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).
Observed defects and issues with a new U.S.A. chassis model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan306 | |
| Date | 27th February 1931 | |
| Wox. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RECEIVED 28 FEB 1931 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}8/H27.2.31. re. U.S.A. NEW CHASSIS. We have gone through the specification of the above incompletions to be reported by Sft.{Mr Swift} In accepting these chassis for delivery which we are now pushing on with, we should realise the following defects which may give rise to complaints - supplementing those already mentioned by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in his report on tests with Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} at St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Albans 20th. inst. i.e. Engine roughness, boom periods etc. (1) SPRINGING. Should like to have tried a chassis with finished body fitted, but as this was not practicable I took 58-GN and 25-EX as samples and compared with chassis fitted with test body, correctly loaded. Although generally the best compromise for town carriage, one cannot get over the feeling that the axles are not part of the chassis and one feels them "dithering" and reacting on the car. Especially is this so over rough pot hole roads when braking. Again although not "pitching" one is definitely thrown about at the back on uneven road surfaces over 40 m.p.h. (2) STEERING. Up to 40 m.p.h. very good, but at high speeds over rough or uneven roads, joggles and unstable, evidently the effect of flexible springing. Continental Saloon type is much better in this respect. (3) The rapid cooling of the engine when standing or coasting as mentioned by PN.{Mr Northey} on 18-G.4 is disconcerting to those used to hand controlled shutters During normally cold weather the primer has to be used for starting after standing for less than one hour. (4) BRAKE SQUEAKS. We are not free from this trouble - still occurs on rear brakes. 58-GN. at times has pronounced groan on pulling up. (5) ENGINE NOISE. The exhaust spit noise on pick up is more noticeable than on Standard Phantom II, especially when engine cold. Agree may be more noticeable by the suction being quieter. CONTD:- | ||