Members News / Letters

Automania 2008 - Click Picture for More Pictures

club member jeff Klawwitter testing his new challenger

UNCLASSIFIED

Well, unfortunately I probably won't be doing anything anytime soon. I think the new house will win out over the new Hot Rod! It has been great talking to you and thanks again for all you've done. One quick story about the only factory big block Dart I ever rode in. It was 1983. I was about 15 and a friend of mine was getting his driver's license soon. His parents had a little bit of money and were going to buy him a car. We found a blue, 69 GTS Dart with a 383 at a car lot in Indianapolis. We rode with his mom to the car lot and the guy that owned the lot told us to meet him in the alley behind the shop. We were standing in the alley, and the guy turned the car into the alley and stomped on the gas and just roasted the tires for 100 yards down the alley. As you can imagine, his mom was a little apprehensive about buying her son a car like that. After he took us for a ride in it, Mike and I were all smiles, but the fact that the guy was driving the hell out of the car pretty much made up his mom's mind that it wasn't what he needed no matter how much we begged. Anyway, that memorable moment was possible because of the things you did in the late sixties. Thanks again for the memories and dreams. On a sidenote, my friend ended up with an all original, 1970 Buick GS455 Stage 1. It was quiet and rode good and his parents never knew that it was a tire melting musclecar.

Tim

Norm, Thank You so much for your input over the years in the development of these vehicles, especially the latest entry!
Historically speaking: In 1969 I had a 375 HP 396 Camaro on order for six months during the strike. I had read about the Dart 440 GTS in a magazine (Popular Hot Rodding?) and how 105 were being sold at Grand Spaulding and 20 at Saddleback Dodge in Southern California. As it turned out, a good friend went to work at one of the aircraft plants down there and we set off to visit from the San Francisco area. One thing led to another, we ended up at Saddleback for a test-ride, and the salesman put $1.25 into the tank! On return from that ride we called my credit union in SF, and I drove it home! I did in fact get my deposit back from the Chevrolet dealer, but even if I hadn't that car would still be my favorite vehicle, of many! I will always kick myself for relinquishing that vehicle, at 26,000 miles, in favor of room in the garage for bicycles, but then I am first and foremost a husband and father.
If I had it to do over, I'm sure the children (now grown) would understand. I am not in a position to order one of the latest forty Dart GSS production vehicles, or I would be beating down your door trying to buy your dinner or whatever! The Dart holds an irreplaceable place in my memory, and I wish you well on the program.
Ken Manley, Pacifica, California.

Hello I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend one of our up coming 2008 events.

March 1-2 indy mopar club booth at the Chryler trade show Indianapolis state fair grounds.

May 3rd Palmer Dodge all mopar show Registration 9-12 awards at 3pm Check www.indymoparclub.com for more details all proceeds go to juvenile diabetes.

May 10th Fletcher used auto Edinburgh,In This is an open show proceeds go to juvenile diabetes check indy mopar club web site for more info.

July 12th Fletcher Dodge Franklin ,In. all mopar show proceeds go to juvenile diabetes check web site for more info.

Sept. 20th Danville Chrysler Danville , In. check indy mopar club web site for more info . Thank you hope to see you at any or all of the upcoming events .

now thats what I am talking about,walking up the drive to a car b que by a member of the Mr Norms sport club and wow theres the members sign,way to go and a big thank you for having me there and giving my wife and I a wonderful after noon. It doesnt get any better than that until I walked into his barn and well you look at the picture ,.GSS darts there on display,its a beautiful thing. Notice the walls in the back ground and imagine all mopar signs and memborilbila, thats whats happening and I will try to make it happen.
I accept all suggestions at mrnorm1013@aol.com

Mr. Norm Interview, Pt. 1
How the '68 Dart GSS Was Created

Pictures taken at the mopar nationals, where at the Mr Norm sport club booth we had the #1 prototype 68 GSS hemi dart on display. We had many compliments on the car and our thanks to Bill Sefton for bringing the car for display , he also had three more GSSes there . All the cars were together, we had a great location on the midway , talked to every one we could in a short week end, all in all it was a very successful week end except for my feet. More pictures to follow and again thanks to Bill Sefton for bringing in his cars to help make a great show possible . Mr Norm

07 Mopar Nationals with the first showing of the prototype Mr Norms 68 GSS Hemi Dart,purchased by bill Sefton I speak for the club members as well as my self saying thanks to Bill Sefton for bringing the GSS Darts to the Show

07Mopar Nationsdisplay new tent area With the new tent area we will try to bring the members a new display each year with new pkgs and many more Mopars on display

that is Meg Klawitter who headed up our one of a kind divsion at the Mopar Nationls thank you for your help Meg ,we had fun

Norm with top customer at the show, beside joining the club he,purchased two paintings plus many more items our club thanks to you

It was a gloomy, cloudy rain filled day but so many mopar fans showed up I was called to come out in which I did and put a show together and passed out some trophys. Keep next august open and listen for the announcement for we will have a 2nd annual midwest mopar's showdown with A PLANNED DAY OF ACTIVITYS.
these are the winners at the unofficial show that was with the winners names , congratulations to all ,see you next year at the VOLO museum Mr Norm

1. Bruce Galleher 1963 Belvedere 413 Max Wedge
2. Chuck Rowe 1970 Cuda Plum Crazy Purple 410 Small Block Stroker 6 Pack
3. Eric Burch 1970 Challenger R/T
4. Jude Colosimo 1968 Hemi Dart Yellow
5. Ed Trainor 1971 Dodge Demon 6 pack 4-speed black
6. Steve Hoenig 1970 Dodge Dayton
7. Dave Wlaisuk 1958 Plymouth Fury Red

Mr Norms Sport club event at Belvedere Ill 2007, The GSS dart prototype sitting there making its midwest first showing , thats the one with 800 hp street ready to go. Bill drove it home that nite and said it was a BLAST

Bill Sefton taking delivery of a GSS Dart.

Winners at Carlisle

Belvidere Club Member Cars.

Mecum Auto Auction

Hour at Fox Lake Mopar Club

Mr Norm at a party given by a club member explains the differences between the 20th century 68 darts and his 21st century 68 restoration Darts ,was the unimaginable to create a road, track, show,and investment all in one package called the Mr. Norms GSS HEMI Dart.and states as a salesman would always do that he can be reached at mrnorm1013@aol.com to purchase one while they last.

New "Mr. Norm's 1972 Dodge Demon"

Limited edition from Supercar Collectibles. $69.95 less members discount
The 1972 Demon GSS is 1:18 scale, 340 supercharged V-8. Available in Silver or Orange
For Sale now in the Memorabilia Shop

Thanks for the nice write ups on Jim DiBase’s car and mine.
I’ve attached a few pictures from the show.
See you next year and hopefully at Volo Auto Museum too.
I was one of those few who chickened out because of the rain.
Thanks again.
John B. Bodoki

Jim's and my car - part of Mr. Norm's display, Sunday

Jim's and my car display on Saturday

Mopar Happening Belvidere 2007 - Mr. Norm presenting Jim his Trophy

Mr. Norm presenting Trophy for Best B Body

Mr. Norm, Jim and me

Mr. Norm's new 68 GSS Dart

Norm, I am sure glad to hear you are still around. I was just reading a article about you and that you are at blue moon motorsports. I would like to tell you a story about a really dumb 20 something male (Me) In 1969 I bought a new road runner from you and then in 1971 I bought a Dodge Challenger RT six pack At the time I was blowing off the hemi,big block fords and chevys,It was one hell of a ride,Being a dumb kid and just thinking that it was just a fluke that the car was so fast I didn't give it a second thought,When the gas crunch came in 1973 I sold it to a kid in Dyer indiana for a little bit of nothing just because I couldn't stand the wait or the price for gas.

At the time my, Now ex brother in law, was only about 12 years old, And I left one hell of a impression on his young mind. I never saw him again until around 1996, He took me to his garage where he was rebuilding three challengers and driving another, He had a mopar book that showed my car,(ON OF TEN THAT YOU MODIFYED) and one FOUR that are still around, It must be worth a fourtune now. The car had a slap stick trans, gold plated points and a 488 truck rear end. I beat that car like a step child every moment I drove it and could not hurt it. I use to put a 100 dollar bill in the little radio speaker on top of the dash and have my passenger put there hands on there legs and from zero to one hundred if they could get it was theirs.

Norm I just thought I would share that with you,You left a impression on me like I did on my brother-in-law and I am really happy to hear you are still in business,

Alex Kubilis

Dear Norm,

Gosh, where does the time go? I was recently sorting through some old keepsakes and ran across the old Mr. Norm patch (I notice your new patches are blue) and thought to look on the internet for info about Mr. Norm. I figured Mr. Norm would be long gone by now. Imagine my surprise when I found your website for the resurected club. Brings back lots of fond memories. It was 40 years this month when I dragged my dad down to Grand Spaulding Dodge and I was lucky enough to leave with a brand new 1967 Dodge Coronet 500 with a 383 4bbl and TorqueFlite. What a thrill for a kid just turning 18!! It was a great time to own a muscle car. I recall Dodge was quite active in publishing all types of information relating to increasing performance. Grand Spaulding put in a 4.10 rear end and my buddies and I did all sorts of bolt-on improvements...Road Runner cam, special lifters and pushrods, headers, Edelbrock manifold, Holley carb and free flow air cleaner (see separate story about this), steel timing gears and even an oil bath splash pan. In the end I could manage a sub 6 second time 0-60!! For all the punishment I gave it, that engine and trans sure was "bullet-proof." I lived in Glenview at the time and was the terror of the neighborhood. I'm retired now and my wife and I have a ranch in Northern CA. Funny how things go...I'm still a Dodge man...and I finally got my HEMI...in my 2003 Dodge 2500 p/u!!

Now for a humorous story...I didn't realize when I put on that new free-flow air cleaner that there wasn't quite enough clearance between the bottom of it and the arc stroke of the throttle lever on the Holley!! Between high school and college I worked at Motorola in Schaumburg for a couple years. I was showing off to some buddies in a parking lot near the building and mashed the accelerator. I was facing the building, too close really, but maybe 250 feet. Well, the throttle stuck to the bottom of the air cleaner. HOLY SHIT...the building was approachinig very quickly. And there was no stopping 325+ horsepower with just shoe brakes!! Luckily, I had the presence of mind to turn off the ignition. WHEW!!

Anyway, take care and thanks for being part of the memories.

John Lorentz
Red Bluff, CA

Hi Mr. Norm,

Back in 1964 My brother Mike and I (Chris) use to hang around your shop and late one night we were privileged to witness the delivery of your 1964 Dodge Hemi. At that time Pat Minick drove for you and John Farkonas tuned the car. It came off the train which was at the viaduct near your dealer. We were able to see it for the first time along with your whole team that Saturday night. It had Plexiglas windows and that special hood scoop associated with those first Hemi's. You towed it to Oswego Dragstrip the next day and ran the best of 11.82 and 118 mph. You befriended us and we went with you to Union Grove WI quite a few times. I will always thank you for being there for us and your friendship, to two kids raised without a father.

Your truly, Chris Rzewuski

I moved to California in 1977 and retired in 2005 and am living along the Nieabra river in Meadville, Nebraska. I finally got to do some racing in 1994 thru 1997. Here are some pictures of the race car and my street rod. Sincerly Chris

Ralph and Susan Perry from Fort Branch showing there newly completed M code dart,
car looks good enough for some tough competition for next years special events,
good luck Ralph and Susan

I Think I Learned A Very Valuable Lesson Today. At Your Tent Over The Weekend I Had You Sign A Magazine For A Friend Of Mine Who Had His Car In That Magazine. It Was A 67 Dart, 440 Stroker, Fuel Injection, He Did All The Work Himself In His Shop. Dyno Numbers Were 625hp At The Wheels. The Guy I Have Know For Awhile, He Is In His Late 50's. Well, He Thought The Magazine Shoot Made His Day, But When I Gave Him The Magazine That You Signed To Him, He Came To Tears. He Is A Huge Gsd Fan And He Was Dumbfounded That I Did This For Him. My Lesson Was That No Matter What The Prestige, Value, Rarity Or Cost, If You Can Put A Smile On Somebodies Face And Make Them Feel Like A Million Bucks, That Is Worth More Than Anything. I Made This Guys Day Because Of You, And He Was In Total Shock. That Made Me Feel Great, Because I Did Something Good For Him. He Said That Is The Prize Of His Collection, I Dont Doubt It With Your Signature On It, Bit It Feels Great To Make Somebody Smile.... Customers Are Definitely Kings. I Now Know The True Meaning Of That Term. Thanks. Jeff K.

	west-grand-3300 pictures are by jeff klawitter ,but wait take a close look and thats the 21st century Grand Spaulding Dodge , believe it or not that is a model ,wow great job jeff the dealership looks like the real thing

Ron Patrick's Street-Legal
Jet Powered VW Beetle

Click Here To Read All About It

Hero’s

Today’s world of racing is not like it was back in the day were drivers were close at hand to talk with or get an autograph from. The stars of today’s NHRA and NASCAR have made it more of a franchise for them to sign their name to one of their pictures or take the time to talk with you. I have been fortunate enough to meet a few drivers in the past few years, one such driver I met was Ronnie Sox about three years ago at a local Mopar club show and what a great guy he really was. I talked with him as much as I could while at the show. I can still see his face as he started up one of his A/FX clone cars and with everyone standing around looking and laughing and have a great time.

I also met Richard Petty back in the late 80’s early 90’s and really had a good time talking with him, it didn't matter that there was a crowed waiting behind me for an autograph he made me feel like I was the King in his court that day. There are a lot of drivers from the past and present that I have been trying to meet and talk with and get an autograph, one drive that I wish I had gotten a chance to do so with was Dyno Don Nicholson.

We have lost two big names in racing the past few months and they will be sadly missed by all. If you have a chance to meet drivers and team owners do take the time and do it you wont regret it. I had a stroke at the age of 29 a few years ago and have to say one of the most surprising day of my life was a phone call, I had trouble with my address for the Mr. Norm’s Sport Club and Mr. Norm himself called to get it taken care of but what made that day was not that we got the address issue taken care of but Mr. Norm took the time and asked how I was doing and listened to me about what had happened to cause the stroke. It was great that he just took the time to ask me how I was doing now and to talk with me about the Sport Club. I want to say thank you Mr. Norm for that and for giving me a chance to write in the newsletter.

By: Kevin

Could This Be It?

I really like this drawing and oh how I really wish and hope this could be the all new Dodge Challenger but, IM not holding my breath and if I was you I wouldn't either. The grill is very much like a 1970's Cuda and the road lights are very close to what a Cuda would have had back in the glory days but they look more like what is on the new Mustang, check out the hood very close to a Challenger or Cuda. I like, no wait I love this design so far better then any other I have seen, this car has more of a Plymouth Cuda feel then a Dodge Challenger feel to it, but if this is what comes out in the end I will be the first one inline with my banker standing close by. PLEASE CHRYSLER WAKE UP AND SMELL THE HORSE POWER AND LISTEN TO THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE AND GIVE US OUR MUSCLE MACHINE!!!!

Story By: Kevin

Say It Isn't So!

