what’s inside
| May/June 2009
Meet the Staff Ron Burch, Publisher and Chief Sales Consultant Gale Burch, Publisher and Writer/Editor Carolyn Sheltraw, Production Layout/Graphics
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Arthur Gray, Business and Sales Consultant Printing, Grand Blanc Printing
Featured Business
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No Shortage Of Drivers .................................... 4 Sentimental Journey ......................................... 5 May Calendar .................................................... 6 June Calendar ................................................... 7 1941 Willys ......................................................... 9 1954 Buick Wildcat II ......................................... 9 2009 Detroit Autorama ................................... 12
Dear Readers,
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Woody Benson ................................................ 16 4/18/2009 10:13:40 PM
If you would like to share your club or group events, photos and stories, please email them to: carbuffnews@ comcast.net. You can also call Ron and Gale Burch at (810) 736-8507. We would love to see your car and story in Car Buff News. There is no cost to be published. For sending us your story and photo, you’ll receive a complimentary issue by mail. Just include your complete address with your story. We do not discriminate on the basis of make, model, breed, or creed. This publication is for anyone who loves cars…any cars! All you have to do is send us your info. We will also print your lists of upcoming events for your car club or organization.
Devonshire Classic Car & Truck Show ........... 19 Racing Experience and College Credits for High School Students ............................... 20 Dining Guide ................................................... 23
Featured Car
of May/June
If you need to get more exposure for your business, we have advertising spaces available at very affordable rates. Call us for rate information and availability. Get your business ad in on the ground floor and grow with us! Sincerely, Ron and Gale Burch Owners and Editors of Car Buff News 2952 Carr St. | Flint, MI 48506 | Phone # (810) 736-8507 2
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1970 Chevy Nova SS
350
** Please add the Car Buff News logo that you revised and that we picked out to her sponsors.
Cruzin’ l a u n n A d 3r Way for United & Show Car Cruze
All proceeds to benefit the United Way/UAW Ramp Program. First 100 cars will receive a dash plaque
1948 Mercury Sedan owned by Paul Crepeau of Mt. Morris Twp, MI Motor: Flathead V-8 with a standard “3 on the tree” transmission. This cool beauty also has suicide doors.
NOTE: Early registration before June 30th – $10.00; After June 30th – $15.00 Spectator Admission: $5.00 donation Make Checks payable to: United Way of Genesee County, P.O. Box 949, Flint, MI 48501 7:00 a.m.
Line up for the Cruze begins at GM Weld Tool Center, Grand Blanc 9:00 a.m. Cruze will begin with a police escort to Auto City Speedway, Clio 11:00 a.m. Car Show/Flea Market/Swap Meet at Auto City Speedway, Clio 2:00 p.m. Award Presentation to Top 40 For more information call United Way of Genesee County, 810-232-8121 or visit us @ www.unitedwaygenesee.org.
Craft Sho
w, Flea M arket & Swap M eet
PLACE: Auto City Speedway, G-10205 N. Saginaw St., Clio, MI DATE & TIME: July 12, 2009, 11:00am to 3:00 pm (Set up for event will take place between 8:00 - 9:00am) Sunday, J JURYING: N/A uly 12, 20 09 FEE: $20.00 – non-refundable - payable with application U n it e d (No Commission). W conjunctio ay of Genesee Cou nty nw All checks payable to: United Way of Genesee County. for United ith our 3rd Annual In Please add the Car Cru Wa**NOTE** SPACE: Outdoor Festival, 10’ wide by 20’ deep z Buff News logo y Car Cru ze and Sh in’ these other sponsors. ow RAIN OR SHINE. No refunds. DEADLINE: June 19, 2009 REQUIREMENTS: Advertising of the Rolling Car Cruze and Show will be via direct mail, website, news ads, radio, posters, flyers, and Auto City announcements. For more information, call Bonnie Duhon (810) 762-5833. United Way of Genesee County, PO Box 949, Flint, MI 48501. Email: bduhon@unitedwaygenesee.org.
Auto City Speedway is located in Clio, Michigan in Genesee County. There will be advertising for the Car Cruze throughout Genesee County. Proceeds will benefit United Way/UAW Ramp Program. Buff News isthe apicked proud of the United Way/UAW Ramp Program. f News logo Car that **NOTE** you revised and that out tosponsor Please add we Car Buff News logo that you revised and that we picked outPlease to add the Car Buff News logo that you revised and that we picked out to **NOTE** these other sponsors.
these other sponsors.
