2011
September Trivia
Nov, 29 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
September Trivia Question
Q: While at Carlisle this August, I was eating lunch under the bleachers and overheard bits and pieces of a conversation between two Corvette aficionados. Below is some of the bits that I could hear. What was being discussed?
"...staggered bolt holes... 7 fin... casting flaw... 9 fin..."
What was being discussed? And for extra credit, elaborate on the four items.
A: Again, Corvette scholar Dennis Grand and resident Corvette Genius Ron Campot raised their hands with the correct answers. To quote Dennis:
Answer: Cast Alloy Valve Covers
“Staggered bolt holes” – 1956 through 1959 valve covers had staggered mounting holes.
“7 fin” – optional small block engines from 1960 through 1967 had 7 fin, straight across mounting hole valve covers. Base engine valve covers were stamped steel painted to match engine.
“Casting flaw” – during late production 1966, and through 1967, the mold cracked and a flaw showed up creating a line through the letter "o" in the script Corvette. So the correct alloy covers for late 66 and all of 67 should contain the flaw.
“9 fin” – optional engines from 1956 through 1959, had 9 fin, staggered mounting hole valve covers. Base engine valve covers were stamped steel painted to match engine.
Just an FYI: All 1968 through 1980 base 327s and 350s used stamped steel valve covers, painted to match engine color; the 1968 350hp engine used stamped steel chrome plated valve covers. All 1969 through 1977 hi-performance engine (350hp, LT-1s, L82s) used cast aluminum valve covers; 1978 through 1980 L82s and all 1981 and 1982 valve covers were black aluminum.
Q: While at Carlisle this August, I was eating lunch under the bleachers and overheard bits and pieces of a conversation between two Corvette aficionados. Below is some of the bits that I could hear. What was being discussed?
"...staggered bolt holes... 7 fin... casting flaw... 9 fin..."
What was being discussed? And for extra credit, elaborate on the four items.
A: Again, Corvette scholar Dennis Grand and resident Corvette Genius Ron Campot raised their hands with the correct answers. To quote Dennis:
Answer: Cast Alloy Valve Covers
“Staggered bolt holes” – 1956 through 1959 valve covers had staggered mounting holes.
“7 fin” – optional small block engines from 1960 through 1967 had 7 fin, straight across mounting hole valve covers. Base engine valve covers were stamped steel painted to match engine.
“Casting flaw” – during late production 1966, and through 1967, the mold cracked and a flaw showed up creating a line through the letter "o" in the script Corvette. So the correct alloy covers for late 66 and all of 67 should contain the flaw.
“9 fin” – optional engines from 1956 through 1959, had 9 fin, staggered mounting hole valve covers. Base engine valve covers were stamped steel painted to match engine.
Just an FYI: All 1968 through 1980 base 327s and 350s used stamped steel valve covers, painted to match engine color; the 1968 350hp engine used stamped steel chrome plated valve covers. All 1969 through 1977 hi-performance engine (350hp, LT-1s, L82s) used cast aluminum valve covers; 1978 through 1980 L82s and all 1981 and 1982 valve covers were black aluminum.
August Trivia
Oct, 18 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
August Trivia Question
Q: While at Carlisle this August, I was eating lunch under the bleachers and overheard bits and pieces of a conversation between two Corvette aficionados. Below is some of the bits that I could hear. What was being discussed?
"...staggered bolt holes... 7 fin... casting flaw... 9 fin..."
What was being discussed? And for extra credit, elaborate on the four items.
Good luck. Answers by September 30 and Trivia in the subject line. Email to the link at the bottom of the page.
August Trivia Question
Q: This is another photo related question. The photo to the right is of one of the original 1963 Grand Sports. For those of you unfamiliar with the Grand Sports, here is some background info. Only 5 were built although 125 were planned. All 5 still remain and are in the hands of private individuals, not GM. All were built as coupes but 2 were converted into roadsters.
Now onto the question. In the photo, there are what appear to be 2 round black dots above the gill panel on the right front fender. What are these?
A: Dennis Grant again came through with the correct answer. The left or rearward hole is a fitting for a pneumatic jack system that raises the car for tire changes. Due to the light weight of the car, the frame and body work were fragile and the pneumatic jacks prevented damage and also reduced the time in the pits. The forward fitting is sometimes referred to as a coolant filler but as you can see in the photo, it is labeled as an oil filler on GS 005. The image detail above is Copyright by Michael Hanson from his website located here and used with permission.
