PRICE ON
Enjoying Level 1
As I write this, the headmistress is contemplating moving the country to Level 1. I’m not entirely sure what that means if my cruise in the Mustang last weekend was anything to go by: lots of cars, campervans, and motorcycles out and about; shops, cafes, and pubs open; and most people seemingly blasé about ‘social-distancing’ etiquette — save for the nice chap from the AA’S battery service, who called to fit yet another battery to one of the modern fleet. Seems neither of those cars likes being out in the elements, despite being told on numerous occasions that garages are for classics and motorcycles.
BATTERIES
On the subject of batteries, I have traditionally run Lucas lead-acid batteries in both the Zephyrs. With those nifty Ctek battery-charger thingies, I can get about seven years out of each battery, unlike those modern non-lead-acid types that seem to hang on for just a few days after the three-year warranty expires. My nice AA Battery chappie told me that the modern battery he fitted to the Morris Oxford recently — to replace the old lead-acid battery that had lasted beyond its 10th birthday — was really only compatible with an alternator charging system, and that the Morris’s generator probably wouldn’t keep the battery charged up on a longish run! When I discussed replacing the battery in the Mk1 sedan, he undertook to check if lead-acid batteries were still available. True to his word he got back to me to advise that Lucas lead-acid batteries were still available. For some years now I have pondered why our modern (Chinese-made?) batteries barely last beyond the period of their warranty whereas American-made batteries are reportedly guaranteed for 10 years. Which is probably why
American vehicle importers generally fit a brand-new battery to the cars they bring in!
FINGERTIP SHOPPING
I like living in the past — it’s cheaper — but some things the present does better. For example, in the early 1980s I decided to fit a new soft-top to the convertible. This entailed locating someone in Australia who produced factory-original ‘crow’s-foot’ fabric tops to manufacturer’s specifications. I had to write to the supplier (remember letters?) obtain an import permit and an overseas draft for Australian dollars, and then sit back to await the top’s arrival. The process took about six weeks all up, culminating in a visit to the Customs depot in downtown Auckland to pay the fees due prior to pickup. Compare that with a recent pre-covid-19 purchase of some whitewall ‘flappers’ for my 1960 Honda Benly motorcycle. The purchase was conducted entirely over the internet, paid for via Paypal, and, despite being freight-free, only took three days to arrive at my front door from — wait for it — Turkey!
In more recent times, I located via the internet someone in Tauranga who could supply five vintage-type Coker whitewall cross-ply tyres for the Mk1 sedan; admittedly, more expensive than modern radial tyres. That whole transaction was completed over the internet in less than one week.
I’d be the first to concede that the internet is a major advantage when searching for parts or services. But, having said that, let’s not forget the 98 firms
(I just counted them) that advertise in our own New Zealand Classic Car. Some, probably most, if truth be known, will be struggling somewhat with the Covid-19 restrictions, so given that their support of this magazine is of paramount importance to its survival, it’s only fair that now, more than ever, we should endeavour to utilize the services they provide.
One such business that advertises ‘no job too big or too small’ is
Auto Restorations here in Christchurch, which I have used for several of those ‘too small’ jobs. I got the company to manufacture an odd-shaped metal part to hold a weather strip on the inner guard of the Mk1, which it did with so much expertise you could be forgiven for thinking it was new old stock (NOS). Another Mk1 job was repairing the harmonic balancer on the engine crankshaft that, over a period of about six years, had slowly loosened then discarded the rivets that held it together. It caused an annoying knocking sound that seemed to emanate from wherever you happened to place the stethoscope (screwdriver).
One of good things arising out of the whole Covid-19 debacle was the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) allowing me to re-register vehicles without a warrant of fitness (WOF), and the automatic extension of WOF periods to later on this year, October 2020. I did notice that the Motor Trade Association (MTA) was protesting that this would result in motorists waiting until October before taking their vehicles in for their WOFS, resulting in places being overwhelmed with vehicles and a drop in business in the meantime. Having a few vehicles affected by this I did take my modern cars in for WOFS as soon as we moved into Level 2, but will probably wait a bit longer for a couple of the motorcycles, as their regos are on hold anyway. I’d be interested in hearing about any insurance problems associated with this NZTA extension. A good lawyer would be able to argue a successful case on either side, in my view, so I’d rather not take the chance.
In the interim, enjoy Level 1 — whatever that is.