Welcome to "Members in the Spotlight"
Each month, we'll highlight a club member and their "Pride and Joy".
This month’s Member in the Spotlight
Wayne Hatcher
Wayne Hatcher, of Magnolia, has owned this beautiful ‘57 Chevy Bel Air Sedan for 3 years. It sports it’s original colors of Adobe Beige over Sierra Gold and is powered by a stock 283 V8. Virtually showroom stock, Wayne added air conditioning for summertime comfort. A regular award winner at area shows, the Chevy most recently took home a “Best of Show” at the First State Corvette Show.
Last month’s Members in the Spotlight
Pete & Rita Hart
With “His & Hers” 2008 Pontiac Solstices, Pete and Rita stand out at every show and cruise-nite. The Harts purchased Rita’s Silver Pontiac in 2012. It’s powered by a 177 hp 2.4L 4 cylinder automatic, with plenty of power to move the two seat sports car down the road. Pete liked the Silver Solstice so much, he purchased one for himself 3 years later. Pete’s has a 5 speed and he has added K&N cold air induction to both. The most recent addition was the matching Silver trailer for Rita’s. The Harts just joined Del Rods last year, so be sure to meet this great couple.
October Members of the Month
Gary & Lisa Pippin
Del Rods members Gary and Lisa Pippin decided to search for a rather unusual vehicle that one does not see every day. Finally, their choice came from a classic vehicle dealer in Lakewood, Florida who had a 1967 AMC Rambler Rogue Convertible for sale. Being one of just 921 manufactured, this Rogue is very rare. The original straight line six cylinder 232 CID engine adds to the vehicles authenticity. Gary said he’s made no modifications to the Rogue but the previous owner repainted it to its current brilliant gold. The interior was restored to blend with the new paint. The only other change involved the replacement of the wheels hubs.
Gary and Lisa have owned this Rogue just over three years and plan no modifications. Said, Gary, “I like cars that are rarely seen at car shows and cruises. We plan to keep the Rogue, as we recently sold our antique Mustang. One collector car is enough for now. The reclining front seat backs in the Rambler automobiles were quite unique in the industry, notwithstanding the many “jokes” which were generated over the years. Lisa and I look forward to making our own memories with Rogue.”
This writer is left with only one observation: What a “PIP this Rogue is! - Warren Hensley
September’s Members in the Spotlight
Bill and Robin Aschenberg with their ‘74 Chevy Camaro Z/28
This beautiful Camaro holds a special place for the Aschenbergs, as they dated in this car and it became their first car as newlyweds in 1975. Bill purchased the Camaro new in March ‘74 after being discharged from his Army duty. It was originally gold in color. He sold it in ‘78, and the new owner had it painted its current Medium Red. Bill tracked down the Z/28 and was able to repurchase it in 1999. It also now sports a BorgWarner SuperT 4 Speed mated to its 350 c.I. L-82.
Members in the Spotlight…
Bob & Eileen Rinker with their ‘52 Ford Crestline Sunliner convertible
Bob and Eileen, Del Rods members since 2008, purchased their beautiful “Shoebox” Ford Crestline from the Ellison’s Classic Car Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was originally built in nearby Twin City, Minnesota in April of 1952. It sports it’s original 239 ci Flathead V8 and 2 speed, Fordomatic tranny. A fan of “Shoebox” Fords, the top down version won Bob over and he made this beauty a member of their family. We’re glad he did, and enjoy seeing it arrive at shows and Cruise-nites.
Spotlight on the Knotts’ 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe
Mary Ellen and Ralph had been searching for the right vintage Ford for years before spotting this beauty at the Rod and Custom Jamboree at the Fairgrounds in 2005. The Ford was built by Del Rods Life Member Harvey Singleton. It was originally blue. Harvey painted the car American LaFrance Red and subsequently sold the Ford to Harry Letner, who installed the LT1 and Tranny from a ‘94 Buick Roadmaster.
After seeing a “For Sale” sign in the window as the Ford drove by at the Fairgrounds, the Knotts ”chased it down” and made the deal with Harry.
Ralph and Mary Ellen have since had the interior completely redone by Sapp Interiors.
The Ford is definitely a head turner and the Knotts say it is here to stay, as they don’t have the room or money for another. Besides, they love their beautiful little Ford. So do we!
Spotlight on Life Member, Jim Daimus and his ‘54 Chevy PU
Additional Information
TO CALL NEW YORK TRANSPLANT, JIM DAIMUS, AN AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIAST WOULD BE AN UNDER STATEMENT. WE CAN THANK THE AIR FORCE FOR BRINGING JIM TO DELAWARE AND DEL RODS.
IN 1987 JIM JOINED DEL RODS AFTER MEETING ANOTHER MEMBER WITH HIS HOT ROD. SINCE JIM HAS HARBORED HIS INTEREST IN “CARS” SINCE HE WAS A KID, HE SAW THIS CHANCE MEETING AS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO MEET OTHERS WITH THE SAME INTEREST. JIM’S FIRST CAR, A 1950 DODGE AFFORDED HIM TO CHANCE TO ENGAGE IN BODY WORK AND THE REST IS HISTORY.
JIM’S CURRENT AWARD WINNING 1954 CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK CAME TO HIM IN 1972. THE TRUCK WAS ON A FARM IN MARYLAND. JIM MADE A DEAL TO PAY A WHOPPING $325 FOR THE ROUGH CHEVY PICK UP. OVER THE YEARS, THE TRUCK HAD THREE COLORS, ENDING WITH THE CURRENT CADILLAC ALANTE RED. JIM IS AN AVID SUPPORTER OF THE DEL RODS CLUB AND HAS SERVIED IN SEVERAL CAPACITIES. RECENTLY, HE DELVED INTO THE WORLD “MASTER OF CEREMONIES“ AND “DJ” AT THE 2021 SPRING KICK OFF SHOW.
WHEN YOU SEE JIM AT A SHOW, BE SURE TO READ HIS STORY BOARD TO LEARN JUST HOW HE BROUGHT HIS PRIZED RIDE FROM PIECES TO A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF AUTOMOTIVE ART.
Spotlight on Harvey Singleton
Harvey & Linda with their '31 Chrysler
Harvey & Linda with their '31 Chrysler
Harvey & Linda with their '31 Chrysler
Harvey is a native of Dover, residing on what once was his father's land.
A '52 Chevy Rat Rod in the Garage, too!
Harvey & Linda with their '31 Chrysler
Harvey & Linda with their '31 Chrysler
The pick up sits on a shortened '87 Chevy truck frame and sports a 305 V8 power plant. The bed was fabricated from 100 year old wood, once part of his father's house.
we introduce Life Member, Harlan Durham and his '39 Chevy
Life member, Harlan Durham
The Dover resident bought this beauty in 1960, but the Chevy has been in the family since 1941.
1939 Chevy Master Deluxe Coupe
Now sporting a 350 Chevy small block and "Raspberry Twist" paint, Harlan's first car has come a long way since he bought the Chevy from his Great Grandfather for $25.