President’s Message 2022

November 2022

We have an interesting program presented by the two owners, Maury Domengeaux and Steve Schlosareck that are rebuilding the stand alone building in Martindale that was once a Hupmobile dealership. It is across the street next to the vacant lot. It should be enlightening.
You will want to hear it.

Well, for those of you that missed it, the Johnson City Tour was a good one. The weather was
beautiful, a coat needed at first and then peeled layers as the day went on. Steve’s cinnamon rolls were something else! Joyce Shierlow accompanied Peggy and me. Her stories of tours in her past indicate how we are small pikers compared to their trips to Tennessee, north Texas, and other places, actually driving there in Model T’s. Seeing Steve and Cathie’s home was fun. Seeing Steve’s “stuff” and projects was great, cars, boats, and other toys.
The roads were all paved, devoid of traffic, interesting country.

The pace was “just right” for Bill Stephen’s TT, plus the other cars, Steve’s Touring, my
Touring, Randy’s Coupe, Jeff’s enclosed, Steve’s friend’s old truck, and Wayne’s open early T.
The touring etiquette was well adhered to and Cathie followed to see that we all made the turns. We had no breakdowns.

Lunch in Johnson City was prompt, good, and in the back area where we were all together.

The motorcycle museum was quite nice and interesting. We drove a total of 59 miles quite
pleasantly.

Thank you Steve and Cathie for putting it on.

Our November meeting is coming soon, Nov. 15 at the Catfish Parlor. We will receive the
nominating committee report, hear car stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

Alex Gillman is going to be on leave in late December. Perhaps we could set up a lunch get
together to have the opportunity to visit with him and catch up.

The Christmas party plans are now set. We will go to Martindale we were before, gather at
11:00, Dec.10. Thanks Carlton. Britanie Olvera is in charge aided by Joe Pinnelli. Thank you
both.

If you have not paid your annual dues, please do so by bringing the money to the meeting or
sending it to Jan, $ 15.00.

My Model A is still off at Ross’s for engine refresh. The latest news is a crack in the block so a different one is being researched. The 21 T threw a crank pulley pin at the end of the Johnson City tour but had no ill effects. I made another and cotter keyed it in. A new to me enclosed trailer is in my driveway which portends some interesting opportunities in the future.

It was fun to see Rob and Juan at the October meeting.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening Nov. 15.

Tom Romberg
President

October 2022

The 45thTexas T Party was fun and quite successful for all concerned, I believe. Based out of Hallettsville, Texas we drove 284 miles over 4 days. The venues were interesting and fun to visit. Peggy and I tolerated the gravel roads. Of course, there were more than we would have liked, but that was what was available. There was something like 92 cars signed up. Peggy navigated for me and after we got the hang of the way the instructions were written, we did fine with them. The Vulture wagons were not needed in all but a very few cases. The weather, the food, and for the most part the people were all good.

Joe Pinnelli, Pat Goodson, two of his brothers in law, and even his father in law for one day, Wayne Mimms, plus Jim Ferguson all were along. Next year the plan is to go to Rockport.
Our minitour is planned for Saturday, October 22nd. It will give you a chance to see Steve Witt’s toys, cars, and shop. Plan on being there and driving to Johnson City for good food and the Motorcycle Museum. See the details of the notice in this letter.

Pat Goodson has volunteered to cook on another minitour when we put it together. You surely will want to attend that one too.

The nominating committee will give its report at the meeting.

By next month’s meeting the general election will have occurred. The democratic form of government we have is a participatory one. Every citizen may vote and should, to make the result truly reflect the will of the majority. Please Vote! Then accept and support the winners.

This month John Anderson has the program and will enlighten us upon the 50 millionth Model T that was manufactured.

