Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
To join email us at [email protected] New Year Energy 2013 What will our youths carry towards preserving British auto heritage?
28 girls broke the old record of squeezing into a mini recently in London. Then they also set the record with 23 squeezing into a classic mini. Love the feet sticking out of the window !! (James McKenzie)
Follow us on Facebook.com Lawrence All British Car Club Inside this month’s issue: • Sir Alex Moulton. • Old Gas Stations. • Freddie Mercury’s Rolls Royce. • Susan’s Minutes • Eric’s MGB Transplant, Cont. • One Last Shot
Page 1 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
In Passing; From James McKenzie Sad news, Sir Alex Moulton died at age 92, it was announced Monday Dec. 10th. Brilliant man, engineer, inventor, best know for designing the mini suspension. Also his bicycles are brilliant and he was still coming up with new designs for them right to the end. He worked as an engineer in the aviation business for the RAF during WW2. He started a company for five years developing steam engines for automobiles in the 50's, most people don't remember that. In the 60s he developed several nice bicycles and continued designing them and manufacturing them. They are brilliant designs, rubber suspension and I will get one someday.
I got to meet Dr. Alex Moulton by chance in Buffalo NY in 2001. We were at the Buffalo City Water works looking at giant steam engines that had run the pumps for the cities water supply before they changed to electric motors. Its a museum now. Walked outside and there were two fellows admiring my 56" English light roadster. Started chatting with them about bikes and Ordinaries. The younger guy was from Buffalo and had on a Mouton Bicycle T-shirt. I said that I had always admired Moutons and have always wanted to buy one of his bikes. The tall, distinguished English speaking gentleman looked at me and said " I am Sir Alex." I was so surprised I hardly new what to say. We shook hands and had a nice visit. When I got back to Lawrence a week later I went across the street to see Charlie Hartman. He just about croaked when I told him. He said" did you get his autograph?" I didn't, I was so surprised that I never thought about it. Charlie was disapointed in me! Anyway I was quite glad that I got to meet him and have a nice chat about bikes with him. He admired my English Ordinary too!
I was planning to write an article for the newsletter about his steam engine designs so I will do that for next months newsletter and I will continue about his rubber suspension for cars and bikes the following month. Dan Hines convinces Eric TheMG worldnever is made a better one place of these!because of Sir Alex, mini fans in countries all over the world will be sad to hear the news. Monday, the 10th, I just got my big box of parts and rear subframe for my mini restoration project. Included were four new rubber cones, the Moulton rubber springs for the mini.
James
Page 2 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
Auction of interest: Submitted by Gordon Fitch
The forthcoming sale of rock & roll superstar Freddie Mercury's Rolls-Royce has become a global story over the holiday season, featuring in television and print news stories throughout the world.
Full details of the auction, which takes place on Saturday 12th January 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham, are available at www.coys.co.uk.
Page 3 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
Pres. Eric’s MGB Transplant Part 3. By Eric Frana
So, a couple months ago you were teased with photos of a nice shinny Rover 3.5L aluminum V8. Last month was a little discussion on why. This month I’ll discuss gathering parts.
Over 2012 Memorial Day Weekend, I learned my cousin in Michigan was getting married at the end of July. Providing the opportunity to pick up the engine conversion kit, and the wedding was about 9 weeks away, it was time to quit talking about it and pull the trigger. A quick call to Mark at D&D Fabrications officially fired the gun, or in this case a grenade launcher (not quite a cannon).
Mark sent me on a mission to save money and purchase a 5 speed transmission without his Mark-up (no pun intended). He recommended a Ford V8 T5 transmission for price and availability. From his experience, Camaro transmissions are becoming harder to find and becoming more pricy…
It was strongly recommended I purchase How to Give Your MGB V8 Power by Roger Williams. Great reference book.
Craig’s List located a late ‘80’s Mustang V8 T-5 transmission for reasonable price within the area. It was said to have been rebuilt, so it was purchased and over to the transmission shop for a good look over. Glad I did, because it needed some serious repairs. First major purchase complete. Not off to a good start. A few hundred dollar venture ended up about over $1k. Maybe I should have gone with a certified rebuild Camaro transmission for about the same dollars and had my ideal match. Oh well, water under the bridge.
