Hello fellow enthusiasts!
I
hope this current edition of the Newsletter finds all of you with scratched
knuckles and smiling faces from working on your cars!
Getting
those repairs, modifications, and updates done in time for show and cruise
season can often seem daunting, but with planning and perseverance (and plenty
of cash) hopefully you have your cars out driving and attending the events!
There have been some good ones for sure and plenty more to come! (Check the events calendar)
On
the “wet side”, just like last year, this year seems to be a never ending
battle with the weather! We have had rain almost every day for the last month!
Many cruise nights and car shows have been rained out. Remember how last year
it seemed to rain almost every other Sunday during the summer months? I hope
that trend stops soon! Because of the rain-outs some of the weekends have
become quite crowded with car shows all over the area. It’s tough to pick and
choose, and unfortunately attendance at any one particular event may be down
since so many are occurring simultaneously. Fear not! Have faith! A change is
gonna come. I predict better weather ahead! So make sure those rides are ready
to go! (Bring an
umbrella just in case)
Speaking
of events,
Cruise
Nights are back in Nassau County!!
It
has been a while since we lost SEARS on Tuesday nights. Many people have asked
me when and where a good spot will pop up. Well, not just a good, but a great
spot has been secured!
It
has been about 5 years since Northern Nassau has had a location. The last one
was on Route 106 in East Norwich. This new one is not far from there, just a
mollusk throw away. It is taking place at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster
Bay. Just head up Route 106 and turn left on Main Street. Pass the school and
turn right on Larabee Avenue. It will take you right into the park.
For
those of you who remember well that many of the cruise night locations over the
last three years were “here one week and gone the next”, rest assured, this one
is here to stay! Not only does it have permits to operate …but it is sponsored
and run by the Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce! We are indeed welcome there!
Some
of the things that make this cruise night and location special are the
following:
· It is in a parking lot right next to a beautiful
beach with grass fields to play on, swim, and families to picnic!
· Bring your frisbees, wife, and kids! Come early and stay
late! They are open to 10PM (maybe even later!)
· Easy to get to and no traffic on the way up!
· Parking for over 200 vehicles.
· Live music!
· Food available including a Raw Bar!! (I indulged in a dozen clams and a
dozen oysters this past week!)
· They are fresh right from the harbor!
· Well lit by high intensity overhead lights.
· Athletic fields.
· Coupons from local merchants are given away for free
to everyone!
I
hope to see you all there as well as at all the other locations. With this new
spot and the one in Queens, if Bald Hill in Suffolk runs again this year,
Tuesday nights are going to be the hottest and best nights out for cruising!
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One
of our guest columnists, Lou Refano, starts a series this month on independent
automakers. This is a great idea on Lou’s part and promises to be interesting
reading! We applaud and welcome his dedicated automotive journalism. Enjoy his
articles!
Rich
Fiore’s tech column will focus on decelerating and stopping your beast! It’s
on…you guessed it...brakes!
We
also have two, yes two, “My Car
Story” features this month!
It’s
BONUS TIME for you readers!
Why,
do you ask?
Well,
simply put; two months ago I had three submissions by readers and felt that I
didn’t want to make any of them wait many months to see their story in print.
They
are two vastly different vehicles, one is an ultra rare European classic car,
and the other is a modern and ingeniously modified Japanese truck.
As
the Vulcans said, the principle of IDIC is a wonderful thing. “Infinite
Diversity in Infinite Creation”
It
holds true in the automotive world as well as in outer space!
___________________________________________________
Cruise Night location
updates:
TUESDAYS: McDonald's. 98-01 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY.
TUESDAYS: Theodore Roosevelt Park. Larabee Ave. Oyster Bay, NY.
WEDNESDAYS: Long John Silver's/A&W. Union Blvd, South of Sunrise Hwy. West Islip, NY.
FRIDAYS: Huntington Shopping Center. (Toys R Us) Route 110. South of Jericho Tpk. Huntington, NY.
SATURDAYS: Sonomax Station. 278 Greenpoint Ave. Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY.
