Number 410 July 2016 July 410 Number
Number 410 July 2016 July 410 Number
Tappet Chatter Tappet Tappet Chatter Tappet
July 2016 Tappet Chatter
Journal of the MG Car Club of Canberra of Club Car MG the Journal of Journal of the MG Car Club of Canberra of Club Car MG the Journal of
0413 646 321
2 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
Tappet Chatter Number 410 July 2016
Contents: Official Journal of the MG Car Club Canberra Inc President's Piece 5 ABN: 49 156 199 381
Torque 7 Natmeet 2017 12 Correspondence to: MG TYme July update 16 Post Office Box 4141 Weston Creek ACT 2611 June Club Run to Gundaroo 21
Club Calendar 24 Monthly Meetings are held Midweek Meanders & Other Events 25 on the second Thursday of Sporting Report 26 each month, (except Vale Bill Tuckey 35 January), at St Peter's Help Line 44 Anglican Church Hall, cnr of Marquet 41 Parkinson St & Watling Pl, Weston at 7:45pm. Acknowledgments – the editorial team says thank you to all who contributed articles and photographs for Banking Details the magazine. BSB: 633-000 Please send contributions for the August 2016 Account: 144920741 magazine to the Editor by Friday 29 July 2016 at: Account Name: MG Car Club [email protected] Canberra Inc
A ‘Lunchtime Natter’ is held at Cover photograph Weston Park, Yarralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm.
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.
Terry Griffiths photo from Gathering of the Faithful in Printed Post Approved Wagga 2015 100003009
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 3
MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC.
LIFE MEMBERS: Margaret Brown OAM, Peter Daley, Malcolm Robertson, Ian Holden, Brian Oxley and Kent Brown.
COMMITTEE 2016
President: Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 [email protected]
Treasurer: Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 (h) 0418 488 931
Secretary: Trevor Clement (02) 6231 3353(h) 0411 102 759 [email protected] Vice President: Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 or 0412 558 029 [email protected]
Committee Member: Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 (h) 0431 930 710 (Display Events) [email protected]
Public Officer: Trevor Clement [email protected]
Committee Member: Mark Horsfield 0415 400 044 (Editor) [email protected]
Committee Member: Trevor Finklaire 0408 612 336 (Social) [email protected]
NON COMMITTEE 2016
CACTMC Delegates: Graeme Rossiter [email protected] Brian Calder [email protected]
Social Coordinators: Trevor Finklaire 0408 612 336 [email protected] Graeme Corbett (02) 6299 4920, 0437 679 497 [email protected]
Sporting Secretary Kent Brown [email protected]
Registrar CRS Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 (Northside) (Historic Plates:) [email protected] Robert Chilman 0412 024 228 (Southside) [email protected]
Regalia: Peter & Val Long (02) 6227 0643 [email protected]
Club Library: John Cooper (02) 6288 8093 [email protected]
CAMS Delegate: Kent Brown [email protected]
Natmeet Coord (2016) Graeme Rossiter [email protected]
Club Car Trailer: Laurie Gardiner [email protected]
Tappet Chatter Distribution: Robert Chilman 0412 024 228 (Southside)
Club Workshop & Equipment Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 [email protected]
Webmaster: Mark Horsfield [email protected]
4 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016 President’s Piece
his winter weather sure has been providing a challenge with get- T ting those MGs out of the garage. First what appeared to be Ark deserving rains which seemed to go on forever and now the cold and frost so typical of Canberra. Be that as it may, thankfully our social and motorsport events have remained relatively clear of rain so it has just been more a case of rug- ging up to keep the chills at bay.
By the time this issue arrives in your Inbox or mailbox we will have moved into the new financial year so if you haven’t done so I would encourage you to ensure your membership fees are paid up but just as importantly, that all of your details such as address, phone, email etc are current as well as the particulars of your vehicle/s. This is particularly important for our members with vehicles registered under the Concessional Registration Scheme (CRS) where it is a requirement to be a current financial member in order to maintain CRS registration.
With the start of the new membership year it means we are also heading quickly to our Annual General Meeting and the election of a new Committee. Please consider how you might help out with the management of the club in either one of the Com- mittee or Non-Committee positions. It is unfair to expect the same people to step up year after year for these roles; with over 300 members I’m sure we must have a large pool of talent out there who could not only give the incumbents a well-deserved rest but also bring some new ideas to the Club. If you are interested you can get more information from our Secretary as to what the various roles entail.
It is also time to choose a new organisation for our Community Support activity. If you have a charity or organisation you would like considered for our Community Support, please drop a note to the Secretary with details.
