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).
Customer complaints regarding a rattling Wilmot-Breeden Bumper on a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 118\3\ scan0216 | |
| Date | 18th August 1936 | |
| Ha/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/5/JAB. 18.8.36 To. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} CUSTOMERS' COMPLAINTS. BENTLEY. Wilmot-Breeden Bumper. I examined the latest scheme sent out to Paris of the reinforced centre bolt and the taper pin locking device for the top cap. The bolt and improved nut would appear to be satisfactory, but no provision has been made to keep the lead weights tight, which in my opinion is the chief cause of complaints. If the lead weights kept their shape and did not compress, the scheme would be satisfactory, but they dont. On 6. B. IV. both the lead weights were rattling before I reached Paris. The slacking of the centre nut caused loss of friction in the two cross leaves with the result that the bumper bar oscillated considerably. Upon dismantling the bob ends, the lead weights were found bulged out in the centre, which is what always happens which decreases the height of the weights. To overcome this, a thin steel tube should be made to closely house the lead weights so preventing them from spreading, also at the top a large steel washer should be fitted to prevent the digging in of the locating cap. The bottom seems to be well taken care of. ---------------- G.W.H. | ||