August - September, 2012 www.kcmbca.org
In this issue:
Presidents Message
Election Ballot
by Jeff Klepac
Page 11
Up Next: Pit-Stop Time to Re-Fuel and Change Drivers
Columns
Presidents Message 1
When we toured the Armacost Auto Museum in June, I asked Mark to snap a photo of me standing by this restored gas pump. You probably can’t see the price per gallon, but it’s 24.9 cents. Coincidently, I worked at a Mobil station years ago and sold for that very price. My, how Combat Air Museum 2 gasoline times have changed – and that’s the An Evening with Uplift 2 message for this newsletter.
Feature Articles
KC Trends Featured 3 Butler’s C&D Body 3 Rick Siefert “57 190SL 3 KH Automotive Event 9 The Star Issues Avail. 9
Similar to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, where, at scheduled intervals, a relief driver climbs behind the steering wheel to continue the race, our annual elections allow new officers and board members a chance to implement fresh Miscellaneous ideas. On the last couple pages of this Rants, Raves and newsletter you’ll find your official ballot. There are two ways to cast your vote, Ramblings either by return mail or in person at How to Join MBCA 5 the September 1st breakfast meeting. Officers and Board 5 So, please cast your vote and help us Loyalty Rewards Program 7 maintain the Kansas City Section as of the most active sections in the Logo Shop 7 one Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
Club Store Discount 7 Uplift 7 NTB Discount 7 Tire Rack Rebate 7 Advance Auto Rebate 7 Request from NBO 7 New Members 9
Coming Up June - September Spaßnacht Dates 5 Calendar 9
Jeff will cheerfully wash your windows, check your oil, air up your tires and fill your tank with Skelly gasoline. All for less than five bucks! Photo by Mark Moody
Before I close, let me reflect briefly on the last two years. From being named ‘Section of the Year’ for 2009, to placing 2nd in MBCA’s ‘Hang on to Homer’, (a membership renewal) contest, to celebrating the Kansas City Section’s 40th Anniversary, I wanted to thank each of you for allowing me the opportunity to act as your President. I am honored to have served in this capacity, along with past KC Section Presidents (and those to come) who place a high interest in enriching your club membership. ‘More than a Car | We’re a Community’.
Life is a Journey – Enjoy the Ride…
Best regards, Jeff Klepac President | Mercedes-Benz Club of America | Kansas City Section
This beautiful, classic Studebaker from the late ‘20’s or early ‘30’s is on display at the Armacost Museum. Photo by Jeff Klepac
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Combat Air Museum Tour
An Evening With Uplift
The Sunday Drive for June was a trip back in time. Club members toured the Combat Air Museum located at Forbes Field south of the city in a remote corner of the vast air port in Topeka. Inside is an array of aircraft from early fabric skinned flying machines of WWI era to those that were ready for combat if the cold war turned hot. Our tour guide was Dennis Smirl, a retired career Air Force maintenance officer who was extremely knowledgeable of the aircraft on display. He enriched our visit much more than if we toured on our own. His knowledge of the several Russian MIG aircraft and the tactics planned by the Russians was interesting. For example, they had a defense plan for their northern boundary as did the Americans for a Russian MiG-21PF c. 1967. Russian polar route attack. Had been Czekh. Air Force. Photo by Bob Smith Only they designed their fighters to land and take off from grass fields. The planes were housed in barn like structures so that no hint of a military facility could be seen from the air. After the tour we drove by caravan to the Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant in Topeka. The food was very good and plentiful and the service was excellent.
