MOTORS AND MOTORING

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 89, 9 January 1931, Page 6

MOTORS AND MOTORING

By

SPARE WHEEL.

WORLD RECORD Norman Smith’s Attempt FEBRUARY OR MARCH Very little definite information regarding the forthcoming attempt by Norman Smith on the world one mile speed record at the Ninety-Mile Beach has reached Auckland, but it is now known nat Smith will not be able to bring his car to Auckland before the middle of February at the earliest, while it seems probable that the actual attempt will not be made until the first two weeks in March, states the “New Zealand Herald.” Work on the construction' of the new car, which is to be known as the “Fred H. Stewart Special,” in honour of the Sydney business man who is financing its building, has been delayed by the late arrival of the engine from England. The engine, which is a Napier supercharged aeroplane unit, similar to those installed in the Napier-Gloster racing seaplanes specially built for the last Schneider trophy race at Calshot, arrived recently at Sydney on the steamer Mooltan, and work is now pro-

ceeding as rapidly as possible in installing it in the chassis, Mechanics are working in two and three shifts a day to expediate the car’s completion, as Smith has been anxious to attack the' record as early as possible in order to forestall Captain Malcolm Campbell, who is reported to be visiting Daytona early in the New Year with a secret car which is now nearing completion in England.

Special Timing Apparatus.

in the meantime a number of preparations are being made in New Zealand for Smith’s visit. The Auckland Automobile Association has already placed an order for the special timing apparatus which is to be used, and this mechanism, the most modern of its kind, costing £5OO, is now on its way to New Zealand. The association will not time the attempt itself, as it has delegated control of the speed trials to the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Limited, which will have the services of Mr. H. Butcher, who has been accredited by the Royal Automobile Club in England and A.I.A. in France, the two bodies controlling record attempts, to act as official timekeeper. The association has also purchased a property on the edge of the beach, near the site where Smith established his temporary camp on his previous visit, and on this section accommodation for the new car and the “Anzac,” which Smith will again bring with him, will be erected. Quarters will also be provided here for the mechanics in charge of the cars, which will be constantly guarded. As the Napier engine remains the property of the Air Ministry and its details are regarded as a State secret, every precaution will be taken to preserve it from accident or close investigation.

Beach Camp for Visitors.

It is anticipated that a number of people will visit the beach to see the attempt, many Auckland motorists having announced their intention of being present. A scheme is now on foot to establish a large beach camp adjoining the official camp to accommodate 200 persons, and arrangements to obtain a suitable section are now being made. A considerable amount of work will be necessary to make this and the other camp, as electric light will have to be supplied from a distance, while a water supply and other conveniences will have to be provided. It is desired to make the camps into self-contained communities as far as possible. It is likely that a race-meeting will be held during the time that Smith is at the beach, as a number of Auckland racing drivers will be present, and if there is sufficient inducement they may take their cars. It is understood also that several Australian racing men will be over and they are expected to bring cars with them. It will be remembered that in past beach meetings at Muriwai Australian drivers have entered for races with considerable success. May Visit Invercargill. If he is successful in his attempts Smith will probably visit the South Island and make an appearance on Oreti beach, a fine strip of sand near Invercargill. This beach, which is over five miles long, is packed very hard, and is not so exposed to weather conditions as the Ninety-Mile Beach, being in a more uniform condition, and not varying from day to day. A sufficient stretch of sand is. available for Smith to cover a mile at a very high rate of speed, ‘nd with the most favourable conditions he may be • able to drive his new car at nearly its maximum.

A firm which distributes automotive parts to a number of service stations in New York City has such a large warehouse that it is an eighth of a mile from the order desk to some of the farthest bins on one floor of the enormous building. To save time the company has equipped the young men who fill orders with roller skates. Nine of these youths roll up and down the aisles at breakneck speed carrying parts that range from a tiny bolt to a fender. Some of them have become so expert that they scarcely slow down for corners. They push hand-trucks or climb up to high blns without removing their skates.

MOTOR DO’S AND DON’TS

Do unto other road users as you would have them do unto you. Don’t show the other fellow how quickly you can go. You may reach the hospital first Don’t forget the fate of Lot’s wife. Keep your eyes front. Don’t neglect road signs. They don’t neglect you. Be considerate to pedestrians. Not all of them are long-jump champions. Don’t forget that reserve speed is primarily intended for acceleration in time of emergency. Give and take, but don’t if the other fellow is boor enough not to give.

Approach schools as you did in your childhood— slowly. Don’t drive noisily in residential districts. Barking dogs resent competition. Don’t forget that the overtaker on a bend sometimes needs an undertaker. BODY SQUEAKS Sources of body squeaks are most difficult to find, and one way to overcome them is to spray penetrating oil on the underside of the body, particu-

larly round locating bolts. This should help to eliminate the noise if it is due to slight .motion at the. securing points. If the car can be jacked up, it is a good plan to spray the oil all. over the chassis so that it can work its way into every possible corner- where squeaks : may develop, •