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).
Vehicle modifications and test results for steering, suspension, and electrical systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 98\4\ scan0036 | |
| Date | 21th December 1938 | |
| -3- The anti-rattle ferrule on the rear brake rod from the servo has been moved from the cross to the battery support member, in which position it is more easily fitted. Steering. Joints of the type used in the cross steering tubes have been fitted at the rear as well as the front end of the side steering tube as intended for production. The steering is heavy and wanders, and wants bringing up to date. Suspension. The rear springs and dampers have been brought up to date and are now to be further improved by the 2" tension shackles which have proved so satisfactory on 7.B.V. The front suspension is not yet correct. The damper poundage requires re-setting and the leak transferring from the side valves to the re-fill valves, as on 8.B.V. Spherical top yoke bearings are fitted experimentally, and may be the cause of some of the front harshness and noise. The front roll rod links have been shortened by reducing the distance pieces to 2.75", and the lower brackets have been turned through an angle to improve the angularity of the rubbers in the normally loaded position. .6875" dia. R.R. produced rod fitted. Electrical Equipment. (1) Curved glass instruments found very bad for reflections, especially of instrument lamp. Flat glasses fitted and overcame trouble besides being preferred for appearance. (2) Instrumentlamp on steering column nearly as good as the two lights in the rail on 8.B.V. With two-tone shield dimmer switch appears superfluous. Lamp wired on side lamp circuit very satisfactory. (3) Footswitch moved to more accessible position and shown to Design Dept. This has proved most satisfactory and suitable for all sizes in feet. (4) Dazzle was experienced due to the reflection of the side lamps which have Vee shaped glasses, in the cases of the headlamps. This has been cured by sticking paper inside the glasses. It is a point which requires design attention in laying out the lamp arrangement. | ||