February 22, 2009

Meeting Recap: Gibbs Auto Interiors

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 we had a good turn out for our meeting held at Gibbs Auto Interiors: www.gibbs-auto-interiors.net

We would like to thank our hosts, Scott and Heather Gibbs, for their hospitality.


Art Lauer brought a bare '68 front bucket seat for Scott Gibb's to use to demonstrate his area of expertise.

We were all fascinated as we watched Scott work his magic on the seat.

Ta Da! A beautiful job done in less than 45 minutes!

February 21, 2009

Pontiac's long road comes to an end

Feb. 20, 2009 MSNBC Nightly News with Brian Williams had a feature with James G. Cobb, automotive editor of the New York Times, talking about saying goodbye to the Pontiac, one of America's most storied car brands that brought the stylish muscle car to the masses.

The Garden State GTO Club had 26 seconds of bitter sweet fame in this piece starting at 2.21 with Mike Spizziri's car and finishing with Harold Murray's car.

Links to a story you won't want to miss:

MSNBC Nightly News with Brian Williams intro including the James G. Cobb Piece
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/29307802#29307802

James G. Cobb New York Times Automobile Editor Only
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/29307802#29306980

February 19, 2009

SEMA Action Network Legislative Alert


Indiana Regulators Propose to Redefine Antique Vehicles to Force More into Emissions Tests

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is proposing to redefine the term ‘antique vehicle” in order to force more of these hobby cars into the emissions inspection program. Under existing law, an antique vehicle is defined as “a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25-years old.” Under the regulation, the definition would be revised to require that the vehicle must be at least 25-years old, registered and plated as a historic motor vehicle, driven a maximum of 3,000 miles per calendar year, and include Federally required pollution control equipment for that make and model year. Under the plan, the vehicle would be periodically forced into a vehicle emission test site to verify that these requirements have been met. We (SEMA Action Network) Urge You to Submit Written Comments Opposing This Regulatory Proposal by March 13, 2009

Existing law in Indiana exempts any vehicle 25-years old and older from emissions testing. Indiana’s current emissions testing exemption recognizes the minimal impact of vehicles 25-years old and older on vehicle emissions and air quality. Vehicles 25-years old and older constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction. Antique vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven (about one-third the miles each year as a new vehicle). Legislators and regulators are feeling the heat from a failed effort to meet air quality goals and are looking for a convenient scapegoat. The old car hobby should not carry the burden of their mistakes!

Mailed comments should be addressed to:

#08-674 (APCB) I/M Program - "Antique Vehicle"
Manda Clevenger: Mail Code 61-50
Rules Development Section/Office of Air Quality
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Hand delivered comments will be accepted by the receptionist on duty at the tenth floor reception desk, Office of Air Quality, Indiana Government Center North, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. Comments may be submitted by facsimile at the IDEM fax number: (317) 233-2342, Monday through Friday, between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Please confirm the timely receipt of faxed comments by calling the Rules Development Section at (317) 233-0426. Comments must be postmarked, faxed, or hand delivered by March 13, 2009.

Please e-mail a copy of your letters to us (SEMA Action Network) at stevem@sema.org Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Copyright 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) To view their original email as a web page, please follow this link

February 16, 2009

Hemming Muscle Machines March 2009 issue

Goatfans,
Thinking of tackling a frame off restoration? It can be done. Check out Mike Spizziri's '69 GTO Convertible project showcased in Hemmings Muscle Machines March 2009 issue #66
Prez Bill

February 14, 2009

Don't miss our next meeting!

Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 1 pm we have been invited to tour the Gibbs Auto Interior shop in Castleton. Gibbs is a highly rated auto interior expert. Our host, Scott Gibbs, will provide pizza and soft drinks for our dining pleasure. Scott will also be doing a "Show & Tell" session. Their address is 7201 E. 86th St., Indy 46250. (Click map to enlarge.) Phone: 317-845-1995. Check out Gibbs Auto Interior website at www.gibbs-auto-interiors.net

February 13, 2009

Elysian Foundation Check Presentation


The Indy GTO Association was proud to present a check in the amount of $1,000 to representatives from the Elysian Foundation on February 13, 2009. The foundation raises funds to buy Christmas gifts and clothing for the residents of Normal Life based in Sheridan, Indiana. Normal Life is a home for patients who have permanent brain injuries. Our club has supported the Elysian Foundation for many years, raising over $10,000. If you would like to make a personal contribution, please send your check payable to the Elysian Foundation to: Reta Hannenberg, 1055 Haley Ct., Cicero, IN 46034. Your contribution is tax deductible. The folks in the picture are: Prez Bill Sanders, Wilma Heiney, David Fitzpatrick, Linda O'Dell and Tamela Grabb.

