College of DuPage Car Show

Follows below is Doug Roger's  summary of the CTCC participation at the show:

Assistant Professor Steve Thompson, Co-Host of the Latino Ethnic Association, and forty (40) college students of the College of DuPage (COD) went out of their way to extend their genuine hospitality during their inaugural Car Show on Sunday, April 22nd.  209 automobiles registered resulting in $8,000 being raised for minority scholarships.  COD considers the event a success as their goal was for 150 to 200 cars.  Additional students from the COD took pictures and video for their photography class and several English majors interviewed attendees as to how their automobile reflected their personality. On the Monday after, students critiqued their performance and have already come up with a dozen items to improve the next show, which they hope will become an annual event. Steve and the students are to be congratulated, as they put forth a tremendous amount of time and effort leading up to show and did everything possible to please all attendees throughout the day.

Seven Classic Thunderbirds and a 63 M-code Roadster were displayed by members Len Keil, Peter Kramer, Mike Pavlak, Ron Pavlak, Doug Rogers, Bill & Liz Werth, and Jim Wilson.  They endured a windy, mid 40 degree day to partake in the activities to include no less than a “low-rider hip-hop” demonstration by the local chapter of Street Wise.  For those that have never seen a “hip-hop” before the object is for the owner of the “low-rider” to bounce the car from front to back as high as possible with a remote using the car’s custom hydraulic system.  Seeing the cars bounce up and down with sparks flying is quite an interesting experience, to say the least.  While perhaps a bit out of sync with antique automobile enthusiasts, the “low-riders” were certainly not short on technology and quality workmanship with truly artistic paint schemes. One “low-rider” even had aircraft landing hydraulics supported by the typical six batteries in the trunk to lift the body from the frame in every configuration imaginable.  Over 200 photos of the COD Car Show were taken by Ron Brickman that can be viewed by visiting www.hotroddeals.com/norm/ under the “My Photo Section” tab.

Doug Rogers

USO Party

Ken Kresmery hosted the 2nd Annual "Stars and Stripes" USO fundraiser at his Poplar Grove hangars on April 21. Sixteen CTCCers attended the event which began with a posting of the colors by Post VFW 1461 and American Legion Post 77 Honor Guard. Bob Hoge and his band provided terrific "big band" dance music and also accompanied Bob and Helen's granddaughter, Mary, and Ken's daughter-in-law, Candy, as they sang beautifully. Two tables adjacent to the dance floor accommodated the CTCC crowd and its many bottles for the BYOB party. Following a meal of "typical" military food (think SOS, spam and the like), the band played while most everyone danced. Kathy Smizinski wore her father's army jacket and dog tags. She and Ken displayed their excellent jitterbug and polka skills. Ed Levin and Rose Kovalenko and Lloyd & Joan Schillen also danced quite a bit. During the evening, we were treated to a visit of two "little people" who danced around the room to some military songs. Many thanks to Ken Kresmery for inviting CTCC to take part in this event. We look forward to attending the August 19 "Day at the Hangar" which is always a fun family outing.
Attendees, in addition to those mentioned above: Pete Kramer, Len & Mary Keil, Len Vinyard, Doug & Soon Rogers and Bill & Liz Werth.

Tech Session

Classic Thunderbird Club of Chicagoland

TECH SESSION - SAT., APRIL 28, 2012
BEGINNING AT 9:00 am RAIN OR SHINE!

THUNDERBIRD PRESENTATION TOPICS:
BRAKE ADJUSTMENT AND MAINTENANCE!
COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE!
T-BIRD QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION!

BY KEN SMIZINSKI, CTCC TECH CHAIRMAN
AT BOB'S GARAGE 265 N. WAUKEGAN RD. - Lake Forest, IL 60045
CONTACT: BOB WENDERSKI FOR REGISTRATION
TEL: 847-234-2394 EMAIL: (bsw60045@comcast.net)

*****R.S.V.P. BEFORE APRIL 25, 2011*****
____REGISTRATION LIMITED, SO CALL IN A.S.A.P.________

AGENDA:
9:00 AM TILL 10:00 AM COFFEE AND ROLLS
TECH SESSION BEGINS PROMPTL YA T 10:00 AM TILL 12:30 PM
AFTER WARDS LUNCH IS PLANNED A T ALEK'S RESTAURANT IN LAKE BL UFF
WEATHER PERMITTING, GET YOUR "BIRD" OUT FOR THIS DUST-OFF EVENT
THE EXTENSIVE CTCC LIBRARY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BROWSING & TAKE OUT
DON'T MISS THE GROUP PHOTO

