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Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4 Inside this Issue: Harrisville Run report Next event: Car Inc Birthday Article – Steering
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Inside this
Issue:
Harrisville
Run report
Next event:
Car Inc
Birthday
Article –
Steering
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Committee Members for 2011/12 are: Co-Ordinator Alex Allum 0419 544 184 [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Wendy Yarrow 5464 1273 [email protected] Dating Officer Alex Allum 0419 544 184 Editor Janet Smith 5426 8572 [email protected] QHMC Rep Graham Allum 0403 528 331 [email protected]
VVTE EVENTS CALENDAR DATE CLUB & INVITATION EVENTS CONTACT
January 2012
26th
Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club Redland City Australia Day Rally
Ormiston State School
Steve – 0411 516 122 Peter – 0408 031 221
28th & 29th Allora Heritage Machinery Week End
Alex
February 2012
3 33333333333 & 4 7 4 Toowoomba Swap 0400 345 0056404T
19th
VVTE Car Inc Birthday Meeting,
Belvedere Farms Kingaroy
Alex Allum or Scott Smith
Car Inc Secretary 4634 4219
March 2012
11th Inverall Swap Meet, Showgrounds
25th
BVRC Swap Ormiston State School
Gates open 5:45am
3207 3733 www.baysideclub.org.au
26th
– 30th Model A Nationals, Ipswich
April 2012
6th
– 9th VVTE
Easter at Kingaroy Alex
May 2012
20th Gatton Swap, Showgrounds
27th Mudgeeraba Swap, Showgrounds 0438 890 929
27th QLD Vintage Swap,
School Road, Capalaba 0412 076 846
June 2012 9
th – 11th 2012 RACQ HMC Rally Maryborough (07) 4122 2111
July 2012
1st VVTE AGM
15th RACQ Motorfest
Eagle Farm Racecourse 0421 089 000
August 2012
12th Swap Rocklea Showgrounds 0412 183 804
18th
All Veteran & Vintage Swap 1376 Old Cleveland Rd, Carindale
18
th & 19th
DDVVMC Fuel Consumption Run
Graham Allum 0419 544 184
September 2012
12th – 19th National Veteran Rally, Ipswich
16th Beaudesert Swap ,Showgrounds 5544 8174 0414 066 121
October 2012
14th Bundamba Swap Ebbw Vale Soccer Grounds
0400 577 355
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
C0-ORDINATOR’S REPORT Welcome to my 3rd Coordinators report. I would like to welcome Hedley & Barbara Dearling, and Wayne & Karen Parkinson to VVTE. Hedley & Barbara wrote this Issue’s Run report. I’ve had discussions with a prospective member who is seeking interested Vintage car owners for a trip to the Inverell swap meet on March 11th. He has quite a bit of his run planned and would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining him. Contact me for more details. Planning for the Easter Run is progressing well with 10 cars confirmed so far. Each day run around the area of Kingaroy will be organised but meals will be pay as you go at the venues along the way. There will also be no entry fee unlike previous years. This issue contains a large calendar of events. We’ve listed plenty of events for the coming year. The CAR Inc birthday run is also included for your consideration. Given that it is to be held in Kingaroy, this is quite a distance for a one day event & meeting. I do not think this date is suitable for our next meeting. If there is enough interest for the Allora week end, we could easily have our next meeting there. Entry to the event is free for a Vintage vehicle and food & drink is available. Please contact me if you are interested in going to Allora, and I will arrange a date and time. If there is not enough interest for Allora, I am happy to arrange another time and place for a meeting in February. Please email or ring me. I hope you all have a great festive season and will see you in the New Year.
Alex Allum
EDITORIAL STUFF... In this edition of Moto Media, I am pleased to include a great article on Steering from
member Ian Fenton in Maryborough. Thanks Ian for passing this on. Contributions from members are always welcome. Articles such as stories, and/or photos of restorations, basically anything to do with vintage vehicles, would be appreciated. Likewise, if you need anything, feel free to send in details for inclusion in the Newsletter.
New members Hedley & Barbara Dearling have written their first run report. Thanks Folks! Read their story later in this edition.
