NOVEMBER 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 November 7, 2017 at 7pm. Election of 2018 Officers and a program on antique toasters presented by Kathleen McCaughey. Refreshments provided by David McLain.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: TBD
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday November 18th, 8:30am breakfast at Vick’s Vittles, 8810 Central Ave SE.
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
November Meeting - Antique Toasters
A former President of our club, Kathleen McCaughey plans to talk briefly about the origins of toasters, some toaster trivia, and show-and-tell of some notable toasters from her collection.
November Breakfast
On Saturday, November 18th at 8:30am, club members and friends will be meeting at Vick’s Vittles at 8810 Central Ave SE (near Wyoming). Ray Calderon suggested this location so let’s try it out! Hope to see you there.
Christmas Party
Our annual Christmas party will be a potluck on Saturday afternoon, December 9th at 1pm. The party will be at the Jackson’s house (8322 Calle Picaflor NW). The cost is $3 per person. The hosts will cook the meat, with side dishes provided by those attending. Tea, water and coffee will be provided. Reservations are required and can be made and paid for at the November club meeting or by contacting Beth Jackson before December 4th. Reservations may also be made by mail to Beth at the above address (zip 87120). Requested side dishes are salad, vegetable, dessert or bread and can be confirmed when you call or send in your reservation. The deadline for reservations is December 4th to help in the planning. Remember there is no club meeting in December. Last year’s party followed this format and we had a large crowd, delicious food and a very pleasant time.
Our annual gift exchange will take place during the Christmas Party. If you wish to participate, bring a wrapped gift labeled male or female, and you will go home with a lovely gift. Please make the gift something you would like to receive and keep the cost under $20. Please call Beth at 505-908-7564 if you have any questions.
November Birthdays & Anniversaries
Jay Hertz (5) Vern & Pat Willan (7)
Roger Wilbur (11) Phillip & Corrine Lovato (14)
Leslie Montgomery (22)
Ray Calderon (30)
November 2017 President’s Message – It is Fall and Guess What? Joe Abbin
The world is constantly renewing itself and the old leaves are falling and we will see new ones in the spring. The same process is happening with US cars except that the seasons are reversed and the new ones are being introduced as I write. Wow the changes are huge! The engines are getting more powerful and more economical. Many of the engines are now supercharged or turbocharged. Overhead cams and hemispherical combustion chambers are common. About half the new cars incorporate a new twist, direct injection fuel systems, which combine features of a conventional gas engine and a diesel engine. Hybrids and all electric vehicles are common. Indeed Volvo will not produce gasoline only engines after 2019. The all electric Tesla is a new kid on the block and has more market dollars invested than Ford, Honda or GM. Computers are everywhere in the new cars. Prototype robotic vehicles are already on the road in several cities. Wow! Let’s go shopping.
The renewal process extends to us and our collector cars and collector items. Some of this renewal is involuntary, eg. managing our estate when we are not able. Betty Leupold and her daughters and friends have done a magnificent job of managing and liquidating Art Leupold’s estate. How will your estate be managed?
Last month noted Albuquerque historian Dave Straub gave a fascinating talk on pre-WWII ABQ aviation history. This month one of our former presidents, Kathleen McCaughey, will give us an intro to the history of toasters featuring items from her extensive collection.
For an entertaining and informative evening join us at the meeting and bring a friend! We will also be voting for next year’s club officers. Ballots will be available with this newsletter and counted at the meeting.
Minutes of the October 3, 2017 Meeting
Submitted by Joyce Clements, substituting for secretary
The October meeting was called to order at 7:07pm by President Joe Abbin. Both Secretary and Treasurer were out of town, but Joe assured us we had money. The passing of Bob Mathes was recognized. Bob was a member of the Tumbleweeds since the 1970's. His two daughters will be settling his estate, and the club will be notified if his cars become available. Only the Pontiac has been sold so far. The Tumbleweed Club will buy a brick for Bob. We wished a Happy Birthday to Al Seery and a Happy Anniversary to Bud Hennessy and Linda Frazer. George Abernathy said he had not received his newsletter, and Joe promised to look into it. Minutes were approved as published.
