1962 Morgan 4/4 Le Mans TT Replica

As with all Morgan 4/4 Le Mans TT’s they were re- bodied on a standard Morgan 4/4 chassis, including the first one that was built in 1938. Ron’s car was re-bodied in 2004 with new old stock (NOS) parts from 1962. The engine has been “technically tuned” for racing. The original Ford 1600 engine was replaced in 2003 with a “TTed” 1,760cc Ford Kent Crossflow engine with a Kent 244 Fast Road Duration Cam, and Weber Alpha Sports Injection. At that time a 5-Ford gearbox was also installed having British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC) Clubman’s close ratio specs. Only 3 Morgan 4/4 Le Mans TT’s, were built prior to WWII, and four to 7 afterward. Less than 10 are still known to exist today.

Lotus Elan Project

Greetings FABAC people,

In the distant past I told you that my cousin had a Lotus Elan project that was hanging from the ceiling of his garage for over 20 years (my last visit was 2007) and I said I would finish my 72 MGB before he finished the Lotus.

- Tim Ross

Merry Christmas happy new year

I am looking forward to spring and hopefully Ian has my car fixed.

Cheers
John

Merry Christmas to all FABACians!

I don't know where she found this but it's my bestest Christmas present ever.
Rob E.

Episode 2. In which the car runs flawlessly.

      It should always go like this. In today's episode we replaced a leaky fuel line and fettled the carb bowls(?) installing new gaskets. The car started instantly and settled into a steady run with good oil pressure. The timing and mixture were obviously close enough since she ran so well and started with the first turn of the starter.
      Gloating, we retired to the kitchen for tea and cookies.
      We're getting darned good at this and are looking for other ancient cars that need some persuasion to start and run. Anyone need help?

- Rob E. of FABACTRS&PC

A strange Christmas for entertainers

I realize that this post has nothing to do with British cars, but it does have to do with an owner of a British car—or two—or three.

This is the first time in many decades that I have not been busy bringing Christmas music entertainment to nursing homes, retirement homes, hospitals, Veterans Health Unit, and Adult Day programs. I recently made a one-hour video which simulates my entertaining at one of these places. Hopefully I was successful in capturing the way I like to connect with my audiences. I pretended that they were all there—smiling and reacting to my stories, music and song. Please feel free to pass on this YouTube link to anyone who might have a use for it or might enjoy it themselves.

https://youtu.be/e4UZXRXf7rE

Cheers
David

Today's Tech Session

       Despite a bone-chilling wind howling outside, four of us braved the cold to gather in our own little bubble in Joe's garage. Stymied by a recalcitrant MGTC engine that resisted all attempts to start, Joe had called that sleeping giant, FABACTRS&PC into action to help.
     We came armed with compression meters, flashlights, enthusiasm and little else. Needing an....any excuse to get out also helped.   Joe had been wrestling with Bryan Walker's car for some time and had so far freed the valves, installed a new fuel line, had the tank cleaned out repaired and painted, plus sorted a pile of sundry items important to the car's operation. It stubbornly refused to start. There wasn't even a spark. Something had to be done!
     Together we hunted, checked and scratched our fuzzy chins. The 70 year old condenser was ripped out and a modern (and much smaller) one improvised to fit in it's place....still no spark..... hmmmm.....grasping at straws, some fine sandpaper was dragged through the points opening and voila! we got spark (and a nasty little shock). This provided much hilarity and encouragement leading to the spraying of fuel down the carburetor throats while cranking the engine. Joe, who was standing in the line of fire, was rewarded with a backfire that removed the fuzz from his sweatshirt.
     It was decided that the carbs needed a good enema so we retired to Joe's kitchen where we ate all his cookies (thanks Pat).
     Stay tuned for episode 2.
     Rob E.

The Jaguar E-Type Lives Up to the Hype.

I could'a told him that....

https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a34822505/1967-jaguar-e-type-review/
Rob E.

