300mclub.org Carlisle 2018 Edition

Carlisle 2018 Special 25th LH Anniversary Edition

Fellow LH Owners and Enthusiasts,

Back in 2001 when the 300M Enthusiasts Club was formed, I imagine the interest was high and the future was unknown. I'm sure the founders of the club never imagined that Chrysler would stop production on the LH in 2004 and how much the club would change since. With member interest and passion for these cars, the club has endured 17 very successful years and we are poised for many, many more.

In July 2017, during the annual club award dinner in Carlisle, PA, I offered the membership a challenge. With the 25th anniversary of the LH Platform upon us, I asked for a response and boy did I get it. With early registrations we were able to show Carlisle Events that we were here to celebrate. With heightened publicity, huge registration numbers, and lots of behind the scenes work, here we are at the 25th Anniversary of the LH Platform! The response to this event has been amazing to watch and each month it grew into something none of us could have predicted.

Over the years, this group has established many steadfast traditions. While we will share in many of these again, there are so many special things that have been done to commemorate this year and the 25th Anniversary! For the early registered cars, a special limited edition gift, an anniversary showfield plate will be given out. For club members limited edition bottle openers, koozies, key chains, coffee mugs, and pint glasses have all been printed for goodie bags. Industry donations have rounded out club giveaways in honor of the anniversary celebration and we have expanded our club awards to accommodate the large group in attendance. The excitement that has been built for this event is like no other Carlisle and like no other event in the history of the club.

I want to personally thank each of you for being a part of this event! Your efforts in being part of this major celebration are appreciated and it's amazing to see the activity level of our membership after all these years. I hope that you enjoy your time at the meet, share laughs and stories with fellow members, and value this celebration! I look forward to celebrating along with you this weekend. A special thank you to all who have contributed to make the behind the scenes planning happen - an event like this is not possible without you! Our members are the reasons the Board of Directors try so hard each year to keep the club relevant and moving forward.

Respectfully, Keith Jarvis Club President Schedule of Events

The Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club is excited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the LH Platform and hopes you enjoy the weekend’s events.

Please also see the Carlisle Events Program for official times of sponsored activities. Don’t miss the Thrill Rides, Swap Meet, Ladies Oasis, and more!

Thursday: Arrive in Carlisle Hotel Check-in

The group typically heads to a late lunch/early dinner at Dockside Willies. We will return to the hotel and gather in the parking lot waiting for more arrivals.

Friday: 8:30 AM – Club Breakfast 12:30 PM – Club Lunch 2:00 PM -3:00 PM - Marc Rozman, Guest Speaker

Dinner will be at your leisure. The group should divide up and enjoy smaller groups for this meal. As we return to the hotel the group will gather in the parking lot.

Saturday: 25th Anniversary Club Shirt Day 8:30 AM – Club Breakfast 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Club Voting 12:30 PM – Club Lunch

6:30 PM - Annual Club Dinner at the Firehouse Restaurant in downtown Harrisburg, PA. Join the club membership for a delicious dinner, be a part of the club raffle, and see the club awards distributed! Following the award dinner, gather in the hotel parking lot for cake!

REMEMBER: You have one free raffle ticket in the small black box in your club goodie bag. Please remember to bring it with you to the club award dinner on Saturday night!!

Sunday: 9:00 AM – Club Breakfast 9:00 AM - Carlisle Events Showfield Awards Posted 12:00 PM – Carlisle Events Showfield Award Parade 12:30 PM – Club Lunch (If you’ll be departing before lunch please feel free to take a sandwich with you for the road)

Please feel free to depart at your leisure. Club Award Voting

For the first time ever, the club will be using an electronic voting system for our club award voting. By using such a system, it is our hopes that both the voting and the tallying process are quicker and easier. Assuming all goes as planned, you will receive an email (as registered with the club database) on Saturday when voting opens. (Non- club members will need to provide an e-mail address at the tent.) This email will include a link to the voting platform. Your username is your club forum name (for all club members) or as generated in the email (for non-club members) and your unique password will be noted in your email. You may only submit one selection for each award and one overall ballot. We hope that you enjoy this process and thanks for taking the time to vote for our club awards!

