april, 2016 - BlueWater British Car Club

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
of the
Bluewater British Car Club
APRIL, 2016
147 Watson Street
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada N7T 6T9
www.bluewaterbritishcarclub.ca
THE MG FACTOR PART 3
My life in Sydney Australia with two MG TCs and two MG TFs ended around 1964 when my preference in
cars changed and I was attracted to American Ford V8s.
First came a 1955 Ford Customline, pale yellow over cream. This was a nice car and after having fun
it was sold for a profit after a friend expressed interest in buying it. Next Ford V8 was a 1956 Customline
cream in colour, these cars were a definite change of
pace, V8 power and American style had grabbed me;
I don’t know what brought it on. I do know that I
spent more time at the gas stations than with the
MGs. However, enjoyed them to the max. The 56 car
which I had planned to have painted, ended up with
me having a tussel with a city bus, the bus won and
the car went to the scrapyard. Of course I had no insurance; it was optional then. So I took the city to
court and won my case and got a nice settlement .
With the money I bought a 1960 Ford Zodiac Mk 2, automatic, bronze over cream, a lovely low mileage car,
with a great leather interior, bought for 450 from a European lady who was disenchanted with Australia and
was moving back to Europe. This is the car I drove until I left Australia in 1967. Totally immaculate car, I
sold it to my mechanic who bought it for his wife.
Welcome Canada April 1967. Arrived in Vancouver, took the train to
Toronto. Ended up in Sarnia because of my work. Fast forward to 1975, I’m
married with 2 children and a house to support. Driving our 1975 Mercury
Marquis Brougham
down Plank Rd., I
noticed a yellow
MGB GT near a
gravel pit. Enquired
and ended up buying it for $800.
So after an eleven year absence I was an
MG owner again. Probably would have been better
off leaving it right there. However after much expense had the car restored, now painted Tartan Red
with a black interior. This MG filled the bill as our
two small kids could lie down on a blanket after the
rear seat was folded down. Seat belts! what are
they? Many car shows and good times were had
with this car. Well if you have one MG, why not
have two.
Continued on page 8
The Spanner
April, 2016 2
Bluewater British Car Club Minutes Date:
March 9, 2016.
Number of Members present: Dinner: 9; Meeting: 14
Location: Stokes Bay, Sarnia, ON
Minutes respectfully submitted by: Secretary, Sandra Cronk
1. Call to order: President, Kim Rutherford, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Approval of the Minutes of the February 10, 2016 meeting.
There was one correction: the spelling of Garnet's last name is Thistlewaite.
A motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Michael Walton
and seconded by Laura Rutherford. It was carried.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer, Roy Overton, reported that we had no expenses and two new memberships. Our current total is $1125.35. Byron handed in an expense receipt.
There being no other questions the President declared that the Treasurer's report would be filed.
4. Unfinished Business:
1) Saturday, February 13th, dinner at Actor's Restaurant in Petrolia organized by the BAHC, was enjoyed
by the 22 people who attended.
2) Sunday, March 13th: St. Paddy's Day at Paddy Flaherty's in Sarnia. Byron reported that 11 people indicated that they will attend and he will confirm that with the restaurant when he calls.
5. New Business:
1) April Dinner and Theatre at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia: Byron has three couples (6 people) who have
indicated an interest so far. He would like more. Please let him know if you would like to join us.
2) Weekend of July 9th & 10th, Mad Dogs and Englishmen Show: Let Allen Bachelder know if you are interested before June 1st. Those who go may decide to travel there on the Friday. The Ralley is on Saturday and the car
show and touring the Gilmore Museum is on Sunday. So far the Bachelders, Cronks, Warwicks and Jones have signed.
3) April 17th, the Ancaster Flea Market and Car Show: Kim enjoys going to this event. He prefers that each
person interested go on his/her own.
4) May 14th Lunch at King Edward Pub in Ilderton. This is a joint meeting with BAHC and BSCC London.
So far, eight are going from the BAHC.
5) July 9th & 10th trip to Holland, Michigan. Since this festival is the same weekend as the Mad Dogs and
Englishmen Show, we have decided to go to the M & E event instead.
6) Also, July 9th & 10th is the Kincardine Blues Fest & British Car Show.
7) June 13 - 17 is the MG 2016 gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. They meet every five years and all five
MG-type cars are welcome.
8) Statement from the Executive: All BBCC members should be thinking about hosting a driving event during June, July, August and September.
