SEPTEMBER 2015 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: Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 7 pm. Old Car Garage at 3232 Girard Blvd NE. Joe Abbin will speak on Gas Mileage on Early Fords. Refreshments by Ross Collord and Jay Hertz.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, December 8th, 7pm. Jackson’s house, 8322 Calle Picaflor NW.
BREAKFAST GROUP: Saturday, September 19, 2015, 8:30am at Furr’s, 2004 Wyoming NE. Chosen by Jay Hertz.
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
Breakfast on September 19th
We will be meeting at Furr’s Fresh Buffet on Wyoming (2004 Wyoming NE) at 8:30am. Jay Hertz selected the location this month. Furr’s has lots of good food and plenty of room, so please join us.
September Meeting Program
Flathead Fuel Economy Joe Abbin
The Ford factory ads used a Scotty dog as a symbol of flathead frugality. What should we expect for gas mileage from our flatheads? What factors affect mileage and what can we do about them? What about overdrive? What are the options? These are some of the questions we will discuss. We will review what was reported in the past and share our own current info. Bring your thoughts and questions and come on down!
V8 Day at the State Fair
Sunday, August 13th is V8 day at the New Mexico State Fair. Club members will gather in the parking lot of The Caravan East (7605 Central Ave NE) and depart for the fairgrounds promptly at 7:30 am. We have been asked to enter as a group.
Los Lunas Swap Meet
The New Mexico Council of Car Clubs and Village of Los Lunas are sponsoring their 37th annual Meet in Los Lunas on Hwy 314 and Morris Road. Vendor setup is Friday, September 25th after 12 noon and the swap meet opens Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, September 27h from 8:30am until 3:00pm. Several of our members will be there selling valuable merchandise, so head on out and look for that special part you have been needing. If you wish a spot to sell some of your own valuable merchandise, call 505-450-1203.
Club Promotion Committee Requests Your Input
Jeff Jackson appointed a committee to explore using a portion of the club's reserves to promote the club and its purposes. Essentially, those purposes are to educate the public about the products and achievements of Ford Motor Company during the flathead era, and to develop new club members. On behalf of that committee, we are encouraging you to submit suggestions along these lines, preferably within the next two weeks. You can do so by email, or by letter if you are receiving this by mail. Feel free to be expansive in your thinking, since we are not limiting the scope to exhibits, displays, public showings, or other similar ideas. Once all input has been received, the committee will make a single recommendation to the club, currently scheduled for our November business meeting, where we will vote on the proposal by secret ballot. Please send your input to Jay Hertz at jdhhag1@comcast.net or 8704 La Sala Del Sur NE, Abq 87111.
President’s Letterby Jeff Jackson
Today I’ll invite you to take a stroll. You need to do all the work, I will only provide a brief incentive. Take a stroll down memory lane, that shady street in our mind where good things happen – you see on my memory lane only good stuff happens. Remembering the good stuff is a way to see a bright future and develop incentive to keep our old Fords humming. So 20 years ago today or this month what was happening on your lane? For us Becky, our daughter, was in 4th grade; and Nicholas, our son just started high school. Beth was playing tennis a lot and I was working. Beth was concerned that the kids get a good education for their future. I was overwhelmed with work related travel. Life was good. Now 20 years later--- Becky has three children, Nicholas has two children, Beth still plays tennis and my best traveling is the short walk to the garage still to be overwhelmed by the work I need to do.
OK Jeff, what’s the point? The stroll down memory lane shows how much things can change in 20 years. Now think for a moment how much has changed since Mr. Ford installed the first V8 engine. 1932 to 2015 is +/- 83 years!! The cars our club is about started 83 years ago and the youngest, the youngest is over 50 years old. We have gone from water heater engines straining for 65 HP to supercharged V8’s with 500 hp. Technology has improved for passenger cooling from 4 windows down and cowl vent open to high efficiency air conditioners. All the while we continue to keep our cars running and driving because we want to.
Back to the here and now, September’s meeting features Joe Abbin and a discussion about fuel economy for flatheads. September also features the New Mexico State Fair and our club’s largest audience of the year. The State Fair is a chance to reminisce and boast about keeping a 50+ year old car running and to invite new members to a club meeting or breakfast. Please also see Jay Hertz’ Committee request for input in feature box above.
