TM - National Chevy Association | 1949Ricardo Varela San Jose, CA Victor Benavidez Union City, CA...

Published in the Interest of Preserving

1949 to 1954 Chevrolets

Inside This Issue...

TM

Vol. 25 No. 4June 2010

l Cover Car

l New Members

l Now Showing

l Find the

Hidden Flags

l Reprints

l New Parts for Sale

l Classifieds

l Adventures of Barney

Our 25th Year!

Dan Pratt’s ‘54

Now ShowingWelcome to “The Club”National Chevy Assoc. would like to say “Welcome to the Club” to new members and to the “old-timers” renewing their membership.

Arthur Reyes Bakersfield, CABob Hodgson Osoyoos, BCH.E.C. Systems Conway, NHArmando Khan Stockton, CAClaude Dove Swaton, OHJames Melka Winthrop, IASam Guajadro Lydle, TXDeborah Gibson Batavia, NYLuther Ruckert Freedom, PAAlfred Anderson Littlestown, PAJohn Sine Spokane, WADean Forster Topeka, KSLarry Pichiara Smiths, ALBill Hood Fort Worth, TXStanley Stewart Bakersfield, CAEugene Fleming Richmond, VAAllen Bayley Patchogue, NYDavid Lege Magnolia, TXCurt Purdum London, OHChip Bailey Hilton Head, SCTanner Wing Mountain Home, IDEd Rauschuber Hickory Creek, TXJim Aldred St. Helena, CARandy Gaspers St. Mary’s, WVOneida Auto Body Oneida, TNAlfonso Demagistris Prospect, CTGuillermo Carey Miami, FLJim Harrington Sweet Springs, MOKennoth Opatz Lisbon, IADario Ramirez Anthony, NMRadame Paries Mayaquez, PRRodger Lilke Steinbach, MBRafael Jimenez San Germon, PRStephen Estes Olympia, WASusan Klinko Franklin, WIRay Connor Independence, MOJohn Murtaugh Egg Harbor Township, NJMark Hennigar Richboro, PAHonda Pro’s Katy, TXTony Chiaramonte Thousand Oaks, CAEfraim Abreu Springhill, FLManny’s Classic Cars Hialeah, FLCharles Treadway Amarillo, TXRobert Tegge Waukesha, WIRuben Banegas Las Vegas, NVWard Brown Eveleth, MNMemesio Casas Houston, TXBrad Parkhouse Portland, MILee Padilla Albuquerque, NMWilliam Mcgaughey Savannah, MOJeff Nebro Fort Wayne, INPatrick Bensman Alpena, MIMarlin Inmon Pontotoc, MSRobert W. Martin Mishawaka, INRay Hawks Anderson, CAGary Lords Idaho Falls, IDMike McDonald Oakland, CASterling Broussard Lake Charles, LARodney Marentette Austin, TXDan Ollenburg Clear Lake, IADelmar Vernia Des Moines, IAJim Helsel Crown Point, INTakeshi Yoshida Beaverton, ORLeo Janowski Tomball, TXJason Bell Upper Marlboro, MDCokers Body Shop Hays, KSBilly Mullins Utica, MSJames Lapaso Kyle, TXEd Brown Racine, WIRincon’s Garage Culver City, CAStanley Bryant Post Falls, IDOsvaldo Rodriguez Oceanside, CAJonas Berger Katy, TXCharles Barnett Silver Springs, NVDick Moffitt’s Springfield, OHRobert Curto Cos Cob, CTEd Rauschuber Hickory Creek, TXJesse Guzman Anchorage, AKRonald Batey Hobart, INBruce Averill Grandville, MIHenry Castiueja Delvalle, TXJoe Clutterbuck Sugar Grove, ILJose Torres Union City, CARalph Phifer Monroe, IARobert Betz Aliquippa, PAMartin Glassburn Williams, AZJohn Hanna Deerfield, OHJay Hooser Riverton, UTJose Mejia San Francisco, CATim Hammons Conyers, CABelinda Dankanich Downington, PAGlen Oechsner Campbellsport, WINeal Shull Anderson, INRichard Salas Bremerton, WA