The Christmas lunch at Harrisville was very enjoyable, the hotel staff got into the Christmas spirit, decorating the dining room and setting the table complete with bon bons. A nice touch! The dates for Allora Heritage Machinery week end and the CAR Inc Birthday date and place are included. Please give some thought to Alex’s comments above about the next meeting, and either email or give him a ring with your thoughts. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Regards Janet
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Minutes of General Meeting – VVTE Car Inc. held on 12th November, 2011 at Harrisville Commercial Hotel, Harrisville. Chaired by Alex Allum. Opened 2.05pm Attendance as per attendance book. Apologies: Pat Elliott; Earle & Sis Chapman; Jeff & Ann Cox; Bud Smith Visitors: Hedley & Barbara Dearling Alex declared meeting open & welcomed Members & Visitors. Minutes of previous meeting held at Oxley Creek Common – Sherwood – 18th September,2011 were taken as read.
Wendy Yarrow moved they be a true and correct record. Seconded by – Bob Burley.
No matters arising from previous minutes.
Correspondence In: Membership Application from Hedley & Barbara Dearling; Wayne & Karen Parkinson. Email from Hedley Dearling re: Xmas lunch to say they would like to join us.
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Email from Michael & Marilyn Keating re: they will be attending our Xmas lunch. Text message (as our computer was down) from Peter & Glenys Wilkinson re: they will be attending Xmas lunch. Email from Jo & Philip Hudson, & asking about our Easter Rally. Email from Gerry & Janet Smith re: Xmas lunch attendance Email form Graham Allum re: Xmas lunch attendance Bank statement from Heritage. Correspondence out: Email to Hedley & Barbara Dearling giving them a run down for our Xmas lunch. Janet sent a newsletter to Philip & Jo Hudson. Moved by Wendy Yarrow. Seconded by Elaine Pakeman Treasurer’s report: It was recorded that VVTE Car Inc. has a balance of $2,336.08. Banked $40.00 being for 2 memberships. No accounts to be paid. Heritage have finally taken out the $200.00 for Car Inc. membership. Mix up was that Car Inc. hadn’t paid the post box account so cheque finally came back to us). Moved by Wendy Yarrow. Seconded by Graham Allum Reports: Editor: Nothing exciting – Newsletters sent out by email and post. Darling Downs Club said they were happy with the newsletter and classed it as “a good read”. Car Inc Rep: Next meeting to be held on 27th November at Transport Museum. Car Inc. Committee looking forward to meeting all Groups. Dating: Nothing to report QHMC: No seat belt rules. No exception for Qld. Graham had meeting with the Qld Transport. They are hoping the cars will be ok in future with talk of a 2 year permit being taken out be QHMC. They are also working on a universal Dating form. Membership: 2 new memberships. Wayne & Karen Parkinson – 1919 tourer R Hupmobile. Moved by Alex Allum. Seconded by Graham Allum. Hedley & Barbara Dearling – 1930 Buick Series 40 Roadster. Moved by Alex Allum. Seconded by Spencer Yarrow. Carried that they be accepted into the Group. General Business: Prices for Motel for Kingaroy at Easter 2012. Prices for Caravan Park/Cabins. 10 members showed hands that they would be attending. Members to book their own accommodation. It was decided that we would use the Oasis Motel. (07) 41622399. Car Inc. run in February, 2012 for their birthday will be our next run and will be advised as to where it will be.
Alex to get info on run to Allora to go into our newsletter.
No further business. Meeting closed at 2.45pm.
Next meeting will be held at Car Inc. Birthday run. Venue to be advised.