SATURDAYS: Kohl’s. Corner Grand Blvd and Commack Rd. Deer Park, NY.
More Cruise Night updates as they develop in the next Newsletter.
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GUEST WRITER(S) COLUMN(S)
Once
again we welcome Lou Refano. As I mentioned above, Lou will be writing a
series of articles on independent auto makers. Lou kicks off his series with
some historical information about American Motors and its beginnings.
“Rich’s Tech Tips” is back with an informative
and easy to understand lesson on brakes. Rich also imparts to us some
knowledge about little known components of automotive brake systems!
In
the “My Car Story” features, Lou Molinaro writes about the history of
his ’56 Jaguar XK140MC OTS, while John Christie tells the story of his
’93 Toyota Pickup.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
INDEPENDENTS’ DAY...PART 1
AMC RAMBLER AMERICAN, 1958-1969
by Louis Refano
In the days before the "Big Three", America
had a long history of independent automakers.
At one time early in the
20th century there were literally hundreds of companies nationwide building
cars. Ford's mass production techniques whittled that number down considerably,
as did the gathering strength of General Motors and the new Chrysler
Corporation in 1924.
Finally, the Great
Depression weeded out a whole bunch, followed by the "Ford Blitz" of
1953 (which will be discussed in a future article), the import invasion of the
'60s and '70s, and the globalization and mergers of carmakers in the '80s.
But in the days before the
"Big Three", U.S. independents were responsible for many clever,
innovative machines. They had to be, as they were simply trying to survive as
small fish in a very big ocean.
One independent company had
a truly visionary leader at the helm...the company was Nash Motors, and the man
was George Mason. Mason brought out the
car that is considered the first American compact car, the Nash Rambler of
1950, at a time when American cars were starting to get heavier, with bigger
engines, and more chrome-laden. The
Rambler was unusual for a small American car in that it was packed full of
standard features, such as "Weather-Eye" ventilation system, interior
courtesy lights, two-toned high quality upholstery, radio, electric clock and
directional lights. And it came at an
amazing price, only $1,808. And for
$11.45 extra you could get fully reclining seats; Nash was the first car
company to offer them.
The first American was a
2-door convertible with fixed side rails and an electric canvas top. It was also offered as a 2-door station
wagon. It was Mason who said
"Americans will buy a small car, but they won't buy a cheap
car." He believed in the future of
the small car; he was on a mission to "ban the dinosaur from the
driveway", a philosophy that was at least a decade ahead of its time. In 1955 over 83,000 Ramblers sold, and it was
this car that became the cornerstone of a new car company— American
Motors.
On April 22, 1954, AMC was
created out of the merger of two independents, Nash and Hudson Motor Company.
Actually, it was more like a Nash takeover, as Nash was the much stronger
company financially. From 1955-57,
Hudsons were slightly altered Nashes.
Both divisions also sold Ramblers, which were virtually identical except
for the badging.
George Romney, AMC's head
honcho who took over for Mason after Mason's death in '54, realized that the
future of his company rested with his ace in the hole...the Rambler line. After '57, the Nash and Hudson names were
dropped and the Rambler brought AMC to incredible heights. In the late fifties AMC offered smart values,
such as well-equipped medium-sized family wagons, at attractive prices. AMC's
cars were in direct opposition to the massive block-long "dinosaurs"
that the Big Three were turning out in the late fifties, creating more and more
fans among suburbanites looking for a second car or those simply seeking
economical transportation.
Eventually AMC would get
squeezed at the low end by the increasingly popular Volkswagen Beetle, and at
the high end by GM's B-O-P compacts which would arrive in '61, and sportier
compacts from other companies that would come along in the mid-60s. But from 1957-1960, AMC had its head start and
capitalized on it big time. 
In 1960, production of
Ramblers hit 458,841, the highest total ever for an independent automaker. One of the reasons was a gamble by George
Romney that was an act of simple brilliance.
He knew that AMC needed a low-priced small car because none was being
offered by the "Big Three". So
in 1958, he ordered an easy solution: AMC took the body dies from the '55 Nash
Rambler that were in storage, and brought them back to create the
"new" 1958 Rambler American.
