Magazine of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
August 2022
2022 Restoration Achievement Award: Graeme Duthie’s 1926 Ford Model T Tourer The Otago RoadRunner is the official newsletter of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc. Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
Private Collection of Vintage Originals
Men and Women 1920’s - 1970’s era Accessories, hats, furs and much more Larger fittings are a speciality Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team of models
Professional recolouring of all leather car seats, interior panels etc. Protect and enhance the look of your car interior with our unique quality service Ring Rodger for a No Obligation appraisal now
Phone 455 4065 BROCKLEBANKS Leather Dyers Over 50 years serving Otago
Phone: Sue – (Dunedin) 03 489 4033/021 146 4987
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CHAIRPERSON
Mark Wilkinson
markandnicolaw@gmail.com
476 4004
PAST CHAIRPERSON
Nicola Wilkinson
markandnicolaw@gmail.com
476 4004
TREASURER
David Ross
vccnzobt@gmail.com
455 8800
SECRETARY
Marion McConachie
bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz
453 0404
CLUB CAPTAIN
Kevin Mason
027 2286431
488 5198
HOUSE MANAGER
Bill Partel
thepartels@gmail.com
489 4033
PROPERTY OFFICER
Bill Veitch
w.veitch@xtra.co.nz
489 1626
EDITOR
Eleanor Harrison
eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz
479 8280
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Colin Winter
wolseley2@xtra.co.nz
456 4382
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Andrew Roxburgh
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ross McTaggart
rossandgay@xtra.co.nz
476 4005
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Trevor Kempton
catjkempton@gmail.com
454 4912
488 3866
LIBRARIAN
Moira Cunningham
453 5777
TROPHY STEWARD
David Ross
455 8800
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bob Woodford
466 7011
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bruce Murray
487 7281
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Veitch
489 1626
ARCHIVIST
Marion McConachie
453 0404
PARTS OFFICERS
Bill Partel
489 4033
George Martin
489 3621
David Cunningham
453 5777
Kevin Mason
488 5198
GROUNDS OFFICER
Bruce Murray
487 7281
BRANCH SCRIBE
Marion McConachie
453 0404
HONORARY SOLICITOR
Joe O’Neill
477 6801
THE AUDITOR
To be confirmed
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CLUBROOMS 125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9012 Phone 455 0586
Postal Address:
BRANCH EMAIL
otago@vcc.org.nz
COMMITTEE MEETS CLUB NIGHT
2nd Monday of month 7.30pm Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm
MOTORCYCLE NIGHT
First Friday of the month
MONTHLY MEETING
Last Friday of the month 8.30pm
PARTS SHED
Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm. Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER
Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesday of the month please
125 Forbury Road, Dunedin, 9012
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916” LIBRARY ROSTER AUG 5th 12th 19th 26th
Bill Veitch Closed Closed Bryan McConachie
OCT 7th 14th 21st 28th
Bruce Murray Closed Closed Bill Veitch
Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night
SEPT 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th NOV 4th 11th 18th 25th
Moira Cunningham Closed Closed Closed Kevin Mason
Bryan McConachie Closed Closed Moira Cunningham
Welcome to New Members: The Otago Branch extends a very warm welcome to Roger Capil - who owns a Vauxhall Andrea Geary – who is keen to meet other Model A owners The Branch Members welcome you both to the Club.
