Tops Down 2008

Brighter and earlier than in past years was how my trip to Tops Down started on March 22, 2008. My poor memory decided that a 9:30am get away time from the rendevous point in Jackson would be the thing to get us down the Natchez Trace before the traffic started to build. Several of the more tenured members of the club were joined by new members Zach Adams, Trey Decell and Andy Menapace for the leisurely drive down to Rocky Springs. After a few grumbles I realized that my poor memory put us into Rocky Springs about an hour before the others arrived.

Oh well, I’m sure my dear Martha won’t let that happen again next year. Known for our late appearances it was a real eye opener. But the early morning drive was well worth the effort as we took in the deer and turkey scurrying off the Trace on our approach.

Zach traveled down in his very nice 1973 MGB GT. Trey was in his 1974 MGB and Andy came in his novel 1975 Alfa so the early arrival gave us some time to inspect the British iron and what? An Alfa? Where did that come from? Jake Weaver drove in his 1967 TR-4 to bring the number of enthusiast cars to nine for the gathering. After another award winning picnic we gathered around for a brief meeting and the official word was given to drop the tops to begin the Summer Solstice party. We had a great time and enjoyed having 3 new members on hand for the 2008 celebration. Thanks everyone for coming out!

New Orleans’s British Car Days

The very next weekend Martha and I joined Jim and Faye Enzman and had another great drive down to New Orleans for the 18th Annual British Car Day organized by the British Motoring Club of New Orleans. Jim led the way as we avoided all contact with the interstate system from Eddiceton all the way to Covington LA. We bounded across the Causeway straight to the host hotel and were greeted by members of the host club. The Friday night welcome reception has become a tradition and this year’s was no exception with food and good times enjoyed by all in attendance.

Saturday rolled in a little overcast with threatening skies which did let a little of the wet stuff thru but by no means was gutter cleaner for the 100 plus cars in attendance. Nothing like a little practice in the art of top-down, top-up then repeat. There where some unique cars at the years show. When was the last time you saw a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, an Riley Elf or a Worseley Hornet Crayford DHC. And all in the same location at that!

In addition to the cars on the field the attendees were treated to a tour of the body repair facilities at Delgado Community College. In the process of restoration were an MGA and an MG Magnette. We really enjoyed our weekend with the folks from the BMCNO. Congratulations for hosting a great 18th annual British Car Days. For photos and order of awards check out their web-site at www.bmcno.org

Mike’s Lotus Weekend

We’re really cramming in the weekends before the heat of summer and Saturday April 11 was another great one. I cleared the departure time with Martha and seven members took off again on the back roads drive down to Mike and Alice’s digs in Braxton. Only lost for a brief time in Braxton, don't ask, we arrived and the festivities began. Another brief meeting and a full meal and a lazy afternoon in Simpson County playing with Mike's toys. You just can't ask for more.

Car Updates

Ronnie and Haven Stuckey have been MIA for the last few gatherings and Ron indicates that his TR-7 has protested:The clutch has never released well (and then started leaking again) so I replaced the master, slave & hose with all new parts. Still no luck because the clutch yoke came adrift in the housing. That means, sports fans, that the tranny has to come OUT to resolve the problem! Also the "box" is bolted to the bell housing from the inside so they must come off (and be replaced) together. I can’t wait for this one. It’ll probably take me half the summer to get it going again. I plan to replace the clutch/P-Plate, throw-out, rear main seal, & front tranny seal while I’m in the neighborhood. Ain’t life grand. Jim Enzman as secured his newly refurbished GT engine and is in process of reinstalling. Remember Jim, no snake oil in the oil this time! Brother Clay has finally gotten his "B" back with a fresh coat of paint on it. Smells and looks so good and Royce Boyer is having tranny issues with his Tiger. Out with engine engine say’s Royce!

And a final note on our beloved LBC’s and the frustrating times that they can sometimes bring from Terry Trovato:

"The Case of the Bouncing Hammer"

After completing the restoration of our 1960 Austin-Healey 3000, we noticed an alarming electrical trait. When the car was setting in storage, the battery--a state trooper interceptor 9 million amp special-- would discharge at an alarming rate. We figured out that the Healey factory anti-theft cut-off switch was at fault, so I had the guy who did the majority of work on the car remove it and pitch it in the can. (For you non-Healeyites, those BMC blokes in the Mother Country located the battery, and the switch, in the boot.)

The battery quit discharging, and problem solved! Well, not exactly. When motoring about at speed, someone or something (lest we think Prince of Darkness) would magically turn off the ignition and the car would coast to a stop. Call wrecker (flat-bed truck) spend $50, get car to mechanic. They would remove car from the flat-bed truck and, just for fun, they'd see if it would start. Vvvrrrrroooooooom! The Healey big six would jump to life. "There's nothing wrong with your car--come and get it," stated the voice on the other end of the phone. Drive car for another six months or so and then, the ignition ghost returned, car rolled to a stop. Called wrecker again, took car to mechanic, rolled it off truck, fired right up!

I said to the trusty mechanic, who worked on BMC products some 45 years ago while working at a British car dealership, "This is getting expensive--find out what's going on here!" The next day he calls, and with a smile in his voice he says, "I've found it!"

"When your pal removed that anti-theft switch, he tucked one of the wires underneath your trunk installation but, evidently being in a hurry that day, he never capped off the live wire. As long as the uninsulated wire was not touching metal, your car would run fine. But while driving when you hit a bump, your Thor copper hammer (used to remove the eared knock-offs) would bounce, come down on the wire, the wire would touch the metal gas tank, and the car would quit! When you had it loaded onto the wrecker, it would bounce around on the way out here, the hammer would bounce off of the wire, the wire would change position not touching metal, and the car would start right up." And that's the truth! Wire capped, problem solved. Terry reminded me that it's not alway Sir Lucas's fault.

Here’s the update from the Events Calendar. For more see our website.

April 18 - 19, 2008 Brits on the Bay / Pensacola FL

The Panhandle British Car Association has announced an exciting agenda for their 2008 even. Join the EMC for the trip down. Don’t miss the Friday night PROTOADS "Red Beans and Rice" in the hospitality suite. Details: www.pbca1.com <http://www.pbca1.com/>

May 16 - 17, 2008 - Sports Cars at Buck Creek / Helena AL The Birmingham British Car Club had a great show in 2007 at their new location so make plans to run over to Helena AL for the 2008 gathering. The hospitality is great and the shows in the shade in picturesqueHelena. Keep an eye on their web site for further information. Details: www.birminghambmc.org

MAY 24, 2008 - Drive Thru History / The Train Time Tour Dennis have been out exploring some new locations so we’re going to run a little north of the Pine Belt and follow the rails over toward Meridian MS. Pack your bags we’re headed for the A Train. Details: Gene Johnston (601) 607 - 7021

April and May have been great for the members of the EMC that have gotten out an about and the fun’s not over yet. Don't forget to get your membership dues in. They remain $25.00 and you can find remittance info at our website.

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston