Reconditioning the Rhine Army Lorries.
Page 26
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A T ONE TIME many buyers fought
shy of the reconditioned W.D. lorry, owing to the fact that, in the hands of some concerns, the work done amounted to little more than a new coat of paint. It was, therefore, a real pleasure to see how thoroughly this recora ditioning is being carried out at the Eltham works of Messrs. Lane and Co. This firm is now dealing exclusively with J-type Thernyeroft lorries, many of which were obtained from the Rhine
• Army park, although vehicles dating from' 191.7ta 1918 are being handled. In addition, this firm has a very large and complete stock of spares for this . wellknown type of furry.
Messrs. Lane and Co. have rented a large aerodrome from Vickers, Ltd., in which nearly 1,000 Thornycroft lorries are parked. From this 'source a customer can buy lorries as they stand, or can obtain vehicles which have been sent through. the Eltham weirks aridteen made as good as new. The latter vidlieles carry a comprehensive six months' guarantee, worded on similar lines to that usually given for new vehicles, and the purchase price includes. a. rebuilt body, Ariew ;sheet and driver's canopy, five lamps, new tyres, and a complete set of tool's.
The reconclitiening process is very thorough and complete, no details being overlooked. The chassis is first Stripped down to the last nut, and all parts are carefully examined With a view to ascertaining ;lust what work is necessary. The frame is usually found to require a certain amount of re-riveting, and, as a precaution, all the springs are dismantled and the leaves reset, We were informed that the hack axle usually reqpires very. little attention owing to its excellent de'sign and sturdy construction. The wheels and steering gear also .receisse attention, bushes and other wearing parts being replaced where necessary. The accumulation of old paint, mud, and rust is carefully scraped off, thus facilitating examination.
The amount of work required in connection with the gearbox and clutch largely depends on the age of the lorry and the treatment,which it has received, but Messrs. Lane and Co. have adequate facilities for making any replacements necessary in these essential parts. They advocate case-hardening the reverse shaft, and using a white-metal lining
842
for the bush of the reverse gearwheel.
Thanks to the adequate areas provided, the crankshaft bearings are not usually found to require.much attention. However,. should a careful examination show that wear has taken place, the crankshaft is reground and a new set of hearings is fitted. Considerable wear is often found in the big-ends, and, after regrinding the crankpins, new phosphorlaronala big-end bushes with white-metal linings are fitted. With the exception of the newest of the vehicles, the cylinders are reground and new pistofls fitted. These pistons differ slightly from the original design, being provided with a scraper ring, which is stated to re• duce the oil consumption. The engines are carefully run in by means of an electric motor 'before being replaced in the chassis, We saw a great deal of the fitting amFaSsembly work being carried out, and are able to state that the care. and workmanship displayed leave' nothing to be desired. There is no question that these reconditioned vehicles can be relied upon to give lengthy and satisfactory service. Thi% conclusion is borne out by numerous testimonials and repeat orders, which hive been received from satisfied users, among whom we may mention the Bow
den Transport. Co., of Dartford. This firm is:using six reconditioned Thorny
crofts for transporting paper from Dartford. to The Daily Telegraph offices in London. With a load of .5* tons (somewhat in excess of the rated capacity) the petrol consumption of these lorries is 7i m.p.g., which represents 64 tonmiles per gallon. This is, of course, an exceptionally good result, and is attained with an oil consumption of 500600 m.p.g. The weekly mileage of each of these lorries is about 600, and they have been running for many months without giving trouble.
We saw several of these lorries on the road, on our way to Eltham, and were struck by their smart and well-kept appearance. it is interesting to note that Messrs. Lane and Co. sold these vehicles under their usual guarantee.
In addition to the guarantee, _Messrs. Lane and Co. are able to provide excel. lent service for their customers owing to the large number of spare parts which they have in stock. In order to give equally good service to customers in the North, they are About to open a branch office at 15, Cross Street, Manchester, where a stock of spares Will be kept, in addition to a small number of recoil ditioned lorries.