Meet CC5Club

Benvenuti amici!

FIAT FreakOut 2017 is just around the corner. Over a year of preparation was poured into what the national club Vice President dubbed a "Once in a FreakOut" event. We thought now would be a good time for a brief introduction to some of the folks you'll meet when you arrive in Cream City.

Duane Hand: CC5Cruise Coordinator, 2017 FFO Planning Committee

Originally from upstate New York, Duane moved to Wisconsin in order to attend Beloit College. He married there and ended up staying in Wisconsin.Duane is a retired Army/Army Reserve veteran and is currently an X-ray Technologist. He bought his first FIAT 500, a giallo 2012 Sport, looking for something economical but fun... Something happened (he's not sure what is was) but now he's hopelessly hooked on FIATs! Duane traded that giallo 500S for a grigio 500 GQ.

Willie Carter: CC5C member, 2017 FFO Planning Committee

Willie bought his 1974 X1/9 eight years ago (sight unseen) for a whopping $800USD. 'Took a 1998 FIAT Punto block and had that built for the X motor. 'Modifications to have a complete unique car that fits his personality. 'Still a project with lots of work still going on. Before he got his X, he had a 1974 124 Spider that was a project... just to give him something to do in his spare time. That's what got him hooked on vintage Fiats. Now, besides his X, he has an '81 Spider 2000 project and a 2014 Fiat 500 Pop pulls duty as his daily driver.

Sean Kane: CC5Cruise Coordinator, 2017 FFO Planning Committee

I received my 1982 FIAT X1/9 from my late uncle, Damon Kane who passed away from ALS in August 2013. I took possession of my car back in September 2012 and have absolutely loved it ever since! I am a member of the FIAT Club of America Board of directors, Secretary of my daughters Parent Teacher Organization, co-own Commonwealth Mortgage Group, work in IT for my "regular job", blissfully married and the father of two beautiful little girls.

Owning my FIAT has introduced me to so many great people. I absolutely love the fact that the car provides you with a way to meet new people and explore new roads. I coordinate two drives each year.

Do you have a story to tell? Do you want to show off your FIAT? Send in your photo/s and your tale. We're happy to share them here.

See you sooner than later.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Happy Twenty-seventeen!

Benvenuti amici!

Twenty-sixteen is gone/Twenty-seventeen is here and we turn back for one last glimpse at what a fine time we're having. In excess of 700 people (from all over the world) follow our Facebook page and we are approaching 70 thousand visits to this blog - thanks to an uptick in daily check-ins. We're eternally grateful for your interest and support... and strive to continue adding a little something extra to your FIAT-ABARTH life experience.

The founding of our local club, also the Wisconsin Chapter of FIAT Club America, and the the purpose of this blog... as published in our very first entry... is to celebrate the long line of automobiles ordered, approved, designed, financed and/or manufactured in Torino since 1899. "If you build it they will come" proved itself to be true when Sean Kane joined our second meeting with his X1/9. That beautifully maintained machine holds a special spot as the first non-500 on our roster.

We are elated to see more vintage and contemporary FIATs continue join our Facebook community and varied list of Wisconsin events. The growth (quite frankly) is exactly what we always dreamt it would be but never dared expect to see in such a short amount of time. Our local membership, as well as our Facebook and blog readership, has gone as global as the brand itself. See; the photo below.

Zastava joins the CC5C membership roster

Followers of this blog and the CC5C Facebook page are well aware of the fact we intend to turn up the heat in 2017. The addition of a CC5C event planning committee is tasked with fine-tuning our itinerary of local events and their first goal met is hosting FIAT Club America's national convention called FIAT FreakOut. This annual event is, to date, the largest gathering of FIAT and ABARTH aficionados in North America and will team with Milwaukee's Festa Italiana for their 40th anniversary.

To my knowledge, marks the only time Cream City... and/or Wisconsin... has hosted a FIAT-specific national convention. We take the opportunity very seriously and itinerary submitted and approved by our Board of Directors will reflect the fact.

Panorama: FIAT FreakOut 2015 Pittsburgh

In short, the horizon looks bright for Cream City 500 Club. The 2016 creation of the aforementioned planning committee will help keep our ideas fresh and exciting... as well as help forge stronger relationships with local businesses. Interest in our brand of motoring mayhem is steadily expanding beyond our city, metropolitan, state, regional and national borders. Our relationship to FIAT Club America, as a regional chapter, is helping push the presence of the aged 33 years club further west. And you continue to make our efforts more fun than we may deserve.

On behalf of the current CC5C Planning Committee thank YOU for your support. Bryan, Duane, Joe, Pat, Sean, Willie & I trust sharing our labor of love will inspire you to join your local community of aficionados and spread Passion, Purpose and Peace across the globe.

