Many Detail Improvements in Bedfords
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New Features to Improve Reliability : 30-cwt. Model to be Shown for First Time AT the Commercial Motor Show, Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., Luton, will exhibit a recently introduced 30-cwt. model and a number of vehicles in the Bedford range embodying modifications introduced during the past year. None of the new features is revolutionary, but they all contribute to reliabilty and general improvement.
Among the more important changes to the 10-12-cwt. van are stronger steering linkages, new coil-spring front suspension and increased ground clearance. In future the engine Will have a slightly higher compression ratio, chromiumplated top piston rings and a new Zenith carburetter which is stated to be unaffected b.y air-cleaner characteristics.
The rear-axle ratio is increased from 4.9 to 5.3: 1 to improve hill-climbing, and the synchromesh mechanism is modified to give it a longer life. Door fittings and the sliding-door mechanism are also modified to increase their durability.
Several other modifications include a quick-release flap for access to the radiator cap, large fuel-tank filler and vent, and better illumination of the rear number plate. The spare-wheel carrier is also strengthened and accessibilitv to the spare wheel improved.
For rough-country work, a guard for the front eross-merni-er and heavier rear springs are available as optional extras.
In the 1-5-ton class, a flexible coupling is provided between the steering box and the steering column to improve the steering. By placing the driver's seat and ventilator controls in new positions, and lowering the bonnet line, driver comfort and visibility have been enhanced.
Truck bodies within this range now have perfectly flat floors to facilitate side loading. Side lamps have been moved to the tops of the wings to reduce their vulnerability and the rear brake pipes, previously liable to damage from flying stones, have been transferred from the front to the rear of the axle. The 30-cwt. model is the 25-cwt. version with stronger wheel studs and heavier rear springs. The original turning circle of the 25-cwt. model-52 ft. diameter—has been reduced to 46 ft., a modification which also applies to the 30-cwt. model.
To reduce wear, an improved striking fork is provided for the third and fourth gears on all the Bedford vehicles except the small van. A pressed-aluminium servo cylinder is fitted in place of the cast unit, and oil-filled ignition coils, suppressed H.T. cables and exhaust valves of improved material are to be used on all petrol engines.
In addition to these changes, the Big Bedford models with short-wheelbase chassis will now have shock absorbers fitted to all wheels. The axle shafts
• previously used only in the 7-ton lorry will now be employed in the 4-ton and 5-ton versions as well.
All vehicles in the range will embody facilities for the provision of heaters, and oil-engined vehicles will have an improved tail and stop lamp incorporating three bulbs—two for the taillight and one of the stoplight.