Suncoast Mustang Club

                    Volume 28 Issue 11

November, 2008

It’s Time for a Change

Hello SMC Members,

This month brings a major change in our nation’s leadership.  Regardless of your political “leaning”, you can appreciate that times demand something different to make things better.  It is true in our nation and true in our club. 

The Suncoast Mustang Club is a group of people who are not just interested in cars but are interested in people.  From the beginning, this club was and is today a group of people who care about others, who are interested in not just what you are doing with your car, but how is your family doing, or what’s going on with your job, your business, your health, your other interests, or just how can I help you?  This club was founded and is here today because of the efforts of many extraordinary people who wanted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm the Ford Mustang with others and wanted to make that “passion” for a car translate into finding lasting friendships with people.

That being said, we also must realize that all SMC members have many things going on in his/her lives.  All of us must balance the responsibilities of our lives with the “passion” we have for our cars and the club that allows us to not only enjoy the vehicle(s) but the people who share that “passion”.  Our club continues because of the efforts of a number of people, but no one should shoulder this responsibility indefinitely.

Wayne and John have done outstanding jobs as President and Vice President.  All of us have enjoyed the events that John has organized and the many activities that Wayne has put together to allow us to not only have fun but increase our understanding of Mustangs.  As a club, our members have been given the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities that have been both informative and entertaining. 

Unfortunately, in SMC, as in many organizations, once someone volunteers to do something, the only way he/she stops doing it is to simply say that “I will not do this any more”.   I am now declaring this.  Pony Tales is important to our club.  This newsletter is how we all know what is happening and it is a responsibility that should not belong to someone who is also the treasurer and is now responsible for the club’s major fundraiser.

Wayne, John, and I have done a great deal to make this club something all our members could be proud to belong to.  SMC members have all enjoyed what we’ve done for the club and we will continue to be involved, but its time for a change.  There are many talented people in this club who can do the jobs we’ve done and improve on our accomplishments.  We’re not leaving and we’ll assist our successors in any way we can, but we have served the club well and feel that its time for others to assume the responsibilities that we have worked to hard to make SMC what it is today. 

So SMC members, the ball is now in your court.  Who among you is willing to take on the responsibility of running this club, planning its activities, and providing information for its members?  Are you willing to become more involved?  Are you willing to let this club go without leaders or a newsletter?  Does it matter to you this club functions as it has… or even exists?  Think about it and more importantly, what you can do to keep SMC a part of our lives. 

Bill Dellert

SMC Pony Tales                                                                                                                                       Page 2

Up to the Minutes

Suncoast Mustang Club

Meeting held at Sonic Drive In, Pinellas Park

Monday, October 13, 2008

Unfortunately I was not able to attend the meeting (Rays game), but I’m sure there was a great turnout with everyone having fun and eating well.

A reminder to everyone to bring cash or check to the next meeting to pay for the Christmas dinner the club is hosting on December 13, 2008.  Bill Dellert will be able to give us a price for the dinner at the meeting.  (The price will be $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 14 or younger – Bill)

Mark your calendar for the fun run on November 16, 2008.  We will meet up at the Super Wal-Mart in Pinellas Park to caravan over to Dade City to see the car collection of Mr. Smalls.  Time will be announced at a later date.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for the Birmingham MCA National show to be held April 16-19 2009 contact Rick Lawless at 706-855-5783 or email him at funstang99@bellsouth.net.

Respectfully submitted

Steve Hansen

Club Secretary

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From Mark Morley, President of Mustang Club of Tampa

Mustang owners and your guests are cordially invited to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event… a simulcast of the 2010 Ford Mustang Reveal emanating from Santa Monica , California, November 18, 2008 9:30pm Eastern at:  Regal Citrus Park Theater, 7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall in Tampa.

Join other Mustang enthusiasts in the lush comfort of your local movie theater to experience the exclusive first sights & sounds of the 2010 Mustang…  a high-definition broadcast of all action-packed reveal activities… and the thunder of the all-new Mustang’s exhaust note roaring through cinema-quality Surround Sound.

As our special guests, the first 300 registrants in each theater location will receive a limited-edition 2010 Mustang collectable (only available at this event) in appreciation for their commitment to Mustang and its rich heritage.

