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Tour Report 1, 2

Presidents Column 3

Sunshine Report &

Classified

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Technical Tips 5

Upcoming Tours & Events 6

Meeting Minutes 7, 8

Precious Moments 9

Caught in the Headlights 10

Fashion 11

In Memoriam &

Very, Very Last Laugh

12

Odds & Ends, MAFCA

Service Award

13, 14

Show N Shine & From the

Mailbox

15

Calendar 16

Inside Insights

MAFCA 2012 Certificate of Merit www.DiabloAs.com

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5

Cortona Park Visit a Hit…With Residents

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Thanks go to 23 Diablo A’s members for making a success of our tour to Brent-

wood’s Cortona Park to display our Model A’s. We had several dozen visitors from

the facility and even some from the general community in response to the full-page

ad Cortona Park ran in the Brentwood newspaper.

Our drive out through Marsh Creek on the back roads was delightful and easy.

It is so nice to see the vivid patches of wild flowers on the hills in amongst the trees.

We want to personally thank each participant: Ron Wolfman, Bob Reed and

Lynda Oliver, Bob and Sandi Rigor, Hal Granquist, John & June Rosploch, Denny Des-

mond, Larry & Diane Trimpy, Barry Callister, Wayne English, Bob & Lynn Grady, Lanny

& Kathy Bright, Doug & Reyanne Freeman, and Alex & Ruth Janke. Thanks for enjoy-

ing a beautiful day with us, chowing down on a box lunch and showing our county

what a great bunch of people belong to Diablo A’s.

Bill & Donna Truesdell

P.O. Box 6125, Concord, CA

General Membership

Meetings are held Third Friday

of the month, at Faith Christian

Fellowship Church, 860 Bancroft

Rd., Walnut Creek, doors open

at 7:00 PM, meeting at 8:00 PM

Guests are welcome.

Exceptions listed below -

June 21-Longest Day Drive

In -Doors open at 6:00 PM,

Meeting at 7:30 PM

July 19-Ice Cream Social-

Doors open at 6:30 PM, Ice

Cream at 7:00 PM

September 20-Autumn Pot-

luck-Doors open at 6:00 PM,

Potluck at 7:00 PM.

November 15-Pie Social-

Doors open at 6:30 PM, Pie

Social at 7:00 PM

2

More April 13th Tour Pictures …….

Spring Tune-Up—Saturday, April 20, 2013

Support our advertisers because they support us!

3

Moto-Meter Elected Officials 2013

Board of Directors President

Doug Freeman (925) 682-6819

Vice-President

Barry Callister (925) 754-5366

Secretary

Marilyn Neumann (925)687-4691

Treasurer

Michelle Webber (925) 830-1599

Tour Coordinator

Ron Wolfman (925) 287-1766

Past President

Ed James (925) 837-0851

Editor

June Rosploch

(925) 864-4323

Editor@DiabloAs.com

Appointed Services ACCC Representative

Herb Neumann

Refreshments Co-Coordinator

Ceil Callister

NCRG Representative

Bill Pugh

Photographers

Alicia Watson & Bill Truesdell

Advertising/Public Relations

Marilyn Neumann, Bob Grady/Bob Rigor

Sunshine Reporter / Club Vests

Elsie Boarman / Marge Tait

Roster Manager

Bill Pugh

Video Coordinator

Bill Truesdell

Webmaster

Steve Mick

The Moto-Meter: The Moto-Meter is the official publi-

cation of the Diablo A’s Chapter of the Model A

Ford Club of America. The Moto-Meter is published

once a month and is mailed to each member in

good standing and other Model A Ford Clubs in

exchange for their publication. The Moto-Meter

takes no responsibility for the accuracy of materials,

dates, places, etc. of its contents. The Moto-Meter

welcomes any article, artwork or suggestions. Please

submit all materials by the Tuesday following the

Board Meeting.

Meetings: Meetings are held on the third Friday of

the month at 8:00 PM at Faith Christian Fellowship

Church at 860 Bancroft Rd., in Walnut Creek unless

otherwise indicated in the Calendar of Events.

GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

Membership: Membership in the Model A Ford Club

is not a prerequisite to join The Diablo A’s. Both

MAFCA and The Diablo A’s membership com-

mence on January 1st, and expire on December

31st. MAFCA dues are $40.00 (MAFCA, 250 Cypress

Ave., La Habra, CA 90631, www.MAFCA.com ). The

Diablo A’s dues of $45.00 per family is payable to

the treasurer. Subscriptions to the Moto-Meter are

$15.00 per year.

Diablo A’s Model A Ford Club mailing address:

P.O. Box 6125

Concord, CA 94524

We thank the various clubs for the use of the many

articles, jokes, fashion and technical advice that we

have used. Permission to reproduce items in The

Moto-Meter is hereby granted provided credit is

given to The Moto-Meter.

The Tire Dealer

By Doug Freeman

Another fun tour put on by Bill and Donna Truesdell to Cortona Park, an assisted liv-

ing facility with John Kergel weather. Reyanne and I enjoyed meeting the folks who

ventured out to view our cars. One gentleman, named Clint, was telling me how he

started making new replacement wooden spokes and rims for Model T Fords wheels.

