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Journal of the MG Car Club of Canberra. Number 397 May 2015
2 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
0413 646 321
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 3
Official Journal of the MG Car Club Canberra Inc
ABN: 49 156 199 381
Correspondence to: Post Office Box 4141 Weston Creek ACT 2611 Home Page: www.mgcccanberra.org.au
Monthly Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, (except January), at St Peter's Anglican Church Hall, cnr of Parkinson St and Watling Pl, Weston at 7.45pm.
A ‘Lunchtime Natter’ is held at Weston Park, Yarralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm.
The MG Car Club Canberra Inc. accepts no responsibility for the
accuracy or reliability of articles, correspondence, opinions and advertisements contained herein.
Articles may be copied for publication but an acknowledgement and due accreditation is expected.
Printed Post Approved
100003009
Tappet Chatter Number 397 May 2015
Contents:
Office Bearers 4 President's Piece 5 Editors Message 7 Torque 8 Autumn Weekend Away 13 Club Calendar 22 Club Concourse & Shannons Wheels 26 Natmeet Results 29 Natmeet 2016 33 Truing Wire Wheels 31 Visit by UK MG Owners Sid and Anne 36 1926 MG 14/28 40 Help Line 43 Marquet 44 Acknowledgments – the editorial team says thank you to all who contributed articles and photographs for the magazine.
Please send contributions for the June 2015 magazine to the Editor by Friday 29 May 2015 at: [email protected]
Banking Details BSB: 633-000 Account: 144920741 Account Name: MG Car Club Canberra Inc
Cover photograph by Roger Amos
1928 14/28 MG owned by Robert and Anne Steel
4 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
MG CAR CLUB CANBERRA INC.
LIFE MEMBERS: Margaret Brown OAM, Peter Daley, Malcolm Robertson, Ian Holden, Brian Oxley and Kent Brown.
COMMITTEE 2014 - 2015
President: Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658 [email protected]
Treasurer: Laurie Gardiner 6293 4191 (h) 0418 488 931 [email protected]
Secretary: Trevor Clement 6231 3353(h) 0411 102 759 [email protected]
Committee Member: Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477 (h) 0431 930 710 (Display Events) [email protected]
Public Officer: Trevor Clement See above
Committee Member: Kent Brown 6255 4943 or 0412 558 029 (Sporting & Vice President) [email protected]
Committee Member: Mark Horsfield 0415 400 044 (Editor) [email protected]
Committee Member: Trevor Finklaire 0408 612 336 (Social) [email protected]
NON COMMITTEE 2013 - 2014
CACTMC Delegates: Graeme Rossiter see above Laurie Gardiner see above
Social Program Coordinators: Trevor Finklaire 0408 612 336 [email protected] Graeme Corbett 6299 4920, 0437 679 497 [email protected]
Registrar CRS Historic Plates: Greg Whitfield see above (Northside) Robert Chilman 0412 024 228 (Southside) [email protected]
Regalia: Peter & Val Long 6227 0643 [email protected]
Club Library: John Cooper 6288 8093 [email protected]
CAMS Delegate: Kent Brown see above
Natmeet Coordinator (2015) Graeme Rossiter see above
Club Car Trailer: Contact: Laurie Gardiner see above
Tappet Chatter Distribution: Trevor Finklaire see above
Club Workshop & E quipment Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191
Webmaster: Mark Horsfield see abpve
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 5
C ongratulations to Honorary Member Julie Craig for her
2nd placing for the TC Owner‟s Club Perpetual Pre-War
Trophy at the National Meeting held in the Yarra Valley on the
Easter Weekend. Most would be aware that Julie is the owner
of a very rare 1925 “Bullnose” MG 14/28 Super Sports, the
oldest original MG on the road in the world. It is believed that
it was Cecil Kimber‟s family car and the only vehicle to be painted in the special
blue colour which contrasts beautifully with the polished aluminium of the body.
And on the subject of trophy winners, our Secretary Trevor Clement won “Best
Vehicle in Rally” with this MG TF at the Cooma Vintage and Classic Pre 60s Car
Rally recently. Testament to how the marque can hold its own when mixed with so
many other vehicles of that era of both foreign and domestic origins.
As mentioned last month, the Club has now sold the old trailer and our Treasurer
is now in the process of ordering a specially built replacement. The club trailer is
only one of our assets purchased on your behalf, noting we also have the work-
shop and associated servicing equipment to help you maintain or make repairs to
your vehicle. I think we would be one of very few motor clubs in the ACT with such
things to hand so please make use of these valuable assets; and not forgetting our
workshop days where our MG specialists can enlighten those of us less knowledge-
able about the many facets of the care and maintenance of our vehicles. If you
have a special interest and would like to present a topic or a yearning to learn
more about specific parts or the mechanics of an MG then please let one of the
Committee know so that we can make some arrangements down the track to ac-
commodate your wishes.
By all accounts, the recent Weekend Away to Jindabyne was a roaring success (as
they usually are). But they just don‟t happen. There is a lot of organisation to de-
termine routes, accommodation options, attractions and so on. So grateful thanks
to John and Margaret Cooper, Graeme and Jo Corbett and Weekend Away consult-
ant Peter Dalton for making it such a memorable event for all concerned.
Lastly, we have been fortunate in attracting a steady stream of new members of
late so I would ask that you please wear your name badges to our meetings and
club events to help our newbies put faces to names as they settle into our club.
Winter is just around the corner but with a flatcap, scarf, gloves and a lap rug let‟s
try and wring a bit more of open top driving out of autumn. Brisk; but energising!
Cheerio for now, but meantime,
In your Marques...get set...Go
Greg Whitfield
President‟s Piece
6 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 7
The Key to Modern Motoring
During the month I received an email from a Club member asking if my T4 diagnostic suite could code a new key to a modern TF. It can, but I was curi-ous as to why. I new it was a relatively recent purchase and I thought maybe it only came with one key, like my 260 did, or maybe he lost a key.
The reply was that the key had perished...curiouser and curiouser… So I went back and asked if the key had died or the rubber buttons had perished with time and use. The answer was the latter.
It seemed to me that the cost of getting a whole new key simply because the rubber had perished was an expensive way to go. I have bought a second key for my 260 from the UK and it was $480.00, and then I had to get it cut and coded. Fortunately for me I could code it myself and the cutting of the blade was $30.00 on top of the purchase price. I had also re-cently replaced the key fobs and blades for my ZT 220S off ebay for $2.95, and simply had to replace the electronics inside. The latter being much cheaper than the former and much easier to get through the finan-cial approval process.
So I had a look on the internet and found that there were indeed „repair‟ kits for the modern MG TF remotes. Most from the UK, Europe and China, but there was one located in Perth WA.
I took a snapshot of the page, sent it through and within a couple of days, a reply saying that it had arrived , been replaced and all was good again, and for a cost of $17.00. A cost effective result and a prompt for me to commit something to paper. With the increasing number of moderns coming into our club, how many others don‟t know about this. Below are snaps of some of the things you can get to repair your keys/remotes.
delectabile incessus (pleasurable driving)
Mark Horsfield
Editors Message
8 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
Joint Club Run to Jugiong
The MG Club of Wagga has posted
some photo‟s of the joint run with
the Canberra Club to Jugiong on their
website.
Photo‟s can be viewed at the follow-
ing web address:
http://mgccwagga.org.au/photos/
index.php?gallery=Jugiong Pic-
nic&page=1
Gathering of The Faithful
The MG Club of Wagga has advised
details of this years GOF. The Flyer,
Registration form and all relevant
information can be accessed via links
on our Club website Homepage.
The GOF is an outstanding weekend
away where the emphasis is on hav-
ing fun, driving your car, meeting
lots of new people and “eating”. As
this is the 20th year of this event I
suspect there will be some really big
celebrations. So if you have never
been, then consider going this year,
as it will be one to remember.
The club POC is Brian Calder who can
be contacted at:
or on 0434 307 742.
The Key to Modern Motoring
With the large number of modern
MG‟s coming into our club
MG Car Club Canberra on the Web
Website: (http://mgcccanberra.org.au)
View our website for information on upcoming events, past events and Gallery's
Facebook Social Page: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGCCCSocial)
See what other club members are doing, interesting articles from around the web, or,
just catching up or chatting.
