ttle georgia trumpet volume xxi, nl!mber12 polar bear run · the trumpet a publication of the...

I The Official Publication of the Georgia Triumph Association

Ttle Georgia TRUMPET

... .. ..~tie¢e}n6er~Od~> Volume XXI, Nl!mber12

The Sixth Annual Georgia Triumph Association

POLAR BEAR RUN Will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2005

This Is your last warning! Interest in this year's Polar Bear Run is running high. We've heard from friends in Tennessee, the Carolinas, and all over our own state of Georgia. This one should set a record for driving events in the Southeast in Decemberl

The drive will begin after a 9:30 drivers' meeting at the Publix shopping center in Suwanee, near Exit 111 of 1-85. Several restaurants are available in the immediate area for breakfast (Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, etc.). For more information, check the GTA web site. Driving north on 1-85, you'll turn right from the exit ramp to get to Publix.

This year's drive will take us to the Alpine village of Helen, GA. The town will be dressed up for the Holidays, and the restaurants are always good for a schnitzel or wurst and a cold beer. We will arrive in plenty of time that you can have lunch and a visit, and stili be back home before it gets too dark.

The New Year's Eve Party at the Unicoi Lodge should also be a big time. As of this writing, our group has about 45 rooms reserved at the Lodge. There is still time to reserve if you

want to join us for the evening. You can visit the Lodge's web site at www.unicoilodge.com (DO NOT try to make reservations through the web site - see info below). Rooms are $79 for the night, double occupancy. The buffet dinner at the Lodge is $10.95, and the breakfast buffet is $6.95. After dinner, we will host a cash bar in the Lodge until the New Year

arrives. On New Year's morning, we're looking forward to "diving" into 2006 with a big "splash." As far as we know, this will be the world's first LeMans start Polar Bear swim in the park's lake. Be sure to bring your swimsuits!

Please note that the overnight stay is not required to participate in the day's drive. likewise, if you can't be at the drive, you are still welcome to join us at the Lodge for dinner and the party.

Rooms will be available through Make your reservations at the Lodge now by calling them at 800-573-9659 and using 'event #01224.' If you don't use the group number, you will be subject to a 2-night minimum stay. Some of the group will be staying on Sunday night as well, so feel free to stick around an extra day if you like.

We look forward to having you join us.

UPDATES will be posted on the GTA web site: http://www.GaTriumph.com. Please check for any last-minute changes. No changes will be posted after Friday, December 30 at 5:00 PM. Please make sure that your car is ready for the road, and has a full tank of fuel prior to the start of the drive, FRS 2-way radios are not required, but are a great way to keep in touch with the rest of the group and are highly recommended. A channel will be

announced at the drivers meeting. For any other information please contact George Forster (gforster@JanieLcom ), or call 770-266-6203 (home) or 770-845-4484 (cell). If you're running late to the start, call and we'll make sure you don't get left behind. All classic and antique cars are invited to

attend this event - we especially encourage the classic imports. Motorcycles and modern autos may also join in the fun, but the modern cars will be asked to follow at the rear of the group, and park in a separate area from the rest.

The Trumpet A publication of the Georgia Triumph Association December, 2005

Upcoming GTA EVENTS

December 2005 20 GTA Non - Business Meeting Norcross, GA See page 10 31 Polar Bear Run VI· See page 1 or check out the club website for any last minute changes.

January 2006 17th, Business meeting, Norcross Station, Norcross, GA

In This Issue Polar Bear Run Christmas Party Dribble Activites Report Fall Rally Report A Little History Please My Triumph Tech by Barry Upcoming Events Classifieds Bozo Award 2005

1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9 8-9 9 9 10

Non Business Meeting 10 Chili Cook Off 11 Business Meeting Notes 12 New Member 14 Birthday List 14

Contributors George Forster GTA Bob Ragan GTA Hugh McAleerGTA Paul Logue GTA

Rusty 'Bozo' Smith GTA Pat Turner GTA Ashford Little GTA Mark Pruitt GTA Mike Hurst GTA John Drosdick GTA Photo on page 2

Barry Rosenberg

Board of the Georgia Triumph Association Left to Right: Kathy Munson, 2006 Assistant Director; George Foster, Activities Director; Sue Hurst, Treasurer; Kevin Bowen, 2005 Director; Pat Turner, Secretary; Mark Pruitt, 2006 Director.

