Normandie Casino News - GTR and XU
Transcription
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. 0 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. 1 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. 3 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." 9 Forest Hill January 2009 10