2013 CTCC SPRING TOUR
We are planning our Spring Tour to Peoria & Decatur which will include our favorite things, i.e. classic cars, wine tasting & dining.
PREPAID COST OF THE TRIP WILL BE $61.00 PER PERSON.
Cost includes: museums, winery tour & tasting, buffet lunch & gratuity at the Chevy Museum and the poker run prize.
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS:
WELCOME HOTEL & SUITES/CHANGING NAME TO BEST WESTERN
5170 WINGATE DR.
DECATUR.IL 62525
217-875-5500
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY APRIL 15, 2013 TO RECEIVE OUR GROUP RATE OF $83.00 PER NIGHT PLUS TAX. BREAKFAST INCLUDED.
PLEASE MAKE TOUR CHECKS FOR $61.00 PER PERSON OR $122.00 PER COUPLE.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CTCC
MAIL TO: ED LEVIN
838 N. MAPLE AVE.
PALATINE, IL 60067
P. 847-963-8270, C. 847-609-5390
TOUR RESERVATIONS MUST BE IN BY APRIL 1ST
ITINERARY:
FRIDAY 5/3/13 LEAVE FROM HINSDALE OASIS AT 8:30 AM
- LUNCH AT AVANTE'S RESTAURANT IN PEORIA
- TOUR WHEELS OF TIME MUSEUM. PEORIA
- CARAVAN TO HOTEL IN DECATUR
- DINNER AT TED'S 50 STYLE DINER AND GARAGE
- BACK TO HOTEL FOR SOCIALIZING
SATURDAY 5/4/13
- BUFFET BREAKFAST
- LEAVE FOR TOUR OF CHEVY MUSEUM & BUFFET LUNCH AT THE MUSEUM
- LONG CREEK VINYARD FOR TOUR & WINE TASTING
- DINNER AT BEACHHOUSE RESTAURANT
SUNDAY 5/5/13
- SUNDAY IS A FREE DAY TO RELAX AND ENJOY SOME OF THE SIDE TRIPS ON YOUR OWN OR SHOPPING
- SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES: (CHECK OUT BROCHURES IN YOUR PACKET)
WABASH DEPOT ANTIQUE CENTRE. MONTICELLO RAILWAY MUSEUM. SHOPPING!!!!
- THE CLUB WILL HOST A FAREWELL PIZZA PARTY AT 6:30 PM AND ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE POKER RUN*.
MONDAY 5/6/13 Caravan Home
*We will have a special activity, The Poker Run. Each couple gets 1 playing card at 5 different locations in sealed envelopes (not to be opened until announced at the farewell party). The last envelope will be given at the farewell pizza party where all the envelopes are opened and the best poker hand will win a S100. gift certificate to a LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU restaurant.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
2013 SPRING TOUR
E Code Engine
There were reportedly 1,449 of these special dual quad engines installed in Fords at the Dearborn plant for the 1957 model year. The "E" code was rated at 270 HP and some had a little better camshaft that raised them to 285 HP . Although the "E" model was available throughout the 1957 model year, a very large percentage of the "E'"s were built in the last month of the production year. Ford decided to get out of the racing business (with the help of the government) and they had all these odd parts, so they really accelerated the production of this rare model. Ford also instructed their dealers not to charge for these options, and the factory invoices on these late models indicated NO CHARGE. In most cases, this directive was not adhered to. The handwriting was on the wall! The little Bird and it's "Y" Block engine was not going to be part of the 1958 Thunderbird line, and Ford didn't want all these unique parts in stock: so they put them on cars. The last 1957 Thunderbird built was an "E" model. Below is a copy of a factory invoice dated December 13, 1957 (13Z), the last day of production for the two seat Thunderbird. Notice the part circled states 312 8V ENG PROD SUB NC. The NC indicates No Charge. Copies of invoices with the no charge appeared as early as Mid-November, 1957. If you purchased the "E" engine prior to the give away, the cost would have been $301.35 with the Fordomatic Transmission, $253.35 with an Overdrive Transmission, or $151.35 with a standard transmission.
