STRENGTHENING THE CHASSIS FRAME

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 15

STRENGTHENING THE CHASSIS FRAME

Engine Suspension Has Its Effect The changes which have been made in the construction of chassis frames during* recent years are due largely to complications brought about by new forms of engine suspension and other alterations such as independent springing, which have forced manufacturers to more attention to the framework of the car than might have been necessary if such innovations were lacking. The aim has ever been at procuring rigidity. To-day, because of faster speeds and the demand that deadweight should be reduced, the build, of the frame is of great importance. In a review of the trend of design, the “Motor” refers to the circumstances which have arisen, and points out that, although engine suspension might not appear to be associated intimately with the robustness of the chassis, it has become an important factor, since the engine is no longer attached rigidly to the chassis, and has ceased to serve as a valuable cross member which reinforced the framework. More flexible springing and independent front springs have also brought problems in their train, with a result that cruciform bracing has become popular, but has the disadvantage that often a heavy “x” member adds considerably to the weight of the vehicle

Some manufacturers have accordingly accepted the box type of main frayne member, which offers much greater resistance to torsional strains than does the older sort. The box member, which is used in several of the 1936 productions, is virtually a rectangular tube with welded joints, ami because of the great resistance which it offers to twisting, can be made of thinner metal than the normal side member. Solid-drawn steel tubes have been employed for the foundations of certain light sports models, and on other cars there are side members with a zig-zag of steel plate running the full length of the channel. Some Continental factories favour tbe “centralised” or “backbone” frame, whose title is self-explanatory and which is peculiarly suitable for cars having independent suspension of all four wheels.

Car Washing. Cleaning the car, a task shunned by the majority of owners, can be greatly simplified if a sponge is used, instead of a cloth, for washing down. Although it costs several shillings, a fairsized sponge of good quality is a worthwhile investment for the owner who wants to keep his car’s finish in showroom condition. When about to wash the car, the owner should soak the sponge thoroughly in cold, clear water, and make sure, before applying it to any part of tbe car, that there is no grease or oil on tbe vehicle, or tin's will rapidly spoil the sponge. A gentle stream of water should be used in conjunction with the sponge, which requires to be kept thoroughly wet. It will be found that the whole car can be washed much more rapidly by this means, and that there is no dirt or grit left on the paint work to cause scratches when the leather is being used. After being used the sponge should be washed, squeezed fairly dry, and then left on a shelf out of the sun. Teaching the Children.

Tbe authorities in Miami are determined that the young generation of motorists and pedestrians shall he intelligently traflic-tnindcd. Children drive miniature cars under instruction from officers of the city police department, while others direct the traffic.

Ingenious Road Signs. Instead of laboriously painting white lines on the road, an idea comes from Johannesburg to use canvas strips, sticky on one side, which adhere to the road surface immediately they are laid down. One in use for over a month Is said still to have been clearly visible.

Traffic In China. Six policemen in the middle of the road are needed now to control the volume of motor traffic which passes unceasingly across the Nanking and Seehuen roads. In addition to over 1500 cars which pass every hour, there are some 5000 rickshaws wending their way in and out of the motor traffic simultaneously.