Our Annual Presentation Dinner will be held on the 23rd of this month at the Federal Golf Club. Come along to our only formal event of the year. It is always a good night and provides a great opportunity to get ‘dressed to the nines’ and to recognise our fellow members for their achievements across our display and motorsport activities and to thank those who have made significant contributions to our Club over the past year. You never know, you might be one of them!
Keep up to date with our calendar of activities; we try to cater for various interests so hopefully we’ll see you at one (or more) of our events soon.
In your Marques...get set...Go Greg Whitfield
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 5
6 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
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. Social Events Membership Subscriptions Due
ighlighting our August and Sep- t is that time of year again, where H tember Social MG Runs I our Treasurer dons his leather suit, picks up his whip and motions August Thursday 4 th Mid-Week us to renew our club membership. Meander BOWNING - Roll On In The advent of electronic banking has Café made it easier for members to pay We will join with the Triumph Club their dues and for committee repre- A.C.T. for this month’s lunch tour. sentatives to process renewals. If you wish to use electronic means to We hope to have good numbers which pay your membership, the banking will make for a pleasant social gather- details can be found on page 3. ing. Conversely, if you wish to pay by Meeting at Dinosaur Museum , Gold cash you can do so by paying directly to the Treasure or Secretary, who Creek at 11am for a 11-15 am depar- will provide a receipt. If you prefer ture. to pay by cheque, simply download Let us outnumber the Triumphs - just and complete the membership form a little competitive spirit off the website and send it together with your remittance to the corre- Contact Graeme or Jo Corbett spondence address, again on page 3. Phone H 62994920 M 0437679497 One benefit of membership is the Email [email protected] issue of this outstanding Magazine each month delivered to you by hand at the meeting, your letterbox or your inbox. Don't be tardy, and get
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 7
those membership subscriptions in Photographic Memorabilia now and put a smile on the dial of the rian Weston sent the below tid- Treasurer. B bit in. I guess to prove that he Member ship forms are available once owned a real car. online at: http://mgcccanberra.org.au/test/wp- Yes, I really did own an MGA 1600. It content/uploads/MGCCC-Membership was for a little over two years from -Form-10-Jan-2016.pdf July 1970 to September 1972.
The white 1600 was our only means of Presentation Dinner conveyance – no two-car families in those days – and as you can see, my t’s not too late to put your name lady considered it to be hers. I down put your name down for the Presentation Dinner. If you would like And do not worry about the stray to go, you have until July 18 to contact bloke; he was Best Man at our wed- Gail Argyle on 6286 2282 or 0418 ding. 8 6 2 2 8 6 , o r via em a il a t [email protected]
8 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
MGZT & Rover 75 Links Brake Fluid ou may be interested in the t the last workshop meeting (16 Y linked MG ZT brochures. I re- A May), the conversation drifted cently purchased a mint copy of the into brake maintenance - specifically main 2004 brochure via eBay, and Silicone brake fluid. the companion Specs brochure scan It is surprising that Silicone brake came from a friend in Canberra. I fluid is to many club members an un- have uploaded them to the new known product and to others the sub- Rover 75 & MG ZT web page on the ject of myth. Since the workshop ROC NSW & ACT website: meeting, I have had a number of en- http://roverownersclub.com.au/rover- quiries seeking sources of supply and r40-75-mg-zt-technical-page/ clarification as to its use. Rob (NSW Rover Club) Silicone brake fluid can be found on the internet, Liquid Intelligence (a New Car Museum in Gosford Sydney based company), Moss Mo- or those that don't know Gosford tors (US), Harley Davison motorcycle F Classic Car Museum opened it's agents and Repco (they do not stock doors last weekend. it, but can source it). It is the largest private collection of Silicone brake fluid was original de- cars on display in the southern hemi- veloped for the US military who had/ sphere and has just about every car have a large number of vehicles in you can think of. long term storage. Conventional I've been following their story through brake fluid is not a happy Vegemite in the whole setup process and cars situations of extended storage and they have brought in over the last the vehicle clutch/brake systems re- 12mnths to the doors opening. quire constant maintenance if they are to retain long term serviceability. I can not wait to get down there in the Silicone brake fluid has non of these next couple of weeks to spend time problems (though it has its own pecu- going through the history of cars they liarities and is relatively expensive). have there. For those who would like more de- Check it out and get along for a look. tailed information, I suggest www.mossmotors.com/sitegraphics/ http:// pages/brake_fluid. gosfordclassiccarmuseum.com.au/ Happy Stopping. Geoff P
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 9
Little Rubber Things lows that are made with shoulders too narrow to clamp. And they gener- ody Walker's details were recently ally split within months anyway. J circulated on the MG Enthusiast BBS forums. As we all are aware the I'm sure many people can give you reproduction rubber replacement lots of other rubber parts that have parts for our MGs are virtually, and brought them endless frustration. without exception, of dreadfully poor Please keep us up to date. quality. Best wishes, Tom Aczel’ Jody Walker is interested in manufac- turing good quality rubber parts, in the UK. He has asked people to nominate parts that he should con- sider tooling up to make. Obviously those with the likelihood of greater demand will be made first. I've sug- gested a couple as you will have seen.
