Brunch at the Kramers

Thunderbird Brunch/Meeting at the Kramers

After a cold and wet spring, approximately fifty Thunderbird club members gathered at the Kramer's home on June 14th to enjoy the warm, sunny weather that they apparently special ordered for us! This was the largest gathering of Thunderbirds that 1 had seen since the show in Arlington. I think everyone was excited to finally have a nice enough day to get the cars out of the garage and enjoy them. The baby 'Birds quickly filled up the driveway around the Kramer's home and started to spill out into the streets. Apparently, they have a very good relationship with the neighbors, as more 'Birds filled up the driveway across the street. While it was a beautiful sight for all of us to enjoy, quite a few people passing by had to slow down or stop to take it all in!

Once inside, we were greeted by a vast spread of food in the dining room. Marylu worked very hard to provide a wonderful selection and even had it accented on the table by a couple of little pink 'Birds! Some Club members provided additional tasty treats, as they showcased their favorite dishes. For anyone who has been on a T-Bird outing, you know that our club enjoys good food, and this sure did not disappoint. And yes, I'll admit I went back for seconds! Of course, to go along with the food, drinks were served at the bar by our host, Pete.

Pete and Marylu have a beautiful home, great for entertaining our large group. And it was especially welcoming, as I think there was a picture or drawing of one of their cars in every room. (It's nice for my husband to see it's not just me who does that!) People spread out in the kitchen, sunroom, and outside on the porch and terrace. Outside, we realized we were playing "musical chairs", as the group at the table was constantly rotating, as everyone wanted to get a chance to talk with everyone else, some that haven't seen each other for a while. One very nice thing with this group is that no matter how long it has been since you have seen someone, it is like family where you can just pick right up where you left off!

Another typical sight for a T-Bird outing, there was always a large group of people gathered at the garage. I don't know about others, but I'm always on the lookout for ideas on how to fit more cars in our garage. I'm hoping my husband was taking notes!

As promised, Pete offered up pontoon rides on the lake. It was so pretty and peaceful on the lake that it seemed like we were in a remote resort community, not right off of Route 83. Pete has a lot of history on the lake, so he provided a very interesting guided tour. It was very surprising to find out that some of the big. beautiful houses were enclosing the original 800 square foot lake cottages within them!

We thank Marylu and Pete for treating us to such a special day!
Until we all gather again at the next food gala -
Hot Dog Gala & Drive In Movie
July 11, 2009
Coordinated by: Len & Mary Keil

- Kami Woody

MEMBERS ON-THE-SCENE: Dan & Karen Anderson,
Rudy Budach, Bob & Marcy Burhop, Steve Davajon. Bert
& Jane Eisenhour, Pete & Lisa Ekstrom. Gordon Gluft'&
Mary Ziemba, Maryann Graziano & Paul Ureche, Joel
Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Art & Gail Hascek, Laura
Hascek & Mike Cielinski, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen
Kelly, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, Pete & Marylu Kramer
(HOSTS), Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Mike & Christina
Pavlak. Ron Pavlak, Dave & Marian Pogorski, Lloyd &
Joan Scheliin, Gary & Debbie Smithe. Ken & Kathy
Smizinski, Bill & Bonnie Thelen, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bill
& Liz Werth, Jim Wilson. Tom & Alice Wolfe, Chad &
Kami Woody and Joe & Madeline Zambon.
FOR INQUIRING MINDS: Pete reports that there were
20-two passenger T-Birds, plus 4-Retro 'Birds assembled
"in the neighborhood!" - Ed.

Tech Session- 2009

SPRING CTCC TECH-SESSION AT BOB WENDERSKTS GARAGE

Saturday, April 25, twenty-eight CTCC friends and members gathered at Bob Wenderski's Garage-Mahal for our seventh annual Spring dust-off event. Present were Dan Anderson, Bob Burhop, Bert Eisenhour, Gordon Gluff, Joel Greenberg, Bob Hendrickson Jr., Larry Johnson and Sue, Len Keil, Larry Kelly, John Kiverts, John Kolb, Pete Kramer, Paul Mounts, Dan Mrozek, Jerry Peterson, Dave Pogorski, Dan Raerfahl, Gary Smithe, Ken Smizinski, Bob Sroka, Len Vinyard, Bob Wenderski, Bill Werth, your scribe, Joe Wintz, Tom Wolfe, and Joe Zarnbon. John Kiverts is a new member of CTCC, though he has owned a Red '55 'Bird for twenty-five years. Bob Hendricksen, Jr. has a Silver '57 of his own, and he reports that his mother, Darlene, still has the Black '57 "E" 'Bird owned by his late father, though it is now stored in his garage We sipped coffee and munched on rolls as nine Thunderbirds filled the close-in part of Bob's driveway.

