The September 2023 newsletter - Text Version
Updated 03-Oct-2023 = Copyright (c) 2023 Corvairs of New Mexico
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CORVAIRS of NEW MEXICO
Corvair Society of America -- CORSA -- Chapter 871
September 2023 -- Volume 49 -- Number 9 -- Issue 576
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EDITOR Greg Nelson and Steve Gongora
NEXT MEETING Regular Meeting: September 2nd at 10:00 AM
Highland Senior Center, 131 Monroe NE, Albuquerque 87108
THIS MONTH
President's Letter ................................... Gregory Nelson
Treasurer's Report .................................... Steve Gongora
Meeting Notes ........................................ Lupe Arellanes
Board Meeting Notes .................................. Lupe Arellanes
Tribute to Jim Pittman ................................. Club Members
Rampside Story ........................................ Steve Gongora
Carnagie Library ..................................... Lupe Arellanes
Events ... Tarmo Sutt, Brenda Stickler, Lupe Arellanes, David Huntoon
Calendar of Events ............................... Board of Directors
Dues Due Date .................................. Membership Committee
COVER: CNM Members enjoy the New Mexico Council of Car Clubs All Clubs Picnic
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Pres Greg Nelson 505-400-8670 fesedu @ comcast.net
VP Brenda Stickler 505-856-6993 tounce66 @ msn.com
Sect Lupe Arellanes 505-515-9897 ispeakmedicare505 @ gmail.com
Treas Steve Gongora 505-220-7401 stevegongora @ msn.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT
GREG NELSON
Newsletter
Jim Pittman has retired as the CNM newsletter editor after an amazing 47
years!!! Steve Gongora and I will take over the job but please don't expect
Pulitzer Prize level reporting for the first few months. The newsletter will be
available online, obviously, with a few paper editions going out that Steve will
print from home. The club will save a few $$ as our coffers, while still robust,
could be better.
Meeting Programs
For September's meeting Shawn Kukowski will be on hand to talk about his
Corv8. I first saw this very interesting vehicle at the Rio Rancho
Park-in-the-Park car show this past April. They'll be a lecture and then after
the meeting (or before if you arrive early) we can head to the parking lot to
see it in person, so we'll conclude the meeting a few minutes early.
State Fair
September 17 is the last day of the State Fair and by tradition it
features a Corvair Car Show (and GTOs). We'll meet at the southwest corner of
San Pedro and Central, in the grocery store parking lot. When entering the lot
veer to the left (GTOs to the right) and park. Just before heading into the
fair, we'll take a few photos in the parking lot. Be sure to bring a lawn chair,
sunscreen, and water.
(Continued on page 11)
Report for CNM Treasury
Account for August 2023
Date Check Amount Payee Description Balance Running Balance
5-Jul-23 $ 3,164.15
1-Aug-23 2593 -96.37 Jim Pittman August newsletters -65.44 $ 3,098,71
1-Aug-23 30 stamps -26.10 $ 3,072.61
1-Aug-23 30 envelopes -4.83 $ 3,067,78
1-Aug-23 6309 25.00 Lloyd Piatt CNM dues 1 year 25.00 $ 3,092.78
1-Aug-23 214 130.00 Richardson/Zelle Tri-State 2024 130.00 $ 3,222.78
MEETING NOTES: LUPE ARELLANES
The meeting was called to order at 10:10 AM
Brenda Stickler reminded everyone of the State Fair Show on September 17, 2023.
Everyone is to meet at San Pedro and Central at 7:00 AM. All Corvairs will
caravan into the State Fair grounds and set up for the show. This is a car show
you don't want to miss.
Route 66 Trash Pickup is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
Car Council Picnic--August 13, 2023, Oak Flats on South 14. Bring your own lunch
and drinks.
Steve Gongora reported a treasury balance of $3067.78 with a check to be
deposited.
A committee needs to be assembled to figure out a transition with a plan for
communicating with club members with regards to newsletter and website. A motion
was set to write a tribute to CORSA for Jim's contribution to CNM.
Tarmo, Dave, and Steve helped Bob Kitts with his Greenbriar to get the car
running.
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Steve Gongora was to give a talk on his restoration of a 1962 Rampside. He
brought a computer to show photos of the restoration and the story of how
it started its life in Oregon. He will talk about how he sold it on Bring a
Trailer.
