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The Georgia Triumph Association 2910 Trft Trail Parkway ttorcross. GA 30093

First Class Mail

. Bob F\'2.gan

261! Willow Green Dr. Duluth GA 30136

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The Georgia Triumph ASSOCiation Is a Chapter of the Vintage Triumph ~vgister.

FROM THE EDITOR BY TOM HORVAT

Well, summer is officially here and judging from the participation at the recent British Car Day, there are a lot of British cars on the road. When I look at all those beauties I can't help but wonder how they would drive and perform. I have owned several TR-6's but I have really driven very few other models of Triumphs, which brings up an idea I've been tossing around for some time now.

What do you think about the idea of gathering as many different models of Triumphs in one location to allow the cars to be driven by other GT A members. I'm not talking about seat-of-your-pants tail wagging here, just a leisurely drive on some spirited roads. Some guidelines would have to established, of course. I would be willing to allow someone to drive , my car as long as that person let me drive theirs.

This may be a great way to keep the cars in the hands of true enthusiasts, as they should be. For instance, a spitfire owner may realize that a TR-6 is really suited for his/her particular driving style. Or, a TR-8 owner 'may see the need for a classic TR-3. An equal appreciation could develop.

No definite plans have been set for this event. It would be nice to hold it on a closed course, but that may be difficult. Any ideas? I'd like to hear some opinions. Thanks.

~

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The Trumpet is the monthly newsletter publication of the Georgia Triumph Association, Inc. Editorial contributions, articles, (always greatly appreciated), classifieds, advertisements, or any other matter relating to the newsletter may be sent to the editor:

Tom Horvat 768 Sir Charles Drive Fairburn, GA 30213

Neither the Trumpet nor the Georgia Triumph Association shall be held liable for any damages resulting from technical information presented in this magazine. This information is presented only for the interest of the readershio.

FROM THE DIRECTOR BY STEVE CONWAY

This newsletter marks the halfway point for our calender yearso I need to make an apeal this month. We need input for future events to close out the year, and we need volunteers to host events or volunteer their cars for tech sessions. Remember, tech sessions and ralleys were the overwhelming choice for GT A events as shown by our questionaires.

Our annual lake outing is in the works right now. It looks like it will be a short rally ending at a member's house on the lake where we can have a cookout or something. We also need people to organize Drive-in movie nights since those were so successful last year. Another event in the works is a "drive every kind of Triumph day". We will get at least one of every model Triumph and trade off driving cars on a set course one afternoon.

I am also listing some tech ideas that have been suggested. If you need some of these things done let us know and we can work it into a tech session. Volunteer soon so we can have a great end of the year. If you are going to, attend the quarterly meeting please bring ideas with you.

FRONT END REBUILD ALIGNMENT

TECH IDEAS

REAR END REBUILD COOVERTIBLE TOP INSTALLATION INTERIOR WORK ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

CARBURETOR REBUILDING WIPER MOTOR REBUILD GENERATOR REBUILD

. STARTER OVERHAUL DIFFERENTIAL INSTALL.

???

~

CRUISING NIGHT, SATURDAY, JUNE 9 BY BOB RAGAN

Summer is herel Summer is the premier time for fun, so come join us for a night of cruisin' Atlanta. There's nothing quite like a balmy summer night's drive up Peachtree Street with the reflections of the street lights rolling up and over your shiny Triiumph. Let's show the Miata owners where it all started.

We will meet on the upper deck of the Varsity (1-75/85 at North Ave. downtown) at 7:00 PM. There we can have some TR talk and get something to eat. About 8:00 PM we'll begin the cruise and end up at Rockin' Robin's on Indian Trail Road off of 1-85. Rockin' Robin's is a fifties - sixties style diner (it's chrome platedl) with a juke box, booths, and pictures of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and various old cars on the walls. You can order cheeseburgers and malts (plus other modern foods). Hopefully you younger members who grew up after this era saw the movie "American Graffiti". Where we go between the Varsity and Rockin' Robin's is still being planned, but we'll have maps at the Varsity, so come on out! Invite your MG, Healey, or other British car friends to join us.

~

LET' S GET WET 'N' W I LOll

On Saturday, June 16, Lesley Johnston has volunteered to host a pool party for the GTA. Lesley is very enthusiastic about this event, so let's all come out and have a good time.

