February 2022 Issue 378
Puff ‘n Stuff Central Otago Branch, Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc
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Front Cover: (Heading west on the open road – Aya Iino) Back Cover: (Haast Pass tailgating – Gerry Spencer)
Editorial (Omnium Gatherum) I hadn’t been down the side road as far as Jackson (note, no extra ‘s’) Bay before, so that was a nice long run, and especially to give the a/c a good workout. Unfortunately it also confirmed that I need to rebuild the rear suspension beam (torsion bar). Speaking about the Coast, here’s a mechanic’s tale: A little old lady with a Morris Minor on the West Coast (sorry, there’s a number of clichés there, but I am preserving the facts for accuracy…) took her car for a WoF. A few days later she went back and said the clutch is not working now; what had they done? The mechanic took the Morry for a trundle around the block, and found that the clutch was fine, so then invited her to get in and check it for herself. It’s then that he realised that she hadn’t moved the seat forward, and couldn’t reach the clutch properly and therefore it wasn’t fully disengaging! Part II next time… After the trip I complained about the ridiculous 30km/h limit on SH6 north of Hawea, and it was addressed with the contractor as below. Good to know. “The excavation can’t be fully backfilled, isn’t deep but still poses a hazard, so for an unattended site: Weekends - make sure there is no drop off from the edge of seal to the unsealed shoulder for vehicles to recover and leave the site at 70km/h, shoulder closure is optional. Weekdays - 50km/hr + shoulder closure.” Gerry Spencer editorCOVCC@gmail.com Copy deadline for next edition by the 15th of each month © 2022 The opinions and information presented here 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. E&OE.
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BRANCH OFFICERS 2021-2022
Committee
Patron:
John Loudon
Phone: E-Mail: 448 7192 -
Chairman: Vice Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer: Club Captain:
Noel Hassed John Martin Graham Taylor Karelan Doran Bert Turnbull
442 3908 445 0598 443 1416 027 274 3361 027 434 2339
Editor: Committee:
Gerry Spencer Chris Miller Gaynor Miller John Wilson
027 3696 880 021 977 946 ditto 027 533 5626
Greg Doran Ewen Duthie
Club Rooms / Yard:
Parts Convener:
John Wilson Don & Lynne Yeaman John Martin Alf O'Sullivan Steve Reynolds Don Yeaman Don Yeaman Alf O'Sullivan
Idle Torque: Librarian: Area Reps: Wakatipu Bill Crooks Alexandra Barry Walker Cromwell John Martin Wanaka Graham Taylor HSE: Steve Reynolds Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival: National Daffodil Day Co-Ordinator: Golden Times: Moped Rally:
Partner: Sheila
noel.hassed@gmail.com martin_jw@xtra.co.nz gtml@xtra.co.nz karelandoran@gmail.com bert.turnbull1940 @gmail.com editorCOVCC@gmail.com rosdowns@farmside.co.nz ditto saddle.hill@xtra.co.nz
Aya lino Gaynor Chris Mel
027 221 6105 027 838 8324 445 1973 027 533 5626 443 2730
gfdoran@gmail.com duthie.e@xtra.co.nz
Karelan Arlene
stagdriver98@gmail.com yeaperson@xtra.co.nz
Mel
445 0598 021 110 7707 022 167 0872 443 2730 ditto 021 110 7707
martin_jw@xtra.co.nz glenda.alf@gmail.com stevesfordv8@gmail.com yeaperson@xtra.co.nz ditto glenda.alf@gmail.com
Wendy Glenda Bev Lynne ditto Glenda
021 915 188 bill@arrowauto.co.nz 448 6508 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 gtml@xtra.co.nz 022 167 0872 stevesfordv8@gmail.com Ewen Duthie, Allan Porter, Bryan Anderson Graham Taylor, Wendy Martin Alan Sutton, Greg Doran John Martin, Lindsay Wilkie
Bernice Wendy Cheryl Greg Jenny
Jill Sharron Wendy Cheryl Bev
Central Otago Vintage Car Club (including Queenstown & Wanaka)
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CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR Please take care to read and copy to your diary!
