The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

Will my yellow 79 “B” finally make it into the garage? It seems as if it would never happen. Every time it tried, one of my other cars would cut in line and bump the Yellow ‘B’ out. First it was the Blue 77 ‘B’ which received the V8 conversion that consisted of a Ford 331 strokes v8, T5 Five-speed trans and narrowed 8” Ford rear end ( 3.40 posi ).

Next, due to some late night eBay bidding, a Triumph TR6 showed up and snuck in the garage while the Yellow ‘B’ wasn't looking. The TR6 got some extreme cylinder head work, new thrust bearing on the crankshaft, new interior (carpet, seat upholstery) and a new Hood or should I say convertible top.

Finally Two and a half Years later the ol’ faithful tried and true Yellow ‘B’ has made it in! The work will encompass removal of the interior for sound deadening and new carpet. The rear end will be replaced with the one from the V8 conversation with new hub and pinion seals and all new brakes. The engine and transmission were pulled with the help of a club member to address an oil leak. Go figure -- a British car that leaks oil. While the engine is out, a fresh paint job on the engine. I’ll be reconfiguring the clutch slave cylinder. Might be using one from a TR6. Oh, the transmission is a five speed Ford T5 so the OEM won’t work. While all this is being done, I’ll also be stripping down the body for New paint. I’ve ordered front and rear valances from Moss Europe for the Sebring look i.e. no bumpers. In my spare time I’ll be helping on a 1953 MG YB project, but I don’t want to get into that now.

That’s it for now. Stay warm and get ready for an Awesome Driving season this year!



SAFTY FAST

~~ Dean Hickenlooper your humble servant

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

Last month I gave thanks for all the support over the last couple of years the club has given me in the role of vice-president. I’ve had the privilege to serve with both Ray Hanson and Dean Hickenlooper. Both have done a great job keeping the club moving forward. I had expected that last month would be the last right-hand drive I would need to write. But guess what, I was wrong. I was reminded that we don’t officially change officers until the end of the February meeting. So poor Vic has been trying to chase down this month’s RHD. Sorry Vic.

I did do some work on my MG this last week. I replaced the leaky fuel filter. I also started my MG and let it run for about an hour to charge the battery. Looks like I may have a cracked joint on the radiator. I noticed some steam escaping from the underside of the upper radiator hose connection. In closer to the radiator rather than near the hose. Well I shouldn’t be too surprised. After all it’s only 40 years old. So maybe when the weather gets warmer, I’ll tackle that job. Of course, I’ll try to solder it first. As Bob can tell you all, I’m CHEAP! Or as I prefer “frugal”.

I do hope that some more of you will come out for the Autocross this year. I’ve had a preliminary discussion with the Healey Club about doing a joint Autocross. It would be a half day event. Maybe we could even do this twice this year. I know a lot of folks just can’t commit to an entire day at an autocross. We need a location where we could run this autocross. It would need to be a large open parking lot, an unused airport runway or such. Reach out to either myself or Tim Schafer if you’ve got any suggestions. Our club is covered by insurance from NAMGBR for such an event. We however do not want to have to pay a big rent for the use of the lot. Based on the input I’ve gotten from various club members we might be able to get about 10 to 12 cars to such an event and the Healey club could maybe get half that. Any “rent” would need to be covered by the participants. And I already stated, I’m CHEAP!

Well I’m signing off once again. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I know Phil will do a great job as the new Vice President.

~~ Jim Compton

Safety Fast! Jim