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The Newsletter of the Minnesota MG T Register November/December 2010 Vol. 31, Issue 10 T attler The Bill Allen’s ‘52 TD, see p. 3
The Newsletter of the Minnesota MG T Register
November/December 2010 Vol. 31, Issue 10
TattlerThe
Bill Allen’s ‘52 TD, see p. 3
2
The Minnesota MG T Registerwww.mnmgtr.org
OfficersChair: ! Mark Honnigford ! 612-869-7720 ! [email protected]:! Jenée Honnigford! 612-869-7720! [email protected]:! Nancy Carlson! 507-650-4028! [email protected]: ! Jim Pennoyer! 763-536-5472! [email protected] Editor! Wayne Kivell! 507-645-4691! [email protected]:! Tom Maine! 952-881-3737! [email protected] Council:! Keith Galberth! 952-898-6914 ! [email protected] Master:! Steve Blomberg! 612-869-8264! [email protected] Past Chair:! Steve Blomberg! 612-869-8264! [email protected]
PublicationThe Tattler is published ten times each year from February through November. All material to be included in the next publication should be sent to the Editor
at the following address by the 20th day of the previous month:
The TattlerWayne Kivell1003 Maple St
Northfield MN 55057or by email to: [email protected]
Mission Statement(from our charter, adopted 15 February 1975)
“To bring together those who have a common interest in the restoration and preservation of the ‘T’ series and earlier vintage MGs, and in so doing, further the spirit of the vintage MG,
partake in good fellowship, and develop greater interests in the Gathering Of the Faithful.”
Auto StorageIntroducing our second location!
We have just expanded our room and now offer British Car Storage at our new location North of Forest Lake between Wyoming, MN and East Bethel. We will remain in the shop most are familiar with but in order to serve our clients better, we have decided to offer the expanded facilities. Save yourself a costly tow in spring and store your car with BMC this winter and
we will start your car for itʼs spring awakening ready it for your pickup.Whether you require winter maintenance and need your car in an accessible location or simply
need storage, contact Brian for reservations and further information.
BMC British Automobile, LLCBrian Mc Cullough, Proprietor
6810 225th Ave NEStacy, Minnesota, U.S.A. 55079-4200
Ring: 651.400.0145
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Spotligh“T ”Note: This is the 58th in a series of cover articles on the members of the MNMGTR and the cars which they love and drive.
We focus on how they got their interest in MGs origina!y and how they came to own the car(s) they now drive. WK
The Story of OHH JOYWe came to own our TD more by accident than design. It all started in the spring of 1994 when a magazine advertisement caught my eye regarding two car museums in Kansas City that were closing and having a huge combined auction. One of the cars listed was a 1958 MGA and having owned one many years earlier I decided that my wife and I needed to attend that auction and perhaps see if history wouldn’t repeat itself. She, being a good sport, agreed to the adventure and so early one morning we drove from White Bear Lake to Kansas City to join the excitement of the hunt. Once we arrived, and with my bidders pass, I could walk among and admire, touch, sit in, fiddle with, and inhale the essence of the hundred or more cars waiting for new owners - it was a bit of heaven.
As luck, or fate would have it, the MGA was a bit more of a ‘project car’ than I wanted to deal with, so we crossed it off the list and waited to see what would happen.
Sometime in the late afternoon a very pretty little TD I hadn’t seen before came up on stage and it captured my heart. It had wire wheels and was a creamy yellow color. I knew my bidding limit, but it was exceeded all too quickly by what seemed to be an unusually popular car. I had to decide if I was going to go over my limit, which of course I did. The bidding continued and I soon reached the limit of my courage and bravado, not to mention my good sense; I raised my hand for the very last time. Suddenly the hall got very, very quiet; so quiet you could hear a pin drop, or my heart pounding, and the auctioneer was pointing at me as the proud new owner of that little yellow MG.
A snag immediately occurred to me. Because I had bid over my limit we didn’t have enough cash to actually purchase the car, and the auction company wasn’t about to accept a non pre-approved credit card. It was Sunday; banks were closed. Where could we find a source of money? Problem solved! We hurriedly left the auction auditorium, found a casino, pretended to be big rollers who needed a lot of cash for a fun evening; stuffed the cash in our pockets, returned to the auction site and confidently paid for the car. Trust me, that was nerve wracking.
