#garage door repair ottawa

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 The lift cable is the most common one to break because it is under constant, extreme tension. They do all the work of holding the right spring tension to counterbalance the door’s weight

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Tips for Hiring the Best Garage Door Cable Replacement Service in Ottawa

Your garage door plays a crucial role in safeguarding your home and enhancing its curb appeal. When faced with issues related to garage door cables, it is imperative to seek professional assistance to ensure safety and proper functioning. Hiring the right garage door cable replacement service in Ottawa is essential for a smooth and effective repair or replacement process. This article provides valuable tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting a garage door cable replacement service in Ottawa.

Experience and Expertise:

Look for a company with a proven track record in garage door cable replacement. Experienced technicians are more likely to efficiently diagnose and address issues. Check the company's website or ask for references to gauge their expertise in handling garage door cable replacements.

Certification and Licensing:

Ensure that the garage door service you choose is certified and licensed. A certified technician is more likely to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle garage door cable replacements safely and effectively. Licensing also ensures that the company adheres to industry standards and regulations.

Insurance Coverage:

Accidents can happen during garage door cable replacements. It is crucial to hire a service that carries adequate insurance coverage. This protects you and the technicians in case of any unforeseen accidents or damages that may occur during the repair or replacement process.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials:

Research customer reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of previous clients. Positive reviews and satisfied customers are indicators of a reputable garage door cable replacement service. Check online review platforms, the company's website, or ask for references to get a better understanding of their reputation.

Transparent Pricing:

A reliable garage door cable replacement service should provide transparent and detailed pricing information. Request a written estimate that includes all potential costs, such as labor, materials, and any additional fees. Avoid services that provide vague or unclear pricing structures.

Emergency Services:

Garage door issues can arise at any time, posing security risks and inconvenience. Choose a service that offers emergency garage door cable replacement services. A prompt response to urgent situations demonstrates the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.

Warranty and Guarantee:

Reputable garage door cable replacement services stand by their work with warranties and guarantees. Inquire about the warranty on parts and labor, as this provides you with peace of mind in case any issues arise shortly after the replacement. A warranty reflects the company's confidence in the quality of their work.

Local Presence:

Opt for a garage door service with a local presence in Ottawa. Local companies are often more invested in their community and strive to maintain a positive reputation. Additionally, choosing a local service can lead to quicker response times and better customer support.

Conclusion:

Hiring the best garage door cable replacement ottawa is crucial for the safety and functionality of your garage door. By considering factors such as experience, certification, insurance, customer reviews, pricing transparency, emergency services, warranty, and local presence, you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth and reliable garage door cable replacement process. Taking the time to choose a reputable and experienced service pays off in the long run, providing you with a secure and well-functioning garage door.

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Common Garage Door Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

Your garage door is an essential part of your home, providing security, convenience, and protection from the elements. However, like any mechanical system, garage doors can develop problems over time. Knowing how to identify and troubleshoot these common garage door issues can save you time and money on repairs. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most frequent garage door problems and provide step-by-step guidance on how to troubleshoot them.

Noisy Garage DoorIssue: If your garage door is making loud or unusual noises during operation, it can be annoying and indicate underlying problems.Troubleshooting:

Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs to reduce friction.

Check for loose hardware: Tighten any loose bolts or screws on the door and track.

Door Doesn't Open or CloseIssue: When your garage door refuses to open or close, it can disrupt your daily routine and pose a security risk.Troubleshooting:

Inspect the remote and keypad: Replace the batteries in your remote or keypad.

Test the wall switch: Ensure the wall switch is working correctly by trying to open the door from the inside.

Check the safety sensors: Clear any debris or obstructions from the safety sensor's path, and make sure they are properly aligned.

Uneven Closing or OpeningIssue: An imbalanced garage door can put stress on the opener and compromise your safety.Troubleshooting:

Check the springs: If one spring is broken, replace both to maintain balance.

Inspect the cables: Look for frayed or damaged cables, which may need replacement.

Adjust the spring tension: Adjusting spring tension should be done by a professional for safety reasons.

Slow-Moving Door Issue: A garage door that moves slowly can be a sign of wear and tear. Troubleshooting:

Lubricate moving parts: As mentioned earlier, lubricate rollers, hinges, and springs.

Inspect the tracks: Ensure the tracks are clean and properly aligned.

Remote Control IssuesIssue: If your garage door remote is not working consistently, it can be frustrating.Troubleshooting:

Replace the remote batteries: Sometimes, a simple battery replacement is all that's needed.

Reprogram the remote: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to reprogram the remote.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting can help extend the life of your garage door and reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs. While some problems can be addressed with simple DIY solutions, others may require professional assistance. It's important to exercise caution and prioritize safety when dealing with garage door issues, especially when working with springs or electrical components. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact a qualified garage door technician to diagnose and garage door repairs Ottawa. By staying proactive and addressing issues promptly, you can keep your garage door in excellent working condition for years to come.

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Garage Door Repair Expert in Ottawa

New Post has been published on https://garagedoorprosontario.ca/garage-door-repair-expert-ottawa/

Garage Door Repair Expert in Ottawa

We only get to notice the importance of our hardware when we can no longer pull the car out of the garage.

By now, you have already understood why there’s a good reason for preventive maintenance checks.

Just like any home appliance or mechanical device, our overhead door needs routine maintenance.

Preventive checks will not only preserve the service life of our hardware but also saves us from spending on costly repairs.

So, if you need a garage door repair expert in Ottawa, give us a call and we will be there without delay!

Garage Door Repairs Pro Ottawa is a team of expert repairmen that delivers excellent services.

We don’t just give your hardware long-lasting repairs; we care about our customers’ safety and security.

When you encounter the following signs of faulty operations or damages, it’s best to call your nearby service provider.

Detecting the damages at the earliest stage keeps you from spending on expensive repairs.

When to Call for Repairs and Installations?

We can’t stress enough the importance of preventive maintenance checks.

We understand that we all have different priorities.

But know that when your hardware will stop working, your priority would be to get it repaired immediately.

Before that dreaded situation will take place, know what are the signs and call for technical support right away!

When you heard an unusual sound coming from the hardware

When your hardware shows unusually slow movement

The track is bent or the panel is derailed

The hardware panel will not respond when prompted

One of the most effective pieces of advice we can give is to get it checked right away.

When it exhibits faulty operations and can no longer be remedied with minor troubleshooting–call us!

Safety and Quality

Considering the hardware’s weight, size, and intricate details, it will surely give us a hard time getting it fixed.

In other words, a garage door is complex mechanical hardware that requires skills to get it fully functional.

That’s why our garage door repair expert in Ottawa is here for a good reason to provide you high-quality repairs.

Some repairs can be manageable with minor adjustments.

But other hardware damages pose a safety risk that only a professional technician can handle.

Dependable and Competent Services

We care about our customers.

We don’t just give you promises – we always deliver excellent services.

In fact, you can count on us for 24/7 emergency repairs!

In every service, we always make sure that our repairs will last longer.

However, that does not mean you can skip the much-needed preventive maintenance checks of your hardware.

A Highly-performing garage door keeps our family safe and protected from all types of harmful elements from the outside.

Saves Time, Money and Energy

We all know that we don’t want any unnecessary and expensive repairs.

Entrusting your hardware to a reliable service provider guarantees you time and money-saving benefits.

As much as we want to see our valued customers, we guarantee to give you durable and excellent services.

Aside from saving you from the stress, we guarantee you big savings from not spending on costly repairs!

