Page 1 HAMMAG February 2021 The Newsletter of The Hampshire Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club WWW.HAMMOC.CO.UK
Page 1
HAMMAG February 2021
The Newsletter of The Hampshire Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club
WWW.HAMMOC.CO.UK
Page 2
For further information please contact the Secretary, Mike Hockey on Tel: 023 9252 4744
This newsletter is produced prior to the monthly meeting and is distributed to members free of charge.
Advertisements are written in the words of the advertiser and HAMMOC accepts no liability for errors or omissions.
The articles and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of HAMMOC, its committee or members.
HAMMOC operates a tool loan service.
Car Roller: for loan for a period of 2 months Engine Hoist.
Axle stands to be used on level ground. Tim Rouse. Tel: 01420 511285 Front pulley starter dog spanner.
Rear axle hub nut socket David Grice Tel: 02380 872609
The following members have an interest in, and experience of, particular models of the Minor and have agreed to provide a help
line.
Series MM: Tim Rouse. Tel: 01420 511285 Saloon and Series II: Mike Hockey. Tel: 02392 524744 Traveller: Brian Jeffery. Tel: 02392 251612 Convertible and LCV: Paul Lyons. Tel: 01425 654548
ASSETS REGISTER
Mike Hockey. Long Stapler, Club Stamps, Screen Stickers, Videos and Printer. Tim Rouse. Marquees, Rally Boards, Tape, Arm Bands, Jackets, Car Roller,
Flag and Pole, Sandwich Board, Tables, Engine Hoist and Accident book.
Page 3
Club Nights
February 16th
Talk on de rusting, By Alan Thomas from Fertan
(By Zoom) There will be a raffle with a prize of a voucher for a bottle of Wine. For the raffle all the Zoom attendee’s names will be put in a hat and the winner drawn.
March 16th
A Zoom meeting. A talk on Drones by Russel Searle
There will be a raffle with a prize of a voucher for a bottle of Wine. For the raffle all the Zoom attendee’s names
will be put in a hat and the winner drawn.
Events 2021
25th April Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Drive It Day
May 15th 16th Beaulieu Spring Autojumble and Moggyfest
CANCELLED
June 6th HAMMOC Rally at the Sammy Millers Motorbike
Museum.
June 11th -13th Practical Classics and Restoration
Show at the NEC.
August 1st Cranleigh Lions Classic Car Show.
August 30th Cowley Classic Car Show
September 4th 5th
Beaulieu International Autojumble.
September 18th Alton Classic car show.
Page 4
We are holding our Tuesday club meetings by the use of Zoom until further notice. It works on Android, IOS, Windows 10 and Apple Mac etc.
If you are joining the meeting, you will need to download the app called Zoom Meeting onto your device of choice.
This can be done via Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for Apple (IOS) devices.
For Windows 10 you can download it from here https://zoom.us/support/download or if you click on the link in the invitation email it should download it for you.
For the Apple Mac operating system it is very well explained how to install Zoom on this web page: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/203020795-How-To-Install-on-Mac#h_8137f88b-d9fe-45af-8d56-e8239f2a86cf
You will need to have the Email and Zoom on the same device for the invitation to work automatically. I can try and help you to install it on your device if required. I will send an invite to join the meeting on the night to all members that I have an email address for unless otherwise requested not to do so by the individual members.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday!
Mike Hockey E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 02392 524744
Page 5
January 19th
was a talk by Steve Hunt on the Laon Historique Classic Car Event.
PRESENTATION ON THE LAON CLASSIC CAR EVENT 2017
The Circuit Historique de Laon is the largest and most popular classic car
pilgrimage in Europe. The event is held over the Whitsun weekend in Laon,
France. In 2015 Mary & Steve attended for their first time in Mary’s 1953 MM –
winning the Friends of Laon prize. The annual gathering is non-competitive and
open to any type of classic, vintage, sports and kit car. Everyone has great fun
and there is an interesting mix of vehicles and their crews; from the sublime, the
Aston Martin DB2, to the ridiculous – Melvin, the bright orange, Austin A30.
