I believe all of the arrangements have now been made and it looks like the 800+ mile trip to Minnesota is a go for early Sunday morning (10-10). Thanks to my son-in-law to be, Randy, we now have a nifty Ford F150 to pull my prize home with! Yay!! Thanks a bunch Randy!
Jim has decided to use his car caddy instead of a full trailer, so the drive shaft will have to be pulled from the Buick before we start home. Plus my sister, Melody, who some of you may remember from the trip to NYC back in June, has decided to come along for the ride.
We hope to leave early enough to arrive at a decent time to get the car loaded on the dolly and head back a ways before stopping for the night. I hope to be able to blog a bit from the motel as well if I remember to bring one of my netbooks along with me. Then get up the next morning and head back home.
I just want to thank all the well wishers and anyone else who offered to help, it certainly was appreciated. I will post another installment hopefully when we are on the way back.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I Must Be Crazy!
Okay, I do stupid things too sometimes. Like this afternoon, when I got home from work, I logged onto Ebay and bought a 1961 Buick LeSabre. Okay, not so bad you think, but the worst part is the fact that is located over 800 miles away in Minnesota and I have no truck or trailer to pull it home. Told you I do stupid things. Okay, so my brother-in-law Jim says he has a trailer, and is willing to help me load it, etc. That minor problem is half-solved.
So why do I want an old Buick? It's complicated, but let's just say it's something I have wanted for a long, long time and now I have it... Sort of. My sister Judy learned to drive in the families' '61 Buick, it was the first car I remember going with my dad to shop for and how disappointed I was when he turned down the red convertible. A lot of fond memories are associated with this car and that is the main reason I wanted it.
BTW, the very next car dad bought was a red '63 Buick convertible. Good times...
Check out my new Buick!
So why do I want an old Buick? It's complicated, but let's just say it's something I have wanted for a long, long time and now I have it... Sort of. My sister Judy learned to drive in the families' '61 Buick, it was the first car I remember going with my dad to shop for and how disappointed I was when he turned down the red convertible. A lot of fond memories are associated with this car and that is the main reason I wanted it.
BTW, the very next car dad bought was a red '63 Buick convertible. Good times...
Check out my new Buick!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
New Stuff
Those of you who are regular readers of my blog will notice the addition of a poll above. I'm using this for our Hackintosh group to help decide what action to take in the course of Google's decision to eliminate some of the features which were previously provided.
This has been indicative of others before on the Internet who offer free services only to rescind said services at a later date and time. In our case, many installation guides and other informational pages had to be moved to other providers due to Google's decision.
In addition, our Files section was rendered completely useless by some internal Google mistake, making it difficult to come up with backup copies and totally impossible in certain cases. Of course this should be a reminder for all to keep a backup copy of any important files as you never know what might happen at any given time.
This has been indicative of others before on the Internet who offer free services only to rescind said services at a later date and time. In our case, many installation guides and other informational pages had to be moved to other providers due to Google's decision.
In addition, our Files section was rendered completely useless by some internal Google mistake, making it difficult to come up with backup copies and totally impossible in certain cases. Of course this should be a reminder for all to keep a backup copy of any important files as you never know what might happen at any given time.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Hudson Motor Car Company
Formed on February 20, 1909 by eight Detroit businessmen and named after the founder of the Hudson department store, who also provided the necessary capital, the Hudson Motor Car Company was formed to produce an automobile which would sell for less than $1000. The Hudson "Twenty" was one of the first low-priced cars on the market and more than 4000 were sold the first year.
Although Hudson came up with many innovations, dual brakes and dashboard oil and generator lights to name just a couple, the company chose to stay with a single engine design for most of it's existence. Dubbed the "Super Six", this straight six engine had a balanced crankshaft which allow for higher rotational speeds without vibration.
In 1919 the Essex was introduced for the budget minded buyers and was designed to compete with Ford and Chevrolet. Combined Essex and Hudson sales moved the company to third place by 1925. 1932 saw the Essex being phased out for a new model called the Terraplane. This lasted until 1938 when the model was renamed the Hudson 112.
Hudson also hired the first female designer in 1939, for a female perspective. During the war Hudson converted to producing war material like other auto makers and the Hudson "Invader" engine powered many of the landing craft used on D-Day. The company also had an aircraft division which produced ailerons for a large eastern airplane builder.
After the war in 1948, Hudson launched their "step-down" bodies which lasted through the 1954 model year. This referred to the placement of the passenger compartment down inside the perimeter of the frame resulting in a safer car as well and additional passenger comfort. Other auto makers were quick to follow Hudson's lead.
Hudson's strong lightweight bodies, combined with the high torque inline six engines made the 1951-1954 Hornet an auto racing champion dominating NASCAR during the period. Some records set by Hudson in the 1950's still stands even today.
But, even with Hudson's innovations and accomplishments, like other smaller manufacturing companies, they could not keep up with the Big Three auto makers. So on January 14, 1954, they merged with Nash-Kelvinator to become American Motors Corporation.
The last Hudson rolled off the assembly line in Kenosha, Wisconsin June 25, 1957. There were no ceremonies because at that time there was hopes of continuing the Hudson name on a longer wheelbase 1958 Rambler. The name was dropped even though some Hudson inspired trim was used on the Rambler Ambassador and Rambler Customs for 1958.
Possibly as a tribute to the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, AMC revived the Hornet name for it's series of compact cars in 1970.
Did You Know?
The Hudson Commodore (1941-1952) was the largest and most luxurious Hudson model ever produced.
The 1965 Chevrolet Impala sold more than a million units in North America setting a record that stands to this day.
The first automobile racetrack in the US was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Windshield wipers were invented by a woman.
Although Hudson came up with many innovations, dual brakes and dashboard oil and generator lights to name just a couple, the company chose to stay with a single engine design for most of it's existence. Dubbed the "Super Six", this straight six engine had a balanced crankshaft which allow for higher rotational speeds without vibration.
In 1919 the Essex was introduced for the budget minded buyers and was designed to compete with Ford and Chevrolet. Combined Essex and Hudson sales moved the company to third place by 1925. 1932 saw the Essex being phased out for a new model called the Terraplane. This lasted until 1938 when the model was renamed the Hudson 112.
Hudson also hired the first female designer in 1939, for a female perspective. During the war Hudson converted to producing war material like other auto makers and the Hudson "Invader" engine powered many of the landing craft used on D-Day. The company also had an aircraft division which produced ailerons for a large eastern airplane builder.
After the war in 1948, Hudson launched their "step-down" bodies which lasted through the 1954 model year. This referred to the placement of the passenger compartment down inside the perimeter of the frame resulting in a safer car as well and additional passenger comfort. Other auto makers were quick to follow Hudson's lead.
Hudson's strong lightweight bodies, combined with the high torque inline six engines made the 1951-1954 Hornet an auto racing champion dominating NASCAR during the period. Some records set by Hudson in the 1950's still stands even today.
But, even with Hudson's innovations and accomplishments, like other smaller manufacturing companies, they could not keep up with the Big Three auto makers. So on January 14, 1954, they merged with Nash-Kelvinator to become American Motors Corporation.
The last Hudson rolled off the assembly line in Kenosha, Wisconsin June 25, 1957. There were no ceremonies because at that time there was hopes of continuing the Hudson name on a longer wheelbase 1958 Rambler. The name was dropped even though some Hudson inspired trim was used on the Rambler Ambassador and Rambler Customs for 1958.
Possibly as a tribute to the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, AMC revived the Hornet name for it's series of compact cars in 1970.
Did You Know?
The Hudson Commodore (1941-1952) was the largest and most luxurious Hudson model ever produced.
