1990 started the second decade of existence of the NICC, and it was what some considered not so pleasant because the newsletter was often used to "chew us out". The January newsletter’s front page was blank but had the following "This area is blank due to our not having received a feature story this month. Wouldn’t you like to see your car & its story in print????" We still need feature cars. The Fall Chevy/VetteFest resulted in 9 members showing their cars and the club winning the club participation award. Current NICC members Jim Holbach, Andy Marchiando and George Primm showed their cars. Danny Holbach is holding the 1^st place trophy and he almost reaches the top of the right front fender. The pictures are great. It was also mentioned that the December, 1989 meeting had only 3 members show up and we were kinda taken to task for not showing up. Jim Holbach was selling three 400 small block engines for $50 each. Jim if you have one left, I’ll take one.

In the March/April newsletter Jan Storms, who had been President for two years, announced that she would not be running for President again. Jan worked hard, but the newsletters started to reflect her frustration with the turnout to club events and there was "chastising" for low attendance at functions. The year’s car show was to be held in Wauconda on June 23. The May, 1990 newsletter featured Tom Wilkin’s Chevelle, yep, the same one we see today. The garage doesn’t have the 3^rd bay added on yet so it looks different. The car show recap was titled "A Poor 7^th Annual". Bill & Lynn Holford joined the club in June, 1990.

The September, 1990 newsletter’s big highlight was the recap of the September 22 wedding of Tom & Karen in Elmhurst. 20 members of the NICC showed up to enjoy the wedding and neither Tom or Karen experienced "vapor lock". There was a prediction that the Chevelle would have a baby seat by the 1992 Convention. I don’t know that we were far off on that one.

It was also the month that I took over the publication of the newsletter. I was feeling sorry for those who had to do this on a typewriter and I had a computer, so voila, I did it. This is when it went back to a monthly publication. For a couple of years there we weren’t averaging but maybe 7 newsletters each year. The coverage of the convention was extensive because of this. Truth be told, the reason I volunteered to do the newsletter was because convention coverage from the prior newsletter basically said "we sat around the pool and drank beer." I thought we should try to do better than that.

The year ended with over 30 members enjoying the Christmas party at Tom & Karen’s "newlywed nest".

The January, 1991 newsletter announced that the annual car show would be at Fletch’s in Naperville on June 2. It was also announced that the NCOA convention would be at the Marriot Hotel in Nashville on July 10-14. The February newsletter featured Gary Place’s 1969 Yenko Chevelle, which came from Yenko Chevrolet with the Yenko stripes, but did not have any of the Yenko badges or emblems. It came without a tach and when the original owner complained, he was handed a Sun Super Tach to install himself, which he did and remained in the car. Places bought the car in March, 1989. It was also announced that a new President would be elected at the April 2 meeting.

The March newsletter featured Marchiando’s freshly restored 1970 Chevelle SS396. I was able to write the article as I hung around the restoration effort. We were making plans to go to Great Lakes Dragway on April 28. Chuck Taylor’s 1966 El Camino was featured in the Feburary, 1991 Car Craft. The April newsletter featured two Chevelles: a 1970 SS Chevelle and a 1972 402 convertible both owned by Ed Kagel. As of this newsletter there were at least 8 members planning on driving their car to Nashville (more on that later). Our first cruise was scheduled for May 18 at Holbach’s, a tradition that we uphold unto this day with Holbach’s hosting the first cruise of the year. Bill Holer, a dear friend and original member of the NICC showed his ’64 Chevelle for the first time at Chevy/Vette Fest and got a 1^st Place. He was nervous about showing it because he didn’t think it was good enough, but that was Bill; a perfectionist. 

The May newsletter took the familiar format we have now. The new officers were: George Primm, Director, Andy Marchiando, Asst. Director, Bob Fouty, Treasurer and Tom Wilkin and Jim Holbach were Board members. I will reprint two paragraphs from my first comments as Director, only because they are appropriate today:

"The NICC has afforded me many opportunities. Through the NICC I have made friendships which will last a lifetime. I have met many knowledgeable Chevelle/Chevrolet people who have been patient in explaining how and why things on a Chevelle do what they do. I have learned to appreciate other members point of view regarding their likes and dislikes on modifying their Chevelles. Finally, the NICC has allowed me to meet many people with a common interest – Chevelles, El Caminos and early Monte Carlos. That is why I stay active in the NICC. For those of you who are not active, you don’t know what you are missing. This is why I am glad to be Director. To those members I have not yet had the privilege of meeting, I hope to June 2. Plan on making this a great summer!" The same is true today. Please come out and make it a point to introduce yourself to other members; we’re friendly and we love helping the single guys spend their money.

The June newsletter recapped the 8^th Annual NICC car show. It was dry after a week of rain and we had 40 cars show. The May cruise by Holbach’s had 8 Chevelles and 19 members. All the Marchiando’s rode in the ’66 and with the weight one of the console bolts was rubbing on the driveshaft, which caused some unpleasant noises. We had 16 new members in this newsletter, including Steve & Nanci Nydam and Steve and Maryann Tolzien.

The caravan for the NCOA Nashville Convention was covered. We planned on meeting at the I-57 Rest Area near Peotone at 7am and we were looking forward to meeting "the hillbillies" from Streator on the way down. The July newsletter reemphasized the Convention and mentioned the call we had received from John Hannon, who was a tank platoon leader who had just gotten back from Iraq and Gulf War I. He was, for obvious reasons, unable to reserve a room (from Iraq) and asked if he could room with someone. I put that in the newsletter and if memory serves me right, Jim Schiller called and offered to let him stay in his room. He was driving his 19,000 mile original 68 Malibu (picture later). It was also noted that Mike Black had replaced his 396 with a crate LS-6. As of this time our membership count was 53 and those included still active members: John & Mary Berkowitz, Floyd Drinkwine, Jose Hinojsa, Bill Holer (in our hearts), Bill Holford, Ed Kagel, Jim & Jill Karg, Marty Leibrock, Pete Lindahl Andy Marchiando, Terry McManmom, Rick Miller, Mike Moeller, Steve & Nanci Nydan, Glen & Linda Peterson, Gary & Shelley Place, George & Sandy Primm, Jim & Becky Schiller, Dale Storms, Tom & Karen Wilkin, Joe & Carol Wirth and Jim & Mary Holbach. I’d say that is pretty remarkable, because if you come to a meeting today, chances are you’ll see these faces. Oh yes, this is the first year of the Bulls Championship run.

The August newsletter recapped the Convention. "The perfect start to this year’s convention was the caravan that members of the NICC formed for our trip down. The trip started with the Holbach’s, Schillers, Primms, Marchiandos, Tolziens, Bill Holer, Mike Moeller and Tom Wilkin At Kankakee, Rick & Bea Miller and Mike & Vicki Black were waiting at the Rt. 17 ramp for the caravan and when they saw us coming, they joined us on Rt. 57. Debbie Tenhaken and her brother Elroy , from Sheboygan, WI also joined us. We had 13 vehicles, 10 of which were Chevelles. Terry McManmom did not go to Nashville but he did get up early to come to the rest area to send us off!" On the way down, while listening to the chatter on the CB radios, we gave the handle "Shopper" to Vicki Black. Vicki was driving the Suburban and Mike was in the Chevelle and he kept asking Vicki "how are the gauges"; she promised to slug him if he asked one more time. Debbie Tenhaken later became a member of the NICC, and she was driving a 1971 Chevelle convertible that had some rust and the one quarter panel was waving to those who followed. Truth be told, no one really wanted to be in front of her because she had the rare 4 wheel drum brake Malibu, and with us cruising along we were afraid if we had to stop quickly she’d tag the Chevelle in front of her (sorry Deb), but all went well. In total the NICC had 17 Chevelles and 48 members in Nashville. The interesting seminars continued including a seminar on how the factory painted the engines (pre-68 cars big block cars had their exhaust manifolds painted orange because they were on the engine when the engine was painted). My best memory is caravanning in line at a steady speed and every once in a while Bill Holer couldn’t stand it, he’d mash the gas and fly by us all while we said on the CB "here comes Bill" and he’d go flying past us, only to slow down and get back in line. I miss him.

