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).
Desirability and practicality of fitting a subframe to 40/50 and 20 HP chassis.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\R\2October1927-November-1927\ 34 | |
| Date | 22th April 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BJ. c. to CWB. c. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} BJS/H22.4.26. SUBFRAMES FOR 40/50 AND 20 HP. It will be remembered that when we first considered the desirability of a subframe, the chief reasons were :- (a) To overcome noises inside the body. (b) To make it easier for the coachbuilder to get ahead with finishing the body. At a recent Sales Conference, this matter was again considered and it was agreed that a subframe was not nearly so necessary now, as the noises inside the bodies were far less. Recent experience has shewn that the closed bodies on the New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I and 20 HP. chassis are seldom noisy, presumably on account of a reduction in periodic vibrations. Also, it is very problematical whether in practice the subframe will really enable the coachbuilder to save much time, as he will have to paint the chassis etc. after he receives it, however far he has got in finishing the body. It is also extremely problematical whether the coachbuilder will be able to save in the construction of his body the considerable extra weight caused by the subframe. We know that Daimlers have had, and are still having, very considerable trouble with the design of their frame. Under the circumstances, the conference did not consider there was any real urgency to push forward with the design of subframe, but that the experiments might be carried on at the convenience of the Technical Departments, to prevent the whole matter being allowed to fall permanently in abeyance. For this purpose there seemed no reason why cars starting on 10,000 miles tests might not be fitted with a subframe, if it will be of assistance to the Technical Depts., provided the subframe is not in any way likely to affect the other parts of the chassis which it is desirable to test. We are giving this information as we know what a large amount of designing and experimental work there is in hand at present, and we should like those concerned to be aware that the Sales Conference do not look on the subframe as a matter of urgency. B.J. | ||