1st ANNUAL 348-409.com CONVENTION

[Phil Reed]

As my father-in-law used to say...S**T OR GET OFF THE POT!!

Been out of town for the last 2 days with my wife's family....got a lot of windshield time in and haven't slept good the last 2 nights....been thinkin'!!! Here is one person's vision of a BIG GET TOGETHER!! I am offering, please I need some help too!!, to try to get this function off and rolling.

We don't need another event to tie into...we can be a stand alone function all our own!! I don't think it would be too hard to get 100 cars. More on that later.

PREMISE: The first get together of the 348-409 gearheads. All persons with any interest in these engines are welcome. This will be a laid back fuction with show & shine time, racin' and meeting members and hopefully some famous people.

WHERE: Kansas City, MO. Kansas City is geographically located in the center of the country, both north & south and east & west. This would be the fairest place to start with an event like this. It could revolve to some where on the east coast next year and the west coast the year after that. Then back to the midwest. In order to make this first function successful, a central location would hopefully minimize most of the travel time and expenses.

WHEN: In order to catch the best possible weather, I would suggest the 2nd, 3rd or 4th weekends in September. It would still be warm then..maybe even hot, but to wait until October, we would be taking a real chance on inclemenmt weather possibilities. We hopefully don't want to spend all the time necessay to get here and have it rain all weekend.

ACCOMODATIONS: I would contact the Embassy Suites. It is located on I-29 and is only 5 minutes from the airport. It's parking lot is large enough to handle 100+ cars and the trucks and trailers nessary to get them here. That will also provide all the rooms and banquet facilities for the host hotel. The Embassy has held Late Great conventions before and just had the MO State Harley Davidson HOG rally so they are in tune with our needs.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Thursday would be check in and registration day. No scheduled activities....just Meet and Greet...all day and all night!! Friday would be Show & Shine Day. Fill the parking lot and bench race all day. Friday night would be our banquet night. Guests and registered members would have a banquet room at the Embassy with a program of some sorts to follow dinner. Saturday, I would leave open. It would be a combination of more Show & Shine for those that want to and a day at the drag strip for all the others. We have KCIR here in town and I'm assuming they would still be racing in Sept. By leaving this day open, everyone can feel free to do as they please. By having the banquet on Friday night, Saturday evening would be left open for whatever!! KC is famous for it's steaks and restaurants. We're also known for our bar-b-que if that is to your liking. There would possibly be a cruise going on somewhere in town. Also, some members may have to depart on Saturday to be home by Sunday evening. Sunday...nothing on the schedule except exchanging address and phone numbers and saying good-bye!! Being the first event, I have not tried to schedule any"work shops" or formal meetings. It would be my intent to have a low-key 3 days and then we can expand from there next time.

JUDGING: NOT!!!! I can't imagine this group being into judging!! Having the best trailed 62 fullsize or the best detailed engine compartment doesn't seem appropriate!! This is just a get together to have FUN. But I feel all paid participants should go home with a trophy or plaque for their support and attendance. Remember all the posts about trophies several weeks ago?? Something like "Particpant of the 1st annual 349-409 National Convention". Something the great grandchilden can ask...what is this??!!! This should not be competitive judging!!

EXTRA ACTIVITIES: Kansas City has alot to offer. The Plaza was the world's very first shopping district..it's beautiful. I know several of you ride Harleys. The brand new Harley Davidson Assembly Plant is located 5 minutes from the Embassy Suites. They give a plant tour that is something to see!! All Sportster and Dyna models are built here. They ship in the engines & transmissions, tires & seats and build everything else from scratch!! Very impressive. Also have Kansas Speedway, our Nascar track to drive by. Depending on the different schedules, the Kansas City Royals may be playing baseball or The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh from their Super Bowl win next Feb!!!!!!!!!!!, may have a home game that weekend.

MEMBERS & GUESTS: This event would be open to anyone that pays their registration fee. You would not have to be a member of 348-409.com. I bet we will be amazed how many new members sign up before the convention!! Anyone and any vehicle with a 348 or 409 engine would be allowed to display their vehicle in our area. Not to be confusing...if you have a nice 62 SS with a 283......this is not the event to bring your car to!!! Start a small block club if you want to do that!! I have friend here in town building a 32 F*** street rod with a 409. I also got a picture about 2 months ago of a 409 in a TRIKE!! Any guest can register to attend the banquet and functions even if they do not have a car or 348-409 engine, as long as they pay the registration fees.

INVITED GUESTS: Having the privilege of knowing all these people, I would call to invite the following: Hayden Proffitt...nothing more need to be said about what he has accomplished for the 409's and drag racing. Delmer McAfee...he built the replica red 62 bubbletop car of Hayden's. Hayden and the car were together last in 1989 at Dallas Super Chevy in my space. Here would be your chance not only to meet Hayden, but get a picture with him and YOU and the car!!!! Doug Marion..Mr. Chevrolet...has more knowledge of Chevrolet than any one peoson I've ever met. Doug was the original editor of Super Chevy magazine and invented the idea of Super Chey Sunday. Doug can't guarantee coverage in Chevy Rumble but if you are a bettin' man...get ready!! There might be enough material for a 2 or 3 part article!! Tom Jacobson and his Pro-Mod 62 bubbletop. Doesn't have a 409 engine in the pro-mod car but Tom's legacy with 409's is well known. His 62 Biscayne, that he bought from Butch Leal, with the Hayden Proffitt & Assoc. stickers on the doors, is in the NHRA Drag Racing Museum in Pomona. I have a customer who has 3 immaculate Z-11 cars...2 63's and the THE Dickey Harrell 62 with the aluminum front end that is shown in the POST about Dickey Harrell on this site. The 2 63's are the Terry Prince car and the Frank Sanders S&S Headers car. Don't know if all 3 can be here but it's worth a try!! Plus, Donnie Shaffer and his 348 and 409 collection would be invited!! What I would be shooting for with these guests, would be a question and answer session after the Friday evening banquet. Plus they would hopefully be around for the Friday and Saturday sessions for more meet and greet.