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Please respond to Co-Ordinator regarding the next meeting
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Christmas Lunch at Harrisville – Run Report
The day began early for Barbara and I. This was our very first run with the club and so being late wasn’t an option. Our car is a 30 Buick Roadster, not a potential show and shine winner but strong and reliable, or so we thought. We left Highfields at 6:15 and met up with Michael and Marilyn at Gatton View BP. They were also going on the rally were in their 29 Buick Tourer with Betty as a passenger. The two Buicks proceeded onto Ipswich where we met up with the rest of the group at Queen’s Park. A picturesque spot at the top of a hill with various locals arriving for “birthday” barbeques with their families. After coffees, chat, waiting for members to arrive and sorting of the first mechanical problems of the day, six vintage cars, one modern car and approximately sixteen people left the park and headed for the Cunningham Highway. Shortly after turning onto the highway, we turned into Middle Road, which we followed until reaching a turn-off to Purga Reserve, a small reserve of surviving melaleucas in a natural marshland setting. There were short walks on boardwalks and gravel tracks which most of us took while a few ladies stood guard over the cars. As the next stop was Harrisville and lunch, we all drove out of the reserve and turned left into Middle Road. The surrounding countryside is a pleasant area with small farms and a ring of majestic mountain peaks to our left and right. We meandered through Peak Crossing, a place that has many new homes and acre blocks available. Many waves and smiles were forthcoming from residents of Peak Crossing as we continued our drive to Harrisville. The pub was pleasant with relatively cost-effective meals and comfortable surroundings. Although this was our first outing with the club, we found the company to be very friendly, inclusive and welcoming. Following lunch, our resident club photographer, Graham, organised the cars in the hotel backyard and took numerous photos of cars and people. The club meeting followed in the hotel dining room with the approval of the hotel owners. During the meeting, Barbara and I officially became members and now we look forward to future runs, particularly the Easter run in
2012 at Kingaroy. From Harrisville we all headed homeward. Our plan was to travel again with Michael and Marilyn as well as Graham, Alex and family in their A. We lost them for a while as they took a sneaky turn-off that we didn’t know about, but we later stumbled upon them again in Rosewood as we crossed Western Creek, obviously going the wrong way towards Warill Creek. After turning round, they were waiting for us and we left Rosewood for
Grandchester. This chance meeting proved fortuitous as, nearing Gatton, a loud death-rattle developed in the bowels of the Buick motor. Graham’s last photo of the day was the Buick on Michael’s car trailer, an undignified end to an otherwise excellent day. Barbara and I share not only the joy of travelling in the old car but also doing this in the company of other old cars driven by people with similar enthusiasm. Despite the unexpected ending, the day was everything we had hoped for and more. From Hedley & Barbara Dearling
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Fig 2 - Camber (The amount of inches or degrees the front wheels are tilted outwards at
the top.
Fig. 3 - Toe-in. (The amount by which the front wheels are set closer at the front
(A) than at the rear (B) when the wheels are in the straight-ahead position)
Fig. 1 Caster Angle
(The amount of degrees of backward tilt of the axle
king-pin).
STEERING
What is the first requirement for diagnosing and correcting steering troubles?
A thorough understanding of the following factors in front-end alignment:
(1) Caster.
(2) Camber.
(3) Toe-in.
(3) Pivot-pin or king-pin inclination.
(5) Steering geometry.
What is caster?
Caster is the amount in degrees of the backward tilt of the axle
and king-pin (see Fig. 1).
How would a vehicle with no caster steer?
Steering stability would be lost and the vehicle would tend to
wander over the road.
What is the effect of unequal caster?
Unequal caster shows itself in the tendency of the car to pull to the
right or left. The direction in which the car will tend to pull is toward the side with less caster.
How can unequal caster arise? Through the axle having been twisted, so that there is a greater
amount of caster in one king-pin than in the other.
What is camber?
Camber is the amount in inches or degrees that the wheels are
tilted outward at the top (see Fig. 2).
What are the effects of too much camber?
The wheel is tilted too far out at the top and the tyre is forced by
road contact into a conical shape on its under- side. The result
would be excessive tyre wear on the outer edges of the tread.
What is meant by reverse camber and what are its effects?
A wheel tilted too far in at the top is said to have reverse camber. Reverse camber results in excessive tyre
wear on the inner edges of the tread, leaving the centre of the tread comparatively unworn.
Is there any general rule governing the camber angle?
Yes. The rule is that if wheels have the maximum of
allowable camber, they must have the minimum amount of
allowable toe-in.
What is meant by toe-in?
The amount by which the front wheels are set closer at the
front (A) than at the rear (B) (see Fig.3) in the straight-ahead
position. Cambering the wheels out at the top makes it
necessary to draw them in at the front. Note that with front
wheel drive, toe-out is usual.
Explain the connection between toe-in and camber.
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Fig. 4 - King-pin inclination (The
amount in degrees that the top of the king-pins are inclined towards
the centre of the car.
Toe-in is a necessity growing out of camber, and directly related to it. It might seem that since the wheels
are headed inward toward the centre of the road, while actually travelling a parallel course, there must be
constant grinding of their surfaces on the road surface. It would appear that they are being held apart
constantly by the axle, against their tendency to roll outward to the same point. It is to avoid this tyre-
wearing surface grind that toe-in is employed.
What is meant by pivot-pin or king-pin inclination?
King-pin inclination is the amount in degrees that the tops of the king-pins are inclined toward the centre
of the car (see Fig. 4).
