The Prez Box

by Ron Bone

 

This time of the year, with hints of warm weather followed by snowstorms, can be problematic for Corvette lovers.  But our Activities Chair, Linda Moore, and her elves are trying to put salve on the itch with some terrific spontaneous activities.  If you haven’t been to one of their dinner-and-a-movie affairs, you’re missing a great opportunity to commiserate with those similarly afflicted.  You surely won’t want to miss the breakfast and Lewis and Clark exhibit visit at the Museum of Idaho.  Stay tuned for the Saturday date in early April. 

 

Further in the future, two longer road trips were proposed at the last meeting.  A trip along the Oregon, Idaho, and Montana portions of the Nez Perce trail was proposed for June 25-28, 2004.  Then in September we’d take a trip to the Seattle in September 2004 show, followed by a trip along the

 

Oregon Coast.  I’ve received a comment that the Oregon Coast trip would have a better chance of sunny weather in October, so I am considering separating it from the Seattle trip.  If you have any comments on either trip, be sure to make them known at the next monthly meeting, where itineraries and maps will again be available.  The trips will be scheduled in the April newsletter. 

 

A major agenda item for our next meeting will be deciding how to allocate the funds our club has been given from proceeds of the Idaho Specialty Corvette License Plate program.  Anyone who has a favorite charitable organization that operates in Idaho is invited and urged to make a short presentation to the membership telling us what the organization does.  We may also consider individual families that have experienced financial tragedies, or extending our outreach to families at Christmas.  Be sure to come and join in the discussion.  This is a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to helping those around us who are in need. 

 

Finally, one of the things I would like to see us do a better job of is getting new members actively involved in our club.  One great way is for members who have been in the club for a while to get acquainted with newer members at club activities.  If you get a chance to introduce yourself to a newer member and chat over dinner, please do so.  Another way that was done in the past was to provide short biographical sketches of a newer member and of an older member in the newsletter.  Everyone has a great Corvette story.  So don’t be surprised if you get a call with an interview request.  We won’t air any of your dirty laundry, although gray is fair game with your permission! 

 

Did You Know

by  Egon Lamprecht

 

How many hours do you spend polishing the outside of your Vette or even the daily driver? A couple of products I have found to make things look better and last longer.

 

  1. A product called "Forever Black" goes on the black trim on the side of the car that is not metal. Brings back that new color that a lot of washing has made gray. Works on not only black, but also gray and most other colors.

 

  1. When was the last time you applied a leather conditioner to your seats? These are easy to forget. When they start to crack, it’s too late friend. Check the price of new leather covers and you will buy a bottle of conditioner. This is a must for you soft-top fans. About twice a year should be about right. You can get some that has a leather smell, so you will think the car is new.

 

 

  1. Also on the market is a product for plastic windows that takes away the scratches. Works great on plastic rear lights.

 

  1. Silicone spray for all the rubber door and top seals. I just priced a complete top and seal kit -- get a can of silicone. This also stops squeaks between the glass and the rubber. Use it also to make the hoses under the hood look new.

 

Have a fun filled motoring summer, when we get it.

 

February 2004 Corvette Club Minutes

 

Forty-nine people attended a Valentine Day Brunch on Saturday Morning, February 14, 2004 at JJ North’s in Idaho Falls. This number includes several children and grandchildren of club members brought as guests.

 

The meeting was called to order by president Ron Bone. The first order of business was to finish voting on the logo for the 2004 'Vette Fest. It was agreed by vote that the car in the logo would be the co-chair, Bill and Dana Madsen's '96.

 

Ron reported to the club that three member's mother's had passed away during the month -- Fred Carlson, Judy Thueson, and David Wood. Flowers were sent to each service from the club.

 

Ron circulated a list for people who do not have nametags to sign so that tags could be made. All members should wear the tags during meetings and other functions. Ron also asked that if your birthday was missing or incorrect on the club records, to indicate the correct date.

 

Ron noted that on the front table were show registration forms and newsletters from other clubs if anyone was interested.

 

The show committee needs a chairman to take care of the shirts. Volunteers were asked for. Bill Waters volunteered Randy Wagner (who was not in attendance). Ron then handed out an itinerary for proposed long summer trips. The first was along the Nez Perce Trail, and the second was a Seattle/Oregon Coast trip. Several options were discussed because of the length of time required and timing of the Seattle show. This will be further discussed next month.

 

Treasurer Renata Waters gave an annual financial report. The details are to be published in another section of this newsletter.