He said that he’d lived in Murphy, California before coming here to Cortona Park to

retire. I mentioned that I knew of someone, but never met, doing the same thing in the

Oakland hills in the early 60’s. Clint’s got this big smile on his face and said “That

was me!” He asked me what ever happened to Bill of Quality Product and I said I did-

n’t know. (Upon returning home that afternoon I was able to contact Bill and renew a

contact of 25+ years ago) Talk about reconnecting with folks 30+ years later.

Clint and his wife June had a display, over by the tents, of samples of wooden spokes

in different stages of completion and a photo album of their many projects and Model

T hill climbs. Low-and-behold there were a picture of John Kergel and his son Rodger

attending one of the hill climbing events!

OK, who is this John Kergel and why do we refer to spectacular weather as John Ker-

gel weather? John and his wife Elizabeth lived in Berkeley and had a Model A Coupe

and at least one Model T. John was an early member of Diablo A’s and seemed to be

always on tours or leading a tour. His wife would accompany him and always wore

white gloves and dressed to the “nines”. John was a State of California bridge engi-

neer and had worked on the Bay Bridge. When John lead a tour, no matter what time

of year, we ALWAYS had great weather. It might have been a bit chilly, but never

any rain! Now you know the rest of the story. John and Elizabeth are gone now, pass-

ing in 2000 at 92 and 1981 respectively.

I want to thank Alex and Ruth Janke for opening their home and driveway for the

Maintenance Seminar and providing hot and cold liquid refreshments among many

other things.

The day started out with about 11 cars, fresh donuts and hot coffee. Weather was clear

and mild, but soon heated up to very warm to Hot. A big thanks to Bob Grady and

Wayne English for spending most of the day on their knees and back adjusting brakes,

doing front wheel alignments, tightening rear axle nuts. They were “beat” by the time

the last car rolled out. Also, thanks to Lloyd, Herb and many members who came to

watch and learn and pitched right in to help. Thanks to my wife, Reyanne, for plan-

ning the “Costco” hot dog with drink lunch and Marilyn for helping her. Thank you!

Tip From The Garage: When I lifted the Coupe’s hood at the Cortona Park tour, to

show off the engine I noted a spattered firewall and hood louvers from a leaky water

pump packing nut. (Now, you’re probably asking why I don’t have a “leak less” water

pump? I will address that question in a future column). I didn’t have my “handy-

dandy” water pump packing nut wrench with me and was too lazy to find a screw-

driver, but a quick check saw no leaking with engine not running.

A few days later I remembered the leak and proceeded to tighten the packing nut with

my wrench. It was easy to turn, but became tighter after a ½ turn then suddenly it be-

came real loose! Another quarter turn, still loose, revealed fractured and disintegrating

packing nut (see photo ). This packing nut

was made of “pot metal or white metal

“from a process of combining zinc, tin and

lead. This was a new process in the early

part of the 20th Century and good quality

control was lacking. Many items made in

that time period were cast with impurities

that caused them to fail years into the fu-

ture or sooner. This nut could be 82 years

old and probably would have failed just

setting on a shelf.

I replaced the packing nut and now back on

the road.

NOTE: If you haven’t replaced your water pump head mounting studs with “nut

bolts” you should when the opportunity arises. Removal of the water pump was done

without moving the radiator forward or damage to the fins.

4

Sunshine

Report

Elsie Boarman CLASSIFIED

WANTED: College graduate looking for used commuter

car. Please contact Larry & Diane Trimpey at 925-938-

1796.

FOR SALE: 1929 MODEL A FORD ROADSTER WITH RUMBLE

SEAT

Bargain Priced at $14,750 — Same Owner purchased

from MAL’s A’s in 1972; Good to Very Good condition,

always garaged. Unused past 10 +/- years. In prepara-

tion for sale tires were inflated, new battery installed,

old fuel replaced, and the original four 4 cyl low mile-

age (29,995) engine started right away. Inquiries tom-

vanv@aol.com, serious buyer’s call message phone

925-933-3109 for Walnut Creek, CA viewing.

FOR SALE: CAST IRON BRAKE DRUMS.

Ed James is stocking cast Iron brake drums in the bay

area for Mel Gross. These are quality, proven drums.

You can pick them up and save the freight from Los

Angeles. Full set (front and rear) for $270 plus studs for

$20 set. Call Ed James, 925-837-0851.

FOR RENT: CABIN, WEST SHORE LAKE TAHOE

3 bedroom, 2 bath, sleeps 6. Close to So. Lake, Meeks

Bay and Sugar Pine Park. Two blocks from the lake. At-

tractive rates for Diablo A’s. Call Pam Lee 925-689-9226.

FOR SALE: From the Ford Ranch: Original Shock Ab-

sorber Arms, both front and rear. Various years and

some are NOS. Asking $15 each. Contact Ron Accor-

nero.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, TO ALL YOU GREAT MOMS!

I am happy to report our Video Coordinator (Bill Trues-

dell) is feeling much better. We missed him at our April

potluck. I also missed Pete and Marianne Goodson.