Torque
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 9
Regalia
CLUB CLOTHING
Shirts - Cotton Long Sleeve $32.00
Shirts-Cotton Short Sleeve $30.00
Polo Shirts - Men's & Ladies $25.00
Polo Fleece full zip Jacket - Men's $35.00
Micro Fleece full zip Jacket- Ladies $35.00
Nylon full zip Spray Jackets-Unlined $30.00
OTHER ITEMS
Club Coffee Mugs (Bendigo Pottery) $12.00
Club Grille Badges $22.00
Club Lapel Badges $ 6.00
Car Lapel Badges $10.00
Club Windscreen Stickers $ 2.00
MG Octagon Car Lapel Badges $10.00
MG Key Rings $ 7.00
Sew-on Embroidered MG Logo in cloth
$ 8.00
Sale of the Club's car trailer
As you are aware, the Club Commit-
tee decided to sell the existing Club
car trailer and use the proceeds from
the sale towards a new replacement
trailer more suited to carrying the
broader range of vehicles now within
the Club. The sale process proceed-
ed as per my email or letter dated 10
April 2015 to all Club members. Bids
were accepted up to 5PM on Friday,
24 April. The successful bid was
$2,800. All those that placed a bid
have been notified of the out-
come. Payment receipt and ex-
change of registration documentation
with the successful bidder is being
managed by the Treasurer, Laurie
Gardiner. Once the transfer is com-
plete the Committee will proceed
with ordering the new car trail-
er. There will be a short period
where the Club will be without a car
trailer but the short wait will be
worth it.
Annual Membership Fees due soon
The current membership year ends on 30 June 2015. As such, the Club Committee encourages all members to pay their membership fee before the end of the membership year. In particular, those members with His-toric Registered vehicles recorded with the Club, to avoid any issues that may arise regarding member-ship currency and access to the Con-cessional Registration Scheme.
The new membership fee schedule is
in place for the 2015/16 Club
Year. Ordinary Membership $60,
Family Membership $70 and Associ-
ate Membership $40. Payment can
be made to the Treasurer by cheque
or cash via post of in person. Pay-
ment can also be made using EFT
direct into the Club's account (BSB:
633-000, Ac No: 144920741, Name:
MG Car Club Canberra Inc) If using
EFT please reference your name or
Member No.
10 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
MG Car Club Canberra
Recognised for 40 years
of Enthusiasm
by Mark Horsfield
O ur club has been recognised
by our Parent club in Abing-
ton for our 40th anniversary.
The recognition came in the form of
a certificate issued by the Abington
Club and signed by Overseas Direc-
tor, Paul Plummer.
The certificate was presented at this
years National Meeting in picturesque
Yarra Valley Victoria, and was re-
ceived on behalf of the club by Hon-
orary Club Member Julie Craig.
Pre 60’s Car Rally a Hoot
by Trevor Clement
I n other breaking news, the
MGCCC was represented in Coo-
ma over the past weekend at the Pre
-60's Car Rally by Keren and I, Terry
and Kathy Griffiths and David and
Debbie Bailey.
I drove the TF, Terry drove my Hea-
ley as his MGBGT was too young to
qualify for the rally, and David drove
his TD.
There were some wonderful old cars
on the rally but the surprise of the
event was my TF being voted Best
Vehicle in Rally by all the participants
(photographic evidence attached).
Although the weather was terrible
with rain most of Saturday, a good
time was had by all.
The Participants: Terry & Kathy Grif-
fiths, Trevor & Keren Clement, David
& Debbie Bailey
Keren Clement with
her Trophy Husband.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 11
The Case of the Errant
Plastic Tube
by John Cooper
A club mem-
ber recently
gave me a
simple but
useful tip.
It seems that
said member
was, after re-
installing a
motor and
gearbox, as-
suming the double jacknife with twist
position required to refill his gearbox
through the oh-so-thoughtfully posi-
tioned hole in the floor adjacent to
the clutch pedal. Using the tried and
tested funnel-in-plastic tube method
of slowly introducing oil into his
gearbox, he finally removed the fun-
nel only to find that the tube was no
longer attached. Nor was it under
the car. There was only one place it
could be. After dismissing the idea
of allowing the tube to stay where it
was, thus providing a high viscosity
additive to the gearbox lubricant, he
concluded that the entire engine and
gearbox assembly would have to
come out again. (And yes, it was
clearly an MG). Not only that, but
the gearbox had to be opened up to
locate the now well-interred tube in
order to manoeuvre it free for ex-
traction.
There is a simple solution to avoiding
such a dilemma in future and it is
one that I have put into practice in
my own garage. That is to slip a split
pin through the funnel to tube con-
nection, thus ensuring that separa-
tion does not take place and the liq-
uid being introduced will still flow
easily by the minor obstruction that
is the pin. Too easy......
12 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
Want to service your MG? Got a rattle that is hard to find?
O ur Club has a well-equipped under-cover service centre with four post hoist, engine hoist and all the basic big-tools to enable you
to do repairs, service and/or clean your car in a secure area, 24/7.
Simply contact Club members Nigel French on 0413 646321, or Laurie Gardiner (Club equipment custodian) on 62934191 or 0418488931 to arrange a time to do the work or just to have a look.
The workshop is located at: Budget Storage, 25 Yallourn St Fyshwick.
Map
The Service Centre and
use of Club tools is free
to Club members.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 13
14 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
SOME MAGIC MOTORING IN THE MOUNTAINS
THE AUTUMN WEEKEND AWAY 2015
By Peter Dalton
B oot lids of MG‟s are placed
under great pressure when
loaded up for the MGCCC Autumn
Weekend away. Space is required
not only for the two small cases, two
warm coats, beanies, the obligatory
hair dryer, and a bottle of wine or
two, but tools, spare parts and a
tyre. Stuff added this particular trip
included a fearsome sabre tooth
mask with huge antlers, an extra MG
steering wheel and a mock up ver-
sion of an Austin Healey Sprite to be
driven later by a scary fairy. Many
popped in a Pixie costume or Trollish
out-fit, some complete with pointed
caps and even enormous ears, all
squeezed in beneath MG boot lids.
Much to the entertainment of all
members of the tour party these hid-
den treasures appeared as Trolls,
Pixies and Sprites at the Tour Dinner
on the Saturday night.
Our touring team of 2015 assembled
on Saturday evening “in costume” for
sunset pre-dinner drinks and nibbles
on the balcony of Event Co-
ordinator's Graeme and Jo Corbett.
These weird and wonderful folk then
sneaked almost undetected around
the hotel swimming pool and stole
past the lounge bar. On entering our
private dining room all participants
were greeted by much fanfare and
hoots of amazement.
The creative contribution made by
the assembled cast of this DIY comic
opera performance was matched by
their generous contribution to our
club charity, "Menslink". Best
Dressed Awards were bestowed upon
Lynn Nickols and Denis Sargent.
“Best On Ground” honours were
awarded to the strange but spritely
Mark Horsfield. Wicked Elf Denis
then accepted our dare to wear his
costume at breakfast the next morn-
ing, diverting the attention of many
Checking out the transportable gaol
cell
Sitting on oversized seats that repli-
cate convict seats on the First Fleet.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 15
16 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
curious young hotel patrons away
from their Coco Pops and in doing so
boosting the total of charity funds
raised in the weekend raffle to $310.
Gratitude goes to the touring parties
assistance in filling the 1st Prize Bas-
ket. Other non-club supporters pro-
vided additional prizes for the even-
ing and these were:
A Bistro lunch for 2 plus a bot-
tle of wine (won by Brian & Chris-
tine Calder ) donated by Mercure
Olims Canberra Hotel , Ainslie;
and,
A comprehensive Car Care Kit
(won by Helen Lewis) (I suspect that
as the defending Concourse winner
Helen will direct Peter to use the Kit
"to best effect" at next years compe-
tition) donated by Super Cheap
Auto ,Queanbeyan.
The morning before this joy-
ful gathering, our touring group of 11
cars had departed Michelago for the
Snowy Mountains. The Cooma Gaol
tour was very interesting and insight-
ful as it was presented by a current
inmate who mentioned some "trade
secrets" on how these folks have fun
and manage their lives.
A superb diversion on well sealed but
less travelled MG roads then took us
through the golden autumn colour of
the Monaro region. Pausing for lunch
near Dalgety we found ourselves
transported to Italy in the Tuscany
Restaurant, perched atop a slight hill
with no other sign of civilization visi-
ble to the naked eye. Our tour or-
ganisers claimed responsibility for
the splendid skies of blue from Friday
till Sunday afternoon with only an
occasional appearance of white fleece
above. Everyone later relaxed in
A her troll, a him troll, a Sprite and a
mount'n man.
