Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year to All

SPRITE TORQUE www.spriteclub.com Dec 2012 - Jan 2013

Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year to all

Keith and Juliet’s Bugeye and Neil S's car behind taken at Yackandandah Photo courtesy of Juliet Richardson

Catering for AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE and MG MIDGET enthusiasts

MG SPARE PARTS & SERVICES PTY LTD

HERITAGE TR PARTS HERITAGE MINI PARTS 97-103 VICTORIA STREET SMITHFIELD NSW 2164 Phone 02 9609 3988 Fax 02 9609 3955

Email [email protected] www.mgspareparts.com.au

070338 OIL COOLER MGB R/NOSE + SPRIDGET 10 ROW 66.00 EA 010404 OIL COOLER 13 ROW MGB C/B + C + SPRIDGET 66.00 EA 010405 OIL COOLER 16 ROW MGB C/B + C + SPRIDGET + MGA 93.50 EA 080032 WATER PUMP MGA 15 & 16 +ZA + ZB CAST IRON 49.50 EA 010205 WATER PUMP MGB 3 BRG > FEB 65 CAST IRON 49.50 EA 010362Z WATER PUMP MGB 5 BRG 65 > 70 49.50 EA 010367Z WATER PUMP B 5 BRG 18V BLACK ENG 49.50 EA 200185 WATER PUMP MGC 103.18 EA 070100A WATER PUMP MIDGET 1275 MINI 1275 35.20 EA GWP187 WATER PUMP NO BY PASS MINI CAST IMPELR 36.30 EA GWP188 WATER PUMP MINI MPI 1997 > 2001 39.60 EA 070100Z WATER PUMP SPRIDGET ALLOY 1958 > 1974 + MINI 26.40 EA 010510 WATER PUMP MGB V8 148.50 EA 010482 WATER PUMP MGB 5 BRG SEPT 76 > LOW PROFILE 77.00 EA 030031 TAIL SHAFT UNI JOINT C D F A B Z NOT SPRIDGET 15.40 EA 030031A TAIL SHAFT UNI JOINT TC/D/F + A + B + ZA + SPDGT 15.40 EA GBD607Z BRAKE DISC FRONT MGF PAIR 240 mm 88.00 PR GBD90842Z BRAKE DISC REAR MGF TF TROPHY PAIR 59.40 PR 020715ZKIT BRAKE DISC & PADS KIT ( 9 PIECE ) MGB 88.00 EA 020716ZKIT BRAKE DISC + PADS +W/BRG KIT + SEAL KIT MGB 99.00 EA 860601 BRAKE DRUM MGA REAR + SOLID WHEEL FRONT 85.80 EA 860601A BRAKE DRUM MGB 1 BANJO REAR 88.00 EA 860602 BRAKE DRUM MGB 2 SALISBURY DIFF ONLY 58.30 EA 870703 BRAKE DRUM ALL SPRIDGET REAR + MK 1 FRONT 35.42 EA 180366 EXTRACTORS SPRIDGET SUIT WEBER ONLY 154.00 EA 180367 EXTRACTORS MIDGET 1500 MANDRIL BENT 220.00 EA 180368 EXTRACTORS MGA 198.00 EA 180369 EXTRACTORS MGB PRESS BENT 192.50 EA 180370 EXTRACTORS MGB BIG BORE PRESS BENT 192.50 EA 180371 EXTRACTORS MGB BIG BORE MANDRIL BENT 220.00 EA 180372 EXTRACTORS MGB V8 3 PIECES 594.00 EA HMG307 EXTRACTORS MINI 850, 998 & 1098 148.50 EA HMG314 EXTRACTORS 850 > 1275 LONG CENTRE BRANCH 161.70 EA

NO TRADE. OWNERS ONLY 1 CAR SET PER CUSTOMER, PRICES INCLUDE GST. WHILE STOCKS LAST OR 31.03.13. E & OE SPRITE TORQUE THIS MONTH

NEWS FEATURES

3 President’s message 5 Supersprint report

4 Members’ corner 8 Wakefield Park report

12 Club Library 10 Aust. Motorlife Museum run

14 Social Calendar 11 Restoration Tip # 14

15 Competition Calendar 13 Mooney Mooney Breakfast run

16 Monthly meeting minutes 19 Aust. Hillclimb Championships

20 AGM Agenda 22 High Country & Murray River Tour

23 Torque Trader

DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE

THE SPRITE CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INC. ABN: 62879038-526

Club Patron: John Sprinzel

EDITORS NOTE Committee 2012 President: Where has the year gone! I can’t believe once again it’s almost Christmas Greg Holden 0418 286 831 and the AGM is just around the corner. [email protected]

Vice President: Well this is the last magazine for the year, I would like to take this opportunity David Lawrence to personally thank those who have contributed to the magazine throughout 02 9810 8982 the year, without whom there would be no magazine, your insights, anec- [email protected] dotes and simply your love of sprites & Midgets have shone through, I thank you all. Treasurer: Les Payne 0415 826 650 I have enjoyed producing the magazine for you, I’ve certainly learnt a lot along the way, [email protected] and hope next year’s editor will enjoy the experience just as much. Secretary: Graham Wells (02) 9654 1344 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. [email protected]

