​V-8 Registry Newsletter, Volume 9, Number 1

Registry Members,
Previously in December, I reported that Russ Brandenburg, our Founder and First President, passed away on December 8, 2020 after experiencing several heart attacks. Russ was a dedicated and enthusiastic member. Corvair events will not be the same without him. For those that didn't find the obituary for Russ on line, here's the link: https://www.braterfh.com/obituary/Russell-Brandenburg
You can share a memory or offer your condolences from this link as you see fit. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available. Please keep his wife Deb and family in your thoughts and prayers.
 
LOOKING FOR A MEMBER
It's been my practice to call members during the year for updates on their projects and lives. With 215 current active members, this is a more difficult task now compared to in the past, but I still enjoy interacting with members. This is a very interesting and diverse group to be associated with. Recently, I attempted to call, text and email Charlie Friend. Charlie is the member who at 79 is still participating in Open Road Racing in New Mexico and Texas. He drives his Corvair Conversion at speeds above 200 mph. When I last talked to Charlie in February 2020, he was scheduled to run one last race in April 2020 before moving closer to California to live with his son. His plans at the time included attending the 2020 CORSA Convention in San Diego, which was cancelled due to the Virus Pandemic. In an attempt to see if Charlie will attend the 2021 convention in San Diego with his famous race car, I have had no luck contacting him. Do any of our members know anything about Charlie's condition or how to contact him? Contact me if you have any information on him.
 
HISTORIC MEMBERSHIP FOR 2021
To the best of my knowledge, the V-8 Registry has only had 'GUY' members since its founding in 1993, but not any longer. On December 10, 2020 Michelle (Misha) Balch sent in her membership form. Misha lives in Tacoma, WA and has owned Corvairs for many years. In 2018 she purchased a 'tired' Crown conversion that is now in restoration with a 65 Corsa 'donor' body. She is a member of Corvairs Northwest and looks forward to participation in V-8 Registry activities. As soon as she finishes her studies as a Clinical Psychologist, she hopes to spend more time with her cars and the group. Help me to welcome Misha as our first 'GAL' member.
 
NEW GROUP MERCHANDISE
Recently, I received an email from Tony Martin, a long time member, asking about the availability of embroidered group patches. I told Tony that patches were not currently available, but then I remembered that we have a supplier who can make patches. If there is enough interest from members wanting a 5 inch by 3 inch embroidered V-8 Registry patch for their sport jacket, windbreaker or hooded sweatshirt, we can provide them. The cost for a patch with shipping will be about $7.00. If interested, send me a text or email and we will consider placing an order if at least 10 members respond.
 
Since we are talking about group merchandise, allow me to remind the membership that we still have shirts, jackets, license plates and magnetic signs available for purchase. Go the the website 'HOME' page and click on 'SHOP IN OUR STORE'. You can order directly, but payment is only available through PayPal. Our supply of ash colored t-shirts with the red Corvair logo are in short supply, but we will place an order if enough members send in orders. You are welcome to call to see what's in stock.
 
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
It's that time of year when memberships expire and we ask that you send in your renewal form with your payment. The renewal form is required to obtain 2021 membership. All three officers receive your membership form electronically and use it for various group records. Sending a check or PayPal payment without a membership form is not acceptable. The form is required for membership. If you can't remember if you renewed for 2021, you are welcome to send an email inquiry or look at the Registry Roster on the website to see your membership status.
 
Basic Membership is available at $15 for 2021 or you can select a 2-year membership for $25. This option has been quite popular. Deluxe Membership (with the shirt option) is not available for 2021. This option may return next year.

The password will change on March 15th; so you have until then to renew your membership before you become an Inactive Member and lose your membership privileges. To renew, use this link:
https://www.v8registry.com/2021-membership-or-renewal.html
 
 
CONVENTIONS UPDATE
Two CORSA conventions are currently scheduled for 2021. A Mini-Convention is listed for May 19-23, 2021 in Springfield, IL at the Corvair Museum. Details are still sketchy at this time. The V-8 Registry will plan some special functions for members once we know for sure that the convention is a 'go'. 

The International CORSA convention is scheduled for July 27-31, 2021 in San Diego, CA. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-888-233-9527. Ask for 'CORSA National Convention' or group code 'CNC' to get the discounted room rate. The room rate has not been posted.
 
Your officers expect to have a number of special events associated with this convention similar to what was planned for 2020. Unfortunately a number of things have changed in the past year; so our convention plans are still in progress. Details will be announced as soon as possible.
 
LEXAN REAR WINDOWS
A number of our members are ordering Lexan rear windows for their V-8 Conversions. A company named Five Star Fabricating, Inc. in Wisconsin has the correct mold and is willing to make 3/16 inch rear windows for $352.00 plus shipping. It's not too late to place an order. For more details, contact Paul Beck or Paul Siano.
 
If you live on the west coast, Archibald Evans provided the name of another company that makes acrylic rear windows. The price is around $800 plus shipping. The company is Aircraft Windshield Co.; 10871 Kyle Street; Los Alamitos, CA  90720; 562-430-8108
 
BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
Until the next time, go fast, but stay safe.
 
John Lanning, President