Monday 25 April 2005

How was your Kyrle?

I had an exciting day on the Kyrle, passengeing Simon Groves. What a rough tough day it was. The hills were really steep and like all the other Escorts we suffererd major problems with ground clearance. Therev were quite a few retirements and quite a few cars with damaged bodywork, including ours, which you can see if you check out my blog http://spaces.msn.com/members/classicalgas/.
 
I have posted the results as thete were read out at the finish over at http://www.classictrials.co.uk/Gas05061.htm. Robert Grounds has posted a ggod range of pictures which you can find byclicking on these links.
 

Friday 22 April 2005

Dutton Knowhow

Sorry that my first message on here is a begging letter, but I have just aquired a Dutton Melos which I would like to fettle for MCC trials. However at the moment it is too low slung to drive on anything but a billiard table. As other members of this species are often seen in MCC events, It must be possible to raise them up from the dust. Is it a matterof  different springs/shock-absorbers etc or are there recommended chassis mods? Can anyone please give me the benefit of their knowledge on this?
 
Many thanks in advance
Chris Jones
 

Gerry Marshall

I understand that saloon car racer and legend Gerry Marshall has died.
 
Michael

Thursday 21 April 2005

Check out the Google Maps

Message to 658HLC

Hello - As I didn't get a reply to the email I sent a few days ago I have assumed you don't want to continue with your application. I have denied it so you can always apply again if you want to.
 
Michael

Sunday 17 April 2005

Bovey Down Trial

The Windwhistle MC organized an excellent trial last sunday in the "Normans Hump" & "Clinton" woods.   25 sections, all of MCC/ACCT difficulty, all in daylight all in sunshine and no road milage.
 
Thanks to Tim Whellock, the other organizers and marshalls.
 
Peter Mountain

Thursday 14 April 2005

Liege Wheels Questions

I'm having a hard time finding Liege information on the web; perhaps someone can help me with these questions about the cool Liege alloy wheels.
 
- What size are they? 16x3.5" is what I remember.
- Will they fit on an axle with Honda bolt circle dimensions? I'm guessing that the Suzuki and Honda wheels are interchangeable, but can't verify it.
- How much do they weigh?
- How much do they cost?
- What kind of tires--oops, tyres--can you put on them? I'm particularly interested in low rolling resistance tires.
 
I want to put them on a Honda Insight, which uses the same wheel dimensions as the Honda Civic. The Insight (in America, at least) comes with a 165/65R14 Bridgestone RE-92 tire which is particularly good for fuel economy, but dodgy in all other ways. Perhaps a 135/60R16 is available?

Wednesday 13 April 2005

Monday 11 April 2005

Great Day Out

Congratulations go to The Windwhistle Motor Club for putting on their second Clubsport Classic trial in Bovey Down woods last Sunday. Tim Wellock set out a wide variety of sections, including Clinton and Normans Hump. 25 sections offered a full days sport to the experts and beginers alike. Over half entered as MCC,with a few well known faces driving other peoples well known cars. Terry Flay,the year round castodian of the woods was sprung a family suprise to find his name in the entry list with the family Troll (and he had a great day). Arron Homewood split his Skoda`s sump - are we surprised he changed it?maybe but to carry a spare bolted to the floor pan and to reuse most of the original oil - had to be seen. I recall a competitor changed a 2CV engine in the same wood ,then completed the Exeter trial, some years back. Who was it ? The results
well we were all winners due to the slick organisation, good sections,very friendly and relaxed atmosphere - brilliant weather and a pasty van on site. Next years great day out will be over subscribed - don`t miss out.

Class 8 Special

Whilst idly contemplating my new transport, one 1100cc Fiesta automatic, that will transport me around whilsy my ankle surgery heals I got to thinking Class 8 Specials. Take a small hatchback, Fiesta, Citroen AX, Peugeot 205 etc, junk the engine and box. Rip out the back suspension and floor and install a 1600cc or larger engine, box and suspension unit from another source. Other requirements would be ease of raising the supsension or fitting larger wheels or both and front suspension with not too much low down to get in the way. Leave the radiator in the front and plumb through the cabin, fit fuel tank in the front end and replace rear windows with acrylic sheet etc etc etc.
Just a thought! Any comments for, against, advantages, disadvantages or just to confirm that I want my head tested as I have a Locost to complete, a JC Midge to reinstate for the road and an Estelle to continue to modify.
 
Myke Pocock.   

Sunday Past Times

Did anyone else catch a glimse of a programme called "Sunday Past Times" on Sunday lunchtime?   I just caught a minute of it whilst setting the video.    It had shots of the 1948 or 1949 Gloucester Trial.    By the time I had recovered the two minute sequence was almost over, but I did catch some good stuff on the Nailsworth Ladder.   In particular what is now Roger Ugalde's Allard making an extraordinary climb.
If anyone knows about or has the technology to transfer VHS to a PC I'll put the 30 seconds on the site.   (With glorious Pathe News style comentary )

Saturday 9 April 2005

Phil Pontin's VW Chenowth

For those that do not see the MCC News of the Week..........
FOR SALE: Yellow VW Chenowth.
Recent 1913cc motor / twin dellorto's / full oil cooler and filter system. Transporter rear axle and CV joints.
Plus 2 new spare wheels and tyres and 4 non-trials oversize wheels and tyres.
Divers gas cylinder and regulator set-up for tyre inflation.
A-frame towing attachment. - No trailer required
Should climb anything with right driver.  A bargain at £4,500
Phil Pontin  01803 529307 or 07734 466564 or pontins@zebbiedog.wanadoo.co.uk

Sunday 3 April 2005

Yet another threat to motorsport?

Please read the two latest posts on my Rights of Way News website at http://www.wheelspin.org.uk/rownews/index.htm. I'm afraid that the situation is as bleak as it looks and could be a major threat to our continued use of farmland for classic trials and PCTs unless we can make it worthwhile for the farmer and that, of course, means more money.
 
Andrew

Saturday 2 April 2005

Welcome to Richard Clarke

Richard has joined using the nickname "NoisyCheney". His email address is richard.clarke@gvagrimley.co.uk and in his application he says - So I can be part of the build-up and follow up of the 3 greatest trials in the world !
 
You are welcome Richard but as this is a real names group we would like you to go into your member profile and change your nickname to your real name. Also it would be nice if you could add a bit about yourself in the "our members" section. If you have technical problems with this then please sign your contributions with your real name.
 
Michael

Classical Gas Members.xls