1. automotive and vehicles
2. cars

MG Car Club, Cape Town Centre, Suite 276, Private Bag x16 Constantia 7848
www.mgcc-ct.co.za
Issue 2014/11
NOVEMBER 2014
FROM THE CHAIR!
In the October Breed our Editor mentioned the name of Paul Tops and was wondering what happened to the
TD he owned and where Paul was. As for the TD, Paul, I am sure, will be able to tell. A phone call to Jackie
Purcocks confirmed that Paul and Barbie are not in George anymore. Some years ago they relocated to
Dubai. Paul gives swimming lessons and Barbie teaches English. I am sure Garth and all those members
who knew Paul and Barbie will appreciate the info.
I must congratulate Anono Mouse not only for contributing regularly to the Breed but also the topics he/she
chooses. The latest was about the dating of the glass in our cars. ‘Blou Jannie’, my 1971 B GT, has all the
glass as dated by the method Anono Mouse explained. The front windscreen is marked ‘Shatterprufe’ and
was fitted some years ago when Plate Glass had a special (less 50%) on GT windscreens!
This year is fast running out. We had a very well attended October Natter. Read elsewhere about other club
activities and of course our pleasant Breakfast Run to Nitida. A very welcome visitor at Nitida was Nicky
Reck and her daughter, Maya. What a friendly and enthusiastic MG supporter Maya is. Also, as the
weather turns better so does the attendance at events.
Fast forward to March 2015. This might seem a long way off but before you know it, it is upon us. Please
take note of the MMM Gathering organised for 20th March 2015. Organisers Ralph Clarke, Ted Borcherds,
Dennis Marsh and Rodney Green are very busy. MGCC Cape Town Centre want to be part of the activities
and will keep you posted. One of the highlights of the event is that 3 Super Charged Triple M cars from
overseas will attend the event. All this is so much more reason for Cape Town to be involved. Bill ten
Oever, Triple M Register Captain, is also putting some special articles together. Needless to say the club
would like its members to support the event.
In the October issue of The Breed the Karoo Fees was advertised. This was held at Prince Alfred Hamlet
and a visit to the car collection of Basil Wesson was also an attraction. At least one of our members, Len
and Carol Victor, attended the Karoo Fees. It will be very interesting to hear Len’s impression of Basil’s
collection.
Regularly I am asked about whom to recommend for specialist services. A recent request about the rebuild
of lever arm shock absorbers led us to Anton Rossouw at Silverton Radiators in Hermanus. His quality of
workmanship is recommended and he may be contacted on 028 313 0323 or 082 772 2211. Anton also
knows all the MG owners in Hermanus.
March 2015 is also the month we have our AGM. In due course we will notify you about vacancies to be
filled. Start thinking about it and what you would like to contribute to the 2015 Club year.
In closing – I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me!
Safe Motoring!
Robin
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HOW TO CONTACT US:
FROM THE PEN OF YOUR SCRIBE
CLUB OFFICIALS - 2014-15
There’s a big variety of things to report on in this issue. I hope that you
will enjoy the read. There is one area that could do with a little (lot?)
more support. ‘Letters to the Editor’ are in short supply. Certainly there
must be matters of concern to you even if just criticism of what you read
in The Breed. Put pen to paper (finger to keyboard) and tell us about
your concerns. For instance, in the article ‘Another Story’ about the
cooling of MGAs on Page 9 the writer seems to advocate warming an
engine by allowing it to idle after start up. Who agrees with that? Not I. I
was always taught that the quickest and best way to warm up an engine
was to get it under some load as soon as possible after start up. Give us
your comments.
______________________________________________
President: :
Dieter Reck
021 852 4277 083 233 8437
[email protected]
_________________________________________________
Vice-Presidents
Charles Batham &
Ralph Clarke
021 913 2536
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Trustees
Ralph Clarke
021 913 2536
[email protected]
Garth Green
021 701 9273, 082 719 6012
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Committee :
Chairman
Robin Rich
021 903 3426, 082 660 3538
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Honorary Secretary
Andrew Blake
021 781 0114
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Honorary Treasurer &
Brian Aslett
Deputy Chairman
021 671 9250, 083 267 3742
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Social Secretary
Ken Smith
Ph: 021 552 2596
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Publications Secretary
Garth Green
and Editor
021 701 9273, 082 719 6012
[email protected]
——————————————————————————Register Secretary
Peter Jack
021 531 0353, 083 227 1005
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Committee member
Mike Johnson
without Portfolio
021 554 1097, 082 733 7258
[email protected]
________________________________________________
We have an article by a young potential Club member who in 18 or 20
years time will be shopping around for an MG. Watch this space!
And there are a few pictures showing the progress Viv James has made
with the restoration of ‘Bluebird’, his P Type. It puts me to shame. Just
note the spotless floor of his workshop!! Can’t wait to see (and hear) his
car on the road. This event is scheduled for some time before the MMM
Gathering next year.
In the meantime, don’t delay in getting your articles to me in time for the
December issue of The Breed. The deadline is Friday 21 November.
Keep those wheels turning!
Garth
THE PACK - BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE
THIS MONTH
November
Ex-Officio:
Veteran’s Secretary
Jo Hitchcock
021 939 3803, 082 446 1092
________________________________________________
Membership Secretary
Hildegarde Rich
021 903 3426, 082 660 3538
[email protected]
________________________________________________
Regalia:
Rita Floyd
021 788 7684, 071 911 5963
[email protected]
____________________________________________
Club Historian
VACANT
_______________________________________________
Crankhandle Club Liaison Robin Rich
021 903 3426, 082 660 3538
[email protected]
________________________________________________
MMM Register Captain
Bill ten Oever
021 914 6102, 082 695 2267
[email protected]
________________________________________________
T Register Captain
Mike Johnson
021 554 1097, 082 733 7258
[email protected]
_______________________________________________
MGA Register Captain
Pat Coyne
021 785 4933, 072 348 4493
[email protected]
________________________________________________
MGB Register Captain
Willis Smit
021 554 2230 083 675 5224
[email protected]
_______________________________________________
Moderns Register Captain Ken Smith
3- Veronica Taylor
7- Arauna Wesson, Adrienne du Plessis
9- Harold Chapman, Johannes Coetzee
19- Stuart Leach
24- Geoff Ballantyne, Abe Sank
26- Moira Peché
30- Barbara Flowers
5- Justin Hewitt, David Schroenn
8- Mervyn Corbishley
18- Pam Green, Jaco Reverchen
23- Chris Champion
25- Carole Engledow,
Peter van Breda
29- Marius Herholdt
Hope you all have very Happy Birthdays!!
New Email address:
John & Anne Morrison: [email protected]
Our bank details are:
Bank:
Account:
Branch code:
Internet Branch code:
Account number:
Standard Bank
MG Car Club – Cape Town Centre
036 309
051001
271157925
Disclaimer : Views, comments, opinions, advice or suggestions in this newsletter are those of the contributors and advertisers and are not necessarily those of the
club or its committee. Availability and condition of items advertised for sale are not guaranteed by the club or the committee. Whilst every care is taken in compiling
the contents of the newsletter the club, committee and officials assume no responsibility for any effects arising therefrom.
2
OUT AND ABOUT
NOVEMBER
Sunday
9
Tuesday
11
Thursday
27
DECEMBER
Sunday
7
Breakfast at Die Damhuis, Melkbos. Meet at Milnerton Lighthouse in the parking area
next to the rowing club at 09:00 for departure at 09:15 sharp. Route details will be
provided there. We need to arrive at Die Damhuis before 10:00 and will be seated either
outside or inside according to the weather. A range of breakfasts is available at
reasonable prices. To book please contact Ken Smith before 5 November so that he
can finalise numbers and try to get a room to ourselves. To book, phone Ken or Gloria
on 021 552 2596 or 083 280 8281
19:30 Natter & Noggin CHC Clubhouse, Riebeek St, Wynberg
NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE: The Veterans’ Group will meet at the Skilpadsvlei Wine
Farm at 12:00 for lunch at 12:30. For further details see notice below. To book, contact
Jo Hitchcock on 021 939 3803 or 082 446 1092
Showday and Midgets Party, Timour Hall, St Joan Road, Plumstead
Tuesday
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19:30 Natter & Noggin CHC Clubhouse, Riebeek St, Wynberg
Thursday
25
Veterans: enjoy Christmas with your family and friends!
