KIM’S GOLD DUST

Today is my best friend’s birthday (and one of the bigger ones, but I won’t mention the exact age…I’ll be there myself next year).  You may have met Toni at some of the shows.  She travels with me to Carlisle, Ocean City, MD, Maggie Valley, NC and a few other shows during the season.  She hasn’t been available the past three years as she has been attending Bible School and will graduate in December.

Toni is a huge help to me not only at shows, but with marketing and has a real knack for presentations.  She designed the Women’s Oasis display at Corvettes @ Carlisle.  Toni also designs and makes all the sterling bead bracelets, earrings, ankle bracelets and necklaces.  She just created a new design necklace and earrings that will be available at the Vettes on the Rockies show.  Photos of this new line will be available in the online catalog soon. 

Please help me wish Toni a very special Birthday!  May God continue to bless you, Toni in all you do.

Kim’s Gold Dust has just released two new Corvette rings and a C6 Z06 man’s ring is nearing release. 

First ring is a two-tone Corvette word ring that can either be cast in white gold band with yellow gold Corvette word or can be cast vice-versa.  If you prefer all white or all yellow gold, that can be arranged as well.  It’s a great-looking ring for any finger.  My mom fell in love with this ring right away.

Second ring was designed for the pinky finger but can be cast in larger sizes.  The design is the C6 emblem and can be ordered in plain or enamel (colored flags).  Again, popular sizes will be in stock for immediate delivery.  The C5 pinky ring is still in the manufacturing stage and will be available in about a month or so.

The above rings made their debut at the Bloomington Gold show and were a hit.  Because of the high interest in both, we will try and keep some in inventory for immediate delivery.  Ring photos will be shown in the online catalog soon. 

Third ring is a man’s C6 Z06 emblem with HP rating.  This ring will have the enamel color of logo and a real head turner.  We will be taking orders for this ring.  One will be in stock for viewing on upcoming shows as well.

Kim’s Gold Dust is scheduled to attend 5 shows the month of July, so we will be on the road alot this month.  If there is a particular item that you would like us to bring to a show, please notify us ahead and we will do our best to have the item there for you.

Have a safe traveling summer.

Kim’s Gold Dust set up as a vendor at the NCRS Regional at Seven Springs Resort in Champion, PA last week.  We also took “Skeeter” (92 Corvette) to be judged for the first time anywhere.  Having all the service records (or supposedly having them all), most everything was factory original and the judges did agree.  I left my Mom in charge of the car while I was manning the jewelry booth.  She was a nervous wreck on Saturday, judging day.

Before the event, my Mom and I spent about 4 days cleaning the car the best we could.  Since I drive the car, I knew that points would be charged against us for those areas that we just couldn’t get to.  Luckily the sun was out and we didn’t get it wet driving to the meet.  So most of the work we put into ahead of time, was not lost.

National Corvette Restorer’s Society (NCRS) judges on originality and on condition but the emphasis is mostly on original.  If you’re unfamilar, there are five sets of judges that go over your car.  Operations is the first team of judges which not only check your lights, horn, windows, radio and general electrical components but also check that your convertible top will go down with ease and much more.  The other four sets of judges are responsible for engine, chassis, exterior and interior.  There is no part or section of your car that is not looked at by someone.  The car is judged on the basis of factory original - which means that they want to see the car exactly in the condition that it would have come off the assembly line for whatever year Corvette you might have.  Yes, that’s a huge challenge for everyone. 

In preparing the car, we never had the spare tire down.  We waited until we got to the show.  We found another car owner that helped my Mom get the spare tire (donut) down.  Oh my, what a mess.  My Mom was gone for about 2 1/2 hours to take care of this spare tire and when she came back, what a story she had to tell.  The tire was never down in the 16 years and so grass, weeds and you name it had collected in the tire cover.  She hosed the tire off and cleaned up the area the best she could.  Jack was still in its original bag and looked like it had never been used either with the white grease still on it and never touched. 

