the heart of dixie chevelle club’s...

Fall 2014

THE HEART OF DIXIE CHEVELLE CLUB’S

HEARTBEAT The Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club is devoted to the preservation and enjoyment of all 1964-1972 model

Chevelle’s and El Caminos; stock, custom, and modified. We are a family oriented club.

Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club, Inc.

To the Membership,

By all indicators, 2014 was a good year for our Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club. Despite high gas prices and a troubled economy, we put on a successful car show and once again sponsored a campership for a special needs child to Camp ASCCA. We traveled many miles in our Chevelles and shared many events, shows, and Tours with our friends. We traveled from Charlotte, N.C. to New Iberia, Louisiana, and many more places in between. We toured some of the finest “private” car collections in the Southeast. To top it off, our Christmas get-to-gether in December was one of the best ever! By now, the Christmas decorations are taken down, bowl games have been played and we’re all looking at a new Calendar year. We’re taking advantage of cold weather by getting our cars ready for Spring. Looking ahead into 2015, we must make some decisions. We’ll discuss an August Car show, select our charitable donation for the year, and plan our calendar of monthly meetings. To our newer members and the older ones, our meeting locations are determined by you...the members. If you know of a nice restaurant in your area, let us know. A side room is nice for conducting our meeting, but not essential. If you’d like to host a meeting, let your officers know. We’ll come to see you! Also, we have a new newsletter editor and website administrator, Misty Pearse. She will need articles and info to compose our newsletters. Be ready to tell us about your car or events in your area. Spring is just around the corner. Get that paint job, tune up the Malibu, and dump the boyfriend with a mustang. Let’s make 2015 our best year yet!

Darryl Thompson

Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club chose to make a $500 donation to the campership fund at Camp ASCCA. With this donation, Camp ASCCA can continue can continue serving children and adults with disabilities.

Visit www.campascca.org for more information.

Darryl & Shaun presenting the donation check.

THE HEART OF DIXIE CHEVELLE CLUB’S “HEARTBEAT”

WINTER CAR CARE TIPS FROM HAGERTYWINTER CAR CARE TIPS FROM HAGERTYWINTER CAR CARE TIPS FROM HAGERTYWINTER CAR CARE TIPS FROM HAGERTY For many, the first snow of the winter has already fallen, and winterizing the beloved collector ve-

hicle has suddenly become top on the priority list. If the car is simply parked in the garage for an

extended period of time without preparation, you may return to a dead battery or — even worse —

a damaged engine, flattened tires, or electrical or interior damage from rodents. The following steps

will prevent any springtime heartbreak:

Wash and Wax Wash and Wax Wash and Wax Wash and Wax –––– It may seem fruitless to wash the car when it is about to be put away for months,

but it is an easy step that shouldn't be overlooked. Water stains or bird droppings left on the car can

permanently damage the paint. Make sure to clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders to get

rid of mud, grease and tar. For added protection, give the car a coat of wax and treat any interior

leather with a good conditioner.

Car Covers Car Covers Car Covers Car Covers –––– Even though your classic is stored in the garage in semi-stable temperatures and pro-

tected from the elements, a weatherproof car cover will keep any spills or dust off of the paint. It

can also protect from scratches while moving objects around the parked car.

Oil Change Oil Change Oil Change Oil Change –––– If you will be storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days, consider getting the oil

changed. Used engine oil has contaminants that could damage the engine or lead to sludge buildup.

Fuel Tank Fuel Tank Fuel Tank Fuel Tank –––– Before long-term storage of over 30-days, remember to fill the gas tank to prevent

moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and to keep the seals from drying out. You should

also purchase a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish

and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.

Battery Care Battery Care Battery Care Battery Care –––– An unattended battery will eventually lose its charge, resulting in having to purchase

a new battery in the spring. The easiest, low-tech solution is to disconnect the battery cables — the

negative (ground) first, then the positive. You'll likely lose any stereo presets, time and other set-

tings. If you want to keep those settings and ensure that your battery starts the moment you return,

purchase a battery tender, also known as a trickle charger. This device hooks up to your car battery

on one end, then plugs into a wall outlet on the other and delivers just enough electrical power to

prevent the battery from dying.

