July 2002

Dear Model T Fans Everywhere

"You seem to be late this morning." "Yes, I was coming through the park this morning in my Ford and when I wasn’t looking a squirrel sneaked up and chewed the nuts off of my car!" (Funabout Fords, by J.J. White, The Howell Company, Chicago, 1915)

At our meeting this month we had 23 folks that had a great opportunity to listen to Gayle Smith tell us about the many ways in which we can "Quiet Down the Model T" His informative report covered stopping noises around the radiator, steering column, hand crank, headlight lenses, hood latches, fan and fan bearing, floor boards, Rocky Mountain brakes, and others. Gayle’s final word of advice, "If all else fails, use ear plugs, ear protectors, or turn off your hearing aid!" We hope to publish Gayle’s very useful information in a newsletter soon for those of you that were unable to attend.

Our Secretary Marquise Patton had prepared a very nice new membership directory that was passed out at the meeting – thanks Marquise! Our Treasurer Angie Schneider gave us a glimpse of the Prairie Byways Tour in Galesburg, Illinois and the Muddy T Tour of Berea, Kentucky that she and Wally attended, and we all enjoyed their pictures. Angie also reported that we have $882.48 on hand – and two new members and we all welcome Jim and Jerrie Sparkes – who also paid their dues for 2 years!

Dick Fortner reported that he has the complete back issues of MTFCA’s magazine, the Vintage Ford from its inception through 2000. He said they are on seven computer disks and they are a terrific source of help and information. Call 765-855-5248 for cost and ordering information. Dick also gave the following "Vintage Ford Gleanings" for our edification:

A high speed miss may be caused by the cotter pin in the pan bolt under the timer
Grease fittings can be installed in old type grease cups by drilling out and tapping.
If your fan belt has stretched past the adjuster limits, in a jam, you can twist it one half times to tighten it.
Mike Bartlet gave a report and passed out information on the Model T Car Show and Swap Meet event that he is organizing for our club in January 2003. He has contacted vendors and a possible site and will continue to report at the next meeting. Please contact Mike at tcporl@bellsouth.net or call him at 407-366-5616 with your ideas, suggestions, and offer to help.

Our very own Jack Mahaffey was one of five others that were nominated this year for the Walter Rosenthal Award of the Model T Ford Club of America. This award is in honor of the member who is judged best to emulate the spirit of Walter in furthering the advancement of new members and their Model T’s. Walter was always ready to give help whenever needed. The payment Walter required was "When you can help someone, pass it on." The 2002 Rosenthal Award was received by Ron Brown, Sr. It is a terrific honor to be nominated for this award – well done Jack for your outstanding contribution to the hobby!

Tom & Tim Henry have formed a new Model T Ford Chapter called the "Mid-Florida Tin Lizzies." In politeness to the new club and in order to prevent confusion it was decided that we change the name of our newsletter to "The Model T Ford Club of Central Florida."

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