Director’s Thoughts, AUGUST 2020

As I am sitting at the computer working on my thoughts for the month, outside the weather today is dreary with rain.  We do need the rain.   The grass was beginning to turn a little brownish looking.  

Well, today is the first day of one of my vacations.  I was planning on going to Strongsville, Ohio this week to the National Buick Meet, but as you all know, the National Meet has been cancelled and is being planned to be held next year.  So I guess this will be a stay-at-home vacation, right?  I bet many of you have had your vacations planned, but now have changed them.  We can only hope that things will become better as time goes on.  

Over the course of this summer so far, besides our everyday living going through the things we need to do to prevent from contacting the Covid-19 virus, there have been some members who have been dealing with other medical issues.  The following members are ones who need your healing thoughts and prayers:

• Don Atwood     (passing of his mother)
• David Brady
• Howard Kriebel
• Paul Schaffer
• Bruce Stephens

Please keep these wonderful BUICK members in your thoughts and prayers for successful recoveries over the issues they have already faced and who are continuing to face each and every day!  Let them know YOU are thinking of them!

The Hershey AACA Fall Meet Car Show is ON for Saturday, October 10, 2020.  Get your reservation in today for the deadline is the middle of August, I believe.  They will only be accepting up to 1000 cars!  Good luck!

PLEASE READ THE REST OF YOUR NEWSLETTER.  IMPORTANT information is discussed.  Be sure to keep abreast of the upcoming future events!!                                   Your Elected Director, Sally  

THIRD & FINAL Notice!!!

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter 

6/1/2020-5/31/2021 RENEWAL DUES

Please fill in the following information and include a check for $12.00, made payable to “FREE SPIRIT” Chapter.  Submit to:   Dolores Kennedy, 2620 Ambassador Drive, Bethlehem, Pa 18017       610-867-8962                                                                                                                                                              

• MEMBER NAME________________________________________
•  SPOUSE’S NAME  __________________________________________
•  STREET ADDRESS  ________________________________________
•  TOWN, STATE, ZIP CODE  _________________________________
•  TELEPHONE  _(____)_______________________________________
•  CELL PHONE  (OPTIONAL)  ________________________________
•  EMAIL ADDRESS  (OPTIONAL)  ____________________________
• BUICK(S) OWNED______________________________________________________      

Submit completed form with $$$$ to Dolores Kennedy by AUGUST 15, 2020

Officer/Board of Director’s Meeting, July 16, 2020

On Thursday, July 16^th, a Board of Director’s Meeting was held at the residence of David/Debbie Brady @ 6 pm.  The meeting began @ 6:10 pm.  There were 3 officers, 4 BOD members and 3 guests present.  Sally greeted everyone and “Thanked” them for taking the time to meet. Proper masks and social distancing guidelines were followed. 

1.  Lehighton Car Show, October 25, 2020 = Franklin Township will allow us to host this show again this year (Phifer’s Ice Dams), but not sure of the unforeseen future of possible further state lockdown due to Covid-19.  No real expenses have occurred as of yet, but will need to think of the timing constraints to mail out flyers to previously attended participants, ordering awards and dash plaques, if show to be held.  Much discussion took place.  Results (member consensus) = to wait another 1 month to make final decision depending on state restrictions.
2. Future meetings @ Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa = Diner has dine-in seating but only 25% due to the latest Governor Wolfe constraints.  Will the room be sufficient enough to accommodate social distancing w/ members who attend meetings?  If unable to accommodate us in the normal room @ the Diner, would “ZOOM” be a possibility to hold meetings till we’d be able to meet with lifted restrictions?   Result = Steven Chappelear to look into what we would have to do/need in order to hold future meetings via “ZOOM”.  As of now, “ZOOM” is free for only 40 minutes, then it knocks you off.  “ZOOM” can be subscribed to for $$$$/month.  It is understood that not all members have access to a computer to participate.  Other result = hold meeting somewhere else local without having a meal associated with the meeting.  Daylight savings time was taken into discussion.  
3. Need to audit books.  Last audit = March 2018 with Shirley Schaffer, Dolores Kennedy and Don Atwood.  No date has been set due to social distancing restrictions @ this time.

