CORVETTES of BUFFALO 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF www.corvettesofbuffalo.com COB VETTE NEWS Since 1981 Volume 37, Issue 9 What’s Happening This Month See page three. Notes from the President Two major club activities were held this month. On August the 8th our annual Super Cruise held at the Eastern Hills Church. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate earlier in the day and it affected the turnout. Nevertheless our show co-chairmen Jim Cichocki and Rodney Mitchell did a great job in organizing the event. Thanks guys. The second major activity was our annual club picnic. The weather for this event was perfect. Thank you Jim & Terry Decker for chairing the picnic with help from Dick & Sue Brownlee. I believe we had 99 members and guests in attendance. And congratulations to all the winners of the games. Our club was well represented at Corvettes of Carlisle on August 22-26, with 27 members in attendance. Congratulations to the COB members who entered into the NCCC judged Car Show. See photos of the winners elsewhere in this issue. As I write this article we have approached the deadline for sign up of our 14th Annual Corvette Caravan. Final plans will be discussed for the Caravan at the September meeting. Bob & Norma are still looking for quality items to be used for door prizes at the Caravan. If you have quality items please contact them directly. Two reminders: Club dues will be collected at the September meeting. The cost is $65 per couple or $50 for and individual. Make checks payable to Corvettes of Buffalo. In addition nomination for officers will start at the September meeting and continue at the October meeting. Hope you’re having a great summer. See you soon. Frank September 2018 Editor’s note: It’s 1954, Dwight Eisenhower is president, the Korean conflict has gone from hot to cold and the Corvette, while not yet on life support, does not have a rosy prognosis. See pg. 4
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Corvettes of Buffalo - Sept 2018 Newsletter2018/09/01 · Newsletter Larry Dudeck 716-634-7391 Comm. Lynda Graham-741 3350-675 9467 Diane Skeide 876-1197 Webmaster Ken Bushley 716-826-8812
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CORVETTES of BUFFALO 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
www.corvettesofbuffalo.com
COB VETTE NEWS Since 1981
Volume 37, Issue 9
What’s Happening This Month
See page three.
Notes from the President
Two major club activities were held this month. On August
the 8th our annual Super Cruise held at the Eastern Hills
Church. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate earlier
in the day and it affected the turnout.
Nevertheless our show co-chairmen Jim Cichocki and
Rodney Mitchell did a great job in organizing the
event. Thanks guys.
The second major activity was our annual club picnic. The
weather for this event was perfect. Thank you Jim & Terry
Decker for chairing the picnic with help from Dick & Sue
Brownlee. I believe we had 99 members and guests in
attendance. And congratulations to all the winners of the
games.
Our club was well represented at Corvettes of Carlisle on
August 22-26, with 27 members in
attendance. Congratulations to the COB members who
entered into the NCCC judged Car Show. See photos of the
winners elsewhere in this issue.
As I write this article we have approached the deadline for
sign up of our 14th Annual Corvette Caravan. Final plans will
be discussed for the Caravan at the September meeting. Bob
& Norma are still looking for quality items to be used for door
prizes at the Caravan. If you have quality items please
contact them directly.
Two reminders: Club dues will be collected at the September
meeting. The cost is $65 per couple or $50 for and
individual. Make checks payable to Corvettes of Buffalo. In
addition nomination for officers will start at the September
meeting and continue at the October meeting.
Hope you’re having a great summer. See you soon.
Frank
September 2018
Editor’s note:
It’s 1954, Dwight Eisenhower is president,
the Korean conflict has gone from hot to
cold and the Corvette, while not yet on
life support, does not have a rosy
prognosis. See pg. 4
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Officers President ---------Frank Pastore ------ 716-694-9024 Vice President --Bob Joseph ---------- 716-440-6091 Treasurer --------Marianne Pastore --716-694-9024 Secretary -----Karen Rothenberger---716-675-9467
Board of Directors Dick Brownlee ------------------ 716-693-4654 Debbie Schafer ------------------716-551-6999 Bruce Graham -------------------716-741-3350 Lynda Graham -------------------716-741-3350 Skip Polowy ----------------------716-201-1889 Mike Buccilli ---------------------716-648-2037 Jim Decker ------------------------716-652-2169
Committees Membership Barbara Lipome 716-691-8845 Newsletter Larry Dudeck 716-634-7391 Phone Comm. Lynda Graham 716-741-3350 Sunshine Comm. Karen Rothenberger 716-675-9467 Diane Skeide 876-1197 Webmaster Ken Bushley 716-826-8812 [email protected] Activities Dir. Lynda Graham 716-741-3350 Club Photographer Dan Krakowski 716-675-5880 Face Book page Manager Dan Wroblewski 716-542-2041 Liaison for Out of Town Corvette Clubs Mike & Lee Buccilli 716-648-2037 *********************************************
