Octagram

Edition 6 April 2016 The Newsletter of the MGs of Baltimore Regular Articles

President’s Message 3 About the Club 4 New Members 4 Club Calendar 6 Want ADs 8 In the March Oc- Crossword Answers 11 tagram, I stated we would publish A Little Tax Humor 20 Chapter 2 of Matthew Dinner- Editor’s Corner man’s MGB GT V8 restoration 24 project. Unfortunately, I did not Glimpse to Our Past 25 include Chapter 2 in this editon. Trivia Answers 26 We need some more collaboration time to bring you the best article SEMA Announcement 29 on Matt’s project. Flyers and Announce- 30 ments

Octagram April 2016 2 From El Presidente

Well, spring has finally arrived and it’s time to once again get the MGs and other little British cars out and on the road again. A good way to start off the sports car season is by taking part in the 27th Annual “Get the Dust Off” Rallye. The MGOB event takes place on Sunday, May 1st. Look for a copy of the flier in this issue. There is also Britain on the Green at Gunston Hall on Sunday, April 24th go to www.motosho.com/event/bog to register on line. This is followed by the 39th Annual Original British Car Day on Sunday, June 5, for more info go to www.chesapeakechaptermgtclub.com and to start off the summer the big- gest and the best, MG 2016 in Louisville, KY June 13th – 16th www.mg2016.com For a more complete list of upcoming events checkout the events page on our website at www.mgsofbaltimore.org

I hope to see you at one of these.

To assist you, I will always hook the web link to email addresses and icons or emblems to ease your discovery of North American MGA Register, and research of articles and events. So if you want more American MGB Association, MG Car information while viewing the newsletter click the associated Club UK, MG Owner’s Club UK icon. Your Editor Octagram April 2016 3 The MGs of Baltimore, Ltd. Car club was established in 1977. The club represents over 150 members in the Metro Baltimore area. As Suzie Boltz with her 1966 the name implies, the club centers its activities MG Midget. around the preservation and enjoyment of the cars that bear the classic MG marque. The club is affiliated with the following national organizations: The North American MGA Register, The North American MGB Register, and The American MGB association. Internationally, the club is affiliated with the You can join anytime and on the MG Car Club and The MG Owners Club. next page you will find a member- The clubs activities include sponsorship of ship application for your conve- the nationally known “MGs on the Rocks” car nience. show, a series of challenging (and FUN) historic car rallies, as well as numerous fun gatherings all through the year. The club membership meets at 7:30 PM Submit your address changes the first Tuesday of every month at Pappas’ and membership applications Restaurant, located at 1725 Taylor Avenue, to: Baltimore, Maryland. The restaurant is located Kathy McHenry off the 695 Beltway and Perring Parkway. 5237 Glen Arm Rd E Come early (around 6:00 p.m.) and have Glen Arm, MD 21057 dinner restaurant . The meetings are about sharing experiences, taking care of club business and normally include a monthly tech session provided by our MG “technical guru” Randy Kegg. Many members of MGoB are owners of the other classic British marques and all are welcomed to join the club.

Copied from the MGoB Web Site

Octagram April 2016 4 The MG Car Club T Register created a logo to celebrate this historic and momen- tous event. Your editor will posting this celebratory logo often in the Octagram as an anniversary reminder.

Octagram April 2016 5 MGOB Meeting April 5th Kimber Festival (See Flyer on Page 35) April 8-10th Gathering of the Faithful South (Flyer on Page 43) April 21-24th Britain on the Green (Flyer on Page 32) April 24th Get the ‘Dust Off’ Rallye (Flyer on Page 36) May 1st MGOB Meeting May 3rd Britfest (Flyer on Page 38) May 7th All British Marque Car and Motorcycle Show (Flyer on June 4th Page 32)

The Original British Car Day (Flyer on Page 37) June 5th MGOB Meeting June 7th MG 2016 (See Flyer on Page 36) June 13-17th

Octagram April 2016 6 Richard Liddick Ken Olszewski 410-817-6862 410-893-1661 [email protected] [email protected]

Richard Ken Olszewski Randy Kegg 410-893-1661 410-592-3733 [email protected] [email protected]

Randy Kegg Mike Lutz 410-592-3733 410-592-8610 [email protected] [email protected]

Mike Kathy McHenry Tracy Trobridge 410-817-6862 410-489-7444 [email protected] [email protected]

Richard Liddick Randy Kegg 410-817-6862 410-592-3733 [email protected] Tracy [email protected]

Mark Deeds Jack Long 410-674-2096 410-420-1385 [email protected] [email protected] Jack

can visit the British Car Week web site,

It is not too early to begin planning for this http://www.britishcarweek.org , for year’s British car week. It begins on 28 more information. (Just click on the May and runs through 5 June 2016. You icon)

Octagram April 2016 7 Been in my pos- session since 1995 at which time I purchased this little classic in Stony brook New York from the original owner with only 9003 miles registered. The mileage is now only 35000 miles, color is original blue, with black top and tan interior, near new tires, original radio and luggage rack. Runs really well. Reason for selling- must reduce number of cars due to space. Best offer. Call Len 321 752 0737 [email protected] Mel- bourne, Florida

. $6800 Firm - Great body no rust. Runs great. Weber carb. Soft top has tear on driver side. New brakes and bushings. Spare engine and trans included. Ellicott City area. Anytime 443-996-8238

Octagram April 2016 8 – roadster with about 60k miles from new. Originally from Texas. She runs nice. 98% orig. nos match. Fundamentally tight body, interior, orig. paint. 4cyl, 4 sp. Dual carb conver- sion; manual choke conversion for reliable starts; new top; new rear shocks; new fuel pump & hoses; new master cylinder; trans. rebuilt. Orig. tools, manual, service booklet. Has spare parts including AC. Asking $8,500. Email Jerry: [email protected] or call 410-303-5218.

One of our customers wants to sell his MG Magnette. Could you list it in your next newsletter? It is a 1958 MG Magnette (titled as a 1959). The car is located in Canton, Illinois. He is asking $5500.00. The owner is Douglas Freeman, phone (309) 647-2196.

