A n t i q u e A u t o M u s h e r s o f A l a s k a

Tinkering Times Volume 58, Number 5 www.antiqueautomushersak.org May 2, 2018

May MeetingThis month is the first rolling meeting for the year, so we start at 6:30 at the Day Break Center on Jupiter in Anchorage.Brian Anderson will lead us for the drive about and probably to a good place to have dinner or dessert. Time to dust off the old iron, if you haven’t already done so.

It’s Shake Down Time!by Donn Reese

The annual Shake Down Cruise is on Saturday, May 12. Destination is the Palmer City Alehouse on East Dahlia Avenue in Palmer. They expect to see us about 1 PM.

For those in Anchorage, meet at Northway Mall at 11:30, but instead of the usual spot we’re going to meet on the WEST END of the parking lot near

the old Pizza Hut that has since been several businesses.

We will leave the parking lot by 12:00 and stay on the Glenn Highway. Eagle River/Chugiak folks may wish to congregate at the Lady Bug Rock near the northbound on ramp at the Peters Creek exit and join us at that point.

We will exit at the Old Glenn

Highway and travel through the Butte area and on to Palmer.

When approaching Palmer we’ll pass Gulkana Street; South Denali Street will then be on the left across from the Church of God. Turn south onto South Denali and continue until the stop sign at Dahlia. Turn west onto Dahlia, the Palmer City Alehouse is in the pale green and cream building on the left. There is some parking in two small lots at either end of the building but frankly it’s easier and a shorter walk to park along the street, the main door is on the street side of the building.

The restaurant has a good range of foods to choose from plus a full bar with plenty of beer choices.

After lunch, remember to check your vehicle for any leaks or other issues (it is a shake down cruise, after all) then make your way home as you see fit.

For any questions, call Donn: 748-0036. ☯

Reese

Our vice president, David Jensen, conducts the meeting and secretary, Mark Graber practices writing-while-standing in the parking lot of Day Break Center on April 11th. The new management is apparently having trouble getting someone with the key to be reliable. We finally got in at 7:30. Good thing the sun was shining and it was warm.

First Adopt-A-Road for 2018: Saturday, May 5

Meet at the Muldoon and Northern Lights Carr’s parking lot at 9:00.

Marcy Cresap will provide a delicious assortment of rolls, muffins, fruit, juice and coffee for breadfast.

Then, we can go to Eagle River to join in the Garcia’s Lunch Run at 11:30, followed by a potluck dessert at Ishams’ place in Peter’s Creek. Bring a dessert.

Jim Fredenhagen has announced that the 2018 Garcia’s Run will take place May 5. Meet at Garcia’s in Eagle River at 11:30 and tour to Ishams’ place in Peter’s Creek for a potluck dessert.

This is a Model A event, but Jim says that everyone is invited. You do not have to drive a Model A to be welcome. Come join in the fun and food. ☯

Garcia’s Run

Tinkering Times 2

Running Board Reflections

2018 OfficersPresident: Gwyn Wiedmer

243-7005Vice President: David Jensen

346-3321Secretary: Mark Graber 745-8570Treasurer: Milt Tanora 868-1575Sergeant at Arms: Dutch Overly

Members at LargeDonn Reese 245-7203 Tamea Isham 688-3671

Karen Avila Lederhos 230-2463Past Presidents (10 years)

Brian Anderson (2015-16)Mike Wiedmer (2013-14)Howard Hansen (2012)

Donn Reese (2009–2011)Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008)Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007)Tinkering Times Staff

Editor: Tom CresapProofing, scheduling and

keeping the old man in line: Marcy Cresap

Send correspondence to:Tinkering Times

Tom Cresap, EditorP.O. Box 770703

Eagle River AK 99577or email:

tmcresap@mtaonline.netThe Tinkering Times is

published monthly by Alaska’s premier classic and antique automobile club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086.

Opinions expressed by authors of Tinkering Times–including references about how wonderful we are–are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska or any facsimile of reality, for that matter.

May 2, 2018

Kelly Karcz and her mom, Gwyn Wiedmer pose with Gwyn’s pride and joy during the AAMA Mother’s Day Run to Big Lake on May 11, 2014.