Tony Cash Naugatuck, CTMike Obermeyer Bloomfield, COAlfonso Vargas San Paula, CAThomas Humphries Hazleton, NJAlexander Valdiva East Polo Alto, CAStefano Leonardell Milano, ItalyDave Shifey White City, OREdwin Rubio New Castle, CAJoe King Aurora, ILEd and Diane Kohl Deming, NMPat Brakefield Phenix City, ALWilliam B. Andrews Saraland, ALDavid Stix Fernley, NVJon Stone Warren, ARAdam Hahn Wahiawa, HIJoel Desalvo Norwalk, CAPeter Belger Eau Claire, WIGerardo Garcia Milwaukee, WIJames Lilley Austin, TXFrank Wilcox West Des Moines, IARobert Page Frankfort, OHBrian Hurst Hendersonville, TNDavid Maria Vacaville, CADavid Gonzalez Medera, CAJose Suarez Oakland, CAWilliam Files Duxbury, MANelson Reinke Harrison, MIPaul Magee Burton, MITodd Bornman North Webster, INRobert Elguezabal Rosemead, CAKordic Branko Alexandria, VAJosh Lee Mitchell, SDJeff Lanzillo Stoneham, MAGeorge Harris Middleton, MDTom Deadrick New London, MNBrian Marshall Houston, TXJack Olsen Port Ludlow, WAKenneth Miller Damascus, MDDavid Sturtz Mount Carrol, ILAcademy Chiropractic Blairstown, NJDavid Welsford Greensboro, NCCarl Doyle Aylett, VADan Vinson Loveland, OHGlenn Gochenour Strasburg, VABuck-Duane Heath Gainesville, TXKen Orcechowsti Toledo, OHVernon Worley New Orleans, LAArlin Paul Rusk, TXMike Acors Richmond, VAChuck Coe Sams Springs, OKJohn Brown Circle Pines, MNLuis Miranda Phoenix, AZDanny Butler Munci, INJose Torres Union City, CAVirgil Davies Maple Ridge, BCS Kujath Joliet, ILCarlos Silva Little Rock, CASeymour Jones Hammonton, NJRobinson Clark Acworth, GADouglas Dodds North Bend, ORBruce Ward Niagara Falls, NYLedell Lewis Conroe, TXRobert Thomas Tyrone, PALester Brown Chunchula, ALBruce Pearce Des Moines, IARenato Ramirez Van Nuys, CAAnthony Garcia Manteca, CACody Burghdorf Marshall, MIArlyn Unrein Russell, KSGreg Ziemer Hutchinson, MNChris Moore Booty, ILBrian Sundstrom Colfax, WIBurman Walker Straffod, MOGordon Hall Dandridge, TNJustin Scherrer Winfield, MOArmando Gonzalez Yuma, AZKenneth Coleman Angleton,TXFrank Jorgensen Phoenix, AZMike Minchew Redlands, CADoug Servellon Katy, TXRichard Rundle Davenport, FLLarry Maday Fairmont, MNMike Armstrong Atlantic, IAJack McCormac Antioch, TNStephen Estes Olympia, WALouis Neuman Lindenhurst, NYNorman Stearns Exton, PATommy Jacobs Ardmore, OKWilliam Bradley Sequim, WAIven Godwin Virginia Beach, VAElmer Hall Bakersfield, CAMaricela Alvarez Ceres, CAGary Payne South Pittsburg, TNKenneth Robertson Hiawatha, IA

Lee Baumhover Peosta, IAMarlowe Marsh Hewitt, MNDC Sales Hastings, MNJuana Ramirez Tampa, FLTom Wolf Argyle, WIJoe Clutterbuck Sugar Grove, ILDavid Barclay Marietta, PAJosh Dezur Milwaukee, WIPaul Sumrell Virginia Beach, VATodd Bornman North Webster, INMike Obermeyer Bloomfield, COJeanne Sangiovanni North Haven, CTBrad Parker Girard, OHRon Espinoza Yucca Valley, CAGreg Cotter Clintonville, WINick Fantasia Fairmont, WVLarry Anderson Alexandria, MNJimmy Guerrero Houston, TXR A Brubaker Kokomo, INThomas Altmann New Berlin, WIRobert Shanks Orlando, FLRicardo Varela San Jose, CAVictor Benavidez Union City, CAEarl Bingham Arlington, TXShop Airline America Carson, CAPro Mechanique-Plus La Malabie, QBFeltgen-Huesmann LuxembourgLenny Sulley Grand Junction, CORonald Young Agoura, CAChris Haggerty Tulsa, OKRay Haro Anaheim, CASpero Hansmeyer Canton, ILGerald & Mary Janey Litchfield, MNJeo Vescuso Selden, NYWilliam Tucker Chesterton, INRobert Forster Olympia, WADan Serna Sunnyvale, CASoundz Sioux Falls, SDHilton Pickens Goldthwaite, TXBrian Crommett Fargo, NDBill Lindberg Edgerton, WIAnthony Grzib Lumberton, NJDonald Ward Lake Havasu City, AZJose Martinez San Leandro,CADavid McKinley Mountain Grove, MODuane Bullock Fremont, NEDavid Piper Sesser, ILSamuel Stewart Uniontown, PAKarl Wilke Mt. Prospect, ILSteve Grossman Rye Brook, NYDavid Holloway Westland, MIDonald Kuehn Haledon, NJAnthony Migliorini Sullivan, INRincons Garage Culver City, CAChris Harris Redlands, CAWilliam Hartge Sumerset, PAErnest Preston Churchville, MDRick Sobczak Tinley Park, ILAllen Brubaker Kokomo, INJohn Hofner Hamburg, NYWilliam Dirnberger Brooklyn Center, MNMartin Glassburn Williams, AZDonald Dionne St. Etienne De Lavzon, QBBrian Noonan Calgary, ABBrandon Fike Littleton, COThomas Choinski New Britain, CTGlen McShan Wichita Falls, TXLarry Anderson Alexandria, MNDoug Samuelson Colorado Springs, CONorris Kinnikin Laurel, DEScott Coppock Benicia, CALarry Ruffner Sandy, UTKathy Hunter Mattydale, NYMike Davis South Milwaukee, WIEric Stone Sparks, NVBrian Gladen Santa Maria, CAThomas Petti Painesville Township, OHTom Balassone Mahopac, NYRoger Peacher Clarksville, TNFred Sarginger Columbus, OHJesse Sanchez San Diego, CADale Wright Atlantic IAMark Edwards Newalla, OKJoe Ziegler Birmingham, ALDavid Major Tucson, AZDavid Gardner Griffin, GAMike Shilders Fort Calhoun, NEWally Schrempp Maple Hill, KSEdgar Thompson Spokane, WAWalter Bucci Buffalo, NYGilbert Perez Albuquerque, NMSteve Guyon Drummondville, QCDennis Herrera East Wenatchee, WANathan Poteet St. Charles, MO

