Volume 34 - Number 3 Established 1983 March 2016 General Meeting - March 9 The first General Meeting of 2015 will be held on March 9th at the San Diego Automotive Museum. As you know, we begin each meeting at 6:00 pm with a catered dinner from the Barbeque Pit and the cost is a very reasonable $11.00. You should be there to pick up your latest 2015 Membership Roster (if they re ready) and we hope to meet some new families to our club. Showing at the Museum Showing Now: The British Are Coming Cookie Providers: Karen Pepe Ron Lambrecht Beware the Red Dot! Thanks to all who have already renewed your membership for 2016. However, there are many who haven t and as you know, if we don t hear from you soon, you will not have your name and membership data listed in the 2016 Membership Roster. If you find a RED DOT on your address label, or if you receive an e-mail message that we haven t heard from you yet, then please send in your renewal. We won t find anyone delinquent until after the Big-3 Swap meet at the end of February, but you might not find your name listed if you wait until then. NOTE: If you find a red dot and you know you have renewed, please contact the editor to correct the error. The Ruckstell Review is the monthly publication of the Model T Ford Club of San Diego. Annual dues are $20. The club holds a dinner meeting on the second Wednesday in odd numbered months and tours during even numbered months. The date of the next event can be obtained by calling any of the club officers or by checking the Upcoming Events listing in this issue. The club is a Chapter of the Model T Ford Club of America, P.O. Box 126, Centerville, IN 47330-0126. Membership information for the 'National' can again be obtained from any officer. The main publication of the MTFCA is the Vintage Ford, which alone is well worth the national dues of $40 per year. Lifetime memberships are also available. Congratulations to all the following leprechauns who were born in the month of March: 1 Kathy Hafer 7 Candace Taylor 8 Will Hicks 9 Carl Calvert 13 Don Lawrence 17 Joanne West 18 Bill Ottemann 21 Dan Seeman 22 Penny Rossi 28 Marilyn Bishop Art Wilson The Model T Ford Club of San Diego 2016 Board President Eric Sayer 805-628-6310 Vice President Jerry Yeadon 619-405-5852 Secretary Janna Laughon 619-933-6205 Treasurer Tony Bowker 760-789-3954 Membership Carolyn Lemler 619-469-3042 Tour Chairman Norm Kling 619-445-5525 Editor Chuck West 858-277-5421 Mbr. At Large John Chapman 619-384-2871 Historian Kirt Simpson 619-322-9454 Sunshine Chm. Judy Burrell 949-492-4255 Past President Greg Rising 760-789-9614 National Website: http://www.mtfca.com
Ruckstell Review March 2016 President s Message I was driving down the street and rolled down my window and poof! I was hit with the aroma of the flowers blossoming! I just love this time of year! March and April are my favorite months! The weather is amazing and the leaves and blossoms are bouncing back from their Winter snooze! A perfect time for driving a model T! Had an amazing trip visiting The Cloud Museum, in Bard, CA.Wow! This place is amazing with over 145 Model T s, other vintage vehicles, antique farm equipment and so much more, I really encourage you to stop by if you have never been. I hope everyone made it out to the Big Three Parts Exchange, and are able to score some deals. It s literally a Wal-Mart for car guys and gals. It s also an opportunity to run into friends who drive from many miles away to source and share their parts. On April 23rd the club will be enjoying a tour up the beautiful San Diego coastline to see the sights, enjoy the weather, visit with friends, as well as a possible visit to the Flower Fields. Not only do we have amazing tours and events coming up, but some of us will be venturing out of the local area for Chickasha, and some for the 51st MTFCA Annual Meeting in Boise, Idaho. Safe travels no matter where you are. I look forward to seeing you all at the March General Meeting. Keep those T s a Rolling, Sunshine (and Showers) Report The Galdi family has been all down with food poisoning, but (mom) Florine had it the worst. She was in the hospital for four days and then came down with pneumonia, but now is at home recovering. Remember to call me at 949-492-4255 or email me at judynjohn@burrellteam.com when something happens, so I can send out cards or call. We care about all our members in the San Diego Model T Club. Judy Burrell Club Website Be sure to visit the club s website. Pictures of member s cars and car data are requested. The website can be reached at the following address: mtfcsd.com - - - Special to Club Members Only - - - A Members Only portion of the club website is available to members using a special password which will change fom time to time. To access this special section, use the current president s wife s name: Cathy. Currently, the club roster is there, but more will follow. 2
