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Portobello come; to Birmingham

This section of the Show always has bazaar-like atmosphere, writes lain Sherri and even if you're just window-shoppir you're sure to find something of intere

THE ACCESSORY and components sections of the Show have been variously described as an Aladdin's Cave, Treasure Hunt, jumble sale and street market. However you describe this area depends on your interest in the products, the reason for your visit and perhaps your physical and mental state at the time.

Visitors to these exhibits at the 1978 Show should try to forget the oft tramped on bunions, the neck-craning viewing and the thousands of West Midlands schoolboys collecting catalogues.

Things will be different this time — at least, that is what the SMMT says. There will certainly be more room to walk and more room to view; and hopefully room to breathe.

We have been through the exhibits; some we have seen before, others are making their debut. The Show gives spectators the opportunity to compare like with like, congratulate the manufacturers or complain to them, or make initial contact.

This guide to our highlights from the Show will point visitors in the right direction and ensure that readers who are not visiting the Birmingham NEC will not miss learning about the new products.

Bosal (UK) Ltd, the British subsidiary of the European exhaust manufacturers Bosal International, is exhibiting its range of British and Continental exhausts and garage equipment on Stand 246.

Bosal, a comparative newcomer to the British replacement exhaust market, operates from a new factory on an 18-acre site at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, Lancs.

Basal also markets a range of garage equipment including scissors-jacks, bottle-jacks up to 200 tonnes, tyre-fitting machines, 10, 20, 50 and 100tonne presses and one and twotonne engine cranes.

Recent refinements incorporated into Bosal's tyre changing equipment are: a spring on the centre shaft to ensure easy vertical adjustment; tyre lubricant container; aluminium adaptors to ensure handling of alloy rims without fear of damage; and on its pneumatic model an airline connector is supplied for rapid air inflation.

On Lucas Automotive Equipment Stand 241 the main feature is a Lucas Autocentre service counter manned by a talkative robot with the looks and the inimitable drawl of Carry On comedian Kenneth Williams. But visitors can escape this gimmick and get close to the exhibits.

The stand features displays and equipment from Lucas Electrical, Lucas Girling, Lucas CAV, Lucas Batteries, Rists, Lucas Service, and Lucas's French partnership company, Ducellier.

It covers new lighting developments, diesel fuel injection equipment, lightweight braking systems and advances in electrical switchgear and electronic components.

Visitors in the vicinity of the Autosafe display will be able to pinpoint Stand 250 in Hall 1 by heading for the source of a persistent clicking — the sound of compulsive accessory enthusiasts playing with a demonstration model electrically operated door mirror. Probably to the constant annoyance of stands 249 and 251!

The Autosafe Premier mirror can be adjusted in a series of single-step movements, by moving a toggle switch on the facia either up and down or from side to side. Apart from providing quick adjustment to suit drivers of different sizes, or to restore the setting after a mirror has been dislodged by mechanical wash or other malign influence, electric operation prevents dazzle and aids adjustment of the nearside mirror in the absence of a passenger.

A new product on display on Stand 281, Sedan Products Ltd, is a cluster lamp assembly suitable for small commercial vehicles. The unit consists of a stop/tail light, rear fog lamp and indicator light moulded in crazefree Orog lass. The product conforms to full European specifications for lighting. The C-Thru rear-screen demister is also featured. This full-width panel incorporates nine heater elements in cupro-nickel.

Trico-Folberth Ltd truck and bus equipment on show includes two products that are first

in the field worldwide. With the TX short-range of wiper blades, and an entirely new safety product announced on October 1, the Trico stand, 288 Hall 1, should be of interest to commercial vehicle people.

For replacement wiper blades for any make of commercial vehicle, Trico has its new TX range of 10 blades. Trico claims that most European lorries, buses and vans can be fitted from this range of blades which is from 400 to 710mm in length. Adaptors are provided to suit different makes and types of wiper arm.

A new air tank draining system marks another first for Trico, which says it provides "a blessing for drivers of commercial vehicles with air operated brakes! Instead of having to crawl under the vehicle in order to operate the drain cocks on the air tanks, the Trico system has a central safety control which can be mounted anywhere on the chassis for easy operation."

Trico says it can be fitted to most makes of vehicle with any special modifications.

Quinton Hazell Ltd is shov■, a wide variety of components both commercial vehicles cars on Stand 262.

