Volume 25 Number 4 - Thunderbirds of Queensland Inc.

Volume 25 Number 4
January / February 2016
A Chapter of the International Thunderbird Club
Thunderbirds of Queensland Inc.
PO Box 505 Mt Gravatt QLD 4122
[email protected]
Membership dues are $40 per annum. Fees payable on April 1 each year.
Club magazine “SOUNDS OF THUNDER” is published bi-monthly and
distributed electronically. Contributions are encouraged and should be
emailed to the Editor: [email protected]
Join the TOQinc Facebook Group
facebook.com/groups/TOQinc
The Thunderbirds of Queensland Inc. is a non profit organization
dedicated to the restoration, preservation and enjoyment
of Thunderbird passenger vehicles built by the Ford Motor Company.
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Editor’s Report / New Members
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Club Calendar
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Events Calendar
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Vale Robyn Hall
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Club Person of the Year
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Yankee Doodle American Car Cruise
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George Barris - Put the K in Kustomising
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The 1966 Batmobile
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RAAF Amberley Open Day Run info flyer
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2015 TOQ Christmas Party
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Bayside Treat - Rewind Mid Century
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Parts and Service
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Merchandise
On the cover..
The Batmobile.. Created by Barris Kustoms for the 1966 TV Series Batman.
On November 5th George Barris creator of the Batmobile passed away at 89 years of
age. In this issue we pay tribute to the kustom car legend and feature the most recognised symbol of his work as a movie and celebrity car builder, The Batmobile.
www.tbirdregistry.com
facebook.com/groups/tbirdregistry
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I open my report this issue with the sad news that we recently lost one of our own.. A dear friend to
many of us and long time club member Robyn Hall. Robyn succumbed to a lengthy battle with illness
passing away at her home on Saturday December 5th. Robyn was an active member of the Thunderbirds of Queensland for nearly 20 years. We will miss her dearly. Thank you to Bill and Helen
McGregor for kindly supplying words and photos for the tribute to Robyn.
I would ask you all to keep our club President Barry, his wife Libby and family in your thoughts at this
time. Their eldest son Matt is presently in hospital battling illness. We hope that Matt has a speedy
recovery.
We are once again making changes to the club membership structure for the next financial year. It
has been decided that due to the work involved and continuing cost increases there will no longer
be a printed magazine from July / August 2016 (Volume 26 Issue 1) The uptake of the electronic mag
format last financial year was very popular. Those that subscribed to the print edition also received
the link to the electronic mag so everyone except for the members who have no internet access will
know what to expect. The format will also change to A4 paper size so it can be easily printed if you
want a hard copy to carry with you. Consideration will be made for those members who have no
access to internet. If that is the case please contact me over the coming months to discuss.
2016 promises to be another busy year for our club. We have some great runs coming up already for
the first part of the year. We hope you can make it along to a club outing sometime soon. Johnny
New member Ron Sharp joined the club earlier this year. He purchased this 65 Thunderbird as an
incomplete project. It has been a massive undertaking to piece it all back together...
As you can see it’s coming along great. Keep up the great work Ron we look forward to seeing you
and your awesome 1965 Thunderbird on the road sometime soon..
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January
16th
26th
February
 CLUB RUN: Annual Fish ’n’ Chip Cruise Night to kick off the new year to
Fish in the Park 1/40 The Esplanade Paradise Point on the Gold Coast
Broadwater. No excuses from Gold Coast members please come along
and join in. Cruising from Brisbane Meet Yatala Pies 4.30 pm for 5.00pm
departure or else meet there. Run Coordinator Bill Flanagan 0435 841659
 CLUB RUN: Australia Day Rally Ormiston State School. Free breakfast. Car
cruises around the Redland Shire. Meet Alexandra Hills Hotel Finucane
Rd 7.00am Run Coordinator Barry Ralph
5th
 Club Committee Meeting & Social Night: Max and Carol Herbert’s place
6th
 CLUB RUN: Night Run to Texas Wild Wings Springwood meet Palmdale
Kuraby 7.30pm Ph: 0407 741036 Bring a plate.
