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CAMTORQUECATERING TO THE NEEDS OF ALL FORD VEHICLE ENTHUSIASTS

WWW.FORDOWNERSCARCLUB.COM.AU MAGAZINE

YESTERYEAR GLAMPING

HOLIDAYS

THE FLATLINER DENT PULLER EDITORS PICK - AMERICAN PICKERSMURDER MYSTERY SOLVED

#99 NOVEMBER 2015

2 WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?

Yesteryear Glamping Holidays

Meningie was the destination for FOCC Members Paul & Gloria Howe. This time, they took the Galaxie and their caravan.

7

8

The Engine Oil Bible 2

Continuing on from last months Engine Oil Bible, Chris tells us the difference between mineral and synthetic oils.

Club Meetings

01 Front Cover

02 What’s In This Issue?

03 Important Notices & Committee

04 Presidents Corner

05 On A Lighter Note - Mr Gullible

06 Have You Heard About ...

07 The Engine Oil Bible 2

08 Yesteryear Glamping Holidays

09 Make A Note - Jan 2016 Event

10 Christmas Lights Wonderland

11 Gadgets & Gizmos

12 Wanted & For Sale

13 Other Items

14 - 15 Events

16 FOCC Website & Club Sponsors

Articles

Get In Touch With The Club

Keep up to date with our monthly club meetings which start at 8:00pm at the Northgate Community & Sports Club, Duncan Frazer Reserve, Rowe Avenue, Northfield.

Need to write to the club? send to:

Ford Owners Car Club S.A. IncPO Box 865, Prospect East SA 5082

Visit our club website:

www.fordownerscarclub.com.au

Find Us On Facebook:

www.facebook.com/foccsa

6

14Murder Mystery in Peterborough

There’s been a medieval murder at St. Cecilia’s and the FOCC went all out to catch the culprit - did we find them?

Have You Heard About ...

The Flatliner Dent Puller - A smart device that helps to ‘pull out’ dents in your vehicle using a set of spot welded keys.

November Meeting - Tues 10/11/2015

December Meeting - Tues 08/12/2015

January Meeting - Tues 05/01/2016

February Meeting - Tues 09/02/2016

March Meeting - 08/03/2016

April Meeting - 12/04/2016

May Meeting - 10/05/2016

June Meeting - 14/06/2016

3IMPORTANT NOTICES & THE COMMITTEE

HISTORIC REGISTRATION - IMPORTANT NOTICE

Financial members of the F.O.C.C. are reminded of the following requirements as per The New Code of Practice, effective 1st July 2012, when presenting their logbook(s) for resigning and/or the issuing of a new logbook. Members have until 31st December 2015to ensure that their Historic Registration remains active for the next clubs financial year.

In order to avoid any unnecessary delays, as experienced last year, when almost everyone wanted their logbooks attended to on the same night, it would be appreciated if this exercise be spread over the next three club meetings starting at 7.00pm.

Mandatory Requirements

1. New F.O.C.C. membership renewal receipt.

2. Logbook(s).

3. Current registration papers.

4. Statutory declaration. (Unless you are a new member on Historic Registration)

5. Left Hand Drive vehicles – Certificate of Exemption.

Remember it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct paperwork is presented or your log book will not be signed by any of the Authorized Officers.

The Statutory Declaration must be completed in full and in a legible manner. Any lines not used should be “Zed” off. Multiple vehicles can be used on the one form.

If the Statutory Declaration form is not completed correctly, it will not be accepted and your log book will not be signed. Do not send the Statutory Declaration to the club Secretary. It must be presented when upgrading your log book by one of the Authorized Officer.

REMEMBER If you do not have your log book signed by 31st December 2015 then you will be driving illegally ie unregistered and uninsured. There are very heavy penalties imposed if you are caught.

RON TEBBYC.H.V.R.S. Coordinator.

