Remembering our Diggers on ANZAC Day - 25 April 2011
Wonderful Oatley Park The destination for our 20 March 2011 Twilight Mystery Run was Oatley Park. But instead of an enjoyable drive from North Strathfield to Oatley Park our Events Team had to postpone the outing because of heavy rain. In fact, so much rain fell on Sydney that day it was officially our wettest March day in 27 years. Our Events Team will endeavour to re-schedule this Club run for another time.
Committee Name
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
President
Warren Gracie
(02) 9569 2108
0417 417 826
Vice President
Paul Pui
(02) 9958 1791
0413 621 078
Secretary / Public Officer
Maureen Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0413 017 263
Treasurer
Helen Lewis
(02) 9709 2344
0407 108 196
Spare Parts
Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0412 940 001
Club Examiners
Warren Gracie Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9569 2108 (02) 9822 8609
0417 417 826 0412 940 001
Membership / Registration
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
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As a courtesy, please do not contact Committee Members after 9:00pm.
Club Meetings The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8:00pm in the NRMA Training Rooms, NRMA Building, George Street, North Strathfield. Parking is available in the NRMA car park opposite the building.
Magazine Deadline The deadline for all contributions to Baby Torque is ALWAYS the last Friday of each month. Contributions should be sent to The Editor, Baby Torque, 10 Lorraine Street, North Strathfield NSW 2137.
Banking Details Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts
Bank
Laboratories Credit Union
Bendigo Bank
BSB
802-841
633-000
0000009132
128875804
Account Page 2
Presidents Report Unfortunately our Twilight Run to Oatley Park was postponed due to inclement weather. But at least our gardens will not need watering for a while. Club members going to “Austin’s Over Australia” at Forbes during the Easter break should have a good time. I wonder what odds Centerbet will put on the camel that our Club jockey will be riding? Some members were recently concerned that Baby Torque devoted too much space to Concessional Registration and should contain other stories of interest. This article was included because a number of members have asked me what the practice is at Registration Renewal time. So it’s apparent to me that not all members are aware of all the requirements. The Conditional Registration reminder about other events will continue to be placed on the back page of Baby Torque. Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
Events Report Unfortunately there was no run to Oatley Park in March due to the extreme weather but I’m sure we’ll visit there in the future. Our next run is a mystery and will be organized by Bob & Judith Riches. It sounds like a lot of fun and action. Don’t forget to phone 9822 8609 if you are going to lunch in Pitt Town and what starting point you are leaving from. Expressions of Interest are required in regard to the Presidents Weekend to be held 24-25 September 2011 in the Kiama Area, and our President is thinking of joining the Kiama Vintage & Classic Car Rally for Charity on Sunday 25 September. Please let us know what you would like to do. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
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2011 Wings Over Illawarra my grandad Mervyn 27 February 2011 to go with I woke up early on Sunday Albion Park for the on on a nice run down to Boatwright and Mark Wellingt t view of the Illawarra open day. There was a grea 2011 Wings Over Illawarra to Albion Park, after n Mount Ousley. When we got Escarpment on the way dow d the other 500 vintage e in the Austin 7’s, we joine approximately a 2 hour driv the airport. We got in arm band then drove into cars. The three of us got an ted people flooded in. spot. When the open day star early so we could get a good
came for the airstalls for lunch, most people Although there was a few food e to look at from the there was a lot of planes ther show. At the airport, outside . There was also some d go inside for a better look outside or if you paid you coul n though it only went hot air balloon giving rides (eve racing cars on display and a e was jumping castied to 3 cars by ropes). Ther up 8 metres in the air and was d was there. Around kids, and even Ronald McDonal tles and face painting for the inside, and a helie aircrafts to look around and the back there were some mor d but we found a spot ts. There was a huge crow copter giving some joy fligh aft to take off. When ed a while for the first big aircr where we could see. We wait s around the airport. t in front of us and did loop it finally did, it took off righ in loops. Later on we taking off and flying around There were numerous planes took off and headed home.