Wiedmer

I hope everyone has had a great month of car driving! I am still in Texas, getting lots of visiting time with all of my family and extended family. I will be back in Alaska just in time for the May meeting, and I extend my thanks to Vice President David for his leadership at the April meeting.

Reminder–May 5 is our first Adopt a Road cleanup on Northern Lights between Muldoon and Boniface. Many hands sure make this an easier job for all. We always have amazing breakfast goodies provided by Marcy to get us ready to starting picking up trash. The first cleanup of the year is always the worst with the winter’s collection of garbage. After the cleanup you can head to lunch at Garcia’s in Eagle River with the Model A Club.

The Wednesday night drive arounds will start the week after this month’s meeting. We meet at the Sears parking lot on the Benson side

near Seward Highway at 6:00. The members present for the drive choose the route and dinner/dessert location.

Have a wonderful month and “Happy driving”!!!! See you at the meeting!

–Gwyn

Ted KimzeyShows Improvement

and is homeTed Kimzey reports that he is

doing very well after his treatments.  His white blood cell count went from 95, when he got to the cancer center, to 0.5.

Ted and Colleen came home this last weekend, and they report that Ted is resting–if changing to summer tires and catching up with other maintenance things is resting. . . Ted’s treatments are ongoing, and will continue in Anchorage.

–Tom and Marcy

✴ May 5– 9 AM Adopt-A-Road (Marcy Cresap, 694-7510)✴ May 5–Sat, Garcia’s Lunch Run, meet at Garcia’s Eagle River at

11:30am for lunch followed by pot luck dessert at Isham’s. Bring your favorite goodie. (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115)

✴ May 9–6:30 PM Rolling Meeting (Brian Anderson)✴ May 12–Shake Down Cruise: Palmer City Ailhouse (Donn Reese)✴ May 19, 20, 21–Annual Homer Run and Car Show (Jim

Fredenhagen, 351-3115)✴ June 7–1:00, Prestige Assisted Living rides (Diane Allen,

345-6355)✴ June 8–5-9 PM, Colony Days Car Show (Jim Fredenhagen,

351-3115)✴ June 13–6:30 PM Rolling Meeting (Donn Reese)✴ June 14–Serendipity Senior Rides (Diane Allen, 345-6355)✴ June 16-21–Long-Distance Tour to Kodiak (Jim Fredenhagen,

351-3115)✴ July 4–Anchorage, Chugiak and other parades✴ July 7–Adopt-A-Road (leader?)✴ July 11–6:30 PM Rolling Meeting (Goldings)✴ July 13-16–Hope Weekend (Allens, 345-6355)✴ July 13–Bear Paw Car Show, Eagle River 4-9✴ July 21–Alaska Zoo Car Show (Allens, 345-6355)✴ July 21–Valley Trash Show, Sutton Meet at Palmer Tesoro at 10

AM. (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115)✴ July 27-30–Fairbanks trip (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115)✴ August 3-5–Joint Meet (Scott Hulse, 240-4028)✴ August 4–Jay Ofsthun pre-show, 4 PM at McDonald’s✴ August 5–Jay Ofsthun Show, Park Strip 8-4✴ August 8–6:30 PM Rolling Meeting (Brown’s Museum)✴ August 11–Hot Summer Nights, Palmer 5-9✴ August 18–Sterling Run (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115)✴ August 25–State Fair parade and show (Mark Graber,745-8570)✴ September 8–9:00 AM, 18th Annual Freedom Flag Run at Wasilla

High School. (Jim Uhl, 49th State Street Rod Assoc.)✴ September 1–Adopt-A-Road Cleanup (Sara Stoops, 350-3824)✴ September 12–7:00 PM Meeting✴ September 15-17–Denali Tour (Tamea Isham, 688-3671)✴ September 22– 9-4, Dimond Center Car Show (Jim, 351-3115)✴ September 29–Fall Colors Tour, leave Carr’s 9 PM, lunch in

Seward (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) ✴ October 10–Meeting (Tanoras)✴ October 13–Trouthouse Run in Wasilla (Jim, 351-3115)✴ November 14–Meeting (Refreshments?)

