AUGUST 2025

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, North Domingo Baca Mutigenerational Center,

7600 Carmel NE, Albuquerque, NM

V8 TIMES

PLEASE NOTE: All meetings include Show & Tell. Members are encouraged to bring items to share.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 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 Andrew Steele on computer Security and AI, Refreshments by Clements.

NEXT BOARD MEETING: TBA

BREAKFAST GROUP: Sunday, August 10th, All Clubs Picnic at Oak Flats

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

August 5th, 2025 Meeting

At the August meeting, Andrew Steele from Sandia National Laboratory will speak. His talk will explore some of the exciting recent advances in computer technology and artificial intelligence, including what’s real, what’s hype, and how it all affects our daily lives. He will also cover some simple, practical steps you can take to stay safe from common cyber threats, with a focus on tools and habits that work for everyone, regardless of technical know-how.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, August 5th, 7pm at North Domingo Baca Center, 7600 Carmel NE. If you have any items appropriate for the raffle, please bring them.

August Birthdays and Anniversaries

Bud Hennessey (3) Roger Wilbur & Bobbie Benzaquen (15)

Pat Willan (27)

Jim Clements (29)

2025 August President’s Message - Joe Abbin

The August 5th meeting will be held at our regular spot, the North Domingo Baca Multi-generational Center one block north of Wyoming and Paseo Del Norte. Andy Steele will brief us on computer related security and artificial intelligence. This is an exciting and possibly scary topic for most of us. Find out all about it. See announcement in this newsletter.

Our other activity this month will be the all clubs picnic at Oak Flats in the Sandias on August 10th. This is always a fun event with lots of shade, and a nice ride on all paved roads. Bring your own food.

See you there!

Joe Abbin

Minutes of the July 1st Meeting

Joe Abbin called the meeting to order at ≅7 pm.

New Business; July 2025

No breakfast scheduled for this month.

July 2025 events

July 4th Parade and Azevedo Picnic

NMCC

Visit the website for current information

Presentation

Joe Baird gave a presentation on 6 v to 12 v conversion (not an upgrade)

Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 pm.

Liz Johnson

OCTOBER TOUR

Saturday, 10/11, we will be driving to Torreon and enjoying the Manzano Mountain Retreat Apple Festival. We will have more information as it gets closer. We were just notified that the tickets are on sale. They are $10/each, plus tax. The link is posted below. Please make sure you select the correct date. They will have food trucks there so we will have lunch there as opposed to club breakfast. Please plan on joining us.

Chris & Amy Joiner

2025 Apple Harvest Festival at Manzano Mountain Retreat!

Save the date and spread the word about this amazing event: https://2025applefestiv #2025AppleFestival at Manzano Mountain Retreat

2025applefestival.planningpod.com

SEPTEMBER STATE FAIR CAR SHOW

Sunday, July 7th will be our club’s day at the fair. Put it on your calendar and watch for information.

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

Montana 500 Endurance Run Primer

By Larry Azevedo

The Montana 500 Mile Endurance Run has been held every year since its inception in 1961. It is sponsored by the Montana Cross Country “T” Association of which Larry Azevedo is currently the President. The Association is a ‘specialty club’ under the auspices of the Model T Ford Club of America. Each year the Endurance Run is held on Father’s Day through the following Wednesday.

The 500 miles of the competition are split into 8-10 shorter segments, each of which are timed. The winner of the competition is that car and driver that complete the full distance in the shortest time. The time can be reduced if the driver exceeds any speed limits and receives a penalty. Two volunteers with radar guns ‘hide out’ on the course on each leg to ensure safety. A speed violation has a significant time penalty and usually puts the car out of running for first place.

The competition is open to any ‘nearly stock’ Model T Ford. In order to qualify for the competition cars must have original bodies, fenders, running boards, etc. No fiberglass (except for Bondo!) parts are allowed. Engines must be stock with two exceptions. Stock cranks, aluminum flat top pistons, oiling system, suspension, frames, front ends and rear ends stock (with standard 3.63 ratio). The two engine exceptions are the allowance of higher performance camshafts (provided the engine block is not modified in any way) and the decrease of the cylinder head volume from the stock 290 cc to a minimum of 270 cc. Carburetors must be NH swayback design. Shock absorbers are allowed. No modifications to aerodynamics are allowed.

Each year the Endurance Run is held in a host city in Montana which is selected by the membership in the annual October meeting. Competitors arrive on the Saturday before Father’s Day and then on Sunday the cars are given a visual inspection, driver’s submit their completed Model T Ford Club safety checklist and the cars are checked for operational lights and horn. A cursory visual inspection of the exterior of the car is also performed by the Association Directors that are present. At this time the Directors address any potential disqualification issues such as fenders, correct top (if installed), and other items. Finally, the windshield is sealed shut and tamper proof seals are installed on the head bolts, pan inspection bolts, carburetor and the timer. During the competition the timer is allowed to be serviced as long as it is not removed and replaced. Timers are allowed to be replaced under the supervision of an Association Director. Timers must be flapper, New Day or roller style. No electronic timers are allowed and no changes to the original 6 volt ignition system are allowed.

