RUSTBUSTERS GAZETTE Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association

August 2012

PRESIDENT’S NOTE By Mike Lusty

As you read this, we are less than a month away from

our annual Rally & Swap Meet in Crawfordsville. This

issue includes an insert with pertinent information on

scheduling, layout, and lodging for those able to attend.

New this year are three $50 drawings for the vendors

and the option for club members to setup vendor space

for free. Remember, only vendors that have paid the $20

fee are eligible for the $50 drawings. Fred Ropkey said

he is planning to get a couple of tracked vehicles out and

around the grounds that weekend and that the trails have

been cleared out some for our use. So, I hope to see

everyone at the meeting on Saturday enjoying the show

and camaraderie.

I was honored and pleased to see the convoy turnout we

had for the last meeting in Sheridan. Since joining the

club in 2007, this was the first convoy that the club has

conducted that I know of. Granted, it would have been

better if I was able to drive my M37 but it was a fun-

tastic experience nevertheless just to ride with Rick

Miller in his M37. I thank each of the HMV owners that

drove their trucks. The public and the veterans enjoy

them almost more than we do, especially the veterans.

The response from the “Clusterbusters” was positive and

they are hoping we can return next year. So do I.

I would like to thank Roger & Deb-Rood Wardward for

their work as our club Treasurer over the years. Lately,

Roger & Deb have found themselves very busy with

other projects that took up more time than expected

leaving less time for club Treasurer work. Scott Ward

immediately volunteered to step up and fill the position

until the term runs out at the end of 2013. You’ll notice

the change in the officers line-up below and on the

website Contact Us page. Thanks Scott.

This year our Rally & Swap Meet falls on the weekend

following the annual Vietnam Veteran’s Reunion in

Kokomo. Several of us plan to drop in with our HMV

throughout the week and weekend. Please consider

honoring the veterans by dropping in with your HMV.

Just keep an eye on it ‘cause you know they probably

remember how to start these trucks up. GIs (and ex-GIs)

are a very mischievous bunch from what I remember!

And it would be a great opportunity to test drive your

trucks before the trip to the Crawfordsville Rally.

The summer events are beginning to wind down. That

isn’t to say it is time to start thinking about storing our

HMVs for the season. Oh no, far from it. We continue

to have events trickle in like pancake breakfasts and

local car shows. It seems HMVs, restored & unrestored

alike, are very popular at the car shows and usually draw

a crowd. Check your local areas for events and don’t

forget your local Veteran’s Day parades. Best thing is to

check the website often for fast updates and news. Short

notice events get posted on IndianaMVPA.org and we

will email out to members we have email addresses on

unless you opt out of notifications.

By the way, several have asked what HMV stands for. It

is “Historic Military Vehicle” and I use the term

regardless of whether the vehicle is restored, a daily

driver, a beater, or running – it’s all historic to me.

Be safe and see you at the Rally.

INDIANA MVPA OFFICERS – 2012

PRESIDENT: Mike Lusty

765-664-3380 /

president@indianamvpa.org

VICE PRESIDENT/ Rick Miller

PRESIDENT-ELECT 765-628-3900 /

vicepresident@indianamvpa.org

WEBMASTER: Mike Lusty

SECRETARY: Lani Ropkey

765-794-0238 /

secretary@indianamvpa.org

TREASURER: Scott Ward

317-989-3543 /

treasurer@indianamvpa.org

NEWSLETTER TEAM: Mike Lusty & Lani Ropkey

Minutes from last meeting – July 14, 2012

The July 14, 2012 meeting of the Indiana MVPA was

called to order at 10:30 a.m. by President Mike Lusty at

the Sheridan Airport in Sheridan, Indiana. There were

18 members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was

recited. Mike thanked everyone for coming and

especially Ron Spencer who was our contact for the use

of the hangar for the meeting as well as the car show at

the airfield. Introductions were made by all in

attendance as we had some potential new members in

attendance. He asked if there were any additions or

corrections to the Secretary’s minutes. There were none

so the minutes were accepted as written. They were

approved and seconded. Deb then gave the Treasurer’s

report. There were no corrections or additions to her

report so they were accepted as given, approved and

seconded. Mike then thanked all those who drove their

military vehicles to the meeting. Mike then gave the

Web report and said the website is definitely being

used. He asked if anyone had items related to the hobby

to sell, to please consider using our Classified Ads.

Roger said that he sold his military truck and trailer

through the website/newsletter.

