FORD'S HISTORIC THUNDERBIRD NAMEPLATE RETURNS TO THE FUTURE

Established 1981 Volume 26 Issue 2 Chapter of the VTCI International www.members.aol.com/vintagetbirds February 2007 FORD’S HISTORIC THUNDERBIRD NAMEPLATE RETURNS TO THE FUTURE-PRODUCT VAULT The 2005 archival of the Thunderbird nameplate marked another watershed event in the car’s history. From it’s “creation” in 1951 to the most recent retirement in 2005, the Thunderbird has had a very interesting history. The TBird has also made many significant contributions to automotive history. The following 2-part article reprint by Dave Marchand is a very well done documentation of the TBird’s history. The Thunderbird History - Part 1 The First Thunderbird Two men, Louis D. Crusoe and George Walker, were primarily responsible for the birth of the Thunderbird. Both were devoted to the automobile and its constant development and refinement. Crusoe, a millionaire lured out of retirement by Henry Ford II, was a businessman with a solid “feel” for the automobile market. As a Ford vice president and Ford Division general manager, it was his responsibility to strengthen a young Ford Division. His goal was to give it a car that breathed excitement, a car that would add prestige to the Ford name. Walker, later a Ford vice president and chief stylist, is described by contemporaries as a “stylist with the soul of an artist burning in his heart.” It was October 1951. With their mission in mind, the two men were walking along the aisles of the Grand Palais in Paris when Crusoe gestured toward one of the sportier automobiles on display, turned to Walker and asked: “Why can’t we have something like that?” “We have a job just like that in the works right now,” was Walker’s quick response. It was not quite so, until Walker found it convenient to get to a telephone and talk with his aides back in Dearborn. But, by the time Crusoe returned to the United States, there was indeed a “job just like that” in the works. In the months that followed, there was a lot of talk about a “true Ford sports car.” Some preparations were made. “Paper sports cars” took shape in the design studios. All hands had been instructed to go to work on a completely new Ford car for the 1955 model year. continued on page 6 Page 1 a publication of the Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club Board Members PRESIDENT Hale Houts 21705 Currie Rd. Northville, Mi . 48167 248-486-0421 HH110@aol.com NEWSLETTER EDITOR Joanne Rokicki 3516 Trentwood Dr Commerce Twp, Mi 48382 248-910-0984 jrokicki@dataplanners.com VICE PRESIDENT Bill LaFerle 35995 Northgate Dr. Livonia, Mi. 48152 734-464-1878 blaferle@twmi.rr.com MEMBERSHIP Jim & Marie Brucker 191 Liddy Dr. Brighton Mi.,48114 810-227-5379 m.brucker@comcast.net WEBMASTER Paul Nichols WWTC WebSite http://members.aol.com/ vintagetbirds SECRETARY Joanne Campau 28905 Terrence Livonia, Mi. 48154 734-261– 9786 YLOBRD1@WEBTV.NET ACTIVITIES George Roscoe 19257 Hannan Rd. New Boston, Mi. 48164 734-753-5255 egroscoe@aol.com WWTC TECH ADVISOR Joe Brugel Our man with the answers 313-928-2278 TREASURER Nelson Zuchetto 15207 Philomene Allen Park, Mi. 48101 313-928-7692 nrzuch@hotmail.com ADVERTISING Marie Brucker 191 Liddy Dr. Brighton, Mi. 48114 810-227-5379 m.brucker@Comcast.net WATER WONDERLAND THUNDERBIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM Membership Fee - $25.00 per calendar year. We are a Michigan incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of all Thunderbirds ownership. (T-Bird ownership is not required). Name _______________________________________________________________________________________ Spouse _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________State/Province_______________Zip/Postal ______________ Email Address ____________________________________________Phone _____________________________ TBird _________________________ Style____________________________Color _________________________ TBird _________________________ Style____________________________Color _________________________ Activities you would like to participate in? ___________________________________________________________ Please send check or money order to: Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club c/o Marie Brucker, 191 Liddy Dr., Brighton, MI 48114 Page 2 The Ed Meurer Car Collection, March 10th A Collection Tour Saturday, March 10, 2007, 10:30a.m. Ed Meurer, a WWTC member, has invited us to tour his car collection of over 80 beauties, including his three Thunderbirds. If you have