MG Type - MG MGA€¦ · report to Lackland AFB in Texas. Being younger and dumber I cut my time to get there too short with my only means of transportation the ‘64 MGB. I figured

December already. I suppose there are two ways to look at that realization: "Well, there goes another one" or "That was fun - let's make sure next year is even more so." My vote is for the latter choice! We won't be having our usual yearly review of the past year's events as it was decided, at our November meeting, not to have an Awards Brunch in January. However, those of you with good memories, or with a few spare moments to look through this year's newsletters, will know that we enjoyed some excellent events. My thanks to all those members who took the time to organize the various trips, outings and parties, and to everyone who participated. We closed this year with our Christmas Party (still in the future as I write this) but I am sure of two things: Shannon & Guy will have done us proud, and a great time will have been had by all who attended. Thank you, Shannon & Guy for your generous hospitality! No doubt there will be a full report in the

MG Type A Newsletter of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club

Issue No. 12 December 2016 A SVMGCC Publication

The Prez Says

A Bit of English Tradition in a El Dorado Hills Backyard

By Barry K. Hogan Pictures by Beni Gannucci Feil

Continued on Page 2

Continued on Page 2

Perhaps a new tradition has started for SVMGCC with its first celebration of Guy Fawkes Day at Cort and Gail Farmers home in El Dorado Hills. The Farmer’s had all of the “Fawkes Regalia” out on display, even to the point of having a “mini bonfire” and mini Guy Fawkes effigy, although the resemblance left much to your imagination. It was my first time at a Guy Fawkes celebration, as I believe it was for many other club members. Our resident expert, president and more than just an Anglophile, Lawrie Alexander explained the nature of the

2 Issue No 12 December 2016 A SVMGCC Publication

January newsletter. Speaking of newsletter, if you have enjoyed Barry's excellent work this past year, and wish to continue to receive monthly news of club doings, please note that - as reported in the November Minutes - Barry is planning to take a couple of months off early next year. If you would be willing to help, please let Barry know. Remember, what you get out of being a member is directly related to what you put into the club, and this would be something that everyone will appreciate. Going back to the theme of my first paragraph, we can make sure next year brings us a lot more exciting and enjoyable activities by participating fully in the Planning Session scheduled at Cort & Gail's lovely home in El Dorado Hills on January 14th. Look on the website for details and please make an effort to attend. I'm sure your TV has a "record" function so you won't miss any important football games! Oh, and by "participate fully" I mean don't just show up to eat, drink and chat but come prepared with some ideas for activities that we can do next year. Even though we have been at this for a good many years, I'm sure there must still be roads we haven't driven, interesting places we haven't visited, tech sessions that need to be held, and - yes - even restaurants that we haven't eaten at yet. I know that those members who usually step up to organize events are running short of ideas; I'm equally sure there are a lot of you who have been waiting for your turn to speak up and give us your idea of what we should do with our MGs, so let's be hearing from you in January! At the November meeting, I was very pleased to see such enthusiastic support for the suggestion that we donate some of our excess funds to a couple of very worthwhile charities. While there are too many places that need money (and I won't get on my soap box about highly paid athletes and CEOs while so many people are in desperate need), I commend Beni for selecting two very worthwhile recipients for our donations. Merry Christmas to you all, and a Happy, Healthy and MG-trouble-free New Year!

Lawrie

celebration as we all gathered around the “bonfire” for the ritual burning. Lawrie told us how his own followers betrayed Guy from blowing up the English Parliament building by turning him in and how Guy ended up being hanged, drawn and quartered as a result of his insurrection. Lawrie told us of his fond memories of bonfires in villages, towns and cities in England and kids carrying effigies of Guy Fawkes in shopping carts. When all was said and done we each tossed into the fire a paper with a picture of Guy Fawkes and Cort lit the little effigy of Guy on fire. It was then time to indulge, or overindulge in wonderful English fare prepared

by Jane Alexander. I learned that what I thought was Shepherd’s Pie was only English Pie since it contained no lamb, but only beef. Nevertheless, the

food was great as was the company. Many thanks to Cort and Gail Farmer for hosting and Jane Alexander for the great meal and to everyone else

for a great time. I’m sure that we all hope that the property improvements at the Singleton’s go well.

Fawkes Continued The Prez Says Continued


SVMGCC Meeting Minutes

December 7, 2016

Lawrie Alexander, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm at Mimi’s in Folsom. No guests were present. Guy Shields commented that he qualifies as a new guest today; business keeps him away most of the year. November minutes were approved on a motion by Mike Singleton and seconded by Nancy Radakovitz. Reports from:

• Treasurer, Bob Veliky, was not available and will report next month.

• Membership Chairman, Keith Yarbrough, reported that the roster has been updated and if anyone needs a paper copy please let him know.

• Regalia Chair, Beni Feil, continues do a fantastic job with great enthusiasm promoting special MG regalia. She has many new items for purchase or to order, including warm items for the upcoming winter/early spring drives. She will take special orders.

• Newsletter Editor, Barry Hogan was not available this month; however he would like more stories from and about our members. Please send your stories to Barry. He will have a link in the newsletter to read about the stories. Barry is asking for someone to share Newsletter responsibilities with him. He will be gone Feb/Mar and will need someone to do the newsletter. Looking for volunteers!

