2003

~he ~fficial pu,bIiCa~n of the GTia Triu~ph As~OCI.tiO."
f2Tr:M~P-efJ
1~~~!~;:~r1d
Membershipsexpjre
December' 31 - beat
DECEMBER
GTAEVENTS
In This Issue
Director's Chair
1,3,10
Editor's Dribble
2
Director"s Chair
3
A LittleHistory
4.5
Painting Big Blue
5
Barry's Tech Place
6.7
Time To Get Involved
7
Things To Do Before You Go
Racing
9
Birthday List
10
Damn the Torpedoes
11
Cure For ACommon Leak 12
AIAPAdvertisement
13
Renewal Form
14
Contributors
Barry Rosenberg
Hugh McAleer' GT A
Bob Ragan GTA
George ForsterGTA
JerernyWhitehead GTA
Ashford Little GTA
MichaelCampsmith GTA
Bill Castleberry GTA
Tom Horvat
Paul Logue GTA
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Bill Oberholtzer, Gainesville,GA
Mike Hill, Roswell, GA
John Sheffield, Ball Ground, GA
SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM
THE GEORGIA TRIUMPH ASSOCIATION!
I'd like to begin this month's
ramblings by wishing you all a happy
holiday season, and a pmsperous
wrapping uptb- V~r New Year. Joan and I had a great
time with the club this year. We
met a lot of new people, made sorne
new friends, and had some exciting adventures in the TR.
So, here we are at the end of another year. We had joy, we
had fun, but there wasn't very much sun. This was the
wettest driving season that I can remember in a long time.
It's not that the rains weren't welcome after' the dry years of
the past, but did it always have to rain on the GTA?
But we survived, and it will soon be time to get started again.
I'd like to take this chance to thank all of you who pat'ticipated in the GTA in 2003, and j'd like to invite you back for
another round of driving pleasure and TR fellowship in
2004. I'd especially like to invite those who didn't participate
in 2003 to make a point of joining us on the I'oad in the
coming year.
How about a quick I'ecap of how the GTA spent the year?
After the 2002 Polar Bear Run, we started putting the
2003 calendar together. The first event was Pat Sarno's Chili
cookoff in the beginning of February That was followed by an SCCA
Autocross driving school and a
Bowling Night.
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
This is being written Thanksgiving morning. I've read
through the Happy Thanksgiving emails and responded
to the few that needed a response and sent a few of my
own. This is a time of year I usually reflect and determine how I did on my goals for the year. Keeping in
touch with family and friends is top on my list.
SecretantlTreasurer
SUsan E. Bowen
770-416'9419
Home goals are coming along nicely. This year's yard
improvements are almost done and the shop improvements are about as close
to being finished as they will ever get. There is still that inside painting that just
never seems to make it to the top of the list though. Work goals are about
where I had expected them to be.
Memberf)t l..J!rge
Paul Logue
Activities Dj,.ect:or
Michael Carripsmitil
770414-8233
mcampsmith[i\lcdc.gov
Phdtagraher
The club related goals are way beyond what I had expected. If you had told me
last Thanksgiving that I would be newsletter editor again, I would have called
you crazy! However in the spring I was given the opportunity to take over the
newsletter and have enjoyed doing it. I am thankful that the opportunity came
along when it did. It does take a lot of time to complete and there are a lot of
hands in the mix. I personally have enjoyed the tech articles and the history.
Michael Altomare
770-425c 5376
VTR Liasian/
Asst, ActivitiesDirect;or
Ronnie Babbitt
I was only able to make a few meets other than the business meetings due to
my work schedule. Those that I did attend were planned well and were a lot of
fun. If you are one of the those that have not made it to a meet in 2003, you
need to try to make some in 2004.
912-953-2261
The goals on my Triumphs are moving along at the pace I expected. I still think
I'll be able to get the motor changed in the 250 before the end of the year.
rbtr3a@cox;net
Membership Director
Mike Hurst
I hope your holiday season is joyous, fun and that you can even work in a top
down ride in the TR before the end of the year.
770'887-2143
dhut'stipd([1IaoLcDrn
Webmaster
H.Ashford LIttle Il
t'alittle2@mirrdspring:com
£404)350-9362
W€)[email protected]
NeWs/ett?rEditor
Member Profile Editor
Hugh McAleer
22
Points PartiCipation
Joe Earnest
jeamestlQ)arnericasmartcorn
The Trumpet is published monthly for the members of the Georgia Triurnph Association, Members are
encouraged to submit articles, photographs or other materials of Ttl G' 'a Triu ph As oc'at' 11
Interest by mailing them to the club mailbox shown to the right.
e eorgl.
m
SilO
Members may also submit articles via email by sending them to: Post Office Box 1138
~~.~J!I!:'I((j)ggJJJ1lI11fl!JJ;:Q!I:. We reserve the right to edit or change Tucker, Georgia 30085-1138
any material 10 suit the needs and space allowed for our newsletter, Please enclose a self-addressed stamped
envelope for any items you would like returned. The GTA newsletter cannot be held responsible for any
items that may be lost, damaged or destroyed. Classified advertising is available free to members, $5.00 per
ad for nonmembers. Classified ads run for one month. Commercial advertiSing is available at the rates
below. GTA neither endorses nor warrants any product, service or method of service. written or advertised.
