Fig. 2.—Side View of Chalmers Light Six Touring Chassis, Showing Simplicity of Motor Cars of Latest Design. mobile. The purpose of the front axle is not unlike that of a horse drawn vehicle, but it is much different in construction. The wheels are installed on movable spindles, or steering knuckles, which are supported by yokes permitting one to move the wheels for steering rather than turning the entire axle on a fifth wheel, or jack-bolt arrangement, as in a horse drawn vehicle. This axle is attached to the frame by spring members which allow a certain degree of movement without producing a corresponding motion of the frame. The radiator, which is placed directly over the axle in front of the motor, is employed to hold the water used in keeping the engine cool and is an important part of the heatradiating system. The starting handle is a crank by which the motor crank shaft is given sufficient initial movement by the operator to carry the engine parts through one or more portions of the cycle of operations, this starting the engine. Nearly all cars now have electrical starting means except the Ford. The tiebar joins the arms of the steering spindles on which the wheels revolve, and insures that these will swing together and in the same direction, either to the right or left. The steering link, often called the "drag link," connects one of the steering knuckles of the front axle with the steering gear. The motor may be one of the many forms to be described and one of many distinct types. The dash is a wooden or metal partition placed back of the power plant to separate the engine from the seating compartment. It is often employed to support some of the auxiliary apparatus necessary to motor action or some of the control elements. The clutch is a device operated by a pedal, which permits the motor power to be coupled to the gearset and from thence to the driving wheels, or interrupted at the will of the operator. It is used in starting and stopping the car and whenever the change speed gears are shifted. The accelerator is a small pedal which actuates a valve on the gas supply device to permit more explosive mixture being fed to the engine when it is desired to increase the motor speed. Its function is comparable to that of the throttle of a steam engine. The pedals are foot-operated levers; one of which releases the clutch, the other applies the service brakes. The motor control levers on the steering column ས are used in conjunction with the accelerator to vary the rotative speed of the motor and thus regulate the energy produced in proportion to the work to be performed. The emergency brake lever applies a powerful braking effect when it is desired to stop the car quickly and also when one wishes to lock the brakes if the car movement is arrested on a down grade. The change-speed lever operates the sliding gearing, which is utilized to produce varying ratios of velocity between the engine shaft and the rear wheel. The steering wheel actuates the mechanism which moves the wheels to the right or left when one wishes to describe the circle, turn a corner, or otherwise deviate from a straight line. The change speed gear is one of the most important elements of the power transmission system and in connection with the clutch it is much used in operating and controlling the vehicle. The function of the frame has been previously described. The exhaust pipe is employed to convey the inert gases discharged from the motor cylinders to a device known as the muffler, which is designed to reduce the exhaust gas pressure by augmenting the volume and thus diminish the noise made as it issues to the atmosphere. The driving shaft transmits power from the change. speed gearset to the bevel gearing in the rear axle. A universal joint is a positive connection which permits a certain degree of movement between two shafts which must be driven at the same speed. One or the other, or both, may move in a lateral or ver tical plane to a limited extent without interrupting the drive or cramping the transmission parts. Some cars have one, most 1917 models have two. The power transmitted by the universally jointed propeller shaft goes to a differential mechanism and driving gearing in the rear axle from which shafts deliver the energy to the trac tion wheels. All parts are supported by or attached to the frame, made of pressed steel with suitable side members and cross braces held together by rivets. The frame carries springs yielding members which allow movement of the frame with spect to the axles. The rear wheels are invariably provided h brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop, these being easily 'Peated by the driver. The storage battery carries the current |