THE T-BIRD NEWS - MARCH 2013 THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED INDEX
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THE T-BIRD NEWS – MARCH 2013
THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
INCORPORATED
INDEX
Executive & State Directors…………………………..………………….…………….2
President’s Report……………………………………………….………….………….3
Editor’s Report………………………………………………….……………………..4
Treasures Report………………………………………………………………………4
Welcome New Members………………………………………………………………5
NSW Report……………………………………………………………………………8
Victoria’s Report…………………………………………………………………...…11
Vic State Concours…...………………………………………………………………16
Queensland Report…………………………………………….………………..…….22
57 baby bird..................................................................................................................27
All contributions to TBird News are to be typed and addressed to the editor (see
page 2 for details) Include a S.A.E if articles and / or photos are to be returned .
The editor reserves the right to edit or withhold material received for
publication in T'Bird News.
BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE
THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
INC.
The Thunderbird Owner's Club of Australia Inc. and State Branches is a
non-profit organisation devoted to serve as a medium of exchange of
ideas, information, and parts for admirers and owners of Thunderbirds,
to aid them in restoring and preserving these automobiles and
associated Ford vehicles in their original likeness.
1
March
2013
Executive & State Directors
President State Director – New South Wales
Mike Barton Jim Matthews
607 Mowbray Road 147 Hakone Rd
Lane Cove, NSW, 2060 Woongarrah NSW 2259
02 9428 2530 – 0427 200 026 02 4392 6551
barton-mr@bigpond.com jimnd173@bigpond.com
Vice President State Director – Queensland
Steve Springett Gary Ledgerwood
74 Stakey St,
Forestville, NSW, 2087 07 3271 5997 - 0422 164664
02 9975 6168 - 0424 177 829
stevespringett@optusnet.com.au
Secretary State Director – Victoria
Chris Jeffs Lucinda Vennix
10 Villiers Road 39 York Road
Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211 Mount Evelyn Vic 3796
02 9773 6250 - 0414239181 03 9736 2742 - 0439 479356
theovennix@optusnet.com.au
Treasurer State Director – Canberra
Reg & Terry Black
123 Beach Road TBA
Parkdale, Vic, 3194
03 9588 1800 - 0418 324866
terryblack@me.com
Editor Public Officer
Peter Banach Laraine Jeffs
5 Jobson Ave 10 Villiers Road
Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519 Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211
0431 675 999 02 9773 6250 - 0414239181
Tbird1965@tpg.com.au
Web Manager Sales/Merchandising
Peter Banach Pat Farrell
5 Jobson Ave 4Venezia St
Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519 Prestons NSW 2170
0431 675 999 02 9607 7190
Tbird1965@tpg.com.au
Web Site News
www.toca.net.au.
2
March
2013
TOCA National Presidents Report
Hi TBirders.
The year has started off quickly and fast with the All American Day
display at Castle Hill. This was very impressive and I really think the
NSW branch should be commended on both their roll out and member
support. NSW also had pub run to Camden with a great lunch. We have
the Sydney Super Swap Meet at Hawkesbury Showground on the 17th
February that will be an early starter as the gates open at 6:30am, but in
saying that, the Swap meet also finishes early by 1:30pm there is almost
no one around. I was going to take my Tbird out for the day but I would
need to hire a car trailer. Looking forward to the NSW State Titles in
March at old Bar should be a great time.
I noticed that the Victorian Branch is in full swing with many activities
and events already. Victoria receives great member support for all their
events and a wide range of Thunderbirds are always on show. Their
year looks hectic and yet fun with so many events and the State
Director and her team do a fantastic job throughout the year working
and organising these events
Queensland is organising the National Concours for October and things
are progressing well and we are all looking forward to the event
Happy TBirding
Happy Tbirding
All the best
Mike Barton
National President
3
March
2013
Editors Report
It’s great to see the web site use increasing as this site is for the benefits
of all club members. I have added several new pages to help when
looking for car parts and links to other great thunderbird clubs from
overseas. I try to keep the web site as up to date as I can, and as soon as
I receive any information or news I add it to the web site, so keep on
checking it regularly. I finally found a car! A 1964 Red convertible,
which was imported into the country back in 2008 and not driven so it
needs a bit of work, which I am looking forward to doing, it will keep
me busy for months.