Anthony Ettari Victorville, CARick Talbott Wichita, KSSteven Ottosson Torrence, CAVictor Romero Raton, NMHenry Harel Brooklyn, NYRichard Reinstein Colchester, VTDave Cecil Holly Springs, NCKenneth Coleman Angleton, TXAlfred Easterwood Alexander City, ALGordon Wilson Demotte, INR. Sands Pico Rivera, CAJohn Casquilla West Palm Beach, FLFrancisco Leite Medley, FLAdlers Antique Autos Stephentown, NYSteve Lucero Pueblo, COMatthew Alderson Brighton, COWayne Medlin Fort Worth, TXMika Tikkala Reseda, CADaniel Anderson Batavia, ILAndy Martinez Oklahoma City, OKJuan Duran Coachella, CaJonathon Taylor Newton, KSRyan Kieson Benidji, MNCharles Darke San Francisco, CAWillie Goff Houston, TXBruce Duykers Sandpoint, IDDonald Bachman Wilkes Barre, PAJoe Clutterbuck Sugar Grove, ILEddie Lavelle Drexel, MOAlfonso Demagistris Prospect, CTSara Callinan Keyport, NJBill Tibbett Lafayette, INGreg Ziemer Hutchinson, MNChris Derickson North Platte, NEGabriel Howard Oklahoma City, OKAlfonso Vargas San Paula, CAJack Olsen Port Ludlow, WAGregory Nickell West Liberty, KYCraig Crisp Dodge City, KSKyle Koss Winnepeg, MBArthur Vigil Richmond, CABrian Burns Dover, FLJim Light Colorado Springs, COOlpe Auto Hialeah, FLShannon Pickett Kokomo, INStraight Restoration Union, IAJoe Vescuso Selden, NYRick Morse Clinton, UTGary Stracek Browerville, MNUltimate Audio Lexington, SCFrank Jorgensen Phoenix, AZKerry Porter Riverside, CAArthur Reyes Bakersfield, CAChris Haggerty Tulsa, OKJames Costello Sonora, CADavid Mitchell West Haven, UTJack Powers Oregon, WIFred Morganthaler Billings, MTDarrell Reynolds Senoia, GARonald Slusser Chandler, AZJaymes Whitaker Kokomo, INScott Jackson North Webster, INRandy Gantz Hulett, WYJames Deal Avon Park, FLBobby McDuffie Fayetteville, NCTom Anderlik West Richland, WAJim Costa Harmony, RIBill Schmutz Witchita, KSBrian Hendrickson Placentia, CALarry Lockerham Norman, OKDan Sauter Batavia, ILStan Pajor Cleveland, OHRonald Ferrari Santa Maria, CACharles Sprawls Westchester, ILBrenda Miller Chesterfield, VAJW Tolbert Lincoln, ALJoe Shumake Statesville, NCKaren Burghdorf Battle Creek, MIJose Botero Amityville, NYWilly Barnett Goodwater, ALVance Griffin LaGrange, GAKirk Kinnaman New Palestine, INBilly Gallegos Santa Fe, NMBenhard Sreitag Guxhagen, GermanyJason Schroeter Rosebud, MOBart Burnham Kerney, MOArmando Jimenez Pearland, TXClara Fernandez Dunlap, TNMatthew Lindelow Denver, COSandy Perencz Barrie, ONMarcus Schilter Steinen, SwitzerlandJames Jarrett Concord, CARobert W. Johnson Mullens, WVRoy Larrett Thunder Bay, ON