Car Council report was that the swap meet was successful but smaller than last year. We sold 410 spaces in 2017, as compared to 550 last year. Thank you to all who attended, bought spaces and shopped, and to Beth for relief at Registration. Next year's meet is currently scheduled to be at the same location.
Under old business, Joe mentioned the small turnout for the V8 Club at the State Fair – 8 in attendance. The Poco Quatros Club had 29 Model A's, and the Tin Lizzies showed 19 Model T's and put on their display of the disassembly and reassembly of a Model T by the ladies of the club. Richard & Barbara Polk took home the People's Choice Award with their 1946 truck, and Jay Hertz won the Best-Restored Award. Weather was beautiful, and attendees had a great time kicking tires and swapping tales. No breakdowns were reported.
Under new business, Joe had a list of nominees for 2018 officers and directors: President – Jeff Jackson; Vice President – Jay Hertz; Secretary & Editor – Beth Jackson; Treasurer – Dave McLain; Directors – Roger Wilbur, George Abernathy and Phil Lovato.
October breakfast was announced for the 21st at Furr's on Wyoming. Ray Calderon brought in a menu and suggested Vick's Vittles Country Kitchen at Central & Wyoming for November. That suggestion was accepted. Since that location used to be Uncle John's Pancake House, a general discussion on "used-to-be" restaurants on Central followed.
For Show and Tell, Joe had an oil update for new cars that he passed around, and Joyce showed off her new name tag, "The Buck Stops Here," presented at the swap meet. A Corvette is being raffled off in Carlsbad on November 11 for the Dick Harrell Auto Education Scholarship Fund; Joyce has the information.
Meeting was adjourned for cookies provided by Joe and coffee provided by Bob. Ray Calderon won the 50/50 raffle.
Dave Straub presented a very interesting and well-documented slide show of aviation history in Albuquerque. He has a wealth of information that he digitized from several local old-timers in aviation that have resided here over the years.
Meeting was officially adjourned at 9:02pm.
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
HOOD SPRINGS
If you have a 52-54 Ford or Mercury car and have been having problems with opening the hood, or keeping it up after it has been raised, new springs may be what you need. For the past couple of years I have been searching for new springs for my 53 Merc. The hood would not stay up properly and switching to other used ones did not help. (For you skeptics yes, an old broom handle does the job but that gets to be a pain after a while.)
I have now come across a firm that makes new ones. Several people have asked me for contact info and it is Spotlite Kustom, located in CA, 909-724-9235, or website Spotlitekustomaccessories.com. They charge $60 for the 4 springs, 2 flat spiral and 2 long extensions. After buying and installing new ones from them the hood works perfectly, just like it should.
Now part 2. OK, you bought new springs---how in the heck do you put them on? First, prop up the hood with the above mentioned old broom handle. Next, place some old rags under the back corners of the hood in case it decides to slide into the cowl while removing the old springs. Work on one side of the hood at a time.
Changing the flat springs is easy, just a little armstrong and they twist off the hood hinge tab. Same with installing the new ones back onto the tab. Now, on to the long extension springs. Ohhh, you say, you can't install the new ones because there is no way you can armstrong them? Trying to pry them on with a screwdriver doesn't seem to work either as the new ones are much stiffer than the old worn out ones. Now you realize the springs will need to be stretched another way, but how? I figured stretching the springs would require either mechanical or hydraulic help. One method that worked for me was using a floor jack. Simply hook one of the spring eyes in the front wheel jack axle and the other eye in the lifting cup. Stretch it only enough to snugly place pennies (everyone has a jar full of these) up both sides of the spring, bottom to top. Release the jack tension and you are now holding a stretched spring with the pennies very tight in the coils. It may take a little maneuvering but it will now fit in the hinge. Place a shop towel directly under the spring and slowly lower the hood. The spring will stretch a little more and the pennies will fall out onto the towel for easy pickup. Your hood will work as new.