One year commercial advertising rates (12 issues) are as follows:
1/8 page (business card)
$40.00
1/4 page
$70,00
112 page
$100.00
The Georgia Triumph Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of Triumph motorcar owners and
enthUSiasts interested in the preservation, res\oratiDn and driving of Triumph motorcars. We are a group
of enthusiasts that maximize the enjoyment of driving a Triumph and emphasize camaraderie and sodal
L~-'-'_-'---'-'~""""'_ _.......JL.i_nte_r...;ac...;tio...;n...:a...:m.;..ofl..!i...gT.riumph owners. The GTA is a chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR) ,
2
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
lb. Dir.Gtor',Chair
PU-£MfJE.\l. ,"OOl
Wrapping
upth~·Yt,ar
l'.ontinuM from 'Pag& ·1)
Our first driving event of the year took place
in March, when we drove to Amicalola Falls
for lunch. Some GTA members went to
Panama City, Florida, for their British Car
Day.
April's Chris Gore Mountain Tour began with
a visit to the Thunder Road stock car attraction in Dawsonville. There
was a British Car Day in Pensacola, Florida, and the Walter Mitty historic races were held at Road Atlanta.
May began with The Gathel'ing in Winston Salem, NC, and British Car Day in Townsend, Tennessee. Atlanta's British Car Day at Chateau Elan brought out the largest gathering of GTA members for the year - I think it was because of the barbecue luncheon on the lawn. We also saw a
few members at Tallahassee's British Car Day in May.
For our "Big Trip," we enjoyed a wet weekend at Fontana Village in the Smokey Mountains in
June. The following week found the GTA at Lake Lanier for our Family Reunion Summer Picnic.
We also participated in a classic car show in Athens and British Car Day in Louisville, Kentucky.
Our largest driving tour for the year [so far) happened in July. The "Wings & Wheels Tour" took
a group of about 50 assorted LBCs to Warner Robbins to tour the Air Museum. Russ Turner
hosted a Pig Roast at his home at the end of the month.
In August, there were 18 GTA members and 8 GTA Triumphs at the VTR National Convention at
the Roadster Factory Summer Picnic in Pennsylvania. We brought home a nice assortment of
awards from that show. Later in the month, a few brave souls tamed the rapids on our River
Rafting Trip to the Oconee River in Tennessee. We ended August with an impromptu bowling
night for the Labor Day weekend.
September was a busy month for the GTA. We began with a day tl'ip to tour the Chickamauga
Battlefield in northwest Georgia. The HSR Atlanta Historic Races were at Road Atlanta the
following weekend. After that, the merchants of Historic Downtown Norcross hosted the 4th
Annual British Car Fayre. We ended the month with an appearance at the Autumn in the Mountains British car show in Hendrsonville, North Carolina.
The action continued in October. The Mini club invited several GTA members to attend a "Sport
Drive" in the north Georgia mountains. We saw a few members at Le Petit LeMans at Road
Atlanta for the big race. As the weather began to cool off, we took a trip to Blue Ridge for some
scary movies at the Swan Drive In.
Things finally began to slow down in November. A few of you attended Br'itish Car Day at the
Chattanooga Chao-Chao, while a few others participated in a road rally with the Georgia Sports
Car Club.
I'm sure that there were other events and locations wher'e our member'S appeared. GTA Triumphs seemed to be everywhere!
But we're not done yet. Decembel' means that it's time for the annual GTA Clwistmas Party,
which will be held at the Norcross Station Cafe on December 7. The turnout for this event has
outgrown the homes of those who had hosted it in the past, so we're having this year's party
catered.
To round out the year, Polar Bear IV will be run on Decembel' 27.
3
Please pay your dues early!
(Continued on page 10)
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
11-30-80 - On our way! The first meeting with officers discussed was prospective list of members, announcement
cards to place on windshields, list of VTR members in our
zone, annual dues set at $2. Most pressing issue - we
need 10 members to gain a VTR charter.
A Little History Please.........
December 2003
Bob Ragan
Two years ago, Hugh
asked me if I would
do a piece each
month on the history
of the club. I hope you have enjoyed some of what I
have submitted during 2002 and 2003. You have seen a
variety of early club documents including meeting notices, newsletters, lists of early members and officers,
our VTR Charter, and membership cards. I have included
several ''first'' events such as the first meeting notice (July
1980), first 10 members and their cars, first car show,
first picnic, first British Car Day, and first lake trip. Recently you have seen reprints ofthe Trumpet as it developed into a great newsletter.
12-80 - First TRUMPET - two sheets plus a map. Recap
of November meeting. Request for member feedback
and contributions. Announcement of 1981 VTR national
in PA.
12-15-80 - we had gathered a list of 15 names to solicit
for membership.
