March 2015 - Amazon S3€¦ · Chris Jeffs 10 Villiers Road Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211 02 9773 6250...
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1 March 2015
Transcript of March 2015 - Amazon S3€¦ · Chris Jeffs 10 Villiers Road Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211 02 9773 6250...
1 March 2015
2 March 2015
THE T-BIRD NEWS – MARCH 2015
THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
INCORPORATED
INDEX Executive & State Directors…………………………..………………….…………….2
National Concourse…………………………………………………………………….3
National Presidents Report…………………………………………………………….5
Editor’s Report……………………….………………………….………..……………6
Treasures Report…………………….……………………………………..…………..6
NSW Report……………………………………………………………………………7
Victoria’s Report…………………….…………………………………………..…..... 9
Which alternator?..........................................................................................................12
For sale……………………………….……………………………………………….19
All contributions to TBird News are to be typed and addressed to the editor (see
page 2 for details) Include a S.A.E if articles and / or photos are to be returned.
The editor reserves the right to edit or withhold material received for
publication in T'Bird News.
BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE
THUNDERBIRD OWNERS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
INC.
The Thunderbird Owner's Club of Australia Inc. and State Branches is a
social non-profit organisation devoted to serve as a medium of
exchange of ideas, information, and parts for admirers and owners of
Thunderbirds, to aid them in restoring and preserving these automobiles
and associated Ford vehicles in their original likeness.
3 March 2015
Executive & State Directors
President
Mike Barton
5225 Batlow Road
Tumut, NSW, 2720
02 9428 2530 – 0427 200 026
State Director – New South Wales
Tery Traynor
1 Padua Close
Prestons NSW 2170
0402 052 712
Vice President
Steve Springett
74 Stakey St,
Forestville, NSW, 2087
02 9975 6168 - 0424 177 829
State Director – Queensland
Gary Ledgerwood Jnr. 16 Snapper Drive,
POONA Qld. 4650. 0432 630 916
Secretary
Chris Jeffs
10 Villiers Road
Padstow Heights, NSW, 2211
02 9773 6250 - 0414239181
State Director – Victoria
Ross Patterson 6 Marie Court'
Mount Eliza, Vic. 3930. [email protected]
0418 318 967
Treasurer
Barry Wright
4 Amarillo Drive
Dunbible, NSW, 2484
02 6672 3251
State Director – Canberra
Bill Grezeskowiak 19 Frederick Street
Queanbeyan, NSW 2620. 02 6292 1371
Editor
Peter Banach
5 Jobson Ave
Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519
0431 675 999
Public Officer
Peter Banach
5 Jobson Ave
Mt Ousley, NSW, 2519
0431 675 999
Web Manager
Peter Banach
5 Jobson Ave
Mt Ousley , NSW, 2519
0431 675 999
Sales/Merchandising
Pat Farrell
4Venezia St
Prestons NSW 2170
02 9607 7190
Web Site News
www.toca.net.au.
4 March 2015
NATIONAL CONCOURS 2015 WAGGA WAGGA FRIDAY 25
TH to SUNDAY 27
TH SEPTEMBER
THE AFL GRAND FINAL IS MOVED TO THE 3RD
OCTOBER
(THUNDERBIRDERS ARE MORE INTO WORLD SERIES CRICKET
CAUSING A LATE START TO THE AFL SEASON)
Our President Mike has arranged a cash sponsorship toward the
supply of trophies for the event and we are still looking for more. If
you know of anyone who can help with either cash, or product for
the ‘goodie’ bags please contact him on 0488572985.
From George St. SYDNEY, 468 Kms, 5 hours 10 minutes driving time
plus pit stops. (According to my GPS)
From Flinders St. MELBOURNE, 483 Kms, 5hours 5 minutes plus pit
stops. (The Victorian end of the Hume Highway is faster).
From Ann St. BRISBANE, 1225 Kms, 18 hours 30 minutes plus pit
stops and a bed? The Club has 40 rooms on hold. We are negotiating for a
package deal of meals and beds at the moment. The Club
held a well attended concours there in 2007 when it was a
Country Comfort Motel.
DON’T MISS OUT MARK THIS DATE IN YOUR
CALENDAR NOW.
REGISTRATION FORMS AND FULL PROGRAM DETAILS
WILL BE IN THE MAY MAGAZINE.
Any Questions please contact National Secretary Chris. 0414239181
5 March 2015
6 March 2015
National Presidents Report
Hi TBirders.
The year has stated off quickly and fast with the All American Day
display at Castle Hill. This was very impressive and I really think the
NSW branch should be commended on both their roll out and member
support. We also had the Presidential meet at the Sydney Super Swap
Meet at Hawkesbury Showground on the 16th
February I had actually
called it off because I thought we would only have 3 people however a
number of T/Birders turned up anyway. My thanks to Jim Kerr for
taking them in hand and organising the group and thanks to the
members who turned up
NSW had the trip to middle head and a viewing of the tunnels from two
centenaries ago that were designed to protect our fledgling colony. We
took the opportunity to have a TOCA national meeting as we had most
of the national committee there.
I am looking forward to attending some of the many events our club
has planned for this year. I had also organised a Presidential weekend
and T/Bird display for the Tumut Festival of the Fallen Leaf for the
first weekend in May. Tumut Council in its infinite wisdom has decided
not to have the parade or the car show. I am looking at alternatives
Batlow has the Cider festival two weeks later and would love to extend
the event with a car show, So I am looking at what can be done.
I noticed that the Victorian Branch is in full swing with many activities
and events already. Victoria receives great member support for all their
events and a wide range of Thunderbirds are always on show. Their
year looks hectic and yet fun with so many events and the State
Director and her team do a fantastic job throughout the year working
and organising these events.
Happy T/Birding
From the Oval Office
Mike Barton National President
7 March 2015
Editors Report
I hope you have been enjoying the articles I have been including that
offer help and/or interest thunderbird members. Most articles have been
about upgrades or issues I have personally come across while updating
my 64 T/bird. There is not much I have not pulled apart and put back
together in either a 64 or 65 year model, but now that I have got mine to
a good mechanical level and all options are now working I am running
out of ideas. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please drop me a
line.
For those who would like to receive their copy of the magazine in
glorious colour by electronic media, send your email address to
I still need your input, so send in your articles and other items you
would like to see or to be included.
Happy driving,
Peter Banach
Editor
Treasurer’s Report
Report for February/March.
We are well into the new year with the month almost over, and from the
event reports there has been a busy assortment of runs and meets to
attend. There has been a steady rate of membership renewals coming in
and as most people would know March 31 is the official date when all
memberships should be paid by. It is also important especially if you
have a car on club registration to get your membership renewal done by
March 31. If, for some reason you are pulled over by the police you can
show your membership card that you are a financial paid member of a
registered car club. So let’s all move quickly and get our membership
renewals paid by the due date and let this be the first year in our clubs
8 March 2015
history to have 100% of members financial by March 31. The bank
balance at the present time is $3049.60, and the term deposit stands at
$8695.99, which is due to roll over sometime in March.
Strangely we have no new members to announce this month.
Barry Wright,
National Treasurer.
NSW Report
G’day all
Well here we go again by the time you read this it will almost be the
end of March. Our first run was south with a reasonable turn out, not so
many Birds but a few other makes thrown in. Morning tea included
coffee and culinary delights or should I say calorie delights and run
over to Robertson for a nice lunch at the local pub. We then went onto
the Magpie café at Berrima that also included more calorie delights
(oops, there’s that word again) with some heavy rain and small hail for
entertainment. Didn’t get to look around this time but hopefully we will
next time later in the year. Our next run will be/have been the tour of
the Middle Head Tunnels. More about that day will be in the next issue.
The club is running well with many things being worked on for the
remainder of this year. A lot of time and effort is and has been put into
planning and organising our trip to Nelsons Bay by Jim and Pat, with
Pat organising the events over the weekend. Well done guys, should be
a great weekend. Remember folks this is our major fund raiser so get
involved. Included in this month’s magazine is the calendar for the rest
of the year with some events to be included for June, July and August
depending on what can be booked for Xmas in June , July or August, so
stay tuned. Our very capable Secretary Steve will send out any further
info or events that crop up or change.
Stay safe, travel safe and enjoy life,
Regards Tery
9 March 2015
NSW - Coming Events
March 21/22 State Concourse Nelson Bay weekend.