On my 1921 Touring, I lost the voltage from the magneto during the tour. I don’t know of an efficient way to get it back other than take the engine out. Looks like I will run on the battery for a while. Probably because of the rough roads my muffler twisted out and let the tailpipe come loose from it. Fortunately, I was able to twist it back together and drive on quietly. When I got home, I redid the connection and the mount of the muffler, which I trust will be better. I also tightened the clutch pressure fingers midway through the tour per instruction from Ross Lilliker, without breaking or dropping a cotter key into the transmission. The clutch is good and firm now. Jim Ferguson gave me some advice on the adjustment of the hi/lo pedal position, which I was able to accomplish after getting back home. In addition, I backed off of the low band setting and now neutral is quite happy to sit there. The neutral arm was a little loose so I have fully bolted it to the shaft for a much steadier mounting.

I suppose that you have concluded along with me that one of the reasons we drive these cars is to see what is wrong with them, and with the drivers!
I look forward to seeing you at the supper/meeting on Tuesday evening.

Tom Romberg, President

September 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,

The days are getting shorter and the mornings a little cooler. Isn’t it nice? Football games are happening. Someone asked if I went to the game last Saturday. I said yes I went to the LHN game (Longhorn Network game). It was great.

This month’s program is going to be presented by J. C. Carter with pictures from a very early Texas T Party Tour. Some of you will see your car or yourself in some of them.
Some of us are planning to go on this year’s Texas T Party based in Hallettsville on September 28-31. Join us! If not, wish us good weather and good cheer.

Randy Brown and I met at Glen Gilman’s to go to school and “help” on putting the transmission back together Sunday, September 4th. We failed the class, but luckily Randy brought a spare transmission, which appears to be in good shape. Glen is ordering a puller and some support pieces for the press assembly and maybe he will invite us to “help” again and hope for better results!

My Model A has gone to school at College Station (Ross Lilleker’s) after developing an oil leak from the flywheel cover. The suggested cause was a worn rear main bearing allowing too much oil to pass through it. After removing the pan and the rear main bearing cap, it revealed that the bearing cap babbit was cracked. Other telltale signs were a stopped up oil pump screen, sludge in the bottom of the pan, and chunks of babbit in the upper pan. So, the oil leak was the sign that it was time for the engine to be “freshened up” by Ross.

With the fall advancing, it is time for a tour! We are planning one for October 22 starting at our hosts, Steve and Cathy Witt in Spicewood. After gathering for “coffee and donuts” beginning at 9:00 a.m., we plan to drive Model T roads to Johnson City. There we will visit the Motorcycle Museum followed by lunch. Then we will tour back to the Witt’s. Plan to bring your cars and join us for a fun tour.

This past week, I found a good mechanic for my friend’s Kawasaki Mule, West Austin Power Sports Service. I will share the experience with anyone who wishes to hear it.

September 1, Peggy, and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary followed by her 81st birthday on the 6th (I married an older woman!). Those events were fun. We are blessed to be in good health and have so many years!

See you Tuesday for our supper, if you wish, and our meeting.

Tom Romberg, President

August 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,

August is upon us and the hot summer of 2022 continues. The good news is that fall is now closer and hope springs eternal that it will bring some desperately needed rain and then cooler weather.

Thank you Jeff for the notification that Roger Spillers has died. Thank you also for those who shared kind words of his friendship, talent, and value to us all.

Our program this month will be given by my brother Arnold Romberg sharing his life history along the lines of an antique car runs through it. It has included an old Chevrolet through to Pearce Arrows. He has two Pearces for sale now to accommodate his “downsizing”.

The Romberg family took part in the West Lake Hills July 4th parade with four vehicles (a 1958 tractor, a 1921 Touring, a 1923 Depot Hack, and a 1929 Model A Sport Roadster). It was great fun with no mishaps, until on the way home, I led in the tractor and heard my daughter yelling my name behind me from the Model A, holding the transmission shift rod up in the air! Luckily they were in gear and managed to make it to our house even though there were two hills to climb to get there.

The A now has a new rebuilt transmission tower and works fine.

