May 2014 - Sprite Car Club Queensland

Sprite On
May 2014
Sprites at the David Hack Classic
Sprite On
Committee Members
President: Scott Counsell
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0423 848 152
Vice President: Nev Mansfield
Email: [email protected]
Mobile 0438 634 500
Treasurer: Graham Harris
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0418 782 833
Secretary: Leona Counsell
Email: [email protected]
Mobile 0412 341 648
Club Captain: Alex Robertson
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0420 858 386
Regalia: Nick Cole
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 041 1077 155
Membership: Keith Gordon
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0432 483 228
Asset: Margaret Wilmink
Email: [email protected]
Mobile 0409 630 162
Webmaster: Brendan Soustal
Email: [email protected]
Mobile:
Gold Coast Representative: Peter Fellows
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0412 216 215
E Newsletter Editor: Karen Gordon
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0412 658 415
Meetings
Club Meetings are held 2nd Friday of each
month at The Mustang Rooms, Jean Howie
Drive, Morningside.
We are there from 7pm for a BBQ and a chat.
Small charge for a sausage sizzle and
refreshments are available. 8pm Meeting starts.
Contact Scott on 0423848152 for more details.
Membership
Joining Fees to our Club are $80. This includes 2
Name Badges. Annual renewal membership fees
are $60.00 per year per family (residing at the
same address). Fees are due annually in May.
Pro-rata fees charged until that date.
Advertising
Members may place “For Sale” or “Wanted” ads
in the Classifieds section at no charge. Classified
ads will be removed automatically after a 3
month period, unless the editor is otherwise
notified to delete or extend the item (s). Ads
should be emailed to Karen at
[email protected]
Correspondence
All Correspondence should be addressed to The
Secretary, The Sprite Car Club of Qld, PO Box
252, Salisbury. Qld. 4107.
Newsletter Contributions
Cut off date for contributions for the next
newsletter is the 3rd Friday of each Month.
Special Mention
I would like to thank Neville Mansfield for
delving into his archives and finding old
advertisements and articles about Sprites and
Midgets for inclusion in the History section of
the Newsletter.
Sprite On
Editors Notes
by Karen Gordon
Welcome to the May Newsletter.
May already!! The year seems to be flying by.
This last month has seen a lot of Sprite activity, so I hope you were able to attend some of the events
the club had on offer.
Next month is also looking busy, and details of the coming events is later in the Newsletter.
If you would like to organise an outing, please please please do so. Just let Scott or myself know, so it can
be included in the calendar. It is so good to see different members organise an outing.
If you have any articles, photos, advertisements you would like to see in the newsletter, please email them
to me at [email protected] and I will get them into the newsletter as soon as I have the room.
The deadline for articles to be included in the next newsletter is 22RD June 2014.
I would also like to welcome all new members. We hope you enjoy your time spent with our Club and join in
on our runs and events throughout the year.
Membership Report
By Keith Gordon
MEMBERSHIP IS NOW DUE
Membership fees are due by 20th May each year.
Thank you to those that have paid their fees. If you have not yet paid,
Now is the time to pay..
You can either pay by cheque to the Sprite Car Club, by cash at the next meeting or
event you attend, or by direct deposit. BSB 034 002, A/c 613033 and using your
membership number as reference.
[email protected]
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sprite On
President Report
May 2014
Welcome all Club members new and old,
“The time is passing so quickly”, is a phrase we say and hear so often, and this year is no
exception, winter is on us already and I guess the tops will be going on the cars for some of
our runs. I may need to look at one for the track car for the next couple of meets at Warwick.
It seems strange not to making calls and sending emails out for the Challenge but I am sure
that the normal communication that the Committee does for the club will take over and we will
forget about the Challenge, well for about another 4 years anyway.
To keep relevant, fresh and up to date, a club like ours must have a constant flood of new
ideas and activities, competitions and social functions and these must come from all
members new and old, and it also needs a constant change in leadership in its committees if
it is to keep that relevance and new ideas flowing. We currently have a vacancy for the
Regalia position so if you are interested please let a fellow committee member know so they
can explain what is required. The tasks are not hard, the committee members are friendly
and you can get a sense of achievement and satisfaction during and at the end of your term.
Some of the problems that your committee will be reviewing over the next few months, are
how to make it easier for younger and junior members to join and make a contribution and
how we look at past members who no longer have a car (for whatever reason) but still want
to enjoy the friendships they have made over the many years . As you are aware we crossed
this path a couple of years ago with a wall of negativity but to ensure the future of our Club
we need to look at our succession planning and encourage a greater breadth of members to
join us in the future..
I’d love to hear from all members who have suggestions or ideas on these subjects.
