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).
The use of non-skid chains on the Phantom III Series 2.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\2\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 15th January 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 346 re Phantom III Series 2. Replying to your memo Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}12/E.6.1.37, it is unfortunate that all independent front wheel suspensions tend to make it difficult to use Parsons chains by virtue of the relative positions of the chassis frame and wheel, forcing the steering linkage lower down, and beyond the outside of the rim of the road wheel. At the same time it should be remembered that a certain amount of care has to be used with such chains to avoid fouling and damaging the front mudguards on full lock with mudguards as generally used on all types of cars. Under these conditions our recommendation for customers is to use the type of non-skid chain which is strapped on at intervals round the wheel, and this can be used on Phantom III. The clearance between the steering joint and the tyre is about 3/4", and half of this would be absorbed by the strap fixing for the chain. We recommend webbing in preference to leather for the straps as we find that leather tends to stretch when wet, allowing the chains to loosen. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||