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The Last SMOKE GR-R-R-R-8 One SIGNALS The Official Publication of the Pontiac - Oakland Club International September 2017

• Rockford at Charlotte • Touring Jay Leno’s Garage • GMC Trailer Discovered

2017 POCI Convention It’s A Wrap!

The Duquesne Drag Team Scrapbook

SMOKE SIGNALS The Official Publication of the Pontiac - Oakland Club International Volume 45, Issue 9 • September 2017 • www.poci.org page 12 FEATURE STORIES 8...... Our Day at Jay Leno’s Garage 12...... Oakland “6” • Speed and Reliability 14...... Grand Magazine Clippings • Early GMC Ads 16 ...... The Last Great One • 2009 G8 24...... The Suva Files • Charlotte AutoFair 30...... The Duquesne Drag Team page 16 50...... It’s A Wrap • 2017 Convention Review - Part 1

DEPARTMENTS 5...... Editor’s Note 6...... Ridin’@ Random page 24 44...... President’s Message 44...... Vice President’s Message 45 ...... POCI Club History 46...... Chapter News 55 ...... 2017 Convention • Points-Judged Results 58 ...... 2018 Convention Preview page 30 64 ...... Calendar of Events 70 ...... POCI Directors & Chapters 72 ...... Tech Advisors 73...... Classified Ads

(background photo - John Armstrong’s Oakland race car) (cover photo by Thom Sherwood) page 50

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4 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 EDITOR’S NOTE POCI OFFICERS President What if Smoke Signals Was Like the Evening News? Wayne F. Beran, 5128 Oak Center Dr. When I was a youngster growing up in included an appearance of his iconic Oak Lawn, IL 60453 (708) 425-2826 [email protected] the Sixties, most television programming Rockford Firebird. was still offered only in black-and-white. In the West, we venture to former Vice President This included the local 6 o’clock evening Tonight Show host Jay Leno’s impressive Larry Crider, 12510 West 67th St., Sapulpa, news report, which I would occasionally “Big Dog Garage” in Burbank, California OK 74066; 918.798.2765 sit down to watch with my family. where POCI Western Region Director [email protected] Being easily impressed with anything Ron Berglund pays a visit along with a Secretary that moved, I recall so vividly how, at the ‘68 Bonneville for an upcoming episode Peggy M. Cox, 7345 Old Springville Rd. opening of each live news broadcast, of the wildly-popular Jay Leno’s Garage. Pinson, AL 35126 (205) 602-6463 an animation (which was quite crude Then, from the South, we begin [email protected] by today’s standards) would show a coverage of our recently-concluded Treasurer navigational compass along with the 2017 POCI Convention in Fort Worth, Simone Young, 4803 NE 144th St. words North, East, South and West. The Texas with a focus on the Points-Judged Smithville, MO 64089 (816) 820-0239 initial letters of those four directional cars and the personal reflections of event [email protected] points would then shuffle around on the co-chair Winston McCollum. screen to spell out the word “NEWS” as Those stories are just a small portion POCI BUSINESS OFFICE a voiceover would proclaim how the of the NEWS coverage you’ll find ahead. Office Manager station was going to bring us stories from Be sure to also watch for Scott Scheel’s Paul Bergstrom, PO Box 68 around the entire region — direct to our detailed coverage of the Last Great Maple Plain, MN 55359 living room! Pontiac musclecar — the 2009 G8 GXP Phone: (877) 368-3454 As I said, I was easily impressed... — plus some light-hearted retrospectives Fax: (763) 479-3571 [email protected] Anyway, that visualization still burns of vintage Oakland and GMC Truck brightly in my mind as I think about the advertising. SMOKE SIGNALS Magazine news and coverage that we are able And, if Smoke Signals was really just Editor to bring to you in this issue of Smoke like the local evening news, we would Tim Dye, 205 N. Mill St. Signals. also talk about what’s happening in Pontiac, IL 61764 (815) 844-0282 From the North, we have the latest Sports with a fun look at the Duquesne [email protected] from the Wisconsin Dells area as we Drag Team. present an update on next year’s POCI Fortunately, we can bring you nearly Creative Design/Graphics Pontiac Vintage Press convention. all of these reports in living color, so 205 N. Mill St. From the East, Jim Suva reviews gather up the family this evening and Pontiac, IL 61764 (815) 844-0282 his recent travels to the Charlotte, NC tune-in for all the breaking news that [email protected] AutoFair and its celebration of the POCI has to offer! Firebird’s 50th Anniversary which also Commercial Advertising Coordinator Tim Dye Paul Bergstrom, PO Box 68 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Toll Free (877) 368-3454 Ph: (763) 479-2111 • Fax: (763) 479-3571 [email protected] Contributors to this issue Thom Sherwood, Jim Suva, Ron Berglund, Gary Ledbetter, Scott Scheel, Winston McCollum Smoke Signals (ISSN 1042-4571), September 2017, Vol- ume 45 No 9. Published monthly by Pontiac-Oakland Club International/Pontiac Vintage Press 205 N. Mill St., Pontiac, IL 61764. Periodicals postage pending or paid at Maple Plain, MN mailing office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: POCI, P.O. Box 68, Maple Plain, MN 55359.

Articles, letters and editorial comments found in Smoke Signals represent the views and opinions of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of POCI or any of its officers or staff.

The Pontiac/Oakland/GMC Trademark(s) are used with the permission of General Motors.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 5 Ridin’ Random @ WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR HOBBY WORLD! News - New Products - Literature - Trivia - Information and More If you have material for Ridin’@ Random, send it to [email protected] GMC “Trailabout” Trailer Discovered! Every once in a while a virtually-unknown piece of Pontiac, Oakland or GMC Truck history comes to light. Such was the case when an exceedingly rare 1937 GMC Trailabout trailer popped up for sale on CraigsList. Perhaps only three of these were known to exist by Thom Sherwood, who was the first to spot it online. Thom then promptly alerted Ponti- ac-Oakland Museum director Tim Dye in Illinois with its story and whereabouts. Tim then contacted the seller in central Pennsylvania to learn more about its condition and history. The clock was already ticking, as something this rare and well-preserved was going to otherwise find a new home right away. Tim then put in motion a series of quick calls to POCI members to assist in its acquisition for the museum. After speaking with Keith Vrabec, a second call to Doug Moyer (who lives just 20 minutes from where the trailer was located) got us that much closer. Doug agreed to visit the seller with cash in hand to make a deal on behalf of the museum. He was able to negotiate a very fair price knowing that it will be fully appreciated by fans of vehicles originally constructed in Pontiac, Michigan. Within 24 hours of first learning such an obscure piece of history even existed, it had been acquired by the museum and was now loaded up on Doug’s trailer in Pennsylvania ready to head west where it will be further preserved. Look for more on this vintage GMC trailer as the story continues to unfold.

Chief Pontiac Statue Donated and Restored Diaz Sign Art in Pontiac, Illinois has completed a detailed restoration of the Chief Pontiac statue that was donated to the Pontiac-Oakland Museum last year. The resulting craftsmanship and quality are superb, on par with previous projects they’ve undertaken for the non-profit museum. As one of the main goals of the museum is to preserve Pontiac history, it’s truly rewarding when a project comes to completion. The statue was donated by two sisters in Texas. POCI members Tom Brackett, Ken Davis, Larry Crider and others helped pick up the Chief and deliver it to the museum. The restoration was funded by various personal and club donations including a generous financial gift from the Midwest Firebirds Club. A big “Thank you!” goes out to everyone who assisted with this project!

“Grand Prix Drive” Unveiled

Pontiac, Illinois mayor Bob Russell recently chris- tened the town’s newest roadway, Grand Prix Drive, which accesses a brand-new Hampton Inn adjacent to Interstate 55. Several Grand Prix owners along with their cars were on hand to proudly celebrate the road sign’s unveiling. We suspect it’s been a long time since a new street anywhere has been blessed with a Pontiac-related name!

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09_05435_001_BI2.indd 1 6/27/17 4:22 PM I wanted desperately to assist we were blown away and having the us, the Bonneville, and the 1966 Donald by helping him find a Catalina time of our lives! Peugeot which Donald had sourced a Pontiacs of Central California Chapter adventure! for the show, but I was simply unable Around 10:00am, Jay came roaring from another enthusiast not far from to locate that exact model from within in to the shop in a white 2016 Mustang Burbank. By this time, we were our local chapter’s roster or from an Cobra. Climbing out of the car, he beginning to feel like old friends. OUROUR DAYDAY ATAT JAYJAY LENO’SLENO’S GARAGEGARAGE even wider circle of contacts. greeted us like we were good friends As Jay and Donald spoke on- As the date of the show’s taping that he had known for years. He truly is camera about the two cars, Donald byby RonRon Berglund,Berglund, POCIPOCI WesternWestern DirectorDirector ✦✦ photosphotos byby JohnJohn BerglundBerglund grew closer, Donald phoned me again. a friendly, down-to-earth, car-lovin’ recounted the childhood story that led He was getting more and more nervous guy. to the purchase of his family’s 1967 because he, too, had come up empty- He was quickly shuffled-off to Pontiac. It was also explained that he story of our adventurous day We described our fully restored all- The story, as will soon be revealed handed in his ongoing searches for a make-up and to change his outfit, but while neither of the cars on the set at Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage black 421-powered Pontiac, and he on Jay’s show, is that Donald’s dad got ’67 Catalina. during breaks in the tapings, he spent were hard-to-find 1967 models, there T began earlier this year when eagerly expressed an interest in seeing a new job while their family was living “Four door hardtops just weren’t about an hour showing us around the were sufficient similarities to qualify Willa and I had our 1965 Pontiac 2+2 it up-close the next day. He went on to in New York City. He needed a new car that common to begin with,” Donald workshop and his exotic cars and them for this television task. at the Fourth Annual Arizona Concours explain that, when he was a young kid, for this job. concedes. “Today, they are even more motorcycles — all of which he was They did several takes while we d’Elegance in Phoenix, January 14-15, his father had purchased a 1967 At that time, a 13-year-old Donald difficult to find perhaps because they very knowledgeable and passionate stood off-screen as silent observers. 2017. It was there, during the Saturday Pontiac Catalina. Ever since, Donald and his two older brothers were were more prone to rust than a sedan about. When it came time to wrap, the night banquet, when we first struck-up has held a soft spot in his heart for anxious to assist their dad in selecting of the same vintage. When the rubber Donald also showed up around film crew began to clean up and we a conversation with Donald Osborne, the Wide-Trackers! just the right car. They did a lot of weatherstrips dried out, water could 10:30am, obviously very happy to see were able to remove the Pontiac. Jay classic auto valuation expert featured on When he came around to see our research and concluded that the perfect more easily get inside.” CNBC Prime network’s popular Jay car on the showfield the next day, he car would be a 1967 Peugeot 404 I then offered a suggestion as a Leno’s Garage television series. was gracious enough to pose for “with all the bells and whistles.” possible alternative. One of the Donald, 62, is an affable, opera- pictures with it. We exchanged busi- Instead, Dad came home with a members in our Pontiacs of Central music-loving guy readily recognized by ness cards and contact information so Tyrol Blue 1967 Pontiac Catalina 4- California (POCC) Chapter of POCI viewers for his distinctive bowties and that I could later send him some of door hardtop! His idea of the perfect happens to own a 1968 Pontiac knowledge of classic car values. On those images. car, apparently, was something that the Bonneville 4-door hardtop which Leno’s show, he co-hosts a segment About a month later, Donald whole family could fit inside. He didn’t could potentially be available. called “Assess and Caress” where the phoned me to ask if I could assist him think they needed all the “extras,” like Donald’s tone quickly changed to current-day values and investment — he wanted to locate a car similar to air conditioning, a radio and other so- excitement; he urged me to pursue this appreciation potential from a slate of the one his dad had bought 50 years called luxuries. Plus, to quote his dad, possibility even though the age of the featured cars are compared. At this earlier. This car was needed, he the Peugeot simply “wasn’t stylish.” car was one year newer. Phoenix event, however, Donald clarified, for an upcoming episode of So, the nostalgia-laden scene I then called Gayle and Helen Huls served as one of the Masters of Cer- Jay Leno’s Garage where Jay was going envisioned for this episode would to explain the situation. They were emonies helping to raise funds for the to do a segment called “A Page Out of require examples of both a Pontiac and quite receptive to the idea of their Make-A-Wish charity. Donald’s Childhood.” The idea was to a Peugeot to be compared side-by-side, Bonneville being a part of the show! A During our brief banter, he asked feature a Pontiac similar to the one that assessing “which of these two cars follow-up call back to Donald relayed which vehicle we brought to the show. occupied his formative years. today was the better investment?” the good news. Not long afterwards, my son John, fellow chapter member Dennis Simonson and I arranged to pick up the Huls’ Bonneville in Madera, California so that we could bring it back to my home to prep it for the program. In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 30, the three of us loaded the Bonneville inside my car trailer for the four-hour haul to Jay’s massive garage adjacent to the Burbank Airport. We arrived there at 7:00am and were promptly welcomed inside by Jay’s staff. While the camera crew positioned the Pontiac and a red Peugeot under the bright lights, we were able to freely During an upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, roam about Jay’s legendary Big Dog Pontiacs of Central California member Gayle Huls’ Garage and workshop. Comparing these two cars side-by-side 1968 Bonneville curiously shares the spotlight To explain the specialized machine was a bit awkward for host Jay Leno. with a red 1966 Peugeot 404 sedan for the “Assess shop equipment seen onsite or to even “At least they both start with the letter and Caress” segment. Which was considered the try to describe the scale of this facility ‘P’...,” he was overheard saying along better investment? Tune in soon to find out! would be difficult at best. Simply said, with a deadpan shrug of his shoulders.

8 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 I wanted desperately to assist we were blown away and having the us, the Bonneville, and the 1966 Donald by helping him find a Catalina time of our lives! Peugeot which Donald had sourced a Pontiacs of Central California Chapter adventure! for the show, but I was simply unable Around 10:00am, Jay came roaring from another enthusiast not far from to locate that exact model from within in to the shop in a white 2016 Mustang Burbank. By this time, we were our local chapter’s roster or from an Cobra. Climbing out of the car, he beginning to feel like old friends. OUROUR DAYDAY ATAT JAYJAY LENO’SLENO’S GARAGEGARAGE even wider circle of contacts. greeted us like we were good friends As Jay and Donald spoke on- As the date of the show’s taping that he had known for years. He truly is camera about the two cars, Donald byby RonRon Berglund,Berglund, POCIPOCI WesternWestern DirectorDirector ✦✦ photosphotos byby JohnJohn BerglundBerglund grew closer, Donald phoned me again. a friendly, down-to-earth, car-lovin’ recounted the childhood story that led He was getting more and more nervous guy. to the purchase of his family’s 1967 because he, too, had come up empty- He was quickly shuffled-off to Pontiac. It was also explained that he story of our adventurous day We described our fully restored all- The story, as will soon be revealed handed in his ongoing searches for a make-up and to change his outfit, but while neither of the cars on the set at Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage black 421-powered Pontiac, and he on Jay’s show, is that Donald’s dad got ’67 Catalina. during breaks in the tapings, he spent were hard-to-find 1967 models, there T began earlier this year when eagerly expressed an interest in seeing a new job while their family was living “Four door hardtops just weren’t about an hour showing us around the were sufficient similarities to qualify Willa and I had our 1965 Pontiac 2+2 it up-close the next day. He went on to in New York City. He needed a new car that common to begin with,” Donald workshop and his exotic cars and them for this television task. at the Fourth Annual Arizona Concours explain that, when he was a young kid, for this job. concedes. “Today, they are even more motorcycles — all of which he was They did several takes while we d’Elegance in Phoenix, January 14-15, his father had purchased a 1967 At that time, a 13-year-old Donald difficult to find perhaps because they very knowledgeable and passionate stood off-screen as silent observers. 2017. It was there, during the Saturday Pontiac Catalina. Ever since, Donald and his two older brothers were were more prone to rust than a sedan about. When it came time to wrap, the night banquet, when we first struck-up has held a soft spot in his heart for anxious to assist their dad in selecting of the same vintage. When the rubber Donald also showed up around film crew began to clean up and we a conversation with Donald Osborne, the Wide-Trackers! just the right car. They did a lot of weatherstrips dried out, water could 10:30am, obviously very happy to see were able to remove the Pontiac. Jay classic auto valuation expert featured on When he came around to see our research and concluded that the perfect more easily get inside.” CNBC Prime network’s popular Jay car on the showfield the next day, he car would be a 1967 Peugeot 404 I then offered a suggestion as a Leno’s Garage television series. was gracious enough to pose for “with all the bells and whistles.” possible alternative. One of the Donald, 62, is an affable, opera- pictures with it. We exchanged busi- Instead, Dad came home with a members in our Pontiacs of Central music-loving guy readily recognized by ness cards and contact information so Tyrol Blue 1967 Pontiac Catalina 4- California (POCC) Chapter of POCI viewers for his distinctive bowties and that I could later send him some of door hardtop! His idea of the perfect happens to own a 1968 Pontiac knowledge of classic car values. On those images. car, apparently, was something that the Bonneville 4-door hardtop which Leno’s show, he co-hosts a segment About a month later, Donald whole family could fit inside. He didn’t could potentially be available. called “Assess and Caress” where the phoned me to ask if I could assist him think they needed all the “extras,” like Donald’s tone quickly changed to current-day values and investment — he wanted to locate a car similar to air conditioning, a radio and other so- excitement; he urged me to pursue this appreciation potential from a slate of the one his dad had bought 50 years called luxuries. Plus, to quote his dad, possibility even though the age of the featured cars are compared. At this earlier. This car was needed, he the Peugeot simply “wasn’t stylish.” car was one year newer. Phoenix event, however, Donald clarified, for an upcoming episode of So, the nostalgia-laden scene I then called Gayle and Helen Huls served as one of the Masters of Cer- Jay Leno’s Garage where Jay was going envisioned for this episode would to explain the situation. They were emonies helping to raise funds for the to do a segment called “A Page Out of require examples of both a Pontiac and quite receptive to the idea of their Make-A-Wish charity. Donald’s Childhood.” The idea was to a Peugeot to be compared side-by-side, Bonneville being a part of the show! A During our brief banter, he asked feature a Pontiac similar to the one that assessing “which of these two cars follow-up call back to Donald relayed which vehicle we brought to the show. occupied his formative years. today was the better investment?” the good news. Not long afterwards, my son John, fellow chapter member Dennis Simonson and I arranged to pick up the Huls’ Bonneville in Madera, California so that we could bring it back to my home to prep it for the program. In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 30, the three of us loaded the Bonneville inside my car trailer for the four-hour haul to Jay’s massive garage adjacent to the Burbank Airport. We arrived there at 7:00am and were promptly welcomed inside by Jay’s staff. While the camera crew positioned the Pontiac and a red Peugeot under the bright lights, we were able to freely During an upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, roam about Jay’s legendary Big Dog Pontiacs of Central California member Gayle Huls’ Garage and workshop. Comparing these two cars side-by-side 1968 Bonneville curiously shares the spotlight To explain the specialized machine was a bit awkward for host Jay Leno. with a red 1966 Peugeot 404 sedan for the “Assess shop equipment seen onsite or to even “At least they both start with the letter and Caress” segment. Which was considered the try to describe the scale of this facility ‘P’...,” he was overheard saying along better investment? Tune in soon to find out! would be difficult at best. Simply said, with a deadpan shrug of his shoulders.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 9 and Donald again took us around to show us more cars in various warehouses. MINI-FEATURE:19 6 8 With the Pontiac now safely secured inside Pontiac Bonneville the trailer, Jay invited us to stick around for lunch. He had arranged for the massive In-N-Out Burger The lucky 1968 Bonneville to be featured in an semi to arrive as a treat for the entire garage staff upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage together with and crew. (Longtime viewers of The Tonight professional appraiser Donald Osborne is proudly Show may recall Jay’s very vocal praise for this owned by Gayle and Helen Huls of Madera, California. California-based burger empire.) They came in, POCI Western Region Director Ron Berglund set up a huge canopy, opened up the side of the explains that he had known the Huls as Oldsmobile rig and began cooking burgers to everyone’s enthusiasts for a number of years. But, when it came delight. Needless to say, it was an impressive time to add another classic to their collection in 1993, operation — not unlike Jay’s garage itself! the Huls (perhaps at Ron’s urging!) felt compelled to We will forever consider this trip — espe- look for a Pontiac. Searching through the local newspa- cially the opportunity to hang out with Jay and per, they found this clean, low-mileage Bonneville. Donald, along with the personal tour of Jay Leno’s FROM LEFT: On the set in Burbank are POCC members Dennis Simonson and It had originally been purchased new at the nearby garage — as one of the highlights of our lives! Ron Berglund, host Jay Leno, John Berglund, and ASA appraiser Donald Osborne. Napa Valley Pontiac dealership in Napa, California, and was reportedly ordered by one of their salesmen for use Along with tilt steering and factory-installed air conditioning on by his parents who proceeded to drive and enjoy it for the inside, Gayle Huls’ 1968 Bonneville retains its mostly original Professionally, Donald Osborne is a respected, accred- many years. 400cid Pontiac V8 underhood with just 61,000 miles on the clock. ited, classic-automobile appraiser who appears in each It is equipped with the standard 400cid, 4-barrel episode of Jay Leno’s Garage for a segment entitled Pontiac V8 and THM400 transmission, along with “Assess and Caress.” His expertise and familiarity of the power steering, brakes, and an AM radio. Factory collector car market is used to stump both Jay and the options include air conditioning, tilt steering and a reel- audience with a comparison of the current-day values and appreciation potential of a range of cars that match out trunk light. the theme of any given episode. You might also be The Bonneville was built the third week of March stumped by the fact that Donald is also a trained opera 1968 at GM’s South Gate, California plant. The interior singer who has performed solo at the Metropolitan Opera! trim is code 549 (Gold); the exterior paint is code T6 (Primavera Beige). During the many years that the Huls have owned this rust-free example, they have replaced the vinyl roof and have added a dual exhaust setup and 8-lug wheels. The odometer currently shows just 61,000 miles. Gayle and Helen are active members of the Pontiacs of Central California Chapter and have just received their 20-year pin from POCI. Congratulations!

To learn which of the two featured cars is considered to have been the better investment (and why) by Donald, be sure to watch for this episode debuting this Fall on the CNBC Prime cable television network.

POCI Western Region Director Ron Berglund was treated to a personalized tour of Jay Leno’s impressive Big Dog Garage in Burbank.

Pontiacs of Central California Chapter member Gayle Huls with his Primavera Beige 1968 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door hardtop at home in Madera, California.

10 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 and Donald again took us around to show us more cars in various warehouses. MINI-FEATURE:19 6 8 With the Pontiac now safely secured inside Pontiac Bonneville the trailer, Jay invited us to stick around for lunch. He had arranged for the massive In-N-Out Burger The lucky 1968 Bonneville to be featured in an semi to arrive as a treat for the entire garage staff upcoming episode of Jay Leno’s Garage together with and crew. (Longtime viewers of The Tonight professional appraiser Donald Osborne is proudly Show may recall Jay’s very vocal praise for this owned by Gayle and Helen Huls of Madera, California. California-based burger empire.) They came in, POCI Western Region Director Ron Berglund set up a huge canopy, opened up the side of the explains that he had known the Huls as Oldsmobile rig and began cooking burgers to everyone’s enthusiasts for a number of years. But, when it came delight. Needless to say, it was an impressive time to add another classic to their collection in 1993, operation — not unlike Jay’s garage itself! the Huls (perhaps at Ron’s urging!) felt compelled to We will forever consider this trip — espe- look for a Pontiac. Searching through the local newspa- cially the opportunity to hang out with Jay and per, they found this clean, low-mileage Bonneville. Donald, along with the personal tour of Jay Leno’s FROM LEFT: On the set in Burbank are POCC members Dennis Simonson and It had originally been purchased new at the nearby garage — as one of the highlights of our lives! Ron Berglund, host Jay Leno, John Berglund, and ASA appraiser Donald Osborne. Napa Valley Pontiac dealership in Napa, California, and was reportedly ordered by one of their salesmen for use Along with tilt steering and factory-installed air conditioning on by his parents who proceeded to drive and enjoy it for the inside, Gayle Huls’ 1968 Bonneville retains its mostly original Professionally, Donald Osborne is a respected, accred- many years. 400cid Pontiac V8 underhood with just 61,000 miles on the clock. ited, classic-automobile appraiser who appears in each It is equipped with the standard 400cid, 4-barrel episode of Jay Leno’s Garage for a segment entitled Pontiac V8 and THM400 transmission, along with “Assess and Caress.” His expertise and familiarity of the power steering, brakes, and an AM radio. Factory collector car market is used to stump both Jay and the options include air conditioning, tilt steering and a reel- audience with a comparison of the current-day values and appreciation potential of a range of cars that match out trunk light. the theme of any given episode. You might also be The Bonneville was built the third week of March stumped by the fact that Donald is also a trained opera 1968 at GM’s South Gate, California plant. The interior singer who has performed solo at the Metropolitan Opera! trim is code 549 (Gold); the exterior paint is code T6 (Primavera Beige). During the many years that the Huls have owned this rust-free example, they have replaced the vinyl roof and have added a dual exhaust setup and 8-lug wheels. The odometer currently shows just 61,000 miles. Gayle and Helen are active members of the Pontiacs of Central California Chapter and have just received their 20-year pin from POCI. Congratulations!

POCI Western Region Director Ron Berglund was treated to a personalized tour of Jay Leno’s impressive Big Dog Garage in Burbank.

Pontiacs of Central California Chapter member Gayle Huls with his Primavera Beige 1968 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door hardtop at home in Madera, California.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 11 OAKLAND “6” SPEeD & reliability by Tim Dye

Pontiac gathering in Norwalk that I learned the rest of the story. Amongst the papers was the Oak- land advertisement (below) from the Sunday, August 12, 1923 issue of the Boston Advertiser, a Sunday insert found in the Springfield Daily News (Springfield, MA). Jim had found the early 1920s papers in the walls of a house he was renovating. ...You just never know where valuable pieces of history might come from!

This photo shows the Oakland “6” at a San Francisco Oakland dealership. Be- ing that it is near where the test was conducted, the location could also possibly suggest that this is the same dealer who prepared the car for its endurance run.

tamina and endurance were test in large lettering on the side two traits Oakland proudly of the car. One could only imag- touted in 1923. ine that this car was then shown To exemplify this, an Oak- at various Oakland dealers as land “6” was stripped of its part of a nationwide promotion fenders and other non-essential which included a newspaper ad trim and subjected it to a 500- campaign. mile test at Cotati Speedway near San Francisco, California. if walls could talk... It covered 500 miles in 442 minutes, or seven hours and Though the photo (above) thirty-six minutes, averaging has been in my collection for 67.7 miles per hour! quite a while, it only told part Proud of these results, Oak- of the story. It wasn’t until Jim land painted the performance Misner handed me a stack of figures from their June 3, 1923 old newspapers at this year’s

12 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 SEPTEMBERAUGUST 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 13 xactly 100 years ago, General Motors Truck Company of Pontiac, Michigan was still quite a fledgling operation. For- tunately, a steady, ongoing advertising budget helped them conveyE their message to the upscale, decision-making readers of SYSTEM, the Magazine of Business. As we continue a retrospective look at the rarely-seen ads clipped directly from those pages, we can readily identify important themes and campaigns that reference the significant events of the day and how the burgeoning truck market played a role in the First World War. Just a few months earlier (on April 6, 1917), America had offi- cially declared war on Germany and was now fully committed to sending newly-drafted troops and supplies overseas to aid our allies in this “War to End All Wars." So, how did this affect the automotive and transportation indus- tries at home? Leave it to GMC's copywriters to craft a patriotic tie- in each month with the goal of selling more trucks!

SEPTEMBER 1917 (Below, left): The "square-cut" black-and-white OCTOBER 1917 (below, right): While the watercolor illustration pre- GMC advertisements (as first described in our previous installment sented this month admittedly doesn't relate specifically to the war, where an overlaying GMC oval mark breaks out of a watercolor the ad copy and headline liberally riff on the "call to duty" message illustration into the adjacent negative space) continues on, but with that implies GMC has a patriotic dedication to the ongoing war ef- an entirely new message: The war effort now takes center stage while fort. There’s no lack of superlatives seen here! GMC also tackles perceived competition from the rail industry. Here, GMC boldly suggests that our nation's railway systems NOVEMBER 1917 (facing page): GMC goes full bore — literally! — should now be kept clear for possible troop and munitions move- with a proud, patriotic message that underlines the importance of ment. Accordingly, business leaders who would otherwise rely upon aiding the war effort again by helping both at home and abroad. domestic trains to transport their non-war-related goods and prod- "GMC Trucks are stepping into the breach," as if the trucks them- ucts across this great land of ours should now buy lots of GMC trucks selves are heroic soles voluntarily entering the throes of conflict. and put them to use on public roadways to haul those items instead. (Also note the somewhat backhanded conciliatory note admit- How clever! ting that GMC Trucks now “aid the railroads...”)

14 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 xactly 100 years ago, General Motors Truck Company of Pontiac, Michigan was still quite a fledgling operation. For- tunately, a steady, ongoing advertising budget helped them conveyE their message to the upscale, decision-making readers of SYSTEM, the Magazine of Business. As we continue a retrospective look at the rarely-seen ads clipped directly from those pages, we can readily identify important themes and campaigns that reference the significant events of the day and how the burgeoning truck market played a role in the First World War. Just a few months earlier (on April 6, 1917), America had offi- cially declared war on Germany and was now fully committed to sending newly-drafted troops and supplies overseas to aid our allies in this “War to End All Wars." So, how did this affect the automotive and transportation indus- tries at home? Leave it to GMC's copywriters to craft a patriotic tie- in each month with the goal of selling more trucks!

