President’s Message 2023
November 2023
CenTex Tin Lizzie Members Well after griping about the heat this summer, the weather for the T Party was slightly warm, but great. If I can remember, I will bring the book to share. A good thing was also that we had no breakdowns. Joe lost a rear tire to a blow out on the Friday, so he was not able to continue. We enjoyed the Wolcotts from Georgia and Joe, his daughter in law and two other friends for several meals. Next year’s Texas T Party is going to be based in the Kerrville area. I would like to see everyone who is a driver in our club be there.
We are having some conversation with Hugh Hemphill trying to figure out how we can have more sharing between Texas Model T clubs. So far the fear of sharing lists is driving the idea and keeping it from happening. If any of you have an idea of how to make it happen, please share it.
The power failure that occurred at the Catfish Parlor just before the October meeting was a bummer to experience, but we could not help it. My brother Arnold is planning to come back in November to share his story with the Pierce Arrow.
You should have on your calendar the Christmas Party on December 9 in Martindale. A special presentation is scheduled at 11:00 there that morning which you will not want to miss. By the time you read this the Kingsbury Fly-in will have occurred. I hope that many will have gone and enjoyed it. I here that there were a good many club members there.
Peggy and I will have returned from our trip to Greece spending time in Athens and then on board a Viking ship cruising. We hope that we will have good stories to share with you. It was a good trip seeing the antiquities of Greece and one stop in Turkey at Ephesus. I certainly have a great respect for the civilizations, the construction, and the art dating back to 3 to 6 hundred B.C. The weather was wonderful for the whole trip.
I just heard from Steve Bumgarner with the Model T Club International who wanted to know if we were still a going club. His question arose from having my address incorrect, which we straightened out and will be listed in the magazine as well.
Randy reports that Joyce is on the mend. He also reports that at least two of her cars will remain in our area with club members, Steve Witt and Barbara and Gary Baker. Remember we vote on new officers at this meeting. If you bring $ 15.00 per family membership you can pay Treasurer Jan Donnell for 2024 dues. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, November 21 at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White.
Tom Romberg,
President
October 2023
Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,
This year’s summer was so hot and lasted so long that maybe it was the excuse for why we did not do any tours. Now that the weather has changed we are so late in the fall that the calendars are loaded, and it seems that we do not have time to tour. Goodness what a conundrum!
We should plan more tours just for the FUN of it.
Here it is October and I have a new Nominating Committee for this next year’s officers headed by Joe Pinnelli assisted by Randy Brown, and George Brunner.
Just a few of us are off to the Texas T Party this week after the monthly meeting. I wish that more of us were going. Maybe next year we can get the communications better so that everyone can be informed sooner.
This month’s program should be a good one with my brother Arnold Romberg sharing his story about finding and restoring his 1930 Pierce-Arrow Convertible Sedan Model A. No, I am not wrong, even though you may be confused, just as I was when he told me that they made three models that year and his is a model A. To make it even more rare, it has a custom body made by Ray Dietrich. He has a power point presentation to share with us.
Last month’s program by Bill Nalle was very interesting about all the data that today’s cars have being collected onboard. It was also fun to see some of the boats in his collection.
My Model A transmission repair is now almost complete. I have only needed to do some things twice on three occasions!
I have only “lost” a part for over an hour, but finally found it hidden from myself. I bet that none of you have had that problem before!
One nice thing about that activity has been that aside from my initial push with Jim Ferguson’s help, I have done all the work by myself. Of course, that meant that it has taken a long time. I am waiting for the replacement transmission shift tower to be returned from Snyder’s. I inadvertently broke off a corner of the old one. They are replacing it with the internal parts from mine.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, July 17.
Tom Romberg
President
September 2023
Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,
Peggy and I went to LaGrange on Saturday, September 2, to see the Labor Day Parade. Well, in truth we wanted to see one car in the parade, my brother Arnold Romberg’s 1930 Pierce-Arrow Convertible Sedan Model A. No, I am not wrong, even though you may be confused, just as I was when he told me that they made three models that year and his is a model A. To make it even more rare, it has a custom body made by Ray Dietrich. I will try to pass on a couple of still and one video photos of what we saw.
There was only one other antique car in the parade, a Model T Depot Hack.
Arnold almost did not make it in that he was stalling out or if he turned it off he could not restart it because it would flood out. He had not yet connected the choke cable and tried to fake it by having it set partially choked. Fortunately, his daughter fetched a tow rope, and they started it with a tow and then drove the parade. He will share more of his story about the car at our October meeting.
I have had enough “Queen and court of several central Texas small towns,” viewing, thank you!