GTA Christmas Party Mark Pruitt

The annual GTA Christmas Party was held on Saturday, December 3rd at Kurts Biergarten in Duluth. We had about 80 people that attended, which included members and their families. The event started with a happy hour and socializing and moved on to a wonderful dinner, which I have to say the prime rib was excellent! After dinner the door prize drawings were held and a very interesting game of Triumph trivia. I'm sure most people were like myself and learned several new Triumph facts. The big event of the evening was annual white elephant gift exchange. This is always a fun part of the night as we watch people's reactions to having their gifts stolen and the tactics we use to prevent stealing. I got a set of wrenches and tried the old trick of licking them to keep the thieves away. Of course, that didn't work since us Triumph owners are not afraid of anything, especially germs! The last event was the drawing for the big door prize, a really nice parts washer and the lucky winner was Bob Kassow! It was a great evening and I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. I would like to thank Kevin Bowen and Kurts Biergarten staff for doing a really fine job with the party!

Activities, Activities and more Activities Geo has already started putting together a varied and fun event schedule for 2006. Want to see a particular type of event? Give George a call to volunteer. You will find it is a great way to get involved in your club. We look forward to hearing form you soon .

..Jp -> Keep going for Chilli


Another Trumpet?

What? Another ~~";"";"~";"";"'---J club is using the

name Trumpet for their newsletter? Say it ain't so! Well actually it is a fact. I have seen the newsletter and it is a great one. The editor Chris Newell and I have exchanged emails and shared some newsletters and have decided to share the two different Trumpets with the members of the other club. Go check out the other Trumpet, you will enjoy it. Chris will provide me with the link for you to go look at the newsletter he produces. The November issue of the other club can be found at: _;JAwwwMcnetnet.au/-tcK:v and the password is ,,8n5ay. Oh yeah, in case you want to attend one of their events, you have an open invitation but get out your frequent flyer miles - the club is The Triumph Club of Victoria. The 250 is still throwing a few challenges my way but I still enjoy driving it as much as I can. The intake valves I bought for it at a cut rate price are not correct so a quick call to Dave at TRF has the correct valves on the way. I expect the head will be back sometime in the next week or so. Sometime over the Christmas holiday, I will be hosting a transmission swapping party, if you have never been involved with R&R a trans, come on down. The exact date is not known yet but it should be soon. Call or email me if you are interested. Merry Christmas or, well whatever you celebrate, enjoy. Kee the side down! "JI1fJIfI'

The Trumpet is published monthly for the members of the Georgia Triumph Association. Members are encouraged to submit articles, photographs, or other materials of interest by mailing them to the club mailbox address shown to the right. Members may also submit articles via email by sending them to [email protected]. We reserve the right to

The GeorgfaTri,hnp,h Aho¢i~.f Post Office Box 1138 .. " , Tucker, Geor9ia3008~"11el

edit or change any material to suit the needs and space allowed for our newsletter. Please enclose a self addressed envelope for any items you would like returned. The GTA newsletter cannot be held responsible for any items that may be lost, damaged, or destroyed. Classified advertising is available free to member, $5.00 per ad for non members. Classified ads run for one month. Commercial advertising is available at the rates below. GTA neither endorses nor warrants any product, service or method of service, written or advertised.

One year commercial advertising rates (12 issues) are as follows: 1/8 page (business card) $40.00 1/4 page $70.00 1/2 page $100.00

The Georgia Triumph Association, Inc. is a non profit organization of Triumph motorcar owners and enthusiasts interested in the preservation, restoration and driving of Triumph motorcars. We are a group of enthusiasts that maximize the enjoyment of driving a Triumph and emphasize camaraderie and social interaction among Triumph owners. The GTA is a chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register (VTR) and the 6PACK.

~ > Keep on going for Chili!

'-------------------_. -----.-- ... -----


The Fall Rallye was held on November 19. Details will be published elsewhere in the

newsletter. As usual, the Georgia Sports Car Club provided a wonderful day. Thanks to Rallymaster Alan White, and the rest of the GSCC crew.

We have a lot of interest from the other clubs for this year's Polar Bear Run. There will be more than a few participants from out of state, and the reservation list at the Unicoi Lodge is close to 30 rooms as of this writing. As explained earlier, the overnight portion is optional, but if you don't have any other plans for New Year's Eve, please join us.

The official cutoff date for reserving at the Lodge has passed, but you can still make reservations for New Year's Eve - please use the event code (1224) to make your reservations, otherwise, you will be subject to a 2-night minimum stay. Also be sure to contact the Unicoi Lodge directly - the statewide reservation phone number and Internet reservation systems cannot take reservations for groups, therefore, you will not have the option for a 1-night stay. I've had several calls on this, so beware.

Plans are underway for several events in 2006. Pat Turner has already reserved February for another of her famous Chili Cookoffs. We're also looking at a driving tour for March. Chris Gore and Walter Mitty will have events in April, and British Car Day is in May. We're hoping to have a weekend getaway later in May. If anyone has any ideas for any other events, we're always happy to hear them.

