V-8 Registry Newsletter, Volume 13, Issue 4
V-8 Registry Members,
Greetings, fellow V-8 Registry Members. Yes, it's been a while since my last communication, April 13th to be exact. Like many of you, other activities and interests sometimes get in our way. Then before we know it, months have passed. A number of significant things have ensued and it's my intention to update you today in this newsletter.
First let me make you aware that Paul Beck our Treasurer since 2011 advised me that he was going through treatment for lung cancer this past summer. Paul is recovering well, but is weak from his treatment. As a result Paul has decided to sell his fantastic Corvair Conversion and has also announced his resignation as V-8 Registry Treasurer. Your officers are saddened by his decision, but fully appreciate his reasons. Paul has been a dedicated member of this group since we reorganized in 2011. He has kept the membership records up to date and offered a thorough accounting of the group's finances. Together we have attended most of the CORSA conventions since Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2012. He has become a close friend during that period of time and I will miss his input. When I asked Paul to handle the group's finances years ago, I had no intentions of taking on the presidential responsibilities if he said no. I'm so glad that he said yes. When you have time, send Paul a note of thanks for his service and keep him in your prayers and thoughts.
NEW TREASURER
Needless to say, the V-8 Registry is looking for a new Treasurer. The position responsibilities are not difficult, but require someone who can keep track of the membership renewals. It also entails keeping track of the bank account and writing an occasional check An annual financial report in July is also required for presentation to the membership. Attendance at the CORSA Annual Meeting is not required, but encouraged. If you feel a calling to offer your services, Rick Andersen and I will help to make the Treasurer's duties as easy as possible. You are welcome to call me or Rick if you have questions. Anyone interested in Paul's V8 conversion can call him at 217-779-7174.
GREAT FAN BELT TOSS IN OCTOBER
After many years in Palm Springs, CA, the GFBT moved to a new venue for October 2025 at the Double Tree in Cathedral City. All reports indicate that the new location was received with great reviews. The V-8 Registry hosted its Saturday lunch meeting at the local Denny's Restaurant. Due to the dedication and assistance of Jaime Gonzales, this year's event was attended by 14 members, and 8 Corvair conversions. A heartfelt thanks to Jaime for setting up and chairing the meeting.
CORSA CONVENTION IN MAY
This was a great year for Corvair enthusiasts living in Southern California. The annual CORSA convention was held May 20-23 in San Luis Obispo, CA. In my absence, Chuck Rust chaired the V8 Registry Annual Meeting. Chuck reported that about 30 members and guests attended the meeting. During the meeting, the members voted to award the People's Choice award to Jaime Gonzales for his well-prepared 1965 Monza. It features a Pontiac GTP Supercharged 3.8L V-6 drive train. Congratulations to Jaime. At the conclusion of the meeting, a large assortment of door prizes was handed out. At the Autocross, Chuck Rust turned in a time of 75.101 with his 1965 Corsa C5 Crown Coupe to win First Place in SM-2 Street Modified Class. That winning time provided Chuck with the Ted Trevor Award at the Friday Night Banquet. Congratulations to Chuck on his impressive win, and a sincere thank you for chairing the annual meeting.
DUES FOR 2026
It's that time of year again when we announce membership renewal. You can check your membership status by using this link to the website's Roster Page. https://www.v8registry.com/registry-roster.html Look under your name to see if you have paid for 2025. If so, your renewal is due in January. If your renewal status shows 2026, then you owe nothing for next year.
New for 2026 is the availability of a discounted two year membership. One year membership is $15 and a two year renewal is $25. Renewals paid after February 28 increase to $30. WHY? It's a lot of trouble to place your membership in the INACTIVE status and then REACTIVATE it. Personal reminders and emails to update your status take up time that the officers can use for other more important activities.To renew your membership use this link: https://www.v8registry.com/membership-application.html
Dues can be paid by check, PayPal, VENMO or credit card. Checks should be mailed to Rick Andersen at 3430 Valley Road; Bonita, CA 91902. If you are renewing and nothing has changed (phone, address, name) you only need to complete the fields with the * red asterisk. DO NOT copy the membership form, pencil in the blank fields and mail it with a check. We will not accept a form that's not electronically submitted.
