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).
Improvements to vehicle ride comfort through adjustments to suspension, coachwork, and tires.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 43\2\ Scan080 | |
| Date | 14th December 1925 | |
| Oy-1-E-121425 -2- December 14, 1925. Meanwhile it would be well I think to have Mack repeat the tests at a time convenient to them and this time make real preparations for it (as we failed to do last time). Of the two new cars available for the test last time, both rode so badly that it was necessary to abandon them for purposes of the test and use CX{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} on which we know that the meat cushions are not properly made. The poor riding of new cars was tackled and has been improved to a certain extent as a result of these tests, but, without measuring instruments, I am not satisfied that we are obtaining consistent results. For example on two cars this weekend we have found the front shock absorbers practically locked solid. Other points are - (a) CX{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} with Flentje's in front rides better than a new job. (b) The combination on CX{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} of 6-3/4 tires, Lovejoys at rear and Flentjes in front gives the very best results which hold close to the critical line of "very good riding" 50 units per mile. The line of work suggested is:- 1. Coachwork. (a) Adequate damping of cushions, particularly cloth cushions, combined with our present "surface comfort". (Probably damping by curled hair as we are doing in seat backs at present is better than air damping because more consistent results can be obtained.) (b) Reduction of resonance. 2. Chassis. (a) Proper treatment for road springs (Lubrication). (b) Proper "grading" of road springs, particularly front springs. (c) Adequate shock-absorbing of front end. (d) Possible use of much softer front springs with adequate shock absorber effects. (Our front springs are now stiff compared with much of the latest American practice. With really flexible front springs we might use Lovejoys in front successfully.) (e) Tire pressures for 6-3/4" tires. | ||