July-August 2010
Volume Two Number Four AACA 2009 Master Editor Award
1958 Pontiac Parisienne Larry & Chipper Allen Lockwood Missouri 2 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
John Armstrong 3520 Hatter Road Lancaster, OH 43130 [email protected] 740-756-4017
Ralph N Proscia 709 Ragsdale Road Jamestown, NC 27282 [email protected] 336-454-6242 The Oakland-Pontiac Worldwide Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America promotes and supports the education, restoration Don Barlup and preservation of the Oakland and Pontiac Automobiles from its 228 Oak Road New Bloomfield, PA 17068 years of conception in 1908 to and including 1958. Furthermore the [email protected] Oakland-Pontiac Worldwide Region, its Executive Board, Officers, 717-582-3209 Committees and Members strive to support each other in caring out the Regions stated mission and goals. Gary Oakland 2113 Ranchito Lane Alpine,CA 91901 Goal 1 To provide a supportive environment and atmosphere that promotes [email protected] enjoyment for the membership and their families. 619-445-1284 Goal 2 To provide members a minimum of one annual event to include education, recreation and touring activities for the entire family. Goal 3 To provide Oakland and Pontiac members balanced coverage in a quality bi-monthly newsletter that promotes and supports the mission David Green and goals of the Region. 5020 Hutton Road Goal 4 To develop programs and activities that educates and encourages Kansas City, KS 66109 [email protected] youth participation in the antique and classic car hobby. Goal 5 To provide technical support for the restoration and preservation of members automobiles. Kurt Kelsey Goal 6 To educate members and others in the hobby of the Oakland and 14083 P Avenue Pontiac historical relationship. Iowa Falls, IA 50126-8686 [email protected]. Goal 7 To treat all members fairly, with dignity and respect for their service and contribution to the hobby. Joe Stout Newsletter Editor: Education Coordinator Rick DiGiacomco 150 South Old Mannor Road Fred Lewis 54 Pinecrest Drive Wichita, KS 67218 603 South Drive [email protected] North Scituate Marissa, IL 62257 Rhode Island 02857 . [email protected] 401-934-0663 Ray Ellis 618-295-3384 [email protected] 14 Park Road Corrimal N. S. W. 2518 Australia [email protected] 43 4 Vintage Vintage Vintage Voice Voice Voice Volume Volume Volume One Two One Number Number Number One FourOne March-April July-AugustMarch-April 2009 2009 2010 Presidents Message -
July/August
As you read this Candy and I are getting ready to attend the AACA 75 th Anniversary in Louisville, Kentucky. We hope to meet many of you as we tour together through those beautiful bluegrass hills. This issue will not be finished until conclusion of the AACA meet so you will be able to read more about the activities and experiences of our members though-out this issue. Eighteen months ago we began initial plans for our very own OPW Homecoming. These plans are Open to all OPW members and their guests. well underway and we think you will enjoy the fun We have several members who love filled educational, family friendly atmosphere of the Oakland’s and Pontiac’s but do not own one 2011 Annual OPW Homecoming Tour to be held in or simply feel it is not safely driven for what- Berlin, Ohio. Throughout the next six issues of the ever reason. Please remember you are a Vintage Voice you will read more about the engaging member and certainly welcome to drive activities we have in store for our tour guest. Yes, I do what ever you have available. Of course we mean “guest,” as you will be treated at our very first would love to see you in an early Oakland or Oakland-Pontiac Homecoming Tour. More about this Pontiac, but if one is not available drive any wonderful event can be found in this issue on page 4 vintage vehicle or even your modern car if . We have done a few things in particular to you wish. Many of our members will even encourage participation, especially for our youth and offer you to ride with them on the tour. The families. OPW family is your family and no one will be turned away. Its all about enjoying the - Low registration and activity fees. We want hobby and having fun. nothing more to have you come and enjoy the tour with us so our fees are purposefully set very low to cover our projected operating Right now you must be asking the question “what’s in Berlin, Ohio.” Berlin and the surrounding area is cost . Children 16 and under are FREE. We want to make it easier on our families as well the home to the largest Amish community in as encourage youth participation. So please America. With more than 24,000 residents, it is consider bringing a child or grandchild with double the size of any other Amish settlement. The you. This is a very rewarding way to pass the result is an experience that will take you back in love of our hobby onto another generation. - time and to a place where communion with GOD is We have planned an array of educational valued over materialistic riches. This is a large self- youth activities as well as seminars for both sufficient agricultural community where skilled men and women. - craftsmen blend their trades for the benefit of Early registration savings for any one family and others. Read more about the 2011 registering by September 1, 2010. Post mark Homecoming and the uniquely beautiful setting of your registration by Sep. 1 st and receive $10 Berlin, Ohio on page four of this issue. off the original $65 registration fee. Your See You Down the Road, registration fee includes driver and spouse. John 4 4 Vintage Vintage Voice Voice Volume Volume Four Two July-August Number One 2010 Jan - Feb 2010 Meeting Room 2011 Homecoming Tour Berlin, Ohio July 21-23 By Fred Lewis Come and enjoy touring the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Ohio, home I will begin by apologizing to the Oakland members. of the Largest Amish Community Most of this issue is on the Pontiac side. It all began in America . when Bill Adams told me about the ‘26 Pontiacs at New Bern. I thought that this would make a good Have fun on a quilt tour or maybe take story. Then Marilyn volunteered to call the rest of the in a woodworking tour and watch ‘26 owners for a story of their car. The response was highly skilled craftsman build every- unbelievable as you can see in this issue. This is quite thing from toys to beautifully hand a tribute to the interest of our members. I over crafted furniture. looked the Landvoigt’s ‘26 Hillclimber until I saw it at Have lunch or dinner at the many AACA's 75th Anniversary in Louisville. It seems that quaint villages that dot the peaceful one old car breeds another. We signed up one new country landscape. Nothing fancy member with a ‘26 Pontiac and another ‘26 owner has his in the mail. On a different note, I have only seen here, just good wholesome down one other ‘42 Pontiac when a 38,000 mile original home cooking and a relaxing pace of drives into the hotel parking lot. The 1958 Pontiac life. Parisenne on the cover is a Canadian Pontiac which of An educational experience for the en- course had the 348 cu in Chevrolet drive train. We tire family as daily seminar’s are will have a feature article on this rare car in a future presented for both men and issue. I talked with Oakland owners and Pontiac women as well as activities for our owners and both said they wanted more coverage of young guests attending this educa- their marquee. I felt like an umpire at a ball game where both sides thought I favored the other. tional event. Regarding the Pertronix ignition, I have my Spend your evenings participating in a distributor back from Pertronix and will install it as variety of games or stroll the streets soon as I send the newsletter off to press. Pertronix of Berlin as this one stop light town warned me that I must have at least 5.2 volts in order tucks in for the night. for the car to start. So, if your battery is weak or Spend Saturday morning at the huge starter drags, it may pull the voltage below 5.2 If you Amish flea market and end your tour want to try it, order part #2161 six volt negative day at the Packard Museum in War- ground. I will give a performance report in next issue. ren, Ohio 2011 OPW Annual Homecoming Tour in Berlin, Ohio **Next issue will detail the exciting seminars and other activities** Many of our members with Oaklands and early Pontiacs recall the great time we had at the 2008 NOW GO DIRECTLY TO PAGE 17 100th Anniversary Oakland Homecoming in Dearborn. AND When will we do that again? T he answer is July 21- 23, 2011 in Berlin Ohio. Save $10.00 by sending in COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM your early registration before Sept 1, 2010. Please try Before you lay it down and let it slip to do this as it will give OPW some seed money your mind needed to make some contractual commitments. 