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).
Issues with bonnet panel stops, potential damage, and proposing a new three-piece design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\1\ scan0022 | |
| Date | 12th April 1933 | |
| XJ117 W/S. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}11/MA.12.4.33. Re. BONNET PANEL STOPS. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}4/KW.31.3.33. We do not recollect ever having given an assurance that the bonnet paintwork would not suffer due to deleting the contact pieces. We clearly stated in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}4/MA.18.11.32., that there were drawbacks to either system. After an examination of 19-EX., it was agreed (in Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}4/E.22.11.32.) that less damage would be done without the contact pieces. We do not know of any means of supporting the present bonnet when open in such a manner that no damage is done to it either by denting, by damage to paintwork, or by alteration in the shape of the panels, unless we can reintroduce visible rivets. Our bonnet has, due to the fashion of overhanging the dashboard, and due to the demand for a rivetless bonnet, become so heavy and un-weildly that only the strongest man can openit unaided. The only solution apparent at the moment is to depart from our present type of bonnet in favour of a three piece bonnet similar to Lanchester and Daimler. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} | ||