Stovebolt.com Forums The Side Lot Annual Stovebolt Reunion (Kansas City) 2011 - Seventh Annual Stovebolt Reunion

2011 - The Seventh Annual Stovebolt Reunion in Kansas City (MO)

We do have some great photos in the Bolt Bucket for the weekend of the 2011 Reunion [s160.photobucket.com]. Just one batch. Got more that I'll load in here, since I've got "story" to share this time.





This was an interesting year. More on that as part of the tale. A hint: I have some notes I guess I saved to hopefully get a Hot Wash done; maybe even a web page. (Haven't found any of that yet ... just these notes that I'll add.)


Looks like a nice turnout again. Got that group picture in here for starters. And another year for the purple shirts but by this time, we had some t-shirt offerings in the Hoo-ya Shoppe. Had a fun variety there and they showed up over the weekend.

John made a 7th year logo (image below) so, we took t-shirt orders. Having Carol "Husker" Levanger helping me, made it so much easier to track of things. (She even made a database ... who posted they were coming when - Th, Fr, Sa, Sun, and those needing t's.) The day of the show, she helped take pictures for us (see a few images of Husker below).

One of my favorite photos was the HUGE American Flag, flying high in the extended ladder of the fire engine.

Anyone who wants to post comments, remembrances, or photos from 2011, please do. Or earlier years ... see the four years already set up: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and this one.

Thanks,
Peg

2010 was my first year for the union. I did not drive my 1954 3100 because of some issues: it was fresh out of the shop.

The point of this post is to spotlight JDL, a 14 year old who no one in the Forums was aware of his age because he wrote as an adult.

Jordon had (and still has) a 1954 that was in pretty rough shape. Back in 2010, I was wondering what to so with my old parts, seat, fenders and so on. So I asked if he would like to have them. He said yes so I loaded up my '54 and started to to take them to him. BTW he lives in Southern Indiana only about three hours from me.

I got as far as Indy where my son lives, so I stopped to see him. When I got back on the road, the truck was over-heating so I turned around and went home.

I called Jordon and told him I would be down the next day. I met his Mother and that was that ... until the next year. It was then that I asked Jordon if he would like to go to KC. He said yes and his mother was apprehensive but eventually said ok.

The following year (2012), Jordon turned 16 and he drove around his school parking lot in his '54.

(JDL is in a beige shirt in the back and I am in sunglasses with a trainman's hat in the back.)

That next year (still 2012), Jordon went with me. Since he had his drivers license, when got past St. Louis, I let him drive until our last fuel stop close to KC.

At the Reunion, I am sure he had a great time. Everybody took him under their wings and included him on some side trips.

On the trip home, once he got behind the wheel, he did not want to get out. He drove most of the way home.

Some update info on Jordon: he went to Vincennes University for diesel mechanic and now works for a diesel engine overhaul shot, a major company near where he lives. We keep in touch through Facebook. And plans are for us to go to KC this year. Hopefully in the '54. I am still planning to drive it on a long trip this weekend.

This was a little difficult to write to get the time frame correct.


Editor Edit ... 4/16. Ron, I included some more info on Jordon in the next post, along with some specific pictures of him. It would sure be great if he started posting again just so we can know what he's up to. Have his *first* post in the Welcome Centre linked in the next post here. ~ Peggy M

Thanks Ron, for giving some of the back story on JDL. For awhile, JDL became a "project" for the Stovebolt Collective. Some one sent him a camera, I recall (maybe more than one) so he could take pictures of his truck (and anything else!). People sent him parts and other things like that. We only new he was a young Bolter and we wanted to encourage him. Many of our Bolters had been involved with him from the get-go in 2007. For those who are wondering, here's JDL's first post in the Welcome Centre in December 2007.

I recall some funds were offered to help cover his expenses to be at the Reunion.

John and I were wondering if JDL's Mom was going to be okay with all this: letting her young son go off with a perfect stranger ... an older man ... for a weekend ... to another state. We ended up calling the Mom to let her know the event and the group were all legit. We gave her as much background information as possible before she fell asleep on the phone. Happens. (Only kidding - I don't talk THAT much. Do I? )

We did our best to convince her that you (Ron) were in the okay category. Only kidding, Again. But we didn't tell her all the things WE knew about you. Just the up-standing stuff.

In Kansas City, JDL was a treat to meet. He was so shy and had that look like he was just soaking it all in. A joy to watch.

Glad to hear from your report that JDL is going great things.

Pulled up some pictures from 2011.

