what’s inside | July/August 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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I First Saw ‘29 Ford....................................... 4 Dear Readers, 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. If we print 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. 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
Mid Michigan Modern Muscle Car Club.... 6 It’s Red, Sleek and Fast................................ 8 Malibu Tom................................................. 10 Engine Builder Urban Finds Way to Bring Racing Power, Fuel Efficiency Together... 13 July/August Calendar................................ 14 The Mustang Brothers............................... 16 Before & After Mustangs........................... 19 Back to the Bricks....................................... 19 The Story of ’Lil Walnut Lizzie................... 24 The White and Red Beauty....................... 28 Dining Guide.............................................. 30
Featured Cars
of July/August
2952 Carr St. | Flint, MI 48506 | Phone # (810) 736-8507
Notice: Car Buff News would like to
apologize to the businesses of downtown Davison for the inconveniences that may have occurred due to the incorrect start time of the Cruize posted in our May/June calender.
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2008 Mustang GT and
1964½ Mustang
United Way of Genesee County
is the
forefront of uniting people, developing resources and creating solutions to advance the common good. As a leader in performance-based philanthropy, United Way is focused on creating long-lasting changes. When you donate to United Way you are investing in Genesee County’s Youth, Families, Older Adults and Basic Needs (food, clothing and shelter). When we all come together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own. Did you know that the United Way, with the UAW and General Motors, has built over 4,000 accessibility ramps for individuals with disabilities throughout Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties. We are averaging three calls a day inquiring about our Ramp Program. As your UAW Liaisons, we coordinate the program and work with all the different agencies to find assistance for those in need.
The Ramp Program provides assistance to disabled citizens through the construction of residential ramps. UAW/GMDelphi volunteers and United Way respond to requests from those who need accessibility for their home. Because of the skill and generosity of dedicated UAW members, the Ramp Program volunteers make it possible for relatives, friends and neighbors to go to doctor appointments, church, run errands, visit friends and relatives, and have an active lifestyle. If you need assistance or would like to volunteer, or make a contribution to the Ramp Program, contact Joe Niedzwiecki or Gene Ridley @ United Way of Genesee County, 810.762.5831. Car Buff News is a proud contributor to the United Way of Genesee County. When you spend your advertising dollars with Car Buff News, a portion of those dollars go directly to the United Way for the Ramp Program. Car Buff News hopes, with your help, to build more ramps for the individuals with disabilities in our area. We are proud to be a sponsor of this fine program! Give. Advocate. Volunteer.
Live United.
Community Living Services August 8, 2009
City of Westland August 22, 2009
Wayne Rotary
August 29, 2009
I First Saw the ’29 Ford
R
on Daup and I were at a car show being held on the infield at MIS Speedway. The show was put on by the Onsted Kiwanis Club. Participants had the option of taking laps around the track after the show. WHO can resist that opportunity? Ron had a ’26 Ford Model T, 2 door sedan and I had a ’27 Ford coupe back then. I explained to Ron what the rules were, since I had attended this show the previous year and had taken the laps. And was that a BLAST!
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Anyway, I told Ron that we could exceed the 70 mph speed limit, but we had to be cautious and not to get crazy.. Well, coming into turn 3 at approximately 115 mph I looked in the mirror and saw this orange 29 coming upon me. It was Gene Alumbaugh in that ’29 and that was the first time I saw this car. I knew Gene and was familiar with the quality of his work. He built this car, the ’29. Over the years I watched the car and spoke with Gene frequently about the car and took numerous pictures of
it. One day I said to Gene, “You want to sell that car?” Gene said, “You want to buy it?’ I told him I did want to buy it, but would rather sell the truck I had first, a ’48 Ford pickup. Gene told me, “you’ve taken so many pictures of it you should buy it.” Gene went on to say that he had no plans of selling it to anyone else. At the end of the year a fellow from Milwaukee, Wisconsin bought my truck at the NSRA show in Kalamazoo. I called Gene and picked up the car on September 22, 2007. That was approximately 3 years after the first time I saw the car. It is an all steel body car. It has a 350 Chevy with aluminum heads and is bored .30. It has a 9˝ Ford rearend with a 3:73 gear ratio. The transmission is a GM 400
Turbo. The color is 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Hugger Orange. It has been an excellent car. I like chrome and like it a lot. Since purchasing the car I have added a chrome air cleaner, chrome carburetor, chrome intake, chrome valve covers, and chrome wire looms. The car did not have a hood when I purchased it and I decided to add a hood to the car plus changing the grill shell insert. I must add that along the way, Ron Daup, John Olay, and Verle Wetherwax have given me a lot of help and I appreciate it very much. I’ve driven the car approximately 12,000 miles and it hasn’t missed a beat. And—I see 12,000 more.
