Spring Tour- 2011

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

We are planning to combine our love of automobiles and nostalgia on a weekend trip down old route 66 to Bloomington, Illinois. We have a few interesting and entertaining things planned along the way. Please see the itinerary below.

The pre-paid cost for this trip is $79.00 per person ($158.00 per couple). Please make your checks payable to CTCC and mail them to your tour hosts, Tom and Judy Bruin:
The Bruins
7420 S. Rawson Bridge Road
Cary, IL 60013
847-516-5823
224-730-7910 (Tom's mobile)
tg.bruin@yahoo.com

The pre-paid cost includes the following: Museum and tour admission fees and gratuities for the entire weekend; Friday lunch, Friday Pizza party; Saturday breakfast, Sunday brunch and show (including gratuity).

Hotel Accommodations:
Hampton Inn and Suites
320 S. Towanda Ave.
Normal, IL.
309-452-8900
The room block is reserved under: Chicagoland Thunderbird Club
You have until April 15, 2011 to make your reservation at our group rate. The hotel has a 24 hour cancellation policy on any confirmed reservation.
Rooms and Rates:
Dbl/Dbl or Single King $99.00/nite
King Studio Suite $109.00/nite

Itinery:

Friday 5/20/2011
• Depart (8:45 AM sharp. Be gassed up, and ready to go!) from the Hinsdale Oasis on 1-294. (alternative meet-up location, anywhere on 1-55, south of I-8o)
• 1st stop - Pontiac, Illinois
o A visit to the Route 66 Museum, Livingston County War Museum, WallDog Sign and Mural Museum
o Trolley tour viewing of Pontiac's building murals
o Photo-op for each of our cars in front of (nearly) world-famous Route 66 mural
o Lunch at How Sweet It Is on historic Pontiac town square, (sorry Culver's fans)
• Bloomington, Illinois -Visit the Prairie Aviation Museum
• Friday night Pizza party and socializing

Saturday 5/21/2011
• Hot breakfast buffet at hotel
• Depart hotel promptly at 9 AM for a scenic 45 minute drive to Monticello, Illinois
• Round trip ride on private train car from historic downtown Monticello depot/station to the Monticello Rail Road Museum. Tour of museum exhibits.
• Lunch and shopping on your own in the quaint downtown Monticello square
• Free-time - time permitting, there are a couple of other interesting things to see, including:
o Allerton Park and gardens, http://www.allertonpark.illinois.edu/
o The David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, http://www.daviddavismansion.org/
o Twin Groves Wind Farm, http://www.horizomwind.con/projects/whatwevedone/twingroves/
• Group dinner, in downtown Bloomington at Station 220 at the old central fire house

Sunday 5/22/2011
We will be attending the Sunday Brunch Performance at Conklin's Barn Theater in Goodfield (about a 25 minute drive from Bloomington). We will be seeing The Cemetery Club, a heartwarming story about life, love and the pursuit of happiness!
• Doors open at 11:50 AM
• Brunch at Noon
• Show at 1:30 PM
Note: The hotel will have a free continental breakfast on Sunday morning to tide you over until we get to the show.
3:30 PM Departure and caravan back to Chicago area.

TED ZEMPER REPORT: BARRETT-JACKSON

Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, 1 did sell the car -for $38K + IO% buyers fee to B-J (Total of $41,800 to the buyer). This was less than we had hoped for as we were told to expect $50-70K. Our expected time slot was for Sunday afternoon of the last day, around 1:15 PM. Our actual time on the block was an hour later and there were 3 other 2-seater 'Birds sold before ours that day; (a '57, a '55, and a Minter-restored '55. Ironically, all three cars were Flame Red - the same color combo as ours -with white porthole hardtop.) That one-hour delay and number of T-Birds being offered, we believe, resulted in diminished buyer interest, and a smaller crowd as people were mentally finished with the auction on late Sunday PM.

In the seven days of the event, there were a total of 21 2-seater T-Birds sold:
9 - '55's Ranging from $70,000 to $33,000 (Average of $46,890) "Hammer Price" + 10% Buyer's commission to B-J
5 - '56's Ranging from $115,000 to $42,000 (Average of $62,200) "Hammer Price" + 10% Buyer's commission to B-J
7 - '57's Ranging from $120,000 to $36,000 (Average of $65,860) "Hammer Price" + 10% Buyer's commission to B-J

Each of these can be accessed at the following link: hftp://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/archivecarlist.aspx

Also, each seller must pay B-J an 8.0% "seller's commission" and a consignment fee of $500 - $1,500 to B-J. So, B-J does pretty well!

I was disappointed in this year's offerings- mostly '60's - '90's muscle cars! Lots of Chevys, especially big-engined Vettes and '60/70's sedans/cpes/converts. I think this is a sign of the fact that this auction attracts high-end buyers seeking their "dream car" of when they came of age. The majority of buyers there seemed to be "baby-boomer" age, and therefore, the '60's to '90's interest. There seemed to be far less "real classic" cars this year compared to the last 2 prior years (from my memory of both events).