I have printed Tom’s reply email to Jody below as a guide for anyone who would like to make some sug- Jody can be emailed at gestions. [email protected] ‘You have my complete support for the making of decent rubber parts for MGs. Facebook page I've heard the horror stories of rear https://www.facebook.com/ axle check straps failing and rubber BritishClassicCarParts/ suspension components disintegrat- ing before the car being restored has even been lowered onto the ground. Website Personally I've recently had an MGB http://www.britishclassiccarparts.com/ gear lever gaiter rip after 18 months, two MGB seat diaphragms rip after 12 months, having replaced items that had lasted over forty years, and struggled to clamp MGA tie-rod bel-
10 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016 MG CENTRE OF SYDNEY
Service Tuning Clutch Suspension Cooling Engine &Gearbox
Parts Interior Body Mechanical Accessories Anything MG
ALL YOUR MG PARTS & SERVICE NEEDS IN ONE EASY TO FIND LOCATION
Ring Stuart or Sally Ratcliff MG Car Club Life Member
26 COWPER ST GRANVILLE PH (02) 9682 6655 FAX (02) 9637 0199
RV8 CARS AUSTRALIA P\L
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 11 HOME OF THE ADDER NEWSLETTER
12 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 13
14 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
MGCC Canberra Presentation Dinner
Saturday 23 July 2016 We have moved !!!
his years Presentation Dinner will be held in one of the dinning T rooms of the Federal Golf Club.
Established in 1933, the Federal Golf Club is an intimate and secluded venue in the heart of Canberra’s Red Hill bushland. Filled with ele- gance and character it is a wonderful venue for our premier event of the year. We will be hav- ing a 3 course sumptuous meal, wine, gifts and prizes. Come along and enjoy an outstanding example of some of Canberra's finest cuisine in an atmosphere of fun, frivolity, merriment and mirth.
Details published as they become available Click map to activate
$67.00 per head after subsidy (club subsidised around $12.50 per head)
Contact: Gail Argyle via email [email protected]
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 15
TYme in Canberra 2016
July Club Update By Brian Calder
Planning continues for a great TYme TC, TD, and TF; and the MG YA and In 2010, 12, and 14 our Club hosted YT. While there was an MG YB, only very successful MG TYme events. It’s a handful ever came to Australia and a biennial Club event, so in 2016 we we remain hopeful that we will see one are hosting the event again. at a future MG TYme. What we have attracted to our event each TYme is Essentially MG TYme is a Club event well over 30 T’s and Y’s plus many for all Club members to which we par- other gorgeous MG’s owned by Club ticularly invite T and Y Type enthusi- and interstate enthusiasts. Unasham- asts from other Clubs. So it is a par- edly, we think it’s the biggest and best ticular celebration of the iconic MG T assembly of T’s and Y’s in Australia. Types and Y Types that were pro- duced, interrupted by WW2, from the MG TYme 2016 will follow a similar mid 1930’s to the early 1950’s. At pre- format to its predecessors but have vious events we have attracted over enough differences to be unique and 100 enthusiasts and an example of special for our Club members and visi- almost every model: the MG TA, TB, tors. What is very special this year is
16 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
lined up a very special guest speaker. As a Club member you can do this ‘at cost’. We will also need Club helpers at each of our TYme events, so if you 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’. that we are having our display day at the National Museum. Our Club website has all the details that you need to register for the event as a full participant – and we hope that you will do this. If, however you just want to join other Club members and our guests at the display or on the ‘run for lunch’ on the Sunday to the Cotter, then there is no cost, and all we ask We hope that you will support this you to do is contact one of the event great Club event. organisers or put your name on the list From the organising team: Kent at a Club meeting. You may also wish Brown, Roger Amos, Rob Chilman, to attend the celebration dinner at the Carlo Busato, Mo Dechaineux, Virginia Mercure Canberra where we have Brown, and Brian Calder.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 17
18 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
