Vintage Viewpoint

The Newsletter of the Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago

Vol. 50, No. 11 November 2016

The Open Cockpit By Bob Lee, President

At your service… The AACA swap meet at Hershey was a fun time for

me. I did not realize it initially but I did spend part of

my time scouting for T Type MGs, all for the benefit of

any interested members. I found a TC, TD and a TF.

The 1949 TC is a restored vehicle offered by Ragtops &

Roadsters from Perkasie, PA. 215-257-1202,

www.ragtops.com. It is a nice looking car with a

$32,500 asking price.

The TD, 1952, was labeled a “Barn Find,” however, my

conversation revealed that the car had been worked on

years ago by the selling agent, British Miles from

Morrisville, PA, 215-736-9300, www.britishmiles.com.

The owner parked it a number of years ago and recently

contacted British Miles because he wanted to sell it. It

runs and the brakes are refreshed but it does need some

work. The stated price is $12,900.

The 1954 TF was sort of unique in that it was right hand

drive and equipped with steel disc wheels. The TF was

beautiful. It was trailered to the event by David Kyle of

MG T Series Cars & Parts from Hubbard, OH, 330-360-

1241, david@stewart-kyle.com. The TF was priced at

$23,900.

The accompanying photos may peak your interest. Just

remember that there is a good reason why I did not have

a career as a photojournalist.

I did notice a couple of unique metal sculptures of the

Tin Man and a frog on a high wheeler. Both sculptures

were pricy and I did not request any contact information.

The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9,

beginning at 8:00 p.m., at the Pizza Joynt, 39 W. North Avenue, Northlake, Illinois.

Dave Hutchison from Ragtops and Roadsters is involved

in a Pennsylvania “British Reliability Run.” It is a

several day event with the cars traveling hundreds of

miles each day. The drivers obtain sponsors or pledges

and raise money for a charity. I am not sure how this

part works. Makes me wonder if the Chicago area has

experienced this, maybe through the British Car Union?

I am looking forward to the Halloween Rally, they are

always a lot of fun and I need to score some points for

the driving awards.

I am planning to join Bill Cole in vanquishing Guy Fawkes on November 5. We can re-cap

both events at our next meeting on November 9. See you there. Rick Rausch is accepting

2016 driving mileage numbers from members, if your car is headed into hibernation. I am

hearing that the Christmas party reservations are filling up quickly. If you are interested you

need to submit your request "yesterday."

2018 GOF Central October Update

Now that the driving season is almost over, it's time to start planning the 2018 GOF Central that our club is hosting

at Lake Lawn Resort at the end of June, only a year and a half from now. It is traditional to make a presentation of

our 2018 GOF at the next GOF being held in Akron, Ohio in July, 2017. That means it is time to start getting our act

together. The only way to make this happen is to divide the work into chunks with a committee working on each

chunk. Some pieces will require more time and effort than others. Some people have already asked to be on certain

committees. Some of these committees can be done by one person, some need a team. Check out the table below to

see where you can help. This should be a great event if we all pitch in.

The GOF 2018 committees

1) Registration/Executive Function

(Ray Costa, Greg Hoeft, Ric Maitzen, Bob Lee)

11) Tour to Harley Davidson Museum

2) Rally 12) Documentation

3) Car Shows –1st Timers and The Big Show

(Bob Lee)

13) Entertainment

4) Awards

(Ray Costa, Bob Lee, Rick Rausch)

14) Regalia

(Lou Louchios)

5) Valve Cover Racing

(Ray Costa, Jim Pennoyer)

15) Signage

6) Auction – silent and live 16) Funkhana

7) Raffle 17) Craft Show

8) Hospitality

(Leslie Gottingen)

18) Photography competition

9) Women's Events

(Mardee Costa)

19) Tech Talks

10) Local Activities 20) Swap Meet

NOTES:

Currently, the Milwaukee MG club (MG3 aka MGMGMG) will help, but cannot be involved in the planning or

financing. The MMM club has been contacted but we don't know if they are going to be able join us. I have not yet

talked to the CMGC to ask for their help. The track for the VCR racing is built and it will be run by Jim Pennoyer

from the Minnesota MG Club. Most importantly, we have a contract with Lake Lawn Resort, in Lake Delavan,

Wisconsin. We have reserved 75 hotel rooms for each of three nights.