Thanks. David Wright Minor Classics Restorations LLC Restoring classic British motorcars since 1978 www.minorclassicsrestorations.com

Octagram April 2016 9 - Age is different for everybody, I guess, but I'm getting too old for this project car, and will never finish it .... I have two MGA's ... a 1960 roadster, which is a driver (about a $ 25K car), and the '62 MK2. I don't need both cars ... my wife can't or won't drive a 4-speed, and my sons don't really have any interest in old cars, or British cars. Better to pass this thing to someone who has an interest in them and can ap- preciate it for what it is. I can send a CD with pix and detailed info on the '62 ... it should be worth 35 to 40K when completed. It is SN GHNL2/108410, shipped on 13 April 1962. Originally red with red interior and tan hood, I planned to re-do it in black with a red and black interior. The engine and interior of the the main clip has been sprayed in black, and the doors, trunk lid, and hood have all been done in black by a pro. The rest of the clip is in primer. It was at a pro body shop for over a year, finally brought back home because the body guy was putting my money up his nose, not in the car. The carbs have been rebuilt (by Joe Curto) and are on the engine, finger-tight. Ceram- ic coated exhaust manifold, also loosely attached; Moss alternator; Pertronix ignition ... en- tire engine is now on an engine stand, stored inside a trailer with other large parts ... fenders, etc. My plan is to sell the trailer along with the contents ... this is a 12 foot two wheel utility trailer with a ramp door. I don't want to give this car away, but there it would be a real sweet deal for someone mechanically inclined, and 50-ish instead of 70-ish like I am. Let me know if your are inter- ested, and you send the CD with all the particulars - contact [email protected]

Octagram April 2016 10 1 1925 1 1977 3 XPAG 2 Fast 7 train 4 Bonneville 9 Brooklands 6 Boundary 10 Magnette 8 Nuffield 11 MGC 11 MGA 12 Cemetery 13 Thornley 14 Morris 15 fabric 16 Hayter 17 TB 18 Buick The Octagram is published monthly by the MGs of Baltimore Car Club. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Club, Club officers or the newsletter staff. Technical information is believed to be accurate. However, any repairs or mechanical advice is attempted at the reader’s own risk. The Club, officers, or newsletter staff will not be responsible for any misinterpreted or incorrect technical information. If in doubt, consult with a certified technician. Articles appearing herein may be used by other automobile clubs and organizations in their newsletters and for other informational purposes provided appropriate credit and recognition of the source is given.

Front Cover: MG VA at Classic Car Show at Knebworth Back Cover: M.G. M-type Midget 2-Seater Sports 1929

Octagram April 2016 11 By Jack Long

While Liz and I were returning from the dedication of the new Saint Michael’s, Maryland antique car mu- seum headquarters just before Thanksgiving, my 1954 MG TF-1500 suddenly lost power and began run- ning very rough. We limped into a shopping center in Easton, Maryland, confirmed that all 4 plugs were firing but only the front 2 cylinders were responding, and called the good folks at Hagerty for a ride home. The re- sponse was very quick and we were loaded on a rollback and on the way back to Harford County within an hour. Liz was not all that unhappy since the wrecker had a heater and the TF does not. Once home, I managed to get it into the garage on 2 cylinders and called it 1-3-4-2, I suspected that the head gasket had a night. failed between #3 and #4 and that compres- sion was just pushing from one cylinder into its The next day I pulled the valve cover next door neighbor. The TF-1500’s are well and turned the engine over with the hand known for that, because when the factory bored crank (a useful device, indeed). With the out the earlier 1250cc engine to 1500 cc’s, the plugs out it turned easily and I was pleased spaces between cylinders 1 and 2 and between to see that all the valves opened and closed 3 and 4 became very narrow and there are no properly. This told me that the cam, tim- water passages between them. Roger Marshall ing chain and crankshaft were probably all had a similar experience with his car a few okay. Good news indeed since these en- years ago and I remembered Randy Kegg’s tech gines have been known to break crank- session on it. So, it was off with her head! shafts and new ones are crazy expensive. I next checked the compression and found After removing the air filters (no fun on 125 psi on cylinders 1 and 2, and a perfect a TF), carburetors, intake manifold, distributor zero on 3 and 4. Since the firing order is cap and rotor, side cover, rocker arm assembly

Octagram April 2016 12 and pushrods, and draining the cooling system and removing the upper hoses, I was ready to pull the head. I remembered from another of Randy’s tech sessions to keep the pushrods in order. It came apart pretty easily, with just a

Other than a lot of carbon on the piston tops, the rest of things looked in pretty good order to my untrained eyes. At this point Randy kindly came couple raps on the head with a wooden block over to my house and inspected the damage, with and hammer to loosen it, and with the head off Larry Heaps providing moral and machinist sup- the problem was obvious; most of the head gas- port. They carefully checked the block and head ket between #3 and #4 was AWOL, with a glob with a machinist’s block and found they were both of molten metal stuck to both the head and en- very flat and would not need any machining. That gine block. The head gasket had a huge gap in was a relief. We flipped the head over and used ker- the same place. osene to fill the combustion chambers. After 15 minutes, none of it had leaked out so we knew the

Octagram April 2016 13 sold in the late 1990’s – early 2000’s. Since the engine in my car was rebuilt in that timeframe by the previous owner, I suspect that is what ended up in my car. Also, this model engine is valves were in good shape and sealing well. kind of legendary for chewing up its tappets Another relief. Several of the old cylinder (valve lifters). It has a pretty aggressive stock head studs were stretched or “hour glassed”, cam profile, and the double valve springs de- and one head stud near the gasket failure signed to allow higher RPMs put an extra load showed signs of light rust which could mean on them. that water had been oozing for a while. Ran- dy also checked all the pushrods to make sure that none were bent, and pulled the lifters to inspect them. There he found a problem. The lifters were badly worn and several of them had significant spalling damage. I sus- pect this was why my car had noticeable valve train noise even immediately after I adjusted the valves, and why they were not staying in adjustment. The lifters were wearing and thus increasing the valve clearances. After Randy’s post mortem, I set out to The good news was, when we inspect- find the best quality parts for the repair that I ed the camshaft lobes through the lifter bores could. Everyone says that Payen makes the best while turning the engine with the hand crank, head gasket, but it is not available for the 1500 they were sound and undamaged. I know engine, so I had no choice there and went with that it is a best practice to replace cams and the Moss version. It is a 2-part gasket with a lifters as a set, but camshaft replacement on steel bottom and copper top. The lifters were this engine is a major effort that requires ei- more problematic; I found a vendor in England ther pulling the engine or disassembling most who hardens lifters using a process called of the front sheet metal. I decided to roll the “Parkerizing” but he did not offer much more in dice and replace the lifters while leaving the the way of information. Moss sells hardened camshaft intact. Time will tell the wisdom of lifters for the aftermarket Crane cam but they that decision but at most I will be out some won’t work with a stock cam. Then I found a labor and a set of lifters. fellow on the MG Experience BBS here in the states that had an unused set of original tappets I spent a lot of time on the British MG that had been remanufactured and Parkerized Car Club TD-TF bulletin board, which has by a machine shop many years ago. He was years and years of archived information, and willing to send them to me for evaluation, and I discovered that there was a large batch of im- was able to sign off on the quality of the parts properly hardened aftermarket lifters being before I paid him. I also wanted to avoid a re- peat of the stretched head studs so I bought ARP brand studs and nuts. Everyone says that

Octagram April 2016 14 these are the gold standard for threaded fasten- ers. ARP studs and nuts to fit the T series en- gines are only available from one source, Tom Lange up in Bar Harbor, Maine, who has them custom made. His ARP studs are threaded for the stock brass nuts, but because those also stretch and deform I elected to go with the ARP I had all the parts assembled by late Jan- nuts as well – they don’t look stock but I prefer uary but it was too darn cold to work in my reliability to authenticity. Tom also manufac- unheated garage so things went on hold. Feb- tures a lot of other high quality T series parts ruary warmed up considerably and I spent a lot including neoprene valve cover and side cover of time very carefully scraping carbon from the gaskets, and cast stainless blanking plates for alloy piston tops (I was fearful of scratching the the rear of the head in place of the stock alloy so used only plastic scrapers and thumb- stamped sheet metal parts that rust out. Tom nails, so this took quite a while). That was was very helpful to me with advice and answer- probably overkill but I wanted to be super care- ing dumb questions as well. ful. My thumbnails will eventually grow back. I used Scotchbrite pads to clean the iron block and head surfaces and get carbon out of the combustion chambers, and used straight razor blades to carefully get the molten head gasket chunks off both mating surfaces without leav- ing a mark. I finally had them all very, very clean and ready for reassembly. I also painted the head and its accessories while it was off using Moss T series engine paint.

