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MAY 2020 Issue: 358
Puff ‘n Stuff Central Otago Branch, Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc
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Front Cover: At Warbirds and Wheels Cars and Coffee, pre covid 19. Back Cover: Combined Rally 2019
Club nights: Second Wednesday of Month. 8pm Clubrooms / Parts Shed: Litany Street, Cromwell.
Minutes of the last Committee Meeting (in Feb. issue)
Next Committee Meeting The next committee meeting will be held at 7:00pm, Tuesday 9 June in the Club Rooms. All club members are welcome to attend.
NOTICES and EVENTS At the time of writing this we have just entered into Alert Level 2 of the Covid 19 Alert System. This does allow a bit more freedom but still some restrictions. We should have more information for you about COVCC runs and rallies after the Committee Meeting. Note: Any member who has an item they wish to have added to the commit tee meeting agenda, please forward the info to the Secretary Graham Taylor gc.taylor@xtra.co.nz prior to June 2, 2020. Queen’s Birthday weekend: 30-31 May West Coast Run. Details on Page10.
Copy deadline for next edition FIVE days after meeting day. Stories and photos unable to be used in next edition will be saved for later editions. The opinions and information presented in this newsletter are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the club or its officers. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information or opinions expressed.
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BRANCH OFFICERS Partner: Sheila
Patron:
John Loudon
Chairman:
Murray George Maryann
Vice Chairman: Noel Hassed
2019-2020.
Phone: 03 448 7192
E-Mail:
0274333321
murraygeorgeelec@xtra.co.nz
Bernice
442 3908
noel.hassed@gmail.com gtml@xtra.co.nz
Secretary:
Graham Taylor
Cheryl
443 1416
Treasurer:
Karelan Doran
Greg
027 274 3361
Mary
442 1146
Club Captain: Alister Stewart Committee:
Karelandoran@gmail.com alister.mary@xtra.co.nz
Greg Doran, 027 221 6105 gfdoran@gmail.com John Martin, 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz Roger Healy, 442 0861, twinbridges@xtra.co.nz Maureen Johnson. 409 8800 Rodger Bisset 445 0809 rodger.bisset@outlook.com Alistair Munro 441 8443 alross.munro@xtra.co.nz
Club Rooms / Yard: Ewen Duthie Social Conv.: Maryann Miguel Parts Conv.: Roger Healy Alister Stewart Noel Hassed John Martin
Arlene
027 838 8324 duthie.e@xtra.co.nz 445 1973
027 609 8766 Kay 442 0861 Mary 442 1146 Bernice 442 3908 Wendy 4450598
annmigdc_1215@yahoo.com twinbridges@xtra.co.nz alister.mary@xtra.co.nz noel.hassed@gmail.com martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
Editors: Don & Lynne Yeaman Idle Torque: Graham Taylor Cheryl Librarian: John Martin , Wendy
443 2730 443 1416 445 0598
Health and Safety: Greg Doran , Karelan
027 221 6105
Area Reps: Arrowtown Alexandra Cromwell Wanaka -
4421146 448 6508 445 0598 443 1416
Alister Stewart , Mary Barry Walker Sharon John Martin Wendy Graham Taylor Cheryl
yeaperson@xtra.co.nz gtml@xtra.co.n martin_jw@xtra.co.nz gfdoran@gmail.com
Alister.mary@xtra.co.nz
martin_jw@xtra.co.nz, gtml@xtra.co.nz
Social Manager: Charlie Storey Helen 445 3181 craftystoreys@xtra.co.nz Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival; Murray George, Ewen Duthie, Allan Porter National Daffodil Day Co-Ordinator: Graham Taylor Golden Times: Alister Stewart Moped Rally: John Martin
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EVENTS CALENDAR Please take care to read and copy to your diary! COVCC EVENTS 2020
23 August– As the National VCC Office has cancelled the Daffodil Day Rally, Graham has suggested a “Monte Targo” Run. Details on Page 13. Graham Taylor 26 September– Blossom Festival Rally– Murray George, Ewen Duthie, Allan Porter
The stickers are now available to COVCC members Let others know which Branch you belong to at events away from home. These are produced locally and are made of high quality vinyl. They are external stickers and go on the outside of the windscreen or on the body-work. (They are easily removed with a hair-dryer.) Cost $1.50 each. (A small profit goes to our club.) To order yours, contact Lindsay Olsen; Phone: (03) 445 0065 E-mail: olsen.cromwell@gmail.com
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OTHER EVENTS 2020 August 15– National AGM & Exec. Meeting, Wanganui August 23– 2020 VCC National Daffodil Day CANCELLED
October 16-18 National Veteran Rally, Gore October 14-18—The Targa 2020 VCC Time Trial event is still on track for October. For more information, updates and/or entry forms regarding this event please contact Rod Corbet at rod.corbett88@gmail.com . You can also check out their website for information and entry forms etc www.targa.nz or https:// urg.co.nz/2020-targa-entry/
2021 January 17-21st Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, New Plymouth. Check all the details on the website POSTPONED UNTIL EARLY