Tarmo talked about his 1965 4-door Corvair. It was sold at Ed Black's Chevrolet
(a former CNM sponsor). Tarmo owned the car for over 26 years. It was a very
solid car. He used parts from the 4-door to complete his museum quality 66
Corvair Turbo Convertible. Unfortunately, time and rodents filled the engine
compartment with debris. When Pat Hall needed Tarmo to help retrieve a 1961
Loadside, somehow the deal turned into a trade. Tarmo swapped his 4-door Corvair
for the Loadside of Pat's. Now both cars will continue to meet the streets.
Brenda Stickler is planning a trip back the Los Luceros Plantation in October.
Be sure to put it on you calendar.
Meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM
BOARD MEETING: LUPE ARELLANES
Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. Members: President Greg Nelson,
VP Brenda Stickler, Sect Lupe Arellanes, and Treas Steve Gongora.
Topics: Programing for October Meeting -- Greg will have an owner of a Corvair
V-8 to talk about his restoration.
Deadline for Newsletter: 8/25/23
Content will be available online. Webpage has general information, newsletter,
links, gallery, and more to come.
Elections in October: Greg, Brenda,and Steve have elected to stay on as
officials. Secretary will be open for elections.
Greg will be able to attend the Tri-State 2024.
Lupe has volunteered to be in charge of membership. That is lists, upcoming
dues, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Updates to Tri-State will be listed in the newsletter and the Tri-State website.
-Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM
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JIM PITTMAN -- NEWSLETTER EDITOR
KAY SUTT
Jim, How can we express adequate thanks for all you have contributed to CNM for
so many years? Your energy, dedication, friendship, kindness, knowledge (both
technical and "corporate"), common sense and your unflagging love of Corvairs
and CNM have been the glue that has held CNM together. You have catalogued the
advances in the technology surrounding the Corvair and worked to recruit and
educate new generations of the lovers of all things Corvair. Likewise, you have
marked the life events of our members, both joyous and sad. Your acute
understanding and love of history have made you a unique and invaluable
chronicler of all things Corvair and CNM.
When you married Heula, we were all so happy for you. Little did we know that
you brought someone who shared your level of dedication, kindness and love to
the members of our club. So our thanks extend to you both for your many years
of service.
You have left big shoes to fill, Jim. CNM has decisions to make regarding how
all the functions you and Heula have performed will be apportioned, and
volunteers will have to be recruited to fill those positions. Club members now
must step up to accept responsibility for the continuation of CNM. Things will
change. But change is inevitable and the volunteers who step up will determine
the direction and form CNM will take going forward.
How can we express our appreciation, Jim? I know of no other way but to simply
say "thank you, and my best wishes to you and Heula going forward with your
lives' journeys." I hope you will continue to grace club events, so we can
continue our long-term communication and friendship.
Kay Sutt
JIM PITTMAN -- NEWSLETTER EDITOR
DAVE HUNTOON
Jim, Well......things do change. I certainly respect and understand your
decision. I am honored to have enjoyed your friendship thru the years.
All the best, Dave Huntoon
JIM PITTMAN -- NEWSLETTER EDITOR
BRENDA STICKLER
Jim, with deepest gratitude, I accept your resignation as of July 31st, 2023.
We are all so thankful that we as a club, we recently have expressed to you
the awesome gift of having you keep the communication line for our club open,
for so many years.through our Only CNM Recognition Plaque. Thank you for
dedication, amazing editing, your volume of pictures and article of our club
present and past,Calendar Charts and your many articles and subjects you
introduced to us
You are such a great friend to so, so many of us. Heula and I shared many years
with the other active women in our club through the Sunshine Committee. Both of
you have been a "shining Example" of how to share you Love of Corvairs and enjoy
all of the precious friendship that were amazingly attached.
Love to you two - Brenda Stickler
JIM PITTMAN -- NEWSLETTER EDITOR
STEVE AND RITA GONGORA
Jim, We've known you since our first official CNM meeting and you have been an
anchor and admired member since its inception. Our club has benefitted from your
insight and we have flourished as a result of your long-term commitment to a
task that no one else can do. The "Enchanted Corvairs Newsletter". We have been
fortunate and can't thank you enough for your dedication of this monumental task
of assembling information on a monthly basis for so many years and producing a
top-notch publication that is hard to beat. With the newsletter approaching
nearly 600 publications, we extend our gratitude and wish you and Heula the
best. Steve and Rita
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1962 CORVAIR RAMPSIDE
STEVE GONGORA
I was invited to talk about my Rampside I owned for over 9 years. The history is
amazing. The truck was slated to be a flower pot before Bob Slusher rescued it.
