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
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Editor's Notebook - Oct 2007
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
Monday, October 1, 2007
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.
Please check areas of interest:
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Monday, September 3, 2007
Editor's Notebook - Sept 2007
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE CTCC BOARD has decided to authorize what I term a FACELIFT for Bird-News! Our revised format is the result of Bob Hoge's offer to have his bank, the Valley Community Bank (VCB), provide the printing service in exchange for a one-half page advertisement in our newsletters. This inaugural issue is another step in the history of mimeographed copies (1962) followed by printed, electronic typewriter and computerized versions in subsequent years. Our thanks to Bob for his contribution!
As noted on page 9, CTCC members and Dick and Jill Burdette join the "Tennessee T-Bird brigade!" The exodus already includes the Anthony's and the Jurkonie's, while the Wrigley's have relocated in Missouri!
For those readers who might have had an interest in owning a De Lorean, there still might be hope, since all existing parts have been purchased by a new owner. The tentative plans project the production of some 500 more Back-to-the-Future cars!
As of August 23rd, CTCI reports that International membership now stands at 6,091.
Under the heading of, Who Really cares, while Tulsa, Oklahoma officials try to locate the winner of the ill-fated (1957) burial of the Plymouth Belvedere, scientists are eager to compare the 1957 gas to present gas. (There were 2-cans of gas stored with the entombed Plymouth.) Ken Smizinski, tired of sifting through the minefield of info on the problem of zinc reduction in many motor oils, finally made telephone contact with an engineer! The news is good; details in October.
The third edition of the Geneva Concours (August 26th) found absolutely perfect weather as CTCC had representation by the Pavlak's '55 and the Kramer's '56. Pete Kramer won Best-in-Class! The Werth's and Kelly's were on-the-scene, as we viewed/photographed the impressive field of vehicles.
-- Ed., Bird-News
Bird-News Wins Gold
BIRD-NEWS WINS GOLD IN 2007 CTCI NEWSLETTER [TOURING] CLASS COMPETITION.
As Editor, I have tried to maintain a high-level of content related to the classic T-Bird with an occasional, non T-Bird story of general automotive interest. Thanks to our members for their contributions in making the achievement of this award possible!
-- Ed., Bird-News
August 7, 2007
Hi - Bert and Jane:
Hope all is well. You did it again, Bert! A Gold Award for the BIRD-NEWS. Congrats! The Jurkonie's and Anthony's participated in the Region 1 [CTCI] Convention in New Jersey. Perry's car won a Silver Award, so very close to a Gold. Bill's Bronze 'Bird, which now has a White Hard Top, won his first-ever Gold Award! We had fun and wish other CTCC members could have attended. Hello to all, Take care.
-- Sharon & Bill Jurkonie
August 9, 2007 5:26:35 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Bert,
The Regional in NJ was excellent. Both the Jurkonies and we represented the Chicago club and were pleased to do it. We were the only ones from CTCC.
The event was a masterpiece in managing details for an exceptional Regional, with numerous people involved from this chapter of less than 40 members. The attention to detail was most appreciated and evident to most.
Bill and Sharon have worked enormously on their Bronze '57 and it looked just great ... so great it took a GOLD. Very deserved. Our "new" gunmetal also did well with a Silver, which is always good for a first time concours, I think.
We both trailered our cars, mostly without incident, although the lousy roads in Pennsylvania took a huge chunk from one of my trailer tires! We replaced it right on the concours grounds.
I took many old parts "for sale" from years of collecting and people seemed to really like the old original parts that I had ... especially the original FORD boxes. You can cancel my ad in "BN" for parts as nearly everything is gone.
A highlight of the evening was hearing your name ... and CTCC ... recognized for the newsletter. A GOLD to boot! Congratulations to you and Jane for all the hard work you put in. Bill J accepted the plaque on your behalf and I understand he has sent it to you.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Our best to everyone.
-- Perry [Anthony]
Congratulations!
Bert,
Congratulations on your award for the newsletter. You do a great job and I enjoy receiving it.
Regards,
Bob Bowie
Editor - Metroplex Early Birds
Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
"Hello my name is ..." CTCC Name Badges available
If you wish to order a magnetic CTCC Name Badge(s), send the information along with a check (payable to CTCC) to:
Liz Werth
22W413 Ironwood Drive
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
$2.00 each badge for New Members
$6.50 each badge for long-standing Members
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