THE MAG april 2022 www.hbvcc.org.nz - Hawke's Bay Vintage Car Club
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Lyn Gentry’s Fiat Bambina Hawke’s Bay Branch Newsletter THE MAG april 2022 Official publication of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the vintage car club of New Zealand (inc.) www.hbvcc.org.nz 1
Phone 027 474 2222
OPEN: 8am-5pm
Specialising in brake and
clutch reconditioning with
more than 30 years’ experience.
• Brake bonding
• Drum and rotor machining
• Hydraulic cylinder reconditioning
• Brake hose & pipe manufacture
For general enquiries
email admin@brakesfirst.co.nz
www.brakesfirst .co.nz - 404 Ellison Road, Hastings
We specialise in Service & Repair
DVD • Stereo • VCR • Record Players • Aerials &
Installation • Home Theatre Systems • TVs & Hard
Drives • Insurance Quotes • Boat Electronics &
Systems • Tag & Test Appliances
Anything electronic, no job to big or to small!
CALL SIMON BELL FOR FREE ADVICE!
Ph 06 844 0679 or 027 496 5592 • bell.electronics@xtra.co.nz
2
SEND IN YOUR
CONTRIBUTIONS//
ARTICLES, PHOTOS, REMINISCENCES,
MECHANICAL TIPS, NOTICES, FUNNIES.
DEADLINE
20th of the month (late contributions are accepted if time
allows, please phone to check if this is ok)
Email: themag.vcc@gmail.com
Editor: Kay Elmsly 06 845 0577 or 027 286 6480
during work hours 9am - 5pm Monday-Friday
11 Claridge Place, Taradale, Napier 4112
Please label well, THE MAG HBVCC
Designer: Liv Coleske Ladybug Design 021 474427
during work hours 9am - 4pm Monday-Thursday
VIEW THIS MAG IN FULL COLOUR ONLINE WWW.HBVCC.ORG.NZ
The views expressed here in are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Editor, the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
(Inc), the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc) or other publishers. The editor/committee reserves the right to accept, edit, publish, abridge or decline contributions submitted for
publication. All names, dates and times published are checked against the material supplied and the editor/committee can have no responsibilty for mistakes in the copy supplied. Some
material may be held over until there is sufficient space to publish it.
Front page image supplied by Esther Smith.
3
HAWKE’S BAY
BRANCH CONTACTS//
Chairman: Ian Elmsly (Kay) Club Custodian & Room Hire:
p. 06 845 0577 Steve Donovan
c. 0274 790 682 p. 06 835 9956
ian.elmsly@xtra.co.nz c. 027 217 7730
Club Captain: Paul Anderson (Janine) stevedon@xtra co.nz
p. 06 844 2912 Cruise Ship Co-ordinator
c. 0274 463 908 & Wednesday Run:
p.anderson1@xtra.co.nz Helen Ball (Peter)
Secretary: Peter Ball (Helen) p. 06 8436979
p. 06 843 6979 jaxon.ball@gmail.com
hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz Mag Editor: Kay Elmsly
Treasurer: Paul Eager (Carol) p. 06 845 0577
p. 06 845 4779 c. 027 2866 480
c. 027231 4304 ian.elmsly@xtra.co.nz
paul-carol@xtra.co.nz Spares Manager: Brian Taylor (Margaret)
Past Chairman: Steve Donovan (Pam) p. 06 844 5982
p. 06 835 9956 c. 027 443 6009
c. 027 217 7730 Spares Assistant Manager:
stevedon@xtra co.nz John Durry (Jenny)
Committee: Malcolm Blair (Lesley) p. 06 843 5798
p. 06 843 7664 c. 022 676 9401
c. 021 576 360 Groundsman: Trevor Charman (Lyn)
malcolmblair52@gmail.com p. 06 844 5140
Doug Dickson (Jan) c. 027 292 6068
trevlyncharm@actrix.co.nz
c. 027 232 3073
jandougdickson@xtra.co.nz
Alastair Chalmers (Jean)
c. 020 4088 4523
alastairchalmers@hotmail.co.uk
Kevin Cains (Kaye)
p. 06 842 2496
c. 021 560 905
kevin.cains53@gmail.com
Librarian: Allan Twort (Helen)
p. 06 845 0438
ah_ha@xtra.co.nz HB Branch Life Members
Allan Harris life member
Trevor Charman life member
4
Volume 101 // Number 04 // April 2022
CONTENTS
HB Branch Contacts 4
Chairman’s Report 6
Club Captain’s Report 7
Up & Coming Events 8
April Club Run 9
Your Branch Photos 10
Restoration Run 15
Spare News 19
Swap Meet 2022 21
Rotorua Safari 2022 22
Wednesday Club Run 24
Notice Board 25
Back to your Rootes - 4 & 5 26
Calendar of Events 31
Past Magazines 32
For Sale 33
Wanted 34
BRANCH DETAILS Club night 2nd Wednesday
POSTAL: PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 of month 7.30pm at Clubrooms
Clubrooms: 67 Sandy Road, Meeanee, Napier supper provided.