Name City Name City Name City Name City

June 2010 National Chevy AssociationTM 1

Hi from Nat’l. Chevy, We’re still keeping busy here and the weather has improved again after a cold and rainy week. I was able to plant flowers and some veggies at home, which it seems like I’ve been waiting for months to do. We went to a “first annual” local car show last weekend and had a good time. It was held at a “country club,” but all it was was a bar and grill on a large piece of land. I finally figured out what it meant ... a club in the coun-try. It had ESPN on so I got to catch a bit of the NASCAR race. They actually had about 50 cars. We drove our ‘53 Club Coupe, but I told Paul he had to fix a couple of things before I was going to ride in there again – like the sticky gas pedal, no air conditioning and the squeaky clutch. The best part of the show was the flame-throw-ing contest – even with only one participant we watched a flame show for over five minutes. It was great! If you need any parts to pick up at the Back to the 50’s or at Iola, please let us know early. We’ll be glad to bring them for you, but we need to be ready for early set up at both shows. Again I ask for your help with pictures for the newsletter. Please send them in as I am running out quickly. Please send actual photos as they are easier to work with. Thanks for your continued support and have a safe and fun summer. ‘Til next time......

NewIn Stock Now!

1949-50 Front License Plate Pocket Guard Excellent quality – Great addition to your car –

ORDER #4540

$15000

Ken Menard Jacksonville, FLGregory Halbrook Russellville, MOMonica Izaguire Rockford, ILErnest Preston Churchville, MDRalph William Underwood Lakeport, CARandy Holfeld Saskatoon, SKRuben Melendez Barceloneta, PRFletcher Booth Salt Lake City, UTArt Avina San Bernardino, CABrian Gladen Santa Maria, CAVictor Barboza Swansea, MAJames Miles Colorado Springs, COCody Burghdorf Marshall, MIChevs of the 40’s Vancouver, WAGilbert Perez Albuquerque, NMAnthony Dubrino East Meadow, NYKeith Baldwin Iona, IDBob Hon Baileys Harbor, WIWilliam Odell Amarillo, TX

Dave Sousa Arlington, MADavid Castro Santa Maria, CAMiles Sherlock Hampshire, EnglandLyle Dodman Winfield, BCSam Gagliano West Boxford, MAC Hol NetherlandsCharles Shain Carbon Hill, ILCar Shop Orange, CAOscar Barela Converse, TXL J Stevens Colorado Springs, COKale Asp Pittsfield, PARon Coe Saltville, VAJerry Jones Guthrie, OKBrandon Webb London, KYWillard Hammond North Granville, NYCuong Vuong Las Vegas, NVJoe Maresh Cudahy, WIRoger Pendroy Woodstock, ILRobert Garza Houston, TX

Jerry Martin Kailua, HIAlex Verrecchia Langhorne, PATim Yant St. Michael, MNJason Bergkoetter Addievillie, ILDewayne Ross Swartz Creek, MIVincent Campbell Red Bank, NJFred Russell Rogersville, TNRalph Phifer Monroe, IABlumen SchmidtJimmy Jackson Heflin, ALJames Carney Parkersburg, WVRandy Peace Rescue, CAAlton Arruda East Providence, RIKevin Cleary Phoenix, AZPhil Gilstrap Eugene, ORJesse Guzman Anchorage, AKDan Courtney Bluffton, INBill Sailors Evans, GAFrank Paynter Las Vegas, NV

Kenneth Hahn Hamilton, OHJack Rodgers Canal Winchester, OHJoshua Dupre Houma, LAJack Kerkman Waterford, WIRay Phenicie Seattle, WANancy Womer Bear, DELeroy Cline Deer Park, WARamon Acevedo Bronx, NYClifford Ginn Tulsa, OKHomer Benson Shelton, WADavid Olivo Vian, OKHoward Kirunchyk Allen Park , MIJeff Nock Bridgeville, PAKen Cole Apache Junction, AZJoel Miranda Phoenix, AZRoy Robinson Sloatsburg, NYLamar Lucas Davenport, IAJohn R. Wilson Bennington, NEMark Distefano San Jose, CA

Now ShowingWelcome to “The Club”National Chevy Assoc. would like to say “Welcome to the Club” to new members and to the “old-timers” renewing their membership.Name City Name City Name City Name City

2 National Chevy AssociationTM June 2010

Now Showing

1949-52 ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT SILL PLATESDeep stamped just like original.

1951 PARK LIGHT ASSEMBLY

with 12V bulb and housing. Park and flasher circuit.

Includes lens.

ORDER #4446 $12500

Ea.

POWER STEERING SCRIPT

Fits on trunk lid of car. Used on 1954 models with power steering option.

ORDER #329$15000

Pr.

WINDOW REGULATOR ROLLER KIT

ORDER #1074

$300 ea.

RADIATOR SPEED NUT RETAINERSlides behind radiator tabs — with threaded holes for bolts.

ORDER #1929 $2000

pr.

PRICE CHANGESThe prices shown on glass in

the catalog are incorrect. Please note new prices

which are lower.

Please remember to call for samples of

interior fabrics as they are not always the

same shades of color shown in the catalog

Back in Stock!

2 or 4 Door Sedan ORDER #4703Hardtop/Convertible ORDER #4704

$15900 Pr.

1954 FRONT BUMPER ORDER #483

1953-54 REAR BUMPER ORDER #484

$37500 Ea.