21st
March
4th
 Club Committee Meeting & Social Night: Ted Stocks’ place Chandler
20th
7.30pm Ph: 0419 141146 Bring a plate.
 CLUB RUN: Logan PCYC Car Show Lot 7 Jacaranda Avenue, Logan Central.
Meet Logan City Tavern car park 104 Wembley Rd Logan Central 7.30am
Run Coordinator Doug McCammon
 CLUB RUN: Billy’s Breakfast Bash - Details TBA
3rd
 Annual General Meeting: Dennis and Merron’s Place Belmont. 10.00am
17th
 CLUB RUN: Picnic lunch at Atkinson’s Dam details TBA
6th
April
shopping centre car park Logan Rd Upper Mt Gravatt opposite Garden
City 5.00 for 5.30pm Run Coordinator Doug McCammon
 CLUB RUN: RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre Open Day. A combined club run with the Caboolture Regional Car Club and a number of
other clubs. See information flyer on page 14 for full details. TOQ members meet at Goodna McDonalds/Repco Carpark 8.30am for 9.00am departure with main group. Run Coordinator Barry Ralph
BYO BBQ lunch Contact Dennis
In 1960 The Santa Fe tried this 3 level rack that could hold up to 9 cars.
Looks like the Lincolns were so long only two of them would fit on a level..
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Get those rides out on the road and have some fun...
January
 10th - Ballina Show.. North Coast Street Machines 26th Annual Show n Shine
Ballina Rugby League Football Grounds - Bentinck Street Ballina Entrants from
7am (NSW time) Public from 9am $5 per person; $1 per child Street Machines,
Hot Rods, Classics, Vintage and special interest vehicles
 26th - Australia Day Rally.. Come and enjoy the Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club
Redland City Council Australia Day Rally, starting at 7.30am on Australia Day,
Tuesday 26th January 2015. Enter the Ormiston School from either Wellington
Street or Dundas Street East. For more info visit www.baysideclub.org.au/
February
 6th & 7th - 43rd Toowoomba Swap Meet, Toowoomba Showgrounds,
Saturday 6am-6pm, Sunday 6am-1pm, all sites must be pre-booked, admission on Friday to site holders only, for further information visit
www.toowoombaswap.com
March
 6th - PCYC Logan present the Logan Car Show, hot rods, utes, muscle cars
and more, Lot 7 Jacaranda Avenue, Woodridge, $5 general entry, $5 per
vehicle and driver, $10 for vehicle and driver in judging, Book your club
in! Ph: 07 3442 1700, [email protected]
 13th - Rockabilly Revival Cleveland Show Grounds 10.00 am to 5.00pm
see flyer on page 15 for full details.
 20th - 18th Annual Gold Coast Super Swap Meet & Show n Shine. Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang Beaudesert Road.
Friday Nights
Munchies @ Elizabeth Street Shops, Acacia Ridge.
Harry’s Diner Old School Night every Friday
Village Rock Diner 1st Friday of the month
512 Warwick Rd Yamanto
Brisbane Retro Cruise Nights Wellington Point every 4th Friday
Saturday Nights
Luv My Fish, Browns Plains Rd, Opp Grand Plaza.
Yank Tank Display/Cruise In 2nd Saturday of the month
Masters Old Coach Rd Upper Coomera
Rodders Rumble Cannon Hill Plaza next to Hungry Jacks from 6pm every 3rd Saturday
Ol Skool Cars n Muscle Machines 1st Saturday of the month.
Westfield North Lakes Cnr Anzac Ave & North Lakes Drive
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Robyn Hall
So sadly, Robyn Hall has lost her very very hard-fought
battle for life. Robyn died at home on Saturday 5th December with Jim and family present.
Our photo here will show that Robyn was deeply involved
in our club having been awarded our 'club' trophy. Robyn
served as Treasurer and committee member for many
years. Her efforts as an extremely efficient Treasurer and
her contribution to our social events and club runs were at
the core of our club's activity. Robyn organised the greatest
of Christmas parties and true to her role as Treasurer if
there was a raffle to be held, Robyn was out there moving
tickets.
Robyn loved participating in the automotive side of the
Thunderbird club. From her endless patience in teaching
Helen makes and models, to giving Russell Crowe an intro
to the '57 T'bird, Robyn would take up all auto topics.