Mary & Steve enjoyed the event so much, that they returned in 2017 and
invited friends, Nicky & Neil, from the Borders in Scotland, to join them in their
1972 MGB GT Automatic. The weekend was organised by Scenic Car Tours:
Home | Scenic Car Tours and the 26th Circuit Historique de Laon had 700 car
entrants. Scenic Car Tours also organise driving events throughout the UK,
which is worth bearing in mind as we all hope to get back into our cars this
summer.
At our last meeting, via ZOOM, on 19 January, Steve gave a presentation
about their trip. The first day was a scenic drive of 80km (160km round trip) to
the historic race circuit of Reims-Gueux; a triangular shaped, fast street circuit
of around 8km. The two long straights were a test for the engines and the
sweeping corners a test for the drivers. The Grand Prix de la Marne was first
raced there in 1926 and until 1952 the circuit went through the village of Gueux.
In 1953 it was decided to lengthen one straight and to no longer race through
the village. A YouTube clip of some of the cars assembling on the Saturday
morning is at: Circuit Historique de Laon June 2017 PART 4 - YouTube The
YouTube clip at: 20170603 133701 - YouTube shows some of the cars parked at
Circuit de Gueux.
Page 6
Although accommodation is available in Laon, we had decided to stay at the
campsite that we stayed at in 2015, in a couple of quirky gypsy caravans.
Nicky is an enthusiastic and accurate navigator. Although our cars were
obviously not the most valuable present, the picture on the next page is a
wonderful reminder that the value of one’s classic car is nothing compared to
the value of a good navigator. Many high value cars were delighted to follow
the Moggy, because they knew that they would get to the lunch stop without
detour and on time.
Page 7
At the end of Saturday, cars return to Laon for a light-hearted concours
d’elegance display. Nicky & Neil’s MGB was invited to take part and drew
applause when the crowd was informed that the car had driven from Scotland.
Sunday was town drive day, which always makes the local TV news as shown in
the You Tube link: Montée Historique de Laon 2017 - YouTube The
commentary is in French and opens with Nicky & Neil’s yellow MGB GT,
NMY634L. It includes a clip of the Genestin driving around the town. The
Genestin, No 3, had raced at Circuit de Gueux 1926 – 1929.
At the closing prize giving ceremony on the Sunday evening, the MGB GT and
crew had indeed been awarded a prize in the concours d’elegance. We had all
had a wonderful weekend and Nicky & Neil were delighted.
Page 8
Unfortunately, on our way back to the campsite, an inexperienced French driver
had swerved across the road denting the MG on the front wing and creased the
passenger door. Thankfully, there were no injuries and we managed to get the
car back to the UK.
That led into a discussion about insurance at the end of the meeting.
Steve Hunt.
Page 9
Classic van identification
Do you know what this van is? It was my family's shop van post-war, until we
had our first LCV in about 1956. I thought it might be a Morris 8, but all the
images I found online seem to have different grilles.
Stephen Piper.
If anybody knows what this van is can you contact Mike Hockey Tel: 02392
524744 or Email: [email protected] and I will put you in touch
With Stephen.
Page 10
FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BOLD
As the 948cc engine of my Morris was displaying symptoms of advanced
fatigue it was decided to replace it with an overhauled 1098cc engine and
matching gearbox. Some tidying was needed around the engine bay and in
order to do this the entire front panel was removed, after which the original
engine was partially stripped to lighten it prior to being manhandled out. It was
removed single-handed using a trolley jack, various pieces of timber and a fair
amount of bad language. After that it only remained to raise the front of the car
and take the gearbox out.
After cleaning-up the engine bay the reconditioned gearbox was fitted and
the car was ready to receive its new power plant. It had been arranged to
borrow an engine crane for this operation but on the appointed day its owner
was unwell, confined to bed and unable to help. I had been quite keen to get
that engine in, so to avoid disappointment began to look for an alternative
arrangement, the existence of which looked unlikely.
With the help of some blocks and a jack it seemed possible for me to raise the
front of the car and slide the engine in from underneath, but with the gearbox
in place there would not be enough fore and aft room. It did however seem
likely that by mating-up the engine and gearbox first they could perhaps be slid
beneath the raised car which could then be lowered over them. Obviously this
was going to be tricky, with a likelihood of failure or personal injury but it was
the only option other than waiting for my crane - owning friend to recover.
