Cool Running
Finally some
fall weather here in Central
Mississippi. Great cruising weather
especially mornings and evenings.
The August 19th gathering of the EMC
at Barry and Pattie Schmidt was a
blast. Although Barry didn’t offer
up any projects everyone seemed to
be in a Triumph mood with extensive
pondering, head scratching, poking
and prodding going on around the TR7
of Ron and Haven Stuckey and John
Turbeville’s TR8. There were a
couple of non-LBC car folks that
dropped by, one even in a Hummer.
Boy, talk about overpowering.
Everyone had a great time on the
veranda whiling away the hours.
Barry cooked up some fine beer can
chicken and fixings and we all went
home in a very satisfied state.
David Crawford
indicates that he’s still as good as
in his younger days. I had updated
everyone on Tech Wiz Keith and my
assist with the removal of the
engine from his MGA that he
single-handedly installed way back
in the early ‘70's. Seems David is
still up to the task having
installed the new lump in a one man
feat of courage. Way to go David. He
indicates he still has a bug or two
to work out but is well on his way
to rolling out the new and improved
MGA.
Tech Wiz Keith
as been working away on Al and
Debbie Adam’s Rover, still
maintaining it’s home in Jackson
while they have relocated to
Tennessee. Engine conversion is in
place and runs great however Keith
is struggling with a balky gearbox.
After running
the heck out of Old Red during the
first six months of 2006 I guess
that a little maintenance is not
unexpected so he’s been blessed with
new u-joints and replacement starter
and distributor. My only out of
pocket has been on the u-joints. One
of the benefits of owning the MGB is
that many of the parts are available
locally. I won’t call the name
however with a lifetime replacement
warranty on the starter and
distributor and usual delivery
within a couple of days they just
can’t be beat in my book.
I received the
following note from Terry Trovato
since the last edition of The
Off-Side and thought I’d repeat it
here for those that might have
missed it:
To All:
Thought you'd
enjoying seeing a real British
Rarity--a 1934 Singer Sports Nine
sporting an EMC Drive Through
History Rallye Badge.
This wonderful
and rare vehicle is owned by Peter
McKercher, Ottawa, Canada. The car
was purchased by Peter as a parts
car in London, England, during the
late 1980s and was a complete basket
case. Fortunately, all of the
important serial numbered parts were
present, along with most of the
original upholstery pieces, gauges,
fascia equipment and other key
proprietary parts.
Since 1990, BMD
211, as it was originally
registered, has undergone a complete
ground up restoration. All of the
ash coachwork has been replaced and
the original aluminum skin was
refitted after having been welded in
all the critical places. New front
and rear wings were courtesy of the
Hardwick Emporium of Impossible
Parts. Other additional bits
proprietary to Singer and not
available through Dave were machined
courtesy of Gary's Custom Cycle in
Ottawa, where all chrome work was
done.
BMD 211 was
originally delivered from the
factory on March 31, 1934 to the
Spikins Ltd dealership in
Twickenham. The original colors were
ivory with red upholstery, Signal
Red wings and wheels.
The new colors
retain the antique ivory body. The
wheels are ivory and the wings have
been changed slightly from the
original Signal Red to a candy apple
red with matching upholstery.
I presented
Peter with the magnetic EMC Rallye
Badge several years ago as a "thank
you" for his hospitality when I
journeyed from Natchez to Montreal
with our Singer Nine roadster in tow
to participate in the annual
Beaconsfield British Car Show.
Terry Trovato
Thanks to Terry
for sharing the story and history
regarding this lovely car.
As of last
notice we’ve received a total of 22
pre-registrations for Brits By The
River ‘06. That may be a record! My
check with the Comfort Suites this
evening indicates a few rooms
remain. Time is drawing near and
plans have been made for a great
gathering.
Here is an update of the schedule
with a few more details:
Schedule of Events Brit’s By The
River / September 29 - 30, 2006
Registration: 4:00pm - 7:00pm,
Friday, Sept. 29th
River View RV Park and Resort
Refreshments/hors d’oeuvres
Band will be on stage at the
Festival Site.
Registration/Cruise Line-up: 10:00am
Sat., Sept 30th - Comfort
Suites parking lot
Pre-Show Cruise thru Vidalia:
10:00am
Cruise Vidalia
Show and Competition: 12:00pm to
3:00pm on the Mississippi River
Levee
Judging: 12:30pm until 2:00pm
Awards Presentation: 3:00pm Show
Site
*times are subject to change.
If you need additional information
please contact:
John Turbeville (601 940 - 5288 or
Gene Johnston (601) 607 - 7021
Here are other area gatherings on
the calendar:
OCTOBER 27 - 28, 2006 - South
Alabama British Car Festival /
Fairhope AL
Even in an off year these folks put
together a great late season
gathering. The show is held at
waters edge in Fairhope. Good food,
show and shopping to boot with a
whole lot of friends along to share
the good time. Details:
www.sabcc.org
<http://www.sabcc.org>
That’s it for the September edition
of The Off-Side Undo. Get out and
enjoy the great fall weather and by
all means, make your plans to join
us at Brits By The River ‘06.
Happy Motoring
Gene Johnston
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