COSTS & FEES: Now, for the dirty part of the whole thing. We can't ask these people to give us 4 to 7 days of their life without some type of financial aid. So I am proposing AN ESTIMATED registration fee of $100 per person. That person can bring a car or not...as long as he attends the function and the banquet, he pays the $100. Spouses would be an extra $15 only if they wanted to attend the banquet.

I believe that we can draw 100 cars or "persons". By persons, I would encourage EVERYBODY, that can not take the time to drive, to please fly in and attend. This will only be successful if we have enough attend. Everyone on the coasts, Aubrey and our Canadian friends, truck409 in Delta Junction, Alaska can help make this event successful by their attendance. I am basing the cost of the $100 regristration on 100 paid attendance. I would go to the local Late Great chapter and let them know that all their "qualifing" vehicles would be welcome. I really think that 150 to 200 cars would not be unreasonable.

I have not spoken to any of the people on my list buy I feel comfortable that they would do their best to attend. Having said that, here are some costs associated with the transporation and lodging expenses. Hayden..probably $3000..his wife's health is not good and if he attends, a 24hour a day nurse will have to be provided for the time he is away. Delmer, Doug and Tom will probably run $1000 with either gas and mileage or airline tickets. All should be provided a motel room.

I am estimating the banquet or buffet dinner at $15 per head. I might be all wet on that but it's a start. The trophies for 100 might run $15 a piece also. Adding this all up...I'm at $9000 to put the event on. With 100 paid participants at $100...that's $10,000. There should be some type of Event Insurance and there will be some advertising expense and all types of stuff I don't even know yet. Now if we have a turn out of 200...we'd be in tall cotton. But if we don't ....the costs will still be $10,000. I'm certainly not looking to make a profit on all this, but I can't afford to subsudize it either.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE: Good ole Bob, our beloved administrator. Bob...a way MUST BE FOUND for you to be here. For 3 reasons....First, without you, we wouldn't even be here today to discuss the idea of a National Convention!! Secondly, it will give you an opportunity to meet personally ALL these internet friends you have had for years!! As well as they getting the chance to meet you!! THAT is important!! Thirdly, you can explain to everyone why in the world, you choose to put a 409 into a 66 Chevelle!!!! Why not a 56 Nash Metropolitian (my choice) or a 62 Impala???!!! You can not NOT BE A PART OF THIS!!

CRIPES!!! My original message is too long!! Gotta go. Will post my final thoughts later tonight

[JIMS409]

I Simply Love IT!!!! Count me in on this one Phast Phil. On sleeping arrangements...I expect a suite at Chez Reed's!

Hell, I might even bring my 409 in. Six-banger Impala SS if this thing works out. Lookout downtown Parkville!

LOL

P.S. I will be happy to help out

[dq409]

Phil,,,,

It all sounds like it is doable !!

I like the time change and the place doesn`t matter to me,,,

I know I`ll be a couple days early to settle in ,,,,

I WOULD recommend that Satuday events be held at the drag track to keep the cars in one location,,,
The show only cars and race cars can be parked in one group to simplify the viewing for the spectators,,,

I know I`ll be racing and parking to watch others race,,,,

the viewing public would (IMO) love to gander at the race cars also!

Also no reason to split the event. YA can`t be in two places at once,,,,

Even if there is an event going on at the track I`m sure they would love to have us,,,,

Now that I`m thinking about it,,,,,I think the banquet should be held as early as posible,,,,so we can cruz the town before it gets to late,,,,,

All in all sounds good to me,,,,,dq:cheers

[tmracing62]

Phil -

Thank you. This is a very good framework upon which to build.

KC is fine with me. Dates are better because of weather which will affect everyone. Commemorative trophys (not dash plaques) are a great idea. Better than a Wally. Thank you for no judging. If you want to make otherwise nice people get freaky, judge their cars. Schedule is a comfortable one. A lot of people get upset at a registration fee and there may be a way to reduce it (see below), but this is different enough that they just have to bite the bullet. You are right on target as far as costs. We have a year to save up.

So far we have 15 people on the forum that are committed to coming. Other forums, flyers we can hand out at our local shows, magazine event schedules and word of mouth will get more, but 200 cars may be rich. I like thinking big however and if we shoot for that, it could happen. I know a couple of 409 guys locally that might be interested.

Would you agree that Lamar Walden and whoever he can get would be a good choice? He said he'd do a seminar and there'd be a reasonable fee.

Would anyone object to my contacting Dain Gingerelli (PriMedia) to see if he'd like to cover the show?

Do we want to have vendors of our type of stuff? If yes, anyone on the forum gets their space for free and maybe even some cash to help them get there? If the show gets big and we woo vendors, that can almost pay for the whole thing.

Now here we go. I don't like to say things or name names because things rarely happen as planned. But if I could get Budweiser to sponsor, does anyone object for any reason? Don't be shy. They would be trusting my word that this was going to be worth their while and it may still be a long shot at that. Possible media coverage would make it more attractive to them. But it could sure help with the $$$$ part.

Attached is a picture of a show I helped produce here. Started with about 50 cars and grew to over 500 which was the limit downtown could hold. Over 20,000 spectators year before last. Sponsorship made all the difference. Cost $12,000 to $13,000 to produce including four bands. I would not recommend live bands because it gets too confusing and is a terrible management problem. You never get to enjoy your own show if it gets complicated and bands can do that quickly. A DJ with their own equipment is a much better choice. You just write the check and they take care of the rest. You might notice the sponsor was Miller. Coors is brewed in Golden. Coors refused every year to help us out. I grew up with Pete, I did not ask him personally and he did not interfere with his PR people and they never climbed on board, but they regretted it more and more as it grew and Miller made back nearly all of their money in beer sales. Plus the local and national advertising for them was therefore free. Several car magazines, TV and newspaper. I might add that Coors finally had a hand in killing this show after last summer. They knew they missed out and they were not gentlemen about it. So Bud watched this happen and understands that a good show is much to their benefit. I'm not promising anything, but unless there are objections, and like I said - don't hold back if there are, then I'll ask.

[Gerry]

Convention ideas that I support! Kansas City, Middle of Sept., Sat. events in one location, A cruise, Fri. or Sat., No judging, Banquet, A window decal, First invited guest-Administrator Bob. Count me in.

