EDITOR’S NOTE. I regret that this edition of Ford Words must be labeled April-May-June 2017. It was ready to be produced as the April 10 edition except for the front page which I planned to complete on the weekend of April 8-9. On the morning of the 9th, I suffered an attack that required do or die surgery and I was hospital-ized for two months recovery and rehabitulation. Although my abil-itkes are limited, I hope to be able to comtimue bringing Ford Words to you regularly.

Monthly Newsletter of the Early Ford V8 Club of AmericaEast Tennessee Regional Group

April-May 2017

Family and friends gathered Friday, April 28, to celebrate Dr. Murvin H. Perry’s 95th birthday. In a brief release from a two month hospitalization, Murv, as he is known to friends, regaled them with stories of his cars and career.

Friends and family celebrate Murv's 95th birthday with dinner

(Continued on P 4, Col. 1).

The summer cruise-in season began in good weather on Friday, April 21, according to Ron Harklero-ad, cruise-in chairman.

Turnout for second on April 28 was even better, as interest in the drawing for door prizes was greater than expected.

Among interesting cars displayed was a late model Lamborghini.

Committee members reported June 1 they had had two very succeassful cruise-ins and two rain outs.

The cruise -ins will continue each Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 each evening until October in the Lowe’s parking lot off Volunteer parkway under sponsorship of Lowe’s and O’Reilley’s Auto Parts.

(See photos on Page 5)

Cruise-in season begins April 21

Collector Joe Floyd who has served as a trustee of the mu-seum ,announced he’s donating the only stainless steel 1936 Ford known to exist in private hands and 16 other 1936 Fords from his collection to the Early Ford V-8 Museum, where it will take center stage in the museum’s Rotunda replica.

Using Ford’s dies Allegheny Steel (later Allegheny Ludlum) built six 1936 Ford Model 68 Deluxe Tudor Touring Sedans with body shells of stainless steel to promote their steel.

The stsinless steel Fords went to top regional sales executives in New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis. All six remained on the road until just after World War II, racking up about 200,000 miles each,wearing out the standard-issue Ford drive trains, but the bodies were no worse for the wear.

, Four still exist: two are with the company, one of them having been extensively refurbished by members of the Early Ford Regional Group in the Philadelphia area. They stand alongside a 1960 Thunderbird and a 1966 Continental that the company built of stainless steel, One

T Brown has been transferred from NHC in Bristol to an extend-ed care institution in Abington.

John Seneker is hospitalized for additional surgery.

Murv Perry was scheduled for release from NHC /rehab in John-son City on Monday June 6.

Three membersailing seriously

(Continued on Page 3, Column 1)Post cards show1917 Ford factory

Foundation receives Floyd’s ‘36s

Harman Duncan forwarded me an e-mail recently with pictures of 25 promotional post cards from Ford . The photos were interesting. If you would like to see them, drop me an e-mail and I will forward them.

Along with photos was a sheet with some interesting facts: The plant had 1 1/2 miles of conveyor tracks Its steam power house used 22 tons of coal per hour to develop 43,000 horse power. 29,512,000 cu-bic feet of gas required each day. 312 ~ gallons of lubricating oil used

The 2017 Ridler Award winner at the Detroit Autorama which honors long-time Detroit Autora-ma promoter Don Ridler, was called the 1933 Ford Re-naissance Roadster. Ironically it dosen’t have any Ford iron in it. The chassis was built from scratch and its body panels formed by hand from flat steel and alu-minum stock.

Steve Frisbie of Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Or-egon, estimated that his shop spent 20,000 man-hours on the car during the 42 months building it. They built it for Buddy Jordan of Portland, Oregon, and finished it just in time, one week before the Show.

The time element was important. To qualify for the Ridler Award, a car must be making its public debut at the show. However, limited media exposure showing the vehicle under construction (but not completed) is allowed. In addition, the car must also be “minimally operable, able to “start, stop, move forward and backward under its own power, turn left and right and stop using the brake pedal.

Sketched by Chris Ito, with input from Frisbie, the chassis was constructed from 3/16″ steel and 1.5-inch chrome-moly steel, while the body was crafted from sheets of 3003 alu-minum, hand-formed panel-by-panel. The independent front and rear suspensions were also designed and fabricated by Steve’s, and use race car style remote shock absorbers.

Power comes from a modified Chevrolet Performance “An-niversary Edition” 427, an aluminum big-block V-8 built in a limited production run (of 427 units) to honor the ZL1 that powered COPO Camaros in 1969. Fed by a custom fuel injec-tion system and dressed up with a custom fabricated oil pan, valve covers and air cleaner, the cross-brand powerplant certainly doesn’t look out of place between the car’s hand-hammered fenders, and bolts up to a GM 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. The car hasn’t been dyno tested, but, Frisbie estimates its output to be slightly more than 500 horsepower.