Pete was in a lot of pain from his sciatica pinching a

nerve. He had a shot and is feeling much better.

Elaine Matheson, sooooo admired Peggy English’s

classy sling, that she got one too – very fashionable.

This might start a trend! Hey, you can wear one, but

please, only if it is necessary, due to a broken bone!

Congratulations! Due to your generosity $280.00 was

collected for the Contra Costa Food Bank and the club

donated $250.00, so $530.00 was given to the food

bank. Wow! Our club is Awesome!

By the time you read this the “Spring Open Tour” to

Clear Lake will be over. I hope all had a good time.

Next up is the Round-up tour at Pleasanton, by the

Acorn A’s.

Don’t forget those fun tours happening for the 3rd and

4th of July.

Help! Help! I loaned my book, “Around the World in a

Model A’” by Diane Davis! Please check your book

cases, night-stands, cupboards and fridge! I wanted to

loan it to our new member, Sean Skaife and I did not

have it. It has my name on it or inside the cover.

PLEASE LOOK!

Be sure to mark your calendar to attend the President

tour on August 12th.

Happy A’ing, Elsie

Diablo A’s Club

Merchandise will be available at General

Meetings

Can’t make meeting -

log into www.DiabloAs.com,

go to — “Members Only” — ”Wearable’s Price List” &

“Stuff “

Don’t have internet, let us know and an order form will be mailed

to you.

Diablo A’s Club

Merchandise will be avail-

able at

General Meetings

Can’t make meeting -

log into www.DiabloAs.com,

go to — “Members Only” —

”Wearable’s Price List” & “Stuff “

Don’t have internet, let us know and an

order form will be mailed to you.

FOR SALE: Two pairs of Floor Stands - 3 ton and 3 1/2 ton capacity. $20 a pair. Can deliver to the April membership meeting just in time for the Spring Tune-up Seminar next day. Contact Ron Accornero if interested.

Please welcome new members: Frank & Georgianne Champion

Mike Garfinkle, Owner

5

Cals’ Garage with Alex and Bob

Starting the Model A

Recently several new owners have had some difficulty starting their cars. The Model A starts easily, but

does require some steps that are not part of modern vehicle starting. The Model A Instruction Book that

first came with the car is great source of information and every owner should have a copy and review it.

It has been reprinted many times and is available from all the parts suppliers. Here is the starting proce-

dure:

Be sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is on

Advance the throttle (lever on right hand side of steering column) down about three notches

from the top

Retard the spark (lever on left hand side of the steering column) by

putting the lever all the way up

Turn on ignition by turning key to the right

Turn on the gas at the fuel tank – shown in Off position

If cold turn carburetor adjusting rod one full turn to the left to give it a

rich mixture. This rod is the choke as well as the mixture adjustment

Pull out the rod and depress the starter button on the floor

When the engine starts [usually after one or two turns] push in the choke rod and take your foot

off the starter button. If the engine did not start after a couple of turns, push the choke rod in to

prevent flooding.

Advance the spark about ¾ of the way down

When the engine warms up turn the carburetor adjusting rod in. It should not be open more than

¼ turn.

Remember the Model A needs to warm up a little, it is no like your modern vehicle which you can just

drive once it starts.

When starting a warm engine do not choke it or open the adjusting rod unless it fails to start with the nor-

mal mixture.

In the event you flood the engine

Open the throttle – move the right hand lever down

Do not pull out the choke rod

Turn the engine over a few times to exhaust the rich gas

It should start normally – quickly back off the throttle

Model A’s are famous for starting with only a few turns of the engine. Do not crank the the starter for

more than about 30 seconds. If it does not start within that time, give the starter a rest – ensure you have

the key on, the gas on, etc. After a couple of minutes start the car.

Buckle your seat belts and we will see you on the road.

6

Longest Day of the Year-June General Meeting June 21, 2013

You probably already know that the Summer Solstice

falls on June 21st. That means that our

June meeting will fall directly on the

“Longest Day of the Year.”

You may also recall that just like modern-

day Druids, the Diablo A’s have begun

making a habit of celebrating the Sol-

stice - not by dancing around the Stone Henge, but by

bringing our Model A’s for a once-per-year club-only car

show. We will arrive in our Model A’s by 6:30 PM and will

enjoy each other’s cars, and our summertime refresh-

ments outside the hall. A good sun hat is suggested, per-

haps a folding chair, and don’t be surprised if a few of

the Church staff come out to enjoy the cars as well.

At around 7:30 PM, our meeting will begin inside, allow-

ing us to safely depart by dusk. Now that our cars are

tuned and ready for the touring season, please mark

your calendar for June 21st, and fire up Henry’s Lady for

the Diablo A’s June meeting and Solstice Car Show.

(Thank you Bob Rigor for the meeting announcement

write-up)

UPCOMING 2013 TOURS & EVENTS May 24-27—NCRG Roundup—Pleasanton By Acorn A’s

Ed James

June 22—Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg Wine Country

John & June Rosploch

July 3 —4th of July Torchlite Parade, Benicia

July 4—4th of July Parade, Concord

July 4—4th of July Evening Parade, Antioch

August 17—Presidents Tour (Club Picnic)

Sept. 8—Fun Ford Sunday

Bob & Sandi Rigor

Sept. 14—Walnut Festival Parade, Walnut Creek

Sept. 27-29 —Apple Hill Meet, By Hangtown A’s

Sept.28—International Model A Day

(Drive your Model A for all the world to see!)