The club has been busy with a number of runs on over the last month and continuing these
into the months ahead. The last Frogpond run was a combined run up to the David Hack
display in Toowoomba and from reports all the participants had a great day there. Even if
they had to dodge the cold wind. Macleans Bridge took another change this year with moving
away from Lakeside to the grounds of Griffith Uni at Loganlea and we had a great club
turnout for that one. And our first ever (I think) mid week day run was held. Not a great
attendance but a fantastic idea and I hope there can be a couple of cars venture out next
month.
Moving to June there is the breakfast run out to Sirromet Winery, Sprint Racing in Warwick,
Trivia Night has been scheduled so we must plan that one and also the Gold Coast run as
well as our General Meetings.
Hope to see you all at one of these events
Scott Counsell
President SCCQ
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sprite On
Sir Jack Brabham Passes Away
Peacefully, Aged 88
Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, triple Formula 1 World Champion,
has died at the age of 88. Sir Jack passed away peacefully at his
Gold Coast, Australia, home on Monday morning.
Formula 1 World Champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966 and double
Constructors' Champion (1966 and 1967), Sir Jack was one of
the most accomplished drivers and team owners in the history of
the sport. The first driver to be knighted for services to
motorsport, 'Black Jack' rose from racing midgets on dirt ovals in
Australia to dominate global motorsport.
His first two titles in the Cooper Climax marked the end for
front-engined Formula 1 cars. The third made him the only
driver in history to win a World Championship in a car of his own
manufacture, the Brabham BT19 – a feat unlikely to ever be
repeated.
Acclaimed as a brilliant engineer, technological innovations brought about by the Brabham team helped to
shape the sport today. Through his partnership with Ron Tauranac, over 500 Brabham racecars were built
from the team's British Surrey base in the 1960s alone, while the Brabham name continued in F1 for 30
years.
Although Jack scored his final win in the 1970 South African Grand Prix, the legacy has continued with all
three of his sons achieving their own global success, while third generation drivers Matthew and Sam are
building their own notable racing careers.
On behalf of the family, Jack's youngest son David said: "It's a very sad day for all of us. My father passed
away peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived an incredible life, achieving more than
anyone would ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the astounding legacy he leaves
behind."
Sir Jack is survived by his wife, Lady Margaret, sons Geoff, Gary and David and their families.
Sprite On
Sprite On
Sprite On
Club Captain Report
By Alex Robertson
Our Club point score details.
Our 2013 SCCQ Championship was hotly contested by some members; with good-natured rivalry and
stirring evident late in the year. There were still 5 members able to win the championship in mid
October. Most were also committee members. Then the Club Captain kept quiet about the points till the
presentation dinner.
For the 2014 Club year, we simplified the Club championship, wanting more members to be in the running
for the coveted “Sprite Champion” trophy in December. Hopefully, non- committee members now have a
better chance of being Club Champion in 2014 too.
Well it seems to be working because there are several new names in the top few point scorers at present.
Here are the top few on our spreadsheet scoreboard.
1.
Keith Gordon
2.
Cas Michalek & Karen Gordon
3.
Leona Counsell
4.
Garry Seymour & Scott Counsell
5.
Neville Mansfield
6.
Graham Harris
7.
Nick Cole
8.
Rod Hibberd
For the 2014 Club year, points are allocated in the following manner.
Points will be allocated in the following manner at events or meetings on the Club’s point score as
published in the Club calendar.
One point for attendance.
One point for wearing a Club name badge.
One point for attending in a Sprite or Midget.
Members will gain points for attendance at either the Club’s monthly meeting, or the Gold Coast Chapter
monthly meeting; but not for both of these meetings in a month.
Members Associates and Committee members will gain points for attendance at any event on the Club
calendar.
Members who organise an event will gain one extra point for that organisation when a properly completed
SCCQ attendance sheet is given to the Club Captain, and a report is submitted to the Sprite On
editor. (These forms will be available on the website.) I would like event organisers to sent the properly
completed attendance sheets to me and a report to Karen as soon as possible after the event. Currently,
we seem to have to chase the organiser for this information.
No extra points will be given for events in the 2014 Calendar. (This is a major change from what we did in
2013.)
Regards from Alex Robertson
Club Captain
Sprite On
Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
By Peter Fellows
Kokonut Willies was the venue for the May Gold Coast Chapter Meeting. As always we were looked
after with superb food in very pleasant surroundings. . We had a really good turnout with 18 of the
faithful getting together to discuss upcoming events on the calendar and planning some runs for the
next few months.
New members John and Lorna Partington came all the way from Greenbank to be with us. They have
a very nice Sprite that they brought out to MacLeans Bridge at Logan the previous Sunday.
