MG Type A Newsletter of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club

Transcription

1 MG Type A Newsletter of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club Issue No. 5 May 2018 The Prez Says What the heck is going on with all this wacky weather? One day it s sun shiny, the next a brooding storm approaching. These late storms sure put a damper on planning any drives where weather has a direct impact. The coast run scheduled for the last week of April was touch-and-go all the way until the departure date. It was threatened with rain and cold, stormy weather. In the end, it was a beautiful trip, excellently planned and well thought out. Be sure to read the write up to see what you missed. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to attend one of these excellent adventures in the future. The weather gods did cooperate with the rescheduled Delta Run. We had 7 MGs participate and were surprised to see former member, Robert Tremayne, join us as well. The more the merrier they say. Be sure to read the recap on that run in the newsletter. Fun Run on a Saturday in the Delta By Keith Yarbrough This was the second attempt for this run; the first run was called off due to expected rain. A hearty group gathered on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Iron Restaurant off Broadway in Sacramento. There were a total of 7 MG s represented, 4 MGTDs and 3 MGBs. Attending were myself and Cathy Yarbrough, Paul and Bonnie D Andrea, Frank and Margaret Haener, Jim and Beckie Perell, Bill and Nanci Radakovitz, Bill Chasser, and former member, Robert Tremayne. We led them through some back roads crossing the Sacramento River at the Tower Bridge and then onto some more untraveled roads through West Sacramento and Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2

2 Prez Says Continued 2 Run Continued A good time was had by those who attended the April Natter, hosted by Bob Best, at Pete s in Folsom. Even though the night was a little cool, the pizza and salad buffet was excellent! We ve been very fortunate to have had experienced some fine eating establishments sprinkled around the Sacramento area. We are also fortunate to have members willing to research these restaurants in order to host our monthly Natter. Please, please keep in mind these individuals need RSVPs so they can let the restaurant know so it can be properly staffed and anticipated. We are always in need of day runs known as sunny Sundays. If you anticipate taking your car out for a drive, consider inviting the club. Some of us are thinking the same thing. Dustin and Doris do an excellent job of getting the word out as soon as they receive your information. Lastly, by the time you read this, you will have given some thought to showing your MG and helping out your club at the UBSCC Dixon car show. This is an excellent chance to meet prospective new members and tell them about our club. We may even sell some regalia too! Remember, a job shared is a job halved. Keep on Driving!! Keith we ended up on the Delta Levee road just south of West Sacramento. After a short break in Freeport at Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course, we made our way to Walnut Grove. After crossing the bridge there, we rolled along Hwy 220 to our first ferry stop but much to our dismay, and lack of signage I might add, the ferry was closed! After an unscheduled U-Turn we made our way back to the River. We continued down the river road to the Isleton Bridge, crossed and headed for Rio Vista. In Rio Vista we skirted along the riverfront until we reached our destination, The Point Restaurant. Continued on Page 5