FABAC Awards

Way back in 2009, there was a large car show in Charlottetown, PEI. I didn't attend it but several FABACians did. No report on the show was submitted, so a lot of interesting information was missed. One bit is that Bob L. won two trophies and an artwork of his beautiful 2CV. (I see that the artwork was done by someone different from Rick Swain who used to award the "Car I would most like to drive home" illustration at the Windsor shows.) Congratulations! Beautiful car!

Tomorrow's Zoom breakfast.

During breakfast on Zoom, I will be auctioning off a few items I found while cleaning up the attic. Most are car related. I don't expect much money (or any); this is mostly to get rid of stuff and liven up our breakfasts.

Rob E.

Christmas Gift

Bob Laroche has a Christmas gift for the first caller. It’s a 600 page book called The complete official Triumph TR 250 & TR6 1967-1976. Its the official driver's handbook workshop manual.
Purchased in 1987.
It can be picked up at 277 Gibson St. Before December 25 of course.
Merry Christmas to all of you
- Bob et Rita

Car cover

I have a Tyvek car cover that is in it’s original box. I probably used it some years ago. It will fit, I think, a mid-size sedan. It is free for the taking. First come, first serve. Leave a comment.
- David R

Passed along by Phil.

Another take of classic cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kjL0WZ9_-8&feature=emb_logo

This video strikes a particular chord with me because I'm also a HUGE Sci-fi fan who has seen 2001:A Space Odyssey several hundred times and like the old E-Type, I get it.

Rob E.

Christmas/Holiday Party Cancelled

With the current news of growing Covid cases in NB and now with both Moncton and Saint John being downgraded to orange I feel we have no choice but to cancel our party.

That is very disappointing to me and others I'm sure. I do not have the confidence nor am I comfortable in supporting us personally gathering for a party at this time.

Sorry,
Gary

From the tomb. A 1962 XKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=579&v=DN_Gkkkq8oI&feature=emb_logo

I'd better get busy before my E-Type suffers the same fate.
Rob E.

Quick Turn-Around

Several FABACians met Andy R. at a breakfast at ODell Park this summer. He talked about selling his beautiful Land Rover and buying something else British.

Here's what he sold on Bring-A-Trailer quite recently:

...and here's what he purchased VERY recently:

After Andy followed Morgans-for-sale on Hemmings, Bring-a-trailer and elsewhere with not much success, I emailed Rick Swain to see if he knew of anyone in Nova Scotia who might be interested in selling their Morgan. You may remember Rick as the automobile artist who each year at the Windsor show picked "the car I would most like to drive home" and presented the owner with his artistic rendition of the car. Both Kelvin with his Westfield, and I with my Morgan Super Sports, received this honour on two different years.

Well, in Rick's reply to my email, he said that he was considering selling either his Austin Healy or his 1960 Morgan +4 roadster. The Morgan has had VERY extensive attention given in every way in its restoration. Andy contacted Rick and the rest is history. Andy and I took the ferry to Digby last Wednesday to take delivery of the treasure and brought it to its new home in Fredericton. There are more stories that you can get from either Andy or me.

- David

RAF Hunter Pilot Goes Rogue over London 1968

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gavx54dKYvI

(passed along by Mex Bob)

FABAC Monthly Meeting Wednesday

This will be a ZOOM meeting and all registered members will receive an email with details.

- Gary

Winter Storage

This article from Hagerty Magazine is timely. I’ve been using Sta-bil for years in the B and my mowers and blowers. I use regular grade fuel (ethanol 5%) in the B with no issues, except the last couple of tanks in the fall in an attempt to flush out the ethanol before I add the Sta-bil. I saw first hand last week what storing a car for seven years with today’s regular fuel with no stabilizer can do. A 1929 Chevrolet had its complete fuel system choked completely off and the fuel tank (new seven years ago) rusted beyond repair.

Phil

https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/is-your-fuel-stabilizer-actually-hurting-your-car/

The "Maier Double Cylinder V2 Butane Powered Engine" challenge!

Back in April, this was posted by Larry:

AND NOW!!!!

Joe fixed it! And all it cost was a blueberry pie. (Thanks Sandi)

Cheers,
Larry

FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party - Wed Dec 9 - Fredericton Motor Inn

We now have 20 members who have decided to attend our Party. Based on these numbers, the Fredericton Motor Inn will host us in a dedicated room. As in previous years, this will be a buffet meal. However it will be served to us. Just to clarify, it will include a seafood casserole and/or turkey with vegetables. Coffee and dessert are available at additional cost. Please review my first email for the details.