What is the purpose of king-pin inclination? King-pin inclination tends to keep the wheel spindles pointed
outward, in line with the axle, just as caster tends to keep the
wheels of an automobile pointed straight ahead. The effect is the
same, since, if the spindles are kept pointing out at right angles
to the car, the wheels will, as a result, be kept pointing ahead. It
makes the car steer more easily. Also, if the line drawn through
the king pin intersects the road at the mid point of the tyre
contact to road surface the effect of the steered wheels being
deflected by road bumps is greatly reduced. (see Fig. 4)
Are there any general considerations which must be borne in mind
when making alignment adjustments?
Yes. The close relationship between the factors that enter into the front-axle assembly. It is necessary to
realise what effect a change in one element of the mechanism will have on the others.
What is meant by steering geometry?
The mechanics of keeping the front wheels in proper relative alignment as the wheels are turned to the left
or right.
Explain this more fully.
From Fig. 5, it will be seen that each wheel must be at a right angle to the radius line from the centre
around which the car is turning. As the front wheels are not on the same radius line it is necessary for them
to assume a toed-out position when rounding curves.
How is wheel toe-out controlled when cornering? By the angle of the steering arms. See Fig. 6.
Give an example of the effect of a bent steering arm.
A steering arm, which has been bent, for example, in such a way
as to cause the right wheel to toe-in excessively on a left turn
would cause the right wheel tyre to drag and result in its rapid
wear. This condition in the steering arm accounts for
persistent wearing out of one tyre much faster than the other,
although by the usual wheel alignment test the tyre is
correctly set for straight-ahead driving.
What are the preliminary requirements before checking the
front-end alignment?
All checks must be made with the car level and with the
weight of the car on the wheels. No load on the vehicle is
usual, but in some cases a load is specified.
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Fig. 6 – Steering geometry.
Fig. 5 - Toe-out on curves.
Before any attempt is made to check or adjust caster, camber, toe-in, king-pin inclination, or toe-out, an
inspection routine should be made on parts which influence the
steering of the car.
Describe the inspection routine.
The inspection routine which must be carried out prior to checking front-end alignment is as follows:
(I) Inflate tyres to the recommended pressures.
(2) Check the adjustment of the front-wheel bearings,
and correct if necessary.
(3) Check for looseness at the king-pin; if found
excessive it must be corrected before
alignment readings will have any value.
(4) Check for looseness of track-rod ends, and replace if
necessary.
(5) Check for run-out of wheels and tyres, and correct to
1/8th
inch if necessary.
(6) Check the wheels and tyres for balance, and correct to
specification if necessary.
(7) Check shock-absorber action, and correct if necessary.
(8) Check front leaf springs (if fitted) and tighten U-bolts.
(9) Check steering-gear adjustment.
Explain the method of checking for looseness at the king-pin.
After properly adjusting the front-wheel bearings, the king-pins should be checked for looseness with the
front of the car jacked up. This is done by placing one hand on the top of the tyre and the other hand on the
bottom of the tyre, and then alternately pulling with one hand while pushing with the other to determine the
amount of play between the king-pin and king-pin bushings. If the top of the tyre can be moved in and out as
much as 1/8th
in., the bushings should be replaced.
How is wheel and tyre run-out ascertained?
Lateral run-out wheels and tyres may be checked by holding a piece of chalk against the wheel at the rim,
or the tyre side-wall, while the wheel is spinning. The chalk will make a mark on the wheel or tyre at the
point where the most run-out occurs, and if this is in excess of 1 inch it should be corrected. Note: When
checking camber, the place where the chalk mark is heaviest should be placed toward the front of the car. In
checking toe-in it should be placed at the top of the tyre.
What is the effect of an unbalanced wheel and tyre? -
Wheel unbalance is the principal cause of wheel bounce, and contributes somewhat to other steering
disorders.
Can wheel bounce be experienced after the wheel and tyre have been correctly balanced?
Some instances may be found where well-balanced wheel, hub and tyre assemblies will not be sufficient to
prevent wheel bounce. In such cases, inspect for and correct operation of shock-absorbers and looseness in
steering gear, steering linkage, king-pin, front-wheel bearings, etc. Where trouble cannot be corrected by
any of the above remedies, inspect wheel and tyre assemblies for radial run-out, placing tyres having least
radial run-out on the front wheels.
What are the most probable reasons for inefficient shock-absorber action?
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Most shock-absorber troubles that interfere with steering can be traced to insufficient fluid, incorrect
operation of valves, or damaged parts.