That's all for now. I'd like to thank everyone who helped with our activities in 2005. It would seem that we had another great year on the road! Let's do it again next year·Gee

Cool MGs ... .for those who have wondered

what MG is going to do

now that they have officially

stopped making cars.

... and you thought you were having a bad day?

AC to Build Cars in CT On Wednesday November 16 Friend to Triumph owners everywhere Don Mailing sent the link below to the 6Pack list that took you to an article about AC Cars beginning to build cars in Bridgeport, Ct. The following Saturday, Don passed away the following Saturday after battling cancer. Don was a friend to Triumphs owners everywhere. You will be missed sir! http://www.rep-am.com/story.php?jd=30326

Next Month: We will hear from 2006 Director Mark Pruitt. Mike Hurst has come come up with an interesting goal of visiting other clubs which he shares. We will have the regular features from Bob Ragan, Paul Logue, George Foster and YOU! Want to see your name in print and receive some participation points in the process? Submit an article. Call Hugh to ask how .

.Jf> Keep on going for Chilil

/


t:';iFaliiij~'(AaU~~ The 2005 GTA Fall Rallye was held on November 19 in the mountains of north

.jG~~~iji:i~~~~1~H Georgia. Alan White of the Georgia Sports Car Club was the Rallymaster, and planned a nice drive with a challenging game of questions and answers. We had eleven Triumphs

show up for the drive, and two other LBCs.

The competitors included Bill & Cynthia Castleberry (TR6), Mike & Sue Hurst (TR6), Rusty & Nancy Smith (TR250), Ray & Barbara Sinclair (TR7), Pat Turner & Joan Forster (TR6), Vic Richardson & Richard Waldrop (Spitfire), Russell Sanders (Stag), Duane Spruill (TR6), John & Suzanne Holley (TR6), Paul Logue & Tony Lewis (Spitfire), Russ Turner & George Forster (TR6), Gene Holtzclaw (XK-E), Alan Knight & Fernando Patino (Mini), and Ken Smith (Hilliman Minx).

We got started just about 10 AM with the first car out. Our first checkpoint and rest stop was in Suches, and everyone seemed to be doing well. We had a beautiful day for sightseeing, but all competitors had to keep an eye peeled for important clues.

place.

By the time we reached the finish line, we were all hungry. Luckily, the finish was at Johnny's Pizza in Dawsonville. As the participants ate a good lunch, the Rallye staff graded our tests. Awards were presented after we were finished eating.

Third place went to Alan and Fernando in the Mini. They missed only 3 answers. Russ & George missed only 1 answer, which was good for second

There was only one perfect score for the whole day - that includes the GSCC regulars that competed. First place (overall) went to Pat Turner and

Joan Forster. The team celebrated by flaunting their trophies in front of their respective husbands, but their win was well deserved! Congratulations, ladies.

Thanks to Alan and the GSCC for another job well done. All photos from the event can be seen at

http://www.arocatlanta.org/gscc/2005november/index.html.

The North is Invading· Lock the Gates Folks! Bruce Miles ( Buckeye Triumphs Newsletter Editor) and Todd Bermudez went on a raid mission and lived to tell about it. They came down from up north and whisked away some prime British iron. To read all about their adventure go visit the link: http://tinyurl.com/d2mit

.Jf> Keep on going for Chili!


A littleHi~ltory;Plea,& .... 8(1.,. Ragan

The GJA20 Years Ago December

Following is a copy of the official club charter, presented to the Georgia Triumph Association, by the Vintage Triumph Register, on October 23, 1981. This was a big moment for the club as it moved from Zone Status to Chapter Status, thus being recognized by the national register as an officially chartered club of the

Vintage Triumph Register. It was signed by Steven Rossi - President, and Bill Sohl - Director of the VTR. Bill Sohl is still involved in the VT\ Thanks to Mike Elder, our founder, and the original 1 0 members of the GTA for working to make this happen ~O

r ~~ ;:

m :$

O-i=-i=lClaL cnaR:teR.

To all who rad tbis prodamation. Qnetings!

Be it knoWQ that:

.-~--------------------------------~ --


It was 1970. Patton and M*A*S*H were at the

movies and gas was 34 cents a gallon. 1970 was a great year on the radio. Credence Clearwater's "Cosmo's Factory" was playing as well as the Beatie's "Let It Be" and the Stones' "Get Your Ya-Ya's Out". I was working at Jerry Cantor's gas station at the corner of Virginia and Highland Avenues in Atlanta. One of our regular customers drove a BRG TR3 (I'm not sure what year), which I thought was the coolest looking car I had ever seen.

Now you have to realize that 1970 was the height of the muscle car era. Many of my classmates were driving Mustangs, GTOs and Super Bees. In the student parking lot of Grady High School in Atlanta, there was not a sports car to be found. That was about to be remedied. I had worked all that spring and summer to earn enough money to buy my own car. When I started at the station, I had an idea of maybe buying something like a Chevy or a Ford like my dad had suggested, but all that ended when I laid eyes on the TR3 the first time.