Just to review the Covid protocols necessary to attend:

If you are experiencing any Covid symptoms please do not attend and seek the necessary medical attention.
There is a temperature monitoring station at the front entrance. Please have your temperature taken.
Only 4 persons per table.
Wear a mask (or alternative) while outside of our meeting room at all times.
Please no gift exchanges.
As the primary contact for the group I have to keep a log of those attending with phone numbers. I'll circulate an attendee sheet while there.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Thanks

Gary

Car Spotting

We were out and about this morning and spotted this car. First time I’ve seen an i8. Not the most attractive colour for me but of course I won’t be buying one anyway. J

Phil

British Car Fuses Discussion From Tuesday Meetings

Click on fuse for larger view.

Per our Tuesday meetings we discussed the difficulty of getting the proper 17/35 amp slow blow glass fuses that are common to our LBCs. I did a some research and many people just use the 15 amp fast blow common fuses.

I am restoring my 72 MGB and it requires 6 17/35 fuses and I had a few in my parts bin which were proper 17/35 with the Moss part number 146-700 and they were about 5 years old. I needed more and the same part number Moss shipped 35 amp fast blow fuses which would destroy my wiring system if a problem occurred.

I did some research and the only part number I could find was Littelfuse 313015. It was difficult to find a supplier with this part number. It is a slow blow fuse with 15 amp continuous and time current curves give failure at 4 sec/35 amp and 7 sec/30 amp.

The number 313015 now has extensions after the number of .MXP or HXP etc but looking at the data gives no differences in the parts. The only Canadian supplier I could find was www.digikey.ca and I ordered a quantity of ten (313015.MXP). The price landed at my door with shipping + taxes was $2.58 each.

This is an alternative to the hard to find 17/35 amp fuses.

Regards,

Tim Ross

Winner...International Model Plane Competition in Paris (2014)

(Passed along by Mex Bob.)

Christmas/Holiday Party

This is a final reminder to submit your name(s) of those attending our party. As is we only have 12 confirmed and we need 20 to have sufficient numbers to allow us to have a private ballroom space.

This is not me trying to change anyone's mind in attending. I certainly can understand your trepidation in attending a group session in these trying Covid times. I would prefer you not attend if you have doubts, concerns and of course any Covid symtoms. The decision to attend has to be based on your own comfort level and your own decision.

So this is only a reminder for those who want to go but have not yet confirmed.

I have to confirm our reservation to the Fredericton Motor Inn by this Friday Nov 6.

Thanks

Gary

Another Trip planned by John D. Stay tuned for details.

2008 Z4 for sale

I have decided to sell this 2008 Z4, looks and drives like new. Almost 19000 Kms. Licensed through November. Inspected October 2020.
Will store over winter. Most are listed at $19,000

Don (wdmaca@gmail.com)

Click on photo for larger view.

2020 Christmas/Holiday Party - Wednesday Dec 9

Very recently, I sent out a note concerning our Christmas/Holiday Party that I made reservations for last year at the Fredericton Motor Inn (FMI). At the time of sending this note I was seriously leaning toward recommending we cancel it due the growing concerns of Covid and the lack of serious distancing protocols that I seen in other restaurants. I have since called the FMI and have been comforted from the fact that they have, I believe, the Covid social distancing protocols in place that will allow us to have our Party there.

