NORTH ISLAND MODEL A FORD CLUB INC NEW ZEALAND

Model A Torque February 2017 Inside this issue:

. The Carburettor . History Hawaiian Cup . Steam & Vintage Festival . Ellerslie Intermarque . Jim Blackwell’s Story Chapter Members of

This issue contains:

Welcome to the North Island Model A Ford Club Inc.

The purpose of our club is to enjoy, restore, preserve and protect the Model A Ford automobile and to foster a spirit of good fellowship and family participation through the use of the Model A Ford.

Membership is open to anyone with a sincere interest in the Model A Ford. Ownership is not a prerequisite.

Website: www.modelafordclub.co.nz

North Island Model A Ford Club Inc PO Box 57017 Owairaka Auckland 1340 New Zealand

Club Captain’s Report 2 Committee Update 3 Vet & Vin Re-Launch 4 Club Events 5 Ellerslie Intermarque 6 Events for the month 7 Tech Tip 8 Youth Page 9 Hawaiian Cup 10 AGS Visit & Recipe 11 Speaking Fashion 12 Jim Blackwell 13 Date of Manufacture 15 Classified Adverts 16 Henry’s Page 18

Onehunga Beach Get-together

Club Captain’s Report

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. I caught up with a few Club members during my short holiday break. The only drawback is when you close the workshop for a few days, its catch up time when you return (cars still break down). Well done to all who ventured out for our first event of 2017 at Onehunga Beach with a BBQ. About 33 members braved an overcast evening of light drizzle. I encourage you to get your ‘A’ out of the garage, enjoy the long daylight hours and warm weather while it lasts. After a large gathering of members at Veteran and Vintage last year, I hope Errol has room for us all amongst his extra Model A Parts for his re-launch night. For the first time at Galaxy of Cars, Western Springs, a Gymkhana will take place to show off what a fun and active Club we are. Please come along and join in on this event. If attending and you can help with marshalling, please contact me. For those who enjoy an evening out, Sat 4th March is worth considering. A special invite has been extended to our Club, to display your ‘A’ for ‘The Prohibition Party’ at MOTAT (Adults Only) Roaring 20’s theme. Let’s continue to foster good relationships with MOTAT. This is looking like a fun night including Bands, Charleston/Swing Dancing, Gin Cocktail making workshop the list goes on. Passengers/Friends purchase tickets $20 online at eventbrite.co.nz or check out the MOTAT website. Stephen Upson, Club Captain

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EXECUTIVE & COMMITTEE - 2016 – 2017

Club Captain Stephen Upson (Kay) Committee Bruce Stratton (Rae) stephen.nimafc@hotmail.co.nz brucestratton@xtra.co.nz 027 488 7721 or (09) 443 0433 0274 853 634 or (09) 299 7450

Vice-Captain Gavin Leckner (Helen) Errol McAlpine (Linda) gavinandhelen@orcon.net.nz errolmac@xtra.co.nz 021 040 6116 or (09) 426 4697 0274 543 983 or (09) 832 9818

Secretary Maxine and Robert Steele David Heilbron (Sonja) robert.s1@xtra.co.nz heilbrondavid@gmail.com 0274 977 836 or (07) 826 4008 0272 966 266 or (09) 528 9709

Treasurer Ralph Levinson (Jenny) ralphlevinson1@gmail.com 021 1727 637 or (09) 578 3000

Editor Karen Thomas (David) Historian Paul Smith (Vicki) editor.nimafc@gmail.com pfsmith@ps.gen.nz 027 419 0191 or (09) 443 5253 0274 852 234 or (09) 235 5305

Please Note: The Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month. If you have any matters which you would like discussed please contact a Committee Member before this day.

Better still come along and join us.

Welcome to Sam and Diane Gill. They own a 1930 Coupe and live in Pukekohe.

We look forward to meeting with you on one of many club runs.

Hi there Model A folk.

For an update on committee activity:-

A majority vote to insure the Club against liability was reported in the December edition of the Club newsletter. A request for an application to apply for insurance has resulted in a document being presented that appears suitable for a corporate entity, rather than a non-profit organisation such as a car club. Clarity is being sought on this and also in regards to the excess on some areas of insurance. At this point an insurance document has NOT been signed until the committee is satisfied that the document is valid, suitable for a car club, and provides worthwhile cover for a reasonable cost. Health and safety was another item on the agenda. Whilst the Club is duty bound to comply with the law of the land, it does not want to set up a voluntary worker for criminal liability, should a dreadful accident occur, and criminal neglect is found. We are currently seeking more clarity on this subject before making any decisions regards how to record and comply with health and safety laws in activities that are leisure activities, rather than work place related. Wishing you happy Model A motoring through the rest of our amazing summer - has it started yet?