The dash comes from a 1930 Nash. It is fitted with ret-ro-style gauges from Classic Instruments. The console and switch panel are custom pieces, as are the leather-wrapped seats, finished in red and black to match the car’s paint.

The Roadster is sprayed in a custom-mixed candy apple red with black fenders and a black removable hard top.

The Ridler Award field is narrowed to eight finalists each year from which one car is selected for top honors. Other fi-nalists this year included After Thought, a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe; The GPT, a 1932 Ford Tudor; Split Ray, a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette;The Gold Standard, a 1941 Ford pick-up; Phoenix, a 1929 Ford pickup; a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette concept tribute; and Heirloom, a 1949 Chevrolet C-10 pickup.

In response to the story about antique license plates in the March Ford Words, Craig Gorris e-mailed that Ohio has a permanent histor-ic plate for $25 and that he had one on his car since 1974.

When I completed restoring the 35 in 1995, I went to the county clerk’s office to apply for a title and registration plate. The lady at the counter looked at the Canadian bill of sale and inquired, “You’ve had this car for eight years?” When I explained it had taken me that long to restore it, she filled in the information on the title applica-tion. When that was completed, she asked “/what year was that car?”She went somewhere in the back office and brought out a plate numbered DRY 035. The cabrio-let wore that plate until 2005, but unfortunately I could not duplicate the number when Tennessee is-sued new plates.

More about antique and historical license platesfor our collector cars

Editor’s note: Inci-dentally for purist col-letors, the top kit I pur-chased from Lebaron Bonny was listed for the 35 and 36 Ford, it came with the wide rear window shown in the picture, but my ‘35 orginal top had a lon-ger and narrower rear window. I still have the frame and glass, but the material in the new top was cut for the ‘36 window.

Rod with Ford name has no Ford parts Ford Words, April, May and June 2017Page 2

Quilts have taken on a new meaning a1s a means of making a statement of world affairs.

It’s now time for the Early Ford V-8 Club to create its own quilt in commemoration of its upcoming 55th Anniversary.

Plans call for this quilt to make its debut at the 2018 Grand Na-tional Meet in Dearborn..

It will feature squares from Re-gional Groups throughout the world. Each of these squares will be individualized with the Region-al Group name and location.

Regional Groups are encour-aged to decorate their square with scenes or details unique to their part of the world. Regional Groups are being asked to submit a piece of 100% cotton material 12-inches square. Allow-ing a one-inch border for stiching will leave an 11-inch square for the Regional Group message. In that area will appear the name and/or logo of the group and its location.

Various types of artwork are en-couraged to decorate the square with some symbol(s) of the region represented.

Regional Groups are encouraged to be as creative as possible, get the quilters in thegroup involved.

Completed squares are to be sent to Milly Scheidt, 6558 4th Section road,Brockport NY 14420. by Sept. 1, 2017 to give time to assemble the quilt top. It will then have it professionally quilted.

Anyone who uses or knows of a professional quilt finisher are asked to send the names, address-es and phone numbers to Jerry Windle at the V8 Times.

is displayed in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, and the fourth, in Floyd’s collection, was owned for mny years by the family of a Chicago dentist who acquired it when the company disposed of the unique cars. H is son eventually sold it to Illinois-based collector Ed James.

Arizona-based collector car dealer Leo Gephart bought the Ford in 2008 or 2009, and had Scottsdale restorer Lon Kruger perform a full body-off restoration that included a full 1,000-hour polishing, rendering the body mirror-clear, unlike the raw finish the rest of the Allegheny

One went to a drive during World War II. The Fate of the sixth is unknown.

Floyd who had served as trustee and treasurer of the museum, had been building a collection of 1936 Fords in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His constant search for parts led him to Kruger, who bought out Geph-art’s interest in the stainless-steel 1936 Ford after the latter’s death. Floyd negotiated to buy the stainless steel Ford in 2014.

Repairing some minor damage to the body and fenders, and some not so minor, was the real challenge. Stainless steel is much less malleable than ordinary automobile body steel. Not only that, but it has a tenden-cy to “work harden,” when pounded or bent. Krueger, who has restored nearly 300 cars, said the stainless steel Ford offered a unique challenge. No one had ever restored one before and he had to proceed cautiously on a trial and error basis.

Mechanical parts of the car presented no problems. Replacement parts and standard restoration techniques were well known. But since only the exterior shell of the body was of stainless steel, the floor, lower parts of the inner door structures, and the trunk required replacement with mostly hand-fabricated parts that had to be welded in.

Since bending or ounding ess steel tends to make it harder to shape, previous repairs attempted before Krueger acquired the car had al-ready ompromised the metal. Someone, who obviously was not famil-iar with stainless steel, had pounded out, welded and finished with a grinder several areas of damage on the fenders.

