june spotlight ron spencer’s 1949 chevrolet...

THE PUGET SOUND REGION VINTAGE CHEVROLET CLUB OF AMERICA NEWSLETTER�

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JUNE SPOTLIGHT

June Program June meeting program: Come enjoy Strawberry Shortcake and learn about next years Northwest Meet. Details are on page 7. Meeting Treats: We are covered for June. Thanks Darby’s. For September it’s Sallie Comstock.�

Ron Spencer’s 1949 Chevrolet Convertible

Special Note: This article is dedicated to Ron’s friend Frank Crosby (above) of Brinnon, WA. for restoring the car. Frank is fighting a “battle” with lung cancer, and has been a great friend to Ron, in addition to doing such a good job on the car. Thanks Frank.

In the 1990’s as I moved closer to retirement, I decided I wanted to have an identical car to my first one, which I bought in 1956 in Boise, Idaho where I was in High School. That 1949 Chevrolet Convertible had always held a special place in my memories, as life was good in a small town still insulated from most big city and worldly problems. It was a good time to be a young man with a con-vertible automobile. (cont. on p. 5)

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Puget Sound Region VCCA

The Puget Sound Region of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (PS-VCCA) is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, fun and enjoyment of vintage Chevrolet cars and trucks. Members are not required to own a Chevrolet. PS-VCCA chapter membership is open to all Chevrolet enthusiasts who are members of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA). All Chevys from 1911 through 1979 may be registered with the region. General meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month at Tillicum Middle School in Bellevue . Meetings in September through May are from 7:30PM to 9:30PM. June and August meetings are announced in this publication. No meetings are held in July or December. You can learn more about the club by visiting the website. You can see color photos of previous tours, parts for sale, wanted, etc. and there is a link to view our Monthly Newsletter “Tappet Clatter.” You can find the PS-VCCA website on the World Wide Web @ http://pugetsoundvintagechevrolet.org/

Wanted Reward! We are still seeking “Spotlights” of club member’s cars for 2004 Tappet Clatters. Please take the time to write up the history of your car and include two pictures and send them to Dave Haddock. Do it the way that suits you the best, but if you can do as an attachment to an e-mail that helps Dave put it together. See the past ones in 2003/2004 as examples. Reward? – You will get a professionally-printed, color copy of your edition and help us produce an interesting monthly publication. THANKS.

��Directors Asst. Director Rod Schein Steve Grissom

[email protected] [email protected]

Jerry Brownell Secretaries ljsbrownell Tom & Sharon

@juno.com Lauderback

Activities Coordinators Olga Eadie

Don Comstock

[email protected]

Treasurer Historian Sallie Comstock Bob Helgeson


Editors Membership Jim Martoza John Strampher


Dave Haddock Donna Onat


Club Store Ana Maria & George Haley

[email protected]

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T A P P E T C L A T T E R 3 �

May was a whirlwind of a month (figuratively speaking), with even a few tornadoes thrown in to boot (Literally speaking). Jim Farris had a very good turnout at his May 12th garage night. Jim has a highly organ-ized system for storing everything from nuts and bolts to starters, hubcaps, fenders and extra car bodies. He must have enough extra car parts to build several vintage Chevrolets. There was lots of good conversation, visiting and refreshments enough to keep everyone busy and curiously exploring Jim's collection of vintage autos and spare parts. If someone had a question (technical or otherwise) there were always good answers (accurate or otherwise). Thanks Jim, for sharing you treasures and knowledge with us. Ana Maria and George Haley did an excellent job of organizing and coordinating our clubs volunteer work at the 31st Annual Seattle Auto Swap Meet at Monroe, Washington. Ana and George were there for all three days. A huge THANK YOU to all of our members who volunteered and supported the (pardon the expression "ford" sponsored) event. Don Comstock and Lee Folsom were doing a lot of business at their vendor spaces when I checked with them Friday afternoon. The 2005 Northwest Regional Meet Committee under the direc-tion of Steve Grissom continues to make giant strides in preparation for this event. These plans will be pre-sented at our general meeting June 28th. I am still looking at my copy of the "Griots Garage" catalogue of items available to detail your car. These were made available at our May general meeting. The catalogue contains lots of good stuff to consider. We watched intently as Mike Van Duson, professional detailer, cleaned and polished a portion of a pristine 52 Chevrolet hood. A side note to this presentation for me was seeing his assistant, Stanley Montgomery, again after at least 15 years. I was so surprised (small world) to see him walk into the room. I met Stan back in the late 70's when I was Director of Grants Management for the Kent School District. Stan served for many years as a member of one of the Parent Advisory Committees to the school district for the special programs under my responsibility. On a personal note, our son Scott will graduate from Central Washington University (CWU) on June 12th, and then we take him to the airport the next day to depart for Osaka, Japan for a one-month mission trip with 14 others in a ministry program with students at Osaka University. Needless to say such a venture makes Mom and Dad a bit nervous. Scott's brother, Jerald and his family from Florida and Cari, Scott's sister, and her family from Spokane will also attend Scott's graduation. Mary and I will get to see all four of our Grand-children at one time! In the Relay with you, Jerry


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The Club Store will be closed until the September Meeting. Call or email if you need anything. Ana Maria & George Haley (253) 874-0365 [email protected] See you... George & Ana Maria

ANNIVERSARIES! BIRTHDAYS!

June Celebrations

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MIKE & KATHY CURRIE 07-01 BILL & GRACE WEGENER 07-14 FRANK & RICKEY BURLANDO 07-17 JOHN & MARILYN CAMPBELL 07-31

BETTY ROBERTS 7-19 JOHN STRAMPHER 7-05 DENNIS DYNES 7-08 DIC SELIN 7-20 JIM DARBY 7-21

Thanks Lauderbacks!!


In 1999, I happened to be reading the Sunday Classified ads and “there it was”, a 1949 Black Chevrolet Convertible for sale in the Seattle area. I called and went to see the car, that same day. It had been hauled out of a barn in Mount Vernon, and was very “rough” in all aspects, but complete. It “kind of ran” with a used 216 cubic inch replacement engine, instead of the original 216, but it was a real “rust bucket” in the body and flooring. My emotions took over and I bought the car for I am sure more than it was worth. As I was afraid, I was a real rookie in the old car business. I rented a car hauler and took it to our second home garage in Brinnon on the Hood Canal. I set out to find a person to totally re-store the car, but was not immediately successful. Frank Crosby, a local Brinnon old car enthusiast, was my first choice, but his body and paint partner was retired, so he would not take on the job. I then chose the incre-mental approach to rebuilding, and hired a local person to get it running and able to be driven, while I searched for the correct re-builder. I finally had to “talk” someone into the job but he was available only for a later date. He warned me I was going to spend a lot of money, but I decided to wait until he was ready to do the job. He called me about 1 year later and was ready to work on the convertible. However, I was not ready to make the fi-nancial commitment at that time, so we waited another year. Then he decided against working on the car, as he had just finished what he called a “terrible rust bucket” job and did not want to take on the 49 convertible project! I was very disappointed and faced the prospect of losing all of the money I had invested in the original pur-chase, the money spent on the “incremental” approach to getting it running, and for the list of parts I had purchased for the rebuild project! I was resigned to taking a huge loss, when Frank Crosby begin to talk about doing some trading of rent I was paying him, along with some cash for title to the car. Frank and I through talk of old cars, and because I was renting storage space from him, had become good buddies, I was extremely pleased that my friend was going to make the car OK again, plus I was not out all of my money. I was happy that someone would save the car, and I could see the progress. I always felt in the back of my mind that Frank would finish the Chevrolet and want to sell it back to me. I was not sure I wanted to invest any more money and emotion into the Convertible, until he called me up to his shop to see the new yellow paint job. It was “Love at First Sight”, all over again, and Frank with “twinkle” in his eye, said to be patient, and we would work something out, when she was finished. Well, she became finished with a rebuilt 1954 235 engine and rear end, along with a very nice upholstery and new convertible top job. He made the car a good driver while keeping it near original, and after he drove it a few hundred miles he called, and said come on up and we will talk purchase. I did and now own The Yellow Beauty. It was quite an experience for a complete rookie when it comes to old cars, but it has been fun, I have a great new friend, and I am really enjoying the car. We drove it to Roslyn for their August show and it won best pre 1955 convertible. It was also featured in the Seattle PI Friday Auto Section. It may not be perfect “10”, but it is sure fun to own! By Ron Spencer (See additional photos on pp. 3 & 12)

Ron Spencer’s 1949 Chevrolet Convertible (cont. from p. 1)


