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).
List of proposed alterations and improvements for the American market Rolls-Royce car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0003 | |
| Date | 2nd December 1919 | |
| X.3682. Contd. Alterations proposed on American R.R. Car. -5- 2nd. December, 1919. In view of the free-air obtainable at all gasoline stations an engine-driven tyre pump is quite unnecessary, but for emergencies it is desirable to carry something better than the usual hand-pump. Something on the lines of the Wood-Milne foot-pump is thought to be best. (13) It has already been suggested that the hexagon portion on the pump barrel is too thin, and soon gets pushed out of shape. It is thought that the bore can be distorted by bearing here on this hexagon. It is suggested that this pump might be made a little more rugged in design. (14) X.3682 The Ball Bearing on the pendulum lever shaft, on the outside, next to the lever, wears slack in the ball race and slack in the aluminium box, through pounding of road shocks. It is suggested that this bearing might be increased in size, and perhaps a Hoffman roller bearing used. (The Hoffman type of bearing can now be obtained in the U.S.) (15) It has been proposed to lighten the back axle. Mr. Burton and I went into this subject about 1915, or '16 and thought that the present axle and brake drums might be lightened 25% or 30% by increasing the number of machine operations. It is thought that perhaps some of this might be done on the American chassis, where it is particularly desirable in view of the bad road surfaces. (16) A position for the extra oil tank inside the frame of the car is urged as desirable for American chassis, as the oil solidifies in the present tank in cold weather. Possibly the three-speed gearbox will leave room for this, especially as the belt-driven speedometer pulley is being abandoned. (17) The Starter cables, it is thought should be protected by casing them in flexible metallic tubing, especially where they cross the frame from the battery to the motor. (18) Generally speaking it is thought that the wiring on the car might be encased in tubing more than is done on the new imported chassis. (19) Mr. Royce's suggestion to raise the radiator 1". would be much appreciated here. The coachbuilders are extremely desirous of doing this on the new imported cars, and, though we are keeping them from doing so, it would certainly add to the appearance of the car. Contd. | ||