Good-by dear friend, until we meet again!

It was a picture perfect Saturday morning on the outskirts of Plumville. A mile long procession of Model A Fords, fire trucks, and other vehicles under police escort had arrived at the peaceful hill top cemetery. Under the shade of a large red oak tree the loved ones of Jimmy Goodwin gathered by his grave side to pay their last respects. Tears flowed freely as the bagpipes played and the final dispatch sounded from his brethren fire fighters.
The morning had been a fitting tribute to a man who had worked so hard to be a good son, brother, husband, teacher, fire fighter, civic leader, businessman, and friend. The pastor, though grief stricken, was eloquent in using Jim’s life as an opportunity to reach those still in need of the eternal peace Jim had achieved. For seventy-eight years Jim demonstrated a passion for life and love for his fellow man. It was easy to picture him in the shadow of the pearly gates with those gone on before, entertaining them with his adventures passing through this world, just as he had with us.
As the service came to an end the Model A drivers lingered awhile to allow the modern vehicles to exit at their own pace. As it often happens, two of the old cars decided this was a good place to test the character of their drivers. One needed a peck on the carburetor to release the float, the other demanded a fan belt be replaced. “Wouldn’t Jim have loved this?” asked one, as he pulled a new belt from the trunk.
“Yes,” came the reply, “but he would have them both fixed by now and be a mile down the road.”
As a final tribute a long time friend respectfully slipped the worn out fan belt into the grave and we said good-by to our dear friend with a familiar “AAOOGAH”. You were a good man Jim Goodwin and you will be missed

From the Secretary:
Our week at the 2005 MARC National Meet in Indianapolis was very enjoyable but also a lot of work. Each member spent time at the CKMARC booth promoting our spring membership meet. We answered a lot of questions and sold over a thousand dollars worth of shirts, hats and raffle tickets. The clothing items were very popular, selling out by the second day. If you missed out on them, don’t worry, we’re ordering more.
We met at the Kubiks last Thursday for a progress report. Committee chairman agreed to have information for our first ad in the Model A News ready by the next meeting which will be at the Kubiks Thursday, August 4th at 6:30.
Congratulations to Martha and Jerry Baker on their first grandbaby,
Andrew Grant Baker. Also to Allan and Gail Wickersham who welcomed grandbaby Lilly recently. We expect to see photos the next time we meet.
We are thankful to have Nancy Swisher and Donnie Hanks able to travel with us again.

From the President:
Last week was a sad one as we learned of the passing of our good friend Jim Goodwin. However his funeral Saturday was a true celebration of his life by the many people he had influenced over the years. It’s encouraging to see a community honor those who have given so much during a lifetime. We’re thankful for all the good times we shared and the many things he taught us. Continue to pray for Garneda, his wife and soul mate for nearly sixty years, also Carl, Ramona and the rest of the family, as they deal with their loss.
We want to welcome Bob and Ann Green to our club. They are from Cynthiana, KY, hopefully they will join us on a tour soon. The Greens bring our total number of memberships to sixty one.
We have had some great tours this summer thanks to the efforts of our members. The picnic was a big success, we appreciate the hospitality of Henry and Sandy Petit our hosts. It’s always a pleasure to see that hill top covered with old cars.
Thanks to Roy and Anna Williams for leading our group on the Cincinnati tour and to the Rabbit Hash General Store on the Ky. side of the river. We enjoyed having some of the members from the Ohio Valley Region travel with us. It’s always fun having someone from the area share the places they have explored.
Darrell and Joan Webb laid out our route to the National Meet in Indianapolis this year and did a super job with it. On the way up we spent some time in the resort town of French Lick, Indiana and on the way home we spent a day exploring the vacation area of Brown County.
The week at the nationals went by way to fast. It’s always incredible to be around that many Model A Fords and the people who are crazy about them. We appreciate Jack and Linda Kubik for making the trip twice to transport all our exhibit material there. They’re doing a great job keeping us on track for our meet.

TECH TIP

Just a few last words regarding radiator and cooling difficulties. A few weeks ago I had my "A" radiator converted to a pressurized system. Pro Radiator, 1300 W. Main St., 253-0889, Lexington, did the work. I used an original radiator; had it cleaned and pressure tested. The filler neck and the overflow tube were sealed and a new filler neck installed in the upper reservoir under the hood. The unit was pressure tested again at 12 psi to ensure no leakage of the solder joints and core. I used a 4 lb. pressure cap and a 160 degree thermostat. Pressurizing does not seem like a big deal but you must also remember to use a rubber seal in the rear water pump bearing and front packing nut. (If you don't you will squirt hot water all over the place.)
If any one is interested, Pat Blair, owns Pro Radiator. He will clean and pressure test your radiator. If the radiator is sound the conversion will cost about $80. If the unit is bad it will be returned at "no charge." Pat can recore your radiator with a four tube core (the original was a three tube) and do the conversion for about $200.
The Model A, non-pressurized cooling system works wonderfully well ... no thermostat and no pressure cap.
Converting to a pressurized system and using a thermostat does have its advantages: quicker warm up and use of a modern coolant without the fear of "foaming" and getting coolant all over the windshield and engine compartment. Another advantage, important to anyone running a high compression head at 6 or above, is engine operating temperature consistency. I have been playing with Model B engines ... 75 - 100 horsepower and 3500+ rpm. Consistency is everything, including operating temperature with "old iron."