Jeez! One race???? I expect my tyres to last several seasons - though with a tightened front suspension and the massive weight over the front wheels, HD's long fast sweepers is already taking its toll.
Sorry, won't be racing with you this time, but hopefully will take some David vs Goliath giant killing pics instead.
Gerald- Barry Phillips was running the new Dunlop CR84 Mark 2 12 inch racing tyres in 1970 in the BNSW. So go for 12s
John.......when you look at the pics of Barry and Rod on the track together you can see the difference in wheel size. We have been very tempted to go to 12 inch wheels as there is a much bigger selection of tyre tread and compounds available.
Am probably cutting off my nose to spite my face in sticking with the 10 inch wheel, but it is what the car always had and I think it looks better on the small wheels.
We do have a set of Dunlop R7 tyres which is the modern equivalent of the cross-ply CR 65 which was the wet weather tyre of choice in the 70's.
Although the R7 is a radial it really is only a wet weather tyre as its life on a dry track is very short.
With the sort of horse-power the car is putting out now we really have to have a decent tyre on otherwise we end up shredding the rubber once it gets hot.
Your comment on the Dunlop CR 84 is spot on.......maybe we/I will have to think again.
DOT rated CR84's?
Angus on some nice 30 yr old Dunlop Aquajet 145x10's sounds good to me.
I am glad Howard that you have a sense of humour.......I say, you find me a nice set of Dunlop Aqua-jets and we might use them!!!!!
This is where this tyre thing turns to custard for us. You Guys can use DOT rated race tyres, because that is virtually what they are. I have seen some pretty 'fancy' tyres and tread patterns on, for example, Escorts, that wouldnt normally be fitted to a road car. We are severely hampered with our tyre choice on the 10 inch wheel, and if that is what it takes, we will go up a size, and to hell with everybody.
I refer you to the Motorsport manual ruling on tyres for genuine cars built in the period, and there are a few out there.
Are you saying that the suplimentary regs for this meeting overule a MSNZ manual ruling?
We have no intention of being further disadvantaged by having to fit Aqua-jets, as well as having to smallest capacity car in the field. LOL.
Seriously Gerald, I have no idea and as I wrote that I hoped you wouldn't take it as a dig.
I am pretty sure that in previous Festivals the NZ Freighters TC Escort which is also a genuine period car ran on treaded race tyres and probably others as well. As to whether that was a special dispensation or not, I have no idea.
Either way, you'll get no grief over tyres from me, I can't speak for Dale of course! Looking forward to both weekends.
Howard......I cetainly didnt take your Aqua-jet comment as a dig. I think I know you better than that.
As to Dales comments which I have no doubt I will get eventually, as I said previously if we were running under his class, which we arent, we are running WITH his class to make a decent field, we would be able to bolt on a set of Goodyear Blue Streaks.......now wouldnt that be great!!!!!!
I too am looking forward to the weekends. Hopefully have some reliability in the car now, something that was sadly lacking last year.
Sorry guys, been busy but ave been keeping and an eye on you lot. Gerald, HMC uses blue Streaks because this is the correct 15" tyre and what they raced on "period" when these big bore saloons where new and as HMC is about Historic ONLY racing this is what we want, and because historic racing is so well supported in the USA goodyear still makes them, we will also allow the optional Hoosier tyre that is made as a cheaper alternative to the Blue Streaks's. After Jan's event its 15" only for HMC.Originally Posted by AMCO72
So this doesn't mean you can race your big bad Min on them, LOL. in fact i doubt they even make a Blue Streak this small? what tyres did they race Minis on in the USA? BUT not forgetting that your Mini is a genuine MSNZ shedule K car(hope thats correct) so you can race on the tyres that YOUR vehicle used in its motorsport NZ hay day.
We have a 40 car grid for Jan to date.
Merry X-Mas everyone.
Dale M
Thanks for that Dale.........I knew I would get a commonsense answer. Seriously though, if Goodyear did make a Blue streak in a 10 inch I would be very happy to run them.
Bernie was importing race tyres from the USA, so I have to assume he searched the market thoroughly for a suitable tyre. The ones he did import....American Racers, were still really only a wet tyre. Their life on a dry track was very short, due to the very soft compound that was used. In fact I think they were designed for short course dirt track, ie speedway. Bernie himself didnt seem to have trouble with them, and neither did I, but my No2 driver managed to 'destroy' a front set in one race. By destroy, I dont mean 'wear out'.......they got so hot that the rubber just melted along the tyre tread and flew off in great chunks under the guards!!!!
