DRIVER : Journal of the North American MCB Register Vol. 2, No. 3 Mayljune, 1992

North American MGB Register P 0. Box MGB , Akin, Illinois 62805

A 'Specials' Edition - The Jubilee and '67

MCB CTs

T H E N O R T H A M E R I C A N M C B REGISTER The"MGB Driver" is theofficial publicationof the North American MGB Register, anon-profit

organization dedicated tomaintainingand expanding interest in Britain's most popular Sports Car-the MGB.

The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifications described herein, entirely at their own risk.

Membership of the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restriction. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership and the local areas and NAMGBR Regions will be pleased to welcome you to their events.

For membership details or further information write to:

NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. Box MGB Akin, IL 62805

Or call the toll free hotline: 1-800-NAMGBR-1

OFFICERS NAMCBR CHAIRMAN: John H. Twist Bob Mason

614 Eastern Ave. S.E. 1 0 : 5klieCourl ~- -~~

Grand Rapids, G49503 I Fairhope, AL 36532 (616) 2452141 (205) 9285366

VICECHAIRMAN: Bruce Wyckoff 3693 63rd Street Saugatuk, MI 49453 (6 16) 857-2884

Bob Daniels (engines, etc.) (518) 3724566

Glen Towery (V8s only) 0 0 3 7341421

TREASURER: Rock Yarrington 5450 Astor Lane #2M Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (708) 4285470

SECRETARY: Jerome Rosenberger P.O. Box MCB Akin, IL 62805 (6 18) 627-2292

COORDINATORS OF THE REGISTER PUBUC RELATIONS: Ken Smith

P.O. Box 2645 Goleta. CA 931 17

. ,

SERVICE Ken Blahnik RECOMMENDATION 1633 Fern Drive COORDINATOR: Manitowac, W 54220

(4 14) 684-7393

REGALIA: Edna Carol P.O. Box MGB Akin, IL 62805

ELECTRONIC Dan Zebarah BILLBOARD: 1327 Austin

Lincoln Park, MI 48146 (313) 382-6715

(805) 5628146

USED PARTS George Sullivan EXCHANGE: 1101 Carpenter N.W.

Grand Rapids. MI 49504

MGB: Caroline Robinson, 614 Eastern Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, (616) 245-2141 MIDGET: Bruce Wyckoff, 3693 63rd St., Saugatuk, MI 49453, (616) 857-2884 1967 MGBGT Special: Gregg Purvis, 2285 Pavillion Walk, Holland, MI 49424, (616) 3994645. 1974 112 MGBs: Steve Harding, 1913-D Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19803, (215) 446-2073 MGB V8s: Curt Downing, 1355 Notch Road, Cheshire, CT 06410, (203) 888-1448 MGB LEs: Judy Estrada,l266 Bowdoin St. S.E., Kentwood, MI 49508, (616) 455901 1 MG1100/1300s: Thomas K. Gaylord, 3180 Verdun Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 261-5083

CONVENllON Jeff Powell COORDINATOR 910 Hirsch

Melrose Park, IL 60160 (708) 344-2268

(616) 4556033

The North American MGB Register is affiliated to the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in 1930and is the original factorysupported, and approved organization for all MGs* with the Club Headquarters situated in Abingdonan-Thames close by the birthplace of all MCs.

ADVERTISING: Barby HillSmith P.O. Box 2645 Goleta, CA 931 17

THE EDITOR'S VIEW

THE REGISTRARS OF NAMCBR

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF!

May w e first of all reccomend that you read t h e letter to t h e Register o n page 21 from Richard L. Knudson. This is IMPORTANT!! When t h e MGB Register was first formed, t h e Executive decided t o align themselves with t h e parent body of t h e MG Car Club in Great Britain. We applied for and were accepted as t h e MGB Register for North America, paid o u r dues, and t o d a t e have had nothing but positive feedback o n this affiliation. This h a s been particularly apparent in t h e encouragement w e have received f rom t h e MGB Register in Great Britain. We have always encouraged our Register members t o join t h e MG Car Club IF they felt it would b e beneficial t o their needs. Through Phil Richer, Overseas Director of t h e MG Car Club, w e thought w e had a tacit agreement that if, and when t h e MG Car Club expanded its operations in North America, t h e Registerwould be in aposi t ion tomakeapositivecontribution t o t h e expansionist plans of t h e MGCC.

It is with s o m e regret that we have t o tell you tha t t h e MG Car Club have launched their expansion scheme, sending Phil Richer over for a six month spell, without a n y consultation with t h e leading and long established NATIONAL organi- zations catering for MG enthusiasts in t h e USA. They have not consulted with t h e New England MG T Register founded over 28 years ago, neither with t h e North American MGA Register founded in 1971, and of course they havenot consulted with t h e fastest REGISTER!

growing organization in t h e Country t h e NORTH AMERICAN MGB

In t h e light of this, your Executive wish it t o be known that they will continue as they started-providingademocratic, independent, MGB Register with theexpress purpose of furthering t h e enjoyment of t h e MGB, Midget and MG 1100/1300, publishing a U.S. based magazine, and support ing U.S. advertisers and specialists.

Ker ........ Thi

r Smith

e Restor

lath of " e MCB CT jubilee UI

niversary Model 3ff Simpson and Marcham Rhoade

e '67 MCB CT S ake Problems an

continued on page 23

'pecial d Cures t7

and mu

F R O M Y O U R SECRETARY Well, we've had a busy Winter making plans for our first convention this coming

July in Canada, and just generally smoothingout theoperation and logistics to make the MGB Register bigger and better than ever for the benefit of all members.

Our March Executive Committee meeting saw the acceptance of five new NAMGBR Chapters:

Arizona MG Club, Inc. Emerald Necklace MG Register Kansas City MG Car Club MG Car Club, Miami Center MG Car Club, Washington, DC Center

We warmly welcome all the above local chapters to our growing circle which brings the total chapters to 29! If you need any information on these clubs or any other local MG Clubs throughout North America give me a call some evening on the Register's 800 toll-free number and I will try and help in any way I can. Conversely if you are a member of a local MG Club who feels that both your club and the Register would benefit by becoming a Chapter of the NAMGBR then again feel free to contact us. As my Yorkshire friend says-"It'll cost nowt" (in other words it's free!)

Also at the Executive Meeting we decided to sanction the "Heartland MG Regional Meet" organized by the Kansas City MG Club as a REGIONAL CONVENTION for the Register. If you live in the Kansas City area then be sure to attend this meet. Details from: (913) 648-6068.

Of course the Executive meeting discussed far too many subjects to be covered fully in this short report, but if you would like more details of the meeting, just send us a S.A.S.E. and we will be happy to mail you a copy of the minutes, to any member requesting same.

I would also like to remind everyone that if you have not placed an order for the new MGB Register grille badge you should do so soon! We are pre-selling the badges to defray the costs of manufacturing which as you can imagine for a badge of this quality are quite high! The sooner everyone places their order the sooner we will have the badges on our grilles-we'd like to have them in time to display at our Canadian Convention in July-but that won't happen unless you order NOW!

I am trying to keep my notes short this time as there is much to do, but remember we want to help you enjoy your MG-Keep in touch!

Jerome

This issue's winner of the Register GO GETTA MEMBER Competition is:

Michael Funk, #2863 Eden Prairie, MN 55346

who will shortly be receiving a super prize of a "Colortune" spark plug indicator worth $40.00! GO GETTA MEMBER!-and you could win too!

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CHAIRMAN'S CHAT - John H. Twist

In 1990 1 participated in a 'write in' campaign to convince the Rover Group to build a new MG, a British MG! In reply 1 received a generic letter from George Simpson, Rover's Managing Director, thanking me for writing and offering to keep my name on file in order that "you can be given the first opportunity to purchase"!! Just three days ago I thought about this letter I had written and lo and behold!-in today's mail I received a letter from Rover advising me of the return of the MG Marque on a sports car!

1 must admit I had all but written off the introduction of a new MG. When the Rover Group closed the Sterling dealer network in September (the same week that Colombo lost his Peugeot dealers!) 1 simply could not imagine the possibility of a new MG ever coming to the United States. I am stiN not certain-but my spirits are buoyed by this official announcement. At first I assumed that the new MGB would be manufactured from the old bodyshell dies which are leased to Heritage to stamp out the bodyshells we know so well. Then speaking with my brother in-law, Peter Robinson he told me he had discussed the new bodies with an Englishman who worked for the company supplying the stampings and it was immediately apparent that this is an entirely new shell, with a different engine bay layout and perhaps with flared fenders!

