APRIL 2024 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., LOCATION TBA
V8
TIMES
PLEASE NOTE: All meetings include Show & Tell. Members are encouraged to bring items to share.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7 pm at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7600 Carmel NE, one-half block North and West of Paseo Del Norte and Wyoming. Program by Joe Baird on Ford Specials. Refreshments by Joe Warren.
NEXT BOARD MEETING:
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30am at Golden Corral, 5207 San Mateo NE
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
EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICA WEBSITE: www.earlyfordv8.org
April 2nd Meeting – Ford Specials
Meeting is at 7pm, Tuesday, April 2nd, at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7600 Carmel NE. The program will be on Ford specials (and other makes), the focus being on a family back in the 1950s and the trials and success with a modified Ford. Member Joe Baird will be our presenter. As always, show and tell items are welcome and there will be a raffle with some great prizes!
April Breakfast
Club members and friends will meet at 8:30am, Saturday, April 13th at Golden Corral, 5207 San Mateo Blvd. NE for breakfast and conversation. This is a repeat of February’s breakfast as the Golden Corral is a great place for breakfast!
2024 April President’s Message - Joe Abbin
Wahoo V-8 fans! We have another one of our own, Joe Baird, for speaker at our April meeting at the North Domingo Baca Multi-generational Center. See announcement above. He will brief us on his favorite flathead Ford special(s).
As much as we love our stock flathead Fords, thousands were and still are being customized to suit their individual owners. My own flatheads are examples. There is an entire industry supplying parts, accessories, and services to facilitate making your car truly yours. Besides those supplying parts and services for the individual, there were a significant number of manufacturers producing entire cars and other vehicles utilizing major parts of stock and modified Ford flathead engines, running gear, and body parts. Some examples are vehicles built by manufacturers such as Brewster, Jensen, Allard, Kurtis, Stout, Braun, etc. The Ford factory also built many prototypes, show cars, and race cars utilizing flathead era parts. Even Henry Ford and Edsel particularly, customized factory flathead powered vehicles for themselves and others. These would be in the Display Class (my favorite) at Early Ford V-8 club events.
The big daddy of flathead based specials has to be the various “Dymaxions” produced for the famous architect Buckminster Fuller. How about a three-wheeled, front wheel drive, rear wheel steered, streamliner? Yes! I’ll have pictures of these and others for show & tell at the meeting. Bring pictures of your favorite custom flathead Fords, or better yet drive one to the meeting.
The breakfast this month will be on April 13, at 8:30, at the Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 5207 San Mateo Blvd NE.
Minutes from the March 5th Meeting – Amy Joiner
The meeting was called to order by President Joe. There were twenty-nine people present, including two guests. The guests were Joe’s friend Helen and Jim Whaley. Treasurer Amy reported that nothing had happened since the last meeting, but that she is still accepting dues and we are still missing a few.
Joe offered individual birthday and anniversary greetings. Thanks to the Jacksons for our delicious refreshments. The minutes from the February meeting were approved by acclamation. Joyce gave a car council report. She listed a few upcoming events and said they can be found in the car council newsletter. She also mentioned the Museum Car Show is on Sunday, May 19. The theme is the Roaring 20’s and the entry is $10. There will be no prizes awarded.
The club breakfast in March will be Saturday, March 9 at Sopa’s in Bosque Farms at 8:30 am. We can meet at the Sunport exit at 8:00 and head down there or meet at the restaurant. Afterwards, we will tour Frank Brown’s car collection. Frank Brown is expecting us at his place around 10:00 am.
Joe Baird will be giving a presentation on Ford Specials at our April 2nd meeting. Our April breakfast will be at Golden Corral on April 13 at 8:30 am.
For show and tell, Joe showed us a Clymer Manual and the 1937 Early Ford V-8 Club book that had many years of Early Ford V8 service manuals and info compiled. Max showed a picture of a 1937 Coupe he previously owned. Joe gave a short crime report and talked briefly about the ongoing DWI case. We then had an exciting raffle and refreshments.
The program consisted of Liz Johnson giving a wonderful PowerPoint presentation about 1937 Fords. She put a lot of work into it, and it was quite informative and entertaining.
