John Hinckley

[Brian M.]

Re: John Hinckley

Mike Ward in blue shirt.

[James G.]

Re: John Hinckley

John contacted me not long after I started posting on the TDB and mentioned that I started my career right out of college as a Pontiac production engineer. We had a lot in common, met in person at the Monterey National Convention, had a private dinner together, and then that infamous group dinner at The Sardine Factory.

At first I didn't recognize that guy between Joe and John, but finally realized it's me, but I don't recognize the guy on the right. Anyone know?

We kept in occasional touch over the years and collaborated on some projects until his health began to fail a few years ago. John was the launch manager for the Cosworth Vega at Lordstown and had a lot of great war stories than he chronicled in the Cosworth Vega Owners' Association national magazine and was guest speaker at a national Roundup held in the Detroit area. I recall asking him when he was going to retire after Daimler-Benz bought Chrysler and he said he had no plans to, but that soon changed.

John is one of a couple of handfuls who have made incalculable contributions to the vintage Corvette and car hobby in general. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

I have no doubt that he has a lot of personal papers that can benefit the hobby for decades to come and hopefully his family will find a good home for them

Duke

Well said Duke. I met John in the early days of NCRS. Saw him often at Monterey Race weekend. We ''rosted'' Noland Adams in a special SACC Solid Axel Club diner in Bloomington in 2012 as I remember.

He knew everything Corvette, especially plant production from time as manager St. Louis 1966 and later. He shared all that knowledge with anyone who asked.

REST IN PEACE my friend.

[Dave K.]

Re: John Hinckley

John was one of the NCRS giants who helped me on my journey to become a 300 point Master Judge. He never refused to help you in any way.

Dave Kitch

[George J.]

Re: John Hinckley

...hard to believe that was 19 years ago, and it was the first time we all met each other in person after many great discussions on the TDB? What a great group of people.

So who's the guy in the blue T-shirt on the bench between me and Joe? He looks familiar, but I'm having a senior moment on the name.

Duke

Duke,
I can't remember his name, right now, but I think he was from Canada.

George

[Randy S.]

Re: John Hinckley

RIP John. Such a fountain of knowledge and always gracious to share. Prayers for his family.

[Dave B.]

[Louis T.]

Re: John Hinckley

Just learned of John's passing. Immense loss to the hobby. May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences to his friends and family.

[Tom K.]

Re: John Hinckley

John Hinckley National Corvette Museum Video's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYdDPofjH5Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-bg2_RpB5U

A Great Night for John and the Michigan Chapter

[David H.]

Re: John Hinckley

All

Several applicable Tech articles authored by John can be found on Camaro Research Groups web page.

http://www.camaros.org/articles.shtml

Dave

[Dave K.]

Re: John Hinckley

John was the long time technical editor for Corvette Enthusiast magazine. His articles can still be found on the web. He had a great presentation on the St. Louis assembly plant that I saw several times. John was kind enough to present this at the 2012 Pittsburgh Tri-state Regional that I chaired. He would not accept any expenses money.

Dave Kitch
33108

[Tom D.]

Re: John Hinckley

See Tom Komendera's video links above. In the first one, late Rick Boyd sitting next to John (about the 1:58 minute point in the video). WE ALREADY MISS JOHN, AND RICK. WE MISS HOWARD HOOVER (first speaker in the video) and all the other departed MI chapter members.

We'll for sure have a John Hinckley award in the Michigan chapter, and honor him in our next newsletter. (Thank you Tom Komendera!)

[Gary C.]

Re: John Hinckley

John, his knowledge and dedication to the car hobby will be sorely missed.

Appreciate John having the patience's to teach this old dog many new tricks. One of which was; "if happened at St.Louis, then it's in the AIM".

Thoughts to his family.

Gary
....

[Tom R.]

Re: John Hinckley

John encouraged me to write for the Corvette Enthusiast magazine, then the best tech magazine for C3 stuff. he was also instrumental in helping me understand the transistion from the ECL code format of the C2 years to the GMAD manifest broadcast codes of the C3 years. Nobody knew this stuff! But when I asked John...he answered all my curious questions. Eventually, I was able to piece together how Chevrolet Motor Division and the St Louis Plant made this transition to Corvette and discect the catchall phrase of buildsheets.

His technical writing skills were quite admirable. He had an ability to write that anyone could understand the technical issues he addressed. We've all seen and appreciated those skills.

[David B.]

Re: John Hinckley

Wow, yet another sad piece of news. Certainly has been a tough year for NCRS. John was a great friend to NCRS and a tremendous resource. RIP John.
Dave