the torqueflite times
TRANSCRIPT
The Torqueflite
Times The Official Publication of
Mid-South MOPARS VOL. 31 Issue 10 November 2017
Mid-South MOPARS – Since 1986
Dedicated to promoting, fostering, and encouraging all activities toward
the collection, restoration, racing, and preservation of Chrysler, Plymouth,
Dodge, De Soto, Imperial, Jeep, Eagle, Ram, and AMC autos and trucks.
On the web at
http://www.midsouthmopars.com
Newsletter submissions to
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Pig ‘N’ Whistle Restaurant
6084 Kerrville Rosemark Rd.
(just passed H/S Ford, East on Kerrville Rosemary RD) Millington. TN 38053
901-873-2455
October’s Feature
I bought my 1937 Dodge D-5 Business Coupe in
March of 1959 for $20 when I was 14 years old from a friend
near Delano, California. It wouldn't start, he put in another
battery and it still wouldn't start, so he said. “If you have $20
you can have this thing.” I towed it home with my parents’ ‘50
Chevy pickup. The next morning, I took the battery out of my
parents’ pickup, put it in The Coupe and it started right up. It
was in pretty rough shape, but I drove it for a while with the
engine that was in it, but I wanted more power, so I put in a
1939 Chrysler flathead six.
I went in the Navy in 1963 and it sat for around 5
years until I towed it from California to
Pensacola, Florida. In 1968, I put a 1957 “392
HEMI” in it, did some frame work, and moved
the fire wall back. Then, getting stationed back
in California, I started some of the bodywork and
modifications on it. I took it to Tijuana, Mexico
in 1970 and had some upholstery work done - the
head liner they put in is still in it.
I was stationed in Millington Tennessee. In 1976 and in 1977, I
painted it for the first time. The color is 1974 Dodge Colt Red
and I have painted it that color three times. Around 1987, I put
a 1977 Chrysler 360 in it and did some other updates and
painted it for the second time. In 1994, I built a 1977 Chrysler
440 and ran it until I put in the current 2006 Chrysler “5.7
HEMI” with Dodge Truck 518 four-speed overdrive
transmission in January, 2009. I have already put over 65,000
miles on this engine.
Over the years, I have used it as my daily driver and have raced it at drag strips from the west coast to
the east coast. For several years, I used it as the tow-car for my son's 1965 Coronet Drag Race Car and
raced it at the same time.
In 1985, it was hit broadside on the passenger side at the
intersection near the railroad tracks in Millington. I was able
to save the quarter panel, but I did have to get another fender.
In 1993, on the way to Bakersfield, California, coming down
off the mountain on I-40 between Flagstaff and Williams,
Arizona around 8:30 at night, I hit either a deer or elk. There
was only minor front-end damage, so I was able to continue on
my trip. I was able to save the sheet metal but I had to find
another grill.
I took my driver's test in this car and my son also took his in it.
The lady who gave him his test really liked giving him his
driving test in a Street Rod. When my grandson got married
several years ago, I drove his bride and him from the reception to their hotel.
The Coupe has won the Long Distance Award at The Western Street Rod Nationals in Bakersfield,
California twice and once at a car show in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It has also received two NSRA
Safety Awards and numerous car show trophies, too many to list.
I have taken trips in it all over the USA with most of them averaging around 3,000 miles or more; one
recent trip was 8,003 miles. My last three years in the Navy, I was stationed on the USS Independence
in Norfolk, Virginia and my family was here in Millington. When the ship was in port on the
weekends, I would drive The Coupe round-trip to Millington and back to Norfolk (just over 900 miles
each way). I estimate I have driven this car at least 300,000 miles. It is now a modern auto (Street
Rod) with many comfort and safety items that makes it a joy to cruise in on short trips or cross country
runs.
Short list of some mods (too many to list all):
o Dodge Diplomat Police car front suspension with disc
brakes &
o 8 3/4 Chrysler rear with 11-inch Road Runner brakes
o 5.7 “HEMI”,Dodge 518 4 speed over drive automatic
transmission
o Autometer gauges
o In-Dash GPS with Blue tooth & backup camera, AM/FM &
CD/DVD player
o Drive alert lane departure warning & black box recorder
o Real Walnut Wood interior trim
o Power bucket seats, power windows, remote keyless entry,
cruise control, front seat belt shoulder harness
o MiniCooper headlights & VW taillights
o Heat, A/C & defrost
Henry McCurdy (October, 2017)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We had a great October meeting. I was particularly excited because our attendance
levels are up, averaging 27 people at each meeting for the past 10 months, with an
average of 6 females in attendance. Further, at this meeting we had 4 guests – Rafiq
and Destiny, and Marcus and his father, Bruce. Rafiq has a Ram 1500. Marcus was
with us because he is a student at the University of Memphis and he is writing a
term paper on car clubs. Rafiq and Marcus found out about us through the Internet.
We invited them to visit with us again and we extended a membership offer.
