T o m a t a l k January 2018 GM Motorama Memories
Tomatalk January 2018 Volume 43 ~ Number 1 The Tomatalk is published monthly by the Minnesota Chapter 13 of the Pontiac Oakland Club International. The Tomahawk Chapter was founded in 1977. The chapter is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of Pontiac, Oakland and GMC vehicles of all years and models, stock and modified. Club events are organized for the enjoyment of our members. All letters to the editor should be signed. Articles, letters and editorial content represent the opinions and viewpoints of the authors and not necessarily that of the Tomahawk Chapter or POCI. web site: tomatalk.org Officers President - Tony Miller 8044 Wood Duck Tr. Circle Pines, MN 55014 toplessindian70@gmail.com 651-786-1214 Vice-President Todd Lewis 5895 St. Albans No. Shorewood, MN 55126 651-895-9325 tc.lewis@yahoo.com Secretary - Steve Messer 59 Lilac St. Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651)786-4198 Treasurer - Jim Notch 107 Charity Circle Montrose, MN 55363 952-594-5000 bigapple14@comcast.net Newsletter Editor & Web Site Administrator Paul Bergstrom PO Box 68 Maple Plain, MN 55359 763-242-6734 pontiacpaulb@gmail.com Page 1
President s Message The December meeting was again a good one with 17 members and Christmas cookies for the break! The discussion started with a reminder of the upcoming holiday banquet and a shout out to those who might wish to donate items for the annual auction. Talk then turned to Paul s need to find a new home for some of the Pontiac books and articles that he has collected over the years, then preliminary discussions for the 2018 shows. Steve Weese suggested we join the Council of Car Clubs and he will bring our 2018 fliers to distribute for greater publicity. As we have learned some expenses will be going up, it would be great to increase attendance! Per my usual moment of reflection, I want to kindly thank all those who took time out of their busy holiday schedules to attend our meeting, and to send warm holiday wishes to all Members of the Club. Without your support, in any capacity, our Club and the friendships made would not be possible so cheers to you and your families! We wish you all a warm, safe, and happy season and look forward to hearing your stories of 2017 at our banquet next month! Tony Miller, Tomahawk Chief Page 2
December Meeting Minutes 12/19/17 We met at the Rosetown Legion. The meeting was called to order ar 7:00 p.m. 19 members were present. Last month s meeting minutes were read and the treasurer s report was presented. Both were approved. Details for the spring car show were discussed, especially setting the admission price for the show. Paul Bergstrom is looking for help in sorting and storing Pontiac related articles, literature and shop manuals. Contact him if you can assist. There will be no monthly membership meeting in January due to our annual banquet being held. All of the club officers will remain the same for 2018, with the exception of club secretary, which will be taken over by Gary Johnson (thanks Gary!). The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Submitted by Steve Messer, Tomahawk Chapter Secretary HAPPY NEW YEAR! No Membership Meeting in January Annual Banquet January 27th October 5 7, 2018 Wisconsin Dells Join us for 2018 Judging & Tours Home of the 2018 46th Annual Pontiac - Oakland International Convention New Dates for 2018 October 5 7 Our 5 th Anniversary Touring Events with Show & Shine Judging and Burn Outs! Visit PontiacAdventures.com for more information Page 3
Meanwhile... Back at the Pontiac Ranch It s a new year, full of new opportunities. The below 0 temps are climbing back up a bit, so things are looking up! I hope many of our members are able to attend the banquet (the reservation form is on page 8 and it is due by January 15th). Remember to bring some items for the auction that will be held after dinner. All proceeds will go into the club treasury. If you have any questions, please call Jim Notch. 2018 POCI Convention Wisconsin Dells, WI June 24-28, 2018 (Sunday-Thursday) POCI s 2018 Convention announcements are being published in the Smoke Signals. Register on line at www.poci.org. Best Wishes for 2018, and keep those Ponchos smokin! Paul Bergstrom, Tomatalk Editor FEATURE CARS WANTED! Want to see YOUR car featured in the Tomatalk? Contact Paul Bergstrom 763-242-6734, or email pontiacpaulb@gmail.com and we ll make it happen! Page 4
GM Motorama Memories Jim Van Orden of Richardson, Texas, got to do something as a child that we can only dream about these days. He took in the 1956 Motorama show at New York City s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Here he shares his recollections of the once-in-a-lifetime experience. A boy s dream: Experiencing GM s Motorama in person Courtesy of Hemmings on line blog - visit www.hemmings.com/blog/2018/01/07/ a-boys-dream-experiencing-gms-motorama-in-person/?refer=news to read the whole story. Also, view a video: https://youtu.be/rx6kehpeyak. All images courtesy GM Media. Glib pitchmen wearing tuxedos held microphones to mouths and extolled each car s virtues and style statements. Imagine driving the Pontiac Club de Mer, a guy with slick-backed hair and white tuxedo jacket bellowed, his audience salivating and reaching out unsuccessfully to touch the car s sexy flanks. Will it be sold to the public when I m 17 and start driving, I wondered? Pontiac s 1956 Club de Mer concept car greeted us when we entered the Waldorf Astoria s ballroom. The two-seat sports car had a rear-mounted fin that looked like a shark s. What I and so many others didn t know was that the Pontiac was nothing more than a non-running, non-functional design mockup. But it sure looked good, especially its metallic finish, double chrome strips on the hood and custom bucket seats. Page 5
The Pontiac Firebird-II was a highlight of the 1956 GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The car had a turbine engine, four-wheel disc brakes and fully independent suspension. The Firebird-II s gas turbine engine was truly revolutionary. Who cared that it was impractical because its 1,250-degree exhaust heat could turn humans into toast. All that mattered to me were the car s bubble-topped canopy and bullet fuselage. The titanium-bodied Firebird was way ahead of its time with four-wheel disc brakes and fully-independent suspension, features that wouldn t show up on production cars for years. It had an electronic guidance system, too, designed for the highway of the future. Electric wires, GM told us, would be buried in roadways and send signals to steer the car clear of accidents. Imagine a self-driving car in 1956. Visit www.hemmings.com to sign up for email updates. Page 6
Like Us On Facebook! POCI Membership Recogniton Congratulations to the following POCI members from Minnesota who earned a POCI Membership Recognition Pin in 2018: Brendel, Danny Brooklyn Park MN 20-year Bronson,Doug Glenville MN 40-year Headrick, George Bloomington MN 20-year Kelley, Greg Minneapolis MN 40-year Letourneau, James Hugo MN 25-year Loomis, Mark Blaine MN 40-year Menger, Fred Maple Plain MN 45-year Ploof, Jim Sauk Centre MN 35-year Richards,Mike Brooklyn Park MN 35-year Rogers, Hal St Anthony MN 35-year Wagner, Dennis St. Paul MN 30-year White, Kevin Coon Rapids MN 30-year Zellmann, Brian Brownton MN 20-year Got something for the Tomatalk newsletter? Articles/updates/photos... old or new, or in between, email them to pontiacpaulb@gmail.com Page 7
