The Steering Wheel
Our Mission Statement:
To share the love of our antique cars and to show them off.
To enjoy fellowship of other car enthusiasts.
OCTOBER 2014
Vol.14#8
Officers:
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Al Preisner
Carl Esakson
Shirley DeLange
Leon DeLange
(616) 874-9336
(616) 677-5816
(616) 878-3618
(616) 878-3618
13/14
13/14
13/14
13/14
14/15
14/15
14/15
Gene Birdsall
Ken Bogardus
Chuck Swift
John Wilson
Judy Swift
Dennis Biggins
Jim Nyman
(616) 874-9049
(616) 534-3778
(616) 450-7245
(616) 453-7025
(616) 450-7245
(616) 365-1371
April Auction
Al Preisner
Craig Chalmers
(616) 874-9336
(616) 361-2220
Tours: Dust Off
Roseanne Lynch
Cheryl Chalmers
Judy Swift
Al Preisner
Leon DeLange
Bonnie Woodman
Marcia Rossman
Cheryl Chalmers
Linda Biggins
Ruth Esakson
Cynthia Smith
Sean & Cindy Smith
(616) 460-2161
(616) 361-2220
(616) 916-3538
(616) 874-9336
(616) 878-3618
(616) 997-6413
(616) 784-5274
(616) 361-2220
(616) 365-1371
(616) 677-5816
(616) 560-3108
(616) 560-3108
Fall One Day
Al Preisner
(616) 874-9336
Board of Directors:
Committee Chairs:
Christmas Banquet
Club Historian
Club Picnic
Membership
Metro 28th Cruise
Newsletter – Typing
Newsletter – Mailing
Retirement Visits
Sick & Shut Ins
Special Events
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Events Calendar
** Indicates a SPECIAL Event
Sept 20
Sat
35th Anniversary Celebration of GRACC – a cruise, car collection and
catered lunch in Byron Center – leaving Heritage Christian Reformed Church –
3089 84th St., SW in Byron Center @ 10 am.
VISIT: Sentinel Point – 2900 Thornhills SE – 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Ice Cream
Sept 22**
Mon
Sept 23
Tue
NO - GRACC Membership Meeting
Oct 7
Tue
GRACC Board Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home
- Meeting @ 7:00pm
Oct 21
Tue
NOTE: Fall Potluck
GRACC Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home
- Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: Jim Nyman - Entertainment: Fall Potluck
Nov 11
Tue
GRACC Board Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home
- Meeting @ 7:00pm
Nov 25
Tue
GRACC Membership Meeting – 2161 Leonard NW – GR – St. Ann’s Home
- Meeting @ 7:00pm – Greeters: ??????? - Entertainment: ELECTIONS
Dec 13
Sat
GRACC Christmas Awards Banquet - @ St. Mary’s Church Hall –
15164 Juniper Dr, Marne, MI (afternoon – time not official yet)
“Dates marked in BOLD, Underlined and marked with a double asterisk **, are SPECIAL Events and
Visits. Please make note of these dates. These events and visits earn points toward the year end awards.”
** We will now have a 50/50 Raffle and/or a prize drawing at all membership meetings – this is to
help offset the cost of the Awards Banquet.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Hi Everyone,
Hopefully everyone is doing well. I hope to see all of our members at the 35th Anniversary Celebration lunch.
Sounds like a great day for celebration and fellowship. Please keep in mind that we will need 4 new board members
to elect at our November Meeting and also we will need a new Nursing/Retirement Home Chair. Hope everyone is
enjoying our nice summer weather.
Your GRACC President
Al Preisner
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Board Of Directors Report
A Reminder: the Board Meetings are open to all Club members. If you have suggestions for the club, please join the
Board Members at one of the meetings.
Volunteer Opportunities: Please consider volunteering for the following, benefits include: helping out your fellow
club members, feeling good about yourself and working with some great fellow club members.
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Nursing Home/Retirement Chair – coordinating the Nursing Home/Retirement visits throughout the summer,
submitting dates and info for the newsletter calendar of events, keeping a log of all who attend and reporting
that back to the newsletter editor for submission. Turning in names and their number of visits for yearend
awards.
Four (4) New Board members – term is 2 years in length. This position helps to make the decisions that
benefit the club and members. Please consider volunteering for one of the positions.
NOTE: these positions will be available starting with the 2015 club events. Let your president and/or one of the
Board of Directors if you are willing to volunteer for these opportunities.
$ Treasurers Report from Leon DeLange $
Treasurer's report
Balance August 26th
Receipts
Disbursements
Balance Sept. 8th
$4,943.89
465.55
- 400.52
$ 5,008.92
Note: a further detailed report will be available at the September membership meeting.