Q: While at Carlisle this August, I was eating lunch under the bleachers and overheard bits and pieces of a conversation between two Corvette aficionados. Below is some of the bits that I could hear. What was being discussed?
"...staggered bolt holes... 7 fin... casting flaw... 9 fin..."
What was being discussed? And for extra credit, elaborate on the four items.
Good luck. Answers by September 30 and Trivia in the subject line. Email to the link at the bottom of the page.
August Trivia Question
Q: This is another photo related question. The photo to the right is of one of the original 1963 Grand Sports. For those of you unfamiliar with the Grand Sports, here is some background info. Only 5 were built although 125 were planned. All 5 still remain and are in the hands of private individuals, not GM. All were built as coupes but 2 were converted into roadsters.Now onto the question. In the photo, there are what appear to be 2 round black dots above the gill panel on the right front fender. What are these?
A: Dennis Grant again came through with the correct answer. The left or rearward hole is a fitting for a pneumatic jack system that raises the car for tire changes. Due to the light weight of the car, the frame and body work were fragile and the pneumatic jacks prevented damage and also reduced the time in the pits. The forward fitting is sometimes referred to as a coolant filler but as you can see in the photo, it is labeled as an oil filler on GS 005. The image detail above is Copyright by Michael Hanson from his website located here and used with permission.June Trivia
Sep, 01 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
June Trivia Question
Q: This question is a bit unusual. (Aren't they all?) Below you will see the exact text to an classified ad for a Corvette. This text was supposedly written in 1972. Why is it not possible to have been written then?
FOR SALE: 1967 C2 Corvette
Coupe. 427 engine 435 HP.
4-speed close ratio transmission.
4:11 Posi. Red with black interior.
Very clean.
A: We had two correct answers this month. Thanks to Dennis Grant and Jerry Martin for their correct answers.
In 1997 when the all new Corvette was unveiled, it was christened the C5. Prior to this time, there was no numerical designation assigned to the Corvette generations. Vettes older than 1984 were usually known as Sharks, Midyears and Solid Axels. When GM coined the C5 moniker, the Corvette community then took it upon themselves to use the C1, C2, C3, and C4 identifiers for previous models.
So.... the ad could not have a C2 reference and also have been written in 1972.
Q: This question is a bit unusual. (Aren't they all?) Below you will see the exact text to an classified ad for a Corvette. This text was supposedly written in 1972. Why is it not possible to have been written then?
FOR SALE: 1967 C2 Corvette
Coupe. 427 engine 435 HP.
4-speed close ratio transmission.
4:11 Posi. Red with black interior.
Very clean.
A: We had two correct answers this month. Thanks to Dennis Grant and Jerry Martin for their correct answers.
In 1997 when the all new Corvette was unveiled, it was christened the C5. Prior to this time, there was no numerical designation assigned to the Corvette generations. Vettes older than 1984 were usually known as Sharks, Midyears and Solid Axels. When GM coined the C5 moniker, the Corvette community then took it upon themselves to use the C1, C2, C3, and C4 identifiers for previous models.
So.... the ad could not have a C2 reference and also have been written in 1972.
May Trivia Q&A
Jul, 18 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
May Trivia Question
Q: After last months brain buster we are going for something a little easier. Corvettes are most famous for one component used in their construction, that being fiberglas. This month we are looking at another material that has played a somewhat famous roll in the Corvette, although not as well know as Fiberglas. Name two notable places where real wood (not wood grained plastic) has been used in the Corvette. Please be as specific as possible. Answer by May 31, 2011. Good luck.
A: We had two correct answers this month and a number of runner ups. Thanks to Elaine Kemp and Dennis Grant for nailing the answers.
The first notable use of wood in a Corvette was the N32 Teak wood steering wheel. This was available in 1965 and 1966 only. In 1965 the option cost $48.45 and was installed on 2,259 Corvettes. In 1966, the cost was $47.40 and was installed on 3,941 Corvettes. An old Corvette joke is that of the 6200 teak wheels installed in '65 and '66 only 25,000 still exist.
Today, an original teak wheel will cost in excess of $1000. Reproduction wheels are usually in the $500 range. That $48.45 in 1965 would coat $332.23 today.
The other use for wood in a Corvette, is a bit more contemporary. The floor panels in the C5 and C6 Corvettes are a sandwich of composites and balsa wood. In the standard Corvette, the outer surfaces are Fiberglas with the balsa inner core. On the Z06 and ZR1, the outer surfaces are carbon fiber. These panels are made by Molded Fiber Glass Companies, (MFG) located in Ashtabula, Ohio.
