A bit of car humour
Q. How do you double the value of a Yugo?
A. Fill the Tank
Q. What is found on the last two pages of every Yugo owner’s manual?
A. The bus schedule.
Q. Why do Yugos come with heated rear windows?
A. To keep your hands warm while you’re pushing them
Q. What do you call a Yugo with brakes?
A. Customized.
Q. How do you make a Yugo go faster downhill?
A. Turn off the engine.
A. Fill the Tank
Q. What is found on the last two pages of every Yugo owner’s manual?
A. The bus schedule.
Q. Why do Yugos come with heated rear windows?
A. To keep your hands warm while you’re pushing them
Q. What do you call a Yugo with brakes?
A. Customized.
Q. How do you make a Yugo go faster downhill?
A. Turn off the engine.
Trip Report—Across the Bay to Windsor
Joe Hine was clearly apprehensive about the 1000 K journey that loomed before us as we gathered in my driveway under a gorgeous morning sky on Friday. This would be the first time his MGTD had ventured beyond the immediate Fredericton area and thoughts of serious breakdowns had made him edgy. I had been urging him for weeks to drive the car to Windsor and wasn't the slightest bit worried—after all, it wasn't MY car.
The drive down the 102 to Saint John to take the ferry was uneventful and characteristically beautiful. Joe took the lead, being the slowest car, and we arrived at the ferry terminal in good time where we joined up with Ralph and his recently roadified MGA.
It became a normal occurrence at each stop for people to ask about the cars and listen to our stories of the horrors and challenges of restoration. We where all traveling stag on this trip and without our wives present to keep us honest the rust holes got bigger, the wiring more frayed, and the restorations became almost insurmountable.
On the ferry, over (surprisingly) not too overpriced lunches, we played with our various toys, iPods, iPads, and an Android. We were having something of a race with the group taking the overland route and were able to track each other's progress with the help of some software and any available WiFi connection. We made a point out of the fact that as we ate lunch we were still covering ground (or water) while the overland gang had to stop to eat. I also discovered that when the WiFi connection gets horrible, one can piggyback on a smartphone's 3G connection and quickly eat up the hosts monthly data allotment—sorry Joe.
Now in Digby, we headed north towards Windsor. I'd taken the lead and true to form gotten us a bit lost. It was a good opportunity to check the location of the local winery where we ran into a group of 'B's that quickly set us on the correct route. The rest of the trip was (of course) beautiful and (thankfully) uneventful. As we rolled up onto the lawn at the show site it looked like we'd beaten the overland gang as they weren't to be seen. Just as I started to crow about our victory, Joe pointed out that the brown TR6 I'd parked beside was Carolyn and David's. Much subdued, it was time to meet folks and we all gathered near the food and wine tasting tables. Afterwards a large group of us wandered into the Spitfire pub in town where we joined forces with an even larger group to enjoy the evening and eventually the late night. Later, as I settled into my dorm bunk I made the horrifying discovery that my roomie snored. Not the polite nasal whistling or barely audible snicker, this was a floor rattling resonance that promised to make sleep impossible. Luckily my time on a Navy destroyer served me well and I pretended that the noise was the 10 inch guns which let me fall asleep immediately.
Saturday was just like Saturday the year before—but without the pounding rain. This drew many cars out and the show was great with a record number of entries. The after dinner festivities consisted of a kitchen party where our very own David Nielsen stole the show and did FABAC proud.
Sunday morning saw the final event of the weekend take place at the Spitfire pub with a monstrous breakfast that consisted of a years supply of cholesterol washed down with tea. Back on the road head towards Digby, the four of us had time to kill and we made a few stops on the way to visit friends. The highlight was a visit with a gentleman in Annapolis Royal who was restoring a 1923 Humber. He was equipped with a miniature machine shop where he made the no-longer-available hardware and fittings.
Finally on the ferry and enjoying the second last leg of the trip, we found that the boisterous enthusiasm of the trip over had become a quiet reflection of the weekend. This continued on the drive to Fredericton as we enjoyed the balmy evening and empty road. Parting company at my place, Joe was visibly relieved and grinned broadly at his little MG's accomplishment.
- Bob E.
