DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS,   FEBRUARY 2026

Now that the Major Holidays are over for another year, we now look forward to cold and snowy weather.  The major months for this weather are January, February and March, right?  So, if you need to fix, repair, upgrade, or anything to your Buick(s), you have 2 months to go to get it done.  I believe outdoor shows begin to pop up in April!

As most of us have been shoveling snow for the past couple of days, I understand that a major snowstorm (up to 12”) is heading our way for this coming weekend.  If it really happens, God Bless Us All!!  I don’t mind a little accumulation, but NOT 12” all at once!!  But we have NO way to stop it, do we?  Tis the season for snowy weather.  We must accept the good and bad days of what Mother Nature throws our way.  Today, while working on this newsletter, the sun is out shining bright, but the temperature is only in the TEENS, BURRRRRRRRR!  Good day to stay indoors, drink HOT COCOA and spend time with family.  So, from my household to your household(s), stay warm, stay safe and enjoy your HAPPY VALENTINE’s Day!                   Your Elected Director, Sally Getz

“FREE SPIRIT”  Chapter Meeting Minutes, January 6,  2025

Meeting called to order 7:26 pm with 14 members in attendance.  Sally “WELCOMED” everyone.  Everyone shared they had a good holiday season.  95% of members were able to stay up to bring in 2026!

Motion to accept December meeting minutes, non-applicable.  In lieu of the business meeting, the “Holiday Gathering” event was held.

Treasurer’s report:  Report for November and December 2025 was presented by John Moore.  Motion to accept, Isabel Lenny, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:     Historian:  no report      Lehighton:  this years show will be the 50^th year.  This will be noted on the flyer.  Asked for ideas for a special item to be handed out to the first 50 registrants.       Membership:  Monies were collected for “NO BADGE” wearing.  Bill Hallman to give membership report next month .    E – newsletter/newsletter:  Sally received 6 of 8 newsletter ad renewals.     Publicity:  no report                 Ways-n-Means:  no report 

OLD BUSINESS:  “Holiday Gathering” was a success.       Founding charter member, Charlie B. Arnold passed away at the age of 96.    Ed Lenny spoke very highly of Charlie on his wealth of cars and technical knowledge.  He is sadly missed by his family and friends.   An arrangement was sent on behalf of this Buick chapter.

NEW BUSINESS:    Annual chapter picnic will be held Sunday, June 14, 2026, under the Weeping Willow pavilion, Macungie Park.   

BCA Board Meeting 12/16/2025.  Highlights shared tonight:

National Meet Committee:           National Meet, Albany, NY moving along smoothly.  National Meet in Dublin, Ohio is currently under contract review for 2027.  Plans for a National Meet in 2028 in Flint, Michigan is moving smoothly.  The GM Heritage Center will probably be the primary gathering spot and show field.    

Region and Chapter Director Anne Gibson:         The subject of the merger of the Washington State:   Puget Sound and the North Cascade Chapters merger was discussed.  The new combined Chapter will be known as the Original Puget Sound Chapter.  Rick Watkins, from Puget Sound Chapter, will continue as Director.   The Board unanimously approved this merger and will be effective January 1, 2026. 

The National BCA may have insurance issues if Buick chapter members are not National BCA members.

Motion made to adjourn: Todd Kriner, seconded by Shirley Schaffer, so carried.  Time 7:53.               Submitted: Sally Getz, substitute                                                                                                                  

How Did The Buick Nailhead V8 Get Its Name?

The name “Nailhead” is a direct result of Buick trying to make a V8 as slim as possible.    Buick’s 322-cubic-inch Nailhead was a relative latecomer to the overhead-valve V8 scene when first offered in 1953, at least as far as the more luxury-oriented brands went. In 1949, Cadillac debuted its 331-cubic-inch High Compression V8 and Oldsmobile released the 303-cubic-inch Rocket V8. Chrysler was rocking FirePower hemi-headed V8s in 1951, and over at Ford, Lincolns got Y-block V8s in 1952. Perhaps waking up like Rip Van Winkle, wondering where the years went, GM’s third-tier prestige division got to work on a V8 to fill the tight-shouldered hole of its aging, bulky straight-eight that had hung around since 1931.