The already famous Quin Hazell Underider, as fitted CM's test trailer, in a new fo is shown on film, together wit working model showing principles of the new desigr

On Stand 151, Ryders Interi tional is exhibiting WA vehicle winches which a powered by 12V dc and 24V vehicle battery systems. ThE winches are ideal for behind-c mounting on flat-bed transp, ters, trailers, low-loaders and for the controlled loading a unloading of mobile equipme cars, vans, caravans, plant a machinery, etc. AlternativE they may be front mounted

and utility vehicles for selftery purposes where re d.

e 12V and 24V versions of WARN Model 8274 winch for single-line horizontal pulls of up to 80001b and -porate a fully automatic I-actuated disc-braking Jm with a positive .push-in/out clutch for the free spoolpf the wire rope.

hen employed for load :ing purposes they cater for vertical lifts of up to 2000lb a single 8mm wire rope "Loadings" both vertically horizontally may be insed by using a double line Jgh a snatch block. Three Her WARN battery/electric cies winches exhibited are ghter pulls and vertical lifts.

eorge MeIler Ltd on Stand displays a wide range of ckmer sliding positive placement cargo pumps and lmond rotary compressorlausters, including the latest ree models.

-lawn for the first time is the welm liquid petroleum gas iensing pumps for both fleet rator and forecourt sales apations.

riis company also markets ropumps, ptos, compressor austers, pump filters and v meters used throughout the d tanker fleets.

Is° in Hall 4 is Monark, the st German manufacturer of me parts, now established in UK. It offers national cove e with its products. Monark sel and Electrical Products ,) Ltd operates from Malvern Worcestershire and offers dieand electrical equipment and are parts for commercial iicles and cars interchangeawith Bosch, CAV, Simms, Capillar and other international items.

Is range includes spare parts Bosch starters, generators :I alternators, armatures, field Is, pinions, solenoid switches, .bon brushes, voltage regulas, rotors, starters and rectirs; also injection nozzles, mp elements, delivery valves, id pumps, nozzle testers, etc. e parts are backed by a full 12with guarantee.

fhe Lucas Commercial hide stand is showing a wide ige of components and equip ment for lorries, vans and other commercial vehicles. Lucas Kienzle, already established as a leading supplier of tachographs to the British market, claiming a 70 per cent market share, has a display of standard, automatic and electronic tachographs.

Lucas Electrical, Lucas CAV, Lucas Girling, Lucas Batteries, Rists and Lucas Service UK have their ranges of equipment on show and feature Multiplex wiring systems and anti-lock braking equipment.

Croda Paints, manufacturers of Tekaloid transport finishes Crodalux powder coatings and specialist paints for the automotive industry, are on Stand 89. Croda's transport finishes on display cover the Tekaloid range. These consist of synthetic enamels, polyurethane enamels, undercoats, primers, varnishes, and ancillary materials.

!Clamor Industrial (GB) Ltd says that fleet operators concerned about rising fuel costs can find a solution to their problems on Stand 83. it is a device, codenamed Derrik Derv, which uses basic information about operators' fleets to compute potential fuel savings.

The company is exhibiting its complete range of commercial vehicle air conditioning units, automatic radiator shutters and engine protection systems. All Kysor equipment is designed for use on road or off-highway vehicles and stationary plant.

Air conditioning units are available to suit cabs with large areas of glass or which, for other reasons, have limited space.

Engine protection systems monitor coolant level and temperature and oil pressure, sounding an alarm if a fault occurs. In addition, a device is available which shuts down the engine in the event of a critical situation.

Brade-Leigh is featuring bodies on Stand 135. System II Dropsider, which the company says has proved a real winner, is mounted on a Volkswagen LT35 (2.5m wheelbase) in Serck Services livery.

The all-steel tipper features the new Brade-Leigh Powertip electro-hydraulic under-floor tipping gear. This body is built on the back of a Morris Sherpa 225 2.0-litre which will operate for the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley after the Show.

The Strongly boxvan with a 1,230cuft capacity body is constructed on the new MercedesBenz 1213 14,2-metre wheel

base) — displayed at NEC for the first time. The body features include containerdeck floor and the new Whiting lightweight wide lath shutter.

A refrigerated van body is of sandwich panel construction with 80mm polyurethane foam insulation, behind the cab of a Ford D-Series D06 10 (10ft wheelbase), After the Show, this will be joining the other Brade-. Leigh lsberg bodies in the Uniserv fleet.

