TUMBLEWEED CLUB OF NEW MEXICO OCTOBER 2012
RG #79, EARLY FORD V-8 CLUB OF AMERICA, PO BOX 21538, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87154-1538
MEETS FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:30 P.M., OLD CAR GARAGE, 3205 CLAREMONT NE
TIMES
OCTOBER PROGRAM
Got Clean Air? by Joe Abbin
We need clean air and so do our vehicles. The program for November will be all about air cleaners for our
Fords. Joe, Frank and Will will review what came on our V-8s and take a look at their capacities and
effectiveness compared with modern alternatives. Have a mystery air cleaner? Bring it in and let our panel
of experts (our members) identify it.
PLEASE NOTE: All meetings include Show & Tell. Members are encouraged to bring items to share.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., at Old Car Garage.
PROGRAM: Joe Abbin & Will Clements will present a program on air cleaners.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY: Al & Jo Seery and Bob & Joan Quirici.
OCTOBER ACTIVITY: October 27, Chimayo Tour. Please see Joe’s article for details.
BREAKFAST GROUP: The Breakfast Group will meet Saturday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m. at Rich Ford’s
Mustang Café, Wyoming and Lomas.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, November 13, 7:30 p.m., Jay Hertz’ home, 8704 La Sala Del Sur, NE.
Jay’s home phone number is 296.3137. See article in this newsletter for details. All members are welcome.
MEETING REFRESHMENT VOLUNTEERS 2012
October Al & Jo Seery / Bob & Joan Quirici December Holiday Party
November Mark & Larry Williams / Neva & Marvin
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FOR OCTOBER 2012
Jay Hertz, President
I’ve noticed that, in our car club, nothing sparks more emotion and controversy than politics. But second to
that is the subject of labor unions. It seems you are either for them or against them. It wasn’t any different
in Henry Ford’s day. As you can imagine, he was against them. This article explores the efforts of Ford
Motor Company to prevent unionization of its shops. Although those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful,
you are left with the impression that a great deal of emotion and energy was devoted to the subject, much
of it very negative in character.
The Five Dollar Work Day (1914), the Six Dollar Work Day (1919), and the Ford Five Day Work Week (1926)
were all part of Henry Ford’s social engineering efforts. They were designed to provide workers with a
decent living wage and the leisure time to enjoy a wholesome lifestyle. But they had a secondary benefit
which accrued to the Company in that they helped to build employee loyalty and avert employee interest in
unions.
In the 1920s, workers in Europe were much more unionized than those in America. For example, in 1926,
fewer than 4.5 million Americans belonged to unions, representing only 22% of eligible workers. Open shops
predominated in America because employers, courts, and legislatures had fought so hard to defeat
unions. Also, at that time, just a few years before the Depression, the largest American union, the American
Federation of Labor (AFL) was divided by internal fighting. The Depression changed all of that. Specifically,
Congress under the leadership of Franklin Roosevelt, passed the Wagner Act and the National Labor
Relations Act. These laws gave the AFL all the motivation it needed to reorganize, and it did so in the Detroit
area. Strikes were organized in the early 1930s in Flint (Fisher Body, Buick) and Detroit (Hudson). But the
AFL knew that Ford would be the most difficult employer to unionize, so it deferred for a time.
What gave the AFL its impression that Ford would be so hard to crack? Probably the greatest single event
was the so-called Ford Hunger Strike of 1932. It occurred on March 7, just about three weeks before the
new V-8 was to be introduced. Three thousand men marched on the Rouge plant. They were demanding
a six-hour day, free medical care, elimination of certain anti-labor practices such as “speed-ups,” and the
right to unionize. Many of the men were not Ford employees. In fact, many were probably unemployed, and
most were hungry and desperate from the terrible economic times they were enduring. Many were
Communists. All were unarmed. They did not intend violence of any kind.
The Dearborn police and fire departments were at the scene. They were beholden to Ford Motor because
Ford accounted for about 61% of the Dearborn tax base. They tried to disburse the men with tear gas and
with fire hoses (the water was near freezing cold in early March). When these measures proved inadequate,
the police used machine guns from the metal overpass which the men had to climb to get from the Miller
street parking lot to the entrance to the Rouge. Four men were killed, one of them being Joseph York, a
Communist organizer only 19 years old. York had the misfortune to get into a fist fight with Harry Bennett,
Ford’s primary henchman. It cost him his life. The event was recorded on film by the newspaper reporters
and photographers. Naturally, it received a lot of publicity.