Phone: (06) 835 1483 Clubrooms, library & Spares
email: hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz DEPARTMENT OPEN Tuesday morning
www.hbvcc.org.nz 9-11am. Morning Tea available.
5
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT// By Ian Elmsly Welcome to the March report. Bit of a Going forward, I must remind you all that strange one given that I have been away and the AGM scheduled for 8th June 2022 will missed a couple of good events!. require some thought, as a result of a few I can report that the Executive Meeting of the committee indicating that they will held 12 March, that had been scheduled to be standing down. This includes myself be a “zoom” meeting, was still impacted by and the secretary. This will obviously Covid, with our delegate Steve Donovan require members to step up and fill our being unable to link up due to covid being shoes! It does not mean we won’t still be present at the location he was to be at, active to some degree around the club, but resulting in him not being in a position to it will require some members to put their “zoom”. I also was not at a location suitable names forward. Nomination forms will be to link in so we missed completely and are available shortly, so don’t be shy, put your now awaiting the reports to be forwarded to name forward. us before updating you all. So, as mentioned, this has been a strange I have caught up that the Club Night went month for me, so a very short report. very well with Tony Roberts as the guest speaker and a great turnout of members, followed by an excellent attendance at the shed raid run on the Sunday, so a big well done to Captain Anderson and his team. (I need to go away more often!) 6
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT//
By Paul Anderson
Restoration Run; Despite some miserable on the development and early days of
weather leading up to the run, the day the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
dawned clear and as predicted by Lyn What a great story! The dedication and
Gentry, who had consulted three weather perseverance of Tony and his partner to
Apps, the day stayed clear for the duration surmount all obstacles placed in front of
of the run. There was a good turnout and them and achieve their goal, was to me
those that attended were treated to a varied astounding.
and interesting day (see Esther’s report later Rotorua Safari; This year the Club is
in the Mag). travelling to Rotorua on our Annual Safari.
I would like to thank those who hosted See notification and registration form later
visits, namely Alastair and Jean Chalmers, in the Mag. Accommodation has been
Hans and Mercia Paaymans, Wayne and booked. Unfortunately the price has spiked
Shona Richards, Lyn and Lyn Gentry and a little due to the location, but the double
Kevin and Sandra Marsh. Thanks also goes rooms (2 Couples) represent good value.
to Neville Smith and John Thirkel who Get in and book early (using the booking
opened up their collections of petroliana / reference) to avoid disappointment.
automobilia and radios.
UPCOMING EVENTS;
Elva’s “Race 4 Life” Visit; The Club receives
a lot of requests to supply Vintage cars for Our Guest Speaker at the April Club
various events, but for a myriad of reasons Meeting will be Richard Anderson who
these generally have to be declined. But will speak on getting your vehicle “into the
when the Chairman and I came across the system” – navigating the Vehicle Identity
“Race 4 Life” request, we thought we would Card process. This card is now a virtual
like to do something and as it turned out pre-requisite in getting unlicensed vehicles
it did not seem much of a stretch to have back on the road, while at the same time
members bring their older cars to our retaining age related features (or lack of
Tuesday morning meeting. However, the them) that make these vehicles unique.
weather on the Monday night was abysmal For those who can raise a second mortgage
(lucky Paul) and I had visions of Elva to fill their petrol tank, our monthly run
looking at one rain sodden “Clyno” which will be a country drive through scenic CHB
is by no means at the pinnacle of the car rural areas culminating in a picnic lunch at
restorers art. But I needn’t have worried. A Onga Onga. See later in the Mag for details.
good number of cars turned up and I was
Happy Motoring.
very appreciative of the support. Thank you
to all who brought their old vehicles.
