From Stephen and Vida Schild W E have had “Clem”, our 10/26 ute for about five or six years, and in that time he has been to several outings, and won the award for Best Feral Ute at the Port Elliot Ute Muster. His last outing was at the Singer car Club display at the Birdwood Museum, where he was on display for three months with Stephen Bitmead’s Singer Junior and Jeff Vale’s Singer SM1500 Sedan. Amongst the many visitors to the museum, during that time, were a family from Mathoura NSW, who immediately recognised the name on the drivers side door of “Clem”. It turns out that they were the cousins of Zowie, the grand-daughter of the late M. Crump who was the original owner of the Singer ute. Soon after, I received a phone call from Matthew Lombard, the Curator of the Continued on page 5 If you would like to share this issue of Singergram with your friends and family, go to – http://issuu.com and search for Singergram. Then choose the issue you wish to review. SINGERGRAM September 2015 Vol. 28 No. 3 SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA CLEM GOES HOME! Clem is winched slowly onto a trailer for his journey home. Have you filled in your Expression of Interest Form for the 2017 Singer National Rally to be held in SA’s Barossa Valley?
Transcript
From Stephen and Vida Schild
We have had “Clem”, our 10/26 ute for about five or six years, and in that time he has been to several outings, and won the award for Best Feral Ute at the Port elliot
Ute Muster.His last outing was at the Singer car Club display at the Birdwood Museum, where he was on display for three months with Stephen Bitmead’s Singer Junior and Jeff Vale’s Singer SM1500 Sedan.Amongst the many visitors to the museum, during that time, were a family from Mathoura NSW, who immediately recognised the name on the drivers side door of “Clem”.
It turns out that they were the cousins of Zowie, the grand-daughter of the late M. Crump who was the original owner of the Singer ute.Soon after, I received a phone call from Matthew Lombard, the Curator of the
Continued on page 5
If you would like to share this issue of Singergram with your friends and family, go to – http://issuu.com and search for Singergram. Then choose the issue you wish to review.
SINGERGRAMSeptember 2015 Vol. 28 No. 3
SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
CLEM GOES HOME!
Clem is winched slowly onto a trailer for his journey home.
Have you filled in your Expression of Interest Form for the 2017 Singer National
Rally to be held in SA’s Barossa Valley?
SINGER CAR CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA Inc(To preserve the marque and unite the owners)
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the Caledonian Hotel 219 O’Connell St, North Adelaide (cnr. Barton Tce).
Meet at 6.30 pm for a great meal or just attend the meeting which commences at 7.30 pm.
OFFICERS FOR 2015President............................................ Jeff Vale (08) 7509 0930 (H) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]
Vice President................................... Ivan Margitich (08) 8294 5253 (W) 17 Old Drive (08) 8294 5022 (W) Novar Gardens SA 5040 0419 800 799 (M)
Secretary........................................... Peter Wright (08) 8598 7066 (H) PO Box 254 0419 800 917 (M) Tailem Bend SA 5260 [email protected]
Assistant Secretary........................... Pat Oxley (08) 8365 2820 (H)
Minutes Secretary............................ Max Lane (08) 8552 3387 (H)
Treasurer........................................... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (H) 1 Thornton Street 0419 188 944 (M) Angle Vale SA 5117 [email protected]
Parts Officer .....................................Stephen Bitmead (08) 8254 2716 (H)
Conditional Registration Officers... Rob Martin (08) 8284 7947 (H) Ivan Margitich (08) 8295 5692 (H)
Committee......................................... Stephen Schild, Vida Schild, Diane Wright, Peter Oxley, Deidre Solly, Phil Keany, Sue Margitich, Sue Matthews, Arthur Ackland, Darhyl Walters.