Then we had to wonder what we bought. As it turned out the car belonged to the museum owner’s wife, and had been owned by them for 27 years. It also helped my confidence to learn that the owner ran an M.G., Jaguar, Austin Healy dealership in Kansas City. Happy and slightly dazed, we drove home to White Bear.
After a few days of anxious waiting the car was delivered and officially became “ours.” We proudly and tentatively took our first drive, and promptly had to be towed home. Slowly I learned the intricacies of owning a British car. Our confidence began to grow. In June I visited the Nicollet Mall British car show where I met club members and found a support group for our newly acquired “habit”, and that’s when the fun of owning the car really began.
Perhaps owning that car was meant to be - I was 52 when I bought that ’52, and the car was manufactured in May, which is my birthday month. Kinda neat!
“Spotlight” cont. p. 14
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IN THE DRIVER’S SEATPERSPECTIVE
2010 Events Awards
If I said we had a “T”riffic year for events this year would you groan and stop reading? You wouldn’t? That’s great! I am going to press my luck a bit and propose the following awards for events this year. In alphabetical order they are:
The “Bathing Suits Optional” award goes to: A Day at the Lake by Alejandro and Laurie Sanchez. On the shore of Big Lake, this is, with out a doubt, one of the most beautiful venues for any event we do all year. Add to that Alejandro’s famous hot pepper appetizers and you have the recipe for a perfect day. Every year we are all invited to go swimming but nobody has done it yet (hence the name of the award). In spite of that everyone always has a good time.
The “Blow the Dust Off It” award goes to: The Hare & Hounds Rally revived by Tim & Nancy Crain and Steve & Kim Blomberg with assistance by Thea Trudgeon. So, some members were complaining that we do not have enough driving events during the year. “Fair enough,” I said. “I have the old Hare & Hounds Trophy. Let’s do one of those.” So we did. It was great fun, according to all who participated and they are all demanding that we do it again next year. It had been 21 years since the last such event, hence the award.
The “Don’t Play with Your Food” award goes to: The Crawfish Boil and Tech Session by Mike Speidel & Betsy Masieé. This tech session has become a favorite with club members, and this year Mike added the Cajun twist to the food. Several people couldn’t resist playing with the doomed critters before they met their fate in the big pot (you know who you are Laurie). Hence the name of the award.
The “How Do They Come Up With This Stuff” award Perspectives, cont. p. 6
Saturday, November 13 is the date for the 2010 MNMGTR business meeting. The most significant purpose of this meeting is to elect our club’s new officers. The event will occur at 3:00 p.m. at the Richfield VFW #5555, located on the corner of 66th Street and Lake Shore Drive. There will be something to snack on . You must R.S.V.P. to a t tend @ 612-869-7720. Any changes will be posted on the website @ www.mnmgtr.org.
Now, on to another subject.
This club had a great year with lots of fun stuff to do, thanks to the hard work by each event’s planner(s). I usually take the easy way out, but some of you went to the wall. Thanks a million for anyone who sponsored or attended any event.
And thank you to GOF attendees for representing the Minnesota chapter in Ohio.
At this juncture, the end of my tenure as chair, special recognitions must be given to Wayne Kivell for the Tattler (he is the Tattler), and to Steve Blomberg for his creation, the current MGTR website.
Lastly, George, Jim and Phyllis, we miss you.
Sincerely,
Mark Honnigford, Chair
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FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT FROM THE GARAGE
Wordsmithing the BylawsOn page 11 of this issue you will find the bylaws of this organization. They also, in case you didn’t know it, can be found on the first pages of your Membership Directory.
These bylaws, written back in 1975, have certainly stood the test of time. To my knowledge, they have not been altered since.
But time does march on, and times change. There have been some Tuesday luncheon discussions about making some changes, so even though the wordsmithing was actually done by Steve Blomberg, Jim Pennoyer and me, the thoughts of others are included. Here are the reasons for the changes.
Article II: Changing “earlier” to “other.” Look around the club. A number of our members are driving As and Bs instead of, or in addition to, T cars. In 1975, Bs were still being built. Now they, too, are vintage.
Article III: At one time membership in the New England MGTR was required to be a member of the MN club. That is no longer the case.
Articles V & VI: It is best not to be too specific in bylaws. Otherwise, for example, every time you add a position, an activity, or change the dues, you have to have a bylaw change. Also, the old bylaws never defined our fiscal year.
