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).
Problems with coachbuilder-supplied bodies for 'SS' chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 14\8\ Scan102 | |
| Date | 27th December 1928 | |
| To DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} (handwritten) X7380 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG27.12.28. BODIES FOR 'SS{S. Smith}' CHASSIS. (handwritten) X7830 We are surprised when you make the statement that we have sent subframes to coachbuilders which have been [strikethrough: inaccurate]. You should know that we take special care to make sure that all our stuff is properly inspected and we are in a position to guarantee the work. We hope therefore that in future you will verify your facts before you make such foolish statements. As regards the subframe bodies for 'SS{S. Smith}'. We appear to be getting gradually worse and worse, in fact we have come to the position now that we are going to refuse to accept any more bodies from coachbuilders until we ourselves have sent an inspector to make sure that there is a reasonable chance of the body fitting the chassis. We do not appear to have benefitted by the experience on 18-EX. As you were at Derby when this body was fitted, we thought any future bodies would have been less trouble. (handwritten) ON 19 EX We have had to re-fit and re-drill all the body brackets, we have had to cut 3/8" off one side of the scuttle - after we had completed the chassis you asked us to make a complete new petrol tank to suit the body - the rear wheels fouled the back panel, the coachbuilders have hammered the panel in the wrong place. The shape of the front wings is nothing like the drawing so we are having to re-fit all the wing stays, lamp brackets etc. We have had to arrange contd :- | ||