The FOCC Executive Committee Members

The FOCC General Committee Members

Club President / Public Officer & CAMS Officer: Gordon CowleyPhone: 08 8862 1272 | Mobile: 0427 481 948 Email: president@focc.com.au

Club Vice President: Martin Faux Email: vicepresident@focc.com.au

Club Treasurer: Marino Nassig Phone: 08 8261 6304 | Email: treasurer@focc.com.au

Club Secretary / Minutes: Mary Hall Phone: 08 8344 8313 | Email: secretary@focc.com.au

CHVRS Co-Ordinator: Ron Tebby Phone: 08 8387 0268 | Mobile: 0413 678 021Email: shaker@chariot.net.au

Events Manager: Lee Richardson Phone: 0488 107 755 | Email: events@focc.com.au

Social Secretary: Gloria Howe Phone: 08 8388 5281 | Email: socialsec@focc.com.au

Website Manager / Camtorque Editor: Jody Faux Phone: 0466 341 365 | Email: webmaster@focc.com.au

Clothing Quartermaster: Gillian James Email: gillian.james2@bigpond.com

Central Region: Gordon Cowley Phone: 08 8862 1272 | Mobile: 0427 481 948 Email: president@focc.com.au

Central Region: Kevin Hatswell Phone: 08 7120 2766 | Mobile: 0437 167 936 Email: harp01@optusnet.com.au

Southern Region: Ron Tebby Phone: 08 8387 0268 | Mobile: 0413 678 021 Email: shaker@chariot.net.au

Northern Region: Clinton Jacobs Phone: 08 8380 8996 | Email: historicnorth@focc.com.au

CHVRS Authorisation Officers & Club Registrars

Have A Question? Write to the Editor

Have an interesting article that you would like to share in the next edition of Camtorque? drop Jody Faux a line at :

editor@focc.com.au

4 THE PRESIDENTS CORNER

Being the President of an active car club has its responsibilities and I get under a bit of time pressure from time to time as I spread my time and interests over a lot of different endeavours. I could cut back on what I do but then that would not be me.

Using 1966 and 1967 Cortina’s as daily drivers also throws up its challenges. If I was a properly trained auto electrician and motor mechanic things would be easier as well I would expect. I can work my way through most of my problems and an electrical problem that I may come across would be diagnosed and fixed quickly by someone trained in the art. The Cortina’s came from the factory with only one fuse in the whole electrical system and it was a fuse near to and used by the trafficator flasher can. Over the years both Cortina’s have been modified in the electrical department with both fuses and relays. Digital Amps, Volts and Ohms (AVO) meters are all very nice but in a lot of cases such as when working with trafficators that work “on and off” the digital AVO does not respond quick enough and an analogue AVO is the diagnostic tool of choice. The white Cortina recently had a fail in one of a pair of horns that made both of the horns stop working. I replaced the horn relay and eventually put in enough wiring to get the single horn to work. I have a new pair of horns supplied by Sprints Holden Hill to fit when time allows.

Back in June I virtually finished the additions and ammendments needed to the FOCC constitution and set up set of “Rules of Management” to cover items that are interesting at the moment but may need to be changed later when conditions change.

PRESIDENTS

CORNERArticle Written By Gordon Cowley

The items in the consitution are almost “set in concrete” and hopefully will work on their own for a fair period of time. There is a fair amount of effort needed to change the constitution and changes to the Rules of Management are easier to manage. I have now got to “status ops final” with the constitution and the rules of management and have emailed them off to the committee members for any last comments; hopefully there will not be any and we can get on with the approval process. Once I get executive committee approval the FOCC membership has to be given 28 days notice of the proposed corrected constitution to be approved by the FOCC at a General meeting. If I can get the executive committee approval well before the FOCC meeting of 10 November the FOCC membership can be advised of the revised constitution at that meeting and the revised constitution can be voted on at the FOCC meeting of 8 December. The revised constitution then has to be filed with the Office of Business and Consumer affairs for their approval.

