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Norfolk NA7ter
April 2009
Norfolk Austin Seven ClubPresident: Wing Commander Ken Wallis
MBE DEng(hc) PhD(hc) CEng FRAeS FSETP FInstFA(hc) RAF(Ret’d)
CommitteeChairman John Groom Tel: 01945 474196
email: [email protected] Nick Walmsley Tel: 01603 782758
email: [email protected] Matt Dingle Tel: 01603 714199
email: [email protected] Matt Dingle Tel: 01603 714199Secretary email: [email protected] Dave Rix Tel: 01508 493419Co-ordinator email: [email protected] John Hazell Tel: 01953 488219Editor/ Rick Fryer Tel: 01362 696114Website email: [email protected]
Club Meetingsare held on the third Tuesday of each month
from 7.30 pm at
The Village InnSchool Lane, Little Melton,
Norwich NR9 3ADTel: 01603 810210
Club Website - www.na7c.co.uk
Copyright © 2009 Norfolk Austin Seven ClubThe articles, photographs and views expressed and printed in the NORFOLK NA7TER are for the sole use of NA7C mem-bers and their readership and must not be printed or reproduced in any other way without the express written permission of the
NA7C appointed representatives.
The views expressed in the articles appearing in the 'NORFOLK NA7TER' are those of the contributors and not
necessarily those of the club, committee or the editor. It maybe necessary to condense or alter some of the articles
submitted for publication to suit the space available: the editor apologises in advance if this is unavoidable.
The NA7C is a member of the Austin Seven Clubs Associa-tion, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the
Association of Norfolk Car Clubs.
In This Edition of theNorfolkNA7ter
PageNewsEditorial 1Extraordinary General Meeting 1From Our New Chairman 2From Our New Secretary 2Thanks 3Membership News 3Nick Fulcher - Coachtrimmer 3Jaguar Drivers Club Quiz 5Our CarsWexford - Fitting the Body 6Daffodil - Episode Two 11An A7 Dream 13What’s On 14Sales and Wants Club Sales 16Club Clothing 17From Other Newsletters 17FBHVC News 18And Finally 20
Our new Chairman, John Groom,poses next to his 1931 RL Saloon
On The Cover
Norfolk NA7ter
NewsEditorialWe were pleased to find that the “newstyle” Norfolk NA7ter was very well re-ceived. Many members have com-mented on how nice it was to have ahard copy that could be easily pickedup and put down. Consequently, theCommittee have decided that all futureissue will be supplied in this format. Inaddition, the cover will be printed in
colour, adding - we hope - to the mag-azine’s appeal and providing the mem-bership with a “value-for-money”publication.The Norfolk NA7ter is, of course, alsoavailable in full-colour format on thewebsite
www.na7c.co.uk
The “Press Date” for the next edition of the NORFOLK NA7TER is June 30. Please let me have any contributions before that date.
Contact details are on the inside front cover
Extraordinary General Meeting - 17 March 2009Following the AGM, when no-one offered to serve as Secretary, an EGM wascalled to either elect a Secretary or wind up the club. Fortunately a volunteerfor the vacant post came forward, in the person of Nick Walmsley, but in the in-terim period Jim Blacklock unfortunately resigned as Chairman, citing differ-ences between himself and other committee members as the reason.Thirty-nine members were in attend-ance as, in the absence of a Chairman,the Acting Secretary, Nick Walmsleyopened the meeting. He emphasisedthat the purpose was to move the Clubforward from its current state of crisis,to amend the constitution and to electnew Club officers.Nick continued by giving a glowingtribute to the work and efforts of JimBlacklock in founding and running theClub up to the present time. He ex-plained the voting procedure and then,in view of the current situation in the
Club, called for a vote of confidence inthe Committee and its aims in carryingthe Club forward. This was passedwith 25 member voting for the Com-mittee, four against and five absten-tions.A vote was then taken to amend theconstitution so as to simplify the rulesfor dissolution of the Club should thatbecome necessary. The motion wascarried unanimously. Nick then announced that John Groomhad volunteered to stand as Chairman.
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In the absence of any other candidates,John was elected.Nick then handed the meeting over toRick Fryer, after stating that, contraryto rumour, ill-health would not preventhim from being elected as Secretary.There being no other candidates, Nickwas duly elected.Having thanked the members for theirsupport, Nick briefly outlined his andthe Committee’s plans for the future. Arequest from the floor for a vote ofthanks to Jim for his work in foundingand running the club was accepted. Arequest for the minutes of the AGM,the EGM and the Balance Sheet to besent to all members was also made -this has now been done.There being no further business, themeeting closed at 9.00 pm.