Ruckstell Review March 2016 Minutes of the General Meeting and Installation Luncheon January 31, 2016 Held at the Butcher Shop Restaurant, San Diego Start Time: 1:45 PM Following a fantastic luncheon at the Butcher Shop, out-going President, Greg, opened the meeting. He thanked everyone who helped made today special. Greg honored the passing of George Coffin, and Janna Laughon honored the passing of her father, Howard Laughon, a founding member of this club. DON CHAPPELLE AWARD The Don Chappelle Award, presented to members who have gone the extra mile during the past year, went to John and Karen Pepe. Greg recognized the 2015 Board members and thanked them for their service. He turned the meeting over to incoming president, Eric Sayer, who introduced the members of the 2016 Board. Eric Sayer President Jerry Yeadon Vice President Janna Laughon Secretary Tony Bowker Treasurer Norm Kling Tour Chair Chuck West Editor Carolyn Lemler Membership Chair Kirt Simpson Historian John Chapman Member at Large Judy Burrell Sunshine Chair Greg Rising Past President REPORTS: Future Tours/Activities: Feb 5-7 Carrot Festival Tour Feb 19 Ragtime Musical at the Spreckels Theatre Feb 21 Chuck will make his The Universal Car presentation to the Alpine Historical Association. Potluck lunch at 1:00. Presentation at 2:00. May (First week dates TBA) Route 66 Tour out of Kingman, AZ June 4 Possible Alpine Tour? June/July Horseless Rodeo at the San Diego County Fair date TBA October (dates TBA) 2016 Speedster Run Next year s luncheon will be on the last Sunday in January 2017 at the same location. End Time: 2:57 PM Eric adjourned the meeting. Respectfully, Janna Laughon, Secretary 3
Ruckstell Review March 2016 Minutes of the Board Meeting - February 10, 2016 Held at Denny s Restaurant, La Mesa Attendees: Eric Sayers, John Chapman, Janna & Marlene Laughon, Chuck West, Tony & Heather Bowker, Norm & Delores Kling, Jerry Yeadon, Susie Murdoch, Kirby Pray, Greg & Cathy Rising, Start Time: 7:05 PM Eric opened the meeting OLD BUSINESS: There was a general debriefing of last weekend s Carrot Festival Tour. A motion was carried to send a $100 donation to the Imperial fire truck preservation fund. NEW BUSINESS: Reports: President Eric shared about the Imperial fire truck and El Centro. Treasurer Tony reports we have money to conduct club business. Installation luncheon cost $2,095. A $200 deposit was placed for next year s luncheon on January 29, 2017. The club will reimburse Eric and Jennifer for the cost of the meat for the BBQ dinners at the Carrot Festival Tour. Vice President Jerry had information about a 1922 T enclosed coupe in Imperial Beach. It was in great shape, and Jerry helped sell it to a gentleman in Oregon. A teacher friend of Jerry s claims her relative bought the first Model T. He will check out this story. Tour Chairman Norm reported the following: April 23 Coast Tour Meet at the Mission Beach Information Center. More info to come. May 3-5 Route 66 Tour Kingman, AZ June 4 Alpine History Tour July TBA San Diego County Fair Greg will get more information Aug 13 Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Tour Sept 10 Julian Mine Tour Oct 22-23 Speedster Run (Jacumba? Borrego Springs?) Please submit ideas to Norm concerning future tours. Editor Chuck reported: Tony will have a story about the Carrot Festival Tour for the March Ruckstell Review. 24 members have not renewed their 2016 dues. Eric, Chuck, and Greg will make calls. Feb 21 Model T talk at the Alpine Historical Society (Alpine Women s Club) Pot Luck lunch at 1:00. Talk at 2:00. Member at Large John has nothing to report from the car council at this time. Additional Discussions: Eric s Really count = 0 End Time: 7:55 PM Eric closed the meeting Respectfully, Janna Laughon, Secretary 4