Parking Brake Tips Parking Brake Tips Parking Brake Tips Parking Brake Tips –––– For general use it is a good idea to use the parking brake, but don't do it when

you leave a car in storage long term; if the brake pads make contact with the rotors for an extended

period of time, they could fuse together. Instead of risking your emergency brake, purchase a tire

stopper or two — also called a chock — to prevent the car from moving.

Tire Care – If a vehicle is left stationary for too long, the tires could develop flat spots from weight of

the vehicle pressing down on the tires' treads. This occurs at a faster rate in colder temperatures, espe-


with high-performance or low-profile tires and in severe cases, a flat spot becomes a permanent part of

the tire causing a need for replacement. If your car will be in storage for more than 30 days, consider tak-

ing the wheels off and placing the car on jack stands at all four corners. This step requires more work

than simply inflating the tires to the recommended pressure, but it can save you the disappointment that a

set of destroyed tires would cause.

Repel Rodents – A solid garage will keep your car dry and relatively warm, conditions that can also at-

tract unwanted rodents during the cold winter months. There are plenty of places in your car for critters

to hide and even more things for them to destroy. Prevent them from entering your car by covering any

gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake; steel wool works well for this.

Next, spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle as a

rodent repellent. Instead of stinky mothballs, a product called Fresh Cab has been a part of my personal

success in keeping the rodents away. For a more proactive approach in conjunction to the prior sugges-

tions, lay down a few mousetraps, but make sure someone can check the garage regularly for casualties or

you will have to deal with a smell much worse than mothballs.

Maintain Insurance – You might be tempted to cancel your auto insurance when your vehicle is in stor-

age in order to save money. If you remove coverage completely, it would be a major loss if a fire started,

the weight of snow causes your roof to collapse, or if a theft occurred. Even if just collision coverage is

temporarily removed, the car would not be covered when another moving object (for example: a tractor

or motorcycle) rolled into it, or if the car were to fall of its jack stands. If you have classic car insurance,

namely with Hagerty, the policy covers a full year and takes winter storage into account in your annual

premium, so you don’t have to worry about your car over the winter months. By: Tara Hurlin

“I’m pretty sure I got this grandpa!”

~Isabella (age 3)

Granddaughter of Frank & Phyllis Roncadori


DON AND FRANCES CROWE’S

1970 CHEVELLE CONVERTIBLE

Built third week of November 1969 at the Leeds As-sembly Plant in Kansas City, KS. Delivered to Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, MI. Vivian, wife of Dale Berger sr. had the car in 1970.

The car had four owners prior to being sold on e-bay to the owner I purchased it from in Connecticut. He decided not to restore the car and posted it for sale on the Team Chevelle website. We made a deal to purchase the car and sent a deposit to hold it until we made the trip to pick it up. Frances and I drove it into the trailer in Febru-ary 2002. Back at home, I drove it about 2 miles on a test run and immediately began the 3 year frame off res-toration.

Every item was tagged during the disassembly. Frances and I spent the next 5 months doing this. Everything was identified and saved. Keep in mind this car lived over 31 years in Michigan so the road salt took it’s toll on the sheet metal.

I met Lee Barnes and his freshly completed 1965 Black Tri-powered GTO converti-ble at a show in Anderson, SC. After closely checking out Lee’s GTO and recognizing the expert quality of his body and paint work we made the short trip over to Chuck Miller’s shop (Lee’s Employer) in Piedmont, SC to see the operation and cut a deal! I knew I had found the right body and paint man!

We scheduled to start the body and paint in late 2002. I furnished all the parts, except the paint and body repair materials. After fitting all the required body parts the body

was removed from the frame. The frame was sand blasted and powder coated and new suspension parts were painted before my trip to bring them home for assembly.

The engine machine work was performed by Ewing Auto-motive Machine in Snellville, GA. Bored 30 over with all new bearings, valves and GM original specs cam. The

turbo 400 was rebuilt by Sid Neal also of Snellville, GA. The 12 bolt posi only needed bearings and seals. The Quadrajet carb was rebuilt and detailed by Bob Kunz Automotive in St Louis, MO. The original starter and alternator were rebuilt and detailed by John Pirkle at Masters City Classic Car Parts in Augusta, GA.

