CharlieF

2018 Tours I know this is way early, but I am getting ready to commit to something in May 2018. Before I do so, I would like to know if there are any dates yet for the 2018 Sentimental and Founders Tours. Charlie

The Louisiana Region consists of seven chapters. Each year one of the chapters hosts a weekend Louisiana Tour for all chapters to join. Also the other six chapters host an activity each year for all to join.

Thanks for the suggestions. With the help of Mr. Young I believe I have my problems solved with the solenoids I already had on hand. I was able to repair one. Charlie

I am having trouble finding a six volt overdrive solenoid for our 1952 Vicky which has made many AACA Tours. This is the elctric powered solenoid on the side of the transmission that forces the pawl into the ring gear, Does anyone make a mechanical adaptor that would do this? I am thinking a push/pull lever - possibly by modifing one of the electric solenoids. We are getting desperate as touring season is rapidly approaching and this is one of our favorite touring vehicles. Any help would be geatly appreciated. Charlie

Our son in law is a professionnal fireman in Franklin, TN. I sent this to him and asked if he was on this job and how far from their house it was (they live just off of I-65). He said it was a couple of miles south of town and was handled by VFD. Said Interstate was closed in both directions for about eight hours

I have told my family to look at the insured value on the cars, understanding that some of them are significantly over inflated by the insurance company increasing them annually. Then try to market them at 65% of insured value but don't let any one get out of your sight that has 50% in his hands. Sell them while they are still running even if it means going to the nearby annual auction. Almost everything else in the car barn is junk as far as they are concerned. I like David's idea of making a value list with a range of values. Some day I may get around to doing that - just like someday I may do a bunch of other things.

I am interested in the Western Div Tour in Sonora but have been unable to find any info. I am hoping to combine that tour with transporting a vehicle to my daughter in Washington state. Any info appreciated. Charlie.

It almost makes my heart bleed when I read of all the troubles people in other states have with antique car plates etc. When I moved to Mississippi 15 years ago I did not own a car newer than 25 years old. When I went to register the vehicles I asked if I should register one with regular plates for normal driving. I was told "No - all cars over 25 years old get antique plates and once registred there is no more annual fee." WOW, what a state for an old car nut.

Brenham, TX Oct 21-26. Go to VMCCA web site for motel info. They are using four small motels for lodging and as of 02-01 my first choice had already booked their rooms.

Mitchell Manufacturing Company, 800-859-2088. This is a fairly simple unit that simply replaces your torque tube drive shaft. No cutting or welding required. They come in two gear ratios. Carefully consider your rear end ratio and your engine power before choosing the ratio. I have original 21 stud engine with 3.78 rear end and I bought the lower gear Mitchell. I do not believe the engine would have enough power to pull the higher ratio. Has two shift options - floor shift or push pull. I used floor shift since already have gear shift on floor. It looks good and I get asked if I have a two speed rear axle - Well sort of, but not quite. Agree that hydaralulic brakes highly recommended. These vehicles with proper gearing are totally comfortable driving highway speeds, but it is nice to be able to stop. Also goto Early Ford V8 website. Their discussion form is good for questions and answers, as it Ford Barn.

The hub caps are the same as 37 auto. If you plan to do much driving I suggest you consider adding a Mitchell overdrive while you have it apart. It is not original but makes for a much more drivable vehicle. I drive mine about 6,000 miles annually, including to the Glidden Tour wherever it may be.

One last thing while I am bragging about the Mitchell - Mine does "whine" a little bit when in high range. A little bit like the tranny in low gear. I have heard that from others also. When in low range, direct drive, I do not hear any whine.

I use mine for highway driving, but do not bother to take it out of overdrive at stops if relatively flat country. The unit is never in free wheeling unless you shift it to neutral. Depending upon your ratios and engine power there may be no need to take it out of OD in normal driving. You can even back up with it in OD. It can be shifted up or down at any reasonable speed. Very simple operation. I have a floor shift on the '37 so I used their floor shifter. With column shift I would probably use the push/pull shifter. It does not significantly improve fuel mileage as the engine does not have enough power, but it slows down engine speed. 70mph is no problem with my combination of 3.78 rear end and 26% Mitchell. It is a simple bolt in job (if you consider removing the existing drive shaft simple). Then save the old drive shaft in case you must ever send off the Mitchell for repairs. With the floor shifter, I simply push in the clutch and push the shifter forward to get into overdrive. Reverse the procedure to take it out. The Mitchell is synchonized but shifting too rapidly can override the synchronizers - about the same as the vehicles regular transmission.

The Mitchell is great. I have eight years and 35,000 trouble free miles on mine. Have driven it to six Glidden Tours and a few AACA Tours. Will leave in a month for the Glidden in MI and expect to drive about 3,000 miles. Charlie

Join Classic Thunderbird Club Intl. Then contact The American Road Thunderbird Club. They have the invoices on 1956 & 1957 Thunderbirds.

Your absolutely great Steve. The magazine arrived today (Tuesday). How in the world did you do that? Charlie

Am I the only one who has not received this magazine yet? People all around me have it.

The 1949-1959 Ford Car Parts and Accessories Catalog Copyright 1964 lists Part Number BM 6050054-B as "Glass-Roof" Tinted. It does not indicate any color. However the -B somewhat indicates that there may also have been an -A listing that might have been different. Or the -B may have simply been a slightly different replacement for the -A. Unfortunately I do not have an earlier catalog that might have listed the -A part. As far as I know I have never seen anything other than the green tinting.

Look into touring. Founders Tour and Divisional Tours, etc. They are far more fun than car shows.

29,888 miles in nothing newer than a '66 Mustang last year. Most mileage 5558 in a '52 Ford Vic.

I have seen a lot of changes in my life and I have fought every darn one! But this is a good one and congratulations on a nice magazine now that I have finally received it. Am I the last one in the adjacent 48 to get the magazine? It arrived 2-4. Friends in LA got theirs on 1-31 or 2-1. Of course I escaped from LA and moved to MS for an easier life. Also apparently much slower. This week it took four days for a first class letter to go 100 miles to Baton Rouge.

Earl, I am pleased to tell you that Herb now drives a Ford. He just lead one day of the LA Region Thanksgiving Tour in Oklahoma driving a Thunderbird.

Wayne,I am from south Mississippi and sat next to you at closing banquet. Can not post a photo of car. No equipment for such. The tour roster shows me driving a '57 Ford but had to make a last minute change to the reliable flat head V8.

Just returned from the Sentimental tour. 2600 miles in a '52 Ford. Great tour. thanks to Bull Run Region.

You made a mistake by not eating at that restaurant. Did you go in and see all of the collection inside?