Once that approval has been gained the FOCC can then submit the revised constitution to the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. The FOCC will also send with the revised constitution to DPTI an application for me to become an authorised person to sign of forms MR334 to put street rod vehicles on the CHVRS. That authorisation has been in the pipeline for a long time as the initial request failed because even though the FOCC was an accepted organisation for approval of historic and prescribed LHD vehicles and all the appropriate paperwork was in the hands of DPTI all the same paperwork had to be re-submitted to get street rod approval status. The Government works in mysterious ways. DPTI also takes a fair while to process authorised persons approvals. Hopefully if and when modified vehicles get the nod the FOCC can put in a request to join the modified scheme a lot quicker than I have moved on the street rod approval.

We were down on numbers for renewal of memberships and log book updates at our October meeting. You can down load membership forms and stat decs from the FOCC website. We can not guarantee to have a J.P. at the meeting to sign stat decs and they can be signed by J.P.’s at other places like council offices and they can also be signed at Police Stations. It might pay to arrive early in November and December to get your paperwork done. We should be set up by 7.00 P.M.

CREDIT WWW.ABC.NET.AU

5ON A LIGHTER NOTE BY MR GULLIBLE

Hi Everyone!

Progress! Yep, just one word sums up a whole month. But what is the depth of that progress? The new house is now in the hands of the engineers so they can do all that fancy design stuff so us plebs know how to build it. At least that is what I thought until I started getting emails asking about what you want to do with this and how do you want to do that. I think I need to schedule a few meetings with the engineers and take a sharp pencil or two. (For prodding more so than drawing). However I am hopeful of telling the engineers everything they need to know within the next month.

Then comes the need for a Private Certifier to enter the mix. I think this is how it works. An engineer can design and specify how to build a building but no one will believe them so you go to another engineer to get them to look at the first engineers work to make sure they got it the way they would do it. And then I can submit it to the Council for Building Regs Approval.

All this by December, unrealistic you say, but wait there is a cheat. It is called partial approval and it may let the building works commence early. Let you know how that works when I find out.

Council question of the week:

“We notice that you are doing some fill in a valley. You need to consult with (Anagram) another Government department that looks after waterways for approval.”

ON A LIGHTER NOTE BY MR GULLIBLE

Article Written By Lee Richardson

Response from Gov. Department. “If it is subject to a DA (Development Approval) then it is up to the Council to deal with it.”

This took 1 week to sort out!

Upgrade the progress from “Crawl to Random jitters”

The Shed Outbuilding.

Yippee. The shed approval is through and the ground works have been done. AND the concrete slabs went down this week.

But wait, Mr Gullible has picked it again; the chap who runs the shed company has had a stroke so I don’t know what is going to happen with the shed construction for a while. Dead line for shed erecting December 4th.

What I did learn while the shed plans were at council was that if a tank is higher than 2.4m and or wider than 3M it requires an application for approval. The reason for this is that the rules say so. I believe there is a concern re the street scape. So why does that apply to me as there is no street. Go figure.

So the concrete trucks managed my hill without any problem. But they were old trucks. So what has the age got to do with it you may well ask? Firstly they are manual gearbox and secondly they have leaf spring and shocker rear suspension. As soon as you add modern equipment like auto drive and airbag suspension, the trucks are less capable on unsealed roads.

Car 1: The Galaxie Skyliner.

The old girl behaved itself for the Bay to Birdwood, even the roof performed without a hitch. I even took her on the Motorfest run the FOCC hosted. But along the freeway the speedo dropped to zero although I was still moving at 110 km/hr. My biggest fear is that the repaired drive gear has collapsed. One of our members has found a new drive gear (well the picture looks correct) and it is now on its way from the big USA. It was found on a Thunderbird parts site. Thankyou Trevor! I have some exhaust pipe gaskets so can fix that problem also. Hurry up sheds and a 4 post hoist to go in one.

6 HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT ...

What is Flatliner Panel repair system ?

Flatliner Dent panel repair system is a breakthrough method of autobody panel repair which reduces repair times to a fraction of what they would be using conventional methods.

By working from the outside, it avoids the strip and refit process and minimises the need for replacement panels.

How does Flatliner panel repair benefit the car owner?

• Reduces panel replacement costs• Borderline write offs become economical repairs• Speeds up repair process and the vehicle is returned to the owner

quicker• Keeps vehicle original by maintaining vehicle manufacturers welds

and seams• Minimises disturbance of corrosion protection• Reduces ‘rattle & leak’ problems after repairs.

