Welcome as we head into spring, heaven knows it will soon be Xmas. Congratulations to all those who took part in the recent Daffodil Day/ VCC Open Day. The weather was lousy, but we managed to raise about the same figure as last year, with some small amounts to finalize. Well done all of you, special thanks to the Yankee Haulers who made a donation of $500. People are very generous for the cause. I am going to do something a little bit different this month, I am going to tell you how I come to have several Chevs and why. My first Chev was a 1946 Chev Fleetmaster, an opportunity to own this vehicle came about when I built the fences around part of a house next door to the home I was building. This family had a young child and wanted a secure yard in exchange for their hobby car. This was something I wanted so the deal was done. When I was working for BCITO I was in the main street of Taumarunui I spotted an old car. On closer inspection I felt it looked pretty tired, so I drove on. Three months later I was in Taumarunui on a Tuesday and again there was the 1939 Chev Master parked. I again inspected the car but a little more objectively. The car was obviously mobile but needed some TLC. The paint was ok, the interior had seen better days, but it was an original survivor. I spoke to the owner who wandered along, he told me he was a life member of the Chev Club which I am also a member of. Sometime later George passed away. I contacted his niece who was the executor of his estate, we settled on a price, and I drove the 39 home very proud of my acquisition. Today we still own this Chev having done quite a lot of work both internally and engine wise. As time went by the urge to get a 1955 Chev surfaced. I had always admired the tri- 5 Chev. I was put in touch with a Guy who sourced cars from the USA. I had my wish list: 1955 Chev Belair, 2 door coupe, 265 small block V8 and auto. Months went by with no contact, so I rang him he said his guy in USA was looking but had not found anything as yet. He showed me several vehicle’s all needing full restorations which I was trying to avoid. Then an email from him had photos of an original looking car which fitted the bill. This car was purchased on our behalf and then shipped to NZ. We have this car today which is always a head turner in its turquoise and cream colours. When this car arrived Heather thought it was a good idea to sell the 46 Chev, needless to say we did. My association with Chev goes back to 1973 when I joined a group setting up the Raglan Surf Lifeguard Patrol. As a part of getting the Club ready to patrol was at Labour Weekend 1973 was our patrol vehicle. The truck we were working on was a 1942 Chevrolet 4x4 more commonly known as a Chev “Puddle jumper”. The vehicle was stripped, sanded and prepared for paint. It was painted bright orange by King St Motor Bodies in Hamilton. I used to bring most of my patrol personnel out from Hamilton, so I did many trips to Raglan in the weekends. The old Chev never let us down. Just as a footnote the Raglan Surf Lifeguard Patrol celebrates its 50 year anniversary this Labour weekend. Going back even further my parents had Chev Fleetmasters for their wedding cars in 1953. Going back even further I have found out that my Grandfather Tom Boswell ran a cartage business in Hikurangi in the 1920’s and 1930’s and he used Chev Trucks for his small Fleet. So I guess that many coincidence in my family have been based around Chevrolet vehicles. Till next time, be safe and keep left.
Maureen King
Maureen joined in May 1999 and was a member for 24 years. Our condolences to family and friends.
No dogs allowed
Thank you to our members who came along to Fish and Chip club night. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed evening including the Twilight Run. I emailed T&S Takeaways and congratulated them on their delicious dinner and packaging. If you want to have takeaways in Cambridge visit T & S Takeaways in Lakewood. They are online to pre order. Awesome to see new members come along who have joined our Waikato Branch in the last 6 months. Thank you. Raffle, 3 prizes to choose from Bozy, Marcia and Ted & Terry (shared ticket). Don’t forget we would like 4 cars to come along to Thomsons ITM at 6.30am on Friday 27th October. Bozy and Steven S have confirmed they will be there. This is an opportunity to promote the Vintage Car Club, if you have an interest in cars/vehicles and don’t own one at the moment you can still join then club, vehicles only have to be 30 years only which is not that old really. Awards Dinner on the 28th October at our club rooms $10 per head, there is a limited number of people we can cater for so please let me know if you are attending. Information for payment is on the flyer in the magazine. Thursday mornings are being supported. Men actually do get some jobs done and always enjoy the chatter and jokes. Grounds are looking awesome after Les mowed the lawns today. We would love to see more ladies come along and bring their craft what ever they have on the go or even just to sit and chat. We are always there to enjoy the company of others. Club rooms are being used for occasions with 80 and 70th birthdays. Workshop is looking like a proper Workshop with tools in the right place. Thanks to Anita who bought along a floor sign today to let people know “someone is working.” Toilets in the club rooms are being painted and I am sure you will miss the orange doors once they get painted. Thanks Tony who is working on them Thursday mornings. Jillian and Bob are away and enjoying an interesting holiday and will have a lot of stories to tell when they get back.
Enough from me.
Heather
The club night on the 11th October is a Housie/Bingo night. Come along for a fun night and win some prizes, cash prizes for first line and then for a full house. So, bring some cash along and nibbles and refreshments of your choice, it should be a fun night.
The Motorcycle group have a run on the 7th October, contact Steve Walter for details.
On the 28th October we are holding our Awards dinner. We will be presenting 60, 50-, 35-, and 25-year long service awards. Come along and support your fellow members being honored for their service. Also, this year our branch received its Gold Card, yes, we are 65 years old this year. The cost for the dinner is only $10 P.P. and must be pre-booked and paid for by the 16th October. Bring along your choice of nibbles and refreshments for the evening. So come and have a great night out.
The 4th November sees our Veteran and Rear Wheel Brake Vintage Vehicles rally. The entry forms are out so check your vehicles and come along, our model “T” is now warranted and registered so Marcia and I will be there.
The club night on the 8th November will have a guest speaker to discuss Scam and Fraud Issues.
On the 19th November it is our Annual Swap Meet, this is our major fund raiser for the year. So, I would urge all our members to help on the day. Give Jeremy Brook a call, 07 8241641 or 0211520922 to offer your help. The swap-meet is also a very social day, people come from all over searching for that hard-to-find part. The club rooms and parts shed are also open and a lot of people call in for a cuppa and a search through the parts shed. So please come and help your club have a good swap-meet.
The motorcycle group have a run, on the 3rd of December. Then the last club night of the year will be on the 13th December and will be a picnic in the park. More details will be out soon.
As club captain I would like to give all our new members a very warm Waikato welcome. I would like all our members, (new and old) to wear their name badges, it makes it so much easier to hold a conversation when you know each other’s name.
A plea from your Secretary Heather: 2023-2024 subscription invoices have been emailed to members from the National NZVCC office. If you have not received an email please check your junk inbox as I have been informed from one member who found their email in the junk email box.
If you haven’t received your invoice please let me know and I can follow this up and have it posted to you. Very important why we all must notify our branch Secretary being me Heather of any changes to email addresses etc.
Entries are coming in for the South Waikato Country Run on October 7th. Entries close 30th September. The destination is Murray Belfield’s place, where we have visited before. He is currently rebuilding, at his home at Kinross Place Tokoroa, a Jodel DII French built 2 seater monoplane. An interesting route is planned with lunch at the Tokoroa RSA. There was sad news last week that the originator of this run, Ted Billett, passed away, aged 90. Ted was a keen rider in his day doing big rides on his favourite Harley Davidson machines usually with a sidecar and still riding a couple of years ago on his modern Harley and sidecar.
The very bad weather on the Daffodil Rally deterred some expected bikes but at least there was one!
There are plenty of opportunities for group rides. Good to see riders from other clubs on our rides and vice versa. The Waikato Classic Motorcycle club had an enjoyable ride, via back roads, in fine weather to Okoroire on August 27th and the following weekend the Cold Kiwi rally also had fine weather. Some, from the Waikato have entered the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club rally on the weekend of 16th, 17th September.
60
Come along and join us to celebrate with our long term members. Enjoy a hearty dinner followed by dessert. BYO refreshments and nibbles.
Clubrooms open at 6pm with dinner at 7pm.
Cost $10 pp
Must be pre-booked and paid by 16 October to: Bank account: 03-1568-0015832-03 with name/dinner as reference
Details to Heather: waikato@vcc.org.nz
What’s been happening this month? Sorting and hanging spanners and tools on the wall so it’s a lot easier to find rather than having to sort throughout various trays in the tool boxes.
I paid a visit to John and Jean Bailey after John phoned me and offered some of his collection and suggested I come over some time otherwise a lot of it was going to be dumped. Between the workshop and the library we now have some of John’s collection. Thanks John.
I also shifted the Warrant of Fitness sign from inside the clubrooms and is now hanging up in the workshop which I thought was more of an appropriate place. If anyone knows any history of this sign (see photo) I would be very interested to hear and maybe incorporate this info on the wall. Progress is being made on the Studebaker (motor has been running) and it looks like the mini has returned for further work but is now driveable so it can be driven off the hoist for anyone that wants to use at any stage. Give Graham Holmes (07) 827 7341 or Andy (07) 823 5712 or 022 0415 356 a call whether it be for a Thursday or in the weekend that you wish to make use of as I’m sure a Person in charge (PIC) can be arranged.
Once again special thanks go out to the ladies in the ‘Angels café’ for the morning tea supplied each Thursday. Remember Workshop and Parts are open every Thursday 9.30am - 2 / 2.30pm.
Cossey Workshop Sub Committee:-
Jeremy Brook 021 1520 922
Bryan Cossey 0274 10 7772
Graham Holmes (07) 827 7341
Terry Piddick 027 272 6319
She's a runner! After the normal two steps forward and one back, the Studebaker engine finally burst into life at a recent Workshop session. Several problems had to be overcome first, including an odd cam timing marking which saw the valves incorrectly timed at the first attempt. Once this was sorted, the ignition wiring had to be carefully traced through to ensure the new coil and points system could work as intended. Once we had a spark and fuel, then the priming cups were found to be leaking requiring another trip to Alan's workshop for machining of suitable sealing spacers, then the choke operation was found to be reversed. But, all in a days work to the Studebaker team, it was finally 'All Systems Go' when Alan and the starter motor brought the 105 year old engine into life.
On the panel beating front, Peter and Reece have the new front skirt almost ready, so we are looking forward to doing a trial fit very soon, whilst Graham has sorted the misaligned trunk handle which can be trial run at the next session.
Things might be a little quiet in coming weeks as Bob is still to return from Australia and Alan is off to the US again soon, but step by step we are getting there.
We hope that you will enjoy the club and it’s many activities
If you have any queries either big or small please do not hesitate to contact any member of the committee and they will be more than willing to assist you in any way possible.
Jim and Irena Leadbeater: Ford 1968 Mustang Shelby, Morris 1967 Cooper S, Ford 1968 Mustang sedan
Wes McIntyre : MGB 1965 Costello roadster
Neville Gouk: 1968 Triumph Herald sedan
Roy Lewis: 1992 Mercedes E320 roadster
Once again, welcome to the club. We hope to see you at the club night on the second Wednesday of each month.
Thu 5 Workshop Open 9.30am
Sat 7 Motorcycle Run
Wed 11 Club Night—Bingo!
Thu 12 Workshop open 9.30am
Wed 18 Wednesday Wander
Thu 26 Workshop open 9.30am
Fri 27 Thomsons Tradie Bfast—Promoting club
Sat 28 Awards Dinner (no Club Run)
Thu 2 Workshop open 9.30am
Sat 4 Veteran Rally (notice on page 17)
Wed 8 Club Night—Scam & Fraud Speaker
Thu 9 Workshop open 9.30am
Sat 11 Motorama Mystery Creek—Promoting club
Sat-Sun 11-12 Tour Weekend (postponed at this stage)
Wed 15 Wednesday Wander
Thu 16 Workshop open 9.30am
Sat 19 SWAP MEET - Karapiro
Wed 23 Workshop open 9.30am
Wed 30 Workshop open 9.30am
Sat 7 King Country Vintage Car Club
Sat 14 Manawatu MC Rally
Fri 20-23 6th Annual Nat Commercial Rally
Sat 21-22 Hunua 100 Rally Auckland Branch
Fri 24-25 Auckland Motorcycle
I was asked a while back when thinking about Daffodil Day what does it mean to me? This day has a double meaning, first of all it brings up the feelings of grief, loss and undesirable heartache, but second, it’s an overwhelming feeling of love and support in a time when all you want to feel and know is that there is someone who understands and cares.