3 Minutes of General Meeting for 3 May 2, 2018 President Keith Yarbrough called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Our first guest is Jack Wilson 1953 MG TD and lives in Granite Bay. He s been messing with his 40 Chevy. TD is mostly original parts that he restored himself. April Minutes: On a motion by Bill Radakovitz and seconded by Lawrie Alexander. The April minutes were approved as published. Treasurer s Report: Revenue beginning of April was $7155. and at the beginning of May was $7243. Income for Dues was $3250. Raffle was $55. Net gain $750. Monthly Summary May-18 Revenue Beginning of April: Revenue Beginning of May: April Income: April Expenses: Net for Month (Gain/Loss) Dues Raffle Total Total $7, $7, $32.50 $55.00 $87.50 $0.00 $87.50 New Membership: No new members but several possibilities. Val said she got a call from Mike Curtis and thought he might come to the meeting. Regalia Report: Beni brought hats with styles and colors for $15-$18. She may be ordering more for Dixon Car Show sales. Newsletter: Barry reported that this month s newsletter was going to be a fairly long one and will include Mendocino/Ferndale trip. He has received many newsletters from around the U.S. and pointed out a story about a couple traveling and their adventures. This story was a little risqué. LOL Past Events: The Delta Run came off as a Sunny Sunday run. Keith will wrote up the story in the upcoming newsletter. The Natter at Pete s hosted by Bob Best was very entertaining and all had a good time. No details were shared (what happened at Pete s stays at Pete s?) and those that attended enjoyed themselves. Upcoming Events: There may be the Dogwood Run as a Sunny Sunday Run in the near future so stay posted. We ll try to get that done while the dogs are still barking. The Grizzly Flat Run on May 12 th will begin at 10:00 at the Starbucks on Broadway in Placerville for a leave time at 10:30. It s a short run and will be south of Placerville. The end of the run will be at the Gold Bug Park in Placerville with a couple of gold mines and a museum that you can choose to tour on your own or if the group is big enough there may be a tour guide. The Progressive Dinner is coming up June 2 nd. The information is on the website and the Costigans will begin with appetizers at 3:45 then on to the Radakovitz and then to the Perell s in Loomis for dessert. It s a great time and we need to rsvp asap. Bill said to bring your putter as he and Nancie have finished their putting green by the pool. Beni is looking for a volunteer to check out the run and act as starter for the drive to the Amador Flower Farm run starting in El Dorado Hills on June 9th. Keith asked the club about those that show their cars and are planning to attend the the Dixon Car Show is coming up May 20 th and SVMGCC will have a booth with some regalia. We need volunteers to take a few hours at a time and to break down at the end. We are hoping for new members and to answer questions about the club and the cars. They need rubber bumper MGBs and we have 20 in Continued on Page 4

4 4 Minutes Continued our club. There are currently only 3 TCs and 3 MGAs entered. There are no rules at the show and is a participant s judged event. You can still come on the day of the event to enter. Corey is looking to sell his MGB which runs beautifully and has an overdrive. The Natter is May 16 th hosted by Bob and Kathy Tyzzer will be at The Davis Graduate. Bob and Kathy will be showing a slide show that anyone can send them some pictures but must get them to them asap. Lawrie offered his MGB for someone to drive to the Dixon Show. Old Business: We are now a 501(c)(7) as announced. For the Good of the Club: Barry found a fun event in an Arizona newsletter where you travel to points that MGs can go, take their picture and enter their progress of the places that are on the list of destinations to drive. If we are interested there will be more information in the up coming newsletter. Doc is going to the Fireman s Muster. He talked about the event which would be a day drive that you can meet him. Keith talked to a man named Bill who owns a 64 MGB that he cannot finish because of health reasons. Anyone interested can call Keith. Tech questions for Lawrie. Is there a difference between Dot 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid? Perhaps Lawrie could write up his detailed answer (or Beckie can transcribe his answer). Brake fluid should really be changed every 3 years and make sure you wipe off any spill quickly as is does eat the paint. Bob shared that he is now driving his 66 MGB. 50/50 Raffle gave $49 to Heidi and $49 to the club. Move to adjourn the meeting made by Lawrie and seconded by Barry. The Annual All British Motor Vehicle Show and Swap Meet May 20th This amazing show, held on the site of the Dixon fairgrounds, is a fantastic place to see and be seen with all forms of British cars and motorbikes! Stroll the grounds and bond with your fellow enthusiasts, as you peruse the finest offerings of British motoring. And you don t need to be a secret agent to find what you need in our swap meet, filled with all sorts of new and used parts, cars and accessories. So keep up the British end and register your vehicle now to join the largest gathering of British motoring in Northern California. Our Club has space reserved at the car show to sell our Regalia. Beni needs volunteers to work the booth. She will have a sign up sheet at the next Club meeting with 2-hour time commitments so no one is stuck all day in the booth. She needs someone to bring a pop up tent and a table to create the booth. She will provide a tablecloth signs with prices and cash to start. If you wish to volunteer you can contact me at or Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Beckie Perell, Secretary

