Racing in Grandview. April is the Club Auction with Karl Cozad reprising his role as the auctioneer. Kevin Koch has a program in mind for May. June is the meeting outdoors at Sar-Ko park. July Mike Dawson will talk about his racing days including the tale of his trip to Denver trailering his racecar behind his Greenbrier. After the meeting was adjourned, Scott followed with the night’s program. He led a discussion concerning this year’s social calendar. He quickly recapped last years events and told of scheduled CORSA and regional events in the coming year. Then he asked for volunteers to help sent up the HACOA social calendar. Mike Dawson volunteered again to be the Social Chairperson. Bill Bennett volunteered to be the Counselor of Cruise and to gather information of upcoming opportunities to attend local car cruises to be published in the VairCor. Gary Moore was put in charge of finding information concerning plays and musicals that the club could attend. Suggestions for dinner playhouses, Starlight Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre in Arrowrock were made. Bob and Jean St. John will be hosting a trip to Albany, MO in June. Gary and Helen Moore volunteered to host a social to celebrate the club’s 45th anniversary this summer at their home near Lawson, MO Suggestions are not closed, if you would like to host a social or have a idea for a day trip contact Mike Dawson.

PLANNING THE YEAR AHEAD

President’s Day February 16, 2009

The Preventative Maintenance Series Mike Dawson

This month: how to deal with lost keys, keys locked in the car, or how to steal a Corvair.

A useful little device than can be carried in your billfold (or purse) for gaining entry into any Corvair is the little spring clip that holds the air baffles up against the cylinders in all Corvair engines: about 3 ½ inches long with an eye on either end. To open a wing window, gently push one end past the rubber under the vent handle with the eye to the rear of the car. Push in on the vent window and rotate the clip counter clockwise. The vent handle will unlock and you can reach in to open the side window or door. This method is quick and will not damage anything.

The wiring for the Corvair starter operation begins at the battery, travels twenty plus feet through several connectors and switches (depending on transmission) to end up only two feet from the battery where it started. To bypass all of that, run a jumper wire from the positive battery terminal to the purple wire in the two wire connector found at the left front of the engine compartment. Unplug the connector and touch the jumper wire to the purple wire that leads through the rubber grommet in the sheet metal. Anytime you make the connection, the starter will engage. The engine will only start if the key is on, so you can use this for compression checks, setting dwell, fuel pump testing etc.

In order for the engine to run, the coil receives less than six volts to the + terminal because of a resistance in the wiring. Full battery voltage is supplied only during the cranking to help starting under extreme conditions. If you apply 12 volts during running, the points will quickly burn and the engine dies. To run an engine with out using the ignition switch, make up a jumper as follows: cut a length of standard wire (any gage from 12 to 20 will work) that reaches from the positive battery connection to the positive coil terminal. Attach a clamp or clip for the battery end and a smaller clip for the coil + terminal end. Purchase a $6.00 coil resistor from a parts store and attach it in series in the middle of the wire. Wrap it with tape because it gets hot to the touch. You also could use the original resistance wire from another harness. Anytime this jumper is hooked up, the engine will run until you unhook it. You cannot run other accessories with this jumper, only the ignition part of the engine. Also be sure you don’t lay the wire against anything that moves when the engine starts.

When I need to drive a car without keys, I use all three of the above. Next month I’ll cover the way to prevent somebody from using these methods.

February 8.. 2pm Tech Session at Mike and Sandy’s, 16001 Oakland Ave, Belton MO. Coffee, soft drinks, adult beverage and steak soup will be served, bring some bread to share. February 10 7pm Monthly meeting at Chappel’s 323 Armour Rd, North Kansas City MO. February 14 Valentine’s Day February 16 President’s Day February 21 Mid-Continent Corvair Asc. Cold Tuna workshop. Wichita KS March 6-7 Performance Corvair Group workshop Indianapolis, IN March 10 7pm Monthly meeting at Chappel’s 323 Armour Rd, North Kansas City MO. April 14 7pm Month meeting and Annual Auction at Chappel’s 323 Armour Rd, NKC May 12 7pm Monthly meeting at Chappel’s 323 Armour Rd, North Kansas City MO. June 6 Tenative date for Albany MO Social hosted by Bob and Jean St. John June 9 Meeting in the Park, Sar-Ko Park, 87th and Lackman Rd. Lenexa, KS June 27 Tenative date for HACOA 45th Anniversary celebration, Lawson MO July 14 7pm Monthly meeting at Chappel’s 323 Armour Rd, North Kansas City. July 13-17 CORSA National Convention, Jacksonville FL

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HACOA SWEETHEARTS

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GEORGE AND MARTHAIKE AND MAMIE

JIMMY AND ROSALYNN

FRANKLIN AND ELEANOR

HARRY AND BESS GERALD AND BETTYRICHARD AND PAT

BILL AND HILLARY JOHN AND JACKIEBARACK AND MICHELLE

RONALD AND NANCY GEORGE AND BARBARAGEORGE AND LAURA

PRESIDENTIAL

VALENTINES

Nostalgia Page

From February 1976 Newsletter (pre VairCor)

This invitation to the Kenny and Gina Ragan’s St. Valentine Day Massacre Social was printed in the February Massacre 1987 issue of the VairCor. Also in that issue President Chris Short gave the members of the newly formed convention committee high praise for getting a running start for the preparation of the 1989 CORSA National Convention to be held in KC. In the second half of his article he warned against the falling numbers of CORSA members though out the country. Citing that CORSA member-ship had dropped by over 20% from 1983 to 1987.