Club Night; Tony Roberts spoke to us
7
UP & COMING
EVENTS//
MID WEEK RUN SUNDAY CLUB RUN
Wednesday 6th April Sunday 24th April
ALWAYS 1st Wednesday of the Month. Details on page 9.
• Where: Meet at HB Vintage Club Rooms
• Time: 10.30am KITCHEN NIGHT - FROM 6PM
Friday 29th April
CLUB NIGHT If you are attending please contact
Wednesday 13th April Malcolm & Lesley Blair on 06 843 7664
or email malcolmblair52@gmail.com.
Our guest speaker will be Richard NO LATER THAN TUESDAY
Anderson who will speak on getting your 26TH APRIL.
vehicle “into the system” - Navigating the
VIC process. Your support is important so
see you on Club Night. SWAP MEET
Start time 7.30pm. Sunday 1st May
To be held at the Meeanee Speedway
Pit Area details on page 21.
PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES COULD BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
DUE TO THE RED LIGHT FRAME WORK.
8
APRIL MONTHLY CLUB RUN
Date 24 April 2022
The plan is for a country drive through scenic CHB rural areas
culminating in a picnic lunch at a park in Onga Onga.
TIME: 10.00am
Meet in Omahu Village at Napier/ Taihape Road
intersection.
Look for VCC signs
10.30am - Depart on run
TTBC - Picnic lunch in Onga Onga Park
Important notes:
• Bring your lunch refreshments and a seat.
• Fill your tank as the round trip is approximately
150 km.
• There will be approx. 10km on a good gravel road.
• We pass the Bibby Family Church, which is open if
you wish to take a look inside.
Organisers Paul and Janine Anderson p.anderson1@xtra.co.nz 0274 463 908
There is the possibility of a shorter run but you will
miss out on the most scenic part of the run
9
YOUR BRANCH PHOTOS// SUNDAY CLUB SHED RUN// 10
YOUR BRANCH PHOTOS// SUNDAY CLUB SHED RUN// 11
YOUR BRANCH PHOTOS// SUNDAY CLUB SHED RUN// 12
YOUR BRANCH PHOTOS// SUNDAY CLUB SHED RUN// 13
YOUR BRANCH PHOTOS// SUNDAY CLUB SHED RUN// 14
RESTORATION RUN//
By Esther smith
They came in their thousands, well maybe up for the occasion, now the trick was going
that’s an exaggeration but there was a to be how to keep them that way.
good turnout of members for this much
anticipated Restoration Run. You could tell
it was going to be a full on event when we
were told to be at the clubrooms by ten, and
that we were only to bring a sandwich for
lunch as there would be no time for sitting
around and having a lavish spread.
With five venues to visit there was no time
to waste.
First off the rank was Alastair and Jean
Chalmers property in Hastings. During the » Stacked to the rafters
past couple of years, we have heard about
the trials and tribulations of finding the
right property, of buying some land from
the neighbour and eventually building
the requisite two new sheds and what
immaculate amazing sheds they were. The
collections spans the years and reflects the
family’s eclectic motoring interests. There
was everything from the veteran 1917
Chalmers, vintage 1927 Sunbeam, the 1936
» Why is the steering wheel on that side??
