Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Officers for 2016 President: Rob Lombardi (lombardi0705@verizon.net) Vice-President: Eddie Acquaviva (3acquavivas@optonline.net) Secretary: Ingrid Reitano (Bus_boss@hotmail.com) Treasurer: Bill Zide (wjzwjz@aol.com) Membership Coordinator: John Petrucci (petruccijohnj@aol.com) Sgt-at-Arms: John Hatfield (theflower29@aol.com) -1-
Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm glad it s March because that means spring flowers and warmer temperatures are upon us. Getting my car ready for this year, going over the To Do List and making sure everything is working as it should. Those of you who do not use your Corvette in the winter months should consider electrical checks, fluid checks and oil change, lubricate the suspension and body pivot points as needed, etc. As usual, we have a full calendar of events, so review this newsletter and check our website for dates and places. I've added a new section: Vette Facts and Trivia. This month features the first generation Corvettes. Next month will feature the C2s. See you all at the next meeting. Yours in Corvettes, Rob Lombardi Greetings, and welcome to the March, 2016 issue of Corvette Expressions. Will this winter ever end! I can t remember the last time we took the vette for a ride. Thankfully, Spring is right around the corner, but it can t get here soon enough! Club members did, however, have an opportunity to warm up at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick on February 19. The comedians were hysterical, especially club owner Vinnie Brand! Thanks to George and Beverly T. for organizing this fun activity! The Atlantic City Car Show was February 26, 27, and 28, and some members were able to attend. There was also a nice turnout at the Smithville brunch on Sunday, the 28th. Thanks to Linda and Joe Fernandez, and check out some great pictures, beginning on page 7. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 2. See you then. Lisa Force Newsletter Editor -2-
Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Upcoming Events/Activities Corvette Express 2016 Activities Committee - Bill Nagle, Chairperson At the December 7 meeting were Dion Denardo, Joe and Linda Fernandez, Larry and Lisa Force, Kathy and Frank Jones, John Murrell, Donna and Bill Nagle, Al and Anita Quigley, Dave Schneiderman, Don and Lynne Smith and Bill and Carol Zide. Club Activities for 2016 Hello Members, Here is a heads-up on what the Activities Committee has planned for 2016 (subject to change): Sat., Mar. 12 Philadelphia Flower Show and Reading Market Terminal Lunch, Bill Nagle Sat., Apr. 9 Harold's Deli, Al and Anita Quigley Sat., May 7 Hawk's Nest cruise, Joe and Linda Fernandez Mon., May 2 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Sun. May 15 Bar A, Corvette Express Club Car Show, Skip Allen Sat., May 21 Cape May Cruise and Lobster House, Dave Schneiderman Mon., Jun. 6 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Sat., Jun. 11 Club Picnic, George and Beverly T. -3-
Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Upcoming Events/Activities Corvette Express Club Activities for 2016 (continued) Fri., Jun. 17 Jersey Freeze Sat., Jun. 25 (? ) Blueberry Festival, Dave Schneiderman Sat., Jul. 9 Walkway Over the Hudson, Dave Schneiderman Mon., Jul. 11 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Fri., Jul. 15 Jersey Freeze Fri., Sat., Sun., Jul. 22, 23, 24 Lake Placid cruise weekend, Bill Nagle Mon., Aug. 1 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Sat., Aug. 20 Crab Run, Maryland, Lynn and Don Smith Thurs. thru Sun., Aug. 25, 26, 27 and 28 Carlisle Mon., Sept. 12 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Mon., Oct. 3 Fireside Restaurant, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Fri. Sat. Sun. Oct. 7, 8 &9 Grey Ghost Inn, Vermont - Bill Nagle -4-
Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Upcoming Events/Activities Corvette Express Club Activities for 2016 (continued) Sat., Oct. 22 Simeon Car Museum, Philadelphia, Dave Schneiderman Sun., Oct. 30 Halloween Parade, Lynn Earhart aka Corvette Nanny Please mark these dates on your calendar. Your Activities Committee has put together an amazing line-up of fun things to do, and we all look forward to your participation. More information will follow as we approach each date. Sign-up sheets will be available at upcoming meetings. If you are unable to sign up at the meetings and want to attend, please contact the organizer or me. Watch for emails with details and reminders regarding each activity. Also, if you have signed up for an activity and cannot attend, please contact the organizer or me. Thank you, Bill Nagle Activities Chairperson cell: 908-415-1248-5-
Some Corvette Express Nostalgia (Thanks to Ken Kotacska for the memories!) -6-
February 26, 27, 28: Atlantic City Car Show and Smithville Brunch -7-
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Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 115 March, 2016 Vette Facts and Trivia C1 First Generation 1953-1962 1953 315 cars built; comprised of 103 individual fiberglass parts All cars were Polo White with Red interiors and Black tops; 150 HP straight six with 2 speed automatic transmissions The first 50 were given to handpicked executives and celebrities 1954 3,640 cars sold 3 new colors: Black, Red and pennant blue 1 new interior color: Beige; all soft tops were Beige Brake and fuel lines moved inside of frame rails Vacuum operated windshield washers were standard Tires changed to tubeless type 1955 265 cubic inch V8s were introduced as well as 3 speed manual transmissions Electrical stems changed to 12V from 6V 2 more exterior colors were added: copper and gold 1956 Body design changes: headlights, side coves which made 2 tone paint available, bumpers First to use transistor AM radio Zora Arkus Duntov vows to make performance parts available on corvettes as regular production options (RPO #s) The success of Ford s Thunderbird convinces GM executives to keep the sports car and Corvette program alive and moving forward 1957 Engine size increased to 283 cu. in. Mechanical fuel injection and 4 speed transmissions were available later in the year Corvette enters competitive racing with 51 factory prepared cars 1958 Design changes: dual headlights with chrome trim, grill goes from 13 teeth to 9, non-functioning hood louvers, chrome trunk spears, new dash and gauge layout. Moved away from nitro cellulose paint to use of acrylic lacquer. First year with factory installed seat belts. -10-
Corvette Expressions 3rd Edition Volume 114 February, 2016 1959 Bill Mitchell takes over as VP of styling, replacing Harley Earl Design changes: hood louvers and trunk spears removed Standard equipment now includes tachometer, rear view mirrors, electric clock, dual exhaust and T-handle reverse lock out on 4 speeds The only year a Turquoise soft top was available 1960 Last year of grill teeth and tail lights formed into rear fenders Started use of aluminum radiators on 270 HP and 290 HP engines 24 gallon fuel tank option deletes soft top as larger tank extends into storage area making the hard top option mandatory 1961 Significant body changes: no teeth in grill, headlight trim is body color, rear body section is redone with 4 separate round tail lights, exhaust exits under car to keep paint and chrome clean Aluminum radiators standard as well as aluminum case on 4 speed transmissions Only year for Jewel Blue paint color Smaller transmission tunnel increases interior room Last year for: two tone paint, dual carburetors, wide White wall tires and the 283 cu in engine 1962 Engine is now 327 cu in Grill is Black, heater/defroster now standard, aluminum case standard on power glide transmissions, all tachometers are distributor driven previously only available on Fuel injected engines Last year for solid axle, trunk and optional power top A 1962 Corvette with 360HP Fuel injection & 4 speed, was one of the fastest cars on the road at that time. -11-
Milltown Car Show EVERY FRIDAY Weather Permitting SHOW TIME: 6:00PM - 9:00PM The Home Depot parking lot, April 22nd through October 28th 2016. Multiple plaques and or trophies are awarded to entries for show winners and Best of Show. -12-