If you want to express an opinion or ask fellow Maxi owners a question here's your chance, E-mail the clubs webmaster and he will publish your letter on this site. To view selected emails from the past click here
Winter Maxi
13th Feb 2010
Kev Sharp writes
In response to R Bevans
informative email I would like to inform everyone
that I too use my Maxi in winter. These are two
photos I have taken recently. The first is in
December 2009 and was taken just as I was due to set
off from my barracks in Hameln, Germany to drive
back to the UK for Christmas leave.That was after
one night of snow. The second was taken today (
13/02.2010) with approx 4 days worth of snow on the
car and in the background. As Mr Bevan states Maxi's
are excellent in the snow especially when shod with
winter tyres as mine is. It has certainly put a lot
of modern cars to shame with it's winter
performance. Incidentally the second photo was taken
after the car had moved for the 1st time in a week
and it started 1st time unlike my boss's 2006
Renault Scenic which I then had to jumpstart. I
don't know which he found more embarrassing. The
fact his car wouldn't start or that it was rescued
by a car he has gleefully mocked all year. Oh well
never mind.
Winter Wonderland
28th Jan 2010
R Bevan Writes:
I was wondering if i am the only person
that uses thier maxi in the winter? Dug mine out of 11" of
snow (as it lives outside) recently and was also surprised
at how well it started when temperature went down to -10`
Drives great in the snow
though - had plenty of strange looks of people wondering why
it wasn't getting stuck whilst thier low profile hot hatched
tyres spun for fun!
Very worried though at how the salt will be eating away at
the old thing! At least it will eventually go out trying?
My son is planning on having the car later in the year when
he passes his test - hope it lasts!
Will have to steam clean & wax oil to death in Spring once
gritting has stopped. Spending fortune for now at local car
was using power hose weekly to clean underside and arches..
Have just had some work done to front lights and also bought
new number plates - will take images and post in next few
days..
World Cup Rally Maxi
7th Jan 2010
Kevin Sharp Writes:
Just thought it might be worth
mentioning at the time of writing this email
(07/01/2010) the only other World Cup Rally Maxi is for
sale on ebay.co.uk . It looks very tidy although out of
my price range especially as it would have to be
shipped back from Italy. Still It might be of interest
to other members with deeper pockets than mine
regards
Webmaster: Thanks for that Kevin I see its currently at
just over £5,000 with 4 days to go here is the link if anyone is
interested
Any opinions on this Maxi on eBay?
Was 'sold' on December 2nd but no feedback either way between
buyer and seller, so I've asked the seller if it's still for
sale. Any history of it or it's dual-colourness known by the
club?
Please contact Jon via e-mail at
jonhenderson666@hotmail.com
Query from the Netherlands
10th Nov 2009
On my search for rhd non power steering racks for
the austin/morris 1800 (1970) i came across your site. i wonder if
you could help me any further with this quest. maybe it is possible
to put an ad in your clubs parts wanted area?
thanks for your time and trouble. best regards, geert van hout scimitar & tvr centre "the workshop"
groenstraat 11a
5071 ea udenhout, the netherlands
I found your homepage, because I am interested in cars by British Leyland.Unfortunately, there are very few people in
Germany that like English cars.
1967-1982 My Father had a car dealership and a large workshop for bmc and BLMC.
at that time many british soldiers were customers of ours. I have
grown up with big cars and have learned to love them.
The Austin Maxi is a car which I especially like and I have started
to look for one with a view to restore it. I found some of these models
already in Austria, and also in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
I have a lot of literature about the Austin Maxi and all cars by British
Leyland. There are still lovers of this beautiful car left in
Europe!
ps: Excuse for my English - it is not the best. But 2010, I really
am learning English in my spare time. I have taken google help.
Smile ;-)
Webmaster: Thanks for the e-mail Oliver - your English is far
better than my German!
Wheel Size
4th Oct 2009
Bob Bevan writes:
I have noticed other members cars (having looked at
the Gallery section) having alloy wheels of different
styles. How do i find out what makes fit regarding pcd
and offset of wheels?
I have also noticed on front home page an image of a
black coloured maxi that has a spoiler of some sort
under front bumper - does anyone know what it was off?
Webmaster: Can any member help Bob out?
