Light Vans and Parcelcars : No_ 17. The Standard
Page 16
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5-cwt. Model.
One of the earliest examples of light van to be manufactured in this country is the 5-cwt. model listed by the Standard Motor Co., Ltd., Coventry. The machine is, moreover, one of the very few miniature chassis which has retained the whole of its original constructional features since its introduction, and the many satisfied users, throughout the country, of this particular type of industrial unit afford ample evidence that the Standard company has produced a very serviceable machine.
Its 9.5 h.p. four-cylinder engine has the monobloc type of casting, and the respective bore and stroke are 62 mm. and 90 mm. Correct clearance between the tappets and cams can always be maintained, as there is provision for adjustment at those points. An interesting feature regarding the engine design is that the tappet mechanism is lubricated with oil from the basechamber, the latter being in direct communication with the valvestems and guides. To retain the oil, two cast-aluminium covers are provided. Cooling is maintained by the thermo-syphonic principle, and all the water jackets and leads are of very generous proportions. Oil is forced to the various bearings by the aid of an eccentric-paddlepump, connected to an Oldhamtype coupling, and driven off thE camshaft. Before the oil reaches the bearings, it has to pass through a large-sized filter. The big ends are lubricated by the conventional splash method, the dippers, however, instead of being embodied in the big-end caps, are fitted on the crankshaft webs. On the offside of the monobloc cylinder casting there are four plugs, which, when removed, enable the combustion spaces readily to be cleaned and freed from any carbon deposit which naay have collected. There is a special tool supplied for this mechanical decarbonization. The Zenith carburetter, which is fitted as standard, has its throttle controlled both by hand lever and foot accelerator. The hand lever, instead of being placed in the conventional position on the top of the steering wheel, is bracketed to the main column itself. The H.T. ignition is also hand controlled.
It is interesting to note that on this miniature model the camshaft and magneto are driven through a Coventry silent chain, having a. generous tooth combination. A disc clutch serves to transmit engine power to a, three-speed gearbox ; the flywheel has its centre portion cast with vanes.
From the gearbox the drive is thence transmitted to a wormdriven live axle by the aid of a propeller shaft, accommodated with two universal joints of the cross-pi ' type. Both these joints are encased in dust-proof metal covers. The back aide has its worm component placed on top, so that there is an ample amount of ground clearance at the rear end of the chassis. The differential shafts of the live axle are relied upon solely to transmit the driving torque to the road wheels. They are encased in stiff, malleable cast-sleeves, provided with flanges at their inner ends and bolted to the differential casing. The final ratio of the worm gear
is five to one. The pressed-steel type of frame is suspended at it forward end by two semi-elliptic plate springs, whilst the tail end oi the chassis is fitted with underhung semi-elliptics, in addition to coil shock absorbers.
An additional and independent set of braking is provided by the mounting of a pressed-steel drum to each rear road-wheel, and Ferodo-lined members expand on the inside face of the drum. The machine runs on Sankey pressedsteel wheels, which take 700 mm. by 80 mm. Dunlop pneumatic tires.
Two types of body are specified by the Standard people, and one of our illustrations shows that of the Willesden canvas-top form. The second type of body is of box-van construction, built with ash framing and deal panels. The price of the machine, fitted with a canvas body, is £185, whilst the box-vae equipment is listed at 2205. The wheelbase is 7 ft. 6 ins., and the wheel gauge 4 ft.
The sole London agent for the Standard miniature industrial van is the Pytchley Autocar Co.. Ltd., 416, Great Portland Street, W.