Number 436 August 2018 August 436 Number
Number 436 August 2018 August 436 Number
Tappet Chatter Tappet
Tappet Chatter Tappet Journal of the MG Car Club of Canberra of Club Car MG the Journal of August 2018 Tappet Chatter Canberra of Club Car MG the Journal of
0413 646 321
2 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Tappet Chatter Number 436 August 2018
Contents: Official Journal of the MG Car Club Canberra Inc Editors Edification 5 ABN: 49 156 199 381
Torque 8 GOF 2018 9 Correspondence to: Post Office Box 4141 How much rust is “No Rust” 11 Weston Creek ACT 2611
MG TYme report 15 Book Review 18 Monthly Meetings are held on the second Thursday of Club Calendar 20 each month, (except Sporting Report 22 January), at St Peter's New MG Concept Car 31 Anglican Church Hall, cnr of People Piece - Trevor Clement 34 Parkinson St & Watling Pl, Weston at 7:45pm. I drove a Chinese MG.... 37 Help Line 40 Banking Details Marquet 41 BSB: 633-000 Account: 144920741 Acknowledgments – the editorial team thanks all Account Name: MG Car Club who contributed articles and photographs for this Canberra Inc month’s magazine. A ‘Lunchtime Natter’ is held at Weston Park, Yarralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each MG TYme 2016 Tuesday from 12.30pm.
At the National Museum of Australia The MG Car Club Canberra Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of articles, correspondence, opinions and advertisements contained herein.
Articles may be copied for publication by Car Clubs, but an acknowledgement and due accreditation is expected.
Printed Post Approved 100003009
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 3
MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC.
LIFE MEMBERS: Margaret Brown OAM, Peter Daley, Malcolm Robertson, Ian Holden, Brian Oxley, Kent Brown & Brian Calder.
COMMITTEE 2018
President: Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 [email protected]
Treasurer: Brian Calder 0434 307 742
Secretary: Simon Braun 0439 607 856 [email protected]
Vice President: Kent Brown 0412 558 029 [email protected]
Committee Member: Laurie Gardiner 0418 488 931 (Display Events) [email protected]
Committee Member: Mark Horsfield 0415 400 044 (Editor) [email protected]
Committee Member: Trevor Clement 0411 102 759 (Membership) [email protected]
Public Officer: Greg Whitfield [email protected]
NON COMMITTEE 2018
CACTMC Delegates: Graeme Rossiter [email protected] Brian Calder [email protected]
Social Coordinator: Mike Lawless 0412 093 151 [email protected] Asst Social Coord: Graeme Corbett 0437 679 497 [email protected]
Motor Sport Coordinator: Kent Brown [email protected]
Club CRS Registrar: Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 (Northside) (Historic Plates:) [email protected] Robert Chilman 0412 024 228 (Southside) [email protected]
Manager of Club Regalia: Peter & Val Long (02) 6227 0643 [email protected]
Manager of Club Library: John Cooper 0408 624 801 [email protected]
CAMS Delegate: Kent Brown [email protected]
Natmeet Coord : Club Secretary [email protected]
Club Car Trailer: Laurie Gardiner [email protected]
Tappet Chatter Distribution: Robert Chilman 0412 024 228
Club Workshop & Equipment: Laurie Gardiner [email protected]
Webmaster: Mark Horsfield [email protected]
4 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Editors Edification
ello members and readers. While President Greg is in- H absentia (which I can only assume is in either Italy or Greece), and seeing as though I badgered him for a column last month while he was leisurely travelling the melancholy country side of greater Europe, I thought this month I would leave him alone and conjure up some words in his stead. What a month is lined up in August. First off is the monthly run to the Woodwork Cafe in Bungendore on Sunday 12th, don’t forget to let Mike and Jo know if you are going. The evening of Saturday 25th is club’s Annual Presentation dinner. Our premier event for the year, is not to be missed. It’s a fabulous night with great food and bet- ter company. Time is drawing near so let Gail know if you are intending to go. September will see the AGM take place so consider what you can offer the club and members by nominating for a Committee position. Some incumbents are required to stand down due to reaching their limit as prescribed in the constitution, so give it a thought and leave your mark. With the new financial year upon us, now is the time to identify a new recipient as our club charity. The new committee will deliberate any and all submissions re- ceived. Do you have a favourite ACT charity? The Gathering of the MG Faithful in Wagga is on again in September. It is a great weekend where you don’t have to cook or make beds. Just come along, relax and have a good time. We look forward to seeing you there. Breakfast at Poppy’s on Sunday mornings is proving popular. Come along and en- joy a casual and very relaxing breakfast and bevy’(s). Do you have any ideas on what to do or where to go within the club? Maybe you have an idea for a workshop day, an ad-hoc weekend away, or even a celebration. Put your ideas forward to the committee or raise it at a General Meeting, your input makes all the difference. And with that, I look forward to Greg being back next month
Mark Horsfield
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 5
6 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Torque
MG Car Club Canberra on the Web
Website: (http://mgcccanberra.org.au)
View our website for information on upcoming events, past events and Gallery's
Facebook Social Page: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGCCCSocial) See what other club members are doing, interesting articles from around the web, or, just catching up or chatting.
Please send contributions for the September 2018 issue of Tappet Chatter to the Editor by Friday 31 August 2018 at: [email protected]
Club Trailer Bookings will be published as they come to hand. he procedure and protocol for T booking the MG Car Club car Membership Subs are Due trailer is: The new membership year begins on 1. Bookings for the trailer must be 1 July 2018, so memberships are to made during business hours; be paid by 30 June 2018. If you have CRS (Historic) registration, it is a legal 2. Bookings must be made at least 48 requirements that you are a “Fully Fi- hours in advance; nancial” member of CRS endorsed 3. The trailer must be picked up from motor Club. the storage facility during business Don’t risk being caught - pay your hours; subs today preferably online, but you 4. Only genuine emergencies will be can pay at the next club event. considered outside these timeframes.
2018 Presentation Dinner Banking Details reparations have begun for this BSB: 633-000 P years Presentation Dinner to be Acnt: 1449 20741 held at the Royal Canberra Golf Club Acnt Name: MG Car Club Canberra on 25 August 2018. Further details Inc
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 7
MGCC Canberra Presentation Dinner
Saturday 25 August 2017 This years Presentation Dinner will be held in one of the dining rooms of the Royal Canberra Golf Club.
Cost $70.00 per person
Set amidst the magnificent Westbourne Woods arboretum, Royal Canberra is superbly picturesque with perfectly manicured, pure bent grass greens and fairways. Filled with elegance and character it is a wonderfull venue for our premier event of the year.
Come along and enjoy an outstanding example of some of Can- berra's finest cuisine in an atmosphere of fun, frivolity, merriment and mirth.
Details published as they become Click map to activate available
Contact: Gail Argyle via email [email protected]
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Gathering of the Faithfull 2018 WAGGA WAGGA 7-9 September
ime is running out to register for This year Nome has again devised a T this years Gathering of the MG magnificent route through undulating Faithful in Wagga, run by the Wagga pasture lands of roads less travelled MG Club. by normal transiting folk. Just the ticket for MG driving. A shake up of the previously and rou- tine schedule of events has been de- We have taken the feedback from last veloped by the organisers in that year and reduced the time and dis- Judging will be conducted on Satur- tance between “comfort breaks” to day morning, with only the breakfast better suit. and presentation happening on Sun- Food on the expedition over will be day morning, which will allow for an tantalizing delight to your tastebuds earlier departure. with some majestic pub-fare, close to Saturday morning display and judging, the banks of the Murrumbidgee river. again being situated just off Tarcutta The return journey will also contain a street, will remain relatively free to magnificent gastronomic delight at a wander the environs and sample cof- newly opened establishment which fees from the plethora of cafes in the doubles as an Olde Time museum area. and antiques emporium. The afternoon’s festivities will again So get your registrations in, and let include a lovely drive through the me know (soon, as I will be sending countryside surrounding the Riverina the room list to the hotel next week) at city so you can take in the magnificent [email protected] or sight of yellow Canola buds springing 0415400044 to life in this the Murrumbidgee Irriga- tion Area, finishing with the CWA after- noon tea.
