Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club

Transcription

1 Volume 11 Issue #2 March-April 2017 CTCI CHAPTER #116 OFFICERS PRESIDENT FRANK NAVRATIL H C FRANKNAVRATIL@CHARTER.NET Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club VICE PRESIDENT RICK RAWE H C RAWERC@COMCAST.NET SECRETARY PEGGY CARDWELL H C PEGGYCARD- WELL@COMCAST.NET TREASURER BOB BLY H C BLY_CAPTAIN@HOTMAIL.COM DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE ( 16-17) BILL JURKONIE H C T35SCB@AOL.COM DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE ( 17-18) A CTCI Multiple GOLD MEDALLION and GOLD AWARDS Winning Newsletter Take a look back at 2016! Again in 2016! Look inside to see who won the Gib Giberson Participation Award for 2016! Inside find another installment of CHARLIE HENSLEY H C CHUCK@COMCAST.NET NEWSLETTER EDITOR BILL LONG VOL H VOL C TBIRDBILL@YAHOO.COM MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Is this an owner at rest?? OR is it part of the SMCTC Roadworthy Program in action. ANN BLY H ANNBLY@HOTMAIL.COM Visit our website: addresses are hyperlinked. Look inside this issue for more stories/pictures.

2 Page 2 President s corner by frank navratil, club President page 3 Meeting minutes by peggy cardwell page 4 through the rear view mirror: 2016 in review by ed page 5-7 Giberson Award-the blys; No meeting breakfast page 8 The snow queen; a work in progress - part 3 by George Kabalka page 9-11 Roadworthy program.. By Charlie Hensley and Peggy cardwell page 12 meet a member??? Page 13 Classified ads page 14 sponsors page 15 Coming attractions page Events calendar page 19 Smctc application page CTci application page When? Thursday, March 16, 2017 Where? Time? Calhouns; Maryville; 751 Watkins Rd.; near Target and (former) Kroger 7pm for meeting, come earlier for dinner Birthdays / Anniversaries For Bird Lovers March Birthdays Parris Puma 1 JB Morgan 13 Janice Rawe 15 Larry Kivel 19 Richard Ambs 20 Marvin Hill 25 Bill LaBelle 26 March Anniversaries Bob & Lin Helsel 11 David & Charlotte Tinnon 27 April Birthdays Yvonne King 9 Alyce Anthony 11 Randy Cagle 12 Denise Trulli 14 Barb Mabry 18 Bob Helsel 18 Vicky Martin 22 Katherine Abernathy 29 Jerry Cardwell 29 April Anniversaries Grace & Roger Phillips 18 (1986)

3 The President s Corner Page 3 Well, it is hard to imagine that we are already in March. Our daffodils were blooming in February. Time to get the Thunderbirds out of storage and ready for the spring driving season. As you may have heard, my Thunderbird is under the weather. My engine is being entirely rebuilt. After 2000 miles on the last rebuild, problems began to appear. So now after sleeving the engine, finding NOS pistons and rods, a re-polish of the crank, new bearings, new timing chain and well you get it. It will be like new! I am anxious to get it back on the road. So I should be ready for all the events that we have coming up. March 5, we have the tech session and trailer discussion hosted by Jerry Cardwell. The focus will be on showing our cars and trailer safety. Don t miss this one. MockingBird Run IX, High Spirits, is set for May It is shaping up to be one of the best MockingBird Runs ever. By now you should have your registration forms. We have held off sending them out to past attendees so our membership can get registrations in before we hit the 80- person capacity. Don t miss out on this event. If you wonder what condition your Thunderbird may be in, please take advantage of our Roadworthy program. Select club members will perform a safety and functional review for you. Several of you have already taken advantage of this new program. Please contact Rick Rawe or Perry Anthony. Frank Navratil EDITORS CORNER THE BIRD WORD publication is issued near the middle of the EVEN-numbered month by The Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club. Send articles and items of interest to the Editor, Bill Long, at the address on the front page.