This is the show where the 72 "El Monte" was first seen and never seen again. It was red and had a 4-sale sign for $6,500. This is how I recapped this in the newsletter "There was a ’72 El Camino that had a ’72 Monte Carlo front clip and doors and I was thinking it was a nicely done modified car. I admired the workmanship, videotaped and photographed it. Then on Friday nite I stayed up talking with Fran Preve (of Tonawand engine plant fame) and the owner of the El Monte started talking with Fran. It seems the owner found the car in a barn and can account for all but the first 2 years of its existence. Bottom line is, this could be a one of kind factory produced vehicle. The sheetmetal for the car was not made to fit, it was "made to order" and it seems that for that there is evidence that the Baltimore plant did make an "El Monte". The owner is awaiting verification of its authenticity". Now for the rest of the story. Fran didn’t want me to say everything, but I feel safe now. Fran let the man tell him the story and then asked him some specific questions "Did you have the door panels off? If so did you see weld marks on the inside door skins (no) accounting for the metal being the shape of the Monte’s sharp line. Fran said that a Baltimore factory worker told him they did make one "but it got away". Fran offered to call the man and he would come to Nashville to verify it. With that I offered the owner his asking price but he was out of his chair and on the showfield pulling the 4-sale sign.

Also included in this conversation was former NICC member Gary Swearingen of Bloomington, IL. He told Fran that he worked at Martin Chevrolet in Normal, IL. He ordered a Z-16 Malibu with a black vinyl top. It

was delivered to the dealership and Gary was anxious to see it because he was a drag racer when not at the dealership. They popped the hood to see the 396 and in the engine bay was a 327-300 hp engine. Fran didn’t say a thing, but he knew something that I later put together and will now partially tell you (I know the entire story, but cannot tell you all of it unless given permission).

The Z-16 story that is true but not well known. At the Columbus convention I was walking around the showfield with Fran Preve looking at original cars. We were standing in front of the 3K original car owned by Bill from Virginia when a fella approached Fran. Seems he owned a repair shop in the Detroit area and had recently worked on a 1965 Chevelle base model that had a hydraulic lifter 396 in it. Fran was quiet and let the man complete his story. Fran asked him what color it was and when told his response was "go find it". He told me later that there was a Z-16 produced without the big block because the engine had been put into the body of a 300 Deluxe or some base Chevelle. So the official count of Z-16’s was actually one greater, 203 if you include the mysterious convertible or 202 if you don’t. Fran knows of the special cars built by Chevy, but he won’t say because someone will reproduce it, but if he gets a hint of legitimacy, he’ll give you info. Finally, did the other "base" Z-16 survive? Yes, it exists today. It has been verified and would be the rarest of the rare if someone could buy it. History sitting in a garage. So, here I was listening to Fran speak with two different people and by later connecting the dots, learned that there is a Z-16 engine built from the factory in a base Chevelle, and Gary Swearingen, who ordered a Z-16 was given the body but with a 327. He refused delivery and he ordered a L-79 Nova and the Z-16 bodied Chevelle was sold to a lady who lived in a farm town around Bloomington-Normal. Absolutely true and the rarest Z-16 in existence is parked in a garage waiting to be restored to its glory.

Jerry & Marilyn LeMire joined the club in September, 1991 after attending the Last Fling car show in Naperville with his ’56 Ford and talking with myself and Andy Marchiando. Also, I mentioned the short lived tenure of Robert Stempel, former Chairman of GM, when he was upset that the Feds may increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements his solution was to increase the price of gas instead of making manufacturers do something. Good thing that lunk-head followed the bean counter Roger Smith out the door.

Finally, the NICC Christmas party was held at Mike Moeller’s home in Elgin. Actually it was his mother’s home, but we spent our time in the garage looking at the in-ground lift. This was the one time I spent hours taping a special invitation in the newsletter for the Christmas party. With 50+ members that was reasonable, but with 180 now, that would take me too long. Also included was this tip from a 1971 Chevrolet Service Bulletin: "Eliminating Rocker Arm Ball Noises: Rocker arm ball noise can be eliminated by adding rear axle positraction lubricant directly to the engine oil". Hmmm, GM’s form of Slick 50 I guess !!

In the December newsletter we welcomed some new members who remain members: Hal Pallack joined because of his relationship with member Steve Tolzien. Patrick Cole also joined this month and Niki Primm was

just a month old having been born on October 26, 1991 at 12:32am. There were also rumors of the 1992 Convention being held in St. Louis and we were looking forward to a leisurely 5 hour trip to the Gateway city.