Some of you mentioned the C3 wood grained option. That, unfortunately was not wood but wood grained plastic.
Q: After last months brain buster we are going for something a little easier. Corvettes are most famous for one component used in their construction, that being fiberglas. This month we are looking at another material that has played a somewhat famous roll in the Corvette, although not as well know as Fiberglas. Name two notable places where real wood (not wood grained plastic) has been used in the Corvette. Please be as specific as possible. Answer by May 31, 2011. Good luck.
A: We had two correct answers this month and a number of runner ups. Thanks to Elaine Kemp and Dennis Grant for nailing the answers.The first notable use of wood in a Corvette was the N32 Teak wood steering wheel. This was available in 1965 and 1966 only. In 1965 the option cost $48.45 and was installed on 2,259 Corvettes. In 1966, the cost was $47.40 and was installed on 3,941 Corvettes. An old Corvette joke is that of the 6200 teak wheels installed in '65 and '66 only 25,000 still exist.
Today, an original teak wheel will cost in excess of $1000. Reproduction wheels are usually in the $500 range. That $48.45 in 1965 would coat $332.23 today.
The other use for wood in a Corvette, is a bit more contemporary. The floor panels in the C5 and C6 Corvettes are a sandwich of composites and balsa wood. In the standard Corvette, the outer surfaces are Fiberglas with the balsa inner core. On the Z06 and ZR1, the outer surfaces are carbon fiber. These panels are made by Molded Fiber Glass Companies, (MFG) located in Ashtabula, Ohio.Some of you mentioned the C3 wood grained option. That, unfortunately was not wood but wood grained plastic.
April Trivia Question
Jun, 01 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
April Trivia Question
Q: 1984 was a year to remember for Corvette. The change from the C3 to the C4 represented a giant leap forward for the Corvette. Almost everything was new. There was a small item added to the Corvette that was not on any previous Corvette. It is on every Corvette since 1984. Here is the hint. This added item made doing something with a Corvette that was previously quite possible, now almost impossible, but only almost. What was it that was added and what became more difficult?
A: Up until 1984 all corvettes had an odometer that had 5 digits plus the extra one to show tenths of a mile. As soon as you hit 99,999 miles the odometer rolled over to 00000. In 1984, GM added the 6th digit. A very small addition but now to roll the odometer over to zero, you had to drive a million miles. Not impossible but very difficult. This was a tough one. Thanks to all those of you that scratched your heads and submitted some very thoughtful guesses.
Q: 1984 was a year to remember for Corvette. The change from the C3 to the C4 represented a giant leap forward for the Corvette. Almost everything was new. There was a small item added to the Corvette that was not on any previous Corvette. It is on every Corvette since 1984. Here is the hint. This added item made doing something with a Corvette that was previously quite possible, now almost impossible, but only almost. What was it that was added and what became more difficult?
A: Up until 1984 all corvettes had an odometer that had 5 digits plus the extra one to show tenths of a mile. As soon as you hit 99,999 miles the odometer rolled over to 00000. In 1984, GM added the 6th digit. A very small addition but now to roll the odometer over to zero, you had to drive a million miles. Not impossible but very difficult. This was a tough one. Thanks to all those of you that scratched your heads and submitted some very thoughtful guesses.
Tax Run is now the Joe Amante Run
May, 12 2011
The Tax Run is now the Joe Amante Run
We were all there for the official kick-off of the 2011 Corvette Season. Russ and Judy Erikson had a scenic ride prepared for us with a destination of the Red Parrot in Hull. After our driver meeting, Russ announced an official change to the event name christening it The Joe Amante Run in memory of our long time member and friend.
The cruise was leisurely through the back roads of the South Shore. The Red Parrot prepared a delicious brunch buffet. With views of Nantasket Beach we all talked with friends, filled and emptied our plates and enjoyed the coming of spring.
We were all there for the official kick-off of the 2011 Corvette Season. Russ and Judy Erikson had a scenic ride prepared for us with a destination of the Red Parrot in Hull. After our driver meeting, Russ announced an official change to the event name christening it The Joe Amante Run in memory of our long time member and friend.
The cruise was leisurely through the back roads of the South Shore. The Red Parrot prepared a delicious brunch buffet. With views of Nantasket Beach we all talked with friends, filled and emptied our plates and enjoyed the coming of spring.
March 2011 Trivia
Apr, 29 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
March Trivia Question
This month it is a two parter. You must answer the question and then give the reason why you know this to be true.
