Monthly President's Message

[Bulletin Editor]

I just renewed my membership a month ago, but have not received a bulletin.  Did one go out this month?

There were 2 significant factors causing a delay in the mailing of the DEC issue ... first & foremost was the super storm that hit this area ~ over 6' of snow in 3 days! Driving bans were in effect for 4+ days, meaning the printer could not get to work to print the bulletin. Then last week was a short work week due to Thanksgiving. We received the printed Bulletin last night & will have them all stamped/labeled tonight & delivered to the Post Office tomorrow.

ps: email recipients already received the DEC issue ~ why not consider making the switch to paperless ... get it sooner & in color!

[joefrazer]

I was made aware yesterday of an issue with memberships. After doing some research, I found that a database corruption issue occurred with our September mailing list. New, returning, and those who renewed in September and did so using certain payment methods encountered an issue where the payments did not properly post in the system. After several hours pouring thru the code I found the problem and corrected it.

This was what appears to be an isolated problem tied to our aging software and not an outside issue (hacker). All of those who paid in September have now been updated in our system and a check of October and November payments show that all posted successfully.

Again, this was an internal issue tied to software and not an issue with either the work of our secretary or bulletin editor. I say that because a few of those impacted contacted one or the other looking for their missing publications. If you believe you're missing any publication from September, October, or November, please contact the club secretary for a replacement.

[Logan]

Got it--thanks!  Looking forward to seeing the new calendar.

[joefrazer]

I'm posting this month's message a few days early to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

2014 has been a busy year for both myself and the club. I'm wrapping up my first calendar year as club president and am pleased to see our major initiatives, the museum and website updates, working their way to fruition. In addition, we've been able to publish a special edition of the Quarterly magazine, due to be mailed very shortly, along with the 2015 edition of our club calendar. I'd like to take a moment and congratulate all of those who worked tirelessly to make everything happen.

If you follow my monthly insert in the news bulletin, you'll know I've been encouraging everyone to attend a meet near them. To practice what I've been preaching, this year I was able to attend the national meet in the Seattle area, the Midwest meet in Tennessee, and the Seaway meet in Ohio, in addition to the AACA fall meet at Hershey as well as a dozen or so cruise nites near my home.

I mention this because for 2015, I'm encouraging everyone to become ambassadors for the club. Attend a meet KF near you, and if there isn't one nearby, take your KF to cruise nite and talk about it and the club with those you meet. I can't tell you how many folks at our local cruise nite tell me of the Kaiser, Frazer, or Willys vehicle their family once owned - and every one of them was happy to see it and know there's one on the road. Let's do our best in 2015 to make it more than one!

And, something important to note. 2015 marks 60 years since the last Kaiser and Willys passenger cars rolled off the line in Toledo. In that 60 years, our cars have gained an appreciation for being ahead of their time as leaders in styling and innovation. Every day, our cars become more desirable because they are so different so let's get them out there for everyone to see. Again, become that ambassador!

In closing, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to act as your club president. I will do my best as 2015 unfolds to make the Kaiser-Frazer Owners Club one folks talk about. We may not be the biggest club around, I have to believe we are the best!

Happy Holidays!

[Logan]

I, too, believe we are the best.  Thanks for all you do!  Looking forward to see the new calendar.

[darrin502]

I have been encouraging our members to take their cars out and show them off. I do it every chance I get. If I had a nickel for everyone I have talked to about Kaisers at car shows or just driving my white Darrin around I could buy another Darrin.
When spring comes for you in the cold country dust off those cars and get them out there. Many of us live in warmer climates so we can keep taking them and I do. I have been to 3 shows in December and plan on many more in the months to come.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all.
See you down the road.
Lee

[joefrazer]

Here we are in the middle of February and I'm finding myself getting caught up with my monthly message.

By now, everyone should have received your 2015 calendar and special edition Quarterly. If you have not, please contact our club secretary for a replacement. And, we do have extra copies of the calendar available from our club treasurer. They're $12 each postpaid and are a great way to get folks interested in the club.

I am in the middle of trying to restore a 1954 Henry J in time for the national meet this July. With the cold and snowy weather here in Ohio, that's been a tough job. Running the furnace in the shop would break the bank so I've decided instead to start gathering the parts I think I need. I'm sure I will forget something!

That brings me to my next thought...our club website and forum. This space has been very busy of late and I'm glad to see all the new folks who've joined the club and found the forum. As we all know, it's a great place to ask those questions about your car, how to tackle a repair, and the club in general. Me, I've been using it to field questions about my Henry J and the restoration work ahead. If you've benefited half as much from the advice received about your car as I have about mine, then you've gained of treasure trove of knowledge!

Finally, I'll put in a good word for all those hosting a KF meet in 2015. They work hard to bring you an event you'll enjoy and remember...if you attend. So, support the club, our meet hosts, and enjoy a show near you. And, if here isn't one nearby, consider hosting one later this year or in 2016. Ask anyone who has hosted a meet, it's work to put everything together but the rewards are great!

Think Spring!

[Aeroman]

Glad the website is good, but we NEED to make the website calendar of upcoming events accurate. The calendar only shows 2014 listings (wish I could set the "way-back" machine). What's our future look like?

[joefrazer]

Every month, our club secretary sends an email to the exec officers and division managers with a list of new and returning members. She also includes a few noteworthy comments from the membership. This month's is worth repeating here...

We had 5 new members this month - from all corners of the US and 1 from Canada.  A few shared some interesting stories with their application.....

Mr. Damewood from Mechanicsburg OH shared this:  "There was a old invitation to join the Kaiser-Frazer owners club in the glove box of the 1948 Frazer I just bought."

Mr. Nolly from West Des Moines, Iowa said he just purchased a '54 Kaiser in NJ and is anxiously waiting for it to be delivered this Spring - and can't wait to become involved in KFOCI......

