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).
Tests and developments on suspension, steering, brakes, and electrical equipment.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0204 | |
| Date | 2nd June 1939 | |
| -6- Suspension, Steering etc. - Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} A considerable amount of sideways shake developed early in the second test. This was found to be due to loosening of the rivets securing the frame to the gussets behind the front pan. The top edge of the gussets and pan were spot welded to the frame and this gave a 75% improvement in side shake. The latest frames are all welded in this manner and are also slightly stiffer, and the trouble should not recur. Brakes. The brakes were generally satisfactory and a considerable improvement on the present standard system. Troubles experienced on the first test were overcome by the various modifications carried out to rectify them. The BZ/RU linings intended for production were tested and ran 17,660 miles without re-lining, which is exceptionally good under the conditions. V.G.90 linings as used in the servo were also tested on the brakes during the remaining 15,000 miles, and are being developed at Derby as they show exceptional merit in several respects. Electrical Equipment. Dynamo brush wear was experienced, but the mileage, 13,829 miles, was considered reasonable under the conditions. Development work in the Electrical Laboratory is proceeding to increase this life. The A.C. car heater tried is not intended for production, but useful experience of this and the defroster arrangement was obtained. Since the new French lighting laws have come into force, it is very advisable to use the standard Marchal type yellow bulbs with double filaments, in which the dipped filament is hooded to eliminate dazzle. Otherwise considerable demonstrations from all other drivers are met with and the Police object. This arrangement is good in France where everyone conforms to it, but in England, where the anti-dazzle standard is less stringent, the Marchal bulbs give insufficient illumination. | ||