So many questions arise: When will the Rover Group begin to produce an MG for the North American market? Who will sell it? Will it be metric? Will it be in the affordable range or as expensive as the RV8? Will all the old suspension and driveline components be compatible, or is this an entirely new suspension? Will the Rover Groups take a renewed interest in Car Clubs? So many questions, still this is the best news to come out of England in a dozen years!

As we receive further news from Rover (and elsewhere!) they will be published HERE in theUMGB DRIVER"! One of your Executive has an appointment at Faringdon, England in the next couple of weeks where we will learn yet more about this Rover effort to capitalize on the wonder of the Octagon--and you can be proud of the part you have played in the 12 years since the MGB ceased production. Your enthusiasm and fervor for the MG marque must have finally hit home at International House, Birmingham-home of the Rover Group! As Graham J. Morris, Managing Director, Rover Europe, wrote to us on April 15th 1992-"Thank you again for your previous interest and I look forward to welcoming you back into the 'MG Fold'! Mr. Morris we have never been away!!

CANADA '92-1 continue to receive wonderful reports from the Toronto MG Car Club in their efforts to make this year's event in Peterborough the best club event ever! Make your hotel reservation NOW!-before the June 1st cut off! Send in your registration for Canada '92 NOW! See you in Ontario! "Safetv Fastn - ~ . John H. Twist

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LElTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MCB REGISTER

Rover Group, Ltd. International House, Birmingham, ENGLAND

April 15, 1992

Dear Mr. Twist,

I am delighted to inform you of the return of the MG Marque on a sports car. Your enthusiasm and support, which is shared by people within Rover was an important encouragement to take this step.

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of one of the world's most famous sports car-the MGB-Rover Cars is to produce an exclusive hand built version which will be available in limited numbers from September.

The car will be designated the MG RV8 and will be powered by a 3.9 litre fuel injected engine, producing 185 BHP and a top speed of 135 MPH. Suspension and braking systems have been developed to match its power characteristics.

TheRV8will incorporateextensiveuseof wood and leather trim, with traditional British sports car touches. It will be produced at the rate of 15 per week.

More details of this exciting product will be available in due course and I will ensure that you are among the first to be informed. I anticipate that demand for the car will be significant and it is probable that we will require a deposit to secure an order. I hope you will be among the lucky few who are able to enjoy this unique driving and ownership experience.

At this stage our plans for a return to volume sports car production are still being assessed and I cannot comment further at this stage. Thank you once again for your previous interest and I look forward to welcoming you back into the "MG fold".

Yours Sincerely,

GRAHAM MORRIS

Managing Director, ROVER EUROPE

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THE AFTERMATH OF BLACK MONDAY We told you in our last issue about the stunning news that MG was to be

closed-the news coming on Monday, September loth, less than a week after the super weekof celebrations markinga half-century of association between Abingdon and the world's best known sports car.

The decision to stop MG production had been taken at a secret meeting of BL top management in late July or early August, when it was agreed that a press release would be issued on September 10th. However plans for the Golden Jubilee celebra- tions were well advanced and were public knowledge at this time, but the management still decided to go ahead with the release, showing incredible insensitivity to the MG workforce.

Immediately a storm of protest erupted, not only from the MG Clubs but also from people who had been connected with MG for a long time, either in a profes- sional capacity such as John Thornley, or as a life long MG enthusiast such as Syd Beer. John Thornley wrote to over 400 MG dealers in the United States, and the letters were flown out-for free--in a U.S.A.F. plane to be posted in the U.S.! The three leading MG Clubs for their part, came together forgetting their differences to organize a massive protest rally in central London to be held on Sunday, September 30th, 1979.

The writer well remembers this day! Driving down the M1 motorway to London in convoy with hundreds of other MGs-stopping at the service areas along the way to be joined by yet more protesters. Eventually the line of MGs snaking off the motorway at Hendon was almost two miles long-and these were only the protest- ers from the North of England! From far and-wide they came--some even from the European Continent.

MCs block central London to protest the closure of Abingdon.

The Metropolitan police put a block on the original intention to drive the thousands of MGs attending around a pre-described route but did agree that a protest march could take place culminating in the handing in of a 'Save MG' petition at British Leyland's H.Q. in Piccadilly. So it was that thousands of MG enthusiasts gathered together just off the Thames embankment, where they were joined by members of the various auto workers unions representing MG of Abingdon. A large MG sign was mounted on a truck and with several MGs in the forefront the parade set off on their march.

I well remember the police who accompanied the march commenting upon the good humour of the throng and asking us if we had any 'MG' songs to sing along to as we marched! We hadn't-but soon made one up to the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down"! The police in 1979 were more used to dealing with a rather different kind of march consisting of aggressive workers stirred up by agitators supported by the British Communist party. So the long, long, line snaked its way through Central London, until eventually we reached Piccadilly where Jean Kimber-Cook, the daughter of Cecil Kimber, handed in a petition to save MG bearing over 12,000 signatures. It had been hoped that Michael Edwardes would receive the petition in person but he chickened out and a BL lackey took the petition from Jean. Then we continued marching through Trafalgar Square and back to our starting point on the Embankment.

The scene here was incredible with the whole of the banks of the River Thames blocked solid with MGs of every type! One man had even brought his British Bulldog, suitably adorned with a Union Jack waistcoat!+ther people were dressed suitably for the occasion with Red, White and Blue everywhere. The talk was all of MG and how it could be saved but eventually it was time to call it a day and make our long journey home up the M1. Almost in its own protest our MGB decided to throw the clutch some 50 miles from home, but in true Abingdon fashion just lasted until we

Protest marchers assemble. 10

were safely there!

The Aftermath of Black Monday - Continued from Page 11 BUSINESS CARD PACE

A 'Protesting' Midget

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MC TRIVIA QUIZ E X H I L A R A T I O N This time we have a simple quiz the whole family can take part in! NO questions

as to what is the rear axle fluid capacity of an MGB?-(it's 2 114 pints!)-NO what is S A Y S I T A L L

the standard MGB thermostat setting?-(it's 74 degrees Centigrade!)-and NO who drove MGB #81 on the 1964 Liege Rally (it was David Hiam and Julian Vernaeve!).

This time all we want you to do is count the total number of times the "MG" logo or the !etters "MG" together, appear in the trade advertisements in this issue of the "MCB DriueJ'. Simple!-isn't it?

The first correct entry opened at the Editorial Offices, P.O. Box 2645, Goleta, CA 93117 will receive a prize of a year's free subscription to that most excellent periodical "BRI77SH CAR" magazine courtesy of Dave Destler-the Editor.

So get cracking!-get the kids to count if you can't be bothered! It will keep them quiet on a rainy afternoon-and remember both the logo and the letters "MG" count in this one! Again address your entries to:

MGB DRIVER (Dept Q) P.O. Box 2645 Goleta, CA 931 17

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T H E MGB WILL BE back in the shou,rooms from the aunimn.

After months of spccularion, Rover has confirmed that an updated V8 version of Britain's favourire roadster will make its debut at the NEC show in September.

ill be lareclv

hand-built, fcamre the catalysed 185bhp 3.9- litre engine from the Range Rover and cost in the area ofC?O,000. Fifteen of the 135mph soft-tops will be made per week.

There are few clues yet as to how the new B, called RV8, will look. It is said it wil' '

recognisahle as a E with ncw panels for the nose and front and rear wings to bring the shape more up to date.

Suspension and brakes will be updarcd and the cabin will made more luxuri< with leather and w

"The MG RVX - ' tio on ofthe

MGB," says Rover. '?Ye are still assessine h e

.. . . - . . .

be Deli ous rher ood. CI isan T V F

to he built by I3rirish &lotor Hentagc, a I<o\.er suhsidian., which has

(From Autocar, March 18, 1992)

, .lxaN,Is u..6inal- spec lMGB shells 1988.

The RV8 will b listed on Rover pr list9 and sold fron Rover dealers.

veries sran af notor show. iosest rival is I IS, which usc

ow11 version of thl Range Rover 3.9 1 with 240bhp.

The RV8 will b made only in righ hand-drive form, ..,. expons are likely, not just to countries like Japan - where rcuo British cars are a great success - but also to continental Eurol

\Wen the car is launched in Septc it will be 30 years the iMGB first appeared -and years since it, and factory, was axed.

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Be thankful Rover didn't go this route! 16

THE- M C B CT JUBILEE O R ANNIVERSARY M O D E L by Ceoff Simpson and Marcham Rhoade

In 1975 British Leyland announced that 750 special 'Jubilee' editions of the immensely popular MGBGTwould bemanufactured tocelebrate the50thAnniversary of the beginning of MG production. Smart marketing move but they were a year too late! The first cars to bear the MG badge were built in 1924! However in swift marketing fashion B.L. came back to say that the Jubilee being celebrated was Cecil Kimber's success on the Lands End trial of 1925!