Auditor.............................................. To be advised
Web Master....................................... Rob Martin www.singercars.com.au
Singergram Editor............................ Jeff Vale (08) 7509 0930 (H) PO Box 572 0427 152 029 (M) Greenock SA 5360 [email protected]
SCCA Secretary................................ Andrew Bull (03) 9499 6746 & Magazine Editor 9 Burton Crescent [email protected] east Ivanhoe VIC 3079
SINGERGRAM Page 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
SINGERGRAM Page 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
IT’S been a busy three months since the last issue of Singergram with several good runs organised by various members.
I have to congratulate those who have organised these events as they were quite diverse in their nature and enjoyed by all who were able to participate. Unfortunately Maureen and I weren’t able to attend many outings due to my ill health, but am happy to report that I’m OK at the moment and after an operation in November, should be back to “normal” by Christmas.We were fortunate this year to have had a Singer display at the Birdwood Motor Museum. Three cars were on display for three months, with an array of literature, badges and trophies also on display for perusal by the general public. It’s amazing how many people have never heard of the Singer marque! Hopefully we will be invited to display again in the future.Something that really pleases me is to see interaction between the Rootes Group Clubs of Singer, Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam participating in each other’s events. Hopefully this will continue into the years ahead with more of each club’s outings being attended by members of the other clubs.I know we would like to keep our own identity as a club, but I feel these combined events will not only give us more opportunities to use our vehicles, but will broaden our scope by meeting like-minded people and visiting new places.Let’s face it, our club membership is not growing and is indeed getting older as fewer younger members join our ranks, so any participation with the other clubs must be a step in the right direction.While talking about the Rootes Group, I must thank Ivan Margitich for attending the Rootes Group Co-Sharing meetings. I can only see positive outcomes from these discussions. Although merging of the clubs as a whole is currently unlikely, I feel we should endeavour to work closely with each other for the enhancement of all our clubs.Looking ahead, we have the Singer National Rally to plan for during easter 2017. It’s amazing just how quickly the time has gone since the Caloundra Rally this year. We don’t want to leave anything until the last minute and I would like to think every member of our club will have some input and be able to not only participate but assist with the smooth running of the event.If any member has an idea to make our rally one of the best, then please bring that idea to the next meeting for discussion. If you can’t get to the meeting, then email it to me at [email protected] and I’ll make sure it receives the appropriate attention.Christmas is on the horizon and our all-important final social outing is to be held at Sue and Ivan Margitich’s place on Sunday, 13th December from 12 noon. It is important that as many members as possible attend this event as it not only replaces our usual monthly meeting, but is the event used as our vehicle registration day.Finally, thanks to all those who attend our meetings, participate in our events, contribute articles for the Singergram and actively promote our club.
— Jeff Vale, President
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – from Jeff Vale
A NOTE FROM THE EDITORIt seems quite a few of our members have been away on holidays overseas.Perhaps those lucky travellers could write a couple of paragraphs and supply a photo or two that may be of interest for publication in our magazine.It doesn’t have to be a travelogue – just a highlight or point of interest that you would like to share.
Jeff Vale, Editor
SINGeRGRAM is happy to place your For Sale or Wanted ads in this space.
Please email any items suitable for this column to [email protected] but remember to NOTIFy THe eDITOR WHeN THe CONTeNT OF THe AD IS CHANGeD OR NO LONGeR ReqUIReD.
FOR SALE & WANTED
FOR SALE – Framed Hunter promotional colour poster about A3 size. I am also clearing all my Singer parts, mainly for 9/4AD roadsters, SM1500 and Hunters. Ask – I may have it. Sedan parts include radiators and a Zenith Carburettor taken off an SM1500. VW Solex carby – may suit 9 motor. Roadster parts include front axle, side curtain glass, back shockers, electrical and body bits.
DUMB AND DUMBER...A guy was stuck on a desert island for years. Then from the depths of the ocean, came a stunning, dark-haired beauty equipped with scuba gear.
She walked slowly, voluptuously, up to the guy and asked very softly, “Would you like a cigarette?”.
His eyes filled with wonder as he answered, “Sure.”
She unzipped a pocket on the sleeve of her wetsuit, pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a light. She offered him a cigarette, took one herself and lit them both.
As they smoked their cigarettes, she asked, “would you like a martini?”
“Wow! Yes,” he responded with immense enthusiasm. So she unzipped another pocket, pullet out a shaker of martinis, a couple of glasses and poured them both a drink.
She watched him as he sipped the drink and, with a breathtakingly beautiful smile,, whispered into his ear, “Would you like to play around?”
Amazed at his good fortune, he said, “You’ve got to be kidding! You’ve got golf clubs in there too?”
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Two naked professors are sitting on a verandah at the local college talking about life, death, God and general theories of existence.
One turns to the other and says, “By the way, have you read Marx?”
To which the other replies, “Yes, aren’t these cane chairs murder!”
SINGERGRAM Page 5 SEPTEMBER 2015
CLEM GOES HOME! – continued
Birdwood Museum, informing me that Zowie Crump wanted me to phone her, with regard to purchasing “Clem”.I informed her of the price I was asking for the ute and as he was special to their family, Zowie agreed to purchase him, and pick him up, after his trip to Birdwood.Clem has gone full circle. He came from Mathoura NSW, was sold for scrap to a dealer in echuca, where he sat for 40-plus years, locked away in a shed.From there he went to elmore Victoria and once again he sat in a shed locked away for almost 20 years – and that’s when we came in. We bought him, with other Singer parts, and brought him back to Victor Harbor, South Australia – and now he has gone back to Mathoura!For a car that had four flat tyres, a motor that was not operational, a brick where a front spring should have been, he sure has travelled a long distance.Vida & I are glad that he has gone back home, it’s where he belongs. And we understand from his new owners that we may see him on display at various car shows in the future as a going concern.
Zowie Crump (maiden name) and her husband Todd – Clem’s new owners.
The original signage on the driver’s door. A brick takes the place of a broken spring.
SINGERGRAM Page 6 SEPTEMBER 2015
RECIPE OF THE WEEKJeff Vale loves these
light but zingy
Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients• 1 cup plain flour• 2 tablespoons self-raising flour• ½ teaspoon of salt• ¼ teaspoon cayenne• 125g (4oz) butter• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
cheese• 125g (4oz) cheddar cheese grated• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
1. Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
2. Rub in the butter and grated cheeses.3. Mix to a soft dough with lemon juice.4. Shape mixture into a roll 38cm (15in)
long, wrap in greaseproof paper, then aluminium foil.
5. Refrigerate the wrapped roll for at least three hours.
6. Cut the roll into slices 5mm (¼in) thick and place onto greased oven trays.
7. Bake in a moderate oven for 15 minutes until light golden brown.
8. Allow the biscuits to cool on the trays as they tend to be brittle when warm.
QUICK WIT . . .
An older, white haired man walked into a jewellery store one Friday evening with a beautiful young girl at his side. He told the jeweller he wanted a special ring for his girlfriend.
The jeweller looked through his stock and found a $5,000 ring. The old man said, “No, I’d like to see something much more special.”
The jeweller went to his special stock in the safe and brought another ring back. “This one’s $40,000.” The young lady’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man said, “I’ll take it!”
The jeweller asked how payment would be made, and the old man said, “By check, but I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I’ll write it now, and you can call the bank on Monday to verify funds. I’ll pick up the ring on Monday afternoon.”
Monday morning, the jeweller called the old man saying, “There’s no money in that account!”
The old man said, “I know, but let me tell you about my weekend!”
Firstly, an introduction from the organisers Trevor and Jane Bailey
After several weeks of wintry weather, 30 August dawned bright and sunny. About 15 people from various Rootes Group Clubs met in the lower car park of the Mt Lofty Gardens.
Some had never been to the gardens before, so the quiz organized by Trevor Bailey allowed them to become acquainted for the first time.
