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July 2017
THE NEWSLETTER of the EASTERN CENTRE
of the AUSTIN HEALEY CLUB
Those were the days – see inside
www.ahc-eastern.co.uk
ROB’S RAMBLINGS
It has been a real joy getting the car out over the past month as the weather
has been glorious, however due to the cockpit heat in the Healey, mornings and
evenings give the most enjoyment as there is a degree of freshness in the air
that disappears in the heat of the day.
Can anyone really say that they have solved the „hot foot‟ problem? I know of
owners that plaster the bulkhead and footwells in heat-resistant material, lag
the exhaust and carry out all sorts of weird and wonderful mods but I am not
sure how well they work? Let me have you experience, meanwhile the MX5
owners branch of the Austin Healey Club has gained another member as you will
read below, rather a drastic way to solve the problem but effective!!
Rob
A LETTER FROM THE PIPEMAJOR (RAYBOULD)
Dear Rob,
Sadly, my race-spec 3 litre 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 BJ7 has had to go. In
recent years, arthritis largely precluded my driving the Healey so J9 had to be
sold (i.e. the Healey not my wife of 50 years last Dec!).
It has been replaced with a Mk 3 Mazda MX-5 Miyako Roadster Coupe. A
heater, cooling fan, power steering and an electric drop-head roof! However, it
is not the same as a ‘true blue British classic’ and completely lacks the 'head-
turning' roar of over 101 db from a twin exhaust!
I seem to have joined an increasing number of Healey converts to the
Mazda MX-5!
It is not mentioned in the handbook, and I'm too idle to visit the local Mazda
dealer, but how does one change the clock time?
Yours aye,
John
LETCHWORTH PICNIC 2017
EC attendance at this event grew came out of EC member Richard Mayes‟
membership of the Letchworth Garden City Classic Vehicle Club and as the event
grew so did the number of Healeys attending. In the early days it was a very
small event with a few cars in one field and a fun gymkhana in an adjacent one,
now both fields are taken over to cars and all sorts of catering and
entertainment is provided.
This year we had around 8 cars all of which were pre-1960, 100‟s, 100/6 and
3000mk1‟s. This is unusual in that there generally are more later cars at events.
Excitement for the day was provided by John Wilson (top L below) arriving in his
3000 with no brakes! As John is well-used to old (pre-war) cars with no brakes
this did not daunt him although his wife arrived rather pale despite the hot day!
It was good to see Richard and Kate at
the event albeit in Richard‟s day car, the
Healey is a bit heavy to drive during his
recuperation.
Thank you to Richard and the LGCCVC for another very enjoyable event.
Rob
TOURING TROPHY – 2017
The Touring Trophy runs from AGM to AGM (October to October) and I am sure
you will have been out in your Healey. If you want to be in with a chance of
winning the Trophy let Richard Mayes (not the Editor) know your mileage.
Entrant Date Trip Trip Total
Pat & Zara 22-05-17 Letchworth
picnic
36 478
Rob 22-05-17 Letchworth
picnic
52 258
LITTLE GRANSDEN CAR & AIR SHOW 27TH AUGUST 2017
IMPORTANT: Little Gransden show administration has changed the booking rules
for this year; you MUST book through me, Richard Mayes. Please send your
completed entry form, payment and self-addressed envelope to me at: 117 Norton
Way South, Letchworth G C, Herts, SG6 1NY
I will submit them all in mid July. As before Club Stands are limited to the first
10 people to enter. After that you will be parked in the general classis car area.
You can of course still use the facility of the event shelter. There are still a
couple spaces up for grabs so let me know if you want to be added to the list.