The 1965 Chevrolet Impala sold more than a million units in North America setting a record that stands to this day.
The first automobile racetrack in the US was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Windshield wipers were invented by a woman.
American Automotive History - Part 5 - Nash and Hudson
Started in 1916, Nash Motors is one of the rare minor players that actually is still in existence, but I'm getting way ahead of the story. It was founded by a former GM president, Charles W. Nash, who acquired the Thomas B. Jeffery Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin. This company's best known automobile was the Rambler, which started production in 1902.
Jeffery also produced a four-wheel drive Quad truck, which became an important product for Nash. This vehicle served the army well in WW1 and achieved the reputation as the best 4WD truck in the country. It also helped Nash to become the leading producer of military trucks by the end of WW1.
Further ties to GM came early in Nash history when Charles convinced the chief engineer of the Oakland/Pontiac division, Nils Eric Wahlberg, to move over to Nash. The result was several innovations which are still used in vehicles today, such as flow-through ventilation.
Nash-Kelvinator Corporation
Before retiring, Charles Nash chose Kelvinator head George W Mason to succeed him. Mason accepted, but only on the condition that Nash would acquire controlling interest in Kelvinator. Nash continued as the automobile brand name under the new Nash-Kelvinator Corporation January 4, 1937. This was the larger merger of companies not in the same industry up until that time.
Innovations continued under the new company, Bed-In-A-Car, 1938, Weather Eye heater, 1939, which added a thermostat to its Conditioned Air System. Then in 1941, the Nash 600 became the first unibody construction automobile to be mass produced in the US.
Post WWII operations continued pretty much the same as before the war until 1949, when Nash produced the Airflyte, an aerodynamic body shape developed in a wind tunnel. The 600 and Ambassador models shared the same body and in 1951, the 600 was renamed the Statesman.
1950 saw the introduction of the first post war compact car, the Nash Rambler was a feature-laden convertible. 1954 Nash introduced the Metropolitan, imported from Austin in Britain. Newly redesigned 1952 full-sized models were dubbed Golden Airflytes in honor of Nash Motors' 50th anniversary.
In January 1954, Nash announced acquisition of the Hudson Motor Car Company, creating American Motors Corporation. A friendly merger designed to improve the financial condition of both companies. Beginning in 1955, all Nash and Hudson models would be produced at the Nash Kenosha plant, and would share a common body, but with individual powertrains.
Soon after the 1954 merger, George Mason died. George Romney became the new CEO and pinned the future of the company on an expanded Rambler line. He began phasing out the Nash and Hudson nameplates and so Nash/Hudson production ended June 25, 1957.
From 1959-1965, Rambler was the only marque sold by AMC, other than Metropolitan, which remained in dealer showrooms until 1962. Rambler was phased out beginning in 1965 and completely discontinued after 1969.
1970 marked the acquisition of Kaiser Jeep and in the early 1980's, AMC entered into a partnership with Renault. AMC was ultimately acquired by Chrysler Corporation in 1987, so in that fashion, it can be said they are still around.
I rambled on (pardon the pun), far too long to include the story of Hudson in this segment, so we'll get to that next time…
Did You Know?
Nash produced a sports car (1951-1954) called the Nash-Healey. 506 were produced.
The Hudson Hornet dominated NASCAR in the early 1950's.
The first traffic light was installed in Cleveland, OH in 1914.
Ford introduced the first electric trunk release in 1958.
Jeffery also produced a four-wheel drive Quad truck, which became an important product for Nash. This vehicle served the army well in WW1 and achieved the reputation as the best 4WD truck in the country. It also helped Nash to become the leading producer of military trucks by the end of WW1.
Further ties to GM came early in Nash history when Charles convinced the chief engineer of the Oakland/Pontiac division, Nils Eric Wahlberg, to move over to Nash. The result was several innovations which are still used in vehicles today, such as flow-through ventilation.
