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).
Expressing concern over the proposal to tighten shock-absorbers on the chassis without design modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 105\3\ scan0004 | |
| Date | 17th October 1925 | |
| COPY. X5520 TO BJ. PN{Mr Northey}1/DN17.10.25. From PN.{Mr Northey} I drew your attention recently to two Standardisation Sheets in respect of shock-absorbers on our chassis being set up tighter. I did not sign these because I was not aware of any modification being proposed which would prevent undue wear and tear arising from the additional strains. I gather from the attached memo (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG16.10.25) that it is proposed to tighten up shock-absorbers without making any modification to their design. I have consistently from the birth of the 20 H.P. held and stated that the shock-absorbers were practically of no use, other than as a decoration, perhaps, by reason of the fact that the friction was altogether too small. Now it appears that R.{Sir Henry Royce} considers the chassis so much improved by having an adequate amount of friction that its value may be considered £300 greater. I do not consider that the position is at all desirable when we contemplate that by the course proposed, shock-absorbers will probably be giving trouble demonstrated by a never-ceasing tendency to rattle and clatter after about 100 miles. Of course, if it is proposed to run a 10,000 miles test of shock-absorbers tightened, then it is not necessary to say anything more about it, merely to wait for results. P.N. | ||