Another exciting thing I am seeing is that our newer members are becoming involved in the
Club, attending events, and volunteering to take on duties as they come up. This is great! As we grow,
there will be additional opportunities to get involved, so please don’t be shy.
We’re getting into the “darker” months of the year, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t
happening. We close out October with the Olive Branch Old Towne Fall Fest and Bob Marr Memorial
Classic Car Show (see flyer in this newsletter). That should be a lot of fun. Then we get into
November – an “administrative month” with a review of the Bylaws and nomination of Officers.
December is our holiday gathering and I’m sure it will be as much fun as it was last year. Then,
January starts off the New Year.
BYLAWS - The Bylaws require that they be reviewed by the Officers and presented to the
Membership at the February meeting --- so, we will begin our review with the Membership at the
November meeting. Please become familiar with the Bylaws (accessed at the Club website) so that you
are prepared to discuss any provision(s) that you feel should be changed. Secondly, the Bylaws require
that Officers be nominated in November. John Wicker’s term as Secretary is expiring and he would
like to offer the responsibility to somebody else. If you would like to nominate someone, or you are
interested, please let me know before the day of the next meeting.
Finally, you know I had to give you a Cordoba update . It has been repaired and is
operational; yes, it was the timing gear/chain, and some other minor things were addressed, but it’s
good to get it running again. It’s running stronger than ever. In the spring, I will get the air conditioner
replaced and be 100% ready for the warmer months in Memphis. I thank everybody who ribbed me in
good spirit, encouraged me, and gave me guidance – it is most appreciated. Now … this is not
exclusively about the Cordoba. This is also my inspirational message for us to get ready for 2018 as a
Club. I’m looking forward to it!
For November, we are meeting “north”. If you are from the “south”, please don’t let that
discourage your from coming. While I encourage everybody to drive their cars, a dispensation will be
granted if you decide to carpool. I will ask Ray to qualify you for the driving a MOPAR prize (if you
wear your MOPAR shirt) if you carpool. Name badges are also important – if you never had one, lost
yours, or want a custom name badge with your car listed, please let me know. The cost is $6 if it is a
replacement.
35 – That’s my goal for attendance at the November meeting. Can we do it?
David
Vice President’s Message
Exhaust Rumblings from your Vice President
Hi everybody. Our October club meeting at Perkins Restaurant was very well attended. I’m glad to see
we are keeping our attendance figures up. It means we are doing something right to keep people interested I
the club. After a lot of confusion regarding the location of our November meeting we have settled on the Pig N
Whistle in Millington. I hope to see everyone there and hopefully the weather will be good so we can drive our
MOPARs too.
We are in the height of car show season right now and it seems like the club is doing a great job of
representing ourselves at various shows. This month’s club activity is the Bob Marr Memorial Car Show in Old
Towne Olive Branch this coming Saturday morning. The show is excited to have us there and they will have a
special area just for Mid-South MOPARs. The plan is for everyone to meet at the Halloween Store on
Germantown Rd in Olive Branch no later than 9:15 and caravan to the show site. Hope to see everyone there
For those who can’t make it to Olive Branch this weekend there are several other choices of shows you
can attend. First there is the Cars and Coffee Cruise In at the NAPA facility at the corner of Appling and Stage
Roads. In addition there is the Monster Madness show and the Naval Support Center Car show so there are
lots of choices. Before we know it the season will be over and we will all be putting our cars away for their
winter naps so let’s all try to use them while we can.
Happy MOPARing to all of you and keep them between the ditches.
Alan
***********************************************************************************
TREASURY REPORT
Scott Forrester, Treasurer
Beginning Balance: $2,284.73
Deposits:
Club Merchandise: $24.00
Miscellaneous:
50/50: $22.00
Total Deposits: $46.00
Disbursements/Expenditures:
Bank Account Charges: $5.00
Miscellaneous:
Payment for Shirt $10.00
Total Disbursements: $15.00
Ending Balance: $2,315.73
Minutes
The meeting was held on October 3, 2017 at Perkins-Germantown. The
meeting started at 7:00 pm and ended at 7:35 pm. There were 30 members
present that included 3 women.
John Scott started the meeting by saying grace.
David welcomed everyone and asked if we had any new members or
guests. There were 4 guests; they found us thru internet searches. Two
guests were Rafiq and Destiny. Rafiq has a Ram 1500 truck. Two guests were Marcus and his father,
Bruce. Marcus was working on a term paper for University of Memphis and he needed some
information about car clubs. All four guests were welcomed, invited to return, and offered
membership.
David talked about his plans to get his Cordoba fixed.
Alan hoped everyone was getting to enjoy the nice weather we have been having and talked about
some of the upcoming Car shows.
Scott gave the Treasurer’s report and the minutes from September meeting were approved.
Old Business:
David talked about Ray’s shirts and other merchandise.
