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).
Issues and proposed modifications for car bodywork components such as door straps, head gear and valances.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\1\ scan0222 | |
| Date | 26th June 1926 guessed | |
| (3) wonder whether they could not be replaced by a hard vulcanised rubber or in other words ebonite, as this is unaffected by atmospheric conditions. (7) DOOR STRAPS. In actual service the straps which prevent the doors from flying open too widely proved to be inadequate, and their fixing very unmechanical. All of them broke off. We have on other cars seen very much better examples of these fittings more mechanically designed, and we think Barkers' would do well to look into this feature. The wood screw fixing as per sketch (5) is highly loaded. (8) HEAD GEAR. We visited the Beaton Works and interviewed the Works Manager and chief draughtsman. In a separate memo to them we have illustrated how the folding glass guides through having insufficient control have worn in their bearings, and allowed the glasses to crack and rattle, whilst the similar folding pillar at the rear door hinge post allows the whole head to sway. We have asked for the hinge control to be put up to about 2". Likewise we have asked for more adequate base for the folding central pillar which stands on a central shut post. With reference to the windscreen the permanently imprisoned rubber seemed to adequately prevent the water coming in at the split, without obstructing the vision. This seemed to be a good feature. The window lifts were so set that the glasses when raised whilst the doors were open were smashed against the cantrail when closed, through being allowed to be lifted too high. (9) VALANCES. It was impossible to keep the doors over the rear springs closed. We understand that Barkers' have now improved this fixing, the valances being carried entirely off the stepirons. We have instructed Barkers' to carry out, in conjunction with Beatons', as far as possible all these modifications. Some however we feel it may be wise not to attempt on this car. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||