Fab Fords Forever So.Cal area

[NorCalKid]

I did the the Fabulous Ford Forever event a couple years back. Had a great time.

I am pushing this years event with all, due to the theme. 50 years of the Thunderbird. For more information go HERE (http://www.fordcarclubs.org/)

I am going. Anyone else wanna go?

[pinkilee]

I'll go. I can follow you, right?!
pinki

[CaliforniaBeachGirl]

Sounds fun & only about half an hour from me.

[Red Bird Dave]

I would like to go. We have friends we could stay with that live two blocks from there. He has two beautiful classics himself. He took me to last years event.

Perhaps this is what we were looking for for a Desert Thunder 2 Hummmmm!

What do you think!

Red Bird Dave

[FEsTbird]

Looks like fun, we will be talking about it. Looks like you need to get your registration in as quickly as you can. I will be watching the site for it.

[pinkilee]

I'm sendind in my reservation today, and making hotel reservations for the weekend.
yeah!
pinki lee

[Red Bird Dave]

I'm trying to get lined up for this as well. Hope the plan comes together.

Red Bird Dave

[CaliforniaBeachGirl]

Are you all entering your cars or going as a spectator?

[Red Bird Dave]

If I can get in, I'm entering.

Red Bird Dave

[Red T-Bird]

Sounds good. Count us in. Anyone have any ideas on hotels in area?

[Steve Legel]

I fly in from Detroit Saturday night, rent a car, do the show and leave Sunday red eye home.
Steve

[pinkilee]

I got a room at the Knots Berry Hotel/Resort, for the weekend. I sent off the registration to be 'entered' today. I can't remember the $$$. sorry. Check NorCaKids link to the flyer in his first post. there is additional information for hotels on it.
blessings,
pink

[Red T-Bird]

I just made reservations at the Embassy Suite for $95 a night for the 16th and 17th. I can cancel within 24 hours notice of arrival date with no penalty. The Holiday Inn is $72. I was told the Embassy Suite only has a few rooms left at this rate. Maybe we can make this the Desert Thunder II event as Dave had suggested. I'm sure some southern California members can think of something the group can do on Saturday.

[Red Bird Dave]

I sent my money yesterday,for the entry fee. I'll make my reservations for hotel today. RedTBird (Kaye) and I have come to the conclusion that maybe this will take the place of Desert Thunder this year. The meet theme is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Thunderbird. It only seems fitting that we attend. Come on TBN California Chapter, lets get behind this. Archie, you and our other So. Cal members, what else can we do while there?

The show fills up fast so get your money in. The website is: www.fordcarclubs.org. You can download the registration form and there is hotel information as well. Several TBNers have already signed up. Let's show Sothern California Car Clubs who TBN is!!

We will probably head down earlier in the week prior
Pinky, I want to see that new custom upholstry in your red bird.

Red Bird Dave :tbnrules:

[O3 TBIRD]

I got my confurmation yesterday -- So I'm in. I'll see you all there.

[CaliforniaBeachGirl]

I was just driving by Ruby's Diner on PCH in Laguna Beach. They're having a corvette get together & vettes (old & new) are lining the parking lot. It might be a fun little trip for those attending FFF. It's an easy drive from Knott's & you can drive PCH much of the way. Ruby's is a fun 50's diner with great malts. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

[SugarDaddy]

Just after Christmas last year, we ate lunch at a Ruby's Diner in Tustin, CA, south from Knott's Berry Farm on I-5. Tustin is even closer to Buena Park (Knott's Berry Farm) than the Ruby's Diner on PCH in Laguna Beach.

Ruby's Diner is a chain of 50's style restaurants. They are located in many Southern California cities. Check this web site for their various locations: http://www.rubys.com/diners/locations_diners.html

Also located in Tustin is Joe's Garage(an Automotive Museum and Special Event Facility), at 36 Auto Center Drive, Tustin, just East of the I-5 and Tustin Ranch Road interchange. It may be worth a visit. I have not been there as yet, but will try to visit it on our next trip to Tustin, while visting my daughter and grandkids.

[Red Bird Dave]

I'm sure we will not have a shortage of things to do at FFF. We're leaving early in the week and taking the coast route. We look forward to meeting old friends and making some new ones.

Red Bird Dave

[REDH0TR0D]

Might try to get there as well...my wife and I love the area and it is time for a spring vacation!

