Motoring blog / Service and repair

Levin's Ford Model T assembly plant breaks new record

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:24:24 +1300

A team of six build and drive a Ford Model T in 2 minutes and 40 seconds; faster than the assembly line could assemble the car a century ago.

An effort even Henry Ford would be proud of. The New Zealand team are hoping the record breaking time will be recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Should you fit new tyres on the front or rear axle?

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:59:59 +1200

Every time we encounter questions on this subject it causes heated debates. Opinions differ for various reasons and most of these explanations, for or against, have some merit.

The tyre industry states when replacing two tyres on your vehicle to fit them on the rear axle. Their reasoning is fitting new tyres to the front can result in oversteer and loss of control especially when braking or swerving sharply.

In the past we mechanics used to believe fitting newer tyres to the driving wheels was the right thing to do. Front wheel drive cars had new tyres fitted to the front and rear wheel drive vehicles had them fitted to the rear. It sounds logical as most of the wear will occur on the drive axle. Most people also believed a front wheel driver had better handling with new tyres on the front.

If your tyres are in such poor condition that this is a big cause for concern, then you probably should be replacing all four tyres.

How NOT to change a v-belt on your car

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:35:27 +1200

The quickest way to do things is not necessary the safest option. Do not try this at home - risk of losing a few fingers or more.

Stop Start technology explained

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:35:26 +1200

What is it?

Stop Start technology switches off a car's engine when the vehicle is stopped (e.g. while at a red light or in a traffic jam). In a Stop Start Vehicle (SSV) the battery is required to power the headlights, radio and electrical systems while stationary and also deliver power to restart the engine instantly when it's time to resume driving.

This technology delivers between 5 and 10% lower emissions and a similar improvement in fuel economy. A new generation of Stop Start batteries, called Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) are able to withstand the high demands a Stop Start Vehicle places on the battery.

Why was it introduced?

Pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to comply with global warming regulations has led to the development of Stop Start engine technology. This new engine technology has been pioneered by European manufacturers since 2007 and we’re now seeing vehicles fitted with this technology in New Zealand.

What does that mean?

Vehicles with Stop Start technology like the Ford Transit, Volkswagen BlueMotion range require AGM batteries. Fitting another type of battery, (for instance a conventional lead acid battery) will not only impair the fuel saving technology, but will also reduce the service life of the battery itself. Tests have shown that conventional lead-acid batteries lose between 7 and 16% of their available capacity after just one week of being used in a Stop Start Vehicle.

How does the technology work?

AGM technology is one of the most advanced developments in lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte is held permanently in a glass fleece separator and exerts contact pressure on the active material. This significantly increases durability and leads to high performance and long life. AGM batteries are the perfect solution for Stop Start Vehicles. Many major brands now offer Stop Start Vehicles including BMW EfficientDynamics, VW BlueMotion and Mazda SKYACTIV.

Benefits of AGM Stop Start battery technology

Has at least three to four times more cycling life, required to meet the demands of Stop Start Vehicles
High charge acceptance which is critical for modern battery management systems
100% leak-proof and spill-proof
Excellent starting power, so you can rely on the engine starting – even at a low state of charge
Totally maintenance-free

AA Battery Service are constantly expanding their range of AGM Stop Start batteries to meet growing demand as more vehicles enter the market.

If you need a new battery delivered and installed call AA Battery Service on 0800 500 222.

How not to remove your engine from your car

Mon, 28 May 2012 08:46:32 +1200

One method to remove the engine from your car that you shouldn't try at home!

How often should you service your car and by whom?

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:44:19 +1200

Long gone are the days when the family car needed a grease and oil change every 3 months or 3,000kms, but just how long should you wait before paying a visit to your local garage for that regular oil change, check-up and tune?

Can you wait too long or can a car be over serviced? Either way, potentially it’s going to hit you where it hurts most if you get it wrong; in the pocket.

Very few cars on our roads today have any grease nipples to worry about and the labour intensive art of re-tuning the engine has also been made redundant with the introduction of electronic ignition and unleaded fuel. Unless you own a classic or vintage car, chances are your current vehicle is electronic savvy which should in theory help reduce service costs (for both parts and labour).

A tune-up can at times simply consist of an air filter clean or replacement. At other times however, the need to bite the bullet and spend more than you would like on extra filters, spark plugs and specific fluids is something all Motorists have to accept. Those experiences should however be the exception not the rule, when the car is taken in for its routine service.

Spark plugs are a good example of how things have changed over the years. It was almost an accepted practice a few years ago to replace the spark plugs at every service but with today’s petrol quality, improved engine technology combined with electronic engine management systems, a standard spark plug can easily last up to 40,000km. And remember, spark plugs don’t wear with age, they wear with use so if you have a car which travels say 10,000km a year, your plugs could easily last 4 years plus.

And then there are the more expensive long life plugs fitted to many V6 engines (due to the difficulties in accessing them), which are designed to last up to 100,000km.

The key to ensuring you are being fair to both your bank balance and car, is to find a trusted service provider; unfortunately that is not as easy as it sounds.