Banquet-Sign Up Form 2018 Tomahawk Chapter Annual Banquet Saturday, January 27 th, 2018 6:00 pm Cash Bar ~ 7:00 pm Dinner Buffet Dinner Buffet: Sliced Beef Brisket, Fried Chicken, Lasagna; mixed green salad, pasta salad; fresh vegetable tray, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot vegetable, au gratin potatoes, sage dressing, dinner rolls and coffee. Guldens Restaurant & Bar 2999 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109 ~ Phone 651-482-0384 The pre-paid banquet reservation is NON-REFUNDABLE. At the banquet, the Tomahawk Chapter will reimburse $10.00 for each paid membership. NOTE: We will do the gift exchange (optional) and also have an auction after the dinner. Please bring car-hobby related items you have to donate for the auction (proceeds will go to the club). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2018 TOMAHAWK CHAPTER BANQUET RESERVATION FORM Dinner Buffet price is $24.00 per person (includes tax and gratuity) NAME # ATTENDING ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP PHONE NUMBER PLEASE MAIL THE BOTTOM HALF OF THIS FORM ALONG WITH $24.00 FOR EACH MEAL. RESERVATIONS ARE DUE BY JANUARY 15 th. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: TOMAHAWK CHAPTER AND MAIL TO: TOMAHAWK CHAPTER, C/O JIM NOTCH, 107 CHARITY CIRCLE, MONTROSE, MN 55363 Questions? Call Jim 952-594-5000 or email: bigapple14@comcast.net Page 8
PROTECT YOUR DREAMS FOR LESS THAN YOU THINK. Better service, better coverage and better value with our great lineup of discounts. Call today for a competitive quote. Your dream is out there. Go get it. We ll protect it. Kim Bennett Agency, Inc. 2970 Rice St Little Canada, MN 55113 (651) 482-1598 kbennet1@amfam.com Sarah Vankempen Licensed Representative (651) 236-8062 (651) 482-1598 svankemp@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, American Standard Insurance Company of Ohio, American Standard Insurance Company of Wisconsin. 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 2013 007366 6/13 Want your 15 minutes of Tomatalk fame? Send in a member profile & photos today! Page 9
~ Parts For Sale ~ Classifieds ~ Parts For Sale ~ Used original Continental Kit from a 1957 Pontiac. It was removed from the car in the late 1960 s. Stored inside. Good condition with Nice stainless. Use for a Driver, or Restore for Show. $600.00/offer. Mark 612-231-9784 Pontiac parts for sale: 1960s-70s hub caps, 14 PMD factory snowflake wheels, PMD 14 tru-spoke wire wheels, Paul Bergstrom (763) 242-6734, pontiacpaulb@gmail.com 1968-69 Firebird engine 400 auto YT code on block, Cleaned, magnafluxed, standard bore, Casting # 9790071, Pontiac 350/400 V8 crankshaft, #9773524 modular cleaned, Pontiac OHC 6 crankshaft #3820618N, Cleaned. Contact Robert Knudtson (701) 371-0810 1963 & 64 Pontiac: Full size parts. Regular and rare parts. Some 59 parts, 64 GP body 64 conv. Call or email with needs. Ed Kodet Evenings (612) 377-8256 or edpont@kodet.com Mad Dog Headers - Pontiac 1961-1964 $200; #96 Heads - good condition $250; 1963 reproduction drivers side quarter panel 2dr HT $50. 1963 - kick panels, drive shaft, rocker panel covers. Doug (651) 786-2145 Pair 67 GTO trunk extension moldings, polished original parts in excellent condition, reduced price to $50. Bob Tueffel (763) 434-1208 Tomahawk Chapter web site: tomatalk.org Send want ads to: pontiacpaulb@gmail.com Page10
~ Parts For Sale ~ 1958 Pontiac Bonneville parts: stainless trim, moldings, chrome, interior parts, body parts, wiring connectors, and other parts for sale, most in very nice condition. For a complete listing, email 1958.Pontiac.Bonneville@ gmail.com, Robert Grossenbacher (608) 522-4998 WI 1961 Pontiac Ventura stainless door trim and ventura script, professionally polished Very rare one year, one model only pieces.$800.00 or $750.00 without vent trim pieces. Have many other 1962 Pontiac P/8 parts for sale. 1953 Pontiac lighted hood ornament, beautifully rechromed by J.R chrome plating, just picked up from plater. Lucite Indian head is origonal and also polished, email me for pictures. $1,000. Contact Nick at (651) 263-5918 or email nmann7701@comcast.net 2002 Pontiac Sunfire trunk applique / light panel. May fit 1995-2002. New in box, OEM, still wrapped. GM part #16519443 BL MR A. $150. Mona 612-618-4490, rewuertz@hotmail.com. ~ Parts Wanted ~ Wanted: set of (4) restored 14 x 6 Rally II wheels in 4 3/4 bolt circle. Don t need any trim. Thanks. John Zeglin 763-972-2907 Wanted: 68 Catalina: driver s side door sill plate w/fisher Body logo. Martin Johnson (612) 788-6692 Classifieds Wanted: 14 Rally II trim Rings. Randy Stallman (319) 453-2171 Wanted: 1960 VENTURA fender emblems, good to excellent condition. Both left & right sides. mr.g.man5544@ gmail.com Wanted: 69 Grand Prix: left front corner light bezel and a right front wheel opening molding. No cracks or dents! rnesheim@owensco.com Wanted: Exhaust manifold for a Pontiac Straight 6 239 flathead in nice condition. Please contact Dan at 763-878- 2843 if you have anything available. Wanted: Plastic speedometer driven gear for 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix w/ Borg-Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission- 19 tooth, Light green, and large O.D. gear (.870) The G.M. part number was 537652 from the 1962 Pontiac parts manual. It is for a car with a 3:23 rear axle ratio. It is the same gear as a standard 3- speed with 3:23 rear axle ratio. Contact Nick Mann at (651) 263-5918 or email nmann7701@comcast.net Wanted: #13 heads for a 1970 GTO 400 engine, Fred K. (507) 332-7060 Page 11
Wanted: 1957 Pontiac 3-bar spinner hubcaps. Jack Shemmory (651) 437-5564 Tomahawk Chapter Technical Advisors Oakland and 1926-41 Pontiac Gary VanKempen 763-561-3911 Wanted: 1958 Pontiac cars/parts/memorabilia/toys/etc. Call Jim 952-594- 5000 bigapple14@comcast.net Photos and stories of member cars wanted. Send them by mail, e-mail or carrier pigeon to: Paul Bergstrom, Tomatalk PO Box 68 Maple Plain, MN 55359 e-mail: pontiacpaulb@gmail.com Visit our website: www.tomatalk.org GET CONNECTED! Tomahawk Chapter on Facebook: facebook.com/tomahawkpoci TOMATALK Classified Ad Rates 12 issues: $250 full page $150 half page $75 quarter page $25 business card size 1942-54 Al Longley 763-421-6953 1955-62 - Position Open 1963-72 Rollie Pederson 763-434-7400 1973-2010 - Position Open High Perf. - Tom VanKempen 763-434-7156 Firebird & Trans Am Tom Hegland 651-592-9305 TATA455@aol.com Club Historian Mark Boyum 651-462-8493 Page 12
Support our advertisers! Sponsors of the Annual Fall Tomahawk Get Together/BBQ - New and Used cars - Parts and Service Valley Automotive Group Apple Valley, MN (952) 432-9500 Hastings, MN (651) 437-9815 Rich Rabanus Classic Auto Storage Downtown Motorcar Sales 2011/2017 North 2nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55411 (612) 529-6857 rich@downtownmotorcarsales.com Kent Kienitz 14920 28th Ave. No. Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-4779 (phone) (763) 559-1103 (fax) www.powdercoatingtech.com Page 13
Minnesota Tomahawk Chapter Membership Application Form POCI Membership Number: Membership in the Pontiac Oakland Club International is encouraged (see poci.org) Name: Address: City, State, Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone: Fax: E-mail address: Pontiac(s) owned: Referred by: Annual dues are $20.00 (check payable to MN Tomahawk Chapter) $15.00 for an electronic membership, newsletter received via email SEND APPLICATION FORM AND DUES TO: Jim Notch, 107 Charity Circle, Montrose, MN 55363 Page 14
Minnesota Tomahawk Chapter of POCI c/o Pontiac Paul B., Editor PO Box 68 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Minnesota Tomahawk Chapter NO MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN JANUARY Banquet is January 27th POCI