Trip to Winona - Part 3

I'd like to say that Tuesday dawned bright and clear but alas, British weather it would be. Cloudy, not raining but cold, very cold. It would have helped if we had brought proper clothing, however, we assumed (I know, never assume...but we all do it!) that the weather down south would be warmer than what we left behind. Despite the chill, the mood was upbeat as Minis everywhere were being washed, polished, primped and preened for the big show. Today the competition was not just any old car, but real, true, British ingenuity, the classic Mini. Having cleaned Maggie up to the best of our abilities, we drove to the St. Mary's campus. Of course, what adventure wouldn't be complete without some...well, shall we say "issues"? It was pointed out that the driver's side front wheel was wobbling. Alas, we had no idea what can of worms was about to be unleashed. More on that later. The car show was an impressive sight to behold. MKIs, MKIIs, MKIIIs, Sedans, Pickups, Cooper S', Mini 1001s, Mokes, Cabriolets, Clubmans, even a Goose (to list a few). Mid afternoon we lined up for the panoramic photo, taken with a 1930's camera. Quite well executed and the results are impressive, today's cameras would be jealous.

At the Show & Shine, there were a few vendors set up. Thinking that the wobble may have been caused by bent tie rods, a good deal was found and new parts were purchased. Back at the host hotel, it was decided to jack it up and pull the driver's side wheel flange off. Upon dismantling the drive assembly, it was discovered that the problem was much bigger than first predicted. The drive flange is supposed to be smooth, cylindrical, not rough and oval-shaped, as ours was. Hoping and praying that maybe, just maybe, by tightening the bearings and replacing the tie rod, the problem would be manageable (at least until we drove 700 miles north, out of foreign territory), unfortunately, this was not to be. We soon started to wonder when and if we would ever make it home. (to be continued in part 4...)

Not to be defeated, later that evening, we headed to the park for the official Birthday Bash, complete with live music, cupcakes & caffeine. Unfortunately, someone must have ordered British weather again, still no heat. But all in all, problems aside, not that bad of a day. Little did we know what was yet to come...