Meeting every second Saturday of the month at First Presbyterian Church
9675 Main St. Clarence, NY, 14031 Meeting starts 7:00 p.m.
0 – 60 mph, 11.2 sec. Top speed 108 mph lbs. /HP 19.4
0 – 100 mph, 39.0 sec. Braking 60 -0 mph 169 ft. MPG 17
The 1954 Corvette owner’s manual was most assuredly aimed at the “hands-on” driver. For example, the recommended
fuel was “premium” even though the engine’s compression ratio was a sedate 8:1. The manual supplied instructions on
how to retard the ignition timing to allow the use of “regular” gas. For those who didn’t mind getting their hands dirty,
instructions on how to adjust the three carbs, how to adjust the valves and the water pump/generator drive belt were
included. Also there were instructions how to replace the thermostat, clean the cooling system, check and replace the 6
volt battery and replace head lamps and other bulbs. The recommended interval between oil changes was 2000-3000
miles.
The biggest problem the 1953 and 1954 Corvette faced was no one at Chevy was really sure who the Corvette was
aimed at. Was it the Road and Track crowd or the New York Times reader? For example, while 3640 cars were built in
1954 only 2780 were sold, a fact the accountants at Chevy found dismaying. A glimmering of an answer to the question
of who the car was aimed at began to take shape in May of 1953, when Chevy hired Zora Arkus Duntov, a Belgian
national, German educated, ex-Porsche engineer. He would become known as the “father of the Corvette”. But
perhaps the most influential factor that determined the fate of the Corvette was the unveiling of the 1955 Ford
Thunderbird during the 1954 Detroit Auto Show. Complete with roll-up windows, a removable hard top, both manual
and automatic gear boxes and a 292 cu.in. V8, the crew at Chevy soon realized where they had to be.
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Pennant Blue
Classic Black with red interior
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COB T-Shirts are now available for pick-up
The C O B T-SHIRTS that the members ordered have been received and I will have them at the next C O B meeting for members to pick-up. The cost per t-shirt is $13.65 each including tax, 2xl shirts are $15.75 each including tax. If paying by check, make it out to the Corvettes of Buffalo. Thanks. Mel Skeide
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Prospective member article
Well, I decided I should join a Corvette club this time. This is my 3rd Corvette. I have had a 1973 blue convertible,
and a 2005 red, 6 speed. Now I have a 2001 silver convertible, 6 speed. I guess I combined the other two into
this one.
I started thinking after this past winter that I would like to get another Corvette, (of course with “the boss’s” approval,
which she did approve). So, I started looking on line and in newspapers around the beginning of March. I stopped at all
the nearby Chevy dealers to give them my name and phone number and to let them know exactly what I was looking
for. When I was at the last Chevy dealer for that day, Paddock, I was talking to a salesperson, explaining what exactly I
wanted, and how much I wanted to spend. He said he didn’t have anything like that, and that it might be hard to find. I
told him I was not in a hurry, if something showed up then fine, if not I will wait. I was about to leave when the used car
sales manager called me in to his office and showed me a picture of a car on his computer. He told me a little bit about
the car and asked me if that is what I was looking for. I told him it was exactly what I was looking for, but for the price I
had told the salesperson. He said they would be in the ballpark.
This car was going to come in on a trade along with another Corvette from someone who was ordering a 2019 ZR1 for
$140,000. This person was a collector, (he had 6 Corvettes) and was trading in 2 of his Corvettes to use as a down
payment for the ZR1. So, I went through all of April with phone calls from Paddock that the deal was off and then on
again with the person trading in the 2 Corvettes. Finally, the first week of May I received a call saying the deal was done,
and that the man was bringing in the 2 Corvettes to trade. So, I went to look and to drive the 2001 Corvette. Couldn’t
believe when I saw it and drove it, what a car!! The collector had put in almost $22,000 for a Magna Super Charger,
Black wing air intake system, Corsa exhaust, a custom-made hood with a higher cowl to have enough room for the Super
charger, and a few other items. Plus, and it’s a big plus, it had 9450 miles on a 17-year-old car.