Get Yours Now!Only

SETS

2-dr. Sedan $243

1949-52 4-dr. Sedan

$2791953-54 4-dr. Sedan

$243Sedan Delivery

$1648-piece Station Wgn.

$43910-piece Station Wgn.

$467

SINGLE PIECE

Vent $25

Front Door $59

Rear Door $59

Prices on the website and in our computer will be correct.

In Stock


Catalog Corrections and Additions

Stainless Tire Ring ....................................................................... #2147 SS $95.00

1954 Rochester Lighter Tag ........................................................... #217 $3.00

1949-52 Hardtop/Convertible Original Design Sill Plates ................ #4704 $159.00

1949-52 2 Door Sedan Original Design Sill Plates ........................... #4703 $159.00

1949-52 Station Wagon Window Channel Kit ................................. #1042 $264.00

1952 Flipper Bar Seal ..................................................................... #1032 $16.00

Accessory Fuel Line 1949 Carter Carb with Manual Choke ............... #5397-1 $31.00

1952-54 Motor Mounts .................................................................. #1105 $35.00

1954 Chrome Valve Cover .............................................................. #1914 $85.00

Brake Adjusting Screw Spring ......................................................... #1430 $7.00

1951-54 Wheel Cylinder Brake Shoe Push Rod ................................ #1413 $4.00

1953 Front Fender Anti-Squeak Kit ................................................ #1511 $40.00

1954 Front Fender Anti-Squeak Kit ................................................ #1512 $40.00

1954 Exhaust System ..................................................................... #2013-4 $219.00

1949-54 Floor Pan/Trunk Floor Plug .............................................. #601-15 $3.00

1949-54 Transmission Tunnel ........................................................ #4668 $145.00

Back In Stock!

1949-52 Taupe Colored Trunk Mats

ORDER #4803T

$12900 Ea.

Now In Stock!

1953 Chev Front Bumpers Great quality, just like the others!

ORDER #482

$37500 Only

Get Yours Today!


MORE From Pomona to Minnesota in January

More Minnesota and California cars from the January Pomona Show.


MORE From Pomona to Minnesota in January


June SpecialsSAVE $$

SAVE $$

$30.00 Off 3-Pc Trunk Cardboard Kit & Trunk Mat PurchaseCurrent members only. Offer good June 1-30, 2010.

SAVE $$

Note: Above specials for current members only.

SHIPPINGwith purchase of Dual Exhaust System featuring the new “Williams” Headers ($600 complete). See catalog for more details. Current members only please. Offer good June 1-30, 2010

FREEFREE SHIPPING Stock Exhaust SystemComplete System All-In-One KitCurrent members only. Offer good June 1-30 2010.

SAVE $$

July SpecialsSHIPPINGAll Exhaust Systems

1/2 Price Shipping on Complete InteriorsCurrent members only please. Offer good July 1-31, 2010

FREE


Cover Car - Otis Pratt’s Collection

1950 BelAir

1951 BelAir


1952 BelAir

Cover Car - Otis Pratt’s Collection

1953 BelAir

1954 BelAir


Cover Car - Otis Pratt’s CollectionDominick,,

It has been awhile since I originally called you about my Dad’s (Otis Pratt) BelAir collection. Here are the pictures I had already emailed to you. He has 1950 through 1957 BelAirs, all hardtops as you can see. He has one Pontiac which is a 1950 Pontiac Chieftain. He started with the Chieftain as that was his first new car he owned when he moved to Dixon, IL in 1950 from Tennessee. He then decided to obtain BelAirs and over a matter of the last four years he has accumulated these. They look pretty neat when they are all lined up. They are all originals, as you can see. The 1953 4-door BelAir is my driver and is a very nice car. If you can use any of these in the Parts-Line newsletter my dad would get a kick out of that. He turns 81 in April and I have been telling him at his age if he sees something he wants he should buy it and I guess he has been doing that.

Thanks,Dan Pratt

1950

-195

7 B

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ir, 1

951

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tiac

Chi

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an


Hand-in-Hand Reprint After last month’s walk down memory lane, it was time to get back to work. Paul and I flogged on the project car for a day or two in order to give me enough material to write about when I went on my Mexican vacation. No rest for the wicked! When the smoke cleared, we had done enough to the car to keep me writing for months. Hope I can remember everything 3 months from now... don’t want to have to do it twice. A few recent events in my life, however, I certainly won’t forget. One deals with tremendous stupidity on my part, the other with simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We recently hired a part-time employee to help us part out cars. I’ve worked a little bit with him to show him the ropes, so to speak, and was showing him how to disassemble the front suspension of a ‘53 Chevrolet. It had valiantly given its life to become an organ donor, so that other 53/54 Chevrolets could still live. I’m an excellent teacher. I use the “don’t ever do it this way” method. I was trying to remove the passenger side lower control arm, and cut the spring in half with a cutting torch to remove the tension. We don’t use spring compressors, they take too much time, and we don’t save the front springs anyway. We sell new ones. I was under the mistaken impression that no tension could be left in the suspension with the spring cut, so I removed the last bolt holding the control arm to the frame. Splam! I saw stars. I don’t know what was worse, the stitches in my nose and throbbing headache, or the embarrassment of being an idiot. At least, I taught him a lesson he’ll never forget. Cut the spring to smithereens before removing. The other thing I’ll never forget happened on the family vacation in Mexico. Mother Nature helped us celebrate the last evening in beautiful Hualtulco, Mexico by forcing us to sleep on the beach in lawn chairs. Sherri and I were reading books on our deck facing the ocean while the kids were sleeping after a tough day of swimming. That’s when we got “plastered.” A 6.4 earthquake hit about 9:00 in the evening, and it took us about 45 seconds to grab the kids and run down four stories of stairs to safety outside. I’m from Minnesota, and even though the hotel was still