Articles VII, VIII and IX: Changes here merely update to current practice and rephrase for clarity.
These changes will be discussed at the November annual meeting. Your input is always welcome. A vote could then be done at the events planning meeting early in 2011.
Wayne Kivell, Editor
It is about that time of the year, when the cars go up for the winter and the driving season is over.
Today (Oct. 19) at the MG Lunch, we had 3 T-types and 1 Jaguar. Looked like it was going to be the final driving day for cars this year.
Lew Palmer is coming along nicely with the Airline and I have seen pictures of Lance's TC and it is going to be a beauty.
Gary Krukowski is working on not only his new garage, but the TD as well. Both may be done sometime next spring.
Mark Honnigford finally figured out his carbs on the B and I am still trying to figure out my car. I’m going to change the carbs this week and see if that makes a difference. Then, no matter what, I’m going to put it up for the winter. I plan to have the windscreen rechromed this winter, so will take it off the car this week.
We have several more activities coming up to finalize the year, so hope to see you at the Business Meeting and at the Holiday Party. You can be sure that a good time will be had by all.
Until next year, Safety Fast!
Tom Maine
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Perspectives, cont. $om p. 4goes to: The Historic Water Towers of the Twin Cities Mystery Tour by Jerry Thorson and Linda Trondson. This event won an award for several reasons, not least of which the double take we all did when Jerry announced we would begin the tour and everybody headed for their cars, except Jerry. He walked across the parking lot to the big water tower. I mean seriously, a water tower tour? Hence the award.
The “Into the Breech” award goes to: A Day Trip Tour of the Minnesota River Valley by Steve & JoAnn Brown. Originally an overnight had been scheduled for this season, but due to circumstances beyond our control it had to be canceled. What to do? Well when you have members like Steve & JoAnn who are willing to step into the void and organize an exceptional day on the road with a tour of the Minnesota River valley, events are in good hands. The late lunch at Schumachers (prepared by John Schumacher himself) was a fittingly fine ending to a great day. We are looking forward to Steve and JoAnn’s next event. Thanks for jumping in at the last minute, hence the award.
The “Tell Me It Ain’t So” award goes to: The Final Annual Pool Party and Car Display by Bob & Sheila Figenskau. I think this one is pretty self explanatory. The Pool Party has always been one of the best attended events of the year and ending this tradition will put a big hole in the schedule. Many thanks to Bob and Sheila for all the great memories. This was truly a classic and deserves any award it gets.
The “Urban Renewal” award goes to: The 23rd Annual Beer Tasting by Dave & Jenni Honnigford and Mark & Jenée Honnigford. For 23 years this event has been held in Dave & Jenni’s South Minneapolis back yard. So for an all too brief Saturday afternoon in July (or sometimes August), South Minneapolis is renewed and restored by the presence of all of the beautiful cars and the wonderful people who drive them. Or maybe it just looks a lot better after all the samples of the brewer’s art have been consumed. Either way things just seem to look a lot better in that part of the city on that day.
The “Where No Man Has Ever Gone Before” award goes to: The Fall Color Tour by Lance & Mickey Delfino with Alejandro & Laurie Sanchez assisting. Lance and Mickey volunteered to do the Fall Color Tour this year at the planning meeting with the following caveat - “Well there isn’t much color up north but we’ll do our best.” Well their best was flat-out fantastic! This was not only one of the best attended driving events of the year (18 cars) but also superbly organized. The weather was just perfect and the restaurant where we had lunch was perfect. So why the “Where No Man Has Gone Before” award? Because when we were done everybody except Lance, Mickey, Laurie and Alejandro had no idea where they were. I mean really, where the hell is Santiago, Minnesota?
The “You Can’t Get There From Here” award goes to: The Minneapolis to Mexico Tour by Steve & Kim Blomberg. Planned as a British Car Week event to take place on Wednesday of British Car Week, it was a tongue in cheek title. The event consisted of driving around the lakes in Minneapolis with more thumbs up and “cool car” reaction per mile than any other event this year. The destination was a small family owned Mexican restaurant providing the Mexico part of the title. That title produced more responses than expected, most of calls started with “really? Mexico?” and went on from there. Hence the award.
These and all of the other well planned events provided our club with one of the best driving seasons ever. I think as a percentage more members took part in at least one event than any other year in recent memory. And if you think this year was good I expect next year will be even better!
