West Coast Mini-Meet

[Ed Snyder]

"Plan a Mini-Meet..... Gives me a reason to travel....Rusty"

Well, if Rusty wants to travel, I guess we should try to plan another mini-meet. Our previous West Coast mini-meets have been pretty successful, so maybe we can do it again.

Previous West Coast mini-meets have been at Rick Rusconi's house in Elk Grove (just south of Sacramento, CA), at Bob Cochran's in Redding, CA, at the Antique Powerland just north of Salem, OR http://antiquepowerland.com/heritage-museums/, and here in Medford in 2009. The last one was almost 3 years ago at Bob's in Redding.

As long as we can get enough folks to commit to attending one somewhere between Portland, OR, and Sacramento, I'll definitely be there. Anybody out there want to propose a location? Hopefully we can get something going for this coming summer. It's not too early to start planning!

[TJ's GMC]

I'm in, course ya'all know me....I'd be voting my place or somewhere's in Grants Pass or Medford so I could drive the 64 to the meet. :teehee:

[6066gmcguy]

Being I statred a new job again this year, no time off for me for travelin', I'll be doing my yearly meet this summer some time here in Utah, if it stops Snowin' on us.

[Ed Snyder]

[QUOTE=6066gmcguy;65913]Being I statred a new job again this year, no time off for me for travelin'. QUOTE]

What's your new job, Jolly? Last I heard you were working as a mechanic at a small shop not too far from where you live.

[Ed Snyder]

"Plan a Mini-Meet..... Gives me a reason to travel....Rusty"

Well, if Rusty wants to travel, I guess we should try to plan another mini-meet. Our previous West Coast mini-meets have been pretty successful, so maybe we can do it again.

Previous West Coast mini-meets have been at Rick Rusconi's house in Elk Grove (just south of Sacramento, CA), at Bob Cochran's in Redding, CA, at the Antique Powerland just north of Salem, OR http://antiquepowerland.com/heritage-museums/, and here in Medford in 2009. The last one was almost 3 years ago at Bob's in Redding.

As long as we can get enough folks to commit to attending one somewhere between Portland, OR, and Sacramento, I'll definitely be there. Anybody out there want to propose a location? Hopefully we can get something going for this coming summer. It's not too early to start planning!

Haven't seen any response other than from TJ so far. Is anybody else interested in a West Coast mini-meet?

[WE7X]

Depending upon dates (ie; family conflicts) I could be interested in something probably no farther south than southern Oregon. I guess that could be chalked up to a 'definite maybe' response.
Either way, I will offer up five of the Custom HEI Distributer/Bushing spacer kits for sale/raffle items. These are the bushings that were designed by Ed Erlbacher about 12 years ago, listed on the "ignition"web site, and manufactured per his drawings, with his permission.
I have produced over 100 of these bushings in several batches over the years.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA.

[65barnfind]

I'm new here guys but I would like to meet up and check out some rides and talk. I just got my 65 so I don't know how road ready its going to be until I get a chance to dig in to it. I'm around Oregon City..

[Ed Snyder]

I'm new here guys but I would like to meet up and check out some rides and talk. I just got my 65 so I don't know how road ready its going to be until I get a chance to dig in to it. I'm around Oregon City..

Since you're a lot closer to Brooks than I am, maybe you could find out the particulars of having a meet at the Antique Powerland again. That would be a better location for Rod than southern Oregon. TJ -- you could ride up to Brooks with me. If Rusty's going to fly out, flying from St. Louis to Portland's probably cheaper than flying to Medford.

[TJ's GMC]

Sounds good Ed, I'd love to drive Crustine.....but that far is a bit of a stretch at 50 mph the whole way. haha Buddy of mine in Salem who happens to be a huge v6 enthusiast is a volunteer at Powerland!

[65barnfind]

That's awesome! How many people show up to these meets? Is I huge deal or like a 5-10 guy event?

[Ed Snyder]

That's awesome! How many people show up to these meets? Is I huge deal or like a 5-10 guy event?

We may have had close to 10 at the 5 year and 10 year Jamborees (2005 and 2010) at Jolly's place in Utah. To get 5 to show up at a mini-meet is about all one can expect. I've been to at least half a dozen of them over the last 17 years.

[65barnfind]

In that case we could meet up almost anywhere. A bar parking lot. They love the attention stuff like that gets them. Plus there's beer! Haha. I know a guy that owns a bar in woodburn that would probably love it. There's also champoeg park that we can have a BBQ. They have pits there. There's lots of parks that love that stuff too. We should put one together in a month or so. Since it's still raining like it's winter.

[WE7X]

I don't know about others, but I suspect many that might attend are retired.
For me, that means I am often more available on weekdays, because family stuff nearly always happens on weekends. Also, parks are less crowded on weekdays, if that is a venue that might be in consideration.