OLD BUSINESS Mike asked for a report of Veterans Weekend at the

Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May. Roger gave a

very favorable report. He said the group was inside the

2nd

turn on the blacktop. There was a lot of foot traffic

with a lot of interest in the vehicles on display.

Mike then gave his report on the Rally in September.

Roger said that Larry has been paid for all the ads he has

run. Mike said he has talked to Tom Emerson who is

our caterer. He will be set up for dinner on Friday

evening. The cost will be around $6.00 per person. Lani

said that the Crawfordsville Comfort Inn is the host hotel

for the event. They will have a block of 20 rooms at

$85.00 per night. This includes a hot breakfast in the

morning. Fred said that he hopes to have the Hellcat and

Bren Gun carriers running that weekend. Trails in the

woods have been widened so that the group can take

their vehicles through the woods.

Mike announced that the banners for the vehicles are

available.

Rick Miller talked about the July 4th parade in Kokomo.

The parade honored veterans from all the conflicts and

wars. He also announced that September 13-15 are the

dates for the Viet Nam veteran’s reunion to be held in

Kokomo. Veterans come from all across the country.

There will be 2 spots available to park military vehicles.

He and Mike encouraged people from our club to come

and support the club as well as the reunion.

NEW BUSINESS Deb announced that she was stepping down as the

Treasurer. She is a Master Gardener and a Bee Keeper

and these interests are taking her in a different direction.

She will still be a member of the club. She then told the

group what the responsibilities of the Treasurer are. The

Treasurer is responsible for the checkbook and the bills.

The Treasurer also works closely with the Secretary on

club membership. The Treasurer is also responsible for

the membership cards for the club.

Mike announced that if anyone was interested in

sweatshirts to talk to Sam Norris.

Scott Ward announced that Ted Pontius had had a heart

attack on Friday and was in the hospital and would

probably be released Sunday or Monday.

It was also announced that Chris Paul had had a heart

attack.

One of our guests joined the club at the meeting. His

name is Ron Bakehorn and he lives in Wabash, IN. He

drove his M37 to the meeting.

The next meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the rally.

Steve Treser won the $25.00 gas card.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lani Ropkey

Did you know? The Rally & Swap Meet flyer on the IndianaMVPA.org Homepage can be downloaded and printed.

Upcoming Events (Watch for updates on www.IndianaMVPA.org)

August 2012 Alaska-Canada 2012 MVPA ALCAN Highway Convoy (70th

Anniversary) Watch MVPA.org for updates.

Contact Terry Shelswell: 248-394-0956 or

terry.shelswell@inergyautomotive.com.

August 30-September 1, 2012 Muncie, IN Indiana Warbird Campain

5161 E Memorial Drive R/C airshow, vendors, AMA museum, food

Visit www.IndianaWarbirdCampain.com for

schedules and updates. Attend with your HMV!

September 8-9, 2012 Vincennes, IN Salute to the Veterans of WWII

Indiana Military Museum Sat. 10AM-5PM, Sun. 10AM-4PM. Free entry.

715 S 6th Street Road Exhibits, camping, re-enactors, and swap meet.

Contact Kassie Roush: 812-257-1748 or Jim

Osborne: 812-890-0210

September 13-16, 2012 Kokomo, IN 30th Annual Vietnam Veteran’s Reunion

8313 E 400 S, Greentown Visit www.hcvvo.org for updates, map link on

IndianaMVPA.org

September 14, 2012 Bowling Green, KY International Convention and Old Equipment

16623 Liberty Hi Road Exposition Fri 9AM-Dusk, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun

9AM-3PM. Visit www.HCEA.net for more

information & updates.

September 20-23, 2012 Rockford, IL WWII Event 2012

6799 Guilford Road Complete info at www.ww2rockfordevent.com

September 21-22, 2012 Crawfordsville, IN 21st Indiana MVPA Rally and Swap Meet

Ropkey Armor Museum 9AM-6PM Daily, $5 admission or $10/carload

September 27-30, 2012 Gas City, IN Ducktail Run

718 S Broadway St (Beaner Linn Park) 1972 and older vintage vehicle displays, swap

meet, & craft fair. No HMVs unless approved.

More info at www.ducktailrun.com

September 28-30, 2012 Fairmount, IN 33rd

James Dean Festival and Run

300 E Madison St (Playacres Park) Fri.9AM-10PM,Sat.8AM-10PM,Sun.8AM-3PM

More info at www.jamesdeanartifacts.com

October 26-28, 2012 Evansville, IN Salute to the Military Collectible Show

3300 Division St (NG Armory) Fri. 3-8PM, Sat. 8AM-6PM, Sun. 8AM-3PM

$5 Admission, 12 & under and military uniforms

(any era) Free. 2 free tables for HMV displayers.