Club Merchandise For Sale at Our Tent!

Mug — $10 Pint Glass — 1 for $10, 3 for $25 Keychain — $7 Window Cling — 1 for $5, 2 for $9

All purchases while supplies last.

PayPal payments to: [email protected] Credit Card payments accepted on showfield Cash with exact change please

This 25th Anniversary event has been made possible by:

Adam’s Polishes Carlisle Events Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club Club Member Personal Raffle Donations Enck’s Trophies Hagerty Holiday Inn Express Meguiar’s RockAuto.com Stoner Car Care TD Bank Membership Has Its Privileges!!!

Why should you join the Chrysler 300M MEETS & EVENTS RIDE OF THE MONTH (ROM) Enthusiasts Club? OK, fair question! If We hold a number of regional and The Ride of the Month contest is open to you’re going to send us some of your national meets each year where members any paying member of the club and aims hard earned bucks, you should get can meet, socialize, and celebrate at showcasing some of the finest cars in something in return! We agree, and that’s together. Some of these meets feature the club. Each month four members’ cars at the core of everything that has brought awards that highlight the fine work that are posted in a poll allowing other us to where we are now, and where we our members have put into their cars and members to cast their vote for their plan to go in the future. Here’s what you every paying member in attendance is favorite. At the end of the voting period get for benefits when you join: eligible for such recognition. Other events the winner is announced and they get to are exclusive to maintenance and working be featured in the club calendar for the CAMARADERIE on your cars. All gatherings include following year. At the end of the year all meeting other enthusiasts, swapping twelve winners are entered into the Ride The Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club is the stories, and gaining friends! of the Year (ROY) contest and the winner only club of its kind devoted exclusively is featured on the calendar cover and to the owners and potential owners of the receives a special club award. See our Chrysler 300Ms and other LH Platform current Ride of the Month winner on vehicles. Sure, there ARE other Internet the homepage. forums and Internet owners clubs dedicated to 300M owners, but we ARE and will continue to be more than just an FREE ONLINE PHOTO STORAGE Internet forum. And we are VERY family- Each paying member of the club is given friendly. their own online folder to store pictures of their car. The club uses Fotki for photo INFORMATION storage and the members can upload their own photos whenever they want. Our web site contains links to many important information sources, from parts and accessories retailers to many different SOCIAL MEDIA how-to documents. Many of our Social media is always at your fingertips members have modified their cars, both and the club has a presence on all the to enhance performance and to CLUB LOGO MERCHANDISE major platforms. Quick updates on meets, personalize them to their own taste. You We have exclusive club logo merchandise cars, and other club news are posted and will have immediate access to detailed for purchase by club members only. easily accessible to all followers on the information on doing any of these From calendars to clings, to one-off go. modifications to your 300M. special productions, there is always something available to show your club FREE CLASSIFIED ADS ACCESS TO THE EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS pride! ONLY SECTION OF THE FORUM Each paying member of the club can post items for sale in the Buy Sell Trade section Which includes a forum to post pictures of our forum. There is no better place to of your car and also a Knowledgebase sell a part for a 300M or other LH vehicle Forum which has many step by step than on a site that is dedicated to this LH detailed repair procedures–many with platform. We offer this incentive to descriptive pictures to help you complete paying members only for the security of your own repairs and save money. the people who purchase the parts.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR TIPS CHARITY It is not easy maintaining a vehicle that The club is a non-profit but also supports ended production in 2004. On our forum charitable organizations through the our members have amassed a treasure implementation of a donation matching trove of knowledge, good and accurate program. As a member you are able to repair and maintenance practices to keep suggest what charities the donations your “M” alive and well. Many step by should be made to. step “How To” topics with pictures to help guide even the novice thru DIY tasks. Our knowledgebase is extensive and offers access to experts in maintenance, modification and everything in between. A membership to the club costs $14.95 for one year and you receive all of the benefits above. Renewal costs only $9.95 per year after that. For an online application go to: join.300mclub.org A writeup of the history of the club, as related to the forum by Member #0001, rogor2k.