Robert Steele, Secretary

Hello Fellow Model A’ers

A very small number of annual subscriptions are outstanding … I’ve sent reminders, so appreciate “da money”. Thanks!

If you’d like to see some other than Model A retro car images, try www.retroautos.com.au for the free on-line Retroautos Magazine. Click on the magazine LINK, then Retroautos February 2017 (beside large photo) then View Magazine. Use the large arrows at the bottom to turn pages.

Just a reminder our Club has a library of books and DVD’s relating to Model A’s, including several textbooks. A good read is Robert Lacey’s Ford: The Men and the Machine. Contact Gavin Leckner 021 040 6116. Further details are available in the September 2016 newsletter.

Safe motoring to all our members.

Yours Fordily

Ralph Levinson, Treasurer/Memberships Page 3

SECRETARY’S UPDATE Robert Steele

TREASURER’S REPORT Ralph Levinson

Editor’s Comment – With the holiday season at an end and the children back at

school we now head back to work to start saving for another holiday, or if retired enjoy life. Thank you to all those children who returned their coloured in pictures of a Model A Ford. Maxine and I had a difficult job selecting a winner and in fact in the end we engaged an independent person, Jo Pearce, not familiar with the club to be judge. Congratulations to the winner – Isla Crow, 7-years of age and granddaughter of Liz and Graham Somervaille. This has been a successful venture and we look forward to the possibility of more to come. I hope you enjoyed the Youth Page in last month’s newsletter and that the children were interested. I will continue to provide a page for youth in the hope that we can get our younger members involved. Your thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. It has been drawn to my attention that some members are not receiving their newsletter. I can assure you that they have been emailed to everyone within the first week of the month. It is IMPORTANT that you let me know if you do not receive your newsletter as soon as possible so the matter can be rectified. The addresses we seem to be having problems with all seem to be ‘xtra.co.nz’ email addresses. Maybe this is something you can look into. With the month of February being a busy month for Club activities keep an eye on the calendar of events we don’t want you missing any runs. Please when attending Club events it is helpful for new / old members to know who they are talking to so please remember to wear your Club name badges. In the meantime don’t forget your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy February, it’s fun packed with lots to do!!

Karen Thomas

JOIN US FOR THE RE-LAUNCH OF VETERAN & VINTAGE

Wednesday 8 February 6.30pm

There are many Big Specials along with 3 Auctions

Join us to celebrate the expansion of Veteran and Vintage with much more improved stock. Errol and Linda McAlpine’s business has grown in size and they are celebrating with sausages on the BBQ and salads. If you want dessert by all means bring some along. Big specials are on offer. During the evening there will be 3 auctions of mystery boxes of bits and pieces so don’t forget to bring some money (or credit card). The value will be written on each box. These auctions will be staggered through the night. Let’s help Errol and Linda celebrate and support them in their venture. If you are unable to join us for this relaxed evening and would like some parts and or spares give Errol a call, he will be only too happy to oblige.

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6.30pm start with BBQ Sausages and Salads provided by Errol and Linda. Bring your own dessert and refreshments. Address: 1127 Scenic Drive, Swanson – Ph (09) 832 9818

FEBRUARY

Wednesday 8th Tech Night. Errol McAlpine – Veteran & Vintage. BBQ tea. Details page 4.

Sunday 12th Ellerslie Intermarque Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show. Errol McAlpine has 5 entries for this event. Any queries please contact Errol errolmac@xtra.co.nz Details page 6.

Sunday 19th Galaxy of Cars, Western Springs. Help support Child Cancer – display your car. Great day for a picnic lunch and get-together. Gymkhana organised. Details page 7.

Sat/Sun 25-26th Steam & Vintage Country Festival @ Glenbrook Vintage Railway near Waiuku. Help celebrate 40 years of operation for the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. NIMAFC members will be displaying their cars on the Sunday. Details page 7. MARCH

Sunday 5th Club Run – visit Auckland Grammar School, Mountain Rd, with AGS Archivist, Paul Paton. Visit will take place from 10am – 12 noon. Lunch will follow at a venue to be confirmed. Page 11.