Tinkering Times 3 May 2, 2018

Schedule of EventsOne Man’sTreasures

Our ads are intended for members and others who wish to sell cars and related items. There is no charge, and the ad will run for three consecutive issues before being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or to place a new ad, contact Tom 694-7510.

Secured EnclosedStorageWest Downtown Anchorage location

9’ x 18’x 7-1/2’ high space$125/month for single

2 spaces–$225Dave Syren, 440-2982

For Sale: 1964 1/2 Mustang that I have had since age 12. It’s been garaged & maintained for over 30 yrs. Imaculate condition and fully restored. Lisa Hayes lhayes1962@hotmail.com Phone, daytime – 907-854-0971. (8)

For Sale: 1970 Pontiac GTO being offered through estate sale. Professionally restored with some light custom work. Valued at $25-30K. See at Classic Motion, 2503 Arctic Blvd, ask for Ron Feese. (8)

Tinkering Times 4 May 2, 2018

May 4-6–The 49th State Street Rodders, 3rd Annual Valley Chrome & Wheels show held in Palmer May 4th through May 6th ( h t t p : / / w w w .49thstatestreetrodders.com/id4.html)

49th StateStreet Rodders

AnnounceAnnual Valley Show

On Wednesday, April 25th, a group of our Model A’s went on a 13-mile jaunt out to Brown Bear Saloon on beautiful Turnagain Arm. The event has been dubbed the “Brat Run,” because we go out for bratwurst sandwiches and (for some) a beer.

The day followed a rather violent windstorm (up to 80 mph gusts) and some of the blustery conditions still remained. As usual, however, the Arm was beautiful, and we had a good, relaxing drive.

Thanks go to Jim Fredenhagen for planning this and getting our wheels rolling early in the season. ☯

Wednesday, April 25th

Brat Run is Inaugural Drive

CresapSix cars and their occupants drove the 13 miles down to beautiful Turnagain Arm and the Brown Bear Saloon for a little exercise and some bratswurst sandwiches on Wednesday, April 25th. (l to r) Cresaps’ 1931 Slant window, Dryden/Woodard’s 1931 taxi, Godsoes’ 1931 pickup, Fredenhagens’ 1929 Tudor, Goldings’ 1928 and Wiedmers’ 1927 Hupmobile.

by Karen Avila-LederhosAt the April AAMA meeting, we

voted to create an updated list of suggested auto maintenance shops in and near Anchorage. There are many categories–maybe too many to list here. But please send me names of shops that have done good work for you, and include what type of service they provide–such as tire service, brakes, transmission, engine work. We want a list for club members, as well as, something to pass on to visitors.

I have sent out an email, and you can respond directly. I will compile a list over the next month or two to pass on to members. Thank you so much and happy rides! ☯

Club refurbishesAuto services

List

Jim Fredenhagen has announced that the 2018 Garcia’s Run will take place May 5. Meet at Garcia’s in Eagle River for lunch, and tour to Ishams’ place in Peter’s Creek for a potluck dessert.

This is a Model A event, but Jim says that everyone is invited. You do not have to drive a Model A to be welcome. Come join in the fun and food. ☯

All Welcomeat Garcia’s Run

AAMA Meeting MinutesApril 11, 2018

Location: Daybreak Center, AnchorageVice President David Jensen

called the meeting to order at 7:00. As we were locked out of the building, we began the meeting in the Daybreak parking lot. David welcomed the returning snowbirds, Karen Avila-Lederhos and Val Bell.

A motion passed to accept the March minutes as they appeared in the Tinkering. Times

Treasurer’s Report Milt Tanora reported our bank

balance and we continue to keep our account at 1st National.

Old Business*Our participation in the

Anchorage Community Theatre production of “Shakespeare in Hollywood” was a success and the club received a thank you letter from

the ACT. As reported in last month’s minutes, a video is online.

