The Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch of
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Po Box 2168, Kopeopeo, Whakatane 3159 Email: easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
February 2022
Running Board
January Club Run to Opotiki Museum Shalfoon’s Barrel Nose Ford Truck on display in the Museum
Club Night: Last Thursday of the Month (except December) at Whakatane Athletic Clubrooms, Short Street, Whakatane 7.00 pm Social get-together Branch Meeting starts at 7.30 pm Followed by Supper and a Natter
Chairman’s Report: Well the first month of 2022 has gone already, how fast is this year going to go by. I think it is a fact of life the older you get the faster time goes. On Club Night last Thursday a vote was taken on whether we should continue on with the East Coast Rally, there was overwhelming support for it to continue, but with conditions that the Government have set in place for Red Light as well as our own. All participants must be double jabbed. As long as we are careful there won’t be any problems . We will be down on numbers because of the Vero International Rally and probably Covid, but like I said it is going to be safe, so if you haven’t entered, now is a good time to send your entry in. On Club Night we also discussed the “New Proposed Logo”. I took my laptop and TV to the Meeting, but of course the presentation was not an attachment but a video link and with no WIFI it couldn’t be shown. Karen has since contacted George Kear and hopefully at next month’s Meeting we could have the video. But in the meantime, please look at the email and video link that was sent out to every Member on the 23rd December. We need to discuss it and vote on it so that Bevan our Delegate can vote on our behalf on the 12th March at the Executive Meeting.
Click on this link to view the Proposed “New Logo” presentation https://vcc.org.nz/brand/ I won’t ramble on as Bruce has got a great story on the Vero Rally, (on the next page) Oh, we had a run this month to Opotiki to visit their very interesting Museum, a great Museum for a small town (just ask anyone who was there). If you didn’t come put it on your bucket list. We finished off with a picnic at Hikuwai Reserve by the Beach, a great day. Now I will go. Drive Safe Les
Steve & Lesley McCann’s Landrover and Ben & Marion Vermeulen’s Morris Minor parked outside the Opotiki Museum - Shalfoon’s Shop
Vero International Rally - story, photo’s and captions by Bruce Seddon
Buster Goes to the Big Rally The 2021/2022 VCC International Rally has been a target for Buster for a few years. In January 2019 Buster (1935 Dodge DU sedan) went into the workshop for a WOF and to have a few minor ailments checked over to ensure he could keep running as Bruce and Lorraine’s main “go to” car for vintage runs. One thing led to another – rear axles seals had leaked oil and destroyed new brake linings, there was a hairline crack in the head to be stitch welded, the engine came out so the gearbox and clutch got overhauled, the carburetor was replaced and there were workshop staff changes to negotiate. While the engine was out and the front end bodywork was removed one of the lifts on the hoist exposed seriously worn knee action shock absorbers. After a number of attempts and evaluations they were deemed unrepairable and replacements could not be found. So telescopic modern shocks were installed which involved engineering new shock mounts – and that led to the LVVTA certification process. By January 2021 the postponed VCC Rally in January 2022 in New Plymouth became a targeted reward for Buster coming out of the workshop. Toward the end of the workshop stay repeated difficulty with the 6v electricals and the knowledge that the 6v lights were next to useless resulted in a conversion to 12v. The full list of Buster’s adventures in the workshop would fill another article. Eventually he emerged in June 2021 (2 ½ years later) with plenty of time to iron out any little issues. Yeah right! A trip to Tauranga with a return at night saw the passenger lighting Pikowai Road with a torch as the ham fisted driver had broken the headlight switch in Tauranga before the main beam was engaged. And so it went, until the last repair was made in the week before departing to New Plymouth. Buster