April 2008 �

Volume 21, Issue 4, April 2008

HelloagainmyLBCfans, WehadagreatclubdriveonSaturday,andmanykudosgotoElizabethandDeanMericasforplanningand leadingusdownsomeveryscenic roads,endingatTheBeniniFoundationandSculptureRanchoutsideJohnsonCity.IdidnotthinkitwaspossibletogotoJohnsonCityonroadsI’venevertraveledbefore. ThewinewasnotbeeratTexasHillsWinery.Thewinerywasveryhospitable,servinguptheirdifferentestatevintageswithafoodsampletocontrast.OrsoIamtold.WestoppedinJohnsonCityforlunchbeforegoingontotheBeniniSculptureRanch,averyinterestingItalian-inspiredartstudio.Again,manythankstoElizabethandDeanforaveryorganizedandfunevent. IhopeyouhavebookedyourhotelroomandregisteredtoattendtheVTRRegionalshowinTyler.TheregionalshowsarealwaysagoodtimeandanopportunitytovisitwithfellowTriumphautoenthusiasts.TheRedRiverTriumphClubhasplannedagreateventandTylerpromisestobeamemorabledestination.IknowIwillbetakingnotesfordosanddon’tsforourshowin2009.Asmostofyouknowbynow,HCTCwillbehostingthe2009VTRregionalshow.WhenwereturnfromTylerwewillbegintheplanningprocessinearnest.TherewillbeacalltoarmsattheMaymeeting. Wewillstartformingcommitteesandpoolingourresources.Therewillbealotofworktodoandwehopetogeteverymemberinvolved.IhopetoseeyouinTylerorattheMaymeeting.

Bill(TheLeader)

by Bill Waller

“The Leader”

The RAGTOP 2

a Name :

a Address :

a City / State : a Zip :

a Home Phone :

a Work Phone :

a E-mail address :

a Car Make : a Model : a Year : a Color :

a Car Make : a Model : a Year : a Color :

:: Please circle which method you would like the newsletter delivered : E-mail Snail Mail

:: How did you hear about the Hill Country Triumph Club?

:: Please mail application and check payable HCTC to :

Nel McPhail, 1105 N. Canyonwood Dr., Dripping Springs, TX, 78260

OfficersPresidentBill Waller496.745�bwaller@thomasgraphics.com

Vice-PresidentBob Baker448.0093bcbaker@austin.rr.com

TreasurerEarl McGlothlin292.3387conniemcg@austin.rr.com

SecretaryBob Skewis892.4068skewistx@msn.com

MembershipNel Mcphail656.�456mncphail@austin.rr.com

Ragtop EditorWarren Cole92�.0939frankwarrencole@gmail.com

WebmasterDan Julien45�.3�02dan.julien@alumni.utexas.net

The Hill Country Triumph Club, the 50th Chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR), was founded in 1990 to bring together the owners of Triumph automobiles in the Central Texas area surrounding Austin. In 1991, the membership decided to include other British car fans as associates due to lack of other clubs in our area that represent some of the other marques. As owners and lovers of our unique types of cars, we have a special kinship, which draws us together. Membership is open to anyone who is a British car enthusiast, with or without a car.

Annual dues are just $15.00 per family group or address per year. We have dinner meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and at least one other event each month. We encourage you to join and support us, even if you don’t drive your car regularly. We also offer technical assistance if needed. One goal of the club is to help its members keep their cars on the road. Please call one of the club officers listed in the newsletter for more information about club benefits and spread the word about our club to others.

The Hill Country Club is a local chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR)/Tri-umph Sports Owners Association, which is open to all drivers of Triumph motorcars; a chapter of the Triumph Register of America, exclusively for TR2 through TR4A sports cars; and a chapter of the 6-PACK, dedicated to the enjoyment, preservation, and restora-tion of the Triumph TR250 and TR6 sports cars. Membership in these national organiza-tions is encouraged. Visit their websites at www.vtr.org, www.triumphregister.com, and www.6-pack.org.

The RAGTOP is published monthly by the Hill Country Triumph Club. Material with-in may be freely reproduced providing Ragtop and the authors are credited. Any and all newsletter contributions are welcome. Deadline for submissions is the end of each month. Submissions may be sent to: Warren Cole; 8290 FM 1322; Lockhart, TX 78644 or E-mailed to frankwarrencole@gmail.com. Photos in jpeg format are always welcome. Car related classified ads are free to members and will run for three months unless other-wise instructed. Contact editor for other ads.

Membership Application

April 2008 3

Wehad22memberssignthelist–bringingsevencarstoourmeetingatRudy’sBBQonRR620.NotablymissingwastheintrepidBobKramer,whowasoffona“businesstrip”toLasVegaswithastopoverformoreskiinginColorado.Oneskitripthiswinterwasnotenough.Mem-bersDeanandElizabethMericasencounteredaminorelectricalproblemthatleftthemstrandedontheshorttripfromtheirhomeintheirTR4.RichardCeraldihelpedintherescue,andtheMericasteamcrossedthefinishlineintheirAlfaRomeo.NewmemberFernandoOrtegaattendedwithDonCouchashisnewlyacquired78Spitfireisnotrunningyet–youcanseepicturesofitinthismonth’sissue. TheTylerVTRconventioniscomingonApril16ththroughthe19th–callnowforyourres-ervationsatthehosthotelifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.Negotiationsareprogressingonourne-gotiationstosecurethenewLaQuintainMarbleFallsforourclubhostingofthe2009meeting.The“autocrossboys”(Don,Fernando,RichardandRobert)havebeentappedtosecurealocation,designandrunthecourseattheMarbleFallsconvention. MarbleFallsmembersRalphandJeffieHerterhaveofferedtohostaBBQdinnerattheirhomeaftertheclubattendstheBurnetAirShowonApril12th(thisistheweekendbeforetheVTR).Aprilisshapinguptobequitebusy.Inothernews,ElizabethMericasproposedseveralpossibilitiesforadriveonSaturday,the28thofMarch.Firmplansaretobeemailed,sokeepaneyeoutatyourcomputers. CongratulationsareinorderforDanJulien....aftersufferinganaccidentinhisTR6onSaturdaymorningbeforethelastTexasABCDinSeptember,hisbeautifulrideisbackontheroadandlookingbetterthanever.Thankstoallwhoofferedsparepartsandencouragement–thereisapermanentwheneverDansitsbehindthewheel! MembersattendingintheirTriumphswere....RichardCeraldi,BillWaller,JimandKarenIcenhower,WillisThorstad,DonCouch,GregandSuzyWestandBobSkewis...I’llseeyouontheroad!

by Bob Skewis |Bob’s Your Uncle

March Meeting

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Are you heading to VTR’sNorth American Triumph Challenge?

Now in its 30th year, the Vintage Triumph Register’s National convention is going back to its roots in more ways than one. The convention started as a weekend get-together of what is now the Illinois Sport Owners Associa-

tion and the Detroit Triumph Sportscar Club. This gathering grew into what was then known as the North American Triumph Challenge. Now the North American Triumph Challenge returns to southeast Michigan after a 24-year

hiatus. Highlights will include:

The Spinal Tappets’ Farewell Tour

Indoor 48-hour Spitfire Rebuild, the Ultimate Tech Session!(Sponsored by the North American Spitfire Squadron)

B.S. Levy, banquet keynote

Featured Models:

AutocrossTSD Rally

“Catch the Leprechaun” RallyFunkhana

Concours d'Elegance and Participants’ Choice Car Shows

August 4-8, 2008Ypsilanti, Michigan

Additional info and

to register online:

www.natc2008.com

The organizers wish to thank the City of Ypsilanti for in-kind resources and assistance provided. The City’s special event ordinance section 10-228(c) prohibits the following within the special event area: dogs (except service dogs), horses, farm animals, uncaged domestic animals, snakes, exotic animals, bicycles, skateboards, roller-skates, rollerblades, and glass containers.