This month we have the privilege of hearing from Bill Nalle, an Austin native, who has been involved in many Austin activities in his life, which I would like to hear him expound upon, but his main topic and professional activity has been Accident Reconstruction in order to find the cause and of course to assess blame for accidents. I am sure that I will learn a lot on what is a fascinating subject for us automobile drivers. Maybe he will also share his activities restoring two Lincolns.
With the help of Jim Ferguson, I have been able to remove the transmission from my 1929 Model A Ford. After disassembly and inspection, I have confirmed that there were many worn parts which presumably contributed to the “growl in first and second” that it was making. Thus, the effort has not been in vain. It will have virtually every part new inside the tranny when I am through. If I am able to put it back correctly, maybe then it will last a long time, run smoothly, and be quiet. Of course, in the process I have discovered many other items that needed repair which I am attempting as well, to keep me from being bored.
Finally, the triple digit days are breaking, and it will soon be pleasant to go T touring again. The Dyna Bead treatment seems to have helped the front end balance on the 1921 T.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, July19.
Tom Romberg
President
August 2023
Okay, this month you get two questions. How did the time pass so quickly that the August meeting is just next Tuesday when all we have done is try to stay cool in the air conditioning? The second question is how have you balanced your Model T tires? I have driven the 1921 to some of the Physical Therapy sessions (about 9 miles away) and lately noticed an intermittent front wheel wobble. So, I removed the tie rod caps, filed off a few thousandths, greased them up, and reinstalled them. That seemed to help but, not 100%. The king pin bushings and pins appear to be snug.
I then tried to use the bubble balancer that came with Tony Temple’s garage tools, but to no avail. So only then did it occur to me to go modern and look on the computer where I learned about Dyna Bead balancing. Has anyone used them?
Let’s have more discussion about it at the meeting.
I am looking forward to Glen sharing about his activities. I hope that he has a thick skin from the questions that we might have.
Have you signed up for the Texas T Party yet? The deadline is the end of August. Please see the information update later in this newsletter.
Is it really ever going to cool down? My wife bought some shade material because her plants are getting sunburned. We installed it this morning before it got too hot.
Enjoyed going to see the West Lake High School Varsity volleyball game Tuesday evening, which they won in 4 sets against aa good Vandergriff team. Our granddaughter is the West Lake assistant coach and coaches the JV team, which also won.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, August 15.
Tom Romberg
President
July 2023
The question of the month is, ‘How do you change the differential oil in a Model T?’ The answer is ‘by getting it all over you!’ I changed it in the ’21 and the ’29 transmission and differential. The A actually has a drain plug on the differential unlike the T. I also changed the packing on the water pump shaft on the ‘23. Now it is leak free. George Brunner says that I should just get rid of that water pump.
We had three cars in the West Lake Hills Fourth of July Parade. I drove the 1923 Model T Depot Hack. My grandson, Jackson Carter drove the 1921 Model T Touring, and my son in law, Ted Parsons drove the 1929 Model A Sport Coupe. The cloudy morning and slightly cooler day were welcome. There were no problems, and all went well. The only other actually antique auto was a beautiful Auburn convertible. There were several other mid antiques, Thunderbirds, and Chevys, etc. The parade had more total attendees than last year.
Britanie is certainly doing a fine job with the programs this year. The October program is scheduled to be my brother, Arnold Romberg sharing the story of his Pierce Arrow full restoration on a very rare model.
Be sure and talk to her about shirt orders if you are interested.
I think that I have diagnosed that I have to rebuild the Model A transmission. It “growIs” significantly in first and second gear operation. Pulling the transmission is a fair amount of work they say. Actually, working upon it is fairly easy. I have not decided whether I will attempt it or not.
I flushed all three cars with Irontite radiator flush before the parade. That may have contributed to no overheating. I also resealed the overflow tube where it penetrates
the upper radiator tank by cleaning around the joint and then liberally applying JB Weld Steel on the 1923. So far, it has worked.
In a non-car note I had the joy of seeing a male painted bunting at my friend’s ranch 4 miles outside of Marble Falls on Saturday. My Grandmother used to be quite excited when she saw one at her ranch at Bee Cave years ago. This was only the second sighting in my lifetime. Our daughter Maggie Carter actually has them in her yard 5 miles east of the F1 track in Austin.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, July18.
Tom Romberg
President
June 2023
I have had some antique car fun this month that might be interesting to share.
At the end of May, Joe Pinnelli and I trailered my ’29 Model A to College Station to get “educated” at Ross Lilleker’s shop. Actually, it was to see Joe’s ’27 Chevrolet Touring and to let Ross “listen” to my A so that he could diagnose a noise. Joe’s Chevy is very nice looking. I hope to get a ride in it when it is fully repaired. My A received a new set of pistons after the listening diagnosis. We went back on Thursday, June 1, to pick up the A and “pat” the Chevy once again.