When the customer with the TR drove in to get gas, I answered the bell (we were not a self serve station and there were none in 1970) and he asked for "petrol". At sixteen, I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked Jerry where he kept the petrol. Jerry was standing with the customer and told me that he kept it in the storage room. I proceeded to go to the storage area where all the oil and such were stored and began to look. I could not find anything labeled "petrol". I went back out to the pump where the customer and Jerry were by the TR. When I got within sight of them, they were getting a good laugh on me. The customer informed me of the prank and asked me to fill the TR up with gas.

As I was cleaning his windshield, he asked me if I was going to check the oil. I responded by saying that after his joke, I was afraid to ask anything else, because I was not sure where that would lead. He chuckled and said that the dipstick was under the hood. I agreed and began looking for the release. Needless to say there was not one that I was familiar with and he soon produced the coach key. I got a look at a very clean and tidy four cylinder.

Over the next few weeks when this customer would come in we would talk about Triumphs. I learned what I might expect to pay for a 3. He suggested that I consider a Spitfire. Now, being very much interested in military history, the thought of owning a car that had the same name as the

legendary RAF fighter really appealed to me. At this time I had a subscription to Road and Track, so I began to look through my past issues to see if I could find any information on the Spit. Unfortunately I could not, but a friend of mine had a brother that had issues going back further, so I looked through his back issues. I soon found the car that I wanted. No it was not the Spit, but the TR250.

I took the information that I had found and when the TR customer came in the next time, I approached him with what I had found. He informed me that I had made an excellent choice, but the price was outside my means. Again he suggested the Spitfire. I began looking for the car of my dreams. I informed my parents of my intentions and they were a little reluctant at first until my dad talked to Jerry and found out what I might expect to pay for a used Spit. My dad agreed and the hunt began. Weeks went by and I had no luck. School was about to begin in a couple of weeks and the thought of starting my junior year with no car was depressing.

My dad worked down on West Peachtree St at that time, which was about a half a block from Mitchell Motors. On an off chance he walked down to the dealer one day on his lunch break and asked them if they sold Triumphs. What a stroke of luck, Mitchell Motors was the authorized Triumph dealer in Atlanta. Dad told them that I was looking for a used Spitfire. I got a call from dad and he told me to meet him in the lobby of his office that afternoon after school that he had something to show me. I met him as he had told me and we walked down the street to the dealer. We were taken upstairs to the used vehicle parking area and in the corner sat a 1964 BRG Triumph Spitfire 4. Providence had smiled on me that day. On Saturday, September 5th, 1970, I purchased my Spit. On

Tuesday, September 8, I drove my Spitfire to school (back then school began after Labor Day). You can only imagine the looks that I got as I as pulled into the parking lot. Almost half of the student body was out in the parking on the first day of class. I drove that car for two years in high school. My Spit was the only true sports car (only one of two convertibles) in the parking lot and would remain so for well over a year until a friend of mine purchased a MGA the next year. For two straight years, for our homecoming parade at Grady stadium, my Spit was used to carry the varsity cheerleaders. Best of all were all the times that the girls would ask for a ride home. I should add at this point that there was a unique military connection with my Spitfire. My father found a garage in Decatur that worked on sports cars. The owner of the garage, Mr. DeGroot, flew a Curtis IN-4 during the war. World War I, that is. Yes, he was a WWI fighter pilot and even knew the legendary Eddie Rickenbacker. Needless to say I looked forward to each time that I had to take the Spit to the garage. Mr. DeGroot was nothing short of a colorful character.

(Continued on Page 9 )


This month I will spend my time telling STILLWATER SERVICES y'all the true tale of the non-existent fire November Tech

passenger seat forward and start removing the cover. Now I see a little whiff of smoke from under the battery cover. The ladies are still yelling fire and having a good time laughing. I am inside the car yelling it is electrical and there is no fire. When I get the battery cover off, I see the positive terminal has melted from the

under the hood of my V-8 MGB. To start off Barry Rosenberg with, THERE WAS NO FIRE!!!! It was a 434 Wesley Chapel Road minor electrical short only. But, here goes. Villa Rica, GA 30180

My car had been a little hard to start 770-459.5282 lately and th~t ,,:,as because th~ choke [email protected] cable was slipping and not pulling the choke all the way on. It barely moved the butterfly to be honest. If you pumped the gas (this car has a 4 barrel carb with an accelerator pump that squirts raw gas into the intake), the car would start fairly easy. So on the day we were going to the Chattanooga show, it happened to be fairly cool, cold even. It did not want to start.

