A GDYNETS PUBLICATION 2014, G. DAVID YAROS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Car Collector Chronicles

Volume VII, Issue II1 Ca s March 2014

Exploring:

Car Collecting Today Classic Rides Reports From the Field Oldsmobile (1897-2004) Cadillac (1902- ) Allant (1987-1993)

High RPMs
I tend to collect and store a lot of old car related information. The intent behind this is to share it with the readers of CCC. This month is a good time to start doing just that. In this edition you will find pics I like, links to sites that are, in my opinion, interesting and on which one may while away the hours. As I type, the actual temperature outside is 3 F. The wind chill temp is hovering around 30 F! I mention this only to point out that sometimes one needs an activity to while away the hours. I am sure that you also have your favorite, interesting places to visit on the web. I invite you share them with us. Send me an email with the links. I will be glad to take a look, and maybe even comment. Shifting gears, I want to make mention of an item I ran across in my local newspaper. It referenced the fact that the 2015 Chrysler 200 will come with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The rationale for going to this 9-speed auto trans is to improve fuel economy and meet CAFE mpg standards. Nine speeds, that is quite a lot. It is a good thing it is an automatic, as not many folk know how to drive a stick anymore, let alone how to navigate through a 9-speed gearbox. March Automotive Milestones03/02/1925 US highway numbering system instituted 03/04/1902 AAA organized 03/05/1929 David Dunbar Buick died 03/06/1896 Charles B. King-1st to drive a car in the Motor City 03/08/1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am introduced 03/09/1901 Fire destroys Olds Motor Works factory in Detroit 03/16/1958 50,000,000th Ford 03/18/1947 William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, died 03/19/2005 John Zachary DeLorean died 03/20/1928 James Ward Packard died

Corvair (1960-1969)

= Clickable Link

IN THIS ISSUE: High RPMs 1

GDYNets On the Web From the Storage Bin SITE-ings

03/24/1954 Nash-Kelvinator Co. and Hudson Motor Car Co. merger approved 03/26/1932 Henry Martyn Leland died 03/30/1947 Tucker announced his concept for a new automobile 03/31/1932 Ford unveiled its "V-8" engine

19 Days until Spring!

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GDYNets on the Web

Find GDYNets on the web:
SAVED 62: A website devoted
CCC -THE FORUM -A web site to discuss the newsletter, the hobby and our cars. Car Collector Chronicles Saved 62 -Our 1962 Olds convertible, Ransom Eli Olds and things Oldsmobile related web site. The Gray Lady -1955 Cadillac Coup de Ville web site. to our 1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 convertible. The site also has a lot of information on Oldsmobile cars and the company founder, Ransom Eli Olds. DAVES DEN: -A site devoted to a myriad of interests. Foremost is extensive information on the Steel City of Gary, IN. There are also offerings on steel making, U.S. Steel-Gary Works, U.S. Marine Corps, M14 assault rifle, of course Oldsmobile, and the tragic story of the murder of Gary, IN Police Lt. George Yaros.

Retiree Realizations 5

CCC Forum EMail:

THE GRAY LADY: This website features our 1955 Cadillac Coup de Ville, lots of Caddy information and an extensive repair library.

OldsD88@gmail.com

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From the Storage Bin

Along about 2006, my step-son and I built a rather large storage shed on my property. The purpose of the shed was/is to store stuff. Stuff is what guys collect. I confess to being a pack rat, so I have a lot of stuff. Just as I store a lot of tangible stuff, I also have a lot of digital stuff. It may be pics, links, articles, you name it. If it strikes my fancy I save it. I have file folders on my computer named Pics In Waiting, Arts in Waiting, Photos Temp Hold. You get the idea. Well, it is now time to sort through some of this stuff. I have a slew of pics. When it comes to old rides some of the features I like the best are dashes/instrument panels and steering wheels. Here are a few with comments where deemed apropos: 1961 Chrysler Imperial I wonder what it is like to round a corner in a car with a square steering wheel?

Stuff is what guys collect. I confess to being a pack rat, so I have a lot of stuff. Just as I store a lot of tangible stuff, I also have a lot of digital stuff.

The Edsel with push button shifting

How could one not be impressed with a car that has a speedometer that goes up to 180 m.p.h.? 1963 Intermeccanica Apollo GT5000

Your car runs on rocket fuel, doesnt it? 1962-63 Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire

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From the Storage Bin - Contd.

Why do we park in a driveway, and drive on a parkway?

The Harley Earl Vette Pray tell, how did he read the gauges in the passenger side cluster? Who wouldnt want a Corvette Nomad?

1949 Oldsmobile Pick Up? Note that the grille shell houses the grille bar from a 1953 Olds.

Can you say Studebaker?