For all members, however, the early taste of warm Spring weather allowed a sampling of camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, daffodils and trees in bloom.
The quiz proved great fun, with Stephen and Wendy Bitmead getting all 18 questions right, with Deidre Solly coming in second.
SINGeR and Hillman Car Club members drove up to Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens for lunch and a quiz on August 30.
It was a perfect “nearly Spring” day, mainly sunny, a bit of a breeze. Six Hillmans and Singers made the trip and a couple of moderns. There was no prepared “run” to get there, but instructions were to arrive in the lower car park in time for the quiz Trevor Bailey had organised for an 11.30 start with lunch to follow at 1pm.
Wendy and I arrived from Goolwa right on 11 to discover we were the last ones to arrive! everyone else had gotten there early for morning tea in a fantastic setting picked by Trevor that provided shelter, tables and seats, plus a view back to keep an eye on the cars.
Trevor sent us off on the quiz right on time, each “team” with a map of the gardens and a list of 20 questions, designed to take you on a tour of the main walking track, and a little up the side paths.
SINGERGRAM Page 7 SEPTEMBER 2015
BOTANIC GARDENS RUN – from Stephen Bitmead
Continued on page 8
Rhododendrons and magnolias in bloom put on a stunning display.
The Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens are in a lovely setting, below the summit in a series of gullies that open up into a central area that has been dammed to form a lovely lake. The main walking path takes you on a circuit of the lake and there are many paths branching off the main track, each with different themes.
Wendy was in paradise! The flora on display was lovely. She knew many. Me – I just looked, admired and nodded. There were also many pieces of sculpture along the way, that were all aligned with the setting and the aim of the park.
It took over an hour of leisurely strolling the path to complete the circuit, catching up with fellow members on the route. you could spend all day walking the paths. The park was very busy with many families out for the day. It is truly a hidden treasure of the Adelaide Hills and I can recommend taking not only yourselves but interstate and overseas visitors there to sample it for a quite ponder between some other sites.
Back from the quiz we all had a lovely picnic lunch and a great chance to talk and share stories of not only Singers and Hillmans but all other range of topics.
Wendy took a lemon drizzle cake to celebrate Stephen Schild’s birthday, which was on the day we had originally planned this trip earlier in the year!! There was just enough to go around.
Trevor announced the quiz results which included “A Prize!!” a Bunnings Voucher and somehow Wendy and I fluked the win from very stiff opposition.
It was a great day and really good to catch up with Singer members Trevor, Stephen and Vida, Deidre, Derek (representing both clubs), Pete, Pat and a friend, plus six Hillman members.
In my view these joint events are a thing to foster. With pressure caused by reducing member numbers, but a desire to keep our own identities, we should in my opinion have each club organise an event each year that includes all other Rootes Group Clubs.
This gives clubs four events to attend while only organising 1 and it means that the chances of a good turn out is also much higher.
A very big thankyou to Trevor for organising this, he spent a lot of time checking out the site, which he clearly loves visiting, and preparing the quiz and organising a prize.
SINGERGRAM Page 8 SEPTEMBER 2015
Pat Oxley and friend searching for quiz answers closely followed by Stephen and Vida Schild.
BOTANIC GARDENS RUN – from Stephen Bitmead
Firstly, from Trevor Bailey . . .
ON Sunday, 9th August, I arrived for this run with the Hillman Club. It was an ideal day weatherwise, the sunniest day in the middle of a fortnight of rain, although there were
some cold winds – very bracing in my open top 4A.There were about 15 cars all told, though some were moderns. I took a pic of the start line up at Tea Tree Gully reserve and also one of the first stop, Mt Pleasant bakery, where there was a sumptuous array of slices, bars and gourmet pies to choose from.I returned home after that, but Pat and Peter Oxley continued and Pat will supply a write-up from then on.
Pat and Peter Oxley continue the story . . .