First one is JDL (far right) with that pleasant smile. Ron is in the back, standing in the sun (with the cap on)
Second one is JDL holding up a prize he got. I believe that is Ron directly behind him.
Third is JDL looking at a second prize he got.
Fourth -- part of the weekend was a tour to Tony "4-5-6 Chevy Truck" Smith's place. Tony is on the left, uncertain who is next, then JDL, someone behind him, me, then Rusty Rod on the right.
Fifth -- still at Tony's. JDL looking at some of Tony's stuff. Mike "Ol Trucks" Taylor, and Baby Bear(? - Larry "Poppa Bear" Bear's grandson) on the right.

Thanks, Peggy but I am not prefect but I have been striving for almost 80 years. I know he liked staying down at pool when they had the Jam session.

Remember this very well. Yes, many of us contributed in some way to help Jordan. I think it went a long way and I remember when he first got his grandpa's truck running and brakes. Sure proud of him.

This year Victoria couldn't make it so I flew up and Husker picked me up at the airport. We stayed in touch for some time but not lately. Photos bring back a lot of memories........loved it when John let Jordan drive the Camero convertible when we had the one at the X-plaza or was it the Red X? I still have my C/D from the band there. Memories, how sweet they are.

I see D*i*c*k Weedens Suburban with the others. My daughter and I visited he and wife Polly on our visit to Stovebolters back around 2013. He was still building airplane engines and gave us a tour off some nice restored old planes. I wonder if he is still alive?

Oh, my I forgot the most important thing, meeting, Alvin. I had forgoten about Jordan in the car, had pictures until Photobucket kept them.

Now that I've got 2012 *placed* in a spot, I can go back to making some sense of these few years. Any one can correct me here.

Okay, let's see where we left off.

Riverside Park, Missouri

NOT
(That's suppose to be the color of mud.)

A big thing about the 2011 Reunion was the bad weather year (summer) for the mid-west. There had been flooding all around the area for an extended period. Riverside Park had been flooded and it was a real mess. The organizers for the Midwest All Truck Nationals (and the Genuine Chevy GMC Truck Club) were looking for "high ground" for the event. It was truly hard to come by since property damage was just about everywhere.

George (Wrenchbender Ret.) reported on the water damage in the Park and the affect flooding had taken all around the area. Even the route to the Red X Field (the temporary venue) had changed. He gave good details in forum posts, keeping us informed. He warned of mosquitoes. (Many participants brought spray, so no real issues.)

By August 20, we had so little details. We still had to coordinate some places to stay, eat, coolers for ice and water, prizes, etc. But we had to go ahead and make our reservations, especially the plane tickets. Cletis had hoped John would bring his banjo. Not this year!

So we ventured ahead. Then we got the word on Red X Field.

Mike (OlTrucks) Taylor offered camping at his place (two acres near Mongo). Mongo finally got the word that we would be able to camp at the Red X showgrounds this year. However, no amenities other than a bathroom. So, it would be "primitive camping."

At the new location, there was an EconoLodge close enough. It didn't have a bar (lounge) but they did have a breakfast bar! We decided we would "blast off" from the Lodge each morning with most of the gang gathering there for breakfast.

The management at the Lodge was great. They set up a big white board at the front desk so we could post info for late-comers. This way they'd know where we'd be most of the day as they arrived. They could catch up with us when they were able.

We made sure the local Bolters knew they didn't have to stay at the Lodge to come and hang out with us for a few hours after hours. And many did. We were able to bring in refreshments to really give it that quality, social atmosphere!


So far, I've only been able to find a video that John took at the breakfast bar. It's a humdinger.

Yep, remember that as if it was yesterday! Stovebolters have memories that will last a lifetime. Besides, those that saw the mess at the park will never forget. The River rose and covered most of the Park. With the restrooms down close to River being such a mess, you'd have to have had your own porta-potty!

Still, the Red-X turn out to be pretty good. Just can't keep a good Bolter from having fun. We adapt and keep trucking.

I was watching one of my favorite you tubers who had an issue with sugar in the gas tank. That was not my issue but someone had siphoned most of the gas out of my '54 and I told JDL that if something was wrong, we may be stopping every hour for gas. (BTW I had filled up the night before.)

Ha, while typing this, it also brought back to the mind of Jordan napping in the corner of the truck until the first fuel stop. He had stayed up late to be with the jam session at the pool every night.

I guess the fuel was taken by a passel of ratty s10 truckers and they were gone when we got up to leave.

I am still trying to access Photobucket.Maybe this one will work????? [hosting.photobucket.com]. Some will work.

I posted this one because I bought the Terrain for the color match on the 54. Then a woman totaled and they discontinued the color.

That's interesting Ron. You have quite a few images there that we don't have in the Bolt Bucket from the Reunion. Stopping at Mongo's Garage was a real adventure. Was this when he had only the one lot?

These little trucks [s160.photobucket.com] were so clever. Mongo is one creative fellow. Did he "auction" those off? Another thing I can't remember.