The party will begin about 4 p.m. and it is a BYOB affair. The club will supply beer and soft drinks. Leslie will supply the barbequ~. It would also be great if you could plan to bring a covered dish of your choice. The GTA has so many great chefs, so bring your specialtyl

To get to Lesley's, travel south on 1-85 from Atlanta. Get off at Exit 14, Flat Shoals Road . Turn left onto Flat Shoals and go until it dead-ends into West Fayetteville Road. Turn right onto West Fayetteville, and go about one-half mile . Turn left onto Cheryl Leigh Drive, and look for a sign on the corner that says "GTA". Lesley's house is the fifth house on t he right--1746 Cheryl Leigh Drive.

Should you have any quest i ons or need better directions, call Lesley at 994-7855 after · 6 p.m. His off i ce number i s 761-5964.

o U ART E R L Y M E E TIN G

On Saturday, June 30, 1990 at 7 p.m., the next quarterly meeting will be held at The Green Manor in Union City, GA. Plan to join us for an evening of fine dining and spirited conversation. The menu is varied and should have something for everyone. As far as dress goes, ties are not necessarily required, but jeans would be out of place.

To get to The Green Manor, take 1-85 South from 285 to Hwy. 138, Exit 13. Turn right onto 138 and stay in the right lane. After Del Taco the road forks, stay right. Go to the stop sign. Cross over the railroad tracks and turn right. The entrance to Green Manor will be on the left about 1/2 mile from the RR tracks. (Just after the police station.) If you reach the next stop sign, you have missed the entrance. Phone: 404 964-4343

Besides being a social event, we will also plan the remaining activities for the year. Please bring any suggestions and especially let us know if you want to volunteer to organize any particular events.

British Car Days, 1990

By Hal Doby British Car Day 1990 was an absolute smash hit. Close to 600 British

vehicles (Don't forget Range and Land Rover) made it out to Chateau Elan for the festivities. The weather was flawless and the atmosphere festive.

When I arrived at 10:15 in the moming there were already 10 Triumphs there. By the time everything was in full swing, close to 40 Triumphs had made it. I didn't get a chance to count MGs and Healeys, but I'm sure we had if not more than those two marquess, we had an equal number.

Gracing the front walk way of the Chateau was the new Lotus Elan. Since production has not started, this was a pilot production car. It sure looks different from anything I've seen come down the road. People who studied the new car were rather divided. Either they liked it or they hated it. That reminded me of when Triumph debuted the TR7. Just imagine, a $35,000 modern Spitfire.

Everybody brought a basket for a leisurely spring picnic and around noontime, they were appearing all over the place. People toured the grounds and took tours of the winemaking facility. Of course, everyone walked around and looked at all the cars. My favorites were a black MG-TF, and the Black and green Rolls-Royce owned by my friend Joe Patton (Joe was the force behind saving the Fox Theatre in 1974, and presently lives there as well.) My most unusual was a triple black 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo----with a Jaguar V-121

There was one short fall of the event. Traditionally , Triumph, MG, and Healey have the largest turnouts. Unfortunately, the planners put us all in one great big pile. by 10:30, we were already cramped for room. The Healeys we able to get almost all of their members in one group, but MG and Triumph had cars in two locations. In my opinion, if there had been a little better planning, this could have been avoided. I think that when the cars were judged, this was a detriment to the cars that were parked away from the main group. Because of this, I give a word to the wise. If you plan to enter you car in a car show and feel that you are able to win in the show, get there as close to the start time, maybe a little early to insure a good parking spot.

Since this Is the event that draws the most Triumphs out of hiding, the GTA held a Participants' Choice car show. We divided the cars into six classes: TR2-TR3, TR4-TR250, TR6, TR7 -TR8, Spitfire-GT6, and Specialty. Ballots were handed out to whoever wished to inspect the cars. After two o'clock, the ballots were tallied and the awards were presented. The winners were:

TR2-TR3: 1 st - Anthony Smith (TR3) 2nd - David Fort (TR3) 3rd - Dick DeWitt (TR3)

TR4-TR250: 1 st - Don Stewart (TR250) 2nd - Joel & Jane Birch (TR4) 3rd - Tom Dunarnore (TR4)

TR6 1 st - George Priest

2nd (Tie) - Jeff Aronoff & Ron Sanders 3rd (Tie) - Frank Farr & Marvin Cook

Spltflre-GT6 1 st - Ray Gore (1500) 2nd - Bill Moore (1500) 3rd - Leslie Johnston (1500) (Stag)

TR7-TR8 1 st - Keith Milton (TR7) 2nd - Hal Doby (TR7)

Best of Show Joel & Jane Burch (TR4)

. Specialty 1 st - Hal Doby (TR7) 2nd - Joe Eamest (Stag) 3rd - Steve McMath

Joel & Jane were absolutely stunned at winning this prestigious award. They had no idea that would win anything, yet they drove all the way from the Savannah area to just attend the show with fellow GT A members. Next time there is a car show remember the Burches and try to make it out. Who knows, you might • have a potential award winning car in your mitts.