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www.historicmotoring.co.nz March 12-14 2021 National Motorbike Rally March 28-04 April 2021 (Easter weekend) —15th National Model A Ford Rally in Gisborne. Info page 13. April 3-4– Wheels at Wanaka Check the website for details https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/
VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details. Don & Lynne Yeaman ( yeaperson@xtra.co.nz )
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Chairman’s Report The club and all organizations are going through a period of indecision. I just received this morning an email from Martin McPherson- Alexandra Blossom Festival. They are taking a business as usual attitude to this year’s event. This means we will start planning the rally which, by indications of interest from out-oftowners, they are looking forward to maybe attending our combined Blossom Festival and the proposed 50th Anniversary event. I say maybe because our Secretary, Graham has called a committee meeting on the 9th of June. There is still indecision by the committee because of booking a venue for the anniversary event over Blossom Festival weekend would be very tight-but after the 9th of June a confirmation would be made. You will see in this PnS that over Queen’s birthday weekend, Graham is planning a trip to Haast-Jackson’s Bay. This will be a good start for a Club reuniting after the lockdown, but I’m sure if everyone uses common sense as to keeping distance, protection in regard to handwashing, and if we go out for a meal, keep to groups of 10 , we will be safe. The Club lease renewal is becoming a can of worms and is of great concern. The Community Council informed us at short notice that they would be discussing and informing us the outcome of our lease on the 11th of May. We could view this by a link which we could listen to by computer. This link did not report on our lease, so I asked Debbie Shaw-the property officer, for a report, she replied. The council have agreed to renew the lease at 5years plus 2 further ROR of 5 years with a 6month out clause by either party. I have asked Debbie to please send this written contract to our Secretary by our 9th of June meeting. She replied “ I will then need to draw up the new lease with legal input, therefore I may or may not be in a position to get the relevant documentation to you by the 6th of June. I will certainly do the best I can but can’t promise anything” Remain safe. Murray George
Quarantine day 20: Today I melted an ice cube with my mind just by staring at it. It took a lot longer than I thought it would!
Two old guys, Fred and Sam went to the movies. A few minutes after it started, Fred heard Sam rustling around and he seemed to be searching on the floor under his seat. "What are you doing?" asked Fred. Sam, a little grumpy by this time, replied "I had a caramel in my mouth and it dropped out. I can't find it." Fred told him to forget it because it would be too dirty by now. "I know", said Sam, "but my teeth are in it!"
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Secretary’s Report May 2020. Covid 19 will have far reaching effects as to how many recreational clubs will survive. In the immediate future we will be holding a management committee meeting 9th June, 7 pm at the clubrooms. And possibly an AGM in August. I have asked that agenda items to be discussed be in my hands the week before. Our lease; ongoing discussion at community board level, and I can see their point of view as Local Government wants to see a good level of community value on their asset (land), and that is why they are looking at a review of their recreational property portfolio. There are Clubrooms/property options for us as I see it; A— Continue as we are. B— Get some other complimentary organisation to share / lease the asset. C— Get some enthusiasm going and build up our Cromwell membership base, the Wednesday group is a good start, but are the numbers enough? D— Do something a little radical and make the place hum, John Wilson has raised the hoist issue and this would mean repurposing the tunnel barn from a parts shed to a workshop. We have a parts income of $2500.00 for the year, so a usage fee would have to improve on that. I note that the parts blurb has not changed much in the last year so if you want to keep it parts guys, get a bit active! E— Forgo the lease and save around $6000.00 pa Re elections; Greg wishes to stand down from Health and Safety , I have not heard anything from anyone else re positions so far. And for my part am not much interested in option ‘A’ above. We have had some real success in that our informal events which have been well attended and there has been a very positive feedback. There has been a good response so far to the QB weekend trip to the coast, and the proposed ‘ Monte Targo’ 23rd August. At this time the Blossom Festival rally is still a go.