World Cup Rally 1970
4th Oct 2009
You
may already know my name, as a long-time author of books on
classic motoring subjectss, and particularly on rallying.
You will be interested to know, I hope, that I
am currently writing a big, fat, glossy book, a retrospective of
the famous World Cup Rally of 1970, in which the Maxi figured so
valiantly.
The book has to be complete, and delivered,
in about four weeks time.
It will be published, by Veloce Publishing,
in April 2010, on the 40th Anniversary of the event.
Maybe you know my name - but maybe you do not
know that I was also a Travelling Controller on the event
itself.
Getting at facts and figures was
straightforward enough - and I have already completed an
impressive list of interviewing - viz. John Sprinzel, Hannu
Mikkola, Brian Culcheth, Rauno Aaltonen, Paddy Hopkirk,
Patrick Vanson, Stuart Turner, Peter Browning, Bill Price,
Rosemary Smith, Mike Scarlett, Rob Lyall, etc, etc.
My principal reason for approaching you is
on the subject of pictures. Ford and Bill Price have already
been generous, Citroen have made promises, John Sprinzel has
been helpful, and I already have some stuff of my own - but
I would like to add some more images to give me a wider
choice.
Do you (or your members) have access to any
colour images of the well-known Maxis which competed with
honour in the World Cup ? Notably Rosemary's striped-up car,
and the 'Red Arrows' car ? Is there any way that you could
make one or two of those images available to me - either as
electronic copies, or as prints/transparencies (they would,
of course, be returned to you after use) ?
[Be assured that I will/can sort out
questions of copyright]
I live in Dorset, not far from Dorchester,
and my phone number is : 01308 897311
I was employed as a production
engineer at Cowley when the first Maxi's were built in the North
Works. I remember that one of the major delays not noted in your
writing was the failure of the front subframe on one of the test
cars after a large number of the cars had been produced for the
launch. This, I believe, was due to the reduction of the metal
thickness in the subframe and resulted in the subframe
splitting.
In order to overcome this problem
the production line had to be modified so that the completed
cars could quickly rebuilt with a new front subframe.
Webmaster: Thanks for the info Dave.
Maxis in NZ
25th Sept 2009
We are the family with 8 maxis in NZ who previously
emailed Charles. We notice in one of the emails on your site a N.Zer
Mike Neal (May/June 2008) wanting to know if there is a maxi car club in
NZ. We would like to make contact with him if possible. Can you either
email us his email address or else send him ours. Also we notice you
have a member of your club living in N.Z. who we would also really love
to contact.
Webmaster: I am afraid I can't help you with
e-mails - maybe charles still has the info - maybe with luck they will
check on here and get back to you.
Advice Required
17th Sept 2009
My father, who is now 87, has decided to stop driving
following 65 years of motoring after his MAXI recently failed
its MOT. Engine wise its fine having covered 58,000 miles.
Bought new in 1980, we would like someone who might put it back
on the road, cherish it and hopefully take it to shows rather
than scrap it. I believe it to be a 1750 HL.
Be grateful if someone might signpost me in the best direction
and advise what I should do. I can always be reached on 07979
517671.
Phil Pemble
Newcomer to Club
31th Aug 2009
Bob Bevan writes:
Just bought today an orange 1750
again after having not owned one for 20 years. my first
car (which was a burgundy colour) was a maxi and then
my mother bought one (which was sky blue metalic) which
i subsequently used - i will scan a "photo" of first car
tomorrow (if i can find it) to see if it still exists
amongst club and take pics of new purchase. i will need
help in tracking down parts for new project. plan is to
run it daily and "do up" with my 16 year old lad ready
for him to run when he passes test.
first things i need are 2 door mirrors, full set of
mud flaps & front wing strip, wouldn't mind a new parcel
shelf as previous student owner has spoil this one by
putting speakers in this one!
P.S Are there any owners
in the Oldham Lancashire area i could share info on
parts with? Need help with engine mounts particularly
keen to look under someones bonnet so i could see how
bracket to rear of engine near rad attaches so I can
start my search and get the car on the road.
Webmaster:
Welcome back to the club!
Dr Who in a Maxi
26th Aug 2009
Ian Pennick Writes:
Back in 1984 ish, ITV
did a show called "Jemma Shore Investigates"
Well in one episode, Tom Baker (Well known
Ex Doctor!)starred as another Doctor..
