Director’s Thoughts, April, 2018

Can you believe that it is April already? Are your cars ready for the season? Well, with the way March had been with snow & rain, who felt like working on sprucing up the BUICKS!! But now, now you have to get going on those big, beautiful, bold BUICKS!! You know, April showers bring May flowers. Hopefully, though, April will be on the DRY side!

Can you ever remember a year when Easter Holiday & April Fool’s Day fall on the same day? I cannot. When you wake up on that Sunday, you had better be ready for ANYTHING that comes your way, like jokes, pranks, the weather, etc. Watch your every move, & think before you answer!

Did you know that Tax Day is April 17th this year? Since the 15th falls on a Sunday, Tax Day was extended for 2 more days! The reason Tax Day doesn’t fall on the 15th in 2018 is two-fold: First, April 15 falls on a Sunday this year. And second, Washington DC celebrates Emancipation Day on April 16. So Tax Day is pushed to the 17th. Importantly, Americans filing tax returns in spring 2018 will not feel the effects of the Republicans’ new tax law that was passed in December. That’s because tax day 2018 is when you file your 2017 taxes. The new law, signed by President Donald Trump, went into effect on January 1, 2018. And that means you won’t feel the effects of it until spring 2019, when you file taxes for the previous year. For those of you who wait till the last minute, well I guess you now have 2 whole extra days now to file!!

It’s only 5 month now till the North East PA ALL BUICK REGIONAL, Lehighton, Pa!! I am so very excited to be a part of this chapter to host this event!! To date, we have 6 registrations!! Yes, it does not sound like many, but it is a little early in the game too! Our goal for cars in the show field is 125 or better! So get your registrations in TODAY! To obtain a registration form, please visit our web site, www.buickfreespirit.org.
John Moore & I (with the spirit of Clarence) attended the Hamburg Meet as car part vendors which was held Sunday, March 4th. This event is hosted by the Ontelaunee Region AACA. (Some Buick members are also members of Ontelaunee Region.) This is a very early meet to attend but there are always lots of items & car parts to be seen & bought. While John was selling odds & ends of parts, I promoted this years’ NE PA ALL BUICK REGIONAL!

Many registration forms were handed out to BUICK enthusiasts, &, guess what, I even accepted a registration from a BUICK FAN!! “Thank you” to Mr. Chuck Mason!! What other way to spend a nice event but with other BUICK enthusiasts!

Throughout the day, approximately 8 “Free Spiriters” stopped by to say, “Hello”!

Your elected Director, Sally Getz

“Free Spirit” Chapter Meeting Minutes, March 6, 2018

NO meeting held due to lack of electricity. Some members attended Cracker Barrel for supper. Hopefully the April dinner meeting will occur @ Starlite Diner & Lounge.

Chapter Badges
Please remember to wear your chapter badge that has your name on it. Wearing it to the monthly chapter meetings is a must, or you will owe $1.00 to Dolores Kennedy. Also, please wear it to the periodic chapter events, thus everyone can get to meet/greet you if you are a new member. If you do not have a badge with your name on it, please contact Dolores Kennedy & she’ll be more than happy to see you receive a badge!

Everyone Is Welcomed!
Now that 2018 is finally here, I am extending a “WARM WELCOME” to any member who would like to send me information, articles, etc. for in the monthly newsletter. I am open to ideas, articles, clippings, stories, etc. If you would like to share something with others, feel free to send your information to me via e-mail, U.S mail, phone call, visit, or however you want. If you would like to hear from a specific group or person of an organization, again, contact Sally. Help to make this year a fun-filled year!