A Valentine reminder from 1986

Be My Valentine

Mike Dawson still has a “45” of Corvair Baby.

PAGE 5FROM THE NEARLY EVERY FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER:DUES ARE DUE!!!!!

Tool Crib

Tool Harmonic Balancer Puller Ramps, Auto

Torque Wrenches:

1. 1/2” drive 20-150 ft.lb 2. 3/8” drive 100-1000 lb. Floor Jacks and Stands Ring Grove Cleaner Dwell-Tach Meter Greaser:Blower Motor and Idler Pulley Hubs:Rear Towing for LM Powerglide

$3.00 $4.00

$15.00$15.00$25.00 $3.00 $5.00

$5.00

$5.00

$1.00$1.00

$2.00$2.00$3.50$1.00$1.00

$1.00

$1.00

Deposit Rental Fee

Contact: Ken Ragan

Ragan Enterprises212 Warner Rd

Bonner Springs KS 66012913-422-5778

E-mail: kenragan@sbcglobal.net

Classifieds!!!

Put Your Ad Here so I won’t have to make ‘em up.

Quality Body Work: I have a neighbor here in Belton who is retired now and who did body work for years. He does really good work at his home at very reasonable prices. He recently repaired the eye brows on Sandy’s 63 coupe by carefully making up templates and then welding in all new metal. He did a great job and the areas were ready for paint (he does not do complete paint jobs). He indicated he would do work for folks in our club who might need it. If anyone is interested, give me a call and I will put you in touch with him. Mike Dawson 816 322-4057

For Sale: Rebuilt Corvair alternators converted to 63 amp internally regulated. $75.00Rebuilt Corvair starters with solenoid. $85.00 Installation available - Mike Dawson 816 322-4057

Send Classified Ads to: Newsletter@hacoa.org

Have a Corvair related business? Put your business card in the VairCor.

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1966-- coupe--Motor 110 -- auto--needs body work--Needs battery-- does runWarren Coffman-- Ph 816-419-0960-- Warrensburg, MO

LM convertible. Ran when parked, some rust, windsheild cracked, inte-rior is inferior, slightly bald on top, tires fair to bare, organic floor. This one is a real head turner. Willing to trade for a Beemer or a Vespa. Fiancing available

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I visited with Jack and Elaine Richardson on January 21st as they were preparing their ‘64 Monza Convertible for a redo.The car is still in good shape but over the years it has received a ding here and a chip there, and the climate had taken its toll in a few spots. The next day they were taking the car to Mike Dawson for help removing the last of the trim. Then to Mike’s neighbor to fix all the little dings, replace the rust spots with new metal, and prep the car for a new paint job. As we sat in their family room we talked about many things; Jack told a bit about his time in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He served on a refrigeration ship supplying much needed fresh food for the men and women on the Pacific islands. Elaine pointed to the wall behind me where their daughter had framed and nicely displayed Jack’s military discharge and veteran’s recognition awards. Along the walls of the room were family pictures and just across from me there was a wedding photo of Jack and Elaine taken in September of 1947. It reminded me of the time during the 2007 Great Plains Round Up when they received a standing ovation when it was announced that they were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

We did finally get around to talking about their Corvair. They first was the car when a neighbor’s daughter brought the car home back in 1964. The owner gave a thrilling ride to the Richardson’s teenaged daughters in the bright red convertible. The girls always looked forward to rides in the car with the car’s top down and their hair blowing in the wind. In 1972 the owner was beginning her own family and decided that the convertible was not child safe. Jack and Elaine purchased the car for the premium price of $125. For a while Jack drove the car to work at the TWA overhaul base, but decided to put it in the garage and only drive on special occasions. The occasions became farther and farther apart until several years later, Jack’s interested in old cars again perked up. He looked around a bit, but decided already had a classic in his garage. He got it out, cleaned it up, had a new top put on, gave it a new coat of paint, and brought the maintenance up to date. Soon he and Elaine were going out on Cruise Nights and having a wonderful time. They joined CORSA and HACOA, but didn’t participate for many years. Jack said that the thing finally got him to start attending HACOA meetings more frequently was to urge other members to bring their ‘Vairs to the cruises. These days it is hard to imagine any meeting or event without the Jack and Elaine. In a few weeks Cory, the car’s nickname, will be back shiny, smooth and ready for a more years of fun cruising with the Richardsons.

