Motoring through time

Motor, Sep 2003

100 Years Ago: September 1908

The commercial and business uses of motor vehicles are being explored. MoToR issues a special edition covering all aspects of the business, agricultural and governmental applications of motor vehicles. Motor wagons, both electric and gasoline-propelled, are being put to work to haul the goods of a nation. Motor vehicles can haul more weight, without resting and for longer periods of time, than "Old Dobbin," and don't present the cleanup problems. The article "Why Do We Tolerate Horses" states, "For many reasons, both sanitary and humane, 'Man's Friend' should be barred from the streets of our cities."

50 Years Ago: September 1953

The automobile industry changeover from the present 6-volt electrical system to a more powerful 12-volt system is debated at a special meeting of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Some of the experts claim that 12 volts are needed to improve engine ignition performance, run the vehicle's accessories and convenience features and provide better lighting. Those opposed point out the increased cost of wiring, insulation, switches, gauges and shorter bulb life as negative factors. With no general consensus among the top automakers, MOTOR says it may be years before the change to 12-volt systems is made.

90 Years Ago: September 1912

An early form of internal combustion/electric hybrid vehicle is introduced in the 1913 Rambler Cross Country. The manufacturer, Thomas B. Jeffery Company, says the car's 38-hp 4-cylinder engine is combined with an 8-hp electric motor so there's no need for a separate generator. Pressing a button starts the motor, which operates at 200 rpm for as long as needed until the engine ignites. When the engine starts, the motor then becomes a generator to charge the battery at 30 amps. The current used for starting is replenished within two minutes after the vehicle reaches a speed of 10 mph.

40 Years Ago: September 1968

There are now more than 100 million vehicles on U.S. roads, driving more than a trillion miles per year. To help repair shops get their share of the service market, MOTOR publishes a special 16-page section titled "Promotions for Profit." It features ways to set up and conduct various types of promotions designed to pull in more customers and increase the size of repair tickets. The eight areas covered are Direct Mail, Radio, Newspapers, Premiums, Point of Purchase, Telephone, Billboards and Personal Selling. Each article is written by an expert in the field and contains practical tips, step-by-step examples and success stories.

80 Years Ago: September 1921

Touring and camping by automobile has prompted cities and states to build better roads to attract commerce and tourism. "Getting Good Roads" tells how some states are using tax revenues and bond issues to finance new roadways. "Westward Ho!" is a journal by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., of his trek from New York to Seattle in 154 hours of driving time. He claims that newer roadways could allow a future driver to beat his astounding time. Auto camping gives even famous persons access to the wilderness: A photograph shows Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone in camp with U.S. President Warren G. Harding.

30 Years Ago: September 1972

Editor J. Robert Connor says in his editorial, "The solution to diagnosing service problems seemingly lies with computers that will take standardized plug-in diagnostic equipment, plus total interchangeability of equipment. If we don't standardize, we'll have serious problems in the years ahead." He points out that GM is testing an experimental on-board diagnostic system called Delta 111, in a Vega, which "continually monitors brakes, shock absorbers, tires and steering to warn the driver of existing or impending failure....How much standardization will be realized and in what direction it will go," Connor adds, "only time-and perhaps the government-will tell."

70 Years Ago: September 1938

An article in this issue titled "How to Adjust Clutches on All 1938 Cars" describes the proper methods for servicing the new vehicles. Several more pages of engine, body and component specifications for the new cars and light trucks can be combined and used with MoToR's recently published Factory Shop Manual. The 448-page book contains "All the Really Vital Repair Data Found in Every Shop Manual Every Factory Has Put Out Since 1930"-all for $4.

Today, MOTOR publishes an entire series of repair manuals, which are supported by many other books and electronic databases.

20 Years Ago: September 1987

MOTOR takes a look at some recently introduced inexpensive tools, products and pieces of equipment that can help technicians do their job easier and in less time. "Five and Dime" features several "low-tech" items spotted at recent automotive expositions. Among them are thread sealer in a gel form that won't drip off bolts, an exhaust manifold clamp to avoid breaking off studs and a tool for removing plastic "Christmas tree" clips without breaking them. Other featured items include Torx socket bits for GM vehicles, a gas pedal positioner for use during engine adjustment and testing work and a low-cost valve seat repair kit.