THE WIPER The Newsletter of the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
March 2017
MEETINGS: SECOND TUESDAY of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore
Next meeting: 14th March Branch telephone number: 03 208 7424
2016-2017 Committee and Officers Branch Patrons Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Assistant Club Captains
Neil McVicar, Ray Tressler Murray Proctor Position vacant Katy Parish Glenise Corcoran John Tremaine Ken Buchanan Jim McFadzien Charlie Davis Greg Elder Bill Sheddan Branch Recorder (Wiper Editor) David North Assistant Branch Recorder Position not filled at present House Convenor Gerry Kennedy Assistant House Convenor P Corcoran Beaded Wheels Reporter Jim McFadzien Festival Rally Organiser Keith Dodds Assistant Rally Organiser Denis Knight Bar Manager Chris Scoles Assistant Star McDougall Social Committee Beb Kennedy David McDowell, John Parish, Noel Kelly, Paul Corcoran Maintenance Supervisor Ken Youngson Maintenance Assistants Bill Ainge, Barry Clearwater, Alex McLennan, Keith Dodds Swapmeet & Parts Evan Henderson Swapmeet & Parts Assistants Stewart Quertier, Barry Clearwater, Bryan Neilson, Paul Corcoran Hill Climb Alex McLennan Hill Climb Assistant Evan Henderson Sheriff Star McDougall Deputy Sheriff Denis Knight Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Gerry Kennedy National Delegate John Parish Health & Safety Officer Des Brewster Privacy Officer Katy Parish Museum & HPP David McDowell Tuesday Rambles Gerry Kennedy Vehicle Identity Card signatories John Tremaine, John Parish, Evan Henderson, Denis Knight
(03) 208 4768 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 6862 (03) 208 9670 (03) 203 8373 (03) 208 0121 (03) 204 8848 (03) 202 5710 (03) 208 1237 021 172 3281 (03) 208 5806 (03) 208 6862 (03) 208 0121 (03) 208 6038 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 7023 (03) 208 5450 (03) 208 7582
(03) 208 6938
025 650 8056
(03) 202 5868 (03) 208 6479 (03) 208 5450 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 5806 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 1960 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 6791 (03) 208 5806
Front cover picture: Two (not-so-happy?!) Tuesday Ramblers at Riverton (Photo by Betty Clearwater)
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Chairman’s Report March 2017 At our February Meeting Gerry Kennedy put his name forward as house convenor for the remainder of the year. We had a great turnout at the February meeting which I assume was because of the concern regarding the motion that was moved and passed at the previous month’s meeting. If this was the reason, it would be nice to think that the same amount of concern will be shown when we come to our AGM in June. Some positions will be coming vacant then, and to keep our Branch running successfully these will have to be filled. Remember, that this is you, the members’ club and Branch and we need you to seriously consider what you could do and where you would like to see it heading. Over the past decade or so the committee has had the same members and they have taken on different positions within the Branch over that time. It would be nice to see some new faces and perhaps some fresh ideas (don’t get me wrong we still need the old faces as well). We also need to try and get some of the younger drivers around the area to come along. So if you know someone who may be interested, bring them along to a meeting or a take them on a run. It may be that they just need to be asked. If I know that a visitor is coming to our meeting I might tap you on the shoulder and ask that you look after them. Please help with this. From personal experience there is nothing more off putting than to left to sit by yourself and ignored. Happy Motoring Murray
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Club Captain’s Report March 2017 What a busy time of year for some and that includes me. Thank goodness I have good helpers for organising runs. By the time you read this, the Festival Rally will have been and gone. A big thank you to the organisers and helpers who put in a lot of work to make it happen. Frank Robson run and Clearwater Capers are being run on same day taking different routes and finishing at same destination – so get your cars out and enjoy rallying and meeting with people. Hope to see you all on runs. John Tremaine
From the Editor’s keyboard A former member has had his storage unit in Auckland broken into and many car parts stolen. See the message on the next page. (Photos of the parts are available on request.) Last month’s plea for material has resulted in two articles and one rally report, but that’s not enough to stave off any arm-twisting! I have also had two advertisements from Star, and I’m sure there must be a story behind one of them. Why else would he need a wheel rim?! Donna and I have been busy over the last couple of months, so there are two recipes from her and two articles from me in this issue (with another to come next month). David North 5
Message received via VCC Head Office I would like to advise all members that I recently had my storage unit broken into and had many parts stolen. The sad thing is that these parts were ripped off complete cars.