Cost of Service

We all have unique needs and we use our hardware differently.

But we assure you that we don’t just give you the repairs you ask from us.

First, we will assess your hardware.

A physical assessment will help us determine what your hardware truly needs.

Our highly skilled technicians will locate and identify the source of faulty operations.

From there, we will lay the needed repairs along with the total estimate of the service.

You can freely talk to us about the services after we have laid the plan and details.

Contact Us Anytime, Anywhere in Ottawa!

Preserve your hardware by regularly providing it with preventive maintenance checks!

That’s because even the best hardware is prone to inclement weather and other damaging elements from the outside.

You will only need to schedule your hardware routine check twice a year from us.

Furthermore, do not attempt to do the repairs on your own if you think it’s beyond your skills.

When you need us for garage door repairs, contact us anytime!

Our team stands by to respond to your call!

Also, if you want to reap stellar benefits and long-lasting repairs, entrust your services need to the experts in Ottawa!

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Garage Door Repair And Insurance Companies In Ottawa

New Post has been published on https://grgdoorfix.com/garage-door-repair-and-insurance-companies-in-ottawa/

Garage Door Repair And Insurance Companies In Ottawa

Let’s discuss Garage Door Repair And Insurance Companies In Ottawa.

Having good installation of garage doors is nice and cool, but maintaining their good state for a long time needs arduous effort.

It requires time and, of course, a great deal of money if neglected.

So before having a garage door installed, you might want to consider planning first.

Unexpected things happen, and you wouldn’t know when your properties could get destroyed,

so looking for a company that could provide good quality repair and insurance for your garage doors is a must.

While there are many companies in Ottawa that offer fast mending services of garage doors, finding one that truly gives quality maintenance can be troublesome.

Here are some things you can do before getting a garage door maintenance and insurance provider.

Research about the quality of services

As an intuitive customer, researching a particular company’s quality of services is one of the necessary steps you should take.

This would prevent you from having a problem contacting and having important transactions with the service provider you choose.

Check for good reviews and always ask for recommendations from trustworthy customers or from close friends who experienced having transactions with garage door services.

Make sure there are affirmations that the company completes its job well.

Also, verify whether they provide accessible and round-the-clock customer services or not.

If you need immediate repair for your garage doors, you are sure that the company is reachable anytime.

In addition to those, inquire if the company offers additional services such as window or siding maintenance.

If the company offers such, it means they could provide a good service because they cater to a broad related scope of repairment assistance.

Make sure the company is legit and guaranteed

Another essential step to do in choosing a good garage door maintenance company is making sure they are legit and guaranteed.

The disadvantage of getting a service provider that is not accredited is that they do the job poorly.

You might spend a lot more money on having your garage door fixed by an amateur technician than by someone who is licensed to do the job.

Garage door companies that are certified are more likely to offer insurance for your garage door improvement.

Having your garage door insured will let you save a lot in times accidents or calamities arise, so choose a company that also offers insurance.

Analyze the cost

Most of the time, we are confused when it comes to the pricing of a service.

A low service price can really be enticing.

But we should be careful because getting a service based solely on the price is not the best option.

On the other hand, some services can really be expensive.

But getting the most expensive one doesn’t always guarantee that it gives the best services.

Ensure that quality comes first.

Compare the best prices available and consistently consider if the cost is worth the service.

There are various garage door services in Ottawa that offer a reasonable fee for your garage door improvement.

Decide on the best option

If you are done researching the quality of services, the company’s legitimacy of doing the job,

and comparing the cost of different service providers, the next step is to decide which one you will get.

Some competent garage door repair companies in Ottawa may professionally suggest beneficial enhancements for your garage doors and you always have the option to decide whether you would avail it or not.

Be sure to choose a garage door service provider that offers not only the best prices but also the best quality and insurance.

Don’t waste your money spending on a fast service but a low-quality one.

A company that offers the best garage door improvement doesn’t need to be that expensive or too low cost.

Always choose in between and keep in mind if the service is practical and in line with your budget.

Careful planning needs time but indeed gives you satisfying results.

So if you’re having trouble which garage door maintenance company in Ottawa you would choose, follow the tips mentioned in this article.

Don’t forget to research about their services, ensure they are guaranteed, analyze the cost, and choose the best deal.

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How Preventive Maintenance Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Proper maintenance of your garage door might not seem like a pressing concern, but overlooking it can lead to unexpected costs and hassles. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, preventive maintenance can help you save money and extend the life of your garage door. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about garage door maintenance to help you understand its importance.

1. What Is Preventive Maintenance for Garage Doors?

Preventive maintenance involves regularly inspecting, servicing, and addressing minor issues with your garage door before they escalate into major problems. It includes tasks such as:

Lubricating moving parts

Tightening bolts and screws

Checking the alignment of tracks

Inspecting the garage door opener and safety sensors

This proactive approach ensures that your garage door operates smoothly and reliably.

2. How Does Preventive Maintenance Save Money?

Skipping maintenance might save time initially, but it can lead to costly repairs later. Here’s how preventive maintenance can help you save:

Avoiding Expensive Repairs: Addressing minor issues early prevents them from escalating into major mechanical failures.

Reducing Energy Costs: A well-maintained garage door seals properly, preventing heat loss in winter and keeping your home or business cooler in summer.

Extending Equipment Lifespan: Regular care minimizes wear and tear, prolonging the life of components like springs, tracks, and the garage door opener.

3. What Are the Risks of Neglecting Garage Door Maintenance?

Failing to maintain your garage door can lead to:

Sudden breakdowns, leaving you stranded or unable to secure your property

Increased wear on critical components, resulting in expensive replacements

Higher energy bills due to poor insulation

Safety risks, such as a malfunctioning door falling unexpectedly

For businesses, neglecting maintenance can disrupt operations. If you need commercial garage door repair in Ottawa, professional assistance is just a call away.

4. How Often Should Garage Door Maintenance Be Performed?

It’s recommended to perform basic maintenance every 6 months. However, if your garage door is heavily used—like in a commercial setting—quarterly maintenance may be necessary. Schedule an annual professional inspection to catch issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

5. Can I Perform Garage Door Maintenance Myself?

You can handle basic tasks such as:

Lubricating hinges and rollers

Cleaning debris from the tracks

Testing the balance of the door

However, for complex tasks like spring adjustments or garage door installation in Ottawa, it’s best to rely on professionals to ensure safety and precision.

6. What Role Does the Garage Door Opener Play in Maintenance?

The garage door opener is a vital component, and its performance impacts the overall system. Regularly checking and maintaining the opener ensures it operates efficiently. If you're considering upgrades or replacements, garage door opener installation in Ottawa is a worthwhile investment for convenience and safety.

7. How Can Preventive Maintenance Improve Safety?

A well-maintained garage door is safer for your family, employees, or customers. Maintenance helps:

Ensure the safety sensors work properly

Prevent sudden door malfunctions

Avoid accidents caused by worn-out springs or cables

This is especially crucial for commercial establishments, where malfunctioning doors can pose serious risks.

8. Are There Signs That My Garage Door Needs Immediate Attention?

Watch out for these warning signs:

Unusual noises like grinding or squeaking

The door moving unevenly or getting stuck

Delayed response from the garage door opener

Visible wear on springs, cables, or rollers

If you notice any of these, schedule a professional inspection promptly.

9. Why Should Businesses Prioritize Garage Door Maintenance?

For businesses, a malfunctioning garage door can result in downtime, security risks, and liability issues. Regular maintenance ensures that your commercial garage doors operate reliably, safeguarding your operations and reputation.