Speaking of Ruby's...it is my favorite burger place in SoCal...the one on the end of the pier in Huntington Beach is the best...sits out a block or two into the ocean...you can sit and watch the surfers try to ride the waves...we saw a school of dolphins swim (or jump) by the end of the pier while we were having lunch. That was a heckuva sight for a couple of Chicagoans!

[Red Bird Dave]

Dave,
My son lives in walking distance of that pier. Hope you can come out for the meet.

Red Bird Dave

[O3 TBIRD]

Ruby's was an alternate site for meeting at Santa Barbara Cruise II-- incase it rained.

As to this years FFF-- We have to have our Birds there before 10AM and the Birds can not leave till after 3PM, It would be hard to meet at Ruby's before--maybe after if it was at a Ruby's that was close by. I think it might be nice for us to go to lunch at either the Knott's Rest. or up the street at Poor Folks.... since almost all of us will be in location "17".

One last question-- Are you going with top on, or topless? Or with top on and we help each other take the tops off and put them back on at 3PM?

[Red Bird Dave]

I got my conformation, I'm in the show! It looks like TBN will be well represented.

Red Bird Dave

[pinkilee]

Still waiting for my confirmation...how long did it take?
Can't wait to see you all again.
Just keep your eye out for the ultimate chick car Dave, you won't be able to miss it. :pinkie:

pink

[Red Bird Dave]

Pink,
It takes less than a week. RedTBird (Kaye) sent his today. This is going to be great.

Red Bird Dave :cheers: :thumbsup: :first:

[Retro-Green]

Hey Dave,

I am considering going as well, since it is only about an hour's drive for me. I've never attended this sort of thing before though. Can you give a bit of info as to what it's like? Also, does TBN have a VMG Bird represented at this event yet?

[Red Bird Dave]

Vince,
I went last year, they were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Mustang. I'm not sure the total number of cars displayed but it is huge. They are grouped and parked according to vintage and make. Most owners hang around their car and love to tell you about all the work that was done. There are extreme customs and pristine stockers. They have live music and refresments available. It runs from 10 to 3 I believe all entered cars must be parked before opening of the show.

Prizes are awarded in each catagory. You can enter your car for a $35.00 fee or park in the regular parking lot and enter the show which I believe is free.. To me. displaying my car will be fun and I will be with other new bird owners most of who will probably be TBN members. They have catagories for all year model TBirds. Check out the sponsoring car club to get additional information.

The entry fee gets you into group parking with us and they are giving each participant a special gift which is usually a dash plaque. What ever way you decide to go we will look forward to seeing you there. The web site is listed above on my thread #14.

The show is just accross the street from Knott's Berry Farm on the corner of Las Palmas & Beach Blvd. Buena Park.

I hope that give you some idea of what to expect. Let me know if I can answer anything I didn't cover. The California Chapter of TBN will probably get together and plan some other events for the year as well.

Red Bird Dave

[pinkilee]

Just got my confirmation today...I'm in!!! I'm in!!! Do you think our cars will be together?
pink

[FEsTbird]

We have our hotel reservations in Anaheim, so we will be there. Arriving Saturday, out Monday AM. We will be coming or going through Fresno, depending on our cousin's preference. The other part of the trip will be by the coastal route. Sending in the FFF material tomorrow. I will be a non-exhibitor.

[Cameron SVC]

we have been showing our SVC T-bird off in corona del mar, at the crystal cove shopping mall on saturday mornings. Its a great place for car nuts to hang out and show what they have done or own. last week our tbird got loads of interest, quite funny, it was parked next to a F40 and a Panterra!!!
great cars, coffee and the ocean!
see ya there (get there early, usually finishes around 10am)

[marekra]

Hi All,

I will be attending with my BlackBird.
I am arriving with the SoCal Shelby Club, but will split off to the TBird floks.

Bob

[Red Bird Dave]

Bob,
Hope to meet you there. We will be there early. Looks like at least 7 or 8 TBN members are going, that I know of.

Red Bird Dave

[FEsTbird]

What time is early? I will be reading a map, so will need extra time from my motel.

[Steve Legel]

I'll fly in Saturday night, come to show on Saturday...I'll look for you guys. I'll be spending time at CTCI booth. I have some giveaways from ford for attendees.
Steve Legel

[marekra]

Bob,
Hope to meet you there. We will be there early. Looks like at least 7 or 8 TBN members are going, that I know of.

