7/30/10

Meeting the Minions

As you are probably aware a revised edition of the rules and regulations concerning Loud Motorcycles went into effect on July 12, 2010. The largest problem is the fact that the wording encompasses all Motor Vehicles, the key word being "ALL".

This is a stop gap measure that came from a citizens group that has attempted similar milder forms of this law and gotten nowhere. Sadly due to the lack of forward motion on any of these attempts they have perverted themselves and their organization with out of state non residents, loudly proclaiming how traumatized they are by loud exhaust coming from all types of vehicles and using Naziesque tactics to get the attention they need.

On Tuesday of this past week I was invited at the behest of the Maine Custom Automobile Association to a task force meeting Chaired by the Head of the Vehicle Safety/ Inspection Division in Augusta with Representatives from all parties concerned including Harley Davidson, who is very aware of the ongoing problem of motorcycle noise. Both the proponents and opponents postured themselves into childish behavior and animosity filled attitudes but were told several times to cool their respective jets or they would have to take a timeout like a redheaded stepchild at preschool.

The reason I was asked to be there was two fold. First to balance out the task force as hobbyists were very much in the minority and second as a watchdog of sorts to make sure that while the minions in house were planning they didn't focus there attention toward us with Hot Rods Custom and even certain Antiques.

This is not over by any means and I have been asked to attend the remaining meetings and will, just to keep an eye on the Sound Police and their followers. Progress is being made in the right direction for the 2 wheeled motor vehicles and hopefully some easement of the rules or at the least, less of a gray area in understanding, may also trickle down to us.

7/27/10

TOYS FOR TOTS

As the Month of September fast approaches, I was given this to remind all the great car people of Toys for Tots Cruise In on Labor Day. As Exhaust Fumes is a sounding board and a resource of sorts for the hobbyist in Maine we have given our e-mail address here and that of the Road Scholars for those that wish to donate and don't want to make that cold call.

ATTENTION ALL CAR CLUBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is time to start thinking about the Multi Club Toys for Tots Cruise In on Labor Day Monday September 6th . We Need Donations from Clubs for Portable Toilets and other expenses . Contact Stan or Cheryl Page at (207)892-7989 or Frank Barron at (207)784-2510 with any donations. You may also E-Mail
Exhaustfumes@live.com or Roadscholars@live.com for information on making a donation .Thank you very much Cheryl and Stan

So reach deep and step up to make this a Memorable Christmas for some kids that have nothing and for us that have hearts.

7/25/10

Belgrade

OK now, where to start. Lousy start to a great day came with rain at 5:45AM which promptly stopped at 6. Wet roads that left slime all over a perfectly good 3 week old cleaning was a highlight of the day and then we got to Belgrade.

Good classing was thought to be a plus in years past at this show, but seeing some misdirection in the Projects/RIP class and some minor infractions in the 80's class led me to believe that all that posturing was just that.

Judging was much improved over past years and is getting better every year. Possibly in 5 to 10 more years they may get it right. I am not saying that the 1st place cars in all the classes didn't deserve a trophy but some others that didn't get trophies got robbed and others that did were poachers. The judges did fine but some of the experience from years past has not been passed on and some judges take their position way to seriously. A case in point was the judging of my own vehicle with no placard in the window and a conversation that ended with me stating to the judge that "I'm not here for the trophy", yet he still judged the vehicle.

Time management was the biggest complaint that I heard and it showed as the awards didn't start until well after 3PM. This doesn't happen at larger shows of 200 or more vehicles. Please use a calculator or get a rocket scientist to tabulate the points. But wait, you can't do that, it AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE. Don't tell me it is that difficult as I have been a judge several times at better shows than this one. Using people just to tabulate points might be good in the future. At one point I was ready to start checking into getting a room.

Belgrade. Much improved over the other years but still on par with the other "judged" shows. Way to much room for improvement in its 5th year. Yet I still had a good time catching up with others and baking in the sun with the people I enjoy.

Added 7/26: In case you think Belgrade was an overall bad show, it was not. It is however disappointing to myself and others to see a show that has been hammered repeatedly by several sources on its ineptitude and shows little improvement in the areas in question. This Show is a Good Show if your not really a trophy person or are lucky enough to get a judge that knows what is going on. And yes, I in all probability will return, if for nothing else to laugh and have fun.