OTHER ITEMS Regalia Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 CLUB CLOTHING Club Grille Badges $22.00 Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 MG Key Rings $ 7.00 Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 Sew-on Embroidered MG cloth Logo $ 8.00 Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 19
20 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
June Monthly Run to Gundaroo
hat an encouraging thing it BP Service Station. It was good to see W was for any social secretary to a wide selection of MGs amongst see that 40 members had signed on some who had come in their modern for the June Monthly Run to cars. Numbers were down to 28, but a Gundaroo. When numbers were con- dry pleasant 30 minute drive saw us firmed with the Colonial Inn on Cork all parked up either on Cork Street, Street, the manager asked if it was OK amongst the many puddles in the car to reserve tables in the heated mar- park to the rear or late comers like quee with that many numbers. Despite myself, could only find space in the wild wet weather once again lashing overflow parking area on a wet soggy the New South Wales Coast on Satur- field at the back! day with heavy rainfalls predicted on Heaters were blaring away in the mar- Sunday afternoon, 17 cars turned up quee and quickly members began to at the rendezvous point at the Watson
Dot Luckham and Sue Roberts enjoy a “light” lunch, while Greg focuses on mak- ing the most of his 2nd meal.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 21
Tony McGloughlin explains the meaning of life to Paul Smith whilst Trevor Clement entertains the remainder of the Table queue up with other patrons to select sheep in order to comply with Peter lunch from the extensive menu and Dechaineux’s order for lamb shanks. order drinks. Although the pub was They eventually arrived and looked quite full, most meals arrived quite pretty good! quickly, although it seemed as though There was the usual frivolity on all 3 the chef was outside looking for a tables as we all enjoyed a hearty pub
22 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
lunch, good hospitality and excellent sion to Lerida Winery and the winery company. Although ensconced in the tour, please do so now; its not too late. Marquee, I was not aware that the We currently have 29 members signed predicted rain had arrived during lunch on with 26 electing to join the winery and when it was time to leave, pud- tour at $7.50 a head. See you then! dles in the car park had joined to- gether to form a small lake and the the grass field was getting even more soggy. Luckily other cars had not churned up the grass as bad as the Wallabies scrum in Melbourne on Sat- urday night, so I was able to extract my car for the nervous drive home in heavy rain and equally heavy traffic. Well done and thank you to all those who braved the weather for a most enjoyable social gathering. If you have not signed on for next months excur-
The Hogans tuck in to a favourite hearty pub lunch whilst Mark Horsfield (hidden) appears to have given up, and Gary is intently sampling his ale.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 23
Club Calendar
CLUB EVENTS for June / July July Sun 17 Club Monthlly Run 17 July. Drive to Lerida Estate Winery, some 50 km from Canberra at the northern tip of Lake George. We have 26 names for the winery tour package, with others just opting for the cafe. The Winery Tour Package costs $7.50 per person and will take about 40 mins. Please bring the correct change with you. The package includes a 15 - 20 minute tour of the winery/barrel room, tasting of 6 wines, plus a Lerida Estate Souve- nir Pack, including tasting notes. The cafe at the winery is open for afternoon teas/coffees. Meet at the Watson BP Service Station, Fed- eral Highway/Antill Street at 1.45pm for a 2.00pm departure. The plan is to arrive at 2.30pm. Those not interested in the Winery Tour can go straight to the cafe. Sign on sheet at July Monthly Meeting or contact Trevor Finklaire [email protected]
Sat 23 Presentation Dinner—Federal Golf Club (see advertisement page 16)
August Thur 4 Mid-Week Meander BOWNING - Roll On In Café We will joined the Triumph Club A.C.T. for this month’s lunch tourWe hope to have good numbers which will make for an extremely pleasant and social gathering Meeting at Dinosaur Museum , Hall at 11am for a 11-15 am start. Let us outnumber the Triumphs - a little competitive spirit. Contact Graeme or Jo Corbett Phone H 62994920 M 0437679497 Email [email protected]
Note: Remember : Our traditional ‘Lunchtime Natters’ are held at Weston Park, Yar- ralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm.