Krueger tried using leather-faced mallets and sandbags to pound out dents and dings that the car had suffered over the years. That didn’t work. He found he had to use ordinary body repair tools, hammers, dol-lies, bulls eye picks and a shrinking wheel, but with greater pressure ap-plied. Primers and fillers were not an option because the car had never been painted. His greatest challenge was taking the straightened panels to a final finish.

Sanding was the only answer, 1,000 hours of it. He started using 80 grit, progressing to 180, 220,320,400,600 1,000 in order to sand out previ-ous sanding marks and leave the surface smooth.

The car had been offered at auction but it ws declared no sale at a bid of $550,000.

The pictures in Mecums catalog for the auction suggest Krueger may have burnished the finish to a greater shine than Ludlum had originally applied when the cars were built, because of the recommendation of the Pennsylvania Highway Authorities who feared that a highly polished finish might create a glare that would be a hazard to drivers of other vehicles, the cars were left with a dull finish.

At first sight they look as if they were simply ordinary metal that had been left unpainted.

Stainless steel Ford donated(Continued from Page 1)

Quilt for Earlyford V8 Club?

Ford Words, April, May and June 2017 Page 3

Paul Lovi

Ford Words, April, May and June 2017

British rank two Ford cars among top 50

Landmarks Illinois has declared Route 66 one of its Most Endan-gered Historic Places,

We did this both out of a sense of community pride in Route 66 and because of the positive economic impact Route 66 has,” said Frank Butterfield, Landmarks Illinois’s field office director.

While the road itself may not face a threat, communities along the road do. “A lot of the road goes through small communities that struggle with economic develop-ment resources.”

A fund raising campaign has been established to restore the Mill in Lincoln as a museum and res-taurant.

“Route 66 enthusiasts from around the world are passionate about preserving iconic attractions and stops along the Mother Road.”

Group has plans for old Route 66

Triumph TR,

every hour. 35,000 gallons of fuel oil used daily in heat-treating steel. . Along with photos was a sheet with some interesting facts: In1917 Ford planned to produce 700, 000 cars. 100.000 people would

be engaged in making and selling Ford cars in all parts of the world. Based on the figures of previous years they would need:

Four carloads of spark plugs each month. 310.464 tons of steel. 6,209,280 feet of Vanadium steel shafting and

gear axles. 2.950,000 feet of exhaust pipe. 6,158,000 sq. ft. galvanized metal in gasoline tanks. 9,800.000 pounds of stee1 for magnetos. 24,791 miles of wiring to be used in magnetos.

3.041.825 pounds of solder.80, 811, 500 sq. ft. rubber cloth material in the tops. 2,800. 800,000 wheels 2,800,000tires. 3,500,000 lamps.3,450,000 sq. ft. of glass for windshields.

It took 50 miles of belting to drive Ford machines

1,000 cars a day

Post cards -- Continued from Page 1

Page 4

Two Ford Cars were in the list of the fifty best British cars of all time compiled by the British mo-toring magazine Auto Express.

The magazine polled members of its staff and 10 “expert” judges from the car manufacturing in-dustry to determine the best 590 British cars of all time.

The Ford Escort built from 1967 to 1975 ranked ninth. The Cortina ranked 26th.

Judges considered “sales suc-cess”, ground breaking design and performance.

The classic 1959-2000 Mini edged out the Jaguar E-Type and the Land Rover Defender for the top spot.

Triumph TR, Vauxhall, Opel Kadet, MG Midget, Allard and Bentley did not make it into the list of 50.

Ford had an assembly plant in Cork, Ireland, and a production facility in Dagenham, England.

Ford Words, April, May and June 2017

Murv Perry visits with the owner of the Shay Model A replicar

It looks like a Ford, but it has a Chevy engine.

Chief’s ‘35 stands out

EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICAEast Tennessee Regional Group #15

Minutes of the meeting held April 6, 2017. President Phil Vinson convened the meet-

ing at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of the meeting held March 9, 2017

were read by President Phil Vinson in the absence of Secretary Murv Perry and approved as read on motion by Pat Nowiski, seconded by Ron Harkle-rad.

Treasurer’s report was read by President Phil Vinson in the absence of Treasurer John Seneker and approved as read on motion by Justin Parks, seconded by Fred Lord.

Phil Vinson reported that he, Ron Har-klerod and Ken Bouck have made repairs to the lift.

Meals for Wheels for next week will be Jim Broyles, Ken Bouck and Jim Gose.

Discussion on cruise-in was held. They will start April 21, 2017 at Lowes, Volunteer Parkway. Insurance is on file and copy sent to Lowes.