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No Shortage of
Drivers
B
ob Smith of Flint returned home after his tour of duty in Viet Nam in 1969 to a sobering realization. Bob found out that he wouldn’t be allowed to obtain his driver’s license. This was due to the loss of the majority of his eye-sight in an incident that occurred in Viet Nam, rendering him legally blind. The lack of having a license slowed him down for a while, but it didn’t keep him from getting around. Bob found some good friends who have been willing to help him with his transportation needs. Upon finding that he couldn’t drive anymore, he went ahead and proceeded to build a 1969 Nova into a Super Stock J anyway. He loved that car, even if he couldn’t take her down the strip himself. He and his driver raced at Lapeer, Milan, and Ubly Dragways. Those were the days! Bob has since acquired a 1979 Corvette. This white beauty is all stock except for the 355 CID motor with Fast Burn aluminum heads. Bob tells us his wife drives this car the most. Who can blame her? Just last fall, Bob bought a 1970 Nova. He told Car Buff News that he just started feeling like he wanted that Super Stock J back. He had a hard time finding one that was the same year as the one he previously owned. Then he found this gorgeous, bright red, 1970 Nova and he knew this was what he was getting. He hasn’t had to do anything to the car aside from the Cal-Trek system he put on it. The 496 CID, stroked out 454 just purrs, and it’s just as clean inside as it is on the outside. Bob has a new project in the works that he wouldn’t tell us much about. All that he would say is the project involves a 1973 Camaro being turned into a Pro-Street car. He’s not providing specs at this time. Sorry! We’ll have to follow up for that information and update everyone in another issue. Bob refuses to let his disability get the best of him. He loves his cars and he enjoys doing as much of the 4 www.carbuffnews.com
work on them as he can himself. He has a lot of very good friends who have helped him with the things that he can’t do himself and for that he says that he is very grateful. He also says even though he can’t drive them himself, he’s never had any shortage of people willing to drive any one of his cars where ever he wanted to go. But no matter what or where, Bob always gets “shotgun.”
Sentimental Journey Paul & Diane Goodell, Houghton Lake, Michigan
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n 1990, we were on our way to take my older brother, Lewis, to a car dealership in Grand Blanc, Michigan, to purchase a new car. After looking at several cars on the lot, he finally decided on one. While they were writing up his order, another salesman came over to my wife, Diane, and I, and asked us what he could sell us. I told him we had just bought a new car a short time ago and that the only car he had on the lot that interested me was the one on the showroom floor. He quickly asked, “That new 1990 with the wire wheels?” I replied, "No, the green and white, `53 Buick next to that one.” “Oh,” he said. “That one belongs to the owner of the dealership.” He told me he would talk to the owner if I were really interested in it. I told him that I would be interested. So he left for about ten minutes to speak to the owner. When he came back he said we could buy it for the right price. I told him he could go ahead and write it up. He looked at us for a few seconds, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing and said "You’re not kidding are you"? I repeated, if he wanted to sell us the car he would need to write it up. He nearly tripped over himself getting to his desk! A week later, after it had been completely detailed, my wife and I picked up our new (old) car.
We still enjoy driving this beautiful car today. The car had only 61,000 actual miles on it when we bought it in 1990. Now it has 78,295 miles showing on the odometer. My wife's parents had a car just like this when she was a young girl. She has pictures of herself standing by it. This Series 40, Model No. 41D, four-door, 6 passenger, Deluxe Tourback Sedan was the only model in that year (and one of the last) to retain the 263 CID, Straight Eight engine with a 6 volt system and standard (three in the tree) transmission. All of the other models that year received the new V-8 engine with the modern 12 volt system. If you need to look something up in a manual for this sweet ride, you’ll need to use the manual from the previous year as well as the current one. That’s right! It takes two manuals to cover all that you’ll need to know. We have made many memorable trips in the car we bought together. We have even named her, "Sentimental Journey". The car, my wife, and I now live in Houghton Lake, Michigan. Diane and I are looking forward to many more memorable trips in our very own “Sentimental Journey.” www.carbuffnews.com
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May Fri. May 1 Sat. May 2 Sun. May 3 Mon. May 4 Tues. May 5 Wed. May 6 Thurs. May 7 Fri. May 8 Sat. May 9
