VOLUME 44 - NO. 6 JANUARY 2018

I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Hopefully you get to cross off a few more "Bucket List" items during 2018. A few people have said to me already 'Where did 2017 go'? The older we get it seems the faster the years go by.

I would like to thank all those who have contributed articles during 2017 and I encourage those who have not to do so in 2018. It makes the role of the Editor so much easier when the members submit articles and/or ideas.Special thanks to Jodie, this is the sixth Newsletter that she has formatted, making my job a lot easier. THANKS! This Newsletter is a few less pages as I needed to get it to the printers before the Christmas shutdown period.

The Committee has a fantastic year planned for you, beginning with a run to Harwood Homestead (let’s hope the weather is better this time) with the A Model Ford Club in January. Please make an effort to bring your Club Car.Followed by our Swap Meet, the Annual Weekend away, the Scoresby Picnic, something different with a run to the Tynong Races plus our usual Midweek runs and loads more besides.

Les Thomas tells me he donated a 1950’s NSW telephone directory to the TAA Museum, the cover of which was, apart from the title, solely an advertisement for TAA. None of the volunteers there on the day had ever seen one. Les says he is "happy it’s in the right place". We think so too!

Lots to do in January if you attend every event in our Club Calendar. See you at one or all of them.

And to all those members not fairing too well at this time, we are thinking of you and wishing you all the best for speedy recoveries.

For all members attending our Swap Meet in February, could you please wear Club Identification so that the public can identify you as a Club Member. Thanks.

Enjoy the Read!Kevin Clarence – Editor

In This Edition: ____________________________Regular Features:

• From the Editor’s Desk • Committee Page

• From the President

• Calendar of Events

• What’s on This Month

• Running Board • Grins “N” Groans

• A Bit of Light Relief

Runs & Reports• Christmas Run • Overland Ute Update

For Members

• The Tool Box

• Centrefold • Minutes of the December

General Meeting

• Bits and Pieces

• Club Merch

• Classifieds

Feature Articles • Melbournian’s Visit to Hershey -

Part 2 • Every Thing Old is New Again

From the Editor’s Desk

Send All Contributions to

The Editor27 Fox Road

Narre Warren North, Vic. 3804editor@dvhcc.com.au

Newsletter Deadline: 14th January

Disclaimer: The Committee of the Dandenong Valley Historic Car Club Inc. and its members accept no responsibility for the views and opinions expressed in this Newsletter or for the accuracy of the information contained within and are not liable for any incidents or damage that may arise from information contained

Cover Page Sponsored by Shannons

www.shannons.com.au13 46 46

Newsletter Cover Design by Kevin Clarence

Photo Bundoora Homestead

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Well, another year has come and gone and if I enjoy 2018 as much as I did 2017 then I am sure it will be filled with lots of love, laughter and help, if previous years are anything to go by. I’m sure the older I get the quicker the time goes by.

When I was a kid it seemed to take forever for my 17th birthday to arrive, 16th February 1964, so I could go and get my driver’s licence. But the 16th was on a Sunday so I had to wait 1 more day to go to the Oakleigh cop shop for my driving licence test. On entering the police station old scarface asked me 'what do you want Clarkie?' I replied 'I’m here to sit my driver’s licence test'. He said 'I thought you already had it'. So he asked me 'what do you do in case of an accident where someone is injured'? Yours truly answered it word perfect! Next he asked 'do you know all these answers off by heart'? My reply was 'Yes Sir'. So he said 'let’s go for a drive'. We get into Ted’s EJ Holden (Eastgate Driving School). Scarface sits back left side and instructs me to drive around the back of the station and reverse park between the poles. On completion of this he opened his door, looked at the kerb and said 'good enough'. Next he tells me to drive out and turn left. I do as instructed and as I'm changing from 1st to 2nd gear I'm told to do a U turn which is done and once again as I'm going from 1st to 2nd I'm told to go past the Police Station, do another U turn and park in front of the Police Station. Hand brake on, turn off ignition and I'm told 'well done, let’s go in and fill out the paper work' which took longer than my driving test! I can't remember scarface’s name, Roger might though as I think he spent more time at Oakleigh police station than myself!!

Our chicken, pizza and champagne night was very well attended considering the weather that had been forecast for that night and the weekend. Santa had the night off. It was more important that this year he took Mrs Clause Cruising.

Heather and myself would like to thank all the members for the food and toys so generously donated to the

Wesley Mission. This is the second year we have supported them and Peter from Wesley Mission was overwhelmed and expressed his sincere thanks by the amount of goodies which will be carefully distributed to the needy. He had a good car load as he drove up the driveway.