Sadly, I know I’m not the only person out there who knows and understands these feelings all too well. Cancer is the worst disease that has ever happened to mankind, the cruelty and suffering associated with this is at times is unbearable. But days like this bringing people together makes me think it’s a way to help even if in a small way for those young and old to feel love and hope, to not feel alone and maybe bring a smile to their face in a time of darkness, regardless it’s them going through it or a loved one. It helps me to think that there is still a glimmer of hope that with the money raised it will go to great use to help with research to finally one day find a cure.
So, onto the beginning of our day, it began first with Dad, Wayne, CareyAnn and I getting dressed up in our yellow attire and making sure Freya and Ernie (the cars) looked just as beautiful. Dad and Carey-Ann braving the weather in Freya (1915 Saxon) and Wayne, Ernie Junior (Teddy Bear) and I in Ernie (1962 Commer Cob).
To say it was wet under foot was an understatement, it was mentioned to me that we paddled our way to the start which for us in Hamilton was the Juke Box Diner. We decided to start with breakfast, I mean why wouldn’t you, we were there, and the food is always great.
Wayne did a rough count of the cars that braved the weather, and it was about 30. There were also 4 other groups starting from Morrinsville, Matamata, Te Awamutu and Cambridge with all of us meeting up at the VCC Clubrooms in Cambridge. Filled up from breakfast we headed outside to take in the atmosphere, and even though it was a grey, cold wet day the feeling of support and kindness made the sunshine anyway, even if not literally.
We saw a few others who had dressed up themselves and their cars, which was neat to see others getting into the spirit. The invite went out to all other cars clubs to come and join in the day’s event, and it was great to see them turn up regardless of the weather.
Wayne was on camera duty taking pictures, there was lots to capture. Dad and Carey-Ann were first to leave the Juke box at around 9.30am after being handed a set of Instructions that Brent and Elle Terrill had organised to get us all safely to the VCC Clubrooms in Cambridge, the rest of us set off at 10am. We had a great drive through the countryside so thank you to Brent and Elle. Arriving at the clubrooms we were first shown where to park by those dedicated members who braved the weather, so a huge thank you to you all.
There was a coffee cart, the option to buy a Devonshire Tea and cake for a mere $5 and of course the good old kiwi BBQ sausage and bread for a gold coin donation. The food was lovely so thank you for those who baked, cooked, served and cleaned up. The workshop and library were open for those to have a look and with the parts shed being open too, there was the option to rummage around, you will never know what you can find in there, it’s a treasure trove.
Doing another rough count of the cars at the clubrooms it looked to be around 100 give or take, which with how the weather was, was still a great turn out. I’m not sure how much money was raised but all funds raised go to the Waikato Branch of the Cancer Society.
From what I saw everyone seemed to have a great day and when it comes down to it that is what these days are all about, caring and being cared for, joining together for a great cause.
Events like this all take time and effort and of course people to make them a success, so to all those who had a part even it was big or small, appreciation and a huge thank you goes out to each and every one of you.
If you have never been involved in a Daffodil Day before I urge you to come along even if it is a bit wet under foot, it doesn’t take too long to dry out, ask Dad and Carey-Ann.
Story by Tracey HaywardHOUSIE/BINGO
Club Night 11th Oct
Come on out for a night of fun
$10.00 = 10 games (2 cards) or
$15.00 = 10 games (3 cards)
$ Prizes for 1st line and Full House/Bingo
Clubrooms/Parts shed will open at 6pm, Bingo 7pm
Bring along nibbles and refreshments
CLUB NIGHT 8th NOV Gill Gilder
Community Banker
Clubrooms/Parts Shed will be open as per normal
Calling all owners of Veteran and ‘Rear Wheel braked Vintage’ vehicles, its time to get them polished up and ready to go!!
Details to follow in next mag.
Quite a few of the better surplus books found new owners at the recent Daffodil Day event, resulting in a contribution to the club's preferred charity. Members will have another chance to find something of interest at the October club night, after which the remainder will be disposed of. Donations continue to be received, often from unknown sources, but we are always grateful for these additions to our shelves. Do call in and discover what the club has been able to retain, ensuring that we have the best collection of motoring related literature in the Central North Island.