Sun. May 10 Mon. May 11 Tues. May 12 Wed. May 13 Thurs. May 14 Fri. May 15 Sat. May 16 Sun. May 17 Mon. May 18 Tues. May 19 Wed. May 20 Thurs. May 21 Fri. May 22 Sat. May 23 Sun. May 24 Mon. May 25 Tues. May 26 Wed. May 27 Thurs. May 28 Fri. May 29 Sat. May 30 Sun. May 31
June o9
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The Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, 11740 Gera Rd, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Main St. Davison Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, 4300 N. State Rd. Richfield Twp. Halo Burger Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 2248 E. Hill Rd, Grand Blanc, Bearing Burners Car Show & Swap Meet – 10am-4pm, GM Tech Center, 30003 Van Dyke Ave., Warren. Call (586)465-2222 for more info Fundraiser Car Show – For City of Hope bus ministry 12–5pm, $10 entry. Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 4195 W. Vienna Rd. Clio, AJ Racers Sports Cruise Bar – 6–8pm, 4020 N. Dort Hwy. Flint, Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Downtown Holly Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd. Clio Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, 7-Eleven Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, 4300 N. State Rd. Richfield Twp Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Bikin’ For Burns Pre-registration Party 6–12am Circus Park, Clio. Call Randy for more info (810) 533-6456 Eastern Michigan Auto Fest Car Show & Swap Meet – Eastern Fairgrounds, Imlay City, www.easternmichiganautofest.com for more info Burger King Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 5510 Fenton Rd., Flint Biking for Burns Bike Run, Line up 10am at Perani Event Ctr, I-69 Center Rd. exit, depart at noon sharp. Call Randy for more info (810) 533-6456, Burton Baker’s Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 Milford Rd. Milford, Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Holly Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Flushing A&W Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 200 S. Cherry St, Flushing 1st Annual Jackson Rd Cruise, Car Show & More – Ann Arbor, Register $10 www.jrcruise.org Baker’s Cruise – Bakers of Milford, Milford Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio AJ Racer’s Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Holly Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, Flint Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5–9pm, Davison Oldies But Goodies Cruise – 5–9pm, Big Boy Restaurant, 9497 Lapeer Rd., Davison Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, Milford Genesee Family Fun Festival Car Show – Genesee Lion’s Club, 5240 Green Arbor Dr., Genesee. Call (810) Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio 640-1253 Christina Spencer AJ Racer’s Sports Bar – 6–8pm, Flint Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Battle Alley Cruise, 5pm–Dusk, Holly Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, Flint Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5–9pm, Davison Halo Burger Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Grand Blanc Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, Milford
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Mon. June 1 Tues. June 2 Wed. June 3 Thurs. June 4 Fri. June 5
Sat. June 6
Sun. June 7 Mon. June 8 Tues. June 9 Wed. June 10 Thurs. June 11 Fri. June 12 Sat. June 13
Sun. June 14 Mon. June 15 Tues. June 16 Wed. June 17 Thurs. June 18 Fri. June 19 Sat. June 20 Sun. June 21 Mon. June 22 Tues. June 23 Wed. June 24 Thurs. June 25
Fri. June 26 Sat. June 27
Sun. June 28 Mon. June 29 Tues. June 30
Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 4195 W. Vienna Rd. Clio AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, 4020 N. Dort Hwy, Flint John’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9 pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd. Clio Battle Alley Cruise – Downtown Holly 5pm–Dusk Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk 7-Eleven, 5015 Richfield Rd. Flint Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, 4300 N State Rd, Richfield Twp. 7th Annual Soaring Eagle Cruise & Car Show, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Call 1-888-2-Eagle-2 for info Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, 11740 Gera Rd. Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5– dusk, Main St. Davison 7th Annual Soaring Eagle Cruise & Car Show Halo Burger Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 2248 E. Hill Rd, Grand Blanc Classic Vehicle Club Car, Truck & Bike Show – At the American Legion Hall 4131 W. Carpenter Rd, Flint $15 registration. Call 787-7935 or 787-3295 for info. Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd. Milford 1st Annual Bulldog Country Car & Bike Show – Bentley High School, 1150 N. Belsay Rd. Burton. For Info call Brian (810) 735-5258 Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint 5th Annual Classic Car & Truck Show – 6:30pm, Devonshire Retirement Village 101 Devonshire Dr. Lapeer (810) 245-7646 John’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Holly Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, Flint Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp. Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Widetrackers 21st Annual Spring Dust Off – Davisburg, Ed Hodgson (810) 245-5882 for more info Bikes & Bands for Shrine Children – Circus Park 4240 W. Wilson Rd, Clio Burger King Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 5510 Fenton Rd. Flint Desired Image 6th Annual Custom Show – 12–5pm, The Dort Mall 3600 S. Dort Hwy, Flint, Info at www.desiredimageflint.com Bakers Cruise – Milford Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio Mi AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint John’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Holly Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, Flint Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Mo-Jo’s Food & Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp. Flushing A&W Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 200 S Cherry St. Flushing Bakers Cruise – Milford Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint John’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison Joe’s Garage Cruise – 5–9pm, Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Holly Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, Flint Mo-Jo’s Food & 34th Annual St. Ignace Car Show – St Ignace Spirits Cruise – 5–9pm, Richfield Twp. Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, Birch Run Downtown Davison Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison 34th Annual St. Ignace Car Show Sloan Auto Fair – Flint Cultural Ctr. Campus, Judging 8am-4pm, Registration info call (248) 634-7190 or go to www.sloanautofair.com Lapeer Country Cruise – 12–9pm, M-24 (Lapeer Rd) Lapeer, Email 34th Annual St. Ignace Car Show waltwheeler@sbcglobal.net for info Sloan Auto Fair – Judging 8am-1pm, Flint Oldies But Goodies Cruise – 5–9pm, Big Boy Restaurant 9497 Lapeer Rd, Davison Houghton Lake Eagles #3201 Car Show – To benefit the Make a Wish Foundation, For Info Call Diana Kim (989) 422-7817 Bakers Cruise – Milford Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio AJ Racers Sports Bar Cruise – 6–8pm, Flint John’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Davison
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Custom Painting & Restorations
James Coleman Owner 4114 Davison Rd Burton MI 48509 USA
810-743-7800 1142 N. Center Rd. • Burton
Phone 810-742-0028 Fax 810-742-0059 colbergrad@sbcglobal.net
1941 Willys owned by Dennis Lawrason of Flushing, MI D
ennis bought this gorgeous car 5 years ago in Atlanta Georgia. Since then he has been working on, not just redoing it, but personalizing it to suit him. Dennis kept the fiberglass body reproduction looking just like the original. He kept the paint scheme the same as it was when he bought it, but has had the car repainted. Dennis also rebuilt the motor and is currently working on replacing the interior.
Motor: 408 CID Super Charged Big Block Chevy s Horse power: 520 hp at the rear wheel Transmission: Chevy Turbo 400 Rear End: 9” Ford Gear Ratio: 3:50 to 1 Chassis by: Art Morrison
1954 Buick Wildcat II O
wned by the Sloan Museum’s Buick Gallery, this one of a
kind gem was donated by General Motors to the Sloan Museum in 1976. The car has a 100 inch wheelbase and weighs in at 3,770 lbs. It is likely one of the Buick Gallery’s most prized possessions and definitely a treasure to be admired.
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1967 C-10 Chevy, Short box, pickup owned by Bob Myers. Bob bought the truck in 2000. At that time about 90% of the work had been done on it by Richard Smith of Flint. Bob and his crew worked on it for an additional 3 years to accomplish what you see today. Engine: 502 CID with Ryan Morrison Heads Dual 4barrel 650 CFM carbs Franklin Quick Change rear end has 4:11 gear in it now 17.5” Mickey Thompson Rear Tires
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1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda owned by Bob Young Built by: John Fletcher Interior: Willy’s Workshop Paint by: Bill Harper Striping by: LMB Design – Lynn Berkley Engine by: Indy Cylinder Head Transmission built by: Phil’s Transmission Color: PPG – Viper Red Engine: Indy – 588/745 hp Transmission: Chrysler 727/4,500 Stall Rear Axle: Comp Engineering – Fab 9/4:10 gears Wheels: Cragar S/S Tires: BF Goodrich Drag – Mickey Thompson Detailed by: Classic Detail
Custom Cushman Eagle scooters owned by Rod Campbell.
This custom bike was hand built by Mike Bowen and his son Scott. Mike owns a Muffler Man shop in Clio, MI. The bike has an all aluminum frame, V-Rod wheels, a 95 CID Harley “B” motor complete with fuel injection. Mike would like to give special thanks to Dave Satterwhite at Wolfhound Graphics and to George B. (for polishing).
This 2007 Custom XL 240 is owned by Jim Sloan of JBK Customs. The engine is a 91 CID racing, Pro-Stock XL. The transmission is a Baker XL 6 speed with a custom 3” belt drive. The front end is 73mm inverted Forkzillas. It has a Hardtail, rigid frame, single radius down tube with an 8” stretch, and dual radius back bones with a 3 “stretch.