7ENGINE OIL BIBLE 2

Curing Sludge

There are no hard and fast rules for curing an engine of sludge buildup. If it’s really bad, flushing the engine might be the only cure, but that could cause even more problems. If flushing the engine results in bits of sludge getting lodged where they can do more damage, the engine is actually worse off.

It’s interesting to note that some race techs have reported sludge buildup in race engines as a result of aftermarket additives being used in conjunction with the regular oil. The chemical composition of the additives isn’t as neutral as some companies would like us to believe, and combined with particular types of oil and high-stress driving, they can cause oil breakdown and sludge to appear. The lesson from them appears to be “don’t use additives”.

When is sludge not sludge?

Easy; when it’s an oil and water emulsion from a leaking or blown head gasket. If this happens, there will be a white-cream coloured gel on the inside of the oil filler cap that looks like vanilla yoghurt or mayonnaise. The cap is typically cooler than the rest of the cam cover and so the oil/water mix tends to condense there. If the underside of the filler cap has this sort of deposit on it, chances are the engine has a blown head gasket. A surefire way to confirm this is if the oil level is going up and the coolant level is going down. The coolant gets through the breaks in the head gasket and mixes with the oil. When it gets to the sump it separates out and the oil floats on top.

A more accurate way to check for this condition is to use a combustion leak tester, or block tester. In America, NAPA sell them for about $45 (part #BK 7001006). In England, Sealey sell them for about £70 (model number VS0061). Combustion leak testers are basically a turkey baster filled with PH liquid, with a non-return valve at the bottom. To use one, run the engine for a few minutes until it is warm (not hot) then turn it off. Use a protective glove (like an oven glove) and take the radiator or reservoir cap off. Plug the bottom of the combustion leak tester into the hole and squeeze the rubber bulb on top. It will suck air from the top of the coolant through the non-return valve and bubble it through the PH liquid. If the liquid changes colour (normally blue to yellow), it means there is combustion gas in the coolant which means a head gasket leak.

Mineral or Synthetic Motor Oil?

Mineral oils are based on oil that comes from dear old Mother Earth which has been refined. Synthetic oils are mostly concocted by chemists wearing white lab coats in oil company laboratories.

The only other type is semi-synthetic, sometimes called premium, which is a blend of the two. It is safe to mix the different types, but it’s wiser to switch completely to a new type rather than mixing.

Article reproduced with kind permission of Chris Longhurst, the author of Car Bibles™ © Chris Longhurst http://www.carbibles.com

ENGINE OIL

BIBLE 2Synthetics

Despite their name, most synthetic derived motor oils (ie Mobil 1, Castrol Formula RS etc) are actually derived from mineral oils - they are mostly Polyalphaolifins and these come from the purest part of the mineral oil refraction process; the gas. PAO oils will mix with normal mineral oils which means they can be added to mineral oils without causing an engine to seize up (although it is rumoured that Mobil 1 is actually made by reformulating ethanol).

These bases are pretty stable, meaning ‘less likely to react adversely with other compounds’ because they tend not to contain reactive carbon atoms. Reactive carbon has a tendency to combine with oxygen creating an acid. (In an oil this would be A Bad Thing.) They also have high viscosity indices and high temperature oxidative stability. Typically a small amount of diester synthetic (a compound containing two ester groups) is added to counteract seal swell too. These diesters act as a detergent and will attack carbon residuals. So think of synthetic oils as custom-built oils. They’re designed to do the job efficiently but without any of the excess baggage that can accompany mineral based oils.

Will fully synthetic oil in an older engine cause the seals to leak?

This question comes up a lot from people who’ve just bought a used vehicle and are wanting to start their history with the car on fresh oil.

The short answer: generally speaking, not any more. The caveat is that the engine must be in good working order and not be leaking already. If that’s the case, most modern oils are fully compatible with the elastomeric materials that engine seals are made from, and there shouldn’t be any issues with leaks.