10. How Do I Get Started with Preventive Maintenance?

Here’s how you can begin:

Create a maintenance schedule based on your door’s usage.

Perform simple tasks like cleaning and lubrication.

Partner with a trusted professional for annual inspections and repairs.

With proper care, your garage door will remain a dependable asset, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Preventive maintenance is a smart investment for both residential and commercial garage doors. By staying proactive, you can ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your garage door system.

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Find Out Best Emergency Garage Door Repair in Ottawa

We provide the exclusive Garage Door Opener Installation Service in Ottawa. Know more information about Garage Door Repair, Emergency Garage Door Repair at the official website.

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Garage Door Repair Ottawa | Garage Door Parts & Installation Company

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What Are Some Common Garage Repair Issues?

What are some common garage repair issues that people face? In fact, any garage-related repair, maintenance or remodeling project can create a number of problems. Here are some examples:

Due to wear and tear, a garage door may no longer be reliable enough to protect the garage and its contents from the elements. This can be solved by calling garage door services, who can recommend a strong garage door that is durable and has good security features. It may be a good idea to replace the door before it becomes completely worn out.

Aside from the garage door, another garage repair issue often comes up is the garage entry gate. What do you do when it's not working properly? You call garage door services Capital Garage Door Ottawa who can fix the problem. Some possible causes of the gate not opening are faulty hardware, power leakage, and improper locking mechanisms. 

If you are experiencing problems with your garage entry, you can call garage door services. They will help you determine the cause of the issue and recommend a garage repair issue that can solve the problem.

A garage door can also become unstable due to bad weather or even animals or toddlers lurking around. Some garage repair issues can be solved by simply tightening the latches. 

Other times, there might be things like a piece of debris or a small pole that can cause the door not to close properly. In this case, the garage services can apply lubricant to the moving parts to prevent any friction that could affect the closing of the door.

What are some common garage repair issues that are caused by people?

For one thing, people tend to forget about their car keys and leave them in the car. This is dangerous because if the car keys to get in the wrong hands, the owner could lose the ability to drive. To prevent this from happening, you can put a lock on the car keys compartment or in the trunk. Some garage companies offer automatic door locks as well.

Another garage repair issue often comes up when people are working on a home extension. When this project is finished and the garage door shutters are up, there may be gaps between the shutters. Instead of closing them, people push them back into place with their weight. Garage door services can address this problem by giving you a patch to apply on the garage floor.

What are some common garage repair issues caused by pests? 

There are times when people want to put new carpet or linoleum in a garage. Unfortunately, this is not something you can do by yourself without proper tools. There are chemicals that you need to use to clean out the garage and these chemicals will damage your floors or the carpet if you accidentally spray it on the floor.

What are some common garage repair issues? 

Garage doors are one of the most used parts of the house so they need to be maintained properly in order to protect your car and other items stored inside. If you are having trouble opening or closing your garage door, have a professional garage door service take a look at it. They may be able to fix it for you or suggest another solution to prevent future problems.

What are some common garage repair issues with your garage doors? Some homeowners are embarrassed to call a garage repair service because they think it will be too costly. While garage doors are expensive to replace, some repairs are much more affordable than you think. You can also avoid replacing garage doors altogether with a simple safety mechanism. 

Purchase a garage door closer which will cover the garage's entrance when not in use. You will be able to open the door without turning it, but you won't have to worry about stumbling around all over the floor when you exit the garage.

What are some common garage repair issues with your garage's lighting? Your garage door's track can become loose or even fall off the hinges, causing it to be difficult to open and close. 

A garage repair service can easily take care of this problem. They will be able to replace the garage door with a stronger metal track or they may suggest a different garage door opener that works better with your type of garage door.

What are some common garage repair issues with your garage's glass windows? Many garage repair services will suggest replacing broken glass windows. However, you should know that replacing windows is expensive. 

In fact, you may want to consider buying new windows that are strong and break-resistant glass. You can also add some security by installing a glass grille on the windows of your garage.

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Efficient Garage Door Opener Cable Repair in Ottawa

A functional garage door opener is a key component of a convenient and secure home in Ottawa. When the cable connecting the opener to the garage door experiences issues, it can disrupt the entire system, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards. In this article, we'll explore the importance of the garage door opener cable, common problems that may arise, and the professional solutions available for residents in Ottawa.

The Role of Garage Door Opener Cables

Garage door opener cables are an integral part of the system, connecting the opener to the door itself. These cables are responsible for transmitting the signals from the opener to the door, allowing for seamless opening and closing. If the opener cable is damaged or malfunctions, it can lead to various issues that impact the overall performance of the garage door system.

Common Problems with Garage Door Opener Cables

Cable Snapping or Fraying: Over time, the garage door opener cable may experience wear and tear, leading to snapping or fraying. This can result from regular use, improper installation, or exposure to the elements.

Misalignment or Disconnection: Opener cables can become misaligned or disconnected, preventing the proper transmission of signals between the opener and the door. This can cause the door to stall or operate unevenly.

Excessive Slack: If the opener cable has too much slack, it may not effectively engage with the door, causing erratic movements or complete failure of the opening mechanism.

Corrosion and Rust: Ottawa's climate, with its cold winters and humid summers, can contribute to the development of rust and corrosion on garage door opener cables. This can compromise their structural integrity and lead to malfunctions.

Professional Solutions for Garage Door Opener Cable Repair in Ottawa

Diagnostic Inspection: When facing issues with the garage door opener cable, it's essential to enlist the services of a professional garage door repair technician in Ottawa. A thorough diagnostic inspection will be conducted to identify the root cause of the problem.

Cable Replacement: Depending on the severity of the issue, the technician may recommend replacing the damaged or malfunctioning opener cable. This ensures the reliable transmission of signals between the opener and the door.

Adjustments and Realignment: In cases where misalignment or disconnection is the issue, the technician will make necessary adjustments and realign the opener cable to ensure proper functionality.

Corrosion Prevention and Treatment: To address rust and corrosion concerns, professionals may recommend preventive measures such as applying rust-resistant coatings or, if necessary, replacing the cable with a more corrosion-resistant material.

Comprehensive System Check: A reliable garage door repair service in Ottawa will not only address the immediate issue with the opener cable but will also conduct a comprehensive check of the entire garage door system. This includes inspecting springs, rollers, tracks, and other components to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

Swift and efficient garage door opener cable repair Ottawa is essential for homeowners looking to maintain the smooth operation of their garage doors. By entrusting the repair process to professional technicians, residents can ensure that issues are accurately diagnosed and effectively addressed. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and proactive measures will contribute to the longevity of the garage door system, providing Ottawa homeowners with a reliable and secure entry point to their homes.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Garage Door Opener Parts

Garage door openers are complex devices that consist of several essential parts working together to automate the process of opening and closing garage doors. Understanding the various components of a garage door opener is crucial for troubleshooting issues, performing repairs, or making informed decisions when purchasing replacement parts. In this guide, we will explore the most common garage door opener parts, their functions, and how they contribute to the smooth operation of the opener system.

Motor Unit

The motor unit is the heart of a garage door opener. It houses the electric motor that generates the power necessary to operate the door. The motor unit typically includes a gear assembly that translates the motor's rotational force into linear movement to drive the opener's various components. The motor unit is usually mounted to the ceiling or wall of the garage, and it is responsible for lifting and lowering the garage door.

