1- REGISTRATION FORM & RESERVATIONS
A- Contact Tour Leader and indicate attending.
B- Fill out Registration Form
1- Send check payable to CTCC and mail to Tour Leader ASAP
2- Call and reserve room as indicated on Registration Form
2- TOUR ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS
A- All participants should provide the following:
1- Car ready for trip (mechanic tested)
2- Check Fluids- radiator, master cylinder, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable) and battery
3- Check tire pressure and tire condition
4- Gas tank full at start point
5- Empty Bladders
6- Attendees should bring the following:
a- Spare Tire
b- Jack
c- Oil, Brake Fluid, Trans Fluid
d- Basic tools (Phillips head and blade screwdrivers, pliers and adjstable wrench)
e- Fire Extinguisher in passenger cabin- not trunk
f- Flash Light
g- Second set of car keys
h- Club radios
j- Name Tags
k- Valid insurance card
l- First Aid Kit
m- Tire pressure gauge
n- Jumper cables
o- Other items as necessary
* The club will have a Car "First-aid Kit" for the trip. However, if your car has chronic issues and problems- please leave your Classic car at home and take your late model car on the trip.
3- TOUR CARAVAN START
A- Arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to start time.
B- If possible- avoid joining group in route.
C- Obtain Tour Packet from Tour Leader which will contain the following:
1- complete itinerary
2- Names, cell phone numbers, etc. for all attendees
3- Directions, maps, routes etc. of complete tour
D- Check Club radios- select channel for all cars
4- DRIVING & SAFETY BRIEFING
A- Order of cars in caravan-
1- Classic Thunderbirds
2- Retro Thunderbirds
3- Non-Bird cars
4- Last vehicle (Trailer)
a- Selected by Tour Leader so everyone knows who the last vehicle is.
B- Lights should be ON- no matter how bright and sunny it may be. Keep together while driving: if other vehicles break into our line, they should be passed at the earliest opportunity(slow down and let the other "Birds" get in line in front of you). While we cannot control the flow of traffic (cars merging onto the highway, moving into the right lane to exit, etc.) we CAN control keeping our group together and not spread out all over.
C- Tour Leader will travel at the posted speed limit and stay in the right lane as much as possible.
D- Maintain close intervals (approx. 4 seconds city or rural). Tour leaders will make sure turns are clearly projected to avoid stragglers from missing a turn and getting lost.
E- Stay in single file, do not pass another Member's car.
F- In the event of a mechanical problem, cars not involved are not to pull over to shoulder; proceed to nearest exit and wait for news. Assigned repair car is the only vehicle that should pull off the road to assist car in trouble. This is for the expressway only. Cars on local roads should proceed to the next available parking area. Do not pull off the road for stragglers. Slow down for stragglers to catch up.
G- Maintain radio contact with Tour Director and all members of caavan for indicate turns, etc.
5- HOSPITALITY ROOM
A- Attendees should donate snacks, wine, etc to the Hospitality Room.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
TOUR ATTENDEE GUIDELINES
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Fall tour- 2011
Auburn, Indiana
September 30th – October 3rd!
Life in the Past Lane – Back Home in Indiana
Hub of Transportation Heritage
Reserve Now!
Quality Inn (260)925-6363 Group Rate $79.95 – Mention Chicago T-Brids
Breakfast buffet included
Trip Cost - $51.00/person
Please make checks payable to CTCC9.
Mail to Larry & Karen Kelly, 5511 N. Long Ave., Chicago, IL 60630
This price includes:
Entrance fees to: Museum Campus, Studebaker, Cord-Duesenberg, National Auto Truck and Hudson museums.
Welcome party.
Sunday lunch, (incl. tax & tip, 1 beverage, alcoholic beverage extra)
We hope you are able to join us! Please call if you have any questions. Our home number is 773-792-0102
Now, the bad news: We will be leaving the Lincoln Oasis at 8:15 a.m. (I know, I know, but that time change…..)
Lakeside Brunch and Meeting At the Kramer's
PERHAPS Pete and Marylu Kramer
scanned the Farmer's Almanac before they chose Sunday, June 12" as the
date for their fabulous Brunch/Meeting. In any case, whatever the magic formula
was, it worked perfectly as the day unfolded into a glorious, sunny day.
|
The field of colors that greeted our arrival overflowed the driveway, spilling out onto the streets surrounding the Kramer's home. There were a few "strays" in the collection, but we'll refrain from mentioning names other than Lloyd Schellin! Lloyd's Yellow Flash had a gallery peering into the engine bay, the power-plant inciting expressions of wonder and awe! The alien turned out to be a 1976 Ford Falcon - on steroids! A bored 289 with special heads, intake-manfold, etc.