Being of an impatient and headstrong nature (and having scars to prove it) I
grasped the nettle, took out the gearbox and bolted it up to the engine.
Page 11
Midday refreshments were then taken whilst I cheered myself up by
remembering how easy it is to perform a similar operation on a Volkswagen
'Beetle'. Many years ago one of my acquaintances, an apprentice at a VW
dealership, removed his Beetle's engine, changed the clutch and got it all back
together within his lunch-hour. Of course there's a big difference here; the VW
is designed to have its engine removed and replaced from beneath - the Minor
is not! I returned to the garage with renewed determination nevertheless it
took an entire afternoon of jacking, chocking and levering to achieve my goal.
All went quite well - if slowly - until the final stages. It was found that with
the rocker cover removed the valve gear fouled the bulkhead whilst the starter
dog simultaneously refused to pass behind the front cross-member. The
presence of the oil filter didn't help either, obstructing any 'wriggle-room'.
More jacking and tilting were needed and finally the worst was over. With the
engine/gearbox assembly at a worryingly steep angle, the starter dog cleared
the cross-member allowing the heavy lump to assume its rightful place. The job
would have gone better if the cylinder head and starter dog had not been fitted
until the engine was in situ but it was rather too late for that!
I certainly don't recommend this method, in fact would advise strongly
against it. Much better to swing your engine in or out by the traditional
method; it's quicker, easier and carries far less risk of damage to person or
property. The introductory Latin motto has been adopted by many
organizations and may just be applicable to the above event but it is more
fitting to end with a few wise words from an Ancient Greek: "Boldness is the
beginning of action but fortune controls how it ends."
Page 12
Page 13
Beaulieu
Beaulieu is excited to announce its motoring calendar of events for 2021, with Simply Electric joining familiar favourites for a line-up of exciting, enjoyable shows to look forward to. After a difficult start to the year, we are delighted to be able to announce a jam packed calendar that helps to share hope of better times ahead once the current restrictions have eased. With 27 Covid-secure events currently planned for the new show season, there will be plenty for all the family to do at Beaulieu, together.
https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/
Cowley Classic Car Show
Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2021
Last year we cancelled the Cowley Classic Car Show due to Covid 19.
We still do not know if we will be able to hold a show this year, but we have started the planning on the assumption we can. As in 2019 it will be on August Bank Holiday Monday, 30th August. However we have a new location which is Nottcutts Garden Centre, just South of Nuneham Courtney.
Last year we organised two Drive It days from there so we are confident that it will be a great location for the Show. As usual as well as all the cars, vans, and trucks we will have a range of attractions for the entire family, plus of course the Garden Centre. More details as we get closer to August, but for the moment just save the date – 30th August.
Whilst we will try and keep you informed, details will be available on our website: www.cowleyclassiccarshow.org.uk
Page 14
Club Regalia
All Weather Regatta Omicron Fleece Micro Summer Fleece
All Weather Regatta Omicron Fleece £42
Black Micro Summer Fleece £25 Black Short Sleeved Rugby shirt £25
HAMMOC 40th Ruby Anniversary Mugs £5 each.
Please contact: Tim Rouse Tel: 01420 511285
Page 15
Please note that all the club equipment is now available.
Free of charge to Members.
Car Roller: for loan for a period of 2 months, Engine Hoist. Axle stands to be used on level ground.
Tim Rouse. Tel: 01420 511285
Front pulley starter dog spanner. Rear axle hub nut socket
David Grice Tel: 02380 872609
HAMMOC only holds the information about you that you consent to supply through your membership application form. We also meet the legal requirements to keep any relevant financial or contractual details associated with membership fees and any other transactions that comprise our financial accounts (for 6 years). We store personal information securely and do not pass it to other organisations without your express consent. Only appropriate Committee roles have access to this data which is used to contact you about events and administrative issues. You may see, and have your personal information revised or deleted, whenever you wish through the Membership Secretary. When you confirm you no longer wish to belong to HAMMOC your personal information will be deleted.
Page 16
Tail End