4 Meeting Minutes Page 4 Welcome: President Frank Navratil welcomed all 38 members in attendance at Calhouns in Maryville. What a way to start out the new year with a record number. Meeting started at 7:00 pm. Membership: Ann Bly stated that there were some members with outstanding dues for Mark and Mendi Edwards were welcomed as new members. Giberson Award: Rick Rawe gave a little history of the Giberson book. Rick also stated that he would all members the Giberson Award Rules. Congratulations to Ann and Bob Bly, winners of the 2016 Giberson award and a $50 certificate from Hills Thunderbird. Minutes: Peggy stated that the November 17,2016 General Meeting minutes have been distributed and posted on the website. Motion was made and seconded to approve them. Treasurers Report: Bob Bly stated that the report was ed out and took time to explain about our Convention in 2018 account being an LLC. Newsletter Report and CTCI Report: Bill Long still needs material for the Bird Word newsletter. He submitted the January/February Newsletter to the CTCI for the newsletter contest. This is Bill s last time to report on CTCI as our new Regional Director Bob Witt will take over. Thank you Bill for a great job! Bill informed us that May 21, 2017 is Thunderbird Appreciation Day and encouraged us all to just get out and drive. The 2017 CTCI Convention is in August in New Jersey. Let him know if you are interested in attending CTCI Convention Thunder n Lightnin in the Smokies ; August Knoxville, TN. Bill showed us a sample of the tour signs and reported that the Holiday Inn Express across from the Convention Center is the Host Hotel. The Convention Center is the site for the convention. In addition to the show, there will also be area tours. He also reported that a Thunderbird Club in Canada donated $ to our club for this convention and Visit Knoxville Grant of $ was given to us as well. There are a few T s to cross and I s to dot but we are well on the way. Houston Ratledge said a few lyrics of the ballad of Thunder Road. Sunshine Report: Charla was absent from the meeting due to Grandbaby #8 being born. Congrats to Jim and Charla! Old Business: Oak Ridge Parade: Charlie Hensley reported that the parade was a success with no runaway Birds! Annual Christmas Party: Rick Rawe said the party was great fun with great food! Pictures of the party shown at the meeting revealed that some weren t sure which end underwear went on??? Next year s Christmas party will be at the home of Jim and Charla Norgaard. Dinner and Play: Sylvia Witt said the food was great but the play not so much. There were 20 people that attended and all had a great time of fellowship. Upcoming Events: Grace Phillips made the report. Event calendar passed out and reviewed. Reminder for the February 4 th No Meeting Breakfast at the Airport Hilton. Still need an event for February. April, possible Dogwood Trail Drive, Grace to head this up. June 10th; Rugby, TN Classic and Antique Car Show, 9am to 3pm $10.00 per car. Carol Anderson to coordinate. Mockingbird Run IX: Charlie Hensley and Kathy Fahey reported. Mockingbird Run #9, May Kathy passed out treats while Charlie reported on the trip. Holiday Inn Express in Tullahoma is the host hotel. Call ( ) for reservations. The hotel is also giving the Thunderbird group rate for additional days during this event if you want to come early or stay longer. Paris Puma is going to out the Mockingbird Run Registration form. Charlie and Kathy still need some volunteers for a few events. They also reminded us that there is only room for 80 people, so please register as soon as you can. Other: 50/50 Winner: Jerry Cardwell. Door prizes were donated and drawn for courtesy of Doug and Jean Terry. March 16 th next meeting at Calhouns, dinner 5:30, meeting 7:00 Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

5 Page Like the year before, we kicked off 2016 with a play in Oak Ridge. Birds-eye-view of the Swift Museum and Memories of Charlie Nelson. Program to recognize long-term sponsors has begun. MockingBird Run VIII took place in historic Jonesboro and was the coming out party for a few members with medical problems. The bi-monthly No Meeting Breakfast continued through the year. We broke with the format and passed the hat for the victims of the fires in the Smokies in December. Meet the Member focus ranged from founding members to new members.

6 Page Our hearts were broken twice this year with the loss of both Dottie Ratledge and Martha Jane Whitaker. (Con t) Perry arranged a photo shoot for a flock of Red Birds Amis Mill Eatery was a delightful destination for a drive thanks to the Keeners. Peggy s Bird got a little damp at the picnic at Bud and Phyl s in August. The Jurkonies arranged a tour of the Amazon Warehouse. In September, a number of the club s members attended the CTCI International Convention in San Diego.

7 Page (Con t) Wish I could be part of this group! A tour of the Bryant Boat factory was a cool way to spend a hot day, thanks to the Navratils. The Bly s arranged a Fall Color Tour of wineries in the area. SMCTC Birds accompany the balloons at the Muscadine Balloon Fiesta. Dorian Abernathy coordinated our participation in the Knoxville Veterans Day Parade. Good Bye, 2016! Green Power advocate Charlie Hensley led the SMCTC Birds in the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade. Houston shows off his date as we finish the year with our Christmas Party at the Rawes for one last time.

8 Page 8 A Event Report Gib Giberson Award for 2016 At this year s January meeting, the club s most prestigious award, the Alden R. Gib Giberson* Participation Award was presented to Ann and Bob Bly. President Frank Navratil made the presentation after noting that it was one of the closest contests yet and awarded to a couple who has been close to winning for a number of years. In addition to driving and displaying their Fiesta Red 1956 at numerous events, Bob holds the position of Treasurer for the Club and Ann serves as Membership Chair. They have been active members since the Club s inception and are well deserving of this award. *Gib Giberson is universally recognized as the individual who is credited with naming the Thunderbird while working on it in the 1950 s. Gib Giberson. No Meeting Breakfast - February 4, 2017 It was a chilly morning in early February, so nobody spent much time in the parking lot the day of the No Meeting Breakfast. However, there was a good turnout of some 28 attendees at the Airport Hilton. Guests included some fans of the Tupperware competitor of the Thunderbird, as guests of Charlie Hensley and Kathy Fahey joined the group. (The C word won t be mentioned in this newsletter) A couple of the usual suspects were absent as then-ctci President, Bill Long and CTCI Region #4 Director Bob Witt, were involved in the 2017 CTCI Board of Directors meeting on the same day. Always-present, Perry Anthony, was the BIG winner of a free breakfast. Unfortunately, hostess Bev Hammond was called away for a family emergency, so Richard filled in as host. The weather precluded any photos of the parking lot. Don t miss the next one. You may get a free breakfast. News from 2017 CTCI Board of Directors meeting. New CTCI Officers for 2017: President Chuck Thompson (AZ) Vice President John Smith (MO) Secretary Pocahontas Cole (TX) Treasurer Unfilled PLEASE no John Smith and Pocahontas jokes, we have heard them all!

9 Page 9 A Feature I t has been a while since my last update, but things are getting on track again. The Snow Queen has had to wait for me to start getting used to retirement (after 46 years as a UT Professor) and because Hurricane Mathew severely damaged the lower floor of my house in Edisto Beach, SC. But the house is fixed and retirement is treating me well, so I have managed to spend some time with the Queen. The dash was completed (March/April 2016 issue of The Bird Word) and I mounted it in the car with little trouble. The connection points were pretty obvious in general, although some of the vacuum lines and wires under the dash took a bit of time to decipher. In general, it looks pretty good considering all of the contortions I had to go through to make the cover work (refer to Part 2 of series for that escapade). Just completed the installation of the trim around the windshield (a mixture of stainless and chrome parts) and the side windows. Speaking of windshields, I learned that it is very important to examine items that are shipped to you on a timely basis. In an effort to save shipping costs, I purchased a windshield at the same time fellow club member Bob Witt did. Since I didn t need mine immediately, the box got a cursory examination and sat in a corner for a couple of months. Not a good idea! When the box was opened, the window was broken and I was forced to purchase another window. So much for saving money! You might be interested in a couple of things that I ran into while installing the windshield. I found that not all trim connection points were attached during production. An example is shown in the picture on the right, which is the top stainless steel trim piece on the windshield. Four of the attachment points (out of 6!!) were not attached to the car frame (there were no holes drilled for the screws to attach the clip at 4 points so much for hand built cars!). The other thing that cost me some serious time is the fact that when you have something re-chromed, it gets thicker! Since the Birds have a mixture of interlocking stainless steel parts and chrome parts, this causes serious connection problems. I found that I had to grind some of the rough edges off of the rechromed pieces. This takes some effort. Dash reinstalled along with window trim Lack of drilled hole for fastening screw By the way, if you are going to replace your windshield, make sure you get help from one of the club members who has done it. It may not be rocket science but there are some subtleties that you run in to. One is the use of a string to set the window in the rubber seal that surrounds it.