Sunday 19th Club Run – Buffet breakfast 8.30am at Sage Restaurant Poynton Village, 142 Shakespeare Rd, Takapuna - $20pp including tea & coffee.

North Shore Policing Centre, 52 Parkway Dr, Albany 10.30am. Take a stroll through a Police Station with Garry Learmonth. Lunch will follow at Fort Takapuna with a guided tour by Dave Veart through Fort Takapuna after lunch. Details page 8.

APRIL

Thurs–Mon 13–17th 13th National Model A Meet Napier – ‘Dare to be Deco’ Rally – hosted by The Hawke’s Bay Model A Ford Club. See page 8 for details.

Sunday 30th Waiuku Steel ‘n’ Wheels Festival. This has always been a popular event – keep your eyes posted for details.

NON-CLUB EVENTS - THESE MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME MEMBERS

February 4-5th Leadfoot Festival Hahei, held at the Leadfoot Ranch the home of Rod Millen. Sat/Sun $95 or $50 for one day.

February 15-19th Art Deco Festival Napier. NIMAFC members do enjoy this festival. For further information contact Art Deco Trust 0800 427 833 or view their website: http://www.artdeconapier.com/ for further details.

March 4th Prohibition Party MOTAT – 7 -11pm. ‘The Roaring Twenties’ 1920s cocktails and mocktails will be available. Live bands, dancing, performances, Flappers and Ganksters. Free entry if attending with a Model A. Passengers/Friends purchase tickets $20 online at eventbrite.co.nz or check out the MOTAT website.

March 18-19th Coromandel Gold Rush & Gum-diggers Charity Cruise this is a fun event for all vintage, classics and hot-rod owners alike. The run is around the “Coromandel Loop” in a clock-wise direction starting in Thames and finishing in Tairua with an overnighter in Whitianga. All inquiries to cgrc@xtra.co.nz Registration open now.

April 2nd 14th Annual All Ford Day hosted by the Manawatu Branch of the NZ Capri Club at the Railway Land Palmerston North 10am – 2pm. $2 per show car. Public entry by gold coin donation. For more details Ph (06) 357 9296 or 027 338 5370.

Do not forget to visit the Club Website, click on the Events Calendar, or visit our Facebook page for more details. If you are unable to use either of these methods and have questions a committee member would be only too willing to assist. Give them a call!! Page 5

ONEHUNGA BEACH GET-TOGETHER – Wednesday 25 January – Bruce Stratton

Thank you to those members who braved the Auckland peak hour traffic in the drizzling rain to attend the first event of our busy 2017 calendar year. You cannot predict the weather and this time we got it wrong, no worries it’s only water. There were 33 members keen to enjoy a barbeque in the rain with 11 Model A’s displayed for those to view. With umbrellas up and raincoats on, those sausages and onions were all consumed as fast as they were sizzled. Thank you to Steve Driver who assisted Bruce with the cooking of the sausages, a great job considering the weather. Unfortunately we were unable to enjoy the ambience of the area but it was good to catch up with everyone and hear their various Christmas stories. It was great also to meet and welcome our new Club members Brian and Kathryn Marshall from Papakura, restoring a 1930 pickup. A special mention to John, Mary, Rob and Trish as they had to endure a 1½ hour slow drive to attend, they are dedicated Model A’ers. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next event, Errol McAlpine’s evening at Veteran & Vintage on the 8th February. - Bruce Stratton

ELLERSLIE INTERMARQUE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE – Sunday 12 Feb 10am – 4pm

Your Club has confirmed we will be displaying an A400, ’31 Roadster, 30 Pickup, a Woody, Fordor and Tudor for the first time at this show. Thank you to those members who have agreed to put their cars forward. Car displays invariably evoke fond memories from our childhood, teen years and beyond and most are presented in the way you will remember them. Join in the day and celebrate 44 years of the Ellerslie Concours d’Elegance NZ Classic Car Show. Held annually at the Ellerslie Showgrounds this is a big car event run by New Zealand Classic Cars. The display theme this year will be ‘Classic Day at the Races’ and what better place to hold it than at the Ellerslie Racecourse. Some 750 owners from 70-80 car clubs gather to show why their cars were winners back in the day, and still are. You will see classics, ‘future classics’- recent model cars already gaining classic status as well as cars that date back over 100 years. Of course there are the exotic, sporting and prestige models being shown but in the end, it’s also about nostalgia and that is an important part of this car show. If you are interested in attending Ellerslie the entry fee is $15, children under 12 Free.

