A GDYNETS PUBLICATION 2012, G. DAVID YAROS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Car Collector Chronicles

Volume V, Issue 10 Car Collector Chronicles October 2012

Exploring:

Car Collecting Today Classic Rides Reports From the Field

High RPMs
With this issue we conclude our 4th year of publication; a total of 48 issues. That is a lot of water over the dam! Fall is setting in for us in SE Wisconsin? There will not be too many days remaining to cruise, or go to a show. I need to flush and fill my radiators and engines. The antifreeze in SAVED 62 has been there since we purchased the car in 2005. Time for a change. This is as good a time as any to point out that the best results are obtained by using a cooling system cleaner and back flushing the system. I still have an old Prestone backflush kit which I shall use for this. With an extra piece of hose and a few clamps I can install, use and remove it without altering the factory set up. I would also remind all that whenever the cooling system is being flushed, it should be done with the heater on. That is because you want to also flush the heater core. To do that, one must have the heater running. Flushing the heater core helps prevent coolant leaks in the interior of the car, which nobody wants! If possible drain your engine block first. Do so by opening the petcocks on each side of the block, at the bottom. At least that is where they are located on SAVED 62. It is not unusual, after having opened the petcocks, to see no coolant flow. In such a case, probe the open petcock with a tool or heavy wire to open the passage and permit the coolant to drain. You want to fush the system until it drains nothing but clear water. Then, continue to flush for at least a couple of minutes more. There is no sense in doing this job if you leave behind old coolant or bulit up accumlants. Once the system is clean, and refilled, adding a sealant/

Oldsmobile (1897-2004) Cadillac (1902- ) Allant (1987-1993)

Corvair (1960-1969)

IN THIS ISSUE:

High RPMs

GDYNets On the Web Graying of the Hobby Interesting Rides?

lubricant, such as Bars Leak cannot hurt. This is also the time to check your radiator cap to assure it is serviceable. While flushing the cooling system is a messy job, it is not a difficult one, and one that certainly is necessary on a periodic basis.
- Care for and enjoy your ride(s)!

GDYNets on the Web

Find GDYNets on the web:

SAVED 62: A website devoted

In the Year 19 and 62 (Ads/Events)

CCC -THE FORUM http://ccc.activeboard.com Car Collector Chronicles-scribd Saved 62 - 1962 Olds web site http://www.freewebs.com/ jeandaveyaros The Gray Lady - 1955 Cadillac Coup de Ville web site

to our 1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 convertible. The site also has a lot of information on Oldsmobiles and its founder, Ransom Eli Olds.

CCC Forum EMail:

OldsD88@gmail.com

THE GRAY LADY: This website features our 1955 Cadillac Coup de Ville and Caddy information.

DAVES DEN: A website devoted to a myriad of interests. Foremost is extensive information on the Steel City of Gary, IN. There are also offerings on steel making, U.S. Steel-Gary Works, U.S. Marine Corps, M14 assault rifle, of course Oldsmobile, and the tragic story of the murder of Gary, IN Police Lt. George Yaros.

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Graying of the Hobby

Over the years I have expressed concern over the lack of new/young blood in the old car hobby. Judging from message traffic on the web, I am not the only one who spends time pondering this situation. There are plenty of premises as to the why of this phenomenon. The one theory which I hope is not true is that us ol codgers are not welcoming, friendly or receptive to youth. If that be true, it is a sad, sad commentary on our generation!

[O]ne reason for little-to-no interest in old rides by the populous comprising Generation X, Y or Z is that, unlike us, they have no experience of vintage iron on which to draw.

There can be no doubt that automobiles do not fascinate the youth of today, whatever their generation label might be. This is reflected clearly in the fact that they are known to wait beyond their 16th birthday to become licensed drivers! Could you imagine that happening back in the late 50s, early 60s? In response to a query from a fellow car enthusiast on this subject I pointed out that today, people are not interested in owning, and do not own, an automobile. While I have no facts to support it, it is my belief that there are far more leased, vs. owned, automobiles on our highways today. I think that one reason for little-to-no interest in old rides by the populous comprising Generation X, Y or Z is that, unlike us, they have no experience of vintage iron on which to draw. Lets face it, when a baby boomer sees a GTO, Chevy 409, or whatever, it strikes a responsive chord within us. It gets the blood flowing and the adrenalin pumping. It brings back fond memories. To the youth of today, such a sight is about as exciting as being invited to take in a play written by Shakespeare! That being the case, one means of addressing the graying of the hobby is to let the younger generation experience vintage American iron firsthand, from behind the wheel and under the hood. The more familiarity they have with old cars the better the chances of their being able to find them both interesting and enjoyable. After all, it is easy to dislike like something you do not know, and hard to dislike something you know well. For such to happen, it is incumbent upon us to provide the opportunity. That means we have to be open, friendly and receptive to youth should they stop to look at a ride on display at a car show. Ignoring them, or treating them as a dumb kid, is not the way to go. Why not take a nephew, niece, grandchild, neighbor, whomever to a cruise-in? In this vein, I ran across this recently. The editor of a car newsletter was unable to attend and cover a local car show. He drafted his 10 year

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Graying of the Hobby - Contd.

