Monthly Publication of the Chicagoland MG Club P.O. Box 455, Addison Il 60101 visit us at www.ChicagolandMGclub.com
DRIVELINE
November 2018
2018 Halloween Rally October 28, 2018
~ Costume Winners ~
Steve Sparks was the winner of best male costume and Jody Simons took best female costume honors.
Bill Kalafut & Jean Heasley won first place for couples’ costume as a Prince and his Royal Queen.
1 Natter ‘n’ Noggin: Come and enjoy a British tradition of "talking and drinking” on the second Tuesday of each month, starting about 7:00 p.m. at alternating locations: ODD numbered months: EVEN numbered months: Finn McCool's Irish Pub Anyway’s Pub NEW SITE! 1941 E Algonquin Road 5 E Roosevelt Road Schaumburg, IL 601732 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Monthly Club Meeting: is held on the third Monday of each month (except no meeting in December). The meetings are from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MACK’S GOLDEN PHEASANT just West of Route 83 on Route 64 (North Avenue) in Elmhurst. (come early for dinner, drinks or chat).
President—Dean Hickenlooper 630-607-2690 [email protected] EDITOR’S CORNER Vice-President— Jim Compton 847-741-4934 [email protected] “Rain, rain go away…” This was
Secretary / Membership the mantra at the last few driving events. Victor L’Heureux It may have dampened the roads but not 847-533-3916 (cell) our enthusiasm for the events. Members [email protected] came out in force to participate in the outdoor events despite the precipitation. Treasurer—Philip Wydra What a club! 847-639-5739 [email protected] With the coming club elections, I hope you all consider a position on the Driveline Editor—Victor L’Heureux staff or one of the many ancillary functions of the club or at least take on a role 847-533-3916 (cell) in organizing a future driving event or activity. The work is not difficult, and the [email protected] rewards are gratifying. Many past event leaders will help where needed.
Classifieds—Victor L’Heureux 847-533-3916 (cell) All staff positions are open for nominations –Treasurer being the critical [email protected] position this year with Phil Wydra stepping down. Final nominations take place during the November club meeting. If you are not able to attend, please email Librarian—Bill & Deb Mennell your nomination to [email protected]. 630-393-1514 [email protected] See you on the road… Driving Events—Jamie Schafer 312-927-3155 In this month’s issue: [email protected] > Make your Choice?, page 6
Tech Coordinator > Tennessee? Where is that?, page 8 Stephen Skegg > Feature event article, page 10 630-960-4930 > Past events start on page 9 [email protected] > Upcoming events start on page 11 > YES! It is Holiday Party time, page 12 Webmaster—Barney Gaylord > Where is Barney?, page 13 630-946-3841 [email protected]
Facebook Coordinator Kim Tonry 630-968-4347 [email protected] ~~ Victor L’Heureux
Regalia—George Phariss 847-566-5075 The Club welcomes all MG enthusiasts to call on its gatherings. Please call any person listed [email protected] above for more information.
Toolmaster—Jim Evans The Driveline is published by the Chicagoland MG Club. It is the sole property of the 630-858-8192 Chicagoland MG Club. Reprinting of its contents is allowed by members and other car clubs [email protected] with credit for original source. Please keep in mind that the technical advice and opinions offered are those of their authors and do not necessarily represent those of the club as a whole. Modifications and procedures presented may violate state or federal laws. They might not even work. The Driveline and the Chicagoland MG Club will not be liable for any consequences. Send all Driveline Newsletter contributions to Victor L’Heureux care of [email protected] Deadline for submissions is Friday after the monthly membership meeting.
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The Steering Column The Steering Column Left Hand Drive Right Hand Drive from our President from our Vice-President
I can’t believe the 2018 driving season is almost over Well it's that time of year again. Leaves changing already. Where has summer gone? I must admit to having color, cool brisk mornings and only a few driving events left. been (still am) in a bit of a funk. This whole retirement thing The best part about this time of year is DRIVING! Yes, driving isn’t quite what I expected. I keep wondering how I ever had top-down, running the rpm up high and getting the most out of time to work. I have the last few months of the driving season before the inevitable been taking on phase-2 time comes to tuck'em in for the winter. of organize my life, the garage phase. It’s Have you ever noticed how your MG seems to have a amazing how much junk little more power with the cool moist air of the fall season? I’ve collected over the Mine feels like it's got an extra 5 HP or so. If you think about it last 30 years, and how the air is denser when cold and moisture only add to that. So, much I still want to when a denser air mixture is drawn into the engine you get a keep. I’ve been bigger BANG! researching ideas for better garage Well enough about that. Moving on elections are organization. I built a coming up again and I hope I can count on your vote for prototype spray can, and reelection. I'd like to publicly thank Bill for the nomination. oil bottle holder. I plan Tim Schafer will again be my campaign manager. on making a much larger version for my garage. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you and the club this past year and looking forward to continued This has me service in the year to come with the help of your vote. So, thinking about all the remember to vote soon and vote often! Cheers other things I should build to make my garage better. Rolling work bench, put rollers on my parts washer, build a rolling cart for my ignition SEFTY FAST scope and so forth. You see the theme here? Everything needs to roll. That way I can begin to plan garage phase 3. Phase 3 is make my garage livable. More outlets, pipe in the air compressors. Yes, I have more than one. I hope by combining my compressors I’ll actually get sufficient air flow to use my ~~ Dean Hickenlooper media blast cabinet effectively.
your humble servant Anyways. My garage is currently uninsulated and does not have drywall on the walls or ceiling. So in the winter it gets darn cold. I’ve got a big torpedo heater which can make up for that but it’s very noisy when it’s running and too big for the garage. So I’m constantly turning it off and on. And when I fire it back up, I have to open all the doors because of the stink for the first minute of running. I hope I can get through this phase and onto phase 3 before my wife decides we are moving to a new house (downsizing). No firm plans on that yet but we both recognize that our current house will be too big for just the two of us, once my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter buy their new home.
