Normandie Casino News - GTR and XU

Newsletter
Winter 2009
In this issue
President’s Glove Box
1
Website news
1
Technical talk
2
Run reports
4
Wanted – newsletter content
6
Membership information
7
Shannons Showdown 2009
8
Noah in Oz
9
Forest Hill 2009
11
President’s Glove Box
Wow! That went quickly! Can’t believe it is three months since I touched pen to paper for my initial
segment. I hope this finds you and yours healthy as we are in the ‘flu season and this has been
worsened with the advent of swine ‘flu (nasty).
Our members have been busy with shows and appearances and runs over the past three months.
For those of us who braved the weather, Berrinba Wetlands lived up to its name but even the rain
couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm or ruin the sausage sizzle. We also welcomed some new members
to the fray which seems to be the norm every time we now go for a run.
Lakeside - how good was that! It was so great to drive back in the gate of the famous raceway, only
to look in the rearview and see Toranas as far as the eye could see (talk about a nostalgia rush). We
were invited back on the following weekend and those who went this time actually had the rare
privilege of taking a spin around this famous circuit.
To all those members and their families that have celebrated a birthday or anniversary since the last
Newsletter, I wish you all well and hope your day was a special one. The rain that led up to 28 th June
was the reason the RACQ Day had to be canned. This would have been a real eye opener with the
800 entrants (shame).
I would like to thank Ron “Trophy Hunter” Gordon for showing the other car clubs that the GTR &
XU-1 Owners Club of Qld has some of the best Toranas in Qld, with the two trophies his car received
at recent shows. Also Doug Allen’s XU-1 took out Best XU-1 at the Torana Masters at Parklands.
Congrats to you both. Sorry if I have missed any other members who have also won trophies.
Darryn Merritt
Club Website
The club website has moved to
www.qldgtrxu1club.com.
It provides a wealth of information
including service providers, items
for sale by members, club
merchandise,
coming
events,
membership details, links to other
websites, and even copies of
previous Newsletters.
And while on websites, you could
have a look at
www.gmh-torana.com.au.
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Technical Talk
Clutch Rat Trap
Peter D suggests that the standard rat trap can be improved by grinding off and drilling / punching
out the pivot pin on the crank lever and replacing it with a bolt and two lock nuts. You will need to
insert spacers on the pivot bolt either side of the crank.
Drill the centre of the bolt and fit a grease nipple so the
pivot can be greased easily. But the real secret is to stop
the bolt turning with the crank. One way to do this is to
weld a tab on the mounting bracket to engage with one
of the flats on the bolt hex. A brass bolt is better than
steel because if something is going to wear, it will be the
bolt that can readily be replaced, rather than any of the
rat trap pieces.
Fuel Filler Cap
Kelly’s suggestion is to wire the filler cap to the filler neck. Use plastic coated braided (stainless)
steel wire with an eye fitted to both ends. One eye is retained by one of the filler neck mounting
screws; the other can be screwed to an existing lug on the underneath of the filler cap. Make the
length of wire such that, when the cap is closed, the wire is pulled tight and hidden from view.
Front Suspension
Wayne H recently had the front suspension on his car re-bushed by Fulcrum Suspensions of
Yeerongpilly. He reports that he was very pleased with the work done and can recommend this
repairer to club members.
And while on front suspension – Peter D can recommend Eadie’s Mechanical, Amberley, for wheel
alignment. Good equipment, good knowledge, good attitude and a job done properly the first time
round.
Spray Painting
Peter S is very pleased with the re-spray work done by Coopers Panel N Paint of Yamanto on the left
door of his LJ. Somehow they managed to get the paint to match both the front guard and the rear
quarter, both of which are slightly different because of the ravages of time and previous touch-ups.
He has previously had them paint the black-outs on the headlamp rings and they are now doing the
black-outs on the tail light surrounds.
Gear Shift Mechanism
Michael and Maxine are seeking advice on how to repair or otherwise fix up a gear shift mechanism
that currently has a mind of its own in respect to the gears it engages. They can be contacted on 07
3267 1648.
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RHF Guard for LC
Peter C is seeking one of these. Any ideas?
Stickers
There was discussion at the Lakeside meeting in July about the stickers put on new cars warning of
the fitment of the limited slip differential. A number of owners have fitted reproduction stickers on
the inside of the boot lid and on the front door jamb above the door stay. Peter D made the
observation that his August ’72 Brisbane made XU-1 did not have either of these stickers when he
bought the car new, only the tag on the diff filler plug. Is this peculiar to Brisbane made cars, or did
GMH just fit whatever happened to be in the parts bin at the time?
Stromberg CD Carburettors
Darryn M writes that we can now hopefully put to bed the whole issue of oil or no oil in the XU-1
Stromberg carburettor dampers. He says he is asked this question on nearly every run we have. He
had previously read the information somewhere and has now found it again in the Fiv Antoniou
book Holden Torana GTR XU-1. Pages 163 to 167 contain a GMH Service Letter dated October 1973
which, among other things says (on Page 166) “The Stromberg CD carburettors on the XU1 option are
intended to be operated without oil in the dampers and care should be taken in that oil is not
inadvertently added.”
