Journal of the North American MGB Register Vol. 11, No. 4 July/August 2001 THE NORTH AMERICANMGB REGISTEF The MGB Driveris the oficial publication of the North Amencan hfGB Reyiste,, Ilun-pror,t organization dedicated to maintaining and expanding interest in Britain's most popular sports cur-the MGB. ""here are many ways to enjoy The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers ore wumed thCct they attempt any mechanical or other modifications described herein, entirely at their own one's MG. You can admire it. You Membership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions, can work on it. You can show it Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chnptem will I,~ f. But the one that always seems to pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are 925.00 per year. #meto the forefront, is taking it out for membersh~pdeta~ls or further information write to: ~d enjoying the wide open road. NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER And from one end of our continent to P.O. Box MGB Lhe other, there are miles and miles of Akin, IL62805 roads that inspire awe in their ability Or call the toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 to evoke an ear-to-ear grin just by Or visit our website ut: hnp:llwww.namgbr.orylnamybri rowing an MG around on them. OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR Don Bishop, the MG Car Club's GB Registar, once commented to me CHAIRhlAPi: Rori Tugwell CONVENTlONi lake TxrAnn Snydcr to throw one's MG about on. I would P.O. Box 2406 AGM 505 E. North hvcnue garding the 1000 Endurance Rallies like to do another issue in the near 3 De Amoral Rood COORDINATORS: Lake Bluff, 1L 60044 at a number of us here in the future featuring more of these. Tell us Carmel Valley, CA 93924 (847) 295-2753 (831) 659-2449 idwest so enjoy that such distances about your favorite places to drive tuywel1Oix.r1elcom.com TECHYICAL Bob Mason England would result in "driving your MG. Whether it's the destination ADVISORS: 5 Leslie Court off our small i~land.~But the roads or in the getting there. a VICE-CHAIRMAN: David Deutsch Fairhope, AL 36532 the MG's designers had in mind when 81 hlenick Avenue (Whenwrltiny (334) 928-5366 East Meadow, NY 11554 to a techrricoi they created these marvels can be (800) NAMGBR-1 beodviror, rerroinplease to Bob Daniels (engines, etc.) found on this side of the pond as well. [email protected] include a (518) 372-4566 stumped, self- Glen Towery In abundance. SECRETARY: D Zimmermun uddresse~l The theme of MG roads and the elivelope for (302) 734-1243 811 S. DePeyster Strecl their reply.) Nonnan Nock enjoyment of them is one I hope will Kent, OH 44240 continue beyond this issue. I have yet (330) 678-9394 (209) 948-8767 fax: (330) 678-8568 to write up one of my favorites, U.S. enmgridsssncl.com MEMBERSHIP Priscillcl Blanchard Route. 6 along the shores of Lake Erie COORDINATOR: 561 Beech Sheet I TREASURER: Eric Kent Kent, OH 44240 where grew up. There are hundreds 2552 YZAvenue (800) NAMGBR-I of others across this continent. Please Srhoulcroft M1 49087 REGALIA Michael 1.Robson share yours. There are hundreds of (616) 679-5997 COORDINATOR: 39 Bot~bysCourt miles of magnificent, glorious roads [email protected] Ridgefield, Cl 06877 (203) 431-6721 COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR [email protected] EDITOR Kim Tonry WEBSm Waync Kubc Page 5 Letter of In! .bI(;BDriver: 4904 Putfer Road COORDINATOR: 3105 Glory Lunc Downers Grove, IL 60515 Plono. TX 75025 (630) 968-4347 (972) 618-1984 Page 14 MG Great L~K~sTrip [email protected] [email protected] like Cobb, Chicagoland MG Club ADVERTISING: lames T. Brucato CONCOURS Rick lngmln P.O. Box 770308 COORDINATOR: P.O. Box 588 Page : (entucky Roads Coral Springs. FL 33077-0308 St. Joseph. lL 61873 an Ray (954) 340-1252 (217) 469-2007 NAMGBRudvcicrrC&~aol.com [email protected]~rn Rc PCRLlClTY Richard tiddick Page ( dG COORDTNATOR: 5237 Glen Arm Road ..eith Wheeler, ream Sanctu,. , Glen Arm. MD 21057 (410) 817-6862 RGLZMGRGTOaol.com Page 47 Proposal to Change Term Limits D Zimmerman, NAMGBRSecretary FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEEPAGE 49 The North American MGB Register is uftiliated to the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car sub Plus: le&rs, TechnicalTalk, Whereto '0 and much more! was founded in 1930 and is the original, factory supported, and approved organization for all MGf with the Club Headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MGs. C The LIGB Driver logo isropynghl 1997. hy lclrul Imagcc and used UnrTPr liten* by tl~eNonh Amcnmn MGBRrijistrr. U~~oulhunreduse constihltes infrjngement. 4ere we are at the mld-point of For Position of Chairman """- our "normal" driving season, at David Deutsch In seven years of membership in least for most of us. 1 recently I wish to announce my intent to MG Car Club = Long Island Centrc I read an jnteresting article from one of run for the position of Chairman of have sat on the Board of Directors for our Affiliated Chapters in the south- the North American MGB Register. I three years and been the Events western area of the U.S., the Arizona am presently standing in the Vice Coordinator for some of our major MG Club of Phoenix. Chairman as well as Membership shows and road trips. When most of the country is begin- Coordinator positions. My involve- Bottom line is that I am willing to ning to give thought to putting their ment with NAMGBR started approxi- continue to work hard for and in the cars away for the winter season, the mately seven years ago when I joined best interest of NAMGBR. If the mem- Arizona clubs are just beginning their shortly after purchasing my first MGB. bershlp feels that I am the person who driving season and when most of you driving not too far from home when I can serve in that best interest as 1 have owned many MGBs since that are looking forward to bringing your the engine just up and stopped run- I time and currently have four in the Chairman, I hope they will speak up cars out for the next dnving season, the ning. At this point I have no idea driveway and one in the garage. Four when it's time for the Affiliated Arizona folks are thinking about what the problem is but will know as of our past five year's vacations have Chapters to cast their votes. puning thelr cars away for a while. soon as I get it into the shop for a been scheduled around the Annual Thank you for your time and All this is for just the opposlte rea- thorough inspection. I'm glad it hap- Convention and Eileen and I have Safety Fast, sons that most of you are used to. The pened this close to home rather out in had the pleasure of attending two -David Deutsch long, cold, and inclement winter season the middle of nowhere. I Annual General Meetings. vs. the long, very hot summer season. This reminds me to emphasize Fortunately, some of us do not have how important it is for our members these climactic extremes and therefore lo list their telephone numbers in our rarely give thought to these conditions. annual issue of the Membership & I know 1 have read many an arti- Service RecommendationList. When we cle about getting your cars ready for are driving across the country in our the winter storage season in the more 21-plus year old cars and a problem northern climes where snow and sleet occurs, it is most reassuring to have is an accepted situation, but how someone to call for help in locating n many of us have ever given thought possible source of assistance in an to the reverse situation experienced by area strange to the driver. our members in the soulhwestern part We most certainly are not asking of the country? any member to volunteer their physi- As I write this article, I have yet to cal help or offer towing service for the leave for my next annual long trip in member in trouble. What we are ask- my MGB for the meet in St. Paul, ing is perhaps that person can at least which is about three weeks away to help guide the member in trouble as departure time. to where to call for qualified and reli- I did have a rather rude awaken- able help in that area so they may be ing the other day as 1 had just had a on their way to their destination new set of tires installed on the LE for again as soon as possible. the trip (the last set were installed just Please give this some serious before 1 left for Indy '96-140,200 thought. I know I've been there more miles ago). The following day I was (pleaseturn to page50)
On Ot rndBack Covers - Mike Cobb, . I and DonI Boehme enjoy the I T-- . hits of Itta R-U Ltfbb I r uvelled-beautifulsun- near Cho~rlevoix, Michigan.
MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 ' MGB DRIVER-July/Auyust 2001 5
I EJ t is hard to believe, but summer did finally make it. This spring I was a bit slow getting to all of the projects that 1 wanted to do becuuse of recent back surgery. Seems that I had a very unruly disc that had to be tamed. But I am glad to say that all js progressing very well and I should be back to 100 percent before too long. As you read this most of us will just be returning from the great trek up north, better known as MG 2001- An MG Odyssey. There will be lots of photos and write-ups in the next Pennsylvania not only knew that Five issue. Watch for them. Iron Frenzy did Oh, Canada, he was Please take the time to read the also fumiliar with the work of Howlin' article in this issue of the Driver per- Wolf, Boxcar Willie, and Smashing taining to the term limits for the Pumpkins. In doing so he found 54 Secretary and Treasurer positions. As song titles of a fairly diverse nature. stated-this is your Register and we This earns him a third place. The really do want your input. prize for third is the same as the prize Now on a lighter note, a few for second. Here's a hint: "You can't months back (the November/ always get what you want." December 2000 MGB Driver) I initiated Second place goes to Terry Allen a contest in an article full of song of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. He THE MG CAR CLUB, LTD, WASHINGTOND.C. CENTRE sub-centre of the 'Eastern United States titles. What I believed to be 65 song cume up with 62 titles ... some we'll Centre. The number of members titles to be exact. I did this for two rea- have to take his word for. I was MARKSITS FIFTIETH involved in the founding is not sons First, to see if anyone was pay- impressed that he was familiar with ANNIVERSARY known, but by 1954, when the sub- ing attention, and second, to flush out Fresh Air by Quicksilver Messenger Tom Fordand Jim Lunson centre became a separate centre in its Service as well as Tom Waits version the weirdos. Mission accomplished! own right, there were 47 members in First of all I must thank the partic- of 01' 55. His hint for what the second tn October of this year, the MG Car the club. In 1956, the club won the place prize is comes from an artist he ipants. Some ot you are quite 'in tune' "Club, Washington D.C. Centre will Nuffield Trophy from the MG Car failed to mention-Bo Diddley. 9 musically and even the not so 'in tune' celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. This Club organization as the most out- contestants were at least entertaining. That brings us to first place. One . is truly an amazing feat of longevity standing MG Car Club worldwide. My top three picks got there by sentence in his accompanying letter for a group dedicated solely to an Interviews with severul of our says it all, "Music, bands, and all the knowing Red Shoes by Elvis Costello. automobile marque. The club current- club's earlier members provided Ed Haas from Nazareth. trivia that goes with them have ly has over 200 members who actively always clogged my neurons." This is invaiuabie insights into the club's drive, maintain, restore, and otherwise early activities and adventures. They obviously a clog that Liquid Plumber enjoy their cars, the people, and events couldn't even touch. Kelvin Palmer were different times then. The MG of associated with owning an MG. the day was often an owner's only from Riverwoods, Illinois is the top In 1951, the club began with prize winner with about 300 songs a vehicle and was used as an everyday first meeting held at Manhattan Auto, car for going to work, shopping, and and artists listed. Everything from the sole MG dealer in the Washington Artie Shaw to Suzi Quatro. whatever else was needed. The "what- area, then located at Seventh and R Again, thanks to those who par- ever else" was quite often a rallye, Streets, NW. At that time, the entire autocross, gymkhana, or other driving ticipated and commented. It was fun. East Coast was represented by a single event. Gay Horan, club president in but to quote the winner of a year's free organization, centered in the New 1956 and owner of 1952 TD, noted, membership, Kelvin Palmer, "MY a York City area. This organization was "The wiper motor on the TDs were brain hurts now." part of the original MG Car Club mounted upside down, which caused founded by Roy Marsh and John them to quit working when it rained. It Thornley in 1930. This Washington was then necessary to remove the area club was founded as a separate iplease turn to page 81 6 MGBDRIVER-Julq;/August 2001 MGBDRlVER-JuIy/August 2001 7 Chapter Spotlight - Continued from Page 7 wiper motor from the car and place it Throughout the 'SOs, the club in the oven at 250 degrees to dry out." was a small but active and dedicat- On one occasion, during a state safety ed group. A well remembered event inspection, Gay engaged the wipers happened when club members only to find they didn't work. Without showed up in force at Natiunal missing a beat, she manually operat- Airport to greet john Thornley, who CATALOG5 ed the wipers successfully through the had come to town to introduce the inspection. The inspector asked if this MGA Twin Cam to America. This On was normal. Her reply, "lt's an MG, event ended with the members "Keep'em The Road"'" the wipers are mandally operated." entertaining John in Georgetown No problem passing! for dinner and conversation. The club's early interest was ori- 1960 marked the first in a series of ented heavily toward racing. The yearly rallyes sponsored by the Sports 1 Marlboro Speedway in nearby Upper Car Council, with the MG Club win- Marlboro, Maryland saw a lot of MG ning the first championship. In 1961, activity in association with the the club finished second in the rallye Sports Car Club of America. One championship standings. And so the member, Tony 'Cappy' Capiello, club moved toward greater interest in who raced his MG there frequently, rallyes, autocrosses and social events. took corners well enough to have During this period club membership reached a new high of 72 members. one named after him. Cappy's I One famous rallye of note was Corner on this track is still in use 1 today and still bears his name. In thought up by Dan Rowzee, club pres- 1958, the club was instrumental in ident in 1967. It became known as the establishing the Washington Fairfax Scramble and lasted all night,
Metropolitan Council of Sports Car never leaving Fairfax County, ~ Clubs to promote more interest and Virginia. The directions were num- local competition in racing. (pleasetun? to page 10) 1 MGA MGB MGC .Midget Get your MG out of the garage and back on the road. We stocka wide variety of OEM and reproduction parts plus accessories at great prices. Call for your free catalog today! ,I \\
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DIGTRLBCTOR Worldwide Orders 91 3-541-8500 24 Hour Worldwide Fax 91 3-599-3299 VICTORIABRITISH LTD.@ PO Box 14991, Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991/ S MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 9 1 Chapter Spotlight - Continued fiom Page 8 bered but were not in numerical ceased. Until that time a qreat portion order. Several cars were not heard of the club's activities were underwrit- This is an open letter to all car loaded on a carrier and transport- from for several days. ten financially by the three MG deal- NAMGBR members. ed back to lndianapoiis for repair. Perhaps the best rallye the club ers in the Washington area, and this This past weekend, I had traveled It would have been so nice to ever sponsored during this perlod was support wus suddenly and without to a different state and city to visit my have that member be able to offer one known as the Braille Rallye. This warning cut off forever. There are sto- wife who was on a job assignment. advice as to where he got his car ser- event was started in 1963 in coopera- ries of the mad scramble by a few On my way there, I began to have viced, rather than calling local shops tion with the local chapter of loyal members to quickly reorganize some trouble with my 1977 MGB. Not blindly, and not having much success Columbia Lighthouse for the Flind. It the club to establish dues and fund- being able to figure out what the trou- at all. was established as an incentive for raisers to help sustain its uctivities. ble was, and that the problem seemed I know that there have been short blind children to learn to read Braille. During this period, one important tn go away, I continued my journey. notices in the MGB Driver about this Once the children could read well member of note was Larry Berger. He Sparing the reader all the 'gory' very same situation, but having expe- enough, they were invited to act as served the organization as President, tails of the rest of the trip, I was just rienced the frustration of being in a navigators in the MG5 for the rallye. Activities Director, fund-raiser, and rely able to limp into the hotel strange city and not having any reli- 15 This Braille Rallye was extremely poy- general inspiration for over years Furking lot as they used to say during able information ut hand, 1 would ask ular and soon expanded to include (1978-1994) and almost single-hand- W.W. 11, 'on a wing and a prayer.' all those members out there who have adults as well as children. It started a edly kept the club intact and active Being that it was a Friday their number unlisted, please recon- trudition, which has continued ever during much of this period. evening, no shops were open, and sider this. This is not an experience since. East year's rallye marked the In 1990 the club became associut- there were no recommended shops that I would want to have ever again 38th consecutive running and saw 34 ed with the newly formed NAMGBR lor this city in our latest directory. nor would I want anyone else to go MGs in the field. Each year after the and NAMGAR organizations as well as There was however, a member who through the same. rallye, club members sponsor a grand the national 'T' Register. The club lived in a town about 15-20 miles Thank you, picnic for the participants and their stayed active and by the early 1990s, )m where we were staying. But, the -Donald E. EUiott, #I-582, families to celebrate the partnership club membership started to rise again. lmber was UNLlSTED! Noblesville,Indiana @ between the club and Columbia The Spark, the club's newsletter, was The end result of this very frus- Lighthouse for the Blind. Today, this rejuvenated and expanded. Sociul lting weekend, was that 1 had the tradition continues to delight and activities, including a monthly 'Nattex excite many visually impaired chil- 'n Noggin' dinner, became the norm, dren and adults as well as the drivers but only a few driving events were held. who participate in the event. Then club members volunteered Throughout the '60s and '70s, to host the National MGB club members remained active in ral- Convention. Aptly titled 'Cruising the lyes and social events, concentrating Capital', the convention included a on driving their cars as much as possi- car show, numerous vendors, un ble. Beginning in the mid-1970s, awards banquet, racing at a nearby development in the Washington, D.C. track, and an attempt to breuk the area accelerated and began to dra- Guinness Record with a caravan of matically alter the Iondscape of the over 200 MGs. The publicity the club region and the roads that once were so received brought an influx of new friendly to MG events. Country lanes members and a renewal of interest in quickly became four lane highways, driving events. and the roads became unbearably In 1996, the club began its own crowded. changing forever the charac- annual car show, Hunt Country Classic. ter of the area and the ability to run Held in mid-October at beautiful Svea the roads jn an MG-friendly manner. Farm in Middleburg, Virginia, last This rapid development, combined year's show drew almost 200 cars of var- with the demise of the sports car mar- ious British marques. The event includ- ket, altered the nature of events the ed a clown, apple pressing, hot lunch, a club sponsored. Membership began to silent auction to benefit a local charity, dwindle, and the club entered a period and, of course, fine automobiles, all set of decreased activity. in a beautiful fall atmosphere in The club endured another jolt in Virginia's famous Horse Country. MG 1980 when production of the (please turn to page501
