June~July 2010 June–July 2010 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc.
National Executive
President: Ed Hayhoe ‘Beechcroft’ 19 Cabeleigh Drive, Helensville 0800 Ph: 09 420 6390 Fax: 09 420 6791 E-mail: [email protected] Vice President: Paul Edginton 35 Uretara Drive, Katikati 3129 Ph: 07 549 4569 E-mail: [email protected] Secretary: Mike King 21 Millar St, Palmerston North 4410 Ph: 06 357 1237 Fax: 06 356 8480 E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer: Peter Mackie P.O. Box 8446, Havelock North 4157 Ph: 06 877 4766 E-mail: [email protected] Club Captain: Winston Wingfield 7 Pioneer Crescent, Helensburgh, Dunedin 9010 Ph: 03 476 2323 E-mail: [email protected] Patron: Ian Hill Printer: Penny May, Aorangi Print, 125 Campbell Rd, RD 5, Feilding 4775 Ph: 06 323 4516 (wk), 06 323 4698 (hm) E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.daimlerclub.org.nz
All membership enquiries to the Secretary.
Contributions to the magazine Please send all contributions for inclusion in the magazine directly to the Secretary via fax email or mail by the TENTH day of the month prior to publication.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are purely those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Daimler and Lanchester Owners’ Club. Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc.
June~July 2010
Contents Page From the Driver’s Seat – National President’s Report...... 2 Getting Up to Speed – National Secretary’s Report ...... 3 Round the Bazaars – Daimlers on the Run ...... 6 Articles of Interest: The Overhaul of a Consort...... 9 Service Bulletin Number: G.1...... 11 Connoisseurs’ Coachwork...... 12 A Noble Car...... 13 Photo Gallery...... 14–15 The Post-War 27 h.p. Daimler...... 16 Service Bulletin Number B.5...... 22 Service Bulletin Number B.7...... 23 Daimler Straight Eights...... 24 Hitting the Road – Daimler Events Diary...... 25 Members’ Market...... 27
YOUR CLUB WEBSITE NEEDS YOU ! To be successful and maintain interest, a Website needs regular updating. I know our members will agree that our Website in its upgraded form has progressed significantly since Shane Gibson rebuilt it and offered his ongoing voluntary support as our Webmaster. Shane has recently suggested that members could contribute to the content by sending in photos of their favorite vehicle, together with associated descriptive copy. Additionally, members with a particular interest in any model, having researched its history, may care to contribute relevant photos and a supporting article. We would like to encourage your support in this area and ask you to forward copy as outlined above directly to Shane at [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your contributions. Peter Mackie
June–July 2010 From the Driver’s Seat ... A Message from your National President
I would like to thank our Hosts at the recent A.G.M. and Mini Rally. The venue, food, Rally, Faraday’s Museum, Saturday night entertainment and particularly the mind boggling visit to Beechams Empire of Excellence were first class. They even laid on the weather! The standard of workmanship at Beechams was absolutely outstanding and the range of work amazing, though I think I would have to win Lotto several times over before contemplating a booking. I would like to congratulate Des Cooper on the award of the Founders Trophy. Des has been a long time member of the Club and a keen supporter over the years. I would also like to thank our Patron Ian Hill for making the difficult decision with other worthy nominees. As usual, the best part was catching up with old friends and meeting some new faces and I am really looking forward to the National Rally in Blenheim. It has all the hallmarks of a cracker. Ed Hayhoe National President
Invitation to Daimler Owners and Enthusiasts The Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club have proposed a “North Island Get Together” in Rotorua for October 2010. The SP250 Clubs Rotorua maestro, Harvey James, has indicated his readiness to assist with preparations for such an event, with a little help from some Rotorua- based DLOC folk. It is hoped we will attract support for this event from the SP250 Club, Wellington Daimler Enthusiasts Club and DLOCNZ. This will be a great opportunity for owners and enthusiasts of the Daimler marque to meet and share our common interest. Tentative date is for October 10th–11th, an indication of your support would be appreciated. Mike King, secretary, DLOCNZ. [email protected] 06 3571237 / 0274 482752
Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Getting up to Speed ... A Word from your National Secretary
A warm welcome to Ronald Bavage of Snells Beach in Auckland. He has rejoined after an absence and has a V8 owned for 35 years. Barry and Judy Cropp of Thames have a Daimler V8 Our AGM went without a hitch. After a little prodding with a sharp stick, Paul Edginton took on the role of Vice President, welcome to the Executive Paul. All reports were passed unanimously, followed by some discussion on the “Single Make Club” involvement with the VCC Rally 2012. A copy is included in this magazine for those who may wish to participate. We will not be participating as a club. Winston also gave a report on next years 40th anniversary Rally in Blenheim. This will be held 30th April/1st May 2011. National is providing generous member funding so mark your calendar – NOW. Peter gave a brief report on the FOMC meeting held the previous week. They have a website www.fomc.co.nz where you can view there submissions and other aspects of their work on behalf of member clubs. They are keen to attract additional clubs to join the ranks to gain numeric strength and also spread their costs. The Hawkes Bay crew organized a great weekend, the 1913 Daimler parked outside, a great venue and catering, an interesting run and Faraday centre visit. For many, Dr Beecham’s restoration-plus complex was a highlight. For all, it was a time of fellowship for our members. This year, the Founders Trophy was awarded to Des Cooper. Des has been involved with the Daimler Club since March 1976, holding office at Branch and National level, certainly a most worthy recipient. Peter reports that Sherriff Empson extracted $53.70 from Rally transgressors, which along with any rally surplus will go to the Salvation Army. Times must be tough, a 20 cent coin was amongst the collection. (There must have also been a 50 cent as well!) We have completed a reprint of our rule books to include the 2002 amendments and have also updated to include gender corrections where necessary. These will be posted to members shortly. In October, we are planning a “North Island get- together of Daimlers from all clubs. This Rotorua-based weekend is being organized by Harvey James from the SP250 Club with assistance from Lindsay and Cathy Donahue from DLOC. We also look forward to support from the Wellington Daimler Enthusiasts Club. I have a disturbing tale to relate, I was recently captured and driven across town on the pretence of improving the pain in my knee. I was lulled into a false sense of security by some very nice young ladies, then bingo, this guy with a masked face drugged me into unconsciousness. Unbeknown to me, he and his masked cronies (they obviously didn’t
