8 Thunderbirds flock to the party.

WHAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED

Often, what we take for granted, other people dream of. Such was the case of Cora Claypool. About a month or so ago, I received an email thru the club's website. Jill said her mother was turning 80 and they were planning a surprise party for her (she is also a 3 year survivor of pancreatic cancer). One of the items on her bucket list was to take a ride in a 1957 Thunderbird. Was there anything we could do?

By coincidence, the club was planning an outing in the area of the party on the day of the party. We arranged to stop by at a preset time and give Cora a ride in a 1957 Thunderbird. People at the party were amazed when 8 Thunderbirds pulled up in front of the house (1 1955, 1 1956, 5 1957s and 1 1959). Cora was absolutely ecstatic. Len gave her a short ride in his 1957. Then she got in Bob's 1956 (with the top down) and they were gone for 15-20 minutes. While people at the party were looking over the remaining cars, Cora was having a dream come true.

The family was very appreciative of what we did. When I asked Cora why she wanted a ride in a 1957 Thunderbird, she replied that she always thought of it as THE American sports car. She was very excited and thrilled about the opportunity. If we had more time I am sure she would have loved to go for a ride in each of the cars. About a short hour later, we were on our way. Everyone was happy about what we did- but no one was happier than Cora. I think we helped make it a special day for her.

Joel Greenberg

Riverview Presentation and March Meeting

CTCC MARCH 2014 MEETING

Over fifty members and friends gathered early to enjoy lunch and fellowship at Fuddruckers before the start of the March meeting.

A short business meeting began at 2:15. The members approved the 2014 budget and elected three Directors- Joel Greenberg, Lloyd Schelling and Len Vinyard. We then heard about upcoming events and tours, including the CTCC "Spring Fling" weekend tour to Springfield, IL. being organized by Len and Mary Keil, an outing to White Fence Farm being arranged by Laura and Mike Cielenski and the Annual Tech-Session at the home of Bob and Sue Wenderski. Those who wished to win one of the raffle prizes donated by Madeline Zambon dropped their names into the appropriate bags.

The business meeting ended and we were treated to a presentation about Riverview Amusement Park by Ralph Lopez, who worked at Riverview from 1957 until its closing. He is currently a caretaker of its history. Following the presentation, Ralph answered questions and offered Riverview memorablilia for sale.

Article and Photos by Liz Werth.

2014 Spring Fling Activities

2014 "Spring Fling" in Springfield, Illinois 

 Hosted by the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

IMPORTANT ITINERARY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Hello Everyone -
We have finalized the group events for our tour event to Springfield, Illinois. Attendance is your option, but we ask that if you do plan to attend, please complete the reservation form that follows, clip it and return it to us with your payment. We need all payments in advance and these reservation forms and payments need to be returned to us by April 15th (hey...you can mail your reservation form and tax returns on the same day!!!!)

                                                                                                   # Attending  Price Each  Total

Registration Fee    $10.00 per person                                            _____ x $10.00 ______
Friday 5/2/2014 Lincoln's New Salem $4.00 per person                    _____ x $4.00   _______
Saturday 5/3/2014 Lincoln's Tomb $4.00 per person                    _____ x $4.00   _______
Sunday 5/4/2014 Lincoln Library and Museum   $7.00 per person    _____ x $7.00    ___
(Optional Movie Sets at the museum $3.00 Add'l)                            _____ x $3.00   ___
Group Banquet-Saturday Night 5/3   $43.00 per person                    _____ x $43.00____
Please indicate your choice of entree (for you and spouse or co-traveler): New York Strip ___  Salmon__

Your Name: ___________________________________________
Spouse/Co-Traveler: ____________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Home Phone:__________________________________________
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________
Email Address:_________________________________________

Please return this form with your payment
(MADE PAYABLE to "Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland ") to Len and Mary Keil,

In addition to these organized activities, there a number of other side-trips that you may find interesting, including the old Illinois State House museum ($4.00 pp), the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Illinois Air Combat Museum, a visit to Cozy Dog, "inventor" of the corn dog, and much more! We have left of plenty of free time in the weekend schedule for you to explore on your own.

LADIES-  SPECIAL PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE BEST  'DERBY' DAY HATS

Havencrest Castle

BOB AND HELEN HOGES ONE-DAY OUTING REPORT
BY ANNIE LUGINBILL

Outing Date: October 27, 2013

Destination: Havencrest Castle, Savanna (Illinois, not Savannah, Georgia, sillies!)

Details: A group of CTCC folks including Tom and Judy Bruin, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Jerry and Doreen Michna (accompanied by Doreens mom), Jerry and Pat Peterson, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Len and Irene Vinyard, and Bob and Sue Wenderski met Bob and Helen at the Wasco McDonalds bright and early Sunday morning and headed west to the eastern bank of the Mississippi to visit Havencrest Castle in Savanna; along the way we were joined by Debra Powless, who was chauffeured by Jared, her son, and then we met Pete and Marylu Kramer in Savanna.

The Hoges had arranged for a great tour of  the one and only Savanna Castle - Havencrest Castle, which had been originally called Hillcrest and was built in the early 1900s by Savannas Greenleaf family as part of a bet to see which of the towns elite could construct the fanciest home. The Greenleafs won, having TWO indoor water closets, hot and cold running water, and electricity in a time when these were uncommon. The family remained there until the 1940s, when Mr. Greenleaf and then his wife died, and their children moved away. The building went through a number of changes until in 1976 Alan and Adrianne St. George purchased the home and began a lifelong process of expanding and decorating it in what one writer has termed the manner of American Aristocracy. The couple were fulfilling their credo "Reality is for those who lack Imagination" and they increased the number of rooms from 22 to 63, with each having a theme such as The Fragonard Music Room, The Chicago Conservatory, and The Medieval Hall. They did all the work themselves without an architect or a designer; Adrianne was the inspiration while Alan was the creator of these rooms, which blend fantasy and reality. As rooms were completed, the two held extravagant parties, balls, and fundraisers (Adrianne was the founder of the areas Humane Society, and the building housed not only the couple but six of their dogs). The St. Georges were deeply devoted to each other, and in every room there are representations of the two, whether sculptured, painted, or created in stained glass by Mr. St. George. (Side note #1: We actually had the pleasure of being personally welcomed by Mr. St. George at the original entrance to the building, courtesy of Bob and Helen!) Mrs. St. George passed away in 2006, leaving her husband devastated. After a mourning/ healing period of five years, he returned to working on their beloved home and, in a completely different vein, created a room containing contemporary art as opposed to the period/fantasy themed rooms.