Oct.—Mystery Tour

Nov.30 — Holiday Party

Dec 4-8 —2013 MAFCA Annual Awards Banquet —

San Antonio

2013 Board Meetings Schedule

Monday, Jun. 3—Lloyd & Michelle Harrich-Webber

Tuesday, Jul. 1—John & June Rosploch

Monday, Aug. 5—Bob & Sandi Rigor

Tuesday, Sep. 3—Herb & Marilyn Neumann

Monday, Oct. 7—Barry & Ceil Callister

Monday, Nov. 4—Ron & Katie Wolfman

Monday, Dec. 2—Ed James

Board meetings at 7:00 p.m. unless specified otherwise.

Friendly Reminders

MEETING REMINDERS

June 21-Longest Day Drive In-Doors open at

6:00 PM, Meeting at 7:30 PM.

July 19-Ice Cream Social-Doors open at 6:30

PM, Ice Cream at 7:00 PM. Assignments: A-G Toppings, H-P Cookies, Q-Z Ice Cream.

August 16 - Lady’s Auction-Doors open at

7:00 PM, meeting at 8:00 PM

September 20-Autumn Potluck-Doors open at

6:00 PM, Potluck at 7:00 PM. Assignments: A-G

Dessert, H-P Salad, Q-Z Main Dish

November 15-Pie Social-Doors open at 6:30

PM, Pie Social at 7:00 PM. Assignments: K-W

Shop n Eat

Rescheduled

Alicia Watson will have more information soon.

2013 NCRG Roundup, Pleasanton

May 24—27, 2013 Friday, May 24th group is meeting at Ace

Hardware/Starbucks in Alamo at 9:00 am,

leaving promptly at 9:30 am. For more infor-

mation contact Tour Leader Ed James.

Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg

June 22, 2013 Come take a leisurely delta drive and wine tasting

Meeting at Miller’s Cafe, 2733 Hillcrest

Ave. Antioch at 9:30 am and leaving

promptly at 10:00 am.

10 Wineries, 1 Location

Food on-site, bring picnic lunch, or deli

nearby

For more information contact Tour

Leaders John & June Rosploch

7

Diablo A’s General Membership Meeting April 19, 2013

Meeting was called to order by President Doug Freeman at 7:50pm.

Membership, Visitors and Guests: Ed welcomed several guests. Ed mentioned that he

still has a few new name badges that have not been picked up and asked anyone

who has not yet received their new name badge to see him.

Secretary’s Report – The minutes from the March, 2013 General Meeting were approved as posted in

the Moto-Meter.

Treasurer’s Report – Michelle Webber reported the March month end balances in the checking and

savings accounts. Michelle announced that we collected $280.00 tonight which will be given to the

Contra Costa County Food Bank. The Club will match this donation up to $250.00, which will make a

total donation to the CCC Food Bank of $530.00.

Tour Coordinator - Ron W. asked each of the Tour Leaders for the upcoming tours to talk about them.

Herb talked about the Spring Opener in Upper Lake May 3-5, Alicia (Watson) talked about the next La-

dies “Shop n’ Eat” tour on May 11, and Ron W. talked about the Roundup in Pleasanton May 24-27.

Editor – June Rosploch told us that the policy and application form for the MAFCA Chapter Service

Award will be in the next issue of the Moto-Meter.

Vice President – Barry mentioned the Picture Roster is up to date.

Appointed Services:

Sunshine –Elsie reported on members who are under the weather and would appreciate cards from all

of us.

Video Report –Bill Truesdell was home sick tonight. Doug gave the March DVD Sales Report and also

reported that our new color ad in MARC will appear in their May/June issue.

Technical Seminars – Doug reminded us about the “Spring Tune-up Seminar” at Alex’s house tomorrow,

April 20. There are about 19 people who have signed up to be there. The seminar will start at 9:00am

and go until the last car has been checked to make sure it is road worthy. There are several teams of

members who will assist in checking the cars. He asked everyone to bring their own jack stands for their

car, although we will have some available to use just in case. No oil changes will be performed.

Old Business – Doug mentioned he still has one free membership to MAFCA left available for anyone who

has never joined MAFCA. Ed pitched his wearables.

New Business – Doug reported that he, Ed and Ron W. met and went over the list of pins for five year incre-

ments for membership. Ron W. is looking into the type and cost for the pins and Ed has information for the

next five years of who will be eligible for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 year pins. Doug reminded us

that we will celebrate the Diablo A’s 45 year anniversary at the President’s tour on Saturday, August 17th in

Rossmoor. Doug reminded us that The Brassworks radiator shop in Paso Robles has offered free shipping to

our members for one month of our choosing. He asked anyone who might be interested to see him after

the meeting. Alex reported that the Lake County A’s purchased a 1930 pickup truck and donated it to the

Lower Lake High School’s Auto Shop Class.