OUR ROOTS poll, so we thought we might have a It was late Fall of 2000. The 300M had chance to actually put something just been awarded a number of honors together. We began brainstorming and by the car magazines ( and exchanging ideas on what it would take several others). A number of 300M to form the kind of club we were looking owners were feeling pretty pumped for. One thing we all agreed on was that about their choice of such a fine we wanted to be more than just an automobile. I guess it was natural that we internet discussion forum. We agreed wanted someplace to bond and share our that we wanted to be a club recognized "300Mness." It was around this time that and sanctioned by Chrysler (this was prior a small group of 300M owners "met" on to the Daimler merge). The Web Designer the Edmunds.com Town Hall forum. They from NJ had already designed a included a Technical Writer from preliminary 300M Club web site and the Washington (myself), a Web designer beginnings of a club logo. from New Jersey, an IT Manager from Alabama, a Lawyer from Colorado, a Sales Once we all agreed what direction we Representative from New York, and a wanted to take, we started the long couple of others. We had all searched the process of getting copyright agreements web, looking for some kind of 300M with Chrysler, since our proposed logo Club, but there was nothing like what we included a 300M graphic element. After were looking for. There was Edmunds exchange of several letters with Chrysler, Town Hall, of course, and a 300M forum we were granted limited copyright on Yahoo, but that was about it. There permissions. We were not permitted to were also clubs for the "Letter Series" 300 use the term "300M" in our Club name, cars, but they didn't fit our needs. We so we chose to be incorporated as the were hoping to find a semi-formal "club" "New 300 Enthusiasts Club." That's who where fellow 300M owners could meet we are today, doing business (DBA) as (both on line and face-to-face) and the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club. Our interact with each other for the mutual lawyer founding member incorporated exchange if information and to share our the Club in the state of Colorado. The passion for our 300M's. next step was applying to the IRS for Non -Profit status, which was granted shortly The first thing we did was post a poll with after (a 501(c)(7) (Social Club status). several questions on Edmunds.com to gauge how much interest there might be In February of 2001, we finally had all the for such a club. A total of 62 Edmunds pieces in place. The founding members members responded positively to the declared themselves to be the first Board of Directors, and elected officers from within the Board. They were gracious enough to elect me the first President of WHO WE ARE the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club. As a Our club enjoys a widely diverse byline, no one had ever had any membership. We have members in experience in starting up a club or almost every state in the USA, as well as anything even similar, so it was really an many members in Canada (where our experiment that could well have failed. 300Ms were born) and many other countries around the world. We have When were finally ready to go, we always encouraged a family atmosphere, announced that we were ready to accept both at our meets and on our Internet new members. Don Scruggs (Red Baron) message board forum. The Club, as a was our first new member, and we were whole, still maintains our basic founding off and running. We had no idea if we principles of decency, civility, and respect would ever get to 50 members, maybe for our fellow members. 100 if we were lucky. As the 300Ms age and decrease in value, Membership gained momentum as word many of our new members are younger, of our existence spread. Before long, we sometimes teenagers with a 300M as signed up our 100th member, then our their first car (how cool is that??). We first International member (from enthusiastically welcome 300M owners of Switzerland), then eventually our 1000th all ages (and other LH car owners as member. The growth phenomenon has well). Our continuing mission is to be the continued unabated and new members best and most friendly and informative just keep signing up. Of course, many 300M and LH site on the planet. The members have moved on to other cars majority of our active members think we and discontinued their membership, but are doing just that. we maintain an active membership roll of anywhere from 300 to 350.

History of the LH Chrysler “LH” Series History 1993 -2004

2018 marks the 25th year since the introduction of the Chrysler LH platform series cars. As a leading group in everything LH, the Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club is celebrating and documenting the history of each LH platform model.

As the Chrysler Corporation struggled once again with financial troubles in the early 90’s something had to change. The “K-car” platform, that many say saved Chrysler, was dated and had run its course. In 1993, the LH platform was first introduced. Based on the American Motors developed and derived Premier, some journalists branded it as Chrysler’s “last hope”. There are even some references of a relationship between the LH and a 1987 Lamborghini Portofino Concept Car which debuted at the Frankfort Motor Show. This likely derived from Chrysler’s purchase of Lamborghini. With features referred to as “Cab Forward Design” with a “Front Wheel Drive Longitudinally Mounted Engine” the LH platform series cars were a success for the ailing automaker.

There are two generations of the LH Platform.

The first generation 1993-1997, utilized the 3.3 L OHV or 3.5 L SOHC V6 iron block, aluminum head engine and a four speed automatic transmission. All are on a 113 inch wheel base with variations in sheet metal and trim levels differentiating the vehicle lines. The “Cab Forward Design” resulted in a larger, more luxurious passenger cabin than other contemporaries offered. The drivetrain configuration is said to have been planned to be engineered into rear wheel or all-wheel drive versions, however that never came to fruition as they remained front wheel drive throughout manufacturing.

The first generation cars debuted in 1992 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. 1993-1997 LX, LXi 1993-1997 Intrepid ES, Sport 1993-1997 ESI, TSI 1994-1996 1994-1997 Chrysler LHS

It should be noted at the time that there was consideration for a Plymouth version, Accolade, however it never made it into production.

The second generation 1998-2004 utilized some different engine designs. 2.7 L DOHC, 3.2 L SOHC and a 3.5 L SOHC V 6 aluminum block and head engines were developed and used. Four speed automatic transmissions were used with all engine configurations. Stiffer body shell designs, suspension refinements, and integrated side impact protection were added. Overall the LH Platform vehicle weights were reduced, resulting in better performance and fuel economy.

1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde, LX, LXi, Limited, Pro-Am 1998-2004 Base, SE, ES, R/T, Motorsport 1999-2001 Chrysler LHS 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M Base, Special, Pro-Am, Platinum

It should be noted that the 300M was originally developed and ready to go to market as a second generation Eagle Vision. There was even promotional sales literature ready to be released with Eagle Badges on the cars.

Both first and second generations of the LH line had various option and trim level packages available.

This Collective History of the LH has been a cooperative effort by: Bob Day / FIREM – #0347 and Keith Jarvis / M-Pressive – #0569

Join the discussion about the history of the LH on our free forum. The forum also has links to each model year section with additional writeups. A Popular HOWTO from Our Free Forum: Repairing the ATC

As these cars age, we're finding a few of the automatic temperature control unit heads that flicker, or lose the display immediately. The cause is bad soldering that loosens - sometimes you can whack the unit "Fonz-style" and it'll come back on for a bit - and the repair is to reheat or add solder to the connections.

TOOLS REQUIRED: Soldering iron, phillips head screwdriver

Remove the ATC: the bezel around the control is held in play with pry clips - stick a screwdriver or trim puller tool behind and gently pry upwards, the bezel will "click" free. The ATC is attached to the reverse of the bezel with six small screws, 5/32" socket will remove them. The ATC wire bundle is clipped to the socket, remove the wire from the rear of the unit to free the ATC.

Flip the ATC over - on the back side you'll see the fan and four phillips screws. Remove all four screws and the backing plate will be free. There is an additional phillips head screw in the center of the circuit board, remove that as well. You should now have the unit broken down like such:

Don't flip the face of the ATC head over, lay it down face-down. There are small plastic pins inside that actuate the button controls, and flipping the unit over will send them flying. Soldering: The resistors at top right are the culprit. You will want to add or retouch the solder on each end of the joint, for a total of six joints. The resistors are the little blue guys visible here by the hole for the mounting peg. They say "17R8" on them.