This move was considered shocking in automotive circles during the time,
but it paid off: In the recession of '58
the economical American, with its bathtub shape, 100-inch wheelbase, and base
price below $1,800, sold fairly well. In
1958 over 30,000 left the showroom, then in '59 sales were over 90,000
including a resurrected 2-door wagon, and in '60 with the addition of a new
4-door on the bathtub body, over 118,000 buyers took home the American. Romney's gamble had help put AMC solidly in
the black.
An interesting note about
this car...my Dad had a white '58 "bathtub" American. As a kid I thought it was interesting because
it looked a lot different from other cars.
There was only one big gauge on the driver's side, which held the
speedometer, fuel and temp gauges. I
later found out this was called the Uniscope, and was another one of those Nash
novelties. When I was 5 or so my Dad let me move the shift lever when he
drove...the "three on the tree" column shift. Remember the days when
kids could help their dads drive? Child
safety seat? What's that?
For the '61 model year the
American series was made more slab-sided and crisp looking, even though it was
basically a cosmetic retouch of the original car that was based on the 1950
Nash Rambler. For the first time a
2-door convertible was added which was really sharp looking. It came in Custom trim (lower-priced
Americans were called Deluxe), cost $2,369, and found 12,918 buyers. This "breadbox" style continued
until 1963.
In the early sixties AMC
continued to build on their momentum. In
1963 they unveiled a new line of handsomely styled, modern-looking larger cars
in the Classic and Ambassador series. They featured unibody construction and
one-piece door frames. The entire
Rambler line-up earned Motor Trend's Car of the Year award for
"engineering excellence and outstanding design achievement". Rambler sold 428,346 cars for the '63 model
year, which would unfortunately be its high-water mark in model year sales for
the 1960s.
For '64 came a new from the
ground up American, styled by head designer Richard Teague. This car had no visual tie at all to the
bathtub, as it was a truly modern, slab-sided car in '60s style, simple yet
elegant, and it featured tunneled headlights.
The wheelbase grew to 106 inches, and a full range of body styles were
offered in three series: 220, 330, and 440.
All used a 195.6 cubic inch six with different horsepower ratings
depending on the model. Once again a
ragtop was offered in the highest priced series. This styling worked so well
that it was no wonder it was carried through to 1969 with only slight
modifications.
Roy Abernathy, the new CEO
of American Motors, was trying to spruce up Rambler's now stodgy image. Most people when they thought of Rambler,
thought of slow cars, and Abernathy intended to change that in a hurry. So in 1966 the American series added a sporty
hardtop model called Rogue. A new V-8
with 200 hp, 290 cubic inch, was also available in an American for the first
time, along with a four on the floor gearbox.
This gave the little compact some surprising
pep. "The Scrappy American" was even
offered with wire wheel covers with spinner hubs...made for a classy looking
ride in '66, especially on the 440 convertible.
In '68, a Rambler American
ad took aim at the high-flying Volkswagen Beetle, stating the Rambler was
"20 inches longer, 10 inches wider, and much roomier...with double the
trunk space. Yet it turns around in the
same circle a Volkswagen does." And
it was the only American-built car in '68 that sold for under $2,000, and came
standard with a 128 hp six cylinder. But
the hippie/Woodstock era was in full swing, and the Rambler American just
didn't have that same magical personality that could connect with the younger
crowd. Still, 76,216 practical Rambler
Americans found a home that year (versus half a million for the Beetle!). 
1969 would be the last year
for the old American. Actually, the name
American was dropped in '69 and simply called the Rambler (the medium-sized
Rebel and full-sized Ambassador were called AMC). On June 30, 1969, the last car with a Rambler
nameplate came off the assembly line at Kenosha, Wisconsin. Henceforth, all of American Motors'
production would be known as AMCs. But
the American had one more trick up its sleeve...an exciting muscle car called
the SC/Rambler (nicknamed "Scrambler"), a Rambler hardtop which
featured a 315 hp, 390 cubic inch V-8, hooked to a 4-speed and decked out in a
patriotic red, white and blue paint scheme.
