Dwight
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| Click on the photo for more. |
Visitors from North Carolina
Our visitors from North Carolina arrived at the Ramada on Friday afternoon an hour late, Atlantic time, but right on time Eastern time. They now know that there are time zones east of Maine. Despite their long wet drive on Friday from the north shore of the St Lawrence River, they were keen to get to Bob Laroche's garage for oil changes. The wives opted to stay at the hotel while Bob and Dwight lead the cars to Bob's where munchies and cold beer were waiting. The group, lead by Dick Lunney, are members of the Carolinas Austin-Healey Club (Charlotte) and had attended the Austin-Healey Club of America’s Conclave in Quebec. With oil and filters changed and minor repairs to Dick's door latch completed, it was back to the hotel. We were joined by Kelvin, Steve, John Bowles and our visitors' wives for dinner. Despite the time snafu, it was a great evening enjoyed by all. We wish our new friends drier roads ahead.
Dwight
Dwight
Update on the LBC visitors to Fredericton
Dick Lunney and company plan to arrive at the Ramada around 4:00 pm this coming Friday, June 28. Bob Laroche and I will meet them there (other FABACians welcome) and after dropping their wives at the hotel we will go to Bob's garage on Gibson St for oil changes and grease jobs. We should get back to the Ramada around 6 pm, if not before. I suggest that interested FABACians meet at the hotel at 6 for dinner and drinks (I'll make arrangements). Dick has offered to give us a report on the "fantastic" NAMGAR GT-38 in Asheville, North Carolina held last week (http://www.namgar.com/events/article/gt-38_asheville_nc/welcome_to_asheville_and_gt-38/).
- Dwight
- Dwight
A bit on the Show & Shine by the Foreign Automobile Club
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| Click on a duck for a few photos by David N. |
The challenge for the future of this event would likely involve major advertising, and finding a way to not only attract participants and public, but also finding strategies to encourage people to stay longer.
...and what a wonderful drive home. :-)
- David
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| Click on Bob's umbrella for photos by Phil O. |
Foreign Automobile Club Show & Shine this Saturday
We mentioned these folks in an earlier post. Here's their next event:
...and a map:
FABAC members interested in taking in this event should meet at the Ramada (north end of Princess Margaret Bridge) this Saturday for a departure of 8:00am.
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| (Click to enlarge) |
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| (Click to enlarge) |
Traveling Sports Car Group in Fredericton June 28, 29th
In the 52nd issue of North American Classic MG magazine (http://www.classicmgmagazine.com/), the Executive Editor, Dick Lunney, wrote that he and some friends would be traveling to Quebec and the Maritimes. I sent Dick an Email and said if they are going to be in Fredericton, a group of FABACians would be interested in a social get together. He responded that they would be in Fredericton at the Ramada the evening of Friday, June 28th and would like to meet members of the club.
Dick will be driving an A-H 100M, two other cars from the Carolinas are BJ8s. They may also be joined by Allen Hendrix of Hendrix Wire Wheel and Harold Arrowood, who has a house in Nova Scotia. Both Allen and Harold, like Dick, are from North Carolina.
The timing of FABAC's getting together with Dick's group at the Ramada is yet to be finalized but I am assuming and have suggested to Dick by Email that we meet in the early evening, next Friday, June 28th. Watch this space for up-dates as I get additional info from Dick on the road as they make their way towards Fredericton.
Dwight
Dick will be driving an A-H 100M, two other cars from the Carolinas are BJ8s. They may also be joined by Allen Hendrix of Hendrix Wire Wheel and Harold Arrowood, who has a house in Nova Scotia. Both Allen and Harold, like Dick, are from North Carolina.
The timing of FABAC's getting together with Dick's group at the Ramada is yet to be finalized but I am assuming and have suggested to Dick by Email that we meet in the early evening, next Friday, June 28th. Watch this space for up-dates as I get additional info from Dick on the road as they make their way towards Fredericton.
Dwight
Meeting Notes from June 19th - Bob E.