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Phil, that was HUGE:cheers
September IS better... a little cooler... bugs are mostly gone, and typically the weather is dry.
Also, as DQ said... I think it would be a plan to have the guys showing cars to be in the pits with the guys drag racing on Saturday. I've been to a few LGC conventions. LOTS of W blocks there ( not a problem to see over 30 ).... BUT ...... it's just a big car show. What entices me is the drag racing :D

Guess I'll just have to find a way to afford it !

[threeimpalas]

The Kansas City GoodGuys event is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 24-26th next fall. Don't know if that's a concern to you event planners or not.

[SS425HP]

Aubrey, think-----business=write off! Doesn't mean for sure business, just prospective business. Write off! Deductible! Free! Paid by Revenue Canada! Write off!

You can do it. Same goes for Bob. T Shirt sales! Business! write off!

That all counts if it's your main business. Aubrey, should be a shew in!

Hope to see you and Bob there. All else aside, no kidding. Would like to see all on here there.

Fred

[bobs409]

Maybe you guys should do some promotional T-shirts for this event to help raise funds! They would be collectable with the year on them too. :D

I can see one or two on ebay 10 years from now going for $50! LOL

I can't be there but im behind ya's all the way. :cheers

[CDNpontiac409guy]

hey Fred... SURE it's a write off.... But I have to HAVE the money to write off !
Oh YEAH.... a "shew" in ! Trouble is, this lowly "tiny-buck" Canadian has holes in his "shews":p

Bob
Bob
BOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


No BOB ? !

Then why are we doing this ?

Bob... If I can make the 2400 mile ( one way ) trip... so can you:cheers

[dq409]

YEH BOB !!!!

1793.31 miles for me,,,,26hr 53 mins !!!
But I know I can make it in 20 hrs flat !!! heee heeeee

OPPS!!! Lets see,,,,, Firebird in Boise,,,,,Rocky Mountain Racway,,,Then their`s Colorado and Iowa and ,,,,,and ,,,,,

Boy ,,,I better leave in August !!!! LOL !!!,,,dq


AND YES !!! SHIRTS ARE A MUST !!!!

[bobs409]

Now don't get them started again Aubrey! :D

I'll have to lock my doors starting a week before this event or dq is liable to show up and try to haul me off!!! :p

[tmracing62]

DQ isn't the only one.

[bobs409]

I'll buy a shirt! Who do I send payment to?

Im starting to get worried...:( I don't want to go to Kansas City in the trunk of dq's Impala! :D

[SS425HP]

OK, Bob, then these are your choices. Inside Ray's tow car, Inside my P/U tow truck, or on the trailer. A year from now, Bob.

Aubrey, I'm with you. When I was in business, that was all I always heard. " You can write this off". Kept telling them I was looking for write ONS. The write on is necessary to do the write off. The write on should also exceed the write off by a good amount.

As for mileage, it's only 2400 when you start out. Like when I went to California in 65, it was 2400 miles to start, but after we got to Amarillo, Texas, it was only 1200 miles. :rolleyes:

I would also think you could pick up some business.

Bob, be there!

Fred

[dq409]

Bob,,,,,,I`ve helped move houses before so go ahead !!! Lock the doors !!!

Just make sure you don`t step out til we get to KC !!!

HEEEEEEE hEEEEEEE

[tripowerguy]

OK I'm in, no matter where it is at and no matter when. Just as long as it includes drag racing. Car shows are ok but these cars represent the true nature of taking the family car out and racing the snot out of it and then driving it to work the next day. I'll help in any way and $100 bucks is not bad as long as it includes the whole smear. $15 for my wife ain't bad, I can't feed her for that.:D Roy
P.S. Don't we know somebody close to Bob who can slip him a mickey and he wakes up in KC. Bob is one of the most important people of this whole thing.

[Tom Kochtanek]

Bob, you've just got to be there. No if, ands or buts. Put the date on your calendar. If other options don't work we will pass the hat and fly your PA butt out here to the midwest. I mean it!

I will personally pick you up at either the KC or St. Louis airport if need be and drive you to the event. I'll even let you drive a little :) If the best filght is to St. Louis from PA, I will pick you up in my '63 'Vette and drive you to Columbia, MO where you can choose which car to drive to KC, the '62SS with a "CPG stroker 409" or some other choice (it will be a Chevy with an "X" frame and a "W" engine, as specified by Phil Reed). But you must come. I mean it. Don't disappoint us in this first of many annual feature events. I promise not to talk about technology or the Internet....

Bob, mark your calendar. Block it off right now. We will take care of the details.

And Michael (TMracing), remember that if it's "pulled by horses", I most likely have had it in keg form, case form, or 6 pack, and that AB out of St. Louis would be a fine sponsor to this event :)

Let the plans continue with our fearless leader out in front!

Cheers,
TomK

[Phil Reed]

Sorry I wasn't able to get back last Sunday night. Had to rush out...if any of you saw the football game on ESPN Sunday night...you saw my wife and I in the stands. We were the ones in the red coats!!!!!!!! MY Kansas City Chiefs are 8 and 0!!!!!!!! We are really excited about hopefully being in Houston Feb. 1!!!!!!!! That's a whole different subject.

I think we need to address something here before we go too far. We need a agreement of what is to be expected for the convention. If we are to proceed with any plans, I feel we need to decide what we really want.

Please go back to my original post and note what I said under the Premise part. I got the feeling after reading all the posts, that the most important thing was to get together to meet each other and see the cars. Anyone who was, or was not a member, is welcome as long as they had an interest in the 348-409 engines or had a vehicle with a 348-409 engine. As the owner of a mail-order business, a MAJOR drawback is that you don't get to meet more than 5% of your customers. As you develop friendships, it's hard not wanting to get to meet each other face to face. I can see this happening already here. Look at the posts; Bob has to be here, does Aubrey really think he can't be here, does TomK really use those big words in everyday conversation, everyone wants to see Roy when he pees in his pants.....it goes on and on. As I stated, there are many of the members I would love to have time to meet and talk with. This proposed get-together IS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CARS. It will be a 3 day event especially for us.

