What is it you like most about cars?

When you stop to think, there are so many aspects to the love affair with the automobile. Just like anything you are passionate about, there are many layers to it and many parts that you find appealing. For some, it is working on their cars. To them, solving a problem that is intricate or difficult to diagnose is enjoyment, while many people find that aspect of ownership a chore and a nuisance. Still for others, it is the time spent shining up their baby and making it sparkle to perfection! Not even a piece of lint from a towel or one solitary speck of dirt is left on the carpet or anyplace in the interior! The paint must be swirl-free and the rims shined up like a rap star’s teeth!

Other folks love to cruise. Long drives or short, just taking it out is their pleasure. Showing the car is another very popular aspect of ownership. Some guys can sit all day long at a show and not get tired of it. They arrive before 8AM and are the last to leave around 5PM. They set up camp and do a car show version of tailgating. Another hugely popular activity is the restoration or modification or “tuning and restyling” of cars and trucks. That is a multi-billion dollar aspect of the hobby.

Lets not forget about racing. For some – that is their deepest passion. Whether around in circles, on road courses, or straight down a dragstrip, hittin’ the pedal and jammin’ the brakes to beat the other guy is the “driving force” (pun intended) of their involvement with cars. For some people just going to shows or museums is what they like. They may not even own anything special, but they love cars nonetheless.

And of course, there is the wonderful aspect of multi-generational involvement. When grandparents, parents, and kids can all be involved together and pass on the learning, experience and love of the auto – that is what keeps it going decade after decade.

It also forms bonding relationships and time well spent together.

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Speaking of multi-generational involvement, we have a new first-time writer this issue. A young boy who just turned 10 that loves cars – big and small. He has his 1/64^th scale versions, he races them around and he collects. He “drives” a toy Hummer up and down the street. He loves real cars and works on them with his Dad sometimes. He goes to car shows and cruise nights. He has driven G0-Karts since he was 7, and can tell you quite a bit about cars too.

In fact, his first word ever spoken WAS car!

Made his Dad so proud and happy that day!

I’d like you to extend a welcome to my son, Rocco. He has been asking me since last year to write a column for the Newsletter.

Well, he gets his chance today.

My Dad, also named Rocco, loved cars. But my Dad, while he loved driving and performance, and he bought some nice ones (including my ’71 Charger R/T – see Feb ‘05 Newsletter in the Archive), never so much as washed a car or turned a wrench. That wasn’t his thing. He couldn’t be bothered with that. He came from the generation (born in 1922) when the auto was first hitting the multitudes, and living in Brooklyn, NY, his family didn’t even own one. So when he was out of Med School and got his first little British Sportster, his version of the love affair with cars began.

Mine started when I was but a tot. Loved everything about them and could identify all the brands, etc. I spent much time in school doodling and drawing Hemi engines when I should have been paying attention in Math class. And when I first got a car – well then, things just took off. I’ve been in love ever since.

Now my sons are car-guys. They are following in the Giordano tradition. I hope one day that I will have car-guy grandsons as well.

(And granddaughters!)

The love affair continues………

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1 Editor’s Introduction

2 Automotive Trivia Contest

3 Cruise Night Information

4 Guest Writers’ Columns

Lou Refano

Rocco Giordano

Rich’s Tech Tips

5 The Archive

6 Editor’s Closing

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Long Island Classic Cars’

AUTOMOTIVE 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 20th of the next month. (Ex: for February’s contest the entries are due by March 20th)

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) Answer correctly

2) Be on time with your entry

We had FOUR correct entries for the last edition and had to resort to the “picking a name out of a hat” random selection of the prize winner. (Names were actually written on paper, put in a hat, and my son Nicky picked one out)

1) In what year did AMC introduce the Rebel? (1967 – For the ’68 model year)

2) What does BMW stand for? (The real version please – no wise-ass stuff) (Bavarian Motor Works – Bayerische Motoren Werke )

3) Talledega Super Speedway is 2.5 miles long. True or False? (False. 2.66 miles)

4) Who was the Pontiac division of GM named after? (Chief Ottawa Obwandiyag Pontiac)

5) What is Mr. Tucker’s first name and how many cars did he produce that we know as the “Tucker”? (Preston. 51 including prototype)

The winner is: Arlene Swenson

Arlene wins a 3-pack of Mini Vise Grips!

Congratulations!!

Honorable mention goes to: Randi Schenfeld, Tony De Monte, and Mike Furst.
Each one of them wins a Microfiber Car-Dash Duster

Congratulations!!