Space is limited and all reservations will be treated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so secure your seats right away.  Once you register you will receive an email confirmation.   To register go to www.2010mustangreveal.com 

SMC Pony Tales                                                                                                                                       Page 3

LETTER TO SUNCOAST MUSTANG CLUB

What a great turnout at the Sonic Cruise-in last month.  We filled the place with beautiful cars, and enjoyed getting together socially with all our members who attended.  Thanks John for your great work.

Happy Thanksgiving to all members.  The next two months be the busiest ever. 

 NOVEMBER 9TH, SUNDAY!!!! Mason Dixon's Christmas Wish Fund, Inc. at  Brighthouse Network Field, corner of 19 and Drew.  Registration 9 AM to Noon.  This show is open to all Vehicles.  There will be a Mustang Show within the open Show, so bring out your Ponies. We have volunteered to help the Mustang Club of Tampa put this show on so come prepared to volunteer.  Children are in need more this year and we can help.  Need Info?  Call Kevin at 727 430 9545.  It's kind of late to register by mail, so register at the show SUNDAY.

November 10th, SMC Meeting 7:30 PM will be at AutoWay Ford in St. Pete.  NOW IS THE TIME TO VOLUNTEER!  This month we need to have volunteers to fill 3 positions within the club.  PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, AND NEWSLETTER EDITOR.  It's "TIME FOR CHANGE". The whole country is doing it!!  Step up, do your share, and keep the ball rolling. You will have all the help you need from club members that have held these offices in the past.  A big THANK YOU to Wayne Farnham (P), John Stockowski (VP), and Bill Dellert (NLE) for holding these positions for the past few years.   We will also need to elect a new board of directors at our December meeting. 

BRING TOYS, we are planning our own "TOYS FOR TOTS" run.  IF you can't make the run with us, bring a Toy to the meeting.  You all know how important it is for kids to feel love on Christmas, some will only have what you bring.  The date is in the works.  Watch for it.  Thank You.

NOVEMBER 16TH. SUNDAY!!!!  We have choices today, what do you want to do??

1.  17th Annual Super Sunday, St. Armand’s Key, Florida.150 Cars only.  Registration 8 - 10 AM  Awards at 3.  
     Grand Raffle, 50/50 drawing. Lots of places to eat.  Info:  Duke Clancy 941 356-1136.

2.  Meeting with Harley Club to Cruise to Brooksville on back roads to visit former member Car Collection and 50' style malt Shop built in his home.  Contact Al Clark for details.727 544-4435

The display of Mustangs at Homestead-Miami Speedway before the final Spring Cup race will not happen this year.  Ford decided to display its new cars on pit road instead.  Thanks to Bill Goodwin for attempting to arrange this.  Maybe next year sales will be up and Ford will want a Mustang display, we’ll see

DECEMBER 13TH,SATURDAY - SUNCOAST MUSTANG CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!

All New games this year.  New Gift Game too. Bring a Unisex gift (means for male or female) $15 or less.  If you don't bring a gift, you don't get one.  Get in on the FUN!!  Great Food, great Company.  Bring a friend. Bring a Toy for the Toys for Tots run.  The party starts at 6 pm, Mainland’s Club House #1.   We all had so much fun last year, and the gifts were great, food was great, so don't miss it.  RSVP to Bill Dellert at the November meeting or 727 343-4187.  Cost will be $10 for adults and $6.00 for children 14 and under. 

See you’ all there!!

Ghost Writer.

SMC Pony Tales                                                                                                                                       Page 4

MY NOT-FAVORITE MUSTANG

BY ROLAND MARTENS

SINCE THE FIRST SNEAK PREVIEWS AND THE PUBLICATIONS HINTING AT THE EXCITING NEW PRODUCT FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO BE NAMED, “MUSTANG”, I WAS ANXIOUS TO EXPERIENCE THIS EXCITING NEW CAR.  THE LEE IACOCCA AND HENRY FORD II DUO HAD SUCCESSFULLY ORCHESTRATED AN INTERESTING AND LITTLE PUBLICIZED OFFSHOOT OF THE FALCON WITH A SPORTY NEW LOOK.  MUCH THOUGHT WENT INTO SELECTING THE NAME BEFORE THE NAME, “MUSTANG” WAS CHOSEN.  IT WAS SUPPOSED TO CONJURE UP AN IMAGE OF SPEED AND PERFORMANCE, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE FAMILIAR WITH THE SPIRITED, PEPPY HORSE OR THE SPEEDY, HIGH PERFORMANCE AIR FORCE F-51 FIGHTER PLANE OF WORLD WAR II FAME.  IN EITHER CASE THE NAME CAUGHT ON AND HAS SURVIVED UNTIL THE PRESENT DAY AS A FAVORITE OF MANY CAR BUFFS.

