PSEB_MM_MAY_13_draft 2.pub

2007, 2009 & 2012 Gold Award
2008, 2010 & 2011 Gold Medallion International Award
VOLUME 20,
20, NO. 3
CHAPTER 81 CTCI
MAY 2013
T-BIRDERS INVADE MOHAI
lthough not exactly tailored to Thunderbird enthusiasts, the April outing to Seattle’s MOHAI
Museum was a great way to spend several hours on what was definitely not a “top down” day.
We were warmly greeted by our guide, Karin Moughauner, who gave a brief introduction about the
many exhibits. Mark Gleason, Exhibits Manager, then took over and expanded on her introduction and
A
(Continued on page 3)
R AY & D ARLEEN R OHWEIN H OST
THE MCCAULLIFE COLLECTION TOUR!
(Trucks, Autos, Bicycles, etc., etc., etc.,)
SUNDAY, MAY 19TH
(Continued on page 7)
GOOD TIMES, GOOD FRIENDS, GREAT CARS!
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
One of the most challenging
things when planning an event is getting a response to RSVP from our
members. There are those that always respond, there those that never
respond! I don’t know what the answer is but it is frustrating to say the
least. I believe that the Early Bird
Newsletter always provides enough
time for the upcoming events that
one should be able to have an idea of whether or
not you will be able to attend
Our trip to MOHAI this week was very interesting and educational. We had a very nice
introduction from the Staff of MOHAI Karin
Moughamer Adult Public Programs Coordina-
tor, and Mark Gleason who is responsible for the museum exhibits. They
gave us the background on how the
new museum came to being and what
was required to bring it up todays
codes. A delightful lunch at the
Compass Café on site which had a
wonderful assortment sandwiches,
soups, and salads. A much different
venue from the Old MOHAI.
Please note Michael Perry’s Celebration of
Life is May 11th.. Please RSVP to Christine.
We’re looking forward to some nice outings
for the upcoming months.
OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN
THE MOTOR MOUTH
President: Duane Niemi
360-297-1245 - [email protected]
Vice President: Jim Stott
253-277-2117 - [email protected]
Secretary: Darleen Rohwein
360-692-5199 - [email protected]
Treasurer: Der Roupe
360-638-2571 - [email protected]
Immediate Past Pres.: Ed Johnson
360-598-4262 - [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Bob Callard
206-932-3236 - [email protected]
Membership: Gordon Thorne
253-857-0066 -- [email protected]
Amenities: Carol Weiler
360.452-3096 - [email protected]
Webmaster: Bob Callard
206-932-3236 - [email protected]
THE MOTOR MOUTH
Duane Niemi
www.pugetsoundearlybirds.org
Vol. 20, No. 5 -- May 2013
Gold Medallion International Award Winning
publication of the
Puget Sound Early Birds, Chapter 81
Classic Thunderbird Club International.
International
Members are encouraged to submit articles
written by themselves or others. All
submissions are subject to editing and
space available.
Deadline: 20th of the preceding month
[email protected]
Our Mission:
To encourage and promote the
preservation, admiration, ownership, enjoyment
and restoration of the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Ford
Thunderbirds.
PAGE 2
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
(Continued from page 1)
MAY 2013
It was built by the Works Progress Administra-
explained the history of the museum building
itself and how the collection arrived at its current South Lake Union Park site from its previous long-time home in Montlake on Lake Washington. The new Route 520 bridge construction
forced the move.
The building, actually situated over the lake,
is interesting in itself. Mark explained the construction methods and materials used to build
the structure. The wooden floor is 2 x 4's cut
about 3" long standing on end. Not only visually
interesting, it creates a floor that is comfortable
for walking, standing or playing basketball as
Mark was quick too add before mentioning traces of the foul line and other basketball markings
are visible from its early Armory days. It is de-
tion
in 1941-1942, and "served as an Advanced Naval
Training School" during World War II. The
main interior feature is a 133 x 100-foot drill hall
which was used in Naval Reserve training of
thousands of young recruits for service in the
war. It is significant for its association with
mass mobilization during the World War, for
association with Depression-era work relief, and
more. The building’s story is further described at
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/
WM7C81_US_Naval_Reserve_Armory_Seattle_
Washington.
Although our group started out together, we
each found our way through the exhibits at our
own pace, meeting up here or there to exchange
scribed as “a massive concrete building exhibiting restrained Moderne and Art Deco features".
THE MOTOR MOUTH
(Continued on page 4)
PAGE 3
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
(Continued from page 3)
MAY 2013
worth Trucks, capacity 1.5 tons.
pleasantries. There were many historic items
that some of us remembered. The hydroplane
Slo-mo-shun (U-27) is hanging in a prominent
place near Boeing’s first commercial airliner.
When you entered the building, a United
Parcel Service truck from 1923 greets you. It
was manufactured by our local truck manufacturer, PACCAR. It is one of the early Ken-
Our hosts suggested that we start with the
Native American exhibit and weave our way
through history up until the present. We
learned about Lewis & Clark, the Denny Party
and the founding of Seattle, the Seattle Fire, the
(Continued on page 5)
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 4
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
(Continued from page 4)
Ford Model “T” Assembly Plant
(who knew that?), the labor
movement and strikes, Boeing,
Microsoft and the craft beer
and wine industry.
Our hosts also pointed out
that Seattle was a mecca for the
film industry and we should not
miss that exhibit.
However, before you entered,
the marque from a long time Seattle “landmark”
was prominently displaying its usual (double en-
MAY 2013
at the café to eat and chat. Although the Compass Café is somewhat Spartan, its tasty offerings
we great, as was the service. Many of the historic boats moored on Lake Union (plus the new
ones) provided a nice backdrop for lunch.
When we returned to the exhibit area on the
mezzanine area, a group of photographers
backed out of from a room, cameras running, to
film Jeff Bezos (CEO, Amazon.com), who was
there to commemorate his role in a major museum addition, The Bezos Center for Innovation
tendre) humor. For those of us who worked
downtown Seattle, we miss the signage and humor of The Lusty Lady.
As we wandered through the exhibits, we
couldn’t help but notice that MOHAI has created a wonderful story of our region and judging by
many of the comments, we’ll be back!
Lunch was scheduled for 12:15 so we gathered
scheduled to open in the second half of 2013.
The group moved through the filming process
(Continued on page 6)
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 5
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
(Continued from page 5)
with little fanfare but it was fun to watch the
process.
Event hosts, Duane and Nancy Niemi, not
only made all the arrangements, they loaded
their Suburban with club members and drove
them right to the Museum doorstep. Seems sort
of easy, but it involved a ferry across the Sound,
then navigating through the “Mercer Mess” (or
Mercer Madness) in typical NW weather. This
was a different but great way to get together
with fellow T-birders.
For those of the club that couldn’t make the
outing, here are are some comments from the
group...
From the McCurdy’s... “Phil was especially
delighted with MOHAI, being a native of the
Seattle area. He never thought he'd ever see his
favorite ‘Slo-mo-shun IV’ up close and personal.
Cheryl really liked seeing how the hills of Seattle
were re-graded. MOHAI is one impressive museum!”
THE MOTOR MOUTH
MAY 2013
When your editor
asked Ogden Owens,
the McCurdy’s grandson about MOHAI,
he said “it’s okay”.
“Really?” I replied and
said, “nah, it’s cool!”
When asked for a pix,
he did what most 8
year olds do.
From
Stan…
“MOHAI is better
than ever in its new
space. What a great
way for a city to show
off its memorabilia.
I'm not from this area
originally (am from the SF Bay Area), but
Gretchen is, so many exhibits brought back the
nostalgia for her (and a few for me too). Getting
a glimpse of multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos, who was
touring the facility that day, helped to heighten
the experience. The weather held out for us, and
the companionship and conversation in the Niemi's vehicle and onboard the ferry was great.
We had a terrific day and thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves”
Bob Teague made his way through “…. the
maze of roadblocks, re-routings and general confusion of getting to the MOHAI museum
through all the cunningly planned Seattle roadwork was "adventurous", once at it museum, it
didn't disappoint. How could it when greeted by
(Continued on page 7)
PAGE 6
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
(Continued from page 6)
the "Toe Truck" and "Slo-Mo-Shun IV as soon as entering the door? I thought the exhibits were
very well presented and captured the spirit of Puget
Sound and the great North- Thank you Karin and Mark:
west very effectively and espeOn Behalf of the Puget Sound Early Birds, I want to let you
cially valued the opportunity know how much we all appreciated meeting us and telling us
about MOHAI. Our group was
to get close to the historic
thoroughly
impressed!
The
Cape Flattery lightship
displays
and
the
museum
are
a
"Swiftsure". It was a good
wonderful history of Seattle. Each
time mini-adventure that was
visit something new is learned.
well planned and executed.”