7/24/10

2nd Half

With a Good Morning to all, I realize that some of you went to Gorham today or possibly to the Sho Car Association Weekend Extravaganza down in Massholevania. Most, if not all, will probably go to Belgrade tomorrow, unless you really feel that Bucksport is a better way to go.

Whatever you do and wherever you go remember to have fun and enjoy your time with your friends. Lately that's what it's been all about and this season, thus far, has been more enjoyable than the last 2 or 3 and everybody seems less tense.

Oh we have a few that insist on reading things the wrong way or seeing some great injustice toward them personally but all in all a non competitive niche has been seen at many shows. Oh believe me, the poachers are still there and are still getting the $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy, but their numbers are dwindling. There are inherent or even habitual problems with a few shows and a few new ones that will need a tweak or two. But this year has somehow seemed less aggressive.

I have even been told that this rag has been less than controversial this year and I will admit they are right, as some of the detractors and competitors have been very quiet for one reason or another and are really not worth arguing with or their opinions often heard and not worth the space to repeat it here.

No matter your direction in this hobby whether for the prize or the pride, keep it friendly. Keep it light. Have fun and remember to congratulate the winners no matter if they won again or for the first time.

Till Next

7/18/10

Boothbay Harbor

There I was in the Middle of a Railway Museum and a Car Show that did very little to resemble a Car Show broke out.

When the crew which I led to our destination arrived they had like 3 cars on the field and didn't even look open. After paying the same amount per car ( novel idea), we watched as some of the best preserved vehicles in recent history began appearing throughout the morning.

The 4 Street Rods looked a little out of place with all these pristine Antiques, but as the crowd grew the attention payed to our vehicles was on par with that paid to the "tiques". At one point the Grounds became packed with about 75 cars and trucks and the fun ensued from there.

The Boothbay Railway Village has a fine location for this type of event and much more to offer than your average run of the mill Car Show or even your Above Average Show.

Great Weather, Great Time, Great Day

7/16/10

Weekend Report

So it seems a little slow on the local show scene this weekend with the Biggest event being the Boothbay Railway Museums Annual Antique & Classic Weekend.

The Sedgewick Volunteer Fire Dept 9th Annual Show is Saturday in Bluehill. It also features some Antique Power Equipment with the a myriad of trophy classes and Best of Show.

Founder's Day is also on Saturday up on Paris Hill. As in years past, it is mostly the private collections of the local dignitaries and celebrities. Just remember it is the Oxford 250 this weekend so traffic might well be affected.

We also hear tell of an All Clubs BBQ. Held at Moose Point State Park, Rte 1 between Belfast and Searsport. Afterwards a visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum and English Auto Restoration, Searsport. This is also on Saturday

Boothbay is both Saturday and Sunday and has a lot more to offer than the usual show. Train Rides, Gift Shops and an Automobile Museum along with who knows what could make for an interesting day.

The only Local Show that is listed for Sunday Only is the Acton Car Show and Swap Meet. This Show is different and uses the open format with no classes and gives out 20 or so awards of the judges choosing. You also have the Swap Meet which at times can garner you that hard to find part. Although fun we have been to this area of the state 4 times this year and need a change.

Boothbay on Sunday is the destination and you should be able to smell the ocean while sitting in the shade.

7/15/10

Cruise Night Review

The following is a review from Big Mike on a Cruise Night in the Other Maine. Although it has been a few years since my last visit I seem to remember a certain cliquishness during my last visit.

An opinion on a cruisenight.....

Late last week, Don and I were talking and he said that he was going on vacation this week, and that he would like to check out some cruisenights that were farther than he could normally make, did I have any suggestions? Having been told about the awsome cruisenight at Nicky's in Bangor, and having gone up up once, and not having the best time (LOOOOONG STORY!) I mentioned this one to Don. Would I like to go up with him? Sure, I'd like to give Nicky's a second chance......

So after 1 1/2 hours roaring up 95 in the Mustang (cool) we arrive at Nicky's to a 1/2 filled parking lot. Being a non local vehicle, the Mustang was pounced on like a fresh porterhouse thrown into a pit of rottweilers. WE were (luke)warmly greeted with apprehension and disdain. Upon walking around, we had many awkward silences with the locals, as most of what we said was generally ignored, or answered with a semi-civil nod or the occasional grunt.There were some interesting and different rides to look at, and speculation was flying as most of the owners were in little knots talking to their buddies, and most questions asked (by me anyway) got mostly one word answers.

