February 21, 2003

Dear Model T’ers Everywhere

"A party driving in a large eight cylinder car pulled up behind another machine. One of the ladies in the party, almost suffocated with dust, said: "For heaven’s sake, why don’t you pass that car?" "Oh, what’s the use; that’s a Ford, and there are hundreds of them ahead of us." (Funabout Fords, by J.J. White, The Howell Co., 1915)

Yes there are still hundreds of those Model T’s on the road today because of dedicated enthusiasts all over the world, and at least 500 of them and their Model T’s will be at the 48th annual Tour of the Model T Ford Club International and a celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, on July 21-29. If you and yours are going to attend with the 8 or so families of our club make sure you fill out the registration and get it in – deadline June 1. This is going to be the event. SEE YOU THERE!

At our last meeting our very own Angie Schneider graciously provided us with the ladies view of "How to Prepare for a Model T Tour". Walter and Angie have probably been on more Model T tours across the country than any member of our club. "First of all – you will need a good running "T". Preferable with side curtains – if your car is an open model. It’s important that you bring a SENSE OF HUMOR. Depending on your destination, you will need warm weather clothing or cold weather gear, including gloves and hats. Mixed bag is usually safe, since most of our T’s are open cars. You might also enjoy a blanket for those cool mornings. A zip-lock bag to keep your tour instructions dry during rainy weather. Pen or pencil. Camera and film. Swim wear. Remember the SENSE OF HUMOR, you will need it! You will NOT need sleeping pills to help you rest at night. You will be ready for some rest after a long day of "pedaling" and early morning starts, with late night visits with the friends you have made over the years. A "T" tour is like a big Reunion. I make a master list and check things off as I gather them up. But despite my efforts, we frequently notice omitted items when we arrive for a tour. HAVE TOOLS FOR YOUR CAR. A spare head gasket, fire extinguisher, a large drop cloth type piece of plastic to "get down & get under", duct tape, tie wire, spark plugs, chewing gum … & don’t forget the SENSE OF HUMOR, tire patches and tubes for clincher tires, tire pump, carburetor parts or a spare carburetor, high temperature silicone and a manifold gasket, hand cleaner, paper towels and rags, car cleaning products such as detailer and glass cleaner, wheel chock for parking on hilly ground, gallon jug of water or container to obtain some in, sunglasses, sunscreen, bifocals for reading the small print on the daily instructions, take a lot of "Dead Presidents" and credit cards, think of it as goint to a huge family – in this case friends – reunion, in case you don’t know some one when you arrive – you might part as friends, but the most important thing is the SENSE OF HUMOR – Don’t forget it!"

Jack Mahaffey our VP also provided us with his "T Tour Kit: a cell phone, flashlight, a small box with assorted tools: 7/16, ½, 9/16, 5/8, ¾, 15/16, pliers, adjustable wrench, medium screw driver, large screw driver, band with washer, flat wrench tool, ½ dozen rags, jack, if non-demountable – a patch kit, a pump, tire irons, 1 plug, 1 coil, 6 feet of insulated wire, assorted cotter pins, plastic tape, pint whiskey, gallon coolant, quart oil, oil can, water can, mechanics wire, and a pocket knife." AND a gallon of gas for Mike Bartlett!

Richard Fortner presented us with his tips for our February Vintage Ford Gleanings: For leaky pan bolts, this works better than cotton string. Run the pan bolts up all but the last there or so turns. Put 3 or 4 tight turns of Teflon plumber tape around the bolt and tighten. BUT Richard – none of our Fords leak oil!

It was announced that we had 28 Model T’s at our very first Model T Car Show and Swap Meet that was held on January 18th, and the membership voted that 50% of our profit will go to the Cruisers for Kids fund raiser to support the Make A Wish Foundation, the Russel Home for children, the Nathional House of Hope and the Simon Youth Foundation. At our event Chuck Dunlap took first place for black radiator T’s with his 1926 Pickup -- :

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