Annual Chapter Picnic, Sunday, June 2, 2018
This year the Chapter picnic will be held under the Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie Borough Park, Macungie, PA. While the chapter provides the meats, drinks, utensils & paper products, the membership is asked to bring their favorite food selections they are most proud of according to the table following:

Last names starting with:

• A-I = hot selection
• J-R = dessert selection
• S-Z = cold selection

Bring your favorite “comfy” chair & your BUICK stories to share with others. What better way to spend a Sunday none other than with other fellow friends & members! Back by POPULAR demand – BUICK BINGO!! Don’t forget to bring your quarters to play! If you do not play, you may miss out on some GREAT prizes!
So come on out & enjoy the fun-filled day that is being planned for you at the “Free Spirit” chapter picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion, Macungie, Pa.

REMEMBER YOUR CHAPTER BADGE!!!!

Sally Getz

Northeast PA All Buick Regional, September 20-22, 2018, Lehighton, Pa

WOW! Can you believe we are in 2018 already? It just seems like yesterday we just got started in 2017!! The time is going by quickly, don’t you agree? This means it is now, only 5 months away from the 2018 NE PA ALL BUICK REGIONAL!! Can you believe it? I am so excited of being a part of this Buick chapter in hosting such an event. For you, the members, is what makes this chapter the GREATEST!!

A NE PA All Buick Regional will be held @ Lehighton, Pa @ Phifer’s Ice Dams, September 20-22, 2018. There are 2 local hotels, 1 = 0.5 mile & 1 = 1 mile away. The PA turnpike is only 1 mile away for those who travel! View the web site, www.buickfreespirit.org, to be kept in the loop about this exciting event, & to register your BUICK(s)!!!

CLASSICS & CRUISERS ON HAMILTON COMING JULY 21

Car enthusiasts should mark Saturday, July 21 on their calendars! That’s when classic cars will be making a return to Downtown Allentown. At a late morning news conference at PPL Center today Mayor Ed Pawlowski, flanked by a 2003 Thunderbird, a 2002 35th Anniversary Limited Edition Camaro, a 2012 Lamborgini Performante’ and a 1962 Mercedes 190 SL, announced that during the July event, Hamilton Street will be closed from 6th Street to 9th Street, and lined with classic and muscle cars of many makes, models, and time periods.

Organized by the City of Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation, Allentown Police, America On Wheels Museum, Friends of the Allentown Parks and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce, “Classics & Cruisers on Hamilton” will re-live the days when Hamilton Street in Allentown was the hub of gathering to park and show off your vehicle. People came to Allentown from all over to gather along Hamilton Street to enjoy camaraderie and a mutual interest in cars and in the city.

The car show will directly benefit two Allentown-based non-profits: America On Wheels Museum and Friends of the Allentown Parks.

“America On Wheels Museum is fueling up with excitement to be a part of the team that brings cruising to Allentown. We take great pride in entertaining and educating the public on the unique vehicles that will attend this event,” says Linda Merkel, Executive Director of America On Wheels Museum. “We couldn’t think of a better place than downtown Allentown, Hamilton Street, with many wonderful restaurants.”

“This is an exciting event which showcases the rejuvenation of Allentown’s downtown area, bringing tourists to our many fine restaurants and, of course, to relax and enjoy Allentown’s wonderful parks,” stated Karen El-Chaar, Executive Director with Friends of the Allentown Parks.

Registration opened today for the 2018 show, both online https://fotap.wordpress.com/2016-great-events/classics-cruisers-on-hamilton/ and at America On Wheels Museum. The cost is $20.00 per vehicle in advance, and $25.00 per vehicle after July 15, 2018.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Interested businesses or organizations should contact James.Stanko@allentownpa.gov or Christy.Alvord@allentownpa.gov or call 610-437-7757.

Nine reasons to own a 1971-1973 Buick Riviera

These are my nine reasons for wanting to someday own one of Buick’s most distinctive personal luxury cars. Some of yours will differ, so please share them.

1 Considering the Curves
I’ve heard it too, the 1971-’73 Riviera’s appearance is controversial—a “love it” or “hate it” proposition. Well, you can guess my opinion, just from the fact that I chose to write about it. Their daring design, fostered & overseen by Bill Mitchell, VP General Motors Design, is impossible to ignore on the road, & that’s a good thing.