Rover to the Austin Healy’s, various race
cars and finally the most recent purchase
a 1975 Chevron about to be raced for the
first time . A display of go karts showed that
the grandchildren are definitely following
in Grandad’s footsteps. I understand
that our impending visit had spurred a
rush of housekeeping as when I admired
the pristine painted shed floors Alastair
admitted to been on his knees for hours
cleaning them, and in talking to Jean about
the gleaming rally and racing trophy’s on
display I was told they had come out of » The gleaming silverware
storage after many years and were polished
15» Awaiting their turn in the panel shop
» Ready for the roar
Next we were off to Korokipo to visit Auto Then it a quick drive around a few corners
Class Automotive Services also home to to the next location at the Richard’s property
Mercia and Hans Paaymans. This was a in Pakowhai Rd, home to Wayne and
completely different establishment. The Shona along with an ever changing array
Paaymans along with their son Michael of interesting vehicles. There was a restored
and daughter Tessa operate a vehicle Fiat Bambina a great run around car in
restoration business from here, with each times of sky rocketing petrol prices, another
member of the family bringing their own earlier model under restoration and also a
particular set of skills to the operation, it recently purchased Citroen 2cv. Wayne has
was amazing to discover such a top level restored a number of vehicles over the years
automotive repairs and restoration business his skills and attention to detail is obvious
operating in our backyard Michael spoke in these restorations. He loves a project and
to us about how the business started and is quite bereft if he has nothing on the go.
how it is built on a foundation of providing One of Wayne’s more way out creations is
quality workmanship with the aim of an articulated Moa powered by an electric
carrying out almost the entire restoration motor, Wayne gave a demonstration and it
process in house, and on the wish list is was given a test run by a few keen members
building another shed as they are rapidly (see the photo titled ‘Peter finds a friend’)
running out of room to expand the range Also on display was a 1903 Stanley steamer
of services on offer. It appears that never that belongs to a neighbour Sean Boyd, just
having enough space is a problem for both shows you never know what is just down
professionals and amateurs alike. the road. The restoration of the steamer
has been a long and complex project that is
nearing completion.
» The Stanley steamer
» Hans’s 53 Chev. A rare model
16I saw one was when we went on Safari last
year and Bruce Ardell had an un-restored
red version of the same model in his
collection.
» Peter finds a new friend
Still no lunch!! Our next visit was to » The roaring beast –the engine not Lyn
Haumoana and the home of Lyn and Lynne
Gentry. Finally we were at the lunch stop
and could have something to eat and drink
while enjoying the magnificent garden
which the Gentry’s have created, having
started with a bare paddock some 25 years
ago. Lyn also enjoys a project, so over the
years he has designed and built a wide
range of interesting creations including a
steam driven bicycle and other many other » Graham Smith and Lyn Gentry with their
contraptions the latest being a Pratt & Renaults – couldn’t resist this photo
Whitney radial 9 cylinder aircraft engine Lastly it was back to Napier for the final
and propeller, the engine is out of a de visit of the day which was to Neville Smith’s
Havilland Beaver and was obtained from garage in Sale Street. We were welcomed
a neighbour of John Hayes. Lyn made the by Kevin Marsh on Neville’s behalf and
short propellers himself with amazing even though I have been there several times
precision. He thoughtfully chained the before, there are always lots of new things
engine to a tree when firing it for us. It was to see. One of these was the magnificent
a bit reluctant at first but finally sprung into collection of radios that Neville and John
spectacular action looking and sounding Thirkell have collected. John spoke to us
like a raging mythical creature emitting about the collection and how if you buy one
puffs of smoke in all directions, however it from a collector you often end acquiring a
soon settled down into a constant rhythm. job lot, luckily they are a bit easier to store
Also currently on the go is yet another and restore than cars , it’s an impressive
partly restored Fiat Bambina nearing collection that shows the development of
completion - what is it with Bambina’s!!! radios as a household item of furniture
Lyn has not long completed the restoration
of a rear-engined early 50’s 4cv Renault
which I think is very stylish. The first time
17Several of the cars on display were owned It was an amazing day so much to see and
by Rod Naylor I was particularly taken with such a variety, thanks to Paul and Janine
the Packard Coupe which had a dedicated Anderson for organising it all, and thanks
space for the golf clubs. I never asked if to the branch members who opened up their
there was also a place to store your hip flask. sheds for us to visit.