Doctor Norman Zeigler as a physiologist...
and guess what.. he drove a Russett Brown T
reg 1750 !!!
My favourite car driven by my favourite
actor !! wow
Two British 70's Icons together!!!
hehehehe
Webmaster: Thanks Ian very
entertaining
Seat Belts
19th Aug 2009
Would anyone know
a supplier of rear seat belts that fit the Maxi ? -
would be very grateful for any information. Regards
Mark, 07834 191592,
mark.stevenson@howardsgroup.co.uk
Webmaster:
Can any member help Mark?
Rostyles?
19th Aug 2009
Dave Jackson Writes:
Hiya
chaps Firstly, thanks for the help with my wiring
problem & for posting my question Got it sorted and
MoT’d (the certificate
now sits in a frame on the mantelpiece…) and now
floating about the Lancashire B roads in a big,
velvety armchair when weather permits.
As well as a tweed jacket, I have since added a
dolly sprint steering wheel which dropped straight
on and looks very similar to the early ‘HL’ wheel-
there’s lot’s about too.
Anyway I’ve decided that a set of
rostyles would really
set the car off especially chromed ones. Does anyone
know if the rostyle
wheels off the MGB or Midget (or any other car for
that matter) will fit a Maxi?
Also- thought I’d give you the heads up on a couple
of maxis being broken on ebay
at the moment (Wigan area). Just type in ‘Maxi
engine’ or ‘Maxi Towbar’
and you’ll find them! I’ve been over for a few parts
and the vendor seems like a nice chap who is willing
to do a deal! Theres
plenty of good parts still available too (well, last
week anyway)
Hi I
was wondering if anyone could tell me anything
about my 1977 Austin maxi 1750 if any of the
club members owned her just want to get some
history for her file the number plate is SAN
382S we have owned her for about 2 years we
bought her off eBay for £56.00 from north Wales
we know nothing about this wonderful maxi she
past her mot we taxed her now we are using her
thanks
webmaster: Does any member have any knowledge
of this Maxi?.
BDH 849L
3rd July 2009
Hi,I was
wondering if anyone in the club knows the
whereabouts of a 1973 1750Hl,reg number BDH 849L. It
was owned by my Grandad in the eary 80's and it
would be interesting to know if it was still around.
webmaster: According to the DVLA the tax was
due on this car on 01 July 1986 so I suspect it has been
scrapped - maybe one of our members can remember owning the car
after your Grandad.
GTFM Radio
26th June 2009
My name is Ian Edwards, I am a volunteer presenter with GTFM
which is a community radio station based in Pontypridd (for more
details go to
www.gtfm.co.uk. I am a big car
nut and present a car show (called Driver's Seat) once a month
on the station.
As I have stated, I love cars and Austin Rover in particular
(for a number of years I worked for Howells of Cardiff - a main
dealer) and because of this passion I am putting together a
BMC/BL/ARG "Get Together" Day.
I would be delighted if your club could display a few cars on
the day..up to 10 maybe ?
No charge for the stand.... but a small donation would be
appreciated..........we are raising money for a lady (she has
worked as a cook at Pontypridd High school for many years) who
was badly affected by the recent flash floods in the Pontypridd
area...because of where she lives, insurance companies will not
cover her.
Look forward to hearing from you...
Ian Edwards
Volunteer presenter GTFM Radio
PS.....also attached are details of the
Butty Bay Run which I am also
organising.....and pics.
pps.....any chance of a telephone interview with your round the
UK Maxi driver for my july show ....please...please ring me
.....thanks....Ian
webmaster: Thanks for the
Info - I have posted it on the website for our members and I
will contact Adam to see if he would like to be interviewed
Modelling The Maxi?
23rd May 2009
Keith Hobbs writes:My nephew collects models of all the cars they
have owned over the last 40 years but does not have one of a Maxi. As
you are probably aware Dinky and Corgi did not make one. I am currently
in the process of making one for him based on photos and a workshop
manual but am finding these inadequate to define angles and curvatures
for a 3D model. What I would like to do is take a video clip of a real
one but don't know where to find one. As I live in Wellingborough I
would ideally like to find one in Northamptonshire, UK where I could
refer back if necessary. would it be possible to make an appeal to one
of your members with a axi nearby to let me video it for this purpose. I
should add that this is not a commercial project!
webmaster: Can anyone help the Keith? if so please
contact him directly.
