MODERN COACHWORK

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 26 May 1928, Page 19

MODERN COACHWORK

ADVANTAGES OF FABRIC , LIGHT SMALL SALOONS Light, but at tho same time strong and durable, modern fabric coaehwork js having a pronounced effect on motoring in England. .It is this now typo of body construction that is largely rcsponsiblo for the closed-car boom. In fact it is not too much to say that in the case of very small and low-powered cars without tho use of fabric, closedmotoring would scarcely be possible. The extent to which the development of this new achievement in coachwork has cheapened motoring in Great Britain is not generally appreciated.," One of the first assets of this typo of body is lightness, and in motoring this is a highly important factor. Take tho case of ono well-known small fabric ■body mounted on a 7 h.p. saloon. This body actually weighs 141b less than the standard- open model''of this particular car. Reduced weight means improved road performance. Tire wear is reduced, petrol consumption is lower, and tho wear and tear on the engine less. In some cases the closed fabric saloon is actually faster than the coachbuilt open car. There are quite a number of misconceptions about fabric coachwork. Some people imagine that the fabric merely takes the place of paint and- varnish. This is far from tho case. Fabric is used in connection with entirely now methods of motor body construction representing a very definite advance. Methods vary, but in nearly every case results are satisfactory. In one case the fabric .is stretched over a rigid and solid structure of three-ply wood., flexibly attached to'the chassis. Hero the body is entirely insulafed from road shocks- and vibration. The result is complete silenco and absence from body drumming under all conditions. There are different methods of building up fabric bodies and different methods of suspension, but freedom from vibration and silence are features eoinmon to all the best types. On rough roads the smooth riding qualities of this type of coachwork are a revelation. It is for this reason that Continental car makers have almost gonerally adopted fabric. At tho last Paris motor show coach-built bodies of the normal type looked quite old-fashioned. The question naturally arises if fabric is durable. It has now been in use long enough to answer this question in the affirmative. There is also this advantage; should tho fabric become damaged in any way it can very easily be repaired. The actual framework for tho fabric is certainly as durable as ordinary coachwork. The fabric" itself is no more difficult to look after than the modern cellulose finishes. In some cases fabric bodies are finished in cellulose.