If you already have a garage that provides good lines of communication, keeps accurate records of work history and is genuinely interested in looking after your interests as far as car ownership costs are concerned, then don’t discard them lightly.

The older any vehicle is in terms of age, or the higher the mileage, the higher the risk of increased service and maintenance costs. A trusted service provider can often help soften the blow and work on priorities rather than hit you between the eyes and spend way beyond your limits in one visit.

Be wary also of those who have much better persuasive skills than technical ability and continuously try the up-sell method of increasing their own profits at your expense.

Generally speaking most petrol powered cars on our roads today can comfortably last 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first) between oil and filter changes or what we would call a general service. This service should include a check of other fluid levels, tyre condition and pressures as well as other visual wear and tear items. Cooling systems are one of the most important areas to check during a regular service and can save you hundreds of dollars in unexpected and unwanted surprises if kept in good condition.

Some European vehicles have on-board service warning lights to warn the driver just when a service is due. It is not unusual for these vehicles to travel upwards of 25,000km before servicing is recommended.

While not nearly so sophisticated, getting into the habit of doing your own ‘peace of mind’ checks can definitely save you money. Once again a trusted service provider would be happy to point out the checks you can do yourself and just when and how often they should be done.

Added peace of mind can also come from using the franchise dealer network if your vehicle is fairly new or an independent facility which is affiliated to a recognised organisation such as the AA or MTA.

AA Members can seek further advice by phoning the freeMotoring Advice line - 0800 500 333 option 2.

Non-Members can call on 0900 58 324 (calls have a flat rate charge of $7.00).

Kiwis and their cars - Alex Ross's 1959 Chevrolet Impala

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Alex Ross is the sort of guy who would never settle for second best. Something of a perfectionist, he has an eye for detail which he says stems from his daily routine in his catering business, Dawson's Catering, where he and partner Grahame Dawson have a reputation for picture-perfect artistic presentation.

“Presentation is all-important in this business,” says Alex, “but it's all about getting the basics right too."

And while that might be a sound basis for serving up an exquisite gourmet meal, there are some similarities to the process involved in building a top notch classic car. Unless the correct ingredients are used, the finished product will be compromised.

Alex has had a soft spot for ’59 Chevys since his childhood days, when back in Johannesburg his father owned a blue and white ’59 four door Impala. But what many people brush off as nostalgic fantasy has become a reality for Alex, having acquired and overseen the restoration of his own ’59 two door Impala Sport Coupe.

Imported from Bakersfield California in 2004, the dry desert climate had been particularly kind to this old Impala, having preserved the acres of sheet metal incredibly well. With very little rust for a car of this age, it was remarkably solid, being a perfect basis for a full concours quality restoration.

Alex first became acquainted with the car when it was hired for him as surprise transportation to his 50th birthday party in 2005. So smitten was he with the car that within a few months, when the owner decided to sell, the ’59 became his.

Although a sound car to start with, Alex’s Sport Coupe didn’t meet with his exacting standards, and the 15 month restoration process began in July 2007.

After doing his research (remember the aforementioned basics?), the Chev was sent off to Moselle Panel and Paint in Henderson, West Auckland for the body and paintwork to be taken care of.

While Moselle’s were working their magic with the giant body shell, Alex spent many a late night on Ebay and various on-line Chevrolet forums, searching out the best quality ingredients in the USA. Items such as a faithfully reproduced interior trim kit, diamond embossed headlining, tail light lenses, varous chrome trim items, a set of chrome wire wheels and numerous other items, large and small.

Upon finding a supplier for the elaborate interior door trim panels in the USA, the task of renovating these alone presented a complex and involved process. Alex’s auto-trimmer, Upholstery by Scott on Auckland’s North Shore carefully dismantled the original trims for the metal caps to be stripped, rust treated and painted before being sent off to the US to be used in the manufacture of Alex’s new panels.

By and large, project-managing the restoration of such a large and complex machine went relatively smoothly although Alex recounts a minor hiccup with the engine.

“Opting to stay with the original type 283ci V8 and Powerglide transmission, I purchased a ‘recently reconditioned’ 283 that just needed a bit of a clean-up.” As the car was destined for perfection, Alex had the guys at Magnum Automotive pull it down for detailing and to check everything was in order.

“Sadly, I had been sold a pup and the original engine turned out to be in much better shape, so the decision was made to carry out a full rebuild of the original V8.”

While Magnum Automotive were taking care of the engine and other mechanicals, the Powerglide automatic ‘box was sent off to Autotrans for them to overhaul the 2 speed unit, while Scott the upholsterer saw to fitting the seat trim kit.

With the striking 2 tone colour scheme Alex had finally settled on, of Lycon Green and Celery Stalk applied, everything was starting to come together.

When the car rolled out of GM's Oakland plant in '59, the engine bay would have been black, but Alex chose to have it colour co-ordinated to match the rest of the car. Along with the superbly detailed engine and mirror finishes on the underside of the bonnet, the result is a slick looking super-clean engine bay.