See you at the Business Meeting and if not there then for sure at the Holiday Party.
Steve Blomberg
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REGULAR “T” EVENTS
Tuesday MG LuncheonsThe Minnesota MG T Register weekly
luncheons are held at the American Legion,6501 Portland Ave So in Richfield every
Tuesday at 11:15 am.Come one, come all!
East Ender’s Breakfast1st & 3rd Saturdays
Sail Away Café1321 St. Croix Trail, A,on, MNJust North of the junction of
County Road 18 and St. Croix Trail9:00 a.m.
Natter & NogginFirst Sunday of the month
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.at The Scoreboard5765 Sanibel Drive
Minnetonka
WEEKLY INTER-MARQUE EVENTS
InterMarque BreakfastSaturday mornings, 8:30Square Peg Restaurant,2021 E Hennepin Ave,
in the Hennepin Square Buildingbetween 35W and 280.
Holiday PartyDate: Saturday, December 11Time: 6:00 p.m. - Cocktails & Hors d'Oeuvers 7:00 p.m. - BanquetPlace: City View Banquet & Conference Center 2750 Sibley Memorial Hwy (Hwy 13), EaganCoordinators: Jim & Cindy Pennoyer, 763-536-5472Cost: TBD (Written invitations will be sent to all)
Come and re-live all the fun we had this driving season!
Items to Bring: • Toy donations for the Osman Shrine Children's Hospital • Donations for the raffle
RSVP by: November 29 to the phone number above, or via email to [email protected].
MG Gals LunchThe first Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m. The Great Wall Restaurant, 4515 France Ave S,
Minneapolis Please RSVP to Thea Trudgeon 612.869.5560
or Sheila Figenskau 952.935.7909
Annual Business Meeting
Date: Saturday, November 13Time: 3:00 p.m. Place: Al Baker’s Restaurant! 3424 Washington Drive, EaganCoordinator: Mark Honnigford (612-869-7720)
The purpose of this meeting is to ! a) elect new officers for the next two years.! b) vote on by-law changes.
The event will occur at 3:00 p.m. at the Richfield VFW #5555. Snacks will be provided.
If you plan to attend, you must R.S.V.P. by calling 621-869-7720. Any changes will be posted on the website @ www.mnmgtr.org.
We look forward to seeing everyone on the 2nd!
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Preparing for departure
Fall Color Tour-2010
World’s shortest green light
Coffee, color and cars at the
Photo by Jim Elwell
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Article by Lance & Mickey DelfinoPhotos by Wayne Kivell
We had such a beautiful day for the Fall Color Tour! It was warm and sunny, perfect weather for driving our sweet little MGs. The morning started with coffee and donuts at a park in Champlin. We got lots of "honks of approval" from cars driving by on Highway 169.
At about 10 a.m. we took off and what a sight! Eighteen MGs traveling down the road with the colorful leaves as a backdrop. A stop at Delfino's for a quick look at the multitude of TC parts spread all over the garage and family room, comments and helpful hints for Lance on his restoration. Then we were off again. After an hour's sojourn through the Sand Dunes State Forest and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, we stopped for lunch at Bailey Ray's in Santiago. Great onion rings and good food. It was a fairly long drive but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
The gods were good to us on our first hosting --- Special thanks to all who came so very far to join our day and to Laurie and Alejandro for their help.
Dining at Bailey Ray’s
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Summer and MGs. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Life After Death“Do you believe in life after death?” the boss asked one of his employees. “Yes, sir,” the new employee replied. “Well, then, that makes everything just fine,” the boss went on. “After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you!”
Children’s SermonOne Easter Sunday morning as the minister was preaching the children’s sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, “What’s in here?” “I know,” a little boy exclaimed. “Pantyhose!”
Support a FamilyThe prospective father-in-law asked, “Young man, can you support a family?”The surprised groom-to-be replied, “Well, no. I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves.” First Time UshersA little boy in church for the first time watched as the ushers passed around the offering plates. When they cam near his pew, the boy said loudly, “Don’t pay for me, Daddy, I’m under five.”
On the Lighter Side
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ARTICLE IThis organization shall be called the Minnesota MG "T" Register.