See you on the road sooner than later...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Miniature Motoring Mayhem!

Benvenuti amici!

This is the season the CC5C Planning Committee sits down to decide on the events for the coming year. We break our events up into Normale (laid-back, people-centric) and Sportivo (full-on, car-centric) activities. This is keeping in the tradition of FIAT model trims and informs attendees of what they can expect when they join us.

But 2016 isn't over yet and [MKE] local members dream up reasons to hang out all the time. Park your FIAT during the winter months? No worries... you may end up hosting a visit from the club. Check out what we have planned. We trust it may inspire you to get out there and have some multi-FIAT fun of your own!

NOVEMBER [2016]
Pep's Cars + Coffee [500] Club
Pep Zastava w/CC5C
Road Class - Normale
CC5C welcomes our first vintage Zastava (Yugoslav-Serbian licensed & built FIAT) to the fold. Pep's 750 is the mechanical ancestor of the modern FIAT 500, FIAT 500L (also built in Serbia) and FIAT 500X. This is an informal morning hang-out session... conversation over coffee and donuts. We'll add a photo session to the mix if weather permits.

MARCH

Diminutive Drive

CC5C

Road Class - Sportivo

We're cruising into the new year. This is the first of our 2017 Cars & Coffee Club meetings. When we last met we were hosted by Pep Zastava and Valenti Classics. This time we'll meet at Colectivo Coffee (Milwaukee's Lakefront - 1701 North Lincoln Memorial Drive). Catch up with you fellow [local] ABARTHisti & FIATisti. More details will be communicated, via our Facebook page, as plans develop.

APRIL

Cabin Fever Cruise [Lakeshore]

Duane Hand

Road Class - Normale

This year we're combining the Cabin Fever and Spring Thaw Cruise events and dubbing it the Cabin Fever Cruise. Join us on this leisurely cruise along the Wisconsin stretch of The Great Lake. 'North or South is anyone's guess. One can only be certain by joining CC5Cruise Captain Duane!

MAY

The Kane Classic

Sean Kane

Road Class - Sportivo

CC5Cruise Captain, Sean, is taking over our May event. He's driving the FIAT train West, to Oconomowoc a/k/a A Special Place, for 2017. Anyone who's had the pleasure of joining other Kane-led back road romps knows this is going to be as much a blast as the area is special... Get in There!

JUNE

FIATs & FLICKs

Duane Hand w/Amacento

Road Class - Normale

Formerly dubbed the simply More cruise, in honor of the 2010-2012 FIAT USA ad campaign, this has quickly become a club favorite. This Hand-led fun cruise to the Hwy 18 Drive-In (outside theater) is family friendly.

JULY

FIAT FreakOut 2017 [MKE WI]

FIAT Club America w/CC5C

Road Class - Normale, Sportivo
Twenty-seventeen marks the first time Wisconsin will host the FIAT Club America event. This is quite an honor as the [inter]national FIAT convention has a longstanding reputation of bringing Italian car aficionados together.

"From all over North America... and often from overseas... hundreds of Italian car lovers drive, trailer, and fly to converge at a chosen destination, usually rich in history and culture, to play! We unite in the spirit of friendship to celebrate the unique automobiles that reside under the umbrella of the FIAT marque including ABARTH, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lancia and more!" - FIAT Club America

AUGUST

Italian Cars & Motorcycle Show [ICAMS]

Reina Int'l Auto & Moto

Road Class - Normale

Reina Int'l Auto & Moto is a true friend to the Milwaukee Metro automotive world and the organization is a true friend to CC5C. Each year we join their longstanding celebration of Italian Cars & Motorcycle Show. This is event is family friendly.

SEPTEMBER

Motoring Mayhem

Joe Noto & Willie Carter w/CC5C

Road Class - Sportivo

This is a first time "official" event for CC5C. The genesis of this event is our semi-annual Road America visit. The event will honor Wisconsin's famed Motorsport heritage with annual visits to strips like; Great Lakes Dragaway, The Milwaukee Mile, Road America & Slinger Speedway. Joe & Willie want you to join them on this special tour.

OCTOBER

FIAT Fall Tour

Sean Kane w/Amacento

Road Class - Normale

This event was formerly dubbed FIATs Feast Farewell. It marks the end of the social driving/touring season. CC5C celebrates another successful year of FIAT fandom with a Kane-led backroad tour and a family-style sit down dinner. Keep up with CC5C via our Facebook page. Get involved with local & national clubs today!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: Give Me Liberty!

Benvenuti amici!