Note possibility of postponement/cancellation due to COVID!!!!!
Wed 9 Mar 7/8pm
Club Night – Clubroom. Guest Speaker: Mrs Daphne Stewart, retired District Court Judge. This will be an enlightening and witty talk. Sun 13 Mar 9:30am Sunday Run - Routeburn Shelter for a picnic lunch (take your own food, drinks and insect repellent!) Set off from Cromwell clubrooms 9:30, meet others at Frankton Aquatic Centre carpark ~10:30, proceed to Glenorchy for coffee, then Routeburn (short section of firm gravel to reach road end). Intrepid members can do a nature walk for as long as they want, return in own time. Bert Turnbull Sun 20 Mar Moped Rally – CANCELLED Tue 8 Mar 2pm Special Committee Meeting – Clubroom Tue 29 Mar 7:30pm Committee Meeting – Clubroom Wed 13 Apr 7/8pm Club Night – Clubroom. Speaker TBA Sun 17 Apr TBA Sunday Run – Tarras/Lindis back roads meander and discourse, take a picnic lunch. Beau Trevathan Sat 23 Apr Arrowtown Autumn Festival - CANCELLED Wed 11 May 7/8pm Club Night – Clubroom. TBA Sun 15 May Sunday Run – Danseys Pass (TBC) (Jun) Note no Club Night or Sunday Run this month, as these are replaced by the AGM Jun TBC AGM at Clubroom (Jul) Note no Sunday Run Sun 21 Aug Monte Targo (Daffodil Day) Sat 24 Sep Blossom Festival, Alexandra
The Clubroom & Parts Sheds are located at Litany Street, Cromwell
Club Nights – doors open from 7pm on 2nd Wednesday of the month (except Jun & Dec)
Midweek Muster - each Wednesday morning starting from about 8:30am at the Parts Shed/Clubroom
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OTHER EVENTS, NATIONALS &c. VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details at editorCOVCC@gmail.com For more information on these and other events in Beaded Wheels, check branch newsletters which may be found at http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Sat 5 Mar Sat 12 Mar Sat 12 Mar 10am Sun 13 Mar 8am Sat 26 Mar Fri-Sun 1-3 Apr Sat 2 Apr Sat 7 May Mon-Sun 23-29 May Fri-Sun 27-29 May
Sat-Sun 4-5 Jun Fri-Sun 3-6 Feb 2023 Sun 12 Feb 2023
Sat-Sun 8-9 Apr 2023
Veteran Rally, Southland branch. Enter online at http://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar or ask for an entry form. Entries close 24th Feb. National Executive Meeting, Wellington (our Chair, Noel, is planning to attend) 48th Annual Motorcycle Rally, Crown St, Balclutha. S.Otago Branch. Our Sec (Graham) for entry form, or Gary 03 4159169 Swapmeet, Gore branch CANCELLED Scenicland Rally, West Coast CANCELLED Festival of Speed, Highlands M/S Park, Cromwell paul.coghill@xtra.co.nz 027 4330318 still on… Swapmeet, South Canterbury CANCELLED Swapmeet, Ashburton CANCELLED VCC 5 Day Time Trial VCC 2 Day Time Trial Additional 2 Day VCC Time Trial, may be based in Nelson at Labour Weekend, October 2022 - TBA Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 4338772 https://targa.nz/targa-newsletters/ Irishman Rally, Canterbury branch * * * National Motorcycle Rally, Invercargill, Southland branch. Precedes the Burt Munro Challenge. National Model T Rally. 100 year anniversary reenactment of F R Dennison’s trip of 1913. 6 day tour starting and finishing in Oamaru, 9th - 15th Feb. COVCC will be hosting a BBQ the evening of the 12th. Wheels @ Wanaka
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Chair’s Report Welcome to 2022 which unfortunately is starting as 2021 finished with the cancellation of many events. Upcoming ones that I am aware of that affect us are the Canterbury swap meet, our Moped Rally and the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. We have had a couple of outings since my last report; as usual the Christmas Dinner was a relaxed affair with plenty of time for a yarn. The meal was also excellent, better than a recent one I had at a hotel, thanks to those responsible. There was also the informal January club night and a Sunday run, organised to replace the swap meet. It was good to see a couple of our newer members out in their Cadillac for the Sunday run. Things have been busy in the yard with new drains and soak pit now installed prior to placing the recycled bitumen. The old soak pits had been redone