Sab Brake Regulator Co Ltd is exhibiting its automatic slack adjuster on stand No 1. This is suitable for fitment to heavy cv and psv with S-cam brakes. The automatic adjuster is standard specification on all S-cam braked psv produced by Leyland Vehicles and is included on all or part of the range of vehicles produced by MAN, VW, Volvo, Scania, Fiat and Mercedes as a standard specification.

Sab is exhibiting the range of GN Nordpatent bus and commercial seats for which it recently signed an agreement as sole UK concessionaire. Seats on show include the GN81-52 bus seat which can be supplied with heating element in the seat panel, the GN81-36 which is suitable for off-highway vehicles and the GB81-46 truck seat. Also on show is the Rotolift suspension pedestal and swivel plate which can provide full rotation through 360°.

Rockwell International is showing its wares on Stand 64. It covers design, development, manufacture and distribution of components for the automotive industry worldwide.

Companies within Rockwell International and represented•at the NEC are: General Components Group; Mechanical Devices Division, Suspension Components Division, Wilmot Breeden Ltd. Compagnie Industrielle de Mecanismes SA, Rockwell-Golde GmgH, Serrature Auto Ferroviarie Edili SpA, Industrias Telug SA, Rockwell Bremsen, Rockwell-Maudslay Ltd., Rockwell-Thompson Ltd.

Wilfrid Overton Ltd on Stand 69 is exhibiting a number of "first timers".

There is an electric actuator for bus and coach folding passenger doors, which it claims is safer than the traditional pneu matic doors, and easier for coachbuilders to install. in cqnjunction with the -actuator it is also introducing a completely redesigned range of doors, incorporating a direct glazing system, giving better driver visibility, appearance and lower cost.

There is also a two-point luggage compartment lock with a flush fitting pull-up handle, giving a more modern appearance, better operating movement and with key suites to match entrance and exit doors; an attractive easy fitted frameless emergency window, fitted with locks and hinges; and a range of bus and coach sliding windows where top and bottom glasses are mounted integrally with the sliding unit in an aluminium frame eliminating leaks and giving ease of installation to the body-builder, with a variety of mounting methods.

Bodybuilders should also be attracted to a range of outward opening bus and coach power doors which provide more scope to improve appearance and to increase seating capacities.

Smiths Industries are launching a completely new British development in on-board vehicle computers at the Show. Designed as a practical aid to safer and more economical driving, the Smiths TC15 trip computer is claimed as the first of its kind in the accessory market.

There is also a preview at the Show of their latest development on solid-state supplementary instrumentation, the DCL tachometer. In addition to engine speed this advanced instrument features a digital time display and battery voltage indicatbr. Smiths hope to launch the new DCL tachometer in the accessory market early in the New Year.

Commercial vehicle operators' attention will be focused on a working sample of the company's latest development in cv recording equipment — the SG30/34 electronic tachograph. Scheduled to enter production next spring, this new instrument is electronically controlled through a transistorised circuit. "Elimination of the complicated flexible drive mechanism currently in use will not only ensure more efficient operation but also far easier installation", say Smiths.

Fleetguard Europe is majoring on its lines for the heavy-duty market, covering by-pass filters, fuel/water separators, DCA water filters and kits, cold weather starting aids and "Oil Monitor": the oil and engine wear analysis service. Particular attention is being paid to the LF 777 by-pass filter and the Oil Monitor service, both of which were introduced to the line in the last year.

A working model of its fuel!water separator is also on show.

Clayton Dewandre on stand 28 is exhibiting its full range of products: air brake systems and components, full-power hydraulic braking system, heat transfer tubes and exchangers and a range of service requirements. Included in the displays are products from the associate company Wabco, in Europe.

Scale layouts of air brake systems for tractors and semitrailers incororate the latest developments and conform to European regulations. The similar layout for mediumweight commercial vehicles in air hydraulic braking is based on the tandem air hydraulic actuator, exclusive to Clayton Dewandre.

Separate displays for air brake components include the Wabco air dryer, to remove moisture from the air brake system; Wabco automatic slack adjuster; the DB3 and new DB4 dual-brake valves; CD and Wabco air compressor ranges, and auxiliary air equipment for throttle control, clutch operation and door gear systems.

The Wabco anti-lock braking system, for use with air braked vehicles, has been jointly developed with Daimler-Benz, for cv and buses. Equipment shown includes the sensor fitted at each wheel, the electronic control box which receives the signals from the wheels and the pneumatic solenoid valves. The system is explained by a video film unit which runs for approximately nine minutes.