ARTICLE IIPurpose:The purpose of the club is to bring together those who have a common interest in the restoration and preservation of the 'T' series and earlier other vintage MGs, and in so doing further the spirit of the vintage MG, partake in good fellowship, and develop a greater interest in the Gathering Of the Faithful.
ARTICLE IIIMembers:Section 1. The membership in the fellowship shall never not be limited to a given number.Section 2. Membership in the club will be granted to anyone who is a member in good standing with the New England MG 'T' Register. Section 3. Any member of the club paying regular dues and performing any duties assigned to him .Anyone who has made application and paid dues as required shall be a member in good standing.
ARTICLE IVOfficers:Section 1. The officers of the club shall include a chairperson, events coordinator, treasurer, and secretary, who shall serve term of two years or until their successor can be elected.Section 2. Vacancy of any office may be filled at the first regular meeting where an announcement is made that such a vacancy exists and an election will be held.Section 3. The officers may appoint non-elected positions as needed to conduct the business of the club.
ARTICLE VActivities and committees: There will be an activities committee, a newsletter editor, and a spares chairperson.Fiscal Year: The fiscal year shall run concurrent with the calendar year.
ARTICLE VIDues: The dues shall be $5.00 initiation fee, plus $30.00 per year payable in advance to the club treasurer no later than thirty days past the Charter Date of the Club. In case of non-payment, the club Secretary will issue a notice that the individual's membership has automatically lapsed. New members will be billed in accordance with the NEMGTR fee schedule,The amount of the dues shall be set at the business meeting each year. The dues are to be paid on an annual basis on or before the 1st 30th of January, for the following that calendar year.
ARTICLE VIIMeetings:Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held each prior to the end of the fiscal year. The exact date and location of all meetings will be determined and set by the activities committee and events coordinator or the chairperson for that meeting. Section 2. Special interest events shall be brought to the Club's attention for possible attendance and arrangements made for club identification at these events. Election of officers shall be held bi-annually at the regularly scheduled meeting.Section 3. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson at the request of three club members.Section 4. There shall be an annual election meeting about November 1 of each year. (Refer to section 1)
ARTICLE VIIIQuorum: Five members plus at least one club officer shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE IXAmendments: The constitution and bylaws may be amended or repealed at any regular meeting of the Club by two-thirds vote of those present, provided the total membership is notified in writing one two months in advance prior to the meeting and vote.
Proposed Bylaw Changes
Following are proposed updates to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota MG T Register. The constitution and bylaws of the club were written in about 1975. Since then some things have changed in our world and in the local landscape of the MG world.
The following is a list of the articles in the bylaws and the proposed changes. Most of the articles are as relevant today as when they were when first written. The thought that was put into the original writing of these bylaws shows in that most have stood the test of time. Changes that have been made are to simplify the bylaws and omit things like dues amounts, appointed positions, etc. which can change in an irregular manner.
Strikethrough text shows what is proposed for deletion; italics show the additions.
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Proofreading is a Lost ArtMan Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says " No crap, really? Ya think?
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers " Now that's taking things a bit far!
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over " What a guy!
Miners Refuse to Work after Death " No good-for-nothing lazy so-and-so's!
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant " See if that works any better than a fair trial!
War Dims Hope for Peace " I can see where it might have that effect!
If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile " Ya think?!
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures " Who would have thought!
Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide " They may be on to something!
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges " You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?
Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge " He probably IS the battery charge!
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group " Weren't they fat enough?!
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft " That's what he gets for eating those beans!
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks " Do they taste like chicken?
Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half " Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors " Boy, are they tall!
And the winner is.... Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead " Did I read that right?
Should Be Posted in Every SchoolBill Gates recently gave a speech at a high school about 10 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world. Here are his ten rules.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!
Rule 2: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.
Rule 3: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.
Rule 4: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 5: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 6: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 7: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 8: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.
Rule 9: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 10: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
If you can read this ... thank a teacher!If you can read this in English... thank a soldier!!!
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GOF WEST
The Car was born in England. Well!Years later it began to sellin New England -- Colonies -- you know, where sports car love commenced to grow.From New York, New Jersey, Maineit moved west -- to Pennsylvan-ia’s borders, south to Tennesseeand -- so I’m told -- eventuallysome MG nuts from Minnesotainfected North and South Dakota.
