MEETS FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 7:30 P.M., OLD CAR GARAGE, 3205 CLAREMONT NE
MAY PROGRAM
Rear Ends by Gary McGlasson. See article in this newsletter for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: All meetings will include Show & Tell. Members are encouraged to bring items to share.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., at Old Car Garage.
PROGRAM: Gary McGlasson on rear ends. Please see article in this newsletter for details.
REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED BY: Ray Calderon and Ira Rimson.
APRIL ACTIVITY: Saturday, April 28, we will go to Grants to visit the Uranium Mining Museum and Ice
Caves. Lunch at El Cafecito. Please see Jeff’s article in this newsletter for details.
MAY ACTIVITY: Monday, May 28, we will celebrate the Club’s birthday with our annual party at Los
Ranchos Village Hall. Please see Joe’s article and the flyer included in this newsletter for details.
BREAKFAST GROUP: Please note; this is a permanent change. The Breakfast Group will meet
the first Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at Rich Ford’s Mustang Café. The next Breakfast
Group meeting will be Saturday, May 5.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m., at Jay Hertz’ home, 8704 La Sala Del Sur, NE.
Jay’s home phone number is 296-3137. See Jay’s article in this newsletter for details. All members are
welcome.
MEETING REFRESHMENT VOLUNTEERS 2012
May Ray Calderon / Ira Rimson June Art & Betty Leupold / Lou Gorenz
July Neva & Marvin Coffee / Joyce & Jim Clements August ? / ?
September Lori & John Shelton / Bob & David Mathes October Al & Jo Seery / Bob & Joan Quirici
November Mark & Larry Williams / ? December Holiday Party
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FOR MAY 2012
Jay Hertz, President
Edsel Ford never got all of the credit or recognition he deserved. Although historians have written
extensively (and favorably) about Edsel, his place in the hearts and minds of Americans pales in comparison
to that of his father, Henry. And that’s unfortunate because he was a leader in many areas, and a towering
figure in the field of design, aesthetics and style.
Henry always thought of Edsel as “soft” and “flabby,” the antithesis of how Henry viewed himself. Perhaps
for that reason, Henry never talked lovingly about Edsel and never got as close to Edsel as he did to his
thuggish henchman, Harry Bennett. Although Henry strongly supported Edsel on most business decisions,
Henry lacked confidence in Edsel’s strength of personality, and that destroyed any hope for intimacy between
them. Despite talking with Edsel daily and even writing him frequent letters and notes, their communications
were dry, impersonal, almost business-like. Thus, Edsel grew up in a family, and in a business, that never
really valued Edsel as a person. This was unfair to Edsel, as he had a lot to offer.
Edsel was only 25 years old when he became president of Ford Motor Company. (Can you imagine such
a huge undertaking at such a young age?) Thereafter, Henry held no official position with the company other
than as a board member. Henry was only 56 at the time of the transfer, and could easily have stayed on in
an official position for many years. But Henry was a loyal family man and wanted to assure that Edsel was
firmly entrenched in the family business before Henry got too old or infirm to manage it. The transfer of the
presidency occurred on the last day of 1918, and Edsel remained president for the rest of his life.
Edsel’s first task after assuming the presidency was a difficult one, dictated by his father. That task was to
oust the minority shareholders, which included the formidable Dodge brothers. Edsel accomplished the task
admirably, and this helped to further consolidate the family’s control of Ford Motor Company. Henry
gradually surrendered control over the business affairs of the company to Edsel, and again Edsel excelled.
But Henry was always in the background, never entirely trusting Edsel. At times, Henry even countermanded
Edsel’s decisions, causing Edsel great embarrassment. The best example of this surrounds Edsel’s early
act of firing Charles Sorenson, one of Henry’s chief operatives, a known anti-Semite and violent roustabout
loyal to Henry. Shortly after Sorenson was discharged by Edsel, Henry openly re-hired him, a direct affront
to Edsel. Sorenson remained with the company almost 39 years. But generally speaking, Edsel was able
to surround himself with a much more business-oriented, even-handed set of advisors, and successfully
managed the company through labor disputes, unionization, intense competition, the Great Depression, and
World War II.