Considering the weather on the Christmas Party Run, we had a good turn up of members with their children and grandchildren. We all fitted into the club rooms out of the rain with Santa arriving with his bag of presents ably assisted by his hard working elf.

The Christmas Hamper was won by James Sinclair and second prize by yours truly so we have something to eat on Christmas Day!

We have a very busy January with lots of club events: our twilight run to Harwood Homestead for a picnic dinner with the A Model Ford Club, Akoonah Park Men's Shed Midweek Run and concluding on Australia Day at Pioneer Park, Berwick with a variety of cars on display where we will be giving out flyers for the following week’s Swap Meet.

Safe & Happy MotoringIan Clark - President

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1927 Oldsmobile as drawn by GeoffStrahan in 60 seconds. Somewhere, sometime the Editor will ask you to draw a sketch of your car in 60 seconds. Alternatively you can submit your 60 Second Sketch (we’ll trust you) to the Editor at: editor@dvhcc.com.au

60 Second Sketch

* INDICATES POINTS FOR DVHCC TOURING TROPHY

DVHCC INC. EVENTS INVITATION EVENTS

JANUARY

5 * General Meeting. Chat Night7 * Twilight Run, Harwood Homestead with

Model A Ford Club. Picnic Dinner11 Committee Meeting Belgrave South17 Midweek Run. Akoonah Park Men’s Shed BBQ

Lunch18 Overland Ute Working Bee26 *Australia Day Display, Pioneer Park, Berwick

JANUARY

14 Korumburra Swap Meet

26 Shannons Aussie Car Show, Yarra Glen

FEBRUARY

2 *General Meeting after Working Bee from 9.00am Akoonah Park, Berwick

3 DVHCC Inc. Berwick Swap Meet8 Committee Meeting Dingley14 Midweek Run. FTG Antique Market, Tosaria,

Rowville for Lunch

FEBRUARY

11 Macedon Ranges Car Club.Picnic at Hanging Rock

23 Ballarat Swap Meet25 RACV Classic Showcase, Yarra Glen

MARCH

2 *General Meeting. Auction Night4 *DVHCC Club Run Coolart Homestead Somers

(TBC)8 Committee Meeting Narre Warren North16-19 *DVHCC Inc. Weekend Away to Shepparton

MARCH

11 VDC Yarra Glen Swap Meet and Show & Shine13–20 Graham Owners Club Bi-Annual Rally.

Phillip Island18 All British Classics Car Club Fly the Flag Tour. 25 GHAC Morwell Swap Meet25 Annual Kalorama Rally

APRIL

6 *General Meeting. Guest Speaker Chris Donaldson

8 *DVHCC Club Run Ebden House Black Rock (TBC)

12 Committee Meeting Seaford15 Scoresby Picnic. Theme VW & Kombi Vans

APRIL

7 Horsham Swap Meet, Horsham Showgrounds14 Echuca Swap Meet15 Federation Scoresby Picnic22 Maffra Motor Museum Swap Meet28, 29 Historic Tractor & Machinery Swap - Bendigo29 Swan Hill Swap Meet, Swan Hill Showgrounds

MAY

4 *General Meeting. Guest Speaker Kevin Cook Topic: Old Telephones.

6 *DVHCC Club Run Tynong Race Course

MAY

26, 27 Historic Winton, Winton Motor Raceway

JUNE

1 *General Meeting3 *DVHCC Club Run

JUNE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday 5 January 2018

* General Meeting and Chat Night

Sunday 7 January 2018

* Twilight Run - Harwood Homestead, Tooradin

Meet: Tooradin Village Carpark on the left hand side just over the bridge (South Gippsland Highway outbound)

Time: 4.00pm for a 4.30pm departure.

If you are going direct: Take the South Gippsland Highway outbound. Drive past the Tooradin Airfield. Make a U turn at the next cutting. Turn left into Harwood Homestead driveway. Club Cars (that’s pre December 1942) will be directed to park on the lawns in front of the Homestead for a Club Photo. Other cars please park in the driveway to the left of the homestead.

BYO: everything, chairs etc. The Club BBQ will be in attendance.

The A Model Ford Club will be joining us.

Wednesday 17 January 2018 - Midweek Run

Akoonah Park Men’s Shed

Arrive: 11.30amLunch: BBQ providedBring: Your Club Car (off street

parking)Location: Akoonah Park, Berwick

(Enter via Cardinia Street)

We need to know numbers so please RSVP as soon as possible to Ian Clark, by the January meeting at the latest.

Further information at the January Meeting.

Friday 26 January 2018

* Australia Day in Berwick.Go Local go Berwick!

Time: DVHCC need to assemble at Pioneers Park at 9:30am sharp. To park together, arrive together.