Red Bird Dave

Dave,

I will get there about 8:30 to 9am, live south about 90 mins and I plan on stopping on the way up to do some feeding.
My bird is the black one with the 16" borbet smooth 5 spoke wheels.

Bob

[Red Bird Dave]

Frank,
They will open the entrant gate at 7am. so we can get things set up. The general public gate opens at 10am., I believe. I'm going to get their around 7am.

Red Bird Dave

[FEsTbird]

I probably not get in until after 8. We have a "must do" company alumni function at the Ex-CEOs house in Palo Alto. I plan on leaving there about 2ish. Hoping to check-in to my motel by 10ish. I figure I better give the car a little wash (rinse) before coming over. Will do a full job on Friday, so hopefully Sunday will be quick.

Is it fair to assume that most of us will be in the same area? My class number is 17.

[Red T-Bird]

My number is also 17.

[pinkilee]

ditto...17 here, too.
can't wait to see you all again.
pink

[5bird7]

Any reports yet?

[pinkilee]

Nice meeting Steve and Todd (BlueBird ?), and seeing everyone again. Oh, and the car show was good also. :lol:
Wish we could have gone to dinner with you all, but the children (and Vegas) were calling, and no...we went straight home and didn't get married. whew. maybe we'll follow tradition and do that in Vegas next year with the other TBN'ers in attendance. HA!
had a great time...can't wait to see ya all again.
blessings
pink

[Red Bird Dave]

Well it's back to work today.

Just returned from the FFF meet at Knotts Berry Farm in So. Cal. According to an official, there were 1,875 entrants in the show. It was Fords only and it was so large I just couldn't see it all. I couldn't believe how many T Birds alone were there.

I didn't count the new birds but I would guess there were at least 20 and we were all lined up together, including the Saleen T Bird. It was great to see our old TBN friends and we lot's of new TBN friends and convinced several owners to become TBN nesters. Kaye Foster (RedTbird) and I both ran into Boyd Cottington of the American Hot Rod Show on the Discovery Channel.

We saw the Bullit Mustang, White T Bird from American Graffiti, Sonny & Cher's Mustang, Jayne Mansfield Lincoln, Starsky & Hutch Ford, the tbird from Thelma & Louise movie to name a few.

The California Chapter members in attendance agreed to schedule some local mini meets this year. I will try to post some pictures if I can figure out how.

Gene & Karen Collins had the beautiful 007 bird in a special display area, they will be leaving this week for Thunder Fever II, safe journey you guys. I wish I could have attended this year.

Well all for now, what a great bunch of people TBN has brought together!

Red Bird Dave

P.S. Kaye, the Embassy Suites gave didn't charge me for Saturday night because of all the noice Saturday night!

[Red T-Bird]

Dave,
We didn't get the room for free, but they did comp us on room service. We got back to the room after the car show on Sunday around 4 and found the room hadn't been touched. I complained about that, plus the maid walking in unannounced the night before to check to see if we had a $4 bottle of water, the toilet filling every 30 minutes after they "fixed" it once, and ordering room service the night before and screwing up the order. I'm still waiting for the potato salad that they said was on the way. I complained to the manager after we got back from the show and told them I was very disappointed and was checking out. We left for San Jose around 4:30 and saved $100 for the room. I'll never stay there again.

[pinkilee]

Archie...I missed you!
pink

[FEsTbird]

Just back today from FFF and a side trip to Fresno on the way back. Had a great time seeing all the Tbirds and TBNers. Looking forward to hearing what we can do up in NorCal without such a drive. By the way, kept track of the mileage and go 24+ mpg--even going mostly 80 on Hwy 5. Coming back on 99 was more like 75, so a little more. Note that my gas was about $2.87 per gallon average.

If there were 1875 cars at the exhibits--I bet there were 1000 Mustangs. I wonder if we could get the kit that makes the "almost" gull wing doors for the Tbird. There were 3 Falcon Futuras (our first sporty car) (nearly behind us in the exhibits), one with the "factory" air conditioning. In '62 we had a trip from Houston to Massachusetts, which is why we upgraded our '60 Falcon to the '62 Futura with A/C. It was a sporty model with bucket seats in the front. Wonder if I can find one for a 'project car?'