Ruckstell Review March 2016 Kirt Simpson, Historian Blast From the Past 13 Uears Ago Kirt Simpson put on the Learn To Drive #5. The club taught 8 new people to drive a model T. Two of the new drivers were Marie Judd and her daughter Beverly. Gil Klecan was awarded HCCA s Marion Welch Service Award which is the highest recognition a member can receive. Jack Chidgey was elected to MTFCA board. Long time member Lyle Judd passed away as Sam Judd wrote He left for that great rambling road in the sky Route 66 Tour Please reserve the dates Monday May 3 through Friday May 6 for the Route 66 Tour. We will arrive at Kingman AZ Monday May 3 and leave for home Friday May 6. Tuesday through Thursday will be tours around the area. Tuesday we will visit and have lunch at Chloride, an old mining town which is full of yard art and shops selling many things. About 68 miles round trip. Wednesday, we will go to Laughlin NV to the Riverside hotel and casino to see the collection of very interesting old cars including Model T s and Model A s and even a De Lorian. We will have lunch there and then go back to Kingman via Oatman, an old mining town which has many wild donkeys. Another interesting place with outstanding scenery along the way. Round trip 84 miles. Thursday we will go to the Hackberry Store along old Route 66 and then back to Kingman for lunch and spend the afternoon doing anything you want to do. There are many antique stores in old Kingman and 3 museums there as well. Friday we will return home. We need someone to drive a trouble truck. Maybe someone who has a truck and trailer but their T isn t running who would still like to tour. The Quality Inn motel will be our headquarters. 1400 Andy Devine Dr. (928 753-4747. Price for T club $52.90 Ask for Jesse. There are other motels in the area if you would like to stay somewhere else. There is also a RV Park 1.8 miles from the Motel. They allow pets. Ft Beale RV Park. 300 Metcalfe Rd, Kingman. (928) 753-3355. Their price is $33.68 per day. 5 Coast Tour April 23, 2016 Tour up the Coast from Mission Bay, meet in the boat trailer parking lot at 9am, leave at 9:30am. We will stop at a home of a member for a coffee, maybe visit the Flower Fields and have lunch in Carlsbad.
Ruckstell Review March 2016 Winter Overnight Tour to EI Centro, Feb. 6-7 By Tony Bowker The MTFCSD winter tour was out to the Holtville Carrot Festival. We had a reasonable number of Model Ts. Two MTFCSD members, Kirby Pray and John Chapman, drove their Ts from San Diego to the start of the tour in Imperial. The rest trailered the cars including Tony Bowker, Greg Rising, Norm Kling and Ron Lambrecht. We were also joined by Jay Watkins Jr and Eric Sayer, who both live in the El Centro area. On Saturday we all drove over to Holtville to watch the parade, show the cars and eat lunch. There was a little excitement in the morning as Johns crankshaft pulley broke but was replaced by Tony and Jay without too much delay. After lunch, we returned to hotel for a quick nap and to work on Tony s Coupe. Initially it had a gas line problem, however the hood fell off, hit the fan which immediately punched the radiator, losing all the water. Leaving the stricken Coupe at the hotel, we drove out to Seeley for a BBQ at the home of Eric and Jennifer Sayer. Several locals came over to see the cars so there were close to 20 people milling around while Eric ran the BBQ with great effect. We had fun driving back to the hotel in the dark, but we made it even though Greg, having lived in the area, found a shorter route. On Sunday morning we had a visit from a 1919 Fire Engine organized by Eric, a very original vehicle with just enough maintenance to keep it running well. It cost about $10,000 when new. Intestingly a new one today costs about half a million, which reflects the inflation since 1920. Then we were off for a run on quiet back roads up to Carpentaria for lunch at Archie s Place. During lunch we heard of a T for sale in Nileland so we all drove up the road to have a look. It is a 1920 Touring with quite solid metal, no serious rust but the motor has not been run for several years. The engine turned over but I only felt compression on three cylinders. The owner is open to offers, Greg has the contact info. The next planned stop was the Pioneer Museum east of Imperial, but Kirby managed to break a crankshaft about three miles from the hotel. After a little trailer juggling, we got the stricken T back to the hotel. On Monday John decided to drive back and try 1-8 from Ocotillo up to the Watch Tower rather than the planned route thru Julian. It went great, he ran up all the way in Ford High running between 32 to 37 mph the whole way. At one point he overtook a (very) slow moving truck and (actually) used the FAST lane. Kirby got his stricken T back home and is thinking about a new SCAT crank. In spite of the mechanical problems, we had a good time and we all enjoyed each other s company. 6
