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).
The springing of cars, highlighting a case where unsuitable springs were fitted and advocating for better processes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\1\ Scan043 | |
| Date | 24th June 1931 | |
| W/S c. Vr.{E. S. Voller - Orders} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} c. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H24.6.31. X7410. Y5410. re. SPRINGING OF R-R CARS. We were hoping that we should receive some comments from you on the above in view of our memo. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}9/H19.6.31., especially now that you have received memo. reference Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/KT22.6.31. which gives you some idea of the limits to which the various types of springs can be applied. We are keen to know when testing a chassis, and especially a complete finished car, what the requirements of the customer really are, and so satisfy ourselves that the springs fitted and the results obtained should satisfy the customers specified requirements, also when delivering, be able to demonstrate its virtues and limits. A case in point, for instance, is Chassis No.GOS-59, Verrell, a complete finished car. Instructions were sent to the Works to supply (to be fixed by N) a set of the latest flexible type springs. We understand the car was then tested by JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} and PN.{Mr Northey} and the springing was condemned as "unsuitable for a fast touring car with an average of four passengers" which appears to be the customer's requirements. We understand the springs have now been changed back and the original standard springs fitted and the car is now considered satisfactory for the customer's requirements. We feel sure you will appreciate that this expense and delay could have been avoided by the system suggested. This information we also feel should be in the hands of our service people to know how to deal with customers' complaints. Will Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} please issue to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} the text of these recommendations for the purpose of a Depot Sheet, unless he thinks he can do this based on the information contained in the report above referred to. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} R JUN 24 1931 RECEIVED | ||