Numerous factory options and accessories were fitted, such as rear spats, factory air-conditioning, electric windows, power steering, a tissue dispenser, untold chrome bling including the faux exhaust tips on the lower rear quarter panels and a Continental Spare Wheel kit.

The suspension rebuilt and HQ Holden brakes installed, by October ’08 the 2 door Impala was back pounding the streets, with just a little fettling left to do in order to get things just how Alex wanted them.

“I had Rapid Radio install a state of the art sound system. Once the weight of the boot-mounted sub-woofers, power amps and auxiliary battery power supply went in, the car was not only sitting tail-down, it was also lower on one side. The handling was terrible.”

So, thanks to advice Alex found on one of the Chevy forums, an air-assisted suspension kit was installed that enables him to adjust the ride height and suspension rate, which he says has transformed the ride and handling quality.

Alex is particularly pleased with the job Pearlcraft in Melbourne have done with the steering wheel. The 2 tone green pearl finished wheel looks superb, and is the icing on the exquisitely baked cake.

Alex has gone to great lengths in order to get his dream car just the way he wants it. The standard of finish, the quality of assembly and the overall result is a car that is stunning by any measure and like any good meal, what has finally been served up is more than the sum of its ingredients. The presentation is outstanding and the car is a serious show-stopper.

But then it’s not every car that comes fresh out of the box from restoration to win numerous awards including the Master’s Class at the Ellerslie Intermarque Concours d’Elegance and People’s Choice at the Whangamata Beachhop.

Despite being built to perfection this is no trailer queen. It’s a car that has been built to be driven. Alex has finally realised his dream of owning his very own Impala, and it’s a safe bet that it’s even nicer than his dad’s new one was back in ’59.

Kiwis & their cars - Rene Hausin's Humbers

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Growing up in Switzerland and serving his automotive apprenticeship in Zurich during the 1970s where Fiats, Volkswagens and Opels were daily motoring fodder and the only Swiss-built car was the exotic 440ci Chrysler V8 powered Monteverdi, it’s no surprise that Rene Hausin had never seen a Humber Super Snipe before moving to New Zealand in 1980.

But a few years after arriving here, the opportunity came along to purchase a 1955 Mk IV Super Snipe and Rene was smitten by the Routes Group bug.

“It had been parked in a garage for over 15 years, which was plenty of time for the engine and brakes to seize up and the body to rot away. The reason the car was parked up was due to clutch failure, but as it turned out the gearbox had no second gear either,” says Rene.

With the engine freed up, clutch and gearbox repaired and braking system sorted, Rene decided it was time to turn his attentions to the suspension and underside of the car. “Looking underneath the car, it had a nice shiny gearbox which was surrounded by years of grease and road dirt, which wasn’t a good look and not what I wanted.”

Although Rene had never intended to carry out a full-blown restoration, that’s what it was turning into. Much like the guy on the Lotto ad on TV with the Mk II Jaguar, Rene says he spent many hours (actually, years) burning the midnight oil, painstakingly cleaning the underside of the Snipe with a razor blade, toothbrush and kerosene.

Once the car was running again and the body prepared, it went to the paint shop where it received a new coat of Arctic Grey metallic, actually a Mitsubishi colour of the day. Not surprising, as Rene was Service Manager at a Mitsubishi dealer at the time.

“The most enjoyable job of all was the re-assembly and re-fitting the brightwork. The good old fashioned British chrome had stood up well and only needed a bit of TLC and elbow grease to polish it up to a mirror-like finish.”

To cap the restoration job off, Rene was fortunate enough to track down a rusty wreck which had a perfect leather interior, thanks to seat covers having been fitted since new, so that Snipe donated its interior to Rene’s.

Getting the car up to legal standard was a breeze. Now, it was ready to go.

Many hours have been spent driving through the countryside and spending time with fellow enthusiasts from the Humber/Hillman Car Club. Whether it’s sitting around a campfire talking nuts and bolts, attending swap meets or car shows, dining out or watching movies of the past, Rene says it’s all about feeling good and enjoying the company of like-minded car nuts.

“Unlike more mainstream classic cars, there is not a ready supply of repro and aftermarket parts for these cars so one of my greatest joys is ferreting around at swap meets and scrap yards, trying to find rare and elusive parts” says Rene.

But like most “car guys” Rene’s appetite had been whetted and his passion didn’t stop at just one car. Justifying his next purchase to himself (or more likely, his wife!) Rene says “As fuel prices started to climb, my 14 MPG beast became expensive to run and I felt the need for a smaller, more fuel efficient car, so began my quest for a 1940’s Humber 10 with suicide doors, hinged at the rear.”

Finding a 1946 Humber 10 that fitted his limited budget, Rene trailered it home and set about cleaning it up. Much to his delight, his wife also took something of a shine to the little car and lent a hand cleaning it and ridding it of the cobwebs.

But shortly after buying the ’46, Rene found a 1940 Humber 10 for sale which had been restored by a retired mechanic to compete in a Vintage Car Rally around the South Island, before being displayed in the Te Puke Motor Museum. “My wife was in a good mood and let me buy it, on the condition was that I would sell the one I had bought earlier. I jumped at the opportunity but secretly hoped she would forget my promise. No such luck though” Says Rene.