I parked my blue 2002 new 'Bird behind Gary Smithe's Red 2004. Len Keil followed with a Willow Green'57 followed by Pete Kramer with a Sage Green '56 and Bill Werth's Blue '55. JoeWintz drove his Gray '57,which was followed by Joel Greenberg's Yellow '57 and Larry Kelly's Fiesta Red '56. Gordon Gluff, with a Red '56 topped off the Thunderbird contingent.

Bob had the club libray out for our perusal. Ken began the Tech session with a discussion of motor oils which have the zinc additive necessary to lubricate the cam and lifters in the Early 'Birds. Shell Rotella T and ACCEL 1OW40 SF (Available at WalMart for $2.27 a quart) were recommended. STP Oil Treatment also has the necessary zinc.

Ken then proceeded to the main topic of the day, changing automatic transmission fluid. When draining the fluid it is important to drain the torque converter as half of the fluid is there. Ken began by loosening the transmission fluid filler tube on Bob Wenderski's '57 Thunderbird to drain the fluid. He explained that one could also lower the pan to drain the old fluid, but that may cause a leak when the pan is reattached if it was originally on too tight. Ken then pulled off the inspection cover-plate facing the oil drain plug, in order to drain more fluid. It has four bolts. The next step was to open one of the plugs in the torque converter with a 1/2" wrench to drain the transmission fluid. The two plugs are 180 degrees apart, so by bringing one into the lower position, the other remains (inaccessible) at the top. So, either one of the 2-drain holes can accomplish the job.

While the fluid was thoroughly draining, Ken discussed inteteresting facts about our transmissions. Type F transmission fluid, in use in the 70's and 80's, is not compatible with Mercon Dextron 3, which Ken recommends for refilling the transmission in our 'Birds. "Lube Guard," an additive, in a platinum bottle, will keep the transmission from burning out. Ken's advice: If you buy a car, DO NOT change the transmission fluid, as there is no way of determining when or IF it has ever been changed in the past.

Changing the fluid after a prolonged period of time may cause transmission failure as sediment in the pan is released. Note: I followed this caveat to the extreme, as I never changed the transmission fluid in my 'Bird from when I bought it in 1974, until Ken overhauled the transmission in 2005. Ken told me that the transmission fluid had never, in fact, been changed since it left the factory in 1957! I remember being advised - back in the 70's - that if the transmission shifted properly, to leave it alone. A manual transmission also needs the gear lube changed and an overdrive transmission has two drain plugs, as the fluid in the overdrive needs changing. Transmission fluid should be used in the power steering reservoir, as the power steering fluid sold today is too thin for our cars and will cause leaks. Ken explained that it is no longer possible to "sniff' transmission fluid to tell if it is dirty. He handed out an "Updated Routine Maintenance Schedule" which advises changing the transmission fluid every five years.

The drain plugs were then tightened in preparation for refilling with fresh transmission fluid. A 1 1/16" wrench was used to tighten the filler tube and a 1/2" or 7/16" on the torque converter. A standard transmission takes a 1 1/2" wrench on the plug and an overdrive trans., 2". The car was then lowered and 4 quarts of transmission fluid were emptied into the reservoir and the car started. The engine must be running in order to fill the torque converter with fluid. The car holds 10 1/2 quarts of transmission fluid. Ken said to put in 9 1/2 quarts and check with the car engine running before adding more.

Unrelated to the transmission, difficult starting was discussed. Ken suggested using a Master electric fuel pump part # E8012S, which is available at Auto Zone Retailers.

After the transmission fluid was filled, the oil was changed on Bob's car, using oil he had on hand, SF rated, with the necessary zinc additive. Paul Mounts greased the front end, U-Joints, and Steering. Bob's car was now ready for Spring driving, but not on the day of our Tech Session, as it had begun to rain heavily. We enjoyed a luncheon of sub sandwiches, chips, soft drinks, and garnishes provided by the Club. We said our goodbyes - until the Spring Tour the following week.

- Jim Wilson

President's Report- June 2009

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

During the March General Club Meeting, a very emotional Urszula Mounts, announced to the membership that this would be the last [CTCC] function that she and Paul would be attending, as they are moving to Florida in early May.

Although Paul has talked about moving for sometime, this announcement surprised a lot of members. Paul has been an active member for more years than he probably wants to remember. He is also the reason Mary and I joined the Club in 1994. I recall the times Paul drove his T-Bird past our home, and giving me the "Thumbs Up" when I asked his advice on purchasing our '57 'Bird. He will always be our great friend.

