the ragtop - hill country triumph club · the ragtop 4 september 2004 join the combined british car...

The RAGTOP 1 September 2004

Monthly Newsletter of the HILL COUNTRY TRIUMPH CLUB

The RAGTOPVolume 17, Issue 9, September 2004

www.hillcountrytriumphclub.org

Triumph Familyby Bob Skewis, President

continued on page 6

Summer Lake Party

The HCTC annual August Blood Drive hadmore volunteers than ever this year. I

don’t know whether it is because the ideaneeded to build over a period of years or if theoffer of a summer afternoon at the Kramer’sLake Travis home sweetened the pot. In anyevent, thanks go out to the BakerBakerBakerBakerBaker, KramerKramerKramerKramerKramer,Schlosser Schlosser Schlosser Schlosser Schlosser and Skewis Skewis Skewis Skewis Skewis families as well as ourfearless VP Johan CarlJohan CarlJohan CarlJohan CarlJohan Carl for their support ofthe Central Texas Blood and Tissue Center.Barbara Kramer had everything we needed torecuperate when we arrived at the house andwithin an hour everyone was there. SeveralTRs were parked around the circle drive andyou can see pictures of the party on followingpages. Some twenty-odd members andsignificant others were in attendance and wewere glad to see long time members Tom &Tom &Tom &Tom &Tom &DeeAnn BishopDeeAnn BishopDeeAnn BishopDeeAnn BishopDeeAnn Bishop and Sam & Val EmrickSam & Val EmrickSam & Val EmrickSam & Val EmrickSam & Val Emrick comeout and participate. Although the cloudy skies

disappointed some of the serious sunworshippers in the group, it was a perfect dayto take a swim, sip a pint and throw the ball forthe Kramer’s dog, DenverDenverDenverDenverDenver. I hope we cancontinue to link these two events together inAugust for the near future. Be sure to look atthe photos on page 6.

The Texas All British Car Day Committee hasset a date of September 25 and 26 for theshow this year. This is our premier event ofthe year and a special fun rallye will be plannedfor Saturday with the show on Sunday. Pleasemark your calendars now and work toward beingthere. All cars are welcome and encouraged –Daily Drivers have a class of their own forthose of you that use your TR every day andhave trouble keeping it in concours shape. DailyDrivers are my heroes – out there flying theflag for the rest of us! The ABCD will be ourclub event for September and more informationcan be obtained at www.txabcd.org on the web.You can find a form on page 5 for earlyregistration and anyone that is willing to help isencouraged to contact Chairman Dan Julien [email protected] or at the nextmeeting.

It won’t be long before the cool weather startsand everyone will be itching to be on the road.If anyone has an idea for an October orNovember event, please bring it to the nextmeeting. This is the perfect time of year for along drive along a winding creek or river to see


OfficersPresidentBob [email protected]

Vice-PresidentJohn [email protected]

TreasurerEarl [email protected]

Secretary, MembershipNel [email protected]

Ragtop EditorCarol [email protected]

Dan Julien, [email protected]

Fix-it DayMike [email protected]

The Hill Country Triumph Club, the 50th Chapter of theVintage Triumph Register (VTR), was founded in 1990 to bringtogether the owners of Triumph automobiles in the CentralTexas area surrounding Austin. In 1991, the membership de-cided to include other British car fans as associates due to lackof other clubs in our area that represent some of the othermarques. As owners and lovers of our unique types of cars, wehave a special kinship, which draws us together. Membership isopen to anyone who is a British car enthusiast, with or withouta car.

Annual dues are just $15.00 per family group or address peryear. See the membership form on the back page. We havedinner meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and at leastone other event each month. We encourage you to join andsupport us, even if you don’t drive your car regularly. We alsooffer technical assistance if needed. One goal of the club is tohelp its members keep their cars on the road. Please call one ofthe club officers listed in the newsletter for more informationabout club benefits and spread the word about our club toothers.

