Darn fine gathering of the Triumph (and MG…and Austin-Healey) faithful at the Missouri Athletic Club-West Friday night for the annual SLTOA Christmas Party.  In and around the usual great surroundings, service, food and drink, we had a strong turnout; lots of good conversation and the gift exchange – organized by “Mrs Santa’s Little Helper” (Bonnie) proved hilarious as always.  AND, yes, a good number of people did stick around until late in the evening.

Came Saturday and yr fthfl ed tackled the garage and back deck, hopefully in advance of NS winter weather.  Also put up the Christmas lights…now, in order to get to the ladder, I had to move the TR8. In order to get to the TR8, I had to move a temporarily stored bookcase.  Did same and figured while I was at it, I’d put the top down the car, fill the radiator catch tank and take it out for a very quick (undoubtedly last-of-the-year) drive.

Hooked up the battery, hoped in, depressed the clutch…and it went right the floor, no resistance.  Rut-ro…checked the clutch master and it was dry (!); added brake fluid and pumped for nearly five minutes, then topped it again and was able to get the car into reverse and out of the garage.  A good, short drive ensued.

However, as part of fall’s major mechanical work, we installed a new master cylinder, blew out the line and rebuilt the clutch slave cylinder.  That alone took care of one of the car’s major leaks BUT, obviously, there’s a gremlin in the system somewhere. Something else I’ll have to look at when I get the car up on jacks for its radiator change in the spring.

British cars are fun, eh?