NITROGEN IN THE REAL WOrld             reprinted with permission to Frank Moro, Technical Editor The use of purified nitrogen as an inflation gas for tires sounds great in theory, and does offer some performance improvements.  Practical use in the real world, unfortunately, negates many of those theoretical benefits. A recent GM technical bulletin states that GM does not oppose the use of nitrogen in tires, but that the realized benefits of inflating tires with purified nitrogen are expected to be minimal.  Here’s why. Under controlled conditions, the unique properties of pure nitrogen gas offer obtainable performance improvements.  It’s because of these performance benefits that nitrogen gas is used to inflate tires in automotive racing. Nitrogen can reduce: · The expected loss of tire pressure over time because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, making them less prone to seeping through the tire structure; · The variance of tire pressures with temperature changes due to the reduction of water vapor concentration; · The long term rubber degradation due to a decrease in oxygen concentrations. These improvements can be obtained under controlled conditions.  But due to the lack of an existing infrastructure to continuously facilitate inflating tires with nearly pure nitrogen, these benefits are negated when tires are occasionally inflated with compressed atmospheric air. Research has demonstrated that the oxidation of tire components can be reduced if the tire is inflated with pure nitrogen.  However, only very small amounts of oxygen are required to begin the normal oxidation process; this includes even slight contamination of the tire inflation gas with compressed atmospheric air during normal tire pressure maintenance.  The most critical aspect for overall tire, and ultimately, vehicle performance, is proper tire inflation pressure.  The bottom line, regardless of the inflation gas, is to check tire pressure regularly.

IT’S TIME TO CHECK YOUR WIPER BLADES      reprinted with permission to Frank Moro, Technical Editor It’s recommended that drivers check the windshield wipers on their vehicles every six months and replace them if necessary.  This is especially important in the winter months, which bring more snow, ice, sleet, rain, and road grime than you can see through. ACDelco has wiper products that are designed for all types of applications, and for virtually all makes and models of vehicles on the road. The latest ACDelco wiper products are the Beam Wiper Blades, which feature a cutting- edge, frameless design that helps the blade conform to the shape of the windshield.  Multiple pressure points on the blade help provide consistent contact with the glass, and the blade has no exposed parts that can get clogged with ice and snow. In addition to the beam blades, the ACDelco wiper product line includes a variety of performance blades, all-season blades, winter blades, heavy-duty blades, refills, and wiper arms. Most concerns about windshield wiper performance are due to dirty or worn wiper blades.  The lifespan of wiper blades can vary widely depending on weather and environmental conditions. To maximize wiper performance, the rubber blades should be cleaned regularly using a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent.  The windshield should be washed at the same time to remove bugs, road grime and a buildup of car wash/wax treatments that may cause wiper streaking.  Some of the more common contributors to increased wear on wiper blades include: · Extremely dusty areas may cause the wipers rubber edge to wear quickly and unevenly; · Extreme heat may reduce the flexibility of the rubber blades, resulting in streaking; · Sand and salt used in areas with significant snowfall may cause blades to wear more quickly; · Pulling up blades off a frozen windshield can tear the rubber; · Using the wipers to “wear through” frost and ice instead of allowing the vehicle’s defroster to melt the ice can dull or tear the blades.

ABOUT MEMBERS  We were recently saddened by the loss of two long time members: Felix Valletti reported that his wife, Charlotte Valletti,  died in December 2006 after a three year battle with cancer. Benny Baronas passed away on February 22, 2007. Dick & Melanie Sitnik report that the day is getting closer for the new arrival in their family.  Melissa’s and Scott’s baby was due toward the end of March.

“CHESTER ON TRACK”      (May 19th)                                   by Art & Judy Cooper We know it is pretty early to be thinking about getting your old car out, but we’ve been asked to contact some of our friends who might be interested in helping out with the “Chester On Track” parade in May.  This annual event begins with a short parade through town and includes a display of old cars.  We’ve been going up there for the last few years and it is always an enjoyable time—the parade steps off at around 10 AM, winds down Route 20 and then through the business district of Chester where most of the activities take place.  After the parade you are free to leave or you may display your car, enjoy lunch, and take in some of the demonstrations and exhibits. The organizers would like to get some idea on the number of parade participants so that space can be reserved at the staging area.  We can drive up as a group or meet you along the way or you can simply show up, but please let us know if you’ll be able to help—the more the merrier!

KEITH’S KORNER  (Notes from the CVR Historian)                                       by Keith Korbut    Bailey Automobile  1907-1910 Springfield, MA The Bailey was another unique Springfield built automobile.  It was built near the Duryea plant in downtown Springfield.  Two brothers named Perkins had a machine shop and an idea.  All they needed was the money to finance the idea and see it through. Julian and James Perkins produced a prototype of their 4 cylinder / 2 cycle air cooled rotary engine and called it the Perkins.  The unique part was the way rotary engine spun around the crankshaft.  The crankshaft was held in position and the cylinders spun around so that they were air-cooled as they spun.  This idea, I think, came from some of the early airplane engines that operated in the same manner. Well after the prototype was built, money was sought to continue the project.  This is where Bertrum Bailey came in and the name of the car was changed to the Bailey in the agreement to give the brothers the needed funding.  Bertrum Bailey put up $20,000 and formed the Bailey-Perkins Motor Company in 1906.  The Perkins quickly spent the money and still didn’t have a car.   More investors were sought and found in the personages of Henry G. Whitman and Willis VanSicklin.  In February 1907, the Bailey Automobile Company was started with funding of $500,000.  Promotional material was printed and production started on a 100” wheelbase 22 hp runabout.  A year later, the Bailey went to 112” wheelbase and a 35 hp rotary engine.   No one really knows what went wrong but, in 1910, they only offered one model - an Olympic Tourer.  Production stopped later that year. I have only found one account of these cars being tested and it says they shook and vibrated badly and were gangly looking with running boards 2 feet off the ground.  This could have had something to do with their meager sales.

HILDENE:  MANCHESTER, VT WEEKEND                         June 8-10 at Palmer House Inn It’s time again to make your reservations for our weekend in Vermont.  We will be staying at the Palmer House Inn in Manchester Vermont.  We have an active weekend planned for everyone.  The cost this year will $400 for two per room.  This includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Saturday at Ye Old Inn on the grounds.  I have arranged some entertainment for Saturday night.  We will have adult beverages available on Friday and Saturday nights.  Don’t forget the best part will be the HILDENE CAR SHOW with over 800 cars and a swap meet.  There are tours from the show field to the Hildene Mansion once owned by Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Lincoln. 1-800-917-6245 is the number you need to call to make your room reservation at The Palmer House.  Be sure to tell them you are with the CVR antique auto club.  I have arranged for those that don’t want to eat with us to have the meals removed from the package. I will have a complete schedule for the weekend next month. Keith and Judy Korbut  413-783-5624

Powered by CityMax.com