The paint finish for this model was New Racing Green (BL VC 25) with gold stripes running the full length of the car along the upper parts of the fenders and the doors just above the waist line strips. Normally these were of course chrome but on this model were painted the same color as the body. There was a commemorative symbol in the form of an MG octagon on the front fender on the gold stripe and above, and ahead, of the corporate British Leyland square badge on the lower part of the fender just in front of the door. The wheels were of the V8 composite pattern, steel rims were painted gold and riveted to alloy wheel centers painted black, with the cut-outs outlined in gold. The hub was finished by a steel pressing capped by a black and gold badge in the circle. The gold pigment used on the wheels was imported from the U.S.A. and is no longer available. 175 X 14 Pirelli tubeless tires were fitted.

The Black and Gold theme was extended to the BGT's interior where the seats, carpets and trim were black, but the boss of thesteeringwheel incorporated the MG motif in gold. The MG badge on the front polyurethane bumper was also finished in

A 'Rare' MCB - 17 years on. Owner: John Taylor. 18

gold and incidentally this is thecorrect badge for all MGBs produced during 1975 the anniversary year! On some cars the tailgate badge was also gold in color but this did not apply to all the Jubilees-maybe there was a supply problem because some of the 1975 V8 BGT's were also fitted with gold tailgate badges!

The original intention was to have a commemorative plaque fitted on the center of thedashboard, with thelimited edition number of the 750 engraved at the top. The plaque showed the MG motif flanked by laurel leaves surmounted by the legend '19251975'in thecenter and aspace below for the first owner's name to beengraved. Unfortunately the plaques were sent out loose with the cars (for the engraving to take place) and it would seem from looking at today's cars that many plaques failed to get fitted! It has been said that one Jubilee was produced for each of the British Leyland U.K. franchises that existed in 1975 and research has shown this could be the case.

All Jubilee models were fitted as standard with items previously listed as extras such as tinted window glass, overdrive, head restraints and carpets. In all other respects the cars were the same as all other MGB GTs manufactured during 1975, being mechanically identical. The cost of a Jubilee MGB GT at launch was $2668 including taxes an increase of 5124 over the standard MGB GT.

During 1975 the Abingdon factory assembled 39,543 MGs of which 24,576 were MGBs so the 750? Jubilees were just a drop in the bucket-seen among the total MGB production of over 512,000 they are a drop in the ocean! However their rarity has now enhanced their value and their following-there are even examples of Jubilees in Australia and New Zealand!

A favorite trivia question here in the U.S. has been how many 'Jubilees' were produced, and the answer has been given as 751 to the dismay of those who put 750 as the correct total! Now we can reveal probably for the first time that there were not 751 ... but 752!!!! How come? Well #751 was an MGB GTV8 specially commissioned and the 752nd was the result of an accident revealed to us by source inside the MG Factory. An executive from MG had to attend a management meeting in Longbridge and in a hurry to make the meeting wrote off the 'Jubilee' GT (which he had borrowed off the line!) on theA34 highway dashing towards Birmingham! MG senior management were not amused! This car was retrieved and rebuilt, and became a 'works' hack when it was then involved in a further accident! Rebuilt yet again it was then taken into the development department and fitted with a turbo charged "0" series engine.

The MG Car Club MGB GT Jubilee Register maintains records of as many cars as possible and in years to come this record will stand as a valuable historical document of proof, if it were needed, that these rare and distinctive "Jubilee Editions" are genuine "Special Editions" with their own unique place in the history of the MG motor car. Geoff Simpson, the Registrar, has performed avaluable service in compiling a listing of these cars and publishing a book of registration and chassis numbers which is being added to daily.

(We are deeply indebted to Geoff-whose Jubilee graces our front cover this issue, for much of the information above and for his supportive correspondence with the North American MGB Register-thanks Geoff!) ........ and now THE AMERICAN JUBILEE?

In July 1976 British Leyland Motors. Inc. of Leonia, NJ donated theone millionth car built at Abingdon to the winner of the New England MGT Register's Bi-Centennial Rally of the Colonial Capitals. This was an MGB Roadster finished in Brooklands

The MCB CT Jubilee or Anniversary Model - continued from page 19 LETTERS TO T H E REGISTER

MGB GTAnniversary Model.

THE NEW ENGLAND MG T REGISTER, LTD DRAWER 220, ONEONTA, NY 13820

Greetings: I wonder if you are as much in the dark as I am about the plans of the English

MG Car Club to start an entirely new MG organization in North America. I'd like to share some of what I know with you.

The MG Car Club of England is starting a new MG Club in North America which appears to be purely a commercial venture. They intend to go head to head with all existing clubs and registers here, and put them out of business. They have a p p r e priated a large sum of money for this purpose, and have sent Phil Richer, their Overseas Director to the U.S. for an extended period of time to organize this new club. They propose to have a full time, paid staff in an office over here! As an aside, our Register has been going on for over 28 years with an all volunteer effort, as also have other registers such as the NAMGBR and NAMCAR. It seems they know better what we Americans need than we do!

The new MG Car Club North America will require established clubs such as yours to pay an annual fee of $100.00 and I further understand that all of your club dues will go to MGCCNA. I must point out that neither Phil Richer, nor the MGCC has contacted theT Register or other recognized MGCC Centers that I am in contact with

Green to 'Jubilee' specifications complete with V8 wheels, gold stripes and Autumn about this plan or his organizational tour. Yet he has contacted virtually every one

Leaf upholstery. On the dashboard was a plaque which read-"Abingdon's millionth of the Register's chapters and groups and several of our members. As some of you

car. God speed and safe driving from us all at Abingdon". may know, this contact has been in the nature of a requesting a meeting to make his

This car is now owned by Don Bridger of Arkansas and the photograph below pitch for the new club, as well as a request for housing during his visit to that locale.

shows this unique vehicle. Don has promised to bring us up to date on the history Reports of some of these conversations lead me to believe that he has conveyed the

and condition of the car in a future issue of the "Driver". idea that he has in fact been in contact with the Registers-he hasn't!-and this is all being done behind our back. I'm sure it looks the same to you.

We do not intend to tell you what to do regarding this hostile move--make up your own minds-we just thought the situation needed some clarification for your members and chapters. We love our Registers and our Board of Directors is on record that we will not give up our independence or our publications in exchange for a page or two in their proposed publication. I KNOW that the MG hobby has never been in better shape here in North America and there is no question that our enthusiasm on this side of the Atlantic far exceeds that shown on the other side. As a case in point, at the opening of the MG Car Clubs new H.Q. in Abingdon during July of 1990, they were happy with a crowd of 450 people. 230 were from the T Register's Circuit of Britain trip, and another hundred were from the European Continent who were in town for the Abingdon Center's International weekend, just as we were. Everyone kept asking-"where are the Brits"?!

As always we appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our Gatherings in the future. Sincerely,

Richard L. Knudson Executive Director New England MG T Register

continued on page 22 21

Letters to the Register - continued from page 21

REGISTER COMMENT: Your Executive decided to publish the letter on the previous page because it

reflects exactly the sentiments expressed at the recent quarterly meeting of the North American MGB Register. Your Chairman, John H. Twist, your Secretary Jerome and all the officers concur that we couldn't have put it any better than Dick does, and we agree 100% with what he has written to us. Make up your own mind by all means but beware of false and empty promises! We welcome any comments you may care to make.

Now a letter from a gentleman who worked at the MG Factory for 25 years! .......

Dear Register, Many thanks for the copies of the "MGB Driver" which I find of great interest.

Looking through some of the articles brings to mind a couple of amusing anecdotes and I might also be able to add to your paint knowledge on the MGB. When I started workat the MG factoryon February 1st 1955,I was told by some fellow workers with quite a fair length of previous service that 'Black Mondays' were the days on which Mr.S.V. Smith (referred to by some as "Sacker Smith"!) made a tour of the works and as a result some workers were fired! So we had 'Black Mondays' before the one referred to in the March issue of the 'Driver'!

Also, the reaction of some of my new colleagues was "Why did you give up a secure job in the garage trade to come to MG? This place will close soon." On the second day after I started we were told not to come in for the next two days as there was a strike at Willenhall Radiators! However, next evening I had a message to report forwork the next day as thestrike was over! I wondered what kind of job I had landed myself in and my father commented at the time, "I told you so!-you will never know when you will be out of a job!" However a s it transpired I didn't get the sack eventually until thesecond'BlackMonday'September loth, 1979and Ifinally left the MG factory on November 14th 1980 which probably proves the saying that every- thing comes back into fashion every 25 years even 'Black Mondays'!!

