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Chapter of ITC, VTCI Publication of the LONG ISLAND THUNDERBIRD CLUB OCTOBER 2008

WHAT’S IN YOUR DRIVEWAY

1973 FORD THUNDERBIRD

By Jim DeNunzio

For me it all began in 1972. I was driving a 1967 Oldsmobile

4-4-2. My brother Tommy said “It’s time you get yourself a nice

personal luxury car; after all you’re 24 now and you need to drive

around in something with class”.

Tom came home one day with a brochure for the all new ‘73

Thunderbird. I fell in love immediately with the beautiful

redesign of the front grill, headlights and bumper. A big improve-

ment in looks over the ‘72. The grille featured a new crosshatch

pattern surrounded by a thin bright molding. The larger wrap-

around front bumper had a flatter almost vertical front surface.

Dual front headlights were mounted in new square chromed

frames. It was awesome. The best was the new amber parking

lights in a highly reflective lens surrounded by thin strips of

chrome. Sitting proudly atop all of this at the end of the long

hood, was the gorgeous chrome Thunderbird ornament. Another

new edition that thoroughly took my breath away was the elegant-

ly styled Opera Windows. The large Thunderbird emblem was

laminated in the glass. In the backseat was a switch to turn on the

Opera Window lights at night.

Well, that was it for me. It was time to buy a Thunderbird. The

search began to choose the right color combination. In those days

you could order any color inside and out. Trouble was - Ford

offered 25 colors plus 8 premium exterior colors for the new Bird.

Tough decision for sure. To actually see Birds in different colors,

Tom and I visited just about every Ford dealer on Long Island,

Queens, and Staten Island. The decision was confirmed. My new

1973 Thunderbird was to be wrapped in Dark Brown Metallic

complimented by Ginger interior. On November 28, 1972, I

placed my order at Belmont Ford in Bellerose, Queens. The

salesman there, unlike those at other dealerships, was the only one who

knew more about the new Thunderbird than I did. Understandably, he

had my complete trust.

You see, this was quite an event for me. This was to be my very first

brand new car. But I wasn’t the only one excited. This was a family

event. My Dad insisted that his 1969 Cadillac really did not need a

garage any longer. The new Bird had to be “shielded from the elements”

he said. It didn’t stop there. Dad was not happy with the old crumpled

100 foot long driveway that led to the garage. Mom agreed. I never saw

so much concrete being poured when the trucks came during the spring

of ’73.

Patience was something I learned back then. The ’73 Bird was in

such demand, I had to wait 4 ½ months for delivery. This gave me time

to buy a new suit to match the colors of my Thunderbird. (Cont. p.10)

NO Internet access? Call 1.888.ANTIQUE (1.888.268.4783)

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LITC Web Site: http://www.litb.org

Nice60Bird@Yahoo.com

Badges We Get Stacks and Stacks of

Badges

Badge Update: On Friday August 22, 2008, we send a

deposit of $100.00 to the badge people, along with our art

work. The first sample will take about four weeks to pro-

duce, and if we like it we will place our order of forty units.

Now comes the hard part. When I first told everybody about

the badges, the response was amazing. We had almost twen-

ty members interested. So at this time I am going to ask you

to “Show me the Money”. What that means to you is that I

want a deposit of $20.00 towards the purchase of your

badge. The deposit will help defray the cost of buying the

badges, and will guarantee you that you will get one. So get

your check book, and send a check to me for $20.00, and

make your check payable to Long Island Thunderbird Club

Elliott Weiner

87 Ruth Street

Smithtown, New York 11787

When the badges arrive, I then will ask you for the balance

due. We have not come up with a final figure yet, but it

should be around $40.00. If you look at the bottom portion

of this page, you will see the art work. For those online, the

art work is in color.

October Indoor Meeting @ Bertucci’s: How about a

show and tell session. I’ll show you mine, if you show me

yours. For me I have the original leather bound dealer books

for my car, and a Marti report. Get the picture. Bring some-

thing that is related to your car, and talk about it.

