PLAN No. 1113. STARTING THE ENGINE
The dash on some cars has the fuel tank attached to it. In such cases the chassis is now practically completed. We will say it has now reached the end of the conveyer. Here gas and water are put in the containers and the engine is ready to start. This operation is sometimes accomplished by placing the rear wheels of the car between two revolving drums, which will cause the rear wheels to revolve.
The gear-shift lever is placed in some selected gear position and the clutch engaged; this in turn revolves the engine, and if the ignition is switched on, the engine will start. This operation saves considerable energy in cranking, or saves the electric current in the starting battery. After the engine is started, the chassis may be driven away on its own power, an operation which requires a man who can efficiently handle an automobile.
PLAN No. 1114. INSPECTION
The chassis is now driven to the road-test department, where it is inspected for grease in the gear cases and such other inspections as may be necessary. Inspectors here need not be highly trained mechanics. Men with handicaps could take care of this work very nicely.
PLAN No. 1115. ROAD TESTING
Possibly a road-test body is next attached to the chassis. This body usually contains sufficient weight (rocks, iron, or sand) to make up the equivalent of the automobile body. The chassis is then given a run over the country roads. Here the trained mechanic is necessary, able to adjust the carburetor, ignition, starting and lighting equipment, brakes, rear axle gears, and clutch. In fact almost any part of the car may need adjustment. He must be able to locate trouble of all kinds. In many cases the chassis test is very limited and the tester makes out a report, the work indicated being done in a department by less skilled mechanics who have specialized in one job, such as, for example, brakes. Where this method is used, the tester must be sure of his report. A road tester need not have a perfect body, but he must have practical experience and be physically able to handle a car.
Plan No. 1114. He that Hath a Trade Hath an Estate
There are many jobs in the testing department that a handicapped man can do, and the chances for advancement in this department are very good.