It had occurred to me that the club might be interested in the pouring of new babbitt bearings in Model T and A engines. Ross does this work himself as well as line boring the new bearings. Joe counted about 20 blocks. While driving my A 9 miles to and from a PT appointment, I thought that I heard some noise still that I thought needed attention.
So, this last Saturday morning I trailered it to Georgetown to attend the Lone Star Model A Club’s breakfast and meeting followed by a Restoration Clinic at Felix Boston’s. Several “experts” looked and listened with various conclusions. The last two concluded that all was well with the exception of a generator bearing, which of course was a welcome minimal problem.
Nineteen people were at the breakfast. I also learned that one of their members does the nametags for anyone that would like to have one.
Plans are moving forward for Henry’s birthday bash in Martindale.
George Brunner’s ice cream party was good fun as usual with members from two clubs. It is always interesting to see the Brunner Museum and visit with everyone.
Which of you know of a subject or a speaker you would like to get for a program for one our meetings? I have a friend for September whose professional life is Accident Reconstruction, Bill Nalle, who will share some of his insights. He has lots of other stories to tell about his life with boats, ships, Boy Scouts, being a landlord, Austin, and Lake Austin in particular. I am sure we will enjoy his program.
While writing this I made a phone call and have a tentative for our October meeting on a major restoration auto project.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, June 20.
Tom Romberg
President
May 2023
It’s been an interesting time since last month on the 18th when Peggy turned into the HEB shopping center and the passenger rear door was the point of impact from an oncoming vehicle. No one was hurt, but we have been down to one vehicle except for the antiques. It has made for some interesting juggling of schedules. I took the 1921 Touring to a doctor’s appointment ( see photo enclosed) the other day, which of course gathered a lot of onlookers. Everything worked well, which was nice. One excited fellow took many pictures. He said in very broken English that he was from Ukraine.
In another drive, which fell into the reason of “just to see if I could”, I drove the 1929 A to my daughter’s, some 22 miles away. I made it ok but had to stop about halfway and let my legs out to unfold. The rehab is going well but is not far enough along to allow full fold up for very long. That trip revealed two noises that will have to have Ross’s activity to remove. There always seems to be something.
You have heard me say that the reason we drive these cars is to find out what is wrong with them and there is always something wrong.
I surely do hope that someone in the club has a desire and means to purchase the Spillers Roadster. It would be so good for it to stay in the Austin area. I would buy it myself except that there is no room for more cars!
Our meeting speaker is to talk about Santa Claus. Do I dare tell my wife?
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, May16.
Tom Romberg
President
April 2023
Hello Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Club members,
Because I am so full of wisdom and knowledge to share with you this month, I can say without reservation that I am exceedingly grateful and lucky. That’s it! All my wisdom stated.
Well, what am I smoking, you might properly ask.
The truth is nothing! But it just represents my thoughts presently.
I was given this beautiful, although warm, day.
My new knee leg is making good progress. It is still uncomfortable now and then and I continue to not walk “normally”. But there is no question that it is getting better.
Our speaker, Mike Bandy, should be interesting to hear from on our common interest subject of Classic Cars.
I am jealous of the Model A group driving a Bluebonnet cruise to Huntsville this week-end. Maybe Jim is going and can report to us to share.
Crazy thought is what if every Model T club in Texas could get together and plan to have a tour every month somewhere during the 7 months best for touring in Texas. Would you be interested in participating in a few of those?
Have a wellness report, a show and tell, a car report, a tour idea, or an idea of how to serve and grow our membership?
Bring them all to the meeting to share.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, April 18th.
Tom Romberg
President
March 2023
Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Members,
Hello Cen-Tex Tin Lizzie Club members. Spring is springing! The flowers and fruit trees are all abloom. The new leaves are all pretty and green. I love this time of the year.
The new left knee is healing very well thank you. I will join you at the meeting Tuesday evening, maybe using a cane, but able to move quite well with no pain and only an occasional throb when I move too much.
March Madness is a fun time for me.
This Saturday we have the Jeff Treadwell restoration clinic at his home, 12110 Fitzhugh Place, Dripping Springs, at 10:00 with lunch provided in exchange for our brilliant suggestions and perhaps laying on of hands to restore full function to his Model T.
I happened to receive and read some of my March/ April issue of Vintage Ford magazine from Model T Ford Club of America this past week. In it there is an article whose title is “Grandfather’s Old Sedan”. It is right on point for our visit to Jeff’s this Saturday and as such is a good homework assignment before we get there. Rachel Hughes, the Executive Director of the Club helped me remember where it was and sent me a scan, which I will try to include for you.
I had a good conversation with Britanie concerning our communications activities. She is going to get us listed in the Model T International’s magazine as a club with contact information. Please let us know if you are a I Club member. It will help get us listed. We also are going to try and have every Model T Club in Texas send Bob Ross a copy of their newsletters so that he can forward them on to each of our members. That will hopefully give us the opportunity to read about the activities around the state in a timely manner.
