news update may 2015 (No 4/15)

Transcription

1 news update may 2015 (No 4/15) A reminder that the new Cars that Rock T.V. series has begun, shown on the Quest channel, which is channel 37 on Freeview, every Thursday evening at 9.00 pm. The full schedule of featured marques has not been published, but don t forget that the edition about M.G. cars will feature The Old Speckled Hen and an interview with its owner, Fred Body. The opening titles of the show each week feature the M.G. being driven by host Brian Johnson, with Fred alongside in the passenger seat. We re told that in the M.G. episode, Brian Johnson puts the Kimber Special a.k.a. Old Number One through its paces around the car park at Gaydon Museum. He drives the priceless car rather more enthusiastically than the museum authorities would have wished, according to witnesses! Here are some reminders of the day s filming for the show:

2 * * * good news from down under You might have seen reports earlier this year of the demise of our member Ian Curwen-Walker, from South Australia. It is not clear how these rumours came about, but rest assured that he is very much alive & kicking. Here s a picture of Curly, taken at the Aussie M.G. National Meeting at Easter this year, sent to us by Malcolm Robertson, editor of the magazine of the Pre-War M.G. Register of Australia. Curly was highly amused by the news that he had been reported missing in action, not least because he is working on his 18/80 again, and plans to have a new body made for it.

3 Ian s 18/80 prior to the strip-down for a rebuild. Ian displays the progress with the rebuild and the iconic M.G. bulkhead brackets. (Pictures taken by D. Hutchison in November 2007)

4 brake linings Earlier this year I decided to treat the Editorial Bullnose Super Sports to a new set of brake linings. All four brake drums are now quite new, and having never been skimmed, are the original 12 inside diameter. I wanted to ensure that the correct thickness of friction lining material was fitted, to ensure a perfect match to the radii of the drums. I consulted the Bullnose Morris Club s Technical Information index, and my period Morris Spare Parts book, (both are usually the founts of all knowledge in these matters), but nowhere could I find the thickness of the brake linings. Eventually, after asking around, Keith Herkes sent me this list showing brake lining details for early M.G.s - which I reproduce below. It might be worth making a copy of this list, which is an extract from Ferodo s catalogue, for future reference. Do you recognise these front brake backing-plates? They re both on Frazer-Nash cars and are seemingly identical to Perrot-shaft operated M.G. 14/28s, 14/40s and Mk 1 18/80s. These components look brand new on many Nashes so where can we get some from??

5 Speaking of brakes - editorial research recently led me to the digital archive of a 1920s Canadian periodical magazine entitled The Goblin. The magazine was published in Toronto and is similar in concept to Punch magazine, and features stylish Art Deco illustrations. Here s a cartoon from early 1925, at the time when the idea of 4-wheel brakes was introduced :- Four wheels no brakes. Adverts for motor cars abound, such as this for a McLaughlin Buick :-

6 Brooklands all-m.g. day april 12 th 2015 This year being the 60 th anniversary of the MGA, the paddock area in front of Brooklands clubhouse was reserved for examples of that model. Consequently, the display of vintage M.G.s was located behind the clubhouse, by the the B.P. pavilion. Never the less, the display was the centre of interest at the event and drew big crowds throughout the day. Vintage M.G.s on display at Brooklands.

7 events 2015 May 10 th May 16 th & 17 th June 7 th to 18 th M.G. Regency Run, Brooklands to Brighton. Free entry for pre-war cars enter via MG Car Club or MG Owners Club. Beaulieu Spring Autojumble. E.M.G.S. Tour de la Charente, Cognac, France. set to go! June 20 th & 21st August 1 st & 2 nd September 5 th & 6 th September 15 th to 18 th MGCC MG Live, Silverstone. Vintage Prescott Hill Climb Our traditional Summer Get-together Beaulieu International Autojumble. E.M.G.S. Autumn Event Ross-on-Wye. Arriving p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 15 th ~ 3 nights at The Chase Hotel ~ depart Friday, Sept 18 th. For our event, a special tarif of 140 per night has been negotiated, for two people sharing a double room, for bed, breakfast and dinner. During our stay at The Chase Hotel, outings will be arranged to local places of interest such as the book-sellers town of Hay on Wye, on the fringe of The Black Mountains, and to nearby National Trust properties and gardens. The hotel is conveniently located for trips to the Forest of Dean and the beauty spot of Symonds Yat, whilst historic Ledbury and Hereford are within easy reach. To reserve your accommodation, please contact The Chase Hotel, telephone number and mention The Early M.G. Society. To find out more about The Chase Hotel visit

8 fuel additive Every month we get reports of owners who are having problems with the corrosive effect of ethanol in their fuel systems. Petrol tanks are being removed and flushed out, some fuel line components are disintegrating and/or becoming bunged up with gum. Most of our members are now using fuel additives and avoiding low grade/high ethanol content fuel. Yours truly has been using Millers VSPe Power Plus for a couple of years now, and I would never be without it! It s an all in one fuel treatment which combines ethanol protection, lead replacement and an octane improver, which can provide up to 2 points (20 points) increase in octane rating. It carries the FBHVC A rating against the corrosive effects of modern fuels. The effect of the improvement in octane on engine power is remarkable I know within a few miles if I ever forget to put in the additive when I refuel. The product has recently been improved such that one 500ml bottle will treat 500 litres of fuel i.e. the dilution is 1ml per litre of petrol) In old money this equates to one 500ml bottle being sufficient to treat 110 gallons of petrol and that s a year s motoring for most people. The best deal I ve found for the product is from Classic Oils who sell the 500ml MultiShot bottles for including VAT. They usually have a stand at VSCC events. We have no connection with Classic Oils and of course, it is available from other suppliers! On the subject of oils.

9 Congratulations! To John Cooper, who this month is mentioned in dispatches in the VSCC Newsletter, on his achievement of 50 years continuous membership of The Vintage Sports Car Club. Finally back to The Goblin magazine for the answer to a question that has puzzled doting mothers of teenage sons through the years :- Drive safely, Scribe.