Proposals for economy and efficiency in the design of car components for 'Japan III', including wheel carriers, aprons, wings, and lamps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\1\ 01-page107 | |
| Date | 17th April 1931 | |
| X5970 HY. {Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} FROM DA {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} /EV. {Ivan Evernden - coachwork} SECRET. AL/EV {Ivan Evernden - coachwork} 2/M17.4.31. C. to WGR. E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. to RHC. {R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} re. JAPAN(Experimental Engine) 111. We would suggest that the following proposals be considered on the grounds of economy and efficiency for 3. REAR END OF CAR. We suggest that the number of standards be reduced and the most frequently used be given priority in consideration. If for technical reasons it is permissible we suggest two standards only. (1) For maximum bodied cars wheel or wheels carried permanently at the side, and a combined rear apron and luggage grid at the rear. We believe a grid which would fold away into the apron could be made of strip metal and so be much more economical than the present tubular one. (2) A wheel or wheels only at the rear for sporting cars. It is a fact that we have as standard a wheel and grid at the rear which ties up the design and makes our appearance compare less favourably with other cars. SIDE WHEEL CARRIER. We suggest that the design of the side wheel carrier be reconsidered and that a single sheet steel pressing might be more economical than the tubular construction. APRONS. We suggest that these be considered in 22 SWG. gauge steel using electrically spot welded joints instead of rivetting, and that they be coated internally with some compound to avoid drumming. FRONT WINGS. We suggest that these might be carried down to the inside of the frame at the front instead of the outside, as at present. By so doing the wing valance forms part of the apron, so making the apron small and simple. HEAD LAMPS. We suggest that we consider the standardisation of lamps, and in this connection we look at the Rotax as fitted to the Talbot, and these we believe are better looking than the Lucas Biflex. | ||
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).