COB VETTE NEWS. Notes from the President. What s Happening This Month. Volume, 34 Issue 2 February Frank

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1 COB VETTE NEWS Volume, 34 Issue 2 February 2016 Notes from the President So far so good weather wise in WNY. Starting February with green grass and super low snow accumulation, with spring less than 50 days away. Our monthly Men's COB luncheon had a record turnout recently with 18 guys in attendance. I guess we may continue to conduct them on Saturday's so the guys who work can attend. At the conclusion of our February club meeting is our annual Pizza & wings party so bring your appetite. The party is chaired by Bruce & Lynda Graham. At the meeting Dick Brownlee will announce the winners from our Super Bowl pool. Good luck to everyone who entered. On February 17, Mike & Lee Buccilli are organizing a Winter Dinner Cruise. You can sign up at the meeting. And don't forget to bring a sample of your static cling design celebrating our 35th Anniversary of the club. I know of a couple of designs that will be submitted for membership viewing. As we head into spring, our Annual Spring Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, March 19. If you have not signed up please do so at the February meeting. The event is being chaired by Bob Kaczmarek. See further details in this newsletter. As I mentioned at the January meeting, the dinner dance will mark the 35th year of the founding of the club. I encourage all members to bring photos of past events to show off our club history. And if you have an event or activity you believe the club would like to attend, please let our Activity Chairperson Lynda Graham know. What s Happening This Month February 13 th COB Club Meeting 7:00 PM February 17 th Dinner LaToltica 6:00 PM OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF See you soon, Frank 1

2 Officers President Frank Pastore Vice President ----Wayne Scudder Treasurer Marianne Pastore Secretary John Biggie Board of Directors Sue Brownlee Dick Brownlee Mike Buccilli Bruce Graham Jim Kelly Skip Polowy Rich Zahner Committees Membership Newsletter Phone Comm. Sunshine Comm. Webmaster Activities Dir. Club Photographer Or Barbara Lipome Dennis Buckley Lynda Graham Karen Rothenberger Diane Skeide Jim Bonus Lynda Graham Dan Krakowski Liaison for Out of Town Corvette Clubs Mike & Lee Buccilli Meeting every second Saturday of the month at First Presbyterian Church 9675 Main St. Clarence, NY, Meeting starts 7:00 p.m. Corvettes of Buffalo is open to all Corvette owners and enthusiasts over the age of 21 Visit us at Send Newsletter Articles To: Dennis Buckley djbuckley40@yahoo.com Submissions must be in by the 26 th Late submissions will be published the following month. February Anniversaries 17 th Bob & Norma Joseph 18 th John & Tracy Kowalske 21 st Peter & Rose Ricigliano February Birthdays 1 st Joe Williams 2 nd John Biggie 2 nd Donna Harrer 6 th Dennis Buckley 7 th Carole Rotando 9 th Paul Brozyna 20 th Skip Polowy 22 nd Debbie Schafer 24 th Maureen Polowy 2

3 2016 Corvettes of Buffalo Officers & Board Members Swearing in ceremony at the monthly meeting on January 9 th 2016 Winter Dinner Cruise, Wed., Feb., 17 at 6:00PM La Toltica, 4245 McKinley Pkwy. Hamburg, NY They will be doing separate checks for us. Lynda Graham will have a signup sheet at the February meeting. If you will not be at the meeting and plan on going to the dinner please contact the Buccilli's at by February 15 th so we can give them a head count. 3

4 Annual COB Banquet Information Creekside Banquet Facility 2669 Union Rd. - Cheektowaga, NY Saturday March 19 th 2016 from 6:00 to 11:00 pm Buffet Style Dinner Open Bar 6 to 7:00 pm --- Cash Bar 8:00 to 11:00 pm Music by Dan the Music Man Cost is $30.00 per Couple There will be a signup sheet at the February meeting. Payment deadline is March 1 st Make checks payable to: Corvettes of Buffalo. Give your check to BOB KACZMAREK at the February meeting or send it to: Bob Kaczmarek State Road Glenwood, NY