New Business*Diane Allen reported that we are

scheduled to give rides on June 7 at the Prestige Assisted Living facility and on June 14 at the Serendipity facility. Both events start at 1:00 pm. Volunteers are needed and due to space concerns we are limited to 5 vehicles. Cars, (not trucks) are preferred. Contact Diane to sign up.

*Karen Av i l a -Lederhos volunteered to try and arrange rides at the Anchorage Pioneer’s Home.

*Our first adopt-a-road is May 5 at 9:00. We meet at the Carrs store Muldoon and Northern Lights at 9:00.

*Donn Reese is working on a venue for the shakedown cruise, May 12.

(see p. 5, “April Minutes”)

Tinkering Times 5 May 2, 2018

by Jim FredenhagenIt has become a tradition that our

Model A’s are the first to hit the road in springtime with a 113-mile cruise to Talkeetna. In past years, we’ve had great sunshine and perfect conditions for this inaugural run of the season, but this year, Zeus and Ullr were conspiring in the Talkeetna area with snow and rain (slush).

Not to be discouraged, 10 intrepid Model A’s, a 1966 Mustang, a 1958 Chevrolet and a 1956 Ford pickup gathered at the Three Bears grocery on Pitman Road and made a new lunch plan.

We toured around the Meadow Lakes over to the Windbreak Café (Trout House) in Wasilla, where an instant car show ensued with lots of “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from fellow customers.

At lunch, we awarded MAFCA Best Article of the Year award to Curly Packer for his story, “The Town That

April 28, Model A’s in Palmer: Cresap–1931 Slant Window, Tichenor–1931 pickups (2), Robinson–1930 Fordor, Truesdell–1930 Tudor, Godsoe–1931 pickup, Golding–1928 Fordor, Fredenhagen–1929 Tudor.

Time Forgot,” about our trip to McCarthy that appeared in the September/October, 2017 issue of The Restorer.

For dessert we drove to the Valley View Hotel in Palmer for pie before heading home.

The shake down was a complete success with no one reporting issues.

The A’s participating were: Tom and Marcy Cresap (1931 sedan) Jim Fredenhagen (1929 sedan) Carl and Kathleen Godsoe (1931 pickup) Louie Finch and Amy Cartwright (1928 Special Coupe) Rich Golding (1928 sedan) Curley and Heidy Packer (1931 pickup) Marianne Robinson (1930 sedan) John, Sharon, Justin and Janice Tichenor (1930 and 1931 pickups) and Lee Truesdell (1930 sedan). In addition, we welcomed Sara Stoops (1958 Chevy) and Karen Avila-Lederhos (1966 Mustang) from AAMA, and Nat Gardner (1956 Ford pickup) from MSSRA. Dale and Ingra Dryden came in their modern car. ☯

Cresap

*We are not participating in the Alaska Airmen’s event in Talkeetna this year.

*The Homer trip is scheduled for May 19-20. Jim Fredenhagen reports there are 4 participants signed up. Contact Jim for more info.

*Jim Fredenhagen invited us to take part in the Talkeetna lunch run scheduled for April 28 by the Model A club. Folks will meet at 10:30 at Three Bears in Wasilla on Pittman

April Minutes(Continued from p. 4)

Road. A tour of the Don Sheldon hangar and museum is planned.

*Jim also reported that the Model A group is planning a lunch on May 5 at Garcia’s in Eagle River. Afterward there will be a potluck desert at the Isham’s.

*Jim reported on plans for the Kodiak trip. Between the Anchorage and Fairbanks clubs, there are 20 vehicles signed up. A tour of missile launch facility is a highlight, and Art Isham reports that we may see a launch.

*Scott Hulse reported on the Joint meet scheduled for Aug. 3-5. The

venue will be the Best Western on Lake Lucille. There will be a BBQ on Friday at the Transportation Museum. On Saturday we will tour the restoration facility of the 557 locomotive and then to Hatcher pass for car games. The banquet venue is TBA. Scott hopes the Fairbanks group will stay for the Show and Shine on Sunday.

*David Jensen announced that the August meeting will be held at the Brown’s museum.

*Jim Fredenhagen noted a Model A club trip to Fairbanks July 27-30. The venue is the Bear Lodge. Members should call Jim for details.

*At 7:35 the meeting moved indoors.

*Scott Hulse told us he had been contacted by the owner of the Talkeetna Lodge requesting our attendance at the Airmen’s Association fly-in next year.

*Mike Wiedmer explained the Executive Board’s desire to create a database/roster containing details about the member’s vehicles. Mike explained that information about year, model, color, etc. would be helpful in responding to requests by the public for certain cars. Participation is entirely voluntary and Mike will sending out forms to gather the information.

*Karen Avila-Lederhos invited the club members to attend the Willow 4th of July parade and BBQ. Karen also invited folks to visit their cabin on Willow Lake.

*Karen also proposed an idea to create a list of services and vendors as a resource for club members. Karen noted that the Mustang club prepares such a list. Mike Wiedmer noted that we have an old list that could be updated. Karen volunteered to work on this. A motion passed to approve this project.

*Tam Isham noted that the Denali trip this fall might still happen. Bruce Campbell is working on this and details to follow.

*Donn Reese announced an invitation to attend a car show on July 28 sponsored by the VA clinic. The show will be held at the clinic near the

(See p. 6, “April Minutes”)

Amended Talkeetna Run with Model A’s

Tinkering Times 6 May 2, 2018

Tikahtnu Center from 10:00 to 2:00.*Donn also announced a contact

concerning a 41 Chevy pickup for sale. E-mail to members with the particulars will follow.

*David announced that the Alaska Pioneers have requested rides for the Anchorage 4th of July Parade.

*Marcy told us that Ted Kimzey is doing well and is in good spirits. Members are encouraged to contact Ted with a card or a phone call, per the e-mail that was previously sent to the membership.

*The next meeting is a rolling meeting that will start at 6:30.

*Diane Allen and others expressed concern about the reliability of Daybreak personnel. We discussed the need for at least one back up person that can unlock the facility for our meetings. We noted that this is the second time we have been locked out. David noted that the Board will be discussing a long-range plan.

*Donn Reese will be handling the June drive about and will fill-in for the Kimzeys.

*Dutch Overly collected 4 fines for missing badges.

*The split- the- pot payout was $35 and was won by Mark Graber.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10.Submitted byMark Graber

Secretary, AAMA

At about 7:30, the official bearer of keys showed up, and our meeting continued in the comfort of the indoors at Day Break. This photo shows part of the group contentedly participate in the remainder of the meeting.

Cresap

Humor by Rich Golding2018. The symbiotic relationship I

crave each April with my antique automobile has returned, with a vengeance. Alaska’s early spring season has finally begun, and along with it, the beckoning of the open road. Like a kid too excited to sleep, I lie awake in my bed at night, as the headlights of cars passing down our street pierce through the slivered openings of my bedroom curtains, and melodically dance across the bedroom’s darkened ceiling and walls. Every hour or so, I turn towards my bedside clock to check the time, silently calculating the hours before the dawn and tomorrow’s first long distance drive.

Finally the morning comes, and I am downstairs like a shot. Too excited to eat, I downed a cup of tea, then made a beeline for the garage. Entering through the adjoining door, I reached in and flicked on the light switch. Fluorescent lights bounce back and forth and come to life, as I pull off the winter tarp cover from my gallant steed, Arthur. The 1928 Ford Model A is shiny and beautiful, just as I left him last fall, when said cover was wistfully placed on top of him.

April Minutes

(See p. 8, “One Spring Day”)

One Spring Day(Continued from p. 5)

I feel a strange sensation of deja vu. Perhaps, I muse silently to myself, it is because I have been practicing this precise spring ritual now, year after year, for over a quarter of a century.

Hopping behind the steering wheel, I adjust the rear view mirror, and catch a glance of the face staring back at me. My deja vu fades, as the perennial reflection reveals more wrinkles and less hair than the year before. Or the year before that. Or the decades before that. My hand reaches up instinctively, and feels for the advancing crow’s feet emanating from each eye. I inhale a small shock, as I continue to inspect the mirrored image. My earlobes appear to have grown longer! And there is grey hair intermixed within my eyebrows. Like examining a picture of Dorian Gray, hidden not in my attic, but instead within this now ninety-year-old Town Sedan, my life seems to be flashing before my eyes, one season at a time.