You know, we always seem to have some kind of story that’s hard to top…even the one that I just told you.  It’s those times when you think it only happens to others…but does happen to you.  I never had the air cleaner apart.  That is one thing that the judges require.  You must remove it and show them the element, etc.  Okay, so again, remember I left the car in my Mom’s care.  She had a helper (Jack) take the air cleaner out of the engine and then they proceeded to disassemble.  Well, to Jack’s amazement, he found a mouse and leftovers from the mouse’s home in the air cleaner element.  What a mess!  Jack was up to the challenge and took care of it for us.  Back a couple of years, a mouse had gotten into the car while stored over winter but we could never find the mouse…up until now!  Yes, the air cleaner element was the original one and yes, I did get a couple of points off for the element being damaged with small dirt left behind.  (boy, if the judges only knew what it looked like with the mouse and all…) 

“Skeeter” did really well for it’s debut.  The car would have done much better if we could have more of the underneath and engine compartment cleaner.  We lost at least 70 points on condition and cleanliness.  The team leader encouraged us to go forward in judging and get the McClelland Award and even the Crossed Flags Award.  So not sure what I’ll decide as I really like driving “Skeeter” and it would be extremely hard to continue to keep everything in great condition while driving it.  So it may end up a trailer car as well or at least until awards are achieved.

So we are off to Bloomington Gold event next.  I will be giving my Mom a list for some parts to gather while I’m again manning the jewelry booth.  It’s fun looking for parts - that time I will miss.  That may have been the most fun part of the restoration project - finding NOS parts.

I would encourage anyone that wants to know how original their car might be to join NCRS and participate in a Chapter meet.  NCRS promotes driving your car and even has classes for C5 and C6 owners that want to drive their cars to NCRS functions.  I’ve been a member for a very long time - since about 1980.  Everyone is very helpful and friendly. 

Until the next event….

If you are like me, you’ve tried most all the cleaning and detailing products on the market.  Some you like, some you wonder why you ever bought – they don’t do what they say…and they just pile up on a shelf so full that it can’t bear to hold one more can.

Well, I was in the cleaning stage the other day and now my detailing shelf is somewhat clean.  In preparing my ‘92 for flight judging, I wanted to use fresh products and treated myself from Griot’s Garage (well, actually my Mom bought the items for me for my upcoming birthday - THANKS MOM).  I just love their products or at least the ones that I’ve tried so far are great.

Griot’s Speed Shine is easy to put on and wipe off.  The car looks like I spent hours waxing it and there is no wax residue to be seen.  The paint is slick and shiny and now I have a hard time putting the car cover on it as it wants to slide off.  Highly recommend this product.

Griot’s also has their own wax.  I didn’t purchase this as I waxed the car late last year and just wanted to spruce it up a bit.  My next purchase may have to include this.

Next I used Undercarriage Spray for wheel wells, engine compartment and underneath on the undercarriage.  Another great product.  You do have to get what you’re spraying clean of dirt and grime, but then when you spray the undercarriage with their product, it makes it look like factory new.  The spray nozzle will also help you get into areas that a brush or fingers won’t reach.  It is supposed to be easy to keep clean now too.  Time will tell after I drive the car to the NCRS meet.  

Griot’s engine degreaser works really well too.  Some of the areas I was cleaning were heavily gunked up but the degreaser did a nice job.  After you degrease, they recommend an engine shine for rubber hoses, etc.  I was not happy with this product as it made the radiator hoses shine too much and almost look fake - not natural rubber. 

The white leather interior looks like factory new after using the cleaner and leather care products.  It freshened the leather and put a very nice finish on the leather.  You won’t slide off your seat or stick to it.  Again, would recommend the leather cleaner and care products.

Next I tried the 90 day rubber dressing on the tires.  Expecting to see clear liquid - NOT…it was a black and gooey substance.  Maybe I couldn’t get past the substance, but didn’t try this on the tires.  Might give it a try on my every day car tires…verdict still out on this product. 

So if you’re looking for easy to use products that work well, I would recommend (most of) Griot’s Garage stuff.  (I will attempt to use the rubber dressing again at a later time.)  If you are ever dissatisified with a product, it can be returned with no questions asked, or so I’m told.  I may find out for myself with the return of the 90 day tire dressing. 

Let me know if you’ve had experience with their products.

Also does anyone have any ideas to get stubborn stains off white convertible tops?  I’ve used Ragg Top cleaner and stain won’t budge.  I’ve also used most of the household cleaners with no success. 