Motion to adjourn meeting Steven Chappelear, seconded by Kathleen Duckett, so carried @ 7:18 pm.  

                                                                                               Sally Getz    

Future Buick National Dates

• 2021 – Charlotte, North Carolina, June 30 – July 3, 2021
• 2021 – Strongsville, Ohio, July 7 – 10, 2021 
• 2022 – Lisle, Illinois, June 21 – 26
• 2023 – Spokane, Washington, July 11 – 15
• 2024 – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, June 12 – 15

The 1938 Buick Century Convertible Phaeton offers great bang for the buck,     The original “Banker’s Hot Rod”

 From their earliest days, Buick automobiles had a well-earned reputation for advanced engineering and top-notch build quality. In the 1930s, this premium General Motors division gained a new superlative, thanks to the performance afforded by a new model in the lineup. The Century, named for its 100-mph capability, was an image builder for the Flint-based firm, and by 1938, this Series 60 line was among the most distinctive and desirable on the road. Even so, the lowest-production body style hailing from that year remains surprisingly affordable today.

Sharing relatively lightweight “A-body” variants with the entry-level Series 40 Special line and a 141-hp “Dynaflash” overhead-valve straight-eight with the larger Series 80 Roadmaster and Series 90 Limited lines, the Century offered a great blend of power, comfort, and bold Streamline Moderne style. Series 60 cars were available in two-door Sport Coupe, two-door Touring Sedan, two-door Convertible Coupe, four-door Sport Sedan, four-door Touring Sedan, and four-door Convertible Phaeton forms, with prices that ranged from $1,226 to $1,713; the latter figure bought the soft-roof Phaeton, and represents the equivalent of $31,700 in today’s dollars. That pricey four-door convertible was by far the lowest production of Buick’s entire 1938 lineup, with just 208 examples rolling off the line.

The 1938 Centurys shared numerous design refinements and practical innovations, but it was their speed that made this series stand apart from their competition. While the dashing two-door body styles have long been considered collectible, the less glamourous, but still rakish, Convertible Phaeton had its own appeal. It represented one of the final iterations of an elegant lifestyle vehicle that would not return to the General Motors lineup until after World War II. John R. Young, board member for the 36-38 Buick Club chapter of the Buick Club of America (www.3638buickclub.org), has owned more than a dozen 1938 Buicks, and offers his seasoned perspective.

“Probably the most desirable, highest-valued body style would be the ‘66C’ Century Convertible Coupe, followed by the ‘66S’ Sport Coupe. The ‘60C’ Convertible Phaeton is also sought after. These cars were basically identical to the Special models from the cowl back, but were 4 inches longer up front to accommodate the larger 320.2-cu.in. engine,” John explains. “The fact that the Special and Century shared bodies means that you have to be cautious when you’re considering buying one of the more valuable examples; people have removed four-door Century sedan bodies from their frames and replaced those with Special coupe and convertible bodies that bring big money; they nestle right up to the cowl. Unless you notice Special interior trim in a car with Century emblems, you’d have to know what to look at, so be aware.” He cautions newly minted enthusiasts of this, or any vehicle, to join the marque club and learn from the hobbyists who are experts in your car of interest.

Looking back on the past 20 years of value trends for the 1938 Century Convertible Phaeton, this rare model has remained fairly steady, with entry prices hovering around $20,000, and #3 “average” condition examples bringing between $25,000 and $35,000; top-quality original or restored Phaetons experienced a wider book value spread, ranging from $37,000 to $55,000; today’s NADA guides suggests a slightly softer top end of $50,000.

The History of Power Steering

There’s a reason that modern vehicles have power steering and it’s all due to the challenges faced by the drivers of the 1930s and early 1940s.  As the Great Depression eased and the economy improved, more and more people were driving cars, including housewives and even the older generation.

