FOUNDER OF MOSS MOTORS PASSES AWAY

THIRD QUARTER 2012
alamomg.org
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ALAMO MG ASSOCIATION – A BUNCH OF FOLKS WHO ARE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT ALL THINGS MG
FOUNDER OF MOSS MOTORS
PASSES AWAY
by David Horton
We are all grateful to have a part supplier to
keep our British cars alive and well. It is with
that though in mind that we need to take a
moment to think of Al Moss, founder of Moss
Motors, who passed away on September 25th.
“By 1978 Moss Motors was supplying parts
for British sports cars to customers worldwide,
and in fact the business had become so large
that it had ceased to be fun for Al, being more
like work! It was at this time, that his longtime friend, Howard Goldman, offered to
purchase the entire Moss Motors operation. Al
eventually took him up on his offer and entered
semi-retirement to spend much of his time
restoring and racing his collection of British
sports cars at his home in Arizona.” (moss
website)
Glen Adams, Al Moss and Chris Nowlan. From the Moss Motor’s
website.
Al stayed very active until just recently doing
a complete rebuild of a Austin 7.
Thanks to Al, thousands of British sports
cars are still on the road today and in improved
condition. Moss Motors moves onward into
the future and the parts will still be available.
There is a great article on Al at the Moss site:
http://www.mossmotoring.com/al-moss-willbe-dearly-missed/
Al Moss in car at Buttonwillow. From the Moss Motor’s website.
Another great three months for the club gone. We have been fortunate that Bryan has
picked days for events that the weather has been good. Not one of our events was rained out
this year so far. We have had drives that have helped us see some of our great Texas countryside
and had some great food along the way. I really enjoy being on a drive and seeing a line of
MGs going down the road.
Thanks to all of you who have attended meetings. I think we have filled the room every
month this year. The meetings are a lot of fun and educational. We have learned several things
that help keep our cars on the road and in safe condition. Please keep coming and enjoying
each other’s company and the food. The parking lot looks great with all the MGs out there.
We still have a lot planned for this year. The Hill Country Drive on October 20th
should be a great trip. This is the AACOG fall drive and is attended by a large number of clubs
in the San Antonio area. Let’s have lots of cars there to show the other clubs how good our
MGs are. The All British Car Day is November 3rd. We are the host club so make sure you
get your car registered and help make it a success. Your car does not have to be show quality
to register. A big part of the fun is to see all the different cars in different condition. Jim has
promised us a great time on November 10th, which is also the birthday of the Marine Corps.
Tom, Trish and I will have a mini celebration on that day.
Our Christmas party will be hosted by Claudia and Cleo Walton this year on December
8th. The club will provide brisket, ham, soft drinks and great entertainment. Please bring a
side dish or desert for other members to enjoy. Bring a gift that is valued at around $15.00 or
so if you want to be part of the mayhem of the gift exchange.
Bryan is already looking for ideas for next year for
places to drive to. If you have an interesting idea, please
contact him so he can get it scheduled. He tries
to have at least one event per month, but
we can do more. Also, if you need help
with something that is wrong with
your car, contact one
of the club members
for help. There is a
lot of talent available in
this club. We want to help you
keep your car running the best that it
can so that you can enjoy our drives.
Photo by David Horton
Remember to vote this November. Voting is a very
important part of what helps our country be great.
Above: Bleeding the caliper at the bleed nipple and at the hose end employing a
bucket to catch the fluid. Below: The brake line is easily removed - then remove
the nut from the top along with the lock washer and out comes the hose!
Below: The spring steel plate that is bent on the tips to keep the bolts from backing
out. It does a great job — but its too much trouble to flatten it in such tight
quarters. I used a flat tip chisel to hammer them flat. Easier using lock washers.
Installing new front MGB brake calipers is a
pretty straight forward job. I recently replaced mine
suspecting a front end pulling issue was caused by
either a sticking caliper or one of the rubber hose
lines was at fault.