Further, the LJ Series Torana Supplementary Shop Manual has very similar wording on Page 6 – 3.
This information is reproduced on Page 154 of Fiv Antoniou’s book.
Well that puts the LJ to bed. What about the LC? Try
Fiv Antoniou’s book again, Page 122, part of a GMH
Boom-boom!
Dealer Service Bulletin on the LC dated June 1970.
A man walks into a bar with a
“The 3 Stromberg 150 CDS carburettors……………
roll of tarmac under his arm and
are intended to be operated without oil in the air
says: "Schooner please, and one
valve dampers………”
for the road."
2
Run Reports
17th May - Jannette and Howard’s Place
We met at Shell Nudgee for the short drive to Burpengary. Howard came down to meet us and
guided us to his place. Another group met at Fernvale to make the journey.
On arrival at their house we set up in front of the large garage near the old petrol pump. Jannette
had the pictures of our trip to Kingaroy on the TV and everybody had a look at their memorabilia
which included books, signs, flags, signed shirts, go kart and banners. The guys could picture
themselves in this garage having a few drinks in the lounge chairs and watching car DVDs on the TV.
Mark Fennell and Warren Curtis came along to check out the club.
After much chatting and a few snags on the BBQ we lined up the cars on the grass and took pictures.
There were 18 Toranas.
Thank you Jannette and Howard for having us at your place.
21st June - Berrinba Wetlands
The day started out fine, but as people arrived the showers started. These continued from time to
time but that did not stop the members from coming along. We had new members Kelly, Grant and
Seth bring along some of their friends
who also have Toranas. We managed
to field 8 cars and Scott’s FJ Holden,
but there were lots of everyday cars.
As the guys started the sausage sizzle,
it started to rain again but with
umbrellas held over the cooks and
food, we all enjoyed a sausage or two.
The raffle first prize was won by Scott
Gourley and second by Michael Holland.
Thanks to the guys who cooked the BBQ
and to everyone who turned up on a wet
day.
5th July - Lakeside Park Raceway
Lakeside was Brisbane’s home of motor
racing in the days of the touring cars.
Peter Brock, Dick Johnson and Alan
Moffat all raced here in the 80s.
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We headed off in convoy to the race track to meet up with more waiting at the top of the run down
to the track. We had 30 Toranas in total and all agreed they were a sight to behold on the hill at the
race track. So many colours and so much interest from the public wanting to look at our cars.
We enjoyed a great day of racing with a wide range of cars on the track and plenty of socializing
behind the fence.
12th July - Lakeside Park
Raceway
We were asked back
again this weekend to do
the parade laps in the
lunch time break.
A
chance for us to drive the
track that we had seen
many legends drive on.
We had 12 Toranas. The
laps started out slow
behind the pace cars but
then they let us go and
we could enjoy our cars
on the race track. The HQ racing was very close. We all enjoyed another good day.
19th July - Rathdowney Hotel
It was a beautiful winter’s day for a drive in the country, and what better place to go than
Rathdowney. After meeting at Yamanto we headed off through Boonah to Rathdowney - a good run
for the Toranas, some windy roads and straight stretches.
Driving in, we were passed by a Torana (Greg and Leanne) and a Corolla (Graeme and Judy) who had
decided to come out and meet us. On arrival at the hotel we were met by members that came in
through Beaudesert. We all went and ordered lunch and drinks and then out to the eating area to
sit and chat. The meals did not take long to arrive, were good value and enjoyable. After lunch some
of us went to have a look at the museum - 11 Toranas and others in everyday cars.
I hope everyone enjoys our runs. They provide an opportunity to get together with people that have
the same interest as you and enjoy a chat and some good company. They provide a time also when
you can ask questions you might have about your car and get help from other members.
If you have any places you would like to visit please let me know.
Thank you all for coming on our runs. As you can see, you do not always have to bring your Torana;
you may wish to bring your everyday drive. But then, why not bring your Torana? They are such
great cars to drive!
Suzanne Pond
4
Wanted – Newsletter content
The Committee is seeking interesting and useful information for inclusion in future Newsletters. For
example:•
Are you in the throes of a car restoration that you are willing to share with club members? If
so, tell us about the trials and tribulations; where you sourced those hard-to-get parts; what
service providers you can recommend; any technical tips you may have. Club members are
always eager for information on who can do what well. Much better to have a
recommendation from a club member than to trust your fingers in the Yellow Pages.
•
Do you have an interesting story to tell about you and your car (or maybe just your car)?
•
Are you looking for spare parts, a service provider, some technical information. If so, let us
know.
What articles or features would you like to see in your Newsletter?
If you can contribute information or ideas, please contact a committee member.
Darryn Merritt (President) 0417 984 487
[email protected]
John Atkinson (V President)3806 1613
[email protected]
Ron Gordon (Secretary)
5464 6150
[email protected]
Gail Steel (Treasurer)
3288 8068
Suzanne Pond (Events)
0413 501 752
[email protected]
We won the war despite them!