Monday, July 2nd was hot, with afternoon temperatures over 100 degrees. A group of KC Section members and family arrived at Uplift headquarters at 16th & Prospect in KC. We were met by veteran Uplift volunteer Kathy Dean, who did not waste any time putting us to work preparing the food to be served to the homeless that evening. We loaded three Mercedes-Benz vans with the food, water, toiletries, T-shirts, hats, socks, sheets, candles, bread, pastries, and lemonade; each van going to its designated area of the metro area. One of the vans would not start due to a dead battery, but fortunately, foresighted Uplift volunteers had a fully charged battery available for such a situation. John Ryan and Bob Smith replaced the battery which was Veteran Uplift Volunteer and driver surprisingly easy to Kathy Dean visits with a client at a swap out in the M-B. stop along the route. Off we went to Photo by Bob Smith see our clients. We were greeted by people who were very appreciative of having us stop by. They seemed to be caring people who were concerned about others in the same straits as theirs. A man in their group succumbed to the heat a day or two earlier and we saw much concern and passion for the man by those who met us. Our route took us to areas of town where we had no idea there would be such needy people. Our group was Jeff and Denise Klepac, Bob & Barbara Smith and son Brad Smith, and John & Donna Ryan. What a learning experience we had. Uplift has been one of the KC Sections charitable causes in recent years. The experience this day served to show us why the Uplift organization deserves our donations. Uplift will accept your donations of clothing, new socks, toiletries, etc. See the Uplift ad in this issue for more information.
by Bob Smith
by Bob Smith
Mercedes-Benz cars lined up at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Forbes Field. Photo by Bob Smith Right: From Left; Jeff Klepac, Denise Klepac, Bob Smith, Barbara Smith, Brad Smith, Donna Ryan and John Ryan. Photo by Bob Smith
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TM
butlerbody.com
Butler’s C & D Body Shop 47 Kessler • Merriam, KS 66203 262-9109 Butler’s C •&Tel:D(913) Body Shop• Fax: (913) 262-2828 Web: www.butlerbody,com 5747 Kessler This 1957 190SL was on display at the Art of the Car show Merriam, Kansas 66203 last month. It is owned by Rick and Patti Siefert of ChesTel: (913) 262-9109 terfield, Mo. Rick is a good friend of the KC Section and is President of the St. Louis Section. Fax: (913 262-2828 Photo by Jeff Klepac Web: www.butlerbody.com
KC Trends Featured at July Meeting Chad Dearth, owner of KC Trends, was the guest speaker at the July breakfast meeting. Mr. Dearth opened his store in Shawnee about 20 years ago as a young man right out of high school. He now has two stores, the newest being near 135th St. & Antioch in Overland Park. The business features custom wheels and tires for all makes of cars, SUV’s and light trucks. Other services available from KC Trends are audio/video system upgrades and window tinting. They are also equipped with the latest and best tire and wheel balancing and alignment technology. Each Friday night in the summer there is an open invitation to bring your vehicle and show it off at “Fast Friday” at the Overland Park location. Get more information about what Chad can do to accessorize your M-B at www. kctrends.com.
Butler C&D Body Shop Featured at June Meeting We were pleased to have Ron Butler as our guest speaker at the June breakfast meeting; Ron is the owner of Butler C&D Body Shop in Merriam. Club members report having received very high quality body repair work at C&D. Some of the things that Ron talked about in his presentation were; that auto paint has improved in recent years, clear coats are more durable which results in fewer problems with fading and that ugly “rash” look of some aging painted auto body surfaces, wax with carnuba in it is best, “Orange peel” can be removed with a 2000 or 2500 grit sand paper on a rubber sanding block, hail dents are repairable without damaging the paint, try to get original equipment manufactured glass instead of aftermarket glass if a replacement is needed. The store is located at 2747 Kessler Street in Merriam. Information can be found at www.butlerbody.com
Left: Chad Dearth of KC Trends gives the July breakfast group information about wheels, service and accessories available at his two stores. Photo by Jeff Klepac Right: Ron Butler of Butler C&D Body Shop speaks at the June breakfast meeting. Photo by Jeff Klepac
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Spaßnacht Find out more: www.kcmbca.org Click on “Club Info”
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Join Mercedes-Benz Club of America Kansas City Section • Bi-monthly issues of our award-winning, full-color national magazine, The Star, and bi-monthly issues of our awardwinning section newsletter, der Benz! • Owner Loyalty Program with a $1,000.00 Discount Certificate good on the purchase of certain M-B vehicles.
________________ August 20, 7:00 PM
Grünauer
• 15% discount on parts, labor and accessories at Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City.
101 W 22nd St. KC, Mo. _________________ September 17 6:00 PM
Complete Garage 15209 W 87th Pkwy then
Panzons
8710 Lackman Rd. Lenexa Ks. _________________ October 15, 7:00 PM
Gordon Biersch
11672 Ash, Leawood, Ks. ________________ November 19, 7:00 PM To Be Announced _________________
• National events with a wide variety of driving and social events, technical information and active discussion forums. • Local events: Monthly breakfast meetings and pub nights, tech sessions, dining events, historic and driving tours, autocross and driver education events, rallyes, track events, picnics, annual holiday party, charitable events, concours, and more.
JOIN NOW! www.mbca.org or call 1-800-637-2360 Your membership includes an associate membership for another person in your household in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and the Kansas City Section. Ownership of a Mercedes-Benz not a prerequisite. 1 year $49, 2 years $95, 3 years $139.
2012 MBCA Kansas City Section Officers
Officers and Board Members Phone E-mail
Jeff Klepac, president Mark Moody, vice president Kevin Arburn, secretary Joyce Smith, treasurer John Ryan, past president
Board of Directors
Bob Del Popolo Melvin Price Donna Ryan Bob Poduch Rich Carlson Bob Smith Larry Ebner Dudley Smith Ian Harns John Ryan
Newsletter Editor Bob Smith
(913) 782-5865 (913) 685-8573 (913) 648-7675 (913) 338-0766 (913) 268-1252
jeff@kcmbca.org mark@kcmbca.org kevin@kcmbca.org joyce@kcmbca.org grownup@kcmbca.org
(913) 888-2617 bob.d@kcmbca.org (816) 721-0640 melvin@kcmbca.org (913) 268-1252 donna@kcmbca.org (913) 327-1632 bob.p@kc.rr.com (913) 897-0260 rich@kcmbca.org (913) 268-8984 newsletter@kcmbca.org (913) 649-7596 larry@kcmbca.org (913) 338-0766 dudley@kcmbca.org (816) 812-9495 ian@kcmbca.org (913) 543-1252 grownup@kcmca.org
(913) 268-8984 newsletter@kcmbca.org Webmeister-Administrator John Ryan (913) 268-1252 grownup@kcmbca.org
Membership Director Bob Del Popolo
(913) 888-2617 membership@kcmbca.org Midwest Regional Director Bill Denton (Oak Brook, IL) (603) 734-3200 regional.director@kcmbca.org
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Eveland Bros. Collision Repair
Certified Mercedes-Benz Collision Repair Center • Vehicles restored to pre-accident condition • Expert color matching • Foreign and domestic
• Factory trained technicians • State of-the-art equipment • Rental cars available
Call for an appointment
• Insurance claims assistance • Environmentally safe • Written limited lifetime warranty
913-262-6050
7200 W. Frontage Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66203
www.evelandbros.com
Kansas City’s independent Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus, Land Rover and Audi repair shop.
5400 Antioch Rd. Merriam, Kansas 66202 913-432-7800
Not just your average garage...
Bosch Authorized Service
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MBCA|KC Logo Shop Now Open! by John Ryan
At the encouragement of its Board of Directors, MBCA|Kansas City has opened its own online Logo and Apparel Shop. Working with The Queensboro Shirt Company of Wilmington, North Carolina our section can now offer the Club Logo and special events graphics to be embroidered onto hundreds of different items ranging from T-Shirts to Polos, Jackets to Jerseys, and everything in between. No longer does the club have to predict, purchase and inventory numerous styles and sizes of logo apparel. Our new store will allow a much wider variety of items with no “up front” costs to the club. There’s no minimum purchase requirement, and the item(s) will be delivered to your mailbox or doorstep. And, every item purchased provides additional revenue to the section’s treasury, to help fund the great events where you’ll be wearing your new “duds”. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website, www.kcmbca.org and click on the graphic/link for our new Logo Shop. And, if you want to know what to get me, there’s a nice NIKE polo with the section logo on it. Size medium, please.
