Bolly Blog

Jason's No.1 mechanic really gets into his work.

2012-01-31T21:11:00.000+10:30

What members do - No.1

2012-01-31T09:01:00.001+10:30

Congratulations Sandy. This is the first time Sandy has exhibited one of her pastel works in an exhibition. See it at the Kapunda Gallery's "Seasons" exhibition by local artists.

Fantastic.

What's a cruise without a few tailfins?

2012-01-30T17:01:00.001+10:30

That Viper again.

2012-01-30T15:22:00.002+10:30

This time in Saudia hobnobbing in good company.

Thanks for the photo Bilal.

Aquajets

2012-01-30T08:37:00.000+10:30

Are they making these redlines again? Or are these people driving around on hard old rubber from the past?

In addition to these two gold HKs at the Cruise-On there was a Warwick Yellow 327 also with the original looking rubber and hubcaps. I've seen the ridiculous prices paid on eBay for old Aquajet redwalls. The lengths some people go to.

Touring Car Masters

2012-01-29T08:50:00.001+10:30

Can't wait for this year's opening event at the Clipsal. The races are becoming more exciting than the V8 Supercars.
Here's John Bowe's new livery for 2012.

Glenn Seton should give him some hurry-up in this XB Falcon.

But look what Bruce Tyson has built for Jim Richards.

It's a '73 AMX Javelin. This is going to be interesting.

This year's calendar.

2012-01-28T23:11:00.000+10:30

What do you think everybody?

Recognise this model?

2012-01-28T22:47:00.002+10:30

Graham Pocock, in NZ, sent us this photo of his Bolwell. Well, it was sold to him as a Bolwell. I have no idea what it is but it's a great looking little car nevertheless. Look for more on this car in the next SA Slipstream.

Kapunda - week 43

2012-01-28T18:05:00.000+10:30

We've just had our first longtrack speedway event at the trotting track. It was a huge success and I'm looking forward to the next one.

On display was this classic outfit and look, an electric fan in the floor of the sidecar.

There were some TQs there too, courtesy of some old veterans of the Eudunda and Districts Car Club that used to run the Point Pass Speedway way back then.
I took this photo hoping to gain some suspension tips for the Bolwell.

Now we know where all the Austin 7 front ends have gone.
Here's the old TQ's typical power plant.

As you can see this one's a Beesa but the JAPs were the order of the day.

The Clubman has come a long way.

2012-01-28T00:08:00.001+10:30

Especially if it's a Donkervoort.

This is the Donkervoort D8 GTO.

Audi power.
And I thought John K's latest Puma was just so up to date.

Shannons' Sydney auction, Feb. 20th.

2012-01-27T23:02:00.001+10:30

This is Lot 11.

Spycam - through the keyhole.

2012-01-27T22:23:00.001+10:30

Spotted in a paint shop somewhere in Australia.

Bushfires destroy!

2012-01-24T15:24:00.001+10:30

Johnny Szabo took this photo of his car after the Victorian bushfire. I presume Frank Rushton's looked the same.

Warwick Brooks' Mark 7 almost suffered the same fate. The wind changed when the fire was at his front gate.

A quiet road in Lebanon.

2012-01-24T02:19:00.001+10:30

Kapunda - week 42

2012-01-24T02:09:00.000+10:30

Tour Down Under.

They even came out of the pub to watch.

The break-aways. They're about a mile ahead.

Here comes the mob.

And more.

Seen the Mangusta for sale in Sydney?

2012-01-24T01:45:00.000+10:30

http://www.classicthrottleshop.com/classics.htm

My Pantera collection.

2012-01-23T16:03:00.000+10:30

It's not very big but here's the group of Panteras I've collected over the years with a couple of Mangustas thrown in.

This is the collection box they live in. See the coin slot on the top?

Kapunda - week 41

2012-01-14T00:15:00.001+10:30

Falcon GTs are a bit thin on the ground in Kapunda and XR GTs even more so but look what we find 2 doors up the street from our place.

Flashback, over 40 years.

2012-01-08T19:21:00.002+10:30

6 Hour at Winton.

The Burdon Mark 7.

....and the Wall Mark 5.

V8 Perana for sale in Queensland.

2012-01-08T19:17:00.001+10:30

and reasonably priced IMHO.

Leo Kusters, the latest.

2012-01-08T18:46:00.002+10:30

Leo's Camaro hits the track.

Tech session from Grant - Tips on Brake Bias

2012-01-06T00:52:00.001+10:30

Obp Tech-Session Top Tips and Information on Brake Balance / Bias Bars

As I have mentioned before your aim is to design your brake system so you will obtain maximum braking efficiency from all four wheels. Under braking weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle so that means your front tyres and the front brakes will be required to do more of the work.

In order to allow you to fine tune your brake balance from front to rear you will require bias / balance bar. To install the bias / balance bar it is necessary to use a dual master cylinder set up.

The bias / balance bar functions quite simply by altering the fulcrum (pivot) point on the rod that connects to the push rods that operate the front and rear brake master cylinders. By moving the fulcrum point you are able to control and change the amount of relative force that is applied to each of the master cylinders. This bias / balance application when correctly installed will give you the fine tuning you require so the front brakes will lock up just before the rear brakes. This professional brake system set up is essential to be competitive in motorsports.

The bias / balance bar functions quite simply by altering the fulcrum (pivot) point on the rod that connects to the push rods that operate the front and rear brake master cylinders. By moving the fulcrum point you are able to control and change the amount of relative force that is applied to each of the master cylinders. This bias / balance application when correctly installed will give you the fine tuning you require so the front brakes will lock up just before the rear brakes. This professional brake system set up is essential to be competitive in motorsports.

SOME TOP TIPS ON ADJUSTING BRAKE BALANCE

1.   Changing the ride height of the car changes the braking characteristics and generally will cause the brake balance to be altered.
2.   The balance bar push rod should be adjusted so that the balance bar is perpendicular to the master cylinder push rods when the pedal is released. When the pedal is released, both push rods should be pulling against the retaining washers of the master cylinders. If the system is not adjusted correctly the push rod can advance the caliper pistons enough to cover the bleed holes in the calipers and this will cause the calipers to lock up as soon as they get hot.
3.   The only way to adjust the brake balance / bias assembly is by changing the fulcrum point between the master cylinder push rods and the pedal. You can’t adjust the brake balance proportion by changing the length of the push rods relative to each other.