Minutes of the August 4th Meeting Secretary, Beth Jackson
President Jeff called the meeting to order. There were 30 people present. Treasurer DJ gave a report listing a balance of $4740.85 in checking and $1395.99 in savings.
The For Sale/Wanted sheet was passed around. Thanks for refreshments to Bob Quirici and Neva and Marvin Coffee.
Old Business: Joyce gave the car council report. The All Clubs Picnic is Sunday, August 9th. Volunteers are needed for the Los Lunas Swap Meet on Sept. 25-27.
Recipe of the Month was provided by Vern Willan. Vern was not present so DJ selected Gary McGlasson to provide the recipe for September. Patches for jackets will be on sale during the break, $10 each. DJ can get nametags for anyone needing them, $7.50 each. The website is coming up for renewal in October. Start thinking about whether the website should be continued. A large group was at the last breakfast at Wecks on 4th street and reported it was a good time.
New Business: Saturday, August 15th is breakfast at Monica’s El Portal at 9:00 am. Site was chosen by Al Seery.
Members attending the All Clubs’ Picnic on Sunday, August 9th will be meeting in Smith’s parking lot at Tramway and Central at 9:30am to travel together to Oak Flat Picnic Area.
V8 Day at the State Fair is Sunday, September 13th. VP Lou will be out of town so without another volunteer, Jeff will head this activity. Club members will meet at the Caravan East Parking lot before 7:30am as we will leave for the fairgrounds promptly at 7:30am.
The board has recommended that the Christmas Party this year be a potluck held at a member’s house and be on a weekend. The Jacksons volunteered their home and the date agreed is Saturday, December 5th at 1pm. The cost will be $5/couple. The club members agreed this is a good plan.
In September the Nominating Committee will be appointed and nominations will be announced at the October meeting. Elections will be held at the November meeting.
Jeff asked that members be thinking of fund raising activities for the future.
Show and Tell: Marvin brought old Ford literature that was sent to dealers and given to him by TJ Block. Members were encouraged to take what they wanted as Marvin wanted nothing to return home with him.
Joe talked about the neighborhood watch program and had handouts with information. Joe also showed new business cards he had gotten from Vista Printing at a reasonable cost which had car pictures on the back.
Jay passed around a newsletter from the Ford Heritage Organization and encouraged others to join. They sponsor tours of sites important to Henry Ford and send out a monthly newsletter with interesting historical articles.
Max talked about a scam email he received on transporting vehicles cheaply.
Larry Azevedo presented Part 3 on the Life of Henry Ford and the program was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Birthday to: Happy Anniversary to:
Joyce Clements (4) Tom & Dee Patterson (11)
John Shelton (4) Larry & Lorna Azevedo (21)
Marvin Coffee (5) Max & Johanne Glover (23)
Jeff Jackson (8)
Mary Gorenz (15)
Danice Calderon (27)
2015 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President: R. Jeff Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Vice-President: Lou Gorenz (lmgorenz@comcast.net)
Secretary: Beth Jackson (jbjaxun@gmail.com)
Treasurer: D.J. MacAlister (spqrdj@netscape.com)
Director: Bob Payne
Director: Joe Abbin (roadrunnerengr@msn.com)
Director: Jay Hertz (jdhhag1@comcast.net)
All Clubs Picnic
The All Clubs Picnic was a resounding success. The GTO Club and the Rickshaws are to be highly commended for a job very well done. That group was organized! The grill was fired up about 10am, and hungry people were ready to eat as the burgers and dogs came off the fire. People filtered in until after noon, but later-comers didn't have to wait in line to eat; in fact a line never really formed. Getting the early start seemed popular with the attendees, and no one left without the chance to consume a goodly amount. Side dishes and desserts were in abundant supply, thanks to the picnickers showing up with lots of food. Bob Agnew, Randy McEntire and Bruce Davis dipped up lots of ice cream with homemade toppings by me.
After the meal, Jamie Saavedra, with the help of friends, drew numbers for a large number of nice door prizes provided by the GTO Club and the Rickshaws. Mike Maguire won the 50/50 cash drawing and donated half to the Wounded Warrior Project. Nice going, Mike.
The final count was 137 cars and 390 people from 30 clubs there; it was a record turnout. The Jacksons, Frank Corey, Bob Agnew, the Giggers, Joe Abbin, Ray Calderon, the Sheltons, several members of the Gorenz Family and the Clements are the V8ers who were there. The Old Car Club won the award for the most attendees, 41, but there was some stiff competition.