Our club wasn't the only one to benefit from Robyn's participation. Robyn was similarly associated
with the Eliminators Hot Rod and American Car Club and we know she will be sadly missed through
much of the classic car community.
But all of that to one side, Robyn was our dear friend.
A lone photo can't tell all, so we’ve added the snapshots below. Robyn was a positive being. Where-ever Robyn was,
things got brighter and livelier and there would be lots of
things to laugh about. She was a busy and dedicated wife,
mother, grand-mother, family member and friend.
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Our deepest condolences to Jim, family and friends.
Robyn’s concern for her family and her grace in dealing
with the matters of fate was truly astounding.
We miss her deeply right now and will continue to do so.
Presentation of the Club Person of the Year is not an award that is won, rather it is an opportunity for the club to recognise and say “ Thank you” to member’s who have not only
enjoyed the club but also for the time and effort that they have contributed which included outcomes that have made a difference to the club.
As you can appreciate, a lot of the things that are achieved during the year are done quietly behind the scenes. They are achievements which are not always seen by everyone. This
puts the committee in a unique position in being able to recognise all of their efforts and
for members to be able to appreciate their participation.
Most importantly the recipient of this award is also chosen as representing all of the good
will that our members bring to the club.
This year’s recipient took over the position of Treasurer at the last AGM and has put considerable effort into learning the ropes and due to that has done a fantastic job. He also
participated in all of the many aspects the club has to offer including the organisation of
club runs, attended a great number of club runs and club meetings as well as hosting club
meetings at his home.
The club is proud to recognise Ted Stocks as the 2016 recipient of the
Thunderbirds of Queensland Club Person of the Year Award.
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YANKEE DOODLE
AMERICAN CAR CRUISE
After not getting to much response from members we had some apprehension on the numbers of
the day however we did have some details from the Pontiac club. Thanks to those few members
who did respond. I arrived on the meeting site just after 9.00am although meet time was 9.30am
and behold some people already assembled. As the next 30 minutes move on it was nice to see a
variety of cars rolling in. The overall count got a little difficult but appeared to be in the number of
30 cars. Six club cars participated which was somewhat disappointing after all the effort that had
gone into organising this annual run. General assembly set up just before 10.00am to outline the run
down with Ted at the lead. The cars got somewhat spread out on the way down but all arrived without any problems. The display of the vehicles did as usual create some site seer’s not surprising as
the range of vehicles was very interesting.
Low and behold another club member turned up.
Thanks to Damien & Fiona Bond new members
participating in the Blue 62 Thunderbird Landau,
a nice new toy which we should be seeing more
of in the future. Overall the group mixed well. A
raffle was run by the Pontiac club. Food service
was a little slow but all good due to the interaction of all and we sold four club caps which was a
bonus.
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As arranged by the Pontiac Club we reassembled outside the Tavern around 1.30pm to cruise over
Tallebudgera past the Golf Club making our way down to Bill Budd’s place at Palm Beach to check
out his collection of cars and memorabilia. Approx 10 cars attended.
Checking out Bills collection was a delight. The group of people where split into 2 groups and with
the help of a friend of Bill’s we all got a full tour. Tea or coffee also thrown in. Bills collection and
dedication to the quality of his collection is certainly a credit to him not forgetting his son who also
lends a hand. Nice to see family members
also playing a part in the background and
who may take over the dedication in longer
term. Bill has invited the TOQ club for a visit
which can be discussed at future club
meeting. A great day out.. Cheers Doug
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Kustom car legend George Barris passed away on November 5th at the age of 89. Barris made his
name in the 1960s with cars like the Batmobile, the Munster Koach and later, with KITT, the Trans
Am from Knight Rider.
Back in the 1950s, the Detroit Autorama show was an opportunity for car customizers to show their
work alongside the work of Detroit’s heavy hitters in the auto industry. In 1951, George Barris’
brother Sam customized a new Mercury
coupe known as the
Hirohata Merc, and it
appeared at the 1952
General Motors Autorama. The car was legendary and was known
as one of the most influential custom cars of
the era.
