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).
Considerations for battery, tools, lubrication, and luggage carrier design for the American market.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan091 | |
| Date | 13th November 1929 | |
| -5- as otherwise the use of alcohol becomes impossible, and this is still the cheapest winter anti-freeze. 11. Battery. Since the 6-volt system is universal in U.S. we have to use a 6-volt battery, and to avoid losses or enormous starter cables, this must be close to the starter motor. All the better cars now carry the battery in right front mudguard where it is accessible without interfering with upholstery etc. We think for the present, the only reasonable method would be to omit present battery and box and starter motor wiring cables entirely, and for us to work out in co-operation an acceptable battery mounting etc., in connection with the new coachwork. America would provide the battery. 12. Tools. It is possible that a tool box corresponding to the battery box in the left front mudguard, could be developed with the forward position of the steering box. Tools in the running board are not acceptable because of road clearance, mud and ice. A tool box below the front floorboards on right of gearbox might be acceptable. It would have to be well heat insulated. We think this should be left to the coachworks. We understand the starting handle is to be attached inside the bonnet. 13. Lubrication. (a) Several American cars have adopted some form of extra lubrication at starting. We consider it very desirable for avoiding frequent piston replacements. Understand this is in hand. (b) Understand lubrication of clutch coupling from gear box is in hand experimentally. The average American driver seldom has an opportunity to do anything but drive. Consequently, all such inaccessible lubrication points are consistently neglected. We should greatly welcome this improvement. (c) Chassis lubrication which does not extend to the axles will not appeal to the American public, who can get a complete system on less expensive cars. We suggest the Bijur "accumulator" as a means of feeding the axles with a large "shot" of oil from the main system every 250 miles or so. Photographs attached. 14. Luggage Carrier. Photographs of rear of car show American "trunk rack". We suggest that the existing forms of English trunk racks will not meet our purchasers requirements, and that at least for the present, the trunk rack, spare wheel Contd:-- | ||