He asked if anyone had any wants or needs. It was advised that Ray Fudge sold his1966 Plymouth
Valiant.
David talked about the Membership initiative and advised that Ray has the cards if anyone needs them.
New Business:
The November 7th meeting was going to be at Olympic in Millington, but they can’t accommodate us.
John Dancy volunteered to secure an alternate location.
David advised that Calling Post reached 52 of 57 people and passed around a list to show us what he
gets. It showed the phone numbers they were calling and what the results were.
We decided to have the Christmas meeting at Logan’s in Wolfchase area.
Activities:
Alan Talked about the Collierville show. John Dancy talked about the Munford show. James Marshall
talked about the Bartlett Festival and that he got 2nd
place. Henry talked about the Delta River Cruisin’
and the Rosemark [TN] Country fair.
David thanked Marjorie and Bobby for the Newsletter and the article Bobby did about his sister’s car.
David advised that we have to review the Bylaws and, in keeping with the Bylaws, he wants to review
them at the November meeting. Members should make themselves familiar with the Bylaws by
reviewing them prior to the meeting (access on website and Facebook).
It was announced that we need to be electing certain officers of the Club for 2018. David said we
would talk about it at the Executive Meeting.
Upcoming Shows:
Cruise for a Cure is Oct 14th
.
Baptist Children’s Home is Oct 14th
Navy Mid-South Motor Madness is Oct 28th
Bob Marr Memorial in Olive Branch is Oct 28th
. This is also the Club even for the month.
The 50/50 was won by one of our guests, Bruce - it was $22.00. John Dancy won Ray's special award.
Total Attendance by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
18 18 29 27 29 32 30 26 32 30
Running Average = 27
Women Attendance by month (started tracking in July)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
? ? ? ? ? ? 6 8 7 3
Running Average = 6 John and Kim Wicker ***********************************************************************************
CLUB MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
License Plates $5.00
Hat $5.00
Blue Polo Shirts (new style) $12.00
Blue T-Shirts (new style) $10.00
20th Year Anniversary T-Shirts $5.00
Pencils and Key Fobs $.25 each or 5/$1.00
IN OUR THOUGHTS
(Please email [email protected] if you are aware of anyone in our membership in need
of thoughts and prayers.)
Services
Ed Becker (901-494-1825) Chrysler transmission repairs
7950 Pea Vine Rd. Middleton, TN 38052
Rick Sorak (901-399-0245) Car repairs, crash repairs, restorations
***********************************************************************
Wants and Gots
Need something and can’t find it?
Got something and don’t want it?
(MOPAR or not)
Send me an email by the 20th of the month
to get your request in the current newsletter.
Wanted:
Mike Revelle: Wants a road race oil pan for a 360 e body.(901-649-4094)
Gots :
Mike Revelle: For Sale: 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L 5 speed manual with
134000 miles. It runs and drives good. It is white with beige and green interior/4” suspension/stock tires. He is asking $8300. For Sale: 2011 Rm Quad cab 4WD with a Hemi loaded with 126000 miles/white with grey interior/ backup camera/ CD radio w/remote/new all-terrain tires for $17,500.(901-649-4094). Clint Owens: (friend of Mike Revelle): For Sale: 440 Eagle Crank ¼ “ stroker (901-652-9894) Alan Alkus: For Sale: 1955 Chrysler Windsor 2door hardtop. Great restoration project. Owned over 30 years. Not running. Poly head V8. (901-465-3900) 1966 AMC Ambassador
Original 327 motor and original interior.
New outlet water manifold, water pump, alternator, intake and valve cover gaskets and a few other items
CONTACT: Kenneth Gipson [email protected] (901) 550-9600 (I have two pictures of this car in an
email, I cannot seem to be able to moved them to the newsletter, therefore I am sending an additional email to
you all with the pictures.)
*******************************************************************************************
Upcoming Events
October 28, 2017
Bob Marr Memorial Park Car Show – Olive Branch, MS
November 9, 2017
Cruise-In at Sheffield Antique Mall in Collierville
November 18, 2017
Cars and Coffee (Change of date due to Thanksgiving)
December 16, 2017
Cars and Coffee (Change of date due to Christmas)
Page
10
Your Mid-South MOPAR Officers
President: David Moeslein Historian/Program coordinator: Bobby Buffaloe
(410) 952-5929 (901) 388-0105
[email protected] [email protected]
Vice President: Alan Bauer Advisor: Fritz Crombie
(281) 546-5344 (901) 230-0541
[email protected] [email protected]
Treasurer: Scott Forrester Events Coordinator: John Gorski
(901) 496-8809 (901) 517-3807
[email protected] [email protected]
Secretary: John Wicker Webmaster: Rick Sorak
(901) 508-1234 (901) 399-0245
[email protected] [email protected]
Sgt. at Arms: Ellis Winter Newsletter Editor: Margie Buffaloe
(901)262-6536 (901) 483-9789
[email protected] [email protected]
Six Years Ago!