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).
Difficulties encountered during the conversion of a motor car, detailing issues with the gearbox, exhaust, and steering systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 111\4\ scan0171 | |
| Date | 26th October 1939 | |
| 800a To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Caswell.10/JH.26.10.39. 4.B.50. In converting this into a motor car it was necessary to fit engine, clutch, gearbox, steering, front radius rods, shock absorbers, pivots, brakes, hubs, universal joints, hydraulic cyls. etc. etc. during the process the following difficulties were encountered :- (1) Gearbox. (a) 1st. motion shaft. It was necessary to have .060" ground off end of shaft, on the splines, to prevent jamming when bolting box to housing. Housing was O.K. to drawing. Box was originally arranged for a 6 cyl. (b) To line up box with engine, 1½°, a packing 1¼" was necessary to raise box. In spite of this the universal joint on change speed lever shaft fouled the X frame. The bracket for C.S. lever was raised accordingly, using more packing. (2) Exhaust System. (a) To enable twin pipes to be installed we had to cut 2 large holes in frame members 7¼" long by 3" x 4" wide respectively. (3) Steering. (a) Right side cross steering tube fouled rear of large hole in radius arm. Cured by filing measurement from front machined surface of arm to rear of hole was similar to left arm which clears rod. (b) Front ball end of side steering tube is very close to box cross frame member under rad. and very slight damage to steering might cause it foul, wrecking car. (c) Judging by feel front wheels can be forced on to their steps after steering worm has come up against its internal stop so that locking over on full lock may damage steering box mechanism. | ||