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RROC-SOCAL.COM8
Ronny’s Garage• Maintenance • Repair
• Inspection • Restoration
Specializing in Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Classic Automobiles
1111 West 1st St. Santa Ana, CA 92703714-953-0896 - [email protected]
Family owned since 1979.We take pride in our work.
Call for an appointment – 714-953-0896
MarketplaceOn The
VOLUME 49 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2013
Owner: Pierre Lemieux 1948 Mark VI James Young Saloon (B406CF)
This beauty is owned by our Chairman Pierre Lemieux.
FEBRUARY 2013
February
Valentine Ladies’ Technical Seminar Calling all ladies interested in learning more about their PMCs! Mark this date on your calendar: February 16th 2013. Ronny Shaver will be presenting a ladies only technical seminar which will cover operation and important information about their own Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. This seminar will help familiarize ladies with their PMCs and provide an atmosphere for them to ask questions about their cars without worrying about their significant other’s funny stares or smart remarks. All questions will be answered and remember that “the only silly question is the one that isn’t asked”. The seminar will be slightly different this year and be much more personalized to each lady’s particular PMC. A personally tailored “cheat sheet” will be given to each participant that will cover their car’s operational features and important service needs.
An added bonus will be a special Valentine gift for each of the ladies followed by a no-host lunch at a local restaurant!
Of course, to be able to provide such a personalized experience, each attendee must RSVP with their name and vehicle to Ronny at [email protected] by February 9th 2013 to reserve their space and get that all important “personally tailored cheat sheet”. The only cost for this event will be for their lunch afterward (if they choose to attend). The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. or whenever all the questions are answered. Please bring your PMC if possible so that a hands-on experience can be enjoyed. Coffee, tea, water, pastries and bagels will be provided to start the event. Let’s make this a great event together! Ronny
Date: February 16, 2013Time: 9:30 a.m.Host: Ronny ShaverLocation: Ronny’s Garage 1111 W. 1st St Santa Ana, CA 92703 714-953-0896Price: There is no charge for this event. A no-host lunch follows for those who are interested.RSVP Deadline: February 9, 2013
Directions;From the North: Take the I-5 South to Broadway, exit and continue to 1st St. Turn right and continue to Ronny’s on the right. From the South: Take the I-5 North to 1st St, exit and turn right. Continue to Ronny’s on the right.
(See page 5 for details on the February Palm Springs Fun in the Sun Weekend)
Cell Phone: (949) 439-0465
Cell Phone: (424) [email protected]
Karen Perrault
Brad Zemcik
Bylaws, Policies, Procedures Brad Zemcik
Clint CamomotRobert Ratinoff
Joan Hugron
Pierre Lemieux
Steve Butler
2013
2013
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2013
Willy HugronChairman’s Corner
February16 Ladies Tech Meet Host: Ronny Shaver
22-24 Palm Springs Weekend Concours and Car Auction Host: Pierre Lemieux
March9 Board Meeting
24 Wine Tasting Party Host: Karen Perrault
April8-13 RROC National Meet San Antonio, Texas
20 40th Concours d’Elegance Hosts: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff
May19 Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Hosts: Lou and Diana Oddo
June8 Board Meeting
23 USS Iowa Tour Hosts: The Lynns
July27 Mullin Museum Hosts: Mike and Rosemary Tobin
September14 Board Meeting
November9 Board Meeting TBA Fox Hunt
FEBRUARY 2013
RROC-SOCAL.COMRROC-SOCAL.COM6
2013
Willy HugronChairman’s Corner Well, I love starting the New Year with great news! Both Bentley and Rolls-Royce had record sales in 2012. Bentley had an increase of 22 % over 2011 and Rolls-Royce sold 37 more cars than 2011 putting them at 3,575 cars, which to my knowledge are the best sales ever for Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce has also tripled in sales in three years and that has a lot to do with the new “Ghost” model. I hear there is a two-door version of the Ghost in the works and many dealerships worldwide will be getting a makeover. The largest Rolls-Royce dealership ever will open this year in New York. Other interesting facts – 2/5ths of all Bentley Mulsannes went to China, making them the largest market for Bentley sedans and nearly every Phantom order and three out of four Ghost orders are now bespoke orders (an English term meaning made to order).