Refreshments – Ceil thanked everyone who brought all the good food for the potluck tonight.

Ron read another excellent For the Good of the Order tonight.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

The next General Meeting will be on May 17, 2013 and the next Board Meeting will be on May 6th, 2013 at

Ed James home at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Neumann, Secretary

8

TECHNICAL SEMINARS 2013

Future Seminars: Adjusting Headlines

Suggestions Are Welcomed

With — Alex Janke, Bob Grady,& Herb Neumann

Diablo A’s Board of Director’s Meeting May 6, 2013

Location: the James home.

Board Members present: Doug Freeman, President; Michelle Webber, Treasurer; June Rosploch,

Editor; Ron Wolfman, Tour Coordinator; and Ed James, Past President. Marilyn was absent, Herb

took the minutes tonight.

Guests: Lloyd Harrich, Bill and Donna Truesdell, John Rosploch, Wayne English and Lanny Bright.

Meeting was called to order by President Doug Freeman at 7:03pm.

Approve April BOD Minutes as written and posted in the MotoMeter – Approved.

Vice President – Barry reported that the website pictures are all up to date.

Treasurer’s Report – Michelle passed out the April activity report.

Membership – Ed reported we had a new couple join last month, the Champions.

Tour Report – Ron Wolfman asked Herb to recap last weekend’s Spring Opener. Ron reviewed the list of upcoming

tours. Ed James will lead the Round Up Tour, details will be in the May MotoMeter. The Rosplochs will take us to

the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg in June, details will be in the May MotoMeter. This year we will do three Fourth of

July parades: Benicia on the 3rd, Concord and Antioch on the 4th. The 45th Anniversary Tour will be on Aug. 17th in

Rossmoor.

Editor – June reported the Motometer will have a new column about things to do locally, written by Bob Rigor.

Video Report – Bill Truesdell presented the April Video Sales Report.

Roster Manager – No Report.

Advertising – Herb reported we have a new advertiser: Classic Restorations of California.

ACCC – No report.

NCRG – No report.

Webmaster – Steve reported that there are websites that are dedicated as Bulletin Boards.

Sunshine – No one knew of any illnesses among members.

Public Relations – No report.

Technical Seminars – Doug asked for ideas for Tech Seminars.

Old Business – The Board declined the request to place a Bulletin Board on the Diablo A’s website. The Board ap-

proved Ed Pond using the Brassworks free shipping offer.

New Business – Bill Truesdell presented two requests for donations: the first to a Model A and T Show in Michigan. The

Board approved sending the Maintenance DVD to them as a donation. The second request is to support a new auto

repair shop at a high school in Lake County. The Lake County A’s donated a Model A pickup to the high school as a

class restoration project. The Board approved sending the school a set of our DVDs. Doug asked for the Board’s help

on some of the tasks for the Anniversary Tour in August. Ed James is trying to track down the list of Charter Members

to see if they can attend the Anniversary Tour since we will be celebrating the Club’s 45th year.

Motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:24pm.

Next Board Meeting is June 3rd at the Harrich/Webber home at 7:00pm. Next General Meeting: May 17th.

Respectfully submitted, Herb Neumann, Acting Secretary

9

Too Much Play in Steering

By Marty Larsen

I’ve been asked

to document

some of my re-

cent experi-

ences for the

amusement of

the club. A cou-

ple weeks ago I

started my day

with a visit to my

local breakfast

hangout, Ann’s

Sunshine Café in

Pleasant Hill. I

noticed as I was

driving my town

sedan over

there that the

Easy Steer steer-

ing had sud-

denly a lot of play in the wheel. After breakfast\lunch

I headed over to Bob Grady’s house as he only lives

a few blocks from the café to shoot the bull and see

how he was progressing on his coupe. While at his

house I mentioned that my steering had recently

gained a lot of play, about a quarter turn of the

wheel. As we inspected the box we noticed that he

whole side had split out of the box which certainly

explained the problem. Bob suggested that I not

drive back home on the freeway. I agreed and left

on the back roads to my house. At Acalanes High

school which is about a mile from my house I accel-

erated from the stop sign and shifted into2nd gear

when my gear shift handle came off in my hand. Un-

fortunately the lever only managed to get to neutral

before becoming detached, so I coasted with my

engine running all the way to the next stop light

which, don’t you know turned red forcing me to stop.

So here I was stopped in the fast lane going south on

Pleasant Hill road right where the Old Hungry Hunter

restaurant used to be with no forward motive power

other than a very slight downhill grade when the light

changed again. All I could do was release the brake

and hope for the best. I began a very slow roll while

being watched by all the cars queuing up for the

freeway onramp. We all waved to each other and

waited while I slowly rolled out of their way. I called

Bob and with the help of a vise grip on the stub of my

shift lever I was able to shift into 2nd gear and drive

home. The cause of the broken steering was because the

thrust washer that adjusts the play of the sector gear

was supposed to be hardened and apparently some

got through that weren’t. I kept adjusting the nut tighter

to take up the slack until the side of the box (a plate

really) broke. John Kovar, who makes the Easy Steer

told me that he would send me a replacement, and

true to his word a replacement is on its way a week af-

ter I put another stock steering box in. I thought I might

just drive it with the stock box for awhile to see how it

feels. My GOD is it hard to steer. The replacement box

is going in as soon as I get it.