Peggy and I enjoyed a trip to the United Kingdom and Norway for 19 days in July, which stretched from the Isle of Wight to the North Kape of Norway, 15 days of which were on board the Viking Venus with many ports of call and excursions. The weather was 95% sunshine and cool. I can now share with you some new knowledge about King Crab, reindeer, the Ididarod huskies, black smithing, and running antique ship’s engines.

I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening.

Tom Romberg, President

July 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,

I’m so sorry folks but I tried to get a President’s Message but did not.

Tom Romberg, President

June 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,

By the time that you will be reading this, Peggy and I will have been in the Kerrville area with the National Model A Tour and maybe survived the high temperatures. It is crazy to even think about it! They are expecting 200 or so cars, so the “just looking” ought to be fun. I suspect that whatever “touring” we do will be in the mornings before it gets too hot. In expectation of the lots of sunshine and the high temperatures I checked out the cost and availability of putting on a new light colored top on the A. Noting that it would be fairly, expensive, I visited the local paint store and bought some to create a do it yourself top for a cooler ride. I think that it turned out ok and surely going from black to the lighter color will be more comfortable. I will give you a report at the meeting.

This month’s program is going to be Daniel Bratcher sharing his present activity of restoring Model Ts. His shop in Floresville is titled Timeless Ts. He has full capacities, including engine rebuilding complete with babbit pouring and line boring. You will recall that he donated the brake transmission drum to Alex Gilman for his now painted 1921 Center Door. If I remember correctly, Alex is off to basic training by the time of our meeting. We wish him well.

Speaking of hot rides, we are noting the July 4th Martindale Parade under the charge of Carlton Carl and the cool ice cream social July 9th at the Brunner Ranch. I am still desirous of taking a morning tour ride that Saturday before the social if we can get it together with a route and a leader.

My new garage project is finished and as of Memorial Day week-end has the remainder of Tony Temple’s tools in it. I was subsequently able to wire in a 220v plug for the 6.5 h.p. air compressor and have enjoyed the 165 p.s.i. air source. Things are getting organized and lots of drawers are filled and even have labels. I certainly am enjoying it. After last month’s meeting advice, I was able to obtain and install the two part epoxy to the floor, which beautified and sealed the concrete floor. I chose a light sandy color to keep things bright and to be able to see what I drop on the floor. Because the garage is insulated throughout, even without air-conditioning, it is tolerable to work there, even on these super-hot days.

I look forward to being with you Tuesday evening, June 21 for supper, the meeting, and program. Maybe hobbling Joe at the meeting will grace us too.

Tom Romberg, President

May 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,

Well, it was good to hear about the Elgin Sesquicentennial celebration and information from Debbie Cartwright at our last meeting. Alex brought his brake transmission drums so we could see the difference in the worn one and a good one for show and tell. Interesting what you can learn from Model T people.

This month we will hear about the 12,000 square foot building in Martindale that is being restored. Maybe we will also hear a little about Martindale itself too. But you can’t have the information if you do not show up.

Three cars went on the Martindale to Lockhart tour last Saturday. It was fun. There was a movie being shot in Martindale. No breakdowns occurred with the cars. Bob and Karen Ross followed in their modern. Alex and his family followed and ate with us at Smitty’s. Pat got to drive Joe’s TT on the longer return trip to Martindale. Good food and conversation was had. Alex and his girlfriend rode back with us in my ‘21 Touring. Ask John Anderson about the excitement when some vehicles were trying to pass the Model Ts when there wasn’t really a long enough clear stretch. I understand that Joe gave Alex a “drive the model T” lesson in his TT after the tour. Both of them were pleased to be doing that, Joe and Alex.

Joe ,of course, provided lots of Martindale historical and restoration stories throughout the day.

Sonny House met us at the restaurant in Lockhart in a T but did not tour with us.

So, see what fun you missed? Hot weather did not actually set in until the return trip, but what is a little sweat in Texas.