10 MGBDRIVER--July/August 2001 / MGB DRIVER-July/Auguri 2001 front rubber bumper. Only the '74'/2s rubber bumpers on it, it's a '74'/2 had a red and silver emblem. The rest since the export of GTs to North of the rubber-bumpered cars had America ended in December 1974. black and silver emblems. So, if you suspect you have a any newer members of NAMG- According to the information X 3. A more reliable method is '74l/z-run out to the car, check all , BR have not seen my first reg- received in the early 1980s from the related to the plates that the factory in the above mentioned clues and let me /vktv report back in the former Archivist for the British Motor Abingdon put on the cars. The plate know so that 1 can add it to the ]anuary/February, 1993 issue of MGB Industry Heritage Trust, Anders with the Vehicle Identification Registry. You can reach me by phone Driver. Therefore, I have combined the Clausager, there were 7445 '74l/zs Number is on the dashboard. If the ax (610)446-2073, by mail at 1913-D information contamed in my first two built. 6521 were exported to North number is between 360301 and Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083- reports to give an understanding of America. Of those, 5273 were roadsters 367721 or between 367721 and 2407 or by e-mail at mgbgtl@hot- the origins of the 1974'/2s and how to and 1248 were GTs. So far, 115 have 367818 this is a VIN plate from a mail.com. identify them, in hopes that some of been accounted for in the Registry. '74l/2. Also the plate on the driver's I look forward to hearing from you may have one of these semi-rare Now, how can you identify a side doorframe will show a manufac- 'new' or 'old' '74'/z MGB or MGB GT cars without knowing it. '74'/2? There are a few ways to do it- turing date of 9/74 through 12/74 if it owners. 4 The 1974l/2s are MGB and MGB some more reliable than others. is from a '74'12. -Steve Harding GT rubber-bumpered cars, bullt 1. One of the least reliable is that I 4. The most reliable method for between September and December all '74'/2s had rubber-bumpers AND GT owners is that if the car has or had 1974. The designation of '74'/2 was twin SU carbs. This is not as reliable as related to the increasingly stringent other methods in that many owners of emission controls mandated in the the 1975-'80 MGBs have removed the USA in the 1970s. The cars were to be Strombergs and replaced them with 1975s but would not pcss the Federal twin SUs. Another reason this is not emission regulations with the twin SU reliable is that a number of MGB own- carbs on the cars. Therefore, the heads ers have replaced the rubber bumpers of British Leyland essentjally said, with chrome bumpers, most notably "These cars were built in late 7974, so Pete Cosmides and his Tundra 1975 we'll call them '74'/2s." The 'true' MGB and Philadelphia MG Club 1975 cars have the single Zenith- member Reg Kennedy and his Tahiti Stromberg carb on thcm, making the Blue 1975 MGB. '74'/2s hybrids - rubber-bumpered 2. Another not so reliable method cars with twin SUs. is to look at the MG emblem on the
1 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 13 detailed as the 'plan' ever got with the Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine area und exception of the scheduled ferry trip felt we were off to a good start. We on Sunday. These wcre the only reser- camped 100 feet from Lake Michigan vations we had on the trip. As I that first night and sipped a few beers packed the car I wondered briefly if I to celebrate the oncoming trip. really was nuts. So with two 1948 TCs and a 1953 TD, here we go. Sunday The sun comes up eariy-about 5:30 Saturday actually-when you are on the We met just north of Chicago and Western Shore of the lake and we were drove under a threatening sky into up and packing early. It was breakfast Southern Wisconsin and headed at the diner across from our marina straight for lunch. Did I mention that campground, then down to the our criteria for restaurants was only to Maritime Museum in Manitowoc. We stop at places where the cars looked spent the morning touring a W.W. I1 good parked in front. As you might submarine and met the incoming imagine, this meant local places rather ferry about noon. This ferry is a story than drive-throughs and this added in itself. It was built in 1952 as a rail- much to the colorful nature of the trip. road car ferry. In 1992 it was rebuilt Anyway, the day turned sunny after as a car ferry and today is the only lunch (great burgers at Fred's in coal burning ferry operating on the Burlington) and off we rolled to finish Great Lakes. It's big too, with room for Prepared and ready to leave on the around the Lake Michi an trip, August, 2000: I the day in Two Rivers. We drove on the about 400 cars and their passengers. (Lto R)Jeff Powell-'48 TC, Don Boehm~'48TC, and ~ifeCobb'53 TD. beautiful roads of Southern (pieaseturn to page 16) I
that during the first week of August the ground had been in the Army. I last summer. It was a great trip and must admit that modern camping an experience worth sharing. gear has improved the experience a I suppose it all started a few years great deal. ago when I first became comfortable After several meetings-that were driving my TD and started to think really just an excuse to have a few about making some kind of extended beers-we began to formulate a plan. trip in it. We had been going to vari- No, not really a 'plan', but more a ous MG events for years, but always in route. After ull, the first rule was there our MGB and it was always just to was 'no plan'. We all had enough of and from an event. We eagerly drove driving around the south end of Lake to and from Grand Rapids and John Michigan so we decided to drive north Twist's events every summer and now into Wisconsin and take the ferry it seemed like time to try something across to Michigan, drive up to different-an adventure. After years Mackinac, across the bridge, through of suggesting the trip to friends, the the Upper Peninsula, buck down timing was finally right and with two along the Wisconsin shore and back fellow MG owners we begun to plan a to Chicago. In short, that was as
MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 I MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 15 - Continued hrnPage I 5 MG Great Lakes Trip I The trip across takes about four hours adjustment. Actually, the hot coffee I so there was plenty of time to visit the helped a lot. With our spirits revived snack bars, look at our maps and jot a by breakfast and coffee, we considered few early postcards to those left staying in the Ludington area rather behind. Our wives were happily left than driving further north into the behind as their definition of roughing rain. We stopped in the local tourist it and ours was significantly different, office and checked the radar on their as you might imagine. The sky grew Internet connection. After seeing darker the farther east we went and green blobs in every direction, we I by the time we docked in Ludington it decided that sticking around 1 was raining steadily. A quick fire-drill Ludington was a good idea. So, we with the tops and sidecurtains assured discovered the small harbor town of that the cars and contents were rela- Pentwater, just south of Ludington, tively dry and we were wet. We found and the Antler Bar in the center of our expected campground, set up the town. Hot chowder, a beer-OK, a I tents in between showers, shook our- couple-and all the stories we could selves off and went off to dinner. hold from the bartender were all we Dinner was a violation of our no fran- needed to chase away the rain and chise dining rule as the first dry place give us time to dry out. we saw was a Big Boy and we were It was in Pentwater where we first there. Then it was early to bed with met the bikers. There were 458 bicy- rain steadily drumming on the tents. clists riding from Holland to Mackinaw. They too, were enjoying Monday lunch in the town and drying off. I Still raining! Hmm ...back to the guess we had nothing to complain ~ Big Boy for breakfast and an attitude (pieuseturn to page 18) ~
? beautiful backroads of Michigan. i 2( 16 MGB DRIVER-July/August ( MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 Sleeping Bear Dunes and while we saw too fancy for our MG dining tastes. MG Great Lakes Trip - Continuedeoi-om Page16 I lots of people enioyinq the sand, there We opted for the local qrocery and . A ., - were no giant worms to be seen any- something to eat around our-home where. Thanks to Frank Herbert and campfire. The result was one of the Dunefor that thought. best nights we had along the way, We paused to visit an old Coast helped as it was by a bottle of gin that Guard Life Boat Station at Glen appeared from one of my compan- Haven. It was full of interesting histo- ion's bags. The gin bottle was emptied ry and artifacts. The best story was of as the fire dwindled and we all slept the local pirates who would light false like babies. Our expected long night signal fires to draw lumber boats into was actually one of the best of the the shallows. After the boat ran trip. No, 1 am not going to spin any aground and the crew abandoned tales here about the gin but if you ship, the ship and cargo were fair sal- ever see me with beer in my hand.. . vage. The pirates, actually local farm- ers, were only too happy to salvage Wednesday the lumber cargo for their own use. Sun, coffee and camp stove toast It's now a much tamer spot and the got us off to a good start as we packed resident docents were full of informa- the cars. Now, in our fourth attempt, tion and stories. this packing thing was getting easier, A little further on and inland a although many bits don't seem to And bit, we found a campground on Lake the same spot for two consecutive Leelanau. It was nice spot but really days. Anyway, it all fit. The day was a one of those top down, top up, jacket packed with campers and RVs. Our on, jacket off, top down affairs, but campsite was bordered by a small cry- beautiful clear roads seemed to lessen -- ing child on one side and a family with three energetic chjldren on the any chill the weather offered. The Yukon We were merrily cruising down a ..a other side. We expected a long night. road too well traveled when we about, at least we had sjdecurtains. helped us find all sorts of little spaces We set up camp and escaped to Leeland for dinner. Leeland is an old crossed an intriguing side road. Some We were to share the roads with the where things would fit safely. I (pleaseturn to 20) I sailing town and harbor but rather page bikes- - and their bedraaaledad riders for After breakfast, with the sun the next two days. climbing to our right, we headed It finally stopped raining in the north. We made our way out of early afternoon and we found some Ludington and found nice empty quiet roads, put the tops down and did roads and with the tops down and the what we came for ... enjoyed the cars. wind coursing over the windscreens, We visited an old brick lighthouse and we encountered our bicyclists from a unique reservoir and electrical gen- Pentwater. They were also moving erating plant to add interest to the north and were on the same roads. roads along the lakeshore. We passed big cyclists, small ones, and tandems. All were coasting down Tuesday a hill or struggling to get up another. It dawned sunny and bright and We were happy to have four cylinders our spirits rose as the sun climbed in to zoom us past the sometimes strug- the sky. Coffee brewed over the camp gling cyclists as they waved us on. stove gave us the boost we needed to The weather was great but every pack the gear and still soaking tents once in a while near the shore we into the waiting MGs. You might would crest a hill and drive straight imagine that it is no big deal to pack into a cold cloud. Sun and warm, fog if you have the trunk space of a 1962 and chill all in u matter of a few miles, Chevy, but these MGs don't have a it was an interesting experience to say trunk. If you have never tried it, the Least. The roads were great with lit- believe me everything has its place or tle traffic and just enough twists and all of it won't fit. MG T-Types, even turns to make them interesting. As we - with luggage racks, are not notably ventured further north, we passed the Paul Bunyan welcomes us in Escanobo, Michigan spacious, are they? Creative packing 18 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 200 1 19 MG Great Lakes Trip - contirwed fronz Page 19 Bridge'. What a sight, the towers of charge." Oops! Now maybe if we were this great bridge peeking out of the driving jags? There are signs up and testing of brakes and a quick turn put We continued north and east on pines. As we got closer more of the down the main walk that advise, us on a county road. We crested a lit- our journey towards Mackinaw and bridge revealed itself as it got bigger "After 6 p.m., gentlemen are required tle rise and found ourselves surround- found ourselves entering the trendy und bigger in our view. It really domi- to wear a coat and tie and ladies will ed by thousands of sunflowers. The little town of Charlevoix. It must be a nates the landscape for miles around. wear appropriate evening dresses." fields on both sides of the road for as pretty nice tourist town, but with u We found a big campground on Now we were really out of place! The far as you could see were bordered by drawbridge and a squadron of sail e shore of Lake Huron and picked grounds are spectacular and if you sunflowers in glorious full bloom. boats disturbing the traffic flow, it was me wooded sites. We were almost can get a room it is probably worth Over the mdio I hear. "photo op" and less enjoyable for our clutches. Forty one in the forest as we unpacked the the experience. off to the roadside we go. Out came minutes later we exited the three ,rs. After the tents were up we We wandered down to the town the cameras as we tried to capture the miles of congestion called Charlevoix. ~lkeddown to stick our toes in the and found a good pub for lunch. More experience. No matter what the rest of A little clear air through the radiators cond Great Lake of our trip. After fudge shoppes and T-shirt emporiums the day held for us, we knew it would helped cool the cars and some speed nner in town, we started a fire and greeted us as we walked back to the be a good day. cleaned the plugs and we were off. )ened the beer. It was a beautiful dock and the next ferry back to the I must pause to mention one of The miles between Charlevoix and ,ol night and there were stars by the mainland. Yup! I bought a T-shirt to the best pieces of gear we carried. We Petoskey must be the Riviera of illions. It's amazing to a city boy remember the trip and Jeff bought had three hand-held Motorola Michigan as we passed many yacht tn at these stars are always there but some fudge. It was a well spent