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AN ORIGINAL FORD Beach Haven’s unique, vintage roadster is heading to its first classic car show. The 88 year-old is a 1928 Ford Model A being shown at Ellerslie, as an entry to North Island Ford Club team. Owner Robert Brown says the car is unique because it has not been restored. “The mileage is still under 60,000”. The car was built in 1928 in Canada and sold to a family in Marton, New Zealand in 1929. In 1949 it underwent major engine work, which cost 11 pounds. Attend the Ellerslie Classic Car Show, February 12 from 10am till 4pm at Ellerslie Racecourse. Article North Shore Times 26/1/17

GALAXY OF CARS – WESTERN SPRINGS – Sunday 19 February 9.30am – 4.00pm

Photos of Galaxy of Cars from previous years

Don’t forget to mark this day on your calendar. There is a great display of vintage and classic cars covering

the entire Western Springs Stadium. Pack your picnic lunch, chairs and drinks into the Model A and drive

along for a relaxing day. There will be a Swap meet along with other car clubs displaying their pride and joy

– come along and enjoy the day. Dressing in era costume adds to the ambience but is not necessary.

This year we are holding a Model A Gymkhana - try your hands at this they are always fun.

The swap meet begins at 7.30am, sellers 7.00am to set up. If you wish to sell anything at the swap meet

contact the organiser Noel Mountjoy 021 642 688 or email mountjoy@slingshot.co.nz to make him aware

of this. A swap meet site costs $15.

Gates open for display cars from 8am and they must be in place by 9am. Display cars are to remain on site

until 3pm. Drivers Free - Adults $12 - Children (5-15 years) $5. A New Lynn Lions Project which is run

annually with this year’s profit going to Child Cancer.

STEAM & VINTAGE COUNTRY FESTIVAL – Sunday 26TH February 9am – 5pm

Experience the charm of earlier times when the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, in conjunction with the Franklin Vintage Machinery Club celebrate 40 years of steam at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. See Clydesdale horses ploughing, marvel at ancient steam traction engines, witness vintage tractors and machinery carrying their chores, take a 15km ride on a genuine steam train, view steam locomotives from around the country, sail on the lake in a classic steam boat, dance to Big Band music and watch rare vintage aircraft perform overhead. Lots of children’s activities and farm animals along with a range of refreshments. The festival is running over the entire weekend but our Club will be displaying their cars on Sunday 26 February.

Admission Adults $10 Children (under 14) Free. Parking free. Rides extra. Bring along some picnic food, drinks and chairs and enjoy the day. See you there. Make the most of summer and enjoy the outdoors. If you are showing your car you cannot leave premises before 4pm. Page 7

Note: We are meeting at Alex & Daphne Wilson’s place – 24 Collie Rd, Glenbrook, Waiuku beforehand for 8.30am sharp departure. departure.

Engine vibration problem

We are all aware that Model A engines typically vibrate as the revs increase and from my experience find a sweet spot around 45 – 48 MPH. When I rebuilt the engine for the Tudor I wanted to be able to cruise at 50mph minimum and so the following modifications were made – crank was counterweighted, lightened flywheel, touring cam grind, fully balanced, pressurised centre main bearing. The engine has been reliable but noisy and vibrating particularly through the steering column and elsewhere at the 45+ mph range and was not pleasant to drive for any distance. I recently fitted one of Murray Horn’s new machined front pulleys with rubber damper built in however while there was a slight improvement this did not solve the problem. As with everything else to fix the vibrations had already been ‘gone over’, I decided to revisit the rear engine mount and made the following modification – Removed all 4 rear engine mount bolts to the clutch housing. I made a ‘sandwich’ by fitting a thin steel washer and a rubber washer from 1/4” thick firm rubber backed by another thin steel washer. I replaced all four bolts with the washer setup and tightened so they were tight but not so much to crush the rubber unduly. NB: Steel washers must be no wider than 25mm to fit inside the mounting and the bolts are original type with hole through so they can be wired together. This exercise has transformed the driveability at all speeds and the Tudor is now a pleasure to drive especially at cruising speed! I can now understand why the same can be achieved by fitting Float A Motor mounts! Not sure how the long term wear on the rubber washer and bolts will go but I will be monitoring it and I am sure those of you with far more techno skill than me may have a better idea. PS: I was fairly certain I fitted the rubber gaskets correctly when I installed the rear engine mounts to the chassis previously however this could be the source of the vibration being transmitted from the engine. John Castle, Life Member _______________________________________________________________________________________