Arnel Kimmett of the Hi-Country Regional Group of Colorado
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2017
November
Tuesday 7th Club Meeting – 7pm Officer Elections and Program - Antique Toasters by Kathleen
Saturday 18th Breakfast at Vick’s Vittles
December
Saturday 9th Christmas Party, 1pm at the Jackson’s
Saturday 16th Breakfast
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
Jokes of the Month
These are from a book called "Disorder in the Court" and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while the exchanges were taking place.
Attorney: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact? Witness: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
Attorney: What is your date of birth? Witness: July 18th. Attorney: What year? Witness: Every year.
Attorney: How old is your son, the one living with you? Witness: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can’t remember which.
Attorney: How long has he lived with you? Witness: Forty-five years.
Attorney: Now doctor, isn’t it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn’t know about it until the next morning?
Witness: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
Attorney: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he? Witness: He’s 20, very close to your IQ.
Attorney: She had three children, right? Witness: Yes. Attorney: How many were boys? Witness: None.
Attorney: Were there any girls? Witness: Your honor, I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
Attorney: How was your first marriage terminated? Witness: By death. Attorney: And by whose death was it terminated?
Witness: Take a guess.
Attorney: Can you describe the individual? Witness: He was about medium height and had a beard.
Attorney: Was this a male or a female? Witness: Unless the Circus was in town I’m going with male.
Attorney: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
Witness: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
Attorney: ALL of your responses MUST be oral, OK? Witness: Oral.
Ballot for 2018 Officer Election Tumbleweed V8 Club
President: Jeff Jackson ___________ Write in _______________________________________________
Vice-President: Jay Hertz _________ Write in ____________________________________________
Secretary: Beth Jackson __________ Write in _______________________________________________
Treasurer: David McLain ___________ Write in ______________________________________________
Directors: Vote for three: Roger Wilbur _________, Phillip Lovato ____________, George Abernathy__________
Write in __________________________________________________________
Note: Joe Abbin is automatically a director as past president.
Mail Ballot to Tumbleweed V8 Club, PO Box 21538, Albuquerque, NM 87154-1538
It must be received by Tuesday November 1 to be counted.
Or you may email your choices to President Joe Abbin at roadrunnerengr@msn.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 4 – 21st Annual Veterans' Day Car Show – Veterans' Hospital, T or C – Sam Shannon (575)894-4222
November 4 – Cops & Rodders Car/Cycle Show – Kino Sports Complex, Tucson, AZ – E. Brantley (520)207-2878 or www.tucsonpolicefoundation.com
November 11 – Veterans' Day Celebration – Carlsbad – Parade to Halagueno Park, 101 S Halagueno St, in front of library for Ceremony – Show N Shine Car Show – Induction of racing legend, Dick "Mr Chevrolet" Harrell, into Carlsbad Hall of Fame – Dick's 1967 Camaro funny car will be on display – Sponsored by Dirt Dobbers of Carlsbad – For information (575)649-5925
November 11-12 – 28th Autumn Get-Together – Alameda Co. Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA – Open to Pre'73 – Goodguys (925)838-9876 – or www.good-guys.com
November 12 – Last Freddy's Car Show for 2017 – Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steak Burgers, 10201 Central NE – 10 am-3 pm, weather permitting – Open to all classes of vehicles – Annual Toy & Coat Drive with special Guests "Santa Claus & His Helpers" – Free entry, but bring unwrapped toy and/or coat – Bring your cameras, Bill Fouch & Route 66 Girls will be there – Joe 235-5900
