Get Your Kicks on Route 66 at the Champagne British Car Festival! Our 22nd anniversary will take place on the tree-lined grounds of the beautiful David Davis Mansion in Bloomington on June 2, 2013. View approximately 130 cars by Jaguar, Lotus, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin, Bentley, Austin Healey and others!
Click HERE to learn more about the Champagne British Car Festival!
British Car Week was the brainchild of Scott Helms in 1997. Scott wanted to find a way to promote awareness of the classic British cars hobby and for owners to get their cars out of the garage and drive them. Soctt says it doesn't matter whether your car is in better than new condition, or it's a less than perfect unrestored gem. As long as it can be safely driven down the road, this is a great opportunity to show off your favorite car, and take advantage of what British car motoring is all about.
Why a national meet? The British Car Week National Meet was the brainchild of Barry Harrison back in 2010. Barry knew that there were already millions of opportunities each year to attend some fantastic LBC car shows. Some are small ones put on by local clubs where everyone interested in British cars is welcome and others are large, national marquee specific events. He thought there should be at least one organized effort each year to bring everyone together, no matter the marque. What better time than during British Car Week and what better place than the middle of the country.
Everyone is invited. It makes no difference if you are a member of a club or not. We just want everyone with an interest in British cars and bikes to join us and have some fun. So join us in beautiful Hot Springs Village, Arkansas for British Car Week National Meet 2013! The beauty of the Ouachita Mountains will make a picturesque back drop for BCWNM 2013 and will again bring together collectors, owners, and enthusiasts from around the world to see and exhibit the crown jewels of the British marques! Dance with the Liverpoole Legends. Come and experience the beauty of the "Natural State" while touring through stunning state and national parks. Enjoy noggin' and natter with old friends. Participate in the first ever President's Cup Challenge!
Be a part of British Car Week 2013!
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I'm taking Paddy up to Vintage Sports Car tomorrow morning for a head gasket replacement and tune-up. Vintage Sports Car Inc. is a division of Historic Race Car, LLC in Woodstock, IL. Vintage Sports Car is a separate division for their street car customers, as not all vintage car owners see their beloved old timer as a race car.
Paddy started running rough and as noted below I began the process of tracking down the cause. I had taken him into a local "specialty" shop but they just seemed to make things worse and were not truly addressing the isssues. It was time to take matters into my own hands.
After shooting the video below, I started my engine diagnosis with a cylinder compression check. I QUICKLY found out that Paddy had no compression in cylinders #2 and #3. Hmmmmm? That's gotta be a head gasket. Right?
I contacted Bill Gilcrease at Mincomp Racing in California (Paddy's engine builder) to get his thoughts. He confirmed my fears.
Replace the head gasket Brian! While the head is off I would suggest that you lap the exhaust valves paying special attention to the center ones! There are good and there are bad head gaskets, let me know if you would like me to send you the proper parts to use.
Joe, at Vintage Sports Car, confirmed Bill's thoughts and I made an appointment to have Paddy stay with them for a couple of weeks! Meanwhile, Mincomp is sending them the correct head gasket AND offered to give them advice if needed.
While in their shop, Paddy will get a new head gasket (obviously) but they'll also get those twin SU carburettors set correctly.
From the Seven Enterprises blog (click here)
The recommended fluid for use in your Mini's brake and clutch system is DOT4 brake fluid, which is readily available from most auto parts stores. Please do not use DOT3 fluid; we've heard from too many customers who've had brake and clutch failures who have also been using DOT3. This does not necessarily mean that the DOT3 caused it, but it's certainly a frequent coincidence.
The manual also recommends that brake fluid be flushed every 24 months. Reason? As time passes, moisture gets absorbed by the brake fluid, which then loses its effectiveness.
Some folks are using DOT5 silicone fluid for their classic Minis, because it does not absorb moisture or damage paint. The problem? It's not recommended for the British hydraulics, and the manufacturers of brake master cylinders will not warranty their product if silicone fluid is used. If you use silicone fluid you do so at your own risk!
Related Article: Moss Motors - Brake Fluid
Related Article: The MG Experience - Castrol Brake Fluid Update
Paddy has been running poorly so it's time to pop the bonnet and see what REALLY going on. I'm starting with a compression check on the engine, but before that, let take a video!