Full-powered hydraulic braking equipment is represented by the system now fitted to the Metro-Cammell Weymann Metrobus. This is the constant pressure type and includes separate pressurised oil storage for the front, rear and parking brake operations. It features a central checking manifold for easy maintenance. For lighter commercial vehicles the dual booster system is available.

Exhausters, or vacuum pumps, are shown, including rotary and diaphragm types with a new small electrically driven version. Dayco Rubber (UK) Ltd is exhibiting its range of saw-edge fan belts.

New on the stand is the Serpentine belt, developed by Dayco to meet the demands of the single multi-accessory (SMAC) driven concept. A full scale working model demonstrates the advantages this "next generation" drive belt has to offer.

The Dayco range covers cornmercial vehicles, buses, cars, agricultural and off-the-road vehicles and plant.

George Fischer Sales Ltd on Stand 66 is showing examples from its range of components; the Trilex wheel system, Monolex disc wheels, fifth-wheel couplings and +GT+ Ellis road tanker security devices.

The Trilex wheel system comprises a hollow spoked hub of which rims for either tubed or • tubeless tyres can be fitted. Lighter than conventional wheels the Trilex wheels reduce unsprung mass increasing the vehicle's pay load.

The spokes provide a positive cooling effect to brakes and tyres, thus extending their

operational life. The demountable rim enables a repair to be

carried out, by one man within minutes, as is demonstrated on the stand.

For operators who prefer disc wheels, the +GF+ Monolex wheel is a single, lightweight, casting in modular iron with great strength and good corrosion resistance. The new Mk II version being exhibited has larger ventilation holes and gives better cooling to wheel and brake components.

John R. Billow Group of Kettering is launching four new products for commmercial vehicles, on Stand 63.

Proven in Scandinavia, the VBG 60 is a general-purpose automatic drawbar coupling for use with dolly convertors, single and close-couple axle trailers and multi-axle trailers.

The VBG 1000 designed for use with standard 50mm (2in) drawbar eyes on dolly converters, single and close-couple axle trailers, and multi-axle trailers differs from the rest of the VBG range of drawbar couplings in that it incorporates an extra heavy-duty swivelling mouth allowing for exceptionally wide drawbar turn angles.

The 100 fifth-wheel slider is a slide mounting with a very lowbuild height and seven adjustment positions. It features a locking system combined with high guide surface areas to give stable control of the slider. A new produce in the UK, the VBG 100 has been operational in Scandinavia for some time.

In anticipation of legal requirements, the John R. Billows Group is introducing the VBG under-run bumper system for most makes of cv with either standard chassis or VBG drawbar system.

Veeder Root is exhibiting its range of electronic products for the first time on Stand 65, This range includes the new electronic tachograph series 21/11 which is controlled by micro processor and offers increased accuracy and reliability. Also included are the Ace series of electronic chart analysers which provide fast, accurate analysis of any make of tachograph chart. The Ace 3 model is linked to a computer on the VR stand.

Other products on show include mechanical tachographs, speed control devices and a range of vehicle instruments including the Hubometer.

Eaton Ltd is on Stand 65 with a heavy-duty highway driveline for high geared vehicles using the new generation of turbocharged engines with capacities of the order of 197kW (240hp).

It is also showing an Eaton!Fuller RT 7209 nine-speed directtop, range-change transmission matched to the latest Eaton 32199 single-reduction fast axle. "This combination avoids the inefficiency of gearing up in the transmission and then down again in the axle," said John Hum, Eaton's technical manager.

Its medium-duty drivelines illustrated on show feature the new Eaton 3305 five-speed synchromesh transmission ratio step options to match turbo engines, coupled to si and two-speed Eaton 16-S axles for economic operati The 3305 transmission, m. can be seen on the stand, signed for medium-we trucks of 10 to 14 tonnes and has a torque capacity c to 450Nm (330Ibft). With ventional shift patterns for d top or overdrive, it is idea drivers who frequently cht "vehicles.

Speedograph Ltd is on Si 314 with a full range of panc style air filters, speedom cables and supplementary struments, together with a c prehensive range of instrumi accessories and increased ra of temperature gauge trans ters.

Speedograph is also disp ing its range of engine analy: and an increased range of tirr lights. Code XTL 80 is the re ence number of a new Xe timing light from SpeedograIt requires no outside pa source, either 12v battery 220/240v mains voltage; al uses are two 1.5v batteries side the body of the unit.

