The Stovebolt Site Forums The Back Office News and Announcements Donations for 2024 - Thank you for supporting Stovebolt

Always want to thank the many folks who help make this site possible, from the volunteers, moderators and the participants helping in the forums.

There's a very special group who needs an extra big thanks from all of us. Especially given today's economy. These folks have dipped into their pockets and, after sorting out a few nuts, bolts and string, have tossed some cash our way to help us pay for the necessary things we need to keep this site going.

It's a new year and we got our first donations just yesterday (the 1st)!

Ron "WE b OLD" Steltz
    Ron had four donations last year! Sent one back in December as a Christmas gift to the Bolt.

Mark "MNSmith" Smith
"The new year!"
    As you know, Mark is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest, and a regular contributor to Stovebolt in a many ways! Mark sent us eight donation last year.


Here is the 2023 list from this forum. The list is also on the Thanks Ledger.

We had another donation earlier in the week. Yet another big thanks to:

Luke "fonz8261" Stefanovsky
    You probably have seen his 1948 Chevy 1/2-Ton 5-Window Deluxe many times as a staple in our Stovebolt Calendars covering many years.
    We initially heard from Luke in November 2010 as he was beginning work on his truck. His first post in the forum in 2009, was in the Electrical Bay asking about the horn installation. Since then, he's been all over the truck restoration forums on Stovebolt, as he lovingly put this beauty -- The "Heartbeat of America" -- together. He continued to update his story in the Legacy Gallery every year as he finished the details on this fine old daily driver pickup truck. Awesome and impressive -- you really need to check all the pictures he has in the Bolt Bucket, too. You may find somethings of interest to your restoration!


Again ... we all thank you for the contributions you have made.

Last week, we had two more great donations from long-time Bolters. Big thanks to:

George "Wrenchbender Ret." Capito -- been with us a long and fruitful time, circa 2004.
and
Jeff "Rusty Rod" Backus -- been with us probably before 2002. Back then, we were mostly Tech Tips, Gallery stories, Links, and a few Events.


George first appeared on the Forums in 2004. In no time (2005), he appeared at the gathering in "The Heartland" (the event to become the Annual Reunion at KC). Next year, George submitted his 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside in the Gallery. The beginning of great things. It wasn't long before George "volunteered" to do a clinic at the Reunion.

    Since that first post, George has contributed greatly in the Forums, with over 8,500 posts covering 426 pages, mostly in the Shops Area and the Midwest Bolters Association (formerly "The Heartland"). His first post back in 2004 (and most of them) offered tons of advice and wisdom.

    George is also just plain fun to have around -- as you can see in the various images from the Annual Reunion in KC. A few Bolters have since then connected with him in Mini-meets and have enjoyed his fellowship. At several local car shows, he has showed his truck and has been an inspiration to local Bolters (especially Gdads51!).

    George's new ride, 1972 Chevy c-10 Cheyenne Super, can been in the Gallery Forum.

    His signature line: "They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing."

    Now, did we say "long time Bolter?" How about long time on this earth! His 90th birthday is this coming February 4th. Congratulations dear friend.




Jeff has been with us a long time, contributing sage advice, flavored with humor. He is one of our faithful and versatile moderators (we've moved him around a bunch ). He's currently moderating the Electrical Bay, Panels & Burbs, Name that Part, Welcome Centre and Whole Wild West forums.

    Jeff also was a regular at the Reunion. He's in many of the images and stories from the events and we found him to as much fun in person as he was online. Him and John, both Marines, well ... just imagine.

    We've traveled with Jeff as he worked on several of his trucks. An early Project Journal, his 1967 Suburban "Kogai" is still an interesting read. He also has a 1983 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Silverado - "Big Red" and 1967 Chevrolet K20 Suburban (slightly modified) 1-120 built in the Gallery Forum.

   Jeff's signature: Another quality post | Real Trucks Rattle | HELP! The Paranoids are after me!



Last but not least, these two guys have been regular financial supporters long time: since 2006.


On behalf of the Stovebolt Collective, thank you muchly.

Another two donations last week. We sincerely appreciate this support to keep things running.

Ed "Wally / Montana" Waali

Ed's been with a long time (May 2001 when he logged on to forums). We see him participating in the Shops forums with some good advice and tips. He's offered plenty of advice and photos from his build site for his 1948 3/4-Ton 5-window Flatbed Chevrolet.
Ed was part of the first ever gathering held in Montana back in 2000. (Here's that detailed story). That day took the "virtual" out of our "virtual garage."


John "panel fan" Gobby

John first logged in in October 2015. He's got a great on-going thread, "Wandering Panel Fan" that's been fun to follow.
John sure does wander! We've seen him show up lots of places from the Southern Bolters, Great Lakes Bolters, Midwest Bolters Association and Old Dominion Stovebolt Society. A delight for all who meet him.
And ... if you didn't know ... Ed's from Ontario, Canada.

On behalf of Stovebolt, thank you very much.

Donation from last week.

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - This is Mark's SECOND donation this year. He calls it his "monthly donation." We all appreciate that!
    Mark is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He's a regular contributor to Stovebolt in a many ways!


Stovebolt humbly recognizes and values generosity like this.

A new donation from last week.

John "32vsnake"Burnett
    One of our Canadian Bolters, John's only been with us since April 2021 but he's found a good spot around here. Many of you may have been following his Project Journal for his 1940 1/2 ton low skill and low buck build. He's done a great job with images and explanations of this restoration.

    We thank John for that AND his "financial support" of Stovebolt.

Donations made the last week.

Mike "kades51" Mitchell - One of our Bolters from Mississippi who's been with us since 2016. It was fun to go back and read his first Welcome Centre post - with some plans for his 1951 3100 Delux 5-window. And another fun post just recently, in the Alabama Roll Call post. (The image here is from that post.) Mike has also sent some "goodies" for Stovebolt HQ to share!


Wayne "Wayne67vert" Malm - He's been here since 2010 and hails from Florida. Besides his 1938 Chevy 1-Ton Stakebed (farm truck) being in the Gallery Forum, he is a regular contributor in discussions all across the board. We've especially liked the pictures he shares when he gets the 1-Ton out and about. And how can we forget his infamous signature line: "When I die, I hope she [wife] doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!"

These money contributions help pay the bills around here. The engagement by these (and others) helps strength Stovebolt for the collective good of Bolters far and wide. Thank you!

Donations from last week:

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark sent another "monthly donation." This is Mark's THIRD donation this year. We all appreciate that!
    Mark is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He's a regular contributor to Stovebolt in many ways!

Craig "cmayna" Maynard - Craig has been with us a long time. Joined the Membership January 2002. One of his memorable posts, " I'd rather be driving......" included the image below. He can be seen throughout the Shops Area (over 2500 posts) .
    Craig mentioned he sold a bunch truck parts on the site. When the check arrived it included a note: "My truck made me do this ... " And later, "Stovebolt has helped me out so many times, can't help but to say thank you. Think I'll take my truck out for a cruise right now to give it some more love and a thanks for talking me into the donation."

Sounds like a Driving Report in the works.

The Stovebolt Collective thanks to you all.

First donation for April came in this past week. Everyone thanks you!

Larry "Idaho K10" Humphrey - Larry's been with us since 2017. He recently had to get rid of his 1939 Chevy Sedan but he still has a 1983 K10 Chevy Truck to tinker with. Hence, he changed his screen name from "Idaho39" to "Idaho K10."

We thank Larry, and the others, for his support of the site. We just wrapped up the taxes for last year, and it's a great reminder of how important this kind of support is that helps carry the load which enables us to keep Stovebolt on-line for the benefit of so many. So, again, we say, "Thank you."

John and Peggy

Donations from last week:

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark sent another "monthly donation." This is Mark's FOURTH donation this year, "for Stuff and things" he said. We all appreciate that!
    Mark is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He contributes to Stovebolt in many ways!

Thank you Mark.

First donation for May goes to:

Ron "WE b OLD" Steltz - And it's Ron's second donation this year. Ron has been a faithful financial supporter of Stovebolt for so very many years and *everyone* benefits from that.


Thanks to all of you out there.

Got a few more donations that came in this week.


Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark sent another "monthly donation." This is his FIFTH donation this year. He is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He contributes to Stovebolt in many ways!

Bill "Bills Auto Works" Squires - Bill had been gone for awhile but he's back with us. He says he's glad to be back in the Forums and is appreciative, and looking forward to engaging in truck talk.

Then we have two-fer.

