Technical

Pat Costin with Dave and Paul Rafferty at the Reno Rennsport shop. (Photo by A Strom)John Lane, Dan Aynesworth and John Davies enjoy some coffee on a chilly morning . (Photo by C Kugler)Alice Strom heads the lunch line in Ken and Betty Hollman’s kitchen. Alice is followed by Karen O’Larey, Jim Dolian, Rich O’’Larey and Debbie Dell. (Photo by C Kugler)Warm April weather and blue skies provided the perfect setting for Sierra Nevada Region friends to get together and drive their favorite vehicles. The idea for this Progressive Tech Session actually was generated about five years ago when I visited Paul Christensen in his well-appointed shop. While Paul was showing me some of his magic in assembling a 356 transaxle, he mentioned that the Region had recently held a wonderful sounding event, which combined a progressive dinner with a progressive tech session.  Fast forward to my hand raised to ask a question, apparently at the wrong time, during the Planning Party in January. This seemingly minor error in judgment resulted in my being tasked to develop and host a Progressive Tech Session for the club.  Although anxious at first, working with the terrific members we have in the Sierra Nevada Region, the event a came together quite smoothly.

Members arrived at Reno Rennsport in Sparks at 10:30 AM for pastry, coffee, and conversation. President Craig Kugler opened the session by giving members an overview of the day’s schedule. Then owners Brian Lowder and Matt Lawrence welcomed everyone, allowed them to browse the shop and encouraged them to ask questions. There were various Porsche models being worked on in the shop and these became points of discussion for many members while others asked about the work typically done on the cars.

Brian Lowder and Dan Aynesworth enjoy the tech presentation in Ken Hollman’s shop. (Photo by C Kugler)From Reno Rennsport the group caravanned to Ken and Betty Hollman’s house in Carson City.  Ken welcomed our large group which took over his driveway and overflowed onto the street. He ushered us into his terrific home shop where he housed his 356, 911 and 912 models. Ken had a well prepared presentation, complete with printed notes. He went into detail about elements to consider if you suspect your air-cooled engine is running hot. Typically Porsche engines are in the comfort zone if running between 180 and 210 degrees.  Between 210 and 250 is OK, but pushing it. If they are running between 250 and 280 degrees, problem solving is definitely in order.  If the engine is running at 280 degrees or higher, STOP immediately. Ken suggested looking for things like a loose fan belt, missing ducting or hoses, missing spark plug insulator seals, low oil level, clogged or dirty oil cooler, dirty engine, incorrect carburetor mixture and more. Ken went into some detail about each possible issue and gave some examples of his own experience in dealing with apparently minor issues that caused overheating. The Q &A portion of the session provided additional information that applied even to water cooled cars. After the tech session, we walked up to the Hollman’s house where Betty had a delicious lunch of Brats, sauerkraut and salads awaiting us. The Hollman’s home is set up beautifully for social gatherings and even with about 30 members present there was plenty of room for eating and lively conversation. It was difficult prying everyone away from the wonderful food and comfortable setting, but we had one more stop to make on our tech journey so we caravanned to the next venue.

Jim Manly (356 Registry) with Barry Fleischer and Grandma Pat Bauderer, admiring the spectacle of cars in Dean Watts shop. (Photo by A Strom)Dean Watts has a terrific shop and car collection in South Carson City. Upon our arrival Dean and Judy encouraged us to browse the shop, look at the many cars, and visit with Judy Watts who hosted the wine and cheese bar.  Dean keeps his cars in excellent running condition and many have signs next to them explaining the history of the car.  One of the most interesting cars was the 356 Coupe ordered from the factory by Porsche race driver Jean Behra. Unfortunately, Behra was killed before he took delivery, but the car has accumulated significant race history over the years.  Dean has spent years on this car and it is perfect. Dean explained that the car came with his wife, Judy.  I think that I have the priority correct. In addition to an informal question and answer period, Dean discussed vintage racing, some of his favorite memories while several close friends added some exciting details about races that Dean failed to mention. Humorous discussions followed. Overall a great shop tour.

Judy and Dean Watts, our hosts. (Photo by A Strom)The next event in our long day took us to North Carson City and the Glen Eagles restaurant for dinner.  Dean had suggested the restaurant, and it was a great choice with excellent food at reasonable prices. We had a short social hour which moved from the bar to the separate dining room and allowed some of the members who were joining us for dinner and the Star Party to get updated on the day’s events. After a wonderful dinner, our last venue was the Western Nevada Community College Observatory for a “Star Party” hosted by the local Astronomical Society.  President Mike Thomas, who is also a car guy, gave an excellent lecture on “Killer Asteroids from Outer Space.”  No, this wasn’t a bad “B” movie. Mike is an accomplished lecturer and the audience was captivated by the talk. He included interesting information on the major asteroid strikes of the past and the possibility of future collisions. Mike also talked about the chances of a life extinction asteroid event heading our way. The Observatory is open every Saturday night. The public is invited to hear lectures on various astronomical subjects and after the lecture view objects in the sky through telescopes on the patio. A great time for the whole family.

It was a long and enjoyable day with a total of 40 members participating in some part of the day’s events. I’m not even anxious about raising my hand to help with another club event in the future.