ROAD AND WORKSHOP by HANDYMAN
Page 50
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The G1V.9—Split Mudwings
It-7 we could forget the problems of unladen weight a number of our maintenance headaches would disappear. There is no doubt that the.split mudwing heads the list. The light gauge of the modern wing does nothing to assist the haulier at this time—and with a fleet of any size mudwing repair can be a round-the-clock exercise. However, I must agree with the vehicle examiner that a split mudwing is much more than just an eyesore—it is a real danger and can injure severely.
I have on record a case where a fitter lost 21 weeks' work through a thigh injury from a split front wing. The cut he sustained was small but the septic aftermath was a really serious business. All too often a cracked wing is in evidence and is left at that, pending the attention of a welder as and when this can be arranged.
It is quite clear that few people think of an alternative to the welding plant. This is a form of one-track-mindedness that is producing a vast crop of G.V.9s at this time, yet there is a cheap and quite well-known tool that can tackle any form of wing trouble in minutes—and it requires little skill to use. I refer, of course, to the " pop " riveter. Most people are familiar with the tool and large workshops find it indispensable for van and cab work and also for preparing repairs of 'Plastics panels. Yet I know several small but busy hauliers who consider it little more than a body shop luxury and, so far, do not appear to have
connected it with the wing repair problem.
With this tool and a small assortment of suitable rivets, no operator need fear the G.V.9 for dangerous wings. Sheet metal can be quickly shaped and clamped below the damaged area. After closing the gap a drill pushed through a few times followed by the riveter—and the job is done. No particular skill is needed, and the cost is only a few pence.
Front wings suffer from heavy boots when climbing in and additional strips of tread plate " popped " on provide a quick and strong answer to this problem. Again, with the modern front scuttle or dash assemblies, metal sections loosen off, or are damaged, and time can he wasted in stripping out other sections to rebolt or weld the weak area. Here the real value of the tool is evident_ If a drill can reach in to make a hole, so can the " pop " riveter and make a secure and lasting repair in minutes.
Supply is at times a bit difficult, but anyone interested should get in touch with George Tucker, Eyelet Co. Ltd., Walsall Road, Birmingham. The type is known as the Lazy Tong and the last invoice I had for the tool was /6 10s.