Oh, and I got it for the price I wanted.
John Vara
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The Playboy Motor Car Corporation hand built cars in Buffalo, New York from 1947-1949. The first few cars were designed and hand built in The Braun Carriage Works building, in Buffalo and then production was moved to the Town of Tonawanda. The Company was formed by Lou Horwitz whose vision was to produce a companion car for the family that was sporty, economical and fun to drive. He partnered with Charlie Thomas who engineered the car and Norm Richardson who built the car. They hand built 98 cars before going bankrupt in March of 1949. In 1947, one soft top rear engine prototype was built. The company felt that this car could not be built for the price of $985.00. In 1948, 96 prototypes were built, 94 hard top convertibles, along with two station wagons. As far as we know one of the wagons was destroyed, and the other has never been found. In 1949, one prototype was built and that car, as long with the 1947, and the last 1948 resides with the family in Buffalo. Playboy produced a car that had some unique features. The company built an all steel unibody car with an all steel convertible top that provided the safety features they desired. The cars were powered by a 48 horsepower Continental or Hercules engine, coupled to a Borg Warner three speed overdrive transmission, featuring an independent front wheel suspension. There are approximately 35 prototype cars still in existence, with about 20 in running condition. In Western New York there are 11 cars. INTERESTING FACTS: The Playboy received great publicity when Transcontinental and Endurance driver, Bob McKenzie, set a class record driving from New York City to Los Angeles, California in just 62 hours and 20 minutes, in the 10th prototype. This was accomplished while driving on 450/12 inch tires. A true fact is that Hugh Hefner named his magazine Playboy in 1953 after the car. The first issue of the magazine featured the famous pin-up of Marilyn Monroe. The mother of a friend of Hefner’s worked at the Playboy Car Corporation. Mr. Hefner admitted in his autobiography that this story was factual. At some of the local car shows, one or more of the Playboys are there to remind the people that Buffalo made cars.
Paddock CAR show
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Paddock Car Show
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2018 C.O.B. PICNIC
Terry and Jim Decker
Mother Nature might not have been kind to the club for other events this summer but she came through with a super
day of sunshine and warm temps for the annual picnic.
The picnic was Sunday, August 12 at Gratwick Hose Co. in North Tonawanda. The facility was great and the Gratwick
people did a fantastic job in catering the event as well as helping in many ways to make sure the picnic went well. The
final count of COB members and guests in attendance was 99.
Special thanks to Sue and Dick Brownlee for assisting us. Thanks also go to the games coordinators: Grant Violino – Corn
Hole Toss; Rich Zahner – Bocce; and Dick Brownlee – Horseshoes. Winners were: Maureen and Skip Polowy in Bocce,
Nancy Conroy and Grant Violino in Corn Hole Toss, and Harry Kwick and Jim Kelly in Horseshoes. Thanks to Marianne
Pastore for running the gazebo games that were won by Sue Blum. The finale of the day with over 30 participants was
the Water Balloon Toss. The contest was won by Samantha and Alex Wyse with many players happy they got wet to be
able to cool off a bit.
A highlight of the day was the photo shoot of the cars by Dan Krakowski and Dave Spencer. “Most” of the 51 Corvettes
present made it into the pictures with even a flatbed truck trying to get in. Thanks Dan and Dave.
Thanks to Nancy Conroy and Carol Blanford for running the 50 – 50. Bob Tkach traveled all the way from Florida to win
$122. Also thanks to Carole Rotando for making sure the door prices went to the right people. There were 28 door prizes
in all.
While at first, planning and running the picnic seemed like a daunting task, it turned out to be fun thing to do and easy
with all the help we had. It was great to see most all participating in something. No “stick in the muds” this year!
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Corvettes of Buffalo
Super Cruise
The weather of August 8th was doubtful, with the volunteers arriving at 2:30 pm during a
downpour. We milled around, wondering if the cruise would be a go or not. About 15
minutes later, the rain stopped. The skies did not exactly clear but it seemed the rain had
stopped, at least for now.
The decision was made to proceed; the registration tables set up indoors, the basket
auction tables were set up outside. The volunteers were given their instructions and
positions taken. Some of the church members set up a tent where hot dogs and drinks
were offered and Tomaso’s food truck arrived on the scene. Blue Ribbon Sales set up their
car products display. Bob Parrish brought his pristine 1955 Chevy and was selling auction
chances for it. The DJ arrived and set up his sound system. All that was needed now were
the cars.
The first car arrived at 4:00 pm, quickly followed by a few more. Perhaps the day wouldn’t
be a bust after all. All told, 32 cars eventually registered for the show. The 50/50 crew
was out in force, the hot dog tent and Tomaso’s food truck seemed to be thriving.
By this time the clouds had disappeared and sunshine was the order of the evening.
Spectators started showing up, judging was taking place and the basket auction was busy.
As soon as the judging was finished, the winner of the 50/50 was announced and trophies
were awarded. A total of 20 trophies plus “best-in-show” were awarded by Frank Pastore
and Rodney Mitchell.
Overall the 2018 Super Cruise was successful. Better weather always is a plus for these
events but we did the best we could under the circumstances. We give our thanks to
Paddock Chevrolet for their ongoing support as well as our heartfelt thanks to Eastern Hills
Church for the use of their facility. Karen Sparks and crew did a fine job putting together
31 baskets for the raffle. Thanks also to Nancy Conroy and Carol Blanford for their 50/50
efforts. And a special mention to Rodney Mitchell and Jim Cichocki for all of their
combined efforts and hard work to put this year’s Supercruise together.
And, of course, thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Super Cruise a
success.
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LADIES LUNCHEON
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
12 NOON
GRIFFIN GASTRO PUP
634 MAIN STREET
EAST AURORA, NY
JOIN US FOR LUNCH AT A FAIRLY NEW RESTARUANT IN EAST AURORA.
FOOD IS GOOD AND MADE AND COOKED FRESH JUST FOR EACH ORDER.
THEY ARE DOING SEPARATE CHECKS FOR US. THEY HAVE GLUTEN FREE,
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN ITEMS ON THE MENUE FOR THOSE WHO WANT
THEM. NOW ON THE PLUS SIDE, AFTER LUNCH, YOU CAN SHOP THE QUINT STORES ON MAIN
STREET.
I WILL HAVE A SIGN UP SHEET AT SEPTEMBER’S MEETING, IF YOU CAN’T BE AT THE MEETING
PLEASE CONTACT ME AT: 716-648-2037 OR EMAIL ME AT
[email protected] NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 18TH. I HAVE TO GIVE A COUNT AS TO
Depart From – 4135 Transit Road (The Old Toys R Us Store)
Williamsville, NY 14221
Meet at 12:30 PM Rain or Shine
Various routes are planned to the Hidden Valley Animal Farm. The travel time should be approximately 80
minutes.
Meet at 2:00 PM at the farm
2:00PM – 3:00PM on your own to take a walking tour of the grounds and animals (a paid tour is optional)
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cash Bar with assorted cheese and crackers (put out about 3:15)
4:00 PM Dinner
First Course Served:
Fresh Garden Salad with Assorted Dressings and Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls
Second Course Buffet:
Top Round of Beef with Rosemary scented Au Jus with Gravy
Herb Roasted Chicken Bone – In
Pork Loin with Apple Rum Sauce
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable Medley
Served:
Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream & Bourbon Sauce Drizzled
Coffee/ Decaf/Tea
Note: Any special dietary requirements should be communicated to Mel Skeide.
Cost per member is $23.00. No refunds (Please note that we had to change to a buffet dinner because it was not
feasible to get individual checks for the number of members planning to come to the event).
Checks are to be made out to Corvettes of Buffalo by no later than September 8, 2018 when reservations will
be closed. Checks can be mailed to:
Mel Skeide
184 Tremont Ave
Kenmore, NY 14217
Checks can also be given to Mel at the COB meeting on September 8.
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Corvettes at Carlisle 2018
Congratulations to all the Corvettes of Buffalo members that made it to Carlisle this year! It was
another great year to enjoy all the Corvette activities at Carlisle. The weather was beautiful with
temps in the low 80’s and there were thousands of Corvettes attending the event from Thursday
to Sunday. I believe we had 18 COB corvettes attending during the weekend and activities
included the premier NCCC Judged Corvette Show along with an Autocross, which several
COB’ers participated, the Corvettes Patriotic Flag ceremony, with 165 Corvettes participating
and many other fun field activities to watch and enjoy! And yes, we even had a Corvette
Scooter race at the NCCC field between Mel Skeide and Dave Huber! (See the video).