Drive Mechanism

The drive mechanism is the system responsible for moving the garage door along its track. There are three main types of drive mechanisms:

a. Chain-Drive: This is the most common type, where a metal chain connects the motor to the trolley, pulling or pushing the garage door along the track.

b. Belt-Drive: Similar to a chain-drive but with a reinforced rubber belt instead of a chain. Belt-drive openers are known for their quiet operation.

c. Screw-Drive: This type uses a threaded steel rod to move the trolley along the track. Screw-drive openers are durable and require minimal maintenance.

Trolley

The trolley is the component that connects the garage door to the drive mechanism. It slides along the opener rail as the motor unit operates, moving the door up and down. The trolley typically has an arm that connects to the top section of the garage door, allowing it to move along the tracks.

Remote Control

The remote control is a handheld device that communicates with the opener motor wirelessly. When you press the buttons on the remote, it sends signals to the motor unit, instructing it to open or close the garage door. Remote controls usually use radio frequencies (RF) to transmit the signals.

Wall Console/Button

The wall console or wall button is a wall-mounted control panel that allows you to operate the garage door opener from inside the garage. It provides a convenient way to open or close the door without using a remote control. The wall console also typically includes a light switch to control the opener's built-in light.

Sensors

Safety sensors are critical components designed to prevent accidents and injuries. These sensors are typically placed on either side of the garage door, near the floor. They use an infrared beam to detect any obstruction in the door's path while closing. If an object or person breaks the beam, the sensors will signal the opener to reverse the door's direction, preventing it from closing and potentially causing harm.

Safety Release Mechanism

The safety release mechanism, also known as the emergency release, allows you to disengage the garage door opener and operate the door manually in case of a power outage or an opener malfunction. It is usually a red cord or handle that hangs from the trolley, and pulling it disconnects the opener from the door, allowing you to open or close the door manually.

Conclusion

Garage door opener parts Ottawa work harmoniously to provide a convenient and safe solution for opening and closing garage doors. Understanding the function of each component helps homeowners and technicians troubleshoot issues, perform regular maintenance, and identify the need for replacement parts when necessary. By ensuring that all components are in good working order, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your garage door opener, providing reliable and efficient operation for many years to come.

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Hitler’s car, not Goring’s car...

"Hitler's Car" and the Canadian War Museum: Problems of Documentation and Interpretation 

Cameron Pulsifer - Canadian War Museum in Ottawa

1 One of the best known and also most problematic artifacts on display at the Canadian War Museum (CWM) is the black Grosser Mercedes automobile that was once used by Adolf Hitler. When the car came to the CWM in 1970 it was believed to have belonged to Hitler's Deputy Führer and Luftwaffe commander Hermann Goering. But then a critical piece of research, undertaken by CWM librarian Ludwig Kosche, and published in the magazine After the Battle in 1982, revealed conclusively that the car had belonged to Hitler.1 Kosche's study is thorough, meticulous, and indisputable, and it transformed the significance of the artifact. An object of moderate interest when associated with the second-ranking Nazi leader, it became one of intense fascination when associated with the arch-villain behind the whole Nazi enterprise, the Führer himself.

The story of the car has been well told by Kosche. The following will, in the main, be concerned with its story as an artifact at the Canadian War Museum. It will focus on the manner of its acquisition, the nature of its "restoration," the problems of its documentation, and the difficulties inherent in its exhibition. As such, it should serve as an interesting case study of artifact acquisition and research in what must be seen now as a markedly aggressive era in the history of museum collecting, and as an illumination of the approach the CWM has taken over the years to the documentation and the presentation of this particularly contentious artifact.

3 The CWM's vehicle is a Grosser Mercedes 770 W 150 of which Daimler Benz of Stuttgart produced three versions between 1938 and 1943. The first was unarmoured; the second was armoured; and the third was a larger more powerful version termed a Staatskarosse. The CWM's car is one of the second, armoured, versions. Weighing 4100 kilograms, it was powered by a 230-horsepower engine, and could produce top speeds of between 145 and 150 km/h. The doors were armoured, the windows were 2.5-centimetre-thick bullet-proof glass, and a 0.6-centimetre-thick armour plate could be raised behind the rear passenger seat. There are separate front seats for a driver and a passenger, and a bench style rear passenger seat. In addition, immediately behind the front seats are three folding jump seats to hold additional passengers if required. There is one compartment in the front dashboard and two in the rear seat for holding pistols.

4 The car has a number of features that, according to Kosche, have "so far not been found in photographs of other Grosser Mercedes 770 W150." These are: "an ornamental hole in the radiator; four vents directly beneath the wind screen; two door hinges on either side ... short, curved side rear windows; and twenty cooling-slits on both sides of the central hinge on top of the bonnet."2 These distinctive features, together with the car's one surviving registration plate at the rear, were eventually to enable Kosche to confirm that the car had been one of Hitler's, not Goering's.

5 The CWM acquired the vehicle in May 1970 from Quebec City businessman and entrepreneur Claude Pratte for a gift tax receipt. He had purchased it some years previously from H. J. O'Connell, a Montreal collector, who in turn had acquired it in an auction at the American Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland in November 1956 for $2,725 (American). O'Connell had hired R. J. Rumble of Rumble Motors in Toronto to do the bidding, and after its purchase the car was shipped to the firm's Toronto premises, where a further $5,000 (Canadian) was spent on an extensive "restoration."3

6 The car was well known at the time as Goering's staff car. It had been associated with the Luftwaffe commander virtually since its capture by the Americans in May 1945. Sergeant T. Joe Azara of the 20th Armored Division had found the car sitting on a flatbed in a railway siding in the village of Laufen just north of Salzburg, Austria. After a short fire fight with some German snipers, Azara secured the car, removed it from the flatbed, and soon had it running. (He soon, however, had to replace the original engine with another of the same power removed from a Mercedes found at Hitler's retreat at Berchtesgaden, located just to the north of Laufen across the Austrian-Bavarian frontier.)4

From a reading of the 20th Armored Division's newspaper, The Dispatch, Kosche attributes the association of the car with Goering to a statement made at the time by a Dutch civilian worker in a garage near where the car was captured. He claimed that the car was being shipped from Berchtesgaden, "because it was out of gas, and even Goering could get no more."5 Kosche concludes that this rather ambiguous statement was the origin of the car's becoming identified with the portly Reichsmarschall. Whatever the case, after the car was shipped to the United States in August 1945, it was used as the centre piece of a number of war bond drives identified as "Goering's Personal Car."6

8 In October 1956, it was put up for auction, after having spent the previous nine years in storage with the Property Disposal Office of the American military. Again it was advertised as one of Goering's cars, and was apparently acquired by H. J. O'Connell with this understanding. Another car sold at the same sale was one of two Mercedes that had been captured by the 101st Airborne. It was a 1943 Mercedes that its captors had termed the "Blue Goose," which had indeed belonged to Goering. R. J. Rumble evidently assumed that his car was the other Mercedes known to have been captured by the 101st. Since the other car taken by the 101st was known to be a Staatskarosse, Rumble based his "restoration" of his own car upon a photograph that he had available of a Staatskarosse. The result was the centre light mounted on the curved bar above the front fender, which the CWM's car never had originally.7