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 9
10 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
How much Rust is “No Rust?” s most of you are aware, I have Now while I understand most cars A been slowly (painfully slowly ac- have some rust somewhere, I had cording to Nome) progressing the re- never contemplated what the meaning build of my 1979 Rubbernose MGB of “No Rust” in car advertisements roadster. really meant. The other day while de-scaling the What my understanding was prior to boot, which means removing the ad- beginning the rebuild is that “No Rust” hesive that stuck down the carpet, did mean exactly that. paint and, of course, rust, I happened Since embarking on this mechanical to actually take note of the rust that and aesthetic repatriation project the was underneath what I thought was meaning I now put to the phrase is good paint. “No Rust (that you can see!)”. While I was head-first in the boot de-scaling to the beats and rhythms of street cor- ner doo wop’s echoing through my head- phones, I noticed Rust, where I had thought it was rust free. This was under- neath paint that had no surface blemishes, scratches, rubs etc, and no visible signs of having been compro- mised since the paint was laid down.
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 11
These were only small spots of rust Painting was done too soon that looked like it began with the tini- after wiping down; est of drops of fluid, which had fes- tered under the paint and weaved it’s A physical attribute of the paint way through where (I suspect) adhe- by letting a small amount of sion of the paint to the metal was less moisture through to the metal than adequate. Quite honestly it was To name but a few. I have noticed like I was looking at a picture of veins this all over the car as I was removing in a medical journal or worms branch- paint or coverings ing out from a nexus. Some are quite small, as you can see I began to theorize how this might below, and others quite substantial as happen. Some of the thoughts that you will see on the previous and next come to mind are; page. The environment in which the Hence my question, painting took place was humid; “How much rust is no rust”... The panels were left for a pe- riod of time after preparation prior to painting;
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August 2018 Tappet Chatter 13
14 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Other Club Magazines
Click to activate
July
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 15
MG MGB Roadster (1963-1972)
HISTORY parts and service specialists. The It’s spring and heaven is an affordable original Mazda MX-5 draws on every- sports car that won’t use too much day Mazda 323 Astina mechanicals fuel and is easy to fix. Joe Kenwright for modern driveability and reliability looks at two alternatives, old and new with outstanding sports car balance — the MGB Roadster and Mazda MX- but without the MG’s traditional char- 5. acter and style.
Simply this is a choice between period 1963-72 MGB ROADSTER: authenticity or modern convenience in What do I need to know about the a purpose-built rear drive sports car. MGB? The MGB is classic British-style and MG, which stands for Morris Garages, feel with 1950s mechanicals that re- was originally part of the Nuffield quire 1950s maintenance but it should Group and drew on mass-produced be as painless as a classic sports car Morris parts until the Nuffield Group can ever be with a huge network of merged with Austin in 1952 to form MGB Mk I the British Motor Corporation. BMC
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MGB Mk II under the skin. After 40 years of thrashing, most will have needed a then merged with Leyland in 1968 to second or even third restoration. As a form BLMC or British Leyland. buyer, you will need to make a choice The MGB was heavily influenced by between rescuing a cheap banger or the BMC and Leyland mergers at dif- enjoying the period between a major ferent points in its life. In its original rebuild and pay accordingly. Identify- 1962 specification, it featured an Aus- ing the cars that are worn out under- tin drivetrain that Australians already neath their shiny presentation is criti- knew in cars like the Morris Major and cal. These are real money traps as Austin Cambridge. Suspension was they cost as much to restore as an 1940s technology with lever-arm untidy car. If you are not 100 per cent shock absorbers (not today’s tele- committed to a preventative mainte- scopic type), and myriad steering and nance schedule, don’t waste any more suspension joints that require regular time reading this as a neglected MGB greasing. Although brakes were mod- is a nightmare. ern, the spokes and splines of the wire The MGB was Britain’s first clean wheels generate ongoing mainte- sheet sports car built on a steel mono- nance. coque. It doesn’t have a separate The reality check: Australians gave up chassis which means if it contains se- keeping 40-year-old British bangers rious rust or has been patched-up af- on the road decades ago. Over its ter a major crash, it can have struc model life, MGBs are virtually identical August 2018 Tappet Chatter 17
MGB Mk III vertible in the driveway. And it still looks and sounds better than any tural problems and the body may have budget sports car since which is why to be scrapped. Because there is no most people can forgive it for every- steel roof to hold it together, the lower thing. structure is far more critical than a conventional sedan. The good news is The MGB was raced into local produc- that Leyland forgot to scrap the origi- tion for an April 1963 launch, a year nal tools and you can still buy a brand after its 1962 UK arrival, initially with new monocoque body shell. That said, local paint, vinyl trim and standard a re-shell is not cheap. wire wheels. Local MGBs were gener- ally better-equipped than the British The MGB’s international look was ones as later examples had radial heavily influenced by the Renault Flo- tyres, wire wheels, heater, oil cooler ride and BMC’s close links with Pinin- and overdrive as standard, while re- Farina. If you squint your eyes when taining flock carpet on non-wear ar- the light is failing, you can imagine eas, rubber mats and hard wearing that you have a classic Ferrari con- vinyl seats, never leather.
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There were three hood designs since reached here as cheap LHD over the MGB’s model life — finger- imports. Leyland cost-cutting meant nail breaking, finger breaking and they were never as good as the Aus- arm breaking. None were easy to tralian examples even when new. erect and all leak at some point. If you After 1974, the MGB’s suspension intend to leave an MGB outside, get was raised and ugly plastic/rubber used to that musty smell of rotting trim bumpers were added front and rear, and prepare to dangle your feet destroying handling and appearance. through the floor Fred Flintstone-style. Along with the detuned US-spec One Australian company still builds unleaded engine, it was no longer the replacement floors such is the de- MGB Aussies knew and loved. mand. Some specialists have used these The last MGB was built in Australia on ugly US imports to build a replica of a November 6, 1972 but global produc- pre-1974 chrome bumper model by tion ceased in October 1980. Because fitting the earlier grille, bumpers, lower so many MGBs from the Leyland era suspension, RHD dash and steering, went to the US, many later cars have engine, trim and other details. This is easy to do when all parts are so read- MGB L ily available. The end result is a more
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 19
desirable MGB than its flawed starting tent-like frame and small tail lights. point but it will have no pedigree and March 1965: The stronger five- won’t line up with anything that came bearing engine (18GBUH) arrived out of the factory. Depending on the with push button door handles, oil conversion quality, they can provide cooler and electronic tacho. A scis- better value as a fun car (and look sor-action hood frame was fitted better!) but resale value will always be which can kink and pinch holes in lower than a genuine pre-1972 Austra- the fabric. Separate square revers- lian RHD example. ing lights and Salisbury rear axle There were also many British-built were later added as running chrome bumper MGB examples im- changes. ported from the UK when new and September 1968: Local Mk II up- used. Depending on how old they grade arrived a year behind UK with were when they came here, they can all synchro gearbox, octagonal wire be as good as any Australian-made wheel knock-offs, alternator, nega- example or, alas, full of terminal rust. tive earth electrics (chassis 138801 Regardless of how good it looks, de- on). Overdrive badge was added on termining the original source and the local car bootlids only when speci- correct specification before you buy fied. Production moved to BMC Zet- are vital for future resale. land plant in 1969. If you are being asked to pay extra for July 1970: Local MGB L upgrade major body or mechanical work, then of Mk II with black recessed grille demand evidence that it has been closely modelled on the 1968 Ford completed by an MG specialist. Many Mustang. Modern hood with black younger tradespeople no longer have folding frame. Front park/indicator the special knowledge and skills be- units moved next to the grille. Al- yond the superficial to keep these cars ways fitted with wire wheels, not running and looking as new. the fake alloy British Rostyle IMPORTANT MODEL INFORMA- wheel. TION: January 1971: Rubber-faced over- April 1963: Australian cars came riders and more prominent tail with a YGHN chassis prefix. Early lights. Self-propping boot and bon- models came with no synchro on net stays. An interim L upgrade first gear, a weaker three-bearing with head restraints and a new crankshaft in the engine, flip-out dash with rocker switches and cen- door handles, basic hood with a tre air vents arrived later in 1971. 20 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
