Seats wanted

I am looking for a pair of seats for the Jensen.  Maximum seat base width is 20 inches.  It must be cheaper  to pick up a gently used set from a smallish Miata, Solstice, Eclipse, VW, MG, TR, or whatever than to rebuild from scratch the ones I have now. open to most anything but would prefer "not black" in color. If anybody knows of a wreck or rebuild let me know Holyoke@nbnet.nb.ca

Ralph

The British Car Restoration Toolkit

(Passed along by Ralph H. of the Saint John Chapter of the Fundy Area British Automobile Club — FABAC ;-) )

HAMMER:
Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate expensive car parts not far from the object we are trying to hit.

MECHANIC'S KNIFE:
Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on boxes containing convertible
tops or tonneau covers.

ELECTRIC HAND DRILL:
Normally used for spinning steel Pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age, but it also works great for drilling rollbar mounting holes in the floor of a sports car just above the brake line that goes to the rear axle.

HACKSAW:
One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS:
Used to round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETELENE TORCH:
Used almost entirely for lighting those stale garage cigarettes you keep hidden in the back of the Whitworth socket drawer (What wife would think to look in _there_?) because you can never remember to buy lighter fluid for the Zippo lighter you got from the PX at Fort Campbell.

ZIPPO LIGHTER:
See oxyacetelene torch.

WHITWORTH SOCKETS:
Once used for working on 541's, they are now used mainly for hiding six-month old Salems from the sort of person who would throw them away for no good reason.

DRILL PRESS:
A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, splattering it against the Rolling Stones poster over the bench grinder.

WIRE WHEEL:
Cleans rust off old bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprint whorls and hard-earned guitar callouses in about the time it takes you to say, "Django Reinhardt".

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK:

Used for lowering the motor to the ground after you have changed the spark plugs and trapping the jack handle firmly under the exhaust system and cracking the exhaust manifold.

EIGHT-FOOT LONG DOUGLAS FIR 2X4:
Used for levering a car upward off a hydraulic jack.

TWEEZERS:
A tool for removing wood splinters.

Austin Atlantic Update


     I was hunting the net today to see if I could find anything about the Austin Atlantic that slipped thru my garage last year and I fell into this site:
http://barnfinds.com/rare-garage-find-1948-austin-a90-atlantic/

I had no idea it was being talked about.  The comments are all pretty good also.

Ralph

FABAC charitable donation

 Margot and David headed up a very successful fund raising drive as a part of our Christmas celebration. Here's an email they received thanking all those for supporting the cause:

"On behalf of Hospice Fredericton, please accept our sincere thanks to your club for choosing Hospice Fredericton as the recipient of the donations you collected at your annual Christmas get together.   A total of $440.00 was donated to Hospice for which taxable receipts will be issued shortly to the donors. 
We depend on the generosity of organizations and individuals such as yourself to support our free programs and services.  Your contribution will directly support and benefit our work with palliative patients and their families in the Greater Fredericton community.
Thank you again for your support.
Cheryl Price (Sherry)"

Update on the MGB sale back in mid-November



Hi Dave,
Yesterday was so nice I fooled around with the car a bit, in really good shape even has original paint on undercarriage. Starts and drives. seems to run rich and backfires when shut off, going to change the float chamber valve maybe it leaking by. Merry Christmas.
Mark





FABAC Christmas Dinner

Looking forward to seeing you at our Christmas Dinner at McGinnis Landing this coming Wednesday Dec 16 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Library.

 This year we decided to have a Yankee Swap as well as a Charitable Donation opportunity.

Dianne E will host the Yankee Swap. Gifts should be wrapped. Gift costs are usually in the $10.00 - $15.00 range. (WebMaster's note: Participation is optional.)

Margo R will organize the charitable event this year. She has selected the Fredericton Hospice fund. Your donation can be placed in an addressed envelope and a receipt will be issued for donations over $10.00.

 I think that covers it.

 Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you all,

   Gary

Recent FABAC-TRS&PC outing

   Much like love, ignition is a matter of chemistry and timing.  Present a proper amount of air and fuel to a spark and POW!...you've got got something hot.  Joe's Jag seemed to have fallen on hard times as she refused to start after repairs to the distributor.  Never a group to leave a fellow FABACian out in the garage, we gathered on a surprisingly mild late November Saturday in Joe's garage.  There was much fettling, during which we (re)learned that screws will travel a surprising distance when thrown by a bench grinder, that little teeny plastic washer really is essential and most importantly, that it really is all about timing.  There here several "eureka!" moments interspersed with tea during which plastic washers and wires where arranged so as not to ground the points and distributors where twisted and spun.  After one cacophonous backfire that blacked the door of Joe's garage, the Jag fired up and settled into her signature smooth purr.   Elated,  Joe bought lunch for the remainder of the pit crew.  Over beer and burgers, there was much reflection on fine British cars, life in general, good friends and camaraderie and (of course) girls.  
   Bob E. *burp*

MGB Engine swap!

