MARCH 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 March 7, 7pm, Program by Jay Hertz and Refreshments provided by George Abernathy.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: TBD
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday, March 18th, 8:30am at Vic’s Daily Cafe - 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
March Meeting Program
If you think Henry Ford invented the assembly line, you would be only partially right. If you think that the Japanese car factory uses the same assembly line techniques as those in the US, you would be only partially right. If you want to learn about these subjects and Ford's role in the development of the assembly line, come hear Jay Hertz speak on the topic at the March meeting.
March Breakfast
We will be meeting for breakfast on Saturday, March 18th, 8:30am at Vic’s Daily Café. Vic’s is located at 3600 Osuna Rd NE #105. The food is always tasty and we have been having good attendance so the company should be good.
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
March Birthdays and Anniversaries
Larry Azevedo (6) Frank & Dorothy Hammond (29)
Vi Chavez-Cropp (12)
Bob Payne (15)
George Abernathy (16)
Frank Corey (26)
President’s Message – Art Leupold
By Joe Abbin
Next month’s message will continue my nostalgic recollection of my first California trip in 1959. That story was pre-empted by Art Leupold’s passing last month.
Art passed away in early February at age 91. I had known Art since 1989 or so when I became a member of the Early Ford V-8 club. Art was a member of the club with an extensive knowledge of the 1932-1953 Fords and he quickly became my “go-to-guy” for parts and information on these vehicles. He grew up in a Ford dealership family and worked in all aspects of the Belen Motor Company, but he obviously found his calling in parts and service. He collected the actual cars themselves (each car had a story), and he also had an impressive collection of parts and literature associated with these vehicles. He eagerly shared his knowledge of how to do things “right” (Art’s way), which made a short conversation with Art unlikely.
Art was a man of many interests and also collected license plates, coins, stamps, etc. One of his prize collections was his 40+ year collection of lawn mowers he had worn out. This collection was so extensive that it had to be stored outside and one day it disappeared. Art wouldn’t say where the mowers went but I suspect they were stolen by some developmentally challenged Chevy owners or maybe the Model A guys. The coin club guys are also suspect since Art opined that they were the most eccentric of his associates.
Art, I don’t know for sure where you went, but I’ll miss you. Maybe I’ll get there too so I can get an update on your reconstituted mower collection.
THE PRINCE OF APRICOTS
Art Leupold was a Ford man through and through, but I also knew him for his annual apricot crop and the perennial battle with the ants amongst the apricots. Art kept an immaculate yard and tolerated no trash or other messy deposits. There is a very tall spreading apricot tree in the Leupold back yard. It provides wonderful shade in the summer and lots of small apricots in late spring. The tree is too tall to allow hand-picking, so the apricots fall as they ripen or as the birds peck at them. Apricots on the ground attract ants; Art had no love for these little creatures either. He would spray ant deterrents each spring to try and keep them away. As the apricots fell, Art would collect them, place them in pans or bags, and have Betty call neighbors and friends to come get the fruit. "Bring a bucket," she would say. There were always hundreds of apricots, and Art never let them just lie and rot and attract ants. When we went to collect our share (as many as we wanted), the patio table and benches would be full of containers of apricots that were good and bags of bad ones on the way to the trash. We always got invited to sit on the patio and listen to a story or two. Frequently they were about cars, but we also heard complaints about the noisy traffic on Montgomery or the messy patrons of the drive in next door or his adventures as a youngster in Belen. Art had a knack for telling entertaining stories, and our visits were very enjoyable. The apricots were good too. I will surely miss visiting with Art while collecting apricots.
Joyce
Minutes of the February 7, 2017 Meeting
Secretary, Beth Jackson
Joe called the meeting to order. There were 15 members present. Joe announced that Mark Hellyer of the magazine New Mexico Rods & Rides was at the Supernationals and is always looking for cars to feature in his magazine. Joe suggested we get Mark to list our club in the magazine. Joe also suggested we encourage our members to go to Fastinos on their classic car night. Joe Conner wants to sell his roadster (it was Al Seery’s). Richard Polk was our only member to exhibit at Supernationals, his beautiful 46 truck.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.