4-81 After several meetings, second newsletter, second
About 10 years ago, Hugh asked me if I could do a piece editor (Stan Goodman), Tom moved away. Interesting note
each month on the history of the club. I wrote a series in the Trumpet - send suggestions, letters or articles to the
titled "The GTA 10 Years Ago". It was a synopsis of our newsletter editor, send any COMPLAINTS to Mike Elder.
activities taken from newsletters. I want to revive that
6-81 - Third Trumpet - now up to 5 pages - reported first
series as "The GTA20 Years Ago".
show, GreatAtlanta Flea Market &Collector show - 5 TRs
there.
Lenny Dinin's original TR4 took the club trophy.
I will submit the first installment for January 2004, taken
from the Trumpet of January 1984, to reflect on what we Nancy Stephens added as Events Chairperson, and Lenny
were doing 20 years ago this month in the GTA. The Dinin as Membership Chairman. Announced Stone Mounintent is certainly not to dwell on the past, but as we move tain event. Announcement that BL had discontinued proforward towards our 25th year, it may be fun to remem- duction ofTR7s and 8s as of May 12th.
ber some of what we were two decades ago.
7-81 -Trumpet published first vendor list - included among
Before I begin with January 1984, let me briefly recap- others were Williams Imported Parts and The Roadster
Factory. First Calloway Gardens trip announced. Tech arture the beginning of the club during 1980.
ticle on cooling problems.
7-2-80 - The club was started by Mike Elder, with help
from Terry Allen, and held its first meeting on this date, at 10-23-81 - Official Charter of the VTR signed by Bill Sohl
Mike's apartment in Norcross. As I remember, there were and Steve Rossi, naming the Georgia Triumph Associafour fellows in attendance, it was named the Georgia- tion a chapter in full standing.
Atlanta Zone of the VTR.
This brings us up to date on the roots of the club.
7-30-80 - The second meeting - officers were elected During 1982 and 1983, the club struggled as several key
simple process, we had an office for everyone there.
members went back to school, moved away, changed jobs,
etc. The club existed, but was for the most part, inactive,
The first officers were:
and in danger of losing the charter.
President
- Mike Elder
Vice President
- Terry Allen
5-1-83 - Hugh McAleer stepped forward to assume leadTreasurer
- Bob Ragan
ership of the club. Hugh sent out a questionnaire on memSecretary
- Stan Goodman
bers wishes, dues were $10, the Trumpet expanded, and
Newsletter Editor
- Tom Heinze
(continued on page 5)
4
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
I'm a beginner, but enjoying the learning process of restoring my first automobile, a
low mileage, rust free TR-6 which had been stored in a bam in Gasden, Alabama for
IL.-S_ill_C_a_st_le_b_e_rry
_ _...... the past 12 years. Each item completed on the "to do" list results in two more added,
so I do not anticipate boredom setting in too soon with this project.
Painting Old Blue
Getting my TR-6 painted has been my last task completed. I quickly found that bids ranged from $1100 to
$5500 for an on-frame paint job with minimal body work required. This prompted me to understand "the why' of
such a range in price.
The low bid involved light sanding, minimal dent repair, priming, then a one step finish coating which included a
Sherwin Williams base and clear coat in combination. No disassembly of the automobile was to be included,
only taping of bumpers, windshield, door handles, etc prior to painting.
The high bid included using top quality automotive primers & paints like PPG or Dupont, significant preparation
such as removal of windshield, bumpers, door handles & lights. Also, any realignment of doors, hoods, fenders
needed would be accomplished prior
to preparation for
painting. The objective is a show
quality paint job.
I wanted the best, but the price was
above my range. At
Bob Kassow's suggestion, I contacted Morris BodyShop in Austell, Georgia. This is a
family owned and .
operated business for the past 22
years, involving TenY
and Donna Morris and their two sons
Donnie and Clint and
a long service body repair specialist
- Lee. They were
great people to work with, delivering a top quality job on schedule at the quoted pricel They allowed me a bay
to do my own disassembly, storage and reassembly of the automobile parts to minimize the need to tape, thus
allowing me to save significantly on the total cost while obtaining a great quality job.
The process took about 4 weeks. The body was sanded almost to bear metal; the rear quarter panel was
sanded completely so old bondo could be removed and replaced. Then came dent filler, then a high build
primer with hardener. The primer was dusted with black paint, blocked to locate any low spots which were filled,
re-primed, dusted in black again and sanded. Sanding initially was with 400 grit paper and progressively with
finer to 1500 grit paper to obtain a very smooth surface for the finished coating.
The finish coating was done with PPG in a multistep process. The base coat, color code 136, was applied,
followed by three coats of clear coat. The rocker and rear panels were then painted black and the wheel wells
resealed with undercoat so there was no trace of over spray. Light sanding was done between coats, then
buffing, then a temporary polish applied which allows the paint to cure prior to final waxing to be done about 8
weeks later. Special care was provided such as keeping the automobile on jack stands with wheels removed to
avoid any over spray on the tires.
If you are wanting to spruce up your automobile, I strongly recommend a call to Donna at Morris Body Shop,
770-944-9060.
r---------,
several events were planned. Vol II, #1 of the Trumpet was issued June '83.