June–July 2010 want to be identified) severely severed my right leg, broke my bones in two places and then tried to repair it by gluing in some bits of metal followed by trying to tie it all back together with sticky tape and string! When I finally came too after this serious assault, I was in severe pain and totally unable to walk. These “nice” people then made me struggle out of bed, tossed me a pair of crutches with the instruction “walk as much as you can.” Yeah right! Several of my friends also tell me they have had similar experiences…….. However, thanks to these very clever people, I am now back home and the new knee is starting to behave as it ought, can’t wait to get back driving, working, climbing under cars, and all those other activities that make up my day. Mike King
VCC RALLY 2012 SINGLE MAKE VEHICLE ORGANISED RUNS 23 JANUARY 2012 In late 2009 I wrote to your Club inviting your members to join the Vintage Car Club entrants on the Single Make outing during the VCC Rally 2012 being held in Wanganui from 16–26 January 2012. On careful consideration, the Organising Committee has agreed to offer to your members who wish to attend, the opportunity to register for a participants’ rally pack at the cost of $100 per person (GST inclusive). The pack will consist of: • An entrant’s bag. • Free entry to the VCC Rally 2012 entrants’ village at Springvale Stadium on Friday 20th January through to the morning of Tuesday 24th January 2012. This will give access to the food areas, as well as taking part in all entertainment that has been organised there for that period. All food will be at entrant’s own expense unless a Club organises their own meal through the Rally Organising Committee. • Free entry to Manfeild Race Track to observe the optional speed events for pre-1965 vehicles. They will also see the demonstration laps of famous racing vehicles from the Southward Museum at Paraparaumu. • Free entry into the public day on Sunday 22nd January 2012 at the Wanganui Race Course. • Free entry into the Trade Show which will be held at the stadium adjacent to Springvale Park from Friday 20th January to Monday 23rd January 2012.
If your club is interested in participating on the single make day please register your interest with me as soon as possible.
I can be contacted at www.vccrally2012.co.nz
Winton Cleal Single Make Club Co-ordinator
Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc 12TH NATIONAL RALLY BLENHEIM 29th , 30th APRIL, 1st May 2011
Winston Wingfield and Alex Meikle of the Otago Branch are putting together a good programme for next year for the 12th National Rally Venues and Motels have been booked. National Committee are negotiating Ferry Bookings The Rally is open to all Club Members and Daimler Car owners More information in the next magazine. Start saving now We guarantee an outstanding weekend of fun and friendship
Update of Progress of National Rally 2011 Friday Night April 29th Registration and get together – at the Marlborough Club Saturday Morning 30th April Assemble cars for group photo and Concours judging Followed by National AGM and Lunch at the Marlborough Club Saturday afternoon After lunch a drive is organised Saturday evening Dinner and prize giving at the Marlborough Club Sunday Morning 1st May Drive to Winery for tour and lunch Sunday afternoon Drive back to Blenheim Then visit to Vintage Car Club BBQ Tea at Vintage Car Club End of Rally We are hoping for an excellent attendance and a great numbers of Daimlers. We would like to encourage anyone with a Daimler to attend regardless if they are members of the Club or not. Motel bookings at reasonable costs
June–July 2010 Round the Bazaars ... Daimlers on the Run
Auckland DAY OUT WITH THE DAIMLERS Written by Judy Hindman of the Jaguar Club. We received an email from the Jaguar Club Secretary Denise in March to say that Jag Club members had been invited to join the Daimler Club for a Run to Puhoi on Sunday 11th April. This sounded good to us so marked it on our calendar. We only got home the day before from a trip down to the South Island for an MG Club Rally and thought we’d be wanting a bit of a rest but a trip to Puhoi sounded good. A picnic was arranged first at Wenderholm, so we met up with other Jag Club members Corrie & Murray Jamison and drove up there for our picnic. The Daimler club members were a friendly bunch and were pleased to see 4 Jag Club members joining them on their day out. Tummies full or picnic fare, we all drove the short distance from Wenderholm up to Puhoi, parking behind the Puhoi Museum where we were going to be given a talk by local historian Werner Fischer. Some Daimler members carried on to park at the well- known Puhoi Pub down the road a bit, as the prediction was that we would probably all end up there afterwards. The historian gave a really interesting talk and was full of information about the area. He was a volunteer who obviously enjoyed his job. Afterwards we looked around the walls of the Museum at old photos etc. which were interesting to see, and then everyone walked down the road to see inside the lovely historic church with memorials to all the first Puhoi families on each window. Passing some old houses we then crossed the road to see where the first coastal boats landed in the mid-1800’s. The families from Bohemia sailed out to Auckland on big sailing ships, before transferring to the smaller coastal boats that brought them to Wenderholm. The Maoris then paddled them up the Puhoi River (they had to wait until high tide), which was so densely covered with thick bush in those days that the Immigrants didn’t have a clue where they were going! Some of the bush formed a tunnel right over the river. They arrived to find their 40-acre sections overgrown with primeval kauri bush and almost impenetrable vine that covered the precipitous hillsides and razor-backed edges – there was hardly a flat part of land anywhere. But it was this remote land, over the years, that those determined settlers carved out the leafy township that stands today on the banks of the Puhoi River. We of course ended up at the Pub and enjoyed a drink outside on one of their big wooden BBQ type table & chairs with other Daimler Club members, including Peter & Marilyn Davies who had arrived in a beautiful (to die for) Sapphire Blue XK8 Jaguar, which Ross was drooling over. Having been in showbiz ourselves, we have known Peter
Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc for many years as the bass guitarist of the 1960’s band The Gremlins. The Puhoi Pub has always been very popular with all the bikies too of course and there were several of them on this sunny afternoon enjoying a pint at the pub with their gleaming bikes all parked in a row. What a nice way to end a good day, having a drink with friends at the Puhoi Pub! Thank you so much to Bryan Davis of the Daimler Club for inviting members of the Jaguar Club to this most enjoyable day out. ______Hawke’s Bay Sunday 15th March we had a Daimler stand at “Wheels on Windsor” organized by the Hawke’s Bay British and European Car Club. Windsor Park is a lovely venue with trees all around, a large open area for the displays and the weather was absolutely perfect. There were a large number of many and varied cars and, as this year was the 50th anniversary of the Riley Car Club, 12 Rileys were the feature display. There were some very rare old vehicles and some new which I looked at covetously!! One was a lovely Aston Martin which I personally thought would make a very good Nana car. The “Last Ride” Harley Davidson hearse was also on display, as was a Boat Tail amphibious vehicle. In all we had eight cars on our site including V8s (one a left-hand drive) a Conquest Century, a XJ40 and one Jag which we used to a “spot the difference”. The trees we were parked under were old oaks and every so often we heard a “plunk” as an acorn dropped down. However there was no sign of any damage. We set up a picnic spot behind our cars. There was great hilarity as we tried to assemble the Club’s gazebo. In the end it was decided that we were missing another bag of bits, so we abandoned that one to set up another brought by one of the members. This also proved to be a challenge but in the end was successfully set up, albeit that not all the bits were in the right place, but we couldn’t face dismantling and it stood up for the afternoon. Ann Bowes Sunday 18th April was a combined outing with British and European Car Club to Pukeora in Central Hawke’s Bay for a time trial and BBQ. I travelled with Robyn and Mike in their newly restored V8 and other members with us were Tim and Ann Shaughnessy with their V8 and Ted and Ngaire Duffill with their Jaguar. There were many makes and models among the 32 cars that did the timed run, over a good mix of hill, tight corners and open highway. Mike talked me in to compete in his car and as a complete novice, to my surprise I came 4th. At the top of the hill the old Sanatorium is now a Conference and Venue Centre so to take a walk around to see the vineyard and panoramic views of Central Hawke’s Bay made for a special day. Margaret Duncan ______
June–July 2010 Manawatu Meanderings April 11th was our Manawatu Branch AGM; a fine autumn day saw a good turnout in Pauline’s garden for a BBQ followed by the meeting. We welcomed one of our more recent members, Lew Clinton into the position of Club Captain (no doubt he will be ably assisted by Gayle), and Dorothy Harrison onto committee. After a period of socializing, we set off for an arranged afternoon tea at the Tangimoana Boat Club rooms. We were expecting a coffee and a few savouries, but were amazed by the quantity and variety of FOOD they had prepared for us. We were joined by a few of the locals (I think some of them had never seen Daimlers before), making for an entertaining afternoon. On the following weekend, we continued the clean up at Pauline’s. Mike Daly borrowed a 4½ tonne digger which soon removed the rotting car carcasses. A large bonfire soon saw to all things burnable including an old wooden boat. Everything under the trees is now gone, Pauline is happy, our rally fund is happy and we had a great time doing it. The smile is still on Mike’s face, good one Mike! Mike King ______Otago 8th May 2010 An outing that has proved popular over the last couple of years is breakfast out. This year we had a good number of members and friends attend. Hopefully we will do the same this year. We continue to have outings and get togethers as often as possible. We had a run combined with the Jaguar Car Club recently to Taieri Mouth, then over the hill to Lake Waihola where we had afternoon tea at the Tavern. Our AGM was held at Careys Bay Hotel with a good turnout although we clashed with the VCC South Island Rally where a few of our members were attending. The Best of British Rally was to Lawrence this year. It was good to see a good turnout of Daimler cars. There were 102 British cars on the Rally. Also recently we went on a run to Oamaru to view Tempros Car Assembly of Jaguar D Type cars, then a tour of the Oamaru Stone Quarry. ______
Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Articles of Interest ...
The Overhaul of a Consort I do enjoy “Olive” our green 1950 Consort. While it is heavy, slow, sluggish, has decidedly marginal brakes, a poor steering lock and handles like a tank, this 60-year-old car has charisma galore. Large suicide doors give easy entry to a vast cabin space with all the smell of the old wood and leather construction. The heavy and lazy 2½ litre six and preselector box have a sound and feel all of their own, making these cars a pleasure to own and drive. Olive’s previous owner bought the car in 1955 during which time it served as a work and family car, it appears to have covered over 300,000 miles! It has been previously overhauled, but trouble is brewing down below where the up and down bits meet the round and round bits! The decision was made to put this in order, hopefully to make it to the 2011 National rally in Blenheim. I have a complete engine from a sacrificial car, the engine in a sad way, but able to be fully reconditioned. Roy Tilley provided the means to the end, having a full set of pistons, big end bearings and exhaust valves. The block will need to be re-sleeved as it is already oversize but the crankshaft is standard, meaning we can grind for the -20 thou bearings. The main bearing will need to be remetalled and line bored to suit, camshaft reground and followers refaced. The idea is to build up a complete new motor and swap it over leaving me with a complete spare from the car. I will update progress as the job proceeds, it is a long term project so it could be a while until the next update. At this stage, the block and crank are B&H Engine Services, Graham Millar has them cleaned and crack tested and will treat it as a “fill-in” job to keep costs down. Some time ago, Des Cooper (who has had lots of experience of Consorts) supplied me with some very useful technical information. The first part of this is reproduced here, I can supply electronically for anyone interested. CONSORT DATA. 1 Engine data. No. of cylinders...... 6 Bore and stroke...... 69.6 x 110.49 mm. 2.74 x 4.35 inches Capacity...... 2522 cc R.A.C. rating...... 18.02 Max B.H.P. at 4200 rpm...... 70 Max torque at 2200 rpm...... 116 Compression ratio...... 7:1
June–July 2010 ENGINE MOUNTING At front two bonded rubber blocks bolted to chassis frame brackets and lugs on front engine plate. Rubber blocks have staggered plates and are inter-changeable from side to side. At rear, similar but larger bonded rubber block bolted below rear of gearbox and to a short detachable cross-member. Short fore-and-aft link with loose rubber-bushed eyes between gearbox and lug on cross-member. Torque reaction mounting on near side. Stud on chassis frame bracket projects upwards through lug on engine plate, with rubber pads adjusted by nut and lock-nut. If mounting is dismantled, reassemble after main engine mountings have been tightened, and adjust each rubber so it can just be turned by hand. Over tightness or slackness will cause engine vibration. REMOVAL Engine and gearbox are best removed as a unit. Remove radiator and front wing assembly (two or three bolts each side under rear of wings to body, two nuts below radiator) after disconnecting radiator hoses and lamp wiring at push-in connectors. Disconnect all pipes, wires and controls, and front end of propeller shaft. Take weight of engine on slings under water pump and rear of sump, detach the front mountings from frame brackets, detach rear cross member from mounting, link and frame. Disconnect torque reaction mounting from frame leaving it completely on engine. Sling engine so that front tilts upwards and lifts out forwards. MANIFOLDS Water-heated induction manifold has lower passage connected to pump and upper passage to outlet elbow. Passages joined at rear. If end covers are removed, note that note that front cover gasket has central bar dividing passages. Rear gasket is open at centre. If cylinder head is removed for top overhaul, it is easier to detach manifolds from head and leave them on down pipe, than to remove down pipe from exhaust manifolds. NUT TIGHTENING TORQUE DATA Cylinder head...... 3/8 in. 26-41 lb/ft Main Bearings...... 1/2 in. 65-80 lb/ft. Big Ends...... 3/8 in. 26/41 lb/ft. Flywheel setscrews...... 7/16in. 43/67 lb/ft.