40 cars you say....that must be just about at the limit per grid. Wont that be a sight. This festival is without a doubt going to be the best yet.
Seasons greetings to all........I cant match Rods effort!!!!
Looks like the last place on the grid is now taken. Great one John.
I met my deadline.I wanted to have motor, gearbox, suspension , brakes, steering , wheels and tyres all in and ready to go before Xmas.
It has happened.If you look back to June and see the rusty , stranded coupe body. I said then that it would be at HD for the big one.My thanks to Dale, Bruce302, Mike(kiwi285) who never laughed at me and gave me support to get to this stage.Lot of work still to go , but now achievable.Probably will drive it for the first time on the track.Will put up pics as painter progresses.
Fantastic work John, I've been watching the progress over the last two months. Very impressive.
The smurffs have been busy and kept their deadline. Almost ready to start and drive.
Here is another one of the car from today. I think the gearbox needs to move to the left just a smidge though.
Last edited by Bruce302; 12-24-2012 at 07:57 AM.
I blinked and I swear it jumped into place. Another part of the garage is clear.
John, I admire your persistence and drive in getting the car to this stage. When I saw the initial photos I wondered just how you would move the project forward. Have you managed to get much sleep lately. Looking good and can't wait to see it rolling.
I see that Dale has mentioned a 40 car grid for these races - now won't that be a sight to behold and that glorious sound to match. A mix of V8's and howling 4's to get the punters wound up. From Mini's to thumping big American and Australian iron.
Merry Christmas to all and looking forward to a great New Year.
Last edited by kiwi285; 12-24-2012 at 09:01 PM.
Looking real good John, your mate must have got over the fumes from that day I visited and he was in the boot dabbing that toxic stuff around as it sure has taken shape. That day being honest as I wandered up your drive (test patch) I thought " man there is some work to be done there" but also thought it will happen, but not this quick.
Well done and looking forward to seeing all of you and your beautiful cars at Hampton.
Merry Xmas and a Happy Roaring Season New year
Rod- thanks for your positive thoughts.That day, I could see the disbelief in your eyes on Sunday that it would be hard to make this deadline. It was easier back then as there was still a long time to go. Even now I still think there is a lot to do, however, the list is not mind numbingly long. Now ride height is fully sorted, we can move forward and finish rear quarters. Also special thanks to Wayne Stables for giving me measurements for scoops on XAGTs. At least the Monaro is not as bad as this XA Coupe body was.
Rod- thanks for your positive thoughts.That day, I could see the disbelief in your eyes on Sunday that it would be hard to make this deadline. It was easier back then as there was still a long time to go. Even now I still think there is a lot to do, however, the list is not as mind numbingly long. Now ride height is fully sorted, we can move forward and finish rear quarters.
People who helped me by meeting my deadline-
Mark Wade at WADE AUTOMOTIVE kept his promise engine would be ready to bolt in and start by Xmas.
Ron McMillan at Road, Race and Rally-who did my roll cage - also in one week completed my list the day before Xmas.
Scott Campbell has special mention as I suddenly needed help on the narrowed diff and other important parts he specializes in.
Dale Mathers for sending me the competition A-frames nice and early
Les Hunter Automotive organized me the front and back Willwood brake package.
Darrin Baker at Mag and Turbo (Manukau) for organizing the most beautiful wheels
Also special thanks to Wayne Stables for giving me measurements for guard and bonnet scoops on XAGTs.
For those looking for perfection in life- good luck; you will never find it
for those looking for a race car, it will be at HD.
Last edited by John McKechnie; 12-31-2012 at 02:43 AM.
The final grids are almost set and this is probably the largest field of ATA, HMC and U3L/T&C Saloons ever seen at this event, close to the maximum allowable grid of 45 vehicles(currently 42 cars). In-fact this is probably the largest group of “Historically Correct” pre 78 saloons ever seen at any NZ motor race meeting? this is going to be FUN. Today in 2 weeks it'll be all go so you guys still spannering keep up the good work, it'll be worth it.
Dale M
Last edited by Kiwiboss; 01-05-2013 at 12:09 AM.
XA Smurf has final coat on the body today..Front guards , boot lid, and left door done.Guards to be fitted tomorrow, final fitting right door then paint it.Will post pics Wednesday.Diff adjustment Wed/Thurs bleed brakes Alignment and mufflers this week also.
Next weekend will be start up. My, time is going.
Last edited by John McKechnie; 01-06-2013 at 06:44 AM.
Great progress John,
That really is cutting it fine but you have absolutely no way of not getting it done. Keep it up. I'll see you soon.
Bruce.
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