august 2012 - the british motoring club of northern...
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August 2012
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Vol. 31, No. 8 News from the Texas Triumph Register August 2012
The Dog Days of Summer
August 2012
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UpFront
Officers, Volunteers & Info
Copyright 2012, Texas Triumph Register.
The Texas Triumph Register The Texas Triumph Register (TTR), founded in 1981, is an organization of Triumph owners and enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and continuing enjoyment of the Marque. Membership is open to all who appreciate automobiles bearing the Triumph name. In addition to monthly meetings, the club sponsors rallyes, shows, road tours, technical seminars, and social events.
Visit our website at: www.TexasTriumphRegister.org
National Affiliations
The Texas Triumph Register is a local chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR)/ Triumph Sports Owners Association, which is open to all drivers of Triumph motorcars; an area center for the Triumph Register of Amer-ica, exclusively for TR-2 through TR-4A automobiles; and a chapter of the 6-PACK, dedicated to the enjoyment, preservation, and restoration of the Triumph TR250 and TR6 automobiles.
Membership in these national organizations is encouraged. Visit their websites at:
www.vtr.org www.triumphregister.com www.6-pack.org
The Bluebonnet
The Bluebonnet is published monthly for TTR members. Members are encouraged to submit articles, photographs, or other items of interest. TTR neither endorses nor warrants any product or service advertised herein.
The information contained in this newsletter is for information only. TTR assumes no responsibility for the correctness or safety of the procedures; the reader assumes liability for any risk - personal or financial - in connection with the repairs or modifications outlined in the articles.
Working on cars can be hazardous if done incorrectly or without the proper safety precautions. The consequences of some mistakes can be dangerous. TTR suggests that you consult an automotive professional before attempting any repair or modification with which you are unfamiliar or inexperienced.
TTR 2011-2012 Officers and Volunteers
President John Barrett
281-395-1940 (home) [email protected]
Vice President — Events Randy DeRuiter 832-231-3335
Secretary Jeff Harris
Treasurer Dustin Nicholson
281.647.9877 (home) [email protected]
Membership/Historian Mike Hado
281.807.4780 (home) [email protected]
Regalia John Wakefield
713.690.5010 (home) [email protected]
Bluebonnet Editor Jeff Harris
281-469-7532 (home) 281-841-7728 (cell)
TTR Webmaster Tom Marsh
VTR SCR Liaison Clay Thompson
Pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade and enjoy the August 2012 Bluebonnet. Inside: An important reminder about tire safety, two interesting articles by Fred Wagner and an interview with Hal Sharp. Read the fascinating story of Randy DeRuiter’s new project TR3A—yet another reason that our old car hobby is much more than just ancient sheet metal. Don’t miss Larry Douglas’ neat Spitfire tribute CAR-tune for August. And, VTR 2012 Galveston is less than 3 months away. Thanks to all who contributed to this issue! Cover Photo: Google Images. Enjoy! Jeff Harris, Editor
Texas Triumph Register http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=154491104579697&v=wall
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AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 31 NUMBER 8
IN THIS ISSUE SP E C I AL F E AT UR E S
5 Endangered Car Species Fred Wagner
9 New Car; Old Memories Randy DeRuiter
6 Tire Safety Steve Foster
10 Fundamentally Triumph Auction Results from Fred Wagner
7 The Bluebonnet Interview Hal Sharp
11 Random Shots Glen Campbell / Clay Thompson
28 Lost Car Former Owner Seeks TR250
REGULAR FEATURES
4 From the President … John Barrett
17 Member News
12 TTR CAR-tune “Spitfire Dreams” Larry Douglas
18 Breakfast and Event CALENDAR Russ Seto
13 Products Automotive News
21 Classic-fied Ads NEW LISTINGS
14 Monthly Meeting Minutes 25 Regalia
15 July Meeting Highlights 26 VTR National Convention
16 Next Meeting—Wortsmans HOST 29 All Purpose Membership Form
T E C H N I C A L
19 Battery Box Replacement Jerry Gruss
13 Technical Toolbox Don Carter on Painting
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Column
From the President …
More determined than ever, I installed the voltage regulator which is attached to the speedometer and was about to test if the fix is in! Well the Spitfire would not turnover … what is going on here? It turns out that the battery (installed 2001) was dead. So, I replaced the battery and guess what? The temperature gauge is now reading normal! So, I have learned a lot about the thermostat, the temperature sensing unit, how to drain a radiator and replace hoses and clamps, and the voltage stabilizer. But most of all I have learned to ALWAYS check the battery first. However, I do not regret the experience; it is an endearing part of Triumph ownership. Planning is well underway for the 2012 VTR National Convention at Galveston Island and it is shaping up to be lots of fun. We already have registrations from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Delaware, Illinois, Florida, and Texas. If you have reserved a room and have not yet formally registered, why not go ahead take that final step? Please take a few moments and register on-line or by mail and help the planning committee get a better handle on attendees, cars in attendance, event participation, banquet dinner preference, and regalia orders. Early registration goes a long way to help plan the 2012 VTR National Convention. As always, I hope to see each of you at our monthly meetings, Saturday morning breakfasts, or other events. Be sure to see the Events section in The Bluebonnet or check the web site for a chance to meet other club members and an excuse to get out of the house. And remember: Participate in and Support your club and get out and Drive a Triumph!
John Barrett
Our July meeting was at the home of Nena and David Smith in Cypress. The meeting was well attended, despite the blistering heat and humidity we are all familiar with this time of year. True to the TTR modus operandi, lots of food was available in the dining room and drinks on the back patio. You have to appreciate the garage set up and Nena and David’s commitment to automobiles, including Triumphs.
I am not mechanically inclined and a recent episode does not challenge this statement. It all started quite innocently a few months back on the way to the Regionals in Broken Arrow, OK, I noticed that the temperature gauge was registering hot. Early Spitfires do not have a calibrated temperature gage. The Spitfire never overheated, but given the drive up and back totaling 1,200 miles in all, I was more than a little concerned about the temperature reading. I made the trip back to Katy and from approximately 11:00am onward the gauge was registering hot but never overheated. So, not being very mechanical in nature, I started with a replacement of a 180 degree thermostat which did not resolve the issue. On to the engine temperature sensing unit but likewise the issue persisted. Time to dig a little deeper, so I replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses and drained and flushed the radiator. While I was at it I installed new hose clamps. Well that did not help either. Stubborn and persistent, not sure where to turn next, I consulted the “Triumph Spitfire Owners Handbook” (Mark 1,2,&3) by Clymer Publications, and started reading. Low and behold on page 314 they talk about temperature gauges and the voltage stabilizer that takes the 12 volt battery output and adjusts the voltage down to 10 volts in order for the temperature (and fuel) gauge to work. I had never heard of a voltage stabilizer for a temperature gauge, but I was ready to try anything. Coincidently our esteemed editor, Jeff Harris, in the July Bluebonnet under the Technical Toolbox section, talked about the voltage stabilizer as a possible solution to unusual readings on the temperature and/or fuel gauges.
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ClubLife Endangered Car Species The folks at Hagerty Insurance have put together another list of classic cars. This time, however, the nature of the list is much more dire. Just as the public and government have had to pull together to save such endangered species as the California Condor, the Bald Eagle, and the Snail Darter, it is time we car enthusiasts rally to save a new breed of endangered species: Endangered Cars. Hagerty provided three lists, each comprising car makes/models which originally sold in numbers greater than 10,000; sadly, these cars appear to be disappearing from garages and roadways across this county. We must act now, in order to stop this senseless extinction. The lists are as follows: "Threatened" (More than 10,000 sold; less than 25 insured by Hagerty): 1. 1975-1980 Chevy Monza 2. 1963-1966 Studebaker Wagonaire 3. 1971-1974 BMW Bavaria 4. 1988 Pontiac Fiero 5. 1971-1977 Toyota Celica "Endangered" (Less than 15 insured) 1. 1971-1976 Mercury Capri 2. 1971-1974 Mazda RX2 3. 1975-1981 Volkswagen Scirocco 4. 1979-1981 Toyota Supra 5. 1971 Plymouth Cricket 6. 1981-1985 Chevy Citation X-11 "Extinct" (None insured) 1. 1980 Dodge St. Regis 2. 1985-1986 Chrysler Laser XE 3. 1987 Renault/AMC Alliance Convertible 4. 1983-1986 Isuzu Impulse How many of us will admit to having owned one of these vanishing examples of automotive species? My second car was a 1980 Chevy Monza hatchback, with a 4-speed and Buick 3.8L V6. That car took me through my senior year of high school and the first two years of college. Upon moving to Texas, and needing a second car for commuting, my father bought a brown 1972 Mercury Capri. Decent gas mileage, but build quality that would make the Speke factory look like a high quality operation. By the time we sold it to the junk man in 1978, it had no working reverse gear, and most of the interior switchgear was held together by glue and rubber bands.
While there may be more examples out there than just those listed by Hagerty, I have no doubt that their days are numbered, unless we act now. Adopt a Chevy Citation; sponsor a Plymouth Cricket; foster a Fiero. It's up to you. On a side note, it's nice to see than none of our beloved, and often maligned, Triumphs, are on the list. Perhaps, that may be a win for British craftsmanship after all.