The last Saturday in February, it was time to tackle the reassembly. I had lots of as- sembly lube on hand for the new lifters and the valve train along with a Zinc-rich assembly paste to lubricate the bottom of the lifters and the cam lobes. I also used a light coating of

Octagram April 2016 15 new head gasket was slipped into place. It was

copper spray to coat the new head gasket to help ensure that any irregularities in the 62 year old pretty and shiny and I hope to not see it again head and block castings were compensated for. I for a very long time. had pre-ordered all the necessary gaskets and seals except for the thermostat housing gasket, The head was then carefully lowered into so I made one out of gasket paper. The ARP studs have a 4 mm hex cast into

place. I had not removed the studs for the intake and exhaust manifolds to there was a little bit of wiggling required to clear the exhaust manifold the top so they can be screwed in using a hex while lowering the head, but it went pretty socket without touching the threads. Tom smoothly. Once the head was back where it be- Lange recommends that they be torqued to 10 longed, the nuts were torqued in the pattern lbs. After the studs were in and torqued, the

Octagram April 2016 16 since it is polished so nicely. This next photo shows the rocker arm assembly reinstalled, the new ARP head nuts, and the heat shield.

The rest of the reassembly was pretty straightforward. I also drained and refilled the called for in the shop manual, starting at 20 lbs. and working up to 50 lbs. Tom Lange recom- mended 60 lbs. of torque for the ARP studs but the shop manual and John Twist’s MG tech book both recommend 50 lbs., so I stopped at 50. The ARP studs tightened up nicely and gave a very firm click when torqued. Once the head was torqued, the pushrods were lubed and reinstalled in order, and the rocker arm assembly was lubed, reinstalled and torqued to the shop manual specs.

One thing that seems odd in these engines oil since some of the carb cleaner I had used on is the mix of fasteners. The head stud threads the carbon deposits had no doubt found its way are Nuffield “mad metric”; the original head nuts past the rings and into the sump, contaminating are Whitworth nuts with metric threads; the the oil. The hoses were reattached and the radi- rocker arm tower bolts have 2 different sized ator filled, a careful valve adjustment was done metric heads, and most of the engine ancillaries (love that hand crank!), I ran it on the starter are a mix of SAE and Whitworth. For duffers like until it had oil pressure on the gauge (it only me, it’s basically a case of “keep trying a wrench took 10-15 seconds), and it was time to fire it until one fits”. I have now compounded this by up. It took quite a bit of coaxing to get it to fire, using the ARP 12-point metric 12mm star nuts and I suspect that I deranged the carburetor set- on the head studs. I own no other thing that uses tings in the process of removing, cleaning, stor- that fastener, so that socket will stay in the car at ing, and reinstalling them. She finally fired and all times. I also took this opportunity to install a was run at varying engine speeds for about 20 stainless steel heat shield sourced from Barrie minutes until the thermostat opened. At first Jones of the MG Car Club in England. TF’s are there was a small ooze of water from the head notorious for vapor locking with modern ethanol gasket at the right rear corner of the head, but it laced fuels, and mine is no exception, so I stopped when the engine warmed up, and there thought it can’t hurt. It also adds a little bling was a persistent water leak from the base of the

Octagram April 2016 17 thermostat housing – a testament to my gasket making skills, or the lack thereof. It was then shut down, the valve cover removed, and the head was re-torqued hot using 60 lbs. this time as per Tom Lange’s recommendation. The valves were re-adjusted, I reinstalled the valve learned that I need to invest in more and bet- cover and re-fired it. The carburetors were bal- ter tools, and to keep the tools I have a lot anced (they were way off) until it idled nice and more organized. Half of the project seemed smooth at around 900 rpm. The oil pressure was to involve searching for the right socket, ex- a steady 50 lbs. hot at idle, and the water temper- tension or screwdriver. ature stayed at 85 degrees Celsius, right where the thermostat opens. My homemade gasket con- Safety Fast! tinued to leak, so I will remove the thermostat Jack Long housing, sand it on some emery cloth to get the casting smooth, and use a proper gasket to re- A man, called to testify at the IRS, asked his place it. The only remaining challenge will be to accountant for advice on what to wear. "Wear get Satan’s own air filters back on. I swear they your shabbiest clothing. Let him think you are a used 6-year olds on the assembly line at Abing- pauper." don, at least for that operation. Then he asked his lawyer the same question, but got the opposite advice. "Do not let them in- timidate you. Wear your most elegant suit and I learned a lot from this project, and devel- tie. oped a lot of self-confidence from it. I also Confused, the man went to his rabbi, told him of the conflicting advice, and requested some res- olution of the dilemma. "Let me tell you a story," replied the rabbi. "A woman, about to be married, asked her mother what to wear on her wedding night. 'Wear a heavy, long, flannel nightgown that goes right up to your neck.' But when she asked her best friend, she got conflicting advice: 'Wear your most sexy negligee, with a V neck right down to your navel. The man protested, "What does all this have to do with my problem with the IRS?" "No matter what you wear, you are going to get screwed."

Octagram April 2016 18 - This is the first name of a legend- ary British marque - taken from a fa- mous Buckingham hill climb competition. - This Sunbeam model actually re- sulted in a Chrysler-owned company - This GT car featured a V8 mid-engine design building a car with a Ford engine. and became the basis for the Ford GT-40 race car. - ERA stands for - Before Donald Healey completed his deal with - “What builder of luxurious and power- Austin, the “Big Healey” was known as the Healey ful sports cars was Ettore Bugatti speaking what? about when he said “He builds fast trucks”? - BRM stands for - Their motto was “Grace … - Manufacturer of the legendary Super Snipe. Space … Pace” - A series of satirical stories in “Car and Driver” - This small Ford sedan was tuned magazine in the 1970’s praised this fictitious manu- by Lotus to become a very successful facturer’s “Super Chauvinist Mark VII” model, say- race car. ing it had “an excellent hooter and a first-class - This British sports car featured jack”. an unusual water-cooled flat-four en- - This small British manufacturer that had great gine mounted ahead of the front axle racing success in the early fifties built cars without (model name). engines but would configure the engine bay for in- - This manufacturer never dis- stallation of your choice of American V8 engines. closed horsepower figures other than - Lots of trouble, usually serious saying it was “adequate” - This sports car manufacturer’s first product was a small 3-wheeled delivery truck.