The cl
' I'Ized d'
I haIf 0f 1983, WI·th a Stone Moun taOIn
ub
was revlta
unng th east
picnic, West Point lake tour, pool party, Road Atlanta SCCA meet, film fest, air
show, and Christmas dinner. The club had 27 members at year-end. This brings us to the GTA 20 years ago
.......Next month - January 1984
A Little
History Please.........
(continued from page 4)
'-----------.....1
5
Please pay your dues early!
--------------------------
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The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
Each month, when I sit at my
computer to write my article, I
have some idea of what to
write. This month I am drawing
a blank. Ten minutes have now
past and I have come up with a
subject, little tidbits of info.
As things come to me, I will
type.
Have you ever been putting an
oil pan on and tightened each
bolt as you installed it Only to
have trouble getting the last
one or two in? WeU, that is
because the pan cannot shift
around for the holes to line up.
Always, start all the bolts
(preferably by hand) first, then
tighten them. No matter what
part of the car you are working
on, if there is more than one
bolt, start all first before
tightening any.
While talking about bolts,
let's talk about washers and
locking chemicals. When you
tighten or torque a bolt, you are
stretching it. This elasticity is
what keeps the bolt from
backing out. The experts (from
ARP bolts) say lock washers
are not really needed. They say
that the little bit of resistance
that the standard split lock
washer adds is so small that if
a properly tightened bolt
wanted to back out, it would not
stop it. I once knew of a racer
in SCCA that removed every
lock washer on his car. He also
replaced all the wiring with
aluminum instead of copper. In
his formula C car, he saved
about 1.5 Ibs. Flat washers on
the other hand, should be
used. If you look carefully at
good washers, not Ace Hard-
STILLWATER SERVICES
Barry Roseobel'g
434 Wesley Chapel Rd.
Villa Rica, Ga. 30180
770-459·5282
[email protected]
ware types, the inside edge of the
hole is rounded. This eliminates the
possibility that the head of the bolt
will hit a sharp edge on what ever it is
going thru, If you look carefully at
good bolts, you will see a "filler' under
the head. If this seats on a sharp
edge, it could cause the head to
break off.
What about lock tabs, you ask? I
like to use them. I do not always bend
over the tab however. If they are bolts
I cannot get to in the future, I Loctite
the bolts. I use the lock tabs as a
cushion under the bolt head. If you
could ever watch a flywheel spin
under power in an engine, you would
be amazed at how much it wobbles
and flexes. The lock tab is acting as a
cushion for the flywheel bolts. With
the flex of the flywheel, the bolts
could be stretched and broken
without something to absorb this flex.
When using a liquid locking chemical, like Loctite, use only a drop or
two per bolt.
If your car sits outside much, take
a can of spray lube that has one of
those little tubes. Insert it into each
door and trunk lock and squirt. Also
lube door latch mechanism and the
striker assembly. While you are
looking at the latch assembly, tighten
the screws that hold it on. If the
screws spin and do not get tight.
Don't try to put a bigger screw in
there. Get one a little longer and
screw it in. Then pull the door panel
off, ra1se the window first, and put a
nut on the inside. Most of these
screws are %" fine thread and should
not be that hard to find.
If you get around to pulling
your wheels either to clean the
inside rim or check your brakes,
take a close look at the rear
cylinders (fronts also on 4 wheel
drum cars). Pry back the edges of
the boots to see if there is any
fluid seeping out. It may be in the
boot but, not visible yet in the
drums, If you see any fluid, get
kits and rebuild the cylinders.
Also, look at your brake lines,
especially the steel ones that run
in front of the rear end. Make sure
that they have never been pinched
by tow companies using their big
hooks to pull the cars onto the
trucks. They reach underneath the
car and snatch the diff. with that
hook. If yours are pinched, I would
suggest that you either fix or
replace them.
While on brakes. if you have
one of those cars with a brake
light switch in the line, check it for
leaks every so often. They leak
thru the switch. These switches
are a pressure activated unit and
have full brake line pressure going
thru them. If it is leaking, replace
it. You can usually get one from an
old Chevy at Advance Auto or a
NAPA or from Moss, etc. To
replace this switch, get someone
to help you as it can be done
without bleeding the system. Have
your helper apply slight pressure
to the pedal. Then slowly unscrew
the bad switch and have the
helper slowly push the pedal
down. Install the new switch and
snug it up. When the pedal is
released, no air can enter the
system, Make sure that the new
switch is the same as the original.
6
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
(Continued on page 7)
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
Susie Bowen has given up wearing two hats as
Secretary and Treasurer and now there will be two
people serving in those positions. How she was able
to do that, be a mother to two growing boys and a wife
to a "born again" British car enthusiast, is beyond me.
This split is another major change that will spread the
member responsibilities a little, even though the
secretary's job now falls on our Newsletter editor, who
in terms of hours on the job, spends more time then
anyone as a GTA volunteer. (Election results are not in
the bag yet. Ed.) Other positions may require more
depth of purpose in looking at the "big picture" of the
GTA, but none will serve more time. My hafs off to
Hugh and the GTA Newsletter. So now, in addition to
giving re-birth to the GTA in the early 80s, Hugh is
Editor, Secretary and Member Profile Editor of our
current club.
