Mail forwarding service

 I vaguely remember someone in FABAC mentioning an inexpensive way to have mail sent to a Maine address which would forward it to a Canadian address.

Anyone have experience with such a service?
- David

An email from John DeW re sunvisors

 Hi David,                                                       

   I thought I’d show you my new sun visors . I had Greg Finney upholstery them. I bought them less than a year and a half ago. The only lasted one summer before they fell apart. So I took them to Greg and for what it would’ve cost me to buy another  pair from one of British car parts companies. He did an incredible job. The best hundred bucks I ever spent.  If you know anyone needing upholstery work I highly recommend him. All the best David have a  Merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

John



Toyota Key Fob

 The information in this video wasn’t really a shock to me as I’ve already experienced it.  My Ford had its third birthday last summer and the Bluetooth and Sirius XM stopped working and a message appeared telling me the software needed updating.  Riverview Ford offered to do it for $150 to which my reply was “No thanks.”  I ignored it for a month or two until I got a recall notice for ac fix for the direct fuel injection system and took the car to Wood Motors.  They did the recall and updated my software at no charge.

I wasn’t too surprised reading that Toyota has made this move.   I expect that most manufactures will follow suit and start monetizing the features we’ve all gotten used to on modern cars.  Manufacturers probably already have installed what I would call “ransomware” in your car’s computers.  It will likely go beyond just your key fob and extend to Bluetooth, navigation and other conveniences such as heated seats.

 

Phil

 

https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service

FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party

 We had a wonderful turnout last evening at our party and from all accounts we had a great time. It was so good to see you all and to have a full evening of friendship and fun. 


  There was an issue though that I have to correct. In my haste to get through my talk I broke a cardinal rule of mine and went off script. Something I shouldn't do especially when it comes to thanking so many people for their contributions to the club and in that I didn't mention some of our members. One of those who has put a lot of time and effort into one of the major ongoing events of the club is Phil. Phil created the Tuesday morning get togethers that has become so very popular for many of our club members. Phil, thank-you so much for your efforts in creating this opportunity for us and more important the significant efforts in maintaining it. 

 

 I also should also have mentioned those who invited us to their homes which brings with it a huge amount of work and effort. In that Carol and John invited us to their beautiful place on the Saint John river where we had an absolutely wonderful day. The cool breeze off the river and the shade were a welcome relief from a very hot day which many of us took advantage of. It was a wonderful day providing us an opportunity to just chill out and relax in a beautiful setting. So much appreciated. Thank-you Carol and John. 


 Another home invite was the great time we had at Sandi and Larry's. They opened their home to us where we were treated to great games, wonderful period music, food and an opportunity for us to have fun—a lot of fun and a lot of laughs! Their hospitality was superlative! Thank-you Sandi and Larry.

   

I will also take this opportunity once again to thank all those who have organized all the events which makes this club what it is—a fun place to meet up with friends, to have good times and yes that includes good food! So onto next year where I hope you are all thinking of an event that you would like to arrange for the club. So very important to his club!


In ending, Barb and I wish you all a wonderful Holiday and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.


 All the Best,

   Gary

In his attempts to name all those who contributed so much to the FABAC...

 ...he omitted mentioning the most important—himself!

All of us are keenly aware of the incredible dedication Gary has shown over our twenty years as a club. There are a few of us who remember that very first meeting—a meeting that in itself required considerable background work. I'm sure he thought about starting the club long before that first meeting at Odell Park. Then there was the job of trying to identify as many people as he could who had British cars. Then arranging for a time and place, etc. etc. The Club has been very fortunate to have someone so capable give important leadership for all those twenty years. I have admired his steady hand on the tiller and his quiet but effective way to draw people into being 'active' members of the Club. He continues to do that to this day. That is why our club has been so successful for so long.

So, Gary, a tip of the hat to you for all that you have done for the club. It has been a great ride, and we look forward to a continued successful future for both you and the Club.

- David N.

The MG Family Announces the Arrival of a New Baby

 Greetings

The MG Family had a delivery of a new Baby on November 22nd. The Baby weighed in at 1,988 lbs.


The family celebrated with Honks and Oil Leaks all around.


Best regards,  
Tim Ross





Car Names - comedy

This comedian has an incredible memory. Car buffs will enjoy!

Herb Walsh 

 https://youtu.be/ShY-78zI5bk


FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party - Wed Dec 8th - Fredericton Motor Inn

Our party is all set for this Wednesday Dec 8th at the Fredericton Motor Inn, Brass Rail Room, at 5:30. As you know, it will be necessary to bring proof of full vaccination, to wear a mask when not seated and social distancing will be in place. It will be a buffet style dinner where we will line up for and be served. The meal buffet details and costs were previously posted on Oct 7th.


