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).
High line on the bonnet panels of a 25HP GAU-Hooper trial car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\3\ Scan514 | |
| Date | 18th November 1932 | |
| XH117 FN. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ltd. c. to AG. c. to Mor. c. to CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} c. to EX. c. to Rd. c. to Sy. X796 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ltd.4/MA.18.11.32. GAU-HOOPER TRIALS 25HP. CAR. EH.2/WT.8.11.32. We have not previously heard of a similar case of a high line showing across the rear ends of the two top bonnet panels, caused by impact with the fabric on the supporting ledge. A possible explanation may be that the top plates have been bent down, possibly by the coachbuilders, to the rear of the supporting ledge in order that the extreme rear of the top panels may line up correctly with the front end of the body scuttle. This can easily be proved by placing a long straight edge, longitudinally on the top bonnet panel. The top panels should of course be straight throughout their length, and if the rear end has been bent down the change in shape would take place at the point of support and produce the high line effect. With regard to the local recessing of the top panels round the contact discs, this is going to be a very difficult job to eliminate if we still insist on using the contact discs. It is almost impossible on a rivetless bonnet to fix a protective and strengthening plate underneath of sufficient strength to effect a cure. We may be better off without the contact discs at all. In this case we get a line contact the whole length of the bonnet, and as there is no relative rubbing movement between the two bonnet plates, when open, very little damage to the paintwork takes place. We suggest that you examine 13-EX, which is at present in London for AG's use. This has the overhanging bonnet and has covered a big mileage, with very much more bonnet opening than would be the case when in private hands. | ||