Yes, you read it right 2018. Meaning next year. And 15 September to be exact, although we may need to add a day or two to the plan in order to make it worthwhile.

At this time we have three international Ford truck gurus that want/plan to come (Ken Blythen from New Zealand, Oz Econoline from Australia, and Hardward from Germany), and we are just getting started. So, for those non-US gurus please consider making your 2018 holiday coincide with this event so we can meet you.

And for you US gurus, y'all come! This isn't limited to those from other countries. Nor is it limited to FTE'ers as I am also actively soliciting participation from those on other forms, like Fordification. So plan on coming and make this a memorable meet for all involved. (And it isn't limited to owners/fans of the best trucks, meaning Bullnose, so I'm going to post this in other forums as well.)

Now, before you start asking what the event will entail, I don't yet know. Heretofore we've done a few projects, like milling cuss words off a newly-awakened diesel transplanted to a Bullnose, media-blasting and powder-coating a bumper, painting gauge needles, installing LED's in a dash, setting timing for power and economy - all in addition to shooting the breeze, bench racing, etc. But, for something this big we need to re-think things and come up with multiple activities that will keep a wide range of people interested. So, please put your thinking caps on and let me see those ideas!

As for venue, it will be in Skiatook. (Google it - there's only one.) Where exactly I'm not sure, although we may need to find some place bigger than my shop. But, if you plan your trip around Skiatook you can't go wrong.

Anyway, please put it in your calendars now, and let me know if you think you can come. That will help "the planning committee" to get a handle on how big this might be.

 

Are you trying to overwhelm the Ticket agent/Refuler/Luggage carrier/Pilot and Skiatook Municipal Airport?

 

Well, maybe we should suggest Tulsa/TUL. Wouldn't want to have the FTE'ers get on the wrong plane as the passengers on most flights out of Skiatook get booted out at 2000'. We seem to be the sky-diving go-to place around here.

 

International visitors involves food & culture, for some reason a Chevy ad comes to mind....

 

Maybe a demonstration of the proper way to refuel with an Oklahoma credit card?

 

Someone could be in for a surprise, should they try to hit my F150, since the tank is about 3/4 full of diesel.............

 

I've been in this hobby a looong time, longer than many FTE members have been alive.

One thing I learned inre to GTG's: Plenty of people sign up, but most don't show up!

When the late SteveBricks became FTE's SoCal chapter leader, only 3 people showed up for the first 3 GTG's.

At a later GTG, 40 people signed up, but only 7 people actually showed up. Steve was disheartened, but I told him that this was SOP in the old car hobby.

A one day GTG is worthless for people coming into OK from other places, especially from Europe and "Down Under."

 

Bill - Been there, experienced that on attendance. So I'm not counting my chickens, nor FTE'ers, yet. Who knows, maybe those that have said they are coming this year won't show? As for the number of days, I certainly agree that people are going to want a longer event, but I/we need to figure out something they would like to do - which is why I asked for help.

RW - By then Ford is saying they'll have a compression-ignition engine in the F150. But some of the FTE'ers drive F250's with them already, and this event isn't limited to Bullnose lovers.

KR - Are you suggesting that some places don't require cash?

Chris - I agree we need to show those from afar some "culture". As it turns out, this year like last year I've picked the weekend that Skiatook celebrates Pioneer Day with a parade and car show, and it would seem that they'll use the same weekend next year. So I've been in contact with the lady that coordinates the car show and told her what we have going on next year and she's thrilled to work with me to see what we can do to help each other.

And, there are other things to do in the area. Oz has already found the US66 monument in Tulsa, and Bill plans to go to Claremore for the Will Rogers museum as well as the Cowboy Hall of Fame in OKC. But, Hardward has probably been to Oktoberfest, which appeared to be slightly bigger than Pioneer Day when we were there. (Actually, It appeared to be bigger than Skiatook.) So I doubt we are going to impress folks with our scenic wonders.

 

Years ago, when Ken Payne owned FTE, he had a GTG in Detroit.

Ken arranged for a tour of The Rouge and they also went to The Henry Ford (known back then as the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village).

How long the GTG was and how many people attended I don't know, but I could ask Ken and/or greywolf who also attended.

I would think you'd have to plan...at least...a 3 day GTG, 5 or 7 days would be better.

There's a lot of things to do in OK especially for those that have never been there.

Route 66 (officially: The National Old Trails Highway) was renamed the Will Rogers Memorial Highway after he died in a 1935 plane crash, but I think it's only named this now in OK

I forget where it is, but there's Route 66 museum west of OKC

You will also have to have recommendations where people can stay. Motels, hotels in your area plus any casinos.

Planning a GTG like this is an involved process. I was regional director of the SoCal Packard Club for many years, so I've been there, done that.

I would not drive to OK by myself. If Aunt Blabby flew to CA from Denver, I might drive, but in my new Fusion. The F150 went bye-bye on the 5th.

 

For those who will be driving their trucks, two words come to mind.....ROAD RALLY.

 

Don't you mean "Gumball Rally?"

"what's behind me don't matter"

 

Bill - We have one hotel/motel/casino, conveniently located in one building: Osage Casino - Skiatook. As for Route 66, there are at least two museums for it in OK - one in Sapulpa, which is 35 miles away, and one in Clinton, with is the other side of OKC and probably 175 miles away. And OK has more miles of Route 66 than any other state, although those miles are in many short stretches.

Anyway, all of this stuff can be dug out and available to people planning their trips, but only when we get closer to time. However, a two day GTG is about all I think is warranted from an FTE standpoint. Sure, the people can extend their stay and visit the other places in OK, but there's only so much FTE'ing that I can plan, and two days is "there".

 

Gary Thank you so much for doing this. It is on my calendar and I plan to be there.

 

Great! Do we need to have a passport for you at the Red River?

 

Some people haven't a clue.

One of the more frequently asked questions here in LA LA Land: People want to know if they need a passport to visit Santa Catalina Island (26 miles across the sea).

Santa Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County!