The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

We are one month into the new year and I am still trying to scrape remnants of 2020 off my shoe. But 2021 promises to be a much better year. New hopes, new expectations and new experiences await us.

I am wondering where my first MG ride of the year will take me — okay, second ride — the first ride will be retrieving the car from storage. I am anticipating accumulating more open road miles in 2021 than the embarrassing 600 miles I accrued in 2020.

If the country continues to improve health-wise, we should have a successful driving season. The club already has a few tentative events on the calendar. However, we are always looking for new adventures. If any member has an idea for a tour or rally, please don’t hesitate to bring it up.

2020 has been a trying year for the Chicagoland MG Club as well as other automobile clubs. Cruise nights all but disappeared. There were no rallies, no tours, and no in person meetings.

Fortunately I discovered Zoom. Zoom is now the most looked up word on Google. It has been a learning experience. There are still connection problems with some members, and there is the dreaded 40-minute time limit. (Unless we decide to hold meetings on Christmas day) Problem solved, one of our club members graciously offered his Zoom account for our meetings. So if I do not screw it up, February’s meeting will not have a time limit.

With 2020 in the rear view mirror and 2021 straight ahead, let us all look forward to a great year for the Chicagoland MG Club.

Stay safe my friends

~~ Phil Wydra

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

Well, the days are getting longer, and spring is right around the corner. It’s time to get your MG reading to roll. If you don’t put at least 1,000 miles on your car this year you have no one to blame but yourself. I put at least that many on my MGs last year and plan on doing the same this year. If you need help just let the Traveling Mechanics know or call Steve Skegg.

As for progress of the Rover conversion we’re still making headway. With the modified trans crossmember in with custom new propshaft the underside of the car is nearly complete. We fitted the gear reduction starter with a little wiring adjustment and the clutch slave which we decided to use one from a TR6 that allowed the use of the original hose. Next, we put the car on the ground and moved to the top side of the engine compartment. With mini grinder in hand the old radiator brackets were removed. As my good friend Bill says “Just Keep Cutting”. Next the aluminum radiator was fitted into place and new brackets were fabricated and welded into place. The distributor was installed next and tragedy struck home on the Froggy engine. I heard a snap....... .... removed the distributor and noticed.......wait for it .......one of the teeth on the distributor shaft was broken off and inside the NEW ENGINE somewhere !!!

So, after a few choice words out came the radiator, crank pulley & balancer along with the timing chain cover. Lucky for use the tooth didn’t fall all the way down into the oil pan but was found on the inside of the timing chain cover. Now all that was left to do was reinstall the timing chain cover, crank balancer & pulley, and radiator. This made for a Realistic Fun Afternoon. Hopefully, thing will go smother on the next engagement.

Enough about the Rover conversion, time to address the MGA! See the progress in this issue of Driveline!

As you may know I’m stepping down from the VP position. It’s been a pleasure serving you and I hope you’ll give Malisa the same support you gave me.

See you on the Road. SAFTY FAST!

~~ Dean Hickenlooper    
your humble servant