Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter

Stephenzone · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

RE: Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter

eeluddy · Uber Guru

It's nice to be recognized by POCI any way you look at it. Doesn't matter to me if some US Pontiac fans look upon us as the poor relatives. I think most people tend to show disdain for something they are not familiar with. It tends to make them uncomfortable to see something they don't know about. So some of these people get rude, don't waste your time on them and concentrate on the ones who are genuinely interested.

canadian l79 · Addicted!

I would just like to say at last years Woodward Dream Cruise we stopped at the Woodward GTO Tigers Club with our 1965 L79 Acadian Beaumont. The club members gave us a very warm welcome. Some said they had read the article in Muscle Car Enthusiast about our car and were happy to see it in real life. There was not one negaitive comment about the car having a Chevy motor and a 65 GTO interior. We were also invited by the club President to attend their POCI GTO Classic Car Show the next day at which we received an award in the 65 GTO Class. We were also invited to attend GM's 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Tech Center in Warren, Michigan for Pontiac Automobiles. If POCI and GTO members accepted our car as a Pontiac, why not continue on this road for other rare Canadian Pontiacs, Acadians, and Beaumonts?

gparis7 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Glad to hear about this. It's important to recognize the Canadian market cars. I just got back from the US and was surprised to see an early Acadian for sale at the big Charlotte Auto Fair at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte NC; and to talk to a guy in Florida who actually knew about Canadian Pontiac Parisiennes having Chevy drive trains.

-- Edited by gparis7 on Sunday 19th of April 2009 08:27:28 PM

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

That is excellent. I see no reason why there can't be that type of reception everywhere for our cars!

canadian l79 · Addicted!

While attending GM's 100th Anniversary Celebration, many of the Tech Center employees, including the head of their vehicle design group, stated they never knew GM produced Acadians and Beaumont models. He said our Acadian Beaumont was so unique that he intended to do a lot more research on these cars and other Canadian Pontiacs. Also everyone that looked at our car thanked us for bringing such a unique vintage Canadian car to this 100th Anniversary spectacle. Again, not one negative comment was made about our Acadian Beaumont by the hundreds of people that looked at it.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I've told this story here before but not sure if you've heard it.

In 1990 I trailered my Acadian to POCI in Kansas City (transmission was weak on it or I would have driven it). When we pulled into the hotel parking lot a POCI member came running over to tell me I must be at the wrong place because I had a Nova and this was a Pontiac convention! I have maybe not mentioned here that although he started off being slightly negative about my car being there, once I explained the details of our unique cars it was a whole different story.

I spent a fair bit of time at that one and two more conventions explaining our "different" cars to people. It's tons of fun!!! This included some of the staff of Pontiac Enthusiast who of course have a great interest in them.

65sssd · Poncho Master!

I really don't care what the US market thinks about Canadian Pontiacs. I would go for a road trip to the US but probably wouldn't spend any money on a US club. It's better spent here. People with negitive comments that judge at car shows are the reason I enter very few.

455gto · Poncho Master!

To bad you feel that way. The wife and I have a great time in Oregon at a car show put on by the Goatherd each year. Great people great show.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

455gto wrote:

To bad you feel that way. The wife and I have a great time in Oregon at a car show put on by the Goatherd each year. Great people great show.

Kim, there is one huge difference for you, it's a GTO and it's engine is blue. For me my experience with my car has been pretty much 99.9% negative. I'm not a candidate to drive my car down to Ohio because my car is not a big part of my life and I get bored after 20 minutes at a cruise-in BUT I am still considering taking out the invitation for membership extended by Joe Lizon. Maybe rather than denying they exist the POCI people could work with us and address the legitimate reservations being raised.

-- Edited by 73SC on Monday 20th of April 2009 09:01:04 PM

eeluddy · Uber Guru

73SC wrote:

455gto wrote:

To bad you feel that way. The wife and I have a great time in Oregon at a car show put on by the Goatherd each year. Great people great show.