From Our New ChairmanWell I must start by saying thank youto all the members at the E.G.M. forvoting me in as your Chairman. I lookforward to meeting many of you in thenear future.I must say thank you to all the Officersfor the work they have put in to the A7Club in the past but now we have tomove forward. Your Committee had ameeting very quickly after the EGM
and we all feel very upbeat about thefuture. If any member would like to give a talkon any subject at any meeting, pleasecontact me or any members of theCommittee.Again many thanks for allowing me tobe your Chairman.Kind regards to you allJohn
From Our New SecretaryHaving been involved with the Clubsince the very beginning, I’ve found itvery hopeful, rewarding - and from aCommittee point of view, slightlyhumbling - that a genuinely concernedand involved Membership has ralliedso decisively to keep the NA7C afloatduring the recent problems and set it ona new course. I’m sure every similarorganisation would want to have suchan ‘involved’ membership who reallycare about their Club.
Our new Chairman mentions the ‘up-beat’ feeling, and that feeling has beenmost tangible since the EGM. At thatmeeting we stressed that the way for-ward was ‘more fun and less proce-dures’, and that’s what yourCommittee will do their best to deliver- please don’t hesitate to approach anyof us with any subject or idea you maywant to raise regarding your Club.Warmest good wishesNick
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News
Nick at work restoring the “James Bond” Lotus Esprit
from the film “The Spy Who Loved Me”
ThanksThe following email has been received from Ian Howard:19 February 2009Please convey my most sincere and grateful thoughts to the Club after my minor op-eration, which went well except for the restriction I had with driving. To be honest, Iwas overwhelmed to receive the Club's card and I promise you I appreciated it andto the point it even had a tractor on the front to depict my farming background.Thank you again for your thoughtfulness.Ian
Membership NewsPlease join us in welcoming John and Linda Mills to the club. John and Linda owna 1935 Ruby and live in Swaffham.
Nick Fulcher - CoachtrimmerAt the February Club Night, members were entertained by a talk from Nick Fulcher, a coachtrimmer from Hethersett.Nick began by telling us how be be-came a coachtrimmer. He started hisworking career as a bespoke tailor atHarry Darby's - one of the best tailorsin Norwich - where he worked for sixyears. He then went to Lotus Cars,working in the trim production depart-ment, where, after a few months, hewas asked to sort out the problems thatthey were having with trim design andproduction.Lotus sent him to Jaguar cars, to learnmore about trimming with hide, then toConnolly's for a few days to see howleather was taken from its raw wetstate, to a finished tanned hide and to
April 2009 3
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learn more about how a hide can andshould be used.Eventually he ran the EngineeringTrim Design and Development Depart-ment, but in 1977 he decided it wastime to start up on his own and N.Fulcher Coachtrimmer came into be-ing.Nick went on to talk about hides andthe differences between modern water-based treatment and the traditional cel-lulose finish - the main one being that,because of the lacquer on a modernhide, it cannot be “fed” like a tradition-al-treated hide. Following that, he showed how pleatswere made and how they could be re-paired. He then talked about pin bead-ing and piping and showed us severalexamples of the materials and tech-niques employed.He then described hooding and showedus samples of the various materialsused and how to clean and preservethem. Nick’s talk concluded with in-formation on headlining, carpeting andinterior trim.
N. Fulcher Coachtrimmer are at50a New Road, Hethersett. Telephone 01603 811993. www.coachtrimmer.co.uk
“Dignity and Impudence”The Secretary’s A30 sizes up the opposition at the
Jaguar Drivers Club Quiz
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News
Jaguar Drivers Club QuizAn excellent turnout of membersmeant that the NA7C was able to fieldfive teams for the annual contest withthe Jaguar Drivers Club.As the current holders of the trophy,the JDC played hosts and set the rules.This year there was a preliminary com-petition of six rounds of ten questions,plus a “table round” requiring contest-ants to identify the shipping areasaround the British Isles. The top teamfrom each club then went head-to-headin a “University Challenge”-style com-petition of 20 minutes duration.The winners of the first round for theNA7C, by a margin of half a point overa team made up of John and Chris Ha-zell and two of their friends, were NickWalmsley, Howard Tame and Rickand Cherry Fryer. They found them-selves facing the Chairman of the JDCand his team.