An elderly British gentleman arrived in Paris by plane. At the customs desk he took a few minutes
to locate his passport in his carry-on bag.
"You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked, sarcastically. The elderly
gentleman admitted he had been to France previously.
"Then you should know enough to 'ave your passport ready," the customs officer said, again with
the usual arrogance of a French prat.
The elderly gentleman replied, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."
"Impossible! The British always have to show their passports on arrival in France!"
The man gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained; "Well, when I came to
France last time, I arrived on a beach on D-Day in 1944, and couldn't find any ******* Frenchmen
to show it to!"
Thinking of joining us?
5
The GTR and XU-1 Owners Club of Queensland inc was established in 2006 to assist its members
identify and preserve original examples of the GTR and XU-1 Torana, by providing assistance with
information on originality of your vehicle and location of parts.
The club conducts social runs, barbeques and special events in conjunction with meetings, and
produces a quarterly Newsletter, also we approach companies and business for parts and services at
special club prices, and our aim is to help our members with questions regarding the GTR and XU-1s.
WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER MEMBERS
Vehicle Identification
We can assist owners and potential owners of either the GTR or the XU-1 Torana in verifying the
correctness of their vehicles.
Historic Vehicle Information
Members with cars 30 years or older are eligible for historic vehicle registration as per Queensland
Transport guidelines after a qualifying period.
Information
We provide information relating to the GTR and XU-1 Torana. If you need to know something we
can in most cases provide an answer, or at least put you in touch with someone who can assist you.
Parts
We have a section in our Newsletter, which offers parts for sale or if you need to locate a specific
part you can advertise to try and locate that part you require.
Club Activities
Club runs and barbeques are organised throughout the year to bring everyone together for some
family fun as well as car shows/swap meets both locally and interstate.
Newsletter
A club Newsletter which contains articles such as reprints from magazines, technical articles, history
of vehicle and much more is produced on a quarterly basis.
Club Runs
These are held on the third Sunday of each month to a different destination each time. You must
attend three runs a year.
Club Meetings
Club meetings are held quarterly and are combined with a run.
Classes of Membership
Full Membership:
Fees
Associate membership:
Fees
For owners of GTRs and XU-1s located in Queensland.
1 Year $60
2 Years $100
Anyone with an interest in GTRs and XU-1s but does not own one
1 Year $40
2 Years $60
Memberships are renewable on 1 July annually and payment covers full year or part thereof.
6
Payment and Mailing
Payment must accompany fully completed form, and cheque/money order made payable to the
GTR and XU-1 Owners Club of Queensland. Applications should be forwarded to: PO Box 277,
Rosewood Qld 4340
Shannons Sports and Muscle Car Showdown 2009
Those were the days!
Yes, it really did tow a caravan, complete with Dad, Mum and two kids!
In poor taste
Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"
7
If Noah lived in Australia today
And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole
earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of
every kind of living thing on the earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark."
In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. In fear and trembling, Noah took
the plans and agreed to build the Ark. "Remember," said the Lord, "you must complete the Ark and
bring everything on board in one year."
Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a
tumult. The Lord saw Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah," He shouted, "where is the
Ark?"
"Lord, please forgive me!" cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big problems. First, I had to
get a permit for construction and your plans did not comply with the codes. I had to hire an
engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with Occupational Health & Safety
Commission over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system and flotation devices.
“Then my neighbour objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my
front yard. So I had to lodge a Rezoning Application with the Council, and it is now with the
Resource and Land Planning Tribunal.
“I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to
protect the kookaburra. I finally convinced the Dept of Conservation & Land Management that I
needed the wood to save the kookaburras. However, National Parks & Wildlife won't let me catch
any kookaburras, so no kookaburras.
“The carpenters formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the
Dept of Industrial Relations before anyone would pick up a saw or a hammer. Now I have 16
carpenters on the Ark, but still no kookaburras.
“When I started rounding up the other animals, I got sued by RSPCA. They objected to my only
taking two of each kind aboard. Just when I got the case dismissed, the EPA notified me that I could
not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood.
They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator
of the universe.
“Then the Dept of Land and Water Conservation demanded a map of the proposed new flood plain.
I sent them a complete set of UBDs & Gregory's.
8
“Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking godless, unbelieving people aboard!
“The Australian Taxation Office has seized my assets, they say that I was alienating my Personal
Services Income and claimed that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid
paying taxes.
“I also had to wait many months for registration of my ABN for the GST.
“I have just received notice from the Marine Board that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed
to register the Ark as a "recreational water craft." I also need a Boat Drivers Licence but they are
debating about how to classify the craft.
“I am getting continual visits from Greenpeace, RSPCA, Wilderness Society, Work Cover, the Premier,
the Sheriff's Office and numerous other government departments.
“Finally, the Australian Council for Civil Liberties got the courts to issue an injunction against further
construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it is a religious event and
therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another 5 or 6 years!" Noah
wailed.
The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across
the sky. Noah looked up hopefully. "You mean you are not going to destroy the earth, Lord?"
"No," said the Lord sadly. "I don't have to. Government bureaucracy already has."
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Forest Hill
January 2009
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