Grand Prix Chapter of POCI

GP CHAPTER 25th ANNIVERSARY

ronmauer — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:43:51 +0000

The Grand Prix Chapter turns 25 years old this year. We will be celebrating at the POCI convention in Dayton, OH July 9-13, 2013. We will be having a “Hospitality Tent” in the parking lot at the convention with cold drinks available and maybe birthday cake or cookies (Depends on the GP Gals) Stop by.

We got a bit of history from GP Chapter founder, Doug Klein in a letter to the chapter.

The birth of the Grand Prix Chapter, Douglas Klein

Somewhere during my junior year of college, 1976 to be exact. I signed up with POCI through a small ad. in one of the car magazines. Back then, POCI was dedicated to Oakland’s and Pontiacs up to the late fifties. After a few issues of the “Silver Streak News” ( the original name of the national magazine), I was let down because there was nothing about my car, a “70 GTO. It took some time for coverage of “newer” vehicles to begin, but too long for my liking!

As time went on, I became involved with the Long Island Chapter. After attending few National Conventions, I made a handful of contacts within the organization and was asked to serve on the POCI Board. My everyday driver was a special order ( Hertz executives car) ʼ78 Grand Prix SJ. The car was very sharp for it’s day and there was nooo way, there would be any coverage of this car or most other Grand Prix’s in Smoke Signals. Car magazines, or books also contained nothing about the Grand Prix line. I actually felt left out . It was time to do something about that!

During the ʼ87 POCI Convention at Sturbridge, Ma. I asked the POCI Vice President

( the VP was in charge of all the chapters) if a chapter dedicated to Grand Prix could be formed. The answer was “No!” “We don’t want “Specialty Chapters” because we had a GTO Chapter and it failed.” Great logic? Stupid thinking at best, but at that time, that was the mentality of who was in charge. After asking the President, the answer given was, “try it!” That was all I needed.

The trip home from the Convention is where the foundation started to take place. Fellow Long Island Chapter member and friend for life, Greg Kersul ( ʼ63 Grand Prix) agreed to help get the 10 signatures needed for the paperwork. Greg and I found people, my wife Lisa, did all the required forms and our petition to the board was filed.

The POCI Board of Directors were not entirely behind the “specialty chapter” concept, but I had a good relationship with President Debbi Arend, and Debbie helped get approval. A few well placed letters within Smoke Signals gathered the needed support to get the Chapter up and running. Among those offering assistance was MIke Schaudek, Jim’s dad. Mike and I hit it off from the beginning and Mike became our first treasurer. Mike was very helpful in finding the money for newsletters/postage and promo. items. He also provided much needed mental support as there were many times when we both dug deep into our pockets to keep the newsletter going.

Within a few months, we jumped to about 40 members and held our first Chapter meeting in ʻ88. In ʼ90 we had iconic Pontiac Historian John Sawruk talk about GPʼs at our Annual meet at the Convention. When POCI members heard that John was speaking at the Grand Prix Chapter meeting, we finally arrived!

Many thanks to Greg,and Mike, and a long list of dedicated members that would buy our membership, purchase our promo. items. contribute to the newsletters and continue through some mighty “dry spells”. Also, many heartfelt thanks to all of those listening, that have lifted and carried this organization to become the finest group of Pontiac enthusiasts within POCI and of course the world! Also, thank you for remembering me on this wonderful occasion.! Happy 25th. Anniversary! Douglas Klein

1962 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ORNAMENT FOR SALE

ronmauer — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:48:32 +0000

Hand carved crystal, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, made in Pennsylvania, ready to hang, complete in a plush, draw string pouch. $36.95 each, plus $2.50 postage ( add $2.25 for insurance if requested) This price is good on this initial offering only and order confirmation must be received by May 30th. I will have at least one (1) to display at the convention and will take additional orders, but this price is only for the initial offering. Email orders or questions to:
or call 610-504-4735. Discount for multiples available.

A J Koszi

MEMBER PASSES

ronmauer — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:15:16 +0000

One of the members that went on the Grand Prix Chapter Cruise Across America to Las Vegas in 2004, Jim Downs (Pat) bronze/tan 71 GP, passed on Jan 2. He had a nerve degeneration problem and had been unable to get around anymore. He got pneumonia around Christmas time. His GP which they purchased new will stay in the family with one of their sons. He also has a Blue 66 GMC Suburban that has been in Smokes for some time already. It has the drive train out of a 74 Suburban that he bought new. When it got too rusty he found the 66 and rebuilt the drive train and put in it and fixed the Suburban up. He liked to keep his vehicles.

He had lived in the Davenport, IA area and had spent many years working for Caterpillar. They retired to Florida to be near the water to enjoy boating and diving which he loved. They drove the GP up from Florida to Pontiac,IL to the start of the Cruise Across America and back to FL from Las Vegas. Loved to drive his vehicles.

PRIX VIEWS GETS GOLDEN QUILL AWARD

ronmauer — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:55:52 +0000

Congrats to Paul Bergstrom, our Grand Prix Chapter Editor. He has done it again, gotten the Old Cars Weekly Golden Quill award.

FALL EXCITEMENT SHOW 2012

ronmauer — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:09:49 +0000

The Grand Prix Chapter’s fall cruise is on a page under Cruises And Shows. Enjoy

TECH ARTICLE ON PULLEY ALIGNMENT

ronmauer — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:52:49 +0000

A tech article on pulley alignment and timing covers and accessory brackets was posted under the TECH tab. Check it out.

MISSING PRIX VIEWS?

ronmauer — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:31:14 +0000

You might check to see if you paid your dues.

FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS & INFO

ronmauer — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:04:38 +0000

Wild About Cars Online has many 61-72 Pontiac factory service manuals and some parts catalogs online in .pdf available for download. Just have to be a member, free sign up. Ron http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/

2013 Pontiac Co-Vention

ronmauer — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:22:24 +0000

POCI’s 41st Annual Convention will be a “Co-Vention” with the GTOAA, held in Dayton, Ohio on July 9-13, 2013. On-line registration is now available. For Co-Vention updates, visit gtoaapocinationals.com

HOW SLOW CAN U GO? GP CHAPTER 2012 SLOW DRAGS

ronmauer — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:15:51 +0000

The Grand Prix Chapter Slow Drags where held Thursday July 19, at the 2012 POCI convention

There where only 8 cars to race, but a fun time was had by all. You really don’t know what you are missing out on.

We had a repeat winner this year. Bud Schiefer Bucyrus, OH won (was slowest) with his 60 Pontiac Catalina. He almost got beat by Eric Gieras Alsip, IL with his supercharged 75 Grand Prix. I am sure Eric has a loose converter but he couldn’t get it to idle down on the first run.