CAPE CENTRES GATHERING IN CRADOCK, 30 APRIL—3 MAY 2015
The Bush Telegraph gave me some statistics about the event next year. To date there are 29 registered
entrants and they can accommodate 60. There are 10 registered entrants from Cape Town. At this stage
Knysna is beating us by one entrant. Come on Cape Town - shake a leg!! The Organising Committee is
still awaiting the entry of Cape Town’s oldest teenager. Come on Bokkie Markus - you cannot disappoint
them!! There are also other regular participants from Cape Town who have not entered yet.
The Cape Centres Gatherings are always very popular because of the relaxed nature of these events.
If you have not entered yet do so soonest!! You will find a registration form in the September 2014 issue of
The Breed.
SHOWDAY/MIDGETS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
Showday is upon us! This is the big opportunity to get your car(s) out for all to see. Give them a bit of a shine
up so that they sparkle in the sunlight. Like last year we will, at the same time, invite all Midgets in the club to
come to The Midgets Christmas Party. The venue is Timour Hall in St Joan Road, Plumstead and the date
is Sunday, 7th December starting at 10:00 or so and it is rumoured that Father Christmas is likely to be in the
vicinity at about 13:00!!
To enable our Register Captain, Peter Jack, to organise judges for the various Concours events please
contact him as soon as possible. Tell him which car you want to enter and what category of Concours you
want to enter. If you are not familiar with the judging procedure contact your Register Captain who will
explain the system to you. Your choices are: Concours d’Etat, Concour d’Comique, and Tops. This info will
also help us to have enough judging sheets available for the different categories. Judging will commence at
10:30.
Your anticipated co-operation in this regard will be appreciated.
Looking forward to another enjoyable Family Day!
3
BREAKFAST RUN TO NITIDA WINE ESTATE - by Maya Reck
Sunday morning and Opa had invited me and Mom to
come along to the MG Breakfast Run at a wine farm
near Durbanville. Oh Goody! I thought we were going
in the MG. “No” said Mom, “there’s no room for your
babyseat in a TC or a B; we are going in the Golf.”
Strange! Not so long ago, Mom had told me the story how way back in 1974, when she was not yet 2 years
old, the whole family - parents and 2 kids - had driven in an open TC all the way to an MG gathering in East
London. If it was alright then, why not now?
Anyway, Opa did not exactly know the right way to Nitida, so he checked on his iPad. He was told it would
take 8 days, 20 hours and 5 mins to get to a place by the same name somewhere in the Netherlands. So we
just followed the route given to us in The Breed and within an hour we were in the right place. I immediately
recognised it because there were already lots of gleaming MGs in the parking area. (Much more shiny than
the 2 that Opa has in his garage!)
It was a bit boring with all the MG talk in the parking lot and
just when I really got hungry, we were all called in to the
restaurant where 2 long tables had been set up for us. I
even had my own chair sitting next to Mom and Opa.
When breakfast was served I had a great time because I
was allowed to eat with my fingers. Mom knows that if she
had stopped me, I would have thrown an almighty tantrum,
which would have embarrassed her.
Everyone was really nice to me!! Bill ten
Oever tickled my toes while I drew pictures in
the Sunday Times. Mike made funny noises
with his finger in his mouth and Fran tickled
and cuddled me and made me laugh.
At one stage Robin got up and spoke about a
Mr Thornley who was the founder of the MG
Car Club in 1930 and who had passed away
20 years ago in 1994. It was not a sad story
because when Robin had finished, everybody
laughed and clapped
By 11 o’clock I had eaten and enjoyed myself enough and I let Mom know it was time to go home. It was
really fun to be with the MG people and I’m sure that I will have my own MG one of these years!
4
VETERANS GROUP NEWS— Jo Hitchcock
By now you must have read the excellent reports in the October Breed by Brian Hogg, on the August event,
the Constantia Meander, and by Buddy Mockford, on the September run along the beautiful Clarence Drive
to Betty’s Bay to visit the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
Over the years I’ve learned to know Brian as a person with a special interest in history, which was also
clearly visible in his report on the Constantia Manor House and on the interesting unfamiliar routes along
which we travelled to arrive there. To crown it all the route and venue was chosen by Ian and Hettie Glass,
with Ian also a knowledgeable historian.
Buddy and Jenny reported on the run to Betty’s Bay and concentrated on the environment, the view, the
Penguins, the gulls, the Botanical Garden and flowers. Les and Brodwyn Wilson planned this event.
I can assure these organisers and reporters of these events, of our sincere gratitude. Judging by the
attendance and by compliments that we continuously receive, we realise that these are thoroughly enjoyed
by the Veterans. We also hope to whet the appetites of the ‘not so regulars’ to join us more often.
Welcomes, Apologies and Well Wishes:
Late entries for any occasion are not always convenient but on this run we had a most welcome late entry.
We were about to depart for Betty’s Bay when I had a sms on my cellphone. It was from Martin Davies and
Sue Jones which read “We are back from Canada. Wait for us, we are on our way to join you. We’ll settle
for Fish and chips!” How fantastic is that for keen Veterans?!!
Apologies were received from Andre and Cathy Swanepoel. Andre had a motorcycle accident for which he
was hospitalised. He is out of hospital now and on the mend. I suggested that perhaps it is time for him to
sell his bike to which he protested in no uncertain terms.
Well wishes go to Barbara Flowers, John Lock and Andre Swanepoel. We were overjoyed to see Barbara
at the Breakfast at Nitidas. John Lock is improving well and gets around with a walking stick.
Congratulations go to Celia Baylis who celebrated her eightieth birthday on the 30th September. It seems as
if she thoroughly enjoyed her special day. From the veterans, we wish her a future filled with Sunshine and
Smiles, Laughter and Love and another year filled with everything Bright and Beautiful!!
Plaque of the Month:
The Veterans Plaque of the month was presented to Les and Brodwyn Wilson for taking us to Betty’s Bay on
the most beautiful drive in the RSA.
Who will organise Veterans’ Runs for 2015?:
Schedules for this will be handed out (or posted should you not be present) at the November Veterans
event. A special word of thanks to all those who had a turn this year. Enjoy your rest next year. Thank you
in advance to those who will be chosen for this very important and pleasant duty. Without your co-operation
the Veterans Group will be non-existent. Hope you find the “Tips” on the back of the schedule handy.
CHANGE OF VENUE FOR NOVEMBER:
A big thank you to Carole Engledow, who once again offered her lovely garden at her home in Bloubergrandt
for a “Bring and Braai” venue for November. Seeing that we have already used her facility in March this year
and we did not want to over-indulge, we decided to have lunch at Skilpadsvlei instead. Perhaps next year,
Carole?
5
The next Run: Thursday, 27th November:
The ‘Bring and Braai’ will be replaced by lunch at Skilpadsvlei. This venue is situated 8 km from
Stellenbosch on the M12 (Polkadraai Road) GPS co-ordinates: S33° 57.550’ EO 18° 46.064. (See map
below). Arrive at 12:00 for lunch at 12:30. Menu options below:
To facilitate bookings and catering arrangements,
please contact Jo Hitchkock at 021 939 3803 /
082 446 1092 by Monday, 24th November.
Menu Options
A Fish and chips
R65
B Chicken Pie, Rice and Veg
R77
C Bobotie, Rice and Veg.
R85
D Lamb Curry, Rice and Veg.
R88
E Beef Lasagne with fresh garden salad. R85
For your info:
Wine can be purchased per glass, carafe or bottle.
Glass: R20 - R35
Carafe: R50 – R70
Skilpadsvlei bottle wine R60 – R105 OR
Bring your own wine: Corkage: R20
Coffee / Tea:
R15
Cappuccino:
R18
When you book: Just use one letter per person (from A – E) to indicate your choice.
Regalia: Cloth badges are still available at monthly Socials and on Veterans’ Runs at R25 each. Bumper
badges, R150 each are only available at Club Natters unless you order in advance in which case I’ll bring it
along to the following Vets’ Run.
We now also supply parts for Land Rover, Discovery,
Range Rover and Freelander
Contact: Peter Flowers 021 975 4475 or 078 639 0151
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.classically-british.com
6
ELDERCARE
John Morrison has again appealed to members to support the ElderCare project with which he is associated
in Fish Hoek. A Letter from the organiser of the project giving more detail is printed below.
John says:
“Anne and I are still collecting whatever anybody wants to give, especially the ‘little luxuries’ such as nice
soap, tea, coffee, sugar, tinned goods, deodorant, hand and body lotion, sweets, oats, rice, Disprin or
Panado, etc.
I think you get the idea that these persons do not even have enough to live on, let alone buy any so- called
luxury items. Although currently we are collecting specifically for goodies for Xmas boxes, the need exists all
year round and items such as second hand clothes, appliances and furniture are gratefully accepted and
collection of them will be arranged.
Any items not used by the people will be sold in the organisations thrift shop to generate funds.”
I will be at the next Natter & Noggin so appeal to members to please bring along whatever they can for this
worthy cause.
An account has been set up by the social worker for any cash donations, so anyone can make direct
deposits into it if they so wish.
The Rhodie Fund
FNB Fish Hoek, branch code 202309
Acc No 62061342128
Use your name followed by ‘MGCCT’ as a reference.
Regards
John Morrison
084 554 4318
[email protected]
7
8
ANOTHER STORY ….
Submitted by Stewart Woodcock with permission of the author Ralph (Boytjie)
Kirsten
Overheating is an ongoing (and expensive) problem for our cars. The original cooling system simply cannot
cope in modern day traffic and with modern fuels which burn hotter. They were not designed to run in
ambient temperatures that we experience in SA especially in summer.
I thought there may be some member’s interest in the modifications I have done to my MGA, E-Type and
Healey. Adopting these modifications, one can be assured that driving your car hard on a warm summer's
day or sitting in traffic will never be a problem again.
Please accept that the views expressed here are my personal opinions.
For the analytically minded who need to question the technical reasons why all these mods are necessary,
the major factors that influence the temperature of the engine are;
# ambient temperature
# the capacity of the radiator. Too often the standard engine is modified by increasing capacity or ‘breathing
mods’ which all means burning more fuel but the radiator capacity is not increased.
# air flow through the radiator.
# rate of water flow through the radiator.
# water pressure in the radiator.
# air/fuel ratio (rich or lean)
# spark advance (timing)
# and often overlooked: air flow through the engine compartment.
Some other hidden facts that affect the engine temperature may be of interest. This is especially so when
trying to understand the reason why it is so important to control engine temperature and avoid overheating
‘at all costs’.
Firstly, the engine relies on the conversion of fuel into heat, and then into mechanical energy to produce
power. Only about one third of this heat is converted into power; another third is eliminated through the
cooling system, therefore it is essential to ensure that the cooling system is operating efficiently.
If the engine temp is allowed to go to too high (around 80 deg. C is ideal) it will follow that the oil temp will
increase which could lead to excessive oxidation, excessive wear and possible permanent damage (ever
heard of cracked or warped cylinder heads?) Conversely, excessive engine wear occurs if the engine is run
below 70 deg C for long periods and calls for more frequent oil changes... So about that thermostat? ... More
later.
It seems obvious that the elementary basics must be dealt with before going to all the trouble of carrying out,
and modifying the cooling system.
* As a priority, ensure that the cylinder head and block have been chemically cleaned to remove 50 years
of iron oxide (rust). A deposit of twelve thousands of an inch thick will cut heat transfer up to 40%.
* … the timing is set correctly
* …the air and fuel ratio is set correctly
Many of our old gauges do not tell the whole truth. Also remember - no matter what the gauge tells you, the
actual temp around the combustion chamber is far higher. It is also true that after switching off the temp
will increase dramatically due to loss of water circulation, hence the reason why we have to pressurize the
system to avoid water loss, due to internal temperatures going well above 100°C which is inevitable after
switching off (heat soak).
There is a good argument as to where the sender unit for the temp gauge should be fitted - in the cylinder
head or on the top of the radiator?
9
Now to the modifications;
I am not going to get into trouble or into an argument about changing the originality of our classics. Fact is, I
like to use my cars at any time and not limited by fear of overheating. If necessary one can always take off
the ‘workable mods’ and put on the original parts before the meetings, the mods can always be refitted
(ASAP) after the critics have left!
Taking the basics into consideration:
# Ambient temp... not much
# Capacity of the radiator: The MGA is fitted with a 3 row copper core. I fitted a 5 row ‘new generation’ core
to the original radiator bracket/frame (Silverton). Only change required is to cut approx 50 mm out of the
bottom shroud, (the new rad. is slightly tilted).
# Air flow through the radiator: I fitted a ‘flat motor’ Ford fan on the inside (pulling) ... I personally do not like
those ‘twisted blade cheapies’. The fan is controlled by a relay fed via a thermo switch (fitted in the
cylinder head) which comes on at 85°C and off at 75°. Also, remember to seal the area behind the grill to
ensure that ALL the air coming in, flows through the radiator.
# Water flow through the radiator: I fitted a Davies Craig electrical water
pump (see pic on left) which means the mechanical pump is machined
off, the impeller shaft and fan removed; only the housing is retained.
This gives you space for the electric fan.
The electric pump is fed via a relay which is switched on from the
ignition switch, giving the option to switch the pump on again after shut
down, so avoiding the inevitable overheating caused by ‘heat soak’.
Davies Craig also supply a controller that will allow run on for 2 minutes
after switch off. The fan will come on automatically if the temp is over
85°C. And, yes, keep the thermostat if you are not disciplined to warm
the engine by prolonged idle after first start-up.
Modified waterpump housing
Modified waterpump housing fitted
# Pressure in the radiator: I fitted an ‘outer sealing’ radiator cap (the one
without the spring) on the radiator and a 6 mm hose (inner diameter) is
connected from the overflow outlet on the radiator to a small header tank
(taken from the older Range Rover/110 Landy and fitted higher than the
cylinder block, against the bulkhead with pressure cap. No more water loss!
# Consider directing the air entering via the inlet scoop (next to the radiator)
towards the exhaust manifold which will encourage taking the hot air in the
engine compartment down and out . ... hence the reason why the E-type has
those sexy louvers on the bonnet!
# I fitted a suitable alternator to cope with the additional power requirements.
V belt run directly off the crank pulley, (no more mechanical water pump).
A lot of the above is fairly elementary and nothing new but it might just help
Mods fitted excluding thermostat, members to ‘use their cars without fear of overheating’.
housing, top hose and radiator cap
10
FOUNDING OF THE MG CAR CLUB by Bill ten Oever assisted by Brian Hogg
On 5th September 1930 Roy Marsh published a letter in ‘Light Car & Cycle Car’ Magazine, suggesting that a
club be formed for the owners of MG cars. Five enthusiasts, including John Thornley and Roy Marsh, met at
Marsh’s house in Highbury a week or two later at which it was agreed to go ahead with the formation of a
club. Thornley was requested to contact the factory at Abingdon to secure their approval. Cecil Kimber, the
managing director of the MG Car Company, greeted the idea with enthusiasm. Thus encouraged they went
ahead.
The idea was to meet at the Roebuck Inn on Sunday 12th October1930. 27 MGs gathered and drove to the
Kings Arms at Berkhampstead for tea where they were met by Cecil Kimber, members of his family and
some senior staff of the company. During tea an impromptu meeting was held at which John Thornley was
appointed Honorary Secretary.
Thornley started work at the MG Car Company in 1931 as their service manager and later became its
Managing Director as well as Chairman of the MG Car Club. He was well known (in later years) for his blue
MGB GT with registration number ‘MG 1’, similar to our present Chairman’s ‘Blou Jannie’!)