Despite repeatedly winning the “start-ers for ten”, the NA7C team initiallyfound it hard to make headway, partic-ularly with the model names of moderncars and country singers! However, hard work and cunning, plusa surprising knowledge of Doris Dayhits and Pink Floyd albums, eventuallypaid off and the NA7C scored a re-sounding victory.Unfortunately the trophy was notavailable for presentation, but a bottleof wine found its way to the winningteam, who decided that it should be raf-fled off in aid of club funds.Winning the trophy, of course, meansthat NA7C is responsible for nextyear’s competition. So, if anyonewould like to organise a quiz nextMarch, please let the Secretary know.
Howard, Cherry, Rick and Nick
April 2009 5
Our CarsWexford - Fitting the BodyJohn Hazell continues the story of his Ulster Replica
The last installment told how the en-gine, gearbox and transmission werefitted to the chassis. I've now turnedmy attention to the first fit of the body-work. If you remember, I bought a new “Ul-ster” AE Sports body shell from RayPettet of Compound Curvatures inNottingham.The first attempt to offer up the mainpart of the body shell to the rollingchassis showed that the positioning ofthe holes for the pedals and steeringcolumn would require a fair amount offettling. So I decided to cut out a sec-tion of the floor around that area and
replace it with a new piece, with all thenecessary holes cut in it. Several card-board templates were needed before Iachieved the correct positions to trans-fer onto a piece of galvanised sheetsteel.The body was bolted down using thoseholes in the floor that lined up withthose on the chassis. Additional onesrequired drilling for the inboard frontsupports around the gearbox area andthe rear support brackets. These are thefinal supports for the body before itgoes over the back axle and requiredbending to the correct angles beforethey could be fitted.
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Since I have fitted a four speed gear-box, the area of the floor around thegearbox had to be altered slightly andan inspection cover had to be made toallow topping up the oil in the gearboxwhen required.Other floor panels also had to be made,as they do not come with the “body-work kit”. These were the panels abovethe gearbox, the inspection covers forthe rear end of the prop shaft, the in-spection and handbrake lever com-bined cover for the front end of theprop shaft and the rear section of theboat tail end (behind the spare wheelsection).This required a large piece ofshaped aluminium that was pop rivetedand sealed in position. I believe thatthis section was left open after con-struction in case you want to fit a rearpetrol tank for trials or racing.The next area to concentrate on was thebonnet. The support bar that holds thebonnet fixings was made for me byGriston Engineering as it required be-ing formed with the aid of a bendingmachine, the pattern for which wasgained from Chis Gould's book. Aftermaking slight alterations to allow it tofit under the body's lip, one section wasmounted to the body shell. The radiatorcowl was propped up on the enginestarting handle casting and the otherend of the support bar attached to thetop of the radiator cowl. The bonnetwas offered up and the bonnet supportbar adjusted to fit for length. The radi-ator side panels were tried in positionafter making sure that the radiator cowlwas square to the main body. The fix-ings for the side panels had to bedrilled onto the main body panel andlined up with the corner of the pedalbox and the radiator cowling. The frontend of the panels were clamped to thecowling, so as to obtain a tight shapedform before drilling the fixing holes inthe side panels and radiator cowling.The right-hand engine side panel wasoffered up to the position shown inChris Gould's book and, correspondingwith the depth of the bonnets lip, slightalterations to the curvature of the rearsection and a reduction of its overalllength (1/2 inch) was required. Thepanel was then offered up again and theholes that would fix it to the radiatorwere marked on the panel, along withthe positions that the rear fixingswould need to be in to match up withthose seen on pictures of existing Ul-sters. The rear fixings were made withthe use of captive nuts (stainless steelnuts welded to small pieces of stainlesssteel plate) riveted to the main bodypanel. The radiator end I had alreadyfitted with captive nuts prior to havingit powder coated. The left-hand engineside panel was fitted in the same way,but as I am using a SU carburettor witha flat pan air filter, a blister type bulgehad to be formed around this area onthis side panel to stop it fouling, I hadworked out the shape and the positionrequired and as the panels are alumini-um, I got Griston Engineering to form
April 2009 7
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the blister and weld it into position onthe panel.The “cow horns” - the brackets that fixthe radiator support panels to the chas-sis- were tried in position, then heatedup and bent to follow the exact profileof the panels, then cut to length and
drill. This particular set of bracketswere made for me by our local black-smith who copied a set I borrowed as apattern. The holes drilled in the “cowhorns” prior to reassembly weremarked onto the support panels anddrilled accordingly, along with the ex-ternal brackets, then filed out to take