The drive down the 102 to Saint John to take the ferry was uneventful and characteristically beautiful. Joe took the lead, being the slowest car, and we arrived at the ferry terminal in good time where we joined up with Ralph and his recently roadified MGA.
It became a normal occurrence at each stop for people to ask about the cars and listen to our stories of the horrors and challenges of restoration. We where all traveling stag on this trip and without our wives present to keep us honest the rust holes got bigger, the wiring more frayed, and the restorations became almost insurmountable.
On the ferry, over (surprisingly) not too overpriced lunches, we played with our various toys, iPods, iPads, and an Android. We were having something of a race with the group taking the overland route and were able to track each other's progress with the help of some software and any available WiFi connection. We made a point out of the fact that as we ate lunch we were still covering ground (or water) while the overland gang had to stop to eat. I also discovered that when the WiFi connection gets horrible, one can piggyback on a smartphone's 3G connection and quickly eat up the hosts monthly data allotment—sorry Joe.
Now in Digby, we headed north towards Windsor. I'd taken the lead and true to form gotten us a bit lost. It was a good opportunity to check the location of the local winery where we ran into a group of 'B's that quickly set us on the correct route. The rest of the trip was (of course) beautiful and (thankfully) uneventful. As we rolled up onto the lawn at the show site it looked like we'd beaten the overland gang as they weren't to be seen. Just as I started to crow about our victory, Joe pointed out that the brown TR6 I'd parked beside was Carolyn and David's. Much subdued, it was time to meet folks and we all gathered near the food and wine tasting tables. Afterwards a large group of us wandered into the Spitfire pub in town where we joined forces with an even larger group to enjoy the evening and eventually the late night. Later, as I settled into my dorm bunk I made the horrifying discovery that my roomie snored. Not the polite nasal whistling or barely audible snicker, this was a floor rattling resonance that promised to make sleep impossible. Luckily my time on a Navy destroyer served me well and I pretended that the noise was the 10 inch guns which let me fall asleep immediately.
Saturday was just like Saturday the year before—but without the pounding rain. This drew many cars out and the show was great with a record number of entries. The after dinner festivities consisted of a kitchen party where our very own David Nielsen stole the show and did FABAC proud.
Sunday morning saw the final event of the weekend take place at the Spitfire pub with a monstrous breakfast that consisted of a years supply of cholesterol washed down with tea. Back on the road head towards Digby, the four of us had time to kill and we made a few stops on the way to visit friends. The highlight was a visit with a gentleman in Annapolis Royal who was restoring a 1923 Humber. He was equipped with a miniature machine shop where he made the no-longer-available hardware and fittings.
Finally on the ferry and enjoying the second last leg of the trip, we found that the boisterous enthusiasm of the trip over had become a quiet reflection of the weekend. This continued on the drive to Fredericton as we enjoyed the balmy evening and empty road. Parting company at my place, Joe was visibly relieved and grinned broadly at his little MG's accomplishment.
- Bob E.
To Margaret and Mark Bond and the entire British Motoring Festival Team.
Heartiest congratulations on a highly successful third annual British Motoring Festival in Windsor, NS last weekend. The eight members of FABAC (Fredericton Area British Automobile Club) and their partners thoroughly enjoyed the perfect setting, superb organization, enjoyable additional entertainment (Mr. Bean included!), excellent awards dinner along with the friendship of the participants in their 150 plus vehicles. Plus absolutely perfect weather!! We know it takes a great deal of time, effort and other resources to put such an event together. You did it splendidly. And as you starting planning for next year, we will be planning on supporting it.
John M. Bowles (1974 MGB)
Fredericton, NB.
Just a few more photos from David N. here.
John M. Bowles (1974 MGB)
Fredericton, NB.
 |
| Photo by David N. of the winning automobile (which he wouldn't mind having at all!) and you REALLY should click on it for a larger view! |
Going to Windsor by land on Friday?
We will meet at the Ramada Inn to start our tour to Windsor with a 9:00 am departure. Travel will take us down the 105 to Youngs Cove, then a short jaunt on highway 10 to 112 along the Canaan River. We will arrive in Salisbury around 11:30 am and take a short break. This may be a little too early for a lunch break, so we could continue on the TC, highway 2 (about 75 minutes) to Sackville, NB and have our lunch at Pattersons Family Restaurant. We will continue on the TC to Truro and stop at the Irving for another short break. From here we will take a delightful run through Old Barns, highway 236 and make our way on various roads along Noel Shore to Windsor and should arrive around 4:30 pm.