Kim, there is one huge difference for you, it's a GTO and it's engine is blue. For me my experience with my car has been pretty much 99.9% negative. I'm not a candidate to drive my car down to Ohio because my car is not a big part of my life and I get bored after 20 minutes at a cruise-in BUT I am still considering taking out the invitation for membership extended by Joe Lizon. Maybe rather than denying they exist the POCI people could work with us and address the legitimate reservations being raised.

-- Edited by 73SC on Monday 20th of April 2009 09:01:04 PM

Ray, I've had snide comments about my '79 Trans Am. Engine is blue but it's an Olds 403."That's not a true Pontiac" Whatever. I made a mistake back in '79 when I had my '78 Trans Am with the Pontiac 400 by saying the Poncho engine was faster than the 403 Olds. I was beaten by a car length 3 out of 3 races by the 403. Since then I've learned to keep my mouth shut. I also well remember back in 74-75 that swapping out the big block Pontiac for a big block Chev in new T/A 's was all the rage in Detroit.

455gto · Poncho Master!

73SC wrote:
Kim, there is one huge difference for you, it's a GTO and it's engine is blue. For me my experience with my car has been pretty much 99.9% negative. I'm not a candidate to drive my car down to Ohio because my car is not a big part of my life and I get bored after 20 minutes at a cruise-in BUT I am still considering taking out the invitation for membership extended by Joe Lizon. Maybe rather than denying they exist the POCI people could work with us and address the legitimate reservations being raised.

-- Edited by 73SC on Monday 20th of April 2009 09:01:04 PM

Ray
I only put my car in two shows last year. My motor is Ford blue and it looks like someone took a Swiss Army knife to the dash. It's not about the car as much as the people you meet. The Oregon show is a long weekend away from the kids when we can afford it. I think everyone on here has had bad comments about their car. I'd rather take an ugly girl to the dance then not go at all
(your car isn't ugly,but saying it's better to go than stay home)and that's my point. Don't stop,because some A****** thinks your car has the wrong motor, colour or not stock.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

You know Kim, we are close to the border too and we love going to the US, wife and girls often run across to Buffalo and Niagara Falls NY for shopping and weekends away and we were in Florida at Thanksgiving. People are fantastic and make us feel at home, no problem there at all.

forespeed · Poncho Master!

The point of this thread is an invitation to participate in an auto event sponsored by POCI. Not even just to participate but to become a permanent part of this organization.
That, for me is most important. Please don't look at this as two groups of people facing off. It is not about what was normal in the U.S. versus Canada. It is about having a Chapter for our cars under the one all Pontiac Club where we belong.

I have been a member of the National Nostalgic Nova club for 25 yrs and we are accepted there without reservation. But, we don't have a chapter or a separate parking area, there just aren't enough of us to warrant it.

POCI is an International organization and this gives us the opportunity, not obligation, to form a chapter of members with the common bond of owning unique automobiles manufactured in Canada and sold under the Pontiac marquee.

I welcome that opportunity. My car will not be just a side show to the main event. There will be loyal Pontiac owners that will appreciate these cars, recognize there rarity and want to own them. They will be amazed at the documentation we have available for our cars. We will have full rights and responsibilities of a POCI chapter. Someday, we might even bring one of their events to Canada.

This is where we, as owners of these cars, belong internationally. Canada is a very large country made up of many many small towns. No one is trying to take you away from your local shows, town events or donut & coffee runs. We are just inviting those of you that enjoy traveling, meeting new people and most of all, talking about your car, to join the Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter. Once this Chapter is organized, the sky is the limit and we will decide where we want to be and what we want to do under the Pontiac Marquee.
I have been in touch with Paul, the office manager with POCI and he has assured me the vehicle menu on the POCI website will be upgraded to include an option for our cars. That will allow us to join POCI on line and register for their events.
I'm looking forward to Dayton in July, along with Joe & Susie, we hope many more of our friends here from the Canadian Poncho Forum will join us.