Instead of buying a repair kit and new hoses,
I opted to get all new parts from Moss. That way I
have a spare to rebuild in the future.
Naturally this is a somewhat messy job with fluids
and old dirt and pad powder all about. After jacking
the car up and placing support stands, the wheel is
removed exposing the components.
The fluids must be bleed out from the caliper
(upper right image) before removal of the calipers. A
hose connected to the bleed nipple drains into a glass
jar. Then remove the brake line flange nut from the
top of the hose mount and drain. I used a large plastic
bucket so as not to miss. Fluid still finds a way to the
floor though. Remove the hose nut and lock washer
(center left image) and set aside for installation later.
Pull the hose out and your ready to pull the caliper.
This is the part that gets me hacked off. The spring
steel plate that runs between the two bolts which
hold the caliper in place is designed to keep the bolts
from reversing back out being bent against the nut. It
does a wonderful job of it. Too wonderful! The steel
must be flattened down to remove the bolts and there
is little in the way of room to work in here. Especially
swings a hammer. I used a flat tip chisel after prying
with a screwdriver to get them somewhat flat. That’s
right, somewhat. They don’t like being flat anymore.
The bolt actually makes the steel cup around it. Thus
it competes with the bolt extraction. Tight, tight
— tight! I replace these on installation using split
washer. (lower left image) Same job, much easier.
Out come the calipers! Now for an inspection. The
brake pads were recently replaced so they really did
not have much wear to report. I had problems with
brake squeal on the older pads. So when I replaced
the pads to this set, I had used an anti squeal glue to
get rid of the noise. I am proud to state that it worked.
However, I used too much and some of it managed
to get down and around one of the caliper pistons.
(above right image) I am not positive that this caused
the pulling of the vehicle, but I was suspect that might
have been the case. This bleed over could have been
Dance
by David Horton
caused by temperature as it heated possibly melting
the glue and allowing it to spread. I’m not truly sure.
Onward to the rebuild of the caliper. As I had
mentioned, I purchased new calipers and hoses from
Moss. The assemble was extremely easy done right
one the kitchen table with protection. (center right
image) I used the same glue as before but used very
little of it appling it with a paper towel to the back of
the pads. The pads are then slipped into the calipers
and butted against the pistons. Spring clips and the
cotter pins are placed to secure the pads in place.
Next the hose is screwed in. Note the difference on
the screw threads - the side with the most threads
goes to the flange not the caliper!. Tighten this well.
Now we are ready to re-install the caliper. Slip
the caliper over the disc and using the bolts with
standard lock washers (lower left image) tighten the
caliper into place. Now as before make sure the hose
line is tight on the caliper before securing the hose
to the hose bracket. You cannot tighten it once it is
installed to the bracket or it will twist. This not to do!
Tighten the flange nut over the hose and repeat on
the other side and your done with the install. Repeat
on the other side.
Now for the fun part, bleeding. These calipers
are new so there is nothing but air in every orifice
within them. I had purchased an easy bleed kit after
borrowing one from Larry to bleed the clutch system
and found it to work extremely well. This makes it a
one man job. Which is a great thing as it is always
no fun for the other helper. It’s simply to tedious and
can become frustrating at times. As the bleed nipple
is on the top of the caliper, the air tends to rise up to
it. The easy bleeder sucks the fluid from the master
cylinder down and through the caliper. After about
an hour, I had pressure at the petal and was able to
drive it to set the pads. Always make the test drive
around the block and not out into heavy traffic. The
car still pulls a tad but not like it did before. I am
fairly sure there is still a little air in the system. I
recommend re-bleeding after letting the car sit for
a few days to allow for the air to rise to the top near
the nipple. Check the fluid reservoir for any signs of
leaks over the next several days just in case.
It is a good feeling knowing that your car is going
to stop when you need it to.
Above: The old caliper with too much anti squeal applied may have hampered
movement. Below: Reassemble of the caliper on the bench. Make sure to tighten
the hose good and snug now. I used the same anti squeal but far less of it this time.
