The annual CLC Grand National Meet was held August 10-13 at the Marriott Hotel, Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. I decided to drive the 800+ miles in my “modern” vehicle, a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in the hope of filling it with 1949 Cadillac parts. I have a longtime friend, formerly of my home state of Massachusetts, who re-located to Dayton, who graciously put me up (and me with him) for the week.
Early Thursday morning, the 11th, I drove the hour-long trip to Dublin with high hopes. I immediately spotted Jay Friedman and Art Gardner, who had arrived from Georgia and were searching for parts themselves. After exchanging pleasantries, I commenced my own search for those elusive parts and hit the “mother lode”, finding ’49 parts everywhere I looked it seemed. It’s amazing how fast one (me) can blow through $900, and with payday not occurring until the next day, I had to be rescued by CLCer Bob Mooney of Chicago, who lent me $200. Thanks, Bob…… you’re #1 in my book.
Other ‘49ers and CLC members I met at the meet included: Ed Cholakian, Don Cleveland, Randy and Susan Denchfield, Martin Blasinsky, George Louthan, Henry Ruby, Harry Scott, Joe Gildea and Bill Callahan, Past President and Head Judge, respectively, of the CLC New England Region and Richard Sisson. My apologies if I missed anyone.
The morning of the judged show on Saturday dawned overcast with a light drizzle. Fortunately, it had all burned off and was bright and sunny by the time I arrived at the Marriott. The number of ‘49s was somewhat disappointing, especially compared with the ’08 GN in Cherry Hill NJ where there were 13 in attendance. Besides Don Cleveland of Perrysburg, Ohio, who was the only ‘49er chapter member there with his car, a gorgeous 60S (see below), there were 2 modified ’49 club coupes. Also present were three ’48 Club Coupes, two belonging to new member Richard Stahl of Temperance, Michigan and his son, and another Madeira Maroon beauty belonging to a couple from Indiana. One of the more unusual, unique, albeit morbid, vehicles on display was a ’48 Cadillac hearse belonging to Mark Rodgers of, Cleveland Ohio. The weather continued to cooperate, and though it was somewhat warm and humid, everyone was thankful the predicted “scattered thunderstorms” never materialized. A wonderful time was had by all.
A highlight of the GN from a ‘49ers point-of-view was a chapter meeting 3:30-4:30 pm on Saturday, August 13. Only 5 members were in attendance: Ed Cholakian, Don Cleveland, Randy Denchfield, George Louthan and yours truly. A spirited discussion ensued regarding 6 volt starting problems, their causes and various solutions. Ed Cholakian once again reminded ‘49ers that they will receive a 20% discount on all Steele Rubber Products ordered through his company, All Cads of the ‘40s. (You cannot get this discount from Steele directly.) We thank Ed once again for his generosity in doing this for us. Refreshments were then served.