STUDEBAKER 1927 ERSKINE; REG No: SBAKER MISSING PARTS Erskine Badge on Radiator Temperature Radiator Cap DAMAGED PARTS Damaged top outer radiator panel Damaged radiator
FORD MODEL A – REG No: IZ2442 MISSING PARTS Front Bumper Headlights and Support Rail Complete Number Plate Bonnet & Front Connector Bracket Radiator Cap including thermostat. Door Handles (4) Door Locks (2) Interior Instrument panel – complete DAMAGED PARTS Grinder cut in radiator surround
FORD MODEL A – REG No: GX1930 MISSING PARTS Headlights Glass Lens & Reflectors Bulbs etc. Bonnet & Front Connector Bracket Radiator and outer chrome surround, including cap with thermostat Left and Right Front Doors Complete with Interior ling and handles Rear Spare Tyre 6
Rear Luggage Rack Rear Bumpers Interior Instrument panel – complete DAMAGED PARTS Grinder cut on left hand front panel Damages paint on left hand guard front fabric cover that caught alight while grinding. Door hinges cut or broken (4) left and right side. All cars have the registration on hold. Thanks Mark Langdon Executive Director | Hauraki Piling Ltd M +64 21 726 479 | P +64 9 636 8859 | F +64 9 636 2026 | E mark@haurakipiling.nz 70 Hastie Ave, Mangere Bridge, Auckland, New Zealand PO Box 59 236, Mangere Bridge, Auckland 2151, New Zealand
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January Tuesday Ramble As has become the custom over the past 4 years, the venue for the January Tuesday Ramble was Riverton. The weather in the run up to the 31st January had been anything but summery, so Donna and I had our fingers and toes firmly crossed. As it turned out, the day dawned cloudy but warm and humid, with only a bit of a breeze. As the first of nearly 30 Ramblers started to arrive we decided a garden picnic was in order, a welcome change from the previous couple of years when the garage has been pressed into use. In very short order the paved area at the back of our house was full of happy Ramblers chatting, eating their picnic lunches and sampling Donna’s home baking of gluten-free chocolate mud pie and cocoa fudge cookies. (See Cookery Corner for the recipes.)
Lunch time (picture by the Editor)
The wind picked up and the temperature dropped just as we were getting ready to leave for the afternoon shed visit and, by the time we were on the way, it was raining. (I must have used up all my credit “upstairs”!) A short drive took us to Winston Saxton’s shed near Thornbury, small but a veritable treasure-trove of curiosities. Winston welcomed us and told us a little about his collection. I can’t see how anyone could fail to find at least something to pique their interest. There was a bit of everything, 10
from tractors to cars and motorcycles; car models to beer cans and bottles; Fire Service, railway and telephone memorabilia; scrap books of tractor treks and other expeditions, tea towels and more!
Winston (foreground) and a small part of his collection (photo by the Editor)
A great time was had by all, wandering round, looking at the various collections and peering into every nook and cranny, where even more treasures were to be found. Winston was happy to chat to everyone and explain what everything was, and how and why he had come to acquire it. To top it all off, he even treated us to a cuppa and biscuits. After a resounding vote of thanks, the happy Ramblers gradually took their leave and headed off home in what was now very persistent rain. David North 11
Frank Robson Run Sunday 12th March (for Veteran and Vintage Vehicles only) 1.00pm: gather at the Gore VCC Clubrooms
1.30 pm: start Run is on all sealed roads and will finish with afternoon tea ($10 per head) There will be a prize for the winners
Members, let’s get all the Vintage and Veteran vehicles out of their sheds and enjoy a relaxed run! Greg Elder
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CLEARWATER CAPERS Sunday 12th March (All vehicles other than Veteran & Vintage)
1.00pm: Leave Gore VCC Clubrooms Destination: Tapanui for afternoon tea (cost $10.00 per head)
Enquiries to Charlie Davis Cell: 0274515234 or Home: (03) 204 8848
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Gore Branch events for the 2016-17 Season Event
Proposed Dates
People Responsible
2017 Frank Robson Run & Clearwater Capers
12th March
Greg Elder Charlie Davis
Swap Meet
19th March
Evan Henderson Stewart Quertier
Ladies Run
9th April
Marilyn Proctor
Night Trial
13th May
Bill Sheddan
End of Season Run
10th June
Greg Elder
Tuesday Ramble
Last Tuesday of every month (variable in December)
Gerry Kennedy