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BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold) Please contact your branch secretary if you would like Entry forms for other branch rallies / events 2022
AUG Fri 5th Sun 21st Mon 22nd Thurs 25th Fri 26th
Motorcycle Group Meeting 13th Nat VCC AGM - Auckland Rally for Cancer - Dunedin to Mosgiel – for display Daffodil deliveries for cancer society Midweek Run - lunch time run Club Night – Tech Talk – Dean Turner - Pinstripping
SEPT Fri 2nd Sat 10th Sun 18th
Thurs 29th Friday 30th
Motorcycle Group Meeting 3rd Waimate Swapmeet Autospectacular 10th Winchester Swapmeet th PWV/P60/P80 Rally 19 – 23 North Island Club Captains Tour 24th Blossom Festival Rally - Central Otago 24th Dickson Auction – Gore th 25 Annual Veteran Rally - Canterbury Midweek Run Club Night - Dunvegan group
OCT 1st-2nd Thurs 27th Fri 28th
Dunvegan Rally 7-8th Canterbury Swapmeet Midweek Run 1-24th Mount Cook Rally – South Canterbury Club Night
NOV 4th-6th
50th Taieri Tour
20th DEC 3rd 4th
Commercial/Veteran Rally Moped Rally Christmas BBQ
2023 JAN Sun 15th 21-22nd
12th 50th Clutha Rally 19th Swapmeet – North Otago
Jackson Rally Dunedin Brighton Run 21st Vintage M/C rally – Waimate 0276443824
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS 2023 3-6th February National Motorcycle Rally – Southland – just prior to the Burt Munro Challenge 24-27th February National Veteran Car Rally – Auckland 2024 January National Veteran Rally / Dunedin Brighton Run - Otago Branch Bid tba National Commercial Rally - Wanganui 2025 Bid to hold National Motorcycle Rally - Wairarapa
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NATIONAL RALLY FOR CANCER
Sunday 21st of August
Meet at Forbury Raceway carpark from 12.45pm for drive to Wingatui Race course BYO afternoon tea Coffee caravan will be available during the Public Display at Wingatui Pre ordered DAFFODIL DELIVERIES for Cancer Society
Monday 22nd August
From 12 midday onwards Please advise Marion via email if you are willing to help this year. ONLINE DONATIONS can be made via daffodilday.org.nz and search for Vintage Car Club Otago
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Midweek Run Thursday 25 August - Lunch time run th
Meet at the Clubrooms at 11am We will trial lunch time runs for the next two to three months. Venues will be confirmed closer to the time. Numbers required – please advise Marion or Kevin Mason asap if you intend to come.
TECH TALK 8.00 pm Friday 26th August Dean Turner - will demonstrate a bit on traditional pinstriping on wheels etc, may bring some paint and brushes along for a demonstration and for people to have a go.
AUTOSPECTACULAR
10TH SEPTEMBER The theme is – what I did during lockdown
GM NIGHT RALLY th
SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2022
90 minutes of night time navigation and observation. Start and Finish at the Otago Branch of the VCC clubrooms 125 Forbury Road, Dunedin from 7.00 pm
Rally to start at 7.30 pm
All makes of vehicles are welcome, especially GM Vehicles (even trucks and Japanese cars!)
Entry per Vehicle $5.00
Please bring a small plate to share for supper (Organised by the Otago Vauxhall Owners Club) 7
As I write this it is apparent that winter has well and truly arrived so, please stay warm and try to keep the dreaded COVID and winter ills away. The AGM has been and gone and I have again stepped into the role of Chairman – my thanks to those who have volunteered their services again. A full list of committee members plus contact details can be found at the front of the Road Runner. Without you the branch can not function. For those of you unable to attend the AGM the issue of the branch levy was raised and it was noted that although an increase had previously been approved it had not in fact been put in place. This was in part possibly due to changes at National Office so the meeting agreed to raise the branch levy to what was previously agreed. This should be reflected in this year’s subscription. As everyone is also aware costs are ever increasing which also includes compliance costs to the branch and while we have funds in reserve it is essential these are not diluted. Moving on, the branch has a busy period ahead. First up is the VCC National Day incorporating the Daffodil Rally for Cancer on the 21 st August. This is the day where all branches throughout New Zealand come together to showcase our club, possibly attract new members while at the same time raising money for the local Cancer Society. At this stage we have a lot of interest with the event shared on a number of local online pages so now we need members to turn up to help plus participate. Further information can be found in the Road Runner, on the main VCC website and our local Facebook page. The Autospectacular is set down for 10 September which will also be the Night Rally hosted by the Vauxhall Club. The PWV/P60/P80 run is set down for 18 September (refer to entry form in this Road Runner). This run will be