The Official Newsletter of the American Motors Club of HoustonThe Official Newsletter of the American Motors Club of Houston

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Page 12 - American Motors Club of Houston

George Graham

5609 Valerie St. Houston, TX 77081-7305

The Final Word

From the Officers - Latest Club News You Can Use Page 3Road Trip!! -- The 2005 Lone Star Regional Page 4AMCoH Cruise Night Page 5AutoWeek Eagle Article Page 8New “AM” Script Radiator Cap, and Car Art Page 10Intermittent Wiper Inventor Passes Away Page 11

Well, here’s yet another super-late issue; but I guess better late then never, right?? I hope to have the next issue out a bit sooner. I’m afraid caring for my wife has been taking more and more time as she gets worse -- I’ve been shopping around for some home health care help to free up some of my time, but haven’t yet found anyone I trust. Still looking. And I of course appreciate all of the kind words and thoughts from y’all. It’s nice to know you have friends out there!!

This issue’s “Editor’s Little Helper” award goes to your AMCoH Activities Director, Ozzie Osborne, for writing up stories not only about the Lone Star Regional and Otto’s cruise, but also submitting a riotous article about his trip to the Atlanta AMO National Show (you’ll see that in the next issue -- the story makes Ted Davis’ road trip problem from the 2002 San Antonio show seem pale in comparison). Until next time; Ramble On, dudes, George G.

Jeff Shira’s ‘75 Pacer Nabs Best of Show at the Lone Star RegionalPacer Story & More Show Photos on Pages 6 & 7

(courtesy of Alamo AMC Editor Alfred Koos)

Page 2 - American Motors Club of Houston

The American Motors Club of Houston (AMCoH) is a nonprofit organization which exists expressly for the purpose of aiding and encouraging the use, enjoyment, preservation, and restoration of all American Motors vehicles. Any suggestions in this newsletter regarding modification of your vehicle are subject to common sense compromises among safety, longevity, reliability, legality, and resale value. AMCoH will not assume or accept any liability resulting from information contained herein. Any modifications are the sole responsibility of the person(s) performing those modifications.

The American Motors Club of Houston was founded in the early 1980's with the goal of advancing the image and preservation of AMC vehicles in Southeast Texas and the surrounding area. Our Club is one of a triad of AMC organizations in Texas - the American Motors Club of Houston, AlamoAMC based in San Antonio, and North Texas AMC headquartered in Dallas form a strong contingent of Texas AMC fellowship, experience, and support.

We are a chapter of the American Motors Owners Association (AMO). Although we strongly suggest joining this fine organization, AMOmembership is NOT required to be a member of the American Motors Club of Houston.

Planned activities include a large display in the annual indoor Thanksgiving Houston AutoRama Show, the annual AMO Lone Star Regional Show (location rotates between Houston, San Antonio, & Dallas), family picnics, cruises, bowling, parties, races, etc. The 2001 AMO National Meet was also held in Houston!!

We have regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month (7:30 PM) at the Hickory Hollow restaurant, located at 101 Heights Blvd. (just a few blocks south of I-10). If you are not already a member, feel free to join us for a "get acquainted" session before you sign up.

Ownership of an AMC vehicle or residence in our local area is NOT required to join our group. Interest and enthusiasm are more than enough. We'll gladly help you find your own treasured AMC if you don't already have one!!

Dues are $20 per year - we are a non-profit organization, and 100% of your dues go to supporting club activities. The club officers do not receive a salary for their efforts. Dues and an enrollment form may be submitted at our monthly meetings, or mailed to our Treasurer.

AMCoH exists specifically to support you in your AMC endeavors; and we look forward to adding your own AMC experience to our knowledge base. If you need any additional information, feel free to contact any of our club officers.

Page 11 - American Motors Club of Houston

The Club still has two styles of AMCoH hats for sale; the old tried-and-true red, white, and blue “Lone Star” hat, and a new cheaper “economy” 2-color model that you won’t mind sweating up!! All logos on both hats are embroidered; not just painted on. The new hats (right) are $10 each. The original RWB hats (left) are $15 each (plus postage).

