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).
Bonnet manufacturing, finishing, and design issues with various coachbuilders.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 119\4\ scan0060 | |
| Date | 14th September 1937 | |
| COPY RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} - from LA.{L. A. Archer} LA.{L. A. Archer}7/T.14.937. With reference to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/STD.2/MH.{M. Huckerby}8.9.37. In the first place I must say that had Std. known the history of the bonnet job, he would not have allowed himself to have been drawn (with Barkers in particular) what with Coachbuilders will always be a controversial subject. There is no question that bonnets today are better finished that they have ever been and this is agreed to by all other Coachbuilders who fit bodies to our chassis, in fact, every other coachbuilder, with the exception of Barkers, agree that they can now make as good a finish of the painting to the bonnet panel, as with their own body panels. It is a well-known fact that no body panel can be finally painted direct from the panel beater. A certain amount of filling and rubbing down has to be done after the painting is finished, and this is also the case with a bonnet panel. In view of this, a circular note was sent round by Sales Department telling Coachbuilders they were expected to do this in conjunction with the finishing of their bodywork. The Coachbuilders generally agreed, and this is now being done, and when prices of bodies are quoted for, any work that has to be done in connection with the painting of the bonnet is included in that price. The Daimler bonnet is mentioned in Steadman's report, but this of course is an entirely different proposition than our own, it being three separate panels with no hinges, the top panel being one piece and two separate side pieces. Barkers trouble is really an internal one of their own, the real truth being, they have always considered the bonnet would be much better job if they were allowed to make it, and of course charge for this work. As you know, bonnets receive 100% inspection, both before leaving the Erecting Bay and prior to the chassis leaving the Works, and there is no doubt that we are now turning out a bonnet which, with the exception of one or two design troubles, generally gives satisfaction. Chassis which are now going through are fitted with the wider bonnet rest at the dashboard end and we hope this will overcome the trouble of the rest mark which is now noticeable on our bonnets after they have been in use for a short time. LA.{L. A. Archer} | ||