2004 Club Meetings & Auto Events Calendar

�� 19-20 Graham, WA. GM Swap Meet & Picnic Info 360-893-4910 � 24-26 Richland, WA. Cool Desert Nights Info www.cooldesertnights.com � 25-27 Wenatchee, WA. Apple Run Car Show Info 509 884-6478 � 27 Portland, OR. Rose Festival Cruise-In Info rosefestivalcruisein.com � 28 Strawberry Shortcake Feed & Social 7:30 PM

�� 7 Garage Night at Bob Helgeson’s 7:00 PM � 10 Renton, WA. Return to Renton Benefit Cruise In Info 425 255-0466 � 11 Issaquah, WA. Triple XXX Mid-Summer Run Info 425 392-1266 � 18 Skykomish, WA. Skykomish Show & Shine Info 360 677-1237 � 22-25 Kelso, WA. VCCA 33rd NW Meet Info 503 524-1835 � 24 Seattle, WA. Classic Car Show on Alki Info 206 763-3319 � 25 Issaquah, WA. Triple XXX Truck & Pickup Show Info 425 392-1266

�� 5-8 Bend, OR. Flashback Cruz 2004, Info: 541-382-9370 � 13-15 Bellevue, WA. All Chevy Show Info: www.allchevyshow.com � 11 Garage Night at Bill Barker’s 7:00 PM � 13-15 The Dalles, OR. Cruise the Gorge 'Show in the Shade', Info: 541-298-5344 � 15 Issaquah, WA. '55-56-57 Chevy Show @ XXX Drive-In, Info: 425-235-0825 � 21-22 Graham, WA. Yesterdays Chevelle/ElCamino Show Info: 360-412-5024


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Thanks Lauderbacks!!


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June Program

We’ ll meet at Marymoor Park in Redmond at 7:30 PM on June 28th for our Annual Strawberry Shortcake event. Look for us at one of the covered shelters on the south end. Steve Grissom and his crew of volunteers will run through the plans for the 2005 NW Meet in Bellingham. See you there!!

4th of July Family Fun!! Spend a quiet and peaceful time at the Folsom's woodland picnic area on the 4th. Hotdogs and other basics will be provided. Bring whatever else you would like for your gang, or to share. Come anytime after 12:00. If you would like to view the Bothell parade, as many have done in past years, be advised that since the 4th is on Sunday, the parade starts at 1:00 this year. It may not be the best season for Mariner's baseball, but we can cer-tainly have hotdogs, apple pie, and CHEVROLET!!


Jim Farris’ 490 Makes

the May G & D!!!

If this wonderful car on the cover of the May G & D looked familiar, it should have. It is owned by our own Jim Farris. What a wonderful picture of a legendary Chevrolet on the banks of the Colorado River.

��Classifieds

FOR SALE ‘60s to ‘70s 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup sideracks, homemade but works to extend load, Jim Seiber, (425) 392-7865 ‘36 Chev Parts, wheels, radiator and shroud, hood, John Aryes 425 870-4086 Free pair of rusty splash aprons for 1918 490 Touring Terry Shegrud, contact Jim Martoza for more information.

WANTED Upright Windshield Posts for a Chev. 490 Touring, George Eadie, (425) 481-4238 or (425) 269-0265 ‘64 Impala SS hubcap, Need 1 very good hub-cap/would buy more if needed more, only need one, Steve Grissom, (425) 228-3670, [email protected]. 1918 490 Touring, one inside door handle plate Terry Shegrud, contact Jim Martoza for more information

July 2004

Don’ t forget to sign up for the 2004 NW M eet in Kelso, July 22 through 25!!! Deadline for registration is July 7 th.

WEDNESDAY GARAGE NITE Dick Olson is continuing an informal Wednesday garage night. We will meet once a month at someone’ s garage (alternating each month). When: Second Wed. of the month 7:00 PM. Informal get together, guy stuff, guests welcome! Kick tires; Network with other car nuts; Meet new people; Learn new things; An excuse to drive your old car? Host will provide soft drinks or bring your own? Check out garage projects!! Call Dick to volunteer your garage!! Where: Bob Helgeson’ s Garage on July 7th. Schedule: August 11th, Bill Barker

T A P P E T C L A T T E R 9

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From the Glove Box

1 0 T A P P E T C L A T T E R

This month's Glove Box question is from member George Eadie.

Question: George Eadie's question is "I have a 1922 Chevy 490. Are new rims available for this model? The tire size is 30 x 3 1/2. If rims are available, who is selling them. I have a rusty sample of a rim if anyone needs to see it". Answer: In response to George Eadie's question regarding the avail-ability of 1922 Chevrolet rims, there are no new rims that I know of made for 490 Chevrolet cars. The demountable rim for the touring and Roadster cars is almost the same as the Model T Ford 30x31/2 rim. Hayes made them both. The only difference is that the air stem hole is in a different place. New Model T rims are available in the Chaffin's Garage Inc. catalog. They are expensive, $185 each. This solution would provide new rims if the car's wheel fellows have not been changed to the Sedan or Coupe wheel whose rim is about 1/4 inch wider. The rim for this wheel is identified by one split lug. To my knowledge these rims are not being remanufactured, however good used ones can be found. Jim New questions or questions & answers are always welcome. You can email me at [email protected]. Thanks.

Jim Farris Custodian of the Glove Box

Want a Preview of the 2005 NW Meet????

Here are some NW Meet updates. For this year, the Columbia Region has a website for their meet. This is the address. http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/2004northwestmeet/ For next year, we have a few pages started for the meet our region hosts in Belling-ham. This is the flyer for the event. http://pugetsoundvintagechevrolet.org/tc/2005nwmeet/index.html

��Classifieds FOR SALE

‘65 Chevelle 396 engine, Pat @425-373-1688 Set of 8 lug Chev wheels w/good 16.5 tires, $75 Jim Farris (206) 937-5636 or [email protected] 1987 Pontiac Trans AM GTA configuration, T-tops, excellent mechanics & driver $2750 OBO Walt Blair (206) 249-6745 or [email protected] ‘59 Convertible, 80K miles, Bruce Nickelson (425) 771-8475 ‘56 265 CID engine, less than 20k on rebuild, 3 spd tran. & rear end, 370?, Wally Martin, (425) 743-6858 21 ft. Car Trailer, homebuilt, surge brakes, winch, tilt-up ramps, $800, Don Comstock, (253) 863-0420, [email protected] ‘50 216 Engine-complete, Dick Olson, (425) 222-5798, [email protected] ‘37 Rebuilt Engine, ‘47 &’ 48 builder engines, ‘53 Cadillac V-8, ‘33 engines, Don Comstock, (253) 863-0420, [email protected] ‘41 Chev. Club Coupe, Grey over blue, A nice car, $11,500, Don Brown, (425) 231-0208 ‘82 Era Test Equip, Snap-on Diagnostic Center mounted on rolling cabinet, Jim Seiber, (425) 392-7865, [email protected]

‘54 6 CYL. 235 engine, Rebuilt .030 over, 0 miles, $1,800 ‘54 Power Glide Tranny, Rebuilt 0 miles, $650 ‘52 235 CI and PG, $25 V8 Truck, Bell housing, $20 ‘65 6 CYL 230 CI & PG, $50 ‘50 PU Diff, $10 ‘37-’38 Coupe Doors, L&R, $5 ea. ‘59 Frt. Bumper, $20 ‘59 Impala, wheel covers, (4), $10 ea. ‘62 SS, wheel covers, (4), $15 ea. ‘50 PU, door, RH, $20 ‘68 ALL-SYNCRO, 3-spd, $40 ‘58 3-spd, $20 ‘56 PU, 4-spd, $20 ‘57 Bel Air, LH Front Fender Mldg, $20 ‘57 Bel Air, N.O.S. LH Front Fender Mldg, $40 ‘39, N.O.S. Running Board Mldg, $80 ‘39, Running Board Rubber, LH $40 ‘53 or ’54, steering wheel, $50�� &��'��(')��*+��)��%�,�

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‘38 Chev Radio, Bill Barker, (425) 643-0698, bill@barkerville.

NOTE: More Tappet Clatter Classifieds on p. 8

WANTED

1936–1950 Passenger and 1/2 Ton Brake Shoe Cores. Also, 9 inch ‘38 to ‘53 clutch discs. Bring to any meeting. We will forward them to

990 South Second Street Lebanon, OR 97355 TO ORDER: INFORMATION: (800) 841-6622 (541) 258-2114 FAX: (541) 258-6968 or www.fillingstation.com

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CLEARANCE SALE

1951 Chevrolet Convertible. Nearly $50,000 spent on full restoration (see picture below). Car is in Post Falls, ID restoration shop. Call Glenn Vaughn for full details on restoration work. 208-773-3525. (www.glennvaughn.com). Best offer. ! ��%��## �:�!��!��

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june spotlight ron spencer’s 1949 chevrolet...

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