BYO: Picnic lunch, drinks, chairs, etc.

Depart: Any time after 3.00pm

Venue: Pioneers ParkCorner Peel Street and Lyall Road, Berwick. Please Enter From Peel Street

Cost: Free.

The Rotary Club of Berwick presents a celebration featuring musical performances, children's activities, flag raising ceremony, food stalls,whip-cracking and much more. Visit emergency service vehicles, vintage machinery displays, the wood-chop event and Cobb and Co horse and carriage rides.

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THIS MONTH

CPS RENEWALS When is your CPS due for renewal? You will find the expiry date on:1. The Interim Label on your windscreen.2. It can also be found on the sticker inserted

on the inside front cover of your Logbook.If you have problems when renewing at any VicRoads centre, ask them to check the VicRoads main frame computer which will show all the DVHCC Permit people’s signatures.

CPS APPLICATION Graham Bates (or Irwin Sinclair if Graham is unavailable) can now carry out Applications for CPS.

Irwin Sinclair and Graham Bates can endorse your CPS renewal form at meetings or elsewhere by arrangement. Please present your last log book when requesting endorsement. Attendance of a minimum of 2 DVHCC events (meetings or runs) in your CPS vehicle is a prerequisite for this, along with the 5 requested photos.

FEDERATION AND AOMC REPS MEETINGS FEDERATION: 10 February 2018 AOMC: 26 February 2018

UHF RADIOS UHF Radios will be used on all Club outings tuned to Channel 10. These can be a source of fun and allow everyone to keep together and not get lost.

DATES TO REMEMBER Berwick Swap MeetSaturday 3 February 2018

DVHCC Inc. Long Weekend Away - Shepparton Thursday 15 March 2018 to Monday 19 March 2018. Remember, you can stay either 3 nights or 4 nights.

Federation Scoresby Picnic Sunday 15 April 2018

DVHCC Inc. Presentation Dinner Saturday 2 June 2018

NAME BADGES Please wear your Name Badges to meetings and runs. It helps newer members and assists older members who are having a ‘senior’s moment’!

FIRST AID KIT & DEFIBRILLATOR The Club’s First Aid Kit & Defibrillator are at most, if not all meetings, Club Runs and events, usually carried by a Committee Member. Do not hesitate to shout out loud if you think someone might need assistance and the use of either piece of equipment.

They are there for your safety.

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THE RUNNING BOARD

MONTH NOTES KITCHEN ROSTER CLEAN UP ROSTER

JANUARY General Meeting Frazer & Carole Carless Graeme Chard & Byron Savory

FEBRUARY General Meeting Akoonah Park Everyone Everyone

MARCH General Meeting Ron & Pat Sinclair Max Hobson & Eric Hickmott

APRIL General Meeting Ray & Margaret Griffin Brian Jellif & Don Jones

KITCHEN: Help organise supper, fill & turn on urn upon arrival, put cups & saucers out for tea & coffee. Collect used cups & saucers after supper, wash up, turn off and empty urn.

MEETING ROOM: General tidy up, pack up chairs and sweep the hall after the meeting. Should you be unable to fulfil your duty please organise to swap with another Member listed in the club Register or notify The Secretary.

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GRINS ’N’ GROANSGET BETTER SOON Our well wishes go to Peter Lafrank following surgery to insert an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator/Pacemaker

Max Hobson is slowly getting there, now 50% weight bearing.