ON APRIL 17, 1964 THIS SPORTY NEW CAR WAS OFFICIALLY UNVEILED TO THE PUBLIC AT THE NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR.  ON THE PREVIOUS EVENING AN ESTIMATED 29 MILLION VIEWERS SAW THE NEW CAR OVER THREE MAJOR TV NETWORKS.  ALTHOUGH INTRODUCED AS A I964 ½ MODEL, IT CONTINUED WITH FEW ALTERATIONS AS A 1965 MODEL.  I FOUND IT HARD TO BELIEVE AS I WITNESSED HOW QUICKLY THIS POPULAR CAR BEGAN TO POPULATE OUR STREETS.  IN FACT DURING THE MODEL YEAR PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SIMILAR, BUT SOMEWHAT CHANGED 1966 MODEL, COMPANY RECORDS INDICATE THAT 680,000 CARS WERE PRODUCED BY AUGUST 1965 – AN ALL TIME RECORD BREAKER FOR FIRST YEAR SALES.

EVEN WITHOUT ALL OF THIS HYPE, I WAS HOOKED BY THIS SPORTY, INEXPENSIVE NEW CAR.  THEY SEEMED TO BE EVERYWHERE.  HOWEVER IT WAS NOT A PRACTICAL CAR FOR ME AT THIS STAGE OF MY LIFE HAVING A WIFE AND TWO KIDS.  CARS SUCH AS OUR 1957 FORD FAIRLANE 500 AND LATER THE BEAUTIFUL LAND-YACHT 1969 COUNTRY SQUIRE WOULD JUST HAVE TO DO.  IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE 1970’S THAT IT BECAME FEASIBLE TO PURCHASE A USED 1965 MUSTANG.  A FRIEND BROUGHT ONE TO MY ATTENTION.  IT WAS A RED CONVERTIBLE WITH A WHITE TOP AND INTERIOR. THE CAR WAS NOT PRISTINE, BUT THE CONDITION WAS REASONABLE AND THE PRICE WAS AFFORDABLE.  SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR A PROJECT FIXER-UPPER.  I ENJOY DOING THE DETAILING OF A BASICALLY SOUND CAR.  ONCE SPRUCED UP WITH SOME REPLACEMENT INTERIOR PARTS SUCH AS ARM RESTS AND DASH BEZELS AND REFINISHING OF WINDOW SILLS, THIS SHARP LOOKING CAR PRETTY WELL MET MY EXPECTATIONS. HOWEVER IT HAD A 170 CUBIC INCH (FALCON) SIX CYLINDER ENGINE.  THERE WAS NO BEAUTIFUL V-8 ENGINE, DUAL EXHAUST RUMBLE FROM THAT STRAIGHT SIX BANGER.  TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE THE LACK- LUSTER PERFORMANCE OF THE ENGINE WAS DAMPENED EVEN MORE BY BEING MATED TO A THREE SPEED STICK SHIFT TRANSMISSION THAT DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A SYNCRO MESH LOW GEAR.  THE LONGER I HAD THE CAR, THE MORE I REALIZED THAT IT JUST DIDN’T FULFILL MY DESIRES FOR A SPIRITED PONY CAR.  IT DID LOOK SHARP, THOUGH.