My weekend dates already committed include June 9-13; 24-25;July 7-10; 15-16; 26-31 ( family wedding ); August 8-13.



Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA

[65barnfind]

I'm the opposite. I still got 20 years before I can retire. So for obvious reasons weekends work better for me. I'm sure something can get worked out..

[TJ's GMC]

I'm the opposite. I still got 20 years before I can retire. So for obvious reasons weekends work better for me. I'm sure something can get worked out..

I still have 45 years before I retire. haha Same here for weekends, but if it's planned during the week I can always sweet talk the boss into letting me have a day or two off. :teehee:

[WE7X]

To all,
OK, been there and done that ( the work routine ); and I fully understand.
I am certainly not limited to a week day meet, but just thought I would toss that out for discussion.
Obviously, there are some "young'uns" among the group. It is good news to see some younger folks interested in the good old stuff.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah WA.

[Dano64]

I'd love to do a mini meet. I have used an online tool to help find times that work for lots of people. I could do that if others are interested.

I"m in Corvallis OR and would do anywhere in OR and maybe NorCal and call it an adventure, and bring one or two of my young sons with me!

[Ed Snyder]

I'd love to do a mini meet. I have used an online tool to help find times that work for lots of people. I could do that if others are interested.

I'm in Corvallis OR and would do anywhere in OR and maybe NorCal and call it an adventure, and bring one or two of my young sons with me!

Until Dano's post here, I had just about given up on a West Coast mini-meet this year. Now it sounds like we may have enough interest to make planning a meet worthwhile. I count five "definite maybes" -- Dano, Rod, TJ, 65barnfind, me, and possibly Rusty if he's still willing to fly out. We've had two or three other forum members from northern Oregon over the years too. Don't know if they're still on here or not though.

Since the majority of you are from "up north" I'd like to again propose having it at the Antique Powerland in Brooks, just north of Salem, so nobody has to drive too far. Dano -- can we get you to figure out what weekend works best for everybody? I'm usually pretty flexible.

[Dano64]

Ok fellas I'm giving it a shot - the organizer tool. I haven't used this one so let me know if it's wonky or doesn't make sense!

I drafted in some weekend days that I think I can make it. It's listed as all-day but I think we could resolve times later.

Please give it a go and let me know if this works: http://www.needtomeet.com/meeting?id=eizmjzijV

[TJ's GMC]

I put down for some time in August. June and July seem fairly busy.

Also went through an hour change at work....now we are open Tuesday through Saturday and are closed Sunday and Monday. If it's on the weekend(Saturday and Sunday) I could just schedule the time off.

[Ed Snyder]

It looks like we're still waiting for Rod and 65barnfind to sign up on Dano's availability schedule. So far it looks like everyone's available for the weekend of August 5/6.

Dano -- you might want to consider extending your schedule to include September weekends too.

[WE7X]

Well, I guess I missed something.
I can be available for the August 5,6 weekend.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA

[WE7X]

I went back and found the calendar posting. I checked the August 5, 6 dates , but when I tired to add extra dates, it did not let me check additional ones.
I could also be available the last weekend of August dates.

Either weekend, I may have to leave a bit early on Sunday, depending on any proposed schedule of events.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA 98027

AKA WE7X

1970 GMC RM7500 chassis (410M) under a 38' 1954 Spartan Aircraft Travel Trailer, as a body.

[65barnfind]

I should be good for 5th or 6th

[65barnfind]

Of august

[Ed Snyder]

So it looks like everyone (except Rusty Nut) is available on the weekend of August 5th and 6th. Rusty said he would not be available until after August 20th. Unless we can find a weekend in September when everyone is free, then we should all reserve that first weekend in August for our West Coast Mini-Meet.

I sent an email to the Antique Powerland asking if we need to make some type of reservation, and if there's any particular place on their grounds where we can meet (other than the parking lot). If they don't email me back, I'll call them on the phone in a couple days. They do have a "steam up" scheduled for that weekend according to their website. Might be crowded then.

[Dano64]

I went back and found the calendar posting. I checked the August 5, 6 dates , but when I tired to add extra dates, it did not let me check additional ones.

Added! I added some dates. Had to learn how to use that tool better.

Guys - Can someone lead up the actual firing of the event and securing the place? (Is that needed?) One of the few times I'll be out is this weekend Aug 5/6 and I'm not very reliable right now with my work situation. I'm stoked that we've got a little posse going here.

[Ed Snyder]

I just spoke to a nice lady at the Antique Powerland. She said that the weekend of August 5th & 6th would be a perfect time for us to come since there's so much going on that weekend. See http://www.antiquepowerland.com/html/steam-up.html. She also said that it would be best if we would all meet somewhere else offsite first, then drive to the Powerland together so that we could all park together in their parking lot. She said all the museums onsite would be open, including the truck museum. There will be lots of food vendors too, so no need to pack picnic lunches.