Peter Banach
Editor
Treasurer’s Report
The bank balance stands at $10,384.77, including our Term Deposit.
Membership Renewals & New Memberships
Notice of membership renewal was included in the January magazine.
Please note that membership renewal is $50 per year (not $55).
Although renewal date is 31st March, we have already received 42
renewals and we welcome early payment.
Subscriptions can be by cheque or money order, posted to 123 Beach
Road, Parkdale, 3194. Another option is by electronic transfer to:
Thunderbird Owners’ Club of Australia
Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062 221
Account #: 10144244
We ask that if you do renew by bank transfer, that you ensure that
your name is included in the transaction. There will also be no need
to send in your renewal form, unless details have changed.
4
March
2013
New Members
We have had a further 6 new members since the last report bringing our
National membership numbers to 182.
Luch & Maria Villani of Greenvale, Vic, have a black with
white ’57 imported from California
Ron & Joy Pearce, St Andrews, NSW, have a ’56 (also black)
Sam Newman of Elwood, Vic, has a turquoise ’65 convertible
Saverio & Maree Rose Natale, Kings Park, Vic, who have fully
restored a green ’60 coupe
Neville & Gemma Evans, Daruka, NSW have joined the club
with a red 1957 convertible.
Darren Blake, Tennyson Point, NSW has a red & white ‘55
On behalf of all members, you are warmly welcomed (or welcomed
back) to the Club. We hope you enjoy participating in Club activities.
Terry Black
National Treasurer
Peter’s new Tbird
Editors Note – A photo of new members and their cars are great addition to the magazine and
if any new members have a photo they could email to me I will include them in the magazine.
5
March
2013
NSW Report
From the TV watching chair of Jim Mathews
Hello everyone and welcome to the NSW report.
Our first run for 2013 was to the Heathcote Hotel where we enjoyed a
great meal, we had twelve members turn up which was pretty good as it
was only one week into the new year and a lot of members were still
away but all those who attended enjoyed their day and this venue will
be going onto the calendar for future runs.
The all American day at Castle Hill is one of the years great display
days and it was no different this year even though the weather
threatened it remained a pretty good day, we had twelve members
putting on a much appreciated show for the general public, new
member Leon won best thunderbird with Pat taking out second place
congratulations to you both.
Our pub lunch run and meeting at the Campbelltown Inn on 2nd
February turned out to be a better event than expected with a good roll
up of members and a couple of visitors as well, as usual the pub put on
a great meal and the drinks were nice and cold, the meeting went well
with a few ideas being tossed around , all who attended had a great day.
The display which was organized by President Mike at the Hawkesbury
super swap on Sunday 17th February was once again greatly appreciated
by the viewing public, the weather gods were very good to us and our
national meeting went well.
All the best. Jim Matthews.
6
March
2013
th
NSW - Coming Events
SUN 14 April Lunch at Sizzlers Carramar Ring Jim as we need to
book 02 43926551 Meet at venue at 12.30 pm
SUN 28th April CLUB MEETING Picnic at Georges River National
park Revesby Meet at venue 11.30 am Bring your
own chairs.