So, I pumped and turned the key, I pumped and turned the key. By the time the car started, the starter was turning kind of slow. But, it will last the weekend if I am careful. So we headed up the road. When we stopped for gas, it started a little slower. And I had Patty in her MGB if I needed a push, so let's continue. .

high current draw from a real good battery. I still twist my disconnect anyway just to be safe.

What I missed and the cause of a lot of the ladies entertainment seems to have centered on Bill and Mike. It seems Mike had never used his extinguisher and was asking Bill how it worked. As he pushed the top down after pulling a pin, he found out what made it work. Too bad he was aiming at Bill's face and not the car. Have you ever tasted that powder? It stays with you for hours.

After learning how it worked, he then sprayed every inch of the engine compartment. Luckily I had not cleaned the car for the show just yet. Boy, what a mess that makes in a black engine compartment. So now what?

We arrived in Rome and had a nice breakfast while waiting for the Gillsons to meet us. Then we were going the back route to Chattanooga and meeting the Cooks along the way for lunch. The car started again in Rome but

The women are still laughing, Bill is still spitting and Mike is starting to join the women. I start thinking how to fix it. I jack the car up on the passenger side and crawl

r---------. under to get a look-see. They start brush-sounded rather poorly. Very raspy. As long as we were running, everything was just fine. At our lunch stop, the Cooks were waiting for us and we had a nice lunch.

... .It stays ing the powder off the car. Now I can taste with you for it! There is no sign of burned wires, no

After lunch, we go outside and get ready to leave. But, I yell to them to wait before getting

hours.... sign of flame, just a huge mess. So, a few

into their cars to make sure I do not need a push. There was no slope for me to have parked on, as the lot was flat. I get in my car, can't start it and push it at the same time, and try the starter. A very slow pathetiC growl comes out from under the hood, then just the solenoid Clicking for a minute. They, all my spectators, start saying it's a dead battery. Knowing as much as I do, I yell it is not the battery but the starter.

I try it once more. Then a whiff of smoke comes up thru my louvers. The women start yelling," it's on fire, it's on fire" I pop the hood and get out to see the smoke. By the time I open the hood; the smoke has increased. The fire yelling continues. Both Mike and Bill run to their cars for an extinguisher. I head to the trunk to get my tools so that I can open the battery cover but the trunk is locked as we were inside and I always lock my trunk.

So I run to the driver's side, as I had left my keys in the ignition. Then back to the trunk for the tools. Packed on the bottom of course. I get a screwdriver and tilt the

more tools and I remove the wires from my starter. Then I take a bolt and bolt them all together.

This way, the battery will still be attached to the alternator wire and the fuse panel will be connected to the battery and the ignition and light switches will still get power. Then I wrap them in tape for protection against grounding and zip tie them safely out of the way. Now my only problem is attaching the positive battery cable back to the battery. The terminal is melted. Vise grips to the rescue.

Now to test. The fuel pump works, as does everything other than the starter. We clean enough powder out of my air filter so the engine can breathe and close the hood. With a quick push, with the key in the on position, and the car runs fine. We take off down the road. Once we hit Chattanooga, we stop at a parts store. This time I park on a slight hill so when we leave, the cars rolls and starts with no push. Once at the hotel, I just drive around back and park it so that I can start

( Continued on Page 9 )

.)r> Keep on going for Chili!


,-----------, washing under the STILLWATER SERVICES hood. It takes about

November Tech Barry Rosenberg

( Continued from page 8 ) ~-------~

an hour to get it presentable. I get 2nd

in class. It is cold Sunday

morning but a push gets the car running. They all walk back to their cars and then I stall it. Oops. One more push and it stays running until we get home. The car was parked in the garage and I have not touched it since.

Why I took that car is a story for another article. I had planned on taking my TR4A racecar. It misbehaved also so I punished it by leaving it at home. Looks like I got the punishment. We all had a good laugh, Bill got to taste the powder (something I know he always wanted to do), and I was still able to drive my car home. I do want to thank all those that helped with the car. They all had the best intentions and the cars best interest at heart. Although I still think Mike sprayed the car so he could beat me at the show, which he did. But then, his car always beats mine, it is better.

Now, what can we learn from this? First, don't get pissed off by your cars. Second, when you have a minor problem like a slipping choke cable, fix it, do not ignore it, look what it can grow into. Third, do as I say, not as I do, I would have told you to fix the cable ASAP. I knew better but was just lazy. Willi do better next time? NO! I am still lazy. I have not touched any of my cars since returning. Have I even put Sta-bill in the gas? NO! Willi? Yes, I will work on my cars, as it is wintertime.

This is the time to get them ready for next years driving time. Do not wait until the last minute. Who knows, you may have an electrical short waiting for ou. See all later.

