Bluestripe67

Just returned from Carlisle. We wished for good weather, good times, and good fortunes. Well, we got all that and more. Some of you know of Cindy and Dennis Manire who oversee and manage the '63-'67 Stingray Registry. On Sat evening when returning from a dinner event several miles away from Carlisle they had a mechanical brakedown in their '67 BB conv while traveling on I-81. All of a sudden a noise and a serious change in the steering direction scared the _____out of Dennis. So they slowed and get off at the next exit. After they stopped in a gas/convience store parking lot, Dennis discovered his left tire tilted in at the top about 20* and then opened the hood to find the upper control arm moved forward and off the shaft. He said some interesting words at this point. Various sources of help almost came out of the woods. One personn lived near by and had a trailer. Someone else could help get a rollback. But they called one person in particular, it was Frank Anderson a active Registy member. He arrived and immediately worked on it with the help of a couple of unamed people and managed to get the arm secured with the use of a large crow bar and a BFH and some large bolts and washers. The bushing had pushed out, couldn't be pushed back. The car was carefully driven back to the Carlisle grounds for repair on Sun. First, the car had to go to Al Knoch for a new top. This was previously scheduled. Then at about 10 we then brain stormed under the tent for a repair plan. Frank and I went off looking for a control arm and related parts. At this point we did not know how we would do the fix, but we needed the parts first. They say timing is everthing. Well, at this time on Sunday, most vendors, both large and small are long gone or packing up too leave ASAP. This cuts the chances of getting the parts to about 10%-15%. I stopped at one used parts vendor, Eddy Wise. He didn't have the parts, but took me to his friend Art at VanSteel (I didn't get his last name, but he may be the owner) I introduced myself, and explained the crisis. He took the only lose and complete control arm from the display table and said we could use it. He sold it to us at an unbelievable low price. Then, comes the amazing part. He said I'll come over to the tent and work out the details (at this time the car is still at Al Knoch) for the repair which he said "i'll will do it for you at no charge". What an amazing gesture! I brought the part back and gave to Dennis as I had some other business to attend too. I returned too find the the car still at Al Knoch with Art banging on the old ball joint, with Dennis and Frank handing tools to Art so he could remove the damaged one and installing the new one. This man did not have to do this because as I originally approached him, they were packing up the VanSteel display into their trailer for departure. His help and gesture are examples of how this hobby continues to be so enjoyable even during unexpected tough times. Many thanks to Art and Frank for making themselves available to help fellow Vette owners and enthusiest. Dennis

Don Rickles

Nowhere Man

wow it was not Dennis and Cindy's weekend first there m/c went out and then this. luckily the vette community is large and helpful

Frankie the Fink

Great story

R66

It is not just Vettes , but the whole classic car community. The BOSS and I were crusin' in R66 and came upon a 04 Mustang convertible sitting on the side of RT 53 with a flat tire. The woman was in dire straights as she forgot her cell phone and could not call AAA. Her lug wrench would not fit the aftermarket wheels. My wife kept the 70s something gal company while I ran home for sockets and a real jack. Had to unload the trunk into the back seat to get to the donut, the back seat was already full.
Don't ever let the caring and compassion for the people in the car community die. It beats the he** out of what little we have left in this capitalistic country.

Bluestripe67

R66...

corvetteed

Great story. Thx for sharing.

Chambered

GREAT story!!! When the chips are down, there are people all over who will rise to the occasion.

3JsVette

That's an above and beyond from Van Steel for sure but I'll add from experience the Street Rod community will respond in a similar manor also.

dados66

Another prop for Van Steel--Dan has been super patient on the phone and email with me as we sort rear suspension issues out. They even brought a previously unavailable new part up to exchange with me at Carlisle since it will work better for my rear wheel clearance. Thanks!!

Bluestripe67

I can't sit idle! The long winded post above is NOT in the spirit of the thread. Dennis

Mr Moderator, Thanks for the removal/relocation.

vettebuyer6369

Guys, this is a great thread. Let's stay on topic so we can keep it open.

The Off Topic section and P, R & C are great places to argue politics.

TCracingCA

It is good to know there are still other guys that know how to fix things or work on them!

capevettes

Nice story Dennis Art is a class act

Sorry I keep missing you at Carlisle.

Bluestripe67

Art certainly proved that as a fact. Dennis

R66

I agree. Thank you for removing it.

rtruman

Good story

65 fi

That is such a great and refreshing story.

tach drive 61

I managed some pictures of the repair . true corvette community spirit at its finest , Dennis also had a nice new top installed as well ! I hope he gets to see photo .