er Ashley Cottell - junior memb
Club Gossip Is there any truth in the rumour Paul Pui has been enduring intense aerobic workouts in preparation for his inaugural Camel Race at Forbes? Any photographic evidence to confirm this rumour would be appreciated. Page 4
Coming Events 17 April 2011 ... Club Run - Mystery Destination Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 8:30am and arriving at Kellyville Ridge at 9:30am OR departing from Ettamogah Pub, Cnr Merriville & Windsor Roads, Kellyville Ridge at 10:00am (coffee is available at the McCafe opposite the pub). Finish at a venue for lunch in the Pitt Town area (lunch has been booked). Please contact the Events Team ASAP on 9822 8609 if you will be attending and advise your chosen starting place. Organised by Bob & Judith Riches 15 May 2011 ... National Heritage Motoring Day - Mystery Run Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am heading south for breakfast and continuing south for a Mystery Run. Please contact the Events Team ASAP on 9822 8609 to book your place for breakfast. Organised by Mark Wellington 19 June 2011 ... Don Avery Memorial Shield Run Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 9:30am. Organised by Warren Gracie 17 July 2011 ... Sydney Landmark Run Visiting Lady Macquarie’s Chair, Milsons Point, Luna Park, Blues Point Reserve, Cammeray (suspension bridge) and much more. Finish at Paul & Amy’s place for a BBQ lunch. Please contact Paul or Amy if your are interested in attending. Phone 0413 621 078 or 9958 1791. Organised by Paul & Amy Pui 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. The Headquarters for the National Rally will be at the Tanunda Show Grounds Hall which is in a very nice setting and has plenty of parking available. Prior to preparing and issuing entry forms the Austin 7 Club SA need to get an indication on how many people are likely to enter the 2012 National A7 Rally. Consequently they need your help by completing and returning an Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible. Also, please give a form to anyone else you know who may be interested in attending this rally.
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Coming Events - continued Forms may be obtained by:
logging onto the 2012 Rally page on the Austin 7 Club SA website at www.austin7clubsa.com.au, asking your Events Director for a hard copy, asking Ralph Drage (2012 Rally Secretary) to send a hard copy.
Invitations Accepted 22 - 25 April 2011 ... Austin's Over Australia - Forbes, NSW For those attending this event, please contact the Secretary if you have not received Newsletter No. 4 which includes the Registration Form. 6 - 8 May 2011 ... Central Tablelands Autumn Tour - Orange, NSW Eligible Vehicles – Manufactured Pre 1931. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to get an Entry Form and Accommodation List. Entries Close on 20 April 2011.
FOR SALE
$3,950
FOR SALE
$2,000 ono
A7 TOW CAR
CAR TRAILER
1975 Mercedes Benz 280 SE Automatic, fuel injected and air conditioned. An original car in excellent condition. Historic number plates NOT transferrable.
This trailer was made for our A7 Ruby. Inside dimensions 3,460mm x 1,450mm. Electric brakes with controller. Hand brake and jockey wheel. Spare wheel. New tyres on trailer. Ramps. Registered Dec ’11.
Phone Cliff Stockley on (02) 6555 9807.
Phone Kevin Fahey on (02) 9639 6312.
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These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the March 2011 General Meeting Held on 9 March 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:15 pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all Members to the meeting.
cover of the Austin 7 March Magazine.
Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright
Public Officer Contact made with our Insurance company requesting information re voluntary workers & committee not being covered over the age of 70. An email has been received explaining only voluntary workers are not covered over 70 years of age, club members have no age limit in reference to insurance cover.
Attendees and Apologies There were 23 members in attendance. Apologies: Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson, Joanne Wellington. Moved: Kevin Harte
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Helen Quartly
Business arising from minutes. Nil Correspondence 3 Membership renewals, Careflight, Happy Holidays at Holiday Point, Vintage & Veteran Car Club of Goulburn, Willeys Whippet Overland Knight Restorers, Berrima District Historic Vehicle Club, Liverpool Super Swap Meeting – Fairfield City Showground. Letter to Classic Wiring Looms. Moved: Helen Quartly
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Treasurer Report Paul Pui read the Financial Report Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Spare Parts Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report Moved: Bob Riches
Membership We now have 70 financial members. 2 have dropped out.