It’s time to nominate and elect club officers. ALL Positions are open for nominations. If you’re interested, please speak up.
Well till next month. Thank you all! Safety Fast
~~ Jim Compton
3 Monthly Meeting Minutes
October 15, 2018 Break/ 50:50 raffle – CMGC member Bill Kalafut was the 33 Members in attendance winner of $44.
New Business CMGC President Dean Hickenlooper opened the nd meeting at 7:07 pm. Dean welcomed new Champagne Toast to the Club on its 42 Birthday and cake for member Larry Baiza to the meeting. He has a all. 1980 MGB. Nomination for Officers for next year: Staff Reports President: Dean Hickenlooper nominated by Bill Kalafut Finance – Treasurer Phil Wydra noted the club is in good Vice President: Jim Compton nominated by Phil Wydra standing and has $5,760.20 in checking and $18,244.12 in Treasurer: Phil Wydra is planning to step down. Several savings. The total is $24,608.96. people may be interested, and the club is looking for new Library – Bill Mennell – nothing new to report people to step forward and take on the job. Secretary: Victor L’Heureux was nominated by Dave Car Projects Bralich Bill Kalafut has an inventory of car parts that we have in the club so that you should call him before ordering parts from With no further business to discuss, President Dean Moss or Victoria. A good way to save money and for the club Hickenlooper closed the meeting at 8:15 pm. to earn some money. Jim Evans discussed the “Pick Apart” car in his driveway and st Respectfully submitted, this weekend Oct 20 and 21 is the last time to be able to get George Phariss, CMGC Member for parts from the car before it is going to the scrap yard. Victor L’Heureux, CMGC Secretary Phil Wydra talked about an electrical problem with his B, probably the alternator, which is new and not working.
Past Events (detail summaries of these events are in this issue of Driveline issue) September 22- All Aboard Tour: Bob Dorley October 13- Car Care Safety Clinic for Seniors: Bill Kalafut 79 cars inspected. Corrections & Clarifications There was a Blackhawk Raceway event that was not
official for the club but had several club members Driveline participate and was a fun day. Watch for future events next Accuracy is important to the CMGC staff and I year that you might be interested in attending. want to correct mistakes promptly. It was noted in last month's issue of Driveline that a MGB Peoples Choice Upcoming Driving/Social Event Schedule (additional details award was given to Melissa Perez. The correct recipient of these events are in this Driveline issue) was Melissa Gonzales for her 1979 black MGB LE. We October 28- Halloween Rally, Phil Wydra regret the error. November 4- Fall Tune Down, Dave Bralich November 22- Cruise to the Rock, Ann and Jake Snyder December 1- Christmas Party limited to first 80 people to sign up.
Welcome New Members!
The officers and members of the Chicagoland MG Club extend a cordial “MG Welcome” to the new members who have joined our club in recent months. We wish you “Safety Fast” and hope you will avail yourself of as many club activities as you can.
Tom Nelson Wheaton IL Steve Nelson Glen Ellyn IL 1977 MGB Barry Kriegermeier Woodstock IL 961 ivory MGA coupe
Note: To any member whose name does not appear above, your application may have missed our deadline.
If you don’t see your name next month, call our Membership Chair, Victor L’Heureux at (847) 533-3912 to verify.
4 Newer Directions
Monthly Column of Driving Events One last call for our lovely Chicagoland MG & Vintage MG GOBBLE GOBBLE MG enthusiasts!!! Club Holiday party on Saturday, December 1st at the Wheat Stack in Lisle, IL. There is limited space for this event, so November really sets the tone for winter’s please sign up and make your reservations as soon as possible. arrival….and I’M NOT READY FOR Bring a wrapped gift for the grab bag gift exchange. I will also IT!!!! We all want that warm breeze in our be presenting this year’s winners for the driving events and face with our car tops down and cursing on our wonderful rallies. All the information is listed in this month’s issue. tours and rallies!!! We are also introducing a BRAND NEW award – The It is, however, the month to be “Thankful for”. I think it is fair MEMBERS CHOICE AWARD. This honors the member’s to say that we are all thankful for driving such GREAT cars, favorite event/rally for the 2018 driving season. Doug Clark thankful for the incredible friendships we have made with our has all the information and detailed instructions written in this MG members and most of all thankful to be part of the BEST month’s newsletter. It is CRITICLE that all votes get in right CAR CLUB in the Chicagoland area!!!!!! (AND THE after the last event (cruise to the rock) November 22nd and NO CROWD GOES CRAZY!!!!!!) YAY!!!!!!!!!! LATER than Monday, November 26th. Doug will present the “MAIDEN” Member’s Choice award to the host(s) and The Fall Car Care Safety Clinic for seniors hosted by Jim organizer(s) at the Holiday Party. Vondran took place on Saturday, October 13th. Once again, this event was very successful and gratifying to both the I wish everyone GOOD HEATH and delightful, DELICIOUS seniors and our club members. There were 80 cars that Thanksgiving holiday!!! showed up for a quick inspection and some expertise advice from 7 MG club members.
