starfireelvis

Ready and Rarin' to go! This marks the 15th consecutive year attending, and the 11th I've brought a car...

Apologies if this is not the correct place to mention this, and feel free to delete this message once it has been resolved, but the subhead to the Fall Hershey Forum has the wrong dates (and apparently has for several years now) of October 10-13, when it should be October 7-10. I would just hate for someone to see those dates, make a hotel reservation for the wrong dates, etc. Thanks for your attention to correcting this matter! Mike

Just a minor point here; echoing what MC Hinson said, it is absolutely a good idea to have documentation about your vehicle, such as factory brochures, literature, and the like. I was once politely asked by the judging team about the glass-pack mufflers on my '62 Olds Starfire, for which they likely were about to dock some points, and I did have to provide "proof" from a sales brochure that mentioned "fiber-packed mufflers" as well as the resonators being factory-issue on my car. A real-life example illustrating the benefits of having documentation. As for the "display" of literature, I would set up any such items after the judging has been completed, so that the judging team may perform their duties properly, and not suspect that any faults are being "covered up" by such a display. Once they are done, I go ahead and set up my trunk with all sorts of factory literature, so that others can perhaps learn more about your car, and enjoy these vintage items, which help illustrate that model's history. Finally, another important point worth mentioning for those new to Hershey, is that the Folder Distribution takes place from 11 am-3 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday beside the Hershey Region Main Tent, on the Chocolate Field. This is not far from where the Food Court is located, just east of the overpass above Park Boulevard. The large envelope will contain all of the necessary judging instructions and materials for the Show on Saturday (as well as the famous Wooden Nickels that highlight the dates of Fall Hershey for the next few years). Those who arrive in Hershey on Saturday can also pick up their folder on the Show Field, but I would highly recommend obtaining it ahead of time during the week if you are going to be in town by then. One will be busy enough getting the vehicle spiffed up one last time before judging, as well as taking in all of the atmosphere and camaraderie that Fall Hershey provides in abundance...

Hello everyone and thanks again in advance for any suggestions provided. Seeking some troubleshooting advice for my friend's 17,000-mile 1963 Lincoln Continental sedan that she purchased last year; it was made road-worthy after years of garage storage, having only amassed less than 400 miles the previous 35 years or so. She has enjoyed it immensely since taking delivery of the Lincoln last fall. One of the issues addressed was the power window situation; a refurbished master gang switch and two window motors were replaced earlier this year, and until a couple of weeks ago everything worked perfectly. The evening before the Gilmore Lincoln Meet in Michigan, she noticed none of her power windows worked. I suggested replacing the fuse, which she found was blown. She replaced it, and they worked for a few minutes, then the new fuse blew as well. Since then, she put in another fuse, and everything has worked for the most part, but now and then she will get no response from the windows, until at some point she tries them later, and everything works once again. Her local mechanic, who is well-versed on old cars, had the Lincoln late last week, and had not yet determined where the gremlin is; everything appears good behind the door panels. Could there be a bad ground somewhere? Or are their other accessories that either run off the same circuitry where the fuse was blown, or some sort of relay (which I doubt)? I recently obtained a wiring diagram for the '63 Lincoln off of eBay, which should arrive at her address by mid-week, which should be helpful. I have checked with a couple of other local friends that I know who have similar-era Lincolns; they agree that they are among the best-engineered cars of that and other eras, but also added that the electronics are (for whatever reason) even more problematic to resolve if a diagnosis is sought for a short. Regardless, any troubleshooting advice, or passing along of any "tendencies" that we all know some of these classic cars are susceptible to, is much appreciated. Thanks, Mike

I echo the prudent suggestion of sending a SASE along with my registration and check; I always receive it back in about three weeks, give or take; same amount of time for the check to clear as well. Keeping in mind that I send things in literally the very first day (and I was the 11th vehicle registered); I would imagine that as the deadline approaches, the turnaround time is lengthened by the flurry of activity that inevitably occurs...

Just a quick reminder that registration ends this week--August 15th is the hard deadline. So, if you're coming to show a vehicle at Fall Hershey, the time is NOW if you haven't done so already!!

