1

The Timing Light

www.SouthernBritishCarClub.org

JUNE 2013 VOLUME 24 ISSUE 6

SBCC OFFICERS President: Mike Flood V –President: Ian O’Shea

(423) 472-0822 (423) 802-1123

Secretary: Mike Payne Treasurer: Barbara Dempsey

(423)622-7390 (423) 698-6192

Membership: Hank Rippert Newsletter: Gil DuPre

(423)710-3450 (423) 892-7247

BEHIND THE WINDSCREEN

I hope everyone has lots of plans for family vacations and trips this summer. Please, make room for SBCC in your

plans. Attendance at the June meeting was very low. Several members were in Asheville at GT 38 for the MGA Na-

tional Show. I have not heard any reports on GT 38, I hope someone will write an article and send it out.

Paul and Tricia Batovsky attended the North Alabama show in Madison. They received 3 First Place awards for

showing their Marcos. These were First in Class, Best of Show, and Mayor's Award.

The Scottish Festival and Highland games was an enjoyable weekend. Mike Little in his kilt will probably be a last-

ing memory.

A new member, Les Nations, drove his 1957 Bentley to the June meeting. I was a beautiful car, I believe Les stated

it started life at the Embassy in Paris, transporting dignitaries. He also stated that Paris was where his father pur-

chased the car. Les stated he hoped to be at the Sonic Drive-in on Friday night June 21.

Our first gathering at the Sonic in Ooltewah will be Friday night June 21 at 7:30PM. Milk shakes will be half price

after 8PM.

Also in June is the English Auto Society show in Knoxville at Concord Park on Saturday June 29.

Our next meeting is scheduled for July 8th. Our gathering at the Sonic is scheduled for the third Friday, July 19.

Please make plans to be at both of these events.

Having SBCC Fun

Mike

2

SBCC MINUTES JUNE 8 2013

Meeting called to order by President Mike Flood

May Minutes were distributed.

Treasurer’s Report

Barbara Dempsey presented the Treasurer’s report. Motion to accept Treasurer’s report and seconded.

Motion approved.

No Newsletter Report

No Membership Report

No Show Report

No V.P. Report

Old Business:

North Alabama British Car Club Show – Paul and Tricia Batovsky won first in class, Best in Show

and Mayor’s Award

Seven club members attended the Scottish Festival in Blairsville, GA

New Business

6/21 7:30 PM – first Cars, Food, and Friends and the Sonic in Ooltewah

6/29 – English Auto Society’s All European Car Show, Concorde Park, Knoxville

8/24 Plateau British Car Club Show, Rugby , TN

9/6-8 – British Car Show, Joe Wheeler State Park

9/19-21 – AACA Show, Cleveland, TN, asked for volunteers to help with registration, will possibly

have over 500 cars, cruise-in downtown Cleveland on the Friday night before the show

10/10-13 GOF, Callaway Gardens, GA

Motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

Submitted by Michael Payne

3

SCOTTISH FESTIVAL/HILAND GAMES BLAIRSVILLE, GA

JUNE 8-9

The members of SBCC who attended the Scottish Festival/Highland Games in Blairsville, Ga the weekend of 8-9 June

2013 had a great time. You could tell immediately as we gathered at the BP Station on Durkee Road in Cleveland it was

going to be a good time as Mike Little crawled out of him '64 MGB wearing his kilt. This brought on a discussion of the

feel of the seat when wearing a kilt. Others in attendance were Gary and Mary Higbee in a '67 Austin Healey, Gil and

Marge DuPre in a '62 MGA, and Mike and Teresa Flood in a '64 MGB.

The Highland games were interesting to watch and see which individual would be able to toss whatever over the bar set at

different heights. Seeing the sheep dogs herd a flock of sheep, looking at a Highland Cow, watching Teresa dance with the

Scottish Dancers, and browsing the different venders (who seemed to separate you from your money) provided for a great

two days.

Mike Little only stayed for Saturday, while Gil and Marge spent two nights in Blairsville on their way to GT 38 in Ashe-

ville. Gary, Mary, Mike and Teresa left the festival about noon on Sunday heading home, stopping at the Copper Kettle in

Ducktown for lunch. It was a beautiful drive until we got to Parksville where the heavens opened up and a heavy rain and

wind was to provide the driving conditions for the remainder of the trip home.