Kept in contact with Mark over the next several weeks, primarily what my end goal was and asked his opinion on several items. Break upgrades and suspension upgrades, item locations, and so forth. He was always open to providing input and periodically get extra tidbits of information about D&D Fabrications, including an order to provide sixteen aluminum block engines for eight hovercrafts in Alaska.
July 5 Mark called indicating engine parts were on back order. To keep on schedule for end of July delivery, he offered one of the hover craft engines. It was a $1k upgrade to balanced, Level 3 build including fuel injected head upgrade holding larger valves and producing about 250 Hp. Discussion determined my budget didn’t allow for the upgrade, unfortunately this meant I wouldn’t be able to pick the engine as planned, but did receive several bolt on parts.
Page 4 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
Eric’s MGB Transplant Part 3. By Eric Frana (Continued)
Approximately two months go by before the engine is delivered.
I continued to gather little parts over time. Radiator Mark provided was an experiment. A guy who has done several conversions provided it. Was said to be a bolt in, however it didn’t have necessary clearances. When asked, was told that’s normal and I had to modify my car. Guess bolt-in in this case means you don’t just bolt it in. Modifying the mounts to fit my needs, ended up jamming a saw blade through the core (even after I protected the core and it still happened). Found a replacement on the internet found a replacement. Took my time and modified mounts. Hey, it gave me an excuse to purchase a mig welder!
Ford T5 Mustang V8, 5-speed transmission • Bell housing with adaptor plate GM 10 ¼” pressure plateFord 10 ¼” clutch • Drive shaft with Ford and MG yokes Fiberglass flywheel dust shield
Page 5 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
Eric’s MGB Transplant Part 3. By Eric Frana (Continued)
High torque starter • Hydraulic throw out bearing (HTOB) • Adjustable thermostatic fan control Radiator hose adaptor/fan controller thermostat mount • T-bolt radiator hose clamps -3AN steel braided hose for HTOB • Hurst “Q” ball and shifter
Custom made mounts: alternator, engine, transmission, crossmember Heater control adaptor • Drive shaftSlim profile cooling fan • Remote oil filter mounts “Hugger” style headers • Cruise control • Heater hose tube (standing along side radiator) ’65 Ford Mustang radiator with modified mounts • 10 row oil cooler and oil thermostatic control Braided stainless steel oil pressure hose • Braided stainless steel throttle cable Guard dog Handy hard at work
Page 6 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
Eric will continue preparations for the new marriage. All are invited to come join him Saturdays for open tech sessions. If you would like to attend, please let Eric know at [email protected]. He’ll always have coffee, water and limited selection of soda. If there’s something particular you would like, let him know. He’ll make an effort to get it.
Follow us on Facebook.com Things Eric still has for sale: Lawrence All British Car Club All divorces generally require sell off of goods. Here’s a few.
Item 1: Let’s make a deal. 1977 MG 1800 engine with 52,333 miles. Used head from 1986 MGB was installed approximately 3,500 miles ago. Hardened seats were installed, new valve guides, valve seals and valve job performed before installation. Water pump installed fall 2010. Comes with the original Zenith Stromberg carburetor and manifold.
Item 2: Let’s make a deal. 1977 MG 4 speed synchromesh transmission with 52,333 miles. Oil came out very clean. Comes with clutch, pressure plate and slave cylinder.
Item 3: Let’s make a deal. Radiator for 1977-80 MGB. Excellent condition. Victoria British Part 12-007. Purchased 9/15/2010. Paid $169 new. Will throw in radiator hoses purchased at same time. A $226.85 + tax value if purchased new today.
Item 4: Let’s make a deal. 16” aftermarket radiator fan. Purchased June 2012. Paid $80 new.
Brian looking at a nicely restored Morris woody @ Mecum Auction.
Page 7 Lawrence All British Car Club Lawrence, Kansas Jan. 8th, 2013
When gas was cheap and life easier.