Thank you so much for being
Darleen
and
Ray
wonderful hosts! We also wish to
Rohwein“. . .enjoyed seeing
express our appreciation to the
things from the past and
staff of The Compass Café for
amazed how technology has
their wonderful job. Our group
advanced and changed so
was impressed with the service
many things in our
and the variety to choose from.
lives. Guess it shows our
Thanks again!
age because of how many of
Duane & Nancy Niemi.
the things we remembered.”
Martha Callard found the exhibit on the Great Seattle Fire in pictures, song and artifacts to be
very well done.
about 1:30. After lunch everyone can go
On Sunday May 19th we meet at Kohls their own way. Hope to see a large turnout
by 10:15 and at 10:30
caravan down for this event.
Silverdale Way to Bucklin Hill Rd and then
:
turn right on Anderson Hill Rd proceed to
Ray & Darleen Rohwein
the Big Beef Creek and McCaullife
[email protected]
Estate.
Gerald McCaullife has a large
OR
collection of classic auto's,trucks, bicycles,
motor cycles, hood ornaments, license
CALL 360-692-5199
plates, gas pumps, hotel keys and numerous
BY
other item we probably won't see
MAY 7nd
again. We will need to have a head count by
We need a head count of how
the llth of May to let him know. From
many plan to attend the Event.
McCaullife's we'll proceed thru Seabeck to
FOR LUNCH RESERVATIONS
the road leading back in the direction of
Wildcat Lake and on to Chico and the 19th
Hole Tavern where we will have lunch at
(Continued from page 1)
RSVP
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 7
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
THUNDERBIRDS IN CHELAN
Update
September 1919-22, 2013
Many thanks to all of you who have booked
your rooms at the Lakeside Lodge and Suites for
this upcoming September event. At this time
we are extremely pleased with your early response as we have just about filled all of the initial 40 blocked rooms and have now added an
additional 10 rooms to the block. For those who
have not made your reservations we encourage
you to do so soon as we have been advised that
the hydroplanes will be also “thundering” at
Lake Chelan that weekend and are sure to attract a crowd. Reservations can be made by calling the Lakeside Lodge & Suites at 1-509-6824396 or 1-800-468-2781.
Refer to: Olympic Classic Thunderbird Club
for the group rate. The rate is $119.00 @ night
plus taxes. The blocked suites have king or
queen beds, queen sofa beds, private balconies,
and mini kitchens. The room rate includes hot
breakfast. The rate also includes hot breakfast.
Our block will be held until August 19, 2013.
After that date rooms will be provided on an
available basis.
Our committees are continuing to plan
tours, events and hospitality in hopes you will
have a fun and enjoyable long weekend in Chelan. Unfortunately, due to mountain road conditions a couple of the committees have not been
able to get to Chelan to finalize plans we need to
finish the registration form. It should be forthcoming soon, and in plenty of time for completion of your planning to attend this event.
For more information or questions, please contact
Cathy Stubbs, at 425425-228228-7198 or [email protected].
We look forward to seeing all of you in September, if
not before.
DIAMONDS & RUST TOUR — RED CARPET TOUR
This tour sponsored by the Sea-Tac HCCA and is open to all cars that are 30+ years old. The
cost includes all but one meal. The Red Carpet Tour is well run tour and the people are
great. Some have been going on it for 16-18 years. There is a contact number on the form for questions or you can call Ted Austin @ 360-394-2297 or [email protected]. Registration Form
is attached.
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 8
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
May Birthdays
May Anniversaries
Ed & Tanya Johnson -- May 11
Dennis & Pat Hasard -- May 12
Bob & Jean Teague -- May 18
Gordon & Judy Thorne -- May 27
Bob & Martha Callard -- May 29
Bob Teague -- May 6
Jerry Weiler -- May 14
Jeff Caldwell -- May 15
Ted Austin -- May 21
Pat Cooper
Doug Cook
Bob Callard
----
May 24
May 25
May 28
Michael Perry — Celebration of Life
Christine Perry extends an invitation
to our T-Bird club members to
RSVP
celebrate Michael Perry's life. It will
Christine Perry
be held on May 11th at the Clubhouse
360360-275275-3481
a t M c Co r m i c k W o o d s, 5 1 5 5
McCormick Woods Drive SW, Port [email protected]
Orchard at 1:00 PM.
Reserved
Please, before May 1st
parking for the "little birds" will be
available. Please join Michael’s friends
to share your stories, jokes and memories of Michael. An afternoon buffet and beverages will be
served.