2012 Loyalty Rewards Program (U.S.)
Complete Garage
15209 W. 87th Street Lenexa, KS 66219 913-322-9175
For the best in Car Care
For all your detailing needs, visit us at the Complete Garage. We have Griot’s full line of car care products. Save the shipping and get it today.
www.Complete-Garage.com
Get $1,000 off the price of your next Mercedes-Benz. Being and staying a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America has its privileges. Members of the Club who have enjoyed 12 consecutive months of membership or longer without lapse, and who are current members today, qualify for the NEW Loyalty Rewards Program offered by Mercedes-Benz USA to Mercedes-Benz Club of America members only. See complete details, terms and conditions at the MBCA website mbca.org
Request from the NBO With every email and address update that we receive at the NBO, (either by website, phone, email or snail mail), we will send a 10 % Off Coupon for one item in the Club Store. One coupon per member will be sent electronically (so it must include a valid email address). Please send these updates to Geni at geni@mbca.org. Remember, incorrectly mailed items cost the club money!
Advance Auto Parts offers many online-only specials and rebates to our section with 8% of the sale being returned to the KC Section. You can have your order shipped to your home, or pick it up at your neighborhood Advance Auto Parts store. Just click on the Advance Auto Parts banner ad on our website, www.kcmbca.org, and you will be taken to their websites to shop.
NTB Offers Discount to KCMBCA Members NTB National Tire & Battery is offering a discount for KCMBCA members. Our friend, Brandon Ebert, the manager at the 119th & Metcalf store arranged for that generous discount for our members. Mention account #913-660-8439 and your club membership to the salesman/service writer.
Uplift Organization, Inc. accepts donations of goods and funds. See the Uplift website at www.uplift.org for a list of needed items and how to donate them.
There is a link to TireRack on the Kansas City Section’s website, www. kcmbca.org. Click the link, which is the logo shown above, to enter the TireRack website to buy their products. The K.C. Section receives a small rebate when you purchase their products through our website.
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What activities would you like to do with your Benz friends in 2012 ? Contact a board member and let them know.
August
Aug. 4 Breakfast Meeting, First Watch, Shawnee, Ks. 9 AM Aug. 5 First Sunday Drive US Bank, 119th & Roe, Leawood, Ks. Aug. 18 Dinner with Ozark Section Members - Buca di Beppo on the Plaza. Aug. 19 Art of the Machine Car Show - KC River Market + Steamboat Arabia. Aug. 20 Spaßnacht, 7 PM, Grünauer, 101 W 22nd St, KC, Mo.
For the latest list of events, visit our Web site at: www.kcmbca.org
September
Sept. 1 Breakfast Meeting, First Watch, Shawnee, Ks. 9 AM. Speaker, Rich Carlson, Scoring Concours Vehicles. Election of Officers. Sept. 2 First Sunday Drive. to Springfield, Mo. Sept. 15 Saturday Garage - Auto Detailing, Your Classic Ride, 2711 Warwick, KC, Mo. Sept. 17 Spaßnacht, 6 PM, Complete Garage, Lenexa, then Panzons. Sept. 28-Oct 3 StarFest, Phoenix, Ariz.
October
Oct. 6 Breakfast Meeting, First Watch, Shawnee, Ks. 9 AM. Speaker, Alison Fikejs, Sandra Burroughs - Decorating Den. Oct. 7 First Sunday Drive. Oct. 15 Spaßnacht, 7 PM, Gordon Biersch, 11652 Ash, Leawood, Ks. Oct. 21 Oktoberfest Car Show, Hawthorne Plaza.
Smart Phone Users, click this QR Code and our website will magically appear on your phone.
Our calendar is continuously being reviewed and updated throughout the year. It’s never too late to suggest activities that you think would be of interest to our members.
November
Nov. 3 Breakfast Meeting, First Watch, Shawnee, Ks. 9 AM. Speaker, Jim Schmidt, Uplift. Nov. 4 First Sunday Drive. Nov. 19 Spaßnacht, 7 PM, To be Announced
Breakfast is at 9 AM the first Saturday of each month at the First Watch, Shawnee Mission Pkwy. at Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS. Order your favorites from the menu. Individual checks.
