Peter J.Heizmann

Rich...<P>As I posted earlier, "go to the Pros".<P>You are getting well intentioned data here, but, the U.S. Customs Service will, at least, give you some guidelines. See what they say, then, if you have to gerry-rig, go for it. On the web, go for U.S. Customs.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.<p>[ 01-20-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Tania: I'm glad the above folks helped you in some way. Now, stay on the forum as there is a wealth of knowledge here.<P>Regards, Peter J.

Rich:<P>Personally, I would phone the Customs Service, unless, someone on the DF is a "Pro" on the issue. Most companies actually have a designated "Overseas Importing/Exporting" department, just to let you know how specialized it can be.<P>My initial thoughts were to label them "Used Automotive Replacement Parts" to keep the value honest and truthful.<P>To let you know how a slight error in description can cost big bucks domestically, if we ship a raw casting it is Class 50 - the lowest. If we simply put a drilled hole in the casting, it is considered Class 70 - Semi-Finished, then the freight rates skyrocket.<P>The way rules & regulations change by the hour today, I, again, would phone the people at Customs.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.<P>

Bluesmobile:<P>1937 is right on the mark. For my '72 TR-6, I paid $1400 for 2 bumpers, 2 door handles, 2 headlight trim rings, and, the polishing of 2 sill strips.<P>You are in the "pay now, or, pay later" stage of restoration.<P>I can say nothing but great about:<P> Librandi Plating<BR> 93 Airport Drive<BR> Middletown, PA 17057<P> 717/944-9442<P>They are extremely good, and, in no way will you lose parts. I work in Wrightsville, about 30 minutes from them. I would call, ask for Todd Librandi, President. If you opt to go with them, let me know, and, I will monitor the progress. (I go by there a lot).<P>Bumper Boyz: I, too, have not heard many positive comments about them.<P>Regards, Peter J.<P>

Had to jump in here Howard.<P>Here's another case example, of which, may, or, may not be of interest to the folks reading the forum.<P>Back around the mid-70's, a very pleasant gent showed up in my office holding exhaust manifolds for a Cord (spel-chek). His case was his club membership required replacement parts. Asked how many he required. He said a few. Told him the roughly $8,000 in patterns/coreboxes would make the parts very expensive. He asked what minimum production run would be acceptable? <P>To condense this, about 3 weeks later, he showed up again. He went back to his club, said it would be in the $8,000 range for the pattern equipment, he polled members for a commitment to buy "X" amount of manifolds to meet our minimum. <P>They shocked the daylights out of me when he gave me a purchase order. We ran a satisfactory number to meet an economical run and they received their parts.<P>They also benefited in that their club now owned the equipment. They could sell future parts to whomever.<P>In closing, here's my tip:<P>If you guys & gals out there are totally frustrated, and, at the point of hyperventillating because you cannot get that odd-ball part either cast or machined, try this. Interface with fellow owners, clubs of the same, and, so on...<P>Ask everyone you can think of if they would be interested in becoming a member of a "co-op". The more people in your newly found "co-op" that need a part, especially a high wear part, the cheaper the part. It pertains to foundries, machine shops, porcelainizing, chroming. Endless.<P>My thoughts/experience here could possibly be an alternative to hard-to-find items, sources, etc. <P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Important topic, Howard.<P>My occupation is Account Manager for an 800+ employee foundry (3 of them) and machine shop operation.<P>Machine Operators, if you ask them, will say I am a "Machinist". In reality today, they are "Operators".<P>A true machinist is an artisan. One who can look at a part and desired tolerances, then, ascertain what operation (machine) will produce the desired part to-print. Today's "Operators" require the engineering & quoting departments to perform all the programming of the CNC Machining Centers. The "Operator" shows up for work and goes to it using what he is told by someone else.<P>An account of our's in New Jersey cited a very disturbing case example some years ago:<P>The County community college set up a Machinist' Program. They installed upwards of $750,000 in machining centers for the students. Guess what: All of this equipment sat unused due to lack of interest. In time, the college directors said they need the space for classrooms. All of the "computer" operated machinery was auctioned-off for peanuts.<P>The above is true with the Foundry operations. Everything is leaning towards automation due to lack of promotion by schools, companies, etc., and, in turn, the young folks are not encouraged. You would think that all automated machines are computer operated for the most part, that, more interest would be generated. I think it could be IF it were promoted. <P>Please do not get me wrong. The "Operators" are very talented in programming today in some cases, however, too many companies do all of the work for them. The big picture is the one here, one there part on a "conventional machine". (Custom-machined). It is not being taught, let alone no one is barging in the door to learn.<P>My opinion: The schools in the U.S. are not promoting this career. They are promoting keep you finger nails clean.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J. <P> <p>[ 01-18-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Give me some credit, Ron. Put yourself in the position I was in at the Strausstown Show. How would you like being in a Triumph, look in the rear-view mirror, and see that Sport Coupe bearing down? I started thinking what a bug must look like just before the big "splat" !!<P>Regards, Pete