The Gillman family made the drive from Brisbane, it is so nice to see Sephora Getting bigger. I even
got a smile!
Mark and Anita came with a friend Hanna, who is on a year long holiday from the UK and is staying
on the Gold Coast for a while with Mark and Anita. Hanna is the daughter of Nick Swift, well known in
England as a genius tuner of A series motors and all things Mini www.swiftune.co
Mark Gillman has organised a run this Sunday, 1st June, for Breakfast at Sirromet Wines. details on
the Forum
Our next outing will be a Pizza run WITH pizza for a change. Yours truly is organizing it so anything is
possible! This will be on Saturday June 28th. Details will be on the Forum soon.
Our next G/C monthly meeting will be Wednesday 18th of June at the Coomera Lodge Hotel. All
members and friends are welcome.
Peter Fellows
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Classic Sports
Car Center
Sprite On
SCCQ DAVID HACK CLASSIC / FROG POND RUN
Sunday 04 May 2014
By Mike Ovens
plus bits plagiarised from Rod Hibberd’s Forum Report
The David Hack Classic is a classic aircraft and motor vehicle show held annually at the
Toowoomba Airfield, regrettably remembering a young man whose love of classics was shortened
by a leukaemia related illness.
The dates of the two above events coincided, so we combined our talents with I think pretty good
success!
It was an early start for all of us. Coming from different sides of the city, we all made it to the BP at Blacksoil
with enough time for a coffee, or in some cases, breakfast. A bit after 7am we were on our way to Toowoomba.
It was a bit chilly to say the least - gloves, coats, scarves, and beanies were "de rigour". Tops down! Our group
of intrepid travellers comprised the following, alternatively known as “Jen’s Harem”:White 998cc Bugeye
Mike Ovens and Jen Real
White 1275cc Austin Sprite
Mark Derbyshire and Rod Hibberd
Yellow 1275cc Bugeye
Mike Wade and Mal Ross
BRG 1100cc Bugeye
Lloyd Wade (Son of Mike)
Red 1100cc Sprite IIIA
Gary Seymour
Red 1275+cc Midget
Nick Cole
Orange 1275cc Midget
Colin Dalziel
Also in Toowoomba, we picked up Graham Heath & Son, and quasi Member Andy Whitlock (“Gypsy Restorations”), and
the BRG Bugeye “58 BUG” but we were not able to make her acquaintance.
Also in Toowoomba, we picked up chill blains, frost bite, hyperthermia; etc…particularly noticeable as we veered left at
the top of the range into the Toowoomba CBD and copped an arctic blast in the right earhole!
The drive was uneventful, we had quite a few waves from traffic who no doubt thought we were nuts. As we
arrived, two of the T28 Trojans were doing a flyover. I will never forget being that close to the thundering (well
“clackering”) of the engines and reckoned that I had got the value of my $10 admission fee already!!!!!
Inside, being an airfield, the classic cars were beautifully laid out in wide rows on lush flat grass, with all amenities close at
hand. . We parked the cars, and it was time for a warming cup of coffee or tea, and a bite to eat…that breakfast
steak burger and coffee never tasted so good.
We all headed off in different directions to check out the cars and planes on show. There was an excellent
selection of Vintage, classics, muscle cars and hot rods to check out. We were lucky to see the arrival of a P51
Mustang. Classy fighter from WW2. The planes on show that I could recognise were the Mustang, 3 x T28
Trojan ground attack planes from Vietnam war era, 2 x Harvards! a Cessna Bird Dog spotting plane from
Vietnam again, and a number of others. The air museums were there with some of their gear as well. Interesting
that if you wanting to go for a ride in the Mustang, it would cost you $995 for 10 minutes. I had to pass on that,
maybe one day.
The warbirds gave periodic flyovers and it was not hard to imagine yourself on a British RAF airbase (my Mum was three
years a WWII WAF on those airbases by the way, and my Dad served six years on aircraft carriers in the Fleet Air Arm as
an Airframe Fitter on, initially, the sea going version of Gypsy Moths!)
An observation by Jen was that everybody was really lovely…the marshalls, the attendees, the foodies, the coffee
van…everybody, and especially the way the boys wanted to give her a hug to warm up!
Sprite On
The aforementioned Andy was one of the stars of the show…or rather, his bespoke golf buggies were! His American Army
Jeep Buggie was busy on the golf course of Wallangarra, but he had his blue mini Mini (owned by Ron Williams of “Forbes
Batteries”) there between Ron’s two full size Mini’s (one with a cross-flow head), and his newest creation which was a
white Mack (sorry, Scott…er Western Star!) prime-mover….see picture attached next to the full size Jen.