 As in the past we will carry on the tradition to support a fund raiser. This year we have decided to support 2, the Childrens Wish Foundation and the Community Kitchen. The details of which were also previously posted.

 Looking forward to seeing all of you who have signed up.

 Seasons greetings,

       Gary

An E-Type for the 21st Century

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxHE5GZvKWY

(Passed along by John DeW.)


And another E-Type:

Here’s a link to another modified E-Type, now what folks call a Restomod, which will give some purists heart palpitations.  It has a General Motors LS Corvette v8 in it!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb5R8LVkxiQ&list=RDCMUCbrNDNEFq9wn5YZGKiu5FSg&index=2

 

Phil

 

Info re FABAC Seasonal Charity donations

At our last FABAC meeting, two fundraisers were chosen: The Children’s Wish Foundation and The Community Kitchen.


The donations for the Kitchen can be made that evening by cash or cheque.  Cheques should be made payable to Fredericton Community Kitchens Inc.  Margot will be collecting.

 
The money raised in Fredericton for the Children's Wish Foundation goes to local children on the wish list.   Covid had made it difficult to fundraise and there are quite a few kids waiting for their wish. Dianne will be collecting.


1956 MGA and Avro Arrow

So I was going through the paperwork that came with the car and an original workshop manual was included. There are some early dates (1958 and 1961) and the manual pages are soiled with notes from early service. There was a sketch with dimensions on a blank page and when I turned it over I discovered the enclosed worksheet.

It is an AVRO aircraft design sheet that would have been used by design engineers and technical people. As a secure military design project there would have been limited access to these worksheets.

Since the car was always in the Toronto area since 1956 I speculate that this car may have been owned by an engineer who worked on the AVRO Arrow project.

Very Interesting.

Best regards, 

Tim Ross

A little reading for a dark winter night

 Members who want to do a little LBC reading during a dark winter night may be interested in the following:


Autocar has digitized its complete collection, beginning with the first issue, November 2, 1895. You can get a 14-day preview free and thereafter 7.99 GBP per month. 6,000 issues.

See https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocar-archive-125-years-motoring-history-now-available-online 

Dan

Land Rover

 This for anyone who has an old Land Rover and wants to do an engine transplant.  Kelvin might have a project for the second Land Rover in his yard.

The video gets interesting at the two minute mark and there is a surprise at the end.

 

Phil  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DGtf7asP8I


FABAC Monthly meeting Wednesday November 17

 Place: Fedora Room at Sam Snead's at Kingswood Golf Course Hanwell Road

Time: 5:30

Special note: Unfortunately, the steak special will not be available to us as it would "overwhelm the kitchen staff". We will have the room to ourselves.

As usual, proof of full vax and photo ID are required.

I probably don't need to remind you that you are required to wear a mask entering the restaurant and until seated. Also when visiting the washrooms.

See you there!

- David

November Top Down Driving

 I'm not sure if it is just Global Warming, but I saw a TR3 out on the prowl this weekend, mid November!

Seems the LBCs just don’t want to give up this year.

Terry/Karen




Still driving

 I hope everyone is enjoying the last day of fall.

What a great day for a ride. I decided to drive to Saint Andrews and
I’m glad I did. 

Cheers
John DeW.




FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party - Wednesday Dec 8/2021

     We finally received sufficient numbers, close to the 25 requirement, to make our reservations for our Christmas/Holiday party at the Fredericton Motor Inn. I confirmed our reservations earlier this week. We are still committed to the 25 and anticipate we will get there with hopeful improvements in the Covid numbers. That all being said, should Covid worsen to the point where we have to cancel, which we will, we can do so without charges. If you remember we had to do this last year.

     In the most recent years we decided not to have the Yankee Swap. In its place we decided to pick a charity that we as a club could contribute to. Someone in the group would volunteer to recommend a charity and would coordinate its follow up. We are looking for a volunteer to do that in advance of the party so the donations can be made at that time.

     In terms of the current Covid requirements all participants are required to have had their second vaccination. David N. has agreed to verify this for the attending members and will follow up prior to the party. All the required Covid protocols will be in place at the restaurant so please bring and wear your mask where required. In terms of the buffet, we will line up at the buffet line and be served. 

     I'm looking forward to seeing all those who have signed up for the party and to hopefully others who are waiting to go but waiting for an anticipated Covid improvement.

  For party details see the previous note posted on Oct.7th.

    Thanks
      Gary

A Morgan enjoying the autumn colours

This 1 minute 44 second video is the work of my talented nephew, Ian Varty. We went out September 18th with my 1968 +4 SuperSport Morgan (one of 104 ever made), a couple of cameras and a drone. We know you’ll enjoy the views.

- David

https://youtu.be/OudBSbp4in8


Thanks John.