I’m thinking of this as an engine replacement for the B. I might need some help with the modifications.
- Dwight



Boots n' Bonnets

Boots n’ Bonnets Car Show. Click onto “Boots N Bonnets 2015 British Car Day” You Tube video for some rousing music, wonderful display of cars and a great setting in Kingston, Ontario’s city park.. An alternative to Stowe???
John B.

"Widow prepares to say goodbye...

... to an Austin-Healey that defined a life and a marriage."

Thanks to David R. for passing along this special story by Peter Cheney, found in The Globe and Mail. Read it here.

Bob's report on the November Meeting

    A small but enthusiastic (and hungry) crowd gathered at Ringo's eatery for our November meeting.    
     Gary took the floor and quickly thanked folks for the last runs of the season. 
     Ellie-n-Jim had done a great job of arranging the Octoberfest event near Sussex in conjunction with the Moncton club.  The required by law rain had done nothing to dampen the event.
     The recent Sandra & Larry Show was also acknowledged.  We were much relieved to hear that Larry's fingers have healed after he set them on fire.
     The much anticipated  seasonal festive event formerly known as Christmas,...party will happen on the 16th of December (a Wednesday) at McGinnis Landing.  Margo and David will be accepting donations for the Fredericton Hospice fund and folks are reminded that donations over ten bucks get a receipt for tax purposes.  Ensure your donation is in a named envelope.   There WILL be Yankee swap this year.  Gifts are limited to ten or fifteen bucks.
***confirm your attendance by the end of the week***  You can leave a reply here or email Gary directly.  Barb requests that people refrain from throwing bricks through their front window with notes attached.  It was funny the first time but is now getting tiring and expensive.
    Because of the presence of numerous civilians, John's quiz was delayed until next gathering.
    The conversation was lively (as always) and I found a common thread while chatting with folks.  While many of us are talking about working on our cars and correcting many long term issues, we seem to be having problems getting motivated.  I'm relieved that it's not just me that's deep in a 'wrench funk' but wonder what we can singly or as a group, do about it.  While we still all love the cars, we seem to have less patience with working on them.  Several projects are stalled due to a lack of interest/motivation/enthusiasm?  Comments?
   Bob E. (*sigh*)

Notice of Meeting

 FABAC  November Meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 18th    5:30  for  6:00 PM
Ringo’s Grill and Steak House
1185  Smythe St.

Happy Hour Prices    4 PM - 7PM
Beer  $3.00
Wine   $4.00
Coolers and Highballs  $4.00
(Thanks to Jim B. for making the arrangements.)

1979 MGB For Sale....A Bargain

Too late! It's SOLD!


I just looked at this 1979 MGB for sale by a friend I know.  I already have 2 and all men know what would happen to me if I brought it home.

The car is a one owner, never winter driven.  Body is very solid, appears to be no rust just a few storage dents on the hood(bonnet for you purists).  Mileage 47,000 kM.  It had carb issues and has not run in about 4 years.  Last MVI and license 2011.  All appears to be solid, unmolested  and complete.  Price is a bargain at $1,000.

Contact Tim Ross at 459-3530 for information.


...and more 'Steam' photos—these by Dave Strang

I love this photo! (BlogMaster)
Click on it to see the rest of Dave's photos of the 'Stanley Steam' event.


Sandi and Larry's special event

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53035217@N00/albums/72157660657838465
Click on Larry for more photos.
      Despite an initial mix-up (sorry folks) regarding the meet-up spot, seven cars rendezvoused in Freddy North and wound along the Nashwaak River under seasonal skies.  Long missing member, Cliffe was there bringing up the rear.  Nice to have you back in the fold and hope you become a regular, Cliffe. Don't forget to send David your pictures.
       At Sandra & Larry's we were joined by a few other cars bringing us to almost two dozen attendees, a large gathering considering the time of year.  Three sporty type cars were there although with tops up. 
       In a move reminiscent of National Lampoon's 'Foto Funnies', Larry entertained us by setting his fingers on fire.  He eventually managed to set a series of small steam driven vehicles traveling around the garage floor.  The Stirling engined train, like the Energizer bunny, kept going and going and, in one corner, a succession of hopefuls did battle with a propane powered stationary engine that refused to do anything more than putt pathetically a few times.
      Sandra brought out chili and salad which we inhaled quickly before getting back to the serious business of chatting and taking turns smashing our fingers against the workbench while trying (in vain) to start the one model.  Joe took this as a personal affront and was seen sneaking it out under his jacket.  It will surely turn up at the next outing, putt-putting its merry little head off.
      A big thanks to Sandra and Larry for another afternoon well spent and to Dwight who saved my butt by leading the pack.
-   Mr. No-sense-of-direction—Bob E.