Our little bodies had mostly been vertical since 5.30am and we decided that we had had enough of a good thing. While
the sun was out, it was freezing cold, with a cold westerly that made your eyes water. Around lunch time, we
called it a day, and headed home.
Colin set off for the trip back to the Gold Coast, and the rest the voted to go home via the twisty way through Murphy’s
Creek Road; Mike Wade appeared to know the route quite well (well, weller at least than Mike O. who had led the convoy
straight there from Blacksoil!), and when Mike W announced (I wish I could type in a gruff Sith African accent) that he
intended to go the rest of the way home by the old Toowoomba/Gatton roads, the vote was again unanimous!
Hysterically, the first place he led the Convoy to was the “drive in” donger portable loo (rather than the rustic
thunderboxes) - I hope the attached photo does the scenario justice…it looked hilarious from the back of the queue and
Jen and I thought the gate marshall was going to have an apoplexy!
Not surprisingly, the route was a great success as we plunged off the escapement through Spring Buff towards Helidon,
crossing and paralleling the railway line; the scenery was spectacular and only mildly irritated by some genius in a black
Holden Cruize who seemed to think that you could achieve something if you sat up the backside of 6 Spridgets in turn on
a mountainous road!
Mike W led us through Gatton, Forest Hill, Laidley, Rosewood and ultimately onto the Cunningham Highway. It was a bit
warmer at this stage, so it was a pleasant drive home. It was notable that not one of us had lifted a spanner/bonnet
all day long, so obviously our cars and their owners are getting better as they get older! I did have a scary moment when
the temp gauge on our just-back-on-the-road-Bugeye rose rapidly-ish from the 160 degrees of all day (see…I told you it
was chilly!!) to a whopping 180 degrees (ie normal!).
I noted that from the Toowoomba CBD to the Toowong Cemetery we had done one hundred enjoyable miles on the
home journey.
All in all, a great day out even if the cold took the gloss off it. I'd do it again, but preferably on a warmer day. Rod
H
Thank you everybody for participating.
The next two “Frog Pond Run’s “will be on the first Sunday every three months as follows:Sunday 03 August 2014
Sunday 02 November 2014
Hopefully see you there!
Keep Spridget-ing,
Mike Ovens
“The Frog Pond”
and Rod Hibberd.
Sprite On
Photos of Frogpond/David Hack Classic Run
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Lionel Otto
Instruments
John Robertson
For Restoration
work
On your Classic
Car
Instruments.
124 Evans Road
Salisbury
Ph 3277 3888
Sprite On
Maclean’s Bridge Sunday 18th May 2014
By Anita Lachowicz
The Maclean’s Bridge event, after two years as a 2-day event at Lakeside Raceway, was held at the
Logan Campus of Griffith University.
This event was not on the Club calendar so after checking with Club Captain Alex I decided to try and
get a few Sprites & Midgets there.
Mike Ovens (one of the founders of the original Mother’s Day event) & Jen convoyed with Cas to the
Glen Hotel to meet up with the rest of the Brisbane folk attending the show, Mark G and Graham &
Margaret. From the Gold Coast I drove up with Peter & Jo; Colin having gone earlier with Mark B and
the work’s van.
Mark D came straight to the final meeting point at Loganlea Picnic Park (locally known as Ashtray
Park). John P also met us here and luckily so as I was able to sell him Keith & Karen’s spot.
Just a short drive from the park to the Campus where many display cars were already assembled it
being nearly 9.00am.
We found our designated area and parked up. Colin’s Midget, unknown Midget, my Midget, Mark D’s
Austin Sprite, Cas’s Sprite, Graham & Margaret’s Sprite, Mark G’s race Sprite, Peter & Jo’s Sprite and
John & Lorna’s Midget. Cas had brought a gazebo along to provide some shelter from sun or rain. A
chance for everyone to catch up and to have a look around the other cars displayed. Peter & Nikki
Zabell were also there in Daisy with the MG Car Club.
Sadly after a sunny start the clouds rolled in about midday and it began to rain; only for a short while
but enough to cause many to depart earlier than planned so it was all over around 2.00pm. Thanks to
those that came along to support this long-standing event.
Anita
Sprite On
Sprite On
,
Minutes of Meeting
9th May 2014
Apologies



Alex Robertson
Brendan Soustal
Margaret Wilmink
Presidents report
 Previous Minutes moved by Scott Counsell and Seconded Peter Fellows
 Welcome to May’s meeting .