5 How do interstates get their numbers? Ever wonder why I-75 is, well, I-75? Or why some freeways have two numbers, others three, and some repeat numbers in different states? Here s how freeways get numbered: Officials of AASHTO (The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) developed the procedure for numbering the routes. Major Interstate routes are designated by one- or two-digit numbers. Routes with odd numbers run north and south, while even numbered run east and west. For north-south routes, the lowest numbers begin in the west, while the lowest numbered east-west routes are in the south. By this method, Interstate Route 95 (I-95) runs north-south along the east coast, while I-10 lies east-west along the southern border. There is also a correlation with the percentage of the land mass that is north or south or east of west of the route. Take I-95 going up the east coast roughly 95 % of the land mass is west and 5 % is east. Same for I-10 going across the southern US. The major route numbers generally traverse urban areas on the path of the major traffic stream. Generally, this major traffic stream will be the shortest and most direct line of travel. Connecting Interstate routes and full or partial circumferential beltways around or within urban areas carry a three-digit number. These routes are designated with the number of the main route and an even-numbered prefix. Supplemental radial and spur routes, connecting with the main route at one end, also carry a three-digit number, using the number of the main route with an odd-number prefix. To prevent duplication within a State, a progression of prefixes is used for the three-digit numbers. For example, if I-80 runs through three cities in a State, circumferential routes around these cities would be numbered as I-280, I-480, and I-680. The same system would be used for spur routes into the three cities, with routes being numbered I-180, I-380, and I- 580, respectively. This system is not carried across State lines. As a result, several cities in different States along I-80 may each have circumferential beltways numbered as I-280 or spur routes numbered as I-180. Put simply, interstate numbers represent roughly the percentage of land on one side of it, in relation to the coast. Odd-numbered interstates run north-south (i.e. I-75 or I-85) and evennumber ones are east-west (i.e. I-20). Triple digit freeways either run off of main interstates (I-575) or circle or partially circle cities (I-285). They really are intra-states, so their numbers can repeat in different states (i.e. I-185 near Columbus and I-185 in Greenville). As for the numbering on state routes, that system, if there is one, seems much more complicated and confusing and we will have to tackle that another time. DB 5

6 (Article is reprinted with the permission of: ( National Corvette Museum ). GM Invests $44 Million in Bowling Green General Motors said Wednesday it will invest $44 million in the Bowling Green Assembly plant to support increased capacity in its Performance Build Center, adding 36 new jobs. Construction and tool re-arrangement is planned to start in January The expansion of the Performance Build Center is fueled by the success of the Corvette Z06, which currently accounts for nearly a third of all Corvettes produced at Bowling Green Assembly. The Performance Build Center also offers a one-of-a-kind experience for customers, the Build Your Own Engine program. This program allows customers to assemble the 650-hp supercharged LT4 engine for their cars. The $5,000 option package includes a full day with a Performance Build Center engine assembly technician who instructs and oversees the build, a personalized engine plaque identifying the customer and professional photography. Coupled with the investment, for $439 million for a new paint shop and facility upgrades announced in May, GM has committed $483 million to Bowling Green this year alone, said plant manager Kai Spande. These significant investments indicate the company s confidence in Bowling Green, the Performance Build Center and our skilled workforce. Construction took place in 2013 and early 2014, with engine production beginning in the second quarter of The Performance Build Center produces the 2016 LT4 6.2L V-8 for the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. GM has added 316 new jobs and invested a total of $617.5 million over the last four years at Bowling Green. May 4, 2011: $131 Million; 250 new jobs to support the new Corvette Stingray January 30, 2013: $3.5 million; 30 new jobs to support the Performance Build Center move from Wixom, Mich., to Bowling Green May 21, 2015: $439 million; 150 jobs retained to support a new paint shop and other facility upgrades November 12, 2015: $44 million; 36 new jobs to support capacity increase at the Performance Build Center Dick Brownlee 6