5 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010 Calendar of Upcoming Events
Special Events for Oaklands & Pontiacs July 17 - Williamsport, PA - AACA Allegheny Mtn. Chapter Susquehanna Region. Antique automoible show. Carl Bennett 570-435-3423
July 21-24 Eastern Divisional Tour - Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Hosted by Lake Erie Region
July 30 - Aug 1 - N. Canton, OH - AACA Canton Chapter Ohio Regions Summer Rally. Darrin & Danielle Troyer 330-484-5099; [email protected]
Aug. 12-14 Southeastern Fall Meet - Blacksburg,VA. Hosted by Roanoke Valley Region Use your Pontiac to make a real difference in the lives of Aug. 19-21 Central Fall Meet - Moline, IL . Children Contact us at thel Hosted by Mississippi Valley Region PontiacRegistry.com or call at 941-792-7809, Aug. 25-28 Special Divisional Tou r - Western PA & local (RI) at 401-934-0663. Eastern OH. Hosted by Shenango Valley Region
Sept. 2-4 Western Fall Meet - Cheyenne, WY. Hosted by High Plains Region
Sept. 19-24 - Michigan - Glidden Tour - Sponsored by VMCCA
Oct. 6-9 Eastern Fall Meet - Hershey, PA. Contact Hosted by Hershey Region Jerry Shaulis 211 Temple Street Oct. 24-29 South Georgia & North Florida - Beckley W.Virginia 25801 Reliability Tour-1915 & Earlier Vehicles - Pecan Region Ph: 304-252-0525 [email protected] September 9 - 11, 2010 West Dover, VT August 19- 22 Pinckneyville, Illinois A rnold Landvoigt (301) 498-0070 American Thresherman Steam Show Email: [email protected] 51st Annual Antique & Classic Car Show Pete Woodruff (419) 668-3982 Cars must be at least 50 Years Old Email: [email protected] Flathead Reunion is open to all Oaklands Pontiac - Oakland will be featured car this and Pontiacs through 1954 Year. Contact Fred Lewis 618-295-3384 6 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010 Where Fun & Excitement Begins Oakland-Pontiac Worldwide Application for Membership
************************************************************************************************************************************************* Membership Application The Antique Automobile Club of America America’s Oldest and Largest Automotive Historical Society Ownership of an automobile is not a prerequisite of membership
Name (last) ______ (first) ______ (spouse) ______ _(date) ______ Address ______ City ______State ______Zip ______ Signature ______E-Mail ______Phone ______ Make $35.00 Check Payable to AACA Mail to: Antique Automobile Club of America 501 W. Governor Road P.O. Box 417 Hershey, PA 17033 7 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
never started. I was in and out of the hospital with heart 1926 Pontiac by Bill and Barb Harris problems the next two years and also we moved during that time. We had a large garage built for the old cars and before putting the '26 in the garage I did put a battery in it and it started right up. We drove it around the block just to verify that it did indeed run (I had never tried to start it up the year before at our previous residence). The clutch was a little rough, but otherwise it ran well. I drove it into the garage, drained the radiator, block and gas tank, and there is has sat for over 20 years! Instead of restoring old cars, we spent the next 10 years restoring our new "old house"! Age and work kept interfering with antique car restoration and the years passed; other interests took over, and summers were filled with yard work and traveling and winters were too cold to work in the I believe it was the summer of 1989 that my wife Barb and unheated garage; we spent the winters working on indoor I attended an AACA Grand National in Sheridan, Wyoming. hobbies--model railroad, dollhouses, genealogy research We had entered our 1948 DeSoto; it was a great event and spending time with our children and grandchildren, etc. we met many friends, old and new, including a couple Or at least that was the way we rationalized our lack of from Virginia who also had a 1948 DeSoto (theirs got an progress on the cars, but it was probably more due to award, ours didn't, but we're still good friends!). aging and lack of interest. Lying on a cold, hard concrete As we were leaving town on our way home to Cheyenne, floor and getting my hands and hair full or dirt and grease we passed the Pontiac dealer's place of business and saw a just doesn't seem to have the same appeal that it did 40 1926 Pontiac for sale. We took time to stop for a closer years ago! look, mostly just out of curiosity (curiosity has gotten us So the years passed and we sold the Cadillac and the into a lot of trouble over the years!). We had a 1934 Model A to pay for the kids' college loans, and before we Pontiac4dr Touring Sedan at home on which we had begun knew it we realized that we didn't even enjoy the LeMans restoration several years before but never finished. We convertible as much as we used to. We decided it was also had a 1930 Model A coupe, also unfinished, a 1955 time to sell all three Pontiacs and get something that was Cadillac coupe DEVille and a 1963 Pontiac LeMans air conditioned and more comfortable to drive on tours convertible, so the last thing we needed was another and outings with the Oak Spokes club--our local chapter of "project car"! But we took down the phone number AACA. We did sell the LeMans, but we still have the anyway, and against our better judgement we called about DeSoto and and we still plan to sell the two old Pontiacs. it the next week. The car had been in the dealership Last fall we found a car we really liked--a 1959 Imperial owner's family for many years and was used for parades Southampton 4dr, similar to what we had when we were and advertising. It had never been restored although it first married. It has turned out to need much more had been repainted and the top replaced; otherwise it was restoration than we had anticipated, and will probably end all original and 95% complete, including the original Indian up costing more and taking more time than restoring BOTH Head radiator cap. We just couldn't resist, and drove back of the old Pontiacs would have!! to Sheridan the next week to get it. Somehow we're finding the energy and funds to work on We had good intentions about restoring it because we the Imperial and we're looking forward to having it thought it would be an easier restoration than the other finished, but that's another story for another time.... cars we were working on. But somehow restoration on it 8 6 Vintage Vintage Voice Voice Volume Volume Two Two Number Number Four One July-August Jan - Feb 2010 2010
1926 Pontiac by Bill and Barb Harris A Tale of Two Pontiacs By Bill Adams Continued from page 7 Clark: “Old cars won’t run!”