(Fred Wagner)
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Safety Tire Safety Research and tests show that as tires age, they begin to dry out and become potentially dangerous, leading to calls for a six-year age limit from Ford Motor Co. and other car companies. The rubber compounds harden with age which affects the footprint of the tire on the road causing loss of braking and steering efficiency. As tires age they dry rot causing cracks in the side walls which can cause blowouts and loss of control. Some of the products applied to create a shiny appearance can actually accelerate the aging of tires. Determining when to replace your tires is not about how many miles have been traveled, how much tread depth remains, or how “new” the tires look. It may also not be about when you bought the tires. A 2008 ABC 20/20 investigation found “new” tires for sale at some major U.S. retailers that had been manufactured as long as 12 years before the sell date. To protect yourself, your family, your car and your fellow motorists, learn how to read the DOT-required date stamping on the side of all tires sold in the U.S. since the year 2000. Refer to the graphic below for more information. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to check the too often forgotten spare tire. (Article suggested by Steve Foster)
To determine the date of tire manufacture, find the letters/numbers that begin with “DOT” (short for Department of Transportation) and look for the last four numbers. In the example shown, the numbers are “0301”. This means that the tire was manufactured in the third week of the year 2001. It also means that this tire is far too old to use on your car!
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This month’s interview subject is Hal Sharp, owner of a French Blue 1976 TR6.
HS: Hal Sharp / BB: Jeff Harris, for The Bluebonnet
BB: Hal, tell us about yourself and your family.
HS: I am a native Houstonian. My wife, Debbie & I went to HISD High School together at S.F. Austin. We have a daughter who is 28, lives in Chicago and is engaged to be married on August 4, 2012. We love to visit her there between April & October, but she comes here to warm up in winter. I am an Architect with Gensler, an Architecture and Interior Design Firm with offices around the world. My career has been about designing & building large commercial & institutional office buildings and campuses.
BB: How long have you been a member of TTR? How did you find out about the club? How did you choose your TR6? What got you interested in TRs?
HS: I joined TTR in 2010 after purchasing my TR6. In late 2009 I began my search for a car to restore. I had developed an appreciation for Triumphs and MGs while attending Texas A&M. A good friend had an MGB and another guy in the A&M Sports Car Club, which was in its infancy in the early 70s, had a TR3. I found a group here in Houston that had 4 TR6s listed and decided shopping locally would be wise. I googled Triumph Car Club and found TTR. A little bit of calling around led me to Russ Seto and he was kind enough to agree to go with me to look these four cars over and advise me of their merits, or lack thereof. I did not want a rust bucket to resurrect and I didn’t want to buy one that needed no work to improve & upgrade, so we selected the ’76 French Blue car from the group. It barely ran, due to the usual clogged carbs & fuel pump, ignition, etc. but it would fire, so after closing the deal I drove it home to Bellaire and made ready for the journey toward restoration. I’ve loved cars since building my first model car at 8 years old, but had never had a “recreational” car to play with, nor have I ever done any serious mechanical work, so I needed some 101 course level training.
BB: What work have you done/do you intend to do on the car?
HS: In retrospect, the progress I’ve made toward restoration would be deemed by most to have been in reverse order of convention. Since I was keen to be able to drive my new baby asap, the first order of business was to remove smog pumps, EGR & other late 70’s EPA items that inhibit performance while adding weight, cleaned & replaced critical external engine components and got it running more smoothly. I made a lasting impression on Don & Louise Carter when I proudly drove it to their house and as we discussed next steps of restoration had it deposit a large oil spill on their freshly pressure washed driveway. The cockpit & trunk carpet & side panels were a mess so the entire interior was removed and made ready for replacement. That’s when we discovered that the LH floor pan was too rusted out to keep, so one new pan was added to the Moss Motors order. I had it welded in place by a trusted friend in the repair business, we eliminated the remaining surface rust, coated the firewall & floor pans with a “LizardSkin” Sound & Heat resisting coating (which has been very effective for both) and finally got to the French Blue finish paint. New 16” Koenig Rewind wheels with wide rubber made a huge improvement in steering feel. I also took the door panels apart, refurbished window rollers & tracks, replaced rubber gaskets and added sound attenuation material before installing new vinyl door panels. (Continues next page)
ClubLife
The Bluebonnet Interview
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ClubLife
The Bluebonnet Interview Hal continues:
While the interior was out for the above, it seemed logical that it was now or never to upgrade the original 4-speed transmission with an Overdrive unit and Mike Hado came to the rescue with a swap arrangement that I couldn’t refuse. With the exception of the seats, now the cockpit & trunk interior are refitted with vinyl and carpet kits. The dash has more than a dozen coats of matt, not shiny, clear coat that has been wet sanded up to 1600 grit paper.
BB: How much of the work do you do yourself? Who have you used for 'outside' repairs?
HS: Russ Seto has been a great teacher on all mechanical work which we have done mostly together either in my garage or his. Mike Hado rebuilt the OD transmission for Russ & I to install. I have self-performed the lesser skilled tasks like rust removal, painting and interior finish out work. Next up is the suspension. I have already installed a Good Products front sway bar and am preparing to upgrade front & rear bushings with Prothane and get the rear Good Products sway bar installed, too. The short term goal is to have this complete by VTR Nationals so I can responsibly Autocross it for the first time. I’m counting on my college autocross experience on the Old Bryan Airbase in an MGB and a ’64 Mustang to (hopefully) come back to me in a positive way.
BB: Have you owned any other interesting and unusual cars?
HS: This is my first FUN car!
