#0113 2021
December 2021
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron Chair Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer Club Captains Branch Delegate Committee
Welfare Officer Custodian & Maintenance Grounds People Spares Team
Library Archives Spark Editor Spark Distribution VIC Team
Tom Hayes John White j.mwhite@xtra.co.nz Glenn Peach gpeach@xtra.co.nz Bill Laney and Denise Liddle horowhenua@vcc.org.nz Jackie Job jackiejob73@gmail.com Bruce Lawrie
06 367 9445 06 368 3299 027 4863517 027 4512408 027 4427306 06 368 2565 04 293 6803 (W) 04 293 4943 (H) 06 368 3824 04 293 3369 027 4191412 06 367 8216 06 362 6156 04 298 5458 04 293 3369 06 368 6891 06 367 2046 027 5674431 027 4509636 06 368 5611 06 362 6156 06 364 7238
Verdon Heath Winton Cleal Des St Clare Bob Barton Warren MacMillan Colin Brooks Winton Cleal Andrew Judd Nigel Wheeler nigelgwheeler@gmail.com Bill Cottle Wayne Thrower Julia MacMillan Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams 06 367 0613 Mike Khull 06 363 5633 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Jeff Fox 06 362 6013 Colin Brooks 04 298 5458 Robert Cammish 04 905 0772 Don McLaren 021 1172418 Heather Carter 021 504087 Bruce Jamieson 027 6357336 brucejamieson48@hotmail.com 06 825 9102 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn and Mike Khull
Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night Club Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 00
Well, Yo Ho Ho! Christmas and last chairman’s chat for the year! Not an outstanding year for clubs all around the country. In fact ‘21 could go down as the year of cancellations! I’m hoping ‘22 will fare better and may be the year of return to normal. As for our own club events in future, it is just too easy to cancel out, so I am going to be positive and look for ways we CAN run things under whatever rules are current at the time. So fingers crossed all round. Last Wednesday club night it fell to me to announce that we will be adopting the Covid passport system. This was only after extensive discussions with your committee members. I have received numerous E-mails from various clubs on this, including our VCC head office. The Govt has legislated on this too, & we have no choice if we want to run events & meetings. For us all, this entails showing proof of vaccination on entry, also sign in as usual, have a mask on your person (even if we don’t need to wear it indoors), wash hands, etc. We hope this is very temporary and with higher rates of vaccination rates the darn bug must die away. I certainly hope so. Like you all, my family is sick and tired of Covid dominating the news every night. Bottom line: come along to meetings and events! Don’t be put off. If “vaxxed” you are as safe as you can be anywhere! On to better things. Our Xmas lunch was a great success. 52 attended, down a little on prior years. Raewyn & crew put on their usual great spread and we all had fun!
Restoration of the year trophies. We had 5 entries: George Mclean’s Ford Model Y, Glenn & Stephanie’s ‘39 Chevvy coupe, Kevin & Louise Fleming with their red Rover V8 and the winner, a Chevrolet flat deck truck by Mark Morgan. Mark has taken 5 years on this project, and it is a tribute to Mark’s attention to detail. Linda Gill brought along her Honda 450 twin motorcycle to win the motorcycle trophy against stiff competition. (The only motorcycle there).
Thanks so much to all for bringing along your cars, They really do look great all lined up. Photos: Bob Barton
On to 2022. Your club captains and committee have a good program planned, with our biggie in March being the swap meet. Ivan Horn has completed the preliminary planning for this one. More info to come in the new year. The first club night of ’22 (February 2nd) is to be a social night with a barbeque for all hands! I look forward to seeing you all then! In the meantime have a good Christmas and stay safe out there! Joke time Where did all the crows drink before they invented crowbars? Merry Christmas!!!
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John White
Brucie’s Burblings Firstly, may I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy and successful New Year. Success may not come in monetary terms but may just be finishing off that restoration you started 5 years ago, or adding to the shed so you can store that new/old car that just happened to come your way. Some planned events over the summer have had to be cancelled, but most branches are running small rallies and outings that, of course, we can also attend. A great chance to see some parts of the country that I, for one, did not know existed. Check the regular emails that our secretaries are sending out. Most give details of other branch events, speaking of which, Wanganui Branch are still running the Burma Rally on the Sunday of Wellington Anniversary weekend. In the past our branch has been well represented and a good way to round off the Vero National Rally the week before in New Plymouth. Check with Verdon or myself for entry forms. Thanks to Verdon and Viv for an interesting Tararua Trundle and a great day out, and to Bob, Linda and Co for the Christmas lunch last weekend.
Coming events of interest: Dec 25th The big boy and his elves ride into town on his sleigh. th Jan 8 Levin Motor Racing Tribute Day based at our Club Rooms. Check email sent out asking for assistance. th Jan 16 Vero National Rally, New Plymouth. rd Jan 23 Burma Rally, Wanganui. th Feb 27 Shannon Car Show still on as of 8/12/21. Check their Facebook page. Bruce Lawrie
Roster for February 2022
Ross Church, Winton & Ruth Cleal, Bill Cottle, Darryll Coxall, Nigel Cuthbert. Rostered kitchen crew please come early on Club Night to be briefed by Linda B on Covid and food handling rules. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night, 2nd February, or for the Working Bee on Saturday 5th February, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 06 368-3299 or j.mwhite@xtra.co.nz
Speaker for February
There is no guest speaker for February. We will be having a bbq and chit-chat.
New Club Members
Shane Murland is preparing a Ford Escort to compete in the rally/raid from Peking to London next year.
Cover Photo
Yahoo!!! Summer holiday begins
Fix Your Ford by George McLean
Interior Drainage The Model Y Ford, being a two door, has a drainage arrangement at the two rear side windows, where rainwater drips down onto the top of the interior bodywork. Some rainwater drains forward onto the running board and some flows backwards into the car body, then down into a floor recess beneath the back seat and drips out of a 6mm hole onto the ground. Owners didn't know about this feature when they bought the car. Over a period of time, fluff from the rear seat, combined with dust and grit etc, blocked up the small drain holes, allowing water to accumulate beneath the seat and eventually rust out the rear floor pan. It is necessary to clear these holes from time to time, or alternatively place loose split pins in the holes to rattle around and keep the holes free of matter. Small drain hole under the rear seat Valve train modification The valve train in the early English Ford motors, consists of split valve guides and non-adjustable cam followers. There are no adjustable cam followers provided for valve clearance. Instead, valve clearance is taken up by grinding down the valve and valve seat, or grinding a bit off the end of the valve to increase the valve clearance, a long, slow and tedious process.
(The same arrangement applies for all of Henry's side valve motors.) The split valve guides were originally a matched pair. During previous valve grinds on my car, the guides were all muddled up by mechanics (including Ford mechanics!) who were unaware if this requirement, making some valves sloppy in their valve guides and contributing to shorter valve life due to poor seating of the valves. When the engine block was reconditioned, Murray machined bronze valve guides and pressed those into the block replacing the split valve guide arrangement, then used the later 100E valve train setup. I supplied aftermarket adjustable cam followers to complete the valve train modification and eliminate the tedious valve clearance process. Temperature Compensation Added to the Fuel Line. The fuel line between the fuel pump and the carburettor consists of a pipe bent 90 degrees at both ends. When the fuel pipe is heated by the engine, particularly on a hot summers' day, the pipe expands pushing up on the carburettor top and bending it upwards. This in turn creates a gap between the bottom of the carburettor bowl and the carburettor throat, allowing air to bleed in weakening the mixture. The solution is to make a new pipe incorporating a thermal expansion coil midway along the length of the pipe.
Well this month has been a month of mags. No, not the sort that you may have fitted to a Hillman Minx or Mk 1 Cortina to make it go fast, just “Wheels of the Beaded Type”. Members have received donations from far and wide of our flagstaff magazine dating back into the sixties. We have sorted them mostly into years so then being able to check out any treasures. The chances are the catch may be small but small is better than none. Between everything she is doing Pauline drops in to make sure my nose is somewhere near the grindstone, which can be difficult when a club member drops in looking for that vital drop of information. Weka came looking for Mk1 Vanguard details to assist with his latest restoration, another unloved Fergy. That’s all for now, so sending this off to Bruce to see if I’ve danced with his deadline again. Don and Heather
Kapiti Mid-Week Run 24 November 2021 Around 24 members met at The Fisherman’s Table for lunch before a visit to Jeff Fox Propellers at Manakau, organised by Roderick Kinghorn. Jeff is a member of the Horowhenua VCC and manufactures wooden propellers for vintage aircraft, including most of Sir Peter Jackson’s collection of WW1 fighters. It was fascinating to learn about the precision and experience which goes into the many stages of design and manufacture of each propeller. Jeff is also a great storyteller and kept the group spellbound with his huge knowledge of vintage aircraft, and propellers in particular. Just when we all thought the visit was coming to a close, there was a big surprise when Jeff invited us to look around the adjoining workshop, which turned out to contain close to 20 pre-war motorcycles, mainly Nortons, but including Rudge Whitworth, Ariel , Sunbeam and a very early Matchless, almost all fully restored.
