The Oil Leak. DECEMBER 2017 Volume 54 Issue 12

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The il Leak DECEMBER 2017 Volume 54 Issue 12 The President Speaks: My Model A Friends, I write these words, the last words you will hear from me as your 2017 President, as a sort of state of the

I recall thinking as I took office my first term as President in 2006 that we were in in the midst of a Golden Age of Model As - and that our club was filled with enthusiastic and active members who

I generally like to keep my eyes on the road ahead, but I ve found it helpful to take a glance in the rear view mirror once n a while - if only for the joy of seeing a smiling Dick O Brien in his

1 The il Leak DECEMBER 2017 Volume 54 Issue 12 The President Speaks: My Model A Friends, I write these words, the last words you will hear from me as your 2017 President, as a sort of state of the union- so to speak. It somehow seems fitting to be looking back at the roads we have travelled down at this time of the year. I recall thinking as I took office my first term as President in 2006 that we were in in the midst of a Golden Age of Model As - and that our club was filled with enthusiastic and active members who would willingly and ably assist a relatively new and inexperienced President. And so it was. I write now, at the end of my second term as President, with a few mores miles showing on my odometer. I generally like to keep my eyes on the road ahead, but I ve found it helpful to take a glance in the rear view mirror once n a while - if only for the joy of seeing a smiling Dick O Brien in his beautiful blue cabriolet. I ve enjoyed the road through 2017, and I can report to you that the state of the union is good. We ve had a pleasant season of tours and events, from ice cream runs and dinner tours to group tours to the national and regional meets. We had a great Fall Tour As well as separate tours to both a winery and a brewery in New Hampshire. We started our year off with a great dinner (to inaugurate me!), chased away the Winter Blahs, picked apples, dined with the spirit of Henry Ford, and celebrated summer at each other s homes. Our meetings and events have been well attended and, in my opinion, well put together, and as I write this, I fully expect that we ll finish the year with yet another fine event - the holiday party. Many, many hands have gone into making the year so successful, and I congratulate each of you for helping to make your club so successful. And I thank you for making my job so easy. It really does take a village, and in my experience, when one of our active members gets busy outside of the club, there is another member or two right there to step up. I am thankful for your support, and for all the good things the Model A Ford has brought into my life - and especially the people who have been riding along with me all these years. My best wishes and thanks in this holiday season. Tom Zappala 1

Sunshine Grace Doyle (Gdoyle95@aol.com) What nice Month we had, no cards had to be sent out. Have a happy and healthy Holiday season. If you know of a member who needs a little cheering up contact me.

Dinner/Meeting (see page 4 ) TL= Tour Leader * On your own, go directly to location.

2 Sunshine Grace Doyle What nice Month we had, no cards had to be sent out. Have a happy and healthy Holiday season. If you know of a member who needs a little cheering up contact me. The Oil Leak C o m i n g E v e n t s (Tours Start at Sudbury Grange unless noted) Dec 03: (1:00pm) Maynard Christmas Parade* Dec 10: (12:30pm) Club Holiday Party (see page 5) Jan 02: Installation Dinner/Meeting (see page 4 ) TL= Tour Leader * On your own, go directly to location. MINUTEMAN HISTORY by Art Callan Minuteman Model A Ford Club Treasurer s Report October 2017 Income: Club Items Sold $30.00 Coffee Can Member Dues Wayside Inn Dinner Total Income $ Expense: Mass Tax Filing (annual report) $18.50 NE Meet Refund Coffee Supplies 7.00 Oil Leak Printing PO Box Fee Tour Expense Wayside Inn Dinner Exp Total Expense $ Net Income $ December years ago Holiday Party at the Wayside Inn. Awards given for November Rally: 1st-Bill Riddell, 2nd-Doug Linden, 3rd Dave Clark Yankee swap concludes party evening. December years ago Nov auction nets $125 Holiday Party held at Ken s Steak House December years ago Club tours WWII Museum on Veteran's day O B fined $5 for Woody Wagon used in This Old House ARTIE-FACT Hours after Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Secret Service found themselves in a bind. President Franklin Roosevelt was to give his Day of Infamy speech to Congress, and although the trip from the White House to Capitol Hill was short, agents weren t sure how to transport him safely. At the time, Federal law prohibited buying any cars that cost more than $750, so they would have to get clearance from Congress to do that, and nobody had time for that. One of the Secret Service members, however, discovered that the US Treasury had seized the bulletproof car that mobster A Capone owned when he was sent to jail in They cleaned it, made sure it was running perfectly and had it ready for the President the next day. A Capone s 1928 Cadillac V-8 Town Sedan became the President s limo in December Note: It had 3,000 pounds of armor, inch-thick bulletproof windows, was painted green & black like Chicago police cars, a hidden siren and flashing lights, and a police scanner radio. National Organizations: If you are not already members of the following organizations, consider joining them. Model A Ford Club of America (mafca.com) Membership dues $50/year Model A Restorers Club (modelarestorers.org) Membership Dues $45/year Model A Ford Foundation (maffi.org) and the Model A Ford Museum $25/year 2

