DBC changes

[nearchoclatetown]

I've been wondering how other members of the Dodge Brothers Club feel about the proposal to change the year of the club, that is to include years '38 to '42. I know there are plenty of club members that lurk here, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[Guest leadfoot]

Hi Doug - just been lurking as you mentioned. Seems logical that DB Club might become the prewar Dodge club. The current years clearly include Dodges that are Mopars, not DBs, even though the mid '30s have badges that indicate Dodge Brothers.

[Guest imported_DodgerDave]

Well this is a great discussion to have.

From what I have heard the main consesous

is to leave the cutoff date as is. This is

the Dodge Brothers Club. If the cutoff date

is exteneded to include prewar Dodges then it

would leave open for post war Dodges to say

they should be included. I personely agree with

this thinking and although I am a car crazy

enthusiest for all makes and models the cut off

limit for the DBC was placed for a reason.

Well thats my take on it.

[dwollam]

I for one will be voting FOR the change. However I personally think it should be restricted to 1927 and earlier (pre Chrysler) or moved to 1948 (and also include early 1949 with '48 body style), or in other words, fat fendered cars and earlier! Just seems like a natural cutoff point as '42 and '48 are very little different other than grilles and trim. I also believe the consensus on the West side of the country is in favor of the date change. All cars are great in my book but they are not all the same. The WPC covers the later stuff as well so we don't really need to change just to give those owners a "home" but moving the date up will allow the club to increase in size and make more cars available to be driven to meets. I too have many different types of cars but don't think my '62 Dodge Lancer with 340 or my 2003 Dakota 4 door 4x4 should ever be included with "antique" cars.

Well there. That's my opinion and I will happily go with whatever the members vote to do!

Thanks,

Dave Wollam

Madras Oregon

a dozen or so 1917 - 26 DB's

1940 Ford tudor

1962 Lancer

1968 Barracuda Coupe

1967 Barracuda Coupe

2 Dakota's

1954 F-100

etc, etc, etc

[Jan Arnett]

No matter what year is decided upon you need to decide how a 16 Dodge can tour with a 1940? Dodge. I do not tour with our AACA club because they all go faster then may car and they all can stop. Some of them even have A/C on them. This is my major concern with changing the age limit but the problem already exists with the current age break. This will just make it worse. I know that I do not want to take my later model cars on tours with early cars.

Just one old mans opinion.

Jan <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[dwollam]

Tours would work just like they do now. The 4cyl cars lead and the 6 cyl cars follow. This is typical to other car groups I run with, the slower cars in front. Works fine. And as noted there are already 6 cyl cars with the same drive train at the runs now.

Dave

[DodgeSavesUMoney]

The purest side of me would have cut off the club at 1928 to represent the Dodge Brothers as an independant company and especially to capture the end of the four cylinders. However, with that being said, I own a 1936, which certainly is a Mopar, but still being able to be in the club with my car allows me to take advantage of many of the things that I like so much about the Dodge Brothers club.

The current cutoff really isn't based on much more than the fact that the "Dodge Brothers" name was used up through 1938. Stretching the cutoff to capture the pre-war years wouldn't really make much of a difference and it will do a good job exposing members with later year vehicles to the early years when driving was not just an adventure, it was a job!

At the end of the day, I own a Dodge. Though it is a Mopar, I think of it more as a Dodge than a Chrysler.

Just my humble opinion!

[dwollam]

One more thought I had. Imagine you have 20 4 cyl cars leading a tour and 6 6 cyl cars following. Then with the proposed changes you have 20 4 cyl cars with 12 6 cyl cars following. Would you be running any faster just because more 6 cyl cars were following?

Dave

ps

I don't have any 6 cyl cars

[Guest imported_RAH]

Guys,

Well, I knew this subject would show up here eventually! As a charter member of the Dodge Brothers Club I might enlighten some of you the reason for the current 1938 cutoff. This is the last time the words "Dodge Brothers" appear on the cars, even though Walter P. bought the residual company from the bankers on July 31, '28. Yes the brothers Dodge both 'passed on' in '21. Actually the cutoff date has more to do with the Brothers Dodge and their legacy than the actual cars or vintage thereof. As to the cars of '40 or for that matter '50s being similar in construction to the '39, SO WHAT! I vote against the prospect

of the possibility of newer members pushing for continual extension of 'cutoff dates'. It seems to be happening in the hobby and see no valid reason to extend

the cutoff date in the 'Dodge Brothers' club. I would not like to see the club divided into the 'fast and slow' members nay more than already exists.

I was just out for a drive in my 1915 Dodge Brothers Roadster, which was built in August of '15,and was wondering how many of todays Hondazukies will still be operating 90 odd years from now?

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley

--------------------

1915 Dodge Brothers Roadster

1928 Dodge Brothers Cabriolet

1934 Dodge Brothers KC pickup

[34 Dodge]

Hi to all.

I'm awfully proud of my 1934 Dodge's "Dodge Brothers" emblem and that's one of the first things I show to visitors when they see my car. The Dodge Brothers Club has such a comaraderie and I really enjoy that at the meets. I think that this connection might be diluted by extending the end date for membership. That's what the WPC is for and I'm already a proud member of that group too.

My wife and I love pre-war cars, but Dodge Brothers is just that (even though you pre-1929'ers might disagree). I would vote to keep the club for the emblem owners.

Ken Sobel

hypnotist01@sbcglobal.net

[Guest imported_RAH]

To all,

Further considerations for DBC NOT extending the upper year range. Increasing the upper limits to include later model Dodges will do nothing to preserve the memory of John or Horace and the wonderful cars which are their legacy. In fact, to do so may diminish the reason the 'Dodge Brothers Club' was formed in the first place.

As to touring with 4s and 6s together, thus far there has been no problem I am aware of. Case in point the recent DBC National meet in Tacoma, Wash. where tours were attended by a couple '15s and models up to and including several '36s and a '38 pickup. In point of fact on antique car tours these days most times we cannot exceed the 35 mph speed limits on back roads which are the preferred routes. Remember, tours are not so much about the destination or how fast one can get there as it is about the trip. Enjoy the ride and keep 'em Dodgin' Brothers.

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley

[Guest Dave Wilburn]

I love all old cars, but if it didn't come with a DB emblem on the front, it doesn't belong in the DBC.

[dbbob]

Here's my opinion:

We should keep the Club as it was founded. Dodge Brothers vehicles, like the brothers John and Horace and their company, hold a special place in automotive history. Dodge Brothers cars, the Dodge Brothers Company, and the excellent, ongoing work of today's Dodge Brothers Club all need to be recognized for their unique place in automotive history. More "Dodge" cars in the inventory, additional club members on the roster, or increased dues revenue will not enhance the already noble history of the Dodge Brothers story or make a "better" Dodge Brothers Club. It's true that we're in the 21st century and need to update and promote the Club, but not at the expense of blurring our identity, or that of the Dodge Brothers nameplate. If we want a better club, I suggest that we study the Dodge Brothers story, drive our cars, and keep telling the interesting story of the Dodge Brothers. Trying to tell the story of cars that are far removed from the original vision of the brothers Dodge is something better done by another car club.

I am a U.S. citizen, living in Europe. I have a '24 DB coupe that resides in Illinois, and I once owned a '21 touring, which I restored with much help from the Dodge Brothers Club. If I sound biased on this issue, blame the cars.

[DodgeSavesUMoney]

Rodger makes a great argument and I am glad that he chimed in with both his personal perspective and his perspective as a charter member. I respect his opinion, knowledge, and contribution to the club greatly (not to mention his contribution to this discussion board!) Regardless of where you fall on this, I am glad that the officers of the club have decided to put this to the members. I think an issue like this helps the club grow and evolve, regardless of the outcome. What I mean is, if the issue passes and the years are changed, then club changes to meet the desires and changing opinion of the membership. If the issue does not pass and the years remain as they are, the club membership is reaffirming the purpose and mission of the club. Either way, the outcome will continue to define the purpose of the club and the will of the membership. I think that is a good thing to do every once in a great while.

In the end, if the club does not change, I'm happy with that too. I'm just glad we have a club that is just as membership and family oriented as we are car oriented.

[dep5]

My 1946 Dodge WDX Civilan Power Wagon has a Dodge Brothers logo on the VIN tag....what was the last year for this logo?

Not currently an owner of a four or six cyl vehicle in the DB catagory but have serious reservations about expanding the years, would not be in favor of the proposed change.