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chrome dome headed coach bolts. Thetop fixing on each side - a 1/4 BSF bolt- was threaded and welded to the out-side bracket that will be used in mount-ing the headlamp/front mudguardsupports, as later the bolt will be cov-ered by the light-gauge one inch squarebox section used in assembly. The met-al used in the brackets that support themudguards and go around the radiatorsupport panels is one and a quarter inchby one eighth of an inch mild steel flatbar, all bent to shape with the use of agas blow lamp and an anvil. With the brackets all bolted in positionI then started marking out for the con-struction of the headlamp and mud-guard supports. First the box sectionhad to be cut and filed to the profile ofthe radiator support brackets, then cutto length, after making sure that themudguards (supported by blocks ofwood on the tyres) were at the correctangles and heights. With these careful-ly propped up in position, measure-ments and angles were taken for thecross bars that will hold the headlamps.These were transferred onto lightgauge one inch square box section andcut to length, allowing for a flat platewith a couple of quarter clearanceholes to be welded at the ends nearestthe engine bay side panels when theyare in position. The actual part of thebracket that holds the large fixing boltfor the headlamp was constructed outof light gauge two inch by one inch boxsection, the front end being formedround and the rear swaged over andwelded onto the inch square box sec-tion of the cross bars. (all welds at thispoint were just tacked to allow for anyfinal adjustments). They were thenchecked in position and afterwards ful-ly welded by my friendly blacksmithwho has a fine needle (electrode) forhis TIG Welder.The other brackets that support themudguards are made from 16 gaugesheet steel formed into a dome shape.This was done by holding the metalover the outer case of an old bearingand with a ball pain hammer slowlyforming a deep indentation in the met-al, then marking out a circular base andcutting it to shape. After this a centralhole was drilled in each one to take apiece of light gauge 5/8 inch diameterround tube with a supporting collar, allwelded in position. Six of these wererequired and they were made in pairs,left and right handed, with the protrud-ing tubes cut at an angle so as to followthe line of the body. The actual bracketthat fits under the mudguard was madefrom 1 inch by 1/4 inch flat bar formedin the shape of the curve and having aflat piece set at 90 degrees to allow it tobe bolted to the face of the tubing via8mm stainless steel studding, threadedinto the bracket (with a nyloc nut tolock it into position) and passingthrough the length of the tubing and thebody panel, terminating with a largewasher or plate and a nyloc nut. Themudguard itself was fixed to the brack-et via four chrome headed coach bolts,slots in the brackets were filed to stop
April 2009 9
Our Cars
the coach bolts from turning. Two ad-ditional brackets were made for therear mudguards, positioned at the topsection and across to the main body.The one on the passenger side will beused later to mount the exhaust pipeclamp.With the panels and mudguards in po-sition, all that remained to be done tofinish the bodywork was to purchasebonnet tape, rubber mouldings, rear re-flectors and leather straps for fitting tothe bonnet and spare wheel cover.These items were bought from VintageSupplies at Happisburgh, along with apair of “Brookland” style aero-screensand all have now been fitted.The next task will be forming the seat-ing framework and the dash panel.
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Daffodil - Episode TwoJon Prockter tackles some electrical problems and sorts out the engine on his Pearl
Having got the engine running at last, itwas time to see why the battery keptgoing flat. Although only a year old itlost most of its charge in three or fourdays. So, with everything switched off,I put my old Avometer in series withthe Battery and got a steady dischargeof 50 milliamps, enough to cause theproblem. Not being able to see an im-mediate cause, I began disconnectingparts from the circuit and finally tiedthe problem down to the horn. Also,when disconnecting the horn there wasa “ping” noise! I had noticed thatamong the spares supplied with the carwas an old horn and the one fitted wasa new one. Substitution made no dif-ference and I began to have the feelingthat someone had again been here be-fore me! As there were no trapped wires, theproblem had to be within the steeringwheel column. Although I have neverhad a problem pulling the steering con-trol tube out, getting it all back with thefull packing felts is another matter so itwas with some trepidation that I start-ed. With it out, I quickly found thatthere was a high resistance readingacross the horn button of around 1000ohms, caused simply by age. The oldwaxed paper insulation had failed.
You can see in the centre of the pictureof the horn assembly that where thegrey wire is soldered there is paper in-sulation either side. No doubt a bit ofmoisture had got in. A bit of scrapingand poking reduced the leakage but notcompletely. So, for the present I amleaving the horn disconnected on thebasis that the car is so noisy that I willnot need to announce my presence anyfurther but try to remember to connectthe horn when moving and disconnecton stopping. Perhaps I can wire itthrough the ignition switch. UltimatelyI will either fit a replacement hornswitch or do a little redesign. The prob-lem with this is the way the spring as-sembly is riveted together. So, hasanyone got a useable spare or any sug-gestions?
