Vintage Viewpoint



Vintage [pic] Viewpoint

Vol. 41 No 6 Vintage MG Car Club June 2007

The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13,

at the Pizza Joynt, 39 W. North Ave., Northlake, IL, 8 PM – 708-562-5334

Insurance policies are written in gibberish, a language not hitherto recognized by any civilized society. An insurance policy makes the IRS Code look like Dick and Jane Go to the Zoo. This month’s column is a primer on collector car insurance.

Just as our cars need gas and (lots of) oil, so, too, they need to be insured. The nature of the insurance policy we purchase will determine how the company treats our claim, and, in turn, will determine whether the damage (or total loss or theft) will be covered.

There are three ways our cars can be insured: (i) actual cash value; (ii) stated amount, or (iii) agreed value.

Your daily driver is probably insured on a actual cash value basis. The formula is fairly straightforward. The insurance adjuster, the man who is paid to save money for the insurance company, will start by “adjusting” for depreciation and the physical condition of the car at the time of damage or loss. “Adjust” is an insurance term that means, roughly, “lower the value of.” So the question becomes: what was the car worth at the time of damage or loss? For many daily drivers this is not hard to calculate, at least from the insurance company’s point of view. They check the papers and guide books and present you with a figure lower than your expectations. We then grumble and accept the check. THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR MG!

The second method, stated amount, gives the appearance that our car will be properly covered. The insurance companies have created this illusion so cleverly that most collector car policies are written in this fashion. Here is how it works. The Declarations Page will say, for example, 1948 MG TC: $15,000. When you call, you advise that your classic MG has been stolen and the insurance company calculates how much they will pay this way: (i) they determine the value of the car at the time of loss, just as they do for an “actual cash value” policy; (ii) they then compare the actual cash value figure to the stated amount in the policy; and (iii) the company will then pay you whichever figure is LESS.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is legal thievery. They promise you the Holy Grail and give you an empty Coke bottle.

The third method is what you want: agreed value. In this case the Declarations Page is, say for example, 1950 MG TD: $21,000. This time when you call to advise the insurance company that your car has been stolen they will simply write you a check for $21,000 (less any deductible that may apply). No hassles. No “adjustments.” No calculating the “value of the car at the time of loss” nonsense.

Some companies will ask for photos or other indicia of the value you claim for your car. Some won’t. When I acquired MR TOAD I bought an “agreed value” policy from Hagerty. They accepted my claim that the car was worth $20,000. That was four years ago. When I received my renewal last month they suggested I increase the Agreed Value to $23,000. This increase added $20.00 to my premium.

When it comes to insurance, caveat emptor is a defense the insurance companies use viciously. Just as with the Katrina victims.

Minutes of the May 9, 2007

Meeting of the

Vintage MG Car Club

of Chicago

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by President Larry Carlson.

In attendance were 17 members, one of whom drove his T-type!

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved by motion.

Ric Maitzen reported a treasury balance of $9,308.71, with a full report to be published in the Viewpoint.

Bill Dobeus reported 89 members have paid their annual dues,

Lou Louchious was absent; therefore there was no report on regalia.

OLD BUSINESS

The Spring Drive was a success as noted in the last Viewpoint. The weather was nice and the food good. Our thanks to Don and Lesley Gottlinger for their planning and leadership.

NEW BUSINESS

The Great Spring Tour (not to be confused with the Spring Drive) is scheduled for this weekend, May 11 -13, in historic Galena. 23 members have signed up for this event, featuring trolley and MG tours, dinner, and a Mother’s Day brunch.

June 2nd is the date for the rain-free LaGrange Pet Parade.

VMGCC members have received an invitation to the British Car Field Day to be held Sunday, June 17th in Sussex, Wisconsin. For additional information contact Dave Early at davearly@wi..

The next garage visit will be Saturday, June 30th, at John Welch’s, 1 Clyde Street, Golf, Illinois.

Larry Carlson reported that the annual President’s Picnic will be held Saturday, August 11th in conjunction with the Momence Gladiolus Festival.