SUNDAy 9th August was a notable day, not only was it the Hillman Club’s Northern Bakeries Run, but it was the warmest (20°C) sunniest day for at least six weeks!
We met at Modbury Civic Park, Pete and I in our modern and Trevor Bailey in his 4Ad. We joined a large group of wonderfully turned out Hillmans.Travelling up the North-east Road, through St Agnes, Inglewood and on to Gumeracha, the fire-damaged trees along the way are marvellously regenerating. Mother Nature is a wonderful thing.We motored on through Birdwood and stopped for morning tea at Mount Pleasant Bakery. We passed up on the cakes and settled for raisin toast.At this point Trevor had to depart.
SINGERGRAM Page 9 SEPTEMBER 2015
NORTHERN BAKERY RUN – from Trevor Bailey and Pat & Peter Oxley
Continued on page 10
Trevor’s lovely Singer 4A with an impressive line-up of Hillmans at
the start of the run.
SINGERGRAM Page 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
NORTHERN BAKERY RUN – continued
We travelled on to Springton, noting the Herbig Family Tree at the parking area, then continued on, turning right onto a short dirt road up the hill to the eden Valley Lookout.It was well worth the visit with 360° views of the eden Valley. A great opportunity for photos.On we went to Angaston with a visit to Collingrove Homestead. I was knocked out by the antiques and the ambience in addition to the beautiful surrounds.Our lunch stop was D&M’s Bakery in Murray Street, Angaston.A pair of Ned Kelly pies and pot of tea went down very well.Many thanks to Roz and Robert Brown for a well thought out run and thanks to the very friendly Hillman members for a great day out.
Diets were put on hold when the group reached the Mount Pleasant Bakery.
Collingrove Homestead near Angaston is well worth a visit.
NO BREAKFAST . . .A teacher asked a Grade 4 class to spell whatever they had for breakfast. In response, one spelt B-A-C-O-N. Another spelt E-G-G-S. But Jimmy spelt B-U-G-G-E-R A-L-L.The teacher was mortified and ordered Jimmy to stand in front of the class.‘Now, Jimmy, as your punishment you can be the first in the geography test. Where is the South Australian border?’At home in bed with Mum,’ replied Jimmy. ‘And that’s why I had bugger-all for breakfast!’
SINGERGRAM Page 11 SEPTEMBER 2015
HELP! TIMING MY 10/26 – from Graeme Mudge
I WAS in Adelaide for 8 days a few weeks ago from Cairns, where I now live, to work on my Singer 10/26 for the first time in 50 years!!
I had a lot of fun getting the reconditioned engine back in to the old girl which has been garaged there since I was 15 years old.
I bought the car for £7 to drive myself to trade school until I could afford to buy a VW Beetle. I always promised myself I would get it back on the road and so this is the beginning of that journey.
The fitting of the engine brought to light some queries which I hope can be answered.
The first one is about the oil level on the dip stick – not sure if it is at the end of the aluminium before the brass.
The other query is about the timing. Is it at the top dead centre No 1 when the gap on the magneto is open?
If anyone can help please contact me on 0416176556 or you can email me at [email protected].
The dipstick appears to have no markings to indicate the oil level.
Graeme’s 10/26 – about to be fitted with a reconditioned heart!
SINGERGRAM Page 12 SEPTEMBER 2015
WELLINGTON RUN – from Kevin Hunter (Hillman Club)
OUR Wellington run is coming up, and we hope maybe some of your members might like to join us.
We will not be going to our home this year – sadly we had to sell up, so we are going to the Court House instead.
Could you let me know if any one would like to join in at either the Mount Barker or Langhorne Creek pick up.
This way we will know to wait,
Regards Kevin Hunter
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
WELLINGTON RUN — Sunday 18th October 2015The route for the run is from the Burnside Town Hall Fisher Street, Tusmore to Wellington a distance of 100 km.
Destination: Wellington Court House Wellington. (0428 857 707 Contact Kevin Hunter)
Meeting at the Burnside Town Hall Car Park: 10.00 am for 10.30am departure.