Octagram April 2016 19 The art of taxation consists in so pluck- ing the goose as to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers, with the smallest possible amount of hissing. — Jean-Baptiste Colbert I’m proud to be paying taxes in the Unit- ed States. The only thing is, I could be just as Why does a slight tax increase cost you proud for half the money. — Arthur Godfrey two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents? — Peg Bracken The trouble with the profession of tax collecting is that 90% of its members give the The Taxpayer’s prayer: Oh Mighty In- rest a bad name. — anonymous ternal Revenue Service, who turneth the labor of man to ashes, we thank thee for the multi- Day in and day out, your tax accountant tude of thy forms which thou hast set before can make or lose you more money than any us and for the infinite confusion of thy com- single person in your life, with the possible ex- mandments, which mulitplyth the fortunes of ception of your kids. — Harvey Mackay lawyer and accountant alike. — Russell Baker

What’s the difference between a tax au- I owe the government $3,400 in taxes. ditor and a rottweiler? A rottweiler eventually So I sent them two hammers and a toilet seat. lets go. — anonymous — Michael McShane

What is the difference between a taxider- Unquestionably, there is progress. The mist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes average American now pays out twice as much only your skin. –– Mark Twain in taxes as he formerly got in wages. — Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956) People who complain about paying their income tax can be divided into two types: men How can you tell when a tax auditor is and women. — anonymous trying to trap you into a confession? Answer: When his lips are moving. — anonymous If Patrick Henry thought that taxation without representation was bad, he should see The hardest thing in the world to under- how bad it is with representation.— Farmer’s stand is the income tax. -Albert Einstein Almanac The Government that robs Peter to pay For every tax problem there is a solution Paul can always depend upon the support of which is straightforward, uncomplicated-and Paul. -George Bernard Shaw wrong. — anonymous

Octagram April 2016 20 can be increased to as much as 1950cc. (We suggest that you use British Automotive's 1924cc conversion).

MGA 1622cc engine block already has the advantage of being able to rebore to 1800cc. This article would then be more use- ful to the MGA owner with either the 1500cc or 1600cc engine.

The following conversion is relatively simple:

The following article describes a proce- Retain your original rear engine plate dure for adapting the 5 Main Brg MGB 1800cc and have the center bored to accept the 5 main engine (18GB through 18V) to an existing rear oil seal part #88G621 (Moss #120-820). MGA transmission. Although, we have not fully This bore diameter is approximately 4.125." carried out the modification below, we have done all the preliminary work leading up to the Make 4 spacers 0.750" OD x .225" installation of the engine into the car. Depth with 21/64" bolt clearance hole. These spacers will be used when installing the rear oil seal retainer plate, part #12H1547 (Moss #120-830).

If you are using one of the 18V series engine blocks, you may come across a crank- shaft having only one flywheel locating dowel. If this should be the case, and since we are fitting the 18GB style flywheel, just use the

We see quite a few MGA's passing through our shop that have the MGB 1800cc 3 one locating dowel. Main Brg engine fitted and mated to the OEM transmission. This modification is perfectly The depth of the crankshaft bore and okay. But why not use the later 5 main bearing pilot bushing are different on the 18GB ---> engine block? Unlike the 3 main bearing en- 18V engine crankshafts (1.1255" to 1.126" gine block, the 5 main bearing engine block OD x 1.5" long) than that of the 18V series

Octagram April 2016 21 crankshaft (1.255" to 1.256" x 1" long) Transmission pilot shaft OD .622". Howev- er, a custom oilite bushing should be in- To allow for the fitting of the bendix style stalled for either crankshaft with the starter motor we must grind away the excess following dimensions: 1.1256" OD x 1.125" casting material, which prevents the starter from depth with 0.625" bore. Note that Moss # lining up with the backplate. Also, it may be nec- 330-570 bushing that could be used for this essary to grind a small amount of the 3rd, from conversion will not fit 18V style crankshafts, the rear, oil pan retaining bolt threaded Boss. unless machined to length. In addition, it is simply one bush fitted inside another bush, Obviously, there is no provision on the 5 with the tendency for the inner bush to fall main bearing engine block for the tachometer out and, thus, is not recommended. drive, so, use 65-67 MGB electric style tachom- eter, wire in and modify the bulb holder. Originally, we tried, unsuccessfully, to adapt the MGB diaphragm style clutch cover and throw out bearing assembly to work with the MGA transmission, However, since that time we have received customer feed back pointing out that it is indeed possible. We proceeded as directed and used the front transmission cover from the MGB non syn- chromesh series transmission along with the matching release bearing arm. We did all the necessary measurements and concluded that the only problem that may arise would be in the amount of release bearing arm travel re- quired to release the clutch, after new clutch To allow for greater fan blade to radiator component replacement, before the clutch clearance, one of the later style water pumps slave cylinder piston exited from the slave should be used, either part #GWP117 (434 cylinder. We measured several MGB¹s for 035) or GWP130, (434-045) matched with a maximum pushrod travel (driver actually de- used fan pulley part #CHM56 (434-325) and pressing the clutch pedal fully to the floor) pulley spacer both from the MGB electric fan and found this to be approximately 1/2². If model (1977--> ). This will require that you clutch release does becomes a problem, then drill the pulley to match your original fan blade lengthening the pushrod by approximately mounting 4 hole pattern. Alternatively, you (1/8²) should solve this. could secure the fan blade by only using the 2

Octagram April 2016 22 additional holes that are provided in the blade. I personally prefer to use the 4 bolt securing method. You could also install manifold. Install a free flow exhaust system to plastic 7 blade fan part #12H4744 (434- take advantage of this installation. 340) without the spacer, which, should pro- vide sufficient clearance, especially if you The consequences of installing a 1800cc move the radiator as far forward as is possi- or larger capacity engine, with its potentially ble with the use of packing strips part increased BHP and Torque, could result in #AHH5144 (2) (296-110). Another alter- premature transmission failure. Anytime we native would be the 6 blade steel fan part significantly increase engine power output the #BHH1604 (434-330) as fitted to the OEM transmission gears have to transmit MGB. A longer fan belt will be required these same power increases resulting in great- such as Dayco part #15365 or Gates part # er tooth surface and laygear bearing loads. 7365. We are presently working with Bob In the event of a front end collision West of Pontefract England to bring you his you may consider installing used MGB (68- MGA 5 speed transmission conversion. How- 74) engine mounting recoil brackets part ever, we do not see this modification being #AHH7890 (413-075). This should pre- available here in the USA until later this year at vent the fan blade from burying itself in the the earliest. radiator if a collision should occur. Make sure that your transmission mount is in good condition i.e. not saturated with oil, as many are. Replace if necessary.