During the remainder of Henry’s life, Henry overshadowed Edsel in the field of engineering. Not that Edsel
could not handle that part of the job. Far from it, as Edsel had a keen mind for invention and was thoroughly
familiar with mechanical concepts and developments. But Henry perceived himself as having no equal in
the realm of engineering, and occasionally refused to even entertain Edsel’s suggestions for improvement.
Perhaps as a result of his banishment from engineering, and perhaps because of his strong sense of
aesthetics and style, Edsel turned instead to auto design, an area largely ignored by Henry. The cars we
love from the Flathead era owe their visual appeal much more to Edsel than to Henry. Edsel essentially
invented Ford’s color, art and design studio. Prior to Edsel, those functions were largely either ignored or
entrusted to Briggs, Murray or other outside suppliers.
In running the studio, Edsel was influenced by two main factors. First, Edsel was an art lover and avid art
collector. In his personal residence, he proudly displayed works by Cezanne, Matisse, van Gogh, and Gilbert
Stuart. He was responsible for commissioning Diego Rivera in 1931 to paint the huge Detroit Industry
frescoes, which attained great notoriety. Edsel’s interest in art was genuine, not “for show.” He brought this
talent for art and design into the studio. In 1932, when Edsel was in his studio designing a Lincoln coupe,
Diego Rivera visited him and reportedly admired the car’s handsome design.
Second, Edsel was himself a bit of a car collector, and loved fancy cars. Moreover, he took pleasure in
modifying cars of other manufacturers, sometimes improving their performance, but always making stylistic
changes for their beauty. His personal collection included mainly European cars (Bugatti, Daimler,
Hispano-Suiza, and M.G. Midget among others), but he was also the proud owner of more than one Packard
and Cadillac. All the changes he made to these cars were from his own drawings. He was particularly
moved by the ultra-streamlined Silver Arrow concept car, which was displayed by Pierce Arrow at the 1933
Century of Progress World Fair. (I have seen this particular car at the Nethercut Collection in Sylmar,
California, and it is stunningly radical.) It might be fair to characterize Edsel as one of the original “hot
rodders,” since his design changes or customizations were not only for visual appeal, but also for speed.
Last year, I had the pleasure of seeing the 1934 Ford roadster which Edsel customized for his personal use.
It had been restored and was on display at the L.A. Auto Show. I had to look hard to see the few remnants
of a 1934 Ford, since virtually everything on the car had received the benefit of Edsel’s creative sculpting.
In the attached two photos, which come from Joe Abbin’s collection, I think you will see why I have come to
admire Edsel’s sense of proportion, color, and beauty. The buying public apparently agreed, as the
company’s new models beginning with the Model A were eagerly anticipated and purchased. When I saw
the 1934 roadster, it had been painted a gray-green color similar to the 1935-1936 vineyard green on
production cars. I think that color, rather than the orange color in Joe’s photo, was Edsel’s actual color
choice.
It is hard to say whether Henry or Edsel had the greater influence on the fortunes and survival of Ford Motor
Company. Just as Henry was the right man for the job from the Company’s inception through the end of its
second decade, I would strongly argue that Edsel was the right man for the job thereafter until his death.
Even though his name does not enjoy the fame or admiration bestowed on Henry, Edsel’s unique legacy
lives on in the cars we love to own and drive.
(Attached to the e-version of the newsletter is the pdf of an article written by Ron Osborn about Edsel that
Joe sent to us.)
APRIL 2012 MEETING MINUTES
by Mark Williams, Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
April’s birthday and anniversary celebrants were announced and congratulated.
The March 2012 minutes as published in the April newsletter were approved as written.
Larry Williams gave the Treasurer’s report.
Jim Clements gave the Car Council report.