An operational magneto is essential for cars to be competitive as a T running on the 6 volt battery can only run up to about 40 mph. Great care is taken in balancing all rotating components of the car from engine to the rear end and wheels. Properly tuned ignition coils are very important.

On Mondays the competitors leave in order from a random drawing on Sunday evening. Each car leaves at 1 minute intervals which is controlled by a couple of ‘starters’ with time pieces correlated to the ‘finish’ timers at the end of a leg. The starters give the ‘go’ signal when traffic is clear, if the car needs to wait for traffic then the timer starts the time when the ‘go’ signal is given. The driver then travels over the full distance of the leg (usually 50 to 90 miles). Most of the legs are in open Montana country roads with speed limits of 70 mph. Often the competitors will travel on Interstates.

As each competitor crosses the finish line their time is recorded and everyone gathers at a gas station for fuel, potty, timer check, spark plug checks, etc. At the end of each leg the drivers receive a written printout of their average speed and relative positions with respect to all the competitors. For subsequent legs the written handout includes the last leg data and the overall averages for all the legs. For the next leg the starting order is the order of the finish of the last leg. Usually on Monday the total mileage is between 200 and 250 miles. On Monday evening a driver’s meeting is held which covers Monday results, any issues that arose during the day, report of the Radar gun data, and a discussion of the legs for Tuesday.

Tuesday’s competition is the same as Monday’s with the exception that the slowest car from Monday leaves first and the fastest car from Monday leaves last. The driver’s meeting on Tuesday night includes Tuesday’s results, any issues and a description of Wednesday’s course. By Tuesday night the competitors have usually about 450 miles completed and Wednesday’s leg(s) are designed to be short so that the teardown process can be completed in a timely manner. On Wednesday the cars leave in the order: fastest first, slowest last.

At the final checkered flag on Wednesday’s last leg the top 6 cars are required to travel directly to the teardown location. The 2nd through 5th place drivers constitute the inspection team who then proceed to inspect at the top car. Teardown includes confirmation of unbroken seals, a dimensional check of the carburetor, confirmation of a 6 volt system with no electronics, removal of the head and dimensional check of bore, stroke, piston type, valve dimensions, intake and exhaust system dimensional check, cylinder head volume, removal of the inspection pan and transmission cover and verification of operational bands, original Model T crank, allowable camshaft, tappets and original oiling system(one outside oiler is allowed on the engine). If no issues are identified then the car and driver are announced as the winner and receive a perpetual trophy that contains all the names of the winners since 1961. If any potential disqualification or time penalty issues are found the inspectors present the issue to the Directors who then make a final decision. If a car is disqualified then the inspection process proceeds to the next car in place and a new inspector is added.

Competitors usually run without a generator or fan. Oil levels are maintained between 1.75 and 2.5 quarts of 0W-20 oil (Ford originally specified 4 quarts of oil). Suspensions are really tight, toe-in of the front wheels is zero and tire pressure is usually a driver’s secret. The majority of body types are 26-7 roadsters although touring and coupes also compete. A Montana 500 car can usually attain 57-60 mph on the flat with no winds at 3000 feet altitude.

The winner over the past several years usually averages about 54 mph and often the first 4 or 5 competitors are all within 10 minutes of one another. Drafting is prohibited and the time penalty for such is significant.

For more go to https://themontana500.com/

Larry Azevedo

President, Montana Cross Country “T” Association

June, 2025

Crash Survival in Old Cars Joe Abbin

I think most of us realize that the new cars are much safer than our old cars. A city bus hit me in my little 2019 Ford Eco Sport in January. The huge double ART bus hit me in the driver’s door going 29 mph! I emerged without a scratch. If I had been in my 1932 Ford roadster I would not be writing this.

Recent fatal crashes of a 1957 BelAir in Pueblo, CO and a 1958 Impala and a truck here in ABQ illustrate the vulnerability of our old vehicles, including weaker brakes, almost no driver protection features, etc.

Old Cars magazine features pictures of old vehicle crashes in every issue that driver survival would have been unlikely in many cases. The message is drive with extra caution in our old vehicles! This might make a good topic for one of our future meetings.

1939 – A YEAR TO REMEMBER

1939 is a year to remember as a wonderful year for fashion. Shorter skirts, youthful and feminine dresses, and silly hats. The styles below are from 1939 issues of Woman’s Home Companion and McCall Magazine. Enjoy.

(To be continued)

Joyce Clements

AUGUST 2025 CLASSIFIED ADS

For Sale: Radiator for 1953 Ford P.U. - very good $150. Gary McGlasson 505-250-1586

For Sale: 1940 Mercury Sedan Coupe. Call Max Glover for more information. 505-249-7344 Cell or 505-792-2011 Home.