FACEBOOK PAGE
We have simplified entering the V8 Registry Facebook page. Simply login to the V-8 Registry website at v8vairs.com or v8registry.com to access the HOME page. At the top of the page, click on the heading: “Visit The V8 Registry Group On Facebook” and, Bingo!, you're there. We wish to thank Adam Knoll for his efforts as Facebook Moderator for the past several years. He is responsible for increasing participation. More information coming in the next newsletter. From the HOME page you can also enter the V-8 Registry FORUM. Here's a great place to find technical info, ideas, parts, cars, comments, and opinions. If you have problems accessing the FORUM, contact me.
MEMBERS WITH YENKO STINGERS
It's become more evident that a number of our members also own Yenko Stingers in addition to one or more Corvair Conversions. We all appreciate these popular race cars that Don Yenko made famous and expensive in recent years. If you own one or more of these vintage race cars, send me a note with your YS number and we will acknowledge your 'luck' on your Roster page by adding your Tag Number. If you don't want other members to know, that's OK too.
LEXAN REAR WINDOWS
Recently, a member reported the buying of a Lexan rear window at a high price. Paul Beck researched this topic back in 2021 and found a supplier in Wisconsin that can supply a well-fitting Lexan panel for $352.00 (2021 pricing). It's my understanding that Paul was also able to reinstall the stainless trim. The supplier is a company named “Five Star”. Their phone number is: 262-877-2171 and their email address is: [email protected] The part number is: 917-6135-2
CORVAIR PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
No news to report in this issue. I will update you in the next newsletter.
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
V-8 Registry merchandise is available from our online store. From the V-8 Registry HOME page, click on “Order T-Shirts Here”. https://www.v8registry.com/order-t-shirts-here.html It's easy to view and order t-shirts, caps, jackets, sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts in three colors. Delivery is promised by USPS within two weeks. Some merchandise is still available by calling me directly. I stock license plates, magnetic signs, patches, and window stickers.
Until the next time,
GO FAST, BUY STAY SAFE
John Lanning, President
502-649-3290 (KY)
Greetings, fellow V-8 Registry Members. Yes, it's been a while since my last communication, April 13th to be exact. Like many of you, other activities and interests sometimes get in our way. Then before we know it, months have passed. A number of significant things have ensued and it's my intention to update you today in this newsletter.
First let me make you aware that Paul Beck our Treasurer since 2011 advised me that he was going through treatment for lung cancer this past summer. Paul is recovering well, but is weak from his treatment. As a result Paul has decided to sell his fantastic Corvair Conversion and has also announced his resignation as V-8 Registry Treasurer. Your officers are saddened by his decision, but fully appreciate his reasons. Paul has been a dedicated member of this group since we reorganized in 2011. He has kept the membership records up to date and offered a thorough accounting of the group's finances. Together we have attended most of the CORSA conventions since Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2012. He has become a close friend during that period of time and I will miss his input. When I asked Paul to handle the group's finances years ago, I had no intentions of taking on the presidential responsibilities if he said no. I'm so glad that he said yes. When you have time, send Paul a note of thanks for his service and keep him in your prayers and thoughts.
NEW TREASURER
Needless to say, the V-8 Registry is looking for a new Treasurer. The position responsibilities are not difficult, but require someone who can keep track of the membership renewals. It also entails keeping track of the bank account and writing an occasional check An annual financial report in July is also required for presentation to the membership. Attendance at the CORSA Annual Meeting is not required, but encouraged. If you feel a calling to offer your services, Rick Andersen and I will help to make the Treasurer's duties as easy as possible. You are welcome to call me or Rick if you have questions. Anyone interested in Paul's V8 conversion can call him at 217-779-7174.
GREAT FAN BELT TOSS IN OCTOBER
After many years in Palm Springs, CA, the GFBT moved to a new venue for October 2025 at the Double Tree in Cathedral City. All reports indicate that the new location was received with great reviews. The V-8 Registry hosted its Saturday lunch meeting at the local Denny's Restaurant. Due to the dedication and assistance of Jaime Gonzales, this year's event was attended by 14 members, and 8 Corvair conversions. A heartfelt thanks to Jaime for setting up and chairing the meeting.