From very hot and humid western PA,

Kim

Does Dad have too many neckties?  Why not give him something that he really wants?  All Seiko watches are on sale for Dad for a limited time.  Don’t miss out!

Okay, ladies, we now have the gold C6 Z06 watches ready.  Photo will be posted soon on website.  If you are interested in stainless, please let me know.  Also C5 Z06 owners, please send your inquires. 

Please be aware that Kim’s Gold Dust will have a new space this year for Corvettes @ Carlisle.  Carlisle Events took some of the existing spaces from the end of the building down and including Wheelz Deli and built a permanent souvenir shop.  Carlisle will be assigning our new space in early July.

As soon as our new space has been determined, we will post it on the Forum, this blog and under our webpage for Shows.  

If there is something in particular that you wish us to bring to this show, please notify us ahead of time.  You are under no obligation to purchase unless the item is a special-order item.  Call or e-mail us with your request(s).

Kim

If you are a newbie to this hobby you may have heard the term “save the wave” or even experienced the wave while passing them in your Corvette.  Did you wave back?   If you are new or just need a refresher course, Dan Woomer, President of Lost Caravan Corvette Club (http://www.lostcorvettes.org/public/index.htm) gave me permission to post the rules. 

Corvette Wave Rules
by Dan Woomer (October 23, 2003)

The Corvette Wave is an integral part of the mystique and culture of the Corvette owner experience. Corvette owners who wave at fellow Corvette owners when they pass on the road, show a mark of recognition that you are among the elite group of intelligent people who are driving America’s True
Sports Car. And as a member of this elite group, you should be recognized for your poise and intelligence. So for those who don’t know the five simple Corvette Wave rules, here they are:

There is no excuse for not waving at your fellow Corvette owner.  Although most Corvette owners have the class and understanding to accept when their wave is not returned, not waving is a serious breach of proper Corvette etiquette.

Whoever sees the other Corvette first, starts the wave.  There isn’t any rule about who waves first. This is simple; if you see another Corvette, wave!  Rules 1 and 2 apply to both sexes.  As far as who starts the wave, it doesn’t make a difference if you are a man or women. Rules 1 and 2 apply.

Any type of wave is okay.  Whether you shoot a big wave up through your open Vette top, out the window,  or a quick salute with your hand on the steering wheel, any wave that can be seen by the other Corvette driver is okay. However, this does not include any style of jester that can be interpreted as obscene or insulting.

Remember, Corvette owners are a class act; while someone might have been rude or stupid to you, try not to return the favor. (This is a tough rule not to break with all the stupid drivers who manage to get a driver’s license.)

A late wave is better than no wave.  If you suddenly realize that a Corvette driver is passing and waving at you, get a wave off as soon as possible. The other Corvette driver may see your wave in their rear view mirror and realize that you where just a little late in getting your wave going. Although missing the timing of your wave is a “goof,” getting off a wave that the other Corvette driver has a chance to see can acceptably cover this slip-up.

So you can see the underlying concept here is simple: Wave at your fellow Corvette owners, whoever they are, whenever you see them. This will show you are a person who understands the full measure and etiquette that comes with your proud ownership of a Corvette.

Thanks Dan for permission to post Corvette Wave Rules.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Memorial Day weekend which starts off the summer season.  Yes, I know the calender and the weather (here, anyway) is not summerlike. 

When this holiday weekend arrives, for me, it’s time to really get the wheels rolling for cruising season.  We have an extremely busy summer ahead.  I hope that you will have the time and opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

In the midst of our family gatherings and picnics, let’s not forget WHY we are celebrating this holiday and take time to remember the many soldiers that fought for our country’s freedom and for our Troops today.

Save the wave!  Stay alert and be safe!

We have some new items coming which include C5 and C6 emblem pinky rings, toe rings, and a new diamond circle pendant with choice of C4-C6 emblems.  I hope to have the new pinky and toe rings for Maggie Valley show this coming weekend.  Photos will be posted in early June. 

We will have all these new items available at the NCRS regional in Seven Springs, Champion, PA in June and of course at Bloomington Gold event. 

As usual, if you have any suggestions for new items, please contact us. 

Kim