 

A lengthy discussion concerning money to purchase raffle prizes for the 'Vette Fest took place. It was requested that $1000. be transferred to the committee so that as sale opportunities occur, the item could be purchased without taking out of pocket money from the individual and then being reimbursed. After many options were discussed a motion was made by member Frank Bell to leave the procedure as it had been in the past, with members who purchased items presenting receipts to the treasurer for reimbursement. Also that reimbursement be made in a timely manner. The motion was Seconded by member Jack Larsen and carried by a large majority.

 

Ron spoke of the designated portion of the State Corvette license plate fund. He reminded us of the requirements for donating our $2000.00 share of this fund. The charity or project has to be approved by the state. The projects can be varied, and the money can be divided for several projects. Several examples were given that have been approved. Ron requested all members interested in championing a particular project bring a proposal and reasons behind the proposal to the next meeting and be prepared to present it to the membership. A vote will then be taken to determine where our portion of the money will go.

 

According to the by -laws, dues for the current year must be paid before next month's meeting. They are $25.00. Ron asked all who had not taken care of this to get these dues to Renata. Anyone not current will be dropped from the membership roster, again in accordance with the by- laws.

 

The next meeting was set for Wednesday March 17th at Me'N Stan's in Rexburg at 7 p.m.

 

There was a board meeting for officers immediately following this meeting. Any member was welcome to sit in.

 

A long stemmed carnation was presented to each lady in attendance as a Valentine favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:30.

 

 

 

Did You Know

by Egon Lamprecht

 

Keeping your cool! Yes I know it’s hard to do sometimes but when it applies to your Corvette, it’s a must.

 

Summer driving won’t be far away and perhaps warm weather. So the question is, how do you prevent problems like overheating with your Vette?

 

First make sure you have at least 50% antifreeze. This also raises the boiling point of the coolant (no freeze up this time of the year). Next, and this is often overlooked because it’s hard to see on a Vette, check the front side of the radiator. You know where all those little bugs of summer like to go? So get down on the ground and look up into the front side of the radiator – it might surprise you!

 

When you run the air conditioner on say a 90-degree day, the radiator has a big job of cooling to do. Like the radiator thinks outside temperature is some place in the 190 degrees. Restrict the air movement and WOW.

 

Next is the under hood temperatures. Hot day, hot coolant, hot engine, all working in an under-hood environment, and you will see temps of 250 and above. So do some pre-planning for summer so you won’t loose “your cool” while on trips.

 

 

 

 

       March

           

Mary Kay Bennett5
Mike Pincock9
Farrell Davidson 12
Peggy Bone12
Dick Bargman16
Ren Bishop16
Ted Hill18
Judy Hobbs26
Michael Carlton26
Dennis Fikstad28
Pat Staffon29

 

Hello Corvettes of Southeast Idaho

 

I visited your website and your club looks like a great organization. I’d like to introduce our Auto Collector & Enthusiast website www.SupercarConnection.com.

 

Due to numerous requests from our visitors, we’ve added a new Club Directory where you can list your Club and Club Events including a link to your website at no charge. Since our grand opening in December, 2002 we’ve had tremendous success helping enthusiasts find the cars of their dreams and/or sell their existing cars. Now with over 2-½ million hits a month, and thousands of cars to choose from, we’ve grown into the 3rd largest Collector Car Site on the web. You’ll also find hundreds of automotive businesses offering parts, accessories and services as well as upcoming automotive events. And soon we’ll have a sizable listing of clubs as well, thanks to clubs like yours listing with us.

 

Please take a moment to check us out at the link above. To add your club to our directory, just select “Club Registration” in the left menu and complete the information. It’s very simple and only takes a couple minutes (or we will do it for you). Please let us know if we can assist you. If you have any questions or would like to contact us, our contact information is listed on our website in the “Contact” section in the left menu. We would love to have your club listing in our free directory and hope that you’ll announce our website to your club members in your next newsletter. Thank you so much and our staff wishes you “Happy Motoring” in 2004.

