Past Editions:
May/Jun '06
Apr/May '06
Mar/Apr '06
Jan/Feb '06
Monthly Newsletter Of
MINI-SOTA MINIS, PIZZA EATING, AND PSYCHIATRIC SELF -HELP ASSN
Volume VII, Number VII February/March 2006
Hi All:
Despite the bitter cold and snow, Mini Season is only two months away! The snow is usually gone and the roads salt free by mid-April......so it's not too early to start getting our li'l beasties ready for a full Spring, Summer, and Fall full of delightful Mini/MINI motoring. And, to that end, our club Brain Trust is working on a full season of fun activities.
In This Issue....you'll find a report and pix of our last meeting, our Valentine's Day Breakfast.....Bring Your Sweetie To The Meeting ; info on our upcoming schedule of Meetings and Events; another delightful Tinsley Green Mystery -- The Great German Marmore Mystery by Nuala Galbari, illustrated by her hubby Geff; plus the usual this & that and fluff & fill.
Our Last Meeting......
was our Valentine's Day "Bring Your Sweetie To The Meeting" Breakfast at The Square Peg Diner on Saturday, February 11th, '06. We had a nice turnout of around 20 people (there were people at other tables too) and discussed the upcoming Mini/MINI Season.....and kicked around some suggestions and ideas for MiniMeet East Meets West 2009.
Our Next Meeting......will be on Saturday, March 25th, '06 from 10AM until ???? at member Jim Huston's AutoToyStore & MotorSportsSeats at 8058 Kentucky Ave., S, Bloomington, MN. Jim will show us the latest & best in aftermarket seats, installation kits, seat belts & harnesses, shift boots & knobs, and other automotive toys for our Minis/MINIs, or other vehicles. We'll put on a tape of The Italian Job, send out for some Pizza, and talk Minis/MINIs and their accessories. For directions & a map, go to: http://www.motorsportseats.com/
As Usual......our next issue will be coming out at the beginning of April (more or less), so, if you have anything you'd like to contribute to the newsletter...articles, news items, technical tips, helpful hints, Mini jokes, pix of your Mini, items for the "For Sale & Wanted" pages....send them to Jim Baumann at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681. Deadline for the next issue is the 25th of March (more or less).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dates in RED are MMPEAPSHA Club Events
Dates in BLUE are other local events (and we're invited)
Dates in GREEN are other events of Mini/MINI interest
March 25th (Sat.), 10AM until ????....Meeting at Jim Huston's AutoToyStore & MotorSportsSeats (See Our Next Meeting)
April....still working on this....
May 20th (Sat.), '06.....2nd Annual New London To New Brighton Mini/MINI Run, Rallye & Tour.....more info later....
May 21st (Sun.), '06, 11AM - 5PM.....InterMarque Spring Kick-Off /Car Show/Banquet at the Radisson Plymouth at I-494 & Hwy. 55. Car Show from 11AM until 3PM and is free. Banquet is $16/person. For further info contact: Andy Lindberg at andylindberg@earthlink.net
May 27th (Sat) - June 4th (Sun.), '06......British Car Week! Drive your Mini/MINI this week.....here, there, & everywhere!
They leak oil from the front, Madam!
THE TINSLEY MYSTERY SERIES
The Great German Marmore Mystery
By Nuala Galbari
Illustrated By Geff Galbari
P.C. Cooper yawned lengthily over his cup of early morning tea, perused the newspaper and anticipated the onslaught of marblers and spectators as he peered out the tea shoppe window to the Green. It was Ash Wednesday, and a wet, blustery morning. P.C. Cooper could not resist smiling beneath his helmet as he watched the village ladies turn the corner into gusts of high wind that caused umbrellas to evert and skirts to misbehave.
Mrs. Mabe busily prepared the tea shoppe for a Ladies Guild tea, while the Greyhound Pub was being readied for the World Marble Championships to be held on Good Friday. Old Fletcher, the farmer, stopped in to Mabe's to deliver fresh cream for the scones and Wesley, his pet weasel, emerged from his greatcoat pocket, popping a head up in anticipation of a tasty comestible from the kitchen. One always came away warm and fed from Mabe's - whether human or animal.