I will have to recap on the legendary Halloween Rally, AGAIN: TO ALL ORGANZIERS AND HOSTS when organized and hosted by Phil and Sandy Wydra. This rally writing up your articles to promote your events, please took place on Sunday, October 28th. Can’t wait to tell you who remember to not only send a copy to CMGC Driveline editor won the best costume and the winners of the SPOOKY Victor L’Heureux [email protected] and Barney CHALLENGES!!! Gaylord [email protected] but also to Greg Hoeft - [email protected] – for inclusion This month has (2) two last events for the season…..(SAY IT in the VMGCC Vintage Viewpoint newsletter. ISN”T SO!!!!) Also – for all Hosts and organizers of events, please try to On November 4th, Dave “Cowboy” Bralich will host the Fall remember to ask for a volunteer to do a write up for your Tune Down. This will take place November 4th. I will tell you event for the Driveline!!! all about the event next month! I planned to go….to learn a little bit about the cars, ease drop on the guys conversations Safe travels and “MGreetings” and see if their gossip stands up to us ladies and our conversations when we get together….HA! Seriously, I am really only going for Dave’s FAMOUS Chili!! YUMMM!! ~~ Jamie Schafer
AGAIN… a reminder for the final driving event for this year’s calendar is the HISTORICAL Cruise to the Rock, hosted and organized again by Jake and Ann Snyder. This drive takes place on Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, November 22nd. The details are in this month’s Driveline.
Cars Wanted 1930’s—1960’s Jaguar XK, XKE, MGA, MG-T series, Austin Healey, Mercedes-SL's, Porsche 356-911, Triumph Tr-3-4-250, Alfa-Romeo, Morgan
also Other European classics and exotic cars. Any condition, any location. Serious Buyer, will pay the most.
Also paying generous finders fees
Steve’s British Connection 630-553-9023 www.stevesbritishconnection.com
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MAKE YOUR CHOICE - THE CMGC AND VMGCC MEMBERS' CHOICE AWARD
As announced and explained in the September Driveline (page 6) and Vintage Viewpoint (page 8), YOU - as a member of either Club - can select your favorite driving event that was orga- nized and held this year.
All you must do is choose ONE driving event - as your favorite, YOUR "Member's Choice". How do you choose? Just send an e-mail to Doug G. Clark ([email protected]) with the name / title of your Choice.
As we plan on presenting the inaugural award at the Holiday Party on Sat. 1st December, all choices MUST be received no later than Sat. 24th November - so there will be time to have the award engraved.
The following is a listing of the eligible driving events (i.e., those for which dash plaques are awarded to members of both Clubs):
018 CMGC and VMGCC Driving Season
Spring Tune-Up, Fall Tune-Down Clinics Spring Brunch Tour Spring Chicken Tour VMGCC Spring Tour Jo Daviess County Tour Miata Autocrosses Highland Games British Car Show Land's End Rally GoF Central Mid-Summer MG Party Golf Course Tour and 19th Hole Picnic / Cookout 42 / 52 Anniversary Tour Westmont Cruisin' Night Tally Ho Rally Wine, Cheese, and Beer Tour All Aboard 2 Tour Halloween Rally Cruise to the Rock
We still have one driving event that are "eligible". Consider EVERY event. Remember, send an e-mail with your choice - NO LATER THAN SAT. 24th NOVEMBER.
In addition to supporting those in our Clubs who plan and organize the driving events - let's show our appreciation of them with this Award!
Safety Fast! ~~ Doug G. Clark
Technical Tidbits
Using the proper tool will make the maintenance task A good electrical multi-tester will save a lot of easier. Below are some tools that could make your task aggravation in finding ignition and charging more enjoyable. problems.
Doing Carb work without a Unisyn or similar A good screw-in compression tester is a must. tool is just an exercise in frustration. Unless If the compression is bad, a tune-up is a you are an expert, comparing the hiss will not waste of time. get the carbs in sync. ….and most important... A 12-volt test light is needed for any electrical troubleshooting. Never get under the car without using jack stands.
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The Library Muse
For years Deb and I have carried towing insurance through AAA. Just for the very unlikely event that the MGB would break down on the road. Fortunately that has never happened. The few incidents that we have encountered have been remedied by roadside repairs. That all changed several weeks ago on a fishing trip up to northern Wisconsin. You may want to break out a map for the rest of the story.
My buddy Tom and I were headed north from home with a 14 foot canoe on the roof. No, not in the MGB, but in my Honda Ridgeline. We stopped in Lake Tomahawk at the meat market to pick up some prime steaks for the grill and beef jerky. I use the jerky to bribe Sam and the guys at Don’s Auto Ade where the club has had the Spring Tune-up for the several years. Anyway as we leave the store and get back out to the truck the engine won’t turn over, not even a click. All the idiot lights come on and the headlamps and horn work fine, so it’s not the battery. Open the hood and yes, the engine is still there. All the wiring and the fuse seem to be OK. Having an automatic trans we can’t pull a Victor/ Penny routine and push start it. And I don’t want to use a jump wire across the solenoid and risk frying all the electrical systems.