Committee Reports
Sick & Shut Ins
Linda Biggins – Chair
David Roop has been in and out of the hospital with heart problems. Please keep him and the family in
your thoughts and prayers. Cards may be sent to: 3935 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Thoughts and prayers for all our sick & shut-ins are greatly appreciated ……
NOTE: If you know of someone else in the club who has been ill and/or in the hospital, has
had a death in the family, etc. Please call Linda and let her know – 616-365-1371
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Retirement Visits
Brought to you by Cheryl Chalmers
(616) 361-2220
Hello Everyone,
Aug 14 - St Ann's attendees were: Denny & Linda Biggins, John & Bonnie Woodman, Al Priesner,
Lavina Oosterhouse, Casey & Ruth Meyer, Len & Judy Johnson, Fred & Arlene Eisen, John & Judy
Wilson, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Craig & Cheryl Chalmers, Jim & Penny Nyman, Chuck Swift, Sig &
Margie Baumgart, Roger Beard, Carl Esakson, Dave Birdsall, Bob Giles, Roseanne Lynch, Ken &
Nancy Bogardus, and Leon & Shirley DeLange. Thank you all for coming it was a great turnout to show
our appreciation!
Aug 27 - Rosegarden attendees were : Carl & Ruth Esakson, Roger Beard, Chuck & Judy Swift, Craig
& Cheryl Chalmers, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Len & Judy Johnson, Ken & Nancy Bogardus, and
Denny & Linda Biggins.
Aug 28 - Clark Retirement Community attendees were: Craig & Cheryl Chalmers, Denny Biggins,
Casey & Ruth Meyer, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker, Len & Judy Johnson, Roger Beard, and Ken & Nancy
Bogardus.
Sept 8 - Oakrest Manor attendees were: Chuck & Judy Swift, Casey Meyer, Bob & Carol Diefenbaker,
Len & Judy Johnson, Denny & Linda Biggins, Leon & Shirley DeLange, Ken & Nancy Bogardus, and
Roger Beard.
Cheryl
PS – if you’re not sure where a ‘Retirement/Nursing Home’ is – ask us – we have maps!!
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Special Events
Brought to you by Ruth Esakson & Cynthia Smith
(616) 677-5816
We had a request for one car for a parade in Kent City on Sat. Sept 13th. A club member did volunteer
for the event.
Thanks again, Ruth & Cynthia
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Membership
Al Preisner – Chair
We currently have a total of 66 families in our group!
When out and about to car shows and/or cruises, let others know of our great group!!! We have fliers
that can be handed out, plus applications – information can also be found on the web.
DUES - it’s a little early, I know, but especially for our snowbirds, please consider sending in
your dues now. They can be paid via mail or at the next club meeting.
They are $20.00 per family for the year. They can be paid by check - made out to GRACC and mailed to:
Al Preisner - 7973 Ramsdell Dr NE – Rockford, MI 49341-8079.
If you have any questions, contact Al.
Extra Newsworthy News
Tenth Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise®
Saturday, August 23rd
On August 23, 2014, a warm but beautiful day, with a refreshing breeze, 16 antique cars and 35 club
members and their friends gathered to enjoy a parade of beautiful old and modified vehicles at the
annual Metro Cruise. We gathered at the parking lot of the Christian Reformed Church denominational
building. This is an excellent location, providing a prime place to display our cars and a shady lawn area
to sit and visit together and watch all the vehicles going by. Members and their cars began arriving about
10:00 am. Throughout the morning, canopies were put up and folks and cars continued to arrive. At
noon, a delicious potluck lunch was enjoyed by all. The rest of the day included lots of interaction
among members and friends and everyone enjoying the exhibition taking place on 28th St. Many people
driving along 28th St saw our cars, pulled in and parked their car and got out to walk around our
attractive and interesting cars for a closer look. It seems there are less of the original condition antique
cars than in the past. So when people have a chance to check out 16 of them all in one place, they stop to
look.
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Time to Celebrate
The Grand Rapids Antique Car Club is 35 years old this year!!!! YEH!!!!
It’s set for Sat. Sept. 20th. We will gather for the 35th Cruise in the parking lot of Heritage Christian
Reformed Church - 3089 84th St., SW Byron Center leaving at 10:00am. (This is church is just west of
downtown Byron Center) gather in the parking lot on the west side of the church. We will then cruise on
down to a great Hudson car collection and from there we cruise back to Bryon Center for a great catered lunch.
Call or contact Leon @ (616) 878-3618 for any questions.
PARTY ON!
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Annual GRACC Christmas Awards Banquet
Date: Sat. Dec. 13th
Where: St. Mary’s Church Hall
15164 Juniper Dr, Marne, MI
More details and application to come soon. Mark your calendars!
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MATH TEST
There are six men, each man has six baskets, each basket has six cats in it, and each cat has 6 kittens.
