NEW CHASSIS FOR OLD.
Page 55
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How a Welsh Company Carries Out the Rebuilding of A.E.C. Chassis.
reNE of the most difficult Matter.e Neer upon which to make satisfactory comment is that concernitie the renovation or rebuilding of used vehicles, chiefly because opinions differ so greatly as to what constitutes eueh procedure, whilst it usually depends upon the condition of the chassis under treatment. In certain instances concerns with no great financial stability or prestige buy up old machines and give them a very superficial overhaul, in some cases this overhaul consisting of little more than a general clean-up and repainting, only such parts being repaired or replaced as are essential to permit the vehicle to be classed as a runner. On the other hand, concerns which have already won a goad name in the industry are turning out excellent propositions, the work of rebuilding being done conscientiously with a view to giving real satisfaction to the purchaser over a long period of use. These concerns rely upon the quality of their work to bring them business in the future rather than upon quick profits made by marketing patched-up vehicles at a low price.
In connection with the rebuilding tf A.E.C. vehicles upon really sound lines we may refer to the work carried out by William Jeffreys and Co., Ltd., of Swansea. This company is sending out rebuilt A.E.C. chassis at 4495, and although this, price may appear fairly high in comparison with those charged in many other cases, it is not so when the amount of work carried out on the individual chassis is taken into consideration.
As a basis the company utilizes, the 21-ft. 5-ton model, and as a commencement this is equipped with a new TyIor Tiger engine made by Tylors (.1.11.4), Ltd., of Hammersmith. Incidentally, this engine, which is of clean design and sound construction, was described in our issue dated November 113th. 1026. At the option of the purchaser, however,' and at a lower cost, the Tylor. J).B.4 engine can be eupplied. The. Tiger model has a bore of 5 ins, and a stroke of 6 ins, and develops 45 b.h.p. at 1,000 r.p.m.
So far as the gearbox is concerned, this is equipped with new shafts
running in the latest type Skefko bearings. New gears, cut by David Brown and Sons (Huddersfield), Ltd., of Huddersfield, and made from high-quality nickel-chrome steel, are also provided. The box gives ratios of 5.12 to 1, 2,87 to 1, 1.68 to 1 and direct drive on top.
The worm and worm wheel in the chnesis are supplied by the same gear cutters and the differential pinions and bushes, etc., are all renewed.
New springs having 12 and 13 leaves respectively for the front and rear are employed and spiral-spring cone buffers form an auxiliary suspension for the rear.
In the case of the front axle and steering gear these are thoroughly overhauled, new swivel pins, wheel bushes and spring bolts being fitted.
The springs are supplied by' John Perks, Ltd., and are of silico-manganese steel. The phosphor-bronze bushes are obtained from the AntiAttrition Metal Co., Ltd., and new tyres from the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd.
A definite rule has been instituted that no oversize parts shall be fitted at any paint. This means that in future overhaulings new standards can be employed; consequently, the life of such a rebuilt vehicle is greatly extended._ Powerful and safe braking is afforded by the provision of new Ferodo-faced brake shoes and new drums..
Each chassis is equipped with TecaIemit: grease-gun lubrication, nipples being provided in accessible position.% and an electric lighting set, supplied by Ltd., of Wolverhampton, is fitted.
So confident is the. company in the quality of its work that it is prepared to back each chassis by a comprehensive guarantee extending over a period of 12 months, whilst the maker of the engines is giving a guarantee for the same period. The company has already turned out over 240 rebuilt vehicles, but on no previous occasion has the same amount of new material been incorporated, and we certainly believe that the new policy will receive a cordial reception from users, some of whom may have bad unwelcome experience wilt' one or other of the so-called renovated vehicles turned eut in such prolific numbers during the past few years.