ACCESSORIES &FITTINGS
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for Light Vans.
For "Piano-finished " Bodies.
A property of a motorvan, which a user is not likely to overlook, is that of imbuing customers with an idea. of the tradesman's up-to-dateness, smartness, and efficiency. If this fact is to be an accomplished one, strict attention will have to be paid to general appearances, not only when the van is new, but at a later date ; moreover, the depreciation of a van is not so great if occasional renovations be attempted from time to time.
The finish of the bodywork oi many of the vans one sees to-day is a fine example of the bodyworker's art, and in many instances what is known as "piano finish" is effected, and the result is a credit both to the bodymaker and to the owner of the van. For the original outlay to be made worth while, however, it is necessary that the surface should be cleaned and polished from time to time. A useful preparation which will serve as an aid to this object is Johnson's Prepared Wax, which may be obtained in varying quantities, at the. rate of 3s. per lb., -from S. C. Johnson and Sons, whose London office is at 244, High Holborn, London, W.
Fuel Economy : Run on Air.
The advantages of an extra-a;r inlet are two-fold, the principal effect, however, being one and the same—that of economy of fuel. By the use of such a fitting—and the Bowden Extra Air Inlet is as well known in this respect as any, probably better—the driver is enabled, by judicious manipulation of the extra-air lever, to ensure that working with as weak a mixture as he can economically. As the Bowden fitting is made, he •can also, with advantage, when coasting down long hills, shut the throttle and open the air inlet to its full extent. This allows of the engine drawing in a cooling draught of air, which very often is particularly useful on the down grade, since this frequently follows a climb more or less stiff. This obviates the formation of a vacuum in the cylinder, with the liability to suck oil past the pistons, causing extra carbonization and a smoky engine, and, furthermore, allows of the engine being used more efficiently as a brake. Write to Bowden Wire, Ltd., Victoria Road, Willesden , Junction, N.W., for fuller particulars. Lubricate Your Springs.
Of the several implements on the market suitable for separating the leaves of radius springs as a preface to lubricating them perhaps that marketed by the Stentophone Co., of 61, Vincent Parade, Birmingham, is as simple as any. It is readily adjustable to snit any width of spring within limits, and the actual operation of separating the leaves is merely one of moving . a lever ; there is no screwing or unscrewing to be done. To fit any Spring likely to be found on any Van, the price is 5s. 6d. ; for Fords and particularly light chassis, 4s. 6d. The same company make
other useful fittings, such as wheel pullers, lamp brackets of all shapes and sizes, and a special conversion set for detachable wheels• which we hope to•illustrate in an early issue.
C. A .V. Lighting. A very complete lighting equipment, which by some may be designed asthe lighting set " de luxe," and suitable only for vans in the same category, but 'which, nevertheless, will be found the thins for the owner who wishes to eliminate even the smallest chance of trouble in connection With his lighting, is that which is specially marketed by C. A. Vandervell and Co., Acton, London, W., for light vans. We. cannot, in the space provided, do justice to this very complete and efficient set. It consists of a standard 8-volt 60-watt dynamo, with suitable accumulator, switchboard, chassis junction box, pair of aluminium sidedamps and a tail lamp. The price of this set as described is 224 19s. 10d. We should add that this price includes bulbs for the lamps.
The Vandervell electric lighting has, deservedly, a reputation for reliability and good service. It is some months since we were advised that the London General Omnibus Co. had over 2000 CAN. dynamo equipments in use on their vehicles running in London alone ; no doubt that number is by now increased: The prospective purchaser of one of these sets need not himself-be concerned as to how it is to be driven. The C.A.V. Co. have now had experiencein fitting these in almost any position ; it is not likely that they will be baffled by any problem of drive or situation which may now be brought before them. • Gaiters for Springs.
The Duco Spring Gaiter, marketed by Brown Bros., Ltd., 22-34, Great Eastern Street, London, E.C., is stated to be the first serious attempt to supply springs with an efficient lubricating system. However much that may be true or not, it is undoubtedly a fact that provision for such lubrication is generally lacking. The Duco gaiter is a flexible cover for the springs. It is well greased before being fitted, and afterwards, besides preserving the springs from the effects of dust, mud and water, maintains a constant supply of lubricant, allowing the springs to work in a perpetual grease bag. These gaiters are applicable to all forms of springs and to any chassis. A special model is made for Ford cars, lacing underneath, at the price of 22 2s. a set of four covers. This is only one of the many useful and good things obtainable from the Gt. Eastern Street concern. The catalogue issued is a marvel of comprehensiveness. The Manchester address is 267-273, Deansgate.