Two daughters wanted to pay tribute to their father after his passing. They were
going to fill it with dirt and plant flowers. Bob purchased it in Oregon. By the
way Bob Slusher was as former Western Director for CORSA. Mark Domzalski bought
the vehicle from Bob, moved to Placitas and drove the truck to Los Alamos on a
daily basis for many years. When Mark saw that Francis Boydston was selling his
Rampside, he was ready to put his Rampside on the market. I worked out a trade
with Mark Domzalski for this truck. Mark replaced the engine. This 1962 Corvair
Rampside is special. This unique 3/4 ton truck was designed by Chevrolet for
convenience and durability. The ramp lowers on the passenger side for easy
loading. I owned this truck since 2002. A friend inspired me to watch Jay Leno's
restoration of his Rampside which inspired my transformation of this vehicle. I
used the truck on a regular basis for nine years before its current condition.
After six months of paint and body work, I was able to get hold to continue the
rest of the restoration. I changed the interior to include full leather bench
seat and custom door panels. The seat contains extra pockets on the front
cushion and the rear lean back. The stereo packs a punch with powerful amps and
a subwoofer. The wheels are from a Chevrolet S10 series vehicle. The doors are
fully lined with a sound proof material. You can't hear the motor running when
inside the cab. It is a truly amazing smooth ride and presence. The truck has
been featured in worldwide publications. In 2012, it was the cover photo for the
CORSA Communique, whose publication is distributed worldwide. It was on the
calendar for Snap-On in 2013, also distributed beyond the United States. It was
the cover and the month of May for the 2014 Route 66 calendar. This photo shoot
resulted in a poster, playing cards and special coffee mugs. Everywhere it goes
brings a mob and cameras are pulled out when it's on the road. The vehicle was
so clean I was afraid to take it out except for car shows. I placed the truck on
a website called Bring a Trailer and it was on auction for one week. The buyer
owns a private museum and now many people can enjoy this beauty for years.
REGISTRATION FORM
2024 LAS VEGAS, NM TRI-STATE
LUPE ARELLANES AND TRI-STATE COMMITTEE
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2024 TRI-STATE NEWS
LUPE ARELLANES
City Selection: Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Dates: May 17th-18th-19th 2024.
Host Hotels:
Banquet Hotel: The Historic El Fidel Hotel.
Accommodation: The Castaneda Hotel & The Plaza Hotel.
Car Show Hotel: The Castaneda Hotel.
The Castaneda Hotel, a historical Fred Harvey House, has 18 rooms reserved for
out-of-state attendees with a 2-night minimum. Overflow attendees will be
directed to the historic Plaza Hotel. Call for Reservations: (505) 425-3591 for
both hotels; mention "Corvair Tri-State" for our negotiated 15% discount; prices
per night range from $84 to $143/night; payment collected upon reservation.
* Banquet/Show Cost: Early Bird $50 Adult;
Price Increase after March 1, 2024 --) $65.
* Seeking Silent Auction Donations. Members can bring items to any monthly
meeting. Asking for items valued at $20+. Rita & Steve Gongora will create 5
large basket auction Items from donations and additionally purchased items. Are
you a quilter? We would appreciate any auto-related creations for our auction.
* Seeking Keynote Speaker Ideas. Should you have any connections with someone
who you would like to see speak at our event, please email us
tristatecorvairs@gmail.com
* Seeking T-Shirt Design Ideas. Send us your rough ideas whether it be a drawing
or a picture of other shirts. If your inspiration idea is selected, you will WIN
a FREE Shirt. Your winning inspiration will be forwarded to our graphic artist
to develop further.
Please email your ideas to: tristatecorvairs@gmail.com
WHILE IN LAS VEGAS, NEW MEXICO,
VISIT...THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Carnegie Library: located on 500 National Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701,
(505) 426-3304. Hours: 8a-5p M-F, Sat 8a-2p.