5 Run Continued Sadly, this was the part that proved to be the most disappointing part of our trip. Even with reservations for the correct amount of people, our service proved to be less than hospitable. Everyone attending had the true SVMGCC spirit and we weathered that 5 A Bit of Humor Anonymous Contributor Pfizer and Pepsi to Merge This will no doubt put Coca Cola out of business in the near future...! The Pfizer Corporation announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form and this new product will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the calamity just fine. Given the lateness this problem caused everyone, we all dispersed in different directions following lunch. A great day weather-wise was enjoyed by all and no breakdowns!! names of cocktails, highballs and just a good old-fashioned stiff drink. Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO. Thought for the day...there is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2025, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs, huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.

6 GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL WEST NATTER MATTERS GoF West 2018 will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino property in Reno. Here are the property highlights: 539 Deluxe rooms with flat screen TVs & cable: King beds, Queens, and limited suites available Swimming Pool 2 Restaurants plus a café and 4 full serve bars Free Wifi Full Casino Banquet facilities Secure dedicated parking outside (in a rope off area) Free RV and Trailer parking on site Hospitality Suite overlooking rear parking lot Free covered parking, valet parking, outside parking 24-hour front desk, Spa amenities Hotel has been extended room rate for the weekend before and the weekend after GoF West 2018 Hotel Accommodations The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe is located in South Lake Tahoe, 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Heavenly Gondola and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Heavenly Ski Resort. Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and Heavenly Village are also within 15 minutes. Phone: or Fax: and use group rate code GOFWEST18 (no spaces all CAPS). To get group rate you must reserve your room by August 1, If you have special accommodation needs, (handicap, bigger room, suite, etc.) please call the hotel directly. The Natter & Noggin this month will be held at and hosted by Bob and Kathy Tyzzer. Please let them know if you will be coming at Details on the website. MG TYPE MG TYPE is the official monthly Publication of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club. Material from members and non-members is actively encouraged. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness. Placement of material is not guaranteed. Submittals are due to the Editor by the 25 th of each month. SVMGCC Club Information: Membership Dues Dues for full membership (which is a family membership) are $30 per fiscal year, payable on the first day of July. Please send a check along with your name/s, address, phone number and address and the MG model(s) that you own to: PO Box 2194 Fair Oaks, CA Attention: Membership Chairman For New Members dues are pro-rated for April through July $30 (those joining in April through June are rolled into the following year), August $27.50, Sept.$25, Oct.$22.50, Nov.$20, Dec.$17.50, Jan. $15, Feb. $12.50 and Mar.$10.00.

7 From Mendocino to Ferndale 7 By Lindsay Costigan The rolling hills of California were at their absolute greenest all the way from Sacramento to Mendocino. The landscape looked like a painting with majestic oaks carpeting some of these hills and others dotted with these beautiful trees. Our eyes were saturated with this scenery until we hit the coast where Giant Redwoods and other evergreens took over. But I m getting ahead of myself. We met at Cindy s restaurant in Dixon where Paul & Bonnie who planned and pre-drove this part of trip to Mendocino led the way to begin our adventure. The usual suspects following Paul & Bonnie (driving their B) were: Jack & Mimi (68 B), Lawrie & Jane (TC), John & Karla Rogers (new members - B), Jim & Lindsay (TD), Keith & Cathy (B), Val & Corey (Jaguar), Bill & Nancie (Ford Focus), Bob & Kathy Tyzzer (new members BMW) and Frank & Margaret in their Alfa Romeo. I thought I had been on every route there was going to the coast but Paul & Bonnie took us up Rte. 128 For Tuesday, Bonnie had arranged for a Walking Tour in the early afternoon so, with time to kill in the morning, she suggested we all go to the Pygmy Forest for an easy hike. We all did, only to arrive where a sign said Park Closed. There was a Ranger there who explained that part of the trail had been washed out but we were welcome to hike the other part of the trail that was undamaged. So we slipped under the yellow tape that warned off other tourists and went on our way. We never saw any Continued on Page 8 which turned out to be one of the most gorgeous roads that I ve ever been on. The weather was perfect for the drive. We arrived at the Blackberry Inn mid-afternoon with the weather still on our side so we could enjoy refreshments outside. This Inn was amazing; beautifully groomed landscaping, flowers everywhere, great rooms with fun names to go with each (The Bank, Sherriff, Land Office, etc.), and Quiet!