several times and were clogged up again. Thanks to Ewen and Roddy for organising these projects. I hate to be harping on but our AGM is coming up in June and there will be vacancies on the Committee we need to see some new faces taking some responsibility for running the club. Please talk to a committee member if you can help, we already have a current vacancy so can ease you in gently prior to the AGM! The March National Executive meeting was to be held on 12th March but it is now undecided when/how this will proceed. The vote on the new logo was on the agenda so I’m also unsure how this will be handled. However I still need your feedback by 28th February so I can give our branch view when the time comes. We continue to receive generous donations of parts that help meet our operating expenses. The most recent and visible is the Wolseley 6/110 in the yard, it was on-sold quickly and will be picked up by its new owner shortly. Our thanks to all those who support us with these donations. There has been some comment around the Committees decision to introduce a Covid protocol. The reasons for this are twofold; first is our legal obligation and second our wish to provide an environment where the vast majority who are vaccinated (in the hope that it will help control the spread) feel comfortable. Since we circulated our protocol National Office have circulated similar guidelines. We will review this as the law and health recommendations change. Thanks for your understanding.
Noel Hassed
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Name Badges for Collection I am still holding name badges for H McKenzie x2, P Parker x2, R McGregor x2, Ian Bennie x2 (stuck in Australia), Ian Ramage x2, David Brewer x2. I take them with me to meetings and most runs (if I have to post them it’s a lot more trouble - could take weeks and there is a cost.) Graham Taylor
Club Logo Vote Members, There will be a vote on this at the next National Executive meeting in March. Our Branch will have one vote at that meeting that needs to reflect the majority of our members’ wishes.
A reminder to let Noel have your preference - a simple Yes or No to the proposed change - preferably by email to noel.hassed@gmail.com by 28th February.
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Minutes of COVCC Committee Meeting held at the Clubrooms 1 st Feb 2022 7:30pm Present Apologies Minutes
Noel Hassed, Karelan Doran, John Martin, Gerry Spencer, Graham Taylor, Bert Turnbull, John Wilson Chris and Gaynor Miller the minutes from the meeting 07-12-21 were confirmed. m. Noel Hassed/Bert Turnbull
Matters arising Storm water done? GST content? Five year plan, and future direction. A special committee meeting to be held on February 27th, to start on this and get some feedback from members. Water loss, toilet cistern was leaking, will need to be checked. Parts, valve refacer sold. Yard sealing can proceed, Roddy Maxwell organising this. Door mat, leave as is. Tunnel barn lights, replace the flourescents with LED lights, whenever they fail and need to be replaced, less heat and cheaper to run. AGM communication to members discussed. Karelan is standing down from the treasurers job, a minute secretary is required, (taking the minutes, and typing them up). Bert Turnbull would appreciate some assistance with his job as Club Captain. Correspondence; A member asked if he could store a container in the yard while his shed is being extended. Enquiry to Council for permission as per lease conditions. Terms and conditions discussed re Clubs consent. (since the meeting the Council declined permission, but the matter has been satisfactorily resolved). Note that NZ Model T Ford Club’s use of yard 9-15th February 2023, more information as it arises. Chair’s Report We are asked for valuations for vintage cars from time to time; Graham explained that he has offered to assist members informally, based on experience, similar listings (BW) and sales noted general condition, roadworthy status as communicated. If a formal written valuation was required this would have to be charged for. New logo votes only four replies so far.
