Eleven adults and three children enjoyed a glorious winters day at the Don Avery Memorial Shield Run on Sunday 19 July 2011. Event organiser President Warren Gracie briefed those members gathered in the NRMA’s car park at North Strathfield before issuing a very simple-to-follow direction sheet that also included some even easier questions ... the answers to be found along the way. This annual event presents our members with an opportunity for a great day out and a chance to be awarded the Don Avery Memorial Shield at our Christmas function. Those enjoying the great weather and scenery in their A7’s were
Warren Gracie, Mark Wellington, Ken Rolley, Paul & Sandra Boatwright and their children Jessica, Katie & Jackie, Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright, Paul & Amy Pui and Robert & Faye Yarroll. Everyone departed North Strathfield armed with Warren’s simpleto-follow directions and questions. Nobody should have any problems. Well, Robert & Faye Yarroll must have thought there was a special award for the Austin 7 that travelled the greatest distance during the run; because they got totally lost and went about 20 miles out of their way. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Paul and Amy Pui followed those lost souls for most
view from the Hawkesbury Lookout
Continued on Page 6
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
-
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 the 2nd 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
Noel Siegert - Cowra Gary & Beth Brown - Berowra Jim & Jennie Johnston - Hanging Rock Edward & Gwennyth Trotter - Orangeville Presidents Report My report last month indicated that the Council of Motor Clubs (CMC) was to hold a forum on NSW’s Historic Concessional Registration Scheme. Only one club member contacted me indicating that he preferred the existing scheme rather than the logbook scheme as in other states. After discussion at our last monthly general meeting it was generally agreed that the existing scheme was satisfactory for this clubs requirements. At the CMC forum there were some 90 clubs represented and after much discussion the meeting voted 89 to 1 that the existing scheme should remain. Whilst there were other topics discussed nothing new came up that our club was not already doing. I was happy to organise the Don Avery Memorial Shield Run this year and I hope the members who attended enjoyed the day as much as I did. Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
Page 3
Events Report The Don Avery Memorial Shield Run (a Mystery Run) was no longer a mystery after arriving at the NRMA car park and receiving our instructions for the day. We had a wonderful off-the-main-roads tour, eventually arriving at Richmond for our first stop … and I might add not without some drama. Two cars … and almost a third … missed an important left exit at a roundabout and merrily travelled straight ahead for quite some time before realising their error ... but they eventually found their way back to the rest of the group. We visited the Hawkesbury Lookout for lunch and enjoyed the magnificent views and beautiful weather, finally arriving at the Ettamogah Pub where we handed in our Question & Answer sheets for the day. A wonderful day was had by all, but unfortunately Ken Rolley had fuel problems and could not complete the event. Thanks to Warren Gracie who gave us a great run. In attendance were Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark Wellington, Ken Rolley, Paul & Amy Pui, Warren Gracie, Paul, Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright and Merv & Maureen Boatwright. Seven Austin 7’s and one modern took part on the day. Our next run is being organised by Paul and Amy Pui and will take in the Landmarks of Sydney. Lunch will be a BBQ at Paul and Amy’s home, so please phone them and let them know you are coming so catering arrangements can be made. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
Herbert Austin really lived in Sydney? Fact or fiction? Did Herbert Austin, one of the greatest motoring entrepreneurs in history, really live in Sydney? Well come along and investigate for yourself on Paul & Amy Pui’s Sydney Landmark Run on 17 July 2011. Paul reckons he can prove that Herbert Austin did live in Sydney ... and he wants to show you the proof. So don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime. And remember to bring along your camera to photograph the EVIDENCE. See page 7 for more details of this exciting event. Page 4