By the way, Joe & Susie, along with Candy and I will be attending a car show June 5 & 6, 2009 at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt Pleasant, MI. It is an excellent facility, even if you don't wager. Please visit their website at www.soaringeaglecasino.com they give away great prizes and it is located 160 miles/265 km west of Sarnia, ON.
Thanks, Norm

-- Edited by forespeed on Tuesday 21st of April 2009 09:14:40 AM

57poncho · Uber Guru

Ok guys can you read hear is the first sentence from this tread

ATTENTION: Canadian Pontiac Owners. POCI (Pontiac Oakland Club International) is looking to form a new non-regional, specialty chapter for Canadian Pontiac, Oakland, Acadian, & Beaumonts.

They want to start a Canadian chapter before all I would here is they don't recognize us. Now when they offer to start a chapter for us half you guys are full of negative comments about it. Yes it it probably due to this site thanks Todd

Just remember there will always be some jacka** at every show that has negative comment about every car.
And half the time they don't even have a car the story always goes I use to have .
Who gives a sh*t what they thing show your car off and be proud of what you have and just ignore there ignoranc.

Just my

-- Edited by 57poncho on Tuesday 21st of April 2009 08:25:15 PM

64 RAG · Addicted!

Good for you Vern. I run into that at cruises all the time, usually from people who don't have a car there. My car isn't one of those Barrett Jackson lawn ornaments and never will be. I have changed my car the way I like it, saved all the original stuff in case for some reason I decide to part with it and the new owner wants to change it back.
If you don't like what you see don't look.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

73SC wrote:
Even though Canadian Pontiacs have existed 60 or so years it seems to me that the efforts to have them recognized by POCI should be applauded. It obviously took some open minded and liberal thinking to even get this idea to the surface after 60 years of production and I am sure a lot of slugging to bring it to fruition.

The best thing for Canadian built Pontiacs (Acadians & Beaumonts too) would be for us to embrace this opportunity and sign up as members of the POCI Specialty Chapter. Up until now I have felt that we were excluded and moreso not wanted so this is a credit to those leading this new initiative.

Representation of Canadian Pontiacs is the only way that we can gain them any respect.

One of the things with clubs of any description is the tendency to become self fulfilling but this is a formula for death of the club. By reaching out to new members with related but different interests is a sure way to keep any club current, vibrant and growing. The POCI members leading this initiative are to be congratulated and thanked.

I am considering taking out the invitation for membership extended by Joe Lizon.

So far I'm the only one saying I 'll take out a membership. I tried to sign up today but need to call for clarification. Who else is going to pony up?

canadian l79 · Addicted!

I have received several emails from Paul saying POCi needs at least 12 members to start this new Club. As of now we have 4 to 6 people willing to become members. This new club is just in the begining stages, Paul, Chris, Norm, myself and anyone else who is willing to help work out details for the club will be getting together at the Dayton Show. As of right now cost for members will Be $12 US for Canadians (I've asked for Canadian membership be lower because Canadian dollar is lower than US) US member ship to be $15 to $18. We need 6 to 8 more to get this club rolling, please Add your name to this form as being intrested in becoming a member or contact Paul or Joe. I will try to keep everyone updated to the progress of this new Club, it up to us weather this club sinks or swims. Thanks Susie & Joe

Stephenzone · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

i went to the home site. not really any info except trying to start the Canadian chapter. what do i get? I'm interested. now try to sell it to me. i see you have GMC's what about Canadian GMC that came originally with chevy drivetrains?

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Joe & Susie, We have a few members on here who already belong to POCI, I think they would just need to advise the powers that be to designate them in the Canadian Chapter.

