Answers to Queries.
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Whore a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specs-ally made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners ; these we never supply. Our advertisement
columns are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the purposes of trade.
A Typical Letter of Thanks.
From Sir James Scott and Co., Tayport Engine Works, Tayport :— "Your letter duly received. On behalf of the firm allow me in their name to thank you for your courtesy and kindness in replying to our inquiry with such promptness. We will follow the matter up and put ourselves in communication with the parties mentioned by you."
How Can I Secure Business from
the Greek Government ?
[2171] (Kingsway).—The best method by which you can obtain news of the intentions of the Greek Government with regard to establishing motorbus and motorvan services in Greece, is to get into touch with the Greek Legation, 14, De Vere Gardens, W., who will advise you.
For a Baker.
[2172] (Northerner).-A motorvan is quite suitable for the conveyance of bread, cakes, etc. The man should perfectly well be able to keep free from any smell, and the contents of the van should not become scented or tainted. Assuming that your load did not exceed five cwt., you would do well to buy any good parcelcar. The cost of petrol and tires for 110 miles would be not more than 13s. We advise you to purchase the vehicle complete.
Is a Method of Fixing Band.tires Without a Press of Any Commercial Value?
[2173] (Beeston).—You state that you are very tired of using a tire press and that you have invented a system of fixing solid van tires without the use of this accessory. The best advice we can give you is that you should place the matter of fixing the tires by means of bolts and cement before a reputable patent agent, who would conduct a thorough research into the matter, and would advise you as to whether the process contains sufficient subject matter for a patent to be granted in respect of it.
Would It Pay Me to Displace My Horses by Up-to-date Commercial Motors?
[2174] (Tadcaster).—As your work consists of delivering goods and collecting money in the surrounding villages to your town with the help of two horsedrawn vans and two travellers, there is no question but that the use of a light motor delivery van would pay you handsomely. We should advise you to purchase one of 15 cwt. capacity, as, although your load at present varies between 8 to 10 cwt., it will probably increase in the near future owing to the advantages offered to customers by the motorvan. You would be well advised to have solid rubber tires on the back wheels ; if you desire it, pneumatics can be fitted to the front. We have already sent to you a list of makers who manufacture machines suitable for your requirements. The working cost for running such a van should not exceed 4d. per mile, including all charges. In regard to your insurance, you should write to the Car and General Insurance Corporation, Ltd., 53, "Yorkshire Post" Chambers, Leeds, which is the nearest branch of this company to where you are situated.
D6 Can I Use Fillings in the Tires of my Light Motorvan?
[2175) (Waltham Abbey).—We have no experience of the filling which you name. Many of these fillings have in past years proved either to crystallize, to liquefy on heating, or to develop " flats " when standing under load. The address for which you inquire is : Pragma Tyre Filling Co,, Derby. The manufacturers may be able to satisfy you with testimonials.
Can I Arrange for Maintenance of a Van?
[2176] (Coventry).—You will find little difficu.ty in obtaining a modern motorvan of 2-ton capacity which would cover 60 miles per day, making 300 calls per week, at an inclusive cost of 70. per mile. You would find, however, that the use of motors generally leads to an increase in the net weight carried per journey, and so we should advise you to purchase a three-tonner, which could be operated at an inclusive cost of Od. per mile. You may be able to arrange with the Daimler Co., Ltd., to maintain a machine on contract for you, especially as you are resident in Coventry. This would be altogether a special case, however, and the practice is exceptional out of London.
Can you Recommend Me to the Makers of a Reliable Parcelcar ? [2177] (Uxbridge).—For your work, which means covering 20 miles per day, making during that period 30 calls, and carrying a load of 150 lb., you will have no difficulty in obtaining a suitable parcelcar. Such a machine can be adapted to carry two men, together with a reasonable amount of luggage, although the space usually fitted for this latter purpose would be insufficient to accommodate a grandfather's clock. You would, however, be able to carry many clocks, watches, small repairing tools, and so forth. Your estimate of 2150 for a new machine of this type is quite reasonable ; in point of fact we have forwarded to you a list of makers who would be prepared to supply you with a parcelcar for a sum not exceeding £110. The running costs of such a machine are naturally very low—not more than lid per mile for fuel, tires and lubricants.