---------------- M E R G E D ---------------

Any reports yet?

Have a few pix, but haven't downloaded to my computer yet.

New TBirds ranged from 2002 (several including Pinkilee's highly customized one) to one 2005 as well as the Saleen Bonspeed. Mine was the only white one. We were the end of the Tbird group--which had about 5 rows.

Almost forgot--a sirprise gift, not sure who from, that appeared in our cars about noon. A black mailing tube labeled with the Thunderbird logo as a label. Inside is a numbered lithograph of the excited group of Ford designers working on the concepts of the new Tbird.

The Santa Clara County Classic Tbird group had 32 Birds from '55 to '57 which had caravaned down the day before. We talked to a few--sounded like quite a trip. We must have trailed them by a couple of hours down Interstate 5.

It was neat to see the George Watt's restored PSFH10005 next to a Cashmere Bird. We were told that George's daughter would be showing the car for a couple more years.

Another thrill for me personally, was a salmon pink '59 essentially the same as my thesis advisor's. I doubt the same car, since he is in Houston. I was told he got it as a wedding present and drove it on the honeymoon trip--out to Kerrville (Texas).

As I said in another note, I'll bet that there were 1000 Mustang's there. Some were pretty new. A lot of Saleen supercharged 'Stangs' as well as some Ford superchargers and some kit supercharged ones. Several were modded with nitrox kits. Wow!

I had a Mustang II years ago, which deteriorated so much in the California sun that we junked it. No Mustang IIs were exhibited. They were pretty tame--mine was 6.

[Retro-Green]

FFF was my first car show, and it was sensory overload! :shocked: Far, FAR too many beautiful and amazing cars to check out in only 5 hours. Had a great time though. It was great to meet fellow TBNers like Red Bird Dave and Pinkilee as well! :wavey: Though I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat more.

My VMG Bird recieved a ton of compliments… some had never seen the color before and asked if it was a custom paint job! Even though another VMG arrived at the show later that morning. I happened to be parked next to the silver Saleen Bonspeed T-Bird, which drew crowds. There was a ’59 Mint Green T-Bird one row over, and I had to get a picture of it with my Bird in the background. I'll try to post a few pictures from the show:

1. My VMG! :biggrin:
2. The Saleen T-Bird, my VMG, and more Birds

[Retro-Green]

3. View of the new Birds from opposite angle
4. The ’59 Mint Green T-Bird (w. my ‘04 in background)

[Retro-Green]

5. Some beautiful vintage T-Birds
6. 50th Anniversary display of the VERY FIRST Thunderbird ever built, next to a 50th Anniversary Cashmere

[5bird7]

....
Almost forgot--a sirprise gift, not sure who from, that appeared in our cars about noon. A black mailing tube labeled with the Thunderbird logo as a label. Inside is a numbered lithograph of the excited group of Ford designers working on the concepts of the new Tbird.

The Santa Clara County Classic Tbird group had 32 Birds from '55 to '57 which had caravaned down the day before. We talked to a few--sounded like quite a trip. We must have trailed them by a couple of hours down Interstate 5.

.....
I had a Mustang II years ago, which deteriorated so much in the California sun that we junked it. No Mustang IIs were exhibited. They were pretty tame--mine was 6.

Great report, Frank. The surprise gift now has a high value - the artist has it on his site at over $1500. Wonder who in the group picked up that print years ago to pass on to the group?

The Santa Clara club has always been an active group. Glad to hear that they are traveling long distance.

I'll have to tell my son about the no attendance record for the Mustang II. None of his are "tame"

---------------- M E R G E D ---------------

Vincent,
Thanks for the photos. I especially like the seeing the 59 color - it's the closest I've seen to the 04 VMG.

[Red T-Bird]

At about 10:00 on Sunday morning two guys came around in a golf cart and put a large tube containing the print in each of the new T-birds that were at the show. No idea who they were affiliated with and never got a chance to talk to them.

[Retro-Green]

I wish I knew who gave the print to us as well, so I can thank them! Very nice surprise.


Vincent,
Thanks for the photos. I especially like the seeing the 59 color - it's the closest I've seen to the 04 VMG.

