A Ford V8 and an Aristocratic Accent

This video was produced in 1937 by the Ford Motor Company of England to apparently introduce the joys and convenience of driving to women. The film short extolls the virtues of driving the children to school and motoring to the High Street shops. The optional vanity mirrors (rather crudely bolted through the visors) are highlighted as is a radio ("R-r-r-radio"). The model is never mentioned (females just wouldn't understand, you know), but it is obviously Ford V8s in the film.

The film is narrated by British novelist Ursula Bloom in an accent that oozes proper upbringing of the day. A prolific writer, Ursula wrote biographies, and romances and was a regular on British television until her death in 1984.

Pay close attention to the pre-war scenes and spare a thought for the tribulations the people of Britain were about to face.

A Restoration Milestone

Me in the E - I Gotta Get One of These!

Long time friend, traveling companion and British car enthusiast, Richard Cunningham's five-year restoration of his 1964 Jaguar E-Type coupe is nearly done. For most of that time it has been my pleasure to be able to hang out in his garage and give him a hand to the extent that my limited skills can provide. Richard has removed every part and repaired it, replaced it or cleaned it up and it is now mostly back together. As of yesterday, the E-Type is on the ground on its own wheels.

I certainly don't want to steal Richard's thunder by revealing too many details ahead of his own blog announcement but I can say that it is one amazing car on the road - even without a bonnet!

One Lap of Alabama

Ruben Greenwood at Denny Chimes - Tuscaloosa

“Because it needed to be done,” is the universal answer to the question, “why are you doing this?” Birmingham, Alabama resident Ruben Greenwood just finished an epic drive in a small car that saw him bear the oppressive summer heat and torrential rains of the deep south while being guided by nothing more than a paper road map and supporters along his way.

Inspired by John Nikas’ nationwide drive in a 60 year old Austin Healey 100 to raise awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society, Ruben designed a route that would take him around the state of Alabama in a rough outline of the state’s borders to accomplish a similar goal for the Alabama Chapter of the ACS. Ruben set up his overnight stays in Alabama cities with active British car clubs to help get the word out and enjoy the company of like-minded people.

At the Sendoff in Birmingham

Ruben met John and saw his Healey in Birmingham during one of John’s trips across the state. Ruben shared his idea of a “One Lap of Alabama” tour and John enthusiastically supported it. Unlike John however, Ruben decided against allowing people to jot messages of encouragement on his 1983 Mini. Instead, he designed an event logo and had it applied to a banner that supporters and donors could sign.

Ruben set out from Birmingham with a sendoff by the ACS and accompanied by his friend and fellow classic Mini owner Manuel Barje. Manuel offered to drive the southern portion of the tour with Ruben which covered about half the trip.

Ruben & Manuel at Toomer's Corner - Auburn, Alabama

The duo kept to the “blue” highways as much as possible to avoid Interstate highway travel. The first day’s leg took them from Birmingham to Auburn, Alabama and then to the state capitol of Montgomery. The Minis were the focus of attention at every stop for food or fuel with strangers asking about the One Lap signage and then sharing their own stories of loss and victory with cancer. Donations were accepted and the banner began to fill up with notes and signatures. One elderly lady told Ruben that she was being treated for cancer and then handed him $8.00 in rumpled dollar bills to help the cause.

Ruben and Manuel spent the night in Montgomery, hosted by the Montgomery British Motoring Club.

State Capitol- Montgomery

The next day’s route required some last minute alteration due to rains of biblical proportions predicted for the southeast corner of the state. The plan called for the tour to visit Dothan, Alabama but with 6 inches of rain on the way, the team let discretion actually be the better part of valor and chose to stay well away to the west.

After press interviews in Montgomery, the team headed on a new route that included a stretch of wet Interstate highway and Ruben’s Mini did not play well with the spray kicked up by passing trucks. At the next stop, LilBrit (they are all named, don’t you know) refused to start. Some quick diagnosing and the problem was traced back to moisture in the distributor. The trip to Mobile began again in earnest, but as the sun came out, vapor lock reared its head. After a cool down the fuel line was re-routed and the trip continued without further drama.

ACS Office - Mobile

The One Lap drivers spent the night on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and were hosted at dinner by the South Alabama British Car Club and the Mardi Gras MGs.

The next leg of the tour got underway after a visit to the Mobile, Alabama ACS office and more TV and press interviews with the day’s goal being Tuscaloosa. The drive was pleasant and the back roads scenic in west Alabama with daytime temperatures dropping from melt to swelter. As the duo passed by a truck service depot, a truck tire exploded literally yards away from the open windows of the Minis. The guys got a cardio workout without ever leaving the drivers seat.

Your Faithful Blogger Drove with the Gang in Mobile

The tour pressed on to Tuscaloosa without further incident where they were welcomed by the West Alabama British Car Club.

Tuscaloosa was where Manuel planned to turn east towards his home near Birmingham, leaving Ruben to run solo for the northern half of the journey. Ruben met with One Lap supporters in Tuscaloosa prior to leaving the city. The journey out of town was sobering as he passed through areas hit by the devastating tornado of April 2011. The wounds are starting to heal, but the scars are still visible.

The Road to Florence, Alabama

The route to the day’s destination of Florence, Alabama includes some of the state’s most beautiful scenery with rolling hills and lush valleys. Ruben’s progress was hampered by a missing road sign which caused him to get well and truly lost. A friendly driver in a Jeep led Ruben back to his intended destination.

On arrival in Florence, Ruben was met by members of the Northwest Alabama British Car Club for a bit of noggin and natter.

Spot the Mini - Huntsville, Alabama

The drive east across the “top” of the state to Huntsville allowed Ruben to be a bit of a tourist as the day’s journey was short. Being an architect, Ruben couldn’t pass up a chance to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum home. As in the rest of the state, each stop brought people to the car to tell their stories, sign the rapidly-filling banner or make a donation.

In Huntsville, Ruben met up with members of the North Alabama British Motoring Society who accompanied him to meetings at the local ACS office and to several press interviews prior to retiring to a quiet dinner before his departure for Birmingham – home - the next day.

At breakfast, Ruben discovered that he was minor local celebrity with a number of Huntsville residents telling him that they saw the news story about the One Lap tour. A number of messages were gathered on the banner and donations accepted on behalf of the Alabama ACS. A fuel stop on the way found the little car the focus of attention of a group of motorcyclists traveling as the No-Name Motorcycle Club. Again, more stories, more messages and more donations for the cause.

No-Name Motorcycle Club Members Sign the Banner

Ruben allowed himself to relax and enjoy the final leg of his journey. Lost in his thoughts of the last week, he noticed a rising needle on the temperature gauge followed by wisps of steam from under the bonnet. This was a malady that wasn’t going away on its own. A quick call to Manuel Barje resulted in his friend Luis Canizales  being dispatched to see what he could do to help. With visions of blown head gaskets dancing in his head, Ruben was delighted to hear that the culprit was the short length of hose that runs from the cylinder head to the water pump on some A-series engines. A short two block drive to Luis’ garage (where he builds world-class racing engines) and the difficult to reach hose was replaced.     

Disaster averted once more, Ruben cruised into his home city, with Manuel escorting him,  where family and friends awaited his arrival.

Not What You Want to See

Ruben will tell anyone within earshot that he was stunned by the level of support this effort received. He believes that had the trip taken place in an SUV or anonymous econobox sedan, it would not have gathered as much attention as it did. Anyone seeing the small cars setting out on a 1,000 mile journey in the midst of summer knew that they were indeed facing a challenge. But it was exactly this challenge that Ruben knew would get those around him to consider the challenges that cancer fighters face every day.

If you would like to donate to the Alabama Chapter of the American Cancer Society in the name of One of Alabama, please visit this site. One Lap of Alabama also has an active Facebook page - simply search for One Lap on Facebook. 

                Photos courtesy One Lap of Alabama's Facebook page.

The Phantom Mini

Several SABCC members mentioned at our last Mugs & Motors gathering that they had spotted a red and white classic Mini on the streets of Mobile. Now, the classic Mini population in our area is pretty thin with a just a half-dozen or so to my knowledge. 

The mystery Mini has been seen again, and this time it was photographed by my niece who shared the snap with my brother who forwarded it to me. The British number plate (if it is accurate) indicates that the car is an '84 or '85 but the wheels seem a bit largish for that era. It is a right hand drive car as all classic Minis should be and it is obviously loved judging by the shine. 

So, classic Mini driver, if you stumble across this humble blog, I'd like to meet you!

The Bunny and the Tiger

Jo Collins with Her Sunbeam Tiger

Way back in 1965 Playboy was the leading men's lifestyle magazine with advice on everything from fashion to cars to, yes, sex. Major cities around the world boasted Playboy Clubs where members with a club "key" were welcomed by satin-clad young things sporting cotton tails and rabbit ears. Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was instantly recognizable by his robe and pajamas and ever present pipe.

But the best known aspect of the Playboy empire was the monthly Playmate. These young ladies,  wearing not much more than a smile,  were the focus of a photo spread that included the legendary foldout that exposed the subject's charms over three pages. Every year one of the 12 Playmates was chosen to be the Playmate of the Year which meant that the lucky young lass won a package of high end gifts, likely provided by the magazine's advertisers in exchange for an editorial mention and a photo of their product with the winner (fully clothed, of course).

But back to 1965. That year's Playmate of the Year was one Jo Collins and she was awarded a Sunbeam Tiger. A pink Sunbeam Tiger. The Playmate of the Year cars remained pink until 1977 when the tradition was broken with a white Dodge Charger.

Fast forward to 1980 and the winner, August's Dorothy Stratten, was presented a red Jaguar XJS. Dorothy Stratten wouldn't be the only XJS driver as 1984's Playmate of the Year, Barbara Edwards, received one as well.

Jaguars were again presented in 1986 (an XJ6 to Kathy Shower) and in 1993 (still another XJS) to none other than Anna Nicole Smith.

Try as I might, I couldn't find where an MGB - pink or otherwise - was awarded to a Playmate.

Bummer.

Diggin' the Scene with a Spitfire Lean

Many of us recall the mostly black and white world that was the realm of enthusiast publications in the 1970s and before. Color was reserved for the covers and the occasional big-buck launch ad. As time progressed and costs were driven down more advertisers took advantage of color.

The shades-of-gray ad here is from 1974 and touts the cornering prowess of the Triumph Spitfire. The copywriter felt the need to educate the reader about cornering G-forces in a few words to make the comparison that followed as compelling as possible. It was also a subtle way of reminding potential customers that the whole rear axle tuck thing was now tamed.

Triumph's smallest car in the US at the time was actually modestly priced at $3,295.00, or a tad over $15,000.00 in 2012 dollars.

Happy 50th birthday Spitfire!

An "A" for Effort

My brother, Alan, of whom I've mentioned in these ramblings has just become an owner of an MGA. This 1961 1600 Roadster spent its life on the Gulf Coast, its last twenty years locked away in a garage. 

But She has a Great Personality...

I heard about the car through the Internet grapevine and thought it might be worth looking over. I didn't have the time, space or resources for another car, so I passed it along to Alan who has had a hankering for one for a number of years. He made contact with the owner who was trying to clear out his mother's house and get it ready for sale. The owner had plans to restore the MG "one day", but the expense of restoration and having it hauled from south Alabama to his home central Florida meant that it was time to let it go. 

Alan looked it over and made a fair offer which was accepted. The seller is graciously allowing the car to remain in the garage until Alan finds space for it near his house. 

The MGA is complete, bodywise with the aluminum panels all present and accounted for. The fenders (wings for the UK audience) had been removed and primed at some point. The engine and driveline are unknown quantities at the moment, but they will be inspected as soon as the car is moved to its new home. 

At this point Alan is not sure of his next move. He may disassemble the car and sell the parts to other MGA restorers or he may consider reasonable offers for it as it sits. Stay tuned.

Update - Alan has decided to sell the car on. I'll be happy to pass along messages if you're interested.

Mini Milestones

Why? Because it's fun. By the way, if you can identify the people in the photos, drop me a line in the comments section. 

Cool Runnings

Ask owners of classic British sports cars about factors that affect their comfort while driving them and many will mention cockpit heat. Here in the deep South, summer is a tough time to drive your classic even though most of us grew up in an era when car air conditioning was the exception rather than the rule. Maybe we have gotten soft, but any advantage we can find to cut down on the amount of heat we endure in our classics is one most of us will take.

Robb Olgetree and His MGA

My friends at E-Type Fabs US sell a product called KoolMat. KoolMat is designed to lower cockpit temperatures by adding a thin layer of silicone rubber sheet reinforced with fiberglass. Silicone rubber is a poor conductor of heat, so it is a great insulator. You've probably seen silicone oven mitts, cooking utensils and hot mats in department stores. The KoolMat system uses the same concept.

Floors are Out

The KoolMat folks have a number of kits with pre-cut shapes that you bond to your cockpit floor, toe and heel boards. This thin layer (about 1/8" thick) is enough to significantly reduce interior temperatures. 

SABCC Newsletter editor Robb Olgetree decided to give KoolMat a try and he ordered a kit for his 1962 MGA. A group of SABCCers offered to help with the installation and see what the product was all about. Robb brought his car to Richard Cunningham's garage for the duration of the project.

Michael King Paints the Floors

First, remove the interior. OK, maybe not completely, but the floor boards, firewall, toe and heel boards have to be accessible to apply the product. Robb took advantage of the interior stripout to inspect his seat runners, seat mounts and, most importantly, the plywood floors of his MG. He  determined that the old floors were probably past their prime so he elected to replace them. SABCCers Michael King and Noel Eagelson were on hand to offer assistance.

Zero Clearance Installed

While Robb and Richard cut new floorboards using the old ones for a template, Michael and Noel attended to giving the underside of the MG a tidying and apply a thick coat of paint to the new floor boards. The board cutting was an exacting exercise with the erstwhile carpenters making sure that the shapes were correct and the fastener holes lined up with the mounts on the chassis. Well into the evening, Robb decided to throw in the towel and come back next Saturday to finish it.

KoolMat Installed

During the week, Richard applied another heat barrier product to the underside of the driver's side floors. Zero Clearance is a foil backed fiberglass insulation that reduces both radiant and conductive heat flow. On US MGAs (MGBs, too) the exhaust runs directly under the driver's seat and Richard thought that the extra barrier would be helpful. The Zero Clearance product is self adhesive and requires sealing of the exposed fiberglass to prevent moisture wicking and reduced insulation effectiveness.

The Finished Item - Looking Good!

Early the next Saturday morning, Robb and Michael struck in to the day and with Richard's help, made great progress. Robb applied the firewall section first, taking advantage of the lift and that fact that the floors were still out of the car. Next came the toe boards and the transmission tunnel sections. Finally, the main floors were installed and fastened down to the chassis. 

Late that evening, Robb's new carpet set went down and the seats  - now on renovated runners and mounts - went in. While most of the work can't be easily seen, the results are obvious. The gang joked that Robb would probably need a jacket on his way home (this is July, you know) since the car would be so cool.

Robb later reported that difference was instantly evident. A cooler cockpit and quieter riding was the result of the hard work of a couple of Saturdays. 

Compressed Air and PVC - A Deadly Combination

There aren't many subjects that get me on my soapbox but PVC compressed air piping is certainly one of them. I am surprised by the number of otherwise competent people who choose PVC thermoplastic pipe to  convey compressed air around their shop or garage. Take it from me - don't do it. PVC in compressed air service can explode like a bomb, sending shards of the pipe in all directions.

Some people believe that utilizing heavy wall PVC (or schedule 80, in pipe parlance) is the answer. Others think CPVC (a higher temperature thermoplastic) is a viable option. Neither are an acceptable alternative to proper compressed air piping. 

The reason that PVC is dangerous in compressed air is that the material undergoes a "rubber to glass" transition at low room temperatures. As the term implies, PVC material exhibits rubber-like characteristics that makes it useful as low pressure liquid piping. At lower temps, PVC starts to exhibit glass-like characteristics where it becomes brittle and, well, glass-like.

The shock of a compressor kicking on or even starting or stopping an air tool can sometimes be all that it takes to cause catastrophic failure of the PVC piping. 

I've seen the aftermath of a PVC pipe failure and it isn't pretty. A friend ran a line of PVC around the perimeter of his home shop and one winter evening about a year later it exploded. Sharp shards of PVC pipe were embedded in wall studs, roof decking and one even broke a window. Thankfully, no one was in the shop at the time.  

If you want compressed air piping, budget for a qualified plumber to install the system. They can guide you on material and layout (hose connections, valves, condensate legs, etc.) The peace of mind that a correctly-installed system brings is priceless.

Compressed air is an invaluable tool for your shop, but it does demand your respect. Pass the word and maybe save a life.