Thriller

Taking another look at that Skyhawk, that’s a nice car. I can’t be certain, but it’s about 1979. There was a young fellow at the National from NY who has one and it’s twin is also in the local chapter...red ones. There was an indoor vendor with a badge in that Skyhawk script, which is different from the 1976. The spoiler adds to the look, but I think I prefer the earlier quad headlamp front end. The body looks to be in good shape. I like it when people make some effort to bring a car like that to a show.

If I recall, 1959 was the first year of the tri-shield, representing the three models LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra. That might narrow down a search.

It’s a little delayed, but I wanted to share our trip to the Buick Club of America’s National Meet in Midwest City, Oklahoma last week. Teresa and I left the morning of Monday, June 10 later than desired...we got onto the Jefferson Highway and pointed the 1976 Buick Skyhawk known as Grenouille south...unfortunately only one lane was open at the Pembina crossing into North Dakota, so we had at least a 40 minute wait 😡. Oh well. The remainder of the Monday drive was uneventful, although warm on an Interstate without air conditioning...cloud in South Dakota made a huge difference in temperature inside the greenhouse. We spent the night in Sioux City, Iowa, having driven in one province and three states. Tuesday morning we got a better departure although I-29 was closed due to flooding near Omaha and points south, so we headed west into Nebraska earlier than initially planned. That was a happy occurrence since we wound up on the Lincoln Highway that we had last encountered around the 2010 meet in Ames, Iowa. From there we headed south to I-35 in Kansas on 75, continued west on 50, then down 77 into Oklahoma and back onto I-35. This route avoided toll roads and on a warm sunny day it was nice to be able to slow down in the smaller centres and roll down the windows. We saw a lot of small town architecture and wildlife, particularly birds. Tuesday we arrived at the meet, held at the Reed Conference Center in Midwest City, dealt with the meet registration, and checked into the hotel (Sheraton). We joined some of the registration volunteers for dinner at the Black Bear Diner nearby and bought Roy his dinner (over much protestation) for all he’s done for the club handling national meet registration for many years. Wednesday morning was a driving tour to Guthrie, OK, formerly the state capital. After putting on 1200 miles the prior two days, I didn’t really feel like more driving, so we thought about catching a ride with someone else, but were a bit late coming out of breakfast. So, we went to NAPA and ordered a gas cap to replace the one I’d left on top of a gas pump in Kansas 😳, got some lunch and some local wine and beer, walked around, looked at the cars, and began spending money at the swap meet. I ultimately did find a few things of value and procured them. Wednesday evening saw Suzanne and Luke fly in and join us. With their travel day, they hadn’t eaten, so we walked over to a Waffle House a short distance away. Thursday saw Suzanne and the youth go on a bus tour into Oklahoma City. They went to the memorial (from photos I’ve seen, it was well done and quite creative). They went to the Automobile Alley district and had lunch in the Buick Building. I wandered around at the meet, spending time with friends old and new, and checking out the cars after going to NAPA to pick up the gas cap. Late in the afternoon, my meetings started, sitting in on a presentation by the past-president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the BCA Pre-War Division meeting, followed by the BCA general membership meeting...I got no dinner...good thing I’ve got surplus. Friday morning we hitched a ride with a friend from Alberta with air conditioning in his car for the driving tour along Route 66. Pop’s in Arcadia was neat, as well as Seaba Station, which has quite a collection of vintage motorcycles, murals, old architecture, some sections of the original concrete road, and a nice lunch prepared by the historical association in Bristow. In the afternoon I washed the car in preparation for the Saturday show and judging and attended the judging school. Saturday was show day, with the cars as nice as they were going to look. Suzanne and Teresa helped in judging administration while I was on a team in the 400 point judging, which attempts to judge cars against the condition as they would have left the factory. One nice thing about judging is that you get to get up close and personal with some very nice cars. In my case, I also got to judge two cars that are very similar to two of ours, a 1962 Skylark and 1966 Wildcat. Luke stayed with the Skyhawk, which was being judged in the archival, or unrestored, class. This group is for cars that are primarily as original without significant restoration work having been done on them. After completing judging, I wandered the show field some more, chatted with friend old and new, and eventually brought the car to the hotel doors so we could do some loading up for Sunday’s departure. After cleaning up, we went to the banquet, where the Skyhawk won an archival award. With the correct hub caps, it may have come close to an Archival Elite award. Pete and his crew did a very nice job on this year’s awards. Sunday after saying some farewells, we packed up and started the trek north. We headed toward Strong City, KS to retrieve the gas cap and were reunited with it. From there we looked for a place to have our lunch of leftovers and wound up at the National Parks Service Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. We ate, we watched the turkey vultures soaring overhead, and looked around, spending a bit of time in the interpretive center. Again we headed north to Lincoln, NE, east to the Omaha region, and north again to Blair, where we ate dinner. Then we had about an hour of driving to the same hotel in Sioux City. Monday was an uneventful day heading north on I-29. The border crossing was quick and painless and we were home just after 6:00 p.m. Suzanne and Luke had flown home Sunday evening. It was a great trip and a fun, intimate meet. We had a lot of fun and interesting conversations at many of our fuel and food stops. Grenouille attracted a lot of attention wherever it went. These were more or less disposable cars, and few have survived. With a white interior, this car is so 1970s. We saw more herons than I expected, turtles, a Tom turkey, the aforementioned turkey vultures, deer, and a lot of livestock. For whatever reason, I’d expected Kansas to be flatter and more crop land. There were far more trees than I’d expected. Oklahoma was similar as my impressions were formed from old westerns of tumbleweeds and blowing dust. Instead, it was lovely and green. There were many creeks and rivers as well, although they’ve had a lot of wet weather. In Kansas, one farmer told me they’d gotten 24” of rain in May 😳. No wonder it looked somewhat sodden. It was a fun trip, the car performed well, and we added over 7% to the total mileage on the car since it was built in late 1975.