after- Talkabout radios. These little radios clubs, equestrian compounds, resorts it' s just too bright in the city to see noon but I think we were all looking are good up to a mile or two and and gated communities. Wouldn't an th em. As the fire crackled between the forward to the quiet of the camp- helped us stuy together and keep each MG look good in one of those drives te nts and shooting stars twinkled ground and a few less tourists. other laughing for the whole trip. We next to the yacht? th rough the trees, we put a great day We found a great little Italian could exchange stories, warn of traffic Petoskey provided lunch and then be ,hind us and looked forward to our restaurant for dinner and then hurried or sudden turns and generally keep in back to some lonely blacktop. We were tri p to Mackinac Island. I will never back to the campground in the quick- touch. They are well worth the invest- traveling on a lonesome road along rget those sunflowers or the bridge ening darkness. We had a plan for ment if you are planning a trip with the shore of Lake Michigan when out tops poking through the trees. night travel too, as these cars don't more than one car. of the treetops poked the towers of 'The match the brilliance of modem uuto- Thursday motive lighting. The TD's headlights Breakfast and a half hour ferry are the best so I went first and Jeff's TC trip brought us to the island. Wow! has extra taillights, so he went last Talk about tourists. It seemed odd that sandwiching Don in the remaining TC we had spent so much time avoiding between us in a convoy. Seems to work well traveled roads and traffic only to pretty well but we did not have too far disembark onto a car-free island of to go. A campfire, some cold beer and fudge shoppes, T-shirt stores, bicycles billions and billions of stars were all and masses of humanity. We walked we needed to finish the day in style. un to the top of the hill and the fort at the British and later the Friday nericans used to guard the straits We charged up at a big breakfast r so many years. The fort is restored buffet and headed for the bridge. As ., the late 1800s and provides a com- frequently was the case, the cars drew manding view of the passage. This is questions from the local residents in about the best there is on the island the parking lot. We always seemed to and worth the hour or two it takes to meet nice people who enjoyed the cars --e.>CI The really big attraction on the and marveled that three guys would is1 and js, of course, The Grand Hotel. take such a trip in these old cars. There Tk is is the largest wooden structure was usually someone in every group sti 11 standing in the U.S. as I recall. It who had "owned one of them when I 1s quite the place! The problem for was in college. Wish I had it now!" your intrepid MG pilots was that we As it turned out, they were paint- were not dressed well enough to pass ing the bridge and traffic was forced as guests and they do try to keep the to slow to about 25-30 mph. They mmoners in their place. "Excuse me must start in the spring and paint all -, are you a guest? I am sorry sir, but summer only to start again the next you are not a guest and want to spring. It seems like a job that will 11k the grounds there will be a $10 (pleaseturn to page22) 20 MGB DRIVER-,luly/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MG Great Lakes Trip - cantiri tued from Page 21 I never be completed as it is a really big On the way to Whitefish Point, bridge. That was fine with us as it there was a glorious view of Lake gave us longer to enjoy the view and Superior, 'Warning Moose' signs, the experience of looking down whitetail deer in the road and a won- through the bridge. As you already derful ride. If Whitefish Point sounds know, you are pretty close to the road familiar to you think ubout The Ballad in a T-Type and looking out and of the Edrnund Fitzgerald.There is a down through the bridge grating to lighthouse, the Shipwreck Museum, the water below was quite an experi- and an amazing view across the lake ence. It was a warm, sunny day and at the point. Today, there were sever- the trip across the straits was very al lake boats tracing the Edmund pleasant. I can only imagine the same Fitzgerald's track but on a much trip on a February morning with the calmer lake. We dipped our toes in the wind whipping down along Lake third Great Lake of the trip and could Superior and wind chill in the minus- only imagine how the cold winds of unimaginable range! We were sure November would blow. glad it was August! We retraced our path to Paradise We stopped to pay the toll on the where the town sign says "Welcome to far side and the attendant wondered if Paradise, Glad You Made It" and we could squeeze her in. We continued turned west for the first time. We north for a couple of miles traveling found the Tahquamenon Falls, some- the only expressway on the entire trip. times called the Root Beer Falls First chance and we were off onto a two because of the foaming water rich lane and our first experience of the with tannin from the swamps of the Upper Peninsula. We quickly met our UP. The falls, its local scenery and the first logging truck. Stay out of the way, walkways along the river made for a l'm coming through! Fortunately the pleasant side trip. shoulders were paved and there wasn't Fortunately, the Falls are one of any traffic. He waved and was gone! the few sights around which we found
We wanted to see Lake Superior, so the exact people we were trying to get I we headed towards Whitefish Point. away from-"tourista stupids". I This would be the farthest north we must say that none of these creatures would get on this trip. But to get to have any concept of the meaning of i Whitefish Point you have to go through common courtesy or even a rudimen- Paradise. Paradise, Michigan that is. tary knowledge of driving. Big trucks That's where we found the Yukon Bar. that back without looking and rude EnthusiastsWho Love British Cars Now the Yukon Bar is a knotty pine, log people who have only themselves in cabin bar built in 1936-37. It has not mind at all times. Give me the log TechnicalInformation changed much since then either. trucks anytime. At least I know what ClassicProfiles Everything is knotty pine, even the fur- to expect from them. niture with its years of patina and After visiting both the upper and I countless carved initials. This was our lower Falls it was starting to get late. definition of a good restaurant as the We got back on the road and contin- Hisiori~alArticles cars looked better here than most of the ued west. This part of the UP is pretty places we stopped. The burgers were remote and restaurants are not plenti- RestorationAdvice great and the people were welcoming ful. We stopped for some dinner gro- and loved the cars. It became one of ceries and started looking for a camp- our more memorable stops. Yukon's ground. Our first try did not look good plumbing was an art form for the so we kept driving. The light was start- resourceful. Copper pipe, lead pipe, ing to dwindle when we found the I brass fittings, PVC pipe and a bucket road to another campground. It was a made for a unique pit stop, truly a dirt road and did not look promising 1 handyman's dream. (pleaseturn to page 24) I MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 I MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 23 MG Great Lakes Trip - contini ved from Page 22 but it was getting lute. We drove a homemade sausage, pancakes and mile or two down this dirt road and coffee that would fuel us all the way to turned into what looked like a barn- Wisconsin. We continued west on yard full of parked trailers and Route 2 along the northern shore of campers. It still did not look good. As Lake Michigan and around to the we turned the final corner into the Wisconsin shore. The roads were nice campground, the most beautiful lake but there was too much traffic to make filled our windscreens. We were qreet- it really pleasurable. We drove out of ed by a standing ovation from about the sunny morning into an increas- a dozen campers gathered around a ingly overcast and gray evening. The campfire and we knew it would be a weather really made it feel like our trip good night. We camped on the shore was coming to an end but this was bet- rAl A* Services of a lake that looked like pink and ter now than at the beginning of the purple glass in the light waning with trip. The rain eventually came as a the coming night. Our neighbors thal heavy mist, too wet for a campfire but night were two families of farmers not a real rain either. from Wisconsin who were also car Dinner was at a local bur about guys and we shared car stories and three miles from the campground and lies before it got loo dark. Dinner was then it was back to the tents for an bausage and cheese and bread and early night. It had been a good day the inevitable beer and it fit the scene and it was only spoiled by some and the day perfectly. We enjoyed the unpleasant neighbors who thought fire, the stars and the beer as we we stole their campsite. Too bad they storation remembered the day. did not have any manners but we Did I mention the satellites? In were soon asleep and didn't notice. the darkness of the UP, you can see satellites crisscrossing the sky in every Sunday direction. If you spend a few minutes Our rude neighbors continued to watching the sky you will certainly get on our nerves, so we packed as fast find several twinkling satellites mov- us we could forgoing our usual coffee. ing across the sky only to wonder if These people were the exception to they are watching you. I just smiled the rule though, as we met many and waved. more really nice people along the way than these few louts. Saturday The camp office recommended The Loon Alarm goes off early on that we stop for breakfast at 'Jerry & this lake and the sun was bright and Pat's' in Clintonville and what a warm through the tent. No day to jumping place it was on Sunday spend in the tent! The sun and sky morning. It must be the gathering were beckoning us to get up and get place after church. It was like one big going. We brewed some coffee while breakfast table, find a spot and jump we packed and were ready for the in and the buffet was filled with every road in a jiffy. We set off in search of imaginable breakfast food. Needless a diner. Nothing much along these to say, we ate enough to last the day! Call, write, or EMail for our all new Services Catalogue roads and when we saw the sign for With the day still overcast, we decided 649i7 East F~llrc-)nSrreet Ada, MI 493L71-9026 Dreamland Cafe - one mile, it was a to visit the EAA Aviation Museum in unanimous choice. Oshkosh. We met some people in the Phone (616)682-17930 Fax (616)682-Gfi01 EMail: \r~v~~.u~~iver~it~~i~oti~r~~t~i.~~~~~~ Dreamland is on Route 2 and with parking lot, one of whom lived in nothing else in sight it really was a Flint, Michigan and owns a TF. dream. It's a '50s style caf6, motel, and Another of them was the mail carrier bar with red checkered tablecloths and for some MG friends in the Chicago a dozen freshly baked pies cooling on area. Small world, eh? We covered a table. What a welcoming smell for a every exhibit in the museum and can summer morning! We had our fill of [pleaseturn to page261 MGB DRIVER--J[ily/AugustZOO 1 MGRDRIVER-July/August 2001 25 MG Great Lakes Trip - cantin)lred from Page 24 highly recommend it if you are inter- possible and thanks to Jeff and Don ested in aviation. for making it so enjoyable. It was the By now the day had turned warm best 1350 miles I have ever driven! and the sun was out. We went north We are already considering our around the top of Lake Winnebago so next adventure in a year or two. we could head south along its Eastern Shore. The vrew across the lake was A P.S. about our cars; spectacular in the yellowing after- These three SO-year-old cars ran noon light. The road is on a rise above flawlessly for 1350 miles in rain and the shore and provides a stunning shine, up and down hills with never a view down to and across the lake. We problem. Our maintenance record was stopped at the 'Gobbler's Knob Supper short-three quarts of oil, one for each Club' for dinner and had a steak din- car, and cleaning out a fuel filter. A ner for about $15. It was a nice place great testimony to the attention these to finish the day, with friendly people cars get on a regular basis. We carried and good food, which seemed to be plenty of spares, just in case, but never the standard for the entire trip. had to use any of them. It proves that We're Your Best Choice for MGB Parts! We got to Plymouth Rock with the right attention these cars can Campground, outside of Road still provide plenty of enjoyment. Americu, set up camp and pulled out Ten Best Things About the Adventure the last of the beer to enjoy our last 1. Three friends beginning the trip night on the road. It hardly seems and ending it the sume way. possible that after so many years of 2. Cold beer. considering the trip that we had final- 3. Two lane highways. ly done it and it was almost over. 4. Yukon Bar (a log cabin bar built in Monday 1936-'37 in Paradise, Michigan The sun alarm was right on that hasn't changed much since schedule even if it was earller than we 1937, check out the plumbing in wanted. Since this was our last day the bathroom) You will have to get everything just had to get in the cars, your big muy to find it but as a no real worry about packing today. hint it's in the UP near Whitefish We breakfasted in Plymouth, did a lit- Point, think Edmund Fitzgerald. tle antiquing and headed south to the 5. Dreamland Cafe, an original road- familiar roads of the Kettle Moraine side cafe and motel somewhere area of Southern Wisconsin. These along Route 2 in the UP that wel- roads are familiar from our annual comed us for breakfast one morn- tnps to Road America and we enjoyed ing with a dozen freshly baked pies the twists and turns on our way back cooling on a table. to reallty one more tlme. We made a 6. Three quarts of oil, one quart for couple of stops along the way at the each car. (The only maintenance Kissel Auto Museum in Heartland and required on three 50-year-old cars to visit some friends so that we could in 1350 miles.) time the re-entry to Chjcago's traffic 7. A bottle of gin. (Make up your own after the rush hour. As we approached story, I'm not telling mine.) the city, wc said our good-byes and 8. A good air mattress. headed our separate ways. 9. Starry nights, shooting stars and I got home at about 8:30 to hugs the moon. all around and even though the 10.Crying child on Mackinac Island adventure was done, it was really who was still crying when we saw good to be home. I am truly lucky that her for the second time an hour my family understood my dream and later. (This was a good thing was so supportive. Thanks to Mary because she was not one of our kids.) Kay, Kate and Claire for making it (pleasetun1 to page 48i 26 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 27 Kentucky Roads