was loaded with all the items needed for a week at the big rally, plus a tool box was attached to the rear carrier as Buster is a flat back Dodge with no external boot. Off he went, charging up the Kaimais, holding his own with modern traffic at 85-95 kmh, taking his time and drawing plenty of attention from fellow travelers. Oil pressure good at 50-60, water temp at 180F, refuel at Te Kuiti, and a stop at Mokau to find a replacement nut and bolt for the one that had dropped out of the rear carrier. The 400kms were problem free although it was a hot day. Sunday afternoon was registration at New Plymouth racecourse and we began to see the number of cars involved – about 500 apparently. Registration was followed by the opening ceremony in the TSB Arena which the cars were lucky enough not to listen to. Enlightening for the human attendees I suppose. Monday saw Buster take the long route to Tikorangi to the Clifton Rugby & Sports Club grounds for a massed car gathering and picnic lunch. All the cars and their drivers and passengers got to mingle and start to swap stories. Great scenery and hot, slowish running. The afternoon return to New Plymouth included at lineup to cross the Bertrand Rd Suspension Bridge which was declared unsafe in 1985. Maximum vehicle width is 2 meters, not a centimeter more and Buster watched an Auburn and a Pierce Arrow challenge their drivers skills in squeezing through the barriers. Tuesday was the competition day which had roads that would not be repeated so Buster jumped at the chance to be involved. A decision he would regret. The competition consisted of timed running over some winding, narrow roads around the west of Mt Taranaki – at one stage about 20km at 16mph in high temperatures. Oil and water temperatures were fine, but some indigestion was being felt. After keeping good time (slow time), something had to done, so after stopping to burn some time, we headed down a long
straight from Opunake to Kaponga at warp speed to see if that would clear the problem – that wasn’t really the answer. Our carefully watched timing went out the window at that stage. After lunch with two combined classes of vehicles we headed back to New Plymouth with a worsening engine miss. Back at the motel base with the assistance of new friends from around the country we found Buster had spark in all plugs, 6 clean unfouled plugs, but an unhappy misfire and a suspicious noise. There were plenty of suggestions which all involved car park engine work beyond Bruce’s tools or skills, so the decision was made to shut Buster down and work out how to get him home to competent hands. We missed the Wednesday trip to Opunake and Parihaka while deciding our options for the rest of the week. On Thursday and Friday Buster rested while a rental car was used to participate in the runs around Stratford and Hawera. Thursday evening was a highly successful street party in the centre of Inglewood where the cars were on display for 4 hours. We skipped the drive to Whangamomona which Buster would have made if he was well. It was a great week, loved all the cars – a great variety, made new friends and linked up with a number of the Gisborne guys. They (Brian & Graeme) removed and had rebuilt their water pump and radiator, and returned them to service in their 1930 Nash in the motel car park all while continuing to participate in a Chev truck. We can’t tell anything about the evening entertainments as we skipped those to ensure we were in good shape for the each days car exercises. We thoroughly enjoyed the week. Oh, and remember the timed competition on Tuesday – we were 5th in a large group. What happened to Buster? Saturday we drove the rental car New Plymouth to Pikowai, Pikowai to Mt Maunganui to drop the rental with one of our cars, and returned to Pikowai; Sunday drove Pikowai to New Plymouth via Rotorua and Benneydale with the tandem trailer; loaded Buster on the trailer; and returned on Monday back through Benneydale with Buster on the trailer. En route we stopped and had lunch in Pio Pio with a couple in a 34 Chev coupe who finished 3rd in our competition group on Tuesday. Buster is in the shed waiting another turn in the workshop. He starts OK, but just doesn’t run as smoothly as he likes to. He wants to try another rally.