For Sale: - TR2501TR6 workshop manual

(Bentley Book), new, $40.00 - TR250ITR6 Repair Manual (Haynes), $7.50 - Stromberg Workshop Manual (Haynes), $7.50 - TR6 Competition Preparation Manual (new), $10.00 - Jack (blue, scissors type, no handle), $20.00 - TR2I3 Starting Handle, $20.00 - Pair of Mazda Miata seats (will fit TR) with sliders, black with new sheepskin covers, $225 Call any time before 9 PM Mike Cooper (GTA member, Duluth) 770-623-38415 Michelin Redline Tires. Used but plenty of tread. Will make great spare for that Concours Triumph. $65 ea. Kevin Bowen 678-296-9002 TR7 Engine Short block. Has desireable12 vane water pump. Has about 3000 miles. Great as a spare. $200.00 Call Hugh 770-567-3122

Upcoming Events * Indicates GTA Event

DECEMBER

Tuesday, December 20th GTA Pub Night 29 Jones Street "Why have a meeting?" Down the street from our business meeting spot Saturday, December 31st GTA Polar Bear VI See page 101

2006

JANUARY

Tuesday January 17- GTA Business meeting

That little Spit got driven everywhere. I can't tell you how many picnics to Stone Mountain (it was free then) and trips to the drive-in theater on Piedmont Rd (where the Marta station is now). I even drove it to Brunswick, Georgia in the spring of 1971 to my cousin's wedding. That trip was made there and back on a single tank of gas. Little did I realize that thirty-four years later I would make a

similar trip (SE VTR), but this time in a TR250. That Spitfire is gone now. However, it reminds me of the great times from 1970 to 1973. A lot happened in

those three years. The Beatles broke up, the tragedy at Kent State, the great friends that I had made in high school and best of all, the open top motoring I did in that $650.00 Spit and I met my wife, Nancy.

(This is the second article featured in the My Triumph column in recent months, which portrays the impact family has had on their Triumph. It serves to remind us all to verbally share these memories, when possible, with those involved, while they are still present with us on this earth. Happy Holiday - PLY .

.Jti> Keep on going for Chilil

The Tru mpet A publication of the Georgia Triumph Association December, 2005

Two thousand five was a tough year to be the reigning Bozo. After my unfortunate "fuel system malfunction" of 2004, the members of the GTA have been on their best behavior, which made it very difficult to choose a successor to the Bozo throne. But choosing a replacement was part of my duty for the year of my reign, so I had to find a performance that was worthy of the coveted award.

In the spirit of the Bozo, I had to find someone who failed to do the right thing, despite knowing better. At the same time, there needed to be a lesson that could be learned by the rest of us.

Nothing stood out as remotely close to deserving, until a day in late October of this year. On our way to a hastily scheduled drive to a cornfield maze, one that would turn out to be the poorest-attended event of the season, a GTA member suffered an unfortunate breakdown that left the car stranded on the side of the road. We managed to get the car to a safe haven, but a proper repair needed to be performed before the car could be driven again.

Anyone can break down due to a parts failure, but this problem might have been prevented. The owner had just purchased a "recently restored" Triumph, from a broker of fine automobiles. The new owner assumed that everything was done to an acceptable standard. In this case, it ap-

GTA "Pub Night" Norcross Tavern December 20th

peared that a universal joint on the drive shaft was missing a retainer clip, and the bearing cup had slowly worked its way out of the yoke, causing a severe out-of-balance condition.

If you have ever replaced a universal joint, you know that the retaining clips are designed to stay put under extreme conditions when installed correctly. For some reason, it seems that this retainer clip was not installed correctly, and the U-joint came undone.

The failure, itself, was not the fault of the new owner. However, the fact that this same owner had previously purchased another Triumph from the same broker and had taken the first car for a full inspection prior to extended use, shows that he knew better than to drive a new car with potential unknown conditions. Several "shoulda" comments arose from both the driver and the passenger following the incident - but by then it was too late.

Two lessons were learned this year: First, whenever purchasing a "new" old car, be sure to have it thoroughly checked out by someone who knows the model. This may be you, a friend in the club, or a qualified mechanic. Most mechanics will perform the inspection for a minimal charge, usually $50-100. Even if the car is 99% OK, finding that 1 % problem may make the investment money well spent.

The second, and more important lesson is that if you do decide to drive a car that has a chance of breaking down, be sure that you're not in the company of a Bozo Award holder - or anyone who can't keep your secret!

This year, the GTA Bozo Award was presented at the Christmas Party to Mr. Rusty Smith. The TR3, subject of the above story, has since been thoroughly inspected and found to be in otherwise good health.

