The satellite dishes, the touching of the fore lock, bowing of the head to the Expedition Leader who is affected by gravity and armed with a pipe, they are amongst us!
NEWSLETTER OF THE WAITEMATA BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
Club Night June 1st. See you at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany, 7 pm.
In a recent communication from long time scribe and Fiend Of the Branch, Rubella, the Rumanian Goth, (she, who due to illicit Jean Therapy experiments involving the variant, Levi’s, that did not go her way and with serious contamination issues has developed blood group incompatibility problems and is thus, unable to achieve the ultimate goal of a Goth as a Vampire!) is supporting the call of the present committee for
Come forth, Brave and Stalwart Members, advocates for the Vintage Motoring lifestyle, bring forth the skills and knowledge that has made you the driver, Mechanic Supreme, Hero of Wheeled Contrivances. Descend on the meeting with Eating Irons, Cutlery, Suitable Fluids and favoured chunks of flesh to be charred on the awaiting iron grids, with flames giving radiance to the night. This is complemented with salads and fruit of the earth, mouthwatering desserts provided by fair Valkyries. With your favourite beverage in hand, mirth bubbling over, nominate yourself to positions of power and influence on the committee. Have your say, do the hard yards, and help keep the Branch at the forefront of NZ Vintage Motoring.
Proposed for the 17th of June, this event is having the details completed and final documented minutia will arrive by electronic magic orchestrated by atoms and electrons doing things I don’t understand, which will finally flash the message of what will be happening on the day, on the thing with the black screen that many are mesmerized by….
The Great Re-enactment of the First Run of the North Shore Branch on the 14th of May ( the original was the 12th of June 1973).
I doubt that the original founders of the North Shore Branch though about this on that day so many years ago. This re-run event was organised by the Branch sage, Ian Goldingham, who viewed the origins of the Waitemata and later the Wellsford/Warkworth Branch gestating from the North Shore progenitor, deserved to be celebrated.
As expected from the quality of work that has come from the House of Goldingham, a lot of research was undertaken, the route retraced and rechecked as there has been great changes in the area that was re-visited, vast suburbs have taken over the farming areas and countryside that had been idyllic roads to travel over. ( I remember the words of Russell Ward describing the events across the water in early days as ‘traffic light derbies’.)
The call had gone out to all for the re-enactment, and many arrived at the start point which was at the Devonport Ferry Terminal. It was an early start due to the peninsular getting clogged with traffic. Many questions are asked why the large number of cars entering and leaving this suburb as there is no exit, no great shopping destination, a basic old suburb. There is some talk of the secret tunnels that go under the harbour enabling the bypass of the Harbour Bridge. Where are the tunnels, you may ask? Don’t know, they’re secret, obviously!
A wide variety entered, four Branches were represented: Waitemata, Wellsford/Warkworth, North Shore and Auckland. A good selection of interesting vintage and later cars, both open and closed. After mingling and chatting we all set of with easy reading instructions and good weather. We left with little traffic and followed the route north. I was sent out to take pictures halfway along and had a follower who was lost and followed the closest vintage car.
After this duty, the Riley carried on to the end which went to the very nice Wellsford/Warkworth club rooms situated near the old satellite station off Highway 1. Nice backdrop in the countryside and it was the first time the
clubrooms overflowed, both with peoples, cars and sustenance. With the arrival of all, there was a return to the gossiping, catching up with lost contacts and following this, was the welcome and feeding. Once completed came the presentations. As an early member of both branches, I had suggested to the organiser that gifts should be given to celebrate the occasion.
The theme was the 1970’s style, when the Branch was founded. Prizes were awarded to the best period dressed. I had over the years collected pewter mugs goblets from my usual suppliers, charity and church shops, and recently found a few boxes of them hidden at home and decided that these needed new homes. Not having an engraver on site for the presentation, I was able to have them inscribed with a grease pencil which allowed the item to have another life if given another to cherish. The goblets were popular with the ladies.
The period was of the later days of the Flower Power, bell bottoms, skin-tight jeans that had to be struggled into, flowing locks, sideburns that would complement the afro, sheep skin jackets and a few pipes were noticed. These items are seldom seen now but were rampant in the day as well as cigarettes, both gone from polite company. The winners were well themed and had put the effort in. Wonderful.