Sam’s
work
and
George’s involvement
eventually turned into
Barris Kustom Industries, which began to license its designs to model companies that sold millions of copies of model
kits to kids in the 1950s and 1960s. Barris’ reputation transcended the kustom car movement after
author Tom Wolfe titled his first collection of essays The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline
Baby named after the title story focused on Barris.
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If you’ve never heard of George
Barris, you’ve definitely seen the
cars his company was involved in.
Most famously, his company took
on the Batmobile used in the 1966
TV series Batman. His company
also designed cars for the the
show The Munsters, The Beverly
Hillbillies, and later, the Trans Am
known as K.I.T.T. for the show
Knight Rider.
Barris was also famous for creating
novelty cars for celebrities, including Sonny and Cher, Bob Hope,
John Wayne and Farrah Fawcett. Those cars are collected in a 2008 book “Barris Cars of the Stars”.
Barris’ legend lives strong. In 2013, on of the Batmobile used in the show sold for $4.62 million at
the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Look, I’m just a crazy car guy, and I’m proud of it,” Barris told USA Today. “My love for this nutty
stuff keeps me coming in the office every day, 8 o’clock sharp."
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THE 1966 BATMOBILE
In 1955, the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company designed and built a futuristic concept car called the Lincoln Futura, and like many concept cars, was never put in to production. In the mid 1960's, George Barris of Barris Kustom City acquired the car for $1 directly
from Ford.
In 1965, George Barris
was commissioned to
build the Batmobile for
ABC's upcoming Batman
TV series. But because
the show was about to
go into production, he
had only three weeks to
build it. He quickly realised it didn't take much
work to modify the Lincoln Futura concept car
he had acquired for the
part. While retaining
the chassis and the
basic shape of the car,
Barris overhauled the nose and tail with numerous bat like shapes and references...
In October of 1965, the Batmobile was completed and delivered to ABC where it made its
television debut on January 12, 1966. The car was such a huge success that George Barris
and the producers of Batman decided to build copies of the Batmobile in late 1966. Barris
and his crew pulled a mould from the #1 Batmobile and created 3 fiberglass copies. These
replicas were displayed at car shows and dragstrips and also made appearances where
countless fans could see them.
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The Batmobile-to-be was the brainchild of Lincoln Mercury's post war chief stylist, Bill
Schmidt. Inspired by a scuba-diving encounter with a shark, Schmidt sketched a low, long,
wide, and flat vision of the future with a predatory full width grille, ominously hooded
headlights, and killer tail fins. Built by Ghia in 1954, the $250,000 dream car was dubbed
the Lincoln Futura. It took just
three months to ready the concept car for its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in January
1955.
From there, the futuristic Lincoln
was driven to a show in Detroit. On March 3rd, just before
the New York Auto Show, with
Benson Ford at the experimental
steering wheel and Schmidt in
the passenger seat, the Futura
cruised from the United Nation's
building through Central Park to
the Tavern on the Green
(restaurant) for a photo session. The Futura went on The Ed Sullivan Show, which Lincoln
sponsored, then to a guest shot on Dave Garroway's TV Show.
The Futura played a prominent part in the 1959 movie “It Started with a
Kiss”, starring Debbie Reynolds and Glenn Ford. For the movie, it was painted red, as the
white pearlescent finish did not photograph well.
Unfortunately, the excesses of the Futura seemed woefully at odds with the design ethics
of the Sixties. And so it happened that the unwanted car ended up in the possession of
George Barris.
Nearly 50 years later the 1966 TV Batmobile is still one of the most iconic and popular cars
in the world. It was sold in 2013 fetching $4.2-million at a Barrett-Jackson auction. Going
to auction again in November 2015 the Batmobile is expected to sell for over $6-million
this time around .
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RAAF Amberley
Heritage Centre Open Day
Sunday February 21st 2016
Southern Amberley Road, Amberley QLD
Organised by Caboolture Regional Car Club. This is a combined run with a number
of other clubs along with the Thunderbirds of Queensland Inc. The cars will be
permitted into Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) and will be parked
amongst museum aircraft.. (depending on numbers) The date in question will be
the first AAHC display day of 2016 and therefore a large crowd is expected.