Hey, Mike, how are you?<P>You bet Ron & Judy did a great job with that Sport Coupe (and Allstate scooter, too.)<P>Only problem I have is Ron has been eye-balling my Triumph. He wants to do some surgical cutting torch work to make it look "American". That's another story.<P>Regards, Peter.<P>

1937: One thing about DF'ers here that make posts about a certain supplier, or, website, is "they had an experience with the website". <P>This could be negative (which would save you time/money, or, postitive to save you time/money), whatever the case may be.<P>I look at it as sort of a filtering affect, of which, is a short cut and benefit to all of us.<P>Regards, Peter J.<p>[ 01-16-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Clutch Olds...<P>Great post!! This is the kind of assistance to fellow hobbyist that is invaluable for preservation of these old autos no matter what club one belongs to.

George:<P>It boggles my mind how a topic gets off the subject so quickly.<P>Getting back to your initial inquiry, could you scan and enhance the photo so we might help you?<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Good response to the gents queries.<P>Ted: Just a reminder. There was trouble with the printers this issue-around. Also, you must be made aware that they are sent Second Class Mail. First Class, in some cases, has taken forever since September 11. Imagine the priority that Second Class has.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

I've never seen anything in-writing to that effect. Has anyone else?<P>What makes you ask the question? Here in Reading, Pa, it normally arrives around the 13th of the second month. <P>Re-read the previous posts. Quite explanatory. (There was a problem with the printers. Just a hint where to start.)<P>Life goes on...<BR> <p>[ 01-07-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

As simply as I can put it, 2nd & Walnut CLOSED. This is the one Sal described.<P>15th Street is OPEN.<P>Enuff...<P><BR>

Sorry, Sal. The Original Bookbinders you describe is the one that closed New Year's Day.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