But the steering wheel that I grasp with both hands feels just the way it did twenty-five years ago. The shiny gauges and the mohair seats all look the same as the first day I laid eyes on them. The engine roars to life, after I set the choke, turn the key, and step on the starter button, all exactly like the year before. And the year before that. And the decades before that.

The sun glints through the windshield, as I pull out of the shaded garage, just as it has every other first spring morning. I pause and run the palm of my hand over the nap of the mohair seats. It feels every bit as velvety as it ever did. I take in a mixed breath of the sunshine and morning air, and sally forth into the world, my world, on a spring day, past children released from their winter hibernation, playing in the streets alongside their

7Tinkering Times May 2, 2018

We met on Craigslist in 2011. We were both the same age and ready for a new direction in life. I’d never dated this way in the past. But since my wife hadn't voiced any concerns, I took a chance. For those who know Carol (my wife) all I have to do is mention Las Vegas and her eyes glaze over like frosted doughnuts. To my great fortune, my new girlfriend was living in Nevada. Before we new it, Carol and I were on our way to meet a striking 50-something 1957 Ford Thunderbird for the first time.

Carol and I drove straight to the meet-up place after touching down at the airport. I couldn't wait to see her.

It was love at first sight. I tend to fall fast. That she was sitting and waiting for me in the driveway topless certainly added to her luster. Having Carol alongside wasn’t awkward at all. And she’s a dynamite negotiator who knows that I’d probably have paid any amount advertised for Little

My Little BirdA romance in progress

Photos and Story by David Jensen

Bird. Carol did her work, told me to stop drooling, and we agreed to a price.

I was giddy in love. It turns out that my new girlfriend was just finishing a long term relationship with a Nevada sheriff whose vision had deteriorated too much to drive. He couldn't see or appreciate Little Bird the way he had when they met for the first time in Chicago decades earlier.

He told me that on their first date, she wore a Dusty Rose dress. He eventually bought her a shiny black dress that she’s worn ever since. They shared many a drive together and the sheriff always took care of his lady. He made sure she always sparkled.

I made arrangements to ship Little Bird to Seattle. From there, she hopped on a freighter and made the trip to her new home in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a two-week journey.

She wouldn’t talk to anyone at the freight yard on arrival. Not even me,

at first. We thought maybe she’s shy or her energy level was low after the long travel. Guys at the docks said they had tried to jump Little Bird. I thought that was extreme and a little rude. A catcall whistle toward pretty girls is bad enough. But things changed quickly when I remembered something her ex-boyfriend (the sheriff) told me to not forget: “She likes to start the day in a neutral setting.” I gave her a few moments to relax, coaxed her into neutral and vrrooooommmm … she was purring and ready to go.

I smiled - even laughed at myself a little - knowing that it was going to take some work to keep her happy. I knew her attitude, looks and vibrance would always be a reflection of how well I've been treating her. That’s important in any relationship.

Over time, my pocketbook has felt the sting of facelifts, clothing

(See p. 8, “My Little Bird”)

May 2, 2018Tinkering Times 8

updates and my gal’s many visits to the doctor for checkups and life maintenance. She loves to look and feel young. My wife, on the other hand, simply asks that I never again utter the words “This will be the last major work Little Bird will ever need.” Carol’s always been the realist in our family. At the same time, she's adjusted to the idea of me having a girlfriend who is just as flirtatious, vivacious and consuming.

It doesn’t bother me that Carol encourages me to go away with my girlfriend every once and awhile. She seems to like the quiet time at home while Little Bird and I are out cruising to new places, sights and occasional motels.

I know my little bird will be ready for a new relationship one day. Until then, we’ll enjoy every moment of this first rate romance. ☯

(Continued from p. 7)

MyLittle Bird

barking dogs, and people smiling and waving as Arthur elicits the excitement and happiness he always does as he cruises past them.