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Mid Michigan Modern Muscle Car Club Our club was started in 2007 by myself, Lance Wilson. I am the President and founder. We are a Michigan Domestic Non Profit corporation. The club was formed for the countless people with cars that are often times considered too new to get into certain shows or cruises. Our criteria for membership is that a car must be model year 1973 or newer, rear wheel drive, American (Ford, GM, Chrysler Product), it must have a V-8 engine or a V-6 with a Turbo or a Supercharger (like the Buick Grand National or the Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe). We currently have 36 cars in the club. Our dues for membership are only $24.00/year. Our club website is www.MidMichiganModernMuscle.com As a club we put on the cruise at Johns Pizzeria every Tuesday night. This cruise is open to any American car or truck of any age. We also run the 3 Cruisin Under The Stars events per year our next two are July 24th and August 28th.
awk Jr. They call him the Chicken H
Jacob Thom, 13 years old from Mt. Morris, is an Auto City Speed Way Hornet Division Driver. In his 1997 Dodge Neon (4 cylinder car), Jacob took the checkered flag in his first race! Wow! He had to have loved that feeling! Also his fourth race was a feature win! Great job! 6
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They run from 8:00pm -11:00pm. We also have done things together like going to Ubly Dragway to run our cars, we have members that are into autocrossing and we may do an autocross together as a club. We go to shows together and have taken our cars to a retirement home for the residents to view. We try to promote good community service whenever possible. We usually do a fall event like a color tour. We have members who are single and members who have families and we try to make everything we do family friendly. We are always looking for good people to become new members. Since we are a non profit and our dues are low we always welcome sponsorship or donations to the club. If anyone is interested in becoming a member or interested in becoming a sponsor they can contact me through our website or by calling (810) 348-6045.
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The Candy Man
Robert Dickey with his #40 Legends car with a 900 cc Honda Engine. That’s what they call Robert Dickey from Saginaw. A 63 year old Legends car, former street stock (Bridgeport area) driver, Dickey has told Car Buff News, “It’s time to let it go.” July 11th will be the end of his 45 years of racing. Dickey told us, “It hurts to have to say goodbye.” www.carbuffnews.com
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It’s red, sleek and
And a father’s and son’s dream The Ford GT sits a powerhouse of speed and beauty in the driveway of the Chomin famly home in Tawas City. Gary Chomin’s son Daniel spotted the 2005 Ford GT at the Thelen Ford-Mercury dealership in Standish first, but it was Gary who drove the deal home. Actually, the midengine machine was trailered home and kept in pristine condition as an investment. As owner of Advance Machine Corporation for more than 25 years Gary had finally paid off the CNC equipment in his prototype parts and short production run shop and was ready to relive his youth. The supercharged Ford GT brought back memories of his first car, a candy apple red 1967 Ford GT Mustang, 8
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bought at age 16. That’s where the like father, like son comes in. Daniel’s first car was a red 1999 Ford Mustang GT convertible purchased at age 16 just like his father but 40-some years later. The 390 cu.in. V8 engine with 4-speed manual transmission earned Gary a couple of speeding tickets back then but this 550 hp GT with 5.4 liter supercharged DOHC V8 with 6-speed remains untested except for the 6 miles put on by Ford. The Ford GT was one of a limited production from 2005 to 2006 and definitely would remain a collector’s item. The Chomin car was number 1045 of only 4033 built. Making it even more rare is the fact it is one of approxi-
d fast – Story by Linda Ann Chomin Photos by Daniel Chomin
mately 250 cars with CNC machined control arms made from a billet of aluminum. Gary played a special role in the making of the car as his shop machined parts for the Ford GT on the CNC lathe. Gary believes the Ford GT is history in the making as the 2005 vehicle is an updated version of the racing car that beat Ferrari in 1966 in LeMans. “It’s a piece of history being the LeMans car,” said Gary Chomin. The enthusiasm of Gary and Daniel is contagious. “Ford took it to LeMans, a 24-hour race, and ended up killing everyone for 3 or 4 years straight,” said Daniel. Twin red racing stripes flash across the Detroit supercar with ebony interior. Made in Troy, Michigan with body by Saleen, the car received its fiery engine at the Ford Wixom plant and can be boosted. The mid-engine twoseater is capable of rocketing along challenging roads with hairpin turns or motoring to the grocery store, but the Chomins pamper the car which still has plastic covering the steering wheel.
Gary researched the value of the 1967 mustang he paid around $3,000 for brand new that would have sold for $100,000 in today’s market. That’s why he’s kept the original price sticker, owner’s manual and documentation as well for the Ford GT estimated at 21 MPG highway. You just touch the gas pedal and the tires start to spin,” said Gary Chomin. “It’s very, very fast,” added Daniel, “but I love it because it’s beautiful.” Gary tells the story about the car’s ability to attract attention of passersby even when not on the road. The shiny red Ford GT is equipped with Goodyear Eagle 18-in. tires in front, 19-in. in back and lightweight forged aluminum wheels all around. “The dealership asked us to bring the cover for the car when it was brought in for an oil change because everyone would stop and stare and they were wasting too much time answering questions about the car,” said Gary Chomin. The Ford GT has a way of making fast friends whether of strangers or of family. www.carbuffnews.com
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Malibu Tom by Katherine Malette
T
om Burns has been doing restoration and other work on cars his whole life. It’s of no surprise that when we met up with Tom he had multiple cars and projects underway. One of his project cars was a 1932 Chevy Coupe. Tom purchased the car in 2007 and has put additional updates into it as well as the typical restoration. This car has a 350 motor from a 1968 Vette, 2 speed manual Valvebody Power Glide tranny, 5 window design, and Camaro rearend. Assisting Tom in the restoration and building of this car was Coby Gardener out of St. Johns Michigan. The best thing Tom said he enjoyed about this car is that it is “just an old ’32 Chevy.” Tom Burns has also earned the nickname “the Malibu man” for his love of the 1978-81 style Chevy Malibu. The Malibu pictured is a 1980 which has undergone a complete restoration. Tom located this particular car in the Flint Journal’s Wise Buys section listed for $1,800. The lady he made the purchase from was the original owner from Flushing, Michigan. Amazingly Tom has the original sales sticker and paperwork for this car and interestingly we discovered that she was purchased on November 28, 1980 from Applegate Chevrolet for $5,682.40.
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Photos by Gerry Stiles
This 1980 Malibu, which weighs in at only 2,980 lbs(these cars were very light for their time) has the original black vinyl interior, bench seat, and the dog-dish hub caps. The car has gone through some major work since Tom has taken ownership. She has had a ground-up frame-on restoration and been painted the original 1980 color Cinnabar. The car also has a Grand National rear end under it. Tom, with the assistance of Jim Curtis, built the 350 CI motor (cut .30 over to make it a 355) and complimented it with a 4 speed. He also had assistance from Jim Parks and Terry Sims on the rest of the restoration project. Tom says that the Malibu is currently his “baby” until the next better one comes along. He has another project in the works which also happens to be a Malibu. Come to the 5th Annual Otterlake Motor Vehicle Extravaganza! Sunday July 19, 2009 from 9am to 3pm.
