Improvements in
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New Dodge Brothers Models
THE principal change in the design of the latest Dodge Brothers vehicles is the use of a straight frame on the 30-cwt. and 2-ton models instead of the dropped type previously employed. This alteration obviously simplifies the fitting of the body, and, although the elimination of arches to allow clearance above the rear axle, naturally, raises the height of the frame itself by a few inches, the loading level of the body is practically unaffected.
The new frames are of sturdy construction, being of 7-in, girders, with 2k-in. flanges on the vehicle with a wheelbase of 10 ft. 11 ins., and of 7 1-32-in, depth with 24-in, flanges on the vehicle with a wheelbase of 13 ft. 1 in. They are braced with six crossmembers, including the engine support.
Next in importance, perhaps, should be placed the new type of wheel. Spoked wheels are no longer employed on these models, pressed-steel disc wheels being now fitted. In the opinion of many these are of smarter appearance ; they are unquestionably easier to clean, and there is not the least doubt that they are of more than adequate strength.
The appearance of the various chassis has received attention in another quarter—namely, the radiator. On all models this is now finished in black, and a more attractive design for the nameplate has been evolved. The latter can be seen in an accompanying illustration of the front of the 30-cwt. chassis ; this also shows the new headlamps, which are now of British manufacture, as also are the batteries, the former being of Lucas make, the latter of Exide manufacture.
Turning to the more technical details of the changes that have been made, the tubular propeller shafts have been increased in diameter. On the shortwheelbase chassis the diameter of this component is 3 ins., whilst on the longwheelbase model it is made in two pieces, the front portion being 2 ins. in diameter and the rear 21 ins.
The cylinder blocks of all models are now cast in chrome-nickel-molybdenumiron—au exceptionally hard metal, which is claimed to minimize cylinder-bore wear, and, consequently, to lengthen the life of the block. The pistons are of aluminium alloy, as before.
Reference to our illustration showing the chassis aft of the gearbox will disclose the fact that the position and design of the petrol tank have been changed, Instead of lying across the full width of the frame beneath the
driver's seat on all models under 21 tons, it is now neatly accommodated in the space on the near side of the propeller shaft, and is almost entirely below frame level; its capacity is 81 gallons.
Finally, a refinement has been incorporated in the design of the steering wheel.
The present range of Dodge Brothers vehicles comprises four 21.03 h.p. four-cylinder chassis of 15 cwt., 30 cwt., 2 tons and 24 tons capacity, and two six-cylinder-engined models of 27.34 h.p. and 31.54 h.p. rating, these being built for 21-ton and 3-ton loads respectively.
In the first group the smallest model has a 9-ft. 1-in, wheelbase and the chassis costs £185; the complete vehicle sells at £220 as a delivery van and £250 as a traveller's brougham. The 30-cwt. model (UG30A) and the 2-tonner both have a wheelbase of 10 ft. 11 ins., and the chassis cost f..225 and £240 respectively; with drop-sided lorry bodies the prices are £2435 and £280, with handoperated single-screw tipping bodies £273 and £288, and as boxvans £285 and £300. The 2-ton chassis, with a 13-ft. 1-in. wheelbase (UG31E), costs 1255.
In the second group the smaller chassis has an 11-ft. 8-in, wheelbase and costs £410, whilst the wheelbase of the larger is 13 ft. 9 ins, and the price £635. These two models are designated F350 and F41CD.
Full particulars of the vehicles described above may be obtained from Dodge Brothers (Britain), Ltd., i)/Cortlake Road, Kew Gardens, Surrey.