November 13 – Driving Divas All Woman Car Shine & Show – Fastinos, 2600 Juan Tabo NE (between Menaul and Candelaria) – 5pm to dark – Open to all cars and drivers; woman-driven cars get free meal – Karen Campbell or Melinda Otzenburger. karencampbellwithrt66@hotmail.com
November 17-19 – 20th SW Nationals – Westworld, Scottsdale, AZ – Pre-'73 – Goodguys (925)838-9876 or www.good-guys.com
November 18 –23rd Annual Charity Car Show – Hooters East – San Mateo “Charity Car Show” Supporting Leukemia Lymphoma Society – Setup 7am-10am – Show 10am-4pm, Open to all years makes and models, Entry $20 – 30 classes – 25 Special Awards, 50/50 drawing and raffle. All proceeds supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Music by: Steve's Cruisan with the Oldies – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info
November 18 – "Just for the Hell of It" Show – Body Works, Las Cruces – Mike Garcia (575)541-5772
November 18-19 – Rails 2017 Model Train Show – Balloon Fiesta Park – Operating train layouts, new & used model trains & accessories – Adult admission $5, under 12 free – Free parking – Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm – www.railsalongtheriogrande.org
November 19 – Races – Arroyo Seco Raceway – Roger (575)494-4794 www.arroyosecoraceway.com
November 25-26 – Rocky Mountain Train Show – Forney Museum of Transportation, 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO – Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm – www.forneymuseum.org or www.RockyMountainTrainShow.com
DECEMBER
December 2 – 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Shine – Snap Fitness, Tramway and Indian School – Supporting Toys for Tots and the Albuquerque Rescue Mission - Setup 7am-10am – Show 10am-4pm, Open to all years makes and models, No entry, no awards, Toys, Food and $$ accepted, all for charity – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info
December 9 – High Rollers Truck Club Winter Ball – Belen Recreation Center, Belen – 8-11:30pm – Dinner & non-formal ball – Mexican-style dinner $10 for adults, $5 for children – Line-dancing with DJ Emoney – Bring can goods and pantry items for Belen families in need Christmas dinner – Money raised goes to community projects in Belen – For info & tickets Eugene Wroten eugene87031@yahoo.com
2018 NATIONAL MEETS/TOURS
May 21-25 – Pennsylvania Dutch Country Spring Time Tour – Hosted by Hawk Mountain RG – Tour Amish country, headquartered in Myerstown, PA – Lois Dries (610)966-5127 or calodries@ptd.net or Rick Slegel (610)926-3061 or rickscrim@aol.com
June 11-15 Grand National Meet, Dearborn, Michigan – "Dearborn's the Scene in 2018" – 55th Anniversary Homecoming – Phill Hall (805)573-8077 or Michael Driscoll (615)293-9985. registration@2018gnm.com to register or http://2018gnm.com for more information.
August 26-31 – Montana National V8 Tour – Sponsored by Big Sky V-8 RG – Starts & ends in Billings, MT – 1300 mile tor includes Pompey's Pillar, mining towns Neihart & Monarch, Giant Springs, Great Falls, Glacier NP, Going to the Sun Highway, Flathead Lake, Flathead Museum, Nine Pipes, boat trips, and more – Norm Clark (406)259-6154 or nclark@clarksafety.com
News from the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum.
Construction of our Huge Expansion
is well underway
Don't blink! You might miss another section being completed. Our goal is to have an enclosed addition by year's end. So far, so good. Check on the progress on our website: http://fordv8foundation.org. There you'll see frequently updated photos of the progress.
We still need your help! Won't you consider a donation to help us complete this important and much needed expansion? Our website has many ways to give. And with tax time quickly approaching, now is a great time to make that contribution. We are a 501c3 non-profit educational organization and your donation is deductible to the extent of the tax law. But time's running out for a 2017 charitable contribution. Visit http://fordv8foundation.org
or call 260-927-8022.
Other Opportunities to lend your support:
Becoming a member of the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum, the Buy-the-Foot Campaign, the "Pave the Way" Brick Campaign, and of course, cash donations.
Visit http://fordv8foundation.org or call 260-927-8022 (Indiana)
