lorries Trucks
Britain
1930s 1940s 1950s

Commer Superpoise

Commer Superpoise From 1939 to 1961
Overview
ManufacturerRootes Group
Body styleForward control truck. Numerous adaptations for special purposes
Powertrain
Enginesix cylinder petrol and Diesel
Transmission4-speed manual

The Commer Superpoise range was introduced in 1939, with both semi-forward and full-forward control options. The line included trucks of 1½ to six tons capacity powered by 6-cylinder petrol or diesel engines.4 speed gear box and 3 seater cabs and double rear axle on larger units.

With the Outbreak of World War II special conversions for military use and more rugged of road abilities help build stronger trucks, from these Lessons learned and the invaluable knowledge acquired during six years of war were applied to the further advancement and performance of post-war vehicles, and by virtue of these improvements they approached a new peak in both conception and workmanship.

Various body styles from flat beds to dumper trucks from 1.5 to 6 tons,

 A new Superpoise range with payloads of between two and five tons was introduced in 1955. six cylinder models of 2-3, 3-4 and 5 tons capacity were announced. The striking feature of these models was the new, comfortable full-view cab. The same year a new range of four-cylinder o.h.v. 'Superpoise' models was introduced. This range consisted of a ton 'Pick-Up', and 3/4 and 1-1/4 ton vans.

In 1957 it was decided to design a new forward control 5 tonner and in April the new vehicle was announced. 

Related items
Vehicles launched in 1939 | Lorry-Trucks | WW2 | War Time | Commercial vehicles

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Technical

Service

  • Commer Superpoise truck Maintenance and Service Guide (1939-1961)

    ENGINE: Petrol 6 Cylinders 3180.9cc.
    Inlet Valve Clearance for timing-
    Inlet Valve opens—degs- 9° B.T.D.C.
    In. Valve opens- 27 mm. B.T.D.C. measured on flywheel periphery
    In. Valve opens—piston traverse- .037in. B.T.D.C.
    Inlet Valve working clearance- .012in.
    Exhaust Valve working clearance- .014in.

    CAPACITIES:
    Sump pints- 14 (7.95 litres)
    Gear Box pints- 7 (0.98 litres)
    Rear Axle 'pints- 11 (6.26 litres)
    Petrol galls 16

    Breaker gap- .012in.
    Plug make- Champion, 14 mm.
    Plug gap-.032in.
    Firing order- 1-5-3-6-2-4
    Ignition timing-T.D.C. fully retarded

    Tyre size- 2 Ton, 6.00 x20in. Twin Rear; 3 Ton, 32 x 6in
    Axle Adjustment- Shims for pinion bearings; screwed adjusters for diff. & wheel bearings

    © Motor car History

    -Note: Commer Superpoise truck Advanced Maintenance and Repair Manuals available for registered users-

Technical

  • Commer Superpoise truck Technical details and specifications (1939-1961)

    ENGINE: Petrol 6 Cylinders 3180.9cc. (early)
    No. of Cylinders-6
    Treasury Rating- 20.92 hp
    cubic capacity- 3180.9 c.c.
    B.H.P.- 66 at 3,250 r.p.m.
    Bore- 75 mm. (2.95in.)
    Stroke- 120 mm. (4.72in.)
    Compression Ratio- 5.7 to 1
    1st O.S. Bore- + .010in.
    Max. O.S. for boring- + .040in.
    Firing order- 1-5-3-6-2-4
    Piston clearance top- .0025in.
    Piston clearance bottom- .0025in.
    Ring Gap- .010in. to .014in.
    No. of compression rings- 2
    No. of oil rings- 2
    Oil pressure, lb.sq.in- 45 to 50 (Engine warm)
    Gudgeon pin type- Hollow, hardened and ground
    Fit in piston- Tight, circlip located
    Fit in con. rod- Running
    Crankpin diameter(standard)- 54 mm.
    End clearance- .006in. to .004in.
    Diam. clearance- .002in
    No. of crankshaft bearings- 4
    Type of bearing (Crankshaft)- White Metal ('Babbit") bonded to rod
    Standard main journal diameter-65 mm.
    No. of camshaft bearings- 4
    Type of bearing (Camshaft)- Detachable, steel back,
    Camshaft drive (type)- "Duplex" roller chain
    Valve timing markings-Punch marks on chain sprockets and T.D.C. mark on flywheel
    Exhaust Valve diameter-35 mm.
    Inlet Valve diameter-39 mm.
    Are guides removable?- Yes
    Carburettor make- 'Solex" 35 mm.F.A.I.
    Choke setting- 25 mm
    Main setting- 135

    TRANSMISSION DRIVE LINE

    Clutch type- : 11in. ventilated, single, dry plate
    Type of facing-
    Gear ratio, top- Direct
    Gear ratio, third- 1.788 to 1
    Gear ratio second- 3.366 to 1
    Gear ratio, first- 6.414 to 1
    Gear ratio, reverse- 8.246 to 1

    AXLE & STEERING:

    FRONT AXLE:
    Camber- 2°
    Caster angle- 3° 20'
    King Pin inclination- 8°
    Track- 1.5 Ton, 5ft. 6in.; 2 & 3 Ton, 5ft. 5in.
    Turning circle- Short W.B 38ft; Long w.B. 47ft.
    Wheel base- Short, 10ft.; Long, 12ft. 9in.

    REAR AXLE:
    Type of axle- Fully. Floating
    Type of drive- Spiral Bevel
    Ratio- 1.5 & 2 Ton, 6.00 to 1; 3 Ton, 6.57 to 1
    Adjustment- Shims for pinion bearings; screwed adjusters for diff. & wheel bearings

    BRAKES:
    Type- Cowdrey hydraulically operated
    Type of linings- Moulded

    SPRINGS:
    Type- Semi-elliptic, progressive
    Length—Front- 36in.
    Width—Front- 2.1/4 in.
    No. of leaves—Front 3
    Length—Rear- 46in.
    Width—Rear- 2 1/2 in
    No. of leaves—Rear- 1.5 Ton, 11.; 2 & 3 Ton, 13

    ELECTRICAL:
    Distributor rotation- Clockwise, viewed from driving end
    Automatic advance- Suction 7°. Centrifugal 10°
    Battery type- 12 V. 63 amp. hr.
    Battery earth—pos. or neg- Positive

    © Motor car History

    Commer 5-ton Superpoise (Late trucks).


    Engine Rootes ' Superpoise " petrol or Perkins " Six-354 " Diesel fuel injection.
    Number of cylinders 6.
    Cubic capacity 4.139 litres (petrol)
    Cubic capacity 5.8 litres Diesel (fuel injection).
    B.H.P. 91 (petrol),
    B.H.P. 108 Diesel (fuel injection).
    Overall length 24 ft.
    Overall width 7 ft. 41 in.
    Hejght (to top of cab) 6 ft. 9 in.
    Turning circle 57 ft.
    Wheel-base 14 ft. in.
    Track 5 ft. 6} in. (front), 5 ft. 7 in. (rear).
    Fuel tank capacity 16 gallons.
    Gross weight 81 tons.

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