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Our Cars
Now back to the engine.Yes, the engine could be started but assoon as the accelerator was touched itwas likely to stall. On its first short trip,it was only by pussyfooting that it trav-elled the first hundred yards. It seemedto be associated with fuel and the redpetrol was the first thing to eliminate.The tank was again drained, filled witha couple of litres of petrol, shakenabout and drained. Refilled, the red hadchanged to pink, so I re-started. Again,tickover was fine but do not touch theaccelerator! OK, what was left? Igni-tion, plugs, pump and carb, assumingthat the previous de-coke was welldone. First, the carb float chamber: thejets were clear and float was OK. Pet-rol level was correct and the 18mmplugs were OK. I re-checked the dis-tributor timing and points - they werenot set up very well but by a bit oftweaking and filing, the (new) contactsnow seated correctly. Still no differ-ence. Now it seemed the time to start replac-ing bits. Luckily, there was that spareengine which came with a full set ofancillaries. A different float chambermade no difference so next I changedthe pump. Again no difference so allthat was left before taking the cylinderhead off was the body of the carburet-ter. So, I changed the carb body. What adifference - the engine throttled nor-mally. I could not see anything wrongwith the old part but it didn’t work.One day I will have a longer look but atpresent there are more pressing jobslike preparing for the MOT.Steering was bit sloppy but adjusted atthe steering box. King pins were goodbut one front hub needed new bearings.At the same time, the badly wornGirling brake cams and bushes werereplaced. Both front brakes have onedamaged (trailing) brake lining as canbe seen in the other picture. I do notknow the cause but eventually theywill need replacing.
Then, on to the back axle and more se-rious problems! That will have to waituntil the next episode. Although this car is still a bargain atthe price we paid, it is becoming obvi-ous that the various previous ownerssince 1970 had each done a little bit ofrestoration work but none of it wasever road tested.
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An A7 Dream - or should it be nightmare?Jean Barnard intends to have a go at driving Winnie this year. She saysshe’s not exactly looking forward to it and thinks it might be playing onher mind...I sped along the country lane at nearly thirty-five,The sun was shining brightly - it was good to be alive.Around the corner came a lorry, I must admit I froze,I pressed my foot upon the brake, we finished nose to nose.The driver climbed down from his cab, he looked in angry mode.Took hold of my dear Austin 7 and pushed it off the road!He climbed back in without a word, a sneer upon his face.And with a blast of diesel fumes, drove off at quite a pace.I knew that now I must reverse, which filled me with great dread.A woman who’d been watching cried “Go on don’t be afraid!”Backwards and forward then I went. I made that turn so easy.Then Brian woke me, “Stop thrashing around, you’re making me feel queasy!”
Jean adds....
It was Winnie's 75th birthday on the 19th of January and we couldn't let such an important day pass without celebrating.
It was surprising how many people called in during the time she was on the drive.......some to ask if it was Brian or the car who was 75!!!
April 2009 13
What’s OnThe Events Calendar, which appears at the back of the magazine, is starting to fill up.There is more to come and we will be adding to it as the year progresses. An up-to-date version is available on the Club website at www.na7c.co.uk.
Please let the organisers know if you plan to attendall events are subject to change or cancellation
Wymondham Old Timers Vintage/Classic Transport Show - Sunday 3 May
This annual event, the first rally for2009, will take place at Pensthorpe Na-ture Reserve, near Fakenham.
The entry fee is £6 (plus an additional£3 if you want a plaque) and Dave Rixhas entry forms.
Ron Houghton's Oily Rag Day - Sunday 17 May
Ron and Barbara Houghton will againbe hosting their Oily Rag Day, from12.30pm at Mulberry Tree House, Harris Green, Hardwick.
Please contact them on 01508 530580or [email protected] if you planto attend.
Get to know your new Chairman - Tuesday 19 May
At the Club Night on Tuesday 19 Mayour recently elected Chairman, JohnGroom, will be giving a brief talk toenable the members to get to know himbetter.
In it, he will tell us about his cars, hischarity work with the Lions and hisplans for the club.
Austin Allsorts Rally - Sunday 7 June
The 750 Club Norfolk Centre are hold-ing their Austin Allsorts Rally at theMechanical Music Museum, Cotton,Nr Stowmarket.