seen his collection before, don’t hesitate to tour again because Ed is always increasing his fantastic collection. Ed also has been adding “non-cars” to his collectibles. All cars are fully restored and functioning vehicles and are also insured and battery tendered. To maintain this “fleet”, one of Ed’s employees drives home a different car each day to continually check them out. Through the year each car gets special attention. Ed is one of those people who truly enjoys and appreciates fine vehicles - of all types and styles and ages. We are very proud to have Ed as one of our Thunderbird Club members. Visiting the Ed Meurer Collection is a unique opportunity that you will not want to miss. Join us on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. A map and directions will be in the March issue of the newsletter. And of course, we’ll go out to lunch afterwards. Please call Jim & Marie Brucker to RSVP, 810-227-5379, we will need an idea of the number of attendees. Zoom zoom! CLUB CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS... RESERVE THESE DATES ü February Henry Ford’s Fairlane Mansion, Dearborn Sunday, February 11th at 12:30 p.m. RSVP to George Roscoe 734-753-5255, or email egroscoe@aol.com. ü March Ed Meurer’s Car Collection Saturday, March 10th at 10:30 a.m. RSVP to Marie and Jim Brucker, 810-227-5379 ü June Motor Muster 2007, June 16 & 17 Henry Ford Greenfield Village more information on page 13 Motown Thunder, June 24-30 See page 11 for more information... RSVP Steve Legel, slegel@twmi.rr.com ü July A Doo Wop Summer Dream Reunion Saturday, July 28 @ 8:00 p.m. Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn “A Rock ’N’ Roll Summer Dream VI” ê The Platters with Sonny Turner ê Joey Dee and The Starliters ê Kathy Young ê The Reflections Live Orchestra... Dance in the Aisles! RSVP... Carol Kovalak, 734-461-6838 or 800-566-6626 Our Activities Director, George Roscoe, is in the process of planning activities for the coming year. If you have activities of interest, please contact George at 734-753-5255, or email egroscoe@aol.com. Page 3 Presidents Message During this time of the year, we “car enthusiasts” seem to have surplus time. However, recently, there have been some good things going on. As usual, the Detroit Auto Show offered enthusiasm for the new products. Ford had several attractive concept vehicles - the Interceptor, Airstream, Jaguar C-XF and Volvo XC60. Additionally, there was a lot of good press on the Edge, Fairmont and Lincoln MKX. Last week was the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale. There is still a lot of surplus cash available for classic cars. A 1966 Shelby Cobra Supersnake sold for $5.5mil, and the same person bought the first 2007 Shelby Mustang produced for $660,000.00. Closer to home, a large group of WWTC members came to the Houts’ home on January 13th to enjoy a potluck dinner and watch the trains run. As usual, there was plenty of tremendous food and everyone had a great time. I suspect some of the people have already started drafting plans for their train layout. I can assure you the best way to do it is when you purchase a new home so each party can lay claim on his/her toy rooms. Fortunately, I was able to get the basement and barn. We thank everyone who attended and brought food to share. George Roscoe has arranged a tour of the Henry Ford estate on February 13th. There is more information in the newsletter regarding this event. Please notify George if you will be attending. Hale Hale Houts 248-486-0421 dblnkltbirds@peoplepc.com Saturday, January 13, Pot luck dinner and trains at the Houts. Hale just grins as he surveys all his extensive train display…note the tracks above his head and displays on all the walls. Page 4 January’s Pot Luck Dinner and Model Trains Enjoying good food and good company, (from left) Judy Biretto, Dave & Nancy Bolla, Sandy Lewis, and Karen and Don Verstraete. Officers past and present: Dick Klein, Larry Seyfarth, Hale and Pete Morris. Pausing from a “parts discussion”, Rebecca & Jan Prusinowski, Larry & Nancy Seyfarth, and Aaron Reavis Page 5 Ford’s Histroic Thunderbird Nameplate Returns, continued from page 1 Official approval of a crash program to develop the Ford sports car came in a product letter dated Feb. 9, 1953. In it, May 1, 1953, was set as the target date for a full-size clay model. The letter also authorized parallel work by the engineers on a suitable chassis. The initial guidelines called for a two-passenger, canvas-topped open car that “would make