Interesting thoughts. I have trailered some of my cars to National meets at times. In 2007, the 1941 was new to me and the meet was 3 days drive. Putting it on a trailer behind the truck actually saved fuel money. It cost me a headlight though on the open trailer. Sometimes it’s a matter of expediency in getting there. Damage control is a factor now that I have an enclosed hauler. Of the cars that have been judged, the highest they’ve gotten is silver, so it isn’t about extremely fine examples, but more about preserving my investment in them. It all comes back to tolerance of different folks and their preferences for their cars. We don’t have to like everyone nor how they treat their cars, but we should either just move on or accept it and deal with the people and cars we do like.

Alberta license plate.

Thanks for this...I heard about the car, but never got a chance to give it a good look. I’m happy for Chris.

It was really good to see you and Barbara too Terry. The people I've met through the hobby are the biggest part of why I keep coming back. I don't need judging to enjoy the event, but I've had some of my cars judged in different categories, so I continue to participate as a judge as payback / paying it forward to the club. Please note that I don't feel a need to have my cars judged necessarily. The registration cost for a Display car isn't that much different than to have it judged. So, if you're effectively paying for the hardware anyway, why not enter? So then, you wind up with that beautiful 1927 or the personalized Wildcat 4 door that don't stand a chance because they don't fit against the 400 point standard. Perhaps the big issue is that the Modified Division has set a standard that doesn't allow these cars to be competitive. I'm not suggesting everyone should go home with an award, nor that everyone wants that...I'd just like to see a category that cars could be entered in that they don't enter the ring with a proverbial hand tied behind their back. We need to be tolerant enough of others having different tastes and priorities and accept all that have an interest in the Buick automobile. The Skyhawk doesn't need the wheels, just the hub caps. The seller has stopped responding to me. I need to try again, or turn my attention elsewhere. You can't please everyone all the time. I just think we ought to have an additional option for those modified cars that aren't modified enough...perhaps that means needing to look at the Modified Division of the BCA, but that's outside my pay grade. I too heard that some adjustments were made to provide recognition to more of the modified cars this year. While we can't be all things to everyone, it would be good if we could extend an olive branch so that everyone and their cars are included. I hope to meet Stringfellow some day. The reality of where I grew up on the Canadian prairies (where winter really exists) is that once closed cars became available, there were very few convertibles...yet now, it's the convertibles that are saved and in demand, regardless of their practicality. Some of us in the hobby need to save some of the "ordinary" cars too. There were far more 4 door sedans built through the years yet, particularly in local shows, we don't necessarily see them.

I would need to double check the details, but my 1941 41SE is a two tone gray over blue as well. I recall it as being Lancaster Gray over Monterey Blue, but the paint code on the body plate is a 1940 code. From looking at , it is code 551, Silver French Gray over Monterey Blue. I don’t know if my car was special ordered, or someone saw and preferred the 1940 colours, or what. I don’t have the data plate image at hand to see if there is a build date...perhaps it is an early 1941. That just goes to say that there have been variations and we can never say never. It’s difficult to absolutely say that something never happened or something always happened.

Be grateful.

