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 heat from the silencer, upholstery, seats, windscreen, and doors.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\3\ scan0005 | |
| Date | 3rd June 1936 | |
| -2- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/HFH.{Hoppy F. Hamilton}7/KW.3.6.36. HEAT FROM SILENCER. There should be some form of heat insulation between the rear silencer and the boards under the rear seats. These boards are covered with twill and felt, and have on one occasion become scorched and burst into flames. This, however, might have been due to the covering coming adrift and dragging on the silencer. UPHOLSTERY. The inside roof covering is coming away. The head lining is attached to "sorbo rubber" and is stuck in position by some adhesive. The use of some positive means, such as tacks or screws, would greatly assist the adhesive in doing its work. SEATS. The centres of the front seats have sunk considerably, due to the webbing which supports the springs having broken. A stronger webbing would be of assistance if this form of springing is employed. The sliding mechanism is most unsatisfactory. The catches and fittings are made of inferior material. There is a large air gap between the rear seat and rear squab. The heat from the silencer is radiated up through this gap and is unpleasant for a passenger on that side. The heat insulation scheme would probably act as a cure. WINDSCREEN. It is impossible to open the windscreen owing to it fouling the wiper blade; this is obviously due to lack of care on the part of the Coachbuilder. DOORS. These troubles are exactly as originally experienced and little or no improvement was made during the two months Park Ward's had the car. Considerable rattle comes from the doors. Up and down movement is eliminated by pads which are insecurely held by two screws tapped into the thin gauge steel. It is not long before these work loose and the door starts to move, causing rattle. A stronger form of mounting should be used. The use of B.S.F. screws with nuts brazed on the inside of the door pillar would constitute a strong effective cure. Door handle mountings and catches give continuous trouble for the same reason. | ||