Treasurer Dave is putting together the budget for 2017. Right now our expenses are more than our income. Next month we will have more details. We need to increase membership.
Joyce reported for the Car Council. The Museum Car show is scheduled for May 21st, the trophies are in hand and they are looking for 1967 automobiles for the front row. Jeff and George both have 1967 Mustangs. The All Clubs Picnic has reserved Oak Flats Picnic Grounds once again. The Los Lunas swap meet is in September. The council is talking about contributing to Los Lunas HS Auto Shop, sponsoring model car contests or a Pinewood Derby. They are looking for more ideas and trying to get youth involved.
The refreshment signup sheet was passed around as was the current For Sale/Wanted ads. Joe stated that the pickup in the ads is a good truck for someone.
Joe passed around the activity calendar for the year which was put together at the board meeting. Dave read a thank you note from Roadrunner Food Bank. He also showed us the certificate received for the brick from the Early Ford Foundation honoring Marvin Coffee. It was decided to mail the certificate to Neva. Jay volunteered to handle that task.
Jeff thanked Frank for letting us video his car. Frank said it wasn’t too painful. Dave volunteered his car for the next filming.
The February 18th breakfast will be at Sopa’s in Bosque Farms. Albuquerque members will be meeting at the Pit parking lot at 8:30am for the drive. Others will meet at Sopa’s at 9am. Breakfast will be followed by a tour of Jim Kontny and Bill Verants garage and perhaps Dave’s also.
Jim Kontny donated a grill guard for a ’40 to the club. Joe is taking bids.
Max brought a homemade tool for show and tell. It was an innovative solution for a common problem. Joe brought a Roadster Guide to Classic Car Museums.
Lou reported that Art is home but very weak, and therapists and nurses are coming to help out. Please call before visiting.
Frank told of his recent tour to Palm Springs. He learned that the Bucket of Blood Bar is on Bucket of Blood Street in Holbrook, AZ. The WigWam Motel has several old cars parked there. Frank suggested Holbrook for a tour, says it is 200 miles away.
Refreshments were provided by the Jacksons. Joyce gave a very interesting talk on Old Route 66 with lots of stories and historic literature. The meeting was adjourned.
If you have not paid your 2017 dues, please do so as soon as possible.
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
Breakfast at Sopa’s and Garage Tour
Invitation from Jim and Jeannine Kontny
The April 29 outing for the Pajarito T-Bird Club will be a drive to Bibo, NM with lunch at the historic Bibo Bar and Grill. The club will meet at the Love's truck stop at the top of 9-mile hill and I-40 at 11am. Bibo is 55 miles west from there, taking about 1 hour. The village of Bibo was established in the early 1800's and is now technically a ghost town, though the last census does show 140 tough people living there. The Bibo Bar and Grill was originally a post office and trading post. They will also drive a couple of miles north of Bibo to a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The shrine is built into a huge natural grotto with benches carved from the stone. There are numerous legends connected with the shrine including it being there since the time of the Conquistadores as well as miracles that have occurred. Be that as it may, it's a truly awe-inspiring work of man and nature. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and club members can dust off the winter doldrums from their mobile works of art and enjoy a beautiful, short road trip to welcome spring.
The club is also hoping to have members and cars from the Tumbleweed Club (early V-8s) join them. With both clubs, there will be a memorable parade through the Laguna Pueblo.