Thanks Dot! I talked to the owners of the '59, and they said it was still the original factory mint green. They kept it in fantastic condition. We were both surprised at how close our colors matched -- the '04 VMG paint has a pearlescent quality to it that the '59 paint does not, but other than that, the color itself is nearly identical. Ford did a great job of duplicating the vintage color! After seeing my car, the '59 owners said that they definitely wanted to get an '04 VMG, so they could have a matching set of old and new mint green Birds.

[BirdBlue]

Hey FFFers!

I was very impressed with all your rides! I loved meeting all the TBNers and their significant others (PINKIE). It was a great show and I learned a lot about "our" cars. One thing I didn't learn tho' (hmmmmm) is where to get those cool appliques for aroung the instrument panel, air ducts etc. rodeknyt had a beautiful marble-like detail and was it Red Bird Dave who had the stainless steel? I wanna have it on my ride!!! Where are they available? Great people and cars. Too big for just one day. They should make it two days and we would have the time to PARTY!!! Can't wait for Desert Thunder!? When is that anyway??? Pinkie, you can get married then in one of those intimate little chapels with the velvet Elvis artwork! Hope to see you guys again soon! TV :pinkie:

[archiea]

Yeah, sorry I missed you guys... I had family obligations....

Some good news, i think I'll be making it to Thunder Fever if I survive the drice.. any other cali 'tweeters heading over?

[Steve Legel]

REPORT FROM THE FIELD: FABULOUS FORDS FOREVER, KNOTT’S BERRY FARM
submitted to the various Tbird club newsletters
BY: STEVE LEGEL


The only thing better than a great car show on a perfectly sunny day, is a great car show on a fabulous day with flawless travel to and from the event. Such was my experience attending the 20th Fabulous Fords Forever show at the Knott’s Berry Farm, near Los Angeles, California, April 17, 2005. My flight out of Detroit on low cost Spirit Airlines left on time, was smooth and arrival at LAX was uneventful. My carry on in hand, I boarded the courtesy shuttle, which pulled up to the curb, just as I exited the terminal. The shuttle whisked me to the nearby Clarion, where I had reserved a low cost room on line via Travelocity. The Clarion had recently purchased the hotel from Quality Inn and all the rooms had been upgraded...very nice. I noticed during my brief shuttle ride, that the Thrifty car rental off airport pick up center was only a block away from the Clarion. The next morning I enjoyed my complimentary coffee and walked the one block to pick up my rental car. I had reserved a one day, low cost, compact, online, and Thrifty provided me a brand new (1200 miles) Dodge Neon which ran smooth and comfortable. The Thrifty agent was helpful in improving my Mapquest directions and I easily negotiated the early Sunday morning Los Angeles traffic to Knott’s Berry Farm. As I was trying to stay on Michigan time for my short west coast stay, I arrived 3 hours early for the park opening. Adult admission with parking is $48.00. Classic Fords had already began to line up along Beach Boulevard. Since I was way too early to enter as a spectator, I chose breakfast at the IHOP and requested a window seat overlooking Beach Blvd and the arrival of the Fords. I am unsure which I enjoyed more, the pancakes and sausage or the giddy smile on my face watching the arrival of the nostalgic Fords, many Thunderbirds included. Still too early to enter the park, I left my rental car at the IHOP and walked ‘round the corner, at la Palma, to see where all the cars were headed. Only a short two blocks away was the entrance for the show, and abundant spectator parking was available off site at the Kirkorian Place Mall. Once my car was parked for the day, I was able to walk to the show field, enter at no charge and deliver the promotional materials, provided by Dave Marchand, the Thunderbird and Mustang club liaison from Ford Motor Company. Dave had provided a large number of front window decals for the Mustang and Thunderbird clubs. In fact, the delivery filled most all my suitcase. The promotions were well received and quickly scooped up.

