Automobile Repairing Made Easy, Shop Methods, Equipment, Processes

Copyrighted 1917 and 1916, by

THE NORMAN W. HENLEY PUBLISHING COMPANY

THIRD IMPRESSION

NOTE.-All illustrations in this book have
been specially made by the publishers, and their
use without permission is strictly prohibited.

Printed in the U. S. A.

PRESS OF
BRAUNWORTH & CO.
BOOK MANUFACTURERS

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

MAY 22 1918
TO

6452810

PREFACE

THE rapid growth of the automobile industry has resulted in a arked increase in the number of automobile repair shops and, as e sale of cars augments yearly, the demand for mechanics skilled the art of caring for, adjusting and repairing automobiles will ontinue to grow in proportion. Then again, many cars are purhased by people in moderate circumstances or others remote from epair shops who desire to make their own adjustments and minor repairs. Many excellent mechanics in other lines have felt that the automobile business offered opportunities, but were unable to avail themselves of them because of lack of knowledge of motor car construction.

The writer obtained much practical knowledge of automobile mechanism first hand as a repairman in the earlier days of the automobile industry and often felt the lack of definite, scientific instructions for doing various classes of work in a practical manner. When one considers that the modern automobile is a complex assembly of many different groups, it is not difficult to understand why an excellent machinist, for instance, may be unable to repair a starting and lighting system because of lack of electrical knowledge, or why the electrician, to whom this work is not difficult, may be unable to refit bearings or time a motor valve system. The practical. all-around automobile repairman must not only understand machine work and metal-working tools of all kinds, but must also possess some of the knowledge of the electrician, plumber, wood-worker, rubber-worker, tinsmith and blacksmith.

It is the purpose of the writer to outline the essentials of automobile repairing in a way that will be understood by all with ordinary mechanical ability. Much of the material will prove of equal value to the chauffeur, owner and general mechanic. The writer has been collecting notes and sketches for this treatise for over eleven years and has had an exceptional opportunity to sup

plement the practical knowledge obtained as a repairman by a careful observation of the experiences of others.

With the object of outlining the entire subject, the various items of equipment, tools and special appliances to facilitate repair work are covered fully and a concise review of the various mechanical processes, such as autogenous welding, brazing, soldering, etc., is given as well. Many Tables and Formulæ are included pertaining to things the repairman should know or have available for ready reference. Special attention has been given to the electrical system, because it is on this point that many repairmen and motorists desire enlightenment. It is assumed that the reader is familiar to a certain extent with automobile construction in general. If information is wanted on points of design, etc., the reader is referred to "The Modern Gasoline Automobile," a previous work of the writer.

As many establishments are being started from time to time to care for the increasing number of motor vehicles sold, some suggestions for planning and equipping various sized shops should be timely and of value to those intending to start such an enterprise. There are many conditions to be considered, and no hard or fast rule can be made to cover all contingencies. The equipment needed to do work in a most satisfactory manner will vary with the size of the shop and character of cars repaired. The writer will confine this discussion to useful suggestions that can be applied specifically to the machine or other shop that specializes in repair work.

Most of those outlined have no facilities for doing a garage or storage business, but the plans may be modified and applied to shops operated in connection with a garage or agency for cars as well. While the equipment proposed is most comprehensive in the case of the larger establishment and sufficient to build all parts of a motor car if necessary, the facilities may be increased or reduced as the capacity of the shop requires. In planning a new shop or enlarging a business, some of these suggestions may be of value, and it is well to note that proposals made for tools or equipment and floor plans described are based on actual experience of successful shops. THE AUTHOR.

February, 1918.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP

Requirements of Buildings Utilized-Lighting Methods-Heating and

Ventilation Arrangement of Departments-How Raw and Fin-

ished Stock Is Stored-Planning Small Shop-Arrangement of

Medium Sized Shop-Typical Large Service Stations-Assembling

Room Equipment-Bench Construction-Bench Furniture-Assem-

bling Room Furniture-Pit Construction-Turn Tables-Lifting

and Moving Appliances-Machinery Equipment for Small Shops-

Equipment for Complete Machine Shop-Power for the Shop-