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- Music Sheet, "He'd Have to Get Under--Get Out and Get Under, to Fix up His Automobile," 1913 - Early automobiles were often unreliable and needed frequent maintenance. Some motorists were able to make roadside repairs--preparing themselves for inevitable breakdowns by carrying tools and supplies. In this song a faulty engine interrupts a young couple's romantic intentions.
- 1913
- Collections - Artifact
Music Sheet, "He'd Have to Get Under--Get Out and Get Under, to Fix up His Automobile," 1913
Early automobiles were often unreliable and needed frequent maintenance. Some motorists were able to make roadside repairs--preparing themselves for inevitable breakdowns by carrying tools and supplies. In this song a faulty engine interrupts a young couple's romantic intentions.
- Three Men Examining Tire on Ford Model T Car, 1909 - Early automobiles required a lot of maintenance. Drivers like these, dressed for motoring and examining their Model T by the side of the road, had to be ready to perform mobile repairs.
- 1909
- Collections - Artifact
Three Men Examining Tire on Ford Model T Car, 1909
Early automobiles required a lot of maintenance. Drivers like these, dressed for motoring and examining their Model T by the side of the road, had to be ready to perform mobile repairs.
- "Ford Manual for Owners and Operators of Ford Cars," 1914 - As cars became affordable and more people began using them, owners needed to know how to operate them properly. This 1914 manual helped the layperson -- without a mechanical or technical automotive background -- understand and drive the Ford Model T. Ford touted the T's simplicity, but its manual still provided over 140 answers to possible questions owners might have.
- 1914
- Collections - Artifact
"Ford Manual for Owners and Operators of Ford Cars," 1914
As cars became affordable and more people began using them, owners needed to know how to operate them properly. This 1914 manual helped the layperson -- without a mechanical or technical automotive background -- understand and drive the Ford Model T. Ford touted the T's simplicity, but its manual still provided over 140 answers to possible questions owners might have.
- Mechanics Working in Ford Service Garage, View Showing Overhead Monorail and Repair Bench, Pontiac, Michigan, 1916 -
- October 27, 1916
- Collections - Artifact
Mechanics Working in Ford Service Garage, View Showing Overhead Monorail and Repair Bench, Pontiac, Michigan, 1916
- Bean Wheel Alignment Equipment Exhibit, December 1935 - Properly aligned wheels reduce tire wear and ensure safer vehicle handling and control. In the 1930s, Ford Motor Company created this photograph of wheel alignment equipment in use. These photographs were published in technical service bulletins, letters and other media sent to dealers and repair shops to instruct mechanics on the equipment's proper use.
- December 11, 1935
- Collections - Artifact
Bean Wheel Alignment Equipment Exhibit, December 1935
Properly aligned wheels reduce tire wear and ensure safer vehicle handling and control. In the 1930s, Ford Motor Company created this photograph of wheel alignment equipment in use. These photographs were published in technical service bulletins, letters and other media sent to dealers and repair shops to instruct mechanics on the equipment's proper use.
- Ernest Kanzler Repairing Automobile during Edsel Ford's 1915 Cross-Country Road Trip - At 21 years old, eager for one last adventure before tackling adult life, Edsel Ford took a road trip from Detroit to San Francisco in 1915. Ford and six of his friends, traveling in a Model T, a Cadillac and a Stutz, took five weeks to cover the 2,400 miles. Muddy roads and flat tires did little to dampen their enthusiasm.
- 1915
- Collections - Artifact
Ernest Kanzler Repairing Automobile during Edsel Ford's 1915 Cross-Country Road Trip
At 21 years old, eager for one last adventure before tackling adult life, Edsel Ford took a road trip from Detroit to San Francisco in 1915. Ford and six of his friends, traveling in a Model T, a Cadillac and a Stutz, took five weeks to cover the 2,400 miles. Muddy roads and flat tires did little to dampen their enthusiasm.
- A.F. Steiner Super Service Station at Harper and Harvard, Detroit, Michigan, August 1934 - As gasoline stations spread from downtowns to residential areas in the mid-1910s, oil companies were sensitive to residents' concerns about unsightly commercial buildings invading their neighborhoods. After all, the companies counted on those residents to become regular customers. Architects designed charming buildings, like this Spanish Mission style station, that were pleasing to the eye and complementary to a neighborhood's character.
- August 10, 1934
- Collections - Artifact
A.F. Steiner Super Service Station at Harper and Harvard, Detroit, Michigan, August 1934
As gasoline stations spread from downtowns to residential areas in the mid-1910s, oil companies were sensitive to residents' concerns about unsightly commercial buildings invading their neighborhoods. After all, the companies counted on those residents to become regular customers. Architects designed charming buildings, like this Spanish Mission style station, that were pleasing to the eye and complementary to a neighborhood's character.
- Machine Shop at Bryant Motor Co., Boise, Idaho, 1914 -
- October 12, 1964
- Collections - Artifact
Machine Shop at Bryant Motor Co., Boise, Idaho, 1914
- 1931 Ford Model AA Service Truck from Highland Park Sales/Service, April 1931 - Ford Motor Company's Model AA truck was based on its Model A automobile platform, but with a longer wheelbase, a stronger frame, and generally sturdier chassis components. The Model AA was available in several body styles to permit its use as a panel truck, an express delivery truck, a garbage truck, a bus, or an ambulance, among other options.
- April 30, 1931
- Collections - Artifact
1931 Ford Model AA Service Truck from Highland Park Sales/Service, April 1931
Ford Motor Company's Model AA truck was based on its Model A automobile platform, but with a longer wheelbase, a stronger frame, and generally sturdier chassis components. The Model AA was available in several body styles to permit its use as a panel truck, an express delivery truck, a garbage truck, a bus, or an ambulance, among other options.
- "Some Ignition Problems and Their Solution," Ford Motor Company, 1910 - Today's cars are so reliable that it's hard to imagine the difficulties faced by early motorists. This 1910 brochure from Ford Motor Company described problems drivers might encounter with engine cylinders not igniting properly. Though full of potential solutions, the brochure was quick to note that most troubles were due to "neglect or mistreatment" of the automobile.
- 1910
- Collections - Artifact
"Some Ignition Problems and Their Solution," Ford Motor Company, 1910
Today's cars are so reliable that it's hard to imagine the difficulties faced by early motorists. This 1910 brochure from Ford Motor Company described problems drivers might encounter with engine cylinders not igniting properly. Though full of potential solutions, the brochure was quick to note that most troubles were due to "neglect or mistreatment" of the automobile.