Maxi For Hire?
7th May 2009
Andy Harvey writes: got your email address from the Maxi Owners club site - I'm desperately looking for a Maxi I can hire
for my Dad's birthday - we want to recreate one of those those family days out from the 70's!!
Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks
webmaster: Can anyone help the Andy? if so please
contact him directly.
OMR100G
4th April 2009
John Allison writes:
Do you have any knowledge about , a 'first day' Snowberry White 1500, cable change Maxi OMR 100G ?
webmaster: I regret to tell you that the only thing I know about the car is what is on the DVLA vehicle database: taxdisc.direct.gov.uk
Looks very much like the cars been scrapped. Having said that I will post your email on the club website, you never know someone might remember it and send us an email telling us what happened to it.
Eight Maxi's found in New Zealand
25th March 2009
Jan Ross from New Zealand writes: Hi: Thought you should know, our family in Auckland, New Zealand, has 8 Maxis, either in going condition or under restoration, plus one that may be used for parts or we may get going. You can add these to your numbers.
webmaster: Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I asked Jan if she would mind sending me some pictures. This was her reply : Will send photos when my son - who is the expert digital camera man - comes and takes them. Forgot to mention he lives in Tauranga and also has a Maxi and a Riley Elf. We also have 2 Minis and a 1970 Morris 1300 in our collection. My husband and sons can’t resist saving old British cars. Cheers. Jan. P.S. We are interested in joining the Maxi Car Club when I get myself organised.
Hazard Warning Lights
23rd March 2009
Dave Jackson writes :
Hello, All!
Was wondering if anyone could help me! I have just replaced both the hazard and brake warning light rocker switches on my Mk1 ½ maxi and like a pillock, cannot remember which wires go where or how many should be in the back of each switch! There’s a green wire and purple wire ‘spare’ and both have female spade type connecters to the ends. I’ve tried various combinations but now’t will get them working. The rocker switches are the all-black plastic type as found on later Maxis. Also I’m struggling to locate the hazard flasher unit (if it is separate!)- indicators worked fine, nothing from the hazards (hence the replacement switch in the 1st place!) Any help in this matter would be gratefully received as it’s MOT time soon! Thanks, Dave
webmaster: Can anyone help the guy, let me know and I'll pass the info onto him.
Dave's Maxi
Hydrolastic Hoses
21st March 2009
Barry Brown writes on the subject of Hydrolastic Hoses: Hi, I have found an article on your website dating back to 2004 saying that Tony Wood has found a way to replace the Hydrolastic crimped hose with a clamped version. Do you have any info on this please or can you put Tony in touch with me via my email address.
I'm restoring a Morris Mini Mk2 and have found that one of my hoses has 'ballooned' and may be the cause of a lopsided car.
Any help for another BMC enthusiast would be much appreciated.
webmaster: Please find below part of an article written by one of our members (Phil Marrison), which should answer your questions (if you have any difficulty contacting Tony Wood, try the 1800 club in the first instance.)
Hydrolastic Units........
1. The most common failure of Hydrolastic displacers is that the flexible connecting hoses fail. The original hoses were crimped on, but it is not possible to fit a new hose like this. The pipe you need to crimp to is shrouded by the body of the displacer. This makes it impossible to get the crimp tool into the correct position to deploy it. A solution to this problem has been found by Tony Wood of the 1800 Club, by using a clamp fitting rather than the crimp type. Tony is able to fit new hoses to your displacer for around £35 per displacer, including certified pressure testing (June 2003). Contact details for Tony are:- Tony Wood, 31 All Hallows Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 OAS, FAX: 01253 352 730.
Specialist Blast Cleaning Service
19th March 2009
Those of you restoring your car in the Manchester area, might be interested in this email that I recently received.
May I introduce our company’s services which may be of assistance to your Classic Car Club members? As a company located in north Manchester, we have collectively over 25 years experience within the Specialist Blast Cleaning Industry, having completed many different types of projects for a wide range of clients throughout the UK. We offer a variety of services to assist the Classic Car Restoration DIY enthusiast and professional including:
Damage less paint removal from a complete body shell, to doors, bonnets and boot lids using the Armex Baking Soda Blast System. Soda blasting provides an alternative to traditional cleaning methods causing less damage and distress to metal body panels and parts, it is also suitable for use on GRP (Fibre glass) fitments and is a very effective method for the removal of paints and other coatings.
