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February 2019

Thunderbird Owners of New York Web-page

http://clubs.hemmings.com/tony/index.html

Member, Classic Thunderbird Club International – Chap. 49

1955 1956 1957

Newsletter Message

Sal Perrotta

OFFICERS:

PresidentStan Matusewicz – 631-231-

3156c [email protected]

Vice PresidentDennis Benfante– 631-447-

3847 [email protected]

SecretaryJohn Cattonar - 631-269-

[email protected]

TreasurerPete Cochrane - 631-363-

[email protected]

CTCI Advisory Council Rep.Bob Ceraso - [email protected]

Tech Advisor: 1955’sBob Ceraso - [email protected]

Tech Advisor: 1956’sStan Matusewicz -631-231-

[email protected]

Tech Advisor: 1957’s Lou Realmuto - 631-226-

[email protected]

Computer Advisor

Next Thunderbird Meeting

Bethpage Public Library

Monday February 4thth 2019 at 7:00 PM 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714

I had a conversation with Al Continelli yesterday and he gave me his feedback on the Holiday Party. The report is the party was a tremendous success. The food as well as the selection were outstanding. Al noted that this year's participation was the best ever so it is appropriate to thank Al and Eileen Continelli for making the arrangements. Your efforts to ensure a great day for our club is much appreciated.

Al, thank you for the wonderful pictures which I will include in this newsletter.

A personal observation, I have noticed a change this past year in the club, I am not sure if is wishful thinking or reality but I see a positive trend of participation in club events and I think it is wonderful.

I want to be sure to acknowledge all of our members who take on leadership roles in club events and also recognize our members who join in to attend our events. Your support is gratefully acknowledged. Let's have a great 2019.

For the first time in many years I spent Christmas away from Long Island. Being in Florida is very nice however, decorated palm tree's takes a little getting used to but it was a very nice holiday.

Ringing in the New Year is cause for celebration and spending time with friends and family. Looking back at the year we just closed is great however we all know allot can happen in a year and there is so much to look forward to.

My New Year message is simple. "As glasses are raised and hugs and kisses are shared with family and friends it’s important to recognize the special symbolism January 1st brings with it. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts and for some it comes with a time of reflection".

Whether your resolutions consist of keeping your hands out of the cookie jar or sharing something special with loved ones, I am confident that a little effort can make all the difference.

The New Year has come with hopes anew, here is to wishing you and your family a wonderful year ahead as we continue to share the genuine friendship that adds happiness and warmth to us all.

Sal

From: Sal Perrotta

In the March edition of the TONY Newsletter I am making an addition that will require club participation.

I am planning to add "My First Car". If you have any photos or a story about your first car or a car you owned and had a strong attachment to it would be fun to feature the story or pictures in our Newsletter.

You can email me pictures or story if you have it on your computer . If you have a photo to add and do not have a scanner you can mail me the picture and I will scan it and send it back to you. Additionally, I will send you digital copy.

The first feature for the March newsletter will include a picture from Al Continelli and I have a picture of my first car and my first motorcycle.

I believe it will be fun to see our first rides or read a story that brings back memories of a car or bike that was meaningful to you so please help out and send me the pictures or stories.

I will add my address and my e mail address.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[email protected]

Sal Perrotta7360 NW 1st Street Bldg 89 Unit 203Margate, Florida 33063From: Al and Eileen Continelli

Pictures from the January 6th 2019 Holiday Party

From: Sal Perrotta (Gils Garage, CTCI Authenticity Chairman)

This is an excellent feature from Gill's Garage, if you are not a member of CTCI you should be the information they share with their members is outstanding.

Before attempting to start a newly rebuilt engine a few simple steps will insure that it will start on the first attempt. Steps 1, 2, 3 & 5 can be accomplished while the engine is still out of the car and on a stand.

1 - Align the timing pointer to top dead center (TDC). Photo 1

2 - Insure #1 piston is at the top of its compression stroke, which can be verified with #1 spark plug removed (Photo 2) and both intake and exhaust valves closed as described in step 3.