» Rod’s Packard Coupe
» Very stylish
18SPARES NEWS// By John Durry Hi All, Business as usual over the last month, but we need to thank some of our supporters, the Hilman’s clearing out their garage & donated some batteries for scrap, The Bixley’s for there Studebaker’s parts from also clearing out there shed. Colin from Repco Napier has dropped off some surplus stock. I’d like to thanks all these people as it all helps. This months restoration report come from Paul Anderson, the club Captain & tells us about his Fabrique Nationale (attached is a picture of a similar car) Until next time. CLUB SPARE PARTS CORNER For any enquiries phone Brian Taylor on 027 4436009 or contact the Club’s Spares Dept. on Tuesday mornings between 9am & 11am on 06 835 1483. 19
1950 MODEL
FABRIQUE NATIONALE//
My F N left the factory in Liege, Belgium 88). The motor was fully rebuilt by
on 31 May 1913. Very little is known of the Suvic Engineering (Napier) and overseen
car’s early history other than in the early and assembled by Chas. Black. A spare
days it was a touring car, converted to a gearbox and ancillaries were obtained
Utility and used as a Milk Vendors vehicle from Bruce Madgwick in Auckland.
in Taradale, Napier. When I retired and joined the HBVCC
The vehicle was acquired by a Mr Alderton about four years ago, Neville sidled up to
and converted to a firewood saw bench me and said “I have just the vehicle for you,
(platform and blade at rear, motor turned your brother’s old F N” and, despite having
at right angles on top of front chassis – other vintage vehicles, I became the next
driving saw by long flat belt). Parts of the owner.
car – doors, mudguards etc were stored Other than the motor, not a lot had
under the house. When the saw bench was progressed with the vehicle since Barry
no longer required, disposal was through owned it, so I have been plugging away at
the Vintage Car Club (Owen Adean) to it for three years and in a couple of years’
my brother, Barry Anderson, who rebuilt time, all going according to plan, the car
the chassis and running gear to what it is should be on the road.
today. A spare motor was obtained from
the Gisborne area and a part chassis was There are only two other type 1950 F N’s
obtained from Mount Bruce. known in NZ : Bruce Madgwick’s Vehicle
now owned by Paul Collins in Auckland
Following Barry Anderson’s death, the and Ivan Allen’s (B O P) vehicle now with
vehicle passed to Neville Wilson (16 – 11 – Kelvin Taylor in Napier.
20HAWKES BAY BRANCH PROUDLY PRESENTS
BACK TO BASICS SWAP MEET 2022
MEEANEE SPEEDWAY PIT AREA
67 SANDY ROAD MEEANEE
DATE – SATURDAY 1ST MAY
: SELLERS TO SET UP AT 8.00AM
: PUBLIC ENTRY 9.00AM
: SITE COST $20.00 includes one person
: NEW AND USED AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
: AUTOMOTIVE MEMORABILIA + COLLECTABLES
: MODELS/ BOOKS/ BROCHURES
Any inquiries please contact STEVE DONOVAN
On 0272177730 or visit HBVCC website at
www.hbvcc.org.nz
21Rotorua Safari 2022
28,29,30,31 October 2022
We have pencilled in rooms at the Regal Palms Resort in Rotorua for
the three nights of the Rotorua Safari (28 – 31 October).
The Resort is located at 350 Fenton Street (See website
experience@regalpalms.co.nz ). Parking for one vehicle outside unit.
Please Note: The Regal Palms Resort have set a confirmation date for
bookings to be the 30th of June.
This year the rally will start from Napier.
Morning tea will be prepaid.
Meals for the Saturday and Sunday nights will be organised.
More details will follow at a later date
Motel.
Regal Palms Resort. 350 Fenton Street (20 units pencilled
4 Superior 2 bedroom units ($320 pn) - 4 adults
3 Superior Twin Studio units ($230 pn) – 2 adults
13 Superior Studio units ($230 pn) – 2 adults
Note. When booking, please quote booking ref 55944 and Paul
Anderson. Please book as soon as possible and notify the organisers
of your booking.
