Video Parts (3)
This clip is Part 1 of a 3-part film.
SELLING FORD SERVICE Part 1
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: [part 1] “Here is where trained hands are needed.” Nurse washing baby in bassinet - potter molding urn on potter’s wheel - hands assembling watch. “At the Fordson plant trained hands are also necessary in the manufacture of the Model A.” Panoramic view of River Rouge plant - close-up of shaft and bearings turning - hand testing drive shaft - cutaway rear end assembly in operation - man weighing pistons - close-up of scale gauge. “A new Ford coming off the assembly line.” Views of Fords being driven off line, final inspection. “The Ford dealer’s responsibility begins at the drive-a-way.” Man presenting check at cashier’s window - close-up of check for $410.92. “Henry Steele -- a Ford dealer of Rochester, Mich.” Henry Steele at window, cashier stamping papers - man looking at invoice - close-up of invoice - calling and beckoning. “‘Mr. Steele.’” Steele walking to man, beckoning to friend, they get into car. “‘Don’t put those parts in there. We want these cars delivered free of scratches and dirt.’” Man taking parts elsewhere - Steele getting in car, driving away. “The dealer should be careful not to abuse new cars by fast driving.” Steele driving down street, other cars passing. “Dealer Steele arrives at his garage. Notice the accessibility of the entrance.” View of Steele’s garage, Steele driving car into entrance, stopping inside. “Tom Fix, the shop foreman.” Steele and Fix talking beside car. “‘Tom get this car ready for delivery.’” Fix driving car away - Steele entering his office, sitting behind desk - other man dictating to secretary, answering phone - Steele on other end of line. “‘Hello Mr. Burt, we have your car.’” Burt talking on phone. “‘Say Steele -- can you fix it so I can get this car on time?’” Steele hanging up phone. “‘Jim, get the license, insurance ownership paper and bill of sale ready for Mr. Burt’s car.’” Steele and Jim talking. “Getting the car ready for delivery. First the car is cleaned.” Worker washing car with hose. “The tools are checked over.” Worker checking tools, placing them in containers. “J.B. Burt who has called to get his new car.” Burt entering showroom, shaking hands with Steele. “‘Mr. Burt, we are now offering the U.C.C. plan with its low cost, quality insurance and courteous service for time buyers.’” Close-up of U.C.C. pamphlet, Steele and Burt talking. “‘Is this plan more attractive than other finance plans?’” “‘We think it is. It is exclusively Ford, low in cost, provides standard insurance and amounts to virtually a reduction in the price of your car.’” “Mr. Burt decides to purchase his car on the authorized Ford finance plan.” “‘We are all set for you -- license tags, insurance, ownership papers and all.’” Steele and Burt - close-up of forms. “The U.C.C. plans create: confidence, good will, more sales, more profit, and include adequate dealer protection.” Close-up of forms - Burt writing check, giving it to Steele, they enter garage - attaching plates. “‘Mr. Burt, meet Tom Fix, our shop foreman, he will see that you get good service at all times.” Shaking hands. “‘There are 3 free inspections at 500, 1000 and 5000 miles. These include lubrication and washing.’” Steels getting into car. “‘Let me show you how to start this car, put your spark lever up first.’” Views of Steele showing each step as he explains it. “‘Pull down gas lever several notches.’” “‘Be sure the gear shift lever is in neutral.’” “‘In cold weather open up the carburetor adjustment.’” “‘Now pull out choke.’” “‘Then press down on the starting pedal.’” “‘When engine is warmed up, close the carburetor adjustment.’” “‘To break the engine in, drive under 30 miles per hour for the first 500 miles.’” “‘The gas tank holds ten gallons. When the gauge shows ‘0’ there is still over a gallon left.’” Gauge moving from ‘F’ to ‘0’ - Steele pointing out windshield wipers - Steele getting out of car, lifting hood. “‘Here is the oil level indicator.’” “‘Keep your oil up to this mark.’” “The owner is keen to try out his new car.” Burt getting into car. “‘Goodbye Mr. Burt, don’t forget to come in for an inspection and oil change at 500 miles.’” Burt driving away, Steele waving. [1928]
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