In that pic you can see which joint failed, top resistor, left side. I touched up all in case. Use an eyeglass screwdriver, toothpick, or small pin to hold the resistor down while you add a dab of solder to it. Touch up all six.

While you have it apart, clean the display glass, blow out the fan, and clean up the intake for the fan - they get dusty inside. Reassemble.

Before you put it all back together, you can attach the ATC head only to ensure your fix worked.

Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly.

Find this HOWTO and so many more at our free forum: 300mclub.org Carlisle 2017 Recap Written by first time attendee Bryan Kreifeldt, Member #2562

Greetings! everyone was. Even though my 2003 300M base is not perfect by any means, In becoming a new member of the the Club members truly made me feel Chrysler 300M Enthusiasts Club in that my car was special -- not only to me, January 2017, I was very excited to join but to them as well. Many members were the club once I finally took the initiative encouraging me to attend the Carlisle to do so. Prior to joining the Club, I had Chrysler Nationals show in Pennsylvania been browsing the Club forum on and that was coming up in July 2017 to show off for about three years and was truly my car (my car's first ever car show) and fascinated that there were other people to have the golden opportunity to get to around the world that possessed the know each other better in person. It was same passion as I do not only for the interesting that complete strangers had 300M, but the Chrysler LH platform as a such a strong desire to meet me and my whole. It's amazing that a "fan base" 300M. I thought to myself, "Wow, this is such as this still remains today even after really a special group of like-minded the last LH vehicle rolled off the individuals!" At first, I was a bit hesitant assembly line approximately fourteen to agree to attend the event due to years ago. uncertainty about the trip and not being sure of what to expect, but I told myself When I joined the Club, I introduced that this would be a once-in-a-lifetime myself and my story to my fellow Club opportunity. I knew it would be worth it. members and was very impressed by However, I wasn't quite aware of exactly how welcoming and encouraging how worth it attending the event would be until I was headed back home to for all different tastes! Michigan after the show, reminiscing along the way. In admiring the cars, I met several of the Club members and talked about the My father and I departed on a Friday history of the cars and any modifications evening, bracing ourselves for the ~10 the owners had have done to enhance hour drive that lay ahead of us. We the overall feel and appearance of the drove steadily throughout the night and cars as a whole. In speaking with them, I arrived late Saturday morning to the could tell that the Club members really Carlisle show. I was shocked at how were just like me; they truly had a strong many cars and people there were all passion for the 300M and its LH siblings. around. It was easily the largest car show They realized that these cars are special I have ever been to. We were directed and are worth holding onto despite where to proceed to join the other 300M advancements in technology, fuel Enthusiasts Club members and finally efficiency, and safety in newer vehicles. parked the car among the other 20 or so Getting the chance to speak with these 300Ms in attendance. I remember the individuals in person was extremely feeling of how anxious I was to get out different than reading their posts on the and admire each of the cars as they were Club forum. Many of the members have intended to be. There was a little bit of incorporated their personality into their everything, from mild to wild, including cars to make it unique to them as stock base 300Ms, tastefully modified individuals, which I think is remarkable. I 300M Specials, several Intrepids, had never seen so many great looking Concordes, an LHS, etc. What a variety rides in my life!