For what is is worth, guys, my company makes quite a few pressure vessel castings. All that I am aware of are tested 2-3 times the operating pressure. York International, for instance, performs hydrostatic pressure tests up to 5,000 p.s.i. for an airconditioner compressor that operates under 1,200 p.s.i. in the field.<P>Personally, I would either take the existing lines to a test lab and have them pressure test them, or, buy new ones designed for cars and make damn certain they were tested at the the manufacturer (which they probably were, but...).<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Ron, you are welcome.<P>Howard, I have never attended the DF dinner get together, however, fully understand how reservations would get messed up. (That's quite a hike to 2nd & Walnut.)<P>Remember, the phone book will still list the 2 places, at least for this year. <P>Personally, I would not be surprised if the "Original" will be re-opened under new ownership. Sort of like the professional sports figures who retire, then, return, retire, return,...<P>Any hoot, just remember the 15th Street location.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Good morning, folks.<P>Now that Bruce mentioned the 15th Street location, you are OK. It is the "Old Original Bookbinders", 2nd & Walnut (Old City) that is closing. The one that you folks visit is known as "Bookbinder's 15th Street Seafood House", Center City, which remains open and there is no business relations between the two.<P>From today's Reading Eagle, Reading, PA, I take (swipe) the following text to explain the difference (confusion) between the 2 restaurants:<P>"...the restaurant's history is cloudy. While it advertised that it dated to 1865, it probably opened in 1893 as an oyster saloon run by Samuel Bookbinder at 525 S. 5th St. and moved to the current site (2nd & Walnut) in 1898.<P>In the 1930's, a family tiff led to 2 Bookbinder operations - the one as 2nd & Walnut Streets, run by Samuel's daughter Harriette Bookbinder-Blackburn, and Bookbinders 15th Street Seafood House in Center City, run by the founder's grandsons Sam and Dick.<P>The 2 restaurants are not related.<P>After Bookbinder-Blackburn's death, her husband gave Old Original Bookbinder's to the Federation of Jewish Charities. It later was sold to John M. Taxin, a produce merchant, who in 1949 renamed it Old Original Bookbinder's to differentiate it from its cross-town rival."<P>Hope this epistle clarifies the subject.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Sorry to have to announce that the "original" Bookbinder's Restaurant, 2nd & Market, closed after 135 years of business this week.<P>It was on the Southeast Pa news today. The owners cite Sept. 11, trendy chain restaurant comptetition, lack of tourist' trade, and, the maintenance of the building.<P>A few mentioned going there during the Annual Meeting. Thought I would post this to save you folks time.<P>With regret,<P>Peter J. <p>[ 01-04-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

1937hd45 and Peter G: Thank you. I think this to be a viable tool.<P>We on the DF are a minority compared to the 63,000 members of the AACA. This service should be made known to non-computer users via the Newsletters, Rummage Box, etc., for it to be totally successful.<P>Digressing a bit, I post below tid-bits of security related data from articles I have read over the years:<P>1. The guy from Western PA, who, having just spent a fortune on the restoration of a 1970, or, so, Dodge hemi, had it stolen in front of his motel room at his first showing, in Carlisle. (You may recall the "reward" offering in various magazines a few years ago. <P>2. The friendly person who comes up to your car at a show, in your driveway, etc., that befriends you, admires the hell out of your car, etc., just may be shopping for a steal. "ALWAYS" keep a close watch in your rear view mirror for any strange vehicles following you to your motel, home, or, whatever, when leaving an event.<P>Let's face it, there is no out-of town event, of which, you see collector cars parked all over a motel's parking lot as if they were a modern, daily driver.<P>You be the judge on the security desired.<P>Me ?: I have already jacked up and removed a front tire on my TR-6, put the tire in the ground level motel room for quick security.<P>Me ?: I always take the distributor wire off and put it in my motel room.<P>Me ?: When the car is on the trailer overnight, I find a well lit location at the motel, "jack-knife" the truck & trailer as far as possible, then, run an extremely heavy chain aroung the car frame, through the trailer frame, and, around the truck frame. <P>It won't prevent parts theft, damage to the car, etc., BUT, will be an obstacle/deterent... <P>One thing for certain, if they don't have a torch with them, it will be difficult to drive the truck/trailer in a straight line. <P>Regards,<P>Peter J. <P>[ 01-02-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]<p>[ 01-02-2002: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Happy New Year to you, too, Wardy.<P>'64 Le Sabre's have nice styling. Good choice and good luck.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J. <p>[ 12-31-2001: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Ply33. Just going by what I have seen in 2 years of participating on this forum. Each and every photo subject was directed to peterg to upload.

Bill: In order to post a picture on this forum, you must e-mail it to peterg@aaca.org.<P>He will then post it.<P>You have peaked my curiosity. There are many experienced regulars on this forum who will offer expertise/help.<P>Regards,<BR>Peter J. <p>[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: Peter J Heizmann ]

Ken:<P>The description you are giving is very vaque. The best route would be to take a photo and e-mail it to peterg@aaca.org. He could post it here.<P>I cannot fathom how a late '40's, or, early '50's Pontiac could be compared to the design of a '57. The styling of the years of these vehicles is radically different.<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.

Likewise, have a great Holiday, Ted.<P>(Reminds me I must call my aunt in Boston tonight.)<P>Regards,<P>Peter J.