The saga of our quest actually spanned 13 years from 1984n to 1997. Our son’s interest in old cars began in Hershey,PA and his dream was finally realized not too many miles away in Mechanicsburg, PA. In 1984 (at age 5), of all the rides and attractions at Hershey Park, he was drawn over and over and over to the car track and the old cars he could ride in or “drive” arount the course. From there, he branched out to books about old cars and Hemmings Motor News searching for first year models-either a Pontiac of a Chrysler. I, at first, balked at the idea of buying one, telling my son, Clark: “Old cars won’t run!” I soon relented and we chose to look for a Pontiac. My dad had driven Pontiacs since 1950. Overall, he owned nine until his death in 1998. I still have two of his cars, a 1978 Catalina Landau and a 1989 Bonneville. Clark found a 1926 Pontiac Coupe advertised in Hemmings Motor News in the spring of 1997. The ’26 had just been sold when I called. I told the seller to tell the new owner to call me if he ever wanted to sell it. Six weeks later, I cot a call. The coupe had actually turned out to be a 1927 and the owner had decided to sell since he wanted a first year (1926) model. We purchased the ’27, thinking we may not find a ’26, in June of 1997. These coins representing Pontiac Value My son still wanted a ’26 and kept the search alive. are part of the 1926 Pontiac radiator shell I called Don Barlup, to see if he knew of any for sale. Don had one he had purchased from Joe Stout and offered to sell it. We went to see the car in July of 1997, purchased it and began a long restoration process. The car was complete, but some parts were not original – rear fenders, carburetor, and speedometer. We located and purchased fenders from “Easy Jack” & Sons in Kansas and other parts from vendors and Hershey swap meets. The ’26 underwent a frame-off restoration by Applewood Motor Restorations in West Virginia – new paint,upholstery,top, etc. There had been some leaks in the rear section of the top, so most of the wood was replaced. We were unable to find gray corduroy upholstery fabric, so we decided to use gray Bedford cord form Bill Hirsch instead. 9 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
“Yes Clark, old cars will run!”
We had not planned on the car to be in an AACA judged It has been on more than a dozen NC Region Horseless show at the time of restoration – just a driver and/or tour Carriage Club Tours covering all terrains from the car. However, it looked nice when finished and we decided mountains to the coast. Having the cars has been a great to enter several local shows and an AACA National Fall father/son experience. We have met a lot of nice folks and meet at Hershey,PA in 2003 where it was awarded a made many new friends along the way - ’26 &&’27 owners, Second Junior. Over the last few years we have had the other old car lovers, parts vendors, restorers, and car club engine rebuilt along with the vacuum tank. This past year members. Since GM dropped Pontiac from its product the transmission and ignition switch were rebuilt and a few line. I am glad that we chose to preserve an important part other minor repairs were made at Reinholds Restorations of Pontiac history. The best part of driving a first or 2 nd in Reinholds,PA. The car received its First Junior award in year Pontiac are: you enjoy the scenery more when April at the 2010 AACA national Spring meet in Charlotte, traveling at slower speeds, you receive a lot of waves from N.C. Although I was not crazy over the idea of having an onlookers, and you get to enjoy their amazement when old Pontiac in the beginning, I have to admit that I have they realize that they are seeing an old Pontiac. enjoyed having both the ’26 and the ’27. The “27 is Sometimes fathers must “eat their words”, primarily a touring car. so: “Yes Clark, old cars will run!” 10 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
For the Ladies of the Club (Continued from May-June) By Nancy Ford
I love to drive! I know there are other ladies that enjoy the feeling of freedom and control when you are behind the wheel. When we found this article from AAA Motor Motion Magazine , January and February 1926 issues, I wanted to share the account of Mrs. A.B. Waite and her spunk and grit to take on a trip that Brave Men Said, “It Can’t Be Done.” I hope you enjoy this peek into pioneer motoring and this female’s trip across the southern United States, in the winter!