Some of the originals were there; Ian Goldingham who was the youngest member and wielding a camera at the time, Dave Keruse who was also the club captain with a longer beard who presented some badges left over from the first event, John Stringer still motoring in large American cars, the legendary Harold Kidd. I have forgotten others. The Sunbeam of the organiser was an original attendee of the run and performed well on the day, with an extraordinary list of notable owners since the first run.
Much praise was foisted on the organiser of the event for a faultless and well organised run. Many from other branches were surprised that there was no entry fee, easy instruction, no one got lost and, the feed at the end. How was this organised so well they asked, shaking of heads, such a great turnout of a wide variety of cars, we must do this again they said.
The Wellsford/Warkworth Branch was congratulated for their generosity of welcome and catering and we look forward to joining them for many other events.
Our thanks to the local paper, Devonport Flagstaff. The article is on page 22, the 19th of May 2023 edition.
https://devonportflagstaff.co.nz/wpcontent/uploads/2023/05/ISSUU_Flagstaff_19May2023.pdf
A sporting Chrysler of the late 1920’s, and below is the Isis, fondly referred to by it’s owner as the Antichrist. It made strong men weak at the knees. He has a Twin, set in fawn. The Ford beside it, is rare in NZ as they were not a standard import. The Sunbeam Talbot, ’48, is in ‘being used and being enjoyed’ condition.
A pleasure to see 100-year-old vehicles being used still.
.
Marvellous, marvellous!
Above is a partial selection of the cars, with a good turnout vintage and well presented and interesting post vintage vehicles. The well evented Sunbeam looking good, the Hotchkiss always attracts attention and is being sniffed by a greenish Cadillac The Packard is being observed by the ever-present Cones, the curse of the Auckland roads. A tail wagging Essex.
Entry Forms out now
Saturday 8th July 2023
STARTS AT THE Red Shed Café
16 Jesmond Road Drury
Open 7.30am cars away 8.10am
Accommodation Limited to 60
Extra Local Scenic run-on Sunday!
Entry form and details see the added pages at the end of the newsletter.
Payment to be made to: Waitemata Roil Can 2023 A/c: 02 0136 0036387 025 Please use Entrant surname and initial as reference e.g., Smith S Email completed entry forms to: goldienz@orcon.net.nz Confirmation of entry will be given on receipt of entry and payment. Any enquiries to email above or the Goldinghams 09 445 8811
DATE: Sunday 28 th May 2023
VENUE: Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Waikato
The report and photos, next month. Sorry if you stayed up for this.
After 30 years of motoring and 30,000 kilometres the Ralph Watson Rotary valve system has run into a bit of trouble.
Over the last few years, I have been campaigning the car in hill climbs and race events with a reasonable amount of vigour. The engine has shown great resilience and the current failure has nothing to do with the valve design but to the unfortunate disintegration of a spark plug which then duly ground itself to pieces between the rotary valve and the seal. This is actually not the first time this has occurred but on the previous occasion the damage was quite limited and a build up carbon seemed to solve the issue over about 500 kilometres.
The rotary valves are pretty solid affairs rotating longitudinally above the bores and chain driven from the old de-lobed camshaft. The design is inherently strong with a simple rotational movement, there are none of the complicated reciprocating pieces of a poppet valve system to cause grief. The main consideration Ralph had in designing the system was how to effective seal the system both for compression and to keep the oil in the right place.
The solution he came to for sealing compression was a cast bronze seal situated in the head. Compression forces the seal upwards against the valve that rotates above it. Ralph also installed two sprung loaded leavers to push the seal up on
the non-compression stroke and keep the seal in contact with the valve. The oil is pressure feed to the exhaust side of the valve and then flows though oil channels in the valve to the induction side and then back into the engine through the drive chains. There are bronze seals under spring pressure on the sides of the vale that seal the oil from the ports and compression surface.
I am now in the process of considering how I can refinish the seal and valve to get an acceptable seal. The valve is nitrided and I don’t think I can simply grind the valve surface to a new finish as a smaller diameter will compromise the oil seals. Hopefully it is possible to build the valve up in some way and grind it back to its original diameter. A similar approach to the bronze seal might also work.
