Chicagoland MG Club: Driveline August 2009

Business Meeting Minutes
Monday, Monday, July 20, 2009

The monthly meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm by Vice-President, Dave Peterson. Dave recognized a new visitor – Bernie Mayer. Bernie resides in Arlington Heights and acquired a MGB in disrepair and is looking forward to getting it back on the road.
Current Car Projects – Russ Mehaffey completed an engine rebuild after blowing a valve in #4 piston. Dave Bralich noted that his car was seriously overheating (over 230°). Using an infrared thermometer he located the problem to be a blockage in the center of the radiator core. Repairs were underway. Scott Kiederlen reported that he was working on his ’78 MGB Twin SU carburetors and asked for information regarding spark plug color to determine a rich or lean mixture. Victor L’Heureux asked about working on the MGB braking system since he noticed a metallic grinding sound when braking. Many members offered advice to repair.
Past Events - See details in the Driveline or on the Website for additional details of these events.
Land’s End RallyBarney Gaylord organized this year’s event that was participated by four cars starting and ending in North Aurora. The weather was perfect and the 70+ mile rally was challenging.
NAMGBR conventionJohn Schroeder coordinated the trip to Breckenridge, CO to attend this convention. Four cars made the week-long round-trip without incident. John noted that Illinois had the largest contingency present at this event.
RA vintage Race/Camping, Elkhart Lake, WIAnn & Jake Snyder again sponsored the trip to Road America. 12 members with four MG’s attended the camping event. The weather was comfortable this year for camping – good sleeping weather!
AACA Show, Lake forest, ILDino Perez attended this show and saw a multitude of different cars – and a good showing for British imports. Dino also noted the new requirements for having a fire extinguisher in you vehicle at the event.
Dean Swanson announced the need for additional volunteers to man the upcoming British Car Festival on September 13th. A sign-up sheet with ½ hour commitments was passed around.
Monthly Tech SessionsSessions – Dave Bralich noted that this months’ Tech Session will be held at Jim Evans’ garage in Glen Ellyn on August 1st. The event will focus on the MGB lock-key entry system and steps needed to put a car back on the road after a l-o-o-o-g storage session. Safety will be the main focus.
Guest Speaker - – Joe Serritella – Vintage Voltage – Joe gave a brief history of how this company came into existence. He has been working with charging systems (generators, alternators, magnetos, voltage regulators) for over 20 years. After closing his shop, requests kept coming in for repair or refurbish of antique components - so he set up a shop in his basement and came out of retirement to specialize in vintage components. He specializes in rebuilding and restoration of most electrical accessories. Each restoration is custom and he has an in-house ability to manufacture most unavailable parts.
You can reach Joe at: info@vintagevoltage.com
The website is: www.vintagevoltage.com.
-Victor L’Heureux

 

Library Muse
Thanks to Ann and Jake for arraigning another great weekend, this time our annual camping trip at Road America for the vintage races. The weather was cool this year so the evening campfires were especially enjoyable.
This year the group tried out a new (to us) restaurant on Friday night, Two Guys and a Grill. Typical of Wisconsin, there was more seating at the bar than at the tables. They do have their priorities in order Up North. After a short wait, time for one wee one, we were seated and enjoyed a fine meal. I had grilled blue marlin, but I don’t think that it was caught locally.
It seems that these MG trips always involve food. With that in mind, there are two new additions to the club’s library this month: Manifold Destiny, a cookbook for ‘grilling’ on your engine while you motor along, and Classic Motorsport Routes, for those who would rather enjoy the drive and eat at restaurants.
Manifold Destiny -- Wilbur


Manifold Destiny
By Chris Maynard and Bill Scheller
2008, paperback, 147 pages

Originally published in 1989, this is the new updated 3rd edition. “It’s time to bid farewell to the roadside meal as you know it. Nearly twenty years ago Chris Maynard and Bill Scheller opened the world’s eye to the beauty of car-engine gastronomy in the original Manifold Destiny. And now that another generation of both drivers and eaters has emerged, the cult classic is due for an overhaul. In this shiny, spanking-new edition, learn how to make s’mores in your Scion, poach fish in your Pontiac, even bust out a gourmet snack from under the hood of your Escalade.”
This book gives grilling a whole new meaning. A humorous read even if you don’t plan to cook ‘en-route.’ A word to the though, 20w50 is not the oil of choice.

Classic Motorsports Routes Classic Motorsports Routes
30 legendary routes you can drive today
by Richard Meaden
2008, hardbound, 200 color and b&w photos, 224 pages

The title says it all. Here are thirty famous auto courses, past and present, which the public can still drive today. The book is divided into six sections; great road races, road circuits, rallies, grand prix, hill climb, and record breaking. While most of the routes are in Europe (perhaps you are planning a trip to LeMans or Nuburg) the U.S. A. is included with Pike’s Peak, Bonneville, El Mirage, and the Silver State Classic. Curiously missing is the scenic route from Waukegan to Gary via rts. 294 and 80.
A brief history, period and current photos, and area maps are included for each route. A great coffee table type book to read, even if you’re not leaving town.

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