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).
Defects in Dunlop wire wheels with Goodyear rims and the impact on production and chassis supply to the USA.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\1\ scan0066 | |
| Date | 6th January 1921 | |
| X.3725 H.R. 985A (100 T) (S.G. 643, 19-2-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2618 S.P. from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to Ey. c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to D/Wr c. to C.(Sales) Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}7/NJ6.1.21. Dunlop Wire Wheels with Goodyear rims with removable flange for straight-side tyres. Upon receipt of yours EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}/Tnn14/F4.1.21, I wrote the Dunlop Rim & Wheel Co.Ltd. giving them a copy of Fitter Schenk's report on the six wheels which were fitted to chassis 106-AE, at the Coachbuilders and afterwards removed and returned to us, remarking that as a result of our inspection we agree that the condition of the rims of the wheels is very unsatisfactory and as we view the defects with alarm, we desired that they (Dunlop Co) would immediately conduct an enquiry into the cause and refrain, in the meantime, from making up any more wheels with the imported Goodyear rims, until they are satisfied that the rims are safe. This morning we have received a reply from the Dunlop Co. stating that they will write us further after they have examined the wheels which have been returned to them and, in the meantime, they give us their assurance that the Goodyear rims which they are at present making up into wheels are being carefully examined for similar faults. As the suspension of manufacture of this type of wheel will seriously affect our output, as well as the output at Springfield, and the changeover of wheels on Derby chassis sent to U.S.A., it is of paramount importance that the question as to whether we will accept further wheels made up with American rims or not be definitely decided. There is also the further question to be settled as to whether we should instruct Springfield by cable not to use the 24 sets of these wheels which have already arrived there and others which are now on the way. I am of opinion that this is a matter which ought to be discussed in Committee. Perhaps Ey. will raise the point. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} | ||