3 - Valve closure can be verified by checking clearance on #1 exhaust and intake valves, both will have clearance. Photo 3

4 - Insure the electrical connections to the distributor, coil and starter are properly connected and

functioning.

5 - Once the engine is installed and before attempting to start, initial timing can be set more accurately. First remove all the spark plugs, this allows the engine to turn over faster, connect a timing light and a remote starter switch, engage the starter with the remote starter switch while the distributor is adjusted to set initial timing.

6 - Pressurize the fuel system to carburetor by using an electric fuel pump (if equipped) or raise the rear of the car (using proper caution) placing the gas tank higher than the engine fuel pump, fuel will gravity feed through the fuel lines toward the fuel pump making it easier for the mechanical pump to pick up fuel. Lower the car and crank the engine with ignition turned off until the carburetor is primed. Check all fuel line connections from tank to carburetor for leaks.

7 - Before attempting the first start and after pressurizing the fuel system, pump the throttle to insure the carburetor is primed. On 1957 models open the choke plates and check for fuel squirting from the primary nozzles as shown in photo 5.

On 1955/56 models fuel can be seen squirting from the primary nozzles by looking behind the choke plates near the top opening. (Photo 6)

8 - Insure all systems requiring fluids, oil and coolants are serviced in accordance with service/shop manuals.

After insuring the transmission is in neutral, parking brake set, the engine is ready to start. It should start on the first attempt. Final adjustment of the carburetor and timing can now be completed to insure a smooth running engine. Detailed information on setting engine timing can be found on the CTCI website under Car Tech, Gil’s Garage.

Gil Baumgartner

From: Sal Perrotta Reprinted from Hagerty

These are the 7 hottest muscle cars of 2018by Jeff Peek and Andrew Newton // December 21, 2018

An informed buyer is a smart buyer, we used the latest Hagerty Vehicle Rating to determine the hottest

collectible muscle cars of 2018.

The Hagerty Vehicle Rating is based on a 0–100 scale, tracking vehicles’ performance relative to the rest of

the collector car market. The data-driven rating takes into account the number of vehicles insured and

quoted through Hagerty, along with auction activity and private sales results.

A 50-point rating indicates that a vehicle is keeping pace with the market overall. Ratings above 50 show

above-average appreciation, while ratings below 50 indicate a car is tracking behind the market average. A

score of 100 means a car is appreciating at a better rate than anything out there, but HVR is not an indicator

of future collectability. Although it certainly says something about what’s hot (and what’s not).

Without further ado, here are the seven hottest muscle cars of 2018. Don’t see your favorite car on here?

Blame the data—numbers don’t lie.

7. 1964–67 Chevrolet Chevelle

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SSThe first-generation Chevelles aren’t the ground-pounding muscle car icons that came later (like the 1970 LS6), but you could still get one with a fairly potent 327 of various outputs. Plus, a big-block 396 was available from 1965 on.High sale prices on the private market (and, to a lesser extent, at auction) are responsible for its above-average score, enough to offset the fact that insurance and quoting activity are actually trailing the rest of the market.The Chevelle’s values are up lately, but don’t put too much stock in that. Most of the increases were for station-wagon versions following a massive sale ($143,000) for a restored 283 wagon at Mecum Monterey. Other than some other modest increases for the 1965 Chevelle SS Sport Coupe, values have been flat.

6. 1964–67 Pontiac GTO

1967 Pontiac GTOThe first GTO—that distinction means the ‘64-67 Pontiac GTO is always collectible from a historical standpoint, since it’s widely credited with sparking the muscle car craze. Officially a LeMans sub-model in 1964 and ’65, it became its own model in 1966.The first-gen GTO’s score is mostly driven by its continual strength when it crosses the block at auction.

And these years are the ones to get right now, because the 1968–72 GTO has a paltry rating of 18.