Answers to last month’s Car Trivia Corner
a)
Is the Ford-O-Matic a two speed or three speed automatic? This was an easy one, even for your
editor. It’s a three speed (not like the powerslide). Many think it’s a two speed because most of the
time it utilizes only 2nd and 3rd. You’ll realize it’s a three speed when you start up a hill from a dead
stop.
b) If it only had two speeds, how long was it manufactured? We know it’s a three speed, but Ford did
make a two speed automatic but only from 1959 thru 1964.
We have included some additional information on the interchangeability of Ford transmissions in the
technical section (our source: Hemmings Motor News, April 2013)
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 9
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
TECHNICAL STUFF
The April issue of Hemmings Motor News had a
very good article on Ford Transmissions. It is reprinted here.
“Ford's first automatic transmission, which appeared in
its 1951 models, was referred to as the Ford-O-Matic.
This basic unit was designed by Borg-Warner and would
become the platform from which many later model automatic transmissions would evolve.
Developed as a three-speed automatic, the Ford-O-Matic used a
cast-iron case and would normally
be started in second gear. For this
reason, you often see the Ford-OMatic referred to as a two-speed,
although the only actual two-speed
units were produced from 1959-'64,
and they had aluminum cases.
A sprag was added to the planetary assembly in 1958 so that you
could select whether to start out in first gear or second,
and the Ford-O-Matic name was changed to Cruise-OMatic. They were later upgraded to the FX and MX series
Cruise-O-Matics, then the single FMX transmission, and
eventually, they evolved into the overdrive AOD transmissions used in the 1980s and 1990s Ford cars and
trucks.
The Ford-O-Matic was manufactured in three different
case sizes. It was ini-tially offered in both small-case from
1951-'60 and medium-case from 1951-'68 (often referred
to as the Merc-O-Matic); large-case versions were also
used in 1958-'65 Lincolns.
The 1951-'60 three-speed models can be identified by
an oval aluminum tag mounted on the left side of the
transmission case just above the oil pan; 1961 and newer
units have a tag on one of the oil pan bolts.
Transmission ID numbers were three digits long from
1951-'54 and started with "1P"; 1955 and newer Ford-OMatic ID numbers were four letters and started with "P."
The ID number will tell you if you have the small, 9%inch case or the medium, 107/32-inch Merc-O-Matic
case.
Large-case units were 10% inches from 1958-'60 and 11% inches long from 1961 to 1965. They
can be found in 1958 Edsels;
1958-'60 Mercurys and Lincolns;
430 V-8 equipped Thunderbirds, and 1961-'65 Lincolns.
Some Fords listed here used the
Mere-O-Matic medium case, but
Mercury, Edsel and Lincoln interchanges are not shown with
these Ford interchanges, because most transmissions
Ford produced after 1956 were built based on each manufacturer's engine displacement and performance options.
Although some of these units are over 60 years old, several aftermarket transmission parts suppliers still stock
repair pieces for the Ford-O-Matic. Check in the "Ford
1954 and Up Parts" section and FoMoCo listings in the
"Interchangeable Parts" section of Hemmings Motor
News to find them.”
For a listing of interchangability of transmissions, please
refer to Hemmings Motor News, April 2013, page 80.
THE HORSEPOWER AND CUBIC INCH RACE
With the introduction of the OHV V-8 by
Oldsmobile (303 ci) and Cadillac (331) in 1949, the
industry changed dramatically. It could be considered to be the beginning of horsepower race. The
hot rodders found that the old 47-48 Merc flathead
with 2 Stromberg 97’s were no match for the
Oldsmobile RocketV8.
The gauntlet had been thrown down and the contest commenced. Who was the winner? Well, get
10 people in a room and you’ll have about 8 answers.
* hemi
THE MOTOR MOUTH
Car
Year
C.I.
HP
Olds
Cadillac
Chrysler *
Lincoln
DeSoto *
Dodge *
Buick
Mercury
Ford
Pon&ac
Chevy
Plymouth
1949
1949
1951
1952
1952
1953
1954
1954
1954
1955
1955
1957
303
331
331
279
276
241
264
256
239
287
265
277
135
160
180
152
160
140
163
161
130
180
162
170
PAGE 10
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
CTCI SANCTIONED EVENTS
Des Moines
Santa Clara
DATE
EVENT
HOST
Apr 11th
New Museum of History and Industry
Niemis
May 19th
Seabeck Tour
Rohwein/Schlie
Jun
Leenstra Collection and Poker Tour
Demory
Jul 27th
P. A. Art Auction (Cars on the Pier)
Thorne/Kalinski
Aug
Back Roads Tour—Gig Harbor
Thorne
Sep 19-23rd
Multi-Club Event—Lake Chelan
OCTC
Oct
Fall Colors Tour Kitsap Back Roads
Coopers
Nov
Great Chefs of the Northwest
Roupes
Dec
Christmas Party
Austins
MARK YOUR CALENDAR CTCI REGIONAL
July 31 to Aug 4, 2013 CTCI Region 3 Convention, San Jose, CA
The Santa Clara Valley Thunderbird Club will be hosting the 2013 CTCI Region 3 Convention
at the San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N. First Street, San Jose, California. For more information see your Early Bird issue. Deadline to register is June 30, NO EXCEPTIONS! Check out
their website: http://www.santaclaravalleytbirds.com/birds-by-the-bay/. Info also attached.