In the carpark of the Tuscany Resturant,
and the vastness of the middle of no-
where
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 17
12 Purdue Street
Belconnen
Melba Motors
More than 40 years experience
Melba Motors is a car repair and maintenance business with a spe-
cial interest in British vehicles. Proprietor Mick Wilson is a UK Ley-
land workshop trained mechanic experienced in all aspects of MGs
and other British cars and can get your vehicles into tip-top shape.
Mick and the staff carry out general repairs, engine rebuilds and fix
carburettors. Melba Motors diagnose and fix suspension problems
and specialise in small welding and rust repairs.
Transport can be arranged for cars that won’t go. There is a 24 Hour
emergency response – get you started or tow your car to safety.
Call Mick on 02 6253 1523
http://melbamotors.com/
18 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
comfort in our well appointed apart-
ments overlooking the blue waters of
Lake Jindabyne with our MGs snugly
tucked away in lodgings beneath our
rooms.
Sumptuous morning coffee, pastries
and croissants greeted us next morn-
ing at Lake Crackenback Village.
Some took walks in the sun through
the superb grounds of this year
round holiday resort. Others just sat
in the sun and took in the relaxing
ambience of children and families at
play under blue skies in a tranquil
setting.
Afterwards we were free to motor off
for the day at our leisure through
this most inspiring alpine region of
New South Wales. The slopes at
Thredbo were buzzing all weekend
with some fearless mountain bike
racing action directly beneath our
feet as many of us enjoyed the won-
derful chairlift ride to the summit to
access the walking trails beyond or
gaze upon the wonderful vista from
the comfort of the bistro adjacent to
the top of the chairlift.
Next morning we learned much
about Brook, Brown and Rainbow
Trout and Atlantic Salmon during the
guided tour of the nearby Gaden
Trout Hatchery. We saw little finger-
lings and their grandparents all leap-
ing out of the pristine mountain wa-
ter of the Tumut River as it feeds its
way through the manmade sanc-
turary of these breeding ponds. The
picturesque background setting of
the hatchery grounds was lined with
brilliant golden autumn colours of the
enormous ancient riverside poplars.
Afterwards we fortified ourselves
with schnapps, strudel und uber fine
coffee inside the Austrian style Wild
Brumby Distillery Restaurant in prep-
aration for our afternoon return
home via Cooma ,ending another
entertaining and inspiring MG Club
trip for nine MGs, a Healey and one
modern.
The Vista of the Thredbo Valley
Gaden Trout & Atlantic Salmon farm
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 19
The organising team putting together
this Weekend Away consisted of
Graeme and Jo Corbett, John and
Margaret Cooper, with assistance
from Hella and myself MGB1.
If you haven't been on an Annual
Weekend Away, maybe consider it
for next year. It is a fun and relax-
ing time with good company, good
food and always something new to
stimulate your mind and senses. So,
put the AWA in your MG plans for
next year. The more the merrier.
Club member for 1 month, Kerry with his Grandson Tim getting into full spirit
while drawing and announcing first prize winners in the raffle.
Geoff and Lyn taking a romantic stroll
through the colour and tranquillity on
the banks of the Tumut River.
20 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
The Lads celebrating after having just figured out how to achieve world peace
and how to reverse global warming.
Well Done !
Chillaxing at Thredbo after a pleasant walk on a glorious sunny day.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 21
22 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
I n conjunction with the Austin Hea-ley Club of NSW we have arranged
a tour of Tasmania in February 2016, which has been programmed by “Groups Tasmania”.
The tour departs Melbourne‟s Station Pier for Devonport at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th February 2016 returning to Melbourne on Sunday 21st February 2016 at 6.00am. Brief-ly, the itinerary comprises 3 nights Launceston, 1 night Scamander, 4 nights Hobart, 2 nights Queenstown, 2 nights Ulverstone ie 13 days on land.
Indicative price is about $4000 per couple including return cabin accom-modation, 1 car aboard ferry, all mo-tels and all breakfasts. Additional costs would include meals (other than breakfast), petrol, sightseeing, and stay over motels to/from Mel-bourne if any.
For planning purposes we are calling for expressions of interest. Please let our organizers Warren & Judie
Devine know of your interest (or for more info) at
[email protected] or ph6254 7948. A sign on sheet will also be available at club monthly meetings.
While Tasmania‟s roads are excellent for MG driving, if you prefer to take a modern that is okay.
MGCCC – TASMANIA TOUR 2016
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 23
24 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
MGCC Canberra
Presentation Dinner
Saturday 25 July 2015 This years Presentation
Dinner will once again be held in the his-
toric dinning rooms of the Brassy Hotel.
Filled with elegance and character it is the
perfect venue for our premier event of the
year.
Come along and enjoy an outstanding ex-
ample of some of Canberra's finest cuisine in an atmosphere of
fun, frivolity, merriment and mirth.
Cost: $60.00 per head (body's are free)
Inclusions: Dinner, two bottles of wine
per table, party favours for the ladies;
laughter, good company and great mem-
ories.
Contact: Gail Argyle
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 25
Club Calendar
CLUB EVENTS For May 2015 May Thu 14 Midweek meander, Gunning Telegraph Hotel. Meet at Watson Service Station at 11:00am Sun 17 Run to Roses Cafe in Goulburn. We will drive via Lake Bathurst to avoid too much highway driving. Meet at the Mint Car Park at 10.30hrs for a 10.45hrs departure. Note:
Mid Week Meanders will commence again in March and be held on the 2nd Thu of the month, meeting at a pre-arranged location at 11.00am for 11.30am departure
OTHER EVENTS
Remember : Our traditional „Lunchtime Natters‟ are held at Weston Park, Yarralumla (first picnic spot on the right) each Tuesday from 12.30pm.
Note: “CLUB EVENT” signifies that an MG club representative will be in attendance, regardless of who is organizing. Such events meet the requirements for concessional registration.
Events listed in “OTHER EVENTS” or in the Sporting Report also meet the require-ments for CRS participation although a formal MG club representative may not be attending.
26 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
MID-WEEK MEANDERS
June Thurs 4th Bungendore Woodworks Café 12 noon Make your own way there July Thurs 2nd Lanyon Homestead. Meet 11.15 am Crn Lanyon Drive & Johnson & Tharwa Drive Roundabout. More details June Tappet Chatter August Thurs 6th Collector. Meet 11 am at Watson Service Station More Details July Tappet Chatter Sept Tibbinbilla Tracking Station. Thurs 3rd Meet 11am at Scrivener Dam Car park eastern side Editorial Been There Telegraph Hotel Gunning Had Lunch there today Report and Comments in the next Tappet Chatter Going Here Thurs 4th June Bungendore Woodwark Café. Meet at the café 12noon it is close to home for a casual drive. Previous meanders here have been well patronized. So come along and enjoy a lovely meal in a unique and well known Café List for names & numbers at the May meeting, or phone 62994920 or email [email protected]
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 27
28 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
John Wratten Memorial Trophy
Club Score Fudge Wratten
1 MGCC Of Qld Inc 280 3.999 1119.72
2 MGCC Of Victoria - Melbourne 934 1.026 958.28
3 MGCC Newcastle Inc 192 3.773 724.42
4 MGCC Of WA Inc 53 7.415 393.00
5 MG Owners Club of WA 35 10.094 353.29
6 MGCC Hunter Region Inc 86 3.406 292.92
7 MG TC Owners Club WA 25 9.674 241.85
8 MGCC Tasmania Inc 68 3.371 229.23
9 MGCC Of SA 84 2.223 186.73
10 MGCC Gold Coast Inc 41 4.418 181.14
11 MGCC Ltd - NSW 63 2.442 153.85
12 MGCC Geelong Inc 73 1.451 105.92
13 MG Car Club Wagga Wagga Inc 27 3.198 86.35
14 MG Car Club Sunshine Coast 7 4.418 30.93
15 MG Car Club Canberra Inc 10 2.622 26.22
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 29
T he MG Club of Victoria, or more correctly, a group of
MG Enthusiasts from Australia, are conducting a massive journey from Argentina to Alaska. The group now consisting of five of the British built sports cars is on its way to Canada next, then on to Alaska.
"Four months in this car is the best way to go," said Sue Slater, the group's blogger.
Having first shipped their 40- to 50-year- old cars by container ship to Chile, the group's been on an incredible driving tour from the tip of South America to finally ending in Skagway in the next few weeks. Their trip started on January 5.
The oldest car was built in 1961,
the newest in 1978. Considering
the 20,000-mile long trip, repairs
have been necessary and ranged
from the expected electrical
glitches to blown head gaskets to
bad bearings.
See their website / blog
Australian MG car club driving from
Argentina to Alaska
The intrepid travellers
driving through Seattle
in Washington State.
30 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
M G'S first SUV has made its motor show debut in Shang-
hai this week, with the Nissan X-Trail-rivalling GS set to hit showrooms in China later this year and the United Kingdom in 2016. This is not the first time the new model has been seen, with MG re-vealing its forthcoming SUV in De-cember last year, which was believed at the time to be called the GTS. The GS moniker is shared with Lexus' mid-size contender. Under the bonnet is a choice of two engines, starting with a 124kW/250Nm 1.5-litre petrol unit, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-litre producing 162kW/350Nm. The latter is more powerful than a number of players in the sub-$60,000 mid-size SUV segment, and is in the range of Ford's 2.0-litre Ku-ga turbo that pumps out 178kW/345Nm, and Subaru's 2.0-litre boosted Forester at 177kW/350Nm. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available depending on the powertrain and variant. Describing the new model last year as a “high-performance mid-level SUV”, MG says the GS has a 0-100km/h dash time of 8.0 seconds for the turbocharged variant. Measuring 4500mm long, 1855mm
wide and 1675mm high, the five-seat GS sits somewhere between the Nis-san Qashqai and its larger X-Trail sibling size-wise. Some of the standard gear includes air-conditioning, a four-speaker au-dio system and split-fold rear seats, while higher-spec versions offer a 6.0- or 8.0-inch infotainment display, a premium audio system and leather seats. As reported in December, the GS will be built on a new scalable SUV archi-tecture developed in conjunction with MG's parent company, SAIC Motor Corporation. In terms of styling, the GS takes cues from the CS concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai motor show., the GS carries a familiar front-end design that follows the brand's other models, the MG3 and MG6. It is unclear whether the GS will solely be built at MG's Chinese plant, or whether it will also be produced at its facility in Thailand alongside the MG6. An Australian launch is unclear for now, but it could be added to the local line-up after its British debut, to sit alongside the MG6 mid-sizer.
Production-ready MG GS SUV gets Motor show debut, but Australian plans unclear
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 31
M G Triple Eight Racing‟s An-
drew Jordan and Jack Goff
are confident of posting best-ever
results for the factory-supported MGs
at the third round of the MSA British
Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at
Thruxton next weekend (9-10 May).
Yet again, Donington Park proved to
be a happy hunting ground for the
Triple Eight-run MGs, with 2013
BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan tak-
ing two fourth place finishes and nar-
rowly being denied a first win of
2015 by Matt Neal‟s Honda in the
final race. Starting with a massive
66kg of success ballast, Jack Goff
made the best of his penalty, finish-
ing eighth and ninth, before some
cynical driving from a rival ended his
race three in the gravel at the Old
Chicane.
Without doubt the fastest racetrack
in the UK, Thruxton provides teams
and drivers with one of the toughest
setup tests. In previous years Thrux-
ton has offered little joy for the MGs,
but with a new pair of drivers and
fresh faces in the engineering team,
the aim this year is to settle the
score and finish on the podium, es-
pecially with a number of the team‟s
championship rivals carrying success
ballast over from Donington.
Triple Eight's Team Principal, Ian
Harrison adds, “At Thruxton you can
be guaranteed it will be challenging.
It‟s a challenging track with challeng-
ing weather, and most of all, chal-
lenging facilities. People get very
nostalgic about motor sport and
Thruxton allows you to indulge in
times past. Thruxton is one of the
few circuits on the calendar that driv-
ers respect and you can be guaran-
teed there will be good, close racing.
There‟s only a handful of corners, but
most of them are very quick indeed.
You need to be confident and respect
the bumps and dips, and understand
how to work a slipstream.”
In search of his fourth consecutive
pole-position at the Hampshire track
is Red Bull athlete Andrew Jordan.
The 25-year-old has a mighty record
on the 2.36 mile circuit, mastering
the 11 turns to set a new lap record
last season, breaking the previous
record that was set by former Triple
Eight star, Yvan Muller, back in 2002.
Meanwhile, Jack Goff is keen to up
his podium to race ratio, and the 24-
year-old will celebrate his 65th race
start in the BTCC when he lines up
for race two on Sunday afternoon. A
good performance at Thruxton will
keep Goff firmly in the championship
hunt as the series nears the halfway
point of the season.
Jordan and Goff looking to improve
MG’s Thruxton record
32 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
C redit where it’s due, MG
Motor has been making
some inroads. The launch of
the MG 3 demonstrated that the
company could produce a passa-
ble Ford Fiesta alternative, one
that was particularly notable for
its affordability and energetic
handling.
In fact, orders for the MG 3 helped
propel the company‟s sales figures to
a total of 2326 cars last year, putting
it ahead of the soon to de-
part Chrysler and within 500 cars
of Subaru. Not heady heights by any
stretch, but certainly far ahead of the
likes of SsangYong.
Deputy digital editor
The MG 6 is quite gratifying to
drive, particularly on flowing
country roads
To help further this expansion the
company has turned its attention
back to the other model in its line-
up, the MG 6, which was launched in
2011. Remarkably, and this bears
promise for future efforts, MG Motor
is heeding the feedback it has re-
ceived from customers and press
alike.
Consequently the MG 6 has been
granted a lengthy list of revisions,
ranging from cosmetic tweaks to me-
chanical updates. Externally it bene-
fits from more distinctive styling,
while inside it gets a
new 7.0in touchscreen media system
and a redesigned centre console.
The trim levels have been tweaked,
now consisting of S, TS and flagship
TL, and the price of admission has
been hacked with an axe.
As a result, the new entry-level S will
cost you just £13,995, which repre-
sents £3000 price reduction. MG has
also ditched the inefficient turbo-
charged petrol engine from the
range, so the only option now is a
turbocharged 1.9-litre diesel.
This too has been fettled, resulting in
improvements to both acceleration
and efficiency. The 0-60mph sprint
has dropped from 8.9sec to 8.4sec,
while economy has improved from
57.6mpg to 61.4mpg. Small gains,
but it all adds up.
The revised MG 6 is perfectly tolera-
ble, particularly when you consider
its price – and it's a definite improve-
ment on the previous iteration. MG's
MG 6 facelift (2015):
a second chance?
by Lewis Kingston
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 33
efforts to upgrade the interior have
been a partial success; the rede-
signed centre console is neater than
before and the new media system
does work adequately well.
It's not quite on a par with that
which you'd find in other mainstream
European rivals, but it's functional
and offers a wide array of features.
There's still work to be done, though.
The steering wheel would benefit
from an overhaul, particularly with
regards to its less than tactile thumb
controls, and the instrument cluster
and touchscreen still appear to float
in a vast blank space of cheap black
plastic. It is comfortable, though,
thanks in part to well-bolstered and
nicely padded seats.
It's still a practical car, too; there's
seating for five adults and a capa-
cious boot, while a 62-litre fuel tank
grants the more efficient MG 6 a po-
tential range in excess of 830 miles.
The 1.9-litre diesel engine serves up
adequate motive power, and is per-
haps a little more persuasive in gear
than it was before, but it's still far
less refined and linear in its respons-
es than similarly powerful engines
you'd find offered elsewhere.
Under load, or at higher speeds,
there's a harsh metallic note to it
which is reminiscent of diesels from
10 years ago, and its vibrations per-
meate through the controls. In this
respect MG still has far to go. Our
test car did return an indicated
48mpg during a mixed route, howev-
er, which was impressive.
It's pleasing to find that the MG is
still quite gratifying to drive, particu-
larly on flowing country roads, with a
competent chassis that strikes a de-
34 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
cent halfway house between ride
comfort and cornering capability.
The steering doesn't seem as fluid as
it did previously, however, with an
excess of assistance materialising as
you move away from the centre posi-
tion, but the rest of the controls are
well weighted and precise.
You do get plenty of equipment for
your money, too. This mid-spec TS
version features heated seats, an
auto-dipping rear-view mirror, auto-
matic lights and wipers, Bluetooth
connectivity, cruise control, air-con,
the touchscreen infotainment sys-
tem, a DAB radio and rear parking
sensors.
This battery of kit goes some way to
compensating for the MG's annoy-
ances elsewhere, like the necessity
to put it into neutral in order to start
it – which can lead to a frantic
scramble if you stall at a busy junc-
tion.
If you‟re on a budget it‟s going to be
hard to better the MG‟s blend of
equipment, performance and effi-
ciency. It may not be the most en-
thralling car to drive, or
the best finished, but it
does represent good val-
ue for money.
To put it in perspective,
a similarly speci-
fied Skoda Octavia will
set you back around
£21k. That's almost
£5000 more than the
MG, so you're really go-
ing to need to want the
finer interior finishes and
hikes in refinement to
justify such a hefty step up.
On the way out of Longbridge, how-
ever, I‟m stopped by one of the com-
pany‟s security guards. We engage in
a casual conflab about the car, to
which he concludes: "But in a year or
two it'll be a great buy, won't it?"
He has a point. Even at main dealers
you can find 2014 MG 6s, with fewer
than 5000 miles on them, for £11k –
and those cars would have previously
cost over £18k. Depreciation takes
its inexorable toll wherever you look,
but it bears even more consideration
when you're talking about such sig-
nificant sums.
MG Motor MG 6 TS
Price £16,195; Engine 4 cyls,
1849cc, turbodiesel; Power 148bhp
at 4000rpm; Torque 258lb ft at
1800rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manu-
al; Kerb weight 1530kg; Top
speed 120mph (limited); 0-
60mph 8.4sec; Economy 61.4mpg
(combined); CO2 rating & BIK tax
band 119g/km, 21%
Continue to Prices and specs
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 35
O n March 18, MG GS, a SUV
“glass-breaker” surpassing
the technical specifications of main-
stream products in the market, was
launched as a big hit to the market.
With the new powertrain, new British
-style design and new technical con-
figurations, it has set up the criteria
for judging high performance, high
appearance value and high value for
the compact SUV; meanwhile, by
virtue of the competitive advantage
of differentiation, it has created a
market segment for high-
performance compact SUV, which, at
the same time, has once again up-
graded the value of MG, a legendary
British brand with a history of more
than 90 years. Moreover, the product
endorser was announced on the
launch event: Benedict Cumber-
batch, an international movie star
from the United Kingdom endorsed
MG GS and made his promise to
come to China.
MG GS carries the new generation of
efficient powertrain of SAIC Motor,
whose main power performance sur-
passes the mainstream level in the
SUV market. Two series, namely
1.5TGI and 2.0TGI, with 7 models in
total have been launched to the mar-
ket this time: specifically, there are
2WD & 4WD version, 7 body colors,
2 interior colors for choice; By virtue
of the high performance and rich
A Big Hit to the Market, MG GS Setting Up a New Benchmark for Compact SUV
36 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
configuration which can rival the
models of the luxury brands, as well
as the improved cost performance
ratio of the product, it will bring a life
with high-value quality vehicle to the
consumers.
Before MG GS was launched to the
market, SAIC Motor Passenger Vehi-
cle Co. had initiated the Internet pre-
sale and drew 300 owners succeed-
ing in booking on the launch event,
who would become the first owners
for the limited version. On the launch
event, SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle
signed a trilateral strategic coopera-
tion agreement with eHi Car Services
and China Merchants Bank: eHi Car
Services would purchase 5,000 MG
GS to put into its car rental outlets
throughout the country while China
Merchants Bank would provide the
financial services throughout the
whole process.
High performance, high appear-
ance value and high value, main-
stream SUV specifications are
refreshed
With British-style design, MG GS has
not only efficient power, but also rich
configurations, it has overtaken the
JV-branded models in the aspects of
appearance, performance, value, etc.
“High performance” is the gene of
MG GS. MG brand has always been
good at racing performance: this
time MG GS carries the new genera-
tion of efficient powertrain of SAIC
Motor; among them, MGE 2.0TGI in-
cylinder direct injection turbocharged
engine has a maximum power of 162
KW and maximum torque of 350NM,
it can complete the acceleration from
zero to one hundred kilometers in 8
seconds, and its comprehensive fuel
consumption per one hundred kilo-
meters is as low as 7.9 liters; mean-
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 37
while, matching with the TST 6-
speed dual clutch automatic trans-
mission, it can realize the high-speed
gear shift in 0.2 seconds. In a word,
it can run fast and steadily, as well
as can be reliably braked. MG GS
comes from the strategic SUV archi-
tecture platform built by SAIC Motor
upon the global resources; it adopts
the AWD intelligent four-wheel-drive
system produced by GKN Company,
which can switch between the two-
wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive
modes intelligently, the safety, econ-
omy and off-road performance is
higher. Moreover, the braking perfor-
mance of MG GS is also praisewor-
thy: the capacity of braking from 100
kilometers per hour to zero within 38
meters surpasses almost all SUV
models on sale.
The “high appearance value” given
by the British-style design becomes a
business card of MG GS: the horizon-
tal belted upper grille connected to
the headlamps constitutes a dynamic
power, in which the classic MG octa-
gon emblem is embedded; the per-
fect sidewall proportion and the ex-
tremely powerful horizontal waistline
design outline the sexy “Mermaid
Line”; moreover, the diamond-cut 18
-inch aluminum alloy wheel hubs
perfectly integrate the fashion with
the pragmatism.
With high performance, high appear-
ance value and abundant technical
configurations, MG GS definitely will
bring about a “high-value” driving
experience to the consumers. At the
meantime, carrying the inkaNet4.0
intelligent network traffic system of
SAIC Motor and adopting the 8-inch
high-definition infrared multi-point
touch screen, MG GS can realize the
GPS real-time traffic condition navi-
gation, intelligent voice interaction,
Mirrorlink phone/mainframe double-
screen interconnection and other
functions to make the driving more
convenient, comfortable and funny.
Furthermore, the intelligent keyless
entry/one-key startup system, Auto-
hold automatic parking and other
technical configurations, as well as
the Arkamys® digital audio system
38 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
and other entertainment configura-
tions will also provide the customers
with the excellent experience superi-
or to that brought about by the vehi-
cles of the same class.
In addition, MG GS adopts the FSF
ultra high strength integrated light-
weight body, the proportion of ther-
mally-formed material and high &
ultra high strength steel plate is up
to 74%, and the boy crashworthiness
and lightweight level are far better
than those of the vehicles of the
same class; meanwhile, the active
safety flagship-level protection of the
“fifteen in one”, such as ARP active
anti-rolling system, HDC hill descent
control system, etc, can allow the
customers to enjoy a more leisured
and unstrained driving.
Observing the market and con-
ducting the active crossover de-
velopment to seek an innovative
marketing mode
After the self-owned brand of SAIC
Motor enters into a new development
phase, SAIC Motor has always been
emphasizing the core dominant posi-
tion of innovation, observing the
market demand and concentrating on
optimizing the product strategy: MG
GS is exactly a fruit borne by this
strategy. Guided by innovation, MG
GS conducts active crossover devel-
opment to adapt to the living habits
of the younger generation to be so-
cial, interactive and fragmented, so
as to seek a new marketing mode to
cultivate “blue ocean” market.
Taking advantage of the great influ-
ence exerted by the mobile Internet
and smart phone on the living and
consumption habits of the youth, co-
operating with Bitauto and Headlines
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 39
Today, SAIC Motor has taken the
lead in launching the Internet pre-
sales activity. By logging in Bitauto
or Headlines Today via mobile phone,
the consumers can enjoy the conven-
ient vehicle booking service, snatch a
red envelope and obtain the payment
discount. According to the statistics,
2 million netizens in total took part in
the interactive activities. On the
launch event, SAIC Motor Passenger
Vehicle, Bitauto and Headlines Today
jointly drew 300 persons from the
first-batch bookers, who would be-
come the first owners of the MG GS
limited version.
In addition to the crossover in Inter-
net, SAIC Motor has also penetrated
its innovative marketing into car
rental, bank and other industries. On
the launch event, SAIC Motor signed
a trilateral strategic cooperation
agreement with eHi Car Services and
China Merchants Bank to provide the
customers with more convenient ve-
hicle experience and way of purchas-
ing.
Integrating the dynamic charm, rac-
ing gene and advanced technology of
the MG brand, MG GS has set up a
new benchmark for the compact
SUV. Its launch to the market also
marks that the product line of SAIC
Motor‟s self-owned brand has en-
tered into a new phase of “Global
Technology, New Platform”. Driven
by the innovative marketing, MG GS
with high appearance value, high
performance and high value will cre-
ate a “blue ocean” for the market
segment of high-performance com-
pact SUV and bring about high-
quality driving experience to the con-
sumers.
An Irish priest is driving down to New
York and gets stopped for speeding in
Connecticut .. The state trooper
smells alcohol on the priest's breath
and then sees an empty wine bottle
on the floor of the car.
He says, 'Sir, have you been drink-
ing?'
'Just water,' says the priest.
The trooper says, 'Then why do I
smell wine?'
The priest looks at the bottle and
says, 'Good Lord! He's done it again!'
Father Murphy walks into a pub in
Donegal, and asks the first man he
meets, 'Do you want to go to heav-
en?'
The man said, 'I do, Father.'
The priest said, 'Then stand over
there against the wall.'
Then the priest asked the second
man, 'Do you want to go to heaven?'
'Certainly, Father,' the man replied.
'Then stand over there against the
wall,' said the priest.
Then Father Murphy walked up to
O'Toole and asked, 'Do you want to
go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'No, I don't Father.'
The priest said, 'I don't believe this.
You mean to tell me that when you
die you don't want to go to heaven?'
O'Toole said, 'Oh, when I die , yes. I thought you were getting a group to-gether to go right now.'
40 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
T he postponed Club Concours was
held on Sunday 8 March in con-
junction with Wheels 2015, which also
commemorated 25 years of the MX 5;
but of course the MX5 has a long way to
go before attaining the long and distin-
guished history of any of our MG models,
except maybe the TF2’s and ZT’s.
In magnificent weather, the MG display
comprised a solid turnout of almost 30 of
our members splendid MGs on the slopes
of Kings Park overlooking Lake Burley
Griffin. The 2015 winners of the Don
Brown Trophy, Helen and Peter Lewis in
their magnificent MG TF, and People’s
Choice winner, Brian Oxley’s beautifully
restored F1 Magna were outstanding
examples of our MG marque.
This year was the second year that
Wheels has been run at Kings Park, but
this year it also coincided with the Can-
berra Day long weekend, something the
National Capital Authority and the ACT
Government has encouraged. Almost
800 cars, motorbikes, trucks and vans of
all marques and ages were on show at-
tracting an estimated 4000 visitors. Al-
most $4,000 was collected for Technical
Aid to the Disabled ACT.
Club Concours
at Shannons Wheels 2015 by Graeme Rossiter
Some of the 45 MX5’s on display
Proud owner of the concourse
winning car, Helen Lewis, ac-
cepting the honour from Club
President, Greg Whitfield.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 41
Brian Oxley
being congrat-
ulated for
owning the car
that most peo-
ple wanted to
take home, by
Club President,
Greg Whitfield.
Some pre display fervour, as Laurie
gets out his period accoutrements to
adorn and embellish his TF.
Due to my focus on the broader Wheels
organisation, I was particularly thankful
for the marvellous assistance of Carl and
Jennie Palmer and Rob Chilman for tak-
ing on the role of Chief Judges and set-
ting up the Club Concours display on the
day. I would also like to thank those
members who assisted with marshalling
on the Parks Way gate.
I would particularly also like to thank Rob
Chilman for assisting me and a handful of
other volunteers on the Saturday after-
noon to set up the many bollards, signs,
bunting, and blocks of toilets around
Kings Park.
Thank you to all our judges: Carl Palmer,
Rob Chilman, Mark Horsfield, Peter Lew-
is, Trevor Clement, Warren Devine, Lau-
rie Gardiner, and Paul Smith.
The 2015 MG Concours winners were:
Class A for MGs built from inception up to, and including, MG TF (1955)
First place: Carl & Jennie Palmer, MG TF
Second place: Laurie Gardiner, MG TF
Class B is for MGA (all models), Mk1 MGB and MGBGT, Mk1&2 Midgets and Z series Magnettes and MK III and Mk IV Magnettes.
First place: Carl and Jennie Palmer, MGA
Class C is for Mk2 and later MGB and MGBGT’s, MGBGTV8, MGC, Mk3 Midg-et, MG1100, and MG1300
First place: Geoff Nickols, MGB Mk 2
Class D is for MGs built after 1980, including Metro, Montego and Maestro (all variants), RV8, F, TF, ZR, ZS & ZT and any subsequent MG models,
First place: Helen & Peter Lewis, MG TF
180
Second place: Graeme Rossiter, MGRV8
Third place: Paul Smith, MGF 1.8i
Feedback from the clubs participating in Wheels indicated that the ‘community fair’ feel was greatly appreciated with many people taking up the opportunity to par-take in family BBQs late into the after-noon. We anticipate that our 2016 MG event will continue to be associated with Terribly British Day (first Sunday in December),
42 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
but the type of event we run to replace our Concours will need to be evaluated and options identified to encourage fur-ther participation, whether that be in the form of a ‘show and shine’ or other like event will be considered by your Commit-tee and members. In relation to the next Wheels 2016 further discussions will be taking place over the next few months with NCA and ACT Gov-ernment officials regarding the Kings Park or other locations.
Thank you to Paul Smith for some of the
photos.
An afternoon BBQ flashing up
Even Wilkies’ Pie Cart made an ap-
pearance
Yours truly looking like ‘Foreman Ma-
terial showing Minister Gentleman and
Steve Farmer from Shannons around
the displays
Carl ensuring Presentation
proceedings were on track.
Some of the ‘other’ cars beginning to
arrive and set up
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 43
Truing Wire Wheels
by Rod Schweiger
http://www.team.net/sol/tech/truwire.html
L et me begin this piece by say-
ing that this is the way I true
my wire wheels not necessarily THE
way to true wire wheels. It works for
me, therefore, it should work for you.
You can true wheels that are 13, 14,
15, 16, or 19 inches and it doesn't
matter if they have 48, 60 or 72
spokes. Truing wire wheels is logical,
it doesn't require tremendous skill,
and only requires a few tools. It
does, however, require an under-
standing of what you are doing.
The tools that you will need to true
wire wheels are: a spoke wrench.
Moss Motors sells a good one, part #
385-800 at $11.95. I found that the
one I got needed the opening made
bigger with a small file and this only
took a minute or so. A fixture to hold
the wheel while spinning to check for
true is a great help. I make my own
from an old MGB hub, brake rotor
and a piece of pipe. You can also
jack up the front of your MG and use
the front hub for this task. You
should also have a supply of spare
nipples and spare Spokes, long and
short appropriate to the size wheel
you are working on. While it is easier
to work on the wheel with the tire
removed, you can replace spokes and
nipples and true wheels with the tires
mounted on the wheels. You will
need to break the bead on the front
edge of the rim (let all the air out
first) by jumping on the tire to break
the bead. You can then hold the tire
down to expose the nipples with
some small blocks of wood.
There are two types of wire wheels
that you may encounter, chrome
plated and painted. While chrome
plated wires are the most expensive
and are the most glitzy, they have a
problem that the painted don't. The
problem is rust. Sure, painted wires
rust just as chrome wires do. But
with painted wires we can use heat
to free the spokes that have rusted
to their respective nipple. With
chrome wires the enthusiast will have
to use patients and liberal amounts
of penetrating oil, and still the rusted
spoke may eventually need to be cut
out of the wheel, thus destroying
that spoke and nipple.
To free a rusted spoke on a painted
wheel, heat the nipple to cherry red
Nipples &
Spokes
44 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 45
hot and then immediately quench
with a rag soaked in cold water.
When quenching, you will hear a no-
ticeable pop that will tell you that the
spoke has freed itself from the nip-
ple. The heat process will discolour
the spoke and the nipple. If the
wheel is to be painted, so what? If
the wheel was a chromy, the heat
discoloration will have spoiled the
spoke and the nipple.
If you have an unserviceable wheel
of the painted variety, with some
good spokes and nipples, you can
use the heat method to lay in a sup-
ply of spare spokes and nipples. This
is a good rainy day project.
There are probably only two reasons
that you will ever have to fuss with
your wire wheels. Reason one: you
have broken spokes in the wheel and
want to replace them. Reason two:
the wheels are badly out of true and
even a good balance job at the tire
shop won't make them run straight.
Let's begin with problem one. If you
have a wire wheel handy, take a look
at it while you read this, if you don't,
look at fig 1
All wire wheels have two length
spokes. Long spokes radiate out
from the hub at the point nearest
where the knock-off attaches, and
short ones that radiate out from the
wide part of the hub nearest the
brake drum. The two different
length spokes each serve a different
function. The short spokes control
the roundness of the wheel, while the
long spokes control the lateral run-
out of the wheel. Another way of
describing what the long spokes do is
to say that the long spokes can
cause the wheel to wobble if they are
not set right.
When spokes break it is usually the
long ones, and they always break up
near the hub. These spokes are not
hard to replace except that to install
the new spoke and thread it into the
appropriate nipple will always require
that you remove, one, two or some-
times three short spokes to install
one new long spoke into its nipple.
On painted wheels, if the spokes
won't break loose use the heat meth-
od. If working with plated wheels,
use penetrating oil and patience and
if that won't work, cut the spoke out
and replace it with a new one (you
knew that those chrome wire wheels
were going to be expensive when
you bought them). Coat the new
spokes threads with Permatex Anti-
Seize lubricant (part no. 133K) so
that the next time you do that spoke
it won't fight you. Of coarse you
may be fussing with that spoke
again. Remember, it's part of the
hobby.
Once you have all the broken spokes
replaced it is time to snug them up.
Try to tighten up the spoke and nip-
Fig 1
46 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
ple until it is the same tension as the
spokes around it (ones you didn't
change.) You can tell the tension of
the spoke by tapping the spoke with
the spoke wrench and listening to the
sound. It should ring. If the sound is
dull, the spoke is too loose. Try to
make it sound like the adjacent
spokes.
When the spokes are snugged up, it's
time to test the wheel for true. Our
goal it to try to get the wheel to with-
in 1/16" to an 1/8" of true. Don't go
and frustrate yourself by using a dial
indicator. This job doesn't require
that type of hair splitting accuracy.
Set the wheel to be trued on your
truing fixture or your front hub. You
will need a piece of stiff wire as a
pointer. Important, set the pointer to
point to the inside of the rim on the
folded edge where the tire seats.
Don't try to set the pointer to the
outside edge (where the balance
weights go). If there is any damage
to that part of the wheel and there
often is, using it as the reference
point will only further frustrate you.
Now spin the wheel and watch the
pointer. If the wheel wobbles on a
lateral plane, the outside spokes
need work. If the wheel isn't round,
then the short spokes need work.
Start with the roundness problem.
If the wheel is within a 1/16" or so,
okay. If it is an 1/8" or more out it
will be necessary to tighten some of
the short spokes to get it round. Im-
portant, before you tighten any
spokes you will need to loosen the
spoke(s), that are in this case, at 90
degrees or at right angles to the
spokes to be tightened. If you don't
loosen before you tighten, then
something is going to break. If it
does don't despair, replace the bro-
ken spoke(s) (you are already good
at that) and remember it's part of the
hobby.
Once the wheel is round you can
start working on the long spokes to
make the wheel stop wobbling. Use
the same technique. Loosen the
spoke(s) which in this case are 180
degrees across the wheel then tight-
en the necessary ones to bring the
wheel into true. Keep spinning the
wheel and watching the pointer to
see how the work is progressing.
When the wheel is reasonably true,
go around and tap the spokes with
A couple of ideas for a wire wheel
truing jig
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 47
the spoke wrench and test the
spokes for tightness. They should all
have approximately the same sound.
If necessary snug them up. Check
again for true by spinning the wheel
and checking the pointer.
When the wheel is true and the
spokes are snug, look at the nipples
on the inside of the wheel (the part
normally covered by the tube) and
make sure that your new spokes
don't protrude through the nipples.
They could pop your tube. If they
protrude through the nipple, grind
them down flush. Now you can prep
the wheel for priming and painting.
After painting, put a double wrap of
duct tape over the nipples on the
inside of the wheel to protect your
tube. Finally use a thin smear of sili-
cone seal on the inside of the hub on
the ends of the spokes to keep the
grease on the hub splines from run-
ning down your freshly painted
wheels.
Finally, a few words on wheel balanc-
ing. It has been my experience that
wire wheels are much more sensitive
to wheel balance that a disk wheel.
It is normal for a balance job on front
wheels to last only three or four
thousand miles. At that point the
steering wheel may shimmy (usually
at some particular speed) indicating
a balance job is needed. I always
had good luck with a dynamic (spin)
balance. Any good tire shop can do
it.
I hope this article helps you with
your wire wheels. Special thanks to
Bill Traill for sharing with me his in-
sights into this subject.
48 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
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May 2015 Tappet Chatter 49
Have you ever organised anything
and on the day thought to yourself
„self, nothing can go wrong. It is a
great day, the venue is a go, partici-
pants are eager, the camera is
charged and I have petrol in the car,
what more do I need‟.
Well as it turns out, when you have
teenage children, who use the same
memory cards in their devices as you
do in yours, you need to check that
things are where you left them. I did
not. I assumed that MY SD card was
in MY camera where I had left it.
As such, all the photo‟s that I
thought I took at the get together, I
actually did not, and I did not realise
until I sat at my computer with my
camera to take out the card and look
at the pictures I had taken. Inci-
dentally, they were the best pictures
I had ever taken, settings were spot
on, creativity was at it‟s peak and
content was impeccable.
I guess what I am trying to say is
that there are not photo‟s of the
morning tea with Sid and Anne. I
will do my best to paint a mental pic-
ture for you with words.
I t was a bright sunny morning on
Thursday 7th of May 2015. In
the Tuggeranong valley, the birds
were chirping and the air was crisp
and crystal clear. I could see all this
through the windows from my family
room looking down along Tuggers
Valley toward the north. I was about
to head off to meet Sid and Anne
Cooke, MG owners from the UK for a
morning tea with other members of
our club.
So how did we get to this point
where we were about to meet these
folks from half a world away. Well let
me tell you how it happened.
I was fiddling around with our web-
site (being webmaster and all), and
needed to find out some information
that I new was on our faceache page
(or is that Facebook?). I had not
looked at our faceache page for
Visit by MG Owners Sidney and Anne Cooke
From Shrewsbury, Shropshire UK
50 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
about 4 weeks. When I got into our
page, I noticed that there was a mes-
sage, so I had a look.
That day Sid had sent the club a
message saying he was in town and
would love to come to a meeting or
club event. Unfortunately two days
before we had finished our events for
the month and the next meeting was
the week after Sid and Anne went
back to the UK.
So I messaged back and forth with
Sid until we had a firm idea of having
a morning tea at the Arboretum.
The club committee discussed the
visit and agreed that it should be an
official event so that CRS registered
vehicles could participate.
I asked Trevor Clement to send out
an all points bulletin and received
about 12 responses, which made me
quite pleased that we would have a
good turnout for Sid and Anne. Par-
ticularly after Naomi and My fantastic
experiences with the Long Island MG
Club of New York, the Miami British
Car Club and the Southern Californi-
an MG Club on our recent trip to the
US. Coincidentally, I thought I was
the only MG Geek that contacted MG
clubs in places I was travelling to.
Now I know that there are two of us.
Sorry Sid, you are now, and for-
ever will be, an MG Geek.
So that brings us back to the lovely
morning of 7 May 2015. I walked
into the garage through internal ac-
cess, got in the car and drove to the
Arboretum. When I got out it was
quite „brisk‟ and windy, something
that was not obvious through my
family room window.
At about 0945 cars, and people, be-
gan to arrive in the car park. First
was Mike Stearn in Mrs Miniver, then
Peter Daley in his Magnette. . These
began the procession of MG‟s arriving
at the carpark of the arboretum
drawing looks and sucking passers by
in to have a leisurely stroll by the
ever increasing numbers of MG‟s be-
ginning to arrive.
When roughly half the cars had ar-
rived we were approached by a gen-
tleman and his wife who introduced
himself as Sid and his wife Anne.
Sid was agasp at the number of peo-
ple and cars who had come out for
morning tea (any excuse for cake I
say), and they hadn‟t yet finished
rolling up.
We stood in the blustery carpark as
the rest of the cars arrived and Sid
had a look at them, while Anne was
entertained by the many sophisticat-
ed gentlemen around.
Sid and Anne had come out to Can-
berra to see their daughter who is
now living out here. They reside in
the west of England in Shrewsbury
Shropshire, where they are members
of the Shropshire MG Owners Club,
with their 1976 MGB V8 Roadster.
Sid also said that they hoped this
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 51
52 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
would continue to be an annual trip,
so the chances of us seeing Sid and
Anne again are quite high.
We adjurned into the café for cake
and coffee (well I had cake), and
discussed commonalities and differ-
ences between the UK and here as
far as things MG go.
Our club secretary, Trevor Clement
made a presentation of a Club Flag, a
club lapel badge and a club keyring
to Sid and Anne on behalf of Club
President Greg Whitfield, who unfor-
tunately was otherwise engaged. Sid
was quite taken back by the presen-
tation, but the smile on his face sug-
gested that he greatly liked and ap-
preciated it.
A couple of our club members who
are travelling to the UK later this
year have indicated that they will
possible do a reciprocal visit to Sid‟s
club or at least get in touch with Sid
while they are there.
Sid conversely said that when they
are out here next year they will be
sure to look us up and attend an
event or two. We too look forward to
welcoming Sid and Anne back and
enjoying their company again
(hopefully I will have a card in my
camera next time).
A great morning was had by all, new
friends were made, and as always,
tales tall and true told, and it all
started with Faceache.
So what cars came out:
Mikes MG Y Type
Peter Dy‟s Magnette
Peter Dx‟s TC
David‟s TD
Trevor C‟s TF
Trevor F‟s MGA
Graeme‟s MGA
Peter L‟s MGB
Tony A‟s MGBGT
Dick‟s RV8
Paul‟s MGF
Geoff‟s MGF
Tony Mc‟s MGTF (2)
My ZT 220S
And last but by no means least
Denis‟ Austin Healey 3000
An outstanding array of cars so you
can understand why folks were
drawn in to casually stroll by.
I thank everyone who came along
and made this quite a memorable
experience for Sid and Anne, and I
hope this was only the first of many
of their visits to our Club.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 53
MG CENTRE OF SYDNEY
RV8 CARS AUSTRALIA P\L
MG RV8 SERVICE & PARTS
HOME OF THE ADDER NEWSLETTER
ALL YOUR MG PARTS & SERVICE NEEDS IN ONE EASY TO FIND LOCATION
Ring Stuart or Sally Ratcliff MG Car Club Life Member
26 COWPER ST GRANVILLE PH (02) 9682 6655 FAX (02) 9637 0199
Service Tuning Clutch
Suspension Cooling
Engine &Gearbox
Parts Interior Body
Mechanical Accessories
Anything MG
54 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
T he MG 14/28 Super Sports
launched in 1924 was the se-
cond line of cars produced by W R
Morris's Morris Garages Limited in
their enterprise later known as the
The MG Car Company Limited. The
first line of cars were 1548cc Morris
Oxfords fitted with a two-seater body
supplied by Charles Raworth & Sons
of Oxford. They were built at first in
small premises in Alfred Lane, Oxford
moving in 1925 to a larger site
shared with Morris Motors Limited
radiator factory at Bainton Road, Ox-
ford.[2] The badge on the front of the
car still read Morris Oxford, MG
badges were not to appear on the
car's nose until 1928[1] but they did
appear below the Morris badge on
the honeycomb of the last of the 14-
28 cars which had flat nose radiators.
Cecil Kimber had rebodied a few Mor-
ris cars with coachwork to his own
design but in 1924 he started to ad-
1926 MG 14/28 Super Sports
While on an Autumn tour and in Orange last weekend, Roger
Amos ran across this 1926 MG Super Sports, owned by Robert
and Anne Steel.
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 55
vertise "our popular M.G. Saloon"
built on the Morris 14/28 Bullnose
radiator, Oxford chassis.[2] The basic
chassis was collected from the near-
by Cowley factory and slightly modi-
fied and the engine mildly tuned.
They were then fitted with attractive
aluminium panelled bodies painted in
two colours with in 1924/5 bolt on
artillery wheels with Ace discs and in
1925/6 bolt on wire spoke wheels.
From late 1924 front wheel brakes were fitted. Suspension was by half-elliptic leaf springs at the front and three-quarter elliptics at the rear. The top speed was approximately 65 mph (105 km/h).[2]
A fabric-bodied saloon model was added to the range in 1926. In late 1926 Morris updated the Oxford dropping the distinctive Bullnose ra-
diator in favour of a flat one and wid-ening the chassis thus requiring a re-design of the body. H. N. Charles was employed by Kimber to do this [2] and at the same time the basic chassis received improvements by Morris Garages to braking and suspension taking the MG car further away from its Morris roots. The revised car was heavier and the top speed dropped to around 60 mph (95 km/h). Other changes were half-elliptic springs at the rear and a Solex carburettor re-placing the SU on the earlier car. The brakes received assistance from a mechanical servo.
The 14/28 was replaced by the very
similar 14/40 in 1927.
56 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 57
Pre-war
Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343
Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351
T Series
Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351
Peter Dechaineux (02) 6281 5917
Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612
Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943
Y Series and MGA
Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716
MGB
Kevin Kirk (02) 6231 4617
Kent Brown (02) 6255 4943
MGC Roadster and GT
Position Vacant
MG RV8
Graeme Rossiter (02) 6288 2477
MG Z Magnette
Peter Daley (02) 6291 0612
Midget/Sprite
John Harriott (02) 6292 8420
Ian Reid (02) 6231 8959
Modern MGs
Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343
Restoration
Brian Oxley (02) 6281 2351
Mike Stearn (02) 6231 1716
Malcolm Robertson (02) 6288 9343
Club Trailer
Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191
Club Servicing Facility & Tools
Laurie Gardiner (02) 6293 4191
Concessional Registration
Greg Whitfield 0498 107 658
(Northside)
Rob Chilman 0412 024 228
(Southside)
Club Service Centre: Our Club
has a well equipped under-cover
service centre at Budget Storage,
25 Yallourn St Fyshwick. It has all
the basic big-tools to enable you to
do repairs, service and/or clean
your car in a secure area, 24/7.
Simply contact Nigel French (who
owns Budget Storage) on the num-
ber above or 0413 646 321 to ar-
range a time to do the work or just
to have a look. The Service Centre,
and use of club tools, is free to Club
Members.
Help
Line
58 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
Marquet
1966 MG 1100 sedan
2 tone paint green and cream and Green leather interior. The car is in very good condition and is a multiple Concourse Placer.
Some spare parts
Original delivery papers and manual
12/5/14 rego
on club plates not transferable
$4500 ono
Contact: Dale Powell, MG Car Club Newcastle
Ph 0249 477 766, Mobile. 0429 450 548
[email protected]<[email protected]
MG C Roadster 1968
Family car imported from the UK 3 years ago.
British Racing Green and in excellent condition
32,587 miles on the clock and on club plates rego (1266H)
$35,000
Contact: Maria or Sarah (Melbourne, VIC) on 0434 209 908
May 2015 Tappet Chatter 59
MG Midget or Sprite steering wheel
Brand new, Ordered from Moss motors but was wrong size. This is to fit 600 mm spline.
$150.00 ono
Contact: Yvonne on 0407484592
No, sorry mate, you don’t have the room to put an
Auto Mute system in for the Passenger Seat
Wanted
One chrome wire wheel to suit MGB mk 1. 14 inch with 60 spokes.
Contact: Ray Dawson on 0402558381 or
email [email protected]
60 MG Car Club Canberra May 2015
FOR SALE
A set of six Franklin Mint plates featuring Battle of Britain aircraft. All are still in original packaging – they have never been displayed. $60. Peter Daley – 02 6291 0612
FOR SALE for T Type Roadster One pair of green plexiglass sun visors for MG T-type roadster. Purchased from Moss Europe Ltd in 2103 but still in their boxes. $95 the pair. Call Barry on 0417 506 780.
FREE TO A GOOD HOME
I have 23 cartons of motoring magazines commencing from 1953. They are not catalogued but are in good condition. They will need to be picked up with something suitable for transport. Peter Daley – 02 6291 0612
MGB Davis Brown roll bar It was installed in my 1968 MGB MKII, is less that one year old and in as new condition. CAMS approved - $300 Also a brand new black tonneau cover professionally made with holes in it to suit the roll bar and high back seats for $300. 3 point racing harness. ADR approved. Can be used for the road or track - Monza by Autotecnica. Great condtion - $50 Contact: Andrew Moss Phone: 0449163692 email : [email protected]