A Harley Davidson New Zealand Connection – Part Two By Michael Wintringham
In Part One I described an intriguing, faded logo or coat of arms on the tank of my 1923/24 Harley Davidson “basket case”. I speculated whether this might be the coat of arms of a Government agency, and the end result of a sales pitch made by Arthur Davidson to the Government in his 1924 promotional visit to New Zealand. This led me to a Turnbull Library photograph of a 1924 New Zealand Police Harley-Davidson motorcycle which also carried an extra emblem on its tank, difficult to make out on my postcard-sized print. I went to the Turnbull Library website and accessed a high-definition image of Constable Bert Morrison on his mount and zoomed in on the left-hand oil and gas tank.
Zooming even closer and manipulating the image gave this result:
Not an official coat of arms. Yet another winged wheel (shades of the current debate about the VCCNZ logo!) with what looks like, at the top, “Supplied by”, and across the winged wheel, “Rodgers & Hall”. So even back in the early 1920s, motor vehicle dealers defaced their newly-sold machines with advertising. At least these days it’s usually a number plate surround which can be changed! But who were Rodgers and Hall? As always, an internet search takes one down many rabbit holes but, this time, I came up with a rabbit. The Wairarapa Archive has a photograph, taken by an unknown photographer in 1926, of four men on motorcycles outside what is captioned “Rogers and Hall’s Store” in Greytown. Note the spelling of “Rogers”. I’m not sure I’d describe this building as a “store”, but it’s certainly a Harley-Davidson dealership.
Whether this was Rodgers & Hall’s “head office” or an outpost of a larger business I don’t know and can’t discover. But surely it’s the dealership which supplied the Police with Constable Morrison’s motorcycle. The variation in spelling (Rodgers/Rogers) is insignificant. An error by someone labelling the original photograph perhaps? And, in the days before email addresses and computer log-in required absolute precision and consistency in the spelling of names, and when many left
school at 12 or 13 years of age, there could be a surprising (to us) variation in the spelling of proper names. The photograph rewards close study. On the original print, advertisements for Duckham’s Motor Oil, Plume Motor Spirit and Moseley Tyres (at the peak of the building) can be made out. The two machines on the left are early 1920s Harley-Davidson V-twins, the farthest one with magneto ignition and acetylene headlamp. The right-hand machine looks like a 1925 model with the “modern” teardrop tank and lower frame. I’d like to get among, and make an offer for, the machines stacked against the workshop wall. When it rained, the veranda without spouting would dump water where the four riders are parked. Note the farrier’s premises next to the motorcycle dealership – the past and the future in one image. Between the World Wars horses still did much of the cartage in towns and the heavy work on farms. The farrier might have been enjoying a last laugh at the new generation of “petrol heads”. Changing tyres at the side of the road and mending punctures at home were large parts of the “motoring experience” in the early 20th century. The reason was partly the fragility of tyres and inner tubes but mostly because the unpaved roads were littered with horseshoe nails. Where did this search end up? As is often the case, with more questions than answers. I have no more information about the faded logo on the petrol tank of my own Harley-Davidson. But I believe that I found the dealership which supplied the Police with Constable Morrison’s motorcycle. What also came home to me is how soon knowledge can be lost and the value of those small museums and local archives, including VCC branch archives, staffed by volunteers, who are the custodians of much of our motoring history.
H
Tararua Trundle 2021: Class Placings Vintage – Don McLaren: Ford Model A Post Vintage – Bruce Lawrie: Chrysler P4 Post War – Bryan Wells: Ford Jailbar Post 60 – Philip Pearce Saab 95 Hardluck- Bill Cottle: Austin Healey OverAll Winner – Philip Pearce: Saab 95 During the competitive section there were thirteen silent checks. Only two entrants saw all silent checks. In the last two touring sections there were a further seven silent checks to help keep you on track. The whole idea behind the large number of silent checks was to improve the competitors’ observation skills. The timing wasn’t bad as it appeared most were driving from the seat of their pants. The sections in the Halcombe area were designed to make you follow YOUR INSTRUCTIONS, not the folk ahead or coming in the opposite direction, or turning left when you were going right. Guess work will get you lost, it does pay to READ your instructions. Some need to brush up on what the straight-ahead rule means. Points allocation was as follows: Missed silent check =180 Timed section 60 points per minute late or early. Thanks to all those who gave a hand and competed in this event. Bev & Peter Kelly, George McLean, Robert Heath & Viv Spiers for their marshaling skills, etc. Special thanks to Ada & Elvery Hunt for providing wonderful surroundings for the lunch stop.
Verdon Heath.
Club cars and members at the farm of Elvery and Ada Hunt.
Photos from Bruce Jamieson
Answer later in this issue of Spark
Many thanks to Michael Gaffaney and his undated version of “Mr Punch Goes Motoring” Vol XI ‘Mr Punch Goes Motoring’ Volume XI.
George McLean trying to decide which Jeep to restore
November-December 2021 With the last weeks of 2021 counting down to Christmas, and 2022 just around the corner, we can look back at a year of pure frustration. However, last weekend was not one of them, with the late George Mason estate going up for auction at Settlement Road, Te Horo. Those members who didn’t go missed a cracking auction, with some of the highlights being: Pre 1914 P & H Paraffin motorcycle lamp sold for $300.00. Veteran Lucas 38 brass air horn sold to CF. Both Rod Clifton and myself did both clubs proud. Anyhow, moving on: Saturday the 8th of January is the Levin Motor Racing Tribute Day, and Spares will be open from midmorning. No doubt there will be more information coming about this event, in the weeks leading up to it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.
Callum
THE CITROEN TRACTION AVANT REGISTER IS NOW ONLINE The NZ Citroen car club's website is now being used to help record ( potentially ) all of the Super modern 12s and Light 15 vehicles that remain in New Zealand today. Whether they are restored, driveable, under restoration, donor cars only suitable for spares or just a pile of parts, there's a place for them on the register. All models and body styles are included in the register and members and non members alike are urged to record the details of their car/s by clicking here The Citroën Car Club of New Zealand Inc (cccnz.club) and clicking "Traction Register Launched" on the right hand side of the home page, then just follow the prompts. "There is no need to log in" on the website and all owners have a choice as to whether they will allow their details to be shared with other owners, or want their personal details to remain private and their vehicle details used for statistical information only. The advantages of registering are numerous but being able to tap into the pool of knowledge of people with a similar model to yours, or being able to find or supply a part that keeps another car running are two good reasons for a start. If you know of someone with a traction who isn't a member, you're most welcome to email me their details and I'll contact them personally. So far there are sixty something tractions recorded on the register. I think there could be as many as 400 more. If you need help or wish to contact me regarding the register, my email address is; mistert.nz@xtra.co.nz Graham Tulett Traction Avant register administrator. VCC member Canterbury Branch.
A MESSAGE FROM VCC HEAD OFFICE VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING Following the announcement that the Taranaki area is moving to Orange under the Covid Traffic Light system, the Management Committee and the Festival Organising Committee have made the commitment to continue with the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. We are confident that the event can be run safely by observing the mandates and guidelines put in place by the NZ Government under the COVID-19 protection framework. We can assure you that our first priority is to protect the health and safety of our entrants. In making this decision we have sought guidance and directions from the Medical Officer of Health for the Taranaki DHB.
FOR SALE: “OFFERS” 1979 FORD ESCORT AUTOMATIC, REGO ON HOLD, FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT JAKE ON. 022 313 7203
FOR SALE: “OFFERS” MITSUBISHI LANCER ENGINE. FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT JAKE ON. 022 313 7203
Singer Junior, 1932 in mint condition. Offers to Charlie Gregg, 18 Sylvan Avenue, Waikanae. Phone 0274486772.
Honda Rebel
I have decided to put my beloved classic motorcycle up for sale. 34 years old 450cc Honda Rebel CMX twin cylinder 4 stroke. Bobber style, electric start, 5 gears, runs on 91. New wof, 3 months reg. All new plugs, oil filter, etc. Rare motorcycle, as only a limited number were manufactured. This one is the only one in New Zealand, but no problem getting parts. New tyres a couple of months ago. All set to go! Reasonable offers only please.
Linda 027 327 8251
Library Merchandise
HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
-$ 4 -$ 3 - $10 - $12
The 2020 National North Island Easter Rally, that never was! Entrants that paid for their rally plaque received an unusually collectable plaque for a rally that was cancelled and would never be run again. There are a small number of these collectable quality made plaques with 11 coloured enamels still available for purchase. $30.00 each. Please contact Jackie (Horowhenua Treasurer) at jackiejob73@gmail.com or on 06 3682565 and 027 2011806
Answer to “What Am I?” Citroen 2CV. This one is a rare early 2-door convertible. The normal 4 door sedans were produced from 1948 until 1990, and more than 3.8 million were made.
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Brockbank cartoon from the 1960s
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS 2022 January January
8 16th 21st
Levin Motor Racing Circuit Tribute Day - 10:30 start to Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in Taranaki. Register on VCC website NOW. The organising committee recommend booking accommodation now. January 23 Burma Rally, Wanganui January 28-30 Motorcycle Rally, Wellington January 29 Spring Clean at club rooms February 2 HVCC club night February 27 Shannon Car show March 12 Rex Porter Rally, Wairarapa March 12,13 Kickback Classic Motorcycle show, Upper Hutt Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
TAIL LIGHTS
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330