Drive to Mount Barker via the Freeway Mt Barker to our next pick up – car park on Flaxley Road 100 metres SW of the roundabout.
Continue together straight ahead along Wellington Road to Wistow.
Through Wistow, and head towards Wellington and Langhorne Creek.
Travel through Woodchester, and after approx 1 km turn left at Langhorne Creek sign.
When we arrive at Langhorne Creek, we will stop for a toilet break at the Community Hall which is also our final pick up point.
We will be leaving here at 11.30am approx.
From here turn left onto the road to Wellington.
At Wellington, just before the ferry, we will be going to the Wellington Court house for lunch – approx $20 per person.
Lunch will be from 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Three options for return drive home –
1. Return the way you have just come:
2. Return via Strathalbyn – continue on from Langhorne Creek towards Strathalbyn, then via Mount Barker and home
3. Turn left from the Court House, continue down Ferry Road, turn left onto Highway one, which leads to the Freeway at Tailem Bend.
SINGERGRAM Page 13 SEPTEMBER 2015
BIRDWOOD DISPLAY ENDS – from Jeff Vale
Left: Matthew Lombard, assisted by his son, guides Stephen and Wendy Schild’s 10/26 ute out of the display area.
IT’s amazing just how quickly three months can fly past. Maybe we notice this as we get older, but it seems like only yesterday we were looking forward to having some of our
Singers on display at the Birdwood Motor Museum and now our cars are all tucked away awaiting their next outing.
According to Matt Lombard, curator of the museum, there seems to have been quite a lot of interest shown in the three vehicles on display. Stephen and Wendy Schild showed their “as found” 10/26 ute, Stephen and Wendy Bitmead had their Singer Junior on display, while Jeff and Maureen vale exhibited their SM1500 saloon.
Our thanks must go to Matt Lombard for his assistance and care in helping to arrange the display of our precious cars. We look forward to another opportunity to display some different models in the not too distant future.
Above: Stephen and Wendy Bitmead chat with Maureen Vale before heading off.
Left: Stephen and Wendy Bitmead, ready to depart with their Junior securely anchored.
SINGERGRAM Page 14 SEPTEMBER 2015
ROOTES GROUP PICNIC DAY
UPDATEWe are looking forward to our four clubs joining together for an informal picnic at the Oaklands Park Reserve.
Please make sure your club registers and pays for members attending before the event, to your club treasurer as requested.
The funds and numbers should then be forwarded to Kerry Chinnick – our Treasurer.
The format of the day is casual –bring your own picnic table, chairs etc.
We will be providing a BBQ cooked by the Brownhill Creek Rotary Club, plates, bread and salads etc.
The following events will be held, and a team from your club is invited to participate.
1. Quoits – team of 4
2. Bocce – team of 4
3. Mixed ladies novelty event (no running or high jump) – team of 4
PLEASE ARRANGE TEAMS PRIOR TO THE DAY~ ~ ~ :: ~ ~ ~
In addition we are holding a cooking event.
We are asking for entries in the following categories
• BISCUITS AND SLICES
• CAKES
• CUP CAKES (decorated)
All entries will need to be handed to the judging area by 11.30pm.
After judging and awards being presented, the entries will become part of our picnic lunch.
SINGERGRAM Page 15 SEPTEMBER 2015
1939 SINGER UTE – from Stephen Schild
Never say Never again! That’s what I said after the restoration of the Singer 4AD. How did it happen that I have yet another basket case Singer in two piles in two sheds?
Well, I can blame John eason for that!
While talking to John at the British Classic Tour here in Victor Harbor, he said he was about to buy a 1939 Flood Bodied Singer ute, from the son of a chap who died more than 30 years ago.
Me being me, said, “If you find that you don’t want to go ahead with the restoration, let me know and I could be interested.”