10 Page 10 A Feature Another is insertion of the metal brace in the rubber that the trim clips insert into. The picture below illustrates how the clip inserts into the metal brace. Of course, the clips (7 of them) are inserted into the trim piece before attaching to the window frame. Location of mounting clips for stainless trim Clips used to hold trim on to window I also installed new side windows and reintalled door locks. Putting all the window-raising mechanisms (scissors, pillars, brackets, regulators, etc) reminds me of assembling a jigsaw puzzle without having a good picture of the finished product. The illustrations and instructions in the reference manuals just don t quite cut it. In my case, I had to replace the side windows which were original and cracked! Taking the trim off the top of the windows was fairly easy once your removed the 3 little screws that hold the trim to the bottom door glass channel (hint: spray them with WD-40 before you try.) The rubber trim is available from the suppliers (#21478). The problem came in when I tried to remove the glass from the channel. After 60 years, not a chance! The tool they show in the reference manual wouldn t work on the Birds because there are no access points in the bottom of the channel that holds the glass. After trying everything I knew, including WD-40 overnight, I decided the only solution was too take a hammer to the glass (wear safety glasses even though the windows are safety glass) and then pry the glass remnants and the old seal out of the channel. Those Amazon Christmas bags are great for this since they are strong enough to hold the glass while you break it. Then I realized that they don t seem to sell a rubber seal for the channel. At least I couldn t find one. However, I found that the rubber trim that is used for the top trim works quite well. Lucky for me that this is my hobby! Window Mechanisms in Place Removing Channel Trim

11 Page 11 A Feature My biggest problem at the moment, a major setback, is that I had to pull the motor back out After installing most of the wires and lines, I decided to make sure the engine was getting oil to the rocker arms before starting it up. This is recommended by just about everyone who has rebuilt engines. In fact, Bob Witt ran into the problem with his rebuilt 1956 engine. Basically, all you have to do is to turn the oil pump using an electric drill and the shaft of an old distributor (or an inexpensive tool sold by all the T-Bird pars suppliers). Alas, my left rocker arm was bathed in oil but my right rocker arm remained dry. After removing and examinng the rocker arm to make sure there were no blockages, it was clear that oil was not being pumped through the right head. According to a number of very knowledgeable club members, the cause is almost certainly a cam bearing that was improperly installed. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the problem is to disassemble the motor and remount the bearing. I am now waiting for my not-soreliable machine shop operator to fix and return my engine and transmission. For those who have never pulled a T-Bird engine, it is simpler to pull the engine and transmission out as a unit then it is to disconnect them and worry about supporting the transmission (make sure you drain the transmission fluid or cap the end of the transmission big mess if you don t.). Ready to be taken to shop for oil flow repair A serious setback on the road to restoration! Nevertheless, I am moving forward and plan to have her rolling as soon as possible. Currently shopping the Sales at the T-Bird supply houses for new interior parts. Since most upholstery kits include most traditional items, I will end up with an extra Drop Curtain since the Queen has a Tonneau.

