Modular sections bring bodywork economies
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• Substantial savings in the construction of coachbuilt bodies are claimed for the UBD system using factory-made modular components. The plan offers the purchaser full flexibility in body size, within 2in. increments, and on cost is stated to compare advantageously with conventional methods of production.
At the forthcoming Show Appleyard Coachbuilders Ltd. will exhibit an alloy van body of this kind, mounted on a BMC 420 FG chassis and cab. Components for this model are produced by Unit Body Developments Ltd., Elstree Road, Elstree, Boreham Wood, Herts. The Appleyard body that is to be displayed incorporates timber floor, double rear doors, aluminium tie laths, aluminium rubbing rails, wheelboxes and skirt extension.
Standard UBD fittings include stout corner posts designed to accept front and side panels, corner castings, junction pillars planned to enable a damaged panel to be quickly replaced with a factory-made spare. and a cantrail with a deflector bead to guide water away from the side of the body. The rear corner pillars give a back aperture only gin. less than the internal body width.
By the use of these fittings initial construction can be considerably expedited and in the event of accident damage the factorymade replacements can quickly be fitted by the operator's own maintenance staff.
The underframe of the basic UBD body consists of 4in. by 2in. cross-bearers on 24 in. centres, carried within the main side sills. Side wall cladding is of alloy sheet riveted to an alloy framework. The roof is also alloy panelled, the design permitting the introduction of translucent plastic panels if required. The rear frame consists of heavy aluminium extrusions strengthened with steel plates at stress points.