Dear Model Ters Everywhere,

“A Ford ploughing along a country road met a large limousine hub deep in mud. The Ford was hitched to the large car and pulled it to solid ground. “I am much obliged for the lift,” said the driver of the large car; “that’s a powerful little machine – what is it called?” “This is a Ford.” “Guess I’ll have to get one for my tool box!” (Funabout Fords, by J. J. White, The Howell Company, Chicago, 1915).

Well, at least we didn’t have to plough through the mud to our annual car show at Jay Blanchard Park and everyone had a great time too. And if you don’t have that Model T yet or need one you need to hook up with someone who has a “spare” at our monthly meetings and get ready for the events that are coming like the Model T Ford Club International tour that is going to be held July 17-22 in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

At our last meeting our Vice President Jack Mahaffey presided and we are looking for a new meeting place that may be a little bit more centrally located – and we can have dinner at the same time. So if you have a favorite spot that can host us please bring that information to the next meeting.

Several reports were given at the meeting: Jack Mahaffey spoke about his trip to Wichita, KS and Chickashea, OK – Jack is always looking for some new old stock (NOS) T parts and there were about 30 of 50 vendors that had T parts at Wichita and there were about 1000 vendors at Chickashea; Angie Schneider gave a report about the Muddy T Tour that she and Wally attended in Berlin, Ohio and the great time that they had.

Richard Fortner gave his Tinkering Tip of the month on our electronic coil tester, and next month Jack Mahaffey is going to bring his original coil tester to the next meeting and for everyone to bring their coils for the annual test. Perhaps we will see if there is a variance between the two types of testers.

Gene Roy was our guest speaker and presented the topic of the evening on Judging standards for the Antique Automobile Club of America. Gene has been a judge for AACA for over 20 years and explained that you must also go to a judging school as the first step, then you are placed on an apprentice team, then to a team of 4 judges and one team captain. Judged areas are engine, chassis, interior and exteriors. When they start to judge your car you start at 400 points and deductions are made as your vehicle is judged on authenticity, maintenance, and workmanship. None of the judges are paid and you have to real enjoy doing this as you must attend school once a year and you travel all over the country to the meets. Judging is for Junior First, Senior First, and for Preservation. Gene did a great job on the presentation with a question, answer and discussion session that was very interesting and enjoyed by all.

There are lots of opportunities to talk T, so we hope to see you at the next meeting on April 18th 7 PM at the Whisperwood Clubhouse. If you need directions just give Mike or Judie Story a call at 407-678-5477.