january florida gulf coast 2016 volume 2 vcca issue 1 ... 2016 a.pdf · our jan 2016 meeting is at...

FLORIDA GULF COASTVCCA

NEWSLETTER...

January2016

Volume 2Issue 1

VCCA GULF COAST REGIONwww.gulfcoastvcca.com

Our region recognised! Inside This IssueOur region recognisedInteresting article‘Out and About’ photosMonthly Tech articlesTampa Bay Jan 2016 car eventsDecember 17 meeting minutesPersonalized Chevrolets

112345-67-9

Keeping up with the photo theme of last month with some roosters in Tom’s workshop, here we have a beautiful tiger ‘showing off’ at

the Steak & Lube car show!

Well we know it is recognised, but it was nice tosee it on the home page of our National website... Check it out at www.vcca.org Our 4th meeting, our Christmas meeting, was heldon Thurs Dec 17 at 6.30pm followed by dinner atCaptain Jacks in Tarpon Springs. Minutes are included below.Our Jan 2016 meeting is at the Beef O Brady's inLargo at Barclay Square at 13847 Walsingham Rd.,January 21 at 7PM.

Some may know about the subject of “Personalized Chevrolets’ and the controversy and interest it has brought up particularly over the past few years and again in 2015. This included a seperate non geographicalVCCA chapter which began in July 2014, and with theirPersonalized judging guidleines in Nov 2015. I includethe original response from our Vice President of VCCAand member of our local chapter purely for interest.I personally find the article very informative about theVCCA club, it‘s numbers both up and down and thedirection of many members in their choice of vehicles. An extract... ”The VCCA loses about 1000 members a year. We gain back about as many in new members, so we arebasically �at at about 8000 members. However, attendanceat events and in reading the G&D makes it seem obviousthat the VCCA has an aging member base, and attractingthose 1000 new members has required higher advertisingand promotion costs each year... “ cont. page 7-8

Interesting article

Florida GulfCoast VCCA Newsletter

Top: Dec 6 at Treasure Island Car Show.Nice location for the show but not a great feeling

parked next to a BIG Cadillac hearse all day!!

Right: Interesting photo from Treasurer Al showing parking in the 1930’s in New York!!

Bottom: The Steak & Lube Car show in Pinellas Park on Dec 13 and another very nice trophy!

‘Out and About’


Monthly Tech Article...This month’s input is from our secretary Tom with a small tip

from several articles on the restoration of his 1937 Chevy.

“Tech” Article #4: Tennis balls make great caps over sharp items on your old car chassis. They are easily cut to fit over protruding parts and I have used them to cover running board brackets, exhaust pipes, bumper brackets, etc. It is easy to forget these parts are sticking out when moving around vehicles and your shins will thank you for the cushion.

x x

6.37 x x

x

x

x

Monthly 1936 GMC Check Sheet Check Rear End Check Transmission Level Check Battery Check Master Cyclinder Check Oil Tune Up this month Check Air Cleaner Check Fuel Filter - Replace Check Tire Pressure (30 psi) Brush off Cab with Brush Spray Wax Body Clean Chrome Wipe Wheels down Clean Glass

Mileiage Amount 84,365

Remove Floor, Rotate Tire, check shocks 1064 miles for the year

A part sample checklist chart from our President Patrick to use for our vehicles. original in Excel.

