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Mr. Toad’s Stool

By Larry Carlson, President

Vintage Viewpoint

Vol. 41 No 9 Vintage MG Car Club September 2007

The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 12, at the Pizza Joynt, 39 W. North Ave., Northlake, IL, 8 p.m. – 708-562-5334

It is common knowledge that the U.S. Government, in its infinite idiocy, rang the death knell for MG by regulating it out of the country. Catalytic converters, rubber bumpers: is it any wonder we wound up with K cars and the death mobile, a/k/a the Pinto? Almost from the beginning of automobile production in England, the British government had a hand in designing and manufacturing cars. And, like the American government’s hand, the only thing the British government’s hand did was pour sugar down the auto industry’s gas tank.

Undoubtedly you are familiar with the term “RAC horsepower.” This term has little to do with horsepower and everything to do with money. This is made clear when you use its sister term, “treasury rating.” This was the method by which annual car excise taxes were calculated in England between 1910 and 1948. This tax was designed to raise money to build roads. The government decided that the people who use the roads ought to be the people who pay for the roads; this tax was levied against the owner when he bought the car, and annually thereafter.

Based on a crude formula wherein only the sum of the engine’s total piston crown area was taken into consideration (not total displacement, RPM or other factors), technical progress soon rendered this method ludicrous. Of course this never stopped the government (ours or theirs) because it dictated how much the owner would pay per year.

The actual RAC hp formula used was this:

(bore in mm)2 x number of cylinders RAC hp= ------------------------------------------------ 1613

Since a high annual tax would deter sales, the manufacturers cleverly, or so they thought, designed long-stroke, narrow-bore engines, thereby minimizing the piston’s surface area and keeping down the tax. This gave rise to such model designations as the Austin “Seven,” Lanchester “Thirties,” and even the big Rolls Royce 40/50. The tax was £1 per rated horsepower

from 1910 to 1935. It was reduced in 1936 but increased during the war. After the war, the government finally figured out it was a stupid system and simply charged each owner a flat £10 per year. But the damage

had been done.

This tax system had directly distorted British engine design. The Brits cranked out virtually nothing but long-stroke motors for 40 years and for years after that. These engines offered less RPM potential and therefore less ultimate power than European and American cars. High piston speeds due to the long strokes accelerated wear. Engine operating temperatures were usually higher and therefore compression ratios had to be kept low. Problems such as these come up continually during our tech talks. Just remember this: despite the government’s meddling, MG turned out some engines that are still running 40, 50, 60, and 70+ years after rolling out of Abingdon. That is British engineering.

Don’t forget!!!

Sunday September 9th, Morraine Valley Community College, The British Car Union show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Club will have a booth and we will be lined up together. Raffles and tech sessions will be going on all day. Registration is $15. Registration forms are available at www.britishcarunion.com or from Rey

Navarro. Be there or be square.

Post BCU Spaghetti Dinner at the Miczek’s 13825 Dixonway Drive,

Lemont Illinois Call Julie at 708-323-6512

to let her know that you’re coming, and what dish to share you’ll be bringing.

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Minutes of the Meeting of the Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago

August 8, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by President Larry Carlson. There were 18 members in attendance. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved by motion. Ric Maitzen reported a treasury balance of $8,528.90, with a full report to be published in the Viewpoint. Lou Louchious reported no new activity in regalia. Bill Dobeus reported 93 members have paid their annual dues, including three new members, Robert McLeod, owner of a ’51 TD, and Chris Petry and Bill Mouhot, both owners of ’53 MG TDs.

OLD BUSINESS

Those who attended the July GOF in Minnesota reported they had a great time. VMGCC members captured several awards. John Failla won 1st place with his 1935 PB, Gerry Risner won 3rd place for his 1955 TF, and Duane McCart won the craft contest for his outstanding TD. In addition, the club won the Paul Johnson Award for the most miles driven to the GOF. Three cheers for the winners and for the club! Next year’s GOF will be held in Auburn, Indiana August 10 -12. The 2009 GOF will be in Wisconsin, 2010 will be in Ohio, and we will host the gathering in 2011.

NEW BUSINESS

Rey Navarro is working on a get-together August 18th with an individual in North Riverside who has an impressive collection of classic cars. The President’s Picnic will be held Saturday, August 11th in conjunction with the Momence Gladiolus Festival.

Other upcoming events include the Naper Settlement Car Show September 2nd, and the BCU September 9th. Members discussed the pros and cons of joining the New England T Register. No action was taken.

TECHNICAL TOPICS

One of Gerry Risner’s clients, an oil distributor, is trying to purchase 100 cases of Castrol Classic Motor Oil 20W/50, and if successful, it will be available to our members on a per case basis

PROGRAM

Bill Dobeus demonstrated the pull-type road grader model he obtained in 1940 and subsequently restored. An interesting piece of machinery and very nicely repaired and brought back to life! Upon motion made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Win Gould, Secretary

TREASURER’S REPORT Ric Maitzen, Treasurer

Next Month’s Program Gerry Risner is digging though his vast collection of stuff and will put together a slide show for our viewing enjoyment. Be there.

Guy Fawkes Day – Mark your calendar

Bill Cole says “looks like we will hold the burning on Saturday, November 3rd.” Watch for details in the October Viewpoint.

Beginning Balance, 7/14/07 $8,528.90 Receipts: Membership (91-93) 100.00 Advertisers 100.00 Disbursements: August VV -133.90 Ending Balance, $8,595.00

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President's Picnic Report By Larry Carlson The World Famous Gladiolus Festival and Car Show in Momence, Illinois was the site for this year's President's Picnic. (See pictures on a following page.) For the second straight year it was a picture perfect summer day. Our Club was once again given a designated spot on the east end of the island. The shade trees were more than welcome as it was hot and there was little breeze. About 10 members attended, including three TDs and one TF. Herman Buttram amazed some car guys with his personal air conditioning system, a sorely needed attachment for the hot ride home. Bill and Alice Latham parked their two MGAs with us. And for the second year in a row a member was a trophy winner! Bill Latham's Metropolitan took home a trophy almost as large as the car. Congratulations! Another highlight of the afternoon was a surprise visit from Carl Miller, a member from the early days of the Club. He told stories of long-ago outings that were simply hilarious. Carl retired and now lives in Florida.

Garage Visit to Andy Simo’s By Jennifer Smith

On Saturday, 18th, members of VMGCC enjoyed a garage visit organized by Rey Navarro to see Andy Simo’s car collection in Forest Park, Illinois. Andy is the President of New Archery Products (NAP), makers of high-tech arrow rests/holders, broadhead arrow heads, and other archery products. Members were treated to coffee and donuts and Andy’s fabulous car collection consisting of a couple of Stutz’s, XK 140 Jaguars, and a magnificent green Bentley just to name a few. You can see some pictures on a following page.

After drooling over the cars, Andy took us on a tour of his company that developed out of his love of

archery. To learn more about Andy’s business, you can visit his website at www.newarchery.com . It was then on to lunch at Yia Yia’s in North Riverside. After lunch, a few members came by my house to see my 1948 MG TC just a couple of miles away from the restaurant.

Come out and join us at the next garage visit or host one of your own – it’s a fun time to be had by all.

More About Zinc Bill Cole passed this email along. Subject: RE: Rotella Ask Our Expert: Switching Oils Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:27:55 -0500 From: <AskShell@Shell.com> To: Rotella T with Triple Protection 15W-40 CJ-4 has approximately 1200 ppm zinc (ZDDP). This is 50% more zinc than current passenger car motor oils which contain approximately 800 ppm zinc. Passenger car motor oils had approximately 1200 ppm zinc prior to 2001. In 2001 the zinc in passenger car motor oils was reduced to 1000 ppm and in 2005 reduced again to the current 800 ppm. Rotella T with Triple Protection 15W-40 does have a gasoline rating of SM (not energy conserving GF-4, would void a new car warranty). http://www.shellusserver.com/products/pdf/RotellaT(CJ-4).pdf http://www.api.org/certifications/engineoil/categories/upload/EngineOilGuide2006.pdf Thus, the new Rotella T with Triple Protection 15W-40 CJ-4 has the same zinc anti-wear content that passenger car motor oils had in 2000 before the current problems with flat tappet engine began. Rotella T oils should work well in your older British cars. Richard Moore Staff Engineer Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. Westhollow Technology Center, PO Box 4327, Houston, TX 77210, United States of America 1-800-231-6950

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The VMGCC Annual

Spoon River Valley in Fulton County, Illinois

Enjoy the 40th Annual Fall Festival

October 12, 13 & 14 …

… and the Spoon River Valley scenic drive of Fulton County through London Mills, Farmington, Avon, Ellisville, Mount Pisgah Park, Fairview, Canton, Cuba, Smithfield, Bernadette, Lewistown, Ipava, Duncan Mills, Waterford, and Astoria.

Lots of antique shopping, historic sites, apple butter, chicken & dumplings.

We will be staying at the Stoney Creek Inn located at 101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL (Tel 309-694-1300). We have a good room rate ($89.00) if you mention the Vintage MG Car Club. The price includes breakfast. We have 15 rooms reserved, and they will be released on 9/12/2007.

If you arrive on Friday, we will have a tailgate party in the parking lot. We are trying to arrange for a dinner on Saturday evening.

