Late News Gumboot Rally, 1st Jan, is definitely on!
Paul Tasker receiving the Cancer Society Draw Tow Truck from Kerri and Rachel from the Cancer Society
Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P.O. Box 726, Wanganui . Street address – Patapu St, Wanganui East.
Wanganui@vcc.org.nz Patron
Alan Bates
Chairman: Vice Chairman:
Bruce Ardell Dave McDermid
06 342 7713 06 3476915 Whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Secretary: Treasurer:
Liz James Neil Farrer
063442221 06 343 6248
Club Captain: Rally Secretary/Trophies
Frank James Steve Hibberd
021349074 0276791140
Motorcycle Convenor:
Bill James
0273532190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Health & Safety
Linda Kendrick Chris White Ray Savage Andrew Johnson Dave McDermid
02777 54644 zilda552@hotmail.com 0274431184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com 063424755 thesavages@inspire.net.nz 063456212 datsun@aje.co.nz 06 3476915 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Branch Delegate:
Neil Farrer
06 343 6248
Kitchen Manager:
Liz James
063442221 liznfrank@xtra.co.nz
Doreen Hardy Sue Voss Rob O’Keeffe Shane Hobman Dave Austin Dave McDermid Chris White Trevor Roberts Peter Hardy Toni Jenkins Dave Austin
0211702962 0274332626 06 344 5915 06 3447513 06 3476915 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz 06 3487335 06 345 8897 0212723444 pedorhardy@xtra.co.nz 021945020 tonijenkinsnz@gmail.com 06 3447513
Shane Hobman Bruce Ardell Linda Kendrick Frank James
06 344 5915 06 342 7713 02777 54644 021 349 074
Committee: Trophies Manger
Hall: (Custodian/Bookings) Truck Custodians: Librarian Parts’ Custodians: Editor: Beaded Wheels Scribe Archivist: Vehicle I. D. `s RIVET Distribution Coordinator
liznfrank@xtra.co.nz nfarrer@xtra.co.nz mob. 027 457 9634 liznfrank@xtra.co.nz wanganuirally@gmail.com
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 Interislander
ANTIQUECAR WH5465
Chairmans NotesGreetings everyone Greetings All Early Monday morning and I am back on deck. Rob O’K, me and our No 1 wives have just spent a few days in the top of the South, visiting Omaka again, then the Nelson Classic Car Museum and plenty of second-hand and antique shops. The land cruiser was full when we got back (we had booked the ferry crossing to attend the Christchurch swap meet but it was cancelled!). A nice break. September Sunday run, organised byt the Chamberlains. What a perfect weather wise day. Certainly brought the members out to enjoy a drive in the country and ending up at Turakina to view Club member Tom Cloustons car and memorabilia collection. Then back to the Club rooms for a brew. An enjoyable day out, thank you Ian, Fay and Tom. Jennifer and I attended the “International Ford Model A Day” centred around Marton. An interesting and enjoyable day but the weather wasn’t so chipper though. (See report) Manawatu Branch swap meet, seller numbers were well down this year. I took a large tandem axle trailer and van full down to the swapmeet. Good sales but like I have been saying for the last few years, people not buying so the vendors won’t bother next year. Most of the original commercial exhibitions and vendors have gone which is a pity. Trade Me has taken away the good stuff and we now have scalpers going around, picking up items cheaply and, I’m told by a number of members, they see them listed on Trade Me. Anyway I sold a lot of car stuff, gave all Jennifer’s grandchildren back to their owners at the swapmeet and made a couple of bob. October Club night saw a good muster entertained by Garth Stevenson from the “Men’s Shed” (and women). I departed early, we were on the road at 5am for the South Island.