With visions of the world-famous(would you believe "Hinsdale's Best?"). Bloody Mary's, we headed for the bar, Here Pete performed his magic, producinq exquisitely crafted drinks, rivaling those that members have enjoyed at Morton's in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Pete's exclusive design included a giant shrimp, a slice of lime, a mini skewer and the obligatory stalk of celery- the stalks on steriods!
Having arrived a bit late, many members were already enjoying the fantastic Brunch fare, with an endless array of side dishes brought by club members. The beautiful weather found many enjoying the lakeside, outldoor deck area, while others remained at inside tables, etc. The colorful offerings included Egg Strata, Ham, fresh fruit and Chocolate-dipped, king-size Strawberries!
The one mishap ot the day occurred when Liz Werth was attempting to capture a table-group shot with her trusty camera. While composing the scene, Liz stepped back and fell, striking the back of her head on a small table. Members rushed to her aid, while Marylu dialed 911. Paramedics arrived and carried our Secretary out to an ambulance. About 2 hours later, the sound of applause signaled Liz's return, her medical expedition yielding 9-staples to secure the wound. Liz headed for the food table, her photo project having interrupted her Brunch plans. We were all relieved to find her in good-spirits, wth no complications from the backward fall.
Len Keil called the Meeting to order, with many members crowding the spacious, lakeside, deck area. A major porition of the meeting was devoted to details of upcoming events.
Finally, as with all good times, the gathering of the 'Birds came to an end.
We extend thanks to our gracious host's for a memorable day at their home!
The following members were on the scene: Tom £ Judy Bruin, Bert £ Jane Eisenhour. Pete & Lisa Ekstrom, Gordon Gluff, Mary Graziano & Paul Ureche, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill, Gail Hascek, Laura Hascek & Mike Ciclenski. John & Francine Howard, Larry Johnson & Sue L'Hommedieu, Len & Mary Keil, Larry & Karen Kelly, Joe & Sandy Kraatz, Pete & Marylu Kramer, Bud & Cindy Kryszak, Jerry & Doreen Michna, Ron Pavlak, Jerry & Pat Peterson, Doug & Soon Rogers, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Gary & Debby Smithe, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob Sroka, Bill & Bonnie Thelen, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bill & Liz Werth, Jim Wilson, Kami Woody.
Marlene Ficenec
It is our sad duty to report the untimely passing of long-lime member, Marlene Ficenec.
Both Ed and Marlene were active members for many years, and in more recent years, they faithfully attended the Annual Picnic event; We remember the tasty homemade dishes Marlene brought to the Picnics.
Ed and his son, Mickey, have been regular attendees at the CTCC Spring Tech- Sessions.
Our condolences to Ed and Mickey and their family as we share in their loss.
Friday, August 5, 2011
PICNIC- August 13, 2011
Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland
ANNUAL
ALL-MEMBER PICNIC
(for CTCC member, spouse/significant other and minor children)
Date: August 13, 2011 Time: 11:00AM
Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve
The preserve is located in Wayne, IL in Northwest DuPage County
west of Route 59, one mile north of Army Trail Road on Powis Road.
Follow the signs to the CTCC Thunderbird parking area.
For maps and information visit the website http://www.dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/prattswayne.html
What to Bring
A dish to share (see below*) & serving utensil
Lawn chairs for sitting outside the pavilion Lawn game (volleyball, badminton, frisbee, etc.)
What NOT to Bring
Alcohol of any kind
Firearms
Swimming gear (there is no swimming) Pets
R. S. V. P. by Saturday, August 6
Call Liz Werth (630-469-8406) * tell her which dish you will bring to share - a side dish, a salad or a dessert
This year we are asking CTCC Members to bring donations for the People's Resource Center Food Pantry in Wheaton. All non-perishable foods, personal care items and cleaning supplies will
be gratefully received and taken to the pantry for distribution. Our donations will help families who are not as fortunate as we and who often have to decide whether to pay the rent or buy groceries.