~eo

T~is y~ar: as in pa~t years, the Georgia Triumph Association is hosting a "pub night In lieu of their regularly scheduled meeting. The weather has finally turned wintry which means its project time. Yep, ifs that time of year when we can a" catch up on those long overdue projects that have been on the back burner. So inst~ad of discussing the normal business of the GTA, we now have the opportunity to diSCUSS what to do about that problem that's been nagging us for months over a choice beverage. Come join us Tuesday, December 20th , for a beverage or two and tell us what you have planned over the winter.

Place: The Norcross Tavern Where: 29 Jones St NW, Norcross, GA (678)-291-9220 Topic: Your Choice See you there, Ashford

...-> Almost at Chili timel


HOT! HOT! HOT!

GEORGIA TRIUMPH ASSOCIATION

CHILE COOKOFF WHERE: PAT TURNER'S HOUSE

1996 NICOLE DRIVE MARIETTA, GA 30066 PHONE -770-924-7432 (In Case You Get Lost) RSVP: BEFORE COOKOFF DAY

WHEN: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2006 TIME: 4:00 PM.

BRING: YOUR WORLD FAMOUS CHILE (already prepared, ready to serve) Soft drinks, cheese, fritos, and snacks will be provided

Any Triumph movies or other car movies (VHS or DVD) are welcome

PRIZES: 1. BEST TASTING CHILE, HOTTEST CHILE (ONE YOU CAN STILL EAT) 2 BEST NAME FOR CHILE, 3. MOST UNIQUE CHILE (YOU KNOW, ONE THAT STANDS . OUT FROM ALL THE REST). DOOR PRIZES/RAFFLE DRAWINGS

DIRECTIONS: From 400 N Take Holcomb Bridge Exit. Go right and continue on Holcomb Bridge crossing over Alpharetta Highway onto Highway 92. Continue straight on Highway 92. After several miles you will reach the intersection of Highway 92 and Sandy Plains Road (Italian Restaurant on left hand corner). Turn left onto Sandy Plains Road. Continue until you reach intersection of Sandy Plains Road and Shallowford Road and turn right. Continue down Shallowford (passing Lassiter High School). Continue straight through intersection of Shallowford and Trickum Road (Shell station on right). Continue through next light (Blackwell Road on left). Continue and go past church on left. Go a very short distance until you reach Keheley Road on right, (if you go past Nicholson Elementary School you've gone too far, turn around) turn right onto Keheley Road, continue straight passing Jody and Christie Roads on your left until you reach Keheley Drive and turn left onto Keheley Drive. Go straight until you reach the first subdivision on the right, Lakewood Colony. Turn into subdivision and go straight until first cul-de-sac on right. Congratulations, you made it! Middle brick house in cul-de-sac, 1996 Nicole Drive .

From 575-Go towards Roswell. Continue on Highway 92. Until you reach Canton Highway (O'Charley's on left and bank on right). Turn right onto Canton Highway (Highway 5) continue straight crossing over intersection of Canton Highway and Trickum Road). Continue straight until next light (Shallowford Road on left). Turn left onto Shallowford, continue down Shallowford (cross over railroad tracks, keeping going, past Nicholson Elementary School (on left), continue past school, past church on right, turn at next road on left, Keheley Road. Continue straight passing Jody and Christie Roads on your left until you reach Keheley Drive and turn left onto Keheley Drive. Go straight until you reach the first subdivision on the right, Lakewood Colony. Turn into subdivision and go straight until first cul-de-sac on right. Congratulations, you made it! Middle brick house in cul-de-sac, 1996 Nicole Drive.

DON'T FORGET TO DRIVE YOUR TRIUMPH!

...-> You've arrived in time for Chili!


NEW MEMBERS: TREASURER'S REPORT:

WEB SITE REPORT: MEMBERSHIP REPORT: PAST EVENTS:

UPCOMING EVENTS:

NEW BUSINESS:

NEW CARS:

NEXT MEETING:

CALL TO ORDER: FMEMBERS~RE~~~T: .. , Director, Kevin called this .•.• .. . . . >

meeting together at 7:00 Kevin Bowen; p.m. Kevin also advised that Gepfge &Joanporster~ he and his family will be mov- Mi~e&,SLl~t:tursl,

ing to Florida within the next 6 months. Mark Russ&. PqtTumer, Pruitt has accepted the position of the new Di- ., 9hawn .Tarleton.~ Astrid; rector and Kathy Munson will be taking over in Richar9VValdrop, the position of Assistant Director. RUsty & Nanw Smith,. '.'

No new members present Sue Hurst, Treasurer gave her report advising of our new balance. She is now collecting dues for 2006. Don't forget your membership expires December 31, 2005. The Treasurer's report will be given at the January meeting. Sue also indicated that if anyone had any pictures for the GTA photo album to please give them to her. No new business No new members

Mike and Kathy MUI}s,9n, MarkPruitt&Zack, Ashford Uttle, Ray & Barb Sinclair, AIClO Tarleton, Vic; Ricnardson, Paul Logue.