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Treasurer’s Report; according to Council we are in arrears for our lease payment, there was confusion as to this at the time of our lease negotiations, we have to confirm our membership numbers for the 2016-17 financial year as our balance dates do not coincide this has to be re-checked, (John Martin was going to check this with our financial records held in the library). Our income is also affected by the cancellation of events because of covid. Secretary’s report; For the current financial year we have 159 full members and 62 joint members new memberships, enquiries and information being processed. General; Re life membership fees to be charged to this branch, it is noted that National office has charged John Loudon and George Page directly and that they have paid, they need to be refunded and National Office notified. Secretary still has six name badges. John Martin hired a trailer to bring the Wolseley back from Arrowtown to be reimbursed $155.25 for trailer hire, (the Wolseley has since been on sold for $1000.00) Ewen Duthie to be reimbursed for the stormwater installation costs of $860.05. m. Noel Hassed/Graham Taylor February Club night; Covid protocols; masks inside, Vaccine passes required will be checked at the door. Gerry will be the guest speaker on his experience in the oil industry. Fish and Chip run to Jackson Bay on the 13th still on contact Bert Turnbull. Moped Rally 20th March, cancelled. March guest speaker retired District Court Judge Mrs Daphne Stewart. March Sunday run to the Routeburn Shelter. Autumn Festival, cancelled, the committee will be investigating how we can run or improve a future rally based on this event. Combined Rally, clarification as to who and where. John Martin to check on this. National Executive meeting, 12th March in Wellington, Noel to attend. AGM and election of officers. Discussed new committee members welcomed. Gerry Spencer raised the question of future events, suggestions will be refined at a special committee to be held at the clubrooms 27th February, (now likely be March 8th) Topics; promotion, events, clubrooms, expectations. Meeting closed 9:45 pm Next committee meeting to be held 29th March, 7:30pm
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Sunday Run – Ophir (16th Jan) With the Cromwell Car Show cancelled, an impromptu Sunday Run to Ophir was organised at short notice. Ten cars, 22 people, including two Citroen light 15’s, a Mini, Triumphs TR2, 2.5PI, Jaguar, Daimler, BMW, and a massive Cadillac. Eventually we’ll have two Rover P6b’s and Noel won’t have to come in the modern, and the other? Well my spies tell me it’s on the way outstaggering! Very hot day, the shade at Pitches Store café welcome, and a very enjoyable social afternoon, some called in at Lake Dunstan for a dip on the way home. ‘Hot Stuff’ was just that - kept an eye on the temp gauge all the way home but no problem, just forgot to take my camera. Graham Taylor
A few statistics that might interest you between the smallest car there, Taylor’s Mini, and the largest car, Rex Baxter's 1959 Cadillac. One might feel a bit intimidated if right beside it! Don Yeaman Weight Length Wheel base Engine Economy (Imp. gal) Seats
1979 Mini 617 kg (1360 lbs) 3054 mm (10’ ¼”) 2036 mm (6’ 8”) 998 cc 37.5 mpg 5 (haha?)
1959 Cadillac 2200 kg (4850 lbs) 5715 mm (18’ 9”) 3302 mm (10’ 10”) 6400 cc 11 to 14 mpg 6
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Pitches Store, Ophir – Lynne Yeaman
Brian and Jenny Anderson's Daimler, Murray and Jenny Pryde’s Jaguar, Ophir Bridge – Lynne Yeaman
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Club Night – Gerry Spencer (9th Feb) “Oil Refining, Economics and Product Properties” Some information that I uncovered in my research: Since 2009, six refineries in Australia have closed, leaving two remaining refineries on government support. The refinery at Marsden Point is closing in April and all transport fuels will be imported, mainly from Korea/Singapore/Japan (asphalt is already imported). Current fuel demand is 8 billion litres/year. By 2040 or 2045, you’ll be lucky to find one service station per town looking at the below forecasts!
