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).
Technical review of the 1934 La Salle car, detailing its independent front wheels, engine, and aluminum pistons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img123 | |
| Date | 26th January 1934 guessed | |
| The aluminum pistons have a hard coating of aluminum oxide The La{L. A. Archer} Salle, above and below, has streamlined lamps and fenders Streamlined head-lamp used on Cadillac V-8 and V-12 Low-Priced LA{L. A. Archer} SALLE With Independent Wheels INDEPENDENTLY sprung front wheels and unusual streamlined bodies are the high spots in Cadillac-La{L. A. Archer} Salle automobiles for 1934. Although basically unaltered mechanically, the Cadillacs have many improvements. The La{L. A. Archer} Salle is a brand new job with a straight eight engine and hydraulic brakes. It sells upward from $1495 while the big V-8 begins at $2395. The La{L. A. Archer} Salle is equipped with Fleetwood bodies. It has an L-head engine with 3 by 4¼-inch bore and stroke, a piston displacement of 240.3 cubic inches and develops 90 h.p. at 3700 r.p.m. The wheelbase is 119 inches and tires are 7.50 by 16 inflated to 22 pounds. Weight is approximately 3750 pounds. Lynite Lo-Ex T-slot aluminum pistons are used on this car as well as on the Cadillacs. However, they differ from ordinary aluminum pistons in that the piston surface is aluminum oxide. This material is very hard, as will be realized when it is stated that it is the chief constituent of most gems, such as the sapphire, which approaches the diamond in hardness. Because of this extremely hard surface piston wear becomes negligible, and scoring does not occur even during repeated starts of a cold engine. Friction is reduced not only because of the hardness of the surface but also because aluminum oxide absorbs oil. The coating is applied electrolytically. The piston is placed in an acidified water bath where it is attached to a positive pole or anode. Without going too far into chemistry, it may be said that the passage of electric current causes the water to split up into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen attacks surface The steering mechanism and independent wheel suspension is shown above. Directly above is the upper yoke lever mounted in a rubber bushing at the frame and a threaded bushing at the wheel. Right— | ||