We split the day in half; first we toured a number of rooms, next we ate lunch in the castle dining room on their amazing dishware and then we completed our tour. We were able to view 22 of the home's 63 rooms (Mr. St. George and others also live there so there were rooms not open to the public) and were quite impressed by the details everywhere, from moving butterflies in the conservatory to a face in the painted clouds of a ceiling. Our primary guide was Michael Dunavant, the curator, a young man with a golden voice who has spent time performing on Broadway and who was persuaded to play the piano and sing for us; he was ably assisted by Mrs. Jean Ferris and their cohort Ryan. (Side note #2: Michael and Jean persuaded Alan to open his home to the public in July 2013, and the St. George dream of hosting parties, weddings, birthdays, and other events is being realized.)

The tour was truly an experience that we won't soon forget and our hats are off to Bob and Helen for a wonderful time!

Des Moines Convention

Region 2 Convention- "Thunder in the Heartland"

Let me tell you a story about the 'Birds in Des Moines, IA, for the Classic Thunderbird Club Region 2 Convention called "Thunder in the Heartland" Aug.21-25. 2013.

It was a hot and steamy Wednesday morning, when 4-T-Birds, earrying Bill and Liz Werth, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Larry and Karen Kelly, Jim Wilson and one Chrysler Sebring, carrying Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill,. whose 'Bird was out sick, headed to the McDonald's on Rte. 53 and Butterfield Road to start our trek to Des Monies at 8:15 am. Three more 'Birds joined us at the DeKalb Oasis: Len and Mary Keil, Tom and Judy Bruin and Lloyd and Joan Schellin.

We stopped for gas and breakfast/lunch at the Village Inn in Davenport. IA. It was free pie Wednesday and no one could resist. When lunch was over and everyone was paying their bills, our jokester, Tom Bruin, took the large bowl of candy suckers off the counter and began passing it around to a table of elderly women playing cards, while waiting for their meal. They laughed joyously and helped themselves to a piece or two and so did we.

As we continued our journey, we stopped at a rest area to stretch and get something to drink.. While
there. Lloyd, Judy and a few others were sitting at a picnic table under a tree, when suddenly a very slinky visitor made its appearance. Everyone scrambled like it was a boa constrictor, but it was only a garden snake slithering around minding its own business.

We arrived at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel at about 4:30 pm . It was time to register for the Convention and our hotel rooms. It was a long day. Ed and Rose (brave souls) drove all the way with the convertible top down. We hooked up with Ken and Kathy Smizinski. who drove from Missouri. and had arrived a bit earlier than the rest of us. Although everyone was tired, we were also hungry and decided to walk across the road - about 2 or 3 blocks - to Chill's for Mexican food. As the 15 of us waited for our table(s), Tom Bruin, once again, decided to entertain us by handing each or us a kid's menu and crayons to keep the group occupied. Once seated, the food and margaritas were abundant.

Thursday afternoon there was a Fashion Show in the hotel atrium. It was a short presentation, but Judy and I managed to buy something to enhance our wardrobes. Afterwards, while our men were cleaning and polishing the T-Birds. Kathy Smizinski invited all the ladies to her room for some "juice" - which consisted of Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Needless to say, we were not missing our men.

At 7:00 p.m. that night we had our traditional Pizza Party outside on the pool patio of the hotel. It was a beautiful night with lots of laughs, libations, conversation, and silliness.FUN! FUN! FUN! The rest of our club members. Mitch and Pat Mitchell, Bob and Kathy Lindsten. Gordon Gluf'f. Mike Puvlak, Mary Jane and Dave Osborne and Bill and Sharon Jurkonie joined us. Bert and Jane Eisenhour also joined us later.

On Friday morning, those who were judging or had cars being judged were outside doing their thing. At 8:30 am the girls went on the Taste of the Heartland Bus Tour. While on the bus, our tour guide played some games, where if you answered a question correctly, you would win some Mardi Gras beads. Whoopee! We won some.

Our first stop was at the American Machine Shed Restaurant for enormous cinnamon rolls and coffee. They have a cute store front where some purchases were made by many. Alter our breakfast, we continued on the bus to the Last Village area in downtown Des Moines. We walked the quaint streets lined with various little shops and. of course, did some shopping.

Back on the bus, we headed to the heart of downtown Des Moines, to the top of the Ruan Building for lunch, with a breathtaking view from the 34th floor. Lunch was delicious with salads, mushrooms, nuts, berries, cheeses, fruit, soup and desserts. While we were waiting for our turn at the buffet. Annie gave each of us a cute book mark, unique to each one of us: Kathy and Rose was "she who loves to travel;" Karen, "she who loves her dog;" Judy, "she who is a free spirit:" Joan, "she who has a great attitude;" Mary, "she who loves her cat." Very sweet and thoughtful of Annie.

After lunch, we traveled to West End Architectural Salvage. There you will find four floors of antique furniture, vintage lights, hardware and building materials, stained glass, etc., etc., etc.. located in a downtown warehouse. They also have a coffee shop on the first floor with various types of coffee, cookies and cakes to purchase and relax. The West Hnd Salvage is very well known from the IKJTV television show.

Our last stop on the tour was to the Jasper Winery near Gray's Lake, to sample wine pairings with Iowa cheeses and locally made chocolates. The people at the winery made an excellent presentation. We all had our share of the tastings and were ready for our return to the hotel. But. before leaving, Kathy and Karen bought a couple of bottles of wine to take home.

That evening, our group split up for dinner. Some of us drove to Nick's Steakhouse, while others decided to eat at restaurants near the hotel.

