No. 32-54 Amendment No. 3 9 Sept. 54 POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION OF VEHICLES SPECIFICATION FOR TRUCK, STAND DRIVE, MAIL DELIVERY, 4 x 2, 3⁄44-TON, G. V. W. 4,500 POUNDS (MAXIMUM), WHEELBASE 100 INCH (MAXIMUM) This amendment has been prepared by the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, for the purpose of revising Specification No. 32-54, dated 19 Mar 54. After paragraph 3.12.3 add: "3.12.4 Carburetor.-The carburetor shall be a down-draft type of the manufacturer's current standard." From paragraph 3.21.1 delete the following: "License plate holder with light shall be mounted on the rear roof cap." Then add: "3.21.2 Illuminated license-plate holder shall be suitably affixed to the rear of the vehicle." Add to paragraph 3.22 Locks.-Per Amendment No. 2 dated 3 Aug 54: "The internal locking system shall be arranged to permit locking and unlocking of the side doors from inside the vehicle without the use of a key.” After paragraph 3.22 add: "3.23 Door handles.-A substantial 'T' type handle shall be provided in lieu of cantilever type on the side doors. This handle shall be adequate in surface area to permit a ready grasp as well as ease in pulling or pushing doors. They shall be carefully positioned to preclude the possibility of being a hazard in any manner." No. 32-54 Amendment No. 2 3 Aug 54 POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION OF VEHICLES SPECIFICATION FOR TRUCK, STAND DRIVE, MAIL DELIVERY, 4 x 2, 34-TON, G. V. W. 4,500 POUNDS (MAXIMUM), WHEELBASE 100 INCH (MAXIMUM) This amendment has been prepared by the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, for the purpose of revising Specification No. 32-54, dated 19 Mar 54. After paragraph 3.21.1 add: "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 all conditions." No. 32-54 Amendment No. 1 7 JUN 54 POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION OF VEHICLES SPECIFICATION FOR TRUCK, STAND DRIVE, MAIL DELIVERY, 4 x 2, 3⁄44-TON, G. V. W. 4,500 POUNDS (MAXIMUM), WHEELBASE 100-INCH (MAXIMUM) This amendment has been prepared by the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, for the purpose of revising Specification No. 32-54, dated 19 MAR 54. Paragraph 5.3.3 Beltline.-Delete entirely and substitute the following: "5.3.3 Beltline.-A red beltline 41⁄2 inches wide shall encircle the vehicle. The portion of the beltline running rearward from, but not including the side doors, and across the back of the vehicle shall be Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company Wide Angle Flat Top Red Retro-Reflective Sheeting No. FE131, or equal. The portion of the beltline running across the side doors, and across the front shall be Sherwin-Williams Kem Transport Red No. F1R43355-R, or equal. Portions of the beltline such as door hinges and other protruding surfaces where 82284-56-11 it is impractical to apply the above Retro-Reflective Sheeting shall be painted with the above red enamel." Paragraph 5.5 Markings, exterior.-Delete entirely and substitute the following: "5.5 Reflective letters and numerals.-The words "U. S. Mail" and serial numbers (to be assigned later) shall be 31⁄2 inches overall height, and shall be Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company Wide Angle Flat Top Scotchlite Gold No. 3273 shaded with Special Blue Process Paste No. FE53, or equal. Letters and numerals shall be applied in four places." POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT DIVISION OF VEHICLES No. 32-54 19 MAR 54 SPECIFICATION FOR TRUCK, STAND DRIVE, MAIL DELIVERY, 4 x 2, 34-TON, G. V. W. 4,500 POUNDS (MAXIMUM), WHEELBASE 100-INCH (MAXIMUM) This specification has been prepared by the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, for use in securing vehicles for postal service, and is to be used in supplement to existing Federal Specifications, referenced herein, covering vehicles and components thereof. It is subject to modification by the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, only when manufacturers proposing to furnish vehicles for postal service disclose in writing, to the satisfaction of the Division of Vehicles, Post Office Department, that its contents are prohibitive to the utilization of standard manufacturing procedures. 1. Scope 1.1 Scope. This specification embodies four-wheel, stand drive trucks (in the nominal three-quarter-ton class) having manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 4,500 pounds maximum. They shall be gasoline-engine driven. The trucks shall be constructed, assembled, and equipped to perform, under the operating conditions specified below. 2. Applicable specifications and other publications 2.1 Specifications.-The following Federal Specifications, of the issues in effect on date of invitation for bids, form a part of this specification. KKK-T-716a‒‒‒‒‒ W-B-131 VV-M-561. ZZ-T-381__ ZZ-T-766___ HH-L-361_. F-F-351 Trucks; Gasoline Engine, Four Wheels, Two Rear Batteries, Storage; Ignition, Lighting and Starting. Tires, Pneumatic; Vehicle and Portable-Equipment. Linings, Brake (Automotive Use). Filters and Filter Elements; Lubricating Oil, Internal 2.2 Other publications.-The I. C. C. Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the issue in effect on date of invitation for bids, forms a part of this specification. The Tire and Rim Association, Inc., Year Book is also applicable. 3. Requirements 3.1 Service requirements.-This vehicle is intended to be a strictly functional unit used primarily by Post Office personnel on mounted routes, special delivery and collection service. It may be in continuous operation from 10 to 12 hours daily, 300 days per year, under all weather conditions including freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, second-class and poorer roads, hills and in rural as well as city areas. It will operate on fixed and indefinite schedules and will make 400 to 600 starts and stops per day. It will be operated by many different operators. The power-train, differential, and axles will be subject to maximum stresses as may be encountered in this type of service. The load capacity may frequently be exceeded by 25 percent at the beginning of the delivery route. 3.2 General.-Each vehicle under this specification shall have four wheels, be driven from either the front or rear wheels, steered by the front wheels and shall have an accessibly mounted engine to facilitate maintenance and repair. Though they are not specifically mentioned herein all parts necessary to provide a complete and efficient vehicle shall be furnished. Such parts shall conform to current engineering practices of the industry relative to design, strength, quality or material and workmanship. The right is reserved to accept trucks with minor deviations from this specification. 3.2.1 Considerations.-The vehicles shall incorporate the best principles of ruggedness, roadability, steering ease, comfort and riding qualities commensurate with minimum weight and size. Maximum consideration shall be given to ease of maintenance and economy in operation. The arrangement of instruments, controls, and seating shall be of such nature as to minimize operator fatigue. 3.3 Materials.-The trucks and all parts thereof shall be made of materials which are suitable for the intended service and shall be produced by use of current standard manufacturing processes. The materials shall be free from characteristics or defects which affect the appearance or which may affect the function of the finished product. 3.4 Gross vehicle weight.-The maximum gross weight of the vehicle shall be 4,500 pounds when carrying approximately 1,700 pounds of cargo, including the driver. 3.5 Weight. The weight shall not exceed 2,800 pounds when excluding the weight of fuel, coolant, or special chassis equipment. 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 opition. 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 1,500 to 2,000 R. P. M. 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, fullpressure type, equipped with an effective oil filter of the bypass 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 dynamic 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. 3.17 Brakes. 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 cut in 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 (Minne sota 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 visibility 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 all 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, suitably 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. |