A n t i q u e A u t o M u s h e r s o f A l a s k a

Tinkering Times Volume 53, Number 11 November 6, 2013www.antiqueautomushers.org

November Meeting

Our November meeting will begin at 7:30. at Robbie and Marianne Robinson’s clubhouse.

Dennis and Diane Allen and Sara Stoops will provide the after-meeting refreshments.

Thanks, Jim Fredenhagen for planning our drive around to Point Woronzoff and pie at Village Inn for pie after last month’s meeting.

Representing the nominating committee at the October 9 meeting, Scott Hulse presented a slate of candidates for 2014.

Committee members, Scott Hulse, Sara Stoops and Brian Anderson presented a more complete slate than we are used to. Sara’s goal was to get two candidates for each position so that members actually had a choice (rather than being given a slate to approve.)

Mike Wiedmer (president) and Brian Anderson (vice-president) will run unopposed.Candidates for Secretary are Mark Graber and Pam Tanora, while up for Treasurer are Dick and

Barb Henningsen and Donn Reese.A sample ballot is included in this issue, and if you are not planning to attend the meeting, you

can cut it out and mail it (Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O.Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086.) Do this right away to guarantee that it makes the deadline to be counted at the meeting.

November: Time for Club ElectionsPresident Vice President Secretary

Mike WiedmerUnopposed

Brian AndersonUnopposed

Pam Tanora Mark Graber

Treasurer

Donn Reese

Barb and DickHenningsen

Dues Change for 2014At the October meeting, Donn Reese

presented a great visual of our yearly expenses. The bottom line is we will finish the year in the red.

The Tinkering Times is the greatest expense with 45 copies (about half the circulation) sent by mail. The postage alone is becoming a staggering amount, and production costs keep rising.

We will host the joint meet with the Fairbanks

(See p. 3, Dues Change)

2013 OfficersPresident: Mike Wiedmer 243-7005

Vice President: Brian Anderson 345-9244

Secretary: Pam Tanora 868-1575Treasurer: Donn Reese 245-7203

Sergeant at Arms: Sara StoopsMembers at Large

Kurt Rein 344-5554Tom Cresap 694-7510Tam Isham 688-3671

Past Presidents (10 years)Howard Hansen (2012)

Donn Reese (2009–2011)Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008)Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007)

Fred Schurman (2005)Diane Allen (2004)

Fred Schurman (2001-2003)Tinkering Times Staff

Editor: Tom CresapProofing, scheduling and keeping the

old man in line: Marcy CresapSend correspondence to:

Tinkering TimesTom Cresap, Editor

P.O. Box 770703Eagle River AK 99577

or email:tmcresap@mtaonline.net

The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska’s premier classic and antique automobile club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086.

Opinions expressed by authors who contribute to Tinkering Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.

www.antiqueautomushersak.org

2 Tinkering Times November 6, 2013

Running Board Reflections

The pace of our old car activities has slowed with winter’s first frosts, but has not stopped altogether. This month we select our 2014 club officers and then just a few weeks pass until we gather at the Isham estate to celebrate the holidays. Shortly after our post-party stomachs settle, we start the serious planning for the 2014 Fur Rendezvous show and parade. Soon after that we’ll begin waking our slumbering vehicles for another frenzied Alaska driving season.

This lull in our seasonal activity round is a good time to reflect on our 2013 activities and note what events you liked, which you didn’t like, and what events we didn’t do at all, but should do in the future. Make a list, and bring them to the next meeting to share with the club. We’ll set aside some time during the meeting to have a conversation about what worked and what could be done even better the next time. One topic we need to start discussing in detail is next year’s Joint Meet with the Vernon Nash

club. Our Fairbanks friends set a high bar this past summer and now we have hosting duties in 2014. Please come to the November meeting prepared to share your ideas.

Until next time, enjoy our late-arriving winter and perhaps sneak one last drive in on our still dry roads.

–Mike

Cresap

Looking back: Robbie Robinson (l) and president Mike discuss the vagaries of the Hupmobile during AAMA’s Hope Weekend in July. As winter catches up with us, the rush of summer activities has ground to a halt, and we have tucked our treasures away for the duration.

The Christmas party is at the Isham’s, Sunday, December 15, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Besides the venue, the Ishams will provide the ham, and the members will supply the other potluck items.

We need two volunteers to bring turkeys and two who will supply the turkey dressing. Be ready to volunteer at the November meeting, and then get ready for a lot of fun.

