3.7 Chassis-The chassis which may be integral with the body shall be sufficiently rugged in design, materials and fabrication to withstand the stresses, wear and abuses specified under Paragraph 3. The distribution of weight shall allow for ease of steering and control. When the full-rated payload is distributed over the loading space provided, not less than 55 percent nor more than 65 percent of the gross vehicle weight shall be on the rear axle.

3.8 Engine-A gasoline engine, air or water cooled, shall be provided with from four to six cylinders at the manufacturer's option. The engine shall have not less than 160 cubic inch piston displacement and not less than 120 pound-feet torque over the engine speed range of 1500 to 2000 RPM. The engine shall be equipped with positive type rotor valves, steelite or equal faced and steelite inserts.

3.9 Cooling system-The cooling system shall be adequate to permit satisfactory vehicle operation at ambient temperatures up to and including 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

3.10 Lubricating system-Engine lubrication shall be of the positive, full pressure type, equipped with an effective oil filter of the by-pass type with renewable filtering element.

3.11 Ignition system-The ignition system shall be six volts.

3.12 Fuel system-The fuel lines and system shall be properly shielded from sources of heat to prevent vapor lock. A ceramic type filter shall be incorporated. 3.12.1 Air cleaner-The fuel system shall be equipped with an oil-bath type of air cleaner which has an oil capacity of not less than one quart.

3.12.2 Fuel tank filler pipe-The fuel tank filler pipe opening shall not be located inside the body or driver's compartment.

3.12.3 Fuel tank capacity-The fuel tank shall be manufacturer's standard and be capable of containing 15 or 16 gallons of fuel.

3.13 Transmission.-Torque converter with automatic transmission shall be furnished to permit operation of the vehicle throughout its range of infinite variable speeds without selective manipulation by the driver. The transmission shall be further matched to the engine to provide adequate torque capacity and smooth operation. Ratios shall permit vehicle speeds up to 50 miles per hour maximum. The shifter lever shall be located in close proximity to a shift diagram with suitable legend, to indicate transmission position.

3.14 Suspension.-The suspension may be the manufacturer's current standard with maximum consideration given to ruggedness, simplicity, and riding qualities. To the maximum extent compatible with other requirements the vehicle shall protect its load from excessive shock and vibration resulting from uneven terrain, jolting, swaying, and rapid acceleration or deceleration. Further, consideration shall be given to the inclusion of a pneumatic booster or leveling device of the "air spring" type. It shall be designed to prevent listing to either side when empty or loaded to maximum capacity.

3.15 Shock absorbers.-Shock absorbers on all four wheels shall be of the telescoping hydraulic type of adequate capacity for imposed static and dynamie loads.

3.16 Wheels, rims, tires, and tubes.—

3.16.1 Wheels and rims.-Wheels and rims shall conform to current practice of the Tire and Rim Association, Inc.

3.16.2 Tires.-Tires shall be of the low-pressure type, 670/15, four ply rating. They shall conform to the applicable requirements of the Federal Specification ZZ-T-381.

3.16.3 Inner tubes.-Inner tubes shall be the proper size for the tires furnished and shall conform to applicable requirements of Federal Specification ZZ-T-766. They shall further be of the puncture-sealing type.

3.16.4 Spare tire and tools. Not required by this specification.

Brakes.

3.17 3.17.1 Service brakes.-The service brakes shall be of the four-wheel hydraulic type. They shall be capable of controlling and holding the fully loaded vehicle on a 30 percent grade and shall be capable of consistently bringing the fully loaded truck to a complete stop within 30 feet from a speed of 20 miles per hour on dry, hard, approximately level road free from loose material. The brakes shall permit safe control of the vehicle under all conditions of loading. It is desirable that a "no creep" device be furnished for automatic brake engagement, or that other automatic means be included to insure that the vehicle remains stationary during the driver's absence. The latter shall be in addition to the parking brakes and shall function regardless of engine operation or transmission selector position.

3.17.2 Parking brakes.-The parking brakes shall be hand lever operated, capable of holding the fully loaded truck on a 30 percent grade. Parking brakes shall be entirely independent of the service brakes and may be connected to the same rear brake shoes through entirely separate mechanical means.

3.18 Electrical system.-Each vehicle shall be provided with a complete electric starting, lighting, and ignition system, amply provided with safety and regulatory devices and shall be equipped with a suitable generator to permit cutin at low engine RPM.

3.19 Controlling mechanism.-The chassis shall be equipped with efficient steering mechanism and operating controls, center or right hand drive, maximum 15 inches to right of center. Controls and cab shall be arranged to minimize the time required for the operator to enter the vehicle and engage power for movement. Controls shall also permit rapid exit from the vehicle without necessity for application of the hand brake to insure safety during the driver's absence. The hand brake will be used whenever the vehicle is parked on a grade.

3.20 Cab. The cab shall be an integral part of the body and be of Fiberglass or equal, or steel construction. The cab shall be separated from the cargo compartment by means of a wire mesh screen so arranged as to protect the driver from falling parcels while permitting free access to the cargo compartment. The driver's folding seat (airfoam rubber filler or equal) should be adjustable in height from a nominal figure of 25 inches above the floor. It shall be located to permit sit or stand operation of the vehicle and in close proximity to the controls and steering wheel for driving ease, commensurate with rapid mounting and demounting requirements. Cab doors shall be of a sliding or internal folding Dutch type to permit egress from the vehicle when adjacent to mail boxes or other obstructions, and shall be equipped with integral tumbler lock (provided by Post Office Department) and safety glass windows. The door shall provide a clear opening no less than 26 inches wide and 65 inches high. Window regulator controls shall fold flush to preclude interference with adjacent objects or surfaces. The windshield shall be safety type plate grade glass. Safety tread at least four inches wide shall be furnished at each door opening to prevent slipping (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company "Safety-Walk,” or equal). A dome light with switch shall be affixed to the interior of the cab to permit the vehicle operator to read addresses after nightfall. The light shall be positioned to minimize windshield reflections and interference with the state of orientation of the operator's vision. The cargo compartment shall also be illuminated by the same means.

3.20.1 Working shelf.-The inside front of the cab shall incorporate a level shelf, to facilitate the sort of letters, magazines, and parcels. Its length shall be approximately equal to the width of the cab. It shall be from 28 to 32 inches in depth from front to rear, mounted from 34 to 36 inches above the cab floor, and shall be provided with a flange approximately 41⁄2 inches high at its rearmost edge. 3.21 Body.-The vehicle body shall be strictly functional with a minimum of compound curves. It shall be fabricated of Fiberglass or equal, steel, aluminum or combination thereof to insure minimum weight ratio to maximum required strength. Maximum visability by means of an adequate number of side and rear body windows shall be provided and insured by proper location of safety glass windows at least 14 inches in height. Cargo space and floor area shall be clear and unobstructed to the maximum extent feasible, with the exception of wheel wells.

3.21.1 Rear doors.-The rear doors shall be as large as possible and hinged horizontally or vertically. They shall be furnished with frictional or spring loaded hold-open devices, a large window or windows at the proper height for good visibility, door type handles, and tumbler lock. License plate holder with light shall be mounted on rear roof cap.

3.22 Locks.-All vehicle door locks as well as the ignition switch shall be operable from one key. Lock set combinations for different vehicles of this series shall each be different. The ignition switch shall be arranged to permit removal of the key when in the "On" position. Rear door shall require the use of a key for access under a conditions.

4. Equipment

4.1

Chassis equipment.-Chassis equipment shall be complete in every respect to perform the designed vehicle function and shall include heater, defroster, ventilator, and sturdy front and rear wraparound bumpers. In addition, vehicles shall be equipped with bumperettes in accordance with Post Office Department drawing No. 100.

4.2 Accessories.-The accessories to be furnished shall include but not be limited to a suitable electric horn, dual windshield wipers of the power operated type, one inside rear view mirror and two outside rectangular bus type rear view mirrors on the right and left hand side of the cab windshield pillar post respectively, and electric headlights. Manufacturer's standard tail lights, stoplights, and directional signals are to be mounted in rear corner pillar posts approximately 60 inches above the ground. Speedometer and odometer combination, water temperature indicator, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, ammeter, and indicator light for high and low headlight beam shall be included. Self cancelling directional signals shall also be furnished, suitable wired with an auxiliary control switch for simultaneous blinking operation.

