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).
Springfield's experience with springing, leaf springs, and various shock absorbers like Hartford and Watson's Stabilizer.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 51\4\ Scan063 | |
| Date | 8th August 1922 | |
| [Handwritten] X4426 [Typed, faded] PY/SP {Mr Spinney} from HP. c. to H.R. c. to EY. c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to PH. c. to EE. e. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} to H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} [Typed] EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 4/H.S.8.22. [Handwritten] X4426 Re. SPRINGING AND HARTFORD SHOCK ABSORBERS. I have just noted the recent correspondence in regard to the above, and I feel it necessary to report on Springfield's experience with this matter. Springfield are now fairly satisfied that the cars they are now turning out give satisfaction from a customers point of view. The cars are fitted with thin leaf springs, which they recommend should be kept well lubricated, and are encouraging the fitting of gaiters, and as soon as they can obtain a satisfactory type, they propose to use same as standard. No shock absorbers are used. The appreciate, however, that a form of shock absorber should be used to advantage. Especially is this the case [with] cars where the weight on the back axle is low, such as two-seater roadsters, or even four-seater open touring cars. Such complaints as they have received in connection with this type of car. They are dead against using the Hartford shock absorbers which they appreciate are effective, but do not stand the wear and tear. During the last few years several makers of cars have universally fitted these shock absorbers, but have had to discard them owing to continual trouble they have given due to the wear and tear at the joints. They appreciate that some really reliable shock absorber is required, and the best form [illegible] of and one which is now coming into prominence, which they are about to try out is Watson's Stabilizer, which is an improved form of Gabriel Snubber, and works one way only. The friction increases as the movement increases. The general practice on American cars at present is still to use Gabriel Snubbers, which they consider are as effective, and certainly give better service than the Hartford. It certainly seems from a comparison of the cars riding on the road under similar conditions, that there is an advantage from a damping point of view with thin leaf springs greased, as Contd. | ||