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).
Letter discussing the pros and cons of using chromium plating and 'Staybrite' material for car radiators.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149a\3\ scan0068 | |
Date | 10th June 1927 | |
Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} 43678. RECEIVED BY3/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 10.6.27. June 10th, 1927. Friday. Messrs Rolls Royce of America Inc. Springfield, Mass. For the attention of M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Olley, Esq. Dear Sirs, RADIATORS. Referring to your favour of the 24th ultimo, reference Cy3C/M.S.24.27, we propose to make up a radiator from pure nickel sheets experimentally, in order to appreciate the effect of the parts on the rest of the car. We have the sheets on order; at the moment none have been delivered. With reference to the use of Chromium plating, whilst this has the advantages referred to, namely, non-tarnishing and unscratchable, it has one serious defect, namely, that it is not a neutral to the steel base. This means that if the plating does not thoroughly cover the base material, that is, if there are any small pin-holes present, the base material will corrode away as the result of the electrolytic action between the two materials. In addition, as you point out, it is still in a very much experimental stage, and it is open to question from a colour point of view. In regard to the use of "Staybrite", we have made up a car completely, for Messrs Thomas Firth & Sons, Ltd. who are the patentees of "Staybrite", and the general appearance of the car in question is remarkably good. The parts produced in this material are radiator sheets, bonnet hinges, lamps, and wheel caps. The effect is good, and generally consistent. There are, however, troubles likely to develop from the point of view of the radiator, as judging by our own experience, in attempting to solder Staybrite there is a real difficulty in getting the solder to really take thoroughly when soldering up the radiator. Contd. | ||