 There is an old saying that "Work expands to fill the time available to do it." That sure seems true for me. At least that seems to be the case as "honey-do's", yard work and other commitments cut into the time I plan to spend working on my cars.
I have made infinitesimal progress on the GT. Some progress has been made towards installing the lowering blocks, but curtailed by Dino's suggestion that I paint the rear springs. Good idea -it's amazing what a difference can be made with a wire brush and some rattle cans of Rustoleum.
I bought the lowering blocks from Cowboy last year and it's taken me this long to get at installing them. Of course when I finally get at a project I've been thinking about it for some time and expect to breeze through it. After struggling with rusty fasteners and finally getting things apart, I found more parts were needed, so I quickly slipped in the new red spring pads and the lowering block and just as quickly realized that something wasn't right. I'd like to think that if I had come back to the job in less of a hurry, I would have seen my mistake, but being the nontypical American male that I am, I called for instructions. The technical advisor at Moss was very helpful and emailed me the instructions even after I explained that I hadn't bought the product directly from Moss.
Another good experience with a supplier happened when I called Little British Car Co. to check on an ordering procedure. The person who answered the phone gave me the info needed in a matter of fact manner that seemed in keeping with the nature of the question. A while later the phone rang and caller ID said “Jeff Zorn.” He explained that when I'd called, he had been dealing with a TSA agent in an airport security line, and hoped he hadn't been too abrupt. I assured him he had been fine. Having run a small business of my own, I know how it can follow you to the most inconvenient places. I was really impressed with Jeff's level of concern and very pleased with the two day delivery time on the order.
Dino came over one day so we could see if we could find the source of a gas smell on the roadster. The lines all looked OK but there did seem to be a little dampness showing at the edge of the top of the tank. It also seems the tank may be from a later model. Dino has an early tank and needs a later one, so since it appears my tank will need to be dropped for repair anyway, we may do a swap at the same time.
As Dino said in his column last month, club members are a great source of help and information. Keep in mind that Jeff Zorn of LBC Co. is not only a great source for parts but also a member of our club.
See you on the
road!
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Safety Fast
-- Dave Peterson
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You can't possibly be tired of this heat wave! Well, quit complaining! We have not seen a real Spring or Summer like this since 1996 – no better time to take your car out for a spin! Also, I?m not complaining about the gas prices – they?re not as low as 1996 maybe, but it beats $4 or $5.00 a gallon.
Still gathering at the local Cruise Nights, I took the MG limo for a ride to Cary, Illinois, for the Wednesday night event, and surprisingly, it took a Second Place ribbon! Funny, it still attracts a lot of attention. Spectators snap photos and ask questions about the limo and MG?s in general. (Sooner or later, I might have to swap out the motor, but for now: “If it ain?t broke, don?t fix it!”)
One of our best car events is coming up: the British Car Festival, Sunday, September 12. This usually has one of the best turnouts in any nearby state, maybe the country, in terms of number and types of cars. If you haven?t been, don?t let another year go by! Rain or shine, just bring your love of British cars! Turn out: we have pride in our oil-leakers!
P.S.: Just a note about an impromptu Tech Session, in “light” of the upcoming Lucas Night Rally: Last year, we had a great turnout for an electrical Tech Session that lasted until dark. Lisa and I would like to once again invite you and everyone once again to our home in Lake-In-The-Hills on Sunday, September 5, starting at 10:00 a.m. Wives are more than welcome!
Welcome New Members
The officers and members of the Chicagoland MG Club extend a cordial “MG Welcome” to these new members who have joined our club in recent months. We wish each and every one of you “Safety Fast” and hope you will avail yourself to as many club activities as you can.
David Baier - Aurora, IL - 1976 orange MGB
Daniel Owens - Naperville, IL - 1976 yellow MGB
Note: Any new member whose name does not appear above, your application may have missed our deadline. If you don’t see your name next month, please call our Secretary, Victor L’Heureux at (847) 516-3093 to verify.
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August 2010