The Beast of Turin

There is something about old loud automobiles. This is the king of that genre.
vimeo.com/122644105

Larry & Sandi's Steam/Stirling Show

This Saturday (the thirty-onest of October) will see us leave the Brookside Mall (in front or  Kent's around 10:15 to arrive at Larry's garage near Stanley for his little engine extravaganza. 
Please bring your own chairs if you don't want to stand all afternoon.
  Bob E.
Here's a map for Bob E.  ;-)  (Kent's is at the Red Dot in Canadian Tire and Walmart Mall)

MG Midget for sale

During our assembly of FABACians at Brookside Mall back on our trip to Stanley, Robin Hopper, a former workmate of mine at Neill and Gunter stopped by a talked to several of our members about a MG Midget he still has, which was owned by his late wife. He would like to sell. His phone number is 444-1424 or 954-901-1234.
- Herb W.

My new helper!

- Ralph H.

(David N says: Looking at your last purchase, you're going to need more than one little MG Minion!!!)

Report on OktoberFest Run by Bob E.

Click on Ovide for more photos by Bob E.
     This year's Octoberfest visit saw participants from all three cities in attendance.  The traditional rain was there (of course) but restrained itself to a light and ocassional drizzle.  The soul-drenching downpour of previous years held off.
     It was great fun to reaquaint ourselves with folks from the Moncton Foreign Car Club and catch up on the previous year.  The not-horrible weather allowed a few of us to spend a bit of time outside with bonnets and hoods raised oohing and ah-ing at Weber installations or shiny headers.
     The traditional exchange of the MGB mudflaps did not happen as it turns out that some darned FABACian had 'acquired' the flaps during the year and installed them on his car.  It shouldn't be hard to track them down and return them to the rightful stewardship of the club's Club-Swag custodian.   Ovide, ever the organizer, had made a Moncton-FABAC t-shirt which he presented to us (with great fanfair) with instructions to sign it upon next year's exchange.  He also passed around a pile of car swag in the form of car wax samples and Mitsubishi ball caps. 
    Thanks to Jim B for organizing the event and leading the pack.  Another big thanks to Ovide and the Monton gang.  We'll be seeing you folks again throughout the upcoming year.
   Bob E.


FABAC OKTOBERFEST TOUR Oct. 25th

Calling all  ALL FABACIANS  for OKTOBERFEST on Sunday.
This will probably be our last run of the season.

Jim B.

 Gasthoff Old Bavarian Restaurant
1130 Knightville Road
Menu here
Payment Cash or Cheque
  1. Gather at Ramada Inn parking lot (north side) on Sunday, Oct 25th at 12:00 noon, rain or shine.
  2. Leave at 12:30 via Route 105 south and Route 10 to Sussex.
  3. Rendezvous at –4 Corners Circle K Irving – Big Stop- Sussex at intersection of Route 1 and Route 890 Smith Creek Road. Hopefully Saint John FABAC members and Moncton Foreign Auto Club will meet us there.
  4. Proceed on Route 890 to Knightville Road and Gasthoff  - ETA  2:30 PM.
    Reservations made with Claudia.
Jim and Ellie B.

Moment of insanity?

Hi Dave:
I occasionally go to auctions, heavy equipment, machinery, cars and the like.  The auction bug caught up with me last week, much to Pam’s dismay.  I brought home my latest acquisition today.  This should keep me busy over the winter, think the wrinkles will buff out?  J
 Phil



Report on October Meeting

   How many ways can you say ‘deluge’?   I don’t think that I’ve used ‘inundation of Biblical proportions’ yet so let’s stick with that.  Driving up the 102 towards Nackawic, we encountered a rainfall so hard it obscured vision more than a few dozen metres ahead and we all had to slow down for the few minutes that it lasted.
     And there, dry and topless (their MGB, not them) sat the Bleakneys under an overpass waiting for us.  The rain let up as we passed them and they joined the queue of cars heading north. 
    The guests of honour, Lise and Alex were already at the Acorn Restaurant and we greeted them warmly.  During the last meeting we’d decided to take the October meeting to the Hoffmans to wish them a happy birthday.
  • John Bowles gave a report on his trip to Stowe in the company of the BATANS group.  He covered 1500 miles and joined 650 other LBCs in Stowe, Vermont.
  • Gary gave a report on the Rockwood car show in Saint John.
   New stuff....
  • Our traditional Octoberfest run to Adolph’s Bavarian Restaurant near Sussex will be on the 25th of this month.  This will be a co-run with the Moncton crowd and will mark the becoming-an-anual-traditional exchange of the MG mud flaps.
  • The now traditional ‘Steam-n’Sterling’ show at Sandra and Larry’s is upcoming (information is already posted here) and it’s requested that folks RSVP them by the 24th.
  • The clubs Festive Season party will be held at McGinnis’s Landing on the 16th of December.  In a move to quiet the incessant whining of certain club members, the Yankee auction will once again appear.
  • Our next meeting will be held at Ringo’s restaurant on the corner of Prospect and Smythe where we can all watch the mayhem on Freddy’s new ‘circle-O-death’.
  • And of course, we finished the evening with a very traditional quiz from John B.  He’s now branching out into Canadian history, making the questions harder but more attainable by non-car fans.
   Bob E.