HEART ATTACK -V- CARDIAC ARREST A heart attack occurs when there's a blockage in an artery leading to your heart. This reduces the blood flow (and therefore oxygen) to your heart muscle. Without treatment your heart muscle begins to die and this can cause permanent damage to the heart. It can also kill you. Your heart usually doesn't stop beating during a heart attack, unless your heart attack causes a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction, where your heart's rhythm is disrupted and it stops pumping blood around your body. As your blood stops circulating, your brain, lungs and other vital organs are starved of oxygen so you soon lose consciousness and stop breathing. Without emergency treatment you can die within minutes.HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE Sudden cardiac arrests usually occur without warning; if someone has a cardiac arrest they will suddenly become unconscious and show no signs of breathing or a pulse. Identifying whether you are having a heart attack is more difficult and the Heart Foundation says it takes people an average of six hours to get medical treatment from the first signs of a heart attack.Defibrillation (electric shock) is required when someone is suffering a cardiac arrest as CPR alone cannot restore the heart to a natural rhythm to someone in cardiac arrest.IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD) -V- PACEMAKER Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) An ICD is a small device that's put under the skin on your chest, and connected to your heart with electrodes. An ICD can: correct an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) by making your heart beat regularly, give your heart controlled electric shocks to make it beat normally again if it has a life-threatening arrhythmia, support the heartbeat (like a pacemaker) if it’s beating very slowly.Pacemaker - The heart has a natural pacemaker to make it beat normally. If that’s not working reliably, an artificial pacemaker can be inserted to do the same job. It has 1 or 2 wires that connect to your heart’s chambers. It produces small electrical currents that stimulate your heart to pump regularly.CAN AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) BE USED ON A PERSON WITH AN ICD OR PACEMAKER? Defibrillation in a Person With a Pacemaker Since a pacemaker only administers low-energy impulses, it is not designed for times when a person begins to experience ventricular fibrillation, a condition where the heart quivers rather than beats. It is also possible for a pacemaker to malfunction, failing to deliver the lifesaving intervention. External defibrillation may still be necessary for a person with a pacemaker. If the implanted pacemaker delivers a low-energy shock while you are attempting to use an AED or another defibrillator, you simply wait for 30 to 60 seconds for the pacemaker to complete its therapy cycle before administering the shock.Defibrillation in a Person With an ICD The AED is not needed for someone who has an implanted defibrillator. However, if the implanted defibrillator is not firing, you can consider attaching an AED (it is possible the implanted defibrillator is not working properly). The AED will not harm the implanted defibrillator.The recommendations under the ANZCOR (Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation) Guideline 11.4 - Electrical Therapy for Adult Advanced Life Support states "In patients with an ICD or a permanent pacemaker the defibrillator pad/paddle is placed on the chest wall ideally at least 8 cm from the generator position".

Resources: http://www.abc.net.au/health/features/stories/2014/07/11/4041687.htmhttps://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/living-with-heart-disease/heart-procedures-and-devices https://blog.foremostequipment.com/can-you-use-a-defibrillator-on-someone-with-a-pacemaker/ https://resus.org.au/guidelines/ https://depts.washington.edu/learnaed/faq.php

LETTER OF THANKS:

Hi Heather and Ian

Well the donations went down a treat. The food was snaffled immediately by our Families for Food Program. The toys will go to Children’s Services on the 6th floor but the bags with the inflatable pillows are going to homelessness.

What was funny was watching my colleagues come in, see the amount of donations and their jaws dropped open. The food made up five boxes, the toys four and the pillow bags are one huge armful.

Peter HairTeam LeaderAged Care, Eastern Region

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Born 20 June 1909 in Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, educated in London. At age 18 he went to Papua New Guinea, seeking his fortune in tobacco planting and metals mining. He spent the next five years oscillating between the New Guinea and Sydney. Australian filmmaker Charles Chauvel was making a film “In the Wake of the Bounty” in 1933, and was looking for someone to play the role of Fletcher Christian. He went on to star in Stage and Screen where he is best known.

Send your answer to editor@dvhcc.com.au___________________________________________________________

Answer to last month’s Who am I? - Eleanor Thornton - and the Jelly Beans go to Brenda Chessum with the first correct answer.

WHO AM I ?

THE TOOL BOX

LINDSAY’S ODD SPOTDid you know that:• Baby African elephants throw themselves headfirst into

mud when they are grumpy.• Humans share about 50 percent of their DNA with

bananas

BRAIN TEASER

What is this?

Answer on Page 20

AGE-OLD DEFICIENCY

It’s about time the authorities did something about older drivers on our roads.

For far too long older drivers have caused havoc as they hog the left lane, stick to the speed limits (even the road work limits) and stop at stop signs, causing great inconvenience and often preventing others from doing whatever they like.

Another major concern is that by avoiding fines and demerit points, they are not doing their bit for the revenue of our state, and are therefore placing a further burden on young drivers.

Until older drivers can prove that they are proficient at weaving in and out of traffic, driving while texting, using drugs or doing burnouts, they must be banned from holding a licence.

Supplied by Brenda Chessum

A. Praying to the porcelain godB. Pretending to be a Registered PlumberC. Wondering who stole the toilet seatD. Looking for LyalE. Installing a new WCF. Just simply doing the housework

WHAT’S MARG DETEZ DOING HERE?

Sunday 3 December saw the annual combined Christmas party at Warragul. This year it was the West Gippsland Restorers Club’s turn to host the event.

A small contingent of Dandy Valley members met at the BP Service Centre in Officer, enjoyed a cuppa and a natter before heading off to the WGVRC Club Rooms in Warragul.

The reports of pending storms obviously concerned some members as the Clark’s Chev Suburban and Les Lucas’s Chev were the only Club vehicles leaving for the event. Everyone else opted for younger more modern transport.