Contact Neil Johnson: 812-483-3064/

evvmcc@aol.com

November 10, 2012 Evansville, IN Four Freedoms Veterans Parade

2PM. Contact the River City Thunderbolt

MVCC at LSTmate@thunderboltclub.org or

watch IndianaMPVA.org for more info

November 11, 2012 Your Town, USA Veteran’s Day Parades

If you know of a parade or event not listed, send us a note to get it posted in the next

newsletter and on IndianaMVPA.org. More importantly, get your HMV out and

participate!

November 12, 2012 Kokomo, IN Veteran’s Day Parade

Watch for more details. Contact Bob Ladd

(Veteran's Service Officer): 765-456-2511 or

bob.ladd@co.howard.in.us

June 25-28, 2014 Louisville, KY 2014MVPA International Convention

Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center Hosted by the Kilroy MVPA chapter

Club News (Keep current at www.IndianaMVPA.org)

Next IMVPA Meeting. 22 September, 10AM during the Rally & Swap Meet at the Ropkey Armor Museum. We hope

to have an update on the Louisville 2014 MVPA convention planning from Bill Scott. The Museum is about a mile east

of I-74, exit 39 and located at 5649 E 150 North, Crawfordsville. See IndianaMPVA.org for a map link.

$25 Door Prize Winners. Congratulations to Steve Treser for winning the 14 July drawing.

New Members. Welcome to our new members Nathan Deal of Fairmount and Ronald Bakehorn of Wabash.

Sheridan Convoy. Our last meeting initiated with a convoy to the airport site, about 7 miles from the Woodward’s place.

We had 5 vehicles participate: Roger Woodward led off with his 1942 GPW, followed by Paul Gummere in his M-818 5

ton semi-tractor (with manual transmission), Scott Ward and Bob Matarelli in Scott’s 1963 M151, Rick Miller and Mike

Lusty in Rick’s 1962 M37B1, and Ron Bakehorn and Nathan Deal in Ron’s 1952 M37 bringing up the rear. The new

club banners were on display as the convoy rolled through Sheridan, catching many an eye as we passed through.

Enroute, we fell in behind an Army Reserve convoy as it passed by on its way to the Airport. Merged, it presented an

interesting contrast between the new and the old. Hopefully, we will see more convoys in the future. Convoy photo

courtesy of Deb-Rood Woodward. More photos on IndianaMVPA.org.

Tech Tip: Magnetic Stencils

This tip comes from Ted Pontius who suggested for neat stencil jobs use magnetic sign material (similar to fridge magnet

backing). Simply layout and transfer the stencil outline to the magnetic material, carefully cut out the outlined markings,

stick to the prepped metal surface, and stencil. This works well because the magnetic material sticks to the metal panel

being stenciled rather than ride up off the surface like paper or brass stencils tend to do. They hug curves (like the side of

a hood or bumperette), are repositionable, and reusable too. The inexpensive magnetic material is available in sizes up to

12” x 24” sheets and usually found in most home improvement centers where mailbox numbers and other magnetic/stick-

on supplies are sold. Larger pieces are available online. One additional tip from some is to paint the vehicle base color

first to “seal” the stencil edge before applying the stencil color. They work best on steel panels. To see if they will work

on your truck, put a fridge magnet on the area. If it sticks, so will this tip.

Guide to 2011 Indiana MVPA

Rally and Swap Meet

Dates: Friday, 21 Sept. & Saturday, 22 Sept.

Hours: 9AM-6PM Daily.

Entry: $5/Person or $10/Vehicle. Free: Current

Military with ID and Military Vehicles/crews.

Area Lodging:

Comfort Inn (765-361-0665), the host hotel;

Hampton Inn (765-362-8884);

Holiday Inn Express (765-323-4575);

Quality Inn (765-362-8700).

Limited Primitive Camp Sites available.

Facilities:

“Hawg Wild” – BBQ food vendor on location.

Public restrooms will be available.

No electrical drops at sites.

Activities: (check website for updates)

Ropkey Armor Museum Access – Daily. There may be a

couple of tracked vehicles set loose around the grounds

this weekend (see meeting minutes above).

Muncie-based Henry County Wright Flyers will be

flying their Warbirds from the airstrip.

Amphibious Vehicle Swims. A pond is available for

amphibious vehicles (check with the Ropkey museum to

make sure they can accommodate and there is water in it).