In fact, Buick was so concerned with engine girth that it tried V8s with Volkswagen VR-adjacent 22.5- and 35-degree vee angles. Since V8s much prefer being at 90 degrees so as not to create stupendously unpleasant vibrations, these weren’t going to work. Buick sucked it up and went 90 degrees but was dead set on keeping those heads from poking out too far. So Buick set all eight valves in each head perfectly vertically in a straight line, looking like nails in a board under their covers. The valves were quite tiny, too: 1.75-inch intake, 1.25-inch exhaust.    But Buick never called the engine “Nailhead” — that was a nickname bestowed by hot rodders. Flip open the January 1954 issue of Buick Magazine and the copy brags about the new “Fireball” V8. The brand later called it “Wildcat” and “Super Wildcat,” too, because Buick understood cool names.

Older Buicks and Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance and affection, and it’s a time when classic cars like older Buicks are celebrated for their timeless beauty and historical significance.  Here are some ways older Buicks are connected to Valentine’s Day:

 Historical Context:  The 1930’s Buick dealer Valentine card from Orange County Buick Co., in Middletown, NY, is a perfect example of how Buicks were marketed during the Valentine’s Day season.  These cards often featured clever copy lines like “Buick Cars and Buick Cars are made just for each other” and were sent to customers to promote genuine Buick dealer service.

Romantic Appeal:  Classic cars like the 1957 Chevy Belair and 1958 Buick Caballero Century Estate Wagon are often considered romantic for Valentine’s Day.  These cars are not only visually appealing but also have a rich history that makes them special gifts for the occasion.

Community Engagement:  The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and other car clubs often celebrate Valentine’s Day with events and discussions about classic cars, including Buicks.  These gatherings allow enthusiasts to connect over their shared love for these vehicles and enjoy the beauty of classic cars during the holiday.

Valentine’s Day is a time to appreciate the beauty and history of classic cars, and older Buicks are a perfect example of how these vehicles can be celebrated during this romantic season.  Whether it’s through marketing promotions, community engagement, or simply enjoying the sight of these classic cars, Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate the enduring legacy of Buicks.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2026                                                               HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

• 3 – Monthly dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.   (Weather Permitting)
• 21 – 22 – Motorama, Harrisburg, Pa

MARCH 2026                                                                    HAPPY SPRING!

• 3 – Monthly dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.  (Weather Permitting)
• 21 – Mid-Atlantic Indoor Nationals, Oaks, Pa
• 22 – Model Cars & Coffee, Leesport, Pa

APRIL 2026                                                                      HAPPY EASTER/PASSOVER HOLIDAY!

• 7 – Monthly dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.     
• 22 – 26 – Spring Carlisle, Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pa
• 25 – Forever 18 Memorial Show, Lebanon, Pa
• 25 – First Car Meet, Selinsgrove, Pa                                                             

CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

BUICK HOODS  (Contact Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #20        1967 Skylark hood, (WHITE) w/ surface rust, NO HOLES, $400.00
• #21        1967 Skylark hood, (WHITE), passenger side 2 dents, NO HOLES,  $400.00
• #22        1967 Skylark hood, (Gold/Brown), NO HOLES,  $400.00
• #23        1953 Buick  (Brown),  $200.00
• #25        1965-66 Electra hood, WHITE) w/ sphere, $300.00
• #26        1967 Skylark hood,  NO HOLES but w/ 2 passenger front dents, $400.00
• #31        1967 Skylark (BLUE), pin holes passenger front $400.00  
• #32        1969 LeSabre (GRAY/SILVER w/ small dent) $300.00
• #33        1968 – 69 LeSabre hood (RUSTY)   $200.00
• #71        1967 Pontiac Lemans   (GREEN)    $400.00
• #78        1968-69 Skylark   (GOLD)   $300.00
• #79        1964- 65 Wildcat/Electra/LeSabre   (WHITE) $400.00
• #200      1966-67 Riviera (white w/ brown spots), $300.00  
• #327      1961-62 Skylark, $300.00