Arriving at Warragul we were met by a small group of enthusiastic WGVRC members who had prepared for our arrival by making a very impressive and delicious morning tea, you can’t beat country hospitality.

After meeting new and old friends, we soon settled in to do what we do best, have a cuppa, have something to eat and have a natter. One of our hosts looked at me at one stage and said, “you’re a noisy bunch aren’t you!” to which my answer was “Not us, must be your lot!" Regardless of who was making the most noise we all seemed to be enjoying ourselves.

Due to the weather the children’s outside events were cancelled so inside activities were organised for them in one of the hall’s rooms.

The morning soon passed, as did lunch and soon the jingle of sleigh bells was heard and a funny grey haired man in a red suit appeared in the doorway, much to the delight of the children. It was lovely to see the faces of the children as they received their gift from Santa.

There was a little bit of confusion when it was realised that Santa’s sack was two presents short, but Santa’s helpers soon found these at the bottom of the sleigh. The presents must have fallen out of the sack when Santa was negotiating the turbulent thunder storms.

With the last two presents given out, Santa drew the Raffle for the two Hampers. The luck was with our Club this year with James Sinclair winning the 1st Prize and Heather Lyons winning the 2nd Prize. Santa thanked his helpers, wished us all a Merry Christmas and headed back to the North Pole to restock his Sleigh.

Ian Clark thanked the West Gippsland Restorers Club Committee and members for being excellent hosts and making us most welcome and told them he hopes to see everyone at Nar Nar Goon next year.

We were all soon headed home after another very enjoyable Club day.

by Gary Stocking

Members in Club Cars

Les Lucas 1927 ChevroletIan Clark & Heather Lyons 1938 Chevrolet Hearse

Members in Other Cars

Irwin & Bev & James & Seth & Chelsea Sinclair, Michael & Sandra Cogley, Gary & June Stocking, Frazer & Carole Carless, Sam & Myra Capes, Jim & Cici & Anita & Jess Lang, Chris & Emma & Cayden & Alana Donaldson, David & Sue Pater

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THEIR EYES BRIGHTENED AS THEY HEARD THE SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING

Meeting Opened at 8.00pm.

President’s Report: Ian welcomed everyone and read out an apology from Santa who could not attend!

Apologies: Roger Bowen, Margaret Griffin, Noelle and Peter Mathews, Graeme Moody, Les Lucas, George and Carol Rae, Ray Smith, Joy and Lindsay Tharle, Neville and Cheryl Young, Chris Donaldson, Les and Pauline Standing, Peter Lafrank

Minutes Motion: That the minutes of the October General Meeting, as they appeared in the November 2017 Newsletter, are accepted.Moved: Sue Pater Seconded: Stan Synders Passed

Secretary’s Report:

November 2017 Inward correspondence• Letter from JLT reminder on insurance payment• AOMC – Great Australian Rally for 2018 cancelled and will

return in 2019• Email exchanges between Kevin and Classic car show at

Edrington Park in Berwick – initially they wanted to run this the same day as our Swap meeting

• VCCC Ballarat Begonia Rally 16-18 February 2018 entry forms – by email and mail

• Newsletter from Eastern Palliative Care• Shannons Aussie Car Show _ Australia Day at Yarra Glen• AOMC AGM on November 27 – agenda items• JLT Certificate of Currency for our Insurance – a copy I have

placed on our Dropbox• Change of Email address from Bruce Kerr of the Ballarat Club• Thank you card from Cadillac Club for use of Trailer

Advertising Flyers• Retroautos November newsletter• The Farmers place, café and market at Anglesea – place to

visit• Weerama Festival - celebrating its 40th year in Wyndham –

March 17 and 18• Rare Spares * 2• Shannons * 5• Neltronics Electronics• Shepparton Motor Museum promoting the local farmers

market• CIL travel saver card• Enthusiast Motor Insurance• RACV Classic Showcase Sunday February 25, 2018, T=Yarra

Glen Racecourse• Sporting Car Club of South Australia - Adelaide Motorsport

Festival – December 9• Garage Sale covering Items for Ford, Holden, Toyota, Nissan,

Mazda, Hyundai plus lots of equipment: Saturday 9th December 2017

8 Club Magazines by Post

2 Club Magazines by Email

November Outward correspondence• 2 Letters to JLT saying we posted our no claim

declaration and cheque to JLT for 2018 insurance• Get well cards to Brain Rankine and Sam Capes

Motion: That the Secretaries report be acceptedMoved: Jim Lang Seconded: Mazz Lafrank Passed

Treasurer’s Report: Stan outlined the financial transactions for November and outlined what funds had been placed on term deposit.

