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Southern AZ Pantera / FIAT Club 2015 "Year in Review"

rockyrockyMember
This thread now goes into the books as a documentary of the all the adventures we had with our Panteras, and with the cars of our sister club, the Fun Italian Automobiles of Tucson (FIAT) Club. We had a blast in 2015!


21 Feb - Run from Tucson to Arivaca

Wide open event, no cost, just excitement. Last year it was awesome - wide open roads, and great driving.

* * EVENT IS ON SATURDAY * *

At 9:00 we will stage at I-19 and Valencia (1/4 Mile West of I-19, on the Southeast Corner of Valencia and Commerce) - There is a auto-related business with a convenient parking lot there.

Once we meet there, the plan is to travel south and meet at Duval Body and Paint. Directions are listed below.

We will admire Rick's new Group 4 Car, with it's Bassett racing wheels.

Then we will drive out to Arivaca and eat lunch at the “Sweet Pea” Café.

From there we head into the town of Arivaca for libations at the La Gitana Cantina (one of Esquire Magazine’s “Best Bars in the United States”).

We will then return the long way via Highway 286 up to Three Points. We can decide to cut up Sandario Rd and hit I-10 in Marana, or just stay south. Either way is fine.

Then “home again, home again, jiggety jig”.

Anyway – there should be some extra seats, if people just want to ride, and not only Panteras need apply.


Chuck

Duval Body & Paint, LLC
19355 S. Duval Commerce Dr.
Sahuarita, AZ 85614
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rockyrockyMember
Yuma (for the "Midnight at the Oasis" event) is about 5 Hours from Boulder City - It's a straight shot.

Arizona (Tucson/Phoenix) is probablably about 8 hours away.

I am pretty sure there are some "Cats" in the Las Vegas area that would be closer to you, but you are always welcome to join in on our events!

Rocky
rockyrockyMember
Less than a week away until we all meet for a Fabulous weekend at Midnight at the Oasis!!

There are several groups travelling our from Phoenix (and one car from Tucson).

The "baseline" plan is that the cars will meet in Gila Bend (on I-8) at about 10:30 (at McDonalds). From there, we join up, and continue on to Yuma.

Doug and Kevin are leaving on Friday, as is Chris. Both Doug and Kevin aware of a meet up in Gila Bend.

Rick and Bill are travelling out on Thursday.

There is a group of us leaving for Yuma on Wednesday the 4th. Sharon May / Les Gray will have all the packets on Friday morning and will have them at the hotel for you to pick up.

Dinner Saturday night is set for 5pm. As always, it is bring your own beverage.


Rocky
Last edited by rocky
rockyrockyMember
Another event on our calendar!

Come join us for a celebration of St. Patrick's Day -- a few days early! The Southern AZ Panteras, and the Fun Italian Automobiles of Tucson will have a leisurely "Sunday Drive" in southern Arizona.

Here's the tentative plan:

• Gather between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM at the Vail Steakhouse & Cafe on Benson Highway (Come early and have breakfast!)

• At 9:30 AM we'll head south down AZ-83 to Sonoita.

• At the Sonoita Junction of AZ-83 & AZ-82 (fuel stop if you need it) we'll head west on AZ-82 to Patagonia where we'll stop for a bio-break and a cup of coffee.

• At approximately 11:00 AM we'll continue west on AZ-82 to Rio Rico (River Road / Ruby Road) and then turn north on I-19 to Green Valley (if you miss it you will head into Nogales and can catch I-19 and head north from there).

• Around noon we will meet at Mac's Pub & Patio in Green Valley for lunch - Irish style!

• After lunch we can depart on our separate ways or if some choose to caravan to Tucson and then split up that is fine, too.


This is a Pay-as-You-Go event. It is also a "Run What's Available" event - meaning if your Italian car isn't street-ready then run your daily driver of any make. Just come for the fun and comradery!

If you are planning on attending this event please let us know at your earliest convenience so I can give Mac's Pub a headcount.

I'll send out a reminder via email a few days before the event to confirm the plans and locations!

Rocky
rockyrockyMember
Our March event will be a celebration of St. Patrick's Day - just a few days early!

We will be taking a drive from Vail to Green Valley - the long way. We'll start southeast of Vail and head south to Sonoita. At Sonoita we will turn west and take a break in Patagonia.

After our brief stop we'll continue west to Rio Rico and turn north towards Green Valley where we'll end the drive with lunch at an Irish pub.