Having SBCC Fun in rain or sun

Mike

4

SBCC AT NAMGAR GT-38

There were 5 cars from SBCC at

GT-38 in Asheville, NC .and 9

people, The Longs’s, Lesley’s

DuPre’s, Forquer’s and Hank

Rippert. Of the 5 cars taken, 4

won trophies, 1ar place to Hank,

the Forquer's and the Lesley’s

2nd place to the Long’s.

Great showing for SBCC

PERKY AND CHARLES LONG

2ND FOR 52 MGTD

DOUG AND SANDY FORQUER

1ST FOR 62MGAMKII COUPE

LINDA AND BRYSON LESLEY

1ST FOR 26 MGAMKII DELUX HANK RIPPERT

1ST FOR 52 MGTD

SBCC AT TABLE 29

5

TRIP TO GT-38 IN ASHVILLE, NC

Day one Saturday June 8 Marge and I got all packed in the MGA and trailer and took the our dog Nutmeg to the kennel about 8 am.

Left out of Chattanooga for our first stop in Cleveland, TN to meet up with some of the Sothern British Car

Club headed for Blairsville, GA for the weekend at the yearly Highland Games and celebration.

We had four cars going to Blairsville, Mike and Teresa Flood, Gary and Mary Higbee, Mike Little, and Marge and I.

Mike Flood led the way to Blairsville up highway 64 along the beautiful Ocoee river gorge through Copperhill, TN and

on through to highway 76. This took us right into Blairsville directly to the Meeks Park where the Highland games were

held. We got there about 11am.

We all drove in and parked together on Saturday morning and caught the trolley down to the park area.

We walked around looking at the vendors and listening to the bagpipe bands tuning up for the opening of the games. We

got something to eat then walked down to the opening ceremonies at noon.

We then settled in and found a shady place on the hill above the games field and watched the hammer throw over a bar,

the Caber (log) toss, and the hay bale toss. Very interesting and we found ourselves pulling for each contestant.

About 3 pm we the Flood’s , Higbee’s and us checked into the Holiday Inn Express. We then went out to eat at Steve’s

Steak House Restaurant all having a good time.

Day two Sunday June 9 We all got up in our on sweet time and sauntered down to the breakfast room at the Holiday Inn, then most us went back

over to the Highland games met up with the Higbee’s and watched the demonstration of the Border Collie’s herding sheep.

We had some wonderful homemade ice cream while watching.

The Flood’s and Higbee’s went back to Chattanooga and Marge and I stayed another night so we could go on to Asheville

on Monday.

Low and behold just behind the Holiday Inn was the Union County GA recreation facility with a beautiful 18 hole golf

course. We couldn't resist so Marge and I got our clubs out and walked over and had a wonderful time playing 9 holes

of golf. After golf we went to another family restaurant Cook’s, then back to the hotel for a restful night. It did rain a little

during the night.

Day three Monday June 10 Marge and I awakened fairly early in anticipation of our single car MGA journey to Asheville. We went down early to

eat breakfast at the hotel complementary breakfast room. Back to the room to pack up and head out. I guess we left about

9 am and it was drizzling rain most of the way. We were planning on taking the Blue Ridge Parkway, but since it was

raining we elected to continue on up the back roads of GA and NC. Getting to the Crown Plaza was a feat in itself. Tom

Tom tried to confuse us but after a few minutes we finally saw the sign for Resort Rd taking us through a strip mall to

get there. Wish someone had mentioned turning in at Denny’s on Exposition Way.

We arrived at the Crown Plaza about 11:30 and to our dismay we couldn't check in until 4 pm. We went down to Denny’s

and wasted a couple hours there eating lunch. We then went back to the hotel and just lounged around until about 3 pm

and we got checked in a nice big king room overlooking a golf green. We went to the BBQ and enjoyed meeting up with old

friends from past GT’s and our group the Long’s, Lesley’s and Hank Ripper from our SBCC chapter in Chattanooga.

I attended Hap’s tech session on engine building and learned a lot about engines.

Day four Tuesday June 11 This was the day for the tour of the Biltmore and since we decided we had done that before we elected to stay at the hotel.

Looking out over the golf course at the Crown Plaza got us in the mood to play a round of golf.

It was a 9 hole course so we went down hoping it wouldn’t rain and checked in and played golf. The course itself was

rather narrow and challenging and the grass in the fairways needed mowing bad. We lost a couple of balls in some of the

grass, but enjoyed playing anyway.

