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).
Report investigating complaints of bonnet rattles and fit, outlining the causes and potential remedies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\2\ scan0259 | |
| Date | 6th November 1936 | |
| Derby, 6.11.36. Complaints. Bonnet Rattles and Fit. The investigations into these troubles shew the following faults and remedies :- (1) The complaints are not with new cars. (2) The reports of refitting bonnet panels has been misleading, as very few panels have had to be refitted. (3) The general complaint is rattles and knocks. (4) These are caused by the wear and scrubbing action of the Ferodo strip on the dashboard support. Approximately after 8,000 to 10,000 miles service. (5) The method adopted to cure the knocks due to wear is to wedge up the strip by placing pieces of Ferodo under the strips and to liberally lubricate the strip with graphite grease. (6) The packing up of the Ferodo strips is liable to cause the back end of the bonnet to be higher than the scuttle and a complaint can arise of seeing the edge of the bonnet from the Driver's seat. As Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} reports with his car. (7) The lubrication with graphite grease or other means of the strip is unsightly and ruins cloths, should the person inadvertently come in contact with it. To overcome these troubles we are of the opinion that a softer and wider material is required on the dashboard support. It should prevent scrubbing and with a larger area, less wear. The overhang of the bonnet from the dashboard to the scuttle should be taken care of by Coachbuilders fitting a soft material support on the scuttle. Some coachbuilders do this. | ||