Older folks and some of the women had difficulty managing the straight, stiff, and resistant steering of the automobiles.  With the wide variety of drivers and their equally wide range in driving skills, it became necessary to find a way to make steering a vehicle easier and more pleasurable for drivers of all abilities.

The Challenges of Early Cars

It wasn’t that these drivers were inept. The cars at that time were difficult to shift and steer at the same time, so they truly presented a significant challenge. Try to imagine not having any extra power over control or steering.

If you wanted to turn right, you physically had to manage to turn the wheel the entire arc of the turn.  Your ability to turn the wheel would be based upon the ground underneath the tires.  If the car was stationary, it was even more difficult.

Perhaps most importantly, for those who wanted to gain the independence and sense of adventure cars offered during the early years of the 20th century, this unexpected physical challenge was dismaying. The first patent for a power steering system was granted in 1876 to a man named G. W. Fitts, decades before cars began to excite the public imagination.  A hydraulic-based power steering system was patented in the Great Britain during 1902, and, in 1904, the federal government awarded a patent for a vacuum-type power steering system.

Francis Davis, the Power Steering Guru

An engineer named Francis Davis created the first practical power steering system in 1926. Davis, an automotive engineer who worked in the truck division of Pierce Arrow, had been studying how to make steering easier.  From 1931 through 1943 Davis was granted five patents, each one for a certain component in his design for a power steering system.  Contracted by General Motors, Davis made improvements on their hydraulic power steering system, but this improved version of the system was never put into product.  The plan was to install the power steering in Cadillacs, but because of the failing economy, the company canceled their contract with Davis in 1934.

The Bendix Corporation had been watching Davis’s work, and in 1936 they contracted with him to build and market his hydraulic power steering system.  In three years his power steering system had been installed in only 10 vehicles. Coincidentally enough, General Motors bought two of his systems and installed them into Buicks.

In 1940, the Saginaw recirculating ball steering gear was first used on the new Cadillacs.  This new mechanism made it easier to steer, but turning the wheel when the car was stopped was still very difficult.

Everything would change when the war began.

Power Steering During the War

After Pearl Harbor was attacked in December, 1941, the production of vehicles for the American war front went into full swing.  It soon became evident that power steering would be necessary to be able to maneuver most trucks and other armored vehicles.  Power-steering really developed its foothold during the war.  As early as 1940, the power steering system developed by Bendix-Davis was installed in armored vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet for the British army.  At the end of the war, there would be more than 10, 000 vehicles with power steering: all war vehicles from the battlefields of Europe.

Power Steering Invades America

Chrysler began to design its own power steering system immediately after the war ended. Davis’s patents had expired by this time, so the company used his design as a basis of their own.  Naming the system “Hydraguide,” the company featured it on the Chrysler Imperial.

General Motors again became interested in the system, so they made a deal once more with Davis, contracting with him to work on a power steering system for their cars.

As early as 1953, there were already 1 million cars using power steering.  This time, the public took an immediate liking of power steering, and driving would never be the same.  By 1956, a quarter of all cars in America had power steering.  And, by 1960, that amount would increase to more than 3.5 million.  These days there are several other types of power steering systems being used in cars. Electro-hydraulic and electric systems are both being used and are gaining in popularity. However, many hydraulic systems are currently in use, so Davis’s influence is still felt in today’s world of automotive digital devices.

How have you spent your time during the Pandemic?

If you remember in last months’ newsletter, an article was done on how Leah Kieffer were keeping busy during the “lock-down” of the pandemic.  Well, since, a magazine writer heard about Leah’s Dollhouse and did up an article for a magazine.  Please read below and enjoy.