You are probably wondering about the gear shift lever.

The transmission is Mitchell synchromesh. I can’t say

enough about Mitchell standing behind their products. I

called Steve at Mitchell’s and he said he would be

happy to replace it at no charge and how sorry he was

that it had happened. He told me that he had pur-

chased his gear shift levers from Snyder’s and didn’t

know that they were two piece until one of them broke

off and was returned to him. Apparently Snyder’s and

Bratton’s supplier for this product takes two pieces, drills

and threads them together with a threaded rod and

then welds and chrome plates over them. On mine the

weld broke first and then the threaded rod. Steve at

Mitchell’s says he now uses a supplier out of Oklahoma

who makes solid one piece shift levers. I made the trip

up there with my top shift and he replaced the lever

while I waited and gave me a tour of his facility to boot.

I love this hobby.

Precious Moments

10

Today is April 20th and a gorgeous spring day. It hap-

pens also to be the club annual spring tune-up to ready our cars for a safe and fun season of driving in our beautiful Model A Fords. While we were all together I thought I would take the opportunity to interview another one of our newer members, and outline their lives to allow all of our members to get to know them better. Little did I know at the time I began the interview the impact this opportunity would have on me as a club member. I sat down during the tune-up after lunch and started going through my questions when suddenly I realized through the eyes of a new member just how proud I am to say I am a member of the DIABLO A’S. (more on that later). My interview was with Martin and Irline Van Ardenne. They are members of only six months but have fit in like part of the fam-ily. Irline was born in Sweden and moved to the U.S. when she was just six years old. She told me the move had a lot to do with the cold weather in Sweden and the moderate temperatures of San Diego CA. When she arrived Irline spoke no English, so the move was a whole new learning experience. Irline attended school in San Diego and then attended UC San Diego where she at-tained a degree in Mechanical engineering. She continues to use those skills by being a “technical recruiter “ doing things I do not fully understand but in future talks I will learn more of her job talents. This is a great job because she is able to do it from home. As it turns out at the age of fourteen Martin immigrated to the US from the Netherlands. Martin’s family moved to the bay area where he attended school. Martin also had to learn English. Martin also is a UC Grad getting his degree in mathematics from UC Berkeley. Martin’s business still ties to his Europe. He works for a Swedish investment fund dealing in commercial real estate. Irline has an older sister and about the time Irline gradu-ated from San Diego, her sister needed a bone marrow transplant that was done at Stanford Medical Center. Irline helped her through this ordeal and she is happy to say her sister is living a normal life and doing well. While in North-ern CA Irline was invited to a social gathering in San Fran-

cisco where she met Martin. As they say the rest is his-tory. They married and are raising three children; two teenage girls and a pre-teen boy. Working at home sure helps in keeping them on the right track. On October 2, the Van Ardennes will celebrate their 20

th anniversary.

CONGRATULATIONS! They have lived in Moraga

for the last eight years. I asked about other hobbies and found that one of Ir-line’s passions is ice dancing. She tells me this can be both a single event or with a partner. She enjoyed skating as a kid, and after a 30-year break got back on the ice. It’s a new experience as an adult! As for Martin, he said in school he played on the tennis team and was in the math club….. Well that fits. However it seems with further dig-ging I found he had a passion for things that move on wheels. He told me he would frequent automobile events like the Concorso Italiano in Monterey and marvel at the beauty of all those old cars. Martin told me he also owns a 1963 Maserati and a 1967 Datsun Fairlady, both of which are being restored. Now I have been around car names, models, and manufacturers all my life and a 1967 Datsun Fairlady is a new one for me. Perhaps you may be familiar with that car. If so, talk to Martin about that. Irline also is somewhat of a motor-head. Ask her about her love affair with her motorcycle over thirty years ago. Our conversation turned to how a Model A got into their life. Martin said he was talking old cars to an acquaintance that happened to own a Model A and one thing led to an-other. Soon they both began their search to find an “A” they could drive and enjoy. They were told about the Diablo A’s, and after meeting Alex Janke, Bob Grady and Doug Freeman became even more enthused about Model A’s. Shortly after that I got a phone call from Irline and I told her we were having a lady’s learn to drive day the very next day and if she had time she might like to stop by to meet some members and see some cars. The next morn-ing she showed up and I let her drive the roadster. With very little help she became a very fast learner and I said if she joined the club I would give her a “lady’s learn to drive badge.” They joined the very next meeting, and a month later became the proud owners of a 1930 Model A. As a side note, Irline is thrilled that Martin choose older cars rather than a younger woman as a midlife crisis. I began this column by saying how proud I was to be a member of the Diablo A’s. That was because of what both Martin and Irline had to say about their experience with the Diablo A’s. They could not have been more sincere and happy to let me know just how friendly our club is and how we all made them feel like part of the family even from the very first contact when calling Alex. I want to thank each club member for the warmth you have given all our many new members. Keep up the good work. This new job of writing “Headlights” is more fun than I could have ever ex-pected.