Below: Simple bolt back on using the split washers. Connect the hose last so as not
to twist it. Then connect the fitting. Repeat on the other side — then prepare to
bleed the system.
Photo by David Horton
Brake
By Larry Rogers
Pam and I and fellow AMGA members
Barry and Sharon O’Connell met at the
airport in Buffalo, New York, rented a car and
drove 3 hours down to Watkins Glen, New
York for the annual MGC national event.
About 20 MGC from the Northeast
showed up with some from Canada and one
couple from England, by the way he owns 11
C’s. The first day we meet fellow members
and sat around and of course talking “C” talk
and getting to know everyone.
The next day we took off and hit some of
the 32 wineries around Seneca Lake stopping
for lunch at the Bellhurst Castle that was 100
years old. Then we headed for home base,
rested and got ready for dinner.
The weather was nice for the next day’s
drive. First we drove the old original Walkins
Glen Track that was raced on from 19481952, it wandered through the country hills,
then dropping down through the town it was
about 6.6 mile track. For 5 years this track
was used until a car went off the track and
killed a little girl.
After that we went to the new NASCAR
track, WOW! what a treat. That
track is 2.2 miles and one of two
NASCAR tracks that is not a
complete oval. The afternoon
led up to the Corning Ware
factory, more of a woman
thing, but you got to include
something for them,
right? It started raining that night until the
next morning but stopped right before we
took off to the car show settled at a winery on
the lake. We saw a lot of nice MGC’s
and met new friends, although
they did talk funny.
Walkins Glen became famous
for early racing, MG’s and
other foreign autos.
Photo by Larry Rogers
C EVENT OF BRUTAL
AGGRESSIVES
by Brian Martin
Bryan and Suzie Prindle picked a great day for a
drive. We gathered at McDonalds by Evans Road
and 281. Some of the group could not wait for lunch
so they grabbed a quick breakfast and others just
talked. Those that made the event were Bryan and
Suzie, Richard Merrell, Mary Camman, Debbie and
Mark Rue, Larry and Pam Rogers, Jim Irland with
his friend Cathy, Norm Dick and Dede, Tom and
Brenda Stuhldreher, David Horton and Marcie, and
Brian and Trish Martin.
by Brian Martin
After the meal, there was more conversation
and then we were on our way, some of the group
headed home and some headed to Gruene.
Thanks to Bryan and Susie for planning this
event and to those that supported them by attending.
It really is easy.
How to replace grommets for windshield wiper arm
1. Pull off the wiper arms
2. Loosen and remove the nut that holds the wiper assembly together.
3. Remove finisher and rubber pad (gasket)
4. Clean up whatever residue is left of the old pad.
5. Assemble in reverse order. I put a small bead of silicone under the new pads before installing them.
Photo by David Horton
We headed out Evans Road with all the other
traffic but were soon in the open country. Because of
the recent rain, a lot of the fields were nice and green
and the trees looked healthy. We made a quick stop
on the edge of New Braunfels and then were on our
way again, ending up on River Road. The river had
a lot of tubers on it and sure was tempting to pull
over and join them. We all arrived at The Baja BBQ
Shack at the marina safe and sound and enjoyed a
great lunch.
There had been worries that it was going
to be too hot. We lucked out and had overcast
skies and lower temps for the Moonlight Drive.
Joining us at the start were John Cook with
his friend Guy Weaver, Richard Merrill, Del
and Connie Chambers, Larry and Pam Rogers,
Brian and Trish Martin, Jim Irland and friend
Cathy, Mark and Debbie Rue, Orlando and
Evelyn Martinez with their granddaughter and
James and Carolyn Tabor. The Tabors were in
their new-to-them bright yellow V-8 MGB.
We all had our tops down and were ready to go.
Just as we were leaving, out new member Joseph
Hladek arrived and got in line. This was John’s
and Joseph’s first drive with us. John has been a
member but just got his car road worthy.