Peggy rode with me, so she was my good luck charm.

Come join us Tuesday and share your Model T stories. You might learn something of great importance, or not, or maybe just share an interesting something.
Brent Mize reports that the rebuilt coils that I sent him arrived safely. He claimed that the two that he had previously restored just needed the nuts tightened down. He will rebuild mine. When they come back, George and I will retest them to verify that they are good to go.
I can share a tale about Not putting a filter in the fuel line of a model A.

Tom Romberg, President

April 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,
Well, it has been an active month of T activity in this household. We did a second tech session with Alex Gillman. We went on the T Fords of Texas Overnight Tour to Hunt. I delivered a part to Alex for his transmission. There is a story to tell about visiting the Brunner Museum and service shop. If you have not seen it, you need to make a plan to do so. I understand that George is trying to pick a date for another ice cream social. And there is more to that story. I went to clean my extra spark plugs and to test eight ignition coils. Three failed the test. Ask me about the rest of the story.

Now the 44th Texas T Party announcement is out. We have a tour scheduled with Joe on May 7 from Martindale to Lockhart. You will want to join that one. It is an easy drive and the bar-b-que is good. We probably need to review our draft touring etiquette suggestions.
Debbie Cartwright is going to enlighten us about Elgin’s sesquicentennial for our program next Tuesday, April 19. That should be interesting.

If people will remember, we can reinstate “show and tell” if members will bring something that is interesting to them and share with the club.

My garage is delightfully insulated and now needs to be sheet rocked.

Joe may join us Tuesday, but he is still hobbling around with hip issues. Al is still in the hospital with Legionnaire’s infection in a knee, of all things. What a tough road he has had!
Come see us on Tuesday and share what is going on in your life, particularly with your Model T.

Tom Romberg, President

March 2022

Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,
Well Spring is busting out slowly with the Redbuds blooming and even a few fruit trees. Time to go touring in our Model Ts!

I have had some grumbling from some of us about moving the meeting a week. It seems that us older folks get set in our ways and do not care for anything that disturbs our routines. OK, I promise that I will not move the meeting date again.

The reason for the move was to accommodate Jill and Pat’s float trip down the Rio Grande. I planned the beautiful weather for them after I made them cold on the first Friday.

I hope that they are having a great time as this is written. I also hope that one or both of them will come to the meeting and share some of the highlights of this year’s trip with us.

John Anderson has a good program set for us with a look back at the Brunner ice cream social from 10 years ago and a story on the first public road built 100 years ago. I bet that you will enjoy what he brings to share.

The Tech Session, or Restoration Clinic that we held at Alex’s Oma’s home getting acquainted with and assisting upon the project of his 1921 Center Door was from my point of view a great success. Besides getting acquainted with the status of the project and the inventory of parts, we helped with a start upon assessing the engine state and beginning to reassemble it.

Randy brought some parts that were greatly appreciated. If Alex will provide us a list of other parts that are needed, I bet that some or all of them will show up.

It was nice to see so many club members attend also.

We are still pursuing a program upon the Lake Austin river boat Commodore. I have recently discovered a path to communicate with both a once upon a time captain and also the owner. I hope that in the future we can be graced by that program.

Tom Romberg, President

February 2022

CenTex Tin Lizzie Members,
Because we are all vaccinated and boosted and the infection levels are dropping, I have decided that we will have an in person meeting this month, Tuesday, February 15th, at the Ben White Catfish Parlor as usual.

It is interesting to me to notice that the days are getting longer, the temperatures are showing some spring signs, and the itch to drive our Model T’s is showing up again.
Andy Fish has sent some ideas for a tour in and around the Lampasas area that we will explore. The San Antonio Club is planning an overnight tour to Hunt Texas in the spring. Should we plan to join them?
Pat, Joe, and I met for lunch to talk about responsibilities, programs, and perhaps an annual schedule of activities. We will work on those some more.