The 13th National Model A Meet is to be held in Napier, Hawkes Bay Easter Weekend 2017. This is a beautiful part of New Zealand and an ideal spot for driving model A’s. Plenty of back roads, country like townships and friendly people. There are only 3 months left to the start of the Rally and it is important to send your registration NOW so as not to be disappointed. There is a definite limit of 290 people for catering purposes. Start gathering together your appropriate clothing for the scheduled events.

Registration starts from 4pm Thurs 13 April; Rally Events commence 8am Fri 14 April; ‘Gatsby Picnic’ Day Wear 1928 – 1931 Sat 15 ‘Dare to be Deco Dinner’ & Prize-giving. Sun 16 ‘Depression Dinner’ and sing-a-long. Sat 15 (Glitz and Glamour Attire) (Dress down in your old and worn out gear) Farewell Breakfast from 7.30am Mon 17 April.

______________________________________________________________ NORTH SHORE POLICING CENTRE and TOUR FORT TAKAPUNA – Sunday 19 March

This will be a busy day with 3 visits in one day. First stop will be the Poynton Retirement Home for breakfast at 8.30am. This will comprise of a buffet breakfast for $20pp. Please inform Stephen Upson of numbers attending. After breakfast we drive up to the North Shore Policing Centre, Albany meeting at 10.30am. This visit has been made possible by Garry Learmonth who will take us through the premises with a photo opportunity behind bars.

Following this visit we will drive to Cheltenham where we will have lunch in the grounds at Fort Takapuna. This is a beautiful spot overlooking the Waitemata Harbour. After lunch Dave Veart will take us on a guided tour through the tunnels at Fort Takapuna. An excellent selection of spots to visit so do get plenty of sleep the night before, it will be a long day. You do not have to attend all the venues. All I can say at this stage is breakfast is at 8.30am, 10.30am North Shore Policing Centre and approximately 1pm lunch at Fort Takapuna. More details next month. Page 8

TECHNICAL TIP

‘DARE TO BE DECO’ - National Rally Hawkes Bay 13th April – 17th April 2017 (Easter Weekend)

FOR OUR YOUTH – budding mechanics!

How the Fuel Jets Work in a Carburettor

The carburettor is the part on your Model A that mixes gasoline with air. When liquid gasoline is mixed with enough air to form a fine spray, the fuel becomes explosive and very easy to burn. A carburettor works to make sure the right amount of air and gas are mixed together to meet the needs of your engine at different speeds. The Model A carburettor uses suction to do this. The suction is created by each alternate downward stroke of the pistons which pulls the fuel and air mix through the carburettor into the engine. But as the engine gathers speed, the flow of fuel into the engine increases much faster than the flow of air. To solve this problem, Model A carbs have multiple fuel jets. A jet is basically a special tube or pipe with an exact size opening and shape. Each jet has its own job to do. The carb these illustrations were drawn for was a Zenith Carburettor, which had four jets. The idling jet operates only when the throttle is barely cracked open. It pulls gas from the secondary well as well and provides the right mixture of air and fuel to keep the motor running while idling only.

Thank you Sherry Winkinhofer, Editor MAFCA AWorld Page 9

The main jet, which varies in flow with the suction, is directly connected with the fuel chamber (Fig 1). Compare the fuel chamber to a bottle and the main jet to a straw. Now, if you put a straw down to the bottom of a full bottle (Fig 1A), you will find that the harder you suck on the straw the more liquid you will get. The suction of the engine will act on the fuel in the bowl through the main jet the same as your suction on the straw acted on the liquid in the bottle.

The compensating jet (Fig 2), which has a constant flow regardless of the amount of suction, or the speed of the engine, empties into a well that is open to the air. The cap jet connects with this well. Compare the well to a glass, the compensating jet to a bottle, and the cap jet to a straw. If you pour a tiny stream of liquid into a glass from a bottle (Fig 2A), you can only suck out from the glass as much liquid as the tiny stream allows you, no matter how hard you suck on the straw. The cap jet can only draw as much fuel in as is provided in the well by the compensating jet. Since the flow through the compensating jet is constant, the flow through the cap jet is also constant when there is fuel in the well.

In (Fig 3) you will see Figs. 1 and 2 combined. In this view the cap jet is surrounding the main jet forming a “compound nozzle”. Combining the first straw, or jet, that gave more liquid under increasing suction, with the second straw, or jet, which gives the same amount of liquid regardless of the amount of suction creates this compound feed or nozzle. This will permit the total flow of liquid to increase only as desired by the design.

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Winner - Hawaiian Cup for Best Commercial 2016

Club Historian, Life Member and now 40-year NIMAFC member, Paul Smith, was awarded the 2016 Hawaiian Cup for the Best Commercial. Paul’s newly restored 1930 Roadster Pickup caught many eyes when it made its debut at last year’s Club run between Pokeno and Waiuku.

Paul has since mentioned the Cup (actually more Trophy than Cup) was donated to our Club via member, Ray Murphy, by Melvin Mendonca of the Aloha Chapter (Hawaii) Model A Restorers Club of America. Here is Ray Murphy’s story …………..

If my memory serves me well, it goes something like this. We used to go to Hawaii quite often for our holidays and one time we decided to contact the local Chamber of Commerce, as I was a member here in Auckland. They were sooooo laid back over there it was like getting blood out of a stone. Because I gave them a list of things I was involved in, e.g. vintage cars etc, they put me in touch with a Canadian chap who had an apartment not far from where we were staying. I looked this guy up and we consequently became good friends.

When we went up there again, we met the Aloha Chapter of the Model A Restorers Club of America and got to meet a few of the members. Among them was Melvin Mendonca who was quite intrigued with our right-hand drive cars and after lots of chatting, he decided to give me this rather large trophy for our Club. I think he said something like, If we could drive a car on the wrong side of the road using our left hand to change gear, then we needed to be awarded! There is not much more to add other than we still keep in touch with the Canadian (his name is Brian Holker) who lives on Vancouver Island, but doesn’t go to Hawaii much these days. He has quite a collection of vintage vehicles such as Buick, Cadillac, Ford and Packard. All are Roadster’s or Tourer’s but the best is a 1930 short wheel base Packard Phaeton of which he had his eye on for years in a motor museum. It was original with 40,000 miles on the clock. He also had a photo of Franklin D Roosevelt with his foot on the running board, showing the licence plate which proved it was the same car. We visited him in 1991 and just after we got back, he phoned to say the museum owner had decided to sell it to him. He was over the moon and proceeded to tell me that they cleaned the fuel line out, put in new spark plugs and battery, then after about 3 turns of the engine, it fired and purred down the road. Lucky guy. Well, I can’t think of anything else about the trophy, other than it just fitted in the suitcase on the way home. Best regards, Ray Murphy

As found by Len Hoyland 1980 ex Ken Ivory in Nelson – believed to be with an original 4-speed and used by Nelson Council.

Undone, being re-restored 2015.

Now restored 2016/17

Well done Paul – congratulations.

VISIT AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL - SUNDAY 5 MARCH, 10am – 12 noon

This School dates back to the 1850’s when Governor Sir George Grey made land grants to set up and maintain a ‘College and Grammar School’. Originally a school for boys, it became co-educational in the late 1800s, then reverted to being an all-boys’ school when Auckland Girls’ Grammar School opened (1909).

The main Spanish-Californian Mission style building, so familiar from the motorway driving south out of the city, was opened 101 years ago. If you have ever thought it would be interesting to visit this impressive Category 1 Heritage New Zealand listed building … here is your opportunity!

The tour will begin outside the 1916 Main Building, moves to the impressive 1922 obelisk-style War Memorial (topped by an aspiring male figure sculptured by Richard Gross), then 1931 Library, 1925 Gym, Science Block to see a display of antique Science equipment, then back to the Hall for a talk about the artwork, forms, names on UE Scholarship winners boards and other objects of interest. If you wish, you may like to climb the steep, narrow stairs to the copper cupolas, which few have done.

Following this visit will be lunch at the nearby Eden Gardens, on the lower slopes of Mt Eden (to be confirmed). We have ordered nice weather and are hoping for a good turnout on Sunday 5 March.

Meet Auckland Grammar School, Main Gate, Mountain Road, Epsom 10am sharp.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH – BANANA CRUNCH CAKE from the cookbook ‘A Taste of Grammar’. This book is a celebration of the extended Grammar community, coming together to share and enjoy something that unites family and friends the world over – good food.

Ingredients Method

2 cups flour Preheat oven to 180ᵒC. 1 cup sugar Grease and line a 20cm baking tin. 1tsp baking soda Measure dry ingredients into a bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder baking powder and salt. 1 tsp salt Measure liquid ingredients into another bowl: yoghurt, milk, ½ cup yoghurt melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla essence and mashed banana. ⅓ cup milk Pour liquid into dry ingredients and stir to combine. 100g butter, melted Pour mixture into prepared tin. 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla essence Topping 2 ripe bananas Rub flour into butter and then stir in remaining ingredients: Topping cinnamon, walnuts and sugar. 2 tbsp flour Sprinkle over cake mix before cooking. 50g soft butter Bake for 45 minutes or until skewer comes out clean. 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp chopped walnuts Prep time: 15 mins. Cooking time: 45 mins 2 tbsp sugar, brown or white This recipe is a slight twist on the standard banana cake. The yoghurt can be any flavour and helps to make it a lovely moist cake. The crunch topping means you don’t have to ice it and you can serve as a dessert warm with whipped cream on the side. Page 11

Auckland Grammar School Archivist, Paul Paton, has generously offered to show NIMAFC members around one of Auckland’s best known and oldest schools.

SPEAKING FASHION - 1929 Part Two of a Four-Part Series Featuring Ladies Fashion in the Model A Era

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As the fashion world moved into 1929, the waistline moved closer to the waist. Daytime frocks added a flounce to the lower skirt and the hemline began to drop. Detailed necklines came into vogue along with contrasting colour accents. Buttons both glass and self-covered, were an important trim as was special stitching. While three of the skirts illustrated feature the full flowing lines, the fourth clung to the earlier trend of the straight pleated effect. The little cloche hat was beginning to pick up new shapes with different detailing. Fur trimmed coats with insets in the lower panels remained in the limelight, especially those featuring fox. The side button carried through this season but was soon to be replaced by yet another style. One model depicts the transition of the previous year with a side drape along with the side closure. The casual fashions are best illustrated with the aeroplane scene, from the man sporting knickers, V-neck sweater and cap, to the others in the ever popular top coats and fedora head gear. A brief study of the group gives one an interesting glimpse of general day-wear. The delicate evening gowns still featured the uneven hemline and tiers and tiers of ruffles. From a slightly dropped waistline to no line at all, we can conclude that more accent was given to the bias cut on the one set of models and many ruffles on the other set. Again the soft velvet accented evening coat follows the full bias cut flounce to give the special drape effect needed to complete the ensemble. Reprinted from The Restorer Sep-Oct 1979

Hello fellow North Island Model A Ford Club members, Jim Blackwell here. I joined the NIMAFC in the early 1990’s. I live in Palmerston North and own a 1930 Model A Roadster. My son Shane, who lives with his family in Auckland, visited recently and took some photos of my Roadster, whilst taking the car for a run around Palmerston North with my grandsons. I was able to attend your gathering at MOTAT in September, where I managed to meet a number of Club members for the first time. The first car I owned back in the early 1950’s was a 1930 Model A Phaeton. I sold that car in my youth, but was always keen to own one again. In 1982 I purchased a 1930 Model A 4 Door Sedan. I completed a rebuild of the motor and drive train. However I had always really wanted to own a Roadster. In 1988 I was aware of a Roadster for sale and proceeded to purchase it. Again, I have completed a reconditioning of the engine and work on the drive train. cont…..

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1930 MODEL A ROADSTER

Where have we seen this car before?

Jim Blackwell tells his story

Club Member - Palmerston North

Jim Blackwell - Page 2 cont ….

