We have just come through the third rainiest June on record and July was up there as well. That put a damper (pun intended) on many of the car shows, cruise nights, and automotive events for Long Island. Some of the events that went on despite the bad weather saw minimal attendance figures. The upside to this? The events that occurred during nice weather had phenomenal attendance! Cruise nights that had 75-100 cars were getting 150-200 showing up! Some car shows were overflowing and spilling out of the designated areas! People were pent-up and chomping at the bit to get out there so they sure took advantage of it when the weather cooperated! Lets hope the nice weather becomes a trend for August and September!

Businesses that rely on the hobby have seen sales drop as well due to the weather (and of course the economic times). Hopefully all these things will turn around soon and lift the car hobby and its related merchants’ businesses to new heights!

(I hope for a new and better career that will enable me to do a full resto on my ’71 ‘Cuda. Hey - wanna bail me out too Mr. President? What’s another 60K for the big big bigger government? Just slap it on the pile and let the next generation worry about paying it off!)

Speaking of business: this new “Cash for Clunkers” bill that came through is a horrible idea formed by a President and political party that feel Big Brother always knows best. A party that intends to milk the last bit of tax revenue from our pockets, salaries, and savings that they can forcibly take! (I am someone who works in the auto sales biz and while it helps me, I am against it)

Here’s why the “Clunker Bill” is bad:

1) To come up with the BILLIONS they are giving out… BILLIONS have to be taken in! Simple and obvious. Where will those BILLIONS come from? You got it! YOU AND ME! Now don’t start saying – “Well they have money set aside for it.” NO they don’t!! They are already spending WAY more than they have. They have to RAISE more revenue [TAXES} to get the bucks! Another way Obama is creating the highest taxed America in history!

2) What caused the mess we are in? Hmmm? Well, besides the cheating investment brokers and the companies that are padding their own CEO’s pockets, there is the ever-present issue of DEBT! Do you hear the music from Jaws creeping in? You should! There are sharks all around us!! Debt. Debt, debt, debt. Debt caused by people getting mortgages they can’t afford, to pay for houses they can’t afford to own! All this was forced on the banks by – you guessed it! The Democratic politicians who felt it was unfair that low-income families couldn’t buy mid-income homes. DUH!!! DUH!! DUH!!

I can’t afford a mini-mansion and a lot of other things on my salary – so I don’t buy them! I buy what I CAN afford and stick to that. Eventually that debt wants to be paid off. Where does the money come from to do that?

All these bailouts – the “Clunker” one too, create more debt for the federal government and eventually that will come around to bite them in the ass just like the housing industry and automobile industry got bit because of all their loans that didn’t make sense. Mark my word. Business and sales might take off now for the better, but just like that fine vacation home in the Islands and the 20K charge-ups on your credit cards, eventually you will have to pay for it all.

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On another note: Cruise Nights (and AM Cruises) are bigger and hotter than ever on Long Island. There are more locations than we have ever had before and attendance is always growing! Some are held by local chambers of commerce to either help out those in the community or to shore up local business district funds. Others are sponsored by car clubs, and a few are independent. Some of the cruise places charge fees to get in but most of them are free. In any of these cases, a good time is to be had!

Check out the Cruise Night info section below for listings of days and locations. Be sure to check out our website’s EVENTS section for a complete listing.

Here’s the problem: Once again, people, and in some cases vendors, have shown their ugly ways and initiated situations that have resulted in the expulsion of all of those who attend and the closing of the location to vehicles. Why? Hmmm… Could it be small minded individuals with lots to prove? Won’t people ever learn? Won’t they ever stop being selfish and inconsiderate?

I don’t get it. OK – your car does a mean burnout. Wow. Must you do it where you know it will cause trouble? Don’t you have a modicum of concern about how your actions will affect everyone else and the hobby in general? I guess not. Some people have big egos, low self-esteem, and need to show off to (in their minds) gain approval from others. Well the approval is lost and so is another great location. See below for those that have shut down recently, and some new ones that have sprouted up.

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HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT Our new and revamped MESSAGE BOARD yet?