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We recently added a couple of TR3As to our stable of Triumphs, one finished and one a project to complete. Those who attended the June club meeting at our house were able to see the finished car. The project car, TS62575L (photo), was delivered the next day. But this article isn’t about the cars, our excitement for getting them, or the sanity of getting them – it is about the previous owner of the project car, Carole Ann Lees. During the course of buying the cars we learned that the project car originated from Missouri, and was sold by a widow several years after she lost her husband. We were told that it was a difficult sale for her as she and her husband had enjoyed many trips and grown old together in it. That information was tucked away as an interesting fact, probably to be forgotten as the car was rebuilt. Until we saw the paperwork included with the car. Tucked away with reams of receipts that go with project cars like this was a copy of the original Missouri title – nice piece of history but far less interesting than the tattered envelope which held the title, and the neat penmanship that recorded the following note: With our enjoyment of Triumphs it is easy to see the beauty in the cars but not always easy to see the humanity in them. This note made it easy to see both. Thoughts of reuniting the car, once restored, with Mrs. Lees brought sad news – she passed away in 2008. A memorial left on the internet showed her in her younger years, we can guess perhaps as she looked when she was seated next to Graham in their sporty TR3A. We normally don’t name our cars, we just don’t usually think of them in human terms, although I have used many colorful names for them when they misbehave. However, this car is different – so when you see it on the road next year, please stop and say hi to “Carole Ann”. (Randy DeRuiter)
ClubLife
New Car; Old Memories
Title: 1960 TR3 Triumph “I trust that, sight unseen, you will be content with this part of my past. Locked in her is this piece of time and history of two hearts and souls, two friends and lovers, sadly parted too soon.”
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ClubLife Fundamentally Triumph
There has been a slight uptick in the number of Triumphs offered at recent auctions, likely timed to catch the summer driving season. However, the recent offerings have not garnered strong bidding, resulting in few sales. The Leake Care Auction was held June 8-10, 2012 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two TR6s were up for auction, including a white, 1976 car that was originally purchased new by a Volvo dealer and stored in "time capsule" condition. The car was believed to have 406 original miles on it. This rare survivor was previously offered at the April 2012 San Antonio auction, where it reached a high bid of $26,000.00, but did not meet reserve. At Tulsa, the TR6 only reached $23,000.00, and again, did not sell. Also offered were two brown 1974s. The sixes had the same description listed (likely a clerical error). One was a non-overdrive model, with a new exhaust and new top; however, neither must have been in stellar condition, as they sold for $6,100.00 and $7,000.00, respectively. The unique offering amongst the Triumphs was a second owner, 1961 TR10 Estate Wagon. This Cotswald Blue wagon had a 40 hp, 948cc 4 cylinder engine, and was advertised as reaching 0-50 mph in an astonishing 18 seconds. Mileage, though unspecified, was advertised as low, and the vehicle was described as a "barn find". Some interior door panels still had factory plastic wrapping, though the exterior had some signs of surface rust. The car sold for $12,750.00. Here is a brief rundown of the April 2012 San Antonio auction which had multiple Triumphs up for sale: 1972 Stag (clean, 5 speed, but with a Chevy V-8); offered twice, but only reached $13,000.00 and $12,000.00 with no sale. 1976 TR6 (listed above); only reached $26,000.00 with no sale. 1980 TR7 Convertible; only reached $2,550.00 with no sale. 1980 TR8 Convertible; advertised as having 17,000 miles; original motor, with Holley 4 bbl and new camshaft; Rimmer Bros. aerodynamic kit; only reached $7,750.00 with no sale. Personally, these numbers are not going to get me to sell. Looks like I'll be putting in the new steering rack in my 6. (Fred Wagner)
“Galveston” Lyrics
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ClubLife Random Shots
TTR Member and VTR SC Region Coordinator Clay Thompson created a new webpage with technical resources for Triumph wedge owners. Check it out at: https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B8MWEvqOpX3udEF4SmFQUW9RS09hbU5uNW5Wd0xrUQ/edit Clay created a new website to foster communication among the VTR South Central Region. It can be found at http://www.vtrscr.me/vtrscr/Home.html And finally, please note Clay’s new email address: [email protected]
New Technical Resource on Web for TR7 and TR8 Owners & New Website for the VTR South Central Region
Galveston, oh Galveston, I still hear your sea winds blowin' I still see her dark eyes glowin' She was 21 when I left Galveston Galveston, oh Galveston, I still hear your sea waves crashing While I watch the cannons flashing I clean my gun and dream of Galveston I still see her standing by the water Standing there lookin' out to sea And is she waiting there for me? On the beach where we used to run Galveston, oh Galveston, I am so afraid of dying Before I dry the tears she's crying Before I watch your sea birds flying in the sun At Galveston, at Galveston (Written by Jimmy Webb while visiting Galveston Island. Recorded by Glen Campbell, 1969).