7 Prospective Member Article Leon N. Kuczmarski As a young adult, I spent many hours working on cars. Throughout the years, I always had an interest in owning a Corvette. I looked for a number of years to find the right car. Then in October 2015, I found online at OleanClassCar.com, a th Anniversary Red Corvette Convertible. My brother Jim and I made the trip to Olean, New York where we spent a great deal of time going through the vehicle. This was a one-owner car with a good Carfax report. It was extremely clean and well-maintained by the previous owner. After spending several hours inspecting the car, we found it to be mechanically sound and exceptionally pristine. Jim, who is the negotiator, got a good deal and I became the proud owner of my Corvette. I am looking to become a member of the Corvettes of Buffalo Club and participating in your many functions. 7

8 Reprinted from: / Posted on Dec 4, 2015 By Chris Demorro Corvette Factory s New Solar Array Will Be The Largest in Kentucky The Chevy Corvette and solar power may seem like strange bedfellows at first glance, but General Motors has committed to a worldwide plan to integrate alternative energy into its offices and factories. In fact, GM generates more energy from solar panels than any other automaker in the United States, and it s increasing its lead with the announcement of a new solar system at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. When complete, the 850-kilowatt solar array will be the largest in the state, according to GM, generating 1.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity. That s enough electricity to build about 850 Corvettes, to put it into more easily-digestible terms. This new array is part of a total of two megawatts of solar arrays GM plans to add to facilities across the country, like an 800-kilowatt system at its Warren Transmission plant. GM will produce approximately 15 million kilowatthours of electricity from a total of 16 facilities, helping it avoid approximately 11 million tons of carbon emissions from coal power plants. Corvette customers are passionate about their vehicles because of their design, technology and precision performance, said Rob Threlkeld, GM global manager of renewable energy. Offering them a product that is partially built using green energy will be another proof point that they re driving a true supercar. Building Corvettes using some solar power is a good first step towards the greening of this American sports car, and with up to 29 MPG on the highway it is more efficient than many sports cars. But it s still a long way from being a green car in the same vein as the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt, solar power or not. DB 8

9 FEBRUARY TRIVIA QUESTIONS 1. What year Corvette introduced the 4 speed manual transmission as an option? 2. Valentine candy conversation hearts were first made by what company? 3. What exhaust option was first offered in 1965? 4. Cupid was the son of what Roman God? 5. What option was offered for an additional $4, in 1969? ANSWERS ON PAGE 13 9

10 Reprinted from: / By Paul Huizenga 12/21/2015 Does E-Ray Trademark Filing Point To An Electric Corvette? On December 16th, General Motors filed for trademarks on the terms E-RAY and CORVETTE E-RAY in the Automobiles category with the US Patent and Trademark Office, leading to speculation about whether the General had concrete plans to produce either an all-electric or hybrid Corvette. You may recall that back in 2014, the trademarking of the name Zora led to a similar flurry of supposition about a midengine, range-topping super-corvette, but then again, you probably didn t hear about GM putting in requests to register Spark Activ, Badlands, Enclave Tuscan, or Regal TourX either. To some extent, trademark filings are a bit of corporate CYA General Motors has an intellectual property division of their legal department, and in terms of resources it s not a particularly taxing process to just go out and register anything that you might possibly want to use later. Just look up why Ford s supercar is just the GT and not the GT40 if you want a real world example of why automakers should trademark everything in sight. With that in mind, the E-RAY filing could very well be the result of a note in the margins of some internal meeting, rather than a hint of things to come. Chevrolet has already demonstrated a ready-for-prime-time V8 hybrid drivetrain with the Tahoe. On the other hand, the success of thetesla Model S P85D shows that there s a market for an electric car that can run a 2.8 second 0-60 time, and Chevrolet could certainly use the Corporate Average Fuel Economy benefit of replacing a few Z06 sales with something that delivers a better number in the fleet-wide calculation. If you d ask us to guess, we d say a hybrid is more likely than a pure electric Corvette; one look at the Spark EV s spec sheet compared to the Volt shows that GM s allelectric mojo still isn t quite where it needs to be to go head to head with Tesla, and a performance hybrid would make more sense. Something akin to the discontinued Tahoe Hybrid would seem to be in GM s comfort zone, and an LT1 with electric assist would be a formidable power plant indeed. DB 10