Graham
Editor’s Note: Any member who thinks they may be eligible for a year badge for 25, 35 or 50 years of consecutive membership to VCC please contact the Secretary, Graham Taylor.
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COVCC AGM Under normal circumstances the Central Otago Vintage Car Club has its Annual General Meeting at the June Club Night which would have been 10 June 2020. However, at this stage, we don’t know what format or time frame we have for our 2020 AGM because of the Covid 19 restrictions. We do still need to prepare for items such as the nomination of officers and committee members for the next year. Due to existing conditions it may be that nominations from the floor are not practical and therefore we need you to fill out the attached nomination forms and return them to the secretary by post or email to: Graham Taylor email gc.taylor@xtra.co.nz 114 Shortcut Rd Luggate Nominations can be for any office or position on the Branch Officer’s page of the Puff’n Stuff. COVCC Committee
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, Central Otago Branch Nomination Form NOTE: The Nominator, Seconder and Nominee must be financial members. I nominate …………………………………………………………………………………... ( Please Print) For the position of …………………………………………………………………….. ( Please Print) Nominated by …………………………………………………………………………….. ( Please Print) Signed ……………………………………………………………………………….. Seconded by ……………………………………………………………………………….. ( Please Print) Signed ……………………………………………………………………….. I ………………………………………………………………………………………. accept the nomination ………………………………………………………………………………………... ( signature of Nominee)
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Editor’s Comments We have all managed to, successfully I hope, navigate our way through Alert levels 4 and 3 and are now trying out level 2. It should give us all a bit more freedom to visit family and friends that we have been unable to associate with during the last two levels. It still leaves us somewhat restricted as to some club activities due to numbers and social distancing. I hope to be able to update you a bit more on resumption of club activities after the next committee meeting. For those of you who don’t have email, I have included an excerpt from a letter from the Federation of Motoring Clubs regarding WOFs and Regos on page 20. I have already sent it out to all email recipients. Please take note that most garages are now open for WOFs etc, so you should keep them up to date if possible and if not check with your insurer. COVCC AGM: I have no further updates at this stage but nomination forms are again in this Puff’n Stuff. Remember that this is your club and if you are not entirely happy with the way it is being run or if you want to have more say in how it is run, or if you just think we need new blood, then now is your chance. Put your name in for election to one of the offices or nominate someone who you feel will be able to contribute to the running of the club and it’s activities. You don’t need to wait for one of us to resign, if you want the job or think someone else is more suitable then get that nomination in to the secretary pronto. Last month I suggested that since you all had so much time on your hands that you could send me some material for this edition. A huge thanks to those who responded, Alan Sutton whose article on his first restoration is in this issue and Ian Ramage Rob McGregor and Graham Taylor whose contributions will be in the June issue. Now that the rest of you can see how it is done, lets have some more. If I get too much for the next edition I will put it in the one after, it will not be wasted. I have always heard that Kiwi’s are quite competitive, so the challenge is out there. Anyone travelling up the West Coast this winter might like to check out page 19 regarding accommodation. Many of the events for the year have been cancelled or postponed. There are still a few planned for later in the year and into next year so check out the events page and I will attempt to keep it reasonably up to date. Thanks to Graham for organizing a Queen’s Birthday run and as Murray said in his Chairman’s report, if we follow the rules of Alert Level 2 and use a bit of common sense, it should be a safe and enjoyable weekend. Start working on the Monte Targo Run as well and if you have trouble interpreting some or any of the rules contact Graham or myself and we will attempt to enlighten you (or maybe not). It should be a bit of fun and a good day out. Cheers for now. Don
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Queen’s Birthday Weekend West Coast WHEN = Saturday MAY 30th Sunday MAY 31st So for those who want to go to the Haast QB weekend get booked in. I will lead a trip down the Jackson River to the Martyr Saddle (road was ok last year). and Jacksons Bay on the Sunday. As to the weather it is usually warm and sunny on the West Coast in June (very few bugs) as opposed to our usual inversion layer, but bring a raincoat anyway. I will have some tools and a towrope but not expecting to use them. Anything mobile and legal is fine. I imagine meals could be available in the Haast area close by, but bring food, chocolate and toothbrush, camera etc anyway. NB there will be a 4x4 party booked in too. For further info contact me <gtml @xtra.co.nz> Graham Hi Guys We look forward to being able to quote accommodation here at Haast River Motels & Holiday Park For your vintage car club trip in Queens birthday weekend Happy to offer rooms at the below rate . You will need to phone and book rooms with credit cards that will be charged on the morning of you check in Queen Ensuite Room @ $90 per night Twin Ensuite Room @ $90 per night Queen Motel Room @ 130.00 per night Kind Regards Tania