Anyone who has attended Club outings and tours knows of Paul's ability to bring his childhood experiences of being raised on a farm in rural Kentucky, to present- day happenings. Paul would mesmerize Club members with his anecdotes on everyday life. Perhaps you may have noticed Paul's aversion to chicken; it seems that when growing up on the farm, it was his job to take care of the chickens - from beginning to end. Need I say more?

Let's not forget Urszula! This delightful lady, a more recent member, has won the hearts of everyone she has met. We wish them great success and happiness in their new venture. Urszula, when making herannouncement at the meeting, invited all Club members to visit them when in Florida. She may regret this, since so many of our members winter in Florida! (Ha, Ha!)

Paul is one of those really great guys who is always ready to help anyone in need. He and Urszula WILL be missed by all.
- Len Keil

June Meeting

JUNE MEETING and SOCIAL EVENT

We are, having a
BRUNCH
Sunday - June 14th at Noon
hosted by and at the home of
Pete and Marylu Kramer
560 W. 58th Street - Hinsdale

Please join us for Bloody Mary's (virgin or otherwise), Mimosas, Food-A-Plenty, Cars, a short meeting - and Pontoon boat rides! (yes, there is a lake)

From the north: 294 south to Ogden west exit -Ogden Avenue west to Route 83 South - 83 South to 55th Street east exit and east on 55th to Madison (Hinsdale Central High School on the east corner) south on Madison to 58th Street and west on 58th Street three blocks to house on left corner which will have Tbirds galore on the driveway!

Sign up sheet or RSVP by June 9th
Email: MKramer562@aol.com Cell: 630 606-2416

1st Production Mustang Hardtop

photo caption- left: Lee Iacocca, The father of the Mustang, with the Fria's 002 1965 Mustang

photo caption- right: Bob & Joyce Fria's #1 '65 Mustang Hardtop on display at the Nethercutt Museum

THE FIRST PRODUCTION
MUSTANG HARDTOP
DISPLAYED AT THE NETHERCUTT
MUSEUM

The world famous Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, now has on display the first production Ford Mustang hardtop. The 60,000 square foot museum contains over 100 specialty automobiles that have been carefully restored to their original elegance. Packard, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Rolls-Royce, as well as other cars of their stature, are artfully exhibited in a way that shows many historical changes and developments of automotive design and engineering.

This 1965 first production Mustang hardtop was shipped from the Ford Dearborn factory to help launch the new Ford pony car to the public in April, 1964. The new introductory model was mistakenly shipped to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, Canada. It arrived too late for the continental first day public introduction and after its first retail sale one year later, dropped into obscurity for over 35 years. Discovered by Bob Fria after 13 previous owners, the car was restored to precise factory new specifications and has a fully developed provenance.
Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang, this first Mustang will remain on display until the summer of 2009. The historical hardtop is owned by Bob and Joyce Fria of LaCrescenta, California.

The Museum is located at 15151 Bledsoe St, off San Fernando Rd, in Sylmar, CA and is open to the public free of charge. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, 9am -4:30pm. For further information call (818-364-6464) or www.nethercuttcollection.org.
Note: The Fria Mustang was one of only 25 cars to be included in the HEART AND SOUL display at the Ford Centennial- Dearbord 2003.

Bob and Joyce Fria were CTCC members for many years, and Bob was one of the early T-Bird owners who had an "advanced" restoration performed on his White, 1956. Having visited the Nethercutt collection with Bob and Joyce in 2003, I consider the invitation to have the first '65 Mustang Hardtop on display as a fine tribute.
- Editor

Editor's Note: It was in the fall of 1964 when I met Lee lacocca at the Chicago Hilton. The occasion was the 2-hour introduction of the Ford lineup for the 1965 models. It was the year that we had been privileged to see - and photograph - the Ford '65 models while we were attending the (first) CTCI Convention in Dearborn, Michigan.
In addition to meeting the "Father of the Mustang," we met Henry Ford II and a number of other Ford executives who were in attendance at the elegant, albeit short. Ford unveiling of the '65 cars.

The Editor's Notebook- May 2009

the editors Notebook
Bert Eisenhour

IN SPITE OF ITS TRANSITORY BEAUTY, THE SNOW, WHICH GREETED US ON the morning of April 6th was most depressing to any owner of a collector car whose destiny is to live in the Midwest! While the dialogue for the lower picture on page 3 is mine, the facts remain: The driver was unaware of his extra "passenger" and he didn't suspect any problem - until his engine began over-heating!