This is nice drive on some good roads with great views of southern Arizona's wine country and the Santa Rita mountain range.


Date: Sunday 15 March 2015
Duration: 9:00 AM - 1:00/2:00 PM (times are approximate)

If this sounds like something you would like to join us for, please RSVP and we will send you detailed info with meet-up times and destination locations.

Here's who have signed up as of 08 March 2015:

  • Chuck & Linda - Pantera
  • Andy & TJ - Pantera
  • Jack & Ruth - Mystery Car
  • Dave & Shelly - "Support Vehicle"

    This will really be a scenic run. Please try and join us if you can!
    • Last edited by rocky
    rockyrockyMember
    Hi Everyone!

    Just a reminder about the "Sunday Drive" in celebration of St. Patrick's Day happening this coming Sunday 15 March!

    Here's the plan:

  • Gather between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM at the Vail Steakhouse & Cafe on Benson Highway (Come early and have breakfast!)
  • At 9:30 AM we'll head south down AZ-83 to Sonoita.
  • At the Sonoita Junction of AZ-83 & AZ-82 (fuel stop if you need it) we'll head west on AZ-82 to Patagonia where we'll stop for a bio-break and a cup of coffee.
  • At approximately 11:00 AM we'll continue west on AZ-82 to Rio Rico (River Road / Ruby Road) and then turn north on I-19 to Green Valley (if you miss it you will head into Nogales and can catch I-19 and head north from there).
  • Around noon we will meet at Mac's Pub & Patio in Green Valley for lunch - Irish style!
  • After lunch we can depart on our separate ways or if some choose to caravan to Tucson and then split up that is fine, too.

    This is a Pay-as-You-Go event.

    It is also a "Run What's Available" event - meaning if your Italian car isn't street-ready then run your daily driver of any make. Just come for the fun and comradery!

    If you are planning to attend have not yet sent an RSVP please do so now. We'll need a headcount so we can reserve a table or two at Mac's Pub where we'll end our drive and raise a pint!

    Ciao! Or should we say "Erin Go Brah!"
    • rockyrockyMember
    Our April event will be an over night run to Bisbee arriving April 18 and departing April 19, 2015.

    We have coordinated with the exclusive Jonquil Motel, which has dedicated off-street parking. Several folks have already booked their room there for this event.

    Details for the drive from Tucson are still being formed but the drive will most likely launch in Vail and head south to Sonoita and then take AZ-82 over to AZ-80 with a stop in Tombstone and then down and over to Bisbee.

    As the hotel check-in time is not until 3:00 PM, an early departure is not anticipated, which makes it easy for the Phoenix Panteras to join in.

    Nice drive and plenty of tourist activities and some great food!

    You are responsible for making your own reservations at the Jonquil (or any other motel/hotel in Bisbee) for this event. Here is a link to the Jonquil Motel:

    Link to the Jonquil Motel

    This is a pay-as-you-go event. Run your favorite ride - Italian preferred but not required.

    Please respond if you plan to attend this event.

    If you don't want to stay overnight but want to join us for part of the drive or dinner in Bisbee let us know that, too.

    Looking forward to seeing you on the Bisbee Run!

    Did you know the mural in the parking lot of the Jonquil is one of the most photographed icons in Bisbee? Just wait until there are 7 Panteras parked in front of it!

    Rocky

    Also - we will be postponing our Alpine Run in May due to emergent conflicts with upcoming events. BUT - we will still have a May event that will be held in NW Tucson/Oro Valley area. Details are in work so stay tuned! We will re-schedule the Alpine Run for sometime this Fall after the Monsoon season has run its course.

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    • jonquil
    rockyrockyMember
    Final planning - Post up if you want to join us...

    Meet at the Vail Steak house for Breakfast (0930).

    Head east to Texas Canyon - see "The Thing"

    The Thing

    Backtrack Slightly to a tour of the Amerind Museum.

    Amerind Museum

    Then down to Bisbee. We would have stopped at the Dragoon Brewhouse, except it's not in Dragoon, but it is in Tucson.

    Should be a good trip.

    PM me if you plan to go at the last minute, our plans can change.

    Watch for more exciting events as well.

    Rocky
    rockyrockyMember
    Shake Down Ride is 02 May.

    Meet at Vail Steak House with a plan to leave from there at 0830 AM (0800 or a little earlier if you want breakfast).