The 1971 Riviera featured a prominent forward-jutting prow with a vee’d grille & a beltline & “sweepspear” (character line) that was reminiscent of a 1953 Skylark. Its unique roof treatment flowed into a “boattail” rear (Buick called it “tapered rear-end styling”) resembling the C2 Corvette & some early 20th-century cars. More modern trends of the day included an increased inward slant of the A-pillars to the roof, ventless curved side glass, & an integrated rear bumper, to name a few. The designers developed a look that blended laid-back luxury & the feeling of forward motion. Some people inside & outside of Buick thought the design may be too radical, however.
Exterior revisions were subtle for 1972, mostly limited to grille pattern & taillamp trim, making standard a side molding that followed the body character line, & removing the decklid vents. For 1973, however, accompanying the typical yearly exterior trim updates, the boattail rear was deemphasized via a tamer decklid shape, a new rear bumper with a reduced central protrusion, & new taillamps. A newly shaped front bumper protected the nose from up to a 5-mph impact per the new government standard. There was a new grille pattern, & the parking/turn-signal lamps moved outboard of the headlamps & incorporated cornering lamps when so optioned.

Riding on a 122-inch wheelbase, the perimeter-frame equipped Riviera with SLA front & four-link rear coil-sprung suspension was 79.9-inches wide & was listed at 217.4-inches long in 1971, 218.3 inches for 1972, & 223.4 inches for 1973. It also grew progressively heavier over those years.

2 Get-Up-and-Go
Though large personal luxury cars aren’t generally known for stellar performance, despite its added size & weight for 1971, the Riviera’s performance was still adequate with its standard 255-net-hp (250-net-hp for 1972) 455-cubic-inch four-barrel engine. The GS option included the handling package, the higher-performance 265-net-hp 455 that was rated at 260-net hp for 1972, a recalibrated Turbo 400 transmission, a 3.42 Positive Traction rear end (in place of the 2.93-geared standard differential), H78 x 15 whitewall tires, chrome air cleaner lid, & front fender badges.

For 1973, the GS option remained a handling package, & added a rear sway bar & radial tires, but no longer included the upgraded engine. The 260-net-hp Stage 1 engine was available separately now, & came with a 3.23:1 Positive Traction rear end & a “Stage 1” emblem in the grille.

The Riviera did receive positive press in print & TV road tests “If you’re looking for something about as smooth as liquid velvet, then this is it,” said Bud Lindemann, the colorful host of Car and Track, regarding the 1971 Riviera. Car and Track performed new-car road tests. The 1971 test car ran 0-60 in 8 seconds, & the 1972 Riviera GS test car did the same in 8.4 seconds. In comparing the handing of the two, Lindemann praised the GS suspension over the standard Riv’s, & said that it was well worth its extra cost. You can see the tests on YouTube.

3 Retro Exclusivity
The Riviera’s target market & price point ensured that production would remain well below mainstream car sales levels over the years. When considering the ’71-’73 models specifically, some would argue that the styling & a price increase played roles in making the Riviera even more exclusive, as sales slipped from previous years.
The UAW was on strike for two months early in the 1971 model year, & Buick ultimately built 33,810 Rivieras including 3,175 with GS option. For 1972, 33,728 were sold with 2,171 of them GSs. Total Riviera production for 1973 was 34,080 including 3,933 GSs & 1,234 Stage 1s. Today, you’d be lucky to see another Riviera when driving yours to the local cruise-in or at local shows.

4 Relative Affordability
As of this writing, according to the latest NADA figures, an average-condition 1971 Riviera is valued at $10,850 and a GS is $16,200. The 1972 Riv is $10,750, & the GS is $13,300. For 1973, the Riviera is 10,150, the GS is 11,100, & the Stage 1-option would add 15 percent. Relatively speaking, for all you get with the Riviera, & when comparing it to many mainstream-performance cars of the era, it’s affordable. For example, a 1971 A-body GS 455 is currently valued at $26,100 in average condition.