Cars of the Era - 18/80 and M Type
The cars present at that inaugural meeting must have been the MG Sports Marks 1,2,3 and 18/80s etc,
these being the models preceding the Triple M Cars. The first Triple M cars were the M Type Midget. These
small sports cars caused quite a stir and huge excitement in the motoring world. They were reasonably
priced at ₤175, had a good turn of speed at 65mph and, as one journalist remarked “It sticks to the road like
a leech”! The M was THE sports car of the day. I liked the words written in an article on the M Type: “In a
way the Midget is the Peter Pan of cars. Its offspring midgets all never grow up. They have a youthful spirit
that vitalises all who drive them.” 3235 were produced from 1929-1932. In 1931 a specially prepared M
Type was the first car of 750cc to achieve 100mph, driven by George Eyston. John Thornley (with tongue in
cheek) once made a suggestion for a new name for the Triple M Register: the Vertical Oil Cooled Dynamo
Register!
On 12 October 1974 we celebrated the 50th anniversary
of the formation of the club, in East London at our first
National Gathering. And now on 12th October 2014 we
celebrated the Club’s 84th birthday with a champagne
breakfast run to The Cassia Restaurant on the Nitida
Wine Estate! See the report on that event elsewhere in
this issue.
11
KAROO FEES by Len and Carol Victor
We decided to make the effort to visit the Karoo Fees on Saturday, 18 October at Prince Alfred Hamlet, a
round trip of about 280km. As the carrot, was a visit to Basil Wesson's car collection. Arrangements were
made through Paul Hoffman, a member of the Early Ford Club, as the invite to Basil's was for car club
members only.
The show was held at the Primary School and proceeds were for school funds. The car exhibits on the
sports field included cars from the Sunbeam, Morris, GSM Dart and Early Ford Clubs, a number of cars,
mostly American, from Basil's collection and a display of tractors. An interesting observation was that most
of the Early Ford Club members do not own an early Ford; instead I saw cars ranging from an A.H. frog eye
Sprite to Morris Minors. The car exhibits were not as many as on the Hermanus show that we attended
earlier this month .
Other MG Cape Town Centre members that we met were Danie and Elsie Marnewick, Ronny and June
Grace who, for this occasion, had donned the cap of the newly formed Langebaan based West Coast Car
Club and, of course, Basil Wesson himself who has been a member of Cape Town Centre for many many
years.
At 15:30 those who wished (there was to be a second viewing on the Sunday) proceeded in a loose convoy
towards Ceres, to Basil's tyre business where he stores most of his collection. We were met by his son Dave
also an MG Cape Town Centre member, driving his F Type (Jaguar not MG!) who showed us around the
warehouses.
The cars are very closely parked so access to a particular car that interests one is difficult. Shed 1 revealed
numerous 40s/50s era American cars, MG TC, TD and TF Midgets but my eye fell on the two Jaguar E
types - 1 roadster, 1 coupe and an XK 150 with (when I peered inside) a framed photo of Michael
Schumacher with the car when he visited the collection some years ago. Unfortunately relegated to a dark
corner, I found a very nicely built replica of OKV3, the D type Jaguar once owned by John Love.i
Sheds 2 and 3 revealed an MGA, a rubber bumper Midget, a number of MGB tourers an Austin Healey
3000, Triumph TR2, an Austin Devon and Austin Seven, some Alfas and a rare MG Y type tourer. This car
once belonged to John Watts, an ex member and past chairman of our club who part rebuilt it from a wreck
before he sold it on some 20 odd years ago. We counted over 90 cars and there are more stored elsewhere.
All in all a wonderful collection of the different marques but definitely too much to take in in the time we
allowed ourselves as we wanted to return home before dark, travelling via Bains Kloof, to also enjoy the
views.