Here is the popular AMCoH Golf Shirt, in both plain white, and fancy R/W/B collar/sleeve versions (fancy shown here). $35 for the fancy, and $22 for the plain. Both styles have the AMC logo on the sleeve, and the Club logo on the front. The fancy shirts are very high-quality items; and the cheaper ones are pretty nice, too!!

As always; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the above itemsgoes directly into the Club Treasury to support Club activities.

The Club now has two more shirt options to show AMC your colors. The shirt at left is a short-sleeve button-front “work shirt” made from 65% Poly / 35% Cotton, so the garage grease and grime will wash out easily!! These have been selling like hotcakes at $22each (any size). It has

the sleeve. The shirt at the right is a winter-weight long-sleeve button-front denim shirt. It also has the AMCoH logo embroidered on the front, and an AMC block emblem on the back below the collar. These are also only $22 each (plus postage) for any size. Call or email any of the Club Officers to buy these cool shirts.

the AMCoH logo embroidered on the front, and an AMC block emblem on

Club PresidentJerry Melton6917 F.M. 361

Richmond, TX 77469979-793-3426

amc_machine@yahoo.comVice President

Tom Taylor1206 Ahrens

Houston, TX 77017713-649-1519

taylort@Camerondiv.comTreasurer

Charles Fisbeck173 Maple Branch St.

The Woodlands, TX 77380281-367-5131

m.fisbeck@sbcglobal.netSecretaryTed Davis

4633 HummingbirdHouston, TX 77035

713-721-8960tedjr1@swbell.net

ActivitiesCliff Osborne9102 Bonhomme

Houston, TX 77074713-773-1515Newsletter

George Graham5609 Valerie St.

Houston, TX 77081713-773-0931

turbineguy@worldnet.att.net

Check us out on the Web atwww.AMCofHouston.com

Lindsy Johnson - Web Guy Ted Davis - Photographer Randy Helm - Videographer

Show your colors!!!

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family of Robert Kearns, widely acknowledged as the inventor of Intermittent Windshield Wipers. During the funeral, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. And then there was. And then there wasn’t. And then there was……………….

RIP -- Intermittent Wiper Inventor Passes Away

Page 3 - American Motors Club of HoustonFrom the Officers:Page 10 - American Motors Club of Houston

New Car Art from David SnyderWell-known automobilia artist David Snyder has decided that there is indeed a market for AMC’s in artwork after the success of his first two AMC-only prints; “Red, White, and Big Bad Blue” and “American Style”. His latest offering is titled “The Enthusiast” (to be used on the cover of an upcoming issue of Muscle Car Enthusiastmagazine); showing a gaggle of desirable classic muscle cars in a garage lot setting, including the rear portionof a Big Bad Green AMX up front. Image size is 18” x 26”, printed on 22” x 28” high-quality acid-free stock. These are signed and numbered for a limited edition of 950 prints. You can purchase this print (or his two earlier AMC-only prints) from the artist by calling 513-722-9608 between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM (Houston time), or send a check or money order for $85 plus $8 postage to David Snyder, 1755 Cottontail Dr., Milford, OH 45150.

From the (previous) Prez By Kevin Dalley(for those of you who have already forgotten me!!)

What A Long AMC Trip It’s BeenI’ve been a member in the club since 1984 and an officer for the last seven years. It’s been great being President and watching the club grow! We now have over 50 members for the first time in our history. And lots of the new members have both enthusiasm and cars that run! I believe our new President Jerry Melton and our new V.P. Tom Taylor have the desire and drive to lead our club in the right direction for the future.I would like to thank all the club members, and especially the officers, that helped this club through two Houston regional shows and an AMO national event. These were challenging events that the club met with great success; and performing well helped this club grow. I look forward to getting my cars ready for the roads (finally!!) and going to future club events. I hope everyone is doing well and having a great summer. Get those cars out of the garage and have a great time with them!! Sincerely, Your past Prez., Kevin

New and Returning Members -- Please give a big AMCoH welcome to new members Jeff Gunn, Criket Godwin, and Lee Burrows. Also please welcome back into the fold (after a short absence) Randy Marino and his extra-nice Rebel Machine.