standing, I figured we would have a better chance of living to see another sunrise by staying outside. Maybe someone that has experienced this before might think I overreacted, but I saw a six story hotel do a hula with me and my family inside it. The ground doesn’t move like that in Minnesota; I’ll sleep on the beach, thank you very much. It’s a good thing I’m still alive after what I’ve been through. Otherwise, I don’t know who would have been able to give you a few clues on replacing your window channel in your car. Paul could teach you a ton about it, as he did teach me, but sitting down and writing about it is not his style. Many months ago, I removed all the windows and channel from the car in an effort to get it ready for paint. In retrospect, that was the first mistake. I threw all the old channel away, and now I didn’t have a “pattern” to use to bend my new channel. It can still be done, but now it wouldn’t be as easy. The old window channel in your car is held in place with clips that you will surely destroy removing your channel. Don’t worry, your new channel will be held in place with a new method thanks to modern technology. The belt weatherstrip (i.e. cat whiskers, fuzzies, etc.) is stapled in place originally. How they ever “stapled” through 18 ga. sheet metal is beyond me, but they must be removed. I used the old screwdriver, hammer and wire cutter technique. Once all the old window channel is removed, you can use the pieces you removed as a sort of “pattern” to bend up your new channel to fit. I didn’t have the luxury, as I’ve explained. Some people have told me that they use the window glass as a pattern to bend the channel around, and although we don’t do it that way, I can see why it wouldn’t work. Through the whole process of replacing the window channel, the only thing I could see that would give anyone trouble is the actual bending, or forming, of the channel itself. Paul picked up a piece of channel and formed the perfect 90º bend for the back side of the front door, then used a tin snip to cut the two lengths to fit. He did cut them long at first, then gradually cut small lengths off until they fit perfectly. Now it was my turn. The first piece of channel


Hand-in-Hand ReprintI bent kinked almost immediately. I couldn’t see anything that I did differently than Paul, and I realized that the hand is quicker than the eye. He had performed a magic trick, I’d swear. But once he explained what I did wrong, I learned the secret to the trick. The stainless beads have to slide on the edges of the channel when you make your bend, and he used his hands to sort of help pull them along as he made the bend gradually. Please don’t expect me to describe this, I missed it completely the first time he did it. Look at the ends of the channel after making the bend, and you’ll see what I mean. Bend your first piece of channel slowly and carefully, and you will get the hang of it right away. Remember to keep sliding your hands away from the bend, pulling the fabric and stainless bead away from the bend, and it won’t kink. After 1958, Chevrolet went to a window channel that has rubber backing and is much easier to work with. (It lowered production costs, less

This is how your channel should look after bending.

After silicone is applied, hold channel in place using masking tape.


Hand-in-Hand Reprintkinking) It has exactly the same dimensions, looks the same, and is almost impossible to kink. We’d be happy to substitute this channel in your order if you want, rather than the exact original channel. Both window channels work exactly the same, look exactly the same. It’s just that one is much easier to work with. Less chance of failure. Once we were happy with the fit, we applied a bead of clear silicone, using a caulking gun, to where the channel would fit. We put the preformed window channel in place and held it in place using masking tape. Give it 24 hours, and it’s a done deal. If you’re really ambitious and install your windows, roll them up all the way and come back the next day. Poetic ... However, if you do it that way, the constant rattle you hear driving down the road is your failure to reinstall your belt weatherstrip. I got a little ahead of myself, sorry. Form the belt weatherstrip the same way as the window “channel, using the old

You can make all your belt weatherstrips right on the workbench.

Leave a little extra stainless, and “smush” with hammer.


Hand-in-Hand Reprintpieces as a pattern, if possible. What’s neat about the belt weatherstrip, you can make all the pieces on the workbench. Form one up to the interior garnish molding, and make the opposite to match the same time. It will fit right on the door. Leave a little extra stainless beading on the end or ends where the belt weatherstrip meets the window channel. If you “smush” it flat with a hammer, it will fit

between the channel and door to help hold it in place in the corners. Attach it to the door, body, and garnish moldings using 1/8” aluminum pop rivets, spacing them about five to six inches apart. Take a little black paint or use a magic marker to color the heads of the rivets so you can’t see them and you’re in business. I sure know how nice new weatherstripping and window channel looks properly installed. It’s also a lot easier to install than I expected, save for the forming of the channel, once I learned Paul’s magic, that was easy too. Hope it’s easy for you, too.