HOOD HINGES    (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #330      1973 Centurion PAIR,  $120.00  
• #332      1969 LeSabre PAIR,    $100.00  
• #334      1967 Electra PAIR,    $120.00 
• #335      1965 Electra   3 PAIRS,  $120.00/pair 
• #336      1964 Wildcat PAIR,  $120.00  
• #337      1967 Wildcat PASSENGER side only, $60.00  
• #338    1966 Wildcat PAIR, $120.00  
• #339    1964 Riviera, 3.5 pairs,  1 pair complete w/ bracket = $150.00  1 pair NO spring = $100.00/pair.   1 pair NO bracket, yes w/ spring = $100.00 .  1(single) only PASSENGER w/ spring =  $75.00
• #340      1965  Riviera PAIR w/ bracket/spring = $150.00                                                                     
• #341      1966-67 Riviera, 3 pair total – $150.00. 3 DRIVERS side ONLY = $75.00 each
• #344      1965 Skylark 2pr,  black NICE pr = $160.00/pr. Other pair = $150.00/pr 
• #345      1967Skylark, 1 PAIR, $150.00/pr.   1 single DRIVERS ONLY = $75.00 
• #349   1973-77 Olds Cutlass, Chevelle, GM Sprint, Monte Carlo, FS Chevy, Pontiac, single pass. side only, $75.00

HOOD LOUVERS, OLDSMOBILE/BUICK      (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #515          1970-72 Oldsmobile Louvers, RH = 410384/LH = 410385 (black), $80.00/pr.
• #918         1967 Skylark/GS fender louvers, #1379189 (L)/#1379188 (R),  have 2 prs.,  1 pair = $100.00,  single LEFT only = $75.00

HOOD SPEARS    (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #906        1963-65 Riviera upper hood lip, #1369589, $120.00. 
• #919        1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass hood Spear, ALL TABS INTACT, NO PITS, #390740,  $150.00
• #922        1970 Riviera hood center spear trim, ALL TABS INTACT,  $70.00
• #923        1964 Riviera brushed chrome hood spears, #1363119, have 4 pcs.,  $80.00 each
• #933        1964 Wildcat/Electra/LeSabre hood spear, #1363324, NO PITS, ALL TABS INTACT, slight scratches,  $100.00
• #934        1969 Electra/Wildcat center hood spear, #1386683, ALL TABS INTACT, some pits,  $100.00
• #936        1966 Oldsmobile 98 hood spear wind split molding, #390449, TABS INTACT, NO PITS.  $120.00
• #937        1969 Electra 225 conv. LH side front trim,  80.00
• #938        1966 Electra 225 hood spear, NO EMBLEM,  #1374281,  TABS  INTACT, $125.00
• #939        1966 Electra/Wildcat/ LeSabre hood spear w/ emblem, #1374925, TABS INTACT, minor scratches, slight pits, $150.00

WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS       (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #1195         1962 Cadillac, needs new blades, l=25.5”, b=17.5”, a=17”, $30.00 pr
• #1196         1964 Wildcat, l=25”, b=18”, a=16”,  $30.00 pr
• #1197         1966 Riviera, a=18,  $15.00
• #1198         1966-70 Ford Mustang, #2804639, l=22”, b=15’, a=14”, $30.00/pr
• #1199         1967 Electra, NO BLADES, l=23”, b=17.5”, a=15”, $30.00 pr
• #1200         1967 Electra, only 1, NO BLADE, l=25”, b=17”, a=17”, $15.00
• #1201         1967-68 Camaro/Nova/Corvette/FB, l=22”, b=15”, a=14.5”, 1/$15.00
• #1202       1968 “A” body, l=22”, b=15.5”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pr
• #1203       1968 Riviera, 1 arm missing bottom, l=28”, b=17”, a=20”, $20.00 pr
• #1204       1971 “A” body, have 2 pairs, l=22.5”, b=16”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pair
• #1205       GM TRICO, #3247540/#334458;    #3378874/#3418878;  l=22”, b=15.5”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pr