Organisers Paul and Janine Anderson – Phone 06 844 2912 or
0274463 908. E-mail p.anderson1@xtra.co.nz
22Rotorua Safari Registration
28 to 31 October 2022
Name…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Postal Address……………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Navigator…………………………………………………………………………………….
Passenger/s…………………………………………………………………………………
VCC Number………………………………………………………………………………..
Car make……………………………..Model……………………..Year………………
Phone Number……………………………………………………………………………..
Mobile Number…………………………………………………………………………….
E-mail……………………………………………………………………………………………
Entry Fee $35.00 (per Car) payable to Hawkes Bay Vintage Car Club.
A/c No. 06-0701-0389864-00 Please enter name and Safari as a
reference
Please post your entry to HBVCC Safari. PO Box3406 Napier or e-mail
it to p.anderson1@xtra.co.nz
Organisers; Paul and Janine Anderson. 06 844 2912 or 0274 463908
e-mail p.anderson1@xtra.co.nz
23WEDNESDAY CLUB RUN// » Wednesday mid-week run held in March. BBQ cooked by the men and taste tested as well! 24
NOTICE BOARD//
If you want to add any notices to the notice board please contact the Editor.
INVITES YOU TO
THE ULTIMATE
TIME TRIALS 2022 photo: proshotz photography
invites you to
JOIN US FOR THE DRIVE OF A LIFETIME! etc), required.
2020
s (roll cage
ping. No special car mod
the ultimate
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Not a race, but a test of
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c roads:
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027 433 8772
Three event options for
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d.
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Taranaki to Hawkes Bay Weekend, Saturday 22nd
Central North Island from 2 Day Time Trial: Labour
ing and time keeping
May 2022 2022
esday 25th to Sunday 29th and Sunday 23rd October
5 Day Time Trial: Wedn 2022
28th and Sunday 29th May
2 Day Time Trial: Saturday
.nz for details
027 433 8772
88@gmail
rod.corbett88@gmail.com
details Contact: Rod Corbett
Refer: www.targa.nz for
(rol
available for VCC mem
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DEsIgN: Nz CLassIC DrIVEr
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bett
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all
Refer to www.targa
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ugh
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E RS
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Discount entry fee
NOT IC E T
Not a race, but an exe
Contact: Rod
A NG E
If yo u C H ESS
A IL ADD R
YOU R EM H E C LU B
OT IF Y T
PLEASE N il dre ss
a d
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Photo : Proshotz Photography
25BACK TO YOUR ROOTES
– NO 4 & 5//
The following article is one of a number I wrote several years ago for the
Humber/Hillman Car Club’s ‘Torque’ Magazine - Graham Smith 2022
The 1961 Series IIIB Hillman Minx served the car wouldn’t start so I attempted to
me well and only let me down on two jump start it all the way down to Queen
occasions, one of which was of my own Street but to no avail. Out then with the
doing. I used to take the car to work most crank handle and some vigorous winding
days. I worked in the old Customs Building but still no joy and so it was off to a phone
on the corner of Custom and Albert Street box to ring the AA. The young serviceman
in downtown Auckland city. The trip across sprang out of his van with the jumper leads
from Birkenhead took about 15 minutes and proceeded to wind over the Minx from
and then I got free parking in a large his van battery, but still no joy. He tried
parking space behind the old lighter basin for about 10 minutes until an older and no
warehouses in Fanshaw Street, about 10 doubt wiser AA serviceman pulled up and
minutes’ walk from work! One Monday asked his mate if he had checked the coil.
I went to go home and, although the car No he hadn’t but he had a new one in his
started OK, each time I tried to drive van and that did the trick. The moral of the
away it stalled. I limped the car along to story is, don’t always blame the battery. (A
a phone box by Albert Park and rang the more recent but similar experience with our
AA of which I was at that time a member. vintage 1929 Chev on 6 volts proved that
After various checks, the AA serviceman the battery again was fine but a poor earth
disassembled the Zenith carb and removed cable was the culprit).
