.FORD VAN POINTERS.
Page 25
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By R. T. Nicholson (Author of "The Book of the Ford ").
DRIVERS of the new model are quite likely to get puzzled by the different types of -electric . lighting bulbs called for by the 'different lighting systems that have been adopted.
382.—A Few Little Lighting Points.
You will remember that the first-new models were fitted with two bulbs in each of the headlights. One headlight bulb was "bright," the other"dim." Those bulbs (when you want to buy ,spares) should be described as single-contact bulbs, 6-8 volt. The `• bright.," bulbs are 17 candle-power, the " dim" bulbs are 2 candle-power. • The tail light is 8-8 volt, 2 candle-power. . Next came headlamps with a single central bulb Fitted in each. This bulb, ehowever; Curtained two filaments—a " bright " filament and a " dim " one. Either would light, accordingly.as. the switch was 5et to " bright" or " dim." The bulbs used are still 6-8 volt bulbs, but the :•andle-power of the filaments was either 17 or 2, tccording as. " bright" or "dim " lighting was ;witched on. These bulbs are also really single-• mntact bulbs, though they look like double-contact 3ulbs; indeed, they look almost exactly like the 3ulbs used on the old model with magneto lighting. En point of fact, however, the two contacts that you ;se on the back of the bulbs, and atthe front end if the connectors, are independent contacts—one for ' bright," one for " In either case, the urrent " earths " after passing through one of the ilaments • there is no way from one contact to the Ater. ('See sketch.) In using these bulbs, you must be careful to have he connectors the rightsway tip, or you will get ' bright " lighting when you switch on "dim," and Tice versa.
For this second form of lighting, ask, for singleontact double-filament bulbs.
The bulbs for the third (and present) style of lightig are exactly like those at first used, except that hey are frosted, instead of clear. You can still use lear bulbs if you want to get all the light possible -though it is kind to temper the glare. The bulbs in the second form were also frosted. • The tail light bulb has remained the same throughut.
The third form of lighting is really exactly like the rat, except that the "dim." bulbs are transferred ) the side lamps. Armoured wiring is used for the new side lamps, as is necessary, because the wire passes under the mudguards and is there exposed to wet and slush.
383.—The Colour Scheme of the 'Wiring.
It is not often that I grumble, about the Ford equipment, but I must grumble a bit about the colouring of the wires in many of the new model Fords. Those colourings are officially described as black, yellow', green, red, brown, grey. I humbly suggest that the colours in most eases ought to be far more distinct. 'The black is, of eaurs,e, recognizable, and the green and the red leave us in nodoubt; but the grey, brown, and yellow are all much about the same colour—especially after Grime haslaisPhis pawsnpon them. Sin-ely it would be quite possible to give us unmistakable colours for these sections of the wiring, since it is often of the utmost importance that we should be able to trace right through.
One point I do not like is the new speckled colouring for the timer wires. They are very distinct ; you cannot help recognizing them—even in a poor light.
384.—Skotch 'Shorts.
I wonder—do you drivers of new models ever take a look round your wiring—particularly the thick miring—to see if the insulation is sound? It is very important that it should bei so, because, if the in • ternal wire gets into. touch with any conductor, not only may you get the battery run down, but you may —onthe bare chance—get the whole show afire. The thick wire leadingfrom the positive pole of the battery towards the foot-switch ought to be beyond suspicion—and I have examined a good many Fords which showed signissof due, or overdue, trouble. That length of wiring between battery and footswitch is. the most important of the, lot,so far as con,c6rnS insulation. If you 'get a short there, it is some short—my word! You get enough rush of current to start the engine, if turned through the starter via the foot-switch; and as it has no' proper outlet as it would have through the starter, it becomes .heat,. and heat may become fire.
When in doubt about that wire: bind up the wounds with several thicknesses of insulating tape. If in emergency, and there is no insulating tape about, use any clean rubber, or dry paper, or clean, dry rag. Do 'not let the short go on.