 Guest Speaker – Brett Wilson Qld Cancer Council – Warwick Branch
 Coffee and cake afterwards
Raffle – Mother’s day prize
Treasurers report
Treasurers Report Moved by Graham Harris - Seconded by Nev Mansfield
Last Months Meeting – received $ 105.00 for the Raffle and $62.60 for the BBQ
Secretary’s Report
Incoming Correspondence
 Bank Statement
 Goblins Gazette matters of mount
 Healy Torque
 Qamps, Incorporation forms
 letter of thanks from Just Flags about the challenge
Outward Correspondences - Nil
Secretary Report moved by Leona Counsell – Seconded by Karen Gordon
Gold Coast Chapter report




Last Meeting held at Dublin docks – small select attendance – lively discussions held about the
upcoming challenge
Concern about web calendar not being updated- committee aware, in the meantime calendar
is on forum and hard copies are available- Scott will mark calendar as a sticky
Anita organising Mclean’s bridge – numbers and payment required to secure our spot – see
Anita after the meeting to pay.
Mark G is organising a Breakfast run for the Gold Coast chapter to Sirommet winery
Sprite On
Club Captain’s Report
No Report – Alex away
Membership Report



Membership cards available – memberships are due on the 20th of May 2014 – Racers
need to pay before next series
87 members – 22 have renewed so far this year
The club has 9 life members and two new potential members have had membership
forms sent to them
Regalia Report
Position vacant – we require someone to fill this position
Newsletter Report
 All going well – had lots of photo’s from the challenge so a special challenge addition
will be put out.
 Keith spoke about all the work that Karen puts into the newsletter and asked everyone
to put their hands together to thank her for her time
Web Master Report

Scott sent an email out to everyone in the club to see who was having problems with the
Forum. Cheat sheets will be available to those who responded to this email – still to be done
 Brendan requires photo’s of the challenge
 Brendan is going to show Karen and Scott how to update the calendar – due to organising of
the challenge and Brendan not being well we had been unable to organise this yet
Catering Report


Thank you to Karen & Keith for providing the catering tonight and Peter for cooking.
Scott Fountain has volunteered to organise the BBQ next month
General Business


Brett Wilson from the Warwick Cancer Council spoke about men’s health and about
his involvement in The Relay for life. Brett is after volunteers to come to Warwick on
the 13th of September to take Cancer Survivors for a lap of honour in our cars at the
relay. Brett is having a team in the relay and we are welcome to join his team or form
our own team if we would like to participate. Members thought this was a good
community event and some are interested in this event. There is a $20 registration
and you are required to raise $100 per person to participate. Brett thanked us for
giving them the opportunity to cater for the challenge.
Qld won the National Sprite Challenge, a fantastic weekend, every person had the
opportunity to participate in points including social and spectators. Sydney have
offered to put on the 2016 Challenge so make sure that you put that weekend aside to
attend.
Sprite On



QHMC Rally on the June long weekend – only one month away, registration closes on
the 16th of May but late registration will be accepted. Plenty of opportunity to
participate in some or all of the events over the weekend
Garry S informed the club that he will be sadly selling his Sprite
Mark G spoke about the upcoming run to Sirommet and the breakfast options
available
Past Events


Challenge
David Hack classic car & plane display Toowoomba – Gary S told us about the great day they
had.
 Gold coast meeting
Coming Events





Raffle
Macleans Bridge at Griffith Uni Logan campus 18th of May
21/5/14 Gold Coast Meeting Kokonut Willeys
Morgan Park Sprints 31st of May & 1st of June
Breakfast at Sirommet 1st of June
21st of June Trivia night venue TBA
Winners - Lots of winners tonight
Meeting Closed 9.20pm
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld
We supply
OMEGA Pistons,
Payer Gaskets,
ACL Bearings.
Supplying the best
Road and Race
Engines in
Australia.
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
We do Repairs and Restorations for Austin-Healey Sprites and MG Midgets, as well as sell new and used
Parts for Austin-Healey Sprites and MG Midgets,MGAs, MGBs, & “T’ Series, and Mini Minors & Mokes!
Welcome To The FROGPOND
We can usually deliver Parts to Brisbane, Qld, Australia
(or at the very least advise Price & Availability) within 24
hours; Regional areas, Interstate and Internationally
only slightly longer.
Additionally we have a large range of Parts currently in
Brisbane, Qld Refer the “Parts List” at
www.TheFrogPond.com.au…these are “Weekend Parts”
that we stock, and left-over Restoration Parts, and Used Parts that we have accumulated over the last 43
years! The list is not exhaustive, and is dynamic so we endeavour to update as often as possible.
Remember – these Prices include Government Duties and are already landed here so if you are lucky
enough to live in Brisbane, Qld there is NO ADDITIONAL FREIGHT from Sydney!
