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).
Letter to Cadillac discussing Quick-step steel, Delco dampers, universal joints and vehicle ride quality issues like springing and frame 'jellying'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\2\ img006 | |
| Date | 17th January 1930 | |
| Expl. Dept. January 17th.1930. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ. M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Olley Esq., Cadillac Motor Car Co., Detroit, Michigan. My.dear OY., I am sorry I have not replied to some of your queries before but I have been busy since I returned becoming de-Americanised. As regards your query on Quick-step steel. I believe this information has already been given to General Motors by BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} The point is that we sent no engine to U.S.A. with Quick-step. We were at that time using P.A.S. steel, which was Firth's equivalent to Quick-step. I enclose herewith drawings of the Phantom ll and 20 HP. universal joints. I should be very glad if you could let us know the disadvantages of the twin cylinder Delco dampers as you are using on the Cadillac. R.{Sir Henry Royce} has designed a new damper and has made it the twin cylinder type. One obvious advantage of this type is that the load on the shaft bearing is not reversed and therefore any wear or slack there will not cause a knock. Of course, our shock absorber will have the pressure filling. Since I have been back we have been busy on springing because one thing I had to admit was that the springing of the U.S.A. Phantom l cars was extraordinarily good, in fact we are finding it difficult to reproduce anything as good. One of the points which we have proved is that frame 'jellying' can cause an uncomfortable ride to the rear passengers; that is, if we fix the dumbell on the front of our car to kill frame 'jellying' we can appreciate that we get a definitely better ride in the rear seats. | ||