Bodies For Thunderbird

The exciting car that established the 1956 style for the entire line of Ford automobiles, Thunderbird, has a body built to Ford specifications by The Budd Company. Unlike so much of our automobile activity, building individual body parts -- doors, roofs, hoods -- and building by the million, for Thunderbird we construct and assemble the entire body structure.

Here is an example of how Budd engineering, invention, craftsmanship and manufacturing efficiency, created for large scale operations, are applied with equal effectiveness to a car of relatively limited production.

It is this versatility which is constantly adding variety and quantity to products bearing the Budd name which, at a glance, might seem to bear but little relation to each other, but all of which have a common need for the scientific and manufacturing resources that Budd employs in many fields.

The Budd Company -- Philadelphia, Detroit, Gary

CTCC Event Preview - January 2008

Put on Your Dancing Shoes! (No football games are scheduled!)

We will be at the Willowbrook Ballroom, located at 8900 Archer Avenue in Willow Springs, IL on Sunday, Jan. 27th from 1:00 to 4:30 PM.

There will be CBS (Chicken, Beef, Sausage Family Style Meal with soup, salad, side dishes and dessert). Cash Bar too.

Dancing to the Teddy Lee Big Band.

Details next month.

- Pete & Marylu Kramer

Historic Springfield - the CTCC Fall Tour '07

The Fall Tour started on Friday, Oct 5th with 10 cars leaving from the I-355 and Butterfield Road meeting place, and two cars leaving from Indiana. An interesting note, though, Jim Wilson had developed a coil problem on Butterfield, so I was informed that the "Geek Patrol" (headed by Ken, Joel, and Len) was sent out, problem fixed, and our group left 30 minutes later. Of course, part of traveling in the T-Birds is rain, and both groups experienced heavy rain within the first hour. Thank goodness, the rest of the tour was sunny, but extremely hot!

photo caption: T-Birders pose at the Route 66 Hall Of Fame Museum in Pontiac, IL and at the Funk Prairie Home in Shirley, IL.

We all met in Pontiac, IL for our first stop - The Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum. The museum is located in the restored City Hall and Fire Station. Our tour guide, Jim Jones, greeted us as we entered the museum and explained some of the displays. There were Route 66 photos of local establishments, restaurant memorabilia, and lots of history and souvenirs of this famous route. On the second floor, the men enjoyed the war museum with military uniforms, weapons, and artifacts from World War I to present. Before leaving, Liz Werth took a picture of each T-Bird under a large Route 66 sign painted on the back of the building along with a group picture. We received the picture of our car, the group picture, and a group picture from the Funk Museum the next morning - thank you Liz.

Lunch was next on the agenda as we headed to Bloomington, IL and a stop at Culver's Restaurant. Of course, with temperatures in the 90's, ice cream was a welcome treat.

At 1:40 we were on our way to the next stop - The Funk Prairie Home/Gem and Mineral Museum in Shirley, Illinois. Our tour guides were waiting for us as we arrived. We were divided into two groups Emma Funk was our guide in the home, and Bill Case was our gem and mineral guide. Emma's husband, Larry, is a descendant of the Funk Maple Sirup (yes, it's spelled that way) side of the family.

The Funk Prairie Home is the restored 1864 residence of LaFayette and Elizabeth Funk. LaFayette was an Illinois State Senator, co-founder and director of Chicago's Union Stockyards, and cattle king of Illinois. He and Elizabeth had two sons: Eugene founded the Funk Brothers Seed Com Company, and Marquis who electrified the home and the entire farm in 1910 making it the first private farm in the world to be so extensively electrified. An interesting tidbit was the furniture in the home was from Montgomery Wards or Sears - all middle class furnishings.

On this same 27-acre site is the Gem and Mineral Museum This is the collection of LaFayette Funk II, grandson of LaFayette, and son of Eugene. The present building was built by LaFayette II in 1973 and comprises part of the largest one-man gem and mineral collections in the world. Precious stones are on display as well as fossils, Native American artifacts, buggies including a Studebaker buggy, sleighs, and a room of fluorescent minerals which glow under ultraviolet light. After leaving this museum, I was wondering what to write, and Liz Werth had the best advice. She said to describe it as having "lots and lots of rocks", and this was so true.

At 5:00 we arrived at the Drury Inn in Springfield. After checking in, the hotel offered a Manager's Cocktail Reception from 5:30 to 7 that we all enjoyed. After a full day of touring and driving, our group ordered pizzas and continued an evening of fellowship at the hotel.

