Back Roads March/April 2025
Back Roads
Dean Hickenlooper, Vice Chairman
Greetings from the greater Chicagoland area where we are still in the thick of winter. Well, another storm is on the way with expected snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches, so we’ll possibly end up with a light dusting! But winter does provide time for checking out the MGs and prepping them up for the upcoming season. So far I have two of the three MGAs ready to go. Still trying to figure out which one to bring to the GT-50.
Speaking of the GT-50, I am very excited about going. The registrations are rolling in so I would not wait to get your reservations made before it fills up. It looks like the Michigan Rowdies have an amazing line-up in store for us including self-guided tours and trips along with wine tasting, tech sessions, and of course, the famous JOHN TWIST ROLLING TECH SESSION. A truly action-packed convention is in store for those in attendance, so don’t delay.
There is also a long list of regalia from which to choose. I personally ordered up one of the custom wrist watches that have the logo of the GT-50 on the face. It’s a very nice piece. Looking forward to meeting and getting to know as many of you as time permits.
Being as this is my first year as your Vice Chairman, I still have so much to learn about NAMGAR. I’m very grateful for all the support and encouragement I’m receiving from the board and staff. They really have given me a warm welcome as I stumble through my duties and responsibilities. It is very refreshing to feel the fellowship within the registry.
As some of you may know, I pick up a 1960 MGA Coupe a while back – almost two years ago now. Well, I’m pleased to say the restoration is now 99 percent complete, all the way from taking the body off, frame repairs and paint, suspension rebuild, body repairs and paint to windscreen installation (that was fun) and interior. Not to mention Lucas the Prince of Darkness wiring that actually wasn’t that bad with a new harness. The engine has had two initial break-ins that were 20 minutes at 2700 RPM. I still need to do the road engine break-in for the rings. So far so good. That only leaves Kerry’s 1959 MGA roadster which will be getting a freshly rebuilt 1800cc engine mated to a T5 5-speed.
That’s all for now. Can’t wait for spring to get here – soon enough. Until then, be safe and in good health!