The Carnegie Library was funded by a $10,000 grant from Scottish-American and
philanthropist Andew Carnegie, and was one of 1,679 libraries constructed
between 1886 and 1917 through Carnegie's program. Carnegie devoted forty million
dollars to his library project. Of those, about 750 are still functioning as
libraries today. The Las Vegas library was designed by the firm Rapp & Rapp,
built in 1903 and opened in 1904. The building itself recalls Monticello with
its dome resting on an octagonal drum, recessed portico entry, arched windows
with sandstone details, and brick masonry work. Its neoclassicism is in keeping
with the building's facing the library park and its immediate neighborhood.
(Information provided by www.lasvegasnm.gov)
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>>>> HERE <<<<
A REPORT ON MY JULY/AUGUST CORVAIR ACTIVITY
TARMO SUTT
I attended the July 4th Pancake Breakfast and Car Show on the Santa Fe Plaza.
I arrived at 4:40 AM and was the 55th car to arrive. About 115 cars were in
the show, but I was the only Corvair. It was a warm morning, and as usual
there were many people and lots of people interested in the car. Best of
Show was a 1956 Chevy Nomad owned by Buddy Roybal.
The next Cruise Night on the Plaza in Santa Fe is Friday, August 25, 4 - 9 PM.
A total of -- 80 cars are expected.
If you are looking for a fun evening, check it out. It's lots of fun in a
relaxed atmosphere.
My buddy Ray Montoya and I trekked to Los Lunas twice to help Pat Hall work on
the '60 4-door Corvair he's working on to put back on the street. We helped him
replace the windshield on our first trip (good practice for me, since I need to
do that for my truck too). Next time, we helped finish up installation of the
brakes Terry Price had helped him start, and we bled the brakes. That took 3-4
passes due to various minor problems.
We also helped with miscellaneous other minor things, and Pat was able to take
the car off the lift and drive it by the end of the day.
Steve Gongora, David Huntoon and I spent a day at Bob and Maggie Kitts working
on his Greenbriar van. We completed carburetor work so Bob was able to drive it
again. Thanks, Maggie, for the treats you provided to keep us motivated!
I started working in earnest on the '61 Loadside I acquired from Pat Hall this
month too. I was fortunate to find a new shaded and tinted windshield at a
reasonable price, so it is now safely packed in my storage building, ready for
installation when I get the interior metal cleaned and painted. I started
disassembling the engine too. The carbs came off and I took off the top of the
motor. It was, thankfully, pretty clean. Next, I removed and cleaned the oil
pan. It was also remarkably clean for a car that has been sitting almost 20
years.
I'm hopeful once I get things cleaned up and checked I will be able to start the
engine without having to completely rebuild the engine.
All in all, a good month for Corvairs at the Sutt house!
(Photos: Tarmo's Loadside was loaded on a trailer and brought back to Santa Fe.)
The engine is original and the next step is break-down and cleaning of the
parts. Here are photos of the engine before any parts are removed and the last
shot is shrouding and carburetors removed. The Loadside is on the road to
recovery for being roadworthy. We can't wait to see the progress and evolution
of this restoration. Everything Tarmo touches is pure perfection.
Steve Gongora
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Here are a couple of photos from Bob & Maggie Kitts home. Tarmo Sutt, David
Huntoon, and Steve Gongora worked on this beauty. Bob put a lot of attention to
this Greenbriar. It has a 140 HP motor with front disc brakes. The van has quite
a history. It belonged to Jerry Goffe. It was a limousine to Mary Travers from
Peter, Paul and Mary when Jerry picked her up from the airport. I
can imagine the thoughts in her mind when Jerry drove her from the airport.
Ta r m o ' s 1966 Turbo Convertible getting ready to drive to the Santa Fe
Plaza Show July 4 - 4:30 AM
CNM was represented at the NMCCC Picnic on Sunday August 13 at Oak Flats on
South 14.
Shown here are from Left to Right:
Anne Wiker, Brenda Stickler, David Huntoon, Linda Soukup, Tony Berbig.
Attending but not in the photo, Lupe Arellanes and family.
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NMCCC All Clubs Picnic Sunday August 13, 2023
"We could not ask for better weather on this day to mingle with other car
enthusiasts." -- Lupe Arellanes
Stopped by the Car Council picnic for about an hour. Not as many cars as normal
but the Studebaker club made a nice showing.
