March 2022
Master Restorer Ian Chamberlain resting on a 1906 Arrol Johnson. See inside.
Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East Wanganui@vcc.org.nz
Patron:
Alan Bates
Chairman: Vice Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer:
Bruce Ardell Andrew Dittmer Liz James Neil Farrer
06 342 7713 027 379 6969 06 344 2221 06 343 6248 027 457 9634
biffoditty@gmail.com. liznfrank@xtra.co.nz nfarrer@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain: Vice Club Captain: Rally Secretary/Trophies: Motorcycle Convenor:
Frank James Andrew Johnson Christine Savage Bill James
021 349 074 06 345 6212 06 342 4755 027 353 2190
lizfrank@xtra.co.nz Datsun@aje.co.nz wanganuirally@gmail.com heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Linda Kendrick Chris White Ray Savage Ian Higgins
027 775 4644 0274 431 184 06 342 4755 027 201 2706
zilda552@hotmail.com cgandkrwhite@gmail.com thesavages@inspire.net.nz ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Committee:
Health & Safety: Trophies Manager: Branch Delegate: Kitchen Manager: Hall Custodian/Bookings: Truck Custodians:
Dave McDermid 06 347 6915 Mihi McDermid Neil Farrer 06 343 6248 Liz James 06 344 2221
whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
liznfrank@xtra.co.nz
Doreen Hardy 021 170 2962 Rob O’Keeffe 0274 332 626 Shane Hobman 06 344 5915 Librarian: Dave Austin 06 344 7513 Parts Custodians: Dave McDermid 06 347 6915 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz Chris White 06 348 7335 Trevor Roberts 06 345 8897 Editor: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz Beaded Wheels Reporter: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz Archivist: Dave Austin 06 344 7513 Vehicle ID’s: Shane Hobman 06 344 5915 Bruce Ardell 06 342 7713 Rivet Distribution Co-Ordinator: Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644 Frank James 021 349 074 Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/? VCC Codes for discounts: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR Interislander WH5465
FROM THE EDITORS DESK Greetings Members Well, what a crazy mixed up world we live in. On a global scale we are witnessing a world super power invading one of their neighbouring countries with a display of military might. Reminiscent of the 1939 invasion of Poland leading up to WWII…. And in little old NZ we have witnessed the invasion of our Parliament grounds by a rabble of misfits and trouble makers and fighting with Police. All very well having peaceful protests and I support their right to do so, but to take over OUR Parliament grounds and vandalise the place is so wrong. Good on our Police to FINALLY evict these people. Enough of my rantings as this is supposed to be our Branch mag and not a general rant and rave publication. Sometimes I cannot help myself as Frances would testify….Don’t start me on politics though! So very worrying with the Covid pandemic continuing to spread. I believe that we, your committee, has taken a responsible attitude in cancelling our March Club night. A decision will be announced regarding further events. We are very keen to keep our Branch functioning, but in a safe manner as below... Please members, think of others as well as yourselves and mask up and be mindful of social distancing. And if anyone has been in contact with people with Covid or cold and flu like symptoms, or if you or your family are feeling unwell with any of the above then PLEASE PLEASE KEEP AWAY and isolate.
The majority of our Branch, in fact most VCC members, are on the wrong side of sixty plus and many with existing health conditions. Please take heed. Finally spare a thought or prayer for Ted Matthews who is in Wellington Hospital recovering from major heart surgery. I have just spoken with his daughter. Get well soon Ted. You are lucky having a supportive wife and family. That’s about all for now. Yours in cruising
Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — March 2022 Greetings all, It certainly was a huge disappointment for the committee, myself and Jennifer, having to cancel the visit to my Transport Museum and for the March Club night’s guest speaker Richard Coxon’s talk on Hydrogen engines. I was particularly looking forward to both of these events.
The risk that week with Omicron numbers multiplying every day was too great. Visits and a guest speaker can happen anytime. Health and welfare is paramount for my 260 club members. But we are going to have to live with Covid. Saturday March 5th 425 active cases in Wanganui. You can double or triple these numbers. At least our March committee meeting took place in between. Still not much VCC activity around with most outings, swap meets and rallies being cancelled in the next month or two. Talking about club nights, we will be combining a brief March meeting with the Sunday Gymkhana during the 20th March open air gathering. With April and May meetings, we will advise members what’s happening as the days progress. Good news time. We have a new rally secretary. I approached Christine Savage and she is happy to take on this roll. I welcomed her on board at the March committee meeting and we are all looking forward to her ideas and input into our next rally, being the June “Annual Rally.” Thanks again Christine. March 12 NZVCC Executive meeting was going to be held in Wellington. I will now be joining Neil Farrer at his place in my first audio visual meeting. Yes I know, don’t say anything. I am actually looking forward to it. If you have any ideas of places we could visit on either a club night, Sunday run or have a suggestion for a club night speaker, please contact any committee member. Also, all members are encouraged to organise an outing for the branch members. That’s my lot. See you at the Gymkhana.