-he roads here in Kentucky seem to my side was un experience of a lice- time. The mist gathered on the wind- have been made for our MGs. I don't need to find 'special' roads shield long enough for me to acceler- to challenge and thrill here near Fort ate out of a little green vulley with Knox. I just head out into farm coun- beautiful houses and horses along the try and enjoy my MGB! route. The mist would dribble off the If you find yourself planning a windshield unnoticed. The heat from trip and it takes you along 1-65 the engine kept our feer warm as we between Louisville and Bowling Green watched Steve smoke his cigar in obvi- or you're going 'sideways' along 1-64 ous glee und I kept my foot hard on from Lexington to Louisville, you the pedal trying to keep up with him. would be remiss if you actually stay Steve won best of show in that beauti- on the highway and don't treat your- ful Jaguar as he always does. self to this piece of America. Sundays are best for an exhilarat- There is nothing like zipping ing spin in my '73 MGB. Not many along a twisting, turning two-lane folks are out on the roads-slow down road on an early morning or late near the numerous 130-plus-year-old afternoon with the horses and cattle churches that dot the landscape if it's munching away as you shift and early in the day, though, because accelerate between the whitc fences. most of the locals are in there. Park The dew drips off of the weeds that and take some time to look at the hung over the asphalt in places and headstones surrounding the old hide the next sweeping turn. church and you'll have a quick lesson Autumnal foliage is a visual joy and in the little town's history and its Bluegrass is really blue if you catch it hardships as you listen to the occu- in the right light. You may come over pants of that church sing hymns a rise at 40 mph that makes your There aren't a lot of roadhclu>ra stomach tingle and be treated to a or bars in this area-tne people here valley with acres of green dotted with aren't rich and there aren't a lot of horses or dairy cows. Then again, you fancy houses. They are hard working could find the next turn slowing you but friendly. More horses and cattle down into a sleepy old town with than people, I'm sure. My county, antebellum houses and a 'historical Hardin, is 'dry'--a common occur- sight' sign that you never imagined rence in the South (this is as much was there. 'South' as West Virginia, another A particularly thrilling drive 1 great place for MG roads). That's OK experienced one spring was an early though, because you'll need to keep morning run with some other mem- your senses sharp because you'll be bers of the Louisville British Sports Car DRIVINGand these roads just be^ Club to the Annual Show and Scottish to drive that old MG hard. Gathering in Carrollton, Kentucky at Slow down when you come to a the General Butler State Park. The town or group of houses-many of the route took us from Louisville to family dogs run free around here. Carrollton via Route 42 at 9 a.m. It When the sun goes down, slow WAY was wol and damp, but not raining down because deer and polecats and not so cold that we had to put the (ahem, skunks) are everywhere here top upjust 'misty' sweater weather and either one will make a me! you know. your MG for quite some time. Buzzir the Ohio River on The road network in Kenti the fog-]( KI behind Steve was luid out lo yenerully allow I X Merker's h my soulmate by (pieaseturn to page32) 29 30 MGB DRlVER--July/August 2001 MGB DRW-R-July/August2001 3 1 Kentucky Roads - Continued from Page 29 -ram the ru~i-Handle neglsnzlr tors to get from one plot of land to first dibs and 1 might just pull some another-not to allow speedy, direct strings with the Provost Marshall. travel across the state. Just head jn Any season but winter (and then he theme of this issue is 'MG Tom McCahill wrote McCahilL the direction you want to go and you can put the top up, of course) is Roads'. My favorite MG road In Tests The New :\ICB in the April 1963 keep your sense of direction. The perfect for top-down motoring here in Northeast Indiana no longer issue of ;Mechanix illustrated. This arti- roads run along the fences of fami- Kentucky. You can soak in the beauti- exists; the two-lane section of U.S. 24 cle is a pretty fair representation of the ly-owned farms. You may not find ful foliage and the rural, lonely coun- between Wabash and Ifunt~ngton. Mk. I MGB. I will highlight both the the most direct route, but you won't try roads that are the norm rather The road used to follow the Wabash good and the bad using McCahill's really care about that. The experi- than the exception. River, twisting and turnlng as the own words. The good points: ence is not unique to other rural Words of misty two-lane roads , river meandered along. On a summer "The new MGB has beautifully areas in America but on a foggy with white fences, the smell of burn- morning, with sunglasses on and the precise steering and its roadability is morning you might think you're ing oil und brakes and the sound of sunlight twinkling through the leaves, truly magnificent." back in England. screaming 'B motors don't describe it there was nothing quite like the dr~ve, "I took it on the high-speed track For those who have had the well enough, I'm afraid, That's fine * as you threw the car into each curve. at the Daytona Speedway and drove it 'privilege' of being trained here at with me, because I'd like to keep my But alas, progress has rerouted the about 4.0 miles. My fastest time down Fort Knnx once upon a time like me, secret Kentucky roads all to myself, road (there are a lot of semis that take the back stretch was a clocked 107.3 let me tell you the hills named thank you very much. that route) making US. 24 a divided mph and my fastest single lap of the 'Misery' and 'Agony' are big fun in Kentucky's farmland is definitely four-lane highway, and taking out entire Z1/z-mile circuit was 103.4." an MGB! To fly over that last crest of 'both hands on the steering wheel' most of the curves. 1 need to explore it "Zero to 60 averaged 11.6, and 0 painful memories in an MGB is country! Too bad there aren't a lot of to see how much of the old road is still to 30 proved a surprising 3.4- worth the price of admission. MG garages here near me, but maybe out there. extremely fast jump starting for such Strange how it seems so easy after that's not a bad thing. An alterna- Since last time I wrote, we have a little cricket." some years. Just watch out for the toristarter repair guy I visit knows had three additional pull-handle cars McCahill did not have all praise MPs! I don't recommend sailing Lucas, since a11 the old Ford Tractors added to our list; Roger Melton regis- for the MGB. He seems to have had around the fun 'range roads' here on have Lucas parts! 10 tered his 1962 pull-handle 'B problems wjth the convertible top and post without me in the cockpit with -Dan Ray, (GHN3L/3986), Richard Wilson regls- interior trim: you. If you have a V8 'B you have Member#8-3588, 1973 '8 tered his '63 pull-handle 'B "There are a lot of thinqs 1 like (GHN3L/9048), and Michael Dawidoff about this car and a few things that, registered his '64 pull-handle '6 in my bald-headed opinion, approach (GHN3L/22573). the stupid point. For example, the top In addition, Mr. Dawidoff sent is one of the most asinine I have run along a copy of the sales receipt for across since 1 last bucked up against his car. On January 8, 1964, Mr. certain other English headcovers. To Robert Halasey traded his 1960 lower it neatly, even with the instruc- Volvo for a new 1964 White MGB tion book in your left hand, takes the with red trim. Original equipment dexterity of a brain surgeon and the included a heater, wire wheels, cunning of a weasel. The old TC model whitewall tires, red tonneau, pack- and the later TD models had beauti- away hood, ashtray, seatbelts, and fully tailored canvas tops that could be anti-roll bar. The cost was $3,104.50 raised and lowered with one hand. plus $124.18 in tax and a $57.00 These early MG tops were as simple as DMV fee for a total of $3,285.68. The these new ones are complicated." Volvo brought a net trade-jn of "Another little knot in this car $1,045.12, making the out-the-door which gave me as much pleasure as price 52,240.56. acute indigestion was the door In the last 18 months, I've gotten padding. It cut right into my shoulder the Ebay bug. I've made some very and was about as necessary as Vitalis good purchases and have chased the on a shark. It is a hunk of rubbery bid a little too high on others! material like the padding some of our Recently, I purchased two magazines manufacturers put on instrument which had articles about the early panels-only this thing protrudes into MGB. This time I will just highlight the cockpit space and will prove one of those articles. (please turnto page 50j 32 MGBDRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRlVER-July/Augusl 200 1 33 istrar
AN UNUSUAL HARDTOP mrobably due to residing In -d England for many years, 1 seem to have a morbid fascination with anything that will keep the rain out of my MGB! Thus it was, that while we ljved there we had a variety of removable hardtops. One 1 recall was a 'Bermuda' type which had two nder the hood. interchangeable windows in the roof and came with three types of glusses to be installed as one would prefer. One set On this MGB there were also some Finally, a warm welcome to the was yellow for those of other things we rarely see today. newest registrants who have sent me gray, damp, English First was a number written under the details of their MGB: Charline Hand days. The second set hood bearing the last six digits of the ('77 'B), David Friendly ('79 MGB LE), were blue in color for car's VIN number. Let me explain! Robert lames ('80 MGB), Bryan Seger the day when the When the painted car bodies arrived ('68 'B), William Lane ('70 and '79 English summer visited at Abingdon they were lifted onto the 'Bs), Norman Schiavoni ('65 'B), us! The final set were top floor in "A" Block to begin their Michael Heim ('70 'B), J. Bruce clear plastic for when journey along the line. Here the bon- McQuaid ('73 'BGT and '66 'B), one was indecisive! nets were removed, the numbers Kenneth Smith ('78 'B), William Fox They were however, a applied, and they were then taken ('72 'B), Bill Foltz ('79 'B), Jim pain to install, and downstairs to the end of the line to Baustian ('77 'B), Mark Ciancjosi ('74 meet the finished and trimmed car. 'B),Morry Cohen ('78 'B), Todd Wyatt often, I would wish for just one removable The number ensured that the correct ('80 'R LE V8 and '74 'BGT), Thom Fox bonnet was fitted to the car it ('67 'BGT Special), Frank Temple ('72 panel. 1 now have a 'works' hardtop and belonged to, before it leit the final 'B), Anthony Ruffo ('76 'B), Gerald another from Snugtop. inspection station. The chap who took Shepherd ('76 'B), Keith Williams ('80 the bonnets down to the lower level 'B), Sam Wolfe (('74'8). Nancv Nowak This spring at the MG River Run was then required to bring the fender ('73 'B). Robert ]ones ('80 MGB), at Lake Havasu I found what I covers, fitted to each MGB, back up to David McNeil ('73 'BGT), Glen Knox thought would have been the ideal the trim deck. How many more 'Bs still ('80 MGB LE), Brian Salazar ('74 'BGT) answer to the problem, a hardtop carry their bonnet number, I wonder? Jerry Kenney ('67 'BGT), William Lane with a removable sunroof! Now, I Furthermore, MGBs leaving the ('70 MGB and '79 MGB). and finally, stand to be corrected, but this is the line had the spare ignition key hidden I. Koch ('73 'B, '74 'BGT, '80 'B LE, '74 first time 1 have ever seen this type inside the engine compartment screwed 'B, and '69 'B!). of hardtop in the U.S.Manufactured to the firewall. On This 1977 MGB, the PLEASEReglster your MGB now! fl by Dynaplastics of El Centro in key was still there after 23 years! - Marcham Rhoade . California, the top had rear open- ' ing quarter windows similar to \ those rve see on the MGB GT. The 45 removable panel was simply : . attached by four clips and the owner, Patrick Lynch of Phoenix, told me that it was u great asset in the Arizona heat. The only thing I would have added wou!d be o wind deflector similar to that on the Tudor-Webasto sunroof to cut down on the wind noise.