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MAINTENANCE by Len Victor
Having attended Club outings for a number of years I have come to the conclusion that fellow members
really do maintain their cars well. We just never have breakdowns (touch wood!) on club runs. We often
have discussions around an open bonnet at these outings and the owner takes great pride in discussing his
latest under bonnet tinkering, but the discussion seldom progresses to out of sight components. Having said
that, how many of you regularly get your cars up on the home workshop ramps and have a good tinker
around underneath the car?
On my own car I had been hearing a ‘clunk’ noise for quite a while, sometimes when changing gear but
usually switching in or out of overdrive. I put this down to excessive play in the differential. Those with wire
wheels may also be under the impression that the ‘clunk’ originates from the wheel splines.
On checking the universal joints I didn’t find an appreciable amount of play but did see a rusty discolouration
on the trunnion seals, so obviously the universals were not regularly greased.
As my enthusiasm often surpasses my ability, I thought I had better be off to the propshaft clinic and I'm glad
I did. I also found the yokes to be installed at right angles to each other. The workshop manuals show the
yokes parallel on one page and at right angles on another. The Moss catalogues show them at right angles,
so who do you believe? The owner of the propshaft workshop assured me that they should be parallel and
said he would obtain the correct universals, install them and balance the shaft. After a week I had the shaft
back in the car looking like new. Universals with a grease nipple on the one trunnion cap (this is much easier
to access than having the nipple in the centre of the trunnion cross), sliding joint cleaned and greased, shaft
balanced and resprayed and costs just over R900 which is cheap considering the 2 universals plus postage
were over R600.
There is then little point in attempting the job yourself and then not being able to balance the shaft anyway.
The car is much quieter on the road and the ‘clunk’ is mostly gone. So, check those universals and the
flange bolts and make sure the flange bolts have at least a 10mm shoulder.
An interesting bit of useless information is that the universal joint is one of the oldest inventions on your
car. It was first thought of by Robert Hooke about 300 years ago and called the Hooke joint before it became
known as a universal joint.
TRIPLE M MATTERS by Bill Ten Oever
Here’s an update on Viv James’ restoration of his P type –‘Blue Bird’ which we saw when the MMM Register
visited his workshop a few months ago.
He has fitted the body tub to chassis, doors done and ready for fitting. All wiring done, dashboard in but
awaiting delivery of piping; floor boards made and painted, gearbox done and fitted, engine almost
completed but work on head needed; radiator and cowling done, bulkhead and it’s components also fitted.
Well done Viv; keep it up! We look forward to seeing the masterpiece on the road!
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FOR SALE
MGA/MGB BOOT RACK
An original type boot rack with three wooden slats & hold down clamps.
New rubber ‘feet’; hardly ever used but chrome needs a good polish.
Price R300
Contact Pat Coyne on 072 348 4493 or [email protected]
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MGF front brake disks, new; R3100 the pair.
Contact Jaco Reverchon on 083 544 6000
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MGB HARD TOP
Fibre glass factory type, double skin for insulation. Black leather grain outside & white inner… cool on the
hottest day.
Very good condition, almost as new; hardly ever used. With all the fitting brackets.
Price R9000
Contact Pat Coyne on 072 348 4493 or [email protected]
SERVICE OFFERED
MGB FRONT TELESCOPIC SHOCK ABSORBER CONVERSION
This conversion transforms the front suspension, with the original lever arm shock kept in place.
Easy fitting using locally sourced Gabriel, Monroe, or Koni shock absorbers.
Conversion without shock absorber R1100
Contact Pat Coyne on 072 348 4493 or [email protected]
The Cape Handlers Dog Club
Festival of Dogs, Arts & Crafts, Food, Wine & Beer and Live Music
Some Classic MG's would be welcome
Date: Saturday 8th November 2014
Time: 10am - 6pm
Venue: Theo Marais Park / Milnerton Sports Club on Koeberg Road.
Classic Cars are invited to join the Festival in a demarcated area at any time of the day,
even after lunch!
The 'Adopt a Pet' Charity entrance fees are reduced from R40 per person to R20 per Classic Vehicle.
Come along and enjoy the Shows and Festivities. Lots to Eat
Please advise Stewart Woodcock 0847027785
PS: Late arrivals are very welcome
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