Public sentiment was nearly unanimous against Ford and in favor of the marchers. About 15,000 people
attended the funeral services for the four men who died. Their coffins were draped in red. Everything Ford
had done for his workers, much of it done with genuine compassion and support, was forgotten in the public
mind. Rightly or wrongly, for many years thereafter, the Ford plant was associated with machine guns.
According to Ford biographer Robert Lacey in “Ford, the Men and the Machine” (available through the Early
Ford V-8 Foundation and Museum), one of the files in the Ford archives is labeled “Labor Relations - ES,”
with the ES standing for espionage. The file from the 1920s is filled with intelligence dossiers on workers
thought to be disloyal to Ford. Ford spies, disguised as regular employees, kept secret files on workers who
were thought to be involved in Communism, Socialism, or Bolshevism, or who favored labor unions. Largely
because of the Labor Relations spies, the work atmosphere in the late 1920s had lost its camaraderie and
spontaneity. At the same time, demands for speed-ups, which had been implemented by Ford’s chief
operations manager Charles Sorenson, took their toll on workers’ energy and enthusiasm. Workers who
couldn’t or wouldn’t conform to the demands were reported to the Labor Relations spies and many lost their
jobs, further hurting morale. It was in this atmosphere of exhaustion, betrayal and fear that unions began
to appear attractive to the workers who, until recent times, had been the most loyal in the industry.
Enter Walter Reuther and the United Auto Workers (UAW). Reuther’s rise to pre-eminence in history
occurred in 1937, five years after the Hunger Strike. Reuther had worked for Ford ten years earlier as a tool
and die leader. But his early attempts to unionize his Ford co-workers had earned him a pink slip and a black
listing throughout the industry. Largely through his efforts in 1937, GM was unionized in February, 1937, and
Chrysler just one month later. Chrysler didn't put up a fight. Reuther’s memoirs reflect that May, 1937, was
a decisive month in his life, not all of which was good. May of 1937 also stands as the darkest moment in
the history of Ford Motor Company. Reuther and Ford Motor Company came together on May 26, 1937, on
the identical overpass which played such an important role in the 1932 Hunger Strike. Violence again
erupted. But this time, it was Ford men (not the municipal police or fire departments) who committed the
violence. This time, the violence was planned, calculated and deliberate.
Ford Motor Company had two weeks’ notice of the march planned for May 26. Henry Ford used that time
to coordinate the company’s response. He chose Harry Bennett (whose fight with Joseph York had led to
York’s death) as the primary interface with the marchers. Henry Ford refused to meet the marchers
personally, and forbade Edsel from meeting with them. Bennett had gained Henry’s confidence despite
having no car experience. His only real qualifications were his toughness and responsiveness to Henry’s
every whim. Bennett populated the Rouge Service Department with ex-linebackers, ex-wrestlers, and storm
trooper types. Bennett was menacing. He associated with organized crime figures in the Detroit area, and
he carried a gun to work. So did many of his thugs. He was able to operate outside the law, and the FBI
gave him free license to do so. His main job in the 1930s was to “take care” of union organizers.
Bennett and his men took the offensive. They used bats and boots to pummel and kick the union men.
Many of the marchers were pushed down the 39 metal steps leading up to the overpass. Reuther was one
of these. Some were actually thrown off the overpass to the concrete below. Many were severely injured.
Again, the press was there, and the whole incident was photographed. But, oddly, public opinion polls taken
in May, 1937, reflected that, this time, Americans were largely in support of Ford. Or possibly it was just that
the public memory of Ford as a benevolent employer died hard.
The UAW’s response to the overpass beatings was an appeal through the courts, using the Wagner Act.