Thanks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I lost interest in baseball when the league expanded from 8 teams </div></div>

[RickBrinker]

They claim that 39-42 uses alot of the same parts that the 36-38 Dodge Brother

cars use,well so does Chrysler,Plymouth,DeSoto and what about Model T's they had Dodge Brothers Parts so does that mean we should let them in also <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> We would have to changed the name also,because they are not DODGE BROTHERS <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />I say leave it alone.

[Jan Arnett]

Rick: You already did let in a Model T'. I have three of them. As I said earlier when you have a wide span of years which start in the teens and ends in the thirties/forties it makes touring tough from the standpoint of power and braking. You do not want to become like the AACA which has such a wide number of years that no one is happy and you can not plan a decent tour.

Jan

[40phil41]

"This is the last time the words "Dodge Brothers" appear on the cars, "

I have always had a difference of opinion with this statement which seems to keep coming up when this subject is discussed. My 1940 Dodge firewall plate has the insignia saying "Dodge Brothers Canada Ltd." with the Dodge star symbol (see photo). So it seems that at least Canadian Dodge cars continued to reflect their heritage!

Phil

[40phil41]

Forgot to mention in my previous post that yes I support the change to years represented by the Dodge Brothers club and yes I would join if 1940 and 1941 Dodges were included.

Phil

[Guest imported_RAH]

Phil,

Your point well taken. HOWEVER semantics aside, what is on the front and rear of the car where anyone can see without opening your hood?

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley

[40phil41]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Phil,

Your point well taken. HOWEVER semantics aside, what is on the front and rear of the car where anyone can see without opening your hood?

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley </div></div>

Just making a point since nobody made this distinction before. It's your club. I just find the reasoning a bit weak and you could attract more members by reconsidering the cut-off date.

Phil

[Jules]

I don't see why not, many a classic car is marching on in years now and becoming very collectable.

[HerbWessel]

You asked for comments concerning the bylaw change adding vehicles made in 1939-1942. Several points come to mind if favor of the change.

1.There are no clubs for these cars now. While they are welcome in the two Chrysler clubs, one only has to look at their magazines or attend their meets to see their focus, later cars and muscle cars.

2.In the thirties and early forties all manufactures began to ?style? their cars. Dodge was ahead of all the rest. The 39-42 Dodge cars were the classiest cars on the road in those years regardless of make.

3.The 39-42 cars are prime meat for street rodders. Without a club that respects them many will be chopped. I rescued a 1940 Dodge from the chopping block several years ago.

4.While the change may increase our membership somewhat, that is not as important as providing a means to preserve the cars of that era.

5.The change will not affect our tours. I have a 1936 and a 1938, which are very little different than the 39-41s, (there were very few 42s made) and I like the DB tours as they are now. Our Gettysburg Region AACA has many tours (75-100 cars) with cars from the teens to sixties. No problem. The older cars always go first and set the pace. After a few stop lights and stop signs the cars are nicely spaced.

6.Incendently, my 1947 Dodge pickup has "Dodge Brothers" on the serial plate.

[RickBrinker]

Why don't you start a 39-42 Club

[gundog]

I hope there will be no change.1942 this time. What next, the last year a car was badged Dodge?

[41man]

I would consider joining the db club. I have talked with your members at their tent at Macungie, Pa. and a few years back , referred a man I met at a wedding in Ireland to your club. My interests are in the cars which are pre war. The mechanics from what I can see are very similar at least going back 5 or 6 years from 42. I have a 41 Dodge , and the people I attend shows with have pre war Plymouths. Mine has the Dodge Brothers' emblem on the Firewall also. The clubs I attend meetings at have wrestled with similar discussions . But those were regarding letting in modern cars. That's a bit different from extending just a few years. In making your decision , take into account whether your club is growing or not. Also take into account that anyone with a 39 to 42 dodge would probably be the type of person that you would only be glad to have in your club.

[cpwalter]

The club seems to be focused on the early cars which is fine. I have a 38 and joined the club to communicate with like minded owners for help in restoration. One consideration that should be looked at is what are the prospects for the club in the future. Will the club continue to grow or will it die out as the members die off. There certainly isn't the interest in the early cars today that there was when a lot of us first got interested in old cars. What are the demographics of the current membership and how many new people come on board in any given year? Will limited expansion of membership strengthen the club and bring in more participating members? Does the club really address the needs of those of us that have cars built in the 30's or do we need to establish our own club? We are a small number and are a lost group in no matter what club we belong to. DBC seems to want to cater to the early cars and WPC caters to everything MOPAR. 30's and early 40's Dodge people are looking for a home. Is this the place?