Also new from Speedogra the XTL 201 is a 12v pistol-c style Xenon timing light v trigger action. Incorporatinc high-powered Xenon flash ti and robust electronic circuitr is suitable for use on four, and eight cylinder standard electronic ignition systems. also features a new magni pick up slip for ease of use, is packed in Speedograph's n bright Test 'n' Tune packagi

Ring, a Leeds based Grc supplying components and cessories for nearly every mi of vehicle in more than countries, is lighting up Sta. 332 with its range of more tF 100 types of auto bulbs. Thc bulbs are for all aspects vehicle lighting — side and • lamp, panel and indicato warning lamps, reversir headlights and brake lamps.

Specialist heavy-duty bull manufactured by the Ring Gro include the Alite brand narr are forming part of the displt These bulbs, for commerc vehicles and buses, are fitt with special twin filaments. withstand vibration ar promote longer life. This mig be a good place to find out wi even new lamp bulbs fail. TI driver does not know becau he's in the cab. What about warning light? Ring also sellE e range of sealed beam dlamp units.

lydyot on Stand 330 has that din's cave look. In addition s car and trailer interest Ray hopes to attract cv attention ts range of lamps, mirrors, ice and test-plate holders. er new products are being ounced during the Show.

I addition to its Top Dog ge of disc brake pads, Trist per Ltd is displaying lined

ke shoes, linings, clutch fac3 and clutch parts for corn

rcial vehicles. It also shows exploded model of the Thorlok diaphragm spring ke chambers.

he company says that :horlok brake chambers for vy goods vehicle applica is are increasing in popularity ause fleet owners like the t in which they operate free he three most common probis with piston brake cham s — large surfaces which are lject to wear and expensive lacement, icing up and 0-ring res caused by dirt and water ress.

berspacher (UK) Ltd on nd 296 reminds us that win is now around the corner.

3 company's independent iters "are now used extensi/ for cv cabs, crew cabs, and licles where heat linked

3ugh an engine is not practior economic;" it says. The

ge of units is now available coaches, buses, containers temperature senstitive ight and winterization of Jicles. Two new heaters will featured at the show.

he D3L-3kW unit is purpose igned for larger cabs or crew as or for colder climates are 1.7kW has been considtoo low. The unit is opean approved for in-cab ,unting and Isike all the mspacher Units is fully autotic. The fan can only be used extra summer ventilation. he D12L-12kW air heater is

for coaches and containers. The heater is available in universal form or fully boxed for under chassis mounting. The unit for coaches ensures a warm interior before the start, or during waiting time when half full of passengers or even to support standard systems when under way.

Big J Auto Parts exhibit a range of specialist four-wheeldrive accessories on Stand 310.

They are showing a LandRover which is fully equiPped with the type of equipment that they manufacture, which includes roll-cage, crash bar, rubber flares, specialised seats, uprated suspension, street stabilizer, off road wheels and tyres, headlight stoneguards, and winch. The company is also launching its Bedford CF bull bar.

Belaco Ltd is showing on Stand 325 its complete range of automotive replacement products which include disc brake pads, lined brake shoes, clutch assemblies, fan belts and water pumps.

J W E Banks and Sons have a comprehensive selection of Koni dampers and suspension units on Stand 328. Also included is the new adjustable gas-filled shock absorber range introduced this summer.

As a specialist in auxiliary suspension for towing trailers and caravans, Banks offer several approaches to the problem of heavily laden rear suspensions which would otherwise lead to a tail-down attitude on the towing car, upsetting the ride, handling and headlamp adjustment.

The Koni answer is the Load-a Juster, combining a progressive rate coil spring with a hydraulic damper, to give controlled stiffening of the sus pension as the load is increased. As on regular Koni shock absorbers, an adjustment mecha nism provides for taking up wear. The highlight of the Motorcraft parts on Stand 344 is the new range of Motorcraft Super Copper Core spark plugs. This new British spark plug design, adopted by Ford for its top of the range Cortina 2.3s, Granadas and for the new Ford Escort, can also be used in over 350 other British or imported cars.

Wolfrace on Stand 370 is displaying its new seats for cvs and what seats they appear to be. They come in vinyl and striped fabric in red, blue and orange stripes in fabric finish. Black or brown in vinyl seems a , bit workhousish after that.