The show, now in its 20th year is a tribute to Ford Motor Company cars. It takes nearly 4 hours to register and position the 1800 entries to the show. Bill Somsack, has served as a part of the organizing crew for many years, and relates how the show started with only 35 cars on a back lawn, attended only by owners with no spectators able to find the venue. The show has grown large and its reputation far reaching. License plates from many outlying California counties as well as many out of state plates were to be seen on the show field. I have attended the Centennial Celebration at Ford World Headquarters, and Carlisle Pennsylvania’s All Ford Nationals, and I must say, the selection, depth and breadth of this display rivals these other venues. Nostalgia is clearly in the air, as well as that favorite aroma of V8 exhaust. By midmorning, bar-b-que was underway, and a DJ filled the air with oldies rock and roll. Fab Fords is truly a festive event. There is no swap meet and the only automotive vendors are Ford subsidiaries and contractors, such as Ford Racing, Saleen and Shelby Cobra, all with big, trailered, displays. Smaller booths were set up for Motor World books, Edmons.com, Legendary Fords magazine, and tents for each of the car clubs in attendance. The show fields were divided, one smaller and more intimate displaying last year’s winners (including a black 1956 Thunderbird), a selection of Fords made famous on TV and movie and three rows, nearly 30, of Thunderbirds representing the generations of Thunderbird, culminating in the display of George Watts’ first production Thunderbird and the new 50th Anniversary Special Edition Cashmere Thunderbird. Among the famous Fords on display were Sonny and Cher’s Barris customized Mustangs, Thelma and Louise convertible Thunderbird, Starsky and Hutch’s Torino, Steve Mc Queen’s Bullitt Mustang and Nicolas Cage’s Elenour. Also on display here was the white 56 Thunderbird driven by Suzanne Summers in the movie American Grafitti.

Back on the main field there were a
Million Mustangs
Bevy of Broncos
Flurry of Falcons
Tons of T birds
Line of Lincolns
Forty Ford Focus
Plenty of Pickups
Rows of Rancheros
Cluster of Cobras
Skyful of Galaxies
Eleven Edsels
Curious Comets
Fabulous Fairlanes
Perky Pintos

Pretty much...most all the Ford products, although notably absent were Mustang II, or any Thunderbird model years 1975 through 1984. Among notable orphans were Ford Panteras, Sunbeam Tigers (remember Get Smart?), Mercurs, Econoline Vans (where the front seat and steering wheel sits ahead of the front wheels), an original and a contemporary Marauder, some 1980's Fairmonts. War years cars were in short supply, and only a handful of antique Ford products made the show. Several interesting models caught my eye, including the few retractables, a very cool and very long
1970 Country Squire wagon. Several early Fords, now built up as vintage So Cal hot rods, were in attendance. Do you remember Twin I Beam suspensions? A generational tribute to the many Ford Series pickups engaged my interest. Ford Probe owners mustered a decent showing with their vertical mounted door handles, flip up headlights, and long wrap around back side lights.

Among Mustang owners, a generational divide existed as well as the differentiated parking areas. Classic 64 and 65 Mustangs were parked in one area, the muscle era late 60's through 70/71 Mustangs were parked in another. The 1980s generations Mustangs were largely abandoned and yet another parking area was dedicated to the late 1990's and current performance Mustangs and Cobras. Clearly there were more gray beards among the former and more flat bellies and tattoos among the latter. The Ford Broncos had the third largest attendance after Mustangs and Thunderbirds, some clean and well restored, most proudly bearing the scars of off road use of these hallmark SUVs. The few diamonds in the rough and works in progress brought onlookers and advice givers. I suppose, had power tools been available, the restorations might have been completed that very day!

My dear readers, and followers of my “Reports from the Field” will think this is all well and good, however they are wondering about the Thunderbirds. And rightly so, my report will now be so directed.

[Steve Legel]

My dear readers, and followers of my “Reports from the Field” will think this is all well and good, however they are wondering about the Thunderbirds. And rightly so, my report will now be so directed.
Nearly 100 Little Birds were in attendance represented by members of the Southern California, and Santa Clara chapters, among other groups and independents. George Wetherlie’s 408 mile Willow 57 was on display. A bouquet of colors embellished the row of predominantly red, white and black baby birds. Notably a Gun Metal Grey, 3 Thunderbird Bronze a couple Coral Sands, a few Willow Green and Starmist Blues were to be seen. Peacock Blue, but no Dresden Blue and variations of 1955 Thunderbird Blue were also to be seen. Inca Golds made a splash, and a couple Dusk Rose and Sage Greens were to be seen. One of the Dusk Rose cars is a diamond in the rough, complete with story board describing the purchase of the car intended for their daughter when she comes of age. The car has been in family storage for 16 years. Fiesta Red and Torch Red were parked side by side. CHARYL DUFF visited with me and proudly told the story of their original owner white 1957 Thunderbird, which they “drove off the showroom floor.” Some race modified Early birds were there also.

