HEALEY NORTHWEST January 2006
Austin Healey Club of Oregon
Editor’s Notes ....
Officers / Representatives 2006 President: Doug Auburg 360-694-7769 dauburg@wa-net.com
Vice President: Tom Monaco 503-245-0174 tomsimport@ipinc.net
Secretary: Kym Randolph 503-245-5039 lclemson@mns.com
Treasurer: Dee Meyer 503-267-8639 gdee@worldnet.att.net
Activities: Mark Schneider 503-643-7208 mandmschneider@comcast.net
Advertising: Joe Laws 503-636-5817 jflaws@att.net
Editor: Jack Jakobsen 503-432-8777 editorjack@comcast.net Membership and Charity Chairperson: Skip Monaco 503-245-0174 tomsimport@ipinc.net Librarians: John Carter Jeff Mach John: 503-579-6599 Jeff: 503-364-6789 jc9821@msn.com mach@toast.net
Welcome to the new AHCO year which promisses to be filled with good Healey adventures for us all. Starting the new year off with a trip to the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Clubhouse is always an enjoyable event. If you have never had the opportunity to view this remarkable display, do yourself a favor and attend this meeting. Even if you have viewed this layout in the past it is always a treat to see it again.
This issue of Healey Northwest includes two different articles on the club Christmas party. Inter-Club Coordinator: Because they are different, I thought you would John Wilson enjoy reading each writer’s prospective. Also 541-933-2016 johnhealeylane@worldnet.att.net included is a fine article by Gary Meyer about installing tube shocks on your Healey. Regalia: Jaci Koeber Tammy Auburg Jaci: 503-244-3731 Tammy: 360-694-7769 koegeoja@hevanet.com tauburg@wa-net.com
With the new year, I am once again asking for quality Healey photographs for the cover of Healey Northwest. Your submittals for 2005 were very much appreciated and I am hoping you will continue that response. Remember, high resolution photos work the best.
ABFM Representative: Larry Clemenson 503-245-5039 LClemenson@msn.com
Thank you, and Happy Healeying. Jack January Meeting: Date: January 14, 2006 Program: Columbia Gorge Model Railroad
Contents: Editor’s Notes President’s Message Club Activities Other Car Events The Healey Museum Meeting Minutes Membership Update Charity Committee Report Christmas Party Report
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10
Christmas Party Thankyou Shock Swap
11 12
Clubhouse. At CGMRC following program.
Meeting: See page 5 for further details.
Cover: This months cover features Gary and Dee Meyer’s beautiful 1967 BJ8 at speed with Gary driving. The photo was taken by Reid Trummel during Healey Rendezvous 2005.
Thank you: Linda Adams, Doug Auburg, Brent Beltz, George Koeber, Gary Meyer, Skip Monaco, Mark Schneider, and Reid Trummel for your contributions to Healey Northwest Healey a Northwest
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January 2006
Healey Northwest
President’s Message
©2005 AHCO
by Doug Auburg
The official publication of the Austin-Healey Club of Oregon, Healey Northwest, is published monthly for the benefit of it’s members. Articles which appear in Healey Northwest express the opinion of the author and do not express the official Austin-Healey Club of Oregon position on any subject unless specifically noted. We do our best to insure accuracy, but can not be responsible for any errors or omissions of fact. Contributions are welcome on any subject related to Healeys, Club members, or of general interest to the classic car hobby. Material from Healey Northwest may be reprinted in other publications, provided credit is given to the author and source and if reciprocal article use permission is offered by that publication. Please address articles or correspondence to: Healey Northwest Editor Jack Jakobsen 160 SW 89th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97225-6804 503-432-8777 e-mail: EditorJack@comcast.net AHCO MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Austin-Healey Club of Oregon is available to anyone with an interest in cars bearing the Healey marque. Individuals need not own a Healey to join nor is membership restricted to any regional, national or continental boundries. Members are encouraged to participate in all Club activities. Winter activities are normally indoor technical sessions or social events. Summer activities are normally outdoors involving tours and car events. Calendar year membership is available in person at any meeting or by mail: US$25.00 per individual or couple (add US$10.00 for international mail). Checks should be made payable to AHCO and sent to the Club Memebrship Director. DEADLINE Contributions to Healey Northwest are due to the Editor by the 15th of the month preceding publication. Healey Northwest