The car purchased by Rumble had suffered some gunshot damage. Bullets had pierced the armour plate at the back, and the dashboard had also been hit. In addition there were three bullet holes in the front wind screen with some cracking, and the right passenger windscreen was badly splintered. It had long been believed that this damage had been inflicted after the war by trigger happy G.I.s at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, anxious to test the effectiveness of the car's armour plate. However, Kosche has shown conclusively, again by reading The Dispatch, that this damage had in fact already been inflicted at the time of the vehicle's capture in May 1945. How or when it was done is not certain. One can only note that the car had been sitting on a railway flatbed for some time in what was clearly a combat zone.8 Work carried out by CWM conservator Leslie Redman in 1996 on the leather seats has revealed gun-shot damage especially to the left rear and to the jump seats. Indeed a reinforcement bar in the latter was found to have a large elliptically-shaped hole blown in it, leading to some speculation by CWM staff that it was caused by a fairly large projectile, as from an aircraft.9 Whatever the case, attempts were made to repair most of this damage during R. J. Rumble's "restoration" of 1956, except for that in the windows. As Rumble explained to CWM Director Lee Murray: "Mr O'Connell required everything to be restored to its original condition except the windows, which he felt lent more authenticity to the war action the car had seen."10

10 Rumble also drew attention to the fact that the car had had a total of eighteen layers of paint applied to it. These were said to alter "from black to 'Luftwaffe green' — the car being repainted for state events or for field trips." The presence of the so-called "Luftwaffe green," of course, lent credence to the story of the car having belonged to Goering.11

11 As these alternating layers of black and so-called Luftwaffe Green paint were subsequently cited frequently in support of the notion that the car belonged to Goering, Kosche's own thoughts on the matter are worth recounting before proceeding further. He concludes that although the "car had undoubtedly a few layers of paint, the two uppermost being American in origin... [t]here is ... no support for this story." He quotes a driver who sometimes drove for Hitler to the effect that "to the best of his knowledge, none of the cars were given camouflage paint — there being no other explanation for the alleged 'Luftwaffe green'." Indeed, the type of vehicle possessed by the CWM was not usually used for field trips at all, which instead were the domain of another type of Mercedes, the much heavier six-wheeled Mercedes 770-G. "In any event," observes Kosche, "it is more likely that the colour would have been Army green rather than Luftwaffe grey."12

12 Claude Pratte offered the car to the CWM towards the end of October 1969. As Lee Murray wrote to his superior, Dr William Taylor, Director of the National Museum of Man*, on 3 November: "A gentleman from Quebec City has offered to make available to us, either by loan or gift, Field Marshal Goering's Staff car." Murray considered it to be "a very valuable historical item, and its acquisition would be very timely as it could become one of the chief features of our V-E Day display."13

13 This appears to have been the only justification necessary for the CWM to acquire the car. Like many other museums at this time the CWM had no acquistions policy and no formally constituted collections committee that vetted artifacts proposed to be brought into the collection. Indeed, the CWM had only moved into its new museum quarters at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa two years earlier. With only 67 000 artifacts in the collection, the primary impetus amongst museum staff at the time was to increase this number, the result being the close to half a million objects that the CWM has in its collection today. Inevitably, a large number of items came into the collection in this era that, while they were related to the general theme of warfare in the twentieth century, lacked that specific association with Canada's involvement in this warfare that has become the prime concern of today's collecting priorities. Examples are a large number of Soviet artillery pieces, two early marks of German Panzers, an Italian Carro Veloce 33 "tankette," and a turret off an American M-48 tank, none of which have any specifically Canadian reference at all. Probably the most prominent and well-known example, however, is Goering's, later, Hitler's, car.14

14 Pratte himself wrote on 10 November enclosing details of "Goering's bullet proof car that were given to me when I bought the car from Mr H. J. O'Connell."15 As these materials were very skimpy, however, over the following number of months the CWM attempted to obtain more information about the car, and also to find someone qualified to do the evaluation that was necessary to issue a gift tax receipt. It is interesting to note that almost from the beginning the CWM seems to have not been prepared to accept the car's attribution to Goering at face value, and looked for some means of associating it with Hitler. Thus in a letter to R. J. Rumble of 14 November 1969, requesting whatever additional information he had on the car, Lee Murray wrote: "In collaboration with the owner of the Second World War German Staff car that was reputed to have belonged to Adolf Hider... this Museum is attempting to piece together the history of the car and to evaluate its present worth—both as an antique car and as a relic of the Second World War."16 Note that there is no reference at all in this letter to the car's established reputation as having been associated with Goering. And a letter written a few months later to the potential evaluator, E. A. Jurist, President of the Vintage Car Store of New York, N.Y., Murray wrote: "This is one of seven [cars] delivered to German Army Headquarters in 1940, and which have since become known as 'Hitler' cars because it was in one or more of these large, armour-plated, open touring limousines that the German leader usually rode on ceremonial occasions." This letter noted only that the car was "reported to have been assigned to Field Marshal Goering." Whether there were solid historical reasons for such doubts, or whether they arose from wishful thinking is not certain, although one suspects the latter. For his part, Rumble attempted to correct what he perceived to be Murray's deviancy on the issue by repeating the received mythology: "There were seven of these units purchased in 1940 by the German Army Headquarters and this particular car was then issued to Goering, not Adolf Hitler as stated in the first paragraph of your letter. These facts were substantiated by the serial number, etc. and [sic] was used as his personal staff car."17

15 Rumble did supply one piece of critical information that up to that point had not been known — the car's factory serial number of 429334. He had taken it down, along with other technical data, off a plate attached to the car's bulkhead firewall. This discovery was "a big breakthrough," wrote Murray, and he immediately had it cabled off to the Daimler-Benz plant in Stuttgart hoping to receive more detailed information on the history of the car.18 The German Company did not respond, however, with Murray commenting wryly in a letter to Pratte of 29 January 1970: "I have noticed a reluctance in many Germans to admit they were around at all during the Second World War, and have a feeling that the same is true of this company."19 Finally, when by 11 February they had still not heard, Murray wrote for help to the German ambassador in Ottawa, Dr J. F. Ritter. "The Museum is extremely interested in a Mercedes Benz type 770 car which is in Canada," he wrote:

It is one of seven of these magnificent vehicles which were purchased by German Army Headquarters in 1940 and issued for service. The one that we are interested in is vehicle number 429334 and carries the original military license place [sic] 1Av148697. [Note that the license plate number was known this early, despite claims by Kosche that it was not revealed until 1980.] Part of the legend surrounding the car is that it was assigned for the use of Reichs Marshal Goering [sic].20

16 This at last produced results. The Embassy contacted the Ministry of Defence in Bonn, which in turn approached Mercedes Benz. The result was the first substantiated piece of historical documentation that was ever acquired on the car. The Embassy's military attaché, Colonel G. E. Stamp, wrote to Murray on 12 June:

It was confirmed by Mercedes Benz, Stuttgart, that the car in question had been delivered to the adjutancy of Adolf Hitler on 8 July 1940. It could not been [sic] found out whether the car had been used by Hermann Goring himself, but it is possible.

Additionally they found that the car had been sent to Daimler-Benz Company for repairs on 19 April, 1943 and was returned to Adolf Hitler's adjutancy again on 15 September 1943.