There was a report on the March Garage Tour. Special thanks were extended to TNT Muffler Shop, Frank
Corey, Jay Hertz and Jeff & Beth Jackson for hosting the tour.
Bob Agnew said there are only five slots left for the Spring Thaw.
Jeff Jackson spoke about April’s tour to Grants.
It was decided after a short discussion that the Breakfast Meeting will be held on the first Saturday of each
month at 8:30 a.m. at Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
Jay announced the next Board meeting will be Tuesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. at his home, 8704 La Sala Del
Sur NE. Directions to Jay’s house are published in the newsletter.
Jay introduced Micki Hughes, newsletter editor, who was a guest at the meeting.
Show & Tell: Beginning with the May meeting, Joe proposed that he will host a book fair (buying, selling and
swapping) at his shop after the Saturday breakfast meetings. The proposal was met with approval.
There was a lively discussion about oil filters, mostly among Joe, Bob and Al.
Max Glover bought an automobile pricing guide. If anyone wants to know what your car is worth, call Max.
Jay shared some items he found at Chickasha, a nice old bottle of car wax and a painted tin box from the
30s that once contained a Champion spark plug set.
Neva shared a newspaper article she found about the anniversary of the opening of the Ford museum.
Refreshments were provided by Max & Johanne Glover and Tom & Dee Patterson.
The first speaker for the evening was Ed Boles from the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Transportation.
He began by asking the group where the City’s first traffic light was located because nobody seems to know,
then he gave an interesting PowerPoint presentation about five of the City’s Route 66 hotels. The DeAnza
Motor Hotel, Luna Lodge, Nob Hill Motel and El Vado Motel either have been or will be rehabbed. The fifth,
the Aztec Motel, was determined to be economically unfeasible for development purposes and has been torn
down.
After Ed’s presentation, Neva Coffee, Director of Club Purpose, gave an informative talk about the meaning
of Club Purpose. She said that she perceives Club Purpose to be based on Acquisition, Restoration,
Appreciation, Education, Celebration and Inspiration, and that all of the Club’s programs and tours reflect
the Club’s Purpose.
There was the usual raffle, with happy winners.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.
MAY 2012 MEETING PROGRAM
Rear Ends by Gary McGlasson
APRIL 2012 CLUB ACTIVITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, GRANTS, URANIUM MINING MUSEUM & ICE CAVES
by R. Jeff Jackson
Welcome All. On April 28th our club will have the outstanding pleasure of a tour trip to Grants to visit the
Uranium Mining Museum and the Ice Caves. Recall in the late 1960's and early 70's Grants was “the
uranium mining capital of the world.” The Uranium Museum takes visitors underground to get a simulated
view of mining techniques. Don’t worry, you travel the short distance underground in a comfortable elevator.
While in Grants we will have a delicious (I hope) meal at the El Cafecito Mexican restaurant where we have
a room reserved. After lunch we will travel south from Grants about 25 miles to the Ice Caves and for those
who wish a short hike to the Bandera volcano.
The plan is to leave from the Jacksons’ house at 9:30 a.m., Saturday April 28th. The Jacksons are close to
Paseo and Coors (directions provided below). We will take Paseo west from Coors past the Double Eagle
airport to I-40. As much as practical we will use frontage roads and old 66 to get to Grants. Remember to
bring your camera as there are interesting sights all along the route.
We should arrive at the Mining Museum about 11 to 11:15 and have our tour completed in time for a nice
lunch (about 12:30) before heading off to the Ice Caves. We anticipate leaving the Ice Caves to be back in
Albuquerque well before dark. There will be an open trailer with us the entire time just in case of a
breakdown.
This tour is planned for the weekend after the Spring Thaw so everyone will have a chance to get their cars
checked out looking forward to the touring season. Let’s aim for a big turnout for this tour regardless if you
are driving your flathead car or just sharing the pleasure of good company.
Directions to Jackson house: From Montaño and Coors go north on Coors to Frontage Road. From Paseo
and Coors go south on Coors to Frontage Road. Frontage Road is the turn into SIPI, note there is a Ram
service station at that corner.