If our descriptions still leave you in doubt, please email/phone for clarification and a photo if necessary.
Mike Ovens, 125 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton Qld 4053Ph 07 3354 1800 Fax 07 3354 1833 Mob
0409 342 423 Web: www.thefrogpond.com.au
Sprite On
Coming Events
Our Calendar is now located on the Website – www.spritecarclub.com.au
If you require more information on an event, please contact the organiser or a committee member.
May 2014
31st & June 1st
Morgan Park Supersprints Round 2, Warwick
June 2014
1st
1
Morgan Park Supersprints Round 2, Warwick
st
Sirroment Winery Breakfast Run – Mark Gillman to organise
7,8,9
th
HRCC Rally at Redcliffe Showgrounds;, organised by BVAC/Rod Hibberd
13
th
Club Meeting – Mustang Club Room, Jean Howie Drive, Morningside 7pm
14
th
Combined Show & Shine with Mini & Morris Club, 1376 Old Cleveland Rd, Carindale
18
th
Gold Coast Chapter Meeting – Coomera Lodge Hotel
19
th
Midweek Run – see Mike Millard for details, for watch the Forum
21
st
Trivia Night – venue TBA
28
th
Gold Coast Pizza Run. Peter Fellows will put details on forum
July 2014
5th
Run to Sunshine Coast. Details out soon. Keith & Karen to organise
11
th
Club Meeting – Mustang Club Rooms, Jean Howie Drive, Morningside 7pm
13
th
RACQ Motorfest – Eagle Farm Raceway
16
th
19
th
26
th
26
th
Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
& 20
th
& 27
th
Mt Cotton Hillclimb
Gold Coast Run – TBA
Morgan Park Supersprints Round 3
August 2014
3rd
8
Frogpond Run – more information shortly
th
20
th
23
rd
31
st
Club Meeting – Mustang Club room, Jean Howie Drive, Morningside 7pm
Gold Coast Club Meeting
& 24
th
Leyburn Sprints – Entries now available from www.leyburnmotorsports.com.au
Gold Coast Run - TBA
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
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Happy Spridgeting, and avagoodday
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Ph 0414 789 263 Fax: 02 9651 6703
Web:
www.spriteparts.com.au
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld.
Whether you are just looking to use your classic car for occasional trips or your remit is for a fully
prepared race car, we are here to help.
All our vehicle technicians at the
Classic Car Clinic have many years of
experience working with a diverse
range of Classic Cars… David, Mark,
Robin and Paul are not only trained on
these vehicles, they are true
enthusiasts too, owning and using
classic cars on a daily basis.
[email protected]
Classic Car Clinic, 8/241 Brisbane Road,
Biggera Waters. 4216 Qld Ph 07 5529
1876.
Sprite On
Nev’s
Nev’sGarage
GarageSale
Sale
1
1
1
1
Mk II Dashboard Radio hole cut out RHD
Mk II Dashboard Radio hole cut out RHD
$100
$100
1
Mk I Dashboard Radio hold cut out RHD
Mk I Dashboard Radio hold cut out RHD
$100
$100
1
Mk I Windscreen and Frame, Good condition
Mk I Windscreen and Frame, Good condition
$100
$100
2 sets of Mk II Quarter Elliptical Rear Springs
2 sets of Mk II Quarter Elliptical Rear Springs
1
2
1
1
Mk II BootLid
Mk II BootLid
2
Mk II Doors
Mk II Doors
1
Right hand Front Mudguard, nice condition
Right hand Front Mudguard, nice condition
$50
$50
$30 each
$30 each
Mk III Window Mechs. – 2 doors and windows
Mk III Window Mechs. – 2 doors and windows
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
$50 pair
$50 pair
$60 pair
$60 pair
$80
$80
$150 set
$150 set
1
Mk I Steering wheel
Mk I Steering wheel
$60
$60
2
Steering Racks in very good condition
Steering Racks in very good condition
$60 each
$60 each
1
Mk III Steering Column
Mk III Steering Column
$25
$25
1
Mk II Front Apron – very good condition
Mk II Front Apron – very good condition
$100
$100
2
Mk II Doors
Mk II Doors
$40 each
$40 each
2
Mk II Front Guards Left and Right
Mk II Front Guards Left and Right
$80 each
$80 each
1
Mk II Boot Lid
Mk II Boot Lid
$50
$50
1
Mk II Bonnet, rust in front edge
Mk II Bonnet, rust in front edge
$25
$25
2
Tudor Water Bottle Holder
Tudor Water Bottle Holder
$25
$25
2
Mk I Seat Frames Back and base – no seat cushion base
Mk I Seat Frames Back and base – no seat cushion base
$50 each
$50 each
1
Mk III Diff casing complete
Mk III Diff casing complete
$100
$100
1
Mk II Cockpit Surround Set
Mk II Cockpit Surround Set
$50
$50
1
Mk II Front Guard – damaged, still got shape
Mk II Front Guard – damaged, still got shape
$10
$10
PHONE NEV ON 0438 634 500 FOR FURTHER DETAILS
PHONE NEV ON 0438 634 500 FOR FURTHER DETA
Sprite On
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld
Omniche Travel trading as Spacifica Travel
Ph 1800 800 722
Exotic Holiday Packages
Sponsor of the Sprite National Challenge, 17th to 21st April 2014 at Warwick Qld
Providing custom handmade Austin Healy Sprite components to the
enthusiasts
A far superior quality product to some currently on the market,
Polyurethane can be highly flexible yet unbreakable or hard as
stone. It has the ability to be poured into any shape required.