The Houston AutoRama has Moved to a New Location!! -- The 2005 Houston AutoRama is no longer going to be held at the Reliant Park location. It has been officially moved to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Not only has the location been moved, it has also gone back to its original Thanksgiving time slot (that’s November 24th through the 27th this year). As usual, AMCoH plans to have its standard 6-car display there. If you want to include your car in this year’s display, please contact Activities Director Cliff Osborne. We’d really like to have some new blood in the display, as I’m sure folks are tired of seeing the same cars year after year. So lets get those restorations finished -- NOW!!! Even with the move, it’s a pretty safe bet that a hot dog, chips, and a Coke will still set you back about $15 at the show………………….

On the Calendar -- Sept. 10th Club Pool Party at Kevin Dalley’s house; Sept. 17th Drag Races at Pine Valley Raceway in Lufkin; Oct. 15th & 16th Annual Houston Mopar Show & Race at Baytown’s Houston Raceway Park; Nov 24th through 27th Houston AutoRama at the George R Brown Convention Center. Contact any of your AMCoH Officers for further info on any of these events.

Monthly Meeting News -- (1) Seems we will no longer have to worry about being “bumped” out of our monthly meeting room twice a year at the Hickory Hollow Bar-b-que. The Bulldog Club is no longer a threat according to restaurant management!! (2) The Officers have also now adopted a “formal as it can get” meeting agenda in order to get official Club business over with quickly so that post-meeting BS’ing can ensue as fast as possible -- after all, we want our members to enjoy the monthly meetings!!. Come on out to the next one!!

For those of you looking for that last special part for your stock restoration, AMK Products will have a reproduction zinc-plated radiator cap with the correct 1966-through-early 1970 “AM” logo available early August. AMK deals in NOS-style nuts and bolts for concourse restorations. This part is actually produced by SM Company, the original radiator cap supplier to AMC. This is AMK’s first AMC reproduction, and they hope to do more of our parts if this sells well. In addition to this cap, their catalog is packed with nuts, bolts, clips, etc.; 430 pages of interesting stuff. Lots of NOS-correct bolts for the AMC’s. This catalog has a lot for the serious restorer if you are looking for the correct fasteners for your car. Their paper catalog can be ordered for $7, or the web site has a fair amount of stuff on it. Check them out at

New AM-Script Radiator Cap Available from AMK Products

See t

he lit

tle

“AM

” log

o?www.amkproducts.com

Page 4 - American Motors Club of Houston Page 9 - American Motors Club of Houston

2005 Lone Star Regional Report -- Road Trip!!by Cliff “Ozzie” OsborneAMCoH Activities Director

On Friday June 24th, the AMCoH convoy gathered for lunch at McDonalds in Katy, and departed shortly thereafter for Seguin, which is just east of San Antonio on I-10. David Vasquez and his son led off the procession towing his ‘70 AMX bracket racer, followed by Tom Taylor with his Javelin, Charlie Fisbeck with his ‘69 AMX, Pete Glynn in his recently-acquired ‘70 AMX, and of course me with my ‘69 AMX bracket racer. Jerry and Josh Melton were supposed to be there with us, but got crossed up enroute from Rosenburg and ended up hitting I-10 somewhere west of Katy. The trip went smoothly, and was uneventful (no police escorts like last time!!). We all arrived at the hotel in plenty of time for a cool dip in the pool to relax a bit and prepare for the upcoming night’s racing activities.

We arrived at the racetrack about 5:00 PM, and found out we couldn’t get in until 6:00!! Tom Diehl (with his Spirit bracket car) and Richard Giddens and his wife with their “Rare Breed” humpy Javelin race car came down from Lufkin. Since they had arrived about Noon, they were camped out in style in a fantastic motor home we all envied.

Time trials started at 6:00PM, with elimination runs scheduled for 9:00. There were somewhere between 20 and 25 AMC cars racing that night, and judging by the announcers and pit chatter, everyone was surprised and impressed at how well they all ran.

