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).
Letter from Dunlop explaining manufacturing difficulties and the uncommercial aspects of supplying stainless spokes and nipples.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\1\ scan0198 | |
| Date | 22th June 1932 | |
| COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM :- ------------------------- DUNLOP RIM & WHEEL CO. LIMITED, FOLESHILL, COVENTRY. Your Ref. BY.1/N. EFG/NW.{N. Walker - Patents} ------------------------- Messrs. Rolls-Royce Limited, DERBY. June 22nd. 1932. Dear Sirs, STAINLESS SPOKES AND NIPPLES FOR ROLLS-ROYCE WHEELS. -------------------------------------------------- The delay in replying fully to your letter of the 11th inst., is due to the difficulties we have encountered in regard to the supplies of the above. The position of this matter is as follows :- The sample wheels which we prepared for you some time ago were made from Firth's "Staybrite" spokes and Brown Bayley's nipples. Our spoke makers refuse to give us spoke supplies in this material, owing to the experience they have had through splitting in the heading process and other manufacturing difficulties. You are doubtless aware, there are a number of firms manufacturing material of a more or less rustless character, but it is doubtful whether their qualities equal Firths, but even so the high cost of the material and the difficulties in manipulation are such strong factors that the movement at this moment can be regarded as uncommercial, and we cannot advise you to pursue it further at this stage. Yours faithfully, For DUNLOP RIM & WHEEL COMPANY LIMITED. (signed) E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} F.{Mr Friese} Goodyear. Managing Director. | ||