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).
Fitting of stronger springs to car 29-WJ and the resulting trade-offs in ride comfort.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan032 | |
| Date | 24th December 1929 | |
| W/S C. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. SS.{S. Smith} C. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} x7960. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}10/H24.12.29. re. 29-WJ. SPRINGING. We have today arranged for this car to be delivered by road. The driver has instructions to leave the car at Lillie Hall, requesting them to have it washed. This confirms the arrangements made with you on the telephone yesterday and my note to you last night. Referring to your PN.{Mr Northey}2/WT.23.12.29. I have again been over my memo EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}12/H20.12.29 and cannot see that there is any cause for depression due to the opinions expressed. We have, however, fitted the stronger springs, as per the penultimate paragraph of our EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}12/H20.12.29. As a Trials car for London use, we would like to have kept the springs on the weak side, but in view of the definite complaint of bumping and the fact that the car will possibly be sent to Sa. Madrid, it has been considered necessary that stronger springs should be fitted. The stronger springs, naturally, have not improved the riding at low speeds, but we have been over the various adjustments of the shock absorbers and consider that the springing of the car is now quite reasonable for low speed running and at the same time suitable for high speed work. In fact it is now considered by all concerned at the Works as being the best compromise. I certainly think that the springing is now much better than it was when the car arrived at the Works. I have had the Experimental Department's further view on this matter, and they confirm that nothing further can be done. P.S. I should say the body is a bad "boomer". Windows & roof in the back require damping. At present consider objectionable - boom period bad at 20 mph. in back seats. Suggest it annoys customers and aggravates springing complaint. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||