Tech sessions are still on my mind as a way to learn, share, accomplish improvement or repair for a member car, and another way to enjoy each other’s company. Let me know if you have a suggestion for one or more.

Because of a few nice days, I took my Model A top down and drove it for an errand or two and enjoyed it. One fellow even came back inside at the hardware store to have a conversation about it and ask more questions as well as relate some of his family’s history with Model A cars. This is just another example that driving our cars gives others a chance to see them and comment or ask about the hobby.

It was also fun to come back home and not have to put the top up or cover the car with a tarp but could just drive it into the garage. No, the 3rd window is not here yet, but it is supposedly on the truck being shipped today. The roofing metal is in Spicewood and ready for me to fetch it. So, the project is very slowly making progress. It has certainly been nice having a clean dry place to house two of the cars and the tractor.

We survived this winter’s freeze with only one pipe repair necessity. The truth is that a coupling that I had installed some time ago was not properly solvent welded and was pushed out where a short area was not properly insulated. The repair was promptly made the next morning after the leak was discovered at dark the evening before when it thawed. Could not blame it on anyone but myself. Fortunately, no damage was done. How did you fare in the weather?

We have survived the Covid with Peggy being the only one in our house who contracted it this past month. All three of the young grandsons got it just before then but are well.
Jan reports that the dues are paid by nearly everyone. There are just 2 or 3 that have yet to renew. Thank you for promptly paying the modest dues. [Click here to pay your dues]

I hope to see you all Tuesday.
Tom Romberg President

January 2022

Indeed, it is a shame not to in person meet. However, the benefits do not exceed the risks. We may be able to get our ability to stage a Zoom meeting again and will let you know if that is possible. Please watch your emails for that possibility.

There are some signs that the current wave is peaking so we hold out hope that next month we can in good conscience meet again in person on February 15th.

In the meantime, I have heard from the Houston club that they are looking for ideas and indeed a host club for the 2022 Texas T Party. If you have any ideas of a location, please share them with me and I will pass them on.

I have enjoyed two short drives in “Pieces”, my 1921 Model T Touring, to the hardware store and to get a haircut. It is running well and safely, after I air up the tires to their specified 55 psi. For the most part they hold, but over time they lose some. Because I have to go down a long and somewhat steep hill where I once slid a tire around on the rim and sliced a valve stem, which of course I did not realize until I came back out of the hardware store to observe a flat tire, I am pretty disciplined now to keep them aired up.

How about another shout out on the great work that Pat Goodson and Jill did on the Christmas party! It was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed Jill’s banana bread and hope that she will share the recipe with us. Hearing the Pinnelli and Cartwright stories of the history of the Fleming Hospital was quite a treat also.

Despite some rumors to the contrary, spring is going to come, which presents us with the opportunity to tour with the fun of driving and getting together. Do you have an idea for a tour? Let’s hear it, please.

We also would like to share our knowledge and skills as well as improve them with some tech sessions. Do you know of someone that could benefit from having us visit and hopefully improve or repair a T? Let’s do it.

My garage building project slowly advances. I mean two out of the three windows finally arrived in tact. The third one was shattered when they opened up the truck. Argh! Its replacement is rumored to be here as early as Feb. 7th. In the meantime, I have made a decision to order the metal roofing and see if I can hire a grown grandson, Jackson Carter, whom you met on the Wimberley tour, to install it.

The tractor repair project in the dried in, electrically lit, garage is virtually done successfully. Now, do any of you have a belly mower you would like to sell for that model IH 154 Lo Boy ?

Another T idea that has occurred to me from reading the club magazines, is to reach out to the area high schools and offer to have a T visit and short talk on the history of the Model T. Are any of you interested in that? It is of course an excellent way to have younger folks have an opportunity to see and learn about the Model T. Alex, should we come to your class?

Just some ideas while thinking.
I hope to be able to see you all soon.

Tom Romberg, President