Chairman Bruce
Club Captain’s report— March 2022 Hello members Unfortunately Covid has again made it difficult for us with our Club events. Our drive and visit to Bruce’s Museum had to be postponed to a later date and March Club Night was lost. There will be another time to go Bruce’s Museum but we haven’t fixed a new date as yet. Lets hope Covid and it’s ‘little baby’ Omicron will get over itself very soon. In the meantime we have to be a bit careful. Please look after yourselves. There will also be another time for the March Guest Speaker Richard Coxon who totally understood we couldn’t proceed now, but he has promised to come and see us at a later date. He will be a great guy to have at one of our Club Nights. The Club Gymkhana at Craig and Wendy’s farm will proceed as planned – please meet at the VCC Clubrooms as for any other Sunday Run by 1 o’clock with a 1:30 pm leaving time. Bring a chair or two with you along with some afternoon tea to share. We are going to a farm so please leave your dogs at home. Thank you. We will give up-dates on future events that day so see you there. The Annual Motorcycle Trial with Bill will be held on Saturday 9 April – either join in, come over to the VCC Clubrooms to see the riders and bikes prior to the 9:30 start time or give a hand in some way. Give Bill or myself a call. With the Highland Fling Rally based in Taihape being cancelled we will have a Sunday Run on Sunday 24 April so come along for a drive and a bit of fun.
The Wanganui Road Rodders have cancelled the annual Rivercity Park-up that is usually held in April and the annual ‘Drags Meeting’ has also been cancelled. Dam! Keep well and see you all again soon. Captain Frank
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting one of our branch stalwarts, Ian Chamberlain, to see what exactly he was working away on in his workshop at home. To be precise I thought that a story from Ian, plus a few pics, would be of interest to our members who haven't witnessed this wonderful old creation ( the car of course and not Ian) which appeared at the last Restoration of the Year in the Items of Interest section. So armed with camera and notebook this is what I found…..
Above: Image of what the finished car will look like. Taken from an old photo. Below left: Most unusual engine
Left: Bonnet emblem.
Below right: Head-on view. Awaiting the body.
1906 Arrol Johnson Graces Graude A chat with Ian Chamberlain. This has been a very long project dating back to 1993. I was approached by Roy King and asked if I could finish off the car for him, which I thought would be a great project instead of watching TV and I could look after my wife at the same time. Many of the parts had been made but not fitted. Over to me to complete the restoration and manufacture anything missing. Great care had to be taken with existing bits and pieces to minimise remanufacturing everything to complete the project. The engine is very unusual. It has two cylinders with four pistons opposed to each other on a single crankshaft. It is a four stroke set up and very similar to the Commer truck engine in the 1950s, apart from the fact that the Commer was a two stroke. First of all I worked on the engine to try and make it fire and fit to the vehicle along with the gearbox, which I had to complete. Next I manufactured a driveshaft, springs and brakes and assembled same. Manufacturing gear levers, hand brake and foot brake rods and assembling these were then undertaken along with making sure that they all functioned correctly. The steering box required overhauling plus manufacture tyre rods and fit all of these to the car. Time now to manufacture the hand throttle and advance control to fit to the steering column. Now the moment I had been waiting for...starting up the engine. I had in up and running but then, bugger, it seized. So out the engine came and upon stripping it down, I found a bronze bush and it’s keeper had sheared off and moved around, blocking off the oil gallery. With the engine out I reinforced the crossmembers that it was bolted to. Once I had repaired and reassembled the engine and replaced the firewall and all the controls, I once again attempted to fire up this old girl and yes, it ran like a dream. But just when everything was going to plan, another problem. This time the clutch would not co operate so I couldn't engage the gears. I jacked up the rear of the car and secured it onto stands, engaged a gear and started up the motor with the clutch engaged, while pulling on the handbrake to try and free the clutch. This got far too hot and did not work. Bugger. Out the engine came again, and upon disassembling the clutch, I found a 10mm plate was missing which is necessary to give the clutch clearance. Clutch plate manufacture undertaken before reassembling. Back everything went again for hopefully the last time! I remember in my apprenticeship days when my boss purchased a 1913 Daimler. I was tasked to clean out the gearbox and the diff of the thick oil and to replace with new gearbox oil. After doing this we found we could not engage gear when the engine was running. After a while and some head scratching, we poured the thick oil back into the gearbox, which I believe was heavy steam oil... it worked! So I drained all out the light oil from the Arrol Johnson gearbox, replaced with heavy steam oil, and it worked. I could engage gear with the engine running! A road test and everything seemed to work fine. Just need to tidy a few things up, and transport to Hawera to get the body fitted. I'd like to say thanks to Trevor Roberts and Ed Bleackey because this was a difficult project, a lot more so than I thought it would be, after having to make a lot of parts, fitting them, then taking them out, manufacturing new ones and once again refitting. Still, better than watching the rubbish that's on TV. Isn’t this guy a legend? Once completed I believe that the car is to be shipped to Scotland. Editor Ian
Our devoted Treasurer , Neil Farrer, goes a wandering in his trusty veteran Rover. Submitted by Neil
This year I resolved to drive the 1914 Rover Van to Palmerston , participate in the rally and then drive home. BIG MISTAKE. You will recall that Sunday was very wet. So put on overtrou and raincoat and off I went. It poured all the way to Manawatu VCC Club Rooms. I found that the windscreen is just that, it sheltered me from the wind BUT – not waterproof. Water blew up the split screen so it did not matter whether the wiper was efficient or not, and of course water seeped in around the bottom glass. The side curtains that Stephen Voss made for me worked very well so no rain came in the sides. On the way down with limited visibility the wind was so strong that I was limited to 25 MPH at times, the rest of the time cruising at 35MPH . Stopped at Sanson to fuel up – no petrol gauge so fuel consumption a guess. At least the GPS Speedo worked ok even though it got wet from the water dripping onto it. On the way I was passed by a police car – I bet the policeman thought that I was crazy being out in such weather , quietly driving well on the left side at 30 to 35 mph. At least I was not holding up any traffic as there was hardly any apart from milk tankers. However I made Manawatu VCC in approx. 2 hours. Only to find that I was the only one driving a Veteran – everyone else in moderns, even Laurie Crocker. So at the end of the day I got a chocolate bar for being the only one mad enough to get the veteran out. I obtained a navigator ( Michael – son in law to Len Haycock, his Daughters with Grandad in the Peugeot – warm and comfortable). Run was supposed to be about 70 miles which is fine for veterans but as everyone else was in modern vehicles they covered the ground a lot quicker than me. We got misplaced early on and were rescued by Derick Haycock and then followed his Chev truck for the rest of the morning, Derick waiting for us at key turns Part of the route was through a very large farm, approx 5000 acres, but at least it was a gravel track. Lunch was early 11.15 – I thought morning tea time. Then a visit to view a large collection of second world war tanks in various states of repair. One tank had only done 100 miles before being sold off by the army after the war, We heard interesting stories on the tanks, engines, build etc. They would have been noisy and uncomfortable for the crew to drive and ride in. Because of the weather we arrived back at the Club rooms at 2.30 . Spent the rest of the afternoon, chatting and watching a video of Taihape Highland Fling – filmed by Dereck as he participated on the rally. Early Barbecue tea – and then I departed before the light failed and drove home in light rain. I don’t think that it stopped raining all day. Stopped at Sanson on way home for more fuel. The new LED bulbs in the front sidelights are bright so the van was well lit and visible to oncoming traffic. The Rover went well – inside the cab it was warm and apart from water dripping on my feet – comfortable. It gives me confidence that the Van can do longer runs and if possible , better to drive to an event than trailer it. But nearly 200 miles in one day is a long way in a Veteran. Great story Neil. There we are members, forward YOUR escapades to me for publication. Editor Ian
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Members, here is your chance to air your feelings and perhaps to get something off your chest, or to commend someone for what you see as noteworthy for anything done for our Branch or our VCC movement in general. Please include your name on your letter. Much prefer everything forwarded by email, enabling me to simply copy and paste without having to manually retype the contents. Pictures are welcomed. Also I am searching for stories about your new restoration, your favourite vehicle, old stories and pics from yesteryear and any articles about the various one make car clubs many of you , including myself, belong to. Contents may be edited. Could generate some interest. Over to you as it is your Club and your RIVET. Editor Ian
Dear Editor John Miles, the Hardy girls and myself would like to thank Pat Carrick and James Whibley for their extreme bravery when they abandoned participation in our last Sunday run in order to rescue us from the roadside with the remainder of the pack thundering by. John had only recently purchased the 1938 Austin 12/4 Ascot and was keen to show us its paces. He demonstrated the ability of this car to cruise the country roads at speeds that would put a more modern car to shame. Unfortunately Blue, as the Ascot is affectionately known, developed a mysterious knocking sound from the rear end, and as we were up at the top of Brunswick Road, it was decided not to risk the descent. Just as we were about to call for assistance, our knights in shinning armour abandoned their participation in the very prestigious run in order to lead us to a safe haven where Blue could be left overnight and then transported us back to the Club Rooms and managed to arrive back just before the cut off time. Thanks once again to Pat, James and Partners for dedication to gentlemanly behaviour and bringing us home. Blue was subsequently recovered, see photo, and is now back in fine fettle once again! Peter Hardy
The Wanganui Branch invites entries to their
39th Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial Saturday and Sunday 9th &10th April 2022 Kindly sponsored for 38 years
39th Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial Route: Approx 100 miles
Speeds: 20 – 50 mph
Please support our Sponsors: CASTROL NZ Ltd “The Oil Specialists” H&A Print – Wanganui - Printing requirements and Stationery Needs Wanganui I-Site HORIZON'S Regional Council HOLDAWAYS LTD Brake and Steering Specialists Rivercity Press Bunnings – Wanganui ACC - Wanganui
Programme:
Saturday 9th 8.00 am - Clubrooms open to collect Rally Packs and cuppa 8.30 am - Close of Day entries (Meals not available)
9.00 am - Trial Briefing 9.30 am - First Entrant away 4.00 pm - Completion of runs and cuppa 6.00 pm - Drinks, to be followed by informal 6.30 pm – Informal dinner for ticket holders and prize giving Please BYOG
If you are not having a meal you are very welcome to come along and enjoy the prize giving.
