2019 Members of the Month


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January 2019 Member of the Month

Mike Holmquist

My wife Carol and I are the proud caretakers of a 1958 Corvette, Silver/Blue, 283, 270 HP, manual 4 speed, with a convertible and hardtop.  We have owned a couple of private aircraft over the years but decided to move away from aircraft ownership and purchase an older corvette thinking the costs associated with such a move would be less.  As most Chapter members already know, not necessarily the case.  I have always wanted a corvette but it just never worked out until about two years ago when we started to look at corvettes in the late 50s and early 60s.  The 58 may not be the most sought after corvette but it had the characteristics we were looking for.  We like chrome and this car had plenty of it in the right places, along with a few one year only items.

Mission accomplished, our first ride

I knew what to look for when preforming a pre-buy inspection relating to planes, but was a novice at what to look for when it came to the corvette, especially for a particular year.  At this stage I was not yet a member of the NCRS and was doing my own learning through the internet, books, etc., basically flying solo in the clouds.  We found a number of cars that were promoted as one thing or the other.  I learned early on that you must be careful of what is presented and what is fact when shopping for such a car.  My major goal was to find a project car that had a very good frame, body and solid engine that I could work on overtime in my garage.  Last December, 2017, we found a car being sold by a private party through a classic car dealership in Phoenix, AZ., that had most of the characteristics we were looking for.  We worked the deal and had it delivered to our Blaine, MN, home in January, it arrived in a snow storm.

Using modern technology to repair old technology

I call this our mystery car, as the previous owner decided to remain a mystery, only working through the broker. If there is a lesson learned here, it is to buy from someone who is proud of their car and wants to share the care they have given the vehicle, along with maintenance and upgrade documentation.  There was none with this car.  I wanted a project car and I got one.

My project started sooner than I planned, as when the car was delivered in the January snow, it would not start to drive it into the garage. My first service call related to our new car was to call Hagerty and have tow truck pick it up the car at the end of the driveway and drop it in the garage.  The tow truck operator wanted to take a picture of it as he said no one would believe him that he had picked up a 58 corvette in a snow storm.

Because of the lack of information about the details relating to the car and my own lack of knowledge I joined the National NCRS and our local Chapter in May, 2018.  This was a move I have considered one of the most important things I have done since getting involved with our car. Since it arrived I have had one primary goal set, that was to have the car far enough along that I could take Carol for a ride around our block before it snowed this year.  I am pleased to say that this goal was met and it was a real thrill to drive it.  In fact we put 30 miles on it before getting it ready to be off the road for the winter months.  This goal would not have been met without the assistance of Chapter member help, Thank you.

Replaced black incorrect seats with correct Blue/Gray

The car originally had a blue/gray interior but the previous owner had put in a black interior, after market steering wheel, and other changes we are not keeping.  The fuel tank had been replaced by a plastic aftermarket tank that did not fit properly, which I have since replaced.  I’m taking it one system at a time to ensure I know the car in detail and any replacement parts will be those that belong to this car.  Our car will be a “driver”.  My next goal will be to put a wicker picnic basket in the trunk and take Carol on a picnic to a park with grass and trees, just like you would see in the commercial.

I attended my first Tech Session on November 17th, and found everyone there to be a great group to associate with and very willing to provide help.  There will be more Tech Sessions in my future.

I have a lot of work to do on the car to get it to where we want it, but at least I can drive it now.

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February 2019 Member of the Month

Steve Zadina

Member since 2015.  Proud owner of a 1965 Rally Red, 2-Door Coupe, 327/350 HP, 4-speed.

It was early on a sunny June morning in 2015, as my wife and I waited in our open garage. We were anxiously making last minute preparations, moving things around, making sure there was enough space in our three-car garage among our vehicles, bikes and scooters, garbage cans and tools.  We heard the rumble of the semi-truck and trailer make its way down our suburban street and stop just past our house.  The driver jumped out, confirmed our address and opened the back of the trailer.  He opened the back gate, set to operating the lift and finally, the car that we’d been waiting for slowly appeared in front of my house.  The waiting and anxiety of having my Dad, Gary Zadina’s, most prized possession transported from its lifetime in Nebraska to my house in Minnesota was over.  I was excited to have it here, but the weight of my Dad’s death that earlier Christmas hit me again.

