THE DAY-ELDER TWO-TON CHASSIS.
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A Substantially Built Machine. Incorporatifig a Continental Engine and Overhead Worm Final Drive.
THERE SEEMS TO BE quite a boom in the importation of American chassis,, and, unfortunately for the purchasers, not all these,. chassisa.re giving satisfactory service. However, we are sure that 'the Day-Elder two-ton chassis will nut he placed in the category of -those which prove unsatisfactory. Though it is classified as a two-tonner, its strength of construction, particularly
as regards the frame, is such that it looks capable of considerably greater loads, though, naturally, we do„ not advocate carrying more than the weight recommended by the manufacturers. It is not the production of a mushroom firm; but of manufacturers who have specialized in heavy vehicle construction for over 70 years, and who commenced manufacturing commercial motor vehicles almost directly the latter became a practical proposition.
A deep pressed steel frame tapered to the front and rear and, slightly inswept behind the dash is employed.. The side members are well braced by arched cross-members, and following standard American practice, are joined by another cross-member at the rear.
The power unit employed is the wellknown Continental Red Seal, model N, a reliable engine, descriptions of which have often appeared in 'the columns of this journaL It is sufficient -to say that it is a four-cylindered monobloc of ins. bore and 6 ins, stroke, giving a b.h.p. of 35.
Forming a nnit with the engine are the clutch and gearbox, the whole unit being suspended arthree points, thus obviating torsional stresses caused by frame flexion. Cooling is affected by a radiator of the cast-iron header and bottom tank type, provided with vertical flat copper tubes and copper fins.
The carburetter fitted is a Zenith, and a neat point is the provision of a small lever on the dash by which the air supply can be controlled through the medium of a Bowden Fire cable. Incidentally. this air supply is heated by means of a. muffle placed round the exhaust pipe and connected to the carburetter by a flexible metallic tube.
C28 The clutch is of the multiple dry disc type totally encloacd.
' Three speeds forward and a reverse are provided by the gearbox, which is a Covert, the gear ratios being 3.66 to 1, 1.89 to 1, direct on high, and 4.66 to 1 reverse. The rear axle worm gear ratio is 94to 1.
Ignition is by means of an Eisemann high-tension magneto, and lubrication by force feed and splash. The universal shaft employs three universal joints of the star type; these joints are totally enclosed and prntected from the entry of dirt and water by means of ball and socket joint covers, which are pressed into contact with the universal -joint • casings" by means of spiral springs. The rear end of the forward portion of ,ho universal joint is supported in a bearing slung from one of the arched cross-members.
A welded pot, type steel casing is em
ployed for the back axle. the overhead worm and differential geiirs being supported by a cast steel cover, which allows for inspection or removal of the gears without removingthe axle. • Steel tubes are pressed, into the axleA casing •and riveted in position. Very hefty springs are -used, and to render these even stronger two leaves of each are wrapped round the spring eyes; incidentally, these eyes are bushed with phosphor-bronze. A stout steel bar which exterids right across the frame Passes through each rear spring shackle. Both the hand and foot brakes operate on drums bolted to the rear wheels. The shoes, which are of the intornal-expanding type, are situated side by side. The two rods supporting the brake-operating levers are strengthened at their centres by being held in a bracket bolted to the rear arched cross-member, and the pull-. off springs, which are of the spiral-type, are attached to bolts on the worm casing.
• Wood wheels are provided, these being fitted with large single solid tyres as standard.
Screw and nut steering gear is employed., This gear is provided with art • adjustable bail thrust bearing and an 18 in. steering wheel.
The front axle is an I-beam drop forging of g-enerous proportions.
The front wheels are supported on Hyatt tapered roller bearings, which are adjustable for wear. The followinuhassis details may prove useful:—Oreraii length, 2021 ins. ; dash to rear of frame, 162 ins. ; rear of driver's seat to end of frame, 102 ins.
Steering is right-handed, whilst the gear-controlling lever is centrally posi • tioned, and is of the invisible gate type. The hand braise lever•is positioned at the left of the gearbox.
A neat appear:ail-Ca is given to the chassis by pressed steel niudguards. The concessionnaires for the Day-Elder are Foster and Tattersall, Ltd. 4. Great Marlborough Street, Landon, 2W.1, and the price of this machine is £725.