The World Marble Championships were eagerly awaited by all. It was the biggest day of the year in Tinsley Green where marble contests had taken place for centuries. Tradition holds that during the reign of Elizabeth I, two gentleman fought over the hand of a young maiden whose fate was sealed following a game of marbles. Wesley the weasel wasn't bothered by the crowds that would descend upon Tinsley, but he was smart enough to recognize the generous supply of food that accompanied such an event. Wesley could sniff out the bakery marquee instantly. Wesley also had a fondness for steak and kidney pie and the Ladies Guild had to ensure that Wesley's paws did not plunder profits.
P.C. Cooper gathered his constables together to discuss the major issues facing them on Good Friday: parking and securing the contestants' marbles for the competition. With 20 teams of six players and hundreds of spectators converging on Tinsley Green, P.C. Cooper had called the London Metropolitan Police to request extra constables for the event. And, in his ex-military correctness, P.C. Cooper demanded that the fleet of Mini Coopers was polished and looking smart for the big day, as they would lead the procession of marble teams through Tinsley prior to the competition.
The German team roared into Tinsley that afternoon "verpackt wie Sardellen" in a Volkswagen van. Herr Kleinhund's team reigned as the champions of the prior year and were determined to maintain that status. That night, at the Old Swan Inn, the French team, headed by Monsieur Renault, also arrived from Paris and, joined by the British and other teams, created much merriment at the Inn.
As Good Friday dawned, the competition marquee awaited the arrival of the contestants. The quiet was suddenly broken by the wails of Herr Kleinhund, who announced, "Meine Marmore fehlen!" P.C. Cooper could hear the tumultuous commotion from Mrs. Mabe's tea shoppe, as he tucked into his hot cross bun.
He called P.C. Pinkerton, and P.C. Angus on the Mini's radio and advised that they had four hours to solve the disappearance of the marbles, or the German team would be scratched from the competition. As they squeezed into their Mini Coopers, the constables were met by a rather frantic Fletcher who claimed that Wesley his weasel had gone missing shortly before breakfast. "Wesley", he claimed, "never misses his boiled eggs and toasted soldiers!"
P.C. Cooper immediately contacted Animal Control Officer, Colin Leashem. Leashem, was a short, rather rotund man with a propensity of scars due to having been mauled in an encounter with a hefty rabbit earlier that year. Following the encounter, Leashem no longer handled rabbits, but he did agree to be on the lookout for Wesley. P.C. Cooper advised the constables, "Marbles first. Weasel second. This is going to be a very tough day, lads! Let's go! go! go!" As the constables set out on their inquiries and the competition drew closer, Monsieur Renault's team found it difficult to hide their amusement at the Germans' misfortune and considered the coveted Silver Cup now within easier reach. P.C. Cooper and the lads found themselves in the unenviable position of trying to maintain international relations, while P.C. Angus pursued Wesley's recent pawprints which, needless to say, led to the bakery marquee.
The clock chimed 11:30 a.m. With only half an hour to go before competition kickoff, the scene was mayhem as Old Fletcher zig-zagged around the Green, frantically waving a kipper in the hope of luring Wesley out, the German team panicking over lost marbles, retreated to the Greyhound Pub for steins of beer, the French breaking in to a chorus of Le Marseillaise, waving their tricolor in excitement and the British team causing a raucous with their rattles as they approached the competition marquee.
Just then, Old Fletcher spotted Officer Leashem's 1952 Ford Prefect behind the bakery marquee and, peering inside, discovered a crumb-covered Leashem fast asleep, mouth agape like a codfish. No sooner had he touched the door handle than he heard the quisquous squeals of Wesley, whose claws frantically scraped the back window.
As P.C. Pinkerton approached in his Mini, Fletcher waved him down.
"Well Sir, I see we have located the little blighter!" said Pinkerton. "But... that's odd Sir, Officer Leashem claimed he hadn't seen your weasel!"