I was living in Columbus, Georgia when I
bought my 1977
Spitfire in 1982. Soon after that, I began my first
membership year in the GTA. I say first because I
joined several times over the years and never realized
I had been dropped from the roll because of the low
profile way of renewing members back then in those
early days. Months would go by before I would realize
that I wasn't getting the newsletter anymore and then
it would be more months before I would rejoin again.
Anyway, since I was a hundred miles away, it didn't
seem too important since I COUldn't participate in very
many activities of the club.
As you have seen from Bob Ragan's "A Little. HiStory
P~ease', the club organization and management have
undergone a stow change in style and purpose. The
GTA has made some major changes along the way
and none more important than the recent one of
securing an assistant to the President. Oops, pardon
me, I mean Director (one change in style). On paper,
prior to this, it was the Newsletter Editor who was the
Assistant to the Director and that was certainly asking
too much of the editor. I know, since I served as
editor for a year. So, my hat's off to George for biting
the bullet and getting some good help.
As a business pilot for a major corporation, I notice
that company policy dictates that when a handful of
the top executives go somewhere by air, they split up
and go on more than one airplane. That way, if an
airplane goes down, it will take a lesser number of the
company leaders away from the company. A morbid
thought, but business is business. So, in our case, if
Hugh leaves, for whatever reason, we lose three key
positions.
Actually, I was surprised to see that George is willing
to serve another year. With a handful of exceptions,
George has pretty much single-handedly taken the
GTA to a new level from the days before he took over.
With a capable assistant such as Jeremy, I am sure
they will improve the club even more.
My plea is for all GTA members to think about what
they can do to serve the club. Many other car clubs
have twice the members serving in important club
positions. Let's spread the responsibilities around.
Hope to see you at the Christmas party.
Paul Logue, Member at Large
There are two
types. One is pipe
thread and the
other is 3/8"
thread and seals with a copper washer. They are not
interchangeable. Remember to top up the fluid and
always use Castrol LMA.
(,.reat
••..•. . Tec~MI~~eJr~n¥ '. .. .
.c\,,~:~i~~~~=~e).t.
(,.ift
Idea!
Looking for "I • My Triumph" bracelets? They
can be made in a variety of colors to match
your car's color if you would like. They are
available in pewter or sterling silver. The
pewter bracelet is $25.00 while the sterling
bracelet is only $35.00. If you are interested
in purchasing this unique gift idea, contact
Joan Forster at 770-266-6203 [home] or
770-845-6203 [cell).
Well, I guess I can think of a lot of stuff to say. I will
end with this. I hope y'all all had a great Thanksgiving and are anticipating a great holiday season,
Christmas and Hanukkah. See y'all soon fjIft1
7
Please pay your dues early!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
THE 4th ANNUAL POLAR BEAR RUN
Bob Kassow
We encourage a "lighf' breakfast, as we will arrive at The Smith House in Dahlonega around 11 :00 AM. for a
family style meal. The Smith House is renowned for it's bottomless platters of country style fare.
We will depart Dahlonega no later than 1:00 PM for a short tour to Road Atlanta where we will visit the American
racing icon Dick Barbour and the home of Dick Barbour Racing. Dick has immense poster collection of races
from forty years to the present; he has amassed over 4,000 of them, with hundreds displayed on the walls of his
facility at Road Atlanta. Many are signed by the most famous of drivers, and the sizes of the posters vary from
small to eight feet square. The variety of designs and colors make this collection worthy of any person's interest.
It's a "must see" attraction. For information regarding Dick Barbour and the team, visit their website at:
http://www.dickbarbourracing.com/.
We plan to arrive at Road Atlanta by 2:00 PM and depart for home by 3:30 or so.
Afew notes on The 4!!l Annual Polar Bear Run:
Date: Saturday December 27 th , 2003
Meet at: Starbuck's, comer of Mansell Road and Hwy 9 (Alpharetta Hwy)
Time: By 8:30 AM
Lunch: Smith House (cost per person $15 including drink and dessert)
Dick Barbour Racing: Gearhead Nirvana
UPt:.OMING. £V£N"ff>
A full schedule may be found on the GTA Website or by
contacting Michael Campsmith, the events chair. 770-414-8233 or via email ([email protected])
DU.£M~
:> Sunday, December 07th GTA Holiday Party - Norcross Station Cafe
:> Tuesday, December 16th Pub Night - The Norcross Tavern
> Saturday, December 27th Polar Bear Run
>N>ri\ 14tb-'$tb ~o4
REMEMBERI
Please return your
ballots
18th Annual VTR Southeastern Regional Triumph Meet Tallahassee, FI
http://www.templeoftriumph.org
>;ruLV II-nth ~o4
VTR National, Richmond, VA. For further information visit the below website.
http://www.richmondtriumphregister.com
8
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
hood, check for any loose nuts and bolts. Make sure
your battery is well secured.
