Bird Bits - Star City Classic T

Bird Bits
Sacramento Classic Thunderbird Club
Established 1966
Classic Thunderbird Club International
CTCI Chapter 14
November 2013
Message from the President
WOW!! Another month as gone by.
There were a few car shows around. I hope you were able to
Attend, or at least get out to see, one or two of them.
We had another wonderful car show and fly in at the Nut
Tree. The weather was super.
Also, the showing at Cal Expo was well attended. Thanks to
Ross Woodman and all that helped. It ran very smoothly.
If you receive this before Nov. 2, don’t forget to set your clocks back.
Stop and take some time to give “Thanks”. We are blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Stan, President
In this issue of the Bird Bits...
Presidents Message
Page 1
Nut Tree Photos
Page 7
Meeting Minutes
Page 2
Sac Auto Show
Page 8-10
Calendar and Future Events
Page 3-4
Tech Articles
Page 11-12
Club Members News
Page 5
QC Casino Royal
Page 13-14
Shared Stories and Photos
Page 6
Officer Ballot
Page 14
Bulletin Board
Page 15
Hi,
Our President, Keith Rogers, recently visited your club and invited you all to attend our QC+ XXXVII.
Please encourage your members to get their reservations at
Black Oak Casino for the QC+ in May. Also, send in your registration forms to our Treasurer, Elaine Rogers. All the information is in this Newsletter.
We're looking forward to see you all there.
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S.C.T.C. Meeting Minutes
The meeting was opened by President Stan Pierce. Janie Felkins, Membership, introduced
new member, Howard Ross, who is getting a white 1957 Tbird next week. The car is a one
owner from San Carlos. Bob Griggs was introduced. He has not attended for a while but has
been an SCTC member since 1969. He was a member of the Korenko’s wedding party 42
years ago. The minutes were approved for August and September. Jim Marquardt, Treasurer, gave the report for the month. Lani, Activities Director, was introduced. Chuck Korenko
highlighted the facts for the “Mustangs Days” airplane and car show October 12 at the Nut
Tree Airport in Vacaville. The show features P-51 Mustangs and Ford Mustangs, but also has
many other vintage airplanes and cars. It is a fund raiser for the Jimmie Doolittle Museum
Foundation that hopes to build at the airport in the future. Next event is the International Auto
Show, October 18-20 at Cal Expo. We have displayed Thunderbirds in the Ford building C for
the last four years. Ross Woodman has managed the event, and Ford has been very happy
with our display. This year, we will have 13 cars and a Tbird Junior on display. Jim Marquardt
has made small signs for each year car with an area to fill in with information by the owner.
Ross will have Exhibitor Passes to allow members to attend the show and help with monitoring
the display. The next event will be Sunday, December 1. the It is Christmas Tree decorating
party at the California Automobile Museum. SCTC will have our Christmas Party on Saturday,
December 7, 2013 at Franzinetti Restaurant in South Sacramento. The day starts with wine
tasting in their store/tasting room, and then we retire to the restaurant for our dinner.
Lani also reported that two members with medical problems are doing better. Leroy Seibert is
finishing his treatment for throat cancer and has had a serious infection that he is just recovering from. Ray Drouin had a stroke and is recovering at a care facility and then home. Vic
Ginn’s car was sold recently but had a rear main oil seal leak that had to be replaced. Thanks
to all the club members that helped put the car engine back in to allow the sale. Member
George Hudson is looking for help in reassembling his car. It has been painted and the drive
train is installed. But, wiring, windows, dash and interior still need to be done. Janie thanked
the Drouins for having the stocking decorating party for the past 14 years.
New Business: The election of officers was delayed one month until the November meeting.
The present officers are the slate to be reelected and include: President Stan Pierce; Vice
President Pat Steinhauer; Secretary Chuck Korenko; Treasurer Jim Marquardt; and CTCI Rep
Don Wulbers. The slate was approved for election by the members attending.
Ross Woodman provided a presentation on several items. He first showed how easily the
dying of interior plastic and vinyl parts can be accomplished and how well the results look.
Next, was discussion on fire extinguishers as relating to the article in the Early Bird where the
56 Bird burned to the ground. SCTC had a similar instance a couple of years ago, but because several members on the drive had readily available extinguishers, the car fire was limited to paint burn around the wheel well. The best extinguisher for general automotive in all
environments is an ABC 5-pound canister, which should be kept behind the seat so that it is
readily available at all times. Once a year, loosen the powder in the canister by pounding.
Raffle was won by Dave Ewing. SCTC thanks Janie Felkins for the refreshments presented.
Submitted by Chuck Korenko
Secretary.
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2013 Activities
Dec – 1 Tree Decorating Party at California Auto Museum (CAM)
Dec – 7 Christmas Party (Lani Korenko)
No December or January General Meeting.