The Star Magazine Issues Available
Interested in issues of The Star magazine from Jan/Feb 1976 thru Jan/Feb 1988? Contact B. Paul Roper at email p.roper@att.net.
KH Automotive OpenHouse
The July Spaßnacht brought members to KH Automotive in Mission, where Kevin Hinckle and his family and staff provided treats and tours of the facility. KH Automotive offers expert service and repair of Mercedes-Benz and other import cars. The Club owes Kevin “a big thank you” for having a Spaßnacht banner made for displaying at this and future events. Afterwords, Kevin and the M-B group had dinner at nearby Johnny’s BBQ. Thanks to all at the KH Auto- Guests of KH Automotive pose by the motive in making this Spaßnacht a fun evening. new Spaßnacht banner at the openhouse. Photo by Bob Smith
We look forward to meeting you soon at one of our events.
Willkommen New Members ! Giovanni Acabal Suhan Chong Daniel Hubbard Stephen Keegan Geneva Moody Gary Raetz Jerrod Stearns Ed Rose
Olathe, Ks. Overland Park, Ks. Louisburg, Ks. Overland Park, Ks. Columbia, Mo. Leawood, Ks. Springfield, Mo. Leawood, Ks.
1982 380SL 1978 450SL 2011 ML350 (2) 2002 ML500 and 2012 E350 (4) 1961 190SL, 2000 S500, 2005 SL500 and 2006 CLS500
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Refinishing
Straightening
Remanufacturing
CoreFirst Bank & Trust was a major sponsor of the Mid-America Caravan in 2009
Cut here to mail ballot
Mercedes-Benz Club of America Kansas City Section 13316 West 68th Terrace Shawnee, Kansas 66216
Make sure this panel is outside. Affix 45 cent stamp here.
Mr. John Ryan Mercedes-Benz Club of America Kansas City Section 13316 West 68th Terrace Shawnee, Kansas 66216 fold here
How to vote This year it’s very easy to cast your ballot on one of two ways! Option #1 Complete the official ballot in this mailer. Then, fold it up, making sure that the mailing panel addressed to
Mercedes Benz Club of America is on the outside. Seal it with tape, affix a 45 cent stamp, and drop it into a mailbox. It’s that simple. Please note, however, that your ballot must be received before August 30th in order to be counted.
Option #2 Attend the September meeting of the Kansas City Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America at
First Watch; Shawnee Mission Parkway at Nieman Road, Shawnee, Kansas On September 1, 2012, 9:00 AM. Cast your ballot during the meeting, and have Breakfast with some of the neatest folks you’ll ever meet! Election results will be announced before the conclusion of the meeting!
Cut here to mail ballot
Official Ballot Officers (circle your choices) President - Mark Moody Write-in Choice___________________ Vice President Kevin Arburn Write-in Choice __________________ Secretary – Helen Hull Write-in Choice __________________ Treasurer – Joyce Smith Write-in Choice __________________
fold here
Board of Directors
(Circle your choices) Vote for no more than 11 directors. Bob Poduch Bob Del Popolo Bob Smith Jeff Klepac Dudley Smith Donna Ryan
Ian Harns Rich Carlson John Ryan Steve Chase Lisle Kaufmann
Write-in Choice ____________ Write-in Choice ____________
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First-Class Mail U.S. postage paid shawnee mission, ks permit no. 1131
Cut here to mail ballot
15678 S. Lindenwood Dr. Olathe, Kansas 66062
Official Ballot
Annual election of officers and board of directors Please exercise your right to vote! Just circle your choices on the ballot. (lower panel on page 11,) Letterfold this mailer so that the panel on top of page 11 is on the outside. Seal with tape, add a 45 cent stamp, and drop it in the mail! Or, Vote at the September 1st meeting at First Watch. Sorry, you can only cast your ballot once! Mailed ballots must arrive by August 30th to be counted.
Cut here to mail ballot
Mercedes-Benz Club of America Kansas City Section