Saturday turned out to be another hot, sunny day. Drury Inn made certain we started out with a good breakfast, which included Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, to name a few items. At our 8:30 scheduled time to leave, we headed to the Dream Car Museum in Williamsville, IL. The owners, Pat and Phil Hawley, have been collecting for over 50 years and have 1.5 million invested in their museum. As we entered the front door, a black 1957 Thunderbird was the first car. Their car collection includes some 50 to 60 cars with the oldest being a 1906 International Harvester Buggy Wagon and the newest a 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. Also, included in the collection are 11 motorcycles. The museum was interesting with the office decorated in a Harley-Davidson theme; there was a Veteran's Wall with memorabilia from local veterans, many Elvis items, and numerous other collector items. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley and their son, Dan, had many interesting stories on their collection.

At 10 a.m. we headed to the Dana Thomas House in Springfield. Our tour guide, Richard, described how Frank Lloyd Write was commissioned by Susan Lawrence Dana to incorporate the 30-year old house built by Susan's father into the present house. This home was completed in 1904, and Susan lived in the house until 1928 when she moved into a more modest home across the street. In 1944 she sold the home to the Thomas family, and in 1981 the house was sold to the State of Illinois.

Our next destination was the Abraham Lincoln Museum. As Joe and I were walking from our car to the museum, we met Joel, Annie, Bill, Liz, Ken and Kathy. They had skipped the Dana Thomas tour, going directly to the Lincoln Museum. Since they were now hungry, Cozy Dog on Rt. 66 in Springfield was their destination. They explained this restaurant is the home of the original corn dog. The rest of our group toured the museum the rest of the afternoon.

The Lincoln Museum is absolutely worth the visit. As you first walk in, you enter "The Plaza" which provides access to all the other areas. In "The Plaza" on the left is a cabin representing Lincoln's early years, and on the right is the south portico of the White House. In front of the White House stand figures of the Lincoln family after their arrival in 1861. Of special interest was the temporary exhibit - "Marry Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy". At the Union Theater in the museum, a story was told on Lincoln's life. During the presentation, the audience experiences special effects such as during a battle sequence, the floor shakes from artillery fire as cannon smoke shoots into the theater. This was really neat!

After our busy day, 7 p.m. was lift-off time for the Chesapeake Seafood House. The food, facilities, and staff were excellent. Although there seemed to be some logistical problem in the seating arrangement at the end of the dining room (just kidding)!!!

Back at the hotel, our group enjoyed fellowship for a short time; then proceeded to our rooms to get much needed rest.

On Sunday morning, after another excellent breakfast at the hotel, our group departed Springfield and headed to Bloomington, IL for a tour of the David Davis Mansion with Carolyn Ervin as our tour guide. Davis was a distinguished lawyer, judge, and businessman, and was good friends with Abraham Lincoln. In 1870, his wife, Sarah, wanted a modem house built. In this mansion there is a first floor master bedroom with a walk-in closet, which was very unusual in the older homes. This mansion was beautiful - very light and open. The home has the original furniture and accessories, as the family never threw anything away. Even the original copper hot water heater was found stored. Four generations of the Davis family lived in the house until 1959 when it was donated to the State of Illinois.

Leaving the mansion, we discovered the city of Bloomington has a complicated street pattern! On some streets you have to backtrack and go on a couple times, many V-turns, some right in the middle of the street (just kidding, Len and Irene)!!! Our bird flock finally reunited again on the ramp to I-55 to head north.

Our next stop was brunch at the Country Mansion in Dwight, IL. This historic landmark was built in 1891 and served many purposes until 1977. This was the year it was purchased, remodeled, and reopened by the Ohlendorf family as "The Country Mansion." After a filling and delicious meal, we said our goodbyes and headed home.

Thank you, Len and Irene Vinyard, for arranging this Fall Tour. You put in a lot of time and work planning a trip that was enjoyed by Jim Wilson and neighbor Dwight, Pete and Lisa Ekstrom, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Bob and Helen Hoge, Larry Johnson, Pete and MaryLu Kramer, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Bill and Bonnie Thelen, Dan Tinder and Susan DeSantis, Bill and Liz Werth, and Joe and Sandy Kraatz. The friendships developed on these tours, and the fellowship enjoyed by everyone, makes CTCC a very special group.