finishing at the Otago Aero Club and after having a leisurely lunch I have arranged for a visit to the Otago Rescue Helicopter facilities. $10.00 from each entry is being donated to the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust. Every member is welcome to attend even if you come in a modern or just turn up for the visit and pay the $10.00 donation. Invitations have also been issued to some other car clubs. Following on from this we have the 50 th Dunvegan which was postponed from last year and the 50th Taieri Tour. Planning for both events is well in hand and both should be great events. There has been interest from other branches for the Taieri Tour so here’s hoping for a good event. At the start of 2024 the branch is hosting the National Veteran Rally in conjunction with the 70 th Dunedin to Brighton Run. Planning for this is underway. Finally keep an eye on the Calendar of Events page in the Road Runner and I look forward to seeing you all at the various events over the next 12 months. Mark Wilkinson In the words of Winston Churchill: A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
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Thursday Mid week run Scotts Brewery Oamaru Thursday 30th June dawned cold and miserable, twelve cars were taken out of dry garages, and a total of 23 VCC members travelled up to Oamaru, bound for Scotts Brewery for the mid year lunch. Steven was picked up from Palmerston on the way through and Lynley and Ron joined us from Timaru. We left early enough so those who wanted to were able to have a wander through the heritage precinct before lunch. There were enough shops open to make it interesting. Scotts Brewery was a very welcome sight as there was a lovely log fire and a great selection of food to warm us up. Pizzas, chicken dishes, and a variety of sides as well. A very nice destination and good company on a cold winters day. Thanks to Kevin for organising this.
THE BANTAM
The first BSA Bantam appeared in 1948 and it’s now 51 years since the last one ran off the assembly line about the time of the BSA demise. 1948 the British GPO ordered 50 D1 Rigid 125cc models to be used by their staff for delivering telegrams. By 1952 they upgraded to spring frame, leg shield models in PO red; as the years moved on the engine size increased to 175 cc. It is said that the GPO purchased 6000 Bantams up until 1971 and even stockpiled some 175 models when the factory was about to shut the doors. These were used up until 1974 . Back in those early years many young motorcyclists started their riding on Bantams; well made lightweights, sadly the Wico Pacy ignition system on the early models was not so reliable, a small number ex factory had a much improved coil ignition setup. The design came from DKW after WW 2 as a war reparation, a very successful design. I'm not sure now but in the UK there was a Bantam Racing Club, highly tuned 125 cc models reaching speeds well over 100 mph, this was also the case in Australia. Having spent an apprenticeship on BSAs, I very much doubt if these racers used the original ignition setup, however many early Bantams have survived up until now. Bill Veitch 9
New membership applications - This process and charges have changed. Applications for membership can now be done online They can be found here https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/. Or contact: Marion - Branch Secretary in the first instance. Change of Address/phone number/email address - Contact National Office directly to advise these changes! Otago Branch - Name Badges - If you do not yet have one please contact David Ross – treasurer to order one. They are $10 each and good to wear when attending events. We have a number of new members and it can be difficult for everyone trying to identify and remember who you are. Tech Talks – Last Friday of the Month Club Nights ––Thanks to those who have offered their time and resources to give presentations during these club nights over the year ahead. We are always looking for other interesting speakers. Please get in touch with a committee member if you have any contacts. BRANCH NEWSLETTERS: - newsletters on the Club Website should now be up to date. To access other branch newsletters, go to www.vcc.org.nz scroll to News from our Branches ENTRY FORMS FOR OTHER BRANCH EVENTS These can be accessed via the branch newsletters on the VCC website. Or there should be a copy in the clubrooms or contact me for a copy. Entries usually close within two weeks of the event. NNB: Please if you are planning to enter a local event, and running late with entry forms, please contact the organizer by phone or email to let them know you are coming. They need to know numbers for printing the instructions, and catering purposes for some events. SPARE PARTS SHED: – Parts shed is usually open every Wednesday morning, and Friday evenings when the clubrooms are open. Reminder – see if you can effectively recycle your parts before scrapping them. NO TYREs by request.