May 1972: Final specification now otherwise if any of these panels fully aligned with British Mk III but stick out or fit unevenly. Look for still called an MGB L in Australia. sagging doors that have to be lifted Look for bright new colours, pre- onto the latch to close. mium dark blue vinyl trim with pat- The area around the headlight terned inserts and a black engine cowls and grille is particularly com- with a revised cylinder head. Final plex to fix and if it looks wrong, it cars cleared late that year. can cost a fortune to rectify. Check The British 1973 flush mesh grille all gaps between wheels and body- fitted to many local used MGB ex- work to make sure body is true and amples was never seen on Austra- square. lian cars when new. Nor was the There are two six-volt batteries in 1975 rubber bumper front which cradles behind the seats which rot arrived after chassis 360301. Any out and cause them to fall onto the chassis number after that point road. Check that both batteries are without the big dodgem car bump- equivalent age and condition. ers needs to be investigated fur- ther. Check hood and frame very care- fully especially rear plastic window. KEY CHECKPOINTS: Check side window seals and felt Body channels. Really loose cars can It is not uncommon to replace or fill crack windscreens. Some MGB rusting outer panels to hide serious scuttle shake is normal but on tired internal structural rust. An MGB cars it can so bad that the doors, expert familiar with the exact loca- dash and seats all move in a differ- tion of all the original body seams ent direction. There is no easy way and panel joins can quickly identify of fixing this except to strip or re- a patch-up job as it will often cover place the body. the original seams. Waterlogged cabin can hide serious Anyone serious about selling an floor rust and rotten trim which are MGB will make sure that all the costly to repair. Rusty floors must be shutlines and fit of bonnet, boot cut out and replaced, not patched or and doors are flush and even. filled, as they add to the car’s While they were never perfect strength. Look for sun damaged trim. when new, they were not noticea- Check all dials and switches. bly bad so assume major body Worn pedal box and steering column alignment problems until proven August 2018 Tappet Chatter 21
bushes can make car feel old and three times more frequent than a tired with slop in major controls. Allow modern car or else risk accelerated for replacement if steering wheel and engine wear. Special oil is also re- pedals can be moved sideways. quired for wider tolerances in older engines. There are no less than three styles of tail lights, two locations for front light Twin SUs need routine overhaul and units, several dash designs, several cleaning but easy to tune. Popular seat patterns and three grille styles single Weber conversion must be for a chrome bumper car. Make sure jetted correctly. If engine needs over- that they all match up for that model. haul consider full balance and blue- The original steering wheel with its print and cylinder-head conversion wire spokes can crack and is expen- for unleaded fuel. Soft valve seats sive to replace but critical to original- must have an additive and most will ity. They never came with a wood require premium unleaded fuel to rimmed steering wheel although the avoid pinging. Engine mounts and later MGB L had a cheaper but sport- stays are critical if surrounding parts ier steering wheel. including exhaust are to remain un- damaged. Does it sound crisp and There are two ways to convert a US fruity? If not, you will miss out on the MGB. Bash the existing structure to MGB’s most endearing quality. fit the steering on the opposite side or install the correct structural and Transmission and running gear steering parts. Early non-synchro first gear is often chipped as you must be stationary to Engine engage it. Noisy bearings and metal Early three-bearing engine is floating around the gearbox can soon smoother but develops serious destroy it. Second gear synchro is crankshaft rumble when worn which often worn and will crunch thanks to means an explosion is imminent. drivers who treat it like a modern Some oil leaks can dictate a major gearbox. Overdrive must switch in bottom end overhaul. Low oil pres- and out cleanly as fixing the electrics sure, piston slap and oil smoke can can be fiddly. indicate excessive wear. Engine is closely related to Austin 1800 unit Clunking driveshaft can do plenty of but best to keep the original by over- damage unless fixed. Listen for rear hauling it before it breaks. axle clunks and whines to indicate worn diff and bearings. Lack of modern filter and variable fuel mixture dictate oil changes up to Worn wire wheel splines will clunk 22 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
badly under brakes or power. Splines ing shot of grease in multiple points are easily but not cheaply replaced but even then a blocked grease nip- but dismantling and re-lacing the ple can starve the parts of vital lubri- spokes to replace worn wheel cen- cant. Light steering and clunk-free tres is costly and fiddly. Loctite and ride depends on freshly lubricated shimming metals can hide dud wheel king pins and bushes. Lower centres and splines so it can be wishbone spring pans can be dis- worth removing each wheel. Worn torted or fatigue cracked. splines can allow the wheel to keep Old lever-arm dampers can leak and turning under brakes before it falls stop working if internal seals are off. worn. Specialists can overhaul them. Brakes Modern damper conversions are In the days before back-up brake common but must be done profes- circuits were required, a fluid leak sionally. Rear leaf springs and anywhere in the MGB brake system shackles require routine re-bushing, can spell problems. The slightest hint re-setting and de-rusting so the of brake fluid loss or spongy pedal leaves can slide easily. must be traced immediately. Con- sider a retro-fit tandem master cylin- der with dual circuits on an earlier car.
Suspension Primitive suspension requires ongo-
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 23
Our TYme is going to be a Ripper
Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October 2018 by Brian Calder
Our Club’s hosting of MG TYme 2018 rable. The emphasis will be on the on 5, 6 and 7 October is rolling around AWM’s collection of things to do with very quickly, and we now particularly cars with a particular focus on WW2 ask members to register their interest. which of course is all about the T and Y Types. MG TYme 2018 will follow a similar format to its predecessors but have enough differences to be unique and special for our Club members and visi- tors. What is very special this year is that we are having our display day at the Australian War Memorial (AWM), and our guest speaker at our Saturday evening dinner will be the Technical Curator of the AWM (and MG owner!) Mr Chris Goddard. Kent Brown has Our Club website has all the details advised that he has already had that you need to register for the event lengthy discussions with Chris about as a full participant – and we hope that what he will talk about – and it is cer- you will do this. If, however you just tain to be both interesting and memo want to join other Club members and our guests at the display or on the ‘run for lunch’ on the Sunday from the Old Bus Depot Markets to Gundaroo, then there is no cost, and all we ask you to do is contact one of the event organis- ers or put your name on the list at a Club meeting. We hope that you will also treat yourself to the celebration dinner at Rydges Capital Hill where
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are willing to give a hand to ensure that all our guests leave with a fabu- lous memory of our Club and Can- berra, please also put your name on the ‘volunteers list’. We hope that you will support this great Club event. From the MG TYme or- Chris Goddard will speak. As a Club ganising team: member you can do this ‘at cost’ Kent & Virginia Brown, which is $70ph. Yes, that’s just $70ph Pete & Mo Dechaineux, for a splendid three-course meal with Mark & Naomi Horsfield, an entertaining guest speaker. Please Brian & Christine Calder, put your name on the list asap. Simon Braun, Malcolm We will also need Club helpers at Robertson & Ewan Ward. each of our TYme events, so if you
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The new membership year begins on 1 July 2018, so memberships are to be paid by 30 June 2018. If you have CRS (Historic) regis- tration, it is a legal requirements that you are a “Fully Financial” member of CRS endorsed motor Club. Don’t risk being caught - pay your subs today preferably online, but you can pay at the next club event.
Banking Details BSB: 633-000 Account: 1449 20741 Account Name: MG Car Club Canberra Inc
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Book Reviews
illustrated with detailed step-by- step photography
• Based on articles from Europe’s leading classic car magazine OLDTIMER MARKT
Description A step-by-step illustrated guide to re- storing and improving the suspension, steering and wheels of your classic car, this easy to follow manual is fully illustrated, and packed with useful tips and techniques.
Synopsis This comprehensive manual provides professional but easy-to-follow know- how on how to restore, improve and Provides professional but easy- maintain your classic car’s suspen- to-follow know-how on restor- sion, steering and wheels. ing, improving and maintaining This book will familiarise you with the your classic car’s suspension, components of your car’s suspension steering and wheels and steering systems and their con- struction, it also takes a detailed look • Will familiarise you with the at refurbishing wheels and the choice components of your car’s sus- of tyres. The relevant restoration tech- pension and steering systems niques are fully explained and illus- and their construction trated with detailed step-by-step pho- tography. • Takes a detailed look at refur- bishing wheels and the choice The book is a new title in Veloce’s of tyres Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual se- ries, and is based on articles from • Relevant restoration tech- Europe’s leading classic car magazine niques are fully explained and OLDTIMER MARKT.
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 27
28 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Club Calendar
Sundays (when no other MG event is on) Breakfast @ Poppies Cafe at the Australian War Memorial Simply Turn up at 8:15am for 830am in your MG. Underground parking!!
August 2018
SUNDAY 12th - Monthly Run - Lunch @ Bungendore Woodwork Café. Meet Scrivener Dam wall carpark 11 am Contact: Mike Lawless [email protected] or [email protected]
September 2018
Thursday 6th - Mid Week Meander - Binalong, “Rollonin Café“ Meet at the Dinosaur Museum 10-30am for a 10-45 am leave Been there before always good Names and Number required on the Run Sheet at Club Meeting or to Graeme or Jo Corbett P/No. 62994920 M 0437679497
Notes:
Remember : Classic Car ‘Lunchtime Natters’ are held at Weston Park, Yar- ralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm.