24 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
NB: Events listed in “Forecast” or in the Sporting Report also meet the re- quirements for CRS participation. Forecast
August
Thu 4th Midweek Meander - ROLLON IN CAFÉ
Bowning – This is a combine MG and Triumph Car club run
a 60 km run to Bowning Rollon In Café, A café in an old Slab Hut. Meet at the Dinosaur Museum 11 am for a 11-15 start
Contact : - Graeme or Jo - Phone: 0437679497 or 62994920
W/e 20-21 Big Boys Toys Expo—Epic Contact: Graeme Rossiter at [email protected]
Sun 21 Monthly Social Run - GOULBURN BREWERY Goulburn - The old brewery with history - A Bushies Lunch will be served cost $15-50 per person. We will need numbers / names for lunch , venue needs to be advised in advance
Meet Bungendore Mick Sherd Park, Gibraltar Street , 11.00 am for a 11.15 am start. We will travel via Tarago . Contact : - Graeme or Jo - Phone: 0437679497 or 62994920
September
Thu 1st Midweek Meander - COLLECTOR HOTEL
Collector - We are going back , our 2015 lunch the proprietor was only 2 weeks into their hospitality venture. Meet at the Watson Service Station Antil Str & Federal Highway Watson 11-00 am for a 11-15am start
Contact : - Graeme or Jo - Phone: 0437679497 or 62994920
9-11 Gathering of the Faithfull—Wagga Wagga Contact: Mark Horsfield [email protected]
October
7-9 MG TYme in Canberra (see advertisement page 22) Contact: Brian Calder at [email protected]
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 25
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/
26 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
Sporting Report
June 2016 by Kent Brown n this mid-winter cold, crisp, Can- race in the Championship due at on I berra climate it is difficult to get the weekend of 30/31 July at Snetter- interested, at least locally, in the me- ton. chanical mayhem of motorsport. So The BTCC started with a season this month let’s look overseas to see launch at Donington on the 22nd how our favourite MG marque is fair- March and since then race meetings ing. So to the You-K. And there we have been held at four different British find in Mr Dunlop’s British Touring Car circuits - Brands Hatch (Indy circuit), Championship two MG6’s strutting Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton their stuff for the fifth year in a row. Park and Croft. It is actually half way through the BTCC series and although mid- summer (it’s currently raining at Wim- bledon as I write and you would ex- pect!) there is a break with the next
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 27
The MG Racing RCIB Insurance Team has new drivers this year piloting the MG6’s. They are Josh Cook and Ash- ley Sutton in car numbers 66 and 116 respectively. The manufacturer- backed MG outfit is run by Triple Eight Race Engineering who have been campaigning MG6’s since 2012. Ashley Sutton began his career in karts, claiming several titles as he rose rapidly through the ranks. Progressing on to single-seaters, Sutton finished fourth in the 2010 Formula Vee Cham- pionship, snaring Rookie of the Year honours for good measure. Following three years away from the track, he wound up third in the 2014 British For- Josh Cook engaged in a hard-fought mula Ford Championship on the duel with Mike Bushell for the 2014 TOCA package, before switching to tin Renault UK Clio Cup crown - winning -tops in 2015. Running in the Team more races but just missing out on the BMR stable with Team Pyro, Sutton title in the Brands Hatch finale – which won six races and took 14 podiums as catapulted him onto the BTCC grid in he clinched the Renault UK Clio Cup a Power Maxed Racing Chevrolet crown. Cruze the following year alongside experienced tin-top campaigner Dave Newsham. A strong first season saw Cook claim seven top ten finishes and a podium at Rockingham – and scrap energetically for the lead in a lively race at Donington Park. That enabled him to prevail in the battle of the new- comers, exacting revenge on Clio sparring partner Bushell to lift the Jack Sears Trophy for top rookie. For 2016, Cook is hoping to add further rostrums to his tally and break his BTCC duck as he leads the factory MG squad.
28 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
The current driver standings, to 15th place overall, in the BTCC are:
Team JCT600 with 1 Sam Tordoff 168 GardX
Team JCT600 with 2 Rob Collard 156 GardX
3 Matt Neal Halfords Yuasa Racing 153
4 Andrew Jordan Pirtek Racing 131
Team IHG Rewards 5 Jack Goff 130 Club
6 Tom Ingram Speedworks Motorsport 123
MG Racing RCIB Insur- 7 Ashley Sutton 119 ance
8 Mat Jackson Motorbase Performance 117
9 Gordon Shedden Halfords Yuasa Racing 116
10 Adam Morgan WIX Racing 110
Silverline Subaru BMR 11 Colin Turkington 106 Racing
MG Racing RCIB Insur- 12 Josh Cook 105 ance
Silverline Subaru BMR 13 Jason Plato 90 Racing
14 Aron Smith BKR 88
15 Rob Austin Handy Motorsport 52
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 29
had succumbed to mechanical mala- dies. Not MG’s in this instance but a pair of TR6’s, one with a gearbox fail- ure, the other had an engine mount On the Queen’s Birthday holiday fail which caused a water pipe to frac- weekend, and to be precise the 11th ture and subsequently a head gasket and 12th of June, Brian Weston and I failure the result of (luckily) minor competed in the HSRCA’s annual overheating. Sydney Retro Racefest (formerly Both Brian and I had quite a reason- Speedfest) at Sydney Motor Sport able weekend with some good finishes Park, formerly Eastern Creek. It was and lap times up with or better than jointly organized in conjunction with our previous best performances. the ARDC. Although we expected However we both had a single “Did between 45 and 50 Group S Not Finish” (DNF) but in different (Production Sports Cars) entries, races. Neither mechanical failure was when it came to the crunch for practice major, indeed they were very minor, and qualifying on Saturday morning, but still sufficient to not finish a race in only 34 cars made the grid. There had Brian’s case and not even get off the been a private practice session on the line in mine! Friday and at least a couple of cars
