Terry Bond

Anyone going to join us in Louisville KY this coming week for MG 2016? This is a special occasion as a joint MG club event like this comes around only every 5 years. It's the combination of all 5 major MG clubs and we're expecting over 700 MGs of all types converging on Louisville for a week of fun and activities. Just google MG2016 and you'll find the schedule of events including detail of their big car show on Thursday at Waterfront Park. Susan and I are bringing the 1974 MGBGT and the 1948 MGTC. Hope to see some AACA folks there. Terry

Lets see the hubs from the front. That might help narrow it down. Don't think it's Jag based on the number of spokes. I know it isn't MG.Terry

I once heard that those waivers of liability are nothing more than "feel-good" for the organizers. You can always sue for negligence. Not a lawyer, just tellin you what I've heard.

I posted a response to your original - yes, you could have a door respun but it's going to be very costly. First, a form needs to be made - perhaps even multiple forms depending on how complex it is. There will be a lot of hand work involved and you'll be paying a hefy labor charge. You'd need to send the entire lamp as the door would need to be fitted. You might get away with just sending the door to use as a pattern but if I were restoring it, I'd want the entire lamp to ensure everything fit. No, I don't restore them for others, have just done a few for my own collection but have never resorted to spinning parts. If it's just a book-self decoration I'd say just polish it nicely, silver-solder the crack after you straighten everything and when you buff it, the crack will be less noticable. Terry

Well, if the muffler has a hole in it, guess it hasn't really "survived" so you can either let it sit and enjoy looking at it while it continues to fall apart and rust away, or you can enjoy it - replace that muffler and anything else that might kill you, or fall off an kill someone else. NOS always preferred of course.

Just got home and dittos PLUS for a great meet. The setting was fabulous, everything convenient, and I've never seen such great food service!!! The college went all out to support the event and everything from the seminars to the signs was simply the best. The crowds of public spectators was really big too. The Region did an amazing job. I can't imagine how much last minute scramble needed to take place when the numbers jumped from the expected 450 to almost 650. They pulled it off in an absolutely first class way. We enjoyed all of it, especially the chance to meet Lynn St.James on Friday evening. As usual Tidewater Region was well represented with cars on the field and judges and everyone that brought a vehicle came away with the award they were chasing. We just got home and still have some unpacking to be done so will try to get a few pics up later, unless someone beats me to it! Terry

I'll try to get a few more pics up. Been looking for several years. Those script stickpins are my favorites but they are hard to find. Terry

Hi Howard, it is indeed a small marine style searchlamp. It ran off a separate carbide generator or Presto-lite gas tank that I assume you do not have. But, you got a neat item, and I'm sure there are some nautical collectors out there who might be interested. You probably won't find much excitement among antique car collectors, but it is an item of interest to folks like myself who love and collect brass lamps. It kinda "goes along with" some of the things on display in my garage. Value really depends on condition at it looks pretty good. Is the reflecting mirror good? Is the burner still present? Are there any cracks or dents not showing in the photos? Would be nice if it was on the base as shown in the ad, but as is I'd say something in the $150 range would be appropriate. Less of course if the reflector is in poor condition or cracked. Terry

Great find. The Maxwell pin is fairly common and shows up on Ebay. The Mitchell pin is quite scarce. They are celluloid and quite fragile so handle carefully and don't try to flex or bend them. I found a Mitchel pin at Hershey a few years ago in an antique mall during the Hershey meet actually. Was surprised to see it laying out on top of a vendors table on top of a piece of Mitchell sheet music, along with a small brass Mitchell script pin. Here are a few of my pins showing the Maxwell and Mitchell pins and script..

Annie, I'm glad you appreciate that recognition. I began doing that in 2010 at the Sentimental Tour in Texas, and am thrilled that every president since has followed what has now become a tradition. It's only through the sacrifice of our veterans that we have the freedom to enjoy our hobby as we do. I know for many this is indeed a special time to remember, and believe me we do that here. The day is not without a tear as we have family in Arlington. My son just retired after 20 years in the Coast Guard and has been involved in nearly every disaster since 9-11 as a Hazmat Response expert (USCG Strike Teams). My 23 years in the Navy were kinda tame in comparison but I still feel it was important work. It is great to see so many others standing during those occasions, and everytime we stand together, it still chokes me up. Terry

Speedster was designed as an optional communications tool. That's why it was developed as a sign-up item. Agree that my email can overwhelm us these days. My in box fills up quickly, and my phone keeps beeping when I get a new one, but when AACA Speedster pops up I stop and read. It's a fun newsletter with lots of great into in it. I highly recommend signing up. There is always an "unsubscribe" link on every one of them so you can cancel anytime you want to. One thing in the latest issue that i'm glad to see is an open call for ideas for new seminars at the annual meeting. It's things like that we can use to keep the club alive and thriving. The HQ Staff does a fantastic job putting it together and getting it out. You'll enjoy it.

the Model T club form has a few pics from Dunkirk and some discussion. Looks pretty much yard-sale but apparently there were a few "discoveries" among the trash. Guess we just need to learn to hold our nose and keep moving on at some of these events. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/599638/644437.html?1464047238

Hey, I'm a buyer if you've got some good old odd-ball spark plugs! Wish I could have made it to Luray. Wouldn't mind trying to bring a few goodies for a table there sometime in the future. Unfortunately it conflicted with the Vineland NJ AACA National Meet. Interesting observation about what's old or not. Several years ago I was wandering around at Hershey and caught a vendor unloading some neat stuff, asked if he had "any old spark plugs." He said yeah, and rummaged around for a few mins, producing a box of new 1960s cad plated Champions. When I explained I was looking for "really old plugs from the 1910s, 20s, he looked at me and said "Mr, a 57 Chevy is old to me." I'm sure for some the term "pre war" can have different meanings too.