“CLUB EVENT” signifies that an MG club representative will be in attendance, regard- less of who is organizing. Such events meet the requirements for concessional regis- tration.
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FORECAST 2018
August 25 - Presentation Dinner - Royal Canberra Golf Club Contact Gail Argyle [email protected] or 0418 862 286
August 19 Sunday - Multi Club Motorkhana - TISC Contact: Kent Brown [email protected]
September 6 Thursday - Mideweek Meander Contact The Corbettes [email protected]
September 23 Sunay - Monthly Run Contact: Mike Lawless [email protected]
October 5, 6, 7 - MG TYme 2018 Contact Brian Calder [email protected] or 0434 307 742
November 18 Sunday - Multi Club Motorkhana - TISC Contact: Kent Brown [email protected]
July 15 Sunay - Monthly Run Contact: Mike Lawless [email protected]
August 2 Thursday - Mideweek Meander Contact The Corbettes [email protected]
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Sporting Report
August 2018
by Kent Brown
The British Touring Car Champion- ship, now known as the Dunlop MSA BTCC, is one of the best-loved, most illustrious and famous motor racing championships in the world. Only For- mula 1 and America’s NASCAR stock car series have longer histories. This year the BTCC celebrates its 60th an- Ant Whorton-Eales niversary. And MG is still a part of the championship with two MG6 cars entered this year. Three drivers have been engaged so far to pilot the MGs.
Tom Boardman
Unfortunately major successes (podiums) have eluded the AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing team who, under the current arrangements, are classed as independents rather Rory Butcher than a manufacturer’s team.
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 31
Rory Butcher saving tyre wear on across the season in the the offside at Snetterton in July #ForeverForward league table and impressively Tom Boardman in his Races have so far been held at MG6 is the leading driver in this table. Brands Hatch Indy, Donington Park, In addition Rory Butcher is 5th in the Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft and Snet- Jack Sears Trophy standings which is terton circuits. The next race is at for drivers that have never scored an Rockingham on 11-12 August. This outright podium finish. race will be followed by Knockhill (25- 26 August), Silverstone (15-16 Sep- We will keep an eye on how the tember) and Brands Hatch GP (29-30 MG6’s and their drivers perform in the September). remaining BTCC races and wish them every success. Currently Rory Butcher is 13th in the overall independent driver’s standings I am sure that we all love sports cars! with 98 points, Tom Boardman 18th Mick O’Brien, MGC roadster owner (49 points) and Ant Whorton-Eales and regular driver of the car and our 22nd (25 points). MGCCC rep in Bowral, kindly sent me (and others) a very interesting internet The Championship rewards the driver link the other day. with the highest number of overtakes
32 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Sitting alongside – well almost – an tiny but cleverly engineered passen- MG TC somewhere in the US of A ger cars. Taking notice of the small was another 1940’s sports car rarely, but enthusiastic market after World if ever, heard of in this part of the War II for European-style sports cars, world. No, it is not a pre-production in 1949 Crosley introduced his own version of a “bugeye” Sprite but a two-place roadster. The Hotshot is Crossley Hotshot! generally credited as the first Ameri- can post-war sports car.
Tom McCahill, the dean of American automotive writers, road tested the Hotshot for the October 1949 issue of Mechanix Illustrated (above). Good old Uncle Tom gave the Hotshot a qualified but enthusiastic review, poor- mouthing the inadequate 12-inch wheels but naming the Crosley one of Mac’s Motor City Garage the 10 best sports cars on the market. [[email protected]], a “This new car is something to have repository of information on industry fun with and enjoy, definitely not a news and gossip + automotive history vehicle to carry crepe at your grand- + technology + racing + shop talk + mother’s funeral,” declared the loqua- hotrods + collector car news reports cious McCahill. “It’s the poor man’s “Powell Crosley Jr. (1886-1961) made MG and zings along like a Mixmaster his vast fortune as a radio and appli- version of a Mercedes.” ance manufacturer, but in his heart he was always a car guy. Between 1939 and 1952 he drained a fair portion of his formidable bank account into the Crosley Motor Company, marketers of
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 33
mote our next event. We are into our third motorkhana for the calendar year – and first for our club competition year - but I’ll keep the plug short and sweet this time. Or try to! Our four motorkhanas each year gen- erally align with the seasons although that is more by luck than any specific Perhaps the Hotshot’s proudest mo- planning on my part. The winter event ment in production form was in the is scheduled for Sunday, 19 August. inaugural race at Sebring in 1950, So there is plenty of time to pluck up then six hours rather than the tradi- the courage, get the car ready and tional 12. There, a stock Hotshot enter! And on nearly the last day of owned by Tampa Crosley dealer Vic winter hopefully we will not have to Sharp and driven by Bob Deshon and rug up as much. Fritz Koster won an unlikely overall victory, which was based on an Index of Performance formula. But the Crosley performance legend doesn’t end there. All through the 1950s, Crosley ruled the H Modified, 750 cc category in SCCA sports car racing, supplying the engines and drivetrains for countless Crosley-based home- builts. At vintage road racing events to this day, it’s rare not to see a Crosley special or two.”
From the archives - well known officials rugged up and having a thoroughly enjoyable time! The location? As usual, the Transport I’ve kept clear of motorkhana com- Industries Skills Centre on Sutton mentary in the last few editions of Road. The time? Scrutineering for Tappet chatter (thank goodness I hear competitors starts around 8.00am. some say!) but now it is time to pro- Officials? We need about a dozen to
34 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Melba Motors More than 40 years experience
12 Purdue Street Belconnen
Melba Motors is a car repair and maintenance business with a spe- cial interest in British vehicles. Proprietor Mick Wilson is a UK Ley- land workshop trained mechanic experienced in all aspects of MGs and other British cars and can get your vehicles into tip-top shape.
Mick and the staff carry out general repairs, engine rebuilds and fix carburettors. Melba Motors diagnose and fix suspension problems and specialise in small welding and rust repairs.
Transport can be arranged for cars that won’t go. There is a 24 Hour emergency response – get you started or tow your car to safety.
Call Mick on 02 6253 1523
http://melbamotors.com/
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 35
best cater for the assembled throng Historic Motor Racing and to look after all the jobs that need doing so if you can assist us on the day it would be greatly appreciated. Please let either Chris Hillman or my- self know of your availability. And for all that hard work on the day you are rewarded with a nice “thank you” from the Secretary of the Meeting (yours truly) and of course at no cost We, Brian Weston with his Mighty those select, scrumptious sausage Midget and I MGB mounted together sandwiches provided so courteously with our support team members, by the members of the 2nd Ngunnawal Renate and Virginia, are heading for Girl Guides. the VHRR’s annual Winton Festival of Speed on the weekend of 5-6 August Why don’t you come out and help, or 2017. Indeed by the time you read just watch if you would like to see how this report it will all be done and the whole activity works, call in and dusted. It is certainly cold in Canberra say “hi” or, even better, compete. It is at this time of year but I’ve just not that difficult, you measure yourself checked the weather in Benall the city against yourself, and have a lot of fun. adjacent to Winton and it is not going Don’t forget that first-timers, driving an to be much better. Indeed Friday is MG receive free entry. And be consid- showing a “possible shower”, Saturday ered for the Ken Lockwood Trophy. “mostly sunny” but come Sunday a But of course you will have to lash out 90% chance of rain with somwewhere a bit of the folding to secure a CAMS between 5 and 10mm forecast. The licence. Just skip a few cappuccinos. “wets” are certainly going to be packed. But let’s hope it is not as bad as 2017 when there was torrential rain, few stayed on the black stuff for the wholeweekend and small hail- stones had to be wiped off my tonneau cover before the lasrt race on Sunday.
A full report will appear in my Septem-
ber sporting Report hopefully with some photos of the event.
36 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Then on to Wakefield Park in Septem- ber. The HSRCA is running their 2018 Spring Festival on 23-23 September. Again, Brian Weston and I have en- tered the event. As usual there will be a great range of cars entered in all dcategories of rac- ing and regularity. Some photos from the HSRCA event in May will give you And older models will be there as well. an idea of what can be seen.
Photos courtesy of David Jenkins Wakefield Park is less than an hour drive from Canberra and the viewing at the circuit is excellent. Added to that you can wander around the pits, take a very close look at the cars and if so inclined chat to the drivers who are always willing to share information and anecdotes.
