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Whether we wanted to slow down this year or not, it has started and not to be boring, with a little drama. The expected calendars have been seriously delayed through now fault of ours. The printer company we use had continuous machine break down but I have been assured the Club Calendars will be ready for the first Meeting in February. There will be enough extras for those who see them and go “Gee wiz, they ain’t bad, can I have one?” This is the first official Presentation Club Calendar and I think it is pretty good for a first attempt. If they are well received it is likely to be further enhanced and developed for next year. The cost, always the cost, is way less than what you would pay to buy one retail. The Club is asking for printing cost only. If we can get a larger order for next year, the cost will be significantly less.
I am pleased with the turn out for the Parade. A simple statement maybe but it fits the bill. Some 20 cars took part and struggled down the parade line at walking pace. It is a good test of temperament and endeavour on the clubs members’ behalf. For those with automatics, it is a case of ride the brakes all the way and for those with manuals to feather the clutch pedal for half an hour, both watching the temperature gauge. The twist to the day was when a 58 ish Cadillac had a fuel vaporisation problem as it was manoeuvring into line position. A little siphon from the fuel tank, pour into the carbie and away it went. The parade started to move along and then it was our turn. Fords are ever reliable I am told so why did two fail to get started. Both were starter motor failures. One push started and joined the line the other retired. Not willing to embarrass anyone so I will not directly identify them but both cars belonged to Committee members. After the Parade, those partaking of some lunch meet at the usual location, Ford Reserve, and somehow ended up in some bizarre conversations. If we had kept going I fear we may have resolved the problems of the Western World.
So far the numbers are looking promising but we still would like more. We have secured prime spot right at the main entrance. You would have received an “All Ford Day Promotions” pack by now and I do wonder if this has been effective in helping you make up your mind to take part. On the other hand I would accept that some may think it invasive or unnecessary. Last years presentation was fair but I know we can do better. This is the only opportunity to present our Club direct to the public and is a source of new members. Remember in the last Cam-torque I suggested that we can get 50 cars but Vince said there will only be about 29. We still do not know yet but it is going to be close to one of these numbers.
Mr Gullible has got his first quote for painting the project car. So far there is a gaping mouth at such an enormous number given. Mr Gullible did ask if the paint contained titanium so the car will never dent again. More quotes required to see just how much it really costs these days to paint a car. Mr Gullible has come across an old acquaintance who has just bought a crash repair business so I will be pursuing him for a quote. I have checked out his Mustang and it looks pretty good. What is needed for this “project car” is a nick name. So far the only words used when people have seen this car is “you fool!”, “what are you doing?” and “why?” but these have been rejected by Mr. Gullible except perhaps “why”. So, at the meeting of the 10th March, In General Business, it will be open to the members to help find a project name. (Keep in mind this is for Mr. Gullible and a car restoration of a Yank tank) Mr. Gullible has been directed to a place in Wosleys to check out a yard that has some Barges. Well Mr. Gullible went, looked up and down the street, found what looked like a scrap metal merchant, went in and asked and was the recipient of a very silent blank look. Here we go again. No one apparently has any in that town although there was a high fence that may have been hiding almost anything. As far as the yard to the east of Gawler passed the quarry is a visit ear marked for the next few weeks, you know the mad man with the gun. Good luck Mr Gullible, you sure are going to need it.The reason Mr Gullible is absent at the Last Feb meeting is he is interstate at the biggest swap meet in Australia in the state of the greatest number of Barges. Will Mr Gullible return with a load of parts, a load of tat or absolutely nothing? To continue the saga of discovery for the project car, the motor still remains a bit of a mystery. So here are some pictures of the engine. Because of the spaces between the cylinders 4.9 inches, it indicates that it is a big block. It has Mercury rocker covers, the intake manifold is a separate casting and the cam valley has a separate cover. The valve rockers are non adjustable cast on a common rail. What do you recon it could be? A prise for the correct answer (not much of a prise mind you but something)
Let Mr Gullible know the next time you see him. If you see a really blank look on his face, don’t be put off. Things go real slow in Mr Gullible’s brain some days.
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