Tamea also wanted to give everyone an early reminder to bring canned goods to feed the hungry. She always makes sure our donations make it to the proper organizations.

Christmas Party

3Tinkering Times November 6, 2013

One Man’s Treasures

Our ads are intended for members and others who wish to sell cars and related items. There is no charge, and the ad will run for three consecutive issues before being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or to place a new ad, contact Tom, 694-7510.For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet hardtop BelAir; Red and White; all original; 4 owners from new to present; 68,000 miles; appraised at $38,000 three years ago; asking $35,000. Wayne Weiler, 345-4632 or 240-9491. theweilers@gci.net (2)For Sale: Classic Auto Restorer from October, ! 1994 to April, 2000. $50 OBO.The cover of October 1994 has a 1957 Thunderbird on it and a complete write up inside. Also, British Car magazines from June, 1988 up to May, 2003 with bonuses also for $50 OBO. John Osnes, 346-3609 (12)

For Sale: One Good Year 7.10X15 nylon bias ply tire with 1.75" WW. !Nice tire $45 obo. !Scott Grundy 907-457-3526" (1)

For Sale: Big Tex 12K GVW car/truck hauler. $6,200. Contact Joe Dennis. 907-351-6786, or 907-333-0694. (12)

Secured EnclosedStorage

West Downtown Anchorage location9’x18’x7-1/2’ high space

$125/month2 or more spaces–$100 each Hurry!

Dave Syren,274-9046 or 440-2982

For Sale: ! 1930 Model A, Standard Coupe. ! Professionally restored for Ted Stevens in 2000.! Current License and Title. Road Ready. ! $18,500.00! For more information, please contact Ben Stevens, 907-223-4378 or bastevens1@yahoo.com. (1)

For Sale: Model A Wheels; Model T rear end parts; Dave Beck 230-6346 (1)

Schedule of Events! November 13– 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting (Refreshments: Dennis and

Diane Allen, Sara Stoops)! December 15–4:00-8:00 p.m. Christmas Party (Tam Isham, 688-3671)

–2014–! January 8–7:30 p.m. Installation of Officers (Refreshments: Christmas

party left overs)! May 10–Adopt-A-Road (Cresaps, 694-7510)! May17-20–Shake Down Tour to Homer (Jim Fredenhagen 243-5214)! July 12–Adopt-A-Road (Cresaps, 694-7510)! July 17, 18, 19, 20–Hope Weekend (Allens, 345-6355)! September 6 – Adopt-A-Road (Cresaps, 694-7510)

Vernon Nash Club in 2014, which will require additional funds.

The board voted to increase the dues to $30 a year, an increase of $5.00 over the current dues. This will provide the club with about $450 additional funds over 2013 budget. The intention of the club is to be solvent yearly.

Scott Hulse moved to raise the dues $5.00 a year. Art Isham seconded that motion. There was a vote of approval from the members present. National dues are $35.00 a year and now the local club dues will be $30.00 a year.

Brian Anderson reviewed the Hope weekend expenses. The event started as a two-night activity now it is four nights. The dates for 2014 are July 17, 18, 19, 20, and travel home on the 21st.

(Continued from p. 1)

DuesChange

For Sale: 1929 Model A Sport Coupe restored by owner; very few miles; everything original except 16" wheels. $20,000 OBRO Jim, 907- 344-7161

Don’t know about anybody else, but for us this slipped by. If you didn’t already notice, the May/June issue of the Antique Automobile featured a nice article and some photos of Joanna Cooper’s 1951 Imperial convertible. If you haven’t already done so, check it out. You will find it inside the front cover and on pp. 54-58. There is some interesting historical information about the car, as well.

Did You notice?Joanna Cooperʼs

Imperial in Antique Auto

Tinkering Times November 6, 2013 4

A heads-up for your planning next season: the Shakedown Cruise will again be to Homer. We had such a good time last year and the Homerites enjoyed our cars so much, we just couldn’t resist another go-round.

Buzz Wallace, Jim Fredenhagen and the Homer Chamber of Commerce are on the ball. The website, www.homeralaska.org reads, “AAMA (Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska) will have their Annual Homer Event May 18-20.” They have our cars scheduled for a show at Wells Fargo the 18th and a parade on the Spit on the 19th.

Jim and Buzz have plans for a possible jaunt over to Seldovia, as well. They will provide more details, as we get closer to the event.