And there were people tramping the desert – broke – penniless. Daily I gave them a lift and daily I was warned E L PASO is a fine little city. Hadn’t left the car three not to do it. I learned of life from a different angle from minutes, though, before it was robbed of everything I’d left which I’d ever viewed it. Some were simply bumming their unlocked. way – a very few. I never have had any sympathy for a I met some people there, too, that I’d like to know well. “bummer,” and they got no help, but ‘tis a queer, fearful, One was a cattleman who a few years ago was a millionaire. stingy person who can pass real need in the desert. The drought had bankrupted him – yet he could laugh and be The daily driving toward the west was giving me a left gay and he’s game to start all over again. As he says, “That’s cheek and a left hand of deep brown tan, while the right the spirit of our Southwest – to be game!” cheek and hand retained their normal color. I looked like a The great Southwest in a grip of a two-year drought half in half. The desert winds broke open my lips and made wrenched the very soul of me. The lack of rain had extended them bleed worse than any State o’ Maine ice storms and my the desert region to a full thousand miles. skin, dried out by the alkali in the air, grew rough and scaly. Daily through New Mexico and Arizona I saw groups of The water wasn’t fit to drink or to wash clothes in. Anyhow, dead cattle numbering eight – twelve – fifteen. One solitary I didn’t get enough for the latter unless I used that which I beast had evidently trailed for water as long as his legs could had already bathed in, sponge baths being my limit. I missed carry him and as he fell his long neck stretched out to the dry my Rexall Chocolate Malted Milk, for a couple of them bed of the wash as if his heart was broken. No water where usually makes up my noon-day meal. One awful drink I got his last hope had led him. in Alabama; the chocolate was sour and stung my tongue, the canned milk was old and warm. I bet there was whiskers of mould inside that can. 11 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
But I drank it because I was discouraged and thirsty. If At various bulges in the trail I was asked by accessory I had believed in the power of such things to create disease, dealers if I had any old tires to sell. “I’ll give you a new one I’d been dead before morning. at half price for an old one.” “Why?” said I, “I don’t Every night I wrote to my Honey. While experiences ‘savez.’” “Well,” said he, “people come along with only a were fresh I jotted them down and sent them on to San Diego. dollar, mebbe. They want a tire to get to the next town. They They were still there when I arrived, waiting for transporta- want a dollar’s worth of tire. So I swap as I get a chance. I tion to the ship. My old pal didn’t know I’d even left the East doctor up the old ones and I sell ’em for 50¢ up. I knew Coast. you’d not carry a very bad one, because you are a woman and The great Southwest fools the eyes of mortals so fre- won’t take a chance like a man who’s got the strength to shift quently that I shall never again give them the full credence I ‘em!” (I never had a tire yet that I didn’t get the last possible once did. Often I have put on the brake, thinking I was going mile out of for the sheer fun of seeing how many miles it had down hill, when as a matter of fact I was climbing a fairly in it, but of course he couldn’t know that!) steep grade. I have looked at a landmark, judged it to be 14 Tires from 50¢ up! miles distant, and I’ve traveled 53 to reach it. Prairie towns One night that I spent in a camp, a big Oklahomian with distant 12 miles at dawn or at sunset have seemed close a generous supply of youngsters, hens and such, had the enough to “run over” to. cabin next to mine. He was already at work on his two cars The mountains looked mighty good to me after the days when I came out from my shack in the morning. His worn of travel over the wide, limitless barrens of west Texas, but red plaid shirt was open at the front and his hairy chest some of them scared the wits most out of me. For instance, bulged as he swung his arms. He was unshaven and un- that narrow trail via Bumble Bee up through the Black combed, but he was clean. Canyon in Arizona, where you may be able to sight a ma- “Hello, outfit,” says he to me in a voice so big it bellowed. chine miles away high upon the mountains, winding down I looked around to be sure that ‘twas I he meant, and then the grades in hairpin curves, and then not see it again until sang out: you meet, radiator to radiator, someone backing up or back- “Hello, friend! Top o’ the morning to you.” ing down where there is room between the wall above and As we swapped conversation there came up on my right the gorge below the pass. a dapper young man as carefully groomed as if he’d stepped That low gear of B. B.’s that I’ve sometimes cussed in city out of a Fifth Avenue tailoring establishment. He presented traffic where I’ve been in a hurry to get along, I sure me with his card and pointed to my Massachusetts license. appreciated in the mountain country. How royally it He, too, was from my State, and we found that we had mutual friends. Verily, wherever we are, it behooves us to controlled our speed on those steep, narrow pitches and behave ourselves. There’s always someone around who around those short curves, and how unflinchingly on that knows someone that we know. same low gear did she take even the 23 percent grades that There was some difference in the salutations of the East reaches up and up and up again and of the West, wasn’t there! I sure did like “Hello, outfit,” astonishingly much. O NE of the roads to the Grand Canyon was blocked with I entered Los Angeles in a cold wave that brought snow snow, but there’s always a way to get to any place, and I to the back country – yes – snow in this land of sunshine. found one here. When I caught my first sudden unexpected One more day over beautiful roads, and I reached San look into that vast, colorful canyon, it seemed as if I’d never Diego. My soil-spotted suit I sent to the cleaner, my oily, be able to exhale again. The Grand Canyon is one of dirty head I passed over to the shampoo lady, my finger-nails Nature’s master symphonies. I didn’t stay at the hotel. I were manicured and my two assorted cheeks were made to didn’t want to. I preferred one of the rough wooden shacks match, although it took time to do it. My leather bags that out in the woods where I could hear the stir of the pines and the sands had worn to almost white were dyed and redressed, peek through the cracks into the night sky, even though it my shoes were reheeled and soled. Dear old B. B. was was so cold the water had to come out of the radiator and the washed and polished and alemited, she was given one-half of price on the cabin was the same as for a perfectly comfort- a new brake band, was freed of carbon and her valves were able hotel room. ground. The Mojave Desert furnished rough traveling. I’d have The steam engines that go from coast to coast have had a much better route via the Yuma – but I knew I’d see repeated and continuous overhaul, but little old B. B. is first that anyway, and the Mojave had a distinct lure for me. In cousin to the brooklet that goes on and on forever, a-singin’ places it looks as if there had been an attempt to lay a as she goes. macadam road and that the desert had felt insulted and revolted against being tamed. It was full of chuck-holes and Continued on page 16 upturned blocks of broken clay. 12 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