Turn (east) at the Ram Station and then immediate left and follow this road. River Point Health Center
should be on your right side (if it is on your left go back to the Ram Station and start again). Follow that road
it will parallel Coors to the north for a short distance then turn right (east) and go behind the River Point
Health Center past a green dinosaur and then make a right (south), to Calle de Alondra and turn left on Calle
de Alondra. Go to the second street Calle Picaflor. Jeff and Beth’s is the corner house at Calle de Alondra
and Calle Picaflor and their address is 8322 Calle Picaflor NW. If it were easy to get to the house you
wouldn’t need these detailed directions! Jackson cell phone is 505.908.7565.
MAY 2012 CLUB ACTIVITY
Tumbleweed Early Ford V-8 Club
PICNIC SHOW AND SHINE
by Joe Abbin
When: Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012, 11am-2pm.
Where: Los Ranchos Village Hall, 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Yup, we’re having a picnic! We will be celebrating our Tumbleweed Group’s 38th birthday, the 50th birthday
of the Early Ford V-8 Club, the 110th anniversary of the Ford Motor Company, the 60th anniversary of the
flathead’s demise (bummer) and the City of Albuquerque’s 307rd birthday! All dates are approximate. The
festivities begin at 11 am at the Los Ranchos Village Hall. We’ll line up all those flatheads for display and
play some games. Then we’ll make sandwiches, share some goodies and tie everything together with
birthday cake. Sodas and chips will also be provided, courtesy of the club! Wow, a free lunch (donations
accepted)! Feel free to bring a side dish, a salad or anything else you’d like to share with the Ford party
animals. Volunteers to help and cleanup are appreciated. Let’s put on the biggest display of flatheads since
1953! Bring your friends!
We will have our popular 50-50 raffle with some nice prizes as well as the cash!
Contact Joe Abbin at 296-7678 to volunteer and for details.
MAY 8, 2012 BOARD MEETING
By Jay Hertz
Hello, All. This is to let you know that we will be holding our May directors’/officers’ meeting of 2012 on
Tuesday, May 8, at my house, 8704 La Sala Del Sur, N.E. (phone 296-3137) beginning at 7:30 p.m. It is
near Wyoming and Candelaria. From that intersection, go east and take the second left-hand turn bay, which
is General Stillwell. Go to the end of General Stillwell, which is only about four blocks. Where it ends, the
house on the right is mine. It is a corner house with a stop sign on the property. The entrance is on General
Stillwell even though the address is on La Sala Del Sur. I will have refreshments. All members are welcome
to our Board meetings.
SPRING THAW
By Joyce Clements
Spring Thaw at Bob Agnew’s WorldWide Automotive was a huge success. Bob and his crew checked out
a number of cars of all varieties, and changed oil and filters. Breakfast and lunch were served, followed by
Birthday Cakes for Bob and Nancy. We were able to see everything from Jaguars through Lincolns, from
both top and bottom. A lot of tire-kicking and story-telling was going on all day. Joe Abbin, Frank Corey, the
Clements, Max Glover, Jeff & Beth Jackson, and Bob Mathes were there checking out the cars and sharing
stories. We had a great lunch provided by Bob, and the group had a wonderful time. We raised about $4000
in donations to Cuidando los Niños. It’s a great event to get to know the car afficionados from all car clubs
in the area. If you missed it this year, Bob has promised to do it “one more year” for the benefit of the car
hobby and Cuidando.
SPECIAL CLUB ACTIVITY
JUNE 29-30, 2012
Drive to Ruidoso on Friday, June 29. Overnight will be at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca. Special rate is $100
for the night (normal rate is $190). Phone number for the Lodge is (575)258-5500, and you must tell them
you are with the Classic Car Show. Included is a free BBQ dinner (brisket, sausage, ribs, etc.) to be served
to all show registrants on Friday night at the Lodge. Saturday, June 30, we will participate in the Car Show
at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Registration for the show is $30. You will be able to pre-register when
the forms are available in February. Checks should be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, who will get all
the proceeds. Show is from 7:30am to 3:00pm. There are to be awards and prizes. Their web site is
www.newmexicoclassiccarshow.com if you wish to find out more. After the show we will drive back to
Albuquerque and should be home before dark.