 Thanks John,

Thank you for leading yet another tour this Sunday.  Beth and I were both glad to be out for the drive (we think it might be the last for this season)

There was a good showing of cars but what stood out to us were these three cars;  John and Ian in John’s GT Spitfire, Phil in his V8 MGB and Andy in his 1960 Morgan.  They were all with tops down! Cool Drivers!


 

Sorry I did not get pics of all of those cars but here is Andy at a stop we made on the Fundy Trail.




Beth took this pic of the Morgan as we were driving along and I think it is worth sharing.

 

Regards,

Chris

Photo Evidence of a Grrrreat Day!!!

 Well planned! Well executed! Thanks again to John DeW. for planning this wonderful Fall Run and arranging for excellent weather considering this is October 24th!!!.

John's photos:

Click on the photo to get the complete set in larger form.













And a few photos from David N.

Click on this photo to see the set in larger form.
 






Good news re our FALL RUN this Sunday October 24th

John DeW. has found us a restaurant at which to eat lunch around 12:30. It's the Timberland Motel and Restaurant on Rte 114. He has made reservations for us and has checked that all staff is fully vacinated.

Join us for what is likely the final run of the season. We are REQUIRED to be fully vacinated in order to enter the restaurant and must wear masks entering and until seated.

Hope to see you Sunday at the Burton courthouse at 9:30 a.m.–leaving at 10:00.

- David 



FABAC October Meeting Minutes

 Our Oct meeting was done last evening via Zoom and hosted by Dan N. Thanks Dan.

Also, our thanks to:
  • Phil for organizing the 2 week get-togethers that are so popular and now a major part of our club.
  • to Carol and John for organizing 2 events for us, the River Run event being cancelled and the Crabbe Mountain Run which was the first for our club and one we hope to do again next year.
  • to Dan and Susan for the McAdam Run planning which was cancelled due weather.
  • to John D. for the 4 Ferry Run that had to be cancelled due increasing Covid concerns and weather.
  • to David and Carolyn for a successful River Valley Run.

  UPDATE - FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party scheduled for Wednesday Dec 8, Fredericton Motor Inn at 5:30. Details were posted earlier.
  • We still have NOT reached the 25 number to confirm our reservation. Please do so now if you plan to attend. Once again we can and will cancel if need be due Covid considerations.
  • Gary to confirm whether we will be served at our tables or banquet style, where we line up and are served.
  • It is a provincial requirement to have proof of double Covid vaccinations PRIOR to attending this banquet. 
  • David N. has agreed to ensure this takes place and will update us with the procedure.

   From Phil O. - The much sought after Shop Tour with Gerald Elliot is scheduled for Tuesday Nov 9 at 9am. It will be a Zoom tour with Gerald at his facilities. Dan N. has agreed to host the Zoom call with details to be posted later.

   From John D. -  Please see the posted details of the Fall Drive through to Sussex, Alma and then onto the spectacular Fall drive through the Fundy Parkway. This is scheduled for this Sunday Oct 24th. Please confirm your attendance.

   Next Meeting (Wed Nov 17th): Knowing full well the current serious Covid issues here in NB. However, also hoping the numbers drop while maintaining strict vaccination policies leads us to believe we may be able to have our next meeting in person. With that in mind, we decided to have our next meeting at Sam Sneads. David N. to organize and confirm. 
     If conditions are such that we feel it is not safe for our club to do an in person meeting we will do a Zoom meeting.
         
I think that covers it. 

  Best,
  Gary 

Fall Drive with John D.

 I am proposing this trip on this Sunday coming. No restaurants are open in Sussex area, so either bring a lunch or use a drive-thru.

  • Meeting at the Burton courthouse for 9:30 leaving at 10 Drive down to 105. 
  • Then Cambridge Narrows to Sussex through the Cody’s . 
  • Then rte 114 to Alma.
  • Turning at Alma just 18 km outside on the national Park take the new road back to the Fundy Parkway.
  • Then St. Martin’s to Saint John
  • Back to Fredericton through Hoyt and Route 101.
  • Ending up in Oromocto.
Cheers
John DeW.















FABAC Meeting this Wednesday, October 20th

With a never-ending COVID threat lurking, and weather finally making outdoor meetings a challenge, a ZOOM meeting is planned for Wednesday. Check back here for further details by Tuesday.

It's Tuesday, and if you did not receive an email with the link that allows you into our ZOOM meeting, please let me know and I'll make sure you get it. theoldfiddler@gmail.com or 451-2859

Cheer
David



Looking for an old 5 inch Smiths instrument case

I'm experimenting with converting an analog tachometer to an electronic one. Unfortunately, my case is just a little bit too small on the squared section on the back. I'm not sure they are all designed like this. Hoping you have one in any condition kicking around your shop. I do not need any of the internals, or glass, or faceplate, or chrome ring. Just need a case—speedo or tach—doesn't matter. Send me an email with a photo of the back if you have one you could part with. There were tons of these made through the 1950s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
Cheers
David N.