That’s the recap for 90-91. I am looking forward to 92 & 93. Reading these old newsletters bring back great memories. I miss caravaning to someplace for a large show. Let’s do it again, soon. That was so cool to see the meaning of the word "rubberneck" as we were passed or we passed ordinary cars and the owners almost lost their teeth and broke their necks looking.

In my opinion, I believe that 1986 was the point at which the club "turned" or "grew up".  What I mean is, that is when we became involved in the National Chevelle Owners Association in a big way and because of that we were exposed to other things: other clubs, Chevelle people, unrestored original cars, original restored cars, Chevelles we didn’t know existed and finally the NCOA’s Chevelle Showdown.  As a club we cruised to the 1986 Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN.  It was there we came together.  While the show was awesome because of the cars, indoor / outdoor show, great location with plenty of family activities (remember the go-kart rides with squirt guns and the water wars between members and the outlet malls for the ladies?), it was there the leadership of the NICC (Jim Holbach & company) got the idea that the NICC should host a convention.  More on that later in the newsletter.  Now for a walk back in time to remind of us some of the things we have done.

First, let’s start with the 1986 January ADS, how fast would you call on this if it were in the newsletter today: 1971 SS454, AT, AC, gauges, PS, PB, triple black, 70K, TX car, 12 bolt, $3,000.  My son wouldn’t let that car make it to the newsletter, he’d take the phone and call to buy it for the full asking price.  Also, the announcement hit the newsletter in February, 1986, "Joshua James Primm was born to George and Sandy Primm of Darien on Friday, December 27, 1985.  Congratulations to the proud parents".  Wow, 6’4" now.  Wish the bank account grew that much!  In the March, 1986 newsletter the LS-6 of Dominic Blasco was featured with a picture of the car doing a burnout at Great Lakes Dragway.  If I remember right, this stock LS-6 ran in the 12.20’s with slicks and laid many a car in the weeds.

Plans were in the works for the 2^nd annual car show on May 17 at the Lakewood Forest Preserve, Wauconda. This is the month that Glenn and Linda Petersen joined as members.  Also this is the first mention of the August 1-3 NCOA Convention in Pigeon Forge.  A recap in the June, 1986 newsletter of the 2^nd Annual Car show recaps that 31 cars showed up, including Mean Green of Glenn and Linda Peterson, the fender skirted ’65 of Dale and Jan Storms and five Chevelles brought by Bob Petersen (if I remember right, Bob owned a body shop near Palatine).  First Place winners at that ’86 show includes names we know even today: Jim Holbach, Andy Marchiando, Glenn Peterson, Gary & Shelley Place and Tom Wilkin (5 of the 8 1^st Place winners are members 17 years later.  The May cruise had 23 Chevelles show up at a cruise hosted by Dale & Jan Storms.  The 3^rd Annual picnic was being hosted by Bob Fouty in Niles at the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve.  The June cruise was hosted by Marty Shopp at Cruiser’s in Lombard while the July cruise was hosted by Jim and Dee Clark at Wee Willie’s Wiener’s in Palatine on the 19^th.

The August, 1986 newsletter featured a car owned by two NICC members, the first was Jim Clark with the current owner being Mike Moeller.  It is an Astro blue SS 396-350 originally owned by a dentist. Mike finished the body-off restoration on this unusual combo car of blue exterior with a saddle interior; very smart looking.  The July picnic was rained out with a foot of water where the picnic table was and was rescheduled to 8-16, after the NCOA Convention.  Also, plans were being made to attend the Streator, IL. show.  The night before everyone was invited to the Miller’s home in Wenona, IL. for the cruise up to Streator the next day.  There was also a burn-out contest.

