Peter J.Heizmann

Bill..thanks for a "great case example" to jog creativity. Regards, Peter.

Hi, Bob... To date, my cases have been "tweaking". In other words, my foundries are considered "short-to-high volume" industrial castings. By tweaking, I have had the pattern shop folks take a casting, repair it, and, use it for a single mold. We are not set up to take on "one piece" jobs. Now... In answer to your question, I offer a case experience I had back in the '70's: A gentleman representing his "Cord" (sp) club showed up in the lobby out of the clear blue. Secretary called me to see if I could help him. Very nice man. He was holding an exhaust manifold for a Cord and explained that he and his club member's are in dire need for replacements. Told him the pattern equipment (pattern and corebox) would be about $1500. I knew this would shock him, so, I suggested that he create sort of a "co-op". In other words, recruit, or, seek out other Cord owners who would be interested in investing, say, $50 to become an owner of the pattern equipment. He left. It was quite some time later (over a year if I recall), when, the man showed up. Now I was shocked. He had a check and placed the order for the pattern equipment. He had about 20-25 investors signed up: --$1500 divided by 25 = $60 per member owner. --Casting piece price: $9.00 and change back in the '70's. (Side recollection: The gent in the Cord club sent a letter to me that they went on to further prosperity by selling the remaining parts originally ordered for a fair profit that further reduced the "co-op" original pattern investment.) Today: --Pattern "estimate" for an Exhaust Manifold: $3-4500 for cheap and dirty urethane impressions. Tool steel impressions normally used for, say, a Mack Truck manifold that we produce: $8-9000. What I am sayin here, is the individual casting and customer needs are on a case-by-case scenario. (Remember, this is a raw casting. Does not include any machining of bolt holes, tapping of threads, or, milling gasket flanges.) NOTE: We are talking about Ferrous Castings here. The same thought pattern I have could be accomplished with plastic knobs, brass/bronze pieces, or, anything, of which there is a high profile requirement of car owners/restorers. In summation, let me know what you need, as posted in my response to Bill, and, I will do my darn best to help at my place, or, advise where you can get the part without taking out a mortgage. I made a few posts over the years concerning this very same subject. As our iron (cars) gets older, it is without doubt, going to be a progressive problem for many vehicles, with emphasis on intake and exhaust manifolds being the high profile parts of subject. Recently, nearchocolatetown, some folks at the museum, and, I discussed a casting case. This brings to light that there are some Amish folks who cast the single casting requirements. Don't know if that is where the Museum folks went, however, there are many resources with varying costs. Became a little windy here, but, just want to open some dialogue to face a problem that will fester with age in some cars of our current interest. Regards, Peter J.

Bob, how are you?... This is a great thread, I agree. Sort of "bare the soul" type deal. Got me thinking how, at the time, I didn't want "anyone" to know how dumb I was getting a gas-bath. All of these stories posted sure don't make me feel alone. Keep 'em coming folks... Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Bill...nice to hear from you. I'll do my best in assisting. Helped out quite a few AACA folks with castings with 1, or, 2 not so successful attempts. Post a description of what you need re-produced, are any existing parts available to utilize as a pattern, metallurgical requirements (depending on the function of the casting, are any old/broken parts available for a destructive chemistry test to check attributes?). Also, post quantities required of each so I can start the logistical process. Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tommy... Please don't forget to post the "No Brakes" story for the future. Oil in the face...Wow! At least when I had gas in the face it was a lot easier washing up with a garden hose before entering the house. Diz... I can understand the "flaming" lawn mower. It was the impetus for you to eventurally do "burn-outs" and then some... See guys...everthing is relative to later years. Just have a little more finesse now. The same interest is there, we are just older. (If my wife sees this post, I'll be sleeping with the mower.) Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Tommy... My first education concerning gas was in 1959. A neighbor taught me how to use his power mower. Being a 12 year old no-nothing, I thought this was neat to operate something with a motor. After mowing for awhile, I thought maybe I ought to put some gas in it. Took the gas cap off while the mower was running. It felt like a tidal wave of gas hitting me square in the face. Then the butt kicking I received from my father for not asking questions first sort of relieved the burning eyes. Another one of recent years: Had a major customer in New Jersey coming to the plant to have a major business meeting. I had all my guys lined up waiting. Well, they were late. Then after about 45 minutes, my President said he had better things to do. The customer showed up almost 2 hours late. Asked them what happened. Turns out in NJ you cannot pump your own gas. They needed some in Pennsylvania and pulled into a convenience store. One of their guys said he knew how to pump gas. Well, he did OK until he pulled the nozzle out while he still held the trigger down. Got soaked in gas. They went to a K-Mart to get him some cheap new shoes, socks, slacks, and, shirt. Life goes on, folks. Regards, Peter J.

Mike, very nice post, not to mention, good "drop ideas around the house" tips. Had a great experience last Friday in Wrightsville, not far from you. I work for Donsco. Coming off the local bridge, traffic backed up. The local school children (kindergarten) were coming down to Donsco to sing Christmas carols. There were about 60 of them, with police and teachers helping them along. Each had sheet music with them. Sang one carol, then, off they went to other businesses/private homes of seniors. That sort of put me into the mood. One could not help it after seeing this... Sorry to detract from the thread topic, Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Glad you received some help, Mike...Welcome to the Forum. You will find many knowledgeable people here, so, keep posting. Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree with Dave's recommendation. Have been doing this for many years with no problems. I feel better knowing oil, radiator water, and gas in the lines are circulated once a month. While I have it running, I also move the car slightly. To let it sit for the usual 7 months of storage without moving it creates flat spots. Regards, Peter J.

Hi, David... Your observations are well appreciated. To get into how one can speak of war experiences and compare it to another that takes it to the grave will, and, cannot be answered. Too complex a question. So many horrible situations to sum-up and categorize into a general answer. The humorous stories are, in many cases of which I know personally, were the human mind exerting pleasant/humoruous thoughts to superficially cover up nightmares in some folks, of which, will last forever. Visit a VA Hospital. Take a tour. If you see someone you are comfortable with smile, start up a conversation, ask if he/she needs something as simple as a drink of water, take them for a walk in the hallway, etc. You would be surprised with the experience. One thing for certain, it is the "real world" in that Veterans remaining life, ignored by many, but, the "real world to that Vet you visited. Dave Hugo and Pat Thorpe can chime in here. It simply is not a pretty picture. Too much media (TV, Rambo's, John Waynes) have clouded over reality.

Hi, Doug...thanks for elaborating. As I am not an official with the Museum, or, Magazine. I would advise that you simply phone them, especially, with the proximity to your abode. Regards, Peter J.

Hi, Doug...hope all is well. Would you elaborate on your post. I have no idea what you are saying here. Fairly certain others have the same question...Thanks in advance... Regards, Peter J.

Hi, Mike... Go to the AACA site...scroll down a little and hit Rummage Box. Wherein you will see various seasonal Rummage Box posts. Click on the Winter 2003. Dave Zimmerman explains just what a National Awards Judge's duties are, etc... I have a very old copy of AACA Magazine (I believe from the '60's that explains each National Award and its history. If you keep the AACA Magazine, look at the March-April, or, June-July, and you will see the winners list, what award they received. Hope this helps a little... Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ken, great that you are joining the AACA. What you can do is send in the application form, insert a short note that you were communicating with Wayne on the forum, and, are too far away for Wayne's personal signature. Make note of Wayne's Membership #126352 on the form. I am quite certain it will take care of the matter. Steve Moskowitz, Jeanne Smith, Earl Beauchamp, and, other officers/officials come on line here, so, they can all vouch for you. Regards, Peter J.

Sort of an "Intermission" folks...Do yourself a favor and check out Bob's (Indiana Truck Website above). Very interesting site and his interests... Regards, Peter J.

Oh, yeah, Wayne?? We'll see about that. As soon as my lawyer gets out of jail, he ain't going to be happy about this forthcoming medical bill from you. (He got 8-10 for just being my lawyer.) <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Ken... That's a tall order... My thoughts are it is going to take a lot of research, at best. --Registration by State (provided they would give out such info, or, I do not know if every state has registration for Antique/Collector.) --Every Car Club's member roster on earth --Antique/Classic car insurance companies (probably wouldn't give this info out. Plus, you have many cars, of which, the owners drop insurance during Winter storage, or, drop insurance for a long time until they decide to use a particular vehicle in their collection.) --Many folks have old cars simply registered like modern iron so no way of telling unless a state gives out such details. --Many people do not belong to any clubs, so, how one would find them, I have no idea. --Many people do not want to publicize that they even own an old car to ward off thieves. --Look at Wayne Burgess. He thinks his '32 is still in his trailer, stored for the Winter. I just had it out yesterday to keep it in running order for the Winter. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I could go on...just have no idea on how your questions could be answered. If it could be answered within reason, I would highly doubt the accuracy of the numbers. Regards, Peter J.