As this is a combined run, it's important that everybody arrives at Amberley as a
combined group. As there are security issues there will be paperwork to be completed by each driver These forms need to be completed before arrival.
The form can be downloaded from:
www.raafamberleyheritage.gov.au/visit-the-centre.aspx
Information about the Visitor centre is at this web address and it
is advisable for all attending to read and familiarise themselves.
(I will email a copy of the form to all members in the weeks prior to the run)
BYO Morning tea and picnic lunch
North Side Meeting Point: BP South Caboolture,
7:00am for a 7:30am departure.
South Side Meeting Point: McDonalds/Repco Goodna,
8:30am for a 9:00am departure.
Arrival at Amberley as a group before 10.00am
Club contact for run Vince Blanchard 0412 171787
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Thunderbirds of Queensland
Christmas Party 2015
Well done you! A wonderful turn-out on a glorious day which enabled members to enjoy the cruise
to our event at Redlands Sporting Club, from all over Brisbane in their Classic Cars that sparkled in
the sunlight.
My personal thanks to
all who became involved
in purchasing tickets in
our Mega Raffle and
especially those who not
only donated lovely
items as prizes, but also
submitted the gifts they
won, back into the
draw. Barry, Sandra,
Dennis, Merle (and
many more) donated
wonderful gifts and
Kieran provide memorabilia the Club already owned from the previous year, which added to the
booty. Oh and I got the use of my Dining table back. Those that have visited my abode will understand. However the "star of the show" was Lyn Flanagan who over a period of 3-4 months quietly
hand knitted a gorgeous black rug with the Thunderbird logo in the centre. ABSOLUTELY AWESOME
Lyn. One member even suggested it be auctioned which
may be a clue for similar donations in the future. Personally I wondering if I gave Lyn 2 1/2 tonnes of Steel
Wool, could she knit me a Thunderbird by next Christmas? Just kidding Lyn!
Merle was terrific assisting in setting up the tables with
decorations, nibblies and pretty much running the
Raffle by herself. Great work along with the help she
received with the clean-up. And my special little "barrel
girl" again did the honours drawing out winning tickets. $413 was raised with a spend of $142 for a
few prizes and decorations that have now been cleaned and stored ready for next year.
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I chose not to accept the dare put forward by "Cossie" that I drive my Cobra through the Valley
(dressed as I was.. check ToQ's Facebook) with a jar of Vaseline on my dash. I may be crazy Cossie,
but I ain't stupid.. I loves ya all and hope you get what you want for Christmas and not what you
deserve.. Haha
I chose not to accept the dare put forward by "Cossie" that I drive my Cobra through the Valley
(dressed as I was.. check ToQ's Facebook) with a jar of Vaseline on my dash. I may be crazy Cossie,
but I ain't stupid.. I loves ya all and hope you get what you want for Christmas and not what you
deserve.. Haha
I certainly can't sign off without thanking you one and all
for my award of "Club Person of the Year". It was totally
unexpected and I am thrilled to bits!
Cheers Ted, Father Ted, Mr T, Tex, Teddies etc etc
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We had a great run to Shorncliffe on Brisbane’s northern bay side for the last club run of the year. A
nice cruise along Brighton Beach into Sandgate then around to Shorncliffe where we had morning
tea at the Shelly Inn Café. The showery conditions kept the crowds away and for the better..
How often to get to line them up this way in a public car park near the water!
After a coffee, big breakfast or what ever else was of interest on the menu we headed down the
road a short distance to the Rewind Mid Century Antique furniture store located in the old Sandgate
Fisherman’s Co-op Ltd building. What a great setup the proprietors have there in a wonderful location on the estuary. A workshop and showroom all in one with a café planned for the new
year. If you love the mid century style you gotta go have a look..
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There was a sprinkling of repop retro items
around the place but it all added quite
nicely to the colour and atmosphere..
Thank you Tony for organising a great morning out to your bayside hideaway. The inclement weather may have kept a few away but those that did come had a ball. I for one will definitely be back in
the new year for another look.. Cheers Johnny
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We have compiled a list of repair or service shops who have been found to be of great help in the restoration of our Classic Cars, this is not a commercial ad nor do the Thunderbirds of QLD Inc. take any
responsibility for workmanship or service! However if you have found a good shop that has provided
what you require then let us know and we shall list them for others to try out.
