Back Roads July/August 2025
Back Roads
Dean Hickenlooper, Vice Chairman
Summer is finally here and the driving season has begun. I’d like to be able to say that all my winter projects are done, but alas I can’t. The good news is that I have at least one MG ready to go and with the GT-50 coming up so soon and I’m glad it’s an MGA.
Can’t wait to make the drive up to Traverse City, Michigan. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Although in my new position as vice chairman I’m not sure how much free time I’ll have to drive around to see the sites due to my new responsibilities. I suppose time will tell, but either way it’s going to be awesome!
This time my wife Kerry and I will be driving The Red Racer, a 1960 MGA with an 1800 B engine and T9 5-speed. The engine has a mild build up and I lowered the suspension a bit. It has the original paint faded with a lot of patina. When I first drove it after lowering the suspension it was terrible – rode like there was no suspension at all. Then upon further inspection I noticed that I had only about an inch of travel before hitting the bump stops. Well, after reducing the bump stops front and back, the ride improved greatly! This will be the first long drive (around 330 miles one way) for the Red Racer and it should be a good break-in for the rebuilt engine. I just hope all goes well.
On another note, I took my freshly restored 1960 MGA Coupe out for its maiden voyate to the Chicagoland MG Club’s spring tune up. Things were going great, oil pressure up, temperature down and shifting smooth. Arrived on time in good shape. Received several compliments and helped other club members with their cars. Then on the way home disaster hit and hit hard! Next thing I knew the rear axle locked up and came to a screeching halt in the middle of a four-lane road. Luckily, I was able to jam it into first and limp into a parking lot. The next thing I knew I was surrounded by three or four MGs offering assistance. After jacking up the rear wheel and removing the wheel and brake drum, I discovered that indeed the axle was stuck. So, I got a ride with my good friend tom and then borrowed his truck and trailer (AGAIN) to go back and collect the Coupe. Got it back home, dropped it in the driveway and will re-evaluate it after the GT-50.
That’s all for now. Hope to see you at The GT-50.
Your Humble Servant,
Dean Hickenlooper