April 2008 5

Full name (first, last)

Name as it should appear on badge

Address

City, State, Country (if not USA), and Zip/Postal Code

Commission Number

Exterior / Interior Color

Year / Model

Please indicate the VTR Chapter or Affiliate clubs to which you belong.

I will require a space to park my trailer and tow vehicle.

I would like to be a concours judge.

Your email address (All correspondence will be emailed.)

Telephone

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2008 North American Triumph ChallengeREGISTRATION APPLICATION (www.natc2008.com)

Please check if you would you like this car to beconsidered for the Charles Macartney Award

CAR SHOW DECLARATIONAny vehicle registered without a declaration of Concours or Participant’s

Choice will be deemed Participants’ Choice. Changes of class from Partic-ipant’s Choice to Concours or vice-versa is not permitted without prior written authorization of both the VTR Chief Judge and the NATC2008 Car Show Director. Absolutely no change of class will be considered

after 2:00pm, Wednesday August 6, 2008.

m Concours: Modified Touring

Concours: Showroom Stock

Participant’s Choicem

Concours: Modified Prepared

Concours: Preservation

Concours: Senior

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Please check if you will be competing for the Carolina’s Cupm

VTR Member Number

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Please check if you will run this car in Autocrossm

Terms and Conditions: Proof of car insurance is required to participate in moving events. Under VTR rules, all Triumphs entering Concours and Participant's Choice car shows are required to participate in at least one moving event. Tech and safety inspections are required in order to participate in the Autocross. Any vehicle may be disqualified at the Technical Inspector's discretion for safety reasons. I am aware of the hazards inherent with motor vehicles and specifically release and do indemnity the organizers, supporting sponsors, the Detroit Triumph Sportscar Club, and the Vintage Triumph Register, collectively and separately, from any and all liability from personal injury or property damage incurred by me or my guests while partici-pating in this convention. I understand that the Detroit Triumph Sportscar Club or The Vintage Triumph Register reserves the right to revoke my registration and retain my registration fee should I engage in reckless, dangerous, and/or unsafe behavior. I have read, understand and agree to this release. I have read, understand, and agree to the cancellation policy.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONSSIGNATURE (SIGN OVER TEXT BLOCK, UNSIGNED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED TODAY’S DATE

THIS APPLICATION IS NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED

Cancellation PolicyDue to the nature of this event, certain commitments need to be made to secure venues

and materials for the event. For this reason, the following cancellation policy will be used:

•There is no penalty for cancellations received on or before June 8, 2008. The North American Triumph Challenge will refund the full amount paid.

•A cancellation fee of $25 will be applied to refunds for cancellations received between June 9, 2008 and July 6, 2008.

•A cancellation fee of $50 will be applied to refunds for cancellations received between July 7, 2008 and August 4, 2008. There will be no cancellation on the order of regalia

(T-Shirts, Hats, etc). These items will be shipped to you after the event.•No refund will be issued for cancellations after the start of the event on August 5, 2008.

Regalia items will be shipped to your mailing address after the event.

Please send your check, payable to “DTSC”, to:Sue WatchNATC 2008 Registrar4008 ParkviewRoyal Oak, MI 48073

Tour: The Henry Ford Museum [$12 per person]Info on this and all tours listed at http://www.hfmgv.org/

Tour: Greenfield Village [$17 per person]Tour: Museum and Village Combo [$27 per person]Tour: Ford Rouge Factory Tour [$12 per person]

LodgingYou are responsible for making your own room reservations. The North American Triumph Challenge team has isolated a block of 200 rooms at a discount rate of $99.00 per night plus tax. Your booking code for the discount rate will be emailed to you as well as being located on your receipt. Please reserve your room early as this discount rate is only in ef-fect until June 20, 2008 or until the rooms are gone. Please be sure to reserve your room

as soon as you receive your confirmation.