Out of the blue one day a few weeks ago, I received a phone call from John. “you still interested in that ute?” (or something like that, I think it may have been “Hey sucker come and pick the ute up!”)
Well, after arrangements were made to go out to John & Vanessa’s home at Gawler, just to have a look at it, naturally we towed a car trailer behind our ute, just in case.
One look at that sad pathetic ute, made up to look like it was drivable with a Shannon’s ‘Look & Admire but do not touch’ card on the bonnet, made me want to do something with it – plus the price was right.
We towed it home in bits and pieces, and with the help of John who delivered the chassis the next day, it has found a new home. Continued on page 16
SINGERGRAM Page 16 SEPTEMBER 2015
1939 SINGER UTE – continued
The car appears to have most of its components and, apart from needing a lot of work – it needs a radiator, two rear mudguards, and yes that is the garage floor you can see through the rear tub and front floor panels, and the motor needs reconditioning, not much, just a few years of time and money.
Keep an eye on this magazine for updates, or a ‘for sale’ advertisement!
Stephen and Vida Schild have a real jigsaw puzzle to solve here! Good luck!
SINGERGRAM Page 17 SEPTEMBER 2015
Insulation of the engine and Gear Box from Frame Distortion
FOR next year, which, in the Olympian sense, means next week also, there will be three Singer models. The smallest is the 15 h.p. with 80 by 130 mm engine and 9ft. 6in.
wheelbase. The next is the 20 h.p., with 90 by 130 mm engine and 9ft. 6in. wheelbase.
Speaking broadly, this is the 15 h.p. car with a bigger engine and slightly higher gear. The third unit of the fleet is another 20 h.p., but with a 10ft. 6in. wheelbase and worm drive.
The engine is the same as in the other 20 h.p., and this chassis is specially produced for covered cars, and that is why the worm drive is provided, as silence is so essential for a closed car. Certain features are common to all the models, and among them may be mentioned a three-point suspended underframe for carrying the engine, with a separate cradle upon which the gear box rests. This three-point suspended bed plate is a most carefully planed and true, so that the engine and gear box are carried absolutely truly to themselves and to each other, and they are flexibly connected by true universal joins, so that the engine and transmission should be entirely unaffected by the natural flexing of the frame as it passes over uneven road surfaces.
Both engines have their cylinders case in pairs with the valves on the left side completely enclosed by instantly removable cover plates. Thermo-syphon cooling is employed, and a fan is used behind the radiator to maintain sufficient draught at low speeds.
The radiator has been altered, as the brass ring upon the tubes has been done away with,, and vertical flat tubes are now used; the tank at the top is slightly higher than before to provide a good head of water, but the bonnet proper remains the same, so that we still have that bold outline which harmonises so well with a high-sided and comfortable body.
To return to the engine. The crankshaft is hardened and ground all over, and runs in white metal bearings. The lubrication is mechanical, the pump at the bottom of the sump being divided, one half delivering oil from the tank to the engine, and the other half returning it to the tank. The oil is forced direct to all the main bearings, the big ends, gudgeon pins, and cylinder walls being lubricated by splash, for scoops on the big ends dip into troughs which are kept filled with oil by means of the pump. The oiling is, therefore, entirely automatic, an indicator being provided on the dash to show that the system is working.
A White and Poppe carburettor is employed, and is placed upon the right-hand side of the engine in front of the steering box. The petrol feed is by gravity, as the tank is situated inside the scuttle dash, this system, as we have said before, providing the advantages of pressure feed without its drawbacks. A very accessible filter is fitted between the tank and the float chamber.
SINGERGRAM Page 18 SEPTEMBER 2015
Continued on page 19
NEW SINGER CARS – from The Autocar, October 29, 1910
A front view of the new Singer radiator and dashboard, from which it will be seen that the
circular panelling of the radiator has been discarded for a smarter design.
