1

Officers & Chairpersons Officers & Chairpersons Officers & Chairpersons Officers & Chairpersons

President:President:President:President:

Jim Montavon.............209 522-8830 H

209 872-1333 C

Email: jmonta9944@aol.com

Vice PresidentVice PresidentVice PresidentVice President:

Jim Ridenour………....………....………....………....209 529-8283 H

916 342-7590 C

Email: rideno3@hotmail.com

Treasurer:Treasurer:Treasurer:Treasurer:

Elaine Rogers………......209 527-2639

Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary:

Katrina Tellez…………...209 526-6103

CTCI:CTCI:CTCI:CTCI:

Don Cose…………………209 835-2203

Board Members:Board Members:Board Members:Board Members:

Earl Reedy……………….209 823-0258

Keith Rogers…………….209 527-2639

Newsletter/Publicity:Newsletter/Publicity:Newsletter/Publicity:Newsletter/Publicity:

Pat Mason…………..……209 538-1130

Email: patriciaamason@aol.com

Sunshine:Sunshine:Sunshine:Sunshine:

Shirley Mattos………….209 521-2498

GiveGiveGiveGive----AAAA----Way: Way: Way: Way:

Sandy & Joe Hood……..209 883-1122

A Message From Our President:A Message From Our President:A Message From Our President:A Message From Our President:

Hoping you and your families enjoyed Easter. We had the family here for great food and an Easter egg hunt for the grand-kids. Lot's of wonderful memories. Spring is my favorite time of the year, including getting our classics out and rolling for another fun year. Donna's “Tweety bird” is 99% done, as we all know a restoration project is never completely done. It was fun and quite an experience, mostly reward-ing with the occasional day when I asked myself “why?” But the finished product is what we envi-sioned when we first bought the car over five years ago. Thanks again to Keith who lent a hand many times, Marlin for all his technical knowledge and in-formation, and the rest of you for the inspirations. We are looking forward to many more years of driv-ing around, catching the compliments and apprecia-tion we get from others for our little birds, but most of all enjoying fun times with all of you. A friend and I attended the Good Guys Pleasanton show and swap meet in March. WOW! The classic car industry gets bigger every year! We could not cover the entire fair grounds, but what we saw was an amazing range of old cars, trucks, parts, and people having a great time. A few little birds were there holding their own among many spectacular cars. THANKS again to Lyle and Vicki for a GREAT tour and hosting our March meeting. The food was great! Some of us checked out their 57 “E” bird after the meeting. It's a really nice car and the only Ebird in the club. THANKS also to Jack and Janis for planning a “neato' day trip to Lodi on top of our other planned club events. Let's keep these ideas flowing and add-ed to our fun year. Harry Webber's Tbird is for sale, and the CTCI magazine has a car that I believe was owned by for-mer members, Werner and Allison Kaiser. Pass the word to anyone who may be interested in making a smart investment and joining the club! Donna and I are looking forward to seeing you all in April. Let's get the birds out for a big showing for

that meeting! See ya soon! Jim Montavon

”Lil” Bird Drop-Ins MODESTO AREA CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB, INC. NEWSLETTERMODESTO AREA CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB, INC. NEWSLETTERMODESTO AREA CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB, INC. NEWSLETTERMODESTO AREA CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB, INC. NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2016 APRIL 2016 APRIL 2016 APRIL 2016 ———— VOLUME 36 ISSUE #4 VOLUME 36 ISSUE #4 VOLUME 36 ISSUE #4 VOLUME 36 ISSUE #4 ———— 35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

2

BUSINESSMEETING—SUNDAY,APRIL3,

NOONATSUZEYBELENS,MEXICAN

RESTAURANT,140NORTHTHIRD,OAKDALE

HOSTEDBYJIMRIDENOUR&MONASTEBBING

Happy Anniversary

Directions: From Modesto take 120 East to Oakdale. Turn on Third Street. From Tur-

lock, take Geer to 120 and turn left. Turn right on Third.