Avon Tires for Ford Vans.
The Avon Sunstone special tire is particularly recommended for the more difficult work which is customarily met with on commercial ssrvice. Besides making this in all the usual sections, the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., 19, Newman Etreet. Oxford Street, London, W., "'take sizes suitable for Ford vans,
ad have recently added to their list a special 31 in. by 4 in., which is an oversize tire for 30 in. by 31 in. Ford rims. The prices, moreover, are such as will appeal to the most discriminating of buyers. The ordinary 30 in. by 3 in. Ford is 22 6s. per cover, tubes being 12s. 6d. The 31 in. by 4 in. tire for the same type of van is 24 las. 9d. per cover, the tubes being 21 Is. Other sizes of Avon Sunstone tires are in proportion. We recommend readers to apply for the handy list, "S. 18," which the company will no doubt be pleased to supply.
Batteries for Lighting and Ignition.
The Fuller Accumulator Co., Ltd., of Woodland Works, Chad
well Heath, Essex, makes a fine range of Acumulators for all purposes, but so far as we and the readers of this journal are concerned, those which are named as the " Sparta " batteries will be of principal interest. They are useful on vans fitted with electric lamps, and they afford excellent service in this respect. A suitable set, in teak case, is that one described as SP66, a 6-volt 40 amp.hours set, the price of which is 27 158.
The block type of accumulators, C60 BL1 and BL2, are particularly suitable as supplementing the ordinary Ford ignition device. The catalogue of accumulators is well worth perusal, and contains a lot of useful information besides that appertaining directly to the company's products, which in itself is sufficient recommendation. A special feature of the block cell recommended for this purpose is the property of retaining its charge, so that it will last throughout a season for starting purposes. The ordinary dry cell customarily pro vided for this work has to be thrown away when exhausted ; the block cell can be recharged at the cost of a few pence.
Wings.
The first items to suffer in the event of a collision are the wings ; either front or rear invariably get touched, and a touch generally means a kink, during the first months of the van's activities. Very often the damage can be rec tified by little expert tinsmith's work, and if it be thought advisable to renew -them, it is as well to re, member that a most efficient and handsome form of mudguard is made by Barimar, Ltd., of 10, Poland Street, Oxford Street, London, W. The name is a good one to remember in the event of collisions in any case, as the company particularly lays itself out for repairs of all kinds. We -might mention radiators and lamps as being specialities in this respect, Smith Lamps.
S. Smith and Sons (M. A.), Ltd., of 179-185, Great Portland Street, London W., have a well-designed range Of lamps suitable for vans, and we were particularly struck with the neatness and handiness of the new 6 in. type X electric lamp which has been especially designed to give the maximum light allowed under the Lighting Order. As shown on our sketch, this lamp is fitted with the company's new elastic-and-leather dimmer for use in districts covered by section two ef the same Order. The dimmer is so made that it can be detached instantly, but, nevertheless, is not liable to come away from the lamp when in use. The 6 in. lamp, as stated, gives the maximum admissible light ; the company makes in all three sizes, 4 in., 5 in. affd 6 in., at prices of 22 4s. to 22 18s., according to size and finish; 3s. per pair can be deducted from these prices for the dimmers if they are not required.
Another useful fitting,' the utility of which should be considered in conjunction with these lamps, is the very neat wing bracket supplied to fit these. These are neat, light and strong, and at war-time prices work out at 6s. 8d. per pair. Suitable batteries for use in conjunction with these lamps are provided at the usual prices. In the event of a van-owner not feeling justified in the outlay necessitated by a set of electric lamps and accu mulators, then he has the option of several reliable Smith oil side lamps, a good pair of which is priced at 22 6s. in brass, and in black or black and nickel at 22 12s.
per pair. A suitable tail lamp can be obtained for us. 6d. This is a typical set, others at varying prices are obtainable. The house of Smith and Sons is well known.