 

Best Regards,

Dennis Brown, Founder/Owner

Supercar Connection

 

The Gen IV SBC Is Here

(from Hot Rod Magazine)

 

The Gen III LS1 small-block is as hot as ever, but the General pushed the envelope even further with the all-new Gen IV LS2, scheduled to debut in the C6 Corvette later this year. It retains the LS1’s 3.622-inch stroke, but with a larger 4.000-inch bore (opposed to 3.898); displacement swells to 364 cubes. With a hair under 11.0:1 compression, projected output is in the 400hp and lb-ft range. We can’t wait to see what potent stroker combos the new Siamese-bore aluminum blocks will bring once the LS1 crowds get their eager hands on them. But that’s not all. Look for a trick three-valve-per-cylinder pushrod version in the later Z06 kicking out a Viper-challenging 500 ponies

 

 

Last Call for Membership Dues

by Ron Bone

 

Annual membership dues are due by the end of the March monthly meeting.  Dues are still $25, a bargain by any standard.  Don’t miss all the fun things going on this year!  You may pay the Treasurer, Renata Waters, at the monthly meeting, or mail payment to Corvettes of Southeast Idaho at P.O. Box 3519, Idaho Falls, ID 83403-3519.

 

 

Looking for a 1960 Corvette

by Ron Bone

 

I recently received an e-mail from a fellow who is looking for a Corvette he once owned.  He’d like to buy it back or share some history with the present owner.  It was a 1960 (last year with large teeth in the grill and single tail lights formed into the rounded rear fenders) in dark green with a black interior.  It had a non-original 283 with two 4-barrel carburetors and a manual 3-speed.  He sold it in Washington and knows that it subsequently was registered in Idaho.  If you remember seeing this car, please contact Ron Bone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events Coming in 2004

by Ron Bone

 

March 12-14: 12th Annual Gambler’s Classic Poker Run at Laughlin, NV.  Hosted by Corvettes of Bakersfield.  The theme this year is “Mardi Gras”.  They’re expecting 600+ Corvettes.  Registration is $100 per car, $120 starting 2/1/04.  Room rate is $39 per night at the casino.  Registration form: See Ron Bone.  More information: Lorie Berger, JLBLJB@aol.com or 661‑589‑6085.  On-line at www.corvettesofbakersfield.com. 

 

March 17: Monthly CSEI Meeting at Me ‘n Stan’s, 7:00 P.M. 

 

May 28-31: Summer Fun at Whitefish, MT.  Hosted by Glass Reunion Corvette Club.  Host hotel is the Grouse Mountain Lodge, 1-800-321-8822.  Registration forms are not yet available. 

 

June 11-13: Border Run 2004 at Jackpot, NV.  Hosted by Snake River Corvettes.  Host hotels Cactus Petes Resort Casino and The Horseshu Hotel & Casino, 1-800-821-1103.  Poker Walk, Show-N-Shine, Slot Tournament.  $75 per car, $25 per additional car, $90 after May 27, 2004.  Registration form: See Ron Bone.  More information: cscriv6086@aol.com.  Mike Scrivner (Show Chairman) at 208-735-5139, or Larry Utley at 208-733-9655. 

 

June 11-13: Second Annual Corvettes at Lake Tahoe.  Hosted by the Lake Tahoe Corvette Club, on-line at www.laketahoecorvetteclub.com.  $75 before the show, $85 at registration.  Registration form: See Ron Bone.  More information: Ernie at 530-542-0485. 

 

July 22-24: Vette Fest 2004 at Boise, ID.  Hosted by Valley Corvettes.  On-line registration and a brochure of scheduled activities with a printable registration form are available at http://www.valleycorvettes.com/index.htm, or copies are available from Ron Bone.  Registration $90 single or $145 couple before July 1, 2004; $115 single or $175 couple after June 30, 2004.  Vette Fest Coordinator: Larry Hollinger at 208-377‑0476.  Headquarters hotel is the Doubletree Inn Riverside, 1‑800‑222‑TREE, $85-$105 per night.  Sam and Janet Miller are arranging rooms at a different hotel for a better rate; contact them as soon as possible for more information. 

 

August 27-29: Wild West Vette Fest 2004 at West Yellowstone, MT.  Hosted by Corvettes of Southeast Idaho.  On-line registration at www.srv.net/~csei.  Registration $90 before July 15, 2004; $110 after.  Headquarters hotel is the West Yellowstone Conference Center Holiday Inn, 1‑800‑646‑7353.  $94 per night.  Show Chairs: Bruce and Connie Barton at lt5vett@yahoo.com.  Co-Chairs: Bill and Dana Madsen at pirate@srv.net. 

 

September 10-12: Seattle in September 2004.  Hosted by Corvette Marque Club Seattle.  Headquarters hotel is the Embassy Suites Hotel, at Lynwood, WA; 1‑800‑628‑0611.  Registration forms on-line at www.CorvetteMarqueClub.com.  Information: Dick or Lolly D’Alessandro at Dick@CorvetteMarqueClub.com.