Entrance fee is £5 per car. Dave Rixhas entry forms, or contact John Kingon 01603 453650 or [email protected] for further information.
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What’s On
Molentocht - The Dutch Windmill Run - 28 May - 1 JuneThe Molentocht weekend arrange-ments to date are as follows:
• Thursday 28th May ferry crossing using either P&O North Sea Ferries Hull-Zeebrugge, or Harwich-Hook of Holland, followed by drive to hotel in convoy.
• Friday 29th May morning free, afternoon visit to be arranged. Fri-day evening dinner at the Lunch Café in the town hall, the town mayor usually attends. Buses will transport us to and from the venue.
• Saturday 30th May visit to Neetlje Jans or Delta Expo with a guided tour of the site followed by lunch. After lunch we drive to the town of Westkapelle with time to site see and visit the towns museum and find out about the allied landings in October 1944. Saturday evening we will once again visit the Land-lust restaurant at Vlisingen where as well as an excellent meal live entertainment makes a great night out. Once again transport to and from the event will be provided.
• Sunday 31st May is the Molentocht proper when 300 cars from France Belgium and Holland will take part in this popular event. The day starts with a drive to the Zeeland aero-drome where we will be enter-tained with vintage flying displays, live bands and the chance to see cars seldom seen in Britain. We then drive the well planned route using the large scale maps and instructions in English stopping at various places of interest along the route. Sunday evening the meal will be served at the Hotel Goes where we will have the opportunity to say our farewells to friends both old and new.
• Monday 1st June we leave the Hotel Goes and drive to either Hook of Holland or Zeebrugge.
The cost of the weekend has risen con-siderably mainly due to the change inexchange rates, and will be £190 perperson plus the cost of the hotel at€99.50 per night, although not a cheapweekend we do think you will enjoythis event now in its 21st year.
Contact Dave and Maggie Dickinson, Station Lane House, Main Street, Darley, Harrogate HG3 2QF
01423 780060 or [email protected]
April 2009 15
Sales and WantsClub SalesThe following items are for sale and are available from the Editor (01362 696114 or [email protected]) or at Club meetings.
Posters - £5 each
Longbridge-Produced Austin Sevens 1922-39 (27” x 39” approx)Garage Chart (circa 1930) (36” x 21” approx)“Chummy In The Lane” (29” x 21” approx)Post-War Specials (27” x 19” approx)
2008 NA7C Mugs - £6 each
Fridge Magnets - 50p each
Stainless Steel Radiator Badges £9.95 each
Also availableVinyl Windscreen badgesSet of two large and two small badges£1 per set
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Sales and Wants
Binder for “Grey Mags”holds 12 copies - £5 each
Club ClothingAre you interested in purchasing fleeces, sweatshirts or tee-shirts bearing the club lo-go? How about a cap or overalls? Please let the committee know, so that enquiriescan be made with suppliers.
From Other NewslettersFrom the Scottish Austin Seven Club
Spring clearout! - I have two 1935 Rubies for sale at very reasonable prices toSA7C members. Both have sound floors with new panels, re upholstered seats anddoor panels, good running engines, relined brakes etc. They require just a little workto finish, nothing too difficult. Please call for more details. I would consider a classicbritish motorcycle (needing restoration or not) as a trade. John Rooney phone 01357300137Partially restored 1933 RP Box saloon Car has been stored in a dry garage nearPerth since the owner commenced restoration.Previously owned by a club member(sadly now deceased) and looking for a good home. Seems to be all there includingnew tyres, wiring loom and upholstery. Engine in pieces but has a .020” block ac-cording to the pistons. Any offer around a fair price will be considered. Michael Pellhas photographs and can fill in details for any interested member. Direct contact canbe made with the owner Mrs Libby Hems at 01738 730227 or [email protected]
April 2009 17
FBHVC NewsThe Federation of British Historic Ve-hicle Clubs is a grouping of over 450Clubs and Museums together withsome 1500 Trade and Individual Sup-porters. The aim of the Federation is touphold the freedom to use old vehicleson the roads without any undue restric-tion and to support its member organi-sations in whatever way it can.