Time flies when you're having fun. It's been four years since the missus & I purchased our first FIAT... a 2012 500 Pop. I was immediately smitten with our new runabout and, in equal measure, taken with the early history of the company founded by don Giovanni Agnelli.

The enthusiast/investor faced [both] dark & hard times during his life journey, but his dream of equalizing the [driving] field between the have and the have-nots remained the central focal point for his endeavors. His grandson, don "Gianni" Agnelli, brought glamor & glitz to the everyday brand when he took control of the auto house. He chose (grandson) John Elkann to serve as his successor to the business head of the Agnelli clan... while Lapo Elkann took it upon himself to carry on the fashionista image of don Gianni. Together, tempered with the no-nonsense approach of don Sergio Marchionne and empowered by the superior design/engineering sense of don Roberto Giolito, the descendants of don Giovanni have realized nearly all his dreams. Pardon my digression...

FIAT S.p.A., the FIAT 500 and Cream City Cinquecento Club celebrate their respective birthdays this month (FIAT 500 & CC5C - 4 July, FIAT S.p.A. - 11 July). The Cinquino is seasoned at 56 years. Cream City 500 Club is still a toddler at 3 years young. The "Topolino", the Nuova 500 and the modern Cinquecento are meant to add a sense of liberty, unity & passion to the driving community. The unwritten CC5C "mission statement" is meant to adopt that very spirit. Participation has varied from 5 to over 20 FIATs... and at least twice as many smiling faces. Friends, Family and Fun rule every outing. Here is a photographic look at the exploits of the club over 36 months. Enjoy!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

"You know what I want to think of myself? As a human being... Under the sun, under the heavens, there is but one family. It just so happens people are different." Bruce Lee

Ciao!

@

Wash. Wax. Wake.

Benvenuti amici!

Driving season is in full swing and cruising always seems to feel infinitely better in a happy, shiny FIAT. I'm not sure exactly how the cleansing ritual began, but I know it's been practiced by many... for a long time (including yours truly).

Recently, a follower of the CC5C Facebook page inquired why I've never written an entry about my process & recommendations for cleaning Cinquecentos. Well... to be absolutely transparent... I don't consider myself much of an expert on the subject. That stated, many people I know comment on how good Sombrita always looks. Some assume (at a distance) she has a fresh wash when a few days have passed since her last "spa day". So, despite my misgivings about being the person anyone would turn to for advice on car care, I've decided to give it a shot. I invite you to visit our Facebook page and join in the conversation with your tips & techniques.

Frequency (Intro):

I recommend washing once a week or as needed. Very early morning on T.G.I.FIAT is an ideal time to do this... if you're an early riser like me. Saturday or Sunday, just after household chores, is a good alternative if you like to sleep in. I think of a thorough wash as a reward for good behavior. I dig my setup, because being eco-friendly plays a central role. I can keep my ride "So Fresh & So Clean" without guilt spoiling my "Wax on, Wax off" time. On the subject of time, this entire process requires anywhere from 45-90 minutes. Your obsessiveness will dictate when, between 45 and 90, you end.

• Tip - Seek out a reputable local detailer to perform 1-2 thorough annual jobs on your favorite FIAT. This allows you to maintain rather than create a 100% finished look. Sombrita has been through the wringer... three harsh/long Wisconsin winters (and the other 3 seasons) parked outside. She still looks good with one detail per year plus the work I do in-between said full details.

Tools:
Thanks to CMG Detailing for introducing me to their detailing philosophy. I use an eco-friendly No Rinse cleaner. One capful mixes with 4 gallons of water and last 2-3 washes without all the extra water used to rinse. I use a capful of vinegar (not soap) to wash my drying/detailing towels, as needed. I dry them in the dryer. They come out SUPER SOFT.

1. Soaker/Hand Pump Sprayer
2. 5 gallon Water/Cleaner Pail (2-3 washes)
3. Pail Grate (prevents dirty swirling in pail - forcing it to settle)
4. Serrated Sponge (picks up dirt and minimizes unwanted dragging)
5. Cleaner (there are lots of eco-friendly, No Rinse options on the market)
6. Spray Wax (preferably an eco-friendly one containing carnauba wax)
7. 3 each 600-1000 thread count two-sided Drying/Detailing Towel; Make no mistake... the thread count of your microfiber matters
8. Window Cleaner
9. Microfiber Towels (for window only)
10. Tire Shine; I recommend one of the many eco-friendly options on the market
11. 2 each Tire Sponges (one for cleaning, one for Tire Shine application)
12. 1-2 each Wheel Microfiber Towels (recycle your old drying/detailing towels); I recommend washing these by hand
13. Interior Plastic/Vinyl Wipes (something with UV protection is your best bet)

• Tip - Product prices vary by brand and outlet. I am purposely staying away from mentioning one particular brand/outlet or another, because this is not a sponsored blog and you may prefer a specific brand and/or outlet. The choice is always yours to make. That adds to the fun.                          