Q: The Corvette in the photo to the right, does it have an automatic or a standard transmission? Part two: How do you know this? You must answer both parts correctly to win. The car in the photo is completely stock. Everything is original.
If you think you know the answer, send it in an email to the link at the bottom of this page. Entries must be received by March 30, 2011. Please put TRIVIA in the subject line of your email. Happy head scratching.
A: The answers submitted were all over the map. Dennis Grant said it most succinctly. "I’m saying it’s 6 speed 92-93, ZR1 – why: the rear wheel and quarter panel appear to be larger than stock, ZR1s were 11” vs the stock 9.5”; and the ZR1s were all 6 speeds except for maybe a few LT5 automatic mules used by GM." Neil Walsh stated "The car pictured is a ZR1 as evidenced by the depth of the wheel at the lug nuts." Elaine Kemp also answered correctly.
This month it is a two parter. You must answer the question and then give the reason why you know this to be true.
Q: The Corvette in the photo to the right, does it have an automatic or a standard transmission? Part two: How do you know this? You must answer both parts correctly to win. The car in the photo is completely stock. Everything is original.If you think you know the answer, send it in an email to the link at the bottom of this page. Entries must be received by March 30, 2011. Please put TRIVIA in the subject line of your email. Happy head scratching.
A: The answers submitted were all over the map. Dennis Grant said it most succinctly. "I’m saying it’s 6 speed 92-93, ZR1 – why: the rear wheel and quarter panel appear to be larger than stock, ZR1s were 11” vs the stock 9.5”; and the ZR1s were all 6 speeds except for maybe a few LT5 automatic mules used by GM." Neil Walsh stated "The car pictured is a ZR1 as evidenced by the depth of the wheel at the lug nuts." Elaine Kemp also answered correctly.
Tax Run
Apr, 18 2011
This is the Official Start of the 2011 Corvette Season–Join us for the Tax Run on Sunday, April 10
It’s time to put away the calculator for a couple of hours and fire up the Vette for the kick off cruise of 2011. Russ and Judy Erikson have planned a nice little cruise to Hull for brunch. Russ and Judy always make it a scenic tour and the Red Parrot, our final destination, has great food and equally great views. We're meeting at the Rockland Park & Ride lot across the street from Home Depot at 9:30 am. Then we'll go on a meandering ride through the back roads of the South Shore to the Red Parrot in Hull for brunch. This is a rain or shine event.
It’s time to put away the calculator for a couple of hours and fire up the Vette for the kick off cruise of 2011. Russ and Judy Erikson have planned a nice little cruise to Hull for brunch. Russ and Judy always make it a scenic tour and the Red Parrot, our final destination, has great food and equally great views. We're meeting at the Rockland Park & Ride lot across the street from Home Depot at 9:30 am. Then we'll go on a meandering ride through the back roads of the South Shore to the Red Parrot in Hull for brunch. This is a rain or shine event.
February 2011 Trivia
Apr, 01 2011 SSCC News and InfoTrivia Questions
February Trivia Question
Q: What do the following people have in common?
James Brown, James Caan, Robert Duvall, George Kennedy, E.G. Marshall, Walter Matthau, David Janssen, Buster Keaton, Ed Asner, Lee Marvin, Suzanne Pleshette, Robert Redford, Martin Sheen, Rod Steiger, William Shatner. Lee Marvin and Boris Karloff
If you think you know the answer, or want to take a wild guess, send an email before February 26, 2011.
We had two submissions this month and both got the answer correct. Congratulations to Jerry Martin and Dennis Grant for answering that all of the listed actors had guest roles in the TV series Route 66.
Q: What do the following people have in common?
James Brown, James Caan, Robert Duvall, George Kennedy, E.G. Marshall, Walter Matthau, David Janssen, Buster Keaton, Ed Asner, Lee Marvin, Suzanne Pleshette, Robert Redford, Martin Sheen, Rod Steiger, William Shatner. Lee Marvin and Boris Karloff
If you think you know the answer, or want to take a wild guess, send an email before February 26, 2011.
We had two submissions this month and both got the answer correct. Congratulations to Jerry Martin and Dennis Grant for answering that all of the listed actors had guest roles in the TV series Route 66.
Winter
Mar, 30 2011
Had enough winter?
There was good news coming out of Punxsutawney, PA last week. World renowned ground hog, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. According to lore, if Phil sees his shadow, we are in for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, only two more weeks remain of winter. Officially, winter ends on March 20. Let’s hope that when Phil emerged from his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob that he was officially putting an end to all this snow.