5. 1968–69 Ford Fairlane

1968 Ford FairlaneThe Fairlane isn’t what most people think of when it comes to muscle cars, but this Ford was available with a 390-cubic-inch/325-horsepower V-8 or high-performance 428/360 Super Cobra Jet engine.A lower-cost alternative to the Ford Torino, the Fairlane’s strong rating is the result of strong quoting activity/buyer interest and being added at a healthy rate to insurance policies.

4. 1968–76 Ford Torino

1969 Ford Torino GTSpeaking of the Torino, it was initially unveiled as the Fairlane Torino, and the handsome new mid-sized model was offered in a full range of coupes, hardtops, and sedans. The super-slippery fastback was an

immediate hit with NASCAR, and David Pearson drove one to the 1968 championship.Although calling later Torino models “muscle cars” is a bit of a stretch, early GT models could be had with a 427-cu-in/390-hp power plant, and Cobras were available with a 428/335 Cobra Jet. In 1970, available engines included the 429/360, 429/370, and 429/375.Insurance activity and buyer interest/quote activity actually trail the market average slightly, but all of that was offset by very strong private sales and auction results.

3. 1968–70 Dodge Charger

1968 Dodge Charger R/TNot the first Charger but definitely the one that people picture in their minds when it comes to classic muscle, the second-gen Charger was the “other” car in Bullitt, the one drive by the bad guys that met a fiery fate. This version, with its famed Coke-bottle body, was an immediate hit when it made its way to dealer showrooms in 1968.Its score was mostly driven by recent increases in values and buyer interest/quote activity. Average values for #3-condition (Good) cars are up from $21,900 in 2013 to $26,400 in 2017 and $27,700 in 2018.

2. 2008–09 Pontiac G8

Eight years after it built its last car, Pontiac still holds a special place in the hearts of collector car enthusiasts. It also holds the top two places on this muscle car list. The 2008–09 G8 isn’t as well known as the GTO, but it too has a Corvette engine under the hood. It’s total sleeper, and Holden Commodore underpinnings that deliver excellent handling. In what seems like only a flash, the G8 has gone from used car to collector car, and to prove it we have to

look no farther than the insurance quote activity/buyer interest, which—along with the next GTO on this list—was higher than any car we track.

1. 2004–06 Pontiac GTO

2005 Pontiac GTO

GM executive Bob Lutz drove a Holden Monaro on a trip to Australia and was immediately impressed—so impressed that he became convinced the car would sell well in the U.S. as the new GTO. Although the car has what some people consider yawn-inducing mid-2000s Pontiac styling, it carries a Corvette LS V-8 under the hood. In other words, it’s a big-time sleeper on the prowl.Like the G8, the 2004–06 GTO moved quickly from used car to collector car, long before it served the commonly accepted 25-year wait to become a “classic.”Quote activity/buyer interest was through the roof, which helped propel its score to the top of the muscle car market in 2018.

From: Tom Grippa

Tom recently visited the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown, PA. Tom wanted to share some pictures of the great cars on display at the museum.

Tom thanks for sharing!

From: Sal Perrotta

1. For most of the 1950s, Chevrolet was the car to beat, but in what two years did Ford actually outsell Chevrolet?

A. 1950 & 1951B. 1955 & 1957C. 1957 & 1959D. 1953 & 1956

2. What automaker brought us the push button automatic transmission in its 1956 models?

A. ChryslerB. General MotorsC. FordD. Packard

3. From 1952 to 1953, Sears sold a compact car called the Allstate through its catalog and stores. What company actually built it?

A. General MotorsB. Kaiser-FraserC. PackardD. American Motors

4. The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette could be bought in any color so long as that color was what?

A. Polo White B. Onyx Black C. Arctic BlueD. Aztec Copper

5. Which of the following was not a station wagon?

A. Edsel VillagerB. Rambler Cross CountryC. Studebaker StarliteD. Buick Caballero

6. What car company tried its hand at building a compact car in 1953 with a model called the Jet?

A. PackardB. HudsonC. EdselD. Studebaker

7. Ford was the first automaker to build a retractable convertible, in which a steel top folded up and went into the trunk at the push of a button. What did Ford call this car?

