SPOKE N WORD. Happy Motoring!!! MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE IDAHO BRITISH CAR CLUB. Available in color on the webpage.

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1 SPOKE N WORD MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE IDAHO BRITISH CAR CLUB Available in color on the webpage October 2011 Volume 20 Issue 10 Prez Words for October: Trials and Tribulations of a British Car Owner! When this idea came to me, I had considered looking up other articles and playing off what was mentioned in them about this topic, but up to today dealing with my own T & T plus what some of the other club members have experienced I decided I don t need any stories outside of our own club. Maggie and Lucy are two ladies that are taxing me sorely over the past month which has prevented me from focusing on Jo and the rebuild. Then there is Trix and the problems she has thrown at me. For those of you that don t know my ladies by name, here they are: Maggie is our 1968 MGB, Trix is our 1971 TR6, Lucy is our 2002 Mini Cooper, and Jo is our project car, the 1958 MGA. First I will say that except for a frayed wire, Maggie did great on the 3000-mile round trip to Illinois and back last June. I only wish that it would have lasted. Since then I am out an electronic distributor and a fuel pump. About a month or so, while driving to work and after turning on the radio, she just died. Nothing I could do would start her up and I quickly discovered she wasn t getting any fuel. Without a multi-meter I decided she would get a free ride home. Once in the garage I found that the distributor was also fried. Just from turning on the radio? I haven t chased down what caused the fuel pump and distributor to go out yet, but I also do not turn on the radio either. That s for another day. Note: I rarely use the radio and mostly listen to my iphone through the auxiliary jack. Now to Trix; went out to go to work and still being dark I would need the lights but a quick test proved that I didn t have tail lights or brake lights. I have been chasing a grounding issue on Trix for a while and thought she was all cured but this definitely put a new light on the matter. This one was easy. I have a project that I need to spend some time on, so Trix goes into storage until the spring. Done (until spring anyway). Lucy, Lucy, Lucy you drive me to drink! I once said that I wouldn t work on a car that had a computer, but hey, I m a computer geek. So why shouldn t I? Boy, am I learning why! First she starts to overheat but not normal like other cars that have overheated on me. Instead of getting hot and blowing steam, she will get hot and then seconds later the temp gauge goes back to normal. I can tell the gauge is working right, but she runs rough when hot. So I learn that this may be an air bubble and that I just need to bleed it. Thanks to Dave Countryman s Bentley manual, I learn how that should be done but without the proper tools to do it my feeble attempts haven t been successful as of yet. On this one I will throw in the towel and take her into a shop. It looks like there is a coolant leak somewhere too. Soon after that, she started throwing Codes (I don t know if I came up with that phrase or if I had heard it somewhere, but I like it) or in other words the Check Engine light keep coming on. After about the fourth time running into O Reilly s to reset the system, I bought my own reader from Harbor Freight. The reading indicted that the engine was misfiring. OK, cool, she needs a tune-up. New spark plugs and wires were ordered and installed. Unfortunately that did not clear up the problem and further readings online and in the Bentley manual led me to think it is a fuel delivery problem. After a new fuel filter and pump and a sliced open finger I hope I can put this one behind me. Unfortunately, I was not the only club member who had their trials and tribulations, but I won t bring them up here as I am sure their stories will come out too. Next Month my thoughts on why we do it. Happy Motoring!!!