“ Now, I have some exciting news!  I had originally seen an article in the April/May issue of House Beautiful about dollhouses and they also had additional info on their website.  It had given me some ideas to create my dollhouse, so I decided to e-mail a “letter to the editor” about the dollhouse.  They were SO excited and wanted to feature the dollhouse.  The writer contacted me on Monday morning with some questions and Tuesday morning I replied and provided photos.  By the end of the day, the writer contacted me that the article is published. 

This House Beautiful Reader Designed a Detailed Dollhouse While in Quarantine

At House Beautiful, we love anything home-related no matter the size—and that includes miniatures. Creating your own dollhouse might just be the best way to pass time during quarantine, and Leah Kieffer did just that. Inspired by House Beautiful’s own series of dollhouses⁠, Dollhouse Beautiful⁠, Kieffer used a dollhouse kit to design her dream [doll]house, complete with a purple Victorian-style exterior and wallpaper-swathed interior. 

Kieffer originally had no plans to complete the dollhouse anytime soon, but stay-at-home orders and her recent retirement made it the perfect time to work on this project. She acquired the Lilliput Plum Pudding dollhouse kit several years ago from a friend, but at the time, she says, “life was hectic as I had just retired and the dollhouse was put on the back burner for a rainy day.” 

Like many of us have experienced firsthand, having to stay home for an extended period of time had Kieffer “starting to get bored,” but she found a solution: “The April/May 2020 issue of House Beautiful had the article ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ and the online videos. I watched these and other videos on Pinterest and YouTube showing lots of ideas. I have always been crafty and it inspired me to pull the dollhouse out and build it,” Kieffer tells us.

Kieffer painted the exterior using a Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2x Ultra Cover Spray Paint and Primer Spray that she purchased at her local hardware store. “I liked the contrast of the dark purple (Aubergine), light purple (French lilac), and white,” she explains of her choice.

As for the interiors, Kieffer tells us, “I simply utilized the different wallpapers for each room. For example, the bedroom had the gold comforter, so I chose blue and gold wallpaper, [the] kitchen was done in the red flower/green stripe pattern to match the hutch, and I cross stitched the chair cushions to match the wallpaper. The rooms would have been too plain without accessories, so I visualized what a real home would need to complete each room.” All told, the project took nearly three months to complete (from late March to late June), but it was well worth the wait.

Kieffer’s friend who gifted her the dollhouse “had done multiple dollhouses over the years, so I not only acquired the dollhouse kit, but a treasure trove of several boxes of additional items to build dollhouses,” she tells House Beautiful. Sadly, her friend passed away shortly after she acquired the dollhouse. But although, “he will never see how I was able to create the dollhouse, I now have something special to remember him,” says Kieffer.

The dollhouse also provided Kieffer and her friends with a reason to stay in touch while sheltering in place and something to look forward to. “I was texting or emailing photos of the progress on a regular basis to my friends, so it also helped us during our time of physical separation to stay in touch,” says Kieffer. “So thanks for the inspiration!”

Calendar of Events

AUGUST 2020                “Dog Days of Summer”

• 21-22 – AACA Grand Nationals, Bulgari Complex, Allentown, Pa

SEPTEMBER 2020            HAPPY LABOR DAY!!

• 1 – TENTATIVE  Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.  

OCTOBER  2020              HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

• 6 – TENTATIVE  Monthly chapter dinner meeting, starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 25 – TENTATIVE  44^th Annual Old Car show, Lehighton, Pa  

CARS/PARTS “FOR SALE”

1967 Buick Skylark 4 Dr Sedan 340 2-barrel, ST 300 Switch Pitch, PS, manual brakes, cassette player, no air.  70,100 original miles.  Maroon color Exterior, cloth maroon interior.  $10,00.00.  610-377-6130.

Heater Core, NORS made in USA, fits 1982-87  Buick Regal/Olds Cutlass
Supreme $25.00
Heater Core NORS made in USA , fits large Buick 1978-1988 $25.00
Heater Core Good Used  Circular under seat fits 1954-57 Buick  Century $20.00.    Contact H. Kriebel..Sauenohr1@gmail.com