A friend of mine has just been GIVEN a fully working, roadworthy 1930 Roller! His father was a mechanic, and he is 'handy' but is going to need all sorts of help and advice on spares, repairs etc. First requirement is for a manual...
Would this be the best place to start? or is there a n.g. devoted to either vintage or Rolls or both?
Thanks for any advice.
Duncan
You should join the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club. They have a large technical archive, and lots of expertise available.
Manuals for pre war cars do not really exist. However, the RREC has reprinted several books which include a lot of information such as wiring diagrams and copies of factory information sheets are available (at a price). Do not expect detailed instructions, they are not Haynes manuals. Their is a lot more info out there for Rolls-Royces than most other cars of the time. The RREC also hire out some of the special tools. I know because a friend is in the middle of a rebuild of a 1934 20/25.
Depending on what model it is, used spares are around but not many cars get broken nowadays. New parts are also to be had but brace yourself for some of the prices. The cars are often complex, dare I say over complex, but beautifully engineered and often the hardest part is trying to work out how they come to bits.
Don't forget the bodies were not made by R-R so missing bits like door handles can be an absolute nightmare.
And they are not Rollers.
Malcolm
If he wants to make a quick profit on it...
If he doesn't, damn him, then there will be a few denizens of this group who might be able to help. There's a huge amount to learn - they really are wonderfully engineered cars, but there are so many areas that are quite unlike ordinary cars, ranging from the use of square headed bolts to the mechanical brake servo.
The RREC is probably worth joining, though the web site has more than its share of problems. A "rival" site
The make is well served by books, ranging from coffee table picture books to reprints of factory handbooks. There are a number of specialist suppliers, but it is a minefield: prices can be eye-watering, and the quality of some of the parts supplied can be a long way short of Sir Henry's standards. I'd be happy to suggest sources for particular items - where in the country is he?
It would be worth your friend having a drive in it as soon as possible. They're not everyone's cup of tea, by any means, particularly if it's a Phantom II. Even a "small horsepower" car (the 20/25 in 1930) can be extremely hard work. A friend remarked that when you've driven a P2 you realise why they had paid chauffeurs.
A final point: if you wish to be spoken to by Rolls-Royce purists, never call the cars "Rollers". The Hon C S Rolls receives only grudging acknowledgment - it's Sir Henry Royce we worship. Hence the Derby factory still being to referred to as "Royce's" locally. And don't forget the hyphen.
We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember "Malcolm" saying something like:
Yes, but it's good to call them that just to get up the noses of pompous prats.
Or have a Bentley instead, which is for people who like to drive, not be chauffered.
Alex
Many thanks Alex, Malcolm and Autolycus. I have passed on your encouraging remarks to the lucky devil in question and I'm sure he will need and seek out the expertise proferred here. Duncan
Splitters.
There's only one Royce factory and it is in Hulme, Manchester. The company went downhill after the move south.
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