My wife had her driver's test the other day. She got 8 out of 10. The other 2 guys jumped clear. The worker
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Letter to the Editor After reading John’s article I wasn’t sure whether to send him a dear John card or get the violin out!!!! In Business Commerce, albeit private or Multinational Companies and or Clubs, you either have proactive people, or reactive people,. The reactive people tend to become negative to change, followed by tunnel vision, ending in a disruptive environment. If Companies and Clubs didn’t listen to their staff and members, and new technology wasn’t implemented years ago, business and industry as we know it today wouldn’t exist!! The Cromwell VCC needs a positive direction. On the positive side we do have active monthly runs and a Parts Dept that contributes financially to the Club, A suggestion here, why not advertise our parts on E Bay or Trade Me?? But to encourage new and younger members is, like all Clubs today, becoming an issue. The younger generation, unless Grandad has left them a Classic car, can ill afford one, let alone buy a house or section!!! There lies the problem. However, at last year’s meeting with Bill Crooks as Chairman, I suggested we clear out part of the Tunnel shed for a workshop. We all, including myself, have plenty of tools etc to contribute, and we can have one or two open days where members can come along and discuss or work on specific cars at their leisure. Good to see this is now up and running. However, having attended two working clean up mornings, I find the majority of these parts back again.
This led to my suggestion to look into the feasibility of a Hoist!! What else can we have that is synergistic to our Club ?? Most, if not all of us, are well past climbing under our cars and I was thinking of all our members who could benefit from its use. I could understand the negative response if I had suggested a concrete mixer!!! Any man can sit back and fire negative shots at a suggestion to the Club, a better man has the ability to offer suggestions that can be beneficial to all members.
I would suggest all members look at the article in the previous months Beaded Wheels, Feb. and photo of the VCC Club at North Shore. They, like all Clubs, were having difficulty in retaining members and had a declining membership down to 150. After investing in a new shed and now, not one , but two Hoists, their membership, along with new members, has increased to over 200. Two open days a week, 9-4 for the use of hoist, it has to be booked a week ahead. Their workshop always has a members project ongoing where all can enjoy the company and refreshments. “The Club has experienced a new positive atmosphere,” Quote, Paul Collins, past Chairman. Regards R J Wilson.
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Central Otago Branch Opening Run or ‘Monte Targo’ a run with a difference! I send the rules now and you have time with the aid of a roadmap to work out the route to suit you and your car. The finish is at the Clubrooms High Noon on Sunday August23rd 2020. This is a shortened and simplified version of the successful Banks Peninsula Branch’s Monte Carlo run that we did in 2018. Read the rules to get familiar with the set up and at the end of the day the adjudicators decision is final, so a very good sense of humour is advisable. It is important that you book in with me by 20th August at the latest to register who is coming. Graham Taylor (contacts in front of Puff N Stuff)
Monte Targo ( Thanks to the Banks Peninsula Branch) Finish Clubrooms Cromwell @ High Noon Town scores: 100 pts Roxburgh, Naesby, Glenorchy, Makarora, Omarama. 50 pts Cardrona ,Tarras, Alexandra, Kingston. 20 Pts Clyde, Gibbston, Omakau, Hawea Flat, Fruitlands. Compulsory passage; Crown Range, Lindis Pass, Moa Creek, Haast Pass. Veteran vehicles start with 140 points, Vintage 120pts Post vintage 60pts Post War 40 pts Post 80’s Zero pts Passengers carried 20 pts each up to a max of three, including dogs. Dress according to era of car 30pts each. NZ Flag 20pts Evidence of a Coffee or similar receipt 10 pts It is your responsibility to navigate a route for the points required. You are required to finish with 250 points, evidence of passage and places required (photo) or receipt. This is not a formal rally and all road rules and courtesies must be followed. You can start planning your route, what you need to get 250 points for example; A vintage car (120pts) carrying an NZ Flag, leaving from Luggate would travel to Cromwell, over the Crown Range (compulsory) to Cardrona (50) pts then Tarras (50pts) buy one Coffee (10pts) to Cromwell , giving 250 pts around 200 km divided by average speed of say 60 kph = 3.3 hrs. A suggested donation of $10.00 pp for a charity selected on the day. No entry fee but we need to know who is coming, one week in advance for possible Covid 19 tracking and simple courtesy. Graham Taylor organiser gtml@xtra.co.nz 027 248 9942 Text only.
