Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/127

 Fojpvlar Science Monthly

age American was distinguished by mas- sive stay rods, attached to the frame and fairly successfully blocking access to the motor. Now, however, except in one or two cars it is made strong enough to stand alone. Many screens appear to have been attached to the body as an afterthought. This is the result of fit- ting ready made shields instead of de- signing them at the same time as the bodies.

The ugly filler board at the base of the windshield is not considered as indis- pensable as formerly, but one well-known car continues it in the guise of a venti- lator. On some machines the sides of the screens curve in at the bottom. This is not only ungraceful, but also inefii- cient, as the front seat occupants are not so well protected as they would be if the screen was its full width at the base. The slanting windshield was introduced last year, but has not yet been much copied.

Auxiliary seats, instead of folding against the side of the car, now often disappear into recesses behind the front seats. The double cowl lends itself well to this construction.

Most cars have crowned mudguards but a few are equipped with the more advanced domed type. Domed guards not only look better, but also can be moulded in one piece with the aprons, thus removing a possible source of squeaking. Many mudguards are not carried far enough down behind the rear wheels to protect the spare tires or trunk from mud. Also, the clearance be- tween top of the wheels and the guards is often absurdly great, even when the car is fully loaded.

The detachable top for winter use was brought out last year and is now sup- plied by a number of makers. It gives some of the advantages of a sedan for a few hundred dollars. A bad feature is the impossibility of opening any win- dows except those in the doors. Very rarely does a detachable top look any- thing but what it is. The veriest novice would not be deceived.

In the average American car the top of the frame is about twenty-six inches above the ground and the running board is eighteen inches. And yet the manufac- turer wonders why he cannot obtain that

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���This body builds up too much towards rear. Frame and running boards are too high. Exposed upholstery and wind- shield stay rods are relics of the past

���Height is too great. Windows when lowered clear down, are little more than half way. Curved door top breaks sweep of roof. In spite of these de- merits the appearance is good

���Fine, large rear side lights. Windows

open only partially. Handle of front

door should be concealed as it is not

on level with the rear one

���Clearance between front of rear whee and mudguard is insufficient. Rear deck terminates ungracefully. Other- wise the car is successful

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