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).
Use, necessity, and cost of bonnet shutters versus louvres on the 40/50 HP chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\5\ Scan138 | |
| Date | 20th June 1927 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BJ. c to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} COPY. X766 BJ5/D20.6.27. My dear R.{Sir Henry Royce}, Shutters in Bonnets - 40/50 HP. Chassis. X1085 X8260 I have made careful enquiries in regard to the above and have ascertained from H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}, Whr.{Mr Wheeler} and Ft. that there is no doubt that the majority of customers in hot countries and in the south of France open shutters when their engines are inclined to over-heat. If we receive complaints from customers, the first thing we ask is whether they had opened their shutters; if they say NO, then the customer can complain no more. This is very useful to us. If we did away with shutters it is practically certain we should get a number of complaints from hot countries and the south of Europe. We never know which of our cars is going to be taken to hot places: any one of them may be taken to the south of Europe, Spain or other places for touring, or they may be sold second-hand and taken to hot countries. It is understood that the difference between having permanent louvres at the side of the bonnet, as compared with shutters only, represents 2% or 3% in the temperature of the cooling water. It is, therefore, suggested that we should continue to use shutters and cease to use louvres, with the exception of cars which are definately ordered for India, etc., when louvres should be fitted. Also that a plate should be affixed to the instrument board near the lever which controls the radiator shutters, or near the thermometer, stating that in the event of the water temperature rising above 100° the bonnet shutters should be opened. We are extremely sorry not to be able to recommend that the shutters shall be abolished, as it would be a saving of expense and anything which will reduce the price of the chassis is extremely welcome at present. We understand the difference in the cost of fitting shutters and louvres to the side of the bonnets is as follows :- Louvres £28. 14. 0. Shutters. £13. 12. 0 Difference. £15. 2. 0. Although it is hoped that the cost of fitting louvres may be reduced. Yours ever, BJ. | ||