Let’s call AAA. The closest tow is in Rhinelander, about 30 miles away. Deb comes down from Mercer to pick us up. So we have about an hour to kill. As luck would have it, there’s a bar next to the meat market (of course in northern Wisconsin there is a bar next to just about everything) so we were able to pass the time constructively. We get the Honda towed to the repair shop in Manitowish, about another 20 miles, but it’s the closest garage to the cabin in Mercer. All is under control.
When we get to Manitowish the garage is closed for the day. We leave the truck there with a note and call them the next day. Bad news, they don’t work on foreign cars. In this day and age that would severely limit one’s clientele base, but that’s another story. Now the closest place that I can find to do the repair is the Honda store, back in Rhinelander. Call AAA and the truck is towed there and repaired. Needed a new starter, which we knew all along.
Moral of the story, have tow insurance on all your cars, two tows in two days totaling 70 or so miles and no towing charges. And no towing fees leaves more money for an attitude adjustment at the local while awaiting the tow. It’s a win-win situation.
~~ Bill Mennell
DID – U – KNOW by Facia Nearside
Great Britain has an everlasting love affair with motorsport. This not only led to competition on every imaginable level but to an amazing array of manufacturers. While some never get a car into production others soldier along for many years with successful products but never become face cards in the British deck. Marcos is an example of the latter.
Founded in 1959 by Jim Marsh and Frank Costin, Marcos derived the company name from the first three letters of each surname. Having worked in the aircraft industry, Costin was an advocate of using marine plywood to form a rigid lightweight structure, thus Marcos racing cars were constructed in this manner. Within a year Marcos GT cars were achieving considerable success, with some noted drivers like Jackie Stewart behind the wheel.
In 1964 the Marcos GT 1800 road car was launched. It had a Volvo 1800cc engine and a sleek glass fiber body that resembled a Ferrari GTO. A unique feature of the car was the fixed seat but adjustable pedals to suit the driver. In 1965 the Mini 1966 Marcos GT 1800 Coup Marcos debuted, a kit car based on Mini Cooper mechanicals. Laugh if you want but it was the only British car to finish LeMans in 1966! Then in 1968 the Marcos Mantis M70 arrived using a Triumph TR6 engine for its power.
From there the list of successful models could easily fill a tome. Marcos were experts at securing the services of brilliant engineering minds and borrowing the best mechanicals from throughout the world. As late as 1997 The Autocar tested the new Marcos Mantis and reported: “How a company that builds just 70 cars a year can design, engineer, and produce a car as good as the Mantis is beyond comprehension.” However, that small production number in today’s hi-tech automated world might have finally been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Marcos became insolvent in 2000 but was resurrected by Canadian Tony Stelliga as Marcos Engineering Ltd in 2002. This apparently only forestalled the inevitable. After 48 years Marcos finally wound up production in 2007 and went into voluntary liquidation.
Reprinted from British Boots & Bonnets Chronicle— September 2018 issue.
7 Special Interest
The Mongrel Heads For Tennessee by Ralph Arata
Mongrel - Of mixed breeds. I built my '72 B by cannibalizing 2 cars years ago ergo the name "Mongrel".
It's been a great car and over the last couple years I have focused on making it more of a "distance" drive adding the overdrive, quiet exhaust, heavier gauge header, insulation and rebuilding the seats in a certain way. I was also able to find a larger heater box matrix/ impeller with a 2-speed motor (this I had installed by a pro) and the car is actually warm in the winter and has a kick-butt defroster.
Susan and I relocated to Tennessee in April but without a place to put the Mongrel it stayed in Illinois. This allowed the ability to come back and participate in the club's driving events the last of which was Wine, Cheese & Beer Tour. Well, time for the big test i.e. a 600 mile drive south. I 355 to I 80 to I 80-94 to Indiana and I 65.
Things went well as well-travelled thru Chicago area (no civilized traffic) and onto I- 65 south. Took I 65 all the way Louisville where we switched to I 64 east to Lexington. First rest stop in Indiana It was a hot day and there wasn't much I could do about that but as we headed east the landscape started getting more interesting with the rolling hills of Lexington.
Road noise was a constant issue and I remembered what Steve Skeggs told me on his long MG trips...."wear ear plugs"! Well, couldn't do that this trip and then there are trucks whizzing by. The view of their tires from the side of a very small car can be unnerving!
Things still went well we turned passed thru Lexington and headed south on I 75 toward Tennessee. The scenery kept getting better and better as the rolling hills began to grow into bigger. But it was still hot. The B did very well without a "lick" of overheating but the driver was sweating it out. South on I 75 we hit a snag. The entire interstate was shut down in both directions to a chemical truck fire. In 90 degree heat this was NOT Not much of a view. Sitting in 4-mile fun!! It was time to find an alternative so Susan and I got off at next exit (we were close thank god) and long traffic on I 75 Google mapped it.
