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Puzzles, Games and Name That Car => Solved AutoPuzzles => 2012 => Topic started by: Otto Puzzell on July 05, 2012, 05:17:00 AM

Title: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 05, 2012, 05:17:00 AM
For one point: identify this automotive accessory and its purpose.  

Only a complete and specific answer will earn a point!  

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Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 12, 2012, 04:59:55 AM
Rookies don't hold a candle to Experts...
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: fyreline on July 12, 2012, 09:10:43 AM
I'm just going to hazard a guess here; is it a headlamp replacement for early cars, utilizing a candle instead of a gas flame or bulb for those on-the-road emergencies?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 12, 2012, 09:37:21 AM
Good guess, but no.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 12, 2012, 10:02:37 AM
Early-days "dome light" for the passenger compartment?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 12, 2012, 10:29:33 AM
Another good guess, but no.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Tackitt on July 12, 2012, 03:15:06 PM
Night time turn signal?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: richard cuyler on July 12, 2012, 05:26:08 PM
For rich kids to be able to read the Illustrated London News in the back of father's Rolls Royce on the way home from a far-flung school?

Or just a map reading light?

Or a holder for a candle provided to apply a waxy lubricant to an engine part or a leather dynamo belt?

Or am I just grasping at wicks?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: D-type on July 12, 2012, 06:11:30 PM
Under-bonnet light?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 04:04:12 AM
Night time turn signal?


Interesting - but, no.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 04:06:27 AM
For rich kids to be able to read the Illustrated London News in the back of father's Rolls Royce on the way home from a far-flung school?

Or just a map reading light?

Or a holder for a candle provided to apply a waxy lubricant to an engine part or a leather dynamo belt?

Or am I just grasping at wicks?

The rule of thumb is one guess at a time, RC. In this case I'll allow it, since none are correct (though well-conceived and worded). Single guesses from here on, though, OK?  :)
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 04:06:50 AM
Under-bonnet light?

Not that.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Carnut on July 13, 2012, 04:17:53 AM
Or am I just grasping at wicks?

Think he did get one right answer though! ;D
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Iluvatar on July 13, 2012, 04:34:44 AM
Vintage timer for endurance race... the candle ends when the time is over and the race stops...  :lmao:
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 04:42:41 AM
That's the most amusing guess yet - but still not correct.  ;D
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 05:56:17 AM
(pssst....this is an Expert puzzle)
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Allemano on July 13, 2012, 06:02:06 AM
Argh! Removed! :-X
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: gilescooperuk on July 13, 2012, 12:13:11 PM
looks like it could be clipped onto the edge of a window - roadside maintainance lamp
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 13, 2012, 07:39:53 PM
Getting closer, but no
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: gilescooperuk on July 14, 2012, 03:27:16 PM
is that a no on being clipped to a window - or just generally.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Tackitt on July 16, 2012, 11:06:43 AM
Cigar/cigarette lighter?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 16, 2012, 11:25:23 AM
I suppose it could be used for that, but that's not what it was designed for.  ^-^
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Tackitt on July 16, 2012, 10:30:00 PM
Perhaps a clip-on to light the running board so m'lady can see her way out?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 17, 2012, 04:14:16 AM
That's not it.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 17, 2012, 11:54:19 AM
A source of illumination for repairing breakdowns or flat tires (tyres) in the dark?  I can just imagine how much fun that could be if one tried to use it under the hood to examine a fuel leak.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 17, 2012, 12:27:08 PM
Yes, that could be a short-term illumination, followed by a flash!

So far, Tackitt's guess is the closest to correct.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 17, 2012, 01:58:22 PM
Ok.  How about a parking light?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 17, 2012, 02:31:10 PM
Nope.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: fyreline on July 17, 2012, 03:13:39 PM
OK, how about a clearance light? Something to indicate the approximate size, width, height, whatever of the vehicle?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 17, 2012, 03:59:47 PM
No sir.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: richard cuyler on July 17, 2012, 07:24:08 PM
'A short term illumination, followed by a flash'. I wonder....maybe this: Light the candle on it's special mount, attach it to the car, apply the fuse of the 'middle-of-nowhere' breakdown-flare to the candle flame, watch the flare zoom away and light up the pitch-black countryside and wait for the nice man from the AA to come to your assistance?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Tackitt on July 17, 2012, 08:20:00 PM
If it is an aid for m'lady, could it be to illuminate the inside of the car to help her put her makeup on?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 17, 2012, 08:28:15 PM
Or....how about a source of flame for lighting a hot tube ignition heater?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 18, 2012, 03:19:47 AM
'A short term illumination, followed by a flash'. I wonder....maybe this: Light the candle on it's special mount, attach it to the car, apply the fuse of the 'middle-of-nowhere' breakdown-flare to the candle flame, watch the flare zoom away and light up the pitch-black countryside and wait for the nice man from the AA to come to your assistance?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyxad0Ca8CM
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 18, 2012, 03:20:03 AM
If it is an aid for m'lady, could it be to illuminate the inside of the car to help her put her makeup on?

That's not it
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 18, 2012, 03:20:44 AM
Or....how about a source of flame for lighting a hot tube ignition heater?


No, that's not it.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 04:32:52 AM
Perhaps the Pros will solve this deceptively simple puzzle.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Wendax on July 19, 2012, 04:44:48 AM
Perfect accessory for a candlelight dinner at the drive-in ("Two McRomances, please!")  :D
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: neilshouse on July 19, 2012, 04:48:19 AM
Could it be an 'anti-freeze' device?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 05:00:16 AM
Perfect accessory for a candlelight dinner at the drive-in ("Two McRomances, please!")  :D

Another amusing guess

No
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 05:01:29 AM
Could it be an 'anti-freeze' device?