In the last newsletter Jeremy Whitehead gave an
excellent recap of our track day in Alabama at the
Talladega Gran Prix track. We had a great time
testing ourselves and our cars at the limit. But a
few mechanical issues did cut into the fun-and
ultimately could have had serious consequences.
As experience is a good teacher, I thought I would
share my experiences from that day on what to do
BEFORE you venture out on the race track:
4)
Check your belts and hoses. Even the best
rubber part is going to deteriorate over time. When I first
restored my car I wanted to keep it as original as
possible, right down to reusing vacuum hoses, fan belt,
etc. Bad idea!! You might want to keep those original
parts for the concourse judging, but they are a liability on
the track. Anything showing signs of age or wear needs
to be replaced.
5)
Check all your fluids. We all change our oil and
coolant at the proper intervals (of course we do, right?),
1)
Clean out your car, including the trunk.
but did you know you need to change your brake fluid
Things that normally ride around behind
,...---:::=;;::---..., from time to time? I didn't-and while my
your seat-like empty beverage cans and
ancient brake fluid was adequate for street
back issues of the GTA Newsletterdriving it boiled like a tea kettle after a few
should be removed periodically, and now
spirited laps on the track. Luckily there was
is the time. You don't want anything
a track-side vendor with some high-temp
loose in the cockpit that might slide under
brake fluid for a reasonable price, and after
your brake pedal at the most embarrassa quick fluid exchange I was back in the
ing moment (like at the end of the back straight).
game. Racing generates tremendous amounts of heat
Besides, you will need that room to transport some
for your coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid. Make sure
essential track materials (see below).
they are up to the task.
2)
Critically examine your tires. Tire technology has come a long way since our cars were new.
If you are still riding on the original Red Lines you
are really taking a risk. Whatever the vintage, tires
with cracked sidewalls or overly-wom tread are just
not safe and should be replaced. Bring your tires
up to the proper inflation for the drive to the track;
once there you may need to adjust pressure to the
track conditions and your driving style. And of
course, tighten your lug nuts.
6)
My incomplete list of essential track items:
credit card and cash; spare fluids; good set of tools; tire
gauge and air pump; flashlight; folding chair (you sit a lot
waiting for your session); hat and sunscreen; drinking
water; cooler full of snacks; extra hose clamps and wire
ties; and of course the item you should never leave
home without-DUCT TAPE.
Looking back over this article, I see that this is all good
advice for our everyday driving as well. For most of us,
street driving doesn't stress our cars as much as track
work (although some notable exceptions come to mind).
But driving your car on the track really puts it to the
test-for a fun and safe experience make sure it is up to
the task before you get there.
3)
Make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight.
Get undemeath and check all your suspension
linkages. Anything loose needs to be tightened;
anything worn needs to be replaced. On cars of the
Triumph vintage the steering rack can get especially
sloppy: A quick fix is to tighten a piece of inner tube Hopefully we can get some more like-minded people to
between the bracket and the rubber bushing. (I was join us at the next track session. Until then,
amazed at how this took the wander out of my
straight line steering on the street). Under the
Happy motoring!!
9
Please pay your dues early!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official PuiJllcation - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
....t>Ji£.M... ~.
=t::~,
It will be interesting to see what sort
of crowd we draw after last year's
turnout of 116 autos. If you haven't
been to a drive all year, please don't
miss this one.
Then, it's time to start again. If you
like what you read here, be sure to join us in the next season of
Triumph motoring. If you think there's anything missing, then
please tell us, so that we can do what you like - better yet,
come get involved and host an event for us.
Once again, it was a pleasure serving you as your Director.
We're making a few changes to your GTA officers in 2004, so
I have offered to stick around to get things off to a good start.
If reelected, I promise to do less work myself, and encourage
the participation of as many volunteers as possible. Please
come and join us for the next year of GTA fun.
I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season!
See you in 2004.
Let's have some fun at
the Holiday Party!
Decorate your car to
celebrate the season!
Youmay even get your
photo in the newsletter!
Bob Bryan
Richard White
Janie Carter
Forrest Bridges
Jim Davis
Carol Smith
Brooks Bullock
Laura Pruitt
Rebecca Kohlhagen
Jean Teare
Tom Jugus
Richard Walker
12/01
12/03
12/03
12/06
12110
12117
12/18
12118
12121
12125
12/28
12130
i·;:~~~3! ::i~~~I~~~1fJ~~l~r;'~(~~1
I won a contest and I decided to
pass my good fortune on. The
first member to respond WITH
THE CORRECT ANSWER to the
below trivia question via EMAIL
wins a $5.00 coupon that can be
redeemed at The Norcross Tavern
at the December meeting.
The first and only TR1 was first
shown where AND in what
month and year?