It seems that cab luxury knows no bounds. Sable Seats Ltd, of Walsall, manufacturer of suspension seats, is showing on Stand 365 a range of suspension seats for the cv industry. On view is an air suspension seat which adjusts automatically to the driver's height by merely operating an air valve.

The normal Sable seats incorporate the patented "height" adjustment mechanism. Also on view is a combined height and cushion tilt mechanism that gives different positions and can be incorporated into non-suspension seats.

Also of interest to cv people, Sable shows bunk beds specifically designed to fit inter-continental heavy cvs.

Thomas Electronics Ltd promised at least four new products on its stand, No 419 — it has done it.

The Flasholarm SS is a new range of completely solid-state direction indicator hazard flashers for hgv and psv applications which are offered as a direct alternative to the regular range.

The Thermolarm Mk II is a new solid-state engine coolant monitor which alerts the driver by an audible and/or visual warning of excessive engine temperature, caused by loss of water, de

manding immediate attention before engine damage occurs.

Another new product, the Teltester electronic diagnostic equipment, designed for ERF and featured on BBC's Tomorrow's World and Look North West provides detailed and accurate testing of all accessible electrical circuits and instrumentation on hgv and psv to diagnose immediate and imminent faults.

The wiper delay unit is the fourth first-timer which the company claims gives immediate selection of accurately repeatable sweep delay for intermittent wiping.

Another show first is on stand 418 where Chloride manufacture of Exide and Dagenite, is exhibiting for the first time "sealed for life" range of 10 types of batteries covering over 65 per cent of light vehicles under seven years' old. To the user sealed for life means batteries that will need no attention at all throughout their working lives — no topping up, no cleaning of corroded terminals and battery tray. Sealed for life batteries are fitted with Vyonguarcl Venting which makes the batteries immune to external sparks and flames and prevents acid spillage even if the batteries are accidentally knocked over.

Following its appointment as sole UK distributors for the American Crumbliss range of auto-electrical test benches, CAFCO (Automotive Components) Ltd is offering this equipment at special introductory prices during the show month. A selection of machines is displayed on stand No. 447 and continuous demonstrations will be given throughout the whole period of the Show.

The auto.-electric test equipment ranges from small budgetpriced "pre-sales" counter-top testers to sophisticated diagnostic equipment for the major rebuilder and production line.

Comma, on stand 348, features a number of products launched this year.

These include Comma Hyper Clean, a new solvent degreaser developed as an easy-to-use engine cleaner. The exhibit focuses attention on Comma Stop Rust, an all-in-one rust stabiliser and primer; Comma Copper Ease, an anti-sieze compound. A further product to be highlighted is Comma AQF automatic transmission fluid, which has recently been given the Borg Warner seal of approval, says Comma.

Focal point of the Ferodo Ltd Stand No 410 is a specially sectioned vehicle retarder.

A range of mechanical retarders for coaches, public service and commercial vehicles is being marketed by the Mechanical Products Division of Ferodo Ltd. Several current applications of the retarder are shown as part of the back-up visual display.

Another machine making its show debut is Karcher's BTW200 brake-drum/small parts cleaner on Stand No. 427. It is a portable unit which can be used anywhere in the workshop. Water is delivered from the pre-heated water tank to a pump which ensures a constant pressure (variable up to 20 bar/290psi). A short lance gives precise control over the water jet, which takes care of the dangerous asbestos dust. This can be a problem when cleaning brakes.

The BTW200 has an adjustable plastid drainage tray to catch the waste released by the jet. The tray is also used to contain small parts during cleaning and has a special drainage system to avoid the need for frequent emptying. A purpose-designed shield is available to give the operator added protection when cleaning brakes, and there is a chemical injector attachment for the lance.

For the first time in Great Britain the new automatic air suspension seat ISRI 6500/515 is being shown by Isringhausen on Stand 389.

At the Frankfurt show they were shown as standard on MAN and in Amsterdam for the first time DAF had an air suspension seat. The seat with its air suspension, measures the driver's weight and brings him up to the mid-ride position. It also measures the vibrations from the road and meters air in or out. The ISRI 6500/515 is in full production in Europe.

Echlin Ltd is showing a wide selection from its vast range of top quality auto-electrical equipment for British, European and Japanese commercial vehicles.