This handy networking area will be a huge benefit to those of you seeking help with their vehicles, or just with general questions and comments that can be shared back and forth with other users. I am sure most of you have been to message boards on the ‘net and found them as I did, frustrating! I am going to ensure that the one we host will be very user-friendly, uncomplicated, and easy to navigate! Just go to our website’s main page and click on the MESSAGE BOARD link. First thing you should do is register with your own name and password. This will give you access to all the features and the ability to post comments and answer questions!

When you are done with this wonderful edition of the Newsletter, go check it out!!

http://www.liclassiccars.com/forum/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1 Editor’s Introduction

2 Racing Trivia Contest

3 Cruise Night Information

4 Guest Writers’ Columns

Dennis Quitoni

Lou Refano

Sandy Kane

Dennis Kelly

Rich’s Tech Tips

5 My Car Story X2

6 The Archive

7 Editor’s Closing

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Long Island Classic Cars’

RACING TRIVIA CONTEST

Submit your entry along with your name and e-mail address to: newsletter@liclassiccars.com

This contest is open to everyone! (LI Classic Cars.com paid personnel, regular column writers, and business advertisers are not eligible.)

Winners will be notified by e-mail and/or phone.

Please submit all entries by the 30th of the month.

No substitutions of prizes will be allowed.

In the event of prize choices, winner will be given the opportunity to select the one they want.

All decisions are final and are made by the paid personnel of Long Island Classic Cars.com

Winners must claim their prizes within 30 days of contest end or forfeit the prize to the runner up.

If there are multiple correct entries on puzzle, matching, fill-in, or Q&A contests - winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries.

A few simple rules:

1) Be creative!

2) Answer by 8/30/09

Here is last month’s winning entry from Ralph Turmanti

“Eleanor didn’t mean to keep hitting things Your Honor. Its just those damned cataracts” Said her husband Wilber to the judge.

Ralph wins a California Car Duster! Congratulations!!

Here is this month’s Racing Trivia Contest…..

1) Who won the first Indianapolis 500 and in what year was it held?

2) In what year was the first road-race at Bridgehampton Raceway on Long Island?

3) What was the first NASCAR vehicle to hit 200mph on a track?

4) What was Richard Petty’s NASCAR win total in 1970?

5) What drag race driver first recorded a 300 mph speed? (not counting rocket or exhibition cars)

Go to it! Send in your answers by 8/30/09 and win the prize! (winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries received)

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“EXTRA EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!”

The Cruise Nights are in full swing! Check the EVENT listings on our website’s main page for full information.

HEY PEOPLE –WHAT GIVES!!??

Despite all the requests for controlled emotions and consideration for others, we have continued to lose cruise night spots due to burnouts, arguments, and other non-pleasant situations. The one up in Commack that took off so nicely last year and was getting big got shut down, then opened, then shut permanently again. As Popeye said: People gots ta learn ta behave!

Here are some e-mails from people about it:

Pete, Can you update ASAP this cruise in? This started 8/1 and replaces Wal-Mart Commack. Thanks, Gary

THE NEW SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE SPOT!!!

Hi guys,

Well it’s official now, the new Saturday night spot is at the McDonald’s and Bob’s store located on Sunrise Highway across from Herbee Dodge in West Islip. I received a call back from Ray Rendina who already holds a gathering there on Sunday mornings. He knows the owner of the property along with the managers of the McDonald’s and Bob’s store. After speaking with them, we’re now officially permitted to hold a car cruise-in every Saturday night starting actually last night. The location is on the north side of Sunrise Highway just west of the Robert Moses Causeway.

Be sure to email everyone you know and have them email everyone they know about the new spot!! Let’s build it right back up to where we had it at Walmart. See you there next week.

Regards,

Dave, Gary and everyone who worked on this.

REMEMBER:

NO BURN OUTS!! - PARK AWAY FROM THE STORES - PARK IN MARKED STALLS NEAR SUNRISE - NO VENDORS - HAVE FUN!!

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Sending this to you too, for cruise nights on long island, that I don’t see listed in your newsletter: sent this to your message board too……

Arlene Swenson

Friday: Hewlett Shopping Center, Hewlett, Broadway & Harris Ave., behind Loehmans & Fortunoff - contact, (516) 764-1665 -

6 to 10 pm – no motorcycles.

