The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-11-06
The Care of Carriages.

The editor of the Wagon Maker In
recent interview with prominent Chicago
carriage builder gained the following in
formation relative to the care of all painted
vehicles.
The Jehu's Decalogue or Ten Command
ments, as he terms his ten "Don'ts" runs
as follows:
I. Don't forget that the preservation OF
the colors of painting and lining of car
riage depends in great measure upon the
way in which it is housed. The barn
should be airy and dry, with moderate
admission of light, otherwise the colors Will
be affected. Do not let the vehicle be
rolled near brick wall, as the dampness
of the wall will fade the colors and destroy
the varnish. Direct sunlight should not
strike upon it through the windows, which
should therefore be curtained or otherwise
screened. The coach house should not be
connected with the stable or next the manure
nit. since the ammonia fumes rising from
the stalings will do more to crack and ruin
varnish, and ruin colors of paint and lining,
than all other causes put together.
9. Don't be in too great hurry to use
YOUR vehicle when you have it delivered
either at first or after it has been revarnish.
The change of temperature from the factory
IL y65F 65Fues4sSh house may-especially II
you have been in ffa45 e gaE possession
Of it-affect the varnish. Let it sSassA
unused for some few days, washing it with
cold water, drying off carefully, and letting
If stand in the shade where cold air will
circulate freely. This will insure the
hardening and brilliancy of the varnish.
3. Don't use the same sponge and cha
mois leather for washing the panels and
under parts and wheels of carriage.
When washing a carriage, keep it out Of the
sun. Take care not to wet the Innings, if
cleaning off with hose. For washing the
body panels use large, soft sponge, well
saturated, which squeeze over the panels, so
that the dirt will flow off with the water as
it runs down. Use second sponge for the
underparts and wheels, and carefully dry
each part with its special chamois.
4. Don't allow mud to dry on new or
newly vanished carriage; spots and stains
will be the invariable result if you do.
5. Don't use spoke brush for cleaning
the wheels and under parts of vehicles,
even when you are tolerably confident that
all mud has been removed. If any grit is
left ON either wheel or brush, it will scratch
off the varnish and spoil the gloss as badly
as if sandpaper had been used to do the
work.
6. Don't allow water to dry of itss
vanished surface, as this will
stains. Remove all moisturs
chamois leather only, after
has been used. on
nished surface. WIN Vno
s. DOntIet lsa@ soft sponge
unused with Il
casionally, er or soap on var
the io1 6her-top carriages lie long
alss& top down, but raise it oc-
ICaking off the strain on the
e6d web-stay by slightly "easing
is. Frequently unroll the aprons
f the leather is enameled, it may
ed occasionally with weak soapy -
aot first scrubbed with wetted soap
ne laIner Ineu remoNou WIN US
ont omit to take precaution against
in cushions and Innings. In the
close carriage, set saucer OF
f turpentine and camphor on the
-aw up all the glasses and close the
This will prevent moths from doing
and often cure when neglect has
medied.
Don't neglect to examine the axles
tly See that they are we'll oiled,
t the washers are in good order.
hey require oil, use sperm oil, such
ways in the sewing machine drawer
i'll will gum up, and should never
!. When putting on the axle nuts,
full to fit the thread properly, not
, or straining it. Occasionally in
le entire vehicle IF bolt or a
ms getting loose, tighten it up at
it'll the wrench. If the tires Of the
slacken, 50 that the joints of the
can be seen, have them shrunk at
and whenever little repair becomes
nv or even advisable, have it done
J, and by some one who knows how