Membership Secretary: Sue Cockayne Avis Fowler Editor [email protected] Social Director: Graham McDonald Marque Mentors: 0422 972 094 [email protected] Mk1 Sprite Greg Holden 0418 286 831 Magazine Editor: Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 Sue Cockayne Mk2 Sprite Neil Scott 0409 326 021 0409 127 330 Mk3 Sprite Greg Strange 02 9909 8607 [email protected] Keven Sly 02 9604 2010 Club Captain: Ric Forster Mk3 Midget Eriks Skinkis 02 9644 5530 0409 225 613 1500 Midget Greg Coonan 02 4257 1307 [email protected] CSCA Delegate: Paul Orton All correspondence (except magazine contributions) to: 02 9970 5697 [email protected] S.C.C.A. Registrar & Club Plates: P.O. Box 696 Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 Kingswood NSW 2747 [email protected] Magazine contributions to: [email protected] Regalia: Dianne Lawlor (Magazine contributions close 20th of each month) 02 9909 8607 [email protected] General meetings are held at: Parramatta RSL Club Web Site: Ross Reichardt Start time: 7.30pm - Bistro Area) 2 Macquarie Street 02 9980 6843 0410 504 931 (2nd Tuesday of each month) Parramatta NSW 2150 [email protected] CAMS Delegate: SCCA Web Site: www.spriteclub.com Barry Cockayne 0427 066 878 SCCA Email list: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/spridgets-aus/ Librarian: David Lawrence 02 9810 8982 Club Point Score: Sprite Torque is available in full colour to all SCCA Members. Go to the SCCA Website, Greg Holden 0418 286 831 click on the Members Only link, enter your username and password. General Committee: Paul Barbara 02 9727 6549 Ross Reichardt 02 9980 6843 PLEASE NOTE: These are all honorary positions undertaken by private individuals in their Greg Strange 02 9909 8607 spare time. Please contact them at sensible times and accept that they may prefer to call you Colin Dodds 0414 789 263 back at a time more convenient to themselves. John Drury 02 9614 4893 The Sprite Car Club of Australia Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of articles, correspondence, opinion or advertisements contained herein.

2 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Well, by the time you get this one, we will be well into the December month and no doubt all will be thinking of the festive season.

The SCCA Super sprint should have been done and again I thank all the volunteers on the day for the great job they have done. The South Circuit was great with the exception of the undercover areas. Hopefully given time they will address this area. It was pleasing to see so many Sprite members out on the track as well.

Graham, has sort of kinda put his hand up to do the social activities again this year and please do your best to support these runs. There is a lot of work that goes on in the background to ensure that all runs go smoothly and it can sometimes be a thankless job.

Graham went to a lot of trouble to organise the Temora weekend and both Leah and I were very disappointed when I was called on to work, 6 days at Darling Harbour was not fun. However everyone I have talked to had a great weekend.

We have had a nice breakfast run up to Berowra and I am looking forward to reading Graham and Lyn’s report on the run, breakfast was great although the cranky !@#$%^on the door did not kick it off that well.

The AGM is coming up fast and please come a long for a fully catered Christmas Bash. I have spoken to the gods and the weather will be fine all day. Also take advantage of Colin being around to complete your club rego inspection on the day.

The home front has continued to be quiet with the exception of a day that Avis and I put in to rid the back paddock of more scrub.

The goats are wider than they are taller and I think most have a belly full of arms and legs, well lots of legs anyway. Hopefully we will have enough kids to start a crèche and have a few decent curries along the way.

The girl will have her first real Christmas this year and Leah and I have been scouring the world for an appropriate present, a keep sake that she can pass on to her children’s children.,

That would make me a Great, Great, Great Popsy, or a very cranky old bast!@@#. (incase she can read).

From me for now

Greg Holden

SCCA President

3 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE MEMBER’S CORNER

Welcome to our two New Members this month. Anke Wachter of Rydalmere who has a green 1967 Mini, and Brad Roberts of Engadine, who has a 1969 Mk 3 MG Midget.

If anyone bought a ticket in the raffle run by The Kings School, they might be interested to know that one of our members’ family won third prize in the raffle—the prize being the Wine package from the Hunter Valley, not as good as the trip to Paris, but nevertheless better than nothing. Congratulations Nic Cockayne.

Obituary Christine Rowntree passed away last month. Chris was the instigator of the first all female race team to compete in the Six Hour Relay Race at Eastern Creek in 1996. After spending years watching and listening to the male racers come through her then husband Bob's workshop, she thought there should be an all girl team. She enlisted Avis Fowler, Ber- lye Taylor and myself as team mates in Sprites. Together we formed Tag Team TART - TART being an acronym for Totally Awesome Race Team. We finished an honourable 6th.

To Greenie Tart you're finally at peace. Baby Tart, Granny Tart and the Queen of Tarts

Also, a long time member of the South Australian Sprite Club John Bowering passed away last month. John was fight- ing cancer. When I saw him in January he was in good spirits. One of my fondest memories of John was him coming to our rescue during the Classic Adelaide in 2003. We'd had a series of mechanical problems in Esme Sprite and John strolled into the garage and diagnosed the problem...that and the parting at National Challenges too of course. Wendy Gibbs

Technical Day at Platinum Smash Repairs

We will be joining the Austin Healey Owners Club for a Technical Day at Platinum Smash Repairs (Vince Cessario), 13 Waltham Street, Artarmon, on 23 February 2013 at 10 am. A speaker from the paint company will speak to us and you can see the process of smash repairing and vehicle restoration. BBQ lunch available. Please bring own chairs. Lots of parking , so bring your Sprites.

4 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE CSCA SUPERSPRINT REPORT OCTOBER 2012

The 5th round of the 2013 Combined Sports Car Association (CSCA) supersprint series was hosted by the Tri umph Sports Owners Association over the weekend of 20-21October at Wakefield Park circuit.

Saturday was the usual training day that the TSOA runs in conjunction with its supersprint and a number of SCCA members took advantage of it. This included Keith Smith who was running his car for the first time after having the engine out to fix the clutch release bearing and panel repairs to the bonnet and scuttle after it flipped open at Eastern Creek last year. And a number of SCCA members – Club Captain Ric Forster and experienced driver, Robert Rochlin – both offered their services to those looking for expert advice.