Towers?-Roadsters?-Convertibles? We used to refer to open MGs as Road- sters in the rectification department, but it was said that we were a law unto ourselves! We used a fair bit of paint in the rectification department usually from I.C.I. but MG also used "Glasso" and some "Valspar", in fact when the plant closed I purchased a gallon of Valspar B.R.G. for my 1964 roadster and still have the tin! The paint foreman was Jack Butler, the paint finishing foreman was Percy Hughes. The 'B' Block supervisor was the late George Morris and in later years Jack Mansell. The back up stock of paint in the MG Factory was 200 gallons of each colour, but in the event of an emergency they could get paint from Pressed Steel at Cowley where the supply was almost unlimited. As you know in later years the paint rectification work passed through an oven on a moving track.

Keep up the good work with the Register, All the best!

Geoff Allen Abingdon on Thames

continued on page 37

Editor's View - continued from page 3

'Made in America' is the watchword today, s o consider carefully before deciding to send your hard earned dollars elsewhere.

On a lighter note we look forward to meeting with many of our new members as the Register attends the major shows this coming Summer. Our membership grows daily by every post, butwealsowish to pay tribute to thosemembers who have been with us almost from the start, your membership renewals have greatly encouraged your Executive to redouble their efforts to give you the BEST MGB club in North America!

So get out there-drive that MGB, Midget o r 1100 to the nearest meetingto your home--or even further! You'll meet many new friends, share the unique common experience of owning an Abingdon classic, and feel much better for the little effort required!

Finally keep thoseletters, articles, photographs coming in, and for our part we'll try and bring you the very best MGB magazine in the World! Wait until you see what we've got lined up for you this Fall! "Safety Fastn

Marcham Rhoade

(P.S. I see the MG Owners' Club in England are having a Marcham Road run this Summer-fame at last!!)

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THE 1967 M G B GT SPECIAL'S REGISTER Cregg Purvis

In the year since the North American MGB Register was started thestory behind the creation of the GT 'Specials' has gradually taken shape.

Essentially it was a marketing effort to generate interest in the GT here in North America. A strong advertising campaign was begun promoting the "First Anniver- sary MGB GT Special" which promoted the advantages of the GT plus special equipment added at no extra cost.

This equipment came to the MG dealers in a kit form and could be added to any GT in stock, thus the cars are not a series in any particular group of serial numbers, nor are they an 'official' factory model. The kits included the special plaques, awood rimmed Moto-Lita style steering wheel, a wooden shift knob and a racing type 'bullet' mirror for the left front fender. Additionally the cars had wire wheels and apparently white wall tires.

Neither of the Specials I have owned had the racing mirror on them and there is no evidence that such a mirror was ever on either car. It may be that a door mirror had already been mounted and changing the mirrors would have involved repairing holes in the doors!-in which case the dealers would simply have omitted to fit the racing mirrors.

I have received information from other "MGB GT Special" owners and will include them and a listing of the cars in afuture issue of the "Drive?-meanwhile let me again request that you contact me with any information or questions regarding these cars.

"Safety Fast!" Gregg

Announcing the most important sale in MG history ...

THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY 9 MGBIGT SPECIAL ci :hl now 1s"G dealers across fl;e In honor of Iheorcdr>on. they'reoffcr~np Only 1.000 Ftrsl Anntversary country am comrnPrnoratlng Ihe anniversary MGBiGTr ,n a specla1 edition. Each oncwl l MGBfGT Spec~als will be avalIaDle tn Ine enrm 01 the first paoular.priced authent8c GT- have all Ihe er1rar hIGB!GT's come wtth p& U S.A Sodan'l watt. !he MGBfGT See "our MG dealer before he runs oul.

British Leyland promoted the concept of the MGB GT 'Special' quite heavily in a series of advertisements similar to the above from 1967.

Chris Nowlan's '67 MGB CT Special. 24

AS FAR AS T H E EYE CAN SEE-MCB!

The dispatch compound at Abingdon-1978. Photo: MC World.

THE MGB GARAGE Hints and Tips to Make Your MCB Run Better and Safer!

BRAKE PROBLEM SOLVERS

PROBLEM CAUSE CURE

PROBLEM CAUSE CURE

Excessive brake pedal travel.

Brake Fade.

Spongy brake pedal

Brake pedal too hard.

Brake pedal requires pumping or loss of pedal.

Brakes 'grab' when applied.

Brake squeal. 1. Worn disc retaining pins 2. Faulty damping pins or

shoe retaining clips. 3. Dust in brake drum.

1. Brakes need adjustment or replacement

2. Air in system. 3. Faulty master cylinder. 4. Leaking or contaminated

fluid.

1. Incorrect pads or lining material.

2. Old or contaminated brake fluid.

3. Excessive use of brakes or car overloaded.

1. Air in hydraulic system. 2. Shoes badly lined or

distorted. 3. Faulty hydraulic

cylinder.

1. Seized wheel cylinder

or caliper piston. 2. Glazed friction

material.

1. Brakes wrongly adjusted. 2. Air in hydraulic system. 3. Fluid leak from brake

pipe or component. 4. Loss of fluid from

master cylinder.

1. Contaminated friction material.

2. Wrong linings fitted.

3. Scored drums or discs.

4. Loose backplate or caliper

1. Adjust or renew brake shoes

2. Bleed hydraulic system. 3. Fit new master cylinder 4. Bleed hydraulic system

1. Fit new pads or shoes

2. Renew brake fluid.

3. Check vehicle load.

1. Bleed system. 2. Fit new pads or shoes.

3. Check hydraulic circuit.

1. Replace seized component.

2. Fit new shoes/pads.

1. Adjust brakes. 2. Bleed system 3. Check hydraulic circuit

replace parts if necc. 4. Check hydraulic circuit

replace parts if necc.

1. Replace (don't clean) brake pads or shoes.

2. Replace (don't clean) brake pads or shoes.

3. Fit new drum or disc.

1. Fit new pins. 2. Fit new shims or clips.

3. Remove dust from drums and shoes.

4. Tighten caliper or backplate.

Brake shudder. 1. No clearance at master cyl. operating rod.

2. Shoe tension springs broken or weak.

3. Wheel cylinder or caliper piston seizing.

4. Faulty self adjusting mechanism.

5. Seized handbrake mechanism.

1. Adjust rod if possible.

2. Replace tension springs.

3. Fit new caliper or cylinder.

4. Check mechanism.

5. Check handbrake operation.

Brakes pull to one side only.

1. Contaminated friction material on one side. (grease,oil,brake fluid)

2. Loose backplate. 3. Seized cylinder. 4. Faulty suspension or

steering.

1. Replace shoes/pads all round.

2. Tighten backplate. 3. Replace cylinder. 4. Check suspension and

steering.

Handbrake Ineffective.

1. Worn rear shoes. 2. Brakes require

adjusting. 3. Faulty handbrake

linkage.

1. Fit new shoes. 2. Adjust brakes.

3. Check linkage and cable operation.

Servo late in operation (where 1 fitted)

Loss of servo when braking

I heavily.

Loss of fluid- (servo only)

29

1. Blocked filter. 2. Bad vacuum sealing or

restricted air inlet.

1. Air leak in servo- vacuum low.

1. Seal failure.

2. Scored servo bores.

3. Damaged or corroded pipes

1. Clean or replace filter. 2. Tighten vacuum hose

connections-check hoses.

1. Either overhaul servo or replace

1. Replace or overhaul servo

2. Replace or overhaul servo

3. Inspect and fit new fluid pipes.

MASON'S MUSINGS Our Technical Coordinator Holds Forth! - Bob Mason

Well an rather mixed bag this time and before I forget-thanks for sending those stamped, self addressed envelopes for a reply to your questions! First a letter from John Bullington in South Carolina ...

Dear Bob, I'm really glad to know we have a tech rep. with so much experience-it is very

nice of you to accept all our questions and problems. Since I am away from the car I can't remember all the serial numbers but my questions have to do with body problems. The car is a 1971 MGB. Here goes:

1. I recently completed the arduous task of replacing the windscreen to body seal in the hopes of clearing up a water leak under the dash (fascia) of the car. Despite this, the leak cu~~tinues-it appears during heavy rain and drips onto my left leg from under the dash. I also notice some clouding of the instrument glass during this time. The header rail and all other gaskets, seals, etc. have been replaced. Any ideas?

2. Recently I installed new door panels and the unbreakable chrome window winder handles. Due to close clearances it appears that the handles will soon score a circular pattern on the new panels. Is there a solution?