My good friend Hillar, Astro-Jet, for example has been a member for 20 years, he has a number of Pontiacs both US and Canadian of course the most interesting being his 454 Laurentian!! There is also mark in Gassie ON, Ian in Ancaster ON, Clint in Calgary. These guys are already members I believe and would help the numbers.

I am going to do it as well, this thing called work and now hockey tryouts for next season getting in the way this week.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Stephenzone wrote:

i went to the home site. not really any info except trying to start the Canadian chapter. what do i get? I'm interested. now try to sell it to me. i see you have GMC's what about Canadian GMC that came originally with chevy drivetrains?

If Hillar was 100% he would come on and tell you all about it. He gave me a good 15 minute lecture on the benefits and professionalism of the club and it's leadership.

forespeed · Poncho Master!

Stephenzone wrote:

i went to the home site. not really any info except trying to start the Canadian chapter. what do i get? I'm interested. now try to sell it to me. i see you have GMC's what about Canadian GMC that came originally with chevy drivetrains?

Steve, this is what we get everytime someone mentions membership. I have worked with National Nostalgic Nova Club for years, including starting a local chapter and everybody says what is in it for me.
How about saying how can my support promote this hobby.

I'm sure you have read the 46 posts shown in this thread. You are being invited to join POCI and the Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter. By doing this you will help us establish our cars as part of the largest Pontiac owners group in existance. This will introduce many many people around the world to the history of the Canadian Pontiac's, along with providing the owners and enthusiast the opportunity to gather together either separately or under the POCI events and share our cars, knowledge and interest in these special cars.

Now, when someone starts a group such as the POCI, they understand the need to involve the membership in the club beyond the events and gatherings they sponsor. Many club members may never have the opportunity to attend an event. To this end, the club publishes magazines or newsletters to keep people informed and involved in the club. They probably offer merchandise for purchase to help the stay at home members to feel a part of the group. They offer forums online, a library, technical advisors, online classified's and links to Pontiac related site's.
They require participants in the events to be a member, so as to keep it fair to those of us that have paid dues.

But the bottom line is, your return on investment from this organization will be based on your interest, involvement and enthusiasm. The more you are involved the more you will get out of it. If you are one of these guys that wants to measure the quality of the magazine against the membership fee, don't bother, you can buy high quality Pontiac magazines on the newstand.
So, I'm not going to try and convince you the return is worth your investment. You will need to judge that for yourself. Maybe your involvement and interest will generate an interest in someone else, around the world and that person may want to pay you a lot of money for one of your cars someday. Maybe as a result of your involvement, they will open the GMC chapter up to Canadian GMC's. That remains to be seen. But you can't make your membership and support of the Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter of POCI, contingent upon these things happening now.

Join if you can afford it and have a desire to be a part of the founding members. Those of us that have already commited to the chapter will be waiting to welcome you. I have been asked to shoulder the newsletter responsibilities and I don't know if that is something I can handle or not. Other members are being asked to be officers and participate in meeting the requirements of Chapter establishment. All we are asking of anyone initially is your support and that means becoming a member of POCI.

I hope we can ad your name to the list of dues paying POCI members supporting the establishment of our chapter, the "Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter of POCI".

455gto · Poncho Master!

I think it would be great to have a Canadian Chapter of the POCI. Count me in as a member. Let me know where to send the funds.

Rebel™ · Veteran Member

Would it be too much to ask for a link to whatever site is doing this so people can check it out?

forespeed · Poncho Master!

455gto wrote:

I think it would be great to have a Canadian Chapter of the POCI. Count me in as a member. Let me know where to send the funds.

Thank you, for now please email me Halletts1@chartermi.net your name, address and contact phone number. We will be emailing the 12 founding/charter members the information necessary to join POCI and help us establish the Canadian Pontiac Specialty Chapter. I hope the POCI website will be updated at that time to allow online membership applications. Norm

You can find more information at www.poci.org

-- Edited by forespeed on Thursday 23rd of April 2009 07:03:12 PM