Photos courtesy of Jeremy Dale
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 37
ing from famous imported makes, lo- cally made specials, particularly MGs,
and modified production cars all of SDMA Hillclimb which were raced and prepared in the golden era by famous or colourful characters.
GEAR meets at Wakefield Park seven The Southern District Motorsports As- times each year when drivers evoke a sociation always extends a very warm bygone era with surprising speed, skill welcome to their hillclimb events. The and respect for other competitors and next event is a standard 1-lapper on their wonderful old racing cars such as Sunday, 9 September 2018. Specta- the one below. tor entry is FREE and on competition days you will see cars on track from The next meeting for 2018 is on th around 9am - 3pm. There is spectator Wednesday, the 14 August. Well seating and food available as well as worth a visit at Wakefield Park, a rela- washroom facilities. Why don’t you tively short drive away. Entry for spec- consider going along and checking out tators is FREE. some local motorsport? Entry off Sut- ton Road, next to the Driver Training Centre.
Golden Era of Auto Racing (GEAR)
I always like to give a plug to GEAR, the Golden Era of Auto Racing Club. GEAR celebrates an era of amateur Australian motor sport that many of us remember I am sure but which ended in the early 1960s. This period was noted for its wide variety of cars, rang-
38 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
HRCC Morgan Park QLD - Sunday 15th July
The biggest field for a Historic meeting ever at the circuit (280 cars) in bright sunshine. Regalia
CLUB CLOTHING
Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00
OTHER ITEMS
Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 Club Grille Badges $22.00 Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 MG Key Rings $ 7.00 Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth $ 8.00
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 39
Video’s
40 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
The New MG concept car explores with leather on the exterior too!
un. Wind. Action. Three words S describe Arash Shahbaz’s road- ster concept design for MG. The car comes at a perfect time, along with the brand’s renewal after being one of the most promising carmakers of the yes- teryears. With a rather playful design meant for easy riding, paired with a carefree lifestyle, The New MG con- cept by Arash is cute, but not too cute. great use horizontal lines to make the It looks like it could take a challenge, car feel long, rather than compact. The and comes with an aesthetic that even circular headlights are fitted within the die-hard gearheads would fall in love car’s outer frame, doing a hat-tip to with. retro circular headlamps, but being modern nevertheless. The taillights At just 4 meters, the new MG isn’t par- scream unique and modern too. The ticularly long, but the designer makes
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 41
most interesting detail, however, is the these that make one feel more in- usage of leather straps to fasten the volved, and form an emotional bond bonnet and the boot. Rather than rely- with the car… something that’s lacking ing on clip-based push-button sys- in today’s ultra-flashy touchscreen tems, the new MG makes an execu- control panel dashboards. tive decision to keep things old-school, The New MG aims at echoing the with the leather strap that weaves brand’s journey. It wants to stick to its through the outer body of the car, heritage while reviving itself with a holding the bonnet and boot closed. fresh set of rules and features. I’d say Opening them would mean manually it does exactly that! undoing the leather strap. The de- signer believes it’s interactions like
42 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 43
From brothers in arms to friends in commemoration Remembering the sacrifice of a previous generation
Relatives of airmen whose Lancas- 1944 after being shot down by the ter went down over France during German Luftwaffe. Each had a pas- the Second World War are taking a sionate interest in their family member special flight together in Hamilton. who died that night along with the rest of the crew while returning from bomb-
ing mission of a missile assembly hree relatives of a Lancaster plant. crew that crashed and perished T And although they live on different in July 1944 are flying the Hamilton continents, the three friends, accom- Lancaster tomorrow. From left to right: panied by their wives, get together at Steve Potter, Bob Gautschi and least once or twice a year somewhere Trevor Clement. - Gary Yokoyama , in the world. Their journeys have The Hamilton Spectator taken them to Second World War They became the closest of friends commemorations and memorials in out of the saddest of circumstances. Europe. They've traipsed through a Three men — one from Britain, one wooded area 95 kilometres northeast from Australia and the other living in of the French village of Quetteville to British Columbia — all had relatives the crash site where bits of metal still aboard a Lancaster Mk III bomber that tangle in the ground cover. crashed in northern France in July And they've tearfully stood side by side at the communal grave where all seven of the crew are buried at St. Sever Cemetery in Rouen in northern France. But this weekend, their quest for closure takes on a new a di- mension in Hamilton with a tribute flight on
44 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
board the Canadian Warplane Heri- 27th mission. tage Museum Lancaster, the same "It will be quite poignant for us to think type that fell from the sky all those that our relations flew in the same kind years ago. of aircraft and they died in the aircraft They say they want to feel what it is like so many young men did. It will be like to be aboard the roaring hulk. quite a moving experience," said They want to close their eyes and try Steve Potter, 61, cousin of wireless to imagine what the brave young men operator Sgt. Des Potter. endured. Potter is a former Royal Air Force pilot So at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, they are who went on to work with British Air- scheduled to take part in an hour-long ways before retiring. He's published a commemorative flight as a tribute to book on the lives of the Lancaster the crew who lost their lives on their crew entitled "Seven Short Lives Pro
Sgt Des Potter, Wireless Op, back row left Flt Lt Fred Clement DFC, Pilot, back row centre Fg Off Norman Gautschi DFC, RCAF, front row, second from right Sgt John McLachlan, Flight Engineer, back row, right Sgt Jimmy Palmer, rear gunner, front row left Flt Sgt Jim Balmer, mid upper gunner, front row right Fg Off Bill Wilkinson DFC, centre row left under pilot right hand. - From family of Des Potter August 2018 Tappet Chatter 45
Libertate." It was through researching Trevor Clement, 67, who worked for the book that he came to know family the Australian government before re- members of all seven crew members. tiring, saw the Lancaster in 2012 at the warplane heritage museum during He got the bug to chase down the a visit to Hamilton. He got to go inside story after a visit to his cousin's grave it but wasn't able to arrange a flight. in France. "When you stand in front of the graveside, the questions you ask "I think that's where the idea of flying are 'Who were these men? Where did in it really formulated in my mind. I they come from? And how did they sent an email to Bob and Steve. I end up here?'" said, 'Look guys, none of us are get- ting any younger. If we don't do it now, Now after tracing the story in detail, he we might not get a chance to do this. finds himself reflecting about the good So we made it happen," said Clement, that has come from the tragedy. "It's whose uncle, P/O Fred Clement DFC, amazing that those seven men have was among the crew who died. touched the lives of others in the world and enabled new friendships to start Laura Hassard-Moran, flight co- up over very long distances, conti- ordinator for the museum, says it nents apart. We've really gained a costs $3,500 per person to fly (along new family through all of this," he said. with signing up for a $100 member- ship). Four people can fly at a time. Bob Gautschi, 79, a retired sales and marketing manager from Vancouver, "We have people taking flights for all says that, different from the others, he kinds of reasons," she said. "Often it's actually knew his uncle, F/O Norman to honour uncles and grandfathers, Vincent Gautschi DFC. that kind of thing. But I don't think we've ever had a situation like this "I remember him visiting me in the where family members of a crew be- 1940s when I was a kid and bringing came friends and wanted to take a oranges and that kind of stuff. Or- flight together." anges were very hard to come by in those years." As for Saturday's flight, he said: "It's going to be helluva experience. It's going to pull a few heart strings. We've been emotional together in the past, and I'm sure a lot of emotion will come out during the flight."