Written by: Joe and Sandy Kraatz

Editor's Notebook - Oct 2007

THE ANNUAL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 13TH FOUND the 31 members in attendance in favor of retaining the current CTCC leadership. The lone exception involves our Treasurer, Doug Rogers, who is relocating to the Pacific, Northwest to commence his new employment. Bob Hoge has volunteered to take over the duties of the office. I am certain that I speak for the membership in wishing Doug our very best in his new pursuits, with THANKS for a job well done!

Some photo credits were omitted in the September issue of Bird-News. Cover: Editor; Page 6: three Picnic views by Liz Werth; Page 9: Sharon Jurkonie; Rear Cover: Editor.

photo caption: Fall comes to Millie's in Delavan, Wisconsin.

The feature story for this issue October issue takes us "on-the-road" in Bob LaBine's 1928 Ford Model A Speedster as it encounters the myriad trials and tribulations of the Great Race! Bob will compete in the 2008 recreation of the original Great Race - New York to Paris - that was staged in 1908.

Having received a number of comments/congratulations on the Bird-News GOLD Award, it was the April 2007 issue that I submitted for the CTCI newsletter competition.

An interesting testimonial on the use of Jet Turbine Oil in a T-Bird is one our our editorial features. Thanks to Bill Werth for supplying the story, which dates back several years. We hope to publish additional information on this perplexing problem (zinc reduction in common motor oils) in future issues.

The CTCC Calendar confirms the onset of Fall, as only two (2) driving events remain: The Annual CTCC Fall Tour (October 5-7) and the SPECIAL "added attraction" event, a one day trip to Wisconsin on Sunday, October 14th. Bob and Helen Hoge have designed the Wisconsin tour to be a salute to the colorful Fall foliage that should be evident in the Lake Geneva area by mid-October. The schedule is posted, and sign-up today! It is a "one-tank full" scenic driving-tour.

-- Ed., Bird-News

Mustang Club Car Show rescheduled for Oct 6th

Good Morning Bert.
An item for the Bird-News, if not too late:

The Mustang Club is sponsoring their show at Westfield Ford, hopefully; it was rained out the two other dates.

Saturday, October 6th 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

www.StallionsGate.org for details.

-- Thanks, Len Keil

Tech Tip - Synthetic Oil

JET TURBINE SYNTHETIC OIL - FOR YOUR 'BIRD
Subject: Classicbirds - ENGINE LUBES
Date: 12/19/04

I note a lot of action on the subject of Iubing an engine for starts after sitting a bit. Here is what I have learned after 45 years with racing and high performance engines.

Years ago - we had oils with way too much paraffin in them. After sitting, these oils had a tendency to solidify and clog up oil channels and stop the flow of oil to journals in the engine. Which of course, led to premature wear on bearings and moving parts. Later on - paraffin was replaced with other additives that prevented oil from clogging passages in the motors ... Then - still later - oils were produced "without" oil in them!!

Synthetic oils are great - but expensive. I have some very healthy vehicles - and over the years have had awesome high-performance engines to feed. I built them myself - and NEVER had one fail on me. That says something -- I know what I am saying. I have found - that when a vehicle sits with the oils we have today, that even after a year or 2 - there is still some oil on the moving parts. Maybe not enough to chance a fast start - but it is there. BUT - after a week or two - there is no problem at all. The molecules of oil in the metal are enough to start the engine.

An extra oil pump set up for priming is a waste. If you feel you have the bucks to do this, fine. But, there is a magic trick available to us all. Something I have been doing for years now - and the Military does all the time with its big Tank engines ... not to mention Jet Aircraft engines. Simply - they use SYNTHETIC oils - as an additive.

What is used is "jet turbine oil-synthetic." I use two (2) quarts with each oil change in my diesel vehicles - and one (1) quart for my regular V-8's - including my 312 Ford motors.

This oil is fantastic - and has saved several engines for me over the years. When I blew a TURBO on a Hercules 6 cylinder diesel, in a 34,000 pound truck ... and lost ALL OIL in the engine ... I still made it home over 16 miles without any oil pressure - and NOT OVERHEATING. After replacing the turbo and 7.5 GALLONS of oil - the vehicle still ran perfect and oil pressure came back to 50# where it belonged!

I swear by the synthetic additives - and no pre-priming is needed. Your engine will have a permanent coating after one hour of running this oil mix that will last forever ... just my 2 cents ......... I have tons of this stuff. You can buy it at airfields.

