The Blackfoot optimist., 1916-12-14

of lumber were being turned into bodies
in the woodwork department. This
lumber comes in by carloads. AS PA
feet Of wood is required on a small
touring car, we could readily see why
so much was required.
You make this round and you can
understand this company's immense!
consumption of material, 100000
pounds Of solder annually, 100000
pounds of tin and lead for smOldering,
100000 pounds of brass and copper,
100000 feet of steel tubing and
125,OOO tons of steel.
But what impressed me more than
all was the department in which the
materials are tested. They have to
know thing is right before it goes
into a WilysOverhnd car. That =
how they safeguard the public.
Tests in the physical and chemical
laboratories are made in two ways.
Completed steel parts are subjected to
terrific tests. Axles are twisted like
rolls of taffy candy. Small bits Of
steel six inches long, cut from COM
pIeted aAles, are attached at both
ends, and literally pulled apart. The
pounds to the square inch necessary
to accomplish this, whereas resis.
tance up to l25,000 pounds would be
proof Of ample tensfble strength.
Springs are tried for their resistance
Steel articles are also put through
both heat and chemical tests. The
former determines the amount of car
bon, an important factor; the other
determines the chemical composition
of the steel.
Naturally every operation in all the
plants tends finally toward the as
sembly cOnveyOr tracks. There are
four of them, each 645 feet long.
We followed the whole operation.
We began at one end where the frames
and rear systems are put in place.
By the time the other end of the con-
veyor is reached the frame has grown
into the finished car.
From overhead parts are lowered by
chains. Along the way men are at
taching the parts. The frame is not
in motion all the time, but can be
instantly connected with the links of
an endless chain and sent on its way
whenever desired.
Top quality of workmanship is as.
sured by having each, man do work on
which he is an expert, if it be only to
tighten a bolt.
Lines of motors, already tested, wait
on both sides of thu conveyor. These
are put into place, cantilever springs
are put on. steering mechanism and
lighting and starting systems are adj
justed. Gradually the ear takes form.
Instead of painting the chassis with
IA brush. sprayer rs used. 1t does
the work more rapidly, more uniform
ly and at a lower cost
The tracks of the assembly lead di-
fectly through ovens in which the paint
is baked. Tenders and running boards
come into their places.
Wheels with the tires on are brought
along on a runway. First comes a
front wheel, then rear wheel. You
ought to see them put on the tires
1t is lightning. BY a special device,
invented by one Of the men in the de-
partment, the tire can he put on a wheel
in three seconds.
From overhead bodies are dropped
down ON to the chassis and soon made
fast.
The ear is now ready for its tests
Rapidly revolving wheels in the floor
engage the wheels of the car, and send
them at high speed to make sure that
they are operating freely. This is not
a test under the power of the ear.
Gasoline and water are then put into
the car. 1t is pusheN off the track
into another room, till its wheels are
in contact with wheels in the floor.
With the use of the selfstarter, the |
machine gets its first chance to prove
the success of its construction.
1t surprised me the way the motors |
started. They were off with a rush. |