Yes, got the cap back. I’d called back Friday afternoon to confirm it was there. The lady at the counter when I got there was the same one who’d answered the phone Tuesday evening. She said she’d sent a younger employee out to look who couldn’t find it...the next morning, she looked and saw it plain as day on top of the fuel pump. “I’m short” was the excuse given. I didn’t really car about the hub cap. I know it came off in Canada, and we retraced our steps, but wasn’t really looking as I was getting anxious to get home. There are some areas of significant construction, so it may have been destroyed for all I know. I think “Personalized” could work for the in-between Buicks that aren’t modified enough for the Modified Division. I remember back in 2013 in South Bend, I was told the 1976 Century Indy Pace Car Replica with Centerline wheels (how it was when I bought it) wasn’t modified enough for the Modified Driven class while the Driven Class at the time required Buick wheels. It didn’t make sense to me, especially since the car was driven 1,000 miles to the meet. Happily the Brian in charge of Driven judging ignored that rule and awarded it to the car anyway. In Class M this year, we had Ed’s Wildcat with different wheels and pinstriping on the car. It’s a very nice car, but enough points were taken off that it didn’t get a bronze.

It seems my iPad keyboard doesn’t want to work any more. The Skyhawk performed well, although was a bit hard starting when warm. Most tanks were between 21 and 26 mpg using the small US gallons. Multiply by 1.2 to get miles per Imperial gallon. The only tank under 20 was including the running around in the meet area. Some of the time we had a tailwind. Were things perfect? Of course not...humans were involved. Was it a fun meet? Yes indeed. Thanks for the experience and the memories.

I could have added these to the thread on the Skyhawk regarding our travels, but thought it was different enough in nature that it made sense to start a new thread. Of course, what I’m about to type is going to be somewhat rambling. Going in, I was a bit concerned about the size of the meet. It isn’t that they all need to be massive events like Flint in 2003, but the numbers I’d heard about ahead of time had me wondering a bit what it would be like. In the end, it was a fun meet. Intimate would perhaps be a better word than small. It was great to be able to see and meet friends old and new, meeting some forum members for the first time, and getting re-acquainted with folks I’ve now known for years. Of course, there was a hole where @MrEarl was expected to be. We communicate regularly, but I was looking to seeing him again. It’s been too long. I did think of Lamar when I noticed the label on the wine we had with dinner tonight - I will need to get a bottle to him. First of all, the drive was fun. Due to flooding, we got forced off I29 sooner than expected. The detour laid out was long and headed east, which was the wrong direction, so we headed west and went on smaller highways throug Nebraska. That was a good decision. We had some interesting conversations at our stops and found that in the Great Plains in sunny weather in a car without air conditioning, it’s nice to slow down and open the windows without being buffeted by wind. One thing for certain is that the Skyhawk is due for door weatherstripping. Assuming I remember, I’m going to try to plan routes like this in the future...perhaps it is aging and the hair colour I’m sporting now, but the slightly slower pace was nice. We did still do some Interstates, but avoided the toll roads...if states don’t collect enough taxes from us on gasoline and food and souvenirs, then perhaps another model is worth looking at. This was the first time for me to spend in Kansas and Oklahoma. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but they weren’t what I expected. I guess I was thinking between farm land and range land. There were many more trees than I anticipated, and considering we had a late spring up here, it was very nice and green. We saw a variety of wildlife, primarily birds. There were quite a few heron sightings, as well as turkey vultures, a cardinal, and a Tom turkey on the way home. I’ve now visited 30 states assuming I counted right. On our way home, we chatted with a farmer in Strong City, KS who said they got either 24 or 25” (I forget) of rain in May. That explains why Kansas looked sodden. If it isn’t the state bird of Kansas, based on our observation, I’d consider the turkey vulture - we saw more there than anywhere else.They are such a massive bird. Again with the expectations, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the section of Route 66 we travelled while at the meet. For one, we decided to ride along with Lawrence from northern Alberta...his 1989 Estate Wagon was much more comfortable than the Skyhawk would have been, although it meant we don’t have any photos of our car on the road...perhaps another time. It was an interesting combination of history with tourist attractions and tourist traps. Seaba Station was something of a highlight for me and I’m not a motorcycle guy any more. I really enjoyed the meet. I could have done with a bit less sun...I got some colour on the two days driving down. One thing that came to mind is that the club needs to look at something between 400 point and Modified judging. There are a number of Buicks out there that aren’t modified enough for Modified judging, but they are different enough that they don’t stand a chance in 400 point judging. Perhaps we could create a “Personalized” class where we could recognize those that have changed wheels, added pinstriping, etc to personalize their cars. I’m not about hardware, but either the Mild category of Modified judging is too wild/radical, or we ought to create something in between so that these Buicks and their owners can get some recognition. As often as I travel to the USA, I never seem to remember that “How ya doin’?” Is a greeting, not a question. Wherever I travel, I do like to sample the local wines and / or beers. This trip did not disappoint. I got to taste an Iowa beer and Oklahoma wine and beer. Aside from supporting the local economy, it’s trying new things. I personally find that I prefer the smaller craft or micro-brewery product to the mass-produced stuff. The Skyhawk performed admirably, never missing a beat, although a

That would be something if that 1962 Special that was given away still existed with the lettering.

I love the photo with the rustic looking barn boards.

Hi Don, I don’t have any answers for you directly, but I’d check to see if these parts carried across GM lines. I know the rear glass is the same for all 59-60 GM wagons, for example, which has allowed me to find parts that fit as the Chev wagons have a bigger following. Good luck on the search and I hope this is helpful.

Bugger...we really need to get Roy to add a line to our name tags with our forum moniker. I wish we’d said hello...perhaps did without realizing who each other was.

I honestly don’t know. We got this car almost 2 years ago after the Brookfield, WI national meet. There are Monza, Starfire, and Sunbird folks? I’ve been here in Winnipeg over 20 years now and I can’t recall seeing any locally (doesn’t mean there aren’t any, just don’t remember them). There were 2248 Skyhawks built for Canada in 1976. This one was built in Ste. Therese, Quebec. I don’t know if all the Canadian cars were built there or not. 176 were built in colour 40 - Concord Green (it was called the patriotic colours north of the border as well).

I’m recuperating somewhat, so haven’t decided yet. I think I will be changing the oil and sending the Skyhawk out to the country. The 1941 and 1954 haven’t seen much use in recent years, so perhaps one of them will manage to get some exercise. If I bring out the 1954, then at some point this summer I ought to be able to get a shot with both wagons.

Did you notice the wine glass in her hand?

The direction is to talk with Cornerstone, although there was some uncertainty as to whether it was included in the contract. The new contractor is considerably more digitally engaged, so perhaps we will be able to receive soft copy scans rather than mailed copies.

I can’t speak directly to your question, but last night in Blair, NE, a young lady was intrigued by the Skyhawk and mentioned that her first car was a 1984 Somerset that she purchase from her cousin. She wished she still had it as it was the best car she owned. I’d packed the 2017 BCA roster for the meet, so if I can find it, I could see how many are registered in the club.

Correction @Jack Welch, that was electrical tape. It did the necessary deed of keeping the rain out Tuesday night. JD - that’s right, although I don’t know if Archival is treated the same in this respect...The Mouth of the South was team captain for the team and he told me they didn’t deduct for it. @old-tank I was born a redneck and will likely stay that way, at least somewhat...city living is softening me. We made it home just after 6:00 today...so about 13 hours yesterday and 10 today. The border was a breeze, although I did choose the wrong line...regardless there were two lanes open with one in each lane so it wasn’t much of a wait. Here’s how the cap is supposed to look, albeit without the tape residue.... Here are badges of honour, although we had rain yesterday pretty much through Oklahoma and in cloud and sprinkles much of today. I came home to this sad-looking poodle. He had bloat (stomach turned around and things got twisted up so acid was building up) and has responded well to the treatment. He doesn’t need the cone when supervised (now I know). When we got home, Suzanne was off getting his sister so it didn’t come off immediately. He’s got a patch for pain on rear driver side leg that comes off Friday...he isn’t acting like he’s feeling any pain. I’ll put down some more thoughts later. Right now there’s still some unpacking / organizing to do, then supper.

2390 round trip miles to the National completes the challenge for Grenouille who is presently at 2500 miles for the year. I’m not the only driver...Luke did some driving around home before we left and in Midwest City and Teresa did some driving on the return trip.

I’m not about to change the title of the thread, although Grenouille is now headed in a general northerly direction. We started a bit later this morning than I wanted, getting on the road shortly after 8:00. We made our first pit stop in northern Oklahoma off I-35, where there was a bit of a police presence. After using the facilities and stocking up on caffeinated products, getting out to the car, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer made a comment about the car, which started a conversation. Of course it reminded him of his mother’s new car, which was a Monza. His first ride involved spilling a milkshake in the back seat. We made another pit stop in Kansas for facilities and perhaps more caffeine. Being Father’s Day, it was appropriate that I get chauffeured around for a while. Somewhere along Highway 50 was a sign that I would like to have...if not physically, at least in photo form as it gave us the false belief we were almost home (Canada 12 to the left). Teresa stopped in Strong City, KS for fuel and a reunion. At that stop, a farmer chatted with us for a while as his children had had a Skyhawk. As we were talking, another gentleman made positive comment. I asked about possible routes to Sioux City as I was interested in going over new territory on the way home. We backtracked a mile to head north on 177, which brought us to picnic tables at the National Park Service Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. All photos are on the camera, so will have to wait. We had some leftovers from the other night for lunch and spent a few minutes looking around. I’d say it was a worthwhile stop. Onward we went...and went...and went...driving through Kansas seemed to take forever, while getting through Nebraska felt quick by comparison. We had dinner in Blair and drove the remaining roughly 60 miles to Sioux City. I’m looking forward to getting home to my own bed and the poodles.

Reading this, I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet and shake the hand of Willis Bell this past week.