1st Vicki Burgess

11th Betty Sparks

11th Bobbi Murrison

12th Gil Long

20th Ken Sparks

3rd Don and Darlene Cose

16th Lyle & Vicki Burgess

19th Larry & Della Sillivan

28th Marlon & Terry Helton

3

Howdy again T-Birders,

Last month I started my

message with a little note

about how spring had

sprung early. Well that did-

n’t last long because our meeting/tour

to Stockton in March had us leaving

our t-birds in the garage and opting for

our brand X’s instead. Even though it

was a rainy day it did not dampen our

spirits, especially when we arrived at

Rare Parts, Inc., in Stockton. We ar-

rived to a greeting of donuts and cof-

fee, perfect for a rainy day!

After a thirty minute tour of Rare

Parts we were treated to a terrific

lunch of salads, wraps, chips and

some oh so delicious cheese cakes.

Many many thanks to our newest

members Lyle and Vicki for their hos-

pitality. We have filled all of our spots

for monthly meetings and we have

had one tour and we have two more

scheduled. Jack and Janice Martin

have planned a great tour for May

21st. Details are right across from

this column.

The other tour is scheduled for Sep-

tember and will be hosted by the Co-

se’s, Montgomery’s and Reedy’s.

That’s a pretty awesome tour sched-

ule, I hope to see some more come in.

Lots and lots of car show activity is

happening, so check

our website for a

complete list.

Jim Ridenour

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Visit our NEW websiteVisit our NEW websiteVisit our NEW websiteVisit our NEW website

www.modestotbirdclub.orgwww.modestotbirdclub.orgwww.modestotbirdclub.orgwww.modestotbirdclub.org

Saturday, May 21st

We will take country

roads to Lodi where

at noon we will enjoy

a family style lunch

at Pietro’s, 317 E. Kettleman Lane.

After lunch we will take a short

drive to a local winery.

We will meet at Al’s Furniture, 6340

McHenry Avenue, Modesto, at 10:00

a.m. and plan to depart by 10:30

a.m. Lunch cost is $30.24 per per-

son, which includes tax and tip.

A signup sheet will be circulated at

the April and May meeting. Deadline

to signup or cancel is May 17th.

If you have questions contact our

hosts, Jack and Janis Martin at

538-6652.

4

Tour of Rare Parts.

Inc., Stockton

March 13, 2016

5

Self adjusting brake changeover When I was getting ready to rebuild my brake system, I came across this fairly simple modification that eliminates the need to regularly adjust brakes. (A couple of notes before I begin: while I have read that the same parts will work for a 57, I won't guarantee it, as the 57 uses different brake shoes than the 55-56) and if you're even considering being judged on correct restoration, forget it; the inter-nal parts would never show, but it does require modifying a backing plate or two. Before I begin, I would also like to point out the importance of going through everything in the brak-ing system. The soft stuff is obvious, the seals in the master and slave cylinders rarely go suddenly, but should be checked for leaks and replaced as needed, or just replaced--it isn't that expensive. Semi-soft parts, as in the hoses, should be replaced if they are original; hoses go bad from the inside out and can fail suddenly. A couple of years ago there was a story about a 56 that suddenly caught fire at a rear wheel and was a total loss. The diagnosis was that the hose to the rear brakes had failed, re-stricting flow so the brake wouldn't release causing one to overheat and catch fire. The steel lines can--and will--go bad; a rusted-out line could go suddenly, resulting in total loss of brakes with the origi-nal system. Finally, if it hasn't been done, changing brake fluid is a regular maintenance item that is seldom done. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and becomes less effective, and the moisture can cause corrosion problems with various components. For the modification, I used NAPA parts, mostly because I like to support businesses that actually hire people that know what they are doing. Since I did only the rear brakes as I was changing to front discs, the part numbers I needed were, UP 80691, UP 80692, and UP 80509. The first two are self-adjuster kits, and the last is a pair of springs needed to make it work. Adjuster kits for the front are UP80695 and

UP80696.

The parts that need to be installed are the cable guide, the adjusting cable, the adjusting lever, the ad-justing lever spring, and the adjuster assembly. The adjusting lever and spring replace a tension spring that can be discarded. While all this can be done with regular tools, a pair of brake-spring pli-ers makes the job easier. Before installing the adjuster, the driver's side backing plate needs to be modified so the adjusting slot works

with the new adjuster using a drill and a file or a die grinder. Reassemble everything, do an initial adjustment,

and let the self-adjusters take care of the routine adjustment whenever you back up. Don Wigle

6

Modesto Area Classic Thunderbird Club

Date/Time/PlaceDate/Time/PlaceDate/Time/PlaceDate/Time/Place EventEventEventEvent Host For Event/DetailsHost For Event/DetailsHost For Event/DetailsHost For Event/Details

April 3, Noon, Suzey Belens Mexican

Restaurant, Oakdale April Business Meeting, 140 N.