April Birthdays and Anniversaries
Philip Lovato (1) Martin & Holly Garcia (10)
Joe Abbin (4) Richard & Barbara Polk (23)
Lorna Azevedo (16) George & Jackie Abernathy (28)
Johanne Glover (16)
Nancy Agnew (17)
Bob Agnew (18)
Martin Garcia (24)
Gus Van de Velde (27)
2024 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com) 505-263-1946
Vice-President: Chris Joiner (amy2001tweety@hotmailcom) 505-382-8723
Secretary: Jackie Abernathy (docszoo22@gmail.com) 505-269-4010
Treasurer: Amy Joiner (amy2001tweety@hotmail.com) 505-382-8724
Director: George Abernathy (docszoo22@gmail.com) 505-771-2113
Director: Joe Baird (clanbaird@gmail.com) 505-263-5329
Director: Larry Bost (LBost111@gmail.com) 505-379-7891
Director: Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com) 505-908-7565
Director: Liz Johnson (diesel_buster@yahoo.com) 505-281-5747
Director: Bill Joiner (joinerenterprise@cs.com) 505-238-1794
Director: Roger Wilbur 505-603-5031
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Joe Baird
Joe Baird is giving the presentation at the Tumbleweed club meeting Tuesday April 2. It is a big step to talk about unusual Fords from a fellow that had no interest in cars until he was 16. Joe said his first car had a catastrophic failure shortly after he got it. I didn’t ask why it had a catastrophic failure but I’m guessing that as a young man in his first car maybe it was revved too high-just guessing mind you. At that point Joe met a fellow who was a hot rodder. This fellow was placing a V8 into a Vega and had no use for the old engine so Joe got it.
Joe moved from York, Pennsylvania to Orem, Utah during high school. He noted Orem, Utah was not a bastion of hot rodders. After high school Joe joined the military and that was his career. Note, Joe was a military computer operator and programmer. Good, now we have someone besides our 12-year-old grandkids to explain to us how computers work!
Joe was married in 1997. His lovely wife asked what he wanted as a wedding present. He told her an old car. That is how he acquired a 1947 Chevy. He enjoyed his military work figuring out how to improve computer programs and learning new things. He expects it to be the same learning about old cars. Joe says ‘I’m not a mechanic’ like some of the car club members. Joe retired and moved to Albuquerque in 1999.
A few years after he got the 1947, he decided he wanted a Flathead. He considered a 1931 frame to put a Flathead in. He ended up with a 1929 roadster. The model A is ok but as his son grew, he wanted a father son project. Unfortunately, his son hadn’t yet taken an interest in cars. Joe purchased a 1952 Ranch Wagon a few weeks ago. His son was with him during the purchase and during the first ride in that car. Joe is pleased his son has taken a keen interest in the wagon. Joe says his son pushing him to work on that car together is great.
Joe is very impressed with the knowledge in the Tumbleweed club. He has purchased all of Joe Abbin’s books. He said he really enjoyed Liz’s presentation at the last meeting and wants to stay involved with club activities. He is a little sad that more people don’t drive their cars to events. He assumes it is just easier to get into a modern car than to crank up the old Flathead. Maybe Joe can inspire more of us to drive our old Fords to more events.
Jeff Jackson
(Note) Past Members of the Month articles can be accessed on our website www.abqfordflatheadv8.com Go to Showcased Members and learn more about your fellow club members.
1952 Ranch Wagon
This is what we believe is the history of this 1952 Ford Ranch Wagon. According to Joe Abbin this Ranch Wagon was a delivery vehicle for House of Carpets. It eventually found its way to Jim and Joyce Clements. They sold it to Frank Corey, who had it repainted, but as we all know Frank’s favorites were the 1953’s. One day while touring Frank’s garage Beth Jackson said “That sure is a pretty car.” Frank said, “Buy it, I prefer 1953’s.” The car had been sitting in Franks garage since the repaint. It had 1” of dust on it. The Jacksons took the car home and Jeff cleaned the gas tank, rebuilt the carb and started the car. After a short drive it was relegated to a lift and stayed there for 5 years. Along came Joe Baird who heard about the car from Joe Abbin. Now Joe and his son are working on it. Joe plans it to be his driver.
Auto News 240110 Joe Abbin
Ford scores 4 out of 6 SEMA “Vehicles of the Year” awards for 2023.
1) Car of the Year – Ford Mustang
2) Full size Truck of the Year – Ford F-Series
3) 4x4/SUV of the Year – Ford Bronco
4) Electric Vehicle of the Year - Ford Lightning
Per “The Shop” magazine, January 2024
EV Transition Will Happen Fast Mechanical Engineering magazine, Dec 2023
EVs are faster, quieter, and smoother than their petroleum-fueled counterparts…and consumers have snapped them up as prices have dropped. Given all that, it is almost assured that electric vehicles will dominate the new car market – and sooner than most people realize.
White Cars are Safer Marketplace magazine Dec2023
White cars are considered the safest color because they show up better against black roads. White cars are 12% less likely to be involved in an accident than black cars.
Autonomous Trucking Lane Open Mechanical Engineering magazine, Dec 2023
The first commercial autonomous trucking lane between Houston an Oklahoma City is now open. Each truck has 18 different sensors…..that provide a 360-degree view around the truck. The trucks evaluate the the performance of more than 1000 safety critical processes and components every 1/10 second.