Motion: That the Treasurer’s report for October be accepted.Moved: Stan Snyders Seconded: Sue Pater Passed

Federation Report – Nil

AOMC Report – At their AGM Graeme Moody has been elected to the committee – further details in the newsletter

Editor & Webmaster Report – Kevin outlined this month’s newsletter would be shorter and requested that as is Christmas time he needs entries for the newsletter earlier than normal

Swap Committee Report – Ian outlined that everything is on track

CPS Report. John asked for people that want extra Club badges to let him know

Past Events • November 5 – club run to TAA museum at Essendon airport –

Pity not more people attended• November 12 – Dandy Show – well supported and good day • November 16 – Working Bee on the Overland – probably only

two days more required

Future Events • December 3 – Christmas Party to be organised by Warragul

club this year – meeting at Berwick Service centre for 9.30 departure

• January 5 – General Meeting – chat night• January 7 – twilight run to Harwood Homestead – We are to

meet the Model A club at the Tooradin car park at 4 pm and that we will bring a BBQ for people to use

• January 17 – Mid week run to Men’s Shed in Berwick• January 18 – Working Bee on Overland at Peter Lafrank’s• January 26 – Australia Day in Berwick• February 2 and 3 – General meeting and Swap

General Business • Sam Capes spoke on:

• John Woods funeral• Speaker on Dementia that he recommends for the

club one night• Kevin spoke on Bendigo Swap – Saturday was good and

Sunday a waste of time

Car or Parts for Sale Jim Lang is looking for a 12volt wiper motor that sits near top of windscreen

Meeting Closed 8.45pm

Jim Lang - SecretaryIan Clark - President

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Minutes of the General Meeting of the DVHCC Inc. held at Dandenong Agricultural Society on 1 December 2017

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MODEL 91 OVERLAND UTE PROJECT - Update

Working Bee - 16 November 2017 Arriving at the Lafrank Factory in Oakleigh, Irwin and I found the factory a hive of activity with several workers swarming over the Ute (sorry about the puns, I won’t use anymore in this report).

The aim of the project is to return the vehicle to running condition so that it can be driven safely within or near the Museum grounds. Care is being taken to retain the patina of the vehicle so it still looks as though it is original as received by the Museum.

By the end of the day work had progressed steadily with the front axle being reassembled, king pins shimmed, front tyres back on the rims and wheels back on the ute. Another ammeter was fitted as well as various wiring connections. The fuel tank was removed, inspected for leaks, cleaned of excessive mud in unseen areas and refitted. Various other tasks were also conducted with some parts being taken home by some of the workers to continue restoring them.

By mid afternoon it was decided to call it a successful day and adjourn until after Christmas when hopefully we will have another rear 23-inch tyre and have sourced or repaired a few other parts needed.

The workers were very thankful to Mazz Lafrank for making scones with jam and cream for morning tea (pity Peter left the cream behind in the fridge) and also Margaret Detez for making delicious sandwiches for lunch.

If anyone is interested in being involved in the next working bee, contact Graham Bates who will be more than happy to give you details of when it will be.

Gary StockingWANTED: 1 – 23” tyre for the Overland Ute project. If you have 1 – 23” x 4.50 (or 2 – 23” x 5.00) please contact Graham Bates. Mob: 0407 512 686.

In Part One I failed to mention that we were not staying at a hotel in Hershey but were staying in the next Town, around 15 miles away. As we were on a road trip we usually only booked the next night’s accommodation the night before we arrived there. This, and also the fact that we were looking at low cost budget prices (often less than 40.00US), meant we stayed at some pretty sleazy Motels, that in some instances others refused to stay in. The Motel we stayed in here was one of those memorable ones, for all the wrong reasons. Anyway I was not deterred by this. I was here for Hershey and no soggy carpets, stained bed linen or crawling critters was going to ruin that.Following the free motel breakfast (where in Australia would you get bed and breakfast for two at those prices?) we headed back to Hershey. The plan was to start at the AACA Clubs Automotive Museum and Club Rooms.

Arriving at the carpark we were met by a club member who asked if we were there just to see the museum or were we there for the “behind the scenes donut and coffee morning”. On further enquiry it turned out that we had stumbled on one of the special events planned for the AACA members. For a small donation we were entitled to a cup of coffee and a donut to enjoy whilst we toured a rather large, plane hangar size shed at the rear of the museum that contained around 100 over flow vehicles that would not fit in the museum and are not usually available for viewing. Imagine all those sticky fingers pawing all those unique cars.

Thinking this was a good deal I paid a donation and walked into the shed. I thought I was in heaven. Standing just inside the doorway was a beautifully restored 1924 REO Hearse. This alone made my whole trip worthwhile. It appears this hearse was also used in the 20’s and 30’s to smuggle bootleg liquor in coffins across state lines. The shed was crammed full of all sorts of magnificent vehicles from veterans to 70’s limos used by various famous movie stars.