The highlight was the September, 1986 newsletter which has two things: A 3 page recap of the Convention in Pigeon Forge and a picture of the group that went to Detroit in 1985 !!!  It is awesome seeing all of us in younger years with more hair!!  Lots of people had longer hair and Zoe McManmon is just over knee high next to her kneeling dad.  The NCOA Convention recap is summarized as follows: 20 members made the 600 mile trip to Pigeon Forge.  Gary Place and Bea Miller experienced breakfast with Jim and Dee Clark; Jim changed his breakfast order 3 times before finally having the waitress bring him a cheeseburger and fries at 9:30 in the morning!!  Jim Clark and Rick Miller went swimming and Rick let Jim pick him up only to be flipped under water.  That evening 16 members took the Trolley to dinner at Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant.  "As the waitress took us to our table, Jim Holbach noticed Doug Marion (of Super Chevy Magazine) eating dinner.  Jim waived and said ‘Hi Bob’, Doug looked puzzled but waved back".  The Little General comes through again!!  After dinner they stopped by a few souvenir shops and found 45 Caliber squirt guns.  They were purchased and then they were used on the go kart tracks; there were signs of "no bumping" but none that mentioned "no squirting". The banquet was held at Dollywood and included BBQ chicken and ribs, beef sandwiches and all the fixins'. Mark Meekins said a few words and then introduced Doug Marion where he talked about working at Nickey Chevrolet and growing up in Palatine.  After this Jim Clark and Jim Holbach and others headed back to the go karts with the squirt guns!!!  The awards were handed out on Sunday and the newsletter includes pictures of Doug Marion handing out awards to Jim Holbach, Glenn Petersen, Jim Clark and Andy Marchiando.  I believe there is a picture of Dusty Embry also.  As a last fling, everyone went to Duff’s Smorgasbord for an all-you-can-eat feast at the outrageous price of $5.98 !!!  Duff’s is still there, I’ll have you know.  This is how the weekend was recapped.  "Monday morning seemed to arrive as soon as our heads hit the pillows.  First on the agenda was a good breakfast at the Apple Tree Inn.  All you can eat of course, was a pretty good way to start the morning.  The cars were then packed, the hotel keys turned in (except the one that Jim H lost on the go karts). We really hated to leave.  The weekend seemed to be flawless, everything was very well organized, the hotel rooms were nice and big, and there was definitely not a lack of things to do in Pigeon Forge.  Those who didn’t make it missed a great time, hope you can make it next year".  Little did the membership know what was coming in 1987!!  (See the separate write-up).  The October, 1986 feature car was Gary & Shelley Place’s 1969 396-375hp car.  The December, 1986 newsletter featured Jim & Mary Holbach’s ’66 red convertible.

1987 was the year that we "came of age" and realized what it was we could do as a group.  The January newsletter started out with a "bang", a letter from Mark Meekins of the NCOA letting us know where the convention would be and he ended with "I have great confidence in you and the NICC, and am sure that Chevelle Showdown 1987 will be the best to date.  I truly mean that!!!".  The 1-87 newsletter also included the news that Jim Holbach’s ’65 Chevelle SS was hit in the left front.  The 3-97 newsletter featured Gary & Shelley Place’s ’70 Chevelle SS with 10K original miles that he also bought in PA.  It was fun watching Gary race this Chevelle because it had no tach and when he raced a car with open headers he didn’t know when to shift because he couldn’t hear the engine!!  The 5-87 newsletter featured Tom Wilkin’s ’72 with the picture having been taken in the old Donnelly Hall of McCormick Place.  The third annual car show was to be held at Great Lakes Dragaway (I still have my trophy).  Current membership as of 6-87 was 83 active members.  There was a meeting at the Holbach’s on July 11^th to go over the details of the convention prior to driving down there for a "dry run".  The picnic was held on 8-1 at the Darien Community Park.  I believe this is the one and only time I have seen Terry McManmon’s 1971 LT-1 blue Corvette.  What a treat !!!

The 9-87 newsletter featured a write-up on the Convention, along with a picture of the group (Tom Wilkin, Bob Fouty, Marty and Mark Liebrock, Rick & Bea Miller, Jim Clark, Andy, Lisa, Jeanette and Kevin Marchiando, Gary and Shelley Place, George, Sandi and Josh Primm, Dale Storms, Jan Storms, Jim and Mary Holbach and Terry McManmon.  One person is covered with shadows so I don’t know who it is (Bob Mairiano).  This newsletter was packed full of info and pictures (3 pages).  I have all of these newsletters and it’s cool reading them and seeing pictures of "the way we were".

No sooner than we got back from Pigeon Forge, TN. than Jim Holbach and Andy Marchiando started thinking of what hotel properties in Chicago would fit a convention and calls were made to the NCOA and various hotels.  In fact, we took a Saturday and videotaped several hotels in the Western suburbs and sent it to Mark Meekins for him to review.  Some of the places we taped were Pheasant Run in St. Charles, the hotel by Arlington Race track, some Schaumburg hotels as well as two hotels in Naperville/ Lisle on Warrenville road.  In our enthusiasm, we kinda overstepped our bounds, as the NCOA was the one who should have been talking to the hotel properties, but it sent a signal to the NCOA that the "Little General" (Jim Holbach as we affectionately call him) and the NICC was primed and ready to go and get this done.  It worked. We finally got word that the 1987 Chevelle Showdown would be held somewhere we didn’t even consider; the Peoria, IL Civic Center with the host hotel being the Pierre Marquette in downtown Peoria.  The largest indoor show the NCOA ever had and the banquet being held on the basketball floor.  How cool.