How many legs ??????
Answer:
36 Kittens in Basket
6 Cats
42 Cats in each basket
4 legs each
168 legs in each basket
6 Baskets
1008 Legs
6 men
6048 legs on cats
12 legs on men
6060 total legs
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Merchandise Sales
GRACC merchandise is available For Sale and/or Order .
Contact the following members for imprinted items you can order and/or purchase with the GRACC logo.
 Name Tags: Linda Biggins – (616) 365-1371– Special order only

Hats are $15.00 /Key Chains are $6.00 / Car Magnet Signs are $6.00/each: talk to Bonnie or John Woodman –
(616) 997-6413
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** Auto Trivia Answer: 1955 Hudson Hornet
Visit our web site at www.clubs.hemmings.com/gracc
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Cars/Parts For Sale and/or Wanted
GARAGE Available – Call Al Preisner – (616) 874-9336
Breton Auto Wash (in Grand Rapids)
Eastbrook Auto Wash Oil & Lube (in Comstock Park)
Will be advertising our Car Club on their website – and feature some of the activities & events that we as a
group participate in. So please, if you’re in the area stop by and use their services. And be sure to let you
friends and family know. Great advertising for us!!!!!
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Weekly Crusises
Sat Nites – Teazers Bar & Grille - 819 Ottawa, Grand Rapids – starting May 31st – Food, drink specials, raffles &
giveaways – info? Call Jenny 616-318-9030
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The Origin of Ford Air Conditioning
It was a sweltering August day when the Cohen brothers entered the posh Dearborn, Michigan, offices of Henry Ford, the car
maker.
"Mr. Ford," announced Norman Cohen, the eldest of the three. "We have a remarkable invention that will revolutionize the
automobile industry."
Ford looked skeptical, but their threat to offer it to the competition kept his interest piqued. "We would like to demonstrate it to you
in person." After a little cajoling, they brought Mr. Ford, an infamous bigot, outside and asked him to enter a black automobile
parked in front of the building. Hyman Cohen, the middle brother, opened the door of the car.
"Please step inside, Mr. Ford."
"What!" shouted the tycoon, Are you crazy? It must be a hundred degrees in that car !" "It is," smiled the youngest brother, "but sit
down Mr. Ford, and push the white button."
Intrigued, Ford pushed the button. All of a sudden a whoosh of freezing air started blowing from vents all around the car, and within
seconds the automobile was not only comfortable, it was quite cool. "This is amazing !" exclaimed Ford. "How much do you want
for the patent?"
One of the brothers spoke up, "The price is one million dollars." Then he paused. "And there is something else. The name 'Cohen
Brothers Air-conditioning' must be stamped right next to the Ford logo!"
"Money is no problem," retorted Ford, "but there is no way will I have a Jewish name next to my logo on my cars!'
They haggled back and forth for a while and finally they settled. Five million dollars, but the Cohens' name would be left off.
However, the first names of the Cohen brothers would be forever emblazoned upon the console of every Ford air conditioning
system.
And that is why even today, whenever you enter a Ford vehicle, you will see those three names clearly printed on the air
conditioning control panel:
(Wait for it!)
NORM, HI and MAX
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Back Seat Drivers
OCTOBER Recipes
Creamy Ham & Cheese Casserole
2/3 cup Mayo w/Olive Oil cracked Pepper
1/3 cup milk
1 ¾ cup cooked ham – chopped
2 cups croutons
1 ½ cup shredded 3 cheese w/ Philadelphia
1 tomato – chopped
¼ cup red onion – chopped
Heat oven to 350^. Combine ingredients. Prepare a 2 qt casserole dish – spraying with cooking spray.
Spoon ingredients into dish. Bake 35 min. or until heated through.
Zesty Tomato Salad
4 med. tomatoes – chopped ½” pieces
1 med cucumber – seeded & chopped ½” pieces
½ medium red onion - chopped 1/2” pieces
1 Tbsp. lemon zest
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl – allow to stand for at least 20 minutes before serving
Pistachio Bar Dessert
36 Oreo Cookies – finely crushed (abt 3 cups)
6 Tbsp. butter – melted
2 pkg (3.4oz)Pistachio Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
1 tub (8 oz) cool whip – thawed & divided
½ cup toffee bits
Mix cookie crumbs & butter until blended, press onto bottom of 13x9 pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Beat pudding mixes & milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min, spread 1 ½ cups onto crust. Stir half the Cool
Whip into remaining pudding; spread over pudding layer in pan. Cover with remaining cool whip.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Sprinkle with toffee bits just before serving.