Kapunda - wek 40

2012-01-04T18:48:00.000+10:30

Chris P had her beautiful Mustang out for the street party the other week.
Karen's photo.

Wasn't a bad roll-up.
One of my favourite cars there was this one.

It's Glen S's Hudson Pacemaker. He's got a couple of Commodores for spares. The reason it's not quite as clean as when Glen left home is because, like heaps of people around here, he's a farmer and lives down a dirt road. Here's a typical road........

Gibbo's photo.

B8/3 - just a bit more.

2012-01-03T19:53:00.000+10:30

Memories of B8/3 began flowing a few months ago when Ross McConnell dragged out a few photos of it from 1970, taken at the Bolwell factory, such as it was back then.

Here it is with its fixed side windows and sporting the pre-Bolwell Nagari wheels.
When B8/5 arrived in Adelaide soon after this, it too had the fixed windows but had the Bolwell mags (the rather heavy first version of course).
Pete published the photos in Slipstream and added the amount of history that most of us know.

There are a few gaps that maybe a reader could fill, like how did it get to Queensland. I remember Ray Moore and Peter Cowen, both Brisbane Nagari owners back then, talking about an elusive red Nagari that nobody ever got close enough to identify.
Pete also published these two write-ups.

Then Colin presented this picture of Dennis Walford's bucket running against a Nagari, presumably B8/3.

I've been scanning Calder Dragway entries and results the other day and discovered this snippet.
Calder Dragway 3.5.70 P. Law, Bolwell Nagari 16.43 secs. 87.63 mph.
P. Law is Peter Law from CMA Engineering who built the drag engine for the car. The times tell us that this was pre the big motor which would have to be the case as the car was only delivered literally days before the event.

GTEs and BCCA.

2012-01-02T19:56:00.001+10:30

BCCA in South Australia has had a number of Scimitars in the club over the years including a V8 one. The longest standing one is this one of Glen's and that's its former owner sending it on its way at a checkpoint in Robertstown.

This is not unique to SA though. Here's a Victorian one in the motorkhana at the Bolwell Easter at Nyah West.

We know whose these are.

2012-01-02T19:35:00.001+10:30

http://wa.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-cars-1957-J-S-Buchanan-W0QQAdIdZ341695965

http://wa.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-cars-Bolwell-Mk4a-W0QQAdIdZ341632542

Favourite battles of the past.

2012-01-01T17:41:00.001+10:30

Mick and Bernie. Enough said.
Photo nicked from the Mallala page.

Help wanted - 240Z

2012-01-01T17:29:00.003+10:30

See this thin chrome plastic surround. I've been scanning all the parts books and I can't find what it's called. The next step after I find out is where do I buy one?

Kapunda - Week 39

2012-01-01T17:08:00.002+10:30

The only form of public transport in Kapunda.

Doesn't run all that regularly either.
Karen's photo.

Might start on the wiring.

2011-12-29T18:10:00.002+10:30

All I have to do is duplicate this lot.

Second thoughts, there's a few other jobs I should do first.

McArlus Cars - 32

2011-12-29T17:40:00.001+10:30

Merry Xmas All!

Attached are the articles I did for the club magazine, which many may already have read, but also a fantastic sequence of shots taken by Tony Shaw, that only a few have seen.

Enjoy

New batch.

2011-12-28T20:08:00.001+10:30

Just arrived. Another lot of shield badges.

....and for the Crow Eaters, the name badges are in too.

Baptiste's Kaditcha

2011-12-25T23:52:00.001+10:30

Bap Romano's mighty Kaditcha is rebuilt after that horrific crash looking very much like it's ready to race.

OK, now let's see how it goes against the Veskanda.

Becoming a bargain.

2011-12-20T14:38:00.001+10:30

Now $70,000.

Bloody doors!

2011-12-16T14:36:00.001+10:30

Kenny Rowland, Healey V8, Nyah West Easter motorkhana.

Brian Johnson, Buchanan.
Here's Jon Elbourne's solution in the Triumph Gnat.

Mini seats.

2011-12-14T21:42:00.000+10:30

Remember these?

I had a pair of them back then. I had Mini seats in the Mark 5, albeit with the superfluous bits chopped off the bottom and the seats bolted directly to the sheet metal floor that Mark 5s have. The Taylorspeed covers really transformed them into buckets and the side support worked really well too.
From the same Wheelspin, July 1967 came this snippet from the gossip column.

If it's the one I'm thinking of, it wasn't just a guide post but the rather solid sides of the Belair railway crossing, made out of railway line. Not absolutely certain, but Peter Mounsey rings a bell. It wasn't Rob Butcher, he did his on a trackside Stobie pole at Mallala ( same one that claimed Scott Baxendale and Richard Gac I think). Anyway, both Mark 7s lived to fight another day. Whoever heard of a trackside Stobie pole anyway?
And from the classified page......

A smart looking TF for $375, they were the days. I bought my TC about then - for $500. Must have paid through the nose. And was that the Capricornia/Ricardian Clem was selling for POA?

....and a bit more.

2011-12-14T21:09:00.000+10:30

Rex Colliver leads the Prodsports brigade down the back straight heading for Globe. The Lotus is followed by the Spridgets of John Latham and Tim Trevor, with Steve Webb's Bolwell fourth. Mike Jacobson Photo.
Just shows that it doesn't matter what car John was driving he was right up there in the thick of it.

A bit of ProdSports.

2011-12-14T20:43:00.002+10:30

AAA August 29, 1975. Clearihan, Warren and Webb battle out the NSW Production Sports Car title in their V8 Bolwells. Jim Davidson's Elan won with Warren second clear of Clearihan. All four cars had similar fastest lap times but Davidson was able to clear out after outbraking Clearihan, leaving the 3 Bolwells to hold each other up in their private battle. Webb eventually retired with damaged steering after a bump from Clearihan.

Winton, Victoria about the same time. Chris Clearihan holds off Ron McPherson's 6-cylinder Bolwell with his V8 Nagari version. A little behind is Rex Colliver in Chris Roberts' Elan.

John Latham leads a mighty pack of Prodsports in the Bolwell. Occhipinti, Connor, Warren and Roberts are among those following.

RCN.

RCN again.

News from Vic (Victor not Victoria).

