FIRST LUTON VAN BODIES APPROVED FOR TRANSITS
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OF aluminium construction and having capacities of 465 Cu. ft. and 560 Cu. ft., two Luton van bodies have been introduced by Coachwork Conversions Ltd., of Stanbridge, Beds., for equipping shortand long-wheelbase chassis/cab versions of Ford Transit models.
The bodies are claimed to be the first Luton vans to be approved for the Transit by Ford's special vehicle order department.
The 465 cu. ft. body is designed for Transit 22 cwt. models, having a wheelbase of 106 in., while the 560 Cu. ft. Luton will be fitted to 25 cwt., 30 cwt. and 35 cwt. Transits with a wheelbase of 118 in.
By employing fully integral construction (the Luton section part of the structure) the kerb weights of the short wheelbase and long wheelbase model have been reduced to 3,235 lb. and 3,676/3,726 lb. respectively and it is notable that the body has been built as a rigid structure to brace the chassis.
Dimensions of the 465 Cu. ft. body include an overall length of 14 ft. 74 in., a width of 7 ft. and a height of 9 ft. 9 in., the Luton section having a length of 3 ft. 6 in. In the case of the 560 cu. ft. Luton the overall length is 16 ft. 9 in., while the width and height are respectively 6 ft. 8 in and 7 ft. 3 in.
The low centre of gravity is achieved by the use of interlocking reinforced aluminium-alloy planking, bolted direct to the standard mounting brackets.
A further reduction in the centre of gravity has been obtained by employing suspension units of the Transit 290 Cu. ft. and the 390 cu. ft.
parcels vans. To obviate overloading of the rear axle, the floor is terminated at the ends of the chassis members.
Rigidity has been enhanced by attaching the body to the rear of the cab with the aid of transverse top-hat sections and riveted aluminium panels and othcr details include 18 gauge panelling and a full-width steel plate at the rear that supports the corner sections. Distortion of the body when lifted at one corner is claimed to be nil.
Prices of Transits fitted with the new bodies vary from £890 for the 22 cwt. model having a 465 Cuft. body to £1,080 for a 35 cwt. model equipped with a 560 cu. ft. body.