Don’t worry about the scar on my nose; it gives me the rugged look. Look what Harrison Ford’s scar on his chin did for him.

Attach belt weatherstrip to door with 1/8” pop rivets.


Mail or Fax to NCA, 947 Arcade St., St. Paul, MN 55106Fax 1-800-785-5354

In this issue you will find five flags hidden in articles or ads. To enter the contest, find the May flowers, fill in the form below and mail or fax your entry to us by July 15, 2010. On July 18 we will draw the contest winner. Remember - if you don’t enter you can’t win. Have fun. Contest open to current members only please.

Entry FormName ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip_____________________________________________ Phone (______) __________________

What pages did you find the flags on?

Page _____ Page _____ Page _____ Page _____ Page _____

Find the Hidden Flags

& Win a $75.00Gift Certificate


FOR SALE — 1951 to 1954 NOS left front wheel cylinder, excellent, $25; 1949 to 1954 trans. floor cover, good condition, $20. Don (586) 615-0922 before 8:30 PM EST. Macomb, MI

June___________________________

FOR SALE — Power steering column with pump, pulley, fresh air duct center link. Also have linkage bracket for power glide for additional price. Casey (651) 354-0612. MN $1100.

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1953 complete hub to hub front end, $400. Dennis (541) 686-1985 or [email protected]

June___________________________

PARTS WANTED

WANTED — 1954 hood, front inner fender wells, front seat brackets for 2 door, and front and rear bumpers. Matt (414) 217-6010 or [email protected]

July___________________________

WANTED — 1953 Chevy center grille bar with parking light housings attached, no dents or dings. Good driver quality. Bill (716) 569-3659 or [email protected]

July___________________________

WANTED — Left front vent window, complete for 1951 2-dr. Styleline. Need complete with glass and weatherstrip and latch. Nelson (989) 539-9527. MI

July___________________________

WANTED — 1954 Chevy Hardtop window louver, driver’s side. Please call Holder at (513) 779-7659 or email at [email protected]

July___________________________

WANTED — Looking for a pair of 1953 Chevy headlight bezels in good shape. Blair Kvam (563) 582-4950

June___________________________

WANTED — 1953-54 interior a-pillar (between windshield and door) metal trim/moulding, L & R. Dave (213) 413-0755 or texabilly71@ sbcglobal.net CA

June___________________________

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATESPlease advertise ‘49 through ‘54 Chev parts only. “Parts-Line” is printed once monthly and members receive 3 free 25-word ads per year. Ads over 25 words run 10¢ per word over the 25 word limit. Ad rates for non-members are $3.00 up to 25 words and 10¢ per word thereafter. All ads will run for 3 consecutive issues unless cancelled by you. Please put prices on items that you advertise. Mail 947 Arcade, St. Paul, MN 55106 or fax 1-800-785-5354 or email [email protected] ads before the first of the previous month.

FOR SALE — 1953 OEM hood rocket, good condition, $50; horn center, blue, $5; dash stop lite viewer, $15. Email for photos. [email protected]

July___________________________

FOR SALE — 2 Chevy engines for sale. One ‘54 235 6-cyl., hear it run. One ‘61 235 6-cyl., good shape. $500 each. ‘54 clutch press plate flywheel, 3-speed trans., $300. 920-836-3666. Larsen, WI

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1950-54 headlight & switch, $30 ea; 1949-52 center hood moulding, $25; 1949-54 fresh air tubes, $25 ea.; 1953-54 heater switch with knobs, cables, $40; 1953-54 turn signal switch, wire harness, housing, handle, $40; 1953-54 vent cables, knobs, brackets, $20; 1950-54 wiper switches, knobs, cables, $30 ea; 1953-54 radio deleete plate, $10; 1949-52 trico wiper motors, $25 ea; 1953-54 sunvisor hardtop “rare” new center bracket, no dents, very nice; 1949-54 ing. switches, comp, $30 ea; 1949-54 cigar lighters, working, $25 ea; 1949-54 dome light switches, bezels, housings, lenses, $35; 1949-52 under-dash wiper transmissions with linkage, $35; 1949-54 inside sunvisor, $30 pair; 1949-50 front fender side mouldings, $35 pair; 1952 back fender mouldings, 4-dr., nice, $60; 1953-54 BelAir back fender V-mouldings, $25 pair; 1953 headlight bezels, pair, $30. WI (715) 748-4897

June___________________________

CARS FOR SALE

FOR SALE — 1953 Chevy 4-dr. 210, 235, floor shift, 3 speed, nice car, $5000. (651) 731-1480

