Dear Model T’ers Everywhere, June 12, 2003

" Engine a little noisy?" "Sure; if I should be struck by a train at a crossing, I could prove that neither I nor anyone else within a block of me heard the locomotive whistle." (Funabout Fords, by J.J. White, The Howell Co., 1915) (Judie says the guy must have been ridding with me!)

Jack and Suzie Whitt put on a super Yalaha – Lake and Sumter County tour for us last May 31st. We had 7 glorious Model T’s in attendance and one 1931 Model A Roadster. We have all duly apologized to Carol Fortner for the indignity of having to ride in a Model A! Richard (of course not to be out done) said it was the first tour that he had been on that he hadn’t broken down; however, to save the honor of his Fantastic Flyver – he said he had the fastest Model T in all of Florida! Jack and Suzie showed us their collection of railroad cars, stationary engines, fantastic barn (hear my envy?!) and then led us on a perfect Florida day tour in their 16’ touring with its brand new KC Warford transmission that he and Vince had finished installing the night before. Jack and Vince can tell us all something about the "Southern wheelbase dimensions." "Didn’t Henry Ford say it should only take about 3 hours to change out a rearend? I don’t think he said anything about it taking 3 days!" Vince and Gail Leffler drove their 23’ Roadster Pickup, but Vince said he wasn’t going to park too close to Gayle and Barbara Smith’s newly restored 27’ Roadster Pickup (what a beautiful job). Gene & Marilyn Roy drove their ever so sweet 24’ Roadster. Wally and Angie Schneider drove their old faithful and true 22’ Touring. Mike & Judie brought up the rear as usual …..way in the rear, 16’ Touring. We had a great tour, good lunch and ice cold watermelon at the finish when we returned to the Whitt’s farm -- a rooTin TooTin good "T" Time!

The tour was such a success and everyone had such a great time that Wally and Angie are planning a tour for us on September 27th – departing from their home in Deland at 9:30 am sharp (when Angie says sharp, she means it!). We will Travel north from Deland, lunch around the Palm Coast area and return to Deland. Approximately 100 miles round trip. So, if you plan to attend, contact Walt or Angie by September 15th at (386) 738-5562 or email them at angnwal@mpinet.net There will also be plenty of room to park tow vehicles at the Schneider’s. Vince and Gail Leffler are also planning an overnight or two tour for us around the end of the year and traveling up to St Augustine (the oldest city in Florida). More to follow on this one. Gus Fricker also is looking into a Wakulla Springs tour (just outside of Tallahassee). Love "T"hat enthusiasm!

The Fun T Club of Central Florida have invited us to a Labor Day Tour, August 30th – September 1st. We will depart Don and Mary’s at 9 am. Contact Steve or Barbara by June 30th at 352-796-8889 or email at wwjb@innet.com. After you have notified them you are coming, make your reservations for Saturday night, August 30th with Best Western in Chiefland at 352-493-0663 (ask for Sharon and get the $58.86 room rate), and also make your reservation with the Ramada Inn in Ocala 352-732-3131 with Leslie for the $59 per room rate. They only have 14 rooms blocked for this event at the hotels.

"Wally" Walt Schneider gave us this month’s tinkering tip on how to properly install and adjust your new Kevlar bands – he indicated that he had discovered several instances where these bands were not properly installed and resulted in stall outs and failure to keep running because they were too tight or overlapping. He also mentioned that there seems to be a movement afoot to utilize wooden bands!

At our last meeting we gladly welcomed Paul & Lorraine McLaughlin and their lovely daughter. They also brought pictures of their 1927 Model T Firetruck. We loaded them up with information, magazines, order catalogs, and the club’s coil tester so they could continue on their quest for "T"he "T"antalizing "T"emptaion they are about to embark upon. (Can’t wait to ring that bell and crank that siren!!

MAKE a grea"T" day!

Mike Story, President, 407-678-5477, email: mjstory@quixnet.net

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