Either the 5² or 6² size crankshaft pulley can be used, just be sure you have the matching front cover so that the timing marks match the crankshaft pulley TDC mark.

To resolve exhaust manifold fitment problems, use the LCB exhaust header part #EXL99. You will also benefit with a little more HP over the stock OEM cast iron

Octagram April 2016 23 As we prepare for spring, we can look forward to and begin planning for this year’s car season. I’ve thrown some highlights of old favorites and maybe some different ones to start the car season off. And if you are in for a day trip, maybe a museum would be good. Just consider them windows of opportunities This list is not all inclusive and check out Page 38 for the new 26th Annual Spring Get the Dust-off Rallye flyer.

You will notice the Octagram has more pages this month. We are now beginning the 2016 car season I will be including notices and flyers for upcoming events. I will always do my best to organize the newsletter in a way that al- lows you to select individual articles and/or fliers for easy printing. I would also like to feature pictures of member's cars, either finished or as project cars. Tech Tidbits. The car project could be a past, If you have good quality pictures of yours or of a present or planned renovation/restoration project. friend’s car, please contact me and I will make If you know of anyone that might be willing to arrangements to get a hi-res copy of your photo have their project documented, please let me know. and also get a little information about the pic- Always remember, this is your newsletter ture. and I am always open to suggestions. Please let I would also like to feature a car project, me know what you want to see in your newsletter. along with our technical corner and Randy’s

Octagram April 2016 24 Octagram April 2016 25 1. Which company owned the MG brand from 1994-2000? C) Milton Gaskets D) Mannford Gears 4. What is the 0-60 time for the 2014 MG MG3 Form Sport 1.5?

B) Fiat C) Toyota D) Nissan B) 12.1 2. How much horsepower does the 2001 C) 8.7 2005 MG ZT 120 have? D) 6.9 5. Which layout do 1962-1980 MG MGB cars have?

B) 235 C) 190 D) 290 B) Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive 3. What does ‘MG’ stand for? C) Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive A) Manchester Grilles D) Mid Engine, Front-Wheel Drive

Octagram April 2016 26 Aged rum and Fernet make for a spirited match in the assertive Bitter Pill cocktail from Los Angeles. 1 1/2 oz. aged rum (Swan uses Zaya 12-year) One of the most important days of the year is Tax Day. Whether your celebrating or grieving, one of these recipes might be suitable for your mood and taste. As always, please drink re- sponsibly

1/2 oz. Fernet Branca 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice 1/2 oz. demerara sugar syrup (1:1) 1/2 oz. fresh egg white (pasteurized if you like) Tools: shaker, strainer Glass: lowball Garnish: orange twist

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into an ice- This citrus-sweetened mix of gin and ver- filled glass. Garnish by twisting the peel over the mouth is great for taking the edge off during finished drink. tax season, but it goes down easy any time of year.

1 1/2 oz. gin 3/4 oz. dry vermouth 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth Juice of 1/4 orange 2 dashes Angostura bitters Tools: shaker, strainer Glass: cocktail Garnish: orange wheel

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice to chill. Strain into a chilled glass and gar- nish.

Octagram April 2016 27 (Cont.)

Whether served hot or cold, this mix of Cognac, rum and curaçao soothes to the core.

The Painkiller Cocktail is one of the most beloved reci- pes in the tiki playbook. 1 oz. Cognac 1 oz. Jamaican rum 2 oz. navy rum 1/2 oz. orange curaçao 2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 oz. coconut cream 1 tsp. apple juice 1 oz. fresh orange juice 1/2 tsp. simple syrup (1:1) Tools: shaker, strainer Tools: shaker, strainer Glass: Collins or highball Glass: goblet Garnish: fresh nutmeg Garnish: lemon twist Combine ingredients with ice and shake well. Strain Combine all ingredients and shake with ice to into ice-filled glass. Garnish by grating fresh nutmeg chill. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish. over top.

Octagram April 2016 28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2016

Media inquiries contact: Della Domingo 909-978-6723 [email protected]

-- SEMA to Oppose Action as Threat to Modified Racecars and Parts Suppliers --

Washington, DC (February 8, 2016) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to prohibit conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into race- cars. The regulation would also make the sale of certain products for use on such vehicles illegal. The proposed regulation was contained within a non-related proposed regulation entitled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles— Phase 2.” The regulation would impact all vehicle types, including the sports cars, sedans and hatch backs commonly converted strictly for use at the track. While the Clean Air Act prohibits certain modifications to motor vehicles, it is clear that vehicles built or modified for racing, and not used on the streets, are not the “motor vehicles” that Congress intended to regulate. “This proposed regulation represents overreaching by the agency, runs contrary to the law and defies decades of racing activity where EPA has acknowledged and allowed conversion of vehicles,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Congress did not intend the original Clean Air Act to extend to vehicles modified for racing and has re-enforced that intent on more than one occasion.” SEMA submitted comments in opposition to the regulation and met with the EPA to confirm the agency’s intentions. The EPA indicated that the regulation would prohibit conversion of vehicles into racecars and make the sale of certain emissions-related parts for use on converted vehicles ille- gal. Working with other affected organizations, including those representing legions of professional and hobbyist racers and fans, SEMA will continue to oppose the regulation through the administra- tive process and will seek congressional support and judicial intervention as necessary. The EPA has indicated it expects to publish final regulations by July 2016.

About SEMA SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $36 bil- lion specialty automotive industry of 6,633 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for re- search, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for pas- senger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909-610-2030, or visit www.sema.org.

Octagram April 2016 29 Open two seater Mark IV 1928

- The Gettysburg address is 269 words, the Declaration of Independence is 1,337 words, and the Bible is only 773,000 words. However, the tax law has grown from 11,400 words in 1913 to 7 million words today. - The IRS sends out 8 billion pages of forms and instructions each year. Laid end to end, they would stretch 28 times around the earth. - Nearly 300,000 trees are cut down yearly to produce the paper for all the IRS forms and instructions. - American taxpayers spend over $200 billion and 5.4 billion hours working to comply with federal taxes each year, more than it takes to produce every car, truck, and van in the United States. - The amount of effort needed to calculate and pay federal income for individuals and businesses in the United States is the equivalent of a staff of 3 million people working full time for a year. - The IRS employs 114,000 people-twice as many as the CIA and five times more than the FBI. - 60% of taxpayers must hire a professional to get through their own return. - Taxes eat up 38.2% of the average family’s income; that’s more than for food, clothing and shelter combined.