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 15 The Last GR-R-R-8 One! Now may be the ideal time to invest in the last collectible Pontiac musclecar.

story and photos by Scott A. Scheel photo: GM headquarters 16 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBERAUGUST 2017 2017 ontiac faced an uncertain future Commodore was based nearing the end sion’s Unique Whips by dropping-in a three times in its history: 1953, of its production run in 2006, Holden 500-horsepower 427-cube LSX while 1981 and 2002. Each time, a was forced to either end the Commo- leaving the exterior largely untouched daring new model was intro- dore or design one of their own. They beyond custom striping and 22” wheels. duced as an attention-getter to show chose the latter option, engineering the Not long after the G8’s arrival in Pon- the buying public that GM’s true perfor- excellent Zeta platform and wrapping it tiac showrooms, a bright orange GXP mance division was serious about build- with a muscular body featuring ample variant of the G8 was displayed at the ing affordable cars that were capable of room for five adults and a nearly 50/50 New York Auto Show, complete with a exciting true enthusiasts. weight distribution. With plans in place 402-horsepower Corvette-derived en- The ‘57 Bonneville, the ’84 Fie- to build Commodores for export, the car gine and a genuine 6-speed manual ro 2M4 and the 2006 Solstice were was purposely engineered to accommo- transmission. all born of Pontiac’s desire to survive date either left- or right-hand drive con- By the time the G8 GXP reached through these tough eras. The Solstice figurations. production in 2009, engine output had was the brainchild of GM Global Prod- Ultimately, the Commodore was too swollen to 415 horsepower backed uct Director Bob Lutz, who personally good to keep hidden “down under” and, by either a 6l80 6-speed automatic or saw it through from concept to produc- with only minor changes required to an honest, 3-pedal Tremec TR-6060 tion in order to keep the roadster con- adapt it to the U.S. market, the decision 6-speed manual transmission. cept as pure as possible. The car got a lot was made to import it into the U.S. as The G8 GXP was so well equipped of attention, but it alone wasn’t enough the 2008 Pontiac G8. that the only options offered were the to generate the kind of sales volume GM The G8 was announced in February $695 manual transmission, a $900 needed to justify keeping Pontiac in the 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show, with power glass sunroof, Goodyear All-Sea- GM lineup. Pontiac General Manager John Larson son tires and red seat inserts. Even if With Bonneville already gone and proclaiming, “..the G8 demonstrates equipped with these extra-cost options Grand Prix next on the chopping block, that Pontiac has never been more seri- (plus the federally-mandated $1,700 Pontiac needed a solid sedan with good ous about the business of performance. gas-guzzler tax), the G8 GXP stickered looks, ample power, capable handling We expect this vehicle to be very com- for less than $42,000. and room for five. Lutz had already petitive in the segment, even against Not since the late 1960s had any- filled the rear-wheel-drive gap in the cars that cost far more.” thing like it worn a Pontiac badge, and Pontiac lineup with the 2004 GTO by A strong marketing push trumpeted the automotive press hailed it as a per- adding Pontiac-specific front and rear the return of a proper rear-wheel-drive formance bargain, comparing it to the fascias to the Australian-built Holden sports sedan to the Pontiac lineup, in- BMW M5 and Monaro, but with the end of Monaro cluding a television commercial fea- conclud- production looming, it was only a tem- turing a G8 GT replacing the white spy ing that it porary measure. With very little money car in the classic ‘80s video game “Spy more than available to develop a new model, the Hunter.” matched next best thing to do was to apply the Rapper 50 Cent customized his the Ger- same treatment to the Holden Commo- personal G8 GT on cable televi- man se- dore sedan and import it to the U.S. as a Pontiac, replacing both the Bonneville and the Grand Prix. The Australian-built Commodore was introduced as a 1978 model, based on the German-market Opel Rekord sedan. The German sedan’s handling attri- butes were kept while the sedan’s structure was tweaked to fulfill the needs of the Australian market. Over time, the Commodore and its variants (wagon and ute) grew in size and power, with performance versions featuring V8 engines. Australia suffered through fuel shortages through the 1970s and ‘80s, repeatedly threatening the continuance of the V8, but enthusiast demand kept the big engines on the option list, and Holden rewarded the loyalty of their performance customers by continuing the series. You can definitely see the family resemblance comparing the Pontiac G8 with this Holden With the Opel sedan on which the Commodore SSV. photo: GM headquarters SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 17 at a reduced price. Some buyers (and dealers) squirreled-away their GXPs as investments. How many brand-new 2009 models are still safely stored in mothballs is open to debate, but Hagerty Collector Insurance ranked both the 2009 Solstice GXP and the G8 GXP as gold investments due to their rarity and excellent performance. Our feature car is one of the 108 G8 GXPs produced in Panther Black Metal- lic with the Tremec manual and a power sunroof. Only the Panther Black/automatic/sunroof combination is more plentiful with 129 produced (see sidebar). Most of the other G8 GXP combina- tions have double-digit production figures with many in single digit territory. GM displayed this Liquid Red G8 At the top of the rarity spectrum is the GT at the Woodward Dream Cruise Stryker Blue Metallic with manual trans- in 2007. While your author was pok- ing around beneath it, a GM execu- mission and solid roof combination — tive came by and was heard to say, only three were built. Rarer still are the “Don’t take too much of what you SLP Firehawks built from GXPs (see see under there too literally.” “Speak Loudly a Pack a Big Stick,” Smoke Signals, December 2015). The G8 GT’s standard 6.0 LS en- Driving the manual G8 evokes mem- gine developed a genuine 361 horse- ories of the big, Hurst-shifted Pontiacs of power. The GXP was announced with the ‘60s with plenty of room and plenty a 402hp LS3 lifted straight from the Corvette. Production models bet- of power. Unlike the cozy confines of a tered that figure by a dozen ponies. 21st Century Firebird or GTO, the G8’s interior feels cavernous, even for larger dan’s performance at half the price! ing down Pontiac production, and the occupants. Good as it was, the timing couldn’t 1,829th and final G8 GXP was built on The LS3’s 415 horsepower gets all of have been worse for Pontiac. The U.S. February 12, 2009. the credit for the work done by 415 lb/ft economy was slowing due to a poor On the morning of April 27, 2009, of torque, which is available just about housing market, oil prices were skyrock- GM CEO Fritz Henderson announced anywhere it’s needed, from idle to the eting and sales of new vehicles were that Pontiac would be discontinued as 6,600rpm redline. plunging. As 2008 drew to a close, there part of GM’s restructuring plan. That Because G8s are heavyweights — were almost as many G8s languishing same day, Jalopnik writer Ben Wojdyla tipping the scale at exactly two tons on Pontiac dealer lots as had found buy- compiled his list of the “10 Best Ponti- — every ounce conspires to slow the ers that year — even with large sales in- acs of All Time,” plac- centives in place. ing the G8 GXP in the Both GM and Chrysler were forced number one spot. to approach the Federal Government Almost immedi- with hat in hand to ask for a bailout. ately following the The request was granted, but came with announcement, pric- a stipulation that GM pare its brands es on all of the new down to two: Chevrolet and Cadillac. Pontiac vehicles in GM execs successfully convinced dealer inventories the government that shuttering Buick were slashed as much would decimate GM’s emergence in as 25% — includ- the quickly-growing Chinese market, ing G8s. This made and that GMC was a profit center for GXP versions an even GM that needed to stay. This left Sat- greater performance urn, Saab, Hummer and Pontiac on the bargain than they al- chopping block. ready were — if the Pontiac tested public reaction to the G8 by showing this one at With the writing on the wall, plans dealer was actually auto shows during the 2007 season. It won the “Most Significant were set in motion to begin wind- willing to let one go New Car Introduction Award” by Consumer Guide.

18 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 The proportions and contours of the G8’s body were penned in Australia but carry a distinctly European style. Styling was not groundbreaking, but was a departure for Pontiac. GT and GXP taillights mimic jet-age designs popular in the mid-’50s. flywheel under acceleration. A conscious effort is required to ered Pontiac. To make sure of this, the aftermarket perfor- stall it from a standstill, though. Happily, it’s remarkably docile mance exhaust manufacturers offer boundless choices ranging in traffic and responsive enough to exploit any gap with little from a straight pipe to just slightly louder than stock. Most G8 more than a flick of the shifter and a bit more throttle. owners choose components somewhere in the middle of the Clutch effort is commendably light, but a stiff torsion re- noise output range. turn spring adds a bit of additional resistance to the otherwise Flanking the exhaust system is a fully-independent suspen- buttery hydraulic linkage. Likewise, the stubby plastic-handled sion system unique to the Zeta platform on which the G8 is shifter feels surprisingly good and falls to the right hand natu- rally despite the totally congruent design of the interior. The short throws make easy work of finding the intended gear among the Tremec’s six ratios, but with so much torque on tap, the only real reasons to shift down are to burn more gas and make more noise! (Even though the 6.2 is capable of running on regular 87-octane E10 fuel, making all that noise can still get expensive at 15-18 mpg.) Come to think of it, the G8 makes noises most enthusiasts love. The exhaust system has more sound-deadening components than a recording studio, tuned to growl when the drive-by-wire throttle is wide open but muted under most normal driving conditions. Get off the throttle in any gear with the clutch engaged and it will bark and pop all the way back to idle. Casual observers might initially mistake the G8 for a G6 A specific Pontiac twin-grille fascia was designed for the U.S. mar- when they see it, but as soon as they hear it, there’s little doubt ket which allowed the Holden hood to be retained. It integrates this is definitely not your average front-wheel-drive V6-pow- well, giving the car a much more aggressive stance.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 19 base car in favor of clear housings with chromed bezels that feature single round taillights which look as if they’ve been lifted from a ‘56 Chieftain. Overall, the package is balanced with large door and trunk openings plus plenty of glass area for excellent outward visibility. Inside is where the G8’s bargain pricetag is most apparent. Hard plastic and rubber molded in any of GM’s signature five shades of gray covers everything. Surfaces intended to serve as places for arms and elbows are softer than the plastic panels to which they’re affixed, but still fall short of feeling either sporty or luxurious. The “GXP”-embroidered pleather seats are acceptably comfortable and supportive, with six- way power adjustments plus manual knobs for the reclining backs as well as lumbar support. Holden spent some money on the genuine tilt/telescoping steering column, something which has been long absent from most home-grown GM products excepting select Oldsmobile and Cadillac models. Another high-end touch is the leather-wrapped, race-inspired sport steering wheel, with a fat rim featuring large thumb grips at the 3- and 9 o’clock positions plus a flattened bottom. Radio, phone and DIC controls incorporated Production GXPs were fitted with these 19” polished aluminum wheels wrapped in Bridge- into the spokes feel positive to the fin- stone summer tires (All-Season Goodyears were available). The four-piston Brembo brakes gertips. Once you’ve gotten used to it, are world-class. everything else — excepting maybe based. FE3 is GM-speak for top-dog should the driver’s enthusiasm exceed a suede-covered Ferrari F1 wheel — suspension tuning, which happens the car’s abilities. When all else fails, feels toy-like. to be standard issue on the GXP. Re- GM’s Stabilitrack steps in to keep the Unfortunately, the Blaupunkt stereo portedly tuned at the famous Nür- G8 from launching itself into orbit (pro- system will disappoint serious music burgring road course in Germany, vided that system hasn’t been manually junkies despite its impressive-on-paper the taut-yet-compliant underpinnings switched off via the console-mounted 11-speaker, 230-watt specs. There is a give the large, heavy sedan the feel button). segment of the bass frequency response and performance of a much smaller The relative rarity of any G8 makes which eludes all of the 6” drivers in the and lighter car. spying one in traffic a pleasant occur- doors as well as the pair of 8” free-air A set of polished aluminum 19” rence. In profile, the non-threatening subs mounted in the rear deck, creat- wheels (similar to those used on Euro-esque styling can blend in with of- ing an irritating “hole” during chord the Cadillac CTS-V) are wrapped in ferings from high-end Asian brands like changes of your favorite song. 245/40R19 rubber bands masquerad- Lexus and Infiniti who also recognize The rear seating area is generous ing as tires and, with very little sidewall BMW’s 5-series as the segment’s bench- with plenty of leg- and head room. A to deflect under hard cornering, they mark. center armrest features a pass-through make the most of what the suspension The Pontiac’s signature split grille, set to a very large trunk featuring a flat has to offer. in to the G8’s American-spec front fascia, floor. As with the G8’s Solstice GXP All of this is bolted to the G8’s in- is well-integrated with the Australian-de- counterpart, no spare is included. G8 herently rigid structure, further enhanc- signed body. A pair of scoops chiseled GXP owners get a 12-volt air pump and ing the capability of the car’s muscular into the flat hood evoke memories of Fire- a can of sealant, so keep that roadside legs. Large Brembo four-piston calipers bird Formulas from the late 1970s. assistance number handy! from the CTS-V are fitted to the front Out back, GT and GXP models ditch Whether you want a G8 GXP to spindles to quickly scrub off speed the chunky solid red taillamps of the drive or to salt away as an investment,

20 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Very Rare, Very Well Done... Here is a breakdown of the 1,829 G8 GXPs produced in 2009: Panther Black Metallic - 470 If you own a G8 GXP and would like Liquid Red - 377 specific information about your Maverick Silver Metallic - 333 car’s history (build date, number White Hot - 299 produced, original selling Sport Red Metallic - 171 dealership), email POCI’s Joe Morgan Magnetic Gray Metallic - 78 at [email protected] with Stryker Blue Metallic - 56 your VIN and he will provide this Pacific Slate Metallic - 45 information free of charge. Joe is also building a registry to track the Automatic - 983 whereabouts of these very special Manual - 846 Pontiacs. To date, roughly one-third Sunroof - 1466 of the 1,829 produced have No Sunroof - 363 been recorded. Onyx Interior - 1,255 Onyx/Red interior - 574 Data from G8 GXP Registry by Joe Morgan

the best deals seem to have been available in Spring of 2009. Today, used G8 GXP prices have settled in the mid-$30,000 range, even as brand-new, further-refined Chevrolet SS sedans sit in showrooms for a few thousand more. The take- away here is that American car enthusiasts still mourn the death of Pontiac and are willing to pay a premium price for performance models — especially low-volume performance variants like G8 and Solstice GXPs, Firehawks and WS6 Trans Ams with manual transmissions. With the writing on the wall in 2009, many in the automotive press knew they were recording a pivotal moment in the history of the U.S. auto industry, noting that the G8 GXP in particular proves that General Motors is more than capable of building a world-class sedan and that cars like it may finally prove that auto industry globalization is not an inherently bad thing. (A suggestion was made that the 2009 bailout was justi- fied if only to keep GM alive so it could continue building the G8 GXP. That suggestion was followed by another stating that, if the GXP dies along with Pontiac, taxpayers should demand a bailout refund from the Federal Government.) The car was a certified hit. Through the G8 GXP, the press figured out what we longtime Pontiac loyalists already knew — GM’s excitement division proved it could create groundbreaking vehicles even when they’re based on mediocre GM platforms. The fact

The G8 shown on the 2007 auto show circuit featured a beige/ gray interior. Stock G8s received a much more plain Onyx interior. Red seat inserts were offered with certain exterior colors.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 21 that Pontiac obituaries and eulogies iteration of the lot, truly hitting the per- The U.S. auto industry continues to almost universally described the death formance benchmark for half the cost struggle, and ever-more stringent fed- of Pontiac as a mercy killing (with the of its European rival. Sure, much of that eral regulations threaten to render new exception of the Solstice and G8 GXP) cost savings shows up in the hard plas- performance vehicles extinct. Had shows that the professional journalists tic interior, orange-peel paint and hol- Pontiac survived the bailout, future “got” Pontiac about as much as many low-sounding doors, but the important products would most likely include of the 20- and 30-somethings who pry bits are all there, permitting the G8 to Chinese-market diesel/electric hybrids the Pontiac badges off of their G8s out succeed with its simple objective. imported to the U.S. to be badged and of embarrassment. The Pontiac G8 GXP stands as one sold as Pontiacs. (This dilution of the The irony is, the G8 GXP is exactly of the best all-around Pontiacs ever pro- marque is already starting to happen at the kind of product that the real “car duced. It offers the interior volume of a Buick with those types of products in guys” from inside Pontiac like Ben Har- ‘50s Bonneville, the power and perfor- the pipeline!) rison constantly campaigned manage- mance of a ‘60s GTO, the handling of The fact that the G8 GXP was a ment to build. Some, recognized as an a ‘70s Trans Am, the caché of an ‘80s single-year 415hp knockout punch attempt to infuse Pontiac sedans with Fiero, the practicality (for daily use) of delivered by a heavyweight fighter on innovation, technical sophistication, a ‘90s Montana — all while proving it- his way down in his last fight offered American performance and Europe- self as a competent sport sedan for the comfort when the death knell sound- an driving character, did surface (the new millennium. It does all of this while ed on April 27th, 2009. Even with the ‘67 LeMans Sprint, ‘73 Grand Am, ‘83 achieving decent (for 415 horsepower!) Holden line revived on American soil 6000 STE, ‘92 Bonneville SSEi and the fuel mileage, carrying passengers and in the form of the Chevy SS, enthusiasts ‘97 Grand Prix GTP all come to mind). their stuff comfortably while blasting the know who GM’s real hellraisers were All were noted by the press as having at A/C ...and AC/DC! and demonstrate it by buying used G8s least some success in that regard, espe- Many BMW purists dismiss the G8 as rather than new SS sedans. It fought cially compared to their GM corporate a flash in the pan; some Pontiac purists to earn that legacy and is every bit a cousins. dismiss it as corporate junk. But, consid- Pontiac as its forebears. Ben Harrison The G8 GXP is arguably the best er this if you’re among the anti-LS camp: would have loved it.

G8 appeal is nearly universal, finding buyers from 27-77 years of age. Gatherings, like this one held in Indianapolis, offer owners the opportunity to share ideas, show off their rides and to socialize. The pride of G8 ownership here is very apparent, with one G8 seen wearing a license plate proclaiming “4DR GTO.” That guy totally “gets it.” (Photo courtesy of Travis Bell)

22 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 1967-1981

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NPD-SmokeSignals-7.125x9.125-040317.indd 1 4/7/17 10:23 AM SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 23 ABOVE, LEFT: Each vehicle featured within the AutoFair’s Showcase Pavilion displayed a unique placard explaining a little bit about the car and how it related to the event’s theme. RIGHT: Well-known car customizer Chip Foose was present during the multi-day Charlotte event to discuss some of his noteworthy creations including the “Madam X” which was inspired by an original 1930s-era GM sketch. wice each year, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts My Firebird was transported to the event from my home a huge throng of spectators at any event, anxious to check- an impressive automotive gathering known simply as in Illinois inside a Reliable Carriers semi-truck along with out all the cool rides and F-bodied GM feature cars inside “AutoFair.” Billed as the largest collector car event in some other special vehicles also destined for Charlotte. the Showcase Pavilion. the Southeast, each AutoFair showcases a certain type of Joining it was a yellow-and-black 1977 “Bumble Bee” Amongst the multiple celebrities in attendance was vehicle, as well as individual club car displays, a swap meet, Camaro from the first Transformers movie (provided by the acclaimed car customizer Chip Foose, host of TV’s and a car corral which offers a variety of enthusiast cars and Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois), along with a pair of Overhaulin’ and creator of a handful of Riddler Cup and parts for sale within the huge NASCAR facility. Indy cars which had been raced by Janet Guthrie and America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) winners. Here, AutoFair attracts people from around the nation. Having Danica Patrick. The Indy cars, on loan from the Indianapolis Chip displayed five noteworthy customs including his most over 100,000 people in attendance is the norm. The show Motor Speedway Museum, were brought in to highlight a recent ambitious “Madam X” project — a 1939 Cadillac 60 runs from Thursday through Sunday, with the busiest days special Women in Racing display. Special 4-door which has been rebodied as a 2-door coupe being Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, my wife Julie and I packed-up our SUV with with a removable hardtop. Spectators were even treated to a For their most recent event, held April 6-9, 2017, all sorts of Rockford memorabilia to accompany our special question-and-answer session where Chip personally AutoFair promoter Ed Fausel envisioned a special celebra- Pontiac’s display. We arrived at the track just in time to greet shared its story while highlighting many of the Caddy’s tion honoring the 50th Anniversary of GM’s beloved Firebird the car carrier during a dramatic, sudden downpour. Fortu- unique features. ABOVE: Positioned inside the NASCAR garages of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, numerous Pontiacs and Chevrolets from 1967- and Camaro. As part of this F-Body display, I was invited to nately, the weather cleared quickly and we were able to get I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jon Wilson of up presented an overview of 50 years of F-body production. My display my 1977 Rockford Files Firebird Esprit within the the ‘Bird positioned indoors, properly cleaned and ready for WCCB TV-12’s Wilson’s World morning show. When Wilson 1977 Firebird sure got lots of attention from the huge crowds! speedway’s Xfinity NASCAR Garage for their centerpiece the expected crowds the following days. saw the Rockford Firebird for the first time, he was so BELOW: Various Rockford-related items were displayed along Showcase Pavilion. And, wow... Did they come! I’ve never experienced such excited... He has always been a big fan of The Rockford Files with my Firebird including iconic set pieces such as an answering and couldn’t believe it was on display! machine, a replica cookie jar (made by me and my wife Julie), a Lou Santiago, host of TV’s Car Fix, Ultimate Car Build- cork ball pencil holder and Rolodex, an alarm clock and phone Off, MuscleCar and other programs, also stopped by to share like Jim Rockford’s; plus a 1:24 scale ‘76 Firebird model; a Hot a nice conversation with me. Wheels 1:64 Rockford Firebird; individual photographs of actors Various local and regional clubs were well represented at James Garner, Joe Santos and Noah Beery plus series creator and writer Stephen J. Cannell; a replica Rockford-style sports coat; AutoFair, and this year’s event boasted 54 clubs including an “The Garner Files” and “Thirty Years of The Rockford Files” impressive showing from the Carolina Classic Pontiac Club. books; an original yellow Rockford crew jacket, and much more. From their group, I met a number of POCI members and Rockford fans who recognized my Firebird from previous Smoke Signals installments of this column. Throughout the weekend, event coordinator Ed Fausel and his staff were an absolute delight to work with. In fact, everyone we encountered on this trip were remarkably kind and helpful. On the last day of AutoFair, Ed surprised all the car show participants with an official 3x4" magnetic dash plaque. I was especially honored to find that it featured an image of our Rockford ‘Bird along with several other cars. The Charlotte AutoFair is held twice yearly. Be sure to add this event to your list of must-attend events. The next event is slated for September 21-24, 2017. Details can be ABOVE: Drenched in the Charlotte rain; my “Rockford” director’s chair; interview with Jon Wilson and television personality Lou Santiago. found online at www.charlotte-autofair.com

24 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 ABOVE, LEFT: Each vehicle featured within the AutoFair’s Showcase Pavilion displayed a unique placard explaining a little bit about the car and how it related to the event’s theme. RIGHT: Well-known car customizer Chip Foose was present during the multi-day Charlotte event to discuss some of his noteworthy creations including the “Madam X” which was inspired by an original 1930s-era GM sketch. wice each year, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts My Firebird was transported to the event from my home a huge throng of spectators at any event, anxious to check- an impressive automotive gathering known simply as in Illinois inside a Reliable Carriers semi-truck along with out all the cool rides and F-bodied GM feature cars inside “AutoFair.” Billed as the largest collector car event in some other special vehicles also destined for Charlotte. the Showcase Pavilion. the Southeast, each AutoFair showcases a certain type of Joining it was a yellow-and-black 1977 “Bumble Bee” Amongst the multiple celebrities in attendance was vehicle, as well as individual club car displays, a swap meet, Camaro from the first Transformers movie (provided by the acclaimed car customizer Chip Foose, host of TV’s and a car corral which offers a variety of enthusiast cars and Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois), along with a pair of Overhaulin’ and creator of a handful of Riddler Cup and parts for sale within the huge NASCAR facility. Indy cars which had been raced by Janet Guthrie and America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) winners. Here, AutoFair attracts people from around the nation. Having Danica Patrick. The Indy cars, on loan from the Indianapolis Chip displayed five noteworthy customs including his most over 100,000 people in attendance is the norm. The show Motor Speedway Museum, were brought in to highlight a recent ambitious “Madam X” project — a 1939 Cadillac 60 runs from Thursday through Sunday, with the busiest days special Women in Racing display. Special 4-door which has been rebodied as a 2-door coupe being Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, my wife Julie and I packed-up our SUV with with a removable hardtop. Spectators were even treated to a For their most recent event, held April 6-9, 2017, all sorts of Rockford memorabilia to accompany our special question-and-answer session where Chip personally AutoFair promoter Ed Fausel envisioned a special celebra- Pontiac’s display. We arrived at the track just in time to greet shared its story while highlighting many of the Caddy’s tion honoring the 50th Anniversary of GM’s beloved Firebird the car carrier during a dramatic, sudden downpour. Fortu- unique features. ABOVE: Positioned inside the NASCAR garages of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, numerous Pontiacs and Chevrolets from 1967- and Camaro. As part of this F-Body display, I was invited to nately, the weather cleared quickly and we were able to get I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jon Wilson of up presented an overview of 50 years of F-body production. My display my 1977 Rockford Files Firebird Esprit within the the ‘Bird positioned indoors, properly cleaned and ready for WCCB TV-12’s Wilson’s World morning show. When Wilson 1977 Firebird sure got lots of attention from the huge crowds! speedway’s Xfinity NASCAR Garage for their centerpiece the expected crowds the following days. saw the Rockford Firebird for the first time, he was so BELOW: Various Rockford-related items were displayed along Showcase Pavilion. And, wow... Did they come! I’ve never experienced such excited... He has always been a big fan of The Rockford Files with my Firebird including iconic set pieces such as an answering and couldn’t believe it was on display! machine, a replica cookie jar (made by me and my wife Julie), a Lou Santiago, host of TV’s Car Fix, Ultimate Car Build- cork ball pencil holder and Rolodex, an alarm clock and phone Off, MuscleCar and other programs, also stopped by to share like Jim Rockford’s; plus a 1:24 scale ‘76 Firebird model; a Hot a nice conversation with me. Wheels 1:64 Rockford Firebird; individual photographs of actors Various local and regional clubs were well represented at James Garner, Joe Santos and Noah Beery plus series creator and writer Stephen J. Cannell; a replica Rockford-style sports coat; AutoFair, and this year’s event boasted 54 clubs including an “The Garner Files” and “Thirty Years of The Rockford Files” impressive showing from the Carolina Classic Pontiac Club. books; an original yellow Rockford crew jacket, and much more. From their group, I met a number of POCI members and Rockford fans who recognized my Firebird from previous Smoke Signals installments of this column. Throughout the weekend, event coordinator Ed Fausel and his staff were an absolute delight to work with. In fact, everyone we encountered on this trip were remarkably kind and helpful. On the last day of AutoFair, Ed surprised all the car show participants with an official 3x4" magnetic dash plaque. I was especially honored to find that it featured an image of our Rockford ‘Bird along with several other cars. The Charlotte AutoFair is held twice yearly. Be sure to add this event to your list of must-attend events. The next event is slated for September 21-24, 2017. Details can be ABOVE: Drenched in the Charlotte rain; my “Rockford” director’s chair; interview with Jon Wilson and television personality Lou Santiago. found online at www.charlotte-autofair.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 25 OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: This patriotic 1999 Trans Am WS6, proudly owned by Angela Naff from Henry, Virginia, wears an inspiring military paint scheme; car customizer Chip Foose (in background) inspects the T/A’s custom mural. Foose himself saw five of his own custom creations attend the show, including the “Madam X” 1939 Cadillac, a black “Hemisfear,” the “Imposter” ’65 Impala/Corvette mashup, a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, and his legendary “GrandMaster” 1935 Chevy. LOWER: “Ruby Fire” is a SEMA 2016 show-stopping 1977 Trans Am with LSX power and stacked injection belonging to Robina Caulder of West Columbia, South Carolina. It features RideTech suspension, tons of custom bodywork, and an elaborate quad-coat paint with a maroon paint base and rainbow flake on top. John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois is credited with the wild build.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dr. Warren Banach’s retro- inspired Black-and-Gold 2016 Bandit is #4 of 77 total SEs built by Tod and Scott Warmack of Trans Am Depot in Florida. It, too, is powered by an LSX motor (rated at 884 horses with 842 foot- pounds of torque!) and features a 6-speed manual transmission; this beautiful Mayfair Maize 1969 Firebird convertible with white interior and Rally II wheels belongs to Steve Price of Concord, NC.; this 1967 Firebird belongs to Mark Brantley of Charlotte, but he was kind enough to allow me to check out the view from behind the wheel. Sharp-eyed readers may have also noticed the white convertible’s 428 badges and tachometer atop its scooped hood; no F-Body celebration would be complete without a tribute to the 1977 Smokey and The Bandit Trans Am. Originally owned by Rick Hendrick of NASCAR fame, this Special Edition T/A now belongs to Walt Hollifield of Mint Hill, North Carolina.

26 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: This patriotic 1999 Trans Am WS6, proudly owned by Angela Naff from Henry, Virginia, wears an inspiring military paint scheme; car customizer Chip Foose (in background) inspects the T/A’s custom mural. Foose himself saw five of his own custom creations attend the show, including the “Madam X” 1939 Cadillac, a black “Hemisfear,” the “Imposter” ’65 Impala/Corvette mashup, a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera, and his legendary “GrandMaster” 1935 Chevy. LOWER: “Ruby Fire” is a SEMA 2016 show-stopping 1977 Trans Am with LSX power and stacked injection belonging to Robina Caulder of West Columbia, South Carolina. It features RideTech suspension, tons of custom bodywork, and an elaborate quad-coat paint with a maroon paint base and rainbow flake on top. John Wargo of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois is credited with the wild build.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 27 TOP LEFT: My life-sized James Garner cutout always proves to be popular with the crowds — folks just love to have their picture taken with it! Somehow, “Rockford” managed to sneak over to get a closer look at “The Hoff’s” car! TOP RIGHT: This Knight Rider “KITT” Trans Am replica was shown by owner/builder Marc Brown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Though the car’s title shows 1988 as its birth year, Marc spent 12 years converting it to look exactly like KITT from 1982. LEFT: I was surprised to find the event’s dash plaque featured the Rockford Firebird!

Be sure to watch for upcoming installments of The Suva Files when I take a closer look at the Knight Rider television series and its popular KITT Trans Am. Meanwhile, check out my online blog at jimsuva.typepad.com

28 SMOKE SIGNALS •SEPTEMBER 2017 AMAZING PONTIAC GTO CARS & PARTS AT AUCTION! SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017, 9AM McLeod County Fairgrounds- 840 Century Ave. SW, Hutchinson, Minnesota 55350 PLAN ON ATTENDING 1 HUGE BIG DAY! (ONLY IF NEEDED WILL CARRY OvER SUNDAY OCT. 1ST, 2017 9AM-) VanDerBrink Auctions is pleased to bring you this amazing collection of GTO Cars, and hundreds of highly sought-after parts! Approx. a dozen highly desirable 1965 to 1969 GTO project and original cars including several Judges and other RARE GTO cars. Cars sell first, then plan on spending the entire day on bidding on a HUGE assortment of Rare and highly sought after clean inventory of Pontiac GTO parts. There is everything from gauges, fenders, Motors, seats, EVERYTHING to restore your 1965 to 1969 Pontiac GTO car! It is truly amazing and you’ll want to be in person to bid and buy these amazing parts! See you at the Auction! PONTIAC GTO COLLECTOR CARS- AWESOME PROJECTS & ORIGINALS: 1965 Pontiac GTO Coupe, project, 1965 Pontiac GTO Coupe, Tri-Power, awesome project, 1965 Pontiac GTO Coupe, project, 1966 Pontiac GTO Coupe, Tri-Power, project, 1967 Pontiac GTO Coupe, project, 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, White, partially restored, 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, Silver, project, 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, Black, project, 1969 Pontiac GTO RAM Air IV Coupe, project, 1969 Pontiac Lemans Coupe, 1969 Pontiac Lemans, original, 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge, 1971 Pontiac GTO Coupe, project, and more… (Cars Sell First!) THOUSANDS OF 1964-1969 PONTIAC GTO PARTS! THERE IS AN INVENTORY OF PARTS LISTING ON THE WEBSITE! 1964 TO 1971. MANY OF THE PARTS ARE 1969 PONTIAC GTO! BUT THERE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO BUILD YOUR RESTORATION! IF YOU ARE A SWAPPER OR RETAILER, YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS AUCTION. PLEASE READ OR PRINT THE PARTS INVENTORY. YOU MUST BE IN PERSON TO BUY PARTS. SOME PARTS WILL BE OFFERED ONLINE WITH VEHICLES, BUT MAJORITY WILL BE SOLD ONSITE! WE WILL BE SELLING PARTS ALL DAY AND IF NEEDED WILL CARRY OVER TO SUNDAY OCT. 1ST, 2017 AT 9AM! TERMS: Cash, Check w/proof of funds, Credit Card 4% Buyers Premium. NO CC ADM fee. Payment in full Day of Sale. AS IS and all Sales are final. Removal Day of Sale! We need to have everything removed before end of Day Sunday. Online Buyers and vehicles, we may tow at buyer’s expense. We will work with you, but please plan accordingly. Online bidding for some parts and all vehicles. Online bidders have extra terms. Buyers are responsible for Shipping and arrangements.

