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).
Sourcing options, costs, and production issues for 40/50 HP steering wheels.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\1\ Scan162 | |
| Date | 20th May 1925 | |
| 43465 Work from ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to PY. c. to Ha. c. to Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} ROY{Sir Henry Royce}19/MG20.5.25. 40/50 HP. Steering Wheels. Piece No. 72692 17" No.71809 18" Under existing arrangements we are producing these Castings in the Shops here as Sand Castings, machining them, and then sending them down to Silvertown for covering, and have had considerable trouble both in the Shops here and also at Silvertown, in making a satisfactory job. As far as Silvertown covering is concerned, I believe I am right in saying they are through their troubles now. The Hightensite Company were approached to see if they could also undertake the covering of our Castings, and they have put in a final figure which averages 7/3d more than the Silvertown figure, and offer 10 of each per week, commencing 6 weeks from date - their figure for Moulds being £60. in each case. The Dover Company will find their own Castings, and supply Wheels finished outright, at a figure averaging 4/6d less than we are paying Silvertown for the covering alone, i.e., assuming Castings made in our own Foundry and machined here cost us 8/- to 9/- each (Probably they cost a lot more due to abnormal scrap) the nett reduction on same would average 13/6d per wheel. I suggest we have a second string, and instruct the Dover Company to proceed with the necessary Moulds (They cost £30. each) and order 50 each of such Wheels from them, delivery to commence in about 5 weeks from date. With such Moulds, the Dover Company tell us they could produce 10 of each per week. Will the above gentlemen kindly advise if they are in agreement or otherwise. The Dover Company will make a wheel, identical as far as outside dimensions, and position of grips is concerned, with Silvertown and if it is felt the weight of their rim is lighter than it should be, we can ask them to thicken up their Tube - although I understand all the 20 HP. Dover Wheels have given every satisfaction in this respect. ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||