Invitation from Texas
Greetings, V8 Club members! I am Curt Pearson, President of the Texas Regional Group #71. Our group is sponsoring the 44th annual Texas Tour in Kerrville, TX April 7-9, 2017. I would encourage you to attend this year’s tour. We have a terrific program planned & a very nice selection of raffle items that you may be interested in. Our “super six” raffle items include the following:
1. Weekend (Fri and Sat) Stay @Lake Hiawatha Cottage in Bandera, TX
2. Ford Handmade Quilt
3. 50” Samsung Flat Screen TV
4. 2-night stay at Lakehouse B&B in Canyon Lake, TX
5. $1000 Gift Certificate from Coker Tire + $200 Bonus Certificate
6. Ford Laboratory Test Unit
On top of the raffle prizes, the tour activities include welcoming Friday night activities, a Saturday car show w/luncheon, a Saturday night banquet, swap meet, & much more! I do hope some of your club members can attend.
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2017
March
Tuesday 7th Club Meeting – 7pmThe Ford Factory, Jay Hertz. Refreshments by George Abernathy.
Saturday 18th Breakfast at Vic’s Daily Cafe
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-Sat 4th-6th Overnight trip to Santa Teresa
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 4 – NSRA Appreciation Day – Adult Toy Factory, Las Cruces – Bob Nall (575)382-5742
March 5 – 29th Collectible Toy Show – Expo Center, Tucson, AZ – Tom Russell (520)323-1848
March 10-12 – 8th Spring Nationals – Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ – Open to Pre'73 – Goodguys (925)838-9876 – or www.good-guys.com
March 11 – Rich Ford Spring Car Show – Rich Ford, Wyoming & Lomas – Free entry, all makes and
models – Starts about 9am – Free food, music, Big Foot – Bruce Shaffer Bcougar67@msn.com
March 12 – Fords on Fourth – 4th Ave., Old Town, Tucson, AZ – Open to Fords – Dave Carroll (520)668-0402
March 17-18 – 27th Annual Chickasha Pre-War Swap Meet – Grady County Fairgrounds, Chickasha, OK – 1895-1945 auto-related items only – www.pwsm.com or Michael or Susie Ersland (405)224-9090
March 17-19 – 7th Spring Lone Star Nationals – Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX – Open to Pre-'73 – Goodguys (925)838-9876 or www.good-guys.com
March 18 – Wheels of Dreams 2017 – Field of Dreams, Las Cruces – R. Gonzales (575)527-2508 or www.rodrunnerscarclub.com
March 19 – TNT Races – Arroyo Seco Raceway, Arroyo Seco – Roger (575)494-4794 www.arroyosecoraceway.com
March 19 – 19th Annual Buff & Shine Show – Shangra La Nudist Resort, New River, AZ – Patty (623)465-5959 www.shangralaranch.com
March 25 – Annual Patient Appreciation Cruise In – Worth Hearing Center, 7520 Montgomery NE – 10am-2pm – Open to pre-'72 hot rods, muscle cars, classics – Donate non-perishable food items for Silver
Horizons to get free BBQ and entry for door-prize drawings – 872-4327 or amrema@worthhearing.com
March 25-26 – 35th Goodguys Get Together – Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA – Goodguys (925)838-9876 or www.good-guys.com
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 – Free T-shirt if register by March 17 – 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 registration form from joyce@nmcarcouncil.com
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.
From “The Grease Pit Poet”
The Early Ford V8 Clubbers Golden Book of Nursery Rhymes
Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, His engine lay there at his feet. His wrench slipped and buckled the skin on his knuckles. What he said then I dare not repeat.
Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet with her paint gun and her blender. She just sat there gawking as a spider came walking across her new painted fender.
Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack spilled some oil and the floor is slick.
Jack Spratt could eat no fat so his wife just had a ball. Jack restored a V8 Ford, now they don’t eat at all.
Rub a dub dub, three kids in a tub that was made in thirty-two. It’s channeled and chopped and the engine is hopped. What a horrible thing to do.
Jack and Jill went up the hill as fast as they could run. They must have found a V8 there, cause it looks like they had fun.
Simple Simon met a pieman while going to the fair. The pieman drove an old V8, the cleanest anywhere.
Asked Simple Simon of the pieman “That old car would you sell?” __________________” (You know the answer well.)