The longer answer:

Mixing mineral and synthetic oils

Here’s the current thinking on the subject of mixing mineral and synthetic oils. This information is based on the answer to a technical question posed on the Shell Oil website:

There is no scientific data to support the idea that mixing mineral and synthetic oils will damage an engine. When switching from a mineral oil to a synthetic, or vice versa, there is the potential to leave a small amount of residual oil in the engine. That’s perfectly okay because synthetic oil and mineral-based motor oil are, for the most part, compatible with each other. (The exception is pure synthetics. Polyglycols don’t mix with normal mineral oils.)

There is also no problem with switching back and forth between synthetic and mineral based oils. In fact, people who are “in the know” and who operate engines in areas where temperature fluctuations can be especially extreme, switch from mineral oil to synthetic oil for the colder months. They then switch back to mineral oil during the warmer months.

There was a time, years ago, when switching between synthetic oils and mineral oils was not recommended if one product or the other had been used for a long period of time. People experienced problems with seals leaking and high oil consumption but changes in additive chemistry and seal material have taken care of those issues. And that’s an important caveat. New seal technology is great, but if you’re still driving around in a car from the 80’s with its original seals, then this argument becomes a bit of a moot point - the seals are still going to be subject to the old leakage problems no matter what newfangled additives the oil companies are putting in their products.

8 BAY TO BIRDWOOD 2015 REPORT

YESTERYEAR GLAMPING HOLIDAYS

Regulars members will already be familiar with our classic car and “vintage” caravan – “Viki” the Viscount.

We belong to a group called the Vintage & Classic Caravan Group of SA – we are not a club – we just have an emailing list and whoever wants to join an event can pick and choose. We have 3 or 4 “get togethers” during the year – some coincide with other events such as the Normanville Rock & Roll festival.

Our latest run was to Lake Albert Caravan Park, Meningie. The weather was perfect and the setting ideal with spacious wide sites at the caravan park which is on the shores of the lake. Gloria and I have often travelled through Meningie but we have never stayed there before – it is an understated gem and well worth staying a few days during spring or autumn. The bonus is that it is less than 2 hours drive from Adelaide.

There were 35 caravans and campers etc in attendance covering the period 1940’s through to the late 70’s. On the Saturday afternoon we had an “open day” when “the whole town of Meningie enjoyed walking around and having a look into yesteryear’s glamping holidays”.

There was a time when Adelaide was the epicenter of Australian caravan manufacturing and sadly that is no longer the case with the majority of the volume manufacturers based in Victoria. Many of the local brands such as Roadmaster and Adelma are being restored to take their place again on the holiday scene.

There was also an interesting diversity of tow vehicles – Vanguard, Dodge, Holden, Mercedes, Chev, Humber, Chrysler, Valiant, Sigma as well as the Fords whose photos I have included.

The group will have a display at the 2016 Clipsal so if you have missed seeing them this will be your opportunity to check out some nice car-caravan combos!

Article Written By Paul & Gloria Howe

9MAKE A NOTE - JANUARY 2016 EVENT

AUSTRALIA DAYJANUARY 26TH 2016

HOSTED BY THE MURRAY MALLEE AUTO CLUB INC.

Held at WALKER FLAT LAWNS

$5ENTRY PER VEHICLE

AUCTION, RAFFLES, KIDS COLOURING COMP (WOULD SUIT MOST OF US), LUCKY DOOR PRIZE, BYO PICNIC, CHAIRS ETC or there is a SAUSAGE SIZZLE,

COFFEE VAN AND A SHOP ON SITE

** Numbers are limited so book your spot early **

Please Text the ‘receiving officer’, Lee, with your desire to be part of this event plus what car you are bringing to 0488 107 755.

Start point and time to be notified in next Cam-torque.

Australia Day January 26th

2016

Raising funds for:

Places limited to

120 vehicles

on the lawns,

SO get in early!

plenty of parking

available surrounding

the lawns.