Next Meeting - Acorn Restaurant, Wed Oct 14th (updated)

  Our next meeting will be held at the Acorn restaurant near Kings Landing in Prince William. We will depart from the Riverside Inn parking lot at 5pm and proceed via Route 102 to the restaurant.

   Agenda:
  • Reports from Stowe and Rockwood Park Car Shows
  • Christmas Party discussion
  • Octoberfest Run details
  • Larry and Sandi's Steam/Stirling Show scheduled for Oct 31.
  • New items
 Hope to see you there,
   Gary

What: Sandi and Larry’s Model Steam and Stirling Extravaganza

Where:  Their garage.  135 Red Rock Road, Stanley NB  367-2443 Larry cell-261-0132, Heinlein@unb.ca, Byers@unb.ca.  Hopefully someone will volunteer to lead the group to our home.

When:  Saturday, October 31 at 11:00.

Most Important Details:  We will be serving a light lunch.  This is not pot luck, we will have enough food.  However feel free to bring something if you wish.

Details of Lesser Importance:  The toys (approximately 6) we’re showing are all new to the group  That is, none are  the ones shown during our last event.  So come one, come all.

In order for us to ensure enough food for the FABAC hungry crowd, please RSVP by October 24.  Thanks!!
S&L

Lily Lake Car Show


Click on this photo to see more from Jim & Ellie.
   What a great day it turned out to be!  With 5 cars from Fredericton and another 4 cars from Saint John plus a visitor car we had a superb turn out that  matched the beautiful day and surroundings of the venue at the scenic Fisher Lakes area at Rockwood Park in Saint John.

  Ralph H made the initial recommendation to attend this and did the ground work which found us a top shelf parking location in a green area near a small lake — idyllic in every way. So much so that in combination with Ralph's superb MGA, gave him a top show award. Please see attached photos. Congratulations Ralph for the win and many thanks for the recommendation and the help..

  The show itself had a great turnout with many various vehicles including classics, hot rods, era muscle cars, trucks of all types, a very interesting Jeep collection and many more different categories. Something to fill every interest. There was also a display of the new Sling Shot tricycle vehicle made by Polaris, a unique vehicle in every regard. This demo seemed to be a major draw for our FABAC members.

   On site there was fast foods, a barbeque burgers/dogs and for those who wanted to walk the scenic 20 minute walk, the well known Lily restaurant.

 For the show's first year, judging from the attending crowds, the participation, the beautiful venue and the weather all made for a wonderful event that I would highly recommend it for a future event to attend. Well done and many thanks to the organizers.

  It too was so good to see our Saint John members Ralph H, Terry and Kim W, David B and Barry G at the event. We met several other new folks from the area who we hope will join our group.

 The organizers there were very happy to see us attend their inaugural event.

 I'm sure there will be other pix for viewing as they become available.

   Thanks,
     Gary




Rockwood Park Classic Car Show Update

The tour to the above event is still on. Ralph Holyoke, our intel person on the ground there, tells me that the distance from the show to the restaurant is more then a short walk as previously mentioned. So there are some options for lunch:
  • Walk the distance — approximately 20 minutes through nice trails from the venue to the restaurant.
  • Bring a picnic lunch, which is what I'm going to do.
  • There will be fast food vendors at the venue.
 Ralph is also saying that the event is getting a lot of local promotion and is expecting it to be well attended.
We will be leaving from the Tim Hortons on Hanwell Road at 9:00am Saturday morning. 
Ralph will meet us at the site with a parking area for our group.

  Hope to see many there.
  Gary

Report onTop of New England and British Invasion Tour

Click on the John's beautiful MGB for more photos.
Fourteen hundred and eighty-two miles in 10 days through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Perfect top down weather for most of the way. Great company. And thirty-two miles per Imperial gallon consumed by the MGB with not one bad moment to spoil the trip.

That sums up our recent experience of the Top of New England tour organized by a team of BATANS members. We joined the tour in Saint John after FABAC’s tour to Kingston, lunch at The Carter House and the visit to Tony Rickett’s Dunham Run vineyard. From Saint John, the tour crossed the border in St. Stephen before heading for Bangor and points south and west. Tour highlights included the Galen Cole Family Transportation Museum, a lakeside lunch party, the Mt. Washington Auto Road, (summit 6288 feet above sea level), the spectacular Mt. Washington Hotel, the Cannon Aerial Tramway and the 600 plus British cars on display at the British Invasion show in Stowe, Vermont. While In Stowe, we enjoyed the company of dinner one evening with Joe H and friend Mark Bond (of Mr. Bean fame at the Windsor show).