(continued on page 6)

6

(CONTIMUED FROM PAGE 5)

Day five Wednesday June 12

This was the big day of NAMGAR GT-38 CAR SHOW. I believe 160 or so MGA’s, Magnette's, and other MG’s were

on the show field. The field itself was originally the old part of the 18 hole golf course that was sacrificed to add more

hotel rooms and zip lines. The zip lines on the facility were overhead all over the cars on the field. Some interesting cars

were there. One was a green coupe that had been outfitted with an air conditioner. Another rare car was our own Doug

Forquer’s 1962 MKII Coupe. There were also some MKII deluxe roadsters and a twin cam. All beautiful cars. I can-

not remember how may 1500 and 1600’s were there but there were about 25 1962 MKII’s The show was over at noon and

people went their on ways.

Day Six Thursday June 13

Since John Twist was having his rolling tech session I went over for a couple hours to watch and listen. I found out a few

things that I didn't know as always. One guy had a few things missing from his bonnet latch then Glen told us that the

bottom plate may be on backward. After that Marge and I hit the golf links again for 9 holes. We played better this

time.

The big banquet was held in the Ballroom at 6 pm so Marge and I got all gussied up and went down. We had reserved a

table for the attendee’s from the SBCC of Chattanooga. There were 9 of us all total and we brought 5 cars. (see photos on

pg 4) Four of our 5 cars won awards which is a great showing for SBCC at a national NAMGAR GT.

We said goodbye’s to friends and retired to our room to start arranging things to be ready for packing in the car and

trailer.

Day Seven Friday June 14

We made plans with the other members of SBCC to meet and leave for Chattanooga (promptly at between 9am and

9:30am per our leader Charles Long). Our route from the Crown Plaza to Patten Rd then to highway 151 up to the Blue

Ridge Parkway. Since Everyone ready to go we started on our drive about 9 am. Somewhere along highway 151 a car split

up the two TD’s leading the way and were out of sight. Since I was the third car in my MKII I was trying to close the

gap but by the time we got to the left curve in the road I had lost them completely. Not sure if this was the right ex-

tremely curvy road up the mountain I stopped and let a car following us and then Bryson and Linda led us up the moun-

tain. We all gathered at the Pisgah Inn Restaurant on the Blue Ridge

Parkway for brunch. Beautiful setting and views and great food. A must stop if ever up that way.

We left the restaurant about 11:30 am and continued on the Blue Ridge Parkway until we got to the highest point on the

Parkway 6053 feet above sea level.

Next stop was another lookout point with a restroom facility and a little gift shop. We continued on down the mountain on

the Parkway coming out through Cherokee, NC on toward Murphy, NC. We stopped at a recreation area on the Nan-

tahala river and ate lunch at the River View restaurant. So far all went well with all the cars and the one Chevy Tahoe in

the caravan.

We headed on down to Murphy on 19 and as we approached Murphy I began to smell something similar to smoke but

more of a plastic/rubber smell. At first I thought it was something from out side, but then decided since it didn't go away,

I stopped and Bryson and Doug stopped with me. Lifted the bonnet with the engine still purring along. The smell was

coming from under the bonnet but I couldn't determine the source and nothing felt abnormally hot. Lowered the bonnet and

continued on with the smell coming and going. I suspected the generator was roasting a bearing but no noise.

About 8 miles from home the noises started. Mostly rattles and grinding noises. We pushed on and the ignition light

started blinking then finally came on continuously. I figured I waould drive as far as I could then the noises stopped.

Onward to home safely.

Removed the generator and my suspicions were confirmed.

Will convert it to a higher ampere alternator now.

All in all it was a wonderful trip. On to Ottawa GT-39

Gil DuPre

7

PHOTOS OF NAMGAR GT-38 ASHVILLE NC 2013

GOLF COURSE

MONDAY NIGHT BBQ WEDNESDAY SHOW

THURSDAY SHOW

WEDNESDAY SHOW

PHOTOGRAPHER TAKING

PHOTOS FROM ZIP LINE

WEDNESDAY SHOW SOME

OF THE CARS WEDNESDAY SHOW MAGNETTS

MARGE AND DOUG CHATTING

POOL AREA

FRONT OF HOTEL

HANNK’S TD

MT PISGAH INN DOUG AND SANDY MT PISGAH INN REST OF SBCC

MT PISGAH INN MARGE DOUG &

SANDY

SCENE OF MOUNTAINS

FROM MT PISGAH INN

STOP AT TOP OF HIGHEST POINT ON

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 6053 FT

VIEW FROM HOTEL ROOM

8

9

JULY:

July 17—21 NAMGBR MG 2013, OREGON

STATE UNIVERSITY, CORVALIS OR

http://www.mg-2013.com/wp/

AUGUST:

SEPTEMBER .