Vero Insurance Scheme - Just a reminder, the VCC Vero insurance scheme is set up for those with current VCC membership. If you become unfinancial you will no longer receive discounted insurance premiums The VCCNZ Facebook page at: www.facebook.co/vintagecarclubofnewzealand If you want to add photos and short write-ups for insertion to Facebook please send to: comms@vcc.org.nz AED DEFIBRILATER -There is one on the outside wall of the 4 Square shop on corner of Bayview Road. Please make a point of familiarising yourself of its location – Never know when it might be needed.
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VIC Applications / Authenticity Statements Please Make sure of the following: Please write clearly – capitals preferred: ensure that the application forms are completed fully, especially in regards to mileage, engine manufacturer, some history of the vehicle (even if it is only “purchased from Trade Me in April 1999”) Get 3 identical photographs of the vehicle, correct size as indicated on application form Photos of Chassis/frame number and/or engine numbers. PLEASE CHECK THAT ALL PAPERWORK/(PHOTOS - CORRECT SIZE!!!) ARE PRESENT BEFORE FORWARDING TO YOUR BRANCH VEHICLE REGISTRAR – It gets very time consuming when we need to contact you time and again to ensure everything is sorted. THE VIC CARD BELONGS TO THE VCC AND MUST STAY WITH THE CAR! CHANGED VEHICLE OWNERSHIP - SOLD OR SELLING YOUR VIC’D VCC VEHICLE YOU NEED TO ADVISE NATIONAL OFFICE!!! ENSURE YOU SEND YOUR VIC CARD ALONG WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP DETAILS TO NATIONAL OFFICE – There is a form that needs to be completed for this (available from Branch Secretary or on the VCC website VIC information is the property of the National Club – this is their way of keeping records of Vehicle ownership etc.
Operating under Covid-19 Orange Traffic Light Regulations
Information received from Official Govt Covid website:
CONTINUE WEARING MASKS WHILE INDOORS– unless eating and drinking SANITISE STAY AT HOME AND GET TESTED IF YOU ARE UNWELL
Request for vehicles wanted for a Movie set in 1929 - Cancelled
NB: the request put out last month for vehicles for the above planned movie has been withdrawn. The team have advised that the crew are now not coming to Dunedin. So thank you to those who had been in contact and offered their vehicles. They are now not required. 11
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Otago Branch Inc
PWV / P60 / P80 RALLY SUNDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2022 Assemble at Village Green Car Park Sunnyvale - 326 Main South Road, Green Island At 10am All classes of vehicles including modern welcome P60/P80 Classes only eligible for Trophies
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH, HOT WATER and chairs Please complete and return to: Kevin Mason or Mark Wilkinson Clubrooms on Wednesday mornings or Post to: To Vintage Car Club of NZ Otago Branch Inc 125 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin 9012
ENTRY FORM Entrant’s (Driver’s Name……………………………………………….………. Address…………………………………………..………… Vehicle……………………………………………………… Make……………………. Year of Manufacture…………… ENTRY FEE: - $15.00 per vehicle ($10 will be going to charity) ENTRIES CLOSE WEDNESDAY 14th Sept 2022 Mark Wilkinson 021 1686068 email: markandnicolaw@gmail.com 12
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
TAIERI
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TOUR
YEARS 4 to 6 November 2022 Travis Michelle
Kindly supported by
travanmarg@gmail.com David Mills
mrdavidmills@gmail.com Newsletter Number 5 Covid; that dreaded lurgi. When we set out to organise the Tour, one primary aim was to have an event that we could manage around the pestilence. Some have been asking what about spacing etc? Firstly, we do ask you take all the normal precautions. Mask up, wash hands and keep safe. One cannot do much more. The Dunedin Rugby Football Club is quite a big space. The Austin Group held a similar event there and the catering people and 100 seated guests were easily accommodated in one half of the venue. When we open the sliders we double the space! We can spread out very easily. Secondly, if we keep to the rules of contact and spacing we will minimise the risk. Obviously, we cannot guarantee safety. No event can - but we can certainly take all the care and enjoy ourselves at the same time. So come prepared to help and protect yourselves and each other. It is all we can do. Things are really getting nailed down. The badge mock-ups are being done and are a little different. Other details are being ironed out and all the usual people are making sure about venues etc. The Dunedin City Council are checking accessibility for us this week. Entry forms will be out very soon. The numbers of expected participants are growing so please ensure you let us have your numbers above all else. Motels are expecting you but be quick as apparently there is a National Sport event around the same time. If you have any difficulties, please ask.