After the picnic, I received the following e-mail:
I want to thank you and the clubs. I live right across the road from the oak flat picnic area. I enjoyed seeing all the great cars, but when my dog and I took our nightly walk over there I really appreciated that you folks had done an outstanding job of cleaning up after the picnic. My dog, however was disappointed- not a single food scrap- and he would have found it if there was.
Thanks – Pete Pankuch
Nice of Mr. Pankuch to send such a compliment. Thank you to all who were there for being so neat and tidy. And a big THANK YOU to the GTO Club and the Rickshaws for the outstanding job of putting this together. – Joyce Clements
Recipe of the Month by Gary McGlasson
Honey Cornbread
1cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl; in a separate bowl, mix
2 eggs
1 cup half and half
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
Beat eggs and add oil, cream and honey.
Mix well and add dry ingredients. Stir and pour into 9 inch greased pan.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Restoration 101 From the New York Early Ford V8 website
Restoration 101: Do Your Homework
There's no doubt that owning and driving a beautifully-restored classic car is a very pleasant thing to do. Everyone notices you go by and whenever your "treasure" is parked it becomes the object of endless conversation. While ownership of a classic car is nice enough, if you were the one who performed the restoration the sense of personal achievement and satisfaction is downright intoxicating. The hundreds of hours of meticulous cleaning, rebuilding, painting and installation pay for themselves when the car comes to life and transports its owner to a parade, show or a pleasant drive.
The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with some of the important considerations that must be addressed in order for such an auto restoration project to come out successfully. Many would-be restorers have become disillusioned by the heavy costs in time, space, equipment and money. This is almost always due to improper research and planning (or none at all) up front, so here are some basic guidelines to consider before starting your restoration:
The Car
Surely, everyone would like to own a Duesenberg or Bugatti but even if one came your way it might not be the right candidate for you. More likely, it would become a "money pit". The simple fact is that the car you wish to restore must be one that holds some fascination for you. It could be like the one you owned many years ago, something your parents owned or one you've always wanted. There has to be some emotional tie to the car. Don't settle for a car in which you only have a token interest. Auto restoration is a labor of love, not a scheme to get rich. Don't ever attempt a restoration with the short-term goal of turning a profit. It won't happen. Besides, you can make more per hour by turning burgers at McDonald's. In fact, you can almost always buy an already-restored car for less than doing one yourself.
Finding the car
The classified ads are one source, but specific publications such as Hemmings Motor News list thousands of collector cars by type and by year. Join a local car club devoted to the brand you've chosen to learn from its members. That club will also be able to provide an endless source of information and advice during your restoration project. The most common piece of advice anyone experienced will give you is to buy a solid, complete, rust-free car. Missing parts for many classic cars are expensive and rust can be a nightmare.
Space, the final frontier
You need a garage or some other enclosed space if you expect to do an auto restoration. A carport isn't really enough, since the thousands of parts on a typical car - when spread out - occupy large areas. You also need a place to actually work on these parts, like a basement workshop. If you don't have a generous friend who does, look around for a hobbyist who maintains a shop and rents space. If that fails, put your plans on hold until circumstances change.
Tools
At a minimum, you must own a good selection of screwdrivers, pliers, sockets and open-end wrenches (metric, if your car is foreign), sheet metal scissors, drills, wire brushes and electrical tools. During the restoration you will have a need for an engine crane, engine stand, floor jack, air compressor, jack stands, grinder, torch, welder and many other specialized tools. It's better to rent these tools as needed unless you are confident you will use a given piece of equipment enough in the future to justify its purchase. Some of these devices require learned skills, so it might be better to hire out certain tasks or find a club member who will do it for you.
Time
A typical "frame-off" restoration of a common, mid-'60s pony car will take at least 1,000 hours of your time. Add to that any time spent learning specific techniques (or undoing mistakes), and you can quickly run up another few hundred hours. The point is, a classic car restoration is a long-term project which is endlessly rewarding in the doing - so long as you are not in a hurry. As long as you assume the project will take at least two years it can be approached philosophically. Take pride in completion of individual components as you go along rather than looking at the overwhelming amount of work still to be done. If you can't control your patience, forget the project and buy someone else's already-restored car.
