Commer Data Books

Jostein

Jostein

0
Hi all.

I recently got hold of a copy of "Commmer Data Book no. 84", which lists quite bit on vehicle weights and dimensions (as well as other data) on the Commer range in July 1966. An interesting publication, in an anorak way.. :I :)

My problem is that the leaflet is too recent for providing the data I need for my 1592ccm engined Series IIa from 1965. I will need these data for registration purposes of my own vehicle over here in Scandinavia, especially the weights.

If any of you have an earlier "data book" available, I would be very happy to hear from you. These data books also list the "Rootes approved" body conversion companies, so if you have a data book from late 1964 up until june 1965 listing GVW and other weights for the Highwayman body conversion for Crofton Garages Ltd. (or Bluebird Caravans Ltd., but I think they may have been licenced through Crofton Garages), this would be absolutely superb.

:)

commerdatabookno84.jpg
 
I haven't got any, that list the finished spec of the Highwayman [V]

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

http://www.yorkshireclassiccampers.co.uk/
 
Many thanks for checking anyway, Martin.
The slightly puzzling thing is that the standard 1500 chassis in "drive-away" version is listed with maximum gross vehicle weight at 4600 pounds for the petrol variant (1724ccm).

Turning over to the next page, the same drive-away variant (with same engine configuration) is listed with max GVW 4600 lbs. for all coachbuilds - including the gown van and baker's van - by Rootes (Maidstone) themselves.

But for the "external" coachbuilt vehicles - the mobile shop (by Smith's Delivery Vehicles Ltd), "Debonair" gown van, "Hi-Bulk" luton van and the Highwayman 5 & 6 berth (all by Crofton Garages Ltd.) all seem to have increased max GVW at 5000 lbs.

So does this mean that the Highwayman has stronger rear springs, for example? Something must have been done to the rear suspension to allow fir higher gross vehicle weight, which of course improves payload compared to a standard driveaway chassis.

Hence, if the data for the 1592ccm petrol are similar (or the same?) and this can be documented, I will have a much better chance of getting the Bluebird registered with an adequate payload - which will not be the case if the authorities use the standard chassis as a basis for the registration document.

Get my drift? ;)
 
I suppose that's the difference between the 2000 and 2500 chassis, the rear springs on Harvey seem to have an awful lot of leaves and the back sits higher than most - I'm guessing higher rated springs although the chassis plate states it's a 2000. A lot of coachbuilts had spring assistors fitted as well.

th_DCP_9918.jpg

Summer's here.....
So they say
 
Yes, I think you could be right, Panky.

I know that the rear leaf springs often are used to increase or decrease the registered weight on commercials, and within General Motors I have seen a lot of fiddling with this over the years - to get the vehicles just above 3500kgs if the taxes are favourable like that, or alternatively just below 3500kgs if that is better tax-wise. These regulations change, and I remember a lot of fuss with the authorities on the yo-yo registrations on the likes of Chevrolet Tahoe, and even the Movano vans. Less flexibility today, though, as the weights are more or less set in stone by the manufacturer due to the European approval regulations. But it is a commonly used way of regulating the capacity on commercials, and I'm sure this practice is almost as old as the "horseless carriage" itself. :)
 
Hi Jostein,

I've had a look through my "bits" here's what I've found, (with pics to follow if I can remember how to upload.):I

The Bluebird Highwayman 1965 on Commer 1600 chassis: rear suspension employs long semi-eliptic leaf springs. Additional supension by AEON Hollow rubber springs.

I'll add the brochure ....just hang on :D:D

Moley and Brian the Snail :)

1965 Series IIA Bluebird Highwayman
 
I don't know if any of that will help :I:I



Moley and Brian the Snail :)

1965 Series IIA Bluebird Highwayman
 
I just thought you might like this idea to add to the side, I quite fancy one

Commer1965Wilsonsbrochure.jpg


Moley and Brian the Snail :)

1965 Series IIA Bluebird Highwayman
 
Debbie,
You're an absolute darling !! Thanks ever so much for all this.

For one, I hadn't even thought about the fact that the chassis plate should have the max load stamped onto it. That will of course solve the problem proper.

And thanks too for pointing to the suspension note in the Highwayman brochure. Don't know why, but I didn't even check it - thinking that it was too general anyway. Not so ! :)

And yes, I LOVE that open awning ! :p:p:p
 
I like that open awning too [8D] I wonder if I could make one I have some huge tarpaulins from a market stall :D
does anyone ha colour pic of one?

Commer Dandy by Dandy Caravans
The Colonel Mustard
 
Chris, I like to think it was red and white, it fixes to the gutter rail, the brochure is black and white. :(

Moley and Brian the Snail :)

1965 Series IIA Bluebird Highwayman
 
My tarpaulins are red white & Blue :D some one must a a colour photo :(

Commer Dandy by Dandy Caravans
The Colonel Mustard
 
YESSSS !!! :):):)

The chassis plate says 5000lbs ! Increased payload :p

How nice to know that the authorities will have to register the van with better payload than standard vans :D Ho-ho, here we go !

RIMG10904.jpg
 
quote:
Originally posted by Moley

Commer1965seriesIIAbrochure4.jpg


Moley and Brian the Snail :)

1965 Series IIA Bluebird Highwayman



Shame!!! Bluebirds is/was just down the road from us, had to close down a couple of years ago.

iphone420.jpg


Cant wait until Tigger arrives
 
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