Many suitable letters are unavoidably held over. We are unable
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to award the 10s. special prize owing to an inability to include sufficient contributions this week.
Under or Over-type Machines.
[1191] " H.J." (Pimlico) writes :—" I enclose photographs showing two machines which I have driven a distance of 15,000 miles in all. They are both 'Brushes,' and are of t he 35-40 ' C.' bonneted, and 35-40 B.' undertype respectively. I think the 'B.' undertype is far and away better than the other, which has many disadvantages, in my opinion. The steering is heavy, rain creeps through the footboards and leads to ignition troubles, the engine always looks dirty, and when it is necessary to get to the gearbox or to the axle for repairs, the cramped position in which the work has to be carried out is very inconvenient.
"The engines, however, of both the models are splendid at their work. I have never been stuck up on a hill since I first drove them. On the bonneted machines, the component parts are wholly accessible, and it is possible for a driver to take a pride in the cleanly appearance of the engine. The bonneted car in the photograph is over five years old, and is still doing good work. "1 am now driving a machine of more modern make. The experience gained on the 'Brushes will, I hope, help to put me amongst the prizewinners at the next C.M.U.A. parade."
Renovating the Springs.
[n921 "T.B." (Dartford) writes :—" I send you the following hint which I trust may find a place in your
pages. It is really very simple, but when carried out it goes a long way towards lengthening the life of a chassis, and it also gives more comfort to the driver. Most of us know that after a few months use almost every make of van loses a certain amount of resiliency on the road, and, instead of riding lightly over potholes, it drops into them with a deadly sort of crash. This state of things means, if continued, the ultimate destruction of the best chassis ever made.
" The trouble is very largely due to the springs becoming dead. Although the pins and shackles may be well lubricated, the leaves rust up, owing to water finding its way between the pieces. When in this con dition the spring has little more effect than it would have were it solid. I have not yet come across any make of van which has provision made for greasing between the leaves of the springs. This is important enough to merit special consideration from manufacturers.
"It is a good dodge to jack up the chassis off the springs, so that there is no weight upon them, and then to drive a chisel-shaped wedge between each of the leaves. While the wedge is still in position a layer of grease should be laid in the opening, and should be Well rubbed into the rust. When this has been done the vehicle will ride like a new machine. Perhaps drivers will take the hint now and prepare for the coming wet and rainy weather by seeing to rusted springs in this way. The trouble taken will be repaid in full during the winter.