Friday, December 28, 2012

An update on B8/88 from Ross.


Hi John
As you know the photos in the Wheels article are B8/88 that now lives in my shed. I have made a few changes to the car. New adjustable GAZ front shocks and coil overs, new 750 cfm Holley double pumper on the 351 Cleveland and painted the Simmons wheel centres charcoal (too much bling for me with the gold) and fitted new 225X14 BF Goodrich tyres. I also have the 5 original wheels and Nagari seats (Recaro's fitted at present). The spare wheel in the car has the original Avon radial still fitted in good condition. The previous owner, Dave Lillis, had done considerable work on the car in the 18 months before he offered it for auction with Shannon's. Sadly he was killed in an accident last September in Queensland. I spoke to him at length about his ownership of B8/88 and have an extensive file with receipts and photos of his work. I am very pleased with car and how it drives and performs. Some pics attached.
Regards
Ross

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Wheels January 2013

Not sure if it's out yet, probably is. Get down to the newsagents and get your copy because the retro pages this month feature the Nagari.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Race of Champions

Colin and Chaweewan went to the ROC on the weekend.
Looks like there's a bit of room left for the latecomers.

Some company for the Nagari.

New arrival at the Birdwood Mill.
It's the 2004 F1 Ferrari. It belongs to Bridgestone.
That's Andrew Moffat, Bridgestone's MD, clinching the arrangement of the long term loan with Marianne Norman, NMM Director. That's how we do business in these parts.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Still time to get in on the Molly raffle


Molly Taylor is a young Australian Rally Driver currently competing in rallies in Europe.
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation has launched 'The Ultimate Supercar and F1 Tour' raffle, to help raise funds for her 2013 Rally Program
We are hoping the Bolwell Club of WA would be interested in forwarding the raffle details to your members, to give them the opportunity of purchasing a ticket in this unique raffle and at the same time support a young Australian currently competing overseas.  The prize has been specifically chosen to appeal to motoring enthusiasts.
Molly has been living in the UK for the last 3 years, and rallying in Europe.  This year Molly competed in four events with an Italian team, United Business & BP Racing, driving a Citroen DS3 R3.  She competed in two events in Italy and two rounds of the 2012 WRC in Finland and GB.
Molly's competitors in the WRC events were two very fast and experienced French drivers,  Sebastian Chardonnet and Mattieu Arzeno, which offered Molly a very solid benchmarking opportunity.   Molly's competitiveness against these drivers (trading stage times throughout the event and leading her class in Rally Finland), earned her solid credibility within rallying circles.
United Business and BP Racing are very keen to do a full season with Molly in 2013 competing in the European Championship, driving the Citroen DS3 R3.  United Business have secured part of the sponsorship required.   Molly is now seeking the remaining budget to complete the deal.
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation raffle offers a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport holiday to Europe, valued at $25,000.  At the same time it's a fantastic way to join Molly's supporters group and help her 2013 Rally Program.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2013 MONACO F1 GRAND PRIX
ü  Fly business class to Switzerland

ü  Drive supercars around the European Alps for four days
 (Mclaren MP4-12C,  Lamborghini Aventador,  Gallardo LP560, Audi R8 V10, Ferrari 458 Italia + more)

ü  Watch the 2013 Monaco F1 Grand Prix aboard a Superyacht moored in Monaco Harbour

Tickets are $100 each.
Tickets are available on-line on Molly's website. www.mollytaylor.com.au/raffle
For people who prefer not to purchase tickets on-line, we have attached a purchase form which can be completed and forwarded back to the AMSF.
A link to a recent Youtube clip of Molly in action at WRC Wales Rally GB:
If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Kind regards
Coral Taylor
0417 446 940


Friday, December 7, 2012

1/43 scale Nagari model

From an "impeccable source" I have learned that a quality Nagari model is on the way from an established but undisclosed model maker. It is likely to be in resin rather than diecast but very high quality. Don't get too excited, it's going to be about 18 months to 2 years out. "These things take some time to go from inception to production (business cases, pattern making etc.)".

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Stolen Valiant.

Keep an eye out.

The story goes – About a week ago some guys went to look at a Valiant Station Wagon 1966 V8 at an old chaps house in Bolivar and he was not interested in selling.
He died 3 days later and a few days after that the vehicle was stolen out of his fenced yard.
If anyone sees or hears of this vehicle it is Fawn in colour Rego Number UCJ 733 Please phone Trudy on 8186 5605 or the Police as it has been reported to them.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Healey 4000.

This is the 4000 when it was in our club.
Here it is in 2012.
It's spent some time at The Healey Factory. It looks fantastic! That hardtop looks pretty smart too.


Monday, November 26, 2012

Diary of a Mark 4, page 2.