THE HEART OF DIXIES CHEVELLE CLUB’S “HEARTBEAT”

Many hours were spent on the phone, internet and at swap meets at Charlotte, Daytona, and Moultrie chas-ing the parts required to complete the restoration. This was one of the most challenging parts of the restoration. New body parts included quarters, fend-ers, hood, grill, wheel houses, and trunk dropoffs. We were fortunate to save the floor pans with minor re-pair.

The rolling chassis was returned to the body shop about six months later and the re-finished body (less the front clip) was mounted back on it. We brought it back home

to install the engine and tranny. I was unable to complete the engine and tranny detailing in time to install it before the body was finished and needed to be removed from the rotisserie. So we left the front clip off until the drive train was completely installed and tested.

We hauled the car back to the body shop to have the front clip properly installed and adjusted. I also installed the door glass and hardware so the doors

could be finally adjusted. Then the trip back home to resume the restoration.

I installed the grill, headlight extensions, bumpers and trim to complete the exterior. Three tops were installed before we got it right! The first top had manufacturer’s de-fects that went undetected until it was almost installed. The second top was not in-stalled properly around the rear glass and finally after a month a quality top was in place!

The interior was restored (except the painting) in my basement during the winter months. I completely restored the original dash, including hot stamp re-chroming around the instruments etc. I spent over 80 hours on the dash alone. The seats were recovered and options restored and installed along with the windshield (two times) completing the interior.

Finally, three years and one month after purchasing the car and over 2400 (labor of love) hours and a lot of patience, the restoration was completed. The last six months was full time plus, after I had retired from my day job! The tweaking and improving the details is a continuous ongoing process.


AWARDS: Corvette Expo and Classic Chevy Show, Knoxville, TN – Best Classic Chevy.

ACES Chevell-abration (The American Chevelle Enthusiast Society’s national event) Nashville, TN – Top Three and Peoples’s Choice. Over 400 Chevelles Present ACES N.E. Regional Chevelle Show, Northeast, MD – 5 Awards: Best 70 Chevelle, Best Paint, Interior, People’s Choice and Best of Show. Super Chevy Show, Commerce, GA – Chevelle Gold and Best Detail. ACES Midwest Regional Chevelle Show, Olathe, KS – High point Car with 992 points and Best Interior. ACES Northern Regional Chevelle Show, Niagara Falls, NY – ACES President’s Pick. Super Chevy Show, Gainesville, FL – Chevelle Gold and Best Detail. Heart of Dixie Show, Birmingham, AL – Best Chevelle, Bob Lavoy Memorial Award.

World of Wheels, Chattanooga, TN - Super Chevy Pick. World of Wheels, Shreveport, LA – Outstanding Detail. World of Wheels, Birningham, AL – Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Engine and Detail. World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA – Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Engine and Detail. Corvette Expo and Classic Chevy Show, Knoxville, TN – Top 5 Classic and best Display. Super Chevy Show, Indianapolis, IN – Chevelle Gold and Featured Car

Horsepower at the Park, Conyers, GA - Best Muscle Car. Super Chevy Show, Huntsville, AL – Chevelle Gold and Best Detail. Berger Chevrolet Home Coming Show, Grand Rapids, MI- Featured Car Displayed Inside Dealership

ISCA World of Wheels, Chattanooga, TN – Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Engine & Interior, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA--Class Winner, GA Top Ten & Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Shreveport, LA--Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Interior & Detail, Outstanding Display ISCA Carl Casper International Auto Show, Louisville, KY- Class winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Paint, Engine, Interior, Outstanding Display ISCA Cavalcade of Customs, Cincinnati, OH--Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Paint, Interior, Engine & Detail, Outstanding Display ISCA Cavalcade of Wheels, South Bend, IN--Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Interior & Engine, Outstanding Display Super Chevy Show, Commerce, GA-- Chevelle Gold Class Winner & Best of Show Super Chevy Show, Mobile, AL--Chevelle Gold Class Winner, Outstanding Detail Gold & Outstanding Stock AACA National Meet, New Bern, NC--First Junior Award AACA National Meet, Hershey, PA--First Senior Award & Nominated For a National Award Maryland ACES NE Regional Chevelle Show, Northeast, MD—Crystal Award for returning 2006 Best of Show Award Winning Chevelle Grand Run Fall, Pigeon Forge, TN—Ultimate Five Award (top 5 in show), Best Display The Forge Invitational Muscle Car Show, Sevierville, TN—Invited Participant Displayed On Turntable at Summit Racing Retail Store McDonough GA

