Crystal Coaches Round the Corner?
Page 24
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FFOR some months past those sections of the coachbuilding industry which have been conscious of the existence of woven glass, have seen the prospects of that material very much as "through a glass darkly." Often the high-powered beam of American publicity has been employed to dazzle the spectator rather than to show up the facts. As a result, such information as has reached this country regarding American tests of woven glass as a bodywork medium has been heavily discounted in many circles. Nevertheless, research has been in progress here and there is every indication that sections of this material will be incorporated in British motor vehicles before the year is out.
So accustomed are we all to the idea of glass necessarily being brittle that some mental readjustment is required before accepting the fact that in suitable form it has all the strength needed for motor-vehicle bodywork. Keen interest has already been shown in the possibilities of the material, in particular for coach frontal segments, and advantages claimed include substantial savings in weight even when compared with light alloys.
Reports suggest that at the present stage of development the cost of woven-glass bodies would be high compared with those mass-produced in pressea steel4 but that they might offer financial advantages as against coachbuilding. Apart from this aspect, the material is *non-corroding, of considerable strength, is said to have pronounced anti-drumming qualities and to be impermeable by tropical insects.
Woven-glass-fibre fabric, when shaped on formers of the required pattern, is treated with a special preparation, being removed complete when hard. In this manner the costs of bodybuilding are expected to be cut without the need for recourse to the enormous expense of dies. Shapes that would be difficult to press in steel can readily be worked in the new material, which can be drilled, bolted or riveted.
Extensive crash tests have been made and, it is understood, have shown extremely high damageresistance qualities. Repair work is claimed to be quick and inexpensive. At. the moment wovenglass panels have to be colour-sprayed when intended for employment in motor bodies, but in a matter of weeks the first deliveries are expected of colour-impregnated material that will not require any form of finishing. The proof of any pudding is in the eating, but through the glass of this particular dish can be seen ingredients that will give much food for thought to those already gathered round the, industry's table.