Here is this month’s Trivia contest….

5) Name the brand of General Motors that had the shortest lifespan

6) What two classes based on engine size did the original Trans Am series have starting in 1966?

7) What does AAR stand for on Plymouth’s AAR Cuda?

8) What is the displacement of the Ferrari Enzo’s engine?

9) What was the nomenclature for the first production Triumph TR series car?

Send in your answers by 7/31/12 and be in the running to win the prize!

( Winner will be randomly selected from all correct entries sent in – if there are any! )

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“EXTRA EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!”

Cruise Nights are BIG attractions all over Long Island!!

2012 Cruise Night location updates:

TUESDAYS: Dogwood Avenue. Franklin Square, NY

Public Gathering. FREE

TUESDAYS: Yaphank FD. Yaphank, NY.

Sponsored by Yaphank Fire Department - FREE

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

Public Gathering. FREE

WEDNESDAYS: Nathan’s. Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY

Public Gathering. FREE

WEDNESDAYS: Broadway Mall. Routes 106/107, Hicksville, NY

Sponsored by the Mall and Hicksville Civic Assoc. Donation – 3 cans of food for local charities.

WEDNESDAYS: Richie Ray’s Pizza. 540 Commack Rd. (Corner LI Ave) Deer Park, NY

Sponsored by the Pizza place – FREE

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

Sponsored by Still Cruisin’ Car Club. FREE

THURSDAYS: Kings Park Plaza-Located on Indian Head Rd & Meadow Rd. Kings Park, NY

Sponsored by Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Professor’s Diner. FREE

THURSDAYS: Bridge, Glen, & School Streets. Glen Cove, NY

Sponsored by the Glen Cove Fire Dept. & The Downtown Business District. $5

THURSDAYS: Atlantic Avenue between Merrick Rd and Sunrise Hwy. Lynbrook, NY (June-August)

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for “Community Chest” soup kitchen. $? to charity.

THURSDAYS: Main St. Peconic River Front, Riverhead, NY

Sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce. FREE (June-August)

FRIDAYS: Bellmore Train Station. Sunrise Highway. Bellmore, NY

Public Gathering. $3 – Is this true – are they charging now?

FRIDAYS: Massapequa Train Station. Sunrise Highway. Massapequa, NY

Sponsored by Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. Two cans or more of food – to charity. (July - August)

FRIDAYS: Meschutt Beach @ The Beach Hut. Canal Rd. Hampton Bays, NY.

Public Gathering. FREE after 5PM

SATURDAYS: Bob’s/McDonalds Shopping Center. Sunrise Highway, West Islip, NY

Sponsored by the Long Island Road Gents. FREE

SATURDAYS: Pep Boys Shopping Center. Waverly Ave & Sunrise Highway, Patchogue, NY

Sponsored by the Impressive & Aggressive Motor Club. FREE

SATURDAYS: Cedar Beach @ The Beach Hut. Ocean Parkway, Cedar Beach, NY

Public Gathering. FREE

SATURDAYS: Super Stop & Shop. Rt 25 (1/4 mile west of the Bull), Smithtown, NY

Permission from Stop & Shop. FREE

SUNDAYS: *AM Cruise* Ocean Pkwy, Captree Beach thru May, then at OBI. Babylon, NY

Public Gathering. FREE

If anyone knows of any other cruise locations that are fully up and running and not in danger of being cancelled please let us know so we can post them for all to see - here and in the EVENTS section of the website. Minimum 40 cars attending.

I heard there might be something in Miller Place?

What about Brooklyn and Queens?

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Guest Writers’ Columns

Luigi hits a cool note as he tells it like it is. Luigi, Lou Refano that is, tells the tale of a car company that made a Signature Edition vehicle in homage to a personality as big as the Vegas Casinos he sang in back in the 50’s and ‘60’s. This limited in production and super-rare today car, would be a find for anyone to have. Wonder just how many are still out there?

A new writer joins us. We had requested that we get some new folks involved from all age groups, young – old, to write for the Newsletter. Rocco Giordano volunteered to offer a perspective from the “kid” demographic. So enjoy his take on classics and other types of cars. See if you spot a little bit of yourself in his youthful thoughts and how you may have felt about cars back when you were but a dreamer of “…some day….I’m gonna have…..!”

Watch your heads! Rich’s Tech Tips gives some R&R (removal and replacement) advice on tackling a difficult job that almost everyone avoids doing. It’s not pretty, but sometimes, when things are hanging low, its gotta be done.

In the My Car Story section ……………

Enjoy!

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WANT SOME CUCKOO PIZZAZZ WITH THAT COUPE, BABE?

by Louis Refano

If you got the reference right away in the title of this article, congratulations! You are now a certified member of The Great American Ballad Singers Fan Club, and you just won a round-trip ticket to Hoboken. Ah, Hoboken, you can almost taste it, on the summer wind, blowin’ in…

Actually, the only thing you really get is the knowledge that once upon a time, a mass-production luxury car was built in honor of Frank Sinatra. And the car in question? The 1981 Imperial Frank Sinatra Edition, built by Lee Iacocca’s Chrysler Corporation.

Like Sinatra, Mr. Iacocca had a bunch of hits too…car sales hits…during his tenure at Ford. But what he accomplished at Chrysler was a worst-to-first miracle. He took a nearly bankrupt company in 1979, that was down to its last $1 million in cash on hand, and proceeded to have the automotive world buzzing by the spring of ‘81 with a slate of new models and big plans for the future. One of his inspired ideas, albeit not a big sales success as he would have hoped, was to take the existing midsize platform (or “J-body”) which included the Chrysler Cordoba and Dodge Mirada, do some cosmetic surgery and add a slew of luxury features, and create the ‘81 Imperial coupe…a name out of use since ‘75 and heir to a long line of uniquely styled premium luxury cars. But this Imperial was quite different from its predecessors due to its “downsizing”. Whereas the ‘75 sedan was a mighty beast at a whopping 233 inches in length and nearly 80 inches of girth, this “sixth-generation” Imperial was a much more-manageable 213 inches long and 73 inches wide. It also shed over 1,000 pounds from its predecessor, tipping the scales at 3,968. The car featured the venerable Chrysler 318 V8, with electronic fuel injection and producing 140 hp, and 3-speed automatic as standard equipment. Suspension-wise, as with the Plymouth Volare, Mirada, and Cordoba, the Imperial had a transverse torsion-bar suspension and leaf springs in back.

The 1981-83 coupe was an attempt to reinvent the Imperial as a personal luxury car. Iacocca had experience with this type of platform, as he had been instrumental in creating the successful Lincoln Mark series for this market while he was at Ford in the late ‘60s.
“The 1981-1983 Imperial two door model was by command of Lee Iacocca after he asked, ‘Where the hell is our Cadillac/Lincoln entry?’ The 1981 model was derived from the Cordoba platform and had its own sheet metal, instrument panel, etc. It was a pretty good looking car. We built it but we couldn’t sell it - so it faded out of production in 1983.”
- Burton Bouwkamp, Director of Body Engineering, 1979-1983

Before Iacocca’s arrival, product planners originally intended the car to be a new model called the Chrysler LaScala, projected for introduction in late 1980; Steven Bollinger’s styling was essentially complete by 1977. When the car was first put into clay, the big-car nameplates, such as Fury and Monaco, had just been brought down and re-applied to B-bodies, which were spruced up to match the names. Ultimately, the well-known Imperial name won out for the new coupe, and when the cars hit the showrooms, they were marketed as such, without the use of the Chrysler name.

As a high-end Cadillac and Lincoln fighter, the Imperial’s standard features list was abundant. They included: power windows, door locks and seats, one of the first applications of an electronic digital dash, garage door opener, thermostatically-controlled air conditioning, power heated mirrors, a Mark Cross leather interior, extensive sound insulation, and other convenience features. Because of the rich standard equipment list there were virtually no options, other than a cost-free choice of wheels (color coded 'snowflake' rims could be deleted in favor of steel wheels with wire wheel hubcaps), upholstery choice (the leather could be subbed-out for cloth), choice of sound system, automatic speed control, 40-band CB radio, and power moonroof.

Style wise this Imperial had a chiseled look, lots of straight-line styling, with trapezoidal side glass and a “bustle-back” that incorporated a tall, rectangular trunk; a different take on Cadillac’s concurrent bustle-back Seville (Bollinger was not aware that Seville was going to use a bustle-back, it was just a coincidence). Imperial’s was a bit lower and longer than the Seville, resulting in a more practical trunk space. Another stylish touch was the clear hood ornament…a Pentastar logo cast in Cartier crystal. A popular auto magazine at that time advised you not to look at it directly in sunlight, otherwise you may have a prismatic ray get you in the eyeball. The typical Imperial eagle logo was not used on this car, as Iacocca favored the corporate Pentastar to appear on all Chrysler model lines.

Competing models such as the Cadillac Eldorado and the Lincoln Continental Mark VI had been downsized by 1981, so the Imperial was of comparable size. The Eldorado was at that time rising to the peak of its success, proving that there was a sufficient market for a high-end, personal luxury car.

A marketing effort for the new model included commercials and magazine ads featuring the aforementioned crooner from Hoboken, a personal friend of Iacocca. One of these commercials used a jingle, sung by Sinatra, including the words “It‘s time for you,” with a cameo by the man himself and one of his daughters. But the association didn’t end there. Iacocca took it a step further, by creating a special edition car named after his “paesano”…the Frank Sinatra Signature Edition Imperial. The Sinatra Imperial was one of only a handful of regular production cars bearing a celebrity's name. This limited edition car was available only in Glacier Blue Crystal paint - Chrysler advertising claimed it matched the color of Sinatra's eyes - and it had special “fs” (lowercase) external badging, with a large glovebox placard proclaiming "Frank Sinatra Signature Edition". Inside, 16 cassette tapes of Sinatra tunes were presented in a specially made Mark Cross leather case (which matched the Mark Cross leather seats). In the center console of the car there was also a special tray for 8 more cassettes.

When all was said and done, 271 Sinatra Imperials were manufactured, which practically guarantees collectible status in the future. Aside from the fs edition, Chrysler president Lee Iacocca commissioned a 1982 Imperial that was converted into a limousine with a 36-inch stretch, and presented it to Frank Sinatra as a gift.

Some other little factoids about the Imperial coupe (all trims): In 1982, 'floating cushion' front seats were replaced with seats of one-piece construction, and the power moonroof option was deleted. In 1983 the hood ornament was changed from Cartier crystal to plastic…Hey Frankie what're they doin'?…but at least your eyeballs got some relief. The Imperial provided passengers with a perhaps more useful change from past vehicles: Instead of merely buzzing as a warning, the Imperial provided chimes (for seat belts unfastened), beeps (for keys left in the ignition), or a continuous tone (headlights on while the driver's door is open).

Ultimately the 1981-83 Imperial did not fulfill Chrysler management's sales expectations. It had innovations like the electronic fuel injection system and electronic instrument cluster, and Chrysler tried to use it as a showcase for technology and quality. Unfortunately the fuel injection system proved troublesome and many cars were retrofitted under warranty (or later on owner initiative) with carburetors. The final calendar year production totals for all Imperial coupes: 1980--6,241; 1981--3,466; 1982--1,746; 1983--932. Grand total, Imperial Coupes: 12,385.

Sharp-edged, classy, plush, personal…a saloon singer’s, high roller’s dream. Iacocca showed his respect for “Francis Albert” by taking a page out of his book from time to time. His cars were a vision of doing things HIS WAY. When “Chairman Lee” and the “Chairman of the Board” got together, they had a feeling the best was yet to come…and it was gonna be fine. And in 2012 you can make this distinctive luxury statement yours, at a relatively bargain price. Wanna drive it somewhere? I suggest your first trip should include cruising down Frank Sinatra Drive in Hoboken.

“I’ll drive the Chrysler, leave the Rolls for you.
If that isn’t love, it’ll have to do,

until the real thing comes along.”

- Frank Sinatra, from the song “Until the Real Thing Comes Along”, written by Mann Holiner, Alberta Nichols, Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin, and L.E. Freeman, from the album “L.A. Is My Lady”, 1984.

Sources: Cars of the Sensational ‘70s by James Flamming and the auto editors of Consumers Guide, wikipedia.org, allpar.com, youtube.com
Frank Sinatra photo copyright John Lloyd.

(Thanks for the story we never knew Lou) Pete

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ROCCO’S CAR LIFE (so far)

By Rocco Giordano, Future Car Expert

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my FIRST car story submission! Yes, I do have a collection, and I am a 10-year-old boy who absolutely LOVES cars! I am writing because I would like to share my interest in cars. This is my first time writing, and I will tell you a little bit about my thoughts on cars.

You will NEVER believe this!!!! My first word I ever said was… Car! My parents were so proud of me. I love cars and anything that has wheels. I actually DO have a car collection. Guess what it is! It is TOY cars!! I have like hmm…. maybe…lets see…… I think I have a HUNDRED of them! And guess who buys them for me! my DAD! So next time you see him, be sure to thank him! My favorite of them is the light green Jeep Grand Cherokee with woodgrain sides. My Dad used to have a real Grand Cherokee. I think I might have REAL LIFE classic cars when I grow up! Hey wait, I know I WILL have them!