Shortly there after we started to pack up and head home. Everyone was happy and excited from all the days activities. Some were so happy they were even tickled pink (and sun burned red) .

TECH TIP: BUSHING INSTALLATION BY DAVID BONITO

When installing rubber or nylon bushings, try placing them in the freezer overnight first. Everyone knows that they will contract when cold, right? The next morning they should pop right inl

Hal Takes the Plunge

By Hal Doby Last year, I purchased a 1969 Triumph GT6+. When I purchased it, it was

readily apparant that this was no Concours winner. I had always wanted one though, and I did have this ongoing thought of truly restoring a Triumph. If there was one in such a shape to need restoring, this was it.

Ok I admit it, I am a masochist when it come to some things. I thought that while I was going to such pains to inflict grief and torment into my life, I might let others enjoy my sorrows. I plan to write about some of my great moments of Tri­umphdom for the Trumpet. Maybe it might help others. Maybe it might prove the Charles Runyan was right and we can rebuild these cars. Maybe it might prove I need to go and buy a Miata. We shall see.

Before the good stuff, I think you need to know what I am up against and how I plan to overcome these obsticals. So for posterity here's Don Pardo to tell the gory details.

The car had bad rust in the floor boards, so a previous owner replaced them with sheet metal and bolted the driver's side seat down. Since he never transported passengers, he just laid the other seat in for good looks. The bonnett was relatively straight and for the most part rust free, however I did wonder what fried to get out of the engine compartment that left a 112 inch hole in the power buldge. The tub was pretty much a basket case. The massive bashing in the right rear fender and it smaller relative on the other side sealed its fate.

When I purchased the car, I realized that a competent collision repainnan could repair the tub with new sheet metal, however, when I priced the individual parts needed to do the job, a second altemative came to mind. Realizing that there possibly could be out there a whole tub in a spares yard, it seemed more economi­cally feasible to buy a whole tub used than to buy new parts and have them grafted on. I was told that Jim Elay owned a few GT6+ bodies. When I called him, he told me that he did. Thus a major problem was solved.

Mechanically, the car was an unknown quantity. I was told that the car did drive, but the battery was dead. I figured that if I was going to all this trouble to bring back a GT6 to life, there wouldn't be anything that couldn't be rectified . After I purchased the car, fellow GT A member Bill Washburn volunteered to bring the sick puppy home. Bill had always wanted to drive a GT6 and his chance had come. The previous owner had abandoned the car at Applebee's in Stone Mountain when she could not get it started. Once we overcame the dead battery, it took over a half an hour to get the poor little car to corne to life . Once the motor was running. things seemed to get better. at least until we got it on the street.

I followed Bill in my TR7. It was a wonderous sight to see this blue GT6 travelling down Memorial Drive ...... SIDEWAYS. We soon came upto a stop light

and I pulled up along side Bill. "Hey Hal. is it me or am I going sideways down the road? I AM!!!! OH. I!!!" Ever so carefully we drove it to Snellville. On the way. it ran out of gas right in front of a gas station. We pushed it to a tank and gave it some gas. We where really sweating about starting it up again. but it fired right up once some gas got to the engine.

Once home we pushed it into a corner of my garage. It was to sit there until it was feasible for me to begin my project. Just like Orson Wells said "We will sell no wine before it's time".

Next Month: How am I going to get myself out of this fine mess?

MGB NATIONAL CONVENTION JUNE 21 - 24

The MGB club has asked for assistance with their national convention to be held here in Atlanta, June 21 - 24. If you enjoy all British cars this will be a fun time to see some beautiful cars and help with parking for the shpw or to work at a checkpoint during the rally . GT A member Chris Gore is also president of the Peachtree MG Registry, so you die-hard Triumph owners will actually be helping a fellow Triumph owner. For more information on volunteering call Steve Conway, Tom Horvat, or Chris Gore. The phone numbers are listed in the back of the newsletter.

~

FOR SALE TR-6 parts: Black tonneau cover in very good condition, $75. Tan convertible top boot cover, $50. Trunk lid, $75. Right door, $125. Right front fender, $75. Early rear bumper center section, bent, $30. ... MOREI.

Tom Horvat 404-964-3465 6 - 90

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II Classified ads relating to Triumph cars and their owners are free to members and $5.00 to nonmembers. Ads will be run for two issues. Ads may be run for a longer period of time by notifying the editor.

----------------------------------------------------FOR SALE TR6 New Top of Dash Pad $45.00

Factory TR6 Hard Top, · Like New $1000.00 TR6 New Rear Shocks, pair $120.00 GT6 New Crankshaft in Box $125.00 TR6 Grill Frame wI Chrome, Excellent $65.00 Goodyear Redwalls, Like new, pair $100.00 TR6 New .020 Piston Set $225.00 TR6 Fiberglass Rear Fenders, Excellent $150.00

David Bonito 404-361-3077 6 - 9 0

-~-------------------------------------------FOR SALE Early model Spitfire enginel transmission assembly. $150.00 for both, or $100.00 each.

Billy Ragan 912-892-3552 5 - 9 0

----------------------------------------------------FOR SALE 1957 MGA 1500 Roadster. Completely restored.

$7500.00.

Also, personalized service on your Triumph or other car. Steve Conway 404 -921-5700 6 - 9 0

---------------------------------------------FOR SALE 1970 TR-6. Red with original tan interior. Rust-free car in excellent overall condition with many

new and rebuilt parts. Strong runner, meticulously maintained by enthusiast owner. A realistic price for a car of this quality. Regrettably offered at $5500. Call for complete details.

Tom Horvat 404-964-3465 6 - 9 0

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TR6 TO CHEVY 350, A CONTINUING STORY ... BY BILLY RAGAN

Let me retract back to the enginel transmission assembly. The engine without the exhaust manifolds would set in the TR6 frame. But the manifolds did touch the spring tower aft braces. A few minutes with the torch removed enough brace for the manifolds to clear. Then I welded a small angle onto the braces for reinforcement. The frame with the enginel transission mounted was towed to our local muffler shop and a dual exhaust system fabricated. This cost $90.00 for two pipes from the manifolds to

~ the muffler.

Back home again, the body would not quite clear the exhaust manifolds or bellhousing. So, a little cutting here at the exhaust manifolds and there at the sides of the bellhousing and soon the body cleared the enginel transmision. Wowl Impressivel Now, all I have to do is fabricate and hook up everything and I can ridel The steering column appeared to be the biggest challenge. After several hours of scrounging and cutting I had the steering installed. It required three metal TR U-joints and one shaft bearing. The clearances are close, but it appears to work OK. Then I fabricated a front spring tower crossbrace, installed a Chevy wiring harness, put the battery in the trunk, and installed an electric fuel pump. The Chevy pump wouldn't clear the frame. After some adjusting and tinkering, the engine fired and ran okay. The stock Chevy radiator lower outlet had to be relocated. To avoid overheating, I wanted to install two temperature gauges plus a vacuum gauge. So, rather than cut the TR6 dash, I opted to fabricate a new dash for all the gauges needed. This turned out to be a major effort. The Chevy dash wiring had a few differences from the TR wiring, ( I.e., windscreen wiper, heater, turn signals, etc.). But, by comparing the Chevy schematic and hook-ups with the TR6 schematic and hook-ups I finally got just about everything working. And, no burnt or shorted wire ... (yeti). By now I'm getting very anxious to drive this car, but still can't engage the clutch or brakes. What shall I do here?

TO BE CONTINUED .. .!

~

TR6 RESTORATION: ADDING UP THE NUMBERS II BY GEORGE PRIEST, DMD

When writing about the restoration of their classic cars, most enthusiasts describe the special apppeal of their car, and what motivates them to renew it to its original splendor. I would like to take a slightly different, statistical perspective. Every endeavor related to cost, travel and time on rebuilding my 1974 TR-6 was logged on my IBM compatible computer. The numbers that I describe should serve two purposes. First, for those of you who have already restored an English car, it should have relevance to your own experience. Second, for those of you contemplating a complete restotation, it will give you a realistic impression of the commiHment that rebuilding a car can take.

Cost is the most significant aspect of car restoration to most hobbyists. It is also the most underestimated. I paid $1,800 for my car, $350 for another entire frame and body and $5,837 for parts, new and used (including 560 bolts, nuts, washers, and trim screws) . Frame and body dipping, and subsequent painting amounted to $3,057, and machining came to $945. The grand tally to date is $11,989, which is nearly double my original estimate.