Although I'm disappointed in my outcome, Anne and I are ok with it all. We had tried to sell our car here locally - advertising for a year in the CTCI Newletter, and having consigned the vehicle to the Volo Auto Museum for 2 summers, and having displayed it in several Volo-sponsored car shows - with no serious interest shown from any of this effort.

So it is DONE. We've freed up a heated garage space- and had 11 year's worth of enjoying our gorgeous Red '57!

Since we continue to have our home also on the market - wishing to spend our winter's in AZ where our daughter and her family live -we are continuing to try and simplify our life.

I have enjoyed my membership in CTCC for II years, despite [the fact] that I have never been very active, and I have very fond memories of the Baby Bird Birthday Bash at the beautiful Sanfillipo Palace in 2005!

Of course, my heart still pounds when I see a two-seater T-Bird!
Best of continued good luck to all the members of CTCC!

Cordially, Ted Zemper

ANNUAL PIZZA PARTY REPORT

Thirty-nine people braved the freezing temperatures on February lOth to socialize and enjoy the Annual Pizza Party at Jake's Pizza. Len Keil conducted the short meeting during which, Doug Rogers explained the 2011 Budget which will be voted upon at the March lOth Membership Meeting at Russell's BBQ.

Len asked those present to visit the Club's website and see the Tech-Tips and also, the many photos and articles that Joel Greenberg has been uploading. Len also highlighted events on the CTCC calendar.

Birthday wishes were extended to several members. There was more socializing after the meeting officially adjourned.
- Liz Werth

CTCC BRUNCH and PLAY EVENT

Sunday morning, January 30th, was a cold and gloomy day - until we stepped into the vast and beautifully decorated entry of the Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook Terrace. IL.

In spite of the weather, 31 members of the CTCC arrived for brunch and a play. Once we were all as­sembled, we entered the large banquet hall where we were seated at our assigned tables and served endless orange juice and champagne. 1, and a few others at the table, immediately made mimosas. We were now ready to choose our feast.
The brunch was fabulous with 13 stations of food to choose from - too many to list. Whether you wanted breakfast, lunch or dinner, the choices were bountiful with desserts "to die for". Absolutely scrumptious! Not a soul left that room hungry. If they did - shame on them!

Completely content, we moved on to the theatre where we saw the Tony Award winning musical. Monty Python's SPAMALOT, which is based on the classic comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The play is a hysterically funny spoof with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on their quest from God to find the Holy Grail. During their adventure, they encounter some rude Frenchmen, killer rabbits, flying cows and continued countless silly antics of sidesplitting laughter. The acting was great and their singing voices superb.

Everyone enjoyed the play and left the theatre with a song reminder to "ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE."

Marylu & Pete did a great job of picking this play.

The members who enjoyed the afternoon were: Pete & Marylu Kramer, Bill & Liz Werth, Karen Kelly, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bob Sroka, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Mary Keil, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Gary & Debbie Smithe. Joe & Jeanette Wintz, Doug & Soon Rogers. Laura Hascek & Mike Cielinski, Gail Hascek, Ron & Donna Pavlak, Ed Levin & Rose Kovalenko. Jerry & Doreen Michna,
- Rose Kovalenko

BARRETT-JACKSON AUCTION RESULTS

AUCTION ACTION - BARRETT-JACKSON

1955
$44,000, 46,200, 77,000, 36,300, 48,400, 73,700, 44,000, 42,900, 49,500

1956
$61,600, 126,500, 65,000, 46,200, 80.300

1957
$39,600, 77,000, 132,000, 88,000 (E), 71,500, 57,200, 41,800
• "E" is Dual-Quad - 270 hp

Interestingly, there were 9 - '55s versus only 5 - '56s and 7 - '57s at the Scottsdale, AZ extravaganza. While prices in­clude the Buyers Premium, the figures are reassuring, in light of the economy,

Air Conditioning for your T-Bird

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A/C FOR YOUR CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD?

THUNDERBIRD AIR ~ {From the January, 2010 issue of Trail Bird News.)

Air Conditioning is an accessory that was never originally factory installed in the early Thunderbirds. "Factory air" made its initial appearance in the Thunderbird in 1958, al­though it had been offered in the passenger cars previously. Most install­ations in the '55-'57 Thunderbirds utilizes the space above the generator for the compressor. An installation such as this, tastefully done, while not "correct" for the year, does add to the passenger's comfort. Most units used on the early Thun­derbirds have the under-dash mounted evaporator. Some of the newest Vintage Air units have a hidden evaporator with air ducts mounted tastefully in various loca­tions.

One item that you should consider if having an air conditioning unit installed in
your Thunderbird is the installation of an electric fan. This is a must to keep the unit
functioning at its maximum output. While sitting at a stoplight, an electric fan will
push air through the radiator as if you were moving 30 mph.

- Dave Tulowitzky

Editor's Note: While T-Bird owners living in the Midwest can survive the relatively few days of sweltering summer heat, owners such as Dave, living in Florida, face a much different situation. Arizona, New Mexico and California T-Birders also find welcome relief in the A/C equipped early 'Birds.
In 1972, I drove a friend's A/C equipped '57 from Palm Springs to Long Beach, CA. Having spent a number of indescribably hot days at the CTCI Convention, I became an instant believer! [The temper­atures averaged about 112 degrees per day during the Convention!]