It was good to see a branch member feature on the latest Beaded Wheels Mag. Peter Wilton has motored many miles since he restored, (with parts from me) this veteran 1917 Ford T. We received a very nice thank you letter from Peter Williamson (Wanganui Branch founder member and chairman 1955 on) for including him in the National Executive and AGM this branch hosted in August. He also wrote a nice article for the Rivet. (see below) Restoration of the year and items of interest December 2nd is not far away. Get cracking and finish that restoration and sort out some items of interest for the display table. (Items of interest last year was poor). An item of interest from everyone this year would be good. Don’t forget ladies run in November. Last year a certain club captain was the navigator on the run and told his wife if he was a testing officer he wouldn’t give her a pass. Bet that went down well. Wonder if he’s asked her to navigate this year? “Oldest married couple in the world” He’s 110 and she’s 105 years old. (I’ve got another 40 years to go. Phew) I received this article from Peter Wiliamson PRW Vintage 1929 Ignition Spasmodic Headlights Dim, no focus Teeth Cogs worn Chassis Fractured Universal Joints Seized Tread Flat, retreads not road worthy Brakes Failing, uncertain Body Needs workover Trade in Negotiable Fuelling Gin, single malts, wine Idleling All the time Cheers
Bruce A
Letter from the NZ VCC President Dear Bruce and Committee I am writing to express my very grateful thanks for the wonderful weekend your team organised on behalf of the VCC for our AGM weekend. Although it was "touch and go" earlier in the week, we got there, and in fact, the reduced numbers meant that it was a very friendly affair. I really appreciate the effort that the organising team and the Wanganui Branch put into the weekend and on behalf of the Management Committee of the Club, congratulations on a very successful event. Kind regards Diane Quarrie National President
The Grand Hotel rich in history and full of atmosphere THE GRAND HOTEL Cnr St Hill & Guyton Street Bed and continental Breakfast from $99 for single and $110 for twin or double All rooms are ensuited with tea and coffee making facility’s and free view T.V P.O. Box 364 The Hotel offers the Grand Irish Bar with its famous lunch menu and best Guinness Wanganui 4541 and a Family café and Bar with daily meal specials New Zealand We also offer conference rooms and the grand dining room for pre-organised private dinners Ph: 0800 THE GRAND (0800 843 472) Ph: 06 345 0955 Fax: 06 345 0953 Email: THE-GRAND-HOTEL@xtra.co.nz www.thegrandhotel.co.nz
Ian Higgins cars, old and new Ian was born in Wanganui, grandson of a farmer who came out to New Zealand from the UK, and son of a father who swapped the farm over to chickens and father of a son who now is taking over from Ian to run the chicken farm. A proper family affair! He started his serious collection of cars only ten years ago, and has built up an impressive collection since then. He’s always been interested in those rather large American models, and had his eyes on one being sold at auction. And if Ian hadn’t nodded off at just the wrong moment, he’d have bought his first Chrysler at one of Ed Boyd’s auctions, but as it happens, the first one he actually bought was a 1937 Plymouth (one of only 5 in New Zealand) from Dave Austin (one of our long standing members), and he still has it and he still drives it HIGG 37 From one Wanganui man to another! He then started searching for something a little bigger and secured a 1956 Chrysler Imperial HIGG 56. This car’s 6,200cc engine is presently out under refurbishment but will be re-appearing in the near future. And so it went on, with Ian chasing down even more CCs, and if you’re measuring his cars in square metres, HIGG 68 must be one of his biggest. At 8849cc it’s even got a supercharger
He then started searching for something a little bigger and secured a 1956 Chrysler Imperial HIGG 56. This car’s 6,200cc engine is presently out under refurbishment but will be re-appearing in the near future. And so it went on, with Ian chasing down even more CCs, and if you’re measuring his cars in square metres, HIGG 68 must be one of his biggest. At 8849cc it’s even got a supercharger. Where to go from here he thought and a Hot Rod came to mind, but not anything obvious, no C a r b s sticking out of the bonnet or anything else so crass, he picked a 1975 Chrysler Charger, Higg 75 and had the engine brought up to his requirement and put the car, inside and out, into showroom condition.
Whilst on holiday in the USA, you remember when we could fly around the world enjoying ourselves, his beloved wife, Frances, spotted a Prowler lurking in a corner somewhere. Obviously she thought, It you can’t beat them, join them and after a test drive that very clearly impressed her, a deal was worked out and she added her touch to the shed.. A 2001 Chrysler Prowler Prowl 1, now this car would stick out anywhere, even in Ian’s shed as it has its own styling and only 11,700 were ever built. With only a 3.5 litre V 6 it seems a little tame alongside its neighbours but because of its body size and weight it can easily look after itself thank you very much.