46 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018 The following article was sent to me by the President of the Southern California MG Club, Zelda. When Nome and I visited the United States a few years ago, we contacted a few of the MG Clubs in places we visited. This particular club, through Zelda, invited us on a club run which took us up along the Malibu Highway, where we stopped for lunch, and then further north through Santa Maria around the mountains and then back to LA via Wheeler Ridge. It was a wonderful day with mostly MGB Roadsters, but also a right hand drive Y Type, which looked as out-of-place amongst the B’s as the Corvette Convertible Nome and I were in. We had a tremendous time and since then we have kept in touch, as have other clubs we visited such as the Long Island MG Club in New York and the Gold Coast British Car Club in Miami. Zelda drives her Mk III Rubbernose MGB all across the US attending rallies, conventions and anything else she can manage to find that is MG related. Like all of us though, she suffers the British Car affliction, which is they tend to have issues at the most in-opportune time. So sit back and enjoy a glimpse of the US..... A procession of MGB’s following Nome and I in the Corvette. Photo by
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 47 MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS
MG 2018 Car Show Gettysburg, PA 349 MGs
ELVIN & ZELDA SITTING WITH PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN JUNE 15 – 21, 2018
Beginning of the Trip 6/15 by Zelda Davis
What a fun beginning! I arrived at the airport Yikes! About an hour into the flight the using the multiple passenger blue winged aircraft hit turbulence, and was moving back van called “Super Shuttle” a shared van ride and forth sideways! Surprisingly, the service to LAX. Talk about knowing where announcement of “everybody be seated and the shortcuts were! My driver flew through to be sure to buckle your seatbelt” was not the jammed traffic and showed me a way to needed because you could hear numerous the airport I would not have considered. “clicks” of seat belts fastening. The flight Elvin’s TVR 280i Imagine, driving down Century Boulevard! crew quickly pushed the serving carts, up or This TVR 280i was the car I was scheduled to drive to Gettysburg. It had too many mechanical issues to drive. The street was bumper to bumper, yet the down, clearing the aisle. I was in the process curb lanes were clear because folks were of drinking when the second turbulence driving in the left lanes for Passenger occurred. No one said a word. The sensing Departure. My winged van was heading to of noiseless prayers was apparent. I watched Passenger Arrivals. I was dropped off at the the flight crew. They worked quickly, Delta International Terminal to check in, and moving the carts and verifying that travel time was less than 12 minutes! passengers had their belts fastened. They did not appear to be concerned which Once it was decided I could carry my luggage enhanced my feeling that “everything is all onto the aircraft, I headed to the departure right.” Then they disappeared, efficiently gate via TSA. It was a breeze because I was and calmly. The rocking back and forth TSA pre-checked. There was plenty of time. eventually stopped and we heard a tone and the service of drinks started again. They Once the flight was called, it was announced were almost finished serving the passengers
that the flight was full and my boarding when it happened again. Somehow I fell group would not be allowed a carry-on bag asleep and was awaken by the lights coming Maxcine’s 1980 MGB LE for the overhead bind. So, I checked my bag. on in the cabin as the aircraft was prepared This is the car I drove to Gettysburg. Janet, Elvin for landing. Turns out I had an aisle seat and my under- and I are leaving Elvin’s house for the second time that day. the-seat bag would not fit! So I hid the fact Outside, the Detroit Metro Airport was that my bag was not under the seat by balmy and warm. It felt so good, like being putting my blanket over my knees. kissed by the gentle breeze. Whew! Eventually, I did fall asleep on the plane. MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 2
June 16 Training Day
My brother, Elvin, took me to Walmart at 7 a.m. in his TVR to practice driving around its empty parking lot. He told me reverse is broken, but there are ways to avoid backing up. So we went through the gears and he explained about the shifting progression of the TVR. One thing I felt right away was how “close” the gear shift was closer yet harder to reach than my B. I was having quite a time getting into first and third gears. Just when I thought I had done it correctly and released 1980 MGB LE – DIFFERENT STRIPPING the clutch, only to realize, naaaw. After a few tries I had it figured out. The car is fast Driving Maxcine’s MGB LE on the mini driving compared to my MGB. course set up by the Windsor Detroit MG Club. frustrated. Arthur then drove the TVR and I rode with Maxcine. Next thing we know, Elvin felt I had the hang of shifting gears and and I had to stop while Elvin and Janet got Arthur is missing! We caught up with Elvin I was feeling powerful. We were waiting for through the intersection. on the on-ramp, yet still no Arthur. Finally, Maxcine and Arthur (my sister and her Elvin backtracked and found Arthur, and husband) to arrive at 1 p.m. and then we then Elvin drove the TVR to the Car show. were off to a Windsor-Detroit Car Show at Elvin waited for us. I missed the light again. the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds in The danger: it was at the end of the freeway The show was a nice gathering of cars and Imlay City. Elvin & Janet were in the lead; I which converted into to the town’s main there was even a little race course. After was in the center; and, Maxcine & Arthur drag; cars were traveling fast. I just could not discussion, it was decided I would drive the were behind me. Wow! It was wonderful get the car into first. Without first gear, the MGB LE to the show, so I practiced driving driving such a powerful car! As traffic would car does not roll. Arthur helped me get the the B on the course. happen, we came upon several traffic lights car out of the driving lane. I was so
Car Show June 16 Imlay City, MI
What a thrill! We were driving on the grass, then on a dirt road with no cars on display! We kept driving around buildings; when we rounded a corner, we discovered we were in the right place when we saw MGs and other British cars. We lined up our cars, in no particular order then proceeded to open bonnets and stow the hoods (soft tops). The host of the show had special sausages for everyone’s lunch and no! I did not eat one. Note the large bull in the Then, there was the raffle. Turns out the background behind the British raffle prizes were large jars of pickles! Cars. It was hot, breezy, yet Apparently, the area is known for its pickles! balmy. Vickie Bada, President of the Windsor- At Elvin’s house we made plans for departure Detroit MG Club, won a jar of pickles! to Gettysburg in the morning. We would meet a small group of the Windsor-Detroit Club members traveling to Gettysburg at the last truck stop before entering the Ohio Turnpike at Toleto around 10 a.m. MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 3
CATCHING UP WITH THE MCGRAWS’ OHIO/PENNSYLVANIA Dinner was in the valley town of Waking up Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m .I was Pennsylvania called Breezewood filled with excitement. I performed pre-drive with Janet, Pearl, Elvin & Jean- checks for Maxcine’s B. Oops! The oil is black. Paul. This is an area not designed Alerting Elvin, he did an oil change. We were for high-speed traffic. It was ready to go at 8:30 a.m. We had several false difficult traversing across the starts. I left my wallet with credit cards, cash, intersection from the gas station to ID and Maxcine’s car registration. Then Elvin the restaurant with those long- left his hat. Finally we left the house at 11 a.m. hauler trucks driving downhill. I remember Elvin saying, “See that sign that reads restaurant?” That’s where we are going. Just in case you get separated, but keep up. To Gettysburg June 17
EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS Before I knew it, the sky had become dark – We are almost at the end of the Ohio Turnpike no moonligh, only the headlights of the cars Keep on living. There is more to see – or not when we met the McGraws. The next exit will be lit the road. Having Pearl in the car see. I waited in anticipation to “see” the tall onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike. All you can see is encouraged me to be mindful. hills that were supposed to be curvy, and fun hillside and sporadic farms. to drive ; and, scary for passengers. However, the highway was flat and mildly hilly. Then there was the tunnel. Finally, a NEXT CHALLENGE driving challenge. There were several large signs that read, “Turn on Your Headlights in The B’s Brakes are pulling! Be extra careful!! the Tunnel.” Then another sign that read “Remove Your Sunglasses.” That was when I saw the “black hole” in the middle of the road. Cars were zooming into the tunnel and getting lost from my sight. I quickly removed my sunglasses, flipped the switch for the headlights, sat tall in the seat and allowed myself to be swallowed up by the mouth of the tunnel. CASH OR EZ-PASS
$13.25 My cost to exit the Ohio Turnpike. No speeding! You cannot exit “early” which indicates you were speeding.
This tunnel went on for what felt like miles. $7.45 Evenutally, we exited the tunnel and we were in Breezewood, Pennsylvania. We My cost to enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike stopped and had a bite to eat. No speeding! I discovered that we were at the bottom of
the mountain, and from that point on, there would be one lane roads traveling around $19.35 and about the mountain/hill into Gettysburg. Pearl McGraw was not convinced that the My cost to exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at the foot of the hill/mountain. Bimini Top was cooler, so she asked to ride with me. She was excellent company! MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS
As we drove along, I became convinced that I saw a sign that read Gettysburg Theatre this was not the road I was expecting. On the and acknowledged we made it to The Joy of Driving. one hand, I was grateful because I was Gettysburg. Now, where was the hotel? The concerned about the brakes, and mindful of area was not lighted as one would expect a The road was slightly curved and gently getting the LE back to my sister in as close to resort to be at night. My brother slowed rolling. One could drive this road with one the same condition as it was when she gave it down and turned right onto a darker street. hand on the wheel. However it was not my to me to drive. Then right again, I saw the secondary host car and I had a passenger, Pearl. I used two hotel, restaurants and a movie theatre. My hands on the steering wheel at all times on brother kept driving and then we turned left this segment of the drive. The scoop was and as I rounded the corner, I saw the host that we were still two hours from Gettysburg It became darker sooner than I would have hotel. I was ready for bed. and it was early evening. How much daylight preferred. We were already travelling with did we have? Uncertain, because we were our lights on. Only my enjoyment of Pearl’s further south, shorter daylight. We were not company distracted me from the lack of going to tarry. driving challenges and views of the countryside. The area appeared to be either dense with foliage that you could not see through, or green rolling mounds. We followed the main track of the road seemingly south and eastward. The road would again become one lane each way and more countryside and Pearl’s humor.