GTOAA Regional All Pontiac Hosted by the… Cruise and Show Heart of Illinois GTO Club Gateway GTO Club September 16 - 17, 2017 Windy City GTO Club

Mark Melrose Brian Sorensen proceeds benefit the 314-807-2520 630-991-1465 Pontiac, Illinois [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac-Oakland Museum

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 29 Our First Pontiac and the Formation of the Duquesne Drag Team There must’ve been something about those wonderful It was all good fun — a “best two out of three” competi- cars built in 1956... tion — but after a while, it became evident that my Pontiac I hung around with two friends who also owned cars with automatic transmission was winning more consistently. built in that year. Roger had a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere and Throughout the early 1960s, car clubs like the Road Dave had a 1956 Chevy ragtop. Both were stick shifts with Angels, Silver Eights, Valley Drifters and Road Knights all four-barrel carbs. cruised the local circuit while displaying their club plaques. On weekends, we would race them in front of the local Not to be outdone, Roger started the Duquesne Drag Team, bowling alley. Frederick, Maryland was still a fairly small named after our favorite local beer. There were no meetings town way back in 1963, so we knew how to time things to and we didn’t have plaques, but the original members would by Gary Ledbetter • photos from the Duquesne Drag Team • design & edits by Thom Sherwood not get caught. tie a Duquesne beer can to the bumper to show allegiance.

30 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Our First Pontiac and the Formation of the Duquesne Drag Team There must’ve been something about those wonderful It was all good fun — a “best two out of three” competi- cars built in 1956... tion — but after a while, it became evident that my Pontiac I hung around with two friends who also owned cars with automatic transmission was winning more consistently. built in that year. Roger had a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere and Throughout the early 1960s, car clubs like the Road Dave had a 1956 Chevy ragtop. Both were stick shifts with Angels, Silver Eights, Valley Drifters and Road Knights all four-barrel carbs. cruised the local circuit while displaying their club plaques. On weekends, we would race them in front of the local Not to be outdone, Roger started the Duquesne Drag Team, bowling alley. Frederick, Maryland was still a fairly small named after our favorite local beer. There were no meetings town way back in 1963, so we knew how to time things to and we didn’t have plaques, but the original members would by Gary Ledbetter • photos from the Duquesne Drag Team • design & edits by Thom Sherwood not get caught. tie a Duquesne beer can to the bumper to show allegiance.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 31 While my Pontiac always ran well, it didn’t necessarily In 1965, we all went to the Nationals to watch the big look its best. The red paint was in poor condition so it was boys run. Held at Indy, Roger and Rich drove their Pontiacs eventually repainted with Metallic Blue to match the blue — a ’61 Bonneville with a 425 Trophy Tri-Power engine interior. and 4-speed, and Rich’s 1960 Catalina. To save money, we A set of Mickey Thompson mag wheels, ordered through camped out in tents near the track. the Sears-Roebuck catalog store, set me back about $200. When they arrived, my Pontiac was the first car in our area Racing, NHRA Style! to run them. We were soon eager to try something big, so we entered A local shop was enlisted to weld pipe cut-outs on the the 1966 NHRA Spring Nationals in Bristol, TN. We didn’t exhaust down-pipes, and a pair of Atlas Bucron tires were win, but being our first national meet, we sure learned a lot. mounted out back. (Bucrons were racing tires made of a very Getting through the inspection process sent us looking soft rubber compound, yet had two grooves to make them through junkyards for a hood brace. The I Stock Automatic street legal... barely!) (I/SA) class record holder was a 1956 Pontiac sedan owned Soon, most of my buddies had become dedicated Pontiac by Ed Byer. He dominated the class for several years and fans, too, and we’d make weekly trips to the 75-80 Dragway had won at Bristol. in nearby Monrovia, MD. We even began to win a few Rich was our “tech man” and had the knowledge and trophies. tools to build a new shortblock and to set up the carburetor The racing bug had bitten us hard, so a more focused and ignition for racing. effort was in order. Dave struck a deal to rent a wooden Dick and Roger found a 4.88 rear in a 1953 Pontiac garage complex in downtown Frederick as a base for our Marine Corps station wagon in a West Virginia junkyard. operations. Rent, electricity and improvements were shared This worked fine using 15" slicks for the quarter mile. by the core members of our informal club, consisting of I had bought a book on how set up the HydraMatic Rich, Roger, Dick, Dave, Bubbles and myself. transmission for racing. The valve body was modified to make the first-to-second shift manual. Next, we needed a Off the Road! high-stall torque converter. Searching junkyards, we found The car became fully dedicated to racing, so I bought a a high-stall converter in a U.S. Mail truck which used this four-door 1956 Starchief for transportation. Roger then same transmission. By using a Hurst Line-Lock, we could acquired a 1956 Pontiac station wagon, using it for commut- get off the starting line with the tires spinning. ing his construction crew and tools back and forth to work. Addressing the headers was the next problem. There The drag team would also use the wagon for towing the race was limited clearance between the exhaust ports for car. cylinders 1-2 and the A-frame suspension. Also, there was Race cars of the era were given names, so we chose the problem associated with the common exhaust ports on “Rough Ride,” a name which we had lettered in gold leaf by the heads, but Rich was cleverly able to find a work-around Grimes Signs. Nelson Grimes, son of the shop’s owner, did solution. The 1950 GMC Adventure the work and later joined our racing team with his Chevy II. While designing and building our custom headers, Rich We decided a truck would be best way to transport the that we needed to switch to a lighter two-door sedan. The guys had been going to the NHRA Nationals since welded a special tang on the header flange. When mounted car (rather than to “flat tow” it) to races, so Dick and Roger With the weekend’s events soon to be behind us, we 1962 as spectators. We were successful at the local tracks to the head, it divided the 3-5 and 4-6 exhaust ports. For scouted a 1950 GMC two-ton farm truck for the task. Dick loaded-up the Pontiac for what should have been a 10-hour (75-80, York US 30, Mason-Dixon and Capital Raceway), clearance, the frame under the front motor mount was and I then went to the local bank and negotiated a personal drive home. Traveling I-70, we got as far as Ohio when the but we had not yet tried to compete at a major event. heated and pounded upwards to get the necessary clearance. loan for $200 to make the deal happen. engine began to knock badly. Dick and Roger modified the GMC’s bed, and wooden We exited the interstate, stopping at Ray’s Sonoco near ramps were built using 4x10" lumber. Lewisburg, Ohio. The owner was sympathetic and allowed Even though the seller claimed he had recently rebuilt us try to make some repairs. Rich pulled the pan on the the 6-cylinder GMC engine, we kept experiencing a GMC’s six-cylinder only to discover that the rod bearings strange problem of the truck stalling while going up hills. had spun. Whoever rebuilt the engine used the wrong We pulled the line off the bottom of the tank yet gas could bearings! still flow. We cleaned the fuel pump, the lines and We camped outside Ray’s for the night in order to get carburetor numerous times, but we kept seeing a mysteri- parts the next morning. We took turns cleaning the crank rod ous brown substance. journals with emery cloth and then installed the correct Finally, when the truck stalled again en route to a race bearings. Along with the new oil, we added six cans of STP. in Hagerstown, we’d had enough; a roadside fix was in The truck was fired-up and sounded much better. order. Dick crawled under the truck to disconnect the fuel Our luck didn’t last long, though. Once on the road line. No gas! What the...? again, we didn’t even make it as far as the next exit before It wasn’t until we pulled the tank float that we found the engine knock returned. We immediately turned around what was left of a towel used long ago to cap the tank! and headed back to Ray’s Sonoco. With the problem finally resolved, we arrived at Mason- We left the truck and car there, returning two weeks later Dixon Dragway just in time to win our class. to retrieve the Pontiac. The GMC remained at Ray’s for In the fall, we made the Labor Day week trip to Indy several months before we returned for it. Throughout this for the 12th U.S. Nationals. The truck and car made it to entire ordeal, Ray’s didn’t charge us a dime... Such great Indy alright... but we didn’t win. It was becoming obvious folks in Ohio!

32 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 While my Pontiac always ran well, it didn’t necessarily In 1965, we all went to the Nationals to watch the big look its best. The red paint was in poor condition so it was boys run. Held at Indy, Roger and Rich drove their Pontiacs eventually repainted with Metallic Blue to match the blue — a ’61 Bonneville with a 425 Trophy Tri-Power engine interior. and 4-speed, and Rich’s 1960 Catalina. To save money, we A set of Mickey Thompson mag wheels, ordered through camped out in tents near the track. the Sears-Roebuck catalog store, set me back about $200. When they arrived, my Pontiac was the first car in our area Racing, NHRA Style! to run them. We were soon eager to try something big, so we entered A local shop was enlisted to weld pipe cut-outs on the the 1966 NHRA Spring Nationals in Bristol, TN. We didn’t exhaust down-pipes, and a pair of Atlas Bucron tires were win, but being our first national meet, we sure learned a lot. mounted out back. (Bucrons were racing tires made of a very Getting through the inspection process sent us looking soft rubber compound, yet had two grooves to make them through junkyards for a hood brace. The I Stock Automatic street legal... barely!) (I/SA) class record holder was a 1956 Pontiac sedan owned Soon, most of my buddies had become dedicated Pontiac by Ed Byer. He dominated the class for several years and fans, too, and we’d make weekly trips to the 75-80 Dragway had won at Bristol. in nearby Monrovia, MD. We even began to win a few Rich was our “tech man” and had the knowledge and trophies. tools to build a new shortblock and to set up the carburetor The racing bug had bitten us hard, so a more focused and ignition for racing. effort was in order. Dave struck a deal to rent a wooden Dick and Roger found a 4.88 rear in a 1953 Pontiac garage complex in downtown Frederick as a base for our Marine Corps station wagon in a West Virginia junkyard. operations. Rent, electricity and improvements were shared This worked fine using 15" slicks for the quarter mile. by the core members of our informal club, consisting of I had bought a book on how set up the HydraMatic Rich, Roger, Dick, Dave, Bubbles and myself. transmission for racing. The valve body was modified to make the first-to-second shift manual. Next, we needed a Off the Road! high-stall torque converter. Searching junkyards, we found The car became fully dedicated to racing, so I bought a a high-stall converter in a U.S. Mail truck which used this four-door 1956 Starchief for transportation. Roger then same transmission. By using a Hurst Line-Lock, we could acquired a 1956 Pontiac station wagon, using it for commut- get off the starting line with the tires spinning. ing his construction crew and tools back and forth to work. Addressing the headers was the next problem. There The drag team would also use the wagon for towing the race was limited clearance between the exhaust ports for car. cylinders 1-2 and the A-frame suspension. Also, there was Race cars of the era were given names, so we chose the problem associated with the common exhaust ports on “Rough Ride,” a name which we had lettered in gold leaf by the heads, but Rich was cleverly able to find a work-around Grimes Signs. Nelson Grimes, son of the shop’s owner, did solution. The 1950 GMC Adventure the work and later joined our racing team with his Chevy II. While designing and building our custom headers, Rich We decided a truck would be best way to transport the that we needed to switch to a lighter two-door sedan. The guys had been going to the NHRA Nationals since welded a special tang on the header flange. When mounted car (rather than to “flat tow” it) to races, so Dick and Roger With the weekend’s events soon to be behind us, we 1962 as spectators. We were successful at the local tracks to the head, it divided the 3-5 and 4-6 exhaust ports. For scouted a 1950 GMC two-ton farm truck for the task. Dick loaded-up the Pontiac for what should have been a 10-hour (75-80, York US 30, Mason-Dixon and Capital Raceway), clearance, the frame under the front motor mount was and I then went to the local bank and negotiated a personal drive home. Traveling I-70, we got as far as Ohio when the but we had not yet tried to compete at a major event. heated and pounded upwards to get the necessary clearance. loan for $200 to make the deal happen. engine began to knock badly. Dick and Roger modified the GMC’s bed, and wooden We exited the interstate, stopping at Ray’s Sonoco near ramps were built using 4x10" lumber. Lewisburg, Ohio. The owner was sympathetic and allowed Even though the seller claimed he had recently rebuilt us try to make some repairs. Rich pulled the pan on the the 6-cylinder GMC engine, we kept experiencing a GMC’s six-cylinder only to discover that the rod bearings strange problem of the truck stalling while going up hills. had spun. Whoever rebuilt the engine used the wrong We pulled the line off the bottom of the tank yet gas could bearings! still flow. We cleaned the fuel pump, the lines and We camped outside Ray’s for the night in order to get carburetor numerous times, but we kept seeing a mysteri- parts the next morning. We took turns cleaning the crank rod ous brown substance. journals with emery cloth and then installed the correct Finally, when the truck stalled again en route to a race bearings. Along with the new oil, we added six cans of STP. in Hagerstown, we’d had enough; a roadside fix was in The truck was fired-up and sounded much better. order. Dick crawled under the truck to disconnect the fuel Our luck didn’t last long, though. Once on the road line. No gas! What the...? again, we didn’t even make it as far as the next exit before It wasn’t until we pulled the tank float that we found the engine knock returned. We immediately turned around what was left of a towel used long ago to cap the tank! and headed back to Ray’s Sonoco. With the problem finally resolved, we arrived at Mason- We left the truck and car there, returning two weeks later Dixon Dragway just in time to win our class. to retrieve the Pontiac. The GMC remained at Ray’s for In the fall, we made the Labor Day week trip to Indy several months before we returned for it. Throughout this for the 12th U.S. Nationals. The truck and car made it to entire ordeal, Ray’s didn’t charge us a dime... Such great Indy alright... but we didn’t win. It was becoming obvious folks in Ohio!

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 33 Converting to the ’56 Sedan Roger and Dick found a 1956 sedan at a gas station in Rockville for $15, so we started to build a sedan racer. Pontiacs were notoriously heavy compared to their advertised shipping weight, so it was a major effort on our part to get the car down to a 3,670-pound minimum weight. All options were removed, including the heater (an option for 1956). The biggest effort was removing all the undercoating, seam sealer and sound deadener. With the spare tire removed and just four gallons of fuel in the tank, the car now met the minimum weight as required by NHRA.

GMC Upgrades... “Got More Cubes!” We had most of the winter to fix the truck. We knew that GMC used Pontiac engines starting in 1955, and the truck could obviously use some extra power. An engine swap was in order. Roger found a donor car to supply a new engine for our hauler — a garage-kept 1957 green Pontiac Safari wagon. It was owned by an elderly lady and was being stored in a nearby garage. Since she no longer wanted to pay rent on the garage space, she offered to give us the car... free! Its 347-cubic inch V8 was deemed a perfect candidate for the truck. (GMC advertised their engines to be 348 cubic inches just to differentiate it from a Pontiac, but we knew better... it Note the Duke beer can atop the fender and the hand-lettered would be a direct drop-in replacement!) “GOT MORE CUBES” callout above the GMC’s grille emblem. We also knew that the truck’s manual transmission would directly bolt-up to the Pontiac V8 if we could only find a came installing the tandem wheels and two-speed rear to GMC bellhousing. help improve gas mileage. We bought a rear from a local Fortunately, we didn’t have to look very far. Skip’s salvage yard, along with a decent set of tires, rims and the Welding, a shop next door, just happened to have the exact correct driveshaft. part needed. We then traded the remaining 1957 Safari — We spent the next few days mounting the tires by hand in less engine, of course — just for the bellhousing! the middle of the driveway. We were lucky no one got We would also need to convert the truck from a six- to a seriously hurt! 12-volt electrical system — a relatively painless task. Next Meanwhile, we acquired a pair of aluminum ramps and two rust-free doors. We then went to a Baltimore truck salvage yard which had retired new-car hauler trailers. We brought along our tools and torches so that we could remove the top section of one of those trailers and mount it atop our Celebrating the September 3, 1967 I/SA class NHRA Nats win at Indianapolis for the Duquesne Drag Team’s 1956 Pontiac with a two-ton truck frame. 93.65mph quarter mile at 14.72 seconds are (Front Row, Left-to-Right) Bubbles Abbott and Rich Simpson, (Standing, L-R) Bill Heller, Soon, the drivetrain conversion and body modifications Bill Dorsey and Roger Matthews. Missing from this Victory Circle photo are Gary Ledbetter, Dick Stockman and Ward Keesecker. would all prove to be worth the time and effort, but we’ll never forget the drama that came during our first attempt to 1967 U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis start the newly installed engine. In an effort to set the timing, We saw several major changes happen in 1967. Most During all this activity, each one of us had been called to we had to bump the starter with the push-button switch on importantly, we now had a lighter car, having sold the duty by Uncle Sam, but somehow we still managed to the dash. It was only then, as we watched the truck push our hardtop to a fellow racer. We obtained professional help continue racing. heavy workbench right though the back wall of the garage, from Larry Ladd (for prepping the heads) and Herb Gebler In September of 1967 we headed to Indy for the Nation- that we realized that the truck must have been in gear! (who helped with blueprinting the engine and cam). Herb als. We camped out near the end of the track. Our strongest Fortunately, no one — other than the wall of the garage — was noted for headers, but he wouldn’t build our headers competitors were the Jenkins-prepared Chevy sedan deliver- got hurt. Lesson learned: Don’t bump the starter with the because of the shared 2-4 and 3-5 exhaust ports used on our ies (which were allowed to use the GM HydraMatic trans- ignition switch on! engine. Consequently, Rich built our tubular headers and mission instead of the PowerGlide). We were now back in business with a vastly improved added a special tang welded to the header flange that, when I got a great hole shot on a Chevy wagon and won that truck for hauling the race car. mounted to the head, divided the 3-5 and 2-4 exhaust ports. round. We then got the class win by defeating David Baker’s (As a postscript to the 1957 Pontiac Safari story, Skip Numerous other modifications were made to improve ’56 Pontiac in the finals. eventually got the wagon running using another Pontiac overall performance of the Chieftain while complying to It was great winning during a period when Chevrolets engine, and he soon modified it to an “El Camino”-style NHRA rules. Everything was looking good, and our Pontiac were dominating Junior Stock. Back home, we received truck for his business. Looking back, we obviously made a was now running 14.4 seconds in the quarter mile! plenty of publicity including a big article in the local news- mistake not keeping the ’57 Safari; it sure would have been a We were now fully committed to racing, having been to paper and an interview on the local radio station. It was a nice collectible!) two NHRA Spring Nationals and the 1966 Nationals. very successful year!

34 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Converting to the ’56 Sedan Roger and Dick found a 1956 sedan at a gas station in Rockville for $15, so we started to build a sedan racer. Pontiacs were notoriously heavy compared to their advertised shipping weight, so it was a major effort on our part to get the car down to a 3,670-pound minimum weight. All options were removed, including the heater (an option for 1956). The biggest effort was removing all the undercoating, seam sealer and sound deadener. With the spare tire removed and just four gallons of fuel in the tank, the car now met the minimum weight as required by NHRA.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 35 Baltimore Auto Shows In 1968, we entered the Pontiac in the Baltimore Rod & who towed it after its breakdown in Ohio. Trucks were out, Custom Show. On the way to the show we heard a squeak and car trailers were now in! coming from the rear of truck. We vowed to check the noise Activity was at a high pitch. Rich was building a new after the show (which was a weekend-long, two-day affair). It trailer which utilized axles from a house trailer. Bubbles was our first show and we managed to win a second-place bought a 1960 Pontiac ambulance for possible use as a tow award. car. Roger and Dick acquired two 1959 Pontiac station When we started the 50-mile trip home that Sunday wagons which, together, we hoped could be combined to night, we got about half way home before the truck suddenly make one good tow car. The ambulance was cool to drive broke down. The cause was obvious — the driver’s side but had major rust and electrical problems, so we decided to wheel hub was glowing cherry red! The wheel bearings were use the 1959 Pontiac wagon. toasted, allowing the axle to disengage from the wheel. During this period we had thought about moving up a We had no option but to reinstall the original rear. So, few classes. We saw a ’58 Pontiac that had fuel injection back to the garage to fetch the necessary tools plus the emblems at the local Red Top Drive-In. We stopped the original rear and driveshaft. driver and asked if we could see under the hood. To our By 11:00am the next morning we had completed a surprise, we discovered a rather sedate 2-barrel carburetor. roadside swap and were on our way home. The cause of When quizzed about the injection unit, the young cruiser failure was the rear being low on oil — not enough to reach said his father had the fuel injection removed by a mechanic the wheel bearings. located 30 miles away. A road trip was definitely in order! In February of 1969 we again entered the Baltimore We soon found the mechanic at his garage and spotted show, this time with two other cars which also now raced the complete fuelie set-up — injection unit, cowling, under the Duquesne Drag Team banner. Nelson Grimes had distributor and all — just sitting in the corner. The mechanic become known for painting and lettering race and show offered it to us for $90, so we quickly made a deal and cars. He did the custom work on the cars and owned the headed home with it. Poison Ivy Chevy II. We won first place in the Race Car Back home, we tracked-down the same young cruiser Class, fully satisfying our interest in shows. and got the emblems off his car for free. At the time, I was driving a 1958 Chieftain 2-door sedan End of the Truck which would have made a nice race car had we known The truck was running fine but was expensive to operate anything about fuel injection. The ’56 Pontiac, however, still and maintain. Something had to be done, so in the fall of had some life left in her, so we postponed the idea of 1968, we retired the GMC truck. We donated it to the friend changing classes and never did install the fuelie unit.

36 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Baltimore Auto Shows In 1968, we entered the Pontiac in the Baltimore Rod & who towed it after its breakdown in Ohio. Trucks were out, Custom Show. On the way to the show we heard a squeak and car trailers were now in! coming from the rear of truck. We vowed to check the noise Activity was at a high pitch. Rich was building a new after the show (which was a weekend-long, two-day affair). It trailer which utilized axles from a house trailer. Bubbles was our first show and we managed to win a second-place bought a 1960 Pontiac ambulance for possible use as a tow award. car. Roger and Dick acquired two 1959 Pontiac station When we started the 50-mile trip home that Sunday wagons which, together, we hoped could be combined to night, we got about half way home before the truck suddenly make one good tow car. The ambulance was cool to drive broke down. The cause was obvious — the driver’s side but had major rust and electrical problems, so we decided to wheel hub was glowing cherry red! The wheel bearings were use the 1959 Pontiac wagon. toasted, allowing the axle to disengage from the wheel. During this period we had thought about moving up a We had no option but to reinstall the original rear. So, few classes. We saw a ’58 Pontiac that had fuel injection back to the garage to fetch the necessary tools plus the emblems at the local Red Top Drive-In. We stopped the original rear and driveshaft. driver and asked if we could see under the hood. To our By 11:00am the next morning we had completed a surprise, we discovered a rather sedate 2-barrel carburetor. roadside swap and were on our way home. The cause of When quizzed about the injection unit, the young cruiser failure was the rear being low on oil — not enough to reach said his father had the fuel injection removed by a mechanic the wheel bearings. located 30 miles away. A road trip was definitely in order! In February of 1969 we again entered the Baltimore We soon found the mechanic at his garage and spotted show, this time with two other cars which also now raced the complete fuelie set-up — injection unit, cowling, under the Duquesne Drag Team banner. Nelson Grimes had distributor and all — just sitting in the corner. The mechanic become known for painting and lettering race and show offered it to us for $90, so we quickly made a deal and cars. He did the custom work on the cars and owned the headed home with it. Poison Ivy Chevy II. We won first place in the Race Car Back home, we tracked-down the same young cruiser Class, fully satisfying our interest in shows. and got the emblems off his car for free. At the time, I was driving a 1958 Chieftain 2-door sedan End of the Truck which would have made a nice race car had we known The truck was running fine but was expensive to operate anything about fuel injection. The ’56 Pontiac, however, still and maintain. Something had to be done, so in the fall of had some life left in her, so we postponed the idea of 1968, we retired the GMC truck. We donated it to the friend changing classes and never did install the fuelie unit.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 37 NHRA Record Meet: Crash and Rebuild Retirement and 50 years later In May of 1969 the car was running rather well. So well, With our tail between our legs, we packed up and By 1970-’71, career moves, schooling and in fact, it was pulling times just under the established headed back to Maryland. marriage had become important. Maryland national record! We then made the decision to go to the While motoring on I-81, the trailer began to fishtail. We State Roads was taking our garage property to NHRA Record Meet on May 3, in Suffolk, VA to mount an tried the electric trailer brake but the trailer broke loose re-align Route 15. We sold the 1958 fuel official challenge. while traveling about 65 miles per hour. The trailer with the injection unit for $200 — a real bargain for For this year, NHRA adjusted the weight-to-horsepower car suddenly flipped over, skidded upside down, and hit the the new owner. The car was then kept at brackets by combining some of the lower classes. This action ’59 Pontiac tow wagon. Nelson’s Speed shop where we let young put us in the same class with last year’s NHRA Junior Stock The Virginia State police were very understanding and racers take the car to 75-80 Dragway to gain Champion and current record holder. helped us with our predicament. With the assistance of racing experience. We didn’t think he would travel to southern Virginia, but Dick’s wife Darlene and their truck, we were able to tow The car was eventually sold to a couple there he was with his 1957 Chevy delivery wagon! the trailer and car home. With a little cutting on the front who continued to race it locally. I recently During the morning hours we made our run and it was wheelwell, we were able to drive the wagon home. No one spoke with the last owner. His wife had gotten indeed under the national record. The rules in place, how- was hurt and we got everything back to our garage, but the the Pontiac in a divorce settlement, but what ever, required us to make a second run to back it up within wagon was beyond repair. From then on, we used Dick’s has happened to it since is unknown. two hours in order for a new record to be fully established. truck to tow the car. Over the years, our homegrown drag team Our hopes were quickly dashed when the current record We quickly found a 1956 Pontiac donor car and touched many lives. Most of us have stayed in holder advised us that he would just set it lower if we made swapped the main body, using good parts from the wrecked contact for regular get-togethers and reunions the run. We knew he could do it as he ran in the class above car. We were back racing within two weeks, in plenty of every few years — all of which can be us in the previous season. time to enter the Fall 1969 Nationals at Indy. attributed to a 1956 Pontiac!

38 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 NHRA Record Meet: Crash and Rebuild Retirement and 50 years later In May of 1969 the car was running rather well. So well, With our tail between our legs, we packed up and By 1970-’71, career moves, schooling and in fact, it was pulling times just under the established headed back to Maryland. marriage had become important. Maryland national record! We then made the decision to go to the While motoring on I-81, the trailer began to fishtail. We State Roads was taking our garage property to NHRA Record Meet on May 3, in Suffolk, VA to mount an tried the electric trailer brake but the trailer broke loose re-align Route 15. We sold the 1958 fuel official challenge. while traveling about 65 miles per hour. The trailer with the injection unit for $200 — a real bargain for For this year, NHRA adjusted the weight-to-horsepower car suddenly flipped over, skidded upside down, and hit the the new owner. The car was then kept at brackets by combining some of the lower classes. This action ’59 Pontiac tow wagon. Nelson’s Speed shop where we let young put us in the same class with last year’s NHRA Junior Stock The Virginia State police were very understanding and racers take the car to 75-80 Dragway to gain Champion and current record holder. helped us with our predicament. With the assistance of racing experience. We didn’t think he would travel to southern Virginia, but Dick’s wife Darlene and their truck, we were able to tow The car was eventually sold to a couple there he was with his 1957 Chevy delivery wagon! the trailer and car home. With a little cutting on the front who continued to race it locally. I recently During the morning hours we made our run and it was wheelwell, we were able to drive the wagon home. No one spoke with the last owner. His wife had gotten indeed under the national record. The rules in place, how- was hurt and we got everything back to our garage, but the the Pontiac in a divorce settlement, but what ever, required us to make a second run to back it up within wagon was beyond repair. From then on, we used Dick’s has happened to it since is unknown. two hours in order for a new record to be fully established. truck to tow the car. Over the years, our homegrown drag team Our hopes were quickly dashed when the current record We quickly found a 1956 Pontiac donor car and touched many lives. Most of us have stayed in holder advised us that he would just set it lower if we made swapped the main body, using good parts from the wrecked contact for regular get-togethers and reunions the run. We knew he could do it as he ran in the class above car. We were back racing within two weeks, in plenty of every few years — all of which can be us in the previous season. time to enter the Fall 1969 Nationals at Indy. attributed to a 1956 Pontiac!

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 43 Pontiac-Oakland Club International

convention include reconnecting with the PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE many members I consider friends, made Wayne Beran over many years at various gatherings. Whether walking the halls of the hotel or around the showfield at the Texas Motor Speedway, your smiles and nods of ac- knowledgment are greatly appreciated. Probably the greatest thrill of this year’s convention came unexpectedly on Wednesday when POCI Director Mark Tilson handed me a note with a phone number. “Will you handle this?” Mark asked. (He had to leave early, and received the A number of members whom I spoke number from social media — something with truly enjoyed those outings, includ- which I still resist.) ing the GM Assembly Plant, the Stock- The number was from an individual yards and the aforementioned Dealey named Kat Seymour who lives very close. I Plaza. called the number and spoke with a rather Make plans for next summer in the Wis- excited individual. consin Dells, site of our next convention. Apparently, Kat had been at the Texas Stay safe, and enjoy those Pontiacs, Motor Speedway a week or so before Oaklands, and GMCs! SSN would like to begin by thanking our event and had spoken with a GTO numerous POCI members for their owner who alerted her to POCI’s upcom- I efforts while hosting this year’s ing convention. (TMS hosts a show-and- VICE PRESIDENT’S convention in Fort Worth. A big round of shine and drag racing most Friday nights applause goes to the Lone Star Chapter, throughout the summer.) MESSAGE - Larry Crider convention chairs Winston McCollum She proceeded to share that her father and Tom Brackett, all their volunteers, the was none other than former Pontiac Divi- Marriott Hotel staff(especially Mariana sion General Manager John Z. DeLorean! and Toni!), and all the POCI members who I then invited her to our convention withstood the Texas heat. to be my guest. Joined by her husband I’m not trying to slight anyone’s Jason, we were blessed with her pres- involvement if I neglected to recognize ence during the Chapter Night Banquet an individual, but the list goes on and on. the following evening. A number of And, to Art and Larry, thank you! members regaled Kat with stories of I originally planned a two-day drive meeting her father long ago. to Texas, but changed my mind at the last Perhaps Kat would like to do a tele- minute. I drove straight through — nearly phone interview in the near future. She fifteen and a half hours! As long as there said she would like to talk about John, a was daylight, I wanted to keep going. wonderful family man and father — who, I arrived at the host hotel at approxi- she said, just happened to be a great auto- mately 7:30pm on Sunday. The trip south motive engineer. Stay tuned! xcitement is the word for this was 970 miles, with gas totaling $169.00 In other business, our annual Board of month. The 2017 POCI Convention for 82.703 gallons. Director’s meeting was held in Fort Worth, E traveled to an all-new venue and The trip home was slightly longer — and many important topics were discussed state and we all survived to tell about it! 979 miles using 95.019 gallons of gas. Cost? and voted on. The minutes will be posted We expected a smaller event in this $205.63 (I had a heavy foot going home!) on the POCI website as soon as they are part of the country, so we are not at all Arrival at home was about the same accepted by a vote from the Directors. disappointed. For once, our members as my arrival in Texas. My neighbor was Due to my schedule and obligations living in the far south had the opportunity there, waiting patiently to help me to during the week, I wasn’t able to partake to attend the POCI convention without unload the ‘73 Grand Prix and to park the of any of the Fort Worth tours. (I espe- a two-day drive. I know they appreciated trailer. cially would have liked to have visited the the event being located in their part of the My personal highlights from the infamous “Grassy Knoll.”) world for a change.

