APRIL 2017 TUMBLEWEED CLUB OF NEW MEXICO
RG #79, EARLY FORD V-8 CLUB OF AMERICA, PO BOX 21538, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87154-1538
MEETS FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:00 P.M., OLD CAR GARAGE, 3232 GIRARD BLVD NE
TIMES
PLEASE NOTE: All meetings include Show & Tell. Members are encouraged to bring items to share.
NEXT MEETING: Next meeting is Tuesday April 4, 7pm, Program on License Plates and Refreshments provided by Max & Johanne Glover.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: TBD
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday, April 15th at Route 66 Diner - see article below.
CLUB WEBSITE: Be sure to check out our website at www.abqfordflatheadv8.com Updated “current Information and calendar” is on the current information page. More club pictures are on the website.
FORD V8 FOUNDATION WEBSITE: Another interesting website to check out is www.fordv8foundation.org
April Meeting Program
Jay Melin is one of the foremost authorities on New Mexico license plates. When he addresses us at our April 4 meeting, he will show slides of some rare plates he owns, and generally discuss the hobby of collecting and restoring license plates. Jay is also a great source for acquiring plates you may want, as he regularly sells restored plates at local swap meets. This will be a good opportunity for you to bring plates to show, or to ask Jay about them.
April Breakfast
We will be meeting for breakfast on Saturday, April 15th, 8:30am at Route 66 diner. Route 66 Diner is located at 1405 Central Ave NE, just a few blocks east of I-25. For authentic 50’s Food & Fun, join your friends for breakfast and conversation.
April Birthdays and Anniversaries
Marilyn Gigger (1) Joe Abbin (4) Lou & Mary Gorenz (18)
Lou Gorenz (8) Lorna Azevedo (16) Richard & Barbara Polk (23)
Johanne Glover (16) Nancy Agnew (17) George & Jackie Abernathy (28)
Bob Agnew (18) Bob Mathes (21)
2017 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com)
Vice-President: Bob Quirici (qbtruc@aol.com)
Secretary: Beth Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Treasurer: David McLain (fordshoeboxmclain@aol.com)
Director: Jay Hertz (jdhhag1@comcast.net)
Director: R. Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Director: George Abernathy (gabernathy@sunriseveterinary.com)
Director: Bob Payne
April 2017 Presidents Message
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about License Plates Revealed Joe Abbin
This month’s meeting will feature Jay Melin on the subject of license plates. See announcement elsewhere in this newsletter. Jay is a long time collector and friend of mine. Everyone is encouraged to bring show and tell items and questions about plates for a real expert.
Just for fun, here are some teaser questions for our members.
1) What is unique about 1932 NM passenger car license plates?
2) When did NM add the “Land of Enchantment” to our passenger car plates. Why am I especially interested?
3) When did NM issue windshield stickers instead of license plates for passenger cars?
4) When did NM issue aluminum license plates and why?
Anybody who can answer these questions before the meeting will get 2 for 1 free raffle tickets! Wow! See you at the meeting and bring your friends.
Minutes of the March 7, 2017 Meeting
Secretary, Beth Jackson
President Joe called the meeting to order. There were 18 members present.
Old Business: Joe congratulated the birthday and anniversary celebrants. Last month’s minutes were approved as printed in the newsletter. Treasurer Dave reported that 22 members have paid their 2017 dues, we have budgeted for 28. We are looking at a deficit of $162 for the year. The post office box costs us $126 a year. Dave suggested we combine the checking and savings accounts we have for the sake of simplicity as we make next to nothing on interest in our savings account. He will check around for a different bank.
Joyce reported that the Car Council will be stuffing envelopes for the Museum Car Show at The Old Car Garage a 6pm on March 22nd. Pizza will be served to workers. The City of Los Lunas is redoing their sports fields and will have one field out of service at the time of the September Swap Meet, leaving 100 fewer spaces. Last Saturday 20-21 old cars attended the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, allowing the boys and their families to admire the vehicles. The Valve Cover races are going well.
Art’s service was nice and well attended. Betty is doing well. Dave will look into the purchase of a memorial brick for Art from the Ford V8 Foundation.
Thanks to Jim Kontny and Bill Verant for the tour of their garages last month.
For Sale and Wanted ads were passed around for additions and corrections.
New Business: The March Breakfast is at Vic’s on Osuna at 8:30am on Saturday the 18th.
