RACK SYSTEM FOR CARRYING WINDOWS
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ANEW type of body with special racking for holding windows rigid has been designed by Furrows Ltd., of Coton Hill, Shrewbury, in co-operation with Aygee (Metal Windows) Ltd. The first of these vans, on Ford D 750 chassis, has been delivered to Aygee's new factory at Camelford, Cornwall, and is in regular service.
"It is already proving a most valuable addition to our fleet, for these vans can operate on second-class roads and damage • to our metal windows is virtually eliminated," says sales director Norman Plough. "They also use the body space for maximum loading."
The boxvan body, with a flat floor, has a rear well and "walk-up" tailboard. Framing is of Keruing, reinforced where necessary with mild steel angle and all exterior panels are of 18g half-hard aluminium alloy sheet. A glassfibre light, 24 in. wide, runs the full length of the roof and there is a full-width Golmet metal roller shutter at the rear. Internal dimensions are 22 ft. by 9 ft. high by 7 ft. wide.
Window racking is obtained by fitting ms. angle in. by 14 in. by 3/16 in.)to the inside of the body sides at 9 in. intervals, running from floor to roof for the full length of the body. Each length of angle is drilled with in holes, again at 9 in. intervals.
Support bars are made from 10g. boxsection steel, and mild steel strip is welded to them and covered with +in. felt, glued in position.
The divisions give approximately 7 in. clearance and allow the carriage of two windows in each section with loose felt packing between them, or alternatively the windows are fitted with protective felt corners. The purpose of the 9 in. and 3 in. dividers is to allow for a variation in window height of up to 8 in, for windows on the same "layer", and the many alternative positions for the support bars are allowed Iy the position and drilling of the support bar rails.
The vehicle is supplied with sufficient support bars to allow for three layers of windows. Stop bars are provided to prevent layers of windows moving forwards or backwards in transit and these drop into any convenient holes in the support bar rails.
Furrows Ltd., are now building another vehicle for Aygee (Metal Windows) Ltd., which will have provision for carrying very large windows (up to 8 ft. 6 in. high) on one side of the body, in addition to a normal load of windows in the remainder of the body.