Friday: Lake Ronkonkoma – Raynor Park Diner, 232 Ronkonkoma Avenue

Saturday: The Pal Sports Complex, Furrows Road, Holtsville (between Nichols Rd. & Waverly Ave. – turn on J. Kings Rd. & go straight to back of the Sports Complex – lite food, music, bathrooms – 6:30 to 10:30 pm $3. Vendors: $9.

Sunday – Commerce Bank, Herricks Rd. & Jericho Tpke, Mineola – 7 P.M. www.longislandchevelles.com Rob Mirabile, Pres. 516-385-8316

Folks, if any of you have any experience with the above mentioned sites, let me know about it. How many cars attending, any fees, longevity, stability, etc.

Thanks,

Pete

2009 Cruise Night location updates:

TUESDAYS: McDonald's. Metropolitan Ave. & 69^th Road, Forest Hills, NY.

Sponsored by East Coast Car Association/Toys For Tots

TUESDAYS: Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay, NY

Sponsored by Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce

TUESDAYS: Old Key Food Shopping Center. Dogwood Avenue. Franklin Square, NY

Public Gathering

TUESDAYS: Tri-County Flea Market. Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY

Public Gathering

WEDNESDAYS: Nathan's Famous. 3131 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY

Public Gathering

THURSDAYS: Wendy’s Shopping Center. Montauk Hwy and Locust Ave, Oakdale, NY

SO LONG PONCHO…GTO 1968-72

by Louis Refano

Jake sat in his old easy chair at home and just stared out the window. He seemed a bit stunned. The newspaper headline he just read was quite a jolt. He pondered the memories of his youth, and what that all meant. He had gone on a lot of fishing trips in his lifetime, and the thought kept coming back to him: A really big one got away. His mind drifted way back to the summer of '68 and he smelled a leather jacket, cigarettes, and the rush of excitement he got when he accelerated from a standing stop. The squealing tires, the cloud of exhaust, the thin buckets. His sunglasses, his girl, his buddies, at a time when life was a lot less complicated. The Beach Boys on the radio. Bright red paint, the redline tires and the cheap gas. And the summer seemed to go on forever…

Jake turned his gaze to the driveway and looked out upon his pride and joy...his red 1968 Pontiac GTO, the one he had since new. "Lotsa good memories, old friend." Back in the day, just about everyone who was anyone, had a Poncho or talked about having one. It was the cool one, the exciting one. The Trans Ams, the Grand Prixs, the GTOs. He remembered the Indian Head that lit up on the dash of his mother's Catalina when the bright lights were turned on. The Endura nose. John Z. DeLorean. A car division that went full-throttle, kicked butt and took names. Pontiac was consistenly in third place in the sales race throughout the ‘60s. Ronnie and the Daytonas. A dynamic American enterprise that shook the culture. Now it was being phased out because of the foreign competition. He thought, what has America come to?

It’s common knowledge that as part of GM’s plan going forward, the Pontiac Division has been made a casualty as of 2011. This division, which struggled for identity in the ’40s and ’50, became a quintessential part of the car culture of the 1960s and 70s.

Arguably the definitive Pontiac was the GTO, America’s first “muscle car”. The GTO (for Gran Turismo Omologato) was introduced in 1964 and was quite a special vehicle indeed. Motor Trend summed up what made the GTO special in its first test of the '64 model. "The '389' engine isn't the only thing that makes a Tempest into a GTO," the editors explained. "Pontiac has wisely made this a complete performance package by including such goodies as stiffer suspension with specially valved shock absorbers; a seven-blade, 18-inch fan complete with cut-off switch; dual exhaust system; special 14-inch wheels with six-inch wide rims; and a heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate for gearshift cars.” For its time the GTO’s performance was astonishing for a showroom model: Motor Trend's four-speed, 325-hp convertible went from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and blasted through the quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds at 93 mph.

One of the most desirable options was the three-carb version of the 389, dubbed Tri-Power, that produced 348 horsepower. While a three-speed manual transmission was standard in the GTO, wide- and close-ratio four-speed manuals and a two-speed automatic were optional.

The car was an immediate hit in the swingin’ ‘60s as over 32,000 of the model were built, divided among post coupe, hardtop and convertible forms. In ‘65 that number would more than double. For ‘66, the squared-off styling gave way to a sexier, more rounded shape. In ‘67 slight cosmetic changes were made, but the big changes involved mechanicals…the engine now displaced 400 cubic inches and was rated at 335 hp, and a new high-output 400 with “Ram Air” (functional hood scoops) and Quadra-Jet carb produced 360 hp (the Tri-Power option was no longer available). This Ram Air motor propelled the GTO to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and hit the quarter mile in 14.6 at 99 mph.