3 Secretary s Report Minutes of the Minuteman Model A Ford Club November 7, 2017 Location: Memorial Congregational Church Sudbury. The November meeting was called to order at approximately 7:38 PM following a terrific rendition of God Bless America led by the Mangan s. There were approximately 55 members in attendance this month. Tom thanked this month s volunteers for providing the refreshments. Tom then announced, no meeting next month, as it will be replaced by the Holiday Party. Tom then relayed a story about his end of season fill up for his Mode A - yes - you guessed it his gas gauge started leaking. Draining the tank into gas cans and ordering a gasket kit then became his next chore. The January meeting is Tuesday January 2nd. The Inauguration Dinner will be held, please RSVP so we know how many members will be in attendance. See Oil Leak for announcement. Officers Reports: VP Andy Adams announced the Holiday Party will be at Conrad s again, 20 members have signed up so far. See Oil Leak for details and get your reservation in! Andy then spoke shortly about his unfortunate issue in Maine when his rear axle broke. Andy procured an axle from Clyde Kelton and several members met at Harold Legges garage and quickly replaced the broken axle. Thanks to all that helped! - The Secretary s report as printed in the Oil Leak MSP. - The Treasurers Report as printed in the Oil Leak - MSP. - Oil leak - Doug is looking for articles for the Oil Leak so please send your interesting stories or articles to him. Membership: - Nan Linden reported we are now collecting dues for 2018 so get your dues in!! New Members in attendance tonight: Mike and Dawn Levesque with son Gavin. They are from Dracut and have a 1930 Fordor. Brad Johnson of Acton has a 1930 Tudor. Brad has had a Model A since he was 18 years old. Terrific! Touring: - Dick O Brien provided a review of upcoming tours on schedule. Two tours left for the season how quickly it went by. * 11/9 Spice and Pepper meet at the restaurant at 6:30 PM. Tom Zap - TL. * 11/12 Frostbite tour to the Old Mill in Westminster. Leaving the grange at 10:00 AM. Craig Martin - TL. * 12/3 Holiday Parade in Maynard, set up at 4:00 PM and parade kicks off at 5:00 PM. - Lenny Michalak then provided a gift certificate from the group, to Wayne and Sue Champagne in appreciation for their wonderfully planned/led trip to Maine. 3 New Business: Tom read the report from the nominating committee and presented the slate of officers for 2018 calendar year; Andy Adams for President, Harold Samuels for Vice President, Barbara McElhiney for Treasure, Rick Gadbois for Secretary. A unanimous vote from the floor confirmed all candidates. Congratulations to the 2018 officers. Programs: After a short break we will hold the annual Live & Silent Auctions. Running Board Commentary: Doug relayed a story about a recent trip to Arlington by a few Minuteman in an effort to provide assistance in getting a Model A started that hadn t run for many years. The team found a few minor electrical problems that they quickly repaired. However, prior to starting the car Harold oiled up the cylinders real well and when the car started, well, they fogged the entire neighborhood!! Cole provided a very generous donation to the club for the assistance. Business Meeting Adjourned at 8:06 PM Respectfully submitted Rick Gadbois