Jack and Elaine RichardsonSTORY BY GARY MOORE

FEATURED SWEETHEARTS

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May 2008

^ 2007 CORSA Convention in DetroitGM Hertitage Museum with Mike and Sandy Dawson

May 2008

< Jack at 2008 Overland Park Parade with Council member Terry Happer Scheier

Just in case you were wondering about the license plate. The car was named CORY by the previous owners two little girls (around 40 years ago). Jack thought it would be a good tradition to stay with.

Car Lover Gift Ideas We always hurt the ones we love by not giving them the gift that fits their passions. Check out this list of possibilities for your special Valentine. A weekend car rental of a favorite or exotic car, a new key chain, a detailing coupon, a car care package, an oil change coupon, a car wash coupon book, an emergency kit, a car service club membership like AAA, satellite radio, car magazine, car book, driving gloves, a car organizer, a car vacuum, mp3 attachment, self heating/cooling mug, portable jump start, a digital tire gauge, a remote starter, a GPS unit, a battery charger, a tune up kit, a die-cast car, a license plate or license plate frame, a remote control car, a car related t-shirt, sweatshirt or jacket, a framed photo of their pride and joy, a car appropriate shift knob, tickets to a car event, a orbital buffer, desk top miniature dashboard, dinner and a car movie, a Bluetooth headset, a survival combination tool, a dashboard figure, a car clock that makes engine sounds or an air ionizer.

Midwinter Wonderland Indoor Projects Self expression with your collector car can be done in many ways. Some people like bumper stickers while others use magnetic signs. Do you remember the decals with flames and a variety of emblems from the model kits we used to build? Pinstripes and flames are added to full size vehicles as are other forms of art. I like to stay stock as much as possible with my vehicles so my personal preferences lie in representations of the time periods in which these cars were driven. Custom designed license plates are now available to be ready made, by you, from the comforts of your own computer. Build a sign, Instant sign, a smart blonde; TV license plates are just a few of the many sites available to you. Build a sign helped me to design at plate for my ’57 Chevy that reads“The Real Heartbeat of America, Yesterday’s Chevrolet”. No doubt General Motors may not approve of this sentiment but perhaps with the proposed bail out for the car industry there may be a new Chevy in our garage again some fine day.

What Will the Bail Out Bring? An HHR that gets better gas mileage would suit me just fine. Perhaps a Malibu sport wagon will appear in the Chevrolet product catalog. A Cruze hatchback for cruise nights might be nice. Will there be a next generation Impala with triple taillights? Can the Caprice make a comeback? Would one buy a new turbo charged 4-cylinder Camaro? A vegetable oil fueled diesel Vega? Will the new Fiesta get the same gas mileage in the USA that it does in Europe? Will we have the diesel option? How about a hybrid Corvair? The later versions still looks like a Jaguar sedan to me and just think of the modern ride and handling possibilities? We could all pitch together and give one to Ralph Nader.

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President’s Corner - Don Wagner

We are back after being gone about two weeks to the Mediterranean Sea area. When we booked the cruise I thought that the temperature would be about 70 degrees all the time. Wrong! Most of the time the temperature was 55 to 60 degrees with a strong wind. Rhodes, Greece and Egypt were in the middle 60s. The temperature would only drop about 5 degrees at night, and this is also their winter time. I would still have to say it was warmer there.

The February program will be Raze PC Repair and I know that I need to know more about PC repairs. Don’t forget that Mike Dawson will be having a tech session at his house on Feb. 8th. If you would like to put on a program for the club let Scott know. Scott has told me that there are a number of events that are already set on the calendar for this year. If you have a social or event you would like to do, check with Mike Dawson. If you need a HACOA name tag or a new one see Sandy; I think they are $4. I would like to thank Scott Allison for running the January meeting and I hope to see all of you at the next meeting on February 10th. If you have not paid your dues to Sandy by now, you should do so by early February.

Heart of Amerca Corvair Owner’s Association16001 Oakland AveBelton MO 64012

A group of friends devoted to the fun, preservation and restoration of all Corvairs

Founded 1964

Meetings 2nd Tuesday of each month7:00pm

At Chappel’s Restaurant 323 Armour RoadKansas City MO

VairCor is the official publication of the Heart of America Corvair Owners Association, the oldest incorporated continuously active marquee Corvair club and Chapter 640 of the Corvair Society of America. The membership fee in HACOA is $15.00 annually, payable January 1. CORSA membership is required. HACOA monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm., 7;00 pm Social at Chappell’s. 323 Armour Rd North Kansas City, MO 64116

Jack and Elaine Richardson’s 1964 Monza Corvertible