Moving on from here we walked up to the main Museum. This place is exceptional, three floors of cars, bikes, trucks and busses displayed with all sorts of automotive memorabilia as well as many interactive displays to keep everyone entertained. The real drawcard for me here was the prototype for the Tucker Torpedo, a concept car that was never built but is currently being created from the original plans. This vehicle was only on display in the museum for a week during the swap and was well worth the effort to see it.

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A MELBOURNIAN’S VISIT TO HERSHEY – PART 2

Following two hours of drooling over the museum cars I thought I had better get over to the swap stalls. The AACA were running free shuttle busses on four different routes around the town. The Museum was on one of the routes making it very easy to get to the swap. June and the others were going off into town and I would meet them back at the bus stop when I had finished. The bus ride only took 10 minutes to the car corral where there were around 1000 cars on display for sale. Again, there were all sorts of cars here from veterans to muscle cars all in either restored or very good original condition. The prices also surprised me. There was the odd fully restored car that had an unrealistically high price. But most of the cars for sale were less than half the price you would pay here in Australia . I saw at least 10 cars that I would be happy to purchase for the advertised price and bring home. Pity we are having importing issues due to the current asbestos regulations. Hopefully common sense will prevail soon.

Having my fill of cars for sale I turned my attention to the actual swap stalls. There were four different paddocks with stalls as far as you could see. Being on the road trip I had no room to bring home anything bigger than a brick, so it made it very hard walking around looking at all the bargains I could see at every turn. I was also impressed at the amount of original vintage parts for sale. Not only American parts but a lot of European Vintage parts. The other thing I noticed was that the condition of these Vintage parts was very good. I spent a very pleasant 5 hours walking around the swap talking to a lot of very interesting buyers and stall holders.

By around 4.30pm I realised I was just walking the isles and not really looking at anything anymore. It was obviously time to leave.

If anyone is heading to that part of America, it is well worth attending the Swap just for the experience and if you are not there during the swap the AACA Museum is well worth the visit. There is also the Hershey Chocolate factory to visit if you get hungry.

I am glad to have made the effort to visit Hershey and tick it off my bucket list.

by Gary Stocking

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Not Peter Allen this time but John Jenkins.

Motors have not always used petrol for fuel. 1839 saw the first gas producer unit. In 1860 coal gas was first used to successfully power a gas engine. In 1901 a vehicle was the first to use a gas producer rather than petrol.

WWII resulted in massive consumption of fuel, but not for motorists. Petrol rationing was introduced in Australia in 1940. Motoring was restricted to 40 miles per week. Many motorists put their cars on blocks and so they remained immobile until the end of the war. However, entrepreneurial inventors and some motorists turned to charcoal burners to overcome fuel shortages. A commercially produced burner cost between £45 and £70. For comparison, an Austin, if it was available, would have cost £250.

Many vehicle owners purchased a gas producer. These were commercially produced in Melbourne and other localities. Numerous other countries also manufactured gas producers. Simply explained, wood or charcoal can be burnt under controlled conditions to produce a combustible gas that can be used to power a motor. The limited oxygen combined with the carbon (charcoal) to produce carbon monoxide. This odourless and colourless gas is highly poisonous, but it is combustible and explosive. When operating, a small quantity of charcoal near the air inlet of the hopper would burn and produce gas. The amount of combustion varied as per the demand of the motor. A greater speed resulted in a greater flow of air and hence combustion.

Charcoal was commercially produced in quantity in many places. Near Gembrook in Victoria is Kurth Kiln. Here the Victorian Government established a kiln. Local timber was stacked into a kiln and partially burnt in a controlled atmosphere which limited available air and thus oxygen.

Gas producers were large contraptions that were usually attached to the rear of the car. Typical dimensions were 0.9 – 1.2m wide and about 1m high. They consisted of a hopper which was a large air tight container in which charcoal was placed. A radiator was needed to cool the gas. As the gas produced would carry grit or ash, a filter was needed. These gas producers were heavy, inconvenient, bulky and unsightly, but they enabled transport.

Charcoal was purchased for 18 pence per 50 pound bag. For comparison, petrol, when available, was 20 pence per gallon, and so charcoal powered cars were cheaper to run than a petrol driven car.

