Off-Side Undo - June 2009

Local Ramblings

I’ve finally settled into a garage routine after a month or so of being on the road and I must say I’m enjoying it. I’ve been working diligently at completing the front-end rebuild on the GT and it shows. At times it can get to be overwhelming to see all that needs to be done and realizing that you’ll be forever reaching the completion stage. I’m trying to set shorter goals, little bites or nibbles and gaining satisfaction from completion of the smaller bits. It makes the entire job go a little easier and you don’t get the feeling that you’ve got to rush to reach the end. Of course the time in the garage also means that while doing those small mind dulling projects, you know the cleaning, sanding, prepping, painting you have plenty of time for the "might as wells". So as I’ve whittled away at the front end work I’ve managed to convenience myself that now is as good a time as any to start planning for the differential replacement, it’s had a growl since I purchased the car seven or eight years ago and the engine sure is throwing a lot oil, beyond the acceptable or expected amount for a LBC, Oh well, might as well.

I’ve received an e-mail from Walter Mashburn looking for sheet metal parts for his TR-3. He’s not been forthcoming with the details but reading between the lines he’s in the middle of a major rebuild. Come on Walter, drop us a line and let us know what progress your making on your summer project. I recently happened across Royce Boyer out and about in his Tiger. He’s making head way on his project recently having the interior redone and looking great.

One of the other activities that I’m enjoying during the break in travels is attending the local car shows. Although mainly populated by domestic cars it’s close by and it’s a gathering of like-minded folks that just love cars. You might also be surprised at the number of English cars that show up also.

I’ve received reports from Mike Glore, Howard Laramy and Keith Anderson over the past few weeks. The heat hasn’t slowed down their travels at all. Mike and Howard attended The Live Oaks Concours d'Elegance in Baton Rouge on May 9th and Mike supplied us with photos. Both indicated that the show was great with some very nice automobiles in attendance. Mike also made the Lotus Owners Gathering held a Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama during May.

Keith Anderson, David Bailey and Dennis Loftin also traveled during the month of May making it over to The Walter Mitty.

Here are Keith’s notes from The Mitty:

Dennis Loftin, David Bailey and I decided to attend the Walter Mitty vintage race near Atlanta last month for a "guy's weekend". Our first stop was at Ferrari of Atlanta. We spent a couple hours enjoying the beautiful showrooms that included the new models of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Maserati.

We made a trip around back to the service department in hope of finding a couple old Ferrari pistons or rods that could be made into trophies. But we were surprised to learn that the technicians must send Ferrari engines back to the factory to be rebuilt. Then they install a complete replacement in the customer's car. Be sure to ask David about his purchase of a special wax that Ferrari recommends (i.e. expensive) to its owners. We'll have to find out just how well it really works on David's cars!

Then we headed for Road Atlanta where we enjoyed a tour of the paddock where we were able to get up close and personal with the cars, drivers and crew. My favorite car was a very original looking 1955 Maserati 300S with a dual over cam 6 with dual distributors. The crew spent time speaking with each of us about the cars under their canopy. It's always a real pleasure to find so many wonderful folks in vintage racing who are always ready to put down a wrench in order to speak to a curious onlooker.

The original Group 44 members and cars had come from all across the US to Road Atlanta for a big reunion. The Group 44 cars and with the current owners, along with the original drivers gathered for an hour-long review and presentation in the pits during quiet hour. Then it was great seeing the 1975 Championship-winning BP Jaguar XKE-V12 with Bob Tullius at the wheel lapping Road Atlanta with grandson enjoying the ride.

Keith Anderson

Thanks Keith! Sorry I missed that one.

As many folks know, over the Memorial Day weekend Pat Cashman had a fall from his mo-ped receiving some pretty nasty injuries. I’ve e-mailed back and forth with Barbara and Pat is getting up and around a bit now, returning to work a little and hopes to attend Jake Weaver’s Picnic and Tire Kick'n this coming Saturday. Hope that everyone can make it down. We’ll have burgers. Bring a side if you can.

This will be our first EMC gathering in a while and we need to start plans for the 2009 Brits By The River.

Here’s the events calendar for The EMC. Do make plans to join us!

JUNE 20, 2009 - Jake Weaver’s Picnic and Tire Kick’n / Clinton MS Jake has agreed to fire up the grille again in 2009 for our annual "darn and it’s just gettin' hot” summer gathering. We’ll provide the core food group requirements you can bring a side dish. We’re usually light on work however Jake may have a project or two we can help with. Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch break about 12:00pm. Details: Jake Weaver (601) 974-4367

JULY 18, 2009 - EMC Lotus Weekend / Braxton MS Last year was the follow up year and nothing was broken. Participant’s had a great drive down and enjoyed spending the afternoon wandering around Mike and Alice’s place in the country. Join us for a great ride thru the country, good food and company. Details: Mike and Alice Glore (504) 231-5801

AUGUST 15, 2009 - EMC Tech Session II / Brandon MS When we last visited the David and Jo Ann they were still in the garage assembly phase. Come on out for the 2009 update. There’s enough room here for everyone. Tire kicking begins at 11:00am and a meal at 12:00pm. Details: David and Jo Ann Bailey (601) 992-8566

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston

EMC