AJFord54

They stole the museum from us - pure and simple. I will write them and say just that. If they (and I'm sure they are) reading this - @#$% #%$ ! And, while I know that "our" AACA had indicated that they'd like us to just let it go, I would encourage the BOD and Steve to write a letter to all members of the AACA and further explain the situation. We need the general membership to know the truth.

Ford and I believe Mercury came out in two-tones in '55. When I say two-tone, I'm referring to the sides/hood - think 1955 or '56 Fords. Mercury in '53 had two tone in that the top might be a different color than the car itself, but that's as far as it went. Beautiful cars. Dependable flat-heads.

Nice car! Wow - You've even got a spare engine for it in the trunk.

I just wish someone would take the damn valve cover off and listen!

Being very candid - I wouldn't touch that car with a 10 foot pole. Anyone who would let that out the door with that mismatch on the driver's door paint is certainly to be questioned. What else did they think "that's good enough"? Just glance at the previous posts showing other "Square Birds" and you'll find much cleaner cars. I must admit I'm all about originality, although if done well, a custom can be attractive - just not this one. Both the white and other light-blue birds posted later appear to be much, much better deals. Also, there are many nice original late '50s and early '60s coming to market due to the aging of the population. We see it in our 1954 Ford Club of America. Take your time, research, research, research. It's so easy to fall in love with something and not have a clear head in making a decision. Note: I too agree that the Thunderbird shown in post #7 appears to be twice the car for $3000 or so less.

You use the word "impoverished" and "reliable" in the same sentence. Additionally, you are thinking of a daily driver 1930's car. In my honest opinion, it's not a match for you, nor the car. Our older cars - even from the '50s require tender-loving car, a good mechanic, and some decent knowledge of the basics. If you go this route, you certainly are going to need to learn about the inner workings or you will surely regret it. I'm wondering from your post how old you are? It's fun to read and guess. The first thing that popped into my mind is a 70 year old lady, especially with the reference to the 1930s Buicks. "Little Old Lady from Pasadena" came to mind. After reading your signature my guess is that you are more likely a 50 year old male - not old at all and probably very capable of learning about the car. Again, if you go this route, expect breakdowns at a red light and wishing you had the knowledge of what to do. If you don't want to go with the knowledge, skip the thought. For me, no way a 1930s Buick is a daily driver. Perhaps better might be to find a more modern vehicle such as a 1960s Mustang, Camaro or Firebird. They are head-turners, fun to drive and just about any mechanic can repair them. There are over-the-counter replacement parts. Additionally, they fit right into your budget with change to spare.

You nailed it! Nice job.

It's all about the front suspension. Ford didn't have that.

So far I've seen one photo of his car. I certainly don't understand how anyone could make a determination as to whether he should paint or not paint the car. The sum of the ideas presented are wonderful, but to say it will ruin the car to paint it is absurd. How many of us have had our cars painted? Chances are they too were "original". We made the choice because we wanted to, just as Michael does. A good painter will blend that paint so nicely that it will look original. Yes, the point about the chrome perhaps being a little weak might make the new paint stand out, but again, we don't know the status of that chrome. Additionally, he has $10,000 to spend and his estimate will allow him to get some re-plating done over the years, piece by piece. Some great warnings were presented by posters, including making sure the car doesn't get brought into the shop and slowly the price of painting gets driven up by finding faults, rust, etc. A good contract, estimate, clear understanding of what trim will be removed, door jamb painting, etc. will help to clear that up. Luckily, he knows personally the painter and that's a good thing. Certainly he has a choice based upon AACA judging as to keep the car original and enter it into HPOF, or he can "restore" it and seek a First Junior at some point. I can tell you that most members of the AACA opt to bring the car up to "as from the factory". There's no "right or wrong". This is possibly the first step in that total restoration process. He'll probably do more things to it down the road and perhaps seek that First Junior or more. It's his car, not ours. He asked how much he should spend. He starts the car up and drives it - not us. Michael - "It's your thing... do what you wanna do".

That sounds like a very fair number. Don't forget to post photos when it's all done.

All I can say is - I spent (yes, 15 years ago) exactly $4000 and that included welding body rear quarters, frame off, base coat/clear coat with Glasurit paint. Small town - excellent work. Result: Grand National. Yes, today with all of the extra work done, probably $8000. Again, Philadelphia, Cleveland, etc. probably a lot more. A private individual will certainly have lower costs and be able to provide equal quality if he/she has the talents.

Michael - While I'm sure you were just giving us your "maximum" price to spend, it reminded me of my friend who had engine problems with his boat. He took it to the dealer and asked "Is it going to run $500, $1000 or $1500? It ended up costing him $3400. Only point I make is that he opened up the guy to thinking he had lots of money to spend. Obviously, poor negotiating skills on his part. I just got a quote from a great body man in our small town on A VW bus. He told me $3000 to $4000 sight unseen with the high number being based upon possible rust or minor dents. Point being, smaller towns many times have lower costs and you might save some money by researching a bit outside of Philadelphia. I think $10,000 is very expensive, unless you have lots of problems that have to be corrected.

It's funny - I looked at that word all day and couldn't figure it out. Finally came up with "unknown". What confused me was the "(" which I was mistaking for a "C". Looked at the responses and Gunsmoke had figured it out right away. I had even spent time looking at all cars ever made beginning with the letter "C". Would these, due to their short length be from a 2 seater? I'm going to put them together and re-photograph. Also, the two short pieces that attach to the piece that has a hole through it - they don't have any holes drilled through them to attach. How would they be secured? Thanks for all the help. It would be really nice to find the right vehicle. BTW - There are traces of chrome on them if that helps in dating.