Here is the operating procedure. First, empty a bag of charcoal into the hopper and seal it. Now start the car with petrol. Some owners then switched to a kerosene mixture to save precious petrol. Next, a butterfly valve on the mixer was

opened to draw air thru the charcoal. After a few minutes, a rag on a wire would be dipped in kerosene and lit. This was pushed into the air inlet of the burner. When some of the charcoal commenced to burn, the wire and rag was withdrawn to be used another day. When enough gas was being produced, the petrol was stopped and the car was then gas powered.

Thus, after about 11 minutes, driving could commence in 1940 style, this was accomplished by extending the right hand out of the window to indicate a right turn, or your intention to slow or stop by using the prescribed signals. The left hand was used to change gears as automatic gearboxes were for the future. Any spare hands (?!) would hold the steering wheel as required by law.

Stop start motoring was inconvenient, and so cars were often left running outside shops.

To garage your car, the procedure was to stop the motor, open the hopper and throw a lighted match whilst standing upwind some distance away. After all flammable gases were dealt with, the hopper was closed and the car was pushed into the garage. Later, the hopper and filters and air inlet would be cleaned to be ready for the next journey.

Gas producers were also mounted on trucks, tractors, rail motors, rail cars and even some power stations. There were even a few motor bikes with gas burners.Some vehicles carried a huge bladder on a roof rack. This contained town gas as an alternative fuel. A pipe from the bladder delivered gas to the motor.

So gas producers helped during petrol restrictions, but there were disadvantages apart from those mentioned. Wear on the motor was exacerbated, one person claimed to have left Adelaide a platinum blonde, and arrived in Melbourne as a dusky brunette.

The revival? During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, various individuals have improved gas producers and they have been modestly successful. The ugly black burners of war time were replaced by much neater stainless steel tanks. These were mounted on the rear of a utility, on a trailer or on the rear of a car. In 1957, the Swedish government did research to enable the nation to cope should there be a sudden fuel shortage. Local forests were to supply the necessary wood for the gas producers.

So what is the future? Producer gas driven cars are using a renewal fuel and are kinder to the environment. They do not produce harmful products associated with diesel motors. They can be economical. They can moderate a fuel shortage. Even so, I cannot see their adoption by other than back yard tinkerers and hobby people. I expect that the gas burner has had its last revival. Today’s motorists have been spoilt by our modern vehicles, and advanced electric cars and other innovations may bring us into a new era.

By John Jenkins

16

EVERY THING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

17

BITS AND PIECES

Congratulations to Graeme Moody on joining the Committee of the AOMC as a Rep for Veteran, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club of Wangaratta.

SUE PATER’S STALL AT THE BERWICK SWAP

Don’t forget, Sue Pater, Denise Nye & Judith Cowley are willing to sell your stuff while you’re working at the Swap. Maximum six items per member. Make sure your name is attached with a 10% marked up price to allow for bargaining. Also, a description on a separate piece of paper will help. Items can be accepted at the Swap’s Friday night meeting and early Saturday morning. Please pick up any unsold items by 2.00pm on Saturday.

Sue Mobile: 0419 561 340

****NEW**** DVHCC CLUB SHIRT Bisley Polyester Cotton Shirt

Available at Club Meetings. Purchase the shirt and receive a free DVHCC Cloth Sew on Badge $25

DVHCC INC. CLUB MERCHANDISE

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To purchase items, please see Graham or Sue Bates at the next General Meeting

FROM THE GEAR BOX

classifieds

FOR SALE:

19

To place an advertisement in the DVHCC Inc. Newsletter Classifieds please send an email to editor@dvhcc.com.au and attach photos in HIGH resolution, together with price and contact details.If you have sold your items or no longer want your advertisement inserted, kindly notify the Editor.

Unless notified, Adverts will run for 3 months indicated by the stars - * one month ** two months *** three months

1926 LATE MODEL OLDSMOBILE TOURER

Has been partially restored with some panels and some woodwork completed. All gauges have been restored and are in working order. Chassis has been sandblasted and primed and motor has been reconditioned. Many spare panels come with the car.

Selling price of $2500 is negotiable.

For further information contact Geoff Strahan on 0409 401 443**

1929 Model A Ford Roadster (as pictured) Red & Black, Restored. Mechanically OK. Needs new battery, and some small jobs e.g. replace the restored speedo. $23,000

MGB Mark 2 Roadster. Red with black interior. Engine rebuilt. $24,000

Triumph Bonneville motor cycle. Gold Club plates. 12K genuine miles. $8,500

Roger Bowen 0407 568 488. Wheelers Hill.**

1938 Oldsmobile

6 cyl side valve midnight blue older restoration new tyresand seats 6 volt optimum battery reliable drives well club plates$22000 ONOContact Ian. 0418 504 527

- Joseph Connolly

and

Melanie White

- Bill Vaughan

“How’s this for a personalised plate?”