So for next 3.4+ hours it was the back roads which sounds crazy but the highway was closed for the rest of the day.
The good was that the back way was not only pleasant and scenic, but these were MG roads! Surprising there was no traffic to speak of so we just cruised along our from Kentucky into Tennessee where the scenery changed once again to the Great Smokey Mountains.
The detour was scenic and air very cool. Mongrel made safe and sound - of all the things I did to the car the Mountains - almost there! seat rebuild was the best. No aches or pains (believe it or not). If anyone wants the special rebuild I did just let me know.
~~ Ralph Arata
8 Past Event Triad Fall Car Care Safety Clinic for Seniors October 13, 2018 — 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Can I catch readers’ attention with another “Huge Success” headline when each Car Care Safety Clinic draws a big crowd? Well, the event was once again a big success, and many thanks go to the MG club volunteers! On October 13th, we were able to provide comprehensive inspections on 77 vehicles! MG club members included Jim Compton, Bob Dorley, Dean Hickenlooper, Phil Wydra, Tim Schafer, Chuck McCallum, and me.
With the car owners safely inside, Jim Vondran and others shuttle the vehicles Early arrivals Line up to register their vehicles into the garage The Fall Car Care Safety Clinic has had some interesting weather in its history, including the earliest recorded snow one year, and over seven inches of rain another year. This year, it was cool in the early morning, but it turned into a bright sun-filled day, though we were well prepared for all weather circumstances.
We reversed the incoming traffic flow this time, eliminating the need to form long lines of cars, and having delays of getting vehicles into the inspection area. Drivers would pull up and get escorted into the comfortable registration and food area, and we had car hops moving the cars to the garage.
In some cases, we were able to advise car owners of some repairs that were needed, and some repairs that were not yet needed. (A major part of the Naperville & Lisle Townships Triad is to provide awareness of scams and scare tactics used to extract money from seniors, and unfortunately, it happens often in the car repair business.) Phil Wydra and Dean Hickenlooper
Our club has many driving events each year, and it is a jam- packed variety of events for every type of MG enthusiast. And when all is said and done, the Chicagoland MG Club members really step up and help provide excellent community service. Whether it was Reinout’s oil change days in the past, Jamie’s Peds in the Weeds, or Car Care Safety Clinics for Seniors, MG club members have always volunteered to make someone else’s life a little better and safer. For that I am most grateful, and proud to be one of the MG club guys.
~~ Jim Vondran Tim Shafer begins another vehicle inspection
9 Feature Event
2018 Halloween Rally Sunday October 28, 2018
It was a cold, damp and blustery day…..That just about describes the 2018 Halloween Rally - it felt like the Moors of England right out of a Dicken’s classic. How fitting that such a day would play host for one of our last rallies of the year. Ten brave teams showed up defying the elements in their MGs. Another five, less adventurous teams participated in more refined vehicles.
Driving the route in a British classic rewarded the passengers with a cold, wet and uncomfortable occurrence. The way Morris Garages intended. On the other hand, those traveling in a more civilized automobile resulted in a warm, dry, quiet, and comfortable ride. Sissies. There were a total of 15 cars and ten much appreciated helpers in attendance for the drivers meeting. However, before the rally could begin, drivers had to demonstrate their skills by pulling up as close as possible to a pumpkin without their passenger tire smashing it.
Once they were verified as road worthy, the drivers were allowed to cruise throughout the countryside in quest of challenges and treasures. Off they went driving through wooded lands filled with mighty hills, curvaceous turns and unknown undertakings. Each team was faced with the daunting task of chucking eyeballs into Halloween buckets only to be then faced with the exasperating task of bouncing ping pong balls into the ghost’s goblets. Lastly, if their navigational skills allowed, the members found themselves faced with the unnerving task of sending eyeballs into the unknown terrors of a haunted house. Our club is full of brave and hearty souls. Except for one car that developed electrical gremlins and had to drop out, all teams completed the challenges thrust upon them.
While dining at the Village Squire in Dundee, we all celebrated the victories of the winners. When the ballots were all counted, Steve Sparks was the winner of best male costume. Not to be left in the cold, his partner in crime, Jody Simons took best female costume honors. The Big Bad Wolf rides with Little Red Riding hood.
Of course, no CMGC function would be complete without a little bit of royalty showing up. Bill Kalafut and Jean Heasley won first place for couples’ costume as a Prince and his Royal Queen. Somewhere, I saw a trench coated man waving hi to the crowd. His hands never left his pockets.
Rounding out the day were the awards for the driving teams. First place for the rally goes to Tim and Jamie Schafer. While coming in second place was Pete Psiharis and Beth Reed. Taking the third place shot glass was Steve and Liz Gorr. How do the two teams that got lost come in first and third? Humm… This was Pete and Beth’s first CMGC rally. I believe they may be hooked now.
Rally Winners—(left to right) - Tim & Jamie Schafer, Pete Psiharis & Beth Reed and Steve & Liz Gorr.
This year the weather was the trick. Hopefully, next year it will be a treat.
~~ Phil Wydra
10 Upcoming Events
Fall Tune-Down and Chili Party Sunday, November 4, 2018: 11 am - 4 pm 82 King Drive - Streamwood, IL
Do you know what your winter project will be? If not come by and I am sure we can find something that should be done before next year’s driving season. I have a low-lift hoist so we can do some underbody inspection or brake work. End of the driving season is time for oil changes, some tune-up work or minor repairs. Bring your own parts, oil and a jug for oil disposal (and yes, you will take your own away).