The PRC food pantry is full-choice with a variety of foods to choose from. Last year, the pantry assisted 7,722 families. This equaled 34,861 filled grocery carts.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Spring Tour- 2011
SPRING TOUR – MAY 20-22, 2011
‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’ is no longer just a movie – it’s what we saw on the 2011 Spring Tour! Tom and Judy Bruin put together a great collection of attractions for us to visit. Although the weather forecasters had been talking about storms, there were none to be seen when the majority of the group started from the Hinsdale Oasis after Tom and Judy handed out probably the best-looking tour packets this group has ever had; there were spiral-bound guides with color pictures of what we were going to see as well as Route 66 patches and beer nuts!
We traveled south to Pontiac, where we met the remainder of our CTCC tour group. In Pontiac, we had a chance to go through the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum with the first of several group photos being taken in front of the Pontiac Route 66 mural. A number of us took a trolley tour of Pontiac (which included historic buildings and Route 66 Mural Replicas as well as an opportunity to step across the swinging - or should I say ‘swaying’ - bridges in the town park) while others looked at the new International Wall Dog Mural and Sign Museum (‘wall dogs’ are artists who paint advertising signs on walls) or shopped. We then ate lunch at DeLongh’s on the town square. Of note, in July a new car museum is opening in Pontiac which will feature the Pontiac and Oakland automobiles, and we’re invited to come back for that.
Once we left Pontiac, we headed down to the Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, which houses a collection of preserved aircraft as well as aviation exhibits and memorabilia. Several people tried their hands at the 1941 Link Trainer, and others watched the video, shopped in the gift shop, or viewed the various aircraft, all of which are outdoors, not in hangars. We received Certificates of Appreciation for visiting the museum, and another group photo was taken here.
When we pulled out of the museum, we headed over to the Hampton Inn and Suites for the usual pizza party and some unwinding after a day of driving. In keeping with the traditional need to keep the guys busy, the insides of our car’s passenger window broke – STRIKE ONE – and the parking lot turned into an auto shop. They DID get it back up, but it had to stay that way until we got home. (At least the seat didn’t get wet when it rained overnight.)
The following morning after breakfast, we headed out to Monticello, where we were joined for a while by Mitch and Pat Mitchell (CTCC members who live in Pekin). Our little ‘Birds were among the guests of honor at the inaugural ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’ show at the Monticello Railway Museum. There were also several Model A’s and Model T’s, and one couple dressed in period costume to match their Model T! We toured the museum’s collection of railcars and then boarded the train at the restored Illinois Central depot for a ride into downtown Monticello. We wandered around the downtown area for a while, and most of the group had lunch at one or another of the local eateries. (Instead of lunch, Joel actually had a haircut by the local barber!) We then got back on the train and returned to the museum. While most of the group drove to Allerton Park and Gardens (named one of the 7 Wonders of Illinois by the Illinois Department of Tourism), our gas pedal broke – STRIKE TWO – so we headed back to the hotel with a few other CTCCers who were not going to the Park. It was a challenge, but we made it. Then, when we returned to the hotel – STRIKE THREE – the car wouldn’t start. Another tech session was held in the parking lot, and the consensus was that it was the gas filter. That problem was eventually resolved. Dinner was at Station 220 in Bloomington, and it was another fine meal; we really DO travel on our stomachs! After dinner, we returned to the hotel for more fellowship in the ‘hospitality room.’
Sunday morning, we checked out of the hotel and drove to Conklin’s Barn and Dinner Theatre in Goodfield for brunch and the play “The Cemetery Club.” Kathy and Ken Smizinski met us there, and in the parking lot a new gas pedal was installed – hooray! We headed into the barn (it really WAS a barn) and lined up for brunch; gee, what a surprise, we were eating again! Once plates were emptied, the play began. It was a delightful comedy about three Jewish widows in New York who go to the cemetery together to visit their husband’s graves. However, it became a challenge to watch this because the storm that had been predicted came, with hail, and knocked out the electricity. Thankfully no cars were damaged by the hail, and the performers really proved the truth of the saying ‘the show must go on’ as they bravely struggled with only hand lanterns to provide light.
At the conclusion of the play, we went out to dry off the cars, and everyone headed off in various directions to home. On our way back to Chicago – STRIKE FOUR – the fuel pump went, and ANOTHER tech session took place, this time at the side of the road. It’s a good thing the club has an emergency kit because we would have been lost without it, but we finally made it back home.
A big THANK YOU to Tom and Judy for all of their hard work!
