Quote Originally Posted by Oldfart View Post
Thoughts for Vintage Racing Saloons.

The following is some thoughts for debating so that a set of “Guidelines” could be put in place so that potential participants are aware of the “spirit” which others take part under.
It is NOT my intention to state what these must be, but I feel very strongly that a framework should be in place before problems arise.
In order to start discussion I have penned some thoughts, please feel free to discuss, add, delete or amend. In this way I think that a robust and fun class could be in place in a short time.

Cars.
The car to be a production saloon which was in production prior to December 31 1960. Onus of proof of this rests with the owner. Variants of saloon, ie staion wagon are acceptable, sports version (non saloon) are not. Cabriolet and coupe ??Being totally biased you should probably allow coupes..Sidevalve Fords & Chevs obviously feature in other parts of this website.
Body modifications, ie chop tops, channeling, tail chops etc are specifically banned. The car shall have a full complement of seats as sold, although the drivers’ seat may be replaced with an alternate with better support. Current “wing” seats are discouraged.All fine by me
Bumpers shall be in place.
Hubcaps are not required.
All lights should be in place, headlights taped (as was done and required in period).These must be in working condition.
External trim strips, ie chrome etc. PLEASE DISCUSS, my personal feeling is they should not be compulsory, as in period they were often asked to be removed for safety, also an item that may be difficult and expensive to find.
Floor mats/carpets, I do not think they should be required, but if removed the floorpan should be a subtle colour so it is not too obvious.All good
Steering wheel should be of the period.Same dia or within say a couple of inch's, dont like the thought of being skewered by some of those early pommie multi wire things
Instruments must be period, ie no digital, shift lights etc.Good, less is more
Roll over protection. A thorny one. I suspect there are varied views on this. Up to the individual?Id rather have a roll bar, but in saying that I wouldnt want to have to make it conform to current MSNZ rules, common sense should prevail on this one

Engine
To be a version of the engine supplied with the car as sold new, or a common conversion. Ie one off engine transplant is not acceptable, but where this was not uncommon would be allowed. Onus of proof as above.Agreed
Modifications to the engine.
Only modifications which could have and were been done in the period (pre Dec 60) are acceptable. This one is a can of worms, but should be, I believe the basis of the “rule”.Yes, no carbs for example that were not made prior to 1960,

Suspension
Shall remain in the same form as when sold new. If the car was fitted with lever arm shocks, they must remain as the only form of shock. Likewise lever arms which form suspension arms. Cars may be lowered by no more than 50mm. Springs may be modified in stiffness, number of leaves etc. Axle location should remain the same as original, but additional members may be added, ie panhard rods, Watts linkages, tramp bars, as long as the primary location remains. Test of this to be detach one end of any rod and the car remains suspended. Alternate on lowering, to be road legal.I would go with the road legal ride height, has to be able to clear a 100mm block with anything other than exhaust.

Brakes
Must remain in the same form as originally sold. Ie if sold with drum brakes, no conversion to discs is allowed. Brake scoops, ventilated back plates, Alfin type drums are allowed. Brake lining material is free. Conversion from rod or cable to hydraulic is acceptable. A secondary form of braking is recommended, even if it is only handbrake.Good

Wheels
Must be of a size which could have been fitted in the period. This automatically means that widened wheels are not acceptable as this process was not in place until later in the 60s. Alternate wheels, eg van versions, 13” rims on original centres, Vauxhall wheels on Ford 10, wheels from a later version (pre 60) are acceptable Not totally with this, there are many steel wheels that had a habit of breaking out centers etc & those wheels were upgraded in later versions of cars...take my T-Bird example, A ~1970 Falcon Ute rim will interchange-look the same- but center is made from steel damn near twice as thick
Tyres
Must be of no lower profile than 65 series, road tyres. Ie no race or semi race tyres are allowed. They should be available readily without specialist suppliers.I just wish we could still get crossplies

Presentation
The car should be presented to a reasonable standard. The spectator should be able to expect to see cars of reasonable standard, no primer, dents etc unless sustained at the same meeting, although contact between cars would result in questions being asked of both parties. If the damage is behind the driver of one car & in front of the driver on another in an incident & the car with frontal damage was at rear prior to prang then its his fault

EXTRA
It has been suggested that a car having been allowed at one meeting does not, as of right, qualify for any other. Additional restrictions may become needed as the use of these cars becomes more common. All modifications should be reversible without disagreement, discussion is fine, argument is not!Sounds good.

Now here you go for something to move forward. Please do not accept the UK rules, they allow way too much, ie 1275cc in 58 cars etc.

I am thrilled with the enthusiasm!
Thats one!