Newsletter April 2019
COVER PHOTO Club Captain, Francis Pointon, being Tail end Charlie on the recent Rex Porter Rally. The Ford V8 is looking good, especially when I saw it coming down the gravel - Editor Closing Date for Wairarapa Zenith: 15th of each month. Contributions should be emailed to the Editor—editorwaivcc@gmail.com or posted to: PO Box 7, Masterton, 5840.
Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Clubrooms Postal Address Branch Website Club Night Spare Parts Committee Meet
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville PO Box 7, Masterton, 5840 www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc First Monday of the month (except January— none) and June (second Monday) at 7.30pm. Open each Tuesday morning following club night. Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm
Call and see
Trevor Kenavan
for all your joinery requirements
150 Main Street, Greytown Phone: 06 379-8008 Fax: 06 304-9004 2
Your Committee 2018/19 Chairman:
Willie James
Vice Chairman: Tina Goodin Treasurer:
Tina Goodin
Secretary:
Beth Taylor
372 4890 jwilliej600@gmail.com 02041099552 tina.goodin@hotmail.com
06 3796040 bethpk@xtra.co.nz Club Captain: Francis Pointon 06 3786710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz Committee: John Clark 378 0380 john@clark.net.nz Pat Dutton 06 3797918 betyjo29@gmail.com Simon O’Hara 0211412332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com Kevin Ball 06 3771236 wtakevin@xtra.co.nz Barry Wells 06 3771152 ljandbjwells@gmail.com Frank Lipinski 379 7167 Custodian: Neville Taylor 0272391202 nevtaylor6@gmail.com Librarian: Pat Dutton 379 7918 betyjo29@gmail.com Beaded Wheels Reporter: Kevin Ball 377 1236 wtakevin@xtra.co.nz Social Convenor: Val Ball 377 1236 wtakevin@xtra.co.nz Spare Parts: Frank Lipinski 379 7167 Tom Mitchelmore 379 7573 Barry Wells 377 1152 Jeff Percy 377 4622 Magazine Editor: Alec O’Hara 0277750417 editorwaivcc@gmail.com Vehicle Inspectors: Francis Pointon 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz Graham Reidy 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz Hugh Hunter 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz 3
What’s on locally…
April Monday 1st
Club Night—Guest Speaker Diane Suisted who will speak on her recent trip to India.
Sunday 14th
Club Captains run
May Sat/Sun 4th/5th
Motorcycle Reliability Run
Monday 6th
Club Night—A night of rally experiences
Sunday 12th
Garage raid
June Monday 10th
AGM
NAME BADGES A reminder from the committee Could all members please remember to wear your club name badges to all club events.
CLUB CAPTAINS RUN SUNDAY 14TH APRIL
A Casual Run leaves The Farriers at 9.30am. Lunch at Tinui, either bring a picnic or purchase at store or pub. Finish at The Farriers about 3pm A follow the leader type run with a mix of gravel and seal. Coastal views and mountain views. You will need a full tank of petrol and a reliable vehicle no backup. More suitable for VINTAGE VEHICLES as SPEEDS WILL BE SLOW!
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Chairman’s chatters Hello club members. Another month has passed us by with the 'Tiki Tour' straight line navigation practice around Carterton for this months club night in readiness for the Rex Porter rally.. A fun little jaunt.. Congratulations to John and Sheila Clarke on winning the Rex Porter this year. I was unable to attend but believe every one had a good day out and thankyou to the organisers and marshals . I recently attended the National Motorcycle Rally in Blenheim with 189 participants which made for an impressive site at the Omaka aerodrome Sunday public display. Saturday was competition day with various routes . I chose the challenge route which took us along the Port Underwood road being gravel most of the way from Picton back to Blenheim. The poor old Norton ended up covered in dust as well as the rider . Several club members attended from our branch and David Henwood was mentioned at prize giving on the Sunday night. The rest of the week comprised of tours namely to Nelson , Seddon and the Yealands winery, and a trip by barge to the Portage on the Wednesday. The planned trip through the Molesworth was cancelled due to being so dry. A group of us stayed at Hamner Springs on the Thursday night and then onto the Annual Norton Owners Rally at Wainui on Banks Peninsula for the weekend where 70 Nortons were in attendance . It was a rather cold wet trip back up to Picton but the Norton made it even though I had a few wiring problems. Back to club matters. 6
Francis Pointon will be standing down from the committee and the Club captains job at the AGM so this position will need to be filled at the AGM. Once again your club requires a :: Vice chairman, Treasurer, Club Captain, Magazine Editor, and committee members to keep this club functioning for the next 12 months. Please ring me for further information for the above positions and if you receive a phone call from me you'll know what it is about. I've just watched the Roy Savage collection of cars go under the hammer and who would have thought an old style Mini would make $51,500.00 plus auctioneers fees of nearly 20% To view sale results log onto WEBBS . A reminder to new members to come along to our club nights and have a natter with the rest of the crew. Cheers Willie.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS A big welcome to all of the new members to the club. We look forward to you joining us in the various activities of the club. If you have not received a name badge, please contact Beth on 021732832 to arrange this. 7
Club Captains Report A very poor turnout of vehicles for the Masterton A & P Show, mine and a Ram Rodders Chev Coupe. It is important we support these events, to keep the club alive and to attract new members. The March Club night went well with straight line navigation practise around Carterton. Attending members enjoyed the evening and we hope learnt something.
The number of entries for the Rex Porter Rally was disappointing. Overnight rain meant no dust, but water filled some pot holes. Most people enjoyed the day, although some members still found the straight line difficult and one found a fault – that wasn’t! Generally most coped OK. Two members adjourned to the local, before driving the afternoon run – THIS IS NOT ON. The Rex Porter is a competitive event even though the afternoon is not timed, and it was not appreciated you turning up late at the finish. April’s Club night we have a guest speaker. Our run on the 14th April is the Club Captains Run. This will be more suitable for older vehicles – obviously as I am organising it! See advert elsewhere in this magazine.
FRANCIS
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More from The Club Captain Last year I offered to run the 50th Celebrations and stand on the Club Committee . However over the past 12 months work has increased, and I’m trying to do twice the number of wofs and have forward bookings for workshop repairs, all on vintage & classic vehicles. Our Collection is attracting many more visitors and is keeping Gaye busy everyday too. The end result is I’m having difficulty finding time to maintain my fleet and look after our property. Therefore I’ve decided to stand down, both from the committee and as Club Captain, at least until I retire! effective from June’s AGM. I will however try to be available to help the incoming committee if they ever need me.
FRANCIS
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Rex Porter Rally Results
9 March th
(penalties)
Graham & Joy Hodder
1914 Saxon DNS
Graham & Annette Clark
1947 Hillman
30 0 30
Mary Buick & Sharon
1928 Austin
40 4
Peter & Nola Groves
1972 Holden
14 0 14
John & Rae Kennedy
1922 Rolls Royce
15 0 15
Mike D’Alton & Jim Barr
1934 Bentley
60 6
Dave Henwood
1952 BSA
14 1 15
Doug Curtis
Modern
Verdon Heath & Viv Spiers 1964 Saab
12 0 12
Willis St Clair &
1963 Riley 4/72
8 2 10
John & Sheila Clark
1955 Daimler
112
Simon & Andrea Byrne
1952 A.Siddeley
19 1 20
Ian Ingram &
1973 H. Hunter
15 1 16
Will & Ruby Holmes
1964 A.Princess
516
Earl & Tina Goodin
1975 Chrysler
17 0 17
Tony & Myrna Lane
1973 Mercedes
13 0 13
Gary & Barbara Lang
1965 Mustang
415
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Class & Overall Winners: Vintage
Mary Buick & Sharon
Post vintage Mike Dalton & Jim
4 time penalties 6““
Post War John & Sheila Clark 1 time & 1 silent check penalty - total of 2 penalties – Overall winner Post 60’s
Gary & Barbara Lang
M/cycle
Dave Henwood
4 + 1 = 5 penalties
14 + 1 = 15 “
Commercial Earl & Tina Goodin
17 time penalties
Congratulations to John and Sheila Clark on their class win and also winning the 2019 Rex Porter rally, well done team! 11
The Pilot’s View—Mikes Rex Porter Story Navigation in my early flying career came in the form of a map and chinagraph pencil. Later a combination of radios and direction finding devices feeding a selection of instruments, and finally a sophisticated integrated box of tricks linked to an automatic flight control system. A dedicated navigator was therefore something of a novelty, and it is a testimony to Jim’s man management skills that all went so smoothly. As a newcomer to this type of motoring, I thought that the rally route was very well set up, with enough gravel to satisfy enthusiasts but not so much as to frustrate the more modern motorists. Giving everyone different speeds meant that the morning didn’t turn into a procession, and although we ran into other competitors (metaphorically) from time to time we never spent periods in convoy. The instructions were clear and concise but needed our constant attention, and the “silent checks” were in plain view. I had noted the change to 18 mph at the briefing, but unfortunately omitted to tell Jim about it, however we managed not to be too put out by it. Thanks Francis and Gaye and all the team for drawing up and stewarding such an intriguing morning. It was a pleasant surprise for both of us to receive the trophy for best post vintage entry during the evening festivities, the fact that we were the sole class entrants is quite immaterial. UK law forbids any type of competitive rallying on the public highway. Here in New Zealand we are very fortunate to have the laws, road system and light traffic flows which allow it. Long may it last! Mike D'Alton
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1934 Bentley
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Left: Mary Buick gliding the old Austin a round the gravel on Perry’s Rd
Right: Birthday boy Earl and navigator Tina, crusin’ the ol’ Valiant down Francis Line.
Above: Mike D’Alton and Jim Barr enjoying the day.
Right: Class and Overall winner John Clark, with help from navigator Sheila Clark, holding the days reward. 13
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THE RE-BUILD OF A ‘38 MORRIS 8 By Hugh and Matt Hunter. The Car: Morris 8 1938 2 door sedan The Story: In 2016 it became clear that due to rust in the Chassis of the car it was not likely to pass its next WOF. The decision was made to park the car up and put the rego on hold as the car entered the project list and had to wait its turn. Project starts. The decision was made that we would take everything off the existing car and put it onto another chassis. We intended to use the chassis from the Morris 8 that had spent its last few years as a garden ornament. Once we got the body off this chassis it was found that it had previously been in an accident and the repairs had left one the chassis Rust on the original chassis rails about 5mm longer than the other. Just enough to be noticeable for the naked eye. This also left the front axle on a slight twisted angle as well. The decision was made that this chassis would not be suitable and another was sourced. This new chassis had already been sandblasted and painted up ready to go. The new Chassis was reinforced with metal fabricated by Alec O’Hara, welded to the frame and painted with anti-rust paint. Once the chassis was ready we started moving over the running gear to the new chassis. Not having a hoist made for a difficult and awkward lifting and removal of the car body. Once this was done we started the process of moving all the running gear over from the rusted New reinforced chassis built up and ready for body
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chassis to the new chassis. One of the first issues we encountered was with the rear leaf spring mounts being different between the 2 chassis. Extra work was required to move them over, broken body mount bolts removed, and threads were tapped out. The best brake pipes and fittings were used. We even managed to accidentally cut a hand brake cable with the grinder. Once everything was in place the body was lowered back down and mounted onto the new chassis . Now came the work to clean up Body being lowered on the new chassis the body a bit with about a bucket full of bog removed from sills that had been plastered on unnecessarily. Wiring was sorted out with earths becoming a problem due to the freshly painted chassis. Finally, the car was ready to go and successfully pass a WOF. Both Hugh and Matt have driven the car now and are really impressed with how well it is driving. The Morris 8 now drives very smooth and comfortable and will sit on 60MPH (so the speedo says) and still feels like it has more in it. It’s just when you get to the corners that you have to remember that it doesn't handle like a modern car and have to slow down. Overall this has been a very enjoyable project for us as we really enjoy getting old cars back on the road in as original condition as we can and driving them round. We look forward to moving onto our next projects whatever they may be and maybe even getting a hoist to help with the lifting. Rumor has it Hugh has a Commer truck lined up and Matt might have to look into an HT license if that's the case. Finished car! 17
EDITORS ESCAPADES My ‘58 Land Rover series 2 has been sitting in my shed with no real use over the past 18 months, and in a passing comment to Paul Furkert I said, “ I am going to sell it and the only Landy I would buy again would be the most iconic one, the series 1” Paul offered me the chance to join him and the Land Rover Series 1 clubs annual trip, which happened to be in the Wairarapa and organised by Paul. Some club members may have noticed my absence from this years Rex Porter, unfortunately the dates clashed and the chance to travel over some farms and see some sights I may never see again took priority. The weekend arrived, 27 Series 1 Land Rovers and 60+ people started rolling through the towns and hills of the Wairarapa. We were treated with beautiful views, awesome terrain and comradery from a group of like minded people, ranging from 2—80 years of age. And after an hour, they made you feel like part of their big family. A tremendous effort had gone in to organising the 3 Day off and on road adventure. From an outsider looking in, it would have taken months of hard work, and planning and it had paid off. An awesome trip, one I will never forget and if I was unsure on getting a series 1 before, I'm not now! Thank you Paul, I really enjoyed the weekend and your efforts in planning were much appreciated. Alec
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Taranaki Branch Inc Invites participants, old and new, to their