The April meeting will feature a program on license plates with Jay Melin the volunteer speaker. It will also be a show and tell so bring your license plates to share.
Jim Clements announced that there will be an estate sale at Ralph Workman’s on March 9-12. He will be selling tools and lots of collections.
Jim also said he had received another questionnaire from the V8 Club of America on how to attract new members. It was stated by some that the Antique Auto Club of America has been particularly friendly to youngsters and others and the Model T Club involves kids and grandkids.
Joyce told us that Lou Mraz of the Colorado club called and wants to organize a southern New Mexico tour in the fall starting in Roswell. He wants to know if our club is interested in participating. Also Joyce has CD’s of the Colorado tour and the Western National Meet that she will share with interested persons.
Larry Azevedo announced that he and Lorna are holding a 50’s Sockhop on Saturday, April 15th and everyone is invited.
Bob Agnew reminded us that April 22nd is Spring Thaw at the Old Car Garage and they are taking signups now. Bob will be leading a driver’s tour May 4-7 to Santa Teresa, Silver City, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Any car driven is required to be able to run 50 mph consistently. It is open to anyone. Bob did the drive this past weekend and put 865 miles on his ’51.
Bids were taken on the 1940 Bumper Guard that was donated by Jim Kontny and the Clements were the winners netting $120 for the club treasury. Thank you, Jim, for the donation.
Thanks to George and Jackie Abernathy for providing the refreshments.
Jay Hertz gave a very interesting talk on Henry Ford and the assembly line. Thanks, Jay.
Note from the Leupold Family
Dear Friends,
At this time we would like to thank everyone who was at the public viewing, the service and reception for Art. We really appreciated you driving your V-8’s, Art would have loved it! Thank you for all the delicious food, beautiful flowers and cards and especially all of your love and hugs.
Love,
Betty, Karla and Karlene
Invitation from Jim and Jeannine Kontny
The Pajarito T-Bird club is planning a drive to Bibo, NM with lunch at the historic Bibo Bar and Grille on April 29 (Saturday) and would love to include cars and members from the Tumbleweed Early V-8 Club. The group will meet at the Love's Truck Stop at the top of 9-Mile Hill at 11am and the drive to Bibo should take about 1 hour. Since the restaurant is fairly remote, they are asking for a head count a week prior. So, those who might be interested in getting out for a nice spring drive and lunch in good company, please call Jim Kontny at 865-3228 by April 21.
THE FORD TIMES RECIPES
For many years, Ford Motor Company published the FORD TIMES, containing articles of general interest for Ford owners. One of the regular features, from the late 1940s up to at least late 1970s, was a travel stop somewhere in the US; this stop included a restaurant review and a recipe from that restaurant. The April 1947 (70 years ago) issue of the TIMES recommended a stop at the Ozark Lodge at Rockaway Beach in Missouri. The recipe that follows is dedicated to Joe Abbin in case he ever found that "canned possum."
ROAST OPOSSUM (Stuffed)
1 opossum 1 cup bread crumbs 1 teaspoon salt water
1 chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce bacon slices
1 tablespoon fat 1 hard boiled egg
Rub the cleaned opossum with salt and pepper. Brown the onion in fat and add opossum liver and cook until tender. To this add the bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg and salt water. Mix these ingredients thoroughly and stuff the opossum with it. Then truss the opossum like a fowl and put it in the roasting pan with bacon across the back and pour a quart of water into the pan before placing the opossum in a moderate oven. Roast uncovered, basting it every 15 minutes until the opossum is tender (about two and a half hours). The chef at the Lodge has found that this specialty of the house is most popular and he always serves his roast opossum with ample helpings of sweet potatoes.
Good luck, Joe.
Joyce
Breakfast at Vic’s
Sock Hop!!!
By Lorna Azevedo
Please join us for a fun evening April 15, 6:00 P.M. til ????
We are going Back To The Future & hosting a “Sock Hop” event in the Azevedo’s barn to celebrate all the birthdays in 2017!! This means YOU!
Wear your 50’s garb (poodle skirts, petticoats, jeans rolled up, oxfords, white t-shirts, pony tails, etc,) & we’ll twist the night away!!
Enter a foosball contest, show your hula hoop skills, bubble gum blowing, lip sync, karaoke or just visit &/or dance!!
Water & lemonade will be provided, so if you prefer a different libation, please bring it along with an appetizer, because we will probably work up an appetite!!
Our address is 209 Hansen Rd. Corrales…call if you need driving directions!
Please RSVP to Lorna 898-7700
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2017
April
Tuesday 4th Club Meeting – 7pmNew Mexico License Plates. Refreshments by Glovers.
Saturday 15th Breakfast at Rt. 66 Diner
Saturday 22nd Spring Thaw at The Old Car Garage
May
Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting – 7pmAuto Paint. Refreshments by Jay Hertz.
Thurs-Sun 4th-7th Overnight trip to Santa Teresa, Silver City and the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Sunday 21st Museum Car Show
Monday 29th Club Birthday Party and Picnic/Car Show
June
Tuesday 6th Club Meeting – 7pm Trust/Estate Planning. Refreshments by Ray Calderon.
Saturday 17th Breakfast and tour of Colorworks
July
Tuesday 4th Corrales Parade and Picnic at Azevedo’s
Tuesday 11th Club Meeting – 7pm’52 Fords. Refreshments by Joyce Clements.
Saturday 15th Breakfast at Lindy’s 8:30am
August
Tuesday 1st Club Meeting – 7pmTools. Refreshments by Dave McLain.
Sunday 13th All Clubs Picnic
Saturday 19th Tour to Madrid with Lunch
September
Tuesday 5th Club Meeting – 7pm1932/1937 Fords. Refreshments by Mary & Lou Gorenz.
Sunday 10th State Fair
Saturday 16th Breakfast
Friday, Sat., Sun 22nd, 23rd, 24th Los Lunas Swap Meet
October
Tuesday 3rd Club Meeting – 7pmPowder Coating
Saturday 7th Drive to Chimayo
Saturday 21st Drive to Coronado Monument with lunch
November
Tuesday 7th Club Meeting – 7pmOfficer Elections and Program - Antique Toasters by Kathleen
Saturday 18th Breakfast
December
Saturday 9th Christmas Party, location TBD
Saturday 16th Breakfast
NEWSLETTER NOTE
Members are encouraged to submit articles, ads and photographs for inclusion in the newsletter. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month. Beth Jackson, 505-908-7564, or email: JBJaxun@gmail.com
Joe Abbin’s Visit to the Ocean in 1959
The following is a repeat of the beginning of this story in the February newsletter along with the rest of the story.
In 1959, myself and two high school buddies set out from Albuquerque to see the ocean from the Santa Monica pier. It was the summer before our senior year. How did we get there? On two lane Route 66 in a junker 1934 Tudor! That car had four bald tires (two worn out rear knobby snow tires), had water in the oil and oil in the water. There were major rust issues with parts of the floorboard missing. No rear seat, so we installed a lawn chair for the third passenger. We had a canvas water bag hanging on a headlight. We saved our money for the trip which totaled about $200. No insurance, no roadside assistance, no cell phones, almost no tools, no spare tire. We had a case of cans of chili and beans and a case of canned peaches. That seemed like a balanced diet for the trip.
We had a vision. Playing volley ball with sun tanned California girls on the beach…..next to the breaking waves of a body of water larger than anything we had ever seen…….hot rods roaming the streets……palm trees waving in the breeze. Wow!
We left early on the appointed day and got as far as Gallup at daylight. The battery had boiled several times requiring disconnecting the generator and then manually reconnecting as necessary when the headlights got too dim. The generator regulator (“cutout”) was the apparent culprit. We stopped at a junk yard where we could see a 1934 Ford in the yard. This appeared to be a potential source of a usable generator cutout. The yard would not be opening for another two hours however, so the decision was made to jump the fence and get the needed item and pay for it on the return trip. We all made it over the fence, but then we became aware of a dog barking and approaching at high speed. Jerry, the shortest guy, and I were assisted over the fence by Dave, the tallest guy. Dave made a desperate attempt to pull himself over the fence but he was slowed by the dog who had clamped on to his right buttock. His pants were not up to the task of supporting the dog’s weight and he made it over the fence minus some skin and part of his pants. Unfortunately we observed that Dave’s wallet had also been captured by the dog. By this time a large number of native-Americans had gathered around my car to watch the proceedings and share some early morning cocktails. After a very short discussion of our options we decided to get the hell out of there before more spectators and law enforcement arrived. Ouch, half out vacation funds were lost!