It would take a book and not an article for the Rivet to describe and detail all of Ian’s cars and the work he has put into them but in case you’re wondering, his favourite of the moment is his Willy’s Jeep, HIGG 55. We’ve seen a lot of it in parades and around town and it never fails to raise a smile as it goes by. One of his cars that stood out to me, coming as I do, from the UK, is Ian’s 1970 Sunbeam Imp, HIGG 70 in, apparently, full racing trim. It sits there very unassumingly looking very much as it did when it left the factory but I am assured it could frighten the pants off you in the hands of the right driver. It is very obvious whilst talking to Ian in his shed that he is one of our more dedicated collectors and although he was once told by our ace mechanic Trevor Roberts, to leave the cars alone as he was making them worse he knows each car inside out. It was a real pleasure to have time to walk through his shed, look at his cars and listen to the passion he has for them. Perhaps we should get him to talk at the Club sometime, about his cars this time and not his eggs. He’s a great member and a great guy, interesting, kind and very generous with his time and his eggs. Where do you think the boxes and boxes of eggs come from for the shiny parts auction? And while we’re talking about his kindness and generosity. I personally owe him a massive debt of gratitude. Many of you know of my prostate cancer diagnosis last year. Well, if it hadn’t been for a few whispered words from Ian, I may not have gone for a PSA check. But Ian whispered and I went. And I’m still here, despite frighteningly high results. So, as Ian whispered to me, we are both now whispering to you all. Ladies, nag your husbands, and Gentlemen, don’t wait to be nagged. Get out there and do the sensible thing, get yourself checked. And if it’s fine, go back every year because mine was fine too for many years, and then I forgot to keep getting checked. So thanks Ian, for your timely advice. And thanks for all you do for the VCC, and thanks for sharing your passion for cars with us.
199 Guyton Street | Wanganui | Ph 06 3484340
Lighting Design Consultancy Lighting Plan & Design Service Architectural | Commercial | Domestic
www.lighthouselighting.co.nz
This months “Photo of the Month�. Graham Bailey, our regular photographer has chosen the Craigs Tiger as his personal favourite
RIVERSIDE AUTOMOTIVE
We build our service on fair cost
24 HOUR PHONE 06 3438428 10 Kaikokopu Road, Wanganui
ART DECO FESTIVAL 2021 THE VETERANS ARE COMING Come to Napier and join the HBVCC for Art Deco 2021 from February 18th -21st. Kindly sponsored again this year by Euro City Ltd In 2021 the Featured Group will be Veteran Motor Vehicles (all will be over 100 years old). We are expecting 50 plus Veterans thus year and already have 25 Veteran entries as at 10 September. Cars, commercials, motorcycles, high-wheelers, steam , electric and petrol. Veterans entered already include an 1895 Velo Benz, 1903/4 Oldsmobiles (3), De Dion, Calcott, Hupmobile, GWK, Dodge (3), Sears, L’etoile, Darracq (2) , Cadillac , Mitchell, Holly, Briscoe, New Pick and 5 Model T Fords. 2021 will be the 90th anniversary of the 1931 Napier Earthquake. We want to get as many EQ survivor cars to attend the 2021 AD Festival as possible. A commemorative banner or similar will be presented to all qualifying vehicles. To qualify your vehicle must have been in Napier or Hastings at the time of the EQ. Please contact me if you have such a vehicle or know someone who has. The same applies if you own or know of any First Response Vehicles that may have been present during the EQ. (eg Ambulance, Fire Engine, Police, Military). For 2021 the main annual rally is again on Friday and we plan to have a touring run plus a picnic lunch at a great lunch venue. On Saturday we will have the morning tea and car show and popular choice at the HBVCC clubrooms, followed by the grand parade. Sunday events include breakfast at the HBVCC clubrooms and the Gatsby picnic in the afternoon. There are many other events offered by Art Deco Trust on the Friday and Saturday nights. Come and join the other 180 plus club eligible vehicles we expect to enter the 2021 Event. If you are entering a Veteran there are special additional events for you on the Wednesday and Thursday of Art Deco Week. If you plan to attend these please plan to arrive in Napier on the Tuesday. Otherwise we suggest you plan to arrive in Napier on Thursday 20th so you can attend the Dinner at the Clubrooms that evening. We have prizes for the best dressed couples again this year. Dinner tickets are limited so be in quick.