P.C. Pinkerton opened the door of the Ford Prefect, nudged Officer Leashem with his truncheon and, as Leashem awakened, Pinkerton noticed a suspicious looking suede pouch drop to the floor.
" 'ello! 'ello! " said Pinkerton. "What ahve we here Sir?"
Leashem, bleery-eyed under his hat, replied, "I...er...must run. I have to feed the quarantined parrots at Gatwick Airport."
Reaching down to pick up the suede purse, P.C. Pinkerton noticed a clinking sound emanating from within.
"You should try to keep that weasel under control. " said Leashem to Fletcher, "I caught the little geyser trying to sequester the marbles. I was just on my way to deliver them to P.C. Cooper, but I must have dozed off."
Looking wryly at Leashem, Pinkerton replied, "Oh yes? And I suppose the weasel also procured the key to Herr Kleinhund's room at the Old Swan, did he, Sir?"
Leashem, looking vulpine under his hat, said, "We don't want the Germans running off with our Silver Cup two years in a row, now do we, Sir? It's just a bit of harmless fun, Sir."
At that, Wesley sprang from the car like an airborne lizard, climbed Fletcher's leg and snapped up the dangling kipper. Pinkerton, Fletcher, Wesley and the mephitic kipper proceeded to the marble marquee in the Mini Cooper, under blue light and siren. Meanwhile, Officer Leashem tried to quietly escape the scene on foot, as his Ford Prefect failed to start. The marbles were ceremoniously handed over to the German team.
"Ach! Meine Marmore sind zuruckgebracht worden!" exclaimed Herr Kleinhund, joyfully.
The competition began promptly at noon with the three disciplines of Taw, Cherry Pit, and Nineholes being employed over several hours of play. Much to the chagrin of the German, British and French teams, the Silver Cup was snatched by the Irish team.
As the sun slipped into the horizon and the spectators departed, P.C. Cooper, rounding up the constables, inquired, "Lads, have you seen Officer Leashem?"
"I don't know that we have, Sir...." came the reply.
Just then, the Reverend Dunn arrived, having returned from his trip to the Cotswolds. Officer Leashem stepped out of Reverend Dunn's Mini van looking somewhat perturbed and slightly guilty. "I was obliged to miss the competition on account of my stranded ve-hic-le." said Leashem. "Something chewed through the coil wire."
Old Fletcher tried to repress a smile as a dissightly fish tail was ejected from the greatcoat pocket. "Now, Wesley," said Fletcher, "mind your manners, lad!"
"Well," said Reverend Dunn to Leashem, "you can drive my Mini van until the Prefect is repaired; and do stop by the vicarage for tea tomorrow."
Wesley, adequately stuffed following his feast of kipper, having chewed through the spark-plug wire in Reverend Dunn's Mini van, slipped into the greatcoat pocket for a snooze, while the villagers trudged off to the Greyhound Pub to congratulate the Irish over some warm lager.
Und das ist alles fur Heute!
Editor's note --- There actually is a village of Tinsley Green in West Sussex, England. The only thing for which Tinsley Green is noted (other than Nuala's stories) is their Annual Marbles Tournement, which has been held for many years. See: http://www.marblemuseum.org/tinsley/tinsleyhistory.html
WANTED & FOR SALE
Please Note! The Wanted & For Sale pages have been getting a bit too long as a result of old ads. Our new policy will be to list "For Sale" items three months. Ads will run for three months, and will then have to be renewed or will be deleted....to renew your ad or list new ones, you can contact me at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681. The Service Offered ads will be continued indefinitel
Mini For Sale.....corners like it's on rails!
WANTED: Hosts for MMPEAPSHA meetings. If you'd like to volunteer your home or place of business to host a club meeting, contact Karl Jenstad at: jenstad@pro-ns.net or call: (612) 869-7611.
WANTED: Original Equipment Tachometer for 1985 Mini Mayfair....new or used will do. Please contact Aaron Schultz at: irgr8one@yahoo.com.
WANTED: Any Mini, decent condition, preferably running, if not all parts to make it do so, low cost (<3000), basically I am getting sick of looking at them and would love to have one of my own. Please call Nick Brogren at (651) 407-9579.