Past Events: November 5th - Gail & Cort Farmer hosted the Guy Fawkes Day fest. Lots of information and facts were shared about this festive British Day and Guy was burned in the fire pit. Future Events: Please check the website for details. December 10th – Shannon & Guy Shields will host our annual Christmas Party. Details are on the website. January 14, 2017 – Gail and Cort Farmer will host the next MG planning meeting. Please come with ideas. 2017- The Corvette Club has challenged the

SVMGCC for a “Chili Cook-off.” Lindsay Costigan will follow-up with more information. Natter & Noggins: No Natter in December. Old Business: Election of SVMGCC officers –Voting results were a landslide for the following:

• President: Lawrie Alexander • Vice President: Lindsay Costigan • Secretary: Heidi Singleton • Treasurer: Cort Farmer

SVMGCC will sponsor two local organizations. December 2016 the club will give $1000 to Blue Ravine Veterinary Hospital. The Veterinarians are members of AVMF Charity which supports veterinarians who treat animals of the homeless and rescued pets. The club will donate to the “Mustard Seed” School for the children of the homeless in Sacramento during their annual day of giving in 2017. Stump the Techs: ‘Stump the Techs’ session is for anyone who has an MG related question can ask the group for advice related to that topic. Guy Shields has a problem with squeaky brakes. Jim Costigan suggested to cross cut the pads and Mike Singleton added to cross cut 2/3 into the pads. For the Good of the Club:

• Valerie Howard-Hogue has information from NAMGAR. The 2017 event will be from June 19-23 in Solvang, California. The MGB event will be two days later also in Solvang. GOF will be held in Santa Maria in 2017. Valerie will have a write-up for the news letter.

• Valerie Howard-Hogue has friend looking for a MGB. Contact Valerie if anyone has information.

• Bill Radakovitz has new ignition switch for 71-74 MGB available.

50/50 Raffle drawing – Jim Perell won $44. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Child-Singleton, Secretary


What first attracted you to an MG? I couldn’t believe that a car could look so

good. At the time, there was nothing made like them in the USA and what fun they were to drive! My friend in high school had a new ‘62 MGA MK 2, which I got to drive and ride in numerous times.

Why did you buy your first MG? What model was your first MG; what did you pay for it?

My very first British car, I bought in High school in the mid 60’s. It was a 1957 Austin Healey 100-6, which I wish I still had! I bought a ‘52 MG TD in 1968 when I was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base from a student at Stanford. It came with a blown engine but it was only $50. My friend and I restored it in rented chicken coops near the base and drove it for a couple of years before trading it for a ‘64 MGB. In 1974 I bought my current car, a 1966 MGB. I also bought an MGC GT in 1991, restored it and sold it this year to a buyer in Texas. Everyone must have a funny story of what happened to or didn't happen in his or her MG. What's your story?

While stationed at McClellan AFB I had to report to Lackland AFB in Texas. Being younger and dumber I cut my time to get there too short with my only means of transportation the ‘64 MGB. I figured I would have to drive non-stop except for rest stops for gas and coffee restrooms. After about 600 miles while driving about 80 miles an hour in the middle of the desert, I was playing Jimi Hendrix " Fire” on my 8 track to keep me awake and I thought I saw flames from the dash. I thought, “I must be rummy and hallucinating.” I drove a few more miles until the smell of smoke convinced me it was real. It turned out to be a minor electrical fire in the 8 track player which I extinguished. I did make it to the base and reported on time. What is the single best feature of your MG?

It’s so easy to work on compared to a modern car. I can change spark plugs in 5 minutes; I can’t even find them on my wife’s car! It is FUN to drive as long as it’s less than 200 miles!

MG TYPE is the official monthly Publication of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club.

Material from members and non-members is actively

encouraged. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness. Placement of material is not

guaranteed.

Submittals are due to the Editor by the 25th of each month.

SVMGCC Club Information: Membership Dues

Dues for full membership (which is a family membership) are $30 per fiscal year, payable on the first day of July. Please send a check along with your name/s, address, phone number and email address and the MG model(s) that you own to:

PO Box 2194 Fair Oaks, CA 95628 Attention: Membership Chair

For New Members dues are pro-rated for April through July $30 (those joining in April through June are rolled into the following year), August $25, Sept.$27.50, Oct.$22.50, Nov.$20, Dec.$17.50, Jan. $15, Feb. $12.50 and Mar.$10.00.

MGTYPE

NATTER MATTERS

No Natter in November and December.

Musings by an MG Owner

By Russ Williams


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10170,Croydon,Way,,#M,

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916.366.0330,

www.sportscarslimited.net,

Now Offering ZDDPlus oil supplement!



MG Classifieds

Classified ads for sale of cars or parts and the like are free to current and fully paid members of the SACRAMENTO VALLEY MG CAR CLUB. Cost for non-members is $10.00/month. There is a maximum of 40 words per classified ad. Ads from Club members will run for two consecutive months unless canceled in writing to the editor. Resubmission of the ad is required for longer than two months. Please mail ads (with check if that applies) to MG TYPE, PO Box 2194, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. Ad art or pictures must be in hard copy, jpeg or pdf formats and will not be returned.

COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING

Rates are based on camera-

ready electronic or hard copy. Full page (9.75" tall x 7.5" wide)-$130/year; Half-page (5" wide x 7.5" tall)-$75/year; Quarter page (3.75" tall x 5" wide or 5" tall x 3.75" wide)- $45/year or Business card (2” tall x 3.5” wide) - $30/year. Ad copy and full payment must be received by the editor by the 20th day of the month prior to publication. All copy and advertising material is accepted and published in good faith. The Sacramento Valley MG Car Club, it’s officers and editor of the MG Type expressly disclaim responsibility for any and all consequences that may arise from the publication and/or use of any material. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily those of the Sacramento Valley MG Car Club, it’s officers or editor.

Are You a Rough Rider, Your Engine That Is

By Paul Lewis

If your engine is running rough there are many things it could be. Here is a test that will help you narrow down some of the possible problems. It is called the Cylinder Leak Down Test.

With the engine cold remove the radiator cap and the oil filler cap and all of the spark plugs. Now place the air hose of the differential cylinder pressure tester into the spark plug hole. It is important that the selected cylinder is on the compression stroke, meaning both

intake and exhaust valves are closed. This can be accomplished by noting the position of the rotor arm on your distributor. It should be next to the spark plug wire that is about to fire. Now attach an air pressure hose to the pressure tester itself and slowly rotate the knob clockwise. The gauge on the left will tell you the amount of air pressure. The gauge to the right will tell you how much air pressure is being held in the cylinder bore. If the result is that the right side gauge is reads low, then that air pressure is escaping somewhere in your engine. If your have air pressure escaping take a look inside your radiator to see if air bubbles are present. If you have air bubbles this means you have a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. Next, place your hand over the oil filler hole on your valve cover. If you can feel air here, this means the air is going past the piston rings and into the crankcase. Next go to the back of your exhaust pipe, if you can feel air coming out of there, then you have a burnt exhaust valve. I hope this is not too complicated for the average MG owner to comprehend.


2016 Calendar of Events December through January

For a complete list of events go to http://www.svmgcc.org/future.htm

December

7 Wed General Meeting 7:00PM - Mimi's Cafe, 2719 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom. We gather at 6:00 PM to eat and socialize until 7:30, when a short business meeting begins, followed by more socializing, tire-kicking and sometimes an audio-visual presentation (Lawrie Alexander 530-672-2319 [email protected])

10 Sat SVMGCC Christmas Party – Guy & Shannon Shields will be hosting at their house at 6500 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento. Please RSVP to Guy or Shannon at 916.206.3606 or email [email protected]. For additional details click here.

January

6 Wed General Meeting 7:00PM - Mimi's Cafe, 2719 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom. We gather at 6:00 PM to eat and socialize until 7:30, when a short business meeting begins, followed by more socializing, tire-kicking and sometimes an audio-visual presentation

14 Sat First half 2016 Planning Meeting Additional information to follow

The only MEMBER-RUN organization for MGB, MGC, Midget,1100/1300 and

Post Abingdon Car owners.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $30 ($45 overseas)

• Dash plaque • Membership card • Window decal • Six bi-monthly issues of The MG Driver,

a 68-page informative magazine.• Annual national convention – a four-day MG party!

North American MGB RegisterPO BOX 876 • Downers Grove, IL 60515-0876

Toll-free phone: 800-NAMGBR-1www.namgbr.org


2015 Sacramento Valley MG Car Club Officers & Board Members

President Lawrie Alexander

530.672.2319 [email protected]

Vice President Cort Farmer


Secretary Heidi Singleton 916.633.4519

[email protected]

Treasurer Bob Veliky


Past President Lindsay Costigan


Communication Colleen Williams


Cards & Flowers Sandie Swain 209.529.8800

[email protected]

Events Chairman Cort Farmer


Historian Kevin Williams 916.334-‐6159

[email protected]

Hospitality Bill & Nancie Radakovitz


Natter & Noggin Events - Coordinator various see newsletter, Website or Events

Chairman Membership

Keith Yarbrough 916.684-2700

[email protected]

MGA Tech Consultant Dan Paige


MGB/Midget Tech Consultant Jim Perell


MG Smog Tech Consultant - Paul Lewis


MG T Series Tech Consultant - Lawrie Alexander


Publicity Don Wroth


Regalia Beni Feil


Webmaster Gary Hoss


Newsletter Editor Barry Hogan 805.990.3042

[email protected]

Ads and Distribution Val Howard Hogue


Support Positions


Sacramento Valley MG Car Club P.O. Box 2194 Fair Oaks, California 95628

General Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at

7:00 pm. Mimi’s Café 2719 E. Bidwell Street, Folsom, CA

Contact Lawrie Alexander 530.672.2319 or [email protected]

Documents

MG Type - MG MGA€¦ · report to Lackland AFB in Texas. Being younger and dumber I cut my time to get there too short with my only means of transportation the ‘64 MGB. I figured