While on the subject, we also would like to have each member have a copy of the current mailing list in a form that is easy to use so that they can send along anything of interest to the whole club. By everyone having an up to date copy we are better assured that any communication will reach everyone and that any such are not restricted by having anyone else send it out. The Jeff notice and the Drew car notice is a case in point. No fault is intended here, just a desire to make it easier to have more communication.
Along the same thinking line we ought to check and see that we have a schedule posted on our website with the calendar events noted as best we know them. A simple listing of future events can also be in each newsletter.
Have a wellness report, a show and tell, a car report, a tour idea, or an idea of how to serve and grow our membership?
Bring them all to the meeting to share.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, March 21.
Tom Romberg
President
February 2023
CenTex Tin Lizzie Members,
My goodness things have certainly picked up the pace for us since we returned from 34 days on the Antarctic Cruise, which by the way, was a wonderful trip. We especially enjoyed seeing the icebergs up close along with the whales, penguins, sealions, albatrosses, and beautiful scenery. We crossed the Drake Passage twice, the first was relatively smooth. The second was not, causing mal de mar among many, us included. So, I do not need to go through the Drake Passage anymore, thank you. We even were able to tour an antique car museum. If I can figure out how to share many pictures, I will look forward to doing so.
Back home, two of our children were kind enough to withhold the bad news of their sister’s discovery of a return of breast cancer which has metastasized and is aggressive. This all reminds us that life is a gift and fragile. We are taking it one day at a time.
The yard, of course, is a huge mess, but there were no injuries to our home. Our granddaughter had a tree limb puncture a skylight. Our power was out for a while, but we had no spoilage. Our middle daughter , her daughter and two friends cleared the driveway and walkway enough to be passable with tools and chainsaws. Afterwards, my daughter called us onboard ship and exclaimed “who needs men!”
The heat was off, but it was no matter since no one was living inside. I was able to get it fully functional upon my return with some relatively minor repairing.
So, now, I am in full prep mode for my left knee to be replaced on Feb. 27.
Thankfully, Centex Model T members have been active lining up future program speakers, sharing ideas on how to make our hobby grow in our area, and carrying on in my absence.
The information about this year’s Texas T Party in Rockport October 18-21 is slowly becoming known. The base hotel is already sold out, but many more are available. We need to greatly improve our communication so that the Club members have a more timely knowledge of statewide events.
The tour application and information is at https://www.samodelt.com/texas-t-party-2023.php
I hope that many of you will take advantage of it and attend.
One of the ideas being kicked around is that a list of those that would like to go and participate could be made and then matched up with those of us who plan to go and share the fun. Which of you would like to do that? Who does not have a Model T or whose is not going to be ready and would like to have a partner to ride with? Let’s make it happen.
Tuesday, I have word that Ross Lilleker is delivering a car to Leander and will join us for supper and perhaps our meeting. You might like to see him and visit.
Britanie and Glen have some thoughts while thinking about how to shore up our interest in our Model T hobby. Ideas like teaming up for a trip, assistance with trailering, a scholarship for a student, school visits, improvement of our identity (logo sharing, business cards, identity materials, etc.), maybe building a car project to sell or have available, more tours, more restoration clinics, etc. have been mentioned. Let’s talk about it at the meeting.
Share wellness reports at the meeting.
Bring a “show and tell” item that is interesting to you.
Share a “car status report”.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening, at 5:30 for supper and 7:00 for the meeting at the Catfish Parlor on Ben White, February 21.
Tom Romberg
President
January 2023
Greetings Model T’ers!
This President’s message is coming from the Vice President due to Tom being out of the country on a well-deserved vacation.
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Day! I am so looking forward to spring and some great T weather. As I was contemplating this letter, Cynthia and I were in Beaver Creek, Colorado. There is a lot of snow there this time of year. My thoughts were how short their T season would be and there is not more than 100 yards of flat terrain at any place. This area would definitely present some challenges for a lot of Model T’s.
Cynthia and I have now been members of this club for 10 years. We have really enjoyed the friendships we have developed, and it has made keeping Tootsie in good shape much easier. This club is a wealth of information and know-how when it comes to Model T’s. I would personally like to thank you all for the help you have given us in our quest to enjoy our car.
The Christmas Party held on December 10th was a fabulous outing, well attended and enjoyed by all. It was held in downtown Martindale. Thanks Carlton for accommodating us. Thanks also to Britanie for heading up the Christmas party committee and her efforts in making it a fun event! She made sure every detail was perfect. All the members really enjoyed the tour of the Hupmobile building.
We are looking forward to 2023 with anticipation and positivity that we will all have a great new year!
Respectfully,
Steve Hadorn, Vice President