My Corvair and a nice early Ford pickup caught my eye. JD's late Mustang so I
had to talk Mustangs for awhile. The Clements showed up after a bit with a dark
blue '52 Ford sedan with overdrive. That meant we talked V8 flatheads with
overdrive for 30 minutes!
The number of cars may have been down but it makes no difference. Always
something to learn.
David Huntoon
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September 2023 October 2023 November 2023
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
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Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 2, 2023 10:00 AM Meeting Highland Senior Center
131 Monroe St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 ph 505-767-5210
Saturday, September 9, 2023 8:00 AM Old Route 66 Cleanup
Start at top of mile marker
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 7:00 PM Board Meeting via Zoom
Sunday, September 17, 2023 7:00 AM NMCCC - State Fair Car Show
Meet at San Pedro and Central to enter
Sunday, September 24, 2023 7:00 AM NMCCC - The traditional Swap Meet will be
replaced with a low-key car show & cruise with food and
music . Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 7:00 PM NM Car Council Meeting - 4th Wednesday
Manzano Mesa Senior Center 501 Elizabeth St SE
Friday, September 29, 2023 9:00 PM Deadline for October Newsletter
Monday, October 02, 2023 Target for completion of newsletter
Saturday, October 07, 2023 10:00 AM Meeting Highland Senior Center
131 Monroe St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 ph 505-767-5210
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 7:00 PM Board Meeting via Zoom
Saturday, October 21, 2023 9:00 AM Trip to Los Luceros
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 7:00 PM NMCCC Meeting - 4th Wednesday
Manzano Mesa Senior Center 501 Elizabeth St SE
Friday, October 27, 2023 9:00 PM Deadline for October Newsletter
Monday, October 30, 2023 Target for completion of newsletter
Send your Dues to:
CNM Treasurer
Steve Gongora
8419 Palo Duro Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111-3238
Membership: / Dues Due Dates:
Due in July Lube Lubert - inactive as of Aug 25, 2023
Due in August Dave and Jan Allin - inactive as of September 25, 2023
Clifton & Katie Trujillo - inactive as of September 25, 2023
Due in September Troy Ward - inactive as of October 25, 2023
Due in October Jon & Debra Anderson - inactive as of November 25, 2023
William & Sharon Heil - inactive as of November 25, 2023
Inactive:
Leroy Rogers - inactive as of June 25, 2023
Irv & Katherine Brock - inactive as of September 25, 2023
Schedule of Dues: CNM: 12 months = $25.00 or 26 months = $50.00
CORSA: 12 months = $45.00 or 26 months = $90.00
If you want to pay CNM and CORSA to Treasurer:
Both memberships 12 months = $70.00 or 26 months = $140.00
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(Continued from page 1)
Good News TriState (picture)
My last niece graduates next year the same weekend as the Tri-State.
Thirteen high schools will graduate over 4 days at the Cowboy's Stadium in
Frisco, Tx. That means there is 8% chance her school graduates on Thursday which
would mean not missing any of the TriState. Well, I got lucky. I hit the 8% and
she graduates on Thursday night. I'll be able to attend all 3 days. [Alisyn is
my last niece, but my cousin's daughter is a freshman this year so that's a 2027
graduation. A different school district. I'll cross that bridge later.]
AMC-Channel TV Show
Dark Winds is a Navajo-based police drama set in the `70s. Season 2 is
currently airing. There is a scene in one of the early episodes set in a 'store'
which is the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum, a.k.a. the Casa Grande Trading
Post. I know that because that was the club's July field trip. This week's
episode also featured a late model Corvair. My first thought was 'who owns that
car?' Does anyone know who owns it? Anne Wiker and the Heils own yellow late
models. Any guesses?
Elections
It's that time again. I don't mind continuing as President. Steve will
stay on a Treasurer. Lupe will resign as Secretary but will become the
Membership Coordinator. Brenda can stay on as VP if no one else raises their
hand. If someone wants to be considered for one of these positions, we can
certainly have a good old-fashioned muckraking election. Haha, just kidding.
We want to wish the following CNM September Babies a Wonderful Birthday:
Jamie Anderson
Gordon Johnson
Emery Ward
Curtis L Shimp
David Huntoon
Mathew Lawler
Janet Johnson
Leif Ward
Connie McBreen
Christian Deyermond
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