Thanks indeed to the S.Jersey Region for a fine meet. The facility was first class. Susan and I really had a blast Friday on the track. She did four laps and then I took my turn and added another four. That was a great experience and also a highlight of the weekend. We traveled up Thursday with a strong contingent from Tidewater Region and enjoyed some dinners together, and some of us took advantage of the chance to tour some of the suggested venus there. We were especially impressed with the Army Air Corps museum and the Wheaton Arts Center. Yes, unfortunately it rained Saturday (and all the way home today) but it certainly didn't dampen spirits. Everyone there seemed really glad they came ad endured the moisture. The S.Jersey Region folks were excellent hosts and their hard work was evident. Rain? Heck, we considered it good dust control, and we were pretty sure the MG wouldn't shrink much in the wet. After all, it's British and used to a little moisture! Annie-it was great to meet you in person. Look forwarding to seeing you again at New Bern! Terry & Susan

I'm tremendously saddened by this news. Seems a generation has passed - John, Janet, Ron, - these were the folks who helped me in my earliest years volunteering to work with the AACA, initially as a moderator at the Philadelphia Publications Seminar, then eventually following in John's footsteps as Vice President of Publications. I learned so much from him and could never begin to express my gratitude for the guidance and occasional "push" over the ensuing years. John was an avid touring fan, and was our official "time-keeper" for the Buzzies meetings. He was fun to be with, and was a tremendous asset to AACA. I'll always treasure the times spent with John and Nancy. Rest in peace John, we'll all tour again someday. Terry

Agree - we've run silocone in our MGB since it was restored in 2006. Thousands of winding country roads later we couldn't be happier. No annual bleeding needed, no rust, moisture or crud issues. Will be using it in my GTO soon also when I redo the brake system and upgrade to power assist. Terry

What do you need in Castle lamps? I have a few in my "Hershey box." Terry

Thanks for posting. Used to go spring and fall and had vendor spots for years. Miss it but as the prewar stuff began to disappear I lost interest. How was the swap meet part of it? Terry

Chuck, how did it go? How about a full report and some pics if you can. Used to get up to this often and might try it again next time. What kind of great automobilia did I miss? Terry

Among the many hunchoose files... Click to choose files dreds of antique postcards in my collection are a few advertising Cafe Martin in New York. These cards were actually tear-off menu tops. You could remove the postcard and send it back home to friends showing them you'd had a meal at this upscale NY establishment. I've only ever seen one completely intact menu with the card still attached (would love to add one to my collection of stuff) but now have 11 different like this in my collection. Will try to find time to scan the others later but these recent additions i'd never seen before. Wonder how many different cards like this were done? Sure would be nice to know how close I am to having a "full set." Terry

The Model T forum always has some great swap meet reports and Bakersfield is no exception again this year. Follow the link for some individual reports and some great pics. Makes me want to get there for sure next year. It's a long ways from Virginia to Bakersfield but maybe we can tie it in with some other fun stuff to do. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/599638/634003.html?1461274961 Terry

Check this out from the Model T forum - http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/599638/635569.html?1461415321 Terry

Wow, that's tremendous! Tommy, hope you give a talk someday about your racing history - maybe an evening on the divisional tour? Tell me more about what became of the cars there at Daniel Boone village? Used to be quite a neat stop as the place was all antique shops, and the cars were fantastic brass era, including an 03 Caddy, and more. It was always a stop on the way to the Charlotte auto fair, but there ins't much there now. On one visit It seemd the cars were disappearing with only a couple of them left. One of the antique shop owners told us someone came in at the right time and bought the whole collection cheap. it would be great to have the details. thanks, Terry

IMHO - Why put all that work into wheels that might not be safe? From the looks of those iron parts there are a few miles on them! I'd strongly recommend considering newly made wood for them at least and better iron if necessary. There are a number of choices but figuring the time and labor you'll put into these, the price for brand new (and safe) = pretty cheap insurance, and will give you a perfect base for finishing them any way you want. For a decent paint finish you'll want to use some sealer on them (West System is what i've used) before priming and painting. There is lots of sanding anyway but doing it on new wood is much easier and gives you a better starting point. I have a good friend who spent many long winter evenings preparing some original Model T wheels, and although they were pretty, the new paint started peeling off after just one season on the road. With varnished wood you wouldn't experience paint peeling later, but still, it would be a chore to get them really clean. Terry

I'm a little late chiming in here but agree the Lead Additives are not necessary. We run the pants off our MGBGT and never had an issue with valve seat recession, which is what some recommend using the lead additives for. We've also been told it's good to add when breaking in a new engine to help cushion valve stems, lifters, etc until broken in. We followed MGB Experience Forum advice and used Shell Rotella motor oil at first as it contained the right quantity of lead in it. Now we run regular Castrol motor oil. You didn't indicate where you are located Jerry, we're in Southeastern VA (Tidewater area) and have a lot of MG folks in our AACA Region, as well as our local MG Club. We are very active with both of them and enjoy either out MGBGT or the 1948 MGTC regularly. Check our Tidewater Region's link on the AACA website, or our MG club at www.mg.org. If you are in the neighborhood come on out an join the fun. Terry