44 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Silver Streak News

This thought holds true for all our continued to work throughout the week (and getting to know others whom I may members living in the outer reaches of the to handle either convention duties or VP have only spoken with on the phone or USA. If you’re tired of those long drives, duties. ...A bit hectic at times, but I man- through social media). talk with your chapter about hosting the aged, and I really appreciate my Judging Congrats to all the chapters who convention in your area. There are plenty Committee and the workers which the received awards this year and especially of POCI officials willing to help and give Lonestar Chapter provided, enabling to all the hard-working newsletter editors! direction for what is required to produce things to go as smoothly as they did. Editors are the lifeline for our chapters such an event. Our Board of Directors meeting was and they really need a pat on the back While in Texas, Art Barrett and I sat an all-day ordeal. We had many items on from POCI and all their members for a down with two such groups to discuss the agenda for discussion. Once Peggy job well done! On behalf of all editors, what is involved with hosting a conven- writes-up the minutes of the meeting and I’d like to ask everyone to please send an tion. They both came away with a great they are approved by the Directors, she article and/or photo to their local editor deal of valuable information and were will then forward them to the Club Office for their newsletter. happy to take this knowledge back to and posted on our website. As Chairman of the Judging Commit- their respective chapters for further Probably the biggest topic of discus- tee, part of how we grade newsletters is discussion. Hopefully we will see a future sion this year involved reducing the the input from fellow members. I would convention develop in those areas due to number of Directors. Both sides of this like to also remind all chapters to please their efforts. issue had valid arguments and, like many send your newsletters to myself, Peggy Folks are still talking about the excite- topics, nobody had the perfect solution. Mullinax and Don Duryea. Each of us has ment of driving their vehicle around the In the end, we voted to reduce the num- agreed to stay on as part of the Chapter Texas Motor Speedway. It’s something bers of Directors — something which will Judging Committee for newsletters, and you just had to experience firsthand to be phased-in over a period of time. All we would hate to see a chapter not get truly understand how much fun it was! reductions will come to play through an proper recognition. For about six hours on Saturday, the election process, meaning no individual Texas is now in the books as we NASCAR Limo was also on-hand selling will be removed solely for the sake of begin to look forward to next summer’s rides around the track. Passengers could reducing numbers. convention in the Wisconsin Dells. To be heard hollering with delight all around I could go on and on about the con- help promote that event, should anyone the track — obviously quite pleased with vention, but I’m sure you’ll find photos need a convention logo for their newslet- the extra bonus of going around the track! and stories within these pages. It is ter, simply send an email request to me For myself, I arrived in Fort Worth always a pleasure to meet up with friends at [email protected] and I’ll get it early in the week to begin setup and from the past while making new ones to you.SSN

POCI Club History... from the Archives

August of 1928, the Oakland Motor Car Company announced that construction was under way for a new foundry which would consist of six buildings. In In addition to the new foundry itself, a cupola building, sand storage building, cleaning building, service building and core building would add 200,000 square feet of floor space to the factory. Within these buildings, all castings for Oakland and Pontiac Sixes would be made. The pouring capacity would be 450 tons of castings per day. Oakland boasted that their factory was the most modern and best-equipped automobile factory in the world and, that with the automatic machinery in their new foundry, it would require only 700 men to operate the plant when in full operation. To commemorate the opening of the foundry, a cigar tray was produced (right), dated March 21, 1929. The foundry closed in May of 1987, and a quantity of round castings was made noting the final pour. The plaque at the far right was created using one of those castings together with a plaque noting it was presented to POCI by John Sawruk. John, a former Pontiac engineer and historian, was a frequent guest speaker at POCI conventions before his passing. SSN

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 45 Pontiac-Oakland Club International CHAPTER NEWS

Pontiacs of Central California ol’ Pontiacs out to pasture while traveling our club to come as his guest to share a some back roads. You sure don’t see them meal, tour, and the races. JC enjoyed the on the new car lots! hospitality and the day’s events. The race- Over the past several years, club Currently, our membership stands track is a beautifully laid-out facility near members have enjoyed a night at the at 39. Attracting new prospects comes in the VA/NC state line. Madera Fair to display our cars. Along many and often, unexpected ways. While A four-letter word has erased many with being able to display our cars, eating breakfast after an overnight trip events planned for this season. We always we’ve enjoyed the fair itself, the show to the monthly Hillsville, VA Cruise In/ participate in the May River Landing and of course the fair’s food. Our ability Beach Music concert, a man came over to Show, held at a retirement center with a to participate in this event is the result chat after spotting a club member’s Ponti- big car show, meal, gifts and treats for all. of the good work of club member Mike ac T-shirt. A conversation ensued with an However, for the first time in 14 years, it King who annually arranges this event exchange of information which resulted was a wash! Some cruise-ins have only with Fair management. Each night of in gaining a new couple and their Richard been able to schedule one or two events the Madera Fair now has a classic car Petty Edition Trans Am. They were POCI rather than the usual couple a month. display, usually with a different theme, members but needed a club closer to their The joy of Pontiacs (and parts) has as part of the fair programming for that Galax, VA home. drawn members to Pigeon Forge, TN to night. Because of our continued par- President Bill Sykes arranged our their Pontiac Show, the POCI conven- ticipation in this event, the Pontiacs of June meeting to tour the private collection in Texas, the Norwalk Show, plus Central California will have a separate tion of Mr. Thorton Beroth in Pilot Mt. local events. We’re still enjoying the ride night on Friday, September 8 to enjoy Mr. Beroth owns a 100-plus-year-old bank wherever. Pontiacs at the Fair Night. building which, in itself is a showpiece, —Linda Sprinkle Since a separate night has been ar- and inside both up and downstairs is an ranged just for Pontiacs, it is important amazing collection! He’s acquired old that every club member participate metal signs, oodles of gas pumps from Arizona Chapter to make it successful. We will need a all eras, oil cans, metal and iron toy cars/ minimum of 25 Pontiacs parked in the trains, maps in old display racks plus lots Hey, who says that a majority of our display area. There is room for many more. The museum is not open to the membership doesn’t read our newslet- more cars than this but we need the public and he was gracious enough to give ter, nor do they even attempt to carry out minimum and club members should us a tour. What an interesting adventure the ravings of their Co-President? In last be able to fulfill this task. Remember, back in time! month’s President’s Column, I implored we also have a good time and the club During the summer, JC Winstead was you all to conduct the Tohono O’Odham receives payment for bringing our cars, able to take advantage of an offer made “rain dance” as vigorously as you could. so every club member needs to dust off numerous times by a former member who Well, I think you all went a little bit too all the old Pontiacs and get them there. races at the VIR racetrack. He’d invited far with that direction... The latest report Once we meet the club objective of 25 cars, we need to canvass as many other Pontiac owners as we can reach out to and invite them to attend with us. Who knows, we might recruit a new member or two. —Bill Richards Piedmont Chapter

The Piedmont Club has enjoyed an eventful and busy Spring and Summer. Last year, a group of 17 headed west on Hwy. 64 to the Tennessee state line for 1926-1954 Pontiac owners: you need to check out POCI’s a few days of touring. This April, many Early Times Chapter! We are devoted to stock (original of the same group, along with a few new recruits, took off east on Hwy. 64 to com- or restored) flat-head Pontiacs from 1926 through 1954. plete the journey. Hwy. 64 spans almost 600 miles from the Tennessee state line to Check out our website for more information: the Outer Banks, crossing our state from www.earlytimeschapter.org east to west. Lexington is a midpoint and was our “jumping off” point for this trip. Chapter president Arnold Landvoigt We toured the lighthouses scattered along (301) 498-0070 ~ [email protected] the Outer Banks and even spotted a few

46 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 CHAPTER NEWS Silver Streak News

I got today (July 30) states that we are Baker has arranged for us to visit, drive our now five inches over our expected mon- Southern Cal. Chapter cars, and display them at the Aquarium of soon rainfall amount at the end of July, the Pacific in Long Beach on August 26th. Summer is a great time to drive our cars, and we may even break the historical We are going to meet before the event at the only problem is that most of us do not record for rain in the month of July! You Malarkey’s Grill, 168 N. Marina Dr., Long have air conditioning and it can get hot in Beach, CA 90803 at 9:00am for breakfast guys and gals really know how to boogie! the afternoon. I always say that I can always and then head over to the Aquarium. It At our last club meeting in July, we direct the wing vents. Yes... some cars still should be a great time; please try and make closed-out our Model Building Contest have them, and the faster you go, the better it... and drive your classic cars! We will ar- by having all the entries judged by Randy they work. Well, that is OK when it is under range to have a special parking area at the Willard. Thank you, Randy, for a very 90 degrees or so, but after that, nothing Aquarium. professional job of judging! In my eye, works. Anyway, the morning is a good time Upcoming events include Cops and Tots all four entries provided great-looking to get the old gal out for a drive. Our Sum- on September 16th at the LAPD Elysian renditions of Pontiacs (plus another mer Picnic went well but it was way too hot Park Academy, and Wings Wheels and iconic Hollywood-inspired vehicle). Vice to do much. We had plenty of food and had Rotors at the Los Alamitos Air Base on President Bob Francis presented a very no flying foil on fire to deal with. Everyone October 22nd. Please see the flyers included handsome ‘77 Smokey & The Bandit brought great side dishes and we all en- for these and other events coming up. T/A, Newsletter Editor Dave Green joyed plenty of goodies. (Note for next year: presented a very handsome ‘69 GTO Put the Dry Ice on top of the ice cream, not —Joe Digrado Judge, and your Co-President Randy under it!) We also learned that anyone can Rogers presented an ‘89 GP dressed in learn, play, and win at Bocce. The second Neil Bonnett Valvoline Special livery. But annual Bocce Tournament went well and South Jersey Chapter the eventual winning entry, though not a we all had a good time. The exciting part Pontiac or GMC, stole everyone’s heart. is that when you play on rolling grass, you Here we are about one month into And that was the GhostBusters Cadil- never know where the balls are going to the summer of 2017 and about half way lac ambulance entered by Lou Feldman. end up. through the local car show season. And, We all loved the movie, so it comes as no The new officers are in place for the less daylight! The heat is on again, like it surprise that this model would twang our coming year and we look forward to getting is supposed to be this time of year. The heartstrings. (It did help that Lou did a organized and bringing in some great new humidity has joined in the fun of making wonderful job of construction and detail members. Thank you to the club members it lousy to be outside. I’ll take the heat over painting.) I want to thank all entrants for who decided to step up and help out with the cold though. their participation. Maybe we will try this the club. If you hear of someone or know of again in another five years or so. someone with a Pontiac, please encourage Shown on the 4th of July Okay, you all did such a great job with them to join our club. We have some excit- Our good friends in the Delaware the rain dance request, how about helping ing upcoming events to look forward to. Bill Valley Old Goat Club just hosted their 4th me out with another request? Please don’t forget the upcoming Tucson Classics Car Show on Saturday, October 21, held at the Gregory school campus. I would really like to see some good participation by our club. We needed to have 10 entries in order to park together as a group and the last time I checked with Dave we did not have that number. I sent my entry in last week and this will be the last car show entry for my ‘67 GTO as powered by 400 cubes. That motor will be pulled soon after the show to make room for a new 455 being built by Paul Carter. Our next meeting is on the Wednes- day, August 9th. We do have a speaker! Thom Sherwood will recap his journey to the POCI national convention held in Fort Worth, Texas in mid-July. Thom was also one of the guest speakers there and presented his xXx GTO. I look forward to seeing you all and hope we fill the room! —Randy Rogers

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 47 Pontiac-Oakland Club International CHAPTER NEWS of July Breakfast show at the Silver Diner One Pretty Bonnie know that they weren’t the only one. You in Cherry Hill. The 270 cars in attendance would think that you were buying a full was eight more than last year. Our own Jim Our feature article this month is John year’s subscription but you would only get Contrevo’s gorgeous 1958 Bonneville. John Vertolli was awarded Class Champion in eight months’ worth. Didn’t you feel disap- bought this car in the early 2000s and has the class that included vehicles up to 1959 pointed, even to the point of been “ripped model year cars. His beautiful 1958 Star improved the cosmetics and mechanicals over his many years of ownership. off”? Well, we are not trying to repeat that Chief clearly deserved this award. John but I think I have experienced the feeling Contrevo was in the same class and won a He had been looking for a Bonneville for a long time before finding one in Indi- that those editors had with the pressures of Class Winner trophy. This must have been meeting publishing deadlines during the a tough call for the judges as both cars are ana. This one turned out to be a bummer summer. equally beautiful. for John after he and his wife Anna drove It has been a hectic couple of months Chad Catalano was also a Class Cham- to the Midwest to see the car in-person. It pion with the 1987 Sunbird that was pur- was completely misrepresented by the sell- in the Nankivell household, both with chased from his Uncle Russ’ estate. Chad is er, so his search continued until he found family events and a crazy work schedule. the right person to take care of the Sunbird the Bonneville he now owns in Florida. Our youngest son, Jason, has returned to in his uncle’s memory. John has enjoyed working on the car college as of last weekend. That, combined Rodger Airey was called into action at with his sons John and Tom. They all with the reduced temperatures, are great the last minute by Tom. Rodger helped the worked together to help John achieve a indications that we have entered the last Old Goats at registration as they were short major goal for the Bonneville: First, an half of the summer. Not that any of us AACA Junior Award, and then an AACA on people. Wayne Guy and Vince Laurelli want the summer to end, I know that I Senior Award. John is very proud of his were both in attendance but neither of still have a long list of projects that I want Senior Badge and displays it for all to see them garnered an award. They were both in the grille of his car. I hope you enjoy to get done. There are also the car shows/ in large classes making it very difficult to reading about John’s Bonneville. events that I want to attend, starting with compete. That’s it for this month, so until next going to St. Charles for the Indian Upris- Teri Giordano again volunteered to month, please drive carefully wherever ing show. There are still a lot of events to help with registration, a high-workload you travel. fill-in the next few months for those who job if there ever was one. I always want to —Chuck Catalano are still inclined. see as many members of our club at shows I have heard a couple of comments hosted by the Old Goats. Please remem- about this year’s POCI convention, held ber that they give us great support at our shows. We should be doing the same. After Blackhawk Chapter in Fort Worth, Texas on July 11-15th. As all, we are all Pontiac people! suspected, it turned out to be a scorcher. I don’t remember seeing anyone else Remember the days when your favorite I’m sure that did influence the attendance. from the club as I was extremely busy, but magazine would skip months during the At this time, I have not heard anything if you were there I’m sorry I missed you. summer? I know that GM High Perfor- about the numbers, other than it was down Many thanks to those of you who gave mance Magazine used to do that. I also from last year. It is tough to realize that it’s their support to the Old Goat Club. Labor Day at the Silver Diner It’s our turn at the Silver Diner this Labor Day, Monday September 4th. With good weather, we will see at least as many cars as the 4th of July show. Last year we had about 290 cars, a number that will be difficult to beat. John Contrevo is hoping for 300 cars this year. Love his optimism. We shall see if he gets his wish granted. We did change one thing though, as we are only going to judge the first 250 cars at the show. Assuming we have a good enough turnout, a free lunch at the Silver Diner after this event is over will be available to those who worked the show. Also, remember that we do not receive any money to support this show from the Silver Diner, so we need sponsor money to help defray the costs we incur for awards and miscellaneous items.

48 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 CHAPTER NEWS Silver Streak News been just over one year since we hosted the (July) as we understood that members’ would love to include any more prospec- 2016 POCI Convention. I truly feel it was schedules were all over the place. By the tive sponsors. If you have any thoughts an effort well done, and would again like to time you read this, if you’re an email mem- or ideas, please let us know. We are not thank all of you that were involved. ber, you will have seen the plans that are looking for a million bucks, by any means. For interest, have you seen the changes in place for the August meeting. For those Still, any supporting donation(s) would to the parking lot that we used? Construc- that haven’t heard, we will be attending the be greatly appreciated. Just contact Dean tion for the new I-74 bridge has started in 10th Annual East Moline, IL, Main Drag directly if you have any ideas that are going full force. Now looking from the ‘old’ exist- Car & Bike Show on Saturday the 19th of through your mind. I know that you all ing bridge, you can see that the west end of August. It goes from 5:00pm to 9:00pm have this Blackhawk Chapter-hosted event the parking lot is under a lot of construc- that night. Please come and support this on your calendars as previously requested. tion. This will be the site of a couple of the event as it is all arranged by our chapter Now, in closing, that brings us to the bridge piers, and won’t be available at all vice president Keith Curry. If you need September meeting. We will have to send for any future events. Is that a blessing in more details, contact Keith directly. out another special notice with all of the disguise? It makes us realize that the stars Thanks to recent negotiations, we have details as we still have a couple locations to were aligned for us last year. been able to confirm that we will have hone in on. We had marked our calendar, planning a feature Pontiac for our BOP Nation- We are looking forward to seeing to attend the Ames Performance Pontiac als drag and car show event at Cordova you in East Moline. It will be nice to get Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio at the begin- International Raceway on October 7th. together in a different environment. And ning of this month, but due to pressures at Dean is finishing up the flyers as I type, don’t forget the World Series is back in work for both Mimi and I, we had to cancel undoubtedly, and we will be getting these Cordova International Raceway on August our plans. I know that a few of our chapter circulated in the coming weeks. Dean al- 25- 27. It’s truly great to see this epic event members were able to make the trip there luded to two new sponsors as of now. Mike move back home where it belongs. this year. I will leave it to Dean to fill-in the Silver, a repeat racer, handed Dean $100 Cruise safely and keep enjoying your details. I guess the stars were not aligned at Norwalk, and Steve Griswold at Clairco Pontiacs, GMCs and Oaklands! for us in this case! Tool Company has promised us $300 (even We did not have a meeting last month though he won’t be able to attend). We still —David Nankivell

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 49 It’s a Wrap! The 2017 POCI Convention in Review

Part One by Winston McCollum

bout a year and a half ago, Tom Brackett and I began working on hosting the 2017 POCI Convention on A behalf of the Lone Star Chapter of POCI. We decided early on that I would be in charge of various aspects of the meet, including the car shows, designing and ordering the T-shirts and trophies, and taking care of events at the Texas Motor Speedway. Meanwhile, Tom agreed to focus on the events taking place at the hotel such as planning the tours, working on the swap meet, acquiring guest speakers and working on finding sponsors for the event. That is the way it all turned out, except that I also got heav- ily involved in recruiting retired Pontiac Designer Bill Porter as a seminar presenter. Thank goodness I had enough airline

50 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Part One by Winston McCollum

miles on my credit card to pay for his For me, everything kicked-in to out to be that the POCI Judging Com- roundtrip travel (along with his lovely gear on Monday morning when I met mittee — unbeknownst to Art, Larry and wife Patsy) from Detroit! with Art Barrett and Larry Crider at the me — had changed the class designa- The unfortunate thing was that I was speedway’s NASCAR garages. Our crew tions. Consequently, the numbers on the so busy working at the speedway all week started laying out the Popular Vote show- pre-printed class signs were one digit that I never got the opportunity to actu- field. In hindsight, I think we should off and we had to go back and cover ally meet Bill in-person, plus I missed his have waited until Friday to do this, as the old numbers with white tape and seminar! (I did, however, greatly enjoy people kept driving over the signs in the then update the numbers for each class. my many telephone conversations with parking lot and crushing them with their Other than that, everything went rather him as we planned their travels. He was a trucks and trailers. We spent a lot of time smoothly. true gentleman! If anybody has a record- re-assembling and repairing the signs My biggest concern leading up to the ing of his seminar, I would appreciate throughout the week. convention was what the temperature getting a copy!) The biggest snafu at the track turned was going to be inside the two NASCAR

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 51 Pontiac-Oakland Club International 2017 POCI Convention

night during the Ames/POCI Welcome Night festivities when everyone got to drive their Pontiac or GMC Truck around the speedway. I was stationed in the return lane in Pit Row and I never saw so many oversized grins on people’s faces as they exited the track! Many members got back in line and drove around the track for another seven or eight circuits! A great time was had by all. One woman told me that she got so excited that she almost pulled a Dale Earnhardt and hit the wall in Turn Four in her Pontiac G6! Thank goodness that didn’t happen. We knew when we first started planning the convention that because most POCI membership is clustered in the midwestern states and “up north,” turnout for our event would be small when Brad Thompson of Sanger, Texas brought this awesome ‘70 Firebird featuring a former Jess Tyree compared to an event held in Illinois or chassis and a 505 Pontiac engine with Kaufman heads. (photo courtesy of Cathy Jenks) Ohio where it’s typical to see 500 cars in attendance. In Fort Worth, we had about We had a great 250 cars come to the event and about turnout for the ‘67 Re- 450 registrations for attendees. The nice union Car Show with thing about it being “smaller” was that 32 cars participating parking was plentiful throughout the both inside and out- week at both the hotel and at the speed- side of the NASCAR way. Nothing seemed crowded — which garages. can be a good thing! The highlight of As mentioned earlier, another of my the week at the track responsibilities was getting the official came Wednesday event T-shirts produced. The design was

This is not a traffic jamb in Dallas… It’s a line of POCI members awaiting their turn to lap the speedway’s banked oval! garages where the Points-Judged and special feature cars were to be positioned. Needless to say, I was happy to discover that when all the garage doors were raised, it almost felt like air conditioning! And, we certainly lucked-out with Mother Nature. She smiled down upon us with unseasonably cool weather all week (10 degrees cooler than normal for July in DFW), and we only had a trace of rain Seeing the Texas Motor Speedway on TV or in pictures doesn’t really provide an accurate sense of its early Saturday morning which helped scale. It’s only after you enter the track itself that you realize just how large the facility truly is! Hav- cool things off for the main Saturday show. ing the opportunity to drive around the track was definitely one of the highlights of our convention.

52 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017

Help us KEEP THE PONTIAC LEGACY ALIVE!

Although membership in POCI is currently not required for Street Rod/Modified Chapter membership we strongly recommend, if you are not a member of our parent club, that you consider renewing if you membership has lapsed or joining POCI if you have never been a member. POCI publishes a full color 96-page magazine EVERY month. Classified advertising is free to POCI member... EVERY month. Plus the benefit of FREE access to POCI's full staff of Technical Advisors. POCI has over 70 local and specialty chapter. And, don't forget the annual POCI International Convention. Most car clubs allow only one free classified ad per year and many publish their magazines only every other month. For 39 bucks a year you can't beat POCI's benefit package. You can join online or the old fashioned way by sending a check. Check out POCI.org or drop your editor a note and I will send you a hardcopy application by mail.

Hello, my name is Ron Berglund. I am running for re-electionWORLDWIDE as Director of the Western Division of POCI. a hit and we sold every single one of the MyStreet love for Pontiacs Rod/Modified started in high Chapter 500 shirts made! The one thing I never school. My dadPOCI owned Chapter and operated #7 - Founded a 1976 could have anticipated was the desire Standard Oil Service Station in New Rock- for 4X-sized shirts. For anyone who was ford, North Dakota. He taught me every- inconvenienced, again, please accept thing about repairing the cars of the day. my apologies! (For future convention We had a Pontiac dealer in town, planners, I would recommend having known as Schaffer Pontiac. My dad and Bill about ten shirts in this size on-hand for Schaffer were very good friends and, as a attendees.) result, we serviced all of his Pontiac cars — Only $15 per year new and used. Bill knew that I liked Ponti- Bimonthly Newsletter

Chapter #7 - The "Dare to be Different" ChapterSend - Founded your 1976 check to: 2 Steve Cook 16565 Lancaster Estates Dr. Lou Calasibetta - 1958 Custom Grover, MO 63040 Stillwater, NJ

NATIONAL FIREBIRD AND TRANS AM CLUB Established 1984 The NASCAR garages, located in the track’s 5433 N. ASHLAND AVE. infield, provided POCI convention attendees a CHICAGO, IL 60640 U.S.A. much-needed escape from the Texas heat. Here, Phone/Text: 773-769-7166 Norm Shotts’ modified ‘31 Pontiac is displayed amongst other Points-Judged vehicles. email: [email protected] I would like to once again thank the www.firebirdtaclub.com or www.firebirdclub.net Dallas Area Pontiac Association (DAPA) Facebook: National Firebird and Trans Am Club for doing a tremendous job of running Twitter: firebirdclub the Registration Desk and handling the For all year Firebirds and Trans Ams including Formu- trailer parking duties. And, to the GTO las, GTAs and Firehawks. Offers magazines (EAGLE), Association of North Texas, thank you emagazines, tech advice, parts exchange, classified ads for all your assistance at the speedway & more! Membership is $35 per year (eMembership - $25). all week long. We couldn’t have done it without you! Watch for Tom Brackett’s comments regarding POCI events at the hotel in the second part of our convention review in next month’s issue. Thanks again to everyone who attended; I hope you had a great time in Fort Worth! SSN

Track cars stored in one of the infield garages.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 53 Pontiac-Oakland Club International POCI Original Owners Awards for 2017

POCI was proud to present its first-ever Original Owners Awards in July at the 2017 Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas. Each of the members listed below has owned and lovingly cared for their piece of Pontiac history since new. It is this kind of bond between man and machine which helps to drive our passion for our old cars, and ensures that the Pontiac legacy will live on.

ABOVE: A sample of the award plaque given to original owners at the convention. LEFT: Original owner Chuck Cochren drove his ‘77 Grand Prix from Henderson, NV to be part of the first group of Original Owner Award honorees. In recognition of their devotion, the following POCI members were recognized:

1 David Montez Round Rock, TX 1962 Bonneville Hardtop Coupe 06/62 Community Motors Whittier, CA 2 Robert E. Case Montgomery, TX 1964 GTO Hardtop Coupe 12/07/63 Fenner Pontiac Bethesda, MD 3 Jim Taylor Escondido, CA 1964 GTO Hardtop Coupe 03/28/64 A.E. England Pontiac, Inc. Hollywood, CA 4 George Zielinski Marengo, IL 1965 Catalina Ventura Sports Coupe 02/04/65 Peter Epsteen Pontiac Co. Skokie, IL 5 Frederic F. Homan Townsend, DE 1965 Lemans Hardtop Coupe 12/23/65 Jarman Pontiac, Inc. Baltimore, MD 6 Dante Principe Sr. Hockessin, DE 1965 Catalina 2+2 Sports Coupe 03/26/65 Teefy Pontiac Co. Jenkintown, PA 7 James P. Barto Allenwood, PA 1966 LeMans Hardtop Coupe 12/23/65 Lewisburg Auto Supply Lewisburg, PA 8 Gene Harcharik Streator, IL 1966 Star Chief Executive Hdtop Cpe 04/20/66 A&H Motor Co. Streator, IL 9 Harvey F. Kucaba Delavan, WI 1967 GTO Hardtop Coupe 09/16/66 Jenny Pontiac Janesville, WI 10 John A. Zampino Centreville, VA 1967 Firebird Coupe 04/28/67 Myrtle Motors Corp. Maspeth, NY 11 Jon Havens Florissant, MO 1968 Pontiac Ventura 01/09/68 Ken Bender Pontiac Inc. St. Charles, MO 12 Robert E. Dunbar Rehoboth, DE 1969 GTO Judge Hardtop Coupe 03/24/69 Hetzel-Dean Motors Wellsville, NY 13 Dennis Simonson Clovis, CA 1969 Tempest Custom S Hardtop 06/22/69 Theroff Pontiac Fresno, CA 14 Jim Douglas Plano, TX 1970 GTO Hardtop Coupe 07/10/70 Doug Willey Pontiac Inc. Birmingham, AL 15 Calvin Crole Watauga, TX 1971 GTO Convertible 02/10/71 Helfman Pontiac Ft. Worth, TX 16 Wayne F. Beran Oak Lawn, IL 1973 Grand Prix Coupe 03/06/73 Kole Pontiac Oak Lawn, IL 17 David V. Johnson Lakeland, TN 1975 Pontiac Grand Am Coupe 05/14/75 Sid Carroll Pontiac Memphis, TN 18 Ron D. Douglas Springfield, MO 1976 Trans Am Coupe 08/17/76 Jarvis Motor Co. Sikeston, MO 19 Chuck Cochren Henderson, NV 1977 Grand Prix LJ Coupe 11/13/76 Jim Weston Pontiac Gresham, OR 20 Jim Nash Plano, TX 1979 Trans Am Coupe 03/02/79 Van Winkle Motor Co. Dallas, TX 21 Robert Barhydt Salina, KS 1982 Pontiac Phoenix SJ Coupe 07/02/82 Bennett Pontiac, Inc. Salina, KS

54 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Silver Streak News 2017 POCI Convention Points-Judged Vehicles

Martin Hirsch 1962 Bonneville Vehicles registered in the Points-Judged portion of the show are entered in one of three categories: Stock, Modified or Survivor. Martin’s Bonneville was entered in the stock class. Here is an explanation of the stock class in Points-Judged: This category is represented by vehicles that have been maintained as factory new or restored to their original appearance. The restoration process usually removes any and all flaws that may have been present when the vehicle was assembled at the factory. Consequently, these vehicles may be subject to a thorough examination. Authenticity is of paramount importance, followed closely by the quality of workmanship. 1. The following guidelines apply specially to this category. These will help you to determine if a car is suitable, subject to acceptance by the Judging Committee. a. The vehicle should be completely stock, as built from the factory. The exception to this shall be those vehicles which were special production runs and/or included special dealer preparations to reflect the Pontiac-backed racing programs. Said vehicles must have been accepted by NASCAR and/or NHRA as “Factory Stock.” Authentication may be required to qualify. b. Replacement service parts are allowed, but use of NOS or reproduction parts that more closely match the original will be judged more favorably. c. Casting numbers, date codes and available options, colors, etc., WILL be considered during the Technical Inspection. The Concours d’Elegance Award is the top award in Points-Judged classes. Here is an explanation of this award: Starting with the 1997 POCI International Convention in Denver, the entry which scored the highest number of points from the Survivor and Stock categories was awarded the Concours d’Elegance trophy. Starting in 2004, the highest scoring vehicles will enter competition for selection as the Annual Concours d’Elegance Award Winner. This selection will be conducted by the Chief Judge and the Deputy Chief Judge and their decision is final. The Concours d’Elegance trophy is an all-black satin jacket with the POCI Logo on the back and on the right front breast. On the back, arched above the logo, “CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE” and below the logo “AWARD—2017” appears.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 55 Pontiac-Oakland Club International 2017 - 45th Annual Convention

12 Year Chip Silver Tray - 5 Years 6 Year Chip Repeat Champion - Phillip Rauch Sr. - 1965 2+2 Repeat Champion - Wayne Beran - 1973 Grand Prix Repeat Champion - Richard Larabee - 1967 Catalina 2+2

3 Year Chip Repeat Champion - John Cappelmann - 1961 Bonn Survivor Champion - Mike Darr - 1972 GTO Champion Survivor - Henry Rudolph - 1967 Bonn

Survivor - Gold Jr - Paul Kenney - 1979 Trans Am Survivor - Gold Jr - John Zampino - 1967 Firebird Survivor - Gold Jr - Gary Kurtz - 1992 Firebird

Survivor - Gold Jr - Troy Smalley - 1987 Fiero Survivor - Gold - Lonnie Watson - 1977 Can Am Survivor - Gold - Roger Moreau - 1962 Catalina

Stock - Champion - Dalton Wheeler - 1981 Firebird Stock - Gold Sr - Martin Hirsch - 1962 Bonneville Stock - Gold Sr - Tim Burton - 1972 Trans Am

Stock - Gold Sr - Winston McCollum - 1979 Firebird Stock - Gold Sr - Dondi Wenninger - 1966 GTO Stock - Gold Sr - John Cook - 1939 Deluxe

Stock - Gold Jr - Bob Knudsen Jr. - 1963 Catalina Stock - Gold Jr - Toby Denton - 1970 GTO Stock - Gold Jr - Warren Howell - 1961 Catalina

56 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Points-Judged Results Silver Streak News

Stock - Gold Jr - Ron Berglund - 1965 Catalina 2+2 Stock - Gold Jr - Russell Schwartz - 1957 Bonneville Stock - Gold Jr - Dennis Simonson - 1969 Custom S

Stock - Gold Jr - Rob Anderson - 1970 GTO Stock - Gold Jr - Jim Isbell - 1968 GTO Stock - Gold - Jay Van Altvorst - 1928 Landaulet

Stock - Gold - Calvin Crole - 1971 GTO Stock - Gold - James Prichard - 1967 Firebird Stock - Gold - Rip Helton - 1968 GTO

Stock - Gold - David Johnson - 1975 Grand Am Stock - Gold - Jim Douglas - 1970 GTO Stock - Silver - Ron Douglas - 1976 Trans Am

Stock - Silver - Jimmy Means - 1989 Trans Am Stock - Silver - Mark Louviere - 1967 Firebird Stock - Silver - Don Happe - 1968 Firebird

Stock - Silver - Rodney Crockett - 1973 Trans Am Stock - Silver - Mark Lignoul - 1974 Trans Am Stock - Bronze - Mark Louviere - 1972 Firebird

Stock - Bronze- Jim Aylesworth - 1967 Tempest Stock - Bronze - Don Happe - 1968 Firebird Stock - Bronze - Darrell Roach - 1957 Chieftain

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 57 Pontiac-Oakland Club International Points-Judged Results

Modified - Gold - Joe Kirkendall - 1960 Ventura Modified - Gold - Winston McCollum - 1969 GTO Modified - Gold - Richard Moran - 1967 Firebird

Modified - Gold - Norm Shotts - 1931 2Dr Sedan Modified - Gold - Al Pfeiffer - 1969 GTO Modified - Gold - Walter Hager - 2000 Grand Prix

Modified - Gold - Brad Tyler - 1965 GTO Modified - Gold - Doug Williams - 1964 Bonn Modified - Gold - Robert Thomas - 1969 Firebird

Modified - Gold - Gerry Zanger - 1971 GT-37 Modified - Gold - Denton Gordon - 1967 GTO Modified - Gold - James Deaton - 1966 GTO

Modified - Gold - Mike Iden - 1966 GTO Modified - Gold - Bryan Nors - 1969 GTO Modified - Silver - Russ Iden - 1972 Firebird

Modified - Silver - Kevin Becker - 1964 GTO Modified - Silver - Jordan Smith - 1965 GTO Modified - Silver - Daniel Marsh - 1953 Chieftain

Modified - Silver - Craig Philips - 1999 Firebird Modified - Silver - Tony Toma - 1960 Bonneville Modified - Bronze - Ron Longwood - 1971 GMC

58 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 2017 Convention Photos

For those who missed the opportunity to order your convention photos, there is still time. Mail your order form given at the convention to Darla Willhite, PO Box 1052, Sapulpa, OK 74067. You may also email questions about your photos to the following address: [email protected] Please include your vehicle number with all questions. Photos taken on the Drive Around on Wednes- day evening, will be worked up as quickly as possible.