34 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-JUI~/ALI~US~2001 35 From the Midget Regislei
reetings Midgeteersl From time on the MGB, some English Fords, and -to time we've discussed thc pros some Vauxhalls. U and cons of originality. Among Those of you who are sporting the primary merits is the preservation Rostylcs will notice that, with age, the of a piece of automotive history in its original paint is as faded as u spinster's natural state. Or, as the French say, prom dress. Quite honestly, they weren't 'au naturale'. The rationale being all that pretty straight from the factory. that it was meant to be this way. The lines between the gray and the Noble to some, nonsense to others. black are not particularly sharp and the gray tends to wear off on the high spots. But I have a feelinq that many of us fall somewhere in between. These wheels were meant to mimic the The great majority of Midgets jazz band out of Manhattan). The mag wheels of the time at a fraction of from GAN5 on were purchased with firm had its beginnings in 1893 when the cost. To dress them up a bit many of Rostyle wheels. While wire wheels were J.T. Rubery and A.E. Owen founded an us have added beauty rings; originally offered as an option on the Midget, engineering firm. The company devised in the U.S.A. during the 1940s they proved too costly for most con- peaked in the 1960s with some 15,000 when whitewall tires were hard to come sumers of the economy version of the employees. At that time they were by. They caught on in Britain and were MG. Sort of the equivalent of putting also associated with the historic BRM called 'rimbellisherst. Cragar mags on u Pinto. Why bother. Formula 1 racing team. So how does one take these Plain Don't get me wrong. A Midget wilh Today the company is based in Janes and turn them inlo Hooters' wires is a beautiful thing. The eco- Darlaston in the West Midlands and is waitresses? Powdercoating. Without nomics made it unlikely to happen. still a supplier to the automotive indus- too much scientific mumbo jumbo, Thus, most Midget owners are try through their Rozone division. powder coating involves a mixture of familiar wjth Rostyle wheels. These Hence, the RO in Rostyle is a ref- finely ground particles of pigment wheels were manufactured by the erence to Rubery Owen. Besides the sprayed onto the surface. The charged Rubery Owen Group (sounds like a Midget, Rostyle wheels can be found particles adhere to the surface until heated and fused into every nook and Krylon and Rustoleum make a swell cranny. The finish is uniform and product. The wheels must be carefully darn near indestructible. It is also masked so the lines are sharply friendly to the environment in that defined. Ignore the lines in the press- the unused pigment js reclaimed in ing. Just make nice straight lines with the process and re-used. To powder- masking tape. Or, if you're real nice, coat a set of Rostyles properly takes my wife D will tell you how she some effort, however the results will devised a template using contact enhance the beauty of your car. paper and a goat spleen. Each quad- I recently had a set of wheels rant is identical. As soon as the wheel done at Enco Superior, a powder- is masked, paint it. As soon as the coating firm in Cleveland, Ohio. paint dries, get the tape off the rim. Any automotive-friendly powder- You don't want to leave excess tape coater should be able to oblige you residue on the freshly coated wheel. in like fashion. We then took the rims back to Enco First, the wheels are sandblasted Superior where they were popped into and any minor rim dings are dealt the oven, which cures the high-heat with. Then a powdercoat primer is paint and also removes any lingering applied and baked on at 400°F. After solvents. For the crowning touch, a cooling, the gray color is applied and clearcoat of powder is added. These Enco did a fine job of matching the babies are pretty enough to make original Dunlop Gray. Once again the Gorner Pyle say, "Shazam!" and they wheel is baked and cooled. Now here's will keep their appearance for a long, the fun part, take the wheels home. long time. For the black parts we used a high-heat flat black paint. Both (please turn to page48) 36 MGB DRIVER-July/Auyust 2001 MGR DRIVER--July/August 2001 3 7 NAMGBR ANNUAL GENERAL MG ROVER HINTS AT y MGB has known some great that went on forever, running MEETING 2001 U.S. CONNECTION WITH roads. Some are famous. through the oddly damaged earth The North American MGB QVALE PURCHASE "cr!Highway 1, on the coast of near the Mississippi (after the great Register's Annual General Meeting Late June brought a surprise move California, a legendary road, whose flood), sunrise In the Ozurks. Country will take place on Saturday October from MG Rover when they purchased views and comers are beautiful to the glrls who seemed to be fflrtlng more 27, 2001. The AGM is the Register's the production aspect of San point of seemlng unreal. Driving north with the car (a Mini) than us. annual business meeting as well as Francisco-based Qvale Motors. Qvale to the Layuna Seca Raceway, keeping The 'E has been on dirt, in the the venue for presentation of the sold their production facilities in Italy pace with a buddy's Boxster, a great desert, and surrounded by Sequoias. Enthusiast of the Year, Chapter of the and the Qvale Mangusta sports car dnve, and one that I must repeat. It's cruised at 85 MPH on empty high- Year, Kewsletter of the Year, and produced there since last year. The The roads back home, In ways, and trundled slowly home Good Samaritan Awards. The election Ford platform-based/Ford engined Arkansas, I do miss. Fall leaves blown through the speed limlts of suburbia. for the offices of the Chairman and Mangusta will be re-cast as an MG, , out of your way on back roads in the It's even enjoyed runnlng on 'roads' Treasurer will take place as well. All currently under the development des- Ozarks, limestone bluffs with little that are realiy parking lots - artifi- members of the Register are welcome ignation MG X80. The car is U.S. waterfalls, the cold crisp air molding cial roads of orange cones. to attend. D.O.T. certified and potentially may your face. Small towns with rural peo- I was watching some TV show The meeting will be held at: become the first new generation MG to ple, people who work hard at what filmed in England with my wife they do, frlendly and curious as your recently, and I noticed how I repeat- Hilton DFW Lakes Executive be sold in North America. Qvale, lead by Bruce Qvale, will remain in the unfamiliar machlne rumbles jnto edly commented on the 'great roads' Conference Center town. Spring runs through the the show's hosts always seemed to be 1800 Highway 26 East automotive industry concentrating on sales and distribution. What remains Ouachitas, hot sun glaring at you, the motoring down. It's an interesting Grapevine, TX 76051 humid air thick with the scent of hon- philosophical point, for all these great 800-645-1019 or 817-481-8444 to be seen is if their involvement will become a beach head for a full line eysuckle, surrounded by the intense roads and views and corners are tran- Room Rate: $99 per night (single assault on the North American market green of a landscape truly alive. Dirt sient things, it's not that a piece of tar- or double). Be sure to say that you're with the full lineup of MG Rover pas- roads and real two-lane blacktop, mac is great, but that it provides an with the North American MGB senger and sports cars. twisty roads without the crowds I see excellent stage for acting out the play Register to get this rate. Qvale was founded by the leg- here in California. we love so much. The Texas MG Register will be our endary Kjell Qvale who was the West I too have driven the big loop -Keith Wheeler, Team Sanctuary hosts and there will be free trans- Coast importer of MGs in the late around Missouri, In the Missourl http://www.TearnSanctuary.com/ 4 portation from the DallasIFort Worth forties and early fifties. Kjell Qvale Endurance Rally (of '967). Foggy roads Airport to the Hilton, and free trans- was also the force behind the cre- portation from the Hilton to nearby ation of the mid-sixties 'MG Liquid Grapevine Mills Mall and Bass Pro Suspension Special' Indy cars. Qvale Shops Outdoor World. went on to develop the Jensen Healey with Donald Healey in the seventies. Current President Bruce Qvale is his son. 10 The new MG X80 Luxury - High Performance Sports co
38 MGB DRIVER- MGB DR~VER-JUI~/A~~LIS~2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 Bob Mason If you now have just one key to bottom of the tank. I was able to patch make things work, now is the time to this with epox,v which isstill holding. TOPS IN BLACK OR TAN I !ello again, and 1 hope you are start thinking about finding a spare However, a couple of weeks ago I AUSTIN-HEALEY all enjoying a great summer in key for that 'just in case' time. Prior to ,loticed the tank is leaking frorn a difer- Sprite tdk I, Mk II $209.00 ent location on the bottom and there your MG, whatever the model. 1968, the British car keys were a sim- Sprite Mk 111,Mi< IV 199.00 Several items to deal with this issue ple item and spares can be found at appear lo be three pin holes in the tank. Here are my questions: 100-4, 100-6,3000 2-seater 199.00 and first how about checking up on a just about any store that can cut keys. 57-59 100-6,3000 4-seater 209.00 few things? But from that period onwards, the 1) Is tank failure after several yeurs common? 60-64 3000, 837, Mk l l i 99.00 CHECK THOSE LIGHTS keys were a more complicated design und these replacement blanks are not 2) Is there anything that can be done 3000. BJS, Mk Ill zipper win. 219.00 At one time or another all of us to prevent or delay leaking? that easy to locate. If you have just have seen other coming or going cars 3) It seems that I will need a new tank. that have had one or more lights not one single key that operates a partic- ular lock, now is the time to start look- Is there anythingthat can be used to treat MGA (1 window) 199.00 working. Usually one of the ing for a source that can provide you the tank or seal it to make it last longer? stop/tail/turn signal lamps, and you 4) Are there any practical and reliable MGA (3 window) 209 00 with an operable alternative to hold MGC 199 00 probably remember the comments and treasure as a spare. You might repairs that can be made to a leaking tank? you made at the time! But what about consider hiding the spare key in one Finally, I have one related question. M~dget 199.00 your own car? of those magnetic little boxes sold for What octane rating should gasoline for MGB (through 1970) 199.00 When was the last time you the purpose of hiding a key some- this car have? I think the manual recom- MGB '71-on (sewn window) 199 00 turned everything on and checked the where under the car! mends 97 octane, but I assume thisis a MGB '71-on (z~pperwindow) 219 00 operation of all the lights on your car? British rating which isdifferent from that Conv, Top Boot '71-on MGB 99.50 It's helpful to have another party FOOT OFF1 used in the U.S. operate the turn signals and stop When starting your engine from -R.B., Indiana Conv. Top Boot'70-on Midget 99.50 lamps, but failing this you can do it Carpetset for 1963-on MGB 1 19.00 cold, on cars equipped with a manual To answer your last question first, yourself if you move close to a build- transmission, you should have the Carpetset for '61-on Mldget 109.00 ing or a garage door, or even just look transmission in neutral and your foot your low compression engine should be able to use available 87 octane fuel Tonneau MGA wlth headrest 155.00 at the lamps when facing a large store OFF the clutch pedal. Why? Tonneau MGAw/o headrest 140.00 window