A photocopy of the factory worksheet was enclosed.21

17 In the meantime, a number of correspondents had been expressing doubts concerning the car's presumed affiliation with Hermann Goering. Thus on 17 February, when delivering his evaluation, Jurist contended that a:

... mistaken impression which has gained publicity is that each of the high-ranking members of the military and political staff of the Third Reich was assigned a particular 770K. Nothing could be further from the truth. The government provided car pools for visiting dignitaries who drew vehicles from these pools during their various visits to areas where parades or other public or private events were being held. However, several cars were assigned for Hitler's use ...22

18 On 16 June, the CWM's deputy chief curator, Ralph Manning, described the car in a briefing note for Olive Dickason, then of the Public Relations office of the National Museum of Man, as a "Mercedes Benz armoured staff car that was delivered to the adjutancy of Adolf Hitler on 8 July 1940 — one of the famous 'Hitler' staff cars." Manning evidently felt no need to draw attention to the car's association with Goering.

19 As has been seen, the CWM's acquisition of the car was completed on 15 May 1970, when Pratte was sent his gift tax receipt. The vehicle was not delivered to the CWM until September, as in the interim, at the special request of Mayor Jean Drapeau, it was put on show at the Man and His World exhibition in Montreal, a carry-over from the famous World Exposition of three years earlier. It is interesting to note that here it was displayed without qualification as "Hitler's Car."23

20 Despite the tendencies noted above to dissociate the car from Goering, when finally put on display at the CWM the vehicle was identified as "Goering's Staff Car." The caption, written by resident CWM historian, John Swettenham, repeated the known fact that it was delivered to Hitler's headquarters on 8 July 1940. It then introduced the slight qualification that "it is said to have been issued to Reichsmarschall Goering." It did, however, repeat the stories of its having had eighteen coats of paint, with Luftwaffe green for field trips and black for state occasions, and that it had been captured in 1945 by the 101st Airborne Division.24 Although there already were some doubts about these stories, both outside and inside the CWM, and in retrospect we know that this information was almost completely false, in fairness it must be said that the caption did reflect the prevailing weight of "expert" opinion on the car to that date. Evidently prepared to be hung for a sheep as for a lamb on the issue, the CWM even went to the trouble of putting fake number or registration plates on the car with the number WL-148697 — the initials WL being those of the Luftwaffe! This included painting this bogus number over the number on the car's one original registration plate at the rear!

21 On 14 September 1971 the CWM received a letter from Ottawa resident Collett Calverley casting further doubt on the association of the car with Goering. Calverley wrote expressly "to contest the claim that the vehicle was used by Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering." Although avowing that it was "always unpleasant to shatter delusions" he drew attention to the fact that the British already had a Mercedes, captured at Bad Homburg in 1945, that they claimed to have been Goering's. And noting that the British car had three door hinges, whereas the CWM's had only two, he argued: "Assuming the Nazi hierarchy was supplied 'from the top down,' and assuming there was a valid reason for changing the number of door hinges on the series of vehicles ... would it not be reasonable to conclude that the earlier models were more heavily armoured than later ones and that the Canadian one would fall into a more lightly armoured, later, and therefore more junior position in the series."25

22 Despite the weakness of Calverley's arguments his letter seems to have provoked a momentary flurry of doubt and reappraisal within the CWM. Thus Manning wrote to Murray on 17 September:

You know my feelings on the so-called "Goering" car we have. We have nothing to link it to him; nor do we have any worthwhile supporting evidence for its having been painted Luftwaffe green. This legend originated with Rumble Motors in Toronto, who did the overhaul in Toronto, and they wouldn't know Luftwaffe green from Wehrmacht green. I did at one time suggest a method by which the colour might be tested but [a staff member's] sickness has kept it from being pursued.

Should not John S[wettenham] prepare the reply — he prepared the caption?

Murray replied back two days later: "Ask John to prepare reply and maybe we should make our own test as suggested by you."26

23 Manning's plan as outlined to Swettenham in mid-November involved the removal of a paint chip from the car and then comparing it with a chip from another item in the collection "known to be still painted with Luftwaffe green." He also asked Swettenham to "carry the ball on this." Swettenham responded testily to Lee Murray on 23 November:

1. Ralph can hardly fob this one off on me.

2. He ... was behind this project all through. You will recall that it was Hitler's car until he changed it to Goering's at a meeting.

3. I wrote the label from research material which he supplied and there is a note of caution in it — the car "is said to have been issued" to Goering.

Swettenham's remarks suggest that CWM staff had been on the verge of identifying the car with Hitler, and that it was only Manning's reservations that prevented them from doing so. If this indeed was the case then Manning, who had strong personal doubts of his own about the attribution of the car to Goering, was clearly not yet willing to let these doubts influence the historical message that the museum presented about the car to the public.

24 Meanwhile, the CWM's letter to Calverley of 5 November, presumably written by Swettenham but bearing Murray's signature, pointed out that "we have been careful to caption this specimen as 'said to have been issued to Hermann Goring' — which may seem somewhat disingenuous in light of the fact that the caption was headed 'Goering's Staff Car'." Swettenham went on to observe that the possibility of the car being Goering's was "enhanced" by its having alternate coats of black and Luftwaffe green paint, "thus supporting the premise that it was used by a high Air Force officer when visiting units in the field."

25 Whether or not the test on the paint chips was ever carried out is not recorded. In any case, Swettenham's caption, identifying the car as Goering's, was that which visitors to the CWM continued to read for the next decade, and the artifact continued to be known to most, both inside and outside the museum, as Goering's car. Indeed, the February 1974 British periodical After the Battle ran an article on the car entitled "Hermann Goering's Mercedes Benz." This article repeated most of the myths and legends that had accumulated concerning the car that linked it to Goering, and a photograph clearly shows the CWM's faked registration plate of WL-148697.27 Eight years later this same publication was to carry Ludwig Kosche's corrected version, that for the first time told the real story of the car.

26 Although his official position was as the CWM's librarian, Kosche had an M.A. in History besides his library degree and while at the CWM his interests went well beyond the holdings of the library. He was perhaps especially well suited for a study of the Mercedes, in that he was of German origin, and his command of the language permitted a thorough sifting of German sources.

27 By November 1979 plans were afoot to move the car from the CWM's Third Floor to the Second Floor Galleries. Victor Suthren, then the museum's chief of exhibits, noted in a memorandum to museum historian Bernard Pothier of 1 November that it "seems to need a new caption," and asked Pothier to undertake it.28 When completed, Pothier's own caption contained no reference to Goering at all, which probably reflected growing doubts on this point amongst CWM staff. Instead it was entitled simply "German Staff Car, 1940-45." While it contained no specific references to the Reichsmarschall, the new caption did, nonetheless, repeat the hoary old tale of its being painted with eighteen alternating coats of Luftwaffe green and black paint, to be "used alternatively for Luftwaffe field inspections and for state occasions." And its capture was still attributed to the 101st Airborne Division.29

 28 In his comments on the caption, Ralph Manning reverted to suggested emphases that he had not raised since the car had been first acquired back in 1970. "Could we not get in here that this is one of the so-called 'Hitler staff cars'? of which there were eight?", he asked Pothier on 11 January 1980. He then went on to repeat his earlier opinion that "This Luftwaffe green was made up out of whole cloth by the car dealer in Toronto... "30 And earlier, probably in response to a memo from Lee Murray questioning the absence of any reference to Coering in the caption, Manning wrote: "we have been unable to come up with one tittle of evidence that our German staff car had any particular relationship to the Field Marshal. I think we should drop the reference in any caption."31

29 It was probably concerns such as these that inspired Kosche to begin his research on the car. Kosche was helped immeasurably by an action the CWM took in 1980 before he began to work. The layer of paint that had been applied to the car's original registration plate at the back was removed to reveal the original number underneath — 1 Av148697. (Although in fact the number had only been obscured since the car was first put on exhibition in 1971, and the CWM had been well aware of it before then.) The uncovering of this number was to prove crucial to Kosche, and was to enable him, along with the car's original factory production number, to search out more specific information on the car than anybody had found before. He was to prove conclusively that it had in fact been used by Hitler himself and not by Goering.