11 News from Florida A 2nd annual COB Florida Get-together will be hosted at John Meyerhoff and Mary Carol's place in Lake Placid on Monday Feb. 8th.@ 1pm Reese and Nancy Graber, Gene and Berni Colucci will cruise up to Lake Placid from Estero, Florida. [ See flier below] Best of Show Winner SWFL Nationals Car Show Jet Blue Park Florida 11

12 On January 9 th there were approximately 1000 cars of all types at Jet Blue Park, winter home of the Boston Red Socks. This is THE LARGEST CAR SHOW in SOUTHWEST FLORIDA! Our 1957 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop Convertible, was placed for show in the 'top 40 arena'. There was a $ Club Participation Award. This was a Judged Show by independent judges from Premium Production. We are certain to bring either my 1963 S/W Corvette Coupe and/or our now 'in process of restoration' 1967 Corvette Roadster next fall. The people added to the 'exotic flavor' of the day with lots of questions and attention to 'Blackie'(aka our 1957 Skyliner). In addition a 'talent scout' visited my car and stated that he was picking certain cars, and wanted our car on display at an exclusive garden party at Quail West Country Club in Naples, FL. We are checking that one out. So far we have found out that Corvette and Ferrari owners, etc. would kill to be there. Quite an honor for all the hard work put into our car. Gene and Berni Colucci 12

13 FEBRUARY TRIVIA ANSWERS Necco 3. Factory installed side mounted exhaust systems. 4. Venus. 5. The ZL-1 engine option. 13

14 2 nd Annual COB Florida Get-together!! For all COB past & present members (residents & visitors) When: Monday, February 8 1:00 Where: 166 Bougainvillea Street Lake Placid, Florida Graciously Hosted by: John Meyerhoff and Mary Carol Plott R.S.V.P.: meyerhoffvet@aol.com cc: cdimitri@verizon.net Please bring your own drinks AND a dish to pass. (appetizer/ dessert /whatever). We will be ordering $5.00 per person. Give $ to Cindy that day Bring your swimsuits! It will be great to see our Florida friends! Directions: House is in a district called Placid Lakes. Use your GPS to get to Placid Lakes Blvd (which runs N & S from FL70, about 4.5 mi. west of US 27). Go 4 mi. N. on Placid Lakes Blvd, then East to either Lake Groves or Anderson. Johnson Way. Go to 2 nd St which is Bougainvillea. Turn and go ½ mile to cul de sac at end of street. If you re lost.call

15 1964 Corvette Convertible Restoration Update #2 Last month I decided to replace the main dash wire harness because items like gauges, lights, wiper motor, etc, didn't work. This car was in storage after an accident for 28 years and is 51 years old. It would be easier to replace with a new harness than rework the old one. With the dash out I could clean and check for problems. I had to put a new bulb kit in the new wire harness and label all the connections so they would be located in the proper place when the dash was reinstalled. It took about 8 hours on my back, in the dark, with little room,with big hands to install the dash. At this point I put the power on and most everything worked. I found that the oil pressure gauge leaked oil and the temperature gauge didn't work. I got back under to see if I could get the bad gauges out without removing the dash, and there was just enough room to get them out. Two days later I put the new gauges in. Still had a problem with the new temp gauge that may be caused by a bad sending unit. I put the steering column back in place with the horn assemble and the steering wheel to check the horns and they worked OK. The heater box assemble is next to be installed. This took a while because it goes in where the glove box opening is and under the center console and bolts in under the dash. Next all the cables and wires were connected and it worked. I took the old wire harness apart to see what the problem was and found that there was a lot of rust which caused poor connections behind the fuse panel. At this point I can tie up all the loose ends and give my tired old body a chance to heal. There is still a couple problems to correct, but that will happen after the new front end is put on the car and all the lights are in place. One thing I learned years ago that cursing at a problem might make you feel better, but it doesn't fix anything so I just walk away and solve it on another day. You can do it too when you are retired. Pete Ricigliano 15

16 While I am working on Steve's 1964 Corvette, he was working on a 1957 Vette. He was fitting the doors to the body so it will fit better than factory. This is what it looks like at this stage. Steve painted my blue1972 corvette! 16

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