[Shotimes] Convention - can't go!

[Donald Mallinson]

Jim,

I know, it seems unfair that Model A and T owners get more 
parts and lower prices, but they also made 20-50 maybe 100 
times as many of those cars and the aftermarket parts 
network is HUGE.

I think it was Car & Driver that bought an old ford Model A? 
and had it fixed up for a drive across country.  The car 
broke down darn near every day, but no matter where they 
were, country lane or interstate, they always found someone 
that had the part they needed within a few minutes and a few 
miles!  Such is the luck of those that buy cars that were 
built in HUGE numbers and were very popular across the land.

We aren't that lucky.  But we are dedicated just the same to 
having fun and keeping the SHO on the road.

Sure going to miss you at the convention this year.  We now 
have 84 cars signed up!  So this is turning out to be a much 
bigger event that I had hoped for.

But hang in there, next year will be a lot closer to you! 
We will make the announcement at the banquet next month, but 
start planning for July 18-21, 2005, you won't want to miss it!

BUt for now, I have to get back to writing and making copies 
for this year and get packed for the long drive.

As I type, my '96 is at the Ford dealer getting all new 
fluids and a quick check.  New front disks and pads are on 
the way and Ken and I will do a brake bleed/change tomorrow 
and new tires go on Thursday.  By 4th of July the car should 
be polished and waxed and the interior cleaned out.

California Here we come!

Don Mallinson

James White wrote:

> I was in Madison, Wisc., last week on business and as I got near our former
> hoast hotel of last year, I started seeing a bunch of Model A Fords.  Sure
> enough the Model A Restorer's Club was having their annual meet there at the
> same Marriot.
> 
> Here they were, a bunch of car crazy guys and gals having fun with their
> rides, although a lot more were trailered in than our bunch, and all I could
> think of is why I can't go to this year's convention.
> 
> A lot more parts vendors, but strange as it seems, most of the parts were
> less expensive than the same part for our SHOs.  How about $75 for a
> re-manufactured like new head?  $250 for a like new carb and manifold?  OEM
> 60 year old plugs were a bit pricy @ $50/each (in original box).