2017 Board of Directors President - Tom Zappala 781-424-3364 t.zappala@comcast.net Vice President - Andy Adams 781-237-1575 andrewtim.adams@gmail.com Secretary - Rick Gadbois r.gadbois@comcast.

com Steering Committee Jo Johnson, John Jacobson, Clyde Kelton, Doug Linden Tour Directors: Mike Doyle 781-899-8706 / Dick O Brien 781-223-0259 Sunshine: Grace Doyle 781-899-8706 Gdoyle95@aol.

Please welcome: Bradley & Kathy Johnson 829 Main Street Acton, MA 01720 978-263-5153 cell 1930 Tudor bradj54@comcast.

4 2017 Board of Directors President - Tom Zappala t.zappala@comcast.net Vice President - Andy Adams andrewtim.adams@gmail.com Secretary - Rick Gadbois r.gadbois@comcast.net Treasurer - Barbara McElhiney mcelhiney@rcn.com Membership - Nan Linden met59a31@aol.com Editor - Doug Linden douglinden@aol.com Steering Committee Jo Johnson, John Jacobson, Clyde Kelton, Doug Linden Tour Directors: Mike Doyle / Dick O Brien Sunshine: Grace Doyle Gdoyle95@aol.com Newsletter Distribution: Sue Champagne schampagne@robbinskersten.com Welcome New Members Nan reports a new member this month. Please welcome: Bradley & Kathy Johnson 829 Main Street Acton, MA cell 1930 Tudor bradj54@comcast.net Model A s For sale 1928 Ford Phaeton - Older restoration, interior good condition. New L.B. top. Runs great. Fun car. $17,500. Contact Bill at Waltham, MA ***ATTENTION*** January 2nd Installation Dinner & Awards Meeting At this meeting we will install our 2018 officers, present the Hard Luck Award and have dinner which will begin at 6:30 PM RESERVATIONS NEEDED The club will provide the food so we will need a head count. The No Reservation - No Food rule applies. Please contact Tom Zappala or t.zappala@comcast.net 4

Minuteman Holiday Party When: Sunday December 10, 2017 Time; 12:30 4:30 PM Where: Conrad s Restaurant 120

Baked Stuffed Chicken Roasted Seasonal Vegetables Dessert: Sheet Cake Price: $20.

00 pp) Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card for our Toys-for-Tots collection

5 Minuteman Holiday Party When: Sunday December 10, 2017 Time; 12:30 4:30 PM Where: Conrad s Restaurant 120 Boston Post Road (RT 20) Sudbury, MA Hors D oeuvres Caesar Salad Buffet Menu: Steak Tips Ravioli Marinara Baked Stuffed Chicken Roasted Seasonal Vegetables Dessert: Sheet Cake Price: $20.00* pp Member/guest Non-members($40.00 pp) Please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card for our Toys-for-Tots collection Name: Spouse/guest: Non-member Please make check payable to Minuteman Model A Club Mail check to: Andy Adams 27 Bogle Street Weston, MA * A large portion of the cost of this event is subsidized by the club. 5

A Great New Book Part 1, of a 3-part series of books about the Model A/AA Ford Assembly Plants and their production numbers is now available.

Part 1, a 234 page book, deals with the Model A Passenger Cars which the Ford Motor Company produced from 1927 thru 1931 including 1932 post production vehicles and the assembly plants, worldwide,

Steve Plucker Editor s Note: I have known Steve for years and he has published a number of detailed books regarding the production of the Model A. This is his latest.

As we suspected during our roadside seminar the axle was indeed broken.