Please contact me, Ray Costa, at rlincoln314159@gmail.com, if you can help and/or if you have something to donate

to the raffle or one of the auctions. I have a big garage and I can store some stuff.

Minutes of the October 10, 2016 Meeting of the

Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Lee at

8.00 PM. Sixteen members were present.

The Minutes of the September 14, 2016 meeting were

approved with the modification of the date of the

holiday party, which is December 3. Apparently this is

incorrect online, but correct in the printed minutes.

Reports: Treasury – Ric Maitzen – The report was circulated. Membership – Greg Hoeft – We have 65 paid members

and three permanent members for 2016, and 12 members

have sent in their dues for 2017. There are two new

members, Barry and Elizabeth Sale (Wauconda) who

have a TD. Donald Hanson, of Inverness, does not yet

have an MG. Members Tom and Angel Webb have

moved to 609 Ryan Way, Crystal Lake. Regalia – Lou Louchios – We are out of hats. Our price

is $8.00 each in lots of six, and they are sold for $12. It

was decided to buy six each in tan and black. Driving Events – The Fall Tour was a success, with

several Vintage club members participating. The next

event is the Halloween rally. The details are in the

VMGCC and CMGC newsletters.

Old Business:

There is an addendum to last month’s meeting.

Gerry Risner found that he cannot install CV joints on

the driveshaft of his TF since he has a Datsun 5-speed

gearbox. The CV joints will only work with a mounting

flange, and the Datsun box uses a slip connection. Gerry

has five rusty TF wire wheels he would like to give

away. Glenn Grossklags installed a new driveshaft

from Moss but still has a clunk when starting out. It was

suggested that he change out his spring hanger bushings,

which are rubber and perish easily.

New Business The Holiday Party has been scheduled. Due to

size restrictions, only 80 people may sign up. If you

plan to go, sign up before space runs out. Details are in

both newsletters. The VMGCC will subsidize the event,

but the amount has not yet been decided.

Nominations were opened for officers for 2017.

A motion was made to nominate the current slate of

officers. Hearing no objections, the motion was

approved. Ray Costa discussed committees needed for the

2018 GOF and asked for suggestions. Several good

suggestions were made. Ray will update the committee

spreadsheet and distribute it. There was also a

discussion of awards. This will be revisited (often)

before the event. The Guy Fawkes Day signup sheet was passed

around. It is put on by Bill and Scotty Cole. Some magazines were brought to distribute, and

all found new homes.

Technical Topics Bob Lee asked if it was possible to remove the

oil pan in his TD so that he can coat the inside with

Glyptol. His oil pan leaks badly right through the

aluminum. Ray Costa noted that he has done it twice

and it is not difficult. The two bolts at the front of the

pan are different than the others, and the gasket should

only be glued to the pan, and not the block. Several

people discussed installing a Chevrolet split seal at the

front. A rubber seal can be fitted, but requires removing

the timing chain cover (and the radiator). Greg Hoeft displayed a new made in China

wrench that broke at first use. Looks to have been

cracked before plating.. Bill Cole’s engine seems to be using a lot of oil.

Where is it going? Glenn noted that there is a good article on

Whitworth threads in the Moss Motoring magazine. Bob Lee reported on his yearly trip to the

Hershey swap meet. No one person can see it all. There

are more than 900 vendors. He found several MGs.

Program: The program “MGs Across America, Part Two”

was bumped to next month.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM.

- Ray Costa, Secretary

STEVE'S BRITISH CONNECTION

WANTED: EUROPEAN antique, classic cars.

Jaguar, Austin-Healy, MG, Morgan, Triumph, 356,

190SL, Alfa Romeo, Riley, Land Rover, Singer.