5 Luxury Liner
Luxury was the Riviera’s long suit. Standard features included AccuDrive suspension, power disc brakes, variable-ratio power steering, tilt steering wheel, automatic transmission, remote-control outside mirror, Deluxe wheel covers, trunk light, electric clock, license-plate frame, foam padded seats, & dual exhaust.

Its interior was plush & roomy, & a touch of sportiness was conveyed via engine-turned dash appliques in the 1971-’72 cars. The cabin grew more luxurious for 1973 with woodgrain appliques in a revised dashboard, improved sound deadening, & other steps toward reducing NVH (noise/vibration/harshness).

6 Options Galore
The Buick Riviera was expensive enough in its day to draw a more affluent buyer. If he or she could afford the car, they likely could afford to option it to their tastes. If you like to be coddled, you’ll be quite pleased with the amount of extra-cost items you’ll typically find in Riviera prospects, as compared to less-expensive cars of the day.

A partial listing of options offered includes Custom trim, bucket seats, full-length console, manual-controlled or automatic climate control A/C, Soft Ray tinted glass, AM/FM stereo, 8-track, rear-window defogger, four-note horn, vinyl roof, power windows, power seat, Cruise Master cruise control, remote decklid release, trailer hauling, sunroof (added in 1972), MaxTrac (an early form of traction control), cornering lights, electric door locks, & chrome plated wheels.

7 Social Climber
The Riviera is no boy racer. It’s not festooned with stripes & scoops & wild colors. Like it did when new, it will turn heads when pulling up to a car show, a wedding, a country club, or any other setting where you would take your classic car. It will let its styling do the talking. Not only will onlookers appreciate the fact that you are driving a 45- to 47-year-old vehicle to a social function, they will respect what that vehicle is—a Riviera!

8 Compression Confession
Though many look at 1971 as the year high performance ended at GM due to reduced compression ratios to run on lower octane unleaded fuel, the lower compression ratio can be an advantage for a car that’s driven often because the engine will still run well, but won’t be as sensitive as the previous years’ high-compression engines would be to the pump gas we have today. Buick’s 455 still put out respectable power with an 8.5:1 compression ratio. Sure, the ever-increasing emissions controls were a drag, but at least the catalytic converter hadn’t been introduced yet.

9 Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges Drove One… briefly
Remember the movie Thunderbolt and Lightfoot starring Clint Eastwood & Jeff Bridges? They steal the 1973 Riviera at the gas station & later involve it in a chase scene with Bridges driving & trying to get away from members of the Eastwood character’s old crew? It may be a somewhat thin reason, but it’s one of my favorite movies, & I really like the Riviera, so it’s a win/win for me. (And I love the Trans Am in the beginning.)

The World of Self-Driving Cars Is Coming in April

If you live in California, you are going to have to get used to cars driving with nobody behind the heel. The California DMV got approval Monday (February 26th) for its plan to put self-driving cars on the road with no safety driver, a measure that ensured a human could take over if the car’s artificial intelligence made a mistake. That means starting April 2, Google, Ford, NVidia, & other companies can own & operate cars driving around the Golden State without anybody inside.

If you live in California, you are going to have to get 2 permits, 1 for testing & another for commercial use, though the commercial use permit is geared towards companies offering services to the public, like autonomous taxis or delivery. Under the rules, a company would have to have a human remotely monitoring every car’s driving at all times, making it costly to operate autonomous cars on a large scale.

While California has been a haven for companies testing self-driving cars with a human behind the wheel, it’s been facing stiff competition from its neighbor Arizona, which doesn’t allow human-free driving except for universities according to a governor’s order, but has fewer transparency measures in place. Companies such as Uber have been testing their cars in Arizona, after facing regulatory backlash for testing self-driving cars in California without a permit.