The lawsuit never reached a decision because Ford could foresee a negative outcome. Ford’s violations
of the Wagner Act had been obvious and extreme. Ford agreed to off-the-record negotiations which, in turn,
led to dismissal of the lawsuit. In exchange, Ford agreed, in late December, 1938, to a tentative agreement
made final in the spring of 1941. A separate lawsuit, this one filed by the NLRB, did go to court in the interim,
and it resulted in a decision against Ford, affirmed on appeal. The final nail in the coffin was driven by a
threatened strike of the Ford plant, to occur on April 1, 1941. The strike, the first one threatened against
Ford in the entire unionization movement, would have shut the Rouge plant entirely. Rather than risk that,
Ford signed the union contract.
In finally accepting the union, Henry Ford acted in his typical, enigmatic way. He agreed to give the workers
BETTER terms than they had gotten from GM and Chrysler. He agreed to pay the highest wages in the
industry. He agreed to pay back wages to 4000 wrongfully-discharged employees. He agreed to a
grievance procedure. Henry Ford met personally with Walter Reuther to congratulate him. He suggested
to Reuther that the two men should now become aligned to fight GM and Chrysler! Only those who did not
know Henry Ford were perplexed by his transformation. Henry Ford was nothing if not flexible.
SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES
By Larry Williams for Secretary Mark Williams
Jay Hertz talked about his trip to San Paulo, Brazil.
Minutes: There were no changes to the minutes from last meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Larry Williams provided the financial report as of 9/30/12 (updated due to absence
from the 10/2/12 meeting).
Checking Account:
Beginning Balance $ 535.95
Less administrative expenses of ( 73.96)
Less payments to Bob & Micki, normally pd on Oct. 2 ( 60.00)
Ending Balance $ 401.99
Savings Account:
Beginning Balance $5,294.25
Add interest of .13
Ending Balance $5,294.38
Car Council Report: Jim said they need help with spaces for the Swap Meet.
John said hosting was discussed for All Clubs picnic.
Thanks to Jeff & Beth Jackson for the BBQ at their house.
New Business: Jeff Jackson talked about possible web site. Hosted site for less than $25.00 monthly. He
will bring more info to director’s meeting.
Joe Abbin talked about hosting Western National meet or tour.
The State Fair event will be Sunday September 16. The group will meet at the Caravan East and leave there
at 7:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 20th at Airport in Belen, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. More info will be coming.
Sun City event in January, close to Barrett Jackson auction.
Recommend fire extinguisher in garage and carry one in the car.
Saturday, October 6, Apple Festival in Manzano Mountains. Flyer from Joyce.
Chimayo, Saturday, October 27.
Thanks to John and Lori Shelton for refreshments.
Beth and Joyce put together a Ladies Night event. Johanne showed hats from the 30s and 40s and a
handbag from the 20s. Meg showed Zuni fetishes and antique barbed wire from Oklahoma, Texas and
Kansas. Jo Seery showed a costume jewelry creation shaped like a Christmas tree with lights. Joyce
showed aprons. Beth showed quilts. Neva talked about cake decorating. Thanks to everyone who took part
in this entertaining presentation.
SEPTEMBER DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES
Prepared by Jay Hertz
The directors met on September 11 to discuss the following items:
1. We viewed a proposed website which Jeff Jackson had built using a commercially available software
package. The model website seemed ideal for the Tumbleweed Group. The cost for the maintenance of
the proposed site would be $8 or $10 per month, depending on whether we pay monthly or yearly. The
directors unanimously agreed to recommend the development of the site to the members. Jeff was charged
with explaining the site at the October business meeting, where we will vote on its adoption.
2. We further explored hosting either a 2 or 3 day driving tour, or a full-blown national meet in either 2014
or 2015. To gauge the level of enthusiasm and commitment among club members, we developed a series
of questions which each member will be asked to answer on an anonymous basis. The questions appear
below. Each member will receive an email containing the questions, to which the member is asked to
respond by email. Those who do not receive email, and those who do not respond to the email, will receive
a phone call so the questions can be answered over the phone. Regardless whether the member answers
by email or phone, the answers will not be attributed to the particular member in order to maintain
confidentiality of the answers, as only the recipient will know the specific member's responses. The
questions are:
a. Would you like to see the Tumbleweed Group host a national event in 2014 or 2015?
If not, why not?
b. If so, would you prefer a 2-3 day driving tour, or a full national meet? Without intending to give a
complete list, a full national meet would likely entail the following activities and sub-tasks: registration and
funds collection, hotel arrangements, budgeting, judging, awards, security, clinics and speakers, a swap
meet, a welcoming event, goodie bags, entertainment, photos of the cars and a photo journal, driving tours,
safety inspections, facilities for washing show cars, a show field, and a dinner party.
c. Are you willing to serve on a committee to plan and prepare for the event?
d. Are you wiling to take an active role in hosting the event?
e. Would you like to see the event coordinated by the National Club, which we understand has
recently become an option?
3. We discussed improvements to the monthly newsletter. The program for the upcoming monthly meeting
will receive front-page attention, along with a paragraph describing the program. The program planner will
be responsible for the paragraph summary. Micki will be asked to routinely send a draft of the newsletter
to the club vice president (Jeff Jackson currently) for his prior review.
4. The nominating committee announced its recommendations for officers and directors. They are:
president: Jay Hertz
vice president: Jeff Jackson
secretary: Neva Coffee
treasurer: Larry Williams
directors: Max Glover, Ray Calderon, and Dee Patterson
At the October meeting, additional nominations and declarations of candidacy can be made from the floor
or sent by mail in time for the November elections.
OCTOBER CLUB ACTIVITY
October 27 – Chimayo Day Tour
By Joe Abbin
On Saturday, October 27th the club will be heading to Northern NM to exercise those V-8s and do some
serious “leaf-peeping” as they say back East. The plan is to meet at Smith’s on Tramway and Central at 9:00
am. Then we will proceed to Chimayo via the Turquoise Trail, Santa Fe and Espanola. Maps will be
available at Smith’s. We’ll meet up at Pat & Marco Oviedo’s gallery and foundry for a tour around 11 am.
Then it is on to Rancho de Chimayo (505-351-4444) for lunch. After lunch, we’ll take “Marco’s Ride Around
the Block,” a seven mile tour of the area and then head home.
Those who wish can go up early and spend the night Friday or stay and spend Saturday night in Chimayo.
Pat & Marco own the Inn at Chimayo which is also on their property. See www.innatchimayo.com for photos
and details. Space is limited, so call for availability and reservations (505-351-2280 and ask for Pat). This
is a great day or overnight tour with lots of flexibility. Invite your friends.
Call Joe Abbin with questions at 296-7678.
SEPTEMBER 2012 CLUB ACTIVITY
September 16 – State Fair Car Show
By R. Jeff Jackson
Well hi everyone! Our club participated at the State Fair Antique Car Day show on September 16th. It started
out and ended with beautiful weather. But, Jeff Jackson and Joe Abbin were reminded early In the day that
their cars need to be full. Jeff was reminded of the need for fuel and Joe was reminded his tires need air.
Despite those minor initial issues both made it to the fairgrounds in time to line up on Main Street with the
other cars.
We had a moderate turnout of 14 cars this year (we’ll plan to double that number next year!!!!) with a
wonderful variety from the fancy engine in Kathleen McCaughey’s '34, and Jay’s lovely phaeton through
several pickups, coupes and convertibles to Frank’s 4 door and Joe’s “hot rod Merc.” Everyone received
a nice participant’s ribbon and a magnetic dash plaque.
Special awards, voted on by the club members, were the People’s Choice award going to Tom and Dee
Patterson’s '53 Convertible and the Best of Show awarded to Bob Quirici’s '36 pickup. We also want to give
a special thank you to John Shelton for bringing in the chain and stanchions for our cars.
The State Fair is a great opportunity to meet people interested in cars and entice them to join our club as
well as an opportunity to encourage prior members to return to active status. Jeff and Jay and Joe and Neva
and others were busy drumming up new members for the club telling them what a deep and complete
knowledge of Flathead V8s we have in the club membership. It was evident from the deep discussions
ongoing that Flatheads are regaining popularity.
As always the State Fair day was again a wonderful setting for sitting around and swapping stories and
getting to know your fellow club members better. For example, did you know that Frank Corey can eat an
entire turkey drumstick in one sitting without missing a beat explaining the right way to install a hood on a
'53 ford? Or that Marvin Coffee was one of the last flathead Ford drivers at Speedway Race Track? See
that proves there are always new things to learn. Joe has provided some nice photos:
http://s1170.photobucket.com/albums/r538/TumbleweedPhotos/2012%20State%20Fair%20by%20Joe/
NOVEMBER 13, 2012 BOARD MEETING
By Jay Hertz
Hello, All. This is to let you know that we will be holding our November directors’/officers’ meeting on
Tuesday, November 13, at my house, 8704 La Sala Del Sur, NE (phone 296-3137) beginning at 7:30 p.m.
It is near Wyoming and Candelaria. From that intersection, go east and take the second left-hand turn bay,
which is General Stillwell. Go to the end of General Stillwell, which is only about four blocks. Where it ends,
the house on the right is mine. It is a corner house with a stop sign on the property. The entrance is on
General Stillwell even though the address is on La Sala Del Sur. I will have refreshments. All members are
welcome at our Board meetings.
2012 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: Jay Hertz (jdhhag@comcast.net)
Vice-President: R. Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Secretary: Mark Williams (mwdomesticengineer34@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Larry Williams (l-m-williams@comcast.net)
Director of Club Purpose: Neva Coffee (marvin.coffee@comcast.net)
Director of Education: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com)
Director of Touring: Frank Corey (frankford4@aol.com)
~~‚~~
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Birthday to:
9 Linda Frazer
21 Colleen Selby
21 Larry Williams
30 Al Seery
Happy Anniversary to:
2 Bob & Sue Mathes
9 Bud Hennessy & Linda Frazer
14 Ira & Arleen Rimson
~~‚~~
NEWSLETTER NOTE
Members are encouraged to submit articles and ads for inclusion in the newsletter, but please remember
we have space limitations. Article submissions may be reformatted for newsletter purposes, but they will not
be edited without the author’s approval. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month. Please
contact Micki Hughes, newsletter editor, 505.359.3227, or email: tumbleweednewsletter@gmail.com.
2012 CLUB EVENTS
Air Cleaners: Joe Abbin &
Will Clements
10/6 Breakfast group meets Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
10/27 Tour to Chimayo Abbin
11/6 Elections & Tabletop Show;
Board 11/3 Breakfast group meets Saturday at
8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
11/13 Board Meeting, 7:30, Jay Hertz’ house
11/17 Festival of the Cranes, Bosque del
Apache Tour
12/4 Holiday Party Board
12/1 Breakfast group meets Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
SWAP MEET – SEPTEMBER 28-30
See the information in the August newsletter about the Swap Meet in Los Lunas. Joyce is seeking
volunteers to help with striping the field, guarding gates, directing traffic, registration, etc. If you can help for
a couple of hours, please call 884-7912 or e-mail oldcarnut1932@earthlink.net. You get a ticket for free
lunch and a hat.
OTHER NEARBY ACTIVITIES
September 28-30 – Annual NMCCC/Los Lunas Swap Meet – joyce@nmcarcouncil.net or 884-7912.
September 28 – 50's Flashback Special Luncheon & Car Show – Bear Canyon Senior Center, 4645 Pitt NE
– 11:30am-1:00pm – Need 5-10 cars from the 50's in blocked-off area – Corinne Elwell, Program Coordinator
– 291-6211 for more information.
September 29 – Albuquerque International Festival Car & Model Car Shows – Talin World Market, Louisiana
& Central – 10am-5pm – Wants 8-10 cars from 1930s to 1960s – $100 prize to people’s choice car –
Reserve ahead if you want to go – Donna Geist (505)265-2511 or jdgeist@santafecenterstudios.com.
October 5-6 – 25th Run to Ruidoso Downs – Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, Ruidoso – Pre-'73 – Ron Duscha
(915)598-0621 or www.zianet.com/rtd.
October 6 – Los Lunas Home Depot 2nd Annual Customer Appreciation Car Show – 550-2290 or
prods_3511@homedepot.com.
October 7 – Bombardiers Fall Car/Custom Bike Show – Jake & Harley’s Cigar Gallery, 5400 Sevilla Rd NW
(at Coors, north of St. Joseph’s) – 1pm-6pm – Open to Cars/Trucks Pre-74, all Vintage/Custom Bikes –
Entry $12 – Trophies, live music by Cowboys & Indian – Food, drink and cigar specials –
russellbombardiers@hotmail.com.