Sunday 10th 9.00 am – Clubrooms will be open for a short ride to a place of interest, morning tea and farewell.
Trial Rules: 1. The Trial is open to anyone and any motorcycle but YOU MUST SHOW YOUR VACCINATION CERTIFICATE ON ARRIVAL AND AT REGISTRATION. 2. To compete for VCC prizes vehicles must be eligible as defined by club rules, be entered by a financial member of the VCC of NZ Inc, and either the owner of the vehicle or the driver on the day shall be a member of the club, or if resident from overseas, a member of a recognized overseas organisation. 3. All vehicles are expected to be in a clean and tidy state of presentation. 4. VCC members with non-eligible vehicles, and non-club members are welcome to enter and compete for the Classic Class prizes.
Trial Classes: 1) Veteran 2) Vintage 3) Post Vintage 4) Post War 5) P60V 6) P80V 7) Classic
ENTRY FORM Name: _______________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone no:__________________________Email:_____________________________ Make, Model and Year of vehicle:____________________________________ Registration no:____________________VCC M'ship no____________________ Class:
Veteran
Speed:
Vintage
Post Vintage
FAST
Post War
P60V
P80V
Classic
SLOW NUMBER
ENTRY FEE (Includes rally plaque)
1
RATE
$15.00
SAT LUNCH
$15.00
SAT EVENING MEAL (BYOG)
$30.00
TOTAL
$15.00
TOTAL FEES
$
INTERNET BANKING-03 0791 0210433 00 Please use your name and rego as your reference
Please feel free to photocopy to pass onto a friend
All replies to: The Trial Convener, Bill James, 4 Eaton Crescent, Wanganui, 4500
Phone 027 353 2190 Email heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
ATVTNZ NUI
WANGA-
Monday– Friday: 8am– 5pm Saturday: 8am–
AT VTNZ WANGANUI
Monday– Friday: 8am–5pm Saturday: 8am–12noon
19 Heads Road, Wanganui Ph: 06 348 7108
ROAD READY
$5 off your WOF
Bates Watchmakers 130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui Phone/Fax 06 345-2235 Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui Sales & Repairs Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
Wanganui VCC Purpose Built Parts Shed We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist, you will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us: Dave
06 347 6915
027 555 4201
whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris
06 348 7335
027 443 1184
cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
Trevor
06 345 8897
If we don’t have it, we may know someone who does!
FOR SALE/WANTED TO BUY For Sale: 1958 Morris Oxford. Comes with current WOF and Rego. $7500 ono. Call Jim on 027 538 8133
Wanted: Vellocette Venom 350 Cylinder Head. Contact Brian on 06 345 7499
For Sale: Peugeot 405 SRDT Estate—1995—Diesel turbo 5 speed manual. Economical 1000kms or so to a tankful. Just took for WOF and failed on only rear brake imbalance (that I shall take care of). Tow bar and new radio that can take a reverse camera. I have owned it for about 8 years. New battery and glow plugs—reason for selling I need the space. I am looking for about $3000 ONO. Phone Graham on 02 214 1730
Wanted: A couple of stationary engines suitable for display. Contact Bruce 06 3427713 Wanted: Left side body parts for a ‘83 Toyota Cressida. Does anyone know of any being wrecked? Phone 06 3432422 or email geofferylawson@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: CONDITION OF ENTRY. AT THE DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETING IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED: ENTRY TO THE CLUBS GROUNDS AND FACILITIES RESTRICTED TO THOSE MEMBERS AND VISITORS CARRYING THE COVID VACCINE PASS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. Club Calendar All Club Runs meet at 1pm at the Club Rooms unless otherwise stated
March
20th Gymkhana at Craig & Wendy Ryland’s
April
6th Club Night ? 9th VCC Motorcycle Trial 8am at Clubrooms 24th Sunday Run
May
4th Club Night ? 15th Sunday Run
June
To be advised