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).
Wheel paint, the issues with wheel discs, and exploring stainless steel options.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\1\ scan0195 | |
| Date | 9th June 1932 | |
| X5725 BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} re. WHEELS. Black stoved enamel is the only paint that really stays on wire wheels. Even coloured stoved enamel is not so good, while sprayed cellulose is very bad. For this reason we are more or less forced to using discs on any car that cannot have black wheels. We do not like discs because: (1) They add unsprung weight to the axles. (2) They cost money. (3) They amplify axle noise. (4) They come loose and chatter. (5) They allow the wheel to rust unseen. We do not think they look to bad on P.2. and the 25 HP., but we would like to avoid them on Bensport, and possibly Peregrine. We would like stainless steel or Staybrite wheels but the cost appears to be prohibitive. R.{Sir Henry Royce} has suggested that as the spokes are the worst offenders, could we have stainless spokes? We would be glad to hear what you can do. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||