July___________________________

FOR SALE — 1954 Chevy 4-dr. Sedan power-glide. Needs complete restoration. I am second owner. Transmission completely rebuilt and never driven. Engine is out of car and needs a crank, but the entire engine was rebuilt. Cur-rently has a motor of a 1951 Chevy. Looking for a good home, make offer. Phila, PA area (610) 637-7133 or [email protected]

July___________________________

FOR SALE — 1952 Chev Deluxe 2-dr. Sedan, 235 six 3 on tree. 3:55 diff for freeway cruisin’. Rebuilt: Brakes, fuel, ignition, electrical 12V. FM with CD player. Fenton hdrs, good glass & new seals, body good. Solid, reliable drive train. New interior, harnesses, belts. Asking $6500. Call Dennis (715) 865-3105. WI

July___________________________

FOR SALE — 1950 Chevy hardtop - rare - 235 engine, powerglide dual, headers, w/porter muf-flers. 82,000 miles. Blue/white top. Needs noth-ing. $15,000. Dependable and everything works. Bob H (952) 447-4768, Cell (612) 817-3785

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1950 Chevy Sedan Delivery, custom, Chevy front clip, PS, PB, disc brake (Pie Car) needs a little T.L.C. Runs very good, fast, sharp car. $17,5000. Will trade any hdtp or any good trade. OBO. Buddy. (207) 985-2223 Cell (207) 205-4111.

June___________________________

PARTS FOR SALE


ClassifiedsFOR SALE — 1953 Townsman wagon tin woody, restored, ‘57 trans, open drive shaft, med. green with wood grain, $28,000. East Texas (903) 806-0041 [email protected]

June___________________________

FOR SALE — Restored 1954 Chev 210 2-dr. Sedan. Original. Excellent condition. 3-spd on the column. $9500 or best offer. NY (646) 734-1579 Jim

June___________________________

IF THIS WAS YOUR AD, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL CHEVY WITH

CONTACT INFORMATIONFOR SALE — Fully restored 350 motor paionted, 350 turbo, AIL NOSS-10 sup frame and rear air, p.s., p.b., tilt, shaved body, custom interior, bumpers, dash & grille. New wiring, exhaust, wheels & tires. Everything new. Much much more. $15,000 OBO.

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IF THIS WAS YOUR AD, PLEASE CALL NATIONAL CHEVY WITH

CONTACT INFORMATIONFOR SALE — 1953 Chev BelAir, 4-dr., 10,625 original miles, excellent condition, stainless and emblems perfect, all completely original, one of a kind. $11,500.

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FOR SALE — 1952 Chevy Deluxe 2-dr Sedan. Has been restored as close to original as possible. New interior, engine and body restored, new brakes, 6-volt system. Family-owned since new, need to sell to raise funds for son’s college. Asking $19,500 to recover what I’ve invested in it; hardly been driven since restored. Call (217) 832-3740 or email at [email protected]

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1949 Chevy Convertible. Fea-tured car in August 2009 issue, Vol. 24, No. 6. Featured as the Cadilet with every possible ac-cessory, including 1949 Cadillac tail fins, spot light, bumper guards, traffic view finder, day/night mirror, Cadillac wheel covers, fender skirts, continental kit, 1954 Corvette engine, dual ex-haust, Offenhauser intakes. Color is butternut yellow, black & gray interior, new top with rear glass window in chrome frame, Cadillac insignia in hubcaps, steering wheel & continental kit. The nine grandkids could use the proceeds for edu-cation. Asking $35,500. Andy Howerton, 1260 Oakridge Road, Nixa, MO 65714. (417) 725-1775.

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1953 Chev Hardtop. Body-off frame, brakes & lines done. Rebuilt 6, new clutch, all parts needed for completing, title. (715) 284-9756 $3500.

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1954 Chev 210 2-dr. Sedan proj-ect car, Mustang II front susp. rack & pinion, disc brakes, Camaro rear end. Set up for small block Chev and turbo 350. $1800. (360) 785-4937

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1950 Chev Convertible 216 mtr, 3 spd., California rust-free auto, loaded, low mileage, Had since 1978, superb show condition, skirts, lowered, duals, maroon white top, new wide WSW California 1-pc bumpers. Everything correct. Needs nothing. $43,500. Bob H (952) 447-4768 Cell (612) 817-3785.

June___________________________

FOR SALE — 1954 Chev Convertible, excellent candidate to chop into a hardtop. The car has most all of the conv. only parts including wing windows w/stainless rain gutters. The car has the VIN tag (no title). Call for details. Casey (651) 354-9612 MN $3000.

June___________________________

CARS FOR SALE

We want to know.CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

Name __________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________ State ______ Zip ____________Return to: National Chevy Assoc., 947 Arcade, St. Paul, MN 55106 • Fax 1-800-785-5354 or 651-778-9686.

NATIONAL CHEVY’SFAX LINE.

Place orders 24 hours a day.

Fax: (651) 778-9686 or 1-800-785-5354

Or phone us at (651) 778-9522 Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Central time.

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