Now, having said that, we need to decide what we really want. But we need to address what Michael (tmracing62) has posted. I know he has been a valued and trusted member of this forum for a long time. I have not. He has experience on putting on a "car show". I do not. But there are major differences in these 2 perspectivies. The proposal is for big corporate sponsors and possible media coverage. If we have a 3 day event....one day at the hotel and another day at the track, I can't imagine any beer sponser who would want a split venue. And are their additional liabilities if beer is sold at the event? And this is my own personal thought....I don't care if 20,000 people show up. It will only detract us from what we are wanting to do.....meet and get to know each other for the first time. From what I have seen posted here, that is the main goal of this event. After we get this thing off and running, maybe we could attract more sponsors. As far as sponsors are concerned, I would be more comfortable approaching some of the manufacturers that we buy from to help. They would had a more vested interest in our event.

Michael's success with his event, as I see it, was predicated on 3 main things: the car show is probably the same time every year, there is a direct and immediate benefit to the local merchants for hosting the event, and with "everyone" welcome to participate...the show continues to grow. You can see by the picture that it is successful. But it has to have all local people show up to grow. We are a national club and don't have that capability. I don't feel that we can offer those 3 things to any city or sponser. In fact, with the possibility of this event being moved around to different parts of the country, that might be to our benefit also.

Michael suggested speakers.......that should not be a problem. We can try to arrange for a meeting room in the hotel. Certainly Lamar would be welcome as any person who would want to put on a seminar on a subject that would be of interest to us. Aubrey could put on one about his pistons and rearends!! And I'm sure a swap meet is possible also.

Having said all this, there was not any intention on my part to direct anything at Michael personally for his idea. In fact, many of you may have the same idea. If so, let it be known now. Jump in and let us know.

I have some new information on KCIR drag strip. But this post is too long so I'll start another one.

Phil

[Phil Reed]

KUDOS TO TomO!!!!!

Received an email from TomO yesterday with the name of his friend who manages a Heads UP Drag Racing series at Kansas City Internation Raceway!!! I called him and when I explained what we wanted to do...he got all excited!!

This Heads Up racing is for street cars only. An individual ownes the series and when he runs it, he just leases the whole track. Brent said he would love to have us. An area in the pits, behind the grandstands, would be designated for the show cars while the race cars could pit across the access road. He said costs were $10 per person and a car and driver was $20. This is there standard fee for Grudge Night races. I asked, if we let them use our function in their advertising, if we could get a break in the prices. He said probably...like $20 for car and driver and 1 extra person. Something to work out later.

The track this year has all been replaced!! New concrete for 330 feet and new asphalt after that. So it should be good to go. I personally been to the track in 15-20 years but I'll go back and see whats happening.

As far as the schedule, the 2nd weekend of September has the Car Craft & Street Car Nationals in Springfield, MO. Brent tells me they have a tremendous turnout and probably wouldn't want to do it that weekend. He would lose all his gate. Then the 4th weekend is the Goodguys here in KC. He wasn't concerned at all about the same weekend as Goodguys here because most of them don't race. So, maybe the 3rd weekend of September is worth shooting for. Having ours the same weekend as Goodguys would give us something else to do but would want to check with the hotel first. Lodging might be a problem.

That's it for now. Let me know what you all think!!!

Phil

[Phil Reed]

Sorry I wasn't able to get back last Sunday night. Had to rush out...if any of you saw the football game on ESPN Sunday night...you saw my wife and I in the stands. We were the ones in the red coats!!!!!!!! MY Kansas City Chiefs are 8 and 0!!!!!!!! We are really excited about hopefully being in Houston Feb. 1!!!!!!!! That's a whole different subject.

I think we need to address something here before we go too far. We need a agreement of what is to be expected for the convention. If we are to proceed with any plans, I feel we need to decide what we really want.

Please go back to my original post and note what I said under the Premise part. I got the feeling after reading all the posts, that the most important thing was to get together to meet each other and see the cars. Anyone who was, or was not a member, is welcome as long as they had an interest in the 348-409 engines or had a vehicle with a 348-409 engine. As the owner of a mail-order business, a MAJOR drawback is that you don't get to meet more than 5% of your customers. As you develop friendships, it's hard not wanting to get to meet each other face to face. I can see this happening already here. Look at the posts; Bob has to be here, does Aubrey really think he can't be here, does TomK really use those big words in everyday conversation, everyone wants to see Roy when he pees in his pants.....it goes on and on. As I stated, there are many of the members I would love to have time to meet and talk with. This proposed get-together IS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND THEIR CARS. It will be a 3 day event especially for us.

Now, having said that, we need to decide what we really want. But we need to address what Michael (tmracing62) has posted. I know he has been a valued and trusted member of this forum for a long time. I have not. He has experience on putting on a "car show". I do not. But there are major differences in these 2 perspectivies. The proposal is for big corporate sponsors and possible media coverage. If we have a 3 day event....one day at the hotel and another day at the track, I can't imagine any beer sponser who would want a split venue. And are their additional liabilities if beer is sold at the event? And this is my own personal thought....I don't care if 20,000 people show up. It will only detract us from what we are wanting to do.....meet and get to know each other for the first time. From what I have seen posted here, that is the main goal of this event. After we get this thing off and running, maybe we could attract more sponsors. As far as sponsors are concerned, I would be more comfortable approaching some of the manufacturers that we buy from to help. They would had a more vested interest in our event.

Michael's success with his event, as I see it, was predicated on 3 main things: the car show is probably the same time every year, there is a direct and immediate benefit to the local merchants for hosting the event, and with "everyone" welcome to participate...the show continues to grow. You can see by the picture that it is successful. But it has to have all local people show up to grow. We are a national club and don't have that capability. I don't feel that we can offer those 3 things to any city or sponser. In fact, with the possibility of this event being moved around to different parts of the country, that might be to our benefit also.

Michael suggested speakers.......that should not be a problem. We can try to arrange for a meeting room in the hotel. Certainly Lamar would be welcome as any person who would want to put on a seminar on a subject that would be of interest to us. Aubrey could put on one about his pistons and rearends!! And I'm sure a swap meet is possible also.

Having said all this, there was not any intention on my part to direct anything at Michael personally for his idea. In fact, many of you may have the same idea. If so, let it be known now. Jump in and let us know.

I have some new information on KCIR drag strip. But this post is too long so I'll start another one.