Until next time, keep your headlights on.

Caught in the Headlights

By Ed James

11

Tennis Shoes By Judy Lewis, Era Fashion committee, September/October 2008

Source: http://www.mafca.com/downloads/Fashions/Tennis_Shoes.pdf

The two shoes below could be used for the new Model A Era Im-

age category which are two styles of tennis shoes still made by Keds to-

day.

Women wore the shoes with their morning or house dresses and that canvas shoes were

favored by nurses for there comfort and quietness.

12

.

In Memoriam As we approach mid-year, we would like to remember those club members who left us in 2012.

Florence Rose Bill Adams Sara Conley

Jeane James Barbara Werner

VERY, VERY LAST LAUGH

The “President Mobile”

Driving back from car-repair class, John said to his buddy, Joe. “I’m going to turn now. Could you stick your head out the window to see if the blinker’s working?” “Sure” Joe replied as he peeked outside. “It is, no it isn’t, yes it is, no it isn’t, yes it is …..” Paulo Ceasar Menegusso, Reader Digest

13

Did you know MAFCA has a Service Award and our club can participate?

It is easy, simply read the MAFCA Service Award policy below. If there is a mem-

ber of the Diablo A’s you would like to nominate at this national level please fill

out the Nomination Form on page 14 of this newsletter. Don’t worry about not knowing all the information, fill out what you can and turn it in to Doug Freeman

at the Diablo A’s June 21 General Meeting or mail the form to Diablo A’s, P.O.

Box 6125, Concord, CA 94524 prior to June 21.

(Revised 12/10/2012, Superseded 09/12/2009)

MAFCA Service Award

1. Purpose: The purpose of the MAFCA Service Award is to provide national recognition to

individuals within the Chapters, Special Interest Groups and Regional Groups who have

demonstrated a continuing and selfless service to others in the Model A hobby. This policy

defines the criteria, requirements and procedures for making this Award.

2, Awards: The Award will consist of a Certificate, signed by the President and the Chapter

Coordinator, and awarded to individuals by their Chapter, SIG or Region on behalf of the

Board of Directors. Awards shall be bade annually to as many individuals (one per group

per year) as meet the criteria and requirements.

3. Criteria: The primary criterion shall be the nominee is a MAFCA member with a long-term,

continuing and selfless service to others in the Model A hobby, by sharing of information

and knowledge, a willingness to volunteer and help perpetuate the enjoyment of Model

A’ing for others. (Examples: helping to get and keep other’s Model A’s running, through

formal or informal training of others, sharing of helpful hints through Chapter Newsletter,

and a continuing willingness to help and share.) Leadership positions in Chapter/SIG/

Region activities (as Officers, Committee Members, Tour Leaders, etc.) are not a require-

ment, but may be the basis for an Award.

4. Nomination and Selection: Nominations for such Awards must be current MAFCA members

and shall be submitted in writing before October 15 of that same year. Nomination forms

must be signed or endorsed by a least three members &including on Chapter Officer) of a

Chapter, SIG, or Region. The nomination shall be on a form (see next page). Nominations

submitted to the MAFCA office shall be considered for an Award that year. The Chapter

Coordinator and the President shall review each nomination on its own merits and select

5. Presentation of Awards: The Chapter Coordinator on behalf of the board of Directors will

make awards. The information on the nomination form shall provide the basis for the na-

tional announcement of the recipient by appropriate coverage in January/February issue

of the Restorer, or in the issue with reports on Awards for the National Awards Banquet.

MAFCA News

Odds & Ends

14

MAFCA Service Award Nomination Form

Nominee: ____________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

City, State, and Zip:____________________________________________________

MAFCA Chapter/SIG/Region Name: ____________________________

How long has Nominee been a member of Chapter/SIG/Region?_______________________

How long has Nominee been a member of MAFCA (approximately)?___________________

Describe how Nominee has helped other Model A’ers _________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Has the Nominee conducted training programs? Y / N

Describe the continuing service to the Chapter/SIG/Region by the Nominee (For Example: has

the Nominee conducted training programs?, Garage Seminars?, helped cars on tour? Has

the Nominee conducted training programs?, car seminars?, fashion seminars? Is the Nomi-

nee’s expertise well respected by Chapter/SIG/Region members?

Explain_________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Explain any areas of particular expertise: ________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

What further information can you supply to support this nomination? ________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

For purposes of national publicity, please provide a summary of the information on a separate

piece of paper (approximately 100 words or less). Thank You

Nominated By:

Print Name________________________________________________________

Sign ______________________________________________________________

Endorsed By Board Member: Print Name & Sign ____________________________________________

Remember—Diablo A’s Nomination Deadline, June 21

Turn in Nomination Form to Doug @ Diablo A’s June 21st General Meeting or

mail to Diablo A’s, P.O. Box 6125, Concord, CA 94524 prior to June 21.

Thank you!

MAFCA News

Odds & Ends—MAFCA Service Award (Continued)

15

Thinking of leading a tour, here are more suggestions:

Friendship Day 2013, Sunday May 19, Redwood City, from 8 am - 3 pm. No judging, awards, or vendors, no pre

-registration: $15/car (unlimited people) at 1400 Seaport Blvd. Redwood City. It is mainly aimed at hobbyists who

bring their collector vehicles to show and includes all kinds of collectible cars and trucks. Just pay at the gate.