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Dominates
Flint Area
C
obo Hall was packed with excitement this year as the 2009 Detroit Autorama got underway. More than 100 commercial exhibits were set up for the three day event, not to mention all of the private displays. There were tons of things to see! Part of all of that excitement was a commercial display set up in the center of Cobo Hall proudly displaying the “Flint Vehicle City” arches with a brick street recreation on the floor. The display was showcasing the upcoming auto related events in the Flint area such as Back to the Bricks, which takes place August 12-15, Bikes on the Bricks
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at
which happens September 25-26, and the Sloan Auto Fair that takes place on the Flint Cultural Center Campus, June 27-28. The display was only 24 feet by 64 feet, but it held some pretty spectacular items. There was a lot of “Vehicle City” history in that relatively small area. It held a 1967 C-10 Chevy Pickup owned by Bob Myers of Flushing, two beautiful custom motorcycles owned by Mike Bowen and Jim Sloan both of Flint, Rod Campbell of Linden’s Cushman Eagle scooters, Bob Young’s 1972 Plymouth Cuda, and the Sloan Museum brought in a 1954 Buick Wildcat
Flint Vehicle City illustration by Barry Pendley
Autorama
2009 Detroit
II concept car, that is said to have been the most expensive car on display at Autorama this year. What is really amazing is that nearly everything in and about this display won an award at the show. The display itself won the “Outstanding Commercial Display” award. It is very prestigious for Flint to have been represented and acknowledged at a nationally recognized auto show such as Detroit Autorama. Other award winners from the Flint booth include Bob Young’s Cuda. It took first place in the ’70-’79 custom hard top division. Bob Myers
won second place in the radical pick up division with his ’67 pick up. Rod Campbell’s scooters scooped up first and second place in the scooter division. That adds up to 5 awards in all. That’s pretty impressive for any group, and very important to Flint. With the automotive industry getting such negative press lately it’s nice to see a primarily automotive town like Flint get some positive press. In our eyes the Vehicle City will always be a winner.
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Big Screen TV - Entertainment on Weekends 4300 N State
Serving Cocktails Beer & Wine To Go
810.654.9757
Daily Dinner Specials Check Our Menu Board
Try Our Daily Specials! Monday - Half Off Pizza Tuesday - Coneys $1.75 Wednesday & Thursday 45cent Wings!! Friday - 2pc cod $7.95 3pc Cod $9.95 •
Sunday - Half Off Pizza
PIZZA • BURGERS • STEAK FISH-N-CHIPS • AND MORE
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Every Thursday at 6pm
CAR CRuise DJ - 50/50 RAFFlE PRIZES - FREEBIES HORSESHOES - VOllEyBAll
Come One, Come All, Have a Ball!
C G P Logos Business Cards T-Shirts Custom Wedding Invitations
4/18/2009 10:13:40 PM
For all your design needs.
(810) 266-9995
4/18/2009 10:13:40 PM
Car Cruise Every 3rd Saturday April through September (Weather permitting in October)
CLASSIC CAR OWNERS
200 S. Cherry Street Flushing, MI 48433 (810) 659-3401
Bring your car to Tropical Smoothie on Hill May 11th thru June 30, 2009 and get
2.00 off any adult smoothie.
$
Limited to (2) per vehicles. Not to be used with any other offer
Woody Benson W
oody Benson’s love of cars began as a child. As a young man, Woody would hang out at a garage in the back of a salvage yard on Dort Highway. Doc Gage, Bill Waddell, and Ron Langtoe, the guys that worked in that garage took Woody under their wing and began teaching him what he needed to know about cars. If not for them, Woody may not have turned out to be the classic car lover he was known and loved as. Benson didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to build a show car. He started out racing go-karts. Woody tinkered with a lot of different things with motors (and without). Over the years, he built snowmobiles, go-karts, several classic cars, and a sailboat. He even did upholstery on some of these vehicles. During all of his tinkering and building, Woody with the help of a couple of friends and his wife, Jerry, created and produced some fender skirts for classic cars. The skirts were made of fiberglass, hand finished, and shipped right from Woody’s own garage in Flint. Although some skirts were sold to custom car builders and collectors, Butch’s Rod Shop, a custom hot rod shop in Ohio, bought the majority of them. Since the skirts looked like bubbles, they became known as “Benson’s Bubbles.” Word spread about “Benson’s Bubbles” and soon they were a hot item. Butch’s Rod Shop was a regular customer. Soon