30 Kosche's investigations revealed that the 1A in the registration number denoted a Berlin location, and that the superscript letter v (in red) became mandatory soon after the outbreak of war in September 1939 for all vehicles that were not affiliated with such official bodies as the army, airforce, police, and postal service. This was in fact proof that the car was not used by the military, and perhaps most significantly for our purposes, not by the Luftwaffe.

31 Furthermore, and probably most helpfully, Kosche discovered a number of photographs showing Hitler actually riding in the car. One, taken eleven days after the car's arrival at the Reichs Chancellery, shows the Nazi leader riding in its front passenger seat on his way to make a speech at the Kroll Opera House, the substitute Reichstag. All the physical details of this car are similar to the CWM's, except minor ones that could easily have been altered later, such as black out lights and metal covers for the spare tires, and the registration number 1 Av148697 clearly visible.32 Other photographs show Hitler using the car on 10 September 1941 during a visit to Marienbad to meet the visiting ruler of Hungary, Admiral Horthy; on 28 November 1941 when he attended the funeral of the fighter ace Werner Môlders; and on 15 March 1942 when he arrived at the Zeughaus in Berlin to make an address. The latter is the last known occasion that Hitler used the car.

32 The next documented reference is for 19 April 1943 when, as noted, it was sent back to the Daimler-Benz plant for repairs. There is no record of what the problem was, and the vehicle was returned to the Reichs Chancellery on 15 September. Thereafter all references to it ceased until it was captured by Sergeant Azara at Laufen, in May 1945.33

33 Azara was able to use the car only briefly before it was taken over by one of his superior officers of the 20th Armored Division, Brigadier General Cornelius Daly. For the latter's use it was painted olive drab and provided with the marking of a large white star, which was the distinguishing mark born by all vehicles used in the Western Allied armies. It is interesting to note that recent conservation work has revealed the "barely visible outline of a star" in the centre of the fabric roof, its presence being verified by infra-red photography. This doubtless dates from its period of use by General Daly, and confirms that this roof is the original.34These were the colours and markings the car bore when it was shipped to the United States.

34 After its arrival in Boston on 8 August 1945, an article in that city's Daily Globe was headlined: "Goering's Auto Bullet Proof to protect Fat Marshal's Hide." The newspaper ran some photographs of the car, one of which, showing the dashboard and the inside surface of the windscreen, appeared later in the Newsweek magazine of 20 August. The caption noted that "there were three broken points on the windscreen with veins or cracks running from each, unquestionably where someone had taken a pot-shot at Hermann or some American G.I. had tried to find out if that glass were really bullet proof." Clearly the damage evident in the photograph exactly matches that on the windscreen of the CWM's car today, confirming that the two cars were indeed one and the same. In addition, the reading on the car's broken odometer upon its arrival in the United States was 13 900 kilometres, precisely the same as that on the CWM's car, the gauge evidently having never been subsequently repaired.35

35 The car's subsequent history has been outlined above, from its sale at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1956 to a Canadian collector, its donation for a tax receipt to the CWM in 1970, and the subsequent quandaries experienced within the museum as to the precise history of the car. Kosche's article, which answered most historical questions about the car, and firmly identified it with Adolf Hitler, was published in February 1982. The wheels of CWM bureaucracy revolved slowly, however, and it was not until a year and a half later that revisions were made to the caption that accompanied the car in the galleries, which still linked it to Goering. The new caption, which was ready in April 1984, finally identified the car with Hitler. "Photographic evidence shows that Adolf Hitler made use of it at least until 1942," it read, and its capture was at last correctly attributed to the U.S. 20th Armored.

36 Work then proceeded on constructing an exhibit space deemed appropriate to the display of the newly significant artifact. In September 1986 its opening was announced, and Kosche's discoveries about the car emphasized, in a CWM press release. "A Bavarian streetscape and two German officers provide a new backdrop for the Canadian War Museum's 7.7 litre Grosser Mercedes," it proclaimed. "Once attributed to Hermann Goering, the sleek Daimler-Benz armoured convertible has now been positively identified as Adolf Hitler's personal staff car ... Archival research by a former librarian has matched the car's original number plate (later overpainted) with the German police registration number 1Av148697."

37 The car sits in the CWM's Second Floor Gallery in front of its mock Bavarian Streetscape to this day. A visually striking and impressive artifact, it is one that visitors to the museum tend to remember — not infrequently to the exclusion of anything else. Thus in an interview with J. L. Granatstein just before he took up his appointment as CWM Director General and Chief Executive Officer in mid-1998, it was the only CWM artifact that CBC Ottawa host John Lacharity could remember. Moreover, in an article on the holdings of Ottawa Museums published in April 1998, the Globe and Mail chose to run a photo of it in preference to all the other artifacts that the CWM has on display.36 It is doubtful mat the car would have the same effect if it were still identified as belonging to Goering.

38 Thus while the artifact itself remained the same, its identification with Hitler not only greatly increased its monetary value, but transformed its significance, both for the museum itself and for the visiting public. It is not, of course, that the car as an artifact provided any more insight into the nature of Hitler's persona or policies than it did into Goering's. But its positive identification as a car that had been used by the Führer himself imputed to it new meanings and levels of significance that transcended its status as a car, even one with a known Nazi provenance. This, of course, takes us beyond material history as we know it, and closer perhaps to the world of the personality cult and the collector. Still it is a constant of museum life that, however intrinsically fascinating a piece is in its own right, a perceived association with a famous or infamous figure tends to enhance its interest to the public. And this in turn can provide the museum with a useful tool that can help to explain historical developments and the unfolding of historical events.

39 This is what the CWM hoped it could do with Hitler's car. By situating the car against the setting of the Bavarian streetscape, replete with other tangible icons of the Nazi era, such as swastika banners and a mannequin in an SS uniform, it hoped to focus attention on the rise of Nazism and its significance for the origins of the Second World War. But the presence of the sleek black roadster and the accompanying Nazi paraphernalia was in fact criticized for glamourizing the Nazi regime. And doubtless the car and the exhibit did evoke what might be termed the Leni Riefenstahl view of Hitler, with its emphasis on adulating crowds, torchlight parades, and Nuremberg rallies, more than on the Hitler of military aggression, racist politics, and the Holocaust. The Museum responded to these criticisms eight years ago by adding a backdrop of photographs from the death camps to emphasize the horrific consequences of Hitler and Naziism. Yet, as noted, the car is a powerful enough presence that it is still the memory of it, and its associations with Hitler, that often predominate amongst visitors' recollections of the museum — possibly an uncomfortable reminder of the fascination that items associated with Hitler and the Third Reich continue to exert.

40 As has been seen, the car was acquired in an earlier more free-wheeling and opportunistic era in the history of museum collecting. It probably would not be acquired today, when much more tightly focused collecting policies are the rule. The specific mandate of the CWM, of course, is Canadian military history, with which Hitler's car has only a minimal association. The car can in ways be seen as a testament to the possible pitfalls inherent in displaying artifacts obtained under less focused circumstances, especially if, like Hitler's car, they have prominent and evocative associations with important historical developments that go beyond the specific thematic emphasis of the museum. If not handled carefully, they can draw unwanted attention, possibly at the expense of the museum's main message. The problem for the CWM, then, remains that of reconciling the car's undoubted visual impact and interest to visitors with the equally undoubted interpretative and pedagogical problems that its presence in the museum creates. It remains to be seen whether such reconciliation can be achieved.