-- Gene

Editor's note: submitted by Bill Werth

Tech Tip - Pump Gone Bad

Good Morning Bert:

Recently, I had a generator failure, and decided to replace it with an alternator. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a greasy mess under the hood. But, it wasn't grease. To make a long story short; I called Ken, who suggested that it might be the water pump failing. He was right, as usual. Apparently, when I Installed the new belt, it increased loading on the pump bearing causing it to start to fail. I purchased a new water pump - with the modified impeller, along with a new thermostat, 170 degrees. Having installed same, could not believe the difference in operating water temp. It now holds between 170 -175 degrees, even on the hottest days. (I have a digital gauge.) The coolant temperature is about 20 deg. cooler than before!

-- Thanks, Len Keil

Movie Star Sighting

The Previews of the new film "Good Luck Chuck" are of special interest, as they feature many shots of a Red 1957 T-Bird! Be sure to put this movie on your list of 'must-see' films! (Released 9-21-07)

photo caption: Jessica Alba and Dane Cook atop a '57 T-Bird in a scene from Good Luck Chuck.

-- Ed., Bird-News

Dubious Record-Holder

LONDON - A rental car worker who was clocked at 172 mph in his company's Porsche was ordered jailed Monday for 10 weeks.

Tim Brady, 33, who was caught Jan. 27, became the fastest speeder ever convicted in Britain. He beat the previous record 156 mph set by car dealer Jason McAllister in 2003.

Brady was caught driving the $198,000 Porsche 911 Turbo, which he took from his employer, luxury car rental firm HelpHire PLC, authorities said.

Brady had nagged his boss to take the Porsche out the day before, but was repeatedly told no, authorities said.

Judge David Morton called the act "criminally self-indulgent."

"(You were) utterly thoughtless of the danger you might be creating for the innocent," he told Brady.

Brady, who admitted to dangerous driving, was banned from driving for three years and will have to take a new driving test before taking to the road again.

He quit his job a day after he was caught.

News courtesy: The Associated Press, MSNBC

CTCC Membership Form

1955 1956 1957 Classic Thunderbird

With the introduction of the sporty, two-seater Thunderbird in 1955, Ford created the Personal Luxury segment of the automobile market. So beautifully styled was the automobile that it was acclaimed a Classic just four years after the last of its kind was produced.

The Thunderbird was named for a legendary bird known to the American Indians as a good luck omen. The Thunderbird was to symbolize, among other things, power, swiftness and prosperity.

The Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland was formed to bring together owners of this Classic automobile and to provide a medium of exchange for ideas and technical information. Whether your Classic Thunderbird is a driver or a show car, you can turn to the CTCC for the valuable help you need in the restoration or maintenance of your vehicle.

A Bit of History

The Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland held its first meeting on August 28, 1961. The club was chartered as the Thunderbird Sports Club of Chicagoland. In 1964, the club's name was revised to Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland, thus eliminating the "sports car" designation and placing emphasis on the classic features inherent in the 1955, 1956 and 1957 Thunderbird.

In 1963, the Chicagoland members traveled to Dearborn, Michigan, where the Ford Motor Company hosted a truly magnificent Thunderbird convention. This event set the stage for the first Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI) convention which was also held in Dearborn in 1964.

The present day CTCC roster reflects a membership of nearly 150 and hundreds of cars.

Benefits of Membership

The Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland has many regularly scheduled events throughout the year, including: Tours, Thunderbird Shows, Picnics, Meetings, Tech Sessions.

Lasting friendships will be formed through regional as well as local events. Enjoy family fun events with and without your Classic Thunderbird. Our award winning Bird-News is published monthly and is distributed to about two hundred members and subscribers in the Chicagoland area. Bird-News features: Mechanical Information, Articles, Club Events News, Upcoming Activities. In addition, Bird-News offers an advertising service to those wishing to buy, sell or swap cars or parts.

Come and enjoy the fun, the cars and the friendships that you will find in the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland.
Don't wait, Join Today!

The Classic Thunderbird Club of Chlcagoland invites you to come join the fun and fellowship that come from owning a 1955, 1956 or 1957 Classic Thunderbird. Share the enthusiasm of these automobiles with your family and new friends at the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland.

To join, simply print and fill out the below form then return it with your dues payment. You'll begin receiving your own copy of Bird-News and you'll be able to take part in a wide variety of activities throughout the year.

Make checks payable to: Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

Mail your membership form and dues payment to:

Ms. Madeline Zambon
CTCC Membership
1361 Mackinaw Place
Schererville, IN 46375

Membership and Renewal Fees - Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

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Annual Dues $30.00: includes email copy subscription to Bird-News, January 1 through December 31. $45.00 includes Black & White printed Bird-News. After July 1st, dues are 1/2 price.

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