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Established, Family Owned and Operated since 1966
Visit us at JohnsPizzeriaDavison.com for money-saving coupons!
Johns Pizzeria in Davison has a great family atmosphere with friendly staff to ensure you have the best dining experience possible. We have a full bar including wine, cold beer and cocktails. Both of our dining rooms are smoke free. Smoking is available in the bar area only. If you can’t make it in to see us, give us a call to place your order, or come into our take out area located on the west side of the building and place your order, as we have all of our food items available for you to take back to your home. Sorry, delivery is not available. Please call ahead for reservations, and we will be glad to see if we can accommodate your party. Our number is (810) 653-4119. Johns Pizzeria is also able to offer you great prices and great food for any event you may have, such as open houses, birthday parties, showers, ect. We offer party sized antipastos, lasagna, spaghetti or mostaccioli, (baked or regular) and breadsticks, just ask our friendly staff, we’d be happy to help!
1000 HP + @20 MPG Auto racing and fuel economy are two subjects that don’t often come up in conversation together. But Kurt Urban, owner of Kurt Urban Performance in Commerce Twp., said with new racing-friendly alternative fuels and the gas price spikes of the recent past, fuel economy isn’t necessarily out of the question for racing fans. “The people who want the high-powered engines, still want them: But we’re doing a ’69 Camaro now that will be over 1,000 horsepower, but also will knock out 20 miles per gallon,” said Urban. “The focus has shifted a little. Ten years ago, people didn’t care or ask about gas mileage. Now, we build components into, the car and we especially look at where we can cheat fuel mileage.” Urban speaks from experience. He started his company 15 years ago and five years later it was bought by the mega-racing performance company, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain. Urban came on board at Wheel to Wheel as director of operations for special vehicles. “I was the one that took care of building the engines for the concept vehicles and the retail high-power racecars, hotrods,” said Urban. He said he did a lot of retrofitting like taking a ’69 Camaro and giving it modern amenities like air conditioning and a fuelinjected, super-charged engine. Making it drive like a new car, but still have the retro look of the old car. I did a lot of that type of car. Still do.” When Wheel to Wheel fell victim to the economy and closed its doors in April 2008, Urban got busy resurrecting his old business, which he started back up at the first of the year.
By Christine Snyder, Detroit Auto Scene Staff Reporter “My main focus is engines, said Urban. “Mostly booster-type engines, turbo-charged, super-eharged, but I still do work on cars also. I don’t work on a car unless I’m building an engine for it and it needs something special installed.” Urban specializes in the LS GM engine that initially came out in the 1997 Corvette and is still used today in SUVs and pickups. “Some are for drag racing, some are performance cars, a lot of them are retrofitting older cars, putting newer technology into older cars,” said Urban about his customer base. One of the auxiliary benefits of the new technology is fuel economy, said Urban. “Some of the beauty of it is; as a car guy it’s a cool thing to do, but the efficiency of the engine is~ much better. “That’s where the power comes from, but also where the fuel mileage comes from now. It makes your ’69 car, which gets 11 miles per gallon, easily shoot up to 20 miles per gallon and you have double the horsepower.” Another new nod to gas economy is E85, said Urban. The ethanol-based alternative fuel is also race friendly, he said. “That fuel is 105 octane in the summertime, so it lends itself very well to high-powered cars.” Urban said one of his suppliers is working on a system based on the flow meter used in GM E85 vehicles. “(With this system) I will be able to build you a high-powered car that makes 1,000 horsepower when its got E85 in it, and then when you pump regular gas into it if you need to, the computer will adjust (it).” Check out KurtUrban.com or contact Kurt at (248) 345-8169 or Kuperf@aol.com
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August2 0 o 9 Sat. Aug. 1 Sun. Aug. 2 Mon. Aug. 3
