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).
Coachbuilder objections to the proposed method of supporting the steering column on the Goshawk model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\4\ Scan261 | |
| Date | 17th March 1922 | |
| X4264 BJ. Copy Lhs. {Lord Herbert Scott} Sp {Mr Spinney} 9/H17.3.22. SUPPORT OF STEERING COLUMN ON GOSHAWK. As discussed at the conference yesterday, the coach-builders are afraid that the proposed arrangement of attaching the steering column to the instrument board may lead to trouble. I beg to remind you that the latest design for this we have had from 'W' embodies a long tubular bracket off the dash board above the steering column, the end of which carries a clip for fastening to the steering column and a flat face against which the wood instrument board made by the coachbuilders rests and to which it is bolted, the idea being to obtain lateral stability from the instrument board and so avoid the present vibration or shaking of the column and wheel. The objections to the proposed attachment are as follows: (1) The proposed bracket fixes the position of the instrument board and prevents alterations to the design of the front portion of the body. This is particularly noticeable with Barker designs of Allweather bodies, the Works bracket not suiting this. (2) The practical difficulty of fitting the instrument board in such a way that it will fit the body and the bracket. (3) If the instrument board is firmly attached to the body the coachbuilders believe there is a danger of splitting the wood by the vibration of the steering wheel and by the fact that one would be naturally inclined to lift himself up by the aid of the wheel when getting out of the car. (4) We might be able to get over some of the practical difficulties with some designs of bodies with first-class coachbuilders over whom we have control. We could not guarantee this, however, with foreign and provincial coachbuilders, who would be very likely to strain the steering column out of its proper position. In examining other chassis at various coachbuilders it would appear that the steering columns are considerably stiffer than on the Goshawk and do not require support from the body. (Signed) Sp. {Mr Spinney} | ||