October 7 – 12th Annual Fiesta of Wheels Car Show – Balloon Fiesta Park – See flyer.
October 12-13 – 14th Annual Southeast New Mexico Regional Swap Meet & Car Corral – 1802 W Main St,
Artesia – Dorothy (575)746-9477 or dorothy@tberryweb.com.
October 13 – Cars & Coffee Swap Meet – Grace Church, 6891 San Antonio NE, Albuquerque – 8am – $10
per space – Pays for car repairs for single moms & widows – Blood Mobile will be there collecting donations
– 301-8857 or bcougar67@msn.com.
October 13 – Los Lunas Great Pumpkin Cruz – Wells Fargo Bank, Bosque Farms – 1:00pm – Bill Schofield
(505)565-2105 or e-mail vintagegasser@aim.com.
October 20 – Belen Air Show. (Information will be emailed to Tumbleweed members if/when received.)
October 21 – Santa Ana Fall Classic Car Show Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity – Santa Ana Star Casino
– Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity – Entry $25 – Michael Shepherd 280-2243 or
mselvis2003@aol.com.
October 27 – 2nd Annual Autumn Dash – Marriott Hotel, 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE – Fundraiser for Area
Firefighters Random Acts – Trophies, Fire Trucks, DJ, Dash Plaques, and “Trunk or Treat” for kids (Bring
some treats) – Entry $10.
2013 GRAND NATIONAL GOLDEN JUBILEE
The Early Ford V-8 Club will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, June 17-21, 2013. This
is the site of the first meet held by the founding members of the Club. It will be a big event, and the only
National Meet for 2013. Start thinking about attending, and get your Ford ready for the road. Registration
and information are available at www.earlyfordv8.org.
APPLE FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 6
You received a flyer on this last month. This is an invitational fall tour to celebrate the apple harvest in the
Manzano Mountains. Bring a picnic lunch. Cost is free, but you can buy apples and cider at the general
store. Arrive Smith’s at Tramway & Central starting at 9:30am, depart at 10:00am. The route is old Rte. 66
to Tijeras, right onto Rt. 337. Go through Chilili to the end of the highway, turn right and go 9.3 miles. Follow
the signs to Manzano Mountain Retreat. If you have further questions, call Joyce at 884-7912. It should be
a beautiful ride with delicious New Mexico apples (34 varieties) and apple cider at the end of the trail.
DURANGO TRAIN RIDE – OCTOBER 12-14
October 12-14, Joyce Clements and Bob Agnew are organizing an invitational trip to Durango to ride the rails
to Silverton. We leave on the morning of the 12th, lunch in Aztec, and arrive in Durango in time to do some
strolling, pick up tickets, and eat dinner. The train ride is scheduled for the 13th at 9:15am. The cost of the
train ticket is $87.98 for adults and $51.94 for kids. Call (970)247-2733 to reserve your train tickets. Parking
at the station is $7 for the day. If you choose, you can catch the free trolley at the motel and save the
parking fee. (One source said the trolley costs 50 cents, but the motel manager says it’s free.) We have
special rates of $58 to $78 at the Siesta Motel, at the north end of Durango. You can call (970)247-0741,
or register at www.Durangosiestamotel. The plan is to leave from the McDonald’s on Hwy 528 in Bernalillo
at about 8:30am. We will eat lunch in Aztec. Lunch depends on the number of participants. If enough
people want to go, Bob will take his trailer with lunch fixings and we can picnic in a park. Everyone who goes
will then pitch in their share for the cost. We are also working on a garage visit in the area. Please e-mail
oldcarnut1932@earthlink.net or call 884-7912 if you would like to go. We need a head count for lunch, and
also to be able to contact you with any additional or changed information.
EARLY FORD V-8 FOUNDATION & MUSEUM
by Joyce Clements
In this newsletter is an ad from 1937 showing “Fords at Work.” It was featured in the Ford Foundation
newsletter. We had noticed on our trip to Georgia, that Mississippi has excellent roads. That fact really
attracted me to this particular ad. Mississippi has been working on having good roads for a long time.
Don’t forget that the Foundation is seeking to increase membership. Individual memberships are $25 per
year, and for the remainder of 2012, if you join, a buddy can join for free. It’s a two-for-one special! Find out
more about the Foundation at www.fordv8foundation.org.