Anniversary Firebird th T-Shirt

50Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Firebird in style with this new T-Shirt from the Pontiac-Oakland Museum

Available in NAVY BRIGHT BURGUNDY BLUE BLUE 3 Colors• Available in SIZES SMALL to 2XL • $ 95 SAME LOW PRICE 23 3 Ways to claim your shirt ANY SIZE •mail check or money order to the Pontiac-Oakland Museum ANY COLOR 205 N. Mill st., pontiac, il 61764 • in person at the museum gift shop MARCH 2016 • SMOKE SIGNALS 67 (INCLUDES SHIPPING) • call 815-842-2345 (have your credit card handy)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 67 Pontiac-Oakland Club International 2018 POCI Convention

2018 Convention Preview — by Joe Morgan

eing a Pontiac fan in Wisconsin isn’t a hobby for those who are B weak of will or impatient. We are lucky to have an annual transition through four distinct seasons of weather, but some of these seasons aren’t too “friendly” towards Pontiacs. The winter solstice may not begin until December 21, but winter has usually visited us at least a couple of times up to seven or eight weeks before that. Those early snowfalls often bring out our biggest dreaded enemy, SALT! Salt has been the death of way too many Pontiacs over the decades, so most Pon- tiac fans here are now careful to protect their beloved cars from its evil ravages. Spring is supposed to arrive around mid-March but, for many years, it seems as though Mother Nature never got the memo; there are times when we still see snow past that date. And, whenever we do see snow, we see that nasty salt again (or even worse, the brine and other harsh chemicals that our roads get treated with these days). This stuff helps to make our roads a bit safer, but its ef- fect on vehicles is unspeakable. These weather patterns aren’t all bad, though. They help to paint the rolling landscape of Wisconsin in a variety of colors throughout the driving seasons. The scenery here during spring, summer, and fall is truly amazing! As long as the salt is at some of the rare and beautiful cars for the hobby. The highlights of their off the roads, plenty of Wisconsin Pontiac that suddenly appear when the weather yearly events include a Spring Dust Off fans get their cars out and enjoy them in turns nice. Gathering which is held at the home of whatever way possible. This weather background has helped Chapter President Todd Zimmerman. There are shows, cruises, races and to shape the hobby for the co-hosting They also host a popular Pontiac show many other great ways to enjoy your clubs of the 2018 POCI Convention. The in Oshkosh, WI each June. Pontiac, Oakland or GMC Truck. We Badger State Chapter POCI and God’s may only have between six or seven Country Pontiac Association are looking good months each year to exercise forward to welcoming all like-minded our Pontiacs within this picturesque enthusiasts to join us for the first-ever backdrop, but POCI fans in Wisconsin POCI convention to be held in our state. certainly make the most of it. The Badger State Chapter POCI Starting around mid-May and con- was formed in 1980 by Jack Hughes tinuing through late-September, there and former Smoke Signals editor Larry are numerous car shows and automo- Kummer. Being together now for nearly tive happenings nearly every weekend 40 years, this chapter has managed to within a short drive. Count on a number bring together a diverse group of people of beautiful cars from all eras being in who each share an enthusiasm and love Chula Vista Resort attendance. We are frequently amazed

60 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 June 24 - 28, 2018 - Chula Vista Resort Silver Streak News

Their membership has a strong before, then you’re in for representation of classic Pontiacs, with a real treat! The event is an energetic resurgence of modern being held in Wiscon- Pontiacs, too! With a roster of nearly 100 sin Dells, which makes families, members reside mainly in the it somewhat centrally eastern part of our state around Milwau- located in our state. It kee and the Fox River Valley. is located right along a God’s Country Pontiac Associa- major interstate, so get- tion was founded in the Spring of 1993 ting there from anywhere with a group of eight members and in the country will be their cars — which all happened to convenient. be GTOs. The group started out as a “The Dells” is a unique GTO group, and they had their first part of our state that was gathering at the home of Jeff Bruch in carved by glaciers and Baraboo, WI. They jumped right in later shaped by the Wis- and held their first show that fall in consin River. It is a destination for many Sauk City, WI. visitors from around the world each year. on each screen, so you can pick the As the years progressed, member- We plan to offer several fun options two that appeal most to you. Unlike in ship was opened to all Pontiacs, and the to keep you busy during the convention, the old days when we suffered through shows are now held in September in and our proximity to all the entertain- grainy pictures and poor sound quality, Waunakee, WI. In addition to their an- ment and activities of the Wisconsin Big Sky features new digital equipment nual show, members of the club also do Dells means that there will be some- and stereo sound. They offer a conces- a summer picnic and cruise, and attend thing fun for everyone! sion stand with a variety of food and other shows as a group. We are offering something that can snacks including their featured Mama- The club includes a nice blend of only be described as “Pure Americana” burger and homemade Sloppy Joes. GTOs, Firebirds and an assortment on Monday night. When was the last This will offer everyone a fun way to of other Pontiacs to add some char- time that you attended a drive-in movie? take their Pontiac to the movies! acter. The membership of this club On Monday evening we will cruise from We have many other fun items is centered around Madison, WI, but our convention’s headquarters at the planned for attendees, so watch this members hail from all around South Chula Vista Resort to the Big Sky Drive- space for updates in the coming months. Central Wisconsin. In Theatre about five miles away. Just try Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 24 The two clubs have many similari- to imagine the sight of a drive-in theatre through Thursday, June 28, joining the ties, and several of the members have brimming with so many Pontiacs, Oak- Badger State Chapter POCI and God’s known each other for many years. Both lands and GMC Trucks! Country Pontiac Association for the 46th clubs look forward to welcoming you to Big Sky boasts two full-sized out- Annual POCI International Conven- share what we love so much about our door screens, and features a double tion at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin great state. feature of first-run movies. There are Dells, WI. We look forward to seeing If you have never visited Wisconsin two different movies offered each night you there! SSN

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 61 Office Use Only 2018 POCI Convention Registration Form Order # ______Date ______

46th Annual Check # ______

Pontiac Oakland Club International Convention Wichita, Kansas

Venue & Host Hotel: Chula Vista Resort

2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 (855) 388-4782 www.chulavistaresort.com

Booking code: F31826

Registration is required for all members, even if not entering a vehicle.

Member Registration Fee: $65.00 ~ After June 1, 2018: $85.00 (Registration Fee Includes Member, Spouse and Children) Pay by credit card, or mail in a check or money order made payable to: “2018 POCI Convention”. You may register on line at: WWW.POCI.ORG

Name ______POCI #______

Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______

Home phone ______Cell # ______

E-mail: ______

Credit Card # ______- ______-______-______

(Visa, MC or Discover) Exp. Date ______/______Security Code: ______

Mail this form to: Convention Activity Packets with POCI 2018 Convention detailed car show registration PO Box 68 information and an activity sign up Maple Plain, MN 55359 sheet will be mailed to you on 2/15/18.

Convention updates are posted at www.poci.org For convention questions, call the POCI Club Office 877-368-3454.

Information on other hotels is posted on www.poci.org. Hotel reservations will be cross-checked monthly with convention registrations, so make sure you are registered!

Convention Coordinators: Art Barrett (417) 737-1469 [email protected]; Larry Crider (918) 798-2765 [email protected]

Chula Vista (Host Hotel) Reservations: (855) 388-4782, ask for room block #F31826 Host Chapter Contact: Joe Morgan (608) 512-8054 [email protected]

The convention registration fee is non-refundable.

62 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Silver Streak News

Announcing POCI’s New On-Line Classified Ad Submission Procedure

Members now have the ability to submit classified ads right from their Member Profile page on the www.poci.org website. You can choose to have your classified ad displayed on the website in the “On Line Swap Meet Area” only, or have the ad displayed online AND be automatically submitted to the Smoke Signals editor for the next available magazine. If the ad is submitted to the editor, and it is over 50 words, you will be prompted to make payment online with a Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit card. Here’s an overview of the steps you will need to take.

1) Sign on using the MEMBER LOGIN link on the www.poci.org website.

2) You will be on your MEMBER PROFILE SCREEN, scroll down to the section titled “Your Smoke Signals Classi- fied / Swap Meet Items”.

3) Click on the ADD New Smoke Signals Classifed/Swap Meet Item.

4) Read through the instructions and then go to the section titled “Submit Your Swap Meet/Smoke Signals Ad”.

5) Fill out the following sections: Run Ad On (choose Online Only or Online & in Smoke Signals)

Run Ad For (2 months or Extended - up to 1 year in Smoke Signals)

Main Category (Information, Service, Literature, Memo- rabilia, Pontiac Vehicles, Oakland Vehicles, GMC Ve- hicles, Pontiac Parts, Oakland Parts, GMC Parts, Miscel- laneous, Other)

Sub Category (For Sale, Services Offered, Other, Wanted)

Item Title, Description and Price (there is an automatic word counter built in, ads up to 50 words are free)

6) Click on the ADD/SEND CLASSIFIED AD button

7) If the ad is over 50 words, you will be asked for payment by credit card.

8) If you want to attach a photo, you will have the choice to upload a photo after you submit the ad.

9) Please call the club office if you have any questions.

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 63 Pontiac-Oakland Club International Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events Truck, Paint, Engine, Interior and by the Old Dominion Chapter, POCI, Sept. 4, 2017 - Cherry Hill, NJ Unofficial Top 10 Participants. DJ, Dash Plaques at Haley Buick-GMC Airport, 5500 End of Summer Labor Day Car Show 50/50 drawing, Chinese Auction and S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA. at the Silver Diner Restaurant 2131 Food and Drinks Available. Registra- Open to all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ. Judged show tion 9 - 11. Trophies awarded at 2 p.m. Pontiacs, Cadillacs, Oaklands, and for all makes, models and years cars Pre-Registration by August 5, 2017: GMC Trucks. 10:00 to 4:00 PM, and trucks. $20 day of show registra- $10 after and day of show, $15. Con- Registration cutoff is 12:00 Noon. tion only from 8 am to 10 am. Only tact Bob Dunbar, 302-227-3234, Email: Pre-Registration Fee is $12.00/ Day of the first 250 cars will be judged. Free [email protected] Show $15.00. For more info contact or Jack 804-328-1419, big- t-shirt to the first 200 participants. Anderson 302-353-0244 Mike Abernathy Must be present to win an award. No [email protected] or Mark How- tents, motorcycles, burnouts, sound Sept. 15-17, 2017 - Wisconsin Dells,WI erton, 804-271-6401, mhowerton59@ systems. Over 75 awards presented by The 4th anniversary Pontiac Adven- aol.com 1 pm. Hosted by South Jersey Chapter, tures at Chula Vista Resort, Wiscon- Sept. 17, 2017 - Akron, OH - The POCI. Contact Chuck Catalano at 856- sin Dells, WI. Judging, Tours, Hot Greater Ohio GTO Club annual car 904-4843 or [email protected] for Laps, Burn Outs and now Autocross show. Toth Buick GMC 3300, South day of show information This is a rain for 2017. Entry form, hotel and con- Arlington Road, Akron, Ohio or shine event. tact information www.pontiacadven- Registration from 10:00 am till Noon, Sept. 6-9, 2017 - Ligonier, PA Early tures.com Judging Noon to 3:00 pm and Tro- Times Chapter Flathead Reunion. Sept. 16, 2017 - St. Clairsville, OH Bel- phies awarded at 4:00 pm. Trophies Open to all unmodified 1926 - 1954 mont County Schools Staying Clean to top 25 cars, five Diamond awards, Pontiacs. Oaklands & GMC trucks Car Show. Ohio Valley Mall, 678oo Best Paint, Best Interior, Best Engine, with a flathead engine are welcome Mall Road, St. Clairsville, OH. More Best Survivor, Best of Show Stock too. You don’t need to be a member of info contact Judge Frank Fregiato, & Modified. For more info contact the chapter. We have tech seminars, after 6am 740-699-2134 or before 8pm Louis Lamanna 330-592-9898 an ETC chapter meeting, a tour for 740-695-5470 Sept. 24, 2017 - Wallingford, CT - 34th the ladies, a driving tour, and a show Sept. 16-17, 2017 - Pontiac, IL The Annual All Pontiac and Oakland & shine. Contact David Luken, 309- sixth annual All Pontiac Cruise and and GMC Fall Car Show sponsored 523-3870 CST, [email protected] Show, Pontiac, Illinois. Hosted by the by the Nutmeg Chapter P.O.C.I. and Sept. 8-9, 2017 - Great Bend, KS - 28th Heart of Illinois GTO Club, Gate- Barberino Nissan at Masonicare way GTO Club, Windy City GTO of Wallingford, 67 Masonic Ave. Annual Pontiac Uprising race and Wallingford, CT. on Sept. 24th 2017. indoor car show hosted by Greater Club and Pontiac-Oakland Mu- seum. Proceeds benefit the museum. Rain date Oct. 1st 2017. For more info Wichita Pontiac Club. Located at Contact Mark Melrose ph. 314-807- contact Mike O’Neill at 203-266-7089, SCRA Drapstrip, Great Bend, Kansas 2520 [email protected] or Brian e-mail [email protected] or (home of first NHRA National-1955). Sorensen 630-991-1465, bsorensen1@ website www.nutmegchapterpoci.com Tech session Friday, Race/Show Sat- comcast.net Sept. 24, 2017 - Lebanon, OH - Bill De- urday. Host hotel-Best Western. Over Sept. 16-17, 2017 - Springfield, MO Lord Buick GMC Cadillac & GMC $5,000 in prizes and awards. GTOAA Show-Me Regional in Springfield, & The Ohio Valley GTO Assn. 12TH Regional event. Contact Mike 316- MO at Oasis Hotel just off Historic Annual Pontiac, Oldsmobile,Buick 655-1408 or Les 316-788-6969. Route 66 at 2546 N. Glenstone Ave. GMC Car Show 917 Columbus Ave. Sept. 9, 2017 - Ankeny, IA - The Pontiac Sat. 3rd - Cruise and special event. (U.S. 42) Lebanon, Ohio Sunday, Club of Iowa, 13th annual Alzheimer’s Sun 4th - Car show at Oasis Hotel. September 24, 2017 Registration 9 Association benefit car show. Held at Info and entry form at Go-Poci on AM to Noon: Registration Fee $15. Facebook, or Contact Mike Berry at Awards at 3 PM. Proceeds go to lo- Bob Brown Buick/GMC in Ankeny, IA cal charities. For more info contact Sept. 9 from 10-2:00. Registration at 816-694-3579. Sept. 17, 2017 - Downers Grove, IL Dave Campbell 513-617-6296, or John 513-907-3077 8:00. I-35, exit 90, just North of Des 22nd Annual Fall Pontiac & All Amer- Walton Moines. Many door prizes and food ican Car Show, Cozzi Corner Hot Oct. 1, 2017 - Cifton, NJ 37th Annual and drink provided. 18-Trophies. The Dogs & Beef, 1202 75th St, Downers All-Pontiac-GMC Car Show, hosted Pontiac Club of Iowa has become the Grove, IL (Corner of 75th St and Lem- by Garden State Chapter POCI. 10th largest contributor to the Iowa ont Rd) Hosted by Illinois Chapter of NEW LOCATION: Clifton Masonic Alzheimer’s Association. Questions: POCI. Registration 9 -11 am. Awards Temple, 203 Van Houten Ave., Cifton, 2pm $15 Entry fee. Dash plaques to NJ 07013. (Rain date October 8). Reg- Dave Brown, 515-249-0903 or istration 9 a.m. until noon, 17 classes, [email protected] first 100 cars, Pontiac trophies and All American trophies, Best of Show dash plaques. More info contact Sept. 9, 2017 - Smyrna, DE - DelMarVa for Pontiac and All American. Rain Steve Kiellar 201-652-5651 or 201-264- Classics Car Show - Willis Auto Mall, or Shine. 50/50 Raffle tickets with 8521 or www.gardenstatepoci.org 2707 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna, De. proceeds to charity. For info call 630- Oct. 14, 2017 - Depew, NY Pancake All Marques Welcome - Antiques, 346-8652 or visit www.ilpoci.org Breakfast, Applebee’s, 4967 Transit Classics, Muscle Cars, Trucks and Sept. 17, 2017 - Richmond, VA - Rich- Road, Depew, NY. Open to everyone. Hot Rods. Trophies for Best of Show, mond’s 28th BOPC Show, sponsored Plaque for Best Cruiser. 8-10am. Basket

64 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Calendar of Events Silver Streak News auction, 50/50. More info contact Barb 716-652-4951 RAIN OR SHINE. To benefit VA Hospital of Buffalo Recreation MEMBERS MOTORS - Update: Home after replacement surgery! Therapy Art Department. “Kismet,” the 1962 LeMans Convertible covered in a previous Smoke Signals Edi- Nov. 5, 2017 - Tucson, AZ - All Pontiac tor’s Note, is now back home after recovering from recent Replacement Surgery. & GMC Truck Day hosted by Arizona In early June, Chris Raiser’s 1962 Tempest LeMans convertible was admitted to Chapter POCI, Tucson, AZ. This is a Jim Pickett’s Pontiac Auto Surgical Center in Darby, Pennsylvania for major surgery FREE event & membership drive with a — removal of its original manual steering function and the installation of a replace- hosted picnic lunch. Music, raffle, 50/50 ment Power Steering Assist factory option. drawing, host hotel, & more! Display all Now, both Chris and Kismet are ready for a summer of fun. They will be starting models/years, any condition; no judging their first summer drive-arounds and trips with the top down next week. In the fall, or classes. T-shirts by advance order only. Kismet will participate in its first car show, and that should be exciting! Kick-off for Pontiac Week in Arizona! We wish to thank everyone in POCI and the Little Indians Chapter who went Thom Sherwood 520-798-3200. Full de- out of their way to assist us in obtaining the parts and installing them on the Le- tails: www.TucsonMotorama.com Mans. It is this type of support that makes membership in POCI so valuable! Nov. 10-12, 2017 - Chandler, AZ 19th annual Pontiac Heaven weekend at Wild — Mike Raiser Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler (Phoenix), AZ. 3 days of drag racing, two car shows, swap meet, autocross, classic salvage yard tours, host hotel and more! Main Sunday event open to vehicles with real Pontiac V8 power ONLY. Steve Bar- cak 480-899-7873 or www.PontiacHeaven. org (Note: “dot org” not “dot com”) Help Support a Great Cause by Attending the... Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Car Show September 16, 2017 Ohio Valley Mall 67800 Mall Road St. Clairsville, OH For more info contact; Judge Frank Fregiato (Quarter Mile with the Judge) Chambers after 6am (740) 699-2134 Home before 8pm (740) 695-5470

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 65 ϴϳϳͲϯϵϯͲϭϭϭϬ/ŶĨŽΛ'DWŚŽƚŽŐŝĨƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ

66 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 POCI Membership RENEWAL Form Your subscription to Smoke Signals magazine and membership in the Pontiac-Oakland Club International may be due. If the renewal date on your mailing label (which is to the right of your membership number) is between Sept. 1, 2017 and Oct. 31, 2017, please complete this form and return it immediately with payment (photocopies are acceptable). We don’t want you to miss a single issue of Smoke Signals or any other important information about POCI. $25.00...... Worldwide E-Membership: Web Site access & downloadable version of Smoke Signals $39.00...... U.S. Membership (Includes 2 Associates) $40.00..... (U.S. Funds) Canadian Membership (Includes 2 Associates) $49.00...... (U.S. Funds) Foreign Membership (Includes 2 Associates) NAME: ______POCI MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:______RENEW! Online: www.poci.org • Toll-Free: (877) 368-3454 • Mail: POCI World HQ, PO Box 68, Maple Plain, MN 55359

Visa MasterCard Discover Please provide any UPDATES to your information below: Credit Card Number:______NAME:______Expiration Date:______ADDRESS:______Security Code (Mandatory):______ASSOCIATES:______Name as it appears on card:______VEHICLES (additional):______Signature :______VEHICLES (no longer owned):______

Join POCI Now! NEW MEMBERSHIP Form Pontiac Oakland GMC YEAR STYLE NAME / NUMBER Number of CYLINDERS Annual Membership YEAR STYLE NAME / NUMBER Number of CYLINDERS $25.00...... Worldwide E-Membership $39.00...... U.S. (Includes 2 Associates) $40.00... Canada (Includes 2 Associates) $49.00...Foreign (Includes 2 Associates) YEAR STYLE NAME / NUMBER Number of CYLINDERS

NAME:______Visa Mastercard Discover Number______ASSOCIATE MEMBER(s):______ADDRESS:______Expiration______Security Code______CITY / STATE / ZIP + 4:______Signature______COUNTRY:______EMAIL ADDRESS:______PHONE: ( )______REFERRED BY (Name & Member #):______Make checks payable to: POCI • Mail to: POCI World HQ, PO Box 68, Maple Plain, MN 55359

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 67 PONTIAC ALUMINIZED STAINLESS 1928-’54 ...... $280 ...... $550 1955-’74 Single $330 ...... $625 1955-’74 Duals $360 ...... $800

68 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Auction of the estate of Don Bennett

Coast2CoastAuctions.com

20th Anniv. Trans am 25th anniv. Trans Am Pontiac memorabilia nos Pontiac parts petroliana tools & much more This is an online auction - Auction preview Sept. 24 - Auction end date Oct. 15 - Pickup dates Oct. 22-23 - Vienna, mo

Coast2CoastAuctions.com

SEPTEMBER 2017• SMOKE SIGNALS 69 POCI DIRECTORS, DIVISIONS AND CHAPTERS NORTHEAST DIVISION Western Pennsylvania Chapter, c/o Gary Gordan, 4507 West Seventh Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010-2013; 724.843.5195; [email protected] New York, Rhode Island & Vermont GREAT LAKES DIVISION DIRECTORS Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio John Cappelmann, 1 Country Oaks Dr., Kings Park, NY 11754; 631.269.9489; [email protected] DIRECTORS Jim Patterson, 8951 Henry Clay Blvd., Clay, New York 13041; Wayne F. Beran, 5128 Oak Center Dr., Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 315.652.5794; [email protected] 708.425.2826; [email protected] Merle R. Green, Jr., 4 Mt. Lebanon St., Pepperell, MA 01463; David Luken, 416 1/2 Barber Creek Rd., Port Byron, IL 61275; 978.433.6016; [email protected] 309.523.3870; [email protected] Mark Tilson, 1104 Hillrock Dr., S. Euclid, OH 44121; 216.291.0202; CHAPTERS [email protected] Garden State Chapter (NJ), c/o Stephen Kiellar, 118 Starr Place, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 CHAPTERS Long Island Chapter (NY), c/o Dan Fiore, 617 S. 5th Street, Blackhawk Chapter (IL, IA), c/o Dean Fait, 1606 2nd Ave., Lindenhurst, NY 11757 Rock Island, IL 61201; 309.788.7636; [email protected] Little Rhody Pontiac Chapter (RI), c/o John Pagliarini, Hoosier Chapter (IN), c/o Debby Lentz, 2508 Gadwell Circle, Indianapolis, 46 Chatsworth Ave., Warwick, RI 02886 IN 46234; 317.403.5173; [email protected] Mohawk Valley Chapter (NY), c/o Ray Decrescenzo, 8 Marcel Road, Illinois Chapter, c/o Wayne Beran, 5128 Oak Center Drive, Oak Lawn, IL Clifton Park, NY 12065; 518.373.9489; [email protected] 60453; [email protected]; www.ilpoci.org NOR-Eastern Chapter, c/o Matt Turner, 28 Robin Hood Dr., Lincoln Highway Chapter of Ohio, c/o Bonnie White, P.O. Box 126 Nottingham, NH 02190 Sulphur Springs, OH 44881; [email protected] Nutmeg Chapter (CT), c/o Starr F. Evans, 10 Church Hill Rd., Motor City Chapter (MI), c/o Gains McDonald, 626 W. Eighth St., Washington Depot, CT 06794 Monroe, MI 48161; 586.943.2804; [email protected] Six Nations Chapter (NY), c/o Natalie DiBaise-Eymer, 614 Jamesville Michigan Widetrackers, c/o President Arnold Boersma, 1801 Moffat Rd., Ave., Syracuse, New York 13210; 315.422.0229 Leonard, MI 48367; 248-330-0209; [email protected]; South Jersey Pontiac Chapter (NJ), c/o Chuck Catalano, 112 Park Ct., Medford, NJ 08055; 856.596.0937 http:// www.widetrackers.org; Newsletter: Mike & Jenn Bartley; Western New York Chapter, c/o Barb Fuller, 20 Circle Court, [email protected] East Aurora, NY 14052 Mid-Ohio Valley Widetrackers, c/o Art Lambert, 12089 Dupont Rd., Yankee Chapter (MA/ME), c/o Anne Marie Mandarano, 145 Allston St., Washington, WV 12089; [email protected] Cambridge, MA 02139; 617.547.4785; [email protected] North Coast Ohio Chapter, c/o Tony Webster, 159 Dorland Ave., Berea, OH 44017; [email protected] CENTRAL EAST DIVISION Northwest Ohio Chapter, c/o Pete Lungulow, 829 Jean Road, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Toledo, Ohio 43615; [email protected] South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia Pontiacs of Central Illinois Chapter, c/o Roy Franklin, 1403 Highland Place, Decatur IL; 217.877.5525 DIRECTORS Pontiacs of Southeastern Indiana (POSI), Paul Freese, 130 N. Smith St., Michael Murray, 27153 Coach House Ln., Salisbury, MD 21801; Batesville, IN 47006; [email protected] 410.726.3553; [email protected] Tri State Arrowhead Cruisers, c/o Mark A. Monroe, 601 E. Strain St., Jack Anderson, 25 Renee Lane, Newark, DE 19711; 302.353.0244; Fort Branch, IN 47648; [email protected]; 812.753.5985 [email protected] West Michigan Chapter, c/o Club President Ryan Snyder, Richard Cook, 825 West Main St., Laurens, SC 29360; 684.871.1460; [email protected]; www.wmpontiac.com [email protected]

CHAPTERS MIDWEST DIVISION Cape Fear Chapter, c/o Norm Miller, 6902 Daybreak Lane, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wilmington NC 28411; 910.313.1191 South Dakota, Wisconsin DelMarVa Chapter, c/o Bob Dunbar, 150 Beachfield Dr., Rehoboth, DE 19971; 302.542.5790; [email protected]; DIRECTORS http://www.delmarvapoci.com/ Mike Darr, 107 Wright Valley Rd., Smithville, MO 64089; 816.532.4349; (cell) 816.215.9280; [email protected] Keystone State Chapter (PA), c/o Brenda Steinhauer, 48 Shillington Rd., Les Kasten, 12501 Danbury Way, Rosemount, MN 55068; 651.280.9681 Sinking Spring, PA 19608; 717.336.4530; www.kscpoci.org [email protected] National Capital Area Chapter, c/o George Richardson, Alan Fanning, 502 Johnson Rd, Fremont, NE 68025; 402.721.6875; 1509 Baltimore Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308; 703.768.1569 [email protected] [email protected] Old Dominion Chapter (VA), c/o Michael L. Abernathy, CHAPTERS 1400 Fortingale Cir., Sandston VA, 23150; www.olddominionpoci.org Arch Chapter (MO), c/o Rich Lacavich, 808 Carman Woods Dr., Man- Palmetto Chapter, c/o Maxie Burns, 205 Bryson Dr., Laurens, SC chester, MO 63011 29360; [email protected]; www.palmettopontiacs.org Badger State Chapter (WI), c/o David Keach, 1155 N. 46th St., Piedmont Chapter, c/o Larry Sprinkle, 34 Windsor Cir., Milwaukee, WI 53208; [email protected] Thomasville, NC 27360; 336.225.4570; [email protected] Colorado Chapter, P.O. Box 56, Arvada, CO 80001; www.copoci.org Star City Chapter, c/o Bill Cullop, P.O. Box 853, Daleville, VA 24083; Empire Chapter, c/o Russ Hoogendoorn, 1538 Dipper Ave., Larchwood, www.starcitypontiac.org IA 51241-7722; 712.478.4455; http://empirepontiac.motortopia.com

