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).
Findings of an investigation into the steering and independent front wheel suspension of the Bentley III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 100\1\ scan0091 | |
| Date | 28th February 1938 | |
| To Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}.. from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} 2006. SECRET. 446- Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/N.28.2.38 Bentley III - Steering & Front Suspension. ------------------------------------- We send herewith a copy of Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}3/N.25.2.38, setting out the findings of an investigation instructed at a Conference concerning the steering and independent front wheel suspension of Bentley III. Springs. (1) With the latest frame on both B.III and B.50, it would appear possible to have 8 1/4" initial deflection front springs, without exceeding the Packard stresses. (2) By a modification to the rebound buffer support, it would appear possible to obtain on B.3. and B.50 approximately 7 1/2" of total wheel movement. From the drawings of BY/Ald{F. Allwood - Experimental Design}, the Packard total wheel movement appears to be 7.6". (3) There appears to be no way of improving the clearance between the 7" section tyre on a 5" section rim, and the end of the cross steering tube, without increasing the out of centre point beyond 2/200 the present figure, or altering the steering geometry slightly reducing the lock. This appears to be the Buick treatment, and we are obtaining figures for the Packard and Oldsmobile. (4) For the minimum change in design, the easiest way of increasing the ground clearance is to use 17" rims instead of 16". A major tear up of the whole of the frame, radiator and front suspension by lifting the latter would cause the wheelcase cover to foul the centre steering lever joints when being taken off, and would preclude the use of Girling brakes. Still only about 1/4" would be obtained. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||