The Mustang coverage on page 6 is included in this issue, since Bob Fria is a former member of CTCC. His # 1 Hardtop was featured at the Ford Centennial in 2003.

Thanks to Pete and Marylu Kramer, we will enjoy a Brunch/Meeting at their home on Sunday. June 14th. Details and directions appear on page 7. Mark the special date on your Calendar!

While the Air-Conditioning treatise (page 8) is quite obviously "tongue-in-cheek" (with the possible exception of #3), it is most interesting to note that photo #2 was submitted by the Elgin Police Department! We have a Redneck living in the Chicago suburbs? Page 9 features another edition of License Plates With a Message, thanks to Annie Luginbill! Thanks to Ken and Polly Kresmery, CTCC members are again invited to attend their super event - Day at the Hangar - on Sunday, August 23rd! Members attending last year's (13th Annual edition) reported having a marvelous time - plus a selection of excellent food-fare! COVER: (last para.): Should read ...... smaller 14" tires. [1955 &1956 T-Birds featured 15"tires.1

Spring Tour- May 1-3, 2009

CTCC SPRING TOUR
May 1-3, 2009

Friday, May 1- Participants join a regional caravan or drive on own to the Belvidere Oasis
1- Join a group leaving Ken & Kathy Smizinskis at 9:00 AM
2-Join a group leaving McDonalds (Butterfield & Rt. 53, Glen Ellyn) at 9:30 AM
3- Meet everyone at Belvidere Oasis- westbound I-90 (Milepost 54.5) by 10:45 AM
11:00 Am- Leave Belvidere Oasis
(Drive west on I-90 to I-39 to US-20 West to Winnebago Rd. Turn Left.
Turn Right just past the Pilot Station. Turn left at Cannell-Puri Ct. to Culvers)
11:30 AM- Lunch at Culvers- 807 Cannell-Puri Dr, Winnebago, IL
1:00 PM- Leave Culvers- drive 70 miles to Stoney Creek Inn- 940 Galena Square Dr.
(possible brief photo-op detour to the newly reopened Apple River Fort)
3:00 PM- Check in at Stoney Creek Inn
5:00 PM- Stoney Creek Inn "Northwoods Room" open for socializing (wine & beer provided)
6:30 PM- Pizza Party (sponsored by CTCC) "Northwoods Room"- Until 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 2- Continental breakfast in the Stoney Creek Inn breakfast room.
9:30 AM- Gather in Stoney Creek Inn parking lot to caravan into Galena- bring parking pass
(see Galena map for CTCC parking lot location)
10:00 AM- Trolley Tour of Galena including guided tour of The Dowling House (paid in full)
11:30 AM- Lunch and afternoon on your own.
Lunch suggestions:
Durty Gurts (235 N. Main) (see flyer- we liked it)
Boones Place (upstairs- 515 S. Main) (see flyer- we liked it)
Green Street Tavern & Restaurant- DeSoto House Hotel
Fritz and Frites- 317 North Main Street
American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor- 102 North Main
One Eleven Main- 111 North Main
Vinny Vanucchis- 201 South Main (we liked it)
5:00 PM- Stoney Creek Inn "Northwoods Room" open for socializing
6:15 PM- Gather in Stoney Creek Inn parking lot to caravan to Dubuque, Iowa
(see driving directions and map)
7:00 PM- Arrive at Catfish Charlies (1630 E. 16th Street) and assemble for "Group Photo".
7:30 PM- Embark on American Lady for the "Sunset Dinner Cruise" (paid in full)
9:30 PM- Disembark American Lady and caravan back to Stoney Creek Inn.
(see driving directions and map)
10:00 PM- Stoney Creek Inn "Northwoods Room" open for socializing- until 11:00 PM

Sunday, May 3- Continental breakfast at Stoney Creek Inn (For those who cannot last until 10 AM)
9:30 AM- Gather in Stoney Creek Inn parking lot to caravan into Galena- bring parking pass
(see Galena map for CTCC parking lot location)
10:00 AM- Breakfast Buffet at The DeSoto House Hotel (separate checks)
12:00 Noon- Say goodbye to Galena and drive home (US-20 to I-39 to I-90 or I-88)

Tech Session set for Apr-25-2009

Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

TECH SESSION - SAT., APRIL 25, 2009
BEGINNING AT 9:00 AM

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE
BELL CRANK INSPECTION, LUBRICATION AND ADJUSTMENT
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
BY KEN SMIZINSKI - CTCC TECH CHAIRMAN
AT BOB'S GARAGE
265 N. WAUKEGAN RD. - Lake Forest, Il. 60045