6 A Great New Book Part 1, of a 3-part series of books about the Model A/AA Ford Assembly Plants and their production numbers is now available. Part 1 will be about the Model A Ford Passenger Cars; Part 2 will be about the Model A Ford Commercial vehicles; and Part 3 will be about the Model AA Ford Trucks. Part 1, a 234 page book, deals with the Model A Passenger Cars which the Ford Motor Company produced from 1927 thru 1931 including 1932 post production vehicles and the assembly plants, worldwide, that assembled them and much more. You can purchase this book, Part 1, for just $25.00 by check or money order (USA only). Enjoy. Steve Plucker Editor s Note: I have known Steve for years and he has published a number of detailed books regarding the production of the Model A. This is his latest. The website he provides will take you to Amazon.com to place your order. Andy s Axle Update Thought you would like to see what brought a halt to Andy Adams trip to Maine. As we suspected during our roadside seminar the axle was indeed broken. Andy had the Model A towed to Harold Legge s where the breakfast group made short work of disassembling the drivers side of the differential. As you can see from the pictures, the axle broke just before the taper. In retrospect Andy was lucky the wheel didn t fall off during all the moving of the car. Andy was able to procure a very nice replacement axle from Clyde Kelton and it was out with the old and in with the new. All the pieces were put back together, the bolts tighten and a test drive made to make sure all was normal. And all this was done before a lunch. Good Job Guys! 6

ON THE ROAD By Rich Bowes On the first weekend in November for the past few years, 3 things happen.

Dozens of car enthusiasts, and chicken lovers made the trek to feast their eyes on beautiful cars, and to chow down on an all-you-can-eat chicken dinner at the extremely popular restaurant.

Several other area clubs were represented, including the Worcester County Model "A's", the Model "A" Club of Cape Cod, the Little Rhody Model "A" Club, MARCOM, Bay State Antique Auto Club, and the

The present condition of the car was the result of 5 years of restoration done by it's father and daughter owners, who worked on the project together.

7 ON THE ROAD By Rich Bowes On the first weekend in November for the past few years, 3 things happen. Daylight Savings Time ends, we gain an extra hour of sleep, and the annual Chicken Run of antique and classic cars to Wright's Chicken Farm in Harrisville, RI occurs. This year was no exception. Dozens of car enthusiasts, and chicken lovers made the trek to feast their eyes on beautiful cars, and to chow down on an all-you-can-eat chicken dinner at the extremely popular restaurant. 40 members of the Minuteman Club took part, most driving their "A's" to the event. Several other area clubs were represented, including the Worcester County Model "A's", the Model "A" Club of Cape Cod, the Little Rhody Model "A" Club, MARCOM, Bay State Antique Auto Club, and the Central Mass Model T Club. There were lots of Model "T's" on hand, including a beautiful 1914 Touring Car (last year of the brass "T"s), which sported original acetylene gas powered lights. The present condition of the car was the result of 5 years of restoration done by it's father and daughter owners, who worked on the project together. Other notable cars included 2 mid-'50's T-birds, a gorgeous mid-'30's Hudson Convertible, a late model Ferrari Coupe, and at the other end of the spectrum, an unpretentious, but very cute, 1950's era Nash Rambler sporting a full length fabric sunroof. As usual, the time change required many of us to eat and run, in an attempt to get home before darkness. Luckily, we had arrived early and had plenty of time to admire the terrific cars on hand and to socialize with friends. Dick O Brien was the tour leader and he lead 11 Model A s, a corvette and a Modern from Sudbury. Joining in this group were new members Mike and Dawn Levesque who made the trip from Dracut in their 1930 Town Sedan. It was a chilly ride, but there were no mechanical troubles. No U Turns on this trip...but Dick have to follow detour signs as a bridge was out. All who attended this gathering enjoyed the having a chance to mingle with members of the other clubs, all who attended had a great time. We'll see you all there again next year! 7

The new year near! Time to renew your 2018 MEMBERSHIP Dues is Due In order for us to keep our records up to date, PLEASE complete the form below and return with your check for $20.