As I am retired, I tinker with the car from time to time and I take it out monthly/bi-monthly for a short run. One of my Roadster’s claim to fame was its inclusion in the 1981 NZ produced film, Smash Palace. In the film, the car was ‘a project being worked on by the local car wrecking yard for the local policeman’. Bruno Lawrence played the part of an ex race car driver who operated the wreckers yard (at Horopito). The car is then used at the conclusion of the film, when it’s driven onto railway tracks when Bruno’s character has the policeman in the car – all the while a freight train is speeding towards them! Best wishes to fellow Model A owners.

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1930 Model A Roaster Owner - Jim Blackwell

When entering your car for judging – here is something to consider !

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For Sale - New Burlington Counterbalanced crankshaft. Through a comedy of errors and good intentions, I have ended up with two Burlington Counterbalanced crankshafts. One has gone into my motor after the excellent ministrations of Graham Miller of B&H Engine Services, Palmerston North, who modified it to take a modern two piece oil seal and thereby curing the perennial oil leak problem. The one for sale remains in its original packaging as it arrived from the States and at approx. $3000 is cheaper than you can land one here. The photo from the Burlington website shows their crankshaft beside an original one.

Check out this website on the subject: http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/burlingtoncrankshaft.htm

Contact: Keith Humphreys 09 446 0916 wensum@ihug.co.nz

Wanted - 1930 Model A Tudor left front door. Rusty okay. Ph Jeff (07) 884 8551

Wanted - I am planning to build a 1928-29 colonial wood/metal bodied truck on a standard chassis. I have all the mechanical bits but need body parts i.e. cowl, tank, front guards, bonnet, valances and a grill surround (paint quality). So far all I have come across are 30-31 parts. If any of you have or know where I could buy any of these items please phone me. I have available a spare reconditioned engine and gearbox if anyone has a need for. Ph John Castle (09) 479 4135 or 021 957 032

For Sale – 1931 Model A Ford Pickup generally in good order. Starting price $28,000. Ph Bryan & Judy Jackson (09) 275 9451.

For Sale – 1930 Model A Fordor repainted and upholstered 9 years ago. Mitchell transmission, new rear tyres, rewired, high rear lights, excellent motor. Body woodwork redone. Well cared for and presented. $43,000. Ph Peter Covacich (09) 438 0838 Whangarei.

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There is no charge for members selling their own items. Items will be advertised 3 times unless renewed or cancelled. Business size commercial ads are $25 per year. For business ads contact Ralph Levinson (09) 578 3000.

For Sale – 1929 Model A Tudor. In WOF condition, reconditioned motor approx 10,000 mls ago. Flat head Ted brakes, great runner. Registration on hold. $23,000. For more information phone John Stanley 021 720 999.

Wanted 1930 tray tail gate for Pickup. Rusty or dented is okay. Ph Jeff (07) 884 8551

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Wanted - sanity has gone out the window. I have decided to restore a 1928-29 Phaeton and require left hand rear door and hood bows. If there is anything else you may have that may suit me give me a call. Ph Stuart Broomhall (07) 888 8962 or 027 618 9892.

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Happy Valentines, would you like a drive in my Model A

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THE GREAT DEPRESSION ERA

1932 was possibly one of the hardest years of the Great Depression. New automobile sales had dropped to a mere trickle of the figures established in the late 1920’s, and a glut of used cars from the same period threatened new car sales. At the same time, there was money to be made by smart business people with a large enough capital reserve, in the auto salvage and wrecking yard business.

Los Angeles and the area in general, was an exuberant and free-wheeling metropolis during the 1920’s that led up to “Black Tuesday”, the day the Stock market crashed on October 24, 1929. The years of booming economic properity left behind an overly large supply of used cars and ‘junkers’.

When new cars sales died, dealers and sales organisations eventually banded together around the country to ease the problem by scrapping as many used cars as possible. Add to that people who were trying to make ends meet and sold their unwanted cars, ‘Junkies’ would also scavenge cities looking for unwanted or abandoned cars, and the desperate had to sell their car to raise cash.

The views and articles expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and may be reprinted provided ackowledgment is given. Where articles have been reprinted, the NIMAFC recognises those authors and thanks them for allowing their article to be used in our club newsletter.

The last words are from the man himself.

Be ready to revise any system, scrap any method and abandon any theory, if the success of the job requires it. Henry Ford

North Island Model A Ford Club Inc. PO Box 57-017 Owairaka Auckland 1340

Website: www.modelafordclub.co.nz

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