In the 50’s through 60’s gas was cheap. Most folks figured 15-20 mpg was Great! Then came along those Foreign cars! DKW from Germany with its 2-stroke, then the Diesel Mercedes-Benz smelling- up neighborhoods. But several soldiers after WWII brought back little British vehicles capable of carving-our country roads with with fuel efficient glee!
Page 8 Lawrence All British Car Club Jan. 8th 2013
LABCC Minutes: By Susan McKenzie
MEETING NOTES OF DECEMBER 4, 2012 MEETING
HELD AT BAMBINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
There was a nice turn out for this meeting, with 19 in attendance.
Eric opened the meeting by commenting on another very nice Newsletter this month. He wished all a Merry Christmas and stated that it has been a good year. Members of the LABCC have had several parties and events throughout the year that have been very enjoyable.
Several members attended Mike Pearson’s birthday party recently. Ken indicated that Mike would like to have access to any pictures taken that day. Alan indicated that it was a nice event and that Dr. Rod Barnes and his wife were there with their beautiful Daimler. The dish to pass concept worked wonderfully for this event with a very nice variety of delicious food. Several in attendance were also treated to a special golf cart ride around the property. It was great to honor the much deserving birthday boy and he was in good spirits.
Kyle indicated that he was in attendance for this meeting, even though it was his 8th wedding anniversary, as Tashina is currently deployed in Afghanistan. She will be home in February but then on May 1st they will be stationed in Alaska!
Eric gave an update on his MGB engine removal. He will be working on getting the new one and all of the trimmings into the car it in his garage throughout the winter and Saturday mornings. He’d love to have some help and/or company as this process unfolds! With this regard, Eric has several items for sale. If anyone is interested in learning more about what he has, etc., please contact him.
Alan reported of an interesting place to get some good tools on Hwy 40 in Big Springs. It’s called the Tool Barn. He told of a new tool he recently purchased for bleeding brakes that pushes the fluid back up. Alan also commented on how much good information can be learned from the MBG Register. Alan indicated that he has a Midget for sale.
Dave and Debbie’s Christmas Open House is scheduled for Saturday, December 15th.
The Mecum car auction is being held in Kansas City on December 6, 7 and 8. Several of the guys talked about getting a group together to go to it on one of the days.
Annual dues are due. Chuck gave a Treasurer’s Report. The Rallye was a break-even event. Now that the club has had one Rallye that cost a bit, and one that broke even, it needs to decided what’s the next step. The goal is really to have more participation. It was suggested that a “roving” tech session could be scheduled at members’ homes/garages to get their car rallye and/or tour ready. Alan said that he would be willing to organize this.
It would be good to get a calendar together for our activities as well as other ones we’re invited to, or are open to anyone. Someone suggested getting together in front of Brits on Sunday mornings for “cars and coffee”. Not everyone would be in attendance weekly, but it might be something that the community would learn about and participate. We also need to plan “destination” drives throughout the year. Suggestions would be appreciated!
Respectfully submitted,
Susan McKenzie
Page 9 Lawrence All British Car Club Jan. 8th 2013
LABCC Officers: President - Eric Frana Vice President - Alan Miller Secretary/Membership - Susan McKenzie Treasurer - Chuck Fisher Newsletter Editor - Bill Fisher Events Team - Dave & Debbie Holzmeister
Calendar of Events 2013 Feb. 24th Leake car auction Jan. 8th LABCC Bambinoʼs 6:30 OKC.www.leakecar.com Jan. 16-20 Russo & Steele Auction Feb. 24th British Swap Meet Scottsdale www.russoandsteele.com www.chicagolandmgclub.com Feb. 5th LABCC Bambinoʼs 6:30 Mar. 5th LABCC Bambinoʼs 6:30 April 2nd Bambinoʼs 6:30
One Last Shot: Another option from COYS Auction in Britain...
1950 Allard J2 Competition Car. The Frank Curtis 1950 Sebring Car. Thanks to those contributing to this newsletter. Follow us on Facebook.com Other members need to share in the future...... Lawrence All British Car Club – Bill Fisher, Newsletter Editor. bfi[email protected]
Page 10