So into Nicky's we went. I had eaten there before and was less than impressed (a decent chicken sandwich, 12 fries (not orders of, actual fries) and a soda for $14.00) So when Don asked whats decent I had said Dysart's 1 exit south on 95. So a milkshake sounded good and was- for roughly the price of a semester at any community college.

So back outside for more awkward silences and being ignored by the locals, to watch the prize giveaways and 50/50, being emceed by a Dick Clark wanna-be who was dropping phrases that were dangerously close to pedophilia (asking one winner: "Want some ice cream little girl?"-only to see that it actually was a 4 year old girl- Sketchy!) and seeing that indeed every community has a perennial winner (either a buddy of the emcee or the guy that buys $200.00 worth of tickets...) after about 20 minutes of this and before it was over, Don and I exchanged the "lets gtf outta here" look and hopped into the Mustang. More looks of revulsion and disgust as the Mustang roared to life and blatted down the parking lot (yeah, yeah, we know y'all are better than us! LOL) and a quick blast across 2 lanes and off we went. Dysart's lived up to it's expectations- an awesome supper at a more than reasonable price. At least that was worth the ride.

So, to sum up: would I drive the 3+ hours to go to the "awsome" cruisenight at Nicky's? I didn't drive, and I actually apologized to Don for suggesting Nicky's. I personally would rather spend an enchanted evening at Roy's listening to the first 4 songs on the rock-a-billy sampler in continuous loop and the occasional screech of "50/50!" At least there the locals are nice!

Big Mike

Thanks Mike

7/14/10

Old Law New Law Revised Law (Editors Cut)

Long winded is an understatement.

Basically the new revised edition of the Exhaust Rules has been on the books for quite some time. It has Always been a gray area and in the opinion of this rag still is. It states that you can't modify a muffler or exhaust, yet any replacement OE style muffler technically is legal as long as it sounds close to the same as stock. So what does a 48 Poncho with a 68 Pontiac 400 sound like?

The parameter given is a maximum db level of 95, yet no Class A Inspection Station is equipped with the proper equipment or has been required to be trained in the use of the equipment needed to acquire the db readings. This also holds true to the State Police and Local Constabularies that are now required to enforce this new rule.

The new rules are directed at Motorcycles that insist on letting everybody know that they wish to be deaf by the age of thirty. We personally feel that the rule is an aberration and has been caused by a few assholes whose necks disappear every time their respective asses hit the seats of their wannabe outlaw biker existence.

It all boils down to this, if you drive like an asshole and insist on annoying everybody with your overly loud exhaust you will in all likelihood become a poorer person. If you drive normally or at least behave yourself you probably won't. If your exhaust does meet the 95db standard your free and clear. If it doesn't your gonna get poor.

It all comes down to somebodies judgement, yours, the cops, the courts. Show your good judgement, so they won't have to show you theirs.

7/12/10

Old Law New Law Revised Law

As many of you know there is a "revised" law that takes effect today on Exhaust Noise. Everybody seems ready to storm the Bastille in Augusta and overthrow the Minions of Law & Order. After personally talking with a State Trooper and seeing a few responses to this revision I think we would be better served in getting the correct information out to our friends in the hobby.

The following is a good explanation of what the "Revised Law" means to us. This was taken from the Team 207 Website and is in response to an E-Mail sent to the Gov. by Andrew Faucher. It is rather long but needs to be read, especially the Exceptions

I received an email today from a Maine State Police officer regarding an email I sent to Governor John Baldacci. As he stated in the email he sent me we, the people, are getting the wrong information with this new law. They have not made many drastic changes to the law. You can still put exhaust systems on your car. As the law stated before, and has not changed, it must exceed 95 decibels to be considered illegal in the state of Maine. Here is the email I received in full.


Thank you for taking the time to write with your concerns regarding the amended language in Title 29-A section 1912. Even with the changes that take effect on July 12th (today), there is no need to have a stock or OEM muffler on a motor vehicle or motorcycle, as long as it is not "noticeably" louder than the factory installed muffler. If the exhaust noise is 'close' to factory then the muffler is legal. There are many aftermarket mufflers that effectively reduce engine noise and are close to factory sounding. These mufflers are still 'legal'. There are some additional requirements in the Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual (MMVIM) that also be met. For instance a Maine registered motorcycle exhaust would not pass inspection, even it was quiet, if it was marked "for racing only" or "not for highway use" or some other similar type of marking. Please refer to the MMVIM for more information. The aftermarket mufflers that are 'excessively loud' are not currently legal and have not been for many years. The prior law has been on the books for over 16 years and some language has now been added to clarify the intent of the law.This law change was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. It is now a law enforcement responsibility to enforce the law as written, by exercising discretion in the application of enforcement measures.I do believe there is a lot of confusion out there in regards to this "new" law. THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO BE STOCK OR OEM (original equipment manufacturer) ONLY, unfortunately there are some well intentioned people spreading the INCORRECT word that all exhausts must be factory or OEM. Please see the old and new Title 29-A Section 1912 that you are referring to:OLD:29-A §1912. MUFFLERS1. Muffler required. A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]2. Cutouts prohibited. Except as provided in subsection 5, a muffler or exhaust system may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]3. Amplification prohibited. A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified to amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]4. Exhaust system fastened to engine. The entire exhaust system must be complete, without leakage and securely fastened to the engine block and frame.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]5. Exception; racing meets. Notwithstanding subsection 2, an owner or operator of a motor vehicle used occasionally in racing meets may obtain a permit from the Secretary of State for installing a cutout, bypass or similar device on the exhaust system of that motor vehicle pursuant to this subsection.A. The cutout, bypass or similar modification must be kept closed and inoperative while the vehicle is on a public way. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]B. The permit must be in the vehicle at all times while on a public way. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q,§23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]C. The Secretary of State shall determine the eligibility of all applicants for a permit. [2003, c.452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]D. The permit fee is $1 for the registration year. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW);2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).][ 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF); 2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (RPR) .]6. Exception. Subsections 1 and 3 do not apply to a muffler or exhaust system that does not emit noise in excess of 95 decibels as measured in accordance with standards and specifications outlined in standard J-1169 adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers in May 1998. A person served with a Violation Summons and Complaint charging a violation of subsection 1 or 3 must provide satisfactory evidence that the muffler or exhaust system does not emit a noise in excess of 95 decibels as measured in accordance withstandards and specifications outlined in standard J-1169 adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers in May 1998. Measurements must be made by participating certified inspection stations. This subsection applies to motor vehicles as defined in section 101, subsection 42, except that it does not apply to motorcycles.NEW AMENDED LANGUAGE:An Act Relating to Road NoiseBe it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1912, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:1. Muffler required. A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise. For purposes of this subsection, “excessive or unusual noise” includes motor noise emitted by a motor vehicle that is noticeably louder than similar vehicles in the environment.Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1912, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:3. Amplification prohibited. A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified when the result of that modification is the amplification or increase of noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.Sec. 3. Working group; excessive highway traffic noise. The Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police shall convene a working group to study issues relating to highway traffic noise, including, but not limited to, unwarranted noise created when an exhaust system is not properly installed or maintained or is altered. The working group must include representatives from municipal and county law enforcement, a commercial motor carrier association, the Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority and a neighborhood or neighborhood association affected by highway noise. The working group shall submit a report, including findings and recommendations, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters no later than January 15, 2011.As you can see from above, Title 29-A Section 1912 Subsections 1 and 3 have only been amended slightly. The rest of the above statue (1912) is still in effect. Below is how Title 29-A Section 1912 now reads:EFFECTIVE TODAY 7-12-2010:29-A §1912. MUFFLERS1. Muffler required. A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise. For purposes of this subsection, “excessive or unusual noise” includes motor noise emitted by a motor vehicle that is noticeably louder than similar vehicles in the environment.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]2. Cutouts prohibited. Except as provided in subsection 5, a muffler or exhaust system may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]3. Amplification prohibited. A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified when the result of that modification is the amplification or increase of noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]4. Exhaust system fastened to engine. The entire exhaust system must be complete, without leakage and securely fastened to the engine block and frame.[ 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1993, c. 683, Pt. B, §5 (AFF) .]5. Exception; racing meets. Notwithstanding subsection 2, an owner or operator of a motor vehicle used occasionally in racing meets may obtain a permit from the Secretary of State for installing a cutout, bypass or similar device on the exhaust system of that motor vehicle pursuant to this subsection.A. The cutout, bypass or similar modification must be kept closed and inoperative while the vehicle is on a public way. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]B. The permit must be in the vehicle at all times while on a public way. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q,§23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]C. The Secretary of State shall determine the eligibility of all applicants for a permit. [2003, c.452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW); 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]D. The permit fee is $1 for the registration year. [2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (NEW);2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [ 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF); 2003, c. 452, Pt. Q, §23 (RPR) .]6. Exception. Subsections 1 and 3 do not apply to a muffler or exhaust system that does not emit noise in excess of 95 decibels as measured in accordance with standards and specifications outlined in standard J-1169 adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers in May 1998. A person served with a Violation Summons and Complaint charging a violation of subsection 1 or 3 must provide satisfactory evidence that the muffler or exhaust system does not emit a noise in excess of 95 decibels as measured in accordance with standards and specifications outlined in standard J-1169 adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers in May 1998. Measurements must be made by participating certified inspection stations. This subsection applies to motor vehicles as defined in section 101, subsection 42, except that it does not apply to motorcycles.

7/11/10

Ossipee Valley

The Ossipee Valley Fair Car Show was our destination, as the Shriners have continuously told people it would get better and never followed through. After being told by several fellow enthusiasts that the Ossipee Show was a great show, I was mildly disappointed from the onset at how the show was run as some paid a $5.00 entry fee while others paid double that or more.

The size in past years neared several hundred, while today it was cramped with less than 200.

As I contemplated my little opening for the rag, the organizer (and that is singular) explained to several of us, the screw ups at the gate and lack of space. What it came down to was he was handed a bucket of shit, with a few stipulations, according to fees and space and this was his first year at the helm with little to no help.

That being said, I will say this. We had fun, the people were friendly and more than helpful. The bands that played went from dreadful to almost worth paying to go see. This only supplied us with more entertainment value as we are pro's at sarcasm. The food was the healthy overly greasy fair food that we all know and love.

All in all a good day. Would I go again next year. That would depend on what I hear about the Shriners/Kora Temple Show and if they actually did make the stated changes.

7/9/10

Small Package

We did this thing called National Collector Car Appreciation Day. We did this with a spur of the moment attitude and we had a small but festive event.

We had a few old Friends show up and a couple that we have never met and now count as one of the crowd, or in their case part of the family.

A debut of the 54 Pontiac that we have waited to see like forever was a highlight. Nicely done James.

So we had 12 Cars, 1 Bike, a real small bambino, a few cans of PBR, who went through 24 burgers, 20 hot dogs, a ton of chocolate chip cookies and a few cans of PBR.

Happy National Collector Car Appreciation Day

7/7/10

Learning

I got a call the other day from a jammed up young rodder who I've known for about a year and encouraged to do it right the first time. Being a "traditional" rodder he wanted a rod like you read about in the Magazines, and sometimes that is far from right. That's what he built and has had a great time driving it. Until the other day.

While cruising down a country road it became skittish in a corner and went off the road hitting a guide wire from a utility pole in the process. Due to location the State Police became involved. When the Trooper saw the vehicle he didn't know what he was looking at and had the vehicle impounded.

The owner called me to find out if I could help him out of his jam. The impounding Garage was an old acquaintance of mine and told me how it usually goes down. First the trooper could just release the vehicle, not likely to happen. The trooper could have it towed to Augusta for the Forensic Vehicle Team to thoroughly examine the vehicle, but as nobody was seriously injured and nothing other than vehicle was damaged, this wasn't likely either. The final solution would to have an Inspection Mechanic who is acquainted with Street Rods, inspect the vehicle to determine if it is safe to operate on Maine roads.

Option 3 was chosen and you guessed it, I was called.

I met with the Trooper and he and I inspected the vehicle. I explained to him how things were constructed and why this was done that way and how old technology was not always the best technology. The Trooper asked real good questions and admitted to me he was Street Rod illiterate. I explained that if he wanted to learn I'd teach. He and I spent over an hour looking over the vehicle and talking to each other, like we've known each other a long time.

It was determined that the vehicle was indeed safe but not legal and the owner was given a citation for an uninspected vehicle. The vehicle is now at home resting easily awaiting repair.