3.1 recently removed the vent window assembly to install new seals all around. I had also hoped to fix the source of the typical door skin split that occurs beneath the longest rail of the vent assembly. Strangely enough mine is on the passenger side-I should mention that due to 1. above I had removed the windscreen and also replaced the side post to body seals. I cannot find any way to adjust thevent rail to relieve the pressure-the bondo keeps popping out!

4. Finally (and maybe I should never have replaced that damned seal!) in re- installing the windscreen, with new seals, no amount of physical exertion appears to align the left side properly with the vent assembly. Small space at the bottom- large space at the top! (Maybe that's why the passenger side splits the door skin and not the drivers side?). Is there any way outsideof employing Arnold Swartzenegger, to get this alignment corrected? Thanks for considering theseself-inflicted problems! John Bullington

Dear John, 1. Your water leak is probably coming from the area where the windscreen

wiper wheelbox (shaft) comes through the body. There is agasket under thechrome bezel that if bad, will allow water to come through and drip behind the instrument panel. To renew, remove the wiper arm and chrome nut and either fabricate a new gasket from a piece of thin rubber (as from an old inner tube) or order the correct gasket from one of our suppliers who advertise in the "Driver".

If the chrome nut is frozen, do not force it a s the threads on the wheelbox are aluminum and if nut is forced, you will strip the threads and be faced with replacing the entire wheelboxassembly. If you cannot loosen thenut by normal pressure, after using something like 'Liquid Wrench'-use a nut cracker and obtain a new nut, o r get one from a local wrecking yard. Water sometimes comes around the bottom edge of the windscreen edge, over the top front corner of the door-but that is unusual. The

Our concours bag or Day Keeper can double for car trunk use or miscellaneous packing needs. The unique and business-like studied look is finished as finely inside as on the outside. Thick natural tan leather bottom and quarter sides, rolled leather haadles and cast brass-buckled leather straps. Bag gains certain patina with age. Fabric is 100% natural cotton oxford weave. Approx: 153/45 X 6111 X 12W Car emblem of your choice in navy.

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Technical Coordinator - continued from page 30

clouding of the instrument panel faces is from high humidity during your rain- there isn't much you can d o about that!

2. Granted the chrome window handles don't break, but these were original equipment for the Jaguar XK-E models who's door padding was not as thick as the MGB's! So a s the knob retainer is a bit closer to the panel, there isn't much you can do except live with what you have or go back to the original black, plastic MGB handle.

3. Only welding-NOT bondo will repair your doorskin crack. A good body man can install a patch inside the crack area, welding the outside and using bondo only a s a finish filler. The crack is usually caused by the 114 vent glass assembly being improperly adjusted. (However it can also becaused by people pulling the door shut by holding the topof thevent assembly and I thinkwe haveaconfidential MGSenrice Memorandum dated 1963, on page40 in this issue of the "Driver" which will show the crack problem is nothing new!-Ed)

The long frame extension is held in place at the bottom of the door by an adjustable bracket, allowing the long extension to move side t o side s o a s to align the front edgeof the glass assembly t o align with thevertical edge of thewindscreen frame. The door skin split can be caused by the 114 glass assembly being tilted too far inwards s o that the top edgemakes contact with the windscreen frame before ihe door is closed. When the door is forced closed, the top of the assembly is forced outwards pressing the metal frame extension against the door and causing the skin to eventually crack. Loosen that nut on the bottom bracket and align the 114 glass frame t o run parallel with the vertical edge of the windscreen and your problem should be solved.

4. Your windscreen unit can only be installed in one position-with the two bolts at each side installed-that's about it! The only other adjustment is the 114 glass assembly itself. The bottom bracket mentioned in (3) above is attached t o the inner door panel and is adjustable fore and aft. Loosen all of your 114 glass assembly attaching bolts. Where the assembly attaches to the top of the door there are two threaded posts-snug-up the front one and then pull the extension to the rear, this will tilt the top of the 114 glass assembly forward. From the MG factory there were shims installed, almost always at that rear post, s o if yours are missing, fill the gap with shims/washers or whatever before you tighten the rearmost attaching nut. Then tighten the bracket at the bottom of the door followed by all of the remaining nuts/bolts. All of this should align your 114 glass assembly to make an even gap with your windscreen unit, and you may have to readjust the rear window run channel too. I hope the above will get everything back into alignment for you! Bob

... and now another question from Dwaine out there in California.

Dear Bob, Thanks again for your advice on my water p u m p i t turned out O.K. in the end

but it helps when you have the right part! However I noticed some while ago while washing my '74 MGB that my hand would clear the space between the top, outside

continued on page 36 32

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Technical Coordinator - continued from page 32

of the right rear tire and fender-but would not on the left side! The distance is a full inch smaller-so what gives here? Is the body actually an inch to the left of the vehicle track! The front is difficult to measure so I am at a loss to explain this. The gap is approx 2 114" on the right rear but only 1 114" on the left rear. Dwaine

Dear Dwaine, Thanks for your letter and the pictures-it looks like you have a few good

looking MGB GTs-I wish we had such a large number of English cars in our area! I've looked at several BGTs, including my own (a 1967 RH drive and a 1974 112)

and both of them are approximately the same as yours, give or take a fraction of an inch or so! The '67 could possibly be expected to be something like this as 1 have had to replace both rear wings but the '74 112 is original and has never been damaged.

This difference in width can be aggravated if the car is sagging an appreciable degree to the left, as so many high mileage cars are. This is because the car usually carries only the driver, and the left rear spring seems to settle more and more as mileage increases. This can easily beverified by parking on a flat surface and viewing the MGB from the rear, or measuring from the ground to the bottom of the rearwheel arch opening on each side for comparison. If this is so, it can be semicured by switching the front and rear springs from side to side or installing a small (500 pounds or so) 'helper' spring on the left side, and tightening the attaching nuts (increasing the torque) to a point where the left side is just a bit higher than the right side. The drivers weight will then settle the spring to where the car will be basically level.

Neither of my GTs or my Roadster are quite as far "off" as your cars but there is a difference between each side--I don't know why. Maybe that's "just the way it is" and something that should cause little concern. Sorry I can't be of more help, but if ever you find the reason, please let me know. Happy Motoring! Bob

Rob Medynski 15 yrs. Experience

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THE ULTIMATE MC SEMINARS Owner service and maintenance is the ultimate goal of many MG enthusiasts! To

help MG owners reach that goal, University Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan offers intensive, hands-on technical seminars each February, and this year nearly 80 octagonal students from Connecticut to California participated in the 1992 seminars!

The three M a y weekend seminars and the three 2day graduate courses were the ninth in a series which began in 1983. The weekend seminars demonstrated routine maintenance and restoration while in the graduate seminars both UML staff and students actually rebuilt an engine, carburetters and gearboxes! The seminars were arranged by model--one for T series, one for the MGAs and early MGBs-and one for the MGBs 1968 and later.

Daytime sessions lasted from 8am to 5pm. Workshop safety was the first topic on Friday followed by the "Complete Lubrication". The entire undercarriage, suspension and drivetrain were discussed and serviced in detail. The following day began with the "Toolbox" but quickly entered the "CompleteTune-up" includingthe emission controls, engine, ignition and carburetion. Electrics, tool use and specific MG 'tricks' engaged the group on Sunday, during which John Twist demonstrated his "Fastest U-Joint Change in the World"! and was timed this year at ... 5 mins 10 secs to replace a U-Joint on an MGA driveshaft! Several other techniques were demon- strated and after being shown the correct way to solder a Lucas bullet connector onto a wire, one participant claimed that learning this technique alone was worth the price of the Seminar!

All was not over at 5pm! Evening session at a local restaurant included taps, dies, and threadforms, MG model variations, restoration sequences and tips, paint codes, MG Clubs, Sales Literature and much more. Each participant received the 1992 UML Technical Booklet at the official banquet on the Saturday evening.

The 'Graduate Seminars' were held Monday and Tuesday. In the engine seminar JHT thoroughly disassembled a faulty MGB engine with only three pistons moving! In the remaining day and a half John assembled an engine from cleaned parts and started it up on the bench-* sight to behold! Ten enthusiasts brought their own carbs (from Bug-Eye Hls to MGB HIF4s) and distributors to the 'Tune Up' seminar and rebuilt them completely under the direction of the UML staff. All taking part received bushings, shafts, gaskets, jets, needles, etc. The gearbox seminar was just as exciting as 10 boxes from T-Type to MGC received new bearings, gaskets, seals - .

and synchros. At the conclusion of each seminar, attendees were awarded their degrees in

"MGineering"! All the seminars were designed to be low key, comfortable, hands-on and thoroughly octagonal, stressing cleanliness, consistency and confidence! And so a totally enjoyable experience, and on February 5th thru' 24th next year it all happens again! The engine rebuild will be a T series XPAG!