Trail Runs and Local Routes – Daily. Both, onsite trails

and roads within the local community, will be open for

use. The onsite trails have recently been widened.

Swap Meet – Daily. Parts & Militaria. Vendor sites

available. Bring your spare items down to trade or sell.

$20 for unlimited vendor space (IMVPA members have

the option to free vendor space). Three $50 vendor prizes.

Historic Military Vehicle Displays – Daily. Besides

the museum displays, attendees with military vehicles are

invited to display them. Bring your prized jewel or bring

your “diamond in the rough.” It’s all welcome!

Technical Advice & Camaraderie – Daily. Come meet

your fellow enthusiasts for the hobby. Get advice from

others who have been there and done that project. Hang

out with the cool kids with the cool toys.

For more information watch our website or contact

Fred and Lani Ropkey at (765) 794-0238 or Larry Dorsey at (317) 291-0521. Maplinks are posted on IndianaMVPA.org.

MV Show Review – 2012 Vintage Power Wagon Rally by Ricky Miller

There’s not much more than corn in Iowa, but

the first weekend in June the 25th Annual International

Vintage Power Wagon Rally was going on in Fairfield,

Iowa. I was in attendance this year and have made

reservations for next year. Ron Bakehorn from Wabash,

Indiana and I trailered a 1951 M37 from his collection to

the rally. Ron has in his arsenal of trucks five M37’s,

two WC’s, two vintage cab over tractors, an airport tug,

old grain truck, antique tractors, and other unusual

pieces of interest. He has a story that goes with each

piece so you need not be in a hurry when you visit him.

The rally held June 6th-10

th had 345 registered

guests attending with 108 vehicles that paraded through

the streets of Fairfield on Saturday to a judging area.

We arrived Wednesday afternoon in time for the

evening’s convoy to Bonaparte for dinner at a local

gathering. Thirty or so Power Wagons, M37s, WC’s,

and other Dodge built trucks took off in proud order. As

Ron and I motored along starting up a long grade that

required a down shift to 3rd

the Chrysler 230 coughed

and died. We pulled over along with everyone behind

us. Vintage Power Wagon (VPW) of Fairfield who

sponsor’s this rally sends a support truck with parts and

tools on these convoys to lend a hand. We were in their

hands to get us rolling again. Ends up the fuel pump

lever pin decided to works its way out of the pump and

we ran out of fuel. We did arrive in time to eat dinner

thanks to the guys at VPW.

Thursday we were off to VPW for a tour of the

salvage yard and other facilities. Acres of old trucks

stripped of parts. I was amazed to see so much. Several

large buildings and storage containers filled with

government surplus still in its original containers had my

eyes and mouth wide open. Racks and shelving stacked

to the ceiling with hundreds of related parts to Dodge

built trucks. VPW is the world’s largest inventory of

these tough old trucks. One cannot imagine this

inventory without being there to witness such a place.

Dave Butler, the owner of VPW just returned from a trip

to India and purchased as many trucks as he could get

his hands on. Someone mentioned maybe fifty trucks

were prepped and crated for shipment.

Thursday afternoon and evening brought the

convoy together for a trip to the Fleig Farm for trail

driving and a cookout campfire style with homemade ice

cream made with Power Wagon driven ice cream

freezer.

Trails were not too muddy, but had a few steep

ravines and creek beds to test your truck. A modified M

37 with a lift kit and large tires did a roll over went back

on its feet, with two smashed fenders. He finished the

trail drive. Ron and I ended the evening with a flat tire

on his truck. I worked off some the chow and ice cream

changing the tire.

Friday brought more trucks and parts to the rally

with lunch provided by VPW. Another trail drive at the

Fleig Farm in the afternoon with some new comers

hitting the dirt. On our way back to the rally we had a

rear brake not releasing that had us down to 2nd

gear and

getting hot. Friday evening was a large gathering at the

pavilion for pork chops and barbecue chicken, all you

cared to eat Iowa style. The truck pull was next on our

agenda to see what we could break on the old gal. The

classes were divided into stock vintage, modified

vintage, and late model trucks. The M37 did well for us,

not breaking anything while making a good pull. Guys

will risk anything for a new set of wrenches and title of

first place.