That's the back section pretty well finished. Hardly anything left of the old back. It's just about all new.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Where is it now No.13

In Slipstream November 1995. Snipped from Unique Cars mag.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Rosa, a Hong Kong martial arts great


You're in for a surprise from about the 7 minute mark onwards. (oops, try 5 minutes.)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Mikunis

It's a year ago now that Stacey fitted triple Mikuni HSR42s on the red motor in the J&S Hunter. Mikunis are meant to be good motorcycle carbies and are often found on Harley Davidsons. Motorbike forums continually report increased performance as well as better fuel economy. This convinced Stacey to give them a go. It took a bit of mucking about to get linkages and the manifold sorted but he was pleased with the results and they fitted snugly into the engine bay. Initially there were hassles getting the car to idle but it turned out there was an air leak. He upgraded the pilot jet and took it for a run on 23rd Nov. He was immediately impressed with the instant and light throttle response and noted that they were a definite improvement on the 465 Holley and also better than the triple SUs and the Webers. These improvements were made without yet going on the dyno to get the fuel ratio and jets exactly right. Stacey "had to get his head around the different tuning methods these carbs have". Already he was thinking of Mikunis on the grey motor as well as the Mk4.
In May Stacey was so pleased with them that he began making plans to use twin HSR42s on the Mk4 and inquiries began coming in for tips on fitting them, including from a guy in Victoria who wanted to use triples on his Torana.
In August the Mikunis were running even better.
In October the previously mentioned "guy in Victoria", Mick, fitted a set on his LJ XU1 with great results. He used HSR45s as he had a worked 202. Mick reports "the new linkage system works sh... hot. Smooth, no gripping, just goes varoom".
Stacey thinks Mick's throttle system is better than his. Mick couldn't believe his car started virtually straight away and continues to do so. Stacey says this is where the Mikunis are different to other carbies. He can not start his car for 3 or 4 weeks and it will fire up in just a few turns. A very forgiving and simple carb.
The ram tubes are screw on so Stacey has adapted K&N filters to the inner part of the tubes.





Saturday, November 17, 2012

Warning

Have a careful look at the location .... yes it is
South Rd, Edwardstown, South Australia
Rear-facing speed cameras are now here !
No more slamming on the brakes when you spot the Camry / Falcon parked on the side of the road.
By the time you see this one you are already pinged .....
Very sneaky !  

Check this engine plate.

351 Cleveland. In an XY.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Nagari wheel centres.

The source in Victoria for these wheel caps has dried up and it doesn't seem likely that they will be doing another batch. However, William Zuccon, a NSW member with a Fibrecar Nagari sports, after trying to find some of these wheel centres to no avail, has produced a CAD drawing from the single original one he has and is having some machined up using CNC equipment. He intends to get some extra sets at the same time. Don't know the cost yet, he's currently being quoted. If anyone else wants some of these could they let me know or email William at william@dodsandzuccon.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Kapunda - week 58

Last Saturday was Kapunda's Mega Garage Sale day. Over 75 garage sales in the town all laid out on a map that you could pick up outside the library. It happened to bring out the odd motor car from the back sheds for sale, like this Datsun 1200 powered Mk.2 Sprite...
...and this RHD Chev.
Brian sold his 2CV Citroen and a DS version as well and seen around the streets was this Morris Minor van...
....and the black LTD is out and about again.




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Diary of a Mark 4

Yes a certain yellow one that's going to be finished for Easter.

May 6

Have stripped the rear completely and got to strip the remainder of the front. Will then turn over and repair fibreglass and chassis. Also the front suspension will be done ....same setup but with better pickups etc. Also note motor, gearbox and diff centre - all ready to go. I will be using Mikuni HSR42s as they have worked real well on the Hunter (guy in Victoria has seen them and is going to use them on his Torana).

Aug 26

Have removed a lot of fibreglass that wasn't well put in - close to putting in a couple of layers and then redoing the rear frame. Have got a Mk 3 diff housing that is slightly wider track. Will then go to the front and redo the front frame and suspension.




Oct 4

After looking closely at the damage, I noticed a crack behind the doors - it was aluminium rivetted to steel with bog and fibreglass to add to the mix. Just not on. So what does one do? - pry, grind, hit, pry, crack - and there you have it. Crap removed - as can be seen. I will make up some sheet metal sections and weld to steel. Far better solution. The fibreglass shown is how a lot of the rear was - just peel off, not suitably prepped nor enough resin.



Nov. 12

This morning I did it - I cut the old chassis off and waited to see what would happen. Nothing, Yippee. Put a strap under the body but seems the glassfbre I have done has worked a treat. Now the new chassis section ASAP, after I fix up 2 small sections of glassfibre.