Brian_Heil

Great comments Larry D. May I add that Larry and his wife were in mid Michigan this summer for a wedding and did not hesitate to stop by for an nice visit. That's what happens when you meet nice people in the BCA, in this case, PWD fellow Tourists. And speaking of Larrys. I bet Larry S. and I chat at least once a week on the phone and see each other monthly. You may recall we went east together to fetch the Flint Wagon Works Wagon, visiting another BCA (legend) Dandy Dave who found it.

Interesting comment. Everyone who rides in it can't beleive how well it rides, especially on dirt roads, and rides best with 4 people in it. No rattles either. Buick had it figured out even back then. I'm certain the large tire diameter has lots to do with it but there are no 'shocks', just the internal friction of the leafs for dampening. This is Tipsico Lake Road, so old and narrow at most points with high wooded sides you have to nearly stop to let the oncoming person squeeze by.

Thanks for blowing that up. I can attach but have yet to figure out how to do so in the larger size. You may enjoy this one too. Thx agian

Have driven to Flint twice (ha) + Columbus, OH and Buffalo, NY (don't beleive the Award existed back then), Rochester, MN (my first Driven Award) and South Bend, IN (my second). All from 18 miles south of Flint. Modifications are a period correct stop light, naugahide seating instead of leather that is as old as I am, tires one size larger than stock, seat belts and safety glass. I read the Driven Award rules before I left too just to make sure. Even got the o.k.to take the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan from the Chief Judge ahead of time and had lots of fun travelling with 'The Old Guy' Joe Taubitz and Bill McLaughlin. If you look real careful in my profile picture to the left, the object on the dash to the right most side is the BCA Driven Award. Having it there has caused more positive converstation about the BCA then any other part of my car (the really nice personalized BCA Centennial Meet license plate being #2) . 'You drove it where?' 'How far?' 'How fast?' 'How long did that take?' 'What route did you take?' 'It's how old?' 'You mean there were other people in old Buicks that drove them too?' (yep) "You mean to say, you've never broken down going to one of these meets?' (correct). 'So you don't just drive it here around town?' (nope) 'Man that has to be lots of fun' (yes it is, would you like to go for a ride?). I gave my first Driven Award to my Dad who joined me for the 100F+ trip to Columbus years earlier telling him he earned it. His response, 'boy, we sure did for that trip, man was its hot'. He placed that Badge on his coffee table for years until he passed away at 91 and got the same questions I did and got to tell the same stories to every new visitor he had about all the places/tours we had been on addition to the BCA Nationals. He had a box of WWII Pilot Medals that never saw the light of day in that same table.

This post started in another thread where the question was asked of the members for ideas to improve the club. I suggested looking at the Centennial Awards other clubs have had success with. The thread thought/topic got restarted on this thread. Sadly, there are some members who can't comment constructively. The Internet allows some to comment in a manner I don't think would happen face to face. One man's opinion.

Just had another thought (I know, how did it feel. Ha.). Didn't the 1965 Skykark folks have a big turnout in Springfield for their 50th? I no longer have my Bugle as I give them away to potential new members. That's the sort of thing we need to be promoting. What was the 1965 participation? Triple a typical year? How many connections were made, faces with names, phone numbers and email addresses exchanged? That's what needs to be happening at 25/50/75/100. Give people an extra reason to attend. The other car clubs have shown it works, don't be too proud to steal their idea. Mr. Nova, said it takes just as much work to get an old car to a meet as a newer one, to some extent that's true (my last 260 mile trip home in pouring rain still makes me wonder though). How do we give people that extra reason to attend? Venue ala Bulgari? Yep. Meet in your neck of the woods so we alternate around the country and not just stay in one area ala Portland/Springfield/ Penn? Yep. I see you are from Moundsville, WV. Been there twice on tours with my 1923 Buick. Would have never had a reason to visit otherwise. My kids are grown and still talk about the tour of the prison. Great countyside and roads. Good friend in Bethany also made via Buick connections, he ran the tour. Back to the topic, maybe some have trouble puting the 100 or 75 year old issue in perspective but look what it did at 50? I have no idea what was handed out, my guess is nothing (sorry BOD), but they were part of something and they showed up and they had fun and just maybe the anniversary was the catalyst? Can we please continue to explore this BOD?

And sorry to cause you nausea Old Tank. We were asked to provide ideas to increase membership, attendance and interest in the BCA and I did just that and as a result created some (in my opinion) good discussion. It didn't go the way I wanted but I'm a big boy. Take a peek at my signature, I'm involved and proud to be so.

Agree with Larry Schramm. Just how many 100 year old vehicles does the B.O.D. expect? I'm still grinning until I realize this is one more vote against getting more people / cars involved in the BCA. (those dang PWD guys just don't give up do they?) I have cars from the 50s and 60s too, I happen to enjoy the older PWD cars too since they are not as common. Attended a free show in Flint a few weeks back (Golden Memories), Larry S. was there. At this show they honored 50, 75 and 100 year old vehicles. And guess what? This nice recognition caused 50, 75 and 100 year old vehicles to attend. How about that? Great to see them out. Out of one side of the mouth we hear 'what can we do to increase membership and attendance?' Out of the otherside we hear 'No'. And from long time, involved members like Mark Shaw, we hear 'no' when it comes to BCA renewal. I believe there is a relationship. Maybe that's the answer. We have PWD recognition handed out by PWD folks. I believe I'm the one who started the 100 Year Topic on the General Forum. So it took a while but I got my answer. Not going to give up yet.

Why not shim it at the lug(s) as long as you dont use up all the thread engagement?

I have an original set for the Model 35 1923. They are the same. Send me an email to the address in my signature. Thx Brian

Do you hear a soft slow clicking noise when you turn on the ignition before engaging the starter? If your generator (not starter) brushes are worn, the starter/genterator will not rotate slowly with the engine not running but ignition on. This slow rotation and the associated clicking noise is due to the starter/generator slowly rotating to allow the pinion gear and starter gear to mesh properly and then engage. The actual clicking is the overriding clutch on the end of the starter generator doing its job. An educated guess is that your generator brushes are worn and when they are, this slow rotation feature does not happen. When running is the amp gauge showing 'charge'?

Didn't know I had a picture of the ladies from the Cider Run.

Nice to see it also, and to see it running so well. At the 2003 Centennial, they were still getting it together.

I joined Larry at Greenfield Village on Saturday, driving my Buick 68 miles each way. Great event. Lots of rides given also at GFV. Then on Sunday, picked up friends and went on a 60 mile round trip cider mill and donut run. Beautiful day. Well over 200 miles for the weekend.

Dave, Do you have an idea of the draw on the solenoid? I beleive you said you are still running your stock 6V system. My concern is the low amp output of my early generator being to keep up with a high current draw. 10 amp generator ooutput is alot for my early system. Typically they run best at ~4 amp set point (which I can adjust with the 3rd brush adjustment). Thanks for all the great picks and info.. Brian

Thanks. And to Larry as well. When he and his wife were in Michigan recently they stopped by the house. In the course of the conversation it came out that we share the same birthday along with my late father. More music please.

Thanks again to Dandy Dave for his keen eye in finding the wagon. Larry for the use of his trailer. Kevin for helping get the loan of the Flint made GMC HD Duramax to pick up the Flint made FWW Wagon. Brown and Sons Automotive for the fuel and Genesee County Historical Society for other expenses. Now. For the 3 New York drivers who did their very best to run us off the road, three different times (2500 HD + 24' enclosed trailer + wagon Vs. Prius'), for reasons, well, the BCA'rs from NY will have to explain that to us Michigander BCA'rs; its good to be home. I have decided that Santa needs to bring Larry a nice pair of driving gloves to further assist with these folks in the future (Larry expertly kept the shiny side up at all times). I, on the otherhand, need an astronaut diaper. Wagons, Ho!

Update. This is going to happen, and I'm rather excited. We have secured, through General Motors, a Flint built 2015 GMC 2500 HD Duramax to go pick up a Flint built Flint Wagon Works wagon in New York. Kevin Kirbitz, thank you for all your assistance! I need to give a shout out to Nick Branoff of Brown and Sons Automotive. Brown and Sons has stepped up to underwrite our fuel costs to drive out and back to Dandy Dave's to pick up the wagon. Those familiar with Flint will know that Brown and Sons is a fourth generation, old school, auto parts supplier right in town. Stools at the counter to rest on and contemplate that ever important purchase. The guys who answer the phone or greet you can actually shave and have been in the parts business for years. The owners, Nick and his brother Pete, are there too, every day. Both Nick and his Dad are also my neighbors and heard about this adventure and did not hesitate to step up and assist. Thank you Nick and George! http://brownandsonsauto.com/ May I also add that Larry Schramm has donated his enclosed trailer to make this happen. And let's not forget Dandy Dave who knew what he was looking at when he saw the wagon. As I think about it, my contribution is about 250#s of travel ballast. Larry? If I behave, can I ride in the front seat? Will there be BCA'rs at every overpass waving flags? It is my birthday on the 2nd, will Dandy Dave bake me a cake? No pressure Dave, we'll be in the neighborhood as they say.

I have family there.

Well Pardner Dave, Back in Birmingham, Michigan in the 1960's I had me a wagon. Carried all sorts of things. Rocks, Dirt, Tonka Trucks, packed snow, me. . . . . it was pretty beat up on account of my two older brothers doing the same and then some. I recollect it said Radio Flyer on the side. Never found the radio but we made it fly down the driveway plenty of times. It had a bit of an over-steer problem too. Looking forward to our visit. If all goes to plan, have the porch light on, on 9/2 and you can sing me Happy Birthday too. Signed Assistant Wagon Master

Dave, Can you post some closer pics of the unit itself and also how it is mated to the torque tube and to the rear end? How's Lloyd doing? Thx Brian

Larry is having a reach pole made. Sure, why back in the city growing up, everybody knew what a reach pole is. I'm guessing this reaches between the two axles since there is nothing there now and the box is for carrying and the pole is for reaching. Or, am I reaching? I've moved my three daughters a combined 29 times with each year of college and then to apts. after. If I can do that, this should be a piece of cake.

Maybe we buy two horses and take the long way home? On second thought, we already have enough horse . . . . Get along there little doggies. It sure looks fragile. We may need to wrap it in pads and crib it / box it in. This is not going to load in 20 minutes. Dave? What's for dinner?

Dr. Schramm, this could get interesting. Dave, what is the height of the box side and what is the distance from the bottom of the axle to the ground? And how far outside the width of the box do the wheels ride? Thinking we put the box on the floor of the trailer and have the axle/wheel assemblies strattle it? Or one wheel in the box, one out. We are going to need lots of pads. Or does it still all go back together and can support itself for the ride? Or do we mount the box above the two axles on a cribbing? Or do we take the wheels off? I thought we were just moving two axle assemblies. Maybe use the trailer and the truck bed both with the whole thing disassembled? Hmmmmm. Dr. We are going to need the whoooole trailer. Time to remove those 1915 Truck parts.