70 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 God’s Country Chapter of Wisconsin, c/o Sheldon Hamilton, Desert Renegades of Arizona, c/o Tom Knecht, 602.708.6960; 603 7th St., Waunakee, WI 53597; 608.850.5185; [email protected] [email protected]; http://pontiacclubofphoenix.org Greater Ozarks Chapter (MO), c/o James R. Campbell, 6826 E. State Hwy C., Great Salt Lake Chapter, c/o Kenny Gregrich, 324 N. Main St., Strafford, MO 65757; 417.736.2946; [email protected] Tooele, UT 84074-1657; 435.882.5560 K.C. Arrowhead Chapter, c/o Robert Woolsey, 3316 S. Owens School Rd. New Mexico Pontiac Club, c/o Mark Terkeltaub; Independence, MO 64057; 816.309.6817; [email protected] [email protected] Nebraskaland Chapter, c/o Claudia Mathes, 7304 Cty. Rd. 25, Pontiacs of Central CA, c/o Dennis Simonson, 958 Adler Dr., Clovis, Kennard, NE 68034-5002 CA 93612-1503; 559.299.8910; cell; 559-906-8900; [email protected] Tomahawk Chapter (MN), Tony Miller; 651.786.1214; Puget Sound Chapter, c/o Pam Leslie, P.O. Box 5873, Lacey, WA [email protected]; www.tomatalk.org 98509; [email protected] Rim Country Chapter (AZ), c/o Jack Masheeco, 510 East Timber Dr., SOUTHERN DIVISION Payson AZ 85541; 928.474.4189 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Sacramento Chapter, c/o Pasquale Cignarella, 9926 Ferragamo Way, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas Elk Grove, CA 95757 San Diego Chapter, c/o Sergio DaSilva, 10424 Southern Pine Pl., DIRECTORS San Diego, CA 92131; 858.271.6448 [email protected] Marvin Diaz, 3713 Alder Trl., Euless, TX 76040; 786.271.7408; Silver State Chapter, c/o Hugo Tafel, P.O. Box 4521, [email protected] Sparks, NV 89432; 775.745.8072 Larry Crider, 12510 West 67th St., Sapulpa, OK 74066; 918.798.2765; So. California Chapter, c/o Joe V. Digrado, 6511 E. Yosemite Ave., [email protected] Greg R. Kersul, P.O. Box 14612, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302; Orange, CA 92867; [email protected] [email protected]; 954.448.0658 Channel Islands Chapter, c/o Thomas A. Maloney, 1690 Loma Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010-3713; 805.484.2981; [email protected]; CHAPTERS eGroup address: Alabama Chapter, Dennis Philo, 407 Forsythe Street, Birmingham, AL http://groups.msn.com/PontiacOaklandClubInternationalChannelIslandChptr 35214; 205.798.7688 Alamo Area Chapter, c/o P.O. Box 34654, San Antonio TX 78265-4654; INTERNATIONAL DIVISION DIRECTORS www.classicpontiac.org Arkansas River Chapter, c/o Richie Lovan, 6 Hampton Ln., Bella Vista, Lars-Ingvar Elofsson, Byastensvagen 10, Gards-Kopinge 29177 SE AR 72715; 479.899.3437; www.nwapontiacclub.com (Sweden) Phone: 04644235031; Central Oklahoma Pontiac Assn., Joel Mayhan, 1115 Prairie Hills Rd., [email protected] Tuttle, OK 73089; 405.830.0320; [email protected] Verne Howard, 4400 Bittersweet Ln., Blue Springs, MO 64015; Dixie Chapter (Jacksonville Area), c/o President, Matt Clarke, 816.739.1737; [email protected] 904.613.2214; [email protected] Seat open Everglades Chapter (SW FL), c/o Doug Swank, 2430 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., #108-393, Naples, FL 34109; 239.810.0156 Florida Chapter (Tampa/St. Pete), c/o Rich Fedor, 8110 West Dr., NON-REGIONAL SPECIALTY CHAPTERS Wesley Chapel, FL 33544; 813.929.3405; [email protected] All-American Oakland Chapter, c/o Steve Cook, 16565 Lancaster, Gro- Indian Nations Chapter, c/o Larry Crider, 12510 W. 67th St., ver, MO 63040; [email protected] Sapulpa, OK 74066; 918.798.2765; [email protected] Cruisin’ Tigers GTO Club, c/o President, Randy Ray; 847.421.5744; Lone Star Chapter (TX), c/o Tom Brackett, 7204 Randall Way, [email protected] Plano, TX 75025; [email protected]; 972.527.3167 Custom Safari Chapter, c/o Robin Petry, 2806 Scarlett Dr., Louisville Pontiac Club, c/o President, Rick Kaiser, 502.241.2253; Augusta, GA 30909; [email protected] www.louisvillepontiacclub.com Early Times Chapter, c/o Arnold Landvoigt, 8521 William St., Pontiacs of Tennessee, c/o President, Tom Hart, 615.521.3853; 5300 Savage MD 20763; 301.498.0070; [email protected] Fredricksberg Way, Brentwood, TN 37027; [email protected] Grand Prix Chapter, c/o Ron Maurer 712.229.1974; Smokey Mountain Pontiacs of East Tennessee, c/o Jeffrey M. Widner, [email protected]; http://grandprixchapterofamerica.com/ 6503 Hickory Creek Rd., Lenoir City, TN 37771 GMC Truck Chapter (GTC), c/o Paul Bergstrom; [email protected]; www.gmctruckclub.wordpress.com WESTERN DIVISION Little Indians Chapter (’61-’63 Tempest/Lemans), c/o Jerry Bolton, 544 Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Christopher Circle, Jesup, IA 50648; 319.827.1943; New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming [email protected]; www.littleindians.com Pontiac Commercial & Professional Vehicle Chapter, Paul DIRECTORS Bergstrom, 1165 County Rd 83, Maple Plain, MN 55359; 763-479-2248 Ron Berglund, 2101 West Spruce Ave., Fresno, CA 93711-0460; [email protected]; www.pcpvchapterpoci.worldpress.com 559.259.2079; [email protected] Overhead Cammers Chapter, c/o David Kantarges, Secretary, Dan Dickey, 1591 E. Island Lake Dr., Shelton, WA 98584; 360.426.3156; 227 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale, MA 02131-2754; 617.947.7322; [email protected] [email protected]; www.overheadcammerschapter.com Rick Gonser, 2452 Ostram Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815-2420; Pontiac Pacemakers (Pace Cars), c/o David Caldwell, 562.596.2043; [email protected] 5735 Twshp Rd. 14, Mount Gilead, OH 43338; 614.570.6541 Firebird Chapter John Froehle, 7513 South 2050 East, South Weber, UT CHAPTERS 84405; 801.920.1756; [email protected] Arizona Chapter, c/o Thom Sherwood, 4348 E. Timrod Street, Street Rod Modified Chapter, c/o Steve Cook, 16565 Lancaster, Grover, Tucson, AZ 85711-4252; 520.798.3200; [email protected] MO 63040; [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 71 The purpose of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International is (1) to pool together as much information as possible to assist Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC owners in the restoration and preservation of their vehicles, (2) to promote interest in Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC vehicles, their history and restoration and preservation and, above all, (3) to make owning a Pontiac, Oakland, or GMC an enjoyable experience.

Club Founder & Director Emeritus: Donald A. Bougher, PO Box 5108, Salem, OR 97304-0108; Chaplain: Richard Erman, 7675 N. Walters Lake Rd., Fremont, IN 46737; 260-495-9167; 503-393-4500; [email protected] [email protected] Historian: Bruce Rutherfurd, 1010 East Cleveland Ave., Monett, MO 65708; 417-235-1111 DIRECTORS EMERITUS (In chronological Order of Presidency) Byron Joe Stout, 150 S. Old Manor Rd., Wichita, KS 67218; 316-686-6407; [email protected] Convention Coordinator: Art Barrett, 211 West Alice, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 Don Barlup, 228 Old Oak Rd., New Bloomfield, PA 17068; 717-582-3209; [email protected] Assistant Convention Coordinator: Larry Crider, 12510 W. 67th St., Sapulpa, OK 74066 Arthur Ruscher, 4015 57th St. E, Bradenton, FL 34208; 941-745-2031; [email protected] POCI Car Show Coordinator: Rick Gonser, 2452 Ostrom Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815-2420 Todd Schafer, 1020 NW 39th St., Topeka, KS 66618; 785-286-2443 New Chapter Coordinator: John Cappelmann, 1 Country Oaks Dr., Kings Park, NY 11754

Gale Menger, 1725 Chateau Way, Maple Plain, MN 55359; 952-472-1115; [email protected] Legislative Affairs Coordinator: Ben Deutschman, Bldg. 11, Redfield Village Apts. A-1, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Technical Advisors: When requesting information from technical advisors, please enclose a business size (#10) self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) and your POCI membership number. Technical advisors DO NOT locate parts for members. Any information provided by any POCI source is intended only for general knowledge You should seek professional mechanical advice for specific mechanical conditions. Visit the Tech Forum at: http://www.poci.org Pontiac 1949-52: John Harvey, 5256 Heritage Lane, Oakley, IL 62552; 217-763-5691; Australian Pontiacs/Imports: Dave Clee, P.O. Box 135, Oak Flats NSW Australia 2529. Fax: 217-763-6107; [email protected] Telephone: 011-61-42571230 Fax: 011-61-42571190; [email protected] Pontiac 1953: Charles Coker, PO Box 51, Taneyville, MO 65759; 417-693-5219; [email protected] Auto Paint & Bodywork: Paul Freeze, 14279 North Morris East St., Batesville, IN 47006; Pontiac 1954: Reid Williamson, 98 South 1970 West #1, Lehi, UT 84043; 801-768-2155 812-614-3332; [email protected] Pontiac 1955: Chuck Conway, 303 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546; Auto Woodwork: Jeff Heisler, 404 N. Fairview, Mt Prospect, IL 60056; 847-255-9429; [email protected] [email protected] Can Am Registry: Verne Howard, 4400 NW Bittersweet Ln, Blue Springs, MO 64015; 816-554-2099; Pontiac 1956: Larry Gordon, 344 West Avenue, Palmdale, CA 93551; 661-622-2100; [email protected] Web Site: www.pontiacsafari.com Canadian Pontiacs: Walter Campbell, 29 Hexham Dr., Scarboro, Ont. Canada, M1R 1J5; 416-757-5484 Pontiac 1957-58 Fuel Injection: POSITION OPEN Commercial & Professional Pontiacs (Sedan Deliveries-Ambulance-Hearse): Paul Bergstrom, 1165 Pontiac 1957: Todd Crews, 160 Home Ave., Forsyth, IL 62535; [email protected] County Road 83, Independence, MN 55359 Ph/Fax: 763-479-2248; [email protected] Pontiac 1958: Rollie Pederson, 16819 Owatonna Circle, Ham Lake, MN 55304; 763-434-7400 (8pm to 11pm) Drag Racing: Mike Cooper, 66 NW 85th St., El Dorado, KS 67042; 316-322-8818 lars-Ingvar Elofsson, Byastensvagen 10, Gards-Kopinge 29177 SE (Sweden); Phone: 04644235031; Eight Lug Wheels: Les Kasten, 12501 Danbury Way, Rosemount, MN 55068; 651-280-9681 [email protected] Electrical & Electronics (exc. radio): Chuck Conway, 303 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX Pontiac 1959-64 (Full Size Except Grand Prix): Rick Gonser, 2452 Ostrom Ave., Long Beach, CA 77546; [email protected] 90815-2420; 562-596-2043; [email protected]; Fax: 562-596-1160; Pager: 714-647-8116 Fiero: Carl Harcourt, 4927 W. 900 S., Milroy, IN 46156; 765-629-2532; [email protected] Pontiac Super Duty 1960-63: Tom Schlauch, 393 Los Altos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814; Fax: 765-629-2530 562-243-0570; [email protected] Firebird: Eric Vicker, P.O. Box 0033, South Park, PA 15129; [email protected] Pontiac Catalina 1962-63: John Mead, 1025 Dear Run Dr., Earlysville, VA 22936; 434-977-2671; Firebird (1977-79 W72): John M. Witzke, 5017 Providence Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503; [email protected] 712-322-4697; [email protected] Pontiac 1965-66 (Full Size Except Grand Prix): John Pokryfky, 9215 Florida, Livonia, MI 48150; Firebird/Trans Am 1993-2002: Tony Webster, 159 Dorland Ave., Berea, OH 44017; 440-263-5821; 734-776-6449; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 1967-70 (Full Size Except Grand Prix): Ron Berglund, 2101 West Spruce Ave., Fresno, CA GMC Motorhomes 1973-78: John Biwersi, 2938 Mary St., Maplewood, MN 55109; 651-779-6498; 93711-0460; 559-259-2079; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 1967-85: Duane Stumpp, 301 Park Charles Blvd. North, St. Peters, MO 63376; Grand Prix (all): Mike Grippo, 584 Broomspun Street, Henderson, NV 89015; 702-568-5433 [email protected] Fax: 702-568-5158 Pontiac 1968-69 A-Body: Paul Freese, 14279 North Morris East St., Batesville, IN 47006; 812-614-3332; GT-37: Jeff Sawruk, 667 Oxhill Ct., White Lake, MI 48386; [email protected] [email protected] Clyde Rowley, 2222 Broad Oak Drive, Bandera, TX 78003; 210-305-9277; [email protected] Pontiac 1970-72 A-Body: Doug Pulskamp, 22209 Vine St., Oldenburg, IN 47036; GTO & Intermediate (1964-79 Engine & Drivetrain): Jerry Boulay, 218 Broadmoor Lane, [email protected] Rotonda West, FL 33947; 203-695-6510 Pontiac 1973-77 A-Body (including 1977 Can Am): Rick Lightfoot, 242 W. Williams St., Corning, NY GTO & Intermediate (1964-72 Body & Interior): Richard Erman, 7675 N. Walters Lake Rd., 14830; [email protected] Fremont, IN 46737; 260-495-9167 Pontiac 1985-92 Tuned-Port Trans Ams & Formulas: Gene Werst, 10631 Mission Lakes Ave., GTO/G8 2004-2009: Carl Palmquist, 1061 Hayward Circle, Milford, OH 45150; 513-348-2542; Las Vegas, NV 89134; 702-496-5870; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 1986-2010 (All Models): Matthew DiStatio, 211 School St., Acton, MA 01720; 978-263-2647 High Performance: Mike Cooper, 66 NW 85th St., El Dorado, KS 67042; 316-322-8818 Pontiac 2+2 (not including 1986 GP) Larry Kosek, 104 Center Dr., Silver Lake, KS 66539; Interiors Soft Trim (1952-72): Harry Samuel, 18106 Dunblaine Ave., Beverly Hills, MI 48025; 785-582-4207 248-258-6269; [email protected] Pontiac Astre/Sunbird 1975-80: Paul Bergstrom, 1165 County Road 83, Independence, MN 55359 Judge 1969-71: Ray Herman, 512 Columbia Creek Dr., San Ramon, CA 94583; 925-829-4059; Phone/Fax: 763-479-2248; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 265/301/301 Turbo V-8: Shawn Gurney, PO Box 1535, Point Roberts, WA 98281; 778-999-5235; Oakland 1909-31: David Green, 5020 Hutton, Kansas City, KS 66109; 913-626-6301; [email protected] [email protected] Ram Air V 303-428: Tom Schlauch, 393 Los Altos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90814; 562-243-0570; Parts Interchange: David Silarski, 12715 Old Pine Lane, Houston, TX 77015; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 1926-27: Clark Adams, 277 Longbranch Trail, Lexington, NC 27295; 336-243-1336 Straight Eight Engine: Charles Bolten, 15607 N. 30th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85053; 602-375-0866; Pontiac 1931: Jim Koenigsmark, 24348 S. 80th Ave. Frankfort, IL 60423-9726; 815-464-5929; [email protected] [email protected] Street Machine: Bob Cella, 31 Crissey Ave., Geneva, IL 60134, Phone/Fax: 630-232-0600; Pontiac 1930-32: Robert Guzzetta, 1410 Santa Inez Dr., San Jose, CA 95125; 408-265-7578; [email protected] [email protected] Pontiac 1933-34: Kurt Kelsey, 14083 P Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126; 641-648-9086; [email protected] Street Rods: Rex Bumgarner, 4928 Northcrest Street, Claremont, NC 28610; 828-241-4947; Pontiac 1935: Kerry Klotzman, 7460 Rollingbrook Trail, Solon, OH 44139; 440-349-1509; [email protected] [email protected] Tempest/LeMans 1961-63: Keith A. Collier, 2007 N. 59th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85035; 602-315-8602; Pontiac 1936: Robert Shafto, 451 Blackstrap Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105; 207-272-7403; [email protected] [email protected] Transmissions Automatic: POSITION OPEN Pontiac 1937-38: Arnold Landvoigt, 8521 William St., Savage, MD 20763; 301-498-0070; Transmissions Manual/Differentials: Brad Duerst, 800-208-8242 [email protected] Tri-Power: Rick Gonser, 2452 Ostrom Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815-2420; 562-596-2043; Pontiac 1939-42: James Patterson, 8951 Henry Clay Blvd., Clay, NY 13041; 315-652-5794; [email protected]; Fax: 562-596-1160; Pager: 714-647-8116 [email protected] Volunteers for Open Positions and for New Categories are needed! Andrew Ameden, 27 W. Carbon St., Minersville, PA 17954; [email protected] Please contact the Technical Advisor Coordinator (below) for details. Pontiac 1946-48: Bill Harris, 7836 N. Gray Rd., Mooresville, IN 46158; 317-831-1568; Technical Advisor Coordinator: Charles Coker, PO Box 51, Taneyville, MO 65759; 417-693-5219; [email protected] [email protected]

72 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Pontiac-Oakland Club International

POCI CLASSIFIED ADS • Advertising Policy The Pontiac-Oakland Club International, Inc. publishes the classified section ofSmoke Signals magazine as a courtesy to its active members. This is made possible through the members’ dues contributions. POCI makes no claims, either stated or implied, concerning the quality, authenticity or availability of any items offered. Furthermore, POCI claims no responsibility for any transactions good or bad, as a result of the Smoke Signals Classifieds Ad section. We discourage any member from submitting a “For Sale” Classified Ad when they have also submitted a “Feature Car” contribution. Time delays between production of these two sections can result in an overlap in the same issue. Automobiles and trucks featured in this magazine – current or past issues – neither claim nor can claim any endorsement by POCI as to their quality or authenticity; they are featured strictly for entertainment purposes. Advertisers or members will have three weeks to respond to any complaint received by the Pontiac-Oakland Club Interna- tional. After three weeks, if the complaint goes unanswered and/or a satisfactory solution is not found, the member or company listed in the complaint could lose all advertising privileges.

IMPORTANT CLASSIFIED AD RULES • Please read before placing an ad The classified ad section ofSmoke Signals magazine is reserved for our members seeking information, services, parts, cars, etc. Display advertising is available for members and non-members alike at reasonable rates. Any ads submitted which do not conform to the following rules will be set aside – they may not be sent back, and you may not be contacted. Please read and follow these rules to avoid any inconvenience.

1) Please use the classified ad request form on the next page for your 7) A POCI member name must be included in the ad, not just on ad submission. A photocopy or a facsimile is acceptable as long as it the form. A business name may be listed, but a member’s full name includes the same data requested. Please type or print neatly. If we can- must also be included in the ad. not read your ad, it will be published as best we can figure out. Please 8) Price must be included. All ads for any cars, parts or services must check your ad immediately. Neither POCI nor Smoke Signals produc- have prices. The only exception is for the parting-out of a car. tion company are liable for your ad content or the reproduction of it. 9) No phone-in ads or ad renewals will be accepted. Only mailed, 2) Classified ads will run for two months and then be pulled. The code faxed, or e-mailed ads will be accepted for publication. at the end of the ad will reflect the last issue the ad will appear. The same ad can be renewed for an additional two months. 10) All ads are subject to review. 3) Each month, POCI members receive one free ad up to 50 words with EXTENDED ADS: Members who are vendors or permanent suppliers one free picture. Words over 50 cost 20 cents per word. Additional ads and wish to place an Extended Ad for PARTS, LITERATURE, MEMORA- are 20 cents per word and additional pictures are $5.00 each. The fol- BILIA, INFORMATION or SERVICES may do so. No other categories can lowing do not count as words in the ad: name, business name, price, have Extended Ads placed. Ads are subject to review (and rejection) by the ad- address, email address, or telephone number. vertising committee. Extended Ads cannot exceed 50 words and just one picture is allowed. These members may still place a personal ad without the 50 word 4) Your POCI number and expiration date must be on the form. limit being affected. Extended Ads run for one year and are renewable. 5) Only one ad per form. Please check the category for the ad to SCHEDULE: All ads are placed in the next available Smoke Signals appear in. issue after they are received. Expect a deadline around the 20th of each 6) Only Pontiac, Oakland, and GMC requests are allowed. The only month.Example; ads received by March 20 should appear in the May issue. exceptions are the “Services” and “Other” classifications, but they must REVISIONS: Revisions to an ad already running must be mailed, faxed, be Pontiac/Oakland/GMC related (i.e.: car care services or products). or e-mailed. No phone changes will be made. • Mail to: Smoke Signals Editor, 205 N. Mill St., Pontiac, IL 61764 TO PLACE AN AD • FAX to: 815-844-0285 (If there is no picture) • Email to: [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 73 Please read the important information on the SMOKE SIGNALS • Classified Ad Form previous page before completing this form. • Mail to: Smoke Signals Editor, 205 N. Mill St., Pontiac, IL 61764 (Photos will not be returned) ways to submit • Email to: [email protected] (attach a .jpeg photo if desired, with at least 800 x 640 resolution) your classified ad: • Fax to: (815) 844-0285 (only if no picture required) PHONED-IN ADS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED! I WANT MY AD TO RUN: 2 MONTHS EXTENDED (Vendors Only & Information, Services, Memorabilia, Literature & Parts for Sale Categories Only) Extended ads will run for one year and are renewable. Today’s Date ______POCI Number ______Exp. Date ______Name ______

Address ______City ______State ______ZIP ______Country ______

Phone ( ) _____ — ______NOTE: Your ad MUST include your name and phone number. All items for sale must include prices except when “parting out” a vehicle. I WANT MY CLASSIFIED AD TO APPEAR IN THIS CATEGORY (check only one): Information Literature For Sale Literature Wanted Pontiac, Oakland & GMC Vehicles For Sale Services Offered Pontiac, Oakland & GMC Vehicles Wanted Pontiac, Oakland & GMC Parts For Sale Memorabilia Pontiac, Oakland & GMC Parts Wanted Lost & Found Other

FREE ______

FREE ______20 cents a word ______.20 ______.40 ______.60 ______.80 ______1.00 ______1.20 ______1.40 ______1.60 ______1.80 ______2.00 20 cents 4.00 a word ______2.20 ______2.40 ______2.60 ______2.80 ______3.00 ______3.20 ______3.40 ______3.60 ______3.80 ______20 cents 5.60 3.80 6.00 a word ______4.20 ______4.40 ______4.60 ______4.80 ______5.00 ______5.20 ______5.40 ______

POCI DISPLAY ADS •Advertising Policy POCI DISPLAY ADS •Ad Sizes and Rates Cover (Outside, Back), CMYK, Full Bleed*...... 8.75x11.25”...... $500.00 The Pontiac-Oakland Club International, Inc. publishes the Display Ad- Cover (Inside, Front or Back), CMYK, Full Bleed*...... 8.75x11.25”...... $400.00 vertising section of Smoke Signals magazine as a service to Pontiac-oriented Interior Pages (B/W or CMYK):...... width x height Monthly businesses and organizations. POCI makes no claims, either stated or implied, Full Page (Full Bleed)*...... 8.75x11.25”...... $275.00 concerning the quality, authenticity or availability of any items or services Full Page (No Bleed)...... 7.5x10”...... $275.00 offered. Furthermore, POCI claims no responsibility for any transactions good 2/3 Page Vertical...... 4.93x10”...... $200.00 1/3 Page Vertical...... 2.36x10”...... $100.00 or bad, as a result of the Smoke Signals display ad section. Additionally, POCI 1/3 Page Square...... 4.93x4.9”...... $100.00 and/or the Smoke Signals advertising committee reserve the right to accept or 1/2 Page Horizontal...... 7.5x4.9”...... $150.00 reject any advertisement from any person or organization for any reason and 1/2 Page Vertical...... 4.93x7.45”...... $150.00 1/4 Page Vertical...... 3.65x4.9”...... $75.00 without justification for any decision made. 1/4 Page Horizontal...... 7.5x2.35”...... $75.00 Display advertisers in this magazine, current or past issues, shall neither 1/6 Page Vertical...... 2.36x4.9”...... $50.00 claim nor can claim any endorsement by POCI as to their quality or authentici- 1/6 Page Horizontal...... 4.93x2.35”...... $50.00 ty; they are featured strictly for informational purposes. 1/12 Page Square...... 2.36x2.35”...... $30.00 Ads should be submitted as either PDF (fonts embedded) or JPEGs built to proper size and minimal compression. Editor reserves the right to adjust sizes as required. For Display Advertising questions/submissions, contact: * Full Page Bleed Display Ads trim to 8.5x11”. Do not use borders near trims. Paul Bergstrom, P.O. Box 68, Maple Plain, MN 55359 All ads (except cover positions) are Run of Publication (ROP). Non-contracted, monthly rates shown. Contact Display Ad Manager (at left) for contract rates. (877) 368-3454 • E-mail: [email protected] DEADLINE: All new and updated advertisements must be received by the 1st of the month prior to the publication date (Ex: January 1 for the February issue). Do you need help producing a commercial Display Ad? Please inquire! We offer computer graphics services.

74 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Services Offered Fuel Pump Rebuilding: We can rebuild almost Information Wanted any mechanical screw together type fuel pump ‘71 455 H.O.: Help! Looking for anyone that has Pontiac Window Sticker Reproductions: using modern material for today’s ethanol fuel. a 1971 GTO or LeMans/Tempest H.O. car built at Accurate, detailed window sticker reproductions Most single action pumps are $85.00, most any plant but have particular interest in cars built for 1964-1979 Pontiacs. Only original window double action pumps are $105.00. Some kits are at the Framingham plant. I do not want your VIN stickers are used as references. Show car quality, available. In business since 1978. Feltz Terrill Jr. or personal information, I would like to know how meticulously detailed and researched. These exceed [email protected] (254) 893-2610 (TX) close your casting dates are to your build date and other reproductions in accuracy and authenticity. (7/18E) how they cast these parts in group lots. If you have Satisfaction guaranteed! Contact Mike Noun www. Steering Wheel Restoration: Recasting and a car built in 1971 please call Bill Stoval at (410) MusclecarFilms/PontiacWindowSticker for samples hand finished, custom colors, clear, tinted clear, 952-2571 (do not get text) (7/18E) and feedback, or [email protected] (IL) (12/17E) pearls, metallics and marbles. Also small plastic Pontiac 2+2 Registry: Dedicated to the preser- National Firebird and T/A Club: For all years parts to match. See us at Charlotte and Hershey. vation of the history & lore of the 2+2. All 1964- Firebirds and Trans Ams including the Formula, GTA D&D Automobilia, North Carolina. (704) 748-3447; 67, 1986 & Canadian-built 2+2s are welcome! Car and Firehawk. Offers color magazines, technical [email protected] (12/17E) Registry, Discussion Forum, Photo/Video Gallery, advice, e-magazines, free classified ads that appear Brake Booster Rebuild: 1964-’90 $135, 1959-’63 Articles. Visit www.Pontiac2plus2Registry.com, or in the member magazine, club website, message $155. Rebuild yours or exchange, plating available. contact Jack Anderson at (302) 353-0244. (10/17E) board, Facebook and Twitter. Established 1984. $35 boosterdeweyexchange.com 4335 S.E. 63rd Ave. ‘68 Pontiac Grand Prix Registry: Creating a Annually, $45 outside USA, $25 e-membership. Portland, OR 97206. Call “Booster” Dewey (503) registry of ‘68 Pontiac Grand Prixs that came from NFTAC/Frank Ochal, 5433 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 238-8882 (OR) (10/17E) the factory with the 428 engine and a 4-speed IL 60640 USA, (773) 769-7166, info@firebirdtaclub. manual transmission (“4-on-the-floor”). Pontiac com, www.firebirdtaclub.com (12/17E) documentation indicates there were only 195 of Restoration Services: Show quality work these cars produced. I have one and am wondering since 1988. Engine rebuilds from stock to race. how many others have survived. Please contact me Carburetors, wiring, air conditioning, disc brake by phone, email or US Postal Service. All who provide conversions, performance tuning, chassis dyno information will be given copies of the responses. tuning service. Award winning restoration and However, if you provide information and ask that your detailing. Check us out at glasgoperformance. contact information not be shared further, I will of com or on Facebook, Glasgo & Company Inc. course honor that request and your car information Glasgo Performance. Paul & John Glasgo (330) will be listed without your name and contact information. Please contact me at: (770) 399-0694; 773-4004. (10/17E) Rust Repair & Painting: Specializing in quality or [email protected]; or Alan Ziglin 5300 Cedar Custom Showboards: for your Classic Vehicles. I Chase, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Thanks! (10/17E) rust repair and painting. From a minor scratch to complete disassembly, repair and paint. Forty years design & produce these using your digital photos in the business, $45 per hour plus parts and materials. and data. 18” x 24” x 3/16”. Gloss Laminate. Lost & Found Located 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, PA. Woodward Weather resistant. Email me the data and photos Restoration Services. Wes Woodward (724) 865-9684 you want on the showboard. Digital photo or (724) 272-3467 (5/18E) files must be high resolution. I will send you a ‘69 Trans Am: Looking for the Trans Am I bought Heat Control Repair: I’ll repair your ‘65-’66 layout for your review and comments. Upon your in college. I bought it at Chilton, Wisconsin in Pontiac dash heat controller for $150. Includes return shipping. Don Monroe (253) 566-8488 (WA) approval & payment I will produce the showboard 1969 and sold it to buy the ‘64 Pontiac “Trans and deliver it to you. Prices start at $150.00 + Action” Tempest ”Grey Ghost.” Any information (5/18E) on where my Trans Am is would be appreciated. Tri-Power Restoration: All years ‘57-’66, 25 years tax & shipping. George Disque. Website: www. Love to see it and if possible have it back. Larry experience can repair your unit. Also can build stock showboardsbygeorge.com, contact me for more McGregor (920) 499-3429 (9/17E) or modified unit to your specifications. Jon Havens (314) info. [email protected], (413) 221- ‘72 GTO: Where’s my ‘72 Goat? I bought a Lucerne 838-5533 (MO) [email protected] (10/17E) 6450 (MA) (3/18E) Blue, white top/interior 3-speed manual GTO in late 1971 or early ‘72 from Kuykendall Pontiac in Muskogee, OK. I don’t have the VIN but know it’s out there somewhere! Can you help my search? My email is [email protected]. HELP ME!!! Thanks... Jerry Hatley (918) 296-7207 (11/17) ‘69 Grand Prix: Looking for the car I bought new in 1969. Model J, 428 HO, 4-speed, 390 posi rear end, non A/C car in Expresso Brown. Interested in information, possible purchase, have window sticker, VIN 276579P180123. Norm Blickem (309) 289-4636 (11/17) ‘78 Trans Am: Black/black base car VIN 2W87Z8L169113. Original owner purchased 5/31/78 Wilde Pontiac - traded 6/16/81 Wilde Pontiac WI. Left WI in ‘84/’85 for Ohio, owned by Alan J. Larsen. Want to buy it back or info on what happened to it. Contact T.J. Kiefert (608) 290-5985 or email: [email protected] (11/17)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 75 Carb Rebuild: Rebuild Rochester and Carter carbs. Contact Robert Campbell (248) 310-8740 [email protected] (MI) (7/18E)

Literature For Sale

Smoke Signals Magazines: 1999-2016 excellent condition $150 plus shipping or pickup. Also have GM shop and service manuals B-C-E-K models $10 Pontiac License Plates: A perfect gift idea (for each plus shipping. Contact Len Capizzi at (908) yourself or other Pontiac friends!) Black embossed aluminum metal sign, size 6 x 12 , plastic shrink 754-4089 (NJ) (9/17) wrapped and pre-drilled holes. $10.00 each including shipping (to US address). Multiple quantities, shipping outside US, inquire - email pontiacpaulb@ gmail.com or call (763) 479-2248. Check or money order, payable to Paul Bergstrom, mail to 1165 County Road 83, Maple Plain, MN 55359 (9/17E) Grand Prix Chapter: Grand Prix Chapter window decals $3.50 each or 2 for $6.00. Hat Pins $4.00 includes postage (same design as sticker). I’m an over-the-road trucker so I may be slow to fill the order. Best to call me. Ray Stoeck P.O. Box 2448 Evans, GA 30809. Home (706) 855-9298, cell (706) 495-1943, or email: 69honestabe@gmail. com (GA) (11/17) GTO Tri-Power Patch: Custom designed. This Solstice Apprentice Brochure: Two Trump Patch Measures 4” tall by 5 1/2” in width. NOW Apprentice Solstice sales brochures with DVD. AVAILABLE 2+2 version. Very high quality, 100% Great shape never opened. $40 and $35 plus $10 embroidered custom made patches, very limited shipping. ‘06 GTO brochure $35 plus $10 shipping. run. $12.00 free shipping via PayPal. Contact Bob Contact Russell Cook at (405) 761-9300 or email: Aguiar; [email protected]. (08/18E) [email protected] (OK) (11/17)

Literature Wanted Assembly Manual: Looking for an assembly manual for a 1967 Grand Prix. Contact Billy Berkheimer (704) 903-3639; [email protected] (9/17E) Memorabilia Stained Glass Suncatcher: Beautiful real glass suncatcher made with old world craftsmanship. Pontiac Shirts, Signs, Decals & More: We have GREAT GIFT 12” - $20 extra for shipping. Call Rich many t-shirts with original designs and a wide Kroon at (773) 597-7714 or email me Rich@ selection of colors and sizes. Check out our signs, allrichee.com (IL) (9/18E) decals, and accessories as well. www.arrowclassics.