Also pre-War cars and other interesting European

cars in ANY CONDITION, ANY LOCATION

Please call 630-553-9023

E-mail SBCINC@aol.com

www.stevesbritishconnection.com

Only two events are separating us from the end of

the 2016 Driving Events season: The Fall Tune

Down (assuming that this newsletter arrives in your

electronic or real metal mailbox in the first week of

November) and the Cruise to the Rock. You should

find the details in this issue. Both events have been

on our calendar for many years, and have developed

a loyal following. If you have never been to the

Fall Tune Down or the Cruise, I suggest that you

give one or both a try. They are maybe a little more

social and tire kicking events than organized

driving. But they mark the final opportunities to

take your MGs out with your fellow-members and

their cars. It is always fun to do some MG work in

Dave Bralich’s garage (with a hydraulic lift that

takes your MG up a few feet so there is no need for

a conventional jack) while enjoying Cowboy’s

renowned chili and a beer.

The weather on Thanksgiving morning is always a

big question; it may be overcast, rain, snow, or

freezing but it is never going to be warm. But that

doesn’t seem to stop Bill Wildt and his crew from

the local TV show Motorsports Unlimited from

broadcasting the anniversary celebration of the first

automobile race in North America on Thanksgiving

Day in 1895. The more windy, cold, or wet the

weather turns out, the better the food is at the

nearby Harvey’s (on 31st street) and for getting

into the mood for the traditional turkey dinner later

in the day.

The only thing remaining to officially close out the

2016 Driving Events are the awards, which will be

presented at the annual Holiday Party on Saturday,

December 3rd. I hope to see many of you there to

recognize and cheer for the winners of the Moss

Motor Trophy and the Victoria British trophy as

well as all the awards in many other categories.

After that, we go right into the planning for 2017. I

am very happy that Tim and Jamie Schafer with

Ray and Sue Hansen started to bring back The

Secrets of Joe Daviess County Tour. Mark your

calendars for June 9–11 of next year. And while

there is some "driving events down time" over the

winter months, now is the time to think about some

ideas for next year. Which events did you like,

which events should return on the calendar, do we

need more or fewer events, and most importantly,

would you consider organizing a garage tour, rally,

or some other driving event in 2017?

I look forward to hearing from you. You can see

me at an upcoming meeting, call me at 847 342

9804, or email me at reinoutvogt@gmail.com

New Directions

Monthly Column of Driving Events

"The more you drive, the more you smile ".

-- Reinout Vogt

A post card From Karel An MG 'Auto' biography of

History

Winter is upon us as this post card

from Font-Romeu in the French

Pyrenees shows with a MGA in front

of hotel L’Hermitage with snow chains

on the rear wheels. The card was

postmarked in 1963.

Fall Color Tour 2016 By Sundy Mead and Rich Meservey

Sunday, October 9: It was a perfect sunny fall day for a drive in the

country. Everyone gathered at Luau Coffee House

in Campton Hills. After a brief drivers meeting, we

departed on our way promptly at 10:30 am. The

caravan had an interesting array and consisted of 15

cars total: six MGBs, one MGA, one MGBT, one

Midget, one RV8, two TDs, two Corvettes and a

2000 T-Bird.

After a leisurely drive, we arrived at Kuiper’s

Farms at 11:45 and enjoyed some shopping, food

and wine and ciders. Promptly at 1:00 p.m. we

loaded up the caravan to head to St. Charles but

would be two cars lighter. Dino Perez had to leave

the caravan (starting one of his own) to help an

MGB resolve an issue……go figure!

Several cars broke off from the caravan after

arriving in St. Charles around 2:00 to head back

home, and a few parked their cars and caught the

shuttle downtown to the Scarecrow Festival.

Captions by Reinout Vogt

The Fall Tour consisted of 14 cars, all parked in a

row here at the Kuipers Family Farm. Between

Tour Masters Rich and Sundy’s black MGB LE in

the front and Reinout and Henneke’s yellow

Corvette in the back are seven Bs, one A, one

Midget, two TDs, one blue Corvette and a (modern)

Thunderbird.

An old Chevrolet truck, used by the farm on display

on our visit to the Kuipers Family Farm. Kuipers is

a common last name in the Netherlands. Henneke

and I even had a Mr. Kuipers as our 4th grade

school teacher.

Fall Tune-Down and Chili Party Sunday, November 6 – 11 am to 4 pm

82 King Drive - Streamwood, IL

Do you know what your winter project will be? If not, come by and I am sure we can find something that

should be done before next year’s driving season. I have a low-lift hoist so we can do some underbody

inspection or brake work. End of the driving season is time for oil changes, some tune-up work or minor

repairs. Bring your own parts, oil and a jug for oil disposal (and yes, you will take your own away).