It may be premature but have you started thinking about our 40th Concours d’Elegance yet? What car or cars to bring? And it’s never too early to get your planning completed and the details worked out, which will leave you more time for polishing, waxing, cleaning and going over all of the fine details so that you can acquire that elusive 1st place trophy. I’m looking forward to seeing a record turnout at Santa Anita Racetrack on April 20th with our hosts Bob and Nancy Ratinoff. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than a great weekend in Palm Springs (22nd – 24th). We will be joining the RROC San Diego Region, Classic Car Club (CCCA) Palm Springs/San Diego Region and the Bentley Drivers’ Club for a fun-filled two days. In addition to winemaker dinners, home tours and cocktail parties, I have added a Sunday garage tour of a local resident who is a Studebaker enthusiast (18+ cars). If you have not made your reservations, please act quickly. The Modernist bus tour is almost sold out. And for the ladies, be sure to attend Ronny Shaver’s second annual Valentine Ladies’ Tech Meet on the 16th. Ronny has a new format planned that will provide a truly personalized experience for each lady in attendance. Thanks for making our Region the finest in the country. Happy Motoring!
Pierre Lemieux Gary ManteySanta Ana
Cyrus MilaniLos Angeles
Holiday Party On December 16th our magnanimous hostess par excellence Karen Perrault once again worked her magic and treated us to another wonderful holiday party. Nutcrackers of every size and description, Santas and other decorations made Karen’s home a work of holiday art. The day started off sunny but then the clouds and fog rolled in and finally rain. In anticipation of the rain, several members chose not to bring their beautiful PMCs and Karen ended up parking her 2001 Azure and her 2007 Bentley GT on the lawn so that the buffet serving station could be set up in the garage. Fifty-six members, some traveling from as far away as Woodland Hills and Camarillo, and two very helpful grandchildren enjoyed Karen’s hospitality.
The food! We began with several varieties of appetizers including pigs in a blanket, miniature quiches, dips, chips, and candies. Harvey the BBQ man provided luscious prime rib and salmon accompanied by salad and baked potatoes followed by delicious cheesecake and chocolate cake. A quantity of foil and plastic bags were used as “to-go” containers because the portions were so generous. A festive hot apple cider was available throughout the day and its warmth was much appreciated.
The frolic! The group performed a rousing rendition of the song The 12 Days of Christmas. The composer would not have recognized many of the lyrics but the group certainly enjoyed them.
The awards! Many awards were presented including:
Best decorated Cars: Bernie Jarvis for his 1950 Silver Wraith Freestone & Webb (WHD72)
Dick Boberg for his 1934 3 1/2 Litre, Park Ward Saloon (B160CR) Best Holiday Style: Makiko Pothier and Bob Wulf
The games! The uproarious gift exchange surpassed past years. There were TWO jars of money, holiday ornaments, car care products, and books of outstanding cars. The infamous “Cork” cookie jar was back again. Sherry Stern was eventually successful in selling her pasta set to someone who is handier in the kitchen. Karen’s grandson Tanner traded Karen’s turn for a beer making kit (he’s a little young but …..) There was a huge box of Whitman’s chocolates and a sofa table that went home with Clint Camorot.
The laughter! It continued throughout the day. This was not a shy crowd.
The cars! Our beautiful PMCs filled the driveway, to everyone’s pleasure. Please see the accompanying pictures. The fruit! Karen once again graciously shared the bounty of her orchards and had boxes of avocados and oranges at the front door. Everyone filled paper bags of the fruit on their way home.
Finally it was time for the group to return to reality after the wonderful events of the day. They gathered up their treasures and their to-go feasts and prepared for their drive home. The rain was tamed to a drizzle by the time everyone went to hit the road and unfortunately, it was the end of another fabulous holiday party.