Third Street Oakdale Jim Ridenour & Mona Stebbing

April 16, 9– 3, Castle Air Base Muse-

um Castle Air Force Base Registration:

Form on our website April 17

th, Knott’s Berry Farm, Ana-

heim, Ca 31

st Annual Fabulous Fords Forev-

er Registration form:

www.fabulousfordsforever.org April 30, 9:00 3112 Napier Drive,

Modesto Parkview Christian Estates Car

Show Registration: Form on our website

May 1st

, 10-4, Hughson Main Street Hughson Nut Festival Car Show Registration: Form on our website

May 15th

, Noon, TBA May Business Meeting Jan & Don Wigle

May 21, Noon, Lunch at Pietro's, fol-

lowed by stop at a winery. Meet at 10 at Al's Unfinished Furni-ture on McHenry. Lunch at 12 at

Pietro's, 317 E. Kettleman, Lodi

Jack & Janice Martin

May 21-22, 9:00 to 6:00, Oakdale

Chocolate Festival and Car Show Oakdale—Sunday hours are 9 to 5 Registration:

Form on our website June 9-12, Holiday Inn & Suites,

Tehachapi, Ca QC XXXIX Registration:

Form on our website

June 10th

, 7:00 PM, Downtown Mod-

esto Modesto Graffiti Parade Kiwanis Club

June 11-12th

, 9:00 AM Modesto Muni

Golf Modesto Graffiti Car ShowModesto Graffiti Car ShowModesto Graffiti Car ShowModesto Graffiti Car Show Kiwanis Club – Registration forms

available end of March

July 10, Noon, TBAJuly 10, Noon, TBAJuly 10, Noon, TBAJuly 10, Noon, TBA July Business MeetingJuly Business MeetingJuly Business MeetingJuly Business Meeting Marlon & Terry HeltonMarlon & Terry HeltonMarlon & Terry HeltonMarlon & Terry Helton

August 14, Noon, TBAAugust 14, Noon, TBAAugust 14, Noon, TBAAugust 14, Noon, TBA August Business MeetingAugust Business MeetingAugust Business MeetingAugust Business Meeting Ruben & Katrina TellezRuben & Katrina TellezRuben & Katrina TellezRuben & Katrina Tellez

August 2August 2August 2August 2----7, Reno Nevada7, Reno Nevada7, Reno Nevada7, Reno Nevada Hot August NightsHot August NightsHot August NightsHot August Nights www.hotaugustnights.netwww.hotaugustnights.netwww.hotaugustnights.netwww.hotaugustnights.net

Sept 11Sept 11Sept 11Sept 11thththth, Noon Jim & Donna Monta-, Noon Jim & Donna Monta-, Noon Jim & Donna Monta-, Noon Jim & Donna Monta-von’s Homevon’s Homevon’s Homevon’s Home

Business MeetingBusiness MeetingBusiness MeetingBusiness Meeting Jim & Donna Montavon, 2508 Van Jim & Donna Montavon, 2508 Van Jim & Donna Montavon, 2508 Van Jim & Donna Montavon, 2508 Van Derk Circle, ModestoDerk Circle, ModestoDerk Circle, ModestoDerk Circle, Modesto

September, TBASeptember, TBASeptember, TBASeptember, TBA Paso Robles MuseumPaso Robles MuseumPaso Robles MuseumPaso Robles Museum Cose, Reedy & MontgomeryCose, Reedy & MontgomeryCose, Reedy & MontgomeryCose, Reedy & Montgomery

September 13September 13September 13September 13----18, Crowne Plaza 18, Crowne Plaza 18, Crowne Plaza 18, Crowne Plaza Hotel, San DiegoHotel, San DiegoHotel, San DiegoHotel, San Diego

CTCI ConventionCTCI ConventionCTCI ConventionCTCI Convention Registration:Registration:Registration:Registration: Form on our websiteForm on our websiteForm on our websiteForm on our website