In last evenings Zoom meeting we had a moderate but effective group to review and discuss my new findings about the Covid social distancing protocols that the FMI will have in place. As a group we decided based on these findings to proceed with our Party provided we had sufficient numbers wanting to attend. I was asked to provide further clarification on some items and upon that generate a note to our club clarifying the social distancing and other measures that the FMI will have in place for us. Here are my findings:

We will have a "private" meeting room that will hold our group but we have to have a minimum of 20 people attend. That too will allow us to have a buffet meal as in the past years. Buffet pricing will remain at $23.00 inclusive with coffee or tea OR $32.00 inclusive with dessert, coffee or tea.
With the buffet, however, guests are not able to serve themselves. We will have an Inn server behind the buffet line who will serve individuals in the buffet line. We must wear a mask when standing in line at the buffet and must remain at least 6 feet apart.
We will be seated 4 to a round table that normally seats 8. I'm told this maintains the appropriate social distancing requirements.
We must wear a mask in all areas outside of our private room and we must maintain the 6 feet distance between people in our private room.
We must provide an attendee's list to the restaurant for follow-up if required as per Provincial Covid protocols.
FMI has a temperature measuring device at the Lobby enabling guests to measure and monitor their own temperatures. I recommend we all do this as an insurance to protect ourselves and others.
We will not be doing the Yankee Swap or exchanging gifts as in the past.

So that's it. Provided we bring our own masks or alternative approved protection, follow the distancing rules and combined with the FMI social distancing measures in place our Party will be Covid compliant.

      We need to know confirmed numbers and names of those who will be attending. I need this as soon as possible to confirm our reservation.

      I know too that this may sound onerous but it's all there to help us and others to stay safe but it's also there to allow us as a very sociable group the enjoyment of getting together, to laugh, tell jokes, get caught up, talk cars or whatever and for a short while to get our snorkels above this bloody continuing Covid wave of bad news.

   Hoping to see you there,

             Gary

FABAC Zoom Meeting Agenda

Here are a few items I'd like to discuss on this evenings Zoom meeting.

#1 - Regular monthly meetings. Looking for ideas on how to hold an indoor meeting while maintaining all the Covid protocols for social distancing. At this point, after looking at a few options, I do not have any options that I can recommend. I'm taking a cautious position on this knowing that we have an aging group who are more susceptible to the virus and I do not want to recommend or be part of something that will put us at risk. If anyone has any ideas on how to maintain strict Covid social distancing protocols relative to a group indoor meeting then please let's discuss it this evening.

#2 - FABAC Christmas Party. I made our Christmas party reservations at the Fredericton Motor Inn last year before the pandemic. Recently I received a call from them asking to confirm the reservation and number attending. Keeping in mind agenda item #1 I don't feel comfortable in recommending this outing either. That said, I will get further info from them as to how they can do this and yet maintain strict Covid protocols. So we will need to discuss this.

Hope to see and hear from many of you on these important issues on this evenings call.

Thanks

Gary

Important FABAC October Meeting this Wednesday

October 21 at 6:30 on ZOOM.

Details were sent to ALL registered members in an email. If you didn't get the email, then either you have not signed up, or the address I have is incorrect.

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday. If you have any difficulties or questions, contact me at theoldfiddler@gmail.com or 363-2814

Cheers,
David

Grand Lake Tour photos from Pat and Dave S.

Click on a photo to see the complete set.

Grand Lake Tour October 18

What a beautiful day we had today for a wonderful tour that took us all the way around Grand Lake with a visit to Minto along the way. No less than 12 cars and one motorcycle participated in this scenic event. I'm sure that's a record turnout for this year and what a way to end the year—or maybe not if someone wants to lead yet another run. There's still time!

It's hard to believe being from F'ton where most maple trees have lost their leaves, those along the roads south of us are still very much in color and still very spectacular.

I'd like to once again thank John D. for planning the trip and thanks to Ernst for leading the group. All in all a pretty darn good day.

Hopefully those who took pics can upload a few to David (theoldfiddler@gmail.com).

Thanks

Gary

Sunday Oct 18 - Afternoon Trip to Grand Lake, Minto and Chipman

Once again John D has proposed another tour for this Sunday for an afternoon trip to Grand Lake, Minto, Chipman areas. We will NOT be stopping for lunch due to Covid restaurant restrictions but we will be stopping in Minto at Tim Hortons for a break.

Where John's Triumph is still in the shop Ernst has agreed to lead the group.

We will meet at the Ramada Inn for departure at 1pm taking Route 105 to McGowans Corner onto Route 690. Then onto Minto for a break. From Minto onto Chipman onto Route 10 to Whites Cove onto Route 105 to Fredericton.