This was the Corvette that my Dad owned since 1968.  It was part of the family.  This purchase made my family a “Corvette family”.  My uncle, my cousin each bought Corvettes after my Dad.  There were the countless stories that I’ve heard my Dad tell and re-tell to me, friends and anyone who wanted to talk cars.  There were the memories that I made with my Dad riding in the car, at car shows, and taking care of it.

My Dad often told the story of him buying the car in October of 1968 while he served in the Army Reserves in Omaha, Nebraska.  After taking out a loan for $2,012, he bought it from a guy who really did not want to sell it.  The guy explained that his wife forced him to choose “either the car or her”, and he painfully chose the latter.  Fast forward 20 year later, Dad runs into this same guy at the local furniture store.  The guy asked Dad if he still had the 1965 Corvette he sold him.  Dad proudly answered “yes”.  Dad then asked him how married life was going.  The guy replied that she left him three years after he sold the car!  I think Dad became an even prouder owner of his Corvette that day.

Another favorite story is my parent’s honeymoon with the Corvette.  My parents, Gary & Marie were married in July 1970 in the small town of Spalding, Nebraska.  The day after their wedding, they jumped into the Corvette and drove from Spalding to Estes Park, Colorado to celebrate their honeymoon.  The both recount the story of driving up in the mountains when while going down the other side, Dad realizes that their brakes don’t work.  My frantic mother gripped the car door while Dad worked clutch, zig zagging all the way down and coasted into town to the nearest service station.  My Dad would always laugh so hard, saying that it was the ride of his life, while my mom recounted thinking she would die such a young wife!

These memories and the time that I’ve spent with my father and this car are moments that I cherish.  When my Dad suddenly got sick, we had about 10 days together before he passed away.  Among the important items we discussed, such has I love yous, bank account information and passwords, were specific details on and nuances to operating and maintaining his Corvette.  I don’t think he was too eager to leave it behind – he would have taken it with him if he could.

I’ve owned the Corvette for four years now.  Since that time, my Mom has passed away too.  This beautiful rally red coupe, as it sits in my garage among more bikes and scooters, is a visual reminder of my Dad and my Nebraska home.  Life is busy with three young kids, so the time spent tinkering on the Corvette or when I can sneak away for an hour for a summer drive are precious to me.  I realize that all these stories my Dad had with the car are a part of me, but now it’s time for me to make new memories.  My wife, Beth, and I now have three girls (Abby, Suzy and Maggy). I wonder what Corvette stories they will share someday.

My Dad must have been in member of NCRS back in Nebraska in the 1980s because I found a patch and plaque while going through his work shop.  This inspired me to keep involved with the NCRS Corvette community.  The North Central Chapter has been a great resource for me to continue Dad’s pride for the originality of the car.

My last project on the Corvette was in 2018. I replaced the brake calibers and refurbished the master cylinder.  My next project is to take out the front left headlight. It has needed help rotating for over 15 years. I’m excited for the weather to be warmer and days to be longer so I can enjoy my Corvette once again.

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March 2019 Member of the Month

Craig Burton

Married for 29 years to wife Juli we have two daughters Stephanie (27) and Sophie (23). We live in Maple Grove.

I have a dark blue 1978 base model with a four speed L48. Found it in state of Virginia after looking online for two years.

I met NCRS member Bill Kohl after posting questions I had about the car on Corvette Forum.

He messaged me since he also had a 78, we started up a friendship and I joined the NCRS around May 2015 when I bought the Corvette.

I first came into contact with a corvette as a kid sitting in driver’s seat with a family friend  and ever since then, I said that I would have one some day.

