Classical Gas March /April 2018 Volume 49, Issue 2
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2 | ClassicalHagerty Canada, Gas LLC policies are underwritten by Elite Insurance Company, an Aviva Canada company. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance. All coverage is subject to policy provisionsMarch and | April 2018 availability. Hagerty For People Who Love Cars is a registered trademark of The Hagerty Group, LLC. ©2017 The Hagerty Group, LLC. Vehicle make and model names and logos are property of their respective owners and their inclusion does not imply sponsorship of or affiliation with Hagerty or any of its products or services. About Classical Gas In This Issue... Classical Gas is the official magazine of CXKJR/CCMGC, and is published bi-monthly. CXKJR/CCMGC Calendar 5 All articles, technical tips, offerings and opinions seen in Board Members & Club Contacts 6 Classical Gas are for your enjoyment and edification. JCNA & MG News 7 The executive, authors, editors and publishers cannot be held Fathers Day Picnic [Joe Carroll] 9 responsible for errors, omissions or misinterpretation of content. Advertisements are not endorsements. Member Brunches 9 As always, please use your own judgement. Spring Run & Drive Your MG Jaguar Day 11
Submissions Auto-Biography [Mike McChesney] 12 Contributions such as articles, technical tips, travel, event reports 2018 Heritage Classic 13 and photographs are all gladly welcomed. Please contact New Club Trustee [Troy Bell] 17 Senior Editor Jennifer Orum at [email protected] for details. Cooling Systems [Bob Sherman] 18 Submission Deadlines May/June: May 4 Octagon Open House 22 July/August: July 6 CXKJR/CCMGC Club Advisor List 24 Club Affiliations MG Car Club Ltd. 2017 Classical Gas Awards 25 www.mgcc.co.uk North American MGA Register Last Word: Upcoming CXKJR/CCMGC Membership Meetings; www.namgar.com St. Georges Show; Restoration Fair; Van Dusen ABFM; BritsBest; North American MGB Register BC Highland Games; Mid-Winter Gala 26 www.namgbr.org Jaguar Clubs of North America www.jcna.com Monthly Club Membership Meetings To contact us by post: Our club meetings take place at 7:30 pm at the Burnaby Lake Clubhouse PO Box 663, Stn Main 3760 Sperling Avenue (foot of Sprott at Sperling) Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada V3B 6H9 normally on the second Tuesday of each month.
Reprints n For permission to reprint Classical Gas articles or photos, contact Jennifer Orum, Senior Editor, On The Cover at [email protected] Tim Horton’s 1988 Jaguar V12 VDP at Porteau Cove on the Sea to Sky Highway, Credit must be clearly given to back on the road after five months in storage and purring like a silk cat. the original author, photographer, [Photo by Timothy Horton] Classical Gas and the CXKJR/CCMGC club.
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4 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 2018 April July Sept 10 – 14 MG GoF West April 14 July 7 Lake Tahoe, NV 37th Annual Tulip Rally BC Collector Car Day Run * Sept 15 & 16 [see page 7] July 8 Presidents’ Run * April 22 Brits on the Beach Sept 22 & 23 LAMB St. Georges Show Ladysmith Sea to Sky All British Rally [see page 26] July 20 & 21 Sept 30 Cruise the Shore LAMB Autojumble May July 21 May 5 Western Washington ABFM October Drive Your MG or Jaguar Day * July 27 – 29 Oct 14 [see page 9] Jaguars on the Island Fall Run & Lunch * May 6 [see page 7] Restoration Fair & Swap Meet November [see page 26] August Nov 1 – 4 May 19 Aug 3 & 4 JCNA International Jaguar Festival VanDusen ABFM Jaguars on the Green Nov 4 [see page 26] Aug 9 – 12 Kruise for Kids May 20 MG Rendezvous 2018 Nov 4 All British Vancouver-Whistler Run Bend, OR London to Brighton Run [see page 26] Aug 17 – 19 Nov 13 June Heritage Classic Weekend * CXKJR/CCMGC Annual General Aug 18 & 19 Meeting & Elections * June 3 Mission Historic Motor Races Nov 25 Members Brunch: Steveston * Members Brunch: Horseshoe Bay [see page 9] * June 13 – 17 September NAMGAR’s GT-43 Sept 1 December June 15 – 17 Crescent Beach Concours Dec 11 Brits Best Classic Sept 8 CXKJR/CCMGC Annual Awards [see page 26] Langley Good Times Cruise-In & Potluck * June 16 Sept 9 BC Highland Games Fall Picnic & ABM at the Lake British Car Display CXKJR/CCMGC Events Sept 8 & 9 [see page 26] are indicated by an (*) Portland ABFM June 17 JOCO Concours & Slalom Fathers Day Picnic * 2018 General Membership Sept 8 & 9 [see page 9] Meetings at the Luxury & Supercar Weekend Burnaby Lake Clubhouse: CXKJR/CCMGC CALENDAR June 17 – 22 Sept 9 NAMGBR’s MG2018 May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug 14, English Car Affair in the Park Sept 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11
