The Stovebolt Site Forums The Back Office News and Announcements News Corner: The "Mini-Meet"

The Stovebolt Forums are a great place to get information, help, ideas from a bunch of like-minded old GM truck owners. When the site started 27 years ago, just about everything was done on-line. Occasionally, a Bolter might run into another person with a Stovebolt and "connected" usually because they lived close by. That grew and from that desire to connect, we began encouraging events (GABFests) in different regions around the country, and we started the Side Lot area on the site -- where a most of these connections get organized. In there, the bigger events are organized.



Now, we are seeing more Mini-Meets, where folks in small groups are reaching out to folks they have come to know in the Forums, and plan a very casual get togethers. "Where two or more are gathered ... there is Stovebolt Magic."

And then some! Some folks heading to a destination and inviting a fellow Wrencher to stop by on their way. The nice part, these guys are posting the Mini-Meet with story and images.


:: We think the first one of these Mini-Meets came to our attention when Craig "Tuts 59" Tutorow and Mark "59Fleet" Sharp met up for breakfast and a truck visitation, when "dropping by" a trip from Oklahoma to Georgia :: HERE IS that story.
Craig: I had a great opportunity to spend sometime with Mark (59Fleet) this morning. Mark was in my area,we arranged to meet for breakfast and a visit to my house afterwards. Mark truly is a wealth of knowledge, we discussed some of the ideas I have for my project and somethings I may want to do differently. I had an enjoyable time crawling over and under his truck, he has many great modifications. Mark shares the the idea that your truck should fit your needs if you are going to enjoy driving it. Thank you Mark for a great morning.
Mark: I enjoyed the visit as well. Craig and his bride were very gracious hosts. I look forward to seeing Craig's truck on the road as he has a well planned out build. Folks, let's drive those trucks, that's what they were made for. - Mark (Mark's truck with the camper are in the Stovebolt Calendar.)


:: The first Mini-Meet in the MBA, was on the way to Lawrence Swap Meet in KS, a few folks (Dan "Gdads51" Gerhards, Wrenchbender Ret., David "ascwrangler1") decided to meet up ahead of time. Detailed story HERE.


:: In the "one Bolter helping another" magic, Donald "Southerntruck" and Kades51 Kades showed up with a similar truck to help Donald with a problem on his. Story here.
Donald: I want to give a shout out and a huge THANK YOU to the only other Southern Bolter in Ms. I was in need of a possible solution for my truck .... hat is what this site is all about, there are plenty of guys who have already fixed what you are working on so... all you have to do is ask in the appropriate place.
kades51: Truly enjoyed our visit. He even payed for lunch. Lord only knows how many folks helped me along my journey, so I try to pay it forward.


:: In another "drive by" Mini-Meet from Virginia to Texas, Nick "NJC" and Chris "ndkid275" Felche hooked up when they casually set up a chance to meet when Nick's work schedule had him going from VA to Texas (big state) but particularly in San Antonio just this past June. :: HERE IS that story.




:: The Stovebolt Collective is in action. We got wind of more Mimi-Meet shorts. Jerry "Hot Rod Lincoln" has met up with people offering help with the trucks. Gdads51 was part of a group helping a KC fellow (who had been ill) finish up his truck. Many others want to meet up, and even give a hand with part of a truck problem. We call it "wrenching."



cmayna :: "Love helping others with their old rigs."
Allvin: :: "25 years now and never met a bad Bolter yet!!"

If you don't find a spot in a forum, share your stories here. (Or even if you do )




“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.” ― Robert Fulghum, True Love

The Stovebolt Collective Weirdos

Finally got another Mini-Meet to post.

From the Texas Bolters:

Jim is a new Bolter. We were so glad he was able to catch up with Chris.