The RAGTOP is published monthly by the Hill Country Tri-umph Club. Material within may be freely reproduced provid-ing Ragtop and the authors are credited. Any and all newslettercontributions are welcome. Deadline for submissions is fourdays prior to the end of each month. Submissions may be sentto:

Carol Pennington105 Etta PlaceAustin, TX 78753

or E-mailed to [email protected]. Photos or image files like.gif or .jpg are always welcome. Any disk sent will be forwardedto our cryptology department and interpreted to the best of ourability using the latest state-of-the-art Lucas computer system.Older technologies such as bar napkin, toilet paper, or shoptowels are also accepted. Whatever the medium, we want tohear from you!

Classified ads are free to current members and will run forthree months unless otherwise instructed. Other ad rates are asfollows:

Non member classified .................................... $5.00 for 3 monthsBusiness cards ................................................... $50.00 per yearHalf page ............................................................ $100.00 per yearFull Page ............................................................. $200.00 per year

Advertise your business here for great results while support-ing your club and hobby at the same time. What a deal!


by Mike McPhail

Sun up, top down! This meeting probably hadthe best turnout of vintage Triumphs in

recent memory. It was so nice to see so manyTRs driven to a HCTC gathering. Bob andCourtney Baker (TR3), John Carl (TR6),Richard Ceraldi (GT6), Andy Bruner (Spitfire),Lee and Duncan Charlton (Morgan), Don Couch(Spitfire), Dan Julien (TR6), Pete Kelly(Spitfire), Bob and Barbara Kramer (TR6),Mike McPhail (somebody else’s TR6), CarolPennington (TR3), John Vuksich (TR3), Davidand Anne Schlosser (TR3) and a host of othersmade use of the terrific weather to enjoy themagnificent camaraderie at the Filling Stationover a frothy pint of Guinness Extra Stout.

Bob Kramer filled in for President Skewis whowas uncharacteristically absent. News ofvintage racing and VTR Nationals filled the air.The latest Triumph World magazines weredistributed. There was plenty of excitingconversation, too! John Vuksich bragged of hisnew all synchro TR6 gear box newly installed inhis 1960 TR3. Charlie Stewart, who now lives inDallas, has sold his distinctive louvered bonnetBritish racing green TR6 to a chap in Maryland.Mike is preparing it for the new owner’s driveto the East coast. The sight of Charlie’s carbrought back fond memories of past events.Harry Taggart is feverously working on his ex-California TR6…should be on the road any timenow!

Don was kind enough to bring a portfolio of hismagnificent South American photos. Thesepictures, taken of his last shooting expedition,are undoubtedly destined for the cover of theNational Geographic for many issues to come.Such a clever and talented bunch we are!

3rd Annual Texas Classic Car Show3rd Annual Texas Classic Car Show3rd Annual Texas Classic Car Show3rd Annual Texas Classic Car Show3rd Annual Texas Classic Car Showto be held September 11 at Rudy's CountryStore and Bar-B-Que, 11570 Research Blvd.,benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.�(Rain date is September 25.)�

There will be an auction associated with thisyear's TCCS for a one owner 1961 CadillacFleetwood with less than 36,000 miles. Allproceeds from the auction will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

The second annual Texas Classic Car Show wasa resounding success, raising over $14,000 forthe Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central andSouth Texas. There were 254 vehicles at theshow representing a wide variety of years,makes and models.

Registration form and details are on their website:�http://www.texasccs.com�Heard�they've never had any Triumphs.�Thereis an award for club participation. Sounds like adare... Sounds like we should take them up on it.

Barry DeCrane of Austinowns a white 1974 TR6.


Join the combinedBritish Car Clubs of Austin

for a fun day in the parkwith beautiful British cars on the green!