Larry Carlson distributed a sheet showing the incredible prices MG’s (and other cars) are fetching at auctions. How about a 1935 MG NB Airline Coupe for $398,750? We wondered what Lou Louchios would think of that!

TECHNICAL TOPICS

Spring start-up techniques were discussed.

Discussion continued on the changes in modern oils. Apparently Castrol is working on the problem, and pre-change Castrol may be available in England. Gerry Risner is checking on this.

The meeting closed with Gerry Risner demonstrating the assembly of a Marles Weller steering box and discussing its features.

Upon motion made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Win Gould, Secretary

Treasurer’s Report

Ric Maitzen, Treasurer

|Beginning Balance (3/26/07) |$9,429.91 |

|Receipts |0 |

|Disbursements | |

| April VV |- 121.20 |

|Ending Balance: |$9,308.71 |

Last Month’s Program

By Jennifer Smith, Vice President

The Marles Weller Steering Box Rebuild

Presented by Gerry Risner

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Some Comparisons between the Marles Weller (MW) and Bishop Cam (BC):

MW differs from the BC by having 4 hemispheres on a rectangular follower, instead of a conical shaped pin at the end of the sector shaft arm. This steering box is also mounted upside down compared to the BC, the worm gear and follower are both located at the bottom (more oil located there to lubricate thanks to gravity) whereas the BC the worm gear and sector pin are on top (less oil to lubricate). The MW also has a treaded oiler fitted on the top of the steering box to allow for lubrication.

Total of 3 Bearings:

One that Gerry added at the steering wheel end.

The other two bearings are at either end of the box itself.

Places of wear:

For a rebuild, there are only two things to worry about:

1. Replacing the 4 hemisphere that take up the wear

2. The bearing that sleeves the sector shaft.

Adjustments:

Only 2 adjustments to worry about:

1. The hemispheres, a total of 4 (Gerry only replaced 2 of the 4 because of clearance the flats fit together)

2. Adjustment of the end play with addition of shims

Another thing to note:

The steering shaft cannot be separated from the steering box of the MW.

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For Sale

1965 Jaguar 3.8S saloon.

Cream with red leather interior. Body sound, jacking points in good shape, engine runs well, 25K miles on speedometer. Chrome decent. Automatic transmission. Drive it as it is or restore it. Original tool kit and original owner’s manual.

$6500 OBO. Contact Bill Cole at 847-437-2036, or Email to wmcolesr@ (note 3-w’s)

Liquidating

Club member Curt Bork has announced that he is relocating out-of-state and would like to liquidate as much as possible of his collection of MG parts and other related memorabilia.

Barn/moving sale Thurs--May 31st, Fri--June 1st, Sat--June 2nd.

MG Parts at unbelievably low (to free) pricing. Clearing out a lot of accumulation of 11 years of repair, restoration and dismantling leftovers. Some junk for sure, but usable stuff for the right person. Selling off a good portion of memorabilia and signs--gas & oil, road signs, etcetera. A 1928 American Octagon gas pump done up in "British-American" advertising theme. 1920s dual parking meter. Auto lift for sale. Air compressor (rated 7 hp, 60 gallon tank).

79 MG midget, ran last fall--near complete but very ugly.

Five Acre farmette with heated 40 by 60 Quonset hut, heated 24 by 24 garage, 100 year old 3 BR farmhouse (with lots of updates) and 40 by 76 two story barn. Pistol range on premises. Check the Remax website for info.

Check out the ad on The Chicagoland MG Car Club’s website



More Parts and Stuff

T Series Parts – 104 of them, A to Z.

Some N.O.S. along with the oldies but goodies, eh! Many are N.A. from suppliers – used but not abused. Rebuilts too. All priced right? Right! For a list of parts, send SAE or request Fax or go to the VMGCC web site at to download the list as a pdf file. Examples: gauges, electricals, switches, seals, chrome, carbs, engine & gearbox odds ‘n ends, sheet metal, chassis. Some collector junk for free.

Contact:

John P. Gasienica Voice: 608-568-7295

4481 Blockhouse Lane Fax: 608-568-3122

Platteville, WI 53818

June Meeting Program

Presented by Jennifer Smith

Bringing up the Rear: Replacing the Rear Body Panel Behind the Gas Tank.

Can it be done without taking off the rear quarter panels and rear fenders?

Hear the current game plan. Come and see the pictures, provide insight and suggestions, see the parts, new and old.

Garage Visit

A garage visit is planned for Saturday, June 30, at John Welch’s place, 1 Clyde Street, Golf, Illinois, at the corner of Overlook and Clyde. Plan to be there around 10 a.m. John has a few goodies to show off and you’ll be amazed at what he has done with his TC. Among the activities planned is the installation of a rebuilt rocker assembly. John hopes that an XPAG expert will show up. Little does he know that ALL the experts will show up. “We’ll get them thar rockers a rockin’”. The grill should burst into flames about 12 noon with ‘dogs and brats.” RSVP please.

Home: 847-657-8915 – Work: 312-983-8980

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The Great Spring Tour

By Ursula Hoeft

This year’s Spring Tour was my first overnight “adventure” with the VMGCC. Our TC is broken, so we made the trip in one of our modern-day cars, as did all but three club members. To be honest, though, even if the ’47 TC were running, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to make the trip in the Venerable Vernette (yes, Greg’s car has a name; no, it’s not named for an old girlfriend). In any case, I was glad that Greg was at the wheel so that I could fully enjoy our drive through the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County and “ooh” and “ah” to my heart’s content at the area’s breathtaking scenery.

Ed: Kathy and Jerry Cihak made the trek with their TD while Alice and Bill Laytham brought the MGA. The gold star for the weekend has to go to Gerry Risner, however. Gerry turned the tour into a shake down run for his TF with a newly rebuilt engine. Just before the trip he and Jerry Cihak dropped in the new engine. Well, what do you know, have a look at the pictures on a later page in the newsletter. I’m sure there will be more about that Moss rear oil seal at a future meeting.

The charm of the famous old DeSoto House Hotel (Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both spoke from its balcony), an interesting trolley tour of historic Galena (it seems that Ulysses S. Grant and Mrs. Grant spent a good deal of time “hanging out” in the area), a scenic driving excursion – hosted by Kathy and Art Schleicher – and a family-style Italian dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s, all made for a great couple of days.

In addition to the activities planned for us by Nancy and Ric Maitzen, we also had plenty of time to explore Galena on our own. The town has plenty of good restaurants, fun “watering holes,” and shops – lots and lots of shops! Galena is a “shop ‘til you drop” town.

If every VMGCC outing is this much fun, count me “in” for the next one!

Our thanks go to Nancy and Ric for the time and effort they put into planning this great Tour.

A Tisket a Tasket, Just Look at This Basket!

by Jerry Cihak

At the Annual Member(s Dinner last March, a discussion took place at my table regarding the Longonberger Basket Company, a place we visited during the Ohio GOF in Coshocton, Ohio. When I said the corporate office building was a huge basket, I was ridiculed and told I was crazy.

I recently came across a series of unusual buildings that were featured on AOL, and one of them was the Longenberger Basket Company, one of the finest and largest basket companies in the world. Here is a photo of the office building as proof that (I(m no crazy.(

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If the “Post makes haste” and you read this promptly, you will still have time to make it to:

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Saturday, June 2. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. sharp to avoid police barricades. Our line-up will be on Maple (2 blocks north of 47th Street) just east of LaGrange Road.

Please call Kathy Cihak at 708-246-6951 to let her know how many places to set and if you will be joining us in the parade.

What do you think this is?

Asked by Jerry Cihak

Here is a photo of a car that at first glance might be mistaken for an MG. Can you identify it? I thought it may be an interesting idea to post car pictures in the newsletter and pose the question -- What is it? Then see if anyone can come up with an answer before the next newsletter, at which time, publish the answer and a brief article about the MG look-a-like. Ed: OK then, let’s go. Send your answer to: editor@

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JUNE

2nd Pet Parade

LaGrange, IL

Picnic at Jerry & Kathy Cihak

It has never, never, never (that means never) rained on the Pet Parade

15 - 17 Blackhawk Vintage Classic XV

Blackhawk Farms

South Beloit, IL



Come out and support our hotshot racers, Jeff Powell, Rey Navarro, Tom Moore and others

16th Illinois St. Andrew Society and Highland Games

2nd Annual British Car Show

Oak Brook Polo Club

Men in plaid skirts tossing around telephone

poles! Be there.

16th Picnic at Curt Bork’s: 815-522-6145

Near Kirkland, IL

Rally in the morning; please bring a dish; beverages provided

Tri-club event: VMGCC, Rockford Boots & Bonnets, and The Chicagoland MG Club

17th British Car Field Day 2007, Sussex, Wisconsin

30th Shop visit with John Welch

10:00 AM

1 Clyde Street, Golf, IL

Coffee & donuts at 10:00; the grill gets fired up around noon with dogs & brats

RSVP please

Home: 847-657-8915; Work: 312-983-8980

JULY

4th 4th of July Parade

Riverside, IL

Picnic at Rey & Lupe Navarro’s

15th 9th Annual All British Car & Cycle Show and Fly-In

Poplar Grove Vintage Wheels and Wings Museum

Poplar Grove Airport: $15 entry fee



26 -28 GOF Central

Chaska, MN



AUGUST

5th Vintage Transport Extravaganza

Illinois Railway Museum

Union, IL $5 entry fee



10 - 12 John Twist Summer Party

Ada, MI



11th President’s Picnic in conjunction with the Mommence Gladiolus Festival the AACA Antique Car Show in Mommence, Illinois

$8 if you register before August 1st

SEPTEMBER

9th British Car Union Car

Moraine Valley Community College

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM



Club picnic at Rich & Julie Miczek’s

14 - 16 Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival XXII

Road America

Elkhart Lake, WI

OCTOBER

12 - 14 MG Vintage Racers’ Focus Event

Lexington, Ohio

Fall Tour - TBA

Guy Fawkes Party - TBA

NOVEMBER

22nd Ride to the Rock

Chicago, IL

DECEMBER

Christmas Party - TBA

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Officers and Directors – 2007

President: Larry Carlson, Vice President: Jennifer Smith, Secretary: Win Gould, Treasurer: Ric Maitzen

Board of Directors: Jerry Cihak, Brian Dubin, Glenn Grossklags

Newsletter: Greg Hoeft- Editor, Lou Louchios- Distribution

Website:WWW.

Scheduled Activities – June 2007

2nd Pet Parade

15 - 17 Blackhawk Vintage Classic XV

16th Illinois St. Andrew Society and Highland Games

16th Picnic at Curt Bork

17th British Car Field Day 2007

30th Shop visit with John Welch

July 26-28, 2007 GOF Central, Chaska, MN.

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1

Vintage MG Car Club

C/O Editor

1814 Illinois Rd.

Northbrook, IL 60062

First Class Mail

-----------------------

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWALL

Dues and registration $25.00 per year

Make your check payable to: Vintage MG Car Club

Mail your payment to: Bill Dobeus – Membership

1556 Tara Lane

Lake Forest, IL 60045

Include the following with your dues. We will use this information to update our membership directory

Name:___________________________________ Spouse or Partner:_________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________ Home Phone:______________________________

Street:_____________________________________________ Business Phone: ____________________________

City:_______________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________

State and Zip:_______________________________________

Please list your MGs, including Model and Year:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

|VMGCC REGALIA |

|Qty. |Item |Price |Amount |Send Regalia order to: |

| | | | |Lou Louchios |

| | | | |3101 West Frontage Rd. |

| | | | |Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 |

| | | | | |

| | | | |Orders may be picked up at regular business meetings |

| | | | |with no postage charge. Contact Lou first. |

| | | | | |

| | | | |e-mail: Mgairline35@ phone: 847 397-0623 |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | |[pic] |

| | | | |First Name |

| | | | | |

| | | | |________________________ |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | |Last Name |

| | | | | |

| | | | |________________________ |

| | | | | |

| |Lapel Pin 1" |6.00 | | |

| |Key Ring 1" |6.00 | | |

| |Stick Pin 1" |6.00 | | |

| |Charm 3/4" |5.00 | | |

| |Tie Tack 3/4" |5.00 | | |

| |Lapel Pin 3/4" |5.00 | | |

| |Name Tag |10.00 | | |

| |Decal-transfer |1.00 | | |

| |Car Badge |25.00 | | |

| |Patch, sew-on | 5.00 | | |

| |Cap (black or tan) |12.00 | | |

| |2005 GOF Lapel Pin |2.00 | | |

| |2005 GOF Dash Plaque |1.00 | | |

| |Postage* | | |

| | |Total | | |

|*Please add $2.00 for postage. Add an additional $2.00 for caps & car badges | |

|Name: |Address: |Phone: |

| | | |

| | | |

Mr. Toad’s Stool

By Larry Carlson, President

BRITISH CAR FIELD DAY 2007, Sussex, Wisconsin

Sunday June 17th, 2007

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British Car Field Day Shirts with BCFD Logo: Henleys, 100% cotton, Sweatshirts 100% cotton, and Tee Shirts 50/50 Cotton / Poly Blend. Henleys $16.00 and XXL and above $18.00, sweatshirts $18.00 and XXL and above $20.00, and Tee-Shirts $9.00 and XXL and above $10.00 each if order is post marked on or before May 14th, to ensure availability. Henleys $19.00 and Tee-Shirts $11.00 if post marked after May 14th or purchased at the show.

WHERE: Sussex Village Park, in Sussex, Wisconsin

WHEN: Show from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, rain or shine.

Refreshments: Will be available on the grounds. Refreshment proceeds go to the Boy Scouts of America.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Pre-registration will speed your entry onto the field as you will not need to exit your vehicle to register. Pre-registrations post marked on or before to June 11th are $10.00 for each car or motorcycle. Register on or before May 14th to ensure Henley / Tee Shirt / Sweatshirt orders can be filled.

Registrations post marked after June 11th or on the day of the event increase to $15.00 per vehicle.

Award winners will be determined by a popular vote by registered event participants on ballots provided by BCFD. "People's Choice" Award is selected from the balloting of public viewers. Awards for each class, diamond in the rough, people’s choice and best of show.

Dash plaque for registered cars and cycles. (Limit first 300)

THIS EVENT BENEFITS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF MILWAUKEE AND THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA For additional information write to: British Car Field Day

W195 S10392 Racine Drive Muskego, WI 53150

or Call: (262) 679-0041 or (262) 521-1072 or Email Johnstockinger@

Please detach on the dotted line and mail your pre-registration early. Retain top portion for your records.

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Directions

Follow Interstate 94 West from Milwaukee to Exit 295, County "F” (formerly Hwy. 164 North) which becomes Hwy 74 North, continue approx. 5 miles (in total), to Main Street in Sussex. Take Main Street west one mile to Weaver Drive. Follow the BCFD signs and look for Sussex Village Park on the left. See web for (Sussex Village Park, Wisconsin) or maps. ( Village Park, Sussex Wisconsin) or village.sussex.wi.us

Waiver of Liability

I (we) agree that I (we), will not hold liable the British Car Field Day Committee, or their respective club, officers, or members, for any personal injury or property damage that may occur on the park grounds or while driving to or from the British Car Field Day event held at Sussex Village Park in Waukesha County, State of Wisconsin, held on Sunday, June 17th, 2007 and that my (our) participation in this event signifies my (our) agreement with the above waiver of liability.

Field decisions made by BCFD officials on the day of the event will be final and binding

GOF XXIX

The Minnesota MG T Register is hosting the Mk XXIX version of a Gathering that we think will be great fun. It's on July 26 - 28 and is just west of the Twin cities. For you "Brit-flicted" folk looking for something to do this summer, we have the place. Go to our web site , click on GOF 2007 and go to "check this out", then get a registration form, fill it out and come join the fun.

Hope to see you there.

Up and Coming Club Events

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