Our trip to AOA 2022 Albury/Wodonga
Having registered to attend AOA 2022 early, it gave me time to prepare my Tootles (Name my father gave this car. He reckoned it just tootled along). An Austin A30 4 door sedan, 1954 model.
Having the car ready, it was with some trepidation Des and I set off on our first day. We drove Tootles to Brisbane to attend the September Club meeting on Thursday night 1/9/22. We then stayed at my son’s place in Brisbane so we could set off to Toowoomba on Friday 2/9/22 and then meet up with the cars travelling south on the 3 night plan in Warwick, 10am Saturday 3/9/22 so that we would reach Albury/Wodonga on the Tuesday 6/9/22. AOA commenced on the 7/9/22.
As I had not driven the A30 up the Toowoomba range before I was not sure how she would handle it. I was confident, having replaced the 803cc engine with a Sprite 948cc motor worked to 998cc with twin SUs and Extractors. I should not have worried as loaded as she was, we went up in 3rd gear without an issue. Greeted at the top by steady rain.
At the top we turned right into James Street and left into Curzon Street to drive to our accommodation for the night and suddenly quietness descended upon us. The engine had stopped. Coasted to the side of the road and lifted the bonnet in the rain and could see no wires had fallen off so back in the car and thought, call RACQ. He could stand in the rain and fix it. After 30 min or so a young 25/30 year old RACQ man stopped by. I think he was looking to plug in his computer and then started to pull wires from the fuse box. I thought this will end in tears. After 40 minutes I suggested he give up as I had a lunch appointment for my birthday with my family. Des suggested I call Michael Wells which I did and arranged to meet him back at the car at 3pm. 10minutes after his arrival with his apprentice Susan and a phone call to Kev we realised that the key ignition switch had failed. Michael hotwired the car with an on/off switch and off we went. Thanks to Michael and Susan. This served us well for the rest of the trip. Pays to use someone who knows Austins.
The next morning in pouring rain we departed Toowoomba for Warwick and met at the Coffee Club, Andrew Todd in his A30 Countryman and Glenn and Heather Todd in their 4x4 and Mike Wade in his Austin Healy Sprite Bug Eye.
The rain continued all day, on and off, as we drove to our first overnight stop at Inverell, passing through Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Glen Innes. One thing I was pleased to see working were the windscreen wipers.
The next day we set off for Gulgong via Bingara, Barraba, Manilla, Gunnedah, Mullaley, Coolah some 532klms later. Long day in an A30 saddle.
Day 3 we left Gulgong and headed to Boorowa via Wellington, Molong, Canowindra, Cowra, Another 310 klms. At Cowra we visited the Japanese Gardens. Well worth a visit. The final day was a 310klms drive to A/W via the Hume H/way.
On the way we took an exit to see the dog sitting on the Tucker Box. A little lonely I might add. Having to exit the Hume Highway has diminished this icons appeal.
On the way south the speedo cable started to sound like a coffee grinder. It was nearly 70 years old and had not been touched I guess. I disconnected the cable from the speedo and then relied on my Garmin for speed indication.
It was lovely to arrive at our accommodation which we shared with Kev and Paula. The country roads south are not in good condition. Hardly a highway that was not covered in potholes. This has been as a result of the heavy rains in NSW over this year.
I think the Councils are fighting a losing battle. Potholes are repaired only to be ripped apart by the heavy trucks and constant traffic and soft under conditions.
AOA commenced the next Day with Registration and a Meet and Greet.
The following day was a run to Yackandandah and Beechworth. Another day of rain which did spoil the day a bit. It did not spoil a trip to the Beechworth Bakery for a hot pie and a custard slice though.
The final run was to me the most interesting. This was to Jindera NSW to visit the Historic Village. It was here that I found my very first car I owned. It was a 1925 Oldsmobile and the car in their shed was a 1927 model. Not a lot of changes except they had moved to 4 wheel brakes and not the rear wheels only as on my 1925 model. Wish I still had it.
On the way to this village I noted that the Voltmeter was only reading 12 volts which should have been 14.3 volts as normal for my alternator. A quick reveal showed that the fan belt was loose. Mike Wade walked by as I had my head under the bonnet and he confirmed my diagnosis. He shortly had a spanner in his hand as did I. Guess who got the under job of adjusting the bottom bolt. Meanwhile Mike did the top bolts. 10 minutes and it was back to reading 14.3 volts. The benefit of having a Voltmeter installed.
This was a back in time trip for most of us.
The AOA 2022 ended in a marvellous dinner on the last night before we all departed. Congratulations to the Victorians from The Vintage Austin Register of Australia Inc Club. John Blythe and his team did a magnificent job.
Next AOA is in Orange in March 2024. Our club has agreed to arrange the following one in 2026. A likely contender is Maryborough. Desley reminded me I would be close to 81. Thanks Des.
Of course getting to Albury Wodonga was only half of the trip. Most of us wanted to get home in time to participate in All British day on the following Sunday so most set off on Monday.
We drove to friends in Wagga Wagga and set off again the following day. We had decided to have another 2 nights to reach Home and had decided to take the Hume Highway, skirt Sydney and travel on the M1 to home. We managed to make Gosford and enjoyed the visit from our niece and husband who took us to dinner at Avoca Beach Surf Club .
Next morning we set off for Coffs Harbour and the following day home to Upper Caboolture. Some 3,600klms estimated travel we unpacked and collapsed for 2 days to recover.. Will I do it again. You bet.
Tootles resting, good job girl!
All British Day 2022
The following weekend we attended All British Day in Brisbane. A huge event and it is probably time they looked for a larger ground. A big effort to get everyone in and out of a very tight suburb, Tennyson.
A lot of stop start motoring before gaining entry to the grounds. Not good for old cars as I noted my throw out bearing on the clutch is starting to groan.
On the way home after just leaving the grounds I heard an unusual noise. A grinding noise from the rear when I braked. So rather that heading home via the tunnels we headed for Murarrie and my sons place. Removed the right rear brake drum to find a snapped and mangled brake shoe return spring.
A second hand replacement from my local brake shop in Caboolture was obtained and fitted and I drove Tootles home mid week.
I then felt it was time to check the front brakes as it had been pulling slightly to the left and a lot of brake shoe dust was evident on the front right wheel. So started with this one and found a very worn bottom shoe and as I was cleaning noted that the slave cylinder right was missing the bolt that locks the cylinder to the backing plate. Shows you what 3600klms of potholed roads will do to an old car. Ordered new shoes and just waiting for a dry day to fit them and the new Speedo cable. Ready for the next adventure.
Ken N Des