For 1968 a more radical restyle took place, one that created my personal favorite look among GTOs. The car had a more flowing, curvaceous look to it. It looked sharp with its redline tires and Rally II (five-spoke) wheels. A new body-colored, dent-resistant hard plastic “Endura” front end added to the sportiness. Hidden headlamps were optional, as was the chrome grille surround that was standard on the other Pontiac intermediates. The rear quarter marker light was in the shape of the Pontiac spear logo. The base 400 got a horsepower boost to 350, and The HO and Ram Air 400s continued at 360 hp. But later that model year, in March 1968, Pontiac announced the Ram Air II 400, which used new cylinder heads, revised compression and a higher-lift cam to knock out 366 hp. Despite a whole slew of competition, 1968 was another solid year for the GTO. Pontiac pumped out 87,684 '68 GTOs through its dealers' doors — 9,980 convertibles and 77,704 hardtops.

The 1969 GTO was a mildly restyled '68 with a new grille texture, deletion of the familiar GTO fender badge and some interior refinements. The front vent windows were removed (as they were in most GM cars that year). Two Ram Air options were offered. The conventional hood scoop-fed fresh air system was called Ram Air III. This setup produced 366 hp on the 400 engine. Also available was the new Ram Air IV which provided air intakes in both the grille and the hood. At 370 hp, the Ram Air IV also had special heads with round exhaust ports, an aluminum intake manifold and a special cam. Hood inlets on Ram Air models had a cable-operated valve to allow closing the outside feed in the event of bad weather. Only 700 '69 GTO coupes were built with the Ram Air IV option, and only 59 convertibles carried this engine.

According to Hot Rod magazine, “A new version of the GTO makes its debut and is aimed for the 'economy' supercar market, first entered in '68 by Plymouth. It's yet to be formally titled, but the new thin-pillar coupe has all the regular GTO suspension and performance equipment plus Ram Air in standard form. A wide horizontal rear deck spoiler sets the car off, and current plans call for the first few thousand editions to be painted a special orange color."

What Hot Rod didn't know at the time was that the "new version" of the GTO they described would eventually appear as "The Judge." Though originally intended as a budget machine to take on Plymouth's Road Runner, by the time it showed up in showrooms in January 1969, it was a more expensive and visually aggressive GTO. Named after Sammy Davis Jr.'s "Here Comes The Judge" skit on TV's Laugh-In, The Judge was a parody of the muscle car, overly decorated with stripes, spoiler, blacked-out grille and "The Judge" fender decals in a ‘70s style hippie font. At the time, it was often derided as cartoonish — but there were a lot of cartoonish muscle cars being made back then. But its standard Ram Air III, 366-hp 400 V8 put an end to the laughing.

The first 2,000 Judges were painted “Carousel Red“ (which was actually orange), but after that it was available in any GTO color. The Judge option package was a true bargain as it only added $332 to the GTO sticker price, but seemed like a much pricier upgrade.

Though the Ram Air IV option was rare, the '69 GTO itself wasn't. A total of 72,287 '69 GTOs were built, with 58,126 of those being hardtops, 7,328 of them convertibles, 6,725 Judge hardtops and 108 Judge convertibles. Amazingly only 5 of those Judge convertibles were ordered with the Ram Air IV…I’d love to see one of those come across the podium at Barrett-Jackson!

The 1970 GTO continued the basic styling theme of the ‘68: the same dimensions and greenhouse, with new character line creases above the wheel openings. The headlights were removed from inside the grille surround and were positioned on either side of the smaller grille intakes. The front bumper continued to be made of the color-keyed Endura material. The base engine became a 350 horsepower 400 cu. in. four-barrel. The 400’s Ram Air III and IV continued on for ‘70, with the III once again rated at 366 hp and the IV again at 370. A new option was the 455 cubic inch, rated at 360 hp, but it made a stout 500 pound-feet of torque. The 455 was also available with Ram Air, though it wasn't part of the Ram Air III/Ram Air IV family.

