M F Dobbins

[Bill B.]

Re: M F Dobbins

Bill,
Thanks for the sympathies! The car was quite a mess after the Nov '06 fire (I've posted photos in the past). I'm surprised that Hagarty didn't total it, but I had it insured adequately. In retrospect, I'm sure the adjuster wishes he had written it off as a total loss! We've maxed out the claim and he's been back and forth through the ringer several times.
Looking at the cup being half full, however, this presented me with a perfect opportunity to do the body off resto that otherwise wouldn't have made economic sense. Barry Hackert has done a beautiful job of bringing the body back and I'm working with a mechanic friend on the weekends to restore the chassis and mechanicals. I'm hoping to have the Phoenix back on the road with all the bugs worked out for the Del Val Chapter show at Bryner Chevrolet in October. Time will tell.
BTW, I also know Dick Robinson through the Chapter. Heck of a nice guy! I stop by his shop periodically to see what kind of solid axle wonders he's performing. He's a great teacher and works magic with the cars he restores.
Regards!
Jeff

Jeff - I can't say enough either about Dick Robinson, my sentiments exactly... I'm sucking up the sun here in Florida...but really miss the camaraderie of the northern people. Often my wife and I contemplate about moving back, but the harsh winters keep us here....Please post pictures when she's finished, I would really like to see them. Good luck, and Gods speed.

Bill

[Louis T.]

Re: M F Dobbins

I have the honor of having two photos of the engine in my 1970 Corvette in M. F. Dobbins 1968-1972 Fact Book, in all editions except the first edition. In 1981-82, I spoke with Dobbins concerning some paint numbers that didn't match what was in the book. I told him that I had a 1970 with the 454 LS5 engine and he asked if I would take some photos of that engine and that he would include them in his next edition because he was not able to locate one for his book. I did what he requested and the rest is history. In the "acknowledgement" section in the front he used the name I usually go by "Tom Tassara" rather than Louis, At this time (September 2016) the car in being restored for the first time, by a very meticulous individual Corvette restorer. The car is a Donnybrook Green, 454 CU 390HP, 370 Positraction rear with an M21 close ratio transmission. The production date was July 21, 1970 and sold by Bryner Chevrolet in Jenkintown, PA. Mr. Dobbins has been helpful with supplying my with original decals and paperwork associated that year car.