I have received some suggestions of who may be able to help. I have not yet had time to talk with these people and I am very eager to hear from anyone who may have ideas.
ray.ferner@gmail.com
021 754 606
Ray Ferner.
A while since we have had a restoration story in the newsletter. Tim has promised many chapter for the members to consume with great interest.
The Editor.
How inconvenient: The 1925 Willy’s Overland project.
Tim Harris, son of the Legend and Manager of the Race Team, Harris Racing, “Bantams to Fly!”
Les needed space in the garage so he could focus on his motorbikes, the BSA Bantams. We managed to get the MG BGT road legal. The Midget is a longerterm job, and the Model A is at best a whole generation away from assembly and repair. But they were tucked away and not really moveable anyway. The Overland ‘Touring’ had been taking up space long enough with no real progress to its restoration. About 65 years was long enough and it needed to go. ‘But I’m not selling it. It has to stay in the family’. He had driven it to a shed in Thames in the early 50’s and parked it up for a couple of minor repairs….20
years later it was relocated to Auckland when the family moved, still without any work being done. Raising a large family had the priority list modified. A few spares were bought over the years, but progress was slower than surface rust decay.
The Oldest sons made noises very occasionally, but the lethargy was obvious and anyway who wants to give their time and valuable space to that old thing?
The grandkids including my son Sam thought it was cool, in Poppy’s shed. But no one offered up their modern time toward the project. Keeping it in the family was looking bleak.
Then one day, my son called and said he had seen at his girlfriend’s house some vintage cars. And they were cool.
He asked if I would I be able to look after the old Willy’s until one day when he could give time to it?
So that’s when the logistics got underway. Les was stoked that it was going to be kept in the family. He could relax a little. We live on a lifestyle block a little to the west of Whangarei, in Northland. I have an old tractor shed with a woodwork bay beside it. I guess I could convert that to a workshop with some effort.
‘Les, in two weeks I’m coming to get the Willys and bring it home. No promises about when it will get looked at, but let’s make some space for you’. The transport trailer was donated by the good guys at Hirepool. They liked the story of the journey about to begin. We arrived at west Auckland as agreed with Les. And there he was fossicking away trying to get all the random parts together so we could take the rolling vehicle with all its goodies at the same time. We started to get loaded up, and that’s where the fun actually started. We found rats had made a home in the seats. Les was very concerned and was almost trying to present it as a new car. Brushes and rags and sweeping it out, all the while I’m telling him to not worry, thinking I can do that when I get home. He was a little stressed, and that showed in his concern about how we would get a 9-point turn completed out of the shed and move the Willys onto a large transport trailer, within very limited space. His style of project management was “ I’ve got a few years on you sonny; I’ll tell you how to do it”. He started trying to jump the car sideways using its own springs and momentum. All the while I’m thinking ‘it may have worked when you were 26, mate, but you’re flaming 96!! Jack it up, and ‘give it a good push mate’ off the jacks. I think I went pale with a vision of a red Repco 1.5 tonne jack protruding through the floor of the Willy’s. …Anyway no one died, and we got it loaded and tied down. The back of the Ute was heavy with parts also, including the intact and complete soft top and bars. That was tied down well too.
I spied a very nostalgic look on the old boys face a few times. I realised then, this was a breakup he had not quite prepared for. He loved this car. He had more years than a normal lifetime with this car in his shed and he loved its style, he loved its history, and he was emotional. ‘Les, it’s going to be in good hands. I have no idea what I’m doing, and I will be asking a lot of questions. But I will love it and look after it.’ I think I was simultaneously making him feel better but also forcing myself into a corner to ensure I did something’s with it. We negotiated the large trailer and its elderly passenger up the narrow driveway. The inside was full of boxes of parts. The original number plate, lights, mirrors, knobs and knockers. And a lot of baked bean tins full of bolts. My Goodness, where did they come from.?
We took some photos, and Les smiled over the nostalgia. But it showed still. (Don’t tell him I noticed) We set off for Whangarei , and it started to rain. The cover we had chosen to protect the old boy was soon shredded by the sharp sticky outie bits and I am sure it was the topic of many conversations heading up the motorways. Side note, I will refer to him as a gent, as he feels masculine to me.