I have to say that Chrysler won me over with the new Neon SRT-4 with the looks and horsepower, but now they have lost me. I liked that you could get a small car at a good price with a lot of horsepower and good muscle looks, from what I was reading in Hemmings Muscle Car News that the replacement for the Neon is going to be a four door fast back. What are they thinking? This car looks more like a cross between a PT Cruiser and a Ford then a little muscle car that made the rice burners stand up and take notice, now when they see this thing on the streets they will think its just another box on wheels and not a street machine in sheep clothing like the Roadrunner of 1968 or the Super Bee. I wish that Chrysler would take a look at some of the past for their ideas and not other car makers to see what they are doing. Also if you use the name like Charger or Challenger make it to live up to its older brothers reputation. IM tired of Chrysler looking like everything and everyone else, in the 60’s and 70’s we as the Mopar brother hood stood out from the rest, not just because we had the motor out front that could run with any big dog on the street and send it back to the pound whimpering like a lost pup, it was the styling of these cars that set us apart from the rest of the crowed. We need an uprising at Chrysler for more of our heritage to come out in the new design for tomorrows Mopar and not some suite and tie guy making the decision for what will sell and what we want. LONG LIVE HIGH HORSE POWER AND GREAT LOOKS.

By: Kevin
Pictures to follow when made available

The new challenger for 2008-2009 ?

Survivor Lawsuit

I think we all have seen and heard some crazy things in the car world let alone just in the Mopar world, just when you thought things with clones were getting bad and out of hand now we have this issue with Bloomington Gold. I would have to say this is the craziest one of them all. I was reading in Mopar Collectors Guide that Bloomington Gold is now suing over the use of the word survivor, Mr. Burroughs stated that the term was used by them in 1989 and that they had the word survivor trademarked. Bloomington Gold is going after everyone in the collector car world not just us, if you go to a local show and someone there has a car that is a survivor and has not had the car judge by Bloomington Gold they are not legally able to use the word survivor and can face a lawsuit by Bloomington Gold. This is not just happening in the Mopar world but for all collectors cars, Mopar Collector Guide said we should not let anyone with a Corvette enter into a car show weather it be judged or not. I think that would be the wrong approach to this, I would let them be apart of the event and when it came time for a car to be judge I would let the owners of the Corvettes know that their cars were not allowed to be judge by the public or show judges unless a judge from Bloomington Gold was there. I would like to know if the words frame off or body off restoration has been trademarked, if not we as a group should trademark Frame off and Body off restoration and turn the lawsuit around on Bloomington Gold for using these words. I have to say you can tell a survivor from a car that has been repainted or had any work done to them at all. I can understand the lawsuits on clones that are missed represented to be the real thing. I have seen more cars in the last year for sale using Mr. Norms name and Grand Spaulding Dodge name to make the price of the car go up, we all know that the 1971 to 1972 cars are the most popular cars to be cloned but there is a paper trail for these cars that makes it really easy to find out if it’s a real GSS Demon or not. I to love clone cars if they are represented in the right way and not to fool anyone looking to buy a rare car, this brings me back to the word survivor you can always tell if the car has been repainted or any work done to it but as far as clones and fender tags being made we as a group need to watch this and educate anyone new to the car world and our Mopar family on what to look for and were to find the hidden body codes on these cars. I say we band together and show these Bloomington Gold girls that we will not stand for this and we as Mopar members are always Gold.

By: Kevin Wimer

Who Says Smoking is bad For Your Health

This is what the muscle car days were all about, smoking the tires and showing that Mother Mopar ruled the streets and the track. The all new Rumble Bee and SRT-10 is the only thing today that we as Mopar fans can look at and see our past and know that this is just one bad ride that was inspired by days gone by. IM still waiting for my first ride in a Rumble Bee or SRT-10 but would trade that for a ride in a 1969 1/2 Super Bee any day of the week. I think today's car market has lost touch on what we as the buyer want, we want muscle with a little comfort that would be nice on a long drive, but that raw horse power that has been missing since the 70's is what we crave and until they all wake up and smell the tire smoke we just wont be happy, if those few want a four door car let them buy the Magnum or Chrysler 300 and give us the real car buyers a two door muscle Mopar that can live up to its name and the legend it left behind. LONG LIVE MOPAR MUSCLE.

By: Kevin

The all new Dodge Charger in race and street trim

I have to say that its not as bad as what I thought it would be, but its still not the Charger we all wanted and hoped for. I say the word Charger and think of the coke bottle style that made its way onto the scene in 1968 and what led to the 1969 Dodge Daytona that just kicked butt on the high banks of NASCAR. I would like to know if they do a Daytona model how are you going to spice up a four door car and say here it is, take it or leave it. I have been reading a lot on Mopar message boards and there is going to be a lot people leaving it and going to, I hate to say this word but, they are going to the Mustang. This is not a bad looking four door car and will sell well, I just don't think your going to have a lot of young buyers saying man I wish I had that in my drive way and look at that poor sucker down the street driving that new GTO and look at the little girly boy driving that mustang. I could be way off but I would have to say the only hope for this car to hit a home run is with the 6.1 Hemi. The race car looks just ok, IM lost for words on this car other then they should have left the name Charger for a two door model and maybe used the Coronet name plate. The Coronet was always and upscale car that later came with muscle car features, this would be the perfect car for that name and add the Hemi with 425 hp now that's a hit. Hey Chrysler wake up and smell the tires burning we want a two door Charger along with some of the other past Muscle car names brought back in two door form, if they want four doors let them buy the Magnum or Chrysler 300, both really great looking cars and home run hitters on their own.

Story By: Kevin

WHAT A RUSH

IN 1974 the muscle car wars were over and far from a memory, you still had a few of those cars on the street or put away and covered, to only be lost to time. Myles Rusin of Jacksonville, Florida is one guy that I would have to say is lucky, were else can you go to give an estimate for a home improvement job and hear, oh yeah I have an old hotrod Mopar that IM thinking about selling. Myles and the lady went out to her barn to check out the old hot rod Mopar and inside was this 1974 Plymouth Duster, it was painted a yellow color with 80’s style red and blue pastel graphics, its now in primer to work out some of the bugs for this coming show and race season. This lady is like no other Myles says, she is a diehard Mopar fan if there ever was one, could this be the little old lady that the Beach Boys were talking about. Myles tells me that just ten feet away sat a 1969 Roadrunner with an automatic on the column car. This 1969 Roadrunner is all original except for headers, more on that car in the future. The lady used to race this 1974 Plymouth Pro street Duster, Myles tells me he is the third owner of this car and says it is is one bad Mopar. Myles just got plates on the car a few days ago and has not had it to the track yet, but he does say WHAT A RUSH, this car has to be one of the fastest Mopars I have owned over the years, and that is saying a lot for a guy who has owned a little of everything in Mopars from a Max wedge clone to this serious burnout machine that I have nicked named it, What a Rush. Myles was telling me that he just put forty miles on it for a shake down run and did one serious burn out and says its fast really fast. The 1974 Duster has a full cage in it with a 440 bored .030 over with 915 ported polished heads with full crane roller valve train along with some other goodies that I wont talk about, if you want to know just look for Myles at the track or on the road, Myles will be the guy with a big smile on his face and the smoke rolling off the tires, you just might be the guy rolling up to Myles and his sun at a stop light asking them, hey man that thing got a Hemi in. They might just smile back and say no its one of the other motor beast by Mother Mopar and then again you might just have to catch them to see. Hey Myles anyway we can go cruising this weekend, some guy in a Yenko Nova thinks he can beat any Mopar how about we show him who is King and let the Rush begin.