Halo Burger Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Grand Blanc Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd., Milford Motorhead Mondays – 5:30–Dusk, Walton & Livernois in Rochester (across from Crittenton Hospital) Lapeer Cruise – 6–9pm, Nepessing St., Lapeer Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio Tue. Aug. 4 AJ Racer’s Sports Bar – 4020 N. Dort Hwy., Flint John’s Pizza – 6pm–Dusk, Davison Rd., Davison Wed. Aug. 5 Otisville Cruise at the Light – 5:30–8pm Joe’s Garage – 5–9pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd., Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Downtown Holly Sharky’s Cruise Bristol Rd. Call for info. Thurs. Aug. 6 Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, 7-Eleven, 5015 Richfield Rd., Flint Fri. Aug. 7 Downtown Davison Cruise – 6–9pm, Davison, Helena Kramer (810) 653-7349 Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, 11740 Gera Rd., Birch Run Gangster Car Show, Swap Meet & Flea Market – (810) 678-8350, Roadside Attractions, 3549 S. Lapeer Rd., Sat. Aug. 8 Metamora, carsantiquesandmore.com Burger King Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 5510 Fenton Rd., Flint Sun. Aug. 9 Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd., Milford Mon. Aug. 10 Motorhead Mondays – 5:30–Dusk, Walton & Livernois in Rochester (across from Crittenton Hospital) Lapeer Cruise – 6–9pm, Nepessing St., Lapeer Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio Tue. Aug. 11 Back to the Bricks Cruise – Downtown Flint AJ Racer’s Sports Bar – 4020 N. Dort Hwy., Flint John’s Pizza – 6pm–Dusk, Davison Rd., Davison Wed. Aug. 12 Back to the Bricks Cruise – Downtown Flint Otisville Cruise at the Light – 5:30–8pm Joe’s Garage – 5–9pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd., Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Downtown Holly Sharky’s Cruise Bristol Rd. Call for info. Thurs. Aug. 13 Back to the Bricks Cruise – Downtown Flint Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, 7-Eleven, 5015 Richfield Rd., Flint Sat. Aug. 15 Back to the Bricks Cruise – Downtown Flint Flushing A&W Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, 200 S. Cherry St, Flushing Sun. Aug. 16 Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd., Milford Mon. Aug. 17 Motorhead Mondays – 5:30–Dusk, Walton & Livernois in Rochester (across from Crittenton Hospital) Lapeer Cruise – 6–9pm, Nepessing St., Lapeer Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio Tue. Aug. 18 Mega Cruise – 5pm–8pm, Mega Coney Island, Owen Rd. (at US-23), Fenton, (810) 750-2234 AJ Racer’s Sports Bar – 4020 N. Dort Hwy., Flint John’s Pizza – 6pm–Dusk, Davison Rd., Davison Wed. Aug. 19 Otisville Cruise at the Light – 5:30–8pm Joe’s Garage – 5–9pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd., Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Downtown Holly Sharky’s Cruise Bristol Rd. Call for info. Thurs. Aug. 20 Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, 7-Eleven, 5015 Richfield Rd., Flint Fri. Aug. 21 Downtown Davison Cruise – 6–9pm, Davison, Helena Kramer (810) 653-7349 Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, 11740 Gera Rd., Birch Run Sat. Aug. 22 The Hot Dog Stand – 4-8pm, 11338 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, (810) 695-7597 Oldies But Goodies Street Rod Club – Davison Big Boy, 5-9pm, Lapeer Rd., Davison, Jim (810) 686-3119 Sun. Aug. 23 Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd., Milford Mon. Aug. 24 Motorhead Mondays – 5:30–Dusk, Walton & Livernois in Rochester (across from Crittenton Hospital) Lapeer Cruise – 6–9pm, Nepessing St., Lapeer Twin’s Pizza Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Clio Tue. Aug. 25 John’s Pizza – 6pm–Dusk, Davison Rd., Davison AJ Racer’s Sports Bar – 4020 N. Dort Hwy., Flint Wed. Aug. 26 Otisville Cruise at the Light – 5:30–8pm Joe’s Garage – 5–9pm, 6468 W. Vienna Rd., Clio Battle Alley Cruise – 5pm–Dusk, Downtown Holly Sharky’s Cruise Bristol Rd. Call for info. Thurs. Aug. 27 Kearsley Kruze – 5pm–Dusk, 7-Eleven, 5015 Richfield Rd., Flint Fri. Aug. 28 Downtown Davison Cruise – 6–9pm, Davison, Helena Kramer (810) 653-7349 Oink Joint Cruise – 5–9pm, 11740 Gera Rd., Birch Run Sun. Aug. 30 Bakers Cruise – Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Rd., Milford
Cruisers and Drivers: please be respectful of start/end times of cruises and shows. Check dates and times for any changes.
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The
Mustang Brothers by Katherine Malette
Corey Sorensen and Kyle Dotson are your typical 19 year old boys, they hunt and fish together, even went to the same babysitter when they were younger, but with something even more unique in common. Corey and Kyle each have a Mustang in the color Grabber Orange. As if having the same color and make of car was not enough these boys possess one more unique quality, “Kyle has one of the oldest Mustangs made, and I have one of the newest,” replied Corey during the interview. The 2008 Mustang GT belongs to Corey. The muscle car was purchased last July as a graduation gift to him from his grandfather for being in the top ten of his graduating class. Corey is still learning about cars and new to the scene, but has sentimental feelings toward his mustang since his father owned a yellow ’71 Mustang when he was younger. Corey’s car may be grabber orange rather than yellow, but the sentiment is still there since in some lights it appears yellow in color. Corey’s car is stock, putting out about 315 HP and 320 ft/lbs of torque. On the way to the John’s Pizza Cruise where we interviewed him, Corey’s car rolled just over 9,000 miles. He has a lot of ideas for customizing that he would like to do with his car including halo lights, dual racing stripes, a supercharger, and quarter and rear window louvers. 16
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Photos by Gerry Stiles
“
Kyle has one of the oldest Mustangs made, and I have one of the newest.
”
Kyle on the other hand has the older model. Kyle and his father purchased the car in 2000 as a bonding project. The 1964 ½ Mustang was purchased from his father’s friend in desperate need of total restoration. “The car was literally in five different colors when we got it” says Kyle, chuckling as he remembers, “but we saw the potential in her.” Their mustang has a stock 289 engine, which was freshened up for a total restoration. The floor pans have been replaced, and Kyle's father painted her in the original grabber orange color. The project took father and son approximately two years to finish with their goal being to keep it as close to stock as possible. The car was done for Kyle’s mother and the original 4 speed was swapped for a 3 speed automatic since she doesn’t know how to drive a standard yet. Now the boys attend car shows together and are known as The Mustang Brothers, the first car show the boys attended together being the Davison Main Street Cruise. The boys enjoy the differences and similarities in their cars. “It’s like, wow! Look at them, they did change, but not much” says Corey.
Thank you John’s Pizza and Mid Michigan Modern Muscle. www.carbuffnews.com
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The Story of ’Lil Walnut Lizzie 1924 Model T Truck by Georgie Thompson
Gerald Goodman of Grand Blanc, Michigan was a collector of antique cars, tractors, engines and related equipment. His dream was to restore a Model T to it’s original. After searching far and wide, he received a call, there was one for sale right in Grand Blanc. With much excitement, he want to look at it. It was a frame, drive shaft, wheels and a motor, with an orange crate for a seat. Jerry cranked
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it up, and with a big smile on his face, drove it home. After much though and planning, Jerry decided to make a Model T truck from the frame and parts he had collected. All of the parts were original 1924 Model T. He also decided to use black walnut wood, from a tree he had cut down and milled himself. The cab of the truck has three log screws on each side, so the top can be removed.
The dashboard is original, and the speedometer is restored original. The seats were from restored parts. Jerry mad handmade leather side curtains too roll down in case of bad weather. The kerosene lanterns are original, and using the lanterns the truck has turn signals, headlights and tail lights. The truck runs down the road at 35 miles per hour.
The spokes of each wheel were completely restored (a year’s project). The box sides of the truck were flared for appearance. After hours of sanding, sealing, and finishing (six years total), the project was complete. That was the birth of ’Lil Walnut Lizzie, 1924 Model T Truck, named for the black walnut wood used to build it.
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The White and Red Beauty by Dan McAvoy
Flint Township’s Andrew “Sherlock” Holmes is very thankful to have his sweet 1969 Buick Electra 225. He owes a lot of his love of cars from his father Hickman Holmes Sr. especially the love of Buicks. According to Sherlock, growing up he only recalls of his family only had one Chevrolet and the rest were Buicks. He currently owns a 1969 Buick Electra 225, 2-door convertible with a 430 engine, with a power antenna; a power white convertible top, six way power seats, with red interior. The color of the car is white. He has an interesting tale on how he got his white beauty. Back in 1999, he was just looking on his home computer for Buicks. At the time, his nephew Dana had a 1970 four-door Green Buick Electra 225. Anyways, he was just about to head off for bed. All of sudden his future classic popped up on my computer screen. He saw his white and red beauty and later he contacted the owner of it who lived on the Ohio and Kentucky border. He later e-mailed Sherlock more photos of the car and he and my brother Hickman went down to look at the car first hand. Ironically looking back on it, he didn’t know if he wanted this car. He really wanted a 1970 Buick Electra 225 because my nephew Dana had one and he always like the style of a 1970 Buick. “I have grown to love my ’69 Buick,” said Sherlock. After much thought, he purchased the car, but he wondered and worried how he was going to get the car home. Well one night for some reason he couldn’t sleep. 28
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According to Sherlock one night he couldn’t sleep all of sudden he awoke with the sound of air brakes and roll back of a tow truck in his driveway. “I peeked out the window, it wasn’t Santa Claus but it felt like on Christmas morning. I told my wife Laverne and my family,” said Sherlock. “It is my car, it is my car.” He was really happy with car and it has run smoothly. He later detailed the engine putting on chrome valve covers, new brakes, springs and shocks and a new water pump. He loved going to car shows as well car cruises on the weekends. One of my favorite car shows is taking part in the annual Flint’s Sloan Summer Car show, which recently celebrated its 35th year in Flint in 2007. He has won five top 75 awards at the Sloan show. In addition, he has won twice at Flint Region Antique Automobile Club of America at Crossroads Village at Huckleberry Railroad. His classic was awarded the best of show in the 32nd Annual Car Show Flint Region Antique Automobile Club of America in August of 2008 held at Crossroads Village at Huckleberry Railroad. “I couldn’t believe it I won that, I was very happy and thankful in receiving the best of show,” he said. The car was featured in the 2008 movie, “Semi-Pro” movie starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harleson. In the spring of 2007, he along with other classic car guys and gals drove down to Detroit in a downpour rain to film a few scenes for the movie at the Michigan Fairgrounds.
A ugust 11,12,13,14 and the 15, 2009 Many people have been asking ‘what’s new for the 2009 ‘Back to the Bricks Cruise and Car Show’? Well, this is our 5th anniversary and like the first four years, we have added an extra day to each of the year’s event. This year will be no different and we are adding a fifth day beginning on Tuesday evening, August 11th, 2009. We will kick off this year’s cruise with a ‘free’ drive inn movie on the grounds of the Flint Cultural Center with the showing of either ‘Grease’ or ‘American Graffiti’. There will be popcorn, hot dogs and soft drinks available at a nominal price and a DJ playing our favorite cruisin’ tunes. So get out the lawn chairs and come on down. On Wednesday, August 12th and 13th, the popular ‘Rolling Cruise’ will take place from 4pm until 10pm from south of Grand Blanc thru Burton and on up into downtown Flint. Steve, Denny and Ed, ‘Rolling Cruise’ chairs, have lined up thirty-eight host sites along the route that will be offering food specials and product specials. There will be live entertainment, exhibits, and bleachers for the spectators along the thirteen mile route. We are anticipating in excess of 15,000 collector cars from all over the country that will be driven on the route. Friday’s activities kick off with a ‘free’ all you can eat pancake breakfast for the first five-hundred people showing up in a collector car. Like last year, Elga Credit and 96.1 FM radio will be sponsoring the breakfast. It starts at 7am in the morning and ends at 10 am and breakfast will be serve in the same location as last year in the U of M-Flint’s north parking lot which is located at the corner of Robert T. Longway and Saginaw Streets. Just look for the white tent. Breakfast will be followed by a ‘free’ hot dog lunch at Duke’s Car Stereo which is located at 2833 S. Dort Highway. Mark and Jim, owner’s of Duke’s Car Stereo, said they serve over 750 lunches last year and said ‘bringem’ on’ for this year. Now I just have to ask, ‘how many car shows do you know where you can get a free breakfast and lunch’? Not many if any at all! We are still not done with Friday’s activities; the official ‘Kick Off’ party starts in downtown Flint at 6pm. Thru the efforts of ABC12, the Flint Symphony Orchestra
and your Back to the Bricks committee, a ‘free’ Motown Concert is going to happen featuring none other than the ‘Contours featuring Sylvester Potts”! The concert is going to be held right on the ‘Bricks’ near the Saginaw Street Flint River Bridge. It’s another good reason to break out the lawn chairs. And ‘oh, by the way’, ABC 12 will be broadcasting the concert live starting at 7pm thru 9pm. As long as I am on the subject of broadcasting, ABC12 will also be broadcasting the ‘Rolling Cruise’ live on both Wednesday and Thursday nights from 7pm to 8pm. How’s that for coverage! Saturday’s activities will feature our sponsor’s displays in front of the U of M’s Market Pavilion, the ‘Women’s Market’ Place which will be held inside of the Pavilion with over twenty-five vendors featuring products for the women. On the ‘flat lot’ which is located on Saginaw Street, will feature displays from our sponsors such as Mother’s Polishes and Waxes, Buckroo Communications, ProStyle Auto and Truck Accessories, Detroit Muscle, All American Muscle Cars, Dreamakers, Dennis Kirban Products and many more. New this year will be the north parking lot which located at Robert T. Longway and Saginaw Streets. This will be the first year for vendors featuring many automotive related products, The lot will have live entertainment, food, displays featuring over 30 antique fire engines, vintage campers, the UAW Region 1C exhibit tractor trailer and car show and more. The evening will end with an event that is happening along side of this year’s event and that is the Mark Farner (Grand Funk) concert at the Atwood Stadium beginning at 7pm in the evening. This is an independent event from the ‘Back to the Bricks’ and there will be a nominal charge for the concert. Things wrap in downtown Flint at 10pm and planning for next year’s event begins at 10:01pm. We hope to see you there and one final word; the entire ‘Back to the Bricks’ event is a ‘free, no charge, no registration’ event for both car owners and spectators. So tell your family, friends, neighbors, to come on down and help celebrate Flint’s rich automotive heritage. www.carbuffnews.com
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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 Blackstones 531 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-234-9011 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
tion, For listing informa at ck Ri ll ca se Plea 810-232-8181 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 Mancino’s of Fenton 4019 Owen Rd. Fenton, 810-714-2000
Seafood Frank’s Tavern 14331 Eastview Dr. Fenton, 810-629-9133
Pubs/Taverns Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 3192 S. Linden Rd. Flint, 810-230-1299 3190 Silver Lake Rd. Fenton, 810-629-0999 8251 Trillium Circle Grand Blanc, 810-603-1299 Churchill’s Food & Spirits 340 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-238-3800 The Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grill 302 N. Leroy St. Fenton, 810-750-9463 501 Bar & Grill/Wize Guys Pizza 531 S. Saginaw St. Flint, 810-234-9011 Joe’s Garage 6468 W. Vienna Rd. Clio, 810-686-1100 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 Paddy McGees 5270 Perry Rd. Grand Blanc, 810-694-5960 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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