Th~re is an aspect of the total cost that can be overlooked. Typical of many dentists, I have a compulsive nature. Normally when I have an afternoon cancellation, I would have the receptionist fill the opening. But, during the nine months I was restoring my TR-6, I welcomed those cancellations so I could rush home and escape to my project. My income showed a drop during that interim and rose again immediately after I completed the restoration.

Trips and traveling were significant primarily because I usually drove to Atlanta Imported Auto Parts and made very few purchases by mail. Their prices were comparable to Moss Motors and I prefer to support local businesses. Their advice was invaluable and saved me money in the long run. I also carted parts back and forth to machine shops, paint shops and local hardware stores. In total, I logged 1,867 miles in 152 trips.

The nine months that I labored on my Triumph doesn't represent a true basis of time. Depending on your occupation, or your zeal to finish your car, you may proceed at a different pace. For this reason, I found it more meaningful to calculate the number of hours spent on activity directly related to the restoration . I spent a total of 760 hours over the nine months, which averaged out to 20 hours a week. This was an intense schedule for a busy dentist that kept me up past midnight on several occasions.

~

These three aspects of my particular project; cost - $11,989, travel - 152 trips and 1,867 miles, and time - 760 hours; represent a considerable investment and certainly amount to more than the face value of the car. What did I gain? I achieved som ething that few people so, including full time mechanics. I built, or rebuilt, an entire classic car from frame up. Although I had a backyard mechanic's education on automotive repair, I have an in depth knowledge of the workings of at least one car, the Triumph TR-6. I own a relatively rare car, restored like new, that is an eye catcher and a joy to drive. It should give me pleasure for many years to come both in driving and partiCipating in Triumph related events.

Restoring this car was one of those carrots that I have wanted to grasp for years. It is a great feeling and a memory I will cherish.

TECH TIP: POZI-DRIVE SCREWDRIVER BY STEVE CONWAY

~

Did you know that there is no such thing as a phillips screw on a British car? Neither did I until a month ago. The phillips-looking screws are actually called Pozi-Drive screws. Hence you need a pozi-drive screwdriver to remove them. Using a phillips will only tear up the heads. You can acquire a pozi-drlve screwdriver from most professional tool suppliers, and believe me they are worth every penny.

(The screws that hold the carburetor dash pots are especially susceptible to stripping without a pozi-drive screwdriver. Ed.)

(fJ ® REGUu\R PHILLIPS POZI-DRIVE

m:rE

June 9 '-6 21 - 24 30

July TBA TBA

Aug TBA 9 - 12

22 - 26

Sept TBA TBA TBA

Oct TBA 25 - 28 26 - 28

Noy TBA

Dec TBA

©~[h~OO@~OO ©~ ~W~OO'iJ'®

EVENT

Cruising Night Pool Party MG National Meet in Atlanta Quarterly Meeting

Pub NighV Drive-In Lake Outing

Pub Night VTR National COl)vention in Boulder. Colorado Atlanta Historic Races at Road Atlanta

Pub Night Quarterly Meeting Polo Event

Pub Night Florida Regional - Sebring Atlanta Vintage Cup at Road Atlanta

Pub Night

Holiday Party I Quarterly Meeting

SfUKfJ

Bob Ragan 623-9517 Lesley Johnston 994-7855 Chris Gore 404-864-3527 Steve Conway

SIeve Conway

SIeve Conway

SIeve Conway

~~@OO~~b.\ 'irOO~l!J)lM1fP1X) b.\OO@©~b.\ iJ'Il@OO Officer. and Representative.

Director

As.latent Dlrectorl ..... 1eH.r Editor

S.cr.t.ry/Tr ••• ur.r

llembera-at-Large Past Director Past Asst Dir.

Rail,. ..... .,

Steve Conway

Tom Horvat

Lori Conway

Gordon Washburn Dennis Reilly

Hugh McAleer

404-921-5700

404-964-3465

404-921-5700

404-457 -2368 404-475-1088

The Georgia Triumph Association (GTA) is a non-profit organization of enthusiasts of the Triumph motorcar marque. The GT A is an official chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register. Membership dues are $18.00 per year and are payable January 1 of each year. Dues are pro-rated at $1.50 per remaining month during the first year of membership.

Dues and non-newsletter correspondence should be sent to the Secretaryl Treasurer:

Lori C. Conway The Georgia Triumph Association

2910 Tree Trail Parkway Norcross. GA 30093