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Tips Your Dad Should Have Taught You —
Five Epic Improvised Automotive Repairs
By: Rob Sass
We’re not always around a fully stocked garage, auto parts store or tool chest when the need arises to save the
day with a big repair. Sometimes, you’ve got to go with what falls readily to hand, whether it’s duct tape, J-B
Weld or a coat hanger. Here are five stories of some truly epic improvised repairs:
1. Dormitory Parking Lot Transmission Repair: Rory Carroll is now the Executive Editor of Autoweek
magazine. But in his sophomore year at Michigan State University, he was foolish enough to loan his 1991
Volkswagen Golf GTI to a fellow student the day before he was supposed to make the three-hour drive home
to Traverse City, Mich. “When he returned the keys to me, he told me that the car had made a loud noise
when he'd parked it.” Carroll found the GTI in the dorm parking lot sitting in a pool of oil; the “friend,”
however, was nowhere to be seen. Two chunks of transaxle case were lying in the middle of said pool. Carroll
took a bus to a hardware store where he purchased some J-B Weld and, optimistically, four quarts of transaxle
oil. He cleaned the pieces of the transaxle case in his dorm room sink, mixed up the J-B Weld and drove the
Golf up onto the curb to get at the transaxle. Carroll pushed the metal fragments and J-B Weld back into
place, wedged them in with a piece of wood and waited a few hours before refilling the transaxle with oil and
hitting the road — into the jaws of a winter storm as only Northern Michigan can do them. As you might have
already surmised, the repair held up just fine and Carroll didn’t freeze to death on the side of the road.
2. Blown Head Gasket and Cylinder Head During The 24 Hours of LeMons: The 24 Hours of LeMons is
an endurance race for $500 cars. The organizers say that the premise “isn’t just an oxymoron, it’s a breeding
ground for morons.” Damned resourceful morons, anyway — perhaps even the Steve Jobs and Thomas
Edison of the improvised repair world. Team Dr. Feelgood’s 1993 Dodge Shadow was participating in
“Capitol Offense,” the D.C.-area version of the infamous motorsports affront, when not surprisingly, the
Shadow blew a head gasket and disintegrated part of the cylinder head itself. The intrepid racers made a new
gasket and slathered J-B Weld on the toasted cylinder head, allowing them to finish the race and win the
coveted Judge’s Choice Award without having to resort to a bribe, as is customary for awards in the LeMons
world.
3. Leaky Radiator Addressed by a Leak of Another Kind: Tim Suddard is the publisher of Classic
Motorsports and Grassroots Motorsports magazines. No stranger to ill-advised road trips in old cars, Suddard
(who resides in Florida) was on a cross-country road trip in a vintage motor home, when it sprang a leak in its
radiator while traversing sparsely populated Wyoming. He valiantly dumped every liquid in the motor home
into the radiator but still fell short of the nearest town (and bathroom) by a few miles. He killed two birds with
one stone, and you can probably guess how.
4. Fabricated Florida Fan Belt: Classic Motorsports Publisher Tim Suddard once again found himself
behind the wheel of a questionable machine, this time an early 1990s vintage E30 BMW 318is in fairly
dilapidated shape. Rather than towing the car home, Suddard elected to drive the tired Bimmer the 200 odd
miles home. Predictably, something failed (in this case, a fan belt in I-95 Miami rush hour). The everresourceful Suddard reached for the only thing that fell readily to hand, a roll of duct tape known to racers
affectionately as “200 mph tape.” By twisting a length of it repeatedly, and then fastening the ends, Suddard
was able to fashion a temporary fan belt that allowed him to make it home.
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5. Failed Generator Generates Repeat Battery Purchases: Tim Suddard is clearly a good guy to have
around when you break down in the middle of nowhere. In the third chapter of the Suddard trilogy, a few
years back, he bought a 1963 Ford Ranchero that the seller assured Suddard was ready to drive across the
country. Taking him at his word, Suddard set off in the Ranchero on a cross-country drive. As it turns out, it
was far from road ready with no heat and a failing generator. Given the fact that Ford had switched from
alternators to generators for the 1965 model year, there was none to be had at any auto parts stores along the
way. Suddard simply stocked up on batteries and a battery charger — enough batteries to power a Soviet-era
diesel/electric submarine. He drove (during the daytime only) on the batteries and charged them in the hotel
room at night.
Reprinted courtesy of Hagerty. www.hagerty.com
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What not to say to the nice policeman...
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I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer.
Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
Aren't you the guy from the Village People?
I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a police officer.
Bad cop! No doughnut!
You're not gonna check the trunk, are you?
Gee, that gut sure doesn't inspire confidence.
Didn't I see you get your butt kicked on Cops?
So, uh, you on the take or what?
Gee, Officer! That's terrific! The last officer only gave me a warning, too!
Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.
What do you mean, "Have I been drinking? You're the trained specialist!"
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