Woody decided that it was getting too hard to keep up with the demand in his garage at home. So he struck a deal with Butch’s Rod Shop and sold the business. When he finally got a classic of his own, Woody naturally wanted to take it to some cruises. The problem was, in the early 1970’s, the 1949 Mercury he had was “too new” for most of the car shows in the Flint area where Woody lived. This caused him to look elsewhere for cruises and shows to attend. Woody and his young family traveled to places all over the United States to attend shows that he could enter his Mercury into. Woody never hauled his ’49 Mercury or any of his cars on a trailer. He always said, “If you build them, you drive 16 www.carbuffnews.com 16
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them.” So armed with only a small box of tools and the family’s provisions, they would all pile into whatever car he wanted to show and head to whichever destination had the next car show. Sometime in the mid 1970’s Woody, Jerry, and their kids attended a “Merc Deuce Reunion,” with some friends and their 1932 Mercury (Deuce). The Benson family took their 1949 Mercury to the reunion, and they had a marvelous time. In fact, they had such a good time that when they returned home, Woody told his wife, “The next time I go; I’m taking a Deuce.” Shortly after that he bought the 1932 Mercury (Deuce) pictured here, and began a frame-off restore on it. Woody along with his friends George Medich, Jr. Orme, and Dave Purdy started a group of cruisers known as the “Kustom Kruisers.” The group has since become known as the Michigan Cruisers. Some of the members of that group began the Flushing A&W Cruise that still takes place the 3rd Saturday of each month, beginning every spring. The cruise takes place at the Flushing A&W Restaurant on Cherry St, in Flushing Michigan. It seemed that Benson was always working on something, right up to the end. His last project was a rare 1942 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. Unfortunately, Woody never got to finish this project, as he passed away in 2005. Since his passing, Woody’s wife, Jerry has sold all of the cars Woody owned. Remember Benson’s mantra, “If you build them, you drive them.” He wouldn’t have wanted them sitting around collecting dust. He would want someone to enjoy them as much as he had. Woody Benson may be gone, but he will never be forgotten!
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Sloan Museum’s
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Over 25 classic and concept Buicks, Chevrolets and automobiles.
Located behind The Whiting, 303 Walnut Street, Flint 48503. For more info visit SloanLongway.org or call (810) 237-3440. Mention this ad and receive $1 off admission. Open 10-5 Monday through Friday, 12-5 Saturday, and Closed on Sunday. www.carbuffnews.com
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Contact Ron or Gale at (810) 736-8507 to advertise your business and in the next edition of Car Buff News!
Devonshire Classic Car Truck Show
&
D
evonshire is a retirement and assisted living community in Lapeer Michigan. A few years ago a man named Tom Glesenkamp worked as a maintenance man for the community. One day Tom had an idea to get the residents of Devonshire involved in something as a community. Since he loved classic cars and trucks, Tom thought a classic car and truck show would be a good idea. The staff agreed and they helped Tom put all of the details of the show together. People would bring their classic vehicles to the small community of Devonshire where the residents would judge them. There would be prizes, refreshments, and an endless supply of fun, all at no cost to the public. The very first show wasn’t huge (maybe 15-20 cars), but it was a huge success. Administrative Assistant, Virginia Finkbeiner recalls one resident at that first show. He was blind, but just by feeling the cars; he could tell you the make, model, and even the year of the vehicle. “It was just amazing,” Finkbeiner added. That is how it all started. Now, almost 5 years later, the show has become an annual event that people, both inside and outside the community of Devonshire, look forward to. There are always free refreshments, prizes for the winners, and fun to be had by all. This year’s event will take place Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 6:30pm. The address is 101 Devonshire Dr Lapeer Michigan. There will be door prizes and free refreshments. Residents will vote for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards. 1st place award is a $100.00 gift card, 2nd place award is a $75.00 gift card, and 3rd place award is a $50.00 gift card. For more information contact Devonshire Retirement Village at (810) 245-7646.
