18-04-2024, 09:55 AM
I am unable to answer how the AMC managed to build the several hundred a month with such accuracy and how many were employed to do so. They obviously had the correct tooling and gauges and experienced operatives with years of experience. However, I can offer some insight into how the back axles were built up in the late 1920s.
Information is sketchy so bear with me!
Chassis assembly, gearbox and engine production, axles, radiators etc were all carried out in the South Works, and what is described below is the Chassis Erecting Shop.
The Seven section was adjacent to both the Twelve and Twenty assembly areas.
Rear Axle:
The rear axle tube ends entered the shop together with the rear axle casing, the latter being directed to the final rear axle assembly area. The tube ends were then brazed to the axle. Further brazing of the torque tube is performed and the whole assembly is passed to the assembly bench to marry up with the rear axle casings ( above ). In the same area axle shafts, hardened pinion bearings, spindle, gears were introduced and the whole built up on the final assembly benches. Adjacent to these were a series of test stands.
Elsewhere in the Works were the manufacturing of the chassis parts, machining section and frame drilling. The parts were then conveyed to an area adjacent to the front and rear axle sections where they were assembled and placed on the frame building track. Steering boxes and associated components were built adjacent to the front axle assembly area.
Engines were assembled on a floor above and delivered to the test section by means of a conveyor passing through the floor. After test, the engine was married to its gearbox ( built elsewhere ) and then fan and prop-shaft added. The whole unit was then fitted into the chassis on the track with the universal joint coupled up.
Wheel assemblies were built up nearby with a chute for delivering tyres and tubes, wheels built, stove enamelled and tyres fitted. The last operation was fitting to the hubs. The whole rolling chassis then exited the area into to the body section. ( It appears the exit was between the women's lavatories and the tool stores! )
Just a brief insight!
Information is sketchy so bear with me!
Chassis assembly, gearbox and engine production, axles, radiators etc were all carried out in the South Works, and what is described below is the Chassis Erecting Shop.
The Seven section was adjacent to both the Twelve and Twenty assembly areas.
Rear Axle:
The rear axle tube ends entered the shop together with the rear axle casing, the latter being directed to the final rear axle assembly area. The tube ends were then brazed to the axle. Further brazing of the torque tube is performed and the whole assembly is passed to the assembly bench to marry up with the rear axle casings ( above ). In the same area axle shafts, hardened pinion bearings, spindle, gears were introduced and the whole built up on the final assembly benches. Adjacent to these were a series of test stands.
Elsewhere in the Works were the manufacturing of the chassis parts, machining section and frame drilling. The parts were then conveyed to an area adjacent to the front and rear axle sections where they were assembled and placed on the frame building track. Steering boxes and associated components were built adjacent to the front axle assembly area.
Engines were assembled on a floor above and delivered to the test section by means of a conveyor passing through the floor. After test, the engine was married to its gearbox ( built elsewhere ) and then fan and prop-shaft added. The whole unit was then fitted into the chassis on the track with the universal joint coupled up.
Wheel assemblies were built up nearby with a chute for delivering tyres and tubes, wheels built, stove enamelled and tyres fitted. The last operation was fitting to the hubs. The whole rolling chassis then exited the area into to the body section. ( It appears the exit was between the women's lavatories and the tool stores! )
Just a brief insight!