Here is what I'd like to propose for those driving far enough to need an overnight stay (like me):
Drive to Salem on Saturday and stay here overnight: https://www.crosslandstudios.com/crossland-salem-north/. Meet in the parking lot Sunday morning (8 AM maybe?). Drive up Hiway 99E to Brooks and over to the Antique Powerland on the other side of the freeway. Park together in the parking lot there. Have our "mini-meet" right there by the trucks, then enter the Powerland to enjoy the show. Note the $12 entry fee.

If anyone wants to suggest a different hotel, a different place to meet, or a different schedule, this is your opportunity! We should make reservations soon before all the hotels in the area book up.

[Dano64]

I wish I could! Have fun fellas!

[65barnfind]

I'm game for whatever. I'm always so busy that I have a hard time remembering even when I put it on my calendar. If we could do reminders the week before that would be great. I'm good with Sunday the 6th

[Ed Snyder]

So far it looks like we have commitments to come to the mini-meet on August 6th from me, Rick, and Justin. How about it Rod and TJ -- can you still make it? And Dan, did I interpret your post correctly that you can't make it?

I don't want to wait too much longer to make a hotel reservation. If we can't get enough commitments, we should probably cancel the meet and try again some other time.

[Ed Snyder]

So far it looks like we have commitments to come to the mini-meet on August 6th from me, Rick, and Justin. How about it Rod and TJ -- can you still make it? And Dan, did I interpret your post correctly that you can't make it?

I don't want to wait too much longer to make a hotel reservation. If we can't get enough commitments, we should probably cancel the meet and try again some other time.

I just found out I need to help my son move from LA to Portland, so I won't be available on the weekend of August 5th and 6th. I went to our schedule and changed it -- http://www.needtomeet.com/meeting?id=eizmjzijV. The rest of you potential attendees should update your availability too. Note that the calendar extends out into October. Hopefully we can reschedule for a later date when more of us don't have other commitments. Maybe RustyNut can come then too.

[65barnfind]

I'm ok with pushing it out but it will have to be a month or more out.

[WE7X]

I think I managed to update my availability to add the late August dates.
September will not work for me. All weekends are booked through nearly the end of October, due to major travel plans.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA
1970 GMC RM-7500

[TJ's GMC]

Late August would work for me at this point.

[David R Leifheit]

Since I went to work I haven't been on the computer as much, although I admit I had kind of dropped off the computers for a while before that.
Anyway... I am open to a meet. It would be nice to get out and talk truck again. None of mine are in running condition though. It has been too many years and too few dollars. :)

The Powerland site is good for me, I only live about a 1/2 hour from there. That would be the shortest drive I have made in months.

My job keeps me out of the house from about 5:15am to roughly 6:00pm 5 days a week, and all I want to do when I get home is collapse! Guess I'm getting old.... .... ....

[David R Leifheit]

Medford, Cave Junction, Oregon City, Corvallis, and me in Dallas... If each of us showed up, that would almost be a meet in itself. :)

I'd say we could even meet here, except the yard is so overgrown you'd never know I had 1.4 acres and (down to) about 8 or 9 GMC trucks.

Live in Dallas, work in Eugene, and drive through Corvallis twice a day (to and from work).

[Ed Snyder]

It's looking like the weekend of August 26/27 will work for most of us. So put that on your calendars and don't schedule anything else for that weekend. We'll need to decide if we want to hold the actual event on Saturday or Sunday so we can make hotel reservations before they book up. Anybody got a preference?

[GMCNUT]

Being I statred a new job again this year, no time off for me for travelin', I'll be doing my yearly meet this summer some time here in Utah, if it stops Snowin' on us.

Made my first trip to Utah a few weeks ago - went to Deer Valley / Park City for a conference. Beautiful state - very different from Alabama

[65GMCKV4000]

Hello everybody. I would like come to your mini-meet. I am up here in SE Washington just west of Walla Walla. We have our truck show in Walla Walla in September (16) but I am free other than that. Look forward to meeting everybody.

[Ed Snyder]

It's looking like the weekend of August 26/27 will work for most of us. So put that on your calendars and don't schedule anything else for that weekend. We'll need to decide if we want to hold the actual event on Saturday or Sunday so we can make hotel reservations before they book up. Anybody got a preference?

Since nobody's spoken up with a preference, let's nail it down and say it will be on Sunday the 27th. That will allow us out-of-towners all day Saturday to get to our hotel is Salem. And give us time Sunday after the meet to drive back home again. Any objections to meeting Sunday around 9 or 10 AM at the Antique Powerland in Brooks? We need all of you who have expressed an interest in coming to actually show up to make it a worthwhile event for everyone.