SUN 12th May Lunch at Liverpool X Roads Hotel (Mothers Day )
Meet at venue 11.00am
SUN 19th May Marsden Park School Car Show, Garfield Rd,
Marsden Park
Meet at Macca’s Rouse Hill Town Centre 8.15am
will Depart 8.30am
SUN 2nd June Run to Swansea Hotel, meet at Macca’s Thornleigh
10.30am Depart 10.45am
SUN 23rd June Lunch at Heathcote Hotel, meet at venue 11.30am
13th-14th July CHRISTMAS in JULY
Hi all
Christmas in July will be 13/14th July at Bundanoon Hotel
Rooms Ensuite $145.00 per person
Hand Basin in room (shared Bathroom facilities $13.00 per person
Basic ( shared bathroom facilities) $125.00 per person
Includes Accommodation, pre-dinner drinks, 3 course dinner, with
piano being played, fruit mince pies, tea and coffee and buffet
breakfast.
I have had them put aside 10 rooms for the club and each person needs
to phone the hotel to book the room and pay a $50.00 deposit with
balance on arrival. 0248836005
Also do not forget to bring a gift for santa bag and mark male or female,
presents to be no more than $15.00 each.
7
March
2013
SUN 28th July All Ford Day at Sydney Dragway Ferrer’s Rd
Eastern Creek. RING Patrick Farrell for Tickets
0439332006
Victorian Report
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the March report for 2013.
Firstly I want to thank Noeline (&Bob) Bond for her role as treasurer of
the Victorian branch for the time she has served on the committee. (I
believe around 8 years for our State and prior to that she served on the
National Committee) Noeline has kept meticulous records, which has
made the transition for Geoff McFadden particularly smooth.
Congratulations Geoff on your new role.
On a sad note I would like to send our condolences to the McLean
family on the passing of Erika. Norman our thoughts are with you and
your family at this sad time.
The start of the year has bought us some very hot days, however this
has not stopped our members enjoying their cars.
We had a great display of cars at Federation Square on Jan 27th a total
of 20 cars and the public thoroughly enjoyed themselves as did the
members.
Our event for February was our very own American Classics Car Show
held annually in Lilydale each year. Yet again it was a great day raising
around $5500.00 for our nominated Charity “Australians Against Child
Abuse” and also “Bridge Builders Youth Organisation”. As normal with
an event such as this something must go awry. Upon arriving to our
Venue it was discovered that the power was out in Lilydale from 8 – 4
that day! Bridge Builders quick thinking took them to Kennards in
Lilydale where they hired 2 generators. Upon returning them, Kennards
kindly shredded the paperwork as a result of researching the
8
March
2013
organisation and the day. So Thank You very much Kennards. I would
also like to thank our Sponsors that support us annually, without them
the show could not go ahead. So a big Thank You to Lumley’s Special
Vehicle Insurance, Unique Cars, Meguiars, The Cameron Group for
providing a truck to Stage the Band (Thanks Glen), Optima Batteries,
Lilydale Mufflers & Towbars, Lilydale Brake & Clutch, JJ’s
Photography. Art with Distinction, Vehicle Tech, Yarra Ranges
Radiators, Mr Lugnut and Cameron Auto Electrician and Car Radios.
One more Thank You to our wonderful members that support the day
by helping out, without you it also could not be. I don’t normally Thank
members individually as we work unitedly (we have a great team).
However there is one/two members I would like to personally Thank as
leading up to the event only days out it was discovered that our caters
would not be attending so our night in Shining armour Mr Bond and his
wonderful wife Noeline took control and organised a BBQ, (1 and ½
days out) it was very much appreciated guys Thank You.
It was also great to see and meet some of our newer members too we
look forward to seeing you at more of our events.
We have some great events planned for 2013. We have our BBQ at the
Wattle – Vintage Steam Ship at Docklands coming up Sunday March
24th. And of course our Victorian State Titles 19th – 21st April. If you
haven’t booked we have had some rooms become available, so please
contact the Colonial Hotel directly if you would like to leap at the
opportunity to stay at our preferred accommodation. (03) 5472 4000
The Colonial (How are those costumes coming along?)
We still have some Fundraising Calendars available please contact
Lucinda if you would like to purchase one $25.00 each. Additionally it
is not too late too order badges, $10.00 each.