Buster at Pio Pio on the way home
Picnicing in the sun at Kaponga
From left – 1929 Dodge, Pierce Arrow, 1929 Chrysler 75 – at Kaponga
Morris 1800, Rolls Royce and a Railton 8 at Tikorangi
Auburn has been through some dusty roads
AJS Special – Jaguar powered
More picnickers at Kaponga
Something for everyone at Normanby near Hawera Thanks Bruce for your contribution to this month’s magazine ________________________________________________________________________________________
Members who attended our Club Run Saturday 15th January Chairman’s Run
to Opotiki Museum & Shalfoon’s old shop followed by a picnic lunch Harry & Gay Sutcliffe Lytle & Marlene Hall Steve & Joy Growden Alan & Lorraine Stock & Ryan Ben & Marion Vermeulen Barry & Marianne Spry James McCarthy
Wolseley 6/99 Holden Premier HQ Ford Cortina Datsun 280ZX Morris Minor Ford Coupe Morris 8 Sports
Noel & Lois Davies Barry & Tessa Keene Les & Gail Costar Bevan & Elliot Lange Steve & Lesley McCann & Mark Mark & Karen Spackman
Some of the cars parked across the road from the Opotiki Museum
Ford Falcon Willys Knight Ford Model A Chrysler Valiant Landrover Series 1 Rambler Marlin
Alan & Lorraine’s Datsun, Steve & Joy’s Cortina, Noel & Lois’ Falcon and Bevan’s Valiant Parked in front of the Opotiki Hotel opposite Shalfoon’s
Mark & Karen’s Rambler, Lytle & Marlene’s Holden and Harry & Gay’s Wolseley Parked outside the Opotiki News and DeLuxe Theatre
James “aka Arkwright” behind Shalfoon’s Shop counter
Shalfoon’s Shop – shelves stocked
Picnic lunch at the Hikuwai Beach Reserve
Four Ford’s and a Holden waiting for the return run home
Please support our East Coast Rally Sponsors
REPCO Commerce Street Autos
Nicholson Autos Whakatane Printers
East Coast Rally Sunday 6th February Home baking or biscuits for morning and afternoon tea would be welcomed and can be dropped off at the Rally Start Paroa Rugby Club, Huna Road
Barry’s Events Calendars
Our Club Calendar of Events February 2022 February 2022 Sunday 6th
Classic Car Breakfast. From 8.00am at the Red Barn. You will need a Covid Vaccination Passport and wear a mask until seated.
Sunday 6th
East Coast Rally. This is on Waitangi Day the 6th February based at the Paroa Rugby Club. Rally briefing at 9.00am. First car away at 9.30am.The start, finish, dinner and prize giving are at the Rugby Club.
Wednesday 16th
Mid Month Run To a picnic spot Meet at Bunnngs at 10.00am BYO everything. May be a footbath to go through and for a fee spa pools.
Thursday 24th
Club Night Club rooms in Short St. Doors open at 7.00pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm.
March Wednesday 16th Thursday 31st
April Sunday 3rd Wednesday 13th Thursday 28th
Mid Month Run To a picnic spot Club Night Club rooms in Short St. Doors open at 7.00pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm
Classic Car Breakfast. From 8.00am at the Red Barn. You will need a Covid Vaccination Passport and wear a mask until seated. Mid Month Run to a Picnic spot Club Night Club rooms in Short St. Doors open at 7.00pm and the meeting starts at 7.30pm A reminder that at all EBOP VCC events participants need to be double vaxxed
If you don't have a vintage on the road, come along to Club Runs in your modern
Other Club Events February 2022 Some events may not happen. Check before you travel. February Sunday 6th
Classic Car Breakfast. From 8.00am at the Red Barn. You will need a Covid Vaccination Passport and wear a mask until seated.
Fri-Sun 11th- 13th
Gisborne Three Rivers Rally 'Coastal Caravan' to Anaura Bay
Saturday 26th
Wellsford/Warkworth Swap Meet At their Club Rooms
March Saturday 12th Saturday 12th Saturday 19th
Taupo Country Roads Rally Wairarapa Rex Porter Rally Horowhenua Swap Meet At the Levin Showgrounds
April Sunday 3rd
Classic Car Breakfast. From 8.00am at the Red Barn. You will need a Covid Vaccination Passport and wear a mask until seated.