The "E" model has many unique parts. The valley pan is recessed to allow for the deeper casting of the manifold, as well as the different manifold hold down plates, linkage, fuel filter, fuel lines, air cleaner, distributor, and main wiring harness and carbs. The intake manifold was replaced by a dual carb aluminum manifold. The carbs appear to be similar to the original type of the 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds. The carbs were mounted backwards with the primary barrels to the rear of the car. This was done to accommodate the hood scoop. The reversal of the carbs allowed the air cleaner to be far enough back to allow the hood to close.
Dave Tulowitzkv
TIMING MARKS
PUGET SOUND EARLY BIRDS____________________________SEPTEMBER 2O12
TECHNICAL STUFF — TIMING MARKS
This month's article is in honor of the 2012 winner of the "Lee lacocca Award"
The timing marks for all original 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds can be difficult to locate on un-restored or older restorations. In some cases, the timing marks are either dirty or painted over and cannot be found.
The illustration in the FoMoCo shop manual is for passenger! cars only, which are located on the crank shaft dampener. The timing marks on the Thunderbird are located on the rear pulley edge. The large mark to the left if you are standing in front of the engine is TDC. The five lighter marks represent approximately two degrees each. The pointer is longer than a passenger car and the point is usually over the edge of the pulley as illustrated.
The marks can be found by using lacquer thinner or sand paper' to remove excessive paint or crud build up. Consult the shop manual and read other timing information in Gils Garage section CTCI website, www.ctci.org,
YESTERYEAR
WHILE ATTENDING THE 1964 "CTCI" GATHERING OF CLASSIC FORD Thunderbirds IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN, OUR FLOCK FOLLOWED THE LATE WYNNE EMINGER TO a remote parking area for our official group picture.
It was on this fateful day in June that our arrival on-the-scene happened to coincide with a major Ford project. There, were several semi-trucks that were being loaded with many different new Ford vehicles, apparently destined for transport to (exotic?) sites for photos. All of the vehicles were covered so as to hide their design features as the loading procedure progressed. My wife was exited to see that the new station wagons featured a novel face-to-face seating for the rearmost passengers!
It was only a matter of time before our group discovered a red beauty hiding under one of the covers... The men in charge of loading the cars into the trailers were very reluctant to even partially uncover this particular car - it being a gorgeous Mustang Fastback! Ultimately, Wynne Eminger was able to convince the crew that he was indeed a Ford employee, and one-end of the cover was (partially) folded-back, revealing this striking Mustang's front-end treatment. Our cameras went into action as more of the cover was removed by members of the still reluctant loading crew....
Eventually, we were able to get some basically unobstructed shots - with the proviso that we wouldn't display any of the pictures until after the official release of the new model designs in September of 1964. Of course, we shutterbugs took an Oath to honor this stipulation!
We now fast-forward to September of 1964, when my wife and 1 were pleasantly surprised to be numbered among the 1,000 persons invited to the gala Chicago showing of the entire Ford line-up for 1965! Arriving at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago, we noticed a limo with Michigan plates - hinting that some top brass Ford people might be in attendance...
Upon entering the hotel, a "greeter" asked if we would like to meet Mr. Ford? As we walked through the doorway into the large display room, we not only met Henry Ford II, but a line-up of top Ford executives, including Lee laccoca!
The "show" lasted just two-hours, as advertised, however, we and the other guests took full-advantage of the endless supply of hors d' oeuvres and liquid refreshments from a series of small bars! Naturally, the Mustang and the other cars were "old-hat" to us, and we were amused as we observed people's reaction to the Mustang, etc.
The room lights flicked off, the bars and food tables were moved out; our (second!) Preview of the new Ford line for 1965 was history!
- Bert Eisenhour
2012 CTCC Holiday Party
2012 -CTCC HOLIDAY PARTY REPORT
Unseasonably warm weather on December 1 was appreciated by the 69 people who attended the annual Holiday Party at Chandler's Chop House. Most guests received the annual "change your oil" reminder filters, while some of those without cars received appropriate favors. Everyone received a copy of the "Year-In-Review" DVD. The tables were set with T-Bird centerpieces, plates of Andes mints and, at each place, a handmade cookie, purchased to benefit the People's Resource Center/Food Pantry to which the club members have generously donated several times.
Following the cocktail hour and delicious dinner, Lloyd Schellin and Karen Kelly sang Happy Birthday to Mary Keil and Dan Mrozek and Happy Anniversary to Doug and Soon Hee Rogers. President Pete Kramer then made a few announcements, Ed Levin talked about the 2013 Spring Tour and Ken Smizinski updated the group on the progress of our bid for hosting the 2014 CTCI International Convention. (It has not yet been sanctioned.) Pete announced the winners of the Bert Eisenhour Award - Tom and Judy Bruin. Ken Smizinski and Len Vinyard then drew names for the door-prize raffle. The names were called in three rounds, so everyone went home with a pile of gifts.
Many thanks to Ken and Kathy Smizinski for planning the party, making the name cards and obtaining the oil filters and many of the door prizes, to Pete Kramer and his son, Steve, for the Year-In-Review show and DVDs, to Marylu Kramer for help with setting up, to Liz and Bill Werth for the cookies, centerpieces and mints, and to all those who donated items for the door prizes. As always, it was a fun night in a nice venue. Mark your calendars for December 7, 2013 - same place and time, slightly different menu!
CTCC MEMBERS ON-THE-SCENE:
Dan & Karen Anderson, Lee & Gina Bakakos, Bill & Jane Balogh, Tom & Judy Bruin, Bob & Marcy Burhop, Laura & Mike Cielenski, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Marianne Graziano & Paul Ureche, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Art Hahl, Gail Hascek, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Bud & Cindy Kryszak, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko, Tom & Aimee Lentz, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Pat & Mitch Mitchell, Dan Mrozek & Judy Butler, Mike Pavlak, Ron Pavlak, Dave & Marian Pogorski, Dan & JoAnn Renda, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers. Andy & Kathy Rominiecki, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Gary & Debbie Smithe, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bonnie Thelen, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Bill & Liz Werth, Tom & Alice Wolfe, Kami & Chad Woody, and Madeline Zambon
REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Liz Werth
President's Report
P RE S I D E N T * S REPORT
Calendar update: April 27th - Tech-Session at Wenderski's Garage
Happy New Year to all of our CTCC Members!
Our Holiday Party on 12/01/12 was really wonderful with 69 members attending. I would especially thank Kathy and Ken Smizinski for the fabulous door prizes and oil filters, Marylu Kramer for providing "girly" goodie bags" and Liz & Bill Werth for the beautiful table center pieces and hand-Grafted cookies that were a favor to take home. This personal purchase benefited the food pantry — thank you to Liz and Bill for thinking of this awesome idea and for being so generous — I ate mine before I got home!!
I would also like to thank my son, Steve Kramer, for producing and providing all attending member families with their very own copy of the "Year in Review" DVD. This was shown at the November Meeting and The Holiday Party. If any member who did not attend the Holiday Party, and would like a copy of the DVD, please contact me and we will get you one.
The Year in Review is a pictorial treasure set to appropriate music of all the events and activities of 2012. Keep it in your DVD library along with previous years as "CTCC Family Photo Albums". We had 25 events and activities during 2012 — a record. They included overnight tours, day trips, brunches, plays, social events, car club cruises, car shows and museums, etc. I encourage everyone to attend as many events as possible and experience and share in all the fun and fellowship our club offers.
Your Board is planning the 2013 calendar and needs more activities than indicated in the preliminary calendar included in theBird News. Please consider organizing and hosting an event or give the board ideas -- we're always looking for new events. Remember, it's your club -- get involved. We especially need tour leaders for the 2013 fall tours. Our club will not be hosting the 2014 CTCI InternationaFConvention,
as previously considered.
Our next event is the Dudes and Divas mid-winter romantic dinner at The Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights on Friday, January 18th. Can Ken for reservations. Our CTCC annual FREE Pizza Party will again be at Jake's in Mt. Prospect, on Thursday, February Nth (Valentine's Day). Please bring personal care products for donation to the Food Pantry. The regular Spring Meeting will be at Fuddruckers in Schaumburg. The Board members will select a permanent meeting place between me interim meeting places we've attended recently, and it the membership has additional suggestions for meeting places, please contacf me.