Go to the HBVCC website for an Entry Form. (www.hbvcc.org.nz). Entry forms for 2021 are available now. Accommodation in Napier is already filling up for Art Deco Weekend so book now to avoid disappointment. Contacts: STEVE TROTT stevetrott@xtra.co.nz STEVE DONOVAN stevedon@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain’s Report Hello to you all Thank you to Ian and Faye Chamberlain for organising the Club Run on Sunday 20 September 2020 which included a visit to Tom Clouston’s place to view his collection of vehicles. There was a very good number of members out in their vehicles (some 33 of all makes and ages) to enjoy the fine Spring afternoon. The Run was followed by afternoon tea back at the Clubrooms. Garth Stevenson from the ‘Men’s Shed’ came along to our Club night on Wednesday 7 October 2020 and gave an interesting talk on the history of the organisation and manner in which it operates. There are some very capable trades people still working at what they love despite their increasing years. The Covid enforced ‘rerun’ of the Daffodil Rally was held on Sunday 11 October with more than 120 vehicles filling the Memorial Centre Forecourt before setting-off in all directions of our lovely City – a great afternoon and it will enable the Vintage Car Club to make a healthy contribution to the Cancer Society in Wanganui to help them continue with their work for our people in the Wanganui Community. Our October Club Run will be on Sunday 18 October. Meet at the VCC Clubrooms prior to 1 o’clock for a 1:30 pm departure for an afternoon of driving and sight-seeing arranged by Keith and Toni – bring along something for afternoon tea and leave it at the Clubrooms and we’ll return there later to enjoy it. Next month’s Club night will include a brief meeting and then we take to the Streets for a Night Trial planed by Lee Taylor – come along and enjoy Wanganui by night. Please keep an eye on the ‘Calendar’ in the Rivet for details of future events. Best wishes and happy motoring.
Frank
For Sale ROVER P6 V8 1971 Mexico Brown, on original plates almost 25 years in storage (on blocks) Original upholstery in great condition,3 speed auto been reconditioned, new diff and tyres, Original papers available. Open to Offers. Contact Neil Farrer 0274579634 or Tony Hughes 0274449820 1958 Rover 90 Good Condition, Tony Flynn 06 272 2001, 0211871022 1947 Standard 8 HP $4000 ono. Hinemoa can be contacted on 0275111082
NGK Plugs, all boxed, popular long reach. Box lot only 100. Plus ex garage firm ($90) all new
274123232
Pair of Lucas head lamps solid brass painted. Ex. Condition and complete, Ex 1918 Bull Nose $400
274123232
1967 Wolsley 16/60 Great condition $5000 ono. Hinemoa can be contacted on 0275111082
1952 Sunbeam Talbot, Great condition $7500 ono Hinemoa can be contacted on 0275111082
1974 Triumph Dolimite automatic, Really good condition. $4300 ono Hinemoa can be contacted on 0275111082
1988 Mazda 626 GLS, Great condition $3000 ono Hinemoa can be contacted on 0275111082
Club Calendar
All Club Runs meet at 1pm at the club rooms unless otherwise noted.
November
4th Club Night. Night Trial, Lee Taylor 15th Ladies run, Dale Whitaker 21st Working Bee at Clubrooms. 9am -12noon 22 Picnic in the park, see ad.
December
2nd Club Night, Restoration of the Year 12th, Saturday, Christmas Parade
January
1st Gumboot Rally Taihape 13th BBQ Picnic Club Rooms 23-25th Vintage Weekend 24th Burma Rally
AT VTNZ WANGANUI we can’t wait to get you on the road again Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm Saturday: 8am–12noon 19 Heads Road, Wanganui Ph: 06 348 7108
$5
off your WoF ROAD READY
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 Dave
06 3476915 0275554201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz Chris 06 3487335 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com Mobile 0274431184 Trevor 06 3458897 If we don’t have it we may know someone who does!
