THE DERELICTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 34, 3 May 1927, Page 10

THE DERELICTS

WHERE ARE THEY? WORKING UNDER NEW PAINT “I wonder where they go,, is often enough asked of the many old cars and the answer is not so easy. The question is nearly as simple as its prototype, “Where do the flies go in winter-time.” However a very large number of the old vehicles can be accounted for by the dealers, many of whom, at this time of the year, sell a considerable number of them, subject to all faults, and not guaranteed to do anything—now or hereafter. They sell them cheaply, and are pleased to see the last of them. And why and wherefore? Well they go into little sheds all over the city and suburbs, and the new owners are usually men who know quite a lot about motor cars and their engines. They look round at this time of the year, when the derelicts are stacking up and get them for as little as possible. Often somewhere about £2O to £25 completes the payment. Their days of usefulness are by no means as nearing completion as appears. Usually the first thing that happens under the new ownership is a general dismantling. This follows with a complete inspection, tightening up bearings, big ends, new parts, cleaning, and then rebuilding, a thorough clearing up of the under carriage, and a new coat of paint all over, sometimes with a bit of remodelling thrown in. IN THE SPRINGTIME Next spring fifty per cent of them will be on the market again—and selling—at . two of three times the money they are bringing now. Many of them will be good value too. The other fifty per cent will become the family chariot of the present buyer, a fairly presentable vehicle at about £SO, and one that has probably several years more of life. Quite a number of the old cars are also bought up by the would-be motorboat fraternity, the engines being taken out, any spare parts being sold to the dealers, and the remainder towed to the dumps. It is culculated that there are several hundred old cars lying in back yards or sheds in Auckland that will never see the road again. Paving For It Parisian motorists who splash pedestrians with mud, are now liable to a fine. Spot cash, so to speak. In lubricating car do not overlook front engine support, as it acts as a hinge when car is going over rough road.