Please feel free to contact any board member - or myself, with ideas, thoughts, or concerns. I look forward to a great year T-Birding. Stay healthy and drive carefully.
- Peter Kramer
Dudes and Divas Dinner
DUDES AND DIVAS DINNER EVENT
January 18 was a beautiful, mild but windy day and the Dudes and Divas Dinner at the Palm Court was delightful. Thirty-two people enjoyed the semi-private room and excellent service. The conversations were lively and the food delicious
Thank you, Ken and Kathy, for once again planning a terrific winter outing. Attendees included Lee & Gina Bakakos, Tom & Judy Bruin, Laura & Mike Cielenski, Joe & Barb Esdale, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Gail Hascek, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Dave & Mary Jane Osborne, Doug & Soon Hee Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob & Barb Sroka, Bonnie Thelen, Bill & Liz Werth, Joe & Jeanette Wintz.
- Liz Werth
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Johnsburg Parade
560 West 58th St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
The comments from our residents have been overwhelming! I had a chance to visit with the members of your group after the parade, and believe they enjoyed taking part in our event. It was a very busy weekend for me and I would like to apologize for not being able to spend more time visiting with them.
I cannot say thank you enough to the drivers who generously gave us the use of their cars and time in being the highlight in this year’s event.
Rudy Budach
It is with sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that I record the passing of longtime member, Rudy Budach.
Rudy and Janet joined CTCC in February of 1970, and they became active members, attending club events, car shows, and parades in their 1956 Buckskin Tan T-Bird.
Rudy's early involvement led him to serve CTCC on committees and in offices, including Vice-President for the 1973-1974 term. He was always a willing helper in club projects and events.
As one example of his mischievous nature, Rudy once used his ever-present cigar to orchestrate what I kindly refer to as an "illusion." The scene unfolded at a local car show, where Rudy knew his cigarette lighter was inoperative! As the interior judging team arrived to check his '56, Rudy started his magic act by refraining from puffing on his lighted stogie. He depressed the lighter, and with exquisite timing, waited a few seconds before placing the lighter in contact with his cigar. The sight of several puffs of smoke proved convincing, as the judges didn't record any point deductions!
Perhaps one of Rudy's proudest moments was when Monogram chose his stock '56 as the design T-Bird for their project to produce a 1956 Thunderbird model kit! Monogram personnel gathered literally hundreds of photos of the Buckskin Tan 'Bird. These photos were used to create a series of wooden forms, representing the sections to be scaled for use in the kit. The resultant wooden T-Bird model was in of itself a tribute to the skilled Monogram designers. Rudy and I were in the plant on several occasions to observe the project progress, and our last visit allowed us to see the assembly line of workers involved in the final stages of packaging the kits.
As an example of Rudy's resourcefulness, he negotiated with the Oakbrook Polo organization in order to arrange for the CTCC members to drive their 'Birds around the field after the 1st 'chucker.' I accompanied Rudy on his first meeting with Jorie Butler, and the dream soon became a reality. As each 'Bird circled the Polo Field, the announcer described the model year, etc., from a script prepared by each driver. If memory serves, there were several appearances following the very successful initial event. It was apparent that the Polo crowd appreciated the sight of our "classics!"
It was in 1974 when Rudy became a willing accomplice in what I termed The Great Ford License-Plate Heist. A small group of CTCC members planned a visit to the Chicago Auto Show - on the closing day of the exhibit. The premeditated action found us armed with pliers and screwdrivers, as we stealthily removed a number of the Ford " Better Idea" plates from the Ford display cars. Our raid was deemed a success, with little or no interference from Ford. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Eventually, Rudy decided to part with his '56, converting to a (Red) '02 Retro model. Next, a Smart Car appeared in the Budach garage! (The above photo was taken (by Liz Werth) at the Kresmery Poplar Grove Hangar Event in 2009.) Rudy made a large, black "key" for the car!
Rudy's joie de vivre was always in evidence. The CTCC Officers, Directors and membership express their deepest sympathy to Janet and her family as we share in their loss.
- Editor
CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OFCHICAGOLAND
BIRD-NEWS -PAGE 3- NOVEMBER 2012
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