All guesses must be sent to:
Dinner/Busjness Meeting
Will resume January 20th
Dinner 6:00 pm
Meeting 7:00 pm
Norcross Station Cafe is located at 40 S. Peachtree Street, Norcross, GA
30071. Phone # is 770.409.9889.
From 1-85: Take Jimmy Carter Blvd. West. Cross over Buford Hwy. and take
the next Right turn (South Peachtree St.). Follow S. Peachtree. Norcross
Station is on the Left in the Historic District. OR. take Indian Trail or Beaver
' - -_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _--1 Ruin road northwest (Indian Trail merges left onto Beaver Ruin). Cross
Buford Highway and follow Lawrenceville St. into Historic Old Norcross. Lawrenceville St. turns right onto Jones
St. Turn left on S. Peachtree (one block). the Station is on the right at that intersection. From 1-285: Take Buford
Highway exit North. Cross Jimmy Carter Blvd. Turn Left at Norcross Tucker Road (traffic light at NOPI auto
parts). Norcross Tucker merges with S. Peachtree St. The Station is on the Left.
off at Norcross Station.
Train: Just
10
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
?~"=II'~~~~; ~: ~~~ee~!~~ ::~u~~:: ~:~~
the Torpedoes Rally and dismissed
it as a lark, I highly recommend that you come out next year and
see the start - that is if you don't join in on the race itself.
I went over to Athens on Friday to see the boys and girls off, and it
was cool. As I rounded a bend in the road I saw an old abandoned
mill off to my left, and behind it were the approximately entrants.
The sheer variety of cars was what made it so interesting to me.
Sure to see 30 or so Triumphs lined up would be cool, but to see a Maserati Indy, a 66 Vette, a 66 Lincoln
Convertible, nicknamed "Team Big Boat" and others was just too much.
My understanding of the outcome of the race is that no one was left stranded. A coupe of folks were tracked
down by the Law, but once again the winner was Rusty in his '67 Shelby GT350, followed by Victor in his '57
TR3. Victor has finished 2nd for four consecutive years. I guess raw horsepower is not the only requirement.
Joe did finish a respectable 8th in the Herald. By the sound of the laughter the group was in high spirits, and
all was well.
To see more information on this year's event, be sure to visit the link below:
http://www.angelfire.com/super2/ellisracing/dtt.html
REM EM BERI. YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 31
DLDE ENGLISH GARAGE
4495. Winfred Dr. Bldg .. 4. Marie~GA ~OO66.(770t92&40~~
Our 8,OOOsq,ft. facility is located ontwlJ·fenced acres in a Marietta business park. The
oustomer waiting area has fresh coffee.oIassic car magazines, great pictures, a complete
kitchen and clean bathrooms. The shoparea is clean, organized, fully equipped and staftedby .....
professional technicians who are passionate about the' qualityoftheirwork. I encourage you .
I . . to .talkto any otollr c:ustotners. We take great pride in our shop anddllr work.
SERVICES OFFERED
I2J
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
General Maintenance
Collision repair
Interiors and tops
Electrical
Engines. transmissions
Metal repair. floorboards. etc,
Suspension, brakes
Complete restorations
Performance kits, tuning
Car storage
Consignment sales
Detailing
Bodywork and Painting
Sandblasting
Directions from·GA 400
Exit WEST on Holcomb Br. Rd toward Woodstock
Turn LEFT onto Canton Rd. southbound
Turn LEFT onto Shallowford Rd.
Turn first LEFT onto Winfred Dr.
Turn RIGHT into # 4495 business park Bldg.
13.4 mi
1.7 mi
,1 mi
,1 mi
4,1 mi
Directions from 1-285
Exit 1·285 onto 1-75 North
Take exit 268 (1-575 N/GA 5N) toward Canton
Turn RIGHT at exit #3 (Chastain Rd)
Turn LEFT onto Canton Rd. toward Woodstock
Turn RIGHT onto Shallowford Rd.
Turn first LEFT onto Winfred Dr.
Turn RIGHT into # 4485 business park Bldg.
11
Please pay your dues early!
8Ami
2.2mi
2.1 mi
1.5mi
,1 mi
.1 mi
4,1 mi
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
Cure For The Common Leak I have been bothered for years with oil leaks in the 250 - but not neces[Valve Coverthat is]
sarily all coming from the expected areas. Among the other usual leaks,
Hugh McAleer
my car also blows it right passed the studs that hold the alloy valve
cover on. I know the motor has a serious blowby problem, but I have always felt it was excessive. My motor
is always covered with oil from the top down.
I was having lunch last month with Tom Horvat and of course our bonnets came up as we are very prone to
do when we both have our TRs with us when we get together. I remarked how clean the motor in his TR6 is
and we began to compare notes. I had fiber washers that I had gotten at Home Depot on the studs that hold
the valve cover on. Tom had washers on his also but his chrome valve cover was clean as a whistle. Mine
was soaked in oil. I had to find out what the difference was. Tom said he had made washers to put on top of
and below the cover and it totally stopped the oil from finding it's way to the top of the valve cover. I guess I
looked a bit confused so he drew me a picture. His diagram is below. I did put his fix on my 250 the following week and I am very pleased to announce that there is not a drop of oil coming passed the valve cover
studs anymore. Good thing is that it costs very little if anything to fix. Actually it cost me nothing since Tom
made me a set. The suggestion is to use an old thin type of mouse pad, cut out your neoprene washers!
seals and there you have your fix. Tom also made a washer for the oil filler cap out of the same material.
LOCKNUTS
VALV'; \;~
~
i
b::.