Phil

[kbc409nova]

Phil
What I would want most is a simple get together to meet each other. While all the people you had mentioned as to paying them for coming are highly thought of, I would much rather meet Bob, Aubrey,DQ, Fred, Wrench and all the other members of this group. I think for a first time we need to keep it simple , then expand on it in future years. While I have not been much of a contributor here, everybody seems like family that I have not met. I've
read these posts 2-3 times a day for the last 2 yrs. and have become quite attached . We all have the same thing in common, ( A passion for the W motor ).
Whatever is decided I will be there. I would also like the drag racing .
Kevin
:D :D :D :D :D

[tmracing62]

Phil - I didn't take it personally or as dissing my thoughts. No problem. :D By the way, could you post how to get in touch with your business? I'd like to get those mirrors.

----

The problem with writing everything out is we are brainstorming, but most of us really don't know each other even though it feels like we do. Well, we know Roy pees his pants, but other than that it's just words on a page with no immediate feedback.

The objective is to get together. Period. And ditto me for kbc409nova. That's what's important and certainly enough. So maybe we just do that and no more. I'd be very happy with that. KC or Pittsburg, September four day weekend, racing, cruises, a parking lot show and being together would be plenty. And the member bikes should be there too. I want to see Harley Knight's ride up close and get scared. Then I can pee too.

It all changes if we want to have guests and speakers. That costs money most of the time. It's going to be uncool if we can't afford to pay them if paid participant attendance is not what we predict. Weather and all sorts of things can influence that. Hence a sponsor to help meet any financial obligations we might incur. And this is the bottom line for me - if we promise something to our speakers and guests, we keep that promise no matter what. It would be great if car related sponsors could be found. They are the hardest of all to get to back a show. They usually offer a rusty clutch and some water neck gaskets or a gift certificate. Really. It's rare, but not impossible, to be taken seriously even when you have a show that would benefit them greatly.

A beer sponsor has the pockets to contribute meaningfully. That's why I would try there first. And as long as we could get a liquor permit, there are no legal/liability issues unless we break the local rules. But sponsors want not only participants, but attendees. And that means getting the word out. And now we are in the whole complicated get-together-turned-business routine. If we can pay the people we want there for sure, I would be greatly relieved not to have to do the rest.

I tend to plan for the maximum on anything and then work back. It doesn't matter if it's possible or affordable to begin with. Just define the idea and then find a way if possible to make it happen. You don't always get what you want, but you usually get/accomplish more than you thought. That's what you're hearing from me and I know it can sound extreme. No offense or pushiness or arrogance meant.

[tmracing62]

Let's just get together for four days and have as much fun as possible. We can handle that. If we even want to have another event after four days together, we can discuss it over dinner then.

So for now, let's nail down when and where and be there.

[dq409]

OK,,,So here is my proposal !!!

I thing we can agree that Phil and TM are the likely canidates for a leadership role in putting this together,,,posibily toss in Tom !!

So,,,,I believe what needs to be done is the three of them talk on phone or email and work out what needs to be done ,when,where and how,,,

Then come bak to the forum with a plan,,,

This is getting out of hand,,,kinda,,,with all the long post,,,

I think we all can agree that we just want to get together BS,,race and cruz !!

The entrance fee of $100 is cool and we do need to have a few speakers,,,

We all want to meet and pick their heads too!
A cormenerating trophy, and tee shirt are musts,,,

So you three start talking and get back to us with an outline,,

I`ll help in any way ,,, but we need others closer to the event site to stand up also,,,,

LETS GET GOING !!!!

[dq409]

PS,,,,
Once we pick a time and place things will fall in order,,,

Then we can post a flyer on line that we can copy and print to hand out at the local level,,,,,,,360+ members in how many cities?

I will be willing to advertize in the reginal Cruze mags,,,Like Drive time and Cruz-In,,,,

Also send out media kits to all the car mags,,,

,,,,dq

[tmracing62]

dq - okay with me as long as you do all the heavy lifting when we get to the show.

Tom and Phil - how ever you want to work out communicating if you want to do it this way.

[tripowerguy]

Just do it and I'll talk to DEPENDS and see about sponsorship.:D Roy

[Bungy]

My thoughts on the subject are quite simple. Just that. A simple get together to meet all the wacky yet knowledgable board members. A drag strip is a great idea too. I know I'll make at least one pass. Major speakers/guests would be a nice bonus but I think we should concentrate on year one first. No sponsers. No speakers. No over the top extravegant anything. Just a simple get together. If 500 w-motor cars show up then year two will definately be different. KC and 3rd weekend in Sept. is perfect. My 2 cents. Bungy

[SS425HP]

For what it's worth. I would like to see a few speakers, if possible. Especially Hayden Proffitt. Would be 39 years since I last saw him. Reasoning??????????? We are all getting older. Don't believe in waiting any more. Sometimes you put off doing something, or wait till next year, and something happens and next year doesn't come anymore. Not just us, happens to them, too. I personally would chip in to get Hayden there, but my reasons are selfish. I want to see him again. Like Phil said, it's hard for him to travel, because his wife isn't well. I have heard Dyno isn't real well. At our ages, things happen, and quick. I know, some of you are pretty young yet. Some of us aren't. Let's do what we can. When and where don't matter to me. Let's just do it.

Thanks

Fred

[348NUT]

Wow, I 'm just reading this for the first time. Here's my opinion if it means anything :) I'd like to meet the famous guys too, but at $100+ it just wouldn't fly for me.:( I was getting so excited until that punch line. I'm not into beer anymore and don't like promoting it. I really just want to meet you guys and I'd love a chance to run the 348 down the track just for fun! Like Kevin and Bungy I'd rather just have a small get together. I'd be there for sure if the price was less and it wasn't a big hoopla. It's 743 miles and that's not a problem at all. I'll let you guys figure it all out and then make the decision. NUT

[dq409]

I`m with Fred,,,,,

I think you can keep it simple and have the extras like speakers.

Yes,,,,we can build on the years to come ,,but,,,, if you don`t have a draw the first year it will be hard to get people to come and return.

To draw car owners with the likes of Hayden and Lamar, Aubrey and the Schaffer Bro`s and their several trailers of "W" engines being there should be sometning to work on,,,,

Simple does not mean empty,,,,,:deal

[dq409]

It must be working !!!!!