Wanganui VCC 2020 Daffodil Rally for Cancer
Well it finally happened, we were determined that it would but there were forces against us trying to stop it. On the day all delays were forgotten as 121 cars were entered, the weather turned out, as always to be fine and dry and despite us planning arrivals from 11:30 am onwards some of you were there at 10:30am along with our friends from The Lions of Wanganui and the coffee carts. Order of the day was to explain to those who had not joined us previously just how the day was due to progress. things I do need to stress is that the first, and most important point of the day, is to raise money for our local cancer society and the second, nearly as important, is to enjoy a fun day out for the entrants. The format relies on all entrants competing as single entities and actually visiting each site using their skill and local knowledge to give themselves an advantage. Sharing of information would spoil what is one of more enjoyable family days out and is not in the spirit of the event. The course this year had clues spread from Palmerston North to Kai Iwi, Fordell, Upok. and all over the town, some were straight forward and others not so button complaints were received. (Or should I say no complaints were accepted)
We were very generously treated by our sponsors again this year and many of you were rewarded with a prize to take home as a memory of what we hope you will remember as a good day. Paul Tasker took home the Cancer Society Raffle draw prize of the Pedal Car Tow Truck, supposedly for his Grandson but I’m not so sure. Winners on the day was Chris Luke and Fern Hunter in his Valiant. The whole day was a pleasure to be involved with and it was great to see the crowds enjoying the afternoon.
Daffodil Rally Photos courtesy of Graham Bailey
International Model A Day Run 2020 Mid Island Model A Club
International Model A Day was held this year in USA on the 19th of September however this clashed for us in Wanganui/Palmerston North with the “election” and P/N branches Vintage Rally and Sunday 20th was out because it was our Club Run. Then there was of course the various Covid Restriction’s. So, we finally decided on Sunday 27th September. The day dawned wet and windy and the weather forecast for the day was not good. We gathered at the Corn Market in our coats and all the open cars had their side curtains on. Leaving the Corn Market at around 10am we travelled via Okoia, Fordell, Kauangaroa, Turakina Valley to Marton. Fortunately, the weather cleared up once we got into the back country. On our way through Fordell we passed Bruce Ardell frantically waving at us as we passed. Those passing thought how nice it was of him to wave to the passing Model A’s. However, he was desperately hoping someone would stop and give him a hand to get his Vanden Plas out of the shed. The very wet grass had caused this big car to lose traction and Bruce could not get it underway to join the run. I suppose that is what happens when you bring a Vanden Plas to a Model A run. A bit like bringing a knife to a gun fight. However, Bruce eventually solved the problem and joined the run. Other cars joined along the way and we arrived in Marton at midday to join up with cars and members from P/N and Marton. Here we had a most enjoyable buffet lunch at the Club Hotel and there was a lot of talking and lively banter. I think some would be sitting there still if they did not get a hurry up to get on to the next venue. This was a visit to the Marton Historical Village. This was most interesting and gave a great record of early life in Marton with some most interesting exhibits.
After we completed our visit to the museum many left and travelled home because of the rapidly deteriorating of weather. The hardier souls went on to Kendrick Cottage to view a most amazing bottle collection. When this visit was over it was time to head home. By now the weather had turned really nasty and I was heading straight into a very strong wind and heavy rain. Water was actually getting inside the Roadster to make things a bit damp. All was ok however until my wiper arm broke just outside Marton and I had to follow the white line home. Seventeen Model A’s one V/8 and a Vandem Plas attended. Doug Wilton received a prize for being the oldest participant driving his own car and Graeme Berry received a prize for having travelled the furthest. A big thank you to all who attended and made the day a great one and to my fellow organisers Neville Rhodes and Peter Robinson for all the hard work they put in to making the day a success
Dave McDermid
Let ’ s go under the hood of an old car and see what we can find. What, for example, is that thing pictured above. And why would a Mario Brother braze a plumbing part onto a spark plug? Well, THAT is a Primer Spark Plug. Those were once made by every major spark plug company and you could buy one for any car. Why would you want a faucet attached to your spark plug? Early gasoline formulations had a problem with volatility, especially at low temperatures. That made starting difficult on a cold day. The Primer Spark Plug permitted you to prime your car engine prior to starting it. You would open those faucets on each of the spark plugs and, using a small funnel, pour gasoline or, better, more volatile liquid ether, into each cylinder. You could easily buy the ether in small screw top tins at any pharmacy. After closing the valves on the spark plugs you could start the car using that primer fluid. But why not simply pour gasoline into the carburetor? Because of this:Almost all automobile carburetors in the 1920s were Updraft Carburetors. They sucked air, and vaporized gasoline, up. You couldn't pour anything into their air horns. So you bought a set of Primer Plugs. Note that fuel volatility, or rather the lack of it, was such a problem in the teens, ‘ 20s, and ’ 30s that the better carburetors, such as the Rayfield Model G, were water jacketed and heated by the engine.