a bit of cotton fluff from the main jet, a Another incident, which didn’t have me
consequence of my cleaning the carb in the stranded, but resulted in me getting rather
weekend! wet, occurred when I was out for a drive
The second time I needed help was when with a lass near Whenuapai in really heavy
the car became more and more sluggish rain. The passenger side wiper decided
to start. I suspected a dying battery but it was just too much and stopped, while
considered it wasn’t that critical as I put the the driver’s side one kept going and soon
battery on charge each evening and anyway, entangled the other. I stopped and got out
the car came with a crank handle and had (no coat) and removed the passenger side
been pretty easy to crank start. I headed wiper arm, straightened the driver’s one
into the city one Saturday night to take a and got back in, now soaked but at least
young lady to the pictures and, to be on the with some visibility. A few days later I
safe side, parked right at the top of Durham determined that the problem lay with the
Street, a steep narrow street running down wheel boxes which are located up under
into Queen Street, so I could jump start it the dash just below the windscreen and
if necessary (the benefit of a manual cars in convert the push/pull action of the wiper
those days!). Sure enough, after the pictures inner cable into the rotary action of the
26wiper spindles. I bought two new wheel ensure that the spindles are not turned after boxes and proceeded to fit them. This the cable is removed or you could end up involved removing the remaining wiper back on the worn teeth! This fix should arm, taking off the cover of the wiper motor work for most post-war Rootes vehicles. and disconnecting the wiper inner cable Around 1970 I visited a workmate who and then withdrawing this cable. (Note that was just about to leave on her OE back to the wiper arm spindles revolve while the England, going by sea to India and then cable is being withdrawn). Once the inner overland though to Europe. Her brother was out I stood on my head under the dash owned a Series III or IV Humber Super and removed the little bolts that held the Snipe that would have been less than 10 wheel boxes in place and took the wheel years old. I had a sit in the back of the boxes out. I then reversed the procedure to car in the garage and was so impressed fit the new ones, greased the inner cable, that shortly after when I saw a workshop got everything back together and had wiper manual for the Series model Super Snipes arms that no longer fought each other. in Technical Books I bought it. No car (that About then I clicked to the far simpler and would change a few years later) but at least I cheaper cure. You see the wheel boxes have had the manual! a round toothed gear that engages with About that time a group of us young the inner cable (or rack as it is also called). workmates travelled in our cars to Napier However only about a third of the teeth on for the weekend to help celebrate a friend the wheel engage with the rack so the quick there’s 21st. In preparation I booked the and cheap trick is to use the other side of Hillman into an engine reconditioning the gear where the teeth are not worn. To garage in (I think) Lorne Street where do this remove the wiper arms from the the car was given a decoke, valve grind spindles as before and then with a felt pen and general tune-up. On the way home put one clear mark anywhere on the side from Napier the speedo showed 85 (MPH of each spindle. Then remove the wiper in those days!) on the Rangitaiki plains motor cover, disconnect the inner cable between Napier and Taupo. I was pretty and pull it out. The spindles with their little pleased with the car as that was about all marks will rotate. Now find the marks you it would do when new. Don’t think I’d previously made on the spindles and rotate be game to drive one at that speed now, the spindles through 180 degrees so that the crossply tyres and all. marks are now facing the other way. Grease and carefully feed the inner cable fully back The Hillman was a good tow car. We would into the outer. Each wheel box will rotate go on holiday towing a boat trailer with as the inner cable engages the wheels and the solid 13’ 6” Plylite cabin runabout I once fully in the cable will now be engaged built loaded with camping gear etc. (Didn’t with unworn teeth on the opposite side of realise until recently that Plylite Marine at the gear. Reassemble everything and you Paraparaumu north of Wellington was run have effectively got nice new gear boxes, by the McKinnon family that now run Big have saved getting new wheel boxes and Save furniture). Only had one ‘moment’ the drama/agony of fitting them! The only towing when, on SH1 a bit north of downside I can see is that if you have to Whangarei I came around a sweeping bend remove the inner cable at some later date, at about 45mph to be confronted with a 27
tractor doing about 5 mph. Certainly tested Whangaparoa Peninsular road into a
the Hillman drum brakes! Incidentally the drain one night. I hooked up the towrope
runabout was powered by a 6.5HP Perkins and pulled him out only to realise he had
outboard that my father had bought near- a trailer attached too! On yet another
new a few years earlier. Some years later occasion on the same road I pulled out a
I was to learn that these outboards also Mk III Zephyr. The driver, in his eagerness
had Rootes connections which I’ll come to get away, just about ran me over while I
back to in another instalment. On another was still undoing the tow rope. I think he
occasion my trusty Hillman and towrope was drunk and that’s one car I wish I’d left
came to the rescue of a stranded motorist in the ditch!