For Your Planning:

The 2014Shake Down

Cruise

Fredenhagen

Model Aʼs +One Make Last Foray of the SeasonBig thanks for everyone who

came out for the Trout House Saturday, October 12 run to Wasilla and Palmer yesterday.

The weather gods were smiling and kept us dry but windy all day. Even the temperature was okay, around 46°F, but I admit the heater felt good.

It was lots of fun to surprise people on the street in Palmer with our impromptu parade. We experienced lots of shocked expressions and happy waving. It was better than a staged parade and a great excuse to give the Ahoogah salute...

We had special guests: Dennis and Diane Allen, with their '34 Ford Sedan, made it an A+ for the !group.

Thanks for coming.We had nine cars total:1. Fredenhagen, '29 Tudor,2. Watson, '31 Coupe,3. Golding, '29 Fordor4. Dryden, '31 Taxi,

5. Bowker, '31Tudor,6. Kimzey, '31 Tudor,7. Allens, '34 Sedan,8. Godsoe, '31 Pickup,9. Truesdell, '30 Tudor,Thanks again. Now it’s time for

off-season maintenance. See you in April.

–Jim

A passel of Model A’s gathers on the way to the Trout House Saturday event on October 12 in Wasilla and Palmer. This was the last event of the season for the Model A’ers.

We all know that Jay Leno has an affinity for antique automobiles. How could we miss that?

In the September issue of O, comedian and TV host, Steve Harvey, revealed that he also has joined the prestigious ranks of our interest group. He reported that his 1940 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, cream with navy-blue seats, becomes his ride a few times a month when he throws on a baseball cap, lights a cigar and spends a few hours driving around Chicago.

Celebrities Join Ranks

of Antique Auto Junkies

by Jim Fredenhagen

At 6:30 pm. October 9, 2013, vice president Brian Anderson–in the absence of president Mike Wiedmer, who was away on business–called the meeting to order.

A number of items, including dues, Christmas party and nominations shared the agenda and are presented elsewhere in this issue.

Gwyn Wiedmer took care of split-the-pot, which was $57.00. The winner was Marcy Cresap.

28 members attended the meeting, and we had no guests.

Donn presented the club with a

beautiful red ribbon we received from the Palmer Chamber of Commerce for our participation in the Alaska State Fair Parade. We received second place for vehicle entries. –Pam

Snippets from the October Meeting Minutes

Ice Cream in Atlin, B.C.

Tamea Isham, Robbie Robinson and Joanna Cooper enjoy local fare in Atlin during AAMA,s Long Distance Tour June 28-July 8, 2013.

Cresap

Tinkering Times November 6, 2013 5

Tom and Marcy,This may seem like a strange

request, but I need to ask.Last month, I went to visit my son

who was working as a chef at Kennicott Glacier Lodge. I took a day and went to the museum in McCarthy and there I saw a book called A Slice of Heaven, given by the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska.

Is it possible to get a copy of that book? My son was working at the KGL the year you all took your ride thru town, and I would love to get a copy for him. I will pay the cost of the book plus any shipping charges.

Thank you,–Betty RinehartCaribou, Maine

Editor’s note: “A Slice of Heaven” was the picture book we put together to commemorate our 2011 Long Distance to McCarthy and the famed Kennicott Copper Mine in the Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve. Betty was very happy with the copy of the book, which was still available from Shutterfly. –Tom

Slice of HeavenFan Writes

(Part II)In our October issue, Bruce told

of the trip he and Marl took to escape being waterlogged in Anchorage. They were on the Campbell Highway headed for Faro.by Bruce Campbell

Faro, where we spent the night, was 325 miles from Dawson City. Faro is not on the Highway but on a 6-mile side road to the north.

Anvil Mining Co. constructed the town to support their lead-silver-zinc mining activities in the 1969 - 1998 time frame. The Town is now privately owned. It has a golf course, indoor swimming pool and 380 inhabitants. Why the latter I’ll never figure out. The town is well kept but is a mixture of deserted houses in very poor repair and nicely cared for homes complete with manicured lawns. A striking contrast as you drive through the town. There is a single card lock gas tank in town which was labeled “out of service” when we attempted to fill our tank for the remainder of the trip to Watson Lake.