We were on our own on the way back as the BATANS folk took the ferry from Portland to Yarmouth, We overnighted in Bangor and arrived back in Fredericton, pretty happy at the experience and the MG performance. By the way, the pictures include the Best of Show winning red Daimler SP250 and Best Rolls-Royce.

John B.

Larry & Sandi make a sterling offer to let off some steam.

Hello Folks,
Following the feedback we received during our last meeting, we have decided to host our model Steam/Stirling/Turbine engine get together on Saturday, October 31st.  Please reserve this date, details to follow later. 
Cheers,
Larry & Sandi 

FABAC Christmas Party - Dec 16 McGinnis Landing

I have made our Christmas party reservations at McGinnis Landing for Wednesday Dec 16. We will have the Library section.
Details to be worked out at our next regular meeting.
   Gary

Rockwood Park Classic Car Show - Saturday Sept 26

 I'll be leading the group that will be attending this car show on Saturday Sept 26. We will be leaving from Tim Hortons (top of Hanwell Rd) at 9am. This will be weather dependent.

  Our route will be via TCH#7 to Saint John. Arriving in Saint John we will take Exit 121 off the Harbor Bridge onto Hilyard St and proceed along Paradise Row, Burpee St,  Mt Pleasant and into the Lily Lake Park arriving there around 11am.

  There is a $10.00 fee to attend the show which all goes to support 3 separate charities; S.P.C.A. , T.A.D.D. NB and Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids.

   I'm told the show event is a short walking distance to the Pavilion Restaurant, Lily's, which we have visited in the past and have found to be a great restaurant.......their fish and chips dinner is rated very good.

   Our Saint John contact Ralph Holyoke will also be attending and will organize a space for us at the show.

   Please let me know if you are able to attend so I can make the appropriate restaurant reservations.

   Gary

FABAC September Meeting report from Bob E.

  With the summer doldrums hanging heavy in the air, a boisterous group of FABACians played catch up with each other over the events of the past month. Gary eventually quieted everyone down (barely) and conducted what passes for business with FABAC.
  • He first introduced Mark Bond, a BATANian who was visiting from Nova Scotia on his way through to the British field meet in Stowe Vermont in the company of Joe.
  • Trisha and Barry, visitors from the island, where introduced by the Crumley's.
  • Pat Peterson introduced his newly restored MGB to the gathering and promised to contribute to the trail of oil which follows us wherever we go.
  • Gary (again) thanked Rita & Robert for their cottage visit. 
  • Regrets where expressed over the cancellation of the AMP visit due to weather.
  • The Carter House run of last weekend was a huge success with eleven cars taking part. 
  • Robert took the floor and thanked Joe for the F1 race day at his garage.  After lambasting Joe for the bare spot on his wall, he presented Joe with a large print of a technical drawing of a 2CV engine.
  • Larry offered to host another garage visit to his place where we might play with his collection of miniature engines.  The date has yet to be determined.
  • There will be a car show at Rockwood Park in St Johns on the 26th/27th of Sept. Exact timings will be published here.
  • Jim B will be scheduling an Octoberfest visit to Adolph's Restaurant near Sussex for the last weekend in October.  We will take the opportunity to request the company of the Moncton Foreign Car Club again so that we might perform the annual ceremonial exchange of the MGB mud flaps.
  • It was proposed that we schedule a trip to Owl's Head, Maine to visit the museum for next year.
  • The next meeting will be in Nackawic on the 14th of Oct with a backup of McGinnis's Landing the following week.
  • The Christmas party will take place at McGinnis's Landing on the 16th of December. The date has yet to be confirmed.
   We wished Mark and Joe a succesful and uneventful trip to Stowe as they drove off into the setting sun.  For once, we didn't go for ice cream.
- Bob E.

UK Motor gathering

There may be some interest in this video, about 17 minutes, but they all drive on the wrong side of the road!  J
 Phil

Saltburn by the Sea Historic Motor Gathering 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=874&v=fPdtXPgeFJk

FABAC September Meeting this Wednesday!

September 16th. To be held at Sam Snead's at the Kingsway Golf Club on the Hanwell Road somewhere around 5:30 or 6:00.

Carter House Run 2015

Click on John for several more photos from Bob E.
(If clicking doesn't take you to a slideshow, click here to see the pictures in an album format.)
  1. Gary and Barb made it home fine. 
  2. Hi Corey, and sorry for not featuring a picture of your Midget.  New cars in the gang always merit having their cars showcased but I was busy swooning over the Jags.  It won't happen again. 
  3. No Jag parts were left on the cable at the ferry terminal...this year.
       A full eleven cars turned out today for another run to the Carter house on the Kingston peninsula for a turkey dinner.  The roads were in generally good repair, the weather cooperated, and the cars ran well... at least for the first part.
       A cheery red 1965 MG Midget (a first in a long time for our group) was piloted by Corey, and Gail and Dave E. brought along their late model Jag XK.   We did our best to make them feel welcome and hope that they'll become regulars.  As Corey lives just around the corner from me, I imagine it won't take long for him to discover my extensive stash of tools, the free advice, and the secret FABAC brewery.
       Dinner was much too filling, as it always is, and was enjoyed by all.   However, ominous clouds hung over one of the cars as we wandered back to the lot after eating.  A small puddle of anti-freeze was seeping out from under Gary's TR6 forcing him to tighten all his hose clamps while we stood around and made helpful and consoling noises.  He decided to head straight home, becoming the first and only sorta-casualty.
      The rest of us continued on a few Ks up the road to Durham's run where we sampled some of Tony Rickett's finest.  While there, I may have also stumbled onto a secret but will keep my mouth shut...for now.
      With a few more cars heading straight back, the remainder, still a healthy six cars, continued along the shore to the Westfield ferry where we stopped for ice cream before wandering back along the 102.
      Thanks to John for another great event and we hope you all have a terrific time in Stowe.
     Bob E.