Welfare Card sent to country member Tim Paton who has not been well. Events Team Twilight Run to Oatley Park – bbq available or bring picnic (BYO). April run will have lunch at a club in Pittown at reasonable prices. Moved: Trevor Hail
Seconded: Mark Wellington
General Business A talk will be given by Neil Wilson in a few months in regard to restoring roof bows & furniture. Bob Riches produced a box containing parts belonging to Paul Beaumont, a 750 Phoenix shaft & a hipressure oil pump. Warren Gracie spoke about Presidents Run for 2011 that may incorporate a Charity run in the Kiama area. Lucky Door prize won by Gordon Love, Raffle won by Helen Quartly.
Seconded: Trevor Hail
Editor/Webmaster Website receiving 1,000 hits a month with many visits from UK. Happy St.Patrick’s Day is clearly shown on the
Meeting closed 9.05pm
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Car of the Month It seems like Denis and Helen Quartly have been members of our Club forever. Denis learned to drive in an Austin 7, and over the years there’s been a few little Austin’s in the Quartly garage. Denis simply loves them! Way back in 1957, while travelling to work, Denis found out the hard way that Austin 7’s brakes don’t always stop quickly. Actually, they never stop quickly! Well, the Austin came off second best to a slightly larger FJ Holden. But some of the remains of that tough little beast were eventually transplanted onto another chassis and Denis was on the road once again. In their earlier Club days, Denis and Helen where proud owners of a maroon and black Austin Ruby. Helen remembers how upset Denis was when it rained on the way home from a Club run to Fagan’s Park. Denis didn’t like his beloved Ruby getting wet! They enjoyed the Ruby for quite some time and that little car is now in the hands of a South Australian Club member. Since 2005 there’s been a 1929 Austin 7 Chummy Tourer named Bub living in the Quartly garage. When Denis and Helen got their green and black beauty it was already restored, but that didn’t stop Denis wonder-
Denis and Helen’s1929 Austin 7 Chummy Tourer named Bub Page 8
Denis and Helen Quartly
ing how he could improve little Bub even further. He finally realised that apart from tweaking the “carby” there was nothing else to do. And guess what? Denis doesn’t like driving Bub in the rain. He was probably worrying about the possibility of rain the day he ran out of petrol not far from home. Denis always remembers now to turn the fuel tap “ON” before setting out on a journey! Bub has brought much happiness to Denis and Helen and has even won them the Most Popular Car award at the Riverstone Festival. Bub was also spotted at the 2010 Eastern Creek Display. On behalf of all Club members, the Editor wishes Denis and Helen a very enjoyable 50th Wedding Anniversary on 6 May 2011.
