JUNE 2019 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, June 4, 2019 at 7pm. Program will be presented by Art Sena on early car clubs in Albuquerque. Refreshments will be provided by Jackie & George Abernathy.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, August 13th, 7pm at the Jacksons’ house.
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday, June 15th, 8:30 am at Golden Corral at 5207 San Mateo Blvd 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
JUNE PROGRAM
Hot Rodding From the '40s to the '60s in Albuquerque by Art Sena
Longtime local motor enthusiast Art Sena will recap the midcentury history of hot rodding in Albuquerque. Art is writing a book on the early car clubs in our area and will focus on six of the most significant clubs from the subject era for our talk. Art has collected much related material including car club jackets, plaques and other items that he will share with us. Besides being a car nut, Art is a regional director of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA).
JUNE BREAKFAST
Please meet at the Golden Corral at 5207 San Mateo Blve NE on Saturday, June 15th, 8:30 am to enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and visit with car friends.
JUNE PRESIDENT’S LETTER - R. Jeff Jackson
At the Club Memorial Day Birthday Party, we were fortunate to have a large number of visitors. Many just happened to be driving by and stopped to see the cars. That was great! How many times when showing your car did someone stop by and say ‘I had a car just like that! But mine wasn’t a convertible and it was a Chevrolet, and mine had four doors, it was a similar color black.’ Even those less knowledgeable folks mostly appreciate the older cars still on the road. Once more kudos to Joe and Kathleen for setting the picnic up and others for jumping in and helping set up the serving lines which let the rest of us just sit back and enjoy. Thanks to Phil for bringing the ice cream. My grandkids sure enjoyed it.
Demetrio brought back to life one of Frank’s cars. My understanding, Frank loved that Mercury but because of the color it was relegated to a life of sitting in the garage collecting dust. And, we got the meet D’s mother who must have been surprised D was hanging around with all the ‘old’ folks.
Speaking of aging, while talking with Bud Hennessy I was once again reminded that working on these cars - at whatever pace we are able to work on them - keeps us healthier and active. Sure beats watching TV all day.
I hope you read about the program for this month, it will be great. Someone please record it so Beth and I can listen later. Art Sena will talk about the earlier days of hot rodding and hot rod clubs in Albuquerque. We’ll be out of town, leaving you with the exceptional Jay leading the meeting.
Some people complain about the younger generation - but look in the mirror, who raised them?
Minutes of the May 7th, 2019 Meeting
Beth Jackson, Secretary
The meeting was called to order by President Jeff Jackson. There were 18 people present with guest Bill Padgett of Bill’s Lock and Key, our speaker for the evening. David had texted he was running late so the treasurer’s report was postponed. Happy Birthday wishes were made to Betty Leupold. It was noted that Ray Calderon, the provider of refreshments for the evening, has already moved to Gallup so there will be no refreshments. The For Sale/Wanted sheet was passed around.
Old Business: Joyce, reporting for the New Mexico Car Council, reminded us that the Museum Car Show is being held on Sunday, May 19th. Members showing their cars should meet in the hotel parking lot at 7am. Members will convene for breakfast after getting parked and registered. Stuffing of registration materials will take place Wednesday the 15th at 6pm at the Old Car Garage.
Last weekend’s tour of Chimayo and the Enchanted Circle was well attended and enjoyed by all attendees. There will be pictures in the newsletter. Remember to make your reservations for the September 14th moonlight train ride on the Cumbres Toltec railroad.
New Business: The featured member of the month of May was Jim Clements. Joe Abbin will be featured in the June newsletter. June’s program will be presented by Art Sena on early car clubs in Albuquerque. Since there were no refreshments, the raffle was postponed, we had a period of visiting and Bill presented an interesting program on locks and security. We found out that the new chipped keys for cars are very secure against car theft, which is not available of course on our classic cars. Bill’s Lock and Key carries many key blanks and should be able to fill most of the needs of local customers.
June Birthdays and Anniversaries
Vern Willan (19) Larry & Pat Bost (26)
Barbara Polk (27) Mary & Gene Dierschke (29)
MEMBER OF THE MONTH – Joe Abbin
Who knew? We have a multiple company entrepreneur as a friend. Who knew? We have a multiple book publisher in our midst. Who knew we have a recognized ford Flathead engine specialties in our club? Who knew? We have a master degreed Mechanical Engineer here. Who knew? We have a 30-year employee of Sandia labs who was also a senior manager at Sandia Labs running around our meeting every month. Who knew? We have a retired City of Albuquerque police specialist organizing our Memorial Day club picnic.