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Early Bird Registration is open for the 15th National Model A Ford Rally 2021. This will be held from Sunday 28 March to Sunday 04 April 2021 (Easter Weekend) in Gisborne at the A & P Showgrounds and Events Centre. Come along and join other Model A enthusiasts for a relaxed but entertaining time in Gisborne. Enjoy the friendly people and experience the ‘Real New Zealand’ driving your Model A. Gisborne is situated on the East Coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, orchards and good Model A roads. Sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Rivers’, Gisborne is the first City on earth to see the sun rise. ‘Early Bird’ indicates to the organisers you have chosen to receive your rally information early and avoid missing out on the news as it comes to hand, or tours that may have limited numbers. Don’t wait too long to register as we are limited to 300 entrants. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FEE - $20 To obtain your Early Bird Registration Form email the organising team at gisbornemodelafordrally@gmail.com or phone one of the organising team members David Mossman 0272 350 444 Tony Bartlett 0272 725 648 Rob Brown 0274 745 726 - Errol McAlpine 0274 543 983 Karen Thomas 0274 190 191 - Kristina Rarere 022 367 5776 Karen Thomas, Secretary 15th National Model A Rally Gisborne 2021
Tairawhaiti Gisborne
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“ A PIECE OF TIN AND A LENGTH OF CORD…PUT THEM TOGETHER YOU,VE GOT A FORD !!! (Words and photos by Alan Sutton) As we are required presently to sit in blissful isolation in our respective “bubbles” I'm sure we are united in looking forward to the day, hopefully in the not too distant future, when we can feel the freedom and the wind in our hair once more in or on our favourite vintage machine,
The dreaded virus has also prompted us to “be kind “and “stay safe” to each other, and my own experience has been such that I have connected with a lot of very nice folks in my neighbourhood recently that I very well might not have done so under pre covid 19 life . Also this is a time of some reflection I guess, and for me time to reflect on where my vintage car journey all began. Our current environment has also had the effect of a type of self analysis, where one has the opportunity to reflect on past experiences, and as I write this I’m recalling the kindness that so many folks extended to me when I joined the VCC as a 17 year old, and the great “car journey” that has followed and fulfilled me ever since . No doubt we all share a common passion, it could be claimed to a part of our DNA. At an early age I was seeking out the old relics in my neighbourhood of Lorneville and I also knew most of the owners too while still at primary school. Our local garages were great, cars to visit and there were always vintage cars being repaired. Model “A”s were quite common, old Austins, Singers and our local wrecking yard boasted a Packard circa 1925 crane truck. This is story not just about my first restoration of a Model “T” ford in the sixties but an account of the experience , friendships and” kindness” that I encountered on my first venture into petrol head heaven . It was not surprising that I should choose a Ford T project really as I had recently started work proper and had a lot of ambition but bugger all money. There still seemed to be a lot of “T” parts around, even in my neighbourhood , and of course you soon find a book that extolls the virtues of whatever project you intend to embark on, so I soon had a borrowed copy of the “Dykes Automobile manual” in my care borrowed from our local garage owner Stuart Dunlop. Stuart was more of a Model A fan and for a time used his Deluxe sedan as the garage “hack” and was often seen fixing some ancient machinery accompanied with his Gladstone bag of handy tools and great skill.
I reckoned that after studying the “Dykes” bible and a Floyd Clymer Model T tome I was ready to take on any likely project with ease!! Anyway the real catalyst to the project was meeting Barry Barnes who had encouraged me to join the Southland VCC, to which I needed little encouragement. Shortly after I was invited to go on a local club run and having biked to the Queens park start point was invited to ride with the late Ray Lindsay in his White 1916 Model T ford.
As we chugged out to the Drummond Venue (a pub) I was definitely a convert to vintage motoring and old Fords.
