First |
Previous Page |
Next Page |
Last | Model T Home
CARE OF THE TIRES 49
Care of the Tires
How are Ford
Tires removed? Answer No. 104
First, jack up the wheel clear of the road. The valve cap should be unscrewed,
the lock nut removed and the valve stem pushed into the tire until its bead is
flush with the rim. This done, loosen up the bead of the casing in the clinch
of the rim by working and pushing with the hands, then insert one of the tire
irons or levers under the beads. The tire iron should be pushed in just enough
to get a good hold on the under side of the bead, but not so far as to "pinch" the
inner tube between the rim and the tool. A second iron should be inserted in
the same fashion some seven or eight inches from the first, and the third tool
the same distance from the second. As a clincher tire must be pried over the
clinch, three levers will come in handy in a case of a "one-man job," and
the knee of the driver can be used to good advantage to hold down one lever while
the other two are being manipulated in working the casing clear of the rim. After
treeing a length of the bead from the clinch, the entire outer edge of the casing
may be readily detached with the hands, and the damaged inner tube removed and "patched" or
a spare tube inserted. Always use plenty of soapstone in replacing an inner tube.
How are Casings
repaired? Answer No. 105
Should the casing be cut so there is danger of the inner tube being blown through
it, a temporary repair can be made by cementing a canvas patch, of the Locktite
type such as sold by Ford Dealers, on the inside of the casing. Before applying
the patch, the part of the casing affected should be cleaned with gasoline
and when dry, rubber cement applied to the casing only. Cut the required size
patch and as soon as the cement on the casing is dry remove the white surface
from the patch and apply it to the cut, smoothing it down carefully with the
fingers so as to insure perfect contact. It is sometimes advisable to apply
a patch to the outside of the casing also to keep out sand and water.
How may Tire Expense be reduced?
Tire cost constitutes one of the most important items in the running expenses
of an automobile. To get the most service at the least expense, the tires should
be inspected frequently and all small cuts or holes properly sealed or repaired—thus
preventing dirt and water working in between the rubber tread and the fabric,
causing blisters or sand boils.
Tires should never be run partially deflated, as the side walls are unduly
bent and the fabric is subject to stresses which cause what is known as rim
cutting. The chances of getting a puncture will be greatly reduced by keeping
your tires properly inflated, as a hard tire exposes much less surface to the
road than a soft tire, and also deflects sharp objects that would penetrate
a soft tire.
Running a tire flat, even for a short distance, is sure to be costly. Better
run on the rim, very slowly and carefully, rather than on a flat tire.
Remember that fast driving and skidding shorten the life of the tires. Avoid
locking the wheels with the brakes —no tire will stand the strain of being
dragged over the pavement in this fashion.
Avoid running in street car tracks, in ruts, or bumping the sides of the tire
against the curbing.
The wheel rims should be painted each season and kept free from rust.
[481
When a car is idle for any appreciable length of time, it should be jacked
up to take the load off the tires. If the car is laid up for many months it
is best to remove the tires, and wrap up the outer casings and inner tubes
separately, and store them in a dark room not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Remove oil or grease from the tires with gasoline. Remember that heat, light
and oil are three natural enemies of rubber.
How is a puncture in the
Inner Tube repaired? Answer No. 107
After locating the puncture, carefully clean the rubber around the leak with
benzine or gasoline, then roughen the surface to give a hold for the cement.
Apply one coat of cement to the tube allowing it to dry thoroughly. Cut a piece
of patching material to the required size, and when the cement is dry remove
the white surface from the face of the patch and apply it to the tube, pressing
it down firmly and smoothly. Examine the casing carefully to make sure there
are no cuts which will cause a further puncture. If any are found, repair according
to instructions in Answer No. 105. Before the tube is put back into the casing
plenty of talc powder should be sprinkled into the latter. In replacing the
tire on the rim be very careful not to pinch the tube.
Points on Maintenance
What is the proper
way to wash the Car? Answer No. 108
Always use cold or lukewarm water —never hot water. If a hose is used, don't
turn on the water at full force, as this drives the dirt into the varnish and
injures the finish. After the surplus mud and grime have been washed off take
a sponge and clean the body and running gear with a tepid solution of water
and Ivory or linseed oil soap. Rinse off with cold water; then rub and polish
the body with a chamois skin. A body or furniture polish of good quality may
be used to add lustre to the car. Grease on the running gear may be removed
with a gasoline-soaked sponge or rag ' The nickeled parts may be polished with
any good metal polish.
What care does
Top need? Answer No. 109
When putting the top down be careful in folding to see that the fabric is not
pinched between the how spacers, as they will chafe a hole through the top
very quickly. Applying a good top dressing will greatly improve the appearance
of an old top.
What should be done when
the Car is stored? Answer No. 110
Drain the water from the radiator, and then put in about a quart of denatured
alcohol to prevent freezing of any water that may possibly remain. Remove cylinder
head and clean out any carbon deposits in combustion chamber. Draw off all
the gasoline. Drain the dirty oil from the crank case and cleanse the engine
with kerosene as directed in Answer No. 101. Refill the crank case with fresh
oil and revolve the engine enough to cover the different parts with oil Remove
the tires and store them away. Wash up the car, and if possible cover the body
with a sheet of muslin to protect the finish.
Answer No. 106