Richard "wvstovebolt" Scott and Mike "kades51" Mitchell
"I recently acquired some parts for my truck from Kades51(Mike). He gave me the parts and shipped them for free. In lieu of payment, Mike suggested a donation to the Stovebolt. -- Rick"

"I sent Rick a bellhousing and starter linkage for a 1949 half-ton. Sent him both at no charge, and I paid the freight to ship them to him. Just trying to help a brother out. Folks have helped me, so I pay it forward. So I told him, I wouldn’t take his money, but if he wanted to contribute to the cause, send Stovebolt a donation.- Mike"

Mike had already given a generous donation in in March this year.



Thanks to all. These kind of responses really bring smiles to our Collective faces.

One donation for June.

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Good old Mark sent another "monthly donation." This is his SIXTH donation this year. He is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He contributes to Stovebolt in many ways! As he said, "You guys have been biiiiiizzy!!!" For sure.

First donations for July.

Dan "Gdads51" Gerhards - "Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT."
"It's important for me to offer this support for our community website."
    Dan does cover a lot of territory and really enjoys searching and researching. A big plus to Stovebolt. Add to all that a monetary donation, we all benefit in many ways.

We have another two-fer

Matt "PastorMatt" Smith and Dan "Gdads51" Gerhards
Dan: "I was able to send Matt a part to fix an issue with his carb that he mentioned in his thread in the Engine Shop. Only suggested he make a donation to Stovebolt to cover the shipping cost. I had gotten the part for free, so didn't charge him anything for it."


Again ... we all thank you for the contributions you have made.

Donation from last week. Much thanks.

Clyde "Dakota 38" Barnes
Wife Vickie says, "Clyde thoroughly enjoys Stovebolt."

    Clyde joined just this past May - HERE IS his first post in the Welcome Centre introducing himself and his 1938 1.5-ton. He agreed to do a DITY on the truck, starting the story when he was "on the hunt" for a Big Bolt. So, we have been following the story with his on-going posts in the DITY.

    Thank you for your support in the many ways. The Stovebolt Collective appreciates it.

We have our last donation for July and the first one for August.

Where would we be without our moderators? Besides all they do keeping the Stovebolt in good order, they are putting in some coin to help keep it up on the web.

Thanks to you both ...

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark's "monthly donation" ... his SEVENTH! Mark is the Moderator for Panels & Burbs and The Tool Chest. He contributes to Stovebolt in many ways!

Jeff "Rusty Rod" Backus - This is Jeff's SECOND donation this year. (Not in Yen! ) Jeff has been part of the growth of Stovebolt. Currently, even tho planted in Japan, he's moderating the Wecome Centre, Electrical Bay, Panels & Burbs, Name that Part and Wild West Coast. We'll soon be adding him as moderator for the International Zone. Can you tell he's flexible and huge help.

We had a donation over a week ago but were unable to post it because of problems with the UBB maintenance and upgrade.

A very special gesture:

Ron "WE b OLD" Steltz -- This is Ron's THIRD donation this year. He said: "It's for "Peggy"s Birthday. Sorry I was late."

Ron, that was very sweet. Thank you for helping keep Stovebolt running.

Dangit! I missed August. Now I gotta start all over again in 2025! In all fairness, I did have a pretty chaotic/busy month.

Second donation to the site for September.

Gordon "Gord&Fran" Hillsden - Gordon has been with us since 2000. He is our Moderator for the BC Bolters and the IT Shortbus. It's always nice to have a Canadian perspective on some of the stuff going on around Stovebolt, especially since we seem to be getting more and more Canadians joining.
    He's also been a huge help to us at HQ in that every month, he pulls up several stats that help us track the entire website's doings.


Thank you Gordon for all you do for the Stovebolt Collective.

While at the ODSS Winchester VA event this weekend, we got a generous donation from

John "panel fan" Gobby - donation at Winchester - It was John's SECOND donation this year. John's been with us since early 2015 and quite a traveler .. he's been the "Wandering Panel Fan." His long trip to Winchester won him first place for the "The Long Haul Award" (farthest distance).

Thank you John for all the ways you contribute to Stovebolt.

What a great start to October!

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark's EIGHTH donation. After Mark's last comment, "Dangit! I missed August. Now I gotta start all over again in 2025! In all fairness, I did have a pretty chaotic/busy month."
    Looks like Mark didn't wait after all. And we are very grateful.

Bob "RLB" Baker - Bob has been keeping us up to date on his 1966 C-10 Short Stepside in his Project Journal. We had a little bit of sleuthing to do when Bob's check came in the mail. I looked in the Florida Members List for any possibles. And sure enough, there were his initials. A few emails later ... here we are.