6. Announcements: Our next meeting will be May 11th at Stokes Bay, Sarnia.
7. Adjournment: Jean Hicks moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. It was seconded by Alan Cronk and carried.
The Bluewater British Car Club
promotes interest in acquiring, driving, maintaining, and
restoring all makes of British Cars.
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in
British cars. Meetings are held monthly, every 2 nd
Wednesday, at Stokes By The Bay, 7:30 P.M. In
addition, monthly club, driving and social events
are scheduled throughout the year.
2016 Club Executive
President: Kim Rutherford
519 337-8586
Vice Pres: Allen Bachelder
810 824-4188
Treasurer: Roy Overton,
519 332-3449
Secretary: Sandra Cronk
519 845-3209
Events:
Byron Warwick
519 862-3527
Non-Elected
Spanner Editor Byron Warwick 519 862-3527
News Publisher David Kelley
519 542-7214
The Spanner
…is the monthly newsletter of the BBCC.
Articles, pictures, ideas, etc. are welcomed and are to be submitted by the 20th of each month for inclusion in the next
month’s newsletter.
Forward items to:
Byron Warwick.
By email at [email protected]
Or by post or hand to:
481 Tom St., PO Box 842, Corunna ON
N0N 1G0 Phone 519 862-3527.
David Kelley. 1085 Fairlane Ave.,
Sarnia, ON, N7S 3J9. Phone 519 542-7214.
Contributing writers this month: Allen Bachelder, David
Kelley, Sandra Cronk, Byron Warwick.
Photo credits:
The Spanner
April, 2016 3
From The President’s Garage
With April fools day coming up, its hard to believe that the year is moving along that fast.
At least for me anyway. Went out and bought a sticker for the Healey, already had one on the Mk
2 due to the fact it had a long stay at Holme Automotive, which did not end well after 5 weeks there. The car
which is going to a Jaguar Specialist has been postponed due to a backup of work. Hopefully things will start
moving next week. How is 2016 going ? HMMMMMMM, at least for me.
The Ancaster Flea Market and Car Show on the 17th of April is something to look forward to seeing.
The weather is usually poor, however it is what it is, and even if I don’t need anything, I like to go if only to
meet old friends. However you never know what you will find, as the selection is varied and interesting, at
least to me.
Looking ahead, a thank you to Allen Bachelder for organizing the trip to Mad Dogs and Englishmen,
and to Byron for the play at Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia.
Our St Paddys Day celebration went off well with a good attendance. The food was excellent as per
usual.
From May till the end of September there are plenty of events to attend, so now is the time to organize your calendar, And perhaps book ahead for overnight stays.
Quiet month for the club, so not much news. Will have a write-up on Ancaster next month .
Happy Motoring.
Kim R.
2016 MG3
The Spanner
April, 2016 4
Calendar
Of Upcoming
Events
CALENDAR
CALENDARofofEVENTS
EVENTS
2016
2014
April
February
February
.January
10
13
No Monthly
Monthly
meeting
Meeting
at Stokes Bay
12
Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay
17
Annual at
Dinner
General
6:00pm,
Meeting,
meetingRutherfords
at 7:30pm.
Dinner at 6:00pm,meeting at 7:30pm.
13
17
Dinner with
Ancaster
Fleathe
Mart
BAHC
and at
Car
Actors
Show
February
March
10
24
MonthlyTheatre
Restaurant
Petrolia
meeting
in Petrolia
and
at Stokes
DinnerBay
12
Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay
Dinner at 6:00pm,meeting at 7:30pm.
March
May
Dinner at 6:00pm,meeting at 7:30pm.
9
Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay
March 11
April
9
Monthlyatmeeting
Dinner
6:00pm,atmeeting
Stokes at
Bay
7:30pm.
9
Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay
13
14
Dinner
St
Lunch
Paddy’s
atat King
6:00pm,meeting
DayEddies
at Paddy
Ilderton.
Flaherty’s
at 7:30pm.
Joint
Dinner at 6:00pm,meeting at 7:30pm.
meeting with BAHC and BSCCLondon
April
20
Ancaster British Cars and Flea Market
13
28
Monthly meeting
Retrofest
Car Show,
at Stokes
Chatham/Kent
Bay
May
Dinner at 6:00pm,
6:00pm,meeting
meetingatat7:30pm.
7:30pm.
June
14
Monthly meeting at Stokes Bay
XX
17
4,5
Ancaster
Fleetwood
Flea
Country
Mart and
Cruize-in
Car Show
Dinner at 6:00pm,meeting at 7:30pm.
BSCCLondon Classic BritishCar Show
May 4
June
XX
811
Lunch at meeting
Monthly
King Eddies
atatStokes
...Host
Ilderton.
Bay
required
Joint
8,9
Fleetwood country Cruize-In Komoka
26? meeting
Dinner with
Cruise-in
at the
6:00pm,
BAHC
Park,meeting
SSM
and BSCCLondon
Canatara
at 7:30pm.
Park
11
Monthly meeting at Yale, Michigan
11
Monthly
Lunch
at meeting
King Eddies
at Stokes
Ilderton.
BayJoint
July 14
Bologna Capital, Alan Cutcher
9,10 meeting
Dinner
Mad
dogs
with
at 6:00pm,meeting
and
BAHC
Englishmen
and BSCCLondon
at
at 7:30pm.
Hickory
July
XX
28
RetrofestMichigan—Allen
Corners
Car Show, Chatham/Kent
Bachelder
9
Monthly meeting TBA
Monthly meeting at ...Host Required
June 13
4,5
17
8
Monthly
Hobbyfest,
Fleetwood
meeting
Sarnia
Country
at
ON.
Cruize-in
...
BSCCLondon Classic BritishCar Show
July 4
August
8136
Monthly
Old
Autosmeeting
Car Show-Bothwell
atat......Host required
6
Cruise-inatthe
Wambo
Wallaceburg
Park, SSM Canatara Park
August26?
Old Autosmeeting
Monthly
Car Show-Bothwell
at ...Host Required
July 106
9,10
18?
6
Wambo
Mad
Hot
August
dogs
at and
Wallaceburg
Nights,
Englishmen
Canatara
at Pk
Hichory
Sar.
10
MonthlyMichigan—Allen
Corners
meeting at ...
Bachelder
September
21
13
11
Hot August
Monthly
Battle
of meeting
theNights,
Brits,atDearborn,
Canatara
...Host Required
Pk
Michigan
Sar.
17
14
Hobbyfest,
Monthly
meeting
SarniaatON.
...Host Required
September
14
MonthlyCar
BAHC
meeting
Show at ...
August17
XX
18
6
Battle
Old
Bronte
Autos
ofBritish
the
Car
Brits
Car
Show-Bothwell
Michigan
Show
6
Bronte British
Wambo
at Wallaceburg
Car Show
OctoberXX
10
Monthly meeting at Stokes
...Host Required
Bay
October12
12
18?
Monthly
Hot
Dinner
August
atmeeting
6:00pm,
Nights,
atmeeting
Canatara
Stokes at
Bay
Pk
7:30pm.
Sar.
15
or 22
Dinner
Fall
Tour
at Drive
6:00pm,meeting
and Dinnerat...Host
7:30pm.
September
XX
11
Fall tour
Battle
required?
of Drive
the Brits,
andDearborn,
Dinner? Michigan
14
Monthly meeting at ...Host Required
November
918
Bronte British
Monthly
meeting
CaratShow
Stokes Bay
Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm.
October
12
XX
Monthly
Henry
Ford
meeting
Museum?
at Stokes
AllenBay
B.
Dinner at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:30pm.
December
15 or 224
Fall Tour Drive
Christmas
Luncheon
and Dinner ...Host
required?
Join us on Sunday April 24, 2:00PM
Dinner after at Crabby Joes.
Petrolia.
The Spanner
April, 2016 5
ST. PADDY’ S LUNCHEON AT PADDY FLAHERTY’S
The Spanner
April, 2016 6
Clutch Chatter…
By Allen Bachelder
Volume II, #4. April, 2016
Well here we are with the first fourth of the “new” year down the drain already
and I’m asking myself what do I have to show for it… You know, back in the days before I
retired, I didn’t have much time for my cars. But now that I am retired I don’t have much time
for my cars. Yes, you read that correctly, and if you too are retired, you understand it
completely. Some things
not really have to make any sense in order to make sense. And yes,
MARK do
JONES
you read that correctly too.
OK, in the same vein we welcomed the return of daylight savings time back a couple weeks ago.
Every year we welcome that return especially as our solar lights in the yard start working much
better. You see, that extra hour of daylight each day charges them up a lot more – so they stay
brighter. It used to get dark around 6:30, and now it stays light until 7:30. That’s an extra hour,
right? Yeah, you read this correctly too.
By now, you’re probably thinking we should keep
that guy away from cars – especially safety systems
like brakes. But daylight savings time doesn’t
affect them… Brake lights? Yeah…
Well, I have been doing something. For example,
did you notice I already have this month’s Clutch
Chatter almost half written!