As a result of no gas in Faro, we had to travel to Ross River, which–like Faro–lies 6 miles north of the Campbell Highway and is about 30 miles distant from Faro. Ross River is an Indian village of about 300

residents, and at least they had gas.After we left Faro the Campbell

Highway became a narrow, gravel, pot holed road with no traffic. The 225 mile drive from Faro to Watson Lake took us over 8 hours and included 20 km of construction and 20 km of pavement (?) adjacent to Watson Lake.

The majority of the road has tall birch and spruce trees right up to the driving surface so one is driving in a tunnel with little view other than the road ahead.

Watson Lake still has the same two crumby hotels the club members stayed in 2006 on our trip to Yellowknife. They have been renamed but that didn’t help. They had the same buckets and wastebaskets in the hall to catch the leaking water.

The trip from Watson Lake to Beaver Creek was sunny, warm, and a very enjoyable drive and again scenic–especially with the bright fall colors. We stayed at the Westmark Hotel on the last night it would ever be open. While there, we were informed that Holland America was closing their hotels in Beaver Creek and Tok permanently. They are apparently going to fly their guests from Fairbanks to Whitehorse and Dawson in the future. Anyone want to buy a Hotel?

Bruce and Marl Drive Canadaʼs Campbell HighwayThe lounge was crowded with

locals either mourning or celebrating the closing.

Beaver Creek to Anchorage was back in the rain again, but at least we had a few days of sun–a welcome change from the solid rain that caused us to take the trip. M is in a much better mood now.

This description sort of sets the scene on the Campbell Highway, and I thought it would be good information for anyone thinking of including this Highway in a future long distance tour. My advice: if one wishes to give the Campbell Highway a berth in a future long distance plan make it a wide one. Your cat herder–Bruce

Ballot for 2014 AAMA OfficersNovember 13, 2013

Mike Wiedmer (President)

Brian Anderson (Vice Pres.)

Mark Graber (Secretary)Pam Tanora (Secretary)Dick and Barb

Henningsen (Treasurer)Donn Reese (Treasurer)

Ballot for 2014 AAMA OfficersNovember 13, 2013

Mike Wiedmer (President)

Brian Anderson (Vice Pres.)

Mark Graber (Secretary)Pam Tanora (Secretary)Dick and Barb

Henningsen (Treasurer)Donn Reese (Treasurer)

Tinkering Times November 6, 2013 6

Images from a Summer of Great Fun

Cresap

Cresap

Cresap

Cresap

Cresap

Looking back at the summer, we have many images that conjure up memories of many fun times. Above: Marianne Robinson purchases ice cream in Homer (!) At left, starting at the top: Joanna Cooper, Marcy Cresap and Debra Woodard at the Canadian border (Long Distance Tour) Tam Isham shows her shock at the size of the meal she ordered at Caribou Restaurant in Glennallen (Long Distance Tour) Howard Hansen displays his first place ribbon in the 5-K run at the Homer Wagon Trail Days Run in Homer. Dennis Allen poses with his 1934 Ford while at Hope for Hope Weekend.

“A hundred dollars!” I shook my head in disbelief.

“I’ve gotta be nuts to spend a hundred dollars on that!” I squealed at my computer screen. But there it was, staring back at me. The perfect addition for my 1951 Buick. A one of a kind. No one else in the club has one, I thought . . . but a hundred dollars?

A couple of mouse clicks later, eBay had my money, and the original “I Like Ike” bumper sticker was on its way to me in the mails. It was late, so I turned off my computer, climbed upstairs and crept into bed. Quiet as a mouse, so as not to disturb Linda, who had gone to bed hours earlier.

“ . . . whaaa happened . . . whaaa time is it?” murmured a groggy voice.

“Don’t worry about it – just go

back to sleep,” I whispered soothingly.“Oh my God, it’s three thirty!” she

growled, starring at the clock on her bedside table. “What are you doing up at three thirty in the morning?”

“Nothing Honey, just go back to sleep. We can talk about it later.”

A couple of minutes of silence followed and I really thought I had dodged the bullet. No such luck. Rip Van Winkle turned over and uttered those five dreaded words: “How much did you spend?”