The reaction was interesting.  When it was announced, we read in other clubs newsletters how "the highlight of this year’s Convention will be the drive to Peoria and the drive home" (Deana Temple from the N.J. club wrote that one).  I guess that is where the phrase "if it plays in Peoria, it’ll play anywhere" comes from.  The initial reactions were, to be honest, depressing.  Here we were all fired up to get this done and the words were negative.  Did that stop us? NO WAY!!! Once we visited the location we were excited.  The facility was huge, downtown was convenient and the hotel was fabulous and beautiful.  We were going to set a standard for others to meet and exceed (our philosophy for every Convention we hosted). Andy Marchiando, I believe, came up with the idea of raffling off a rebuilt small block Chevy.  We got a four bolt main block, had everything machined, assembled it, painted it and had it at the front doors as people walked in.  There were several people in the NICC who wanted the engine, but an NCOA member from MN. won it.

Some highlights on the Convention.  There was quite a turnout.  This is where I first met the staff of Muscle Car Review; Paul Zazarrine and Tom Shaw.  Andy Marchiando’s 1966 Chevelle SS (Big Blue) was photographed by MuscleCar Review across the street in a grassy area.  This is where I first saw Gary & Shelley Place’s 1969 396-375 low mileage original paint and unrestored Chevelle SS he found near Youngstown, OH.  In fact, not wanting to put more miles on it than necessary, I believe Gary backed the Chevelle into the building so the odometer wouldn’t turn.  Since than, Gary has driven the car going forward; I think he did that more as an attention getter than anything else!  Gary won best "original paint" and believe me, there was some talk amongst the others in his class that the paint wasn’t original.

The facility manager had the same condition / disease that Andre the Giant had; he was huge.  His calves were larger than my thighs and his hands were the size of a catcher mitt.  This was an indoor show and we loaded from the back of the building.  We had the spaces taped off and quarters were close.  One member from Maryland, Bob Wilcox, had a 1968 Chevelle that was (and is) beautiful.  He wanted to power buff his Chevelle after parking the car in the building.  This was not good for two reasons; there was no power outlet close to the car and the overspray from the polish would get on other cars.  Jim Holbach kept telling him no, but after continued asking, Jim had the idea of sending him to discuss this with "Andre".  We gave a heads-up to "Andre" so we knew his answer was going to be no.  Bob found "Andre" and about 5 minutes later came back to the car and never said another word about it again; he hand waxed his Chevelle !!!  Bob is a friend and has attended all of the Chevelle Conventions in Chicago, and I have to admit, I think of that incident every time I see him.  Ha.

This convention is where Fran Preve, a Chevrolet racer who worked at GM’s Tonawanda, NY engine plant, spoke to the NCOA membership for the first time.  Chevrolet has always claimed that it cannot do what Pontiac Historic Services does; supply the build, window sticker and dealer information for a car based on the VIN number.  I don’t know that I believe this, I think they just don’t want to spend the time as Pontiac has, in giving the info. out as the number of cars for Chevrolet that are out there is multiples of Pontiac.  GM let Fran in on the records and he could tell you if a particular engine came in a specific model Chevrolet.  For instance, there have been rumors for years (as of yet not proven) that there were Monte Super Sports that came with the LS-6 and 4-speed manual transmissions.  At one time I believed this could be because Monte and Chevelle’s were built in the same plants and the same assembly lines.  But Fran said no.  I argued at first, but he was right because I have never seen or read from anyone that they have a documented LS-6, 4-speed manual transmission Monte Carlo. Fran discussed many interesting items and both dispelled and started several myths.