Joe Abbin was born and raised and trained in Albuquerque. Who knew it was possible? Joe started life living in the UNM area and about age 10 migrated to the Lomas/Washington area and went to elementary school at Our Lady of Fatima. Joe states his first customization effort began when he removed the fenders from his Schwinn bicycle. From there he graduated to borrowing Mom’s 1936 Ford which he customized against the side of several other cars.
Joe was the first graduate of St. Pius X High School. He said it was easy as he graduated with the first class and alphabetically ABBIN was first in line. Before he graduated college with a BS he was married. The marriage moved him from 1A to 3A draft status and kept him out of the early stages of the Viet Nam war. During college, he coopted with Sandia Labs and they obviously saw potential because they paid for him to continue at UNM to get his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Well before completing his degree and shortly after customizing his Schwinn he began hot rodding cars. He failed to give me a total count but fondly recalls his 1956 pickup, that he still owns, as a long-term survivor of the Joe Abbin fix ‘em up school of trial and error.
After 30 years at Sandia, Joe started the Motorhead Mart where he says he met and sustained relations with over 2000 dear friends. He also credits the Motorhead Mart with forcing him to broaden his knowledge of cars. He notes ‘the British Car Club was really active, so I had to study up about British cars’. The Motorhead Mart added publishing experience to his already full resume.
After that, Joe delved deeply into learning about flatheads and superchargers. He sold more than $1.4mm worth of Flathead superchargers starting with Weiand blowers and then that company became part of Holley Performance Products. Joe then sold more Flathead superchargers than Holley sold superchargers for all other engines combined.
Joe serves as the engine specialist for the National Ford V8 Club. He authored three Flathead engine books. He serves as the unofficial spokesman for our local club. He knows just about every car guy in Albuquerque and has dragged many of them to our club meetings over the years.
In his spare time Joe was a reserve policeman for the Albuquerque Police Department. That stint left him with many stories and a deep desire to see the police department get back into the business of policing our Albuquerque streets. It also led to his latest book ‘Albuquerque Blues’ which is an insider’s look at the police department. I urge you to read this book and then pass it on to your neighbors and make them read it.
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 (for sale items will continue to be updated at the meetings). The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month. Beth Jackson, 505-908-7564, or email: JBJaxun@gmail.com
Memorial Day Picnic
Thanks to all who participated! The Club pick was Larry & Pat Bost's 1941 Pickup. Demetrio won the $75 as part of the 50-50 raffle. Lots of winners here!
Museum Car Show
ROSIE THE RIVETER
“Rosie the Riveter originated in a song written in 1942 by Red Evans & John Jacob Loeb. It was originally sung by the Four Vagabonds, and it was later featured in two movies, "Follow the Band" in 1943 and "Rosie the Riveter" in 1944. Norman Rockwell’s “Rosie” is below; note the name on the lunch box. She was on the cover of the “Saturday Evening Post” of May 29, 1943. She was actually a 19 year-old telephone operator from Vermont, named Mary Doyle.
While other girls attend a favorite cocktail bar,
Sipping dry martinis, munching caviar;
There's a girl who's really putting them to shame –
Rosie is her name.
All the day long, whether rain or shine
She's a part of the assembly line.
She's making history, working for victory,
Rosie the Riveter.
Keeps a sharp lookout for sabotage, sitting up there on the fuselage.
That little girl will do more than a male will do.
Rosie's got a boyfriend, Charlie;
Charlie, he's a Marine.
Rosie is protecting Charlie, working overtime on the riveting machine.
When they gave her a production "E",
She was as proud as she could be.
There's something true about, Red, White and Blue about,
Rosie the Riveter.