This rest of the trip was full of continuing adventures and crises, but travelling mostly at night we made it to Santa Monica and back to Albuquerque without any further car problems, not counting frequent radiator boil-overs every time we exceeded about 55 mph (the car could do 85 mph for short bursts, like when passing a truck). I installed a toggle switch to make connecting the generator more convenient. In Needles I accidently “tapped” a pedestrian’s shopping cart while she was crossing the street in the dark and not revealed by the 1934’s dim headlights. This was observed by law enforcement which resulted in a lecture on yielding to pedestrians and a ticket and an escort to pay at city hall. This further depleted our remaining funds. Due to the shortage of funds, we had to resort to our on-board food supply to eat and an “Oklahoma credit card” for gas most of the trip.
Seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time as we crested the hill entering Santa Monica made it all worthwhile. Wow! What a sight! The palm trees, the wide streets, the beaches, the gals on the beach, the cool cars, and the whole scene permanently imprinted me. Despite all the ensuing mis-adventures, it was the trip of a lifetime.
Route 66 Rodders 29th Annual Swap Meet
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Rain or Shine!
Los Lunas Sports Complex, Hwy 134 & Morris Rd
For Info: Call Bud @ 505-715-3951
Or onlinewww.theroute66rodders.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 31-April 1 – 20th Annual Main Event Show & Cruise – Heritage Plaza, Downtown, Artesia – Fri. registration 1-6pm, cruise 6pm – Sat. registration 7-11am, show 9am-4pm, awards 4pm – Professional judging – Entry $25 – Rock & Roll music by DJ John of Tucson – Frank or Dorothy Hammond (575)746-9477, Gene or Dolores (575)746-4796 for info, or joyce@nmcarcouncil.com for registration form
April 1 – Vests for New Mexico K9's – Show & Shine, Off-Road Skills Day sponsored by NM 4 Wheelers, ABQ 4x4 & National Police Dog Foundation to raise money to purchase bullet-proof vests for K9 dogs – Donate at https://nationalpolicedogfoundation.org/donate/ - Registration for show $15; Register at https://goo.gl/forms/0hqOhwQi9O5xklHR2 - Enter Off-Road Skills for $15; Register athttps://goo.gl/forms/9h8gjHVtkaXnv12m2 - Jennifer Chapin (305)333-3375 or jennifer@jdcnyc.net
April 1 – Smokin' Oldies Show & Shine – Courthouse Park, Deming – Otis (575)456-7798
April 1 – 6th Annual Kars for Kids – Cochise College, Sierra Vista, AZ – (520)515-0055 or www.cruisinarizona.com
April 4 – Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steak Burgers Cruise – 10201 Central NE – Starts at 5:30pm – Get a free frozen custard – DJ music by Rockin' Rob – Tips are appreciated – Joe Mascarenas 235-5900
April 5-9 – Denver Auto Show – Denver, CO – Contact Dick Thompson (303)699-4819 or Thompson660@cs.com for tickets and info
April 8 – 4th Annual Outreach Day – Netherwood Park Church of Christ, 5101 Indian School Rd. NE – Free Event – Fun for entire family – Car Show, snacks, games
April 8 – Car Show for "Bridge the GAP" – Hope Christian High School, 8005 Louisiana Blvd. NE – 9am-3pm – Entry $20/car – Open to all vehicles – Benefits Hope's Annual Fund misty10771@gmail.com
April 8 – Golden Gears Swap Meet – White Sands Mall, Alamogordo – 8am-2pm – Jack (575)491-9804
April 8 – San Juan College 7th Annual Car Show – San Juan College Automotive Dept, Farmington
April 13-16 – Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Show – Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV – Pre-'64 – (562)496-4287 www.vivalasvegas.net
April 18 – Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steak Burgers Cruise – 10201 Central NE – Starts at 5:30pm –
Get a free frozen custard – DJ music by Rockin' Rob – Tips are appreciated – Joe Mascarenas 235-5900
April 21-22 – 14th Annual Ford Show – Alameda Park, Alamogordo – Open to Fords – Pat Stevenson (575)430-7216
April 21-23 – NNMSR Car Show – Magee Park, Farmington – rfuller16@gmail.com