Nellie is a 1926 Pontiac Coupe, Series 6-27, and Model 6640 with ID number 18190-27, engine number P18406, and body number 4668. Elke and I purchased her from Glenn Keudell of Warren, Oregon. His father purchased this 1926 Pontiac to restore and display in his showroom for the Silver Anniversary of Pontiac in 1951. The news letter has a picture of our Nellie Nellie by Jim Martin proudly sitting next to a 1951 Pontiac, 4-door sedan on his father’s dealership floor. We live in the heart of “Pennsylvania Dutch Country,” in Bird-in- When we received Nellie, Hand, Pa. I am a native, as my father was born and raised on a farm not her engine block had a crack in the two miles from our current home and I am 13 th Generation Hans Herr, a water jacket and she was not descendant of the oldest European settler in Lancaster County. I was running. Though about 90% born and raised on a farm in Georgetown south east of Lancaster. But… complete, she had no starter, no I transplanted my lovely bride of 40 years, Elke, from the beautiful trunk latch, Chevrolet hub caps on Baroque city of Fulda, Germany which, during the “Cold War,” was one the right side, a canvas top, and (Oh of the most important border cities in Europe. Our interest in “old” No!) she was painted two-tone stuff is quite diverse and different. Elke has a modern eye, which is brown. typical for many Germans born and raised during or immediately after Meanwhile, fellow club World War II. I. On the other hand, I am entirely the opposite because member Al Golden’s 1926 Coupe old is good in my book In 2003, a 1926 Pontiac Coupe was advertised was being restored at the Richard in the POCI Smoke Signals magazine. I left the idea of purchasing the Reinholds’ Restoration shop in car go for several months and one Sunday in the spring of 2004 while Reinholds, PA. As many thing go in reviewing old Smoke Signal magazines, I ran across the advertisement the car collection hobby, it did not again. Elke agreed to let me call to see if the car was still available and take long for word to spread that to my amazement, it was. By this time my college room mate had there was another ‘26 Pontiac in the moved within 30 miles of Warren, Oregon. I immediately contacted Lancaster area and some guy by the Fred and asked him to look at the car and determine if it still had name of Martin owned it. Mr. reasonably good wood, was complete, and worth restoring. After Reinhold (now in his 80’s and an several weeks Fred called to say, “if you don’t buy her I might be active master wood worker and well interested.” That was enough for me so I sent a check to hold the car know early model automobile until I could coordinate its pick up. We made the deal – may have restorer) questioned me at a local paid a bit to much - but because there are few surviving 1926 Pontiac car show about whether on not I Coupe’s we felt compelled to save a piece of history. “Nellie” came owned a 26’ Pontiac and wanted to home to Bird-in-Hand, PA in August 2004. know if I had any extra parts. We struck up a conversation regarding 13 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
(coincidentally??) at the same time as our visit was planned. And… Waxhaw is only a 25 minute drive from the Lowe’s Raceway where the show was held. Anyway, Nellie made the trip with us and won her AACA 1 st Senior award with extremely tough completion from a beautiful 1926 Oldsmobile and a gorgeous 1921 Packard. Nellie also won her AACA 1 st Preservation at the Gettysburg, PA show later that summer where she experienced an oil leak and had to go back to the Reinhold’s shop for some warranty work. By the end of 2009 Nellie had performed extremely well on the show field and was rested in her new home in our back yard along with (Oh No!) she was painted two-tone brown. Betsy (67’ Bonnie) and parts from our disassembled Through the conversation I recognized that Mr. 1949 Ford. This spring after a restful winter we Reinholds was interested in having an original ‘26 again trailered Nellie to North Carolina. This time it Pontiac to look at while reassembling Al Golden’s was New Bern for one of the greatest car shows I car, so… Nellie went to Reinhold’s Restoration for think that we have had the privilege to participate. her four-year makeover. For me, the most There, sitting next to Al Golden’s, Andy Wise’s, and interesting part to Nellie’s comprehensive Arnie Landvoigt’s 26’ Pontiacs, Nellie won her 1 st restoration was finding parts. Unlike Fords or Grand National award and second preservation. Chevrolets which have great part sources all over BTW – Al’s 26’ Coupe won her 1 st Grand National the U.S., 1926 Pontiac parts are few and far , award, Arnie’s a Senior Grand, and Andy’s a repeat between. A network of good friends, friends of Senior Grand National. Not bad for the very rare friends, acquaintances of acquaintances, folks occasion where there are four 1926 Pontiacs on the who become new acquaintances or friends, and same show field! the list goes on, and oh yeah I almost forgot e- I’m sure you want to know why we call her Bay, were our parts sources. A steering gear from Nellie? I don’t know for sure and our 5 year old New Zealand, engine parts manufactured in granddaughter who named her has never been able California, a starter from Junction City, Kansas, to explain why. We do know that we like the hub caps from East Strawberry, New York (where name… and it is apparent that she does also ever that is), the parts needed to repair the because she is a super show car that we feel speedometer found in a $1.00 box in Hershey, fortunate to own. and the list goes on. Then there was lots of welcome advice and assistance from Andy Wise, Bill Adams, Bob Roughton, and Dwight Ford who all helped us get everything needed to have Nellie ready to go for the 2008 AACA National Show at Hershey. Despite electrical issues that almost prevented her from starting on show day, Nellie won her AACA 1 st Junior award. In May 2009, Elke and I needed an excuse to visit our youngest daughter and the grand children in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Of course we could not leave Nellie at home because the AACA-Hornets Nest Chapter, Spring Show was scheduled 1 st Grand National Award AACA, New Bern 14 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