Another excellent roll up of 11 SCCA members in 10 cars including six Sprites/Midgets ensured that we had plenty of support on the day of the supersprint. Ray Fahey and I travelled down together on the Saturday afternoon and with those already there for the training day we ensured that all SCCA members were able to garage together.

We only had one tow-in during the mid-afternoon being Ray Fahey whose Spriota stopped in a cloud of smoke. It looked worse than it was, but the fractured alternator bracket (and fried wiring after it earthed on the chassis) meant an earlier finish than he would have wanted but at least it won’t be too hard to fix. With new front shock absorbers in your corre- spondent’s car running their second event, after a few sessions the consensus was that the front-end was softer than it used to be so this will need to be looked at soon.

John Millhouse, Ray Fahey, Annie and Warren Lawler with Alan Edwards in the background

Alan Edwards has really got the purple car ‘Wild Violet’ looking and going well with a newly refurbished engine while all the other cars ran well. A number of drivers were supported by pit crew with Annie Lawler, Annemieke Edwards (plus other friends) and Lisa Needs present to survey the handiwork of their respective (and respectful) partners.

Congratulations to Keith Smith who achieved fastest of the day having had the engine and gearbox out and all trim and fittings off only a short time before the event.

Results were: Keith Smith, MG Midget, 1:14.82; Ray Fahey, Spriota, 1:15.22; John Millhouse, Bugeye, 1:15.23, Paul Orton, Sprite Mk2a, 1:15.38; Rob Byrnes, Cooper S, 1:16.06; Warren Lawler, Sprite Mk3, 1:18.11; Alan Edwards, Sprite Mk3, 1:19.27; John Needs, Bugeye, 1:19.73; Sam Rochlin, Mazda MX5, 1:20.52; Les Payne, MG Midget, 1:21.58; Robert Rochlin Mazda MX5, 1:22.55.

5 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE CSCA SUPERSPRINT REPORT OCTOBER 2012 cont’d

Wild Violet with driver, Alan Edwards

In the CSCA Club Championship SCCA is being challenged for 4th place by MGCC so we will have our round to hold off the challenge and possibly even give JDCA a shake for 3rd.

2012 CSCA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1 CLA 1094 2 TSOA 521 3 JDCA 388 4 SCCA 324 5 MGCC 321 6 MGCCN 305 7 MOCA 154 8 AHOC 118

Paul Orton

British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced he intends to make it more difficult to claim social security bene- fits. From next week the forms will only be printed in English. *********** The Irish have solved their own fuel problems. They imported 50 million tons of sand from the Arabs and they’re going to drill for their own oil. *********** Sky news report. The Irish have joined in the attack on Libya. They sent in three ships – two full of sand, and one full of cement...... it was a mortar attack. ***********

A man was driving down the road and ran out of gas. Just at that moment, a bee flew in his window. The bee said, "What seems to be the problem?" "I'm out of gas," the man replied. The bee told the man to wait right there and flew away. Minutes later, the man watched as an entire swarm of bees flew to his car and into his gas tank. After a few minutes, the bees flew out. "Try it now," said one bee. The man turned the ignition key and the car started right up. "Wow!" the man exclaimed, "what did you put in my gas tank"? The bee answered, Wait for it. Wait for it... You're just gonna love this... "BP."

6 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE

CARnivale

We are excited to announce the continuation of one of the largest vehicle displays in the southern hemisphere: Australia Day CARnivale, proudly sponsored by Supercar d’Elegance, which is being held on Australia Day, Saturday 26 Janu- ary 2013.

Sydney hosted its first motoring celebration on Australia Day in 1986. Australia Day CARnivale will proudly continue that tradition by welcoming a Concours d’Elegance ‘Best of the Best’ Competition, a Supercar Gathering, a Motorcycle Dis- play and a Concours d'Elegance 'Prestige Oblige'. These new elements will add a fantastic dimension of high perform- ance and luxury vehicles to the display of veteran, vintage and classic cars, buses and trucks.

John Fowler, Australia Day CARnivale

7 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Wakefield Park. CSCA round 5 20-21 October 2012.

TSOA, offer a training day prior their Supersprint. I decided to see what I could learn and entered for both days.

My cousin has 200 acres at Windellama, somewhere between Goulburn, Braidwood and Nerriga, about 40klms from Wakefield Park. Friday night Dianne and I towed the Midget to Windellama. Up early Saturday and off to Wakefield. Ric Forster was my mentor, and several laps with him gave me a new line on most corners of the track. We were offered about 9 laps per session and by 2pm I felt that I was driving better than on previous trips to Wakefield. Keith Smith and I had a good day and were able to secure parking for the rest of the team for Sunday. Saturday afternoon I returned to Jim, Anne and Dianne at Windellama. I suggested to Jim we should repair the driveway as the deep ruts had given me a little drama the previous night. Out came the backhoe and road repairs began.

The entry road, had a deep gutter on one side and other parts of the road were in need of an upgrade as well.

Roadworks completed, a repair made to the gutter on the top tank, a baked dinner cooking in the webber, and it was time for a beer and a red wine. The tractor shed is some 8 metres above the caravans so we have set up a gas water heater for showers. Unfortunately we are still struggling with water pressure which will be overcome, but at present we fill a tub and splash around.

Next morning I headed off to the track while the others slept. After scrutineering we carried out our pre race checks and prepared for drivers briefing. We had a big turnup of competitors from our club and a good time had by all. I felt that I was running well but my times were no better.

Ray Fahey was hobbling around all day after helping another competitor the previous night load a Porsche onto a trailer, wearing his safety thongs he turned his ankle. Hope you are repairing well in time for your surfing safari next month.