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Racing Experience and College A
group of high school students are learning first-hand what it takes to build a drag car and keep it going, thanks to a program hosted by Baker College’s Flint Campus. The students get to take the car to Milan Dragway to test their skills behind the wheel as well as their skills under the hood. Shop instructor, Andy Michalik says he tries to promote safe racing habits and discourages street racing. “I wouldn’t want to be the one to have to talk to their parents if I took them out on the street where there’s no emergency crew, and something happened,” said Michalik. Students racing at Milan Dragway are limited to the 12 second bracket. They aren’t allowed to go any faster than 12 seconds. That would be somewhere around 105-108 mph. That’s fast enough for any high school student to at least get a taste for drag racing. “Teaching was amazing, but racing tops anything I’ve ever done,” exclaims Keith Nicholls 20, of Linden, when asked what he liked most about this program. Nicholls has been assisting Michalik in his classes since 2005. The student supported auto club owns 3 vehicles;
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a 1967 Chevelle, a 1995 Camaro, and a Buick Grand National. All of the motors the students work on, including the ones in the cars, are 350 Chevy motors. Some of the motors were bought by the school, while some were donated to the class. Any machining that needs to be done to these motors is done by Bryant’s Machine Shop. Instructor, Andy Michalik says Bryant is excellent with these kids. The students range in age from 15-18 years. “I like them to at least have a learner’s permit” says Michalik. Since the program is hosted by Baker College, students receive some college credits for attending and passing the course. The shop is Nationally Certified so all of the credits are transferrable. Students also have the opportunity to take the state’s Mechanic Certification test at the end of the course. Their instructor, Andy Michalik, of Flint, is a Kearsley High School and Ferris State University graduate. He is also ASE certified. Andy comes from a family of car enthusiasts. His uncle Ron Michalik owns a VW Beetle he drag races at area tracks. Andy’s brother John Michalik teaches a similar class at the Livonia Career Center in Livonia. Every year the students get to test their knowledge against other high school students from around Michigan in the Michigan Tech Expo Top Gun Competition in Grand Rapids, sponsored by Auto Value Auto Parts. Accord-
Credits for High School Students ing to Michalik, students answer technology questions in a Jeopardy-style competition. The student who wins 1st place gets a $3000.00 scholarship. 2nd place gets a $500.00 scholarship. One of their students, Josh Vukovich just won 1st place in the most recent competition. They also take the car to Milan where they compete in the fall High School races and contests. There are contests such as the Car Cram, Loudest Stereo, Most Students from a School, and a burn-out contest. There is also an Instructors Race at Milan, in which all of the high school, auto shop instructors get to get in the cars and race against each other for fun. Andy and his brother John both compete in this race. What’s a little friendly competition between brothers? All of this fun doesn’t come cheap. So to raise funds for the classes to participate in these events, there is a Swap Meet held every year. This year the swap meet will take place on May 2, 2009 at Lake Fenton High School,
4070 Lahring Rd, Linden MI 48451. Vendor spaces $10.00, admission $5.00, wives and children under 12 free. Set up 6am-9am. Public 9am-2pm. Proceeds go to fund the Drag Racing Program for students and for a scholarship fund. Both Michalik and Nicholls commented that it seems as if this year there has been more media attention and community support seems to be growing. Besides the swap meet, community members can show their support by bringing their cars in for minor repairs. Cars are taken in for repair by appointment only. Parts come from local Auto Value, Mid Michigan, and Advance Auto Parts stores. Michalik says he would eventually like to build a full-rail drag car with the students, but that they would need to have the car donated. Maybe someday that will happen. Until then, we’ll just have to keep an eye open to see what these young people are up to.
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21
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We SPONSOR these cars … #222 #75 #6 Ron Thompson Jr. Vice President
920 N. Vernon Ave. Flint, MI 48506
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Complete Line of Drywall Supplies Steel Studs, Acoustical Ceilings