old grand daughter to go to the show, take pictures and write about the cars. She was excited to do it. She did do it, and wrote a more than decent article. In the process she became interested in old cars, and now wants to attend more car shows. Great idea! I do feel there is hope in regard to revitalizing our hobby. In fact, I am encouraged by some of the message traffic I have seen of late on many of the auto related fora I frequent. Here is a sampling:
- Went to pick up my 72 98 this afternoon about 45 miles from the house. My 16 year old son has been cracking about how big it is, and of course the Jeff Allen Cadillac jokes about mileage have been flying all week around the house. For those not familiar look him up on YouTube he will have you rolling. Anyway when it came time to drive away he decided to ride with me in the 98. I couldnt wait to get that rocket out and open it up. Its been 30 years since Ive had a 455 at my control. We live in the country so getting on Rte. 7 and cracking those 4 barrels felt so good. Well after about 30 min I pulled into a small ice cream stand and bought him and his mother, who was trying to keep up in the Cherokee, a cone and when we finished I went around and climbed in the passenger side. He stood there and looked at me like I lost my mind. He slowly climbed in the drivers seat and put on his seat belt. I looked over, told him to give the pedal a press and turn the key. The engine was so smooth he had to ask if it was running. I told him it was., He backed out and pulled out on to the road as we left the little town he started to get into it a little bit. I told him to take it easy and just feel it out a little. He kept it around 45 and told me it didnt feel anything like the Ranger or the Cherokee. I just let him enjoy his first real drive of a real car; the look on his face, priceless. I heard him tell his mom that he really liked that car. Not a single joke. Hmmmm, wonder how long that will last? - Hi all! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself! My name is Koby, I'm 16 years old, live in Long Island, NY and just started my junior year of high school. I enjoy playing basketball, football, running track and have a passion for classic cars. I've been interested in classics for about a year now and I make family members drag me out to car shows whenever they're not too busy. actually attended one yesterday to be exact. I already passed my road test and a driver education course so as soon as I turn 17 I hope the freedom will allow me to hit up shows every weekend! I basically spend every day afterschool browsing ebay, craigslist, AACA forums, project car sites and informational websites dealing with cars, trying to absorb information and get a feel for what parts and accessories are worth. I haven't made any major car related purchases yet but my goal is to restore my own classics in the future. I work whenever I can doing random jobs around the neighborhood and for family members in order to save up for my own project. I am a member of AACA and I will be attending my first Hershey Meet this October and I absolutely can't wait to see what it's all about! I will hopefully be joining my local AACA chapter in the upcoming year, I just have to finish doing research to decide which local chapter would fit me best! I am currently trying to start a Classic Car Club/Group within my high school in order to promote classic auto passion within peers of mine. Sadly most teens who are even slightly into cars are all about 'modern muscle' and don't really appreciate the old iron! Though this is discouraging, my efforts to promote classics for the younger generations will continue! I'm not really sure what I want my first restoration to be. I have Ford Model A's, and 1950s Chevrolet Bel Airs up on my list for the future but probably not my first. I'm thinking I want something with a little muscle in it, and I do love the way the early 1970s Cadillacs look! I would like to add that I have great respect for people that hot-rod cars for their talents and creativity, but I personally want to keep things as original as possible in my rides! I know restorations take money, time and effort, so this will take a while. But I figure the sooner I start the sooner I'll get to enjoy my ride!

I am currently trying to start a Classic Car Club/Group within my high school in order to promote classic auto passion within peers of mine.

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Graying of the Hobby - Contd.

I was wondering if anyone could point me to any reading material I should be checking out for information about restorations, or car history? Any insight from you "car experts" will be greatly appreciated. I know that knowledge comes with years and I'd be honored to be able to learn from all of you. -Thanks for reading. - Hello my name is Cole. Im 15 years old. I just picked up a 1967 town sedan. Any way, I love the car! I went to school today and they told my class that we had to write a 2000 word essay. I thought it be cool to do it on Oldsmobile history and facts and stuff like that so if you could help me out just a little bit that wound be cool. Thank you guys for your time. - Thought I would introduce myself, my name is Ron, and I'm only 18 years old. I recently bought a 1971 Supreme, and love it already. This is my first Olds although thats all my dad owned. I guess growing up around them it was meant to be. - Hi guys, my name is Philipp. I am 20, live in Germany and I just bought a 72 Cutlass 2 door with the 350 engine inside. The car has no rust at all and seems to be solid (came from California). But of course it will need a bit of work to get everything working as it should. Im sure that Ill have a lot of questions cause this is my first U.S. car

Then there is Ollie from England, on whom we reported in August and September. He is all of 28. From my perspective, at age 66, that certainly qualifies as being young, So, perhaps there is hope?

Interesting Rides?

In the course of my wandering the net I come across all kinds of interesting rides, at least to me. I thought I might share some of them you. Here are some pics of what people do to their cars. Why, is beyond me?

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Ok, Ive had my say for the month. Now its your turn! I invite/encourage submission of your comments, opinions and article contributions. I also ask that you please help spread the word about our publication. Everything sent shall indeed be reviewed by me. Submissions should be sent to CCC at OldsD88@gmail.com.

Now that you have finished reading this months issue of the newsletter, come start/ join an ongoing dialog with other CCC readers and like-minded car collector folk on the CCC Forum. Stop by, check us out and share your views . ______________________________________

-- RESTORE 'EM, AND DRIVE 'EM!

COMING NEXT ISSUE: Reality TV car shows

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In the Year 19 and 62

The World Which Greeted Saved 62 October 62

October 1 - The first black student, James Meredith, registers at the University of Mississippi, escorted by Federal Marshals. Johnny Carson takes over as permanent host of NBC's To night Show, a post he would hold for 30 years. The Lucy Show premieres October 5 - Dr. No, the first James Bond film, premieres in UK theaters. October 14 Cuban Missile Crisis begins