Whether you replace body parts or undertake repairs to the body shell before or after soda blasting is up to you, the thing to bear in mind is that once the paint has been removed, areas requiring repair are easily seen. Take a look at our website www.bedlamautobody.co.uk to see how we can assist you. We offer a collection/delivery service at very competitive rates. Contact us at:
Bedlam Autobody
Unit 19
Grecian Mill
Worsley Road North
MANCHESTER
M28 3QW
Tel: 01204 578005
Fax: 01204 578025
Retro Custom and Classic Car Show
4th March 2009
Here are details of a forthcoming show in Guildford Surrey:
Hi Just a quick note to ask if you can please insert the following show information into your events section. This will be the 3rd year the show has run, and its proving more and more popular for all enthusiasts of Retro, Custom and Classic Cars! We have have some fantastic examples ranging from Spykers to Ferraris and Austins to Volkswagens - even full on Hot Rods and Top Fuel Drag cars! There's loads to see and do - so also makes for a great family day out too ;-)
More details will be released soon, along with a brand new website, however, if you need any more information or would like to visit or feature the show, please don't hesitate to contact me. Many thanks for your help, Conal, Event Organiser. email: shmikuk@ntlworld.com
Dwell Angle
2nd March 2009
London resident Andy Thomas writes: Hello all, I’ve got an old Haynes manual but my Maxi has had a replacement engine with a Ducellier distributor. Can anyone give me the dwell and points gap for this. It’s a single carb 1750 model.
webmaster: According to my Haynes Manual the :
Dwell Angle for a Duceiller distributor is 57 degrees.
Points gap is 0.0014 to 0.016 (14 to 15 thous).
Trust foregoing is of help.
What colour is my Maxi?
27th February 2009
Sean Hannah writes:
Hi Everyone I bought my Maxi a few months ago and although it is in very good condition there are a few marks here & there which need touching in, but the problem is I have no history with the car and no one can agree on what colour it is!! Emberglow, Damask and Carmine Red have all been suggested by BL fans up here in Newcastle. Even the guys at the NEC Maxi stand could not agree on the colour! I attach some photos of the car, the colour also seems to change depending on whether it's a dull or bright day! Can anyone help with this?
Club Chairman Mark Pacey: Hi Sean,
Of the options you listed, my guess would be Carmine as it looks too bright for either Emberglow or Damask, both of which are deeper reds. However, if you could send the VIN or car number off the plate that should be fastened to the right hand front valance then it may be possible to get a definitive identification.
Footnote:Click here for a complete list of colour/ trim combinations for the Maxi.
Sean's car
The Chipping Sodbury 2009 Classic Run.
25th February 2009
Anthony Bourne of Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club writes: Hi.
Whilst browsing I came across your website. Our main fund raising event is a Classic Run which attracts between 150 and 200 entries. As far as I am aware we have not had an Austin Maxi entered in the past so I wondered if you would place the following ad on the website to see if we can correct that omission.
The Chipping Sodbury 2009 Classic Run.
Sunday 28th June
The Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury is holding its 14th Classic Run on Sunday 28th June. This is open to pre 1980 cars and motor cycles and is the Club's main fund raising event of the year.
Entrants will meet about 8am in Broad Street Chipping Sodbury where Bacon Butty Breakfasts will be sold in aid of the RNLI.
After a staggered start from about 9am, the Run will take entrants north towards Gloucester where the route crosses the River Severn. Heading towards the Forest of Dean there will be a coffee stop about the 40 mile mark before continuing through the Forest. The route will eventually return across the river via the original Severn Bridge and finish at the Rugby Club in Chipping Sodbury. On return to Chipping Sodbury a ploughman's lunch will be available and there will be the opportunity to view the other entrants' vehicles and catch up with old friends as well as making new ones.
Anyone interested in entering the Run can obtain an entry form from Anthony Bourne on 01454-772952 or rotary.classic.run@hotmail.co.uk . The closing date for entries is 17th May to allow entrants to be included in the programme.
