More New Hints

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 586, 12 February 1929, Page 6

More New Hints

“The Care of the Car' r For Quick Jacking-up Much time can be saved when jacking up a car if the wheel brace be utilised for winding the jack handle. The latter should, of course. be adapted to such use by having a short bolt, the head of which is the same size and shape as the nuts securing the wheels, and screwing it into the jack handle, riveting its end over so that it does not work out when unwinding the jack, which can then be fully raised or lowered in the minimum of Cleaning Nickel-Plate A good preparation for cleaning nickel-plated fittings can be made up by mixing two ounces of plate powder with two large teaspoonfuls of water and adding a few drops of methylated spirits. The mixture is rubbed on with a soft rag and allowed to dry, after which a semi-polish is given with another rag, and a chamois leather used for the finishing touches. • This compound has the advantage that it will not wear away the thin coating of nickel-plate used so often by the makers of low-priced cars. Don’t Blame the Steering Some experiences have shown that erratic steering should not always be attributed to badly designed or faultysteering gear. Points that should be examined are the tracking of the wheels, the spring setting and, finally, the tyres themselves. In one case it was definitely found that the weak walls of the front covers combined with smooth treads caused the car to stray- from a direct path in a rather alarming manner. The fitting of a new set of tyres completely overcame all the trouble previously experienced. Bulbs Contacts Intermittent contact at the bulbholder is the most frequent cause of rear lamps flickering. This trouble is particularly liable to be caused with single-contact bulbs, for the spring pressure of the one contact may not be sufficient to prevent the bulb from moving. A cure can also be effected by slipping a very short length of rubber tubing over the socket and partly over the bulb. This will positively prevent “wobbling” of the bulo m its socket, and consequently faulty contact.

SEGRAVE’S OPPONENT

SIMULTANEOUS RACE WANTED Latest reports concerning Major Segrave’s forthcoming attempt tc establish a new world's speed record make the event look more Interesting than ever. It is intimated that Segrave may have an immediate rival in the person of Ralph De Palma, the former American speed king who —it is stated —is trying to induce the American Racing Board to lay out two courses so that he and Segrave may make a race of it, but it is considered very doubtful if the Racing Board will sanction such a contest in view of the risks involved. However, it shows that the American speed men are keenly interested in the coming of Major Segrave and his “Golden Arrow” to their shores to endeavour to regain the world’s automobile speed record for England. That they have been busy in preparing to defend the attack is shown by the fact that Ray Keech’s car, which now holds the record, has been fitted with three new Liberty aero engines and further reconstructed, and will be driven by De Palma. The contest for this much coveted record, between Segrave, Campbell and the American should make interesting reading soon.

LADIES’ MOTOR CYCLE CLUB

FULL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES The Ladies’ Progressive Motor-cycle Club held a picnic at Manukau Beach Estate on Sunday last. The run out was most enjoyable, there being quite a few solo and side-car outfits. This club has been in existence for nearly 12 months now, and has a lair membership roll, but is desirous of adding to its numbers. It is the club’s intention to put on social and novelty runs during the summer months. During the winter they will continue to hold their monthly dances. Any lady desiring to join the above club can obtain full information and particulars from the secretary. Miss V. L. Matthews, 15 Oaklands Road, Mt. Eden.