SHANE DARLINGTON brought a work in progress, 1957 Thunderbird. His car received more attention than any other car on display, at the 2005 Fabulous Ford Forever. Shane’s car belonged to his dad, purchased in 1962. Worked on, and customized to the standards of the day including streamlined door handles, woodgrain contact paper, shag carpeting and lime green paint at one time. Shane remembers riding in the car as a little boy. His dad passed away 15 years ago and the car has sat largely unattended. Recently, Shane invested in new fuel, brakes and cooling system and was able to get the car out to the show. It is his intention to continue tinkering with the car, primarily for enjoyment. The car shows typical dog leg and quarter panel rust, but its well aligned, never hit panels and easy closing doors make this a prime restoration candidate!

Clearly outnumbered, the remaining generations of Thunderbirds included a garnet 63 customized with porthole roof, a pink low riding 63 heavily chromed under the hood and a drag strip ready 63 with massive blower protruding through the hole in the hood. Square birds were in attendance, one with sunroof and another in goth flat black laquer paint. Two 67 to 69 vintage 4 doors were on the field and a long nosed black 71 was impressive with its mirror like finish on the huge black body panels. There were no late 70's and early 80's Thunderbirds present but two nearly identical, vintage 1885 Aero birds and 16 1990's generation of super, turbo and SC coupes arrived that day.

Retro birds were organized by local ThunderbirdNest member Red Bird Dave, who rounded up a Desert Sky Blue, a Coral Bond edition, 5 red of various years, a Platinum, 2 Vintage Mint Green, 2 Inspiration Yellow, 1 2002 Thunderbird Blue, 1 white, one Pacific Coast Roadster and 1 50th anniversary 2005 black held their own row on the field. The Saleen BONSPPED Thunderbird settled in among its contemporaries.

Other notable happenings of the day included the presentation of the George Watts award to Leslie Piano and his Willow 57 Thunderbird. Same owner 36 years and has attended all 20 Fab Ford shows.

All the way from Detroit was Ron Hitter displaying his Starmist 57 in the 50th anniversary celebration display, and Roger Hayman, visiting family that live locally in southern California. Along with yours truly, our group from the American Road Thunderbird Club posed for photo op by Ron’s car.

Some Thunderbird owners received the John Marsh Ford Design Team lithograph and 02 Thunderbird was pictured alongside Mustang for the 2005 commemorative show T shirt. The 02 Thunderbird was also used for the 2003 18th commemorative shirt and a 55 Thunderbird was spotted on the 1998 13 Fab Ford show t shirt.

Submitted April 2005,
Steve Legel

[FEsTbird]

Great report Steve. I had hoped to meet you, but we missed one another I guess. I certainly agree with your analysis of the Mustang show organization.

I have written an email to John Marsh to see if we can track down the source of the lithographs. It will be interesting to hear from him.

Right behind our end of the retrobird line were the 53 and 54 Fords--interesting to talk to those folks. My first Ford was a 53--but we didn't have much money, so it was the bottom of the line 6, all rubber floor coverings and no radio. However, it was better than walking (and the 47 Chev with vacuum shift that I learned to drive in).

[yelobird2002]

Steve, was curious if you got any pictures of the vintage 1885 Aero Birds.

[5bird7]

I wish I knew who gave the print to us as well, so I can thank them! Very nice surprise.
Thanks Dot! I talked to the owners of the '59, and they said it was still the original factory mint green. They kept it in fantastic condition. We were both surprised at how close our colors matched -- the '04 VMG paint has a pearlescent quality to it that the '59 paint does not, but other than that, the color itself is nearly identical. Ford did a great job of duplicating the vintage color! After seeing my car, the '59 owners said that they definitely wanted to get an '04 VMG, so they could have a matching set of old and new mint green Birds.

I am vindicated!!! I knew the 04 VMG paint didn't look like a flat paint !:bouncing:

It's too bad the Vintage owners didn't know about the 04 VMG until after production ended on them. Maybe there would have been more VMGs built!

Thanks, Steve, for the excellent report on the day.

[Steve Legel]

sorry, most pic for Tbird club newsletters are of Early birds, retro birds and me.
Steve

[Red Bird Dave]

Well FFF 2006 is almost here!