Fun to hear a little more about Jordon.

Thanks for adding to the story of the weekend!

Jordan. I hope it works. [hosting.photobucket.com]. This was at his house.Jordan Now. [facebook.com]

A little re-cap of the some of the days.


The Aldersons

For Thursday, KC Caveman (Bill Alderson) invited early Stovebolters to their place for a picnic on Thursday evening. (Bill only had two posts since 2009 when he first registered. The invite was post #2. )

Scott (48 big trucks) was the Stovebolt liaison with the Alderson's. Such a great time. Great folks. Great food. Incredible stuff to see. What a grand place for a bunch of GM gearheads to spend time looking at some of Bill and Wayne's completed works - from tractors and equipment to all shapes and sizes of trucks. And a chance to see some of their new projects. We have this in the Bolt Bucket: "2011 Alderson Project" [s160.photobucket.com] It's a 1951 GMC 640 Truck Tractor -- this link is to the completed truck (April 2012) in the Stovebolt Gallery. It's an exciting, well-written story (John did it ) and worth the read. (Note in there, at the bottom, are three of Bill's truck that made it to the Gallery. Not listed is the NAPCO 1972 1-Ton Chevy C30 -- another good read.

It was good to have Scott there so the three of them (Bill, Wayne and Scott) could talk to different folks at different spots about different metal objects.

That wrapped up that day pretty much. We had a little Hot Wash at the end of the day at the Lodge, especially for those who missed it. Off to bed: tomorrow was a new day with another new adventure.



Friday morning we met at the Lodge's breakfast bar as planned and we paced out the days events. First stop was to meet at the Show Field at Fed X, to help set up the Stovebolt site (canopies, tables, figure parking arrangement, etc.). We helped Mongo and Gaileen, as needed. It was fun to have the Alderson's show up, too! We were thinking Bill and Patti may still be wondering what kind of Nuts we all are. We are StoveBOLTS. Being a NUT is how we "come together" -- so to speak.

A few pictures please:



Tony (4-5-6 Chevy Trucks) Smith Tour

Once all that was set, we loaded up at 1pm and headed Tony (4-5-6 Chevy Trucks) Smith's place for a tour. We checked out his current projects, and had some "general truck talk." Big pizza and some snacks for the hard working looking folks. Some of those pictures [s160.photobucket.com] are in their own space on the Bolt Bucket for KC 2011 and a few are here with this post. A few more are in with the overall KC 2011 Reunion Bolt Bucket. [s160.photobucket.com]


That night we met up at 6 pm for the opening event for the weekend: a Cruise Night for the truck show, with a live concert band. I believe this the one Ron may have mentioned with reference to Jordon (JDL) staying up late listening to them.


Of course, we had the evening Hot Wash at the Lodge, with an opportunity to tell the folks who missed the day's events.


Next stop: The Show on Saturday.

If this was the first year to go out to the Alderson's.... and I think it was ... THAT was spectacular. The wow factor of Bill's collection was only matched by the hospitality of the Alderson family.

It was also the year we decided to live it up a little and act like high-rolling dot com entrepreneurs and instead of renting a minivan in KC for the weekend (as we had previously), we got a yellow Camaro convertible.

Trip out to Ton'y was awesome -- what a facility he has there.

12 years ...

He had quite a few trucks and a nice business going. He asked our group if we could drive some of the trucks across town to a different yard he had. I was driving one (Alvin was with me) when I barely touched the brake pedal. That truck pulled so hard to the left that I almost ended up in the other lane. Scary but fun.

In the first post, that "rainbow" truck is Bill's firetruck. That truck, a 427 truck, ran out of fuel just a few miles from his house, east of Independence. All we had was 5 gallons with us. We put that in thinking we could limp to a gas station. Nope, Bill drove it all the way to the show on 5 gallons. Not sure how but he did it!

Also, it appears my wife Sherry wasn't able to make it that year...
Scott

Well hello there, Peggy! Ron told me about this post and i finally found it.

Yes, as you, Alvin and Ron have stated, the Stovebolt Page and the great group of people I connected with were instrumental in getting me started in what eventually became a career. Many truck parts, tools and donations from too many members to count.

Dave Feltner drove down and hauled the truck home for me and that was the beginning. Edit (it's what I do) by Peggy. Hope you don't mind but I'm adding a link to your Gallery page since Dave Feltner did a great job of telling the story about getting the '54 home for your place. The story was uploaded April 2009. And for those interested, the first entry by Jordon was in 2008 when he was 13, talking about finding this truck three years earlier. Yes ... when he was 10. This is HARDCORE STOVEBOLT!