Some of the most beautiful photographs of some of the most fascinating automobiles

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/gallery/13158/Panhard-10hp-Cab.html

Goodwood Live Steaming this weekend

Here's a really good way to get a taste of the Goodwood Revival weekend with some great cars in racing mode.
For a timetable click here.
For Live streaming click here.
(Thanks to Joe H. for the heads up on this event.)

RESERVATIONS NEEDED FOR KINGSTON TOUR NEXT SUNDAY.

Urgent. Please email me at jmbowles@nb.sympatico.ca with your reservations for next Sunday’s tour to Kingston and the turkey lunch at The Carter House. Based on previous years, I have committed the club to lunch for 30 FABACians.

John B.

THE CARTER HOUSE IN KINGSTON TOUR, SEPT 13.

The fabulously popular tour to the Kingston Peninsula featuring a home-cooked turkey lunch with all the trimmings at the village’s historic 1810 Carter House is on again this year!

The rain-or-shine tour starts at the Ramada Inn, Fredericton, at 10:45 a.m, Sunday, Sept. 13, or from Saint John. Prepared by the volunteers at The Carter House, the lunch cost is $20—not $30 per person (in cash only please). Numbers are limited to the first 30 reservations made by emailing me at jmbowles@nb.sympatico.ca by the deadline, noon Tuesday Sept 8. Reservations made are a commitment to attend or pay in lieu. After lunch, tour participants will have a chance to visit the local museum and church before moving onto the Dunhams Run vineyard run by owner and British sports car enthusiast Tony Ricketts. Later, the Grand Bay-Westfield ferry will take us homeward bound.

The 1810 Carter House Team Room and Gift Shop (to give it its full name today) operates during July and August to serve tea and lunch from Tuesday and Saturday. The turkey lunch for FABAC members is a one-off by special arrangement. The Carter House is one of five heritage properties within the Kingston Historic District. The others are the Trinity Anglican Church dated 1789, its rectory dated 1788, the Union House also of 1788, and the Macdonald Consolidated School built in 1910.

John B.

In response to Bob E comment...

...asking where this winding sports car road near St. Martins is, it is part of the Fundy Trail not yet completed but looking good.

Click on road for a larger version.


Japan F1 Race

My son tells me he is going to attend the F1 race at the Suzuka circuit in Japan in late September.
His seat will be in Grandstand I at the hairpin. Apparently that viewing spot is sold out so I won't be going.  ;-)
- David

A nice run to St. Martins

     We're sorry if the notice was too late for you, but John DeWitt pried Ian away from cars and worldly responsibilities for this very nice run. If you don't count the lobster rolls, the highlight was the wonderfully winding road that will eventually link up the rest of the way to Fundy Park. It was MADE for sports cars. John's photos will give you a glimpse of that. You might notice that John was shooting from the passenger side—Ian drove the complete trip—and quite expertly I must say.
     Older FABAC members know that it does not rain on John's runs. That was tested a few times today but in the end, it held true. In fact, just after putting the Morgan in the garage, it began to shower here.
     Thank you, John, for making this run possible. Looking forward to your next plan!
- David
(Click on the Morgan for the rest of the photos.)


Several friends at work have asked me for suggestions for winter storage locations for their older cars.  Where do folks store your cars in the area?
 Thanks,
  Bob E.

PS: does anyone know how to eliminate the kitty cat urine smell from vintage car leather?  I've been scrubbing and soaking the area with the commercial stuff for a month now.
 Thanks again,
  still Bob E.

PPS: does anyone need a cat?
 me again.

Too nice a day to stay home!