Only 1512 were built so needless to say it is a prime collectible.
Next time...a look at a
truly memorable AMC product that was one of the prettiest muscle cars ever
built...the AMC Javelin.
Sources: Illustrated AMC Buyer's Guide by Larry G.
Mitchell
Cars of the Sizzling Sixties by the
Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
For more pictures check out http://www.amcrc.com
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Gimmie A Brake !!!
By Rich
Fiore
Let’s start
off by looking at the 2 most common types of brakes out there.... the drum and
the disc setup. The drum brake, or internal expanding brake, had been around
for a very long time. The up side is it is cheap to manufacture and has been
fairly reliable. The down side it that it has always had some character flaws.
Like the tendency to lock up due to servo action (we'll talk about that in a
few), run hot and fade, lose adjustment (self adjusters rarely work), and
retain water after that puddle. There is also that tendency to squeal a bit
with that trapped brake dust.
So what is
servo action? A drum brake by its design is a force
multiplier. Hydraulic fluid forces the wheel cylinder pistons to push the
shoes out against the drum. The front shoe once against the drum, rotates
slightly and forces the rear shoe into the drum via the star adjuster.
This action multiplies force ... but also induces lockup with enough
pressure. The other type of brake is the disk setup. This consists of a rotor
secured to the hub. The rotor and hub are slowed down via calipers
"clamping " down on both sides of the rotor. This type of brake is a
much better design. There is less of a tendency to lock up the wheel, it runs
cooler (less fade), has less water build up and has no need for adjustment.
Still rotors can go out of round and cause pedal pulsation and squeal.
Now let’s
take a basic look at the hydraulics. Without going too much into it, the
hydraulics provide mechanical advantage, thereby reducing pedal effort. Also in
the system there is a little known valve called the combination valve. This
valve performs a few functions. First off, in the event of a hydraulic system
failure, the valve activates the brake light indicator on your dash. The second
function of the valve is to momentarily cut off pressure to the front disc
brakes until the rear brakes have had a chance to engage. And finally, it will
limit total pressure to the rear brakes to preclude lock up.
Another
valve that’s not too well known is the residual check valve in the back end of
the master cylinder. This valve will slow down the return of brake fluid
to the master cylinder. The reason to slow down the flow of brake fluid
back to the master is to eliminate air being drawn into the system when the
brake springs quickly return the shoes to their original starting position.
So on to
some problems and remedies with your classic car brakes;
Brake
squeal - Front pads are resonating due to missing, broken or worn anti rattle
clips. Could also be warped rotors. In the rear drums it could be brake dust,
drums out of round, or contaminants on the shoes. Today’s materials can also
cause some squeal. Pedal Pulsation - Rotors or drums out of round.
Brake Lock
up or Grab - Rust in shoes or pads. Brake fluid or grease on linings.
Brake Pull
– Misadjustment of brakes. Frozen hydraulic pistons. Calipers not free to
float. A kinked or internally collapsed line will not allow fluid to return
freely back to the master cylinder.
So there
you have most of your basic theory and possible cures when it comes to your
brake system. Keep in mind that your brake system should be flushed out as a
general rule every two years since moisture does work its way back into the
system. Also remember to use new brake fluid, not the stuff going bad on the
shelf... since it too can have moisture build up like I found out.
Quick and dirty: Have you looked at your throttle
return springs and throttle cable lately?
___________________________________________________
Lou Molinaro: 1956 Jaguar
XK140MC OTS
I own a 1956 Jaguar XK140MC
OTS. The interesting facts about this car are as follows:
In that year 1956, I was told
only 49 of this model car were manufactured! The car has racing history back in
the 50s and 60s. I found this car 8 blocks behind my house in a garage in
Copiague. I have owned it approximately 20 years.
As far as I know, only 8 to
10 are known to still be registered in the world.
I gave it a ground up
restoration personally with the help of some friends, and put the car back into
its original condition, even as far as the color. We did the work in my back
yard and garage, meticulously paying attention to the detail of the original
car. The best advice I can 
give to other owners, is
that you have to love the car, love working on cars, and be generous with your
funds. The value of the car today is priceless.