An example of this is Keith Gordon’s trailing arms of his Austin
Healy Mark IIA race car, the bushes had completely eroded and
broken apart. He removed the excess old rubber, we sandblasted and prepared the cavity and were able to pour
Polyurethane directly into the cavity, creating a new and improved bush.
Do you have a part you need replacing but it is like hens teeth to find? Call John Hammond on 0414 738 666 or email
images to [email protected] along with a description of what you need and we will let you know if we are
able to help. Here is just a quick list of things we are able to do:
Pictured, from the back left:
1. Wheel Chocks for cars/trailers
2. Austin Healy clutch aligning tool
3. Lift pads for car hoists
4. Bump stops for suspension airbags
5. Suspension bushes
Sprite On
Grill Badge – Old Style or New Style
$40.00
Car Flag – with or without dowel
$22.50
Beanie – Black , Navy
$14.40
Bucket Hats – Black, White, Maroon
$22.50
Polar Fleece Scarf - Black
$14.40
Standard Number plate frame
$6.75
Club Sticker – white or clear
$4.00
Sprite Club Umbrella
$30.00
Cloth Badge – Black or White
$10.00
Caps – Gold/Maroon
$22.50
Acrylic Scarf – Black/Yellow
$18.00
Winning Spirit Jacket maroon/gold (by order only)
$50.00
Men’s Shirt – Sizes S to 5XL
$35.00
Ladies Shirt – Sizes 8 – 18
$35.00
Shirt Specials
$31.00
Key Ring Special
$12.00
Be Proud to be a Member of The Sprite Car Club
Vacancy – Regalia Manager
Our Club needs you – to take on the role of Regalia Manager – Regalia is kept at the Club
rooms, so not a lot of work to do. Display the Regalia before the meeting and pack up
just before the meeting starts. If you would like to nominate for this position please
see a committee member.
Sprite On
Sprite On
Technical Tips
by Mike Ovens
Many of you know the story of my mis-firing Bugeye at the National Sprite Challenge at Morgan Park, Warwick at Easter
2014…I did not actually get a straight lap in all weekend; in fact it was Troy Mansfield who first drove it properly, on the
way back from Morgan Park to the Motel - he said it was good to drive one that felt like the way they were when they
came out of the Factory…I THINK that was a compliment.
Anyhow, to:
1. Clarify the story and
2. Wave a Red Flag that there is a brumby NEW part on the market
here is the full story:OK, you can’t expect to take a fairly comprehensively re-built car with only 15 Kms on the clock to a race meeting and not
expect any problems.
On the bright side, that Weekend I (1) achieved some “Running In”…in my last Running In some 16 years ago, the engine
was carefully “whipped in” as per the text books of the time, and gave nothing but blow-by problems from then on; so
this time, I followed the modern theory of “just drive ‘em” and (2) fixed some potential future problems inc a failing
pigtail wire inside the distributor, spark plug gaps that had mysteriously grown, and a sticking choke cable.
Prior to trailering the car to Warwick, I gave the Bugeye its first drive to the Transport Department at Chermside (say
10Kms from home at Mitchelton, Brisbane, Queensland)…full marks to the clerk there who politely re-registered the
Bugeye after 3 years off the road, including a change of engine number and Club Rego, right on closing time!
Half way home in peak hour traffic it started to mis-fire. I put this down to me being too clever by trying to replicate the
curly metal fuel pipe under the mechanical fuel pipe on early Spridgets (even though I actually have an electronic SU fuel
pump mounted down the back!), and getting too close to the modern extractors thereby causing fuel vaporisation…I took
a length of fresh rubber fuel line with me with intention of replacing it out at the Track.
The familiarisation laps behind the pace car came all too soon that chilly morning, and the lo and behold, the mis-firing reappeared before the temp gauge had a chance to move off the bump stop!