February 11, 2009

New Addition to the Rossell Family

We have a new addition to the Indy GTO family!

Keith and Lisa Rossell have a new baby boy for their twin boys to pester! Dad was overjoyed, but in typical male fashion didn't send any vital stats like weight, height, birthday or favorite year GTO.

Looks like all are doing fine!
Prez Bill

February 9, 2009

Howell's 1969 GTO Judge Restoration

One of our members, Gary R. Howell, Bloomfield, IN has a web site documenting his total off-frame restoration on his original 1969 GTO Judge. This GTO Judge was on the front cover of the July 2007 Issue of the "Legend" magazine. Check it out at: http://home.comcast.net/~de_judge/site/ The links to the various pages are at the top of each page. Look for the (2) audio links which feature his Judge and Blue Ram Air IV and the 2 1/2 minute movie/slide segment. Gary not only tracked down the car he had owned years before, he even stumbled across his original license plate at a sale. Great story!

A note from Gary: The photo of me installing the license plate was taken May 8, 2008. To think I installed that very same plate in May of 1969 on the very same GTO seemed so surreal. Words cannot explain it. I guess it is the true meaning of Pontiac Excitement! I even have my graduating class tassel hanging from the rear view mirror. I better hit the sack now, I have been working on the '69 Liberty Blue GTO's valve train all day...

February 8, 2009

Greetings Goatsters!

On behalf of the officers and membership of the IGTOA, I'd like to extend a heartfelt "THANK YOU!!!" to Betsy Fladung for her development of this marvelous medium for communicating pertinent club info and for displaying items of interest.

The potential for utilizing the new "IGTOA News Blog" for the advancement of club activities and goals appears to be limited only by the input and creativity of the membership. So... if you have any ideas for contributions, let us know. The possibilities are endless and all thoughts will be given serious consideration. We look forward to your input.

February 5, 2009

Greetings Goatnerds!
Got cabin fever yet? Well, we have a cure ... sort of...

Swap Meet: Sunday, Feb. 8th
The annual trip to Columbus, Ohio is upon us. The Central Ohio GTO Assoc. will present their All Pontiac Swap Meet on Sunday, Feb. 8th. (Yes, this coming Sunday! More info available at www.gtoaco.com) If you want to go as part of our car pool, show up at the Cracker Barrel at I-70 and Post Road on Indy's east side at 7:00 a.m. We'll eat there and head to Columbus at 8:00 a.m.

Next Club Meeting: Saturday, Feb. 21st
Our next club meeting is Saturday, Feb. 21st at 1:00 p.m. We have been invited to tour the Gibbs Auto Interior shop in Castleton. Gibbs is a highly rated auto interior expert. Our host, Scott Gibbs, will provide pizza and soft drinks for your dining pleasure. Scott will also be doing a "Show & Tell" session, so don't miss this meeting! Check out Gibbs Auto Interior website at
www.gibbs-auto-interiors.net Their address is 7201 E. 86th St., Indy 46250. Phone: 317-845-1995.

See ya at both events!!
Cheers,
Prez Bill

February 4, 2009

January 2009 Meeting at Gearhead - Recap

The Indy GTO Association met January 24, 2009 at Gearhead in Crawfordsville, IN. Thank you to our host, Mike Sloan, for the tour, lunch and truly inspirational meeting venue. We had about twenty-five in attendance. Here are a few pics from the meeting:



IGTOA Club Officers for 2009: Our host at Gearhead, Mike Sloan, is pictured below with our President Bill Sanders, Vice President John Jump, Sergeant-at-Arms Leonard Swope, Newsletter Editor Betsy Fladung and (seated in front) Treasurer David Fitzpatrick and Secretary Sheri Bowron.

Mark your calendars for these events: (subject to change)
Feb. 21
- February meeting Saturday, 1 pm at Gibbs Auto Interiors 7201 E. 86th St Indy
March 16
- March meeting Monday, 6 pm at 96th St Auto (just east of Keystone)
May 2 - Vietnam Vets Car Show - Lawrence
May 9 - Spring Mystery Cruise
May 13-17 Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction at Indiana State Fairgrounds http://mecum.com/auctions/schedule.cfm
July 7-11 - GTOAA Nationals - Dayton, OH
July-August - Gilmore Car Museum overnight trip - Hickory Corners, MI
Sept. 19 - Cruise In
Dec 5 - IndyGTO Christmas Party at Stookey's in Thorntown, IN (north of Lebanon on 52)

Article coming soon
The story behind this special pin:

February 1, 2009

We've gotta' have some video on here...

2005 GTO
Old Corsa Sport with Stock Manifold Sound Bite