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).
Internal memorandum discussing an epidemic of 'Phantom' steering joggle complaints and proposed modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 68\1\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 20th August 1926 | |
| From: "Ps". To: "Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}" copy to. "BJ" X8450 Re: "Phantom" steering joggles. Further to our recent correspondence on steering joggles, we unfortunately have at present an epidemic of complaints of steering joggles. This is to our disadvantage, fortifying the rumour which has arisen round France that the "Phantom" steering is dangerous. To eliminate this somewhat, I propose changing the side steering tube springs on all "Phantom" chassis which come under my notice, for those of 1500 lbs., as this slight modification alone produces a decided improvement, estimated to be 60%. I am actually doing this at present, but as a temporary measure, and until you confirm that it would be wise to make it a general ruling, applicable to all 1.125" steerings. [& not wait for the complaint which is inevitable. R] If, after this, some customers remain dissatisfied, we should change the worm shaft and nut. This is more or less the present policy, as outlined by the Administration, but modified to incorporate my recommendation to change all strong side steering tube springs on sight for 1500 lbs. The cost of changing the side steering tube springs is nil, compared to the damage to our reputation by damning rumours, based upon a certain amount of truth. Ps. R | ||