    Vail Steak House Cafe & Diner
    13005 E. Benson Highway, Vail, AZ 85641

    This will be a "Quick Trip" out Highway 83 to Sonoita, East on Highway 82 to Highway 90, then North on 90 back to I-10. Everyone heads back on I-10 to Vail, then home per their own preferences.

    Nice open road, for a fast run.

    Hope you can join us.

    Rocky
    rockyrockyMember
    Dinner & "Informal" POCA Meeting

    Time: Meet at ~5:00 PM, Dinner before ~6:00 PM


    Meet up for dinner with some Pantera Caravan travelers to the POCA Fun Rally at "Hot Rods Old Vail" in East Tucson.

    Please plan to arrive about 5:00 and grab a libation. Our travelers are on the road, so please make allowances for their travel schedule!


    Hotrods Old Vail
    10500 E. Old Vail Rd
    Tucson, AZ 85747
    (520) 202-0987

    Hot Rod's Web-Site (Map on Contact Page)

    Very easy to get to, just north of I-10 on Houghton Road (about 1 Mile).

    Here was our last meet...

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    • Hot_Rods_Sony_(1)_(Medium)
    rockyrockyMember
    Another Great AZ Event.....

    We had a great turnout, and a nice time. This was the greatest convocation of YELLOW Panteras in the history of Tucson.... EVER!

    Slide Show - Fun Rally Send-Off (05-11-2015)


    I am sluggish today, as I am getting ready to head out for the Fun Rally, so therefore, I am going to link up pictures in this thread. I know it is against policy... I hope our benevolent moderator doesn't ban me.

    We had:

    - John and Cathy Buckman (AZ Panteras)
    - Dale and Monique Erickson (LA Area) * Yellow Pantera "L" *
    - Larry Finch (PCNC)

    - Jim Fusco (AZ Panteras)
    - Chuck & Linda Huber (AZ Panteras) * Yellow Pantera "L" *
    - Gil Mares (AZ Panteras)
    - Wade Musil (AZ Panteras) * Brown / Orange Pantera "Pre-L" *
    - Andy Pieh (AZ Panteras) * Yellow Pantera "Pre-L" *
    - Steve Ram (AZ Panteras)

    - Dave & Shelly Knawa (FIAT Club)

    After a little false start at Hot Rods (closed on Mondays!), we all headed up the street to Chuy's Mesquite Broiler. We all had a nice time, and got some good food, and some well-deserved hydrating beverages.

    The big winner at the AZ POCA Meeting (Southern Chapter) was the Buckmans, and Kathy took home a "medium" 2012 POCA Fun Rally T-Shirt!

    We all had lots of fun, and we wished the travelers a "Bon Voyage"! Next time we will bring ticker-tape and confetti!

    See you in Houston!

    Rocky

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    J jffrMember
    quote:
    Originally posted by Rocky:
    Fun Rally 15-19 May (What More Need Be Said?) & Mount Lemmon Hill Climb (Sat. 13 June)

    Watch this space for details......

    * Link to Fun Rally Event

    * More information on our Mount Lemmon event.

    FIAT Club Mt. Lemmon Video


    Some of our Poca members had a chance to tour the Inde Motorsports Ranch track located in Willcox Arizona today. John Mabry the track's operations manager showed our members the facility then did a lead follow around the track. He then took some of our members on a hot lap around the track using their 2014 Porsche Cayman. I believe that there will be talk about this place at the rally in Texas!

    [URL=
    rockyrockyMember
    Update on the Inde Track Event....

    quote:
    This is the Inde Track's Cayman. It was bought new and they run the crap out of it.


    P.S. Note the car's color. You will recall from one of the recent threads that this will boost the HP by at least 60 over the 500 HP that the owner would claim if the car were for sale!

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    • JF_and_the_Porsche_Cayman
    rockyrockyMember
    Details on the Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb Run.... (13 June, 2015)

    We plan to meet at "Cars and Coffee" at La Encantada, in Tucson, starting about 0700 AM. We hope to have an "Italian Corral"

    2805 E Skyline Dr.
    Tucson, Arizona

    Cars and Coffee Facebook Site

    Our plan is that the Pantera Club and the FIAT Club (and those exclusive guests also invited to participate) will get their briefing instructions, and we will pull out as a group at 0830.

    We also plan to stop at the intersection (Southwest Corner) of Catalina Highway and Snyder Road at 0900 - 0915 and we can join anyone from the East Side who can't meet us at Cars and Coffee.

    Then up Mount Lemmon - to be at the top before 11:00 (Leaving at 0830 will give us an hour for photo shoots at Geology Vista Point, Aspen and maybe all the way at the top.

