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).
Technical analysis and comparison of shock dampers, roll bars, and steering columns, with reference to a Packard design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\1\ scan0245 | |
| Date | 20th December 1935 | |
| -3- The shock dampers themselves are of the most simple construction, not unpleasing to the view, and apparently do their work to the complete satisfaction of our critical people. Is it agreed that this Shock Damper is satisfactory, if so, can this be fitted to our cars to the exclusion of our more expensive type? The two rear shock dampers are joined together by means of a tie-bar. This tie-bar is made from plain round stock, flattened at each end and bent over at right angles. The flattened ends are attached to each shock absorber arm by bolts, so that when in position it stretches nearly the width of the frame. Presumably, this method of linking up the two separate dampers is for the purpose of transferring the roll effect from one side of the chassis to the other, and bringing about some equalisation. This simple and inexpensive way of dealing with the problem of roll appears to give satisfaction to those who have tried it out, but despite its simplicity, it does appear to us, when compared to our own elaborate system of roll bar and levers, to be utterly grotesque. We have already stated that there are many points to commend on the chassis, but in regard to this particular roll bar there is one outstanding attribute displayed by the designer and that is - audacity. STEERING COLUMN. This important unit appears to us to have one commendable feature, in that the operating mechanism is contained in an undivided box, and unlike our own, which is in two halves and bolted together. We have seen our own steering columns criticised and turned down because of a scratch on the enamel or a mark on the plated tube, yet an ugly indentation can be made in the main support tube to clear the carburetter, and be pronounced good. It is noticed that the Packard column contains no control tubes and their attendent levers, and if this method of steering control could be adopted, there should be a reduction of at least 75% in our costs. | ||