Ingenuity Beats the Spares Shortage Problem
Page 19
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How a Reconditioned Bedford Engine was Adapted to a Well-known Make of Chassis in Nine Days
THE non-availability of essential chassis or eirgine components due to war conditions is continually bringing to light some clever compromises in which units designed for incorporation in one specific make of chassis have been adapted to function in different makes of vehicle. Under northal conditions the ethics of such a procedure might be questioned, but to-day it would often seem to be the only logical *ay of preventing otherwise serviceable vehicles from being prematurely retired.
The most recent instance of the kind to be brought to our notice is that of a Bedford 27 h.p. six-cyliudered engine being installed in a Cornmer LN5 short. wheelbase chassis forming the tractive unit of an articulated six-wheeler.
The proposition was put to Engines Reconditioned, Ltd., 333, Pinner. Road, Harrow, Middlesex, by the operator, which decided that the work could be done, and withia nineworking days, the vehicle was in action with the Bedford unit.
It was considered undesirable carry out any alterations which would
affect the utilization of standard components, either of the engine and gearbox unit, or of the other parts of the Commer Chassis, and this plan has been followed.
The two Bedford 2-ton engine bearers, which have been introduced, forth additional means for bracing the chassis, the engine, as usual, being three-point mounted. In orderto utilize the Bedford gearbox universal coupling, the forward end of the Cornmer propeller shaft has been suitably adapted, the standard Layrub joint being retained at the rear. Following an inspection, of the conversion we can say that it has no appearance of being a makeshift change-over, but a practicable solution of a rather ticklish problem.
The 12-volt electrical system of the. Commer has been retained by introducing a 12-volt dynamo and the attendant higher-voltage equipment.
It may be mentioned that the engine used was completely reconditioned by Engines Reconditioned, Ltd., and work on it was not started before it was decided to effect the change-over