A Modified Singer 5-cwt. Van
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TFIEI Singer 5-cwt. van, introduced some little time ago, has recently been modified in a number of respects, particularly in connection with the chassis, and the performance characteristics. of the vehicle have been somewhat altered.
In the first place, a larger engine is now used, the bore and stroke dimensions being 60 mm. and 86 mm. respectively, giving a piston-swept volume of 972 c.c. and an R.A.C. rating of 8.93 h.p. Instead of bolting the engine feet down to the chassis frame by direct means, the power-unit is now insulated byrubber inserts, the registered name of Vibro-damper being used to qualify the particular methods of construction employed: Apart from the fact that mixture is supplied by a Solex "self-starting" type of carburetter, the general layout of the engine remains much the same as that of the 8 h.p. type previously used. Improvements in the design of the singleplate clutch also have to be recorded, the friction surfaces now being insulated from the splined centre piece by means of a flexible coupling in the form of a fabric disc. As we have proved to our satisfaction, thiS form of construction provides a smooth power take-up without requiring any great finesse to be exercised by the driver when letting in the clutch pedal. Thereafter, the transmission follows normal practice, a threeforward-speed gearbox, with an open propeller shaft having Hardy heavyduty disc joints, connecting in the usual way with a spiral-bevel rear axle.
The steering gear has been improved by the use of a patented worm-and-nut typo of reduction gear, which gives a
light and positive action with a degree of self-centring motion on corners. Quite a generous tyre equipment is standardized, interchangeable wire wheels being equipped with Dunlop 26-in. by 4-in. low-pressure pneumatics.
The bodywork is built up on a strong frame of well-seasoned ash and panelled in 18-gauge aluminium sheets. There are two full-length doors to the driver's cab, each equipped with a sliding window, whilst, in addition, there are two folding doors at the rear. There is a single adjustable bucket seat, well sprung and upholstered in Rexine, behind which is a full-width waist-high partition.
The standard body has a capacity of 46 cubic ft. and the complete vehicle weighs under 12 cwt. Taxed at £10 annually, the vehicle costs £120, the price including cellulosing in a choice of three colours.