At our last meeting it was decided that it was time to move with the
times and start our own Facebook page for the Victorian State. If you
haven’t already joined our group please do so. We believe in the long
term this will be very beneficial to the club. We will be using the
9
March
2013
page/group to promote our coming events; post photo’s of our past
events and it also acts as a great communication tool for members.
Simply log on to Facebook and search for Thunderbird Owners Club of
Australia – Victorian Chapter. Thank You for setting it up John.
To extend on our Facebook page/group Arthur has also set up a You
Tube channel and each time he creates a video of our events he lets us
know by posting it on the Facebook page. (Thank You Arthur)
alternatively you can go to You Tube directly and search for
“Thunderbird Owners Club of Australia (Victorian Chapter)”
So if you have not decided yet to engage in Social Media / Facebook
now might be the time to change your mind. If the thought brings with
it any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
As we have so many new members joining particularly for the benefit
of club registration I feel it necessary to continue to notify members of
our obligations as a club when it comes to the Club permit scheme.
Club Registration
If you are a member that has club registration it is vital to the Vic Roads
Database that you return your Data Base Registration Form for Vic
Roads Club Permit Scheme along with your signed Club Permit
Scheme Guidelines and Regulations Form.
As if I do not have them it is my duty to inform Vic Roads that you are
not conforming to the legalities and you will no longer be eligible to
accept club registration. If you are unsure whether or not you have
returned them please contact me.
Recently I sent out an email trying to collate information from the
Victorian members predominantly for the purpose of the Club
Registration Database.
I would just like to remind members of two very important factors to
the Club Permit Scheme
1) If you are non financial member, you are not eligible for Club
Permits and Vic Roads will be notified and appropriate actions will be
taken.
10
March
20132) If you have not agreed to the guidelines and returned all your
paperwork signed to the club, Vic Roads will also be notified of your
non compliance.
We take it on good faith that you will forward all relevant information
after your permit has been approved by our Vic Roads representative.
We are currently compiling a list of members that have been recently
approved through the Thunderbird Owners Club for Club Permit.
Until next time
Lucinda
Victorian State Director
Convoy Etiquettes ~ Victoria
All cars must be in a roadworthy condition and registered (club
or full) no trade plates or provisional permit
At all times road rules / laws must be obeyed
Remember that when we are in convoy we represent our Club.
These convoy rules are simple and common sense ... but we ask
that you read them, understand them
At any time the convoy becomes unsafe or unmanageable abort
and consult the map given to you at the beginning of the cruise /
convoy
Convoy Structure: A -Trip Leader ~ B – Members Cars ~ C- Tail-end
A: Trip Leader
1. Is required to have two or more occupants in the car.
11
March
20132. The TL must obey speed limits at all times, keeping up to the speed
limit remembering that the rear of the convoy may be a long way back.
3. Constantly view mirrors to ensure the convoy is not spacing out too
far.
4. If a lot of traffic lights are encountered, it may be necessary to pull
over somewhere safely to reform.
5. A generous use of indicators when changing direction.
6. Inform the group prior to departure of the destination and any stops
(perhaps a map).
7. If the convoy is too large to keep together (8 cars or more) form a
couple of groups.
B: Members' cars
1. Position accordingly in the convoy slower cars/ members in rear
2. Watch the leader for passing (use indicators)
3. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front
4. Do not let the car in front get out of sight.
5. Flash your lights if in trouble.
6. You may safely overtake other cars behind the leader. Passing other
convoy members is only encouraged where road rules and conditions
allow. If you feel that you are holding up the car behind, please wave
them through when it is safe and legal.
7. If you are not the last car and you make a turn or go through lights
that change, wait for the next vehicle behind to catch up.
8. All other road users are to be extended every courtesy at all times.
9. The leader is not to be passed at any time.
10. At traffic lights, use more than one lane, if available, to allow more
of our cars to get through on each sequence. Once through the lights,
assume any position back in the convoy as long as you're behind the
leader.
