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).
Use of Staybright and Chromium finishes for various car parts, particularly the radiator.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 15\1\ Scan160 | |
| Date | 4th October 1929 | |
| x7280 To By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/ADL4.10.29. X.7770 X.5770 X.7280 X.5250 STAYBRIGHT AND CHROMIUM FINISH. On our last visit to West WitteringHenry Royce's home town we took down numerous samples of staybright parts and chromium plated parts. R.{Sir Henry Royce} agreed that there was no reason why we should not have a mixed finish of staybright and chromium. It was thought that the radiator, lamps, bonnet fittings and body fittings could be made in staybright, and the parts inside the car such as brake change speed lever, steering column etc., should be chromium plated. It was agreed that the present nickel finish was out of date and that we should, as soon as possible, make a change. There is now a question as regards making radiators in staybright. Two 20 H.P. radiators, which have been made, have both developed leaks, wetherefore consider it is essential that the Works go into the production of staybright radiators and give the assurance that it is practical and likely to be a reliable job. R.{Sir Henry Royce} pointed out that if we use chromium finish radiator, there was no need to use nickel sheet, brass sheet could be used which, if we desire the nickel finish in order to get the right colour, the brass sheet could be electro plated nickel before chromium. If the radiator cannot be successfully made in staybright, then it would appear that we shall have to go to an entirely chromium plate finish. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||