March 22nd
Show & Shine, Flower Power, Newbridge Rd, Moorebank
April 2nd
-6th
Street Rod Nationals, Newcastle Harness Racing Club,
Jackson St, Broadmeadow
April 11th
Winter nationals, Willowbank raceway, Queensland
April 11th
Brigadoon for a day at Bundanoon. Meet at the cross roads
hotel at 8:30am See web site Brigadoon.net.au/a-day-in-brigadoon
April 11th
-12th
Haulin the Hume, vintage truck run to Yass
May 1st-3
rd Nitro champs, Sydney Dragway
JUNE ??? Social committee looking at organising a winter Xmas
this month if July is not available. If not this month then an event will
be organised possibly north for a change.
July 19th
All Ford Day Eastern Creek
Display vehicles enter between 7am & 9am. Details will be sent out
September 13th
State AGM The Australiana Pioneer Village &
Markets,Wilberforce - Meet at the venue 10am. Cost of entry is $5 pp.
Food is available if you wish. Parking area for the cars (TBIRDS
PREFERABLY) will be made available.
Website: theaustralianavillage.com.au
AGM at 11am in the shearing shed. … Don’t forget to bring your
chairs.
10 March 2015
Semptember 26th
/27th Wagga Wagga National AGM. Contact Mike
Barton for details
October 11th
Members request – Berrima and Bowral runN
An easy drive down and once again enjoy the MAGPIE CAFÉ (this
time without the rain and hail) with all its delights for morning tea (this
time with tummies not so full), a walk around to walk off those calories
and to see the brik a brack shops, maybe the old jail tour and then over
to Bowral to see what is left of the spring tulips and then lunch.
Meet at the Crossroads Hotel at 8:30 to leave at about 8:45.
November 15th
Visit to Kiama markets and lunch – Meet at the
Crossroads Hotel at 8:30am to leave about 8:45 am
Club Meeting
December 13th
End of year celebrations. Think about where we can
hold this day. We would like to keep costs down to both the members
and the club and make this another enjoyable day. So put on your
thinking caps and come up with some ideas/suggestions.
Victorian Report March 2015 Hi Guys
I just can’t believe how quick the year is moving. Christmas is well
gone and we are just about at the State Titles - March 20-22. This will
be a great event with a something special to offer for those that attend,
but more of that next Magazine. If the weekend does not suit, it could
always be a day trip.
If you are up to it there are car events just about all week and the
weekends are flat out. Next year I am calling for a new Road Captain,
our current one, who shall remain un-named (Terry) opted for a long
dirt road and a visit to the shit farm, it’s all fun. We have had some very
successful club days, but for me, our Listerfield Lake lunch was just the
best. Mainly because we had old and new members attend. It was so
good seeing everyone mixing. There has also been good support at The
11 March 2015
All Ford Day and Gembrook, same again, old and new members, that is
what the Club is all about.
Membership in Melbourne seems to have levelled out and our newer
members are showing off their cars. How things have changed. When I
joined the club 20 plus years ago there were next to no Baby Birds and
the quality of the cars was just OK, now stacks of Baby Birds and all
the cars, both new and old members are show winners. This seems to be
across the board with most Clubs. The quality just gets better and better.
TOCA – Victoria has been given an opportunity to run a static car show
on Good Friday for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal and I need
your help. If any members can assist with cars or sponsorship on the
day please contact myself or Platon. This is all about the kids. The
name of the event is “Make Them Shine” so get on board and make this
a success.
That’s about it.
Keep on T’Birding
Ross
Victoria - Coming Events Monthly meeting first Monday of the month – Emerald Hotel
S/Melbourne
State Titles march 20 – 22
Make them shine April 3
All American – Mornington April 19
See web site for up to date information on Victoria’s event
WWW.toca.net.au
ANNUAL FEES ARE NOW DUE BY THE 31 MARCH 2015.
REWNEWAL FORM IS INSIDE TBIRD NEWS.
YOU CAN RENEW ONLINE BY BANK TRANSFER,
OR BY CHEQUE, OR BY MONEY ORDER.