On Saturday, there was a large group of beautiful Thunderbirds thai caravanned to the Karl Kustoms facility. It is a modern 65.000 sq. ft. building housing JR. Motorsports, a machine shop, an all-wheel-drive chassis dyno, engine dyno (a computerized engine dynamometer that accurately measures torque and RPM and then can calculate horsepower), two high tech paint booths, upholstery shop and assembly areas, for all their restoration and street rod production work. They also produce the Karl Kustom Corvettes, where they "rebody" the C-6 version of the Corvette to resemble either a 1967 Corvette Roadster or the iconic 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. Their Tearn Leader. Dave Carnock. explained each room in detail and answered questions. It was very interesting to see the transformation of these cars and how beautiful they looked.

After visiting the Karl Kustoms facility, we drove to Dennis Albaugh's for a private tour of his unique collection of 145 plus Chevrolets. His collection is not open to the public, only toured by private arrangement. Dennis Albaugh is a highly respected businessman who houses his World Class display in a custom-designed, climate controlled facility under the parking lot of his Corporate Headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa. Among the cars is a vast collection of automotive art and collectibles.

This is an absolutely beautiful display of Chevrolets, with a plaque describing each car's features, options and rarity. Everyone was in awe of this fabulous display and thoroughly enjoyed being there.

After the morning of touring we were ready for lunch. Tom consulted his smart phone and 11 of us ventured to Ray's BBQ. This place was jammed. It was right next to a motorcycle shop where they were having a rally of some sort. There had to be about 100 motorcycles gathered in the parking lot. We were lucky to get in the restaurant and chow down. After lunch, we went back to the hotel to get ready for the Awards Banquet that evening.

The banquet started with cocktails at 5:30 pm. Around 6:30, we entered the dining room to find our tables and to be seated for dinner, which was served at 7:00. On one wall, there was a giant video screen showing all the beautiful Thunderbirds that were at the Convention.

During dinner, it was announced that the centerpiece on each table, a Hurricane glass centerpiece with candle, would go home with the person who had a green ticket under their plate. After dinner - there was the presentation of awards. As the winners were announced, each owner's "Bird and name was shown on the big screen. Beautiful job.

I am proud to say that many of our CTCC members received awards this year. Congratulations to each and every one of the winners,

Sunday was an early start, eheek out and on the road at 7:00 am. All packed and ready to go. we said farewell to Des Moines and were homeward bound. We made one stop for gas and had breakfast at an off-the-road diner. As Karen said, "At $5.99 for breakfast, how could you go wrong?" With our bellies now full, we said our good byes to each other and were on our way.

ALL IN ALL THIS WAS A GREAT CONVENTION!!!

- Rose Kovalenko

Search for Dream Tour Cars

FORD'S AMERICAN DREAM CAR TOUR In 2000 when Ford announced that it would begin building the 2002-model Thunderbird, Americans in major cities across the country had a chance to win one of three 1950s era classic Thunderbirds as part of a special tour designed to build on the excitement of the car that has become a national icon. Beginning Memorial Day weekend on May 27, 2000, three mid-1950s era white, two-seat road­sters began a tour driving through the streets of 144 cities and towns as a part of Ford's "American Dream Car Tour." The tour kicked off in southern California, south Florida and the greater New York area. It continued through August 20. People spotting one of the classic white Thunderbirds sporting the American Dream Car Tour logo could enter a sweepstakes and could win one of three vintage cars. The observers could enter online or mail a letter stating infor­mation on the day, city and approximate loca­tion they saw the car. The sweepstakes winners were announced in October. Dealers were not yet taking orders for the new 2002 Thunderbird. However, the American Dream Car Tour was the first step in Ford's mar­keting efforts for the new car. Two of the Dream Cars (white '55's with red interiors) were restored for this promotion by Justin Minter (Amos Minter's son) and his crew in Dallas. A third Thunderbird was purchased from Prestige Thunderbird in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The winners of these cars were Kirn Marsella of Greenwich, CT, Griggon Barry of Springdale, AR and Jeff Peck of Deltona, FL. Where are fhese cars today? -Dave Tulowitzky | Trail Bird News 2012

The Battlebirds

SPORTS & CLASSICS OF MONTEREY
12-14 August 2010

Lot 135

1957 Ford Thunderbird # 98 Factory Racing Car "The Battlebird"
Sold for $280,000
Chassis no. C7FH170266

Est. 350 bhp, Hilborn fuel-injected 312 Y-block V8 engine, Jaguar four-speed manual transmission, Halibrand QC rear end, lightweight aluminum body panels, heavily modified suspension, braking, cooling and exhaust systems, wheelbase: 102".

-The only remaining 'Battlebird"
- Driven by Chuck Daigh and Marvin Panch at Daytona in 1957

The "Battlebirds"
Ford's Thunderbird series, which debuted in 1955 was designed more as a stylish and fast boulevard cruiser than as an out and out sports car. However in late 1956, perhaps sensing the early V8 Corvette's potential as a track weapon, Ford decided to build and race two Experimental class 1957 T-Birds.

Peter De Paolo Engineering, a Long Beach, California based race shop subsidized by the Ford Motor Company, got the job of preparing two T-Birds, later dubbed "Battlebirds" by the media. Famed racecar constructors Jimmy Travers and Frank Coons were in turn retained by De Paolo to carry out most of the actual modifications.

"Battlebird" Specifications
Extensive use of aluminum to replace standard T-Bird steel components in order to save weight was employed. This included the doors, hood and trunk lid skins, head and tail lamp housings, side vent doors, passenger side tonneau cover and a beautiful streamlined full length driver's side head fairing. Heavy duty stock car type suspension, steering and brakes were adapted as well as a dual exhaust system with tail pipes being flared into the rear of the rocker panels. The lightweight Halibrand magnesium road wheels with 3-eared knock-offs were fitted with Firestone racing tires. The original interior was completely removed and replaced with a single lightweight racing seat located behind a small six-gauge instrument pod that replaced the original dashboard layout.

The #98 'Battlebird' was powered by a highly modified Hilborn-injected 312 Ford Y-Block V8 with magneto igninition. No suitable American 4-speed transmission existed in 1956, so a Jaguar XK120 unit was adapted, as well as a Halibrand Quick-Change rear end. Removal of bumpers and liberal hole drilling in steel components was also undertaken by the De Paolo team. Weight distribution was improved by moving the engine back six inches and placing it four inches lower. The end result was essentially a "full-race" American automobile that still looked like a 1957 Thunderbird but had very little in common with its normal showroom relative.

A Sports Cars Illustrated (July 1957) article entitled "Ford's 400 Horse T-Birds" said it best: "Performance wise the 'Birds were little short of bing domestic Ferraris. On second thought, they should have been- for each of these finely engineered cars must have cost more then $20,000!"

The "Battlebirds" on the Track
Specifically constructed for the highly publicized Daytona Beach two-way flying mile speed runs, the two cars made their first appearance on February 9th, 1957.

Driven by Chuck Daigh, this T-Bird, numbered as "98" and fitted with injection and a McCullough [McCulloch- Ed] supercharger, reportedly made a 200 plus mph run before ventilating its block and preventing a return run which disqualified it from the record book. After that, the blower was removed and the new engine took Daigh to a third place at 93.312 mph in the standing mile acceleration class. #98 was then entered in the local airport road course races where stock car driver Marvin Panch placed second to Carroll Shelby's 4.9 Ferrai. When the Automobile Manufacturers Association decreed that its members were to withdraw from racing events in 1957, the Ford Motor Company sold off the two experimental "Battlebirds" to the private sector.

"Battlebird" History After Daytona.
Both cars- the #98 (#170266) and the #99, powered by a 368 Lincoln engine- were sold by FOMOCO to Andy Hotten in July of 1957 who campaigned them briefly in the Midwest with a partner. The Lincoln-engined car was destroyed and longer exists, making the #98 'Battlebird' the only Factory-built example to remain.

Later, Hotten sold #98 to Parnelli Jones, remaining in his museum until 1975 when it passed to Gerald Popejoy of Dallas, Texas. In 1991 Popejoy, now in Springfield , Missouri, advertised tn Hemming's for someone to help restore the car.

Californian Gil Baumgartner, Authenticity Chairman of the Classic T-Bird Club and a skilled restorer, replied to the ad but received no response. In 1992, when Popejoy decided against a restoration in favor of a sale, Baumgartner caught the ad and talked his friend Robert "Bo" Cheadle, a well-to-do racecar collector, into the purchase. By this time (1993) the car was still quite original but missing the Hilborn Injection, tonneau cover and Jaguar transmission.

Gil Baumgartner, a perfectionist if ever there was one, did a lot of "Battlebird" research before turning a wrench, but once started, the project came together in less than a year.

The next and current owner, a noted East Coast Ford Collector and vintage racer, managed to acquire the remaining 'Battlebird' in early 2000's after some negotiation. In July 2004, after many updates to the restoration, he was awarded a permanent AACA Class 24-A Certification as a modified racecar. After much national show success and vintage racing participations, including the Monterey Histronics, this consignment presents a rare and unrepeatable opportunity for an acquisition of what is surely the most famous 1957 Factory-built racing T-Bird extant.

Director's Report- region 2

Greetings from the CTCI Board of Directors. I think I finally have all Region 2 Chapter addresses for e-mail, plus a few that I send via U.S. Mail.


I would like to share with you some CTCI info from our Annual Board Meeting held in February. CTCI finished the 2012 year strong with a very successful International Convention in Memphis, Tennessee last August. The event generated lots of publicity and the club store sold a significant amount of 50th anniversary merchandise. We ended the year with approximately 5700 members which is similar to last year. Jack Gray was hired as Managing Director last October and has proven to be a valuable asset. He has updated our accounting system, inventory, and policy and procedures manual. Several projects are in development that will relate to member recruitment and Chapter benefits. Unfortunately our 2012 budget ended in the red due mainly to increased personnel expenses and required some supplement from our savings. We also will be over budget for 2013 due to some needed capital improvements and computer replacements. Since most of our revenue is from membership dues a Board working committee to develop a strategy to increase membership was established. I am serving on that Committee. It is possible that a member dues increase will be needed in the future. The 2013 President of the Board is Bill Long, a retired Ford executive from Tennessee; Vice President is Geraldine Nuckels from Texas; Secretary is Sandra Hood from Texas; and Treasurer is Rick Martin from Tennessee. Watch for more CTCI involvement with our Chapters this coming year with a Chapter benefit program and a member recruitment program.

Two Regional Conventions are scheduled this summer. Region 3 will host a Convention in San Jose, CA July 31-August 4 and our Region, Region 2 will host a Convention in West Des Moines, IA. August 21-25 We hope many of you will attend one, especially our West Des Moines Convention. As of this report we do not have a club to host the 2014 Convention and if no club comes forward CTCI itself may need to sponsor the Convention. Many Classic Car Clubs have the national office develop and sponsor their Conventions but CTCI has always had local Chapters volunteer in the past.

One of my goals as your Region 2 Director is to attend one of your Chapter meetings over the next couple of years. A lofty goal at best, but if you would put me on your mailing list for your Chapter newsletters, or e-mail me a copy, I will review your meeting schedules and try to attend one. Also, please contact me with any thoughts or issues your Chapter may have, I really do want to actively represent our Region any way I can My contact info is in the Early Bird and also printed below. I also look forward to seeing many of you at one of the Regionals this summer.

HAPPY THUNDERBIRDING !!!

Bob Young, 30196 Old Portland Road, Adel, IA 50003 . : (515) 229-3870

Art Hahl's '57 Tbird

ART HAHL AND HIS '57 TBIRD

MY QUEST FOR A TWO-PASSENGER Thunderbird started sometime shortly after their introduction in 1954. Being a bit young at the time, it took till the summer of 1962 for me to finalize the quest! Enter my '57 Thunderbird, Red with a White Hardtop, Red interior, 312 c.i.d., 3-speed transmission, no power anything; it was purchased at Grossinger Pontiac, 3838 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL.

This was my second car, a daily driver. At that time, I was always reading car magazines, hanging out at Speed Shops, Ray Eriksen's, Von Esser E & R, or McDonald's on Cicero,

In the fall, I read an article about a 406 Tri-Power engine in a 1957 T-Bird; there were 3 pages of pictures, but very little information . It happened in Brooklyn, N.Y., so I wrote a letter to request some information -- no reply.