KLASSICS TO THE KOOTENAYS
Okanagan Classic Thunderbird Club is inviting PSEB to participate in their 21st Annual Show &
Shine plus their 15th Annual Three Day Tour of the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenays. Anyone
who has taken the tour knows Okanagan Classic Thunderbird Club does a great job. Registration
forms and highlights included in the Motor Mouth and can be found on our website.
If there is enough interest in caravanning to the event, contact Duane Niemi. The Olympic
Club may also be caravanning.
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 11
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
Friends of the Puget Sound Early Birds
Tanya Johnson, CAS
Referrals are the greatest
form of flattery!
Representing the Geiger Company
McCurdy Restorations
Contact: Phil McCurdy @ (360) 394394-3636
Tanya Johnson, C.A.S. 360-779-5067
[email protected]
•
15560 Sandy Hook Rd. NE
Poulsbo, Washington 98370
CTCI Gold Award: First Place overall in the
show.
show . . but wait, that’s not all . . .
•
Thousands of marketing ideas &
products from Geiger!
CTCI Gold Medallion Award: Her car received in excess of 290 points . . . but wait,
there’s more .
•
CTIC Excellence in Authenticity Award,:
Award Her
car received all 51 points for authenticity.
http://tjohnson.geigermall.com
CAROL WEILER
Angeles Book Binding
Restoration and Rebinding
Books, Bibles, Hard Bound Covers, Embossing
(360) 452-3096
366 Weiler Road
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Bethany Vriesman
MeritWorks Partners, LLC
Potomac Falls, Virginia
(O) 703-334-6521 — © 727-967-2025
[email protected]
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 12
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
Cool PSEB Stuff
Call Tanya Johnson
360-779-5067
CHROME SMOOTHIES & COOPER TIRES
Fits Chevy and Ford
Less than 400 miles on Tires and Rims
205 R70 x 15
$650
Bob Callard 206-932-3236 or email: [email protected]
1955 Hardtop — Early Red
D
L
SO
Not used in many years, great shape
$1500 with storage sling
Ed Johnson 360-598-4262 or [email protected]
292 SHORT BLOCK AND AUTO TRANSMISSION FROM
'55 T-BIRD.
CALL Jerry Weiler — 360-452-3096
Cool Early Bird Stuff — Visit the CTCI Store
http://www.ctci.org/store.php
Large Inventory of Thunderbird Parts For Sale
Contact: Glenna Crawford, 972-618-4832 or 214-212-9268 or [email protected]
Inventory and some photos
http://www.pugetsoundearlybirds.org/Downloads_PDF/for_sale_parts.pdf
http://www.pugetsoundearlybirds.org/Downloads_PDF/copy_of_Tbird_inventory.xls
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 13
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS
MAY 2013
2002 Ford Thunderbird
Price Firm: 24,000
Evening Black w/ Midnight Black Interior
Not actual car
Mileage 29,473
5 Speed Automatic
3.9L V8, 252 HP
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Tires
Alloy Wheels
Power Seats (Both)
Keyless Entry
Dual Airbags
Both Hard Top/Soft Top w/ hard
6 CD Changer w AM FM Radio
Anti Theft Alarm System
top Carrier
Contact: Duane Niemi: 360-297-1245 or 360-860-0059
[email protected]
Powd er Coati ng
by
Cr a ig Ro hwein
Let us give you a quotation for your next job!
360-265-2337
[email protected]
1956 F IESTA R ED T HUNDERBRID
It is completely disassembled, however all parts are bagged and tagged. The body is mounted
on a rolling undercarriage ready for the paint shop. The car is in excellent shape. No cancer except
for very little behind the rear wheels and a smidge on trunk lid. 312 Automa&c.
Contact: John Moore @ [email protected]
Special thanks to our proofreaders
THE MOTOR MOUTH
PAGE 14