Since its completion, it has
won many trophies and awards and has done three television commercials. Unlike
most classic cars it is not a trailer Queen. As long as it is not raining or
snowing I drive the car all year long. I believe that the best way to keep the
car in tip top condition is by using it as much as you can. I find the best
trophies I have gotten to date, are the admiring looks and comments I get
whenever I drive around. It is also a great conversation starter!
(Sure
is Lou, that’s how we met!) Pete
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John Christie: 1993 Toyota Pickup
My ride started out as a 1993 Toyota 2wd Pickup
First The Drop Shop NY laid the truck’s frame out on 17 inch Neeper Dagg rims with the CCE hydraulic pumps running off of 4 yellow top Optima batteries.10 inch cylinders raise the front and 12 inch cylinders raise the rear that is mounted with a Pete & Jakes 4 link in place of the stock leaf springs. The hydraulic pumps, control arms, and spindles are powder coated blue.
The engine has a chrome intake, powder coated intake manifold, chrome valve
cover, aluminum radiator overflow, chrome 
header,
stainless flex fan, a Toyota Racing Development cam, and Aeromotive fuel pump,
fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulator. The fuel tank was removed and a 15
gallon aluminum fuel cell was put in the bed.
The front bumper, headlights grill, and fenders were taken off of a 1995 Toyota 4 Runner for a bigger look. The side mirrors, door handles, gas door, tailgate, and taillights were shaved off, and lead taillights were added and so was a roll pan in place of the rear bumper.
The interior was wrapped in gray tweed and a billet aluminum steering wheel was added. A Sony Playstation 2 plays games and DVDs off the Alpine TV-Radio with an Alpine amplifier for the high range speakers, and a 6 disk changer in the glove compartment.
Still has a lot of work to go, but so far so good!
(John, WOW!! Nice mods!) Pete
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Here is where you can access
previous editions of the Long Island Classic Cars Online Newsletter.
October 2003 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Oct03.html
November 2003 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Nov03.html
December 2003 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Dec03.html
January 2004 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Jan04.html
February
2004 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Feb04.html
March 2004 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Mar04.html
April 2004 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/Apr04.html
May 2004 http://www.liclassiccars.com/Newsletter/May04.html
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That wraps up another issue of the Long Island Classic Cars.com Newsletter.
And as always, stop by and say “Hi” if you see us at the shows and cruise nights!
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In closing I would like to pay
tribute to a true American hero. A man who changed the
face of the world, and with that, made it 
a
better place for hundreds of millions of people.
President Ronald Wilson Reagan passed away this week at the age of 93.
Reagan, deservedly known as “The Great Communicator”, was an optimist at a time when we
needed one. A man of unwavering moral conviction and fortitude. A great leader.
When Reagan became President in 1980, America was at one of its low points in economy, inflation,
vitality, and self image. Coming off the tumultuous decade of the 70’s that was coupled with weak and sometimes stagnating leadership, Reagan in four short years, turned the country around. By the end of his second term, America was again vital, strong, and standing tall. We became proud of our nation again, and so did the rest of the world!
America had once again regained its positive self-image.
President Ronald Reagan defeated
communism and opened up world borders. He also gave new hope to so many in
Eastern Europe that had been held under the tyranny of totalitarianism for many
decades. 
Along with Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II, President Reagan changed the course of human history for the better.
These three individuals came into power all within two years of each other. From 1979 to 1981. The next decade proved to be a time of critical change that they helped usher in.
President Ronald Reagan was a great man. A man of courage, conviction, faith, strength, and wisdom. He was guided by higher ideals, not like many of today’s leaders. He fostered hope and engendered well being to not only his country but many countries around the world.
Ronald Reagan has left us now, his historical job completed. But what he helped to bring about in the world is still with us and growing…a movement of freedom from tyrannical oppression, and hope of a better life and future. He helped open borders for millions, and I am sure Heaven’s gate is open wide for him.
God bless Ronald Reagan. And thank God for him.
Pete Giordano
Long Island Classic Cars.com