Travis 13
2022 RESTORATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 1926 Ford Model T Tourer Owned by Graeme Duthie
History The vehicle was purchased from Roy Shanks in Invercargill in pieces. He purchased it from Robin Dickson of Gore. Before that it is believed that half came from Invercargill area and half from Port Chalmers area. Some of the body work had been carried out. Most of the restoration was completed by the owner, except for the engine reconditioning work and upholstery and hood placement. 14
LAST CALL FOR BRANCH MEMBERS TO COLLECT THEIR COPY NOW AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO BRANCH MEMBERS FREE If you haven’t got yours yet – please contact branch secretary to arrange collection.
This is a well written overview of our branch history over its first 60 years. It is a story, which covers some of our past, present and longer serving members and the events and activities that the branch has either organised or been involved in over this time. Most of the material has come from past minute, newsletter and private records. Print is easy to read, so you might be able to read this without your glasses
All left over books will be available for Sale at the Autospectacular on 10th September $50 each plus $12 p&p Contact branch secretary - Marion McConachie 034530404 bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz to arrange delivery / pickup, or for extra details.
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For your entertainment (from John Noble) If you're not familiar with the work of Steven Wright, he's the famous Erudite (comic) scientist who once said: "I woke up one morning, and all of my stuff had been stolen and replaced by exact duplicates." His mind sees things differently than most of us do. Here are some of his gems: 123456-
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back. Half the people you know are below average. 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot. A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good. 7 - A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 8 - If you want the rainbow, you have got to put up with the rain. 9 - All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand. 10 - The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. 11 - I almost had a psychic girlfriend... But she left me before we met. 12 - OK, so what's the speed of dark? 13 - How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink? 14 - If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something. 15 - Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. 16 - When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane. 17 - Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy. 18 - Hard work pays off in the future; laziness pays off now. 19 - I intend to live forever... So far, so good. 20 - If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? 21 - Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. 22 - What happens if you get scared half to death twice? 23 - My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
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24 - Why do psychics have to ask you for your name. 25 - If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. 26 - A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. 27 - Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 28 - The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. 29 - To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. 30 - The problem with the gene pool is that there is no life guard. 31 - The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up. 32 - The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it. 33 - Everyone has a photographic memory; some just don't have film. 34 - If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. And the all-time favorite: 35 - If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?
Also from John Noble: Popular Mechanics Magazine 1935
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FINDING PUNCTURES - 1910 It is a great mistake to detach the whole bead of the cover (tyre ) and withdraw the entire tube when a tyre deflates on the road, yet many riders make this his habit. By daylight trust to the eye, and sitting down near the rear wheel, go carefully over the whole of the tread until the cause of the puncture is found. Then detach the bead for about nine inches on each side of the puncture and repair. This restricted method is especially valuable in the rain. It is usually possible to keep the tyre and tube perfectly dry by spreading a cape or macintosh jacket across the carrier and one’s head to act as a tent. If the whole tube is withdrawn, the tube, the solution, and the French chalk are all likely to be soaked, and the repair will probably fail. The valve is easily tested of course, by moistening its extremity and watching for bubbles. A small puncture at night appears a more formidable matter, but the pin or bit of wire can generally be felt if the hand is passed lightly round the tyre, not forgetting to feel the walls as well as the tread. The exact situation of the hole is easily found by ear if the ear is laid against the tube. In the rare event of a hopeless burst miles from any tyre stockist, one expedient is to stuff the cover tightly with grass, and proceed to the nearest hotel or station at a strictly moderate pace (well well - I’ve seen the grass method more than once!).
Bill Veitch
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Email: otcl@es.co.nz Postal: 406 Hillside Road, Dunedin Phone 455 5029
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