The Judge continued into 1970 with new graphics including "eyebrows" along the accented fenders, and like other GTOs, it was available with the 455. As before, The Judge continued to be offered either as a coupe or convertible.

Auto insurance companies were not thrilled at the muscle car fad, which by 1970 had hit its zenith. They imposed surcharges on virtually all the muscle cars, resulting in a gradual decline of their popularity. GTO sales, for instance, dropped to 40,149, the fewest since the original '64. Of those, 32,737 were GTO hardtops, 3,615 were GTO convertibles, 3,629 were Judge hardtops and 168 were Judge ragtops.

Insurance rates stayed high through the 1971 model year and GTO sales stayed soft. The '71 GTO's styling was updated with a new front end that put the grille lower than the headlights and a new hood with twin oversize scoops on its leading edge. Pontiac's unique "honeycomb" wheels were an option for the first time, but in other respects, the rest of the car was identical to the '70 model.

The first emissions regulations took a bite out of engine performance during '71 with compression ratios dropping virtually across the board. An ongoing switch at GM from "SAE gross" to "SAE net" horsepower ratings resulted in the GTO's base 400-cubic-inch four-barrel engine now rated at 300 hp, while the 455 was now offered in "regular" 325-hp and 335-horse "HO" versions. Both the HO and 400 engines were available with or without a new Ram Air system.

The Judge was back for one last year with the 455 HO as its only engine; it wore the same graphics package as the '70 model. No one seemed to care, though, as only 374 Judges (including 17 convertibles) were built before Pontiac killed the car at midyear.

Only 10,532 GTOs in total were built during '71 with 9,854 of those being hardtops and 678 being convertibles.

The GTO was no longer its own model and reverted to being a $344 option package on the 1972 LeMans, and sales continued to plummet. Externally, the '72 was almost indistinguishable from the '71, with just an egg-crate grille texture and functional air extractors on the fenders distinguishing the car. Also, because the GTO was now a Le Mans, the pillared coupe returned to the lineup. A few GTOs were rumored to leave the factory wearing a "ducktail" rear spoiler similar to that offered on Firebird Trans Ams.

Engines were, for all intents, identical to those of '71, but emissions standards were even more stringent this year and claimed outputs dropped to 250 horses for the 400 and base 455, and just 300 for the 455 HO. Still, the GTO wasn't exactly slow, with Motor Trend getting a 455 HO to hustle through the quarter-mile in 15.4 seconds at 92 mph — still better than the original '64.

A barely noticeable 5,807 GTOs were produced during 1972; 134 pillared coupes and 5,673 hardtops.

Jake took another sip of his cold beer and thought about how in ‘72, GM killed his car; yeah they had a GTO in ‘73 on the new Colonnade platform but it was more cosmetics than anything else at that point…a paper tiger. And the Aussie-built one that came out in ‘06? Who were they kidding? Where was the soul of that one? But now they were killing his car company. The whole damn division was going down the tubes, so no chance for another attempt at the classic GTO. He had to say goodbye to the American icon who gave him such an automotive high. It was like the baseball pitcher who has the perfect game going, then walks a batter but he still has the no-hitter, then gives up a hit but he still has a shutout, then gives up a run, then gives up three more runs and finally he loses the game. That’s what it felt like. From a perfect game to a loss. That’s what happened to Pontiac from 1968 to 2008. Who needs another new GTO, he thought. It would never be the original anyway. He smiled to himself and cherished the memories of his beloved Poncho, planning his next fishing trip up in the country.

Sources: Edmunds.com, Cars of the Sizzling ‘60s by James Flammang at the auto editors of Consumer Guide, Cars of the Sensational ‘70s by James Flammang at the auto editors of Consumer Guide.

(Lou, awesome read my friend! Nice character story too!) Pete

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Car Shows for a Cure

by Sandy Kane

It started as a dream in the summer of 2005 – to find a way to make Long Island more aware of Prostate Cancer and the need for an annual PSA test for early detection, in which case the cancer is usually is curable. I know the test works because the test and early detection saved my life in 2004!

That dream morphed in the first Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure at Fireman’s Field in Merrick in September of 2006. Starting from scratch we had 125 exhibitor cars, provided 65 free PSA (blood) tests for the early detection of Prostate Cancer and caught one case.