Saturday, our last day was the grand parade from

the rally site to downtown Fairfield for judging contest

and to show off your truck. The town gets involved with

the parade lining the streets to these pieces of the past on

last time. One hundred and eight units paraded to the

town square. It was quite a site to see all these parked

around the square. The judging was done by the truck

owners divide into several categories from military,

vintage, late model, etc. I spent quite a bit of time

making my votes. These guys love their trucks and

spend much time restoring them. The rest of Saturday

was time to relax visiting the other owners, meeting new

owners, and sharing stories. That night was the final

gathering with dinner to award plaques from the judging

earlier that day and saying good bye to old and new

friends. Three hundred miles and four days to play with

old trucks, life’s great. God willing, I’ll be at the 2013

gathering.

Got something to ad? Send it! We are always looking for articles for the Rustbusters Gazette. Send in your

articles, ads, tech tips, bios, information about your vehicle, or anything you would like to share with us by sending it to

Mike Lusty via email or to 1440 Sylvan Dr., Marion, IN 46953-2510, or use the “Contact Us” page link on

IndianaMVPA.org. Photos are welcome! Mailed photos will be scanned and returned to sender.

For Sale / Wanted (Also posted at www.IndianaMVPA.org) For Sale:

1952 M-100 Trailer. 1/4 Ton Cargo Trailer. Trailer

has been sand blasted, undercoated, rhino lined, painted

OD Green Semi-gloss, and stored inside since restored.

Has current issue, 12 volt lighting, on it for being towed

being non military vehicles. Pictures available upon

request. $1500 – Located in Indianapolis.

Contact Dave Burton at 317-997-9870 or burton449

@ yahoo.com

Military Generator. 100A, 4 cylinder. Runs good, in

like new condition. Best offer – Located in Westfield.

Contact Ted Pontius at 317-873-2994

1965 M35A2 Cargo Truck w/M105A2 Trailer.

Kaiser-Jeep manufactured, multi-fuel. 13295 miles, 504

hours. Original US Marine Corps condition with

M105A2 trailer. Comes with an extra complete take out

engine and engine container. Drive it home! $7500 for

all - Located in Muncie.

1984 M1009 CUCV. Utility Blazer with 45443 miles.

Radio truck configuration, 6.2 diesel, power steering,

auto transmission. Drive it home! $5700 - Located in

Muncie.

Contact Ed McVay at 765 286-8555

Wanted:

GPW Seats. Looking for GPW seats. Contact Don

Hartzell at 765-643-7059

20" Tires. Looking for any of the following size tires

for 1937 1/2 ton Ford: 6 - 6.50 x 20 or 7 - 7.50 x 20.

Contact Richard Gummere at richard.gummere @

yahoo.com

MB Seats. Original Willys MB front seats. Contact

Jim Mulligan at 765-716-4414

Dog Tag Machine. Looking for a dog-tag making

machine in good working order.

WC-56. Looking for a restorable US 3/4 ton Command

Car, WC-56. A WC-53 is available for trade.

20mm Deck Gun. Looking for Base Plate and Pedestal

for WWII USN 20mm Deck Gun.

Uniforms. Documented US General Officers and

Fighter Aces uniforms and related items.

Contact Jim Osborne at 812-890-0210 or 886-1941

Tech Tip: Know your 24V Slave Cable from PS Magazine (1952)

Another check is the receptacle on your truck. Looking at the

truck, the hot (24V) side will be on your left and the ground on

your right. If not, fix it before you attempt to hook up to another

truck.

If you are using the NATO style cable, the 24V is always in the

center. See PS Mag issue 566 (2000) for repair instructions of

NATO style cables.

INDIANA MILITARY VEHICLE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME PHONE ( )

ADDRESS EMAIL Y/N Receive email

updates?

CITY STATE ZIP

TODAY’S DATE NEW / RENEWAL MVPA MEMBER? , MVPA # Dues per year: $10. YOUR MILITARY VEHICLES (Military Vehicle not required to belong.)

1. 3.

2. 4.

Benefits: Access to information on Indiana Military Shows/events and free vendor space at Rally. Connect with individuals that are versed in military vehicles and can help with your problems and fixes. Enjoy the support of local members and events. Help protect your rights to own and operate vintage military vehicles. Receive quarterly newsletter with free classified ads.

Send completed application and dues to: Lani Ropkey, 5649 E. 150 North, Crawfordsville, IN 47933-8089 Make checks payable to IN MVPA. Memberships are for one calendar year. Please do not send cash.

Indiana MVPA

The Indiana Military Vehicle Preservation Association

1440 Sylvan Dr.

Marion, IN 46953

www.IndianaMVPA.org

[Member Mailing Address Here]

NEXT MEETING: 22 September 2012 – 10 AM, Ropkey Armor Museum, Crawfordsville. $25 door prize