P1

GENERAL

The chassis frame is constructed mainly of large box sections, with body support brackets and other attachment points welded or bolted to the internal and external faces of the chassis side and cross members.

With the exception of one or two points where heavier reinforcement sections are used, the chassis frame is fabricated with 16-gauge steel.

The two main longitudinal side members are 5 inches deep and 21 inches wide between the front and rear upswept sections. The side members are of seam welded construction. To ensure complete rigidity and strength the frame incorporates eight cross members. The four front members are welded to the front upsweep and are tubular in section.  Mounted high, the front cross-members encompass the  radiator and fan assemblies. (See illustration). A wide and  very deep box-section cross-member is situated in the centre of the frame and passes beneath the end of the gearbox.  A second cross-member of similar construction passes  beneath the rear axle/propeller shaft connection and is dished to allow propeller shaft clearance.  The remaining three cross-members support the upswept  tail, forming a bridge over the rear axle assembly. The  cross-member immediately behind the rear axle is constructed with a spot-welded top plate, and is welded to the underside of the upswept side members.

The entire chassis is assembled in master jigs to ensure perfect flatness, and is finisbed with aluminium priming  paint.

BRACKETS AND FIXING POINTS

The rear jacking 'tunnels' are provided on the upswept tail centre cross member. Their downward protrusion gives jack access beneath each rear wing. The front jacking channels are welded on the top of the suspension arms, which are supported by brickets especially fitted to ensure

that the pilot pins are in horizontal alignment to the chassis  side members.  A box bracket welded to the front tubular cross members houses the electrically driven fan. The chassis side member carries the rack-and-pinion  steering mechanism with a protruding tube welded to the  member protecting the rack. Three brackets welded to the chassis, support the engine and gearbox. The engine side mounting brackets are at right angles to the front suspension pivot pin brackets, the third bracket is located on the large centre cross member beneath  the gearbox.

The exhaust pipe and silencer are secured to the chassis  by three clamp brackets, two of which protrude from the left hand side member and the third is positioned behind the rear left hand jacking point.

The two rear axle check straps are secured to brackets which are welded on the rear upswept side members. Fixing brackets for retaining the splayed arms which  locate the non-independent rear axle are provided on the side members.  The top bracket is welded to the centre rear upswept cross member, whilst the bottom bracket is welded to the outside face of the large lower side member, approximately central to the propeller shaft and just above the exhaust pipe.

The two handbrake mounting brackets are welded to the internal face of the side member and are positioned almost opposite to the gearbox/prop shaft universal point. The  handbrake and rear wheel brake cables are secured to a 'L'- shaped  bracket which is welded to the inside of the side member directly behind the handbrake mounting  brackets.

Two understrips are fitted between the rear end member and main rear cross  member and retain the underslung petrol tank fitted across the extreme rear of the upswept chassis.

Fuel and hydraulic lines and wiring run along the internal faces of the chassis side and cross members retained in spring-clips.

Safety belt fixing holes are drilled as a standard feature on both lower rear cross member and on the main raised  rear cross member.