President's Prattlings

by Bennett French

Well, it seems the cold is finally behind us. Now if we can just keep it from raining on all of our scheduled driving events for this season. Actually, we have only been plagued by the threat of rainy weather. I know many of us would rather not take our LBC’s out in inclement weather and that is very understandable.

I want to thank the membership for not letting the threat of inclement weather put a complete damper on the last of our club events. The tech session at my shop in conjunction with Bruce Berry was a big success I think. There wasn’t much left over in the way of food or drink. This can usually be used as an indicator of the success of an event in terms of turnout. Either that or we have a few ravenous people in our midst. I enjoyed showing off my business to the membership as well and hope everyone learned a little bit about Mr. Lucas. I again want to thank Bruce Berry for his help and participation with putting on the event.

Also, while I was not there, I understand the rally school at Jim and Charline Moon's was a big success as well. Congratulations to Chad Marshall for winning the rally. I am not sure who Chad had as Navigator but I am sure they were an integral part of Chad’s success. I want to extent a big Hooray! to Jim and Charline for both planning and hosting this event. Thank you Jim and Charline!!

We have a lot more in store in the upcoming months. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I hope to see you at one of our entertaining upcoming events.

Everyone take care,
Bennett French

Life with a British Car

by Steve Miller

As hospitable as Winchester was I was eager to hit the road and try my, what was up to now, good luck with the "D". Pointing south I find myself quickly logging the 400 or so miles left of the journey, but, also as quickly realize I am getting really bad gas mileage. It takes me a few stops before a couple of things are obvious. The gas gauge never reads full no matter how much gas I spill into the trunk.

At this point I must point out one of the John Delorean masterpieces of design. The gas tank fill point is in the front trunk and has no neck, so therefore no warning as to when you are almost full. And the spill point is shallow and overflow runs into and onto the trunk carpet. Very close to ... now get this, the fresh air vents!! So, if I don`t get really adept at this, a couple of these fill ups and I will surely die of asphyxiation right there on the highway. This did have one good side, I out of necessity, found out how to open the windows.

Speaking of the windows, there are only small slits of the overall large side windows that actually open, making chores for those of you with the fancy windows that open all the way, for me IMPOSSIBLE. What could be so tough you ask? Oh, I don`t know, how about mailing a letter or paying a toll or as this trip repeatedly reminded me, buying food at a drive thru window!! So all of you in your fancy British cars with normal windows think of me the next time you pull into Sonic. Just picture this for a moment. The kid at the Sonic with his roller blades stuffing food into the window of a Delorean!

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, lousy gas mileage. Did I mention the gas gauge also seems to be possessed? Sometimes reading only 3/4 full after a pit stop and sometimes 1/2 and now as I am getting really close to home it doesn`t want to read much of anything at all, leaving me to guess how far I should go before risking running out on the interstate. Easy you say just note the mileage on the speedo and figure 15 mpg to be conservative and ... and the speedometer just went out! Well you don`t need a speedo to make it home, as long as no warning lights or anything like that come on. What is Lambda? Why is that light flashing ... Lambda, Lambda, Lambda? Next month.

By the way, Steve Miller, we couldn't resist this. The young lady must be reading your account of getting your DeLorean in NY. Cheers, Alvan Judson http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/04/06/automobiles/
collectibles/20080406_EGO_FEATURE.html#section1

Denny Taylor is looking for cars to drive veterans in the Memorial Day parade on May 26th. Contact Denny if you can help.

If you haven't paid your dues be sure to send them to George deWalder.

The warm weather is here and it's time to be out in your LBCs. But before leaving take time to read this issue of the Gearhead Gazette. We have great articles and photos from our club members that I'm sure you won't want to miss. With the crunch of press time we don't have an article on the Rally School, watch for it in the next issue of The Gearhead Gazette.

There are some great events coming up in the next couple of months. May 17th is the drive with the Big Brother and Big Sisters leaving from Hendersonville. On June 14th David and I will host a drive with a stop for lunch, followed by a blind wine tasting at our house. July brings the Heart of Brevard Car Show and a drive hosted by George deWalder to Surgoinsville, TN. Be sure to check the Web site as details will be posted as they become available.

As you have adventures throughout the summer with your LBCs, take some photos, write an article and send it to me. I will include it in the next newsletter to share with all of the members.

Until next time ... The Web Mechanic