maximum use of standard production components.” Design objectives included a weight of 2,525 pounds, an Interceptor V-8 engine, a balanced weight distribution, acceleration better than the competition, and a top speed of more than 100 miles per hour. The new Ford sports car also was “to retain Ford product characteristics and identification to the extent necessary for a ready association with the standard production car.” The Ford Design studio was given basic styling responsibilities. With no time for scale-model studies and the like, the first sports car styling suggestions were fullprofile, full-sized air-brush renderings on paper of five different cars, cut out and mounted so they could be viewed like automobiles on the highway. It was an effective, if unorthodox, technique. None of these proposals led directly to a final car, but each provided ideas for the full-size clay model that was taking shape. While the clay model was being developed, other decisions were being made: The grille design would be a combination of the typically Ford arched upper shape and a Ferrari-style, egg-crate mesh. For cost reasons, the new car would use the same taillights and headlamp bezels as the 1955 Ford. A handsome hood scoop was executed to cover a bulge that was created to house the air cleaner. “Bullet-shaped” insets at the end of the bumpers carried twin exhaust tips, then the latest in styling and, hence, a must for the new Ford. On May 18, 1953 - 17 days after his deadline - Crusoe saw a complete, painted clay model for the first time. It closely corresponded to the shape of the final first Thunderbird. Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Bill Burnett had cut a Ford two-door sedan to the 102-inch wheelbase of the sports car in order to test some ideas about problems such as handling and brake balance. By the summer of 1953, the car was far enough along for a decision to be made about building it. The decision came in September when Crusoe - in Paris to view the renowned sports cars of the world and measure them against the clay models back in Dearborn - decided the Ford car was right. Although production wouldn’t begin until the fall of 1954, making the new car a 1955 model, Ford was anxious to tell the world about it. Only one small detail remained -a name for the car. There were 5,000 names considered. Hep Cat, Beaver and Detroiter were early, yet undistinguished, frontrunners. Also suggested were Runabout, Arcturus, Savile, El Tigre and Coronado. Crusoe was unimpressed and offered a $250 suit to anyone who could do better. A young Ford stylist, Alden “Gib” Giberson, submitted the name that would quickly earn approval and eventually acclaim - Thunderbird. He thought of the name because he had once lived in the southwest, where the legend of the Thunderbird was well known. Chief Stylist Frank Hersey, also a southwesterner and an enthusiast, spotted the name on Giberson’s list and picked it for the new car. When it came time for Giberson to claim his prize, the modest young signer passed on what would have been the equivalent of a $800-$1000 suit today and settled for $95 and an extra pair of trousers from Saks Fifth Avenue. The name Thunderbird comes from the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, where, according to Indian legend, the Thunderbird was a divine helper of man. Its great flapping wings, invisible to the eyes of mortal man, created the winds and the thunder, and gave the Indians water to live on in the dry wilderness where fate had flung them. With the name settled and a couple of last-minute appearance changes made, the Ford Thunderbird was ready to go to market; Its first public appearance was Feb. 20, 1954, at Detroit’s first post-war auto show. The first 1955 Thunderbird came off the line at Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn (Mich) Assembly Plant on September 9, 1954. The press announcement of the new Ford sports car was on Sept. 23, 1954. Thunderbird went on sale October 22, 1954 - starting a legend that would grow with each new generation of Thunderbird cars. continued on the next page Page 6 Ford’s Histroic Thunderbird Nameplate Returns, continued from previous page The 1955 Thunderbird was more of a personal car concept than a sports car, the result of a decision Crusoe made during the winter of 1953-54. The more luxurious direction created the personal luxury car segment of the automotive market, and Thunderbird would enjoy almost uninterrupted leadership in this segment for decades. The original