Money
Get your finances in order and try to research what your restoration might cost (here again, club members who have already done restorations will be of great help). It will surely end up costing more than you estimated, but at least you can undertake the project with a clear knowledge of the magnitude of investment required. How much you ultimately spend depends upon how much of the work you perform and how badly deteriorated the car was in the first place. Aim your sights at the proper level. Show-winning restorations look that way because a lot of money was spent achieving perfection (typically these cars are far better in every way than the original ones). On the other hand, like-new "drivers" are less costly to accomplish and allow their owners to drive them without worrying about a few nicks and dings.
Family considerations
If you are married, consider what your family might feel about the choice of a project. Avoid conflict from the start and use the project as a family bonding exercise.
Originality
Purists will say that a car should be restored to exactly what it was when it left the factory, including exterior and interior colors, options, etc. True, cars that are shown for national ranking awards do have the highest value (museums and high-end collectors want them absolutely original) but the real world is very different. When your car was produced it was offered with many options and colors to appeal to the greatest diversity of tastes. When you restore the car, build it as you would have ordered it from the factory in the first place. Choose the colors and options you would have wanted back then. The finished car should please you, not the next buyer. Sure, the car won't be worth quite as much money at selling time but the enjoyment you got out of it will more than make up for the difference. In the minds of most restorers there is nothing more pathetic than a flawlessly-restored "trailer queen" that is dragged from one show to another and never started or driven. Automobiles were meant to be used and unless yours is the last, documented example of a particular car in existence, restore it to your tastes.
Of course, changes in family status, income and health can cause the abandonment of a restoration but if you do your homework up front it is extremely likely that you will see yours to completion. Those hours spent performing the work pass by quickly and those "skinned-knuckle" episodes are always balanced by the occasions where you have come up with a very clever solution to some vexing problem. In short, restoration is a great challenge but a wonderful hobby.
As an old restorer once said, "If you didn't build it with your own hands, it isn't really yours."
Joke of the Month
A certain little girl, when asked her name, would reply, “I’m Mr. Brown’s daughter.” Her mother told her this was wrong, she must say, “I’m Jane Brown.” The preacher spoke to her in Sunday School, and said, “Aren’t you Mr. Brown’s daughter?” She replied, “I thought I was, but Mother says I’m not.”
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 24th of the month. Beth Jackson, 505-908-7564, or email: JBJaxun@gmail.com
Tumbleweed Early Ford V8 Club Calendar for 2015
September
Tuesday 1st Club Meeting 7pm Joe Abbin on Gas Mileage on Early Fords. Refreshments by Ross Collord & Jay Hertz.
Sunday 13th State FairMeet 7:30am at Caravan East Parking Lot
Saturday 19th Breakfast 8:30am, Furr’s Fresh Buffet, 2004 Wyoming Blvd NE
Fri - Sun 25th -27th Los Lunas Swap Meet
October
Tuesday 6th Club Meeting 7pmProgram is Ford Videos. Refreshments by Al Seery & Jan Rothell.
Saturday 17th Breakfast and tour of Archie Lewis’ in Moriarity with a drive on the singing highway.
November
Tuesday 3rd Club Meeting 7pm Officer Election and Table Top Model Display. Refreshments Ray Calderon and Leupolds.
Saturday 21st Breakfast 8:30am with a tour of Dave Dawn’s garage following.
December
Saturday 5th 1pm Club Christmas Party at the Jacksons.