All of a sudden, we arrived in Gettysburg. Paul’s car was on display in the lobby! It was so beautiful to see it. I saw old friends who wanted to chat. It was truly a joy.
MONDAY, June 18 DAY 1
IIt was tooooo hot for me with the humidity factor! I went to breakfast with Elvin and Janet. When we arrived back to the hotel to register for the car show I was exhausted. I parked the LE in the lot and went for a visit in the Registration Room. I picked up my registration package and visited with friends in that room, then participated in the silent auction on three items. I walked across the hall to pick up my event regalia purchases. I ventured into the Vendor room and saw Jan of Little British Car Company. I talked to other vendors who had interesting parts and items for sale, and took lots of pictures of interesting gadgets for other members of the Southern California MG Club. Then I saw it! A blue breathable fabric shirt. Wooo! Was it expensive! I had a grand time shopping for items to auction off af my club’s future events. MID-DAY I decided that I needed to take a nap. The moisture in the air was too much for me. I slept through the day and missed Dinner.
MGs Parked 6 Rows Deep MGs parked in the exclusive parking lot for “MGs only” at the back of the host hotel. There was a car wash area and NAMGBR’s host area that was tented and if you looked closely, there was something to drink. I particularly remember looking for the Ohio Club - they usually have a large parking lot party every night of the gathering of MGs. MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 5
We had a late breakfast, and discussed that the LE was running rough, the tachometer was Tuesday, June 19, visually annoying (moving like a metronome) and the horn did not work. Elvin said that we should put the car in the Rolling Tech Session line when we return from breakfast.
Day 2 When we arrived, the line in the Tech Session was 8 cars long. Time moved on as it became past noon. It required Mr. Twist significant time to diagnose and adjust the engine issues that were presented to him. It was way past lunch-time for him, surely he would take a break. Katie brought him a snack but he refused to eat it - he kept working on the cars.
Finally, it became my turn. I told Dave, his assistant what the problems were: the car runs rough; the tachometer swing back and forth; and the horn does not work. As Mr. Twist placed the towel on the left fender, he pushed on the fender and pronounced that the “shock” needed replacement. He walked around and put the towel on the other side he pronounced that the right side “shock” needed replacement as well. He then proceeded to look at the horn. He said that it was likely a power issue in the horn. He tested his theory. You could barely hear the honk. Then there was a big HONK. Folks jumped back and we all laughed. The horn works. He moved on to the S.U.s. He diagnosed that one S.U. was getting more air than the other. Twist announced “move the rear carburetor down three flats; moved the jet down.” Moving the front S.U., “down one flat; adjusting the air flow.” All the while he Car Running Rough worked, you could hear the engine noise smoothing out to a purr with a slight rattle. He then said he was “unable to stop the vibration of the engine.” He asked if the car had overdrive. I told him no. Twist announces “that over time, this connection could cause a short. Since there was a power issue, he determined that there was a wiring issue so he disconnected the overdrive connection. The goal is to get the car back home to a mechanic. When the engine was turned off, it turned off without the knocking and shaking like it used to do.
Mr. Twist worked on the car for less than 15 minutes which was a short period of time compared to the other cars. The men had a learning session as they discussed that this car had dual carburetors but originally had a single carburetor. The gents discussed replacement of carburetors. I drove the car out of the line.
It was my birthday!! I went to dinner with the Windsor-Detroit MG
Club and two vendors. It was a fine gathering of folks. I talked to one of the vendors who told a story about his younger son who was 13 at the time; his intention was to have coffee and donuts for his customers. He told us he had the coffee but no time to pick up the donuts. Upon arriving at the venue, he discovered that there was a donut vendor so he gave his son $15 dollars and told the son to get a dozen donuts. The show had been open a long time, yet his son did not return. Hours later that morning, the son showed up eating ice cream. The vendor asked his son about the dozen donuts. His son said he could not buy a dozen donuts because the
vendor only sold donuts buy the “eaches.” Kids, you gotta love ‘em!
After the birthday singing we drove home in the rain. It was raining badly, and I was having a problem braking. Elvin
said he would take a look in the morning. I agreed nothing to be done in the rain.
MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 6
Wednesday, June 20 Day 3
After breakfast, Elvin drove the LE. He concluded that the brakes needed to be checked. He pulled the tire off and discovered that the rotor was scored! I went to the vendor who had parts and purchased hoses, brake pads, and other associated parts. Several drivers assisted him in adjusting the brakes. When the task was done, Elvin drove the LE around the lot and parked the car. The wheel was “smoking” and the smell! While the guys waited for the wheel to cool off, it started to rain. Needless
to say, eventually the job was accomplished.
,
It was after 2:00 p.m. when we decided to go to the Battlefield. Elvin was given the tour of the Battlefield on CD. We circled and circled the Battlefield trying to find spot number 1, but we kept finding spots 13-14. Finally, we drove to the Visitors Center where we discovered that we arrived too late to get the bus tour. So I spent time in the Visitor Center and shopping! That 3-day battle was a battle defining who we are today.
MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS
MG 2018 Car Show Gettysburg, PA 349 MGs
June 21, 2018
MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 8
MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 9
The Brown LE is real. This color was available in Great Britain and Canada.
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The ladies from the Chicagoland Club with Zelda.
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This car was a work in progress. The surprise was: They took first place on the Rallye Run. They are members of the Windsor-Detroit MG Club.
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Thursday, Awards Banquet June 21 DAY 4
The food was wonderful!
This trip I noticed more drivers are women and at least 6 members younger than 30.
AFTERMATH
We made it back to Detroit taking the scenic route through Maryland and West Virginia to avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I spent Saturday with my mother and sisters. I went to the church where I grew up in Detroit and saw old friends. Elvin tinkered with his TVR and was able to get the TVR rolling. While I was in church, Elvin drove the TVR to a car show in South Bend, Indiana. Yes, he drove the TVR! He was able to drive the car because somehow the gears were working. On the way back from South Bend, more than 200 miles from his house, the TVR broke down as he was exiting the toll booth at the Ohio Turnpike near Cleveland. He had the car towed home. On a lark, he pulled off the leather covering off the gear shift. He discovered three screws were missing, and the fourth screw was loose! After going to several stores he was able to locate the correct size screws. NOW the TVR shifts perfectly. MG 2018 CAR SHOW GETTYSBURG, PA 349 MGS | Page 13
Some of the members who are users on the MG Experience website.
Peter Middler is a member of the It is not far from Los Angeles to Gettysburg, Toronto, Ontario MG Club. He has only 2,599 miles as the crow flies. an MG that is identical to Elvin’s. Detroit to Gettysburg is a mere 483 miles. His car is nicknamed “Evil Twin.” When the cars are displayed side by side, Peter’s MG always wins. Peter has been riding his motorized -bicycle on two continents for the Great Cycle Challenge. This charity supports research to end childhood cancer. His goal is to raise $2,500. As of this writing, he has raised $1.020. As of the writing, Peter is somewhere near Whitby, Australia.
Special thanks to the persons who read the beginning drafts this adventure: Matt Dabney, Bill Willen, Jim Heaton, Jackie Brion and Haydee Chun.