Thunderbird was a racy two-seater with clean, crisp lines on a 102-inch wheelbase. Overall length was 175 inches, height was a low 52 inches, and the car was 70 inches wide. Standard curb weight was 3,180 pounds. The base sticker price of $2,695, included the removable hardtop, but not the soft top. Clock, tachometer, poweroperated seats and a 292 CID V-8 engine also were standard equipment. However, practically none of the early Thunderbirds left the dealership without either overdrive or automatic transmission and most of the power options. Prices of the 1955 models ranged from $3,000 to $4,000. The car was an immediate smash hit. Buyers of all ages, from all walks of life described the car in terms such as “wonderful,” a “masterpiece,” “advanced automobile” and a “morale builder that is real fun and sport to drive.” One letter even revealed that, after having viewed a magazine illustration, the admirer instructed an American relative to buy the 1955 Thunderbird and ship it to him in Europe. The magic of the name and the impact of the car made it a natural merchandising tie-in for manufacturers of a wide range of goods - coats, jackets, shirts, shoes, rugs, furniture and toys, to name a few. Magazines also featured the Thunderbird in promotional campaigns. Some of the more prominent activities included: The Powercar Company of Connecticut offered a Thunderbird Junior, a mechanically operated scale model car youngsters could drive. Mechanix Illustrated offered Thunderbird as the first prize in their 1955 Build Words contest. Cluett-Peabody used the Thunderbird to promote and sell Arrow shirts. Worsted-Tex marketed Thunderbird-inspired coats, and many other clothiers used the car in promotions. The public went for the Thunderbird in a big way, placing more than 3,500 orders in the first 10-day selling period. The planning volume for the entire model year was only 10,000 units. Ford had explored an uncharted market for unique transportation and came up with a winner. Evolution of Thunderbird With all of its popularity, the flight of the two-seater Thunderbird would be a short one. There were changes almost immediately after the car was introduced. The original design presented some problems. The cockpit needed better ventilation. Rear-quarter vision had to be improved. More trunk space was a necessity. Design changes on 1956 models corrected these deficiencies. Flip-out side vents provided better ventilation, porthole windows enhanced rear vision and an outside tire carrier added trunk space. In addition, the 1956 Thunderbird featured Ford’s new safety concept of “packaging the passengers.” Standard equipment included energy-absorbing instrument panel padding, a concave safety steering wheel, safety door latches and a shatter-resistant mirror. Safety belts were optional. continued on page 8 A STORIED HISTORY Ford Thunderbird first went on sale Oct. 22, 1954, marking the birth of a new legend that would row with each generation. During five decades, Thunderbird went through several design changes with coupes, sedans, convertibles, hardtops, midsize and large-size configurations. It went on hiatus after the 1997 model year. Thunderbird returned in 2001 as a retro-styled roadster to serve a similar role to its 1955 forebear – create excitement for the Ford brand. In 2005, Ford Thunderbird celebrated its golden anniversary with a 50th anniversary limited-edition 2005 model. As the anniversary coincides with the end of the current generation, the special-edition models are expected to become collector’s items. “There’s a place for a dream car in any car company,” says Lyons. “At Ford, we’re fortunate to have several dream cars, including the new Ford GT and Ford Mustang. For now, the Thunderbird nameplate will be placed on our shelf. But we’ll keep it polished for future use.” Page 7 Ford’s Histroic Thunderbird Nameplate Returns, continued from page 7 Last-minute improvements, including the addition of the optional 312 CID V-8 engine, gave the second edition of the Thunderbird better handling and increased performance. The 1957 Thunderbird was the first to have a fully padded dash surface. It featured optional Dial-O-Matic power seats and a radio that automatically adjusted the volume in proportion to the speed of the engine. It would be the last of the two-seaters. With production of 1958 models delayed, 1957 Thunderbird production continued for three extra months. The last one rolled off the assembly line December 13, 1957. An era had ended. The Classic