|
|
Posted by Matt Wilson [96.226.41.46] on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 00:25:08 :
In Reply to: Re: Why all the fine threaded bolts? posted by Desoto61 [138.162.0.45] on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 13:50:38 :
I agree with the notion that engineering drove American companies in the old days more than it does now, and nowadays the bean counters often have more control over things than they should.
However, to say that structures were better and safer back then than they are now is clearly incorrect. The notion of "better" can be interpreted differently by different people, but when is the last time you heard of a flathead six in a Power Wagon lasting 150,000 miles? On the other hand, how often have you heard of a modern engine from one of the major auto companies lasting LESS than 150,000 miles, given reasonable maintenance? Also, older vehicles would rust out in just a few short years in the rust belt where salt is used. They had virtually no corrosion protection other than paint. Modern vehicles use a variety of anti-corrosion coatings beneath the paint, making them last much longer in salt environments. Other than oil, lube and filters, the newer vehicles don't require maintenance and repair every few hundred or few thousand miles like the old ones did. One thing I will concede is that modern vehicles, while they will generally last many more miles, are much more difficult to repair and rebuild than the old vehicles once they are worn out. That is one thing we all appreciate about old cars and trucks - they are infinitely more rebuildable. But they had to be since they weren't nearly as reliable or long-lasting.
As for safety, things like air bags, collapsible steering columns, crumple zones, seat belts, improvements in braking systems and a whole host of other items make modern vehicles MUCH safer. Just because the fenders on a Power Wagon are held on by 1/4" steel brackets does not make the truck safer. It just means it gets poorer gas mileage than it could, and the stucture is strong enough for me to sit on it when I work on the engine.
Then there are the pollution controls we have in place these days, which are generally a good thing.
Unfortunately, much of the above comes at the expense of simplicity. This is where some people may not view modern vehicles as being "better." Old vehicles were much simpler, and modern cars and trucks have become extremely complex. But providing the longevity and reliability that we enjoy in modern vehicles, despite their complexity, is a quite a feat of engineering and mnanufacturing that deserves recognition.
Food for thought....
I speak all of this as an aerospace engineer who loves his '49 Power Wagon.
Follow Ups: