chairman’s notes - john dergosits

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ADIRONDACK NCRS CHAPTER OFFICERS

JOHN DERGOSITS Chairman

JIM WEIR Vice Chairman

MIKE WILSON Treasurer

TOM & ANNE FLOWERS Secretary

BRIAN CANTELE Judging Chairman

863 Turnbull Rd. Delanson, NY 12053

(518) 895-8402 [email protected]

We had our Chapter Judging Meet in early May at George's Collision to avoid any potential conflicts with the other NCRS Northeast Chapters. I want to send a special thanks to George Kendsersky who again let us use his facility this year for our Chapter Judging Meet. We had a very nice meet at George's Collision; an advantage of his facility is we can have all of the judged cars inside and undercover. I want to thank all of our Chapter members who brought their cars to be judged and also all of the members who volunteer judged. Also a special thanks to our tabulators, we could not have completed the flight scoring without them. Everyone's participation helps us meet our NCRS Chapter flight award requirements.

This year at the National Convention the Chapter will be awarded our "Chapter Top Flight" award for 2013. If you are planning on attending the National Convention, please let me know, maybe you could represent the Chapter and accept the award. We just had our annual picnic which was held on July 13, 2014 at Tracy and Brian Cantele's home in Ghent. The event was well attended and we had a wonderful time. More details are in this newsletter from our Activities Chairman Steve Wittek.

SUMMER 2014

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES - John Dergosits

www.adirondackncrs.com

mailto:[email protected]

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We will be going to “Corvettes at Carlisle” again this year and setting up on our two vendor spaces. Jim Weir will be setting up the tent and Mike Wilson and Steve Wittek will also be there to help staff the tent and take the tent down near the end of the event. If you are going to Carlisle please plan to stop by. Keep an eye on our website www.adirondackncrs.com to stay informed of our coming events this summer and fall. We are always looking for help planning and conducting Chapter events and I am looking for a member to step up to take on the role of Chapter Chairman. If you are interested, please let me know. Best Regards, John Dergosits Hello to all. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. Let me start by congratulating Lief Larson on his award from Bloomington. I was lucky enough to make the trip with Lief to Champaign, Illinois. What a great time we had. Brian Cantele acquired tickets for us to attend the judge's dinner. We met many people in the Corvette world and made new friends. We also made a visit to the Great Room to view the many nice cars and displays. Lief picked up some parts at the swap meet. My opinion is that the judges were very tough and many of them were NCRS judges. It was a long trip but definitely worth it. Possibly I will take my car next year. We also thank Brian and Tracy Cantele for hosting this year's picnic. There was great food and a great time. They have a beautiful home in a gorgeous and peaceful setting. All the guys were invited to Brian's shop where he has many projects going. Hope to see you all at Carlisle. Jim Weir Well, it falls on me that this newsletter is late. I have simply been remiss in getting going. The summer activities and work dragged me down. From the judging arena, I recently returned from Bloomington Gold and saw two of our members in attendance. It’s a great event that should be considered a “must do” for any enthusiast. Our Judging School and Tech Session at John Dergosits' garage was well attended and quite informative. Even though it was partially put together at the last minute, it went very well. The clutch adjustment on John’s ’68 roadster showed that some thought outside the box is necessary at times on these vintage Corvettes. I presented a home hobbyist technique to rivet ball joints in control arms, as the factory did. Additionally, Mike Wilson brought his ’69 and was in need of valve adjustment, so we took care of that too! Several members brought their Corvettes including Don Todd with his brand new 2014. Next up will be our annual pilgrimage to Carlisle. I know of several members with parts sales on their minds and many of us “on the hunt”. It should be enjoyable, as usual. That’s all for now. Keep driving them while the weather is with us. Seems like it has been a great season so far! Brian Cantele, Judging Chairman

JUDGING CHAIRMAN - Brian Cantele

VICE CHAIRMAN - Jim Weir

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It all started when our judging chair mentioned that he was also involved with Bloomington Gold and that we might want to consider attending that event as it is another group of Corvette enthusiasts. After some consideration and having no idea what I was about to get myself into, I decided to go. It may have been wiser to attend the event before bringing a car there for judging but I said to myself “if I’m going all that way, I might as well bring the car”. I did the research necessary to register my car for Bloomington Gold and sent in the application as soon as registration opened in February. You need to wait until March 14

th to find out if your car has been accepted for

judging or you are on the wait list. I made the arrangements for the trailer and tow vehicle, hotel reservations and enlisted the company and help of fellow chapter member Jim Weir (who, as it turns out, is as crazy as I am). The deadline arrived and I was informed that my application was accepted … Let the adventure begin! Thru out the spring I prepared the car as best I could … restoring this, replacing that, more orders placed with the vendors of choice … and of course there was the last minute preparations (oh yea, they do look for shim markings … where is that crayon??). The day arrived and off we went, driving the 15 hours and 930 miles to Champagne Illinois, leaving at 5 am and arriving at 8:30 pm, none the worse for wear and tear but badly needing an adult beverage, some food and some rest. On Thursday we checked in and received our judging sheets, schedule, wrist bands and located the unloading area (which was not an easy feat) and walked the vendor area, found the judging field, found the host hotel, located Brian, attended the Judges dinner and previewed the Great Hall where there were a dozen or so significant Corvettes on display including a 1963 427 “mystery motor” which was used by Junior Johnson in the 1963 Daytona 500.

On Friday we unloaded the car and drove it to the judging field at the appointed time, cleaned it up and then did some shopping in the vendor area finding some good deals on much wanted parts, looking at the cars for sale and then after putting the car to bed, left for the hotel and an early night as Judging begins on Saturday morning.

Saturday the 4 Judges arrived at my car around 11 am and judged the car (about a 32 minute process) an off they went. It was all over in a flash. Now we had to wait until Sunday to find out the results.

MY BLOOMING GOLD EXPERIENCE – Lief Larsen

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On Sunday afternoon, when all 130 cars were judged, they line you up and you drive by the judge’s tent to receive your award. I received a Silver Certificate, which was mildly disappointing; however probably a fair assessment of the car and then onto the trailer she went. Monday found us up at 3 am, on the road by 4 am and home by 8:30 pm … ready to exit the tow vehicle and not get back in … ever. Thanks to Jim for putting up with the old Danish guy, Brian for guiding me thru the process (and for hauling the differential I bought while I was there) and to Ken Stefanik for the use of his trailer. What a challenge, what an experience. Sometimes I think I’m getting too old for this, but a good time was had, meet some new folks and I’m glad I did it. Lief Well it’s hard to believe half of 2014 is behind us already. Let's hope our recent monsoon season has ended and we have some Summer fun ahead of us. Checking the rear view mirror first to see where we’ve been. Chapter Meet We had a very successful chapter meet hosted by George’s Collision with five C2 cars judged. A special thank you to all our judges and tabulators who participated!

ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN – Steve Wittek

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Guptill’s Car Show We had strong participation at the Guptill’s car show on June 9th. Thanks to our members who arrived early to set up our booth and especially those who brought cars for display. The weather was threatening all day but the show went on without a rain drop. Our participation in the July 14th car show was cancelled due to severe weather warnings in the forecast. Looks like we didn’t get the predicted storm but the choice to cancel was for our members' safety as well as the safety of our prized Corvette’s. On August 11th we participated in the third Guptill's car show of 2014.

Chapter Picnic On July 13thwe had a beautiful day to enjoy a great time at our Chapter picnic! Brian and Tracy Cantele hosted the event this year at their beautiful home in Ghent NY. Some members took advantage of the fishing pond but only Cooper went for a swim. I think the bugs were biting better than the fish that day. We all got a tour of our hosts' toy garage to view his latest projects. Special thanks to Bill Meese for doing the honors with his special BBQ Chicken and to Brian for flipping the burgers. Members shared a dish for appetizers, salads and desserts. What a delicious selection we had to enjoy. Mother Nature also cooperated with a beautiful day till late in the afternoon when we experienced a shower. It was a great day enjoyed by all!

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Tech Session A Tech Session was held on August 10th at John Dergosits' garage. C3 Clutch Adjustment, C3 valve adjustment and ball joint installation. We had great attendance at the Tech Session with several members taking advantage of the fantastic weather to drive their Corvette’s to the event. Members were also rewarded with an up close look at Don Todd’s gorgeous Red Tint coat 2014 C7! Pictures cannot describe how beautiful this car is sitting in the sunlight. The red pearl with crystal black accents come to life and take on a new dimension in the sunlight as you walk around the car. The smell of the saddle leather interior only enhanced the experience.

Brian Cantele led the Tech Session with the proper procedure to check and adjust the clutch on John Dergosits' 68 Roadster. John was experiencing some slippage issues under certain driving conditions. While the actual adjustment seemed to be minor, the road test proved to be successful with no slippage experienced.

The next subject of the Tech Session was the valve lash adjustment on Mike Wilson’s 1969 Coupe. Brian Cantele was assisted by Bill Meess to demonstrate the proper steps to turn the engine over to bring each cylinder

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up to top dead center allowing the valves to be properly adjusted. Once the valves were adjusted a quick idle adjustment was also performed.

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Yes folks we also had a great demonstration showing how to rivet the ball joints into the upper control arms of a C3. Brian had his “special tools” ready and showed us how you can make them if you’re planning a project like this. Those who attending this Tech Session were truly rewarded to a very special day!

Don’t worry folks, there’s lots more to come! Looking ahead. Corvette Carlisle - August 22nd and 23rd Each year our chapter provides vendor space at the show. Bring your coolers and chairs to enjoy the shade of our chapter ez-up canopy. If you have left over parts, this is a great place to sell them, but please remember a PA tax ID is required. It is very easy to secure one from the PA sales tax office online. Don’t wait as time is running out. Officials at the show will be checking for your tax ID so please comply.

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Adirondack Nationals Lake George NY - September 5th through 7th While this is not a chapter event, it’s the largest local show for miles around and a great time. This show always draws so many unique and special cars from restored classics to resto rods to rat rods. You will see some amazing cars there. The other great thing about this show is after the static show display that covers acres of ground they have a car cruise on Friday and Saturday nights. The cars in the show are great to look at but seeing and hearing them cruising the streets is fantastic. This is always a great way to end the Summer season. Always held the weekend after Labor Day weekend. This is not an official chapter event, but I know many of us enjoy the show each year. If you're planning to go let me know. I’ll be happy to post the info so chapter members will be able to get together. Would be nice to grab a space along the road where members could get together to watch the cruise. Guptill’s Car Show The final car show at Guptill’s will be Monday September 8th and I need volunteers to help set up our booth. This is a great night to enjoy some cool cars and great ice cream! Let me know if you’re driving your Corvette so we can try to reserve some space. Wow! That looks like some great activities we have to enjoy over the next couple months. If you have any suggestions about new activities or ways to improve the ones we have, please let me know. I enjoy hearing feedback! Just drop me a line at [email protected]. Let the Good Times Roll! Check the web page for the event calendar at www.adirondackncrs.com/ncrs2.html and your e-mail for event updates. Upcoming 2014 Activities:

DATE EVENT DETAILS

August 22-24, 2014 Corvettes at Carlisle Carlisle, PA

September 8, 2014 Guptill's Car Cruise Guptill's, Latham

September 15, 2014 Membership Meeting @ 6PM Scarboroughs Restaurant,

Latham

October 4, 2014 (rain date 10/5/14)

Fall Cruise to VIP Cruise-In to benefit Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch

Eagle Mills Cider Mill, Broadalbin

October 13, 2014 Membership Meeting @ 6PM Scarboroughs Restaurant,

Latham

November 10, 2014 Membership Meeting (Officer Nominations) @ 6PM Scarboroughs Restaurant,

Latham

December 8, 2014 Membership Meeting (Election of Officers) @ 6PM Scarboroughs Restaurant,

Latham

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NCRS ADIRONDACK CHAPTER – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 4/7/14 A general membership meeting was held on 4/7/14. The meeting was called to order at 6:25PM at Scarboroughs Restaurant by Jim Weir, Vice Chairman. Members present were Brian Cantele, Tom Flowers, Anne Flowers, Mike Kalogridis, Lief Larsen, Bill Meess, Jim Weir, Mike Wilson and Steve Wittek. Chairman: John Dergosits was absent. Jim Weir, Vice Chairman, thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He noted that it was nice to be back from his Florida trip and that he is working on his car. He attended the Regional Judging Meet in Kissimmee which seems to be getting bigger every year. Treasurer: Mike Wilson reported about the current balance. Secretary and Newsletter Editor: Tom Flowers reported that the General Membership Meeting minutes from the last two meetings were in the Spring newsletter which was sent out to members on Saturday 4/5/14. Judging: Brian Cantele noted that he has received 16 registrations for the Chapter Judging Meet which include 14 judges and 5 cars (two 67's and one 64, 65 and 66). Jim Weir recommended sending out an e-mail to members reminding them that more judges are needed. Brian will be buying more certificates and ribbons for the Chapter Judging Meet. Brian asked members to help on Friday 5/2/14 around 4pm to help clean up the shop at George's Collision for the Judging School and Chapter Judging Meet. A possible topic for the Judging School is interior judging of a C3. Mike Kalogridis asked about original vs. reproduction parts and Brian Cantele explained about dollars vs. originality and points. Mike K. also asked about how judging points are awarded, so Brian explained about judging points for Judging Meets and Judging Schools. Membership: Bill Hans was absent. Jim Weir stated that we currently have 26 members. Activities: Steve Wittek suggested adding a meeting (at the Chapter Picnic on 7/12/14 [tentative] at Brian and Tracy Cantele's home] so that plans about Carlisle could be finalized and everyone was agreeable. Brian should know about his July schedule around mid June so the picnic date can be finalized. Upcoming activities include the Chapter Judging School (5/2/14 7PM) and Chapter Judging Meet (5/3/14 7:30AM) at George's Collision. Capital District Cruisers will be having their car shows at Guptill's on 6/9/14, 7/14/14, 8/11/14 and 9/8/14; our Chapter will be a sponsor at these shows and will be using three pavement parking spaces by the front door of the building. Steve Wittek will send out e-mails to members to remind them before each of the Guptill's Car Shows so members can help with set up and manning the tent. Lief Larsen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tom Flowers seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:35PM.

SECRETARY REPORT - Tom & Anne Flowers

chairman’s notes - john dergosits

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