Birthday
11/1
11/9
Madeliene Wulbers
Mary Steinert
11/11
Gloria Hanson
11/23
Club Anniversary
1989
Larry & Diane Storlie
2008
LeRoy & Phyllis Siebert
Larry Roth
2008
Jim & Jerry Johnson
11/26
Michael Aceituno
2011
Bill & Rhonda Des Voignes
11/26
Michael Ternus
2012
Jim & Debra Field
11/29
Anita Adams
2012
Mike & Kate Cioli
2012
Marvin & Elly Weiss
Trim a Tree
California Automobile Museum.
Sunday, December 1st, beginning at 2:30pm
Do you have an ornament that
you wish to donate to our tree?
RSVP to Lani
Korenko
791-0824 or
[email protected]
SCTC will be making reservations for lunch after the tree
decoration is completed.
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Sacramento Classic Thunderbird’s Holiday Party
Frasinetti’s Winery
7395 Frasinetti Road, Sacramento 95828
Saturday December 7, 2013
Wine tasting Room 12 P.M. /Lunch served 1 P.M.
Menu Selections…$22.00 (all inclusive)
Chicken Ravioli ..Smoked chicken, ricotta and parmesan with tomato basil butter sauce and fresh vegetables.
Spaghetti + Meatballs..House made meatballs over spaghetti, tossed with our family meat sauce.
Chicken Scaloppini..Chicken breast, Merlot, mushrooms and garlic butter served over fettuccine with veggies.
$25.00 Rib Eye Steak Gorgonzola (lunch cut).. Center cut choice prime rib grilled and served
with pine nut-gorgonzola butter, fresh veggies and chef’s choice of potato.
We will have a gift ($10) exchange for those who want to
participate.
Please make your reservations by Dec.2.
Call the Korenko’s at (916) 791-0824 or
Email [email protected]
Make checks payable to SCTC
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Dear Classic Members
Thanks to all of you for being there for both LeRoy and me
during LeRoy’s cancer treatments. It always brought him
comfort whenever he received a card or phone call from our
“car club family”.
And, you truly are part of our family!
Only God knows the number of our days. Despite completing
his treatments, LeRoy passed away last night, 10/30/13
Again, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. It meant
so much to us.
Phyllis Siebert
(Pic was taken in 2011 in Istanbul)
Editors note: Lani Korenko is keeping in contact with Phyllis.
Presently, the family is considering plans for a private internment.
They have not yet planned a memorial service. Stay tuned.
Ray’s Dream Cars
Ray and Karen Drouin are downsizing their vehicle inventory. Up for sale are two fine convertibles that have been Ray’s dream cars.
1957 Thunderbird, red, with white on
white interior, full power car. Two tops.
The automatic transmission has just undergone a rebuild. Disk brakes have
been fitted on the front, oversized sway
bars added and the steering has been
replaced with a Flaming River tilt steering
column and rack and pinion set up.
There is a long list of other improvements made. This car drives like a
dream.
1964 Pontiac Lemans. The car has a
326 badge, but the motor has been rebuilt and increased to about 389 cubic
inch. Ray said it is a real screaming car.
Also equipped with an automatic transmission.
Please call 916-606-8537 for more details and to
continue the dream.
5
Fact or Fiction?
THE FIRST AIR CONDITIONER
The Goldberg brothers, Norman, Hiram, and Max, invented and developed the first automobile air-conditioner.
In July 1946, the temperature in Detroit was 97 degrees. The three brothers walked into
Henry Ford‘s office and sweet-talked his secretary into telling him that three gentlemen
were there with the most exiting innovation in the auto industry since the electric starter.
Henry was curious and invited them into his office. They refused and instead asked that
he come out to their car in the parking lot. They persuaded him to get into the car which
was about 130 degrees. They turned on the air-conditioner and cooled the car
off immediately. Mr. Ford got very excited and invited them back to the office, where he
offered them $3 million for the patent.
The brothers refused, saying they would settle for $2 million, but they wanted the recognition by having a label, The Goldberg Air-Conditioner, on the dashboard of each car that it
was installed.
Henry Ford was more than just a little anti-Semitic, and there was no way he was going to
put the Goldbergs‘ name on two million Fords.
They haggled back and forth for about 2 hours and finally agreed on $4 million, and that
just their first names would be shown.
And so to this day, all Ford air conditioners show Norm, Hi, and Max on the controls.
Thanks to Eric Spirer for providing the article reprinted from the Pitt Birds
Correction
The photo of the 51 Studebaker “Sportster” posted in the October newsletter was from Illinois,
not Kentucky.
I took that picture in early August at a AACA car show in Bloomington, Illinois.