Ultimate Hypercar Mechanical Engineering magazine, Dec 2023
Zenvo, a Danish manufacturer of limited edition hypercars has produced a V-12, 6.6 liter, 1250-hp, quad-turbocharged, lightweight aluminum block engine for their Aurora line of cars. These cars are designed for street use under all conditions and meet federal emission standards
Seat Belts Save Lives Prime Time Monthly, Dec 2023
In 2021, more than 26,235 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents, and 50% of those were not wearing seat belts. Wearing your seat belt is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself while driving.
April 2024 CLASSIFIED ADS
For Sale: Radiator for 1953 Ford P.U. - very good $150. Gary McGlasson 505-250-1586
For Sale: 1936 Ford Cabriolet, $30,000. Tan exterior, LeBaron-Bonney interior and top. Working radio in box with correct controls is included. Extra parts go with the convertible. Bob Quirici 505-821-1646 or 505-350-2454
Storage: Outdoor $25/month, secure yard. Joe Abbin 505-296-7678
Wanted: 1939 Ford ½ ton rear fenders, floorboard and rear bumper assembly. Contact Daniel at dperea@q.com.
Services Offered: Vintage engine rebuilding, any make, any model. Stock or modified. Dynamometer testing available. Results guaranteed. References available. Gary McGlasson, 505-250-1586.
Pictures from our tour of Frank Brown’s Collection
Newsletter Note
Members are encouraged to submit articles, ads, and photographs for inclusion in the newsletter. Please understand we have a volunteer Newsletter Editor so try and submit typed and proofed articles, comments, and new want ads. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month. Beth Jackson, 505-908-7564, or email: JBJaxun@gmail.com
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2024
January
Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting 7pm North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center - Program Ford Service Manuals & Info by Joe Abbin, Refreshments Amy & Chris Joiner and Joe Abbin.
Saturday 13th Breakfast 8:30am Dave’s High Desert Grill.
February
Tuesday 6th Club Meeting 7pm North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center – Program by Jay Melin who will present a brief history of NM License plates. Refreshments by the Clements.
Saturday 10th Breakfast 8:30am at Golden Corral
March
Tuesday 5th Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center - Program – Liz Johnson on the 1937 Ford. Refreshments Jeff & Beth Jackson
Saturday 8th 8:30am, Breakfast at Sopa’s with a Tour of Frank Brown’s Collection following at 10am.
April
Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center - Program – Joe Baird on Ford Specials. Refreshments Joe Warren
Saturday 13th Breakfast 8:30am at Golden Corral
May
Tuesday 7th Club Meeting 7pm Program – Bob Agnew on Rust Repair and Prevention. Refreshments Liz Johnson
Sunday 19th Museum Car Show, 7:30am – 3pm - “The Roarin’20’s”, breakfast following set-up
Monday 27th 11 – 2, Club Birthday Party
June
Tuesday 4th Club Meeting 7pm – Program , Refreshments Gus and Debbie Van de Velde
Saturday 8th Breakfast 8:30am
July
Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting 7pm – Program , Refreshments Don Gutierrez
Thursday 4th Parade in Corrales and Picnic at Azevedo’s
Saturday 13th Collector Car Appreciation Day – Wheels Museum
August
Tuesday 6th Club Meeting 7pm – Program , Refreshments Gary & Laurel McGlasson
Sunday, 11th All Clubs Picnic at Oak Flats
September
Tuesday 3rd Club Meeting 7pm – Program , Refreshments Max & Johanne Glover
Sunday 8th State Fair Car Show
?????? Annual NMCCC Auto Swap Meet
October
Tuesday 1st Club Meeting 7pm – Program , Refreshments Larry & Lorna Azevedo
Friday – Sunday 11th – 13th - Trip to Durango to ride the train. (Tentative)
November
Tuesday 5th Club Meeting 7pm Officer Election – Program , Refreshments Rich & Barbara Polk
Saturday 9th Breakfast 8:30am K & I Diner
December
Saturday 7th Club Christmas Party 1pm Potluck at George’s Warehouse
Tuesday 3rd (tentative Board meeting with new and old officers and directors plan for 2025)
Businesses Used by Members
(Send us names of businesses you have used)
1. Starters and Alternators of New Mexico, 3711 Franciscan St NE, Albuquerque NM 87107, 505-344-5025, Eldon.
2. Skinners Carburetor & Distributor Service, 3100 Pan American Fwy NE, Unit 6, Albuquerque, NM 87107, 505-344-3704, Albert & Nic.
3. McBride’s Springs & Welding, 1010 2nd St NW, Albuquerque NM 87102, 505-242-2174.
4. Old Car Garage/World Wide Automotive, 3232 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 505-881-2722, Bob.
5. The Santa Fe Detail, 7512 Avenger Way, Unit 2, Santa Fe NM 87507, 505-204-5120, Luis.
6. Auto Glass Now, 8201 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 87110, 505-897-9000. Also at 8301 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque NM 87113, 505-445-7022
7. Wild Heart Ranch Texas, 3120 FM 1995, Van TX 75790, 505-908-7565