PONTIAC Buggy Correction and Update By Don Barlup
Regarding information on the 1908 Pontiac Highwheeler as referenced in Vintage Voice, Vol. 1 # 5 issue. Four of these exist. The one pictured belongs to the Sloan Museum in Flint, MI., not the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA. One is in upstate New York and has been owned by the same family since the 50's. Another is owned by Mark Thomas in Michigan. He recently purchased it, and its the only one known with short wheels. It was originally from Canada and was at one time a part of the John McMullen collection. For many years I owned the fourth one. It had a complete ground up restoration and is now in a private collection in Scotland. Hope this sets the record straight. Shown below are three of the existing 4 Pontiac Highwheelers
Short wheel model in Mark Thomas Collection
Previously owned by Don Barlup. Now owned by OPW member 1908 Pontiac Buggy in Sloan Museum, Flint, MI Robin Brock of Scotland 15 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
My 1926 Pontiac # 59730 by Al Golden The Pontiac’s first AACA meet was at Binghamton, NY in June of 2007 winning a First Junior Award, then a Senior Award at New Cumberland, MD in 2008 and a First Grand National Award at New Bern, NC in May 2010. Chief of the Sixes The first Pontiac was produced December 28, 1925 and introduced to the public in January 1926 at the New York Auto Show priced at $825.00. A Saturday Evening Post advertisement for Pontiac January 9, 1926 proclaimed, “To see it would be to experience nothing short of a revelation in quality car design.” Named after the renowned 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians and powered by a 186 cubic inch displacement, 40 horsepower six-cylinder L-head engine every Pontiac was labeled “Chief of the Sixes” Penelope Proserpi of Flying Hills Farm near Reading, on its radiator shell. PA remembers 1926 Pontiac # 59730 from her Pontiac was the result of the strategy of legendary childhood summer visits with her parents to the General Motors president Alfred P. Sloan to produce Saunders family of Old Lyme, Connecticut in the late automobile for “every purse and purpose” by creating 1940’s and 1950’s. Mr. Saunders operated Saunders a hierarchy of vehicles from the entry-level Chevrolet Garage, a Pontiac dealership next to the Saunders to the “standard of the world” Cadillac. Sloan family home in Old Lyme. According to Mrs. Proserpi, appointed a team of engineers to develop the Pontiac Mr. Saunders sold #59730 new in 1926 and years along with its new 6-cylinder engine to fill a $330.00 latter purchased the Pontiac from the original owner price gap between the 4-cylinder Chevrolet and keeping it to promote his business. Over the years Oldsmobile. Manufacturing and marketing were Mrs. Prosperpi and her late husband, Dr. Sergio assigned to the Oakland Motor Car Company of Proserpi, a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon who Pontiac, Michigan, founded in 1907 by Edward P. practiced in Reading, frequently visited the Saunders Murphy and acquired by General Motors in 1909. family during summer trips to New England. Built on a 110-inch wheelbase, Pontiac featured two When visiting in 1974 Dr. and Mrs. Proserpi closed models, a coupe and a coach. The nickel-plated learned Mr. Saunders son, who by then operated the radiator shells were topped with a radiator cap featuring a business, was planning to close the business because likeness of Chief Pontiac in full headdress. Standard fea- of his health concerns. They then purchased the 1926 tures included a dome lamp, corduroy upholstery, instru- Pontiac and returned it to Reading. Albert Golden and ment panel lighting, “VV” Vision – Ventilation windshield, his son-in-law Larry Goodman purchased the 1926 an automatic windshield wiper, roller shade over rear win- dow, landau bars on the leather covered top and a rear Pontiac from Mrs. Proserpi in 2005. In early 2006 view mirror. The six-cylinder engine used a timing chain Richard Reinhold and his family at Reinhold’s Restora- rather than a gear to drive for the camshaft and two identi- tions in Reinholds, Pa began the total restoration of cal cylinder heads allowing the removal of either or both the 1926 Pontiac to as new condition. Interestingly the heads without disturbing the ignition timing, since the dis- Proserpi’s took the Pontiac to Reinholds’ in 1974 to be tributor was mounted between them. An immediate sales evaluated for restoration, but never started the proj- success, 76,742 Pontiacs were sold in its first year on the ect. Now finished in Peter Pan Blue with a fairy red market. stripe, black fenders and gray corduroy seats the res- toration was completed in spring of 2007. 16 Vintage Voice Volume Four July-August 2010
Happy Motoring Continued from page 11 1926 Pontiac Coupe #72223 Can you imagine the joy of1929 the man-o’-my-heart, when from1927 the deck of his ship he saw through his field glasses on 1931 by Bob & Sylvia Roughton one of San Diego’s docks his sweetheart and his Dodge set? You can’t – unless you’ve loved somebody a great big lot!
A little note: While this was an abridgment of a larger article, I could not find Mrs. Waite’s first name and realized that married ladies of our community from that era were all known by their husband’s name or initials. Dwight’s grand- 1934 mother, even though she was very active on her own in our town, was always known as Mrs. Dwight Ray Ford and many never knew her first name. The “Blue Book” mentioned1937 was a book of maps but 1938 - 6 1938 - 8 included written directions, before road mapping and univer- sal signage was complete. Mrs. Waite had the Blue Book, we have GPS; we’ve come a long way baby! We hope you liked this trip of a driving woman, driven by love of her “honey” to accomplish her mission and made history. Happy Motoring Nancy Ford The saga of our ’26 Pontiac begins about Ed Note: 1939 1993 when an ad came up with a coupe for sale by This is a fabulous insight into cross country Charles Hunt in Fairfield, Iowa. After studying the motoring in The 1920’s from a woman’s point of view video and photos, I agreed to purchase it and then the story begins. If you would like to read the unabridged article It was a pretty decent original car other1948 than Contact: a paint job, but it was in running condition , and Nancy Ford smoked a lot. Within a year we decided to do a Box 715 complete restoration job, body off and go through Hollister, MO 65673 the1949 engine. When we pulled the rear fenders1950 off, 417-335-1188 there was a beautiful patch of Peter pan Blue under- neath. I now knew that this was one of the new deluxe’s offered in November 1926, with Mohair Upholstery and a foot operated dimmer switch. The car was finished in 1996 and we received 1942 our AACA first Junior and Senior awards that year. Since then, we have used it twice on tours and driven about six hundred miles in it on tour. We are pleased to be the caretakers of this early Pontiac . Happy . Motoring 17 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