Chili and drinks will be provided. [email protected] (Home: 630-289-7915 Cell:630-222-3571).
~~David Bralich
Cruise to the Rock Thursday, November 23, 2018
To be driving our cars after most everyone else has stopped driving theirs is quite a thrill. Each Thanksgiving morning since 1995, a dedicated group of Chicagoland MG Club members have gathered in Jackson Park at the corner of South Cornell and eastbound Midway Plaisance to celebrate the anniversary of the Times Herald Race of 1895.
Few Chicagoans may be aware that the first automobile race to occur on this continent was held from this sit, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, to Evanston and back. Worldwide, this race was second only to a race held in France in 1893. Various accounts state that between 60 and 80 entrants applied to enter, but the race was postponed twice because few were ready. When J. Frank Duryea (on the left, with the it was finally held Thanksgiving morning, following an overnight snowfall of 6 to 8 referee who rode with him) inches, only 6 vehicles were able to start the race. Two of them were Benz vehicles that had been imported from Germany, but the winning car was an American entry designed, built, and driven by J. Frank Duryea, who had grown up in rural Illinois. Although only Duryea and one of his competitors finished the race, many credit this event with proving that these vehicles were, in fact, a match for horse-drawn carriages.
As in past years, we plan on meeting at 9:00 am at the Rock. We will request a parking courtesy along eastbound Midway Plaisance. Be aware that Midway Plaisance is one way east bound at the Rock. Groundbreaking for the Obama Presidential Library in the area of the Rock is not scheduled before next spring, but if there are any access problems there is parking further west along Midway Plaisance on the University of Chicago campus.
Afterwards, we will gather for brunch at Harvey’s Restaurant (formerly Stages) at 657 W 31st St.
~~Jake & Ann Snyder
11 Upcoming Event DECEMBER 1, 2018 - SAVE THIS DATE!!
"You are cordially invited the Chicago area MG Clubs Christmas Party!"
Chicagoland & Vintage MG Club Holiday Party Saturday, December 1, 2018 The WHEAT STACK at Seven Bridges 5900 South Route 53, Lisle, Illinois 60532 Phone: 630-968-1920 Cocktails start at 6:00PM Dinner at 7:00PM
GRAB BAG Gift Exchange (Grab Bag just bring a wrapped gift of $10 prox./optional)
This is the largest joint Vintage MG/Chicagoland MG clubs event of the year!
*************************************************************************** Due to the popularity of this event there is a limited number of reservations available (80)! Please make your reservations today! Reservations close November 24th!!
Name(s) for the reservation(s) ______
______
Number of people: _____ X $42.00 = $ ______
Send with Check to: Member of: Chicagoland MG Club Chicagoland MG Club Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago PO Box 455 Vegetarian Required Addison, ILL 60101
Menu: Salad/Rolls, Prime Rib or Lemon Chicken, Bean/Carrots & Mashed Potato, Assorted Desserts, Vegetarian needs will be provided for.
***************************************************************************
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MGA Guru Gone Mobile…
As intended, we have been back in the States and have done a tad over 4000 miles in the past 30 days. We sailed out of New Brunswick, Canada into Calais, Maine on the 22nd of September, landing that evening in Bar Harbor, ME to visit Tom Lange and his son at MG T Repair where there were at least five T-types stuffed into a relatively small work shop. Since then we have visited only a handful of fields and a few clubs and fixed only a few cars. On 10/29 we had a nice long Saturday tour called The Speckled Hen Run out of West Dover, VT with some friends from Connecticut MG Club and British Cars of New Hampshire.
The primary effort in the past month has been visiting 100 shops in the northeast, and we are nowhere near finished here yet. I am not going to even list the 100 shops here, but you can find the notes and hundreds of photos to match on my web site. We have run through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. The most notable day may have been a high-speed catamaran ferry ride (people only, no cars) to Nantucket Island to visit one shop on a Saturday. We made 29 miles across Nantucket Bay in one hour flat, dock to dock, with speeds up to 45-mph on the open water. We were there to visit Chris Witte and his shop Classic Motor Services where he services vintage British cars. After the Shop hopping in Massachusetts shop visit we got a nice truck tour around the island, then back on the ferry for return to the mainland the same day.
From there were running through Rhode Island, Connecticut, and on into New York city. After visiting a couple of shops in NYC we were in the right neighborhood to take the Queensboro Bridge across to Long Island on Friday 10/12 and rambled through a few shops the same day. After killing the weekend, we did more shop hopping on the island on Monday 10/15 before return across the Queensboro Bridge during evening rush hour. That four days crawling around the 40-mph catamaran ferry to Nantucket NYC metro area may have been the worst driving experience of the past 4-1/2 years, but the car survived okay, and we got the job done. Then going north, we bounced off Pittsfield, MA momentarily before proceeding to far upstate New York to run west along the Canadian border again. Currently sitting in Rochester, New York on Sunday 10/21.