Location:

Driveway or Garage? That is the question. I've washed outside, in the shade, and inside. I definitely prefer inside. When you live in the city you find dust rapidly settles on your car before you can finish the job. That's not only frustrating, but you can end up leaving light streaks and/or scratches in your clear coat.

Temperature:

Keep it cool. Most cleaners and waxes work best at specific temperatures. Figure out what that is for your cleaners and waxes of choice and follow the directions. A team worked a long time to sort out the best conditions for use. Don't reinvent the wheel.

Steps:

1) Soak.

• Tip - Depending on how dirty your car is... you'll want to drive her through a touch-free carwash or a good spray with hose, if you have one at your disposal, before you use your Soaker/Hand Pump Sprayer. This isn't always necessary... You should make the determination based on good ol' fashioned "common sense".

2) Rub. Repeat if necessary.

• Tip - Just watch for anything gritty (sand, excess dirt, leaves, grass) as you rub your car clean. Anything you drag across your clear coat is gonna leave light surface scratches. Things like this are why I simply don't have much patience for the level of detailing I know I'm capable of doing. I obsess too much. That stated, it's still important to keep your eyes open for potential troublemakers.
• Tip - Work on one section at a time. I work from the roof to the bonnet (hood) to the boot (trunk) and down. The idea is to keep the water flowing down. Learn where panels of your FIAT overlap. This will help you decide what area(s) to work on first.

3) Remove excess water with [dark grey] drying side of detailing towel #1.

• Tip - Don't obsess too much here. I usually just lightly drag my super soft towel across the surface of the car. You want to leave behind a little bit of water. Dry too much and you could leave difficult streaks you will need to rub away later.

4) Spray wax on damp (not wet) car. This technique helps dry your car faster and prevent unwanted streaking.

• Tip - Do not allow to dry on clear coat. Rub onto clear coat in circular motion with the [dark grey] drying side of detailing towel #2. Turn over towel and remove excess wax in a straight motion (one direction) with the [light grey] "polishing" side of detailing towel.

5) Did you pop the doors, bonnet & boot and dry?

• Tip - It's called detailing for a reason. Get in there! Your work will feel that much more complete when you need to climb in those "hidden places" and you stop to pat yourself on the back... rather than kick your own behind.

6) Finish (exterior). Wipe in a straight motion (one direction). Go over the entire painted surface of your "precious" once or twice to make sure you didn't miss some lingering wax or streaks. The towel should glide over your FIAT.

• Tip - Only use the [light grey] "polishing" side of detailing towel #3 for this step. Complete this step regardless of how good you think your Cinquino looks. It's the part of the ritual that makes you think, "Damn, you're pretty."
• Tip - The car should be cooled down. It's time to hit the tailpipes & wheels. I only do the exterior [black] plastic as needed. I'm not as crazy as I seem. Well... that's what the voices in my head keep telling me, and I hate getting into an argument with them.

7) Finish (interior).

• Tip - Don't waste too much time admiring your work. Now you have the exterior complete... it's time to hit the interior you may or may not abuse on a daily basis. Glass (mirrors/windows), dash, seats, floor. You may do this first or leave it for the final step. I leave it for you to decide.

That's it, folks. You'll make mistakes. You'll forget things. Sometimes you won't have time to complete it all. That's okay. It's meant to be a peaceful time for you to get to know your FIAT (and a bit about yourself). Doing so will help you appreciate your experience as well as the effort that went into designing & engineering that much more. It's time to take her out for a cruise. Get in there!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

(Special thanks to BourbonPro, Gigante & Topobro)

Ciao!

@

BIG THINGS, small packages

Benvenuti amici!

Have a conversation with my father about the training & philosophy of Bruce Lee while listening to the eclectic musical catalog of Prince Rogers Nelson and you'll get a better understanding on what floats the boat of this blog author/publisher. Bruce Lee and Prince Rogers Nelson, passed to the next in my lifetime. I am old enough to understand and have a vehicle to express what that means (in the case of the latter). I believe all knowledge is relative. It's connected just as we're connected. Observe...

4 July 1957, ITA, our miniature Italian runabout

took the world by storm.

The tiny pop star quickly became a cultural icon.

Cinquestilo

Maserati the car inspired "MAZARATI" the band

Purplestilo

7 June 1958, USA, our miniature maestro

took the world by storm...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@