Now, while conditions in the eastmade rain proof tops -- to say the least --essential, also fur-lined leathercoats to fight the lousy weather, “T” cars spread by leaps and boundsin California, which aboundswith sunshine, warmth and Redwood treeswhere knockout girls -- a mellow breezemake top down driving such a gas!In the ease you freeze your . . .hands and feet.
From the coast the craze progressedNorth and South through all the west, and chapters of New England’s clubappeared all over. Now, there’s the rubwhich forms the essence of this rhyme. Don’t you think there comes a timeto face that much of MG actionis here -- not with New England’s faction?I do believe they know we’re hereAnd no way will we disappear!
So, why is it that this sacred book (June ’78 TSO)chose to ignore and overlookthis wonderful G.O.F. West?I sure don’t know -- and I PROTEST!Maybe we should make it clearthat we’ve got MGs, fans and beer, fantastic mountains, and this feastAs much and more than in the east!So, New Englander, hear and heed, ignore us . . . and we will secede!!
From the pen of Rudy Molck-Ude; presented at the banquet of the GOF West, Vail, Colorado in 1978
Tech NotesQ: From Ray in California
I have revisited several of the old spark plug catalogs I have. From all the discussion on the site plus all my confusion when looking at the various cross references, I remembered why I've been using NGK plugs for the last 30 or so years. I always found Champion's numbering system confusing, to say the least. Champion number their plugs in ascending order, unlike every other plug manufacturer I'm aware of. So, higher number = hotter plug: Champion only. Higher number = colder plug: everybody else, (AC, Autolite, Bosch, ND, NGK, etc).
In addition, NGK, (and maybe some of the others), have much wider heat ranges than Champion. The B6HS (stock no 7534) NGK is the correct plug for our xpag engines. According to my NGK book it covers all the Champion plugs from L82 up through L87. Which is why I started using them back at the dealer in 1976. No more fouled plugs because you got on it a little too hard when the engine wasn't fully warmed up.
Be careful with any recommendations you get from the counterman at the local parts store these days, or for that matter, over the internet. The Champion Spark plug site for example, mentions a .034" gap (!?) on a RN5C plug, which I believe is a 3/4" reach plug, and wrong. The previously mentioned BP6HS plug sold by the local Pep Boys, obviously has worked, but has the projected electrode (the "P" in the number), which puts the spark closer to the piston crown and isn't exactly correct. So long as we're talking a stock street engine on pump gas, and the electrode doesn't hit something when the piston comes up the first time, it should be OK. But why take the chance?
One last thing, I'm with Joe on the rear main cap tube...cut it off. My thinking is that the MG engineers wanted the oil splash from the rear main to go below the windage tray, which in theory is where you want it to go. But any increase in resistance to flow leads to more leaks at the rear main. I have several English Fords that don't even have an Archimedes screw on the crankshaft or in the housing and they don't leak (much).
A: Ray,
Useful Info, the point about the wide heat range of the NGK is true and a good factor to bear in mind. Whilst the makers can tell us (or maybe can't!) the modern equivalents to their old plug designations, the changes to fuel compositions often means that the original specification plug may no longer be the ideal. A wider heat range goes a long way to negate that problem.
CliveOxford UK
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Photos from the2010 Driving Year
“Spotlight” cont. $om p. 3 As stated earlier the car came with wire wheels, which aren’t strictly stock but which I like very much. It also had TF carburetors which provide a bit more oomph on long uphill stretches; something I also like very much. I’ve added an MGA rear end, courtesy of John Twist, as well as electronics in the ignition and coil. The latest addition this summer was a rebuilt radiator which seems to be a great success.
We named the car “OHH JOY”, which we decided is a phrase that can have many meanings when uttered by an MG owner in a variety of situations. Over the years she has proved to be a tough little car that has brought us a lot of pleasure - we drove to Indianapolis in ’96; it’s been to St. Louis, Durango, Chicago and lots of points in between. In the intervening years we moved from White Bear to Duluth, and while living in Duluth has its pleasures, it also means fewer opportunities to take part in many of the club activities. However, now that things have slowed down for us here, we look forward to joining club events when we can. Happy Motoring!