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TTR CAR-tune
It’s not unusual these days for performance cars to have engines rated at greater than 500 horsepower. Some exotics like the Bugatti Veyron have engines with more than 1000 HP. How about a 4000 HP engine? The Cummins Hedgehog is a new diesel engine with a massive 95-liter (5800 cubic inch) displacement. The engine was built to power off-road mining dump trucks, locomotives or generators with enough capacity to power 3,500 average houses.
Each of the engine’s 16 cylinders displaces over six liters (366 cubic inches), roughly the size of an average Cummins-powered delivery truck or city bus engine. In addition to making 4,000 horsepower, the Hedgehog engine cranks out 11,800 pound-feet of torque, yet still complies with tough upcoming European Tier 4 emission standards. Compare to a TR2 four-cylinder engine with 1.9L or 121 cubic inches of displacement and 90 hp. Maybe adequate for a starter engine for the big diesel?
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/26/cummins-hedgehog-is-real-big-engine/?intcmp=features#ixzz1z05L86g7
Big Engine
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Products
Automotive News
Cars that require minimum thinking to operate:
Proper tire inflation is important for safe driving and optimal fuel
economy. Nissan is implementing its "Easy Fill Tire Alert" system,
starting with the 2013 Nissan Altima. When a tire is low, the vehicle will
notify the driver and indicate which tire is underinflated. The driver can
then access an air hose and begin to inflate the tire. The car will flash its
lights to notify the driver that the air is going in the tire and the horn
will sound when proper inflation has been reached.
"It's one of those simple slap your forehead moments, as to why
someone has not thought of it before," said Nissan Product Planner
Vishnu Jayamohan.
A convoy of self-driven cars has completed a 200km (125-mile) journey on a Spanish motorway, in the first public test of such vehicles. The cars were wirelessly linked to each other and "mimicked" a lead vehicle, driven by a professional driver. The so-called road train has been developed by Volvo. According to Volvo, drivers "can now work on their laptops, read a book or sit back and enjoy a relaxed lunch" while driving.
The road train test was carried out as part of a European Commission research project known as Sartre - Safe Road Trains for the Environment. (BBC News)
Technical Toolbox Painting Your Triumph
It’s rarely wise for an owner to paint his own car. There are simply too many safety, training, and equipment needs. So, if you take your Triumph to a paint and body shop, mention our club, and be sure to tell the Owner everything you expect from your new paint job. For instance, do you want to make this a show car? Do you want the car to have absolutely no malformations in the body panels, even if it did come from the factory that way? Do you want the paint to have depth and luster by mixing the clear polyurethane with the color polyurethane so that the color pigments are suspended within the clear coat? Painters have to almost be chemists to do this part right and keep the paint consistent throughout the painting process. The body and paint guy will need to know the level of quality you are looking for. His insurance job will get some of his attention, but a restoration job with a known goal and quality level will get much more of his time. Do you want it to be primed with epoxy primer? This is highly recommend because it makes the finish color coats last for many years and hold their stabilization without cracking or chipping as easily. Paint will expand and contract with time, UV rays, and of course heat and cold. Epoxy primer is the most stable and is why my paint job has lasted well over 20 years. Good painters will probably tell you that waxing the car after a good paint job is not required at all … lightly polished, yes, but not waxed. If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then you are definitely particular, most likely a perfectionist, probably obsessive and compulsive, but you also know exactly what you want. There’s nothing wrong with that. At least I hope not, because I have those labels in some circles. (Don Carter)
Cars that require no thinking to operate:
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Opening • President John Barrett opened the meeting at 3:08 pm and thanked Nena and David Smith for hosting. John announced that Linda and Jay Jablonski would be relocating to Hartford, CT and he wished them well.
Treasurers Report
• Dusty not present. If you have questions, feel free to contact him.
Editor’s Report
• Jeff Harris thanked the numerous people who have submitted articles to the newsletter. Submit your ideas, articles and suggestions by the 20th to Jeff at [email protected].
Membership Report
• Mike Hado reports that 104 members are current with dues. Five have resigned due to out of town relocation or sale of TR. Mike reminded us that ownership of a Triumph is not a prerequisite for membership!
• 28 members attended the business meeting.
Regalia Report
• No club regalia news.
Events • Randy DeRuiter reported on several upcoming events: Roadster Factory Summer Party,
6-PACK in Niagara Falls, Texas ABCD in Round Rock—Sept. 29-30, Houston British Car show at La Centerra-Oct. 20th and Daughters of the British Empire car show, November 3rd. Randy will look into an early 2013 Canyon of the Eagles tour, or similar trip to the Hill Country. We won’t have a Falling Leaves tour this year due to our hosting of the VTR National Convention in late October. Dave Smith offered to put together a “Hot August Night” dine & drive, either to the outdoor theater or to the Nifty Fifties car show. The group preferred the Nifty Fifties, saving the outdoor theater for a cooler time of year.
• VTR National Convention 2012, Galveston, TX, October 28-Nov.2, 2012.