SEPT. 6– 8 BRITS ON THE SHOALS,

WHEELER STATE, ROGERSVILLE, AL

SEPT. 19-21 COKER TIRE CHALLENGE.

http://www.cokertirechallenge.com/

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 10-13 Seventeenth Annual SEMGTR

Fall GOF Callaway Garden, Pine Mountain, GA

Www.semgtr.org

NOVEMBER: NOV. 1-3 SOUTHERN BRITISH CAR CLUB

ANNUAL CAR SHOW, CHATTOOGA

CHOO CHOO , CHATTANOOGA, TN.

2013 EVENTS SCHEDULE

CFF (Cars Fun and Friends)

What: Have a burger, shake, or ice cream, look at cars, and talk with friends.

Where: Sonic Drive-In, in Ooltewah (Ooltewah Ringgold Road.

When: 7:30PM on the third Friday night of June, July, August, September.

Come join the SBCC Fun

10

11

REGALIA FOR SALE

WE SOLD OUT OF PATCHES The option is if you want to have the logo below embroidered on a shirt, hat, jacket or whatever the n go to APPAREL EMBROIDERY 6121 HERITAGE PARK DRIVE, CHATTANOOGA, TN. IT IS LOCATED OFF BONNY OAKS IN A STRIP MALL JUST BEHIND THE PLACE YOU GO TO GET LICENSE PLATES. GRILLE BADGES $15.00 SEE GIL DUPRE OR EMAIL HEAVY DUTY WITH BOLTS INCLUDED CAN BE ADAPTED TO A GRILL OR A BADGE BAR

NEW LICENSE PLATE FRAME

12

AUTO JUMBLE ADS

SUPPORTED CLUB AFFILIATES

For Sale:

73 MG Midget 85k miles, dual SUs, no radio, most all works except gas and rpm went out recently?. $3000. Kingsport TN

Thanks Kirk Phifer 423-426-0132 (C)

FOR SALE – PROJECT CAR1969 MG MIDGET (GAN 4U74747G)

Body is about 60% finished. New replacement parts are available

for trunk floor, front valance panel and rear apron panel. All welding was done by individual who worked as a welder for 10 years. Rusted areas replaced by new panels and/or cleaned metal. Some of the original parts are available, such as rear axle assem-bly, front suspension, steering assembly, front and rear bumpers and 4 original wire wheels, which have been sandblasted and primed. On the wheels are Firestone tires (p155/80R13) and tubes. These tires have never been used.

During the course of this restoration, I have spent over $2,000 for new body parts. Engine and transmission not available at this time, but 1275 en-gine with 5 speed transmission should be available after the first of next year (2013). This engine was rebuilt and 5 speed trans-mission attached by Will Perry (Rivergate). This engine and tyranny are currently in my driver MG. My wife and I are the second owners of this project car which we

purchased in 1972. Also, have used Spridget parts from Midget and Sprite parts cars. Please contact me for further information: Robert A. Smith, 2201 Crescent Club Drive, Hixson, TN 37343 Tel. 423-877-1819,

email: rasgsc65@epbfi.com

For Sale 1976 Triumph Spitfire14,000 miles

$15,500, Also Triumph TR6 40k + miles both in

great shape. Call 706-278-3802

1969 MGB Roadster British Racing Green

55,000 miles / Wire Wheels / O.D. - Elect.

Rebuilt Engine, Master Cylinder,

Slave Cylinder, Brakes NEEDS: Tubes &

Tires

Professional Paint, Chrome Work

CALL John Klenner, 4012 Breakwater Dr.

Cell (423) 504-5671

1952 MGTD; Red with new red leather seats and

interior trim; new top; black tonneau; 60 spoke

chrome wire wheels; engine professionally re-

built less than 1200 miles ago; new stainless ex-

haust; excellent chrome; new brake lines and

Vredestein tires this year; side curtains; manuals;

nice condition. $14,800. (Len) 423-521-6960.

13

NEXT MEETING

JULY 8, 2013 GOLDEN CORAL GUNBARREL RD 6:30 PM TO EAT

MEETING AT 7:00 PM

THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE SOUTHERN BRITISH CAR CLUB OF CHATTANOOGA, TN PO BOX 298 , OOLTEWAH, TN. 37363

The Timing Light C/O Gil DuPre 8116 Holly Crest Dr Chattanooga, TN 37421 ATTENTION POSTMASTER Forward & Address Correction

First Class

TO: