Taupo VCC - July 2019 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

TA U P O V C C M A G A Z I N E

J U LY 2 0 1 9

TAUPO

Restoring the Texaco tanker dash instruments BR

A NCH

B– N. Z

V I N TA G CAR

UPCOMI NG E VEN TS • C H AIRM AN ’S & CAPTAI N’S R E POR T • C ON GRATULATION S T O JOE AND B E RY L , 60 YEARS TOGETH ER! • COR OMANDE L C H ARITY C RUISE 2019 • V CCNZ 2 0 1 9 NAT ION AL EASTER RALLY • AR T CO R NE R • 2 0 1 9/ 20 EVEN T C ALEN DAR

Taupo Torque | |Taupo TaupoVintage VintageCar CarClub ClubMagazine Magazine

Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2019 JULY Wednesday 10th July

Club Night, Clubrooms 7.30 pm.

Sat/Sun 13/14th July

Hobbies Expo.

Monday 22nd July

Committee Meeting 7.30 pm.

AUGUST Wednesday 14th August

Club Night. Fish and Chip/Quiz Night, 6.00 pm.

Sunday 18th August

Club Captain Run. (Possible weekend away)

Monday 19th August

Committee Meeting 7.30 pm.

Sunday 25th August

“Daffodil Day” rally, (also midweek delivery) TBC

SEPTEMBER Wednesday 11th September

Club Night, Clubrooms 7.30 pm. Movie.

Sunday 15th September

Club Run. Breakfast Run. Finish at Clubrooms.

Monday 16th September

Committee Meeting 7.30 pm.

Club Breakfast - First Sunday of each month At Coffee Club, Roberts Street. Special $10 menu for Club Members or order off their Menu. Register by phoning Owen on 07 378 8327. Be seated between 9.00 and 9.30 am.

July 2019 T

August 2019

September 2019

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

COVER

Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers

Printed Mag Now Available!

Printing Tips

Chairmanâ€™s Report

Club Captainâ€™s Report

11 Congratulations to Joe and Beryl , 60 years together! 13 Restoring the Texaco tanker dash instruments 25 Coromandel Charity Cruis e 2019 31 VCCNZ 2019 National Easter Rally 40 Art Corner Cover image: Example of one of the Texaco tanker dash instrument restorations.

42 Taupo VCC 2019/20 Calendar Year.

CLUB NIGHT The second Wednesday of the month at the clubrooms - Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo.

CLUB DAY Third Sunday of the Month. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles and materials presented in this magazine are those of the authors and/or reference sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the Taupo Vintage Car Club or The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Our intention is to stimulate discussion and enthusiasm among the VCC membership and the wider community. All photos, product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.

JULY 2019

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers Taupo Vintage Car Club, PO Box 907, Taupo 3351

PATRON Graham Mock HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Bob Pettigrew • Graham Mock • Joe Ridley • Norman Pointon CHAIRMAN Neil Chave 07 3765262 chairman@taupovcc.org SECRETARY (Vacant) secretary@taupovcc.org ACTING SECRETARY Eric Foley 07 378 7006 secretary@taupovcc.org TREASURER Maureen Ransley 07 3776360 treasurer@taupovcc.org CLUB CAPTAIN Tony Mannington 07 3771598 captain@taupovcc.org MAGAZINE EDITOR Dean Packwood editor@taupovcc.org COMMITTEE Brent Davidson 07 378 2691 Chris Smith 07 378 4582 Marty Sutherland 07 376 7259

Owen Duncan 07 378 8327 Trish Jefferies 07 378 4774 Murray Stanley 07 376 8930

Non COMMITTEE POSITIONS ARCHIVISTS June & Graham Mock BEADED WHEELS SCRIBE Neil Chave CLUBROOM HIRE Eric Foley LIBRARIAN Trish Jefferies RAFFLES Pam Mannington RALLY SPONSOR Terrys Tyres. SPARE PARTS Bruce Jefferies CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN Owen Duncan VIC CERTIFIERS Bruce Jefferies Norman Pointon Brent Davidson

JULY 2019

07 378 7513 07 376 5262 07 378 7006 07 378 4774 07 377 1598 07 378 6180 07 378 4774 07 378 8327 07 378 4774 07 378 9226 07 378 2691

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Printed Mag Now Available! Printed copies of our monthly magazine, Taupo Torque, are now available from Copy Solutions in Taupo! We email the magazine to Copy Solutions each month, so if you would like a copy, you can visit Copy Solutions in Taupo and purchase one of the following 3 options:

Full Colour A5 Booklet $12.99 + GST Full Colour Cover, Black and White Internal Pages, A5 Booklet $4.99 + GST

Copy Solutions

Black and White A5 Booklet $2.99 + GST

30 Tamamutu Street, Taupo 3330 P. (07) 378 6278 E. taupo.sales@printing.com www.printing.com

Note: Prices correct at time of publication, based on page-count, and may be subject to change. JULY 2019

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Printing Tips Although you can print this magazine to A4 (either actual size or scaled to A4), this magazine has been set up in A5 format. This allows you to print 2 pages up on an A4 or even a booklet if your printer supports it. If you open the magazine file in Acrobat Reader, and select file>print, under Page Size and Handling (see image below), you can print multiple pages per sheet. Click File>Print>Multiple>Pages per sheet> 2 If your printer supports printing both sides of the paper, you can also print a ‘Booklet’. Which allows you to print, then staple and fold up into an A5 magazine.

Here are some more informative links and videos to help: • Printing Multiple A4 Sheets on One A4 Sheet in Adobe Reader

• Printing PDFs from Acrobat Reader • Get Adobe Reader

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Chairman’s Report

Neil Chave Chairman’s Report – July 2019 The mid-winter ‘Pot Luck Dinner’ was again this year a major success with a great turnout of members that came along to share a great range of food. It was widely commented by those that attended the range of food was excellent. Thanks too to those that helped out at the end of the evening with the dishes and general clean up of the club rooms. In June the annual ‘Brass Monkey Run’ was held this year set by last year’s winners Beryl & Joe Ridley ably assisted by Janice Maxwell. It was a drizzly afternoon that we all headed off to various spots around Taupo looking for clues and after a couple hours most had finished the question sheet and headed off to Fine Fettle café for some mulled wine and an evening meal. The winners were announced, and Marty & Lynne Sutherland were declared the winners and will set next year’s run. Coming up in July the club event for the month is the support for the Hobbies Expo to be held at the Taupo Events Centre. The VCC will again be present with a range this year of our member’s vintage trucks. If you do get a chance to visit, it’s well worth the effort. Also during July on the same weekend as the Hobbies Expo is a Classic Car run to Lake Maraetai at Mangakino. This run is called ‘The Mangakino Lake Hop’ and is to be held on Saturday, July 13th at Lake Maraetai from 10.00AM – 3.00PM. We not exactly sure who is organising this run but it should be well worth a visit. The club too is planning to update our photos of club members cars as currently displayed above the counter area of the kitchen. Many of the cars as currently shown have moved on but remain part of the Taupo branch history. We will be setting up this area as a display of current cars within the club, and another display in the club rooms will be a presentation of cars that may be used to be in the club. Details on how you can get your car photo up on show will be advised. Neil JULY 2019

Please support our advertisers as they support us

PO BOX 753 ● Ph 07 378 6180 Fax 07 378 0152 ● email: tyres@reap.org.nz

4WD & PASSENGER TYRES Wheel Alignments, Batteries, Shock Absorbers & Mag Wheels

Club Night!

Wednesday 10th July 2019 A guest speaker has been arranged for the July Club night. Marin Leusink will be speaking on the upcoming Volcanic Rumble to take place in Taupo on the 13th to 15th December 2019. (Note: Guest speaker, Conrad Clark, has been postponed)

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Club Captain’s Report

Tony Mannington Club Captain’s Report – July 2019 Winter is starting to bite now, but it didn’t stop our Mid Winter Christmas Dinner from going ahead and having a good turnout of members. One of our more popular Club Nights/Dinners. Just reflecting back on our Club Nights, this one certainly has the support of where Club Members can get together for a chat and meal celebrating mid-year. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this year, but Pam tells me all went to plan with many restaurant class dishes. Looking forward to next year. Special thanks to Joe, Beryl and Janice who set our Brass Monkey Run this year and Pam and I are still amazed that we are still able to go to areas of Taupo that we haven’t been to before. Thanks to Fine Fettle for opening up for us and cooking up Roast Pork Dinner and Seafood Chowder and I am sure everyone went away happy especially Marty and Lynne who have the job of setting next Brass Monkey Run. Looking forward, we have our Club Night on the 10th of July, Marty JULY 2019

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and Brent have arranged a guest speaker. Check the notice later in Newsletter. Hobbies Expo is on the weekend of the 13/14 July. Our Club this year has chosen to display Club eligible light trucks, so if you have a suitable vehicle that you would be happy to display, please give us a call. We will also need some help manning our display, talking to the Public about the Vintage Car Club. Saturday 10am to 5pm. Sunday 10am to 3.00pm. Give us a call if you can help out. Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in January 2021: We as a Club should make every to support this event. Not often do we have an event of this nature so close to Taupo, let’s get behind the Organizing Team and support it. If we can get 8 to 10 cars from the Taupo VCC we have done our bit toward making this a successful event. Club Night the 11th of September we have asked Tony Haycock from the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring to come and talk to us about the event. If you are interested in attending, please note this Club Night in your diary. See notice later in the newsletter. In September we have our Breakfast/ Brunch Run starting off somewhere in town and finishing up at the Clubrooms for a Breakfast/ Brunch. It’s been like this for a number of years now. Do we need a change!! Any suggestions you have let us know. Do you want to end up at Cafe for Brunch and pay accordingly or stick to ending at the Clubrooms for a $5.00 meal? A special thanks to all members that supported Pam and I during my recent stay in Rotorua Hospital. After 11 days of treatment, 8 days at Hospital and another 1 week at home resting, I am now well on the way to a full recovery and back to normal. That’s it for now and hope to catch up with you all at the next Club events. Tony

JULY 2019

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Congratulations to Joe and Beryl, 60 years together!

Above: Joe and Beryl listening to the best man taking the credit for getting them together. Right: Cutting the cake. Below: Our diamond anniversary couple with their mystery ride - Bruce and Trishâ€™s gorgeous original 1966 Cadillac Sedan De Ville. Below right: Our friendly VCC piper awaits.

JULY 2019

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand invites you to the 2021 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. More information visit www.historicmotoring.co.nz

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Restoring the Texaco tanker dash instruments

by Sue Keys

The stylish dash instruments from the Diamond T Texaco tanker have been fully repaired and restored, and have undergone a dramatic transformation. In addition, I have looked back at the history of the manufacturer of these stunning gauges, Stewart-Warner Corporation, being another chapter in the Texaco tanker’s story.

Recreating The Artwork The first challenge that we faced when restoring the dash instruments was the deterioration of the graphics. Because the ink had degraded so badly, some of the gauges had no index markers or dial artwork left whatsoever (see blog online here) So our only reference material was access to another unrestored Diamond T truck with the same style instruments, and a couple of images online. The only variation I found when comparing the other Diamond T truck instruments to the Texaco tanker, was the wording on the fuel gauge. Instead of the one word ‘Gasoline’, the Texaco tanker fuel gauge reads ‘Gasoline Level’. JULY 2019

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To help Mitch recreate the graphics, I began by hand sketching the precise height and width of the words and numerals, and the positioning of the index markers. Mitch was then able to confirm these measurements as he scaled the graphics and recreated the original font style. He then produced the dial artwork for each respective inner glass insert.

Painting and Polishing Once the instruments were dismantled, we were finally able to see the original face colour that had been hidden under the brass inner bezels.

Marked on the outer edge were the Stewart-Warner part numbers of the face dials. Steve matched the original colour before stripping the paint off all the gauge faces. After cleaning and preparing the surfaces, Steve painted the complete set of instrument faces.

JULY 2019

He then polished all the inner brass bezels and clear coated them to prevent tarnishing, and stripped and painted the gauge pointers.

Repairing The Instruments The next step was to find the best craftsmen to strip and inspect each instrument. The repairs to the George W Borg clock were entrusted to, and arranged, by Alan at Watch World Ltd. Alan, a lifelong friend, has worked as a watchmaker for his entire career and is a ‘car guy’. He has followed and supported this project since day one and appreciates the rarity and historical significance of the ’38 Texaco tanker. It goes without saying that we were very grateful for Alan’s help with the clock. The movement was stripped down and ultrasonically cleaned to remove the old oils and contamination that had accumulated over the 80 years. Once cleaned, the movement was checked for wear on the bearing surfaces, and any worn bushings were replaced and adjustments made. The movement was then reassembled and lubricated as necessary. Alan commented to us that for its age and the miles it had travelled, the clock was in a remarkably good condition compared to the rest of the truck. JULY 2019

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As a final check, the clock was attached to a 12 volt battery and bench tested for several weeks to ensure that everything was working correctly. We then asked friends, Richard and Keiron Adlington, to locate an instrument repairer who we knew had moved to Kinloch, near Taupo. Bruce Chaytor of Instrument Repairs, had restored a set of gauges for Bryan Belcherâ€™s Diamond T some years earlier. Bruce specialises and focuses on vintage and classic dash instruments, so he was our first choice for the repairs to the Stewart-Warner gauges. Due to the clock and dash instruments being disassembled for the painting, polishing and dial artwork, we were hesitant to post or courier the fragile pieces to Bruce. So Richard and Keiron kindly collected and delivered the gauges and parts on several occasions on their trips between Auckland and Kinloch. On receipt of the instruments, Bruce stripped, cleaned and inspected the gauges. He zeroed the mileage, and made and fitted new decals to the odometer and tripmeter. A new capillary was fitted to the temperature gauge, and repairs were made to the fuel gauge coil. The tank unit was cleaned and then tested with the fuel gauge. Bruce arranged for the external bezels to be chromed, and the gauge cases were zinc plated. New green strips were fitted in the side slots of each gauge. It is through these slots that the gauge faces are illuminated, either by a bulb attached to the gauge case or from a borrowed light source under the dash. Bruce then reassembled all the gauges, tested each one and calibrated the speedometer to the manufacturerâ€™s specifications.

JULY 2019

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To top off the great service, Bruce and Nicolette hand delivered the set of restored instruments back to us when they made their next trip back up to Auckland. Bruce Chaytor Instrument Repairs nap.chaytor@gmail.com 021 631 700

The Restored Instruments The beauty and style of these Stewart-Warner instruments is enhanced by the sheet of glass that sits inside the inner brass bezel. Having the dial artwork on the glass creates the illusion that the three green rings are floating in the centre of the gauge face. The deluxe features of the Diamond T cab, and these Stewart-Warner gauges in particular, make it easy at times to lose sight of the fact that the Texaco tanker was a working truck. Before and after shots â€Śâ€Ś

George W Borg Clock

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Temperature Gauge

Speedometer

Oil Pressure Gauge

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Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Fuel Gauge

Ammeter

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The History Stewart-Warner Corporation “If it had wheels, it used a Stewart Warner instrument.” That is the slogan that appears on the Stewart Warner website today. It is an iconic brand name that is synonymous with automotive history. In 1905, John K Stewart and Thomas J Clark formed Stewart & Clark Manufacturing Company and produced mainly speedometers. Just two years after the formation of their company, Thomas Clark was tragically killed when the Packard he was driving skidded off the road and rolled. The accident occurred while Clark was demonstrating one of the Stewart & Clark speedometers during his participation in the 1907 Glidden Tour. Following Clark’s death, John Stewart continued with the business and in 1910 began supplying the Stewart Speedometer to Henry Ford for use in the Model T. The Warner Instrument Company was a rival manufacturer in the same industry so in 1912 Stewart acquired that business and consolidated it with his own. He

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Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

changed the name of his company to the Stewart-Warner Speedometer Corporation, and then in 1929 changed it again to the Stewart-Warner Corporation. A small manufacturing plant was erected on Diversey Parkway in Chicago but as the business expanded, so did the size of the plant. The Stewart-Warner complex on Diversey Parkway eventually grew to become a staggering one million square foot (93,000 mÂ˛) manufacturing facility. The site also housed the company headquarters.

At its peak, Stewart-Warner employed 6000 people at the Diversey Parkway site. The company was acquired in 1987 by British Tire & Rubber, and all operations were relocated two years later to Juarez in Mexico. This left yet another giant manufacturing plant abandoned within the motor vehicle industry. A fire destroyed most of the vacant buildings on April 25, 1993, and the remaining structures were demolished and replaced with condominiums.

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The Stewart-Warner brand still exists today under the ownership of Actuant Corporation.

George W. Borg George William Borg (1887-1960) was one of the founders of the Borg-Warner Corporation. He started a joint venture with William Greenleaf in 1926 to develop automotive clocks, but this partnership, trading as Borg-Greenleaf Corporation, lasted less than 18 months. In 1927, Borg formed the George W. Borg Corporation, and purchased a seven storey building in E. Ohio St, Chicago. His first clocks appeared in 1928 and customers included Buick and Studebaker. Borg priced his clocks at the lower end of the market so demand was high. Before long, Borg clocks were being sold as factory equipment in all the major car lines. This included General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. In 1937, Borg relocated the clock manufacturing to Delavan, Wisconsin and continued to be a major supplier of electric automobile clocks to all the leading car manufacturers. Borg merged with Amphenol in 1958 to form Amphenol-Borg but by the mid 1960s, the word Borg had been dropped from the corporate name.

Our Thanks The overall recovery of the gauges was a team effort so we would like to thank and acknowledge Mitch once again for his artwork and graphics, Alan and Watch World Ltd for reconditioning the clock movement, Richard and Keiron for helping with the transportation of the gauges, and Bruce for the repairs, restoration and revival of these classic instruments. References: • https://www.stewartwarner.com/about-stewart-warner/ • http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2864.html • http://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/2016/01/stewart-warner-and-cdeering-yard.html

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• https://www.firstsuperspeedway.com/articles/indianapolis-star-1907-glidden-tour-coverage • https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-06-17-9306170149story.html • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart-Warner • https://www.skf.com/alemite/about/alemite-history/index.html • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_K._Stewart • https://books.google.co.nz/books/about/Mr_Clutch.html?id=_ lyLDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y • http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/amphenol-corporation-history/ This article was re-produced with permission. The original blog is available here: https://texacotankerproject.com/texaco-tanker-dash-instruments-update-22

Instrument Repairs Bruce Chaytor 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374

nap.chaytor@gmail.com

5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377 JULY 2019

Parts department hours are better than ever: 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday 8.00am to 1.00pm Saturday

Parts and Services offer a comprehensive parts and service solution for your car, van, ute, truck, trailer, caravan, fifth-wheeler or campervan. Weâ€™re all about smart servicing â€“ that means getting the parts that you need, and servicing your vehicle to your satisfaction every time.

Still at; 1 Miro Street, Taupo Web; partsandservices.co.nz Phone;

378

2673

* Vehicle Servicing * WoF * Brakes

Classic! Vintage! American! English!

Dave Morton Ph. 378 8448 Tuwharetoa Street Service Lane dam.auto@xtra.co.nz

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Coromandel Charity Cruise 2019

Heather Duncan

â€œKick up your heels and feel alive Come for a drive on Highway 25â€? For a small number of years, a group of classic car enthusiasts in the Coromandel area have organised a charity cruise in early March around Coromandel Peninsula taking in Thames, Tairua, Waihi, Coromandel, and Whitianga, with sightseeing on the way you wish and have time. Knowing nothing about it, and having holidayed there on a number of occasions and loving the area, Owen and I entered the 2017 event. It was awesome, and what do you know, unbeknown to us some members of our club were also there, namely Terri and Eric, Lorraine and Brent and Lyn and Marty. We had a great touring weekend away. Unfortunately, 2018 was cancelled due to flooding with a number of roads washed out, but 2019 saw us re-entering another great event, where any profits supported Stepping Out Hauraki, St John at Tairua and Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter. JULY 2019

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The vehicle categories this year were: â€˘ Cars manufactured before 1990, and â€˘ Australian, European and American cars manufactured after 1989 Yay, we had a vehicle which qualified so off we went.

Day one had us meeting at a large sports ground in Thames where we registered, picked up our entry and instruction packs, and met many of the participants. This year there would have been between 30-40 cars, some joining us along the way. 2019 saw us doing the circuit in the opposite direction of the 2017 route, which was great. We started with a rolling parade through Thames, thrilling the locals who endeavoured out for their early morning shopping, there was actually market running in the main street, so there were heaps of people around. After travelling back through the Karangahake Gorge, morning tea stop was at Waihi where we had an option of participating in a Gold Mine Tour. Our tickets included a free bus and speaker to show us around, talk about the open mine, modern-day mining operations, a viewing of the underground entrance and the pro-

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cessing yard where all the gold ends up in bars. Very interesting. Unfortunately, there were no freebies of gold bars, not even small ones for sale! We had the choice of doing a self-guided tour which was a cheaper option, but I don’t think that would have been nearly as interesting to the tour we experienced. Lunch stop was at Tairua where we had a ‘People’s Choice’ parkup, this stop being managed by St Johns and the search and rescue volunteers seeing to all the parking and running a sausage sizzle. This stops gives a lovely view of Tairua Bay and across to Pauanui. An absolutely stunning place. The kids on the trip even got time to swim in the sea, they had a blast. From there we travelled to Whitianga for a night’s stopover. Accommodation was of our own choice and there are plenty of providers to choose from. The organisers had arranged for a trip on the Whitianga Waterways, something it appears they do every year. We were in two minds as to whether we would do it as we’d done this back in 2017, but decided to go anyway. We had nothing to lose as it was complimentary. Well I’m so pleased we did so we could compare the twoyear difference. They have just built a petrol station within the complex, currently working on shops and cafes on the water’s edge, have constructed some low cost more affordable (to some) housing mainly for the elderly, and even have a floating community hall for the use of the homeowners in the area. Absolutely amazing and good to see them building some infrastructure to support the housing development and residents. That evening we all met up at the Mercury Bay Club for a meal and natter, and it appeared that most participants supported this. There were a couple of speeches and raffles, but pretty much we were left to mingle with everyone. JULY 2019

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The following morning after parking all our vehicles at a parking area in the Whitianga Esplanade for another ‘People’s Choice’ display we were left to our devices to get some breakfast while the public had a chance to wander around the entrant’s vehicles and have a chat. Some of the Whitianga locals also came along and displayed their cars with ours. Gosh, there were some lovely vehicles, it’s pretty amazing what we have in our country! From Whitianga we went up over the hill to Coromandel for lunch, and some hill it is, a couple of cars got a bit hot, but beautiful views, this shot shows Owen contemplating where we might buy a holiday home. Coromandel gave us another chance at winning ‘People’s Choice’. A group lunch was held at a local restaurant with presentation of certificates and a farewell to new acquaintances.

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This is a well run event, no quizzes, no questions, and no rules bar drive safe. Well worth the journey. I’m sure it will be run again, and no we didn’t get the People’s Choice award, from memory it went to an early model Ford. Coffee stop at Luke’s Kitchen at Kuaotunu Bay had some awesome views!

TAUPO HOBBIES EXPO

Taupo Events Centre A C Baths Avenue Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July

Taupo VCC this year will be putting on a display of light Commercial Vehicles. If you think your light Commercial Vehicle is suitable please contact us and we will try to include it in the display. We only have sufficient space for a maximum of five vehicles. We will also be looking for Club Members to assist in helping out at the display talking to members of the Public about the Taupo Vintage Car Club. Most years we obtain new members as a result of putting on this display. JULY 2019

Rob Sinclair

Specialise in; *boat covers *boat canopies *awnings *Tourneau covers etc

83 Tauhara Rd Taupo

Mobile: 0274 496363

Our fully equipped modern workshop facility offers a reliable, accurate and affordable solution to all your reconditioning and machining needs. Includes high performance race/street, general automotive, motorcycle, marine, light and heavy diesel and industrial. We offer extremely quick turn around times and can pick-up or deliver if required Brian Henson / Scott Murray 19 Matai Street Ph; 3773570 Fax; 07 3773572 Email; hmrebuilders@vodafone.co.nz

John & Gail Eades

47B Matai St, Taupo

T: 07 377 0445 M: 0274 820 598 E: jandgeades@xtra.co.nz

Vehicle Servicing Car Repairs Vehicle Brakes Car Exhausts Shock Absorbers Towbars Tyres Warrant of Fitness Safety Checks Batteries

28 Oruanui St Taupo Owners: Susan & Peter Wall 07 3783132 Mobile 021 717131

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VCCNZ 2019 National Easter Rally

Lorraine & Brent Davidson

A review of Lynne & Marty Sutherland and Lorraine & Brent Davidsonâ€™s South Island sortie.

Day 1

Left to Right: Marty with hi 65 Hillman Super Minx & Brent with his 69 Minor 1000 convertible.

At 9:15am, Wednesday, April 17, after some weeks preparing, the 65 Hillman Super Minx & the 69 Minor 1000 convertible pulled out of Tamatea Road on our 18 day sortie to attend the South Island Easter rally and enjoy further time in the South. A brief stop at Waiouru, lunch at Sanson and arrived in Tawa midafternoon at The Bucket Tree Motel. Close to Wellington for our early morning start. Time to relax, have the odd beer, and diner in the village centre.

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Day 2 A 5.00am start for the early Blue Ridge ferry sailing. On the road by 6:15 to be in on the wharf before 7.00. Ferry delayed 1 Â˝ hours so late arrival in Picton. Awesome crossing, clear skies, and flat seas. After disembarking straight to Blenhiem for a bite then off to Kaikoura for the night. 4:15pm arrival. Time for a beer or 2 before fresh cod & chips for dinner.

Day 3 Good Friday. After a brief look at the Kaikoura sights, we headed off for Ashburton. Still a lot of roadworks being undertaken and some areas a little rough. Smoko at Cheviot then on to Kaiapoi for the lunch stop. Bypassed Christchurch central and arrived in Ashburton 3.15pm and went directly to rally registration at the racecourse. Plenty happening, welcomed into a nice afternoon tea and completed registration formalities. We caught up with our hosts, Lorraine & Owen Wilson, whom some may remember attended our Jubilee rally 3 years ago. Formalities completed off to check in to Motel and had time for a beer before dinner.

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Days 4, 5, 6 A 6.30 start in preparation for rally. Briefing at 8.30, a chance to wander around and view most of the 171 vehicles entered. Departure time around 10.00am for both of us who had chosen to complete the 90-mile run. Off to the west out into the country with the long flat straight roads. Lunch was at Methven which completed the competive stage today and then a casual cruise back to Ashburton with options for sightseeing. We stopped at the Bentley dealer/agent and had a look through the showroom & workshop. Very impressive. Back at the Motel the cars were cleaned, then time for refreshments before heading back to racecourse for diner. A wet Saturday night Sunday morning. Back at the racecourse concourse judging was taking place undercover and unfortunately field tests cancelled. The field tests reverted to an interesting selection of general knowledge questions for todayâ€™s competitive stage. Returned to the motel with our pre packed lunches and had a lazy afternoon before returning to the venue for the prize giving diner. Marty won a voucher in one of the draws which went towards his fuel costs. An enjoyable evening with prizes awarded and speeches by invited guests. Monday 22nd last official rally day. Competitors welcomed at the Ashburton clubrooms for morning tea, viewing of their museum and extensive parts shed before heading off to one of their members, Colin Sweetmanâ€™s, to view his collection of about 30 cars. An amazing collection of American, English, European and Japanese classics. After lunch went to Ashburton aviation museum set at the airfield of the original RNZAF training base from WW2.

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Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Day 7 The start of the extended sortie. After departing motel and meeting up with Lorraine and Owen in their 1965 Chrysler Valiant Regal, we headed west towards the Southern Alps and Artherâ€™s Pass through Methven. A short stop for fuel at Springfield then started the real climb to Artherâ€™s pass where we stopped for lunch. Incredile country, awesome scenery and cars all performing well. Now the descent down through the pass, a stop for roadworks, Hillman brakes smoking and we all had the smell of well-worked linings then continued down to Otira Hotel for a stop and a look at the history and relics of the area. Continuing on via Lake Brunner, another nice scenic deviation, to Greymouth and the motel. Time to relax, catch on a beer then out to dinner.

Day 8 South to Hokitika, a brief look at the town then on further South to the Westcoast Treetops walk. A not to be missed experience if down that way. Back North again and a visit to Shantytown. A ride on the old steam train through the old gold working areas and back to wonder the restored and replica buildings of the era. Back to Greymouth, time to rest and have a beer or two.