1955
Name: ______Spouse ______
Address: ______
City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
Guests Or Children: ______Children ages:______
Phone______Cell______
CAR: Oakland: ______Pontiac: ______Year: _____Model:______
(Please include a photo of your car) Any interesting comments about your car
______
______
Pre-registration Fee:
Guest Fee $25.00 each Children under 16 years are free
Make check payable to: Oakland-Pontiac Worldwide Mail registration and Check to:
Due to contractual obligations, we are unable to provide refunds. 18 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
In 1970, I bought my first old Pontiac, a 1930 2-door sedan. I can’t remember what year it was but I was showing my 1930 at the Rank & Sons Car Show, when a gentleman asked if I knew of anyone that would be interested in buying a 1926. Since 1926 was the first year for Pontiac and the first car introduce by GM, along with the engine being a 6 cylinder (Chief of the 6’s) which wasn’t common in those years. I didn’t Marcus & Mary Borgert’s 1926 Pontiac want to act too enthusiastic. I I started working on cars when I was 12 asked how much he wanted and he quoted a years old. At that age I could take apart an engine price. I thought about it and decided to check it and use parts from another engine to get it fixed. out. He was from the Appleton area and on my I was able to fix just about anything. I went to way up to visit my daughter in Green Bay I work for a Ford dealer before I went into the stopped to see the car. Well, I didn’t see much of service. One customer I remember had 2 Fords it because it was in an old building in the corner. I and a 1940 Pontiac. He drove the living daylights saw one side of the the car and the paint was our of the Pontiac: that’s when I knew the Pontiac peeling and the running board was rooting. To would be the car I would drive. The owner of the my surprise he told me he wanted $2000 more dealership was trying to get me deferred from the that what he originally quoted me. I was in the Armed forces but every time I went by the Post business of selling cars and by my standards this Office and saw the Uncle Sam sign “I Want YOU” I isn’t the way you do business. I told him I would knew I needed to sign up. I joined the Air Corp in call him in a couple of weeks. I got into the car October, 1942 and served for 4 years as a Crew and my wife Mary said “Well did you buy the Chief working on C60 and B34 aircraft. When I car?” I told her no, he wanted more money than returned from the service I decided to go out to he originally quoted. She said, “Since you really California. I originally came from Minnesota so I, want the car, get it.” It just didn’t sit right with on my way out West, stopped in Wisconsin to say me that he upped the price , so we left. my goodbyes to family. That is where I met my I called him 10 days later and he dropped the wife of 63 years which was the best decision I price $500. I still would not buy it at that price, so ever made and I am sure glad I stayed in the through a few more phone calls he came down to area.In 1949, I bought my dealership in East the original price. I told; him I would take it but Troy, Wisconsin. At that time service was needed to find a trailer. He apparently had everything. We worked on any type of car that something going on in Madison because he asked came in and we retained many customers through me how far I was from there. He told me he to 50 years in business. 19 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
OPW Classified Classified Ads-Notes, Comments,Rules Classified ads are often a lifeline for finding necessary parts to restore and repair our Oaklands and Pontiacs. As a service for our OPW members there is never any charge for classified ads or photos. We will list cars and parts from non members to give OPW members a chance to purchase Oakland and Pontiac cars and parts. As an added bonus to OPW members, all ads will be Marcus Borgert preparing to drive a Young listed in at least two venues. They will be published in couple to their wedding in hs 1926 Pontiac Vintage Voice and will be listed on the OPW website. would deliver the car on his way down. He Consequently, we must have some guidelines came down and put the car on the street, gave 1. All ads will run in 3 issues (6 months). me an extra radiator cap and title and now I 2. It is the member's responsibility to request was the 4 th owner of this 1926 Pontiac. He an additional 3 issues. 3. It is the responsibility of the member to told me the names of the other owners and notify the OPW Editor when an item is sold or ironically I knew the second owner which was withdrawn from the market. Walter Biddle, the Pontiac dealer from Fond 4. All ads will be coded with the last publication du lac. At this point I hadn’t driven the car or Date, i.e.. 4-10 means that the last time this hadn’t seen the entire condition of the car ad will be published will be the fourth issue of 2010. until now, but I knew I would get a lot of Oakland Pontiac Worldwide Website enjoyment out of owning this 1926 Pontiac. I was really surprised on how well the car ran. I www.oaklandpontiacworldwide.com put extensive work into the exterior/interior to get it to the condition that it is in today. I Be sure to send your ads to Vintage Voice have been in many parades for 50 years, (email: [email protected]) Ralph updates the website classified ads driven couples for their weddings and following each issue anniversaries and given rides to the grandchildren an now great grandchildren which I didn’t think I would see that day. They Pontiac Parts & Accessories seem to enjoy it as much as I do. I still own the 1926 and the 1930 and I Large inventory of NOS parts mostly have the 1965 Bonneville convertible but 1935-1968, chrome, sheet metal, engine transmission, front & rear suspension, through the years I have owned 1949’s and exhaust, brakes, electrical, shop manuals 1950’s which I sold. I have taken my