THE 30-40 CWT. DE DION CHASSIS.
Page 14
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A New Production Fitted with Michelin Wheels and Pneumatic Tyres and Suitab4e for Goods Carrying or as a Motor Coach de Luxe.
THE NEW 30 40 cwt. model De Dion chassis which arrived in .thit country a few days ago is, in many respects, similar to the 3 ten model
which was described by us in out issue dated June 1st, 1920. The -outstanding differeuees lie in the radiator, • which is V-fronted and with straight gilled tubes,. and is very similar to that employed on the De Then private car, as it will le remembered that the 3 ton and 5 ton models incorporate the Solex circular radiator. nother new feature is that Michelin steel wheels and pneumatic tyres are fitted as standard, single at the front and twin at the rear. The observant will alto notice that the three-pointconnected gearbox rests on two dropped cross-members, instead, of being slung from two practically straight members, as in the ease of the larger model.
We may say that the new vehicle is
one of the most handsome we have seen Front view, showing steering connec for some little time, and it has that sir tions and brass. covers over radiator of distinction and strength which are so support bolts.
often associated with French productions. Quite apart from its qualifications as a fast goods vehicle, it would make a very handsome motor coach.
The engine embodied in this vehicle has four cylinders of 90 mm. bore and 140 min. stroke; they are cast in pairs and are L headed, with the valves enclosed by two plates. The whole unit is three-point-suspended, at the front by a tfurnuen bearing and at the rear by bolts fitted with stout spiral springs. The magneto, which is of the company's own make, is positioned at the off side, and the same pinion 1_4ves the fan pulley. The cooling-water circulation is thermosyphonic, and the cooling is assisted by a cast-aluminium fan, carried by a bracket, which slides up or down for belt adjustment. The engine ie governed to 1,200 r.p.m., and at this speed gives 19.88 m.p.h, on fourth gear and 13.05 m.p.h. on third gear. Carburation is attended to by a Solex instrument.
The clutch is smaller but of an exactly similar type to that used on the larger vehicles, and consists of three plates, the centre one of which is faced on each side with thermoid. The clutch operation is direct by 4 T-shaped levers. There is a serrated coupling between this member.and the gearbox : the latter provides four speeds forward and a reverse and has an invisible gate change-speed mechanism, with the lever carried on an extension, of the gearbox lid. The foot brake, which is of the internal-expanding type, is positioned behind the gearbox, and the brake elturn is ribbed to facilitate .cooling.
The differential and bevel reduction gearing' is carried in a split aluminium casing suspended at the rear from a eross-member, and having at its front a long, tubular torque-member enclosing the: propeller shaft, The final drive to 'each rear wheel is through a short cardan shaft and internal gears. The cardan dies, which are of steel, are renewable, as are also the liner plates in the die hex. This construction, which is one of the standard features of De Dion productions, reduces the unsprung weight to the minimum.
The hand brake is of the. external contracting band type and -operates on the extd:iers of the final drive internal gear rings.
Following the usual practice, channel steel is. employed for .the frame. The side-members are inewept slightly and tapered to the front. In all, seven stout cross-members are embodied, and these are well' gusseted. The steering column is well raked, and on it is mounted a throttle control lever, which is ancillary
to the throttle pedal; incidentally, the ignition is fixed. •.
The use of Michelin wheels allows for centre-point steering-, i.e., a line carried through the stub axle pin actually passes through the point of contact of the tyre with the road. This facilitates the steering and preventsfatigue. The provisional price of this chassis is £675.
The following dimensionsmay prove of use to intending buyers :
Wheel track, 5 ft. 4 ins.; wheelbase, 12 ft. Bi ins. ' overall length, 17 ft. 114 ins.; lenithof frame behind driver's seat, 9 it. 04-ins