Participants in the spring tour included 12 little ‘Birds, a ’95 ‘Bird, two ‘0’ ‘Birds, and assorted other vehicles which carried Rudy and Janet Budach, Pete and Lisa Ekstrom, Maryann Graziano and Paul Ureche, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, John and Francine Howard (Maryann’s sister and brother-in-law), Larry Johnson and Sue L’hommedieu, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko, Pete and Marylu Kramer, Jerry and Doreen Mitchna, Dan Mrozek and Judy Butler, Ron Pavlak, Jerry and Pat Peterson, Doug and Soon Rogers, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Bob Sroka, Len and Irene Vinyard, Bill and Liz Werth, and Jim Wilson.
Submitted by Annie Luginbill
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Bristol Renaissance Faire
The Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland presents a SPECIAL EVENT:
Bristol Renaissance Faire- Saturday, July 30,2011
Dates & Times: The Bristol Renaissance Faire is ONLY OPEN ON SPECIFIC WEEKENDS DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL. In 2O11, the show starts Saturday, July 9th and runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day from July 9 through September 5,2O11. The show is not open on any weekday except Labor Day, which is the final show day of the year. Show hours are 1O AM through 7 PM
Location: Off 1-94 at the IL/WI Border
Plein Aire Painting Demonstration & Auction - July 3O & 31, 2011 (WE'RE GOING ON SATURDAY, JULV 3O)
The Bristol Renaissance Faire and Variety join hands in making a difference. Join us July 3O and 31 for the second annual Plein Aire painting event. Watch renowned artists work on Saturday and Sunday, painting the excitement of the faire. Then have the opportunity to purchase the works of art on Sunday. Proceeds of the Art Auction benefiting Variety, the Children's Charity of Wisconsin.
Be there. Art, Armor and Amour. Support Variety and have the time of your life.
Wine Tasting "meet the Artists" Reception will be 2 PM to 3:3O PM. Tickets for this are $1O.OO and may be purchased at the wine tasting event. Art Auction will be from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Globe Stage.
CTCC has a limited number of specially priced tickets ($12.50; regular price $19.95 at the gate; $17.95 if bought as 'advance discount'); if interested call Annie and Joel (773-348-3233).
Note- We will be meeting at the Lake Forrest Oaisis. We will be leaving at 9AM
The Editors Notebook
The Editors Notebook
FIINALLY, T-BIRD - AND OTHER COLLECTIBLE CAR OWNERS, can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Tunnel refers to the seemingly endless stretch of winter-months in the Midwest. As a result, the CTCC Calendar now reflects the end of the hibernation, as this issue finds activities, tours and events occupying 4-pages.
Once again, Jim Wilson gives us his comprehensive coverage of the Annual Tech-Session (see pages 6 and 7).
The Cover Photo captures the mood of the many members who participated in this year's well-attended event! Thanks to Ken Smizinski and Bob Wenderski for combining forces to stage the informative session. Note that Sue Wenderski gets the credit for snapping the great picture!
The Volo Auto Museum Shelby-Cobra-Mustang-T-Bird Ford Show is set for Sunday, August 7th. The event particulars are presented on page . This annual event showcases Ford vehicles (including Shelby replicas), so the opportunity to see so many Ford-powered cars on display at one location makes it well worth the price of admission! Don't miss this Special Show! The CTCC Spring Tour gets underway as we approach press time. Look for coverage - and photos - of the event in the July issue.
With the unprecedented rise in the cost of gasoline, it may surprise you to learn the prevailing prices that existed in 1970. Check out the Yesteryear item that is presented on page 10!
Bert Eisenhour
Tech-Session 2011
CTCC SPRING TECH-SESSlON
Saturday, April 30, twenty-eight CTCC members gathered at Bob Weriderski's garage tor our Annual Spring "dust-off" event. Sixteen Thunderbirds filled Bob's driveway. Bill Axelsen brought a Cashmere '05 new 'Bird, Lee Bakakos - Yellow '57, Tom Bruin - White '57, Jim Elijah - Peacock Blue '56, Gordon Gluff - Fiesta Red '56, Joel Greenberg - Yellow '55, Len Keil -Willow Green '57, Pete Kramer - Dusk Rose '57, Bob Lindsten - '56, Jerry Michna - Red '55, Jerry Peterson - Yellow '57, Gary Smithe - Red '04, Len Vinyard - Black '57, Bob Wenderski - Red '57, Bill Werth - Blue '55, and my White '57. Others in attendance were: Pete Ekstrom, Larry Johnson and Sue L'Hommedieu, Larry Kelly, Barry Konigsford, Joe Kraatz, Dan Mrozek, Doug Rogers, Ken Srnizinski, Bob Sroka, Joe Wintz, and Steve Zambon.