Extra Syosset Ford T-Shirts: We have an inventory of T’s

left over from the show. The cost is$12.00 a unit, and will

be on sale at the October meeting.

September 13

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Club Picnic @ Bethpage State Park:

CANCELED. I thought this would be a home run, with the

club supplying the food, and stuff. Hey what do I know I’m

only the President? This will be taken off our future events

listing, because of lack of interest.

Muscle Mustang & Fast Fords: In the September issue of

MM&FF there is a five page spread on Marc Weiner’s 86

Mustangs. He finally is getting the recognition he deserves,

and yes he’s my boy.

Club Web Site/www.litb.org: Have you been on the club

web site lately? Pictures from the Syosset and the North

Jersey show are up for all to see. You can thank your Web

master Gary Weiner, and yes he’s my boy too.

Simply Charming Award: Well I finally got my butt into

Franklin Square and delivered the Simply Charming award

to Julie Sosiak. She loved it, and I explained to her that we

would honor Alex every year with this award. She was

ecstatic.

Grand Ma & Grand Pa Apicella: Congratulations to Mr.

and Mrs. Joe for the arrival of their first grand child.

Nicholas Joseph Apicella born on August 26

th

. In Joe’s e-

mail to the world he says “I’m planning to teach the kid col-

ors, like brown bottle, green bottle, clear bottle” you get the

picture

New Member: Welcome aboard Dick Gibson, and his 62

red convertible. Dick is from Locust Valley, and we hope to

see him at our next meeting.

A Pleasant Surprise: At this years ITC convention in

Nashville Tennessee, Big Bird was chosen to be on the con-

vention T-Shirt without my knowledge. The Holton’s e-

mailed me from Nashville, and asked me if I wanted one for

my war chest. I was taken back by the whole process, why

my car. They explained mine was picked along with a

Retro, and Bullitt bird. Thank you ITC..

Peace

President’s Message

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CLUB STORE

For Merchandise Call Elliott Weiner

(631) 724 - 3756

Club Jackets - Teal Satin w. Logo Front & Back

- $95 Pre-Order

Denim Jackets - All Sizes - $40

Cotton Twill Adjustable Hats - $15

Pro Mesh Adjustable Hats - $20

Short Sleeve Henley Shirts with Logo - Assorted

Colors - $20

Ceramic Mugs with Club Logo - $3.50

Grey Sweat Shirts Embroidered,

with Club Logo - 9 oz - $15.00

Club T-Shirts - $10

LITC Scheduled Outdoor Meetings

2008

(Rain dates one week later)

Tuesdy, April 15th Farmingdale Burger King

Hicksville

Tuesday, May 13th -Chicken Holiday Seaford

Thursday, June 19th- Oakdale Wendy’s

Tuesday, July 15th - Bertucci’s

Monday, August 4th -West Islip Mc Donald’s

Wednesday, Sept.17th Burger King Farmingdale

LITC Scheduled Indoor Meetings

2008

LITC meets the 3rd Tuesday of Every Month

7:00 P.M.

February 26th, 2008(4th Tue of Feb.)

March 18th, 2008

October 21st, 2008

November 18th, 2008

2008

TONY/LITC Holiday Party

January __th, 2009 @___________

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2700 LONG BEACH ROAD

OCEANSIDE, NEW YORK 11572

(516) 766-4411 SUSAN & JIMMY C

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Event Schedule

2008

Easter Parade, Garden City - Sunday, March 23rd

(Contact - Nick Matteo (516) 524 - 9163)

Ford Nationals

Carlisle, Pa. June 6 - 8

(Contact - Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756)

Westbury Gardens - Sun. June1st

(Contact - Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756)

N. Jersey T-Bird Show - Sat. June 14th

(Contact - Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756)

Thunderama - Sunday, June 15th, 2008

New England Thunderbird Club

(Contact - Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756)