No news is good new !!!

I still think "Hooters" would be a great sponsor !!! heee heeeee

Gonna open one in Portland very soon !!! See ya there !!! Might be there so offten might get my name on my chair !!! LOL

[tmracing62]

We couldn't do better than Phil to pull this thing together. He's a very nice guy and really enthused about this. He's taken all the suggestions and ideas we've come up with and made a very workable plan. His contacts and ideas and the fact that he's in KC make this possible. I'll leave it to him to explain, but for now: KC, Thursday through Sunday mid September 2004, racing, celeb(s) and speakers, nice sounding T-shirt, interesting event trophy, banquet, plenty of time together to bench race, cruise and so on. My concern was not enough interest, his is too many cars. After talking to him, it sounds like he's right. You'll be getting more for your $100 than you could spend it for anywhere else on anything else.

That's the general idea or close at this time. This is going to be great.

[tripowerguy]

Guys and gals $100 for a several day event is not that bad. I've spent $35 on a 2 day car show where all I did was park my car and sit in a lawn chair for 2 days. A day at the drags will cost you at least $40. Heck let's make it $99.95 and that doesn't sound like it is so much. We've got to make this happen,next Sept. we have got to be in KC and there needs to be at least a couple hundred of us there. Remember the old radio announcements, BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! :D Roy

[kiwi64ss]

the kiwi family are looking at traveling to see dond409 next year and with a bit of arm bending im sure we might be able to get don to take his 12 second wagon and us to the convention
and we would be the long distance travellers for sure im guessing

Adrian:cheers

[Phil Reed]

HERE'S WHATS CURRENT!!!

I called Michael (tmracing 62) about a week ago, to introduce myself, and to talk about the convention. After about an hour on the phone!!! we decided to hang up for now!! Michael had a very good obversation. He said "can you imagine how many times this will happen at the convention!! You introduce yourself to someone and an hour later...you're still going!!" That's what we are looking for!!

Talked with Embassy Suites Mon. They are sending me a Convention Packet to look over.. Don't have an detailed costs yet. They have 236 rooms. Right up front, the lady said their weekend rates were $119 per night but she would drop our price to $99. Once I get a feel for the number attending, I might be able to get the rates even lower. They also have a meeting room "with theatre style" seating. That means DQ will have to behave himself and probably keep his shoes on!! This will be used for speakers, seminars, etc.

So here we go.........Since we will all be getting together for the first time, time for conversation will be primary. I'm suggesting the "convention" will start on Wed., instead of Thursday. Regristration will take place both days. First day of ANY scheduled activities will be Friday. Car show in the parking lots and guest speakers and seminars during the day at the inside meeting room. Friday night will be our banquet, big word in city talk for supper!! Again, no formal program afterwards, just more time for visiting. But I do have some "things" scheduled for after the meal.


Saturday will be a day, and maybe evening, at the "409 FALL NATIONALS" at the drag strip for those that want to race or just show their car. I have talked with Tony Shaffer at Day Automotive, he will try to have a 409 engine on his Dyno for you to see. If you have never seen a dyno test, this would be neat!! There will probably be a cruise somewhere in Kansas City to go to OR WE WILL JUST HAVE OUR OWN CRUISE TO LC's Hamburger stand Saturday night!! Sunday will be exchange address and say "Goodbye" day.

We can not pick a weekend until the race track gets it's 2004 schedule. They hope to have it by the end of this month. Hopefully the 3rd weekend in Sept. will work for them. Right now that's the weekend I'm shooting for. The Embassy Suites is tentatively holding 25 rooms for Wed. night, 75 for Thurs. night, 100 for Fri. night, and 75 again for Sat. night. I don't think the hotel can hold all of us, so the reservations will be 'FIRST COME...FIRST SERVED"!! Once we get the weekend pinned down, you will need to get your reservations in. There are other hotels and motels close, but the Embassy will be the host hotel. My son-in-law is a Sargent with the Kansas City, MO police department. We will have off-duty policemen in the Embassy parking lot all night Thurs, Fri., and Sat. for added security.

NOW...for the good stuff!!! I called Hayden yesterday and told him what we were planning. I asked him if he could be here...he said ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Now, I'm going to make arrangements for the red bubbletop too!! I have some other guests and speakers that I will contact and let you know as they commit. This will be very interesting.

I will be asking Doug Marion to attend, not only as a speaker but as a photographer to sumbit stories and photos to Chevy Rumble or other magazines. For you guys that want to have show quality cars here, this would be the time to do it. Doug will probably, I know he will, photograph different cars for possible magazines articles. He doesn't have the final decision but he does submit what he thinks will make good stories. BE HERE TO LET DOUG SEE YOUR CAR!! This will be your opportunity!!

As Jims409 said somewhere else, I have a wild imagination!! Yes, I do have 409 toilet paper but that is another post!! But I've thought up a couple of things that I want to have made for us. Some "things" that will make our convention a little more special!! I've got some figuring to do to get these projects under way!!

I'm going to check the Embassy grounds to see if it would be feasible to have a swap meet area. Don't know how they would feel about that, but am going to check and see.

I'm going to have 1000 flyers printed and send one out in each of our packages from the shop. We can get the word out that this is HAPPENING!!

Try to make plans...if you can't drive..consider flying in to support this weekend. The more support we get..the more coverage we can expect. I will get something in Chevy Rumble as soon as I know dates. You can help by contacting Chevy Rumble and telling them you like their coverage of the 348 and 409 cars in past issues. Wouldn't hurt to subscribe either.

I hope this event can go on from here to other places. But if not, this might be a ONE TIME GATHERING OF THE FLOCK!!!! DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to participate in a historical event. We will do everything to make this as memorable weekend as possible. If we can get enough 348 & 409 cars in one area....with all that weight.....I really think Kansas City will rotate down towards the south pole!!!! We can defy gravity!!!

Guess that's it for now. I know I've left out something but if I think of more ...I'll just post it!!!

Make your plans for Kansas City NOW!!!!

Phil

[SS425HP]

Count me in.