4.3 Reflectors.-Permanently installed reflectors shall be furnished and located in conformance with I. C. C. Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

5. Painting and marking

5.1 Painting.-All painting shall be done on properly prepared surfaces and in accordance with the best standard manufacturing procedures. The finish shall be free from sags, runs and "Orange Peel". All exterior body finishes shall be matched automotive type, force dry, synthetic enamels unless otherwise specified. Integral coloring shall be provided for the optional Fiberglass, or equal, body and cab.

5.2 Interior.-The interior of the body shall be finished with SherwinWilliams Kem Non-sanding Primer, Light Gray No. E2A43835, or equal.

5.3 Exterior. The exterior surface must be thoroughly cleaned from rust and grease in accordance with the best manufacturing standard procedures. Apply sufficient Sherwin-Williams Kem Non-sanding Primer Light Gray No. E2A43835 or equal, to produce a smooth surface.

5.3.1 White. The entire upper half of the body, including roof and both fore and aft of the windshield frame pillars, shall be painted Sherwin-Williams Kem Transport Fleet White Synthetic Enamel No. F1W43356, or equal, and shall be applied in accordance with the paint manufacturer's recommended application procedures.

5.3.2 Blue. The entire lower half of the vehicle body shall be painted Sherwin-Williams Post Office Department Blue No. F1L825, or equal, and shall be applied in accordance with the paint manufacturer's recommended procedures. 5.3.3 Belt line.-A Red belt line, 41⁄2 inches wide, shall encircle the vehicle by overlapping the line of demarcation between the white and blue paint. That portion of the belt running rearward from, but not including the side doors, shall be Scotchlite, Reverse Silk Screen Red #3272 or equivalent retro-reflective material. The remainder of the belt including the doors and front of the vehicle shall be a synthetic enamel, Sherwin-Williams or equal, of matching Red shade. 5.4 Chassis.—

5.4.1 Black.-The chassis, including wheels, shall be painted with SherwinWilliams Chassis Underframe Black No. V74B155 or equal, in accordance with the manufacturer's standard procedures.

5.4.2 Undercoating.-The lower exposed surfaces of the body, chassis, wheel wells, engine compartment, and other applicable areas, shall be coated with a minimum one-eighth inch thickness of Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company "Underseal" or equal.

5.5 Markings, exterior.-The words "U. S. Mail" in letters three inches in height and serial numbers in figures (to be assigned) two inches in height, shall be applied in four places. Reflectorized blue letters and numerals shall be Scotchlite or equal.

5.6. Style chart.-The successful bidder shall furnish the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, a drawing showing the outlines of the front, rear, left and right sides of the body to serve as a paint chart for determining the paint styling best suited for the particular body to be furnished.

5.6.1 Government-furnished drawings.-The Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, will furnish the successful bidder a print showing the paint style and position of markings.

6. Workmanship

The entire vehicle shall be constructed and finished in accordance with the best practices and the workmanship shall be first class throughout. The vehicles shall be free from imperfections which may detract from their appearance or may impair their serviceability. Welds shall be sound and smooth and all sharp or rough edges shall be smoothed. All bolts shall be furnished with lock washers or other means to minimize the effects of vibration.

7. Markings-Interior

Each vehicle shall have the name of the manufacturer, model number, Post Office Department order number, and the month and year of delivery permanently and legibly stamped on a Data Plate to be permanently affixed to the instrument panel.

8. Maintenance

Simplicity of design is necessary to assure ease of servicing, adjustment, repair and parts replacement, in the minimum practicable time, requiring the lowest possible variety and complexity of tools and equipment.

8.1 Controls.-Except where necessary to provide essential characteristics, or where functional advantages significantly offset disadvantages such as increased cost and difficulty of maintenance, or where otherwise noted, automatic controls shall not be used where simpler, less expensive manual controls will suffice.

8.2 Accessibility.-Components shall be so located and installed as to permit ready removal and replacement without requiring removal of other components or control parts, which otherwise need not be removed. Special emphasis shall be placed on accessibility of those components and parts which are subject to wear, adjustment or replacement. Grease and oil seals and fittings, and fastening devices as nuts, bolts, and screws, shall be readily accessible.

8.3 Work aids.—Aligning devices, piloting or guide features, lifting eyes, adequate working clearances, provision for suitable visibility and other aids shall be provided wherever such features will add materially to the ease of installing, removing, or adjusting parts.

8.4 Connections. To the extent practicable, plugs and receptacles and multiple line connectors shall be utilized in the electrical system. Detachable and attachable fittings shall be used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, to facilitate replacement and repair. Connections shall be readily accessible and identifiable. They shall not be made unduly complex or of limited reliability merely to provide "quick disconnect" characteristics.

8.5. Tools. To the extent practicable, design shall permit maintenance and adjustment operations to be effected with standard, commonly available hand tools, with minimum requirement for special tools.

8.6 Lubrication.-Maximum practicable use shall be made of permanently lubricated assemblies or assemblies not requiring lubrication, provided such considerations do not result in undue complexity and increased overall maintenance. Items requiring regular lubrication shall be designed and installed to permit such lubrication without disassembly, wherever practicable.

9. Inspection

9.1 Inspection and tests.—All processes of manufacture and assembly of the vehicle and its parts shall be subject to inspection and test by a Post Office Department representative at the manufacturer's production plants or other points as designated. Manufacturers shall furnish for use by the representative, instruments and such assistance as he may find necessary to perform specified tests. Initial inspection shall be limited to examination and/or test of a pilot vehicle prior to the date on which the first vehicle produced will be ready for shipment in

order that inspection can be made. Final inspection and/or test by operation shall be made at the manufacturer's plant. When equipment so inspected fails to comply with this specification, equipment may be accepted subject to correction by the manufacturer of those points wherein the equipment fails to comply. 9.2 The vehicle manufacturer shall notify the purchasing agent in writing ten days prior to the date on which the first unit will be ready for shipment in order that inspection may be made.

10. Preparation for delivery

10.1 Delivery of the vehicles shall be made in such manner as to permit immediate operation. Fuel will be drained from the fuel tank only after vehicle test operation and prior to loading for shipment.

11. Notes

11.1

Qualification and proof by bidder.-The bidder shall furnish proof that he has been engaged in the production of motor vehicles for at least two years and further that he is bidding on the latest-current-model vehicle, except as modified by this specification.

11.2 Guarantee. In addition to any policy guarantees usually extended to the general public, the successful bidder shall be required to guarantee the vehicle and parts thereof against defective material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of acceptance. The guarantee shall consist of the replacement and installation of defective assemblies or parts, without cost to the Government, f. o. b. delivered. The successful bidder shall make immediate replacement from his plant or through his dealer or branch.

11.3 Certification of compliance with specification. The successful bidder shall certify that the vehicle, component units, and parts will be suitable for the work to be performed; will be constructed to definite standard dimensions, with proper clearances and fits; that previously published or set ratings will not arbitrarily be raised without prior approval of the manufacturer of the actual unit; and further, that the vehicle offered will comply in every respect with the terms of this specification. In the event that the vehicle offered does not fully comply with this specification, the bidder shall state definitely, referring to the proper paragraph of this specification, wherein the vehicle he proposes to furnish does not comply. Where no statement is received, the successful bidder shall be required to meet every requirement of this specification.

11.4 Patents.-The contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses, for or on account of any patented or unpatented invention, article, appliance, or attachment manufactured or used in the performance of this contract, including their use by the Government.

11.5 Bid drawing and data.-The bidder shall submit with his bid, assembly drawings of all views, in sufficient detail to show the arrangement, size, shape, and material used for all parts.

Bidders shall also furnish the following data, pertaining to these vehicles as part of their bids:

Description, manufacturer, and general characteristics of componnents not their own product.

NO BID WILL BE CONSIDERED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY REQUIRED DRAWING AND DATA 11.6 Contract drawings and data. The successful bidder will be required to submit detailed assembly drawings in triplicate prior to contract fulfillment. He will also be required to furnish 15 Parts Books and Shop Manuals, and a list of branch offices or agencies where complete stocks of repair parts are maintained and can be secured within a reasonable time after ordering by part number from the Parts Book, and at such discounts as may be quoted from year to year by the manufacturer of the vehicle purchased under this specification.

11.7 Manuals or charts, operating and servicing.-The successful bidder shall furnish a certificate of ownership, Operators Manual, and a lubrication chart with each vehicle.