NOTES:

1 Ludwig Kosche, "Story of a Car," After the Battle (1982): 1-13.

2 Ibid., 2

3 CWM Artifact File 19700158-001, R. J. Rumble, Rumble Pontiac Buick Ltd, Toronto, to L. F. Murray, CWM, 27 November 1969.

4 Kosche, "Story of a Car," 4.

5 Ibid., 5.

6 Ibid., 7-8.

7 Ibid., 9.

8 Ibid.,4-5.

9 See CWM Conservation File, Condition Report and Treatment Record, 12700158 Grosser Mercedes, Leslie Redman, 23 October 1996.

10 CWM Artifact File 19790158-001, R. J. Rumble to L. F. Murray, 27 November 1969.

11 Kosche, "Story of a Car," 9. Unfortunately, the letter where Rumble makes the claim about the eighteen layers of paint is missing from CWM files.

12 Ibid.

13 CWM Artifact File, 19700158-001, Lee Murray to Dr W. E. Taylor, re Field Marshal Goering's Staff Car, 3 November 1969

14 For more on this era in the history of CWM collecting see Cameron Pulsifer, "The Canadian War Museum: Past, Present, and Future?", 20 March 1998, unpublished manuscript on file, CWM.

15 Ibid., Claude Pratte to R. V. Manning, CWM, 10 November 1969.

16 Ibid., L. F. Murray to Rumble Motors, Toronto, 14 November 1969.

17 Ibid., R. J. Rumble to L. F. Murray, 27 November 1969.

18 Ibid., L. F. Murray to R. J. Rumble, 2 December 1969; Canadian War Museum to Daimler Benz, Stuttgart, Cablegram, 2 December 1969.

19 Ibid., L. F. Murray to Claude Pratte, 29 January 1970.

20 Ibid., L. F. Murray to His Excellency Dr J. F. Ritter, Ambassador of Germany, 11 February 1970.

21 Ibid., G. E. Stamp. Col. Air, Military and Naval Attaché, German Embassy, Ottawa, to Canadian War Museum, 12 June 1970.

22 Ibid., E. A. Jurist, Vintage Car Store Inc., to L. F. Murray, 17 February 1970.

23 Ibid., C. Pratte to C. J. Mackenzie, Secretary General, National Museums, 25 May 1970; on its being displayed as "Hitler's Car" see Kosche, "Story of a Car," 10.

24 CWM Artifact File 19700158-001, "Goering's Staff Car," caption, 1970-1980.

25 Ibid., Collett Calverley to The Curator, Canadian War Museum, 14 September 1971.

26 Ibid., Ralph Manning to Lee Murray, re The "Goering" Car, 17 September 1971; Murray to Manning, 19 September 1971.

27 "Hermann Goering's Mercedes Benz," After the Battle, no. 5 (February 1974): 52-53.

28 CWM Artifact File, 19700158-001, V. Suthren to B. Pothier, 1 November 1979.

29 Ibid., German Staff Car, 1940-1945, caption.

30 Ibid., Ralph Manning to Bernard Pothier, 11 January 1980.

31 Ibid., Ralph Manning to Lee Murray, 27 November 1979.

32 Ibid., see esp. facing p. 1 for photograph, and p. 3.

33 Ibid., 4.

34 CWM Conservation File, Condition Rep[ort] and Treatment Proposal, 19700158-001, Daimler Benz AG, Helen Holt, no date (treatment still underway).

35 Ibid., 6-7.

36 "Picasso on the Side," Globe and Mail, 15 April 1998.

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Garage Door Installation: It incorporates new garage door establishments like the primary garage door, the track, springs, pivots, links, locks, handles, and rollers. Additionally, anticipate total establishment and administration of another garage door. All garage door parts ought to be reviewed. A garage door expert should make acclimations to fit garage openings, adjusting all components during establishment to guarantee all garage door parts are working appropriately subsequent to being introduced.

Garage Door Replacement: This garage door administration incorporates eliminating and pulling away old garage doors and supplanting parts.

Electric Garage Door Openers: This repair administration applies to electric garage door openers, including adjusting the lift component that pulls and aides the garage door here and there. It isn't essential for the garage door and is repaired or overhauled in stretches. Run of the mill garage door opener services incorporate review or appraisal, change, oil, and repair. The mounting is reviewed alongside the connection to the garage door.

Repair or Service All Brands of Existing Openers: A decent garage door project worker additionally conveys a wide cluster of garage door parts, repairing and overhauling all garage door opener brands.

Twist Spring Replacement: A garage door's twist spring is liable for producing energy, being twisted around a shaft as opposed to extending to give a lift of the garage door. An individual who isn't prepared to repair or supplant twist spring of garage doors ought to never endeavor to do it since it is a risky undertaking. It's ideal to call an expert garage door Capital Garage Door Ottawa professional to repair or administration issues with garage door springs.

Off course Garage Door Repair: An expert garage door specialist services and repairs rollers that fell off manage tracks. Now, your garage door is in danger of imploding.

Drooping Garage Door Repair: As your garage door and home age, your garage door can move and move. On the off chance that this occurs, your garage door ought to be built up or realigned. You'll require a garage door expert to change your garage door and review the opening to guarantee that it isn't harmed. The garage door repair expert will fix all parts on a case by case basis and make any vital garage door changes.

Board Replacement of Garage Door: If just a part of your garage door is harmed, the professional can supplant only one area rather than the whole door. That is the reason you need an expert to survey or assess your door to get a good deal on parts substitution or supplanting the whole door.

Roller Replacement of the Garage Door: Sometimes, the guide wheel leaves the tracks and it tends to be supplanted when it's old and has exhausted. Additionally, you can just update it to nylon rollers so it will run all the more unobtrusively.

Sectional Garage Door Replacement: It is equivalent to supplanting your garage door. Notwithstanding, this case includes repairing or supplanting simply the segment of your garage door.

Substitution of Cable and Broken Springs: The link interfaces the spring to the garage door so these two services are normally bundled together. Since links and springs are made of steel, they will in general rust or wear out, justifying substitution as essential.

Garage Door Safety Inspections and Tune-Up: This includes an extensive check of garage doors. The specialist will assess, make minor repairs, minor changes, and lube the garage door. It will add life to your garage door is completed each year.

Arranged Maintenance: This assistance is essential to guarantee the life span of your garage door. It is equivalent to garage door investigations and tune-up however incorporates up to three doors and openers. In any event, it will give you genuine feelings of serenity that your private garage door is working appropriately. Additionally, it guarantees you'll have yearly inclusion of very much prepared professionals.

Reset Wireless Keypads: If your battery-worked controller needs repair or programming, a garage door professional can likewise help by resetting remote keypads.

Extra Remotes: An assistance expert can help you program your extra controllers to coordinate with your current garage door opener.

Set aside Time and Cash

By recruiting an expert garage door professional, you'll set aside time and cash over the long haul. It implies that you don't need to search around to search for great parts or garage door apparatuses required for a DIY garage door repair. Proficient garage door services will forestall future issues that would warrant costly repairs.

It's an exercise in futility purchasing instruments and garage door parts in case you're not prepared utilizing and to introduce them. This is the reason recruiting a certified and experienced garage door repairman is strongly suggested for appropriate establishment, repair, and to set aside time and cash over the long haul.