who had skidded his Peugeot 403 off the
The ‘Likely Lads’ outside the old Rangitaiki Hotel between Taupo and Napier c1968. The Series
III Hillman Minx was obviously not the centre of attention for the photographer but this is best
I have of it – that’s me posing in the shorts! The pub had an early photo of a horse drinking at
the bar! It was burnt down in the 1980s while undergoing restoration.
More on the Minx next month
Graham Smith, Napier
28*Refers to 136LiL & 136LiHD45
See Ron or Paul
JYOUNG MOTORS | 590 Main Road, Bay View
Ph: 836 6126 | chainsaws@yml.co.nz
7113096AA
www.husqvarna.com.au
2930
CALENDAR OF EVENTS//
APRIL MAY
06 MID WEEK RUN 04 MID WEEK RUN
COMMITTEE MEETING COMMITTEE MEETING
13 CLUB NIGHT 11 CLUB NIGHT
24 CLUB RUN (DUE TO EASTER) 15 CLUB RUN
29 KITCHEN NIGHT 27 KITCHEN NIGHT
FUTURE EVENTS//
1 MAY 2022
SWAP MEET
28TH - 31ST OCTOBER 2022
SAFARI WEEKEND
31HBVCC MAGAZINES// 32
FOR SALE// FOR SALE: CLOTHING TAPE Mend your furs in time for Art Deco Festival 2022. $4 per metre. Phone Carolyn on 06 844 3323 or email carolyn@asian-seed.co.nz. FOR SALE: ORANGE WATERPROOF PVC CAR COVER. Made locally for a 1929 chev roadstar. Ideal for protecting your beloved vintage car. The cover is clean and in great condition. Surplus to my requirements. Offers please. Phone Lee-anne Freeman on 027 611 9714. FOR SALE: 1942 Willys Jeep in going order, Feb WOF, $25,000. Phone Bill Reilly on 021 245 2456. Ads for Wanted or For Sale that have been in the Club Mag for 4 months or more will be removed if the editor has not been notified that you wish to continue with advertising your item. 33
WANTED// WANTED: ROYAL ENFIELD MOTORCYCLE BITS. Indian or English, anything up to a complete derelict considered. Particularly looking for gearbox and clutch. David 06 835 9492 or dirgeandsal@orcon.net.nz WANTED: OLDER VEHICLE. Ideally we want a vehicle that is user friendly i e that will cruise at 95 – 100 kph as we will be using it for trips away and on daily trips out. We do not want a ‘show queen’ but something clean and tidy. Ideally it will be a coupe. It needs to be Registered and WOF. I am 73 and are past restoring vehicles but just want to drive and enjoy. I’m thinking a 1934 Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, Plymouth coupe would be good. Possibly a Model A Ford but it would need to have period speed equipment and overdrive to attain the travel speed we need. 1932 33 34 Fords and Chevys are probably more than we want to spend. I’m aware of a ’34 Plymouth Roadster for sale on trade me which would be good but it’s a Roadster and we are both past being baked in the sun or getting wet and cold. Contact dave Goodman Ph: 027 4427325. WANTED: 1 PINION SEAL FOR 1946 DODGE. Outside diameter 3 9/64” or 3 3/16”, Inside diameter 1 7/8”, Width ½” or 9/16”. Please phone Lance on 027 464 2018. WANTED: Road wheel for Standard Vanguard car. Early to mid 1950s. Geoff Johnston 879 9700 or 0273421 696. Ads for Wanted or For Sale that have been in the Club Mag for 4 months or more will be removed if the editor has not been notified that you wish to continue with advertising your item. 34
Phone 06 835 7490
56 Thames Street Napier
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