Aside from the wonderful cars, I was instead of "the really pretty blue one", also afforded the privilege to meet so on and so forth. The group made some wonderful people. It was clear me feel like I was attending an annual that the Carlisle show was not a typical family reunion, which felt a bit strange Sunday afternoon car show, but at first because I didn't know anyone, something more than that; a national but I eventually became very event that brought people with a comfortable once I got to know common interest together. I met club everyone. The camaraderie among the members from all over the Midwest members is simply amazing. It is and even as far south as Florida! I was genuine -- there is no jealously, so amazed that the Club members scrutiny, or favoritism. The Club truly drove hours upon hours across several has an astounding appreciation for the states to meet up all in one location. In cars and their owners. person, everyone was just as welcoming and friendly as on the Aside from getting to meet the Club forum. I was greeted by big smiles, members and taking a shot of "the handshakes, and even a few hugs. I was Precious" as part of the "parking lot now able to assign a face to each car shenanigans," my favorite memory of that lay before me, which transformed attending Carlisle 2017 was my thought processes to say "Keith's unexpectedly winning the President's 300M" instead of "the awesome green Choice award for my 300M. At the Club one", "Bob's FIRE-M" instead of "the award dinner after the group votes shiny red one", "Luna, Robert's M" were tallied up for each award category, Keith announced the award remarkable group. They have changed winners for this particular year. Among my life and have made me appreciate the categories were Member's Choice, driving my car even more than I already Best Exterior, Best Interior, Best First- do! No matter what happens out on the Time Attendee, and several others. road, whether it's a deer collision to a When the time came for Keith to timing belt replacement, I know I can announce the final award -- President's count on them for their knowledge, Choice -- there was absolutely no expertise, support, and encouragement thought in my mind that I was going to every step of the way. There's a reason win the award as a first-time attendee. why the Club won the "Coolest Car Club" Not at all. My car had been involved in a award among every other club at the minor deer collision about a week before Carlisle event. They go above and the event, so there wasn't much time for beyond what is expected and truly make me to replace my passenger fender that you believe that not only is your car had been damaged in the incident special regardless of its condition, but amidst prepping the car for the show. you are special as a person, too. However, when Keith called my name to say that I had been personally selected A huge shoutout goes to Keith, Lindsey, by him as the recipient of the award, I the board of directors, and the longtime was completely in awe. Everyone who members for making the 300M looked my way and clapped as I Enthusiasts Club what it is today. prepared to stand up will remember my Without you all, the Chrysler LH platform facial expression probably for the rest of may be a piece of history that time will their lives. My jaw had about dropped to soon forget as the cars continue to age. the floor and it took a few seconds for But as long as we are able to keep the reality to set in. There were tons of flame alive, the spirit and passion will emotions running through my mind: live forever. shock, excitement, disbelief, pride...but most of all, gratitude. As I slowly walked Long live the LH cars! up to the front of the room, accepted the award, and smiled for a photo, I Yours truly from the World's Motor couldn't believe that this group of Capital, people I had only met less than 12 hours Bryan Kreifeldt, Member #2562 ago felt like one big family. They were Bay City, Michigan cheering for me, smiling at me, and congratulating me for my surprise accomplishment. To this day, this still remains as one of the proudest moments of my entire life. I don't think I will ever forget it!

As the show came to an end the following day (but not before a track ride in a Dodge Charger Hellcat!), I said my goodbyes to the Club members and again, thanked them for the opportunity to be there and to meet them in person. The 300M Enthusiasts Club truly is a CLUB MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Keith Jarvis, President We have exclusive club (M-Pressive) logo merchandise for [email protected] purchase by club

Ryan Severance, Vice President members only. From (Sneke_Eyez ) calendars to clings, to [email protected] one-off special

Robert Waikel, Secretary productions, there is (sparky99) always something [email protected] available to show your club pride!

Lindsey Jarvis, Treasurer (First Lady) Check it out at: [email protected] store.300mclub.org Robert Day (FIREM) Board Member BUY/SELL/TRADE Willard Hoppe (YardleyBill) Board Member Our forum has an extensive buy/sell/trade

John Smith (In-trepid) section. Many great deals are available for Board Member just about anything to do with your 300M. (And many other items as well).

Do you have a question about the Ride Of The Month Program? Check it out at: Contact: [email protected] BST.300mclub.org

Do you have a question about Club Merchandise? Contact: [email protected] DETAILED CLUB INFORMATION Do you have a question about your membership? Minutes from previous Board of Directors Contact: [email protected] meetings as well as many other documents pertaining to the club are Do you have questions or comments about this newsletter? available to members. Contact: [email protected] Check it out at: docs.300mclub.org