March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 5 IMPORTANT CXKJR/CCMGC CONTACTS Jaguar President [email protected] Timothy Horton 604-922-1856 MG President [email protected] Chris Down 604-599-5060 Jaguar Vice-President [email protected] Ian Newby 604-618-2537 MG Vice-President [email protected] Doreen Newby 604-985-4020 Jaguar Past President [email protected] Greg Wagorn 604-230-2542 MG Past President [email protected] Norm Stanley 604-418-9712 Treasurer [email protected] Ruth Schmidt 604-599-5060 Secretary [email protected] Kenneth Magnus 250-240-0185 Trustee [email protected] Troy Bell 604-613-8897 Trustee [email protected] Joe Carroll 604-988-2497 Trustee [email protected] John Morse 604-594-8992 Trustee [email protected] Ian Newby 604-618-2537 Trustee [email protected] Jerry Parkhill 604-794-3652 Membership & Club Roster Mike McChesney 604-316-1175 [email protected] NAMGAR Chapter Coordinators Peter & Anne Tilbury 604-535-0648 [email protected] JCNA Concours Chair [email protected] Tom Doyle 604-892-4890 JCNA Chief Judge [email protected] Les Garbutt 604-266-9086 Slalom Master [email protected] John Morse 604-594-8992 JCNA Director, NW Region [email protected] Carole Borgens 604-514-8414 Classical Gas Senior Editor [email protected] Jennifer Orum 604-880-7598 Classical Gas Technical Editor [email protected] Joe Carroll 604-988-2497 Classical Gas Ad Manager [email protected] Doug Haakonsen 604-539-1207 Classical Gas Distribution [email protected] Rhonda Gale 604-521-3021 Little Classical Gas Editor [email protected] & Marketplace Allan Lawrence 604-937-0439 A/V Production Editor [email protected] Vito Donatiello 604-980-0457 Website Administrator [email protected] Mike Harford 604-464-2212 Heritage Coordinators Tom Doyle [email protected] Diane Stanley [email protected]
6 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 JCNA & MG News
Another JCNA Newsletter Award! 1968 London to Sydney Marathon MGB Each year JCNA presents Newsletter Awards in six categories: Photography, Event Reports, Heritage, Travel, Technical and Jaguar Life. In the years 2006 to 2016, CXKJR members have won twenty-two times for photos and articles in Classical Gas. It is interesting to note that there are over sixty JCNA clubs with newsletters, so this is not a minor accomplishment. The 2017 JCNA Newsletter Awards have just been announced and CXKJR member Les Garbutt won 2nd in the Events category for his “Art of Performance Tour” article in the November December 2017 Classical Gas. April 14: 37th Annual Tulip Rallye The Seattle MG Club holds this event every year in the Skagit Valley, with a start in Mount Vernon. Open to all makes of cars, this is a gimmick rally where questions take the place of time/distance checkpoints. Cost is $15 USD for advance registration and $20 US/CDN the day of the event. Go to www.tuliprallye.org for information and registration. CCMGC members John and Judy Fry live part time in England and attended the National Classic Car Restoration Show in May 15: JCNA Concours Judge Training Birmingham March 23. This MGB was in the UK MG Car Club Chief Judge Les Garbutt is looking for CXKJR members to join display. On November 24, 1968, ninety-eight cars gathered the judging team at the August 18 Heritage JCNA Concours. at the Crystal Palace in London at the start of a 10,000 mile Why not come out to the JCNA Judges Workshop 7:00 pm, adventure going through eleven countries in ten days. This Tuesday, May 15 at the Burnaby Central Railway station to was the idea of British saloon race driver Tommy Sopwith and learn about JCNA judging? The Burnaby Central Railway is Sir Max Aiken, the Chairman of the Daily Express newspaper. located at 120 North Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby – four Jean Denton and Canadian-born Tom Boyce finished in blocks north of Hastings. The gate is about 200 feet east 42nd position with this MGB, the highest placing sports car. of Willingdon on the north side of Penzance. For further [Photos by John Fry] information, contact Les at 604-266-9086 or les_garbutt@ telus.net. July 27 – 29: Jaguars on the Island Jaguar Car Club of Victoria A good contingent of CXKJR members attend this popular event each year. The weekend will include a Friday Welcome Reception at the Uplands Golf Club, the Saturday JCNA Concours and Jaguar Car Show at Windsor Park and the Awards Dinner at the Uplands club, and on Sunday, the Scenic Prowl, a Brunch at the Ocean Pointe Resort and a JCNA Slalom at Western Speedway. This year’s Featured Model is the E-type. For further details, see www.vijaguars. ca or contact JOTI Committee Chair Telse Wokersien at 250- 885-7391. Many participants will be staying at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel: www.oakbaybeachhotel.com or call the hotel toll free at 800-668-7758.
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CLUB WEBSITE: www.jaguarmg.com Check out the CCMGC/CXKJR website for a calendar of events for the next 3 months, purchasing club golf shirts, access to the last 9 issues of Classical Gas, a 4-year archive of Little Classical Gas newsletters, links to Classical Gas advertisers, plus much more.
