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University Daily Kansan
Friday, April 17, 1964
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Automobile Makers Trace Car Cancer
DETROIT—(UPI)—The automotive industry has declared all-out war on rust—the creeping villain that has sent millions of cars to the scrap heap.
Engineers say the multi-million dollar struggle is beginning to pay off. All four of the U.S. automakers have extensive rust prevention programs—starting with the shell of the car all the way to the finished product.
PLASTICS HAVE BEEN called into use in some areas, such as clips that hold exterior trim on the cars. In the past, metal clips were used under trim and proved a source of rust.
Zinc and aluminum coated metals are used whenever possible, especially in key underbody parts such as rocker arm panels. Key parts are also designed in such a way that water will not collect and in some cases holes have been drilled in the parts so water will run out.
The biggest gains have come from ever-increasing use of corrosion resistant metals on underbodies of automobiles. But close scrutiny to the type of paints and primers also has paid some dividends.
THROUGHOUT MOST OF the United States, rust is a major problem in preservation of cars. In some areas, it's ocean spray and salt in the air that pose the biggest hazards. In other areas, it's salt and chemicals used to melt snow.
Rust-inhibiting chemicals are used on key metal parts and careful attention is paid primers and final paints for rust resistant properties.
The industry mounts a three-pronged attack against rust.
The plastic clips don't rust and have the added advantage of not chipping the paint like metal ones did. Plastic and vinyl sponge materials now are used in many areas to prevent rust and paint chipping that previously occurred.
The raw car body gets more than its share of attention. American Motors has been completely submerging all
Rambler bodies in rust-inhibiting chemicals since 1958.
General Motors uses a spray system instead of dipping as does Ford. Chrysler uses a combination dipspray system and all four U.S. automakers say that the cars are thoroughly covered with the rust-inhibiting chemicals.
THE FIGHT AGAINST rust doesn't stop in the factory. Major auto firms constantly survey cars in parking lots and on the streets all over the country to see just how and where the rust is affecting the vehicles.
Rust has never posed as serious problem to European cars as it does to American vehicles. Salt is not used as frequently for road clearance in Europe and better care generally is taken of the cars once a person buys one.
A spokesman for Volkswagen, the beetle-shaped German car that is the most popular import in this country, said special primers are used and a total of four separate coats of paint applied, including primers and finished coat.
However, foreign makers do attempt to prevent rust on their cars.
Also, he said, the construction of our cars, especially the underbody, does not collect water or lend itself to rusting as readily as do American vehicles.
Engineers agree that there is only one way for the motorist to aid in the fight against rust. That's keeping the car as clean as possible.
TUCSON, Ariz. — (UPI) — Red pyracantha berries are being blamed for making robins drunk in this southern Arizona resort city. This is possible because the berries ferment and are an outside attraction to hungry robins. But John Schaefer, head of the Tucson Audubon Society, suspects the birds are not drunk all the time—merely overstuffed.
Rollickin' Robins
After the Relays Drop Anchor at the
- WELCOME TO THE 39TH ANNUAL KANSAS RELAYS
Harbour 1031 Mass.
DAIRY QUEEN
1835 MASS.
- Malts
- Shakes
- Sodas
- Sundaes
THE FINEST IN ITALIAN FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE
106 W. N. Park
After the relays enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the
Campus Hideaway VI3-9111