If you have any questions about the seminars or the Giant Summer Party at UML in Grand Rapids, August 21/23rd call University on (616) 245-2141 or fax (616) 245 6464.

L

Kevin Mahoney, Faribault, Minnesota, prepares the side inspection cover for reassembly on his 1960 MGA 1600 with assistance from John Twist. The University Motors gearbox rebuild "Graduate Seminar" drew ten enthusiasts. Photo: Dennis Trowbridge.

Letters to the Register - continued from puge 22 I (Editor's note: I have known Geoff for many years-he would be too modest to

tell you that he prepared many of the cars which were displayed on the MC stand at the big Motor Shows in the 60's and 70's! Also he is a foremost authority on MGB V8s and is historian of the MG Car Club V8 Register. Geoff is still involved with MGs. running a successful MG service and repair business about a mile from the old MG Factory!) 11

TECHNICAL TOPICS John H. Twist

In which our technical wizard tries to get to the bottom of a few MG things!

I thought it might be useful to re-state the various technical tool data appertaining to our MGBs. So for those of you with a technical bent here they are!:

SPANNER SIZES FOR BRITISH & AMERICAN BOLTS

Shank Size British Spanner** American Wrench

114 3/16 BSW 7/16(0.438") 114 BSF (0.445")

5/16 114 BSW 1/2"(0.500") 5/16 BSF (0.525")

318 5/16 BSW 9/16"(0.563") 318 BSF (0.600'3

7/16 318 BSW 5/8"(0.625") 7/16 BSF (0.710") 1 l/l6"(0.688")

112 7/16 BSW 3/4"(0.750") 112 BSF (0.820")

** These spanner sizes are initially confusing since the same jaw size is described by two different sizes. BSW-British Standard Whitworth and BSF-British Standard Fine.

PITCHES OF THE VARIOUS THREAD FORMS

Shank size BSW* UNC BSF* UNF

* The Whitworth form has a thread angle of 55" and the American form has an angle of 60". Therefore even though the TPI may be the same they are NOT interchange- able.

continued on page 40

614-F Eastern Avenue, S.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 Phone (61 6) 245-21 41 24 Hour FAX (616) 245-MGMG (6464) 1

I SERVICE - RESTORATION INSTRUCTION SINCE 1975. EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MG I

I Complete Lubrication Complete Tune Complete Test Drive Brakes Exhaust Clutch Engines OID Conversions

Shocks Wheels Electrical I Short Blocks Cylinder Heads Engines Rocker Assemblies

Gearboxes Overdrives Remote Control Housings SU & Stromberg Carburetters Exhaust Manifolds Distributors Starters Dynamos Control Boxes

Wiper Motors Brake Cylinders and Calipers Kingpin Assemblies Differentials

Repair Bench Restoration Services Soft Tops Interiors Carpeting Rust Repair Paint . Detailing

167H ANNUAL MG SUMMER PARTY n Featuring the MG TF August 21-23, 1992

Technical Topics - continued from page 38

BRITISH STANDARD PIPE

Nominal Size Threads per Inch Major Diameter

These threads are used on the fuel fittings and on the oil lines.

SERVICE MEMORANDUM

12 July 1863

WOR PANEL CRACKING I=

I f a s h a r p edge has been l e f t In the co rne r of t h e lioor windor a p e r t u r e a t ' A ' , it is p o s s i b l e t h a t a c rack may develop a s s h a m should t h e q u a r t e r v e n t i l a t o r mounting become slnck.

Th i s co r r l i t l on may be r e c t l r i e d by b raz ing or gas- welding t h e c rack , with a f l l l e t of . e l d i n t h e co rne r a t ' A ' t o prevent any re-opening of t h e crack.

Action h a s nor been taken i n product ion t o e l i m i n a t e t h i s ~ o s s i b l e weakness.

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WHY DO THEY DO IT? Ken Smith

Most people who own an MG are conscious that a clean and tidy car is a happy car!!-apart from looking so much better, and standing out from the rest of the automotive dross which adorns our highways. So the majority of MG owners, wash and polish their beloved cars, with more enthusiasm and with a greater frequency than most other drivers.

However you cannot fail to have noticed, that there is a select band of Octagon minded people to whoma simple 'wash and polish' is an almost daily duty! Come the weekends in Summer these enthusiasts prepare their MGBs with an almost fanatical zeal, ready to be shown at one of the many car shows held throughout the year. I refer of course to those owners who enter Concours or Popular vote contests- those who prepare their cars to the highest possible standards, and are then in turn are prepared to be judged, by experts or even their fellow competitors!

Make no mistake--the life of a concours competitor is by no means easy! Hours of preparation, restoration, dedication and perspiration are required to achieve the high standards expected in the show line up of today. So what is the difference between the MG showman and the average MG driver who keeps his car in good order? One main difference is the question of 'wanting' to do it, rather than as with most things in life, where we 'have' to do it! The guy who drives a company h i c k doesn't WANT to clean his car on Sunday mornings-but he HAS to! The concours competitor doesn't HAVE to get his car into the 90% plus perfect state-but he WANTS to! So the question posed is "Why do they do it?" What motivates these people to produce cars at events that are the envy of nearly all those who admire them?

Well the foregoing sentence may give you a couple of clues! In all walks of life some people need to be admired, either personally or through their achievements. If that achievement happens to be a 'state of the art' MGB-then so 'B' it. "Look what I've done," is the unspoken message to all who stop and admire. Also inherent in mankind, is the requirement to sometimes create a little bit of envy in his fellow men (and women!) For someone to say to you, "I wish I could do that," is really a compliment! They are, in the area of the question, acknowledging your superiority, and are envying your achievement. This happens throughout l i f e fo r instance how often have you heard the following? "What a beautiful home you h a v e 1 wish it were ours" or "Your son was really outstanding at the games-you trained him well" or "I wouldn't have the patience to do such meticulous work-I envy you!" So admiration or envy are two factors which come into the debate-but they are not the prime motivating factors in the MG Concours entrant!

Top of the list must come the CHALLENGE! The inherent spirit of man (and woman!) to overcome all obstacles to reach a goal, visualized in the mind's eye, and then converted into reality. It's one hell of a challenge to take a basket case MGB and totally restore it to its former pride and glory! It's still a challenge to take a modern MGB and get it back to better than when it left the factory-and many of today's show cars ARE better than the day they left Abingdon! It's a challenge to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning to prepare a car for show-and prior to that it's an even greater challenge to be still in the garage at 1:00 a.m. working on the MG-risking incurring the wrath of the neighbors (to say nothing of the wife!) as you wearily

struggle to fit that elusive, stupid, captive bolt! And all this in February at minus 3 degrees because the first event is just two short months away!

Yes!-the challenge is a real motivator. However at the same time many people find that the challenge also offers a form of complete therapy for hands and mind! It is possible to get 'lost' in a car to which total concentration must be given if the end result is to be to your satisfaction! Time passing becomes of no impor t ance meals are missed! It is only the constant supply of caffeine injections (by courtesy of the MG Widow and Taster's Choice!) that keeps you going. The everyday cares of the world are forgotten for a while as your mind is occupied with the task in hand. So while getting an MG ready for show IS hard work it can also be relaxing to the mind-if not the body!

Another great incentive to some people to prepare a car really well is that old favorite, the spirit of COMPETITION! The need to be a little bit better than the rest! Knowing that the opposition is going to be of the highest class, to deliberately pit yourself and your MGagainst all others, and the perhaps BE the best! Thecompetitive urge lurks in us all and manifests itself in events like Concours. In alternative Concours as opposed to originality Concours events, there is also the opportunity for the car to be an expression of the individuality of the owner! In the late '70s my own MGB was such an example. At that time not a concours original version of the MGB, but an almost artistic presentation of the car, to enhance an almost timeless body line, with highlights featured, perhaps in the chrome detail or the blending of color (which by the way was Aconite!). Perhaps the motivation for this type of presentation is the extrovert within us! Notice how many of the top concours entrants are quiet persons-they let their car speak for them! (Thinking about it a great many of the real Concours people I know are rather quiet individuals!) So the car becomes themselves, and while they would never dream of standing up in front of 2,000 people to say something, they willingly put their car out in front of 2,000 people to be admired, criticized, pulled apart, and in so doing the car attracts the admiration, deflects the criticism and the owner can take from it whatever he wishes to his benefit-because it is not actually said about HIM-but his car!

There are many other factors that make up the complex question as to why people go to such extremes to prepare an MG for show. With the older MG models in particular, owners are driven to extraordinary lengths to get it just right! They will search theworld for aspecific part, so that the need to beoriginal (and subsequently admired!) is fulfilled. Also the pride of ownership that comes from the efforts dedicated to a Concours MG must be taken into account in any theory as to why they do it.