I am asking this on behalf of a friend, who owns the 1965 GTO Coupe that he and his Mom placed a special order for back in February of 1965, and picked up at the end of March that year. After being garaged and not started since 1991, he started refurbishing all of the mechanicals two years ago, with extensive work just short of an engine rebuild being done by a shop with experienced old-car mechanics, and drovethe car for the first time in many years a couple of months ago. For the most part, the car runs well and is very responsive, but he has a couple of questions of concern. He is having problems with the temperature gauge reading 3/4 hot and then starts hearing some ping, once he reaches and drives a short distance at high-speed (65 mph and above). He uses high-octane fuel with an octane boost, and an ethanol inhibitor, and also uses oil with ZDDP. He also uses a proper mix of conventional anti-freeze. Pertinent info would include that it is a 389 4-barrel with a manual transmission (not the Rock Crusher), and that he had the original radiator replaced with a four-core radiator and a six-blade fan. He also had the water pump replaced, as well as all of the hoses, and has a 180-degree thermostat in place. Should he change to a 165-degree one? He says the gauge should be accurate, as it is also from a new cluster,and noted that with the cap off, the thermostat opens right at 180 degrees. Is it a timing issue? He has a conventional distributor installation (choosing for now, not to fix the cost-prohibitive transistorized system that the car came with, though he still has it and may do so in the future), and naturally the car has been tuned up to specs. Could the water pump be the incorrect one for the car(he does not have A/C, don't know if there is a difference in pumps between cars that do and don't have air)? Just looking for answers on troubleshooting and where to look to resolve these issues. Thanks in advance for any advice. Mike

I always like to arrive at the show field very early Saturday morning--like, when it's still dark out (around 6:30 or so). While that may not be entirely necessary, I suggest "beating the crowd" so that you avoid the risk of having to wait in line to enter the show field, and risk overheating, not to mention any scrambling to get your vehicle detailed one final time before judging. Truthfully, I also get there early so that I can soak in every minute of the wonderful experience that is Fall Hershey. No other place that an old car guy would rather be!

First year on the golf course was 2006, so this will (believe it or not) mark the tenth year it has been there! And, as anyone who attended in 2013, it drains VERY well if it should happen to rain!

I received confirmation of my registration to Fall Hershey earlier this week via SASE; make sure to register before the August 15th deadline!

I received my confirmation of registration to Fall Hershey via SASE earlier this week--nice to know I am set for October. Less than a month until the deadline to register by August 15th, so don't delay!!

My friend purchased a low-mile (17,500) '63 Continental Sedan from a one-owner family this past summer; the son of the original owner (now 90) had driven it about 380 miles the last 36 years he owned it. Did the mechanicals on it (new brakes, exhaust system, carb rebuild, replace gas tank with newly-furbished unit, and sender), plus all the expected wear-and-tear items replaced. Car still takes about six to eight cranks to finally kick over when cold; once it does, starting is absolutely no problem from then on, and it drives terrific. But even after sitting less than 24 hours, same routine with the initial start up and repeated efforts until it does start. Could it still be the accelerator pump in the carburetor? I heard someone say that he uses one designed specifically available that takes into consideration the ethanol fuels of today, as the ones in the traditional carb kits he says react improperly to the ethanol. I also think it may be the fuel pump, as that may be the one item that was not replaced but should have been (though again, the car runs fine once it starts). Suggestions? And thanks in advance... Mike

Checked this website yesterday, under Meets, and Registration, and the Eastern Fall Meet from October 7-10, 2015 is now open for registration until August 15th. So, get 'er done, and can't wait until early October for the annual trek east to the greatest car show on the planet!

I checked the registration for Fall Hershey 2015 yesterday, and found that it is now OPEN! Go to the Meets portion of this website, and Registration, and you will see the Eastern Fall Meet available. Printed up the form, enclosed my check, stuffed a SASE in the envelope to receive mail confirmation of registration, and sent it on its merry way to Hershey last night!

I did at one time have a set, but sold them at Spring Carlisle a couple years back. They did pop up on eBay from time to time, but that was before they started putting ten times worth of unrelated crap on there that make it hard as heck to find...

Asking this on behalf of a friend who will be visiting the Houston area in a few weeks for work, and will have a free day or two to spend. Are there any salvage yards within a reasonable radius of that area that would be worth his while to visit? Please provide whatever necessary information in terms of location so that I may pass it along to him, and thanks in advance for your help! Mike

Listing this as a lead for a friend; car ran when parked several years ago; has been stored inside since then. Contact Phil for more information at 330/284-5514; car is in the Canton, Ohio area...