Richard
BATTLESBRIDGE EVENTS 2017
Battlesbridge Antiques Centre,
5 Maltings Road,
Battlesbridge, SS11 7RF
Alongside the May car show that has always been a favourite with Healey
Members there are other interesting events worth a visit throughout the year:
July 2nd - Classic Motorcycle Show & Bike jumble
August 13th - Classic Ford Show &Autojumble
September 3rd - Essex Boat Jumble & Small Boat Sale Contact: Chaddock &
Fox Promotions 02392 381405 (www.boat-jumbles.co.uk)
September 24th – Thirty First Annual Grand Motorbilia Day and Classic
Vehicle Show including cars, bikes &autojumble
For map, directions and other bookings see: www.battlesbridge.com
MORE FROM LETCHWORTH
If you have any photos
from events that you
have attended please let
me have them along with
a few words - Rob
THOSE WERE THE DAYS I was sent a copy of the Colne Valley classic Vehicle Club’s magazine by David
Singer and found this excellent article on Sprite ownership by its editor, Chris
Sharman, which is reproduced with his permission.....
Having read an article recently listing the tuning parts used on racing Minis, I
became quite nostalgic for the late 1960s when tuning parts for BL and Ford cars
was big business and “Cars and Car Conversions” was the must read monthly
magazine for enthusiasts
Winding back the memory clock to 1966, I raided my piggy bank and borrowed
from my dad and grandad to buy a 1961 Mk1 Sprite, generally known as a “Frog Eye
Sprite”. To pay for the “outrageous” insurance I had to sell my sailing dingy.
The Sprite was fun, having go-kart handling, but with only 42 bhp and wide gearbox
ratios, performance left a lot to be desired. Being a trainee surveyor, money was
limited, but this didn‟t stop me reading David Vizard‟s and Clive Trickey‟s tuning
articles in Car and Cars Conversions, plus Mike Garton‟s excellent book – Tuning
BMC Sports Cars.
I knew exactly the tuning items to be used
when funds permitted. Meanwhile I had
carried out minor tuning, comprising a top
end overhaul, and fitting a three branch
exhaust manifold plus twin 1¼” SU
carburettors. In addition, following an
accident with a non-insured Austin A55,
the metal bonnet gave way to a fibreglass
one, saving probably one hundredweight.
The front suspension was lowered
accordingly to compensate for the
lighter bonnet, plus an anti-roll bar
neutralized the car‟s tendency to
over-steer.
The large plastic steering wheel gave way to a period wood-rim type. I could wind
the Sprite up to 90mph on the Brentwood bypass, but by 1970 the Sprite was
ready for an engine rebuild and I gave my shopping list to an engineer called Tony
Wheeler who had been featured in “CCC”.
Classic days continued....
Bore block out maximum size – 995cc with flat top pistons to suit, the original
head was modified with larger ports and valves, reprofiled combustion chambers
and a head skim giving 10.1 compression. 997cc Cooper 2A 948 camshaft, duplex
timing chain, centre bearing strap, lightened flywheel balanced with the re-
ground crankshaft and clutch pressure plate. The piston skirts were shortened
and machined with multi annular grooves to keep the cylinder walls lubricated.
The weights of conrods and pistons were equalized. Much of the work was
subcontracted to Burton Engineering. The standard clutch was retained as the
car was used only on the road.
A 988cc Cooper distributor modified with “S” base plate, springs and bob
weights was fitted. To keep the engine cool a 10 row oil cooler was installed, plus
the fixed fan was replaced with an “aero-fan”. The Sprite now had 100mph
performance, but the exhaust valve to no.4 cylinder kept on burning out, even
fitting a modified Cooper S valve didn‟t cure the problem However I took the
Sprite to Wells Garage in Woodford where Tony Wells, a tuning specialist
diagnosed that at high revs, the exhaust valve was just catching the edge of the
cylinder block. On his advise I down-tuned to a Cooper 28G222 cylinder head
skimmed 30 thou to provide 9.1 compression, this particular head had smaller
exhaust valves, better suited to a road going 1000cc engine.
I was extremely fortunate to obtain a MK2 gearbox with closer ratios giving
50mph in second, very useful. Stronger Midget Mk3 halfshafts were fitted. The
brakes shoes were fitted with Ferodo VG95 linings. Competition shock
absorbers replaced the standard ones and the Sprite wheels were widened to
4½” with the insertion of steel bands.
The Sprite‟s modified engine
was smooth throughout the
rev range, power probably
exceeded a Mini Cooper.