Contact: Thomas Johansson 0402835152 malleetorque@gmail.com

10 MAKE A NOTE - 2015 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WONDERLAND

11GADGETS & GIZMOS

TESLA WATCH

Tesla came up with all sorts of inventions and has sort of become the poster scientist for awesomeness now. Sure he wasn’t perfect. Sure he was a bit crazy. But he was always on time for his appointments. (Ed. note: We made that up.) And now you can be, too, with the new Tesla Watch. The Tesla Watch goes with your steampunk aesthetic. With a weathered-brass look on all the metal parts, this analog watch features a leather strap. The highlights of this design, however, are the two faux vacuum tubes with red LEDs inside that you can turn on and off with the flick of a switch. Everybody will want to ask you what time it is so they can see your watch. Just remember to follow the answer with, “... 1875.”

$59.99 US + Shipping (Visit http://www.thinkgeek.com)

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

Sometimes coming home from a long commute, you feel like Wolf 359 all over again. Know what we mean? Mile after mile of vehicle bumper-to-bumper all mindlessly doing the same thing. Right? Just like the Borg. Well, this little Star Trek: TNG Borg Cube Keychain Flashlight will do two things. First, it will show you love TNG and all its facets, good and bad. Second, it will let your fellow drivers know you’re not yet assimilated, and possibly humankind’s last hope.

Ok, so stop being grim. The Borg were fun enemies because they were scary and seemingly unstoppable (except they kept being stopped).

$14.99 US + Shipping (Visit http://www.thinkgeek.com)

BB-8™ APP-ENABLED DROID™ BY SPHERO

We’re going to bet you said the exact same thing as we did when you first saw BB-8™ in the Star Wars: The Force Awakens previews. 1) How the heck are they doing that? 2) Where can I get me one of those? Turns out, the answer to number two was always right here. Awww.

This is the Droid™ you’re looking for. This 4.5” tall Droid is your app-enabled companion to the world of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. You can use your phone to guide BB-8 using your Bluetooth®-enabled device, make it respond to your voice commands, have it send virtual holographic videos, or let it run on its own.

$149.99 US + Shipping (Visit http://www.thinkgeek.com)

EXCLUSIVE STAR WARS R2-D2 MEASURING CUP SET

One of the fun things about using these R2-D2 measuring cups is that you get to play like you’re a Jawa. See, you found this droid, and in order to make it useful, you’re going to have to take it all apart. Utinni! But NOT with your ion blaster. Sorry. And we recommend an apron for the kitchen vs. those brown robes with the potentially flammable cuffs. This set of R2-D2 Measuring Cups disassembles into 4 measuring cups plus 4 measuring spoons and reassembles in a snap (fortunately, it’s not as complicated as C-3PO). Each has its measurement written inside so you can’t forget what they are and handles on the back that don’t distract from R2’s aesthetic.

$19.99 US + Shipping (Visit http://www.thinkgeek.com)

12 WANTED & FOR SALE

WANTED AND FOR SALE

For Sale: New old stock (never used) - still in their boxes!

Parts for 1977 Ford LTD, interchangeable with a Ford Fairlane of the

same year.

Parts available include:

• Whole front including bumper bar and grill (similar to Rolls Royce),

• Twin headlights,

• Ring gear,

• Water pump kits and housings,

• Carburettor

Plus too many to mention! please get in touch for details and photos.

Contact Kevin Bayliss, Strathalbyn - Phone: 8536 2218 Email: cherylbayliss_1955@hotmail.com

For Sale: 1971 E38 RT Charger. Blonde Olive with “big tank”. 1/18 scale. Brand new in box with Certificate - Price: $250.00 (Firm)

Contact Ron Tebby - Phone: 8387 0268, Mobile: 0413 678 021 Email: shaker@chariot.net.au

For Sale: 4 X CSA “Shaker” Mullins Alloy Wheels, multi drilled 15” x 6,

black machine face c/w wheel nuts and nut removal tool.

4 X Hankook, Optimo, K415, 205/65R 15 99H tyres manufactured 5th

week of 2014.

Tyres fitted to rims and all in excellent condition.

Price $600.00 negotiable.

Phone Graham Farrell on 8240 0182.