When I saw the c3 for the first time thought it was like a space ship on the ground.

After joining NCRS in 2015 I have enjoyed tech sessions and judging meets.

I look forward to becoming more involved as I approach retirement and plan on continuing to replace what ever is needed on the car and keeping it original for the most part.

Great group of people and extremely knowledgeable. Will always have a Corvette and who knows what is next!

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April 2019 Member of the Month

Jason Alt

Thank you for the opportunity to be featured as the Member of the Month!  My name is Jason Alt.  I am single (divorced), no children.  I live in Inver Grove Heights, MN and own a “man cave” in Burnsville, MN. I am a Vice President/Partner with a Minneapolis based consulting firm ProSource Technologies, LLC.  My primary areas of expertise consist of managing complex and politically sensitive acquisition and relocation projects, assembling teams to implement right of way projects, training right of way staff for public agencies, and establishing policies and procedures for agencies to oversee right of way consultant firms. I have worked throughout the country on various land acquisition and relocation projects for private, commercial, industrial and local, state and federal governmental clients. And, have managed several high profile land projects including the State of New York’s disaster management for Hurricane Sandy, and major expansion projects for Los Angeles International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and various airports in the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Reliever System and across Minnesota and Iowa.

I joined NCRS several years ago after being encouraged to do so by Bob Lund after acquiring my first corvette and “dream” car, a 1965 triple black 327/365 HP roadster.  It’s a numbers matching car that my best friend, Matt Ruvelson, and I (with assistance from Bob Lund and learning from other members at various tech sessions) have spent the last 5 years restoring it to NCRS standards. Since that time, I have acquired a 1957 Corvette Roadster.

Matt and I have restored the C1 as tribute to the 43 “Airbox” Corvettes produced in 1957.  However, we did take a few liberties in upgrading the engine to a 350/400 HP, paired with a 5 speed Tremec.  While we elected to leave the vintage single stage paint, Matt and I decided to have it hand painted with vintage style race numbers.

This past year, my corvette collection has again grown.  I purchased a 2001 triple black roadster which has been highly modified to exchange the stock 5.7 liter with an 6.0 liter iron block, Vortec supercharger, and Z06 suspension.  I have a few projects (e.g., new wheels/tires, new transmission/motor mounts, and a smaller clutch master) for this winter on my C5.  But, I plan to use it as a daily driver this summer.  Both my C1 and C2 are reliable weekend and sunny weather drivers that we continue to maintain and improve as time permits.

Outside of work and my passion for cars, I love spending time with my niece and nephew, and have a passion for both domestic/international travel, adventure fishing trips (e.g., Mexico, Florida, Canada and the Artic Circle), attending sporting events (e.g., Vikings, Twins and Wild) and his work with local charities such as the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital and supporting the development of affordable housing in our community with leading housing developers, CommonBond and Aeon.

For a “backyard” mechanic like myself, it would not be possible for me to own these corvettes had it not been for Matt Ruvelson, Bob Lund and abundance of resources NCRS (both on the local and international levels) has offered to me over the last several years.   I have learned and grown so much in the hobby and enjoy the opportunity to be associated with “like-minded” car guys who love corvettes and care about preserving history for future generations.

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May 2019 Member of the Month

Tom Hafner

I’ve been married for 46 years to my wonderful wife Sue. We have two kids Beth and Ben and Four very energetic fun grand kids who unfortunately live in Seattle.

Before all that in 1969, I bought a 1967 Corvette with the 327/350 HP 4speed with 13,000 miles for $3,200  dollars. I drove the Vette for several years until at 39,000 miles the brakes started to fail. Being married with a family I parked the Vette in my garage, and covered it.

There it sat for the better part of 30 year and in 2006 it was time to sell. Then I got lucky and met Bob Lund. With his recommendations and expert knowledge of my car, in a few years, he brought my Vette back to life. Bob suggested I join NCRS and have my Vette judged. In 2010, I took Bobs advice. Being new to NCRS I did not know what to expect, I was totally blown away when I was awarded Top Flight. Thanks Bob. 