About that time I heard word of a '62 Galaxie wreck at Illinois Auto on State St. and Archer in Chicago, One quick trip there produced [1] a 406 cubic inch engine, [2] a 3-speed O.D. transmission, [3] a 4:11 Equa-Loc rear end. So, with only 9,000 miles on the engine, I purchased the entire lot for $700.00. January 1963: My good friend, Gary Pierice, and I proceeded to remove the 312 and trans, study pictures and remove obstructions in the engine compartment. Next, came reversing the oil-pan sump and pick-up, also, establishing a remote oil filter set up. The engine and trans were shoehorned into place using the present transmission mounts. Steel plates were contoured to accept the stock engine mounts. The right side exhaust manifold provided to be no problem, but the left side was split between cylinders 5 and 6 to accommodate the steering box,

The engine fit is very close to stock, but a totaled '56 'Bird "donated" hood was used to lengthen the scoop to cover the Tri-Power air-cleaner.

Then, it was a trip to the welding shop to secure the engine-plate; next to Iggy's Muffler Shop for a new exhaust system.

By the end of February, I was back on-the-road with one go-fast Thunderbird! During the rest of the year, I had a few small problems: The biggest was the clutch linkage.

January 1964: The letter from Uncle Sam arrived and the Thunderbird went on blocks; engine oiled, valves seated and gasoline drained.

February 1967: After the BIG snowstorm, it was back home, the 'Bird can fly again! Now, it was time to make it look as good as it ran. It needed quarter-panels, wheel-wells, rocker-panels, bumpers, dash-pad, seat and door-panels, carpeting and a new windshield - all at normal prices - provided by my friendly Ford Dealer, Johnson Ford at 2830 Cicero. Next, it was off to the body shop for a "face-lift," it was a small shop (4-cars) at Halsted & Belmont with the 'Bird to be worked on as "fill-in" time. Time passed slowly, but another '57 'Bird landed on the scene - it was Thunderbird Bronze with a Tan convertible top, White interior with power everything - a California car.

'Bird One was now ready - Highland Green, with a Dark Tan interior. Re-assembly was proceeding, but at a very slow pace, as some speed bumps came along: marriage, house and children. I decided to sell the #2 'Bird, in view of the gas shortage, my job change and picking up small pieces. The #1 'Bird was now parked (undercover) in a corner of the basement.

Time passed to the spring of 1996 and we had a house fire; the 'Bird was not damaged, except for smoke marks on the paint. The house is eventually fixed, and the 'Bird is repainted, but is still not being driven. The original bumpers were re-chromed in 2001 and the engine was pulled in 2005 to be converted for no-lead gas (hardened valve-seats).

In 2009, things really came together; new carpets, headliner, door-panels, padded dash, electric wipers, replacement heater box and hoses. It was late in the year, so I did not fire it up till the spring of 2010.

What we now have is my "personal" car -color, interior, engine and trans, but still looking like a 1957 Thunderbird (my way); all Ford.


Art Hahl

2014 Convention

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OF CHICAGOLAND: WHY WE ARE NOT HOSTING THE 2014 60th ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION

At the 2012 International Convention in Memphis, several members of the International Board approached a number of Chicago Board members about hosting the 2014 Convention. While the International Board members wanted to meet with the Chicago Board prior to the International Board meeting at the convention, at that point Chicago had not given any thought to hosting the 2014 Convention, so this meeting never occurred. However, in September, the Chicago Board decided to put together an exploratory committee to look into the feasibility of Chicago hosting the 2014 convention. After doing extensive research, the committee suggested that the convention be held in Springfield, Illinois because Chicago was cost prohibitive. A good hotel had been found, and a variety of activities were projected. Several Chicago members also volunteered to take on some of the major responsibilities associated with hosting a convention. This was presented to our Chicago Board, which agreed that our club should pursue this.

We also discussed hosting the convention with John Smith (International President at the time) and Bob Young (incoming Region 2 Director [we are part of Region 2]). John was talking with people at Ford Motor Sports and Bob was having discussions with the Ford Dealers Association regarding support for the convention.

Our next step was to have the convention sanctioned by the International. We submitted our request to John Smith, outlining our plans, and included all pertinent information from the contract with the hotel. At this point, Martin Bierman, an International Board member (Region 5 Director, an elected, voting position), demanded to see the hotel contract. Since the International was not a party to the contract, which was between the hotel and Chicago, the Chicago Board felt that since we were assuming all the financial liability, there was no need for Mr. Bierman to review the actual contract, as Mr. Smith had received all of the pertinent information. Subsequently, Rich Martin (International Concours Coordinator [an appointed, non voting position]), under the guise of "helping us," told the International Board that if Chicago did not follow the International's "Guidelines" we would "set the stage to split the club in the future." The Chicago Board was then given a 37-page document entitled "2013 Convention Guidelines and Concours Procedures," which had been revised by Rich and Lois Martin in late 2012. At that point there were "Guideline"-associated criticisms from some at the International, including the fact that we did not have every responsible convention position filled prior to submitting our request. Since the Chicago Board did not want to be involved with any perception that Chicago would "split the club," we withdrew our request.

John Smith spent several days talking with members of the International Board persuading them to vote for sanctioning. Chicago was then told that if our proposal was resubmitted there would be no problem getting the event sanctioned. Thus Chicago resubmitted our proposal, adding Concours Chairman and Chief Judge to the list of Chicago's filled convention positions. However, rather than Chicago receiving a smooth vote for convention sanctioning by the Board (voting via email), Mr. Martin resigned as Concours Coordinator Chairman. A couple of International officers and directors made a procedural motion that stopped the vote to sanction our request. They told the other directors that they did this because they heard another club was thinking about hosting the 2014 National Convention in New York City (without verifying any details). They said "they wanted to give this club until the February Board Meeting to submit its request". This did not materialize, as the club involved was never really interested in hosting a convention.

At this point, Chicago was fed up. The procedural motion was used to prevent Chicago from getting sanctioned. All this primarily because we would not let the International see our contract with the hotel. We do not feel the International has the right to review our club's or any other club's financial documents.We withdrew our request for the second and final time.

Additionally, some International Board members feel that the document entitled "Convention Guidelines and Concours Procedures" is in fact a set of RULES that must be followed to the letter. Other International Board members think it is, in fact, a collection of GUIDELINES to help clubs which need assistance running a successful convention. This clarification will have to be decided on by the International Board.

