Hull Bus Restorers

The Panther chassis was designed for single deck passenger vehicles 10.97m long and 2.44m wide.  Engine and gearbox units are situated behind the rear axle.  The bus chassis has a dropped frame forward of the rear axle to allow for the fitting of low, single step entry and exit bodies.  The springs are suitable for a gross laden weight of 12,192kg distributed as 4,064kg on the front axle and 8,128kg on the rear.

ENGINE

Long life 600 diesel developing 140bhp at 2,000rpm.  Horizontal six cylinder direct injection engine: bore and stroke 121.9mm x 139.7mm; cubic capacity 9.8 litre.  Maximum torque 405 lb ft at 1,400rpm; compression ratio 15.75:1; rigid monobloc iron casting for cylinder and crankcase; renewable pre-finished dry liners; nitride-hardened crank-shaft with seven journals; reticular tin-aluminium bearings; vibration damper; Valmet inlet and exhaust valve seats; low expansion alloy steel pistons; stellite-faced nickel-chrome steel valves; helical timing gears; full pressure lubrication to main, big end and camshaft bearings.

FUEL INJECTION EQUIPMENT

A CAV distributor-type fuel injection pump is fitted which incorporates an automatic advance mechanism as the engine speed rises.  Four-hole injectors are used, diaphragm lift pump and multiple fuel filters.  A high capacity oil bath air cleaner is fitted.  Bus chassis are fitted with a 172.2 litre (38 gal) fuel tank.

THERMOSTATIC FAN CONTROL

The forward mounted radiator is a 2-row, flat tube stack type with an electronically driven cooling fan which is thermostatically controlled.  Provision is made for fitting an additional fan for operation in tropical climates.

LOCK-UP CLUTCH

45.72cm (18") diameter with a fluid capacity of 13.637 litre (3 gal), incorporating centrifugally operated lock up clutch to give positive drive at operating speeds.  Construction comprises driving member bolted to engine flywheel and driven member and runner free to rotate within the outer casing.

PNEUMO-CYCLIC GEARBOX

An air shift semi-automatic box of the compound epicyclic type.  Speed ratios: Top, direct; 3rd, 1.59:1; 2nd, 2.43:1; 1st, 4.28:1; reverse, 5.97:1.  Electric change speed on steering column operates air valves for gearshift by solenoids fitted with safety devices.

PROPELLER SHAFT

Final drive through balanced open propeller shaft with all-metal 1600 type universal joints fitted with needle-roller bearings.

SINGLE SPEED REAR AXLE

Of special Leyland design incorporating Eaton 1870 spiral bevel driving head.  Available ratios 4.56, 5.29, 5.57, 6.50 and 7.17 :1.

BRAKES

Dual line compressed air brakes are fed by a 0.425 cu m (15 cu ft) compressor; direct acting brake chambers adjacent to each wheel operated by E1 control valve to give straight line braking characteristics; Clayton or Bendix-Westinghouse slack adjusters; ; moulded anti-fade liners 1.90cm thick (0.75").  Drum diameter 39.37cm (15.5").
Footbrake Area: 4,529.3 sq cm (702 sq in).
Handbrake Area: 2,787.3 sq cm (432 sq in).

EASY-RIDING SUSPENSION

Springs are of the semi-elliptic multi-leaf type and are shot-peened to increase resistance to fatigue.
Front Springs: 126.9cm (50") long x 10.15cm (4") wide.
Rear Springs: 157.4cm (62") long x 7.61cm (3") wide.
Shock absorbers are added to the front and rear axles.

DEEP FRAME SECTIONS

Bus frames are of bolted construction with varying frame sections throughout the length of each side member.  Side members have a thickness of 7.93mm (0.3125").

WHEELS AND TYRES

Steel disc wheels with ten 2.2cm (0.875") diameter stud fixings, single at front and twin at rear.  Wheels are 3B7.00 x 20 with 15.2cm (6") offset fitted with 10.00-20 12-ply tyres.

ELECTRICAL

The standard electrical system is CAV AC equipment incorporating in-built diodes and transistorised control board having 24V lighting and starting; 17.7cm (7") diameter alternator; axial starter motor; switchboard containing chassis lighting controls, indicator lamps for generators charging, oil pressure and direction indicators, inter-connected relays and buzzer warning for low air pressure and high engine temperature, thermal cut out for change-speed control circuit, starter motor re-engagement protection and neutral interlock.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

680 engine.  Air suspension.  Frankmann Lubrimatic engine oil dispenser.  Tecalemit automatic lubrication. A three-way optional driver's seat (pedestal type).  Power assisted handbrake.  Equipment can be provided for a gvw of up to 16,256kg (35,840lb).  Fluid coupling with lock-up clutch.