12 Page 12 A ROADWORTHY PROGRAM Feature An Assistance Program for SMCTC Members The Roadworthy Program has been implemented two times already. Each was a test of the two volunteered sites. The first was done by the Greenback team of Ernie King and Perry Anthony on victim Charlie Hensley. The second was performed by Rick Rawe on Peggy Cardwell s car. Here are partial comments on each of those experiences. I {Charlie H.} volunteered to be the first club member to receive the Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club sponsored Roadworthy inspection at Perry Anthony s shop in Greenback, Tn. on December 20, I feel the inspection was well worth the time and effort on my part, including the 50min drive from Oak Ridge. Ernie King provided most of the detailed part of the inspection which lasted a little over an hour and addressed all essential functioning of the vehicle including engine operation, brakes, lights, tires, fire extinguisher, horn, etc. Ernie is a very pleasant and knowledgeable auto mechanic and it was also enjoyable to meet him as well. Perry previews the process. Ernie points out lug problem and instructs on packing wheel bearing. Green Birdie passed with almost flying colors since a couple of minor problems were found including a loosely fitting lug stud, need for bearing re-packing, and one cylinder was missing during idle. After returning home, the miss was found to be from a loose spark plug wire poorly connected at the distributor. If you are like me, your classic is a work in progress and some items get ignored long enough that they are not noticed anymore. This inspection provides a second set of eyes (or however many are present) to point out items to address. Functional checks includes lights. Peggy s comments: Jerry and I had a great time over at Ricks. He was very thorough and very helpful with his advice. But, if you notice Jerry carrying a weapon, that was in case Rick said that he had to spend more money on it! LOL. I would highly recommend our club members doing this if they haven't already. Rick advises what he can observe from this point. Rick catches a little shut eye while no one is looking! - NOT! Jerry wasn t packing cause he thinks Rick lives in a dangerous neighborhood, but only in case he says they need to spend more money! If you would like to have your car Roadworthy tested, contact the closest Volunteer Expert (Rick or Perry) to get yours checked! Rick Rawe, [ / rawerc@comcast.net] - Knoxville; Perry Anthony, [ / pa310@charter.net ] - Greenback.

13 Meet a Member Page 13 If you want to tell your Thunderbird story and have it appear here, write it up and send it along with a good picture of you and your car to the editor. If you don t care to test your story telling ability, just reply to an earlier questionnaire that was sent by the editor. If you don t still have that , drop the editor a note and he will resend it to you. Take a look at our website: Members contact Ann Bly for Username and Password if you don t have it.

14 CLASSIFIED ADS Page 14 FOR SALE: * Convertible top ( 57 style) for 55-57; Needs canvas & weatherstripping (clamps included) otherwise good shape,,now $2500, new price!! * Complete set of ALL Early Bird magazines $350 * 84 Avanti car in very good condition $10,000 * plastic model car 1/25 scale $20 * plastic model cars 1/24 scale $20 each * metal model car 1/24 scale $25 * plastic model cars 1/16 scale $30 each * Or all model cars (all Thunderbirds) $75 MORE ITEMS JUST ADDED! * Hard top back window GOOD condition (minor scratch) $20 * Good used water pumps (3) $5 each * Good used gas tank 1957 $15 * All this and MORE good T-Bird STUFF Inquire Contact Perry at pa310@charter.net ; David Tinnon would like to buy a drivers side door for his 1956 Thunderbird, scenicrealtors@bellsouth.net The signs say it all! Editor recently spotted a DRASTIC sale on TV s at our local Best Buy. Better get over there real quick before they come to their senses and jack the price back up!!

15 And now a word from Page 15 our Sponsors Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors! Support our Newest Sponsor is one of our own! Support our sponsors! Support our Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors! Diamond Back Classic Radials Support our sponsors! Support our sponsors!