Now we're getting somewhere! Candles provide more than just light. :applause:
 
Can you be more specific, please?

Locked for neilshouse
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: faksta on July 19, 2012, 08:24:46 AM
Just to react to 'candles provide more than just light' part, in Russian we have the same word for candle and spark plug ;)

That said, same word for rectal suppository as well :P
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Wendax on July 19, 2012, 08:32:04 AM
in Russian we have the same word for candle and spark plug ;)
The same in German, too: Kerze (candle) and Zündkerze ("ignition candle"), often just called Kerze when the context is obvious.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: neilshouse on July 19, 2012, 09:51:45 AM
It's a guess but could it be to stop the occupants of a car freezing should the car break down?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 10:47:13 AM
That's not it - take one more try, and then I'll open it up to the group.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: neilshouse on July 19, 2012, 01:33:05 PM
My final guess is that it clips on somewhere under the bonnet to prevent the coolant freezing.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 02:31:01 PM
It doesn't clip under the bonnet, and it doesn't prevent the coolant from freezing.

The answer can likely be gleaned through a careful reading of the previous questions and answers.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 19, 2012, 02:33:20 PM
For thawing frozen gas lines, in case water has contaminated the tank and frozen in the lines.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 02:36:30 PM
is that a no on being clipped to a window - or just generally.


My earlier response to this was perhaps misleading. So I've deleted, and replace it with this:

This does clip near a window. Since gilescooperUK asked this question, I'm locking until his first response, given this clarified (I hope) information.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 02:37:29 PM
For thawing frozen gas lines, in case water has contaminated the tank and frozen in the lines.


No
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 19, 2012, 02:42:42 PM
is that a no on being clipped to a window - or just generally.


My earlier response to this was perhaps misleading. So I've deleted, and replace it with this:

This does clip near a window. Since gilescooperUK asked this question, I'm locking until his first response, given this clarified (I hope) information.

I know it's locked, so I won't attempt a guess.  But that sound you just heard was me slapping my forehead.  D'oh!

Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: woodinsight on July 19, 2012, 03:09:25 PM
I presume this is now unlocked.....
Can I suggest that it may be to thaw the window/door of the passenger compartment in freezing conditions?
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 19, 2012, 03:13:54 PM
I presume this is now unlocked.....
Can I suggest that it may be to thaw the window/door of the passenger compartment in freezing conditions?

Hmmm....I thought it WAS locked.  Maybe I was wrong, but that's what caused my hand to contact my forehead rather violently....the use of aforementioned candle as a defroster.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 19, 2012, 03:27:50 PM
is that a no on being clipped to a window - or just generally.


My earlier response to this was perhaps misleading. So I've deleted, and replace it with this:

This does clip near a window. Since gilescooperUK asked this question, I'm locking until his first response, given this clarified (I hope) information.

It was indeed locked for gilescooperuk. But it is indeed a simple, early window defroster / defogger.

Not sure who should get the point. I'll sleep on it.

Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 19, 2012, 03:39:02 PM
Sounds fair to me.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: woodinsight on July 19, 2012, 03:44:10 PM
I guess I jumped the gun following neilhouse's reply #45 and you hadn't specifically unlocked it.
Apologies for that and please don't give me an unjustified point that may have screwed it up for neilshouse and others.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: RayTheRat on July 19, 2012, 04:05:33 PM
I guess I jumped the gun following neilhouse's reply #45 and you hadn't specifically unlocked it.
Apologies for that and please don't give me an unjustified point that may have screwed it up for neilshouse and others.

I suppose the right thing to do would be to give the point to gilescooperuk, for whom the puzzle was locked.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 20, 2012, 03:17:46 AM
I believe woodinsight made an honest mistake; I also believe that RayTheRat and gilescooperuk would have gotten it (in that order, given who was online at the time). And if I had not given muddled clues earlier in the puzzling, this post would be moot.

So, in a rare bout of Friday morning good-will and generosity, I'm giving each a point.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: woodinsight on July 20, 2012, 04:38:27 AM
Thanks Otto, I'm pleased that giles and RtR also received a point as I feel that I (inadvertently) pinched the solution from under their noses.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: RayTheRat on July 20, 2012, 06:22:00 AM
Thank you, Otto.  I won't turn down the point...I figure I put enough "brain strain" into it.  But I'm glad that you gave a point to Giles as well.

Have a great day.  It's time for me to do some website maintenance and then go work on my race car.

RtR
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: gilescooperuk on July 20, 2012, 03:43:22 PM
Thanks I did glance over the site yesterday but was busy hiring a sprint circuit for a couple of days!

Now i've booked it I just need to get people to book it.....
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: Otto Puzzell on July 20, 2012, 04:02:56 PM
I have no idea what you're talking about, but best of luck!
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: gilescooperuk on July 20, 2012, 04:29:11 PM
Have a look at www.curborough.co.uk that is the track I hired.

The circuit is 900 yards long and I pay for the track then sell places to other people to get my money back.
Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: RayTheRat on July 20, 2012, 04:57:02 PM
Have a look at www.curborough.co.uk that is the track I hired.

The circuit is 900 yards long and I pay for the track then sell places to other people to get my money back.

That's pretty kool!  Would you let me come play with my 500 hp Monte Carlo when I get thru racing on the salt?  I mean, assuming it could swim across the pond.  :)

Ohh...here's the image from which I edited the text when I blurted out the "defroster" guess:

Title: Re: Ancient Accessory #255 - Clip-on Candle Windscreen Defroster
Post by: Otto Puzzell on November 19, 2012, 05:46:25 AM
A bigger view