While other states & countries have avoided the situation by just not regulating companies, California is the first to address the technology head-on & create a framework with oversight and accountability. The permit to put cars on the road without a safety driver will mean a new safety threshold for companies to pass, according to the Sacramento Bee. As well has having human monitoring from a remote location, companies will need to prove that the cars can obey traffic laws. The new law also includes provisions for allowing police to deactivate the car & communicate with the company that owns the vehicle.

If companies can prove their driverless cars are truly safe, including measures to prevent cyberattack, California will grant another permit allowing commercial use of the vehicles. These kinds of regulations are accelerating as the technology progresses. Since 2012, 21 states have passed legislation governing self-driving vehicles, & 33 states introduced legislation to be considered in 2017 alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But for now, the only place in the US that you’ll see a commercial vehicle legally whizzing by without a single human inside is California.

Calendar of Events

APRIL 2018 “HAPPY SPRING!”
3 – Monthly meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, PA. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
7 – Spring 2nd chance Auction & market, AACA Museum, Hershey, Pa
15 – America On Wheels Turns 10!!
18-22 – Spring Carlisle, Pa.
22 – Model “A & AA” Only car Show & Swap Meet, Trexlertown, Pa
29 – 44th Annual Antique/Classic Car Parts Market, Leesport, Pa
29 – Sticks & Slicks Show, Grantville, Pa. 717-215-1755

MAY 2018 “HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY, MOM!”
1 – Monthly meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa. Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
5 – Allen Township Fire Co Car show, Northampton, Pa
5 – Petting Zoo of Construction Trucks, America On Wheels, Allentown
6 – GM On Display Car Show, Macungie Park, Macungie, Pa
26 – Automobile Auction, Barto, Pa

JUNE 2018 “HAPPY FATHER’s DAY, DAD!”
3 – Annual Chapter picnic, Weeping Willow Pavilion
15 – 39th Annual Antique Truck Show, Macungie, Pa
29 – 30 – Pypes & Exhaust & Max Performance Car Show, Hatfield, Pa

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1962 Buick Skylark Conv. Overall GOOD condition. Various NOS chrome installed. Runs/drives nice! Transmission, rear, top & rear window good. Dave’s Int. restorations, 525 Chestnut St., Emmaus, Pa 18049
1965 Buick Electra 225 4 dr, hardtop, Black. 62,634 original miles. 465/340 HP V8 engine. AM/FM radio. UNRESTORED, ALL ORIGINAL CAR! Garage kept! $8,000.00. 610-377-6130.
1967 Buick Special Deluxe Sport Coupe 2 dr, Forest Green exterior w/ black interior. 68,305 original miles. 300 engine, V-8. AM/FM radio. Spinner wire wheel covers. UNRESTORED, ALL ORIGINAL car!! Garage kept! Runs good! $8,500.00. 610-377-6130
1972 Chevrolet Caprice 2 dr coupe, Brown. 75,800 original miles. Garage kept!! AM/FM radio, Comfortron, Alloy Wheels w/ locking lugs. UNRESTORED, ALL ORIGINAL CAR!! Garage kept! Needs brake work. $8,000.00. 610-377-6130
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible 2 dr 350 V-8. Bronze exterior w/ Saddle Brown leather interior. Garage kept! $25,000.00. 610-377-6130
1974 Buick LeSabre Deluxe Maroon/maroon Covertible, 61,000 miles, garage kept, $14,500.00, Nick Meritus @ 610-692-7777
1976 Chevrolet Impala 2 dr. Green w/ tan Landau top w/ tan leather interior. 92,092 original miles. UNRESTORED, ALL ORIGINAL CAR!! Runs GREAT! Garage kept. $7,000.00. 610-377-6130

In Search Of

1948 Buick Special 2 door back chrome. Doug @ 570-573-0948.
1967 Buick Electra Conv. 610-730-4599, dwebster80@gmail.com