2012 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: Jay Hertz (jdhhag@comcast.net)
Vice-President: R. Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Secretary: Mark Williams (mwdomesticengineer34@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Larry Williams (l-m-williams@comcast.net)
Director of Club Purpose: Neva Coffee (marvin.coffee@comcast.net)
Director of Education: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com)
Director of Touring: Frank Corey (frankford4@aol.com)
MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Birthday to:
3 Geri Gallegos
3 Sue Mathes
21 Betty Leupold
23 Art Leupold
24 Ron Gigger
29 Mark Williams
Happy Anniversary to:
5 Al & Jo Seery
27 John & Betty Shelton
~~~~~o~~~~
2012 CLUB EVENTS
5/1 Rear Ends: Gary McGlasson. Abbin
5/5 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
5/8 Board Meeting, 7:30, Jay Hertz’ house
5/20 Museum Car Show Clements
5/28 Birthday Party @ Los Ranchos Abbin
6/5 Upholstery: Steve Gongara, House of Covers Jackson
6/2 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
6/29-30 Tour to Ruidoso; BBQ & Show. See Newsletter article for details. Clements
7/3 WWII: Joyce Clements Clements 7/7 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at
8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
7/10 Board Meeting, 7:30, Jay Hertz’ house
7/4 4th of July Parade & Picnic, Corrales Azevedo
7/14 Los Lunas Ice Cream Cruz. Meet at the Wells Fargo Bank in Bosque Farms at 6pm. Bill Schofield
(505)565-2105. Clements
8/7 Transmissions: Steve Koburi, United Transmission Jackson
8/4 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
8/12 All Clubs Picnic Alt: Tour Madrid/Cerrillos Turquoise Trail NMCCC Abbin, Marco
9/4 Ladies’ Night Beth & Jeff Jackson, Clements, Coffee
9/1 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
9/11 Board Meeting, 7:30, Jay Hertz’ house
9/?? State Fair Jackson
9/28-30 Swap Meet Clements
10/2 Air Cleaners: Joe Abbin & Will Clements Abbin, Clements
10/6 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
10/?? Tour to Chimayo Abbin
11/6 Elections & Tabletop Show;
Overdrives: Frank Corey Board, Corey
11/3 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
11/13 Board Meeting, 7:30, Jay Hertz’ house
11/17 Festival of the Cranes, Bosque del Apache Tour ??
12/4 Holiday Party Board
12/1 Breakfast group will meet Saturday at 8:30 a.m., Rich Ford’s Mustang Café.
Above is the proposed list of programs and activities for the Tumbleweed V8 Club for 2012. If you can help with
any of the activities, please don’t hesitate to volunteer.
OTHER NEARBY EVENTS OF INTEREST
May 6 – Route 66 Rodders 24th Annual Automotive Swap Meet – Los Lunas Sports Complex – 8am to 4pm –
Free Admission, $20 Space Rent – Bud (505)715-3951 or www.theroute66rodders.com or
http://nmcarcouncil.net/events-2/route-66-rodders-automotive-24th-annual-swap-meet/
May 12 – Los Lunas Mystery Cruz – Wells Fargo Bank, Bosque Farms – 6:00pm – Bill Schofield, (505)565-2105.
May 12 – 2nd Annual BAOA Car Show – Goodwill Parking Lot, 5000 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque – 9am to 2pm
– Entry $25 to April 1, $30 after – Scholarships for Boy Scouts – bsaoacarshow@yahoo.com
May 12 – Los Lunas First Baptist Church Shine and Show Car Show – 914 Los Lentes Road SE, Los Lunas
– Food, dash plaques, trophies – Donations to benefit church’s Youth Fund – Richard 274-0280.