SINGERGRAM Page 19 SEPTEMBER 2015
NEW SINGER CARS – continued
The clutch is of the leather-faced cone pattern, and of the self-thrusting type when the clutch is home. Springs are provided under the leather to give easy engagement, and the clutch is withdrawn by dust-proof and oil-retaining ball thrust bearings. Four speeds are provided, with direct drive on the top, operated by a gate change.
Great care has been taken with the gears, which are made from a special steel, enabling them to be trued properly in a gear cutter after hardening. These gears are remarkably quiet, and of very large dimensions, so that they should retain their silent running for very long periods of wear. The double sliding sleeve moves on a six-fluted shaft, and the reverse pinion is idle except when actually reversing, while the rocking type of gear changing lever is perfectly free in its action.
The propellor-shaft is encased in a tapered torque tube, which delivers its thrust on to one of the cross members of the frame through a universal yoke, and the whole of the transmission from the clutch to the road wheels is carried out with the utmost care, and is a really sound weather-proof job.
The steering, which is very light and almost effortless, has ball thrust collars to each end of the worm easily adjustable from outside, and long phosphor bronze bearings are provided for the revolving tube. On the wheel the ignition and throttle levers are found, but there is also a nicely balanced foot throttle well forward, and on the right of the brake pedal; the position which, all things considered, is the best from the driver’s point of view.
All brakes take effect on the rear wheel brake drums, so that the transmission is saved from braking stresses. They are concentrically arranged, the foot brake acting upon the outer drum and the hand brake upon the inner. The brake and gear levers are so arranged that they come comfortably
inside the right hand front door. Sankey pressed steel detachable wheels are used and they are even neater in appearance and more easily cleaned than the wooden artillery wheel; we are glad to note that thrust bearings are provided in the front wheels in addition to the ordinary load bearings.
The springing has been entirely revised, very long and nearly flat springs are employed, the back being of the three-quarter elliptical type. From their very early youth the Singer cars have always had the box form of dashboard, but the latest pattern is a great improvement, as it is not so bluff in outline and gives a nice easy transition from the bonnet to the high-sided body. It is curved to match the outline of the body panels and looks exceedingly well.
The car has been among the most successful this year, and from personal trial we can say that it is better to-day than it ever was.
I wonder what our ladies would think if they had to dress like this for a Singer run!
SINGERGRAM Page 20 SEPTEMBER 2015
CALENDAR OF EVENTSStephen Bitmead has been appointed Events Coordinator and will be relying on ALL
members to advise of any changes or additions to our Calendar of Events.Please contact Stephen on (08) 8254 2716 (H).
Monthly meetings are held at the Caledonian Hotel, O’Connell Street, North Adelaide – 6.30 pm for meals and 7.30 pm for meeting –
2015OCTOBER
12 Monthly Meeting.
18 Strathalbyn Swap Meet.
24 Run to the Goolwa Motor Museum – Kindly organised by Max and Rosemary Lane. We will visit the Motor Museum from 11.00am and then lunch at a café – probably Bombora at Goolwa Beach. Please let Max or Rosemary know if you are going to join us.
NOVEMBER
8 Combined Rootes Day – Organised by the Hillman Car Club at Oaklands Wetland and Reserve, 237-265 Oaklands Road, Oaklands Park. There is more information on page 14 of this issue of Singergram. It’s always a great day out. Please make the effort to join us there.
9 Monthly Meeting.
DECEMBER
13 Christmas Get Together and Vehicle Rego Day - Ivan and Sue Margitich have kindly offered their home as a venue for this year’s Christmas lunch. Meet at 17 Old Drive, Novar Gardens from 12 noon for a relaxing and fun afternoon. It will be a shared lunch with BYO drinks, chairs, etc. as in previous years. More information will be issued at the November meeting.
2016JANUARY
No meeting or events have been organised for January.
FEBRUARY
12 Monthly Meeting.
14 All British Day – No entries will be accepted after November 13, so if you intend going to this outstanding event, you had better get cracking!