This was the start of a long weekend of heads down bums up under the bonnet, and I would like to thank (“Uncle”) Peter
Mansfield (thank goodness he had his soldering iron out there from the “Slot Car Nite”), Joe Bufalino, Troy Mansfield,
Debbie Jones (and Dad), and many others for all their assistance inc the Scrutineers and Marshalls who gave me a lot of
leeway, and my good mate and 1980’s SCCQ President John (Mac) McConnell for keeping everyone amused with the way
he was putting sh*t on me, and to my good mate Graham Harris (Founding Member and current SCCQ Treasurer) for
encouraging him!........collectively they sounded like “Statler” & “Waldorf” from “The Muppets Show” (the two old guys
up in the balcony!!).
THEN, in the late afternoon of the second/last day when everybody else was packing up, Tony Young from the Victorian
Club wandered up and said: “Why don’t you substitute yours with my complete spare distributor?”……”Whoombah!” on
the first try!!!!!!!!!!!
So then Tony said: “Why don’t you throw your distributor rotor button away, and use mine!”
And I protested, with a quivering bottom lip: “But it is only 15 Kms old!”
Then he went on to say that the Vics had already experienced this problem, and he has subsequently sent me the Web
article that is reproduced at the bottom of this tome (I am not intentionally trying to make the Reader suffer for as long as
I did on that weekend!).
Briefly, with regard to the offending rotor button, the formerly “Bakelite” construction is now plastic of a high carbon
content….carbon is a conductor, as is the large rivet that has been introduced since “Lucas” days, as is the spring metal on
the inside of the button…”duh”!
To this day, my Bugeye is performing brilliantly on Tony’s well used “Lucas” rotor button of indeterminate age.…….so of
course another really, really big THANK YOU for assistance on that Weekend to Anthony (Tony) Young of the Victoria Club
(AHSDC)!
Sprite On
In the accompanying photos, you will see the large silvery rivet in the offending shiny black plastic distributor rotor
button…all very pretty, isn’t it!
I am not sure how this item crept into my Stock because my usual Wholesale Supplier protests his innocence and put up a
very good argument supported by Sales data, with absolutely no Returns for failure…in the other photo, theirs is only
distinctive by the gold rivet. In the near future, I intend to take one of their gold ones on an extensive test run….as long as
I have Tony’s narly old “Lucas” one with me as a back up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Ovens
“The Frog Pond”
Rotor arm problem
Information from the Web, supplied by Tony Young
Distributor Doctor can now offer a high quality alternative to the commonly available reproduction
rotor arms which have been routinely failing and leaving people stranded.
This has been a sore point for TR owners for almost a decade now, but it also affects a host of
other Lucas equipped vehicles from the 1930's onwards.
Recently manufactured rotor arms have been failing because the typical "mix" used in the
injection moulding nowadays contains more carbon blacking and is therefore more conductive.
Still more importantly, the rivet which holds the brass inlay into the moulding is slightly longer
than the original, bringing it too close to the spring clip on the underside. The high tension
current, averaging 30,000 volts, is always looking for the easiest route to earth and shorts out
from the tip of the overlength rivet, through the reduced thickness of more conductive plastic and
the spring clip on the underside of the rotor arm, to earth out down the distributor shaft. Result no sparks at the plugs. The situation sometimes rectifies itself on cooling, but then reoccurs with
increasing frequency until the rotor permanently short circuits.
Sprite On
Classified Ads
If you have anything to sell, please contact me for inclusion in the next Newsletter .
For Sale
If you have something you wish to sell, please contact me and I will include it in the next
Newsletter.
For very reluctant sale!
1965 Sprite Mk IIIA, in mostly
original condition with some minor
engine modifications. Goes well.
It is to be sold unregistered with
assorted bits & pieces and price is
$7,500 (fixed)
Call Gary Seymour on 07 3281 9368
for more details"
Wanted to Buy
If you are looking for something, please contact me and I will include the request in the
next Newsletter
Trades and Services
Calling all Electricians, Plumbers, Builders, Mechanics, etc, etc. If you have a trade, and would like to let
fellow members know, contact me for inclusion in this section in the next Newsletter.If you have used and
can recommend a Tradesman – let me know. If you see a tradesman advertise here……contact them if you
need any work done. Let’s help each other out.
Sprite On
For all of your Pool
care products
contact
Scott & Natasha
Ph 3343 6654
_________________________________________________
For Restoration of Fine Bodywork on Classic Cars
Andy Whitlock
Ph 0405113007
_______________________________________________________________________________
S & T Custom Trim
Experience in all
Automotive Trims.
Mob 0468 697 070
_______________________________________________________________________________
Sprite On