1929 Dodge DA Five Window Coupe. By kind permission Johnston Collections.
The rally route this year will take all around the big hill in the middle of the province.
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Garage Report Sponsored by Pointon Motors Urethane Bushes failing – I have had 2 occasions in the last month to replace Urethane bushes fitted to low mileage seldom used vehicles (Classic Cars). Nolathane or Urethane degrades with age whether in use or not. One of these vehicles had done 2,200 miles in 15 years (virtually no bushing left) and the other 5000 kilometres in 10 years (disintegrating badly). Internet research shows, Blue & Black Urethane are the worst affected and can fail after 2 years. If your vintage or classic has these bushes fitted, check them regularly as they won’t last like the original rubber ones. FRANCIS
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FOR SALE Car Club Car Badges Chrome - $25 Brass - $20 See committee
5OTH Anniversary plaques $10 each Missed out on the festivities? Want another plaque for your car? There are still some plaques left but be in quick, at this price they won’t last long. Talk to the committee today!
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MANAWATU BRANCH POST VINTAGE RALLY (PV, PW, P60, P80) Saturday 4th May 2019 Meet at the Coach House Museum, 121 South Street, Feilding after 8.45 am for a hot drink before the 9.15 am briefing. The route keeps you on the western side of the ranges and takes participants on sealed roads over approx. 75 miles (120 Kms) of rolling countryside to a Café for lunch where there is a good range of both hot food and cabinet food available at very reasonable prices. The afternoon section is approx. 30 miles (50 Kms) of sealed road and ends with afternoon tea at another Café. Like previous years the Post Vintage Rally is open to earlier VCC Vehicle Classification Vehicles and ‘moderns’ if that works better for you on this occasion, although these entrants will be participating as non-competitive. Entry Form Options : If you would like the form emailed to you so that you can avoid having to cut into your Tourer, email the Rally Organiser requesting that a PDF version be emailed to you. Alternatively forget the form and just send an email to the Rally Organiser with all of the details that are requested on the form included in the email text. Payment Options : Send a cheque in the post with your entry form. Pay on the day. Email the Rally Organiser requesting account details so that you can pay by internet banking. Rally Organiser : Bryan Abraham - phone (06) 358 4014 Rally Organiser email : bryana@xtra.co.nz Entries Close : Saturday 27th April 2019.
Don’t forget our business advertisers Their advertisements help to pay for the production of this publication. When you need a product or service consider using one of the companies advertising in the Zenith. They help us—why not reciprocate by giving them your custom.
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A BLAST FROM THE PAST CHECK OUT THIS FORD ADVERT
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SPARE PARTS DEPARTMENT Don’t forget that the spare parts department is open the Tuesday following club night from 9am till 12pm. Or contact Frank for a private appointment. Many spares at bargain prices, you won’t be disappointed here. Make the most of your club and use the spare parts department to your advantage!
Looking to Buy Good home offered to a running 1960s or 70s convertible, preferably two seat or 2+2. Needs to be MGB size or bigger, as we are both quite tall. MGB would be perfect! Happy to tinker with mechanicals, but zero skills with rust or welding! Please call new member Simon Daly on 06 306 6371 or email simondaly@xtra.co.nz
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WHAT’S ON AROUND THE COUNTRY April 19 - 20th National South Island Easter Rally. Hosted by Ashburton Branch April 26 - 27th Maunga Moana Rally New Plymouth. Hosted by Taranaki Branch. May 4th Post Vintage Rally. Hosted by Manawatu Branch.
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Sender: The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Wairarapa Branch (Incorporated) P.O. Box 7 MASTERTON 5840
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