Frameless ultralightweights
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
New box bodies on Ford D series chassis
• A new range of ultra lightweight box vans, based on the Ford D Series tilt-cab chassis, has been introduced by Imperial Coachbuilders (Basildon) Ltd., of Bentalls, Basildon, Essex.
The new bodies are being built on the D200 to D600 range of chassis and Imperial's designers have combined lightness with strength to give taxation • weights of under three tons for all the D200 D300 and D400 models. The capacities of the bodies range from 725 cu.ft. on the 120in. wheelbase to over 1,000 cu.ft. on the 156in. wheelbase.
The low weight has been achieved by a new method of construction which eliminates conventional framing. The 18 s.w.g. aluminium alloy panels, used in the body construction, have pressed channels on each edge, giving an "I" beam formation for strength and rigidity. All joints are sealed and internally fixed with "pop" rivets, giving maximuni security, suited to TIR.
The body panels are additionally designed for ease of repair, with sectioned assembly with "pop" rivets and "huck" bolts at stress points allowing quick replacement of panels by semi-skilled labour. Replacement panels and sections are available ex-stock from Imperial complete with simple repair instructions.
The floor, of lin. tongue and groove softwood, is fitted with steel reinforced glassfibre wheelboxes, standing only 3in. proud. A straight-through floor is available as an optional extra. Cant rails are alloy sections while main side raves are of mild steel and both are specially shaped to suit the body side panels. Double-skinned box sections with return flanges are incorporated at the rear, with a mild steel exterior and alloy interior. The interior is finished with heavy duty longitudinal tying slats of top hat sections with beaded edges.
A very strong rear frame and bulkhead has been achieved by use of an alloy box carrier section with return flanges which marry with the body panels. The underframe consists of folded mild-steel section, welded and huckbolted, and mounted on the chassis to give axle loading flexibility.
Above, a one-piece translucent glassfibre roof is bolted to the cant rails with high-tensile bolts and locking nuts. The roof line is finished with an aluminium gutter moulding.
Standard fitment to close the rear aperture is a full-length, spring-loaded alloy roller shutter with nylon end bearings running in recessed mild steel channels.
However, the body is made strong enough to take, as option, any combination of rear closing equipment.
Recommended retail price for the 1,00( cu.ft. body on 156in. wheelbase is £650 Prices of other vehicles are available, or request, from Imperial.