Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

[Edward M.]

I was thinking about the data that Mike Hunt collected over the years on 1956 and 1957 Corvettes.

Much of that data is already floating around on the internet, based on published information that Mike made available.

However, the actual raw data was kept on an old Apple II PC that Mike called "Hoss".

Hoss, and associated electronic media storage was donated to Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute).

I asked about this a while back, and found out that Mike's data is not currently being accessed / retrieved from his old Apple II.

Does anyone know if this is still the case?

My understanding is that there was no funding to retrieve Mike's old data.

Is this a task that NCRS should consider taking on?

Mike had a lot of data, and it would be a shame for it to be lost.

Thoughts?

Ed

[Loren L.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

It was my understanding from Mike that "Hoss" was history. I volunteered to send up an old Apple II GS to Wisconsin but Mike held me off by telling the discs et al were up in the rafters of the garage or some such. Wasn't too much longer and Mike was gone.
I was told that Ken Kayser(sp?) received the data, but don't know that for sure. Is the material at Kettering but they don't have a means of reading the discs - is that the problem?

[Edward M.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

I thought that Hoss went to Kettering with Mike's discs.

Kettering can read anything, as long as it is still readable. However, electronic information does have a shelf life.

I have, in the past, retrieved data from 5 1/4 inch floppy discs.

It isn't always easy, but I have no doubt that Kettering can handle it.

But Loren, you have brought up an interesting point. What exactly does Kettering have? What was donated?

Maybe we should check on that as well.

Also, does anyone know how to contact Ken Kayser.

[Bill M.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

www.kayserspecialty.com

[Edward M.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

www.kayserspecialty.com

Thank you sir.

[Gary C.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Ed,

Agree with Loren, Mike told me Hoss was DOA. Mike left me with the impression he'd tossed it.

I had volunteered to retrieve the data from his diskettes for him after several discussion during the Apr/June time frame before his accident.

Gary
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[Mark S.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Maybe I can supply a small amount of information. I was in contact with Mike quite a bit before the accident. His significant other contacted me after the accident because my name was at the top of Mike's rolodex. She tried to get me to take Mike's Chevrolet and all the information relating to Corvettes; however, I felt very uncomfortable doing this. As several people know Mike was also really into boats at this time. Since Ken K. was working on his book about FIs; I suggested that she donate the Corvette 56/57 information to Ken K.; so Ken should be able to supply us with this information. There were a few other people that I suggested that she contact in reference to parts ,etc.; however, I might have to search back for their names. Mike also had hard copies of much of the information that he compiled; so I am wondering if any of that information survived?

[Donald A.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Maybe I can supply a small amount of information. I was in contact with Mike quite a bit before the accident. His significant other contacted me after the accident because my name was at the top of Mike's rolodex. She tried to get me to take Mike's Chevrolet and all the information relating to Corvettes; however, I felt very uncomfortable doing this. As several people know Mike was also really into boats at this time. Since Ken K. was working on his book about FIs; I suggested that she donate the Corvette 56/57 information to Ken K.; so Ken should be able to supply us with this information. There were a few other people that I suggested that she contact in reference to parts ,etc.; however, I might have to search back for their names. Mike also had hard copies of much of the information that he compiled; so I am wondering if any of that information survived?

Mark. You mention that Mike was really into boats. Do you know what kind? Just curious. Thanks

[Mark S.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Don: I believe that Mike was into speed boats of the 50's like the Flying Fliver. Mark

[Donald A.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Don: I believe that Mike was into speed boats of the 50's like the Flying Fliver. Mark

Thanks Mark; I thought so. That is the hobby I've been in for 25 years. New to the classic car/Corvette world.

Here I am sitting in Miss America X, Gar Woods 1932 world speed record holder from 1932. It had 4 Packard V-12's ganged together producing 6,000 hp

[Mark S.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Beautiful boats! I had a small hydro plane; but nothing like yours.

[Edward M.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Yes, I remember Mike saying that Hoss had crapped out. But, if the hard drive is still good the data can be retrieved. Even if the hard drive is bad the data might still be accessible.

I am really interested in the raw data. Mike published many articles over the years, and I am trying to gather all of them up.

But I know that even the articles don't tell the whole story. I am not interested in the personal owner information, but trhe raw data about the cars is significant.

As an example, about 5 years ago a 1957 black 283 hp 4 speed car was sold. Mike's data from years earlier had that car as a copper 250 hp FI automatic.

Now, the goal isn't necessarily to uncover fake cars, but the data could be helpful in determining surviving cars, and surviving options.

I emailed Ken Kayser. Have not heard anything back yet.

Does anyone know what specifically was donated to Kettering University?

[Gary C.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Quotes from a Mike Hunt letter of 11 Jul 96; "my 4th & final Apple II Plus pooped out some time ago". "My PFS-File master disk is really worn". "just received a Firjon Sea-Yak to padd agains the beautiful Wisconsin River. "From Wisconsin, where it only snows 182 1/2 days of the year...

Just thought I'd share. Enjoy,

Gary
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[Loren L.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

Is there a website for Kettering that might give a clue as to where archived material would go? Maybe it has not yet arrived? I don't know MH's significant other - would she know?

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Mike Hunt's data - how bad do we want it

You might want to talk to Bill Tower...