Some of the more notable shops visited would be in order. How about Maine Radiator where we can still get the original style cell cores for the MGA. Brit Bits in Rye, NH is still doing service and restoration work, and they have about 40 vintage British cars in inventory. We found a new (previously unknown) shop, Northern Motorsport in White River Junction, VT. They are servicing British cars (among other things) and had done a lot of work on an MGA for a friend a few years ago. We stopped at Burnett's Garage in Wenham, MA with a father and son team, now a third-generation family business opened by the grandfather in 1946. It became an MG dealer in 1956 just in time for introduction of the MGA, and they sold a lot of MGA and MGB new. We found one shop in Swampscott, MA to be closed, but in its place, we also found two new Brit car shops not previously known. Burnett's father and son team, third generation.
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(Continued from page 13) We also got to visit the headquarters (home office) of British Marque Car Club News in Harrisville, RI, followed by Rhode Island Wiring Services in West Kingston, RI. And we got to the new location for Abingdon Spares in Deep River, CT (previously in Walpole, NH). They now service vintage MGs as well as supplying parts. We ran cross Motorcars Inc in Plainville, CT where they have about 60 Jaguars in stock (woo-hoo) and service and restore the things as well as sales. New British Marque Car Club News, latest issue Editor of British Marque Car Club England Classic Car Company in Stratford, News in Harrisville, RI CT was an interesting place with an older
Rhode Island Wiring Services, tons of Cable jacket winder machines Dash harness for MGA wire of course
Motorcars Inc in Plainville, CT, 60 Jag's in stock
NECCC has loads of MGB, MGA and other British cars unassuming building stuffed with at least 50 cars, heavy on MGB and Wood dash for MGA at CG Autowood in Norwalk, CT MGA with more vintage British stuff mixed in. We also stopped briefly at Sports and Classics in Stamford, CT, the place that supplied the rocker panels for my MGA in 2008. And C & G Woodcraft in Norwalk, CT where they make wood dash panels and shift knobs for most vintage British cars.
In the big city we saw Uptown Motors in Bronx, NY, Gullwing Motor Cars in Astoria, NY, and on Long Island we visited Joe Curto Inc (the carburetor guy) in College Point, NY. Heading up state we stopped at Michael's Euro Auto Services in Hopewell Junction, NY, where we found two Michaels (father and son) working on vintage British race cars, primarily Elva and Lotus but other "orphan British" as well. We stopped at Morgan Motors of New England in Copake, NY, a new car dealer still selling and servicing Morgan cars. Another shop visit was EM Motors in Stanley, NY servicing vintage British cars for decades, as well as building a new generation British Father & son at Michael's Euro Auto Services, (style) sports car in kit form. Our more recent (successful) shop visit was Hopewell Junction, NY (Continued on page 15)
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(Continued from page 14)
Lotus Europa in the nude MGB with MegaSquirt EFI (mapped for sub-zero cold start)
Modem "British style" kit car EM578 "Corvette killer"
British Auto Salvage, LLC in Walworth, NY where you can find 800 vintage British cars in the fields, News report from Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada mostly intended as a never-ending supply of vintage British parts. https://www.thepacket.ca/living/life-on-the-road-the-mga-guru- Now sitting in Rochester, NY with a day and makes-pit-stop-in-clarenville-243639/ a half more shop hopping in NY before about a week and a half in Pennsylvania 60 shops there). That's ======about the time we may be wondering what we are still doing this far north in early November, but you will Father and son duo hit the road in 2014 and never looked have to wait for next month to hear about that. back
Meanwhile, follow our follies at: http:// Barney Gaylord, known far and wide in sports car circles as the ‘MGA MGAguru.com/mobile. Guru,’ is on a mission of sorts alongside his son Elliot.
“We’re like the Blues Brothers; we’re on a mission from God. There’s a ~~ Barney and Elliot Gaylord purpose for all of this. The mission is over when all MGA’s are back on the road,” explained Barney with a grin. “We want to go around and teach people how to fix ‘em. If we teach people how to fix em, eventually they get back on the road. That’s the objective to all of this.” The pair hope to visit every MGA car club and shop listed in North America, offering their expertise when needed and verifying the existence of car clubs.
15 Classifieds
16 Classifieds
CARS FOR SALE
Non-Member - 1976 &1977 MG Midget 1976 MG Midget complete. Ran when parked. Drove it in the barn 30 years ago, covered it with a tarp, was going to get it back out the next spring - but never did. 1977 MG Midget, complete, but apart. Had a 3rd gear synchro bad. Decided I was going to repower with Wankel 13BT, but never did. Now a rolling chassis. Clear title for both cars. Asking $3,000 for both. Contact me at: [email protected].
Member - 1974-1/2 MGB For the purist – original rubber overriders! This is a no rust Florida car from the prior owner who rebuilt the engine & did a custom yellow paint job. I purchased at about 2800 miles, & I added about 7k miles. Most of those as a daily driver in the nice months. Over the 5+ years I've owned it, I've added new battery, tires, brakes, clutch slave cylinder, fuel tank & pump. Standard Lucas electrical gremlins: with right parking, license, and tail light not working (both brake lights and turn signals do work). Smooth Line brand hard top included. Asking for $8,700 Contact Chad, 630-605-8304, [email protected].
