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Sitting in front of an open fire in the wood stove, with a mystery show on TV, our cat "Squeaker" resting on the arm of my recliner chair, a hot cup of coffee and wearing my warm robe sets the stage for a perfect, comfortable relaxing evening. I am thumbing through some "Automobile Digests," that were written in the years 1939-40 & 42, which were published monthly in Cincinnati, Ohio for a yearly subscription of $2.00. These are from the collection of Mary's father, Stanley Lickfold, who was a mechanic in the 40's, and a "Ford" man. I will share some of the topics that catch my attention, and these will hopefully amuse and/or inform you about things you have long forgotten from the generation of the cars that you now prize in your vintage car collections.
l. The Permatex Company has been in business since 1909.
2. "Globe Rock-A-Car," is a device that gently rocks a car up and down 5 to 25 times a minute while being lubricated on a car hoist. The claim is that, "this forces lubricants to penetrate through springs, shackles, king pins and other points not thoroughly reached by ordinary methods.
3. "No Rol," a device for 1937-38 cars and trucks. It operates automatically whenever the vehicle is stopped on an incline. An automatic check retains the hydraulic brake pressure developed when the brakes are applied. The pressure keeps the brake "set" as long as the clutch pedal is depressed. When ready to start the car, the driver does not have to bother with the brake pedal and can use the right foot to accelerate the car.
4. In 1940 the owner of a "Motor Court," which we now call a Motel, says, "Gas pumps in the tourist court are very necessary to the patrons. Very often at night regular filling stations close up before midnight. Few open before 6:00 AM when a lot of motorists leave. Any camp with more than 20 cabins should have a gas station."
5. Although the greatest majority of Chevrolets with a jumpy clutch are due to rear spring shackles being loose, there are quite a few caused by rear motor supports coming loose.
6. According to the 1940 Chevrolet mechanics shop manual, a thermometer should be used to check the oil temperature before the tappets are adjusted. They should not be spaced until a constant
operating temperature is shown to be the same for five minutes. So now you fellows must purchase fever thermometers for your Chevy customers--and we're looking forward to purchasing a scalpel and stethoscope just as soon as the factory engineers find a place to use them.
7. The 1942 issue of "Automobile Digest," is filled with the nations war effort for "World War II," and emphasizing gasoline rationing, tire conservation, and how to save anti-freeze. Auto mechanics rapidly
became airplane mechanics, and many other national efforts were put into place in order to win and bring the war to an end.
Well I'm kinda gettin tired, so I'll just say, "Good Night," and…….
I'll see you in the Relay, Jerry
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