Smyrna times., 1947-12-25
Dodge Offers 248
Trucks i'm Nezv Line

completely new line of Dodge "Job- -Rated" trucks
comprising 24o basic chassis models ranging from 1850
to $4,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and up to 10000
pounds gross train weight was announced Saturday by
L. F. VanNortwick, Director of Truck Sales of the
Dodge Division, Chryser Corporation.
Some models of the new trucks will be displayed
starting January by Rothwell's Garage in Smyrna
A combination of massive strength and smoothly
flowing lines is the keynote of styling for the new
trucks. They were designed to combine appearance
with comfort, safety, performance, economy and
of handling.
Front axles have been moved back and engines
have been moved forward to place more of the gross
vehicle weight on the front axle and provide better
weight distribution. The wheebase for conventional
models through the 2ton has been reduced eight inch
es while the 21a and 3ton models have been reduced
six inches. The trucks have been engineered so
that despite the shorter wheelbases the cabto-axle
dimensions remain practically unchanged making it
possible to use the same length bodies as before.
New ease of handling and driving has been provid-
ed by the shorter wheelbases and wider tread front
axle together with cross steering, which is fea-
ture all conventional cab models. The cross steer
ing permits 37degree turning angle both right and
left Drivers park or back into alleys or up
to loading platforms with much greater ease. Road
shock through the steering wheel is greatly reduced by
the cross steering which has the drag link running
parallel with the front axle
Standard de luxe and custom cabs provide more
ROOM more visibility, more safety and more comfort
for the driver
permit three large men to ride without crowding The
height seats provide leg support under the knees
and can be adjusted seven inches The natural back
support also is adjustable for maximum comfort.
The seat cushion utiizes air in combination with
coil springs to provide comfort hand control allows
the driver to adjust cushion buoyancy to his weight or
road conditions.
Comfort in any weather is provided by
an a-weather heating and ventiating system which is
an ingenious combination of truck heater, defroster
vents vent windows cowl ventilator and fresh air in
take
De luxe and custom cabs have what is termed
36Odegree vision through increased glass area and
installation of rear quarter windows Wndshields and
windows of the "PilotHouse cabs are higher and
wider adding to vision and safety Drivers can enter
or leave the conventional cab easily from either side
since the gear shift and emergency brake levers have
been moved forward to give clear floor space from door
to door,
Conventional models can be road-serviced from the
left side as the fuel tank, oil filler, radiator filler and
battery are so located.
Dodge has different engines to handle the
power requirements of its line. Numerous engine
improvements have been made.
Braking systems are larger and improved. Front
and rear axes have increased load-caTying capacity
front springs are longer Radiator have been
redeslgned to facilitate better cooling. Exceptional
improvements have been made in frame construction