Dam the Torpedoes was held with 43 cars taking part in this event. A total of 8 Triumphs were present with the winner of the event being Joe Earnest. Christmas Party, December 3,2005,5:00 p.m. -11 :00 p.m. This years Christmas Party will be held at Kurts Beirgarten. Cash bar opens at 5:00 p. m. Don't forget your gift for the White Elephant Gift Exchange. Enjoy the Triumph Trivia and Door Prizes, which will be also be a part of the event. Pub Night - December 20,2005 at the Norcross Pub. Polar Bear Run - December 31, 2005. George Forster advised everyone to please follow the instructions on the flyers when making your reservations. Please remember to use the Group number or advise that you are with the Polar Bear Group. British Car Day - May 2006 Rusty Smith announced that British Car Day will be held at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. More on the event will be announced later in 2006. New Events George Forster advised he is taking suggestions for new events for 2006. Please contact George if you have any new events you would like to suggest for the upcoming year. Mike Munson made the suggestion for the GTA to purchase a Wide Band Carburetor to be used for the club. This will be voted on in the January 2006 meeting. Rusty Smith purchased a 1959 TR-3 and Vic Richardson a 1970 GT6. Con gratulations and safe driving!!

January 17, 2006, Norcross Station Cafe at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome .

..-> You missed it! Turn back for Chili!


ATLANTA IMPORTED AUTO PARTS, INC 257 DEKALB INDUSTRIAL WAY DECATUR, GA 30030

404-299-5775 LOCAL 800-241-0869 TOLL FREE -404-299-6155 FAX www.atlantaimported.comis the only URL you need to knowl

Use the "QUICKCART" function to easily and quickly order your parts using Moss Motors part numbers. Browse the catalog listing to find the parts you need. Place your orders with us and don't worry, we are a secure, certified site. We receive the orders immediately via email, and if the parts are in our warehouse, we ship the next day (same day if the order is received before 2 pm. EST.). Confirmed local Georgia British Car Club members receive free ground UPS shipping (on minimum $50 orders) in addition to great service and better prices!!

We are your one stop shop for all your British car parts needs. We are the largest Moss Motors authorized distributor on the East Coast. On staff we have over 20 years of British car mechanical and service experience. Give us a try, you will be glad you did!!

HOLIDAY GIFT SALE THRU DECEMBER 30, 2005!!

Over 600 items on sale. Last minute stocking stuffers, hats, caps, shirts, pullovers, jackets, ear ring sets, gloves,steering wheels, wire wheels, panasport wheel, minatour wheels, tools, grille badges & bars, wind blockers, luggage racks, mirrors,headlamp sets, ignitor kits,mallory ignition,coffee mugs, picnic baskets,glasses, stools, dartboards, motor robes, aprons, puzzles, and more!!

Over 30 new products listed the new products section!!

Also, over 1400 price reductions on the parts you buy the most!! Check out my prices versus Moss's, you will notice some very nice savings!! Don't forget the free freight on orders over $50.

Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!!

"FROM BOOT TO BONNET, WE'LL GET RIGHT ON IT!!!"

" The Trumpet A publication of the Georgia Triumph Association December, 2005

GTA Membership Application· Short Form (Memberships expire on December 31) Please check here if

New Renewal GTA member Number __ VTR Member? VTR Number ___ _ your form has D any changes,

Last Name _______ First Name, MI ______ Birthday ___ _

Address ________ City ______ State __ Zip Code __

Spouse I Partner's Name ________ His/Her Birthday ______ _

Day Phone Night Phone Email _________ _ British Cars (model I year) Occupation ______ _ Interest: ( Put a check beside all that apply) Tech Sessions __ Rallys __ Volunteer __ Driving Tours __ Car Shows __ Autocross __ Social events __ Other ___ _ I would like to help the GTA leadership with ______________ _

As a member of the Georgia Triumph Association (GTA), I agree to hold the GTA, it's Board of Directors, officers and organizers of events free from all liability for any accident or injury which occurs in connection with club events. Signature Date __ _

Your name, address and phone number will be published in the GTA membership directory. This information would only be available to GTA members. Put a check mark here if you do NOT wish to have your information listed in the GTA directory. __

Mail this application and $24.00 to the GTA at the address listed on page 2. Applications may also be processed on the GTA web site using Pay Pal. Club web site address is www.ga!riymllh.~om

Check here if you would like to receive the Trumpet via email link. I

Renewals, corrections and updates may be em ailed to [email protected] or mailed to the GTA Post Office Box.

I

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ttle georgia trumpet volume xxi, nl!mber12 polar bear run · the trumpet a publication of the...

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