[63z11]

Sounds great so far Phil! Count on us WI 09 fans to make the journey. :D

[jim_ss409]

Sounds like a good deal to me! :deal You guys are doing a great job of organising. I think someone already mentioned window stickers. Something like "348/409 Fall Nationals Participant 2004" would be cool.

[tripowerguy]

Count me in and I would incourage anyone who has a W engine in anything bring it if you can. I think if you have incomplete projects bring it on and let us see it. Notice Aubrey I said engine.:p Roy

[bobs409]

Phil, that has to be the longest thread I've seen yet! :D

My hat is off to you for taking on such a big project! After doing the T-shirt project and seeing how much it involved, I can only imagine what putting an event like this together must be like! :eek:

When this event gets closer and has an actual date, I'll put something on the main page to announce it.


Bob

[Tom Kochtanek]

I will not only be there, help facilitate things (fancy word for "get in the way"), bring one or more X-frame cars with a "W" engine, but I will bring my new digital video camera and buy additional storage space for my still digital camera :) This event is going to be so impacting that we will need to document it properly.

Thanks to Phil and everyone else who helps put this together.

Anxiously awaiting the next development,

TomK

[Phil Reed]

Bob:

Thanks for the kind words. This will be a labor of love!! While I know up front that we can't make every member happy...we're gonna shoot for the other 98%!!!! I want to make this as memorable for as many persons as possible!!!

Does this mean that you are now making plans to be HERE!!!! You gotta do that!!!! You can take some of the money that I'm going to pay you under the table for the 409th membership number and apply that towards your travelling expenses!!!!:D :cool: :D :D

[bluescreamer]

Phil
I was wondering if the race plans could be made flexible.
when you talk to the track about dates.
Suppose that the weather man says it will rain on Saturday,
could could the track accommodate us on Friday.

I realize that you have to make a schedule of events,
but the real reason that this happen is about to take place
is that these gearheads want to hear a W-Motor do its
thing on the drag strip.
I know that Dq would be disappointed traveling
accross the country, including myself.
Allen
Blue Screamer :cool:

PS: Maybe it doesn't rain in Kansas in Sept.

[dq409]

Phil,,,So far the plan sounds good ...but I would rather have Friday nite open for drags and or cruzin`,,,,,we could have a mid-afternoon banquet,,,,

A Friday Nite Cruz to a location in KC would be a BLAST !!

That would work better in my mind.

All the banquets I`ve been to at events like this seem to be a time soaker and secondary to what the gathering is all about.
Most attendees seem to start wondering and getting wrestless about half way through the banquet.

Not one convention I`ve been to has used this idea,,,,but it seems the logical way and time to do a banquet.

A car event should be focused on the cars and owners,,,,,

After a morning of car show off then a brunch banquet would be the ideal use of the short time we will be gathering,,,,
The early afternoon time slot seems to be a void that never gets filled,,,,,

Just my thoughts,,,,

How do the others feel????

,,,,dq

[TomO]

FYI - The track does have a very strong Wednsday and Friday night Grudge Race that would be a blast to take part in. This could be in addition to the Saturday event.
TomO

[348NUT]

You guys have me terribly excited about this event! I will do my very best to be there and bring a flat black 348 powered 55 for all to drool over (or laugh at. Whatever seems appropriate) :p NUT

[SS425HP]

Guys, you just gotta hear the Blue Screamer make a pass down the track. I'll tell you, if you remember these cars at all from when they were new, and ruling the strips, You will get tears in your eyes. Allen, and I'm sure others will, has a great car, and it RUNS GOOD. The Wully Bully cars are also from PA., and I would hope would make the trip. I'd personally like another chance at Old Blue. Tried him in 65 at Lion's, but the win light LIED.
There is nothing like a 409 at full song.

I CAN"T WAIT

Fred

PHIL, THANKS

TM, THANKS

BOB, SPECIAL THANKS, and BE THERE.

Fred, again

[SS425HP]

Jims409, where in the world do you get all those ( don't know what to call them ) things you use in your posts?

Gonna try to spell this--------- HILARIOUS. ??????????? ( right )

Fred

[truck409]

:D :D Phil,I appreciate all your effort in putting this thing together for all of us,I'm going to do my level best to be there one way or the other,maybe even with my 348 powered 55 chev 4 door(unfinished of course) and I guess I might just have to order a roll of that infamous toilet paper you have also,hee hee hee!

[SS425HP]

Jim, hate to pick at you, and I promise not to tell anyone else in here, but that last one is a HEMI, not a 409. You need to change that before anyone else in here sees it. I'm trying to be very quiet about this. Hope you get it fixed before you get a bunch of hate mail!;)

Fred

[dq409]

Hey,,,,Lets stick to the subject in this thread,,,,,,









Wouldn`t want the new guys to think were juvenile would we??

[dq409]

Speaking of juvenile,,,,,,,,,,I asked my roomate (she`s my ex) how to spell it,,,,,, She answered ,,,, J ,,, pause ,,,,, i m ,,,!!!!

Had to laugh at that one,,,,,,,, LMSOAO !!!!!

[348NUT]

So would the $100 be only if we entered a car? or any member attending any of the functions? What would we charge people off the street to look at our cars, etc.?

[tmracing62]

I haven't talked to Phil about this, but ... this is a good point NUT.

If you're looking for bad words from somebody, charge them to look at cars in a parking lot. Or on Main Street or in a park. It's impossible to control and if someone crashes the gate, there's really nothing you can do. It is sometimes done, but it's a real pain. This is about us getting together, not about having a paid event. So I'd recommend that it be open to all spectators for free.

So how do we handle the person that walks by, is a gearhead not associated with the Convention and wants to see Hayden or whatever other speakers/guests/heros/meetings there might be? Now we have to police the door. That's no fun. Letting people with badges come in and stopping anyone else and asking for $5.00. No fun. So this may seem dumb, but we have a sign and also announce that non-registered attendees should politely put their $5.00 in the kitty. Most will, some won't. Don't stress on it. We are not going to waste time on other people's ethics.

Maybe we should have a rate for the banquet (a/k/a food fight and if the posts of the last few days are any indicator, we'll only need to pour some chili in a trench), meetings, one t-shirt, event plaque and so on, but no car entry. It should depend on our costs so we can meet our obligations so it's a hard number to pin down right now, but it would be less.