If you are going to arrive on Saturday, try to leave home early so we can be together on the drive. The hotel is about 150 miles from Chicago, and the best route is I-55 to exit 163 to merge onto I-74 West toward Peoria. Take exit 95B for IL-116 East toward Metamora, merge onto IL-116 (North Main Street or US-150). Left at Access Road 6 to hotel. P.S. Don’t forget to bring your T-type. In case you forgot, it looks like this:

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Memories of the GOF Mk XXIX By Diana Gonzales

GOF XXIX is now only a pleasant memory. It was as always a special time for a “Gathering of Friends.” The Minnesota MGT Register put in a lot of effort to provide us with a relaxed but fun-filled weekend. The First-Timers show and barbecue were marred only by a bit of rain as was the car show on Saturday. But in true British spirit we carried on. The show field on Saturday held 100 beautiful MGs along with their prideful owners who were out there dusting and polishing. As is the custom, there were plenty of things to do including the tech sessions, rallies and a bus trip to the Mall of America. There were self guided tours or you could just sit around the hotel, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Our Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago was represented by approximately 16-17 members. VMGCC won the traveling Paul Johnson Award and several members won individual awards which are listed on our web site, www.vintagemgchicago.com. All too soon it was time to say goodbye and drive back home until next year’s convention, which we are looking forward to. Next year we are going to Auburn IN, practically in our back yard. The banquet will be held in the Auburn-Cord Museum. It doesn’t get much better than that, guys. Convention registration and hotel information can be found on our website. Mark your Calendars!

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The President’s Picnic – Momence, Illinois

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The Andy Simo Garage Visit

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British Car Union presents

BRITISH CAR FESTIVAL

September 9, 2007

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, Illinois

(Chicago Suburb)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRITISH CAR FESTIVAL

2007 REGISTRATION FORM

NAME_______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________________ CITY_____________________________ STATE_______ ZIP__________________ PHONE____________________________ E-Mail____________________________ WOULD YOU LIKE HOTEL INFORMATION?__________ WILL YOU PARTICIPATE IN SATURDAY RALLY?_____

BRITISH CAR / MOTORCYCLE - 1: MAKE_____________________ MODEL____________________ YEAR_______

BRITISH CAR / MOTORCYCLE - 2: MAKE_____________________ MODEL____________________ YEAR_______

(List additional cars on separate sheet)

BRITISH CAR FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS CAN ONLY BE GUARANTEED THROUGH

PRE-REGISTRATION.

_____S, _____M, _____L, _____XL, _____XXL - Quantity of each size desired @ $10.00 ea.

PRE-REGISTRATION FEE: $15.00 $_____________ (Includes one car) ADDITIONAL CARS(each): $5.00 $______________ TOTAL SHIRTS @ $10.00:$_____________________

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $_________________________

Send completed form and check, payable to "British Car Union," to: British Car Union

P.O. Box 928 Downers Grove, IL 60515-928

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GOF CENTRAL MK XXX

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VMGCC REGALIA

Qty. Item Price Amount

Lapel Pin 1" 6.00

Key Ring 1" 6.00

Stick Pin 1" 6.00

Charm 3/4" 5.00

Tie Tack 3/4" 5.00

Lapel Pin 3/4" 5.00

Name Tag 10.00

Decal-transfer 1.00

Car Badge 25.00

Patch, sew-on 5.00

Cap (black or tan) 12.00

2005 GOF Lapel Pin 2.00

2005 GOF Dash Plaque 1.00

Postage*

Total *Please add $2.00 for postage. Add an additional $2.00 for

caps & car badges

Send Regalia order to: Lou Louchios

3101 West Frontage Rd. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Orders may be picked up at regular business meetings

with no postage charge. Contact Lou first.

e-mail: Mgairline35@aol.com phone: 847 397-0623

First Name

________________________

Last Name

________________________

Name: Address:

Phone:

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL

Dues and registration $25.00 per year Make your check payable to: Vintage MG Car Club

Mail your payment to: Bill Dobeus – Membership

1556 Tara Lane Lake Forest, IL 60045

Include the following with your dues. We will use this information to update our membership directory Name:___________________________________ Spouse or Partner:_________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ Home Phone:______________________________ Street:_____________________________________________ Business Phone: ____________________________ City:_______________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________ State and Zip:_______________________________________ Please list your MGs, including Model and Year: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Officers and Directors – 2007

President: Larry Carlson, Vice President: Jennifer Smith, Secretary: Win Gould, Treasurer: Ric Maitzen Board of Directors: Jerry Cihak, Brian Dubin, Glenn Grossklags

Newsletter: Greg Hoeft- Editor, Lou Louchios- Distribution Website: www.vintagemgchicago.com

Scheduled Activities –September 2007 Sunday, September 2 – Naper Settlement Car Show Sunday, September 9 – The British Car Festival Sunday, September 9 – Post BCU at the Miczek’s October 12, 13, 14 – The Fall Color Tour Saturday, November 3 – Guy Fawkes Day

Vintage MG Car Club

C/O Editor 1814 Illinois Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062

First Class Mail