8 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE

Wakefield Park. CSCA round 5 cont’d

About to turn into the kink on the main straight I looked in my mirror and saw a big Jag about to undertake, I left space and as we completed the turn the Jag blew a water hose, (Jags should not try to outpace Midgets). My front wheel was level with his rear wheel and not yet braking.

I was able to stop quite rapidly with little vision as screen was saturated in coolant, i could only see the Jag sliding across the road in front of me. We both drove off the track the Jag still pouring water and steam from under the bonnet. I cleared the screen best I could and returned to the pits. Cleaned the screen and was ready to run again.

Next run I was chasing a TR7 300m over 3 laps. When the TR7 realised I was catching him he pushed on, but was messy in the corners finally I was able to pass him coming into the fish hook and leading to the finish line.

The 2 days of driving I enjoyed immensely although my times did not improve. I left the track around 2.30 as I had had a great weekend of driving Returned to Windellama to pick up Dianne, complete a few jobs with the tractor, have a few runs in the Polaris and pack up and head off home.

A very busy, but enjoyable weekend.

Les Payne

Technical Day at Platinum Smash Repairs

9 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE VISIT TO AUSTRALIAN MOTORLIFE MUSEUM, 26th October

A dedicated group of Sprite club members once again gathered at Ruby’s beachside cafe for our Friday run – Ray and Denise, Les and Shirley, and Keith and Juliet all in Bugeyes, plus Eric and his dad Norm in a MkIII Sprite – or was it just to watch Keith devour a huge pancake with lashings of cream and strawberries?

We set off along Memorial Drive and on to the F6 for a spirited drive to Kiama. Then to Jamberoo Mountain Road travelling west through beautiful countryside on smooth winding roads via Jamberoo to Albion Park. Back up the F6 for a short distance to the Kembla Grange exit (no mucking about, other members are waiting for us), then on to West Dapto Road taking us to the Motorlife Museum. Waiting for us there were Alan and Annemieke (Rover), Eian (BMW) and Paul (Midget).

Since the club’s last visit the Museum has been expanded and has an extra shed full of yet more old vehicles and memorabilia. Of particular interest (especially to the girls) was meeting the talented metal spinner who specialises in building and restoring rare antique and automotive lights. He recently restored the lanterns for the Queen’s royal car- riage – an amazing work of art.

While in the Museum I showed our group the petrol pumps and other items that I’ve restored, then took them out to the back shed to see the 1919 24cwt Republic truck that I’m currently restoring. Everyone seemed quite impressed by the display of cars, motorcycles, trucks and associated gear and equipment.

We then travelled to Masey’s Cafe at nearby Forest Grove Estate for a late lunch to end another great day out.

Ray Fahey

Republic Motor Truck Company was a manufacturer of commercial trucks circa 1913 – 1929. By 1918 the company was recognized as the largest exclusive truck manufactuer in the world. A Republic truck purchased in 1916 was driven across the United States and in 1918 nearly 30,000 Republic trucks were produced in the USA.

Photo shows Ray in drivers seat of the 1919 Republic truck currently under restoration.

10 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE RESTORATION TIPS No.14

This one, good readers, is about the usual start of the restoration process. I was prompted (often necessarily to electronically scribe) by club member Bryan Wells on the subject of his latest project. He mentioned problems re sultant from sand blasting a body in preparation for spray painting. The subject was front bonnet deformation after the blasted process (just a pun Joyce!). Then I remembered looking at ‘Pesky’s’ bonnet after the cut price strip ping process taking all the GMH FB paint I put on it with great pride many centuries earlier. Michael G, the friendly panel beater, pointed it out to me, and not having noticed after picking it up from “Snowflake” at South Windsor for the cheap, quick strip job that there were some serious flaws pointed out. In a sentence, I could see the shape of the inner strengthening ribs at the back of the bonnet showing up on the outside due to the metal having been deformed due to the pressure of the sand.

So where did that leave me? Michael, ever the perfectionist, had to shrink those slightly dented flat body panels at the rear of the bonnet the hard way with hammer and dolly. Most body workers would give the stripped area a coat of epoxy primer and then hit the distorted panels with some good old fashioned body filler (that the yanks seem to specialise in doing hence the saying – plastic surgeons for panel beaters). The result will probably look alright if you’re lucky but it’s not the way to go. Don’t even think of lead wiping unless you want a car that ends up weighing two tonnes and costs a bomb.

The question members is, what should we do with the paint stripping options we have available? This has to be tem- pered by the big choice of a bare shell paint job or a respray.

Our advice is to use paint stripper (rather than hand rubbing with sandpaper). Messy in the extreme, hard work but does not clean up rust. It does not damage your metal work and provided you chemically neutralise the chemical (some are frustratingly ineffective so experiment with your brands of caustic) the results can be of the quality and long lasting na- ture that you strive for. Damon and I did just that on the bodywork of his BMW 2002 while “Pesky was away having its body repairs and new paint and it came up a treat. You have to remove all traces of body filler once it has been hit by stripper. You can also finish this job with a non-high pressure garnet blast if you wish.

The next option can be acid/caustic dipping stripped. My guess is it is very effective but maybe a bit too expensive. It naturally takes paint off everything and particularly in areas where you can’t get to with the paint surfacer, whether or not the factory originally had paint in such areas. The metal work has to be chemically treated and then heated to kill the effects of the chemical. Advice given to me is that it can go horribly wrong some 12 months or so after stripping and painting with the metal being eaten out from parts of the inside. So generally, this one is not recommended.

Another is to use a more sympathetic paint stripping process using lower pressure blast gun and garnet rather than sand. Ensure that the garnet does not come from certain sections of SE Asia having high levels of sodium which, if left in sill panels etc, will cause rust in time Further, if the material be it sand, garnet or other, if gotten wet, will stay wet and rust panels from the inside (same issue for sand).