- The Moncton Foreign Car Club (http://foreignautoclub.ca/) has a show this coming Saturday the 22nd in Dieppe, Moncton. Details are on their site (and ours—see below) and Jim W will lead folks there on Saturday morning.
- There will be a run to St Martins Fundy Trail Parkway on July the 6th with a picnic lunch being required. (http://www.fundytrailparkway.com/). Vic and Heather have put this great run together. Some of New Brunswick's best sports car roads on the way.
- The British car show in Windsor NS (http://www.britishmotoringfestival.com/) will happen the 19th and 20th of July. Many folks are planning to take the ferry (http://www.ferries.ca/princess-of-acadia-ferry-schedule-and-fares/) over. Make your ferry reservations SOON for Friday the 19th and return the 21st (Sunday). Those taking the ferry will meet at my place for a 9 o'clock launch down the 102.
- The 28th of July will see a potluck at Sandra and Larry's place on the lake. Details to follow.
- Rexton British car show on the 9th and 10th of August.
- PEI British car show on the 23rd to the 25th of August.
- Our old friends BATANS will be touring through the area on the 26th to 29th of August. We will host them and (probably) do a potluck. Be prepared to make a little extra. The last time we did this it was at the Alder's place and it was a stellar event.
- A club from north Carolina will be in Freddy on the 28th and 29 of June (next weekend). (A separate posting includes the details.)
FABAC Meeting this Wednesday the 19th
Just a reminder that our regular monthly meeting will be held at Sam Snead's Bar and Grill this Wednesday evening, June 19.
I've been advised by the restaurant that we should arrive no latter then 5:15 PM and earlier if possible as a local high school is also having their graduation dinner there and they and their guests could take the entire parking lot.
Please bring tour ideas as our tour/event jar is empty for the exception of the larger scheduled events.
Hope to see you all there.
- Gary
I've been advised by the restaurant that we should arrive no latter then 5:15 PM and earlier if possible as a local high school is also having their graduation dinner there and they and their guests could take the entire parking lot.
Please bring tour ideas as our tour/event jar is empty for the exception of the larger scheduled events.
Hope to see you all there.
- Gary
Report on the St. Andrews Tour - Bob E.
Bob promises that a report will soon be submitted. Until then, enjoy the photos he took.
UPDATE: Here it is!
The trip hadn't even started and Phil had his head under his bonnet with a borrowed screwdriver. This was ominous. The idle was fiddled with and four cars were off under sunny warm skies. John set a brisk pace and the trip was uneventful. Just some fun little cars on quiet back roads.
We went to Ministers Island before entering town and ran into (not literally!) Karen & Ralph and Bob Grant. The island's gate was closed so we (ok, just the Ontario city slicker...me) engaged in some beach combing as the tide ebbed, revealing some interesting treasures including a very rusted pile of old tractor engines.
Eventually we tired of standing on the beach watching Phil (again) fiddle with his idle and headed to town where we had a brief tour of the restoration of the Algonquin Hotel and got to park on the wharf. I was a little leery about this, not being versed in maritime dock etiquette.
The restaurant had a nice spot outside under the trees where we sampled local seafood caught (no doubt) in Portugal. The skies were darkening as we ate but everyone ignored them.
At the conclusion of the meal and the early afternoon, a few folks headed their own way home and I was relieved to find that our cars hadn't been loaded onto tramps steamers. The remaining three cars retraced the road back to Fredericton. We encountered a bit of rain but it stayed warm so it was quite pleasant.
A good day was led by John & Shirly-Ann and thanks to Bob G for arranging the restaurant.
- Bob E.
UPDATE: Here it is!
The trip hadn't even started and Phil had his head under his bonnet with a borrowed screwdriver. This was ominous. The idle was fiddled with and four cars were off under sunny warm skies. John set a brisk pace and the trip was uneventful. Just some fun little cars on quiet back roads.
We went to Ministers Island before entering town and ran into (not literally!) Karen & Ralph and Bob Grant. The island's gate was closed so we (ok, just the Ontario city slicker...me) engaged in some beach combing as the tide ebbed, revealing some interesting treasures including a very rusted pile of old tractor engines.
Eventually we tired of standing on the beach watching Phil (again) fiddle with his idle and headed to town where we had a brief tour of the restoration of the Algonquin Hotel and got to park on the wharf. I was a little leery about this, not being versed in maritime dock etiquette.
The restaurant had a nice spot outside under the trees where we sampled local seafood caught (no doubt) in Portugal. The skies were darkening as we ate but everyone ignored them.
At the conclusion of the meal and the early afternoon, a few folks headed their own way home and I was relieved to find that our cars hadn't been loaded onto tramps steamers. The remaining three cars retraced the road back to Fredericton. We encountered a bit of rain but it stayed warm so it was quite pleasant.
A good day was led by John & Shirly-Ann and thanks to Bob G for arranging the restaurant.
- Bob E.
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| Click on Ralph and Karen's beautiful MGA for more of Bob's photos. |
Phil O's photos and comments on the St. Andrew's run
Here’s some more photos from Sunday. Perfect weather going down and a great time looking around, checking out Bob’s new Healey restoration and dinner at the Gables. We parted company after dinner to visit with friends in St. Andrews. I resisted putting the top up until we reached Tomaston’s Corner, then drove from Harvey to home in heavy rain, getting home at 7:00PM.
- Phil
- Phil
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| Click on the lobster to see more of Phil's photos |
Father's Day Card
I received a beautiful, and very appropriate as you will see, animated father's day card from Carolyn this morning. I thought I would share it with you. Click here.
- David
- David
REMINDER – PROPOSED TOUR TO ST. ANDREWS THIS WEEKEND
This is sooooo disappointing! Bob/Diane E. and John/Shirley Ann B. are the only folks signed up so far for this tour (see earlier post for details). Come on guys and gals. Sunday is going to be great top down weather. It’s an easy drive. A visit to Minister’s Island is an option. And the Gables Restaurant in St. Andrews is a good place to eat. We depart Porter’s Diner (Hanwell Rd) at 11.00 am, so come join us. Call me first on 449=-0562.
- John B.
- John B.
Obituary of C. Geoffrey W. Foss
Some may remember Geoff and his indomitable BugEye Sprites at many of our shows. Too young for passing.
- Ralph
http://www.brenansfh.com/obituaries/80026
- Ralph
http://www.brenansfh.com/obituaries/80026
Kelvin asks a very good question. (UPDATED)
Where is our next FABAC meeting? The third week in June is coming up soon—19th.
and here's the UPDATE:
Sue reminds us that it will be held at Sam Sneads at Kingswood Golf course on the Hanwell Road.
(I remember we were all very impressed the last time we met there. - David)
and here's the UPDATE:
Sue reminds us that it will be held at Sam Sneads at Kingswood Golf course on the Hanwell Road.
(I remember we were all very impressed the last time we met there. - David)
MGA tech stuff
Ok So I am going to pull a “James May” on you all and bore you with a whole bunch of techy stuff. But I am so proud of my efforts I have to tell somebody.
Regular readers of this fine website will have seen the photo I sent in last week following a major failure with a broken rear axle. The upside was I was able to fit a complete new (old) differential I had in storage onto the MGA with a minimum of effort or expense. After a couple 4 hours sessions I had the old Differential disconnected out on the floor, parts swapped as needed and the new one in the car and bolted down. Only one casualty with a broken anti rattle spring ($.87) and I took the opportunity to put in new brake shoes and make a couple other fixes that made sense while it was in pieces.
I took it out for a spin in the rain last night (shop tip –adjust the brakes before you roar off across the driveway) and WOW what a difference in the drive, and that was just first gear. With the newly rebuilt engine the new Five speed transmission I had to calculate the difference in the gear set-up from original to now and have prepared a chart.
Gear Ratios First Second Third Fourth Fifth
Original MGA Standard Tranny with
4.3:1 original ratio rear end 3.65 2.21 1.37 1.0 -
New Ford Type 9 transmission 3.65 1.97 1.37 1.0 0.82
Now with 3.9:1 low ratio Differential
rear end from Wolseley 6/80 3.28 1.77 1.23 0.9 0.73
% Reduction in RPM
from original 10% 12% 11% 10% 27% final drive*
*At highway speed- 4500 RPM is now 3285 RPM
So a huge reduction in final drive will make this a real highway cruiser and save gas wear and tear on the car and the driver on those long haul drives. Anybody up for Stowe this fall?