Octagram April 2016 30 http://www.capitaltriumphregister.com/bog/

Gunston Hall Plantation 10709 Gunston Road Lorton, VA 22079 http://www.gunstonhall.org/

Capital Triumph Register http://capitaltriumphregister.com/

John Buescher 4519 North 19th Street Arlington, VA 22207 703-522-6571 [email protected] [email protected]

John Buescher (Typically items offered by companies like Classic Motorsports, Moss Motors, etc., when we post to their event calendars)

Pre-registration received by April 11, 2016: $25 per car Registration after April 11, 2016: $35 per car

Adults: $10 Children 6-18: $5 Children under 6: free Family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children): $25

Please join the Capital Triumph Register on Sunday, April 24th, 2016 at our club’s 19th annual all marque British car and motorcycle show and our fourth season at Gunston Hall Plantation, the home of American patriot George Mason, located just south of the Washington, DC, area along the Potomac River. Enjoy the 2016 driving season with a picnic, a day of British automobiles, and a complimentary tour of the historic house and grounds. There will be participants’ choice judging as well as food and merchandise vendors. Past shows have featured over 200 British cars registered in 25 classes. The price of show car registration includes a dash plaque, a commemorative poster, and a tour of Gunston Hall. Spectator admission will be at standard Gunston Hall prices, which include a tour of the house and grounds as well as the car show. The 2016 commemorative poster by renowned artist Jo- seph Craig English will feature the Best of Show winner from the 2015 Britain on the Green show, the 1947 Bent- ley Mk IV owned by James Stejskal. In 2016 we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Triumph GT6 with the GT6 as our featured model. In addition to awards in each judged class, special awards include Best of Show (the Gunston Bowl), Best Resto Mod, Best Survivor, and Best Display.

Octagram April 2016 31 Octagram April 2016 32 Octagram April 2016 33 The North American Council of M.G. Registers is pleased to announce that MG2016 will be held from June 13th-17th, in Louisville, Kentucky! Join the North American MMM Register, the New England MGT Register, the North American MGA Register, and the North American MGB Register for four fun-filled days of MG camaraderie. Louisville is home of the “Louisville Slugger” (the official baseball bat of major league baseball), Churchill Downs (where the “most exciting two minutes of sports” is held each May), and is the source of 1/3 of the world’s supply of bourbon. Louisville will have something to offer to everyone in attendance. Louisville is centrally located for the majority of the host registers’ members. The mid- week event will allow for travel to and from Louisville on weekends! Contracts have been secured with a group of seven hotel properties (essentially across the street from each other) that will meet your budget and expectations. Plan to arrive in Louisville on Monday afternoon as you will not want to miss our opening ceremony that evening at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. (This event will have limited seating, so register early!) Event information, registration, regalia sales, and hotel information is available at www.mg2016.com in the fall of 2015. Mark your calendar today to save these dates. We know that you will want to be a part

Octagram April 2016 34 Registration for the event will be $75.00 and includes museum admission, the Kimber Festival day, and both lunch and dinner on Saturday.

America on Wheels Museum is our host for this year's The Kimber Festival brings together enthusiasts who Kimber Festival. The office in the museum is the only are keenly interested in M.G. history. Organized as an remaining part of the old building which use to be a meat academic conference, the program consists of packing plant called A&B meats (founded in 1887). In total presentations about all M.G.s with topics that may he building is 43,000 square feet. The museum offers over include design and production, technical discussions, 23,000 square feet of Exhibit space divided into three main competitors, and competitions. You do not need to be galleries and several smaller Exhibits. It also offers food and a NEMGTR member to present or attend. All MG educational experiences for all. enthusiasts are welcome! Registration fee includes Friday evening and all day Ramada Inn, 1500 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA, under Saturday admission to the classic car museum, a wine 2 miles to the America on Wheels museum where the and cheese reception on Friday evening, with the Kimber Festival will be held. Call the hotel at 1-610-439- literature swap meet, the Saturday festival 1037 to make your reservation. The special room rate of presentations by M.G. researchers, luncheon, and the $71.99 can be booked by asking for the Old M.G. rate. The Saturday night dinner with speaker. hotel requests that reservations be made by March 8th to Friday the 8th of April enjoy the museum in the receive this special rate. afternoon followed by a meet and greet. Dinner on your own followed by a natter The Registration fee is $75.00 per person in the hotel bar. and includes Saturday lunch and dinner. Saturday, starting at 9:30 Register online and save a stamp! Click here there will be a series of for the registration form speakers. Lunch and dinner If you wish to sign up by snail mail, click will be at the museum with a here to download a PDF of the Registration speaker at each meal. We will form also feature a book show and You may also visit the New England MG ‘T’ tell where attendees can show Register by clicking here, for more a book that is special to them information. and explain why.

The New England MG T Register is seeking proposals for papers to be presented at its Kimber Festival to be held from April 8 through 10, 2016 at America On Wheels Museum in Allentown, PA. This meeting brings together enthusiasts who are keenly interested in M.G. history. Organized as an academic conference, the program consists of presentations about all M.G.s with topics that range from design and production to competitors and competitions. Papers about the last MGB will be as welcome as one about the first M.G., Old Number One. Proposals for papers on subjects related to the old car hobby will also be welcomed. A few years ago, for instance, we had a presentation about flower arranging using M.G. parts. Following the Festival, a certain number of the papers will be selected for publication in The Sacred Octagon, the Register’s magazine. A computer projector will be available at the venue. Proposals must be received by December 31, 2015; notification of acceptance is anticipated by January 31, 2016. Proposals should be submitted online using our Call for Papers form below. Please make sure to attach a one-page abstract describing the content of the presentation in the file upload section of the form. For More Information please go to www.nemgtr.com Questions should be directed to Richard L. Knudson at [email protected].

Octagram April 2016 35 Octagram April 2016 36 Sunday, June 5, 2016 Lilypons Water Gardens - Adamstown, Maryland

The Chesapeake Chapter of the New England MG “T” Register is proud to invite you to the 39th meet of The Original British Car Day. This event is held for the enjoyment of all British car and motorcycle enthusiasts. This year’s Featured Marque will be the MGB GT, in honor of its 50th Anniversary!

The event is held annually from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM at the beautiful grounds of Lilypons Water Gardens. Come and enjoy this gathering of all British marques in one setting and the beauty of the water gardens. Bring your leashed pet and picnic lunch or partake of the food and drink offered by various food vendors.

Whether you are displaying your car, or just coming to enjoy the event, the drive is beautiful no matter which direction you come from. Lilypons Water Gardens is located in Adam- stown, Maryland on Lilypons Road. It can be accessed easily from the North I-70 or I-270 via Route 85, or from the South via Route 28. Please visit their web site at www.lilypons.com for directions and more information about their establishment.

The contact person for OBCD is John M. Tokar, Chairman, who can be reached at 410-775- 0500, or by email at [email protected]

For more information please visit our website at: www.chesapeakechaptermgtclub.com

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, June 5, 2016!