DIRECTIONS TO TECH SESSION:
TAKE (1-294) NORTH TO ROUTE 60 (TOWNLINE ROAD) - EAST ON ROUTE 60 TO WAUKEGAN
ROAD - TURN NORTH (LEFT) ON WAUKEGAN ROAD - APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE TO
265 N. WAUKEGAN ROAD (WHITE MAIL BOX / BLACK ROOF) ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROAD.
IF YOU REACH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT DEERPATH ROAD, YOU PASSED US UP!
PARKING:
T-BIRDS TO THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY, REGULAR DRIVERS STAY IN THE FRONT

Pizza Party- Meeting

On Thursday, February 9th, 38 CTCC club members enjoyed an evening of pizza at Jake's Pizza in Mt. Prospect. Always a popular event as it kicks off the car season. It gives everyone a chance to catch up on car talk and gives the feeling that spring is indeed around the corner so that soon we can pull off the dust covers from our sleeping Birds! Always delicious pizza and a great evening. New member Andy Romaniecki was introduced. Personal care items were also donated by members for the Food Pantry.

Doug Rogers presented the budget for 2012 club year and this will be voted on at the next regular meeting on March 8th. Please note that the new meeting place is Mr. Beef & Pizza at Elmhurst and Algonquin Roads Mt. Prospect.

At the March 8th meeting we will have the election of new directors and preview highlights of the upcoming year. Board members also modeled the new club shirts that will be available to order in the coming months. Tom Bruin is heading up the ordering. They include a denim shirt, polo shirts, front half zipper sweat shirts and a pull over hoodie. All embroidered with the TBird emblem and your individual name.

Prez. Pete spoke briefly about the possibility of a 2014 National Tbird Convention observing the TBird 60th Anniversary. A committee is being formed to explore this event. In addition, also mentioned was the convention coming up in August in Memphis. Ken Smizinski spoke on the Spring Tour to Hannibal and urged everyone attending to get in your hotel reservations.

Marylu Kramer

Spring tour- May 4-7, 2012

CTCC SPRING TOUR - MAY 4-7, 2012
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI

The Club will host a "welcome party" on Friday night with special guests: Tom & Becky.

Saturday is a day to relax and tour downtown Hannibal at your leisure.

Saturday night the Club will enjoy a two-hour dinner jazz cruise down the mighty Mississippi.

Sunday - Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast before we tour the famous Rockcliffe Mansion (built in 1898).

A late lunch/early dinner can be enjoyed before our "Haunted Hannibal" tour on Sunday evening.

Best Western on the River
$89 per night
(breakfast included)
for reservations call: 877 248-1155 or 573 248-1150
(Hotel is within walking distance of most sights)

Pre-paid tour cost- $73.00 per person.*
tour reservation must be made by April 3
Make checks payable to CTCC and send to:
Ken Smizinski
157 Oaksbury Lane
Palatine, IL 60067
*Price includes Dinner Cruise, Rockcliffe Mansion Tour and Haunted Hannible.

Special Invitation to USO Fund Raiser

Tachometer Cable Noise

Tachometer Cable Noise
By Gene Nelson


The Question-- All of a sudden my tachometer started to make a real loud whinning noise. It does increase and decrease with varying speed. Could it be that the drive cable needs lubrication? If so, which end can the cable be removed from, the distributor or the tach itself? Or does the head need rebuilding or replacing? Any info you can share will be helpful as always.
Bob Kolvedt TARTC MEMBER

The Answer-- The best way to lubricate the tachometer cable (and the speedometer cable) is to remove the inner cable at the gage end. You can easily reach under the dash and turn the round retainer nut. this should only be finger tight. Once it is disconnected, move the cable end so it is between the dash and floor. The inner cable will come out easily. Pull it all the way out, wiping it off as you pull it out to remove the old lubrication. Be careful because the old black lube will get all over your carpet, upholstery and clothes. It will leave marks that are hard to remove. When you reinstall the cable put some cup grease in your hand and apply it as you slide the cable back into the jacket. When it is all the way in, rotate the cable to make sure it seats in the gear on the distributor end. Then slide the end back into the tachometer gage, hand tighten the nut and try it out.

The Results-- I did exactly what you suggested with the removal of the cable and cup grease and reinstalled it. I only got to test drive it for a half mile, but it sure was quiet. Much obliged. Bob

[Source credit- TARTC Newsletter, Dearborn, Michigan]

In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM THELEN

It is with sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that we note the passing of Bill Thelen, an active long term member of CTCC.

Bill joined CTCC in December of 1994 and soon became the owner of a 1957 Thunderbird. Bill and Bonnie were married in 1997 and they participated regularly in Tours and numerous other Club Events.Bill subsequently purchased a Retro 'Bird, finding its "comfort level" to be a marked improvement over his '57.

Bill's friendly, outgoing nature was always evident, especially when he became involved in discussing his professional career.

The Officers, Directors and membership of CTCC extend their hearfelt condolences to Bonnie and family as we share in their loss.

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