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).
Programme proposal for the approval of modifications and durability testing on an Austin 8 vehicle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\4\ scan0171 | |
| Date | 9th August 1941 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wyman Please see me about this P To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} c. to Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions} Aile SECRET. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GB.1/JH.9.8.41. AUSTIN 8. 1262 Below we submit for approval a programme for the Austin 8. The objects of the programme are twofold, (1) to improve the ride, handling and silence of the car & (2) to gain experience of its durability (a) when properly serviced and (b) when serviced as we think the normal owner treats his car. The items under (1) are (a) The fitting of softer lubricated front springs. We have written to Messrs. Jonas Woodhead for these. (b) The fitting of an anti-roll bar to the front suspension, arranged if possible to prevent spring wind up during braking. Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions} is looking into this. (c) The fitting of a Burman Douglas steering box with 2 3/4 turns from lock to lock (this is the same as the Vauxhall 10) and arranged so as to remove the steering geometry errors. Burman Douglas have agreed to do this job and our proposals were sent to them on 20th. July (see Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}1/RH{R. Hollingworth}). (d) The reduction of axle noise by fitting rubber at the ends or centre of the springs. The details have not yet been worked out for this. (2a) To date this car has done 6951 miles, for 4855 of which it has been in our possession. During this time it can be assumed that the car has been well serviced. We would like to dismantle the pivot pin etc. now for examination. (2b) For this test we think that all chassis lubrication with the exception of rear axle, gearbox and engine should be stopped for 5,000 miles or until Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||