Tours listed below have been secured at a group rate and therefore must be purchased at time of registration.

GRAND TOTAL $

STEP 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION

STEP 2: VEHICLE INFORMATION

Fee - one car and driver [$95.00, $105 after May 31]VTR membership dues, if not a member [$30]Co-pilot, driving [$15]Co-pilot, non-driving [$10]

Name of your co-pilot My co-pilot would like to be a concours judgeAdditional car [$25]

Awards Banquet [$35 per person] ____Beef ____Chicken ____Pork ____VegetarianRegalia: Baseball cap [$15]Regalia: T-Shirt [$15] S____ M____ L____ XL____Regalia: T-Shirt [$18] 2XL____ 3XL____Regalia: Polo shirt [$25] S____ M____ L____ XL____ Regalia: Polo shirt [$28] 2XL____ 3XL____

Please indicate events you plan to participate in: Welcome Reception Autocross “Chase the Leprechaun” Rally TSD Rally Ice Cream Run [$] Panoramic Photo/Riverside Stroll to Dinner [$] Breakfast Run [$] Auction (must pre-register items by 7-1-08, info 586-979-4875 or snydleydog@yahoo.com) Youngsters’ Pizza Party (complimentary)

STEP 3: CONVENTION FEES

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Note: You must have driven your car in one of the driving events (indicated with ) in order to participate in the Car Show.

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY

m Funkhana

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April 2008 7

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April 2008 9

Welcomes new member:Fernando Ortega - 1978 Spitfire Welcomes back:Andy Bruner - 1980 Spitfire

My lamented 1979 Spitfire Assorted Triumph 1500 parts (most 1979 vintage), including crankshaft, camshaft

(stock), J-type OD input housing, water pump, oil pan, 2 oil pumps, front oil seal-

ing block, front and rear block plates, starter(yes, it’s Lucas), flywheel, set of new

valve guides, new +0.010 rod bearings, stock valve cover, front pulley, timing case

cover w/ new gasket, oil pressure relief valve, assorted motor and transmission

mounts and gaskets. First $50.00 cash takes the lot plus a sturdy wooden box to

transport and store it all.

Rod, 512-887-5868 or 512-869-3444. Available for inspection in Georgetown.

Driving Event

All Triumph Dirive-In

Richland, Washington

August 15-17

Registration;

magdah@comcast.net

HCTC New Members

Spitfire giveawayMy name is Pete Kelly. I was a member in past

years and plan to join again. I am in the process

of moving and need to give away a 1978 parts car.

If you know someone who is interested please

call. 512-914-7456 Thank You.

Classy Classifieds

The RAGTOP �0

Here are some photos of Fernando’s new TR4HCTC Photos

April 2008 ��

HCTC Photos

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APRIL 20088 Club meeting, TBA12 Burnet Air Show16-19 2008 VTR South Central Regional Triumph Meet Location: Holiday Inn Select, 5701 South Broadway, Tyler TX (100 miles east of Dallas) Host: Red River Triumph Club URL: redrivertriumphclub.org/regional2008_index.html Contacts: Jim Thompson - JimT@ieee.org and Paul Higley - SDIPDH@aol.com

MAY 20086 Club meeting, TBA

��05 N. Canyonwood Dr.Dripping Springs, TX 78620address change requested

The next Hill Country Triumph Club meeting will be held at 7 PM on Tuesday, April 8, Hangtown Grill, located in the Westlake Village Shopping Center, 701 S. Capital of Texas Highway,

on the S.E. corner of Bee Caves Road and Capital of Texas Hwy. (Loop 360), telephone 347-1039..

Hill Country Triumph Club Events

“If it says Jan 08 or earlier, your dues are past due”.