January MarchFebruary


Tampa Bay January 2016 car events

JAN. 30: RUSKIN - Cars and Co�ee - Hosted by Gateway Classic Cars from 9am to 12noon Ruskin, FLJAN. 30: PLANT CITY - Boggy Bottom Auto Fest hosted by the Tampa Wax Slingers; family-friendly eventheld on a 200-acre paradise along the Ala�a River; $30 registration will include entry into the show andone wristband for all-you-can-eat bu�et; pre-registration is $25; music/DJ by JR Goodman of Muscle CarNetwork; gates close for show cars at 10:30 a.m.; show ends by 4 p.m.JAN. 24: DUNEDIN - Proceeds go to Elks Charities; several trophies to be given; free co�ee, hot dog toparticipants; music provided. 9am - 4pmJAN. 23: BRANDON - CAR SHOW; free hot dog and soda. JAN 17: BRADENTON - Wolves Head Car Show 12pm -5pm Hosted by Lance's Cruizin to the Hop, held at Wolves Head Pizza and Wings, 1837 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Food specials, trophies, prizes and lots of fun. For more info, call Lance at (941) 371-1061. JAN. 16: TAMPA - Celebrity Auto Festival - Tampa Tampa Bay Mopar Club & Ed's Project Car Garage.COM Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST) http://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrity-auto-festival-tampa-tickets-19157549747?a�=ebrowse JAN. 16: TAMPA - Organized by United Motors Clubs Against Road Rage (U.M.C.A.R.R.); event addresses road rage issue; car clubs encouraged to participate; 18 categories with awards; to register, visit the Eventbrite page for United Motor Clubs Against Road Rage Force of Life International, 6460 Tampa Palms Blvd., TampaJAN. 16: PLANT CITY - Free registration and admission; pre-1990 and older cars and trucks as well as antiques, hot rods, customs and classics.as well as men and children) and a model car show. JAN 16: ZEPHYR HILLS ELKS LODGE of ZEPHYRHILLS BENEFIT OPEN CAR & TRUCK SHOW 6851 Wire Road Zephyrhills, Florida AWARDS 2 Best of Shows in 30 Classes Plus 30 Overall Best of Show Awards & Club ParticipationJAN. 16: ZEPHYRHILLS - Open to all years, makes and models. JAN. 14: VALRICO - open and free car show; DJ Ed Cullins. JAN. 13-17: TAMPA - Booth exhibits, educational seminars, free entertainment. JAN. 10: PORT RICHEY - Registration is $10; vendor space is $4. JAN. 9: DOVER - ROUTE 60 SWAP MEET; JAN. 9: PLANT CITY - CAR SHOW. JAN. 9: LUTZ: - Hosted by Let’s Roll Promotions. live music, door prizes, 50/50; no entry fee; open to all classicand muscle cars, street rods, hot rods and customs. JAN. 9: LITHIA - all makes, models welcome. JAN. 9: DOVER - CAR SHOW; organized by First Baptist Church; free car show participant entry, cookout, bluegrass jam and Pinewood Derby. JAN. 7: APOLLO BEACH - CAR SHOW; free; classic, modern and specialty cars, live entertainment. TJAN. 3: WEBSTER - CAR & CYCLE SWAP MEET; $5 admission. JAN. 2: TAMPA - REEVES MOTORSPORTS GATHERING; car owners and enthusiasts can showcase their classic, exotic, luxury and super cars; enjoy co�ee, bagels, mu�ns and esprit de corps. JAN. 2: TAMPA - RISE & SHINE CRUISE-IN CARS & COFFEE; hosted by Garage One; music by Let’s Roll Promotions; monthly show featuring Garage One and A&G Industries; all makes and models welcome; free co�ee and doughnuts; on the agenda are demonstrations on waxing, polishing etc.. JAN. 2: DADE CITY - The monthly Dade City Cruise-in will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in historic downtown. There will be music, games and vendors. For information, visit www.dadecitychamber.org JAN. 2: BRANDON - SUPER CHARGED SATURDAY NIGHTS; hosted by Tampa Wax Slingers and Tres Amigos Cantina

http://www.motoringtampabay.com/upcoming.php

More details and other months events on our website www.gulfcoastvcca.com


Minutes of VCCA Gulf Coast Region monthly meeting December 17, 2015

Attendance: 1. Tom Burtch Member 2. Althea Burtch Guest 3. Pat Kroeger Member 4. Debbie Kroeger Guest 5. Howard Seymour Guest 6. Emily Seymour Guest 7. Al Robinson Member 8. Pat Robinson Guest 9. Bob Thacker Member 10. Andy Swaney Member 11. Maureen Swaney Guest 12. Bob Young Guest 13. Hal Bruce Member 14. Pam Simone Guest 15. Roy McGreevy Member 16. Ikke McGreevy Guest 17. Paul Green Member 18. Marilyn Green Guest 19. David Cardinal Member 20. Barbara Cardinal Guest

Meeting Location: Captain Jack’s Bar & Grill, Tarpon Springs FL

The meeting was called to order by Patrick Kroeger at 6:40 PM.

Minutes of 1/19/15 meeting were accepted as distributed President’s comments: - Patrick welcomed the many spouses/significant others who joined us for this year end meeting (listed as guests). This was the largest meeting to date and it was a great way to end 2015. - He also noted two guests who are members of the national VCCA attending their first Gulf Coast region meeting:

• Howard Seymour and wife Emily who spend winters in Florida and live in New York state during the warmer months. Howard spoke about the activities in the Finger Lakes region and was particularly enthusiastic about the touring and social events. He offered many good ideas for us to consider as we plan our regional activities.

• Bob Young is an active member in the local Pin-MAR antique auto club and owns early Chevrolet and Dodge cars.


Events and Activities: The following car shows in early 2016 were mentioned at the meeting. Note – a list of many more is on the Gulf Coast website under the events tab. - January 24 – Elks Club in Dunedin - January 31 – Devereaux-Kaiser Car Show in Lakewood Ranch (a large show open to all makes) - February 13 – Dick Norris Buick/GMC in Palm Harbor Tom Burtch mentioned the Heart of Georgia VCCA region swap meet on February 13 in Marietta GA (near Atlanta) which he plans to visit to see how it is organized.

Treasurers Report and Membership Update:

1. The current bank balance is $350. No bills are outstanding. 2. There are currently 15 paid members.

Other New Business:

1. Andy Swaney introduced a 50/50 draw for this meeting. It was well supported and raised $35 for the region.

2. Patrick is exploring products and costs for branded clothing and asked for input on designs and content. One comment was to be sure the VCCA logo is prominent and the region is shown also.

3. Al Robinson indicated that he has collected many 1934 articles and reference materials and offered to provide copies to members with interests in this era. He noted that 1934 was a key year in the history of the FBI and there are several interesting cross references between automotive and FBI developments.

4. Patrick mentioned the possibility of creating a calendar with members’ cars for each month. If members wish to submit photos of their old Chevrolet or GMC vehicles we may still be able to consider a 2016 calendar … Please submit photos to Roy McGreevy ([email protected]) for possible use in a calendar or the regional website (http://www.gulfcoastvcca.com/).

5. We are still seeking a location in Southern Pinellas County (Clearwater or St. Petersburg area) for the January meeting. Please forward any suggestions to Patrick. A location will be announced early in January. We will continue to meet on the third Thursday of the month, so the next meeting will be January 21 at 7 pm.

Meeting adjourned – 7:05 PM

Most attendees stayed on for dinner and visiting with the 50/50 draw held at 8 pm.

Minutes prepared by: Tom Burtch, Secretary - VCCA Gulf Coast Region

To: All Vintage Chevrolet Club Members

From: Jim Gebhardt, Vice President of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America

RE: Clarification of the Personalized Chevrolet Chapter of the VCCA

Information being sent out to our fellow members by former Board members regarding the current

Board’s approval for a charter for a non geographic Personalized Chevrolet Chapter may be causing

confusion. As the author of the motion creating this chapter, it is very important to me personally, that

you have a crystal clear explanation.

Personalized Chevrolets have been discussed by the VCCA for many years and there has been

some accommodation for them in the Touring, Chevrolet Driver Participation Class (CDPC) and

Speedster Chapter programs which have all benefitted the VCCA and our members, but it is

clear that more needs to be done.

The VCCA loses about 1000 members a year. We gain back about as many in new members, so

we are basically flat at about 8000 members. However, attendance at events and in reading the

G&D makes it seem obvious that the VCCA has an aging member base, and attracting those

1000 new members has required higher advertising and promotion costs each year. This does

not bode well for our long term existence and several, if not all, of the former Board members

sponsoring the petition have acknowledged that this is a problem.

It seems fewer and fewer Chevrolets are being restored to original condition by members every

year. In fact, for several years, less than 350 nationally judged awards have been presented to

our members annually…..and a number of these are for the same vehicle shown repeatedly and

some are awarded to individuals with multiple vehicles. This means perhaps barely 4% of our

members participate in judged events a year.

Many of us attend and participate in local car shows & cruises, and we all know how large the

modified Chevrolet community is.

If interest in original cars is declining or is even static, we need to offer a new membership

opportunity to the larger number of Chevrolet owners who Personalize their cars….NOT to

compete with original cars or because you or I may prefer personalized cars, but to be sensitive

to the reality of the hobby and help keep the VCCA relevant, vibrant and able to continue to

advance our goals.

The VCCA has already begun to do this and it has been well accepted!

A few years ago, another VCCA BOD approved establishment of the “Speedster Chapter”; a

group of clearly modified pre-1929 Chevrolets; the first Modified Chevrolets we recognized.

Speedsters have modified engines, aftermarket parts, body changes, interior changes and

different tires and wheels. But, there was little controversy when it was formed because it was

clearly noted that these early Personalized Chevrolets have their own separate Chapter, are

invited to VCCA events, but not judged by VCCA standards and shown separately.

Over the last year, all Area Directors were asked to poll their Regions and report back to the

BOD. In addition, articles in the G & D President’s column encouraged members to contact their

Area Director regarding the Motion to allow a separate Chapter for modified Chevrolets…there

was active discussion on the Chat Site….and many members responded

The term “Personalized” was selected by the Board because it believed it was a more accurate

description of the vehicles to be invited to join this non-geographic Chapter. It was not in any

way a deceptive act.

Although feedback from Regions and Areas was not unanimous, it was mostly positive.

Many VCCA chartered regions have for over a decade already judged and bestowed awards on

modified Chevrolets at local meets (or at National Meets in parallel judging fields) in several

VCCA areas.

VCCA chartered regions can already conduct such non-VCCA recognized judging activities for

modified Chevrolets at region meets

The fastest growing part of the VCCA is the Touring Group….and also the CDPC, Chevrolet

Drivers Participation Class…both welcome the participation of Chevrolets with some degree of

Personalization. Very knowledgeable and well respected previous Board members worked hard

to establish and nurture the Touring Group and the CDPC. So if it is working, let’s build on it!

Several other large clubs have successfully established Modified or Personalized Chapters. The

Buick Club of America and the Cadillac Club experienced some initial backlash, but then better

attendance and participation in their activities. Now they confirm that more young families are

active than in many years.

After properly announcing the Motion and soliciting feedback as required, the Motion was

voted upon at the BOD meeting in March. It carried 8 to 3, a clear majority.

The BOD Meeting minutes were published in great detail in the next available G & D, spelling out

the criteria of the Chapter and the voting results, listing all present Board members. This made it

clear to the membership what the Chapter is, why it was formed and who voted for it.

Following the precedent established by the earlier BOD with “Speedsters”, the “Personalized”

Chapter was established, but with far more stringent requirements than for “Speedsters”

To make this perfectly clear and dispel any rumors or confusion. The “Personalized” Chapter

invites only street legal, Chevrolet manufactured vehicles, with no major body modifications,

utilizing Chevrolet drive trains (or drive trains built by other GM divisions for that specific

Chevrolet), with no exposed engine components.

The “Personalized” Chapter vehicles may be invited to VCCA events by the event chairman,

but like Speedsters, they will not be judged by VCCA standards, they will be shown separately,

and will develop their own judging rules…just like the Speedster Chapter. All of this will be at

the Chapter’s expense and work, but members have to be VCCA members, strengthening the

VCCA’s ability to continue and expand our recognition of original and restored to original

specification vehicles, as well as increase the size and interest in our National Meets.

There is absolutely no change to the long standing standards, judging rules or criteria of the

VCCA with the approval to allow a “Personalized” Chapter to be formed, any more than there

was for the “Speedster” non geographic chapter. It is simply another opportunity for VCCA

membership.

The Board of the Directors is responsible for the content that is published in the G & D and has

an obligation to ensure that it reflects the purpose of the club. Any VCCA member’s car or truck

should have the ability to be depicted in the G & D, properly described as original or

personalized and subject to space and editorial considerations. Not providing this opportunity

would deprive our members of an important part of membership to share and read about fellow

members’ vehicles. Our editorial staff and very experienced G&D committee members can

assure you that a Speedster or two has graced the cover or pages of the G&D but in no way will

Speedsters, personalized Chevys or GMCs dominate the magazine. The G & D is too important

to the VCCA…it is the primary communication link between all members of the club and it

always should fairly and accurately represent all its members.

Please understand, the VCCA is not encouraging the modification of Chevrolets, but we are

continuing the efforts by earlier Boards to welcome the owners of personalized Chevrolets as

has been done for Speedsters, the Touring Group and CDPC.

The petition is an effort to eliminate the Personalized Chevrolet Chapter, by preventing their

participation, recognition and visibility within the VCCA by changing the By-laws. The Speedster

owners were not singled out this way and neither should Personalized Chevrolet owners.

We hope you will all agree the G & D belongs to the membership, ALL of its members and ANY

vehicle should have the ability to be featured in appropriate occasional articles.

Being a member of your Board of Directors is a great honor, and I know from serving on the

Board that your Directors have only the very best interest of our members and the future of the

VCCA in mind, and deep in our hearts. To their credit, you should know that the three

experienced Board members who voted against the Personalized Chevrolet Chapter also have

expressed opposition to the petition.

I have tried to keep this message concise; if you have further questions I welcome your inquiries

Jim Gebhardt

#42142 VCCA Vice President

Southeast Area 9 Director

[email protected]

770 992 8801

mailto:[email protected]

january florida gulf coast 2016 volume 2 vcca issue 1 ... 2016 a.pdf · our jan 2016 meeting is at...

Documents