The car could still reach
100mph (6500 revs), along
the Brentwood bypass, so
job done!
More from Chris next month...
EVENTS FOR 2017
Main events organised by AHC or where we have a club stand or attend
regularly will be shown in bold. Check on the website for the latest
information: www.ahc-eastern.co.uk
6th July: Friston, Saxmundham. Thurs. evening. 8th Classics on the Green from
3pm until about 9pm. Charity collection, no need to book, more info from
01728 687999 or from Tony on [email protected]
8th-9th July: Zandvoort Motor Racing including Healey racing and a strong
Healey presence with a „Healey Village‟ created by the Dutch Healey Club, plus
an opportunity to visit the Healey Museum [email protected]
9th July: Kimbolton Country Fayre and AHC New Members Day. Arrive
from 9.00am. As this clashes with Zandvoort there will not be a themed stand
but Clive is trying to arrange a dedicated Healey plot for 8-10 cars.
https://kimboltoncountryfayre.com/ or Clive: [email protected]
14th July, Friday, Newmarket Moet & Chandon Classic day. This is
Gentlemans‟ Day, a chance to dress up a bit (competition and prizes!) and
enjoy superb racing, parking your classic in a dedicated display area.
6th August: Higham Ferrers Classic Car Show Details from 07831 898138 or
from Roy on [email protected]
10th August, Thursday: Classic and Vintage meeting, Pirton, Hitchin, Herts,
SG5 3PX. Mike Frisby 01462 433716 or [email protected]
12th August: Cambridge and District Classic Car Club Show: Cathedral
Green, Ely. CDCCC have run this event for the last two years and it gives an
unrepeatable chance to park opposite one of the most spectacular medieval
buildings in England. Entry forms from www.cdccc.org.uk.
More 2017 events:
27th August: Little Gransden Classic Car and Air Show: Obtain entry form
from www.littlegransdenshow.co.uk , and send to Richard Mayes so he can book
you for the stand on a first come basis.
September 2017: Classic Highland Tour Details from Maggi in Feb Mutterings,
or catch up from [email protected] 01763 242910 and on the main web
site at http://www.highlandtour.co.uk
23/24th September: Warren Golf and Country Club, near Maldon are holding a
Classic Tour for up to 50 cars only on the Saturday and concours. The winner of
the Concours is to be invited to exhibit at the RAC headquarters in Pall Mall.
Contact Nic Waller on 01892 547850 or email him on [email protected] More
details on their website The Warren Concours d'Elegance. On the Sunday is
their Classic and supercar show.
24th September: Battlesbridge Thirty First Annual Grand Motorbilia Day and
Classic Vehicle Show including cars, bikes & autojumble. www.battlesbridge.com
22nd October: AGM and Sunday lunch. Meridian Golf Club, Cambridge.
MOET & CHANDON CLASSIC DAY AT NEWMARKET RACES
There will be a stylish garden party atmosphere on the July Course at this
prestigious racing day on Friday 14th July.
Drivers can claim the free ticket offer; passengers can redeem a discounted
ticket price of £30 Premier admission or £15 Grandstand and Paddock, both
inclusive of a race card.
Please register your interest with Angela soon as entries - British cars only -
may be limited. Parking will be in a designated AHC area co-ordinated by John
Bolden and the Woolpit Area Classics.
Angela Bonner [email protected]
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT FROM DAVE HOLMAN
In spite of being under the thumb and chained to the house to carry out some
improvements I promised to do about thirty years ago, the Hundred has
managed a couple of outings over the last couple of months.
I sneaked out with my eldest son to attend the The Donington Classic Festival
meeting up with the Midlands Centre. I found it a most enjoyable weekend with
none of the hype of the Silverstone Classic meeting, a bit like stepping back in
time. Then followed a quick dash to Battlesbridge [mentioned in the last
Mutterings] to join a very good turnout of Healeys and enjoy meeting up with
ex-chairman John Spalding (below) for a fascinating tour of the small but very
comprehensively stocked Motorcycle Museum. There are machines there that I
had not come across before and they have a regular rotation of exhibits so
definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
This month Sue and I joined a local club run up to Lincoln, the weather was good
and a varied selection of vehicles joined in. Three 100‟s and a 3000 were in the
run, unfortunately no Sprites [not even any MG Midgets] one of the 100‟s was
“P” registered but it was a very honest BN1 that had been imported at a time
when the DVLA were at their most awkward.