glass. Just as you are interest- When you depress the clutch from your nearby pump. The current method of figuring the octane rating Tonneau MGBw~th headrest 155.00 ed in what the vehicle ahead of you is pedal you place a very direct force planning to do, so others are interest- onto the crankshaft thrust washers, of 87 equates to the number of Tonneau MGB wlo headrest 740.00 approximately 93 octane as figured ed in what YOU are planning to do, and with no oil pressure in the cold TRIUMPH whether they be to your front or rear. over 24 years ago when your car was engine, more rapid wear than needed new, and this should be adequate for TR2, TR3, TR4 or TR4A $399 00 With the onset of darker evenings or desired will be effected on the 'dry' TR25O or TR6 sewnwrndow f 99.00 make a check of the operation of all use in your engine. If you experience thrust washers TR6 zipper rear wlndow 21 9 00 your lights. You may be surprised to This wear will not be as great on some 'pinging' on acceleration, try the find out what is, or is not, working! an engine that has recently been next higher grade-assuming your TR7 or TI38 z~pperwlndow 21 9.00 operating, with all the parts well coat- timing is OK. Spitfire MU I, II or Ill thru '69 199.00 It is not normal for a fuel tank to SpitfireMk Ill '70-on, Mk IV ed with oil, but it is still a good idea to rust through in a relatively short peri- get into the habit of always starting od of time, unless the car has been sit- 1500 (z~pperrear window) 21 9.00 the engine with the transmission in ting for a prolonged period of time Stag (spec~fy1 or 3 window) 269.00 neutral and your left foot OFF the with a very low level of fuel. This SendSASE for matenalsamples Dlffereni clutch pedal. allows a large open area of the tank to colors ava~lableat extra cos! Othersport import& dornest~ctops ava~lableWorldwide Now a letter regarding fuel tanks: accumulate condensation moisture on shlpping VISA, MIC,AMEX, Dlscover KEYS I hopeyou can helpme by answering the exposed inner surfaces of the tank. CARIBOUCANVAS Keys open and close door locks some questionsconcerning the fuel tank A new tank can easily be protect- and operate that funny thing called on my 1977 MCB. I bought the car in ed by the application of a 'slushing' 26804 Vlsta Terrace the ignition, something that must be Iune of1995. compound, a semi-thick liquid that is Lake Forest, CA 92630 turned on to make the engine crank According to the receipts passed on poured into the tank which is then lnformatlon (949) 770-31 36 and run. Without a key you may be to me by the previous owner, a new fuel rotated through all axis to cover the FAX (949) 770-0815 stranded by the wayside until a like tank was installedin Ianuary of 1992, but enlire inner surfaces. This compound 1-800 776-3136 item is obtained. last July I noticed a small leak h.om the (pleaseturn to page 46, for orders only please! MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGB DRIVER-J~dy/August 2001 From the Technical Coordinator - Continued from Page 45 has even been known to seal many particular hose is original you should reasonably small holes in an older seriously consider obtaining a fuel tank and to provide many more replacement from your friendly D Zimmerman, NAMGBR Secretary taken seriously, for example, keeping years of satisfactory use to the driver. Brilish parts specialist. Remember- up the records, the Register could find Moss Motors carries the etchina forewarned is forearmed! fl n the first 10 years of the Register we itself in a terrible mess within just a compound ($220-630) which shouli !have seen it grow from just an idea few short months. be used on an older tank prior to the COMBINATION 011 PRESSURE/ TEMPERATURE GAUGES to an international Register that is The Register should not be put in application of the Moss slushing com- well respected in the MG world. And When installing the combination a position where we have to seek out ~ound(#220-450). Naturalllv, a new as with any organization, policies a qualified candidate every few years. tank cdn be treated withs just the oil pressureltemperature gauge, there need to be looked at and possibly re- are a number of considerations to keep Rather, qualified candidates should slushing compound by itself. defined for the future. seek office when they're prepared to In areas of high humidity, such in mind. The capillary tubing needs to be routed away from the exhaust man- As I brought up at the Annual do so. We need officers who want as where I live, the NAPA brand Gas General Meeting (AGM) this past ifold, or any other high heat source, to these jobs rather than someone who is Line Anti-Freeze Liquid (NAPA #7400) October, 1 believe that we need to prevent damage to the line or the doing it because their friend asked can be used about every third tankful look at and consider changes in them to do it. and this will carry any accumulated chance for the tubing to absorb extra term limits for the Secretary and heat. It should also be kept away from What I am proposing is that the moisture that is in the fuel tank to, Treasurer positions. Secretary and Treasurer positions be and through, the carburetor. In tests, I any moving components. Usually, you will have to bend the When the formation of the exempt from the term limits. But, have seen what this liquid can do Register was first being discussed, each position would still have to with minute amounts of moisture tubing somewhere down the line, or we wanted a true, democratically even turn the tubing into a coil to stand for election every two years, at accumulation, and it seems to work run Register where we held elections that point opening the field to all well jn this area. absorb the extra length. A coil down to about 2 inches in diumeter can be and tried to get as many different interested parties. I hope the above has been of help. people involved as possible. Thus undertaken without harm to the tub- we set term limits for the four exec- This is how the current by-laws read: A TIP ON HEATER HOSES ing, but do not make the coil too tight All MGBs have two heater hoses, or bend the tubing sharply at either utive officers. As of now, the C. Terms of Office: one running from the heater water end, as a kink can cause the gauge to Chairman, Vice Chairman, 1. Members of the Executive valve to the heater box, and another become inoperative. Secretary, and Treasurer are elected Committee shall be elected for a peri- running from the heater box to the to a two-year term, and can run for od of two years. The gauge is connected to a hol- re-election for an additional two return pipe near the water pump. low tube that runs from it to the send- 2. In order for a member to hold From 1962 to 1974k both of years. I thought then, as I think office, they must be a paid up mem- ing bulb at the other end and is cov- now, that this is a good idea for the these hoses were of '/2" inside diame- ered by the protective coiled wire cov- ber in good standing and an owner ter size, and replacement hoses were ering. This tube is filled with ether main positions. However, I think of one of the MG models covered by usually no problem to find from you gas, and when the temperature rises, the 'utility positions', the Secretary the Register. local parts house, even though it was the gas expands and is pushed and the Treasurer, should be con- 3. One half of the Committee is to always best to use the factory pre- against the indicating needle inside sidered differently. My firm belief is retire at each Annual General that we need to establish consisten- formed hoses if you could find them. the gauge itself, thereby showing you Meeting. For the 1975 to 1980 model MGBs the temperature of the liquid into cy and continujty. G. Chairman and Treasurer with the single Zenith-Stromberg car- The Secretary position is probably are to be elected during odd-num- which it is installed. the most time consuming of all the buretor the factory, in its infinite wis- If the hollow tubing is kinked, the bered years. dom, decided to change things a little tubing will close off and the pressure positions of the executive, taking b. Vice-Chairman and when designing the return pipe from will not reach the gauge. This means about 15 to 20 hours a week, plus a Secretary are to be elected during the heater. Now, there was a special that you will never see the gauge read- bit more when getting ready for the even-numbered years. convention and AGM. Since not all pre-formed hose that remained at '/2" ing any temperature reading at all! 4. A retiring officer shall be eligi- aspects of the job h.appen every i.d at the heater box but was also S/8" This is also what happens if you are ble for re-election, but can be elected size at the connection to the pipe that heavy-handed and break the hollow month, some only once a year, the to no more than five consecutive years ran behind the carburetor. tubing, for once the ether gas has Secretary continues to learn the posi- in the same office. This can create a problem should escaped, there is nothing to push tion for a longer period of time. just as 5. Should a vacancy occur you suddenly see a leak at this partic- against the needle to register a read- you get to know the members and between Annual General Meetings, ular hose, as you will not find it at ing. Just be careful during the installa- Affiliated Chapters it is time to hand the remaining Executive Committee any of your local parts stores! If your tion and the job can be easily done. a the position off to another person, members may appoint a temporary who, in turn has to learn the whole replacement to serve until the next system again. If this position is not Annual General Meeting. (pleaseturn to page 48) 46 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 A Proposal to Change Term Limits - Continued kern Page 47 This is the change that I propose: Please think about this and as you see the officers at events this sum- 4. A retiring Chairman or Vice- mer talk to them about it. Let us MGB Reqistrar and MGB Limited Edition Chairman shall be eligible for re-elec- kno;vwhat you think, This is your 1967-MGB GT Special Reqistrar Ron Tugwell but can be club and we respect your thoughts. I Marcham Rhoade 3 De Arnaral Road, P.O. Box 2406, than five consecutive years in the believe that we need to look at and P.O. Box 8645, Goleta, CA 931 17 Carmel Valley, CA 93924, same office. A retiring Secretary or consider some changes in the (805)683-2906 (831)659-2449 Treasurer shall be eligible to stand for Secretary and Treasurer positions as e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] re-election every two years. far as term limits are concerned. f Midget Reqistrars MG 1 100/1300 Reqistrar D and Bob Zimmerman Thomas K. Gaylord 81 2 S. DePeyster Street, Kent, OH MG Great Lakes Trip - Continued ~OVIPage 26 3 180 Verdun Drive, N. W. 44240, (330)678-9394 Atlanta, GA 30305, (404)261-5083 OurFcrvorite Quotes from e-mail: [email protected] 100,000 Mile Reqistrar "I will trade you a cumpsite for Along the Way 1974h MGB Reqistrar Jai Deagan "Are those kit cars?" your car." Ha! Steve Harding "['ll trade you breakfast for one of 11825 Columbia Highway "What kind of cars are they?" 1913-D Darby Roud, Havertown, PA Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 "Nice car show, guys!" your cars." Ha! Ha! 19083, (610)446-2073 e-mail: [email protected] "Are you going to a car show?" "Awesome." e:mail: [email protected] Standard answer was, "No, just "Cool." Oriqinal-Owner Reqistrar passing through." "I remember my Dad's old car MGB V8 Reqistrar Peter Cosmides "Is that a '53?" with the rumble seat. He always took Don Rausch 219 Pleasant Valley Avenue, "With those Lucas electrics, do us for rides in it and these look like P.O. Box 6635 