[WE7X]

Ok, Sunday morning 28th works for me.
Does anyone want to meet for breakfast, and if so, where?
I do not know the area well enough to have any suggestions.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA.
(425)466-0884 (cell)

[WE7X]

Oops!
I mistyped it. That should have been Sunday 27th.
Rod Johnson

[Ed Snyder]

Ok, Sunday morning 27th works for me.
Does anyone want to meet for breakfast, and if so, where?
I do not know the area well enough to have any suggestions.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA.
(425)466-0884 (cell)

Rod -- I'm sure the hotel I'll be staying at ( https://www.crosslandstudios.com/crossland-salem-north/ ) will be serving breakfast. You're welcome to join me there!

[Ed Snyder]

Ok, Sunday morning 27th works for me.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA.
(425)466-0884 (cell)

Rod, Don, and I will each be driving over 200 miles to get to Brooks. I hope that at least some of the rest of you (Rick, Dan, David, Justin) who have expressed interest in coming to the Antique Powerland in Brooks and live a lot closer will actually show up too. I'd hate to think I'd drive all that way (at 11 MPG) and be the only one to show up.

As a reminder, the mini-meet is this coming Sunday. Try to be there by 9 AM. Bringing your V6 powered truck is preferred, but not required. I'll be bringing my one ton Suburban.

My cell is 541-840-0001.

[65GMCKV4000]

Look foward to meeting everyone!!

[WE7X]

I have a room booked for Saturday evening at the Rodeway Inn in north Salem.

I do not have anything GMC V-6 powered, that is currently roadworthy. I will be driving down in my old VW Jetta.

I am looking forward to the trip, and seeing y'all on Sunday.
My Cell phone is: (425) 466-0884

Rod Johnson

[WE7X]

I just posted a note in the GMC V-6 motor area; that I have a complete rebuilt and resurfaced 14" dual disc clutch and flywheel setup for the eight bolt 478M (and probably the 432). I also have the large SAE bell housing, and a starter that fits the flywheel and bell housing.
I know it is short notice, but I could bring it to Salem this weekend if there is any interest.

Rod Johnson
Issaquah, WA

[David R Leifheit]

I have not had the money to get mine roadworthy, and now that I have employment and the potential for money, I don't have the time!!

Just finished, hopefully, fixing the daughter's jeep. Maybe it will run longer than a couple weeks before something else breaks down.

I plan on being there. Will likely be in my Dodge Dakota truck since I am delivering a desk and computers after the meet. Wife might drive the daughter's Jeep in hopes they can coordinate so she can get her Jeep back. Daughter has a '92 YJ Wrangler, wife has a '96 Grand Cherokee Limited.

[Ed Snyder]

Those of us who showed up for the Mini-Meet yesterday had a good time talking trucks. We learned that Don has several more 60-66 trucks besides the three listed on his posts to the forum. And we learned that Rod is swapping out the 401 in his motor home bus for a Cummins diesel. Some spare parts exchanged hands. Unfortunately we had three no-shows (Rick, Dan, and Justin) so there was only one 60-66 truck that showed up (mine).

People in the photo, left to right, are Ed Snyder, David Leifheit, Don Shute, Rod Johnson, and Don's son Mathew. Vehicles are my one ton Suburban, Don's Chevy pickup, and Rod's diesel Jetta. David's wife took the photo.

David, Don, and Matt took off after the meet was over. Rod and I went on into the Antique Powerland (recently renamed to Powerland Heritage Park). There's so much to see there (14 museums) that we went our separate ways once inside. I spent most of my time inside the truck museum. I'll post separately later with some of the photos I took there.

We all agreed that we need to do another West Coast Mini-Meet next year. Location and date to be determined! Let's hope for a bigger turnout next time!

[TJ's GMC]

Glad you guys had a good time up there. :thumbsup:

[65GMCKV4000]

Shall we start planning the next West Coast Mini-meet?

[Ed Snyder]

Shall we start planning the next West Coast Mini-meet?

Sounds good to me, Don. As long as it's within 250 miles of Medford, I'll be there. If we decide on the Powerland Heritage Park (formerly Antique Powerland) in Brooks again, let's try to have it on the same weekend as the steam-up or the big truck show.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerland_Heritage_Park

Another option might be the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest: http://www.oktoberfest.org/attractions/car-show/

[TJ's GMC]

I'd love to be able to bring my 64 to a mini meet. My only issue is 4.11 gearing and no od. haha By the time I get there the meet will be over. :teehee:

If we do the one in September I think I'll take the chance and drive the 64 as it'll also be a cooler time of year.