Ralph
Regular readers of this fine website will have seen the photo I sent in last week following a major failure with a broken rear axle. The upside was I was able to fit a complete new (old) differential I had in storage onto the MGA with a minimum of effort or expense. After a couple 4 hours sessions I had the old Differential disconnected out on the floor, parts swapped as needed and the new one in the car and bolted down. Only one casualty with a broken anti rattle spring ($.87) and I took the opportunity to put in new brake shoes and make a couple other fixes that made sense while it was in pieces.
I took it out for a spin in the rain last night (shop tip –adjust the brakes before you roar off across the driveway) and WOW what a difference in the drive, and that was just first gear. With the newly rebuilt engine the new Five speed transmission I had to calculate the difference in the gear set-up from original to now and have prepared a chart.
Gear Ratios First Second Third Fourth Fifth
Original MGA Standard Tranny with
4.3:1 original ratio rear end 3.65 2.21 1.37 1.0 -
New Ford Type 9 transmission 3.65 1.97 1.37 1.0 0.82
Now with 3.9:1 low ratio Differential
rear end from Wolseley 6/80 3.28 1.77 1.23 0.9 0.73
% Reduction in RPM
from original 10% 12% 11% 10% 27% final drive*
*At highway speed- 4500 RPM is now 3285 RPM
So a huge reduction in final drive will make this a real highway cruiser and save gas wear and tear on the car and the driver on those long haul drives. Anybody up for Stowe this fall?
Ralph
PROPOSED – A REAL TOUR NEXT WEEKEND
Who’s up for a tour to Minister’s Island and St. Andrews next weekend (Sun. June 16) and Father’s Day? Too good a day to waste when the weather forecast is so good eh? We could assemble at 11 am at Porter’s Diner (1761 Hwy 640) drive to St. Andrews via Hwy 3 (Harvey and Lawrence Station) then Hwy 127 to Minister’s Island. After exploring the Island ($15 cash only entry fee/$10 for seniors) drive on to St. Andrews for a walkabout and late lunch/early supper at The Gables Restaurant. Or we could take over the deck of the Harbour View Restaurant. I’m prepared to lead this unscheduled tour but I need advance numbers by Wednesday evening (12th) latest.
449-0562
John B.
449-0562
John B.
A Rainy Day Activity
Since the weather destroyed any hopes of taking a nice trip to Houlton for the Wheels and Wings event, here's your challenge:
Come up with a clever text for this poster:
Update on the Wings and Wheels at the Houlton Airport Saturday June 8th
A note from Joe:
I have been checking the weather tonight and it is looking terrible for tomorrow/Saturday. I think I will have to make the call to cancel the run for Saturday morning. The weather is forecast to be too bad for flying, so not many airplanes at the airport and I'm sure too wet for many of our cars.
I hate to do this because it would have been a good day. I'll have to try something another day.
I have been checking the weather tonight and it is looking terrible for tomorrow/Saturday. I think I will have to make the call to cancel the run for Saturday morning. The weather is forecast to be too bad for flying, so not many airplanes at the airport and I'm sure too wet for many of our cars.
I hate to do this because it would have been a good day. I'll have to try something another day.
Aaaaaarrrrrggghhh! — AGAIN!
So the new engine is in and tuned to perfection, the new transmission is smooth as silk and the sun is shining. Off I go for a little spin. Not every drive finishes as you intend.
Suppose the great unwashed membership of FABAC can write a story of how this photo came to be? For those that do not know the spot, it in the middle of Simms Corner just around the bend from Reversing falls.
Ralph
Suppose the great unwashed membership of FABAC can write a story of how this photo came to be? For those that do not know the spot, it in the middle of Simms Corner just around the bend from Reversing falls.
Ralph
Tall Ships in Miramichi - a report by Dave S.