8 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 JUNE 17 Father’s Day Picnic
ne of the railway staff who will club’s most escort you across the popular track to the Car Club Oannual events, the picnic area. Please picnic will take place note: FOR SAFETY at the Confederation REASONS YOU Park Miniature MUST BE ESCORTED Railway, located a ACROSS THE TRACK few blocks north of BY RAILWAY STAFF. Hastings in Burnaby The invitation includes the members’ extended families e.g. at 120 North Willingdon Avenue. There are over two miles of grandparents and grandchildren. Important note: Sometimes track on two main routes, with steam and diesel locomotives parents get upset when they bring the whole family and we are hauling trains through two tunnels and over several bridges. unable to carry their infants. Infants unable to sit on the train 1/8 full size, the trains carry up to 30 passengers. What to seats and support themselves must be in a hands-free ‘snugli’ bring? Your favourite car, picnic food, and folding chairs if you type carrier worn by an adult. have room. There’ll be dedicated parking for MGs and Jags by the Penzance Drive entrance, with parking for non-marque The railway operates from 11 am to 5 pm. In the past most sports cars along Willingdon Avenue and Penzance Drive and club members (and their families) were on site between 12:30 in the public lots on Penzance. and 4:00 pm. How much? No charge. The club has arranged for unlimited rides on the trains and a concession sells hot Once you have arrived and parked, follow the signs and arrows dogs, ice cream, hot & cold drinks. Further information: Joe to the west end of the station and the passenger maze. At the Carroll at [email protected] or 604-988-2497. end of the maze there is a track crossing. Speak to one of the Member Brunches 2018
he Member Brunch program has been introduced by new club Trustee Troy Bell as casual opportunities for members and their families to get together. The goal is ‘social’ and fun Tfor everyone. No drive is planned and no pre-registration is required, so participants can simply show up at the restaurant, with or without The inaugural Brunch at the Boundary Bay Airport. their MG or Jaguar and enjoy the company of other members. The inaugural event March 11 brought out great sunny weather and a fabulous turnout. 22 cars and 46 people showed up for lunch at the Skyhawk Restaurant at the Boundary Bay Airport in Delta.
Troy has made arrangements for the next Brunch Sunday, June 3 at 11:30 am at the Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant in Steveston: #140 – 3866 Bayview Street, Richmond. It is rated highly by TripAdvisor as one of the best restaurants in the Richmond area. The entire covered and screened patio area overlooking the water and boats has been reserved and can accommodate 48 people in groups of 4. There is a pay parking lot very close by on the same side of the street. Menus are on the website: http:www.bluecanoerestaurant.com . The June 3 Brunch will be at the Blue Canoe in Steveston
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10 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 Spring Run & Lunch Photos by Jennifer Orum
here was a The Run started at the Starbucks on United great turnout Boulevard in Coquitlam. for the club’s Tfirst driving event of the year, despite the weather being far from ideal. Twenty cars and forty people participated. Led The quintessential stop for a by Chris Down and British lunch – Dickens Sweets Ruth Schmidt, the event started with a two-hour drive in the Fraser & Museum in Chilliwack. Valley, with stops at the Golden Ears Cheesecrafters in Maple Ridge, Hayward Lake Park and the Powerhouse at Stave Falls in Mission and the Clayburn Store and Tea Shop in Abbotsford. Lunch was at the Dickens Sweets and British Museum in Chilliwack, followed by the opportunity to visit CCMGC members Mike & Karlie McChesney’s house at the top of Chilliwack Mountain. Visitors enjoyed the fabulous views of the Valley, plus see Mike’s 1967 Vanden Plas Princess restoration project and his wife Karlie’s studio and amazing Above: Now living most of the year in England, Marcia wall-hanging Croy joined the event driving her 1997 Jaguar XK8. n quilt art. Left: Mike McChesney showing his Stone Princess restoration project to Les Garbutt and Joe Carroll. Visitors also had the chance to see his 1957 Studebaker President.
May 5 Drive Your MG or Jaguar Day
s was the case last year, the annual Drive Kids. Each team has to come up with a team name Your MG or Jaguar Day will be a Poker Run – examples from last year included Bottomgear.com, planned by Chris Down and Ruth Schmidt. Team Abingdon, Team Hopeless, B Red Hot and the AThere will be several stops where each participating Sex Pistons. There will be prizes for the best poker team will draw a card for a poker hand. Participants hand and the best team name. Details will be provided unhappy with their hands can buy replacement cards at the April membership meeting and through Little for $2 each, with all proceeds going to the Kruise for Classical Gas.