13OTHER ITEMS

Editors Pick Of The Month

AMERICAN PICKERS

The show follows antique and collectible pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel around the United States. Originally travelling in a Mercedes Sprinter van, and later a Ford Transit, they buy or “pick” various items for resale, or sometimes for clients or for their own personal collections.

Danielle Colby runs the office of Wolfe’s business, Antique Archeology, from their home base in LeClaire, Iowa, and later at a second, newer location in Nashville, Tennessee, while Fritz sells his acquisitions at his shop (and on his own website), Frank Fritz Finds, upriver in Savanna, Illinois. The men go on the road, not only following up leads that Colby has generated, but also “free-styling” - stopping at places that look like they might hold items worth buying. They also pick some places more than once.

Wolfe and Fritz explore people’s homes, barns, sheds, outbuildings, and other places where they have stored antiques and collectibles.

They call upon casual collectors, hoarders, and occasionally people who have inherited overwhelming collections of apparent junk. Wolfe, who has been picking since age four, has a particular interest in antique motorcycles, air-cooled Volkswagens, old bicycles, and penny-farthings, while Fritz has a fondness for antique toys, oil cans, and old Hondas.

They have purchased old advertisements and commercial signage, film posters, a rare 15-gallon visible gasoline pump, and a Piaggio Ape (pronounced: ah-peh) that one of their friends told them is probably the only one of its kind in North America.

THE STRATHSWAPMEET

Article Written By Gary Hewitt

Planned to take my Mercury to the motorsport festival at Victoria park but a split header tank put paid to those plans , so the next best thing was a trip to Strathalbyn for the annual swap meet.

A pleasant drive through the hills with the sun struggling to break through the foggy patches was enjoyable . Arrived at Strathalbyn at 0715 am and was greeted by one of the volunteers who made a remark about the Jag I was driving (well it does have FORD running gear !) proceeded directly to the egg & bacon sandwich stand.

Having devoured the tasty snack and covering my shorts in egg yolk at the same time I proceeded to inspect the many and varied wares the stall holders had on offer, I have to say that Strathalbyn closely rivals that of Gawler in the size and variety of the treasure or trash on offer.

It is set up on the race track with stalls set up on the outfield and in field of the track with the overflow of late arrivals set up in the middle. There are also under cover sites with stalls selling books, man cave stuff and clothing.

Most of the items are auto related with the odd stall selling the usual Knick-Knackery. The Auto items I would say were usually early, Holden, Ford and Chrysler with the odd stand catering to the British makes.

Motorcycles were well catered for and there was a small selection of cars in the Show & Shine section. Saw a couple of familiar FOCC faces in the crowd.

Half way round my left thong broke and was saved by a guy selling electrical items who gave me a cable tie which saved the day.

I managed to buy a Castrol sign and a book about the MINI.

14 A MEDIEVAL MURDER

There was a great turnout of FOCC members for this years Murder Mystery event held at St. Cecilia’s in Peterborough.

We travelled to Peterbourgh via Burra, where we visited a real working gold mine. The owners kindly took the group on a short excursion inside the mine and talked about the on site machinery and it’s long history, it was quite interesting. There are so many passage ways, it was like a maze and I’d hate to get stuck down there! On the day, the owner gave me a piece of solid quartz as a momento, and it’s currently sitting in my display cabinet (here’s hoping there maybe some gold inside!) The group left the mine and headed up towards Peterborough.

Peterborough is an old town, in the mid north of South Australia, wheat country, just off the Barrier Highway. It was originally named Petersburg after the landowner, Peter Doecke, who sold land to create the town. It was one of 69 places in South Australia renamed in 1917 due to anti-German sentiments during World War I.

Peterborough sits on the intersection of the East-West railway linking Port Pirie and Broken Hill, and the North–South railway linking Adelaide eventually to Alice Springs via Quorn, both narrow gauge (1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)) lines.

The line from Port Pirie and Jamestown arrived in 1881, followed shortly after by the line from Terowie in the south. The line to Broken Hill was completed in 1887. Peterborough was the home town for Bob the Railway Dog who is remembered by a bronze statue located in the Main Street.

We arrived at St. Cecilia’s, previously used as a convent and is supposed to be one of SA’s most haunted venues. The murder mystery was centred around medieval times.