The NA7C is a member of FBHVC.They publish a bi-monthly magazinethat highlights legislation and othertopics that may affect our hobby. Arti-cles of interest will be reprinted here. Ifany member would like to read themagazine in full, please contact the Ed-itor, or visit the FBHVC website at: http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/
Fuel - Ethanol in petrol
Following the articles in the last two newsletters we have had a number of lettersabout the effects of ethanol in petrol and so we have summarised the main points be-low.At concentrations of less than 5% thereis no obligation for the petrol pumps tobe labelled at point of sale, so petrol onsale can be 0% - 5% ethanol. Ethanol ishygroscopic so manufacturers shouldhave been added corrosion inhibitorsto it before blending with petrol. Etha-
nol changes the volatility of the fuelwhich although it can give a slight ben-efit to cold starting this is at the ex-pense of increased vapour lockproblems and hot start problems in sus-ceptible vehicles. Corrosion could be aproblem if inhibitors are not used.
Effects on tank sealants etc
Any tank sealant manufactured in USAshould not be affected by ethanol (e.g.the Frost brand) as ethanol has been inUSA petrol for some time. To be sureof avoiding problems customersshould check that any such productdoes indicate it can be used with fuelcontaining ethanol.Many seals have a 'memory' and mayleak when introduced to ethanol when
they are old. The same type of seal maynot leak when new.Particles resulting from the breakdownof tank sealants and moving throughthe fuel system may also cause prob-lems, although this would be for a fi-nite time (until it has all been washedthrough). A solvent is available to re-move existing tank sealant, Epoxy Re-mover made by Tank Cure. Howeverthe active ingredient in this product is
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FBHVC News
methylene chloride, aka paint stripper,which is the subject of a proposed ban- see elsewhere in this newsletter.Feedback required
At present the number of problems re-ported is very small in relation to thenumber of vehicles which could be af-
fected. We will be monitoring the situ-ation closely and would like to hearfrom anyone who is experiencingproblems, giving full details of the ve-hicle concerned. If the situation is seento be more widespread than we willlook into the possibility of further re-search.
DfT Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations
The Federation were invited to contrib-ute to a consultation from the Depart-ment for Transport about the variablerates of duty applicable between con-ventional petrol and biofuel and our re-sponse was as follows: The Federation
of British Historic Vehicle Clubswould welcome a requirement for sup-pliers to ensure that gasoline blendedwith ethanol includes suitable anti-cor-rosion inhibitors to prevent corrosionin fuel systems of vehicles.
FIVA Definition of an Historic Vehicle
Chris Hunt CookeFew news items have generated as much correspondence as the report on the defini-tion of an historic vehicle agreed by FIVA, which is: a mechanically propelled roadvehicle: which is at least 30 years old; which is preserved and maintained in a histor-ically correct condition; which is not used as a means of daily transport; and whichis therefore a part of our technical and cultural heritage.This definition is mostly for politicallobbying purposes, and you have tolook in an international context. Forexample, the EU Commission havegiven indications that while they arehappy to consider legislative exemp-tions for a reasonably small number ofvehicles, used for relatively low mile-ages, they would become concerned ifthe number of vehicles or the mileagethey covered rose as a percentage ofthe total vehicle park. It is hoped thatby lifting the defined age to 30 and ex-
cluding vehicles used for daily trans-port, this will be avoided. Some of thenewer members of the EU from East-ern Europe have a considerablenumber of old vehicles in daily use andthe EU would not wish to see them in-cluded in any concessions made forclassic car purposes. The adoption ofthis definition by FIVA does not meanthat individual countries will use it forall purposes, and it is unlikely it willhave any impact in the UK. That is apity in some ways because it might get
April 2009 19
FBHVC News
the rolling date for VED exemptionmoving again.There are no indications at all that thepowers that be in the UK have anythoughts about restrictions on mileagefor exemption purposes, and the FBH-VC have been very successful in ensur-ing that we are able to use historic carsin the UK with no more restriction thana modern vehicle. There were thosewho were very wary when the historicVED exemption first came in, fearingthat some restriction might be the quidpro quo. Thankfully, that has not hap-pened.I was at the meeting in Brussels whenFIVA voted on the new definition, andsome countries do have real concerns,the Italians for instance currently havea 20 year rule, and were very con-cerned that their government mighttake this as a green light to increasethat to 30. However, they were eventu-ally persuaded to support the changeby the argument in relation to lobbyingthe EU.We can assure all members that thisdefinition will not affect the Federa-tion's treatment of any of our vehicles;it is a political tool that we can use toour advantage, not a code of practice.
And Finally....
Daffodil Craft & Country FayreFour Club members attended this event at Langley School on 29 March 2009.
Seen above, with the school in the background, are (left to right): Nick Walmsley’s 1930 RL, Ron Houghton’s 1934 RP, Paul Maulden’s 1937 Mk2 Ruby
and Dave Rix’s 1926 Chummy.
20 Norfolk NA7ter
NA7C Events Calendar 2009 Key
Bold type Underlined = NA7C Organised Event Bold type = NA7C Supported Event Normal Type = Event not organised by NA7C but recommended or suggested by NA7C
Grey shaded – a new or amended event Note: Please let the organiser know if you plan to attend an event
Date Event Venue Contact 5 Sun London to Brighton
Celebration Run Epsom Racecourse to Brighton
Dave Rix 01508-493419 [email protected]
21 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
Apr
26 Sun Fakenham Auto Club Drive-It Day Run
Fakenham Race Course – 10am £5 per car
Dave Rix 01508-493419 [email protected]
3 Sun Wymondham Old Timers Vintage/Classic Transport Show
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Fakenham
Dave Rix 01508-493419 [email protected]
10 Sun Wings & Wheels Henham Diana Jackson 01986 875107 10 Sun Skeyton Goat Skeyton 01692 538600 17 Sun Ron Houghton’s Oily
Rag Day
12.30pm, Mulberry Tree House, Harris Green, Hardwick
Ron & Barbara Houghton 01508 530580 [email protected]
16 17
Sat Sun
Norfolk Rally North Walsham Rugby Club
01362 687377 [email protected]
16 17
Sat Sun
Mid-Norfolk Railway ? Dereham Station 01362 690633
19 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
Get to know your new Chairman – a talk by John Groom
23 24 25
Sat Sun Mon
Strumpshaw Steam Rally
Strumpshaw Dave Rix 01508 493419 [email protected]
28 to 1
Molentocht – The Dutch Windmill Run
Netherlands Dave Rix 01508 493419 [email protected]
May
31 Sun PWA7C Autokarna Woolaton Park, Nottingham
2 Tues ANCC Cars in the Park Weston Park – 6.30pm
7 Sun Euston Park Rural Pastimes
Euston Park, Nr Thetford
Dave Rix 01508 493419 [email protected]
7 Sun Austin Allsorts Rally Mechanical Music Museum, Cotton, Nr Stowmarket
John King 01603 453650 [email protected]
14 Sun Road Run Dick Applin 14 Sun Mid-Norfolk Railway -
50s & 60s Dereham Station 01362 613352
Jun
14 Sun Easton Farm Park Easton Festival Event
Easton Farm Park, Wickham Market
Dave Rix 01508 493419 [email protected]
Date Event Venue Contact 16 Tues NA7C Meeting –Rides
Night Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
21 Sun Visit to Ken Wallis Reymerston Hall TBD
Jun
27 28
Sat Sun
National Austin 7 Rally Beaulieu, Hampshire
750MC
3 Fri ANCC Barbeque Felthorpe Airfield – 6pm
5 Sun Vintage Transport Festival
North Norfolk Railway
01263 820800
18 19
Sat Sun
Holkham Country Fair Holkham Hall 01953 605311
19 Sun Steam, Transport & Craft Exhibition
Potter Heigham Village Hall
John Holland 01692 671987
21 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
Jul
26 Sun Worstead Festival Worstead Nick Walmsley 01603 782758 [email protected]
16 Sun East Anglian Austin Seven Trophy Event
Rougham Airfield, Bury St Edmunds
Dave Rix 01508 493419 [email protected]
18 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
19 Wed Midland A7C Longbridge Event
Longbridge, Birmingham
24 Mon Aylsham Show Aylsham, Norfolk T.B.A 29 30
Sat Sun
King’s Lynn Lions Charity Event
Park Farm, Snettisham
John Groom 01945 474196
Aug
31 Mon Village at War Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham
Alison Tebbit 01362 869259 [email protected]
5 Sat Old Buckenham Country Fair
Old Buckenham, Norfolk
6 Sun NA7C Annual Rally at Norfolk Gala Day
Royal Norfolk Showground
15 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton - 7.30pm
19 20
Sat Sun
1940s Weekend North Norfolk Railway
01263-820800
Sep
20 Sun Marshall’s Centenary (Cambridge A7 Club)
Marshall’s Airfield, Cambridge
Oct 20 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton -7.30pm
Nov 17 Tues NA7C Meeting Village Inn, Little Melton -7.30pm
Dec 8 Tues NA7C December Dinner
Village Inn, Little Melton -7.30pm
Please Note: All the above events and dates are subject to change Visit our website at www.na7c.co.uk for the latest information