Ruckstell Review March 2016 A T for Ragtime A few months ago, our club was contacted by the San Diego Musical Theater to see if we had a Model T they could borrow for their upcoming production of Ragtime*. It meant that someone would have to give up the use of their Model T for a couple of months, along with other requirements (such as no gas in the vehicle, etc.). After questioning several members, it came down to Tony Bowker s 1914 Touring as the best choice and it had a further beneficial feature in that it had a positive neutral so that it could be pushed back and forth on the stage. On February 19, 15 members of the club along with 2 friends of the Bowkers, attended a performance of Ragtime at the Spreckles Theater with the express purpose of seeing Tony s T on rthe stage. The group was pleasently surprised at the quality of the performance and the excellence of not only the acting but the beautiful music and singing as well. Those attending the preformance were: Tony and Heather Bowker and two friends; Scott, Carloyn and Kyle Lemler; Greg and Cathy Rising; Bob Anderson; John Chapman; Marlene and Janna Laughon; Jerry and Ana Yeadon; Susie Murdock; and Chuck West. After the performance, Tony was presented a picture of his T on the stage, pictured above, signed by most members of the cast. *Ragtime is a musical based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime tells the story of three groups in the United States in the early 20th century: African Americans, represented by Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; upper-class suburbanites, represented by Mother, the matriarch of a white upper-class family in New Rochelle, New York; and Eastern European immigrants, represented by Tateh, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia. 7
Ruckstell Review March 2016 1917 Oak bed Pickup - Ground up restoration in progress will paint and upholster any color or it will be black when finished. This is a great opportunity to have a say in the finished product. Call for price. NOTE: special consideration given to club members. Wanted - 1917-1923 right rear fender, Emergency brake cam and levers. NOTE: I will buy any and all Model T parts in lots or individually, so get rid of some of your unwanted parts. (04/15- Rev.) Kirt Simpson, (619) 749-3112 Ruckstell Review Classifieds Policy For Sale items will be listed at no cost and will run for a three month period. Listing will be extended for an additional three month period on request of seller. It is requested that the Ruckstell Review Editor be notified when listed items have been sold so that they may be deleted. 1922 Coupe - Previously owned by club member Alex Alongi (who recently passed away). Garaged for last 6 years. Overall condition is good with wheels and top good. Already advertized on the Forum, but if you re fast, you can get it before it leaves the San Diego area. Asking $10,000. (02/16) Kristin West (619) 213-8981 kristinwest77@gmail.com SOLD Wanted - Fixture to straighten Model T Exhaust manifolds. I would like to borrow or buy one. (01/16) Tony Bowker (760) 789-3954 tonybowker@aol.com When contacting the editor, Chuck West, please be advised that there are two of us in the club with the same name, I m the one on Greyling Dr. My son keeps getting my mail and (fortunately) we are on good terms so I eventually get the information. Thanks. BiCentennial Camping Group The BiCentennial Camping group has been camping together since 1976. Emmett & Nellie Cilley started it off the Palomar Model A club. Now, we have campers that are mostly car people, but their parents were part of the original group. It s motor home, trailers or campers and we leave the old cars home. As the wagon master for the last four years I would like to see a larger group enjoying all of our fun for the week. The campout will be at Mountain Lyon RV Resort in Hemet, CA from April 24 to May 1st this year. Rates will be $33.50 per day or $202.50 for the week. You can attend for just a few days or even come only for one of Silent Auction or Raffle days. More the merrier. We stay really busy having fun every year. Planned field trips, Bingo, Bunko and evening games, auction, raffle and several luncheons away from the park. Antique shopping & more. Come join the fun. Judy Burrell - Wagon Master 949-456-0753 8
Ruckstell Review March 2016 Upcoming Activities Date Activities in 2016 March 9 April 13 MTFCSD General Meeting. SD Automotive Museum, Hall of Fame Room, 6:30 PM MTFCSD Board Meeting. Denny s Restaurant, La Mesa, 6:00 PM April 23 Coast tour. Details, page 5 May 3-5 Route 66 tour. Details page 5 May 11 MTFCSD General Meeting. SD Automotive Museum, Hall of Fame Room, 6:30 PM 9