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).
Faults found with the body subframe, electrical system, and cellulose paintwork.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page070 | |
Date | 1st January 1929 guessed | |
-6- BODY SUBFRAME TO L.O.P. F 79575. N.S. 2695. As already reported, the second spring clips of the front end of the rear springs fouled the subframe upon compression of the rear springs. This bent the under side of the sub frame to approx. .500". To prevent any further damage, this spring clip was taken off. This was fully reported to you in our previous report. The anchorage of the sub frame to the main chassis frame has given no trouble, and appears to be quite satisfactory. There has been a slight settling down which has caused the two rear doors of the body dropping slightly, making them bind slightly when closing. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF THE CAR. The electrical equipment was not in the first place a success, the dynamo output was low and would not maintain sufficient charge for all night driving. The head lamps are very good, but the bulb connections are not sufficiently robust to take the heavy current needed for those bulbs. We had the n/s centre contact entirely fail, this becoming so hot that the spring in the plunger became useless, which caused excessive heat and ruined the holder. We have had to fit temporarily a makeshift holder for this lamp. It should be pointed out to Lucas that the plungers and springs are not satisfactory for the heavy current used. The arrangement of the spot light in conjunction with the head lamps using the Bosch switch is very good. The Grebel spot lamp needs attention, the ball end for swivelling is too tight for the other part of the fitting. The inside fitting is too poor a job and unscrews itself, allowing the lamp to swing about in the socket. The Lucas side lamps are a neat design, but are not weatherproof. As far as we can judge, water enters through the front screwed cap. We have, during the test, found the inside of these lamps covered with dirty water. The starter motor was changed during the test. The new one fitted was considerably better, but on most occasions the button had to be pressed two or three times before an engagement was obtained. The return thumps from the starter motor will have to be attended to. The battery box and fittings have not given any trouble. The magneto to earth switch on several occasions gave the driver a shock when operating same. This was reported and it transpired that the handle of the switch was not on the earth side. This has since been corrected, a new switch being fitted. The green lamp is not functioning correctly. Before alterations to the wiring, it lit up under any conditions, it now lights up when the battery is charged, but cannot be switched off. The cut-out points for controlling the dynamo and the green light cut-out points are in good condition. The spot lamp mounted on the o/s of the bodywork was very erratic in action. This was found to be due to there being no earth from the body to the frame. This should be observed and noted for any electrical fittings which require an earth when fitted to a body mounted on a subframe. A general examination at the end of 9000 miles has not shown up any other serious faults. A final examination will be made when the car returns here after completing the last 1000 miles with the Sales Officials. The bodywork generally has stood up very well. It should however be noted that Cellulose painting is useless for the under portion of the wings. On this car the dirt and water thrown by the wheels has completely sand blasted the cellulose paint off the wings, leaving the bare metal. The front wings show distinct signs on the outer side where small stones, etc. have hit on the under side. The Bosch windscreen wipers have not given any trouble. They have been extensively used, and from | ||