Story By: Kevin

Pictures By: Myles Rusin

One Bad Cuda

The words Cuda can send chills up anyone’s spine and just saying that in front of a Ford or Chevy just makes their owners cry and the cars want to run away and hide. This 1973 Cuda is owned by Pamela, no not Anderson but Pamela Ayers, this 1973 Cuda has a lot of history with her and her family. Pamela tells me that there has only been two owners of this bad to the bone Cuda. In 1973 Pamela’s Dad saw the car and just had to have it, and who could blame a man or women for that. This Cuda left the factory with B5 blue paint and a 318 motor, you might say just a 318 but I don’t look at it that way, go look at the horse power ratings of that year and then tell me the 318 couldn’t hold its own with the Mustang, Camaro or Firebird of that year. The 318 has always been one tough motor, I would say anything Mother Mopar has put between the fenders has been tough and ready to rumble with the car next to them at the stop light. I have seen more then one big block car fall prey to a 318 Cuda without even as much as a thank you for the meal. The Cuda’s diet mainly comes from the brand X cars, ask one of the Ford or Chevy guys if they have not gotten bit by a Cuda once or twice, if they say no, just look them in the eye and say your lying. I think the team at Chrysler then and as they do today has a saying we all love to hear and that saying is, we came here to win and go home with nothing less then victory. Pamela tells me that her Dad replaced the 318 a few years later after the motor gave out, he was wanting some more power and found it in a 440, this motor only had 3,000 miles on it when it came out of a 1972 New Yorker. When this 1973 Cuda received the 440 it took on a whole new attitude, what was mean just became nasty. Pamelas Dad is a mechanic and works on this car to this day, this car has been in the family since 1973 and she has owned it now for twenty years. The car was needing a little work on it for some show and go so Pamela had the car restored, the Cuda headed off to a shop for its eight month restoration process to start, she just got the car back on 11-15-04, don’t we all wish it only took eight months on our cars. Pamela and her Dad changed the four-barrel Holley carb to a four barrel Edlebrock and added fifteen-inch wheels in the back of the car and added Flowmsters for a great sounding ride. Pamela decide to change the color of the Cuda from B5 blue to a newer color from Dodge neon line up, its now Emerald Green with black seats and a black 440 stripe down the side. I asked her what is some of the best times with the Cuda since the restoration and she said just cruising in Detroit on Woodward and then cruising on A1A in South Florida, which is now Delray Beach. I wish I lived in Florida it looks like its good fishing down there and if your lucky or unlucky the Cuda just might bite you, I think JAWS should be glad this is one fish that stays on land and not in the water.

Story By: Kevin
Pictures By: Pamela Ayers

The Orange Export

Chris Germain of West Orange, NJ tells me he’s been a Mopar fan all his life, and in March 2002 the yearning to get back into the Mopar hobby had hit him and there was only one car that would do, that car had to be a 1970 Dodge Charger. Chris set out to search for his dream car and was looking at a magazine called Deals on Wheels for that special 1970 Charger, there was an ad in it for a 1970 Charger R/T with a 440 magnum, 727 and a 3:23 sure grip power train all matching numbers car, don’t you just wish it was March of 2002 again and you were reading that ad or if you did read it, I bet you wish now you would have called about it. This Charger is one of 967 R/T’s made with the Y07 export code that year and to make it even better its covered in Burnt orange paint with Burnt orange bucket seats, there was only one problem that Chris had with the car it was in Canada and Chris is in New Jersey. Chris made a few phone calls to the owner then to his Mothers family that lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba to ask if some of his family could go and check the Charger out for him, in just five days Chris found the car of his dreams and it was on its way to him from Canada. The car still has its original sheet metal, which is amazing he says for being a car from Canada. The Charger was originally sold in Red Deer, AB Canada and now it resides in West Orange, New Jersey were Chris is not only enjoying the car but also has started a 1970 Dodge Charger registry, you can look him up at www.1970chargerregistry.com to check out some of the cool cars that Chris has found along the way and to get more information on the 1970 Chargers. I asked Chris if he knew how many people have owned the Charger and as of now it’s five. Chris has been able to track it the way back to the second owner, but the original owner still alludes him, that in itself is impressive to be able track it to the second owner. IM sure Chris has a lot of stories on the Charger from all the owners. Chris is also a member of the Richmond County Mopar club located in Staten Island New York. I asked Chris what was a few of his favorite times with the Charger and he tells me, it has to be the day I got it, I'll never forget that feeling of seeing it come off the car carrier for the first time Chris tells me. Chris says also one of the other great moment with the Charger would be taking first place at the 2004 Chryslers At Carlisle in the 1970 Dodge B-Body class, this is one export Charger that is kicking some but on the show field and maybe on the street or track to. I asked Chris if he has had chance to take it to the track yet, he says no not yet but it will hold its own. I wonder if Chris knows that from being on the streets with the Charger or from what he has been told from past owners, I guess we will never know. If your in West Orange New Jersey and you see a burnt orange 1970 Charger R/T blow by you, don’t worry its just Chris out for a Sunday drive.

By: Kevin
Pictures by: Chris Germain.

The All-New Dodge Charger!

The year is 1966 and the race wars are heating up on the NASCAR tracks, Dodge was winning with their cars left and right and how could they not with a race prepped Hemi up front. They thought the new 1966 Charger would give them more of an advantage with its fast back roof line, the car proved to be to good with roof line and the nose proved to be like hitting a brick wall. In 1967 they had the same problem the car was good with the air over the roof line but the nose caused drag so the went back to the drawing board and came up with the 1968 Charger that was not only sleek but had styling to it that just made you think the car was going fast sitting steal. The 1968 and 1969 charger had problems with the nose of the car once again causing it to feel like a wall in front of the car at high speeds, this is were the 1969 Charger 500 came into play. The grill on the 1969 Charger 500 was flush with the front fenders and proved to help somewhat and gain in speed just a little. Dodge decide that the Charger need some help and with a wing and a prayer the 1969 Charger Daytona was formed, this is a car that looked like it was ready for take off with its high wing out back and its long nose. The 1969 Charger Daytona set a lot of speed records and winning a lot of races. In 1999 we started to hear that Dodge was bringing back the Charger, we even saw a concept car oh how I loved that car and couldn't wait to put one in the garage. The Charger was never mentioned again until now, the fine people at Dodge thought that this is the time for the Charger to be reborn. The GTO name is back but the spirit is not there, if you look at the all-new Mustang I think we all would have to say it’s a home run hit with its styling. I have seen spy shots of the new Charger on car carriers and the photos at a track testing, and then there is the drawing of the car along side of the NASCAR version. We all love the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum but I have to ask what were they thinking when they came up with the all new Dodge Charger design, a four door with the Charger name on it, give me a break. The legend of the Charger is being destroyed by what Dodge is doing, if they want a sporty family car with four doors on it go ahead and do that but don't use the name Charger. I think the bean counters at Chrysler just killed the Charger, sure it will sell well because it’s going to have a 6.1 Hemi as an option with 425 hp on hand but this is not what the people asked for. I would like to know when is Chrysler going to wake up and move out of this state of mind and see how the GTO flopped. The Charger is one of the most recognized muscle cars in America and the funny thing is the GTO is also along side of it as one of the most recognized cars in Americas History, but the Mustang as much as I hate to say it lives on. The new Charger will also get a Daytona model I have heard it will have two doors, but then again if they wont give the base Charger two doors how can you believe that this will happen. I still have respect in the Dodge line up, but if they put out a four door Charger and not stick to the legend of the car you can bet I wont buy it. The wait and the legend are over, it took two extra doors to do it.

Story By: Kevin

Rumble Bee

IN 1969 Dodge decide to do a car that would rock not only the street but at the track and cost less then the Hemi while doing it, but have the same attitude as the Hemi. The mid year car had a 440 with three two barrel carbs on it called the Six Pack and a lift off hood, the engine was rated at 390 hp, but I would say very underrated. The 1969 ½ Super Bee proved to be one hot car not only on the street but the track as well. If you look at the new 5.7L Hemi Ram Rumble Bee you can see the signs of the 1969 ½ Super Bee, look at the hood, that scoop is not inspired by some import car, no its all Mopar muscle car and that tail stripe were do you think that came from, not your local import decal shop. This is one hot truck not just in looks but in power, it has the 345 cubic inch Hemi with 345hp motor and 345 foot pounds of torque. The Rumble Bee now comes in four-wheel drive form and it also has an extend cab now as an option. If the wife says no there is not enough room for the kids and what about if it snows, well if the looks don’t win her over the room for the kids and the four wheel drive should do the trick, if not buy it anyways and live in the roomy extend cab part for a few months and use the garden hose for the shower its well worth it. This is one Bee that will sting anything on the street or the track, don’t take my word on it go ask the local Ford and Chevy dealers, sure they will say something bad about Dodge, but just remember who they work for and then look at what they drive and that board look on their face, how board does a man have to be. This truck runs over the tough Ford rock and it made the Chevy’s heart beat stop. If you want to run with the pack drive a Ford or Chevy, if you want to be the leader of the pack drive a Dodge. The all-new Rumble is one of the best muscle truck's out and now its time to put a Dodge in your garage.