CYLINDERS Dry liners finished after pressing in. Liners can be bored to .040 in oversize before renewal. CRANKSHAFT Four main bearings. Thick steel backed, white metal lined shells dowelled in crankcase and caps. Front edges of shells identified by oil groove. End float controlled by front bearing, flanged both sides, and thrust washer against shoulder of journal. Replacement bearings must be butted and line bored and finally hand scraped if necessary. To test for butting, tighten cap fully and slacken off one side. Cap should spring open .003 to .004 in.
10 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Flywheel, with ring gear shrunk on and located by six grub screws, spigoted on crankshaft flange, retained by six set screws and located by two dowels. One dowel offset 5 degrees. Thrust button pressed into end of crankshaft takes thrust of fluid flywheel driven member. Thrust washer, timing sprocket and fan pulley pressed onto front end of crankshaft with two flat woodruff keys, and retained by hand starter dog nut. Bonded rubber torsional vibration damper dowelled and bolted to back of pulley. Oil thread on pulley hub runs in hole in timing cover. Test for clearance. To be continued. ______Service Bulletin Number: G.1. Section: Propeller Shaft Date: May, 1964
Vibration from Propeller Shaft Centre Bearing (2½ litre V.8 Saloon Model)
When vibration from the propeller shaft centre bearing is suspected, the following action should be taken: 1. Check to ensure that the engine stabilizer is in correct adjustment in accordance with the instructions given on Page B.57 of the Service Manual. If incorrect this can cause misalignment of the propeller shaft centre bearing and also engine vibration. 2. If vibration persists after checking (1) above, then proceed to adjust the propeller shaft centre bearing precisely in accordance with Pages G.6 and 7 of the Manual. 3. In difficult cases which do not respond 100 to the above adjustments the following additional treatment may be necessary. (a) After the propshaft centre bearing has been accurately aligned and the engine stabilizer finally re-adjusted the whole bearing assembly should be adjusted downwards 1/8” by inserting 1/8” steel washers between the centre bearing support plate and the underside of the body at the four mounting points. (b) In addition, the safety bolt (Item 21 Page G.4 in Service Manual) should be fitted with two rubber washers – one above and one below the safety bracket attached to the centre bearing housing – and a steel washer fitted immediately under the head of the safety bolt to provide a seat for the upper of the two rubber bushes referred to. Any rubber washers of the correct size will suit this application but they can be produced from one of the bushes (Part No. C.10126) normally used for the centre bearing bracket support plate and cutting one of these in half. Distributors should have such bushes in stock. Before carrying out these additional treatments the exhaust system should be carefully checked, particularly the flexible mountings because it is our experience that vibration is more often due to a broken exhaust mounting or misalignment of the twin exhaust system than from the propeller shaft centre bearing and this can be misleading. ______
June–July 2010 11 SPACIOUS COMFORT. —The roominess of the rear compartment is notable. Even with the occasional seats in use, there is plenty of leg room for all passengers. Windows, partition and rear blind are all electrically operated.
BOLD FRONT. — There is massive dignity in the arrangement of large head lamps and twin passlights around the curved radiator.
NEAT AND HANDY.— Tools are carried in a recessed drawer beneath the front seat.
HIGH FINISH.—The walnut facia board is a fine example of the woodworker’s craft. It carries two gloveboxes, one of which is fitted with lid and Yale lock.
C O N C E A L I N G C U R V E . — D o o r s are flared out at the bottom to give a smooth line and conceal the running boards.
12 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc June–July 2010 13 An Aston Martin approaches completion at Brian Davis and Clive Butler try to solve puzzle Beechams. of the magicians rings.
Des Cooper accepts the Founders Trophy from Dr Beecham describes the chassis work on a Ed Hayhoe, Ian Hill looks on. Bentley.
John and Cheryl Palliser at the Faraday Kaye Wingfield admires the 1913 Daimler at Museum. Rally 2010.
14 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Mike Daly makes short work of a Humber Some of the cars lined up prior to the Sunday Snipe at a Manawatu working bee. Rally Runto Beechams.
The spectacular Tesla Coil at Faraday Museum Thelma Jones plays the Bells at Faraday Napier. Museum.
Hawkes Bay British Car day. Hawkes Bay British Car day.
June–July 2010 15 The Post-War 27 h.p. Daimler A 4-litre Six-cylinder Car with Outstanding Passenger Accommodation (Daimler Digest, pp 5–7) It has always been the practice of the Daimler Co. to produce a wide range of cars headed by the state carriages used by the Royal family, and, at the other end of the scale, a car of approximately 20 h.p. rating, offering comfortable travel with moderate power. Between these two extremes they have also provided cars of medium engine size but capable of carrying coachwork suitable equally for social purposes in town or long- distance travel across country. The new Daimler DE 27 is the post-war exposition of this middle type, and has certain outstanding, indeed unique, features. Despite the engine size of 4-litres, it is one of the largest cars to be marketed in the world, and is by a long way the biggest car at present available from a British factory. Let us immediately assess this aspect of the car in precise terms. The average wheelbase for all British cars exceeding 25 h.p. tested by “The Motor” in 1938–9 was 10 ft, 6 ins; the new Daimler is 11 ft, 6 ins. The average leg room on the 1938–9 models was 60 ins from pedal to the front of the rear seat. On the Daimler this
16 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc figure is 78 ins. The average width for the rear cushion was 48 ins, on the Daimler it is 49 ins. Looking at the matter from another aspect, of the total length of the wheelbase only 56 ins is forward of the top of the steering column. In consequence, the measurement from the pedal to the centre line of the rear wheel scales 98 ins; that is to say without placing the rear seat farther back than this, over 70 per cent. of the wheelbase is available for passenger accommodation. The emphasis that we have placed on the length of this car should not lead to the supposition that it appears extravagantly large when seen upon the road. This tendency is avoided, and stability at the same time ensured, by careful overall design, while the proportions of track and frame height to length have been very carefully considered with results that represent great credit to the designer, Mr CM Simpson. The data panel indicates that the track of the car is 4 ins greater at the front, and 7 ins greater at the back, than the standard figure of 4 ft 8 ins and, even unladen, the overall height is kept down to 6 ft. It is appreciably lower than this with the springs deflected under load.
Achieving low build It may be asked how this comparatively low height has been secured without sacrificing frame depth, or the flat floor which is so desirable for this type of car. The answer to this question may be seen most clearly by reference to the side elevation of the chassis, which is reproduced in this article. This shows firstly that the frame depth is 7 ins, despite which the top comes only 1½ins above the hub centre. Moreover, even on full bump of the rear wheels the propeller shaft remains below, the floor level. This desirable result is achieved by inclining both the engine and the rear axle downwards. The inclination on the power unit is five degrees from the vertical and the line of the crown wheel shaft is tipped downwards so that in conjunction with an initial 1½ins offset obtained by using a hypoid gear, the rear end of the propeller shaft is brought 3 ins below the hub centre. As a consequence of this feature, the universals are running at a slight angle even when the car is fully laden, but this is actually advantageous as it prevents the bearings being loaded constantly on one spot as they are if they run exactly in line for the greater part of their life. The inclination of the rear axle plus the softness of the rear springs, which have a total deflection of 9 ins, has made it necessary to control the angular movement of the rear axle casing, which is normally substantial when making a bottom gear start under self load. On the DE27 this control is provided by arms attached to the rear axle at one end and running forward to the frame to a point immediately above the true pivot of the semi-elliptic spring. In consequence, the arms do not distort the normal spring motion and the drive is taken through the spring leaves, in the accepted Hotchkiss manner. The arms are, of course, given freedom in two planes so as not to restrict the accurate travel of the axle with one wheel only hitting a bump. The rear springs are damped by Luvax-Girling components with an interconnected torsion anti-roll bar. The frame itself is X-braced from the scuttle to the rear-wheel arch, the outer members being of box section both ahead and behind the braced portion. The front of the frame
June–July 2010 17 is inswept to provide ample lock and upswept to accommodate the motion of the connection linkages and the front wheels are independently suspended, a coil spring each side giving a total deflection of 8.6 ins. The linkage is of the wide- base bottom wishbone type, which is becoming increasingly popular, and a drawing shows how two sides of the bottom triangle are widely spaced so that one arm is well disposed to resist braking torque. MOVEMENT CONTROL.— The bearings are rubber insulated throughout, Angular movement of the the bushes being Silent-blocs, thus needing no rear axle is controlled by arms lubrication. The Luvax-Girling dampers at the front running from the axle casing to the frame at a point immediately above the true pivot of the are operated by a separate arm and the front anti- semi-elliptic springs. roll bar is run directly across from one damper to the other – a very neat arrangement. The track rods are laid out so that they swing about the same radius as the suspension links, and as radius of the top arm is less than that of the lower one, the front assembly falls into that category of I.F.S. which provides a roll-centre above the ground, with a slight departure from vertical wheel motion.
Unorthodox arrangement The steering itself is by a Marles roller gear. A point of particular interest is that in place of the normal inclination of the king-pin to provide castor angle, positive trail is provided by placing the hub centre slightly behind the king-pin centre. Although this is an unorthodox arrangement, experienced motorists will recognize that it has been used on many cars having outstanding controllability. Thus the fact that it is used by Daimler is significant, showing the designer’s belief that good handling is of first-class importance on all types of motorcars. The power unit is a six-cylinder, developing 110 b.h.p., and although new to the automobile world, it has a long record of development behind it. The first design was projected a little time before the war to fulfil the present peaceful purpose, but, in the meantime, the type has been most successfully employed for war-like ends in the Daimler armoured car. The very severe duties imposed by these vehicles has provided invaluable testing, and has enabled the engine to be brought to a pinnacle of efficiency and reliability. The combined cylinder block and crankcase is carried well down, and gives very good support for the four-bearing counter-balanced crankshaft. This runs in Glacier strip-type bearings, and it is interesting to note that in the big-ends these bearings are flanged over, thus locating the rod sideways against the webs of the shaft and preventing a minor source of noise and rattle. The oil is passed through a Tecalemit full-flow filter and service experience with this engine has indicated the considerable advantages which are to be derived from filtering all the oil all the time. The system does, of course, impose upon the owner the duty of giving the filter element regular attention.
18 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Proved in competition The cylinder head carries the inlet overhead valves inclined at an angle to the vertical in the now well-known Daimler fashion. It is perhaps worthwhile mentioning that this type of head was first devised for competition model cars produced for rally work and proved so successful that it is now uniformly adopted on the standard touring cars. The shape of the head is such that compression ratio of 6.3 to 1 can be utilized even with current fuels, and the figure of over 2 h.p. per sq. in. of piston area is very creditable, as it is secured at considerably under 3,000 ft per min piston speed. The manifold design plays a large part in securing these results and embodies a patented system of water circulation. In place of the orthodox exhaust heated hot- spot, the inlet pipe is surrounded by a water jacket which receives water direct from the pump and returns it to the main head off-take through the thermostat. Thus, during the warming-up period with thermostat closed, the inlet system is rapidly warmed and weak mixtures are acceptable soon after starting. On prolonged high-speed running, however, the manifold receives cool water from the pump and the mixture temperature is reduced, with benefits in respect of absence of detonation and increased charge weight. Two down-draught S.U. carburettors are used, inspiring air through twin Blundell air silencers. It will be realized that rapid warming up is a matter of considerable importance from the point of view of cylinder wear. This has been reduced to a very low figure on the new Daimler by the use of Brivadium dry liners in the block, whilst wear on the exhaust valve seats is reduced by pressing in Brimocrome seatings, this being a cast material having 3 per cent chrome and 4½ per cent molybdenum which, as cast, has the exceptional hardness of 500 Brinell. These exhaust valve seats are, incidentally, cooled by high velocity water emerging from jets in a long tube inserted down the head and receiving water straight from the pump. Between the engine and the rear axle is interposed the world-famous Daimler transmission. This transmission system also has been very severely tested on the fighting
LOW SLUNG.— The 27 h.p. Daimler chassis is rigidly cross-braced and upswept at both front and rear to provide low overall height. Also clearly seen in the drawing is the 110 b.h.p. power unit, which, while new to the automobile world, has been proved in the exacting tests of wartime requirement.
June–July 2010 19 vehicles produced by the company, and certain detailed changes have been made as compared with the pre-war type. For example, the previous annular ring cast into each half of the fluid wheel is eliminated so that it changes over from full slip to full torque transmission at lower r.p.m. than previously. The fluid flywheel eliminates the need for a clutch when starting, but because it never entirely ceases to transmit torque it cannot be directly coupled to an orthodox gearbox. In the case of the Daimler the gears are epicyclic trains with a preselector lever under the steering column. The driver can determine in advance what gear he is going to use, the engagement being effected by depression of what would normally be the clutch pedal. In traffic the car can be completely controlled by the brake and accelerator pedals alone.
Damping out vibration The whole engine gearbox unit is mounted forward by a rubber block just underneath the water pump, with two steady-points at an angle just above the crankshaft centre line. The gearbox is also supported on rubber and, in order to reduce the possibility of engine vibrations being transmitted into the frame, there is no centre bearing on the Hardy Spicer propeller shaft. In order, therefore, to keep this component to a reasonable length and free from the likelihood of whirl, there is a 15-in extension rearwards on the back of the gearbox. The braking system is of interest in that it combines for the first time on a British car the now well-known Girling Hydro-Mech arrangement with servo assistance. Even with the most modern braking system the pedal pressure required to stop a car weighing laden well over two tons running at high speed may be excessive. In this case, therefore, the braking effort (which is transmitted hydraulically to the front wheels and by an entirely separate system of rods, levers, and the Girling wedge mechanism to the rear wheels) is aided by a Clayton-Dewandre vacuum servo. Moreover, to provide stability in
20 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc braking, the engine is not connected direct to the servo motor but the tank is interposed between the two; that is to say inlet pipe manifold depression first exhausts the reservoir and this, in turn, is of such capacity that it will provide for a number of stops, even if the engine should not be turning. In accordance with previous practice, it is the intention of the makers to supply this car in chassis form so that owners can have bodies constructed to their particular wishes or, alternatively, coach builders can market cars to their own designs. One of the companies which will be producing bodies for this car are Messrs. Hooper, who have devised a very fine-looking saloon with extra occasional seats, which will be illustrated later.
Coachwork details External points which will be particularly noticed are the curve and sweep of the new radiator, which retains the traditional Daimler flutes. The very wide rear door is almost entirely forward of the rear mudguard, and this provides unusual freedom for the rear passengers. In order to assist entry or exit a running board is retained, but masked over the full length of the car by a flared extension to the bottom of the doors, which is certainly an excellent arrangement for this type of motorcar. Three persons can, of course, be easily carried on the rear seat and, in addition, occasional seats can be used, these normally being recessed into the division. The front compartment can be entirely separated if required by raising a transverse sliding window. It is worth noting that this, together with all the windows and the rear blind, are electrically controlled by push buttons, while inbuilt heating sets are available for both front and rear compartments, also radio sets. It can, therefore, be said that in respect of the chassis this car continues a long- established tradition of Daimler excellence, and that it permits the mounting of body work which combines modern appearance with the highest degree of comfort and convenience.
FRONT END.— The independent front suspension is of the widebase bottom wishbone type with heavy coil springs, and is so arranged that one arm of the bottom triangle is well disposed to resist braking torque. An anti-roll bar is fitted between the Luvax-Girling shock absorbers.