2 October IBCC 2011 EVENTS CALENDAR 1 st 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Tully Federal Way & Gowen Rd 8th 2012 Summer Tour Planning Meeting 15 th 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Moxie Java Overland & 5 Mile Board meeting following coffee 26 th Wednesday Night Drive Lee and Nancy Otterness will host the drive. 29 th Odd Saturday Out The Steiner s will host November 5 th 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Tully Federal Way & Gowen Rd 19 th 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Moxie Java Overland & 5 Mile 30 th Pub Night Ron and Becky Nichols will host Rod said! will tell you we won't go to Chucky Cheese, though! And you can quote me on that! :) December 3 rd 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Tully Federal Way & Gowen Rd 10 th IBCC Annual Christmas Party details in November Newsletter 17 th 9:30 AM Coffee Gathering: Moxie Java Overland & 5 Mile 28 th Pub Night Need a Host 31 st Odd Saturday Out Need a Host If you are willing to organize either a Wednesday Night Drive or Odd Saturday Out Please contact Rick Kloss at: racrkloss@clearwire.net or Collecting Magazines for the Troops A few meetings ago Pete suggested the Club collect magazines for the troops overseas. I ve checked into the process and there are some restrictions: only appropriate magazines (car magazines are OK along with ones like Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, National Geographic, etc) and you must have a specific service person to send the magazines to. IBCC sent a 20 pound box of automobile related magazines (over 40 magazines) to a soldier in Afghanistan. through AnySoldier.com. Pete and Rex had given us information on this site that provided the name of a soldier that is willing to accept and distribute the magazines. The web site also states there are women serving their country in Afghanistan that might also appreciate a gift of some kind. We can send heat stable snacks or hard candies. Clothing such as socks or T shirts might also be appreciated. If anyone knows of a service person that would like to receive the magazines and distribute them please let me know. Meanwhile, I ll continue to collect items until we are ready to send them off. Lee Otterness

3 Upcoming Events 2012 IBCC Calendar: Rick M. is soliciting submissions of photos for the IBCC 2012 calendar. So if you have that favorite absolutely fantastic photo of your car (or some other IBCC member s car) please it to Rick Mills at rm1950@mac.com Submit your entry by October 28th. After that Rick will appoint a couple of volunteers to select the ones that will be included in the calendar. Once a sample has been produced, he will show it at the coffee and pub night meetings for those who would want to order them. Rick s plan is to have them ready for delivery at the IBCC Christmas Party on 12/11/11. IBCC Christmas Party Save the date: Saturday, December 11. Details in the next newsletter IBCC OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Rick Mills rm1950@mac.com VICE-PRESIDENT: Lee Otterness leenanotterness65@cableone.net SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP: Liz Mills em1959@cableone.net TREASURER: Terry Shannon beth_terry@msn.com EVENTS CHAIR: Rick Kloss racrkloss@clearwire.net NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Nancy Otterness leenanotterness65@cableone.net HISTORIAN: Bob Frisby bbfrisby@cableone.net

4 Check That New Part Out! We all hope that when we spend our money for new or rebuilt parts from the many suppliers that service us that the workmanship on that part would be top-notch. That s what we expect and we actually should be getting that but unfortunately I have just been burned twice within the last month from two different suppliers. Unfortunately, when one of these parts failed it was an easy fix and in the process I discovered the second failure. The event happened on the Saturday that the Bob and Betty s Excellent Adventure headed out for the Yellowstone and Teton locations. After the gang all departed, Rod, Becky, Liz and I decided to make our own drive and upped up to Idaho City for brunch. After that I voted to continue the trip up to Lowman, over to Banks (where we had a rest stop and a beer on the patio overlooking the river and floaters), on up to Horseshoe Bend, and then on home. It was while we were driving up the Horseshoe Bend hill that I heard a THUNK come from the engine compartment. Yes, I was very worried! The car died forcing us to pull over next to the Jersey wall with a little of the car still in the traffic lane. Rod and Becky pulled up behind us to offer assistance and Rod was right on it as soon as I had the bonnet opened. He took off the distributor cap and just touched the electronic module at which time it fell out of the distributor hanging on by one wire. As this was happening I did catch a glimpse of the retaining screw as it fell to the ground. I retrieved the screw and while securing the module back in place I noticed that one of the long bolts that hold the starter together was sticking out about two inches and possibly it was the oil spinoff adapter that kept it from slipping all the way out. Rod wisely stated that it wasn t going anywhere and could be repaired later. Remember, we were both sticking out in traffic. Repair made so off we went. A couple of days later I had the starter out and confirmed that the bolt in question would not tighten down at all. The starter was less than a year old and definitely shouldn t have had a problem like this. A quick repair on the threads and the bolt was tightening down. The Pertronix had just come back from a warranty repair from Pertronix. So, before you install it, check that new (or any) part out! This should be the standard mode of operation on any part that you didn t put together or has been sitting on the shelf for a while. In this case, I was lucky and each one was reparable. Let s put ourselves in a situation where the results are not as good. I guess we can say Pertronix has two strikes against it. Once we found out what had happened to me, Rod told me it had happen to Sam Bass with his TR6. Inspect, open, tighten and confirm before installing! Rick Mills