Karen and I will leave on Thursday and drive down Hy 101, our goal is to stay in Simi Valley that night , visit the Reagan Library Friday morning, we went last year but the Air Force One exhibit wasn't open yet. You can actually walk through the plane Reagan used.

We will be at the Marriott in Buena Park. We would love to have dinner either Saturday night or Sunday with any of you. There seem to be interest in doing so previously.

Red Bird Dave

[archiea]

I got my confurmation yesterday -- So I'm in. I'll see you all there.

...how does one actually get their confirmation?

[Red Bird Dave]

Arch,
If you sent in the entry fee you should get a colored rear view mirror tag. If you didn't send in an entry fee you can still attend just not be able to park in the show.

Red Bird Dave

[archiea]

well.... I sent it in last week before the deadline :bigsmile: but I wonder if it was sold out by that time. I guess I;ll have to sit and check my mail with my fingers crossed.

thanks dave..

[Ken]

Archiea,
Hope you get your FFF confirmation, I would enjoy meeting you. I will be attending the show but I won't be taking the Bird. I will be taking my '66 Fairlane GTA.

Ken

[SugarDaddy]

well.... I sent it in last week before the deadline :bigsmile: but I wonder if it was sold out by that time. I guess I;ll have to sit and check my mail with my fingers crossed.
thanks dave..


Archie, as of today, the FFF website says they are sold out(I checked today). So watch your mailbox. Look for some mail that has a red colored tag that you hang from your rear view mirror. Don't put it on though, until after you enter the Knott's Berry Farm grounds.

[SugarDaddy]

We will be at the Marriott in Buena Park. We would love to have dinner either Saturday night or Sunday with any of you. There seem to be interest in doing so previously.
Red Bird Dave
Sorry, Dave.
We will not be able to go to dinner with the group Saturday night. We will be baby-sitting our grand-daughters in Tustin, while my daughter and son-in-law go to an out-of-town wedding. Sunday night, we will be with the family in Tustin.

[SugarDaddy]

According to the FFF website, the event will be held rain or shine at Knott's Berry Farm. It might be a wet one, everyone, so be prepared. Take care traveling.
We will be heading south on Saturday morning, April 8. Hope the creek don't rise! :bigsmile:

[Red Bird Dave]

Jerry,
Sorry we won't be dining, but it will be good to see you at the show.

Dave

[rolllo]

Jerry
We will meet up with you and Kim Saturday morning in Bakersfield,

I sent a PM to you


Dave

[SugarDaddy]

Jerry
We will meet up with you and Kim Saturday morning in Bakersfield,

I sent a PM to you


Dave

Got it. Sent you a PM back.
See you Saturday in B-Town.

[SugarDaddy]

Red Bird Dave,

Do you have any idea how many TBNr's will be attending FFF this weekend, either as entries or spectators?

Is there a participant list anywhere on TBN?

Right now I only know of these T-Bird participants:

Entries:
Red Bird Dave (Dave & Karen)
SugarDaddy with SugarBabe (Jerry & Kim)
rolllo (Dave & Cherie)
Red T-Bird (Kaye & Mary)

Possible Spectators:
Archie
Ken

If there are any others, please let us know in this thread.

[Red T-Bird]

We'll also be there as participants.

[SugarDaddy]

We'll also be there as participants.
O.K. Kaye. I added you to the list above.
See you Sunday. :bigsmile:

[archiea]

I will be there, but only as a spectator.. Should i take the bird or the saturn> ;P

[SugarDaddy]

I will be there, but only as a spectator.. Should i take the bird or the saturn> ;P

Hey, Archie,

What happened to you? I never did see ya there.
Did'ya sneak in without paying? Oops, I forgot, there was no fee for spectators.

There were over a 1000 vehicles there. I saw some mighty fine Ford vehicles there, with lots of Fords, Mustangs, T-Birds, Mercs, Lincolns, Broncos and other Ford-built vehicles. There were even Ford-built vehicles there that were built across the Big Pond.

For you racing fans, they had the following race team haulers there:
1. Ford Racing (They brought a bunch of their racing engines to look at, and had a video of racing)
2. Carroll Shelby Racing (There were a lot of Shelby Cobra race cars there and Shelby Mustangs)
3. Roush Racing (There were a lot of privately-owned Roush Mustangs and other Roush cars there)
4. Saleen Racing (Steve Saleen was there signing autographs, and they had the Saleen race cars and Mustangs there)