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).
The testing and comparison of 'Metalastik' and 'Rubber insertion' body mountings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\4\ scan0328 | |
| Date | 4th May 1939 | |
| -2- "Metalastik" Mountings. These were fitted to all body supports - 16 in all - which included 4 at the dash and cowl so that all metallic connections at those points between body and frame were eliminated. All tests and combinations of mountings made with "Rubber insertion" were duplicated with "Metalastik". As in the 1st. series of tests, difficulty was experienced in noting any real improvement or otherwise, as the slight day-by-day changes in mountings were made. We could say, however, that whereas at one time the car was noticeably quiet and therefore passable under other circumstances it was not so. Those circumstances occurred when after making several changes extending over several days, we suddenly went "the whole hog" and changed back to where we were. Under such conditions we could positively note a change. Conclusions. 1.B.50 mounted on "Rubber insertions" at points previously mentioned, was considered to be up to a certain standard and therefore passable as suitable for a customer. Mounted on "Metalastiks", the standard was not noticeably raised, if at all. It was certainly not lowered as car is now considered passable. This, we consider, an unprejudiced opinion as all along we have expected to find a great improvement. Compared with 2.B.50, this car (1.B.50) is positively quieter in the front seats. In the rear compartment the advantage is with the former. A watch placed to the ear could be heard faintly ticking at 75 m.p.h. in 1.B.50 and up to 80 m.p.h. in 2.B.50 sitting in the rear seats. 1.B.50 was equipped with smooth General tyres and wire wheels. 2.B.50 has N.S. Dunlops and steel disc wheels. | ||