Nash-Kelvinator Corporation
Before retiring, Charles Nash chose Kelvinator head George W Mason to succeed him. Mason accepted, but only on the condition that Nash would acquire controlling interest in Kelvinator. Nash continued as the automobile brand name under the new Nash-Kelvinator Corporation January 4, 1937. This was the larger merger of companies not in the same industry up until that time.
Innovations continued under the new company, Bed-In-A-Car, 1938, Weather Eye heater, 1939, which added a thermostat to its Conditioned Air System. Then in 1941, the Nash 600 became the first unibody construction automobile to be mass produced in the US.
Post WWII operations continued pretty much the same as before the war until 1949, when Nash produced the Airflyte, an aerodynamic body shape developed in a wind tunnel. The 600 and Ambassador models shared the same body and in 1951, the 600 was renamed the Statesman.
1950 saw the introduction of the first post war compact car, the Nash Rambler was a feature-laden convertible. 1954 Nash introduced the Metropolitan, imported from Austin in Britain. Newly redesigned 1952 full-sized models were dubbed Golden Airflytes in honor of Nash Motors' 50th anniversary.
In January 1954, Nash announced acquisition of the Hudson Motor Car Company, creating American Motors Corporation. A friendly merger designed to improve the financial condition of both companies. Beginning in 1955, all Nash and Hudson models would be produced at the Nash Kenosha plant, and would share a common body, but with individual powertrains.
Soon after the 1954 merger, George Mason died. George Romney became the new CEO and pinned the future of the company on an expanded Rambler line. He began phasing out the Nash and Hudson nameplates and so Nash/Hudson production ended June 25, 1957.
From 1959-1965, Rambler was the only marque sold by AMC, other than Metropolitan, which remained in dealer showrooms until 1962. Rambler was phased out beginning in 1965 and completely discontinued after 1969.
1970 marked the acquisition of Kaiser Jeep and in the early 1980's, AMC entered into a partnership with Renault. AMC was ultimately acquired by Chrysler Corporation in 1987, so in that fashion, it can be said they are still around.
I rambled on (pardon the pun), far too long to include the story of Hudson in this segment, so we'll get to that next time…
Did You Know?
Nash produced a sports car (1951-1954) called the Nash-Healey. 506 were produced.
The Hudson Hornet dominated NASCAR in the early 1950's.
The first traffic light was installed in Cleveland, OH in 1914.
Ford introduced the first electric trunk release in 1958.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Big doings in Vevay tomorrow!
The community wide yard sale and car show on the river is tomorrow, September 18th, here in Vevay. Lot's of junk... err, treasures for sale cheap and a free car show to boot! Of course you can also sample the fine eateries here in town while you're here. For more details check this link:
http://www.vevayin.com/events/2010/09/18/default.aspx
http://www.vevayin.com/events/2010/09/18/default.aspx
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Back to the grind!
Ugh! Went back to work today after our trip to Florida. Even after taking an extra day off to rest up from the trip I wasn't prepared to go back. Each new day at the post office is an adventure, who shows up, who doesn't, will they have enough to get the mail delivered, etc.
Plus my driver's side car window would not go up last night and of course it rained. Hasn't rained for a month, but as soon as I cannot get my window up it rains. Then I dropped it off to be fixed and after work I called to see if it was done, nope. Had to drive my old route car home. The hits just keep on comin' boy!
At least I had one of my favorite meals, chicken tenders and taters from a local convenience store, with some zingers for dessert. That helped, but I will be so happy in about 3 years when I can retire. I can't wait!
Plus my driver's side car window would not go up last night and of course it rained. Hasn't rained for a month, but as soon as I cannot get my window up it rains. Then I dropped it off to be fixed and after work I called to see if it was done, nope. Had to drive my old route car home. The hits just keep on comin' boy!