Nice thoughts, Bob and RJ...very meaningful and important. Well...don't know if the following is proper, however, it is the wording on the Berks County, Reading, PA Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We Vietnam Vets built it in 1988, and, the wording, as well as fund raising took over 3 years to bring to fruition. The capital letters are engraved in 5 steps leading to the top and the meaning is in parenthesis. I firmly believe these words are applicable to all wars, and, especially, the WWII vets: TO THOSE WHO LAUGHED TO THOSE WHO CRIED TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT TO THOSE WHO TRIED TO THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR VERY LIVES - WE REMEMBER TO THOSE WHO LAUGHED (directed at those who joked how they deceived/avoided serving) TO THOSE WHO CRIED (in honor of the mothers/fathers/aunts/friends of those who gave the ultimate. Also, meant to honor the relatives of the cowards to bring peace within themselves.) TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT (in honor of those who served and survived.) TO THOSE WHO TRIED (in honor of those who tried to serve, however, could not due to a physical disability, were ordered to remain stateside, or, at a base in a safe zone despite volunteering to serve.) TO THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR VERY LIVES - WE REMEMBER The main purpose of the above wording is to bring everyone together as war touches many no matter what their capacity or status at the time. Peter J.

Hi, Bill...hope all is well. Here in Reading, PA, it is currently 27 degrees outside with a wind-chill factor making it about 19 degrees. Have about 8-10" of snow on the ground from yesterday. Thermostat is set at 68 degrees. Regards, Peter J.

Dave...Welcome to the forum. On the Main Page, if you scroll down, there is a "Ford Products" topic. I think you should post on that site for better exposure in receiving answers/suggestions. Leave your original post where it is as there are Ford folks posting too. In short order, I am confident that you will receive replies. Regards, Peter J.

Hi, Bob...hope all is well. Now, you had better sit down for the shocking news I am about to post... Had a meeting in Kearny, NJ last Thursday. Stopped for lunch at a plaza on the NJ Turnpike and could not believe my eyes: "A Hummer pulled in next to me and it was actually covered with mud". I am quite certain you are probably stunned by now, Bob. What's this world coming to??? Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Jim...first, Welcome to the Forum. Very interesting response concerning the Stanley... To further your points for possible "correction" within the AACA Magazine, please print your post and send it via mail to National Headquarters. The Magazine's editorial charges may not notice your response on this site. I will send an e-mail to Steve Moskowitz to investigate your correction. Regards, Peter J.

Hi, Packard V8...nice to hear from you again, I think. Do not know about anyone else's business, however, I can attest that in mine, we have the whole range of wages... Casting Grinders: $9.50 then progressive based upon their skills. Middle Management: $30-40,000 range, depending on knowledge and the ability to train/assist their employees. Executive Management: To be quite honest, I have been with the company for 22 years, and, sitting here, I don't have the nerve to ask... What R.W. Burgess was getting at is the "will to work", and, "will to learn". He will pick up on this thread, I am certain, to further explain his industry's problem. One thing I can interject is a "noticeable" increase in roadside bill boards from trucking companies advertising for drivers (Heartland Express, Schneider National, Roadway Express, etc.) These are huge national carriers begging for good, dedicated employees. They cannot get them, Packard V8. So, what does that tell you about a smaller trucking company owner? This is not recent news. In my memory, I believe it was about 4 years ago that it was publicized that their is a "critical" demand for CDL drivers to move the goods, of which, you personally are dependent for quality of life here in the 'ole U.S. of A... As for John's (Amphicar) hassle...there were quite a few posts going back over the years, based on the same "severe" disappointments with everything from Auto Carriers-to-Parcel Carriers. (John: Go to the Search icon and you will find a miriad of posts...) Regards, Peter J.

Thanks, Howard, good idea...being one totally open to suggestions, I'll give it a try. Bugatti Royale, huh? h-m-m...I can see the awards banquet now: TR-6 for "x" award from the 11:10 a.m. judging, and, also gets "x" award from the 11:30 judging.

Wayne, Steve, Diz, Ron Green, Ron Flory... You guys are talking about "real" cars here. Just a question: For Winter storage, could I put my car in your glove boxes next year? Of course, on an alternating basis to make it fair. Until now, I store it on my coffee table... Regards, Peter J.