Allen’s Badge Bar
OK so there’s a restoration engineer over in Merry
Olde… who has become a good friend. I’ve
licensed him to manufacture and sell a Magnette
item I designed, and as of the moment, my
Magnette now sports two of his creations; both of them bars. Regrettably, neither of them are
highly polished burl-walnut trays in the back seat, equipped with elegant crystal wine glasses
and a jar of Grey Poupon: one is a roll bar, more properly
called an anti-roll bar, and the other is a badge bar, more properly called a badge bar. In addition to replacing clutch and
brake master cylinders, fixing a couple fuel leaks, and tearing
a combination turn-signal/horn switch apart, this month, I installed both of those bars. The antiroll bar will require some
road testing, which will have to wait until the brakes are bled,
and until the snow forecast for later this week melts.
The badge bar will not require any road testing but it will require some badges. Fortunately I just happen to have a few,
including one that reads
“Bluewater British Car Club”.
‘ See you on the road…
Allen’s Anti-Roll Bar
The Spanner
April, 2016 7
By David B Kelley
A LOOK BACK AT THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW
AUTOMOBILES AT BRITISH MOTOR SHOWS FOR 1960
HUMBER - The elegant 3 litre Super Snipe is Europe’s first car with dual head-lamps. They were set
side by side in Pairs, flanking the full-with wrap-around radiator grill.
The 6 seater Humber Super Snipe had disc brakes, automatic transmission. Laycock overdrive is offered on this model. There are saloon, limousine and estate car versions of both Snipe and Hawk.
JENSEN - The west Bromwich firm produced a new version of
it’s 541
model called
the Series S
Saloon. It had
the same 4
litre 6 cylinder Austin engine, automatic transmission and
Power-Lok differential. The Jensen was one of the
first cars to be fitted with disc brakes on all four
wheels. The body is principally of plastic construction .
METROPOLITAN - This AngloAmerican two-seater was now available again in
Britain. Most of these cars went to the United
States early or before they became available in
Britain. A 1 1/2 litre car available in either hardtop or convertible form, the Metropolitan was designed specifically for the United States market
after a nation-wide customer poll by the Nash organization, now part of American Motors Corporation. It was built under contract at Longbridge
by the British Motor Corporation, who used many
components common to Austin models, including
the engine. This model had a lid for the luggage
boot to permit external loading.
RILEY - The two Riley models, the compact 1.5 litre Saloon and the 4/Sixty Eight Farinastyled five-seater which used the same fourcylinder engine. The bigger Riley whose distinctive radiator is the most expensive, of the five
differently named 1 1/2 litre BMC saloons which
share the Farina-styled body shell.
The Spanner
April, 2016 8
THE MG FACTOR PART 3
Continued from page 1
Ended up buying a 1973 harvest gold MGB Roadster that had lived out west and ended up in Sarnia
due to the owners job transfer. Nice car, it ran well, however ended up having new
sills installed and the car painted. We kept these two MGBs for more than ten years.
Laura would drive one with one kid and I would drive the other with the other. Other
times we would put a blanket behind the back seat of the roadster and the kids would
settle in there. They loved it. Try that today!!!!
By 1995 my thoughts regarding these cars had changed. We went to help a friend whose husband had
died, and ended up buying a completely disassembled 1963 Austin
Healey 3000. The MGB GT was sold locally and the roadster was
sold to someone in Owen Sound. The money made was used to
have the Healey restored, which took a year. We still have that car
today after 20 years of ownership.
I thought my MG days
were over, until I found out
about a one owner 1979 Limited
Edition MGB. Here we go
again! This MG though somewhat under powered by comparison with our earlier MGs was super comfortable and had overdrive which the other cars never had. I also installed
an A/C unit from another car. All A/C units were installed in the USA and
Canada at the dealers after the cars came to North America. This car carried us down to the Carolina's and up through the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Nice car that gave us some
good times. However this
car was sold on to a lady
from Winnipeg who flew in and drove it home. My MG days
had ended. Seven MGs, four in Australia, three in Canada,
lots of fun and no regrets.
Five Jaguar XJs in succession, were now our everyday
car in Sarnia. Next came a 1961 Jaguar Mk 2, 3.8 which we
have today with the Healey 3000 and our everyday present
car an X350 Jaguar XJ8L.
Kim R
The Spanner
April, 2016 9
The Spanner
April, 2016 10
Thanks to the Ontario MGT Register