C: Tail-end
1. Is required to have two or more occupants in the car.
2. Keep visual contact with the Trip Leader (if possible).
12
March
20132. Use mobiles to contact Trip Leader when necessary and obeying the
road laws
3. Contact Trip Leader if the cars at the rear have to travel too fast to
keep up.
Please drive safely!
By signing the event attendance sheet you understand and accept the
convoy etiquettes and acknowledge that you are a licensed driver and
will abide by all road rules and that the Thunderbird Owners Club of
Australia / Victoria is not in any way responsible for your personal
actions.
Victoria - Coming Events
See web site for up to date information on Victoria’s events
WWW.toca.net.au
13
March
201314
March
201315
March
201316
March
201317
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201318
March
2013Major Sponsor of the Victorian
Branch
19
March
2013Queensland Report
From State Director Gary Ledgerwood as passed on to the National Secretary.
Gary Ledgerwood
State Director
TOCA Qld
Qld - Coming Events
For details of Queensland events please contact Gary Ledgerwood or
check the website at www.toca.net.au.
20
March
201321
March
2013Make it a holiday things to do while
on the Gold Coast
22
March
201323
March
2013Tours to Take
24
March
2013Photos from Victorias display at Federation Square
25
March
201326
March
20131957 Thunderbird Billed As A Personal Luxury
Automobile
The 1957 Thunderbird, T-Bird for short, was a car that had the
comfort and luxury of a boulevard cruiser mixed with the flair and
power of a sports car. The first generation of the Ford
Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 as a sporty two-seat
convertible. The car’s development and creation began in
February of 1953 as an answer for Chevrolet’s new automobile,
the Corvette, a prototype sports car unveiled the month before.
The Thunderbird went from idea to a prototype in only about 12
months where it was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in early
1954. Only a few years later, the Thunderbird’s sales far
outweighed that of the Corvette’s in both 1956 and 1957 and the
1957 Ford Thunderbird would be the most popular Thunderbird
two-seat model ever.
Although it had power and speed and had the Chevy Corvette as
a direct competitor, the 1957 Ford Thunderbird was marketed
more for its personal luxury rather than its sportiness. After two
generations of Thunderbird, the 1957 model was revised and
improved with larger tailfins and tail lamps, a larger grille and a
reshaped front bumper. The ’57 model also had additional paint
colors to choose from and the addition of circular porthole
windows which were put into the fiberglass roof to improve
visibility of the rear.
The ’57 Ford Thunderbird also had some visible improvements
verses the previous models from 1955 and 1956. Along with the
fresh bumper design and restyled grilled, the seating was
improved to make the interior more spacious. Cooling was
improved with larger window openings. Designers also made less
visible improvements; brakes were made larger, the chassis
cross-members were made stiffer, new 14-inch wheels were
added and the electrical system was updated to a 12-volt system.
Many of these updates gave the ’57 Ford Thunderbird more
27
March
2013stability and much better handling. Other optional additions that
could be made for comfort included power windows and a
removable hardtop.
The 1957 Ford Thunderbird was both inspired and a direct
competitor with Chevrolet’s Corvette. Although Ford chose to
market the car as an automobile of comfort and luxury, the ’57
Ford Thunderbird definitely had a “sports car” side to it. The 5.1 L
312 cu in V-8 engine became standard in the 1957 Ford
Thunderbird which produced 245 horsepower. Two more
powerful versions were also introduced:
312 cu in V-8 with two four-barrel Holley carburetors
312 cu in V-8 with a Paxton supercharger
The V-8 with the Paxton supercharger delivered 300 horsepower.
With such a blend of comfort and performance, Ford had a
winner on its hands as the 1957 Thunderbird sold 21,380 units in
1957, a record.
28
March
2013You can also read