Car Dollies for sale

 I have a set of car dollies to sell. I recently moved and now do not have a large garage and will be storing my MG off site. These dollies are great as it allows you to move the car around by hand. I in fact I turned my car parallel and pushed up against my work bench allowing me to fit another car in my garage. Nonetheless, I thought I would put it out to the guys in the car club first. If there are no takers I will put them on market place. I am asking $125 firm.  e-mail me at claytonv@bellaliant.net or text me at 506-262-2450

Clayton V.

MGB Interior Progress Report

These are  some progress  photos for my MGB interior installation.  I installed Pontiac Fiero seats using Mr. Mike's leather seat kits.

They are firm with great lumbar support.  The original MGB seats feel like a marshmallow by comparison.

 

Regards, 
Tim Ross

 




Crabbe Mountain Run Report


 The beautiful drive up to Crabbe Mountain was enjoyed by a small FABAC group on a lovely Autumn day, warm enough to have the tops down.

John and I also enjoyed the chair lift up the mountain to see the amazing colours and even split a beer at the top while we listening to live music. There were lots of sightseers there but no line ups and mandatory vaccination proof was required. We had so much fun and we even took a side by side shuttle down to the chair lift so no hard walking required.

Might be a nice activity for next year. I suggest getting there early to get the best parking spots.

Carol


Too-nice-a-day-to-stay-home Run Saturday October 9th


 We could meet at Keswick Ridge Pharmacy parking lot at 11am and drive up to Crabbe Mountain ski parking lot where some may want to do the chair lift and shuttle ride down the mountain, and others may just enjoy the drive.

 

Tomorrow is the Fall Festival of Colours at Crabbe Mountain! Come join us from 11am to 4pm for a hike or Torque Motorsports shuttle down the mountain, and a scenic chairlift ride. Ginger Beef Company food truck will be on site, as well as beer gardens by Graystone Brewing and 13 Barrels Brewing (cash recommended). Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://botrow.com/crabbe-shop/. Pass holders do not need to pre purchase tickets as your pass will act as your ticket (Pass pickup available in the ticket office). Check out full event details here: https://fb.me/e/1l0GX3HKN



Festival of Colours at Crabbe Mountain

 

Carol Dixon


FABAC Christmas/Holiday Party - Wednesday Dec 8/2021

 In spite of what's currently happening on the Covid front it would be nice to think we will be in a better place come December. With that in mind we have decided to go ahead with at least the planning of our annual Christmas/Holiday Party. However to do that we need to make the reservations now in order to ensure we have a place to celebrate the holidays together as a group.


 So I have made reservations at the Fredericton Motor Inn for Wednesday evening Dec 8 at 5:30 pm. This can be cancelled should the need arise.

 As in the past we will have the Brass Rail Room.  As long as we have 25 attending, they will serve a banquet dinner which includes a seafood casserole, roast turkey, selection of 5 salads, baby red potatoes, Prince Edward vegetables and home-made rolls. Cost is $27.00 plus tax plus 15% gratuity. An additional $5.00 for dessert or $32.00 plus tax plus $15% gratuity.

 As per Provincial regulations all attending members have to show proof of full vaccination. Those who are not fully vaccinated will be unable to attend. Masks must be worn in all common and public areas outside of the Brass Rail room. Restaurant staff including servers will be masked for our protection.

  Where I have to sign a document stating those attending are fully vaccinated will mean we will have to work out a way I can verify that. We can discuss that at our next meeting. For now I need confirmation of those attending no later than Oct 31. Again we need a minimum of 25. 

 Thanks
   Gary

Another sad note

 Our thoughts are with Barb and Gary as they grieve the passing of Barb's father, Ardean Graham. 
https://obituaries.tj.news/obituary/ardean-graham-1083419926


Items for sale: MGB factory top/engine with overdrive

I have a factory top for the MGB that I've decided I'm never going to use and want to part with it. It's all rebuilt, new headliner, side windows and polished aluminum bits. Painted blue but could use a sanding and respray. Also have the original engine, 1980, with overdrive trans that I might part with if the offer was right. 

        Jerry (87xjsv12@gmail.com)

Click on any photo for larger view.






Four-Ferry-Run cancelled

 John D. and I have decided to cancel this weekends 4 Ferry Run due to concerns with growing Covid numbers and the possibility of rain.

  That being said, John has a fall leaf run planned for later in October which he will propose if the Covid numbers drop to safer levels.

    Thanks
    Gary

Lots of FABACians out for the Odell breakfast