John "UtahYork" Yorkey - John's a newbie!
"Just starting to get my 1946 truck back together. Thanks for all the information to help me."
    This is indeed a first for Stovebolt. Talk about "Paying it forward." That was incredible to make a donation while John will still in moderation! Now that's a real "attaboy" to the Stovebolt Collective for being such great knowledge sharers.


Thanks all the way around.

A few more donations for October.

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark's NINTH donation. Besides being one of our moderators (Panels & Burbs, and Tool Chest), Mark is definitely an avid supporter.

Jeff "Rusty Rod" Backus - Jeff's THIRD donation this year. What can we say that hasn't been said before ... just this year! Jeff is another moderator, who is multi-purposed: Electrical Bay, Panels & Burbs, Name that Part, International Zone, Wild West Coast, Welcome Centre and has added the International Zone to that list.


Many thanks to all who contribute to keep this site free of ads!!

The Stovebolt Collective

If you didn't know, at the end of October, the Stovebolt HQ moved from Southern Maryland to Northeast Alabama. We just now (December 12) got Internet service. So very sorry that these Thank yous are late, One is that last day in October before we shut down. The others are from November.

A huge thanks to all.


Don "Bicounty" Boccafola - Don has been around since January 2015. One of his first posts was in the North Eastern Bolters space, a thread specifically looking for any other Long Island New York Bolters. Don has some nice pictures of his 1950 half-ton in that post.
       "Hello all. I’m from Wading River with a 1950 3100. I’ve had it for about 10 years. Bought it as a basket case from the insurance crash and salvage auction. It was caught in the flooding from hurricane Sandy. Took about 3-4 years to get done."


Ron "RBs36" Boltz - Ron, has only been here a year (October 2023) and after his initial post in the Welcome Centre, in a few days, he started his DITY story :: 1936 Chevy Lowcab - "New to Chevy Trucks." It was great to see another Early Bolt around here.
       "A small donation to say 'Thank You' for all the help I have received from the Forums"


John "UtahYork" Yorkey - This is John's SECOND donation :: here's his first. As mentioned in that post, it's "a first" being that John's a newbie, sorta.
Just this October, his first post in the Welcome Center "... Just getting back in the game. I disassembled my truck over 20 years ago with ideas of restoring it, but life and other priorities were taking up my time." The following month, he started his DITY story: 1946 Chevy 1/2Ton in Utah - "Here We Go."
       "Wishing all a great holiday season."


David "DavidBraley" Braley - David first rolled in to our Virtual Garage in February 2016 with this post in the Welcome Centre. "Thanks for letting me join this forum!" With a 1953 2-Ton GMC ... we were happy to see another GMC and a Big Bolt at that.


A big big thanks to all who contribute to the Bolt -- for many reasons but one of our favorites is that it keeps the Virtual Garage free from advertising clutter.

The Stovebolt Collective

A few more donations for December.

Mark "MNSmith" Smith - Mark's TENTH donation this year! Being one of our moderators (Panels & Burbs, and Tool Chest), Mark is so knowledgeable about a LOT of old truck stuff and many other things. Check out his website to see some of he's up to. As his profile says, under "Hobbies" ... "Many." With all that, he's definitely an avid supporter of Stovebolt.

Kevin "klhansen" Hansen - Kevin does a lot of "Housekeeping" around here as a Global Moderator. He does some other admin stuff for HQ. He especially keep track of Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums. He's got the "night shift" since he's in Alaska. That's a huge help around here since we have many late night posters.
   "Merry Christmas. Hope you and John have a good holiday at your new digs."


Many thanks to all who contribute to keep this site free of ads!!


Merry Christmas one and all.

The Stovebolt Collective

The year 2024 ended with two FOUR-TIME donors:

Ron "WE b OLD" Steltz and Jeff "Rusty Rod" Backus




"I am thankful I am still around to enjoy the site and to contribute in a small way." ~ Ron


"My entertainment factor. Happy New Year on the East Coast!" ~ Jeff

This closes out this Thanks thread. The entries will be added to the main Thanks Page in the Back Room. It's time to start a new Thanks thread ... we already have our first donation for 2025.


Thank you all for the contributions you have made to keep this site up and running, full of great advice and fun friendships.

John and Peggy
and
The Stovebolt Collective