8 Mendocino Continued 8 Pygmy trees, or so we think. A few of us meandered away from the crowd where we were not supposed to go and found a boardwalk that went by what may have been some of these trees. We were not impressed. The Walking Tour was a lot of fun and very interesting. Jane, our docent, led us on a historical journey of Mendocino including facts about why the town went from 3400 inhabitants in the late 1800 s to 900 in the early 1900 s. There were many more fun facts with questions and answers, which took us half an hour past the time the tour was supposed to conclude. After lunch, we were on our way to MacKerricher State Park when the only car problem of the trip occurred. Luckily, it was a minor one. Jack had a wire come loose and it didn t take long to fix it. At the Park we went to an outlook where seals were giving birth to their pups. We saw one birthing and were waiting for a second one to be born but her labor was lasting too long for us to wait. After half an hour we gave up looking through our camera lenses (I was getting dizzy) and headed back to our cars. As we were about to leave I hear Karla scream Oh My God!! Not far from shore, a whale breeched spiraled straight up out of the water like you see in those insurance commercials. He continued to do this several more times to our delight before he headed for the open sea. This was the end of Bonnie & Paul s well run, well thought out, part of the run. We all had a great time. They did a super job and are very deserving of a big Thank You!

9 9 The Ferndale part of the trip was to be led by Jim & me. This did not turn out so well. My plan was to head up the coast on HW 1 to HW 101 all the way to Ferndale with a side trip through the Avenue of the Giants. This is a frontage road that takes you through about 10 miles through the Redwoods. It is a very awe- inspiring drive which then takes you back to 101. A few of the members mentioned a scenic drive that took you West after the Avenue of the Giants on a meandering road about 40 miles long that had various scenic opportunities including vistas from high elevations, Redwoods, and the ocean. This would add an hour or so to the trip. We had no other plans so it sounded tempting. What I did not know then is that this was known as The Lost Coast. It had been years since those who previously traveled this route had done so. Their memories included somewhat rough roads with patched pot holes filled with asphalt and a hill so steep that when on his motorcycle this member felt that he might tip over backwards. Jim and I looked at each other with question marks in our eyes Should we? Shouldn t we? Lawrie & Jane and Jack & Mimi did not join the rest of us for the Ferndale part of the trip due to doctor appointments and other commitments. The evening before taking off for Ferndale I took a consensus of opinion as to whether or not to drive the Lost Coast. Fearless Frank never wavered on his vote to Go for it. Did I mention that he was driving an Alfa Romeo? After enough wine we all decided to take the detour. The drive through the Avenue of Giants was great. At the end of the avenue we stopped for a picnic lunch at Founders Park. That was great. Then the trip over the road from Hell started. Jim let me drive the TD. It had been many years since I had driven the TD so getting used to it again took some doing. I had forgotten that the large steering wheel was practically in your lap because the seat didn t go back very far at all. The clutch, brake, and gas pedal were very close together and not very wide. The gas pedal isn t even a pedal. It is a roller thingy-dingy that I couldn t feel under my wide waffle-bottomed hiking shoe. The first three miles were fine and I acclimated myself to the nuances of driving the TD. Then the potholes started. The asphalt had long since disappeared from the potholes and they had multiplied in number to where there was no avoiding a lot of them. Conversations in the cars went something like this: Val; Why did you hit that one!!!! Didn t you see it!!! Corey; Yes I saw it but it was smaller than the one I avoided!! Margaret had moans and groans never heard by man before, according to Frank. Jim had his own noises of agony every time I hit one. Every car had its own similar story to tell. This went on and on and on. We did not get much over 5 miles per hour to go the next 30 miles. Do the math. Luckily, the steep hill that came at the end of the drive was not as bad as expected. Jim took over the wheel before the hill and that little TD was brave, strong, and never faltered. Thank the Lord that no one broke down. There was no cell service.