I entrusted the Hudson/Essex guru, Geoff Clark of Palmerston North, with much of the work in stripping the vehicle apart and estimating what was needed in the way of manufacture. The wooden frame was completely rotted out, but Phil Jones of Auckland Branch had a similar model complete, so I took photos and prepared detailed drawings of the frame and bodywork of his car to help with eventual frame reconstruction. The hood irons were renovated by Garland Saunders in Wanganui and bows were done by Selwyn Callesen in Longburn. A set of wooden wheel spokes came from Vern Jensen. Geoff rebuilt the chassis and the engine using Bedford van pistons to replace the cast iron originals, the re-core of the radiator was done by Arthur Bennett in Dunedin, I found the correct wheel hubs at the Pukekohe swapmeet and Ron Finucane stumbled across some suitable 24” wheel split-rims in Ohingaiti to match the fellows I had obtained at Rotorua. Many other minor and not so minor parts were obtained from here and there until everything needed was collected. Rod Welch of V&V Cars in Mangere came up with a full set of suitable tyres and Parrotts in Christchurch did the speedo for me.
In eighteen months of on and off work, Geoff had the car sitting on four wheels with green over black bodywork, engine running and transmission complete, so it went along to Lawrence Motor Trimmers in Palmy for its one indulgence – a full set of leather upholstery, together with roof, side windows and storage bag in beige Haartz Stayfast roofing material. I drove the car back home in mid-December 1999, just in time to fill in the entry for the VCC Rally 2000 at Mystery Creek.
It was never intended to be a ‘concours’ restoration, but something that we could use without worrying about the inevitable minor damage or deterioration which comes from being motored. In the last twenty years, the car has been to New Plymouth, Tauranga, Auckland, Taupo, Rotorua, the Manawatu and all around the Waikato region. But, with the recent increases in fast traffic, it is now considered more enjoyable to stick to country roads, so it stays closer to home but is still out and about whenever a suitable occasion arises.
Thanks again to Bob Hayton for this detailed and fascinating story.
Open one hour before club nights
Now open Thursday mornings 10am—12pm
Lots of parts including:
wiper blades steering columns
lights gauges generators carburetors
light bulbs wheel rims
gaskets bumpers
armatures alternators
axles distributor caps
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Recent additions:
1930s Willys axles
Wolseley engine
Parts Shed Committee
Alan Sharp 021 02553853
Les King 021 1909506
Clive Plumtree 07 8275973
Terry Pidduck 027 2726319
Graham Holmes 027 6277341
Model ‘A’ Ford gear cluster in good condition. No repro gears please. Contact Les Pearson 027 2245 045 or lespearson@xtra.co.nz
These are available to view and buy at Club Nights
Lapel or Cap Badges - enamelled $10.00 each
Car Bumper Badges - cast in brass $35.00 each
Windscreen Transfers $2.00 each
Windscreen Vinyl Stickers $2.00 each
Club Emblem Jacket Patches $5.00 each
Number Plate Surrounds $5.00 pair
Rally Number Holders $15.00 each
1952 Plymouth Carnbrook
Excellent all round condition
Power steering, high ratio diff, recent engine overhaul, Reg and WOF.
Price: $34,000 ono
Contact Don 07-8704115
Parts to fit Austin 7 Ruby; pair front mudguards excellent condition $75, bonnet with rad surround $15; new unused pair running board rubbers cost $180 asking $95. Ph Ron - 07 8848285 .
1993 Holden Commodore VP Calais, V6 3.8 Auto. Dark blue. 117,300km. Very good condition. No dents or rust. Has an issue with the right front door window winder. WOF has expired and registration is on hold. $10,000 ono Any questions or to arrange to view contact Lesley on 021 943289 or email lesleywilson1066@gmail.com
The information in this newsletter and on the club’s web site, is supplied as a service to club members. Articles and other copy of interest are always welcome and encouraged. The opinions expressed in this newsletter and on the club’s website are those of the author alone. Neither the club nor any of its officers accepts responsibility for the accuracy of any statements or opinions.
We are getting non members ask about putting an advert in the For Sale or Wanted section of the Venture. After a discussion with the committee it has been decided that an advert from a non Waikato VCC member will incur a $15.00 charge. This will cover a three (3) month insertion. After the three (3) months it will be automatically withdrawn.