Charlie Gouveia #32896
For The Birds, Central Illinois Classic Thunderbirds
#119
Thunderbird Newsletter editors typically share their editions
between each other. When I saw the photo, I copied it into
the working draft of the Sacramento Bird Bits. But, as we got
closer to publication time, I lost track of where I found the
original. Thanks for letting me know, Charlie.
Roger Fuller (editor)
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Photos from the Nut Tree Air
Show 10/12/13
Check out the blue sky on this photo with Jim’s car
next to the P-51. A cooling and refreshing breeze
came up during the show. It also blew away
enough moisture and pollutants to enhance this
photo.
What a beautiful crisp fall day!
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The New Car Dealers Association sponsors the
Sacramento International
Auto Show at Cal Expo.
The Ford Group has been
gracious enough to
include the Mustangs and
Sacrament Classic Thunderbird Clubs the last
several years.
Ross Woodman has
helped us organize this
event and position our
cars for the greatest effect.
The first time we participated was in 2010. Photos indicate that the Mustang and Thunderbird displays were adjacent to each other. That changed in 2011, where the displays were separated and
distinct.
There were changes this year. One was are a 57 Thunderbird Junior. It was gas powered and adult
sized. Since it was front and center in our display, many children were given the chance to sit in it
and get photographed by their parents. The TV, showing a collection of commercials of the 55-66
Thunderbirds, was improved with a feature about Thunderbird Juniors. Jim Marquardt provided
year of manufacturer signs for the cars. Ross selected cars that might not have been shown at this
event in the past,. He also was careful to include a representation from as many 55-66 years as he
can. Dave Ewing’s yellow 55, MJ Nichols’ black 56, Mike and Kate Cioli’s white 57 and Jim Marquardt’s blue 57 were new to the cars on display this year.
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Make a mental note:
Remember to sign up next year. You
just might be asked to bring your car
down.
This is a 4 day event, starting on Thursday afternoon to position the cars. Friday and Saturday the show is open
from 10-9. Sunday is 10-6.
Like past years, Ross spendt the weekend coordinating, networking and greeting the viewing public. Plan on helping
him out if you can. Kate Coili was
greeting some if the public on Sunday.
It’s good to show that this is not just a
guy hobby.
On Sunday, we noticed a highway patrolman pass our display. He was seen
pulling back our Classic Thunderbird
sign to look at the front of Ross’s car.
Obviously, he was checking for a front license plate. He was chatting with a companion, probably
about the predominance if classic cars not displaying the registration plate on the front of the vehicle. Noticing this, Ross asked him to pose near Andy Weast’s car pretending to be checking the vehicle ID. Just as the patrolman was leaving the building, Andy walked in. I’m sure
Andy noticed him. Immediately, Ross
mentioned that the patrolman had been
checking the VIN on Andy’s car, because
he did not have its correct front license
plate. I showed him the photo above.
Just as Andy countenance was starting
to fall, I told him we were just kidding.
GOTCHA!
One display strategy Ross used the last
few years was to have the public routed
through the cars. This gets them up close
and more comfortable admiring the cars.
It gives our club members a better chance to engage them in their memories or interest in the
vehicles. Once again, several member contacts
were made. If someone was looking for a car, we
provided them with information of local cars for
sale.
It was mentioned by more that one Auto Show
worker that our display was the best they had
seen. It seemed like an odd comment because
the cars were positioned just like last year.
However...
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However, keep in
mind that the Auto
Show crew travels
from city to city.
This staff must be
comparing our set
up to what they
have seen in other
cities they visited.
Hopefully, we can
continue to add
value to the Ford
Display. This will
ensure our being
invited back for
years to come.
This will also let us get a closer look at the new cars that are available to us when we need to replace our brand X cars with something newer.
Thanks, Ross, and all who were able to come.
10
1955 & 1956 Air Filter Conversion to a dry element
The following is a variation of the dry filter installation presented by another
of our club members a couple of years ago. In this example all that is required to
convert your oil bath air filter to use a dry element is the purchase of a polished
stainless air cleaner cover (#9600B)
available from CASCO and a dry element (NAPA 6161 or K&N E-1447). The
pictured example uses the paper NAPA
element.
Simply remove the top portion of
the oil bath filter and set aside. Clean
the oil from the lower section making
sure it is completely dry and oil free before proceeding. Drop the dry filter element into the air cleaner housing and
place the polished cover on top. Tighten
the wing nut until the cover is firmly
against the dry element. That’s it; no
modifications, gaskets or spacers are
needed.
On 56 air cleaner assemblies the
filter will not immediately set down over the section that is humped up to clear the
choke assembly, but don’t worry. When you tighten the wing nut on the cover, the
dry element crushes down enough to mold around the hump and still seal. An example of a 1956 air cleaner with the dry
element installed is shown below.