Soda blasting. I have been advised this does not have any real effect on rust so you will have to treat it separately and sensitively. This is a wet process and relatively expensive.

In summary, do the major amount using paint stripper and then take the body to a reputable paint stripper using lower gun pressure and quality garnet. Then clean the medium out very carefully and prepare the metal with ‘keyphos’ and then prime with the appropriate spray so the bodywork is protected and properly prepared for the painting process.

Till next time, happy Spriteing!

More so, enjoy the resto, as well as the safe driving.

Kerry Smith

11 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE CLUB LIBRARY

The club has a collection of books, magazines, CD’s and VCRs which are available for our members to bor- row. The following are currently held in the Sprite Car Club Library:

 MG Midget & Austin Healey Sprite – Super Profile – Porter

 MG Midget & Austin Healey Sprite Service & Tuning Guide – Porter & Wallace

 MG Midget & Austin Healey Sprite – Purchase Guide & DIY Restoration – Porter

 Tuning BL’s A Series Engines – Vizard

 Sprites & Midgets, The Complete Story – Clausager

 Spritely Years Race, Rally & Sebring – Sprinzel & Coulthorpe

 Practical Classics – Midget/Sprites Restoration - Classics Motorsport

 Donald Healey My World of Cars - Garnier

 Original Sprite & Midget restorers Guide – Horler

 Sprite (Mk2->) & Midget (1-3) Workshop Manual – Leyland

 MG Midget & Austin Healey Sprite Owners Workshop Manual – Haynes

 Austin Healey Sprite 1958-1971 – Clarke

 Midget 1961-1979 – Clarke

 How to power Tune Midget & Sprites – Speedpro

 The Sprite & Midgets Collectors Guide – Dymock

 Austin Healey Buyers Guide – Newton

 Austin Healey Sprite Workshop Manual – BMC

 The Healey Book – Emerson

 MG Midget Gold Porfolio1961-1979 – Clarke

 Mighty Midgets & Special Sprites – Baggot

 Parts Catalogue Mk4 MG Mk3 1500 – Heritage

 Sprite Drivers Handbook

 SU Carburettor Service School Notes – BMC

 Overhauling a BL Gearbox

 Austin 1800 Mk1 & Mk2 Workshop Manual – Leyland Australia

 Morris Minor 1952-71 Autobook – Kenneth Ball

12 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE CLUB LIBRARY cont’d CD’s available:

Goodwood Revival 2007/9/10/11 (Librarian donation)

50th Anniversary Sprite Challenge - Warwick Qld

Videos available:

Bathurst 1995

Bathurst 1996

Ampol Trial 1957 1970 (Lorimer donation)

Guyra GP 1997

Sprites

Last Redex Trial 1955

Trans-Tasman Warwick Farm 1968 (Jane, Bond, Matich)

In addition there are too numerous to list back copies of Classic Car& Practical Classics magazines, ask and it may be there.

The Librarian keeps a record of borrowers and will arrange delivery at a mutually agreed venue, postage can be arranged for those who do not attend gatherings or are well outside the metropolitan area.

A fairly comprehensive collection of Sprite Torque is also held dating back to the 70’s. Please ask our Librar- ian if searching for data, you never know what we may be able to find, there is a wealth of Sprite information and club history held in these magazines.

Mooney Mooney Breakfast Run

Sunday 4 November was a fine and sunny morning, when 15 members met at the Berowra Truck Stop, along with a couple of other car clubs. (Popular meeting place with fantastic parking, just watch out for large truck and trailer units driving off.) We had a short run to the Mooney Mooney Workers Club which has great facilities for lunch or in our case a breakfast spread, something for any fussy eaters. We sat on the outside deck with other locals looking over the water and oyster sheds. This was a very pleasant way to start a Sunday.

Those attending were, Dianne and Greg Strange, Jim and Janina Elphick, Lyn and Graham Coffill, Carol and Colin Dodds, Michael Meadows,run only, John Richardson, Mark Harbour,Wally Dalla, Kimberley and Greg Holden, with Eve- lyn.

The Mooney Mooney Club would be a fantastic meeting place to start with breakfast and then a longer day run up the Central Coast. Let’s do this again soon.

Dianne and Greg Strange

13 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE SOCIAL EVENTS 2012

TBA: Event date and details to be advised; TBC: Event date and details “To Be Confirmed”. Please check the Events page on the Club’s website for up-to-date info and changes.

MONTH DATE EVENT

8 AGM and Picnic - 6 Annangrove Road, Kenthurst from 12.30 p.m. Christmas Barbecue: Once again the Christmas Barbecue will be held prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Club will be supplying food & some soft & alcoholic beverages. Bring a folding chair if possible. DECEMBER 14 Coolangatta Estate for lunch - Meet at: 9.30am for Coffee/chat – then Depart at 10.00. Ruby’s Beach Café at Bulli. Contact Keith Smith (0404 631 200)

COMING SOCIAL EVENTS 2013

19 Fish & Chip Run - Combined Sprite/Mini Car club run to Patonga. Meet Dural Hotel Motel, 271 Newline Rd, Dural Time: 12.30pm for 1.00pm departure (2.00pm for JANUARY those meeting at the Old Tollgates, Berowra). Heading via the old Pacific Highway to Patonga. If no parking at Patonga, Woy Woy. (5 mins away).

FEBRUARY 23 Technical Day with Vince Cessario at Platinum Smash Repairs. Combined event with Austin Healey Owners Club, address 13 Waltham Street, Artarmon, from 10 am. BBQ lunch available. Please bring own chairs and Spridgets. RSVP Greg Strange 02 93192299(wk).

MARCH-APRIL 29-1 Encore at Maurice King’s residence 295 Putty Valley Road Putty. Details to be provided.

14 Combined Daimler/Sprite run from Appin to Berrima. Two routes one via Picton/ Mittagong on secondary roads, the other via Bulli Pass, the Illawarra Highway and APRIL Macquarie Pass. Leisurely cruise or mix it up with the SP250’s. See the sights of Berrima. Numbers required for lunch booking. Contact Graham McDonald 0422 972 094

MAY 5 Wings over Illawarra, theme “Celebrating Naval Aviation”. Access passes required. Meet at McDonald’s Heathcote or Albion Park. Details to follow.

19 National Motoring Heritage Day. Further details to follow

14 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE COMPETITION CALENDAR 2012

MONTH DATE PROMOTER

CSCA Sprite Car Club Super Sprint Round 4, Eastern Creek - Volunteers needed, if you can help out please contact the Club Captain - Ric Forster @ 0409 225 613 or DECEMBER 2 Leah Holden 0418 286 831

Supersprint dates for 2013

CLA Sunday 10th March (Wakefield)

JDCA Sunday 5th May (SMP Old circuit TBC)

MG Saturday 1st June (SMP Nth Circuit)

AHOC Saturday 29th June (Wakefield Park)

MOCA Saturday 17th August (SMP – track TBC)

TSOA Saturday 17th August (SMP – track TBC)

27th October (Wakefield) SCCA TBA

While some clarification is needed as to circuits, these are the dates currently booked for 2013.

15 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING held at Parramatta RSL Club on 13th November, 2012, commenced at 7.32 pm Present: Committee members: G Holden, G Wells, B Cockayne, A Fowler, D Lawrence, G Strange, P Barbara, P Orton

Members: R Pringle, H Pringle, R Farlow

Apologies: R Forster, C Dodds, G McDonald, J Drury, R Reichardt, L Holden.

Minutes of Previous Meeting:;. The minutes of the September meeting were confirmed moved D Lawrence, seconded B Cockayne

Business Arising: Nothing other than items covered in the agenda.

Treasurer’s Report: Les Payne reported by Email.

General Account:

Opening balance $5,425.61

Deposits $385.06

Payments $476.35

Closing balance $5,334.32

Savings account:

Opening balance $26,257.60

Interest $75.54

Closing balance $26,333.14

Business transaction account:

Opening balance $1,216.67

Payments $10.00

Closing balance $1,206.67

Total funds: $32,874.13

Moved accepted G Wells, seconded G Holden, carried. G Holden commented that we should close the Business Transaction Account.

Secretary’s Report: G.Wells reported correspondence:

Incoming:

-Brochures: Crookwell Potato Festival, Shannons Auction

- Email Proposed revised social events 2013 from G McDonald

-Australia Day Carnivale @6th January 2013. Details in Sprite Torque.

- Proposed High Country & Murray River Tour with Victorian Club 24-28 April 2013. Accepted as a Club event & details to go into Sprite Torque.

-CAMS Receipt.

- Magazines: Goblins Gazette, T Read, Depender, Flat Chat.

Social Drives:

Coming events to be listed in Sprite Torque & on the website. Weekday & technical days to be integrated in.

- Friday, November 30th Southern Highlands lunch

- Saturday, December 8th AGM & Christmas Party at G Wells.

16 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Minutes monthly meeting cont’d - Friday, December 14th Coolangatta Estate lunch.

- Saturday, January 19th Fish & Chip Run to Patonga.

- March 29-April 1st. Weekend at M King’s

- Sunday, April 14th . Combined run with Daimler Club

- April 24-28th High Country Tour

- Sunday, May 5th. Wings over Illawarra celebrating Naval Aviation.

- Sunday, May 19th National Motoring Heritage Day.

CSCA/Competition: P Orton reported:

- Supersprint Supp. Regulations out & 61 entries to date (maximum 100)

- G Holden & p Orton to follow up on further details with R Forster.

- SCCA currently 4th in CSCA championship & could end the year in 3rd as a result of more members competing this year.

- Have not secured a firm booking at Eastern Creek for 2013. Fall back date for Wakefield Park if needed.

AGM & Christmas BBQ: G Wells reported.

- Some nominations for committee positions received.

CAMS: B Cockayne reported.

- Unable to get to State Council meeting but D Healy was present.

- Come & Try Day scheduled for January but no details received.

- Jon Thompson elected Chairman & D Healey on committee so we are well represented.

- New CEO is Eugene Arocca.

- State Dinner & Awards Night December 8th, clashes with our AGM.

- Next meeting 9th February.

Regalia: G Strange reported for D Lawlor

- Ordering more beer mugs & coffee cups.

- Baseball caps ordered.

- Regalia section is set up on the web-site.

- G Holden suggested we get some Supersprint volunteer T-shirts. All agreed we get 40-50 in yellow & black in mixed sizes.

Sprite Torque: B Cockayne reported for Sue.

- November magazine was out early.

- 146 copies to be mailed next month plus 10 extras.

- Next issue will be combined Dec/Jan.

17 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Minutes monthly meeting cont’d Technical Meetings: G Strange reported.

- Maguires have technical evenings on Tuesdays & Thursdays. To be fitted into the social calendar. Greg to co- ordinate with G McDonald.

- Vince Cessario’s panel beating workshop visit will be in Feb. or March.

- Visit to Vintage Motor Garage at Mangrove on a Saturday afternoon next year is on; trying to follow-up with Woods & Woods.

- G Holden asked if we can send out a reminder a week prior to events. Greg to discuss with R Reichardt.

Membership: A Fowler reported.

- All current members entered in the new database.

- 146 members currently get printed magazine but only 106 requested it by ticking the box on the form. Do we transfer them to electronic or did they forget to tick the box. Next year we need to stress what failure to tick the box means.

- Avis to send Email to the 30 members above.

General Business:

-D Lawrence asked about the status of the new computer. R Reichardt was checking out the specifications. G Holden to check with Ross.

-D Lawrence tabled in invitation from the Austin Healey Club to SCCA to participate in a tour of Tasmania in October next year. Details to be circulated in Sprite Torque.

- In reply to a previous question from a committee member G wells advised that there is a small private meeting room available at the club, the Lachlan room. Cost is $75 per night & it seats about 30 people. Some questions were asked about food availability & G Wells will follow this up.

-G Strange asked what can we do to for new members to get them integrated into club events? R Farlow suggested a buddy system & after discussion this was thought to be a good idea. New members could be given a member name in the same geographical area. The member could contact the new member & welcome them or suggest they come to an event. To be tried with the next new members.

- G Wells asked for a stamp to put the Club name on events tickets like Shannons & the Display Day. G Holden to ask Leah.

-G Holden gave R Farlow his trophy from the 2011 Display Day. The only trophy left to be presented is to Bert & Gwen Langford.

Meeting closed at 8.58 p.m.

Next Meeting: AGM. Followed by Tuesday, December 11th, 2012; Parramatta RSL Club, cnr. O’Connell & Mac- quarie Sts., Parramatta at 7.30 p.m.

18 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Australian Hillclimb Championship 2012 - Bathurst Mountain Straight 1-4 November 2012 The humble Spridget was well represented at this years Australian Championship, run on the fast 1.7km Mountain Straight course at Bathurst. A healthy entry of five Spridgets enjoyed the fine weather and the competition was fierce while the camaraderie was high with records being set all around.

As expected, Group S was a torrid affair with a surprise entry of Dr Bob Rowntree and co-driver Bob Wootton (normally an MG or Lotus man) adding spice to the proceedings, stretching regular runners Steve Purdy and Mike Al- len. After three days of competition it was Bob Wootton (56.77s), Mike Allen (57.21s), Steve Purdy (57.67s) and Bob Rowntree (57.82). That's about a second between the lot! Hillclimb Panel Chairman Bob Wootton was so impressed with the Rowntree machine we think he may yet defect to a Spridget!

My Sprite was going well in 2A Sports cars and I was pretty happy with a class win (52.43s). When the hills get steep ya can't beat a turbo I reckon.

By the way if you are interested in hillclimbing go to www.hillclimbnsw.com all the nicest people get involved...like Bob Rowntree!

Alan Barlow

Photo courtesy: Eileen Barlow Alan Barlow

19 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Sprite Car Club of Australia Incorporated

PO Box 696 Kingswood. NSW 2747

AGENDA SPRITE CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA

INCORPORATED – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

DATE: Sunday December 4th, 2010, 2.30p.m.

PLACE: 6 Annangrove Rd. Kenthurst NSW

1. Opening (Greg Holden) Apologies

2. Minutes of previous meeting (Graham Wells)

3. Business arising from minutes

4. Treasurer’s Report (Les Payne)

5. President’s Report ( Greg Holden)

6. Election of Officers 2011 - President

- Vice President

- Secretary

- Treasurer

- Club Captain

- Membership Secretary

- Editor

- Social Director

- Regalia

- CAMS Delegate

- CSCA Delegate

- General Committee

7. General Business

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Nomination for 2011 SCCA Committee

I wish to nominate for the position of:……………………………………..

Name ……………………….. Signature……………………. Member No……….

Nominated by…………………… Signature…………………… Member No…………

Seconded by……………………… Signature…………………… Member No………….

Nominations must be completed & presented to the secretary 7 days prior to the AGM.

All parties must be financial members of SCCA.

20 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE How can you help make the Sprite Car Club valued by its members?

The administration of the Sprite Car Club is maintained by a volunteer committee of members. Committee roles will be decided at the 4th December Annual General Meeting (AGM)

PRESIDENT- Easily the most prominent position, the President chairs club meetings, co-ordinates the work of the Committee as a whole and acts in a statesman capacity from time to time.

VICE PRESIDENT- May be called upon to chair the meetings should the President not be available.

TREASURER -Looks after the club’s financial matters and ensures that any club expenditure does not exceed its income, most of the club’s income being derived from membership renewals.

SECRETARY - performs the majority of the club’s administrative work, taking care of incoming and out going correspondence, preparing Minutes of our club meetings etc.., you get to meet and speak to a lot of interesting people.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - maintains records of our club’s members and membership. As this position is usually the first point of contact for new members, you get to meet and speak to a lot of interesting people.

SOCIAL SECRETARY - co-ordinates the club’s social events. The Social Secretary often relies on members to suggest suitable outings and assist with their organisation.

MAGAZINE EDITOR - the Editor/s produce the club magazine 11 times a year. In doing so the editor/s often stumbles across a lot of interesting and fascinating information.

LIBRARIAN (appointed by committee)- maintains the club’s collection of books and magazines which contain vast amounts of fascinating information. The Librarian also administers a book loan scheme.

REGISTRAR & CLUB PLATES (appointed by committee) - maintains historical records about the club members cars. The Club Registrar also administers the Club Plate scheme.

CLUB CAPTAIN - co-ordinates the clubs involvement in motorsport events.

CSCA DELEGATE - represents our club at meetings of the “Combined Sports Car Association” of which the Sprite Car Club is an affiliate member.

CAMS DELEGATE - represents our club at meetings of the “Confederation of Australian Motor Sports” of which the Sprite Car Club is a member .

CLUB REGALIA -This committee position maintains the Club’s regalia stocks, and the purchase and investiga- tion of new regalia.

GENERAL COMMITTEE -A number of general committee positions exist to assist the other committee members and for any other odd tasks that crop up from time to time. These positions are ideal for anyone contemplating taking on a committee position as it gives them valuable exposure to how the committee operates.

MARQUE MENTORS (appointed by committee)- These positions are held by enthusiasts of a particular marque or model of Sprite or Midget. These individuals are available to assist other members with any queries about their particular model. The Marque Mentors are not necessarily experts on all topics, but can provide pointers.

WEB SITE & EMAIL (appointed by committee)- One of the most exciting positions involving the upkeep and up- date of the Club’s Internet site and email discussion list.

Technical Day at Platinum Smash Repairs

21 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE TORQUE TRADER

LAST MONTH

FOR SALE

White 1970 MK 3 Midget 1275

Vehicle restoration completed in March 2010 and in excellent condition. Engine fully rebuilt by Bob Rowntree Too many mechanical items replaced or refurbished to list. All new electrical items and wiring harness. Registered March 2013 Some interior trim items still to be replaced

Inspections welcome, vehicle located near Camden .

Price $12,500.00 Contact Ron 0403 579 704

High Country & Murray River tour - Anzac Weekend 2013

Fantastic driving roads have been chosen for all sections of this 5 day tour.

Wednesday 24th April the Tour will travel from Lilydale (N-E of Melb.) to Yea, to Mansfield to Whitfield (a magic road), then Milawa, to Bright overnight; Thursday, after optional Dawn Service at Bright, travel over the top to Omeo via Mt Hotham, and back via An- glers Rest to Mt Beauty (fantastic road), to Bright overnight again; Friday, from Bright travel via Mt Buffalo (superb road), then Happy Valley, to Gundowring, and Tallangatta to Corryong overnight; Saturday, from Corryong travel via Cabramurra, along the fabulous winding Elliot Way, to Walwa and along the beautiful winding upper Murray River road to Hume Weir at Ebden overnight; Sunday, from the Ebden Holiday Park return home on Sunday 28th via the scenic roads through the Historic towns of Yackandandah, Beechworth, Stanley, and Myrtleford, to Glenrowan on the Hume Freeway to Euroa, then inland to Merton (wonderful road) to Yea, and Lilydale.

Plenty of stops with early finishes, and over great scenic driving roads, provide a drivers delight, scenic wonders for the passenger, with fabulous socialising times for all.

Parking for tow cars and trailers is available at either the Turners’ in Bright, or the Harris’s in Stanley (Both AHSDC Members). The total accommodation cost for the 4 nights is approx. $450 double, but to be booked individually, and men- tion it is for the Austin Healey Sprite Tour (with John Fowler) to keep us all together. Book asap.

At Bright, book in at the Big 4 Bright Holiday Park for cabins for 2 nights - (Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th nights) on 03 5755 1064. At Corryong, book in at the Corryong Mountain View Motel for Friday 26th on 02 6076 1766. At Hume Weir at Ebden, book in at the Boathaven Holiday Park for cabins on Saturday 27th on 02 6020 6130. N.B. 1. A variety of Cabin sizes / beds are available at both Parks, so you may wish to share with others to re- duce the cost or for socialising, but let them know at the time of booking. Prices vary a little. N.B. 2. Similarly, at the Motel, let them know your double or twin bed preferences, and some Family rooms are available. Prices vary a little.

Interstaters could join/leave from any point or time. Expressions of interest would be appreciated, as well as any trailer parking needs.

John Fowler 0400 278 375. [email protected] Further details later.

22 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE TORQUE TRADER Advertising is free for private sellers and buyers, just phone, email or post the Editor of Sprite Torque, details on page 2

THIS MONTH

FOR SALE - 1963 MkIIA Monza Red Sprite - $9,050.00 118,323kms, partly restored but unregistered. 19mm K-Mac Front sway Bar New (hard) front dampers and bushes (setup for negative camber) New combined Oil /Water Temp. Gauge New Rear Axle travel limiters. 4 off - 13 x 5 Minilite Mags with new tyres 5 off - original steel wheels. New door seal rubbers. New Battery. The seat swabs have been replaced and recovered Soft top in original condition. S/S breaded brake lines. New locking boot handle. New locking fuel cap. I bought the car a few years ago to do up when I retired.

I have now retired but ill health prevents me from working on the car and none of my children want it so I would like to sell it.

I am open to offers. Contact Jim Oxby 0417238954 [email protected]

FOR SALE - MG Midget 1962 Built in Victoria, lots of Simon Gardiner engineering and influence

This is a front running car with the right pilot and attitude.

Lots of goodies on it and spares wets slicks on rims + spare prac- tice set off rims + intermediate set ,off rims, diff ratios Trailer included (by negotiation and/or Bargaining)

Fresh engine, Rebuilt and tested straight cut G/box{by Bob Rown- tree},Gas adjustable shocks ,Panard rear suspension Wishbone and tele front suspension. Long range switch over reserve fuel cell, Removable front spoiler Stowage and race Tourneau's.

THIS CAR IS READY TO RACE. Asking Price $28,000

Genuine enquires only Contact Roland Mac 0432495153 or 0408425097 (leave message)

WANTED

a pair of 1968/69 Midget seats, preferably in poor condition and in need of reupholstering, as per photo.

Contact: Ron Farlow 9807 4204 or [email protected]

23 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE

24 DEC ‘12-JAN ’13 SPRITE TORQUE Australian Hillclimb Championship 2012

Photos Courtesy: Eileen Barlow

Bob Wootton Bob Wootton & Bob Rowntree

Steve Purdy Mike Allen

008a

Alan Barlow Bob Rowntree Photos courtesy: Kerry Smith