..
I
~l.
I
Ii
.
II
;.~ (' ;~.j
i
( ( -:.:;\ II
,.~,p
,.~..-.-j
_~_~ Si.~~?SllER
!;.!~;.",
/
_1_.
Illustration by Tom Horvat.
CYLINDER HEAD
... and from the Triumphs list...
Attention: Triumph OwnersNintage Racers!
Virginia International Raceway is the site for the Gold Cup Historic Races presented by Berry Hill Mansion
Marriott on June 11-13, 2004. The event is expected to revive the Vintage Spirit. The meet will also feature
the Vintage MotorsportTribute to Women in Racing and Moss Motors International Triumph Challenge
There be a large British car show, sponsored by Moss Motors, and entry to the show is included in the price
of admission.
The official Triumph host hotel is the Sleep Inn in Danville, VA. Use keyword "Triumph" for special rate. (new
hotel with all amenities)
Check http://www.virclub.com/formoredetails.VIRislocatedat1245PineTreeRoadAlton.VA 24520
Phone: 434 822-7700 or 888 Race099 Fax: 434 822-8033 - email is [email protected]
"If there is a heaven on earth, it is Virginia International Raceway". (Paul Newman)
12
Remember to return your ballot before the holiday party!
-
a
The Georgia Triumph Association's Official Publication - The Trumpet DECEMBER, 2003
ATLANTA IMPORTED AUTO PARTS,INC
257 DEKALB IND WAY
DECATUR, GA. 30030
404-299-5775 LOCAL
800-241-0869 TOLL FREE- 404-299-6155 FAX
=..::.!.=="'"~~_'-'-'""'-~,,:c:-"="-'-'-' is the only uri you
need to know!!
Search for parts by part number, description, application, etc. Use the 'QUICKCART function
to easily and quickly order your parts using either factory OE part numbers or MOSS motors
part numbers. Place your orders with us and don't worry, we are a Thawte SSL ( Division of
Verisign ) certified site. Order anytime, from anywhere you have an internet connection, 24/7.
Register your information just one time, then when you return, all your information is saved.
No having to re-enter the same information every time you order. We receive the orders
immediately via email and if the parts are in our warehouse, we ship the next day [ same day if
the order is received before 2PM EST!). Web specials are updated weekly, so check it out
oftenl! Confirmed local Georgia British car club members receive fl'ee ground UPS shipping on
minimum $50 orders in addition to great service and better prices. If ordering @
VVW}!lLfltlant.Gimpol'ted.corYl just enter GTA Club member in the gift message box on the website
and we will remove the shipping costs the e-commerce software adds to your order automatically.
Remember, we build engines, transmissions, brake calipers, some rear axle assemblies, SU
carbs, and much more. We stock rebuilt overdrive transmissions for MGBs and TR6s. We
have used early and late TR Spitfire transmission units for rebuild. Contact us fOI' more information. Better yet, come by and see us, we actually have a real building with over 6000 line
items of parts in stock. A map and driving directions are available for printing on the website
main page.
Don't forget our huge collection of used parts. We also have an extensive collection of NOS
( new old stock 1discontinued, and weird parts that you can browse.
We honor all the MOSS Motors sales and all MOSS Motors specials, so just contact and let us
know what you need.
We are your one stop shop for all your British cal' parts needs. We are the largest Moss
Motors authorized distributor on the East Coast. On staff we have over 20 years of British car
mechanical and service experience.
Give us a try, you'll be glad you did!!
13
Please pay your dues early!
-
a
GTA Membership Application - Short Form
New [=::J Renewal
[=::J
GT A Numbel'___. VTR Member [=::J VTR Numbe l' _ _ _ _ __
Last Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ First Name, MI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Birthday _ _ _ _ __
Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.State _ _ Zip-Code _ _ __
Partner's Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,HerjHis Birthday _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Day Phone _ _ _ _ _ Night Phone
_ _ _ _.E-mail address is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
British Cars (model year)
Occupation_ _ _ _ _ _ __
Interests: [Put a check beside all that apply)
Tech Sessions_ _ Rallys _ _ Driving Tours _ _ Car Shows _ _
Mail application and
Autocross _ _Social Events___ Volunteer _ _
$24.00 to The GTA at the
I would like to help with the leadership of the GTA.
address listed on page 2.
Applications may also be
I would like to receive the Trumpet via email.
processed on our Web
As a member of the Georgia Triumph Association (GTA), I agree to hold the GTA.
site at
its Board of Directors. officers and organizers of events free from ail liability for
any accident or injury which occurs in connection with club events.
Signature
Date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Please lJ.Q.NQ[include my pel'sonal information in the GTA Membership directory. YES ___ NO_ _
(This information would only be available to GTA members.)
!l§l't!il,)itef(ii! aatriul]]l1JjJ;.QDl Cit'
ELECTIONS TIME!
The GTA is having an
Election of Officers.
All members should have
received a ballot via snail mail.
Members have until the holiday party to return their baUot.
The ballots may be turned in
at the holiday party.
The Georgia Triumph Association
Post Office Box 1138
Tucker, Georgia 30085·1138