Chevy Wins?                                                    www.ocpanteras.com

January 2008

Superbowl Party at Dave’s is open to ALL.  See you there beginning at noon.

New Year’s Resolution was one of the topics expressed by Dave Rudderow at the January meeting.  He established a goal of getting 12 Panteras on the road this year.  Our task is to locate the twelve cars and call for tech sessions to complete whatever is needed to make them roadworthy.  We need an inventory of cars that are not driven, determine what must be done, select a location, organize a group to accomplish outstanding work and “make it happen”.

I would like to expand the cars to include any deTomaso.  Let’s count Mangustas, Deauvilles, Longchamps and Vallelungas too.  Further, let’s not restrict the cars to TPOC owners only.  Other chapter members should be included as well as non-POCA members.  We do have a history of calling tech sessions for non-members like Patricia McWalters’ 72, a daily driver whose exhaust fumes had rendered it unusable with the windows down.

Our cars rightfully belong in museums as the design by Tom Tjaarda is truly timeless.  It’s breathtaking lines challenge the best that not only Italy but also the entire world has ever produced.  But, you do not have a museum within walking distance of your kitchen.  Our cars deserve much better treatment than to be a static display for just one or two people to enjoy.  Instead, everyone within 500 miles should be able to have at least a fleeting glimpse of this work of art.

We have found that all too often it is a few minor tasks that are needed to get things rolling again.  Remember that this chapter is committed to having all cars running.  Our first tech session was when Mad Dawg blew his engine and we did a swap of a spare engine and transaxle as a loaner while his new engine was being built.  Most tech sessions have been completed within one day but some have extended to the entire w/e.  It doesn’t matter.  Let us help you.  It might cost you a Pizza.

Locale is of your choice.  You may choose from Dave’s garage, Rod’s garage with it’s 4 poster lift, or your place.  The repair gang stands ready with tools, rags and hunger to help speed the return of your car.

Is your car driven?  If not, why not?  If it is in need of repair, PLEASE call Dave at 714 969-1301 now.  We want to have an inventory of disabled cars for our chapter.  The count is needed to see if we can meet the goal regardless of who does the work.  We’ll even count your car as meeting the goal if you do your own work by year’s end.  Dave and the gang are not too proud to take credit even if we do not deserve it.

I must acknowledge that Northern California’s PCNC is the inspiration for our SoCal tech sessions.  There I was introduced to the idea by the generosity of their members.  All know of Mike Drew’s willingness to go anywhere in the world to wrench.  Similarly, Roger Sharp, Jim Kuehne and Jack DeRyke lend a helping hand to all who wish it.  My biggest tribute goes to Chuck Melton.  It was he who devoted many, many hours and invaluable advice when I totaled my first Pantera.

Thank you PCNC for showing me what it means to be a deTomaso owner.

57 Chevy  There are at least two of us who own 1957 Chevys and so this will be of interest to some of you Pantera drivers.  We’ll write about the Bel Air later, for now, I’ll focus on another car entirely.

I remember the 57 Chevy 2 door handyman wagons at the drags.  They were a surprise because of the weight disadvantage.  And yet they were there simply because it was the only model that could be ordered with the 4:11 rear end.

Speed was very important to GM’s competitors.  Early Corvettes were trumped by Ford’s T-Bird along with their wins in stock car racing and the drags.  By the late 1957 model year, Chevy responded by sending a “Stock Car Competition Guide” to all of its dealers dated April 19, 1957 signed by Robert D. Lund.

What did Mr. Lund recommend?  Well, for the body it was the 150 Utility 2 door Sedan model 1512.  It was the lightest since it did not have rear seat.  The model 1502 150 served as an alternative, but dump the rear seat.  Long straight away track racers benefited by the use of the 210 Sport Coupe model 2154 due to its more streamlined design that overcame its weight penalty.

Corvette V8 with Ramjet Fuel Injection (RPO 578) is the preferred engine offering. 10.5:1 piston with special cam, alloy valves, and a compliment of goodies produced 283 hp at 6,200 rpm from 283 cubes.  Keeping the FI functioning correctly required strict attention to the service booklet.  Some sanctioning bodies like NASCAR restricted intakes to either a single or dual 4 barrel carbs (270hp).  Motivation was through choice of 3 speed manual (wide or close) to a standard 3.55 axle.

Heavy duty modifications by the dealer were suggested for engine mounts, radiator, fan drive, fuel tank, brakes, rear axle taken from the .5 ton truck, a wide range of gear sets, posi, reinforced wheels, steering unit and knuckles.  Body modifications listed were extensive.  Included were specifics for fuel injection mods too.

On the last page, I found a map of the US with sanctioning bodies race locations.  Among those listed was one for NASCAR in Huntington Beach---my favorite place.  Oh, Jim, Willow Springs was also there.

I sold my 57 Handyman just before moving here.  It was a V8 3 speed stick overdrive with the desirable 4:11 posi rear end.  My original intent was to renew memories of those days at Fremont Drags.

Thanks goes to Steve Webster for giving me his “Guide” prior to his passing.

Reminders:   from rkunishige@hotmail.com.  Please email needed corrections/additions to me.

Feb 3          Superbowl Party  noon at Dave Rudderow’s is always fun for all.  Enjoy a gathering of great folks.  BBQ chicken is the fare; so, bring finger foods or something to go with the fowl. Your friends are also welcomed.

Feb 13        TPOC Mtg  7pm Mel’s Drive-In 12241 Seal Beach blvd., Seal Beach.  562-431-7951.

Mar 1-2      Willow Springs Open Track sponsored by Jim Saxton 626 285-2024.  West Coast Racing invites you to run all makes & models at speed on the Willow Springs road course in Rosamond, just north of Lancaster.  Jim and Cherie Saxton host both Pantera and Ferrari clubs for this two day event twice a year.  TPOC helps registration Saturday as a fundraiser.  So, bring your car and experience the fastest track in the west (often the site of new car testing as seen on Speed TV).  The cars are divided into 4 classes based on your skill level from pro to novice (instructors provided) and car preparation.  Or, come and make the TPOC treasury grow by helping with the registration and enjoy watching some very fast, expensive cars race.  Be sure to offer a ride to the guy holding a helmet labeled with “ROD”.

Mar 12       TPOC Mtg 

Apr 9          TPOC Mtg 

Apr 18-20   Long Beach Grand Prix.

Apr 30-5/3  Las Vegas Fun Rally & Track Event Register early.  See your POCA Newsletter.

May 14       TPOC Mtg 

Jun 11         TPOC Mtg 

Jun 14?       TPOC Swap Meet  at Bud Williams’ garage 9am-2pm.  Bring your stuff to sell or bring cash to carry goodies purchased.  Sandwiches and sodas provided.  See Bud’s complete collection.  It goes well beyond that shown in POCA’s article. I want a ride in the Sunbeam Tiger.

Jul 9           TPOC Mtg 

Aug 13       TPOC Mtg 

Aug 15-17   Monterey Concorso Itialiano Black Horse Golf check with PI.  Sign up now.  Rooms are limited.

Sep             Belmont Shore

Sep 10        TPOC Mtg 

Oct 08        TPOC Mtg 

Nov 12       TPOC Mtg 

Nov            Willow Springs Open Track sponsored by Jim Saxton 626 285-2024. 

Dec                        Christmas Party

Dec  27      Gondola Ride

Las Vegas is once again upon us.  So, look at your POCA newsletter for further details and plan to participate.   Bring your car to show at the Fremont Display or track it at the Speed Trials.

Willow Springs hosted by Jim & Cherie Saxton’s West Coast Racing in conjunction with both Pantera and Ferrari clubs give you the chance to take your car on the world famous high speed track.  Street cars abound as the Novice group makes full use of the free instructors to show the best line to take on each corner.  They also advise you on the techniques to gain full control of your car while extracting the most from its features.  Remember that there are four run groups based on your experience and two days packed with lessons to help understand your car’s limits and at the same time improve your driving skills.  Come out to participate or watch the excitement.  (Cherie prepares a free lunch for TPOC members.)

Events are an essential part of the club’s wellbeing.  Please consider hosting one of your choosing.  The key is to bring like-minded people together for some fun.  Contact Dave with your idea and let’s schedule it up for this year.  It would be a special treat if some of the ladies would come up with an idea or more.  I know that I sometimes get stuck in a rut and can’t seem to get those wheels in my mind spinning in a new direction.  Simply, I am asking you, ladies, for directions.

Meeting Site Sought that will draw more members to attend. If you know of a place that can accommodate us, please speak up.  Our intent is to have easy parking, good food, separate room to conduct the meeting, individual billing to free up those who need to leave early and a locale better suited for the majority of members.  Talk to Dave.