SMC Pony Tales                                                                                                                                       Page 5

Least favorite Mustang – continued…

AFTER A FEW YEARS A BUYER, WHO DIDN’T HAVE ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS, OFFERED ME A REASONABLE PRICE FOR MY NOT SO FAVORITE MUSTANG.  SO THE SALE COMPLETED MY FIRST MUSTANG VENTURE

IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 1999 THAT I LOCATED AND PURCHASED MY FAVORITE MUSTANG. IT WAS THE LIMITED PRODUCTION 35TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE RED GT CONVERTIBLE THAT HAD ALL OF THE FEATURES LACKING IN MY NOT FAVORITE MUSTANG. IN ADDITION IT HAH LOTS OF ACCESSORIES NOT ON THE 1964 1/2.  AND AS THEY SAY IN MAZDA ADS, THIS NEW MUSTANG HAD THE PERFORMANCE “ ZOOM-ZOOM” AS WELL AS THAT GREAT V-8 DUAL EXHAUST RUMBLE. EVEN THOUGH BOTH CARS WERE RED MUSTANG CONVERTIBLES, THEY INDEED SEEMED ONLY LIKE VERY DISTANT COUSINS. THE MOST OBVIOUS FAMILY RESEMBLANCE IS THAT THEY BOTH SHARE A CHROME PLATED MUSTANG EMBLEM IN THE GRILL. BUT THAT’S ABOUT ALL. MY ORIGINAL NOT FAVORITE MUSTANG WAS NOT MUCH FUN. THE PRESENT 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IS A BLAST!  WHAT A GREAT DIFFERENCE IN 35 YEARS!

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November Birthdays

 Peg Cornwall   11-8

Guy Tewksbury   11-14

Joe Brend   11-17

Carol Sue Speakes   11-19

Debbie Johnson   11-30

Happy Anniversary

Mark and Anne Demons  11-9

2008 SUNCOAST MUSTANG CLUB OFFICERS:

President                                                               Wayne Farnham                  727-573-9696      wayne@restomodplus.com

Vice President                                                      John Stockowski                  727-321-6341      jstockowski@tampabay.rr.com

Secretary                                                               Steve Hansen                      727 397-0100      hansenskmb@yahoo.com

Treasurer & Newsletter Editor                           Bill Dellert                             727-343-4187      bdellert3@hotmail.com

Suncoast Mustang Club

6705 Cardinal Drive South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33707-3803

Check out the club website at

www.restomodplus.com

SMC Classified Ads

1966 Mustang Coupe - Springtime Yellow with Black Vinyl Top and Interior.  289 (C-Code) V-8, Cruise-O-Matic Transmission, Power Steering and Brakes.  Completely restored with all paperwork and maintenance records.  An Excellent Occasional or Daily Driver Show Car which has won Gold and Silver Awards in these classes.  Asking $18,000 or best offer.  Contact Donna Park 727-432-8594 or e-mail pimsqueen@aol.com

2000 Mustang GT Convertible, 5spd, 60K, deluxe model, Performance Red with Tan leather interior and top.   Eibach springs, cold induction, BF Goodrich T/A's almost new, Flowmaster Exhaust System, CD/Cassette, Bra, Cover and more.  VERY Nice Condition.   Call Peter 727 559-7177 or home 727 447-7376   $8950.00   Pictures can be found in the Auto Trader.

2001 Mustang GT Convertible - Black , Tan Top & Tan interior, 70,750 miles Auto, PW, PDL, Cruise Control, Power Driver’s Seat Mach 1 Stereo & CD player, 17" Bullet Chrome Wheels with Pony Center Caps and new “Z” rated tires, Flowmaster 40 series mufflers & stainless steel tips, New antenna & cable, New switch, sensor & motor for convertible top, S & D Cold Air Intake (with enclosed filter), New Window Tint with life time warranty ($ 50 to transfer), New Ceramic brake pads on front wheels, Rear Axle oil drained & cleaned recently, Custom Car Cover by Steeda, Balance of extended warranty (25 months/25,000 miles) ONLY $ 100 deductible & ONLY $50 to transfer to new owner, Clean Title of Vehicle and vehicle is in “very good” condition Selling Price: 

$ 11,975  Serious Inquires call:  Alan Kapell (727) 906-0095

DATES TO REMEMBER

·         Nov. 9 – Mason Dixon Car Show

·         Nov. 10 – SMC Meeting 7:30 PM AutoWay Ford

·         Nov. 16 – SMC Cruise to Brooksville

·         Nov. 16 – Mustang Show at St. Armand’s

·         Dec. 13 – SMC Christmas Party at Mainland’s Clubhouse #1 – 6:00 PM