"In The Headlights" May 2005 Edition

Written by Rick Snelson

When I receive information about members cars one of the most exciting parts is the ’back story” of the find. This month was different. When I asked Lyle how long it took to find his C4 his answer was “about 30 seconds”.

If there ever was a deserving trophy winner in the crowd it’s Lyle and Anny. Both have worked hard this past winter to put their 1994 C4 in the spotlight. Here is their story.

“I had been looking for older Mercedes Benz 450 SL for Anny" says Lyle. “ I was going to the store to purchase medicine, was daydreaming, went past the pharmacy and saw the Vette on a dealer lot. We owned it that afternoon. I traded a 4-year old Lincoln Town Car Cartier with 38k miles in pristine condition. We spent three months trying to find a Corvette Club to join. At the first meeting, Anny volunteered to build website so other people wouldn’t have same problem finding a Club.

After the first year of going to Corvette shows, we really gained the knowledge of what it takes to win an award. You have to stand head and shoulders above the competition to even be noticed. Our entire first year passed without even a mention. In Rogers last fall, we were told we finished 4 points out of the awards. This gave me the drive to pick up the 4 points.

I wanted to purchase a C-3 last year. Anny made the suggestion to upgrade our C-4. Along with the suggestion she said, “Just put it on a credit card and I’ll pay for everything.” Bingo!!!! Who wants to mess with a C-3? 

What if any changes, restoration or upgrades have you done? “ If it was worn or discolored, we replaced it” says Lyle. “If it didn’t move, we chromed it. If we couldn’t chrome it, we polished it. Brakes, tires, wheels, wipers and Targa top were replaced. Paint chips were repaired three times in 1-1/2 years. We removed the exhaust manifold and sent it to Jet-Hot to be coated inside and out. The fuel rails were replaced with new red ones that match the color of the car. New polished aluminum valve covers, stainless steel brake lines and a chrome plenum cover were the next items installed. The UPS driver and I are on a first name basis and he knows that all Corvette related deliveries are made to the garage. Today, Dan dropped off the new window gasket. Tomorrow, back to the shop for installation of parts we ordered last week”

Can you share in words the level of your “Corvette Fever” or special personal attachment to this car? "How do I feel about Precious?" says Lyle, "Well, I don’t want to discuss this in public!” 

Do you have any special thoughts that you would like to share with the club members?  “I had all but given up hope of winning an award” says Lyle. “Darrel S. led me down the road to our first trophy. He also is aware that he has created a monster. Never give up hope.  But be aware that there is the possibility of a Corvette just a little nicer than yours at the next show."

Car awards or Honors

Our grandson's first drive...

Tin Bender Body Shop

Owner, Norm Anderson does our body work

Bob Brokoff tends all our motor needs