THE STORY OF CARTUNE (TEESSIDE)
Feb 1st
MEET THE ‘BEETLES’ – CARTUNE TEESSIDE by STEVE HOLE
Photos from www.cartunevw.co.uk – Apal Corsa image from totalkitcar archive
Although only having a limited impact on the UK’s kitcar industry (they marketed the Belgium-made Apal models, Buggy and Corsa, in the UK in 1971-72), Cartune was once the UK’s leading Volkswagen Beetle specialists, which means they would have supplied many thousands of parts to owners/builders of Beetle-based kitcars.
Indeed, the company still exists, today.
Mike Griifin (centre),Leeds & England footballer Jackie Charlton (left) and Cartune (Teesside) branch manager, Peter Raybould
Let’s wind right back and trace the company’s history, though. The Cartune name was first registered More >
GBS SET UP FOR 2024
Jan 25th
Students enjoy a factory tour of GBS before they start their very own Zero Build this year …
Just before they broke up for the Christmas holidays, they welcomed a group of year two motorsport students from Stafford & Newcastle College (NSCG College) to the GBS factory for a full factory tour.
The college has an Ultimate Zero self-build kit on order and the students will be building it. They will be collecting their kit later this year and are ready to start the build. Ruth Hall, co-director of GBS said: “We look forward to following their build and them joining us More >
CROSSFLOW PISTONS
Jan 25th
Burton Power now has good stocks of cast pistons in all oversizes to fit Ford Crossflow OHV Kent 711M engines with flat (non-chambered) heads (introduced in August 1970) and Fiesta 771M engines.
The 1.6 pistons are available under part number 18649, with prices from £57.00 (inc VAT) each. 1.3 pistons are available under part number 18647, prices from £57.00 (inc VAT) each.
More information from 0208 554 2281 or via www.burtonpower.com ENDS.
WASHING UP DONE
Jan 25th
Professional car detailers as well as enthusiastic owners will be interested in this new bucket with integrated dirt trap from Laser Tools (part number 8737). Designed to streamline your cleaning and detailing tasks, this innovative bucket is a game-changer, ensuring that sediment settles at the bottom and prevents dirt and grit from remixing with the water, assuring cleaner results.
Key Features:
Dirt trap: The bucket’s ingenious dirt trap allows particles and debris to settle at the base, keeping your cleaning water cleaner for longer. Say goodbye to constantly replenishing your cleaning solution.
Easy handling: With two comfortable soft-grip handles, this bucket More >
HAMMER TIME
Jan 25th
This Clarke CHD900 Hammer Drill is an excellent value, high-performance hammer drill.
It has a 900W motor that makes it ideal for fast drilling of masonry, wood and steel. It offers 0-3000rpm variable speed with reverse action and has maximum drilling capacities (Diameter) of 25mm in wood, 12mm in steel and 12mm in masonry.
The CHD900 features an anti-slip grip for safe comfortable use, as well as a lock-on switch for continuous operation.
This unit also includes a side handle with depth stop gauge. A chuck key is also included.
The Clarke CHD900 is available now, in-store and online, for just £35.98 inc VAT.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/chd900-900w-hammer-drill-230v/ ENDS.
More >
TAPED UP
Jan 25th
DEI’s new RFI Shield will reduce Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) emanating from high voltage wires and ignition systems that can affect computer systems, electronic fuel injection, radios and other sensitive components.
Electronic fuel injection systems thrive in an environment free from RFI. DEI’s RFI Shield will safeguard these delicate electronic components, optimising fuel delivery and engine performance.
DEI ensures you can drive with confidence, knowing that your vehicle’s critical systems are shielded from interference that can compromise safety and performance.
RFI Shield can be installed without having to disconnect wires. Packs include a 17.5in grounding strap and DEI Quick More >
SPRITES ON THE FLY
Jan 25th
With most Austin Healey Sprites currently resting in garages waiting for the spring, it’s a great time to start working on them, and one improvement would be changing to a Fidanza Aluminium Flywheel.
A Fidanza lightweight flywheel is simple to install when the clutch is replaced and will bring the following benefits:
- Faster throttle response and quicker acceleration • Additional horsepower to the wheels (reduced parasitic losses) • Smoother, faster shifting • Easier braking, better slowing (due to reduced rotational mass) • Reduced clutch wear and improved efficiency (from better heat dissipation) • Cost savings and longevity (thanks to Fidanza’s replaceable green More >
SHIELDS FOR TURBOS
Jan 18th
New DEI Gen 3 Turbo Shields are available in two versions: Titanium™ and Onyx™.
The Onyx™ version features a silicone-coated Onyx™ black outer layer with multiple stainless steel and silica inner layers, whilst the Titanium version features Titanium™ material with LavaRock technology coated in silicon. Both versions are designed to insulate and endure extreme conditions. The silicone coating prevents the material from fraying and encases seams to make them over four times stronger than those of other turbo shields.
Both the Titanium™ and Onyx™ Gen 3 Turbo Shields feature:
A Thick Insulation Layer of Silica to keep heat in the turbo shield and More >
A PAN OF OIL
Jan 18th
Burton Power now has stocks of replacement steel sump pans for the CVH engine as used on 1.3, 1.4. 1.6 and RS Turbo models as used in a shed load of kitcars.
Further on 0208 554 2281 or via www.burtonpower.com ENDS.
WIPER BLADE ADVICE
Jan 18th
Although wiper blades are one of the most important safety features fitted to vehicles, drivers rarely give them a second thought, despite the fact that efficient windscreen wiping and visibility are vital all year round. Therefore, it’s important for wiper blades to be replaced as soon as their performance begins to drop, but notwithstanding, at least once a year.
In addition to making it straightforward to identify and select the correct replacement, DENSO has now gone several steps further and, as well as providing written instructions with supporting diagrams on its product packaging, it has now produced a series of videos More >