[gboy]

I would start a club to cater to the lost years, this could be interesting and I do think you would have a following for your cars. I have talked to many people that have the years in question and I think they would join. I have had later dodges, but I still like my earlier dodges. I think the Dodge Brothers club shoud stay with the years it has now, I am not for the change. I see many younger new people purchasing the old Dodge Brothers cars. The Dodge Brothers Cars that are here will continue to be driven except for the one's being taken for hot rods. I question how many older cars will continue to be restored because of cost. Many people young and old can't compete with the Barret Jackson's, so there will always be a place for Dodge Brothers.

[JB-ed]

Last two comments are very interesting. First, it is my impression, and from observing the DB club's meets, that a nice turnover is occurring from the WW-2 aged members to the under-50 members. (Under 50 to 30s and maybe less) It is a bad rumor to say that younger people are not interested in these older cars. You may not see them at national meets or shows, but that's because they are young and have small kids, obligations, and work. Not the luxury of taking time off for car events--not even local "cruise-ins."

Also, don't forget that there has been a flood of pre-war cars on the market over the last two or three years. Huge numbers of cars are coming up, many on eBay. Too many for the market to absorb at once. So don't necessarily attribute this as lack of interest of new buyers. It's more like a buyer's market right now and a terrible time to sell.

Second point is the discussion of the lack of attention to the 30s cars in the Dodge Brothers Club. As the club's magazine editor I am always on the lookout for articles on vehicles of this era. Those of you who have submitted 30s manuscripts no doubt were surprised to see them in print in the next issue while those manuscripts for cars in the 20s wait up to two years to see daylight. Fact is, the 30s car guys don't write and I can't make up stories. Even if we start a 30s club, the same problem will exist. Your editor will have a heck of a time finding stuff to publish about the cars.

Now, I am talking about helpful articles, not just pretty pictures of someone's car or reprints of sales brochures. Lots of club magazines publish "vanity" pix of people's cars or repro of literature just to fill pages, but in general they are worthless except only to guys with cars of that exact or near age, and even then only as an amusement. Nonetheless, I have on occassion resorted to vanity articles for the 30s cars just to ensure they are covered in the club magazine.

I believe the problem is that there are fewer technical problems with these later cars. They are well documented by Chrysler, there are service manuals and parts books, and many parts are still readily available. There fore, unlike the earlier cars that pose all sorts of confusion, there are few topics that need to be addressed in a magazine to help people restore and maintain their 30s cars. (If I am wrong about this, then for petes sake start sending me articles and manuscripts.)

The tech advisors have done their best to keep the magazine in articles (we did a nice series on color codes a bit ago)(one coming in April on dimensions of a top for convertible coupe, continued into June). But it's up to the members to send in the articles. Even photo articles showing the restoration from beginning to end would be appreciated, but I dont't get them either. I have been begging for an article on freewheeling (restoration, adjusting, bypassing) but nothing ever shows up.

If the club extends to 42, I suppose I can take up a few issues introducing the new cars, but then the same problem returns.

It's not entirely the year or model of car that was featured in a magazinie that ultimately determines that the magazine was a "good" read. I call it the "aha" factor, the number of times you say "aha" when reading an issue (indicating that you just learned something). That makes the magazine worth while. When you finish with the magazine and feel like you have just learned at least one thing, preferably several things, then the publisher, the club, and the editor achieved their just goal. Articles on wheel balancing, removing rusty bolts, how to weld sheet metal, serial numbers, rust preventive paints, and so forth are useful to all readers, no matter 1918 or 1938 cars. So I count those types of articles as satisfying you all, not just one era of car (or truck, by the way).

Final thought--if I am wrong and you would be happy seeing lit reprints and photo galleries of 30s cars in the magazine, say so and you will get them. Simple as that. The club is here to make all happy.