The installation maintains a stock
appearance while allowing the advantages and higher performance of a
dry element air filter. If the filters I
mentioned are not your preferred
brand, ask for a filter element that fits a
1985 Buick or Oldsmobile with a V6 and
a two barrel carburetor. The filter dimensions are H = 2.125 inches, ID =
9.8 inches and OD = 12 inches.
Respectfully submitted by Phil Brown
Nebraskaland Thunderbird Club
11
Keep the receipts
During the last 12 years I have owned my 55 Thunderbird, I have done a lot of work in the engine. I
bought the car with a 289 installed from a 65 Mustang. It started having heating problems. So, one
of the pieces of the puzzle was replacing the radiator with an aluminum type. Another was rebuilding the engine. Since completing that project, I have not had overheating problems.
But, nothing good lasts forever. Late September, during a homecoming parade in Lincoln, my car
started to get too warm. The gage was registering 205 degrees. This is normal for new cars, but not
the older cars such as our Thunderbirds.
I was prepared for such an occasion. I just reached down and turned on the electric pusher fan that
was installed when I bought the car. Flipping the switch, I was expecting to hear the buzz of the fan.
Nothing! There is an indicator light on the tip of the toggle switch. It was not on. That means no
power to the switch. The fuse had burned out. I should have paid closer attention to the weird sound
it made the last time I used it. Bummer.
I let the car cool down for a while. At normal speed, the temp came right down. I ordered the fan
and determined to check the thermostat and water pump when I had it apart.
The stat appeared to be operating normally, well, normal for me. I can usually watch the temp climb
to about 190 then quickly drop to 160 as the stat opens and floods the engine with cooled water
from the radiator. However, 160 is too cold for the stat, so it closes and the engine warns again.
This process repeats itself about every 45 seconds as I am going down the road, so it was easy to
see the stat was OK.
The water pump had no leak or sound, so I thought that was OK.
I am blessed to have a lot of room between the engine and radiator. While I had the radiator removed to replace the electric fan, I did not need to remove the fan blade. I did not think to remove
the belt and spin the water pump for sound issues. I think you can tell where this is going. Yes, I put
everything back together and now the water pump is making bearing noise!
I knew I had replaced it before, so I dug into the receipts. Mine are just in a stack. I am not the type
to keep them in a three ring binder, separated by year or type of system. It took me about 30
minutes to look everything over and come up with the correct receipt from 2004. I called the auto
parts store. It was a new pump at the time with a lifetime warranty. They didn’t have it in stock, but
did by the next day. Free replacement sounds great to me. Now all I need to do is the labor which
includes draining the fluid again.
That’s ok, I’ve done it before, I know
how.
One of the morals of this story is
KEEP THE RECEIPTS! It indicates
the maintenance history on the car,
gives vendor, dates and part numbers. It increases the provenance of
the car and just might earn you a free
replacement part.
Roger Fuller
12
13
Come to the November 12th General Meeting prepared to vote for next years
officers. As you can see, the ballot is complete with incumbents from the 2013 year
that are running unopposed for 2014.
If you are not able to come but wish to have your vote count,
Clip and send to: Chuck Korenko, 7691 Sierra Drive, Granite Bay, 95746
Or scan and email to: [email protected]
2014 Sacramento Classic Thunderbird Club Officer candidates.
President
Stan Pierce
YesNo
Vice President
Pat Steinhauer
YesNo
Treasurer
Jim Marquardt
YesNo
Secretary
Chuck Korenko
YesNo
CTCI Rep
Don Wulbers
YesNo
14
Bulletin Board
Ross submitted a look in the rear view mirror.
They still need gas to go!
Please notify Janie Felkins
when your phone number, address or email information changes.
Thanks
SCTC Club Jackets
Bring your jacket to Lani Korenko and she will have it embroidered with the club logo.
Or… you may take it to:
American Logowear
1603 Douglas Blvd. Roseville
(916) 791-5550
(located on the corner of
Douglas and Sunrise.) Tell
them you are with Sacramento Classic Thunderbirds and
would like the official club logo embroidered on
the back of your jacket. You can use a denim
jacket or a golf style jacket. They will also embroider a cap or hat with the logo, as well. They
have many catalogs form which to choose garments, hats, bags, etc. if you wish to order anything specific.
Is it my turn to bring
Snacks?
Nov—M J Nichols
Time to make a new list.
SCTC Board Members:
President
Stan Pierce
[email protected]
Vice President
Pat Steinhauer
[email protected]
Treasurer
Jim Marquardt
[email protected]
Secretary
Chuck Korenko
[email protected]
CTCI Rep
Don Wulbers
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Roger Fuller
[email protected]
Membership
Janie Felkins
[email protected]
Historian
Stephanie Kowerduck [email protected]
Activities
Lani Korenko
[email protected]
Sunshine Committee
Dianna Rhoads
[email protected]
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