Do you want to know what car I will have when I grow up? A BMW! Why? Because it is very fancy. Also for a classic car, I will get a Dodge Super Bee like my Dad’s. I like it because it has 5 seats and is very nice looking. I want mine to be orange with a white interior and a white top and stripe. Maybe I’ll even let my brother Nicky ride in it!

Thank you for reading my article. I hope you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to take your kids to the car shows with you!

See you in another newsletter!

(Nice job Son!) Dad

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RICH’S TECH TIPS

By Rich Fiore

HEADS UP !!! YOU CAN REPLACE A HEADLINER !!!!!

One of the most annoying things is a headliner that flaps in the breeze or is ripped in a spot or two. Sometimes we even get a little help from our critter friends which decide to nest up there. The cost of a new headliner can be around $100 but the labor to install one can be 3 - 5 times that amount. Yikes !!!!

There have been 2 different styles over the years. Up until the mid 70's most vehicles utilized the bow style headliner. We will focus on that type with this installment. After that the manufacturers went to a board style which was a material glued to rigid piece of cardboard or plastic. Inevitably the two always seemed to separate and droop ( I keep saying I will get to fix mine but for now the little cork screws they sell for it are doing the job ).

So if you have decided at this point to take on the job, lets get to it. It really shouldn't be all that painful. First off lets make sure we start on a warm and sunny day. Lets take the headliner out of it's package and hang it in the sun to stretch it and eliminate the packaging creases or wrinkles. A hair dryer or portable steamer can also help while it is hanging.

The removal process starts with the removal of the trim, coat hooks, mirror, sun visors, dome light and in some cases shoulder belts. Take a quick measurement on the dome light location. The old headliner can be secured around the perimeter with either staples, tacks, barbed strips or by glue. Start by removing the staples or tacks that are holding up the old one. If barbed strips were used, carefully bend them out to avoid breakage. For glued installations - use lacquer thinner.

Next would be removal of the entire headliner. Since all bows are unique to their position, it is critical to number them from front to back. Also mark which hole each bow was removed from since there may be multiple locations. Also, the rear bow should have two wires which must be removed. After each is removed, take out the entire headliner as an assembly.

Remove one bow at a time and insert it into the corresponding pocket ( listing ) of the new headliner while it is still hanging. You may have to trim some material to expose more of the bow. Using a tape measure, find the center of the material at the front and back windshields. Mark it in an area which will be hidden. Now move the entire assembly back into the car and reinstall the bows back into their previous locations. Start with the center bow and work forward and back. Once in, move the material side to side to center the previous marks, and the front and back glass. Now re-attach the 2 wire hooks at the rear window area to the last bow.

Now we start to attach the material. Gently pull the material forward to remove any slack and attach at the front with the headliner's attachment method. A steamer or hair dryer can always be used along the way to eliminate wrinkles. Moving back to the rear bow and working forward pull the material out to the sides and attach. Do the corresponding side in the same manner.

Finally it’s time to do the sail panels. Pull the material back and attach at the top center of the back window. Work down the curve equally on both sides. Finally work the sail panels by pulling them diagonally to remove any wrinkles and then secure the material. Before installing the trim let the car sit for a day or 2 to cool down and shrink. Hopefully any minor wrinkles will have stretched out. If not, break out the steamer/hair dryer. You can now go around and trim any excess material leaving about 3/4" of material. Reinstall your trim, coat hooks, dome light and mirror and you are on your way.

Even though it sounds like a major job... the replacement of your headliner with a little knowledge and effort, can be a rewarding and money saving job. Heads up!!!!

Quick and Dirty : Never touch or push on your original headliner since it can be prone to tearing.

This can also occur when lifting out the rear seat back.

(That’s using your head Rich. Wanna change my ‘Cuda’s headliner for me?) Pete

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The

Pete Giordano

Editor

Long Island Classic Cars.com

5) What is Mr. Tucker’s first name and how many cars did he produce that we know as the “Tucker”? (Preston. 51 including prototype)

The winner is: Arlene Swenson

Arlene wins a 3-pack of Mini Vise Grips!

Congratulations!!

Honorable mention goes to: Randi Schenfeld, Tony De Monte, and Mike Furst. Each one of them wins a Microfiber Car-Dash Duster

Congratulations!!

Pete Giordano

www.liclassiccars.com

Honorable mention goes to: Randi Schenfeld, Tony De Monte, and Mike Furst.
Each one of them wins a Microfiber Car-Dash Duster