16 Page 16 COMING ATTRACTIONS Our regular bimonthly meeting for March will take place at our normal meeting place in Maryville. Join us to get the latest on the 2017 MockingBird Run IX plans. Thursday evening, March 16, 2017; Maryville Calhouns When: Time: Thunderbird Judging Orientation and Tech Session March 5, 2017, Sunday 1:30-5:00 (NOTE: New starting time!) Where: Trailer Specialists of Knoxville 1408 Dutch Valley Dr. Knoxville, TN Directions: I-75 N, exit 108, Turn right off of the exit. Take a right at next traffic light onto Central Avenue Pike. Travel straight through the next 2 traffic lights. The road name changes to Dutch Valley. Stay on Dutch Valley. Our shop will be on your right. Brown building, red and blue lettering on the building. Also, Peggy and Jerry ask that we RSVP to peggywcardwell@comcast.net by March 3 to get a head count.

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18 Page 18 COMING ATTRACTIONS Rugby Classic and Antique Car Event Saturday June 10, 2017 in scenic and historic RUGBY, TN. (9 am to 3 pm) Includes a car show, food vendors, a Craft Fair, fishing in the pond and Ranger-led hike. It s also a beautiful drive to and from. Planned by Carol Anderson; Details to follow. CTCI Become a new member or renew your membership. Each membership includes a subscription to the bimonthly, award winning, Early Bird magazine along with member access to CTCI events, publications, the CTCI website, FaceBook page and member store, a roster of your fellow Thunderbird enthusiasts, and individual technical support, just to name a few of your individual benefits. Calendar year membership for renewing members is still only $35. Mark your long range calendars for August 15-19, 2018 for Thunder n Lightnin in the Smokies A CTCI International Convention. Many more details will be forth coming. The Club is counting on you to play a role for this important event in the life of our Club.

19 Page 19 Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club 2017 Chapter #116 Event Calendar (2-2-17) Month Event Date Time Host January Club meeting January 18, pm Calhoun's Maryville Dinner and Play January 13, :30pm Bob and Sylvia Witt February Breakfast Airport Hilton February 4, am Beverley Hammond March April May June July August September October November Club meeting March 16, pm Calhoun's Maryville Tbird Orientation & Tech Session March 5, pm Jerry Cardwell and Perry Anthony Breakfast Airport Hilton April 1, am Beverley Hammond Dogwood Trail drive TBD TBD Grace and Roger Phillips Club Meeting May 18, pm Calhoun's Maryville Mockingbird Run IX May 19-21, 2017 Charlie Hensley and Kathy Fahey Breakfast Airport Hilton June 3, am Beverley Hammond Rugby Antique Car Show June 10, am Carol and Dave Anderson Club meeting July 20,2017 7pm Calhoun's Maryville Breakfast Airport Hilton August 5, am Beverley Hammond CTCI National Convention New Jersey Open Road August 2-6, 2017 New Jersey Thunderbird Club Photo Shoot August 25 or 26? TBD Perry Anthony and Bill Long Club meeting At Club Picnic TBD TBD Club Picnic TBD TBD Jerry & Peggy Cardwell Breakfast Airport Hilton October 7, am Beverley Hammond October Event TBD TBD Denise Trulli Club meeting November 16, pm Calhoun's Maryville Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2017 TBD Dorian Abernathy Breakfast Airport Hilton December 2, am Beverley Hammond December Oak Ridge Christmas Parade TBD TBD Charlie Hensley Christmas Party TBD TBD James & Charla Norgaard Scheduled Tentative Not Planned New Event Club meetings Current issue on our website: UT Home games: Sept. 9, 23, 30; Oct. 14 ; Nov. 4, 18, 25 Copy this page and put these dates on your calendar and/or in your phone.

20 Page 20 Frank Navratil, President Rick Rawe, Vice President Peggy Cardwell, Secretary Bob Bly, Treasurer Ann Bly, Membership

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23 If no other name known use Bill Long -#8982 Page 23