Thunderbirds Seldom in the history of the automobile industry has a company achieved the success Ford reached in creating the Thunderbird. The car stunned the automotive world and the effect was a lasting one. It gave to America and the world a handsome car that was entirely in the American idiom – a practical and enjoyable car for daily transportation and long trips, and a stylish, yet unique sporting machine with excellent performance and intriguing pedigree. Absolute evidence of the two-seat Thunderbird’s impact on the motoring world came just four years after the last one was built when Today Show host Dave Garroway referred to it as “an American classic.” Generally, it takes decades for a car to receive such recognition. Vic Take of Clayton, Mo., heard the Garroway comment and took the first steps toward establishing the Thunderbird Club International. He was the club’s first president. Today, Thunderbird clubs worldwide boast memberships in the thousands. Thunderbird acolytes long ago exhausted the search in garages, barns and junkyards all over North America and elsewhere for original two-seat T’birds to rebuild and refurbish. The remaining 1955-1957 two-seaters are in the hands collectors and restorers and on the pages of automotive history. The Square Bird Thunderbird’s future for the next four decades belonged to the four-seaters. Certainly, the twoseater had given Ford Division the prestigious car it needed, and sales exceeded planning volumes in each of the three years it was on the market. But, the economic realities of the times, the public’s motoring needs and Ford’s market share inhibited the potential of the car. Even as the two-seater was being designed, plans for a four-passenger personal car were on Ford’s drawing board. The decision to build a bigger ‘bird was justified by subsequent marketing research that showed, among other things, that: Two-seaters were not being purchased by families with children, unless as a second car. Seating capacity and price restricted Thunderbird ownership to multi-car, upper income families. A four-passenger car would broaden the market to include the upper income single car owner group. Significant numbers of two-seater owners were interested in a four-passenger model so long as Thunderbird styling was maintained. Five percent of all car buyers interviewed said they would purchase a Thunderbird if seating capacity were increased. Armed with this rationale, Ford Division ushered in the new 1958 year by unveiling the four-passenger Thunderbird before a group of prominent Americans at a New Year’s Eve Party at the exclusive Thunderbird Golf Club in Palm Springs, Calif. The public introduction was later in January. KEY POINTS... w Introduced in September 1954 as a w w w w w 1955 model - two-seat convertible Total original two seat production 53,166 Total all model sales - 4.3 million units Peak sales year 1977 - 322,517 units Built at Lorain assembly, Lorain, Ohio Last redesign in 2002 – 2005. continued on the next page Page 8 Ford’s Histroic Thunderbird Nameplate Returns, continued from the previous page The 1958 Thunderbird retained the classic lines of the original Thunderbird, plus some classic styling touches of its own, including the one-piece grille and bumper and clean contemporary roof lines that would set new styling standards for the industry. It was on a 113-inch wheelbase - 11 inches longer than the original – and overall length was 205.4 inches, 30.4 inches longer. With an overall height of 52.5 inches, it still had a low-slung, relaxed, reverse wedge stance. Shipping weight was 3,799 pounds. Another leading feature of the 1958 Thunderbird was unit frame construction, and the car boasted “more room per passenger that any luxury car.” Front and rear headroom, according to the press releases, were “within a fraction of an inch of America’s other prestige automobiles.” Horsepower also was close to that of the significantly bigger luxury cars. The 1958 Thunderbird engine was a 352 CID V-8 with an h.p. rating of 300. Other 1958 styling features included an anodized aluminum honeycombpattern grille, twin headlights deeply browed, with the brow line extending into the hood. A flat roof line dropped off to a novel rear window but retained the characteristic Thunderbird treatment in the rear quarter and twin taillights set over a honeycomb-pattern design. Inside, there were individual bucket seats, and a console that housed controls for the heater, air conditioner and power windows, as well as a radio speaker and