On Stand 385 can be seen alternators, alternator rotors, armatures, bearings, brackets, brushes, brush boxes, bushes, caps, condensers, contact sets, control boxes, drives, field coils, generators, ignition coils, ignition rotor arms, lead sets, rectifiers, regulators, slip rings, solenoid switches, starter motors and stators.

Also on show is the range of Peerless diagnostic and handheld test equipment for which Echlin is the sole concessionaire in the UK. Equipment on show are analysers, battery load units, battery testers, compression testers, diagnostic testers, dwell tachs, remote starter switches, timing lights, tune-up centres and vacuum gauge testers.

Fost Air Components Ltd, manufacturer and distributor of -truck and trailer components, and Eurohitch UK Ltd, sole distributor of Holland Atlantic Hitch products, is exhibiting for the first time on Stand 404.

Fast Air is exhibiting a selection of its products including air brakes and electrical components, tubing and fittings, chassis and body components and braking equipment.

Eurohitch specialises in the sale of landing legs and fifth-wheels, sliding and elevated types as well as the Kompensator fifthwheel, which is of interest to tanker, transporter and lowloader operators. The air elevated fifth-wheel, operating from the existing tractor air system, gives a choice of elevating heights of 405 and 510mm (16in and 20in) as well as a remote control locking device.

The English and French wings of Celette Churchill share Stand 476 showing their range of mobile and lifting benches and repair equipment. The Churchill Unijig makes its first show appearance for eight years. The company now makes a kit to convert the Unijig to the Celette integral system. This gives Churchill users the opportunity to use the full range of Celette integral brackets. Previously Unijig users were restricted to Churchill brackets which are suitable for British-made cars only.

Engine rebuilders will ,find machinery for practically every purpose on Stand 473, says Tetroc Ltd. Of 17 machines on show, seven are of Tetroc's own design and manufacture, and two are on display for the first time at any exhibition.

Guyson International Ltd, of Otley, West Yorkshire, which has been manufacturing blast cleaning equipment for garage workshop for over 40 years, is launching its new Galaxie blast cleaning cabinet which has been developed to bring genuine Guyson blast cleaning into the smaller workshop.

Electrolux-Euroclean, on Stand 455, is exhibiting several new products. Together they form a comprehensive package of vehicle washing and valeting products.

The 2000psi steam-hot and cold-pressure cleaner, model 2000ECB, incorporates the Electrolux-Euroclean directly coupled displacement pump, and complements the existing 750 and 1000psi models. ackhawk Automotive Ltd is Ning a full range of its pro s on Stand 471. Features are election from Blackhawk's a range of mobile engine les, together with selected Dkhawk transmission and k jacks and wheel dollies. le Snap Porto-Power body le recently introduced by :khawk is an hydraulic body )ir tool range which can be up for bodyshop use more kly than any other system the UK market, according to Dkhawk.

he new Blackhawk P188 Mark !hide body correction system 3 totally independent mea

ng system which will align If to any light commercial icle or car without the need special brackets or adaptors. ed with multi-directional ling and pushing units toher with accessories for horing the vehicle under re., P188 Mark II pull arm can

anchored anywhere 3600 und the mobile base and is vided with a further adjusta element which can be veiled through a full 900.

he scales of the measuring tern have been modified so it measurements can be Iset, thus enabling the erator to first align two nters, rather than seeking reitive confirmation of meaements by referring back to vehicle's data.

llackhawk's latest addition to MIG welding range is the iL 250. This is a 250amp lder, similar in basic speci)tion to the 161amp model, t delivering a higher capacity to suit heavier welding requirements as when working on a chassis or a commercial vehicle.

A feature of the WEL 250 is its automatic controls which enable infinitely variable adjustments to be made, unlike most welders, which have preset control position. This allows the operator much greater flexibility in choosing weld-lengths and pause times.

On Stand 457 the ARO Machinery Company is showing and demonstrating for the first time models which offer additional facilities to extend its range.

For resistance spot-welding there is a new version of the Spotrite adpative control unit, the Spotrite 2041. The Spotrite units are supplied with S169 or S179 lightweight integral transformer guns, to achieve constant spot welds with minimum operator intervention.

On the Spotrite 2040 only one control need be set, for spot size, and weld time is automatically adjusted to take account of changes in weld pitch, welding close to edges, electrode tip wear, rust and scale. The Spotrite 2041 has in addition, controls for phase-shift (heat selection) and time tolerance, which enable manual adjustments to be made to meet any special circumstances outside the scope of the automatic facility. • Brockhouse Harvey Frost Ltd is showing a range of its HF equipment plus a representative selection of its newly acquired Epco range of lifting equipment, on Stand 469.