The 2007 show, held in September in Hauppauge, drew 210 exhibitor cars, 205 PSA tests and five cases caught. We had a showcase of “exotics” from Long Island Collector Car Garage, a lot of great exhibitor cars and great entertainment.

At our 2008 show we beat out the weather (Hurricane Ike blew through the night before but our blacktop field was bone dry and puddle free when the first exhibitor cars arrived. The show was held at our now permanent home at Capital One Bank at the intersection of the Long Island Expressway and Route 110 (Exit 49 North). We had 350 exhibitor cars who showed up, starting at 6:00AM, and filled our exhibit space with a lot of great old iron. We also did 210 PSA tests and caught five more cases. Our vendor/sponsor pavilion had the Ferrari Maserati dealer bring out a display of their cars and one racer and our vendors provided a shopping diversion and entertainment for the kids.

Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure 2009, to be held on September 13^th (no rain date) once again at Capital One Bank, promises to be even bigger and better. Our all blacktop parking area lends itself to exhibiting cars, our great food (with a new food concession and expanded menu) will satisfy any appetite and our vendor area provides a bit of shopping… and what would Sunday be without shopping?

Most important, South Nassau Communities Hospital will once again have their portable lab facility set up to provide free PSA testing for every male present. The hospital staff is looking forward to greeting many familiar faces, as many of the men use this as their primary annual test while others use it as a backup/checkpoint test and come back every year.

Long Island Cruizin’ For A Cure is a Not-For-Profit New York State Corporation and an all volunteer event. We are always looking for volunteers, so if you are interested please call 888-LICRUIZ and leave your name and phone number or send me your information via email info@licruizinforacure.com. Visit our website www.licruizinforacure.com to learn more about the show and check the NEWS page to see a pictorial history of the past three shows.

All of the proceeds from the event are donated to a program being implemented by South Nassau Communities Hospital that will provide free PSA testing (for the early detection of Prostate Cancer) here on Long Island

Bring your car out (any kind of car, fire apparatus, truck, hot rod, exotic, foreign) on September 13^th to the Capital One Bank building and help us in the fight to beat Prostate Cancer.

(Sandy, we all appreciate the great effort you put forth in creating these show for the benefit of all.) Pete

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Vanderbilt Lives!

by Dennis Kelly

The first international auto races in America were conceived and sponsored by William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., heir to a railroad fortune and scion of the Eagle’s Nest mansion in Centerport. Beginning in 1904, these races featured the most exciting drivers of the era, including Louis Chevrolet (France), Vincenzo Lancia (Italy), Camille Jenatzy (Germany), Joe Tracy (US) and George Heath, the winner of the first race for France. They attracted crowds of over 200,000 who came to see American cars challenge the best from Europe on the farm roads of Nassau County. The currently held 2^nd Annual Vanderbilt Autocross and Concours De Provenance and the 6^th Annual Centennial Celebration of the Vanderbilt Races commemorate these historical races.

The 1909 Alco-6 Black Beast Racer, the winner of the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races and a participant in the first Indy 500 Race, was the feature attraction at the 2nd Annual Vanderbilt Autocross and Concours de Provenance held on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Roosevelt Field Mall. This event marked the first time the restored Alco-6 was seen, heard and driven on Long Island after being in Europe for 21 years. Guy Frost, Executive Director of Vanderbilt Cup Races, Inc., was thrilled to have the Black Beast racer in this year’s program. Howard Kroplick, the new steward of this automotive legend, took every opportunity to demonstrate his rolling piece of history for the growing crowd as part of this year’s Autocross program.

While the less than favorable forecast kept some pre-registered entrants from attending the July 26^thevent, the LI Sound Region of the CCCA was well represented at the event with about 30 cars in attendance for the Concours de Provenance. The turnout for the autocross was also slightly diminished by the forecast, but Richard Wayne of the SCCA did a great job of designing a course that was significantly longer and more challenging than last years.

If you missed us on July 26^th, don’t worry, there will be another opportunity to see the Alco Black Beast at the Sixth Annual Centennial Celebration of the Vanderbilt Races On August 30th, 2009. The event is once again being held on the beautiful grounds of the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY. This year we are celebrating the Centennial of the Alco Black Beast’s 1909 victory in the William K Vanderbilt Cup. The day’s schedule includes the same live interviews of car owners and a Timed Demonstration Run on an access road on the Museum grounds!

For a $10 per car spectator fee, enthusiasts and their families are invited to come and explore the museum grounds while experiencing automotive history in action. An exhibition of historical Vanderbilt Cup pictures will also be on view in the museum's gazebo, including photographs of the 1909 race and of the dauntless Black Beast in action.

For more information on entering a vehicle, or to be a sponsor for the event, please call Guy Frost at 516-621-2745. Information on the event and the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer can also be found at www.VanderbiltCupRaces.com

(Dennis, the autocross was fun and it is great that you folks are reviving this great tradition. Thanks!) Pete

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RICH’S TECH TIPS

By Rich Fiore

Lack of Zinc? ….. It Makes You Think

For the last several years many engine builders and individual gear-heads have experienced many flat tappet camshaft failures. One engine builder had stated “I have seen more cam failures in the last three years than I have in the last thirty.” There are several theories for this rash of cam failures. Everything from soft cams, inferior lifters, aggressive cam profiles, excessive valve spring pressures, and of course, the big one being – changes in motor oils.

So in lieu of crying over spilled oil, I like to look at it as “what can be done to educate my fellow gear heads and try and eliminate this problem.” Currently I am about to put my own 440 together so I practice what I preach. We do know that these failures have mostly occurred within the last three years when changes in the flat tappet industry and the reformulation of motor oils have taken place.

Starting with the flat tappet issue; it is the auto manufacturers that call the shots when it comes to the suppliers and what gets produced. The auto manufacturers are the ones with the huge production volumes as opposed to the aftermarket requirements. Flat tappets are not used today's cars. All pushrod engines utilize roller tappets while overhead cams use rolling or sliding tappets. Five years ago there were four tappet manufacturers and two of the four had closed their doors due to lack of volume. This led to a shortage of lifters. One of the two left was pricey and the other did not increase it’s production. Then as we often see, the offshore, cheaply made lifters flooded the market. They were cheap and readily available. Today GM, Stanadyne, and Johnson ( back in business ) are producing quality American made lifters.

Around the same time of the lifter shortage problem, motor oils were going through some changes too. To prevent excess wear, motor oils had always contained Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate ( ZDDP )... now that's a mouth full. Simply put - Zinc and Phosphate additives. The zinc reacts with the cam lobes iron surface. It creates a sacrificial chemical coating strong enough to keep parts separated in order to reduce wear. Great for the cam but as an engine ages and develops blow-by, some of the additives flow out the exhaust. They can degrade the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter performance. With tighter emission standards and the government pushing for longer emissions warranties, the car companies and oil manufacturer's decided to reduce the ZDDP in street engine motor oils. It was not needed with modern roller lifter engines. So this being said, most modern oils may not provide adequate protection for our older rides with flat tappet cams.

So…. lion's and tigers and bears ... oh my !!! What can we do at this point ? All hope is not lost. There are still a few motor oils out there that contain our precious zinc and phosphorus. They are usually targeted for diesel engines. The popular ones are the Shell Rotella, Valvoline Premium Blue, Brad Penn and Castrol Tection brands. The most

critical thing to look for is the C1-4 rating on the container. This is what shows it as being a diesel acceptable oil with the ZDDP additives. In addition many people ( myself included ) will purchase the ZDDP additives found in the car magazines.

So the bottom line is don't panic so quickly. If you have been using a motor oil with out the C1-4 rating, (Zinc/Phosphorus additives) it's a good time to start. For a little added protection I would recommend the purchase of the additives which run about 10 dollars a bottle. If rebuilding an engine; buy only high quality American made cams and lifters, and use the proper assembly lube on all cam lobes, distributor gear, and the bottom face of each lifter during break -in.

Can I get an Amen?!

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em !!!

(Hey Rich – Oil’s well that ends well I guess. Thanks for the warning!) Pete

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My Car Story

Bernie Hoffman: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

I saw my first Ferrari in 1955 at Thompson Motor Speedway. I was watching the SCCA races with Cooper Nortons(I bought one four years later) and Lotus 11s battling it out. A small crowd had gathered away from watching the race and seemed to be milling about a small red car, a Ferrari 166 of the late forties. As I approached the car, I new something was magical about this red car and one day I would have to own one.