10 10 We made it to Ferndale alive. The Shaw House Inn was a sight for sore eyes. It was a Bed & Breakfast Victorian Inn set off the Main Street in the heart of Ferndale. We took up the eight rooms it offered, unloaded, and met for a bit of wine before heading out for dinner. The next day none of us felt like driving too much so we spent a leisurely day driving to the cheese factory which was lovely. We all bought cheese and enjoyed talking to the owner who showed us his beautiful garden and gave us some history of the area. Later that day we drove ten miles to the coast (on a smooth road) and walked the beach. It was pleasant and non-stressful. On a sad note, many of the shops in Ferndale were closed up. Businesses had closed down due to lack of business we assumed. We learned the Lost Coast roads couldn t be repaired due to lack of funds. It will stay lost. We all made it home the next day with no mishaps and no scenic detours. I want to thank our new members, John & Karla and Bob & Kathy, for joining us. They are a great addition to the club. These multiple day runs are a great way to get to know each other. Thank you everyone for a wonderful time. mostly. These multiple day runs are a great way to get to know each other.

11 11

12 12 Editor s Note: Our intrepid President, Keith Yarborough, sent me some Tech Tips, which I will put in this, and future newsletters. Tech Tips and Wrench of the Month are a service of Little British Car Company, LTD, its friends and customers. They are provided on a use at your own risk basis. I also did a little research on the MG Forum to see what others thought of their service. The reviews were very good and some said that the parts were less than Moss Motors! Rear Brake Tab This Tech Tip Is From Frank Lindauer. Here's a little tip for easing installation of the tab washers "dog bone" steel locking strip washers that retain the four nuts holding the rear brake drums on the hubs (I think this would also apply to the smaller front "dog bones".) If you don't do this, bending over the tips of the locking strips will beat up your brake drum painted surface as well as the locking strips themselves. Clamp the locking strip in a vise with only 1/8" of the end exposed. Using a lineman's pliers bend the exposed end about 10 degrees. Do the same to the opposite tip, being sure that both bends face the same direction. When you tighten the lug nuts you will have just enough space to set a small cold chisel in place to bend the tabs over onto MG Classifieds Classified ads for sale of cars or parts and the like and are free to current and fully paid members of the SACRAMENTO VALLEY MG CAR CLUB. Cost for non-members is $10.00/month. There is a maximum of 40 words per classified ad. Ads from Club members will run for two consecutive months unless canceled in writing to the editor. Resubmission of the ad is required for longer than two months. Please mail ads (with check if that applies) to MG TYPE, PO Box 2194, Fair Oaks, CA Ad art or pictures must be in hard copy, jpeg or pdf formats and will not be returned. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING Rates are based on camera-ready electronic or hard copy. Full page (9.75" tall x 7.5" wide)-$130/year; Half-page (5" wide x 7.5" tall)- $75/year; Quarter page (3.75" tall x 5" wide or 5" tall x 3.75" wide)- $45/year or Business card (2 tall x 3.5 wide) - $30/year. Ad copy and full payment must be received by the editor by the 20th day of the month prior to publication. All copy and advertising material is accepted and published in good faith. The Sacramento Valley MG Car Club, its officers and editor of the MG Type expressly disclaim responsibility for any and all consequences that may arise from the publication and/or use of any material. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily those of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club, its officers or editor MGB for Sale 47,000 original miles, new tires, new battery, just passed smog (with no effort). A all around excellent MGB! $8,500 OBSO (or best sensible offer). Call Lawrie Alexander at or lawrie@britcars.com

13 Calendar of Events April - May For a complete list of events go to May Every Sat Cars and Coffee Folsom, 7 am to 10 am -Bring your classic car, truck or motorcycle to 430 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, CA to show off and chat. General Meeting 7:00 pm - Mimi's Cafe, 2719 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom. We gather at 6:00 2 Wed pm to eat and socialize until 7:30, when a short business meeting begins, followed by more socializing, tire kicking and sometimes an audio-visual presentation. Contact Keith Yarbrough , keithy@frontiernet.net for more information. 12 Sat Grizzly Flat/Plymouth Drive and Lunch Hosted by Keith and Cathy Yarbrough, Check the website for details. 16 Wed Natter & Noggin Hosted by Bob and Kathy Tyzzer. Check the website for details. 20 Sun UBSCC Dixon Car Show We will have a Club Booth and need members to staff it during the show. Contact Beni Feil at June Every Cars and Coffee Folsom, 7 am to 10 am -Bring your classic car, truck or motorcycle to 430 Sat Palladio Parkway, Folsom, CA to show off and chat. Progressive Dinner Coordinators Bill Radkovitz and Jim Perell 2 Sat See website for details General Meeting 7:00 pm - Mimi's Cafe, 2719 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom. We gather at 6:00 pm to eat and socialize until 7:30, when a short business meeting begins, followed by more 6 Wed socializing, tire kicking and sometimes an audio-visual presentation. Contact Keith Yarbrough , keithy@frontiernet.net for more information. 9 Sat Amador Flower Farm Hosted by Beni Feil See website for details GT-43 NAMGAR North American MGA Register Annual Get Together. This year the Wed - event is in Richmond, Virginia. Sat 20 Wed Natter & Noggin Hosted by Val & Corey Hogue. See the website for details nd Half Planning Meeting/Pool Party Hosted by Lawrie and Jane Alexander 30 Sat See website for details.

14 14

15 Sacramento Valley MG Car Club Officers & Board Members President Keith Yarbrough Treasurer Frank Haener Vice President Lindsay Costigan Secretary Beckie Perell Past President Lawrie Alexander Support Positions Communication Doris Carter Historian Kevin Williams Membership Val Howard Hogue MG Smog Tech Consultant - Paul Lewis exleyland@gmail.com Regalia Beni Feil beniganns@hotmail.com Newsletter Editor Barry Hogan malibubarry@gmail.com Cards & Flowers Sandie Swain itsabouttime1@msn.com Hospitality Bill & Nancie Radakovitz nancierad@wavecable.com billrad@att.net MGA Tech Consultant Dan Paige dpaige12@surewest.net MG T Series Tech Consultant - Lawrie Alexander lawrie@britcars.com Events Chairman Lindsay Costigan swi@zetabb.com Natter & Noggin Events - Coordinator various see newsletter, Website or Events Chairman MGB/Midget Tech Consultant Jim Perell jperell@starstream.net Publicity Bill Radakovitz billrad@att.net Webmaster Corey Hogue mgguy@zetabroadband.com Ads and Distribution Val Howard Hogue val@zetabb.com

16 16 Register Your MGA With NAMGAR! Join over 2,000 enthusiastic owners in the restoration, preservation, and sheer enjoyment of driving an MGA, Magnette, or variant of this noble breed. You ll receive six bi-monthly issues of MGA!, our full-color, award winning magazine, invitations to National and Regional Get-Togethers throughout the U.S. and Canada, plus a knowledge base and support group second to none. All this for just $37.50 per year (North America), or $52.50 (International). Get more information at or contact registrar@namgar.com. Sacramento Valley MG Car Club P.O. Box 2194 Fair Oaks, California General Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Mimi s Cafe 2719 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom, CA Contact Keith Yarbrough at or keithy@frontiernet.net