TUMBLEWEED GROUP BIBLIOGRAPHY
By Jay Hertz
Several club members collect books about Ford Motor Company and its founder.
Max Glover prepared a nice list of the books in his collection. I have a few others. I thought it might be nice
for members to have a bibliography, which follows. The list focuses primarily on history and biography rather
than on the cars themselves. The books about Ford cars are so numerous that the list would be
cumbersome. If other club members can add to the bibliography, that would be very good.
“Illustrated History of Ford” by George Dammann, Crestline Publications. Mostly car photos but shows the
historical progression of design and manufacturing.
“Wheels for the World” by Douglas Brinkley, Viking. A serious and thoughtful history. This book has an
excellent bibliography and is heavily footnoted. It has a number of black and white photos of the early years
which are outstanding.
“Ford, The Men and the Machine” by Robert Lacey, Little Brown. Another serious, detailed history. This
book also has an excellent bibliography and set of footnotes. It has some photos, but largely of the later
periods.
“Henry Ford and the Jews” by Neil Baldwin, BBS Public Affairs. This discusses much more than Ford’s
anti-Semitism and gives insight into his personality not found in other biographies.
“Henry Ford, An Interpretation” by Samuel Marquis, Wayne State University Press. The author was Henry
Ford’s minister and a one-time insider at Ford, who lost favor with Ford in later years. Provides insights and
observations from a unique perspective.
“Ford at Fifty” by Ford Motor Company, Simon and Schuster. This is a Company-prepared book published
in 1953. Heavily illustrated, largely propaganda. But enjoyable reading for those not looking for historically
accurate reporting.
“The V8 Affair” by Ray Miller, The Evergreen Press. This one is essentially a car book but does give a small
amount of history, primarily from Ford sources contemporaneous with the Flathead era.
“Rouge Pictured in its Prime” by Ford R. Bryan, Ford Books. This is another company publication. It covers
not only the Rouge plant, but also the entire manufacturing process in the years 1917 through 1940.
“100 Years of Ford” by David L. Louis, Publication International Limited. Primarily a car book with some
history. David L. Louis has been called the “dean of Ford historians.” For those seeking his particular brand
of history, with less emphasis on photography, the following book will appeal.
“Ford Country: the Family; the Company; the Cars” by David L. Louis, Amos Press, Inc. This book strikes
me as a collection of historical snippets and recollections, and as a result it lacks the depth, organization and
continuity of the more studied histories.
“Master of Precision. Henry M. Leland” by Mrs. Wilfred C. Leland with Minnie Dubbs Hill, Wayne State
University Press. This is not a Ford history per se, but includes a wealth of material about Ford's acquisition
of the Lincoln assets and the firing of the Lelands.
“The Triumph of an Idea” by Ralph H. Graves, Doubleday, Doran & Company. Written in 1934, this short
history was written at the height of Ford’s popularity, and seems to reflect that mentality. Has a nice chapter
about the development of what became the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
MY FORD
I love my Ford; it gave to me
The mountains and the trees,
The flowers of the field, the wild bird’s song,
The ocean’s cooling breeze.
It burst the bars that formed my city cell
And set me free to wander where I would;
It hurried and brought back my fleeting youth,
And made me feel that living still is good
And oh, I hope that should the time e’er come,
When I must yield aught of my modest hoard
That it may be my house, my land, my clothes
But not my precious Ford!
Poem is from Floyd Clymer’s Historical Motor Scrapbook and is dated 1922. It is unsigned.
CLASSIFIED ADS
For Sale: V-8 Times Magazines. Issues from the '80s to date. $1 each or 6 for $5. Several year sets in
hard binders. Half the proceeds to our club. Joe Abbin, 505.296.7678.
For Sale: Auto road test and auto related magazines from the 1950's thru the 1980's. Find out how your
1956 Mercury performed “in the day” from Motor Trend or how Consumer’s Guide rated it! “Time capsule”
assortments of 3-6 magazines for various years for $10 each or individual magazines for $3. Various titles,
Motor Trend, Popular Science, Mechanix Illustrated, Consumers Guide, etc. Joe Abbin, 505.296.7678.