New Business • Don Carter gave a status report on the 2012 National Convention and reminded us that there will be a planning meeting Wednesday, August 8 at Skyline Art Services at 6:30 pm. Don urged everyone to register as quickly as possible.
Next Meeting(s)
• September 8, 2012 Diane & Bill Parker, Montgomery
• October 13, 2012 Karen & Steve Kirsis, Bentwater on Lake Conroe (tentative)
• November 10, 2012 Patsy & Bill Papp, Northwest Houston
Closing • Meeting Adjourned at 3:45 pm. Minutes submitted by Jeff Harris.
ClubLife
Monthly Meeting Minutes 7/14/2012
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ClubLife
July Meeting Highlights
Thanks to Nena & Dave Smith for hosting. Godspeed to Linda & Jay Jablonski, relocating to Hartford, CT. We hope to see you again soon! Photos: F.Wagner/M.Hado
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Saturday, August 11, 2012
ClubLife
Next Meeting
Hosted by: Sharon & Jim Wortsman Let’s Greet at 2 pm and Meet at 3
5302 Pebble Way Lane Houston, TX 77041
713-937-8247
WEST HOUSTON FROM I-10 KATY FREEWAY, EITHER DIRECTION, NORTH ON N. ELDRIDGE PARKWAY FOR ~ 5 MILES LOOK FOR LAKES ON ELDRIDGE SUBDIVISION ON EAST SIDE OF ELDRIDGE ENTER AND CHECK IN AT SECURITY GATE, LEFT ON LAKESHORE RIDGE FOLLOW THE CURVING ROAD AND TURN LEFT ON LAKE CENTER RUN RIGHT ON PEBBLE WAY LANE 5302 WILL BE ON YOUR LEFT.
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ClubLife
Member News
August Bir thdays
FIESTA APPETIZER PIE
Debbie Harrison TTR Triumph in the Kitchen Cookbook
3 Ripe Avocados 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice 1 Cup Dairy Sour Cream
2 Finely Chopped Green Onions 1-8 oz. Jar Taco Sauce
1 cup (4 oz.) Finely Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese Tortilla Chips
In bowl, mash avocados with lemon juice, or use prepared
guacamole. Spread evenly in bottom of pie plate (9”).
Spread sour cream completely over avocado layer (to prevent darkening). Sprinkle with green onions. Spoon taco sauce over sour cream, and then sprinkle the cheese
over all. Optional: Add Black Olives on top.
Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Serve with tortilla chips.
Double recipe amounts for a 9”x13” dish.
Recipe of the Month
Mark & Connie Elliott Spring, Texas
1970 White Spitfire
Stephanie Dickens 3 Ray Bradford 4 Bruce Ruisard 4 Carol Burnett 7 Andy Martin 7 Bill Parker 7 Kathleen Wilson 8 Christine Brooks 9 Dan Mayfield 9 Belinda Reyes 12 John Reynolds 14 Pam Mayfield 14 Tere Jeffries 16 Risa Myers 17 Richard Dicks 18 Bernie Goicoechea 20 Dave Stacy 21 Cissy Wakefield 21 Chuck Peterson 22 Charlotte Henley 23 Laurel Parker 23 Susie Gough 24 Melissa Farrell 25 Russ Seto 26 Sharon Wortsman 26 Doris Vogt 28 Mark Counts 31
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July 28 Le Peep Restaurant, 3810 Farnham Street. 713-520-5201 August 4 Strack Farm Restaurant, 5707 Louetta Road. 281-376-0901 August 11 Otto's BBQ, 11222 Fountain Lake Drive. 281-313-6889
August 11 TTR Monthly Meeting, Sharon & Jim Wortsman, West Houston August 18 The Egg & I, 21143 Tomball Parkway (249 & Louetta). 832-717-7781 August 25 59 Diner, 20210 Katy Freeway. 281-599-8500 (Behind Home Depot/Fry Rd.) September 1 Humble City Cafe, 200 Main Street. 281-319-0200 September 8 Skeeters Mesquite Grill, 1553 So. Mason Road. 281-398-9260
September 8 TTR Monthly Meeting, Diane & Bill Parker, Montgomery, Texas
The Traveling Triumph Breakfast Club (TTBC) gathers around 8:00 a.m. and orders breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
Confirm breakfast location on web the day before the event.