Phone: 810-239-2984 Fax: 810-238-1373
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the FliNt aRea CoNVeNtioN & VisitoRs BuReau’s
oFFiCial Guide to diNiNG Family Dining
bd’s Mongolian Barbeque 4205 Miller Rd. Flint Twp., 810-732-1132 Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ 2461 North Rd. Fenton, 810-750-0507 Fuddrucker’s Restaurant 2372 Austin Parkway Flint Twp., 810-235-8585 Gillie’s Coney Island G-6524 N. Dort Hwy. Mt. Morris, 810-686-1200 The Hot Dog Stand 11338 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, 810-695-7597 Mega Classic Diner 4462 Corunna Rd. Flint, 810-732-9700 Old Country Buffet 4196 E. Court St. Burton, 810-743-1811 G-3583 Miller Rd. Flint Twp., 810-733-5511 Rib City Grill G-4150 Miller Rd. Flint Twp., 810-230-0094 Starlite Diner And Coney Island 1500 N. Center Rd. Flint, 810-742-4955 Temple Dining Room 755 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-235-7760 Thompson Creek Turkey Farm 2160 W. Hill Rd. Flint, 810-234-5444 Venus Family Restaurant G-5485 Fenton Rd. Flint, 810-235-6911 Walli’s Restaurant G-1341 S. Center Rd. Burton, 810-743-9600
Upscale Brickstreet of Grand Blanc 1223 Grand Blanc Rd. Grand Blanc, 810-603-2114 Floyd’s Restaurant 10200 Woodfield Drive Grand Blanc, 810-695-4653 J. Porter’s Steakhouse Holiday Inn Gateway Centre 5353 Gateway Centre Flint, 810-232-1373 Mackuch’s Red Rooster 3302 Davison Rd. Flint, 810-742-9310
Redwood Lodge 5304 Gateway Centre Flint, 810-233-8000
Café/Deli Grand Traverse Pie Company 2350 S. Center Rd. Burton, 810-742-9743 Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café 503 Garland St. Flint, 810-238-1444 The Lunch Studio 444 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-424-9868 Pesto’s 5275 Miller Rd. Flint, 810-732-4390 Tropical Smoothie Café 2103 S. Linden Rd. Flint, 810-733-2100
Fast Food Big John Steak & Onion Flint’s Original Steak and Onion 10 area locations, 810-230-9000 Bill Thomas Halo Burger A Flint tradition for over 75 Years 9 area locations www.haloburger.com YAYA’s Flame Broiled Chicken Healthy & Tasty Chicken 6 area locations www.yayas.com McDonald’s Restaurants 810-233-4075
Japanese Sagano Japanese Steakhouse & Bistro G-2065 S. Linden Rd. Flint, 810-230-7300
Middle Eastern Taboon 3393 S. Linden Rd. Flint, 810-720-0336
Italian Italia Gardens G-3273 Miller Rd Flint, 810-720-4112 1141 S. State Rd. Davison, 810-653-6899 1076 S. Lapeer Rd. Oxford, 248-628-4112
Latina Restaurant & Pizzeria 1370 W. Bristol Rd. Flint, 810-767-8491 Luigi’s/El Toro 2132 Davison Rd. Flint, 810-234-9545 Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria G-5227 Fenton Rd. Flint, 810-232-6535 Salvatore Scallopini G-3227 Miller Rd. Flint Twp., 810-732-1070
Pizza & Subs
formation, For listing in ick at R ll ca e Pleas 81 810-232-81
Mancino’s of Fenton 4019 Owen Rd. Fenton, 810-714-2000
Seafood Frank’s Tavern 14331 Eastview Dr. Fenton, 810-629-9133
Pubs/Taverns Churchill’s Food & Spirits 340 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-238-3800 Kickers Sports Bar & Grill G-5577 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-695-2060 Mo Doggie’s Bar & Grill 715 Torrey Rd. Fenton, 810-629-1415 The Torch Bar & Grille 522 Buckham Alley Flint, 810-232-0626 White Horse Tavern 621 W. Court St. Flint, 810-234-3811
Casual Dining Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 4135 E. Court St. Burton, 810-744-1977 G-3129 Miller Rd. Flint, 810-235-1911 1400 E. Hill Rd. Grand Blanc, 810-603-2750 18115 Silver Pkwy. Fenton, 810-714-9230 10030 Lapeer Rd. Davison, 810-653-3900 Blue Collar Grill G-5311 Corunna Rd. Flint, 810-732-4600
Cranberries Café 10250 Hegel Rd. Goodrich, 810-636-3409 Fandangles 6429 W. Pierson Rd. Flushing, 810-659-2700 Firkin & Fox 1341 S. Center Rd. Burton, 810-743-9530 Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 713 S. Main Frankenmuth, 989-652-9941 French Laundry 125 W. Shiawassee Ave. Fenton, 810-629-8852 Little Joe’s 11518 S. Saginaw St. Grand Blanc, 810-694-8391 O’Malley’s Wild Irish Inn 1076 S. Belsay Rd. Burton, 810-715-9900
Coffee Shops/Bakeries Bear Creek Coffee Café 105 N. Bridge St. Linden, 810-735-9323 Dale’s Cheesecake Shoppe 8572 Silver Lake Rd. Argentine, 810-735-2787 The Good Beans Café 328 N. Grand Traverse Flint, 810-237-4663 Park Avenue Cheesecake Company 2221 E. Hill Rd. Grand Blanc, 810-953-1300
Mexican El Cozumel Mexican Grill G-4190 E. Court St. Burton, 810-715-4426
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23
RACE-AWAY TOP PERFORMANCE PARTS Don and Ron Lowell, Owners
“We have the peRfoRmAnCe pARts to help you Race- away from the Competition.” Green Oldsmobile Cutlass owned by Don Lowell owner of Race-Away Performance Parts.
1966 Coronet owned by Joe Shultz
1968 Dodge Dart owned by Gene Shultz