By: Kevin

Magnum R/T

When you think of station wagons you don’t think of a cool car or even a fast car. The first thing that comes to mind is a car that is boring that you use to go get the kids in and get groceries, not a hot looking car with a 5.7L Hemi and 340hp on tap. The Magnum name has been around for years and is more recognized as a performance name for a motor in one of the Dodge muscle car line up, although Dodge did have a car in the late 70’s called the Magnum R/T it just didn’t have the flair this one has. The car was not bad for the time but not a performance car at all. The all-new Magnum R/T is a car that not only has that attitude you want but you could pick the kids up and go to the grocery store in and still could smoke the Ford or Chevy guy next you at the stoplight leaving them thinking what just happened. I think the Magnum R/T is one of the best cars that Dodge has put out for the family car market; I wouldn’t even look at a mini van with the Magnum R/T on the lot. The Magnum R/T would be my first choice in a fun family car and every day driver, just think how many people in the car pool at work would want you to drive every day, its worth getting up early and going to work. This car is made for the Hot Rodder in all of us and would look good with a surfboard on top when cruising down to the local beach. This is one car that as soon as I saw it on the Dodge dealer ship lot I had to have one, there is just something about the car that has a bad attitude and a rebel look to it. This car is one of the best looking cars on the road right now, but any Mopar looks good on the street and in your garage. This car will gain some more attitude very soon with new Charger being released with the 6.1L Hemi and 425hp the Magnum R/T is sure to get the same motor and a hunger for anything Ford and Chevy along with a taste for imported food. The next time you pull up to a Dodge wagon be warned its not your mothers old car, it’s the all new Dodge Magnum R/T.

By: Kevin

SRT-4

The all-new Dodge SRT-4 only reminds me of one car, the car that helped keep American muscle cars and the legend alive for one more year, with the help brought to you by Grand Spaulding Dodge. Mr. Norm and his band of speed demon brothers came up with the idea for 1972 to use a Paxton supercharger on the 1972 340 Dodge Demon GSS, Gary Dyer helped put this package together to produce one of the most looked for cars in the muscle car hobby today, if you have to ask what is a Dodge Demon GSS your reading the wrong thing and no I don’t know were you can find Home and Gardens. The 1972 Dodge Demon has to be one of the baddest Mopar’s ever built, I would even bet on it against a Hemi car in a stop light duel. The new Neon SRT-4 is kind of along the same idea as what Grand Spaulding Dodge was doing, just this time its from the factory, no add on needed unless you want to go a little faster and less face it who doesn’t. The SRT-4 has a 2.4-liter motor that’s rated at 230hp and 250 foot pounds of torque and a 0-60 second time of 5.8. This is very under rated horsepower for the SRT-4 its a lot closer to 300hp. I was watching a TV show on Speed Channel were they tuned a new SRT-4 with at the wheel horse power before they started was closer to 300hp, after they changed the turbo charger on it to a bigger one they checked it once more, this time for a 375hp at the wheel. I don’t know about you but, the new Mustang needs to watch out for this four-door rocket. If you want to be a Cowboy and ride an old horse you may not be Dodge material, but if you want to be a speed demon come on by the Dodge dealer ship nearest you, we’ll even leave the light on for you.

By: Kevin

SRT-10

I look at the new SRT-10 and think what car back in the sixties and early seventies came close to it, the only car I could come up with is the 1968 Hemi Dart. Think about it the SRT-10 is a Viper with a Dodge Ram Truck body on it, the 1968 Hemi Dart was just a plain old Dodge Dart but with one big thing up front the 425 horsepower 426 Hemi and a 833 four speed. The SRT-10 comes in truck form with a 500 horsepower 8.3L V10 Viper motor and a six speed manual transmission. The only thing I can see that is diffent from 1968 to today is that the Hemi Dart was not for street use and the SRT-10 is for the street or track. I do know that the Ford Lighting is in the same class or so they say with the SRT-10 but I have always been told that you have to have thunder before lighting, I think the SRT-10 has showed both and from the guys at Ford crying I think it has brought rain with it. The SRT-10 set a record speed of any production vehicle, now in 1968 the Hemi Dart was only for track use but IM sure that a few did find there way on to the street, they also set a few drag racing records them self. I think if you go for the baddest Mopar built yet the SRT-10 is the one, now how about you. If you think IM wrong tell me about it and why, but for now I will go on thinking the SRT-10 is the baddest Mopar ever built.

By: Kevin - wkmoparguy

Two members in my office taking a picture of me so I took a picture of them taking a picture of me Mr Norm

Hard longs hours he put into his mopar paid off with a front cover shot.
nice going congraulations, Mr Norm

My 72 GSS Demon, Rick Klawletter

Jeff Klawletter announcing his little angel 1st birthday,
What a precious darling happy birthday.

If you want to announce a birthday or what ever send a picture and a note to mrnorm1013@aol.com

Another completed Performance collectors room , with memoribilia and many collector items collected over the years by the man Glenn. Special mention of his golf cart copy of a 2dr sdn dodge 330 powered with a hemi engine. Even I would like that for the shows
Looks great Glenn thanks for the pictures - Norm

Dave Synder and his lovely wife	Arnie

I was asked to come and visit his barn and look at a few cars he and his friends brought in which I took a few pictures of his barn . If I had a barn I want it the same way filled with mopar's not that I didn't appreciate all the fords and GM cars they looked great especially that 59 red chevy. It was sharp ,it brought back a lot of memories , that's all I sold back in the 50s when I first started selling muscle cars . It was a great show and I looked at a wall of GSD memorabilia and models as well as all the Dave Synder paintings (what great work he does, It was exciting to look at his work all in one place). You know who that guy is standing there in his most attention getting shirt, well what good is a barn with out a farmer, yep that's Arnie the Farmer Beswick there spreading his good cheer. Arnie was involved in a accident and we are happy to see him recovered, he looks and sounds the same so he is OK. Norm

I wanted to drop you a short note on how proud I am to win your award this past July at Belvedere. I also wanted you to know that Mike (runner up) with his gorgeous candy apple red 70 Charger and I are still great friends and still attend shows together. You will probably see us again next year! I'm also working on a few more Mr Norm members to enter their cars in your show next year. I proudly display my Mr. Norm's Trophy Plaque at other car shows and point out your signature on my car. Anyone who remembers the "High Performance King" is just overwhelmed by seeing them both and are happy to hear on how well you are doing and the particpation that you still do in our sport/hobby. I stopped by Gary Dyer the other day and picked up one of his T shirts that displays your famous red 69/70 Charger Funny Car that was one of your many successes. That car brings back alot of great memories at the drag strip and is still my all time favorite "Funny Car". Thanks again for still creating those memories for everyone and still being part of our lives.

Sincerly, John Bodoki , Chicago

just adorable

Darn. . Howdy Mr Norm. . .what a weekend. !

Sorry I got your e-mail too late, I was already screaming out the building by the time you wrote / sent it.

The weekend for me was a blow-out. The weather looked good, and I was excited about being amongst MoPar cars and MoPar friends for two days. . . but it wasn't to be.