My lasting thought on the first Fran Preve meeting in Peoria was the reaction of an NICC member (Rick Vittiriti of Bolingbrook) who had a 1967 Chevelle SS.  Fran had specific information on what options came on what Chevelles, including engines (325hp, 350hp and 375hp).  Rick had found his car behind a barn in NC.  He bought it and restored it.  Well, Fran was talking about the 34 1967 Chevelle Super Sports with the 375hp engine that came with the CA. smog air injection system that used an air pump to put fresh air into the exhaust manifolds.  No kidding, when Rick heard that he literally jumped out of his chair because he had one of these cars. I never saw that car again.  He treated it like it was gold, because it was 1 of 6 or 7 with the air injection. Did it make the car more valuable?  In my opinion no, and air injection system does not add to the value, but I will tell you it did in this owner’s mind!!!  Rick was an active member of the club, but after that we didn’t see him; he was too busy protecting his "rare" Chevelle. I got a kick out of that.

We wrapped up the Convention with a cruise to Dellwood Park in Peoria where we had the first pig roast in Convention history.  It was a beautiful drive through the expensive houses in Peoria & the perfect ending to our first Convention.  Finally, the efforts we put into the 1987 Chevelle Showdown ended up being worth it.  I believe this was the first Convention that was hosted by a local chapter of the NCOA.  Prior to that the NCOA staff did it all by itself.  The reaction to the Convention was great and positive.  There was no talk of the highlight being the "drive to Peoria and the drive back home".  The talk was the show, the quality of cars, the hotel, the indoor facilities and the organization of the show.  We did it, and we would go on to host 3 more NCOA Chevelle Showdowns for a total of 4; more than any other chapter of the NCOA.

We have a history and because of that we have a future, no doubt about it.

1984 and 1985 were significant years for the NICC.  I have been reading the newsletters from those years and thought I would recap some of the developments during that time.  The NICC started by virtue of its association with the National Chevelle Owners Association in Greensboro, NC.  Jim Holbach received a list of NCOA members in the area and mailed information regarding the formation of the club.  Mark Meekins also placed a notice in the "The Chevelle Report".  While going to sleep one evening I saw that notice and decided to head to Palatine for the meeting. Good thing to do.  The May, 1984 newsletter lists the first officers of the club: Director – Jim Holbach, Asst. Director – Jim Clark, Bob Fouty – Treasurer and Rick Decorie – Secretary.  Interesting to not the Jim Holbach is member #1 and still around.  Bob’s brother, Bill, is a member as Bob moved to Denver a few years ago.  Also noted was the new members included Rick Miller, Mary & John Berkowicz and Terry McManmon and they are all still members !!!!  This was the first year for going to Peotone, the first cruise (SuperDawg) and our first picnic (in Niles near Fouty’s house).  July, 1984 Bob Fouty and Rick Miller attended the Car Craft Nationals in Springfield.

Terry McManmon (still a member) attended the NCOA national convention in N.J.  Terry reported that there were 112 cars there with about 80 in the show.  There were 300 people there.  We also had our first "southern" meeting in September at Miller’s home in Wenona in conjunction with the Streator car show in the park.  The October, 1984 newsletter had the first feature car: the 1967 Chevelle SS of Jim Vikre with the picture being taken at the Streator Car show in the park.  We had the first pizza party at Mike’s Body shop in Westmont.  We later attended a car show there.   In November, 1984 the second feature car was Andy & Lisa Marchiando’s 1966 blue SS Chevelle, which you can still see today.  The NICC won its first award for being the Largest Club Turnout at the Second Annual Lake County Auto Show on 9/15-16.  The first Christmas party was hosted by Jim & Mary Holbach in Palatine on December 1, 1984.  They live at the same house, have the same phone number, have the same ’66 red Chevelle convertible and are still married!!!  What a track record!!!  The first bowling outing was on January 26, 1985 at the Sport’s Bowl in Naperville.  The first mention of the NICC attending a national Chevelle Convention was for the 1985 Convention in Warren, MI. on August 16-18.  More on that later.

1985 started with the February newsletter announcing that the meetings for Feb – April would be held at the Denny’s on North Ave. in Villa Park.  We had meetings there for several years. In March, Rick Miller’s 1969 El Camino was the feature car and it was mentioned that Rick traded "a well used 1974 GMC Jimmy for the ’69 El Camino in November, 1980".  The first "Editorial" was by Jim Holbach and is applicable to Wes’ announcement that he won’t be running again.  Here it is: "The late John F. Kennedy once said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’  This maxim can be applied to the Northern Illinois Chevelle Club as well.  Our club, like other clubs, is made up of two elements: members and officers.  The members must add their share towards the betterment of the club.  It involves attending meetings, helping others and volunteering their time and services.  Officers have the responsibility to help each and every member learn about their cars through meetings, shows and the newsletter.  Officers must also plan and run events as best as they can."  Hmmm, 18 years later, Jim’s words are still applicable.