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Sometime later Barry received a call from a farmer at Glenham near Edendale who had recently purchased an established farm with a lot of “old Car Stuff” that he wanted disposed of . Barry invited me along to the farm and crikey it was exciting , there were some treasures amongst the vast array of machinery etc. I recall a nice early wire wheeled Reo , a Whippet coupe and old motors etc everywhere .. .wow !! We learned that the farm had been headquarters for a bit of a local hoarder who we were told had a popular nickname in the district of “Parakeet Campbell”, and it was also revealed that the farm had previously yielded a beautiful Veteran Wolseley Landaulet at an earlier time which I learned was the 1914 example restored and rallied by early club member Alf Woolet.It soon became obvious by the array of machinery that the late Mr Campbell had by virtue of his gathering also preserved some great relics from the scrap man . As we surveyed the scene I spotted a tired looking little “C” cab vehicle in very reduced circumstances sans motor and guards but the body appeared original and complete as was the chassis. Judging by the tree flourishing in the cab area, the Ford had been there for some time, but it was instantly evocative through the rose coloured spectacles I happened to be wearing at the time, and most of all it was there for the taking …… and it was a real vintage MODEL T!! We soon had the tree cut down and Barry trailered my prize home .I couldn’t believe my luck , there it was in my backyard , dad scratching his head , mum reservedly confident , but supportive of my new hobby ..and the beginning of my journey.. I soon had the body off the chassis and got out dad’s Black and Decker with a wire brush and had a coat of shiny Black duluxe on before you could say “jack robinson” . I soon discovered that under the thick brown paint on the body the original signage lettering “Thompsons Fish supply” was evident , which explained the galvanised metal interior and louvre rear doors , but of course I needed a motor , radiator , wheels, axles and tin ware. I mounted up the steering gear and sat the shiny chasis on concrete blocks and once again my imagination overruled reality …no problems….., only opportunities ahead. At this time I was in my second year of work at an electrical shop in Esk Street, Invercargill which had a great repair workshop upstairs . Of course I had told anyone who would listen that I had a vintage Model T , I hadn’t bothered to mention of course that it lacked pretty much all the mechanicals !!..
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The Workshop foreman Reg Fields was a clever engineer and apart from his prowess electrical, was a whizz on mechanicals and ran speed boats in his spare time. He was also very generous to my cause and mentioned he had some relations on a farm at Tuatapere that had a Model T saw bench set up. Enquiries were made on my behalf and it transpired the old Ford’s woodcutting days were over and if we liked to collect it ….. What, are you kidding!!! We soon beat a path to the farm and there amongst some early tractors sat my new prize, an early vintage “T” motor still with it’s firewall, radiator, transmission and coil box. I couldn’t believe my good fortune and after receiving the kind offer from Reg’s Uncle we soon had the new find in the back of Barry’s “37” Nash Ute and whisked home express delivery with a grin ear to ear. I tried to get the motor running and for the first time heard the familiar “buzzing” of the coil boxes etc but it was a no go and there didn’t seem to be too much compression, but it was probably mostly due to my lack of knowledge . Reg encouraged me and knowing I was low on funds said if I brought the motor in to work he would show me how to overhaul it myself ..so with very little prompting there was my short block in all its glory on the bench ready for my lunchtime sessions above the store.. We reckoned that the bearings could be used and so under Reg’s guidance I learned to file end caps, blue and polish the crankshaft to fit, grind valves and stems and we refitted the rings and pistons after a light hone, etc I painted this a dark blue colour and boy did it look good in the shiny chassis. I found two good 30x 31/2 wheels complete with usable tires in Wally McQuarries shed which he said were surplus to his needs. The old tires were pretty hard so on his advice I painted on Glycerine for a few weeks to soften them up. The front axle and wheels came from McKenzie’s farm at Otahuti, which came with another chassis hauled home behind my long time friend Howards dad’s PA Vauxhall. I soon met Frank Robson in Gore who was regarded as the “T” guru and being a great observer and agricultural contractor in the area seemed to know where everything was in the district.
Frank very generously helped me with a set of vintage mudguards and also directed me to a gully on a farm near Gore where the bones of a twenties Ford lay.. rusting quietly. I was able to unbolt the good cowl I needed and I also found a set of accessory pedal fittings which I restored and later fitted. I swapped a pair of Lucas headlights off a Singer for a pair of “T” lights that Colin De Garnham had and found a rear diff under a trailer on Bill Perry’s East Road farm which also provided a good set of hubcaps.