30th Year Anniversary, 1st Annual Car Father’s Day Weekend Classic Car Show, Saturday, June 15th, 9:30 am

to 4:00 pm, in the lot of the Specialty Sales Fairfield showroom. All makes & models, $10 per car entry fee or $20 fee

day of event. Registration form on our website Specialtysales.com For more information contact Veronica Thomas

at vthomas@specialtysales.com or 888-459-6292. (Upon request, June (editor@diabloas.com) will email you the

registration form).

Festa d’ Italia 4th Annual Car Show and Pasta Dinner, Monday, September 30, 2013, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Im-

maculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood. “Show Car Registration” includes 2 din-

ners. Register by 9/15 for $30.00, late registration fee $45.00 Additional information contact: Ed Camera 925-634-

0642 . (Upon request, June (editor@diabloas.com) will email you the registration form).

For Sale: Culver City, CA

1930 Model A Pick-up Truck, “Pony Express” Mail Delivery Vehicle. Contact Steve Newton at 310-837-3026 .

Sonoma A’s, Grapevine Gazette -

1930 Deluxe Roadster -Exceptional all black body, all new brakes, $17,000 The car is in Texas. John Fitzgerald

707-495-2206 Email ugrep@sonic.net .

1931 Phaeton body,-Was originally a RHD Argentine car, converted to LHD. $7,000 OBO. Pat Coyle 707 578-

3797 or email coylaw@sonic.net

Model A frame,-New old stock front cross member, complete. $500 both. Contact Pete Rich: (707)-887-8735.

Orange County, Model A’s, Distributor

1928 Tudor Sedan ~ 1-yr old restoration; show quality. Contact Charles Hansen , 714-665-2469; asking $16,000.

Model "A" Ford parts ~ if you are looking for a specific part give Phil a call Cell: 714-747-0163.

From the Mailbox

By Bob Rigor

Wednesdays

Skipolini’s Pizza,

Downtown Clayton

1st, 3rd Fridays

Dickey’s Barbeque

Clayton Valley Center,

Concord

2nd, 4th Fridays

Kinders

Arnold Ind. Hwy.

Concord

Wounded Warrior Benefit, June 15,

8 :00 AM to 3:00 PM, Dave Brubeck Park,

4202 Concord Blvd. (next to Concord High

School) Concord, $20 before June 1; $25 after.

For more information contact :

Ron Reynolds, ron@calvarytemple.org or

Tommy Hernandez , tommy@calvarytemple.org

or call 925-458-9100 ext 151.

Recurring Shows

Every Thursdays

(5/24—9/6)

Old Town Pittsburg Free

Live Music & Car Show,

from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Located on Railroad Ave.

from 3rd St. to 6th St.

Bring your own folding

chairs.

Please let Bob know of other local shows in

your area.

17th Annual Fun Ford Sunday!, September 8th,

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Contra Costa Fairgrounds,

Antioch. Vendors, Prizes, Dash Plaques, Music and

Fords! You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch but

no BBQ’s. This is a Non-Judged Show. Pre-

Registration (Sept. 1) is $30.00, day of event is

$35.00.

***For more information contact Tour Leaders,

Bob & Sandi Rigor***

16

MAY

Birthdays

1 Maria Marshall 5 Joe Wisher 5 Patsy Pond 6 Katie Wolfman 9 Bill Pugh 9 Stewart Bowers 13 Joyce Bowers 13 Steve Mick 16 Adell Kirk 20 Doug Freeman 24 June Rosploch 30 Ruth Janke

Anniversaries

5 Ken & Elaine Matheson 7 Denny & Dee Desmond 8 Bob & Lynn Grady 14 Tim & Sue Lindstrom 27 Larry & Pam Lee

JUNE Birthdays

3 Ken Matheson 6 John Price 8 Sherri Bortolazzo 9 Kathy Bright 11 John Villandre 14 June Gentry 15 Mary Bentley 17 Bob Grady 17 Harold Hall 20 Reyanne Freeman 21 Alvin Filarski 22 Georgianne Champion

22 Marge Tait 26 Ellie Van Voorhis 26 Loretta Whitehurst 26 Pat Uhland 29 Emogene Hall 30 Robert Reed

Anniversaries

2 Brent & Thereas Aasen 5 Paul & Marnie Peterson 14 Larry & Diane Trimpey 15 Mike & Paula Ferre’ 23 Hal & Margaret Granquist

24 Bob & Sandi Rigor

May 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

General

Meeting

Board

Meeting @

James

NCRG Round-up

NCRG

Round-up Memorial

Day

Spring Open,

Upper Clear Lake

Spring

Open

Mothers

Day

Cinco de

Mayo

June 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

Board Meeting

@ Harrich-

Webber’s

General

Meeting

Fathers

Day

Flag Day

Old Sugar

Mill Tour

June 21 General Meeting

-Longest Day Drive In-Doors open

at 6:00 PM, Meeting at 7:30 PM.