I will take the opportunity of this thread to mention something regarding the way cars "should be parked"--or, perhaps more accurately, "should remain parked" throughout the entirety of the show on Saturday. I hope this common-sense request does not "hijack" this thread, as it is proposed with only the best of intentions in mind. There was a very beautiful car that parked in the immediate row behind me, one space over. As no cars were parked on my passenger side, all the way to the start of the next class some 40 feet away, I neatly put all of my supplies from my trunk to the area about one parking space away from my passenger front door. This space was directly behind the vehicle in the row parked behind me, to which I previously alluded. The owner of that vehicle (politely, I'll admit) asked if I could move my belongings, as it was his wish to "move his vehicle" after it had been judged. Although puzzled, as I know the hard and fast rule--emphasized many times over the PA system throughout the day--is for "all cars are to remain on the showfield until 3:00", I figured, not my problem, "whatever", so I moved my belongings a few more feet toward the front of my car; ostensibly leaving this guy "enough room" to move his car for whatever reason he had in mind. After doing this, the gentleman asked me once again if I could move my belongings, to the point of offering to move them himself for me, as I was apparently "still in his way". Though somewhat exasperated inside, and wondering to myself "just how much room does this guy need to move his car?", I bit my tongue and obliged, moving everything about twenty more feet away, under a tree. Surely, I thought, this would give the guy enough room to move his car. After doing this, and as my car had already been judged, I went off as I always do on Saturday, and made my rounds to take literally hundreds of pictures of all the wonderful vehicles that make Fall Hershey the best place on Earth for a classic car lover. Imagine my surprise, coming back to my car about 45 minutes later, to see that this guy merely wanted to put his car "on display", parking diagonally and nearly perpendicular to the row of cars in my class, front wheels cocked, as if his car were Marilyn Monroe lying on her side, bosom overflowing her gown, with a "come hither" look. True, he didn't leave the show field, but he DID leave his original parking space. My simple question is this: What if EVERYONE decided that, hell, that guy moved his car so everyone could get a better look at it, why can't I do the same thing and move mine, so that it, too, gets a better photo op, and more attention? Such a move smacks of an attitude of "isn't my car special?" I do not post this out of jealousy. The car was admittedly nicer than mine--but so are hundreds of others on the show field, and they, too, are just as "special"--at least to their owners, as well as the public admirers. But, even that is not the point. None of those people moved their cars--not even the cars that were one-of-a-kind, or of extremely limited production. The point is, that there are rules in place--not to mention common-sense decorum--that allow for a show of such magnitude as a Fall Hershey to be and remain orderly, and that must be followed to prevent everyone from doing whatever the hell they wanted--such as moving a car after judging to park next to a friend in another class, for example. I don't care if the damn car once belonged to Harley Earl or Virgil Exner--no car on the show field is entitled to "special privilege--especially privilege that is taken by an individual for what can only be construed as to stroke their own ego. To allow a breach of protocol like this, to me, anyways, is rife with potential for abuse, and taken to the nth degree, would allow for nothing short of a free-for-all to take place, and the orderly show field would become a melange of haphazard cars parked wherever. I have been involved with shows of a smaller magnitude than Hershey, but whether it is a 20-car show, a 200-car show like the ones I've taken part in, or a 1500-vehicle extravaganza like Hershey, all it takes is for one person to buck the protocol, then someone else decides that they have a valid reason in their minds for doing so as well, and the next thing you know, you have a can of worms. So, to the powers-that-be who make Fall Hershey the one-of-a-kind event that is of the highest standard, I suggest adding one little phrase to the mandatory adherence that all of us participants are to follow. ALL vehicles must remain in their original parking spots--as well as on the showfield--until 3:00 pm, or be disqualified from any awards. Simple, reasonable, and common sense.

Hello again, and thanks in advance for any assistance, as I am back needing guidance for my friend's recently purchased 1963 Lincoln Continental Sedan. An update; she has driven it about 200 miles, enjoying it with little issue, making the odometer reading a true 17,700, as the car is now being put away for winter storage. Following another oil change and overall safety check from a mechanic experienced with old cars, his recommendation is to locate a new gas rank, due to interior rust issues. Apparently, the 36 years of relative dormancy (382 miles accrued during that time) took its toll on the tank. If push comes to shove, there is a place east of Pittsburgh that specializes in repairing/"recoating" old gas tanks, but would appreciate any leads on whom to contact for a new tank. So far, dead ends. It would be helpful to know the year range (or even Ford Motor Company product range) that would be interchangeable with the '63 Lincoln (I would think 1961-63 would have use the same units). Thanks again, Mike

My best guesstimate is that 70%-80% of the show field was filled, as I was pleased and slightly surprised to see. As last year proved beyond doubt, the field drains exceptionally well, and with the exception of a slight mist/drizzle for about 20-30 minutes early in the afternoon, the moderate rains/sprinkles had ended by late morning, shortly after judging began. By the time I left the showfield after 3 pm, the sun had made its presence known...