April 22 – 17th Annual Park 'n the Park Car Show – Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd, Rio Rancho – 10am-3pm, Gates open at 8am – Registration form at http://www.visitriorancho.org/index.aspx?nid=143 – Sponsored by City of Rio Rancho 892-4499 or 891-5015
April 22 – Annual Spring Thaw – Worldwide Automotive/Old Car Garage, 3322 Girard NE – Prepareyour collector vehicle for touring in exchange for a donation to Cuidando los Ninos – Oil change and filter, lubrication, mechanical check done by experienced mechanics – Breakfast snacks and lunch will be served – Appointment is needed – Desiree at 881-2722 or wwauto@aol.com
April 23 – 11th Annual Spring Cruise & Schmoose – Sonic Drive-In, 5000 San Mateo NE – 10am- 3pm – No entry Fee – Dash Plaques, first 100 – Ron,Su and Sheila
April 28-30 – 25th Annual British Car Days – Mesilla Plaza, Mesilla – Open to British Cars – Peter Voris
(575)312-5469 or www.bmc-snm.org
April 28-30 – April Action Car Show – Swanny City Park, Moab, UT – John Fogg(435)260-1948 or
April 29 – 43rd Rodders Days Car Show – 4th Ave., Old Town, Tucson, AZ – Pre-'72 – Randy (520)991-3600
April 30 – 32nd Fabulous Fords Forever – Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA – Open to Fords – Ford Council (626)209-9138
2017 NATIONAL/REGIONAL MEETS
April 6-9 – "Join the Hill Country Scene in '17" – 44th Annual Texas Tour hosted by Southern Texas RG #71 in Kerrville, TX. Call Terry Baxter (210)666-5643 or e-mail evrgrntrk@satx.it.com.
June 7-11 – 2017 Eastern National Meet – Chantilly, Virginia hosted by Northern Virginia RG #96. Call Bill Simons or e-mail bsimons@rustinsurance.com.
September 11-14 – "A Capitol V8 Affair" Western National Meet sponsored by Columbia River RG #10 in Salem, Oregon. Call Steve Lemmons (360)430-3285 or e-mail ihateoldcars@hotmail.com.
APRIL 2017 CLASSIFIED ADS
For Sale: 1950 Ford F1 truck, 1/2 ton, flathead V-8, floor 3 speed, wood bed floor, original unrestored but good running engine. Paint fair, good upholstery, radial tires on Vintique powder coated wheels. Asking $10,000.00 or will consider trade value for "rodded" 2 or 4 door sedan, slant back or humpback car, 1935 - 1941. Owner info- Greg Quinones, Albuquerque, NM. Email- geq712@aol.com, cell # 575-642-1958.
For Sale: 1939 Ignition switch & column lock with key. Allen Tachometer/Dwell meter with stand. Snap-On torque wrench #TQ250. Call Max Glover 505-792-2011 or 505-249-7433.
For Sale: 1961 Comet 144 engine and 2 speed transmission. George 505-771-2113.
For Sale: ‘05 Fifth wheel Camper; 28’ very clean, non smoker, original owner since new, 16’ awning, 13’ slider, lots of extras, Top $13590, asking $12250. ‘78 Ford Ranger F-150, 351, auto, ps, pb, cruise, 4x4, X-cab, LWB, Jason shell, very nice interior, duals, chrome wheels, M & S tires, near new. $8700. Info call Lou 505-450-1789.
For Sale: 1929 Model A. Less than 2900mi on new motor and tires. See details at http://www.auto-ware.com/1929A.htm asking $11K obo. Contact John at 505-259-3168.
For Sale: NM License Plates 1935, 1939, 1941, 1948, 1949, 1960. Kevin Wells (505)598-6493.
Wanted: Valve covers to be used by kids for racing. Joyce 884-7912 or oldcarnut1932@earthlink.net
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 has made a meeting 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).
Worldwide Automotive & Old Car Garage
Invite You to our
23rd Annual
SPRING THAW
3232 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque
Saturday, April 22, 2017 8:00AM to 4:00PM
1. Oil will be changed. Chassis will be lubricated.
2. Your Collector Car will be checked for Safe Touring.
3. Fluid levels and mechanical systems will be inspected.
All labor is free, however, donations will be accepted for CLNKids (Cuidando los Ninos)
You must make an appointment for Oil Change service. Call Desiree at 881-2722 to schedule.
Coffee, Goodies & a BBQ Lunch will be provided! Come see friends, kick tires, get under cars, look at all
Bob’s Neat Stuff, and SUPPORT A WORTHY CAUSE!
T