Information Sheet If you would like to see your Austin 7 featured in this magazine please complete and return the “Car of the Month - Information Sheet” available from the Editor. Page 9
A Wheely Good Restoration Restoring an Austin 7 doesn’t happen overnight. And usually it’s a never ending story as there’s always something else that needs to be done. This is Faye Yarroll’s account of the recent restoration of a little 1932 Austin 7 Box Saloon’s wheels. The project was so simple. Fully restore five wheels and fit them with new tapes, tubes and tyres. This should ensure trouble free wheels and tyres for ages. Step 1. It would be wise to speak to an expert to find out the best way to go about this simple job. So I asked some Club members, and I was promptly told, “no problems ... that’s so easy you can do it yourself.” So, with new found confidence, Robert and I decided to tackle the job. Step 2. Simply take the five wheels off the car. Well, at least we couldn’t mess that up too much. Then it will be just a matter of removing the old tyres, tubes and tapes from the wheels. A pretty easy job we were told. Well, all I can say is those experts probably haven’t actually performed this amazing feat themselves. Yes, theoretically it should be an easy and quick job ... but we are mere novices, NOT experts. Well, after removing much of the skin from my knuckles we did remove the tyres, tubes and tapes from the wheels. Step 3. Prepare the wheels for sandblasting and powder-coating. This meant the old hub caps had to come off. That can’t be too difficult ... they’re only about 3” across. Once again a small job was like building the Titanic. But with perseverance those little caps did come off. Then all we had to do was repair any imperfection in the steel wheels. That meant lots of sanding, cutting and filling to create the perfectly smooth finish we wanted. Well, after working hard on the five wheels I guess we now know how to prepare the wheels for sandblasting and powder-coating. Step 4. Take the wheels to the sandblaster and powder-coater. We did all the hard work and he gets paid to do the Page 10
easy job. I just hope he doesn’t blast straight through the metal wheels or spokes. We need all those little spokes to hold up the car! Step 5. Put the new tapes, tubes and tyres onto the newly restored wheels. The tapes were easy. The tubes and tyres were another thing altogether. But once again, with perseverance and the removal of the remainder of the skin still left on my knuckles, we succeeded at last. Step 6. New hub caps. Although the new caps are made from stainless steel, we thought we’d highly polished them before installation. So out we go to buy some metal polishing gear. The end result is hub caps with a beautiful mirror finish. Step 7. Use the sparkling new brass nuts we bought to attach the newly finished wheels back onto the car. Well, this was child’s play after everything we’ve been through.
So, the project is finally finished, and aren’t we relieved. The wheels and tyres look great and should serve us well into the future. And I guess, with all our new found knowledge we can now consider ourselves EXPERTS at restoring Austin 7 wheels. It’s amazing how much we’ve learned since joining the Club!
Tell Us Your Restoration Story Your fellow Club members are interested in any restoration work you’ve completed on your Austin 7. Please send your story with photographs to the Editor at the address mentioned on Page 2 or via the Club’s email. Page 11
The Austin History - Part 2 After various exploratory cycle rides around Birmingham he came to Longbridge, where he found a small derelict tin printing works, which proved to be just what he wanted. It was situated beside the Bristol Road, the River Rea and the joint Great Western Railway line from Longbridge to Halesowen. The asking price was £10,000, but after some haggling a price of £7,750 was agreed. Thus the Austin Motor Company was born with £20,000 pounds capital, financial help having been secured from friends. By the end of 1905 he had shown plans of his first car at the Olympia Motor Show. The first car produced in 1906 was a 25hp Endcliffe Phaeton costing £650. Endcliffe Phaeton
With orders picking up, his workforce of skilled craftsmen increased and in that year made 120 cars. One reason that he was able to get a new car to the market place so quickly was because he was multitalented, a draftsman, skilled engineer and having marketing expertise. In 1913 he decided to start making trucks. The first example being in the 2-3 ton range. This venture was short lived; having produced about 2,000 in total, Austin decided to concentrate on cars. 3 Ton Lorry
In February 1914 the Company changed from private to public ownership and the capital was increased to £50,000. In that year he produced about 1,000 cars with 2,000 employees. It must have seemed at the time that he now had the capital to move the company forward. But his vision was short lived, as in August the First World War began. By September all the resources of the factory were harnessed to turn out munitions. The armed forces’ appetite for weapons and equipment of every kind increased so much that the factory expanded accordingly, but this also gave rise to a lack of workers that could get to the site both day and night. ... this story will be continued in a future Baby Torque magazine ...
Copyright on the article / pictures belongs to John Baker www.austinmemories.com or the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
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Congratulations to two club couples celebrating 50 Years of Marriage on 6th May 2011
Denis & Helen Quartly Eric & Ann Bourn Austin Seven TE1753 ... where are you? These photographs were taken in the Cambridge area (England) in about 1957. The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost was owned by the Cambridge University Gliding Club and used by them at the Marshall Airfield to tow their gliders into the air. It eventually declined to proceed (as they say in Rolls Royce circles). The photograph at right might amuse you ... a bunch of undergraduates staring morosely at the Ghost’s engine wondering what the hell was wrong with it ... and none of them having the slightest clue! Does anyone know if TE1753 still exists with its special body? If you do please send an email to Lesley Marriner (the Senior Editor for the Midlands Austin Seven Club) at marrinerkl@yahoo.co.uk.