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SITE-ings
There are far more web sites than we can ever get to out there on the internet. This is true even if we limit the digital universe to classic car related web sites. Here is a discussion of only a few that I think merit a look; some closer than others. They are presented in no particular order. To facilitate our look, clickable links are provided for your use. Macs Motor City Garage houses a lot of interesting information, both in text and photos. The Departments listing is actually links to pages you want to check out. I particularly like the info found on The Year in Cars pages. That being said, do not short change yourself by neglecting to investigate the Car Museum, Car Spotters Guide and Feature Cars pages. In fact, each and every page is worth a close look. I think you will feel that your investment of time on this site is well rewarded.

The Old Motor site is a place where you can spend hour upon hour exploring. Offerings are grouped by era. I immediately gravitated to the Auto Photos 19461965 section. There I found coverage in both word and photo of car haulers, a video on the Chrysler proving grounds and an expos on Hudson trucks. Be sure to watch the video on the 1956 Car Show Concept Cars. OldMotor.com has a great selection of video clips well worth the time needed to view. The AACA Library is home to a large collection of automobile related documents. It includes manufacturer advertising and promo materials. The AACA description for it is: Flat Tires and Engine Misfires, A Collection of the Odd, Weird, Fun and Just Plain Interesting Side of Automotive Cataloging from the AACA Library and Research Center. The easiest way to access the materials is by accessing the Browse the Archives link (above), and once there clicking on whatever happens to pique your interest. What you will get usually is a 1-page display of vintage advertising or a photograph from back in the day. There is nothing earth shattering here. Nor do I see an easy way to search for items by name, description, keyword or whatever. It is just a fun place to go and hang out for a while.

The Old Car Manual Project is one of my favs. Of course, the fact it has an Olds Rocket on its masthead would not influence my judgment in any manner? Believe me when I say one can lose all sense of time here. The information presented is not only interesting, it is extremely useful. If one is looking for anything automobile related, be it technical data, advertising, photos, you name it, this should be your first stop!

Cruisin Caskets Yes I know it is weird. In fact a bit bizarre to say the least, but no worse than the recent story of the guy who went into the great beyond riding his Harley Hog. There are a whole lot more sites to be mentioned; when both time permits and the mood is right.

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Retiree Realizations
As many of you may know, I am retired. I have been such since the summer of 2012. Ever since acquiring retiree status I have asked myself, How would I like to spend my new-found time and also earn a few bucks? Since I am now supported by my government, and rightfully so I might add, I can afford to be choosy as to prospective employment. Of course, for a gearhead any job would have to be car related. Within walking distance of my home is the NAPA Milwaukee Regional Warehouse (it used to be a NAPA Distribution Center). I see NAPA vehicles on the road 6 days a week delivering parts. So, I say to myself that is something I would enjoy doing and want to do. The only way to apply for a NAPA parts delivery driver position is electronically. The days of face-toface communication and pressing the flesh have gone by the boards. I signed up for email notice of NAPA parts delivery driver openings. For over two years I have submitted my electronic app and rsum for every position that popped up on my monitor. I have probably done this 50 to 75 times? Lo and behold, at the end of January the telephone rings and it is NAPA calling. Can I come in for an interview? Is it cold in WI in the winter time? Hell yes I can come in for an interview for my dream job in retirement! I do. I dazzle them with both my interest and automotive acumen. I am hired. The first few days are training. Of course that training is by computer; watching videos and answering questions on the content. I need to point out that we are talking about 23 hours of videos here! Seems a bit much to me for a parttime driver job? But hey, if it works for NAPA who am I to question it. After a few days of ride-alongs I am scheduled to begin working my regular 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. M-F, and sometimes Saturday shift. After a year I will be eligible to take a week of paid vacation. All the while, I shall be paid $9.50/Hour. Somebody pinch me! Is this for real? Can I really be this lucky? As the late Paul Harvey would say, And now, page 2: On day four of my new adventure I arrive at work early after having undergone a restless night. I called my boss aside and told him I was quitting, effective immediately. He inquired, What happened? thinking someone or something had soured me against becoming a part of the NAPA team. I answered him truthfully. I said, I found out that I like being retired far more than I liked being rehired. It became obvious that at least this retiree does not like Having a boss Having a work schedule Having to go to bed at 10 p.m. to be able to rise and shine before the sun has done so Being late for dinner five or more nights a week Not being able to head on down the road to wherever, whenever the mood hits. For this retiree, work is overrated!

Ok, Ive had my say for the month. Now its your turn! I invite/encourage submission of your comments, opinions and article contributions. I also ask that you please help spread the word about our publication. Everything sent shall indeed be reviewed by me. Submissions should be sent to CCC at OldsD88@gmail.com. Now that you have finished reading this months issue of the newsletter, come start/ join an ongoing dialog with other CCC readers and like-minded car collector folk on the CCC Forum. Stop by, check us out and share your views . ______________________________________

-- RESTORE 'EM, AND DRIVE 'EM!

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