The straps had to be shifted and tightened a few times as I was overly cautious not wanting to put too much tension on anything. We finally made it home to Poroti in the dark. The power was out, we had no lights in the shed, and it was way too late to try and put this thing away sensibly. So, for the first time in 65 years, the Willys slept under the stars, blocking the driveway. Welcome home old boy. Oh, woops, the trailer lights cable was damaged and had probably not worked all the way home on those dark country roads.
How inconvenient.
Well has been a busy month for me. Having had written of the Renault at the start of the month. I was foolish enough to drive it's replacement a Citroen into the back of a parked van in the fast lane of the motorway on a windy and rainy night. Totally my stupidity caused the accident as traffic slowed in the inside lane, I continued at speed till I failed to proceed. I heard Captain Mainwaring from "Dads Army' say as I hydroplaned into the rear of the van call out, ‘You stupid boy'. A non-injury accident and both parties were able to drive away. However, the cost of parts, as with the Renault, may see the Citroen go to the crusher with little damage.
This is the subject that I want to bring your attention to. Our vintage cars well any car over thirty years old should be insured with Vero. As they are a good deal. We are lucky here as there is no restriction on mileage and our cars can be used as daily drivers over the summer months. However, had the above accident occurred in my Riley and the radiator had taken the impact. Eight thousand dollars would not of covered the radiator ribbon core repair. For not much more money I, doubled the agreed value of the car to sixteen thousand dollars after the accident. Please consider your agreed value of your vintage costs have gone up.
Our next month’s meeting is the AGM. Your chance to ask question of your committee and have your say on the direction of your branch. Better still join the committee, We meet four or five times a year so no hardship. A BBQ on club night so come along and put your hand up.
Rob
While it’s pleasing to see our club’s numbers growing, nationally, I am concerned with the fact that the average age of VCCNZ members remains in the 60+ range. In recent years, a lot of us have been actively investigating ways to bring in younger generations into our fold and I see an opportunity to do so, utilizing Waitemata Branch’s focus on speed events. Something like its hillclimbs could be a great way to attract younger people into joining our club.
Before anyone makes the claim that Millennials and other young folk are not interested in motor vehicles, my experience with being involved in drag racing and small-bore motorcycles and scooters indicates that the opposite is true. One just has to look at the large numbers of young competitors and their friends who regularly turn up at NAPA Autoparts Dragway (Meremere) for the track’s Drag Wars series to see the level of interest in motoring.
In addition, with my interest in collecting, restoring and riding small bikes and scooters, my partner and I are in regular, close contact with the self-described Moped NZ community, whose numbers are mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings. In spite of Rae and I being old enough to be everyone’s grandparents, we’re often referred-to as a source of valuable information and always welcomed to participate in the group’s own road and speed events. Also, being the owner of a number of classic Vespas, I know that the Vespa/Lambretta/Classic Scooter crowd should have an interest in Waitemata’s speed events, which could bring Generation X and Y in as participants.
Going forward, I see the biggest issue being that these people would have to become VCCNZ members to enter the club speed events, which may be a barrier in the short-term. What I propose is some sort of Day Membership, whereby a competitor could become a member only for that event. Their machines would still have to go through the usual scrutineering, have a logbook created, competition license issued, etc. just as an existing VCCNZ member would be required to do.
This format would require approval from VCCNZ Head Office, but I believe it’s doable and would allow potential members to experience the benefits of club membership, first hand. Worst comes to worst, some may opt for only for applying for the Day Membership, meaning that the events would have larger fields, which should be a good thing for all concerned.
I’ve written this to get feedback from Waitemata’s membership and would be happy to propose and/or support the concept being tabled with the VCCNZ Board.
Auckland Branch
About the author:
Born and raised in Southern California, Peter Cooper has spent much of his life around motorsports, having been a freelance motoring journalist and motoring historian; speed equipment manufacturer and subcontractor; specialty products importer; vehicle restorer, tuner and racer; and intrepid traveller on machinery not necessarily designed for the purpose. He has lived in NZ since 1981.