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Here we go, starting another year in the history of the Austin Healey Club of Oregon. This marks the 30th anniversary year of HNW (and close enough to the 30th year of our club that we’re going to celebrate it as such). Your new VP, Tom Monaco, and I are honored that you’ve elected us to serve you this year. We will be working hard, along with the rest of the Executive Board and appointed staff, to make this year another interesting one for Oregon (and Washington) Healey enthusiasts. Tammy and I are going to start off the year by inviting everyone to join us for a nice inside meeting at the Columbia Gorge Model RR Club at 2505 N Vancouver Ave in Portland at 1:00pm. That’s at the corner of N Vancouver Ave and N Russell St, just south of Legacy Emanuel Hospital and just a few blocks north of the Rose Quarter. (Look the address up on Mapquest.com if you aren’t sure how to get there.) We’ll be hosting a tour of our club building and we’ll show a little bit about how we model the Columbia Gorge in HO scale. Please bring your favorite Healey shop tips to share following the tour. Then we’ll hold our membership meeting at 2:30pm at the same place. Then we’ll adjourn down the hill to enjoy a no-host dinner at the historic White Eagle Saloon on North Russell Street. See you next year!! Doug
January 2006
The meeting will start at 1.00pm on February 11th. The address for the dealership is 10999 SW Canyon Rd. Beaverton, Or. 97005. We are close to the corner of Hwy 217 and Canyon Road, you can’t miss us. See you then and have a happy holiday!
AHCO Activities Calendar Editor’s Note: Some information or dates may change after originally published. Check the calendar each month for current information or visit our Web site: http://www.healey-oregon.org
January 14, 2006 Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Clubhouse. 2505 N Vancouver Avenue, Portland OR. Exit I5 at the Rose Quarter and make your way to N Williams Ave and then proceed north to Russell before turning left one block to Vancouver. The Clubhouse in on the SW corner of the intersection of Vancouver & Russell. We will visit the largest model railroad on the West Coast outside of San Diego for the first time in several years. The Club is nearly 60 years old and owns its own building. Join us at 1:00pm for a tour of the club and demonstration of its operations. Gorge members Doug & Tammy Auburg will host the meeting. Everyone is invited to bring their favorite Healey tip to share with the group.
2006 Calendar of Events by Mark Schneider, Activities Slowly the Activities Calendar is beginning to take shape. I want to thank the members who have already stepped up and volunteered to host a meeting. I really appreciate that. It makes my job a lot easier and gives us time to work together to assemble an entertaining schedule of club events. So far here is what we have: January - Doug and Tammy Auburg are hosting a visit to the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Clubhouse. February - Brent Beltz is hosting a visit to the new Kuni BMW dealership in Beaverton.
Following the tour and answering all questions, we will have our monthly meeting at the same location. The meeting will begin at about 2:30pm. Following the meeting we will adjourn to the historic McMenamins’ White Eagle Café, Saloon & Hotel a few blocks west on Russell Street for a no-host afternoon meal. The White Eagle is a piece of Portland history and is reputedly haunted. The White Eagle is located at 836 N Russell Street in Portland.
March - Open. A host for the meeting is needed. April - Jeff Mach is planning a Columbia gorge tour to commemorate one of the first AHCO tours. The planning of this event is still taking shape.
February 11,2006 Hello Healey Club Members,
May - Open. A host for the meeting is needed. June - George Koeber is planning a club meeting around the Sherwood Cruise-in.
My name is Brent A. Beltz and I am the service director for the all new Kuni BMW. I am also a proud Austin Healey owner and club member. I would like to invite you to hold your February meeting here at the dealership. This will give us a chance to introduce some of the new BMW models to you as well as do some brief test drives. After regular business we will head over to the local McMenimens for a late lunch. Healey Northwest
July - Historic Races. A host for the meeting is needed. August - Open. A host for the meeting is needed. Continued on page 6 ... 5
January 2006
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September - All British Field Meet. A host for the meeting is needed. October - Open. A host for the meeting is needed. November - Troy and Katie Hall will host the meeting. The planning is underway. December - Austin Healey Club of Oregon Christmas Party. January - Open. A host for the meeting is needed. Well, members. That is how it is shaping up so far. I need volunteers to give me a call (503-6437208) or an Email (mandmschneider@comcast.net) and let me know you’d like to assume one of the open dates. If you have never hosted a club meeting it may seem a little intimidating. Don’t let it be. I will work with you all the way.
May 27-June 4 British Car Week All British car owners are encouraged to observe this extended week by driving their favorite British car on the streets and byways of their community as much as possible during this extended driving week. The goal is to help spread awareness of our classic cars for those who don’t normally get to see them on the road. By doing so, you could be responsible for sparking the interest of someone to get involved in this very fulfilling hobby. Please tell all your British car friends. Visit: www.britishcarweek.org September 22-24 Northwest Meet In 2006, the meet will be held at the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria, Oregon. Room rates are $90/ night for street side and $115/night for river side. If anyone wishes to stay longer, the Holiday Inn will offer the same room rates. This two-year old hotel is very nice and offers many amenities.
Other 2006 Car Events ..... January 14-22 Barrett-Jackson Auction This is one of the greatest collector car events in the world and this is its 35th anniversary If you are looking for a way to get out of the cold for a few days, this event, held in Scottsdale, AZ, will warm your body and your heart. As many of you know, a number of our members enjoy this event each year. Even if you don’t want to buy a car, the visual stimulation of all those beautiful vehicles will be worth the trip. This year a number of one-of-a-kind concept cars will be up for auction as well as nine Austin Healeys, all with no reserve. If you wish to know more, go to: http://www.barrett-jackson.com and feast your eyes. Healey Northwest
April 30 All British Swap Meet Club T-MG presents the tenth annual All British Swap Meet which will be held once again on the last Sunday in April at Montgomery Park, covered parking garage, 2701 NW Vaughn St., Portland, OR. This event is for British cars and related items only. Any British car club that has members committed to a total of five or more spaces, will receive the use of a free space to solicit membership or sell regalia. Hours: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Fees: $10/parts space, $15/car space. For further info contact: Tom Foren at (503) 287-2024.
COME TO THE NORTHWEST MEET IN ASTORIA AND YOU CAN:
Visit the new Fort Clatsop replica of the fort where Lewis and Clark and their men spent December 1806 through March of 1807. The old fort burned in an accidental fire late last year. A new, more authentic replica is being constructed and should be opened by June of 2006. When Lewis and Clark were there, only 12 out of 106 days were not in steady rain. We are counting on better weather! More Astoria tid bits to follow. 6
January 2006
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Austin Healey Club of Oregon Minutes of Meeting, December 3, 2005 Sherwood Community Center CTO: President Jerry Barron called the meeting to order at 5:31pm. He thanked Linda & Paul Adams for arranging for our meeting place and Christmas party.
White Eagle Saloon. This bar has been acquired by the McMinnimins, but it is around 100 years old and is reportedly haunted. It should be a fun place to eat and talk to friends.
Minutes: It was moved and passed to waive the reading of the minutes of the November meeting.
Advertising. Incoming officer Joe Laws reported that he is about to send out the annual ad billing invoices to Healey Northwest advertisers. Tom Monaco suggested that he remind advertisers that they can, for an additional fee, also place their ad in the annual Membership Directory. Doug Auburg reminded Joe that he should mention that their HNW ad also entitles them to be listed on the club’s website.
Guest Introduction: Newest member Larry Bennett was introduced by Skip Monaco. She also introduced Brian & Kerri O’Boyle who have been members for a while but this is their first meeting. OFFICER’S REPORTS VP. No report
Regalia. Jaci Koeber reported on her new projects. Tammy Auburg will be joining her as co-chair and will handle Regalia matters while Jaci and George go south for the winter.
Secretary. No report. Treasurer. Dee Meyer reported on the club’s financial status. Details available to members upon request to the treasurer or president.
Membership. Skip Monaco reported that our membership stands at an all time high of 204 members.
Activities Director. Paul Adams announced that Doug & Tammy Auburg will be hosting the January meeting and asked Doug to explain. Doug noted that he and Tammy have been members of the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club for years. This is the largest club of its type on the West Coast. They own their own building and have been working to build a miniature representation of cities, countryside and railroads of the Columbia Gorge between Portland and The Dalles. Attendees will be given a behind the scenes tour of the clubhouse and treated to a demonstration of the club’s operations. Members are also invited to bring their favorite Healey tech tips to share with the group. The meeting will follow the tour in the club’s meeting room. Following the meeting, those who are interested are invited to head a few blocks down Russell Street to eat at the historic Healey Northwest
Inter-Club Coordinator. John Wilson reported on a recent Healey 100S only rally held in Australia last month. Steve Pike from Melbourne, who has just spent a few weeks staying at John’s house, participated by driving a 100S that his firm had restored. That vehicle used to belong to former AHCUSA president and author Bill Emerson. Steve has donated several items to today’s auction from that event. John also talked about the Healeys that are entered in next month’s Barrett Jackson Auction in AZ. Every car entered in the event will be “no reserve.” Librarian. John Carter and Jeff Mach talked about the library and recent requests. They had been looking through back issues of Healey Northwest and noted that the first issue was 8
January 2006
printed in February 1976, so next year will be the 30th anniversary of HNW, if not the club. Perhaps some special celebrations or reprints of past features would be appropriate? Editor. Jack thanked those who have been sending him articles. He continues to welcome and need articles from members. He particularly needs nice photos of cars for covers.
Activities: Mark Schneider Advertising: Joe Laws Librarians: John Carter & Jeff Mach Inter-Club Coordinator: John Wilson Meeting adjourned at 6:09pm. Respectfully submitted, Doug Auburg Secretary
ABFM. No report Charity Committee. Skip noted that tonight’s auction is a fundraiser for the Charity Committee’s activities during the next year. Enjoy yourselves and remember that your winning bids are going to charity.
Membership Update by Skip Monaco
Sunshine Lady. Pat Barron reported that Chuck Gowan had quadruple bypass surgery earlier this week. He is still in the hospital but by all reports is doing very well. It was also noted that today is Larry Clemenson’s birthday. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Larry to help him celebrate. OLD BUSINESS None.
Member Address Change: Saf and Judy Canja 32415 SW Estates Post Rd. Wilsonville, CA 97070 503-694-6383 Charity Committee Report
NEW BUSINESS Most Active Member for 2005. Jerry announced that the Most Acitive Member for 2005 was Tom Monaco. Morgot Healey Lady’s Literary Award. HNW Editor Jack Jakobsen announced that the winner for 2005 is Linda Adams. Introduction of 2006 Officers. Jerry introduced the new slate of club officers. President: Doug Auburg Vice President: Tom Monaco Secretary: Kim Randolph Treasurer: Dee Meyer Editor: Jack Jakobsen Regalia: Jaci Koeber & Tammy Auburg Membership: Skip Monaco Healey Northwest
AHCO Welcomes New Members: Wayne & Susan Oja 7838 S.E. Harrison Portland, Or. 97215 503-774-1780 Wayne & Susan are owners of a 1963 BJ7
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There were gift certificates, hand woven towels and other handcrafted items, fine wines, gift baskets, floral arrangements, cash donations, an aerobatic plane ride, loan of a brand new Mini Cooper 5 speed for a weekend, all sorts of Austin Healey related items and memorabilia ... the list just went on and on. The generosity of AHCO members and our corporate donors who contributed items for the Christmas party Charity Auction was simply overwhelming. This year, we had a smaller group attending the event, but the result of the evening’s bidding netted us $2320 (the largest amount ever). Once again, it attests to the Club support for this worthwhile endeavor. Continued on page 11 ... January 2006
Christmas Party, December 3, 2005 By Gary Meyer The Christmas party is the unofficial end of the Healey year for many of us. The party was held at the Community Center in Sherwood this year with some 56 Healey club members and friends in attendance. As we have come to expect, Linda Adams and her crew of elves did another bangup job setting up the center for our gathering. Prior to the start of the party, Jerry Barron held an Executive Meeting. With that behind us, Jerry led the AHCO general meeting for December. The new officers for 2006 were introduced and reports made by the various officers in charge. Two awards were made to deserving club members; Linda Adams received the Margot Healey
No current photo of Tom receiving Most Active Member Award. Above from 2004 fun award.
In addition to the Charity Auction, John Freeman set up a dart game, there was a “Healey Feely” contest and Gino Monaco did his “find the money in the box” box smashing contest. The success of the Charity Auction was a result of the hard work by Skip Monaco and her crew in gathering auction items. I know many of the members did their Christmas shopping at the party. Our dysfunctional auctioneers, Doug Auburg and Tom Monaco performed as well as could be expected. The megaphone was a definite plus. We could now hear their ranting at 110 db. All in all we made over $2,300 for the Charity Fund. I guess the guys didn’t do too badly. Next year hide the megaphone batteries. Margot Healey Award to Linda Adams.
As usual we held several raffles for various goodies. I cannot explain how the winner of the dart contest acquired her skill. The majority of good players spend an inordinate amount of time practicing in smoke filled taverns. Mary Gross eclipsed the competition with a score of 180 points. No stranger to taverns, I was only able to
Literary Award, and Tom Monaco the Most Active Member award. After the meeting, we all enjoyed a tasty catered dinner. Now on to the fun!
Continued on next page ... Healey Northwest
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January 2006
Christmas Party Thank You by Linda Adams Well, Christmas at Sherwood Forest is behind us. I hope everyone had a good time. This party was a collaboration of many, many of our club members whose help made the party. I would like to take this opportunity thank all of you!! Jerry Barron & Kaye Maguire (a.k.a. Robin Hood & Maid Marion). If you were unable to come to the party you missed seeing Jerry in green tights! And Kaye looked great in her gown. It was Kaye’s actual gown from when she was Maid Marion during Sherwood’s annual Robin Hood Festival a few years ago. Thank you both; you are such good sports!! Kaye and Pat Barron greeted members when they arrived and gave them their bidding info and place cards. Kym Randolph and Judy Carter covered for Pat and Kaye, at times, so they could mingle and try their hands at Healey Feely. Kym also made the beautiful centerpieces. They really gave the room that perfect touch of Christmas decor. John Freeman loaned and set up dartboards. The game added a bit of competition to the party. Paul Adams and Larry Clemenson manned the dartboards and kept track of the scores. The top 10 scorers won a centerpiece. Mary Gross was by far the top scorer. She claims she’s never played before.
Jaci Koeber brought Regalia so we could all get a jump on our Christmas shopping. Thanks Jaci, I need all of the help I can get! Tom Monaco put together Healey Feely. Wow was it tough! Kerri O’Boyle was champ at this game. Gino Monaco created and hosted the Money in the Box game. This game was won by the agile fingers of Lee Tauer. Skip Monaco put together the Oral and Silent auctions. Skip is so very dedicated to the Charity Committee. She spent hours and hours soliciting items, receiving items, putting together baskets, cataloging items and making bid sheets. Tammy Auburg made our bid numbers and the clever envelopes they were in, as well as, recording auction items as they were sold. Doug Auburg, Tom Monaco and Gary Jackson were the auctioneers. They kept to mood lively and fun. Thank you to everyone who donated so many wonderful items to the auctions. Without you there could be no auction. Dee Meyer and Mary Gross collected the money raised by the auctions. It was late in the evening for calculating but they- came through with flying colors. Betty Hand guided us through the Chinese Gift Exchange. Everyone was a winner here! Thank you to each and everyone for your help to make this a fun party.
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come up with 86 points. Could it be, housewife by day, pub-crawler at night! Lee Tauer won the box smashing ordeal and $20. George Koeber won the “Healey Feely” contest with help from his friends. I have it from unimpeachable sources that George surreptitiously received help identifying certain non-Healey items. For shame George! Dee and I would like to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Happy Healeying!
Within the next few weeks the Charity Committee will be meeting to go over groups who could benefit from your generosity. If you have a special charity that you’d like to have us consider, please contact Skip Monaco via e-mail or phone & let her know.
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Peace & Love, Charity Committee
January 2006
SHOCK SWAP by Gary Meyer Wouldn’t it be great if the Healey were equipped with a modern set of tube shocks instead of the lever action shocks that look like they might have been taken from a ’36 Chevy? Healey shocks are well known for lasting only a few thousand miles although it’s hard to tell when they’re worn out since they don’t work well when new. Udo Putzke of the Bilstein Company has developed a set of tube shocks and mounting brackets specifically designed for the big Healey that greatly improve ride and handling. Allan Gross decided to purchase a set and we installed them in my shop last summer.
brackets and a bracket to modify the fuel pump attachment to the chassis. We first prepared the car for the installation by placing it on jack stands (exhibit #2) and removing all four wheels to allow access to the shock mounting points. To prepare the front suspension for the new tube shocks the lever action front shocks must be modified by removing the metering valve inside the shock. Taking the plate off the back of the shock and extracting the valve accomplish this. Remember, the shock will be filled with oil so make provisions for collecting it before you make a mess. Once the metering valve has been removed, replace the plate and refill the shock with oil. So far, the installation has been relatively easy. In order to install the new mounting brackets for the front tube shocks, two of the four bolts holding down the lever shock must be removed to be replaced by the special upper support bracket, spacers and bolts supplied in the kit. Two of the four bolts holding the coil spring support bracket must also be removed so that the lower shock mount support can be attached with new hardware. If the old bolts are rusty, a grinder is handy for cutting them off. I get all the fun jobs (exhibit #3).
Exhibit # 1, Tube Shock Kit for BJ8.
The first exhibit shows the two sets of tube shocks as provided by Udo. The left two shocks are for the front and incorporate upper and lower mounting brackets and spacers. The right set includes special upper and lower mounting
Exhibit # 3, Expert at work on front suspension.
Exhibit #4 shows the completed front tube shock installation. Replacing the rear shocks require complete removal of the old lever shocks and
Exhibit # 2, Phase 2 BJ8 on stands.
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January 2006
and exhibit #6 shows the completed installation.
Exhibit # 4, Front Shock Installation on George’s project BJ8.
The final part of the BJ8 installation requires remounting the fuel pump using the bracket supplied in the kit. Early cars do not require relocating the fuel pump. Instructions supplied with the tube shock kit are pretty good, but set aside a complete day to complete the shock swap. All those that have made the change to tube shocks rave about the positive changes in ride
mounting new top and lower brackets. Mounting the lower shock-mounting bracket requires removing the bolts that attach the leaf spring to the rear end. The spring needs to be supported while the old bracket is removed and the new bracket bolted in place. A bottle jack under the spring works well to act as a temporary support. Exhibit #5 shows the lower mounting bracket Exhibit # 6, Rear Shcok Upper Mounting Bracket with shock in place.
quality and cornering ability. Currently, Udo charges about $800 for a shock kit as compared to around $300+ to have your lever shocks rebuilt. Take a ride in a car that has been modified before you make a decision. Thanks to George Koeber for the pictures of his BJ8 tube shock installation.
Exhibit # 7 Editors Note: Supposedly experts (George Koeber & Allan Gross) at work on the front suspension. (Perhaps mud wrestling without mud)!
Exhibit # 5, Bottom Mounting Plate for Rear Shock.
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Austin-Healey Club of Oregon Healey Northwest 160 SW 89th Avenue Portland, OR 97225 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PA ID PERMIT NO. 141 PORTLAND, OR