Many, many thanks to Karen Perrault for a wonderful affair and for all that she does!
As white and shimmering as snow
Presents
At the holiday party
Don Meeker Hostess Karen Perrault with Tanner and Harley
FEBRUARY 2013
Fun in the Sun - Palm Springs Weekend By Pierre Lemieux
Join us on February 22nd through 24th along with the RROC San Diego and the CCCA San Diego/Palm Springs regions and the Bentley Drivers Club for a great fun-filled weekend in Palm Springs! We will start off the weekend on Friday night with a Patz & Hall winemaker dinner at Zin Bistro downtown Palm Springs. Saturday morning we are very lucky because it’s the last weekend of “Modernism Week” in Palm Springs. So in the morning we will board a double decker bus and take a tour of some of the greatest “Mid Century Modern” homes in Palm Springs. Later that evening we will enjoy a cocktail reception at a local member’s estate and then dinner at our host hotel – The Riviera. This weekend has many events going on downtown including the McCormick Car Auction if you desire to add something to your stable.
Joel Cutler, local resident and RROC member, has graciously extended to us a very special $199 room rate at our host hotel The Riviera. This is an incredible rate for this time of year. With so much going on in Palm Springs that weekend I would make your room reservations early. You may call 866-588-8311 and ask for the “Rolls Royce Owners Club” group rate to make your room reservation. Your reservation must be made by February 8th in order to receive the RROC group rate. www.psriviera.com
Please plan on joining us for this very special weekend. For more information please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Cost and details for the weekend’s events:
Friday, Feb 22nd, 6:00 p.m.Patz & Hall Winemaker Dinner
LOCATION - Zin Bistro 198 S. Palm Canyon, Palm SpringsEnjoy the glamour of downtown Palm Springs with a gourmet three-course dinner and wines with the owner of Patz & Hall winery, Anne Moses (some might remember her from our RROC Napa tour a few years ago).
Cost - $79 per person Saturday, Feb 23rd, 9:45 a.m. (BUS LEAVES PROMTLY AT 10 a.m.)
Modernism Week Double Decker Bus TourAS OF PRESS TIME – THERE ARE ONLY 8 SEATS LEFT ON THE BUS
Location - Hilton Hotel (Calle Encilia Entrance) 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
This Express Architectural Bus Tour is a condensed view of the exteriors of Palm Springs finest architecture with a focus on Palm Spring’s central core. This tour does not include the areas of South Palm Springs that are showcased on The Premiere Architectural Bus Tours. All Modernism Week tours are designed to be fun and informative and all tours showcase the architecture that is unique to this desert oasis. The two predominate architectural styles of Palm Springs are highlighted: Midcentury Modern and Desert Spanish. The tour includes the homes of the Rich and Famous such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Cary Grant, all of who resided in
striking architectural homes.
The Desert Spanish roots of Palm Springs are highlighted with The Welwood Murray library, The Thomas O’Donnell house and the amazing estates: Il Paradiso and Invernada. Many of the city’s architecturally significant civic and commercial buildings are also a part of the tour.
This tour is approximately two hours long.
Special Instructions or Restrictions: All seats are on the upper deck and are exposed to the weather elements. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended. The ability to maneuver the stairs on the bus is required. Bus tours are not wheelchair accessible.
COST $60 - VERY IMPORTANT - There are a limited amount of seats available on the Saturday bus tour. AS OF PRESS TIME, THERE ARE ONLY 8 SEATS LEFT ON THE BUS.
Saturday, Feb 23rd, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres Pool Party at the estate of RROC members Fred Ross & Gary Hiatt
Location - 550 Camino Norte, Palm SpringsMingle with friends and enjoy our famous Palm Springs lifestyle while sipping Champagne and getting a first glimpse at this newly remodeled estate. This is a great way to start off an evening to remember.
COST - $15 PER PERSON
Directions from The Riviera Hotel - Go south on Palm Canyon (one block west of the hotel) and make a right at the next block on Stevens Rd. Then make a left on Vine Ave and a right on Camino Norte. This is only 5 minutes from the hotel. Saturday, Feb 23rd, 7:00 p.m.PMC Dinner Buffet
Location - The Riviera Hotel, 1600 N. Indian Ave Palm Springs
After leaving the Champagne reception we will caravan together back to our host hotel for a very special PMC dinner buffet. The dinner will be held in the stunning Royal I ballroom. This is a great way to end the day by enjoying a delicious meal in a very elegant setting with old and new friends.
COST - $60 per person Sunday, Feb 24th, 9 a.m.Frank Wenzel Garage TourTo say Frank Wenzel has a passion for Studebakers would be an understatement. He currently has over 18 ranging from 1923 to 1963 with many of them being very rare and some in “original” condition. I am very thankful that Frank is opening up his home for us to enjoy his collection.
Coffee and donuts will be served.
Date: February 22 – 24, 2013
Time: Event times vary. Please see the itinerary in the event article.
Host: Pierre Lemieux
Location: Palm Springs
FEBRUARY 2013
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Willy HugronChairman’s Corner
FEBRUARY 2013
NewsMember
Spring Wine Tasting
Spring will be here before you know it and it will be time to exercise our lovely PMCs that may have been semi-retired for the winter months. So before you get your lovely ladies into concours polish and shine, here is your chance to take them out for a lovely Sunday drive and refresh your palate at the same time. On Sunday, March 24th we invite you to spend a casual afternoon with your fellow RROC members at the beautiful home of Karen Perrault in Palos Verdes. This is a very special event that gives you the opportunity to taste a variety of fine wines with 75 of your closest RROC friends and sample the favorite appetizers of our members. Karen won an unbelievable event at a charity auction – a wine tasting for seventy-five guests – and she has generously chosen to share her event with the members of the RROC So Cal. Normally this tasting would run $35-40 per person, but because Karen has donated it to the RROC members, we are asking only for a reservation fee of $10.00 per person.
In addition to the very minimal reservation fee, you need to bring an appetizer to share. You don’t have to make it but if you do, you may win a special prize for your efforts. Yes there will be prizes for the most creative, tastiest, easiest and most difficult, or any of a number of different categories. Please bring a copy of the recipe to share.
We will also be welcoming spring and it’s the perfect time for an Easter Parade for both ourselves and our cars. There will be a competition for the most festive bonnet for the ladies and the most festive hat for the gents and you may also want to bring out a new “bonnet” (hood) ornament for your PMC. You may win a special RROC prize for your efforts.
In summary, for a mere $10.00 per person and an appetizer, you can taste several special wines, enjoy some great appetizers from your fellow RROC members and be in competition for a special prize for your appetizer and/or your joyful spring bonnet or hood ornament. This is not a high tech meet, and you may not learn a lot about how to work on the engine of your PMC, but what a wonderful way to spend a relaxing afternoon with some of your special RROC friends, and that is priceless.
We look forward to seeing you to help us welcome spring!
“PMC” – Proper or Improper
By Tom Warden(Excerpted from the June, 1998 issue of The Spirit of Ecstasy)
When I was drafting an article for a monthly RROC event some years ago, I was advised not to use the term “PMC” when referring to our motor cars as it was totally improper and should not be used in the newsletter.
I questioned why but no one seemed to know for certain. Other abbreviated or slang terms are used to refer to our Rolls-Royces and Bentleys such as “Rolls” or “Roller.” I found that the term “Roller” is offensive to many, while everyone seems to enjoy driving a “Rolls.” In Europe, I’ve been told, the reference is to the “Royce.”
What about “PMC,” the Proper Motor Car? For many years most of us have heard or used the term “PMC” – but some members have voiced strong objection to its use and hold that we should refer to our cars by their proper badge names. Are we ashamed of our cars?
It was felt that the usage was offensive to the general public and degrading to our own vehicles. Others used the term in a pompous, arrogant, or snobbish manner, implying that only Rolls-Royces or Bentleys qualify as Proper Motor Cars.
Actually, the term was first authored by Phil Brooks of the C h e s a p e a k e Region in the early 70’s while he was the editor of the regional newsletter, the C h e s a p e a k e Lady. The term was meant as a lighthearted, self-deprecating expression for our favorite cars. Mr. Brooks was inspired by the scene in Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows, and particularly by the Disney film of the book, where Mr. Toad is sitting on the side of the road, winded, and watching the passage of the first car he has ever seen, he exclaims: “A motor car! A proper motor car!” And the automotive fever hits him, incurably, forthwith. Remember the feeling? The term has caught on in the last 28 years or so. Many seem to like it. “PMC” is only to be used lightheartedly and never seriously or pompously. Finally, please remember that it isn’t about snobbishness.
It’s about Mr. Toad!
Members of the Month Mark and Sylvia Pluck are the Members of the Month for the December event. They have been members of the club for three years and are the proud owners of a 1960 Bentley S2 Saloon (B49BR)
They purchased their car in 1976 and then it went into a 35-year hibernation. They have been restoring it and are now approaching completion of a full refurbishment. Mark has a small machine shop at home and is willing and able to help members with their special tool needs.
They appreciate the technical support from club members and publications, which has proved invaluable in bringing their car back to life. Mark and Sylvia also like the camaraderie and especially enjoyed the holiday party.
By Ronny Shaver, Technical Chairman
Why is my steering so difficult?
Rolls-Royce and Bentley began installing power-assisted steering on some of their cars in the fifties and beginning with the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2, all cars came with it. The early versions were minimally successful at best but by the time the Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 were introduced, the systems worked with the touch of a finger. The systems work wonderfully until they run low on fluid: then steering becomes difficult and that familiar growling noise occurs to alert the driver that the system is low on fluid. The cause of the growling noise is air being sucked into the pump mechanism. If your car makes this noise then check the power steering fluid level (with the car turned off) and top it off to the proper level. Most cars have a dipstick attached to the reservoir filler cap for convenience. Modern cars use specific fluids but most earlier cars use automatic transmission fluid so check the owner’s manual to be sure. Remember to look on the garage floor for signs of leaks if your car needs steering fluid often. Running the car without fluid can cause serious damage to the pump and make the car dangerous to drive.
Prior to the use of power-assisted steering, manual steering was the norm. Of course the steering worked fine when the car was moving, but parking the car was a workout. The early cars usually have much larger steering wheels to add leverage and help compensate for the difficulty of turning at low or no speeds. It is very important that the steering box is in perfect order to minimize turning effort. During many years of repairing and servicing Rolls-Royces and Bentleys I have found time after time that steering boxes are overlooked during maintenance. Most of the pre-war and early post-war cars that I serviced have had empty steering boxes. The boxes are designed for 90w gear oil and have filler plugs at the top of the box where the steering column housing attaches. I have found that when a steering box comes into the shop empty, more often than not it has a leak. I used to fill them up with 90w gear oil and find a large puddle of fluid under the car later. Removing and resealing a steering box can be expensive and time consuming. The quick remedy is in using a different fluid. Penrite makes a wonderful product called Steering Box Lube. It has great lubrication qualities and won’t run out. The biggest drawback is getting it in the steering box. The viscosity is 1200w and has the consistency of thick honey so it doesn’t pour easily into that little filler plug hole on the steering box. I usually set the Penrite bottle in the sunshine for an hour or two to get it warmed up and then pour it into the box with a funnel. Another trick is to use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm up the bottle. Patience is required because it takes some time for the fluid to fill the box. Make sure to work the steering wheel back and forth occasionally to help the fluid work its way around. The great thing about this lubricant is that it sticks to the worm gear and roller to keep them lubricated and won’t run off. So that means the box does not need to be filled all the way to the top. Once the box is filled as much as your patience allows, drive the car a few miles and recheck: take a flashlight and look into the filler hole to make sure that the fluid is touching the gears. If your car starts to leak some fluid from the steering box, don’t worry. Any lighter weight fluid in the box will rise and come out wherever the leak source is. Some repeated driving and topping off with Penrite will eventually stop the leak.