The car show is on Sunday, September 26, 2004from 10:00am to 2:00pm and is

FREE TO ALL SPECTATORS

You can find us off Hwy 79 East at theOld Settlers Park Pavilion behind the Dell Diamond

Food and drinks available on the grounds

Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Mini, Austin Healey,Rolls Royce, Bentley, Morgan and many other

British marques on display


EARLY REGISTRATION FORM

Car No.________________

For TXABCD use only—Do Not Fill In

Class: ________________

Signature:____________________________ Date: _______________________ Auto Insurance Carrier:___________________________ Exp.Date:___________

SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2004

NAME: ______________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________City/St/Zip______________________________ PHONE: ______________________ E-MAIL________________________________________ MARQUE: ________________________MODEL______________________YEAR____________ COLOR ________________CLUB AFFILIATION______________________________________

*Do you plan on attending the Saturday Rallye and Dinner YES______NO______

*How often do you drive your British Car ? Daily____ Weekly___ Monthly____ Other____________

EARLY REGISTRATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY SEPTEMBER 20TH

Waiver of Liability I understand my passenger(s) and I are participating in the 2004 Texas All British Car Day at our own risk, and agree not to hold the event Organizers, its members and/or the property owners (City of Round Rock) liable for any and all damages or injuries that may occur while participating in, traveling to/from, or in any way related to this event. I understand that the Organizers cannot be responsible for the action of others and insist on care and caution throughout the event. Neither the organizers nor anyone else except me has insurance protecting me or my guests during the activities in this event.

REGISTRATION FEE: $ 15.00

Event T-Shirts $ 12.00

S M L XL QTY _____ $_____ S M L XL QTY _____ XXL $15.00 QTY _____ $_____ Event Henley Shirts (button V-neck) M L XL $18.00 QTY_____ $_____ XXL $20.00 QTY_____ $_____ TOTAL ENCLOSED $________

Make checks payable to: Carol Pennington/ TXABCD 2004 Send registration to:

TXABCD 2004 C/O Barbara Kramer 8006 Bernard Street Volente, TX 78641


continued from page 1

the fall colors. Maybe our friend GeorgeGeorgeGeorgeGeorgeGeorgeMontgomeryMontgomeryMontgomeryMontgomeryMontgomery and his 73 Spitfire in Kerrvillecould help us out with that. Also, don’t forgetthat we are collecting your favorite article ofclothing (golf shirts, blue jean shirts, jackets,etc.) to have embroidered with the club logo.The more pieces we get together, the cheaperthe price. So, bring them to the next meetingon September 14th and we will get them doneand distributed at the October meeting. I’llsee you there!

Blood Drive and Lake Party

A mess ofA mess ofA mess ofA mess ofA mess of - unit of massdern neardern neardern neardern neardern near - almostetetetetet - as in "I et to much barberque"PlumbPlumbPlumbPlumbPlumb - totallygoshdawggoshdawggoshdawggoshdawggoshdawg - exclaimationdawg dawg dawg dawg dawg - four legged animal found under theporchdawggonnit dawggonnit dawggonnit dawggonnit dawggonnit - exclaimation of frustrationhigh tail ithigh tail ithigh tail ithigh tail ithigh tail it - go at a rapid speedhollard hollard hollard hollard hollard - spoke in loud voicedidjya ever?didjya ever?didjya ever?didjya ever?didjya ever? - have you ever?Smackdab inda middlofSmackdab inda middlofSmackdab inda middlofSmackdab inda middlofSmackdab inda middlof - directly in themiddleShootfire Shootfire Shootfire Shootfire Shootfire - of courseauda doauda doauda doauda doauda do - should doa spella spella spella spella spell - a short period of timedadgumit dadgumit dadgumit dadgumit dadgumit -� word of exasperationa fur piecea fur piecea fur piecea fur piecea fur piece - measure of distanceMosey on downMosey on downMosey on downMosey on downMosey on down--go somewheregotta skeedaddle lickety splitgotta skeedaddle lickety splitgotta skeedaddle lickety splitgotta skeedaddle lickety splitgotta skeedaddle lickety split--have to leaveright nowA hoot and a hollerA hoot and a hollerA hoot and a hollerA hoot and a hollerA hoot and a holler - close, nearbyZacklyZacklyZacklyZacklyZackly - precisely. "I don't know zackly wherethat is"CheerCheerCheerCheerCheer--furniture used for setting.Shore 'nuffShore 'nuffShore 'nuffShore 'nuffShore 'nuff--sure enough.Skeeters and chiggersSkeeters and chiggersSkeeters and chiggersSkeeters and chiggersSkeeters and chiggers- annoying inscetsEarlEarlEarlEarlEarl - Hair Earl, Motor Earl (oil)Auta -shouldAuta -shouldAuta -shouldAuta -shouldAuta -should - "I auta go to work but ahmtared."Ded (not alive)Ded (not alive)Ded (not alive)Ded (not alive)Ded (not alive)-"He ded."Ain'tcha (aren't you)Ain'tcha (aren't you)Ain'tcha (aren't you)Ain'tcha (aren't you)Ain'tcha (aren't you)--Ain'tcha goin' to askme to dance?

Bob [email protected]

More photos available at http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/

triumphclub/lst.


This thank you is horribly late; in fact I’mnot sure it will even make the September

newsletter. Mostly I want to thank the clubfor all the kind words and for the beautifulappreciation trophy. But I also want to explainmy sudden departure.

If it seems that we just up and left, well, Iguess we did. It’s not that I didn’t know amove was imminent. We have known since theend of last October that we would be movingto Tulsa by the end of May. But the end ofMay was seven months away. You can’t pack upand say goodbye seven months ahead ofleaving! Then one day in early March Iremember thinking, “This is my last week inthis office”. And it was. From that point I wasonly home on weekends. Perhaps a littlebackground as to why we moved is in order.

Up until January of 2003 I worked in the I.T.department of Southern Union Gas, which wasowned by Southern Union Company. Most ofyou probably know Southern Union Gas as thegas utility in the Austin area. Southern UnionGas also operated in El Paso, Port Arthur,Galveston, Brownsville and a bunch of smalltowns all over Texas. Southern Union Gas wassold to ONEOK in January 2003 and changedtheir name to Texas Gas Service (TGS).ONEOK is also the parent company toOklahoma Natural Gas and Kansas Gas Service.ONEOK’s corporate office is in Tulsa and theirphilosophy is to centralize most departments.I got caught up in the centralization processlast October when I was made an offer Icouldn’t refuse. Either move to Tulsa (atcompany expense) or look for a new job. Ididn’t think this news would go over very wellwith the family and began preparing myselfmentally to look for another job. I was quitesurprised when Karen said “let’s go for it”!Brian didn’t care too much since he lives in adormitory at UT. On the other hand, Hannah,who will be starting 9th grade, was devastated.

We put our house on the market in late March.Three weeks later we had an offer. Wecountered and all of sudden we were facedwith being packed and out of the house in twoweeks time. Meanwhile we had our eye on ahouse in Tulsa. Our housing requirementswere a basement, three-car garage, located ina certain area of town and affordable. Therealtor wasn’t too optimistic, but we finallyfound one with a four-car garage. Closeenough! Technology is a wonderful thing,because I spent a lot of time with my cellphone and the hotel’s fax machine at the 2004VTR Regional convention negotiating thepurchase of our “new” house. I said “new”, butthis house was built in 1926 and is in the oldsection of Tulsa. I suppose it is comparable tothe Enfield area in Austin. The house is ingood repair, but we have spent a bunch of timeand money adding personal touches and takingcare of neglected maintenance.

Unfortunately I couldn’t attend most of thisyear’s HCTC meetings or events to say mygoodbyes. I have joined Green CountryTriumphs here in Tulsa, but haven’t been ableto attend their meetings either because oflate work hours. So instead of hanging aroundwith Triumph folks and driving to car shows, Ihave been driving my TR6 to work every day.As you might expect, the old section of Tulsais near downtown where I work. The commuteis a whopping three miles and takes all of tenminutes. The late work hours and workweekends are just about over, so I hope to beable to do a little distance driving. I plan tobe in Round Rock for the Texas All British CarDay. There is also a show in Houston and inFayetteville that I hope to attend. That willjust about wrap up this year’s show season.

Once again, thank you very much for all thekind words and appreciation trophy. Thetrophy is prominently displayed on a table justinside our front door. I hope to see many ofyou on September 26th in Round Rock.

Art

Move to Tulsaby Art Graves


Hill Country Triumph Club2004 Events

Close to the event, call the Hotline for additional information 512.703.6553

Hill Country Triumph Club Shirts, Sweatshirts, and Hats are always available!Shirts are 100% combed cotton pique tri-color pullover “JERZEE” golf shirts. Sweatshirts are 95% “Lee”hooded sweatshirts with a muff pocket. Shirts and sweatshirts have the HCTC logo embroidered on thefront. Shirts and sweatshirts are $25.00 and hats are $15.00. Buy yours at the next meeting or event!

SEPTEMBER 2004

11 Texas Classic Car Show. See page 6 for details.14 Hill Country Triumph Club Meeting. 7PM. at Schlotzsky’s Deli on the northeast

corner of I35 and Parmer Lane.25-26 All British Car Day, SpringHill Suites, Old Settlers Park, Round Rock. Visit

http://www.txabcd.org for details and registration form.30-Oct. 4 Triumphfest, Lake Tahoe, CA Sponsored by Triumph Travelers. Visit

http://www.triumphtravelers.org for additional information.

OCTOBER 2004

2 The State Fair of Texas All British Parade to the Fairgrounds !!!The theme this year is The British Invasion. A celebration and salutation to allthings British featuring the Jaguar Marque. http://www.bigtex.com.

9 Brits in the Ozarks, Fayetteville, AK; http://www.britishironnwa.org/show04.html

12 Hill Country Triumph Club Meeting. 7PM.

NOVEMBER 2004


DECEMBER 2004

TBA Tour of Lights.

JANUARY 2004



76 Spitfire

It is red, with new convertible top (black), has a redhardtop.The gentleman who owned it before mereupholstered the seats, added new carpet and hasbeen newly painted. I am able to use it every day.Have had professional mechanic work on it.Since September:Carb Rebuilt (as they no longer sell new ones)New master cylinderNew starterFront wheels bearing repacked/replacednew muffler/tailpipe repair.New tiresCar really runs well.Heater works.New stereo systemRear axle and bearing replacedw/a little over 48,000 miles

Have been using it daily, it runs great. It’s a reallooker and being a teen from the 70’s get a real kickwith the looks and questions and reminiscing. That’sfun. Unfortunately, I also have 3 large dogs and mustfind a larger vehicle.

I am asking $8500 negotiable. Kathy Konegni, 817-498-1981 (h), 412-394-8079 (c),[email protected]. 7/04

1962 TR4, CVAR #11, Raced with CVAR,SVRA, RMVR and VARAC . ConsistentCVAR performer/DP points champion.Fresh 87MM engine for 2004, ready to race.Close ratio 4 speed with Overdrive, custom4.10 Southwick Rear axle Panasport wheelswith 205-60-15 Dunlop’s.$11,875.00 NegotiableBob Kramer [email protected]

RACE CAR

1976 TR-7 needs a good home.Black with tan interior, 4-cyl, 5-spd, A/C. Complete, but not runsince 1997. Includes spare rearbumper, back glass (w/defroster

elements), boot lid and L/H & R/H doors.Would be a good project car or parts. Asking$500.00 OBO. No title (purchased fromimpound auction). For questions or offers, callScott @ 923-0019


Hill Country Triumph Club1105 N. Canyonwood Dr.Dripping Springs, TX 78620Address Correction Requested

The next meeting will be September 14The next meeting will be September 14The next meeting will be September 14The next meeting will be September 14The next meeting will be September 14ththththth, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7PMPMPMPMPM,,,,, at Schlotzsky’s Deli, at Schlotzsky’s Deli, at Schlotzsky’s Deli, at Schlotzsky’s Deli, at Schlotzsky’s Deli,I35 and Parmer Lane. See page 8 for directions.I35 and Parmer Lane. See page 8 for directions.I35 and Parmer Lane. See page 8 for directions.I35 and Parmer Lane. See page 8 for directions.I35 and Parmer Lane. See page 8 for directions.

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See page 2 in the newsletter for membership details.

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the ragtop - hill country triumph club · the ragtop 4 september 2004 join the combined british car...

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