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).
Wheel flange issue on chassis 66-LK, involving customer correspondence, a solution from Dunlop, and safety considerations of different tyre types.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan085 | |
| Date | 18th August 1924 | |
| 44117 W/B. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY18/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 18. 8. 24. CHASSIS 66-LK.{L. King} H.H. ABBAS HIRMI. Referring to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}3/BM. 15.8.24. and attached copy of Mr. Schmidt's letter of the 12th inst, the first point to settle up is whether it is clear to Mr. Schmidt that the real cause of the flange coming off was a punctured tyre, as the wording of his letter might mean the exact opposite, namely, that the flange was forced off the wheel without the tyre being deflated prior to that occurring. With reference to the whole question of retaining the Detachable Flange on S.S. Rims, we have submitted the question to the Dunlop Company and they have agreed to supply as soon as possible a special connecting link secured by two studs, which would hold together the two ends of the detachable flange and would at the same time practically exclude water from the rim. As soon as we obtain information as to when the Dunlop Company will be ready to supply wheels with the fitting in question we will let you know. BY In regard to how we would suggest dealing with the fact that Mr. Schmidt has changed the wheels and tyres of his client's car, this appears to us to be a matter of Sales Policy, as we cannot see there was any danger incurred when the flange came loose beyond the chance of losing same if the trouble occurred at night, whilst on the other hand there is a distinct chance of trouble occurring where beaded edge tyres are used, and in our opinion the danger of using the latter type is a real one, whereas the objection put forward to the S.S. type of wheel, so far as danger is concerned, is an imaginary one. I have been discussing this matter with the Experimental Dept. who have been using up tyres at a great rate in France. I find that they have lost a number of flanges when running in France at night, but no question with regard to safety has arisen. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} By | ||