March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 11 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY: CCMGC MEMBER MIKE MCCHESNEY
y first four wheels: I am not sure when it working on both at the same time. That might have made crated before proudly driving it home to Coquitlam. It was proudly receiving his new car.That made it very special for started. It might have been when I was in sense if I didn’t have a full time job and a growing family his dream to buy an Airstream trailer and travel with my me. high school, before I could drive. In 1969 I with four kids. Over time Karlie observed that the garage Grandmother. The Studebaker with its 289 cu in V8 engine M When I showed Karlie a picture I took of the Princess before was sponsored in the Western Canada Soap Box Derby (in in our happy home was filling with car parts and none would do the job. When I was a kid I remember looking at I bought it, hoping to capture her interest, her reaction Mission, BC) by Greenberg and Loptson Motors, a British seemed to be going back together (no one else has had this advertisements for Airstream trailers in my Grandfather’s was “sure is an ugly princess”. Not what I expected. Then Leyland distributor in Coquitlam, BC. The photo shows me problem, right?). Enough was enough and a few years ago National Geographic magazines. Unfortunately, my I told her the good news that it comes with an ugly sister practising my racing form. This may be when I developed Karlie finally recommended that I seek professional help (I grandfather never did get the trailer but the next best thing parts car, the Black Princess. Undeterred by Karlie’s lack of a comfort with small cars, British took it to mean for the cars). I started was to have the front seat “Pulmanized” so that it folded enthusiasm I brought the Royal Family home. Cinderella cars. I do remember one guy at with the MGB and found a shop which down into a bed for camping. My grandparents installed went unnoticed until with some scrubbing and the right school had a Triumph GT6 which put my baby back together leaving cables along the headliner to hang curtains around the accessories she became the belle of the ball. And we all know I thought was one of the coolest me some finishing work that I could windows. That is how they went camping. what happened next to Cinderella. Karlie’s not seeing it yet. cars I had ever seen. manage. As the old British rocker I grew up five houses down from my grandparents and knew Much work to do. Richard Thompson’s song goes “My My first car: I bought my first the Studebaker from my childhood. I recently had it restored MGB GT, she’s a runner now”. “Stone” is Vanden Plas’ body colour designation for this British car 38 years ago in 1979. - as close as I could to the way my grandfather had it, car. 4 litre R represents 4-Litre Rolls Royce engine. The a used 1967 MGB GT. I was saving The GT has taken me to Reno, including clear plastic seat Princess 4 litre R was the result of money to go back to university and Nevada, in 2011 for the all-MG meet covers over the original an agreement between the British found that I had also saved enough and to Corvallis, Oregon, in 2013 upholstery (not so nice in Motor Corporation (BMC) and to buy my first car. I couldn’t for the MGB meet. In 2014 I went hot weather), BCAA sticker Rolls-Royce. Austin was targeting believe I now owned a foreign on the Hagerty Spring Thaw mystery in the window and the car the executive/diplomat market. It sports car. It was somewhat like trip through parts of southern BC, dealer script on the trunk. was the first time Rolls-Royce had a GT6. It did need a little work, mingling with other classic car If you have ever driven a one of its engines used in a mass but these are great cars to work on Mike drove his first '4 wheels' in the enthusiasts. big, old, heavy American production type car. The engine with some basic understanding of 1969 Western Canada Soap Box car, with drum brakes I will confess that I had to work out was a version of the six-cylinder mechanics and I could do most of Derby, sponsored by Greenberg & all around, not powered, Loptson Motors, a British Leyland some bugs on those long trips and Rolls-Royce unit used in Rolls-Royce what was needed myself. (However no power steering and dealership in Coquitlam. was glad to travel with other British and Bentley passenger cars as well if I knew where I would be today incredible thirst for gas, car enthusiasts to get me going military vehicles. I would not have swapped out you sure appreciate our The 1967 Vanden Plas Princess restoration project. again… more than I care to admit. all those classic hose clamps agile little British cars. Princess was Austin’s luxury Knowing people who unselfishly with clamps from the hardware However, I still enjoy driving Grandfather’s dream car. I’ll line. Just under 7,000 Vanden Plas 4 litre Rs were made do all in their power to help get store…which I have now replaced have to try camping with it some day! between 1964 and 1968. Some may recognize the Princess our wheels rolling down the with retro hose clamps). as a version of an Austin A99 Westminster or Wolseley road is so incredibly comforting. The Stone Princess: I now had two working cars to enjoy 6/99 with Vanden Plas interior treatment. Sir Leonard Lord, Further forward in time and out A great example of my luck on drives and take to shows, but I still had the urge to fix BMC’s Chairman, had a chauffeur driven 4 litre R. A 4 litre of University, the MGB was my was when I broke down on the something (you probably know the feeling; you can also R was also built for HM The Queen. Sadly, the marketplace faithful (mostly reliable) daily outskirts of Corvallis on my way probably see Karlie rolling her eyes). I started looking for didn’t appreciate the Princess (maybe too many Karlies) and driver until I acquired another to the MGB meet. Within five another MGB or Studebaker project car. Then I came across production ended in 1968. Today the model has a strong car and decided to give the The 1967 MGB GT. minutes of having my hood up MG the opportunity to acquire an interesting car, a 1967 Vanden preservationist following and is represented well in the B a rest. The other car was a Guru John Twist happened by in Plas Princess 4 litre R. A couple were looking for a good home Vanden Plas Owners Club. 1957 Studebaker President which I inherited from my a beautiful MGA and got me going with a temporary fix. The for their project car since they were moving and couldn’t grandfather. next day he spent more time trouble shooting and replacing take the car with them. The lady had inherited the car from My plan is to tackle this as a preservation project first. Stop a burnt regulator. her father who ordered this special car new. It was the the deterioration, make it work, and make it safe. Then I parked the GT with the plan of restoring it someday. Then family car until he stopped driving and parked it in 1980s. someday in the future make it beautiful (enduring a lot of in 1987 I convinced my wife Karlie to marry