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Smoke in the Wires Jan 2016

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<strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Volume 4 #1


Front Cover: Jaguar D-Type replica by Marc Cherry<br />

Flyleaf: Sunbeams at Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay by Mike Japp<br />

Back Cover: Jaguar D-Type replica by Marc Cherry<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> is a publication of <strong>the</strong> Panhandle British Car Association<br />

Contact Marc Cherry redshirt98@att.net for questions or submissions<br />

Contents<br />

From <strong>the</strong> Editor 3<br />

Upcom<strong>in</strong>g Events 5<br />

Miss<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Marque 6<br />

Christmas Party 8<br />

Lillian Parade 11<br />

Atmore Rally 12<br />

Lucas Distributors 13<br />

Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay Volunteer List 15<br />

Feature Car 18<br />

Tool of <strong>the</strong> Month 22<br />

Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay Sponsorship Form 26<br />

PBCA Facebook 27<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 2


Lett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Smoke</strong> out<br />

Marc Cherry<br />

Editor<br />

What a great w<strong>in</strong>ter driv<strong>in</strong>g season we’ve been hav<strong>in</strong>g. Decent temperatures and low humidity are <strong>the</strong> payoff<br />

for endur<strong>in</strong>g July and August here. While we haven’t had a lot of driv<strong>in</strong>g events, <strong>the</strong>re have been plenty of drives<br />

to take and events to attend. The auction season is kick<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> Scottsdale and F1 and NASCAR will be runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir openers. Before you know it, <strong>the</strong> club’s signature event, Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay, will be here.<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>uary has proven much busier than I expected as my <strong>in</strong>volvement with <strong>the</strong> classic auction scene has expanded<br />

considerably. My auction house, Motostalgia, secured a Saturday even<strong>in</strong>g auction this year at Amelia Island.<br />

Suddenly <strong>the</strong>re’s no shortage of work to do. In addition to <strong>the</strong> catalog work, I am now work<strong>in</strong>g consignments.<br />

This change brought <strong>the</strong> good fortune of be<strong>in</strong>g asked to attend <strong>the</strong> Cavall<strong>in</strong>o Classic <strong>in</strong> Palm Beach. This is <strong>the</strong><br />

premier Ferrari event <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> eastern US. What an<br />

<strong>in</strong>credible experience at an amaz<strong>in</strong>g venue. More<br />

remarkable was that <strong>the</strong>y charged a $200 entry fee (we<br />

had passes as advertisers) and gave away goodie bags<br />

that conta<strong>in</strong>ed less than last year’s Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay bags!<br />

Shameless Plug for my auction house--click to visit!<br />

If you make it out to Amelia this year, please look me up.<br />

I’ve also been busy with an ongo<strong>in</strong>g side project, convert<strong>in</strong>g my mill<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e to computer numerical control<br />

(CNC). See <strong>the</strong> Feb 2015 Tool of <strong>the</strong> Month feature for details of <strong>the</strong> mill. So far it has proven to be an expensive<br />

and extensive project. I have named <strong>the</strong> new pet Millbot. Right now I have full control over <strong>the</strong> X and Y axis and<br />

can make <strong>the</strong> mill<br />

draw pictures and<br />

forge autographs if<br />

I mount a pen <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> sp<strong>in</strong>dle. I have<br />

even cut precision<br />

parts out of foam.<br />

The conversion isn’t<br />

even fully done and<br />

it is already<br />

mesmeriz<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

watch Millbot run<br />

through its paces<br />

cutt<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs out.<br />

By early next<br />

D<strong>in</strong>os at <strong>the</strong> Cavall<strong>in</strong>o Classic<br />

month, I should be<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ished with convert<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Z axis to computer control and be able to start mak<strong>in</strong>g 3D metal, wood and nylon<br />

parts as needed.<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 3


We started <strong>the</strong> <strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> digital magaz<strong>in</strong>e with two<br />

goals <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d: to promote Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay attendance and to<br />

<strong>in</strong>crease participation with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> club. With <strong>the</strong> arrival of <strong>the</strong><br />

New Year, we are fully <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> show plann<strong>in</strong>g season. This is<br />

our 24th year and we cont<strong>in</strong>ue to streng<strong>the</strong>n and improve<br />

each year. We would like to expand our Friday events but<br />

can only do so if <strong>the</strong>re is participation from PBCA members.<br />

For once I’m not just ask<strong>in</strong>g for volunteers to work, I want<br />

you to make time to play on Friday too. Please welcome our<br />

guests by jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> on <strong>the</strong> tours and events. This year we’ve<br />

also placed an emphasis on <strong>the</strong> goody bags and you will see<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and useful items <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. I’m actually serious<br />

about that. This year’s bags will enlighten and enterta<strong>in</strong>, and<br />

I personally guarantee <strong>the</strong> opportunity to <strong>in</strong>jure yourself with<br />

at least one of <strong>the</strong> items provided.<br />

Later <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pages, you will f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> volunteer list. I started<br />

with last year’s list and started confirm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> volunteers at<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary meet<strong>in</strong>g. If you missed <strong>the</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g, please f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

your name on <strong>the</strong> list and contact me (redshirt98@att.net or<br />

(520) 237-0285) to let me know if you can do that job aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

If you didn’t volunteer last year, look over <strong>the</strong> list and see<br />

what jobs you might like to help with. Contact me and I’ll<br />

make it happen! It would really make <strong>the</strong> show committee’s<br />

job easier if you take <strong>the</strong> time to tell us you can help ra<strong>the</strong>r than for me to track you down to confirm you are<br />

will<strong>in</strong>g to serve aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

As always, sponsorship is <strong>the</strong><br />

watchword for <strong>the</strong> months lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

up to <strong>the</strong> show. Proceeds from<br />

Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay fund our entire<br />

year of activities. Did you enjoy<br />

<strong>the</strong> Christmas party? Are you<br />

aware that <strong>the</strong> club subsidized<br />

each ticket to <strong>the</strong> tune of $37?<br />

The club underwrites countless<br />

events throughout <strong>the</strong> year from<br />

The cheap seats at <strong>the</strong> Cavall<strong>in</strong>o Classic<br />

<strong>the</strong> show proceeds and will need a<br />

healthy seed fund from this show to start our 25th anniversary celebration next year. Please visit <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />

you patronize and ask <strong>the</strong>m to sponsor our show. Or, if you th<strong>in</strong>k our annual dues are ridiculously low for what<br />

you get, take on a sponsorship yourself as several members did last year.<br />

Hope you enjoy this <strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong>. Mike Japp’s Spitfire appears as this issue’s Feature Car. We have a<br />

guest columnist for <strong>the</strong> Tool of <strong>the</strong> Month feature <strong>in</strong> addition to o<strong>the</strong>r great content. See you at <strong>the</strong> next event!<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 4