ANNUAL FEE IS $50.00
12 March 2015
Major Sponsor of the Victorian
Branch
13 March 2015
Which alternator to Install
Thunderbirds have had alternator charging systems since 1964, when all
Fords became so equipped. Alternators are clearly better than
generators in that they maintain a steady charge at all engine speeds,
including idle. So the First alternators funny enough are known as first
generation Alternators or 1G, Ford is now up to Generation 6 or 6G
In the beginning, Autolite 1G alternators, which were all rated at 38-55
amps, didn’t have much to keep up with. There was the radio, heater,
lighting, occasionally horns, and the ignition system.
Today, alternators have a much larger job to do thanks to all the
accessories we like to install in cars that offer the comforts of home.
When you start adding subwoofer sound systems, power windows and
locks, high-intensity headlights, electric cooling fans, and the rest of it,
it can make an older Autolite 1G alternator sweat with anxiety trying to
keep up with the load.
Whether you’re restoring a classic Thunderbird or building a resto mod,
it’s important to know a bit about Ford-based alternators and how they
have evolved over the last 50 years, and then make the right selection
for your application. Cool thing is, you can uprate an older 1G 38-amp
to 100-amp with the right parts, or fit your classic with an uprated 1G
for a stealthy improvement. Alternator selection boils down to electrical
demand. Output must be greater than demand or you wind up with dim
headlights and a dead battery.
Showroom stockers can get by with original equipment—the externally-
regulated Autolite 1G common from 1965 to 1986 are all
interchangeable.
In 1982, Ford stepped up the charging system demand with the
internally regulated 2G alternator, which looks basically like the 1G,
only with a 2G-specific wiring harness. The 2G was common to all
Fords and Thunderbirds from 1986 to 1993. It was replaced by the 3G
in 1994, then the 4G and 6G later.
14 March 2015
Not only were there differences in amperage rating, but also pulley
sizing, width, and type, in either one-groove or two. Most small- and
big-block Fords had a 2.62-inch-diameter, single-groove pulley.
Alternator fan type is also very important to both identification and
function. We see so many rebuilt Autolite 1G alternators out there with
incorrect fans for the production time frame,
Fan type depends on when the alternator was manufactured, and this is
easy to see at a glance. Those first 1G alternators had the flat 13-blade
fan used before March 1965. Beginning in March 1965, a more
sculptured (stronger) 13-blade fan was used on the 1G. Beginning
November 17, 1969, the 1G got a 10-blade fan (fewer, wider blades),
which was used through the end of 1G production in 1986. This 10-
blade fan was also used on the internally regulated Motorcraft 2G
alternator from 1982-1992.
1G Alternator
Alternator use and application gets complicated with the 1G. Because
these 1G cores have been so scattered through rebuilds and salvage
yards over the years, expect to see a wide variety of mismatched parts.
The rounded case 1G Ford/Autolite alternator was used from mid-1964
through the ’71 model year. Beginning with the changeover to
Motorcraft in 1971-1972, Ford redesigned the 1G case with a square
corner housing, which was used through the end of 1G production in
1986.
15 March 2015
This is the Thunderbird’s original externally-regulated 1G alternator in
38-, 42-, and 55-amp ratings. Most rebuilt 1G alternators are 55-amp
today with new rectifiers, stators, and rotors. These alternators
originally were identifiable by a color-code (prior to February 1969)
and alphanumeric markings in the casting; purple for 38-amp, orange
for 42-amp, and red for 55-amp. From February 1969 forward,
alternator identification was stamped into the case.
Early 1G alternators have a simple harness with four terminals and
protective boots. Beginning in 1969, Ford conceived this multiplex Y
16 March 2015
plug that fits over terminals and is protected with caps over each
terminal. This is a square-case Motorcraft 1G alternator with the
convenient multiplex Y plug.
You will see mix-matched round and square housings, 10-blade fans
with round cases, 13-blade fans with square cases, and so on. If you’re
not concerned with originality, none of it matters—it is all
interchangeable and will function just fine. However, if you’re looking
for correct period parts, that’s a challenge. It’s a gamble when you buy
a 1G from auto wreckers. You may get exactly what you want or wind
up with a mix-matched case combination.