At least I had one of my favorite meals, chicken tenders and taters from a local convenience store, with some zingers for dessert. That helped, but I will be so happy in about 3 years when I can retire. I can't wait!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Florida (mini) vacation
Just got back from Florida last night, what a trip. As I said early in the summer, after the NYC trip, riding or driving that long is just too much, even with the occasional stop to eat or get gas. My feeling is if you have to travel that far, best to fly, or at least make it a 2 day drive. I think 6-8 hours a day should be the max for driving, just too stressful otherwise.
Other than the trip down and back, the vacation was great! The Gulf of Mexico is very nice and most of the people we met in and around Destin, FL were very friendly and helpful. The house that Autumn rented was very nice and located only a block from the beach. Despite some minor problems I believe everyone had a great time.
Having said that, I must admit that I am not a fan of the mini vacation, at least one situated so far from home. The NYC trip was much the same, seemed like more time was spent driving than actually enjoying the time away. Flying would have made it a bit better, but even then, such a short period of time is not the type of vacation I enjoy.
These types of mini vacations are great if they are in an adjacent state or somewhere within a 6 hour driving time radius, but not so much when you spend a full 24 hour day just getting there and back. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy seeing my family, it's just that I'm getting too old to quickly recover from a long trip such as this without some serious downtime. At least I planned for this fact by adding a rest day at home before returning to work on Thursday. That will help a lot!
Other than the trip down and back, the vacation was great! The Gulf of Mexico is very nice and most of the people we met in and around Destin, FL were very friendly and helpful. The house that Autumn rented was very nice and located only a block from the beach. Despite some minor problems I believe everyone had a great time.
Having said that, I must admit that I am not a fan of the mini vacation, at least one situated so far from home. The NYC trip was much the same, seemed like more time was spent driving than actually enjoying the time away. Flying would have made it a bit better, but even then, such a short period of time is not the type of vacation I enjoy.
These types of mini vacations are great if they are in an adjacent state or somewhere within a 6 hour driving time radius, but not so much when you spend a full 24 hour day just getting there and back. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy seeing my family, it's just that I'm getting too old to quickly recover from a long trip such as this without some serious downtime. At least I planned for this fact by adding a rest day at home before returning to work on Thursday. That will help a lot!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Are You Stupid? Or Ignorant?
Okay, it's pet peeve time, and this is one of them. People who use certain words when they really mean something else. And no, before you ask, I'm not perfect, but I think a lot of us don't really take the time to consider what we are saying before we say it. I don't know how many times I've heard someone say, "it's just words", but words mean something. Think before you speak.
Considering most people online are using a computer to get there, it's really surprising the number of misspellings I see also. Most programs used to communicate on the internet have a built-in spell checker, so you know they know they have made a mistake. The problem is, they just don't want to take the time to correct it. Are we really in that big of a hurry? And while I'm at it, those same people seem to always be the ones who ask the questions which a simple Google search will answer for them. Hello? Anyone home?
I don't know, maybe it's me. I know as I've gotten older, I am less tolerant of people. Of course 13 years working at the local sheriff's office and 17 years working for the USPS has not helped a lot in that respect. I think I need to retire. Note, there is now a donate button on the right, so you can help me with that goal! JK
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. My mother still gets on me when I correct her so you might as well too!
Considering most people online are using a computer to get there, it's really surprising the number of misspellings I see also. Most programs used to communicate on the internet have a built-in spell checker, so you know they know they have made a mistake. The problem is, they just don't want to take the time to correct it. Are we really in that big of a hurry? And while I'm at it, those same people seem to always be the ones who ask the questions which a simple Google search will answer for them. Hello? Anyone home?
I don't know, maybe it's me. I know as I've gotten older, I am less tolerant of people. Of course 13 years working at the local sheriff's office and 17 years working for the USPS has not helped a lot in that respect. I think I need to retire. Note, there is now a donate button on the right, so you can help me with that goal! JK
As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. My mother still gets on me when I correct her so you might as well too!
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