me, accepting My grandfather’s car: In 1957 Studebaker produced The daughter’s dream was to restore the car she fondly frowns from Karlie until that happens). This is a big project that the deal included two classic cars, one working and 11,747 Presidents in the US and Canada, with 429 made remembered from her childhood and wanted to be able to for me and I will learn a lot doing it. I’ll make some mistakes. one not really there yet. We used the Studebaker for our in Canada. My grandfather ordered his new car from take it to the ABFM at VanDusen one day. It was hard for her I’m sure. My first big step is getting the engine running. wedding car, then I parked it to use a more reliable car as Studebaker Canada and it was one of the 429. The car to let it go but she felt I was worthy of taking proper care Fingers crossed. Then someday that lady may be able to see a daily driver (and one with power steering and brakes for was shipped by rail from Ontario to the car dealer in New of her baby. Among the things she gave me was an original her Dad’s dream car at the Vancouver VanDusen ABFM. n Karlie). Now I had two project cars and I couldn’t resist Westminster where my grandfather watched it being un- newspaper clipping and photo from 1967 showing her father
12 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 13 The 49th Annual Heritage Classic BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CANADIAN CLASSIC MG CLUB & CANADIAN XK JAGUAR REGISTER
Presented by
The Heritage Classic Weekend August 17 – 19, 2018 FRIDAY NIGHT Welcome Reception Features of Saturday Show at Waterfront Park, North Vancouver at the Seymour Golf • Entrants Choice Classes for MGs, Jaguars & Other British & Country Club in • Preservation Awards North Vancouver • JCNA Jaguar Concours (Championship & Driven classes) SATURDAY Show at spectacular Free to Entrants: Waterfront Park – Afternoon Tea & British Biscuits on the Field on the edge of – Framed Photo of Your Car Vancouver Harbour Saturday Show Entry Fees: SATURDAY NIGHT Banquet at the Display Classes (MG, Jaguar, Other British) $ 20 Host Hotel Jaguar Concours (Driven & Championship Classes) $ 45 & $ 50 SUNDAY Farewell Brunch Watch for updates & a registration form at: www.jaguarmg.com
The Heritage Classic 2018 Host Hotel The Holiday Inn and Suites North Vancouver Award (presented to only one Canadian is located at 700 Old Lillooet Road, close to Holiday Inn every year) an unprecedented 12 the north end of the Ironworkers Memorial years in a row. The hotel offers many 5-star Bridge and at the base of Mount Seymour. amenities such as complimentary internet With 162 rooms and suites, it is an award- access, complimentary parking, kitchenette winning full service hotel with a TripAdvisor suites, onsite food & beverage outlets, full day Certificate of Excellence. It has won the coveted spa, fitness centre, indoor heated swimming Intercontinental Hotels Group Torch Bearer pool, hot tub, sauna and many more.
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14 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 15 16 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 Open Letter to: CCMGC/CXKJR Clubs
April 2018
wanted to write an open letter to the members to explain my MG/Jaguar I Club journey so far and where I would like to help out in the future. I appreciate this opportunity to give back as Trustee, that the club’s executive has given me. As I wrote in the Classical Gas article “Milestones” in 2016, I started coming to club meetings and events in 1987. That would have made me 19 at the time and driving a little red 1976 MGB. I was pretty wide-eyed back then and several members always had the time for me and all my questions: Jerry Parkhill, Bill Spohn, Joe Carroll, Barry Mason, Ian Newby and Dave Roberts. There were many more to say the least. My world was opened up to more than just MGB’s, take for example E-types! Young Troy working on his 1976 MGB. The club took me in and really mentored me, and I appreciate the opportunity to help keep it open to many members took the time for their own reasons but I everyone with that same wide-eyed enthusiasm for many assume to pay it forward to a young British car enthusiast. more decades to come. It has been some time since I As time has moved on, my stable has grown, I sold the held positions on the executive but there were several 76 MGB for a profit in the spring of 1988 and shortly over the years, back in the early 90’s, including MG thereafter purchased my 1979 MGB LE that I still have President. and use for club events to this day. More recently there is the purchase of a really rough 1953 MG TD in November My passion for MGs is as strong as it’s ever been and I of 2016. The restoration of the TD is progressing and look forward to channeling my energy and experience in a hopefully in about another year it will make its debut. lasting and meaningful way for CCMGC & CXKJR. I believe that a longstanding member with experience and passion I also travel extensively in and out of my MG. 2016 saw me that is consistently present at meetings and events, for put on over 12,000 kms around America covering 19 states access to all the members, is essential to the survival and with the top down the entire way, attending MG events as growth of the two sides of the club. I do most summers. I have been to Oregon, Indianapolis, Kentucky, New Orleans and Lake Tahoe, just to name a I commit to the club and executive to be present and few. Last fall, when Dad and I were in England, I attended active at as many membership and executive meetings, the Beaulieu Swap Meet, Goodwood Revival, Jaguar and as well as at events and shows, as I possibly can. I want Land Rover’s Classic Works Restoration Facility, the MG Car to make sure that I am available and approachable for Club’s Abingdon Centre and more British car museums all the current members and potential new members, to then I could count. In the past, I have also attended MG communicate with and mentor as the current and past Live at Silverstone - that was a spectacle. I would highly members did for me. I would like to be instrumental in recommend going over there to see these events first increasing membership, with new members from all age hand - you will not be disappointed. This has always been a groups to ensure the viability of the club well into the passion my dad and I have shared. future. My father has been influential in my love of these silly little In closing, if any of you would like to reach out, please feel British sports cars. There was always a different one in the free to call me anytime or come up and say hello at any of garage being restored as I grew up. I believe the current our functions. count is 41 MGBs, an MGA and an MGTC. His current stable is a 1967 MGB GT, 1959 MGA and his beloved 1946 MGTC. “Safety Fast!” I would like you all to know that the club means a lot to me Sincerely, Troy Bell
March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 17 Everything I Know About Cooling Systems (Which is not all there is to know about cooling systems.)
