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'2nd Annual Stovebolt Homecoming! 24-26 April, 2009

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Just awesome! The turnout for the first ever Stovebolt Homecoming here at Stovebolt Global Headquarters last year was absolutely fantastic! While mainly the Maryland and Virginia 'Bolters, we had some guests as well as the Baltimore-Washington Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society join us. A fun time that we've decided to do again! We've even added some "Technical Seminars!"

Make plans now to attend the 2nd Annual Stovebolt

Homecoming & Tech Seminars

The turn-out for the inaugural Homecoming was fabulous -- read last year's story. This year's event will be even more fun and informative!

The planning committee has been hard at work ... to ensure this year's Homecoming will be a fun-filled weekend of friendship, fellowship and learning.

The members of the Old Dominion Stovebolt Society and Chowder Guild will be our hosts again this year.

New for this year is the addition of Technical Seminars! Several Bolters have graciously offered to conduct hands-on seminars in areas of interest to Stovebolters -- from wheel upgrades to simply experiencing what it's like to drive a 6-71 Detroit diesel-powered Big Rig.

Schedule

Saturday Tech Seminars*

Specific schedule has not yet been determined. Some seminars will only be held once, others will have two sessions -- morning and afternoon. Check back as the schedule matures.

Transmissions -- Cosmo
Ever wanted to rip into your Saginaw or SM-420 but were just too darned intimidated to even open it up? Join Cosmo as he walks you through these amazingly easy transmissions! Morning session: Saginaw. Afternoon session: SM-420

Steering Box Rebuild -- TBD
With the kit supplied by many of the parts vendors, this task it pretty easy and well within the abilities of most amateur restorers -- This seminar will walk you through it.

Fire Engine operation and Pumping -- Mike B
Admit it -- We've all wanted to be firemen at some point ... here's your chance! Watch, learn and then operate a fire engine pump and run a hose like the pros do.

Wheels & Tires -- Grigg Mullen III
Confused over all these wheels and optional combinations -- especially for your Big Bolt? Join Grigg as he explains the differences and possible options for your trucks (special emphasis on Advance Design trucks, but seminar will touch other eras as well).

Drive a Big Bolt -- Bill Marlow
Ever wanted to drive a Big Rig? Billy (and others perhaps) will coach you through it and then let you take him for a ride in his '72 GMC 9500 road tractor (with the Road Ranger 5-speed and Detroit 6-71 engine). Note: Spaces in this seminar are limited so advance sign up (use email links below)is required. Spaces will be scheduled on a first come, first go basis.

'72 GMC Road Tractor -- Bill Marlow
Others? Let us know!

Big Bolt Diesel Upgrade -- Grigg Mullen III
Interested in upgrading your Big Bolt with a Cummins or Detroit diesel engine? Grigg will walk you through his in-progress diesel/tranny/axle/power steering upgrade of a 1948 2-Ton.

Driving Tour of St. Mary's County -- Mike Roache
Hop in your Bolt and follow Mike on a scenic route through the center of America's first county! Dating back to the early 17th Century, some of America's first European settlers came to this county and their agricultural and religious legacy lives on -- see it with a native son!

Start the Dead Dump Truck -- John Milliman
Have some fun seeing if we can get a truck that hasn't run in 20 years going again!

* Schedule subject to change -- check back often for updates!

Interested in hosting a seminar? Let us know!

Friday 24 April 2009

       Noon - 10 pm -- Arrival/Check in
       Noon - 5 pm -- Social and informal tech exchange
                               Possible driving tour
       5 pm - 7 pm -- Pitch-In Dinner
       7 pm - Midnight -- More socializing

Saturday 25 April 2009

       7 am - 9 am -- Breakfast on-site
       9 am - Noon -- Morning Tech Sessions
       Noon - 1 pm -- Lunch
       1 pm - 4:30 pm -- Afternoon Tech Sessions
       4:30 pm - 5 pm -- Clean up
       5:00 pm -- Form-up for off-site group photos
       6 pm - 8 pm Grand Hall Formal Banquet
       8:30 pm - Midnight -- Bonfire Social

Sunday 26 April 2009

       7 am - 9 am -- Breakfast
       9 am - 9:30 am -- Services
       9:45 am -- Depart for Leonardtown Show

Registration

All you'll need to do to register is look for the Homecoming thread in the Events Forum and let us know you're coming. Registration fees? You bet! We'd really appreciate a $10 donation to help defray the expenses of this event. It won't be fancy, but you'll have a good time.

Rocks

In keeping with Stovebolt Tradition, all participants will need to bring a rock for Peggy's rock garden. The size of the rock is up to you, but the current record holder is George VanOrden with his three-man rock!

Accommodations

Attendees are encouraged to camp onsite. Stovebolt HQ is located on a 17-acre Christmas tree farm with several fields and ponds, as well as some woods -- plenty of space for your bedroll, tent or RV. No sleeping in the ponds but do bring a fish pole! Inside restroom facilities are available, but limited. If you prefer one of our nearby B&Bs or a motel, we have several to choose from. Just email us for the list.

Volunteers

If you'd like to help with this event, just let us know. It's a pretty simple event and we're trying to keep it informal and fun, but we could use some help with a few things

Directions

Stovebolt HQ is located approximately 90 minutes South East of Washington DC at 41370 Friendship Ct, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 -- Just Mapquest, Google or GPS us for directions! For a simple map, go here.