Saturday 19th Breakfast 8:30am
OTHER NEARBY ACTIVITIES
September 5 – CC Swap Meet – Mayfield HS, Las Cruces – Walter Brown (575)640-592
September 10-13 – Route 66 Reunion – East of Downtown, Flagstaff, AZ – Live music, cruise, auto swap meet, food vendors, sock hop – call Gary Sprinzl (602)292-4738 or garysprinzl@gmail.com or see www.cruzzinmainstreetuse.com
September 11-12 – 19th Annual Run to Hillcrest, Rod Run, Show & Shine – Hillcrest Park, 10th & Sycamore, Clovis – Corvette raffle $10 to benefit Make-A-Wish of NM, Clovis College & Lighthouse Mission – Entry $30 before Sept. 1st, $40 after – In conjunction with Clovis Music Festival – Tour Norman Petty Studios, hamburger fry for participants, live music by Will Banister & the Johnny Mulhair Band – Jerry Bailey (575)762-5600 or James Fuller (575)799-6376
September 11-13 – Attack of the Cafe Racers Charity Bike & Car Show – Albuquerque Press Club – Meet-and-greets, rockabilly bands, food, dancing, trip to Madrid, motorcycle build-off, charity raffles and auction, prizes, trophies – Some proceeds go to Paws and Stripes – Entry $3.00 – See facebook or Josh Griego atsvadersidious@hotmail.com
September 11-13 – 18th Colorado Nationals – Larimer County Fairgrounds, Loveland, CO – Pre'73 – Goodguys – (925)838-9876 or www.good-guys.com
September 12 – Orphan Car Show – Power Ford, Montano & I-25 – Open to all discontinued makes
September 12 - 21st Annual Summer Car Show Series at Hooters East – San Mateo – Setup 7am-10am – Show 10am-4pm, Open to all years makes and models, Entry $20 – 40 classes – 50 special awards, 50/50 drawing and raffle supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, music by: Steve's Cruisin' with the Oldies – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info
September 14 – Driving Divas Trunk Show – Fastino's, 2600 Juan Tabo NE – 5-9 PM, yes on a Monday – Spotlighting women-owned cars – Open to women-driven cars only
September 17-19 – VCCA 2015 Area 6 Fall Joint Tour – Oklahoma City area – Open to vintage Chevrolets – joyce@nmcarcouncil.net has registration forms
September 18 – Farmington Old Car Weekend Cruise – East Main Sonic, Farmington – Evening – Pre-register for Show – Richard fazzlow1@aol.com
September 19 – United Way Charity Car Show – Canyon St., Downtown Carlsbad – Benefit to Carlsbad United Way, sponsored by CARS of Carlsbad – Registration & Setup 8-10:30am, show 10:30am-3:30pm awards – 1st-3rd trophies in 40 classes – Dave Kump (575)200-5534 tgdrkump@gmail.com or Miles Caddell (575)361-2319 or milesc@plateautel.net or www.carsclubofcarlsbad.com
September 19 – Northern NM Street Rodders Swap Meet – San Juan Plaza, next to Dunkin Donuts, Main St, Farmington – 10x10 space $15, 10x20 space $25 – 8am-3pm – Bob Fuller rfuller16@gmail.com
Sept 19 - 21st Annual Summer Car Show Series at Hooters West – Alameda – 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 supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Music by: Steve's Cruisin' with the Oldies – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info
September 19-20 – Concours du Soleil –andy@albuquerquefoundation.org
September 20 –Our Lady of Sorrows Annual Fiestas Car Show – 301 Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo – Registration 7:30-10am, show 10am-2pm – Open to cars & trucks ($25), motorcycles ($15), bikes ($10) – awards, cash prizes, gift cards – Anthony Apodaca 514-5470 or R8dfan@hotmail.com
September 20 – 4 Corners Old Car Club Show – Brookside Park, Farmington – Richard (505)716-7100
(928)768-9230 or www.rivercruizers.com
September 25-27 – 32nd Run to the Pines – Pinetop Lakes Country Club, AZ – Bob (928)368-5325
September 25-27 – 6th Annual Santa Fe Concorso – Las Campanas, Santa Fe – Showcases exotic, classic & rare automobiles – www.santafeconcorso.com
September 26 – Americana Fair with Car Show – Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4301 Atrisco Dr. NW – Seeks cars 1942 and older for display honoring American history – Request car owners come in period dress – Theme is late 1910/early 1920 Americana – Free entry – Setup 10:30-noon, show noon to 5pm – Variety of music, good ol' American food, games, prizes, arts & crafts – Reserve your spot with Vicki 836-7007 or vickimasolhtc@mac.com
September 26 – Mopar vs. the World Race – ABQ Dragway– nmmopars@gmail.com
September 26 – Rio Abajo Becker St. Festival Classic & Custom Car Show – Main & Becker, Belen –
Sponsored by Greater Belen C of C – Entry $20 ahead, $25 day of show – 10am-4pm – Trophies at 4pm, followed by parade on Becker – Goodie bags to 1st 50, kids' carnival, live music & dance, arm-wrestling, horseshoes, bicycle poker run – Open to 1980 & older – 50/50 drawing and raffle supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Music by: Steve’s Cruisin' with the Oldies – 505-269-0496 or 505-332-9222 for info.