The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

Fortunately for us, the CMGC is filled with givers and takers.

The givers are the ones who donate their time freely to help other members keep their cars running and road worthy. Throughout the year the club’s “Traveling Mechanics” have helped a number of members who needed assistance. Without hesitation, they have traveled from Plainfield to Valparaiso and points in between helping to keep the MG marquis alive and running.

The takers are the members who without being asked took time out of their day to come up with new ideas and activities. During the 2020 driving season that didn’t happen, people have taken the time to organize impromptu trips and gatherings while still maintaining safe COVID-19 practices. Doug Clark took the time to design a holiday Zoom party when it wasn’t practical for the club to host one. Over thirty people attended and had an enjoyable evening with a virtual scavenger hunt and a name that tune contest. There were members from as far away as Minnesota and Atlanta in attendance.

As we bid farewell to 2020, and by bid farewell I mean bag it, tag it, burn it, and put it in a hole, let us welcome 2021 with hope and optimism for a safer and healthier year. Hopefully, we will be enjoying rallies, tours and Monday night in person meetings again soon.

Happy New Year.

~~ Phil Wydra

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

So, another year has come and gone, hopefully the new year will be brighter.

This past year has really bought to my attention all that I have to be thankful for. The COVID-19 played a visit to our home. Thankfully, systems weren’t too bad, and all have recovered.

My MGA project (or should I say my wife Kerry’s) is making steady progress with the chassis, brakes w/ lines & hoses, gas tank w/ lines pump & filters and engine & trans w/propshaft installed it’s close to being set aside so body work can begin. Just waiting on handbrake parts and she’s done. I’m not looking forward to all the body work as every panel and every wing needs work. I’ll just have to do a little each day and hope for slow and steady progress. I think Kerry has the color picked out already.

As for the MGB Rover V8 conversion project we’ve broken down a few of the brick walls that appeared. A new oil pump cover was acquired for the Frog engine which eliminated the interference with the steering rack. We then moved on to the transmission crossmember on mount. We ended up using the TR8 crossmember (both the Rover engine & LT77 trans came from a TR8) and the MGB one. Cut down the MGB crossmember and welded it to the TR8. Worked quite well and we were able to use a new TR8 trans mount as well. Next was the exhaust which implemented block hugger headers that ended up being a real pain in the keaster. But with the help from a large hammer and a crowbar they were gently persuaded to fit. We weren’t overly impressed with the design of the rest of the exhaust system as the crossover pipe went directly under the oil pan blocking the drain plug. Next time I’ll probably make my own. Wait a minute WHAT NEXT TIME! Just kidding. With the exhaust system in we measured for the propshaft and made the next list to further the project. Who ever said that the Rover V8 is a drop in conversation (Scott) is sadly mistaken. More to come…

As you probably have your ballots by now, you’ll see I’m stepping down from my position as VP of the club. I trust you’ll give my replacement Melissa Gonzales the same support and encouragement you’ve given me.

It’s been a pleasure serving you SAFETY FAST!

~~ Dean Hickenlooper    
your humble servant