WANTED: Minis wanted, prefer '59 - '67, but will consider all models. I'm looking for pristine, or daily drivers, or even project Minis. We also accept Consignments, and the Mini can even stay with you until we bring you a buyer! Please call for details. We invite you to visit our web site at: www.miniguy.com or visit our Ventura, California showroom. References gladly provided. Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis (805) 641-1970 or miniguy@miniguy.com
WANTED: I need some headlamp bulbs, the early MK1 type bayonett style with the slotted flange at the base and the glass tube that looks like a pear.These are the old Lucas lamps.Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again Mark A.Illinski (715)342-0361 or e-mail me at: cindylou1@charter.net
SERVICE OFFERED - Dependable Car Maintenance - Tire Rack dealer, Amsoil sales, nut’s ‘N bolts, and repair items, automotive tools & equipment. I have a shop at my home in Ham Lake, MN where I sell tires from the Tire Rack at discount and mount them. I have a computer balancer, and a rim clamp tire machine. I can mount tires from 10" up to 17" and 9.5" wide. Dwight McCullough, 763-754-7111 or dcm@mnautox.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room! Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256
SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room! Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256
SERVICE OFFERED - Good Food! Member Phil Vanner owns The Square Peg Diner "Where The Mini Elite Meet To Eat!" and the home of the BBC Saturday Breakfasts. The diner is located at 2021 Hennepin Ave., E, in Mini-apolis and is open Monday thru Friday from 6am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Check out the website at: www.squarepegdiner.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Member Michael Lewis is a Mini dealer. Minis of all types, including genuine "Cooper S" models, "Cooper replicas", woodie wagons, panel vans, Riley Elfs, Mini Mokes, and even project or race Minis. Call about our specialty, the Minis we've sent "sight unseen" to their new homes in dozens of states across the nation. Ask about our Satisfaction Guarantee, and we gladly provide references in your area. We also handle the shipping to the port nearest you, and can arrange for Customs clearance and overland transport, if desired. Please visit our web site at: www.miniguy.com Call for more details, or just to say hello. We always enjoy talkin' Minis! Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis (805) 641-1970 or miniguy@miniguy.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Towing & Transport. New Members John & Mary Cooley own Classic Transport Services. They specialize in transporting Classic Cars in the Twin Cities Area. John has a 2003 Ford 6500 Flatbed. If you need your Mini or MINI moved, contact him at: 1-651-777-0193, or by Email at: cooley777@aol.com . Check out his website: www.prostreetnova.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Auto body work and painting. John Durant owns Spraywerks body & paint shop specializing in Minis! From dings & dents to total body restoration. Panels welded, rust repair, everything a Mini needs. Reasonable rates, free estimates, free pickup and delivery of project cars within 50 miles. Contact him at 1-763-360-3527 or email: spraywerks@hotmail.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Minis and Mini parts: Now, you have a choice. Always the right part at the right price! Free 108 page catalog and MMPEAPSHA club special - free UPS on members orders. Call Harvey or Ernie at 707-570-0511, or miniman@sonic.net and visit our website at www.minimotors.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Parts: Members Graham & Susan Reid own the Heritage Garage. Mini parts at very competitive prices. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with many years of mini experience. Contact them at 949-646-6404 to get on their mailing list for specials or visit the web at www.HeritageGarage.com
SERVICE OFFERED - Auto Accessories: Member Jim Huston owns the
Auto Toy Store and
Motorsport Seats..Discount Quality Motorsport Accessories. He has a full line of after market seats....Recaro, Corbeau, Cobra, Sparco, ProCar, and so on . He also has a full line of street or race harnesses. You need it, he's got it! Call for liberal discounts. Visit his website at: http://autotoystore.com/ and http://motorsportseats.com/
SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Dealer: Member Bill Cox is a Bonded and Licensed North Carolina dealer, Licensed Manufacturer, and Bonded U.S. Customs Importer. See his website at: http://www.montecarlomini.net/
SERVICE OFFERED - Website Design: Member Jen Mueke is a freelance website designer, so if you need any website work done, contact her at: rhen@roadkill.de or at: 1-612-414-5205
SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Repair: BMC Restoration and Repair..... servicing British built vehicles from a minor tune up to full restoration. Correctly restored or built to your requirements. Pick up and delivery service of vehicle or parts on request. Talk to me about your specific needs. Brian Mc Cullough Call (651) 462-0145 or mailto:brian@bmcautos.com See my website at: http://www.bmcautos.com
SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Restoration: Honorary Member Dave Wintz owns a full restoration facility specializing in classic British Cars. Contact Dave Wintz at New Life To Classics, 1101 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN. Phone (507) 387-2277.
