Street Beat

November 2008

Condolences

I am sad to report that since our October meeting we have lost one current member and two past members of the KARC.

Our good friend and current member Astor Christian passed away after a short illness. His wife Mary had a nice Thank You in the Times News, thanking different ones who had helped the family in their time of need. Included in those, was members of the Kingsport Antique and Rod Club. Condolences and good luck to Mary and the rest of Astor’s family.

Kyle Reedy of Bristol, TN was also a past member who passed away last month. Kyle once told me had owned 50 or 60 rods, customs, muscle cars, etc. over his lifetime.

Howard Mitchell of Blountville, TN also passed away since our last meeting. He was a member in the late 70’s and 80’s. I know he and Fred Dotson were good friends, and both had 50’s Thunderbirds at the same time.

Condolences to all their families.

Club Cruise

It was a beautiful, mild, and sunny day, and unofficially there were 22 club vehicles snaking their way through the NC countryside. Those multi-colored rods and customs had to be brightening up the fall foliage. A few of our regulars couldn’t make the cruise because of prior commitments, and a few non- regulars did show up for the Cruise. Just say “Free Meal”, and some awaken from a deep sleep. Ha. We met at the Woodland BBQ House in Blowing Rock for a nice, and relatively inexpensive meal. Unofficially there were 42 diners representing the KARC. Following the meal, the crew headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a nice leisurely fall cruise, and then most everyone found their own route home. Hat’s off to Jim Bledsoe and Jim Collier who researched and coordinated the trip. As far as I know there were no glitches, and no one had any particular problems. Guess we’ll just have to let Jim and Jim try it again next year. That’s the reward for doing a good job. For my part, it was really heartening to see such a good turnout of members and machines.

Members Machines and Gossip

Not member machines or gossip, but another of our friends and club member, Mr. Billy Hurd has undergone several surgeries in the last few weeks. After having surgeries at the VA in Johnson City a few weeks ago, Bill was found to have several heart blockages and was transferred to the VA in Asheville, NC for heart by-pass surgery which was done on Friday the 7^th. I am told that Glen Armstrong has the most up to date progress on Bill’s status, and he can fill us in at the Thursday club meeting.

Newsletter co-hort, Charlie Ball is recovering from knee replacement surgery. He hopes to make the meeting and is covering his end of this fine newsletter ye are currently reading.

On a positive note under members machines, Jim Bledsoe has cured a driveline vibration with a joint called a ?? Cardon Joint. It is a combination of two U joints with a ball and socket between them, similar to a CV joint. I hear these are commonly used on raised 4 wheel drive vehicles, etc. Jim had been researching the web, and found these are commonly used when the correct transmission to pinion angles cannot be achieved . He also spoke with Eddie Lawson of Eddie’s Rod Shop and found that one of Eddie’s customers had cured a problem under similar circumstances. Jim’s new lift has seen extensive use as of late. As one auto journalist said: a car lift is the ultimate tool for the home garage. Sure helps that mature body some of us have.

Some club members (no names) are still working on driveline vibration problems.

Dick Cartwright has moved his completed 55 Chevy frame, suspension engine and driveline over to the storage side of his shop, and now has the body back in it’s place. A few more patch panels, and he’s almost done. Right, Dick?????.

Mike Smith’s 68 Cutlass (442 clone) convertible is also coming along. His buddy Darrell may even have some paint on the front fenders by now.

I’m sure there several other winter projects under way at this time, and maybe by next month we’ll have more info on them.

Goodguys Bowling Green

Four members of the KARC made the first ever event in Bowling Green, KY for the Goodguys Assoc. Mike Smith, Fred Dotson, Bruce Roberts, and Perry Stapleton made the trip, and Bruce said they thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of Nostalgia drag cars, and plenty of rods and customs. There was around 1500 participants, and considering the economy and being a first time event, that was considered to be a success. Sounds like a good one for next year.

I haven’t talked to anyone who attended the Charlotte, Goodguys, also in October.

Interesting Story

Several people have sent me this story so I thought I would share it with you:

Subject: 1936 Stainless Steel Ford

Betcha never saw one of these??

This is the 1936 Ford Coupe built for and owned by Allegheny Ludlum Steel. It was attending our open house and then was featured in a local parade with over 100 of our salaried, hourly and retired employees walking alongside. This is 1 of only 4 in existence and is the only one currently in running and in roadworthy condition. The car is in exceptional condition, with the interior and even the frame looking great. All 4 cars each had over 200,000 miles on them before they removed them from service. These cars were built for Allegheny as promotional and marketing projects. The top salesmen each year were given the honor of being able to drive them for one year. The v-8 engine (max 85 hp) ran like a sewing machine and was surprisingly smooth and quite. FYI, the car was insured (we were told) for the trip to Louisville via covered trailer for 1.5 million dollars. We were also told that the dies were ruined by stamping the stainless car parts, making these the last of these cars ever produced. More information of the history on these and other Stainless Steel automobiles can be found at Allegheny Ludlum's website.

Upcoming Events

Doin’ the Charlston Rod Run XVII -------- Nov 22 --------- Exchange Park, Charleston, SC

Turkey Run ---------- Nov 27-30 ----------------- Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL

Club Christmas Party------------Dec. 6 ------- 6:00 til everyone is full at the Domtar Cabin (former Mead Cabin) in Colonial Heights.

40^th Street Rod Nationals ----- Aug 6-9, 2009 -------- Louisville, KY

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NEXT CLUB MEETING:

Golden Corral Restaurant on Eastman Road, Kingsport, TN.

November 13th, 6:30 PM