Chairman’s chat continued....
On the technical front I have been asked if there are any good garages in the
Chigwell area that know their way around Austin Healeys, I haven‟t had any
offers yet so if you know of any please contact me.
Another question arose about the angle drive for the speedometer on the Big
Healey, there have been doubts about the quality of the replacements available.
It is always difficult to comment on these without knowing all the details, at
the end of the day we are running 50+ year old cars and problems with cables
and speedo heads can contribute to the failure. One conversation reminded me
about a potential cable problem, it is a pain to change a speedo cable and I have
known people to just slide a new inner cable into the old outer. In my opinion not
a very good idea as the lengths may be slightly different, too short and it may
not reach the drive, too long and it could bind up when the fittings are
tightened causing a load on the angle drive, there is also the possibility of
different manufacturers using different diameter cable. If your speedo starts
giving a fluctuating reading it is a good time to check things out before
something breaks.
Another question regarded oil leaks, here again I have heard of the dubious
quality of the replacement pipes to the oil pressure gauge, with the rubber
going hard and cracking out of sight under the woven steel covering.
Don‟t forget 2018 will be the year
of the Sprite celebrating its launch
in 1958, buy one now before the
prices go up even more or make sure
that restoration project will get
finished in time to join in the fun!
Only 10 months to go.
Happy Healeying,
Dave (seen above R with Pete Taylor at Battlesbridge)
RESTORING THE DREAM - part 4
We are nearly there!!
The restoration of my almost written off 100 is very nearly complete. All the
outer panels except the doors and boot lid are in place, these being the last to
be fitted as it's easier to fit the interior trim and boot lining without these in
the way. A lot of the exterior bright work is now on and makes such a
difference to the general appearance, really 'lifts' it into the realms of being a
'proper' car again. A major help in this instance was the fitting of the original
radiator grille, only slightly damaged by some stroke of good fortune, and with
some gentle persuasion is very usable.
There were whoops of triumph when the engine fired for the first time, closely
followed by the scream of the many fire alarms as the extra lubricating fluids
from the long layup burnt off in clouds of blue smoke. All the workshop doors
were already open, and there was much wafting of fresh air and poking of
buttons high up in the ceiling with broomsticks. A team of very happy mechanics
and one very proud owner beamed at each other amid the chaos, we couldn't
speak for the noise, but at least the engine runs – and they know their fire
alarms work!
Restoring Angela’s dream, continued….
There is having to be some changes to the brand new leaf springs, they make
the rear of the car particularly sit far too high, so some major alterations are
needed. Quite why this problem has arisen I am not entirely sure, but even
allowing for some potential settling down, they simply won't do, but I'm sure it
will be sorted soon.
There is lots more to do, I had to leave before the headlamps were fitted, and
the side lamps were being difficult. The new front panels had to be adjusted
quite a lot to perfect the join lines and the 'off the peg' lamps didn't quite fit
the space allowed, so more gentle coaxing had to be done. However, progress is
being made rapidly and I expect when I go over next we will be nearing
completion. Watch this space!!
Angela Bonner
SOCIAL WHEELS, JULY, 2017.
Hello all, as I write in glorious sunshine, I hope you are all keeping a tally of the
miles clocked up in your Healeys and send them in to the Tourist Trophy.
Letchworth picnic and Euston Rural Pastimes were blessed with beautiful sunny
days and whilst in the region of ten or so club members attended Letchworth, I
only saw two at Euston Hall.