My thoughts anyway.

And threeimpalas just made another point. What if you bring more than one car? Maybe $50 per additional car and you get another t-shirt and plaque - but obviously the rest is unusable duplication.

So the question is "What's the registration fee if you bring no car and how much if you bring multiple cars?" Good questions and we'll get to an answer as this thing evolves.

[dq409]

Does bringing more then one car add any cost to this event?

I don`t see where it would other then the drags,,,, but it does add interest to the gathering !!

It would seem only fair that the entrance fee is geared towards one member and the first car. If there needs to be added fees for mulitble cars it should be held to a minimum and only then if it indeed causes added cost.

Bottom Line?
To have the largest number of cars we can gather !!

,,,,,dq

[tripowerguy]

I realize that this is supposed to be our event but if we muddy things up it is going to detract from the main thing, that we are going to get together. This is so we can all see each other and talk about our love, W engines [ there Aubrey], I would love to have speakers and all but really I want see everyone and for once be at an event where W motors are the majority. Also, We need to keep the costs at a minimum. I for one will be staying at the place where they leave the light on for you. It costs money to rent a strip and to rent a place to gather. The lower the costs the more people can afford to come. I talk about costs and some people costs mean different things. To me a 1000 dollars is an astronomical sum. But to others it is a cheap set of heads. I'll bet there are others out there that to come to this event is a great sacrifice. It is something that will mean that it must be saved for and planned for, not a hopeless situation that can't be attained. I know that guys used to race at their home strip and plan for the winter nationals or the nationals once a year. We need something that we can all afford to come to and I think that $100 registration for a 4 day event is fine. But I think that if you bring 1 car or 5 it should be $100. The only variable being if you plan on racing more than one car and have a pit crew. But $100 should get you and your family in. I believe that we should all feed ourselves except for the brunch, I'm with DQ on that one, been to to many Firefighter conventions. WOW, I'm long winded, I know that Phil and TM are putting in long hours on this but Tom K. called me and we talked for an hour and it was like we were old friends, thats what this is about, old friends getting together. :cheers Roy

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Man, Roy.... did YOU wrap that up nicely:cheers !

Touched on everything.

I'll admit it.... I'm "not sure" yet... it's the money. Not the $100 ( $135 CDN )... it's the 3500-4000 miles at about 8 MPG on premium:mad: Again, throw that Canadian dollar problem into the equation, and we're talking some VERY serious coin.

I made a sort of a deal with myself...
My dyno test on my stocker engine....
If it runs a number that will cause NHRA to factor the HP UP.... NOTHING will stop me from being there !
If it runs what I think it will... I'll make some sacrifices to be there.
If it's OK... things will have to fall into place.
If it is proven that I really don't have a clue what I'm doing... I'll run and hide and won't mention another word :p

So, I will have my decision made for me within a few weeks

:deal

[tmracing62]

Phil is the one putting in the hours. I am the one sitting in the lawn chair.

As far as I know, multiple cars would not increase expenses. Maybe some parking space ripoff or something. If there's anything, I don't know what it is or will be. But if you want an additional t-shirt and plaque and whatever else costs money to make, for EACH car you bring, then a breakeven additional per item fee needs to be charged. If not, then for right now at least, no extra charge for additional member cars seems okay unless Phil knows something I don't. No one's trying to make money. Ideally we'd all walk away $100 + expenses lighter. Any money it takes to make trophies, shirts, blah, blah should get paid back to whoever springs for the cost to get them done. I'm not trying to dictate terms anywhere, but Phil is doing all the legwork and so on and we should have some kind of consideration for his expenses too.

Personally, I want to see Hayden and Lamar and Aubrey and whoever can be there, within reason, that can richen our knowledge and experience. The hotel might let us use the conference room Phil mentioned at little or no cost. Guaranteed reservations in September are not easy to come by and even though they are giving us a discount, they are making bucks and will be accomodating. Since Phil is there, he's the one to confirm what they will actually do, but you get the point.

At the risk of getting yelled at about fairness - pretend we do indeed get 200 participants. That's $20,000 and if there's any left over - and we will try for that to happen - then some should go to Bob for the forum expenses (marked bills of course) and maybe we can help out those that had to come a long way at much greater expense than for most of us. It's the right thing to do so our friends can be there, otherwise what's the point?

I'm not going to be out of debt on my car by then and if something doesn't change will be borrowing money for the trip too. The alternative is not to come and you'll be kicking yourself long after the finacial pain would be over. I'll be there unless I'm dead and maybe even then too. ewooooooooo dq, follow the light.

These are all good points and have to be considered. Be patient and keep them coming. We'll get it worked out.

[tripowerguy]

You are absolutely right about kicking yourself if you miss this. I was at the first March meet at Bakersfield in 1959 and I went to a lot more but the first one was fantastic. I have not done something because the money was more than I wanted to spend but afterwards I wish I had done it. Because within reason money comes and goes but experiences only happen once, if you miss it, it is gone. Just close your eyes and listen you can hear The Blue Screamer, Wully Bully and The OZ in full song as they go through the gears with the 409's straining to rip out of the motor mounts. Doesn't the thought of it make chills go down your spine. Would you miss that?:cheers :cheers Roy

[409 Willy]

Thanks for the story Phil, sounds great. I finally have apicture of my 62 409 Bubbletop to accompany my messages. I appreciate the help I received from you and your shop when I was assembling the car. Hope you like it.
409 Willy :)

[409 Willy]

[ Hey dq,
I work for a chemical company over off Front ave in Portland. Lets hook up some time, I'd like to see your 409. I work out of my house in Selah, Washington but I get to Portland several times a year.
Thanks,
409 Willy

No news is good new !!!

I still think "Hooters" would be a great sponsor !!! heee heeeee

Gonna open one in Portland very soon !!! See ya there !!! Might be there so offten might get my name on my chair !!! LOL[/QUOTE]

[dq409]

Willy, Chemicals !!!! Now you're talking my language !!!!:love







We really should ! I know we tried a while back but never made it happen !!

Send me an email and I`ll return one with my info ,,,dq

[mercsrus51]

Sounds Like A Good Idea Put It All Together, And Lets Rock An Roll.....