Moorestown, N] 08057, (856)778-3695, you think you will make it home?" just as much fun." Bradenton, FL 34281, (941)753-8587 e-mail: [email protected] "Whut great cars, 1 used to have e-mail: [email protected] "Excuse me, are those your MGs?" Hammer-& Tonqs Reqistrar Two very nice and polite young guys an ...Austin Healcy, MG, Bugeye, '41 Pull Handle MGB Reqistrar about 10 or 12 who just wanted to know Chevy. .. and I wish I still had it." Phil Smith Bill Barae 103 N.Pennington about the cars. How pleasantly different "Why do some of them drive on 930 N. $50 E., Angola, IN 46703, these two were compared to the ones we the right and some on the left?" Sycamore, OH 44882 (219)665-6476 e-mail: mgpsmithCidata.com saw causing so much trouble for their "Isn't it hurd to drive on the wrong e-mail: [email protected] parents on Mackinac Island. side (right side)?" a From the Midget Register - Continued from Page 37 POB321 Otego, NY 13825 If I even have to mention that When all is said and done 1 Tel&Fax607 988-7956 you remove the rubber from the rim though, the important thing is that BritBooks I before you start this process, then you you get some time behind the wheel. need to sign the back of your title and As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, We have over 300 MG titles in stock send it to me right now! "People do not quit playing because plus a Original? No. Practical? Who they grow old, they grow old because major inventory of books on cares! There are lots of parts on your they quit playing." Triumph, Lotus, Jaguar, A-H, Morgan. car that are powdercoating candi- See you on the road. f dates, heater boxes, brackets, and --Bob and D Zirnmerrnan license plate holders to name a few. Midget Registrars 11 BritBooksisthe largest supplier ofcurrent and I( out-of-printbooks on sports carsin America Call for a Catalog today, 1-800-732-3646 RonEmbling - e-mail:britbooks@ britbooks.com Homepage: http:l/www.britbooks.com I ' I MGB DRIVER-July/Augusi 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 49 Chapter Spotlight - Cor~tinuedfrom Page 10 Today, club activities cover a wide other MG owners how to maintain range of both automotive and social their cars, sharing supply sources. events, which combine to create an generally lending a hand to help atmosphere conducive both to learn- keep the cars on the road, and hav- ing about and driving our cars as well ing a good time doing so. Many vol- as to a spirjt of camaraderie among unteers make our club activities pos- members. The club is representative sible, and many countless hours are BRXISH CAR PARTS and inclusive of all MGs. At last spent ensuring we continue tradi- a We mnufacture & Impon the krrubh, hardt\are, piirts, and awes- count, there are one TA, one VA, 34 T- tion of excellence within the club. soner for all British can We stock thousands of 0 !. parts Contact Series, one ZB, 27 'As, 152 'Bs, two 'Cs, Our current President is Steve Boyce, us forauthentic. onp~~lal, p~fecllk -fitt!ng parts for \ow car 22 Midgets and even one MGF our Activities Director is Jim Lunson, (imported and driven by a British sub- the Newsletter Editor is Bill Schooler, TeVFax: 905-627-4006 Toll Free: 877-777-6381 ject assigned to the Embassy here). Treasurer is Dave Gillette, Technical The year 2000 saw over fifty club Committee Chairman is Dave 55 Head Street, Dundas. OX L9FI 3H8 CANADA events and membership of 220, an Michel, and our Wcbmaster is Chris I Visit our M eh Site: www.mscgregoru kcsrparts.com all-time high. We had picnics, Kintner (www.mgcarclubdc,com). 1 overnight caravans, lunch rollyes, There are many other people membership dinners, camp-outs and involved with club activities without tech sessions among other things. whose help the club could not oper- Annual highlights on the club's calen- ate. The SO-year milestone occurring dar included the awards banquet to this year is quite a commendable honor outstanding members, the achievement, which makes all club Braille Rallye, and the Hunt Country members, both past and present, many timcs thc~rcost! Classic Car Show. extremely proud. In addition to our "EIGBV8 Power" is crunimcd full of monc? The objective of the club is to pre- loyalty to the fine MG marque, we sar-inp tips and tricks for tllc S,fG o\vnzr who i\ serve the marque and maintain the feel a strong responsibility to uphold considering a VH conrcrs,oli. traditjons established over the past the fine history of the organization "l~iteriorRe-Trim" is for the budgetmindcd fifty years. Efforts include sharing and to strive to continue our activi- re-trimrncr and shon .; liow you can ~1st technical knowledge and teaching ties as long as there is an MG. fi cvcn;day itcllls lo ~c-~ri~nor cusromii.e >our From the Pull-Handle Registrar - Continuedfrom Page33 uncomfortable to any large man ing the discussion from last time-the unless he happens to be born with listed price for the MGB being tested rabbit shoulders." was $2,758 including wire wheels. There is much more praise in the Next timewhat did Car & Driver article than what I have written think of the MGB? @ above-and not much more in the -Bill Barge complaint department. And continu- PullHandle Registrar Chairman's Chat - Continuedfrom Page 4 than once and it's a scary feeling Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area this being all alone with no one to talk to. coming October. Remember that it could be you in Don't forget to get your input into trouble next time! our Secretary, D Zimmerman, for the ALEX6 RUTHIF YOSS 2C16.72 ! ,3977 c?cre For those of you that attended annual awards to be presented at that i:6 721.3955 i?x MG 2001 in St. Paul, 1 hope you meeting. The sooner, the better. 8?E.393.9?77tci 'me enjoyed the event and I look forward to seeing those of you that attend the Annual General Meeting in the 50 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 MGR DRIVER-July/August2001 Specializing in Restorationsof' MG's and other British Sports Cars New F. Used Parts Availab!e Body Repair. Wiring. Englne etc. SKIP KELSEY, ~6 PARR@SPECI Rob Msdy~sk~ a AalhorzdMOSS ;h!;lors 1577 Aacopin Rd. West Nilford, NJ 0748 - PansDts!nbulor (973)-728-3096 Tcl LFax.925:84FIIZP MC~V!SkAb.4X'DiSC (973)-728-7871 Fax#-- - . -. .. ..-.-...... - ..-.v ...-.. MG ERIC JONE6 Mini Brittish Car Repair. Rky Tucker J. Madawick Restor~tion.Recycling Owner/British Car & MG Specialist Au6tii Morris by appornfment only (81 2) 334-1 700 21 10 Vernal Pike Triumph 1271 Pollock Qoad FAX (81 2) 334-1 71 2 Bloomington, IN 47404 WoIdey Delaware. Ohio 43015 www.autosportinc.com emall: [email protected] AustinHealey 740/%3-2203 Norman Nock Technical AGv~sor (209i 948-8767 British Repair Specialists DON ST AMOUR ALBERT DOEIATlP 206C N Wi scn Way . Stocdon CA 95205 'ax 2391 948-1C30 -€-Ma I Heate\ Uoc (5 ao ZOT 1413 Stewart Ave.,Levittown, PA 19057 (215) 547-8779 RESTORATION - SEWiCE -RtbAIYS PART* I 52 MGBDRIVER-July/Augusl 2001 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 53 Advertise YOUR business I Restore your car- better than new! I Sleeveand rebuild brakes: in the MCB Driver clascr. whcci, iai:per.s, sel vo. slaw,cluich cylinder for less than $10.00 and boocrcrs,rell:~e shoes 1,iferlrnc 'Xx:a[iry a month. Call us at Quick Scrric.~ (954)340-1252 White Post ltestorations One C)!d GI l)r;\c 1'0. Dcavx-r l3. Whntc I'ulr. I:,\ 2.663 to find out how! Bob Connell Serv~cefor the GENUINE Owner MG Motor- Car JOE CURTO INC. Specializing in S.U & Zenith-Stromberg Carburetors Britlsh Car Parts and Repair 22-09 126th St. College Point, NY 1 1356 SPARES 71 8-762-SUSU (762-7878) I Connell's MGSewice Ltd. FAX: 718-762-6287 6667East 38th Street Indianapohs,IN 46226 317.545.6108 Fax31 7.475.0544 1ZENITH www.~oecurto,nc.com MG COSAS PARTS BUY SELL TRADE Parts, Service, Restorations,- Advice Ed Kaler Proprretor I I JIM & ESTHER UDKLER 24027 CROSSLAND AuthorizedMass DrstnS~tor Phone (6301325-61 13 OWNERS SAN ANTONIO, TX 78264 5624 SouthVbQch!nplon Fax (630)325-7650 H!nadale. IL 60521 E mall ,uslBr~ts@aoicorn 54 MGB DRIVER-July/August 2001 lfinar -+~9-2eza Doug's 30-6 MG SHOP RUST REPflIR SPECI(ILIST5 I' New & Used Parts Shipped flnywhere 1038 Hwy 33, ow ell N.J. 07728 CHRIS ROBERTS 633 HAVEN AVE. PRESIDENT OCEAN CIN,N.J. 08226 1(732)919-0771 lax: (732)938-2217 - FromRestoration To Servicing,Call ... NOW AVAILABLE -- REMOVABLEHARDTOPS %riti$b Car$ QUALITY BODY PANELS MGB-MIDGET and Other ofBmerica, int. Sports Cars Charlie Key- President 1 High performance composites. Free Catalog. I I Y I Shop Home 2338 N. Lindbergh 2845 Gilwood Ave. St. Louis, MO 63114 St. Louis, MO 631 14 www.smoothline.com 31 4-426-5357 31 4-428-9335 Call (724) 274-6002 or Fax (724) 274-611 2 1 % %* p MGA& MGBPRODUCTS I ~hatyour MG Needs! Modifications & a Tires Recommendations for: Wir -5 rrd -I 3ur marketing mndger, D 3n Eamda, K he proud,long ENGINES BRAKES t~mewner ( TD#24959 , and a rnernlber At96 ofthe SUSPENSIONS if VewEngland MC '7" Rq!nei. Bntsh WireWhsd has BRITISH 25yean experienceiivlth ailQpes of MC AUTOMOTIVE us fwwheelrelated pam and a&(? ~~UNE& rAA, Author~zed Moss Dtstrlbutor 800.732.9866Fsa lt,:; 2 ORD~F Internet: h Hp:ilwww.rr~gbrnga.corn Fs)883-720" '500 VdlREII!"EELCi I; k 'KLI>IALOL 21 Pama ron Way Unit 1 * Novato California 94949 4.44AIRPORT BLI'D, SUITE 114. ~YATSGYML.F,CA05076 JSA * brl~sh~virewheel corn j I MGR 2001 2001 56 DRIVER-JuIy/Auqust {MGB DRNER-JLII~/AU~~S~ 57 The Marketplace of the North American MGB Register Forthcoming Events of Interest to MG Drivers ds in this section are FREEto individual MGB Register members in good stand- nlease check for up to date iriformatlon before departing to the meet. The ing-please no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, address, .kRegrster encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to hone number and membership number to 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's MGB Driver. lnformation must include date, location, and contact phone Grove, IL 60515. Ads only accepted in writing. Business or other ads by arrangement number. Pleuse submit events at least three months in advance to the Ed~tor, with Jim Brucato, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front cover). All ads must be 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's Grove, 11 60515. received by the 30th of the month prior to publication for inclusion. (i.e. MAJOR NORTH FOR 2001 SeptemberlOctober 2001 issue deadline is August 30, 2001 .) Ads will be run for two AMERICAN MG EVENTS (2) issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems Aug. 2-3, Abingdon Trials Endurance Rally, Abingdon, IL, (231)894-6105 unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. Aug. 3-5, Abingdon Summer Party, Abingdon, IL, (630)289-7915 Aug. 4, British Car Day 2001, Dayton, OH, (937)293-2819, [email protected] CARSFOR SALE Aug. 4, British Car Day at Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH, (216)991-8700 1967 MGB GT Special Edition-Needs minor transmission work, headliner Aug. 11-12, Duryea Hillclimb, Reading, PA, (610)374-9702 and a paint job. Has sunroof. $2500 or offers (706) 45-9226 or Aug. 12, Alden Sports Car Show, Alden, MI, (231)331-6431 [email protected]. Serious inquiries only. Aug. 26, A Taste of Britain, Lancaster, PA, (717)292-0579 Sept. 8 6- 9, British Car Festival, Tipton, PA, (814)942-7742, or [email protected] 1969 MGB-Restoration started. Engine bay and engine done. Needs sills, Sept. 9, Chicago British Car Festival, Des Plaines, IL, (630)773-4806 floors. Have parts 51,400. obo. (773)617-2001, 1L Sept. 9, Battle of the Brits, Sterling His, MI, (810)979-4875 1973 MGB-Owned 20 years. Everything new or refurbished. Excellent driver. Seut. 20-22, Texas MG Reqister Fall GoF, Kerrville, TX, (972)843-0201,. . or $5,800. (865)983-2104,