Day 9 Leaving Greymouth we headed inland to Blackball and a stop to visit the old hotel full of history of the mining and timber processing of the early days. From here travelled onto the entrance road to the Pike river mine where at the intersection a memorial has been erected. What a moving experience. Every man has been remembered by family & friends with most having personal belongings surrounding their individual memorial stones. A fitting tribute to all. Back on the road via Brummer mine where there is also a mining memorial to 65 miners who lost their lives back in 1868. This was a major mining and brick manufacturing town. From here onto Punakiki for lunch then a walk around the pancake rock reserve. Following the coast north through Charleston and onto Westport to Motel. We left Lynne & Marty here for a rest and went on to the old mining town of Denniston, situated up in the West Coast ranges. The climb to the old town and mine loading

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

and staging area is just on 1800 metres above sea level in 1.8kms. A hard enough climb in the cars, but the coal wagons the only means of transport up and down for the families who worked and lived at this township in the early days. The area has been developed so you are able to explore and see relics of the early settlement which includes the original cable hauled railway up and down the incline. Back to motel for drinks and diner.

Day 10 Depart Westport heading through Buller Gorge, through Inangahua Junction and on to Murchison, stopping at the swing bridge for a walk across the river and stroll around the old mining area on that side of the river. An experience crossing the 120-metre swing bridge 60 metres above the Buller River. Lunch in Murchison town then on to Nelson, staying at Tahuna Top 10 Resort. Time to catch up on laundry and a drink before dinner.

Day 11 Nice day again, off to Nelson Markets for a wander for a couple of hours then out the Wearable Arts and Car Museum. Wow. A must if youâ€™re here. Amazing displays, well presented, heaps to see and realistically affordable. Richmond for lunch then back to the city to attempt the Model A rally tour route. Going well until the JULY 2019

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

rain started. Missed a street or two so gave up and returned to camp. Time out before Lorraine & I caught up with relatives, all dined together then the others went off to have time to themselves while we caught up with the family.

Day 12 Leaving Nelson for Blenheim, we took our first stop at Pelorous Bridge cafĂŠ. Nice setting in the bush surroundings. Continued on to Havelock where we took the scenic route around the Sounds inlet via Nelson to Blenheim. An awesome scenic drive but a narrow road with plenty of twists and turns and a speed restriction of 50 kph. Oh for power steering. Picton was a welcome stop for lunch before continuing to Blenheim and the Top 10 Resort. This was our last night with Lorraine and Owen before they headed back home to Ashburton. Diner enjoyed at the impressive combined Cozzie & RSA club venue.

Day 13 Rain overnight but cleared. Farewelled Lorraine & Owen before heading out to Omaka and visiting the Omaka Aero Club and Peter Jackson aviation museums. Awesome exhibits wonderfully displayed. The skill of the Weta workshop easily seen. That afternoon we left the girls in Blenheim while Marty & I visited Basis Car Parts. Made very welcome and had a good look around. Plenty on offer for those restoring their classic. Back for the girls, returned to camp, relaxing time and the odd beer before dinner.

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Day 14 Back to Omaka to visit The Classic Car Museum. A private collection of over 100 cars, all makes and eras and well displayed over two buildings. Off to Saint Claire winery for lunch then off tiki touring for the afternoon. Tried to locate a shipwreck on the coast. Was a three-hour walk. Not today thanks but we had found the sewerage plant. Marty was most impressed. Back to Blenheim and a brief wander around some shops before returning to resort. Relax, drinks & dinner.

Day 15 Off to Brayshaw Park complex where a number of clubrooms are sited on council ground. The VCC Blenheim branch covers a large area with a clubroom, library & small museum area along with another 3 buildings housing their huge array of spare parts. Every Wednesday is get together for morning tea and natter. A regular turnout with 70 - plus guests. We were made very welcome, had morning tea and a tour of the complex. A very welcoming group. Late morning we headed for our final South Island destination, Picton. Reality hitting home as we realise our sortie approaching an end. Lunch in Picton and then the check-in at Harbour View Motel. Time to relax, snooze, appreciate the outlook over Picton & the harbour before heading off to catch up with Lorraineâ€™s Auntie. Dinner and drinks at the restaurant overlooking the harbour.

JULY 2019

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Day 16 Awesome morning watching the sunrise over the eastern hills and onto the harbour. Another great day for the ferry crossing. Sighting around Picton and Waikawa Bay then back to town for lunch before heading to the ferry terminal to join the queue for embarking. Again the ferry running late, so we didnâ€™t arrive back in Wellington until 7.30pm. Takeaway tea and time to catch up with sister & brother in law who came to the motel. A few drinks and laughs was our last night while away.

Day 17 Well, we are pointing home now. A brief stop at the Whenutapu Cemetery for my Mum and Dad then over the Haywards hill to Upper Hutt and morning tea with the Waghorns, also members of the club, then off over the Rimutakas towards Napier. An easy run through Wairarapa to Mount Bruce for lunch. On from here through Mangatinoka and onto Havelock North. Our final night away. We checked into the Havelock North Motor Lodge managed by friends of Lynne & Martyâ€™s, so soon settled in with a few drinks in order. More friends of Lynne & Marty,s called in for a catchup and drink after tea but an earlier night was had.