Chili and drinks will be provided.

Dave "Cowboy" Bralich email: dbralich@sbcglobal.net (Home: 630-289-7915 Cell:630-222-3571

You are cordially invited to the Chicago area MG Clubs' Christmas Party

Chicagoland MG Club & Vintage MG Car Club

Saturday, December 3

The WHEATSTACK at Seven Springs

5900 South Route 53, Lisle, Illinois 60532

Phone: 630-968-1920

Cocktails start at 6:00 – Dinner at 7:00

GRAB BAG Gift Exchange

To participate, just bring a wrapped gift worth approximately $10.

This is the largest combined Vintage MG/Chicagoland MG club event of the year!

Due to the popularity of this event reservations are limited to a total of 80 guests.

Please make your reservations today! Reservations close November 25th!!

ChicagolandMG Club & Vintage MG Car Club Christmas Party

December 3th

Reservations are required no later than November 25.

Name(s) for the reservation(s) ____________________________________

____________________________________

Number of people: _____ X $40.00 = $ __________ (Make checks payable to: Chicagoland MG Club)

: Member of: Chicagoland MG Club

Send to

Chicagoland MG Club Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago

P.O. Box 455

Addison, IL 60601

Menu: Salad/Rolls, Prime Rib or Lemon Chicken, Bean/Carrots & Mashed Potato,

Assorted Desserts

VMGCC Club Supplied Regalia Qty. Item Price Amount Send Regalia orders to:

Lou Louchios

3101 West Frontage Rd.

Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Orders may be picked up at regular business meetings

with no postage charge. Contact Lou first.

e-mail: Mgairline35@aol.com phone: 847 397-0623

First Name

________________________

Last Name

________________________

OCT2016

Lapel Pin 1" 5.00

Key Ring 1" 5.00

Stick Pin 1" 5.00

Charm 3/4" 4.00

Tie Tack 3/4" 4.00

Lapel Pin 3/4" 4.00

Name Tag 12.00

3 1/4 Iron on Transfer 1.00

VMGCC Gril Badge 25.00

50th Grill Badge 40.00

50th Lapel Pin 5.00

4 in. sew-on Patch 6.00

VMGCC Cap (black or tan) 12.00

2005 GOF Lapel Pin and Plaque 1.00

Postage 3.00

Total

Name: Address:

Phone:

Membership Application and Renewal

Dues and registration: $25.00 per year

Make your check payable to: Vintage MG Car Club

Mail your payment to: Ric Maitzen, VMGCC Treasurer

2881 Fredric Court

Northbrook, IL 60062

Include the following with your dues. We will use this information to update our membership directory

Name:___________________________________ Spouse or Partner:_______________________________________

Address:___________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________

City, State and Zip:________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone:_________________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________________

Send me the newsletter only by email: ____________

Please list your MGs, including Model and Year: Send me a hard copy of the newsletter: ____________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ OCT2016

Vintage MG Car Club

c/o Editor 1814 Illinois Road

Northbrook, IL 60062

First Class Mail

Officers and Directors – 2016

President: Bob Lee; Vice President: Don Ross; Secretary: Ray Costa; Treasurer: Ric Maitzen; Board of Directors: Jerry Cihak, Brian Dubin, Win Gould

Newsletter: Greg Hoeft- Editor Website: www.vintagemgchicago.com

Email Contact: editor@vintagemgchicago.com

Upcoming Events:

November 2016

5 Remember, Remember - Scotty and Bill Cole, 4 p.m.

6 Fall Tune Down, Dave "Cowboy" Bralich

8 CMGC Natter 'N' Noggin

9 VMGCC Meeting, Pizza Joynt, Northlake, IL, 8 p.m.

21 CMGC Meeting, Mack’s Golden Pheasant, 8 p.m.

24 Cruise to the Rock, Jake and Ann Snyder

December 2016

3 VMGCC - CMGC MG Clubs' Christmas Party

6 CMGC Matter 'N' Noggin, Roundheads, Lombard 7 p.m.

14 VMGCC Meeting, Pizza Joynt, Northlake, IL, 8 p.m