Bill Allen & Barbara Burke
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ClassifiedsFor Sale: Restored MG T heater $225.00; MG TD Hi & Lo tone horns $80.00 each; 9 post Voltage regulator $100.00; Near new original TD crankshaft & new matching bearings mains standard, rods at -.010 $1200.00; Overhauled late style TD-TF gearbox $1200.00; TD intake air cleaner manifold $200.00; TD- MGA turn signal relay$75.00; Many other MG T and MGA parts for sale. Gary Krukoski 763-494-4844 (9/10)
For Sale: 1950 MGTD. Right hand drive. Runner/driver. Call Mark Brandow at 612-306-0044. (4/10)
Wanted: Any spare T-type parts you do not need or want. Any quantity will be considered. Gary Krukoski 763-494-4844 (4/09)
Wanted to Buy: Very serious buyer for: Jaguar XK-XKE; MG "T" series; MGA; Triumph; TR-2-3-4-250; Mercedes 190-220-230-250-280 SL; All open cars; Porsche 356-911-914; Austin Healey; Riley; Alfa-Romeo; Singer. Entire collections possible. Any condition. Any location. Generous finder’s fees. I WILL PAY THE MOST. Steve’s British Connection, 630-553-9023, [email protected]. (4/09)
For Sale: We have three MGA and Magnette differentials for sale, still in their housings for anyone wanting to regear their ‘T’ series. One is a 4.3 and the other two are most likely 4.3 and 4.55 ratios from a ZB and ZA. The entire axles should also be available if need arises. We are converting to higher speed ratio in the Varitone. Contact Brian McCollough at 651-462-0145 anytime. (11/09)
For Sale: 1977 MGB, light blue with black top & plastic interior. OD. Approx. 127K assuming odometer has turned over only once. Purchased privately in 2002; no knowledge of former owners. Body: good condition with few scratches; small dent in trunk lid; passenger window frame unattached, & loose passenger side rearview mirror due to crack in sheet metal. Top in decent shape but difficult to put up due to disuse; over passenger seat top never used; car cover. Interior: cracks in dash, ripped driver's side upholstery, no automatic turn signal shut off. After market additions: wood steering wheel, CD player (w. two portable box speakers in back), wood MG gear shift handle. Mechanicals: car has been repaired as needed, either at Quality Coaches or Hawkins on Nicollet; approaches red zone temperature on hot days but has never overheated; starting when warm sometimes results in poor idling & backfiring; no problems when starting cold. Tires: good. Standard license plates. Drive: cool drive in the summer; will do 70 on the freeway. Price negotiable. Contact Steve Swanson at [email protected].
Motoring GoodiesNow is the time to get
your favorite MG ready for theSTOP and START season.
Tune, change the oil,get the brakes to work.
For your appointment, please callBob Figenskau at 952-935-7909.
The garage is open!
We Give A Hoot! MG horns, fuel pumps, and wipers restored. We can bring back
most any pre-1962 horn or wiper motor, or any SU fuel pump back to life. Mechanical only, or mechanical and
cosmetic restorations available. All work guaranteed.
Contact Lew Palmer16780 St. Mary’s Drive
St. Mary’s Point, MN 55043Phone: (651) 436-7401
dbraun99SU Carburetors work best when in Tip Top condition.
We will rebuild your carburetors paying special attentionto throttle shafts, butterflies, floats, dampers and jet assemblies.
Speedy turn-around, responsive communication, guaranteed work.H, HS and HIF carburetor services are offered.
For a quote please [email protected] or visit
www.dbraun99.com
Heated Auto Storage
7 monthsOctober 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011
for $420
DirectronicsCrystal MN 55429
Kevin McCarthy -- (612) 669-1366The garage is open!
The Minnesota MG T Register1003 Maple St
Northfield, MN 55057
First Class MailDated Material
TattlerThe
The Minnesota MG T Register: Membership Application FormName: ! Significant Other:Address:! Significant Other’s OccupationCity:State:! Zip:Home Phone:Work Phone:Fax Number:Email Address:Occupation:If you have a second address part of the year and would like your publications mailed there:That Address:City:! ! State:! ! ! Zip:Phone:You are there on the first of which months? From: ! ! ! Through:
MGs that you own:Year! Model!Chassis #! Engine #! License #! Color(s)! Condition
First time, first year membership in The Minnesota MG T Register is free, and $30 annually thereafter. Mail to Nancy Carlson, 805 St. Lawrence Dr, Northfield MN 55057
If you would like a name tag, contact Bill McReaken at 952-890-0102 or [email protected]. Please specify the names to be engraved and whether you wish a pin, or magnetic back.