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I bought a good windscreen frame to match the top one I had from the farm from a garage clearance in Timaru. And a lovely package arrived from Len Southward in Wellington with two new “Tiger” timers after having met him on a day visit to his Lower Hutt warehouse with Barry , Trevor and Wayne Nicoll in the days before he established his Paraparaumu Museum. Incidentally the first car he purchased for his extensive collection was a “26 T” Ford Coupe. All the wheels I cleaned down , sanded and replaced a few spokes by bolting in better ones, and then brush painted white. I borrowed a lining tool from John Dale and finished the spokes with a fancy blue line. Wally welded a rod around the sharp edges of the beaded edge rims for me and I gave them a coat of silver paint all very smart I thought!!. The epicyclic gearbox was a real mystery to me so like a good novice I dismantled it and then, meccano like, assembled it all again with new drum bands not knowing if it was really correct .. Finally the big “crank up’ day with Howard, my Uncle and Grandfather in attendance, one rear wheel jacked up on a box and after switching over the spark plug wires correctly and few swings of the crank handle, my one in 15 million collection of Ford Parts became a living thing ..wow was I proud as she ran strongly ,and I adjusted the newly chromed hand throttle and advance levers and mixture until she settled down to a steady idle. It was soon revealed on my first trial run up our driveway that I had installed the diff wrong way round meaning a very slow single speed forward and two fast reverse !!!..another learning from the school of hard knocks but soon rectified . I cringe slightly when I think of releasing the big back spring under tension, I hadn’t heard of such a thing as a spring spreader in my blissful ignorance and refitted by using a long threaded bolt which I then clamped and fitted a correct bolt… risky business. Our Southland Autumn rally was the next event on the local VCC calendar and with the enthusiasm of youth, Barry suggested I could enter the Rally now, having a running Chassis? I was keen as mustard of course, and in those carefree days of easy local compliance an immediate plan was hatched to create a “speedster” as an interim use for the upcoming rally . We borrowed two Bucket seats and flat wings from an old Studebaker special of Barry’s and built the wooden body over a couple of days from an old Canada goose cage dad had, fitted the kero lights and a bulb horn and finished the lot off with a nice coat of White Taubmans Butex house paint, Wally welded up the mudguard brackets from 3/8 rod and “Bob’s your uncle “. Hard to believe but I got the warrant and registration on the Friday before rally day. Murray at the local garage issuing a new warrant on the spot with the Kero lights flickering brightly and a quick run around the yard and a new set of plates at the Post Office in the afternoon.
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Howard and I had a great fun rally weekend mounted high and oblivious to the pesky Southland open air in our bucket seats and revelling in the magic of the steady beat of the Tuatapere Saw bench engine . The buzz of the coils dried out in the morning in Mums old Atlas range and the ancient Radiator benefiting from the cooling effects of the day .. ..really what could be better ? I was driving a real Model “T’. Although I had progressed quite well with the “C” cab body, replacing the T&G roofing and covering etc, I had also discovered a Model A Roadster that was available on a farm at Oreti in pretty good shape so I set my sights on purchasing this in place of the Model ”T” and decided if I could find a suitable buyer I would sell. I can’t really recall how we connected but I was soon talking to a young and enthusiastic Bryan McConachie, just like me he was looking for a first project and a deal was soon struck. Bryan took the little Ford project and refurbished and completed the van in time for the 1972 National Rally in Nelson. I recall the accolades so deserved when he completed the full restoration, resplendent and unique as it is today. After many thousands of miles since, history has been preserved and remembered by many Southland folks, including the original Thomson family and descendants. The colours and signwriting are faithful to the original, Bryan thinks the body may have been swapped to other “T” running gear as was the case in it’s heyday from time to time, but it still remains a time capsule We both had a beginning with this old Ford “T’ learning , meeting new folks and sharing our experiences along the way Thank you to all those who helped me, many of which I still know today in the VCC and their generosity and kindness. We’ve moved on together but reserve a special place for our first vintage car. What could be better than a legendary Model “T” Ford ?
