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).
Letter regarding modifications to chassis GDK-46, including a special fan, louvred bonnet, and safety concerns about the fitted Michelin Comfort tyres.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan095 | |
| Date | 27th November 1924 | |
| CWB10/LH{Mr Haworth}271124 27th November, 1924. Messrs. Paddon, Bros., 1, Albemarle Street, LONDON. W.1. Dear Sirs, Chassis No. GDK-46 - C.H.RUNGE. ESQ. We have now completed this chassis in accordance with your instructions and the car has been finally tested. In order to deal with the exceptional conditions required by Mr. Runge, a special high speed fan has been fitted and a special louvred bonnet, and we feel that the combination of these will be adequate to prevent boiling under conditions likely to be experienced. In accordance with your wishes, the car is fitted with Michelin Comfort tyres, size 860 x 160. Whilst these produce increased riding comfort over bad roads, we find that they have what is, in our opinion, a serious defect; that the walls of the tyre do not appear to be sufficiently stiff to keep the tyres in truth at the designed working pressure. This lack of truth on the front wheels will produce a serious periodic load on the steering gear, and as in the natural course of events in time the various steering parts become worn and in consequence the steering will become lighter, it is feared that it will result in a high speed steering wobble which may become uncontrollable and dangerous. We feel it is necessary to point this out to you for the information of Mr. Runge, as under the circumstances, we presume he will not wish to retain these tyres on the front wheels but will wish them replaced by standard tyres, which in our opinion, would be the most satisfactory solution. We do not think Mr. Runge will find much difference in the riding of the car provided Balloon tyres are retained [Stamp] RECEIVED | ||