Many hours of diagnostic I/T support from everyone as i tried to upload pictures over a dial up connection! Just the wealth of knowledge in the forums explained in a way I could understand and in very good detail. Every question was a good question no matter if it was how to adjust the valves or where to put engine oil in.

It all led me to a career working for Caterpillar. I've been here ten years now since I graduated high school and I'm one of a couple people rebuilding engines on a contract that seems to be a big deal for us -- so work is going well.

I'm working on putting a lift in my garage. Hopefully later this year, the 54 will get some much needed love. It gets tinkered with here and there but not like it should.

I've had a couple other projects the last 5 or 6 years but they're all done or finding new homes.

If I remember correctly, that Camaro was bright yellow and there was a fire truck ride shortly thereafter maybe at Aldersons. Can't remember if I drove it too or not. John might remember. Between Aldersons, touring Jim Carter's warehouse i believe and just being there in general was jaw dropping for me.

Hope to make it later this year with Ron! Can't thank everyone here enough for everything they've done throughout the years for sure.

We're all proud of you Jordan. Keep us posted.

Jordan it was yellow and I saw a picture with you in it but I can't find it again.

Ron,

Is this the Camero [s160.photobucket.com] you are taking about? Baby Bear is sitting in this one.

Yes. I have the car picture somewhere, looked for an hour. I saw it in the last few days with JDL in it. I think maybe it is one of your posts.

Okay. Back at it.

At the show.

The notes I have for Saturday seem to be what we had planned before things took a turn because of the change of venue.

After the gathering at the Lodge breakfast bar, we met up with people at the show field and spent the whole day there.

We have 154 images in the Bolt Bucket. [s160.photobucket.com]

It was still kind of gloomy as the weather was iffy. You can see from some of the pictures, there were plenty of clouds, and we took cover in assorted canopies when the clouds let loose. But, we weren't totally without sun.

John took advantage of one of the lighter rains to gather the group together. We always have prizes to "toss" out at the Reunion. Even with the uncertainty of the event, we still had some good ones. Donations from money, gift certificates to clothes and trinkets, came from Dakota (mailed since he was not able to come), Don King, Tony Smith, Ed Hoover, Jim Carter, American Classic, Vintage Truck, and others. Mike Flanders donated a set of Art Deco shifter knobs.

(To be continued, as we are near 10 images in this post.)

Jordan -- somewhere there is a picture of you and I in the front of Bill Alderson's V-12 powered GMC Firebolt. We gave the gang a driving tour of the Alderson property. I'm pretty sure at one point we traded seats and you drove. It was fun! I think at the time I was trying pretty hard not to let on that I had never driven a gas V-12 before, either

Okay. Here's the last of what I have. Or have found.


The Burbs in the mist made for some good photos. John called it Burbaplalooza. (images below)


Our "Annual Banquet" was at the Show Field since we had the place to ourselves. (We were allowed to stay late.) Andy provided BBQ and we continued to lolly-gag and chow down as long we we liked.

End of the day -- Back to the Lounge at the Lodge. This was usually our biggest crowd since the show was mostly "behind" everyone. The KC club come over, too. This one was the big bash and a chance to say goodbye to those who would leave before dawn.


Sunday saw the last of the group -- mostly the locals showing up to see the awards. Another last chance to say goodbye to folks with already the anticipation of returning next year!

And that seems to be a wrap for 2011. If I come across other goodies, I'll edit or post what I find. Please feel free to comment in here for 2011 or for the other years.






Reunion Years

Started - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011

I just saw it in the 2009 photo collection.


Edit by Peggy. This one? [s160.photobucket.com] I went digging in the 2009 Bolt Bucket.

Did I say a "wrap?" Found a few more fun pictures. There were actually in the Bolt Bucket but they show up and then they disappear. So, I did a few screen shots this time.

Peg, that's the one,
Scott

Yes that's it! John, do you remember the displacement of that v12? I keep thinking it was essentially two inline sixes forged together. I remember you were just about as "giddy" as i was about it.

Giddy? Jordan, I think not. I believe I was actually bored with the whole thing. A V-12 -- the most monster gas engine GMC ever produced... two V-6's slammed together ... 4 cylinder heads ... 702 Cubic inches .... 630 ft-lbs of torque ... whoopy do. I was probably acting excited for your benefit ... Yeah.

I've only ever seen two others. But we *drove* THAT one



Here's some info



Story about the V-12 [thedrive.com]


But Jordan ... if you think *that* was giddy ... you should have seen Marlow and I at York, PA (2015 ATHS National) after Mel Fair threw me the keys to a brand new (still had plastic on the seats) International Lonestar and said "Just put it back in that spot when you're done."

I can still hear the Beach Boys ...

"And we had fun, fun, fun 'till Mel took the Lonestar away."