2011-12-06T23:24:00.001+10:30

On the car front, I have it back from the trimmers, and the windows go in this Thursday. I then have to finish off the bits and pieces. The main thing I am not happy about is the way the doors fit. When I went to mount the rubbers, they have held the tops of the doors out abit too much. I did not do anything to the doors other than minor repairs. The body of the doors fit well, but the top frame sits out because of the rubbers. I could modify the rubbers, but I like the idea of them being waterproof!!! I noticed that virtually every nagari door that I looked at at eastern creek had the same or similar problem (if they used rubbers). Is there anything that can be done about it??? I am doing what I can to improve it, but considering how the rest of the car looks, I don't like it. I am very happy how the rest of the car looks.

I will send you some shots when the windows are in,

regards Vic

See attached pictures. I took it for the first reasonable drive last weekend, and it went well. I fitted the brake kit also, and it is now good, although initially the caliper was hitting the top wishbone, so I had to make a spacer between the top balljoint and the wishbone (as advised by the supplier). Brakes work well, like they are supposed to. They should work consistently if used repeatedly, due to the size of them.
One of the pictures shows an under floor wheel well, which holds a space saver wheel (volvo) and jack etc. The S/S fuel tank is mounted below that.
The wedding of my daughter is this weekend, so I will be taking her to the church in it.
regards Vic

Buchanan for sale.

2011-12-06T23:10:00.001+10:30

Alan, in Orange, is selling his TR powered Buchanan.

It seems it is a fairly common practice for Buchanan owners to include a badge on the front signifying the Make of engine. That does have its dangers though. Another Alan in Adelaide had a Fiat badge on the front of his Fiat powered Buchanan. That simple little badge came under the attention of a Fiat expert in the historic movement who has raised doubts about the car's historical integrity, causing a few headaches.

Tasmanian Nagari update

2011-12-06T16:46:00.001+10:30

Bolwell Nagari Coupe Shell & Chassis
"On offer is this 1970's shell & chassis of a Bolwell Nagari. .In ""as is' condition . Has a 302 Windsor motor in need of rebuild . Has a Ford top loader 4 speed gearbox Torana front end and Ford rear end This shell was a new shell and is an unfinished project. See photos for a better idea of condition. Contact owner for any relevant details that you require. As item is in a used condition and every effort is made to describe accurately no warranty is implied ,offered or given . This vehicle is in as is where is condition and situation. "
View this car on EBAY, starting at $10,000 Car is in Launceston, Tasmania

The Ebay listing has closed, however you can still click on the link to view some more photos

You can contact Greg on 0419 365 327 or gjohnston@watkinsremovals.com $10,000 ono. Greg can organise shipping to the mainland at a reasonable cost

5 Sports on the market. That's amazing.

2011-12-04T01:17:00.001+10:30

Mainly for you MM. I couldn't find your email.

Trucks & Stuff.

2011-12-02T13:49:00.001+10:30

A self respecting Barossa vigneron would have to have the old Bedford truck that had been in the family business since new or almost new and Carl Lindner is no exception.

His Bedford appears to be immaculate and I'm pretty sure it doesn't see much vineyard work these days.
Out in the yard was this old mid to late 40s Chev truck.

I guess a truck cab is a truck cab and both the above truck bodies were Holden products, but aren't they similar. I reckon they're more than similar and the cabs are dropped on to the chassis in the right spot and then the various model truck fronts are installed. Makes sense. I remember at Chryslers years ago, the truck plant was making the Dodge AT4 and churning out the exact same body for International.
Also at Lindners was this great big Garford.

I say "big" because most of the Garfords I have been familiar with were fire appliances about the size of a Model T. Everything on this truck looks massive. Just look at the back wheel.

And the dash etc.

I wonder what its history is. I'll ask one day. Surviving trucks have more interesting histories than cars really. Take a look at this 1923 GMC K series that Rainsfords have for sale in the showroom.

Solid rubber tyres even in 1923. "This rare truck was imported by Holdens to use in their new Woodville plant in 1923 when they started producing car bodies for General Motors. It was used by them in the plant until the late 1950's. The GMC K series truck has a large Northway 4 cylinder side valve engine (and) a dual range 7 speed transmission."

Cs and Ds

2011-11-28T17:52:00.001+10:30

A consortium of enthusiasts in the Barossa, including Carl Lindner and Doug Lehmann, got together to buy one of those C-Type replicas in New Zealand. The car was brought back to Australia to be finished off and it's turned out really well. Have a look at the Colingrove Hillclimb site, there's some great pics of it from when they took it there. Here's a few more from our visit to (I almost said to the House of Lindner, but that's a fodder store) Tanunda.

This is not the C-Type bonnet propped up somewhere, it's actually on the car. With all those curves, it's great for taking multiple photos of yourself.
Some of the syndicate members have now dropped out. Was it in the old Remington ad where that bloke liked the company so much that he bought it? Well, Carl bought this company. They are now finishing off a D-Type.

This great big filler cap is for the oil tank for the dry sump system.

The plan at the moment is not for making these fantastic replicas for sale but to make them available as part of a package where you can drive them around The Valley as the Ultimate Barossa Experience. So start saving now.

Some Jaguars

2011-11-28T01:43:00.000+10:30

There's any number of them in the Lindner collection.

An XK120 roadster and the XK140 FHC.

With an XK150 out in "shed" number 3 awaiting restoration. Just noticed it's LHD.
It's the E-Type that's Carl's passion and he has quite a few of them scattered about the place.

I took this photo of the V12 roadster hardtop because, even though it's a factory job, I can't say I've seen one like it. The previous owner was an old bloke in his 80s from over on the Yorke Peninsular who died following an accident in Europe. During his long ownership he would never have used the hardtop and no matter what the weather, you'd see him driving around with the top down. There's another old feller around the place with a bronze 6-cyl. E-Type and he's the same. I saw him coming down the Kapunda-Gawler road this winter, all rugged up, top down, and in the driving rain. Behind the V12, are a few more E-types, just some of many, and behind them, through the window, is the board room. Not a bad outlook, hey?

This lovely BRG example was in the workshop, keeping a silver coupe company.

Had to take a picture of the front end of this red E-type. It somehow makes me think of a well built Mark 5 (Bolwell that is). Don't know why. I love how the front sub-frame just bolts up to the body/chassis.

Here's one propped up against the wall.

Nothing is new No. 4

2011-11-24T23:00:00.000+10:30

Burnouts.

Old photos.

2011-11-23T16:47:00.000+10:30

The lengths people go to to come up with another picture of a Bolwell race car. If you look closely you'll see Barry Main's Nagari in the background of this photo from an old 1977 RCN.

That's Norm Hamilton working the portable block and tackle. He was the mechanical guru responsible for keeping Barry's car in tip top working order back then.

Mikunis

2011-11-23T14:53:00.000+10:30

hi all,

just a little update to those who are interested.
I have been in the process of putting triple mikuni hsr 42's on the red motor in the J&S Hunter.
These are often found on harley davidson's and are meant to be a good carby's in that area, so I thought I would give it a go.
As seen from the photo's they fit very neatly into the engine bay. Took a bit of mucking about to get linkages and the manifold sorted but am pleased with the result.
I initially had a bit of hassles with getting it to idle but ended up being an air leak. I upgraded the pilot jet and tonight took it for a run. Am very impressed with the instant and light throttle response and a definite improvement on the 465 holley- also better than the triple su's and the webers (i feel the overall performance will be equal if not better than the webers and if the bike fraternity forums are to be noted- better fuel economy- they flow 30% better than su's), and that is without going on the dyno to get the fuel ratio and jets exactly right- I think the main may need adjusting as a very small flat spot at 3/4 throttle. Have had to get my head around different tuning methods these carbs have. Quite simple and effective in reality. The way these are working out I am seriously thinking of putting these on the grey motor and the Mk4.
Will let you know when I get to the dyno in Byford to do a little bit of fine tuning.

stacey-pres with a smile!

No Jags yet.

2011-11-22T23:19:00.000+10:30

Sheer opulence.

Lincoln Zephyr V12.

Next time I must take an actual profile shot of this car. It is virtually a 2 seater yet there are yards and yards of body from the back of the seat to the back of the car.
Take a look at the boot space. You can actually stretch out in there. Maybe this is the camper version.

I wonder if Jake A sneaks in there for a kip during smoko.

Grumpy old Michele.

2011-11-22T22:58:00.000+10:30

A picture is worth a thousand words.

The Jag collection (2)

2011-11-21T17:45:00.000+10:30

Talking about Jags and the first thing I do is show you a couple of other cars, but they're worth a look.

This is Big Red. It used to be Jag powered. It now has an F100 Y-block in it. It was built on a Mark 4 (Jaguar) chassis.

And this is Black Bess. Not the real one but the replica. It's had a bit of a refurbishment and it's handling really well and goes like the clappers. It's good to see this car in the Barossa as Black Bess's greatest win was at the 1950 AGP held in Nuriootpa.
What's in a name? This Bugatti was the first Black Bess.

There's a police department for everything.

2011-11-21T16:41:00.000+10:30

Carl's collection (1) the SS.

2011-11-20T00:53:00.000+10:30

Last Wednesday was a great day. Meetings in Nuri gobbled up most of the morning so I missed lunch at the Tanunda Club with the Gawler mob but as I came around the corner into Basedow Road, I was just in time to slip up the street to Carl's with everyone to check out the latest happenings in the growing Jag collection. Lots to talk about but I'll start with the SS1.

I took photo number 3 because the tail of this car seems to be unique (well, to me anyway). Somebody queried whether it had Australian bodywork. That would be somewhat unlikely as it didn't arrive in Australia until about 1947 and was driven in the UK for 15 years. Yes it was built in 1932 which makes it a pretty early SS. I remember the car when I was in my late teens/early twenties and it belonged to Joe Holding, a bus operator in Kapunda (obviously when that line of business was lucrative). Joe had acquired it in about 1962 and 2 or 3 years after that he gave some thought to selling some of his cars which brought about my very first visit to Kapunda. For some reason or other I didn't get to buy the SS but never mind. Carl has had it since 1981. Joe was the instigator of our Kapunda museum. I didn't manage to buy one of his cars but I do have his old moth eaten Zeta owners manual.
My interest in the SS1 was brought about, I guess, by Judith Jervies' dad, Bob's example, also a 1932 car. It was always a good reason to go to Kadina, although I did like his Hotchkiss as well, not to mention the Blue Lake Thirsty. That 30/98 is worth another story another time as it lived its early days in Kapunda, at Anlaby Station to be exact and it was one of those mad Dutton blokes that drove it into the Blue Lake. Anyway, I digress. Here's Bob's SS1. I wonder where that is now.

Isn't it beautiful?

More chopped up FJs.

2011-11-19T23:51:00.000+10:30

Colin writes.
John,

Again could not get pics on the blog.

I do not think this car is the ex Blackwell sectioned FJ but it could be.

The car I saw in Myrtle Bank I now seem to remember as having a two piece Statesman grille and HQ sedan taillights and was dark green at the time.

The thing about the Starfire was that it was a radical section job and the bonnet was very flat along the lines of a Hillman Minx bonnet or similar very like the racing car you posted.

As commented in last post I found this car on a site identifying it as being at Wanneroo and I have attached another pic from the same era at a car show also in Perth and showing the car to be sponsored by Wanneroo Brakes.

If this was in 69 then it could have moved to SA and be the car I saw in late 70's.

Pics are a second shot of the WA sectioned FJ racer

John Coppins sectioned FJ with EJ roof

Lance Simmers sectioned FJ - old pic when orange

Lance Simmers sectioned FJ - new pic now blue

Bob Moule's Bobcat which most SA hot rod show attendees would recognise

Col

A slightly different FJ

2011-11-18T15:19:00.000+10:30

This was a race car in the Eastern states in the early 60s.

It looks remarkably similar to the metallic blue one that got around the streets of Adelaide and at local drag strips about the same time. Is it the same car?

More gear patterns.

2011-11-18T14:24:00.001+10:30

A bit different to the Skyline. It'd look good in the Bolly.

Next year's Corvette apparently.

At last, a proper use for these Porsche rear spoilers.

2011-11-18T14:08:00.000+10:30

It's not every day you see a motorbike with twin jet engines.

2011-11-18T14:01:00.000+10:30

Would you like to be on this at 200 MPH?

Commodore utes and vans and stuff.

2011-11-17T00:32:00.000+10:30

Hi John,

I cannot get a pic onto the blog so:

I posted a comment about the LWB utes converted by Jakab in Newcastle.

All ex ambulances.

