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).
Condition and performance of various vehicle components including dampers, axle, propeller shaft, and electrical system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\2\ scan0182 | |
| Date | 10th December 1934 guessed | |
| - 4 - CONTROLLED DAMPERS. The controlled damper has five positions of control. This fine adjustment cannot be appreciated. In the minimum position the riding is very soft and appreciated on well made roads, town riding etc. At high speed it is inclined to float bodily (does not pitch). The maximum damping gives a very comfortable ride at speed on all conditions of road surfaces. The dampers have lost practically no oil and no trouble has been experienced with the control system. Connecting links are in a good condition at this mileage. REAR AXLE. The rear axle is quiet forward and on over-run. A slight leak of oil developed from the joint of the pinion housing. There is no appreciable either from the axle with the use of the control rod and dampers. The control rod appears to have more effect for road holding qualities than dampers. This was noticeable when the rod was removed for test purposes. PROPELLOR SHAFT. The rear propellor shaft joint was on the point of collapse when we arrived here. Two of the locking plates had evidently not been firmly bent over, and the bolts holding two of the joints, the nuts of which were on the last thread. There has been no re-occurence of this happening after locking them up securely. The joints are lubricated by grease and have not shown any leaks. No wear is detectable. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. There has been no trouble with the electrical system. The head lamps, using bulbs of low wattage, do not give sufficient light for high speeds, but are of regulation size for America. We found that when trying to use bulbs of greater wattage, a system of a bimetal thermostat in series with the head lamps, would not allow the greater amperage, and after approximately half an hour, the thermostat operated and cut the lamps out of action. A rest of a few moments, and they could be used again. There are no fuses in the system, and the use of several bimetal thermostats prevents a heavy discharge if a short circuit occurs. The dynamo charge is also regulated by a similar system, and appears to have virtues which probably have some advantages over the present voltage control regulator. FACIA INSTRUMENTS. The lighting and the design of the speedometer calls for attention. The total and trip dials are set back slightly, allowing the light to shine through. The figures are thus made visible at night. BODY WORK. The body shows very little sign of deterioration. No rattles have developed and it is very free from transmission drive noise in the rear seats. It is water proof. Very little wind noise is heard. There are no knocks or creaks from the front. Two cracks have developed at the joint of the front bumper casing attached to the wings. We have not been able to discern any other faults. | ||