ClubLife Breakfast & Event Calendar
Countdown to VTR
88 Days (from 8/1/12)
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- Technical
TR3 Battery Box Replacement
Rusted battery boxes are common in all the TRs due to battery acid, neglect and poor placement. Water can easily get in and become trapped in the box, the only way out is to rust out. When I got my TR3 I noticed the firewall around the battery box was a little wavy, and there was a significant hole in the bottom of the box. After removing the paint and filler, I saw how much of the box was missing, and decided to replace rather than attempt a repair to the box. I was (foolishly) careful to only drill the minimum of material where the box had been spot welded at the factory (about 1/8”). These spot welds appear as little dimples, generally evenly spaced and centered on the flange that holds in the box. Some were difficult to spot (no pun intended) but as one is drilled out, and the metal is pried away, the next appears. The top of the battery box has two small steel plates about 1” by 3” welded near the cowl, to take up the gaps between the box, the firewall and the cowl. I was able to cut these welds with a Dremel tool. A new battery box from The Roaster Factory needs to have the little wire hangers welded to it. I opted to be sure the supports for the dash-board was welded a little more secure than the two spot welds it came with. Then it’s a matter of pressing the box into a hole that seems a little too small for the box. The old one came out as easily –meaning it is challenging and requires metal to bend. I drilled out a few extra welds along the front firewall to allow that panel to bend a little and make the process possible by a single person. The front cowl seemed bent upwards until I got it all welded back into position. Unlike some replaced boxes, I decided that I wanted the box to look like it did when it came from the factory. I didn’t want to be able to see a lot of weld beads around the outside of the box. I didn’t want the firewall to be flush to the box or see a bunch of filler and seam sealer. I wanted to see the outline of box as easily as it was seen on the car as when it was new. So I re-drilled all those 1/8” holes that freed the spot welds, and made them 5/16” large. I used a MIG welder, since a spot welder big enough for this job is not something easily found. If I try to weld through a 1/8” hole, the hole would weld shut, but the metal under it would not be welded to it. However, if I weld around the perimeter of a 5/16” hole, trying to penetrate the weld into the metal under it, both metals will be welded together at those ‘spots’. The picture showing the clamps on the cowl also show dark spots in the paint where the metal had been heated from welding on the underside. The only requirements for this type weld are the metals must be clean and in close proximity, and explains why I used so many clamps before any welding. I used the same welding approach along the top of the cowl (the drip edge of the hood). It took several clamps to get that lip to bend back down and meet the top of the new battery box. Some distortion may have occurred during removal and replacement. After grinding my welds, the ledge looks as good as it did from the factory –meaning you can still see where the joints occur. The front edge near the transmission and firewall still needs welded. From inside the car, with the tub on the frame and the transmission in place, it is almost impossible to see, let alone weld. Since I have to remove the tub for some rear apron welding, I will weld the firewall to the front lip of the battery box while the tub is upside down and the transmission is not in the way. After that, and a little paint, the only way the casual observer will know that the battery box had been replaced, were if they found my pictures. See project photos on next page. (Jerry Gruss)
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TR2/3 Steel Replacement Battery Box, The Roadster Factory Part No. CAR1, List Price $129.95 This was the first replacement part that Charles Runyan had manufactured after he started TRF, thus the Part Number. The part is now manufactured in Pennsylvania.
Technical
TR3 Battery Box Replacement
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Noncommercial classified ads are free to members and inexpensive for everyone else! Just $30 per ad for six issues. Photos run as space available. (Ads will run for the full term unless cancelled in writing). Service ads run until cancelled, as space available. Commercial ads are available for $15/issue, $80 for 6-months or $150 per year for a half page ad. (Half rate for ¼ page ads; Double rate for full page ads).
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Classic-fieds
NEW LISTING: 1967 TR4-A: Drive now or finish restoration. I purchased this car from its second owner in 1976. It took my son to T-ball games and was a fun weekend driver. Later he drove it to high school and summers while in college. After that, it fell into disuse and languished in the garage. Early this year, I decided to bring it back to running condition. That process is complete. The car runs well and is ready for cosmetic restoration. It has not been wrecked, although there is some damage to the rocker panels. The engine was rebuilt in the 80s and there have been very few miles since. It has new tires, braided stainless lines, new engine mounts, and all the other things necessary to make it roadworthy. Email me for a complete list of renovations and more pix, there are 24 in all. The body is sound, carpet is new, top is old, but still looks good. It is presently at the shop for a chemical treatment to clear the water passages in the block. Title is good; asking price is $10,000 obo. The car is great as it stands and has significant upside potential. [email protected]
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Ads
Classic-fieds
TR250 PROJECT CAR: Greg Gedovin says: “What I would like to say about the TR250 is--This car needs a complete restoration!” The frame has never been bent; however, it has significant rust at both tail sections and at the right trailing arm section. The tub requires floor pans (I have them still in the box). Inner and outer sills need attention but I feel replacement is not required. The purist/perfectionist might require it. Same with the trunk floor. All panels, doors (and glass) are good. They will of course require good prep work prior to paint. Bonnet and trunk are good. Rear suspension and differential are good but all bushings are needed. All U joints are good. Engine has 500 miles on it BUT there is no documentation. Clutch and trans are good but no OD. Wiring harness is ok but I'd want to replace it anyway. Chrome is either new, rechromed or excellent. Do need to rechrome good rear bumper to match rechromed front bumper. All 4 overriders and 4 knockoffs have been rechromed. The two rear taillight housings have minor pits but I would probably replace. Interior is ok. Just the same I'd get a new panel kit and seat cover kit anyway. I have a Robbins top in the package, all new rubber seals and window scrapers at top of doors, new Lucas-style mirrors; interior door pulls at top of doors, new dash cap and teak dash facia, crash pads at bottom of dash and new switch plinth. The car is totally disassembled and body is off frame. I have a new body mount kit. I have seven wire wheels but only four are 60-spoke. There is an aluminized dual exhaust manifold and dual exhaust downpipe. Title is good and original window sticker comes with it. $5,900 Contact Greg at 713-703-6120. (Note: Mike Hado has seen the car and can provide additional information to any potential buyer).