The Humber 10 is powered by a 1,000cc side valve engine with a thermo-siphon type cooling system, no thermostat or water pump, cable brakes which Rene says can best be described as having a mind of their own, sloppy steering and lots of wind noise.

“But driving the car is exciting, with all the thrills of high speed motor racing at 50km/h. The steering is barely controllable, the cable brakes are only just adequate and the headlamps would provide perfect ambience for a candle-lit dinner, but it’s a case of driving to the conditions” says Rene.

Interestingly, Hillman was the name used in the UK and rest of the world for the Routes small car range, but here in New Zealand where an allocation system existed from the late ‘30’s through to the mid ‘60’s, both the Hillman and Humber badges were used in order to increase the allocation numbers.

On one memorable occasion, Rene’s Humber 10 was used by a fellow Club Member in Taupo for his daughter’s wedding as a wedding car. He had an identical coloured Hillman 10 so the two cars looked like twins.

Rene has fond memories of towing the little Humber back from Taupo with an A-frame behind his Snipe. “The Snipe towed the Humber 10 like it wasn’t there. The only hint was the fuel gauge dropping like a stone. But the Bombay Hills were attacked in top gear and I was amazed at the pulling power of the Blue Riband engine, the same unit used in Commer trucks. With passers by giving me the thumbs up, on that day I felt like The King of the Road”.

Kiwis & their cars - Guy Lane's 1967 Volkswagen Variant

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

When Wellingtonian Guy Lane was in college, his good mate Steve Wright was a VW and Porsche enthusiast. Initially, Guy thought these strange air-cooled cars with the engine at the back were a little weird, but says the more he began to understand the clever engineering and design, the greater his appreciation for them grew.

“You only need to look at the size of the after-market parts supply industry across the US and UK, as well as the growth in value of early VWs to understand that no other car has captured the hearts of so many people around the world,” says Guy.

Like many VW enthusiasts, Guy says the design of the early Split Screen Kombis and Beetles grabbed his attention at first, but despite a long standing appreciation of them, it wasn’t until relatively recently that he acquired his first VW.

“Three years ago I was lucky enough to buy my first VW, a very original 1979 Westfalia Camper. My kids and I fell in love with it and have had so many fabulous camping trips away in it,” says Guy.

His latest acquisition, keeping the Kombi company in his garage, is a 1967 VW Type 3 Variant. Known as Squarebacks in North America, like many Americanisms the name Squareback has now been universally adopted around the world in Volkswagen-ish.

Guy seems to have an uncanny knack of perfect timing. “The synchronicity of how I acquired both my Westfalia and the Squareback deserves a mention,” says Guy.

“In the case of the Squareback, I was catching up with an ex-work colleague when he asked me about my Kombi and mentioned he had a mate in Auckland who was into VW’s. As it turned out, his mate had a Squareback that he was thinking about selling, and I happened to be on the lookout for one.”

With a deal struck, Guy flew to Auckland to collect the car. “I did wonder how sensible it was to drive a 1967 car you've just bought from Auckland to Wellington, but I don't think I stopped grinning from the moment I got behind the wheel to when I parked her in my garage in Wellington,” says Guy.

“I drove back via the West Coast/New Plymouth to see my girlfriend who had recently returned from the States. The drive through the Waikato onto the Awakino Gorge, Mt Messenger and then along the rugged West Coast has to be one of the most enjoyable in the North Island. And despite the very stormy weather I was still grinning. Around Mt Taranaki following the Surf-Highway is a must-do drive in the North Island.”

So, what appeals about this particular model?

“Ahh... good question,” says Guy. “For so long the Squareback and its siblings the Fastback and Notchback (sedan) were seen as the poor cousin to the Beetle. I just love the look of the Squareback. It has classic ‘60’s styling, unique engine design and superbly laid out interior with two boots! I’ve always admired them and am not surprised they have grown in popularity and consequently, in value.”

Among VW enthusiasts, this August ’66-built Squareback is about the most sought after model of all. It was built is in the first month of 1967 model production, which means it still retains the prettier lines of the early cars, with sloping nose, rounded bumpers and wrap around chrome lamps, but is fitted with desirable engineering upgrades such as a 12 volt electrical system, disc brakes and a 1,600cc engine.

This particular car was delivered new to VW dealer, Hub City Motors in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, where it was a demonstrator. It still retains the dealer’s script on the tailgate and Hub City Motors continues trading today as a Volkswagen dealership.

The buyer who bought the car as an ex-demonstrator emigrated to New Zealand soon after purchase, and kept the Squareback for almost four decades.

Among the documentation Guy has for the car is the ex-demo Sale Agreement from Hub City Motors for the sale of the car with 9,000 miles on the clock, making mention of the trade-in, a 1964 VW Variant . The invoice outlines quite a list of accessories, presumably fitted by the dealer to up-sell add-ons to prospective customers, including a radio, Eberspacher petrol powered heater, side sunshades, rubber floor mats, wheel trim rings and reversing lights.

The car still retains all the accessories, although the petrol heater and radio are in a box on the shelf. Petrol heaters posed something of a fire risk, and the radio has made way for a more user friendly 21st century unit. The original Hirschman aerial remains in operation.

Asked of his future plans for the Squareback, Guy says it pulls and handles incredibly well for a 1967 1600cc car, but he does have some upgrades planned.

“I would like to slowly collect some period original performance parts and improve its hp and handling a smidge” he says with a smile. ”My old school mate Steve now lives in the UK and is already on the lookout for me.”

Guy says that given Wellington’s conditions, the Squareback won’t be used as a daily driver, but that it’ll do more than just sit in the garage. He enjoys driving it and plans to drive it as much as possible, especially on fine days.

Kiwis & their cars - Richard Legae's 1965 Ford Mustang

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1200

There are some people who treat their cars in such a way that you’d never want to buy a car they’d owned. Then at the opposite end of the spectrum, there are guys like Richard Legae.

Being a Roadservice Training Officer at the AA, Richard spends his working day immersed in the depths of automotive technology, so you might expect that the last thing he’d want to do in his leisure time is to mess around with cars. Richard is one of those fortunate people whose career runs parallel with his hobby, so in his time off he likes nothing more than fettling his classic Ford Mustang.

Having served his apprenticeship with a Ford dealership, Richard has been a Ford man since his teenage years and has owned flathead Ford V8s, overhead valve V8 Customlines and Fairlanes, Zephyrs and more recently a mint condition, 49,000 mile Mk 1 Escort which Richard rebuilt to GT specs.

“I’ve always wanted a Mustang, but in my younger days I couldn’t afford one. I looked at numerous cars from various years and was particular about getting one with a straight, rust-free body. I wasn’t so fussy with the mechanical side, as I could take care of any problems in that area,” says Richard.

Richard’s car was built in 1965, being in the first full year of production and the model depicted in Wilson Pickett’s 1967 song, 'Mustang Sally'. It rolled out of Ford’s Dearborn plant in May ’65 and was delivered to its first owner from a Cincinnati dealer and spent much of its life in Michigan State before being imported into New Zealand in 2005.

Winter car check - safe winter driving

Sun, 15 May 2011 18:12:52 +1200

To reduce your chance of getting caught out with car troubles, use our AA Motoring Advice team's winter checklist. It includes a few simple and inexpensive tips that will help keep you mobile during the colder months. If you need AA Roadservice assistance, we're just a phone call away.

Winter checklist

Cooling system

Generally all modern cars have anti-freeze inhibitors, but it's a case of making sure there is sufficient for cold conditions. If you haven't got enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may freeze up. The engine is put under extreme pressure and components may crack.

Live in a cold part of the country? Think about your cooling system
Heading down to the mountain for a spot of skiing? Don't forget the anti-freeze

Battery

Ironically, it's heat that is a battery's worst enemy. But often it's not until the onset of cold weather and increased engine cranking loads that any weakness is exposed. And it's then that the battery is likely to fail. The answer? Test your battery before winter takes hold. Also, make sure you:

Check battery connections are clean and tight
Check the fluid levels are correct (for non-sealed batteries only)
Park your car under cover if you can
Start it up the day before you drive it to ensure the battery is okay if your car's been sitting dormant for awhile

For new batteries and to contact our mobile battery service, contact our AA Battery Service.

Wheels and windows

Tyres with borderline tread will impede the removal of the water in bad weather conditions. It is critical water is dispersed from under the tyre when driving in wet conditions. Tyres that can't grip can't keep you safe. In extreme weather you need to rely on the sticking power of your vehicle's tread. Visibility is also key in bad weather. Clean windows, clean headlights and effective wiper blades will make a world of difference. Make sure you:

Check your car tyres have adequate tread depth (standard tyres must have 1.5mm over three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference while snow tyres have a 4mm requirement) and confirm your tyre pressures are correct
Check and ensure your washer additive levels are filled. If driving in cold conditions, make sure this additive includes a freezing preventative
Ensure your wiper blade rubbers are clearing water effectively

Coping with wet weather

Damp weather can put more stress on electrical systems. A service reduces these mechanical pressures. Deep water and brakes don't mix. Remember, water is a lubricant, so if you drive through a flooded area and submerge your wheels, your brakes won't work effectively. Using them a few times once you're out of that water will help to dry the disks out and get them working again. This means:

Service your vehicle before winter sets in
Pump the brakes a few times to get them back into working order if you've driven through water and submerged your wheels

General tips

Carry an effective torch in the car and make sure it has working batteries
Keep warm clothing (or a rug) in the car. If your vehicle breaks down, you might need an extra layer
Keep your AA Membership card with you. You must present this to receive AA Roadservice assistance
Keep your cellphone charged up. You never know when you might need it

Kiwis & their cars - Mark Stockdale and his Fiat X1/9

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Mark Stockdale has been working in the transport industry for most of his 20-year career, and has been interested in cars for longer than he can remember

"My mum reckons my first spoken words were 'Vee dub' or 'Mini'," he says.

Unsurprisingly then, he has a modest collection of enthusiast cars, with the most recent addition being a two-seater 1989 Fiat X1/9, "or more accurately a Bertone, after Fiat deleted the model from their range in 1982".

Being one of the later models, Mark's car is powered by a 1,498cc SOHC 85bhp (63kW) in-line 4 cylinder engine, producing 118Nm of torque at 3,200rpm. The engine is transversely mounted behind the driver, driving the rear wheels through a 5 speed manual gearbox.

"It’s one of those classic ‘low mileage, one careful lady owner’ stories that you hear about but wonder if it's true, but in this case it is."

Mark wasn’t looking at buying another car, let alone a mid-engined semi-convertible sportscar, but being a Fiat enthusiast the X1/9 was a model he was interested in acquiring one day; provided the right one came along.

"A couple of years ago I heard about this car for sale in Wellington with just 24,000 miles on the clock and only one owner. That piqued my interest so I took a look and just couldn’t believe the condition. The lady who owned it, now retired and understandably no longer finding it practical would have done no more than 2000 km’s a year in it. It looked new, with only scuffed carpet in the narrow footwell as any sign of use. I had a buyer's guide and went over the car with a fine toothcomb and couldn’t find a spot of rust anywhere.

Fiats from the 1970s, which this model dates from, have a deserved reputation for the dreaded tinworm. As someone who is having an earlier ‘60s Fiat sedan restored, I knew you could never restore a car to this condition at the asking price – I just had to have it."

With the mileage and condition of the car being the primary motive for buying it, Mark has since become a fan of the charms for which the X1/9 is renowned – nifty performance and impeccable handling.

"It’s not powerful by modern standards but being small and light its off-the-line performance is impressive. But the best thing is the handling – I don’t have to slow down for corners thanks to the perfect weight distribution with the engine behind the seats. Creature comforts are pretty basic too, but despite that, it’s a car that you just want to drive for the sake of driving – it puts the fun back into motoring."

Kiwis & their cars - Steve Vermeulen's Mercedes-Benz 280S

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

When you are on a limited budget, have a new born and are in the middle of house renovations, looking twice at a forty two year old Mercedes Benz should've been the last thing on Steve Vermeulen’s mind.

Being a glass-half-full sort of guy however, Steve decided to own the car of his dreams long before he took a look at the bank balance or floated the idea past his wife Dee.

House renovations can be put on hold and Oscar, the new addition to the family, would one day forgive Dad for going without a few new toys when he was old enough to appreciate his father’s car obsession, reckons Steve.

Poor Oscar, even though he is only 3½ months old Steve has plans for a team effort on future restoration and maintenance jobs.

"History will decide if this was the right decision, or the biggest mistake of my life. That’s more or less the last thought that ran through my head before handing over every last penny my wife and I could muster," says Steve.

The far from pristine 1968 Mercedes 280S even has a name: Murray. It was sold new by Mike Goeffic Motors in Hamilton, as documented by all the original paperwork handed over when Steve took possession. The black number plates retain the Merc’s originality while the oxidised paint and minor rust in a few usual spots give the car character according to Steve.

A jammy heater is the only frustration he is admitting to. "It is simply without exaggeration, the best car in the world," adds Steve.

A little bit of TLC (money in other words) is required to get Murray back to his former glory but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for somebody who started life as an apprentice mechanic and ended up a qualified auto electrician.

"Even with the plum paintwork’s current, slightly dulled lustre, the car still catches everyone’s eye on the road. It just exudes an element of class that you don’t find in new cars, I’d say it’s the most enjoyable driving experience I’ve ever had." Steve should know, as he now spends his life as a motoring journalist and contributes regular articles to various magazines around NZ.

"The work to get the Merc back in tip top condition isn’t actually too major, or at least that’s what I told the wife," says Steve. "Underneath everything is pretty mechanically sound and on the motorway, which is really what the 280S was designed for, the car sits at 100km/h beautifully. It’s quieter and smoother than a lot of new cars in fact. Of course a working heater in winter would be nice. I must get onto that."

The car was bought from a bloke who collected classic Merc's and while this model isn’t the most collectable in the world, it was rescued from an owner who wanted to give it a heavy non-original make-over. The intention was to find an owner who would enjoy the car in its original condition.

That owner has been well and truly found.

Steve has the last word. "There’s just something special about older cars, Murray has twenty times the character of a modern car and a day doesn’t go by without getting the thumbs up from other motorists. To us, Murray’s not a just car; he’s part of the family. I’ll never regret the purchase."

Kiwis & their cars - Jim McCutcheon and his 1923 Model T Ford

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

When Jim McCutcheon retired from a busy and full on working life in the motor industry spanning 51 years it wasn’t to put his feet up.

It was a time to reprioritise and to keep busy doing what he loved best: tinkering with cars.

Tinkering is hardly the right word when it comes to describing the challenge that lay ahead of Jim. Sitting dormant in his garage for nearly 48 years was a completely dismantled 1923 Ford Model T Roadster which he had been promising to get back in running order for more years than he cares to remember. His two sons thought it was a myth the car would ever go again.

"I first fell in love with Henry's Model T when I was an apprentice mechanic in Hawkes Bay in 1955," says Jim. "To me it had a charisma that no other car could match."

In 1960 Jim heard about a 3-seater 1923 Model T Roadster (or 3-seater convertible as it would now be called) in Dannevirke. It was finally tracked down and on inspection Jim was able to cast his eyes over an almost complete vehicle. The boyhood dream of owning such an iconic vehicle was becoming a reality for Jim. Sometime later, with some spare cash scraped together, an approach was made to the elderly owner resulting in a deal being struck to purchase.

In between Jim’s visits however the owner's son had come home on army leave and decided to have a go at car restoration. He set about a complete dismantling job before returning to the army with less enthusiasm for such projects and no desire to take the restoration any further. "What I actually purchased was a truckload of parts," says Jim and the car stayed in this state until 2008 when he finally retired, unpacked boxes and slowly pieced the Roadster together.

"I have reconditioned the motor, suspension, electrics and various other items and shod it with a set of new tyres and tubes. There were many trials and tribulations in assembling this giant jigsaw puzzle I can tell you."

One story worth repeating was when Jim was reconditioning the engine. Model Ts are renowned for cracking crankshafts and Jim had exhausted his spares in an effort to find one that was crack free. In desperation he made contact with a bloke thought to have such a part. Jim's call came in the nick of time as the crank was being prepared for use as a letterbox feature. A quick swap was made and the crankshaft tested perfect. After a tidy up, it was installed and back where it rightly belonged.

The car had its maiden run for the first time in over 50 years on Christmas Eve day 2009.

Jim tells the story. "On the day, in front of quite a crowd, as news had preceded the event, 'enry put up a final act of defiance. First the starter didn't. Then the old ignition switch failed. Next a hurriedly contrived ‘hot ignition wire’ did just that and turned on a smoking act. The car was then rolled down the drive and when low gear was engaged (a 'T' has only two forward gears) the engine finally started in a cloud of smoke. In that split second of hearing the engine fire all the past frustrations, skinned knuckles and hard work had suddenly seemed worthwhile."

With not a lot of spare cash available Jim is an inspiration to many for his patience and determination to complete a promise he made to himself nearly half a century ago.

"It's far from the most immaculate Model T you will ever find," says Jim, "but to get the old boy up and running again has been a challenge I have thoroughly enjoyed (most of the time). It has certainly kept the grey matter active and pushed my memory banks to the limits."

Being able to tinker to his heart’s content has finally been achieved.

Kiwis & their cars – Bill Green and his 1972 Austin 1300 GT

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Bill Green has been part of the Motoring scene as a journalist for the past 16 years and as such is privileged to drive and report on most of the latest metal as it arrives in dealer showrooms around NZ.

His favourite car however happens to be a 1972 Austin 1300 GT which he has owned for the last nine years. He purchased it from a fellow journalist who wanted to update to an Austin Allegro. While the Allegro has borne the brunt of many jokes, cars like the 1300GT remain a favourite amongst those wanting to retain and treasure some of the old British car industry history.

Apart from a small rip in the vinyl roof and the odd dent the car is completely original. It still has the chrome rear view mirror, GT badges and three spoke leather steering wheel that was fitted when the car rolled off the assembly line all those years ago.

Under the bonnet the 1297cc GT sets itself apart from the standard model Austin1300 by way of twin S.U. carburettors, exhaust extractors and a mild tweak to the camshaft.

"Perhaps the most annoying thing about the whole car is the heater, we just can’t seem to get the thing to work properly," says Bill. However he does concede it did come from the British Leyland stable where lack of such attention to detail eventually lead to the demise of the great British motoring empire.

Bill Green's 1972 Austin GT, which has travelled a genuine 52,100 miles (give or take a few) in the past 38 years, is only used on special occasions and enjoys pride of place in the family garage. Hence the original paint work being in such great nick.

There still seems to be an abundance of parts both new and used available in NZ although Bill is on the lookout for a genuine hubcap after one went missing a year or so back. He would be mighty grateful if anyone had an inkling of where he could get hold of one.

As a big brother to the Mini the 1100s and 1300s enjoyed massive amounts of rear passenger space although in this case Bill reckons the back seats on his GT have hardly if ever been sat in. "I’d challenge current vehicle makers to get as much room as there is in this small land crab," comments Bill.

And contrary to popular belief, Bill reckons his GT nicknamed 'Powers' doesn’t drop any oil on the garage floor. Is he being overly enthusiastic about his pride and joy or does he really own the only BMC vehicle ever built that doesn’t leak the black stuff?

English cars are his passion and he would love to own a Mark1 Escort or Cortina sometime in the future. Sadly 'Powers' may have to give up his garage space if that was to happen. In the meantime Bill and 'Powers' will continue to get along just fine.

Wondering where to get your next warrant?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Ask most people and they’ll tell you taking their car for a Warrant of fitness inspection is not only inconvenient but a chore they could well do without. It can also fill them with fear and apprehension especially for owners of older cars. Will the car pass and if not what is it going to cost to keep it on the road?

These thoughts go through the minds of hundreds of bill payers every day. The dreaded cross on the inspection sheet could mean an insignificant spend on a small adjustment or it could blow out to a major and costly repair.

From a convenience point of view, combining a service and a WoF makes a lot of sense especially if the car was to fail its inspection. The car is already in the garage, repairs can often be started immediately and the new warrant can be issued under the same roof. What could be easier? Plus the cost of the WoF inspection is often cheaper than taking the car to a standalone Vehicle Testing Station.

Without getting into a debate of the merits of both options one big advantage of a Vehicle Testing Station is it removes finger pointing and doubts as to the reason for rejection. Testing stations have absolutely nothing to gain by rejecting a vehicle; in fact having the vehicle return for a recheck is a drain on efficiency as there is normally no charge.

As the name suggests Vehicle Testing Stations specialise in the inspection and issuing of a Warrant of Fitness and should provide an unbiased opinion on the overall condition of a car. It could be argued a garage short on work may look harder to find a fault when carrying out a WoF inspection. However Testing Stations can be seen as more consistent.

So if you were buying a car, is it better to insist on a new WoF from the local garage or a Vehicle Testing Station? For many it would be the Testing Station simply to satisfy themselves it's a completely unbiased inspection and not to put the seller through possible unnecessary expense. This should be followed by a mechanical inspection where the condition of the engine and transmission can be carried out once again by a completely independent organisation.

If you were the seller, then a Testing Station inspection is simply going to give you what you want; that is a WoF. It is the responsibility of any potential buyer to look further for mechanical issues which are not covered by the WoF inspection.

For current owners looking to simply renew their warrants, a trusted service provider who can do both inspections and repairs is definitely an option. However, if you are looking for a totally unbiased and independent inspection then it’s hard to go past a Vehicle Testing Station.

A sign outside a garage offering cheap or in some cases free warrants doesn’t always end up being the best choice.

Scan or scam?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +1300

There seems to be a new approach taken by most garages these days when it comes to diagnosing electronic faults.

Many if not all are now charging a set fee to connect their diagnostic equipment in an attempt to identify electronic faults when the engine management light stays illuminated warning the driver of a problem.

The buzz words at the moment are "we need to scan the computer".

This initial hook-up and charge (can be as high as $60 plus) is to help the mechanic diagnose a problem not repair the cause of the problem, and is something that is not always communicated back to the customer very well.

To confuse the customer even more the diagnostic equipment used has the ability to erase any fault codes which may be stored into the on-board engine management computer. Often cars are simply returned back to owners with an invoice and told to drive the car and see what happens. Feedback we have received would suggest in many cases the warning light is back on again within a couple of days or in some cases within a kilometre or two of leaving the garage.

So it's back to the garage and out comes the scanner once again for the process to be repeated, this time with a little more in-depth investigation as to the actual cause of the problem.

We have no problems with a fair charge for the use of expensive scanning equipment, but make sure you only get charged once. While the return visit to go through the process again is not desirable it is often unavoidable but to charge twice for a scan within the space of a few days is not ethical in our view.

So if your engine light is staying on, make sure you discuss the job process and any scanning charges with your garage up-front to avoid any unpleasant surprises and costs later.

Spring clean your car

Sun, 15 May 2011 18:08:03 +1200

To ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy over the summer, have it inspected and serviced at your local garage. Preparing your car will maximise your chances of arriving safely and enjoying your summer holiday. We recommend the following.

Cooling systems

Cooling systems should be checked for leaks and to make sure hoses are secure and in good condition - not hard, cracked or starting to bulge. Ensure the radiator core fins are in good condition and not blocked. If the coolant water has not been changed within the past two years, the cooling system should be drained, flushed and refilled with clean water and the correct coolant additive.

Cambelts and fanbelts

Cambelt and fanbelt failure is common and these should be checked, if it is not known when they were last changed. Most Japanese vehicle cambelts should be changed at 100,000 kms or every five years; many European vehicles have change times between 40,000 and 60,000 kms. This is also the time to check other drive belts for damage.

Air and fuel filters

Check air filters and, if necessary, replace them. As fuel filters are usually sealed units, they cannot be checked for blockages. They should be replaced regularly.

Spark plugs

Worn spark plugs can lead to engine misfiring and the eventual breakdown of the high tension leads - so check and replace if necessary.

Engine and transmission oil

Check the engine and transmission for oil leakage. Have the engine oil and oil filter changed, if this has not been done within the past 12 months.

Wheels

Have wheels removed and brake condition checked.

Tyres

Have tyres checked for excessive or unusual wear patterns and for any lumps or tread distortion. As tyres roll along the road they generate heat, especially on hot days. If tyre pressures are low, the combination of heat and excessive movement of the tyre sidewall can lead to a blow-out. Check tyre pressures and remember to check the condition and pressure of the spare.

Exhaust

Get any exhaust leaks attended to, as they can cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes to build up in the cabin. Exhaust leaks can also lead to a loss of engine power and increase fuel consumption.