As we count down the days until our Vettes can emerge from their car covers and winter storage, it’s nice to reminisce about the days when Corvettes were not as pampered. Many were daily drivers, crawling through the snow and slush, covered in mud and salt with snow tires mounted on the rear wheels. Having a friend that worked in a gas stations that would let you pull your Vette into the wash bay and hose it off was always a benefit.
There was good news coming out of Punxsutawney, PA last week. World renowned ground hog, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. According to lore, if Phil sees his shadow, we are in for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, only two more weeks remain of winter. Officially, winter ends on March 20. Let’s hope that when Phil emerged from his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob that he was officially putting an end to all this snow.As we count down the days until our Vettes can emerge from their car covers and winter storage, it’s nice to reminisce about the days when Corvettes were not as pampered. Many were daily drivers, crawling through the snow and slush, covered in mud and salt with snow tires mounted on the rear wheels. Having a friend that worked in a gas stations that would let you pull your Vette into the wash bay and hose it off was always a benefit.Mill Wharf Brunch
Mar, 06 2011 SSCC News and InfoSSCC Events
Mill Wharf Brunch
We are returning for the forth year to the Mill Wharf Restaurant where member Carmine Carlucci (Yellow C6 Convertible) is Executive Chef.
We have always had a large turnout for this great event. If you have not participated in the past, you are missing one of the best brunches on the South Shore. We are meeting at the Mill Wharf on Sunday, March 6 at 10:00 am. The Mill Wharf is located in picturesque Scituate Harbor at 150 R. Front Street. The cost including all, tax, gratuity is $23.00 per person.
This is one of the most complete brunch menus you will find anywhere. The buffet has everything from Eggs Bennie to pizza. You can have an omelet made your way and do not miss the desert table.
So, if you like fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt, caesar salad, pasta salad, fresh baked danish, eggs benedict, home-fries, bacon, sausage, stuffed shells,spinach cannelloni, baked haddock, seafood Newburg, Caribbean jerk chicken, bbq spareribs, prime rib, honey ham, omelets, eggs to order, belgium waffles, pancakes, french toast, pizza, and of course a full dessert bar, let Carmine know that you will be attending. Email Carmine or call 617-306-9684.
We are returning for the forth year to the Mill Wharf Restaurant where member Carmine Carlucci (Yellow C6 Convertible) is Executive Chef.
We have always had a large turnout for this great event. If you have not participated in the past, you are missing one of the best brunches on the South Shore. We are meeting at the Mill Wharf on Sunday, March 6 at 10:00 am. The Mill Wharf is located in picturesque Scituate Harbor at 150 R. Front Street. The cost including all, tax, gratuity is $23.00 per person.This is one of the most complete brunch menus you will find anywhere. The buffet has everything from Eggs Bennie to pizza. You can have an omelet made your way and do not miss the desert table.
So, if you like fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt, caesar salad, pasta salad, fresh baked danish, eggs benedict, home-fries, bacon, sausage, stuffed shells,spinach cannelloni, baked haddock, seafood Newburg, Caribbean jerk chicken, bbq spareribs, prime rib, honey ham, omelets, eggs to order, belgium waffles, pancakes, french toast, pizza, and of course a full dessert bar, let Carmine know that you will be attending. Email Carmine or call 617-306-9684.
February 2011 Meeting
Feb, 23 2011 SSCC News and InfoSSCC Events
February is Italian Feast Night–Mangia
Bring a big appetite to the meeting on February 24 because Italian Night is back. Food will be provided by the club so all you need to bring is you bib. Coffee will be provided by our sponsor Marylou's, The Best Coffee in Town. We are continuing our food pantry donations. Please bring a non perishable item for the donations.
If you are thinking of joining the SSCC, stop by at any of our meetings or events. We welcome all people interested in Corvettes. Our meeting is at 7:00 on February 24, in the Members’s lounge of the Weymouth Elks. The Elks is located on Route 53, near the Pleasant Street intersection.
Bring a big appetite to the meeting on February 24 because Italian Night is back. Food will be provided by the club so all you need to bring is you bib. Coffee will be provided by our sponsor Marylou's, The Best Coffee in Town. We are continuing our food pantry donations. Please bring a non perishable item for the donations.If you are thinking of joining the SSCC, stop by at any of our meetings or events. We welcome all people interested in Corvettes. Our meeting is at 7:00 on February 24, in the Members’s lounge of the Weymouth Elks. The Elks is located on Route 53, near the Pleasant Street intersection.