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).
Bodywork joints, steering mechanisms, wheel wear, and road spring testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\1\ scan0043 | |
| Date | 22th July 1920 | |
| Contd. -2- X.3725 E1/G22.7.20. BODYWORK (CONTD) Mr. Royce considered this quite satisfactory, but he pointed out that to avoid re-painting, no painted joint on the exterior of the car should be broken. A break does actually occur in a prominent position when the scuttle is taken away from the dashboard, since the painted edge of the dashboard is separated from the scuttle, and when they are afterwards assembled it should be possible to see the broken joint. Mr. Royce suggested that the scuttle should be made to butt against the bonnet, but the bonnet must be still fixed to the dash. To avoid threading the body over the steering wheel, it could be placed between the scuttle and the front seat. This point should be studied by those responsible for the bodywork in Derby. "VULTURE" AND "A" STEERING. X.3998. It was remarked that the difference between "A" and "B" steering on the 40/50 H.P. chassis is approximately 24" in the length of the car. As the wheelbase of the "Vulture" has been made 144", and this combined with the slightly shorter bonnet, gives approximately 24" then the necessity for "A" steering will be cancelled on the "Vulture". ROAD WHEELS. X.15. X.3982. X.4158. X.3492. X.3725. Trouble due to the serrations wearing on Dunlop wheels was reported by Mr. Hives. Perceptible wear occurred after 50,000 miles. Mr. Royce thinks that he ought to see the drawings of the improved Dunlop hub for the purpose of criticising them, as there would probably be room for longer serrations. Since it is necessary to change the wheels when the serrations wear, the replace wheels could be of a different design to have longer serrations to last twice the time. Mr. Royce thinks that Messrs. Dunlop should be approached about this matter. Mr. Hives reported that we were expecting some Michelin Disc wheels with divisible rims from America for test. Mr Royce stated that in his opinion the Michelin disc wheel is the best alternative to wire wheels, if drilled for security boltes The straight sided tyre and divisible rim will come later. We should approach Dunlops and tell them that we want a disc wheel with a divisible rim. It is "up to" them to deal with the patent question. Alternatively we might get the American Michelin Company to supply the wheels. ROAD SPRINGS. X.3981. Referring to chassis 6.EX. Mr. Royce would like Mr. Hives to take the road springs down, remove all grease, and put in Ferodo, and then test again. In the condition tested at West WitteringHenry Royce's home town the car rode badly, and seemed to lack damping. Contd. | ||