The exhibits include a completely new device for removing under-floor engines, plus two recently modified pieces of equipment.

The new HF Epco engine removal trolley is the first Britishmade device for removing under-floor engines, together with transmissions, from buses of the Leyland National type. Made of a steel fabricated structure with a trolley base, it has a weight capacity of 1,800kg (4,0001b) and can be wheeled under the vehicle to enable the complete engine to be lowered. The device, carrying the under-floor engine, is then wheeled from under the vehicle to give complete access to the engine for maintenance or repair work.

Ther HF 570kg (1,250Ib) capacity commercial wheel trolley, which is designed for handling heavy and cumbersome commercial wheel assemblies by one man, has been modified recently to give further adjustabil ity. The modifications enable the of portable spot welding guns trolley to cope with wheels with together with a complete range tyres that are badly worn, while of arms and electrodes designed keeping the wheel assemblies specifically for the motor indusupright.

Doyce Electronics have pioneered a major new development with the DE400 remote control tester which is introduced on Stand 495. The unit is a petrol engine tester with oscilloscope and digital display of results.

Other new models in the series include the DE404 infra-red and hydrocarbon exhaust gas analyser, available with or without printer, and the DE406 portable diesel tester. The latter is capable of mains or battery operation, enabling it to be used in the cab for mobile work.

Features include continuous display of speed and pump timing while input is available for a monolithic timing transducer, enabling readings to be taken without the use of a stroboscopic gun. Offset is available so that reading can be taken from TDC regardless of the position of the monolithic pickup.

Two wheel-alignment systems have been introduced to the Repco Automotive Equipment range on Stand 467, one computerised and another incorporating a proven optical technique. The Repco FMC series of brake disc and drum lathes — including combined disc and drum units — has also proved extremely popular.

Now Repco is entering the field of crash repair equipment with the UB-2000 bench, a unit with many features contributing to ease, speed and safety in operation. The UB-2000 enables jigging to be carried out at a convenient height on a wide variety of popular makes of car and light commercial vehicles.

CompAir is exhibiting a comprehensive range of small capacity compressors, associated airline fittings and spray equipment on Stand 482.

The full range of compressors, which comprises both stationary and portable units, is designed to provide reliable supplies of compressed air for all automotive applications.

SIP (Industrial Products) Ltd is exhibiting on Stand 488 a selection of products which include a range of portable and wheel-mounted arc welders up to 225amps, available with builtin battery chargers.

The MIG welding equipment on display is highlighted by the versatile Migmatic 160 which is suited for body repair. The company is also showing a number New at the Show on Stand 464 is SSI's Regal 2000A extension shelving system; System 80, a new generation of plastic containers; and the Kardex Industriever, a pushbutton-controlled automatic storage and retrieval system. In addition, SSI is exhibiting a complete van storage kit of the type fitted to Lansing Bagnall's fleet of 500 service vans.

Dixon-Bate is launching a new universal lifting frame for vehicle recovery on Stand 480.

The new device to speed the recovery of disabled vehicles — a universal lifting frame is shown for the first time.

The universal lifting frame has been tested by vehicle recovery specialists. It is already standard equipment of Automobile Association Relay Rescue units. Dixon-Bate say the frame is quick and easy to attach to cars and light commercials, and the use of separate spreaders, chains and slings is obviated.

Also on show is the DB Tucka,way-R 11/2-tonne capacity folding vehicle recovery crane. It can be mounted on many vans and cv, and with under-floor location it allows platform cv to be used for general work. The hydraulic hand-control is on the nearside for convenience and safety.

Lake & Elliot Jacks and Equipment Ltd on Stand 456, is showing for the first time a new twinram hydraulic jacking beam with a capacity of 12 tonnes.

Other equipment on show includes the Mastiff M range of under-axle bottle jacks. All have screw extensions and some are telescopic giving an extremely wide choice of closed height and lift, with capacities from 5 to 35 tonnes. A new model with a 6tonne capacity has a closed height of only 171mm (6.7in).

The Mogul MO range contains 13 bottle jacks designed to lift anything from 2 to 35 tonnes. The heavy-duty Trojan TJ range of commercial hydraulic trolley jacks goes up to 20 tonnes capacity. Also available is the Ton-Up range of three lightweight trolley jacks up to 1,300kg (25cwt).