October 9, TBAOctober 9, TBAOctober 9, TBAOctober 9, TBA October Business MeetingOctober Business MeetingOctober Business MeetingOctober Business Meeting Dolly & Earl ReedyDolly & Earl ReedyDolly & Earl ReedyDolly & Earl Reedy

November TBANovember TBANovember TBANovember TBA November Business MeetingNovember Business MeetingNovember Business MeetingNovember Business Meeting Jack & Janice MartinJack & Janice MartinJack & Janice MartinJack & Janice Martin

December 11th, NoonDecember 11th, NoonDecember 11th, NoonDecember 11th, Noon Christmas Party Christmas Party Christmas Party Christmas Party ---- Famiglia Bistro Famiglia Bistro Famiglia Bistro Famiglia Bistro RistoranteRistoranteRistoranteRistorante

7

Modesto Area Classic Thunderbird Club Minutes

Rare Parts, Inc. – Stockton, CA

March 13, 2016—Meeting called to order at 1:06 pm

Thank you to our hosts Lyle and Vicki Burgess for hosting the meeting and combined tour. Welcome to guests of Lyle and Vicki Burgess their son, Danny, and grandson Ayden; and to the guests of Keith and Elaine Rogers their son, Kevin, and grandson Alex. There were 31 members and 4 guests in attendance.

Reports

Treasurer: Elaine Rogers – Expenses: Eileen Forte - web page $180.00, Bev - roster $271.12, Pat - newsletter $40.01, Sandy Hood – several months give away $428.53, Brolen Pencil – attorney fees (taxes, incorporation); Income: Give away $115.00, License plates x 2 $40.00, <1,069.66> + $155.00 .

CTCI: Don Cose - nothing to report.

Secretary: Katrina Tellez – With no errors reported Jim Ridenour made a motion, seconded by Joe Hood to pass the February minutes as printed in the March newsletter.

Sunshine: Shirley Mattos – In Shirley’s absence the President had members who have a March birthday raise their hand and the club sang happy birthday. Keith Rogers announced that he is doing much better and is scheduled to have surgery in a couple of weeks to have his gallbladder removed. Galen’s health is improving.

Meetings/Tours: Jim Ridenour – The signup sheet for this year’s meetings and tours was sent around with a few spots left to fill in; as well as signup sheets for the Q.C. in June and CTCI Convention in September. On March 19th

there is a car show in Hughson showing a total of 35 cars, for information call Sandy Hood. Remember to check the web site for forms: Park View Estates show is coming up in April 30; F 100 at the Fruit Yard July 17, dinner will be provided for the first 100 to sign up; and Good Guys coming up in Pleasanton. Next meeting April 3rd, at Susey Belens, 140 N. Third, Oakdale. Sign up circulated.

Newsletter/Publicity: Pat Mason – Nothing

ACCC: Keith Rogers – SB 1239, as introduced, Gaines. Smog check: exemptions.

Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (smog check) program that is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The smog check program requires inspection of motor vehicles upon initial reg-istration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances. Ex-isting law exempts specified vehicles from being inspected biennially upon renewal of registration, including, among others, all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year.

This bill would exempt all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1981 model year from the biennial smog-check inspections. Vote: majority Appropriation: no - Fiscal Committee: yes - Local Program: no

Note, classic cars driven less than one thousand miles a year emit less carbon than a bar-b-que.

Old Business: Regarding the letter received from CTCI asking for a donation of any amount towards convention in September was taken to the MACTC board, of which decided not send a check. For the sake of a lengthy conversation by club members regarding donations of any kind, be it for a trophy, prize or scholarship resulted in the following; The MACTC is a “Social Club”, by IRS definition is not allowed to donate club funds or fund raise. In lieu of a scholarship to the stu-dents of MJC’s class on classic car restoration Joe Hood made a motion, seconded by Jim Montavon, and passed; A letter of thanks and gratitude be sent from the club. For all other discussion there will be no donations made, trophies sponsored or prizes given. Keith Rogers will look into the exact wording of the IRS “Social Club” status and report at the next meeting.

New Business: None

Meeting concluded and closed at 1:34 pm.

Respectively submitted by Secretary:

Katrina Tellez