By Bob Sherman e it an MG or a Jaguar, it is not unusual to if there is enough space for the increased core. Another see the water temperature gauge climb on a option is to install an aluminum radiator to better transfer B hot summer day, especially in heavy traffic. heat. While at it, don’t forget to check the pressure cap. This article will discuss cooling as it applies to the MGB. Pressure raises the boiling point of coolant. The radiator However, some ideas would apply to all older (classic) shop can quickly do this test. Specifications for various vehicles. A properly maintained MGB cooling system MGB models call for caps ranging from seven to thirteen should be able to cope with most conditions. pounds of pressure.
Fundamental to cooling is the radiator. No matter how Often overlooked are diaphragm (that metal panel many times one has surrounding and changed coolant and holding the radiator) used additives, over seals. The best cooling time “crud” will build up is achieved when as internally and restrict the much air as possible is flow of coolant. I suppose directed through the one could liken that to radiator, with none “crud” building up in our “escaping” around it. arteries and restricting the There are two seals. For flow of blood. If you have clarity, please see the access to one of those Moss Catalog, noting infrared thermometers, part numbers 282-900 they can be very handy. (radiator support to Once the car is back hood), and 282-905 from a longer drive, use (radiator to support). the thermometer to If these seals are not measure various points present, some air that on the radiator core. Custom fan brackets. could be forced through There should not be any the radiator instead unusually cool places. If there are, it can only mean passes over it. Most MGBs are missing one or both of coolant is not circulating in that area. The radiator must these seals. I must note that the Moss “radiator to support” be removed and taken to a radiator shop for cleaning, seal is a rather flimsy piece of foam rubber that must be repair, or perhaps replacement. Even if the temperature glued in place. (What do you expect for $3.89?) I have readings are mostly even, it is a good idea to take developed a very stout stepped piece for this application. the radiator to a radiator shop periodically anyway for Due to its firmness, it must allow slight gaps at each end, inspection and proper cleaning. Moss offers a radiator but will last a long time, installs without glue and stays shroud to concentrate air flow, #459-685, but I have had in place. I offer these quality pieces for $22.00 CDN, with no experience with this item. any shipping costs additional. (Note that these may not fit some aftermarket aluminum radiators.) As a side note, If the radiator is being re-cored, you might choose to if you expect hot driving conditions, you can remove have a high efficiency core installed, with more coolant the rubber seal that is attached to the cowling and front capacity. Note that “heavy-duty” is not the same. If wings, sealing the bonnet and preventing the ingress of increasing radiator capacity, make sure to measure the clearance between the radiator and the front pan to see COOLING SYSTEMS...continued on p.21
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www.ralphs.ca COOLING SYSTEMS...continued from p.18 discussion of this vital fluid is in order. Pure water is the most efficient liquid to cool a motor. In fact, race cars water to the engine bay. Removal will allow some hot air do not use anti-freeze and are prohibited from doing to escape from the engine bay. so at most tracks. For obvious reasons, we use anti- Of course, coolant enters and exits the radiator by means freeze blended with water as a coolant. Most common of rubber hoses. These should be routinely replaced is a fifty-fifty mixture of water and coolant. A less potent as a preventive maintenance item. They are much less anti-freeze is fine, as long as one reads the table found expensive to replace at your leisure than being stuck on most anti-freeze containers and ensures that freeze somewhere inconvenient. I have seen hoses that look fine protection is sufficient for the lowest temperatures that externally, but separate internally and block the passage will be encountered. Most anti-freezes also contain of coolant. It is a good idea to carry a spare MGB hose. The chemicals to protect against corrosion. Some anti-freezes top hose also fits the bottom radiator hose on many but are already “pre-blended” to a fifty-fifty mix, so be aware not all MGB models. of what you are buying. I like to use distilled water with anti-freeze. It is cheap and avoids introducing minerals to Coolant flow is controlled by the thermostat. Standard the cooling system. thermostats open at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits most applications. The thermostats should be of Worth considering are additives such as Amsoil the “fail safe” variety. Dominator Coolant These thermostats, Boost, Red Line’s upon failure, stay open, Water Wetter, and not closed. Do not run Royal Purple’s Purple without a thermostat. Ice. Each promotes The coolant will flow too better heat transfer. quickly and hot spots With our cars, every in the motor will result. little bit helps. Rather I don’t recommend than go into all the thermostat blanking technical reasons sleeves. Personal about why these work, experience has shown I’ll refer the reader to that use of a blanking on-line resources. I use sleeve prevents the Amsoil Coolant Boost. motor from running When to change at normal