You guys are sure lucky over there in the USA. . . over here all the private garages we have ,were designed and built for small/medium sized British cars. . . my Dodge is stored in a private garage nearly 3 miles away. . as it was one of very few garages that would take the Coronet. Bright and early Sat. morning I went to pick her up. . . but she wasn't going anywhere. .. ! My brakes had GONE. .! well at least from the pedal that is. On closer inspection, it seems my Wilwood composite 1" bore racing brake master cylinder has been leaking brake fluid all down the firewall, and inside the car at the footwell. . . AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT A MESS THAT STUFF DOES TO YA PAINT.

God only knows how long I've had this problem. . .I only check/use the car maybe once a month. . .so it was my fault that I didn't keep an eye on her more often, or more regular servicing. We all know what they say , USE IT OR LOSE IT. . and I don't use it enough.

No worries. . got a new brake M/C on order from Wilwood , could have bought a repair kit (piston&seals) but what the heck.

Sorry I couldn't bring you all some happier news. . I 'm still looking positive cos the next show is in Sept. 17-18 at Shakespeare County Raceway for the NSRA HOT ROD DRAGS (R.W.Y.B. Show & Shine, Gasser Circus, Flathead Meltdown, Jet Car Flame and Thunder etc)

PRAY FOR ME. . . and for BLOODY GOOD WEATHER.
Conrad Duncan

Mr. Norm,
Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed your Show at Rockford IL. The weather was hot, but was also dry,LOL. The folks from the Chicagoland Mopar Club were Great. I have your award hanging on the wall and thanks again for signing my car( I'm off the hook with my girlfriend). It's really great to have a legend of our hobbie come out and take part in our interest. I wish you all the best in the years to come and God Bless.
Richard Ingles

Norms racing with Julia , she has brought out her brand new mr Norms hot wheels racer to get ready for the competition, first run out she set a new jr. track record as clocked by Al G.

Norms racing with Erick brought out his new hot wheels to test, it later became the battle of the sexes , results at a later date p.s. a brother and sister twin players so we had two winners for the twin class. ( clashes in the family).
In the back ground in dark shirt is Ron Laporte the track starter and in the background in white tshirt is Al G the track supervisor

Mr Norms signs a members dash ;for members only'

the runner up for e body,never worked on except for a spot on the right rear quarter

Ebody winner the triple crown winner

Belvedere Show

E body winner from the Carlilse show special event as well as a Mr Norm winner at Carlile and the next week at Belvedere making him our first triple crown winner	HPAC show getting a morning wash job,but that after noon the weather corrected itself	ebody runner up at the hpac show in Kansas
B CLASS WINNER AT THE BEBVEDERE SHOW,a car that was show ready even though it was driven there and back.It was truly a car to remember	Norm taking a pic with the hot wheels champ,with out a red light ,Next year there are already guys and kids who want a race, but he is going to be a tough one to beat	some early birds practicing and getting there tires track ready ,they were all tough competitors
runner up was this candy apple red beaut belonging to Mike Kuharchuk who received a jacket from Dennis Hirshbeck who could not leave without rewarding somethin forr his charger, it was that close but there can only be One numero Uno	Norm posing with Mike (runner up and John Bodoki B class winner).Thanks guys your Cars looked great.	That is the funny car winner Richard Ingles with his 65 coronet funny which is the model that started the funny car era.This car was purchased in 1968 and raced till 1986 and has 761 miles on it. Dick you really can make a car show worthy .
saved for this great looking Dodge roadster sedan touring car ,in which he took yours truly for a spin around the HPAC show of Kansas,	the show and the spin were great and all you Kansas people can thank Donna Buchanan for all her efforts in help putting HPAC Kansas over. Thank you Donna for all your hospitalities as well as thanking all you wonderful people of Kansas

The Mopar Muscle Associatio Uk has been going for about 10 years or so and is the only club in the UK dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the great cars built by Mother Mopar, currently we have around 500 members, the majority with Mopars, some who just just like the cars and haven't yet bought one. We have many local area chapters around the country. We attend many shows around the country throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Mopar Nationals held at santa Pod raceway in Northamptonshire at the end of July, it is the biggest single gathering of Mopars outside the States. If you would like more info on the Club you can view our website at www.moparuk.com and our forum at www.mopartalk.co.uk.
Thanks again for the info.

Dean Inskip

Dear Mr Norm,
I couldn't help it but I had to photograph the ad and handle over to you. :)
In the latest Mopar Collectors Guide, in an ad about an event on page 137 I found this misspelling.
I remember your last name was wrong spelled a year ago to ”Klaus” in a different magazine (you're not Santa, right?). This magazine spelled your last name correct but ”Didge”...? ;-)
I had to send it to you, it was too fun to miss out.

/Nina

NORM, As you know, I work part time for a small town Police Dept. We just added a new car to our fleet. This is our pursuit vehicle. SPEEDERS BEWARE .. I thought this picture may be of interest for your members section of your website ...This is my 1968 Dart 340, with a brand new six-pack set up. Runs GREAT !! Hope to see you this summer . .

Sincerely, Jeff and Marti Klawitter

Norm,
Your a nut, you know that? Hey man, we love you though!!!! I just got me envelope with the membership card and your paperwork signed : Tony Tony, My #1 headache, Mr Norm 05......that was funny and I know it was true.....I hope you know that we all love you buddy, all kidding aside, we really do.....your a nice man and a true gentleman...Ive really enjoyed talking with you and love your sense of humor......Thanks for dealing with my lousy mood the other day, it really wasnt cool of me but I was frustrated.......Thanks again for everything and I will see you at Carlisle and Belvedere....your #1 headache and biggest fan, Tony Capcino

HPAC Show - Due to weather we had a lower than normal attendance, but when you get down to it, we had a pretty good turnout considering. We had a great turn out to the picinc. It was OK for Sonic. Again, weather played into that. It is a risk you take when you have a spring show.

While I was in your booth this weekend I wish I would have recorded the number of times I heard someone say to you... I have waited X number of years to meet you. Or the number of times someone had a story to tell you. Or that it was nice to meet you. Or I am so glad that HPAC brought you here. Honestly I cannot remember all the variations of the things that everyone said to you.

Donna - HPAC Show

Mr Norm & Donna

Another member who helped us out at the HPAC mopar club

Hi Norm, I hope you had a safe trip back to the windy city! I want to thank you for everything and all your kindness! Fran and Andy are very nice ladys and Cy is just a great guy. and you? well you already know your cool ! (laughter)
thanks again Norm I had a great time1 Gary

Here is a model I made for Father's Day. My dad has a yellow Dart and a red Ram. I made it look like it was on a road with prarie grass in the background. I took about 40 hours to complete but I think it turned out very well. I already gave it to him, kind of early, but he likes it alot.
Jeffrey W.

Getting ready for the special event at Belvedere Ill. the 2nd week of July 05.
65 A990. This car is an original, NOT a clone. I'll be coming from Grand Rapids, MI.

THERE’S A NEW BABY IN THE KLAWITTER HOUSE!