Several members and their spouse’s health issues were noted. T Brown was admitted to Bristol NHC on April 6.

Phil Vinson stated breakfast will be served Sunday. It will be determined then if breakfast will be served next Sunday, Easter.

Roger Buchanan’s number was drawn for the Ford Fund. He donated the $10 to the Building Maintenance Fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Minutes taken by President Phil Vinson.,

Page 5

EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICA East Tennessee Regional Group

Minutes of the meeting held April 13, 2017. The meeting was called to order by Presi-

dent Phil Vinson at 7:03 p.m. Minutes of the meeting of May 4 were read

by President Phil Vinson and approved as read on motion by Ron Harkleroad seconded by Gerald Tart.

Minutes of the meeting of April 6 were read by President Phil Vinson in the absence of Secretary Murv Perry and were approved as read on motion by Fred Lord, seconded by Justin Parks.

Treasurer’s report was read by President Vinson in the absence of Treasurer John Seneker and ap-proved as read on motion by Fred Lord, seconded by Freddie King.

Murv Perry will be celebrating his 95tb birthday April 28. A card for him was signed by all members present.

Cruise-Ins will start April 21st.Phil Vinson made an announcement that no break-

fasts would be served on Easter Sunday.Sveral members health problems were reported:

Gary Williams is in ICU at BRMC with blood disor-der, T Brown with kidney issues, John Seneker in treatment for the next 2 weeks, and Murv has had surgery and in rehab at NHC in Johnson City.

Jim Broyles’ number was drawn for the Ford Fund. He donated the $13 to the Building Fund.

Thank you to Jim Broyles and Ken Bouck for the meal.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Minutes were taken by President Phil Vinson.

EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICA East Tennessee Regional Group

Minutes of the meeting held June 1, 2017. The meeting was called to order by President

Phil Vinson at a7:03 p.m. Minutes of the meeting of May 11 were read

by President Phil Vinson and approve as read on mo-tion by Ron Harkleroad seconded by Gerald Tart.

Treasurer’s record read by Phil Vinson was accept-ed on motion by Tom Collins seconded

Murv and Todd Perry and Justin Grubb are scheduled to provide Meals for Wheels next week.

Phil reported there was no need to plan for a large attendance,’

Illness report: T Brown has been transferred to a long term intensive care institution in Abington. John Seneker is in the hospital for additional sur-gery.

Murv is here and expects to be released from NHC next week.

Cruise -n committee reported they have had two very good turn outs and two rainouts and report-ed the fifty fifty tickets for last week totaled $250.

Ken Bouck’s numbers was drawn for the Ford Fund. Since he was not preset $11.00 was deposited in the Building Maintenance Fund.

A discussion of a popcorn machine followed and the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. /

Minutes recorded by Todd Perry, transcribed by Murv Perry

EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICAEast Tennessee Regional Group #15

Minutes of the meeting held May 11, 2017.President Phil Vinson convened the meeting at

7:00 p.m.Minutes of the meeting held May 4, 2017 were

read by President Phil Vinson in the absence of Secretary Murv Perry and approved as read on mo-tion by Ron Harkleroad, seconded by Tom Collins.

Treasurer’s report was read by President Phil Vinson in the absence of Treasurer John Seneker and approved as read on motion by Fred Lord, sec-ond by Pat Nowiski. .

Thank you Ron Harkleroad and Mike Henty for meal.

T Brown is at NHC, no further information has been received on Murv Perry.

Roger Buchanan number was drawn for the Ford Fund $11, he was not present, Pat Nowiski matched money for a total of $22 donated to Ford Fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Minutes taken by President Phil Vinson.

Page 6

Continued at top of next column

John Seneker’s number was drawn for the Ford Fund. He donated the $20 to the Building Fund. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Minutes taken by President Phil Vinson.

Ford Words, April, May and June 2017

EARLY FORD V8 CLUB OF AMERICA East Tennessee Regional Group

Minutes of the meeting held May 4, 2017. The meeting was called to order by President

Phil Vinson at 7:00 p.m. In the absence of Secretary Murv Perry, Minutes of the meeting of April 13 were read by President Phil Vinson and approved as read on motion by Ron Harkleroad seconded by Fred Lord.

Treasurer’s record was read by John Seneker and approved as read on motion by Justin Parks, sec-onded by Gerald Tart.

Meals for Wheels on May 11 will be by Ron Har-kleroad mad Mike Henty.

Ron Harkleroad gave a report on sponsors for Cruise -ins.

Phil Vinson made an announment that breakfast will be served Sunday.

Several members’ health was updated. Murv Perry was at home, but has developed a bladder problem and is in hospital. He should be released in 2 or 3 days. T Brown is still in isolation but is being transferred to Kingsport for further treatment. Gary Williams is at home and doing better.