John--your servant and editor

[Guest imported_RAH]

Hi Guys,

Well, I have been watching this page for a while now and even as some have pointed out the words 'Dodge Brothers' still appear on their cars (allbit hiding under the hood where only their mechanic can see)I still see no compelling reason to start down that slippery slope of inching up the upper age 'limit?' of members cars. As previously stated there is nothing in the club bylaws compelling ownership of ANY Dodge Brothers car of whatever vintage. Members come to meets for the comraderie and share with other like minded individuals interested in preserving the memory of those Brothers and their legacy. Shoot, I even held a perfect conversation with a 'Hot Rodder' once. Of course I didn't realise it at the time. By all means come to meets and bring your later cars, yes even that shiny new '53 Dodge Cornet convertible for all to OOh and Awe over. You may even tag along on tours as many do in modern iron for various reasons. I would not expect it to be parked alongside the others on Sat. for the Show n shine for peoples choice awards or any of the other 'Maggie' awards.

If I were to use some of your reasoning for whatever age limit I could see cutting off at '21 as that is when both Brothers died. Or, how about at '28 as that is when Walter P. Chrysler bought the residual company? I suggest leaving things as they are and continue to bring in new members in the existing format.

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley

[vianneycastan]

hello,

I own a DB roadster 3035 four 1915 and I am looking for a water pump

the screw at the back of mine is completely destroyed and i can not screw the nut to close it anymore

I live in france and I can not find it here

can somebody help me to find this part

thank you <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> vcastan@hotmail.com

[DDewey]

I have a '16 Dodge Brothers Touring Car, AND a '53 Dodge Pickup. I always thought that Dodge Brothers ended with the Chrysler take over--actually, I thought it ended with the end of the Silent Start 12 volt system, until I got my '16 and started reading more about Dodge History.

Also, I doubt if having a club for a particular car slows down the rodders. It is sad (IMHO) that the "old car" hobby seems to have drifted towards modifying rather than restoring. I think at least half the fun is making the old technology function!

David D.

[rosintos]

do u have the carborator and distributor for the 28 dodge i have a senior six and thats all im lacking in this beautiful car if you do u can post or emial me at briansoccer2001@yahoo.com thanks

[rosintos]

i see u have a 28 ur parting out well i was wondering if u have a distributor i have a really nice garage kept senior six but am missing that one part due to the fact of it being broken its the only part i need so if u still had it or knew where i oculd get it i would be very happy. you could post here or im me at briansoccer2001@yahoo.com

[Guest FOlsen]

I feel like there are major differences between the older,4 cyld, cars and the later 6's. I have no problem with extending the ending date, but I would like to see a division or seperate club for the time period The Dodge Brothers owned the company. Neatly this corresponds with the transition to 6's fairly nicely.

There you've got my two-bits worth. Frnak

[Guest imported_RAH]

Hi Guys,

I have seriously tried to understand the reasoning for the current attempt to change the Dodge Brothers Club's substrate to include '40s Dodge Cars. The primary reason this club was formed had more to do with the men, Horace and John Dodge, than if someone uses a magnifying lense and can see the word 'Brothers' on a serial number placque on the firewall under the hood of a later than '38 vehicle. As a charter member, and for clarification I will attach herewith an explanation of the formation of the DBC. This is excerpted from Dec. '83 'Cars & Parts'.

Perhaps these '40s car owners asking for the change are disenfranchised members feeling left behind by their clubs blood thinning while attempting to cover all Chryslers from "0" to the 'best restored 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup. Or, perhaps they are members of another old car club with similarly thinning blood lines that now include new classes for Chevvy Vegas, Ford Pintos, AMC Pacers, and ------ HOT RODS! All the above being referred to as 'Antique Automobiles'.

Suffice it to say it just does not make sense to tamper with something that is apparantly working in an attempt to satisfy a few new members. Presumably for anyone to join any club there should be some perceived advantage or benefit, right? The DBC as currently formed does NOT require

ownership of any vehicle of any specific vintage. Anyone interested in preserving the legacy of the Brothers Dodge are welcome and can join in the fun and even tour with us without changing a thing.

Rodger "Dodger" Hartley

[nearchoclatetown]

RAH, take out the hot rod words and I'll give you a big amen. AMEN!

[nearchoclatetown]

I hope you are all getting your newsletters by now. Take time to vote!! I sure would like to see a running talley posted right here. Anyone have that power?

[RickBrinker]

Haven't got mine yet.

[40phil41]

"Perhaps these '40s car owners asking for the change...."

I for one have never asked anyone to change anything! I have only replied to the original post up at the top of this thread. I thought that 'the club' was officially asking for opinions on this subject. Just delete this thread if it is causing so much consternation. It's your club and I am not, nor have ever been, a member. Just trying to make a contribution to the open discussion.

Phil Ellis