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EXHAUST INNOVATIONS - Custom Exhaust Systems. 5/33 Steel St Capalaba. 3390 3200
ANNVID Auto Upholsterers - 24 Smith St Capalaba. 3390 3444
COL ROBINSON & CO - Power Steering Boxes 2/19 Kitchener Rd Kedron Ph 3350 5000
GLEN HENDERSON - Parts & Advice Anything Thunderbird. Greenbank 3297 5342
KEITH 4 WHEELS - Whitewall tyres, wheels and quality wheel alignments by Kiwi Pete.
11 Smallwood St Underwood. 3841 6244
INNOVATIVE AUTO DESIGN - Specialising in compliancing of American & European
Classic Cars. 3/14 Lapis St Underwood. 3290 2177 or 0411 311473
MODIFICATION PLATES - Club member Luke McCammon fully licensed engineer for all
your blue plate needs. Contact Doug McCammon for info and bookings 0412 988544
KNIGHTS OLD SCHOOL BRAKES SERVICE - Wynnum Ph 3393 3188
OZ RODS - Hot Rod and Street Machine Specialists. 3805 7155 www.oz-rods.com
BRIAN ARMSTRONG AIRCONDITIONING 0447 349495 AH 3802 2994
NO BULL ACCESSORIES - Hard wearing vehicle accessories.. molded carpets for classic
& European cars 18 Ferguson St Underwood 33414988 www.nobullaccessories.com.au
Thunderbirds of Queensland Inc. Club Polo Shirts
They’re Back !!
Check them out on the TOQ web site..
Just click on the Merchandise link choose your colour then
follow the instructions to download the order form.
Not online contact me, Johnny directly on 0412 458434
and we’ll post you an order form
New Club Caps $15
Contact the Merchandise man to purchase
Doug McCammon 0412 988554
Club Logo Stickers..
Small $2
Large $4
One of each for $5
Denise Ramsey
Unit 7/121 Kerry Road
Archerfield QLD 4108
Ph: 3277 5039 or 0408 012957
[email protected]
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JOIN THIS GREAT CLUB
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International Thunderbird Club
http://intl-thunderbirdclub.com/
Thunderbird Registry
http://www.tbirdregistry.com
Thunderbird Headquarters
http://www.tbirdhq.com
The Bird Nest
http://www.tbirdparts.com/main.htm
Thunderbird Ranch
http://www.tbirdranch.com/
Home of the Thunderbird Italien
and XM400 Mercury Concept Car
http://www.tbirdsquare.com/
Squarebirds.org
http://www.squarebirds.org/
Automotive Mileposts: Thunderbird
http://automotivemileposts.com/
contentstbird.html
Jim Wulf's Tbird Garage
http://www.tbirdgarage.com/
All American Auto Parts - Ballarat VIC.
http://www.allamericanautoparts.com.au/
Jim Osbourne Reproductions
http://www.osborn-reproduction.com/
The Old Car Manual Project
http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/
Colour Codes - Tbird Cross Reference
http://goo.gl/qCrQee
Vintage Ford Publications
http://mustangtek.com/Litterature.html
Auto Colour Library
http://www.tcpglobal.com/autocolorlibrary/
Plan 59 - Museum of Mid Century
Illustration
http://www.plan59.com/
Original Auto Interiors
http://www.originalauto.com
Ford V8 Workshop
http://www.wrljet.com/fordv8/
Permanent Painted Coatings Australia
http://ppcco.com.au/
Cruzin Magazine
http://www.cruzin.com.au/
Pinky’s Car Shows and Swap Meets
http://www.pinky.com.au/queensland.htm
QLD Historic Motoring Council
http://www.qhmc.org.au/
QLD Motorised Sports Council
http://www.qmsc.org.au/
Roadside Architecture
http://www.agilitynut.com/roadside.html
Internet Movie Cars Database
http://imcdb.org/
Thunderbird Junior Central
http://www.jrcentral.com/