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 failure of Bentley metal floorboards and proposed improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\5\ scan0099 | |
| Date | 22th November 1934 | |
| To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}: 4819 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies}2/KW.22.11.34. Bentley Metal Floorboards. We have been running three Bentley cars fitted with metal floorboards, in aluminium, and in each case the rear board has collapsed in the centre. The front board shows weakness in one place, this is in the position taken up by the foot when not otherwise occupied with the pedals. Reason for Failure. With regard to the rear board, the reason for this failure has been the weakness of the section where cut away round the cut-out. This comes in the centre and on the extreme edge of the board, and is only supported by a piece of U shaped alum. angle which passes across the board. The local weakness of the front board could be attributed to an error in manufacture, the sheet alum. is softened to beat out the foot wells, and it would appear that the heat treatment has been carried too far up the board. Improvements. We have had a new front board made with twin foot wells, the only alteration being two corrugations running parallel with the dashboard; these strengthen up the portion of the board which failed. With regard to the rear board, this we have strengthened considerably. The turned down edges of the board instead of being single have been rolled double. A steel bracket has been fitted to support the board round the cut-out, and the alum. angle which goes across the board has been made in 12 SWG. instead of 14 SWG. Two corrugations have been made running across the board for stiffness. The weight of this board is 3 lbs. 12 ozs. | ||