ISCA World of Wheels, Chattanooga, TN—Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Detail, Outstanding Engine & Interior, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA—Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Engine, Detail, Interior, Out-standing Display, Georgia Top Ten, ESPN TV Spot ISCA World of Wheels, Birmingham, AL- Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, OutstandingDetail, Engine, Out-standing Display ISCA World of Wheels, New Orleans, LA- Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Detail, Engine, Interior, Paint, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Pittsburg, PA- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA AutoRama, Cleveland, OH- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA Championship Finals, Omaha, Nebraska, International Class Champion Restored Convertible, Third Overall Restored

THE HEART OF DIXIES CHEVELLE CLUB’S “HEARTBEAT”

ISCA World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA-Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display, Georgia Top Ten

ISCA World of Wheels, Chattanooga, TN- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Birmingham, AL- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA Carl Casper International Auto Show, Louisville, KY- Class Winner, Outstanding Engine, Outstanding Display, Top Twenty ISCA World of Wheels, Omaha, NB- Class Winner, Best Restored AACA Grand National, Topeka, KS- First Grand National Award

ISCA Championship Finals, Houston, TX- International Class Champion Restored Convertible, Fourth Overall Restored

ISCA World of Wheels, Chattanooga,TN- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA- Class Winner, Outstanding Restored, Outstanding Paint, Detail, Engine, Interior, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Birmingham,AL- Class Winner, Best restored, Outstanding Display ISCA Autorama, Detroit, MI- First Place Restored Convertible, Outstanding Display, Second Overall Restored AACA Grand National, Newburn, NC- Senior Grand National Award ISCA Championship Finals, Houston,TX- International Class Champion Restored Convertible, Third Overall Restored

ISCA World of Wheels, Chattanooga, TN- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display ISCA World of Wheels, Atlanta, GA- Class Winner, Best Restored, Outstanding Display 19th Annual Winter National, Orlando, FL- 1st Place Trailered Restored Chevelle 998 Points, Best Engine Original Trailered

ISCA Carl Caspers Custom Auto Show, Louisville, KY- Class Winner, Best Restored, Top Twenty, Outstanding Display ISCA Championship Finals, Omaha, NB - International Class Champion Restored

Convertible, Second Place Overall

20th Annual Winter National, Orlando, FL – 1st Place Trailered Restored Chevelle Senior 997 Points Eckler’s Music City Chevy Show Nashville, TN – 1st Place Trailered Restored Chevelle 997 Points 9th Annual Carolina Chevelle Show, Hendrick Motor Sports Complex, Concord, NC Top Three and The Hendrick’s Pick With Custom Trophy

21st Annual Winter National, Orlando, FL – 1st place Trailered Restored Chevelle Senior 997 Points

22nd Annual Winter National, Orlando, FL – 1st place Trailered Restored Chevelle Senior 999 Points

Atlanta Motorama, Atlanta International Speedway, Atlanta GA – Invited to Display Inside Garage Area on 20x20 Lighted Display, Received Custom Trophy

Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, Rosemont, IL – Concourse Gold Certificate, All Vin, Cowl Tag, Engine Compartment, and Transmission Casting and part numbers Confirmed by MCCN Judges. Received one of two display awards. Over 500 Muscle Cars and Corvettes participating.

Magazine Articles:

2006 Chevelle Annual Magazine – Centerfold Three page Article “COULD HAVE HAD A CADDY”

2006 Super Chevy Show Magazine “Autostar” – Featured Cover Car and Centerfold “BLACK MAGIC”

2009 AACA Magazine – December Centerfold and Four Pa ge Article, Pictures Inside Back Cover “SS Chevelle Convertible” 2011 Chevy Classics Magazine - December Centerfold and Six page Article “SHOW WINNING CHEVELLE”


November 2014 was an exciting time for Elaine and me. We were guest of

Don and Frances Crowe to accompany them to Rosemont, Illinois to the

2014 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. This was an event Elaine and I would

have never taken if not asked by the Crowes.