Grand Prix Chapter: Pontiac Never Forgotten pocket tee shirts, (small Grand Prix script on front) gray with blue or red background (specify) $20, plus postage. I’m an over-the-road trucker so I may be slow to fill the order. Best to call me. Ray Stoeck P.O. Box 2448 Evans, GA 30809. Home (706) 855-9298 cell (706) 495-1943 or email: [email protected] (GA) (11/17)

76 SMOKE SIGNALS •SEPTEMBER 2017 store Contact Randy Basile at (352) 601-7041 or sheet metal. Not a show car, but pretty freaking email: [email protected] (TN) (11/17) nice. Dependable turnkey cruiser. $14,500. John Janulis (708) 563-2745 (IL) (10/17)

Authentic Resin Model Kits: Many hand cast Pontiac models from the ‘50s & ‘60s. Also, selling personal Pontiac dealer promotional model collection. Send $1 & large SASE for catalog. Website www.mcwautomotivefinishes.com. ‘41 Coupe: Slick looking car, nice paint, nice redone int. painted smooth wheels, fulton visor, Chief Pontiac: Set of two 1976 Chief Pontiac Avon MCW Resin Replicas, PO Box 0518, Burlington, new wiring, flathead 6 cyl, 3 speed, runs and drives bottles. Great memorabilia for your Pontiac display NC 27216 (3/18E) good. $10,550.00. Can deliver, over 600 cars in $300 plus S&H. Contact Pete Mlot (630) 205-2838 stock. Country Classic Cars (618) 635-7056, www. (IL) (9/17) Oakland/Pontiac Cars countryclassiccars.com (IL) (10/17) & GMC Trucks For Sale

Fender Covers: Dark blue border and Pontiac name. Indian and arrow head logos in red on white background, length 34 1/2”, width 24 1/2”, tool tray ‘48 Silver Streak: 2dr sedan, same owner since 5 1/8” wide. Logo panel, 13 1/2 “ wide, including ‘95, nice paint and new interior, nice chrome, borders. $25, PPD. Hoosier Pontiac-Oakland Club. Bill 79,xxx miles on straight 8 cyl, 3 speed. $13,950.00. Harris, 7836 N. Gray Rd., Mooresville, IN 46158 (317) ‘27 Pontiac: Pristine condition, in-line 6 cylinder, Can deliver, over 600 cars in stock, Russell Noel 839-1656 (03/18E) 4-speed, mechanically perfect, $19,500 OBO. (618) 635-7056, www.countryclassiccars.com (IL) Contact William Wachter, (314) 753-1047 or email; (11/17) [email protected] (MO) (9/17)

‘51 Chieftain Deluxe 4-Door Sedan: All original survivor with 41,000 miles. Straight 8, Hydra- Matic, sun visor and many other options. Berkshire ‘34 Pontiac 5W Coupe: Cream & Maroon, Green and Palmetto Green lower. Interior, trunk chrome 520 T/P, 700R4, air, PS, PB, Heidt F/E, 9” and engine compartment all original and in very rear, leather interior, elect doors/windows, 5,000 nice condition$13,900. Contact Don Tate (217) original miles, prof appraised, too much too list! 369-7070 (IL) (11/17) $65,000, contact DR Brenner (757) 585-7668 (VA) (10/17)

‘54 Chieftain 4-Door: Flat head straight 8. Mechanical and sheet metal work completed. Needs paint and upholstery. Runs good, over ‘39 Pontiac 4 dr: SBC, 350 trans, 3.55 posi, $4,000 invested. $3,500 or make offer. Contact Holley, Edellbrock, MSD, air shocks, original, Amos Kyhl (540) 364-1089 (VA) (11/17)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 77 ‘54 Starchief Custom Catalina: 2-Door gas tank repair and a carb rebuild badly. Clean KY hardtop. No time to finish, runs great, drives title, not rebuilt. $1,900.00 Call Mark E Hudack great. Rebuilt distributor, carburetor and starter. (859) 608-6145 (KY) (10/17) New plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel tank sending ‘57 Chieftain Catalina 2 dr Hardtop/ Fisher unit. All gauges work. New front bumper, new Body #7: Early production 1957 Pontiac Chieftain rear bumper, battery, front park light lenses and 2dr hardtop. Un-restored driver 20 ftr. No cancer bezels. New chrome bumperette corner light holes or rust repairs found. 347CID with a 4 speed guards, new backup lenses & bezels, taillight HydraMatic. Included is a complete SMS interior lenses, radial tires, decent interior, radio delete kit, new seat foams, and recast marbled green panel - radio and plate included. Good glass, nice steering wheel. A restored, complete Tri-Power ‘62 Catalina Conv.: No rust, new top, carpet. steering wheel, horn ring and center. New fuel setup available at extra cost. $21,000.00 Michael Interior like new. Original radio converted to tank wing trim, good lighted hood ornament, Mayer (405) 642-6127 (OK) (10/17) AM/FM, rebuilt 455, 700R4, 3.64 open rear end. good headlight rings, new hood chrome bar, All new brakes, front disc, 8-lug 15” wheels, good front hood emblem and lots of new trim new tires, exhaust, Ram Air, PS, PB, PW, new parts, $7,500. Contact Richard Lapierre (780) 4-core radiator. All stainless and chrome good to 842-2141 or email: [email protected] excellent. $45,000, OBO, contact Tom Kaufmann (Canada) (11/17) (727) 786-2829 (FL) (11/17)

‘57 Star Chief: Fontaine Blue/Kenya Ivory, 347 CI, 3-2 carbs, 4-speed A.T., 3 bar spinners, PB Wonderbar radio, PS, PB, dual speakers, power rear antenna, continental kit, fender skirts, dual exhaust, nail guards, dual o/s mirrors $47,500. Contact George McNeilus (507) 269-9870 (MN) (9/17) ‘62 Grand Prix: Extremely solid, straight and rust free, body and underside. 389 4- barrel with ‘55 Catalina 2-Door Hardtop: Proper body off factory dual exhaust. Buckets and console and restoration. Excellent green/cream paint, 1,800 factory tach. 72,000 miles. The car starts, runs miles. Everything new/rebuilt. Sun visor, PS, PB, and drives very well but there’s a few things to Coker WW radials, radio, power antenna, very touch on. Leaving no stones unturned about the nice driver $43,000. Contact Thomas Baker, call for car. The car is basically a survivor. Appears to be more info and pics. (256) 675-0200 (NC) (9/17) one repaint that is a color change. The original color was a Desert Tan color. The trim is all there, ‘59 Bonneville: 17th annual Burbank Kiwanis but inside and out some of it has pitting here and car show....won in category: “Top 25” in show... there. The bumpers look to be re chromed and look Awesome 1959 Pontiac Bonneville sport coupe great. The grille looks nice but again, there’s some Sunglow, Ivory, unmolested, very original example pitting. The carb could use some fine tuning. It’s the 60,000 mi. Matching #’s. 389 ci. motor, original ORIGINAL carb from 1962 so it could possible need 4-bbl carb. Original HydraMatic transmission. Full a rebuild kit. The car’s engine sounds very good, no preservation, original interior, aftermarket carpet, strange noises and the exhaust sounds great where brand new Coker radials, turn key, runs great. Rare! any good Pontiac guy (or gal) will recognize. It’s a Great fun to drive, star quality $39,950. Will rent for no PCV era car so there is some blow by coming film, or photo shoots. She’s even prettier in person! from the tube along side of the engine. The Roto Gregg Fisher (818) 389-7172 or email; gregg613@ Hydramatic transmission shifts as it should with no ‘55 Pontiac Chieftain: All original Mississippi sbcglobal.net (CA) (9/17) obvious issues, $15,000. Contact Dodd Evans (770) 557-4767 or email: [email protected] car, 4 door V8, runs good. $4,500.00 Call John (11/17) (GA) Heyser (847) 529-0765 (IL) (10/17)

‘60 Ventura 2-Door Hardtop: Tri-Power, with rare 540510 S/D intake, .060-over 389, 2-1/4” exhaust system, W/348 HP, exhaust manifolds, factory air cleaner, Dk. Brown. Eugene Riotte (580) 465-1790, or email; [email protected] ‘62 LeMans: Rebuilt 4 cyl. with automatic. Rust free ‘56 Star Chief: Up for sale is a great project Ardmore, Okla. $25,200 (9/17) car in excellent shape inside and out. I purchased for someone or a driver with just a bit of work. ‘62 Catalina: Looking for 1962 Catalina 2-door this car to make a gasser out of it, but it is way too 90% complete and original (many trim parts in post to purchase, reasonable price. (716) 598- nice to cut up. $7,000.00 Rainer Nielsen (IA) (712) the trunk/backseat) Will start and run but needs 0732 call or text (NY) (11/17) 431-6837 (10/17)

78 SMOKE SIGNALS •SEPTEMBER 2017 bucket seats, p/s, p/b, p/w. complete, correct, never wrecked, never apart, 1 repaint in original Yorktown Blue, all mechanical systems rebuilt, chrome redone, new correct leather interior, new correct light blue top, 5 new 1 inch whitewall tires, all numbers matching, PHS documents, service manuals, sales items to dealer album, dry western climate, always stored inside, runs 3 Pontiac Projects: Includes all parts to finish and drives as it should, the real deal, $48,500, call ‘62 Catalina: This is PHS documented, with cars. Death forces sale. Clear Titles. 1962 Catalina for more details Wayne Sparks (928) 468-2130 build sheet and rare special order Ventura trim. 2-dr.(daily driver) 389, auto, shaved door (private party) or Email Ted Sparks tmsparks@ 425A correct date code original motor 389- handles. 1961 Bonneville, V8, auto. Body work sbcglobal.net (10/17) 348HP, 4-speed, 8-lug wheels, 3.90 posi gear nearly complete. 1961 Bonneville 2-dr. hardtop. ratio. 44,494 original miles, Mandalay Red with Complete original car. $13,900 for the lot, tri-color morrokide on bucket seats interior. VIN negotiable. Contact Linda Lutz (503) 632-3816 362P66683, $59,900 firm, contact Bob Zeller, or email; [email protected] (OR) (9/17) (860) 482-3309 (CT) (11/17)

‘62 Bonneville: SURVIVOR! Original 303 HP engine with 425-A exhaust manifolds, new exhaust system, 77K miles, southern Okla. car. Stored inside ‘64 Catalina Safari: Two-owner 30,000 miles, ‘62 Bonneville Convertible: South Gate since 1987, many new parts, bumpers have been original paint, 389 auto, PS, PB. PHS docs, California factory-built with the following rechromed. Email; [email protected], for fact unrestored time capsule, excellent condition options: 348 hp Tri-Power engine, 4 speed sheet. $13,000. Eugene Riotte (580) 465-1790, $32.000 OBO. Contact Jim Jose (636) 327-8849 HydraMatic, Safe-T-Track rear end, 8 lugs, Ardmore, Okla. (9/17) (MO) (9/17)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 79 restored, $8,000. Contact Harlan Cosper (509) 764- shown in the first episode ofRoadkill . It’s been 8348 (WA) (11/17) together for 15 years or so and is showing some ‘64 Pontiac Catalina: With Ventura option, dings, chips and normal wear, $24,500. Contact original 389 V8 and trans., PS, PB. Originally white Todd Ryden (915) 497-0520 or email: info@ exterior with black interior, now in primer. Stored ingearmedia.net (TX) (11/17) in CA for last 30 years. Typical rust areas around wheel wells and door, trunk/floors are good. all trim saved, good glass. $2,295 OBO. Jack Aiello (925) 408-7824 prefer email; [email protected] (CA) (10/17) ‘64 LeMans Conv: 326 Automatic, white with black interior, GTO clone Project car, needs work, not running and has some rust, have all items to ‘65 Bonneville: 2 dr HT, original YJ-421 Tri-Power. make a GTO clone, 1964 GTO hood, console with shifter, 1964 389 engine with ‘64 Tri-Power with PHS Documentation, Capri Gold outside and interior. carbs, correct steering column, more parts, etc. $9,950.00 Contact John Keating (910) 686-0899 ‘65 GTO: P code Iris Mist, black interior, 4 speed, or [email protected] (NC) (10/17) Tri-Power (added), PHS documented, numbers matching; original correct 4 bbl, intake and air cleaner; frame off restored 2010-11; front disc brakes; pictures and detail at www. garrettclassics. com. $62,000 Ted Boyer (972) 422-4971 (TX) (10/17) ‘65 Tempest Station Wagon: Fun wagon, ready to go everywhere. Rare wagon, factory 4-speed, radio delete. Have some early paperwork. Southwest car, very solid. Some of the updates include: Atomic EFI, Tremec 5-speed, Vintage Air, March Serpentine Belt system, Borgeson ‘64 Catalina: 2 door hardtop. exterior is finished. power steering box, Hotchkis and Global West Iinterior needs new upholstery, rubber seals around suspension, Baer Brakes, 500-hp 428c.i. engine, window and doors. Has been painted. Runs, needs ididit column and more. Car is a proven driver tune-up. Radio works, clock needs repair. 80 percent and has been featured in Hot Rod Magazine and California Pontiac Restoration Has the parts to restore or repair your Pontiac

Ray spent 2000 hours restoring this Bonneville into the fantastic car you see here. CPR had the parts he needed and CPR has the parts you need for your Pontiac. Restoring a 57 Fuelie? We have the parts. Repairing RAY DELUMO CALLED your favorite aunt’s 1951 four door sedan? We have the parts. Whether you need brakes or weatherstripping or anything in between, we have the parts. Give our friendly guys a call. You won’t be sorry.

CPR ANSWERED Call Toll Free 877-504-8124

714-245-8900714-245-9800 Friendly smart service California Pontiac Restoration Parts Fax:Fax: 714-292-9269 714-245-9269 Satisfaction guaranteed 1520 E Edinger Ave. Suite B, Santa Ana, Ca 92705 [email protected]@dcninternet.net

80 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Complete frame-off nut and bolt rotisserie restoration. Power steering, brakes, Turbo 400, 308 Safe-T-Track. AM/FM w/reverb. Rear window defogger, 8 lugs. Car has original water pump, power steering pump, alt. wiper motor, heater fan motor, carbs and tags, vacuum linkage and air cleaner. All chrome done in concourse quality. All nuts, bolts, clips, brackets, linkage replated. All NOS lenses. Car painted in PPG Lacquer and cleared. SMS interior. Only 35 test miles. Owned car for 40 years. Restored for Points-Judging. Asking $50,000. Call for more info and comments from Nationals. Contact Steve Bosman, (WI) (920) 493-8630 [email protected] (9/17)

‘65 Grand Prix: Original California car. Rebuilt 389 4bbl, street cam, flow Master exhaust, semi custom interior. Semi-gloss black exterior, many extra parts, auto, PS, PB, PW, air $10,500. Contact Richard Borough (559) 433-3427 (CA) (9/17)

‘65 GTO Convertible: 389 Tri-Power, 4-speed, PS, PB. Burgundy exterior with black top and black interior. Older frame-off restoration. Clean correct car, have build sheet $55,000. Contact Burke Sinclair (609) 273-6400 (NJ) (9/17)

‘65 2+2: AT, PS, PB, PW, power drivers seat, tilt steering, factory air (not working), 8-lug wheels. 1,200 miles on rebuilt engine, trans and front end. New tires, exhaust, brakes. Just repainted. $30,000, contact Larry Bendall (248) 520-3497 (MI) (9/17)

‘65 Catalina Convertible: 389-4bbl, factory 3 speed manual (now on the floor), PS, Inferno Red Exterior, Burgundy interior, Engine numbers

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 81

SOLD match, 8 Lug nut wheels, ss ribbed lower (607) 748-6868 or email; [email protected]. side trim, new Holley 4bbl, new alternator, (NY) (9/17) new power steering pump, new battery, new ‘67 GTO: Real GTO with 24217 VIN. Regimental Red flywheel & clutch, FM/AM/CD radio w/infrared with black vinyl top and black interior. Originally remote, many extra parts including extra a rare Plum Mist color. It has a close ratio 4-speed front grille, original order form for this car plus M22 rock crusher transmission with a 3.91 Safe-T- literature & manuals. Asking $22,000, contact Track rear end. It was also an original HO car but the Larry Schneider (304) 345-2909 (WV) (10/17) original engine is long gone. It now has a 400 out of a ‘69 GTO. It has headers with Flowmaster exhaust. Pontiacs (2): ‘65 2+2 hdtp Tri-power, 8 lugs, auto, ‘66 Star Chief Executive: 4-Door Sedan/389- Interior clean, bucket seats with center console. runs/drives nice, black over white, black interior, 2-barrel, white exterior, turquoise interior, 42,231 Power driver’s seat and tilt wheel. Has original everything works! ‘65 GTO hdtp, 455, auto, 0 rust, miles, PS,PB, tilt wheel, A/C, fender skirts, spinner working AM-FM stereo with power antenna and last driven in 1991, blue, blue interior. 2+2 $9,500, hubcaps, vent shades. All original with minor rear speaker. Glove box push button power trunk. GTO $8,500. Leaving hobby, pictures on request. touch up, 90% original paint, 100% original New lock set, new stainless fuel tank, new front disc Ron Hansen (360) 864-2876 (WA) (10/17) chrome, I call it A SURVIVOR. Window sticker and brakes with steel brake lines,new high amp one wire build sheets. Call Kenneth Clem for details (724) alternator, new water pump, new fuel pump and new 856-5393 (PA) (11/17) fuel lines $38,000. Contact Mathew Sokos (304) 559- 7540 or [email protected] (WV) (11/17)

‘67 Catalina Conv 2+2: 428-HO motor, YK ‘65 Bonneville Street Custom: 455 CI bored ‘66 GTO: Frame-off restoration, 2 door post, block numbers match, engine never been apart. out to 465, Edelbrock intake, carb, cam and lifters. 400 Tri-Power, .030-over, media blasted epoxy Excellent driver #3+ condition, custom made AR GM HEI, power steering, brakes, air, cruise, and primed, new quarters, trunk pan & tubs. Floor wheels with Redlines, the wheels and tires are front disc brakes. Custom white leather interior, panel replaced, major body work done. Changing brand new and look fantastic, sportier than the full gauges, billet rims, custom paint and much auto to standard. New clutch assembly, bell original. Flowmasters sound awesome, the car more, $30,000. Contact James Henshall (949) housing. New Doug Headers, full 2 ½” exhaust. runs great. $39,950.00 Steve Minkowitz (203) 606-4562, [email protected] (CA) (11/17) Florida car. $16,000 negotiable, Nadine Kochinsky 247-0476 (CT) (10/17)

Reluctantly selling...

1968 Pontiac Grand Prix Numbers matching 428/4-speed. Smoke Signals cover car March 2017. Unfortunately, health issues with my left leg necessitate that I sell this rare car. Comes with GM Heritage Center documentation that only 77 of these cars were produced with this engine/transmission combination and factory air conditioning. Dark Blue Exterior/Black Vinyl Top/ Black Interior. Engine professionally rebuilt last year. Transmis- sion and brake system gone through; exhaust replaced; brand new raised white letter radial tires. Features include: PS; PB; PW; A/C; Cordova Vinyl Roof; Three 2-barrel carburetors; Rally II Wheels; Tilt Wheel; AM-FM Radio; Reverberating Speakers; RH/LH Visor Vanity Mirrors; Remote Control Outside Mirror; Tinted Win- dows; Cornering Lights; Map Lights; Bucket Seats; Dual Exhaust; Electric Clock. Car comes with: original window sticker; PHS Documentation; information on original owner and partial ownership history; zippered notebook with materials on car’s history. This is one fun car to drive! $42,000 Alan Ziglin 770-352-0801 (no calls after 10 PM EDT, please) or [email protected]

82 SMOKE SIGNALS •SEPTEMBER 2017 FOR YOUR PONTIAC GLASS: 1930-1980’s Windshield Examples Side & Back Glasses Some Smoke Grey Windshields Now Available $99-$129 Orig. Green or Custom Grey $299 67-80 $99 Trans Am - Firebird $189 Bonneville, Catalina 64-72 Temp. 1 Piece Also Available LeMans - GTO HT 55-57 Full Size Cheiftain, Star Chief,Grand Prix Assembled Side Set Glass Packages LeMans, Safari, Full-Size Available Examples: GTO - Tempest 55-57 HT or 2 DR Sed. - $589 Firebird - Trans Am 55-64 Full-size Windshield, Back glass DR, Vents, QTRS HT & Conv. - $829 55-57 Safari 2 DR Sed. - $369 CALL FOR Windshield, Vents, Doors 4 DR Sed. - $399 YOUR PACKAGE Sliders, Quarters, Tailgate $950 POWER VENT ASSEMBLIES POWER WINDOWS FULL-SIZE $359 Complete with correct $499-$729 MOTOR ONLY Easy to Install! switches, wiring harness, conduits & instructions COMPLETE Bolts up to the same holes WITH GEAR used for the original Regulators & all parts $139 ea. manual vent regulator sold separately BRAKES 40-57 Pontiac Full-Size 64-72 LeMans, GTO 7” or 9” SINGLE OR Front - $299 & up DUAL BOOSTERS Rear - $329 67-69 Firebird AVAILABLE IN Drilled & Slotted Rotors GOLD ANODIZED Compete Changeover Drop Spindles Available OR “CHROME” Kits - $599 & up All Parts Sold Separately GAS TANKS $99 & up Stainless Steel also available - $199 1958 Bonneville 1961-64 Bonneville 1955-57 SAFARI TANK - NOW AVAILABLE Grand Prix - Catalina Firebird - GTO - LeMans Ventura - Beaumont Sending Unit 1970-76 Wagons & Straps Available RADIATORS $229 EXACT REPRODUCTIONS ALUMINUM ADD $30 - BLACK COATED ALUMINUM STAMPED • WELDED CONSTRUCTION 64-67 GTO - TEMPEST 68-72 GTO -TEMPEST DIRECT BOLT-IN: Built-In 2 HIGH EFFICIENCY 1 1/8” CORES 61-64 PONTIAC FULLSIZE Automatic Trans. Cooler Easy Installation! 1958 BONNEVILLE REPRODUCTION PARTS - CALL FOR DETAILS www.autocityclassic.com AUTO CITY CLASSIC 800-828-2212

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 83 1/18 diecast calling it: “A Tribute To One Of The Most Famous Firebirds Of All Time”. $575,000.00, contact Dr. Eric M Schiffer (248) 882-6291 9am-6pm EST (MI) (11/17) ‘68 Bonneville Conv: Factory 428, 4-speed conv. Have PHS, project car. Contact Mike Pipia (414) 581-8733. (WI) (12/17)

‘68 Grand Prix 428, 4-Speed: One of 77 ‘69 GTO Conv: New from ground up and detailed produced. Smoke Signals cover car March 2017. to show. Fresh Crystal Turquoise (original color) paint Dark blue exterior, black vinyl top, black interior. on straight rust free body. Professionally rebuilt Engine rebuilt and other work done recently. original, all matching numbers 400 with 4-speed and A/C, new tires, 3 2-bbl, loaded w/options, PHS posi. Beautiful Parchment bucket seat interior with and original window sticker. Health issue forces console. Hide-A-Way headlights, hood tach $38,500. sale, (no calls after 10 PM EDT, please) $42,000. Contact Ed Wolfe (276) 496-7728 (VA) (9/17) Contact Alan Ziglin (770) 399-0694 or email: [email protected] (11/17) (GA)

‘69 Grand Prix J: Castilian Bronze, restored and ready to drive or show. New tires, raised white letter BF Goodrich. New engine bay and trunk. Refurbished 8 lug wheels, new trim rings. AC conversion that works. 96 K miles, $18,995. Contact Rich Benolken (402) 614-5259 or email: [email protected] (NE) (11/17) ‘69 Firebird Conv: Triple black, PS, PB with original ‘68 Firebird Conv: Original owner, original 350 350HO now 455 round port heads, stainless headers 2bbl, 4-speed, PS, AM/FM, rally II wheels, manual and exhaust. 5-speed, Hurst shifter, tilt wheel, Rally top, red with red interior, 10,000 miles on rebuilt wheels, excellent driver $35,000. Call or text (631) engine, always garaged, dealer applied Ziebart 806-4977 (NY) (9/17) (rustproofing) when new $22,000. Contact Phil Vormelker (803) 257-3573 or [email protected] (SC) (11/17)

‘69 GTO: Solid, low rust, western car. Originally champagne/black, hidden headlights, power disc brakes, AC (per PHS). Currently running a rebuilt ‘71 T-37: 350/350 auto, new 4bbl, vintage air, ‘76 455, rebuilt trans and rear, many new parts. PS,PB, gauges. Detailed engine, HEI dist. and Includes orig. motor, needs rebuilt. Easy resto or Flowmaster exhaust, $17,500 OBO. Contact Joe ‘68 GTO 400 H/O: 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 H/O with have fun driving it as is. E-mail for more info and Cosgrove (772) 475-1526 or email: ds114ret@ mild cam, vinyl top, 4-spd, #’s match, power strg, pics. $15,000. Bob Strugar (518) 347-0904 or yahoo.com (FL) (11/17) power brakes, hood tach, Rally IIs with good radial [email protected] (11/17) (NY) tires, two owner car, complete frame off restoration about 10 years ago,over $50,000.00 invested, have receipts, show ready, drives like new, more pics avail, BEST OFFER OWNS IT! Contact Randy Wittig (913) 686- 4580 or [email protected] (KS) (11/17)

‘71 Firebird Trans Am Tirebird: One of nine T/A’s built by T&G Racing for BFG to promote their new tires. Three race cars and six were race car clones. This is the only clone remaining. From 1972-1978 owned by magazine editor Tom Senter. Featured in Popular ‘69 Bonneville Conv: Beautiful ‘69 Bonneville Hot Rodding and other publications. Known as the convertible, fun to drive anywhere. 428, PS, PB, “magazine car”. Have articles and PHS documents. PW, AT, 428 non numbers matching but correct In California barn from 1982-2004. Bought car in ‘68 Firebird: Jim Wangers’ Famous Black Bird. year motor. Older restoration, runs and drives great. 2004. Everything rebuilt including LS6 Chevy engine Extensive history. Appeared in several publications, Same adult owner since 1992. More pictures and installed by Senter in 1972, $45,000. Contact John promotions, posters and online forums since 1971 information available upon request, $13,500. Contact Motroni (415) 584-4986 or email: motro@prodigy. through today. In 2015 ACME Trader Co. produced a Michael Flatness (641) 822-3472 (IA) (11/17) net (CA) (11/17)

84 SMOKE SIGNALS •SEPTEMBER 2017 ‘72 GTO: WW5 455 HO, auto, project car, have PHS. Nice restoration project with very little rust, many extras $12,500. Contact Mike Pipia (414) 581-8733. (WI) (12/17)

‘73 Grand Ville Conv: Dark green w/tan interior, ‘72 Grand Prix SJ: Selling my 1972 Grand Prix white top w/new boot. 455 engine, PS, PB, auto, SJ. Complete ground up restoration four years ago. AM/FM, single exhaust. 102k miles. Very nice Excellent condition throughout. Great driver, solid interior. Good original paint, runs great, two owner 455 four barrel, triple black on black with red pin car w/PHS docs and original service records. Car striping and two tone carpeting. Original eight track cover included, $8,500. Call John Bace at (508) 655- player, hood tach. A/C blows cold. Never a vinyl top. 1708 (MA) (9/17) Have original factory build sheet and bill of sale. ‘73 Grand Am Restoration Project: I have a Recent open heart surgery forces sale. $30,000. 1973 Pontiac GrandAm restoration project that Contact Jo Petteruti (775) 217-5823 (NV) (11/17) I need to find a new home for. Three donor cars were dis-assembled to find all the parts to make a highly optioned car. Heated rear glass, 8 track, console, intact nose cone etc. I have a rust free Nevada shell that is the basis of the restoration. The 400 CID Pontiac Engine has been completely rebuilt and is ready for paint. The Turbo 400 trans ‘73 Catalina 2-Door: Car is capable of being is original and still needs to be gone through. The driven nearly anywhere (could use a set of tires) ‘72 Grand Prix: Model S 455 auto, 36K original seats have been reupholstered in black. I have a Only 54k original miles. Has an aftermarket miles. Am original owner. Anaconda Gold. Power lot of parts for this project and I would like to find flamethrower setup on the tailpipes. $3,000, Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Door someone that can take on a project like this. I have Mark Hudack (859) 608-6145 or email; Locks, 8 track player, A/C, buckets, console, a lot of money invested in this but I’m not going to [email protected] All around a great car for original window sticker. Protect-O-Plate, Rally be able to finish it. Let me know what you think. I the $$. (KY) (9/17) II wheels, dual exhaust. Must sell due to health, am willing to deal to find it a good home, $6,000. looking for good home. $30,000 Paul Coniglio Contact Don Anspach (414) 699-6039 or email: (551) 404-8553 (NJ) (10/17) [email protected] (WI) (11/17)

