Important improvements to
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Fordson Models
1//ORE pleasing appearance. 1Vilonger body space, improvements to frame, suspension, brakes and steering, and greater comfort for the driver, are new features of the latest range of goods vehicles made by the Ford Motor Co., Ltd„ Dagenham, which we are able to announce to-day.
Specially noteworthy is the introduction of new 2-tonners and 3-tonners with 134-in. wheelbase dimensions. These replace the earlier 131i-in. models. In both cases, the new features mentioned above have been incorporated. Perhaps the most striking innovation is the new design of bonnet and. radiator grille: a good' impression of this can be obtained front accompanying illustrations. All 2-tonners and 3-tonners, also the 25-cwt. chassis, will in future follow this new design, and the last-named will be offered with either a four-cylinderecl or eight-cylindered engine.
It will also be observed from the pictures that the cabs have been redesigned. They are now more spacious and their comfort has been enhanced. The use of 134-in, wheelbase on the 2-tonners and 3-tonnera permits a body to be carried. which is 110 ins. long ; formerly this dimension was 8 ft. 5 ins.
At various points, steps have been taken to increase the strength of the frame, xvhilst the brackets used for carrying the springs have been modified in order that wheel clearance may be greater. Accordingly, larger section tyres can be used. The diameter of brake drums has been increased to 35* ins., whilst the shoe assemblies
R22 have been modified. As a result, braking power is increased and pedal pressure reduced; cable operation is now used.
Steering alterations include a wormand-roller mechanism of new design, in which the worm is mounted on taperedroller bearings, whilst the roller runs on needle bearings. The wheel is now of 18 ins, diameter, and an increased reduction of 18.4 to 1 contributes to lightness of operation.
Greater headroom is afforded by the new type of cab, which is an all-steel structure. A. better form of upholstery is used and there is accommodation for three persons. Novelty is also found in the latest facia board, whilst a .cubby hole is provided on the near side of the dash. Both doors are equipped with checks to hold them in the open position, an opening windscreen is standardized and rear windows, affording an excellent look-out, are employed. Both door windows can be fully lowered.
Reverting to the new design of radiator grille, this has horizontal bars with a vertical centre piece it is approximately oval in shape and of convex contour. In respect of appearance, it is undoubtedly striking. Hinged at the rear, the top of the bonnet is formed in one piece, lifting from the front and facilitating access to the top of the power unit. In this cOnnection, the radiator grille can also be lifted off.
To the spare-wheel mounting a minor improvement has been effected, by means of which the wheel can he more easily lowered when one end of the bracket is released, On the Fordson 3-tonner, 650 by 20 tyres are standardized at the front, and 32 by 6 H.D. dual pneumatics form the rear equipment. Alternatively, 32 by 6 H.D. tyres may be supplied on all wheels. On the 2-tonner, 6 by 20 tyres all round are standardized, but alternative equipment is available. The unladen weights of these two models place them in the £25 and £30 tax classes, respectively. The majority of the new features described above also apply to the 157-in, wheelbase 2tonners and 3-tonners.
There is also now a new forwardcontrol 118-in. 2-tonner; the body space afforded on this model is 11 ft. 4i ins. Among its attractions are a small turning circle and compact overall dimensions. In its make-up are incorporated the new mechanical features outlined in connection with the other models and the improved front design. It, too, can be supplied with
four-cylindered engine if required. .Modifications have also been made to its front axle. Special features of the cab employed on this short-wheelbase machine are the use of a rotary ventilator and a large sliding roof. It is offered with a van body which provides a capacity of 340 cubic ft. This: of course, is alternative to the lorry type ; both" fair within the £25 taxation class. Similarly, these two types of bodywork are available for the 25-cwt. chassis. In the case of the lorry, the dimensions are 8 ft. 6 ins, long and 5. ft. 5 ins. wide, whilst the van affords a loading space of 210 cubic ft.