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).
Modifications to a Phantom III Coupe body to resolve issues of 'shake and dither'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0376 | |
| Date | 15th March 1939 | |
| F.{Mr Friese} Dodel - 361? This is a much improved car. The technique should be useful on the Coupé BV To: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} LA.{L. A. Archer} C. BY/SB.{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}1/MG.15.3.39 PHANTOM III COUPE BODIES We have now obtained some valuable information regarding the treatment of the unpleasant characteristics associated with Coupe bodies, by persisting with Sir Herbert Smith's Phantom III, 3.BT{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}-81, which was originally one of the worst examples of Coupe dither with which we have had to deal. Quite apart from any question as to whether Sir Herbert will now accept this car, we believe we have made sufficient improvement to satisfy 90% of people who might otherwise criticise the general feeling of shake and dither usual with this type of body. Actually, we have done a number of things to Sir Herbert Smith's car, and the general specification as affecting this complaint is now as follows: (1) Normal rated rear springs 1250 lbs. No leak in Shock Dampers. (2) 10" deflection, Front Springs. .010 leak in Shock Damper valves. (3) The six forward body brackets are made solid, as also is the scuttle fixing on the dashboard. (4) The engine mounting is left flexible, with the standard setting of torque reaction dampers. (5) The cross steering tube joints are set at 4 lbs. (6) We have added 2 Cwts. of ballast just forward of the rear axle. This has immensely improved the ride, and is probably due to the combined effect of shifting the centre of pitching rearwards and adding inertia to the system, which appears to compensate to some extent for lack of rigidity. (Continued) hold F-D FILE | ||