8 The new year near! Time to renew your 2018 MEMBERSHIP Dues is Due In order for us to keep our records up to date, PLEASE complete the form below and return with your check for $20. If there are no changes, you won t have to complete the entire form, just check the appropriate box. Thank you. First Name Last Name Spouse/Significant Other Name Street City State Zip Code Telephone - - No Changes Are you over 80 and been a member for at least 5 years? If, yes, membership is free. I would like to receive my Oil Leak by . Yes No (If you do not specify, it will be sent electronically if we have an address on file.) Are You a member of MAFFI MAFCA MARC Model A Info: Year Body Style Year Acquired Year Body Style Year Acquired Year Body Style Year Acquired Year Body Style Year Acquired Please make check payable to: Minuteman Model A Ford Club and mail to Minuteman Model A Club P.O. Box 545 Sudbury, MA

OUT & ABOUT Nov 12 - Frostbite Tour Craig martin once again managed to secure a sunny day, albeit a little chilly, for our

Assembling for the tour at the Sudbury Grange was a mix of Moderns (3) and hearty Model A s (6).

However, the sun was shining brightly and it was a fine day for a Model A drive.

The route out to Westminster took us thru very scenic countryside, good back roads and around Mt Wachusett with it s snow

The Old Mill s Sunday buffet had everything from Waffles to roast beef, no way was anyone going hungry.

We were seated in the front dining room and enjoyed the view of the pond and watching the ducks who didn t seem to mind

As we headed back to the Model A s we tossed the ducks some feed and watched them flap and quack their way to get

Craig stopped of at the Cider Mill Antique Center so we could do a little poking around and most of us did manage to find

9 OUT & ABOUT Nov 12 - Frostbite Tour Craig martin once again managed to secure a sunny day, albeit a little chilly, for our tour to the Old Mill Restaurant in Westminster. Assembling for the tour at the Sudbury Grange was a mix of Moderns (3) and hearty Model A s (6). I guess the morning temperature of 25 degrees was a little too much for some people. However, the sun was shining brightly and it was a fine day for a Model A drive. Craig lead the way in his Roadster, while the rest of us in closed Model A s had our manifold heaters blasting away. The route out to Westminster took us thru very scenic countryside, good back roads and around Mt Wachusett with it s snow That s Ice on the rocks cover ski trails. Too early for that? The Old Mill s Sunday buffet had everything from Waffles to roast beef, no way was anyone going hungry. And the Champagne (included) was nice too. We were seated in the front dining room and enjoyed the view of the pond and watching the ducks who didn t seem to mind that ice was forming at the bottom of the waterfall. As we headed back to the Model A s we tossed the ducks some feed and watched them flap and quack their way to get something to eat. Craig stopped of at the Cider Mill Antique Center so we could do a little poking around and most of us did manage to find something. Then is was off to home to make it before the sun went down. A good time was had by all. Thread Logic Apparel Thread Logic is our provider of club apparel. Members can order directly from them at their website ( If you visit their website you will see they have a wide variety of shirts, jackets, totes and accessories. You can order any item you wish, yes any style and any color. You just tell them to use the Minuteman Model A Club logo, the price listed includes the embroidery. It s still touring season and you can get your apparel before you lock the garage doors for the season. Club apparel also make great gifts. 9

10 Breakfast Lunch Big apple 890 Boston Post Road East Marlborough, MA 10 10

11 11 11

Minuteman Model A Ford Club PO Box 545, Sudbury, MA 01776 DECEMBER 2017 Please Mail to: Be sure to visit www.oilleak.

12 Minuteman Model A Ford Club PO Box 545, Sudbury, MA DECEMBER 2017 Please Mail to: Be sure to visit REMINDER Next Club Meeting is the December 10 th Holiday Party Conrad s Restaurant 12:30-4:30 PM (Info Page 4) REMEMBER to bring your unwrapped toys, gift cards or checks for Sudbury Map to Holiday Party at Conrad s Restaurant 120 Boston Post Road Sudbury Goodman s Hill Road Herb Chamber s BMW Conrad s Boston Post Road (RT 20) RT 27/126 Wayland Happy Holidays 12

The President Speaks:

The il Leak FEBRUARY 2018 Volume 55 Issue 2 The President Speaks: Thankfully, the bitter cold weather has taken a break. It has been very cold in my garage and I decided to hook up my battery charger to