Refining NZ The Explanatory Booklet and Independent Appraisal Report
Many of NZ’s ports are draught-constrained. The current two coastal tankers (that are at risk of disappearing) are 183m long and 49,000 dwt. The cost of refining is about 2c per litre currently; actually 4c per litre due to a fee-floor mechanism. Most of the pump price of fuel (petrol) is of course government taxes (excise, GST etc.), including the current 18c per litre for ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) Retailers make about 4c per litre profit after tax
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Brief History of Octane: this chart from the US is pretty interesting. Gasoline, a by-product from refining primarily for kerosene began to find a use in the spark-ignition engine, and burgeoned in the late 1910s. The initial straight-run naphtha used as gasoline only had an octane of about 60, that only allowed a compression ratio in the engine of 4 or 5. In 1921 GM engineers discovered that lead, specifically TetraEthyl Lead (TEL), increased apparent octane, and it was added with great gusto despite the known health effects until eventually banned (in 1996 here in NZ). From 1952 naphtha reforming using an expensive platinum catalyst allowed octane increases to 95 or more for the main component in petrol. Compression ratios increased as product octane increased in the search for power and efficiency, culminating in a transitory peak around 1971 with the likes of the Oldsmobile 4-4-2. For a decade after, development was stymied by fuel crises and regulation, and then even better engine design and electronic controls lead to further improvements. (Note that AKI Anti-Knock Index in the chart, as used in the US, is the median of RON and MON; MON is always lower than RON by 6-10 points due to the way it is measured)
Splitter DA , Pawlowski AE , Wagner RM .A historical analysis of the co-evolution of gasoline octane number and spark-ignition engines. Front Mech Eng 2016; 1 :1–22
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Ethanol in Petrol – extra reading In the UK petrol with 10% ethanol in it (E10) is taking over, and it is making its way here slowly. Up to 5% ethanol is probably fine for most cars, but 10% is reported to present issues for classic cars, although there are some conflicting statements too. There are a couple of websites to check compatibility with brands of cars, but these also have some mistakes or are incomplete: https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/owning-a-car/fuel-prices-and-types/biofuel-andenvironmentally-friendly-cars/ https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol The information and table below is taken from The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs website, https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuels Ethanol is hygroscopic, and absorbs water from the atmosphere. Note that older fuel tanks and carburettor float chambers vented to the atmosphere. Absorbed water vapour will settle out in fuel tanks, causing corrosion in steel tanks and fuel lines, and rough running as the water disrupts the correct atomisation and combustion of petrol. For infrequent use, ethanol oxidises to create acidic by-products that corrode aluminium and brass components found in some older fuel systems and engines. Solutions to avoid corrosion: Avoid E10 blends Use your car regularly Material compatibility check and upgrade if necessary Long-term storage; drain the fuel tank, lines, filters and carburettors Use corrosion inhibitor additives? There is also an effect on combustion due to leaning resulting in ~2.6% power loss (for E10) and slightly hotter running.
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Material compatibility for Ethanol/Blends
Citroën light 15 power plant (Jackson Bay) – Gerry Spencer
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Sunday Run – Jackson Bay (13th Feb) A varied and well-presented convoy of some 15 vehicles set out from the Hawea service station on Sunday morning with destination a fish & chip lunch at the Craypot in Jackson Bay which lies at the southernmost end of the West Coast highway. The route followed highway 6 along lakes Hawea and Wanaka to Makarora where there was a welcome coffee break at the aptly named Makarora Country Café. From Makarora onwards we were blessed with sunshine filtering through the canopy of native beech trees for the drive up and over the Haast Pass. The drive was interspersed with several brief stops, not only for the several one-way bridges, but also for multiple one-way roadwork sections where the Haast to Wanaka fibre link is under construction. The route branched south at Haast for the final 48km run down the coast to Jackson Bay. This road, although well formed, was rather undulating in sections, apparently due the tree roots from the large natives (trees) that lined much of the road.