Octagram April 2016 37 MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre, Inc. Presents

Britfestsm 2016 www.mgccnj.org When: Location: Saturday, May 7th, 2016 Horseshoe Lake Park 9am-3pm Rain or Shine! Roxbury Twp. Recreation and Pre-registration before 4/15/16: $15 Municipal Complex, After 4/15/16 & at the gate: $20 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna, Spectator Admission: $3 NJ 07876 Children under 12 FREE

Celebrating the MGB-GT and MGC-GT Door prizes • Vendors

Food Catered by Tastefully British, Pompton Plains, NJ

Swap Meet/Vendors Contacts: Pre-registration required Eliot Ganek No limit on spaces per vendor 125 Rynda Rd Car Show South Orange, NJ 07079 All British marques welcome. 973.762.8116 Voting 9am-12 Noon [email protected] Prizes awarded at 2pm Dash plaques to first 150 registered cars! Charles Tregidgo 12-68 Fourth St. Directions: Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 From I-80 East: Take exit 28 to Ledgewood Exit, 201.791.6675 Route 10 East. Route 10 East to Eyland Ave. [email protected] See below (from Route 10). From I-80 West: Take Exit 43 to I-287 South, I- 287 South to Exit 39, Route 10 West, See below (from Route 10). From Route 10: Take Eyland Ave South to Roxbury Recreation Complex, follow signs.

Octagram April 2016 38 A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County. Please support this worthy cause by bringing a non-perishable food item from their current needs list found at www.mcifp.org. Thank you.

Britfestsm 2016 / Entry Form

Make checks payable to: “The MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre, Inc.” Mail form and checks to: 12-68 Fourth Street, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Name :______

Address:______

City:______

State:______Zip: ______

Email:______

Telephone:______

Car Make:______

ModelYear:______

Car Pre Registration (closes 4/15/16): $15 • After 4/15/16 and at the Gate: $20

Vendors: ______spaces at $25 per space = ______

Vendor Total:______

Registration:______

Grand Total:______

*(20’x20’ space MUST Pre Register)

I hereby release the MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre, Inc. and its sponsors from any liability as a result of my participation in this event

Signature ______Date______www.mgccnj.org Octagram April 2016 39 Dear British Car Enthusiast/Vendor:

I am the chairman of the MG Car Club Central Jersey Centre Britfestsm 2016 planning committee. The show is for British sports cars, motorcycles and other vehicles and will be held on Britfestsm is one of the first British car and motorcycle shows of the season in the Northeast and has been held annually since 1992.

The show is very popular with British car and motorcycle enthusiasts. This event attracts up to 250 vehicles and 800 spectators annually. The show is a popular vote event, with trophies awarded in 18 classes, together with special classes for the People’s Choice Award and President’s Award. Dash plaques are given to the first 150 entries. There are also automobilia and parts vendors, door prizes and food is catered by Tastefully British. You can pre-register for this year’s show using the attached registration form. The form will also be available on our website (www.MGCCNJ.org) for download by February 1.

The club is also offering you, your business or organization an opportunity to participate as a sponsor of the trophies awarded to the class winners at a cost of only $100 per class. This is an excellent means to advertise before hundreds of spectators, car show participants and vendors. We offer the following to all sponsors: ● Sponsor’s names will be contained in advertising for the show, on the brochures distributed at the show and on the club’s web site mentioned above. ● Sponsor’s advertising materials will be included in the registration packages for each car show participant. We prepare 250 registration packages and will need your materials on or before April 15, 2016. ● Your company’s name will be announced at the trophy awards. The club will also include your business card or advertising material in the monthly newsletter through April, 2017. If you have a company banner, the club can arrange to display it at the show. If you wish to take a more active part in the show, you may set up a display or table at the show as well. To register your British car, motorcycle or other vehicle, participate as vendor or to sponsor a trophy class, please complete the appropriate form and return it to me with your check. If you are sponsoring a trophy, please also indicate three choices for class sponsorship, which will be determined on first come, first serve basis. Copies of the registration form for the show, together with a list of classes of vehicles, are also attached for your convenience.

If you have any questions regarding trophy sponsorship, please call/email either at or at .

Very truly yours,

Octagram April 2016 40 Octagram April 2016 41 Octagram April 2016 42 Octagram April 2016 43 by Bob Wilson

It’s a bit like high school, just about the time you think that you know everything and can quit learning, along comes something new and you realize that you weren’t quite as smart as you thought! Lots of things are like that; cars, more specifically MGs, even closer...MG meetings. The Milwaukee MG Gathering Of the Faithful in the summer of 1990 is the case in The seller warned me that it was weird, some- point. Lots of nice cars, many great cars, a thing about a “German racer”: he was most gaggle of first timers along with one ID that concerned about a bulge on the side of the few had ever seen and even fewer knew any- bonnet...for the generator. which tums out to thing about. “An MG built in Germany...Not be about the only normal thing about the car. a chance!” “A beautiful interior, but why It didn’t take long to figure out that this thing would someone spend this much time and really was different. E.g. This guy is over 2 money and do it wrong?” “This is a neat resto- 1/2” wider inside the tub, a MG. TF tonneau ration, but it looks nothing like any TD that I fit much better (with a few adjustments) than ever saw.” The event was buzzing about this the standard Amco TD tonneau. The side cur- ‘different’ TD; in the end, the car was dis- tains which were ordered from Sears (Sears missed as a fluke. We had expected that, and had EVERYTHING for sports cars in those were a bit amused at the reactions. We were days) failed to fill the rear quarter by nearly prepared for the controversy, but we were not three inches. (Sears paid to have them altered prepared for the onslaught of activity in the to fit, thinking that they had made them next year.HOLD THAT THOUGHT wrong, and satisfaction was guaranteed). Body Let’s roll back to the fall of 1956. As a bolts were metric, while chassis and running young teenager I am walking to church with gear bolts were Whitworth. The fuel pump my father and see a neat red roadster...a sports looked like an English built unit; but in fact car if you will...The conversation goes some- was made in Germany. Electrical bits were Bo- thing like” That’s the kind of car that I want sch including the coil, the biggest battery that when I start to drive.” Quick retort, “Save I had ever seen, and twenty- two, count ‘em, your money, son.” twenty two fused circuits, all with those neat Lexington, Kentucky, is not that big, little ceramic and flat-strap fuses used in Mer- but I never saw that red car again until the cedes and VWs. Really an MG?” We cam- spring of 1962 when a neighbor brought it paigned it heavily in SCCA until 1967 when I home for his new wife’s approval. She said, moved, now with wife and first child, to Co- “no,’ but I said, “yes.” and the odyssey began. lumbus, Indiana.

Octagram April 2016 44 While in Indiana, and later after mov- ing to Illinois, the TD gradually was retired from daily service through a “fix-up” restora- tion to a complete body off, bare frame, classic basket case. And there it sat for many years. After a few forays at repairing rotted wood and metal, while being continually reminded that nothing was the same as the parts on a British * There was only one chassis at first. A hand- made body, we started on a full blown com- model was made for approval, and later the plete restoration. At this point we decided that other chassis arrived in two batches. we needed to know as much about ‘German * Three sedans were also produced. (Mag- built” TDs as possible. The more we asked the nettes???) One is still operational in Munich. clearer it became that we know more than any- * After the first two batches were completed one that we could find. That was not much, the MG. factory did not send any more chas- and certainly was not good enough. The first sis. They said That the project was not “worth big break came in1985 while visiting the the effort”. Whatever that meant. Porsche factory in Stuttgart. I inquired about * There were never any drawings. Bucks the dealer whose plate was on the right front were built and body pieces were produced, by cheek panel of the TD. Some quick Teutonic hand, from a few photographs. search revealed that the dealer was still in * After the project was scrubbed several other business and still selling Austins and Jaguars, cars were produced on wrecked chassis and but had moved from Heilbronner Strasse in many M.Gs were repaired from lesser acci- the center of the city, to a suburb just out of dents, some with complete new German fronts town. The visit was the gold mine immediately or rears. (Their favorite was a car with a Brit- recognized the car from my pictures, saying ish left side and a complete new German right “Oh you haff one of our cars. There were only side.) twenty five, you know.” We spent the after- * They estimate that 100-125 cars were ei- noon talking cars in general, with frequent re- ther built or repaired, including the first 25. turns to the subject of the TDs. More * They have no records of the project, nor do specifically, my TD. Notes from that meeting they have much passion for the subject. This with Herr Rensler state: was just another opportunity to produce for * The chassis came to Stuttgart bare, with no the large GI population that wanted cars, and bodies and miscellaneous parts in a wooden had money to spend. box, which was used as a makeshift seat for * Although the chassis were produced in the drive from Cologne? 1951 they were titled and sold as 1952 models.

Octagram April 2016 45 Armed with the information from our visit to Stuttgart, and fueled with newfound enthusi- asm for the project, we started the final stage of our restoration. This took two years. Dave Raymond told me of another “German” car in Florida, and with his help we found it. The car has a similar immigration story. (Having been brought back from Germany by a GI stationed to lock the entire puzzle together. Here were there.) However, thirty plus years have been the original purse style door pockets EXACT- spent Anglicizing it. The gas tank has been LY like 9238. Here were the Bomoro door changed. The windshield frame has been latches. And all of the remaining body parts replaced.(But the owner still has all of the matched. Bingo, proof positive. original pieces and is in the process of refur- The restoration is now nearly twenty bishing them for re-installation.) The interior years old and publicity in The Sacred Octa- has been replaced with a traditional, British gon is turned up three more cars bringing the style kit. All of the Bosch is gone, traded for total to 6 cars located There is no doubt that “proper” Lucas. The car is pretty; wire wheel this MG is different, and we have made every conversion, cream cracker color scheme and effort to keep it that way. Not different for the some extra chrome which is to be expected. sake of being different, but different as built, But, beyond the evolution, remain the subtle, for the sake of being true to its origins. No but now familiar, German differences. The doubt, we had some real advantages in this fenders are still lower, flatter, and narrower. project... When I first purchased the car it had The cowl humps are still flatter. The bonnet very few miles showing and everything louvers are still all the same length, with the seemed to be as built: black Hartz cloth top, latches still further outboard than those pro- black leather bound tight weave coarse duced by Morris Bodies in England. And the carpet...typically German, leather flat topped door latches are not the traditional silent bloc seat back and purse-style door pockets, no style, they are German made Bomoro with a storage box for side straps through footman’s striker/ latch plate in the edge of the door loops to the rear deck), and leather door frame rather than on the side. check straps. These wearing parts were intact The serial number lines up with the list and in great shape for patterns. TD #9238 is that we later found on a shipping list of units as complete and correct as we can make it sent as ‘LHX chassis only”. Dave Raymond from what we know, hut we are certain that then told me that he has the back end of what there is more information out there. We just he always called “that damned German thing”. have to find it...maybe another GOF...what We decided that I should have it for spares and goes around comes around. when the pieces arrived they were the keystone

Octagram April 2016 46 restore the car to factory Neil Nelson, our founding father, felt that Doug Pelton standards as a tribute to its the founder and owner of From the Frame Up would be previous owner, his deceased a great guest speaker for our GOF South. Like Doug, cousin. Neil restores MG TCs. Unlike Neil, Doug also manufac- Later, when too far commit- tures and distributes low-demand, hard to find parts for ted, he realized the error of our little British cars. his ways. Regardless, he Doug accepted our invitation. Doug will give a pressed on to find the pieces PowerPoint presentation on MGs at our gathering; needed. Like so many of us, his search began with don’t miss it. the ever important Moss catalog. However, soon Doug Pelton was raised on a family farm in Western he realized even Moss had items listed - New York and at an early age, he learned how to fix things just to keep things going. Parts were not always available, so he had to refurbish, rebuild and repair with the basic tools of his day. As a kid, he remembers first seeing his cousin's MG TC. Little did he know that thir- ty-five years later he would dismantle the same car and restore it to its original condition. Doug is also a retired Air Force pilot and A320 Airline Captain with US Airways. When Moss didn’t have the part needed, he ex- He is the author of several TC technical articles that panded his search to other distributors. Regretta- have been published in MG club periodicals worldwide - bly, his dilemma continued. Again, there was no including the MG Classics of Jacksonville problem with common high-demand items, but it newsletter. was difficult to find those low-demand parts that He is the founder and owner of From the Frame Up. FTFU is an MG parts manufacture, distributor, and restoration operation. In the fall of 2007, it began with the offering: as its first item. Today, that set still remains popular. By the summer of 2008, Doug’s single page catalog grew to four pages. At this time, it contains more than 4000 items. The cataloged now has 100 pages and is are nonetheless, still needed. growing; weekly, it adds items. Doug sells several Persevering, he found the parts needed to return components not available from other suppliers. TC 7670 to its former glory. Fortunately, he took Overall, FTFU offers the most complete set of parts notes on where he located critically needed parts for the TC globally. Neil’s experience reveals Doug and the sources that made them in small batches. as a good man dedicated to helping his customer. Because of his experience, he determined others Without the likes of Al Moss, Doug Pelton and others should not have to spend so much time finding like them, the restoration of our MGs would not be what they needed. He soon realized if he could possible. provide those needed bits, others would benefit. Before, he believes many enthusiasts simply gave up because they could not locate what they needed. In 2004, Doug began restoring not knowing Today, From The Frame Up is a prime source of that it was, at best, a parts car. hard-to-find MG parts. Simply stated, they find or make them. Reportedly, FTFU has the most com- Without plete set of parts for the TC anywhere realizing how much was wrong with it, he set his goal to

Octagram April 2016 47 Octagram April 2016 48 Octagram April 2016 49 Bring your own treasured vehicle. All makes and models are welcome. Registration 9am – Noon Awards 1pm

Take a tour of our facility See the amazing vehicles we are proud to service

Beautiful cars and great friends

12340 Owings Mills Blvd Reisterstown, MD 21136 410-833-2329

Octagram April 2016 50 Octagram

The Newsletter of the MGs of Baltimore