How is toe-in measured? Make sure that the wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Mark the rims of the wheels at the front at the
same (wheel centre) height from the ground. Measure the distance between the wheels at these points. Move
the vehicle forward half a revolution of the wheels until the marks move to the same height as before but
now at the back of the wheels. Measure the distance between the rims. The first subtracted from the second
measurement will give the toe-in.
How is toe-in adjusted?
By slackening the track rod end joint pinch-bolts or lock-nuts and turning the rod as required. After the
adjustment do not forget to tighten the pinch-bolts or lock-nuts.
How is camber angle checked?
Readings must be taken with the weight of the car on the wheels, tyres properly inflated, and with the
vehicle level crosswise of the car. The place where the run-out chalk mark is the heaviest on the tyre should
be placed toward the front of the car. (See question and answer on inspection routine)
Camber may be checked with any reputable front-end alignment equipment. If such equipment is not
available, a check can be made with an ordinary carpenter’s square and level. Place the square on the floor at
right angles to the wheel and measure the respective distances between the top of the inner rim of the wheel
and the top of the square and similarly at the bottom points of inner rim and square.
Why must camber and king-pin inclination be considered together?
From the definitions of king-pin inclination and camber it is evident that one cannot be corrected without
changing the other.
Is it possible to make correction for camber and king-pin inclination at the same time?
Only when both camber and king-pin inclination are off by the same amount. Then a correction at the axle
beam will take care of both conditions at the same time.
Should camber and king-pin inclination be out by different amounts, how is correction made?
If a check shows that both camber and king-pin inclination are out, but not by the same amount, it means
not only that the wheel spindle is bent and will have to be replaced, but also that a correction will have to be
made at the axle beam to correct the king-pin inclination. The same is true if the camber is all right and the
king-pin inclination is out.
If the camber is out but the king-pin inclination is correct, a bent wheel spindle will have to be replaced.
What is the procedure for checking caster angle?
Readings must be taken with the weight of the car on the wheels, the tyres properly inflated, and with the
vehicle on a level floor lengthwise of the car.
Caster may be checked with any reputable front-end aligning equipment. If such equipment is not
available a check in some cases can be made with a protractor head, with level attached, by placing it against
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
the machined bosses on the front side of the stub-axle knuckle support. No caster correction should be made
until after the camber angle and king-pin inclination angle have been checked.
How is correction made for caster?
Caster correction in ordinary amounts on standard front axles may be made with the use of caster shims.
To increase caster, place the thick side of the shim toward the back between the spring seat and the spring.
To decrease caster, place the thick side of the shim toward the front. The maximum amount of caster
correction that should be made with the use of shims is 2 degrees, and anything over this amount should be
corrected with the use of correcting tools.
Changing caster with the use of correcting tools is an operation of levelling the spring seats in those cases
when the use of caster shims is not advisable.
The above article is taken from one of a series of Question and Answer Manuals published by George
Newnes Ltd. This article comes from the 1953 publication ‘Questions & Answers on Automobile
Transmission & Steering’, by J. Lawrence. It is probably the best I have seen that covers the topic as related
to our types of early motor vehicles. I sincerely suggest that if any reader manages to find a copy of this
series they get hold of it – they are indeed a worthy addition to any vintagent’s library.
Ian Fenton.
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Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to All
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Vintage Vehicle Touring Enthusiasts (CAR Inc) Moto Media Volume 4 - Issue 4
Kingaroy April 6th – 9th, 2012
Easter Run
“
VVTE is going to Kingaroy for Easter 2012, April 6th – 9th.
Motel Oasis
50 Walter Road
Kingaroy. Qld. 4610
Ph 07 41622399
Fax 07 41623577
E-Mail [email protected]
Web www.moteloasis.com.au
Rooms are $90.00 per queen/ single and $100.00 for a twin share. The motel has advised they would require
credit card details to secure bookings.
Contact the Oasis Motel for further details, and secure you place. Please let motel know you are with VVTE.
Book now to avoid disappointment! There is no Entry fee or pre-paid meals this year, as in previous years. Runs and directions will be organised, and meals and eating venues arranged, which will be pay as you go.
Graham & Alex are working on details of travelling to Kingaroy. Routes & times will be coordinated to give
opportunity for vehicles to meet & travel together. At this stage it appears Yarraman would be the likely
Lunchtime stop and a meeting point for the drive up on Good Friday.
All information will be sent out at a later date, and published in our newsletter, and discussed at our next
meeting.
Contacts: Co-Ordinator – Alex Allum mob. 0419 544 184, Secretary – Wendy Yarrow ph. 5464 1273