REAR COVER PHOTOGRAPH STORY

It was in the summer of 1995 when the Greater Illinois Region of the CCCA was invited to a private Fly-In, hosted by the late, Bill Rose, who was the owner of the Milrose Restaurant in South Barrington.

The late Ted Kosten, for many years the official head photographer at the EAA Oshkosh Air Shows, was hired by Mr. Rose to cover the event. Ted had invited me to drive my T-Bird onto the field in order to obtain photos with several of the mostly vintage aircraft.

Several years earlier, we had attended the outing at the Rose Estate near Barrington, where there was a 2,500-foot long (grass) runway - and a number of hangars. (Bill would typically field several planes at the Oshkosh Air Show every year.)

The 1995 photo, with my 'Bird parked in front of a Stearman, was taken at the Rose property near Marengo, where a 3.000-foot (grass) landing strip accommodated numerous (larger) aircraft.

The events, featuring mouth-watering food and beverages to the 1,000 guests, came to
an end following the death of an Ultralight pilot at the Marengo field. I will keep the
memories of those special times as another fun-filled T-Bird adventure!

- Editor

THANKS FOR THE HELP

THANKS FOR THE HELP

Editing a monthly newsletter can some­times be a time-consuming chore, but CTCC members have greatly relieved the burden by submitting articles, stories, photos and write-ups ot Club events. So, to each of you who have contributed to BIRD-NEWS in the past year, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation.

Again, we are most grateful to Bob Hoge, who has again underwritten the cost of the paper and color printing of our newsletter. With only a couple of exceptions - when the VCB color-printing machine broke down - we have been able to enjoy color layouts and photos during 2010. Thanks to our man Tom, at the Valley Community Bank, the VCB half-page ads have revived many of the unforgettable Burma-Shave roadside signs that once clotted our roads and highways! (We are happy to report that Tom is in full recovery mode following a nasty spill on the ice some weeks ago. The toll for his trip to the mailbox was a broken leg - in three places!

In addition to providing the most generous contribution noted in the foregoing. Bob has also contracted accordionist, Elmer Lange, to provide musical entertainment at our recent Holiday/Christmas Parties.

- Editor

President's Report

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Happy New Year, fellow CTCC members!

I wish to extend my sympathy to Judy Bruggenthies on the death of Otto. He will be missed by all of us. I also wish to extend my congratulations to Joe and Sandra Kraatz who were presented with the Bert Eisenhour Award for 2010 at the CTCC Christmas Party.

Some of you were not expecting to receive this issue of Bird-News in your mailbox. Your Board is continuing to develop an electronic delivery system. Meanwhile, Valley Community Bank continues to print our wonderful Bird-News in full color. Several of you paid extra to receive a black and white copy along with or instead of the electronic version. The Board will address that subject in the coming months and I will keep you informed of developments.

By the time you read this, we will have started 2011 with an outing to Drury Lane Theater for brunch and Monty Python's "Spamatot". Thank you to Pete and Marylu Kramer for planning this fun activity to brighten up a freezing January weekend. Club members will enjoy the annual Pizza Party in February as we examine the 2011 Budget prepared by Doug Rogers.

Your Board is planning a full calendar of activities for the year. I hope each of you will participate in many of the events. The schedule begins on Page 2 of this issue of Bird-News. The driving season starts with the always-helpful April Tech Session that will be followed by the May Spring Tour to Bloomington led by Tom and Judy Bruin. Please plan to join us for brunch and a brief meeting on Sunday, June 12 at the lovely home of Pete and Marylu Kramer.

Please feel free to contact me or any other Board member with thoughts, ideas or concerns. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year.

Len Keil, President

THE EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

THE EdlTOR'S NOTEbook
BERT EISENHOUR

WITH WINTER HAVING CLEARLY MADE ITSELF KNOWN, we face the prospect of a long hibernation for the classic T-Birds. Meanwhile, we can look forward to the inviting schedule designed for our Spring Tour. The detailed plans are in­cluded in this issue - refer to pages 6 and 8 and save the dates. In the meanwhile, check out the activities for this month (Pizza Party), March (Meeting and Election of three Directors), and April (the Tech-Session.)

The Calendar contains two revised dates: The Tech-Session will be held on April, 30th and the Poplar Grove Hangar Event, hosted by member, Ken Kresmery, is set for Sunday, August.21st.

The CTCC Board is considering an invitation for CTCC to join a group, including the Shelby Club, that holds an event at the Volo Museum facility ever year. Look for more info next month.

Be sure to check out the Barrett-Jackson Auction T-Bird sales report on page 9.

It may seem a bit odd to read a dissertation about T-Bird Air-Conditioning in mid­winter, however, the article on page 9 is a reminder that summer will arrive - in due time.

Next month, we will feature coverage of the CTCC Brunch and Play event that was held at Drury Lane Theatre on January 30th.

The December Treasurer's Report, which was inadvertently omitted in the January issue of BIRD-NEWS, is printed in this issue - see page 4.