Coming Events 17 July 2011 ... Sydney Landmark Run Starting at Lady Macquarie’s Chair at 7:30am then going to Milson’s Point, Luna Park, Blues Point Reserve, Cammeray (suspension bridge) and much more. Finish at Paul & Amy’s place for a BBQ lunch. Any member trailering their Austin 7 can leave their trailer at Paul & Amy’s place no later than 7:00am. Please contact Paul or Amy if you are interested in attending. Phone 0413 621 078 or 9958 1791. Organised by Paul & Amy Pui 24 - 25 September 2011 … President’s Weekend - South Coast area Our President is considering a weekend in the South Coast area. Please contact Warren Gracie or Maureen Boatwright if you are thinking of attending this event. We have 10 names already. Bookings must be made ASAP. 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. 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 21 August 2011 ... 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic Special displays for 100 years of the Chevrolet, 60 years of the Renault Car Club in Australia and 50 years of the E-Type Jaguar and Volvo P1800. If you like cars, motor bikes, trucks, buses or military vehicles, then this is the show for you and your family. Admission by Pre-Paid Entry Sticker ONLY. 31 August 2011 ... 31st British Car Display Day - North Parramatta In conjunction with The King’s School Art Show. Bring the family and have a great day at the Kings School, Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta (entry via Masons Drive). Breakfast available from 7am, lunch and wine tastings. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to purchase your entry ticket. Page 5
Don Avery Memorial Shield Run - continued of that distance too! All navigators were kept busy trying to find answers to the given questions while simultaneously directing the drivers. Amongst other things we had to identify a church, find the street name of a Hospital, and identify a school and various creeks that we crossed. Finally we were on the lookout for a telephone number for a Veterinary Hospital ... which Faye found difficult to jot down as her right arm was in a sling. Surely this deserves a few extra points! It was also great to see Ken Rolley and his black A7 Special back on the road again. When Ken last raced at Wakefield Park he blew-up his motor by driving too enthusiastically. Ken has recently fixed the motor and he’s now ready to rock and roll again. But unfortunately, Ken’s day was cut short when his fuel line got blocked just before lunchtime. Our lunch stop was at Winmalee’s Hawkesbury Lookout overlooking the Yellowmundie Regional Park. It’s a wonderful place to stop for a rest and a chat … and what a glorious view too! It was also a treat for the many onlookers who ventured over to check out our cars. Paul and Amy Pui discovered driving their A7 up some of the steepest roads in the NSW was quite scary; and it became even more daunting when they realised that what goes up must come down. Driving back down some equally steep roads proved to be absolutely terrifying for them. After many long miles touring through very picturesque countryside our days outing came to a close at the Ettamogah Pub’s car park at Kellyville Ridge. The question sheets, complete with our answers, were handed back to Judge Warren. It’s now a long wait to find out who’ll be awarded the Shield. Our A7’s have once again provided us with an enjoyable day out with a great group of people. Our heartfelt thanks go to Warren for organising this years Run.
The deadline for all contributions to Baby Torque magazine is now the 2nd last Friday of each month. CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS TO SUIT BIG/SMALL SHAFTS (not the late 3 bearing crankshaft)
FRONT ROLLER BEARING MRJ 1⅛” - $109 FRONT THRUST BEARING RMS 9 - $25 Contact Cliff Stockley on (02) 6555 9807 Page 6
Take a note of this date ... it’s very important! Paul and Amy Pui have organised our very first Sydney Landmark Run ... and you’re invited join them on what will be a unique Club event. If you’ve always wanted to take a photo of your Austin 7 at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair ... or in front of the famous Luna Park smiling face ... or having a stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge and city backdrop for that special photo opportunity ... then it’s time to polish up your Austin 7 and have a great day out. We’ll meet at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at 7:30am for our first photo-stop. Then we’re off to the Sydney Opera House before crossing the Harbour Bridge to visit Blues Point Reserve for more photos with a world class background. It will be a fantastic opportunity to photograph two of the worlds greatest icons from the same era together ... our A7’s and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Event organisers Amy & Paul Pui There’ll be even more photo opportunities during the day and eventually we’ll arrive at Paul & Amy’s place for a well earned rest, some good conversation and a yummy BBQ lunch. Those members trailering an Austin 7 to this event can leave their trailer at Paul & Amy’s place prior to the commencement of the run. If you’ll be joining us on this Sydney Landmark Run please contact Paul or Amy by Wednesday 8 July 2011 on (02) 9958 1791 or 0413 621 078. I hope you can join us ... this really is a Club event not to be missed!
... the Editor
Page 7
These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the June 2011 General Meeting Held on 8 June 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:18pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Apologies: Mark & Joanne Wellington, Brian & Deirdre Hayward, Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson, Paul Boatwright, Bob & Judith Riches and Kevin Harte. Moved: Paul Pui
Seconded: Maureen Boatwright
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Paul Paui
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards … Bay to Birdwood entry forms for 2011, the Bent Wire, 2 x Baby Torque (WA), Drive Chatter, Veteran & Vintage Car Club of Goulburn, The Depender, The Light Shaft (Vic), 2 x Careflight, 2 x Memberships (G Brown receipted as new member as membership ended January 2010). 2 x emails from Cliff Stockley. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Helen Quartly
Treasurer Report: Warren Gracie read the Financial Report Moved: Faye Yarroll
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Spare Parts: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Paul Pui
Seconded: Denis Quartly
Editor: Thanks to Amy Pui for story and photo’s from Orange Rally. Paul and Mervyn did well at Winton. Our internet site is going well. Change for close-off for magazine stories to 2nd last Friday of each month. Cars to be photographed in front of landmarks during July Run. Membership: 2 x membership applicaPage 8
tions. 75 financial members. Gary Brown rejoined. 80 or more looked at internet’s Austins Over Australia gallery, Orange Rally and Winton. Victorian Club love our site. Interest all over the world. Welfare: Nil Public Officer: Nil Events Team: Brooklyn Postman Cruise booked for Monday 11 July 2011. Please pay $45p/p ASAP - includes smorgasbord lunch. Expressions of Interest required for Presidents weekend away. 10 bookings so far. Eastern Creek stickers are available for those who have booked at $12 each. There are only 2 stickers left .. so don’t miss out. Phone 9822 8609 now. Bookings for All British Day are closing soon. Those needing to trailer their A7 to take part in July Run organised by Paul and Amy Pui need to phone Paul on 0413 621 078 so he can arrange parking near his home. You will need to be at Paul’s home by 7:00am on the day. Reports moved: Paul Pui
Seconded: Barbara Fahey
General Business: Warren spoke about Forum he will be attending next week on list to be discussed. Seat belt for children from birth to 7 years requires advice and engineers inspection required - most cars have wooden frames. Existing system on permits to move for events was voted by our Club members at June meeting to remain the same. The meeting closed at 8.55pm. Door Prize - won by Robert Yarroll Raffle - won by Warren Gracie
Recent Happy Snaps
Page 9
Car of the Month ... Warren Gracie’s “Bentley” Club President Warren Gracie has been a member of our Club for the past 12 years. He has had many years of experience in motor sports starting in his younger days as a motor racing driver; and more recently as a senior race steward and official at various events. Warren bought his black 1933 Austin 7 RP Box Saloon named Bentley in December 2005. Bentley was brought from England in 2003 by an English migrant and was first registered in Queensland in 2004. Documents received with the car indicate that it was originally registered on 18 October 1933 with registration plates WO7729. Warren still has those original plates made from cast alloy. Warren is keeper number six of this cute little Austin Seven. The name Bentley comes from Mr. W.O. Bentley (manufacturer of Bentley Cars) who was always referred to as W.O. Warren purchased the car on the basis that it had been fully restored during the 1980’s and was in good condition. However, the motor was weak, the differential was noisy, the gearbox was doubtful and the suspension was just fair. So Warren had bought a good body and now had a lot of work to do on the rest. Although the previous keeper said his local expert had overhauled the motor and the differential, the new crown and pinion had been fitted using old bearings which no doubt helped create the noise. Fortunately, when Warren replaced the old bearings there had been no damage caused to the new crown wheel and pinion. On dismantling the engine it was found to have worn guides and valves, and a cracked block. So a spare block was rebored and new pistons, rings, valves, guides and springs were obtained. The crankshaft and big ends were in good condition, however new main bearings were fitted and the old pump overhauled. Austin 7’s can require a lot of repairs as parts
Page 10
wear out. So Warren also replaced the carburettor and fuel pump too. The electrics were replaced with a new wiring harness and the distributor was changed for an auto enhanced model from his spares. The gearbox, although serviceable, was replaced with a four speed unit he had overhauled some years earlier. Finally, after all this hard work and a new set of tyres, Bentley was back on the road again. Phew ... and all this on a car that was bought in good condition. Well after five years Bentley is still cruising along nicely and Warren reckons the car will probably outlast him. One of the funniest things Warren recalls was when he and Bentley got photographed at Eastern Creek Raceway among the V8’s at a Muscle Car Race Day. Not long afterwards, Warren spotted the photo in a glossy car magazine ... and there’s BENTLEY right in the middle of all those muscle cars. Warren has enjoyed many rally’s over the years in his various Austin 7’s. In 2008 Bentley and two other A7’s travelled from Sydney to the South Coast President’s Weekend stopping off at Queanbeyan, Cooma, Brown Mountain and Bega; and then back home again. Bentley clocked up over a thousand kilometres on this run without even a hiccup. We wish Warren and Bentley many more happy years of touring together.