5 September Happenings September Coffee Nametag Drawings Put on that name tag and come join us for coffee. Rick M. has some money to give away. September 3rd Karl Petersen s name was drawn, he was there but didn t have his name tag! September 17th Rick Wojan s name was drawn but he wasn t present!! $$$$$ Looks like Rick M will have a lot of money to give away in October!!!! $$$$$ September 10-18th Yellowstone & Wyoming Tour Check the IBCC web site to read about the groups trials and tribulations: September 28, Wednesday Night Drive Bill and Sue Dryden led us into the setting sun for a delicious barbeque dinner at Dickey s on Overland Road. On the driving directions they promised live entertainment, but you didn t need to bring your dancing shoes! Treasurer s Report Terry Shannon A $ donation was made to the Karen Dennis Memorial Fund at the Idaho Human Rights Education Center by the Idaho British Car Club. $267 was donated by club members, and $150 from the club treasury. The organization was suggested by Karen s family. The Idaho Human Rights Education Center built the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise. If you have not visited the memorial, it is certainly a thought provoking display and well worth the time to consider how history has a knack of repeating itself when we are not careful. Liz Mills Membership Report: Welcome to our newest members: Tracy Di Dio, Amanda Di Dio, and Nichole Di Dio (mother and daughters) 1979 MGB and two 1976 MG Midgets. Tim Weaver renewed his membership. Tim drives a 1969 Lotus Europa

6 The Ales of the United Kingdom Give my people beer, good beer & cheap beer, and you will have no revolution among them Queen Victoria Coniston Brewing Co. Black Bull Inn Coniston, Lake District Cumbria Bluebird Bitter The Black Bull Inn and Hotel was built around 400 years ago, about the time of the Spanish armada, as a coaching Inn providing accommodation for both travelers, coachmen and horses. The Inn is situated in the picturesque village of Coniston, beside the beck (brook) and in the shadow of the 'Old Man' mountain. The Big Toe of the Old Man is a large piece of stone set in the wall of the Black Bull residents lounge. Hidden away behind the Black Bull in Coniston is the Coniston Brewing Company. This outstanding brewery, run by Ian Bradley, is where Bluebird Bitter is made. This 3.6% session beer won Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 1998 at the Great British Beer Festival Olympia London and has continued to be awarded accolades of recent years. To the pure waters of the Coniston hills are added the finest Challenger hops and wonderfully roasted pale and crystal malts, allowing the Coniston Brewing Company to use all their skill and instinctive know-how to create what must be described as the finest fully matured cask conditioned Ales. Bluebird Bitter: 3.6% ABV Malt - Maris Otter pale malt and crystal malt Hops Challenger It is, quite simply, a wonderful beer. It is exceedingly pale (21-22 units color), with just a hint of color in its cheeks from the dash of crystal malt. It has a massive orange fruit aroma from the challengers, balanced by biscuity malt. Source: Article courtesy of Bob Dougherty

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE ROADSTER FACTORY BOISE TRIUMPH SPARES STOREY S

OFFERING HIGH QUALITY RESTORATION SERVICES TO ALL IBCC MEMBERS ON ALL

. 20% DISCOUNT FROM LIST PRICE CONTACT PETE AT 344-4144 AND GENERAL

7 LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE ROADSTER FACTORY BOISE TRIUMPH SPARES STOREY S GARAGE LLC. OFFERING HIGH QUALITY RESTORATION SERVICES TO ALL IBCC MEMBERS ON ALL ROADSTER FACTORY CATALOG ITEMS.. 20% DISCOUNT FROM LIST PRICE CONTACT PETE AT AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF YOUR SPECIAL VEHICLE Call to schedule your seasonal tune up! Car won t start?? We make housecalls! 15% off labor for all IBCC members (541) storeysgarage@gmail.com