The conclusions therefore are yours to draw, but next time you are at an event and there are rows of gleaming, high quality MG's available for your inspection, and viewing pleasure, think again about the motivating factor, and perhaps you'll get some idea as to why they've done it! As to "How do they do it?"-well that's another matter entirely maybe for another issue of the "Driver", including factors which you never even thought existed! We must all however be grateful that the people who DO-Do it! and the pleasure of seeing the finished car is as much ours as theirs!

Ken Smith

THE CONCOURS RESTORATION EXPERTS Imagine your feelings if your MGB placed first in a judged national MGB

Concours d'elegance. Better still imagine your feelings if you had two MGBs placed first in a judged National Concours! That is the way Charles 'Chick' Knorr owner of Knorr's Foreign Car Service in Bloomsburg PA must have felt when he learned that two MGBs he had restored had placed first at the National MGB Convention in Chicago last July.

A 1967 BRG (light) Mk I MGB owned and shown by H. Morell LaRue placed first in its class and a 1980 Snapdragon yellow Mk IV owned by Doug Brown, (both NAMGBR members by the way), also came out top of its class. Morell's 'B' was completed in late 1988 and has been driven nearly 10,000 miles since its year long,complete ground up restoration by Chick. When you look at Morell's 'B' you cannot help but use the over worked phrase--"It looks as though it just came from the factory!" Its British Racing Green (Light) finish and chrome glistens in the sunlight; and when you lift the bonnet you will find the engine compartment is equally as pristine as the rest of the car. Its highly polished front suspension and stainless exhaust system defy the many miles the car has been driven since its restoration-* tribute to Chick's fine work and Morell's constant cleaning and polishing which he regards as his full time hobby! A toothbrush, fine artists brush and Q-tips are the tools of Morell's trade.

Doug's car was finished in July just one week prior to the MGB Convention where it gained first place after surviving anear disaster when being off-loaded from the trailer which carried it to the meet. Luckily no damage was sustained and the beautiful Snapdragon Yellow finish contrasts beautifully with the semi-gloss black pollution devices under the bonnet. Both Morell and Doug show their cars ac- companied by colorco-ordinated accessoriesand clothing-the perfect presentation! Both cars won many other prizes throughout the show circuit in 1991, Morell being successful at Bowie, TRFSummer Party, Niagara and Twist's. Dougalso gained a first at the TRF party in addition to his national successes.

Knorr's Foreign Car Service had a very modest beginning in 1973 in Chick's garage at home where people would see him working on his own British cars, and gradually people began bringing him their British sports cars to workon. LikeTopsy the business just grew and soon he no longer had time to work on his own cars! Currently employing five other people, Chick's garage in Bloomsburg has become renowned for fine work to National Concours standards. For several years Chick raced a Bug-Eye Sprite and would love to return to part time racing-if he only could find the time! AVietnamVet, Chickhas restored many classic British cars, including a Carmine Red 1977 MGB for this author which has provided many new friends and fond memories. We would not have had this car or our new circle of friends, and Morell and Doug would not have achieved their success were it not for Chick, one of the premier devoted restorers, of our beautiful "Bs"!

Chick poses with two of his famous prodigy.

The touch o f the masterk hand! 45

C H A P T E R CHATTER Elaine Dobrenski

This is intended toencourageother Register members to get out and enjoy their MGB!-after all this is a DRIVER'S MGB Register!!

Last year my husband Bob and I, along with our good friends Willy and Jerry Mechelse planned a leisurely MGB driving holiday, using secondary roads as we traveled through New York state, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire with our final destination being Maine.

Our first day in our 1974 Roadster, with Willy and Jerry in their '71 MGB GT saw us reach Harrisburg, PA. While Jerry and Bob spent the next day at the Carlisle flea market searching for parts for our son's '73 MGB Roadster which is undergoing restoration in our garage-Willy and I tooka bus into Harrisburg and enjoyed a day of shopping!

We then drove on tr, Lancaster and found a bed and breakfast overnight. This allowed us to spend some time at the Farmers' Market next morning where you buy almost anything from leather goods, pewter and brass, to home made fudge, pretzels and shoe fly pie! Next we made it to Allentown and Stroudsburg, PA before heading North East to Hartford, CT here we stopped to visit with Jack and Fran Philps on their farm where our MGB had been stored for a year after it had been towed from California and offered for sale at the Carlisle flea market!

Five days into our odyssey found us in New Hampshire, where after visiting Freeport we took advantage of the wonderful seafoods on offer, enjoying a picnic lunch on the rocks overlooking theAtlantic which also proved ideal to take yet more pictures of our beloved MGBs! However we had to press on and day 7 saw us driving in Washington State park at an elevation of over 2,000 feet before taking highway 112 to North Conway and stopping at White River Junction for the night.

continued on page 48

The Dobrenski and Mechelse MGBs on the road! 46

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THE CO-DRIVER'S SEAT Tina Sharpe, MCs of Baltimore

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a fair weather friend of the MG! Yes, I like the events and the competition; I like getting away from the kids each Summer to attend a meeting; I like the occasional dates we have and the attention our MG receives.

BUT!-I don't care for the cold or the heat (always appearing in the wrong season!) or the difficulty I have in reaching the clutch as I give it some gas, or the vibrating rear view mirror image-you know, all the stuff you love. However recently I had an interesting week forced upon me. The Minivan was in the shop getting some bodywork done, and we were left with the choice of renting a car for the week, or Steve riding to work with someone else while I drove the MGB. Since it was the week before Christmas I needed a car real bad! But also since it was the week before Christmas we couldn't afford to rent one, and to tell the truth it seemed dumb to rent one when we have two cars sitting in the garage. So after a practice session driving round the neighborhood, I was ready to give it a try!

The first day felt a little awkward-the MGB jumped a bit from gear to gear, but as soon as I stopped being afraid to let it make some noise as it rewed from gear to gear, I did better! Then again I guess I kind of liked the noise it made as I rewed it from gear to gear! No one stared at me like I was out of line so I guess it wasn't so bad.

I was rather worried about the second day when I planned to go grocery shopping to keep us supplied for the next two weeks. I bought all we needed and was prepared to tell the bag boy to save the cart of bagged goodies that wouldn't fit and I'd be back! Actually I had room to spare-there were lots of nooks and crannies to stick bags! Things went smoothly after that and I soon got used to the slight ache in my left leg and the stiff and heavy steering wheel. I got all my errands done and felt pretty cool in the process.

Friday came and I drove the MG to the car shop. I left it there and arranged for it to be picked up later by Steve and myself. I climbed into the Minivan-it looked bigger than usual and to tell the truth it felt a little obscene with all that wasted space behind me as I steered out of the car shop's lot! I loomed over the traffic as I waited to pull out! Then 1 turned the wheel and almost fell over as to how easy it was! However as I entered the roadway a car came up behind me and blasted his horn!- I had forgotten I didn't have the MG to zip me up to speed!

I won't say I am totally sold on the MG-I do like a little more comfort to my drive-but I did have a fun week and I'm glad I got to know our MGB a little better!

Chapter Chatter - continued horn page 46

Back to New York-another top down day with 86" showing on the thermom- eter! Saratoga provided a rest and a few hours of welcome relief from the sun!-after which we made it to Richfield and dined at the Lakehouse which is owned by Joe and Lois who own a TF. A great dining experience with an incredible view overlooking the lake. We became mutual friends with Joe and Lois through our mutual ownership of MGs!

We had planned on visiting Cooperstown but a mutual decision was made on the CB to drive to Rochester before we crossed the border back into Canada after 48

MG "T' 's ~epoits L aed~~olioos of Clouic MGrIrorn IPlS

New 1 Used PofiI AVQllobIe 12041-721.3W6

.......................................................................................................... New 63-64 3 main MGB Crank $425.00 ................................................................................................ M'eber 45 DCOE w/Manifold (used) $200.00

................................................................................. 3 main Cam Shaft 272DUR, 390 Lift (rebuilt) $125.00 ........................................................................................................ I- New B.L. Shortblock - 5 main 5850.00

....... Midget 3/4 Block, 1500 C.C. ................................................................................... $850.00

....... 1- .060 Factory "8" pistons ..................................................................................... $180.00 set

....... 4- 18V Rods (New) ................................................................................................. $ 35.00 ea. 2- Steel Shim 1800 C.C. Head Gaskets ................................................................................................ $ 35.00 ea. 5- 1980 LE Wheels (very good condition) ........................................................................................ $ 80.00 ea. Early Lucas wiper switches 68-76 (used) ......................................................................................... $ 35.00 ea. Early Lucas Directional Switches (used) .......................................................................................... $ 35.00 ea. 1- New MGA Cluster Gear ................................................................................................................. $29500 ea. 1- New MGB Cluster Gear ................................................................................................................. $ 5 . 0 ea.