- Curry
- Curry
Notes from July Meeting by Bob E.
The monthly dinner meeting for July was sparse of news or business. We briefly discussed plans for this weekend's gathering in Windsor, Nova Scotia. One group will be leaving on Friday and take the overland route (Meet at the Ramada for 9:00am departure). Another group will go by sea via the ferry from Saint John to Digby. Hopefully we'll all get there.
The highlight of the evening was a show and tell session by Bryan walker about his involvement with British cars both here and in the UK. He's owned a variety of great cars, raced many of them and now has a couple of MG-TCs in his basement, one almost ready to drive. He also displayed a variety of accessories and memorabilia for the early cars including an Aston Martin badge which one member tried to lick(?!)
The next meeting will be on the 15th of August at the Moonlight Inn north of the city.
The highlight of the evening was a show and tell session by Bryan walker about his involvement with British cars both here and in the UK. He's owned a variety of great cars, raced many of them and now has a couple of MG-TCs in his basement, one almost ready to drive. He also displayed a variety of accessories and memorabilia for the early cars including an Aston Martin badge which one member tried to lick(?!)
The next meeting will be on the 15th of August at the Moonlight Inn north of the city.
FABAC July 18th Meeting
Arrangements have been made by Jim B. for the July 18 meeting of FABAC to be held at The Swiss Chalet on Prospect St.
Meet and Greet at 5:45pm with the meeting at 6:15pm.
Weather permitting, the meeting will be followed by a visit to the Show and Shine car show in the FHS parking lot.
Meet and Greet at 5:45pm with the meeting at 6:15pm.
Weather permitting, the meeting will be followed by a visit to the Show and Shine car show in the FHS parking lot.
Report on Sunday's Run - July 8th
Today's run started off in a disappointing manner for one member. He'd driven all the way to the rendezvous spot having been promised a switch for his TR6, only to find that the promisee(?) had forgotten to bring them. Sorry David, but none of them wouldn't have fit anyway and that big red aircraft switch would have looked goofy on your dashboard. (David replies, "That's OK, Bob, sometimes it is the intention that counts most among friends.")
That out of the way, ten whole cars wound along the Nashwaak river headed towards the far reaches of Boistown. An hour plus of empty winding roads under warm and sunny skies and we'd had enough. A dinner stop at the Pond's Dinner on the Miramichi river was called for. The restaurant specializes in seafood which is exactly what most folks seemed to be in the mood for. The scenery was great whether inside or outside the chalet and everyone decided that the club has to buy it as a retreat for those long hot summer evenings. We'll be passing a collection bucket around starting at the next meeting.
After eating, the return trip was made in small groups. I followed the Joe's TD, eager to see how his carburetor repairs had gone. He's recently discovered that tightening bolts and screws properly doesn't always work the way you'd think. Sometimes screws must be left a bit loose enabling the offending part to find it's own level of 'fit'. The dashpot on the front carb, now enjoying a bit of freedom, is working much better and the car zoomed up hills while remaining reasonably cool of temperature. Bet they don't teach THAT in mechanic school.
Bob E.
Click here for some photos from Jim and Ellie
and
here for photos from Stephen W.
That out of the way, ten whole cars wound along the Nashwaak river headed towards the far reaches of Boistown. An hour plus of empty winding roads under warm and sunny skies and we'd had enough. A dinner stop at the Pond's Dinner on the Miramichi river was called for. The restaurant specializes in seafood which is exactly what most folks seemed to be in the mood for. The scenery was great whether inside or outside the chalet and everyone decided that the club has to buy it as a retreat for those long hot summer evenings. We'll be passing a collection bucket around starting at the next meeting.
After eating, the return trip was made in small groups. I followed the Joe's TD, eager to see how his carburetor repairs had gone. He's recently discovered that tightening bolts and screws properly doesn't always work the way you'd think. Sometimes screws must be left a bit loose enabling the offending part to find it's own level of 'fit'. The dashpot on the front carb, now enjoying a bit of freedom, is working much better and the car zoomed up hills while remaining reasonably cool of temperature. Bet they don't teach THAT in mechanic school.
