The Overland Delivery Van.
Page 8
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A Well-equipped 7 cwt. Delivery Van, Which, Complete with Electric Lighting and Starter, Sells for .E200.
The Overland touring car has acquired the reputation of being a reliable vehicle. It is an outstanding example of American quantity production. We believe the output, of the Willys Overland Co., Toledo, as regards the number of vehicles produced per annum,, is second only to that of the Ford Co. After a careful examination of the new delivery van, which is of 7 cwt. capacity, we are inclined to the opinion that it will maintain, if not enhance, the company's reputation. We hope, at an early date, to have the opportunity of confirming this opinion by a long-distance test of a loaded vehicle.
Engine Details.
A perusal of the specification of this vehicle, bearing in mind the price, is of interest. The fourcylinder en bloc engine, the nominal power of which is 12 h.p., has a bore and stroke of 3it ins. and 5 ins.
respectively. This unit is three point suspended from the main frame ; it is of clean appearance and compact. The cylinders are, of course, water cooled, and the circulation of the cooling medium is effected by natural means ; a large radiator of the semi-honeycomb type is included in the circuit, and with the assistance of a, normal type of belt-driven fan, serves to cool the water. The engine oiling is accomplished by the connecting rods gathering oil from troughs and throwing it to the various moving parts, the level of oil in these troughs being maintained by means of an enginedriven pump, and the system embodies a, suitable strainer through which all the oil is passed before entering the pump. The main oil reservoir is in the form of a sump in the bottom of the crankcase; it is filled through the breather 'pipe, which will be ob
served in one of our. illustrations. A float with a projecting spindle as indicator serves to show when sufficient oil has been poured into the case, or, alternatively,. as a warning to the driver that his supply is running low. The capacity of this reservoir is five quarts of oil, and in normal circumstances this should be sufficient for 500 miles of running.
Chain-driven Timing Gears.
The timing geag, it is interesting to note, is chain-driven, one chain round three wheels serving to drive the camshaft and the magneto; this is automatically adjusted in tension by means of a spring acting on a jockey pulley. A second chain within the same case serves to drive the generator for the lighting and starting set, The carburetter is the Tillotson automatic device ; it is fitted close up to the cylinders: immediately under the exhaust pipe round the exterior of which is fitted a sleeve with a pipe coupling therefrom to the carburetter intake, thus providing for hot air for the mixture. The fuel tank is carried on the dash, and with the supply tap is embodied a useful strainer.
Electric Lighting and Starting.
The equipment of the chassis includes an electric lighting and starting outfit. It is interesting to note that this apparatus is not used for the engine ignition, the Dixie magneto being utilized. We lay stress on this point, as, in our opinion" for commercial-vehicle work it is essential that the ignition device be separate, so that a. failure of the accumulators, motor or generator, of the electric lighting and starting set does not affect the capability of the machine to proceed with its work. The starting and lighting outfit comprises two separate was, the generator„ which, as already remarked, is driven by chain from
the engine shaft, and the motor, which is carried at the rea'r end of the crankcase on the near side, turning the engine through the medium of a small spur pinion meshing with a. gearwheel attached to the outside eireumfere once of the flywheel. The drive is what is known as the Bendix, which allows the gear automatic
ally to become disengaged as soon' as the engine commences to run under its own power. Moreover, it stays disengaged notwithstanding the fact that the driver may still have his foot on the pedal which serves to cause engagement. ' Incidentally, we may add, the arrangement is by far the most popular of these devices as used in the States. It is simple, and correspondingly fool-proof.
Behind the engine comes the leather-lined cone clutch. Refinements are observed in this portion of the chassis, inasmuch as small springs are fitted at intervals underneath the leather, so allowing ease of engagement. The clutch is kept in engagement by three springs disposed at equal intervals; instead of by one central spring. and the design embodies a suitable clutch stop.
Gearbox on Rear Axle.
From the clutch the propeller shaft runs to the gearbox, which is carried on the rear axle, the casing being an extension of the rear axle case. It affords three speeds forward and a reverse, and is of the selective type, the change being effected by means of a lever working on the gate principle, but without any visible bars. Both change-speed lever and hand brake lever are centrally disposed. and on vans for sale in the United Kingdom the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the chassis. Final Drive by Pair of Bevels.
The final drive is by bevels, the gears and the differential being contained within a welded stamping, which serves as a differential case and also carries the whole of the imposed load ; the driving shafts, which are removable without disturbing any other part but the hub caps, serve only to transmit the torque. It will be gathered that the axle is what is generally known as full-floating.
The steering gear is worm and wheel, and is fitted with ball bearings throughout. An eccentric bush provided on the spindle of the worm wheel allows of the worm and wheel being adjusted for wear ; moreover, the worm wheel is complete, not merely a segment, and this provides for four alternative positions, so that when one quarter of the wheel is worn,. it is possible to turn it through an angle of 90 degrees, thus presenting an entirely new surface to the worm. Axle Bearings ; Cantilever Spring ing.
The front axle is the usual forging of I section, and is carried by the front wheels through the medium of roller bearings of the Timken type. Qn the rear axle ball bearings are fitted, and the tires are 766 mm. by 106 ram. fitted on quickly detachable rims. A point of interest relates to the springing. The front springs are of the semi-elliptic type, but the rear are on the cantilever principle, an unusual feature in a commercial chassis, and no doubt reflecting the company's experience gained in the construction of touring cars.
The Bodywork of Note.
Not less interesting than the chassis is the standard express body. This we illustrate enclosed and open. For ordinary purposes, it will probably be used in the open position, that is to say, as a. van, but with sides of steel wire net. For goods liable to suffer damage through adverse atmospheric conditions, it will be convenient to pull down the curtains which are fastened. by suitably placed buttons, and, when down, convert the van into a totally enclosed structure. The sides and roof, moreover, are easily removable, so that 'the van is convertible into an. open express body at will. Alternatively, a panel body; which is of better appearance, can be supplied if desired ; this will necessitate a . slight increase in cost.
Equipment and Price.
The equipment, besides the lighting and starting outfit; and the necessary. lamps,' etc., includes windshield, speedometer, electric horn, cainbination rear light and number plate bracket, extra detachable rim, a 'special set of tools, tire repair outfit, jack and pump. The i price, thus equipped, s R200.