8 CLASSIFIED ADS ***FOR SALE: 1978 Triumph Spitfire. Stock condition with BOTH tops. Very nice original pageant blue paint. The body is in great shape, no floor or valence rust. Battery box is solid. New door and trunk seals. All wheels newly powder coated. Good convertible top with optional zip out rear window. Hardtop is straight and glass is excellent, but needs a new headliner. Seats are fully reconditioned. New seat foams with "Hounds tooth" covers from England. Dash is refinished. Carpets are nice. New JVC stereo deck with input jack. All gauges work. KYB shocks and a new battery. Tires are almost new. Owners manual and Haynes service manual are included. $4500. Doug Hackler *** FOR SALE: My Jag is a Vanden plas 1994, I have all the original paperwork with the first buyers info from Hollywood :) Anyway I'm looking for about 3K OBO thanks. Bruce Davis, ***FOR SALE: 1964 MGB restored, chrome wires wheels, Hardtop and hardware for soft top. Back paint, any reasonable offer. Contact Rich Park, ***FOR SALE: 2 like-new all season steel belted radial tires (P155/80R13). Studded for driving your Midget in the winter. Mounted on wheels (not spoke wheels). Asking $50. Contact Jeanette Griggs at ***PARTING OUT: MG Midget No engine, trans or body tub but suspension and lots of misc. parts are still available. Call with needs or come by and look it over. Bob Huston *** FOR SALE: Like new Roll Bar I removed from my 1980 MGB. Asking $200 obo. Contact Phil ***FOR SALE: MORRIS MINOR 1000 CONVERTIBLE tagged as a '67. Runs and drives great. Not fast but it wins the cute award. Newer tires. Blue exterior, repainted. Blue interior, very good original. White top and cover. Dual 1 1/4 SU's but original single 1 1/4 SU with manifold and air cleaner included. Owners manual and workshop manual. Everything but the windshield washer pump works. Owned for 18 years...asking $8500. Pictures and more information upon request call, leave message or text Randy M *** Over the past 25+ years I have acquired numerous OEM parts and repair manuals for British cars. I also have a video tape on the correct procedures to rebuild the various types of SU (Skinners Union) carburetors I would be happy to loan these to any IBCC member. Contact Pete or petebts@aol.com. Editor s Note: Classified Ads are free for club members and run until Editor is notified to remove. Non-members Classified Ads run for 3 months If you have news or information to share, or wish to submit an ad please don t hesitate to send it my way. (leenanotterness65@cableone.net) nancy

9 1. There is great need for a sarcasm font. Adult Truths 2. Nothing sucks more than the moment during an argument when you realize you re wrong. 3. I think part of a best friend s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die. 4. How are you suppose to fold a fitted sheet? 5. Map quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood. 6. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died. 7. Bad decisions make good stories. 8. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. 9. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don t want to have to restart my collection...again 10. I m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page document that I swear I did not make any changes to. 11. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would be on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay. 12. How many times is it appropriate to say What? before you just nod and smile because you still didn t hear or understand a word they said? 13. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever 14. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the donkey but I d bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

10 Club Regalia for sale: license plate frames $20, grill badges $30, sew-on patches $5,or window decals $1 contact Lee Otterness IDAHO BRITISH CAR CLUB PO BOX 9484 BOISE, ID Visit the WEBPAGE:

SPOKE N WORD I.B.C.C. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY. Maple Grove Grange Hall (11692 W. President Dr., Boise, ID) Saturday, December 11th

SPOKE N WORD I.B.C.C. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY. Maple Grove Grange Hall (11692 W. President Dr., Boise, ID) Saturday, December 11th SPOKE N WORD MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE IDAHO BRITISH CAR CLUB Available in color on the webpage http://idahobritishcars.com/ December 2010 Volume 19 Issue 12 I.B.C.C. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Maple Grove