Those Chicago members who read Mr. Bierman's Director's Report in the April issue of BIRD-NEWS will note that he states "...we do not have a club to host the 2014 Convention, and if no club comes forward..." Chicago in fact did submit a well thought out and detailed proposal that we think would have presented the International's membership with a convention that would have been every bit as good as the recent Memphis Convention and a fitting tribute to the 60th anniversary of the Thunderbird, but because of the refusal of the International Board to grant Chicago sanctioning for the event, we will never know.


CTCC 2014 Convention Committee

THE ORIGINAL THUNDERBIRD'S CHICAGO DEBUT

THE ORIGINAL THUNDERBIRD'S CHICAGO DEBUT

By M. J. FRUMKIN

My very first impressions of the original two-seat Thunderbird were formed fifty-one years ago at the annual Chicago Auto Show It was during the 1954 extravaganza that my father, Ted, and I witnessed one of the earliest public exhibitions of a car that became an American icon.

This historic moment was held Saturday, March 13 on the first floor of the International Amphitheatre, which stood at Halsted and 42'"' Street. A total of 55,000 paid the forty-five cent child and ninety cent adult admission on that opening day, and I clearly remember the mobs of humanity happily jammed into the two story exhibit hall.

When we reached the Thunderbird display on the ground level people were pressing against each other straining to get a glimpse of Ford's elegant two-passenger concept. Since we were standing close to the front and my father was six feet tall I had an unobstructed view of the demonstration while sitting on his shoulders. I recall bright lights illuminating a turquoise car, with attractive female models wearing pastel evening gowns and men in business suits milling alongside the vehicle. As the Thunderbird slowly revolved on the turntable a lady dressed in yellow gracefully pointed out various design details, like the recessed door handles wraparound windshield and easily removable fiberglass hardtop roof. Suddenly she made a swooping motion to illustrate the T-Bird's low silhouette. While sitting inside the car on the one-piece, foam-contoured seat she operated the safety glass roll up windows and telescopically adjustable steering wheel. Later I learned her name was Miss Reggie Dombeck Chicago's "Miss Photo Flash Of 1954.

Next, a spokesman popped the hood and swung it up to expose Ford Motor Company's new high-compression, low-friction, short stroke Y-block V-8 with overhead valves. He announced that this dream machine's engine had a four-barrel carburetor and 160 horsepower all connected to Fordomatic drive with a floor-mounted range selector. Basically this was the same power plant found in the 1954 Mercury.

At the conclusion of the Thunderbird performance my dad took me into the little Ford theatre that was part of the mam floor exhibit. Showing on the hour from 11 AM to 11 PM through March 21 was a CinemaScope film of Fords newest cars and trucks, including behind the scenes planning of the 1954 models. The Technicolor movie was shot entirely at Ford's test track and plant in Dearborn Ml. Admission was free but tickets had to be obtained either from a Ford dealership or at the Ford passenger car exhibit located on the second floor of the Amphitheatre.

Included in that upper level space were cutaway models of the l-block 6 and Y-block V-8 engines which operated in slow motion to reveal the action of every piston and valve. Another interactive Ford display allowed visitors to compare power versus manual steering, brakes, window lifts and seat action.

Two fiberglass sports cars also vied for the publics attention at the 1954 show the limited production Chevrolet Corvette and the Kaiser Damn by Kaiser-Willys Motors. But as I recall the enthusiastic approvals from the auto show crowd back then was that Thunderbird was really something special. Here was an American designed steel bodied sporty car that had personal luxury comfort and safety combined with high performance. When the 2002 T-Bird went into production it was deemed a 21st Century interpretation of the 1955-1957 classic. Yet none will have quite the same impact for me as the turquoise two-seat Thunderbird that debuted in the spring of 1954.

(Mitchel J Frumkin is the author ot six books and writes auto related columns for web sites and publications including "You Auto Know" in the Northwest Herald newspaper. He served as Director of R & D for 14 years at Publications International Ltd and was responsible for the development and photographic acquisition of more than 300 Consumer Guide books and issues of Collectible Automobile magazine. Mitch's original paintings and computer-enhanced photographs have appeared in many books, newspapers and magazines. Prior to entering the publishing field Mitch designed toys for companies including Playskool and Kenner and he holds several design patents )

This page first appeared in the CTCC "B-4" Program Book (2005). The event commemorated the 50lh Anniversary of the Ford Thunderbird, featuring an aerial photo of 50 classic T-Birds - parked in a "50" formation.

The truly spectacular salute to the original Thunderbird also included a one-half scale
color photo of the "first production 'Bird," - S/N 100005. The T-Bird, owned by the late
George Watts, has since sold for $660,000 (at a Barrett-Jackson auction!).

MORE THUNDER TRIVIA!

More Thunder Trivia


Just what was a stock, no frills added, '55, '56, or '57 Ford Thunderbird?

A basic Thunderbird came, stock with a manual 3-speed transmission, 292 Y-block engine, "Thunderbird" decaled black valve covers, painted oil breather cap, painted fan, Argent silver air breather cover, plain black-wall tires, removeable hardtop, manual steering, small hubcaps, manual roll-up windows, manual brakes, manual seat adjustments, clock, vinyl interior.

No Radio, No Heater, No Fender Skirts, No Back-up lights, No Windshield washer, and No seatbelts.

OPTIONS:
These were the options for ALL the little 'Birds (except where noted)- many of which the dealer's ordered for the cars as a matter of practice- for better sales.