Our Mid Month Run’s for 2022 Harry and Gay have set the dates for the Mid Month Runs for 2022
Feb 16 May 11 August 17 Nov 16
Picnic Picnic Cafe Picnic
Mar June Sept
16 15 14
Picnic Cafe Cafe
April 13 Picnic July 13 Cafe Oct 12 Cafe Dec TBA Santa Parade
Venue will be advised for each month via email as to the gathering location. Picnics runs, bring chairs etc, hot water, pick up takeaway food or make up your own. Some Cafe’s will be 2nd time round - Suggestions always welcome
To view other Branch’s Magazines/Newsletters go to www.vcc.org.nz on the home page scroll to Branch Newsletters
Any photo’s or articles for the Running Board would be gratefully appreciated Email to me at gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz Contribution from Keith and Margaret
A few days ago I was having some work done at my local garage. A blonde came in and asked for a seven-hundred-ten. We all looked at each other and another customer asked, ‘What is a seven-hundred-ten?’ She replied, ‘You know, the little piece in the middle of the engine, I have lost it and need a new one..’ She added that she didn’t know exactly what it was, but this piece had always been there. The mechanic gave her a piece of paper and a pen and asked her to draw what the piece looked like. She drew a circle and in the middle of it wrote 710 He then took her over to a car just like hers which had its hood up and asked ‘is there a 710 on this car?’ She pointed and said, ‘Of course, it’s right there’. The mechanic laughed hysterically. If you are not sure what a 710 is
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ
Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch Postal Address: PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo, Whakatane 3159 Branch Officers: 2021/2022 Honorary Branch Member: Lorolei Pollard Chairman: Past Chairman: Vice Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer: Club Captain: Committee:
Les Costar Lytle Hall Bevan Lange Karen Spackman Joy Growden (position vacant) Steve Growden Lorraine Stock Alan Stock Mark Spackman Harry Sutcliffe John Burton Trevor Marshall James McCarthy
07 323 6406 027 703 4539 027 460 3466 07 315 8800 07 304 9777
les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz lytlehall.hall@gmail.com bevanlange@gmail.com karenspackman55@gmail.com growden@xtra.co.nz
07 304 9777 07 307 1965 07 307 1965 07 315 8800 07 323 6898 021 02501138 07 308 7957 027 365 4595
growden@xtra.co.nz alanlorraine.stock@gmail.com alanlorraine.stock@gmail.com karen2mark@xtra.co.nz thesuttys@xtra.co.nz wairakael@hotmail.com mrjamesfrancismccarthy@gmail.com
Running Board: Gail Costar Beaded Wheels Reporter: Bruce Seddon Almoner: Lorolei Pollard Name Badge Sales: Peter Donovan
07 323 6406
les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz
07 322 2137 07 307 0373 07 312 5848
bruce.seddon@xtra.co.nz
VIC Collators:
07 323 6406 07 315 8800
les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz karen2mark@xtra.co.nz
07 304 8415 07 304 9777 07 323 6406 07 307 1965 07 323 6406 027 703 4539 07 323 6406
phil.leaming@xtra.co.nz growden@xtra.co.nz les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz alanlorraine.stock@gmail.com les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz lytlehall.hall@gmail.com les.gail.costar@slingshot.co.nz
07 308 8204
bkeene201@gmail.com
Les Costar Mark Spackman
Parts Shed Supervisors: Phil Leaming Steve Growden Les Costar Raffles: Lorraine Stock Supper Supervisor: Gail Costar Community Liaison: Lytle Hall Archivist: Gail Costar Email Notices & Calendar of Events: Barry Keene
donovanz@xtra.co.nz
Saleable Items: Barry Spry 07 312 4737 basa.mi@xtra.co.nz EBOP Cloth Jacket Badges $7.50 EBOP Cloth Jacket Patches $10.00 EBOP Car Window Stickers $1.00 EBOP Car Bumper Badges $20.00 EBOP Lapel Badges $6.00 EBOP VCC Windscreen Stickers $2.00 EBOP Cloth Caps $15.00 Rally Number Holders s/s $15.00 NZVCC Winged Lapel Badges $7.50 VCC Cloth Winged Badges $13.00 (these will be available at Club Nights) EBOP Name Badges $15.00 (to be ordered) Please wear your name badge to VCC functions. Club Night: Last Thursday of the month (except December) At: Whakatane Athletic Clubrooms, Short Street, Whakatane 7.00pm Social Get-together Branch Meeting starting at 7.30pm