May 12 – Hot Rod Rumble – Albuquerque Dragway (S on I-25 to Exit 220, Rio Bravo, W to Broadway, S (left) on
Broadway 2 miles, E (left) on Bobby Foster, and follow signs – 4:00pm-10:00pm – 1973 & earlier vehicles – Show,
drag race, or spectate – $10 entry – Prizes for show – Cletus 307-4570 or clevisr@aol.com or 888-925-2227.
May 20 – NMCCC/Albuquerque Museum Annual Car Show – joyce@nmcarcouncil.net or www.nmcarcouncil.org
– Theme will be 100 Years of Chevrolet. Joyce at 884-7912 or joyce@nmcarcouncil.net for more info or
http://nmcarcouncil.net/events-2/nm-car-council-albuquerque-museum-car-show/.
May 26-27 – 30th Annual Mustang Enchantment Car Show – Rio Grande Mustangs, Albuquerque –
f.mcmullan@q.com.
For more information and event flyers, visit www.nmcarcouncil.org or call Joyce at 884-7912.
CLASSIFIED ADS
For Sale: V-8 Times Magazines. Issues from the '80s to date. $1 each or 6 for $5. Several year sets in hard
binders. Half the proceeds to our club. Joe Abbin, 296-7678.
For Sale: Auto road test and auto related magazines from the 1950's thru the 1980's. Find out how your 1956
Mercury performed “in the day” from Motor Trend or how Consumer’s Guide rated it! “Time capsule” assortments
of 3-6 magazines for various years for $10 each or individual magazines for $3. Various titles, Motor Trend, Popular
Science, Mechanix Illustrated, Consumers Guide, etc. Joe Abbin, 505-296-7678.
Services Offered: Vintage engine rebuilding, any make, any model. Stock or modified. Dynamometer testing
available. Results guaranteed. References available. Gary McGlasson, 505-250-1586.
Wanted: V-8 Times Magazines. Need May-June 2007 issue, and any issues from the '60s and '70s for my own
set. Joe Abbin, 296-7678.
For Sale: Rebuilt generators, starters, carburetors, distributors, water pumps, clutches, etc. for your flathead. Best
deal in town. Also parts. What do you need? Art Leupold, 299-7154.
For Sale: Flathead V8 engine '49-50. This is a truck engine since it has a floor shift transmission behind it. It won’t
turn but is fairly complete lacking only the starter and generator. $200. Tom Stacey, tombird@wildblue.net,
575-894-7137.
For Sale: 2 transmissions '49-53. Standard $20. Overdrive $50. Tom Stacey, tombird@wildblue.net,
575-894-7137.
For Sale: For information on the following, call Max Glover, 249-7344:
'37 4 dr. DLX w/hot rod engine
'66 VW squareback, 1600 cc
'74 MGB GT coupe
Front fender and bumper for '28 and '29 Model A
Remaining stuff in yard
For Sale: Early Bronco grille. Lou, 450-1789.
For Sale: 2000 F-250 SD. LWB pickup. Lou, 450-1789.
Wanted: '48 Ford P.U. hardware: F-1, Ford (hood), 16" hubcaps, 16" trim rings, tailgate chains. Lou, 450-1789
Wanted: '38 Ford PU rear fenders. Vern Willan, 505-238-2028.
For Sale: 1949 Gibson tractor, Model D, plow and front blade. Recent restoration, all new tires. Call Charlie at
417-4414.
For Sale: Two 1941 Mercury Sedans, 95% complete, not restored. One 1941 Mercury Coupe, 95% complete, not
restored. Larry Azevedo, (505)410-1909.
For Sale: 1950 F2 Longbed Flathead 8. Rebuilt motor, tranny, rear end, brakes, and radiator. Many new parts
available. Mark, 859-0881.
For Sale: 2003 BMW CI330 2 dr. Jeff, 908-7565.