>Soft-top: this could be ordered as a no-cost option in place of the Hardtop OR as a cost option if both tops were wanted.
>Engine.. no option for the 1955; for 1956 and 1957, the 312 Y-block was commonly the engine of choice. See the "engine" page for specifics. Dual 4-barrel carburetors were available in '56 & 57 and a supercharger was available, in '57.
>Transmissions: 3-Speed manual with overdrive OR the Ford-o-matic: which was the most common option ordered of the transmissions.
>Heater: in southern climes, you will find T-birds without heaters.
> Radio: this was on option!
> Back up Lights
> Wide White Wall Tires
> Fender Skirts
> Engine Dress-up Kit:: very commonly found on these birds, included chrome air filter cover, chrome oil filler tube cap, finned aluminum valve covers and in the 55's and early '56's, 3-bladed chrome fans
> Wind shield washer
> Full wheel hub caps: wire wheel style hub caps were also available. in '56 and came with the small hubcap's- no wire style sets were. made for the 57 or the 55.
> Power windows
> Power seats: in '57, 2 options were available, the normal powerseats available for all 3 years or a new "dial-a-matic." power seat.
> Power steering
> Power brakes
> Seat Belts: only on the '56 and '57
> Tonneau cover: a vinyl cover for the cockpit, hung behind the seat and could be snapped into place across the dash. Also had a middle zipper so the driver could have the front passenger seat covered while driving.

Ed. Note: the 1956 introduction of the port hole hardtop allowed buyers to opt for the increased rearview vision - at no added cost over the top offered in 1955.


For more information on the Classic Thunderbirds of 1955 thru 1957, join CTCI. CTCI has been The organization for Classic Thunderbirds since 1964. www.ctci.org.

Reprinted from the Port Hole Authority- www.portholeauthority.com.

E Code Engine

1957 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

Ed. Note I have 618 "E" Code 1957 Thiuiderbirds in the regis­try. The Trail Birds of Southwest Florida has four members who own 1957's equipped with this special engine.

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,

by Gil Baumgartner CTCI Authenticity Chairman

YESTERYEAR

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

Johnsburg Parade

-Village of-

JOHNSBURG

Settled 1841 - Incorporated 1956

 

Edwin P. Hettermann, Village President

Claudette E. Peters, Village Administrator

1515 Channel Beach Avenue

Johnsburg IL 60051

Village Hall 815-385-6023

Fax 815-385-6054

www. Johnsburg ,org

 

October 3,2012

Mr. Pete Kramer
 560 West 58^th St.
 Hinsdale, IL 60521

Dear President Kramer:

 On behalf of the residents and the Johnsburg Village Board, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland for generously volunteering to drive our village officials in your classic thunderbirds in our Saufen und Spiel Parade. I especially want to thank the drivers Dan Anderson, Tom Bruin, Gordon Gluff, Joel Greenberg, Art Hahl, Bob Hoge, Pete Kramer, Doug Rodgers, Lloyd Schellin, Ken Smizinski and a special thank you to one of our residents, Len Keil, who not only drove but also organized your participation. I can't help but think our parade was extra special this year because of your organization.

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.

Respectfully,

 Ed Hettermann

Village President

cc: Village Board

      Mr. Len Keil

Village Trustees

John Huemann     Mary Lou Hutchinson   Rich Janusz     Kevin McEvoy     Janice Sisk     Ron Zanko 

 

A  Hometown   with  Spirit

Bling and 'Bird

BLING AND 'BIRD - A VALENTINE TALE
Marylu Kramer

Once upon a time. long, long ago. I had a blossoming relationship with an out of town boyfriend --- we met in college. It was long distance, but it turned into a romance and we phoned and wrote often --- no email, Skype, I phone - as these were the days of yore! We eventually agreed on a visit and he told me he had a surprise and that it was shiny --- oh happy day --- yes indeed I immediate!y pictured the something shiny and on the tiny side.

I couldn't wait to see him, and after weeks of planning, he finally arrived --- it was shiny alright, and small --- he introduced me to his 1956 Ford Thunderbird --- and the color --- kind of a pea green. But I was happy to see him: the car (shiny) , albeit a bit small, was cute, I have to admit. It did turn heads as we spent the next few days sightseeing around Chicagoland.

With anticipation I thought the surprise was still forthcoming. My family wasn't too impressed with a suitor showing up in a Ford, as my Dad was a true Cadillac man! After a few days it was time for him to leave --- and nothing shiny came forth --- I was thinking of bling --- a ring --- a diamond. That was my idea of shiny. We said our good-byes and I finally blurted out in a hissy fit. "Do you mean to tell me that you bought a car instead of an engagement ring"? What kind of rational was that --- a car before a ring --- it was over, or so I thought.

It was soon to be Christmas and again, after a few months of phoning back and forth, he said he was coming out to see me for the holidays. I was eager to see him --- there he was pulling up in his family station wagon --- and I might add, again, a Ford. I meekly said, "Where is the cute little car?" (which I secretly did like). He SOLD the T-Bird and bought a ring --- oh happy day --- but the long distance between us did not kindle the romance --- he said to keep the ring! Youthful indiscretion and too much testosterone is a disastrous combination! We said good-bye.

Many years later I met the man of my dreams. And you know what --- this guy had a Ford Station Wagon and also a '66 T-Bird. I eventually told him about the previous suitor who bought a T-Bird instead of a ring. He totally understood why that first guy bought a car instead of some bling! Is this some kind of code among men and their love affairs with cars?

As a surprise, he managed to secretly hunt down a '56 T-Bird in Sage Green - exactly like the first one long ago - and he surprised me with it: we have had many laughs over my "girlish ideals". However, was this just a good reason to buy another 'Bird?--- that, I will never figure out!

Guess what --- I have the fairy tale ending --- I still heve the bling --- I have the car, the man of my dreams, and we did get married. The rest is history.

CTCC 9- 50 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG

Executive Offices
1308 E. 29TH STREET
SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755-1842
PHONE (562) 426-2709

Dedicated To
"THE PRESERVATION OF THE
CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD"
(1955, 1956,1957)

December 3, 2011

Congratulations to the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland on 50 years of operation. From the time your club was formed as the Thunderbird Sports Car Club of Chicagoland in 1961, you have exemplified your interest in classic Thunderbirds while embracing friendliness and sociability of the members. Your members are, and always have been, very active and continue to drive their Thunderbirds to all events. Since your Charter from CTCI as club #9, you have hosted and managed many events for CTCI members including the Pheasant Runs, the CTCI International Convention in 2000, the 50th Anniversary Party for the Classic Thunderbird, and the USPS dedication of the postage stamp honoring 50 years of the Thunderbird. Your enthusiasm and participation have encouraged all members of CTCI to be more actively involved.

I also want to personally thank the perseverance of Bert Eisenhour for publishing the Bird News since 1970, 41 years of continuous editing and publishing. This is an unequalled effort of any club newsletter editor that deserves special mention during the 50-year anniversary of your club. CTCI wishes to thank your current members who have served on the Board of Directors including Bert Eisenhour, Ken Smizinski and Liz Werth. I want to also acknowledge the original classic Thunderbird owners, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, for keeping their 1957 drivable since its purchase new in 1957. I mention just a few of your many members who meet, socialize, and maintain the spirit of good fellowship while using their classic Ford Thunderbird.

The members of the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland, for the past 50 years, have exemplified the purpose of CTCI, to encourage and promote the admiration and ownership of the Classic Thunderbird. Thank you for your dedication and may that spirit continue for 50 years more.

Chuck Korenko
President, CTCI

CONGRATULATIONS ~ greetings,
I'd like to Congratulate CTCC on their 50 years of success as a club of CTCI.
I wish you many more years of continued success,
I'd also like to take this time to Congratulate Bert Eisenhour on 41-years as the editor of Bird-News.
Sincerely,
Gwen Stadstad - Director of Region 2

A new "Bird lover

Imperfect 1956 T-Bird is just the right pet for its new master

By Debra Powless

My mate, who is a longtime car collector, came home one day and showed me pictures of a 1956 Ford Thunderbird. He said he wanted to buy it for me, but I told him I didn't like it.

A few days later he came home with it to sell it in our little hobby business where we help people sell collector cars. Well, he brought it home and the car was so cute in person and by the time we had taken the photos for the ad, I had changed my mind and decided I did like the car.

So the first thing I did was join the Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland that focuses on the preservation of 1955-56-57 T-Birds. What a nice group of people. They welcomed me into the group and advised me on basic T-Bird rules of thumb. which ended up being very helpful. Not everybody knows how to work on a T-Bird, and since my car had transmissioin and carburetor issues. I am so glad that the president of the club directed me to a gentleman who is an expert at T-Bird repair.

When I drove my little 'Bird, the first thing I noticed is that you do not drive that car unless you are in a pleasant frame of mind and ready to talk to everybody! People, especially girls of ALL ages, love this car! I am used to following my mate in his collector cars and I often enjoy how young boys will sometimes stop and stare as the old car drives by, but that did not prepare me for the attention that my little 'Bird gets.

The mate found an interesting ad for a 1956 T-Bird painted Buckskin Tan so we looked it up and my car is definitely a 'custom color.' It is supposed to be Buckskin Tan but after looking at the car in the ad it appears that my little 'Bird isn't Buckskin Tan or Sunset Coral. I keep going back to look at the photos of the old T-Birds in Buckskin Tan and Sunset Coral, and I definitely like the color of my T-Bird and wouldn't change it. The color of a collector car is so important and makes all the difference. However, maybe, as with my children, I like the color of my little 'Bird because it is mine. We put a cream color soft top on my car, and I am glad that I went with the lighter color.

Anybody who has old cars knows that you do not enter into a relationship with an old car without being prepared to sort it out and learn the quirks. Overall, my little 'Bird was in pretty nice condition. A few chips and stress marks in the paint, but it looks really good from five feet away. However, the carburetor and the transmission needed serious attention. The car was sent to a local garage so I didn't get to drive it for a few weeks. Unfortunately the garage did not fix the problems, so our friendly mechanic made a housecall to work on my car, which ended up taking more than two weeks by the time he took the parts out, sent them off to be fixed, and put them back on the car. Then the mate insisted that I get a soft top in case I ever got caught in the rain with the hard top off. Our friend who owns a salvage yard up in Detroit found me a nice frame and fabric so I made a trip up to Detroit. My brother and his family live there so it was a nice visit, and my nephew and his two sons helped me get the top so I enjoyed spending time with them.

Our interior guy said it would only take him a day to put a new top on. NEVER, ever, believe somebody who tells you that. It doesn't happen. More than a week later, the top was finally on the car but it rained for days so there were more delays in getting to enjoy the car.

The first day I was able to drive it out to Rockford, Illinois, which is about a two-hour drive. I enjoyed the heck out of the ride except the car's speedometer read 70 mph, and I didn't think I needed to drive any faster than 70 mph, and the cars and trucks were just flying by me. Later I learned that these old 'Bird speedometers often read 8-9 miles slower than you are actually driving.

OK, now I am ready to enjoy my car! Oh, wait - the mate has the T-Bird guru come over and do a 100-point inspection and makes plans to rebuild the transmission and put in power brakes and some other improvements and repairs. I am saying 'No, no - let me drive it the way it is and I will have the work done this winter.' The T-Bird guru had an opening in early September so there went my 'Bird again. My mate insisted that he wants to have the car in excellent running condition for me. Ok, it is sweet but still annoying because I just want to drive my car.

T-Birds have an 'X' frame that requires the engine to be pulled to get to the transmission so you can imagine the time involved to work on a transmission. During the downtime, we drove over to get the steering wheel so we could take it to the car painter because the black steering wheel needed to be painted brown to match the interior. The horn ring we were going to have plated was going to cost $1200 to be plated so the T-Bird guru found a nice used horn ring in good condition. However, I had to go get the horn ring from the plater because we needed to use the internal workings for the replacement horn ring. Then I had to take my carburetor to the carb guy in Rockford to be rebuilt. My carb problems earlier were because somebody stuck a 1956 Lincoln carburetor on the car which was too big. Now I have the right carburetor but it needs to be rebuilt. The good news is that the transmission has been repaired and the car is running good and lots of things have been updated or repaired.

So it took all summer to get my car sorted out and ready to drive. I have three granddaugthers, and I have a feeling that they will get a lot of enjoyment out of this car too.

(Reprinted from Old Cars magazine)

Meeting Location Change

November 10 CTCC Meeting location CHANGE!!

The November 10 "Year in Review" meeting location has been changed.

The new location is:

Gus' Diner
2160 Plum Grove RoadRolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 963-4885
http://www.dinewithgus.net

Gus' Diner is at the corner of Plum Grove road and Kirchoff in the Plum Grove shopping center.

Dinner is "table service" with separate checks. Please plan to arrive early for dinner so that you will have finished your meal and paid your check by the meeting start time of 7:30 PM.