The Vette know has 42,000 miles on it and Sue and I drive it every chance we get. I’m 78 years old, but every time I get behind the wheel of my Vette I feel 30 again.

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June 2019 Member of the Month

Jeff Geisler

The June North Central NCRS Member of the Month is Jeff Geisler.  He has been married to his wife Jenny for 36 years and they have a son, Chris, daughter in-law Jes and two grandchildren, Hailey and Cameron.

Jeff owns a red 1981 Corvette and a 2014 Laguna Blue Corvette along with a share of a silver 1976.

Overview of your car(s): model, engine, convertible?, coupe? The 81 T-top is my NCRS car-almost all stock.  Not much for power but I think this era is one of the prettiest.  The 2014 is a stock coupe LT-3 with Z-51 suspension.  The 76 T-top is owned with my son.  We work on that car together- it has been repainted and has a custom interior.  A year ago, we installed new calipers and rotors ourselves.

History of your Corvette(s): I bought my ’81 at Bloomington Gold in June 2005.  It had been restored and found it in the area where you could sell your car.  I had been learning as much about Corvettes as I could but I didn’t know everything I didn’t know.  It was my first Vette and we chose the best one we could find.  I drove the car home from Chicago and had to work hard to keep it from overheating at the toll booths.  It was hard to drive but we got it home.  We found quite a few problems with loose suspension parts, a poor cooling system, very bad alignment and the steering rag joint holding on by 1 loose bolt.  I began to learn very quickly-one repair bill after the other.  The car really began to work great by the end of that summer. It’s a great driver now.

We bought the 76 shortly after my son bought his first home in 2010 and had room to store it.  The front and rear bumpers were falling apart and the paint was very worn.  We had new bumpers installed and the car painted.  A year later, we had the seats and door cards refinished in leather.  It’s a very nice driver.  A new motor may be in that car’s future.

When did you buy it? Do you or your car have a unique story to tell about how you got into the Corvette hobby? We had been looking on the internet for a C7 to use for longer driving trips. In March of 2018, we found an almost new 2014 with only 200 miles on it. When it turned out the car was at Ryan Chevrolet in Buffalo MN, we had to buy it.  Last summer we put 6000 miles on that car and intend to drive it more this year.

What is your next Corvette project? I’m just finishing putting an Al Knoch carpet kit in the 81.  I’m continuing to work on a lot of small things.  I’m hoping to get it judged again this August.  

North Central Chapter – When did you join? 2016

What activity do you like best? Judging? Car cruises? Tech Sessions? I like the tech sessions.  There is a ton of knowledge in the Chapter.  I had my car judged last August and really enjoyed that.  I was awarded 2nd Flight,  It’s fun getting to know everyone.

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July 2019 Member of the Month

Pete Heunisch

The July North Central NCRS Member of the Month is Pete Heunish. Pete owns a Monaco Orange 1969 350/350hp Roaster.

Are you married? Nope, can’t be. Corvette costs to much but doesn’t talk back. 

Spouses name? My Corvette

Do you have children? 3

If yes, their names? Sam 19, Rattlesnake Jake 17 and Ellen 15

3 dogs. Cusco, Bal and Deuce.

Corvette(s) that you have: 

Overview of your car(s): model, engine, convertible?, coupe? 

1969 Stingray 350/350 Convertible

History of your Corvette(s):

When did you buy it? Do you or your car have a unique story to tell about how you got into the Corvette hobby?

I acquired it 5 years ago when my Dad (Original owner) gave it to me. My dad has had this car ever since I can remember but he never let me drive it. Probably because he busted me driving it when I was 14. That’s what you get for teaching a 14 year old how to drive a stick!

What is your next Corvette project?

Fixing the dashboard lights

Repair? Updates? New top? Re-chrome parts? … etc

Where do I start? Tires, side exhaust, seats, carpets, brakes, clutch, tranny, radiator, electronic ignition, rear bumper re-chrome, total engine rebuild. All thanks to Bob Lund

North Central Chapter:

When did you join? What activity do you like best? Judging? Car cruises? Tech Sessions?

5 years ago. I love the tech sessions and the cruises. I also enjoy drinking beer with the guys and writing Bob Lund checks.

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August 2019 Member of the Month

Dave Kocer

The August North Central NCRS Member of the Month is Dave Kocer.

The Dave Kocer Family

Wife: Kim

2 children: Annabelle and Drew

Corvette:  1967 427 Convertible 390HP; numbers matching.  Ermine  White.  Auxiliary Black Vinyl Hardtop.  Manual steering.  AM/FM Radio

The Corvette has been in the family since 1987.  In the mid 80’s my father-in-law was specifically looking for a 1967 corvette 427 and was fortunate enough to find one for sale in Michigan.  At the time, my wife’s family was living in Massachusetts but was originally from Michigan.  My father-in-law herd about the corvette from his friend in Michigan who happened to own a Barber Shop.  Well……you know how men in Barber Shop’s like to talk;  and on one given day a client of his friend started talking about this guy who had a corvette for sale.  It just so happened to be a 1967 427 and my father-in-laws friend immediately told him about the car and put him in touch with the owner.  He purchased it over the phone and flew out to Michigan and drove the corvette back to Massachusetts.

I have always been interested in cars (my grandfather owned a mechanic shop in Rochester MN) and had a few Camaro’s back in high school that I would tinker with.  My wife and I got married in 2000 and had wedding pictures taken in the corvette on the day of our wedding.  My father-in-law knew I was into cars and we were able to purchase the car in 2002.  In the Fall of 2012 my 7 yr old son and I went for a ride along the river toward Red Wing and upon return home the brakes started to fail….thank GOD it was a 4 speed and was able to slow down using the manual transmission.  After 10 yrs of ownership and constant repairs I had decided to restore the car in November of 2012.

The frame off restoration started on November 22 2012 and I am near completion with hopes of having the car back on the road in 2021.  I started this restoration process alone but was fortunate enough to find out about the North Central Chapter.  I believe I joined the chapter in 2013 and have attended several tech sessions and have gotten to know knowledgable people to help me in the restoration process.  I also belong to NCRS and have posted lots of questions to my troubling circumstances.  I must say it has been frustrating  at times but look forward to the day where I can drive it again, go to car shows, and have it judged at the Chapter Meet.  I am the 4th owner of the car and was able to speak with the second owner (who still lives in Michigan) which has been helpful with the history of the car.  The second owner bought the vette from a dealership in 1972 and he too enjoyed the car and even did Road Course Time Trials on the inside oval at the Indianapolis Race Track.  There are a few stickers on the inside door of the glove box that states the dates of these Time Trials.  I am still looking for the original owner and so far have been able to find out the name of the dealership it was sold at in the state of Illinois.  The dealership is no longer in existence but hope to dig further when I have more time.  My time has been a  challenge since my wife and I are raising 2 kids but I appear to get most things done in the fall and winter months.

Thanks for letting me share my story.  If I can be of help to anyone; please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Dave Kocer

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September 2019 Member of the Month

Nick Maras

My name is Nick Maras and my wife is Laurie, we have two beautiful grown children, Tony and Kirsten.  My wife is actually the owner of this 1964 corvette convertible 327/300 horse.

She purchased it back in 1982.  It had been stored in a chicken coop out in Hamel, Minnesota.  We had to tow it home because the clutch was worn out along with the front suspension, ball joint, etc.  A few years later we decided to do a frame off restoration on it, which took a while due to us raising a family.  Our future plans with the car are new door glass and ignition shielding.  We’ve been members of NCRS for many years, one of my favorite activities are the tech sessions in which at times I host along with Joe Galindo.

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October 2019 Member of the Month

Wally Grivna

Family: Married 36 years to Lori and two boys: Stephen who lives in MN and Alex who is married and lives in Texas

Corvette(s): I currently have an ’84 coupe 350/205 HP – It has 26,000 miles and has been a NCRS Regional Top Flight, Bloomington Gold Certified and Survivor Certified and was part of the Special Collection Grand Finale.

I recently sold my ’14 as I’ve ordered a 2020.

I’ve owned 10 Corvettes starting with a used ’69 purchased in 1974.  Since then I’ve had new ones: ’76,’79, ’84, ’89, ’97, ’03, ’05, ’14. I also owned a 1959 for about 12 years from ’91-’03.

History: I wanted a Corvette since growing up in the ’50’s. I still recall a new ’57 on the showfloor at Downtown Chevrolet when I went with my parents to take delivery of dad’s new Bel Air.

I got my ’84 on May 11th, 1983. This was also Lori’s birthday and we weren’t even engaged at that point.

Our evening consisted of picking up my car rather than the dinner plans we had initially. She managed to not hold that against me and we were married that October. The ’84 is part of the family and will go to the boys when I can no longer drive.

New projects: Detail the ’84 for the Regional and make sure everything works. I recently had a quadruple bypass and a pacemaker installed and retired as well so I will have some time!

North Central Chapter: I was a member in the 2000’s and then dropped out due to a lot of other commitments. I rejoined about a year and a half ago. I enjoy judging although I don’t see myself going beyond the Chapter level events.

The Tech sessions are interesting even though most don’t involve cars I currently own.

Included is photo that was taken recently when I was able drive following surgery and took the ’84 to my rehab session.

The sign reads cardiac rehab parking only and I needed to see something other than sedans and SUV’s in those spots!

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November 2019 Member of the Month

Mike Ernst

Mike Ernst joined the NCRS in February, 1975 as member number 211, and has remained active ever since.

He has written over 50 articles for the Corvette Restorer, has served twice as the 61-62 team leader, has been a master judge from its inception, and is presently the regional director for Region V (ND, SD, IN, IL, IA, WI, MN and Manitoba)

Mike’s 1962 Gulf Oil race car received the first NCRS American Heritage award, as well as Chip’s Choice at Carlisle, the Special Collection at Bloomington, etc.

Super Chevy link to Mike’s 1962:

http://www.superchevy.com/features/corp-0909-1962-chevrolet-corvette

He did a slide presentation (remember those? pre-power point) on that racer at a North Central Chapter gathering in the late 1980’s. He bought that car in the spring of 1981, having no idea of its history.

He researched the car and found most of the original race parts (including the original motor, fiberglass 37-gallon gas tank, etc.), in a shed in Fremont, OH.

He has also received 4-star Bowtie awards for two different 1962’s he has owned, as well as a 3-star award for a ‘71 LT-1.  He is presently restoring a ‘71 LS6 convertible, and cleaning up yet another ‘62 in preparation for bowtie judging.

Seven years ago Mike retired as the senior pastor of a church that, while he was pastor there, grew to be the second-largest Lutheran church in the US and Canada. (8000+ members).

Retirement now allows him to play roughly 80 senior softball games each summer in Milwaukee-area leagues and tournaments around the country.

Mike has been married to his wife Phyllis for 49+ years and they have four daughters who live in Sacramento, Houston, Chicago, and Rockford.

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December 2019 Member of the Month

Ken Enstrom

Our family has a long history with Corvettes.  My wife Sandy and I live in Bloomington about 15 miles away from our son Chris (North Central Chapter Judging Chairman).

We currently own a stock 2000 red / red coupe which we are campaigning for the Dave Hill Mark of Excellence award.  We drove the car to the Cincinnati, Ohio Regional in April 2019 and received the 97%+ Top Flight requirement for the Hill Award.  In November 2019 we drove the car to the Frisco, Texas Regional and passed PV (Performance Verification), the second requirement for the Hill award.  We are now planning on driving to the 2020 Nationals in French Lick, Indiana to attempt the final step of repeating the 97%+ Top Flight.  If we are successful, we will receive the Hill award at the Nationals.  Chris and I think this is the first 2000 to attempt the Hill Mark of Excellence award.

I joined NCRS in 1996.  I have always had a strong interest in Corvettes.  My interest started in about 1962 when I read the Motor Trend article about the 1962 327 Fuel Injection car and noted that I wanted one.  Growing up in western Minnesota there were no Corvettes around.  My first close-up was with a 1963 coupe at a local 1963 auto show.

My first Corvette was a 1965 red / white convertible 327 / 350.  I got the car just before Sandy and I were married and we left the church in that car.  Events of our life took us to Schenectady, New York with the 1965.  After about 3 years in 1969 I sold the 1965.  A BIG mistake since the 1965 had original knock off wheels.

Having family in Minnesota we moved back to the Metro area.  After about 3 years I wanted another Corvette.  In 1973 I purchased a 1967 red / black convertible 327 / 350.  This was essentially the same car as my original 1965.  I drove the 1967 year around.  It was an OK car in the winter with the narrow 7.75 x 15 tires.  I grew up on a farm in western Minnesota and spent hours on tractors doing all sorts of crazy clutching / gear changing and driving in snow.  A second gear start was OK in the snow.  However, winter driving was hard on the body and frame.

A year later Chris was born.  So we naturally brought Chris home from hospital in the 1967.  In those years the nurse just handed the baby to you and wished you luck.

Chris started early with Corvettes.  At a very early age (his hands are on the steering wheel of the 67), Chris seemed to realize what the future held – he now owns and drives this car.

In 1979 we wanted a second car with more room than the 1967, so I parked the 67 in the back corner of the garage and purchased other Chevy transportation.  When Chris was in middle school he became very interested in starting the 1967.  So in 1988 I contacted Bob Lund and he took the car to his place and worked on it.  The engine was OK, but the brakes and rear spring needed work.  Bob is in the blue/white cap by the hood.

We continued to drive the 67 a few miles each year.  But it was not very road worthy.  As the years went by, Chris wanted a Corvette of his own to drive and purchased a year old 2000 red / red coupe (which is now ours).  We like to keep cars in the family.  Chris called me about a year after getting the 2000 and pointed out that both the 1967 and the 2000 were both serial #00183 in production.  An interesting relationship of our family’s cars.  Chris bought the 2000 about a year before he and Amanda were married.  So of course they also left the church in a red Corvette.

Chris liked the 2000 but became interested in NCRS and restoration.  The solution was for Chris and me to trade cars.  Sandy liked this idea because we ended up with the car that had dual zone air.  Again with Bob Lund’s expertise, Bob and Chris started a complete restoration of the 1967 which I had purchased in 1973 about 33 years before.  Chris then campaigned the 1967 and achieved the Duntov Mark of Excellence award.  After that he campaigned and achieved the Founders award.  These were great experiences for Chris and me.  The 1967 now sits peacefully in the garage and is taken out regularly to give rides with the top down to Chris’s two sons.

As time goes by in anyone’s life, things change.  Chris has a marketing job and travels a bit.  He was going to Schenectady on business so researched my old 1965.  Chris found the owner and Sandy and I flew to meet Chris and go and see the 1965.  It had been 48 years since I sat in the car.  It is in good condition.  The owner started it and let it run.  We spent 2 hours looking it over.  Maybe someday we will get it back and then we will have a C2 for each of Chris’s boys.

Sandy and I are enjoying campaigning the 2000.  One thing we have learned is the NCRS group is a great and friendly group of people.  The time Chris and I spent pursuing the awards has been a great father son time together.  Our last step on this journey, after we have achieved the Hill award, will be at the 2020 Nationals to receive a NCRS father / son award for both achieving equivalent Mark of Excellence awards.  It has been a great journey.

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