Editor's note to event organisers: if you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (This usually works best if you ask them before the event!) I was about to propose to my girlfriend when my roommate Joseph barged into the room out of nowhere, tripped, and fell over, breaking a glass table with his face. Totally ruined the mood. Now I don't know Joseph THAT well, don't even remember where he was from, but let's say I put my plans on hold to help him through his injuries. Joseph had gotten a big glass shard in his eye, making him completely blind in that eye. He was walking around with one of those big cotton pads on his eye for a couple of months. Then suddenly, he disappeared, along with my girlfriend. Apparently they'd bonded during the time after his injuries, and eloped together, leaving me behind without as much as a note. I tried to track them down, but never could. In conclusion, if it hadn't been for Joe with his cotton eye, I'd have been married a long time ago. Where did you come from, where did you go? Where did you come from, cotton eye Joe? (Sent in by Donna North) 16
Other Events 2017 Early March
Round the South Island Trip (Southland branch). Contact Olly, 03 236 1408 or 027 428 4666
10th – 12th March
Lake Taupo Rally Golden Anniversary. Enquiries to Rally Secretary, Eric Foley, PO Box 907, Taupo 3351, email Tfoley@Jabiru.co.nz, phone 07 378 7006
18th March
Scenicland 4 Lakes Rally, West Coast Branch. Rally Secretary b.m.woolhouse@xtra.co.nz
14th – 17th April
North Island National Easter Rally, Auckland Branch. Rally Secretary Tracey Winterbottom, phone 09 232 0246 or email vintagesunbeam@hotmail.co.nz 2021
14th – 24th January
VCC International Rally, New Plymouth
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Tuesday Ramble 28th March 10.00am: assemble at Gore VCC clubrooms 10.30am SHARP: depart for Netherton Farm Beefalo, Otautau, (approx. 100kms/60 miles) Bring your own lunch and (hot) water, shelter available if damp Meet the beefalo and star attraction “Bobo”, Southland’s only resident bison Bring plenty of cash, meat available for sale. BBQ tasting of beefalo ($2 per head) and free salami tasting
Contact: Gerry Kennedy Phone: (03) 208 5806 Cell: 027 233 4634 No later than 23rd March as we have to advise numbers 18
LADIES RUN 9th April Assemble 1.00 pm at the clubrooms Please bring something for a shared afternoon tea Marilyn Proctor
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What’s In Your Shed? 2007 BMW Z4, 2.5 litre, by David North <WARNING: very little “Vintage” content!> Some Gore members may remember that, in February 2008, Donna and I bought a Mazda MX-5. After two years and about 22,000kms, Donna decided that she was going to learn to drive and wanted something she could actually see out of. We were living in Gore then and, as I was cycling to work one day, I saw a blue Peugeot 206CC parked outside one of the car yards. I told Donna about it and we went to investigate. It turned out that the dealer (Jenkins, Main Drive) had only just got the car. It was a 2003, one-owner car, with 13,000kms on the clock. We took it out for a test drive, I liked it, Donna liked it and we did a deal to trade the Mazda for it, all before it had even been advertised. Fast forward seven years and nearly 114,00kms. It was now December 2016, Donna still wasn’t driving and we were starting to think of replacing the Peugeot. We had moved to Riverton by now, but were in Gore for the Gore VCC Tuesday Ramble Christmas lunch when we saw a black BMW Z4 parked outside a car yard – Jenkins, Main Drive! I asked Donna if it was worth a look and, much to my surprise, she said "Why not?" (She's always steadfastly refused to so much as look at a BMW before and reckoned the Z4 was so ugly only its mother could love it.) Anyway, we went in and asked about it. It turned out it had only just arrived on the lot (sound familiar?) We had a look round it and went for a short test-drive. It had some plus points, a better ride than the Peugeot and a bit quieter with the roof up or down and with a lot less wind noise and draught with the roof down. It also had a reasonably big boot, which, unlike the Peugeot, was the same size whether the roof was up or down. I liked the performance, and how much more quickly the electric roof went up and down compared to the Peugeot. On the down side, it was black (a colour that shows the slightest bit of dirt – and I hate washing cars), an automatic, with “challenging” looks 20
and the handling was positively terrifying. At 100kph on a straight bit of State Highway 1 it darted about unpredictably on road imperfections, white lines, lorry grooves, you name it. I've driven cars that "tramlined" before but this was in another league, it gave every impression of trying to dive into the ditch on both sides of the road. We had a chat to the dealer when we got back from the drive and he reckoned it was down to the tyres so he’d look into it and if it was he'd put a new set of tyres on. As we drove home we talked about the Z4 and I asked Donna what she thought. She said she liked it, was comfortable in the seat and could see out OK, so I asked "What about its looks?" Her reply was, "Well, they do look as though someone's kicked them in the bum, and they're ugly, but you can't see that from inside - and it should be a bit of fun"! I did a bit of research online and asked my eldest son, who’s on his second Z4, about his experiences. His first one was a 2005 model that he ran for six years and 80,000 miles. It had needed only routine servicing once a year but tramlining had been a nuisance until he got used to it. Doctor Google also said that tramlining was a common problem with the run-flat tyres. So, back to the dealer. He said he'd taken it out and, “Yes”, it was the tyres, so the fronts had been replaced with "normal" ones instead of runflats and it was a different car. He gave me the keys and off I went to see for myself. Yes, it was totally different, it now felt as though it wanted to go where it was pointed and it was a lot more fun to drive. It still felt fidgety at the back though. I looked at the rear tyres and, sure enough, run-flats. The dealer agreed to replace them with “normal” ones as well and, after a bit of negotiation, the deal was done. We went back to Gore on the 23rd December to do some last minute Christmas shopping and to pick up the Z4. We decided that we’d leave collecting the car until last so we could just drive straight out of Gore, minimising the chances of anyone we knew seeing us in the “new” car so we could keep it as a surprise for the January Tuesday Ramble, as we had done with the Caterham. You know that saying about “the best laid plans”? Well, our final errand was a little bit of supermarket shopping and we were nearly done when we bumped into Betty Clearwater. She asked when we were picking up our new wheels. I feigned ignorance and 21
asked her what wheels. She replied, "The BMW at Main Drive"! I asked how she knew and she said that Barry (her husband) had just bought a car from there and when he was looking round he'd seen the BMW and asked about it, only to be told it had been sold to "someone in Riverton". That got Barry's attention, so he asked who, saying he knew some people in Riverton - and that was our "cat" out of the bag! Betty was waiting for us with her camera when we picked the car up and the dealer was a bit surprised to be "told off" but we all had a good laugh about it.
Proud owner and new car (photo by Betty Clearwater)
Since then, we have done just over 1,000kms in it. I’ve got used to the “tiptronic” gearbox and quite like it. There’s not much we can do about the colour or the looks, but we have had a number of people congratulate us on our “cool” new car so maybe it will grow on us! It certainly goes well and attracts a bit of attention as Z4s are a rare sight on the roads, a good thing for us as we like to drive something “different”.
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The old, the new – and Barry’s new car (photo by the Editor)
At home, with our “VCC” car (photo by the Editor)
David North 23
Links to other branch newsletters and websites Branch Newsletters on the VCC Website vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches Southland branch website, includes their newsletter (Rumour): http://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar Auckland branch website, includes their newsletter (The Bulletin): http://www.avvcc.org.nz Hawke’s Bay branch website, includes their newsletter (The Mag): http://www.hbvcc.org.nz/ Bay of Plenty branch website, includes their newsletter (Klaxon): www.bayofplentyvintagecarclub.com South Canterbury branch website http://www.southcanterburyvintagecarclub.co.nz Gawler Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club Inc. (Australia): http://www.gawlercarclub.com/
Newsletters from other branches These branches are now sending us their newsletters as pdf files: Ashburton, Auckland, Banks Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Far North, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Rotorua, South Canterbury, Southland, Wellington and Wellsford-Warkworth. If you would like a copy, please contact the Editor or the Secretary. The Editor 24
Online bonuses this month Story from The Ensign, about the Walsh’s 1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 http://www.theensign.co.nz/community/1166/ Morris Minor documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3YyMTVDI4Y The Humble Morris Minor - A Documentry about The Charles Ware Morris Minor Centre in Bristol, UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T41nWXdbqs
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Gore VCC Supper Roster 2017 March April May June July August September October November
Noel Kelly David McDowell Beb Kennedy Gerry Kennedy Paul Corcoran John Parish Noel Kelly David McDowell Beb Kennedy
December January February
Gerry Kennedy Paul Corcoran John Parish
IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE ON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE ARRANGE YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE. We need to cater for about 30-40 members each night. If necessary, small items can be bought at Gore New World and charged to the Gore VCC account.
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Advertisements FOR SALE Five white-wall tyres, size 16” x 650; four have done 11,000kms, one never used. Reasonable offers to Charlie Davis 0274 515 234. 1/3
FOR SALE Haynes MGB Automotive Repair Manual (soft cover) $20. Haynes MGB Restoration Manual (hard cover) $25. Both in “as new” condition. Phone Star McDougall, (03) 208 6501 (business hours) or (03) 208 5450 (evenings). 1/3
WANTED The “square” centre cap for a standard fitment alloy wheel and a windscreen washer solenoid (as pictured) for a 1986 Toyota Corolla 1.6GL Liftback. David North. Phone 02117 23281 or email northd14@gmail.com 2/3
WANTED One 15” steel wheel rim to suit a 1962 MGA. Phone Star McDougall, (03) 208 6501 (business hours) or (03) 208 5450 (evenings). 1/3
Spotted! On page 14 of the The Eye, 2nd February 2017: Bryan Neilson and his Chev truck, pictured at the Edendale Crank Up. On page 7 of the Southland Times, 6th February 2017: Eric Eaves pictured “checking out a stationary engine” at the Gore A&P Show. In The Ensign, 10th February 2017, story & pictures of Tim, Anna, Flynn & Max Walsh and their 1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 The Editor 27
COOKERY CORNER Cocoa Fudge Cookies Ingredients 1 cup plain flour ¼ tsp baking soda ⅛ tsp salt 70g butter 7 tbsp unsweetened cocoa ⅔ cup granulated sugar ⅓ cup packed brown sugar ⅓ cup plain low-fat yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine flour, soda, and salt; set aside. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in cocoa powder and sugars (mixture will resemble coarse sand). Add yogurt and vanilla, stirring to combine. Add flour mixture, stirring until moist. Drop by level tablespoons 2 inches apart onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until almost set. Cool on pans for 2 to 3 minutes or until firm. Remove cookies from pans; cool on wire racks. Donna North 28
Gluten Free Chocolate Mud Cake This amazing mud cake is fudgy, silky and gloriously rich (it uses a whole block of real chocolate – a very good start). As a dessert option, serve warm with ice cream. Ingredients 250g butter 250g good quality dark chocolate 5 free-range eggs 1½ cups caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste or essence ½ cup strong black coffee, cooled 2 cups ground almonds ½ cup coconut flour (or use gluten-free flour mix, or extra almonds or even plain four if you don't need it to be gluten free) ¼ cup good-quality dark cocoa 2½tsp baking powder (gluten-free) ½ cup milk 1¼tsp baking soda Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC, conventional bake. Line the base and sides of a 24-25cm spring-form cake tin with baking paper. Set a rack just below the centre of the oven. Add 2 inches of water to a medium saucepan and fit a heatproof bowl on top (not touching the water). Add the broken up chocolate and butter to the bowl, bring the water to a simmer and stir until everything is melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and cool slightly. Sift the ground almonds, coconut flour, cocoa and baking powder into a bowl and stir well with a whisk to combine all ingredients very thoroughly. (continued over) 29
Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla to your largest mixing bowl, and beat for about 5 minutes until thick and pale. Add the chocolate mixture and mix to combine. Add the almond mixture to the wet mixture along with the coffee, and stir/fold gently until combined with no lumps. Warm the milk then add the baking soda (it should foam a little). Add to the cake mixture and stir to combine evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and bake in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in the tin, then turn out and cool on a cake rack. Serve tipped up so the flat base is upwards. Dust with cocoa or icing sugar before slicing and serving warm or cold. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Donna North
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Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. Please send all contributions to David North
before the 21st of each month for inclusion in the next Wiper If you don't have a computer I can type up a hand-written article or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how! e-mail: northd14@gmail.com physical mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822 telephone (mobile) 0211723281 Remember that insuring your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quoting the branch number (300135) results in the branch receiving a commission payment Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore branch or of the VCC. The branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements. The Wiper is printed by i-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill. Telephone (03) 218 3350 31
GORE BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
WAIMEA STREET, PO BOX 329 GORE
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