The Group S field at SMSP
30 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
The Weston/Brown Garage at SMSP
A lack of gear selection was Brian’s will now be checked before a race problem when the bolts on the gear meeting. lever retaining plate of his Midget vi- In my case it was the last event of the brated loose and the car could only meeting on Sunday afternoon. I was proceed in 4th gear which is not condu- on the start grid in 11th place and with cive to quick lap times. A couple of a good number of cars behind. The new bolts – the old ones are out on starting lights lit up red, up came the the track somewhere – from the Brown spares kit solved the problem. That’s an- other item on the list that
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 31
revs to around 6000, the lights went Perhaps two of the greatest historic out, the foot went to floor as the clutch motor racing meetings in the world are came out and I just idled of the line the Goodwood Revival and the Le with my foot still pressed against the Mans Classic. The latter will just pre- firewall. The accelerator cable had date this Tappet Chatter as it is held in snapped at the pedal end. Up went 2016 around the weekend of 8-10 my hands and luckily all those behind July. When checking out the race pro- managed to get past without incident. gram for Le Mans I came across the The Marshalls quickly pushed me off dress code which has been rather the grid to the concrete barrier and nicely portrayed in a pictorial almost after the race I was flat towed into our cartoon style manner. The accompa- garage. Luckily I had a spare cable in nying description says “The spectators the kit and 30 minutes or so later I should come to Le Mans Classic cor- was able to drive the car onto the rectly dressed, tribute to all the actors, trailer for the journey home. often come from afar to put on this ephemeral show. They greatly appre- Next it’s down to Winton Motor Race- ciate welcoming visitors who have way on the long circuit for the VHRR’s gone to the same trouble as them. Winton Festival of Speed (WFOS) – 6- There are many ways of being “sport- 7 August. Again, both Brian and I chic”, as skilfully illustrated by Alain have entered. If anyone would like a Bouldouyre.” ticket to attend the meeting please give me a call.
32 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 33
Golden Era of Auto Racing (GEAR) The Golden Era Auto Racing Club (GEAR) celebrates an era of amateur Regalia Australian motor sport that ended in CLUB CLOTHING the early 1960s. This period was noted for its wide variety of cars, ranging Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00 from famous imported makes, locally Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00 made specials and modified produc- Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00 tion cars all of which were raced and Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00 prepared in the golden era by famous Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00 or colourful characters. Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00
GEAR meets at Wakefield Park seven OTHER ITEMS times each year when drivers evoke a Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00 bygone era with surprising speed, skill Club Grille Badges $22.00 and respect for other competitors and Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00 their wonderful old racing cars. Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00 The next meeting for 2016 is on MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00 Wednesday, the 10th of August. Well MG Key Rings $ 7.00 worth a visit at Wakefield Park, a rela- Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth tively short drive away. Entry for spec- $ 8.00 tators is FREE.
34 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
Vale - W.P. (Bill) Tuckey (1936-2016)
I am sure many club members would have either read books by, or at least be familiar with the name, Bill Tuckey. He was a motoring journalist, editor, author and broadcaster – possi- before he was recruited as editor of bly the most prolific wordsmith in the Wheels magazine in 1963, joining one automotive field in this country – but of the most illustrious alumni of car he died recently at the age of 80 after magazine editors Australia has ever a long battle with illness. produced. Bill first rose to prominence as a mo- Bill pioneered forthright opinions and toring writer as the motoring editor of multi-car comparison tests. A desire Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspaper to applaud those manufacturers who
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 35
were raising the standards of the cars Bill also hosted Australia’s first motor- being offered in Australian car led to ing show on Australian television in his creation of the Wheels Car of the 1967. Year award; at the time the only such He remained editor of Wheels until award anywhere in the world and 1968 when he left to be a freelance now much copied. writer and, coincidentally, to get While editing and writing for Wheels, drives in the Bathurst 500 at Mount Bill found time to invent Romsey Panorama. Quints, a fictitious larger-than-life He drove at Bathurst three times and, Colonel Blimp style character who indeed, introduced touring car cham- parodied with comedy and satire the pion Allan Grice to Bathurst as co- world of motorists and motoring en- driver in a stock-standard Fiat 124 thusiasts. Sport. Several years later Bill was Bill had only been at Wheels a year driving a Holden Monaro GTS 327, when his other great passion, book which he thought was his best shot at writing, saw K.G. Murray publish his a Bathurst victory but, having quali- The Book of Australian Motor Racing. fied 13th, it retired with engine trou- He was 28. ble. He raced touring cars for 10 years.
36 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 37
Bill’s times behind the wheel at Mount house, Floyd, Panorama (and other touring car Tuckey and events) would expose him to first- later Chevron hand experience of what it was like publishing. the drive in the great race and this led Bill’s most con- to more books about motor racing in troversial book Australia in general and about was The Rise Bathurst in particular. and Fall of Pe- ter Brock, which detailed Brock’s stellar rise as a virtual Holden nameplate and the terrible fall when Brock allowed his belief in voo- doo car technology to come between him and Holden management. Bill was commissioned by Ford Aus- tralia to write the definitive book about the Blue Oval’s local history and in 2000, True Blue: 75 Years of Ford in Australia was released.
At last count, Bill had written as many as 26 books most of which re- sulted from a rela- tionship with Ray Berghouse and Tom Floyd who He also wrote two films for TV and published his con- cinema on the 1979 Repco Trial. stant flow of manu- scripts under the imprint of Berg-
38 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
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 Club Trailer Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191 Peter Dechaineux (02) 6281 5917 Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 Club Servicing Facility & Tools Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943 Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191
Y Series and MGA Concessional Registration Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716 Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 (Northside) MGB Rob Chilman 0412 024 228 Kevin Kirk (02) 6231 4617 (Southside) Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943
MGC Roadster and GT Club Service Centre: Our Club Position Vacant has a well equipped under-cover service centre at Budget Storage, MG RV8 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick. It has all Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 the basic big-tools to enable you to do repairs, service and/or clean MG Z Magnette your car in a secure area, 24/7. Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612 Simply contact Nigel French (who owns Budget Storage) on the num- Midget/Sprite ber above or 0413 646 321 to ar- John Harriott (02) 6292 8420 range a time to do the work or just Ian Reid (02) 6231 8959 to have a look. The Service Centre, Modern MGs and use of club tools, is free to Club Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343 Members.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 39
Marquet
For Sale (July 16)
Demco Record lathe. Screw cutting with three and four jaw chucks plus face plate. Powerful single phase motor. $ 1500 . For further details 0262882285. Norman Lee.'
MGB Wire Wheels (July 16)
Five MGB wire wheels with tyres. Located in Goulburn. $500 the lot ONO Contact Mr Royce Dockett 02 4822 0480 or 0411 055 017 Contact early evening is preferred.
1979 MGB LE Roadster (Mar 16) Forced sale due to owner suffering terminal illness and is out of its home state due to the illness. The car is an excellent example of the final LE models made for the USA market built 1979/1980 and faithfully restored by MG Sales of Ade- laide in September 2001 to its original livery of black and tan with some ap- proved accessories from MG Owner’s Club of Swavesey, Cambridge UK. Vehicle details: Standard 1800 cc., 4 speed gearbox with 5th overdrive. Differ- ential rebuilt 6 years ago. 21,000 miles covered since restoration and used mainly for club events in BEAC of NSW Southern Highlands and MG Car Club of Gold Coast. Currently Qld rego expires September 2016 with full registration for everyday use. As new Tyres. Contact | arrangements to be made through Mr. David Godwin of Gold Coast MG and Classic Cars on Mobile phone 0412 029 277 or Mr James Moore on 0400 945 043. Please leave a message if unanswered. • Asking price | $15,900
40 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
MGBGT Rear Seat Foams (May 16) Part number: AHH9682C. The foams were purchased for a project which did not proceed. I no longer need them. I have looked for an Australian website handling them to no avail. Moss-•‐Europe sell them for £62 ($118) and MSC for £55 ($104). As there are a few marks on the foam,
I am seeking $85. Contact: Simon Braun – 0439 607 856 or email: [email protected]
MGB Tonneau Cover (May 16) I obtained an additional Tonneau cover, but the steering wheel cut out is in the wrong place for my MG. This is a new item and is sitting in the corner of my ga- rage doing nothing for me. I believe the cover can be altered, but I have two already. Asking $100.
Contact: Simon Braun – 0439 607 856 or email: [email protected]
For Sale (July 16) MGB Factoty Workshop manual 1976 as new, no greasy fingerprints. $25 MGB Head gasket set. $25 Buffing machine, used once. $25 Impact driver, $10 Bottle and Screw Jacks $10 each Contact Tony Argyle 62862282 or email [email protected]
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 41
FOR ALL YOUR MG NEEDS No matter what type of MG you have, we can help to make your motoring hassle free.
From simple tune-ups on the classics to changing the timing belts or pumping up your hydroelastic suspension on the moderns Come and see us
2004 MGTF 130 (Mar 16) My MGTF 135 remains unsold, and as it must go as part of our downsizing, I am open to any offers, sensible or otherwise as it would be a pity to see it sold for a song to a second hand car dealer. This is a chance to get yourself a very good car for club runs, at a bargain price never to be repeated. Give me a call to ar- range a look and a chat, you will be surprised at what I am prepared to accept.
Contact: Norman (02) 6288 2285
42 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
Want to service your MG? Got a rattle that is hard to find?
ur Club has a well-equipped under-cover service centre with four O post hoist, Electronic Wheel Balancer capable of balancing wire wheels, engine hoist and all the basic big-tools to enable you to do repairs, service and/or clean your car in a secure area, 24/7.
Simply contact Club members Nigel French on 0413 646321, or Laurie Gardiner (Club equipment custodian) on 62934191 or 0418488931 to arrange a time to do the work or just to have a look.
The workshop is located at: Budget Storage, 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick.
Map
The Service Centre and use of Club tools is free to Club members or visiting members from other clubs.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 43
2003 model BRG Rover 75. (Jun 16) Immaculate condition inside and out - 186,000kms. Good tyres and registered in ACT to March 2017, BUT damage to head on front bank of V6 motor. If anyone is interested please telephone me and I will detail the damage and the reason for my decision to sell such a beautiful vehicle as is. I am seeking $4,000 but this is negotiable. Contact: Peter Daley - 02 6291 0612
2003 MG TF (Jun 16) Starlight Silver with black interior and hood. Ex- terior and interior in immaculate condition. Low mileage - 58,000kms. Good tyres. Service his- tory. Workshop manual. Reason for sale is mini- mal use by elderly owners. Personal plates 'PD.111' not included in sale. $14,000. Contact: Peter Daley - 02 6291 0612
1968 MGB Mk I (Mar 16)
Last of the Mk 1s, with overdrive. A Canberra car since 1969 and my personal drive for the last 44 years. All original condition incl. mechanicals, having had no prangs except a dented mudguard. Ideal for regular use or concourse resto- ration, never out of rego and runs beautifully. Fitted with its original Kreisler ra- dio plus stainless steel exhaust, wood rim steering wheel, battery isolator, tonneau cover, new hood, new generator, four brand new tyres. MG 800. $12,500 neg Contact Warwick on
0413 080 788
44 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
1969 MGB Mk2 O/D (May 2016)
I purchased this car as my club car in 2009 and it is on VIC Club plates. Excellent mechanical condition. Strong recently rebuilt engine with mild cam & headwork & valves for unleaded fuel. New clutch, alternator & wiper motors, plus the heater works. Also the only MGB that I have owned that doesn’t leak in the rain. Floors and sills are good as they have been replaced. Paintwork is good but not concourse. Chrome work is excellent as is the fold down hood. Vinyl Seats & carpet in very good condition. Asking price $15,000 Contact: Howard Anderson on 0418510846
Wire Wheel (Triumph TR 4) (July 16) Good condition and Straight. 15 x 4½ inch 60 spoke. Painted $130.00 Contact John 6295 6337
1967 Mark 1 MGB soft top (May 2016) Good mechanicals - recent trip from Newcastle to Albury with no problems, went like a dream. Slight oil leak from front seal (have replacement with pur- chase) body has had some rust cut out and fixed but needs some paint work as a couple of the panels look a different shade. Has good wire wheels and near new tyres, good exhaust and runs an unleaded head. We are downsizing and so my wife says I have to sell. Looks OK from 10 feet and needs some TLC but is a good rolling project. Currently on club plates so does not come with Rego or RWC. $10,000 ono Contact Paul Tinley on 6043 2258 (after 5pm) for more information. Or 0459 505 822.
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 45
1974 MGB GTV8 3.5 litre (May 2016) This is a genuine and rare factory GTV8 with Chrome bumpers and factory wheels. This car has been fully restored from bare metal on a rotisserie. Rear telescopic shockers and coil over front suspension with telescopic shocks. Up- graded ventilated front disc brakes with 4 pot calipers. There is no rust and excel- lent paintwork with beautiful beige leather seats and trim, no expense has been spared. Rebuilt engine with extractors and a 4 barrel Holly gives stunning per- formance and 11 l/100 km on the open road. The radiator is a large racing ver- sion with an electric fan so the engine temp stays on normal in traffic on the hot- test days. 5 speed Rover T5 gearbox which had been rebuilt when I purchased the car in 2014. Factory MGB GTV8 cars were notorious for overheating and bro- ken gearboxes, but with this car there are no prob- lems. The heater works and keeps the car cosy on the coldest days.
$36,500 Contact: Howard Anderson on 0418510846
1958 ZB Magnette (May 2016)
Unfortunately we have decided to sell our MG Magnette ,which is a 1958 ZB model, original and in good general condition. Vin : KAL2330821 Eng No 15 GCUH 18480. Grey with red trim. Good Club car which runs well. Club Rego Contact: 02 4861 7356 Asking: $8500 Located in Bowral.
46 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016
July 2016 Tappet Chatter 47
48 MG Car Club Canberra July 2016