A recap of the bowling shows that 28 members ventured to Naperville and fun was had by all.  The April, 1985 newsletter had our first baby announcement: "Melissa Marie Holbach was born to Jim and Mary Holbach of Palatine on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Melissa weighed in at 5lbs 4oz and was 18.5 inches long".  Wow.

The first outing to the dragstrip as a club was to Byron on October 13, 1985.  The finals came down to Rick Miller in the ’69 El (396/350) and Jamie Fifles with a ’71 SS 454 convertible.  Rick won the trophy when Jamie broke out although he ran a 13.50 vs. Jamie’s 13.48.  The fastest car was Paul Vice’s ’67 Chevelle at 10.48.  There seems to have been no 1985 Christmas party due to a lack of a host site being available.

Gary & Shelley Place’s 1972 original owner 1972 Chevelle SS402 was featured in the November, 1985 newsletter.  She still looks that good (Shelley and the car, that is!!).

This was the first convention that the NICC attended as a club.  We met at the I-294 rest area near Indiana and took off from there.  I cannot remember all of the cars, but some included were: Primm’s with their 1965 four door, Holbach’s with their ’66 Malibu (or was it the blue ’65 SS), Fye’s with the ’65 SS; Marchiando’s with the ’66 SS; Miller’s and their ’69 El Camino; Storm’s and one of their ‘65’s; Bob Mairiano and his Placer Gold 1971 SS454 convertible (Bill Holer rode shotgun), Terry McManmon and his "woody" Chevelle station wagon and maybe Tom Wilkin.  That is about what I remember.  I do remember the cool ride driving down I-294 with the club and getting on I-94 to Michigan.  That is where I learned the meaning of "rubber neck".  Lots of drivers were enjoying the Chevelle parade !!!

When we got to Warren we stayed at the Knight’s Inn, which was the first time I stayed in one and had to get used to the red carpet and purple bedspread.  We got there and cleaned our cars in the parking lot and then went to the convention at GM’s Warren site.  That is where we saw our first original LS-6 Chevelle.  Roger Ausley brought up his red 1970 LS-g with 3,500 miles. It was interesting to see that the factory did not put the optional stripes into the trunk lid; there was just overspray from the painting with the trunk closed.  Also saw Bill Bonham’s WV 4,000 mile dark blue LS-6 Chevelle.  But the fun thing was the activity at the Knight’s Inn.

Someone was having a problem with their upper control arm, I think it was Rick Miller.  They had a tire iron in there with three or four members pulling on it trying to slide the control arm.  Well, I decided to see what I could do and grabbed the tire iron, put my head down and moved it where they wanted it.  I had forgotten this but recently several members have reminded me of this event. Also enjoyed watching the car cleaning frenzy.

Now for the convention.  It was held at a Holiday Inn at some "mile" road.  The rooms had bars on them even 8 floors up.  Well, the opening night meeting turned into an "us vs. them".  That is, trailered cars being judged against non-trailered.  They must have spent 45+ minutes and some tempers got to brewing.  Really funny considering how the announcement in Harrisburg, at the convention in 1988 about judging rules suddenly made trailers okay!!  Well, we had the awards ceremony in a movie theatre across the street in what would be considered a less than desirable shopping center (that’s my memory, at least).  After that was done, we had breakfast the next morning at Bob Evan’s and headed back to Chicago.  It was an interesting drive home.  If I remember there was a white Cadillac with a driver that had a big hat on lose control and get in the medium ditch between the E-W lanes.  Dirt was going everywhere.  We just kept going.  It was a memorable trip.  Sandi Primm was expecting in December, I accepted a new job that lasted about 30 days and I went back to Heller Financial.  I think that is when we started bonding as a club.  This convention inspired Jim Holbach in having the NICC host a convention.  In just two years the NICC hosted its first of 4 national conventions, the first being in Peoria in 1987.  More on that in the next newsletter!!  Lots of great stories there. I’ve got pictures too!!