CORSA CONVENTION IN MAY
This was a great year for Corvair enthusiasts living in Southern California. The annual CORSA convention was held May 20-23 in San Luis Obispo, CA. In my absence, Chuck Rust chaired the V8 Registry Annual Meeting. Chuck reported that about 30 members and guests attended the meeting. During the meeting, the members voted to award the People's Choice award to Jaime Gonzales for his well-prepared 1965 Monza. It features a Pontiac GTP Supercharged 3.8L V-6 drive train. Congratulations to Jaime. At the conclusion of the meeting, a large assortment of door prizes was handed out. At the Autocross, Chuck Rust turned in a time of 75.101 with his 1965 Corsa C5 Crown Coupe to win First Place in SM-2 Street Modified Class. That winning time provided Chuck with the Ted Trevor Award at the Friday Night Banquet. Congratulations to Chuck on his impressive win, and a sincere thank you for chairing the annual meeting.
DUES FOR 2026
It's that time of year again when we announce membership renewal. You can check your membership status by using this link to the website's Roster Page. https://www.v8registry.com/registry-roster.html Look under your name to see if you have paid for 2025. If so, your renewal is due in January. If your renewal status shows 2026, then you owe nothing for next year.
New for 2026 is the availability of a discounted two year membership. One year membership is $15 and a two year renewal is $25. Renewals paid after February 28 increase to $30. WHY? It's a lot of trouble to place your membership in the INACTIVE status and then REACTIVATE it. Personal reminders and emails to update your status take up time that the officers can use for other more important activities.To renew your membership use this link: https://www.v8registry.com/membership-application.html
Dues can be paid by check, PayPal, VENMO or credit card. Checks should be mailed to Rick Andersen at 3430 Valley Road; Bonita, CA 91902. If you are renewing and nothing has changed (phone, address, name) you only need to complete the fields with the * red asterisk. DO NOT copy the membership form, pencil in the blank fields and mail it with a check. We will not accept a form that's not electronically submitted.
FACEBOOK PAGE
We have simplified entering the V8 Registry Facebook page. Simply login to the V-8 Registry website at v8vairs.com or v8registry.com to access the HOME page. At the top of the page, click on the heading: “Visit The V8 Registry Group On Facebook” and, Bingo!, you're there. We wish to thank Adam Knoll for his efforts as Facebook Moderator for the past several years. He is responsible for increasing participation. More information coming in the next newsletter. From the HOME page you can also enter the V-8 Registry FORUM. Here's a great place to find technical info, ideas, parts, cars, comments, and opinions. If you have problems accessing the FORUM, contact me.
MEMBERS WITH YENKO STINGERS
It's become more evident that a number of our members also own Yenko Stingers in addition to one or more Corvair Conversions. We all appreciate these popular race cars that Don Yenko made famous and expensive in recent years. If you own one or more of these vintage race cars, send me a note with your YS number and we will acknowledge your 'luck' on your Roster page by adding your Tag Number. If you don't want other members to know, that's OK too.
LEXAN REAR WINDOWS
Recently, a member reported the buying of a Lexan rear window at a high price. Paul Beck researched this topic back in 2021 and found a supplier in Wisconsin that can supply a well-fitting Lexan panel for $352.00 (2021 pricing). It's my understanding that Paul was also able to reinstall the stainless trim. The supplier is a company named “Five Star”. Their phone number is: 262-877-2171 and their email address is: [email protected] The part number is: 917-6135-2
CORVAIR PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
No news to report in this issue. I will update you in the next newsletter.
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
V-8 Registry merchandise is available from our online store. From the V-8 Registry HOME page, click on “Order T-Shirts Here”. https://www.v8registry.com/order-t-shirts-here.html It's easy to view and order t-shirts, caps, jackets, sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts in three colors. Delivery is promised by USPS within two weeks. Some merchandise is still available by calling me directly. I stock license plates, magnetic signs, patches, and window stickers.
Until the next time,
GO FAST, BUY STAY SAFE
John Lanning, President
502-649-3290 (KY)