 John Dewitt is planning to take our good friend, Ian Benton, for a run to St. Martin's, Thursday, August 27. If you are interested in joining this "Pop-up Run", be at the Burton Courthouse in time for the 11:30 a.m.departure. John is promising good weather and a wonderful new road. What more could we ask?
- Carolyn

Riverside Resort - 19th Aug meeting

When I arrived at 5:55 pm, Pres. Gary had just started the Business Meeting. He realized that our very reliable Recording Secretary Bob was absent. It became apparent that I should volunteer to record the Minutes (only one other couple wandered in after us).
  • Gary mentioned the four recent successful events and referred us to the website for write-ups. 
  • John B. reminded the group about The Carter House Run up-coming on 13 Sept and also reminded us to bring cash for the $30 meal. He mentioned there would be some Wine-Tasting on site. 
  • John B. also mentioned the up-coming Stowe Event and referred us to the website for details. 
  • Joe mentioned that Windsor, NS now has an organizing team for the 2016 Show. Gary suggested the possibility that the Club should consider this Show as a signature event. 
  • Gary also mentioned an up-coming Show at Rockwood Park, Saint John, details on the website. 
  • Herb reluctantly reported the need to cancel the AMP event in NS, due to the weather forecast of rain. 
Food was served at 6:30. Gary reconvened the Business Meeting at 7pm. 
  • John Dewitt is considering a Day Tour and details would soon be on the website.
  • Kelvin had a great suggestion for next year’s Stanley Fair—a potluck lunch for our Club, somewhere on site. 
  • The next meeting is 16 Sept. at Sam Snead’s. Ann C will make arrangements (but if there are any glitches, it’s John’s fault). 
  • John B. finished the evening with a challenging Quiz. (Winner: Phil).
  • Twenty-four people attended. 
Submitted by Al Thomas.

PS: Christmas arrived early for Joe! Yes, the unwrapped but famous MG mud flaps had been placed in his shiny red MGTD.

Herb's email to AMP organizers

Hi Debbie.......at our club meeting last night, the group decided to not make our visit to AMP this coming weekend. This was after a review of the forecast weather for Sat. and Sunday.
Back when I was racing (and I am sure the same today for racers) we wouldn't even look at the expected weather.
But as this trip ( a long one for some of the 50+ year old cars) needed to take place in good dry weather.
We thank you for your invitation and hope we can do it on some future race weekend.

Herb Walsh   HBRT

PS: HBRT stands for 'Hairy Box Racing Team' a name created by my race mechanic, the late Mike Harling, may he RIP.

Wonderful world of F1

Joe H is inviting anyone interested in watching the upcoming Belgian GP on his large screen garage TV.
Time: 10:00am Sunday.
"I'll supply tea and coffee and beer if anyone wants one. I may even find some cookies or what not."

FABAC August Meeting This Wednesday Aug. 19th

Where: Riverside Conference Center at Mactaquac—again!
When: August 19th at 5:30
Hopefully another tops down event.
NEWS FLASH: David R confirmed that the Riverside Inn will have the ribs on special as requested.

Bob and Rita's Cottage Visit

No less than 10 cars left the Ramada with Bob in the lead. We had a nice drive to Grand Lake with increasing warm temperatures so by the time we got to Bob and Rita's the shade of their beautiful cottage lot and the cool breeze from the lake was much welcomed. While the shade and cool breeze were nice the warm welcome from Rita and Bob was even more so.

  It was evident that they did a significant amount of work in preparation for this get together. Tables were prepared both inside and out with wonderful cheeses, crackers and much more, games were set up, Bob had his boat rides ready to go and yes Rita's now famous sangria was ready to flow.

 Shortly after an appropriate "attitude adjustment time" and with everyone in a more relaxed mood lunch started to be put together.

 The pot luck was lip smacking good and consisted of everything from meat balls, chicken wings, chili and several delicious salads to decadent home made desserts.

  Shortly after lunch several of us ventured out into the lake. The water was beautiful. It was warm but refreshing and the exercise didn't hurt our full bellies.

   Bob took several of us for a boat ride in his Zodiac, and showed us the sites around that portion of Grand Lake. It really is a beautiful lake and it lives up to its name as the largest lake in the province. It is big!

   We are pleased to announce too, that there were no table mishaps this year.

   So all in all, we had a great time. Bob and Rita hosted a truly warm and welcoming event for us and we all appreciate the superlative time we had.

    Thank-you both so much from all of us,
    Gary

Gary's report on the Stanley Fair

What a perfect day we had for the Stanley Fair. It was top down driving all the way from our departure point to the fair and the drive was so beautiful that the bumps in the latter part of the road were hardly noticed. All 10 cars arrived safe and sound parading into the Town of Stanley in a very orderly and proud way. Sandi and Larry met us at the Fair entrance and led us into our show area. You can see some of these pix already posted. We had 2 additional cars show up later so in total we had a dozen cars, the largest FABAC contingent attending this event. The show organizers met and greeted us with a very warm and inviting welcome.

 Once parked we were not long in getting out and about. There were many things to see and do and yes they once again had the sheep shearing demo with a very knowledgeable shearer who was keen to answer the many questions. One of the added posted attractions was the "Cow Paddy" Bingo scheduled later in the day. How often do you see that sign? There was so many things like that including the large array of antique but running "one lunger" antique machines whose owner operators took so much pride in describing how they were restored. I was told, many were found seized, broken and generally in poor shape. Most were restored to working order.