What else was determined was that this Trooper was smart enough to realize he was out of his comfort zone and needed help. He asked the right people and came up with a new respect for our hobby. I now have a new respect for the State Police due the fact that he asked for help, and listened intently as I explained the Street Rod Inspection, which hopefully will lead to a better working relationship in the future. The owner of the vehicle now has a lot more respect for guide wires and us "Old Guys" and plans on building a better rod.

Not a fairy tale but a tale just the same.

7/5/10

Sizzle

And that is what we did down in Bath at the Front Street Shuffle. Shuffle was about all you could do as the heat beat you down that much.

I didn't stay long and headed home to a somewhat cooler area of the house as soon as the Temp reading on the Bank said 93 F. To the hardy souls that baked in the Sun hope it was fun. The place was packed and parking at a premium. Shade? Only if you knew Big Mike, and could get him to stop walking.

Did get to talk to a couple of people from different clubs and one of them asked if I would pay $1.00 for the Motor Menders book of Shows and Cruises. They are rather perturbed at the Cruise Maine Edition with its mistakes and its Advertising filling most of the pages. They seem intent on making a come back next season. Worth more than a buck and better organized in my eyes.

7/4/10

Collector Car Appreciation Day

The Federal Minions that somebody voted for Finally seem to be getting their shit together for one Day and that Day is July 9th. Congress has decided to declare that the 9th of July, conveniently a Friday, is Collector Car Appreciation Day.

The Nation wide celebration of this includes Cruises, Shows, Cruise Ins and anything to do with cars.

So I decided that here at the Hole in the Wall Garage, we needed to do something. So on the 9th of July, we are cooking some dogs and burgers for those that show up in their collector cars. We can have our own little Cruise In at the Shop and enjoy the evening.

We are going to kick it off at around 4 or 4:30 and let it go till 8:30 or so. A 50/50 will be drawn at 8 :15 with all proceeds to the 3 winners, 50% to 1st drawn and 25% to 2nd and 3rd drawn.
The real nice thing is, its on me if you show up in your Collector Car. I'm not doing the Drinks so supply your own, Adult or Otherwise.

If you have a favorite dessert or salad and want to share that's cool but don't go nuts. This is a Sunshine only event and may be rescheduled to a later date if it Rains.

E-mail the Blog or Road Scholars for more info.

Surprised

As the last Firecracker fizzles out and the "rocket's red glare" fades to black I figured you've all been waiting for this rag to say something.

Today's Wiscasset Show was a great time. The gate was run the way it should be with good solid classifying done by 4 of the more knowledgeable people in the hobby. Ok 3 knowledgeable minds and a sheep herder.

The classes were well chosen for the first show put on by this group and next year I think the ones that didn't work will be adjusted for an even better show. Room was not a factor as the size of the lot used was deceiving. good vending and a timely awards ceremony were the icing on the cake. The ticket calling was a little long but that was minor.

Another good thing was the debut of sorts of the Mustang that Connie Peacock has told us so much about in the past few years. This car is black or a very dark blue and straight with a ( do I dare say ) Purple rag top and is as unique as they come.

A great day with a few surprises is always good. Today was that way.

7/2/10

4th of July and Apple Pie

As American as Apple Pie and the 4th of July is the American Automobile.

This 4th is the Lincoln County Firefighters Car Show in Wiscasset, To Benefit J. Gordon Regional Training Facility(Put on by the Lincoln County Fire Fighters Assoc.) a more than American Pastime, supporting our Firefighters. But let us not forget the other events of the weekend which include a 4x4 Jamboree at Hunnewell Valley, the second installment of the Maine Coastal Cruisers Saturday Cruise Night in Biddeford and of course all the Throwback 60's hippies in Oxford for the Nateva Festival (someone needs to tell them that the Grateful Dead has broken up and Jerry Garcia is now an ice cream flavor at Ben & Jerry's).

The Wiscasset show is a first for the Association but is being helped along the correct path by some veteran car show people and may prove to be a good day.

On Monday we have a favorite of mine and that is the Front Street Shuffle in Bath. It is Not A Show, but more like a gathering of Gearheads with the intent of showing off their respective rides to a large crowd of spectators and eat more than their share of wholesome Fair Food. Always a great time.

A word of caution. It is supposed to be HOT and Humid on Sunday and more so on Monday. Stay Cool if you can. Hydrate even if your not thirsty. Watch yourselves and try not exert yourselves.

Till Next