Weekend at Bernie’s

By Morris Garagian

Well, at least half of a weekend.

For the latest VBAC get together, Bros. Martin & Bernie had arranged a drive to Bernie’s residence in Mariposa. Bernie had acquired a Hopkins Hoppy Headlight Aiming Kit and had graciously offered to check/correct any headlamps on any VBAC members’ vehicles. What an opportunity! Goblin had not had any late-night runs since NAMGAR 47 in 2022 when many Nevada jackrabbits in the vicinity of US 50 were blinded by the incandescent illumination of the powerful 1960s MG headlamps, so it was time to get the alignment right.

The morning of Oct. 27 found Morris at the parking lot of the Red Caboose parking lot awaiting the arrival of Martin (MGB “Jennie”) and Jay (MGA). Within a half hour, we were on CA 168 on the way to Prather to rendezvous with Richard (Alpine). After the meet & greet we proceeded on the picturesque Auberry Road to Powerhouse, past Kerckhoff Reservoir and Wishon Powerhouse, continuing with Rds. 222 & 223 to Rd. 426 coming into Oakhurst. A beautiful, uneventful (exception of dodging a few roadkill specimens) drive where we all enjoyed throwing the British Beasties around the hills and curves.

At Oakhurst, we stopped at Bee’s Bakery for a little nourishment and some bodily motion lotion. Here we met Bernie (Midget) and Gary (Sprite). After a great breakfast and good conversation, we hit the road on CA 49 to get to Bernie’s place.

Upon arrival, Bernie showed us around his shop/mancave and Morris turned the color of Goblin’s exterior as soon as he saw the lift in one of the bays. Many other treasures included a gun metal gray Porsche 911 and a race version Spridget and too many other ‘toys’ to list.

Being that Morris had a previous commitment later that afternoon, Goblin was designated the first to get the alignment. The longest part of the job was removing the headlight rims covering the adjustment screws. Thanks to Jay’s assistance, both rings were finally removed and Bernie performed his magic. As expected, both lights needed an elevation change as well as side to side adjustment. Soon Bernie had every thing in alignment and the next ‘victim’ was selected. As all this was going on, Martin and Jay decided they would perform their own alignment procedure with their own special tools (see photos), but I doubt they accomplished the task to the professionalism that Bernie accomplished.

After sticking around to see the results on Jay’s MGA & Richard’s Alpine, it was time for Morris to part company and head southbound for the appointment. This was too bad for later I found out that Bro. Victor showed up later for the fun. This was definitely a ‘downer’ for Morris because he wanted to question Victor’s decision to part with his MGB-GT and hold on to his Triumph (Grr).

With thanks to Bernie and goodbyes to all, Morris & Goblin headed southbound to the Valley, this time highballing down CA 49 & 41, a mite quicker than the northbound route.

It was unfortunate about leaving early in that the real fun began after Victor arrived. Rumor is that some liquid refreshment was on hand and that the same special tools that were involved in the alignment work did double duty by being a replacement bottle opener. I also heard that Morris missed out on a great lunch and lots of frivolity. There is always next time!

Til then,

Safety fast!