*****R.S.V.P. BEFORE APRIL 20, 2009*****
DON'T DELAY - CALL A.S.A.P.
CONTACT: BOB WENDERSKI FOR REGISTRATION
TEL: 847-234-2394 EMAIL: (bsw60045@comcast.net)

AGENDA:
9:00 AM TILL 10:00 AM COFFEE AND ROLLS
TECH SESSION BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 10:00 AM TILL 1:00 PM
AFTERWARDS LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

WEATHER PERMITTING GET YOUR "BIRD" OUT FOR THIS DUST-OFF EVENT
REMEMBER THE "SPRING TOUR" IS ONLY ONE WEEK OFF!
THE EXTENSIVE CTCC LIBRARY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BROWSING AND CHECK OUT
DON'T MISS THE GROUP PHOTO FOR THE "BIRD NEWS"

DIRECTIONS TO THE TECH SESSION:
TAKE (I-294) NORTH TO ROUTE 60 (TOWNLINE ROAD) - EAST ON ROUTE 60 TO WAUKEGAN
ROAD - TURN NORTH (LEFT) ON WAUKEGAN ROAD (APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF MILE) TO
265 N. WAUKEGAN ROAD (WHITE MAIL BOX / BLACK ROOF) ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROAD.
IF YOU REACH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT DEERPATH ROAD, YOU PASSED US UP!

IMPORTANT PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:
T-BIRDS TO THE REAR - DRIVERS IN FRONT

President's Report- April, 2009

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

BAIL OUT - WHY NOT ?
We are all fully aware of the serious financial conditions of the American auto industry. This financial situation has made it necessary to request funds from the U.S. Treasury, although not as much as the banking industry was to receive. After much berating by the senators, funds were approved, along with many caveats to be instituted before the money would be forthcoming. That is, most senators voted in favor of the funding, with the exception of six southern senators who voted against funding. It must be noted that these states have large, foreign car plants. These plants were built in states that gave these companies the largest tax breaks; in essence, the general public is subsidizing these companies. It appears like these senators would like to have the American auto manufacturers go broke. Wonder why?

Immediately after the announcement was made, "Letters to the Editor" started to appear in all matter of print. Letters suggested that the American auto industry be allowed to disappear. Writers' claims of American cars being inferior to foreign brands - at one time, certainly - are no longer true. It seems that writers think of auto workers as being expendable. If the auto industry were to fail, human and monetary costs would be incalculable. Yes, there are problems in the industry, including salaries and benefits, but new policies and procedures are being established to address these issues. I would guess that many of these writers would have no problem attending sporting events where ticket prices are over one hundred dollars for a single ticket! In addition, a beer at seven dollars and a hot dog at five dollars are typical "add-on" expenses.

Most professional players receive at least 1-million dollars per year. Big names command 10's of millions - or more. Case in point: A pitcher for the New York Yankees will be paid $161 million for seven (7) seasons! This equates to $24.2 million per year. Starting major league pitchers will probably start 30 games a season, on average. Figuring 4 hours per game x 30 (games) equals 120 hours of actual pitching per season. Based on the foregoing, the payment figures to be $201.666 per hour! I don't see anyone complaining about these salaries. SO: Are we still complaining about salaries and benefits that the U.S. workers receive?

If it were not for the auto industry [production] during WWII, we would not be able to complain about anything!!!!

- Len Keil

The Editors Notebook- April, 2009

the editors Notebook
BERT EISEINHOUR

AS SPRING MAKES ITS OFFICIAL 2009 ENTRANCE, WE DO SEE some encouraging signs that will put our T-Birds back on-the-road! Moderating temperatures and no road-salt give us hope. Our hard-working Webmaster, Joel Greenberg, has indicated that he will be listing the routing for the Spring Tour about one-week prior to the event. If you are signed up for the Tour, be sure to check out the CTCC Website in advance of the departure date - May 1st.

As mentioned in this column last month, e-mail from member, Dave Zornig, mentioned the fact that he had found a brochure covering one of the several attempts to market Replicas! It was this note (in 2008) that spurred my interest in a 'review' of the efforts by six different firms. The information is presented on pages 9 and 10 of this issue.

The picture of the Pavlak's Studebaker Hawk (page 6) was taken at the CCCA Car Show at Oak Brook Shopping Center on Father's Day, last June. The Greater Illinois Region of the CCCA annual display of approximately 100 cars is a major fund-raiser for the Club.

The rear-cover photo was received at press-time, so details of the special T-Bird event will be published in the May issue. Perry Anthony reports that the outing found 33 members of their Smoky Mountain Club enjoying the Terry Evanswood Magic Show and party!

Will you and your T-Bird be traveling the Illinois Highways before April1st?