operating coolant? Back in the temperature, which is not Special radiator seal and fan installation. sixties, when I was a good for the longevity service station mechanic (we did repair cars where fuel of the engine. Even racers today no longer use blanking was sold back then!) anti-freeze was changed every year. sleeves. Now, that is generally not necessary. However, coolant The water pump obviously makes the coolant circulate. does break down over time and become acidic, causing The pump is generally OK if not noisy or leaky. It should corrosion of radiator and heater cores. One can go by not wiggle as you move the fan blades back and forth. the recommendations on the anti-freeze container, and There should be no water seeping from the little hole the color of the coolant. There is a phenomenon called on the bottom. I have not seen MGB water pumps with electrolysis, caused by interaction of dissimilar metals. plastic impellers, but on some cars these are used and This is more pronounced with aluminium. It occurs in can shear off. But, who knows what China may send to us cooling systems and can cause corrosion of the radiator, next? As we know, the water pump (and fan) is driven by heater core, and a hotter running condition. The need to a fan belt. It should be routinely inspected and set to the change coolant can be checked with your multi-meter. proper tension, with no slippage. It is a good idea to carry Attach the negative lead to the battery ground, and, being a spare belt. careful not to contact the filler lip, dip the positive lead
We have used the term “coolant” freely and some COOLING SYSTEMS...continued on p.22
March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 21 COOLING SYSTEMS...continued from p.21 into the radiator coolant. If the voltage is higher than aluminum brackets that are used with the Perma-Cool 1.5 volts, the coolant needs a change. This information #19122 12” electric fan. This fan is offered by Summit is from Larry, owner of Ward’s Auto Electric in Kelowna. Racing, for $83.98 US. These require some fabrication Larry has forgotten more about auto electrics than I skill, but provide a safe and secure mounting method for know. Some on-line references suggest a lower threshold. your fan. They are priced at $48.00 CDN for the set of four I’ll leave that to the reader for further study. A more brackets, special mounting screws, and some installation convenient and inexpensive way to test your coolant is guide lines. You provide the wiring system and switch. A to use Accutest antifreeze test strips, available through manual wiring system, less switch, is offered by Painless Amsoil. If you are interested in Amsoil products, please Wiring, P/N 30101, for $27.99 US. Most MGBs have a place contact me. for an extra rocker switch in the dash, or use whatever type you wish. Moss does offer a nice kit, but it is priced An often installed accessory is an electric cooling fan. at costs a lot more than the “plan it yourself” parts total, at Standard (non-accessory) electric fans were factory $340.00 US. If you install the Perma-Cool fan, be sure that fitted to the very late model MGB. Electric fans “pull” you have the blade assembly installed correctly. These better than they “push,” and are ideally installed on the fans can be “pusher” or “puller.” In front of the radiator, they back side of the radiator. With the MGB, space there is must be “pushers.” an issue so the electric accessory fan is nearly always installed on the front of the radiator. Either an automatic Lastly, if you have done all the above and still encounter temperature-sensitive switch or a manual (dashboard some very hot driving conditions causing the water mounted) switch can be used. I like the dashboard switch temperature gauge to rise, you can turn the heater on full in that sometimes I want to activate the fan in advance blast. The heater core will act as an auxiliary radiator and when I know I’ll be entering heavy traffic. However, the dissipate more heat. True, your feet will get toasty, but automatically controlled units don’t require wire to extend better than the radiator boiling over. I used this method to the passenger compartment, so that is a plus. It is your years ago in my nearly new 1969 MGB, and it worked. By choice. If you install one of these units, do not remove the way, if you have the heater box out for some reason, the standard fan. The accessory fan is a supplement only. be sure to replace what is generally deteriorated foam in One thing I do not like about many accessory fans is the the box. Much like the radiator seals, the foam packing mounting system. They fasten to the radiator with zip-tie ensures that the heater fan forces all the air through the type devices that pass through the radiator fins. I don’t like heater core. One might as well take the heater core to the anything that can cause abrasion to the delicate radiator radiator shop for testing and cleaning. n tubes. I have developed a set of well-made and attractive
The annual OCTAGON MOTOR GROUP OPEN HOUSE on February 18 was well attended by both CCMGC and CXKJR members. Participants were treated to coffee and donuts, plus a presentation by Service Technician Syd McNabb on brake and suspension issues. The shop included two Jaguars, a Land Rover and a less common Vanden Plas Princess with a 4-litre Rolls Royce Engine, serving as a reminder that the shop services more than MGs. 17 members turned out to be [Photos by Jennifer Orum] updated by Syd McNabb on Syd discusses a Jaguar brake and suspension issues. vacuum brake servo/booster.