Crossbay Cruisers Classics at Able Ford & Mustang

Showdown

Sunday, July ___ (Rain date July ___)

Thunderbird/Ford Show

@ Syosset Ford

Sun. July 20th

Sayville Street Fest - Sunday, August 3rd

ITC Convention - August 11 - 17

Nashville,TN

Cruzin for a Cure - Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008

Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Northport

Wednesday, September 24th

(Contact - Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756)

LITC PICNIC - Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008

Bethpage State Park(Canceled)

Willy’s October Fest - TBA

LITC Holiday Party

January ___, 2009

Cruise Listings

These are car club gatherings in various locations on Long Island.

(Spring - Summer - Fall)

For more information call Elliott Weiner (631) 724-3756

MONDAY

Long Island Road Gents

Stop & Shop - Union Blvd. E. of Higbe Lane

West Islip

TUESDAY

Town of Oyster Bay - Main Street

Bald Hill - Farmingville

WEDNESDAY

KFC - William Floyd Parkway - Shirley

THURSDAY

Village of Lynbrook - Street Show (Atlantic Ave.)

King Kullen Shopping Center - Rt. 25A, Wading River

Key Food Shopping Center - Kings Park

FRIDAY

Bellmore Train Station Parking Lot

Sunrise Highway & Bellmore Ave. to Bedford Ave.

Massapequa RR Station (Sponsored by Town of Oyster Bay)

Wal-Mart in Commack

Crooked Hill Road 5:30 - 10 PM

SATURDAY

Holtzville - PAL Complex

SUNDAY

Captree Boat Basin

AM Cruise

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

OCTOBER

Joe Apicella

Jahn R. Sullivan

Walter Stoeber

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Buy & Sell

Parts for Sale: 1964-44 Ford Thunderbird, New Drivers Side

Quarter Repair Panel, motors, transmissions, rears, fenders,

hoods, trunk lids, glass, interior. Parts bought and sold.

Frank Del Rossi (704) 483-9554

For Sale: 1962 T-Bird, 58,500 miles, 390 cubic in. engine, auto-

matic, ps, pb, Ivory Quartz White with turqoise vinyl interior, AM

radio, almost new paint, rebuilt engine and transmission, wife’s

nice car.

Make an Offer Jay (516-294-9160)

For Sale: 1955 T-Bird, pw st, pw seats, pw w, pw brakes, V-8,

Auto, 6V Bat, Robin’s egg blue. Runs well once started, Good

condition. Needs interior work and cosmetics. Car can be seen

in Rockville Center. 81,000 actual miles.

$15,000 e-mail adinorth@aol.com or call (646)-387-9826

For Sale: 1965 T-Bird Special Landau (embergio/parchment

interior). I have owned the car 8 years and have restored 80%

of it myself. Engine compartment, front end, and trunk have

been detailed completely. New vinyl top, new tires, new floor

bds. front and rear). Interior redone and original. Front bumper,

grill, T-Bird emblems, handles, and rear window grill all

rechromed. 94K original miles. I have the original gate release

and build sheet. Only 4500 Specials were built. the car hs

many distinct features. I have a new project to work on.

Asking $12,500 Call Dennis Terrell 631-888-1446

Buy & Sell (continued)

For Sale: 1965 Thunderbird Convertible, 390 engine, red & black

interior, white top. Rebilt engine and transmission, all standard

fctory options, p/s, power front disc brakes, no a /c, no power win-

dows, very fine original interior, many new mechanical parts to

much to list. the car was in the movie American Gangster.

$37,500 Sal (516) 887-2656

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Mom said the next time I would be this excited would be my wedding

day. She was right, but no woman had caught my eye yet, only

Thunderbirds. Since I selected Dark Brown Metallic for the

Thunderbird, I chose a chocolate brown suit with light tan stitching to

compliment the Ginger interior. In addition, I opted for two-tone brown

and tan shoes. With a new cuff-link sleeved shirt and tie, I was prepared

and excited to pick up my new Thunderbird. Delivery was set for

Saturday, April 14

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, 1973.

