Bedford CA

Bedford
Bedford CA
CA
Manufacturer:	Bedford
Production period:	1952-1969
Previous model:	none
Successor:	Bedford CF
Technical specifications
Designs:	Minibus , box truck , flatbed truck
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.5 liters (38.2–40.3 kW)
Length:	3912-4216 mm
Width:	1778 mm
Height:	1899 mm
Wheelbase:	2286-2591 mm
Payload:	0.50-0.75 t
Perm. Total weight:	1.5-1.8 t

Bedford CA

Bedford CA Dormobile (1960)

In the mid-1960s, the chassis of the Bedford CA was also used for campers, such as the Dormobile Debonaire shown here. The windshield and mechanical components come from the van.

The Bedford CA was a delivery van that was built at Vauxhall in Luton from 1952 to 1969 .

There were versions with long and short wheelbases. There were models of both versions with 10 to 12 cwt (500–600 kg) payload or 15 cwt (750 kg) payload.

Standard was a box van with sliding side doors and a double-leaf rear door. The CA was also available as a chassis with a cab so that special superstructures could be attached to it. A camper based on the CA was, for example, the Bedford Dormobile .

At the time, Bedford CA was found all over Great Britain; a total of around 370,000 units were built.

Dimensions

designation	Details
Overall width	1778 mm
Total height (unloaded)	1899 mm
Gauge	1353 mm (front)	1384 mm (rear)
	short wheelbase	wide wheelbase
wheelbase	2286 mm	2591 mm
overall length	3912 mm	4216 mm
Empty weight	1017 kg	1062 kg
Turning circle	10.36 m	11.28 m

Frames and superstructures

The appearance and the construction principle of the CA changed little in the 17-year construction period. There were three different versions. The basis was a box frame cranked down between the axles with cross bracing. The first CA had a split windshield, which consisted of two flat panes with a vertical center bar. When curved panes of glass were affordable in Great Britain in 1958, the split windshield was replaced by a slightly curved one. At the same time, the original, two-part, painted radiator grille (which continued the division of the windshield downwards) was replaced by a smaller grille that was also painted in the body color. The third version of the CA, which was delivered from the end of 1964, had a lower windshield, which reduced the height of the sheet metal strip under the windshield. From 1964 there was also a radiator grille made of pressed aluminum for the first time.

engine

The car had a four-cylinder in-line engine with bumper-operated hanging valves and three crankshaft bearings. The shaft of the oil pump and the distributor were driven by the camshaft via helical gears. The mixture was prepared on a Zenith downdraft carburetor, Type 34VN. There was an engine version with low and one with high compression.

designation	Details
Displacement	1508 cc
drilling	79.4 mm
Hub	76.2 mm
	Low compression	High compression
compression	6.8: 1	7.8: 1
power	52 (38.2 kW) bhp at 4000 min -1	54.8 bhp (40.3 kW) at 4200 min -1
Torque	110.8 Nm at 2400 min -1	114.6 Nm at 2400 min -1

The engine reached into the driver's cab and was protected by a cover. The car had a very short bonnet, which gave it a striking appearance. This layout meant that the driver and front passenger had their legs on either side of the engine, but a large part of the vehicle length could be used for the payload. A small flap in the front of the vehicle or the inner cover had to be opened for maintenance work on the engine. For major repairs, the entire front of the vehicle with headlights, radiator grille and front cross member had to be removed.

The engine and three-speed transmission were also installed in the Vauxhall Victor Series F. The FC series four-speed gearbox could easily be installed in any Bedford CA with three-speed gearbox; This was later available as an optional extra. Later models also had the larger engine of the FB series after 1964 with 1594 cm³ displacement.

Transmission and differential

The manual gearbox had three gears and was connected to the rear rigid axle via a cardan shaft. Later models had a four-speed gearbox.

Front suspension

The front wheels hung on double wishbones with coil springs that were mounted on a cross member. A stabilizer connected the two lower wishbones. A similar construction was later installed on the Vauxhall Viva .

Rear suspension

The rigid rear axle was suspended from semi-elliptical leaf springs that were 57 mm wide and attached to the chassis and the rear axle. The versions with 10 to 12 cwt had seven spring leaves, the 15-cwt version eight. Each of the spring leaves was 6.35 mm thick.

Controls and fittings

The gearshift lever was mounted on the steering column, the switches for the direction indicator in the dashboard. The high beam switch was operated with the foot. The starter was operated with a lever under the handbrake.

The only fittings available were a speedometer, a fuel gauge and a cooling water thermometer.

The cooling water temperature was measured mechanically, namely through a capillary tube connected to a capsule with a highly volatile liquid. The capsule was built into the housing of the water pump. Changes in the temperature of the cooling water led to the evaporation or condensation of the measuring liquid and thus changed the pressure on a mechanical lever mechanism in the display instrument, which in turn moved the pointer. Later models had electrical fittings.

The fuel gauge was electric, as was common on vehicles at the time. The sender in the tank worked with an electrical resistor or a level-controlled potentiometer .

Brakes

The drum brakes with brake drums made of cast iron on each wheel were equipped with inner jaws that were covered with asbestos-containing linings. Duplex brakes were installed at the front , so each brake shoe was operated by its own, simple hydraulic cylinder. The braking system with a hydraulic circuit was supplied by Lockheed . The master brake cylinder, which built up the pressure in the brake circuit, was mechanically connected to the foot brake pedal.

steering

It was a Burman - recirculating ball steering system installed. The steering gear was connected to the right of the two auxiliary steering levers of the three-part tie rod via a steering rod.

Web links

Commons : Bedford CA  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• The Bedford Register & Drivers Club International has its own division for CA ice cream vending vehicles

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l} Bedford CA Service Training Manual 1959
2. ^ Commercial Motor, October 31, 1969; P. 55; according to http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tby_loDRsWQ/Ugl5DiJstiI/AAAAAAAAV-4/Wl5UiQMKCg0/s1600/oct-1969.jpg