We should be back around 4pm.

Sundays weather forecast is looking excellent, so let’s get as many cars out there as possible as our touring season is nearing an end.

Please indicate if you are intending to attend.

Gary

FABAC Regular Monthly Meetings

Due to Covid, we have been having our regular monthly meetings outside at Carleton Park. These have been well attended, were productive, fun and very successful. However, with the colder weather here, it was decided to look into inside venues for our upcoming meetings.

Unfortunately, due to the current Covid conditions and now with the heightened awareness to socially isolate makes an inside venue somewhat risky at this time. So until we can find a venue where we can properly socially isolate, I think it's best we delay physically meeting for our regular monthly meetings.

With that in mind, I suggest we get together for a Zoom meeting as a regular meeting this coming Wednesday at 5:30 to discuss alternatives. Zoom meeting details to follow soon.

Thanks

Gary

My Yorkie also F1 Fan

I was watching the F1 pre-qualifying show and noticed that my Yorkie, Libby, in front of chair, also absorbing all activities and following the action.
- Herb

SpiderPerson makes surprise guest appearance at FABAC breakfast!

Parking a 1934 Packard

https://youtu.be/hMsRJrlbyMI

(Passed along by Mex Bob)

1950s Car Test

http://www.americantorque.com/game/car-show-50s/

“I got 80%.”

Submitted by Mex Bob.

Spotted in the wilds of Fredericton

... by Don Mac.

FABAC Fundy Trail Tour—round two

(Click on any photo for larger view.)

While we missed the best fall colours—most of the leaves having been blown off by Wednesday's wind and rain—the day was pleasant and there was enough bright foliage to make the scenery fun. Ernst lead us in a round-about tour of the upper peninsula to finally stop for tee-pee in Sussex under warming skies.There we met Beth and Chris Daigle, resplendent in their bright green TR6.

Introductions completed, we continued on out of town and followed the winding road along the upper part of the Fundy trail. A John D. find, this road is freshly paved and a joy to drive with the top down. There was little traffic and we all enjoyed it until we were interrupted by the Adair Wilderness Lodge.   Lunch was a chance to relax and chat before continuing on to explore the rest of the trail.
      The promised clouds and rain didn't appeared until much later towards the late afternoon and then brought barely a sprinkle.
      A big thanks for tour leader Ernst and his borrowed Marcos which proved to be a sure fire conversation starter.

Rob E.

Our Bricklin connection

Johanna has just posted an article about Malcolm Bricklin and his well known N.B. venture into car manufacturing. Here are some photos of two much younger FABAC members with their Bricklin #2750. Our boys still say we should have kept it.

David R.

45 years later, Malcolm Bricklin still proud of his New Brunswick-made car | CBC News

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/malcolm-bricklin-still-proud-of-car-1.5748514?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

(Passed along by Johanna.)

Grand Tour: 8th Wonder

What highways! Great narration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=122vW1VGjAo

Passed along by Mex Bob.

Fundy Trail Autumn Leaves Tour October 4th

Ernst has worked out the details of our autumn leaves tour to the St Martins Fundy Trail.

We will leave the Ramada Inn, North Side, at 9:30am Sunday and will travel to St Martins via Sussex. We will stop in Sussex at the mid town Tim Hortons for a quick bio break.

From Sussex we will travel to the Adair Wilderness Lodge in Shepody for a 1pm lunch where we have reservations for 20. They are very well known for their delicious home made meals including roast chicken, roast turkey, chowder, home made rolls, pies etc.

Covid restrictions will be in place. Tables will be appropriately spaced with a max of 6 persons per table. Please bring a mask or alternative for supplementary protection where needed.

Hope to see a good turnout where we are getting near the end of the touring season.

Thanks

Gary

Tuesday Breakfast at Picaroons Brewing Company

We’re planning a repeat for next Tuesday and the chef at The Roundhouse promised to have coffee and muffins available for us. Bob and Ian biked in from Burton and Oromocto respectively and commented on the impressive fall colours on the trail. I wonder if they’ll be impressed with the same bike ride in December?

Phil

Click on any photo for a larger version.