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 11
The Austin History - Part 4 The story goes that in order to make the decisions Herbert Austin took a coin from his pocket and tossed it in the air, heads to stay, tails to close. It landed heads up, so Austin spoke to the workforce himself. He explained that the Company finances were not healthy, but that the problems could be overcome. He required help from the workers though. If they were prepared to work for one month without pay, the Austin Motor Company could survive. Herbert Austin appreciated that he could not ask this of the workers without giving something in return and he offered those making the sacrifice a job for life as long as the Company was there. That coin, a half crown, was mounted in the wooden panelling behind his desk. The immortal Austin Seven was introduced in 1922; thus a whole new class of small car was born. Because of demand, major expansion took place, including the introduction of a flow-line system and the use of conveyors. the Austin Seven
Car production continued and it was not until about 1925 that it was time to expand the factory yet again. It grew to 62 acres and gave employment to 8,000 workers who annually produced 25,000 cars. Longbridge was now a great engineering centre with its own foundry, forge and machine shops. It had its own body pressing, assembly and painting plant, and erection shops building engines, gearboxes, rear axles and steering assemblies, as well as facilities for the assembly of the finished cars. ... 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
Page 12
Austin Seven Bearing Equivalents SKF = The SKF Bearing Company RHP = Ransome & Marles Bearings (now *Ransome Hoffman Pollard Bearings) The following chart contains Bearing designation letters and numbers SKF
RHP
RLS = ball light
LJ = light journal
RMS = ball medium
MJ = medium journal
CRL = roller light
LRJ = light roller
CRM = roller medium
MRJ = medium roller
ALS = ball angular contact light
LJT = light journal thrust
AMS = ball angular contact medium
MJT = medium journal thrust
O = ball light thrust
LT = light thrust
The SKF bearing designation number indicates the shaft diameter of the bearing in ⅛”. SKF
RHP
RLS 10
LJ 1¼”
RLS 8
LJ 1”
RLS 7
LJ ⅞”
RLS 6
LJ ¾”
RLS 5
LJ ⅝”
RMS 9
MJ 1⅛”
RMS 8
MJ 1”
CRL 9
LRJ 1⅛”
CRM 10
MRJ 1¼”
CRM 9
MRJ 1⅛”
CRM 7
MRJ ⅞”
ALS 10
LJT 1¼”
ALS 9
LJT 1⅛”
ALS 8
LJT 1”
AMS 8
MJT 1”
O7
LT ⅞”
6200 metric
LJ 10(mm)
* An amalgamation of Ransome & Marles Bearings and Hoffman & Pollard Bearings. The information contained on this page was compiled by the Austin 7 Club VIC Inc
Page 13
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.
Classic Car Coolant 1 litre $15.30 Transoil SAE90 Gearbox 1 litre $7.80 Transoil SAE140 Differential 1 litre $7.80 Valve Shield 500ml $16.90
an Austin Page 14
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ith a fe 7 Ruby ... w
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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 July 2011 10 August 2011 14 September 2011 12 October 2011 9 November 2011 14 December 2011
Helen & Denis Quartly Faye & Robert Yarroll Sandra & Paul Boatwright Amy & Paul Pui Judith & Bob Riches Members to bring a plate Page 15
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.
RTA Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Historic Conditional Registration Scheme (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 move-
ments 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.