Basic Problems in the Engineering of a Modern All-Metal Motor Body

Abstract

Modern trends in car fashions are aggravating the problems of the body engineer and British designers are further hampered by the degree of economy which they must needs exercise in the use of expensive tools. The aim of this paper is to make such problems more widely known among those connected with other aspects of car design and production. Designing for reduced weight, air resistance, and easier cleaning is advocated and a warning is given against production complications and increased costs arising from changes made for reasons of fashion.

The range of materials from which a body may be made is described in some detail and it becomes obvious that steel still shows considerable advantages over all others. The relative merits of different forms of construction are examined in the light of quantity production. The method of assembly of a body has now to be studied in relation to the present practice of exporting vehicles in a partly-dismantled condition and it is pointed out how components may be made self-locating in order to render the use of jigs unnecessary in overseas assembly centres. An example is given of the way in which multiple pressing operations can be facilitated by careful sequence planning. The inclusion of a section on corrosion prevention is of particular value in view of the increased period of life expected from cars at the present time.