A. SunlinerB. SkylinerC. SkysweepD. Skyview

8. Which of the following car companies did NOT go out of business in the 1950s?

A. DeSotoB. HudsonC. PackardD. Kaiser

9. What car company produced a model with a tinted plexi-glass roof called the Sun Valley?

A. BuickB. DodgeC. MercuryD. Packard

10. 1959 was the peak year of tailfins on cars. What make is generally considered to have had the largest tailfins of all time?

A. BuickB. ChevroletC. PlymouthD. Cadillac

28663

28664

28665

FebruaryQuiz Answers

Question Number Answer1 C2 A3 B4 A5 C6 B7 B8 A9 C10 D

From: Joe Marchione An interesting web article about Sears

Sears is on the verge of going out of business for good, according to reports, which means any hope of it getting back into the car business is likely over, too.

Not that anyone was expecting it to, beyond parts and service, but there was a time when it sold a Sears brand car through its catalog.

The Sears Motor Buggy was launched in 1908, the same year Ford started selling the Model T.

One turned out to be slightly more successful than the other.

The base price for a Motor Buggy was $395, and a model without a roof or fenders was offered for $370. Oil lamps could be replaced by then-high-tech acetylene lights for $12.95.

10

The cars were manufactured by the Lincoln Motor Car Works and powered by a two-cylinder engine with 10 hp that gave them a top speed of just 25 mph.

“We do not believe that the average man deserves to go whirling through the country at 40 or 50 miles per hour,” Sears proclaimed in advertisements for what it pitched as a practical car guaranteed to “run through mud, sand, over ordinary city and country roads and take all reasonable hills.”

Cars were delivered with some assembly required and a gallon of oil. Customers just had to screw it together and add gasoline. There weren’t many of them.

According to RM Sotheby’s, Sears sold just around 3,500 of them through 1912, when it discontinued the vehicle, admitting it lost money on every one. The tally was a far cry from the over 15 million Model Ts eventually built by Ford.

The few remaining Motor Buggies are worth a fair bit more today, with fully-restored examples selling at auction for up to $35,000.

From: Sal Perrotta

This is the ninth installment of a 12 part series that reviews the history of the Ford Thunderbird from the first series to the last.

12 Generations of Thunderbirds in all.

Ninth Generation (1983-1986): "Aero Birds"

Ford knew it had to do something radical to save the Thunderbird and that arrived in the form of the obviously aerodynamic 1983 model. Styled first and foremost with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, the new T-Bird was slick and sleek in a way no previous Thunderbird — or Ford for that matter — had ever been. And it set the style for Ford products throughout the '80s.

But under the new sheet metal, the Thunderbird still used the ubiquitous Fox platform. That was no bad thing really, as it was at least as good as the structure upon which the T-Bird's direct competitors were based. The wheelbase was now down to 104 inches and overall length to 197.6 inches. The standard power plant was now the 3.8-liter V6 making 110 hp and optional was the 302 V8 (now expressed as a 5.0-liter even though its displacement was closer to 4.9 liters) making 130 hp and fitted with electronic fuel injection.

There was, however, a third Thunderbird power plant available in the new "Turbo Coupe." This was a turbocharged and electronically fuel-injected version of Ford's 2.3-liter, OHC four making 142 hp. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission (the first ever in a T-Bird), the turbo four wasn't overwhelming in the more than 3,000-pound Thunderbird, but it successfully retrieved some of the sporting heritage that had been missing from the line since at least the '63 Sports Roadster. And it quickly developed a cult following that continues today.

The aerodynamic T-Bird was a hit, even if it didn't recover the enormous sales of the '77 to '79 editions. Ford sold 121,999 of them during the first model year.

Some model names were modified and there were trim changes, but the 1984 Thunderbird was a virtual rerun of the '83. Sales grew stronger with Ford putting 170,533 into customers' garages.

Better boost control thumped the output of the Turbo Coupe's four to 155 hp for 1985 and there were new taillights and other tweaks to the Thunderbird line. But those were all minor and sales dipped slightly to 151,851 units.

The Thunderbird got a new center high-mounted stoplight (CHMSL) like every other 1986 model car sold in the U.S., but other changes were slight. The 5.0-liter V8 now used multipoint fuel injection that brought its output up to 150 hp, but the other engines carried forward unchanged. Sales rebounded slightly to 163,695 Thunderbirds.

Besides its success in the showroom, the aerodynamic Thunderbird proved an amazing success on NASCAR racetracks with competitors like Bill Elliott (who won 11 races during 1985) driving it to unheard of speeds. At the 1986 Winston 500 at Alabama International Speedway in Talladega, Elliott qualified his T-Bird on the pole with a shocking 212.229 mph qualifying speed. In fact only one car would ever be a quicker stock car…the next T-Bird.

From: Sal Perrotta (CTCI)

May 15-19, 2019 : CTCI Region 6 Convention "Western Classic Roundup", Flagstaff, Arizona

Set your sights on the West for the 2019 Region 6 Classic Thunderbird Convention which will be held at the newly renovated Little America in Flagstaff, Arizona on May 15-19, 2019. The Arizona Classic Thunderbird Club is proud to present the "Western Classic Roundup." Our location promises cool weather amid the Ponderosa Pines at an elevation of 6,909 feet. Our tours and scenic drives will provide a taste of Western beauty. Be prepared to be amazed at the diversity of our state.

Registration

Registration is open! The form is available below, and should be mailed with payment to: Judy Thompson, convention registration chair, 4055-28 N. Recker Road, Mesa, AZ 85215-7793. Checks should be payable to Arizona Classic Thunderbird Club. If additional information is needed, Judy can be reached at 602-625-2052. Additional convention information will be e-mailed to all CTCI chapters.

Hotel Reservations

The Little America Hotel & Resort in Flagstaff is offering a special rate of $139 per night plus tax. Parking for about 200 Thunderbirds as well as nearby trailer parking is provided. The hotel phone is 800-865-1401 (or 928-779-7900 for locals) and the promo "phrase" is "Thunderbird Regional

Convention." Early registration is encouraged. The hotel features Southwestern decor and granite bathrooms and is close to major attractions such as the Grand Canyon, the Red Pillars of Sedona, the Lowell Observatory and Wupatki National Monument, among others. Registration forms will be available soon on our chapter website: www.arizonaclassicthunderbirds.org. Pre-registration is encouraged on the form provided on this page. For additional questions, phone Chuck Thompson, Convention Chair at 480-773-0222.

Click here for the Registration Form Watch the EarlyBird and CTCI website for upcoming details!

From: Arlene Swenson

January 18-20

Auto Mania

Allentown, PA Fairgrounds

April 24-28, 2019

Spring Carlisle

Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds

April 25-27

Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction

Carlisle Expo Center

July 12-14

Chrysler Nationals


August 2-4

Truck Nationals


May 17-19

Import & Performance Nationals

Carlisle PA Fairgrounds

May 31 - June 2

Ford Nationals


June 21 -22

Chevrolet Nationals


June 22

Carlisle Auctions Summer Sale


Carlisle Fairgrounds

1000 Bryn Mawr Road

Carlisle, PA 17013

August 22-25

Corvettes at Carlisle

Carlisle PA Fairgrounds

October 2-6

Fall Carlisle


October 3-5

Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction


From: Richard Seidl

1957 Thunderbird Parts Available for Sale

1092 Admont Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010-2702, (516) 315-5248

Space Issue any reasonable offer considered Parts List Includes:

Radiator Heater Core Hard Top Tinted Glass Lower Rear Bumper Windshield Trim Grill Molding Left & Right Hard Top Clamps Hood Vent Grill side Vent Grills Mirror Gas Tank Door Hinge Door Handles Misc Hardware Many More (Call and Discuss Availability)

Member Date

Jim Fonaro 2/2Joe Collura 2/6Ken Wolcott 2/9Geraldine Vorisek 2/10Dennis Widmyer 2/24

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