June–July 2010 21 Service Bulletin Number B.5 Section: Engine Date: October, 1963 This Service Bulletin supersedes the original issue of September 1963 which should be destroyed. Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Models affected Commencing Engine Number SP.250 97541 2½ litre V.8 Saloon From commencement of production Commencing at the above engine number, a modified rear main bearing housing incorporating an asbestos rope oil seal (Part No. C.22996) in an annular groove is introduced. A modified crankshaft is also introduced in conjunction with the new seal. Replacing the Seal Take the new asbestos seals and carefully tap them on the side face to narrow the section of the seal. Fit the seals to the housing and press into the groove using a hammer handle until the seal does not protrude from the ends of the housing. Do NOT cut the ends off the seal if they protrude from the housing but continue pressing the seal into the groove until both ends are flush. Using a knife or similar tool, press all loose ends of asbestos into the ends of the groove so that they will not be trapped between the two halves of the housing when assembled. Refitting (See illustration) Fit the rear main bearing cap to the block without the bearing shells and tighten down the four bolts. Smear a small quantity of colloidal graphite around the inner surface of the asbestos seal and insert the sizing bar (Churchill Tool No. D.505). Ensure that the pilot end of the sizing bar enters the bore of the main bearing then press the bar inwards and rotate at the same time until the bar is fully home. Remove the bar by pulling and twisting at the same time. Remove tool and bearing cap for fitting of crankshaft and bearings and finally tighten down all main bearing cap bolts to a torque figure of 30–35 lbs.ft. (4.1 to 4.8 kg.m) except 3 the two /8“ diameter bolts at the rear of the cylinder block securing the oil seal extension housing of the rear main bearing cap, which should be tightened in the normal way with an ordinary ring spanner. The finished size of the seal should be 2.500”/2.499” internal diameter to provide an interference fit of .001” and the diameter of the sizing bar where it engages with the seal is of this dimension. The dimension where it engages with the rear main bearing housing is 2.144”.
22 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Service Bulletin Number B.7 Section: Engine Date: October, 1963 Water Leakage from Cylinder Head (2½ litre V.8 Saloon) Applicable to - Engines prior to Number 7A-3098
If persistent loss of water from the cooling system is experienced which cannot be traced to a leaking radiator, heater or hose, leakage past the cylinder head gaskets must be suspected and the following procedure adopted. 1. Drain the cooling system. 2. Remove the twenty cylinder head bolts one at a time; replace and tighten them down individually with new bolts (Part number C.21037) now available. DO NOT use any bolts of this part number that you may have in stock as these will not have been modified. The modification consists of removing the washer facing under the bolt head. 3. Fit new washers (Part number C.23586) under the bolt heads. The new washer is hardened and is increased in thickness. Finally tighten the bolts evenly to a torque of 50–55 lbs. ft. (6.9 to 7.6 kg.m) in the order shown in the illustration. 4. Refill the cooling system and test. NOTE: It is desirable to renew the cylinder head gaskets if they are disturbed when carrying out the above procedure or if water leakage has been occurring for some time. In such cases fit new current production gaskets (Part number C.22245) – see Service Bulletin B.3 (2nd Issue). Any cars with engines prior to number 7A-3098 held in stock, should have the existing cylinder head bolts tightened down before delivery to the customer and again at the First 500 (800 km) Mile Service. This should avoid the necessity for changing the bolts and washers as it is not intended to incorporate these parts on all engines in service.
June–July 2010 23 Daimler Straight Eights
Club Badges for Sale These may be ordered through the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Club Costs of the badges are: $17.50 Unresined $19.00 Resined Information required is the names to go on the badge together with your branch. Payment is required at the time of order. All enquiries and orders to: Paul Edginton 35 Uretara Drive Katikati Ph: (07) 549-4569
24 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Hitting the Road ... Daimler Events Diary
Auckland June 20th Mid Winter Lunch at the “Old Flame Restaurant” Conifer Grove. Meet 12.00 for 12.30 meal. Email or ring 6305172 asap to give an indication as to numbers attending. July 25th Ten Pin bowling challenge with the Jag. Club. At Botany Downs extreme, 500 A Tirakau Dr, Botany Downs. 2 games $16.00. Lunch afterwards in Clevedon. Numbers needed for the bowling and lunch. Once members indicate they are coming for the bowling (closing date July 22nd the Club is committed) so if there are cancellations the relative club will have to still pay for the unused lanes). Email or ring 6305172 ASAP to give me an indication as to who is coming. August 15th Meet at the Devonport Delicatessen for morning coffee. Ferry to the city and visit to the Maritime Museum followed by lunch either in the city or back at Devenport. Details later. August 22nd Go-Kart challenge against the Jag. Club. Now to be held at East Tamaki, Kerwyn Avenue. $55 per person. Email or ring 6305172 ASAP to give an indication as to who is interested December 5th Christmas Lunch. This year we are returning to St Margaret’s Gardens at Karaka, the scene of some marvelous lunches in the past. Lunch is at 1.30pm and whilst the menus have not yet been finalized, it is anticipated that they will be somewhere in the $35–$40 bracket with BYO (Wine only). The gardens have been extended since we were last there and reports received are that they are well worth a visit anyway. Details later. ______Waikato–Bay of Plenty June 20th A midwinter pot luck lunch at Lindsay and Cathy Donoghue’s home, 46 Petrie St, Rotorua. Their house is at the end of the road down a long drive so please park on the grass area at the end of the road. Please arrive at 11:00am.
June–July 2010 25 August 15th A visit to Graeme Ireland Classic Car Restoration 181B Queen St Cambridge. Grab a coffee to go and be outside 181B at 10:30. Lunch afterwards in the country at The Lilly Pad Cafe 1242 Kaipaki Rd, RD3, Cambridge. The Lilly Pad also has a studio with giftware which is well worth browsing through. October North Island get together in Rotorua.
We will be having one other event late in November before the Christmas silly season starts but details have yet to be finalised. ______Hawke’s Bay Sunday 4th July Mid-winter dinner at Off the Track Restaurant in Havelock Road. We will need numbers the week before. Keep this date free as this is always a popular event. Sunday 18th July Triumph Hosted Event. Flyer will come in the mail. ______Manawatu June 13th Committee meeting at 21 Millar Street Palmerston North. June 20th Mid year dinner at Murrayfield. This is on just a few km’s North of Levin on S.H 56 to Shannon. They also feature Clydesdale horses and an interesting museum. We meet there at 12noon. July 11th An outing to Woodville. We meet at Ashhurst Windfarm Lookout at 12.30, convoy to Woodville to visit an Organ museum followed by coffee. August 15th Daimler Rover challenge, Rover club are organising this year. We meet at Bunnings Car par at 12.30 for a 1.00pm start. We finish with a coffee in Ashhurst. September TBA October North Island get together at Rotorua. May 2011 NATIONAL RALLY, BLENHEIM. ______
26 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc Members’ Market ...