If you have an Autolite or Motorcraft 1G alternator original to your
Thunderbird, there are excellent resources where it can be rebuilt and
massaged it to perfection. You may also buy a rebuilt 1G at a discount
auto parts store and swap its components into your original case,
especially if you’re concerned about losing your case to a rebuilder.
Most reputable rebuilders perform a complete replacement of all 1G
parts. You get what you pay for. Some clean up existing parts, dress
slipper rings, test all components for continuity, and put the alternator
back together with new bearings and brushes. Not all rebuilt 1G
alternators are new inside.
Although purists and restorers have spent a lot of time trying to sort out
1G alternator case differences, there are no Pat answers. Some have
Autolite on them, while some don’t. Some have the teardrop at the rear
of the case, while others don’t. There are aftermarket 1G cases as well
adding to the confusion. Ideally, you will find a complete 1G core or
castings appropriate for your restoration.
17 March 2015
2G Alternator
The Motorcraft 2G internally- regulated alternator (known as
“firestarter” and “flame-thrower” among enthusiasts) was introduced in
1982 on full-sized Fords and Mercurys, later working into the Mustang
beginning in 1986, with 5.0 litres and fuel injection.
This Motorcraft 2G internally-regulated alternator common to ’86-’93
Mustangs/Thunderbirds. Unless you are doing a concours restoration, it
is suggested you step up to the Ford 3G alternator and the appropriate
wiring, which is a simple conversion with great benefits. The 2G
struggles with a marginal multiplex plug to begin with. When you add
corrosion issues and poor continuity, you get resistance and heat.
Although we’re showing you the 2G, it is strongly suggested you step
up to the 3G unless you’re performing a concours ’86-’93 restoration. It
is also suggested you periodically inspect the 2G’s multiplex plug and
wiring for heat and decay.
The 2G’s biggest problem is under-capacity and wire size that just isn’t
up to the job. When you add corrosion issues to this connector,
resistance increases and heat becomes a major (and dangerous) issue.
18 March 2015
Do not use your 2G’s wiring and plug for the 3G conversion—it is not
of sufficient capacity to handle the electrical load and will start a fire. I
suggest upgrading to the 3G if you’re in a position to do so and don’t
mind replacing the factory 2G unit.
3G Alternator
Ask anyone about 3G and they might get it confused with the older cell
phone network. However, Ford’s 3G high-amp alternator is the sweetest
solution for anyone looking to boost charging system output in an
afternoon.
This is the Powermaster 3G (PN 47760; PN 47759 for 200-amp model)
natural-finish high-output alternator. It puts out nearly 100 amps at idle
and 130 at speed. Dual internal cooling fans keep the Powermaster 3G
at a safe operating temperature. The 3G is available either in serpentine
or V-belt drive pulley configurations. The voltage regulator is integral
and part of the brush holder, which makes service easy.
19 March 2015
There are plenty of reasons why you should replace your 1G or 2G with
the 3G. The 3G will handle just about any size electrical load you can
imagine, whether you have a classic or late-model Thunderbird. The
beauty of the 3G is idle speed output and fitment. It delivers plenty of
amperage at idle, and can deliver as much as 230 amps depending on
where you source your 3G.
What Size Alternator do I need?
A simple electrical formula will help you make this decision
P = V x I Where P = Power, V= Voltage and I = Amperage
Transform the formula to make Amp the subject I = P/V
Put simply amps = power in watts divided by Voltage which is 12 volt
So 4 off H4 upgraded head lights at 100watts each put it into the
formula you end up with
I = 400/12 which = 33 amps
So work out your peak demand which maybe with all head lights on
and upgraded radio playing and electric fans running
I= 800 watts/ 12v = 66 amps
In most cases you only require 100 amp or less alternator.
20 March 2015
TOCA Merchandise End of stock
Sale
We have the following items for sale;
1 x med Grey short sleeve Shirt and 1 x small. $15 ea.
1 x XL Green short sleeve top Gold Coast Nationals plus 2x small,
1 x 3 XL mens @ $13 ea.
Women’s white 3/4 sleeve TOCA logo:- 3x18, 2x14, 2x12 @ $10ea.
Also 15 x white patches Bathurst National Thunderbird logo @#2.50ea
13 x beer coolers TOCA emblem @ $5.00 ea.
Contact Pat Farrell [email protected] or 0439332006.
21 March 2015
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