Non-Member - 1979 MGB It was recently painted yellow. It’s is project that is most of the way done. Top is new but need to be finished installed. It runs and carb is rebuilt. Does not move under own power. asking $2,500. Contact Sam Parks, 815-297-3122, [email protected]
Non-Member - 1950 MG-TD TD needs a good home. Exterior is okay. Engine rebuilt 10 years ago. Stored in garage for last 50 years. Extra intake manifold and some other minor parts. New water pump. I couldn’t get it started after the last winter, so not running at this time. I have lost the storage space. Asking $7,000. Contact Gabe Ceci, 414-704-6450, [email protected] Located 15 minutes west of Milwaukee just off I-94.
Member - 1953 MGTD Cream w/green interior. In the 20 years we have owned it we have done the following; rewired the entire car with new wiring harness, replaced rear end with MGA lower ratio gear, replaced damaged body frame wood as necessary at rear of tub, replaced damaged running board on passenger side, added green leather Moss interior, added Moss tan stafast top and tonneau, replaced all four wheel cylinders, rebuilt shocks as necessary, added low mount rear luggage rack, rebuilt windshield wiper motor, instruments checked & repaired as necessary, replaced various chrome fittings & lights with better ones as necessary. Asking for $16,000 Contact Mike Cobb, 773-631-6315 or 773-318-0034, [email protected]. Location: Car always garage kept and located northwest side of Chicago.
PARTS FOR SALE
Member - MGB roadster tinted windshield This is top quality made by PPG. I have two. $100.00 each Contact Jim Renkar, 773-559-5175, , jim- [email protected]. Located in Chicago near Midway Airport
Member - Revolution Aluminum wheels 14 x 6, four spoke, 4 x 114.5 bolt pattern, 13 mm offset with Yokohama Avid Touring-S, P185/70R14 tires. Have zero miles. Must roll wheel flange for clearance if used on MGB. This wheel puts the outside of tire 1/4" closer to the fender. $1100.00 invested. Asking $800.00 or best offer. Contact Jim Renkar, 773-559-5175, , [email protected]. Located in Chicago near Midway Airport , 708-238-4384 Location Crete IL 25600 S Dixie Highway
PARTS AND MISC WANTED
Non-Member - Looking for an Engine Wanted good 948 bottom end or 1098, 1275 , engine for my Sprite project, Also looking for any Bugeye stuff. Contact Robin, 909-866=2099 [email protected] Located in Rockford
Additional information available on club website: http://chicagolandmgclub.com/classifieds/index.html
17 CMGC Events Calendar
November 2018 4 Fall Tune Down-Dave "Cowboy"/Dee Bralich (CMGC) 13 Natter 'n Noggin, Finn McCool's - Schaumburg, IL 7:00 p.m. 14 VMGCCC Meeting, Pizza Joynt, Northlake, IL 8:00 p.m. 19 CMGC Meeting, Mack's Golden Pheasant, Elmhurst IL 7:00 p.m. 22 Cruise to the Rock, Jake and Ann Snyder
December 2018 1 CMGC & VMGCCC Holiday Party, Wheat Stack Restaurant, Lisle, IL 6:00 p.m. 11 Natter ‘n’ Noggin, Roundheads Pizza Pub, Lombard, IL 7:00 p.m. 12 VMGCCC Meeting, Pizza Joynt, Northlake, IL 8:00 p.m. 17 No Club Meeting in December—Happy Holidays!
January 2019 8 Natter 'n Noggin, Finn McCool's - Schaumburg, IL 7:00 p.m. 9 VMGCCC Meeting, Pizza Joynt, Northlake, IL 8:00 p.m. 21 CMGC Meeting, Mack's Golden Pheasant, Elmhurst IL 7:00 p.m.
See additional scheduled events at www.chicagolandmgclub.com/members/calendar.html
Important Announcement
Chicagoland MG Club Staff Position Elections
The Chicagoland MG Club consists of a membership of over 240 members; the majority residing in the Chicagoland area. The club is staffed with four elected officials and currently eight support staff positions. Staff members meet once a month. Being a club staff member is an honored position and is truly rewarding.
As we prepare for our 43rd Anniversary in the year 2019, we will need strong leadership moving forward. You as an active member in good standing it is your obligation to cast your vote for the candidates running for the staff positions.
Below are the general responsibilities of the elected staff positions. We will be accepting final nominations for staff positions at the November Club meeting on November October 19th. Won’t you consider ‘tossing your hat into the ring’ this year?
Elected Staff Positions function President Provides leadership in club operations and presides over staff meetings and club meetings. Vice-President Assists President in the organizational responsibilities of the club. Secretary/Membership Records meeting minutes and is responsible for club correspondence and membership database Treasurer Records and maintains club finances.
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Post cards from Karel
An ‘Auto’biography of History
This time a postcard from Bremen in Northern Germany. The MGB on the Marktplatz (Market Square) has a Paris (France) license plate. I think that the cars to the left of the MGB are two Opels and VW Beetle. ~~ Reinout Vogt
19 Chicagoland MG Club P.O. Box 455 Addison, IL 60101
FIRST CLASS MAIL
Natter ‘n’ Noggin @ Finn McCool's - Schaumburg, IL— November 13, 2018 CMGC Monthly Meeting – November 19, 2018
Chicagoland MG Club’s National Affiliates
November 2018 Driveline