I want to make a quick note for Silver Cloud II/III and
FEBRUARY 2013
Bentley SII/III owners. The steering boxes on these cars have a section on the steering box called the transfer case. This section connects the steering shaft to the steering box proper with two gears. This small section requires 90w oil and usually is fine unless the steering box has been removed and not refilled. The case has a filler plug on the top and a fill-to plug on the front side. Remove both plugs and fill in the top hole until it runs out the front hole. This procedure is difficult because these plugs are hard to access.
One last thing on cars with manual steering – tire pressure is critical. Under-inflated tires can cause extra difficulty when turning the wheels, especially while parking. Always consult the owner’s manual or shop manual for proper tire pressure specifications for your car.
Happy MotoringRonny
If you have any questions concerning your Rolls-Royce or Bentley and would like them to be addressed in this column, please e-mail them to [email protected].
Tidbits The 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance is right around the corner and we are looking for judges. Please consider volunteering and see the March issue of The Spirit of Ecstasy for more details.
The RROC National Meet is in San Antonio, Texas this year from April 8th to the 13th. This should be a very fun meet with lots of “down home” cooking and events. If you are going to the National Meet, please contact Director Sherry Stern at [email protected] to discuss arranging to mingle and to discuss transporting your car to Texas.
The 2013 Rose Parade was extra special this year as our own member Howard Green participated – although he was driving a Packard. An article on Howard’s experience will
appear in the March issue.
Our Chairman Pierre Lemieux spent several days in Detroit attending the North American International Auto Show. Pierre attended the Bentley dinner on January 17th. Below is a picture he snapped of a beautiful new Bentley Mulsanne.
These photos of the Spirit of Ecstasy and the Flying B in colder climes are from the Flying Spares website in the UK. Those of us who live in California sometimes forget that there is snow!
Greetings from Detroit… The new Bentley Mulsanne
FEBRUARY 2013
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Beauty is more than skin deepClassic whitewall tires with the
hidden advantages of radial construction...
We offer a full range of classic 15”,16”, and 17”sizes for both classic and later model Rolls Roycesand Bentleys in any whitewall width.
• Easier steering, bothdriving and parking
• Puncture resistance • Quicker response• Increased safety• Better ride; less road
shock• Shorter emergency braking• Better wet weather traction• Better fuel economy• Better tracking; less
“wandering”• Less rolling resistance;
better fuel economy• Longer tread life
DIAMOND BACK CLASSIC RADIALS4753 Highway 90, Conway, SC 29526
888-922-1642 www.dbclassics.com
1979 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE
2-door convertible, automatic transmission, white with tan leather interior, tan top, and full lamb skin floor covers, front and back. Mileage approaching 80,000. Restoration maintained by Ronny’s Rolls-Royce Restoration Garage or Newport Beach Rolls-Royce Agency, (over $60k in restoration), with all maintenance and restoration records and original sales documents and tool kit and manuals available. All electronics in working condition. Retractable GPS and Bluetooth added. Excellent condition can reliably travel anywhere. This is a California car; no rust.
$38,000 or best offer. Contact Ed Brower (949)400-3048 Newport Beach
Beauty is more than skin deepClassic whitewall tires with the
hidden advantages of radial construction...
We offer a full range of classic 15”,16”, and 17”sizes for both classic and later model Rolls Roycesand Bentleys in any whitewall width.
• Easier steering, bothdriving and parking
• Puncture resistance • Quicker response• Increased safety• Better ride; less road
shock• Shorter emergency braking• Better wet weather traction• Better fuel economy• Better tracking; less
“wandering”• Less rolling resistance;
better fuel economy• Longer tread life
DIAMOND BACK CLASSIC RADIALS4753 Highway 90, Conway, SC 29526
888-922-1642 www.dbclassics.com