For Sale: Rebuilt generators, starters, carburetors, distributors, water pumps, clutches, etc. for your
flathead. Best deal in town. Also parts. What do you need? Art Leupold, 505.299.7154.
For Sale: 1946-1948 running gear including brake drums. Joe Abbin, 296.7678.
For Sale: 1953 Ford Victoria. Larry Dyer, 821.5324.
For Sale: 1949 Ford Big Job Truck Engine. 337 cu. in. Turns freely. Still in truck. 850 lbs. Current price
for scrap iron is 6.5 cents/lb. Available at Capitol Scrap in Santa Fe. 575-471-0740.
For Sale: 1934 Ford Truck Engine. 221 cu. in., 21-stud. Joel Wirth. 505-281-6752. Sedillo, NM, near exit
181 on I-40 East of ABQ.
For Sale: Welding and cutting equipment. Lincoln Electric Pro Cut 25 plasma cutter, cuts 3/8" easily.
$1500. Lincoln Electric portable 110v, 20A wire feed arc welder with tanks and cart. $500. Other welding
equipment: acetylene set with tanks, $250, Ultra-Shade helmet, $100. Kathleen, 822-0325.
For Sale: 1951 Ford Victoria. This is a rust-free example. I bought it in 1999 from a
guy here in Truth or Consequences, NM who was attempting to restore this car which
formerly belonged to a relative. Presumably it is a New Mexico car. The exterior was
done so I completed the interior, rebuilt the flathead V8 engine 23,000 miles ago,
added overdrive, dual exhaust and 1" lowering blocks to correct a slight rake. I
recently replaced all the wiring. Because the paint job is less than top quality and the
miles I have put on it I am classifying it in #3 condition. Old Cars Weekly Price Guide
and NADA.com price it at $13,500. At present it needs nothing and you could drive it home.
t omb i rd@wi ld b lu e . n e t o r 5 7 5 . 8 9 4 . 7 137. Th e re a re mo re p h o t o s a t :
http://s1170.photobucket.com/albums/r538/TumbleweedPhotos/Toms%20Car%20Photos/.
For Sale: For information about or photos of any of the following, call Lou Gorenz, 450-1789:
'81 Chevy P.U., C-10 Custom Deluxe 250CI, 3 speed OD, Short Wide bed, very good body. Drive
or restore. $3300.
'69 Ford XL “Fastback.” Excellent driver, radials and 429, 360 HP. $6900.
15" Ford full hub caps with “crossbars.” $125.
1 pr. exhaust manifolds (for duals) ( no crossover), 292-272-239. $75.
1 ea. complete gauge assy w/speed-0 for l960 Ford P.U. $100.
1 pr. hood emblems '60 Ford P.U. $50.
1 ea. F-150, 2010 chrome grille, used. $100.
Wanted: V-8 Times Magazines. Need May-June 2007 issue, and any issues from the '60s and '70s for my
own set. Joe Abbin, 505.296.7678.
Wanted/Lost: I loaned an antique Fish carburetor to someone. Please contact Joe Abbin at 296-7678 if
you have or know who has this carburetor. Thanks.
Wanted: 1935 Ford front brake drum, 1942-48 radius wishbone ball cap, distributor timing fixture for 1932-48
Fords, and a 1959 Ford right front brake backing plate. Jim Clements, 884.912.
Wanted: Phillip Valverde, Bernalillo Tires, is looking for a stock vintage truck. He would prefer one of the
non Ford or non Chevrolet makes. His phone number is 505-867-0016.
Services Offered: Vintage engine rebuilding, any make, any model. Stock or modified. Dynamometer
testing available. Results guaranteed. References available. Gary McGlasson, 505.250.1586.
Services Offered: Frank Corey, who recently made a presentation about the mechanical aspects of Ford
overdrives, is available to consult on the electrical aspects as well. Frank has a supply of overdrive parts
for sale, for those who may be interested. Frank can be contacted at 505.299.5168 or (frankford4@aol.com).
For Lease: Eight 2,000 square foot warehouses located at 3424 & 3426 Vassar NE for lease. Easy access
to the interstate. Units have office space, rest room and rear overhead doors; some with connecting doors,
making them usable as larger units. $7.20/square foot on one year lease, negotiable for longer term leases.