I was up at 6 am that morning and went to the bakery for donuts and

fresh rolls. Mom and my sister, Maria, had the table set for breakfast.

My friend Eddie said he would meet my brother and me in front of our

house at 10 am. My Dad was driving us to Belmont Ford. When Eddie

arrived and saw me dressed in a suit and Tommy in a sport jacket, he said

“hold on, I’ll be right back”. He returned also dressed in a sport jacket

with a camera in hand.

I shall never forget that day and all that led up to it. Eddie, his Mom

and Aunt whom I affectionately called “Aunt Connie and Aunt Angie”,

presented me with a 14K gold key for the new Thunderbird engraved

with my initials. My grandmother loaned me $2000 so I would not have

to take a bank loan. My parents, being Italian, had to present me with a

bottle of “Thunderbird Wine” to complete the day. My family, friends

and neighbors were all part of that special day. As for the garage that my

father so generously gave up for me in 1973, well, the Thunderbird

remained so safely tucked in there, away from all rain, sleet and snow,

for thirty years. When I married and bought my home in Seaford in

1979, my garage was not prepared for the Bird. Dad insisted that I leave

it in his garage for as long as I wanted. After I lost both of my parents

and we painstakingly sold that beautiful Queens home where we grew

up, I had to bring the Thunderbird to my home in 2003.

That is the story of my precious 1973 Ford Thunderbird. Precious

because of the memories I shared with my parents, my family, and

friends. Memories of us driving around in the old neighborhood in

Jamaica, Queens. The beauty is that those feelings still come alive every

time I get behind the wheel and drive my Thunderbird.

Saturday

April 14th,

1973

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SIMEONE FOUNDTION MUSEUM

By Rudolf Bauer

I recently visited the SIMEONE FOUNDATION MUSEUM, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This museum has a display of racecars from many events and locations dating back to 1909. The cars

are displayed in settings reflecting the location of the events. Some of the displays show old movies of

the racing event. The museum is closed on Mondays. Hours of operation are 10:00 AM to 6 PM.

Admission fees are: $12 per person, $10 for seniors and $8 for children. You may obtain travel infor-

mation at the web site: www.SimeoneMuseum.org

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Insurance Companies Represented

Grundy, American Hobbyist Ins. Hagerty, JC Taylor, American Collectors

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Celebrating 33 Years

SELLING BETTER FURNITURE FOR LESS Since 1975

Bedrooms + Dining Rooms Crafted in Solid Oak, Cherry, Maple & Alder

No particle board, No veneers

FACTORY AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR

American Drew, Bassett, Canadel, ChromCraft, Clayton Marcus,

Carolina, Cochrane, Fashion Bed, Fairfield, Hooker, Key City

Howard Miller, King Koil Bedding, Lane/La-z-Boy, Lea. Millenium

Mobel, Marvel Lamp, Peters Revington, Sumter Cabinet, Stanley

Thunderbird, Vaughan, Vaughan Bassett, Wesley Allen, Young

America By Stanley, recliners by La-z-boy and Lane Action

Over 30 recliners

On display

C & V Fine Furniture

Quality Solid Wood Furniture

60-85 Myrtle Avenue, near Fresh Pond Road

Ridgewood, NY 11385

(718) 366-4495 (718) 366-4501

OPEN

Sun 12 – 5, Mon-Wed 10 – 5:30 FREE

Thurs-Fri 10 – 8, Sat 10 –5 DELIVERY

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L.I. THUNDERBIRD CLUB

Date: Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

In case of inclement weather call:

Elliott Weiner - (631) 724-3756 (after 4:30 PM)

Time: 7:00

Place: Bertucci’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

881 Walt Whitmn Road

Melville, Long Island

Directions: One block north of Northern State

Parkway. Route 110 becomes Walt Whitman Road