The Craypot providing colour (and food) at Jackson Bay – Alan Baker
We were welcomed at The Craypot by sisters Dayna and Nicole who were well prepared and provided prompt and efficient service to the sudden influx of hungry and thirsty visitors. The Craypot offered a varied, fresh seafood-based menu with their signature fish & chips proving the most popular and enjoyed along with a chilled glass of white vino. The Craypot has an interesting backstory; apparently built in Timaru as a piecart and located in Alexandra for some years, then moved to Cromwell during the construction of the Clyde dam and ending its pie cart days in Cromwell. Some 20 years ago it was purchased by a Jackson Bay local and towed over the
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Haast Pass behind a small tractor to its current location overlooking the jetty and bay and opening in its current format as The Craypot. Jackson Bay itself has an interesting history which, as far as is known, dates back nearly 200 years when it was inhabited by the Ngati-Mamoe tribe and it was named Open Bay by Captain Cook. However, the origins of its current name are obscure but possibly arose during the whaling and sealing era. There was a government-sponsored settlement commenced in the 1870s which eventually failed for a variety of reasons, and Jackson Bay is now a fishing village with few permanent residents. Before leaving I took a short walk on a track close to the DOC signs on the hill behind the Craypot and came across a small clearing with large chimney and triple fireplace which is obviously the remains of a substantial building, possibly associated with the construction of the jetty opposite. The weather stayed fine during lunch but a cool southerly breeze picked up as we were leaving. However, rain held off for the return journey. Finally, many thanks to Bert Turnbull for a well-organised and enjoyable day out. Alan Baker
More colour (white is a colour too) – Gerry Spencer
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Stormwater System Replacement
Some photos of the works
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Book Review - The Caltex Book of Veteran & Vintage Cars in New Zealand Anderson, Mollie 1931-2020 Reed, 1970, hardcover, dustjacket, 112 pp ($9-25 on Trademe or a 2 nd hand bookshop if you find one, also is in the COVCC library)
The loving care and long hours of exacting work which individual enthusiasts are prepared to put into the restoration and maintenance of their vintage and veteran cars are clearly demonstrated in this book depicting an astonishing variety of cars. Accompanying a photo for each of the 44 cars is a detailed account of the history. The late Mollie Anderson, long time editor of Beaded Wheels and wife of founding member Andrew Anderson, has also written six stimulating and carefully researched chapters on the early history of the motor vehicle in New Zealand. The story of the motor-car in New Zealand has been now told many times, but it is worthwhile to re-visit this and find in Mollie’s own words, “By far the most
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popular cars were the many different American makes of single and twincylinder runabouts (Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Fords, Reo etc.). Thus, when Europe and England were producing the cyclecar for the man in the street, such vehicles were hopelessly light for New Zealand purposes, and poorly constructed to withstand even city conditions. The man in the street bought up and used the cast-of ‘one-lungers’ when the original owners graduated to the later four- and six-cylinder Buicks, Clement Talbots, Maxwells or Sunbeams. New Zealand has always been a great second-hand car country! Only the ubiquitous Model T Ford had the rugged stamina and low cost to sell successfully as a true economy vehicle when new.” “Economy was not measured in cost of petrol but rather in costs of repairing broken springs, frames, axles and transmissions. Early in 1910 the late Dryden Rowan was servicing Buick service and mail cars throughout Central Otago, notably on a run from Clyde to Lake Wanaka. In his memoirs he remarks that the terrible conditions did not lead to longevity of vehicles, and that the shrinkage of wooden wheels in the hot, dry atmosphere of a Central Otago summer caused a great deal of trouble.” *
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FOR SALE 1948 Dodge Delux Special sedan. 4100cc engine. Professional restoration completed in 2009. Reconditioned engine. 12volt electrics. $35,000. Contact Greg Doran 027 221 6105.
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FOR SALE Two brand new 215/55-R16 “Sportlife” assymetric tyres, $240 for the pair Set of four 12inch Minilite wheels and tyres all in good condition $500 One ADO 16 BMC 1100 / 1300 body in reasonable condition, priceless! See Graham Taylor
Puff ‘n Stuff DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT RATES (a member’s car may be advertised free for 3 months) Full Page $300 (for 12 months) Half Page $150 “ Quarter Page $80 “ → Contact the Ed for info
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These 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 $2 each. (A small profit goes to our club.) To order contact David Brewer 021 280 3307 david@thebrewers.co.nz
Graham Taylor Mechanical Ltd 114 Shortcut Road, Luggate. gtml@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 027 248 9942 MAXXIS TYRES -- MIXTECH BATTERIES — SPAREX AG PARTS
Return Address: C/-114 Shortcut Road Luggate RD2 Wanaka 9382