FOR RENT: Pole Barn ...... 30X64, located approximately 35 miles So of Burnsville. Lockable with one service door and (2) 11 ft high sliding doors. Building has dirt floor and was probably used for machinery $200 / month with lease. Contact Jerry Harvieux at 952-440-3567 or email: jharvieux@aol.com.
FOR SALE: Winter tires for a MINI. Complete set of Bridgestone Blizzaks mounted on steel wheels from The Tire Rack. They have approximately 6600 miles on them. I am moving to Virginia and will no longer be needing them. The tire/wheel set was $536 new. I'll sell it for $250. Contact Gary Maher at gmaher@mn.rr.com or phone 952-943-1755
FOR SALE: 1969 MGB GT. Great winter project or driving restoration. The brakes have been gone through and it has new front springs. Many, many new parts ready to use including a new hood, passenger floor, badges, door cards, and boxes of other new stuff. Has almost new tires and Minilite-style alloy wheels. I still have wires too. Workshop manual and other books too. Will trade for Mini of similar value or sell outright. Andy Lewis alewis@mailbag.com or 608-233-9470.
FOR SALE: 1972 Mini Van, 1,000cc engine, completely restored. $7,500. For pictures & further info see www.bklillibridge.com or call 1-218-753-5070
FOR SALE: - I have two beautiful minis for sale ,they will never rust , they are factory fiberglass ,they came from CHILE and they ready to go for the mini meet at Rockford IL in June. My phone # is 515-570-3888 or 515-955-2425 call any time. I will send pictures and information to anybody that is interested in them. Francisco Visedo visedo@dodgenet.com
FOR SALE: 1972 Mini Van, 1,000cc engine, completely restored. $7,500. For pictures & further info see www.bklillibridge.com or call 1-218-753-5070
FOR SALE: - I have two beautiful minis for sale ,they will never rust , they are factory fiberglass ,they came from CHILE and they ready to go for the mini meet at Rockford IL in June. My phone # is 515-570-3888 or 515-955-2425 call any time. I will send pictures and information to anybody that is interested in them. Francisco Visedo visedo@dodgenet.com
FOR SALE: Fiberglass "Novadash" fits Mini with single or 3 clock center binnacle, N.O.S -- $35; Early style Mini front subframe, seen better days but suitable for as alignment jig when replacing front sheetmetal -- $15; 3 ea. Dunlop SP-Sport Radials, 165/70-10, old, hard, but never used, more suitable for show, not go -- $15 ea.; Left & right Mini front floor repair panels, aftermarket -- $15 ea.; Left & right Mini inner sill repair panels, aftermarket -- $10 ea.; Left & right Mini Mk. 3 & up inner wing hinge panels, M-Machine -- $10 ea.; Heavy duty tow bar for chrome bumper Spriget -- $60. Can Email photos. Contact Karl Jenstad, jenstd@pro-ns.net or 612-869-7611
FOR SALE: Just arrived from england - 10 cheap minis. Most in the $5k range.. all run and drive and have NC titles..all are RHD. lic. NC dealer and bonded importer... go to www.montecarlomini.net for photos .. ps.. no trades, no finance , and for tyrekicking call on rainy Tuesdays after my NAP.. bc 1-704-487-6406 Earl, North Carolina
Any Comments or Suggestions? Any ideas for improving "The Oily Edition"? Give me a call at: 1-320-963-5681 (if line is busy, try 1-612-599-0735) or e-mail at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net ......
See you all at Jim Houston's place.......