Bob had the club library out for our perusal. As we finished off the coffee and rolls, the Tech-Session began. Ken began by stressing the importance of changing the oil in the spring, despite few or no miles driven as condensation of moisture causes a milky residue, which is visible under the valve-covers. Accel Motor Oil, which is SF rated, having the zinc additive necessary to prevent wear on the coin bearings, is no longer carried by Wal-Mart. Shell Rotella T has zinc, but too much detergent for our use. Ken has been able to secure Accel direct from the manufacturer, but small quantities must be sent via UPS so the shipping cost is no small matter.
Ken then discussed checking and replacing the primary ignition wire on the distributor. The original wire has a stud with a paper grommet and a bakeiite insulator. Moisture can cause this arrangement to short out. CASCO sells a replacement wire, part it 12216, which is one piece and eliminates problems.
The next tech topic was testing and replacing the vacuum advance on the distributor. If it does not work properly it will throw off engine timing. All three years ('55, '56, '57) are different. A vacuum advance from a 1950-54 Ford passenger car will work on a '55, though it is slightly smaller. Prestige Thunderbird rebuilds the '56. The '57 is a dual- type, vacuum and centrifugal. With a new or rebuilt advance you will not get a ceramic piece or spring, so save and reuse what you have. Remove the "C" clip and take out the screws to replace. A vacuum leak adds oxygen to combustion and causes excessive heat on the valves, causing internal damage to the valves.
Pertronix electronic ignitions, the subject of one of our Tech-Sessions in past years, were briefly discussed. There is no way of testing them. Wear in the distributor will cause performance to fluctuate and if the ignition key is left in the "ON" position, it can be damaged. For some reason they do not work on a '56 with overdrive transmission.
The last major topic of the Tech-Session was transmission leaks. Transmission fluid in the torque converter equalizes when the car is stored and may run out the side of the shifter at the "O" Ring seal. When rebuilding a transmission, it is essential to change the "O" Ring in the shifter. Stop Leak or Transeal is not recommended as it swells seals even more than tolerances. Some leakage can be alleviated by snugging up the bolts on the pan of the transmission. The filler tube and transmission lines cart be tightened. In order to replace the front seal on the transmission, the engine has to be pulled from the car. The rear seal you can get to with the transmission in the car. Rebuilding a transmission in the car is not recommended. Ken told of a sad case where the frame of a car was cut out to remove a transmission. The rear seal leaks if more than 5 quarts of transmission fluid are used. It takes 10-11 quarts of transmission fluid to completely replace what is in the car. Mercon-Dexron III transmission fluid should never be mixed with Type F. If in doubt of what type to use, use Type F. The session was summed up with the adage, "If it doesn't leak, it's not a Ford."
Pete Ekstrom recounted his experience selling his Fiesta Red '56 through RM Auctions in Ft. Lauderdale. The auction company said the car would sell for $55-65,000. A car restored by Amos Minter went through the auction prior to Pete's and sold for $38,000. Then his car sold to an Internet buyer from Dallas who did not even look at the car. Pete is satisfied that he got back the money he had in the car, but it sold for far less than RM's estimate. He contacted the buyer subsequently and offered to send him the paperwork that should accompany the car. The buyer said not to bother, as he was unhappy with the car since it was "not as represented, the doors do not line up". Pete recently received a flyer from RM and the car is listed to be auctioned again. It is unclear whether the buyer forced the auction company to take the car back or if it is being consigned by the new owner. This was a solid car that needed no apologies for condition, but the lesson here is clear. If you buy sight unseen, "you get what you deserve."
We then had the group photo session and most of the group went to Alek's Restaurant in Lake Bluff for lunch. After lunch a group of us went in a caravan to the home of Bob Merrifield in Mettawa. Dick Murray took us around Bob's place. We started in the kitchen where he had a model train, complete with whistle and steam hisses, running above the cabinets. Bob was in another room along with a brass era, pre-"T", Ford Model N and speedster, both full-size. Dick took us out to the garage and showed us late model Rolls-Royces and then to another building that housed an outstanding Rolls-Royce collection - both pre and post-war. The oldest Rolls was a 1919 Silver Ghost. There also was a Rolls manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts. A 1951 Jaguar drop-head was among the Rolls, as well as Dick's '49 Cadillac that sported new wide, whitewall radials. Bob's mechanic was working on a Rolls limousine.
We then said our goodbyes and departed, looking forward to the Spring
Tour.
- Jim Wilson
VOLO Shelby/Cobra/Mustang/T-bird SHOW
Sunday- August 7th, 2011
Posts