PBCA UPCOMING EVENTS SCHEDULE<br />

February and March<br />

All PBCA Monthly Meet<strong>in</strong>gs will be 6:00 pm D<strong>in</strong>ner/7:00 pm Meet<strong>in</strong>g at Sonny’s Bar-B-Que, Navy<br />

Blvd at US Hwy 98, Pensacola and will feature a Program, Door Prizes, 50/50 draw<strong>in</strong>g until fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

notice by email, website and Telephone Tree.<br />

*All Executive and Show Committee Lunch Meet<strong>in</strong>gs are always open to <strong>the</strong> entire membership and<br />

participation is encouraged. For new members it is a good way to meet active members and get<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r a small or larger way. Be a part of <strong>the</strong> club. You will be enthusiastically welcomed.<br />

Event details will be emailed and posted on <strong>the</strong> PBCA Website: www.pbca1.com<br />

(PBCA Sponsored Events, Club Activities and Meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> Bold type)<br />

FEBRUARY<br />

Saturday 6 - Atmore Rallye. Start - Register: 10:00 - 11:15 At same place - By (closed) Burger K<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

N<strong>in</strong>e-Mile Plaza, North side of east N<strong>in</strong>e-Mile Rd. (Hwy ALT 90) Address: 312 E. N<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514-2737. Register, get route sheet, and start at your<br />

convenience. No need to pre-register. No fee.<br />

Tuesday 9 - Breakfast at <strong>the</strong> Grand, 10:00 am, Crown Plaza<br />

Tuesday 9 - "Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay" Show Comm Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 12:00 Noon, Crown Plaza<br />

Wednesday 10 - PBCA Executive Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 12:00 Noon, Crown Plaza*<br />

Monday 15<br />

Sunday 21<br />

MARCH<br />

- PBCA Meet<strong>in</strong>g & Program<br />

- Annual Shrimp Boil, at Bear Lake, 11AM till 3PM, plan to eat by 1:00 PM. Br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

favorite dessert if you wish, your dr<strong>in</strong>ks and lawn chairs.<br />

Tuesday 1 - Breakfast at <strong>the</strong> Grand, 10:00 am, Crown Plaza<br />

Tuesday 1 - "Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay" Show Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 12:00 Noon, Crown Plaza (Follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Breakfast)*<br />

Saturday 5 - The Bay British show, Panama City at Pier Park (New location!)<br />

Fri-Sun 11- 13 - Amelia Island Concours d ’Elegance<br />

Wednesday 16 - PBCA Executive Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 12:00 Noon, Crown Plaza*<br />

Fri-Sun 18-20 - Mustang Show<br />

Friday 18 - New Orleans British Car Show Welcome Party<br />

Saturday 19 - New Orleans British Car Show<br />

Saturday 19 - Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, Fairhope, AL<br />

Monday 21 - PBCA Meet<strong>in</strong>g & Program<br />

Friday 25 - Fancy Friday D<strong>in</strong>ner on <strong>the</strong> Town, Location TBA, $10 RSVP Required<br />

Tuesday 29 - Breakfast at <strong>the</strong> Grand NOTE: ONE WEEK EARLY DUE TO SHOW<br />

Tuesday 29 - "Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay" Show Committee Meet<strong>in</strong>g, 11:00 am, Crown Plaza*<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 5


<strong>Jan</strong>uary The British L<strong>in</strong>e submission for The Marque by Richard Lewis<br />

Without be<strong>in</strong>g told, Your<br />

Loyal Correspond (YLC) suspects<br />

that you already know this is a new<br />

year. With that knowledge firmly <strong>in</strong><br />

place, what are we go<strong>in</strong>g to do about<br />

it? How can we make this a better<br />

year than last?<br />

YLC is not go<strong>in</strong>g to delve <strong>in</strong>to<br />

all those issues that usually make<br />

<strong>the</strong> list of New Year’ s Resolutions,<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs like lose weight, stop<br />

smok<strong>in</strong>g (What, you are still<br />

smok<strong>in</strong>g? Are you mad? Has Demon<br />

Nicot<strong>in</strong>e rotted what few bra<strong>in</strong> cells<br />

still rattle around <strong>in</strong> that cavernous<br />

space? This is your mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />

speak<strong>in</strong>g—Stop!), or all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs you promise s<strong>in</strong>cerely and<br />

with <strong>the</strong> best <strong>in</strong>tentions and are<br />

eaten with guilt by <strong>Jan</strong>uary 31 for<br />

fail<strong>in</strong>g to deliver on.<br />

No, this is truly YLC speak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to himself <strong>in</strong> regards to resolutions<br />

related to his own British car, and if<br />

you want to tag along, jump aboard.<br />

First and foremost, he<br />

resolves to make sure he takes <strong>the</strong><br />

sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, sparkl<strong>in</strong>g TR 6 out of <strong>the</strong><br />

garage more often than monthly. It<br />

is amaz<strong>in</strong>g, at least to YLC, how<br />

many excuses one can f<strong>in</strong>d for not<br />

unlimber<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> LBC---“Looks like<br />

ra<strong>in</strong>, Its really cold, It’s just a short<br />

trip and <strong>the</strong> sedan is so much more<br />

comfortable, My back hurts and<br />

those seats are murder”, and so on,<br />

ad nauseum. No more! The noble<br />

eng<strong>in</strong>e’s roar will be heard with<br />

regularity, even <strong>the</strong> top will come<br />

down, and on to <strong>the</strong> open road.<br />

Next, he will start do<strong>in</strong>g more<br />

of <strong>the</strong> required work on <strong>the</strong> car than<br />

he has <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past. Yes, gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />

under <strong>the</strong> car is harder than it used<br />

to be, Yes, bend<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e<br />

bay can br<strong>in</strong>g on back pa<strong>in</strong>, Yes,<br />

sk<strong>in</strong>ned knuckles are not pleasant,<br />

but <strong>the</strong>re will be no more of this<br />

tak<strong>in</strong>g it to <strong>the</strong> mechanic for every<br />

little th<strong>in</strong>g like chang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> oil,<br />

adjust<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tim<strong>in</strong>g, chang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

po<strong>in</strong>ts and plugs, rotat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tires,<br />

and so on. While <strong>the</strong>re are likely<br />

jobs that will require more expert<br />

hands, <strong>the</strong>se aforementioned are<br />

jobs that can be done by YLC, and<br />

even a few more even more complex<br />

ones, and he will desist with tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>the</strong> easy way out.<br />

Lastly, s<strong>in</strong>ce three resolutions<br />

are enough for anyone, he will resist<br />

<strong>the</strong> temptation to covet every<br />

beautiful car he sees, and def<strong>in</strong>itely<br />

resist buy<strong>in</strong>g any more of <strong>the</strong>m. In<br />

<strong>the</strong> past, YLC has yielded to <strong>the</strong><br />

siren song of <strong>the</strong> desire to own “just<br />

one more, that can’t hurt anyth<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />

Yes, it can. No more irrational<br />

purchases, no more buy<strong>in</strong>g cars<br />

that are ma<strong>in</strong>ly held toge<strong>the</strong>r by<br />

rust. YLC seeks focus, and <strong>the</strong><br />

pleasure of own<strong>in</strong>g a car he<br />

cherishes and, most of all, uses.<br />

Well, we’ll see how all of this<br />

goes. If any of <strong>the</strong>se resolutions<br />

strike a chord with you, help<br />

yourself. If YLC lives by any of <strong>the</strong>se,<br />

time only will tell.<br />

The end of 2015 was a busy<br />

time for PBCA. Let’s review some<br />

highlights.<br />

Recent<br />

Dec. 1 saw <strong>the</strong> Tuesday Morn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Breakfast and Show Committee<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>gs. We enjoyed breakfast and<br />

<strong>the</strong>n cont<strong>in</strong>ued work on <strong>the</strong> April<br />

15-16 Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay Show, which<br />

promises to be a humd<strong>in</strong>ger. Last<br />

year’s show saw stormy wea<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

which caused a drop <strong>in</strong> attendance<br />

but still a surpris<strong>in</strong>g number of<br />

attendees brave enough to challenge<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 6


<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>termittent showers. We have<br />

been assured that <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r will<br />

be perfect next year and we are<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g book on it. It will be a great<br />

show.<br />

Dec. 5- The big Christmas Party at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Grand was a swimm<strong>in</strong>g success,<br />

with <strong>the</strong> largest attendance <strong>in</strong> recent<br />

years, good food, and lots of fun<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Dirty Santa gift swap.<br />

Dec. 12-Lillian Christmas Parade,<br />

as always for us organized by Tom<br />

and Jeanne Schmitz. A nice turnout<br />

and great fun for kids, with lots of<br />

candy and small toys com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

way.<br />

Dec. 18- The Executive Board met<br />

at <strong>the</strong> Grand to plan events for <strong>the</strong><br />

next year and to attend to some<br />

unf<strong>in</strong>ished bus<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

revision of <strong>the</strong> By-Laws, which will<br />

be sent to members at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />

Dec. 19-Our Christmas Cookie,<br />

Cake, and Pie Luncheon and Tour<br />

started with <strong>the</strong> tour of Historic<br />

Bagdad and <strong>the</strong>n lunch, which<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded about fifteen homemade<br />

desserts <strong>in</strong> competition. All proved<br />

wonderful.<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>. 13- The Executive Board met<br />

aga<strong>in</strong> to f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong> work of <strong>the</strong> Dec.<br />

18 meet<strong>in</strong>g. The Schedule of Events<br />

was approved, plans made to<br />

distribute <strong>the</strong> By-Laws, a review of<br />

Christmas Party expenses was<br />

presented, and <strong>the</strong> purchase of club<br />

badges discussed.<br />

<strong>Jan</strong>. 18-Regular Monthly Meet<strong>in</strong>g at<br />

Sonny’s BBQ. Club bus<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a review of recent and<br />

upcom<strong>in</strong>g events, plans for By-Laws<br />

distribution, and discussion of club<br />

badges. Volunteers are needed for<br />

Fancy Friday event and Program<br />

Committee.<br />

Until next time, remember to put<br />

<strong>the</strong> clutch down when you shift.<br />

Statistical Outlier was this Allard J2 at <strong>the</strong> Cavall<strong>in</strong>o Classic<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 7


PBCA Christmas Party<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 8


<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 9


<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 10


Lillian Christmas Parade<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 11


Tenth Annual Pensacola-Atmore<br />

Road Rally<br />

Saturday Feb. 6, <strong>2016</strong><br />

Sponsored by: Pensacola Aust<strong>in</strong>-Healey Club and<br />

Panhandle Cruisers Car Club<br />

Start - Register: 10:00 - 11:15 At same<br />

place - By (closed) Burger K<strong>in</strong>g, N<strong>in</strong>e-Mile Plaza, North<br />

side of east N<strong>in</strong>e-Mile Rd. (Hwy ALT<br />

90) Address: 312 E N<strong>in</strong>e Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL<br />

32514-2737. Register, get route sheet, and start at your<br />

convenience. No need to pre-register. No fee to<br />

register.<br />

Course: 50 - plus miles over well-paved<br />

“Roads Less Travelled”. Pr<strong>in</strong>ted course <strong>in</strong>structions<br />

will be provided after you register. Roads will be<br />

selected to avoid choke-po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />

Dest<strong>in</strong>ation: David’s Catfish<br />

House, Atmore, Alabama - David’s will<br />

be prepared to handle <strong>the</strong> crowd!!! Last year<br />

<strong>the</strong>re were 128 cars from 22 clubs. David’s<br />

catfish is second to none! You can order<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g else you like from <strong>the</strong> menu.<br />

Drive your sports car, hot rod, custom or<br />

family sedan so long as it is street legal. You will be a<br />

normal driver us<strong>in</strong>g public roads. Speed limits must be followed.<br />

Note: Pensacola-Atmore Road Rally is not a competitive event.<br />

Ra<strong>in</strong> Date: If <strong>the</strong>re is heavy ra<strong>in</strong>, parts of <strong>the</strong> rally course might be flooded and <strong>the</strong> rally will be<br />

postponed. The ra<strong>in</strong> date is <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g Saturday - February 13, <strong>2016</strong>.<br />

Questions? Bill Moseley, Rallymaster 850 456-9040 moseley1@cox.net or Warren Peacock, President,<br />

Panhandle Cruisers 251 946-3327 capsoda@gulftel.net<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 12


Lucas Electronic Ignitions<br />

By Jeff Simpson<br />

What follows is <strong>the</strong> third of a series of articles repr<strong>in</strong>ted with permission from The Register, <strong>the</strong> newsletter<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Tucson British Car Register. All words and photos copyright Jeff Simpson.<br />

For those cars with <strong>the</strong> 40--series Lucas distributors, I wrote about <strong>the</strong> option of<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g a Standard Motor Products “LX-101” ignition module as a way to replace<br />

<strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al LUCAS “AB14 electronic ignition module (see March 2015<br />

Register). For those of you who want to keep everyth<strong>in</strong>g look<strong>in</strong>g strictly<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>al, here's ano<strong>the</strong>r option for you.<br />

To remove <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al module, disconnect <strong>the</strong> black cable which goes to <strong>the</strong><br />

distributor, <strong>the</strong> white wire to <strong>the</strong> 12 volt ignition power supply, and <strong>the</strong> white<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 13


with black stripe to <strong>the</strong> coil, <strong>the</strong>n unscrew <strong>the</strong> module from its mount<strong>in</strong>g<br />

surface. Hav<strong>in</strong>g removed <strong>the</strong> module, unscrew <strong>the</strong> four small screws which<br />

reta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> back cover and lift it off. Surprise! There you will see <strong>the</strong> General<br />

Motors HEI, 4-p<strong>in</strong>, ignition control module. These are available everywhere and<br />

anywhere for as little as $15.00 to $20.00.<br />

They work on 4 or 6 cyl<strong>in</strong>der eng<strong>in</strong>es. The GM HEI modules come under <strong>the</strong><br />

name Delco, Allstar, Moroso,<br />

Accel brand, and probably o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

Unscrew <strong>the</strong> two small mount<strong>in</strong>g nuts, disconnect <strong>the</strong> wires, and remove. You<br />

don't need to remove <strong>the</strong> capacitor or potted transistor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> alum<strong>in</strong>um cover,<br />

which functions primarily as a heat s<strong>in</strong>k. Put a liberal coat<strong>in</strong>g of dielectric<br />

grease or Silicon gel over <strong>the</strong> metal plate on <strong>the</strong> bottom of <strong>the</strong> new module to<br />

help with heat transfer. Plug <strong>the</strong> wires onto <strong>the</strong> new unit <strong>the</strong> same way as <strong>the</strong><br />

old. Attach mount<strong>in</strong>g nuts. Put <strong>the</strong> rear cover plate back on and replace <strong>the</strong><br />

module back onto <strong>the</strong> car and attach <strong>the</strong> black cable, white, white / black wires.<br />

You now have a new electronic ignition system that not only looks <strong>the</strong> same<br />

as <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al, but is <strong>the</strong> same. Make sure all connections are clean and solid,<br />

and you're good to go, hav<strong>in</strong>g just saved<br />

and you're good to go, hav<strong>in</strong>g just saved yourself at least a couple hundred<br />

dollars.<br />

If your car was converted from <strong>the</strong> earlier Lucas “Opus” electronic ignition<br />

system, you no longer need or want <strong>the</strong> ballast resistors. They should have<br />

been taken out of <strong>the</strong> circuit when <strong>the</strong> ignition was orig<strong>in</strong>ally converted. Make<br />

sure that <strong>the</strong>y are.<br />

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Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay Volunteer List<br />

April 15-16, <strong>2016</strong><br />

Thanks to everyone who has already confirmed <strong>the</strong>ir volunteer slot for <strong>the</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay.<br />

We are way ahead of <strong>the</strong> game this year on volunteers. I already have XXX out of XXX spots<br />

confirmed. As you look through this list, I have highlighted <strong>the</strong> few people I still need to hear from.<br />

Please send me an e-mail at redshirt98@att.com to confirm. We really appreciate your enthusiastic<br />

participation and look forward to ano<strong>the</strong>r great year.<br />

Chair: Tom Schmitz<br />

Assistant Chair: Bob Henson, Tom Matsoukas, Marc Cherry<br />

Site Preparation: Friday-Saturday<br />

Bill Weeks, chair, Keith Sanders, Bob Henson, Paul Salm, Tom Matsoukas, Marc Cherry<br />

Park<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

Marc Cherry, chair, Bill Weeks, Richard Lewis, Rich Willows, Al Deweese, John Grossi,<br />

Gus Fell, Tim Maynard, Dave Powers, Tabor Tompk<strong>in</strong>s, Jack Rowles, Jason Court<br />

Reception/Registration Area:<br />

Tom Schmitz, chair, Jeanne Schmitz, Midge Derby, Curt Derby, Risa Manske, Tom Matsoukas,<br />

Rich Willows, Al Deweese, Mike Bamford, Karlyn Cherry<br />

Ballot<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

Tom Schmitz, Chair, Gail Sanders, Donna Weeks, Rise Manske, Liz Maynard, Midge Derby, Karlyn<br />

Cherry<br />

Awards/Trophies:<br />

Tom Schmitz, chair, Marc Cherry, Bob Henson<br />

Specialty Awards:<br />

Roll<strong>in</strong>g Sculpture Award--Bill Sillhan<br />

Special Category Trophies--Marc Cherry<br />

Moulton Family Award--Moulton Family<br />

Best <strong>in</strong> Show-judges--Mike Darby with Larry Norton and Bill Gillson of Peachtree MG Registry<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 15


T Shirts<br />

Artwork: Curt Derby, Rich Willows<br />

Production: Tom Schmitz, Curt Derby<br />

Show Sales: Mickey Kay, chair, Kay Kay, Ann Fell, John Malone and Ken Stewart<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Curt Derby, chair<br />

Goody Bags<br />

Tom Schmitz, chair, Darla Willows, Rich Willows, Al Deweese<br />

Sound System:<br />

Bob Manske, chair, Bill Weeks, Tom Matsoukas, Keith Sanders, Marc Cherry, Tommy Fulgham<br />

Show Promotions:<br />

Bill Weeks, chair, Keith Sanders, Curt Derby, Tom Schmitz, Bob Manske<br />

Awards Presentation:<br />

Tom Schmitz, chair, Marc Cherry, Taber Tompk<strong>in</strong>s, Paul Salm<br />

Photography:<br />

Mike Japp, chair and web site manager, Bill Moseley, Cam Leonard & Richard Lewis<br />

Motor Homes:<br />

Gus Fell, Bill Weeks<br />

Friday Day Activities:<br />

Tom Matsoukas, Marc Cherry. Co-chairs, Henry Hensel, Ingrid Candelaria, Richard<br />

Lewis<br />

Friday Night Reception:<br />

Bob Manske, chair<br />

Set Up: Marc Cherry, Tom Matsoukas, Therese Hemert, Liza Maynard, Tim Maynard,<br />

Marie Olive, Jeff Olive, Jason Court, Stacie Court<br />

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Food Arrangement and Serv<strong>in</strong>g: Therese Hemmert, Jeff Olive, Marie Olive<br />

Guest Welcome: Marc Cherry, Melissa Silhan, Bill Silhan<br />

Post Event Clean Up (10-11:30 pm): Carol Stewart, Ken Stewart, Jack Rowles, Jerry Rowles,<br />

Jeff Olive, Marie Olive<br />

Food Booth:<br />

Therese Hemmert, chair, Gene Wilcox, Carol Stewart<br />

Bob Manske, Monica Bachmann, Marie Olive<br />

Raffle:<br />

Jeff Olive, Judy Huber, Paul Salm, Jerry Rowles<br />

50/50: Darla Willows, Donna Weeks<br />

Basket Sales<br />

Therese Hemmert (basket), chair, Joan Clemons (quilt), Jerry Rowles (basket), Ann & Gus<br />

Fell (basket), Jeff Olive (wood bowl), Tom Matsoukas (tools), Rich Willows (pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and framed pr<strong>in</strong>t), Curt Derby (2 pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs), Dom Hambrick (Enamel Badge),<br />

United Bank (silver necklace)<br />

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Featured Car<br />

1977 Triumph Spitfire<br />

Mike Japp<br />

Words and Photos by Mike Japp<br />

It’s hard to believe that over thirty years have gone by s<strong>in</strong>ce my Dad bought a 1977 Triumph<br />

Spitfire for me from <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al owner. Even though I have had to repair many th<strong>in</strong>gs and broke<br />

down unexpectedly once or twice, I have throughly enjoyed my years with this Spitfire. Who else<br />

can say <strong>the</strong>y still have <strong>the</strong>ir first car, 34 years later?<br />

It started <strong>in</strong> 1981 when my Dad showed me this yellow sports car convertible <strong>in</strong> Bay St. Louis,<br />

Mississippi. I was 15-years-old and a month from my birthday. Dad asked me if I liked <strong>the</strong> car and if<br />

so he would buy it and we would fix it up. After climb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> and imag<strong>in</strong>g driv<strong>in</strong>g it, “Sure!”, I said and<br />

I’m glad I did.<br />

The eng<strong>in</strong>e block was cracked so Dad located a wrecked Spitfire to get an eng<strong>in</strong>e from. With my<br />

cous<strong>in</strong>'s help we replaced <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e under a raised house on <strong>the</strong> coast of Waveland, MS, that we<br />

built. I dented <strong>the</strong> front bumper slightly before even driv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Spitfire by back<strong>in</strong>g a pickup with <strong>the</strong><br />

replacement eng<strong>in</strong>e a little too close to <strong>the</strong> car! The bonnet was removed and <strong>the</strong> tailgate of <strong>the</strong><br />

truck put a small dent <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chrome bumper.<br />

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After f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g eng<strong>in</strong>e replacement<br />

and gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Stromberg<br />

carburetor rebuilt, Dad taught me<br />

how to drive a manual-shift. After<br />

school I would take small trips<br />

around <strong>the</strong> neighborhood to<br />

practice <strong>the</strong> shift<strong>in</strong>g technique.<br />

Naturally I stalled it a few times or<br />

forgot to put it back <strong>in</strong> first gear<br />

after a stop. Don’t we all when we<br />

first learn?<br />

For <strong>the</strong> next six years I drove <strong>the</strong><br />

car to high school and college, to<br />

Mississippi beaches on weekends,<br />

and even delivered pizzas. Dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

high school I drove it from my<br />

hometown of Slidell, LA to Cape Canaveral, FL to watch <strong>the</strong> second space shuttle launch. On that<br />

trip <strong>the</strong> water pump blew <strong>the</strong>re and had to be replaced before I could drive back. I did not know<br />

how to do that yet, so we paid a mechanic for <strong>the</strong> job that I later learned how to do myself. A year<br />

later I did replace <strong>the</strong> rear leaf spr<strong>in</strong>g myself when it lost tension and also later <strong>the</strong> differential. That<br />

was a tough job!<br />

It was impressed upon me forever to never sell <strong>the</strong> Spitfire when I was 20-years old and work<strong>in</strong>g<br />

part-time at a gas station. Dur<strong>in</strong>g a year’s time, over 20 different "older men" would notice my<br />

Spitfire on <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g and ask about it. They would say that <strong>the</strong>y had one when <strong>the</strong>y<br />

were my age or that <strong>the</strong>y had an Aust<strong>in</strong> Healey, or an MGB, or TR6 or a Jaguar, etc. But <strong>the</strong>y<br />

always ended <strong>the</strong>ir story with this: “... but I sold it when I was <strong>in</strong> my 20's and I have regretted it ever<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce.” If it had been only one or two men that said this to me, no big deal. But it was about 20<br />

different men who told me that <strong>the</strong>y had “regretted it ever s<strong>in</strong>ce.” I did not want that regret so I<br />

vowed to always keep my Spitfire no matter what.<br />

In 1987 I decided to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> US Navy and stored my Spitfire <strong>in</strong> Mom’s garage for a year dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

boot camp and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g school. When permanently stationed <strong>in</strong> Jacksonville, FL, I used a Toyota<br />

Corolla to tow <strong>the</strong> Spitfire 500 miles to Jacksonville and used a storage unit as my garage because<br />

I was liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> barracks.<br />

On free weekends, I would repair, improve, and drive <strong>the</strong> car around Jacksonville. One side of <strong>the</strong><br />

front hubs began sweak<strong>in</strong>g badly, so I ordered new wheel bear<strong>in</strong>gs and replaced <strong>the</strong>m on both<br />

sides follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>structions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Haynes manual. After new spark plugs and a carb rebuild,<br />

my barracks roommate used to love <strong>the</strong> time that I let him drive <strong>the</strong> flashy yellow convertible and<br />

he said it was a blast.<br />

The next year I moved <strong>in</strong>to shar<strong>in</strong>g a house with two o<strong>the</strong>r Navy guys and <strong>the</strong>y let me use <strong>the</strong><br />

garage for my Spitfire. There I decided to replace <strong>the</strong> carpet. As we know, classic British<br />

convertibles are never completely waterproof with <strong>the</strong> top up. M<strong>in</strong>e is no exception. When I<br />

removed <strong>the</strong> seats and pulled up <strong>the</strong> carpet, I discovered <strong>the</strong> floor pans were quite rusted on <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 19


surface. So I proceeded to sand down all <strong>the</strong> rust and old pa<strong>in</strong>t, vacuum, spray it with a rustprevention<br />

treatment, and <strong>the</strong>n seal it with undercoat<strong>in</strong>g compound to protect <strong>the</strong> metal from fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

damage. Then <strong>the</strong> new carpet went <strong>in</strong>.<br />

The day before I started my Christmas leave <strong>in</strong> 1989, <strong>the</strong> carb of my Toyota broke and I could not<br />

fix it <strong>in</strong> time to travel to Mom’s house, so I decided to drive <strong>the</strong> Spitfire. It was a nice drive <strong>the</strong>re for<br />

Christmas, but it didn’t make it back. About an hour <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> return trip, <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e started bang<strong>in</strong>g<br />

loudly, so I pulled over and opened <strong>the</strong> hood to check for damage. I saw no obvious external<br />

damage so I had to call for a flatbed tow truck to take me back to Mom’s house from Gulfport,<br />

which was expensive. I was forced to return to Jacksonville without my Spitfire! Fortunately, my<br />

sister was return<strong>in</strong>g to Orlando, so she brought me back to Jacksonville first.<br />

My Spitfire sat <strong>in</strong> Mom’s garage for a year until I switched to <strong>the</strong> Naval Reserves. Then my friend<br />

Tom and I were able to pull <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e and remove <strong>the</strong> oil pan. We discovered that one of <strong>the</strong><br />

piston connect<strong>in</strong>g rod bear<strong>in</strong>gs was damaged from that night after Christmas. S<strong>in</strong>ce I had no<br />

knowledge of <strong>in</strong>ternal eng<strong>in</strong>e repair, we brought <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e to a professional <strong>in</strong> New Orleans who<br />

only charged me $150 <strong>in</strong> labor cost <strong>in</strong> addition to <strong>the</strong> parts and mach<strong>in</strong>e shop cost, all total $930.<br />

After <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> car, I was back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spitfire’s saddle with a rebuilt eng<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

I moved to Pensacola, FL for my second college experience and had to leave my Spitfire aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

Mom’s garage for a few years while I attended classes and worked part-time three weekends a<br />

month and Navy Reserve <strong>the</strong> fourth weekend a month. As a f<strong>in</strong>ancially-struggl<strong>in</strong>g university<br />

student, I had no money and no time for <strong>the</strong> Spitfire. I needed reliable everyday transportation so<br />

my Toyota Corolla served me <strong>the</strong>re (with a few breakdowns too), but I never gave up on my<br />

Spitfire!<br />

After I graduated from UWF and rented a house with a carport, my friend Tom used his Buick to<br />

tow my Spitfire to Pensacola. There I used tarps on <strong>the</strong> side and front of <strong>the</strong> carport to protect <strong>the</strong><br />

Spitfire from bad wea<strong>the</strong>r. I worked to recover it from <strong>the</strong> time <strong>in</strong> storage by first rebuild<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

brakes, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> fuel pump, and worked on <strong>the</strong> electronics. Then I drove it on a long trip from<br />

Pensacola to Seagrove and back with no trouble. I jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> Panhandle British Car Association<br />

and had fun go<strong>in</strong>g to shows and learn<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> experienced guys.<br />

But go<strong>in</strong>g to shows made me realize that my car needed new pa<strong>in</strong>t. I also realized that I was tired<br />

of rent<strong>in</strong>g, so I looked for a house to buy with <strong>the</strong> Spitfire <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d and found a place that had a<br />

large shop beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> house. After mov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>, I took <strong>the</strong> Spitfire apart. I removed <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e,<br />

transmission, bumpers, tail lights, turn signals, door handles, and everyth<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e<br />

compartment firewall. I also removed <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terior and rolled <strong>the</strong> body onto a trailer to take it to <strong>the</strong><br />

body shop. There was a lot of bondo on <strong>the</strong> right rear quarter panel from <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al owner's<br />

accident, so I decided that s<strong>in</strong>ce this was a restoration job <strong>the</strong> quarter panel needed to be<br />

replaced.<br />

When I brought <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ished body back from <strong>the</strong> shop, it was only two weeks before PBCA’s annual<br />

show <strong>in</strong> 1999 on Pensacola Beach. So I worked every night before <strong>the</strong> show to put it back<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r. I had <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e back <strong>in</strong> but not runn<strong>in</strong>g yet and I also had trouble with re-connect<strong>in</strong>g all<br />

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r wir<strong>in</strong>g correctly. So I trailered it to <strong>the</strong> show and received 2nd place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Restoration<br />

class.<br />

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When I f<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>the</strong> wir<strong>in</strong>g enough to drive it, I discovered that <strong>the</strong> clutch would not stop <strong>the</strong><br />

flywheel to shift <strong>in</strong>to gear. There was plenty of fluid and <strong>the</strong> clutch l<strong>in</strong>e was completely bled. With<br />

<strong>the</strong> transmission tunnel cover off, I could see <strong>the</strong> lever that <strong>the</strong> slave cyl<strong>in</strong>der pushes through a<br />

small space between <strong>the</strong> clutch slave cyl<strong>in</strong>der and <strong>the</strong> bellhous<strong>in</strong>g. When I pressed <strong>the</strong> clutch, I<br />

could see it move forward. But apparently it did not more forward enough. So after two weeks, I<br />

decided to learn someth<strong>in</strong>g and go to <strong>the</strong> mechanic. Bob Malcomson at Tartan's Garage<br />

discovered that it was <strong>the</strong> pivot p<strong>in</strong> sleeve that had worn down. When I would press <strong>the</strong> clutch and<br />

<strong>the</strong> push rod pressed one side of <strong>the</strong> bellhous<strong>in</strong>g lever, <strong>the</strong> worn sleeve allowed <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side to<br />

fall back just enough to not give <strong>the</strong> clutch enough contact with <strong>the</strong> flywheel. It was an expensive<br />

lesson, but I learned someth<strong>in</strong>g!<br />

When I asked my<br />

girlfriend to become my<br />

bride, I had owned my<br />

Spitfire for 18 years.<br />

Therefore she knew that<br />

it was not go<strong>in</strong>g away.<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> first three<br />

years, she enjoyed rid<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> convertible with me<br />

and we drove to shows <strong>in</strong><br />

New Orleans and<br />

Tallahassee. On <strong>the</strong> way<br />

back from Tallahassee,<br />

we met club members <strong>in</strong><br />

Seagrove at <strong>the</strong> Goat<br />

Fea<strong>the</strong>rs restaurant. But after our son was born, that was not possible. One of <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al Spitfire<br />

TV commercials shows a man driv<strong>in</strong>g fast with his wife and <strong>the</strong>y make it look like <strong>the</strong> police are<br />

chas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m, but when <strong>the</strong>y arrive at a hospital and she gets out very pregnant, <strong>the</strong> audience<br />

realizes that <strong>the</strong> police were escort<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m. My wife said very bluntly, "We are not do<strong>in</strong>g that!"<br />

Oh, well. So her drive to <strong>the</strong> hospital and my son's first ride <strong>in</strong> a car after birth was <strong>in</strong> ... my wife's<br />

Kia.<br />

Then <strong>the</strong>re were three of us, so we trailered my Spitfire to <strong>the</strong> Montgomery British Car Show when<br />

my son was about 5 months old. The first time he sat <strong>in</strong> my Spitfire was at <strong>the</strong> Pensacola Beach<br />

British Car show when he was 10 months old. His first ride <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spitfire was to <strong>the</strong> European Car<br />

ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> Naval Aviation Museum when he was almost 2 years old. I kept <strong>the</strong> top up and he<br />

actually fell asleep <strong>in</strong> his child-safety car seat on <strong>the</strong> way home.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce my daughter was born, I haven't attend as many club events as I used to with my children<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g young. But I enjoy tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> photos at our annual show and manag<strong>in</strong>g our website that I<br />

created back <strong>in</strong> 1998. My Spitfire's eng<strong>in</strong>e needed ano<strong>the</strong>r rebuild now 25 years after <strong>the</strong> last time,<br />

so it's missed two shows. However I have brought my 1966 Triumph 2000 Mk1 family saloon. I'm<br />

not sure if <strong>the</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>e will be re-<strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>in</strong> time for this year's show, but I will try.<br />

I never give up on my Spitfire! :-)<br />

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There are countless light<strong>in</strong>g products available to help <strong>the</strong> car<br />

lov<strong>in</strong>g public see what <strong>the</strong>y are do<strong>in</strong>g while work<strong>in</strong>g on a car. The<br />

lights come <strong>in</strong> all shapes and sizes, with hooks and magnets that<br />

can attach to (and scratch) hoods, bonnets and frames. Some have<br />

little extended tripod feet, some can be worn on your head mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

you appear like an idiot, and some look like <strong>the</strong>y were purchased at<br />

an Adult Toy store. They mostly have <strong>the</strong> common problem of<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way and light<strong>in</strong>g up stuff you didn’t want lighted up,<br />

while seldom send<strong>in</strong>g much illum<strong>in</strong>ation where you actually need<br />

it. There is a reason <strong>the</strong>y are usually called “Trouble Lights”.<br />

Trouble lights have been around forever. They have <strong>the</strong> familiar<br />

Construction Details--Brute force prevails over f<strong>in</strong>esse<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 22


metal shroud to make<br />

sure <strong>the</strong> light goes<br />

where you don’t need<br />

it. The shroud also<br />

serves to collect <strong>the</strong><br />

heat and burn you.<br />

And of course <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />

<strong>the</strong> hook on top that is<br />

too big to hang on<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g smaller than<br />

a 10 penny nail. They<br />

really do get hot –Very<br />

Hot. You never come<br />

<strong>in</strong>to physical contact<br />

with a trouble light<br />

IV Light <strong>in</strong> action from above<br />

until it has reached <strong>the</strong><br />

Very Hot stage and you<br />

are at an important po<strong>in</strong>t of your work. Humans can’t hold a t<strong>in</strong>y snap r<strong>in</strong>g with needle nose plyers while an ear is<br />

touch<strong>in</strong>g a brand<strong>in</strong>g iron hot trouble light.<br />

So, my contribution to <strong>the</strong> Tool of <strong>the</strong> Month column is not a tool at all, but a safe, handy garage light that will let<br />

you use tools better and actually see what you’re do<strong>in</strong>g. It is a<br />

simple comb<strong>in</strong>ation of just two components, one found <strong>in</strong> any<br />

Walmart and one found <strong>in</strong> any hospital - No, not a nurse with a<br />

flashlight.<br />

Here are <strong>the</strong> facts:<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g a recent stay <strong>in</strong> my favorite hospital, I was forced to<br />

walk about with an I.V. <strong>in</strong> my arm connected to a bag of<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g unknown, but very expensive, which was hang<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

<strong>the</strong> handy hooks of an even handier roll<strong>in</strong>g I.V. pole! The trusty<br />

little pole wheeled about easily on four wheels and was<br />

obviously an excellent device on which to place a directional<br />

light for work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> my garage. Yes, a nurse with a flashlight<br />

would be better, but I couldn’t get a s<strong>in</strong>gle volunteer. When I<br />

enthusiastically tried to expla<strong>in</strong> to <strong>the</strong> staff <strong>the</strong> many uses for<br />

that wonderful I.V. pole, <strong>the</strong>y looked frightened and suggested<br />

more bed rest and cutt<strong>in</strong>g back on <strong>the</strong> pa<strong>in</strong> killers. After my<br />

release I jumped on my computer and found exactly what I<br />

wanted on Amazon. More amaz<strong>in</strong>g is that an I.V. pole just like I<br />

wanted only cost $33.58 <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g tax! Yes! The same people<br />

who charge you $125.00 for an aspir<strong>in</strong> only pay about $30<br />

bucks for those all steel, chrome plated I.V. poles. In fact, <strong>the</strong>re<br />

Good light from any position<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 23


Marc Cherry demonstrates <strong>the</strong> old ways with more light <strong>in</strong> his face than on <strong>the</strong> car<br />

were even less expensive ones offered, but one should never scrimp on I.V. poles. I didn’t tell my wife about my<br />

purchase know<strong>in</strong>g she would be pleasantly surprised when it showed up at <strong>the</strong> house. She was surprised! She had<br />

tears <strong>in</strong> her eyes when I showed her my new chromeplated,<br />

fully adjustable I.V. pole. Still, like <strong>the</strong> nurses,<br />

she was too short-sighted to see <strong>the</strong> fantastic<br />

possibilities for <strong>the</strong> I.V.pole that now stood <strong>in</strong> our<br />

kitchen. When she got over <strong>the</strong> surprise enough to<br />

speak, she only asked why I bought an I.V. pole.<br />

Proud as a peacock, I told her it was because I<br />

couldn’t get a nurse to hold a flashlight! She cried<br />

even more! I’ve never seen her so moved by any<br />

purchase ever. She said she was go<strong>in</strong>g to call <strong>the</strong><br />

doctor, but I let her know that <strong>the</strong>y would not let us<br />

have one of <strong>the</strong>ir I.V. poles because I already asked.<br />

And <strong>the</strong>n I told her <strong>the</strong> best part. I was go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

clamp a gooseneck lamp on <strong>the</strong> pole. It is not<br />

possible to describe her reaction. She took to loudly<br />

blow<strong>in</strong>g her nose and shak<strong>in</strong>g her head. Once I<br />

managed to expla<strong>in</strong> it was for my garage she ga<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

composure and said it was nice and she was go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

visit her sister <strong>in</strong> Texas for a few days. Anyway, it<br />

really works great! A $7.50 goose neck lamp with a<br />

super-strong clamp from Walmart and a cool burn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

led light bulb was all that was needed.<br />

Maniacal gr<strong>in</strong> for want of proper light<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 24


The attached pictures show how handy this little beauty really is. You will notice <strong>the</strong> picture of Marc Cherry try<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to see what he is do<strong>in</strong>g to his Jaguar while us<strong>in</strong>g a typical trouble light. The light is almost worthless. You will also<br />

notice <strong>the</strong> picture of Marc Cherry with a big glob of grease on his forehead, display<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> serenity more typically<br />

reserved for <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>sane. All this would have been prevented if my new wheeled pole light was available.<br />

Now feast your eyes on <strong>the</strong> pictures of <strong>the</strong> pole light <strong>in</strong> action. Notice that <strong>the</strong> (cool) light can be directed<br />

anywhere. No more dark places. If us<strong>in</strong>g a lift, <strong>the</strong> light is perfect for any work height. If you are work<strong>in</strong>g under<br />

<strong>the</strong> bonnet <strong>the</strong> light can be right aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> car and sh<strong>in</strong>e exactly where you need it.<br />

I forgot one of <strong>the</strong> components. To work “right aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> car” I added a piece of ¾” pipe <strong>in</strong>sulation (very cheap<br />

stuff) to <strong>the</strong> lower part of <strong>the</strong> I.V. pole. Walmart aga<strong>in</strong>- It was not far from <strong>the</strong> goose-neck clamp<strong>in</strong>g lamp. Just put<br />

it around <strong>the</strong> lower pole, remove <strong>the</strong> paper strips and It has super sticky stuff to make <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>sulation stick toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

quite well. Once <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>sulation is <strong>in</strong>stalled <strong>the</strong> chrome pole will never scratch a fender.<br />

The entire affair can be purchased for about $40. Yes, <strong>the</strong>re are more modifications that can be done to make <strong>the</strong><br />

now famous I.V. pole roll<strong>in</strong>g garage light even more garage useful. A small tray or even a cup holder can be added.<br />

The pole is hollow all <strong>the</strong> way down and it would not be difficult to avoid <strong>the</strong> hang<strong>in</strong>g wire, but I may want to use<br />

<strong>the</strong> lamp alone, off <strong>the</strong> pole. There are endless possibilities for <strong>the</strong> little curly ended rods at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> pole.<br />

Cheers,<br />

R.Manske<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 25


PANHANDLE BRITISH CAR ASSN.<br />

Pensacola, Florida<br />

<strong>2016</strong> SPONSORS REGISTRATION FORM<br />

Pensacola “Brits on <strong>the</strong> Bay" I 24th Annual AII·British Car Show I April 16, <strong>2016</strong><br />

OTHER AWARDS, TROPHIES OR VENDORS: Contact PBCA Representative or Tom Schmitz, (251 )961-7171<br />

SPONSOR_____________________________________________________<br />

Organization/Company _________________________________________<br />

Address _______________________________________________________<br />

City/State/Zip _________________________________________________<br />

Contact Name & Phone# ________________________________________<br />

Class/(TITLE) _________________________________________________<br />

Payment must accompany application. Check # _____________________<br />

Make check payb1e to "PBCA" and give to PBCA representative or mail it with this pr<strong>in</strong>ted form<br />

to:<br />

Tom Schmitz<br />

9609 Soldiers Creek Drive .<br />

Lillian, AL 36549<br />

Payment due prior to April 8, <strong>2016</strong> to be <strong>in</strong>cluded on Display Poster at show.<br />

SPONSORSHIP WILL INCLUDE PUBLICITY, PRODUCT OR SERVICE DISPLAY BY SPONSOR(if<br />

requested prior to show) TROPHY PRESENTION,SPONSOR TROPHY AWARD, INVITATION TO<br />

FRIDAY EVENING SOCIAL AND THE SINCERE THANKS OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF PBCA AND<br />

THE CAR SHOW PARTICIPANTS.<br />

PBCA Representative ___________________________________________________________________________________<br />

DATE PAID _______________________________________________________<br />

PBCA is an Affiliate of<br />

The North American<br />

MGB Register.<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 26


Jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Panhandle British Car Association on<br />

Our Facebook Group!<br />

<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 27


<strong>Smoke</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Wires</strong> <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2016</strong> Page 28

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