We traveled out north of Rolling Oaks Mall
and then went east through Schertz and into the
countryside. We got to see farm land, ranches
and nice stands of big trees. It was really relaxing
driving through the countryside and seeing
all the livestock and ranches. There are some
beautiful old and new homes out in that area.
We arrived at our eating spot in LaVernia
with no mishaps. We were joined there by Bill
and Sharon Maney. The restaurant was ready for
us and we settled in to look at the menu to pick
from a wide variety of foods. While waiting for
the food, the questions were asked about what we
had seen along the way. Many of the members
were knocked out of the competition pretty fast.
Brian had to ask a few tiebreakers before it was
all solved. Guy took third, Del and Connie
were second and Jim and Cathy proved they saw
more than anyone else, or at least remembered
more. While the food was being delivered, some
people came in and said that they had just come
from San Antonio and it was raining hard. Most
of us went out and put our tops up just in case.
Del and Connie’s car does not have a top so they
started eating.
After we were done, most of us headed home.
A few stopped at the local Dairy Queen for some
much needed dessert. The stories are that all of
us got hit by the heavy rains and a few stopped
under overpasses just to be safe and to stay dry.
Because of the heavy cloud cover, maybe this
should have been called the Non-Moonlight
Drive.
How to replace wiper jets.
1. I used a putty knife to gently unseat the jet. The jet is a press fit, no nut under the dash.
2. Pull the jet up. It will come up with the clear hose attached.
3. Separate the jet from the hose. This was a little tough. I had to grab the jet with needle nose pliers so I could
get a good grip on it.
4. Push the new jet into the hose.
5. The hole for the jet has two flat sides, as does the jet. Be sure to line up the jet toward the windshield as you
push it back in.
6. Again, I put a small bead of silicone under the new jet before pushing it home.
I bought all parts from Moss. Ordered on Friday and delivered today. Just another great service from Moss.
This information reprinted with the permission of Bob Lewis.
the weather has turned cooler out and the bicycle
that has been sitting around unattended to looks
to be promising alternative. I think I will get
one of those split boots that they sell that screw
together at one seam as a temporary. I am not
in the mood to pull the tie rod end out just yet.
Maybe Marcy will give me a lift to work if it
rains.
Fuel mixture can be a bit tricky this time of
year with the cooler weather. Short drives don’t
warm up the engine enough to properly get the
desired mix of fuel and air into the intake. On
my B the carb is a dual Weber 32 36 downdraft.
It has a manual choke. So there is no automatic
self adjusting as the engine warms. It does
benefit from the cold start being able to get it
started quickly and warm up a bit before the
drive. Depending on how cold it is, I may run it
partially open for a few blocks just to get thing
evened out. I generally lube the choke cable once
or twice during the colder months to ensure it
does not stick causing misfire rolling down the
highway.
It is also time to inspect the top that has
been down most of the year. Clean it up a bit and
lube the joints. I have purchased new pins and
nuts for the top snaps as the old one are so worn
most of them don’t work. This job is a nightmare
trying to get your hands into places they don’t fit
with tiny nuts and wrenches. Jim Irland came up
with a great idea on this — use wing nuts instead
of the stock het nuts. A hell of a lot easier to hold
a wing nut with one hand while screwing the pin
down and securing from the top. Buy extras just
in case you drop a few which is very likely.
Another thing I do different in the colder
month is carry a set of jumper cables in the trunk.
Though I have a new battery, there is nothing
like getting stuck out in the cold. Need to get
that baby home!
Photo by David Horton
Photo by David Horton
One might say — here we go again. After
installing new front brake calipers, the pulling of
the B from side to side continues during braking.
I am giving it some serious consideration. Maybe
I just need to get back under the car and bleed
some more. The brakes that is. The pulling is not
as serious as it was so I think I’m on the right
track. Bleeding new calipers that have no fluid
in them to start with, I have come to find, takes
a good bit more time to bleed as the air needs
to find it’s way to the top. Fortunately the bleed
nipple is at the top, so the air tends to rise into
the correct position.
Another issues that continuously plagues me
is the starter. It’s a brand new starter purchased
from Moss two years ago but not installed till
4 months ago. I have been through three new
starters since owning this car. That is only 5
years! I have gotten quite good a pulling them
out. For some reason the solenoid gets jammed
up and won’t turn the starter leading to some
embarrassing moments when that really cool
sports car whines at the HEB parking lot. Yes,
I look to see if any one else is there before
attempting to turn the key again. Sometimes
three or four times before it engages. I pulled it
out again just yesterday and took the solenoid
apart and cleaned it with some steel wool and
tightened the electrical connections bolt which
was a little loose. Greased up the bendix gear.
Now it turns and fires and I am glad to say
the whine occurrences have greatly diminished
though not completely.
While jacking the car up to pull the starter, I
noticed fluid on the concrete just under the front
drivers side near the bumper. It was oily so it was
not the radiator. Not too much else around there
save the steering CV boot. Yep — it was torn.
And, all was exposed to the outside world on
things that have no business being so. Fortunately
Upcoming Events
Thur. October 11-13th
Fall Gathering of the Faithful (GOF) Location: LaGrange
Host: Texas MG Registry, Dallas, Texas
Information & registration form: http://www.tmgr.org/
DEADLINE to reserve your hotel room is September 20th! Call the BEST WESTERN in LaGrange
NOW! They are located at 600 East State Highway 71 Bypass, LaGrange, TX 78945. Call them at 979968-6800. Only 40 rooms are on hold...and all rooms are $80 w/ breakfast included. CALL NOW!
Sat. October 20th
AACOG xth Annual Scenic Hills Cruise
Time: Meet 8:30am, generally this is a prompt departure time, you might want to be early. Location:
Rim in front of Bass Pro Shop
Info at: http://www.aacog.com/tourism/carcruises/scenichillscruise.asp
Travel: destinations It will be Castroville, Rio Medina, Lake Medina, Bandera, and Camp Verde. This
rally is going to be good! The best of the best. Don’t miss it!
Sat. November 3rd
San Antonio All British Car Day
Host: Alamo MG Association
Time & Location: Boerne Town Square, Registration & Judging 9am-12am Awards 2 pm. T-Shirts.
Sat. November 10th
Jim’s Gala Pre-Thanksgiving Cruise. We will motor to the booming metropolis of Fentress which is the
home of Frank’s Place. Here you find great BBQ as well as their house specialty, a Tex-Mex Chicken
Casserole. There are also salads and even burgers to be had. The food here is quite good. According to
Jim this run will be spectacular! And will exceed all expectations. Meet: Park & Ride at 1604 and FM78
on East side. Time: Meet at 10:15 for 10:30 Sharp departure, be petrolled up and ready to go. Hosts: Jim
Irland
Sat. December 8th
AMGA Annual Holiday Party
Time & Location: Cleo & Claudia Walton, 2122 Rest Haven Dr., S.A. 6:00 PM
Call for question: 210-445-6836 Bring a covered dish and a wrapped gift for the Chinese Auction (May
be one for each person.) Be prepared for a real good time.
Ongoing Events
First Tuesday of the month - Alamo MG Association monthly meeting at the Lion and Rose on
Sontera Blvd. 6:30 pm for dinner - meeting starts at 7:30.
Last Saturday of every month – CARS & RIDES
Blanco & 1604 8am - 10:30ish
Every Friday Nite – Biff Buzby’s Burgers
12702 Topperwein
Alamo MG Association
P.O. Box 591129
San Antonio, TX 78259
President
V.P. / Activities
Bryan Prindle, 210.497.7857
[email protected]
Membership Chairwoman
& Treasurer
Pam Rogers, 210.497.1541
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
David Horton, 210.501.3957
[email protected]
Webmaster
Darian Henderson, 210.862.7683
[email protected]
Past President
Larry Rogers, 210.497.1541
[email protected]
FIRST CLASS
Brian Martin, 210.824.8441
[email protected]
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