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).
Resolving issues with unbearable heat from the footboards of closed bodies on Phantom chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\3\ scan0174 | |
| Date | 1st September 1926 | |
| X3908 "WH" Derby Copy to "Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}" Derby Ps6/JP.1/9/26 RE CLOSED BODIES ON PHANTOM CHASSIS. We have had several complaints of unbearable heat from the rear footboards of closed cars, and this inspite of "Sorbo" mats etc... In many instances, I have found the foot boards to be a poor fit and badly warped, but apart from the footboards, I consider a lot can be done to avoid this unpleasantness. I have improved matters in most cases by fitting sheet asbestos to the silencer and underneath the footboards, but, in one instance, the owner had a tray made lined with asbestos which was screwed to the body between the silencer and the footboards and rear seating, in such a manner that air would pass between; this he claims to have entirely eliminated the trouble. The only objection I see to it is that it prevents easy access to that side of the chassis from the inside of the car, but when one thinks of it how often is this necessary? and the inaccessibility is nothing compared with the advantages so obtained. Although I have written on this subject previously, I maintain and strongly recommend the following points:- 1°-Footboards should be screwed down, any other method of metal taps etc. will not prevent the boards from warping under heat. 2°-Footboard before being fitted to the car should be shrunk as much as possible and fitted with"Sorbo" strips between the joints to prevent fumes rising. rear 3°-The silencer should be lagged its entire length, and, if possile, a cowling should be introduced to prevent a passage of air between the silencer and the cowling. Ps. B PS-This report was partially dictated ten days ago, but owing to pressure of work has not been sent previously. I now learn from Commander BRIGGS, now in Paris, that "Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}" has made recommendations on similar lines to effect a cure, but consider it is still desirable you should be in possession of our opinion and experience at this end. Ps. B | ||