The next Ferrari I saw was the following year. I was cruising on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at about 75MPH and something red passed me. I had to look down at my speedometer to make sure I hadn't stopped. The red blur was followed by 3 police cruisers a minute later who were doing their failing best to catch him. Ten minutes later I pulled into a Turnpike restaurant. The red car sat there surrounded by Pennsylvania's Best. I don't remember what model it was but I will never forget the grin on the drivers face. He just didn't care what the police were saying. He had just had a moving experience.

It took me 23 more years before I was able to purchase my 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. On the drive home from Norwalk CT after the purchase, I realized that the same smile was on my face. I also think it is on my face every time I drive that car. It is a magical experience and it never fails me. I have been a collector for almost 55 years and own many fine cars that I enjoy driving but for some mystical reason, this car stands out far and above the others. They say the sound alone is worth half the price of the car. Ferraris are known for the lyrical quality of their engines and among Ferraris this one is the most melodic. It's a V-12 of 4.4 liter displacement sucking gas through 6 Weber two barrel carbs and bellowing it out 4 large exhaust pipes. As it winds toward its almost 8,000RPM redline, at 4000 the bellowing sound turns to a howling shriek. The hair on you arms and neck start to lift as the car is propelled forward and you are propelled back into the famous Daytona seats(still an option after 40 years). I have never used the radio in this car because I am positive nothing will sound better. It's a sound you want to hear over and over again.

The car weighs approximately 3600 pounds with a full load of 30 gallons of fuel in it's twin 15 gallon tanks and uses 16 quarts of oil in the dry sump engine. It has twin oil filters, twin electronic ignition systems, twin distributors, 4 sets of points and two pistons per brake caliper. It runs on the prettiest wire wheels made, Borranis. I have a set of the solid star mags also which I use when I track the car.

The car with it's long gearing was made for high speeds race tracks and even so still turned 5.8 seconds 0-60 and had a top speed of 174MPH ......right out of the showroom. 174MPH is still fast by today's standards but think back to 1968 when this car first appeared. Nothing was that fast. It was akin to buying a car today that is capable of 250MPH. It was mind blowing. 15 racing models of this Daytona were built by the Factory and enjoyed moderate success. The engine and car are bullet proof strong. It was made to run all day at over 150MPH without breathing hard.

I have owned this car for over 30 years and it has never been apart. It was re-painted the original color and the upholstery was renewed in the original colors and materials about 6 years ago.

(Bernie – I have to look at your car with a bib on to catch all the drool from my mouth hanging open!) Pete

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My Car Story Matt & Joan Lavell: 1937 Ford Custom.

This Baby is a 1937 Ford Street Rod. The body is a custom Five-Window Coupe fiberglass unit known as an OZE Body. OZE is a manufacturing company located in Canada. They produce the body and chassis and then one must get a street rod shop to build the car using this body and chassis.

In 2007 I first saw this body style in a Street Rod magazine that I had purchased in a 7-11 store. Afterwards, I talked to a person in California who had one built and was pleased with the quality and workmanship of this body style. My wife and I went to the Good Guys show in Rhinebeck, New York to see one in person. We decided to have one built from scratch for our enjoyment during our retirement years.

My first task was to find a Street Rod Builder who had built this type of car before. Using the Internet I found only three qualified builders. One in California, one in Ohio, one in Indiana. After speaking with each one I made the choice to take a trip to meet the people in Ohio. So, I flew to Monroe, Ohio and visited their shop and discussed what I wanted in this car. When I returned home I discussed the plans with my wife and family. They told me to “Pull the Trigger” because life is too short.

My mind was made up on the selection of the engine, transmission, wheels, and interior. The last decision was what color I paint this car. My daughter’s favorite color was purple. But I didn’t want a total purple car. My daughter suggested we paint the car a two tone color. That’s when we decided to paint the bottom silver and the top purple. DuPont’s Hot Hue colors (Purple and Silver) were used to paint the car.

Last but not least are the personal license plates. I turned it into a contest with my family and it was a lot of fun. My daughter in law won with her idea of CRUZIN 37. As you probably know from experience the car was not delivered on time. I expected to receive the car in one year but it took eighteen months! Par for the course, I guess. My wife and I are now ready to “Rock and Roll” It’s never too late.

How Sweet it is!!!!