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2019
June
Tuesday 4th Club Meeting 7pm Program – Early Car Clubs of Albuquerque by Art Sena, Refreshments George & Jackie Abernathy
Saturday 15th Breakfast
July
Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting 7pm – Program - Car Insurance by Demetrio Lee, Refreshments the Glovers
Thursday 4th Parade in Corrales and Picnic at Azevedo’s
Saturday 20th Breakfast
August
Tuesday 6th Club Meeting 7pm Program – Comparison of the ’32 and ’33, Jeff and Jay, Refreshments Jacksons
Sunday 4th All Clubs Picnic – Oak Flat Picnic Ground
Tuesday 13th Board Meeting 7pm
Saturday 17th Breakfast
September
Tuesday 3rd Club Meeting 7pm – Program - George Abernathy on Pets
Sunday 8th State Fair Car Show
September 14th Moonlight ride on the Cumbres Toltec Railway, overnight tour
Saturday 21st Breakfast
Thursday-Sunday 26-29 Annual NMCCC Auto Swap Meet @ Isleta Casino
October
Tuesday 1st Club Meeting 7pm Refreshments Amy & Chris Joiner
Saturday 19th Breakfast
November
Tuesday 5th Club Meeting 7pm Officer Election Refreshments Bob Payne
Saturday 16th Breakfast
December
Saturday 14th Club Christmas Party (tentatively pot luck)
Tuesday 17th (tentative Board meeting with new and old officers and directors plan for 2020)
Saturday 21st Breakfast
2019 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: R. Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Vice-President: Jay Hertz (jdhhag1@comcast.net)
Secretary: Beth Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Treasurer: David McLain (fordshoeboxmclain@aol.com)
Director: George Abernathy (gabernathy@sunriseveterinary.com)
Director: Demetrio Lee (Dmost_1@yahoo.com)
Director: Roger Wilbur (rogerwilbur88@gmail.com)
Director: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com)
Joke of the Month
They weren’t in my pockets. Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My husband has scolded me many times for leaving my keys in the car’s ignition. He’s afraid that the car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized he was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then, I made the most difficult call of all to my husband: “I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen.” There was a moment of silence. I thought the call had been disconnected, but then I heard his voice. “Are you kidding me?” he barked, “I dropped you off!” Now it was my turn to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.” He retorted, “I will; just as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your damn car!” Welcome to the Golden Years.
Upcoming Events
May 30-June 1 – 2019 New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour – Las Vegas to Grants w/overnight in Moriarty – Drive-In movie, visits to small towns, museums & other points of interest, following original route of Rte. 66 – End in Grants at the Trails of Gold Outdoor Festival and Car Show – Raffle prizes, awards & banquet – Sponsored by NM Route 66 Association
May 31-June 2 – 3rd Annual 7 Trails of Gold Outdoor Festival, Show & Shine Car Show – Grants Main St, Grants – Car Show Saturday, Cruise Rte. 66 Sunday – William Yarborough, Executive Director, Grants MainStreet Project (505)285-3573 or grantsmainstreet@qwestoffice.net
June 2 – Lowrider Super Show – Alb Convention Center – 433-2702 or www.newmexicosupershow.com
June 8 – DeDe’s 3rd Memorial Show – Riverside Park, Aztec – 20 classes
June 8 – Annual Show & Shine – Central Park Square, Los Alamos – (505)661-4816 or
June 12 – Pre-Fathers’ Day Show-Off – Manzano Mesa Multi-Generational Center, 505 Elizabeth SE (E of Eubank, S of Central) – 10 am-2 pm (more or less) – and JD buys Lunch! – Show off your classic ride to the seniors at Manzano, then watch them explain stuff to local grade schoolers!
June 15 – American Legion Centennial Jubilee – Aztec – Sponsored by American Legion Post 9 – All-day event, live music, games, food, displays, vendors, fireworks – Seeking military vehicles for display – Honoring veterans and first responders in 4 Corners area – Dale Rutledge (505)635-1536 or dale.r.rutledge.ctr@mail.mil
June 15 – Early Ford V-8 Club National Drive Your Ford V-8 Day – Drive your 1932-1953 Ford car, truck or tractor, your Mercury or Lincoln, out and about
June 15 – 2019 Mopar Fest – Haynes Park, Rio Rancho – Open to Mopars – Spectators welcome – The place to be on Fathers’ Day weekend – www.moparclub.com or nmmopars@gmail.com
June 16 – Golden Gears Fathers’ Day Show – Alameda Park, Alamogordo – 8am-2pm – Entry fee $20 at gate – Jack (575)491-9804
June 16 – Fathers’ Day Car Show – Walmart, Hwy 344, Edgewood – Tony (505)459-2358
June 16 – Fathers’ Day Show – Pinon Hills Church, Farmington – Keith Corley (505)325-4541
EARLY FORD V8 TOURS
Go to Early Ford V-8 Web Site for More Information
June 15 – Early Ford V-8 Club National Drive Your Ford V-8 Day – Drive your 1932-1953 Ford car, truck or tractor, your Mercury or Lincoln, out and about. Take along membership information and seek new members.
July 15-19 – Driving the Driftless National V-8 Driving Tour – Winona, MN, Wisconsin, Iowa – Sponsored by Twin Cities RG
August 24-27 – Central National Meet – Auburn, IN – Sponsored by Ohio, Indianapolis & Auburn Blue Oval RGs – See new additions to V-8 Museum: new Ford Rotunda, 18 1936 Fords, and Frank Corey cars
September 14-20 – National Parks V-8 Driving Tour – Grand Junction, CO, Western Colorado and Eastern Utah – Sponsored by Hi Country RG
May Tour of Chimayo & The Enchanted Circle
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