ash trays for front and rear passengers. Two models, a hardtop and a convertible, were offered in 1958. The “little Bird’s” tachometer and adjustable steering wheel were among the deleted items. Gone too was the semi-sports car ride of the two-seater. The unitized construction of the 1958 Thunderbird was a forerunner of this type construction in the industry, and the 1960 Thunderbird - last of the “Square Bird” designs was the first American-built car to offer an optional sunroof. Collector’s Item The 1958-60 “Square Birds” became sought by collectors in ever-growing numbers. Despite the popularity of the two-seaters, “Square Bird” enthusiasts have as strong a following as two-seater worshipers. Certainly, there are more 1958-60 models to collect. Ford produced a total of 198,191 of the convertible and twodoor Landau models. The Landau models with sunroofs are especially valuable since only a limited number - less than 500 – were built. PART 2... Continued next month, starting with the new styling of the 1961, moving on to the “best of the fourseaters” era, covering the late sixty’s four-door models and the luxurious models of the seventy’s, to the final production of the Retro, and all the other model years in between. Tune in next month... 1961 Thunderbird Classified as a “semi-luxury” car, the 1958 Thunderbird was square in design, with few concessions to rounded corners, front or aft. It solidly established Ford Division in the luxury car market and was a sensation from the time it was introduced. The standard two-door hardtop carried a suggested retail price of $3,330, but $5,200 was considered an average delivery price. The car lived up to all of its pre-introduction plaudits, and was named Motor Trend Magazine’s “Car of the Year.” Sales totaled 48,482, almost matching twoseater deliveries for all of the three years the model was on the market. Ford management’s decision to drop the smaller car was almost immediately vindicated. Fittingly, Thunderbird production, starting with the 1958 model, was moved to the company’s Wixom (Mich.) Assembly Plant, where Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln luxury cars are built. As with the two-seaters, the bodies were built by the Budd Company in Philadelphia and shipped to Michigan for assembly. 1977 Thunderbird 2003 Thunderbird Article reprint, permission from: Dave Marchand Mustang/Thunderbird Club Center Coordinator Address: PO Box 2909, Farmington Hills, MI 48333 Phone: 1-800-576-PONY/1-800-TBIRD10 E-mail: mustangclubcenter@minacsusa.com Page 9 WD-40... MORE THAN JUST OIL? Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. It’s name comes from the project that was to find a “water displacement” compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the “shower door” part, try it. It’s the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It’s a miracle! Then try it on your stove top... Voila! It’s now shinier than it’s ever been. You’ll be amazed. Here are some of the uses... 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) Protects silver from tarnishing. Removes road tar and grime from cars. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings. Gives floors that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making it slippery. Keeps flies off cows. Restores and cleans chalkboards. Removes lipstick stains. Loosens stubborn zippers. Untangles jewelry chains. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing. Removes tomato stains from clothing. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors. Keeps scissors working smoothly. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn’t seem to harm the finish and you won’t have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have lot of marks. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40! Gives a children’s play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers. 26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles. 27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans. 28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling. 29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly. 30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools. 31) Removes splattered grease on stove. 32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging. 33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs. 34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell). 35) Removes all traces of duct tape. 36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain. 37) Florida’s favorite use: “cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.” 