New Gearbox and Brakes for Bedford Vans
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E new four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox introduced with the latest Vauxhall Victor private cars is available from today as an optional extra on Bedford CA 10/12and 15-cwt. chassis and vans. A change affecting the standard specification of all these models is that the adoption of irling hydraulic brakes with two-leading-shoe front assemblies, has been announced.
The new gearbox adds £12 to the price of CA models compared with those fitted with the standard three-speed transmission. The box's forward ratios are 4.06, 2.64. 1.68 and 1 to 1, compared with 3.94, 1.84 and 1 to I as given by the three-speed unit. Both boxes have the same reverse ratio-3.77 to 1, and the rear-axle ratios are unchanged at 5.3 or 4.6 to 1. with the option of 4.1 to 1 on petrol-engined models only.
As with the three-speed box, the new four-speed transmission has a steeringcolumn-mounted gear lever, all the wearing surfaces of the linkage being casehardened. The extra ratio provided should result in livelier performance and improved fuel economy, particularly when operating in hilly districts or under congested traffic conditions. Both the threeand four-speed gearboxes have many common components, thereby reducing production costs.
An increase in lining area from 109.8 sq. in. to 118.4 sq. in., has resulted from the change to Girling brakes, which components have been fitted to production CA models for some months now, although their use has only just been
announced. The new brakes have a diameter of 9 in., compared with 9.13 in., and the lining width is 1.75 in., compared with 1.5 in. It is claimed that pedal pressures are reduced by 10 per cent., whilst brake-adjustment is more simple with the new system.