While I personally did find time to walk the Fairgrounds to search for some parts and stuff,
most of my time was devoted to cleaning and showing my 1967 Roadster at the NCCC car
show area. I also took about 5 hours on Friday to participate in the Corvette Flag display and
ceremony. There was 165 Corvettes selected in Red-White and Blue, along with a few silver
gray for the flagpole, that were parked on the hill for a special Patriotic tribute including
overhead photos, time lapsed video and special guests from “Fox and Friends” attending the
procession for some special recognition on TV. I was honored to park my Pearl coat Blue 67
Roadster within the top left corner of the flag!
Then following the flag ceremony my attention went back to the NCCC Car Show to prepare
for the judging on Saturday. The Corvettes of Buffalo had five Corvettes participating in the
Judged Show and I would like to again congratulate all five Members as their Corvettes were
recognized and received awards in the various classes. Dave and Kathy Huber won their first
place award with their 1969 Yellow Big Block, Wayne Scutter took first place in his class and I
took first in my class. Rodney Mitchell won second place in his class and John Meyerhoff won
third place in his class. I also received a special engraved glass NCCC Sanction Award from the
NCCC York County Corvette Club for having the Best Wheels in the show.
The Corvettes at Carlisle is the largest most extensive Corvette show in the USA and every
Corvette owner should try to attend as many times as possible. Every year there is new Corvette
stuff, old Corvette stuff (parts), innovative displays of cool corvette items and of course many
other Corvette enthusiasts to meet and talk with that share our passion in Corvettes! Always
remember to Save the Wave!
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Charcoal Corral Super Cruise The last Super Cruise of the season at the Charcoal Corral (Perry, N.Y.) Will be held on SATURDAY, Sept. 15, from 11:00 AM to 4PM. Friends in the area who have attended our weekend at Holiday Valley and are regulars at the Charcoal Corral suggest arrival by 9:30 AM if you wish to obtain prime parking spots like we did last month. If a group forms to go, please let John Meyerhoff know and he will plan to meet you there or nearby. Direct any questions to John Meyerhoff (984-7880). The Charcoal Corral is located on NYS Route 39, one mile east of Perry, NY. Further note; According to Bob Joseph (Caravan Chairman), we cannot arrive at Paddock until 6PM for the Caravan Meet and Greet party, so this shouldn't conflict if you want to do both! John Meyerhoff <[email protected]>
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Ctrl + Click on these links to review our current NEW CAR and PREOWNED inventories.
MAJOR SPONSOR for CORVETTES of BUFFALO
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CORVETTES of BUFFALO
NEW ------------- http://www.paddockchevrolet.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=new&bodyType=CAR
Financial consultant 6700 Main St Williamsville, NY 14221 Direct: (716) 810-5026 [email protected]
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non- Bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. @ 2011, 2013, 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
0718-01772
Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured. NO Bank
On the next page is a copy of the new C.O.B. Ad Form. The Board of Directors is asking members to consider approaching businesses they know that might be interested in placing an ad in the C.O.B. Newsletter and on the web site.
Members should only consider this if they are comfortable in doing so. The Ad Form can be downloaded and printed. All information the business needs to know is on the form. If you have any questions or comments, contact Jim Decker at [email protected]. Thank you.
NEWSLETTER AND WEBSITE AD FORM Corvettes of Buffalo offers ad space in its monthly newsletter, on its website and on our Facebook page. Please review existing ads and newsletters at www.corvettesofbuffalo.com. Our ad rates for one year, beginning with receipt of payment, are: BUSINESS CARD 1/8 page $40.00 ¼ page $75.00 ½ page $135.00 Full page $250.00
Any questions. Please contact: Jim Decker – 716 912 4217 Email: [email protected]
Thank you in advance for your support of CORVETTES of BUFFALO. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please complete: BUSINESS NAME________________________________ CONTACT PERSON_____________________________ PHONE # ________________________________ Please make checks payable to: Corvettes of Buffalo
Mail to: Corvettes of Buffalo P.O. Box 161 West Seneca, New York 14224
INCLUDE: 1) Business card and/or art work 2) Completed form 3) Payment
Office Use: Date Received__________1 yr. notification date_______