Enjoyed the swap meet (walked 12.04 miles on Thursday, according to my pedometer!), car corral, and of course, showing my car on Saturday, even despite the early raindrops. It all turned out pretty darn nice, and was glad to see that SO MANY cars did decide to brave the elements on Saturday morning. Don't know if there was an official count, but I would guess at least 70-75% of the cars that were registered did take in the day on Saturday. And, I am GLAD that the 3 pm rule was enforced, for show cars not to leave the field too early. Now, to count off the 355 days until next year's Fall Hershey!!

Thanks for the input, Bruce. The Lucas product is a gasoline additive... http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/lucas-oil-products-deep-clean-fuel-system-cleaner-16-oz.-10512/99986827-P

My goodness, we are only about a week away from going to the greatest car show and swap meet on the planet. Seems like we ought to get a list together like we've done in years past, and let each other know who is bringing their vehicle(s) to the show, who's setting up at the Swap Meet and where, and anything else, so maybe we can say hello in person if we happen to bump into each other. Let me start the ball rolling, as I will be bringing my Ebony Black 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Coupe for the Saturday Car Show, after a year off from its annual trek to Hershey (brought my Provincial White '62 Dynamic 88 Fiesta Station Wagon last year for a change of pace). Plan on arriving to Chocolatetown late Tuesday afternoon, and will be here for the duration before heading back home Sunday morning. Looking forward to this very much as always, and eager to hear from anyone else making the sentimental journey to Fall Hershey!

Appreciate the response, fellow Buckeye. Will check these items out as planned. Actually I was asking this on behalf of a friend, to whom I found her this "dream car". This is the fourth car to her collection; I myself have two. We do know that these things are par for the course, and I had assured her these were minor, to which she concurred. I myself am not a Lincoln expert, but usually the principles are the same. Always like to hear from those more familiar with any particular marque, as sometimes there are quirks that are unique to them. We (actually, she, but I agree) opted for the bias-plys, because of the more "historic" nature to this low-mile beauty; also, because the whitewalls on the only radials I can presently find with the correct size and WW width has the whitewall out too far away from the center bead. Knew this from before because the tires are exactly the same size and style on my two classics. I agree, that these cars are meant to be driven, and she has already racked up close to 100 miles since taking delivery two days ago. No good to just let a car just sit. Again, thanks for the input. If you by chance go to Fall Hershey, I'll have the Starfire there on Saturday morning. Stop by and say hi...

Car was purchased from son of original owner, has 17,500 documented miles on it (only 400 of them in last 36 years). Main maintenance/repair since purchase has been to drain gas tank, change oil, oil filter, air filter, flush cooling system, replace master cylinder and all wheel cylinders, hoses, belts, radiator cap, thermostat, fill with new coolant, exhaust system with new mufflers/resonators/pipes, and four new correct bias-ply 14-inch tires. A few minor issues need addressed; the car has been driven nearly 100 miles since purchase and the only issues are as follows. Thanks in advance for your answers and recommendations. 1. Car only starts after about 6-8 attempts when cold; once up to temperature, idles, runs, drives fine. Am assuming carburetor accelerator pump, but only very slight hesitation only when pedal is punched. Any other suggestions? Have added 104 Octane boost, lead additive, Sta-Bil ethanol treatment, and Lucas deep cleaner.. 2. Car seems to shift fine going down the road, but requires more effort than should be necessary to shift the lever from Park to any other gear; akin to shifting out of Park when parked on an incline, with a momentary jerk that shouldn't be there. What adjustments can be made? 3. Have problem with the back door window on the driver's side not working at all. Do not hear any noise when either gang switch toggle or door panel toggle is activated. And now, the driver's side front window, which had been working perfectly (I'd say over a dozen times up and down) now goes down but does not want to go up, unless manual pressure is applied to a non-specific area of the side chrome window moulding from the "back" of the window toward the "front"; a stick or ruler of some sort, stuck down in the door, is needed if the window is all the way down. Hope that makes sense. Both power vent windows work perfectly. 4. Are there any other suggestions that can be offered, whether they be suggestions specific tot higher, make, and model, or the condition of the car, given its low miles, and long stretch of relative dormancy. The car has been started on occasion prior to purchase, but had not been driven regularly for about a dozen years, even less than the previous two dozen where it was sparsely driven. Thanks again, Mike