I ran a best ET of 11.60, but kept getting a little slower as the night went on to my last run of 12.01. That last run was off a jump start at the line, as my battery had completely run down. I don’t know how it even made that last pass with no juice in the system. I later discovered that my alternator was not alternating!! The track crew noticed me getting jump-started in the starting lanes, and signaled me to the front of the line of waiting cars so I could get my last run in before the car died again. That shows the exemplary actions of the fine personnel working this race track!! I personally have never experienced thoughtfulness and courtesy of this magnitude from any other drag strip crew. Most track crews would have directed me out of the waiting lanes and just let me flounder on my own, and of course miss my chance to run. Special thanks to the track and personnel for all their assistance.

Tom Diehl ran well until he lost his accelerator cable. David Vasquez spun a bearing, but still managed some 13.0’s. Richard Giddens and his ‘72 Javelin (Rare Breed) ran consistent 10.90’s. The Schneider Brothers’ Rambler ran consistent 9.95’s all night long. All of the other cars which were racing were also quite competitive and impressive; and I apologize for not remembering the E.T.’s of the Javelin, Matador, and other AMC’s there that night.

And I also need to say special Thank You’s to Richard Giddens and his lovely wife for the fine food they provided and prepared for all of us at the track, to David’s son for taking videos of the racing action, and all of the AlamoAMC members for planning the race. It was definitely one of the weekend’s highlights!!

Saturday morning, we all took the short drive to the show field, a covered pavilion surrounded by shade trees next to the river, where approximately 48 cars participated in the show & shine and judging. Kevin and Lucille Dalley, Gary Parente and his wife, and almost everyone else in our racing group came along in a show of support, except for the Giddens and Tom Diehl who had to leave early for the long haul back to Lufkin.

AMCOH members who nabbed an award at the show were Pete Glynn with a Silver Award in his ‘70 AMX, Tom Taylor (AMCoH VP) with a Silver Award in his ‘69 Javelin, and Jerry Melton (AMCoH Prez) with a Gold Award in his ‘70 Rebel Machine.

Lastly, many thanks for a job well done by all of the San Antonio AMC’ers who’s hard work and dedication made this a fun and memorable weekend. See you all, and hopefully more, next year to keep waving the AMC banner.

Last-ditch efforts come and go quickly, with companies' final cars interesting, controversial, and sometimes both. Peerless died in 1932 with its Murphy-bodied V16, a single car built after production ceased. Hupmobile and Graham disappeared with the 1941 Skylark and Hollywood, respectively, nearly identical cars based on Cord bodies. Packard faded out after its Studebaker-like 1958 models. The Eagle may not completely belong in this group, as it ran for nine years and looked as if it might succeed.Every car that doesn't make it has defenders who ascribe the failure to a design ahead of its time, but that's probably quite true of the Eagle's fate. Not enough people appreciated it in the 1980s and American Motors had the bad luck to run out of money before civilized 4wd became the next big thing.

AutoWeek -- 1985 AMC Eagle (continued from previous page)

Odds & Ends -- Well, these two are just plain odd!!

OK, everyone who’s seen a Pacer and a Gremlin dirt track racer raise their hands --- I don’t see any hands yet…..

Page 8 - American Motors Club of Houston Page 5 - American Motors Club of Houston

AMCoH Cruise to Otto’s Bar-B-QueAs you may have read in past newsletters, one of the new Officers’ ideas was to organize some “localized” club cruise events to allow hopefully more member participation of those members who do not like to have to drive forever to get to an event. The first of these cruises is now history. The location was Otto’s Bar-B-Que near I-59 and Beltway 8. The usual hard-core members showed up, along with a few others -- not as many as was hoped for, but it’s a start!! Attendees included TedDavis in his “no-brakes” ‘70 AMX, Pete Glynn in his ‘70 AMX, Tom Taylor in his ‘69 Javelin, Jerry Melton (and son) with their ‘70 Machine, Larry Roberts in his ‘69 Javelin, andOzzie Osborne with his ‘69 AMX race car. Since AMC’s anywhere are kind of rare, this crew drew lots of attention, comments, and questions from the other cruise spectators and non-AMC participants (about 40 other non-AMC’s were there). The guys in the photo should be proud!! Left to right are: Jerry Melton (and son), Larry Roberts, Ozzie Osborne, Ted Davis, and Tom Taylor. By the way, that’s an Otto’s Root Beer that Ozzie’s holding…………..…….

Good luck, like money, was often scarce at American Motors, making the Eagle an especially sad ending for the company.AMC launched the Eagle in 1980 by converting its midsize Concord into a 4wd line philosophically closer to an Audi quattro than to, say, a Dodge Ramcharger. The full-time 4wd Eagle-station wagon, sedan or coupe was the first American car of its kind, meant to provide an edge to drivers dealing with difficult real-world conditions.The Eagle's 4wd system descended from the Ferguson design of Jensen Interceptor FF fame. Its transfer case's viscous coupling allowed enough slippage to prevent torque buildup on hard-surface roads, but by limiting the amount of slippage the system directed power to the axle where it would do most good. Fitting it stretched the Concord's wheelbase by about an inch and added about three inches of ride height, the latter helping with clearance and ensuring the Eagle's quick recognition.Early reaction to the Eagle was favorable with mostly moderate shots at its appearance. Car and Driver in February 1980 attributed the Eagle's success to "all-around automotive goodness, plus four-wheel drive," while noting "it doesn't feature the kind of beauty that would launch a bass boat, let alone a thousand ships." Motor Trend found flaws with "cosmetics" in January 1980, but observed the Eagle comes off as "an absolutely fascinating piece of engineering.""The Eagle looks promising," wrote Popular Science in September 1979. "Once again, AMC has found a specific need the competition has overlooked." PS seemed vindicated when 46,000 Eagles sold in 1980. The smaller Spirit-based SX/4 and Kammback arrived in 1981, but sales dropped by about 9,000. Eventually, the falloff became a runaway. In mid-1981 2wd capability appeared and Shift on the Fly 4wd in 1985. Four- and five-speed transmissions were introduced, but after offering various engines, the Eagle ended in 1988 right where it began, with a 258-cid six. Just 2,300 units-all wagons-were sold.Bob Yadouga of Glenburn, Pennsylvania, found his 1985 Limited in 1995. It shows about 130,000 miles. Yadouga bought the car to enjoy, but it occasionally serves as a daily driver and even with its 1970 ancestry, could be regular transportation today. Its size is right for city driving, and 110 hp in a 3,500-pound car isn't thrilling, but it is adequate.Despite light steering, the Eagle is an easy car to drive and one that literally goes where it's pointed. Stopping is another story, or at least seems that way. The pedal is soft with considerable travel-a disconcerting combination-but the braking itself is fine. The car stops like it should, and controlling speed on a steep hill isn't a problem, it just feels like one.If there is a handling secret, it's remembering this is no quattro, not even an old quattro. AMC shared Audi's belief in 4wd, but it didn't aim for Audi-level performance.Yadouga has had to rewire switches, but the only significant mechanical work was replacing an intake manifold and vacuum control on the 4wd system. That's tolerable for a car of the Eagle's age and mileage.

1985 AMC EagleSoaring Ahead of Its Timeby BOB TOMAINE Published Date: 8/8/05

(Photo by Bob Tomaine)

(continued on next page)

Jerry & SonLarry

Ozzie Ted Tom

by Cliff “Ozzie” Osborne, AMCoH Activities Director

Page 6 - American Motors Club of Houston Page 7 - American Motors Club of Houston

by Alfred Koos; Alamo AMC Newsletter Editor

Far Left: James Medlock and Brett Schneider kick off the drag racing event on Friday night. Left: Three nice Jeep products were on display.

As always, there were plenty of AMX and Javelin models on hand. These two belong toAMCoH’s Pete Glynn (‘70 AMX) and Tom Taylor (‘69 Javelin).

Todd Weingeroff’s ‘65 Classic Ragtop and Hank Dortman’s ‘67 Marlin were highlights of the “Rambler Section”.

‘70 AMX

‘69 Javelin

Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Bandera, Texas.

After last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing.

After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his car which he fell into. He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off. Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine, dry summer night) flicked the blinkers on, then off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patron vehicles left.

At last, the parking lot was empty, he pulled out of the parking lot and started to drive slowly down the road.

The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, andpromptly pulled the man over and carried out a breathalyzer test. To his amazement the breathalyzer indicated no evidence of

Joke of the Issue

the man having consumed any alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, "I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the police station. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken.”

"I doubt it," said the truly proud Texan. "Tonight I'm the designated decoy."

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