Hi David. You should not have to fear asking even the most simple question on this forum for fear of the response. You will be in good company if there are things that you don't quite understand about our beloved cars even after many years of tinkering with them. There are also ways of doing things that if you don't ask first, can end in tears. This is a great forum for everyone and there is no place for unfriendly attitudes.

There is a saying that there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Location: Derby

Hi Ruairidh,
I agree completely with what has been said on this subject.
One thing that might help would be to ask what experience the person has as this makes a big difference in how the reply is formulated (IE) it might help to explain why something is done in a certain way.
when you have been Engineering for a long time you have the Fundamentals fixed in your Head (Alzheimers permiting)Newbys don't.
I just think this is something we should all keep in Mind when Replying to Posts

Location: TINOPAI NZ

Hi Dave W

Your enquiry about mid 1930s cross shafts should be answered in the post "Brake Cross-shafts-Definitive Notes."
You will have to tolerate much by a contributor considered terminally boring by some who know it all (but seldom volunteer broad information for newbies).

Location: Auckland, NZ

Ray,
But there are a plethora of Stupid answers.

Location: Oakley , Hampshire

Location: Derby

Just restoring the original subject title to this thread which seems to have got changed by Ray's post.

Location: NE Peak Corner

So sorry - I don't know how that happened!

David,
Thank you for your kind words. You explained succinctly how the cross shaft works! I will reaquaint myself with the cross shaft on my special when I return from hols, even though it will mean crawling under the car.
Dave

Location: Sheffield