2038. The bedroom’s holographic curtains automatically dematerialize, revealing the beautiful Alaskan spring morning. “Wake up, please,” beacons a whispering computer voice. I get out of the bed and stretch. “You have the club’s first annual spring drive today. Your dream activity last night consisted primarily of this event,” continued the room’s voice. “Your Model A is fueled and ready to pilot,

downstairs in the garage.”“I must admit that I am quite

excited, Siri.”“I am aware of this, as I have been

monitoring your heartbeat and respiration rates. They have been steadily climbing in anticipation these past few days. Of course, I will notify you if they exceed your personal safety parameters. Would you like me to have some breakfast replicated for you?”

“No thanks, I just have time for some tea and kale hyper-biscuits.”

The moving hallway floor conveys me from the bedroom into the kitchen and then into the garage.

“Lights, please, Siri,” I command verbally.

The soft illumination of the ambient solar LED’s engage.

I step into the garage, past my electric flying sedan, parked in it’s wireless charging harness, and approach a shimmering electric curtain.

“Lower the protective force field, please.”

Siri complies, and the 1928 Model A Town Sedan is revealed.

“The weather today will be sunny, with only a 11.4 percent chance of precipitation. Ideal driving conditions exist on the designated surface highway route. I have polled the personal communication devices of the other club members, and have determined that there should be nine other antique land vehicles similarly in attendance today.”

Excited, I climb into the driver’s seat and admire the quaint chrome analog gauges.

“Siri, what was the name of that old timer that sold the car to me?”

“That would be Richard,” whispered the soothing response.

“I think he mentioned this information data panel was called a “dashboard,” didn’t he?”

“One moment please, as I access my memory files. I have located the file. Yes, it is called a “dashboard.” I have complete audio and video records

of the transaction. I can project them holographically, if you wish.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. Please just produce a picture of him on my Apple communication ring. Thank you, got it! He was pretty ancient looking, wasn’t he? Man, look at all the wrinkles in his face, the size of his earlobes . . . and all the grey hair in those eyebrows!”

Siri interrupted by adding, “There is a personal request that was recorded along with this particular image. You can access that high definition audio file in Ultra Dolby surround sound by direct retinal recognition on your Apple ring.”

“Great,” I answered, and looking directly at my ring and the picture of the old man, I blinked three times rapidly, then swiped my eyes to the left and back.

The image of Richard came to life and began to speak to me.

“I hope the car brings as much joy to you as it did all those years to me. Especially on those glorious, spring drives. I wish you many, many spring drives, young man!”

The sun began to peak through the dematerializing garage door, as I started the engine just the way the old man had shown me. I grasped the circular steering device with both hands and ran my hand over the seats, which felt as smooth as a plasma field.

“Oh, and one more thing,” continued the image and voice from my ring, “His name is Arthur . . . the car’s name is Arthur! Good luck and godspeed.” The voice silenced and the old man’s smiling image faded away.

I remember driving down the defunct surface road, on that glorious spring morning, past all my amazed neighbors, who were smiling and waiving! Driving along on the actual ground I could see all the children and their dogs, out playing in the sunshine. ☯

One Spring Day

(Continued from p. 6)

9Tinkering Times May 2, 2018

by Tom CresapI am a car guy who doesn’t have a

long history of working on cars, but since my teen years I’ve had a soft spot for the Model A Ford. So it was that about 2 weeks after 9-11, when we had just completed the AAMA Denali Park tour, we ventured the extra distance up the road to check out a roadster I had located in Fairbanks.

Our peerless Model A expert, Ken Holland, had convinced me that I needed to follow my predilection and acquire some form of the perennially popular A-Model. Ken owns a modified 1929 coupe that over the years has become an incredible machine you might encounter in a dream, and he held sway on my thoughts at the time. Besides that, my Model T wasn’t fast enough for touring. I needed something.

You could say I was Model-A-motivated as I made that little extra trip north, and to top it off, the little rag top was too cute to turn down.

After I took possession, the car instantly became known as “Modela,” due to the personalized Alaska plates supplied by some previous owner, “MODELA.”

Modela was very reliable, a good runner and especially fun to drive with the top down. She served well for about 12 years. Marcy and I, however, discovered that she was not good for touring, and we began to long for a sedan for the added space and comfort. Modela subsequently went with a new owner to Idaho.

We were about to give up on Model A’s when long-time friend, the late Bob Kuersten, decided he wanted to get rid of his sedan. With my wife’s urgings–yes, you heard that right–I bought it, and now we were back in the Model A ring.

After driving it for one season, I discovered that the rear main bearing was gone, so a rebuild was imminent. Here is where the story plot of “Amanda” (from my mother’s middle name) begins to thicken.

Good friend and long-time member of the Antique Auto Mushers, Jim Fredenhagen, agreed to do the brainstorming and construction of a “B” engine that I wanted to use as a replacement. Now, we all know Jim and his connection with everything

Model A, and it was through his expert guidance and sleuthing that Amanda’s new engine came to be.

First, I bought Lee Truesdale’s engine, in spite of the fact that he warned me it may have a cracked block. It was catastrophically cracked in several places, but it came with a good crank, rods, cam and a bronze timing gear, which were worth what I paid for it.

So we needed a “B” block, which is not easy to find. Here’s where Jim’s sleuthing came in: he found that John Piper had a “B” block he didn’t need in his shed in Sterling. A Magnaflux test showed it to be okay, and surprisingly, it only had to be bored .040 over. Not bad for a potential boat anchor!

Bill Barlow in Bend, Oregon did the babbitt, and Delta Cams in Tacoma, Washington ground the cam. HP Unleashed in Anchorage ground the crank, enlarged intake ports and installed the valve seats. Jim supplied a high-compression (5.5) head, and Dale Dryden contributed a flywheel (lightened 45 pounds by Ken Holland) and 1932-53 V8 clutch.

For numerous reasons, it took us about 6 months from the time we pulled the original engine to reinstalling the rebuilt product. Now, the Model B engine, Amanda’s new heart, is completely run in, and is smooth as glass on the road. Thanks to Bob Kuersten’s nice restoration on the body, she looks great!

But wait, there is more to the story: 53 years ago, I came to Alaska to teach high school. In the early 70’s, I had two students, Sherri and Johnny

Womac, whose dad, the late J.C. Womac–I discovered later–owned a 1931 Model A that he had bought in Kansas in 1963 and brought to Alaska in 1964.

I just talked to J.C.’s widow, Sharon, last Friday at the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center, and she said that J.C. had sold the car at a garage sale for practically nothing. I am assuming that new owner was the one who left a card in my Modela while Marcy and I were having lunch in Eagle River one day. In a note on the card, he said that if I knew anyone who was interested in buying a Model A, he had one for sale.

Bob Kuersten had recently retired from his job with Hermon Brothers Construction, and he told me that he was going crazy with nothing to do. He said he would really like to have an old car–preferably a Model A–to restore. He bought the car and had lots of fun restoring it. He and his wife, Kathleen, would drive it around the neighborhood and in some of the local parades. His health ultimately failed and they moved to Texas, where he passed away this last March 13th.

I bought the car from Bob when he was no longer able to work on and enjoy it, and I would take it over for him to see and enjoy while they still lived here.

So Amanda has a rather long story, and her restoration is the result of many people. She owes a lot of her existence to numerous people mentioned here, but especially Jim Fredenhagen and Bob Kuersten. ☯

Tom and Marcy Cresap warm Amanda up for a drive while breaking in the new engine.

AmandaThe Model A

MayAAMAP.O. Box 232086Anchorage AK 99523-2086

May 2, 2018Tinkering Times 10

BirthdaysLinda Grundy – 6th

Ken Evans – 6th

Carol Jensen – 13th

David Jensen – 20th

Barry Fowler 26th

Debbie Hansen–29th

Diane Wohlwend – 30th

AnniversaryTed and Colleen Kimzey – 28th

David Jensen’s ubiquitous companion, Layla, likes to get a paw in the driving the Little Bird from time to time.

Little Bird: A Romance in Progress