Day 18 Well, this is it. All good things come to an end. After a look around the shops at Havelock and a coffee, it was into the cars for the final leg home. Another nice day as we climbed over the Napier Taupo highway. A final stop was at Tarawera for lunch and some reminiscing before back into the cars for the final leg home. Wow! A great 18 days covering just over 1900 miles. Cars performed well, weather was awesome with only 1 really wet day. Good times, great food, heaps of fun & laughter with tremendous company. Thanks Lynne & Marty, & Lorraine & Owen for making this special trip so memorable. Lorraine & Brent.

JULY 2019

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Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Art Corner

Juan-Manuel Fangio - Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta. Original oil on canvas by Don Packwood www.donpackwood.co.nz

The Alfa Romeo 158/159, also known as the Alfetta (Little Alfa in Italian), is a Grand Prix racing car produced by Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo. It is one of the most successful racing cars ever produced- the 158 and its derivative, the 159, took 47 wins from 54 Grands Prix entered. It was originally developed for the pre-World War II voiturette formula (1937) and has a 1.5-litre straight-8 supercharged engine. Following World War II, the car was eligible for the new Formula One introduced in 1947. In the hands of drivers such as Nino Farina, Juan-Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli, it dominated the first two seasons of the World Championship of Drivers. The first version of this successful racing car, the 158, was made during 1937/1938. The main responsibility for engineering was given to Gioacchino Colombo.

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Bev & Tony Louis

8/ 1 Manuka Street Taupo Ph 07 3785538 Batteries, Wiring repairs Vehicle electrical repairs Alternator & Starter Repairs JULY 2019

Taupo Torque | |Taupo TaupoVintage VintageCar CarClub ClubMagazine Magazine

Taupo VCC 2019/20 Calendar Year. 2019 Wednesday 10th July ��Club Night, Clubrooms 7.30 pm. Sat/Sun 13/14th July ��Hobbies Expo. Monday 22nd July ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Wednesday 14th August ��Club Night. Fish and Chip/Quiz Night, 6.00 pm. Sunday 18th August ��Club Captain Run. (Possible weekend away) Monday 19th August ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Sunday 25th August ��“Daffodil Day” rally, (also midweek delivery) TBC Wednesday 11th September ��Club Night, Clubrooms 7.30 pm. Movie. Sunday 15th September ��Club Run. Breakfast Run. Finish at Clubrooms. Monday 16th September ��Committee Meeting, 7.30 pm. Wednesday 9th October ��Club Night, Clubrooms 7.30 pm. Sunday 20th October. ��Chairman’s Run Monday 21st October ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Wednesday 13th November ��Club Night: Ladie’s Night. Sunday 17th November ��Club Run. Afternoon Tea Run. Maybe Combined Run with other Clubs. Monday 18th November ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Saturday 7th December ��Taupo Christmas Parade. TBC Saturday 7th December ��Taupo VCC Christmas Dinner. Monday 16th December ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Wednesday 18th December ��Christmas Morning Tea at Clubrooms. Bring a plate

2020 Saturday 1st February ��Taupo VCC Open Day and BBQ. Wednesday 12th February ��Club Night, Summer BBQ at Clubrooms, 6.00 pm. Sunday 16th February ��Club Run/Blind Run. Monday 17th February ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm.

JULY 2019

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Wednesday 11th March ��Club Night 7.30pm. Fri/Sat/Sun, 13-15th March ��Taupo VCC Annual Rally Sunday 15th March ��No Club Run due to Rally Monday 16th March ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Tuesday 24th March ��Hospice Morning Tea 9.45 am. Wednesday 8th April ��Club Night 7.30 pm. Sunday 19th April ��Club Run. Lunch Run. Monday 20th April ��Committee Meeting 7.30 pm. Wednesday 13th May ��Taupo VCC AGM.

Preliminary Notice

Club Night 7.30 pm 11th September 2019 Guest Speaker: Tony Haycock.

Tony will be speaking on the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Event which is being held at New Plymouth from the 17th to 22nd January 2021. This Club Night is a must for Members interested or intending to attend this Festival of Motoring. Come along and hear what Tony has to say and learn what it is all about. Any questions, Tony will be happy to answer, so this is the time to ask. You might like to know: Does my car need a VIC? How much is it going to cost to attend? Can I attend just part of the Event? Our Club coordinator for this Event is our Committee member Trish Jefferies. Trish is presently looking at accommodation options, as we thought that as a Club it would be nice if we all stayed at one place. If you would like to be included in this please register your name with Trish if you have not already done so. Sooner than later as accommodation is already starting to fill up.

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Club merchandise available on Club Nights. Baseball Cap - $14.00 Polo Shirt - $33.50 Bucket Hat - $17.00 Fleece Jacket - $59.00 Club Lapel Badges and Car Stickers We have most stock available at the club rooms.

A NCH

Bâ€“ N. Z

V I N TA G CAR

Taupo Vintage Car Club Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo. PO Box 907, Taupo 3351

Taupo Torque is also available online with other VCC magazines via the online digital publisher Issuu. https://issuu.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand An Issuu mobile app is also available for IOS and Android.

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