38) The favorite use in the state of New York: WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements. 39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it’s a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states. 40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch. 41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag. 42) Also, if you’ve discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone! 43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start. 44) Exterminating bees and wasps...they can’t fly with the oil on their wings P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL. For more information, visit...http://www.wd40.com submitted by: Hale Houts Page 10 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) Motown Thunder Steve Legel has set up a week long event titled “Motown Thunder” for the Online Forum of Retro Thunderbird Owners. He has extended a special invitation to WWTC members to attend. It will be held the week of June 24, 2007. Registration is $25.00 per Thunderbird and $335.00 per person. If you have questions, contact Steve at 313-492-6525. Motown Thunder Itinerary Sunday June 24, 2007 4:00 PM, check in- Embassy Suites, Troy MI Registration, goodie bag, name tag, car wash 6:00 PM Manager’s complimentary reception Buffet dinner meet and greet Monday June 25, 2007 8 AM Complimentary breakfast buffet - 9 AM group meeting 10:00 AM - Waterford Hills Raceway driving experience and lunch, available until 4:00 PM 5:30 PM Big Buck Brewery dinner (pay as you go) option return to hotel for comp reception and pay as you go dinner Tuesday June 26,2007 8 AM Complimentary breakfast w 9 AM group meeting 10:00 AM drive to Walter P. Chrysler Museum, tour & lunch 1:00 PM drive to Meadowbrook Mansion, tour, photos 5:30 PM Drive to Great Lakes Crossing/ Rainforest Café (pay as you go) option return to hotel for comp reception and pay as you go dinner Wednesday June 27, 2007 8 AM Complimentary breakfast w 9 AM group meeting 10:00 AM drive to Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant and test track—tour and lunch 1:30 PM drive to Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion—tour, photo, dinner 7:00 PM arrrive Hyatt Regency Dearborn, check in Thursday June 28, 2007 8:30 AM group meeting 9:00 AM drive to Ford World Headquarters, group photo Breakfast/brunch in executive dining room| Guest speaker TBA, Nancy Gioia, tentative NOON: on your own, use part of two day pass to Greenfield Village/The Henry Ford Museum 6:00 PM Meet and Greet Diana Ross, cash bar 6:30 PM Mexican Buffet dinner 7:00 PM Motown Review in Rotunda, revolving ballroom, overlooking lights of the city Friday June 29,2007 8:00 AM breakfast buffet, Hyatt Regency 9:00 AM meet and drive to Greenfield Village Ford Rouge Truck Tour special group event NOON: on your own use second day of two day pass, lunch on your own EVENING: Drive on your own to Fort Street Brewery, Lincoln Park, MI for (pay as you go) dinner and stop at Steve Legel’s Thunderbird memorabilia collection. Saturday June 30, 2007 - check out, no plans Registration Fees $25.00 per Thunderbird and $335.00 per person for whole package deal, includes: Stuffed Goodie bags, route books, name tags, dash plaques, great opportunity to network with fellow retro owners, etc. Activity Summary Sunday 6/24 Buffet dinner Monday 6/25 Waterford Hills Raceway, costs and helmets; Waterford Hills lunch Tuesday 6/26 Chrysler Museum admission and Lunch Meadowbrook mansion admission Wednesday 6/27 Romeo Plant tour N/C; Romeo Lunch Edsel Ford mansion admission and dinner Thursday 6/28 Ford World HQ N/C; WHQ brunch Henry Ford/ Greenfield Village/Truck Tour 2 day pass Motown Review dinner and entertainment Friday 6/29 Hyatt Regency breakfast; tour Steve Legel’s collection Hotel fees additional, special rates are available. Contact Steve for complete details: 313-492-6525 or slegel@twmi.rr.com. Registration Form Name: Second person in Car: Year and color Thunderbird: Forum and Handle: WWTC Mailing address: City, State and Zip: Phone: eMail: Any special dietary needs? Make checks payable to: Steve Legel Mail to: Steve Legel 3309 Dix, Lincoln Park, MI 48146 Page 11 FOR SALE: 2005 Thunderbird, red, red HT, black Convt.top, black interior. Only 675 miles. 