Both events were supported well by the general public, with many thousands at
Euston, David Singer was the last classic to squeeze an entry here, his lovely AH
100 being car peg number 305, in company with many more commercial vehicles,
traction engines and classic motorcycles. We are planning to make this one of
our principal Eastern events next year; there is so much to see on this vast
private estate, all in aid of charity, and definitely a day for a comfortable pair of
shoes! This year I saw heavy horses, traction engines, ferrets, dog agility,
hounds, the sheep show (which is hilarious), sheepdog trials, many differing food
and retail outlets and funfair rides for all.
I could have done with the sat-nav on the way out as having to leave before the
main exit was operational, the route snaked all around on the estate‟s private
tracks and exited onto a quiet lane with no directions of any kind. Even the sun
chose to hide behind one of the few clouds that day, and I was left in the middle
of no-where without even a celestial compass. I shall ask for exit signs on the
road next year.
We have lots to look forward to in July, some are soon off to Zandvoort and we
have New Members Day at Kimbolton the same weekend, 9th July. Put your foot
down if you want a late entry, ring Clive Cocks or check their website. This year
are Sealed Knot battle re-enactments, heavy horses, etc. and Sporting Bears
dream rides - yes I know, an Austin Healey is our own dream ride!
Cambridge and District Classic Car Club have invited us to join them on Cathedral
Green, Ely, a stunning location opposite the lovely medieval cathedral. Details
and entry forms from www.cdccc.org.uk
Social wheels continued….
The end of August brings Little Gransden Air Show and Classic Cars. Contact
Richard Mayes if you want a space on the Austin Healey stand, entry form from
www.littlegransdenshow.co.uk then send it to Richard who will send them all in
together.
See you all soon, wishing you many sunshine miles this summer,
Stay safe,
Angela
CAMBRIDGE AND DISTRICT CLASSIC CAR CLUB SHOW:
CATHEDRAL GREEN, ELY. SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST 2017
For entries go to
www.cdccc.org.uk
NOGGIN `N` NATTERS
Colchester area Varies Contact Tony Poulter 07835 653199
St. Albans area First Tuesday Contact John Keener 01494 728360
Crown and Sceptre at Bridens Camp,Water End, HP2 6EY
Suffolk area Varies Contact Garrow Shand 01394 389013
Regular road runs and pub meets – contact Garrow for details
Cambridge Area 2nd Wednesday Contact Rob Ransom 01223 524821
St Ives Golf Club, Joint meetings with Cambridge and District Car Club
Ongar Area 2nd Wednesday Contact Jim Sweetingham 01268 545429
Old Kings Head, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9PQ
Biggleswade Area Varies Contact Clive Cocks 01933 551885
Contact Clive for venue and timing
W Norfolk area 2nd Thursday Contact Dave Holman 01366 347412
Varies: Contact Dave for the latest information
Bury St Edmunds Varies Contact John Bolden 01359 240153
Location varies
EASTERN CENTRE COMMITTEE 2016/17
CHAIRMAN DAVE HOLMAN [email protected] 01366 347412
NEC DIRECTOR MAGGI BYFORD [email protected] 01763 242910
& WEBMASTER
TREASURER MIKE QUINN [email protected]
COMPETITION Vacant
EDITOR ROB RANSOM [email protected] 01223 524821
MEMBERSHIP STUART SELF [email protected] 01206 384872
SOCIAL & INT. ANGELA BONNER [email protected] 01223 890311
SECRETARY
MSA LIAISON RICHARD MAYES [email protected] 01462 623635
TROPHY MASTER ANDY HOLLICK [email protected] 01223 263089
GENERAL MEMBERS
DAVE HASLAM [email protected] 01206 385273
JOHN KEENER [email protected] 01494 728360
PATRICK LOUSADA [email protected] 01908 582851
TONY WITHRINGTON [email protected]
TECHNICAL SECRETARIES
100, 100/6 & 3000 DAVE HOLMAN 01366 347412
SPRITES (All Marques) PAT KIMBER 01920 420642
WARWICK HEALEY JOHN KEENER 01494 728360
VALUATION OFFICER FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES
DAVID SINGER [email protected] 01787 476264
Produced by the Eastern Centre of the Austin Healey Club. Comments and opinions
expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Club or the
Committee.
