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).
Supply of 450 wire wheels and the testing of rims from Firestone, Goodyear, and Standweld.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 42\4\ Scan134 | |
| Date | 10th January 1920 | |
| Gr{George Ratcliffe}-1-L-10/1/20 January 10th.,1920. To Mng from Gr.{George Ratcliffe} WIRE WHEELS I have your letter of the 9th.inst., in regard to the above subject. It is noted you have asked Derby to supply 450 wire wheels. Do you mean wheels complete, or just the hubs, spokes and nipples unassembled? The latter would, undoubtedly, be the best method, as if wheels are sent complete, we have to disassemble the clincher rim to fit the straight side type, which necessitates using many new spokes and re-enameling. I would suggest if you have not already done so, to order only the necessary number of unassembled details, i.e., hubs, spokes, nipples, for the wheels in question,-the spokes and nipples might be coslettised only, for enameling here when assembled in the wheel, this would save some expense and possibly delay. As you are aware, sets of Firestone, Goodyear, and Standweld rims have been sent to England for test, and although, I favor the Firestone rim before giving a definite decision, I am writing Mr.Olley for an expression of opinion from Derby as to the merits of these rims when under test,- a copy of which letter is hereto attached. In the meantime, I will communicate with the Firestone and Goodyear companies, as our selection is narrowed to these two firms, and on receipt of Mr. Olley's cable, you should then be in a position to complete negotiations. I would be pleased to have your comments on the above suggestion. .Gr.{George Ratcliffe} | ||