News and views

Firstly, Bill and I wish you a Delightful Christmas and New Year. Good response to the Autumn edition; Norman Welter tells me that his daughter Nadia was also in the European Event of the Year driving the family D0321very successfully.

On the period picture of the car crossing the level crossing; I had two very quick responses – one from John James (of DVLA liaison fame) telling me it was F0293 and the other from Ian Ross (of the F Registry) confirming that it was F0293 but also that it was Norman Black, (well known prewar driver) actually driving it in the 1932 Monte Carlo Rally.

On the parts for sale; the wing brackets went very quickly and I could have sold the light switch knob and screw at least 7 times over!

Mike Jakeman went to the VSCC Mallory Park race meeting on August 31st in his D0427 and met with Huw Davies, also there in his D0353, and took these pictures of Huw’s car:

Note sporting rear wing ‘spats’! Mike also met Chris Poel (D0352) but not in the D that day. Chris Edmundson was actually competing in his D0442 and Colin Murrell took this fine picture of Chris in action.

The Triple M Register Year Book for 2023 came out in October, some months delayed due to Digby Gibb’s, who had taken on the editorship, sad untimely passing. Thanks to all those who picked up the pieces and got it published. As you will recall 2023 marked the 20th Anniversary of the D Group and Digby had persuaded me to write an article on the Group for the Year Book which you may find interesting! The book is available from Library Sales on the Triple M Register website.

MG/Triumph Spares Day has been announced for next year and is on Sunday February 9th from 9.30. Tickets are available online at www.mgandtriumphsparesday.co.uk

Prebuying the ticket doesn’t save that much but it does avoid the usually long queue of people paying on the day. There is normally an unofficial gathering at midday at the Triple M Register stand of Triple M owners and can get quite busy!

Now, another black and white period picture this one from Mike Dalby (M Type guru and Registrar):

Better late than never but to mark the Group’s Anniversary – and the 100 years of MG – I have produced this rally Plaque for the garage wall:
Free on request to D owners, just refund postage.

Hints and Tips

Huw Davies (D0353) reports on a leak from the radiator which looked worse than it turned out to be. The solder round the bottom tap insert had cracked, shown here on the left.

His local radiator repair place quickly re-soldered, as can be seen on the right, and it was back in place within 48 hours.

John Emmett D0430) advises that what may look like a vertical drive oil seal failure may well be a failed rocker cover gasket.

The cork gaskets are notorious for getting out of shape and thereby leaking oil; the answer is to fit a neoprene rubber one which can be cut from sheet.

See Dispatch 82 – it could well be that we can get a supply from Jorgen Poulsen when he attends Stoneleigh next year (postage for one gasket from Denmark is prohibitive) let me know if you would like one and I can order accordingly.

Bits and Pieces

Long time readers may remember the booklet I produced back in 2004 (32 pages plus pull out lubrication chart and wiring diagram) pictured here.

Well Huw Davies, Triple M Safety Fast Scribe, bought another at Beaulieu Autojumble back in September and is happy to pass it on at cost of £15 plus postage. Email him on sfscribe@triple-mregister.org

Only 50 of these booklets were produced, not the 250 indicated and planned, so quite rare!