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Ads
Classic-fieds
NEW LISTING: Spitfire 1500 parts. I recently sold my Spitfire 1500 and have some extra parts available. The parts came with the car when I bought it a couple of years ago so I can’t say for sure what works and what doesn’t. Here is a partial list of what is included:
• Complete 1500 engine • Transmission (said to have J-type overdrive, but I’m not so sure) • Side draft weber with manifold for Spitfire • Stock wheels and tires (4 fairly new and matching appear to be wider than stock) • A few boxes of miscellaneous parts including various new and used parts such as interior trim,
front springs, gauges, dash board, coil, carbon canisters, and other small stuff. • The parts are in Pearland. Asking $600 for the lot. More photos available upon request. Contact
Grif Carnes (owner) 713.817.4832 [email protected] or Dusty Nicholson , 281.871.9623 [email protected]. (Exp. 1/2013)
The August 2012 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine includes coverage of the Triumph Spitfire and its 50th anniversary. www.hemmings.com
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PARTIAL LISTING OF TTR REGALIA ITEMS ITEM $ LADIES HATS 12 GRAY TTR T-SHIRTS 15 GRILL BADGE 25 MEN’S HATS 15 LICENSE PLATE FRAMES 20 HAT PINS 7.5 IRON ON LOGO PATCHES 5 TR-3 COFFEE CUPS 3
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TTR Regalia
For more information and availability of shirt sizes contact Regalia Master John Wakefield (See UpFront page for contact info). If you have ideas or requests for new Regalia items, let
John know. See our website for additional info on TTR-logo shirts available through Lands End on-line purchase.
August 2012
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VTR National Convention Information
VTR 2012 National Convention Planning Committee Meeting Dates August 8 September 5 October 5-7 Event Dates: August 22 September 19 October 12-14 Oct. 28-Nov. 2 October 19-21 October 26-27 Meetings through September will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm at Skyline Art Services, 6955 Portwest Drive, Suite 160, Houston, TX 77024.
Raffle! Many sponsors have generously donated merchandise and services which will be raffled off at the National Convention. Those who have donated so far include: United Airlines Good Parts HVDA LitezUpp Industries, LLC The Wedge Owner’s Association Landrys Mitchell Historic Properties NAPA Moss Pappas Robbins Top Ratco The Roadster Factory Advertisers: Hagerty Insurance, Rimmer, 5R Restorations, Motorcars, Ltd., Little British Car Company Look for airline tickets, restaurant gift cards, hotel packages in Galveston and Las Vegas, wine baskets, Triumph parts and many other exciting prizes to be included in the raffle. Tickets will be sold by TTR volunteers at the convention. TTR thanks all of our supporters. There is still time to add your company to the list!
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Don Carter reminds TTR members to “register early and often’ for the VTR National Convention.
The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As further recognition of its importance to the citizens of Texas, in 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand "The Official Opera House of Texas." The Grand survived the hurricanes of 1900, 1915, Carla (1961), Alicia (1983) and Ike (2008), as well as years of neglect at various times throughout its history. Make sure to visit The Grand at 2020 Avenue E while visiting Galveston Island. http://www.thegrand.com/history.asp
VTR National Convention Information
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Purchased new in 1968 from Alamo Sports Cars (626 N. Main Street) in San Antonio, TX. I was stationed at Fort Hood and assigned to the 2nd Armored Division. My wife and I traded our 1964 Spitfire for the 250. We ordered it in white with a white top. When we got a call from Alamo that the car had arrived but it was Jasmine, I thought, “That will be just fine.” A white top replaced the black one when it was damaged in a Texas hailstorm. We did a lot of rallying with the Fort Hood Sports Car Club in 1968-1969. Custom driving lights had been added but those could have been removed and a new grill installed. We put about 150,000 miles on it in six years. It was a fun car and we named it Ginny after seeing “Camelot”. I’d like to see if it’s still around and to talk to the current owner about where the car’s been for 37 years. The California DMV has no record of it. VIN: CD-3341LO Last CA license plate: ZXZ 232 Port of Entry: Houston Original Color: Jasmine (Photo above is not the actual car) If you know anything about the car, please contact: Dave Bermani 310-488-7536 (Note: Dave was once editor of the Fort Hood Sports Car Club Newsletter).
From Dave’s original window sticker: MSRP: $3175.00 Tonneau Cover: $35.00 Overdrive: $165.00 Battery Box: $5.95 Handling: $10.00 Total: $3390.95
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The TTR meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. For more information, contact Mike Hado (281.807.4780). We look forward to meeting you!
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