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Hi VCC committee members I am writing to tell you about our quiet country motel in Greymouth that would make an ideal base for visiting vintage car club members once the country resumes normal life. What makes our small motel ideal for VCC members is: · Vehicles are not visible from the road and protected by a driveway sensor. · We have an outdoor kitchen that lets us provide a char-grilled, or offset smoked, bbq evening meal in a group setting. · We are currently building a wood-fired hot tub in a bush setting which will be completed once the country returns to normality. · We offer a 20% room discount to those VCC members that book directly through our website. Our motel, Goldfield Suites, is next door to Shantytown, making us extremely easy to find due to the signage advising tourists how to get there. We are set back from the road in a bush setting, ensuring guests have a tranquil environment and a great night’s sleep. We have four large one-bedroom queen suites, and one queen studio. Each unit features: · a self-contained kitchenette with a Nespresso machine · a supremely comfortable queen bed, with beside device charging · a 40-inch android TV · awesome WiFi, · and the suites also have a private deck with a café setting to enjoy the Nespresso. Trip Advisor rate us as 5* and Booking.com as “Exceptional” (9.4 overall). We are both keen motor sports fans and always enjoy talking to the drivers/riders about their vehicles.
We hope this strikes a chord with your members and we look forward to hosting you when you are next in Greymouth. Regards Andy and Jolene 03 762 6035 www.goldfieldsuites.co.nz Facebook
The drop in petrol price during lockdown is like a bald man winning a hair brush.
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For Sale 1937 Dodge, 6 cyl, 3 speed. Starts and runs well, has current wof and registration he has its history, mostly original condition under 100,000 miles. reasonably priced. For enquiries call Colin at 443 8528 or 0272036652
Exemption for expired WoF and ‘Rego’ The government has announced an emergency law that provides a 6-month extension for vehicles that have an expired WoF, CoF or ‘Rego’ due to the lockdown. Similarly, there is a 6month extension for anyone whose driver’s licence or endorsement expired. The law change provides legal assurance that people can drive for essential purposes during the lockdown, and in the period afterwards, with an expired WoF or ‘rego’ or licence, without fear of infringement because the lockdown meant they could not renew it. It also means that your insurance policies will remain valid because the WoF or ‘rego’ etc. will be deemed current. For ease of enforcement, the extension is backdated to anything that expired from 1 January 2020 (1 March for licence endorsements), which is also good for anyone who was unable to get a WoF or repair prior to the lockdown (such as while waiting for hard-to-get parts for their vehicle!). It’s important to note that this extension only applies to the laws that require you to display a valid WoF or ‘Rego’ etc. The vehicle must still be in a roadworthy condition. If it isn’t then you shouldn’t drive or your insurance could be in jeopardy in the event of an accident. While the extension is for a maximum of 6 months (to around 10 October), the NZ Transport Agency can shorten this with notification. Six months was chosen in order to deal with the inevitable backlog. However, we’d encourage you not to wait that long to renew your WoF or driver’s licence after the lockdown ends. Although there was no public consultation on this emergency law, your Federation of Motoring Clubs was given a prior briefing, and gave their support to the proposals. • More information about the emergency law is on the NZTA website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-servicesupdate/frequentlyasked-questions/rules-changes-general-faqs/ A reminder that if you are taking your heritage vehicle out, ensure that it is for essential purposes, such as going to the supermarket. (Excerpt from FoMC letter dated 16 April 2020)
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Watch Repairs
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Level 1 Stratton house 24 Beach Street Queenstown 9300.
027 217 0442
twinbridges@xtra.co.nz 5-14
Graham Taylor Mechanical Ltd 114 Shortcut Road, Luggate. gtml@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 027 248 9942 MAXXIS TYRES -- MIXTECH BATTERIES — SPAREX AG PARTS
5-14
Parts Dept. The Parts Department is the place to go if you are looking for that electrical and related bits; points, condensers, spark plugs, distributor caps including some magneto caps, and that is only part of two shelves. A lot of this is NOS . There are quite a few bits for Triumph 2000 s and Hillman hunters including instruments Carburettors manifolds, steering racks, also quite a lot of BMC stuff. There are filters, fan belts, gaskets, motors, gearboxes, new speedo conversion drives ie mph to KPH make your car 20% faster!
Puff N Stuff DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT RATES From June 2017 Full Page $300.00 Half Page $ 150,00 Quarter Page $ 75.00 Contact the Ed for info.
Return Address: 10 Clan Mac Road, RD2, Wanaka, 9382
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