................................................................................................................... Midget 1275 Cluster Gear 9 0 . 0 0 ea. ............................................................................................................................... TFIgnition Switch $ 65.00 ea.

Factory Tops (MGB) No Zip .............................................................................................................. $169.00 ea. Factory Tops (MGB) zip out 70'-80' .................................................................................................. $189.00 ea. h.IGB Front Shocks ............................................................................................................................... $13995 ea. hlGB Rear Shocks .......................................................................................................................... $ 69.95 ea. S p U Front Shock Kit w/ss Brake Hoses ........................................................................................ $299.95 ea. SpAX Rear Shock Kit .......................................................................................................................... $219.95 Used Air Condition Unit .................................................................................................................... $200.00 Good MGA Chassis $600.00 hlGB 69-69 Grill Assembly-Brass/Chome ..................................................................................... $ 1 . ea. MGB 73-74 Grill Assembly-Brass/Chrome ................................................................................... I . ea. hlGB 75-80 Front Rubber Bumper .................................................................................................... $395.00 hlGB Dash 72-76 (New) ...................................................................................................................... $185.00 h(GB Factory Radiators 68-76 ............................................................................................................ $219.00 hlGB Factory Radiators 77-80 ........................................................................................................... .$2.39.00 h4GB All Sheet Metal ............................................................................................................... a for Prices hfGB Clutch Kit - 3 pieces Borg & Beck ........................................................................................... $ 89.00 h{GB Weber Downdraft Full Kit ...................................................................................................... .$295.00

See You At Super Savirigs f i e Carlisle MG May 15-1 7,1992

"T'k curlisle, PA r171~0 Market Pepolrs L Pedovotionr New L Used P&L*onoble 01Closic MG\lromlPU

(201].778.3Wb

2,000 miles in nine days with the top down all the way! We had experienced terrific roads and scenery, the weather was perfect and the food out of this world. All in the company of wonderful MG friends to share it with-what more could anyone ask for?!! Why don't YOU get out and drive your MGB this Summer?

SELL-SEEK-SWAP! The market place of the North American MCB Register.

Ads in this section a r e FREE t o MGB Register members-please send ad with mem- bership number t o P.O. Box MGB, Akin, lL 62805. Other a d s by arrangement with t h e Secretary.

FOR SALE

First a rare opportunity for someone ...... 1974 112 MGB GTV8-Right hand drive, factory original-oneof only four works V8s in t he USA, chrome bumper, 74K miles, obtained from Gene Ponder's collection, blue with matching interior, an all correct California c a r with all Federal and State documents current, plus Heritage and V8 Register histories. Cal ifornia p l a t e 'MGBGTVS'. $22,000. Se r i ous enqu i r i e s o n l y to: (9 16)722-4800

1970 MGB Roadster--One of a kind restoration, $2500 parts,1800 hours labor! Plus engine overhaul, and new paint. Call for more info. (314)642-5213.

1972 MGB GT-This red BGT is a California car, no rust and very original. You would feel proud t o own this fine MG-needs nothing, $4250. Call m e if you a r e interested. Norman Nock. (209) 931-4710

1966 MGB-Tartan Red, 48K miles, hard top, soft top, tonneau, many access@ ries, in good shape. No rust. (815) 634-4194. Illinois.

1980 MGB Roadster-White, new top, carpets, Weber conversion kit, L.E. Wheels, Excellent runner-$3850.00 Frank (504) 394-7374

1973 MGB GT-With wire wheels, runs but needs a good home! $1200.00 obo. Jim (619)461-4937

1967 MGB GT--One owner, wire wheels, sun-roof, recent engine rebuild. Runs great!-Looks great! (31 0)3765 106.

1980 MGB-IncaYellow, Texas car with n o rust. Needs some motor work $3200. (616)396-2014

1964 MGB-BRG with w/w. A good early 'B' t o restore $2800. (616)3962014

PARTS and SERVICES FOR SALE

Weber Carburetor kit-Fits '68'74 MGB, California smog legal and used less than one year $275 0.b.o (916)275-6835

Two MGB Limited Edition alloy wheels-VGC. $125.00. Four synchro. s tandard trans-To fit MGB 74 112 t o 1980. Will fit MGB 6574 but speedo. will need t o b e modified. Excellent $125.00 Two pairs of Lucas wing-type door mirrors-VGC. $15.00 per pair. Call Bob:(205)928-5366.

MGB Trunk Lid420.00 . MGB Transmission-$50.00 call (619)461-4937

WHERE TO 'B'!

Forthcoming events of interest to MGB Drivers. Please check for up to date information before departing to the meet

JULY 8th/9th/lOth & 11 th-The MG Car Club of Toronto will host a festival of MGs entitled-MG CANADA '92-for further details write to: MG Car Club of Toronto, P.O. Box 64, Station R, Toronto, Canada, M4G 323 or fax 416-537-6334. Don't miss this one!--Incorporates The First International Convention of the North American MGB Register!

OTHER 1992 Major MG events advised:

May 2nd. 4th Annual Braille Rallye, Spananburg, SC, (803)472-9481 May 2nd, All British Show, Southfields, NY, (212)662-2748 May Ipnd, MG Motorists Group-Finger Lakes Rally, (607)988-7956 May 11213, MG Spring Fling, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, (314)725-2892 May 9/10th, Texas MG T Register GOF, Salado Village, TX, (817)634-1655 May 1511 7th, Emerald Necklace MG Octagasm, Cleveland, OH, (2 16)678-9394 May 16th, All British Show, Reno MG Club, Sparks, NV, (702)853-3511 May 16, 9th Annual British Car Day, Braseleton, GA, (404)457-4566 May 22/23rd, Champaign British Car Festival, Urbana, IL, (217)469-2007 May 31st, U.M. Early Summer Picnic, Grand Rapids, MI, (616)245-2141 June 4/7th, Gold Coast Rally, San Luis Obispo, CA, (8 18)7 10-1234 June 5/7th, Heartland Regional MG Meet, Topeka, KS, (913)648-6068 June 6th. Moss Motors MG Marque Day, Goleta, CA, 1-800-235-6954 June 6th, MGCC Rocky Mountain Center, Glenwood Springs, CO, (303)934-6651 June 12/14th, MG 'Summer of '92' Meet, Delaware, OH, (614)369-6258 June 13/14th, All British Meet, Plymouth, CA, (916)626-0803 June 27/28th, MGB 30th Anniversary, Donington, ENGLAND, 1-800-NAMGBR-1 July 1/6th, GOF Mk54, Hamsburg, PA, NEMGTR July 811 1 th, "MG CANADA '92", NAMGBR NATIONAL CONVENTION, Toronto, Canada July 16/19th, GOF Central, Nashville, IN, (317)787-7546 July 24/26th, Central Ohio MGT Weekend, Columbus, OH, (614)882-6191 July 23/26th, NAMGAR GT17, MGA National, Kansas City, MO, (416)734-3475 Aug. 7/8th, Roadster Factory Party, Arrnagh, PA, 1-800-678-8764 Aug. 21/23rd, Twist's! 16th Annual Summer Party, Grand Rapids, MI, (616)245-2141 Aug. 30th, Lanco MG, Taste of Britain Show, Lancaster, PA, (717)872-7528 Aug. 3 l/Sept. 4th, GOF West, Grand Tetons, WY, (7 14)676-5532 Sept. 7th. All British Meet, Portland, OR Sept.l3th, British Car Festival Chicago, Box 9328, Downers Grove, IL, 60515 Sept.l3th, All British Car Day, Palo Alto, CA, (213)392-6605 Sept. 23/27th, GOF Mk 55, Cape May, NJ, NEMGTR Sept 24/27th, SE Regional MG Festival, Dillard, GA, (404)447-4753 Sept. 26th, MG's of Baltimore 'On the Rocks', Be1 Air, MD, (410)557-7107 Oct. 2/3rd, British Car Day, Fairhope, AL, (205)928-5366 Oct. 214, Abingdon '92, Abingdon, IL, Chicagoland MGB Club, (708)858-8192 Oct. 9/12th, 9th New England Fraternity Tour, Westminster, VT, (508)679-8252

NEMGTR Events: Please write-Drawer 220,Oneonta,NY 13820.

The Register encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to "MGB Driver". Information must include, date, location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 2 months in advance to the Editor, P.O. Box 2645, Goleta, CA 931 17.

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