cars to parts books, repro parts, etc. Send style many shows and won many awards for my number (on firewall), a specific wants list vehicles. I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out and a S.A.S.E. for a fast reply. Kurt Kelsey of my older cars and have met many great 14083 “P” Ave, Iowa Falls, IA 50126 people over the years, thorough the love of Phone 641-648-9086 cars. 20 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010 Oakland Pontiac Parts For Sale Oakland-Pontiac Parts Wanted NOS 1942,46,47 Pontiac Streamliner Front Fender inner skirts group number 8.153, rear aluminum fenders for sale. part numbers 506882 and 506883 $500 for a pair or $300 each for 1942-48 25-27 Series. Richard F. Shoestock Jr Also, rear fender metal gravel deflector 44 Bonnie Lane group number 8.217, part number RH 506857 Sylva, NC 28779 Bob Chalek 828-586-5501x1119 910 Marion Avenue www.smokymountaincenter.org (2-10) Malvern IA 51551 Phone: 712-624-8885 "Oakland Pontiac Sales and Service" $125.00 Cell: 402-212-8116. (4-10) Blue and White size is 36" x 24" Greg Rue WANTED 1953 PONTIAC FOG LIGHTS Columbus, NJ ONE PAIR OF FOG LIGHTS FOR 1953 PONTIAC. ph: 609-291-0266 THEY HAVE A FLAT MOUNTING BRACKET THAT Email: [email protected] MOUNTS IN THE CENTER OF THE BACK SIDE OF THE LIGHT HOUSING HAROLD GLATZ--1-317-468-0296 (4-10 )
Wanted 1929 Oakland Carburetor Oakland-Pontiac Parts Wanted for 1929 Oakland , 2 door sedan Gary Oakland 619-445-1284 1930 Pontiac Ignition Switch It fits on top of the Email: [email protected] (3-10) coil. please call 502-533-1147 or email Dwight Hardwsty at [email protected] (4-10)
Wanted: 1932 Pontiac Fender Light's Art , Ph
Wanted: Side Mount Fenders, 1938 Pontiac Touring Sedan, especially left hand side. Prefer side mount tire. New or solid used. Also, a transmission for that automobile. Top of Bowl Ron Kiser, [email protected], Marvel Model A Carburetor 618-687-2235 . (3-10) Wanted 1929 Oakland Wanted-Early Era Oakland 1908-1915 Thermostat/hose housing (Top front of head) David MacMillian [email protected] (4-10) Thermostat,Water pump Basically all gaskets except the head (manifold, pan, water pump, Wanted 1928 Oakland front bumper with brackets thermostat, etc.), Shock straps Mark Paupore. Rebuild instructions for shocks or rebuilt shocks N355 Homestead Rd Robert Caves 650-888-2099 Vulcan, MI 49892 [email protected] (3-10) Ph 906-563-9973 (6-10) 21 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
Cars For Sale Cars For Sale 1926 Pontiac 2 Dr, Sedan No rust Wyoming Car Garaged and running since purchased (1979) 1929 Oakland Sport Roadster All orginal except top & paint $7000 Bill Harris 307-632-0165 email [email protected]
1934 Pontiac 4 dr Touring Sedan . Garaged since purchased 26 years ago Was running when purchased. Complete chassis restoration with correct wire wheels, ww tires, and reproduction Hubcaps $6000 Bill Harris 307-632-0165 Email [email protected] (3-10) Beautiful Older Restoration Excellent Running Condition. $39,000 Joe Bragantin E-mail [email protected] cell 401-247-2459 ph 401-253-7523 (4-10)
Oakland Pontiac Literature for Sale
ED Note: Art Archie has over 150 pieces of Choice Oakland For Sale 1956 Pontiac Catalina V-8 - 3 spd Trans Pontiac Literature from 1908 to 1970’s for sale. There is a Low miles $7500 Contact Gary Byers Lot of Oakland and early Pontiac items Only a few items 704-937-7370 (6-10) Are listed here. For a complete listing, email Art at [email protected] 1) 1908-10 Oakland Price List of Parts non-illustrated, (reprint) 44 pgs. $40+postage 2) 1915 New Oakland Price List of Parts, Model 37, illustrated (V/G) original 80 pgs. $85+postage 3) 1915 Oakland Price List of Parts May 1, 1915 Models 32/32B illustrated (V/G) original, 138 pgs.$85+postage Wanted for 1953-54 Pontiac right side door 4) 1917 Oakland Instruction & Price List of Parts, Oct. 15, 1917, mirrors. Underseat heater tubing, power Model 34B, illustrated (fair) original 136 pgs. $75+postage or manual radio antenna, white steering wheel, 5) 1939 Oakland-Pontiac Chassis (1927-1939) & Body (1930-1939) Two headlite buckets, original jack, windshield Dec. 1, 1938 illustrated (V/G) original 471 pgs. $85+postage 6) 1 hard cover - 75 Years Pontiac/Oakland by John Gunnell, washer, headliner top bows ,NOS window cranks Crestline Publishing (1982) - $250+postage of high quality 7) 1 hard cover - GM The First 75 Years Of Transportation Products Contact John Armstrong by Automobile Quarterly Mag. (2nd printing) 1983 $15+postage 3520 Hatter Road,Lancaster, OH 43130 [email protected] 740-756-4017 (6-10) Many, Many More - email for list 22 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010 Overdrive Mike Weiss Save wear and tear on 211 Austin Road Your engine with an overdrive Mahopac, N.Y. 10541 HUGE inventory of $1575 includes everything you need. New & used spark plugs Installation available at additional charge For antique automobiles Lloyd Young 4915 Lithopolis Rd Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-837-7832 845-628-8135
Maxwell Enamel Pontiac - Oakland Eagle 442-941-1966 (Note) This is a California Available in Plasticor phone number and is in the Pacific time Silicon bronze & plated zone. [email protected] Emblems restored with vitreous (glass) Ron Carpenter enamel to Concours Quality. 30 Years of 7671 King St enameling experience. I am proud to have Westminister, CO restored emblems for multiple Pebble Beach winners. Ph 303-428-8849
Mel’s Leather & Horsehair Mel Draper Restoration Supply Company P.O. Box 179 Jeromesville, OH 44840 Ph 419-368-3226 5182-B Highland Valley Rd. Black & Most Colors $3,75 sq. Ft. Also Specializing in Custom Made: Top Iron Brackets Wood Body Parts Escondido, CA 92025 Wood Steam Bent Bows Wood Steering Wheels Wood Coil Boxes Brass and Aluminum Castings Order Desk (800)306-7008 Powell Radiator Service Other Inquiries (760) 741-4104 Steve Powell 1277 W. Main Street Fax (760) 739-8843 P.O. Box 427 Wilmington, OH 45177 Ph 937-382-2096 [email protected] Fax 937-383-0943 Complete Radiator Service- In business www.restorationstuff.com/index.h since 1953. Show Quality Workmanship. 23 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010 The Haartz Corporation Eric Haartz Oakland - Pontiac 87 Hayward Road Vintage Top Materials Acton, MA 01720
978-264-2600 office 978-264-2601 fax [email protected] www.haartz.com/en/ 24 Vintage Voice Volume Two Number Four July-August 2010
Rick Shoestock 1946 Pontiac Stramliner OPW Members show off their beautiful period clothing
Historic Churchill Downs Arnold Landvoigt Candy & John Armstrong 1926 Pontiac Hill Climber Fred Lewis Bennie & Ralph Proscia
Ralph Proscia 1926 Oakland Jim Cohen 1911 Oakland Ron Laird 1910 Oakland OPW Celebrating 75 Years of AACA at Louisville