‘72 Catalina: 4-door sedan 400 auto, PS, PB, A/C. Arizona Gold metallic paint, nice original black ‘73 LeMans GT: Unrestored survivor car. 52,313 interior, new black vinyl top. Runs and drives great miles, factory 8 track, super clean $20,000. Contact $3,500. Contact Nancy Glueck (616) 846-0138 Tina Wolff (563) 590-8388 or email; kwtwkw888@ (MI) (9/17) gmail.com (IA) (9/17)

A First Generation Firebird Car Club

MidwestFirebirds.org

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 85 ‘73 Grand Am: Black with Oxblood interior, Blue paint draws many stares. First place restored 455, A/C, Posi. Older resto using much NOS mint Dallas Autorama 2017. Straight body panels ARZ. 1/4 installed in factory seams, NOS doors, and seams. No significant rust. Beautiful engine fenders, NACA hood, rear bumper, deck lid, much bay, interior, trunk. Rebuilt factory air cond. Well more. Ram air exhaust manifolds, second owner optioned, black custom interior. Trade for driver since 1983. No winters, stored in heated garage. condition Trans Am or Mallet Solstice? See at POCI Asking $25,000.00 Scott Sexton, Pontiac, MI nationals in July. $92,000 Mark Lignoul, (817) 269- (248)335-0805 (MI) (10/17) 5517, DFW,(TX) (9/17) ‘78 Bonneville Brougham: 4 door, vinyl roof in excellent condition. Interior needs cleaning but it also is in good condition. Parked inside in 1986 because engine “lost power”. Body is pretty nice too. Missing trim rings on wheels. $850 OBO, John Harvey, (217) 763-5691 or email: 50scars@frontier. ‘76 Grand Prix: 7,400 original miles. 350 2 com (IL) (11/17) barrel, bench seat. Second owner, clean. Asking $22,000. Mike Gabel (216) 789-4153 or email; ‘74 Trans Am: Real 2V87T4N car, which was [email protected]. (OH) (10/17) originally a 400, with a 4-speed (only 1750 made!) Now has a “correct” ‘74 455 w/TH400. 3.08:1 rear. White on white A/C car with ALL available options for ‘74 except deluxe interior. Rallye II’s, car in NC, pick up there. This is a real head-turner! $27,900. Contact ‘79 Trans Am: 1979 10th Anniversary limited David Cardella (518) 339-5531 (NY) (9/17) edition 4-speed, L78, 6.6, one owner, non-molested, 4,342 miles, full documentation, $58,000, call Gary Hoffman (517) 881-4348 for more information and pictures. Thanks for looking. (MI) (9/17)

‘77 Can Am: T/A 6.6 400, Auto, P/W, powdercoated Rally Wheels, White/Firethorne, 85,000 miles, 2010 Concours Gold, all stock, cold ‘76 Trans Am: 400cid, 4bbl, automatic, PS, PB, A/C, Every thing works, PHS docs, Can Am Registry, Ram Air, rally wheels, dual exhaust, air shocks. $23,900. Contact Gary Heicklen presidentligto@ Runs great, clean car, needs very little work, aol.com, (917) 208-7864 (NY) (9/17) $12,000. Contact Barry Gronke (605) 886-7109 ‘77 Grand Prix SJ: 68K miles, 400, automatic, (SD) (9/17) Dark Blue with Lt Blue, 1/4 vinyl top and Lt blue vinyl interior, P/W, P/locks, P/bucket seat, ‘81 Trans Am Survivor: 301 Automatic, 23,000 console, tilt, cruise, AM/FM, A/C, rear defogger, original miles, numbers matching, build sheet, PHS, original faded paint, original owner, NO rust, warranty, papers. T-tops, loaded, 1 of 4589 built, never in salt or snow, $7,000. Contact Andre original dark blue metallic paint, show quality. Car Spanjol for details (440) 647-6686 or email: won its class at the 2016 Pontiac Nationals. Very [email protected] (OH) (11/17) rare to be in this good of condition. $29,500.00 Del Copeland (641) 919-8058 (IA) (10/17)

‘76 Grand Prix: 8,700 original miles, 3-time POCI Champion. Recent A/C update, new tires $22,000. Bob Duffy (412) 427-3888 bbonnie64@verizon. net (PA) (10/17)

‘77 Grand Prix: 56,600 miles, 400CI 4bbl, 60/40 bench seat, two-tone red redone. Plush red ‘83 Daytona 25th Anniversary Pace Car: A carpet, red velour seats. I have owned the car for great example of a “preservation” Pontiac. Like 16 years and have had a lot of restoration done, new with extremely low miles but exercised both mechanical and cosmetic. I’m selling for routinely by original owner with all documents. ‘74 Trans Am Super Duty: Numbers matching health reasons, $14,500 OBO. Contact Bill Ruch 100% original throughout. Offered at $25,000 SD-455 with manual trans and Hurst shifter. 3.42 (610) 433-5906 leave message, if no answer OBO. Downsizing collection - other “preservations” posi with Honeycomb wheels. Correct Admiralty leave message I’ll return your call. (PA) (11/17) available. Larry DeLay (630) 554-2268 (IL) (10/17)

86 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 AUGUST 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 85 ‘73-’75, or ‘77 Grand Prix SJ: Contact Robert Schneider at (618) 284-6612 or rschneider@ htc.net (10/17) Low Mileage Syclone: Low mileage Syclone wanted. Prefer Southeast car. Clean Title. Sal Criscuolo (352) 242-1269 (FL) (10/17) ‘74 GTO: Looking for 1974 GTO in Sunstorm Yellow with A/C or 1978 Formula Firebird in Yellow with A/C. Contact Bob Ray (847) 561-0057 (IL) (8/17) ‘74 Ventura: 6 cylinder auto. Will pay your price. Write: William Fenzel, PO Box 541115, Waltham, MA 02454 Thank You! (8/17) ‘84 15th Anniv. Trans Am: 1 of 500-5 speeds. No engine, have all accessories, trans, extra doors, bumper...rare Pontiac worth restoring $1,500. 1981 Trans Am NASCAR edition. Has beautiful red/black Recaro seats. Very rusty with a solid ‘81 t-top body. ‘00 Formula Firehawk: Extremely rare Firehawk About everything to build a car $3,650, contact built on Formula chassis. Black cloth interior, silver John Maldari (336) 577-3519 or gtopartsrus@aol. exterior, no T-tops, A/C and automatic, chrome com (NC) (11/17) Firehawk wheels, Borla exhaust. All original car, original owner. 50,000 miles plus, all documentation with window sticker and SLP birth certificate, $45,000. Contact Joe Boaz (325) 721-4381 or email: [email protected] (TX) (11/17) Oakland/Pontiac Cars ‘86 Grand Prix 2+2: 45,000 low miles. Excellent condition barn find in Nebraska. Very rare, low & GMC Trucks Wanted production, all built the same. Will have in Fort Worth for convention if not sold locally. $13,500 ‘57-’59 Bonneville Convertibles: Any O.B.O. Bill Walkinshaw (402) 466-5292 (NE) (10/17) condition but should be mostly complete. Would also consider highly optioned parts cars. Paying cash! Contact Frank Karabetsos (630) 330-8522 [email protected] (IL) (11/17) ‘59 Vista Hardtop: Good drivable and rust free condition. Prefer green but other color is ok. Richard Preston, [email protected] (585) 589-9928 (NY) (10/17) ‘60 Pontiac Convertible: Prefer Bonneville but will consider Catalina. No modifications - original or correct restoration. Contact Bill ‘99 Trans Am: Rare Medium Blue Metallic (one McIntosh at (610) 488-6081 or mcamci72@ year only color), 92,000 miles, auto, LS1. Base TA gmail.com (PA) (10/17) (non WS6), 3rd owner. Car is all stock with no mods, car is super clean, everything works, runs strong, ‘65-’66 Catalina or 2+2: Want two door hardtop, $12,000 OBO. Contact Dave Inman (712) 732-3372 must be straight and dry, able to drive anywhere. (IA) (10/17) Upper mid-west area preferred. Pay according to condition. Contact Tim Spitz (414) 477-6879 or [email protected] (WI) (9/17)

‘69 Full Size 2-Door Catalina/Bonneville: 2 door HT (would also consider ‘70) looking for a nice clean reliable drivable car w/o significant rust or deterioration. Older restoration is acceptable. Todd Moore (419) 589-6976 evenings/weekends [email protected] (9/17)

88 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 Oakland/Pontiac Cars & GMC Parts For Sale

Early Pontiac Parts For Sale: 1926-’32 new original Delco DR-402 cap $25. 1928-’32 (3) DR-1819 2pc point sets $10 each. 1926-’32 (10) DR-157 rotors $7.50 each. 1926-’33 (10) RX-31 or 1934-’39 “8” (5) R46CX generator 3pc. brush set $5/set. Call Wes Kumm (860) 225-1191 (CT) (11/17) ‘57 347 Tri-Power with JetAway: 1957, 347 ‘37-’70s NOS Parts Available: Large inventory Tri-Power with JetAway trans. Approx. 2,000 of NOS parts. Mostly full size, some GTO and miles on rebuild. Still in my ‘57 Chieftain. Can hear Firebird. Lenses, bezels, emblems, grilles, run. Original Tri-Power setup. Complete package stainless & diecast moldings, mechanical, starburst air cleaner to pan. Complete trans with electrical, suspension, hubcaps, switches, linkage. Photos and info upon request. $8,500, relays, motor mounts, exhaust hangers, wiper contact Todd Haas (941) 223-8033 or toddrhaas@ arms and blades, etc. High quality/fair prices. msn.com (FL) (9/17) No sheet metal. Email or call with specific ‘57 Pontiac Parts: Bumpers $200, valley covers needs. Robert Christanell, 202 Thorpe Park, $75, Bonneville gravel shields $950, Wonderbar Duluth, GA. 30097. (770) 476-4665. rccduluth@ radio set $425, door glass with frames $125, comcast.net (GA) (7/18E) defroster core $40, distributor and cap $100, NOS GM Parts: 1939 - ‘48 steering knuckle $40/ original battery frame $40, original accessory shaver pair, ‘62 $75/pair. Steering knuckle support 1939 - ‘48 Pontiac RH - ‘39 - ‘53 Olds $35, RH ‘37-38 set $200, brake drums $80, FI and transmission Pontiac ‘37 - ‘38 Olds, ‘37 - ‘39 Cad $35/each. Tie manuals $25, contact Joe Bonaiuto joebonaiuto@ rod & ball ‘49 - ‘52 $35. Wheel hubcap retaining yahoo.com or call (240) 270-7164. (10/17) clips (12) $75. Contact Larry Leist (712) 297-8631 ‘57 R/S Exhaust Manifold: GMC Casting #523538. (IA) (11/17) Cleaned & painted. Working riser. Exhaust pipe holes ‘48 Pontiac 2 door Sedan: Front seat $150; drilled for bolts. $325, contact Melvin Reed (508) Chrome around side windows $300/set; Chrome 420-2176 or email; [email protected] (MA) (8/17) spears front fenders/doors $200/set; Inside rear window trim $100/pr.; glove box door $100; Parking lenses NOS $50/pr.; Door handles $25/ea.; Oil bath air cleaner $50; Head lamp trim $50/pr.; Tail lamp housings $50/pr.; Water pump/generator $100; Rear springs $100/pr. Dale Pedersen (608) 214-9500 (WI) (7/18E) ‘51 Pontiac Clock & Speaker Grille: Chrome looks good. Clock doesn’t seem to work, $75. Contact Dennis Donaldson (319) 217-0788 or email: [email protected] (IA) (11/17) ‘58 Bonneville Parts: Including stainless trim, moldings, chrome, interior parts, body parts, wiring connectors, and other parts for sale, most in very nice condition. Contact Robert Grossenbacher, for a complete listing, email 1958.Pontiac.Bonneville@ gmail.com (608) 522-4998 (WI) (9/17)

‘53 - ‘59 Taillight Lenses NORS: ‘53-’54 Pontiac. ‘55-’56 Pontiac (less trim). ‘59 Pontiac (except Bonneville). $35 pair. Dennis Klubertanz (715) 732-4647 (WI) (9/17) ‘56 Pontiac Parts For Sale: Exhaust elbow for ‘59-’63 Full Size: Power steering pressure hoses dual pipes $65. Grille parts, rear bumper guard for full size Pontiacs. These new hoses are exact $100. Lighted hood ornament $350, stainless steel reproductions of the originals that I tooled up molding for fenders $100, trunk lid $100, trunk for because I couldn’t find any originals for my lid and hood molding, oil bath, door handles and own restorations. Pressure Hose $85.00, Return much more. Call Marvin Dunnahoo (501) 888-8084 Hose with clamps $15.00 plus shipping. Martin (AR) (11/17) Hirsch (845) 753-5025 (01/18E)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 89 ‘60 Pontiac Ventura: 2 door hardtop, extremely rusty, for parts. Car has a clean title card, data plate and paint code plate. Contact Danny Brendel (612) 723-4325 (MN) (9/17)

‘64 parts for sale: Pontiac full size AM/FM Radio $750, Restored Tri-Power air cleaner $875, Restored 8 lug center caps $400, Restored 8 lug Slim Jim Transmission: Model #10 fits 1961 -’64 trim rings $400, Rechromed inside door and Catalina, Ventura and Grand Prix. Rebuilt, no miles window handles $85 pair, Taillights $300, Reel on it at all $400 or best offer. Contact Vincent Cala out trunk light $100, Front fender mouldings (716) 649-7294 (NY) (9/17) $80, Horn ring with cap $85, NOS Ignition switch ‘62 Catalina Parts For Sale: One set of headlight $100, NOS Horn cap $100, NOS Headlight switch bezels, grilles, taillight housings (need repair), set $75. Greg Spreitzer (440) 254-4642 (10/17) of rechromed back-up lights, set of seats and a Super Duty hood scoop (needs some work). Prefer to sell as a package, $1,500 OBO. Call Curt Greene (330)219-8370 (NC) (11/17)

‘64 Catalina Parts: 1964 Catalina 2-Dr Post Hardtop, West Coast car from mountain region, did see snow. Solid sheet metal, rust hole behind driver’s rear tire on lower quarter. 2 spots in floor pan, solid frame, no trunk lid, no trunk floor, ready for fuel cell, good glass except windshield. No brakes, no title, have more pics, could transport, depends where. Phillip Rauch (414) 614-0275 or ‘63 Catalina Aluminum Hood: Needs some email; [email protected] (WI) (9/17) repair $1,200; aluminum fender (left) needs some work $1,200, ‘63 Super Duty aluminum collector #9772354 right side $250.00, ‘63 Super Duty aluminum collector contact for stamped steel headers, right side. Has some welds that need to be cleaned up, no cracks so I don`t know why it was welded on, $250.00. Ken Colacino (917) 660- 5804 from 9am to 9pm EST (NJ) (9/17E) ‘65 GTO Fiberglass: 2-piece front end, 6” cowl scoop, no cracks, all the hard work done. Ready to bolt on, price reduced $699. Contact Mike Long (937) 689-3300 (OH) (9/17E) ‘65-’68 Full Size Pontiac: Ring and Pinions (2.41, 2.56, 2.73) $50.00, Differentials (open) $40.00, Drive shafts (Cata) $70.00 (Bonn) $90.00, Upper Control Arm $10.00, Lower Control Arm $15.00, Axles $75.00, Rear and Front Brake Backing Plates $15.00ea, Front Spindles $25.00ea, shipping extra, call Pete Lungulow (419) 865- 7858 or Email [email protected] (10/17) ‘64 Grand Prix/Catalina: Aluminum dash inserts. These are brand new C-N-C’d out of the same thickness as originals. $49.00 + $8.95 shipping, state which set you want-4-speed console or automatic console with the window for ‘65-’66 421 Emblem: Console/finger guard shift indicator. Contact Doug Pauschert (262) 496- emblems for ‘65, ‘66 big car Pontiacs. Newly 1557 (FL) [email protected] (5/18E) reproduced, cast in white bronze and chrome

90 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 plated. The Quality of these pieces is very good/ to 495, M-22 stock eagle Rods in box 96 13 15 excellent. $180 each, Email or call John Berglund 6x-8 Heads, ceramic coated headers, rope seals for your needs. Thanks. (559) 790-9271 or in factory container, please get off couch and call. [email protected]. (CA) (11/17) Larry Yates (815) 932-2493 (IL) (10/17) Pontiac Parts For Sale: Fluid glass bottle and ‘68 Pontiac Full Size: Hood $250, trunk $50, bracket new cap $85. GM AM/FM 8-track working three front bumpers $100-$250, rear bumper when removed $125, GM chrome console tach NOS $50, rocker trim $100. Call Ron Himes (330) 698- $150. ‘65 parchment passenger door panel $35. 4316 (OH) (9/17) New right and left 2-door post panels ‘65 $40/pair. Two sets right and left grille panels ‘65 GTO $25 each. GTO hood fair condition $150 you pick up. New 2-door post window felt $45 buyer pays shipping. Call Paul Powell (904) 940-5235 (FL) (11/17) ‘66 Bonneville/Grand Prix: Original rear seat covers (upper seat cover includes center arm rest) $75.00 set, engine starter $45.00, 55amp alternator &30.00, Carter AFB $50.00, call Pete Lungulow (419) 865-7858 or e-mail: lungulow@ Phillips Muscle Car Parts: We have over 30,000 aol.com. (OH) (11/17) NOS GM muscle car parts and thousands of Used parts for the 1960s - 1970s. Specializing in Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Firebird, GTO, ‘68 Grand Prix Steering Wheel Complete: Has The Judge, Chevelle, Camaro,RS, SS, Z-28, Trans some scratches and the top section has some ‘67 GTO Grab Bar Bezel & Lucite: Chrome is very Am, Cutlass, 442, Skylark, GS, Grand Prix, Monte separation. $150.00 plus $24 shipping. Also fits nice. The lucite has the silver showing through a bit Carlo, Nova, Impala, El Camino, Corvette, LeMans, ‘67 models. Color is turquoise or blue. Contact in the left lower corner and there is a fair scratch Bonneville, Catalina. To search by part # go to; www. David Gipson (618) 344-0739 (IL) (10/17) under where the grab bar would be, probably phillipsmusclecarparts.com To see our inventory won’t notice it. Driver quality, $40. Contact Ron OHC-6 Parts: New and used for ‘66-’69 Firebirds, video go to; https://youtube/029futPR9jM Parts Tempest, LeMans: camshaft $195-$425, motor Maurer (712) 229-1974 or email: ronmauer2@ shown by appointment.We ship nationwide, gmail.com (IA) (11/17) mounts $175, followers $12.75, fuel pumps PayPal accepted (918) 745-0784. (OK) (10/17E) $70, oil pump kit $80, water pump $150 plus ‘68 ‘72 GTO LeMans Parts: Engines, rearends, Engine Parts: Three 1970 455 YH Block and much more. ‘The OHC Source”, Jerry Woodland interior, sheet metal, glass and trim. Contact Crank, 1971 455, 1972 455, 1973 455, 1974 455. 11361 N. 2000 E., Richmond, UT 84333 Ph (435) Mike Pipia (414) 581-8733. (WI) (12/17) Two complete 1973 455, 1970 455, HO stroked 258-5660 (9/17E)

ATTENTION CAR ENTHUSIASTS: Home built for the life of endless comfort and garages built for the car enthusiast. Nestled in the Poconos. At the end of a cul-de-sac, for complete privacy. A dream house, high ranch, multiple upgrades, heated tile floors, full house generator, 8 person outdoor hot tub, the list goes on. Two out buildings: 28’x32’ two story, and 32’x32’ two story, so bring your cars, or create your own workshop. Ideally separated from living quarters, on 1.5 acres, with private road. N.E. Pennsylvania. Asking $339,000.

Contact POCI members Bill & MJ Diehm 570-575-0097

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 91 ‘68 Bonn. NOS Rt. Front Fender: I paid $300 for fender in 2001. Asking $375 or best offer. Leo Cummings Jr. (703) 866-9707 (VA) (10/17) ‘68 GTO Hurst Shifter: Competition/Plus 4-speed. Not rebuilt, but cleaned, complete, and works. Stamped 3188 and 7 7A3. Shift rod not included. $250 plus shipping. Contact Terry Lewis (651)303-1676 (MN) (9/17)

Taillight Assembly : ‘69 Pontiac Wagon right and left good used tail light assemblies. $30 pair. ‘71-’72 Luxury LeMans Fender Skirts: 1971- ‘80-’81 Phoenix used right taillight assembly. ’72 Luxury Lemans fender skirts. In very good Nice lenses. $19 Dennis Klubertanz (715) 732- condition with all moldings and hardware and 4647 (WI) (10/17) weatherstripping. Asking $140.00. Call Larry Parker ‘70 400 Engine Parts: 2-barrel intake and carb at (708) 373-0034 (IL) (11/17) $200, 2 heads $300, exhaust manifolds $150, timing chain cover $80. 1965 8-lug wheels and drums - 5 of each $900 OBO. Contact Joe Gregg ‘69 Firebird: NOS 1/4 panel 2-door coupe, right (302) 598-7159 (DE) (9/17) side This panel had poor indoor storage. It had ‘70 455: .040-over, forged pistons, 4X heads w/ surface rust on inside and outside of panel, I new valves. Performer RPM intake, Scorpion sanded, bead blasted and stripped all factory rockers, ported and gasket matched, Comp primer and it cleaned up well. There is some slight XE262H-10 cam. Running on test stand $5,200. pitting that would fill with a good grade primer/ Contact Joe Tutino (845) 986-4607 (NY) (9/17) surfacer. No filler needed. Very straight. This panel ‘72 Catalina 2-Door: Complete dash with mint is crated and ready to ship. Genuine GM part, I have pad $100.00, grilles $75.00, trunk $75.00, drivers lots of before/after pictures, $975. Alan Koberie fender $125.00, rear bumper $75.00, radiator ‘73 Super Duty Intake: Aluminum SD intake (608) 836-7956 (WI) (11/17) support $125.00, hood $75.00, doors $100.00 manifold. #485640 Non-Production Alum intake, ‘69 Firebird: NOS grilles #546169 and #546170. each, seats front & rear $100.00, side glass all was this the intake intended for the SD T/As? $100 for both plus shipping. Contact Clayton Horrick $100.00. Have more, call Howard Robbins (413) Might be NOS. $2,500 contact Ken Colacino (917) (530) 529-0824 (CA) (11/17) 627-6775 til 11 pm (MA) (9/17) 660-5804 from 9am to 9pm EST (NJ) (9/17E)

92 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 cover w/ grilles for ‘77-’78 T/A $100. One rear ‘39-’40 Series 25 or 26: Looking for fuel tank. bumper cover for ‘77-’78 Firebird or T/A $50. According to my parts list both are the same. Call Jim Seymour (315) 543-2411. (NY) (9/17) Identifiable by filler tube on driver’s side of car. Pontiac & GMC Parts: Pontiac dual quad Contact Rich Benak (847) 297-8695 or email; intake (P-22) $350. ‘78 GMC Jimmy transfer [email protected] (IL) (9/17) case, auto trans $350. Contact John Tsaklis (978) ‘55 Pontiac Parts: Block Assembly Headlamp 815-7458 (MA) (9/17) Wire Junction Group 2.560 RH 520947 LH Parts For Sale: ‘78 TA complete steering 520948, Seat shells NOS or excellent used, column/steering wheel $350; ‘69 428 YH block prefer green, Tissue Dispenser Group 9.500 $450, crank $350; ‘60s-’70s QuadraJet carbs; #984926. Call Barry Zalesky (561) 735-9351 or ‘68 RAII round port heads 96RA $2,500; cyl. Email [email protected] (FL) (10/17) heads codes 46, 6H, 670, 66, 7M5, 64 priced ‘55 Gas Tank: Wanted: 1955 Pontiac Star Chief $150 to $400; ‘69 GP doors stored indoors 30 Hardtop gas tank. Group 3.001, part number NOS Pontiac Hubcaps: Set of 4 wire hubcaps, yrs $450 and rear window $175. Contact John 521251 - new or used. Contact James Patterson excellent condition. No curb rash. 14 in. size, (315) 652-5794 or [email protected] Tsaklis (978) 815-7458 (MA) (8/17) (NY) (8/17) $200.00 Plus shipping. Call John Andra (412) Front Grilles for ‘78 Firebird: Both front 367-8248 Leave message if no answer. (PA) grilles for 1978 Firebird - brought back from (10/17) Parting 40 years of Pontiac Parts: GTO, Trans SoCal - in very good condition. $175.00 AM, Firebird, Grand AM: pulleys, brackets, starters, Shipping will be additional - Thanks. Jerry Clark alternators, distr. exh. and intake manifolds, (309) 989-1606 (IL) (10/17) driveshafts, auto shifters, consoles, HVAC control panels, inside/outside boxes, gauges, oil filter, Oakland/Pontiac Cars thermostat housings, crossmembers, heads, ‘74- & GMC Parts Wanted up taillight housing with lens. Jerry Lee Smith (228) 355-9554 (MS) (7/18E) ‘35-’36 Pontiac Clutch: Looking for the clutch ‘56 Chieftain-Catalina 4-Door Hardtop: Pontiac Parts For Sale: I have the following pedal and frame attachment assembly from Need direction signal control (section 12, page used Pontiac parts for sale. One set of cylinder either a 1935 or 1936 Pontiac for a restoration 38 in ’56 shop Manual), driver side armrest heads #16 2.11’’ int. 1.77” exh $250. One set I’m doing. Reply to Phil Menter, 624 Cherry black pad over white bottom (see picture), 1974 Firebird taillights $50. One 1979 taillight Court, Pickerington, Ohio 43147. Phone (740) driver side door mirror. Contact Len Flaherty (right) for Firebird $25. One front bumper 400-1776 (OH) (11/17) (650) 759-4129 (CA) (9/17)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 93 94 SMOKE SIGNALS • SEPTEMBER 2017 1957 Pontiac Star Chief. Larry Street (662) 837- ‘66 Grand Prix Parking Lenses: Seeking good 7304 (MS) (10/17) pair L/R parking lamp lenses for my ‘66 Grand ‘61 Bonneville Convertible parts: Looking for Prix or a ‘74 GTO. Need photos. Dana Abbott NOS GM parts for my ‘61 Bonneville Conv. I am (281) 347-0689 (TX) (10/17) doing a frame- off restoration on. Really need ‘67 Cruise Control: Looking for a complete a radiator and some other parts. Please email cruise control system for a ‘67 Bonneville. me at [email protected] or call (419) 262- Earlier or later years may work. Contact Dave 0689. Thank you Andy Jurski. (OH) (10/17) Brown (515)554-0652 (IA) (10/17) ‘63 Catalina Parts: Looking for good rear ‘67 Grand Prix: Does anybody know where bumper, trunk trim molding, chrome taillight I can get door weatherstrips for a 1967 trims, chrome steering column clamp, series Grand Prix 2-door HT? Ames only offers ‘56 Wagon Taillight: I am looking for a ‘56 3 Safe-T-Track carrier, front suspension parts, it for a ‘67 conv., same as everyone else. wagon taillight and lenses. Contact Jerry bushings and body mounts. Steve Boyle (309) Convertible weatherstrip does not work on Demeria (306) 931-8029 or E-mail me at 314-6818 (IL) (10/17) 2-door hardtop doors. Contact Geoff Wright [email protected] (Canada) (11/17) ‘63 - ‘64 Catalina: Wheel well moldings, front (410) 822-7872 (MD) (9/17) ‘58 A/C Pulleys: Looking for ‘58 A/C pulleys for and rear. All full size models except station ‘69 Firebird: Looking for rear view mirror with engine (upper and lower), and power steering. wagons will fit my ‘64 Catalina. Please call map light. Contact Bill Baker (714) 871-1863 or Contact Troy Mayes (864) 561-2832 or email; troy@ Al Niehus at (608) 241-1840 if you have any email; [email protected] (CA) (9/17) mayesnet.net (SC) (11/17) questions or email: [email protected] ‘69 Judge: Need exhaust manifolds for Ram Air (WI) (11/17) III motor #9797072 and #9791637. Also need ‘64 Bonneville: Wanted for 1964 Bonneville. Rochester 4bbl carb #7028273. Contact Doug Lower body molding clips. Also rear upper A/C Crounse (578) 852-1597 (NY) (12/17) compressor brackets. Contact Glen Clark (239) ‘69 Ram Air Motor: Wanted to buy a 1969 WW 369-1730 (FL) (11/17) code Ram Air IV motor, block or parts. Also a Pontiac Parts: Want to buy Pontiac parts, 7029273 carburetor. Contact Mike Pipia (414) Pontiac parts cars in any condition. Also machine 581-8733. (WI) (12/17) ‘58 Speedometer: Need good working shop inventory, junk yards going out of business. ‘70 Bonneville NOS parts wanted: R.H. speedo head and face and needle etc. for Contact Jim Hackworth (865) 250-2639 or quarter panel, 4dr hardtop, #9817318. Horn 1958 Pontiac. Mine seized last week. Will buy email; [email protected] (FL) (10/17E) grilles(2) #9799798-9. Rear bumper bar whole dash cluster if necessary. Contact Daral ‘66 Bonneville Con. Parts: Need NOS or good #9796131. Rear bumper valance #9795477. Travis (807) 356-5870 (SC) (9/17) rocker mlds. Also, power antenna switch and Gas tank sending unit #6428354. R.H. Air Conditioner Mount Bracket: Looking for working clock. Contact Jon Lundby (218) 758- fender. I will be at Norwalk and Indian an air mounting bracket to put Vintage Air on 2727 or [email protected] (MN) (10/17) Uprising. Timothy Perkins tperkins71@ hotmail.com (724) 456-2141 (PA) (10/17) ‘75- ‘77 Grand Prix: Need “LJ” fender emblem. Contact Gary McGuire (734) 433-0374 (MI) (11/17) ‘82 - ‘83 Firebird: Need “S/E” sail panel emblem. Contact Gary McGuire (734) 433-0374 (MI) (11/17)

‘89-’91 GMC Emblems: Need 3 of these emblems. Contact Eric Vicker (412) 708-7886 (11/17) ‘06 - ‘09 G6: I need a Boot Cover for a 2006 - 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible, GM part number 25887153. Contact Chuck Merica (402) 731- 0494 or email: [email protected] (NE) (11/17) ‘09 G8: Rear speaker, reasonably priced, any color. Contact Earl Allen (662) 616-8680 (MS) (9/17) SEPTEMBER 2017 • SMOKE SIGNALS 95