Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
In the Motor World
BY q. ADAMS HOWARD.

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ment over the two-speed planet
airy transmission, so has the
development of the four-Speed
and transmission devices. Until
recently the spur-gear clash-type
was favored, but the demand for
easy shifting and quietness led
to at least thrae tyreS-the in
ternal, helical and herringbope.
These are Of the constant-rnesh
design, and shifting from one
speed to another is accomplished
through Hnulti-jaw clutches that
shift at practically any speed and
permit of easy and quick changes
by the operator. Among the fea-
lures of the year has been the
free wheeling" transmission de-
vice whereby the change from
second to high, or vice versa, is
accomplished without declutching.
Other new transmissions or spe"
cialtieS will be seen at the show.
These are said to be a revelation
in driving.
WTieelbaseS are to be longer
even in the lower-priced category,
which may have been brought
about by the demand for larger
and roomier bodies. There appears
to be an increase in the number
of all-steel welded bodies, al
though some manufacturers favor
the wood and steel. Much easier
entrance and exit is noticeable
as cars are lower. This low center
of gravity makes for better road
ability, eliminates side-Sway and
permits the taking Of curves at
higher rate Of speed.
New Radiator Designs.
Strikingly new and different
fronts and radiator shapes will
be seen. In some instances, the
color of the radiator shell
matches that of the hood. Center
ribs and concave designs will
make their appearance. Another
recent design Is that in which the
radiator taperS toward the bot
tom. A number of manufacturers
continue their basic lines in so far
as the front is concerned, The
radiator grille will be standard
equipment on several models.
While not visible, fabrication of
engine and chassis is an important
element in the longevity of the
machine. For 1881, manufactur-
ers have given considerable
thought to refining car lubrica-
ton, and this season will see the
adoption of several new systems
which have been tried out not
merely for months but for years.
For example, visitors will find at
the show a clever mounted
meter which indicates the condi-
ton of the oil in the crankcase
and shows without fail when it
has become worn so thin that its
lubricating qualities have been
impaired. In other words, oil may
be changed on definite knowledge
rather than guesSwork.
Heater Units in New Form.
Along allied lines is another de-
vice in the form Of an electrically
operated heater unit which
clamps on the bottom of the
crankcaSe to warm the engine oil
after a car has been standing idle
for several hours. The heater
plugs into the house lighting sys-
tenn and may be used to keep an
engine warm all night in an un-
heated garage. There also is what
is known as a "crankcase over
coat" a felt insulated metal case
which slips over the crankcase of
the engine, and not only keeps it
warm for long periods while
standing, but also tends to main
tain the oil at an even tenn
perature when the car is running.
For those who take delivery of
new cars "break-in" oil will be a
boon. This is a special prepara-
ton which is added to the crank
case oil Of a new car, making it
unnecessary to drive slowly for
the usual "break-in" period.
Among the heaters, most of
which now rely on hot water
from the radiator and a small
motor driven blower, are several
novel ones which use clean heated
air. This is circulated through
out the car by a tiny electrically
operated blower. And, speaking of
heat, there are a half dozen cleo
trically warmed frost shields at
taching to the windshield. These
keep a liberal space in front of
the driver clear Of frost or steam
in the coolest weather.
And among the novelties of
promise is a vacuum operated
gearshift which eliminates the
usual gearshift lever, and an cleo
trically operated door lock which
locks all the doors of a car at
once upon pressure Of a button
on the dash.
All Of which are but a small
percentage of the novelties in
store for Automobile Show visitors.