Now understand, there really are not many accoutrements that one can procure for a fully loaded 1951 Buick. And so, while nocturnally perusing the vast offerings of eBay Motors through the wee hours, naturally I was delighted when I finally had found

I LIKED IKEHumor by Rich Golding

(See p. 7, “I Liked Ike”)

Tinkering Times November 6, 2013 7

10°15°20°25°30°35°40°45°50°55°

96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

29°34°

44° 44°39°

51° 52°

45° 45°48°

42° 42°

48°44° 45°

40°

49°

15° 17°

27°29°

22°

34° 34°30°

27°31°

27°

21°

32°27° 28°

24°

35°

Average Temperatures: October, 1996-2013

Valu

e Ti

tle

Average Low Average HighTo begin with, I had no data for 1999. It was a surprise that 2002 and 2003 had, according to my records, warmer high temperatures than this year, which by most estimates was one of the warmest on record. Then I noticed that this yearʼs average low was highest on the chart. So, although the highs didnʼt peak as far, the lows didnʼt push down as far. That could explain the green grass and extended driving days.

something unique, yet so very 1951’ish. I mean, this marvelous artifact was practically made for this car! Why, back in the day, any card carrying Republican would not have been caught dead without Dwight D’s smiling countenance proudly plastered onto the rear of his Buick, for all the world to see!

A few days later my treasure arrived in the mails. Gingerly unwrapping several layers of thick cardboard protection, revealed the perfect condition original decal.

–Decal? Hmmm . . . seems that Eisenhower’s smiling face framed by the phrase “I Like Ike” in red, white and blue, was in the form of a decal. No worries. The backing paper contained meticulous printed instructions as to how to soak and apply the decal.

Several hours of preparation later, and I was all set. I had deftly located the perfect sized container – a glass casserole dish, filled with hot water kept at just the right temperature – as per the decal’s instructions, precisely monitored via an old glass candy thermometer that I had clipped to it’s side. Further, I had painstakingly mapped out and marked the exact location inside the rear window with a wax crayon guaranteeing absolute precision and straightness. This was going to be a one hundred dollar, one shot ordeal. Everything had to be perfect.

A bit nervous, I decided to call Linda out to the garage for some help.

“Is this what cost a hundred dollars?” she smirked. “ . . . Hey wait a minute . . . is that my good casserole dish . . . and my grandmother’s antique candy thermometer?”

“Uh . . . uh, gee I guess so. But Honey, just look at this gorgeous decal – it’s gonna look soooo perfect in the rear window of the Buick,” I cooed

whilst staring at my shoes.It was now or never.Stopwatch set to exactly 90

seconds - check.Water temperature at precisely 110

degrees - check.With military precision I

submerged our 34th president into the tepid water. I could feel my heart pounding. I glanced up and studied the timer . . . 5 seconds . . . 10 seconds . . . then my wife let loose a blood curdling shriek! Confused, my eyes darted back to the baking dish in time to witness my treasure – my precious – disintegrating! I grabbed furiously at it, Ike’s smile dissolving into a smirk, as his image literally slipped through my fingers, dispersing into liquid oblivion.

“Remind me again,” my wife inquired wryly, then added the five dreaded words: “How much did you spend?”

EPILOGUETwo weeks later a package arrived

in the mails. After many a restless night scouring the internet, I was actually able to find a replacement

decal the same as the first. Damn the cost!

Ike’s smiling face has been adorning my Buick’s back window ever since. Perhaps you have seen it. It gets many compliments as well as thumbs up from drivers and their passengers passing by.

If you look carefully, very carefully, you might notice that what’s attached to the glass is, in actuality, an excellent color photocopy of the second decal. Like Zsa Zsa’s jewelry, only copies are worn in public. The original remains safe, locked away in the trunk.

I liked Ike(Continued from p. 6)

Summer Fun

Cresap

During Hope Weekend in July, Henningsens’ 1956 Crown Victoria showed off in the sun in front of Discovery Café.

AAMAP.O. Box 232086Anchorage AK 99523-2086

Tinkering Times November 6, 2013 8

BirthdaysAllen Combs–4Jack Rathert–4Bill Brown –5

Jim Jacobson–11Rich Golding–12Scott Hulse –12th

Jerry Roach–12Carl Godsoe–14Ethan Stoops–17

Lawrence Taylor–19Laura Reese–25Tam Isham–28

Robert McDaniel–30Anniversary

Sheryl & Scott Hulse–13

November

Reese

Jeeves? Kurt Rein is dressed the part–sort of–and stands with his 1926 Packard, a staple at the Jay Ofsthun Show and Shine, August 4, 2013. The day was cloudy and relatively dry, and the show was the traditional success with around 350-400 cars participating.