Bob E.
Click here for some photos from Jim and Ellie
and
here for photos from Stephen W.
Nova Scotia Sperry cars for sale
Curry sent me the following email, and I have posted the photos and descriptions here.
David,
You probably remember the Sperry cars that arrived together at the 2010 Windsor car show. Drew died this past winter and Sheilia is in the process of selling off the cars and memorabilia as noted in the following three messages which I am forwarding to you for exposure on the FABAC website. Would you be so kind to post the items noted (picture and writeup) of each as prepared by Sheilia.
Thanks,
Curry
David,
You probably remember the Sperry cars that arrived together at the 2010 Windsor car show. Drew died this past winter and Sheilia is in the process of selling off the cars and memorabilia as noted in the following three messages which I am forwarding to you for exposure on the FABAC website. Would you be so kind to post the items noted (picture and writeup) of each as prepared by Sheilia.
Thanks,
Curry
British Motoring Festival Reminder
Just a reminder that this great event in Windsor, NS is coming up July 20-22. The organizers need to have numbers by July 13th especially in regards to planning for the banquet. Registration is $25 before that date and $30 after. All information can be found at http://www.britishmotoringfestival.com/
I'm looking for a headlight switch
Carolyn's TR6 had a rocker switch melt-down. If you happen to have anything that looks like this in any condition, please let me know. Until I get one, it's day-time driving only.
Note from Phil O.
Hi Dave:
Has anyone reported taking any road trips recently? We spent the holiday weekend in St. Andrews, taking in some of the events, including the parade and fireworks on July 1st. Had a great time with one exception. We were driving down the main street (Water Street) Monday afternoon when the B abruptly stopped as if I’d turned off the key. Pam was not impressed, having to help push us off the street while folks watched….no help from the sidewalks! After some head scratching, I found that the inside of the distributor cap was covered in carbon dust. The business end of the rotor has been touching a couple of the distributor cap electrodes, leaving the fine dust. A thorough wipe with a rag fixed the problem. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable weekend.
Couple of photos attached. Note the fine looking blue MGB roadster, parked behind the “other British car” checking into the Algonquin. One photo of the fireworks included too.
Regards
Phil
Has anyone reported taking any road trips recently? We spent the holiday weekend in St. Andrews, taking in some of the events, including the parade and fireworks on July 1st. Had a great time with one exception. We were driving down the main street (Water Street) Monday afternoon when the B abruptly stopped as if I’d turned off the key. Pam was not impressed, having to help push us off the street while folks watched….no help from the sidewalks! After some head scratching, I found that the inside of the distributor cap was covered in carbon dust. The business end of the rotor has been touching a couple of the distributor cap electrodes, leaving the fine dust. A thorough wipe with a rag fixed the problem. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable weekend.
Couple of photos attached. Note the fine looking blue MGB roadster, parked behind the “other British car” checking into the Algonquin. One photo of the fireworks included too.
Regards
Phil
Guess who is Canada's choice for Olympic flag bearer!
Johanna and Bruce's daughter, Catharine. Over the past few years, many of us have watched her incredible progress with pride and enthusiasm. You can read about her here:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2012/07/03/sp-olympics-canadian-flag-bearer-tournament-pendrel.html?cmp=rss
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2012/07/03/sp-olympics-canadian-flag-bearer-tournament-pendrel.html?cmp=rss
Sunday Tour - July 8th
Sunday, July 8th drive to Pond's Resort and food at "Tastes of the River" restaurant.
Gather at Tim's, exhibition grounds and leave at 2:00 PM for 91 Porter Cove Rd, Ludlow, via Killarnary Lake Rd. and Route 8.
Rest stop at the Woodman's Museum, Boistown and enjoy some socializing.
WebSite: http://www.pondsresort.com
Jim B.
Gather at Tim's, exhibition grounds and leave at 2:00 PM for 91 Porter Cove Rd, Ludlow, via Killarnary Lake Rd. and Route 8.
Rest stop at the Woodman's Museum, Boistown and enjoy some socializing.
WebSite: http://www.pondsresort.com
Jim B.
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