The Steering WheelOur Mission Statement:

To share the love of our antique cars and to show them off. To enjoy fellowship of other car enthusiasts.

OCTOBER 2017 Vol.17#08

Officers:President: Al Preisner (616) 874-9336Vice-President: Jim Nyman (616) 914-8895Secretary: Shirley DeLange (616) 878-3618Treasurer: Leon DeLange (616) 878-3618

Board of Directors:17/18 Sig Baumgart (616) 363-150917/18 Craig Chalmers (616) 361-222017/18 Jim Nyman (616) 914-889517/18 John Wilson (616) 453-702516/17 Keith VanderPol (616) 874-994316/17 Dennis Biggins (616) 365-137116/17 Shirley DeLange (616) 878-3618

Committee Chairs:April Auction Al Preisner (616) 874-9336

Craig Chalmers (616) 361-2220Christmas Banquet Sean & Cynthia Smith (616) 560-3108

Club Historian Roseanne Lynch (616) 460-2161Club Picnic Cheryl Chalmers (616) 361-2220

Membership Al Preisner (616) 874-9336Metro 28th Cruise Leon DeLange (616) 878-3618Newsletter Bonnie Woodman (616) 997-6413Retirement Visits Ruth Esakson

Jim Nyman(616) 677-5816(616) 914-8895

Sick & Shut Ins Linda Biggins (616) 365-1371Special Events Ruth Esakson (616) 677-5816

Cynthia Smith (616) 560-3108Tours: Dust Off Sean & Cindy Smith (616) 560-3108

Fall One Day Al Preisner (616) 874-9336Denny Biggins (616) 365-1371

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Events Calendar** Indicates a SPECIAL Event

Sept 30 Sat Fall Color Tour – heading south to Hickory Corners to the GilmoreCar Museum – leaving about 9:30am from 44th & Broadmoor – GR –Details further in this newsletter

Oct 14 Sat Awards Banquet - @ St. Mary’s Church Hall –15164 Juniper Dr, Marne, MI – Social Time 12 noon – lunch @ 12:45

Application this newsletter – deadline Tues Oct. 3rd

Note: Potluck/ NOTE: Election Night Oct 25 Tue GRACC Board/Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s

Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Leon & Shirley DeLangeEntertainment: Annual Fall Potluck plus Election

NOTE: A Reminder – October will be the last meeting for the year 2017

2018

Feb 27 Tue GRACC Board/Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Keith VanderPolEntertainment:

Mar 27 Tue GRACC Board/Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home - Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Carl & Ruth EsaksonEntertainment: Annual Spring Potluck

**Dates marked in BOLD, Underlined and marked with a double asterisk **, are SPECIAL Events and Visits. Please make note of these dates. These events and visits earn points toward the year end awards.”

** We will now have a 50/50 Raffle and/or a prize drawing at all membership meetings – this is to help offset the cost of the Awards Banquet.NOTE: - A Reminder – that Greeters are also Treaters – please bring a snack (baked goods, whatever) and a beverage. Any items purchased for this can be reimbursed by the treasurer.

FROM THE PRESIDENTHello Everyone !

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the strange fall weather. Summer & Fall will soon be over so enjoy it with warm temps and lots of sunshine. We have elections in October for new board members. We need “3” to be elected. Also it is the night of our annual Fall Potluck with lots of good food. Our Annual Awards Banquet also is in Oct (Oct. 14th). I hope to see all that can attend, it should be a good time had by all.

Your GRACC PresidentAl Preisner

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Board Of Directors Report

A REMINDER – we will be voting on three (3) new board members at the October meeting. Please consider volunteering for one of these positions and/or talk to one of the current board members and drop a name or two who you think would be good.

NOTE: The board NEEDS your input!!!!! A suggestion was made to change the point system for Paying Events and Visits. A request was made to change Paying Events to 2 points for each and for Visits – 1 point. Since the Paying Events is what brings in the money and it is getting harder to have at least 8 to 10 cars attend. The current system is 1 point each. Contact any of the board members and let them know how you feel – names and numbers are listed on page 1 of the newsletter - CALL

$ Treasurers Report from Leon DeLange $

NOTE: - Report for September 2017 Balance Aug. 22nd     $4,711.96Receipts                            571.68Disbursements                 -   675.65

                                   Balance Sept 24th      $4,607.99

Note: a detailed report will be available at the October 2017 membership meeting

Committee Reports

Sick & Shut InsLinda Biggins – Chair

Fred Eisen had knee surgery – is home and doing well – cards may be sent to: 540 Harrison, Coopersville, MI 49404

Thoughts and prayers for all our sick & shut-ins are greatly appreciated ……

NOTE: If you know of someone else in the club who has been ill and/or in the hospital, has had a death in the family, etc. Please call Linda and let her know – 616-365-1371

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Retirement Visits

Brought to you by Ruth Esakson & Jim NymanCheck the “Events Calendar” for all upcoming Special Events

August 23 - Fountainview Nursing Home the following people participated: Jim Nyman, John & Judy Wilson, Fred & Arlene Eisen, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Bonnie Woodman & Brenda, Roger Beard, Denny & Linda Biggins, Chuck & Judy Swift, and Carl & Ruth Esakson.

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August 24 - American House of Kentwood the following people participated: Jim Nyman, Denny Biggins, Roger Beard, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Casey & Ruth Meyer, Sig & Margie Baumgart, Keith VanderPol and John & Judy Wilson.

August 28 - Heron Woods the following people participated: Carl & Ruth Esakson, Roger Beard, Denny & Linda Biggins, Craig & Cheryl Chalmers, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Casey Meyer, Jim Nyman, John & Judy Wilson, Sally Thelen & Gerry Trabka, Dave & Ruth Kommers, Keith VanderPol, and Leon & Shirley DeLange.

August 29 - Clark Retirement at Keller Lake the following people participated: Carl & Ruth Esakson, Denny Biggins, John & Judy Wilson, Jim Nyman, Casey & Ruth Meyer, Chuck & Judy Swift, Keith Vander Pol, Roger Beard, Dave & Ruth Kommer, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, and Roseann Lynch (no car).

NOTE: be sure to RSVP to Ruth on visits requiring the RSVP – call her @ 677-5816

NOTE: In case of RAIN or inclement weather – be sure to check your e-mail (if you have one) in case of any cancellations and/or date and time changes!!!!

Watch the Calendar of Events for Names, dates and further details. Many visits already scheduled – be sure to RSVP where requested!

PS – if you’re not sure where a ‘Retirement/Nursing Home’ is – ask us – maps are available!!

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Special EventsBrought to you by Ruth Esakson & Cynthia Smith

(616) 677-5816

NOTE: There are no more ‘Special Events’ for the year – Thank you all who came out and participated

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Membership Al Preisner – Chair

to new members: Dave & Norma Scott – they live in Kentwood and have a 1952 Ford Customline – 2 dr Sedan. Be sure to say HI!!! and welcome when you next see them at a club outing!!

DUES - Since October will be the last meeting of the year – this is a reminder that you may pay your dues early – especially for those that are ‘Snowbirds’ – They can be paid via mail or at the next club meeting. They are $20.00 per family for the year. They can be paid by check - made out to GRACC and mailed to: Al Preisner - 7973 Ramsdell Dr NE – Rockford, MI 49341-8079 OR bring them to the next membership meeting. If you have any questions, contact Al.

We currently have 57 paid families in our club!!

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Extra Newsworthy News

Thirteenth Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise®Saturday, August 26th

REPORT

On August 26, 2017, the weather was so good it probably could not have been any better. The GRACC gathered for the Metro Cruise at the corner of Kalamazoo and 28th St in the parking lot of the Christian Reformed Church building. Starting at 10 am, members and their antique cars started arriving. By noon, 39 members and family and friends along with 15 antique cars had arrived. At noon, a picnic spread second to none was laid out on the table and all enjoyed some good eating. During the day, everyone enjoyed watching the cruising going on up and down 28th St. many folks driving by our cars spotted them and pulled in to take a closer look. A great time was had by all.

Leon DeLange^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Fall One Day Tour

Leaving New Beginnings Rest. at M37/Broadmoor & 44th St. at 9:30a – Sat. Sept 30th – traveling south to Hickory Corners – Gilmore Car Museum. Cost with club discount is $11.00 per person to enjoy viewing the complete car collection. The diner will be open for lunch and you can go there whenever you’re hungry –we will not be seating as a group. Hopefully everyone will enjoy their day. We will be departing Gilmores about 2:30-3:00 in the afternoon.PS – have exact change ready for collection for each member in your car.

Your Tour ChairmenAl PreisnerDenny Biggins

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GRACC Awards Banquet

Saturday, October 14 at St. Mary’s Church Hall – 15164 Juniper Dr, Marne, MI – Social Time 12 noon – lunch @ 12:45 – application this newsletter – deadline is Tues. Oct 3rd – get your app in early Any questions?? call Cynthia @ (616) 560-3108

Directions:

Take I-96 WestGet off Exit 23 (Marne)Turn Left onto 16th AveTurn Right onto State St. (just past Rinaldi’s Pizza Shop)State Street become Berlin Fair Drive (watch for traffic @ Stop Sign)Turn Right onto 24th AveThen a Sharp Right onto Juniper Drive

St. Mary’s Parish Hall is on Right

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Hey – we are now on Facebook – just type in ‘Grand Rapids Antique Car Club’ in the find friends tab.

Join the group – info on events and visits

Odds & Ends

RAFFLE PRIZE WINNER for the September meeting was Bonnie Woodman with winnings of $39.00

Visit our web site at www.clubs.hemmings.com/gracc

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Cars/Parts For Sale and/or Wanted

FOR SALE – 1917 Model T – Run-About Roaster – new ground up restored to a 1919 styleCall Mike Maloney at (616)875-8171 (bet 8-4 Ext 2) or home (616)669-0615 after 5pm (08/17)

FOR SALE -1968 Mercury Monterey – Model 4 Door – 390 V-8 Ps PB – all original – asking $6,500 or Best Offer– call 616-916-3538 (07/17)

FOR SALE - 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe, 4-Door Slant Windshield Town Sedan, Maroon/Black Fenders. $14,500  Call 616-457-4964 or 616-475-1145. (06/17)

FOR SALE - 1935 Ford Model 48 Standard, 2-Door Flatback Sedan, Washington Blue. $15,000  Call 457-4964 or 475-1145. (06/17)

FOR SALE: 1924 Model T Roadster – older restoration – many parts come with vehicleCall Raymond Conti - 330-650-6477 (03/17)

FOR SALE: 1930 Model A – older restoration – two-door w/rumble seat – many parts come with vehicle – Raymond Conti Call 330-650-6477 (03/17)

FOR SALE: 1964 Impala SS convertible. Original red SS w/very nice paint. Chrome & trim are new. Nice running 327 2x4 Barrel engine w/ some chrome accessories. Newer Top & Interior.  Many extra accessories. Some extra parts go with car. Asking $31,500.  If you want a ‘64 Impala SS convertible this one is worth a look.  Call 616-884-5184 if interested. Pictures on request. (10/16)

GARAGE Available – Call Al Preisner – (616) 874-9336

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Back-Seat Drivers OCTOBER Recipes

Country Chicken Casserole

1 can (10 ¾ oz) Cream of Celery Soup 4 cups vegetables – cooked & cut-up1 can (10 ¾ oz) Cream of Potato Soup 2 cups chicken – cooked & cubed1 cup milk 4 cups herb Seasoned Stuffing – prepared¼ tsp. dried thyme leaves – crushed 1/8 tsp ground black pepperPreheat oven to 400^. Stir soups, milk, thyme, black pepper, veggies & chicken in a 3 qt shallow baking dish. TopWith the prepared stuffing. Bake 25 min or until stuffing is golden brown. NOTE – green beans & carrots make a good veggies blend for this.

Cucumber – Strawberry SaladFrom Panera Bread

1 cucumber – thinly sliced1 pt. strawberries – sliced (about 2 cups) ½ cup Feta cheese - crumbled¾ cup red onion – thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. Mint – chopped1/3 cup Panera Poppyseed Dressing salt & pepper – to tasteIn large bowl, toss cucumbers, strawberries & onion together. Add poppyseed dressing and toss to coat – garnish with crumbled feta & mint. Season with salt & pepper to taste

Quick Cherry Crisp

1/3 to ½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp butter – melted1 Tbsp. cornstarch ¼ cup pecans – chopped & toasted4 cups frozen unsweetened pitted tart red cherries Ice Cream – optional1 cup shortbread cookies – crumbled

In small bowl, combine sugar & cornstarch. Place cherries in large saucepan and sprinkle cornstarch mixture over cherries, stir to combine. Cook and stir over medium heat about 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, thoroughly combine crumble cookies, butter & nuts. Divide cherry mixture among four dessert dishes. Sprinkle cookie mixture over top. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

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The Difference Between Antique and Classic Cars

It can be difficult to distinguish between antique and classic cars since all too often, the terms can seem interchangeable. However, there are officially differences between them as defined by different organizations. The definitions are quite rigid for both antique and classic cars although the definitions probably aren’t what most people will expect.

Classic CarDefinitions do vary about the distinction between antique and classic cars but the Classic Car Club of America states that to be called a classic car, a vehicle must have been made between 1925 and 1948 and has to be fully restored and running. It doesn’t matter where the car was built and other factors do come into play, such as whether or not the vehicle has power brakes or other qualifying items.

It’s extremely rare that any other vehicles are added to the classic car list maintained by the group. However, the definition of a classic car can vary greatly depending on which organization is involved. In some states, it can be a car that’s more than 15 years old and fully restored.

Antique CarMost people would imagine antique cars to be older than classics cars but that’s actually not the case. According to the Antique Car Club of America, to be an antique car the vehicle has to be more than 25 years old, completely restored and in full running order. The definition of an antique car does vary from state to state with some giving 20 years as a minimum but as a general rule of thumb, the vehicle does need to be more than 25 years old.

From https://www.carsdirect.com/classic-cars/

The First Flakes Have Fallen: It’s Time for Winter Storage PreparationBy: Tara Hurlin (courtesy of Hagety, Ins.) 2014

For many, the first snow of the winter has already fallen, and winterizing the beloved collector vehicle has suddenly become top on the priority list. If the car is simply parked in the garage for an extended period of time without preparation, you may return to a dead battery or — even worse — a damaged engine, flattened tires, or electrical or interior damage from rodents. The following steps will prevent any springtime heartbreak:

Wash and Wax – It may seem fruitless to wash the car when it is about to be put away for months, but it is an easy step that shouldn't be overlooked. Water stains or bird droppings left on the car can permanently damage the paint. Make sure to clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders to get rid of

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mud, grease and tar. For added protection, give the car a coat of wax and treat any interior leather with a good conditioner.

Car Covers – Even though your classic is stored in the garage in semi-stable temperatures and protected from the elements, a weatherproof car cover will keep any spills or dust off of the paint. It can also protect from scratches while moving objects around the parked car.Oil Change – If you will be storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days, consider getting the oil changed. Used engine oil has contaminants that could damage the engine or lead to sludge buildup.Fuel Tank – Before long-term storage of over 30-days, remember to fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and to keep the seals from drying out. You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.

Battery Care – An unattended battery will eventually lose its charge, resulting in having to purchase a new battery in the spring. The easiest, low-tech solution is to disconnect the battery cables — the negative (ground) first, then the positive. You'll likely lose any stereo presets, time and other settings. If you want to keep those settings and ensure that your battery starts the moment you return, purchase a battery tender, also known as a trickle charger. This device hooks up to your car battery on one end, then plugs into a wall outlet on the other and delivers just enough electrical power to prevent the battery from dying.

Parking Brake Tips – For general use it is a good idea to use the parking brake, but don't do it when you leave a car in storage long term; if the brake pads make contact with the rotors for an extended period of time, they could fuse together. Instead of risking your emergency brake, purchase a tire stopper or two — also called a chock — to prevent the car from moving.

Tire Care – If a vehicle is left stationary for too long, the tires could develop flat spots from weight of the vehicle pressing down on the tires' treads. This occurs at a faster rate in colder temperatures, especially with high-performance or low-profile tires and in severe cases, a flat spot becomes a permanent part of the tire causing a need for replacement. If your car will be in storage for more than 30 days, consider taking the wheels off and placing the car on jack stands at all four corners. This step requires more work than simply inflating the tires to the recommended pressure, but it can save you the disappointment that a set of destroyed tires would cause.

Repel Rodents – A solid garage will keep your car dry and relatively warm, conditions that can also attract unwanted rodents during the cold winter months. There are plenty of places in your car for critters to hide and even more things for them to destroy. Prevent them from entering your car by covering any gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake; steel wool works well for this. Next, spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle as a rodent repellent. Instead of stinky mothballs, a product called Fresh Cab has been a part of my personal success in keeping the rodents away. For a more proactive approach in conjunction to the prior suggestions, lay down a few mousetraps, but make sure someone can check the garage regularly for casualties or you will have to deal with a smell much worse than mothballs. PS – also Bounce Dryer Sheets work well when you put them in your car or around the garage to keeping the critters away.

Maintain Insurance – You might be tempted to cancel your auto insurance when your vehicle is in storage in order to save money. If you remove coverage completely, it would be a major loss if a fire started, the weight of snow causes your roof to collapse, or if a theft occurred. Even if just collision coverage is temporarily removed, the car would not be covered when another moving object (for example: a tractor or motorcycle) rolled into it, or if the car were to fall of its jack stands. If you have

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classic car insurance, namely with Hagerty, the policy covers a full year and takes winter storage into account in your annual premium, so you don’t have to worry about your car over the winter months.

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