A possible breach of privacy as it is a new three-seater body which may be ‘exposed’ later this year in time for the chassis’ card from Windsor.
There is a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among them is the Mercedes- Benz 380SL convertible.
“I need at least one 4.50 x 17-inch tyre, but also need another 17 inch wheel, 36 spoke wire with the big hub (like Austin 10, 4 stud, 4 inch across centre) but prepared to cut centre out of spare wheel that is beyond repair and weld in for a spare, should there be anything around, and quite prepared to pay for from parts shed, etc.“
Reply to the Chairman, Rob, this is a request from an overseas friend (Waiheke). 021 038 3281 robman@orcon.net.nz
For Sale:
New and unused Proper Oilskin Vintage motoring garment in the traditional style. A known product that is windproof and water resistant. From the Outback Trading Company, the Swagman Jacket. Perfect for the R’oil Can and all vintage events.
Size is S, which will allow coverage of many layers of garments. $150.00
Contact Graeme Banks 027 500 3806. grabannz@gmail.com
Wanted from VCC member in Nelson
Wanted.
Model ‘A’ Ford gear cluster in good condition. No repro gears please. Contact
Les Pearson 027 2245 045 or lespearson@xtra.co.nz
What to do with an old Morris Minor?
While looking through Trademe last year, I came across a little sports car in Nelson. It was built by a Waikato Secondary School teacher using a fabricated chassis Morris 8 grill and all Morris Minor bits from a 1957 car Everything mechanical suspension, motor, gearbox etc. is all Minor 1000 The project which took about four years was completed and Low Volume Certified in 2016. Somehow later it had found its way to Nelson, and I took the risk of buying it unseen. It’s an interesting car and a true bundle of fun.
The rear of the car is all laminated wood, a work of art by itself.
The chassis is very strong with two roll hoops and being an A series 1100cc motor it has room for development. I didn’t get it out much this summer, but I can see it being a lot of fun in the future.
Graeme Banks
Everyone’s a winner, Babe!
THURSDAY June 1st
7.00 pm at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany.
Take Exit 410 Oteha Valley Road. Travel west along Oteha Valley Road, ahead through 2 roundabouts and straight ahead at Traffic Lights into Albany Highway then almost immediately RIGHT into Library Lane then very soon go right again into the parking area. The RSA Room is at the rear.
The R’Oil Can will start at the Red Shed Café 16 Jesmond Rd Drury on Saturday 8th of July. There is a mandatory safety briefing beforehand, so the report time is 0745 hrs. The intended start time is 0815 hrs. A hot cup of coffee/tea/ and breakfast bite will be available at the Café, just after 0730hrs when they open. There is an additional car park round the back of the premises. Use the Drury exit on State Highway 1. Fuel up at either Bombay Service Centre (from the south) or Papakura Service Centre (from the north) before attending briefing.
Entry fee $190 per adult. Children under 12, $145
Entries close Tuesday 20th June to assist with accommodation planning and catering. There are 15 - 2-bedroom chalets / beds for 60 bodies at the accommodation so First In, First Served!
To assist with making the most of our accommodation please indicate if you require double or single bed. Any questions check in with Jacqui and she will explain.
Entry Fee includes Rally, Breakfast drink and nibble, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodation and Sunday Continental Breakfast. Mud, Dust, Rain, Fog, and Freezing Cold included free of charge! Entries accepted for VCC eligible vehicles with current registration and WOF, and with entrants VCC Membership card. Only entries from open top vehicles will be eligible.
Name of Entrant
Name of Driver
Name of Navigator
Name(s) of Passenger(s)
Mobile Numbers
Email Address
Bank Acc Number (ref)
Vehicle Rego Number
Car Make Model Year
Accommodation (rooms all have ensuite bathrooms)
Number of couples
Number of Singles
Number of children
Any dietary requirements:
Any mobility requirements:
Payment to be made to: Waitemata Roil Can 2023 A/c: 02 0136 0036387 025 Please use Entrant surname and initial as reference e.g., Smith S Email completed entry forms to: goldienz@orcon.net.nz Confirmation of entry will be given on receipt of entry and payment. Any enquiries to email above or the Goldinghams 09 445 8811