    Lunch will be from 11:00 – 12:00 (at either the Iron Door or the Sawmill) – I will get reservations based on the number of RSVPs we receive. Then we return.

    This event is being coordinated in association with the Fun Italian Automobiles of Tucson (FIAT) Club.

    Any and all classic cars are welcome to attend. Please post up here to RSVP.

    Rocky

    Option: On the way home from the Hill Climb...

    After the run up Mt. Lemmon, we will have the option to visit the students at the U of A college of engineering.

    The students are packing up a Grand Prix car they built for a race in Nebraska. They are interested in seeing cars that are not run of the mill.

    We can stop by any time after 1 pm, they will be working until later that night.
    Last edited by rocky
    rockyrockyMember
    Really great news from our Phoenix Chapter!

    ARIZONA POCA SWAP MEET AND DYNO DAY (Sat., 27 June)

    (Some might say....) With the summer rolling in AZ POCA doesn't have a lot of drives planned or activities like other POCA chapters........ NOT TRUE!

    ARIZONA POCA SWAP MEET AND DYNO DAY!!!!

    WHEN: SATURDAY JUNE 27th

    WHERE: AMP PERFORMANCE CENTER
    4346 E University Dr.,
    Phoenix, AZ 85034

    TIME: 8:00AM - 2:00PM

    FREE LUNCH! AZ POCA will provide a barbecue lunch with appetizers and all beverages (yeah - the other ones too) for AZ POCA Members.

    We will have pop-up canopies and you will have the chance to meet and greet the staff of AMP Performance - and hang out with your POCA friends.

    If you bring your Pantera you can get it strapped up to AMP's DYNOMETER and find out what's really going to the rear wheels ( Free! I say again.. Free!!).

    Tom Thompson from AMP will hand out a trophy for the "Best Pantera" that he will select.

    PARTS SWAP MEET Do yourself a favor and use this opportunity to clean out your garage of those spare parts that are taking up space and put some cash back in your wallet.

    • Got a part you don't need? Spare starter, fuel pump, filters, air cleaners, heads, valve covers, water bottles, slave or primary cylinders, brake rotors or calipers, distributors? BRING 'EM.

    • Anything like spare electric, pneumatic, or mechanical TOOLS, a tool box? Extra power washer, drills, sanders, polishers, buffers, grinders, saws? BRING 'EM.

    Tom Thompson and his crew from AMP PERFORMANCE (Specialist in FORD) are looking forward to meeting us and showing what they have to offer as a provider of service and also helping us promote and serve our cars.

    The leadership of AZ POCA look forward to seeing all of you there. Even if your Pantera can't come, please load up the truck with parts and come to see your friends. Joe Stockett is bringing LaBellizza, Chuck Huber is bringing "The Big Cat".

    Please post up for an RSVP - and thanks for being a AZ POCA member!

    Joe Stockett
    President AZ POCA


    P.S. The Tucson Club will be organizing a "Cat Caravan" to the event from Tucson. Stay tuned!

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    • Map_to_Amp_Performance
    bosswrenchbosswrenchMember
    As a heads-up for this- my favorite type of tech session, dyno operators say the two most common malfunctions on older performance cars are -1- bad spark plug wires or over-age plugs and -2- poor carb performance from dirty air cleaners and misadjusted throttle linkage. Spend a Saturday before the session on a tune-up and get better results!
    G gtpoweredMember
    I am going up for the day and bringing the following parts:

    72L engine screen
    Both swaybars and brackets
    2 72L stock seats
    bulkhead cover(steel) and panel
    Stock air compressor and condensor
    4 15" Centerline Convo Pro rims
    2 rear brake calipers stock
    1 water bottle with temp sensor
    1 alternator stock amperage(maybe a bit more)
    1 never used Ford GT multi disc clutch and flywheel

    Regards, David
    Last edited by gtpowered
    rockyrockyMember
    Good time with the AZ POCA crew, although our President got an early pull on their dyno (before the rest of us arrived to witness it) and shredded it!

    Nevertheless, even without the dyno pulls, we had a great time, we had a great turnout of cars, and lots of parts changed hands.

    Dave Andresen won the AMP Performance trophy for best car! Congrats, Dave!

    You can read about the event at the POCA Forum (It was an AZ POCA Event, after all) at the following link.... We have a lot of pictures, and even Quad Copter Video!

    AZ POCA / AMP Performance Car Show

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