For Sale Members’ advertisements are at no charge. Oil for Daimlers and Lanchesters with Worm Drive rear axle. President Ed Hayhoe has managed to score a 20 litre drum of the special low sulpher oil for these components with a bronze content. Contact Dave Patten in Martinborough is you require any, phone 06 3069006 Number plate surrounds as per photo available from Manawatu Branch. $25.00 per pair plus post, order through you Branch Secretary. Daimler V8, 1967, 77500 miles. Immaculate and original condition. Regularly serviced by a classic car mechanic specializing in Daimlers. Marque appropriate number plate. New transmission professionally installed 3 years ago. Complete Daimler tool kit is also original. Three point sear belts installed front and rear, but still have original 2 point seat belts for front seats. All receipts available, along with original log book. Genuine enthusiasts, please call 021 897326 [email protected] Daimler Sovereign 1982, travelled 132300 miles. Excellent 4.2L motor, Interior faie condition. WOF and rego both expired. Has a fault in the Borg Warner auto gear box and some body rust. Offers wanted, please phone Harry on 09 4836614 for further information. Daimler Conquest Century 1957, 74532 miles. Maroon and Silver, fully restored. Current WOF and Registration, 3 owners, kept garaged and used on runs and special occasions. Won “Best Presented” at National Rally Palmerston North. This car needs a loving owner for regular outings. Full photos and history available. Contact Graeme Bowes in Napier 06 8358469 or 021 476256 or [email protected] 1939 DB18 Saloon Needs full restoration, everything is there including a large number of spare parts including a spare engine, gearbox, grills and various other parts. I have the original
June–July 2010 27 handbook and ownership papers. Car has been dry stored for at least the last 30 years. We are asking $5000 ono. Contact details are; Peter Hodgson, 07 8297147 or 0226774050 Two 1964 Daimler V8 2.5L Saloons Both cars are in need of restoration. One is completely stripped to the rolling shell, the other is untouched. Both were runners when taken off the road approximately 10 years ago. Most parts are still in good condition, motor is completely stripped on one. Both cars are 100% complete. I have two sets of new sills (purchased from RJR Services $500 per pair) and the leather sets were replaced on one of the cars (light grey colour). I have a variety of workshop and car manuals, part tool kit and various other odds and ends. Need to sell both cars and are therefore not willing to split parts of the cars. Asking $7500 ono. Contact details are; Peter Hodgson, 07 8297147 or 0226774050 DAIMLER JACKETS Daimler Jackets. We now have a new stock of Jackets ranging in size from M to XXXL. They are very reasonably priced at $50.00 plus p&p. There are only three Daimler caps left and they are only $15.00 plus p&p. We will have these at the Mini rally in May otherwise call Bert on 06-3680696 or Mike on 06-3571237. ( Manawatu branch ).
28 Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club in New Zealand Inc DAIMLER & LANCHESTER OWNERS’ CLUB BRANCH DIRECTORY AUCKLAND BRANCH President Bryan Davis, 28 Shackleton Rd, Mt Eden 09 630 5172 Vice President John Penman, 25A Fancourt St, Meadowbank 09 521 2011 Club Captain (Acting) Bryan Davis 09 483 6616 Sec/Treasurer David Watt, 171 Postmans Road, RD4 Albany 09 426 3411 Committee Ed Hayhoe (Past President), Olive Smith, Glenys Watt, Val Penman, Laurie Mckernan, J Smith National Delegate Ed Hayhoe, E-mail: [email protected] 09 420 6390 Branch Patron Neil Kruse
WAIKATO/BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH President Steve Griffin, 136 Gloucester Rd, Oceandowns, Mt Maung 07 574 8474 E-mail: [email protected] Sec/Treasurer Paul Edginton, 35 Uretara Drive, Katikati 3129 07 549 4569 Club Captain Roger Hennebry, 5 Charles Henry Place, Hamilton 3280 07 854 0223 E-mail: [email protected] Committee Maureen & Colin King, Jane Hennebry, Des Cooper, Fay Griffin, Bruce & Zoe Henderson National Delegate Paul Edginton, E-mail: [email protected]
HAWKE’S BAY BRANCH President Mike Boyce, 3 Northwood Avenue, Mahora, Hastings 06 878 9071 Sec/Treasurer Margaret Duncan, 35 Chrystall Road, RD 2, Hastings 06 878 8616 Club Captain Colin Campbell, 1008 Reka Street, Hastings 06 878 5969 Committee Ann Bowes, Graeme Bowes, Robyn Boyce, Graham Clare, Vaughan Cooper, John Duncan, Peter Mackie, Tim Shaughnessy National Delegate Peter Mackie, E-mail: [email protected] 06 877 4766 Branch Patron Reg Kilbey
MANAWATU BRANCH President Mike King, 21 Millar Street, Palmerston North 4410 06 357 1237 Vice President Pauline Goodliffe, 194 Green Road, Awahuri, PN 06 323 7081 Sec/Treasurer Bert Empson, 8 Byrd Street, Levin 5510 06 368 0696 Club Captain Lew Clinton, 16A Tui MIll Grove, Feilding 4702, 06 323 5526 [email protected] Committee Keith Zillwood, Ray Watling, Brian Wolfsbauer, Charlie Coley, Reinhardt Bester, Dorothy Harrison National Delegate Mike King, E-mail: [email protected] 06 357 1237 Branch Patron Pauline Goodliffe
OTAGO BRANCH President Alex Meikle, 221 Somerville St, Anderson Bay, Dunedin 03 454 4786 Sec/Treasurer Kaye Wingfield, 7 Pioneer Cres, Helensburgh, Dunedin 03 476 2323 Club Captain Kevin Phillips, 66A Factory Road, Mosgeil, Otago 03 489 5782 Committee Winston Wingfield National Delegate Winston Wingfield, E-mail: [email protected]