Extended Chassis for Furniture Van
Page 77
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A PRACTICAL approach to the prob
lem of providing adequate body space for light, bulky loads and mounting the floor as close as possible to the chassis frame, is seen in the latest vehicle purchased by Risboro' Furniture, Ltd., Station Works, Princes Risborough, Bucks.
Twelve vehicles are used for furniture deliveries to retailers as far afield as Aberdeen and Land's End. There are two Dodge 105P6 models, three MorrisCommercial FV012/5R 5-tonners, two similar vehicles petrol powered, an Austin 3-ton oiler and four B.M.C. oilengined 5-tonners—two each of Austin and Morris. The B.M.C. models include the latest addition, which is a modified Morris.
The chassis has been extended by 3, ft. 9 in. within the wheelbase, which is now 17 ft. 1 in. Internal flitch plates overlap the junctions of the insertion and are of angle section, being welded to the bottom flange of the chassis-frame side members and bolted and welded to the vertical face. Rear overhang has been increased by 2 ft.
Transverse body floor members are of channel section. They are inverted and filled with ash joists to provide added strength and prevent metallic Contact with the chassis longitudinals. Attachment is by angle brackets welded in the top V and bolted on the two flanges. The body front cross-member takes the form of a bridge over the gearbox to allow the provision of large traps in the body floor and front bulkhead for ease of servicing.
The method of construction employed results in the floor standing only 2i in.
off the top flanges of the chassis side members.
Overall the vehicle is 26 ft. 6 in. long. 7 ft 6 in. wide and 13 ft. high. There is 21 -ft. body length behind the driver and 5 ft. 6 in. in the Luton front extension. Body capacity is approximately 1,600 cu. ft. Although the overall length could be greater, the present arrangement permits legal running with the 3-ft. tailboard lowered. Rear closure is by canvas blinds.
Built by the operators, the body is framed in ash and panelled with Plymax, consisting of a plywood base and aluminium outer skin.
Resin-bonded plywood covered with bitumen-treated sailcloth is used for the
roof, whilst the floor is of On. tongued and grooved pine.
The frame conversion was carried out by the suppliers of the chassis. Chambers Engineering, Main Street, Weston Turville, Bucks. Fuel consumption of similarly converted vehicles already in use is stated to be at the rate of 19-21 m.p.g. A larger fuel tank with a capacity of 35 gal. has been fitted, and is located lower on the frame than normally to clear the underside of the body cross-members.