I acquired these rails years ago from a deceased AACA member's estate. He marked them but I can't make out the one word that would probably help identify them. It appears all are there for both sides. Would any of you recognize them? He collected Mercedes, Auburns, Pontiacs, etc, mostly from the 20s and 30s. Thanks.

Sounds like a valve. I'd take off the valve cover and check before running it much more.

Caswell makes great gas tank sealant among other things. This is their latest. At first it sounded pretty off the wall. As you read the directions, it just may look nice. Not sure. http://support.caswellplating.com/sendy/w/ON9FCrIkE7QsB1tmE1727Q/iGoBxaU6Kw1aO763r77cjSWA/oZDKPLMjsPngYkhzzAswsw

If you take the time to read everything, you'll find that the AACA went above and beyond to work with the museum. I wouldn't give them a dime and as I previously stated, I would prefer that the "free" admission to the museum for club members be rescinded and anything paid by the National for that option be redirected towards a building fund for the AACA Library/Executive offices. Additionally, I'd like to see a fund-raiser for those offices - perhaps $10 - $25 - $100 options. It would get the job done quickly. I'd also like to see the museum named something like "Antique Transportation Museum at Hershey" to get the AACA name off of it. Here's hoping they're listening. Doubt it - they still want to piggy-back off of our AACA initials. "Holy Wheat" - I just did some math - I previously read that we pay $3.00 per member for the right to have "free admission" to the museum. Could someone verify that number? If it is true, with 60,000 members, the club is paying $180,000 a year for that "privilege". What am I missing here? For the number of members who actually take advantage of that offer, I'd rather see that $3.00 of our $35.00 go directly back into the coffers of our treasury to build the new facility. Board Members - those in the know - please provide correct information.

I would like all of you to know that I have had correspondence with Wayne Burgess and Steve as well. As most of you know, I was most adamant with my displeasure of this situation. I have offered my opinions and suggestions. In the process, it appears even my overly-generous merger ideas have been previously offered, with no success. Honestly, I was of the opinion that something could be done to solve the problem. I am now convinced that it cannot move forward. Trust me, you are not hearing this from a "Board Member" or anyone who has ties to the administration. I'm one of "you" - a member in good standing who has opinions and only wants the best for the Club. We need to let it go. We need to unite and be one. Life has a way of taking care of all things. The museum will operate without us, and we without them. I am further convinced that in the future our board will remember this and bring us important information a bit sooner. I cannot tell anyone where to invest their money or place their donations, but please be cognizant that the two groups are separate entities. If you wish to support the National AACA, please do so. If you wish to donate to the museum, that is your prerogative, but those donations will not favor the AACA National. This is a very emotional time for all of us. Let us move on and enjoy the hobby. Merry Christmas to all, and if it is more appropriate - Happy Holidays! Footnote: If the board decided to eliminate the "free admission" to the museum and use the extra few bucks towards a building program, I'm all in favor of it. Andy Jochum

http://www.islandpacket.com/cars/article112936628.html Pretty sad. How much in $$$ damage might this be?

I just completed the towel rack and thought I'd show you the final results. I especially like this dispenser as the towels are in a different place than many that were available.

I acquired this towel rack from an 82 year old gentleman who was retiring from his gas station repair business. As you can see, it is covered in grease and oil. I'm going to ask the age-old question of you folks - "should I clean it or leave as is"? This is a funny business. We choose to restore our cars to look like they came from the factory, yet other times we go the HPOF route. I have a beautifully restored Kendall gas pump, and also have a really nice Atlantic Wayne 60 "as found". From pedal cars to toys, the debate goes on - restore or leave as is. What would you do with this? Frankly, even if you touch it, the grease gets all over your hands. Thoughts?

http://petapixel.com/2016/04/06/animation-created-using-old-photos-early-1900s/

I do care about this as I appreciate all that Steve and the directors have done for us. I tried to help bring this to a conclusion so we can all move on. I don't consider it "noise" - at some point I think it becomes disrespectful to Steve as well. He works his ass off for this club and I for one don't want to lose a valuable guy like him. From the 20 or so that ( out of a how-many-thousand members that haven't complained) feel you have been "disrespected" - all well and good. Let them take action to accommodate your wishes and let's try to all get along. We're all going to be dead in 20 years! ?

But they didn't!!! They simply provided your e-mail to a party with proper documentation that would prevent it from being sold or misused with the thought that it might benefit us. And, I might add: Perhaps you should read your own website's disclaimer on how you might use information. Read it carefully. You might be surprised. To answer your question regarding my "pseudonym": My name is Andrew Jochum, Jr. I am from Jamestown, NY. Yes, Mr. Harwood - Jamestown, NY. You certainly know Jamestown, NY. I am not hiding from anyone. I am proud to be an AACA 20+ year member and contribute my thoughts. I stand by my post and support for the decision. You or anyone else that might want my e-mail and telephone number - pm me! How dare you post "hiding under a pseudonym". Everyone reading this, regardless of their stance on this issue should be offended. Most of us are here to enjoy the forum, not do business. We pick a name that is to our liking. We don't hide. And, for the record: "You don't want that moron as a member" ? Want to explain that to everyone? Your club? No sir - "Our Club".

Good God - This whole discussion is perfectly representative of why the youth of our country are not members of AACA. Sorry, but you sound like a bunch of cranky old men. My last meeting of our local chapter - about 7 or 8 years ago consisted of two members shouting at one another. We had a new member join us that night - never to be heard from again. I walked away and haven't been to one of their senior citizen's meetings again. I signed up my 32 year old daughter with the AACA last month. Do any of you really think she will find an ounce of common purpose when these "old fart" (sorry I totally dislike that description or word - but it fits) discussions take place? Steve - great idea - wrong club. Maybe retract the list and have them publish it and let those interested respond.