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).
Meeting with Dunlop Tyre Co. regarding the testing and development of new silent tread tyres.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 157\1\ scan0008 | |
| Date | 1st February 1932 | |
| X4050. W/S. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} C. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. to Wr. C. to Sy. C. to Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}S/MA.1. 2. 32. SILENT TREAD TYRES. Mr. Fellowes (Dunlop Tyre Coy.) paid us a visit yesterday to discuss the experimental type of silent tread tyre. The first tyres having this tread were examined and reported on, about the middle of last year; the silent qualities of the tyres were satisfactory and the appearance was approved both here and at Sales. We have now received for test purposes two sets of 6.00/18" and one set 7.00/20" tyres both having M.A.1 type tread, the 6.00/18" tyres will be fitted to 13.G.IV. on the proposed 10,000 mile test. In addition we understand that 55-GN is now equipped with a set of M.A.2. type tread tyres. They claim a longer useful life than the present silent tread and although at the moment they have no figures showing the relative non skid values, the tread pattern indicates that they should be better in this respect, we of course cannot give them any information on this point. Mr. Fellowes enquired if it would be possible for them to arrange to send an inspector from their Montlucon factory to examine the tyres on 13.G.IV. in France during the course of the 10,000 miles test at intervals of say 2,000 miles. This inspection would cost us nothing and will be carried out at any time and place convenient to us so as not to interfere in any way with our tests. The difference between the M.A.1. and M.A.2. type treads is shown clearly on the attached photograph; the M.A.2. tread is claimed to be a better ante skid tyre because the central rib a point where non skid properties are most valuable has been broken up. Another enquiry made was what rim diameters are we likely to use on our 1933 models; having ordered 18" tyres for the 2/25HP and 19" for the P.II experimentally Dunlops apparently anticipate a possible standardisation of these sizes, and an early notification of this possible change would help them from a cost point of view in the matter of laying down mould plant particularly in conjunction with our approv- of the new tread. We replied that we could not at present give them any information at the moment but would make a point of letting them know early of any possible change in wheel sizes. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/A.J.Lidsey. Jplatograph | ||