parkertom

I feel more like this starting the week!

I have been following the discussion for a bit and thought I may provide some input. Reading this caused me to think about why I joined the BCA and what I get out of membership. Being under 40, I think I fall into or close to the demographic that would be the future of this organization and the hobby in general. I enjoy the monthly Bugle and have attended two national meets since joining in 2014. One I had to travel a considerable distance for (Springfield) and the other (Allentown) was a short trip for me. These are my only two direct connections to the BCA. I was initially drawn to the BCA as a way to connect with other like minded car enthusiasts. I had been a member of the forum here for a few years and was excited about my newly acquired 60 Buick. I have always had a connection with Buick anyway, my Dad has worked in dealerships, Grandfather from Flint and I have always driven one as a daily driver (bought my first new one at the age of 19- really skewing their ownership demographics). As time has gone on, I currently can only point to what has already been raised here as the primary benefit- the magazine. I think to lessen the frequency or quality has been stated over and over again to not be of interest to members. There is already a less costly membership option that allows you to receive them virtually. I am a drive and enjoy kind of owner, I don't pursue showing any of my cars- though I recognize that some have an interest there and I certainly understand that. But, having my car evaluated and judged isn't a draw for me. I have however judged as a way of helping the organization and recognizing this as a function it serves. It seems that the challenge to a national organization is to connect to your members locally. I live in a rural area and would need to travel over an hour to reach the closest BCA chapter. I am a member of a local AACA region and that is the only reason I joined AACA national, they require it. Without a local chapter it is difficult to remain connected to other Buick owners and build a connection with the national organization. Luckily for me another member of my AACA Region is into Buicks and also has a 60 Buick. He also has been the main person within the Region to reach out and connect to me. I see that as also being important, for BCA members to reach out and make a connection with like minded individuals. This forum has certainly been a way for me to connect with many of you at various times, but it isn't exclusive to BCA members and, I think, has been stated to not be an official communications link of the BCA. But, through here I purchased my first classic Buick, met many of you virtually and some of you eventually in person at National Meets. So, it certainly can benefit the BCA. Do we have demographic info on our members? Is there a Chapter development plan at all? Have we looked into areas with a concentration of members that don't belong to a local chapter and reached out to offer to help create one? Are there any regional meets (I may have seen some listed on the calendar at various points)? Have we considered gatherings at some large draw events like Hershey or others in other areas of the country? I am not the type to point out things to do without offering to help, I appreciate all of the work that our volunteer Board members do to promote the organization. I also recognize that my 3+ years of membership pales in comparison to many of you with decades. But, we all know there is an issue with declining membership (debatable how widespread to other organizations) and need to figure out how to have the BCA be of value to someone that they find it worth the membership fees.

Not mine, found on a local Craigslist https://smd.craigslist.org/cto/d/1966-buick-skylark/6380189881.html 1966 Buick Skylark - $6900 (Mechanicsville) Classic 66 Buick Skylark. Third owner. 1 repaint. Original condition. Runs and shifts strong. 340 v8 with 4 barrel, st300 trans. Factory A/ C ( needs service). Newer battery, water pump, wheel cylinders, vacuum module. Have protect o plates, owners manual and service manuals.

I enjoy seeing the pictures of people posing with their cars. Showed that they took pride in them.

Ha! In addition to those 60s I would have a 54 on there too!

Would the owner of this car be interested in some free 63 parts for pick up in the Richmond, VA area? They are from a Skylark, but include wheels, radiator, and other things that would probably work for a Special too. PM me and I will get you the contact info from the email I received.

How have I not seen this thread before today? I can use a daily dose of Buick therapy!

The HPOF is always my favorite part of the Hershey show. I generally go through that section first and then the rest of the field.

I stand corrected re:Hershey.

I have seen something like this reduced fee implemented at other National meets with other organizatons. I think they called it "Cruisers Class" and was a way for local folks not associated with the club to bring in their cars for the day. They were not eligible for points judging, but there was a people's choice kind of thing to selected a certain number of them. Seems like a nice way to attract local Buick owners, not interested in the full Meet and have them participate just for the day. Probably similar to showing up as a driver class at Hershey.

As I watched this car being loaded into the trailer this evening, I thought of this post. I see now that it has been quite some time since I updated it. It was good to read this and recall some of the items I sorted out in the 3 years that I owned it. I sold my first classic Buick recently through an eBay listing and it left tonight on its way to Germany. I never got around to redoing the interior, but I was able to sort out the brakes and engine issues to make it a reliable driver. I bought a 60 LeSabre convertible last summer, so I will have to start a thread on that.

I believe you contact the BCA office for copies of the Bugle.

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe the statement "on motor" is an indication.

Not mine- for a fee he will apply for a title to appropriately transfer ownership. https://smd.craigslist.org/cto/6178757668.html Nice Complete Solid Car. $2000.00Needs restoration.Comes with Bill of Sale. For additional cost, will apply for a title. Please inquire for additional price.Mitchell301-536-9001

Not mine- claimed 33,000 original miles. https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/6154642332.html Some would call this a barn find.Stored for over 30 years. 1951 Buick Special Deluxe.Straight 8 with a dynoflow transmission.flushed the brakes already. The car has 33000 original miles.call for more info if your serious.Cash only..540 220 6502.This car is all original and in excellent condition .Will consider trades of equal or greater value..

Not mine- looks loaded with options. https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/6165132458.html For sale by owner 1963 Buick LeSabre in a tan/cream color. Two door convertible, features power roof, power seats, power windows, power antenna, power steering, automatic high beams shut off, speed indicator. "Fully loaded" options package.445hp V8 Wildcat engine.Car is in great shape, everything is in working order except for the air conditioning which just needs a new compressor.

Not mine- obviously been sitting for quite some time. https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/6194637880.html 63 Buick Electra 2257,000 original miles on motorAll Original parts, Clean Title, Little Rust. Car needs a good bath and shine. Serious Inquiries OnlyPlease call Jim @ (443) 964-4577$7,000 or OBOOwings, MD (Calvert County)

I had hoped to be able to make it again this year, but it just isn't going to work out. I had a room at the Sheraton that I just cancelled. It was a 2 double room checking in on Thursday and out on Sunday if anyone wants to try and call them to get it. See you in Denver...hopefully.

Came across this collection of Bugles for free on Craigslist. Thought someone here could be interested. https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bks/6035783292.html

I had a 2001 GS. Miss that car.

Congrats to you Adam! Sounds like it is in good hands.

Great story and great find. Nice that these are out seeing the light of day again. Would like to see more of that 54 Century if you decide to sell. Have begun eyeing up Craigslist ads for 54 Buicks over the past couple of weeks.

Car has been sold.

Posting this for my grandfather: 1939 Packard Two Door Touring Sedan, runs and drives good. 6 cylinder engine and 3 speed transmission. Has been changed to 12 volts. It is an older restoration, but has new tires, new master cylinder as well as recent fuel system work. Asking price is $8,000.Car is located in Lake Wales, Florida. Contact Ralph at . Some photos have incorrect dates from the camera used.

Very honest assessment of the car. Like what you have done with it so far. Best of luck on the sale!