WHO: MADISON LEIGH BIRTH DATE: 5/10/05 TIME: 7:57 PM WEIGHT: 5 LB 10 OZ LENGTH: 17 ½ INCHES LONG PARENTS: MEAGAN AND JEFF

Here's our first newly born club member, out of the gate with a strong burn out. Did a wheelie and making it down the track of life. The green lite is on and may she always enjoy the life of a winner
Mr Norm

My Day Behind the Wheel of a Mr. Norm Pro Stock

It was Labor Day weekend and I was about to turn seven. It meant one thing only and that was drag racing at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Entry numbers were massive as major sponsorship was still a few years away. After heading into the pits to grab handouts and some autographs with my dad and brother we ran into the Mr. Norm pit area. After receiving autographs we were asked by Mr. Norm if we wanted to get behind the wheel. This was every kids dream! Gary Dyer was even nice enough to strap his helmet on us. To my surprise last year I stumbled upon the booth for Mr. Norm at the Carlisle Mopar show in 2004. I had brought a bunch of old photos for the York drag racing reunion which was also going on that weekend. I always carry a copy of me behind the wheel of the outlawed Colt Pro stock to drag events so I can joke and say I was the back-up driver. I pulled out the copy and had him sign the photo almost 30 years from when it was taken. Mr. Norm was as cool as the day I got to sit in his car. I have a 69' 4-speed Road Runner now but am looking to buy my first Superbee or Charger soon. Maybe luck will have it and I will find a Grand Spaulding Dodge. Thanks again Mr. Norm,
Gary Newgord, Austin, TX

Hi Norm,

Every year on Labor Day in my home town of Hawarden, Iowa my wife and I organize a Soap Box Derby for the local kids. The cars are home built and the Kids have alot of fun! We give out trophys and medals and its a great event for the kids and there parents. They just love it! This year my daughter Adriana was the top eliminator! shes been racing for about five years and she finnally got a first place trophy! She, and I, are very proud and now she says she wants a Mr Norms GTS Dart like her dad has when shes old enough to drive! I thought you would find interest in this Mr Norm as you are the pioneer of "The Kids are King". I have attached a picture of Adriana taking the leed in her American Flag car!

Thanks Mr Norm and take care, Gary

Some Show Fun

Scott at Roger Gibson's shop

Mopar World Shaken

It is with heavy heart we tell you we have lost one of our hobby’s favorite sons.

The morning of April 14, 2005 Scott Martin of Maryland passed away of natural causes.

Scott was not only an original founding member of the Sport Club - he was a treasured friend.

Scott has owned many excellent examples of Mopars over the years and has found and examined 100’s of them for fellow hobbyists.

Many of Scott’s contacts and customers turned into his friends because of his honest, good-natured approach to business. Absolutely no one has ever made us laugh as hard as he has with his sharp, quick wit.

If a friend ever needed help Scott was immediately there for them, offering to help any way he could. One year, on a Sunday after Carlisle, Scott came across an overturned car trailer in the ditch. He stopped to offer his help. What he found was a fellow Mopar hobbyist and his brother practically crying beside the trailer. They had just spent three years restoring the Dart in the trailer and brought it to Carlisle to proudly display it to the world. Well those dreams evaporated with the twisted remains of metal that were once their new trailer and years of hard work on the Dart. Scott went ahead to get help and returned with two tow trucks and a rollback following him. The brothers told him that they did not have any money to pay. Scott felt so bad for them he paid for the whole operation. He never asked for a penny of it back.

We will all dearly miss the “Big Guy”. The hobby will feel a little emptier with him gone.

Scott was 46 years young.

Jim Bodanis

Brian Engel has informed us that Gary Coviello has recently passed away.

Our condolences to Gary Coviello's wife Laura Coviello and daughter on his passing.

Gary was a true Mopar guy and had one of my original 1967 Dodge Coronet 2dr post cars.
When Gary was in the Navy in the late 60's , instead of going out on the town in Chicago when he got leave
(from Great Lakes Naval Station), he would jump into a cab and go down to the dealership just to look at
the famous Mr. Norm's cars.

Gary Coviello will be missed by the whole mopar community.

Mr Norm

In loving memory of my husband Gary Coviello, fondly known as "Big G" to his Mopar friends…..

For as long as I had known Gary which was 27 years, he was always involved in cars from everything from painting to mechanical to rebuilding. His car of choice of course was a Mopar! Gary was so talented. Over the years he meticulously built quite a few one of a kind cars such as the 1965 Dodge Coronet Wagon that had a blower and wheelie bars. There was nothing on the street that could compare or compete. It was featured in the September 1999 High Performance Mopar magazine. His last project was his 1967 Dodge Coronet Grand Spaulding car. The car originally came from Mr. Norm's dealership. It was originally driven on the street before being converted into a race car by the previous owner. Once Gary got his hands on it, it was somewhat restored to it's original self minus a few enhancements but nonetheless able to be driven on the street again. Gary had recently started his powder coating business "Color Me Crazy" which showcased his talents. People who didn't know him were suddenly calling for advice as he was so knowledgeable in so many areas.

His friends have told me that there have been times in these past 6 weeks since Gary died that they have gone to pick up the phone to call Gary about something or just to chat about cars and then realize that he's really gone. Gary was a good friend to everyone he met and for that he is sadly missed by all who knew him, especially me.

YOUNG COUPLE THAT ARE NEWLY ENGAGE AND PLANNING TO MARRY THIS FALL.
picture was taken at the mopar nationals 04
good luck guys and many years of marriage bliss
I think this is our first club member newly wed.

Update: leaving on their honey moon, doing a burn out.
good luck and many years of performance for both of you

Hi Mr. Norm my name is J.P. Baer and I would like to tell you and the members about my car.

I had just finished my second tour of duty in Vietnam when I got out in late December 1969, I couldn’t wait to get home and find a new car. I was looking at the Dodge Charger R/T or a Challenger R/T. I wanted to stop off in Chicago to check on an Army buddy of mine before heading home to West Virginia. My friend Bob lived in Chicago, when I got there we went out and had a great time. I was telling Bob about the cars I wanted to look at and that I wanted to do some drag racing when I got home, Bob was also a fellow car nut in the Army with me. Bob told me about Grand Spaulding Dodge, I told him I had seen the adds in some of the car magazines I was getting from home. Bob told me he would take me down to the dealer ship and take a look at what they had, Bob said that nothing would touch a Grand Spaulding Dodge on or off the track. I had my service pay just burning a hole in my pocket. I can remember seeing all the cars on the lot as we drove up and one there was one car standing out to me more then any other on the lot; it was a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 six-pack car and it came with a rally hood and not a shaker hood. I wanted a Hemi but couldn’t afford the price tag; this challenger R/T was bright yellow and white buckets with a black strip on the tail of the car. I told my friend Bob I didn’t need to look at any other car I found the one I wanted. I took a look in side the Challenger and saw the pistol grip shifter with no console and the white buckets I was in love, the car had no power nothing it was meant to run not walk. My friend wanted me to look at a Charger R/T I told him I couldn’t leave this car and I was going home with it. The sales man walked up to us and asked if I would like to take it for a test drive, I said yes and to write the paper work up because it was going home with me. The sales man was caught off guard I think at first, we went inside and got the paper started and I was asked if I would like to have it dynode tuned and I said yes. I was told it would take them a day or two to get it done and I said that was fine I wasn’t heading home till the end of the week. The next day I went to pick up my car and was met by Mr. Norm and the sales man, I thought oh no something is wrong with my car. Mr. Norm and the sales man took me to the service department to look at the car being finished up with the last of the work and talked to me for awhile, I will never forget how they made me feel like an old friend. I was handed the keys an hour later and off I went, that car had some mind blowing power that would suck your under shorts right off you if you let it. I came home to the hills of West Virginia and did some racing with the car on and off the streets. I remember a guy with a 70 SS Chevelle with a 454 four speed that was giving everyone trouble, he took one look at my car and said that banana wont run and he would peel it for me. I told him this car would eat that Chevelle alive. The guy said he would race me for two hundred bucks, I pulled out the money and went home that night with the money, smile on my face and a shocked look on the driver of the Chevelle face. I went to town the next day and was told that all the hot cars in town tried to take him down and couldn’t the only one that came close was a 1968 Hemi GTX and the only thing that stopped him from beating him was a blown trans. I still have some good memories of the 1970 Challenger R/T, I wish I would have never sold it but with a family on the way and a new house payment the car had to go. I heard the Challenger is still around but I have been unable to track the car down as of yet. If anyone knows of a 70 Challenger R/T yellow, black tail stripe and white buckets let me know. Thanks Mr. Norm and Grand Spaulding Dodge for a great car and all the fun times.

J.P. Baer

A birthday present from Steve for Jamie, the club also wishes you a happy 29th birthday and all the good wishes and good health for you. Steve you had to outdue me I sent her a 71 charger model and you did out do me. Many more birthdays for you Janie .