  The live animal displays with the animals all nicely groomed and bedded really showed the pride of the owners. I didn't realize there were so many varieties of cows and chickens — OK so I'm a city boy.

A photo essay of the Stanley Fair by Jim & Ellie

"We had a wonderful day!"

Click anywhere on the photo for the rest of the photos.
(test)

David enjoying the Stanley Fair

I know there are Morgan horses, but this isn't one. But it was impossible to turn down Sandra and Charlie so I went on a pony ride.

 

WHO’S FOR STOWE?

The British Invasion car show is on at Stowe, VT, September 18-20. I’ve made plans to go, staying at the Town and Country Resort, located a few minutes from the show ground. Anyone else going??
John B.

Pebble Beach Auction 2015

More expensive cars than I have ever seen for one auction. Check out the 700+ photos here:
http://www.gizmag.com/monterey-car-week-auction-preview-135-cars-might-sell-more-than-1-million/38697/

Bob and Rita's Cottage , Sunday August 16th

We are hosting all FABACians at our Grand Lake cottage this Sunday, August 16th.  It will be a pot luck affair and we ask that those attending please contact Rita at 472-4640 or post what you will  be bringing.

We will have a  nice Sangria which you may remember, non-tip picnic tables and Rita is making meat balls and lasagna.

Bob will be meeting those attending at Ramada Inn  for a 10:30 am departure, we will travel via the old Trans Canada to McGowans corner then on to hwy 690, we will go via Lakeville corner, Douglas Harbour, Hunters One Stop, Princess Park, past the Rotary Park and then to Nichols Beach road, Cottage number 111.

Weather permitting, we will go on the Zodiac, so bring your bathing suit and water shoes.

See you on Sunday.
Rita and Bob

Stanley Fair - Saturday Aug 15

We will meet at the Brookside Mall, North Side for a 10:00 departure on Saturday Aug 15 . I'll be parked in the area to the left of the mall entrance as close to the exit as I can get. I'll lead the group to the Fair where Larry and Sandi will greet and park us at the Fair grounds. There will be no charge for those or their driving partner who show their car.

 Last year when we attended we had a great time. There was lots to see and do everything from local crafts, baked goods, beautiful horses, lots of farm animals and folks eager to speak to you about them, antique farm engines and farming implements, sheep shearing (where have you seen this before?) and yes there is a restaurant on site with the usual fair ground foods—all very good. All in all a great outing. The fair organizers made us feel right at home providing us the opportunity to enjoy one of the "oldest" community fairs in New Brunswick. This years event will have all this and more. For a detailed daily schedule please view their site:  http://stanleyfair.com/

 This will be a terrific opportunity to show "all" our cars, have an enjoyable and relaxed time while helping support this great heritage community of Stanley.

  Hope to see many of you there,
   Gary

Train Pie Expedition

      Just like to extend a big thank you to Dan and Sue for organizing a very successful train pie expedition to McAdam. We had a great turn out with 8 cars and near double that in anxious members who were all looking forward to experience the legendary "train pie". We were not to be disappointed.
     With 24 varieties to offer including delicious strawberry rhubarb to the decadent kiwi lime and just so many more.......everyone left with smiles on their faces and nothing but positive comments on their experience. All the pies looked soooo good  that the challenge now of course would be to return for a different selection again and again! Who's up for the challenge? 
      Even Ralph H from Saint John, came all the way up to enjoy the experience.
      Even beyond the delicious treat, the day, the event, the weather and just getting out with great friends made for a perfect day.
      Thank you again Dan and Sue for making this happen.
-   Gary

In case you missed this request:

UPDATE: Mex Bob is going to do the honours.

My little red 1969 MGB has been sitting in my garage and needs a good run. Anyone interested in taking her out? She is in excellent shape.
Viviane Edwards

From Phil O.

Dave:
Not sure if anyone is interested, but I spent 10 days in Indianapolis a while ago with some of my fellow “deviant” LBC owners who like to modify (some say improve) their cars.  The first four photos are of a few of the cars, a couple are high dollar professional builds.  We visited Skillman Classic Cars and I was awed with the sheer number of cars and the quality (even two XKEs, an MG TD and a few British bikes).  All for sale…..the Kaiser Darrin Convertible can be had for $225K USD, some others nearing $400K.  Toured the Dallara Indy Car factory but weren’t allowed to take photos other than in the showroom, interesting process for the carbon fiber chassis and components.  Then toured the Indy Speedway and the Speedway Museum.  The yellow car #31 was the first Indy Race winner in 1911 and we were told the first car to use a rear view mirror.  Some British cars, including this Sunbeam, a Cooper and others.  The car in the last photo I found interesting, carried a driver and mechanic ………open crankcase and exposed valve train.  I expect the mechanic spent quite some time wiping the oil mist from the driver’s goggles.
 Phil
Click on photo to view them all a bit bigger.