Introducing the FORD NEW HOME

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 30 (Supplement)

Introducing the FORD NEW HOME

SURPRISINGLY EXTENSIVE .... MODERN .... COMPLETE

LOCALITY PLAN.

LATEST MACHINERY IN REPAIR SHOP.

SEVERAL NOTEWORTHY ADDITIONS TO PLANT. One of the most remarkable features of Ford Motors (Canterbury), Ltd’s., new home is the efficiency of the repair shop and the installation of all the latest machinery. The repair shop is situated at the west end of the main building. Each mechanic has his own portable bench,

equipped with a vyce and all the tools he is likely to require in the course ot : his ordinary work. Expensive precision tools are in the care of the foreman.

Both the repair department and the workshop are served by a Morris overhead track which, with a double trolley, is capable of conveying a burden weighing up to two tons to any part of the two bays which it serves. There are 700 feet of this track. The workshop is also served by a gantry which makes it possible for the engine of a car or any other heavy load to be carried to any part of the shop. Separate Motors.

Every machine requiring power is served by a separate motor. This elim-

inates overhead gear and also reduces the possibility of a breakdown affecting the whole plant to a minimum. There are eight electric motors totalling 15£ horse power. One innovation is an acid bath in which the parts of cars seni in for repair are cleaned. The fuel for this installation is the oil taken from engines. It is stored in 40 gallon casks and used in the heating of the bath. Other unusual machines include an engine running-in stand. Engines are put on the stand and allowed to run for a sufficiently long time to run in bearings and thus eliminate the danger of damage being done through injudicious driving on the roads. A generator and starter testing apparatus also has novel features.

There is the same atmosphere of cleanliness in the repair shop as in all other parts of the immense building. Every endeavour will be made to keep the shop free from filth and disorder and it is hoped that this department of the garage, particularly, will remain the model it is at present. Materials Used. The following are the materials used in the construction of the garage:— Timber, 172,000 ft; reinforcing rods, sixteen tons; roofing iron, nine and aquarter tons; shingle and sand, 1300 yards; bolts, three tons; cement, 160 tons; nails, two tons; plasterboard and prestwood, 18,000 sq. ft; skylight glass, 4200 ft; Cyclone reinforcing netting, 5070 sq. yards.