280 hp.3.9 DOCH V8, auto. Asking $49,000. WOULD CONSIDER A DESIRABLE TRADE. Call Steve: 248-299-2541 or 772-283-2080 FOR SALE: ’59 T-bird right hand side exhaust manifold (new) For a 480 c.i.d.engine, $100.00 (4) Goodyear tires (7.75 x 14) plus rims and wheel covers for a 57' T-bird or Ford $300.00 Call John Sadek 248-417-2655 FOR SALE: Four 14” steel wheels, $100.00 ---- Power Seat assembly for 1961 thru 1966, $150.00 Grilles for 1961,’62,’63,’66, $125.00. Fuel sender (new in box) for 1961 thru 1963, $40.00 T-Bird Shop Manuals, $30.00 White headliner, 1961-1963, $40.00 Various tail light assemblies and lens. Pair of spotlights for 1961 thru 1966, $125.00 Hoods for 1964, 1965, $150.00 each Pair Red or White interior door panels $175.00 Call Dick 313-278-7323 Member Ads Free for 3 Months Non-Member Ads $5.00 for 2 Months Page 12 Advertise in Water Wonderland Thunderbirds Newsletter! Dear Business Owner, The Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club has been active since 1981 and holds activities throughout the year which draw many participants. The location of our members extends beyond the southeastern portion of Michigan. This year we continue to be busy celebrating the 52nd Anniversary of the Thunderbird along with our own 26th Anniversary! Our club was proud to host the 50th Anniversary of the Thunderbird at Ford World Headquarters in June 2005 with over 230 Thunderbirds in attendance. Our own membership is well over 180 members and still growing. Distribution: The newsletter normally runs 12+ pages, 8 ½ x 11” size. The print copy is black and white. The email version is in color going to almost half of the membership. We also send to other Thunderbird clubs across the United States. Special Sponsorship is Available...If you choose to support us by selecting a quarter of page or larger size of advertisement, we will show our appreciation by placing your ad in a prominent position in the monthly newsletter. Ad Rates For One Year ² Business Card Motor Muster 2007 June 16 & 17 Whether you are considering your first visit, or are a longtime participant, we would like to invite you, your family, and your vehicle to be part of the 2007 Motor Muster this Father’s Day weekend, June 16 & 17 at Greenfield Village. Motor Muster is open to all stock vehicles – cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles – produced from 1933 through 1976. Unlike most car shows that seek only 100-point restorations, we also appreciate and welcome well-maintained “drivers” as well as preserved original vehicles. Motor Muster is still free for you to enter. The deadline for registration is May 2, 2007. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and you will be notified by mail as to whether or not your vehicle meets our requirements. Call 313-982-6100 ext 2302 for an application. Each accepted, registered participant will receive: w Four (4) participant buttons for the first vehicle registered and one (1) button for each additional vehicle registered. The buttons will entitle the bearer free admission to both the village and the museum on the days of the event. This does not include IMAX or the Ford Rouge Factory Tours. $45.00 $100.00 $80.00 $150.00 $200.00 ² ² ² ² One-Third page Quarter Page Half page Full Page w Coupons for discounted purchase of up to four (4) additional admission tickets to Greenfield Village, and coupons for discounted purchase of up to four (4) combination ride passes. w A souvenir dash plaque. The Motor Muster is two full days of activities. Each day highlights different types of vehicles and different decades. It truly is a unique experience to drive and display your vehicle in the historic setting of our newly restored Greenfield Village and we strongly you to attend both days. After all, you and your vehicle are the show! We look forward to seeing you and your family at the 2007 Motor Muster. Sincerely, Jim Johnson, Senior Manager, Greenfield Village Creative Programs at The Henry Ford Page 13 To provide you with the best quality ad, we ask that you provide black and white “photocopy ready” advertising, indicating the size you are requesting. Write the check payable to: “Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club” and mail to our Newsletter Editor: Joanne Rokicki,3516 Trentwood Dr, Commerce Twp, MI 48382 Please direct questions to Marie Brucker, Advertising Committee, 810.227.5379, m.brucker@comcast.net or to the Newsletter Editor, Joanne Rokicki, 248-910-0984, jrokicki@dataplanners.com. We are proud to support “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”— For Pediatric Cancer Research Water Wonderland Thunderbird Club Joanne Rokicki - Editor 3516 Trentwood Dr Commerce Twp, MI 48382 Page 14