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).
Letter from the American branch proposing a modification to the bonnet catches to prevent rattling and improve handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 25\1\ Scan092 | |
| Date | 29th October 1920 | |
| Cy5 - G 29.10.20. Oct. 29, 1920. Mr. Claude Johnson, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Ltd., London, England. Attention Mr. F.H. Royce. Dear Sir :- X-3421 X.4297 Re: Bonnet Catches. ------------------ We attach herewith blue print of a modification of the bonnet catches which we think be preferable to the present arrangements, now that fabric is fitted on the bonnet sills. We find many cases where a customer having fitted fabric to the bonnet sills removes the strip steel springs on the inside of the bonnet and threads a fabric packing through the aluminium angle along the base of the side panel and relies on the present bonnet catches to hold the panels of the bonnet in contact with the sills and the aluminium angle. In our experience, this arrangement does not give trouble from rattles. What we have sketched is merely an extension of this idea, using the present bonnet catches inclined at an angle of about 20° vertically so as to pull in the bonnet side panels against the sills and the angle strip. We have also incorporated finger rings for lifting the bonnet, which we think would be a convenience for lifting. We make this suggestion because besides receiving from many owners of cars the comment that the bonnet is difficult to handle, we find that many customers fit lifting handles, often of unsuitable design, and that many other fail to get the spring clips over the bonnet angle in closing the bonnet. This causes bonnet rattles and leads to rapid wear of the aluminium angle strips. Very truly yours, MO/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} ROLLS ROYCE OF AMERICA Inc. cc. Mr. Belnap. Per | ||