In tow of course was Don and Frances's 1970 Berger Chevrolet (Black Magic)

in it's self a magnificent muscle car. As pristine as any car at the event and it

showed when the awards time rolled around, winning a Gold Award, and Best in

Show Display Award. This was an experience that Elaine and I will not soon for-

get. We saw over 500 of the most exceptional muscle cars and corvettes that we

had only seen on TV.

Thanks to Don and Frances for such a fun road trip, letting us tag along to

see how the Big Dogs hang at such an awesome event. We are looking forward to

2015 with all of our Chevelle family.

Gene Hanner

Spicy Crackers

1 1/4 cup canola oil 2 Tab. red pepper flakes 1 teas. garlic powder 1 teas. onion salt 1 teas. Cajun seasoning 1 package ranch dip (dry) 4 packages crackers Mix above mixture (except crackers) Place 2 packages crackers in gallon plastic bag, drizzle above mixture over the crackers, turn over the closed bag a couple of times then add the other 2 packages of crackers. Turn and slightly shake bag and let sit for one hour. Then spread evenly on a baking sheet or two and bake for 1 hour at 250 degrees.

Judy’s Cheese Ball

1-8oz cream cheese 1-small or medium can

crushed pineapple drained 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper

2 tsp chopped onion 1/2 tsp seasoned salt Mix well and roll in

crushed pecans (optional)


“Uncle Gene’s Weekend in the Smokey’s”

Each year for the last ten years members of the Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club, along with some family & friends thereof, have gotten together & rented several chalets in the mountains of Pi-geon Forge during the Spring Rod Run. Traditionally, this has become known to our club as

"Uncle Gene's weekend getaway", (since Gene Hubbard has always been the one to go through the hassle of getting the houses we need), & this year will be no different. The normal routine for the day is for the guys to go look at all the cars while the ladies go shopping, (but if there's a couple of desirable hotrods for sale the guys might do some shopping too). There's always good food & fun & best of all, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT provided by the talented folks from our

own little group. Amusing skits by members as well as LIVE music by the

with warm ups by DALEVIS©! Save the date & come join in on the great fun & fellowship!

Where: Pigeon Forge, TN When: April 16 - 19, 2015

Cost: $100 per person (=$33.33 / night....you can't beat that!) Send checks to: Frank Roncadori 6115 Valley Station Drive Pelham, AL 35124

NOTE: These are 3 - 4 bedroom chalets. We always have to rent several chalets, so in order to get the ones we want close together Frank needs to receive your payment for your reservation by February 28, 2015. If you have family or friends attending that you would like to be housed with, or anyone in particular that you don't want to be housed with, just let us know & we'll do the best we can to accommodate you. Feel free to contact any club officer with any questions or

concerns.

HALF BAND

©

HODCC OFFICERS

President Darryl Thompson– [email protected] Vice President Gene [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Chris [email protected] Membership Wendy [email protected] Newsletter Misty [email protected] Visit our website! www.chevelle-ss.com


Please send all information, pictures or articles to be published in the H.O.D. Newsletter to [email protected] by the 25th of the month. The newsletter will be a success with everyone’s help. Thank you, Misty

Heart of Dixie Chevelle February Club Meeting!

When: Sat. February 7, 2015 Lunch at 12:30 with meeting to follow.

Where:

Irondale Café

1906 1st Avenue North Irondale, AL 35210-1102

(205) 956-5258

http://www.irondalecafe.com

Directions

Located off I-20 Exit 133 Kilgore Memorial Drive (20th street)

Travel North on 20th Street for 6 Blocks The Café is located on the left by the railroad tracks

From Downtown Birmingham: Take 1-59 North to I-20 East to Exit 133

At the red light, turn left Proceed 8 Blocks

The Café is located on the left by the railroad tracks From Atlanta or I-459:Take I-20 West to Exit 133

At the red light, take a left Go one block and turn right on 20th Street

Proceed 6 Blocks The Café is located on the left by the railroad tracks

See You There!!!

Heart of Dixie Chevelle Club

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