A MEDIEVALMURDER

Article Written By Jody Faux

That meant that we all had to get into character. We all had our own parts to play, so we had to rake through the wardrobes and get into costume (to be quite honest, I find dressing up the fun bit!). For this game, I was an Alchemist’s wife (chemist) so I had to find something ‘suitable’.

We all sat down and had a meal whilst asking each other questions trying to ‘rat out’ the killer. The meal was a roast dinner with all the trimmings, although in my opinion, there could have been a few more roast potatoes.

We all retired to our rooms that evening to get some rest and to decide on who the killer may have been over breakfast.

And who was it I hear you ask? it was ‘The Mason’ yep, Ron Orchard - I didn’t get it, but happily enough Martin and Irene Richardson guessed correctly! well done everyone!!

15EVENTS

FOCC Events Schedule 2015

8th November 2015 Auto Italia Adelaide 2015Campbelltown City Soccer Club, Stradbroke Road, Newton, enter off of Whites Lane. South Australia’s largest display of Italian Cars, Motorbikes and Scooters. Italian parts swap meet. Family fun day. Entry by gold coin donation to Make A Wish Foundation.

Other Events in SA - November 2015

8th November 2015

14th Ford Invitation PicnicLenswood Oval, Swamp Road, Lenswood.

Meet at Bridgestone Select on Magill road (just west of St Bernards Road) for a 10:15 departure OR, meet us at the Lenswood Oval at 11:00 AM

Yes, that means bring out your Ford and join the rest of you FOCC Members for a relaxing, social day out. Mingling and chatting to other Ford nuts from a wide variety of Ford Clubs. No Public, no Scrutineers, just a gathering of like-minded Ford enthusiasts.

Bring your chairs and the kids.

Sausage sizzle, drinks, tea and coffee will be available on the day.

To register your intent to come along, please txt or call 0488 107 755 with your name and number of people in your group.

8th November 2015 Gumeracha Show & ShineGumeracha Sporting Oval.Club Display & Trade entry from 7am Public 10.30am to 3pm. Public entry by Gold coin donation, lot’s to see and do!

15th November 2015 Rotary Club of Regency Park Swap Meet & BootsaleRegency Park TAFE College Car Park, 137 Days Road, Regency Park.Gates open for Traders at 7am. Gates open for Buyers at 8am. Public/Buyers entry is $3 donation to support Rotary Projects. Children under 16 Free

27th & 28th November 2015 2015 Extreme Auto ExpoWayville Show Grounds Wayville 27th - Show opens 5pm till 9pm, 28th - gates open 10am till 9pm. Entry $25, Kids under 13 FREE

6th December 2015 Uraidla 2015 Hotrods & Classic PicnicThis is our 13th event and is aimed at owners and enthusiasts of Hot Rods & Customs, Pre 1967 Classics and any American Cars and continues to grow annually.

Last year the event attracted approximately 450 vehicles and approximately 4000 people. The event will include the traditional morning cruise leaving from Morphettville Junction at 9am , with cars arriving at Uraidla at around 10.00am. There will be vehicle displays, art of the lowbrow kind and traditional car art and memorabilia displays. Father Christmas will attend.

A very popular attraction is the SA Car Modellers Convention with 100s of plastic model cars of all descriptions on display .

Sunday 6th December 2015

Picnic in the WillowsMylor Oval, Mylor.

Christmas Get together – “Picnic in the Willows” at Mylor Oval.

Join us at the Mylor Oval from 11am onwards on Sunday 6 December 2015.

BBQ lunch provided however please bring along a dessert to share with fellow members. Cost $5 contribution per head payable on the day. For catering purposes, please let Gloria know (before 2nd December) if you intend to come along. Please bring along some donations of canned foodstuff for the St Vincent De Paul Christmas hampers. This will be market day at the oval – usually several stallholders are in attendance.

To ensure you book a place, please contact Paul Howe onPhone: 8388 52812 or SMS 0417 889 399Email: paul@mylor.com.au

Other Events in SA - December 2015

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