PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FOR MAY 2021
May is here and I look forward to our upcoming VCTC event on May 15. Bill Brown planned and coordinated with hosts for a group parking area during the Pamplin Breakthrough Car Show at Pamplin Historical Park near Petersburg. The event aligns nicely with Thunderbird Appreciation Day. If you plan to attend but did not pre-register, no worries…same day registration is available. And if don’t plan to drive your classic, there’s free parking. Bring a chair and join the group for lunch (food available for purchase at the show). Additional information is available on the club website along with email already sent. Expect more between now and the 15th to confirm details. Also coming up on May 29, J. Brown will host a VCTC gathering during the annual Fredericksburg Region AACA Car Show. Event details are on the VCTC website events page. If you are a regular participant in this yearly event, you are aware the date and location changed from previous years. J coordinated with the usual merchants for room reservations if you plan to spend the night. He will also arrange a Friday-night dinner gathering for those interested. If you plan to attend, let J know. We hope for a strong club turnout to show the club flag and let people see one of the most recognized and popular classic cars in the world. Looking further down the road, Steve and Nancy Wigley will be hosting the July club meeting at their home in Toano. Further details will be available closer to the date. After that, the club event calendar is open through the end of the year. I encourage everyone to consider options for hosting a club gathering in the coming months. As policies allow larger gatherings, vaccine availability increases, and transmission risk continues to decrease I believe we can safely conduct club events…especially if outdoor settings are available. One reminder, if you are like me, the Tbird has been relatively silent in the garage and not had regular exercise to keep the fluids flowing. If the upcoming meeting will be the first time out in a while, take a little time to go through the “First Drive Checklist” to make sure everything is still in good order. (Check the Technical section of the club website.) An hour or so spent confirming everything is working could save you most of the day if something goes wrong on the road. I’m excited about getting out and getting together on May 15. The car show is a great opportunity to catch up, showcase our club and cars, and see a variety of other classics. I hope to see you there.
All the best! Eric VCTC President
Taking Your Car Out of Winter Storage: A Checklist 1. Check the battery charge. Make sure terminal connections are snug and corrosion-free. 2. Inspect wiring and hoses. Check for rodent damage, cracks and loose connections. 3. Make sure oil/fluid levels are normal. Consider an oil change as soon as possible a. Check Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant/Anti-freeze 4. Check fan belt for cracks and adjustment 5. Top off air in the tires and make sure tread is intact (no bulges, cracks or bald spots) 6. Look under the vehicle for signs of fluid leaks. (excessive or abnormal) 7. Examine and test brakes. 8. Examine shocks. 9. Verify headlights, tail lights, turn signals and horn work. 10. Check for obstructions in the tail pipe. 11. Air out the interior. 12. Confirm fire extinguisher status and location. 13. Verify gas condition and level. (If stored without fuel stabilizer consider draining the old fuel or using a fuel system additive or high-octane gas on fill-up) When ready to start the engine for the first time after extended storage, it may be advisable to remove spark plugs and spray a small amount of oil into the cylinders. Allow time (a day or more) for it to lubricate cylinder walls before turning the motor. Removing the air cleaner and spraying a small amount of starting fluid into the carburetor can help avoid excessive cranking. Once started, allow the car to warm up. Take the time to replace the air cleaner, check transmission fluid and inspect the engine compartment for leaks and unusual noises. Test windshield wiper operation. Before leaving the driveway, ensure you have your cell phone and a basic tool kit. (If you don’t already have tools in the trunk, you can purchase an inexpensive multi-purpose kit for under $50 at most auto or hardware stores.) After a 30-minute drive around the neighborhood, recheck fluid levels and investigate any unusual noises. Happy Motoring! |
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