I drove a Chinese-made MG and… I liked it
Opinion: Alborz Fallah
or those of you that made it to general preconceived dislike of Chi- F our recent Sydney open day, you nese cars in the automotive media. would’ve seen that our garage is an L- Most of this has been warranted due shaped mess, with a stack formation to previous safety issues and build of cars that means first in, last out. As quality, but as I was about to find out, a result, when a car needs to get out, much of that has changed. it requires half a dozen people to It’s vital to understand that this is sim- move those behind it. ply history repeating itself, as it was On one recent occasion, I was handed the same attitude many took towards the keys to the new MG ZS small SUV the South Korean brands a decade or so that it could make way for another more ago (and some still hold that car heading for a photo shoot. I looked view today). Except that the Chinese at it suspiciously, maybe even made a are likely going to do what the South joke about being forced to move a Koreans did in half the time. Chinese car that looked like some- One only needs to look at what Volvo thing between a Mazda CX-5 and a has produced since being bought by Kia Sportage, but then I got in. the Chinese to understand that fact. There’s no denying that there is a This same thinking applies to Jaguar
48 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Land Rover since it was taken over by proper infotainment system with Apple India’s Tata. It’s what happens when CarPlay, plenty of space and – gener- Chinese money meets established ally speaking – feels almost on the brands – it not only substantially im- same level of build quality as, say, the proves those brands, but also ad- CX-3 that it competes with. vances China’s ability to catch up to There are no glaring build-quality is- its foreign rivals by decades. sues that would make you go “oh, I Unlike the South Koreans, which went am not sure about that”. It feels bloody on a hiring spree for the best German solid, which is further backed up by engineers and European designers, the brand’s seven-year warranty the Chinese took it a step further and (against Mazda’s three). decided just to buy up company after So at this point, the guys in the office company, from Volvo to Lotus, MG were yelling at me to stop feeling up and London Taxis, and plenty of oth- the MG’s interior and actually reverse ers in the automotive technology seg- out of the garage, but instead of doing ment, whether that’s for electric cars the normal around-the-block run and or autonomous driving. park back in, I took the Chinese SUV Back to the MG ZS, here’s the deal – for a proper drive and it only im- the top-spec ZS that came to our of- pressed further. fice is priced at just $23,990, and Okay, so the 81kW/160Nm 1.0-litre when you get inside it doesn’t feel like turbo petrol isn’t exactly a power- a $24K car. It has leather upholstery, house mated to the six-speed auto,
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 49
but around Sydney’s traffic-congested seemingly unlimited funding capacity, suburbs and a quick burst on the high- they will out-invest and outmanoeuvre way, it certainly proved to be more smaller companies like Mazda that will than adequate. be unable to keep up in the long term. Then there is the ride quality, which Of course, it’s not just MG. Haval, for its intended purpose is far better Great Wall, LDV and other Chinese suited to Australian roads than some manufacturers have also produced of the Japanese offerings I’ve recently some interesting and massively im- sampled. Did I mention it’s $24,000 proved cars in recent times and con- and comes with everything? tinue to progress at a rapid rate. The glaring issue, and perhaps the Also, and perhaps a vital point to con- only reason why it still can’t be at the sider, the evolution to electric vehicles top of our recommendation list, is the makes it much easier for new manu- four-star ANCAP safety rating thanks facturers to enter the market, because to a lack of AEB and a less-than- ultimately it’s easier to make an elec- perfect score for the frontal offset test. tric car than it is a conventional vehi- Although, it’s worth mentioning that cle. Also, the Chinese government is the brand did manage five stars with investing heavily into an electric future the larger GS SUV early last year. to benefit not only its attempts at re- ducing air pollution, but also to give its The point here isn’t to defend the MG national companies an advantage. ZS. It is that considering where MG was three to five years ago, to where Call me crazy, but there is no doubt in it is now, only shows you where MG my mind that the Chinese automotive will be in another five to 10 years – manufacturers and Chinese-made and that’s more than likely on the cars (for non-Chinese brands) are set same footing as the Koreans and to dominate the future of the automo- Japanese. bile. It might take another five or 10 years, or perhaps even longer, but It’s companies like Mazda in Australia they are coming and they are taking (and globally) that should be most no prisoners. worried about the entry and rise of the Chinese manufacturers. Because as the likes of Hyundai and Honda take market share away from Mazda at the slightly higher end of the mainstream market, the Chinese will be pushing from the bottom up. And with their 50 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
Help Line
Pre-war Restoration Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716 Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 T Series
Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Club Trailer Peter Dechaineux (02) 6281 5917 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Club Servicing Facility & Tools Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 Y Series and MGA Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716 Concessional Registration Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 MGB (Northside) Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Rob Chilman 0412 024 228 (Southside) MGC Mick O’Brien 0422 536 953 Club Service Centre: Our Club MG RV8 has a well equipped under-cover Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 service centre at Budget Storage, 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick. It has all MG Z Magnette the basic big-tools to enable you to Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 do repairs, service and/or clean your car in a secure area, 24/7. Midget/Sprite Simply contact Laurie Gardiner on John Harriott (02) 6292 8420 (02) 6293 4191 to arrange a time to Ian Reid (02) 6231 8959 do the work or just to have a look. Modern MGs The Service Centre, and use of club Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 tools, is free to Club Members. Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658
August 2018 Tappet Chatter 51
Marquet
Australia's only dedicated MG classifieds web site. Developed by an MG enthusiast for all MG enthusiasts & owners. www.mgbuyswapsell.com.au
1972 MGB (Mar 18)
Rare Aqua colour 137,000 original Kms, Overdrive, 321 electronic Ignition, Uprated Suspension, gas Shocks and Poly Bushes, Anti Roll Bar, Electric Fan, Electronic Fuel Pump, Stainless Steel Exhaust, New Michelin Tyres, New Water Pump, Uprated Starter Motor, Slotted Brake Discs, Kevlar Pads and Stainless Hoses Receipts and history all the way back to 1972
Offers around $23,000.00
Contact Neil on 0474 150441
52 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
1932 MG J2 (Feb 2018)
Capture the spirit of classic sports car motoring. MG J2 4418 is close to its original specifications after being completely rebuilt mechanically and bodily about 15 years ago by its previous owner, a Sydneysider who had it in storage for 50 years while he went on to become the proprietor of a vehicle restoration business.
The car was one of five rolling chassis 1932 J2s sent as deck cargo to Australia in 1934. The body was built in Victoria and the car took part in competition events in in that State in the mid-30s (photographs available). It is listed with the Triple-M Register and has been a prize-winner in con- cours competitions with Perth’s MGTC Owners’ Club.
Utterly cute and great fun to drive, it offers a fascinating insight into a motoring style that went on to enthral car buffs everywhere. Extremely low mileage. Parts include racing screens and leather hood straps. Original hood supplied but needs restora- tion.
Owner looking for offers close to $A60,000.
For details of restoration and further information contact -
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08 9390 8846
Mobile: 0409 689 924 Eng: 2994A. VIN: 4418
Wanted Steering wheel centre for an original 1969 MGB MK 2 steering wheel.
Contact Mike on 6231 1716.
Wanted (Apr 17) Wanted to purchase SU Twin Carburettors 1 ½ in to suit MG Magnette Contact: Graham at [email protected]
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OTHER ITEMS Regalia Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 CLUB CLOTHING Club Grille Badges $22.00
Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 MG Key Rings $ 7.00 Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00 Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth
Silver Painted Wire Wheels for MGB (Aug 2018) Set of 4 MGB silver-painted wire wheels and chome spinners with ears. Wheels and spinners have normal wear and some rust but were useable last time car was driven 30 years ago. Located at Yal- lourn St, Fyshwick. Free to club members. Contact: Dave Burns at [email protected] or 0419
Car Trailer (Mar 2018)
16ft x 6.6ft beaver tail, metal ramps, falcon wheels with spare, wheel bearings and brakes serviced every year. Has mechanical brakes and weight is 660kg. Rated to 2 ton. Purchased new from Creative Trailers in June 2015. Has done very little work but excellent to tow (Adelaide and Hunter Valley). Asking $4000 ono. Contact: Russell [email protected]
54 MG Car Club Canberra August 2018
2003 (MY04) MGZT 220S MkI Automatic (April 2018) SUPERCHARGED!!! The MGZT220S was an Australian designed model based on the MGZT180 & MGZT190. The production run of the MGZT220S was quite short with 2004 being the only year they were sold. The number built is somewhere be- tween 50 & 80. Research indicates that there are only between 8-12 of these vehicles still registered worldwide. This car is btb the prototype of the model which was de- veloped in Perth, WA by Australian Automotive Corpora- tion (AAC) in association with Sprintex superchargers, and then endorsed by MG Rover. This car is a 2003 model as development happened during 2003. Discussions with ex employees of AAC revealed that the automatic was chosen as the prototype due to the increased torque over the manual version. Parts support for the supercharger is still available through Sprintex in Perth, WA. Always garaged and cared for in an obsessive compulsive manner. Mechani- cally maintained to a very high standard. It runs on new Continental tires filled with nitrogen, and it comes with a platinum tire support package (which is trans- ferable) from Jax tyres nationwide. Timing belts, water pump, thermostat etc, were completed at 180,000kms. Supercharger has recently been serviced by a Sprintex agent, and is working perfectly, as well as also having being recently engine serviced. Fitted with a 7.5 inch integrated navigation system with traffic up- dates, Bluetooth connectivity for up to 10 devices, cruise control and all the comforts you would expect from a modern car, a modern day classic that should not be missed.
Price $9,500 ono Contact Mark 0415400044 or [email protected]
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