Pic attached here shows one with the Patient Transport Module still in place but can simply be removed to reveal the straight LWB ute as photographed by you.

Col

Meanwhile, there's one of these VEs floating around Kapunda, a deep purple one.

They are on normal ute wheelbase and come from Adelaide Ute Accessories and similar places in the other capital cities.

Another one on eBay, Fibrecar coupe in Tassie this time.

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000+10:30

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Bolwell Nagari Coupe Shell & Chassis

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Still for sale.

2011-11-16T01:17:00.000+10:30

Stacey's Mark 4 project. The $11,500 price includes free delivery anywhere in Australia.

I'm glad my helicopter days are over.

2011-11-16T01:10:00.000+10:30

(Without incident).

But they were never this hair raising!

McArlus at Calder.

2011-11-15T14:15:00.000+10:30

Tony S writes..........
Simon Wells entered the McArlus in the MSCA final round at Calder Park on Saturday 5^th Nov 2011. The car looked and sounded great and surprised many there on the day. Simon’s best lap time was a very respectable 1:09:0879, and he actually won his class. After a minor off-track excursion early on, Simon finished the day in spectacular fashion when a minor oil leak hit something hot and smoke and flames ensued. Fortunately Simon was not injured and there was minimal damage to the car, although the oil and fire extinguisher dust did require a decent cleanup afterwards.

There were, however, some other cars of interest on the day.........

Plus this little Sprinter, for no other reason than its wheel lifting performances.

Remember the Skyline GT gear pattern?

2011-11-14T11:44:00.001+10:30

I used to think it a little odd at the time.

Mark 7 in NSW on eBay.

2011-11-14T11:34:00.000+10:30

Hi, I saw this item on eBay and thought you might be interested.

Bolwell
Current price:	AU $15,200.00
End time:	17-Nov-11 16:43:59 AEDST
Add to watch list \| See similar items

Check out this item

Email reference id: [#43fc67d4563d4df0a5541bd3252fb7e9#]

Kapunda - week 38

2011-11-12T00:43:00.000+10:30

Ute city on a Friday night. Main Street, Kapunda. About an hour ago.

A very smart looking HR ute. HR utes still used the old HD tail lights, just as the EH ute still used the EJ tail lights and FB and EK utes still had the FE/FC tail lights.

Stretched limos around this way, you could count them on one hand. Stretched utes, maybe a different story.

How's this for an EFI unit for your V8?

2011-11-11T16:30:00.000+10:30

Peter Mac's Mark 7 project for sale.

2011-11-10T11:04:00.000+10:30

With the running of his business, Peter doesn't have the time available for what appears to be a long time into the future and therefore thinks it better to pass his other Mk.7 on to someone who can do something with it.
Among all of the components I'll forget to mention are a very nice body with doors, bonnet etc., 2 gear boxes (1 Opel, 1Aussie), LC/LJ diff. in the car plus 2 other centres (different ratios), a good chassis with LC/LJ front end, 2 seats, steering rods, steering column, steering wheel, 2 Falcon V8 radiators, 2 Land Cruiser fuel tanks, all the windows, headlights etc., steel wheels and tyres on the car and it can be pushed around. Victorian registration papers and previous rego number also comes with it.
Peter is asking for $11,000 o.n.o. and can be contacted on 0417 830013 or email him at petefm12@hotmail.com
Most of these photos were taken in Harcourt (2 owners ago).

Quiz time.

2011-11-09T23:53:00.000+10:30

What car is this?

Not eligible Kashgar.

Wrong way, go back!

2011-11-09T23:46:00.000+10:30

Tony in Mildura

2011-11-09T12:19:00.000+10:30

The Eureka nationals, 2011.

Is that the same driver training facility we went to?

Group Sb and Sc for Bolwell Nagari.

2011-11-09T11:32:00.000+10:30

From Stacey re CAMS log books for Mark 7s.

2011-11-09T11:26:00.000+10:30

hi,

noted on john lowes blog the cams mk7 requirements. Eddie is in the process of getting his log booked but is wanting the triple webers and larger wheels. from his initial inquiries to cams the john low cams requirements is what they quoted him.

luckily Sean's dad had a lot of dealings with the dick Murphy mk7 that raced at wanneroo in the early 70's, at that definitely had triple 45 webers , but he could not remember the wheel/Tyre size. luckily seans dad has photos and super 8 footage of the car so that should sort out the cams road blockage that is cams(or as some kind Victorian member has noted-confederation against motor sport).

so once eddie has sorted it all out , I will let you know so that other mk7 can race competively. Also Dick Murphy is still in Perth so that is the other avenue to validate his claims.

Stacey-pres of the 6 in line works fine club....

ps-Eddie broke the Collie lap record and should win this years comp....told you 6's are good

CAMS group Sb and the Bolwell Mark 7.

2011-11-08T17:22:00.000+10:30

Thanks Simon for dragging this out of your filing cabinet. OK you Mk.7 owning historic racing aspirants, here's the specs.

It would be nice to see a few more Mark 7s out there in the years to come.

The Puma is alive and well.

2011-11-08T03:08:00.000+10:30

No, not the excellent Puma clubman made in Adelaide, I'm talking about that Brazilian Puma, which is now a South African Puma.
This came across Paul Ewins' desk last week.

Glory days!

2011-11-08T02:01:00.000+10:30

More local products at Tallangatta

2011-11-07T14:41:00.000+10:30

Yes, I'd even venture to suggest this Morris Commercial LC5 was put together here. It'd save bringing them over from the UK.

I used to have an LC3, a remnant from my da's milk round. Being older, it stood much taller on much larger diameter wheels and the headlights stood on pods. Midland Motors gave me a clean swap for a stock as a rock 1935 Ford V8 roadster, one of the nicest cars I've ever had.
When I worked at Chrysler Australia they used to make utes similar to this at the Finsbury truck plant, albeit without the big donk and blower.

Here's some products from the big 3 from the good old days.

Another locally built Ford, a 1957 Customline.

But being a coupe, this old fella was probably from as far afield as New Zealand. (Not so the caravan).

A bit of (mainly) Aussie GM at Tallangatta.

2011-11-06T15:41:00.000+10:30

Two Buick 6 roadsters at the same event. Must be heaven.
This is a '26 model. However I didn't think the one piece windscreen came out until 1928.

.....and this is a '27 model. You know how I know? Well, instead of the headlights sitting on a bar, the bar joins the 2 headlights.

This is why I said "mainly", because even though this looks like an Aussie assembled '56 Chev, the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

Not so with the '58 Biscayne which has been "brought up to date" with the lowrider treatment.

......and this '59. It must be one of the few six cylinder ones left, as the owners scramble to fit V8s and pretend they are something they never were.

Tallangatta 50s Festival.

2011-11-06T14:57:00.000+10:30

At roughly about the same time as the Motorclassica, Wayne Tonkin took the Triden to the Classic Car and Motorcycle Show held in conjunction with the Tallangatta 50s Festival.

Another sporty that was there was this big Healey 3000 Mk.1

On the day there were some fine examples of English and French PVTs but some of this over the top American iron caught Wayne's eye.

Like this big black Galaxie.

.....and the white convertible.

As if one of these Cadillacs needs to be any more outrageous.

When these Cadillac hearses outlive their use by date they tend to come to Australia for people to gawk at at car shows.

A few bikes outside the pub.

Motorclassica part 2.

2011-11-05T22:47:00.000+10:30

This photo wouldn't load before, but what series of pictures would be complete without a decent Pantera?

Motorclassica 2011.

2011-11-05T22:43:00.001+10:30

Here are some of the shots taken by Peter G at the Motorclassica the other week.
First up the Hurricane.
Peter doesn't recall the car being so "metalflakey" in 1969. Then again, he was a 13 year old viewing it in a tin shed at the Bendigo Show.

Did you know there were 3 Hurricanes? There was also a red one and a white one. These two were developed in Adelaide. The engineering was a joint effort between GMH Woodville North and Carr Fasteners. One of the projects Carr Fasteners were charged with was the hydraulics for the lift up canopy. When the red car arrived there, there was no way of getting out of the car unless there were 2 big strong blokes to lift the canopy up from outside. The car also had conventional rear wheel arches without the skirts. The pivoting steering column was from a Cadillac of the time. The gold car never came to Adelaide in those initial stages. Its first appearance was at the motor show. By the way, that new Holden engine was a development of a Repco industrial engine.

The mighty Charger! Was that Hemi Orange or Vitamin C? And look how tiny the Matra is.

The Muira, a thing of great beauty.

Look who owns and drives the Repco Brabham now. His name is prominent above former drivers Jack Brabham and Bib Stillwell.
This is Peter's rare E-Type, below, parked outside.

*****

Another Australian motorsport icon, a Matich SR4.

Mark 7 "speedster" on eBay.

2011-11-02T23:46:00.000+10:30

	An eBay member wants to show you this item

Hi, I saw this item on eBay and thought you might be interested.

Bolwell Mk 7 speedster
Current price:	AU $10,000.00
End time:	26-Nov-11 15:52:19 AEDST
Add to watch list \| See similar itemsMark 7 "speedster"

370Z Nismo RC

2011-10-31T22:31:00.000+10:30

Can't wait for this to come out.

Kapunda - week 37

2011-10-30T17:40:00.000+10:30

Andy from Parafield Gardens came up to have a look at the 240Z body and came in this.

Somewhere down there is a rotary engine. It goes like the clappers with fuel consumption to match a V8.

Out and About.

2011-10-27T23:35:00.000+10:30

The last few days have taken us to Eudunda, Point Pass, Peters Hill, Dutton, Truro, Manoora, Riverton, Mallala and lots of places in between. All fairly close to home I guess. The number of dirt roads are enough for the previous owner of my car to collapse with his leg in the air. Peter, I can see that foot rising now.

In Manoora, this old building in John Street has so much ancient history spelt out on the flat tin above the corrugated iron. I can make out Eckermann's Garage
D.M. somebody or other Prop.
E.R. Wilkin Proprietor
Manoora Garage
Motor Electrical Engineer
Phone 7
Welding
Motor Trimming.

In Eudunda we came across Phil's latest project. It's a 1960 Australian assembled Pontiac Laurentian. They had 389 cu. in. V8s. Phil had just flown back from Brisbane where he went to get a boot lid which came back as hand luggage. Must have known the pilot. Datto Matt was beavering away with the sander in between coffee breaks, taking it back to bare metal.

Around the corner on the water tank for the steam engines the original old ads have been touched up and highlighted. It's a pity they can't get a grant to refurbish the 150 year old Eudunda railway station before the vandals completely destroy it.

Along the Robertstown road rusty collections like this beg the question "do I take a closer look?" Nah, better not.

At Dutton is this old school house attached to the Lutheran Church which has particular significance in a way. It was where I started school, albeit somewhat briefly.

On a pedestal out the front is this picture of the teacher and his segregated students, date unknown.

This is the rest of the plaque.

brochure on eBay.

2011-10-27T19:12:00.000+10:30

Hi, I saw this item on eBay and thought you might be interested.

BOLWELL NAGARI V8 original brochure
Current price:	AU $31.00
End time:	30-Oct-11 21:00:57 AEDST

Random pics from Sunday's Supersprint.

2011-10-27T18:31:00.000+10:30

A quick little Exige about to be scruted.

Later, out on the track.

A somewhat problematic XJ12. It sounded nice at times.

Mixing it with one of the hordes of MX5s.

A great looking TR8 from Queensland. There was also a TR4 from WA competing. The Triumph Nationals in SA finished the day before. As recently as Tuesday night some red TRs were still hovering around the Vine Inn at Nuri.

This is a very pretty little MX5 in my opinion. At times it was referred to as a mobile chicane. You've gotta start somewhere guys.

A mixed bag.

This Elfin 700 got some private practice during the lunch break.

No show without Dattos.

2011-10-27T13:18:00.000+10:30

That's right, and what would a SuperSprint be without a Datto or three?
Tim Knappstein has been reading a book on aerodynamics. Here's the results.

This one was pretty neat.

.......and another red one.

Get that GT3 out of the way. I'm coming through.

This little 1600 has been in the same hands for 17 years, first car in fact.

I know this has nothing to do with Datsuns. This photo was taken not far from a sign saying "no alcohol in the pits"

I'm far from being a wowser but rules are rules. The sign also says "no dogs" of course and it would be great to take Chocko out for the day. Then, what if she got run over.

Yes, there were Bolwells there.

2011-10-27T10:11:00.000+10:30

Thank you to those Bolly members who came out to Mallala to help with flags etc. -Rick, Roger, John H, Dino, Kym, Maria.

Two really nice examples of the Mark 7.
They even ventured out onto the track.

This photo was taken from the media room, a very nice place to watch motorsport. That's John Harrland disappearing stage left and in the words of that great man, "if I am not very much mistaken" that's Siggsy riding shotgun with Roger.

Clubbies at Mallala

2011-10-27T00:08:00.000+10:30

I think they're breeding. Look away, look back, there's more of them. Here's just a few.

2 Clementes going at it. Norm Clements in the blue one, Roger Fine with the pink bits.

This is Roger's car up a bit closer.

Not saying who left who behind.

Talking about Clemente owners, here's Kym Ninnes' other clubbie. This one is a little more dedicated to track work, with its supercharged Toyota motor, leaving the yellow Clemente to drive around Australia.

Norm choosing a different type of road surface to the red Elfin.

Here's another Elfin.

Bike engines, the way to go. This one really means business.

As does this little backless number.

Jayne White didn't compete on the day, which gave someone else the chance for FTD, but she did turn up later in the day to join her friends in the Chrysler Restorers who were picnicking on the grass. This gave me the opportunity to note some of the finer points of the new orange Puma, like the little LED blinkers and the neat vents in the bonnet. She must be proud of the job she's done on this car just as she should be of the 1.16s she's doing in it. The blue one's sold.

A truck load of drifters.

2011-10-25T23:07:00.000+10:30

Ha! Bet you thought I meant a load of Valiant panel vans.

Renault 4CV

2011-10-25T11:01:00.000+10:30

Accompanying the old motorbikes on their run through our area a few weeks back was this little beauty.

I expected to see it again the following Sunday on the Bay to Birdwood but it wasn't there (I don't think). There was at least a couple of others complete with the obviously mandatory "Yes! Another Renault" stickers.
I've never owned one but I still think they are among the best "baby" cars. I might not fit into one now, I'm not all that flexible. When we were kids a couple of guys had them as alternatives to the Morris 8s, FJs and Customlines and with a bit of tweaking they were regular little buzz boxes. They were always called Renault 750s in my recollection. I also recall at least one that was pretty fast around Lanac Park and at Collingrove. Even today, Bolwell Mark 7 owner Brian D has one that does incredible things. I have a feeling it's Gordini powered.
It looks like these 4CV owners have lots of fun on their Easters too.

Langley Park fly-in.

2011-10-22T18:58:00.000+10:30

Barry C went to the fly-in and sent a few photos. For the non-Sandgropers, Langley Park is a strip of land along the foreshore in Perth. It was where the Targa West had their prologue, preceded by the VSCC-WA historic sprint which was a dash up the Esplanade and back. When Rally Australia was in WA things kicked off at Langley Park with a night time stage where 2 cars ran at a time over 2 similar courses side by side so to speak. Langley Park was also the site of the very first landing strip in WA and this event commemorates that. Maybe it's an annual event because I recall Ulysses Club members talking about previous ones. Ulysses club people must have an event to ride to every weekend as they grow old disgracefully, they were even up here in Kapunda last week and rode in the Celtic Festival street parade. There is only a short strip of grass for the planes to drop in on so I guess it was only for light planes and ultralights and vintage aircraft that don't need much space to land. Anyway here's some of Barry's pics.

I know a Moth when I see one and a BD5, a Victa, an Auster or a Cessna but I'm not all that clued up on little planes so maybe all you plane spotters can have a crack at identifying them all.

More Hurricane pics.

2011-10-21T23:21:00.000+10:30

Restoration complete.

2011-10-21T00:30:00.000+10:30

This beautiful Mark 7 has left the Healey Factory and been delivered to Bolwell Corp. Nagari no. B8/65 is also ready for delivery to its new owner after refurbishment.

Clan Crusader.

2011-10-20T23:47:00.000+10:30

This is a Clan Crusader.

They were built in England and run Hillman Imp mechanicals. Later, I think under new ownership, the operation was moved to Belfast where a further 140 examples were produced.
This one is raced in the under 1000cc class in the Portuguese Classic Cup by Ricardo's friend Veloso Amaral, a first year competitor.

The headlights above the body line is interesting. It reminds me of the Ikara. The Ikara's lights were mounted high to cover the design rule relating to minimum height above the ground. I presume these headlights are covering the same issue.
Later Crusaders had pop-ups - that fixed it.

While still on racing in Portugal, how's this for a race driver school? A fleet of Clubbies.

hurricane at Autoclassica.

2011-10-20T00:39:00.000+10:30

The 1969 Holden Hurricane has been restored, a project that began in 2006 and its debut this time around is at the Autoclassica.

Yes Mr Purvis, your car had a lift up canopy too but the Eureka didn't have rising seats.

Some great old motorbikes and some great old riders.

2011-10-19T02:12:00.000+10:30

A few weeks ago a huge collection of old bikes rolled into town. The rally was based at the Tanunda Caravan Park and they rode from there all the way over to Burra where they spent 3 days riding around the area. On their way back from Burra they had a stop at the Kapunda museum. We've got a few interesting motorbikes there ourselves including a round tank BSA. Anyway here's one or two of the more interesting bikes.

This is a 1953 Tilbrook, made in Adelaide. Rex Tilbrook, a renowned bike racer in the old days, was always coming up with innovations to improve his race bikes and decided to build his own, both race bikes and road bikes. One of the Tilbrook family, Bob, lives in Kapunda and I took this photo mainly for him. Bob has incredible mechanical skills too and was the mainstay in the building of the mechanicals from a pile of collected bits for the Morris Commercial hearse that was built at the museum and was a bit busy on Saturday when the single cylinder Bulldog tractor wouldn't start for the Celtic Festival parade. However, start it did and it managed the trip down Main Street, shaking the ground each time it fired. anyway, I digress. Tilbrook were much more famous for their sidecars and there were any number of them on the day.

Here's one mounted on a big black Vincent twin. I say "twin" because I'll show you a single cylinder Vincent in a tick. In the background you can see another Tilbrook sidecar.

The place was teeming with Indians. No really old Harleys though. Does this mean that the good old Indian has managed to withstand the test of time far better?

Look at the horn. Even that's an Indian.

Check out the quarter elliptic front spring.

This old Rudge single was unrestored but must have been good mechanically as it loped along with the others. Devoid of brakes on the front, I don't think there was much stopping power on the back either.

Same with this Coventry Victor. As a precaution, the owner has fitted a modern disc brake to the rear. Probably a good idea on a long relatively high speed run.

This old Triumph has the back brake of the time. Levers and rods operate a shoe that is pushed into the rim of that big wheel.

This Henderson was my favourite though. A couple came out hopped on and powered down the street just like a modern bike.

4 cylinders in line. No wonder it sounded so smooth and powerful.

Here's the Vincent single I mentioned before. In the week following the bike rally, potential new BCCA member, Graeme Ruby, mentioned he was up our way. He was on that same rally and here's his Vincent. Potential new member? I hope the Opel GTs don't end up outnumbering the Bolwells. Graeme will be over in Melbourne most of this month. He works for a bookie and it's spring Carnival time.
The rally ended on the Saturday and I half expected to see a lot of these bikes again the next day on the Bay to Birdwood, but no, most of them packed up and went home to their respective states. The older ones would have been ineligible this year anyway.

Simon's idea of a camper.

2011-10-18T15:23:00.001+10:30

Simon Wells reckons this is the only way he'd be roughing it on the road.

Except he'd have to swap the Merc for the Aston.
This is the baby of the fleet from this manufacturer. There's a much bigger twin rear axle version as well.
Meanwhile Barry Currie continues to fit out his Toyota Coaster to tow the Bolwell over next Easter.

obp Tech-Session - What is Special About Race CarBrake Fluid.

2011-10-17T15:36:00.000+10:30

Brake fluid is the precious fluid in a brake system. This brake fluid is the solid/physical connection delivering the force you exert on the brake pedal to the brake calipers. The basic premise is the brake fluid is non compressible thus being able to exert the correct force through the brake lines and to the calipers.

One of the enemies of brake fluid is heat!! If enough heat is transferred into the fluid and is able to boil the fluid, this will result in brake fade. Also leaks and air in the system will result in the pedal travelling too far and you will lose the pressure you have generated to stop the car.

A very important thing to keep in mind is when you purchase brake fluid they are not all the same. You can get Poly-glycol Ethylene and Silicon based.

Poly-glycol Ethylene based:

The key ingredient Poly-glycol Ethylene has high lubrication properties to lubricate the rubber parts. However this ingredient is not susceptible to boiling.

Poly-glycol Ethylene based brake fluid is hydroscopic meaning it has the ability to mix with water and still perform adequately. However water will drastically reduce the boiling point of the fluid. In a passenger car this is not a problem however in a race car it is a major issue, as when the boiling point decreases the performance ability will also decrease.

Silicon based:

The other option is Silicon based fluid. This type is used mainly in military type vehicles and because silicon based brake fluid will not corrode and damage paint work it is used in some show cars.

This type of fluid is highly compressible and can give the driver a feeling of a spongy pedal. The higher the brake system temperature the more the compressibility of the fluid and this increases the feeling of a spongy pedal.

Silicon based brake fluid is non-hydroscopic. This means that the oil does not mix with water. When water is present in the system it will create a water/fluid/water/fluid. Because water boils at approximately 212F the ability of the brake system to operate correctly decreases and the steam from the water creates air in the system. It is important to remember that water may be present in any brake system. Therefore silicon brake fluid lacks the ability to deal with moisture and will dramatically decrease a brake system's performance.

Poly-glycol Ethylene type brake fluids are two times less compressible than Silicon type fluids. Less compressibility of the brake fluid will increase pedal feel. Changing the brake fluid in a race car on a regular basis will greatly increase the performance of the brake system.

Brake fluids are rated by the DOT speccification. The most important characteristic of any brake fluid when used in a race car is the boiling point. A high boiling point is necessary for racing applications due to the massive heat build up in the rotors that is transferred through the calipers to the brake fluid.

The maximum boiling point is important when selecting a fluid for a race car. The minimum dry boiling point should be 500 F, higher if possible. The standard DOT types are not really adequate.

Brake Fluid Type Dry Boiling Point Wet Boiling Point

Dot 3 401F 284F

Dot 4 446F 311F

Dot 5 500F 246F

Dot 5.1 518F 375F

Wet Boiling Point: The minimum temperature that the brake fluid will boil when the fluid has 3% water by volume of the system.

Dry Boiling Point: The temperature that brake fluid will boil at with no water present in the system.

It is always best to use the correct and race specific brake fluids in your race car. These are a few to have a look at.

ATE Super Blue/TYP 200. Super Blue is a very high performing brake fluid. A mainstay in German automobiles, Super Blue is arguably the best value for your money in brake fluid.

Dry: 280C (536F)
Wet: 204C (388F)

Brembo LCF600. LCF600 is the newest brake fluid on the market. Excellent choice for track use with proven low compressibility. It gives a firmer pedal feel than most other brands.

Dry: 316C (601F)
Wet: 204F (399F)

CASTROL SRF. The SRF is the absolute best brake fluid on the market, period. If you want the best, then Castrol SRF is it due to its extremely high dry & wet boiling points.

Dry: 310C (590F)
Wet: 270C (%18F)

MOTUL RBF600. The world's best selling brake fluid. Developed for all forms and levels of racing, the RBF600 is one of the most popular fluids on the market today.

Dry: 312C (594F)
Wet: 216C (421F)

APRacing 600 Brake Fluid. AP600 Fluid has been developed for racing applications where higher than normal temperatures are being experienced, e.g. when using carbon/carbon discs and the ultimate in brake fluid performance is required.

Dry Boiling Point in excess of: 312C (594F)
Wet Boiling Point: 204C (399F)

It is imperative you bleed your brakes before every event. Most top race teams remove the old fluid and replace it with new before each race. Doing this is the only way you can be 100% sure the fluid has not absorbed any water and you will get the best performance out of your brakes.

It is also a good idea not to buy fluid in large containers and when the fluid is exposed to the atmosphere make sure it is for the shortest time possible.

What You Should Do and Never Do With Race Car Brake Fluid!

* Never use standard Silicon based fluid in a race car brake system
* Using racing specific brake fluid will increase brake performance
* Never mix different type or brands of brake fluid
* Use small fluid containers that can be used quickly
* Always make sure the reservoir tops are tightly secured
* Purge the system (drain completely) and replace fluid often
* Immediately replace the reservoir cap after any maintenance
* Always bleed brakes before all events

I hope this has been useful to you.
Grant.