And,  Mr. Richard Plante purchased a "Gift Membership" for his son, Thomas Plante..... What a great way to keep KFOCI in the family!

It is so important to reach out to the new members in your area - as you can see, they all have a Kaiser Story to tell and are waiting to get involved in KFOCI - so let's make that easy for them!  We have lots of great meets and events coming up in 2015 - and it's never too soon to start planning to attend.....

If you haven't visited our Facebook page, please do so!  We recently had a granddaughter of a former member recall her fond memories of going to HOA events - and spending the weekends polishing chrome and taking road trips with her grandfather..... Good Stuff!

DON'T FORGET!  2015 Calendars for sale.... $12ea or 2/$20 - contact Steve Hermesch to place your order - treasurer@kfclub.com

[joefrazer]

With March comes...hopefully...warmer weather and the promise of spring. After spending most of the last few weeks in sunny south Florida, I'm certainly ready for some nicer weather around here in northern Ohio!

My goal this spring is to get busy and complete the restoration of my newly acquired 1954 Henry J. I've been ferreting out bits and pieces for the car while the snow flew (who am I kidding...and still flies!) and at this point, I think I have just about everything I need to get the job done. I'm sure, however, I'll run across more than a few missing parts. Now all I need is some cooperative weather.

If you're a regular reader on this site, no doubt you've seen the number of good driver quality cars for sale around the country. I think Kaiser, Frazer, and Willys built vehicles are a great buy right now so if you're looking to buy, here's your chance. You don't have to get as involved in a restoration as I am with my J, instead you can put yourself behind the wheel of a car that runs and drives for a very reasonable price. And, you'll be the hit of the local cruise-in as well!

In other news, I will be publishing the proposed changes to our constitution and by-laws in next month's new bulletin. Your feedback is welcome. And, we're making progress with the Kaiser-Frazer Museum and foundation. I hope to have some concrete news at the national meet in July. Oh, and that reminds me, plan to attend the national meet this summer. If you've never been to the Gettysburg area, you will be impressed with its history. And, if you have, there's always something new to see.

Lastly, I won't tip his hand but our webmaster has been working away on updates to the site. Stay tuned!

[joefrazer]

An addendum to my message above. Many years ago, the Seaway Region awarded the "Cracked KF" plaque. It was an award given the owner of a KF driven to the meet that was in the worst condition but with the best intention of restoration. Obviously tongue in cheek, it was actually a sought after award and guys would get upset when a car would show up that was uglier than theirs. Yours truly gladly accepted the award on more than one occasion. I mention it because I'd like to find the plaque and perhaps begin awarding it once again - maybe at the national level. There are alot of cars out there...and we talk about them every day on this forum...that will never see a restoration but deserve the bit of work needed to get them back on the road. Maybe a fun award like the Cracked KF plaque is all someone would need to get their heap out of the barn and roadworthy once again.

I do not have any pictures of the plaque but if you attended a Seaway meet in the past, then you're aware of the plaque. If you know where it is, please let me know.

[Corsairdeluxe]

When I lived in SoCal ,15 years ago, there was a car we called the "Surfin Kaiser". It was often seen around Huntington beach, each body part a different color and a long surf board stuck out the back window. It did not look operable but it was and it showed up all over the area. Often wonder what happened to it.

[kfnut]

There is a local show in November that does this . You are right . People really go after the " Worst Of Show " award . I have gotten it with a 52 Stude , 52 Henry J . 53 Chevy panel truck and 48 Jeepster . I was proud to get them . The Chevy panel even made the front page of the local paper when I got the award . I seem to gravitate to the unrestored cars at the KF meets .

[Aeroman]

When I lived in SoCal ,15 years ago, there was a car we called the "Surfin Kaiser". It was often seen around Huntington beach, each body part a different color and a long surf board stuck out the back window. It did not look operable but it was and it showed up all over the area. Often wonder what happened to it.

That was the "Surfboard Special," owned by Tom Lockley in Brea. He drove that car across the USA to the National in Nashville in 1994 (I'm looking for a picture of it to post). I believe he sold the car a few years after that, dunno where it is now. Tom is also the last owner on record of "Blastaway Tan," John Parker's '48 Kaiser Special. There was a thread here on the forum about that a few years back.

[joefrazer]

Well, spring has arrived and it's finally warming up here in northern Ohio. I'm still planning to take my 54 HJ to the national meet but that won't happen unless I track down a few necessary items. I guess I'd better get an ad in the monthly news bulletin! Speaking of, if you're one of those who enjoy this site but are not a member of the KFOCI, why not join? You'll receive a monthly news bulletin, packed with information about meets and shows all around the country, as well as a classified ad section with just about everything KF available. In addition, the club issues a calendar at the new year as well as occasional other publications. Well worth the price of a membership!

The Kaiser-Frazer Historical Foundation (KFHF) has taken its next big step. We have filed tax information with the IRS and they have accepted the information. We are now waiting for the formal paperwork to be returned. At that time, the KFHF will be permitted to accept tax-deductible donations that will be used in a variety of philanthropic ways. For example, the KFHF plans to support the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum (YAHM) and their efforts to assemble a Kaiser-Frazer display. While they have a display in place today, the foundation would like to enhance the exhibit with a new look as well as with an expanded display, using material recently donated. If you've not been to the YAHM lately, you owe it to yourself to visit. KF is not the only marque in place, the story of Hudson, Tucker, and Corvair is also told.

Lastly, for those of you who are members of the club, I will be publishing the proposed constitution and by-laws changes in the May and June bulletins. Please read them carefully and if there are any questions or comments, you can direct them to me at president@kfclub.com.

Now, get out to the garage and shine that KF up. It's car show season!