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Spare Parts All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 366, Casula Mall. NSW 2170 Telephone: (02) 9822 8609
Email: m.boaty@bigpond.com
Spare Parts will NOT be brought to meetings unless requested beforehand due to the vast number of parts in stock nowadays. Please contact Merv by the Thursday evening prior to the meeting with details of the parts you need. All Members choosing to pay by cheque for parts should read the instructions at the bottom of their invoice. Please make all cheques for Spare Parts payable to Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts.
New Parts for your Austin Seven Gudgeon Pin - Standard Type - $2.20 each Gudgeon Pin - Floating type - $9.00 each Gudgeon Pin - Oversize - $9.90 each
AVAILABLE NOW 5 x 19” AVON SIDE CAR TYRES (3.5” x 19”) $80 EACH Contact Merv Boatwright (on behalf of a Club Member) on (02) 9822 8609 or at m.boaty@bigpond.com 1937 AUSTIN BIG SEVEN PARTLY RESTORED - WITH LOTS OF PARTS Contact Robert Waller on (02) 4573 1272 after 6:00pm 1 x FULL SET (8) 1929 A7 BRAKE SHOES NEW BONDED LININGS $100 Contact Kevin Harte on (02) 9614 1512 1 x SET (2) RUBY HEADLIGHTS Contact Kevin Harte on (02) 9614 1512 1935-37 AUSTIN 7 RUBY TOURER - GOOD CONDITION Contact Trevor Wilson on (08) 8524 8036 Page 14
Bad Weather If bad weather conditions are looming, please contact Maureen Boatwright on Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run (H) 02 9822 8609 (M) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (H) 02 9569 2108 (M) 0417 417 826. And please remember to always carry the following documents in your Austin 7:
Comprehensive Insurance Policy Clubs’ Certificate of Currency Baby Torque Magazine
Point Score Trophy Don’t forget the Austin 7 Club NSW “Point Score” program. Our aim is to see as many people as possible attending events and meetings (including monthly general meetings). Participation in an event or outing from the starting point to the finish will score you 2 points, while attending a general meeting will score you 1 point. These points are awarded whether you attend in your Austin 7 or modern car. The person with the highest points tally will receive a trophy at our Christmas Luncheon / Presentation Day. So come along and get involved.
2011 Supper Roster 13 April 2011
Warren Gracie
11 May 2011
Joanne & Mark Wellington
8 June 2011
Maureen & Merv Boatwright
13 July 2011
Helen & Denis Quartly
10 August 2011 14 September 2011
Faye & Robert Yarroll Sandra & Paul Boatwright
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Member of The Council of Motor Clubs, Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc "Dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all types of Austin Sevens" Postal Address: P.O. Box 6009 North Ryde NSW 2113 Email: info@austin7clubnsw.org.au Website: www.austin7clubnsw.org.au
The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc has been active for over 25 years and aims to bring together people with the common interest of restoring, preserving and driving Austin Sevens. We are an informal family club that regularly takes our "Babies" to the road for some fun social touring. Spare parts are available to Club Members through the Club Spares Division and our technical people will give advice, where possible, in regard to the restoration of these cars.
Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Conditional Registration (HCRS) and attending a Secondary Club Run or any event listed under Invitations Accepted or Other Events of Interest MUST contact a Committee Member to advise your vehicles movements PRIOR to attending the event. The committee of the nominated primary club on your conditional registration must be aware, and approve of, all movements of
your vehicle. If you wish to attend invitational events outside Club runs, you MUST contact a Committee Member to log the trip, otherwise your registration and insurance is NOT valid. You should carry a copy of the Clubs’ Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability) in your Austin 7 at all times together with the most recent copy of this “Baby Torque” magazine.