Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

[My T]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Roger - - It is ALWAYS in the trunk of my Bird.

Again, many thanks for using yours at the airport on Saturday. That place was like being in a dust storm in the desert. What a mess! But, you came to the rescue for several of the Birds near you.

The parade will be a great experience. What a show-off I am!!

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

WELL, CHARLOTTE AND I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PUT ALL FIVE THUNDERBIRDS IN THE CHRISTMAS PARADE, DEC. 5TH. AFTER READING ALL OF THIS I AM A NERVOUS WRECK. I THINK I WILL GO WITH THE EXTRA PADDING. REMEMBER, THEY ARE SPECIAL CARS THAT HAVE BEEN INTRUSTED TO US FOR SAFE KEEPING. TOM PLEASE ADVISE HOW SATURDAY GOES AND IF YOU FIND ANYTHING BETTER.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

I'm not following how extra padding placed on the soft top is somehow protecting it. Looks like that would just be more weight added to the top, its bows and the cloth in in the well.

I've been asked to carry folks in parades before but have always told them that they can not ride on the top. That usually ends the discussion - which doesn't really hurt my feelings since I don't like driving that slow anyway.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

I'm not following how extra padding placed on the soft top is somehow protecting it. Looks like that would just be more weight added to the top, its bows and the cloth in in the well.

Padding is not for protection
It's to fill the area between the top & boot cover so that it is level enough to sit on.

[My T]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

The plot thickens . . .

I have just learned that I have been selected to carry the GRAND MARSHALL of this parade. WOW!

He is a WW II vet injured at Normandy in 1944. He also served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. A very impressive bio. It will be an honor for me.

And I thought I would get some politician. I am very pleased with the upgrade.

The Bird is rigged (pillows in place), decorated and ready to go. THUNDERBIRD achieves another milestone.

[Ski]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Tom, that's much better than a politician. Give the man my thanks.

[AZTB]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Tom, make sure we get to see some pictures!
James, are your pictures from downtown Sherman, Tx?

[dbsupercrew]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

A medium to large dog leash

Yup...........perfect way to keep a politician in line...........

[My T]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

The parade is over. I am overwhelmed. It was a wonderful experience to participate in this grand tribute to all our veterans. The parade route was packed with well wishers - - many in uniform, several family groups, people of all colors and all walks of life, every economic status, young and old, quite a few in wheel chairs. all so different. And yet, today they were all equal. Everyone saying thank you to all who serve our country in our Armed Forces.

Since I was carrying the GRAND MARSHALL, I was way up front and plenty of open space all around me. I dropped back a little so there was a good distance betwen me and the car immediately in front of me (some politician). What a thrill!!

About the boot area - - - - I stuffed the well of the soft-top storage area with soft pillows and a couple of cotton bed spreads tucked in around the ribs of the top. I filled the cavity completely so that there was no play left in it. Then I laid two thin pilows side by side on top of it all. The boot fit snugly over all this stuffing - with just a slight bulge over the top surface. The "seating surface" had a little give to it for comfort, and was wide enough for TWO people to sit on it comfortably. Good thing, because my passenger showed up with his wife and he wanted her to ride beside him.

I anticipated that he might have a second person with him. So, I had the front passenger seat prepared with a very thick pillow (a cushion from the sofa) to raise her up for better vison. Our seats are so low that I thought she would be way too low to be seen or for her to be visible enough for the viewers. It turned out that was not necessary, but I had no way of knowing that in advance.

Also, I attached a wide nylon shoulder strap from a piece of luggage, onto the hook at the lower rear of the passenger seat. It worked great - it has an adjustable buckle to lengthen or shorten the strap. My lady passenger was most grateful for someting to hold onto to steady herself, if necessary. Since the parade speed was only about 2 to 3 miles per hour, at the most, she didn't have to use it much.

I am SO glad that I agreed to do this. The BIRD received MANY oohs and aahs. Lots of questions that I was happy to answer. Yes, our birds are still head-turners wherever we go.

Pictures are forthcoming - - -stay tuned.

[maxkemp]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Is there some kind of demerit system in place at TBN for that kind of loose commentary?
Lou

I'm happy someone else responded because after my wife read Charlie's comment, she kicked the cat, dog, and was about to go online to by a flight to MS to kick someone else! Thank goodness Charlie explained, she's calmer now.

[SuperSport]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Tom's T in action...

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ParadeTomA.flv

[5bird7]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

NIce coverage for the even the 'bird.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Very nice, Tom! How did you fasten your flags?

[FritsB]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Great film. You had the best parade car Tom

[Borla Babe]

Re: Need help. How do I carry a parade dignitary?

Tom, way to go, you make us proud!