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 from Connolly Bros. advising on the weight of leather for motor car bodies, comparing standard hides to lighter aircraft hides.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 98\1\ scan0295 | |
| Date | 21th August 1941 guessed | |
| COPY. Connolly Bros. Wandle Bank, Wimbledon, LONDON.S.W19. A.E.Green Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear Mr. Green, Many thanks for your letter. This question of the weight of leather used in a motor body has come up from time to time, and in particular at the time the ROLLS-ROYCE "Goshawk" was about to be introduced. Whilst it may be possible to make some very slight saving in weight, I am sure it would be a mistake to reduce the substance of the leather sufficiently to make any appreciable saving in the weight of the body. I have had a few "Vaumol" Hides weighed, and find they weigh approximately 2.5 ozs. per square foot. I have also had some aircraft hides weighed, and find they weigh 1.8 ozs. per square foot. I would not, however, recommend the use of aircraft weight hides in motor bodies. Whilst these hides are suitable for aircraft work it must be remembered that generally speaking aircraft upholstery is a very different thing to motor car upholstery. I have no extensive knowledge of the trimming of aircraft, but I understand that it is something more in the nature of a series of small pads than upholstery such as the motorcar trade is used to. From time to time coachbuilders have tried to use aircraft weight hides, against our advice, but the experiment has never lasted long. For some time Hoopers insisted on having their hides specially shaved down for softness rather than for weight, but it led to a certain amount of trouble, for very thin leather stretches easily as a result the finish is apt to disintegrate. If you thought it desirable to specify thin leather it would be possible to make some very slight saving in weight, but I am sure it would be a great mistake to think of using hides of aeroplane weight. I quite agree with you that if any thinner leather is to be used plain trimming must be ruled out. If I can give you any further help please do not hesitate to let me know. With kindest regards, Yours sincerely. | ||