For Sale: 1936 Ford Phaeton, $40,000. Call Chris Joiner 505-382-8723.

For Sale: 1940 Willys. Former gasser. All steel. 468 cu.in. BBC, TH350 transmission, Ford 9” rear end, disc brakes all around, straight axle, Mustang steering box, Custom grey ultra leather interior, Kenwood stereo, alarm. No A/C, PS, or PB. $69,000 OBO. Joe Abbin, roadrunnerengr@msn.com, 505-263-1946.

For Sale: 1931 Model A Coupe. Older restoration. Runs & drives well. Modern radiator, 6v alternator, electrical upgrades. $16,000. Jake at 602=275-7990, jake@vintagepartsarizona.com

Storage: Outdoor $25/month, secure yard. Joe Abbin 505-296-7678

Wanted: 1957 Ford ½ Ton Truck, Don Gutierrez 951-241-4959

Services Offered: Vintage engine rebuilding, any make, any model. Stock or modified. Dynamometer testing available. Results guaranteed. References available. Gary McGlasson, 505-250-1586.

Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2025

January

Tuesday 7th Club Meeting 7pm North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center - Program Joe Abbin, Barrett-Jackson Auction Slides

Saturday 11th Breakfast 8:30am Hello Deli

February

Tuesday 4th Club Meeting 7pm North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center –Program by Larry Azevedo on Henry Ford, the Early Years. Refreshments Joe Baird.

Saturday 8th Breakfast 8:30am at Golden Corral

March

Tuesday 4th Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center - Program – Larry Azevedo on Henry Ford Part II. Refreshments Van de Velde & Wagner

Saturday 8th 8:30am, Breakfast at Sopa’s with a Tour of Frank Brown’s Collection following at 10am.

April

Tuesday 1st Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center - Program – George Abernathy on Fentanyl. Refreshments Glovers

Saturday 12th Breakfast 8:30am at Village Inn in Rio Rancho followed by tour of Abernathy’s garage.

May

Tuesday 6th Club Meeting N Domingo Baca Center - Program –Will Clements and Joe Abbin on Ford transmissions. Refreshments Liz Johnson

Sunday 18th Museum Car Show, 10am – 3pm featuring Lowriders, breakfast in the area.

Monday 26th 11 – 2, Club Birthday Party, Corrales Community Center.

June

Tuesday 3rd Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center – Debbie Van de Velde on Corrales Church History. Refreshments Larry Bost.

Saturday 14th Breakfast 8:30am, Flying Star, Alameda & Corrales Rd., Possible Old Church Tour.

July

Tuesday 1st Club Meeting 7pm N Domingo Baca Center – Program by Joe Baird on 6 to 12 volt Conversion. Refreshments Abernathy’s.

Thursday 4th Parade in Corrales and Picnic at Azevedo’s, 209 Hansen Rd., Corrales, 87048.

August

Tuesday 5th Club Meeting 7pm – Program by Andrew Steele, on Computer Security/AI. Refreshments Clements.

Sunday 10th All Clubs Picnic at Oak Flats for info go to www.nmcarcouncil.com

Saturday 23rd 10am to 2pm High Desert Mustang Car Show, 11825 Lomas Blvd. NE, hdmustangclub@gmail.com

Sat/Sun 23rd & 24th Expo New Mexico, Pistons for Patriots-Veteran Benefit Car Show, www.pistonsforpatriots.com

September

Tuesday 2nd Club Meeting 7pm – Program by Joe Baird/Eddie Corbin on Cormit Speedway.

Refreshments Joe Warren

Sunday 7th State Fair Car Show, meet for breakfast after set-up.

October

Tuesday 7th Club Meeting 7pm – Program on Auto Pin Striping, Refreshments Joiners

Saturday 11th Manzano Harvest Festival, Torreon, NM

November

Tuesday 4th Club Meeting 7pm Officer Election – Program Model Car Show. Refreshments Open

Saturday 8th Breakfast 8:30am K & I Diner with tour of Commemorative Air Force in Moriarity

December

Saturday 6th Club Christmas Party 1pm Potluck

Businesses Used by Members

(Send us names of businesses you have used)

Starters and Alternators of New Mexico, 3711 Franciscan St NE, Albuquerque NM 87107, 505-344-5025, Eldon.

Skinners Carburetor & Distributor Service, 3100 Pan American Fwy NE, Unit 6, Albuquerque, NM 87107, 505-344-3704, Albert & Nic.

McBride’s Springs & Welding, 1010 2nd St NW, Albuquerque NM 87102, 505-242-2174.

Old Car Garage/World Wide Automotive, 3232 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 505-881-2722, Bob.

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

Wild Heart Ranch Texas, 3120 FM 1995, Van TX 75790, 505-908-7565