Our group was small in number but left Fredericton and the 22ºC temperature at the appointed time in anxious anticipation of our adventure to see the tall ships. The drive was brisk and interrupted by a shower which forced three cars to pull over and put up tops. We had a brief pit stop in Doaktown and we continued our journey to the Miramichi. We stopped at a restaurant with a lengthy wait—had a nice lunch complements of Jim W. and then we headed off to find the tall ships. John and Anne decided dinner commitments back in Fredericton and perhaps the 11ºC temperatures necessitated an early departure. We toured the vessels on the Newcastle side of the river and then we headed off to visit the larger vessels which could not make it under the Chatham bridge. Our smaller group got separated in the traffic but after a brief visit we headed for home separately. There was an interesting encounter with a moose standing its ground on route 8 and more showers on the way home, but all in all a fun day.
- Dave
- Dave
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| Click on the E-Type to see more Tall Ship Tour photos |
Aaaaaarrrrrggghhh!
First entry for this years 'Bent Spoke' award is me. After having breakfast at the market this morning I gassed up and added air to both rear tires as I noticed that they were low (?!) I went to the meeting spot at the park by Gibson St. only to find that both tires where again low. This prompted me to head home directly, stopping at all gas stations on the way to refill the tires. It wasn't quite enough as both tires went flat just after the Burton Bridge and I had to call a wrecker to take me the last few K's.
I strongly suspect that the tires were 'screwed' with at some point as the chances of two tires developing problems at the same time seems pretty high.
Hope you folks had a nice run today.
*sigh*, Bob E.
NEWS FLASH:
...and the culprits are...?
1) Gentleman across the street is redoing his roof,
2) He carefully packs the scrap in his truck and bags the old nails in the garbage,
3) 'Gentlemen' who pick up the garbage THROW the bags into the street where the trailing garbage truck picks them up.
4) His kids notice this and tell Dad who together with the kids go pick them all up. Unfortunately this happens that evening and Bob has already gone into town that day and (presumably) picked up the nails which start the slow leaks.
Bob E.
I strongly suspect that the tires were 'screwed' with at some point as the chances of two tires developing problems at the same time seems pretty high.
Hope you folks had a nice run today.
*sigh*, Bob E.
NEWS FLASH:
...and the culprits are...?
1) Gentleman across the street is redoing his roof,
2) He carefully packs the scrap in his truck and bags the old nails in the garbage,
3) 'Gentlemen' who pick up the garbage THROW the bags into the street where the trailing garbage truck picks them up.
4) His kids notice this and tell Dad who together with the kids go pick them all up. Unfortunately this happens that evening and Bob has already gone into town that day and (presumably) picked up the nails which start the slow leaks.
Bob E.
Wings and Wheels at the Houlton Airport Saturday June 8th
FABAC run to Houlton Maine for a Wings and Wheels event at the Houlton Airport. I have been speaking to the organizer of this and he advised they are expecting in excess of a 100 cars, and a large number of aircraft. All weather dependent of course.
I propose we meet at the Riverside Resort and Conference Centre in Mactaquac about 9:30 for departure to Houlton. I have scouted a route, and we can go almost all the way on the old highway, only about 15 miles would be on the new highway.
There will be food vendors at the airport for a midday snack, and I have booked at the famous Grammys Resturant on the old Bangor Road for an afternoon meal at four o clock NB time. If this is too early I can revise this. It is a good time for the restaurant as they are a busy place and 3 O'clock their time is not busy. I will update them as to numbers on the day.
Any questions or comments—Joe 506-447-0911
I propose we meet at the Riverside Resort and Conference Centre in Mactaquac about 9:30 for departure to Houlton. I have scouted a route, and we can go almost all the way on the old highway, only about 15 miles would be on the new highway.
There will be food vendors at the airport for a midday snack, and I have booked at the famous Grammys Resturant on the old Bangor Road for an afternoon meal at four o clock NB time. If this is too early I can revise this. It is a good time for the restaurant as they are a busy place and 3 O'clock their time is not busy. I will update them as to numbers on the day.
Any questions or comments—Joe 506-447-0911
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