22 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 23 CXKJR/CCMGC A DIFFERENT WEALTH CLUB ADVISORS MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE Club members should feel free to call these contacts who have volunteered to help with the purchase, repair and/or restoration of various MG and Jaguar models. We can integrate, organize, and implement your overall planning needs: MG • TD: Tony Cohen 604-922-3332 Estate Planning • MGA: MGA coupe/twin cam 1955 to 1962: Retirement Planning John Clarke 604-291-1890 Investment Management • MGB 1962 to 1974 ½: Joe Carroll 604-988-2497; Succession Planning Doug Gale 604-521-3021 Tax Planning • MGB 1974 ½ to 1980: Allan Lawrence 604-937-0439 & Kayte Lawrence 604-715-0007 The Dixon Kelly Wealth Advisory Group • MGB GT V8: Al Riches 604-942-7370 Manulife Securities Incorporated • MG Midget: Al Inglis 604-737-0044
Tom Kelly, Financial Advisor, CFP, CIM, FCSI JAGUAR 1075 West Georgia Street • SS100 (original & replica): Tom Doyle 604-892-4890 Suite 1100, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 • XK 140: Jim McLean 604-925-0689 604-687-5570 • XK 150: Tom Doyle (plus XK engines) 604-892-4890 • In-line 6-cylinder: Jerry Parkhill 604-794-3652 • E-type: John Clarke 604-291-1890 Les Garbutt 604-266-9086 John Morse 604-594-8992 Tom Doyle 604-892-4890
24 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 2017 Classical Gas Awards
Important Note: Selections are in alphabetical order by participant, not in rank order. The dates following the entry indicate the Classical Gas issue when the item was published. PHOTOGRAPHY HERITAGE Steve Collins: Cover photo of his and Bryan Wicks: Auto-Biography (March/ Joe & Marjorie Carroll’s BRG MGB GTs April) on the Sunshine Coast (March/April) Ken Finnigan: Auto-Biography (July/ Allan Lawrence: Cover photo of August) his 1970 Jaguar E-Type at historic Riverview. (May/June) TECHNICAL Blake Cowan: Cover photo of his 1960 Bob Sherman: It Matters Not How Fast MGA on the Coburg Peninsula in Your MG Will Go… (January/February) Victoria) July/August) Joe Carroll: A Curious Brake Problem Rod Mailes: Panorama of Jaguar Mk IIs (January/February) at the VanDusen ABFM. (July/August) Norman Sung: T-Series MGs on the All TRAVEL Tony Cohen: Prowling Down South British Whistler Run. (July/August) (January/February) Josie Harford: Cover photo of the Nick Balenzano: Jellybean Fall Colours family1996 MGF at Waterfront Park. Tour (January/February) (September/October) Les Garbutt: Cover photo of his HUMOUR & NOVELTY 2003 XKJ in Lynden, Washington. Mike McChesney: Nuts & Bolts (November/December) (November/December) Fred Wallace: St. Bernard Greta in Peter & Anne Tilbury: Port Mann his 1994 XJS Coupe. (November/ Bridge Incident (November/ December) December) Jim McLagan: Jaguar Owners Club Peter Tilbury & Steve Kaufman: Alamo of Oregon Concours. (November/ Beige MGA (November/December) December) Joe Carroll: Remembering (November/ Ian Newby: The Newby 1986 Hess December) & Eisenhardt XJS at the Lund Hotel. (November/December) Anne Tilbury: The Tilbury’s and Kaufman’s MGAs at the Hwy 101 cairn in Lund. (November/December) EVENT REPORTS Joe Carroll: Octagon Motors Open House (March/April) Troy Bell: Hope – Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Tour (September/ October) Les Garbutt: The Art of Performance (November/December)
March | April 2018 Classical Gas | 25 The Last Word
UPCOMING MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: MAY 19 & 20 VANDUSEN May 8: A slideshow and talk by Nigel Matthews, Global Director ALL BRITISH FIELD MEET of Private Client Services of Hagerty Classic Car Insurance, on The 33rd Annual VanDusen ABFM is expected to attract over the car cultures of India & Australia. 500 cars and motorcycles, with the featured marques being June 12: Members are invited to bring their MGs and Jaguars the Austin Healey Sprite and Land Rover. Displays will include for a tire-kicking session in the Burnaby Clubhouse parking lot 50-year old cars and modified British Classics. With the car starting a 6 pm. The Flying Fish ‘n Chipper fish & chip truck will show, car corral sales & swap meet on Saturday, Sunday will be there for those wanting dinner. They’ll be a short meeting be the All Brit Run to Whistler. See www.westerndriver.com or afterwards. contact Joan Stewart at 604-736-6754 . APRIL 22 LAMB ST. GEORGE’S JUNE 15 – 17 BRITSBEST CLASSICS BRITISH MOTORING SHOW The BritsBest even in Radium Hot Springs will celebrate the The 13th annual show & shine takes 45th Anniversary of the introduction of the MGB GT V8, the place at the Fort Langley Community 70th Anniversary of the Land Rover and the 60th Anniversary Hall, with over 80 vehicles on display of the Triumph TR3. There’ll be a picnic theme & a rally. See from 10 am to 4 pm. A display of www.calgarymgclub.org . “British Working Man’s Cars” will JUNE 16 BC HIGHLAND GAMES be featured and Vendors, British music & a silent auction will be & BRITISH CAR DISPLAY included. Advance & on-the-day The Highland Games will be held at Perry Stadium in registrations are accepted. See www. Coquitlam. The entries to the British Car display are limited to lambscarclub.com or contact Carole 30 so sign up ASAP. Arrival time is between 10 and 10:30 am Borgens at [email protected]. and cars will stay on the field until at least 3:30 pm. There’s no charge for registration and this gets you free admission MAY 6 RESTORATION FAIR & SWAP MEET into the Highland Games. The CXKJR/CCMGC contact is Sponsored by the South Island Branch of the Old English Mike Harford at [email protected] . You can also email the Car Club, the Restoration Fair takes place 10 am to 3 pm at Car Display Coordinator Simon Scott for more info at simon. Heritage Acres in Central Saanich. For full details see [email protected] . See www.bchighlandgames.com . n http://www.oecc.ca/sib/ .
The Mid-Winter Gala took place January 20 at the Wild Fig Restaurant in the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam. Photos by Tim Horton from left to right: Marcia Croy, Diane Stanley & Vito Donatiello; Allen & Maureen Brown with Lisa & Allan Lawrence; Chris Down & Ruth Schmidt.
26 | Classical Gas March | April 2018 WHY TRUST YOUR VEHICLE WITH ANYONE BUT THE BEST?
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