Lost And Found

How many times have we all heard the story, did you hear about that car over there in that guys barn, or how about the one just sitting in that guys drive way and we never go and look at it. I think we all have, IM one of those guy’s who has done that and lost a few really nice cars due to it, but not this time. I was looking at a 1968 Charger when the guy’s nephew came in and said why don’t you buy my 1970 Coronet R/T, the guy looked at his nephew and told him to let me look at the Charger, I think the guy was just a little mad. I started asking the nephew about the car and the older guy was getting a little upset about it so I went back to looking at the Charger, but I didn’t forget about the 1970 Coronet R/T it stayed in the back of my mind for a few months till I got up one day and went to look at it. There it sat with gray primer on it with a painted on stripe that said R/T in the middle of it. I started checking the vin codes and saw it was a black car with a black top and white bucket seats, now at the time I didn’t know how rare this car was I just liked the fact that it was a black car with white buckets. I had bought the 1968 Charger and went back and got the 1970 Coronet R/T along with two 1970 Challengers, one an R/T the other an SE with a 318 motor and slap stick shifter. I wanted to restore them all but like many of us I couldn’t do that, I started looking at what one’s I wanted to sell. I looked at selling the 1970 Coronet R/T first only because I have always wanted a 1970 Challenger R/T and that’s when I found out how rare the Coronet is, they only made 2000 and some of these cars but, they only made two black 1970 R/T’s and both are one of one cars. I couldn’t believe how rare it is and it was just sitting there. I know it sounds just like another story on a Hemi car found in a barn lost to time, but this time it really happened and it happened to me. I contacted Galen Govier about the car and he confirmed what I thought was true about the Coronet, two 1970 Coronet R/T’s were made that year one is an all black car that was in the movie Lock Up and mine with white buckets, 727 auto, 440 magnum with air. I sold the other cars and have now started on a ground up restoration on the Coronet R/T, I can’t wait to see it done and back on the road eating rustangs and beating up the guy with the bow tie. Hey Mr.Norm when its done I will even give you the keys to it for a weekend, just put gas in the car when your done.

Story by: Kevin Wimer

Hello Mr. Norm,

We know you meet so many people at shows and we are glad to have been one of the many. It was truly a pleasure meeting and talking to you and your wife at Carlisle. This was our first year and it was an experience we won't soon forget.

My fiance' Don Friedrich picured with you (thank you for the picture) had told me much about you before we ever met you. We have since gone on your site and have enjoyed reading of your legacy. Quite an accomplished life we might add. Much for you to be proud of.

Attached is the picture of Don's 1970 Challenger RT/SE he has owned since 1974. He raced it at Connecticut Dragway and when they closed the track in 1978 Don locked the car in the garage and lost interest in it as racing was his passion. He had opportunities to sell it but somehow knew he would someday find pleasure in the car again. He began the restoration in 1999 finishing in May of 2002. He did the complete restoration.

We drive it often and have put 9,000 miles on it in three years going to as many events as we can.

Hopefully we'll get the opportunity to speak with you again at yet another Mopar meet.

Sincerely,

Don Friedrich & Alethea

The Demon Made Me Do It

Mike and Victoria Sylvester are the lucky owners of this 1972 Demon GSS, just think back to 1972 and your on the Grand Spaulding Dodge lot and your looking for a car that is not only hot looking but fast and under the insurance radar, just then up walks the man him self Mr.Norm and shows you the young buyer what he or she can get for the money with no hassle just pure power, were is that today when you need it. The Sylvester’s car is not just another Demon and its not just a Mr.Norm GSS Demon its one of two known 1972 Demon GSS that is unrestored and all original with 56,000 miles on it. I know if I had the chance to go back in time and order one from Grand Spaulding Dodge this would be the car and I would go hunting for anything that didn’t belong in the Mopar family. The Sylvester’s are one of the nicest people in the Mopar world and isn’t it funny they own one of the nicest unrestored 1972 Demon GSS in the world. This Demon has been featured in Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace, A collector’s Guide To Muscle Cars and a book by Krause Publications called Chrysler Muscle Detroit’s Mightiest Machines, now that’s not bad for a car found next to a barn. This car sat outside for eleven years before it was found by Mike and Victoria, can you just see it now just sitting outside in the mud, yeah IM drooling to eat your heart out people. This car is untouched and all original except for a tune up for the Colorado’s altitude that’s right the engine bay is untouched. The Sylvester’s want to restore it some day and use all the NOS parts they have collected over the years and then put it on the show circuit for awhile and then its back to the streets were the Demon belongs. I wish it was 1972 all over again how about you. Hey Mike can Mr.Norm and I barrow the keys we need to make a run down to the local drag strip or I mean the local store and will be back in a few hours, hey we will even put gas in the car for you too. Yeah didn’t think so but one can dream, don’t anyone wake me up.

Story by: Kevin Wimer

After attending the Mopar Happening Event July 19, 2004 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Rockford Illinois my boys boast of seeing the hemis, the winged cars, the afx cars. But the first thing they tell everyone is, WE MET MR. NORM !!! Thank you Andy Luck

Dear Sirs:

Attached is a photograph of my 1967 Plymouth GTX convertible. It is currently for sale and I would appreciate if you would post it on your website. Please contact me if you need additional information

Bob Romanik
Insurance Risk Managers, Inc.
Phone: (561) 487-7557, ext. 309
Fax: (561) 487-7759
E-Mail: bromanik@irminc.biz

Hello,

I am restoring my '70 RoadRunner, I have been unable to find anyone in my area, Dallas/Ft. Worth & up to Oklahoma City, that have the rear defogger set-up.

I have contacted restoration shops and none have been able to assist me with photos or specific switch location. (location has been given as bottom of dash to the center and also next to heater controls / switch has been described as toggle type, rocker style and the same switch used for the convertible top with knob turned around) As you can guess this has been quite frustrating for me.

I was viewing the Member's Cars this morning and saw Scott Martin's '70 RoadRunner and he lists rear defogger in his car -- Is there anyway to contact him or can you forward this e-mail to him for me? I am looking for photos to show the switch location/switch type with part # for the rear defogger. I also see he has the rear speaker listed - I had forgot that I have that also, photos of switch location would be greatly appreciated for this. Possibly a measured reference point because, I believe the rear speaker switch is installed under the dash to the right of the steering column.

Jim Folsom jim_folsom@farmersinsurance.com

Hi,

I have a 20K mile hemi orange challenger that was a september car. It is hemi orange and is a 4 speed. I plan to have the original owners there at this saturdays show that were the care takers of this beast. It is flawless, and I have the original white letter tires I'll bring along to the show this saturday.

I have all the Mr Norms paper work on this car, but what does amaze me is that it was at the dealer for a yr before going to its first owner (whom will be at the show). I guess it must have sat in the back and people back then did not like hemi orange with a white roof, or maybe everyone wanted and automatic. He was 19 in 1970. He will be there, he used to cruise the streets with this car and an LS6.

All original car, sat up on blocks since 73-76 and came out in 2003.

The Mr Norms paper work helped me track down the first owner, whom was the king drag race at skipps with this car. It was called the 'freak'. The guy with the LS6 named it that way. I am trying to get him to come too.

Hope you enjoy the stories and what you see on saturday

Bob Ward
hemi orange 440 4sp 'white hat special'
mint paint, mint sticker on trunk
never made it out out of the city (grand ave) until 2003.
st charles IL

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Mr Norm and Dan at the 1st Annual Sportclub event, with his 67 Dodge Polara. Just another creame puff owned by a proud member. Car looks great Dan and was good to meet and visit with you. Norm

Dan Hall - Moving Around the country with his Camper & Demon.

Nina In Sweden - Contact Info
European Manager of Affairs - Mr. Norm's Sport Club - 440hp@telia.com