Hunter GLS

Printed from: Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club
Topic URL: http://www.sunbeamrapier.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=837
Printed on: 08 Jan 2025

Topic:

Topic author: HunterGLS
Subject: Hunter GLS
Posted on: 13 Oct 2012 11:47:15
Message:

I have been looking for one of these for a LONG time, 5 years in fact. In that time there have been a couple of close calls and several wild goose chases

I have been placing wanted ads in various places over the years with no luck but, out of the blue last August someone replied wondering if I still wanted a GLS!
I phoned him up and five minutes later I was the very proud owner of a yellow GLS which has not seen the light of day since 1994 (I really should stop buying cars sight unseen over the phone)

It was first registered 2 May 1972 in Cheshire. According to the club it's the second oldest surviving car known, by just over a week.












See through front and rear valance....




Some previous bodging will need to be sorted.


Interior looks quite good.




What horrors lurk beneath that underseal?




I had it collected today, The chap asked if they could be gone by 12 as "that's when the pub opens"


1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Replies:

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 13 Oct 2012 12:12:55
Message:

Some pics taken when it arrived at the garage.

The consensus is I haven't landed them with another complete dog, it has gone in all the usual Hunter places and knowing my luck probably some unusual ones! They even had it running for a few seconds.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 13 Oct 2012 12:16:58
Message:

I wasn't expecting much action on this for another month but these arrived in my inbox this morning.









1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 13 Oct 2012 12:19:08
Message:

Mmmmm crunchy....





1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: Fastback Thomas
Replied on: 15 Oct 2012 19:34:32
Message:

Wow, good to see progress! Thanks for the pictures!

I wish my car was flying like that!! ;)
Working on the body for the last couple of weeks has really given me extra energy to work harder to get it running by next summer! ;)

I just love the interior of those GLS'!!! ;)

'68 sunbeam rapier fastback {B341006846 OD/LHO}
I like a car that looks normal but really knocks your socks off!!

Reply author: steve wilkinson
Replied on: 15 Oct 2012 23:29:23
Message:

Great to see a GLS being restored to it's former glory.A very rare sight nowadays. Good luck with the restoration and keep us updated.
Here's a couple of pics that i found for inspiration!

Reply author: 1922
Replied on: 24 Oct 2012 13:35:08
Message:

That looks pretty damn solid for a 'K' reg GLS.
It's got sills and you can't see the ground from inside the car

Good find - the GLS is a good car. Look forward to seeing it on the road.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Oct 2012 17:30:49
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1922

That looks pretty damn solid for a 'K' reg GLS.
It's got sills and you can't see the ground from inside the car

Good find - the GLS is a good car. Look forward to seeing it on the road.

---

Reply author: arrocuda
Replied on: 26 Oct 2012 20:47:53
Message:

Very rare beast now a days! A guy I know had the chance to buy a GLS down in Cornwall about 10 years ago. The car was a bit tatty (his words).... but had an MOT. Only reason the deal didn't go down was cos the guy refused to budge off his price (£500).... so he walked away. Plonker!!

Excellent find.... keep us posted.

Building the 'Mark II' fastback Rapier ('Arrocuda').

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Nov 2012 19:26:33
Message:

Update

Weld-a-thon in progress....















1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Nov 2012 19:59:02
Message:

New front panel.




1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Nov 2012 20:04:29
Message:

1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Nov 2012 20:18:15
Message:

Moving on to the left side.....














1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: joffr
Replied on: 25 Nov 2012 09:09:32
Message:

I had one in purple many years ago. It went off to become a Zanussi washing machine I'm afraid. I had to get one after an older cousin of mine studying in London took me up to my Grandfather in Norfolk and we did 100mph through Thetford forest - things were different back then - honest. Thinking back we probably didn't even have seat belts on, madness! I was about 13 and it made a lasing impression. On another note, is that new metal around the A post under the screen or has it just cleaned up very well?

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 25 Nov 2012 11:02:22
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by joffr

On another note, is that new metal around the A post under the screen or has it just cleaned up very well?

---

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 14 Feb 2013 12:41:46
Message:

How is this progressing???

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 14 Feb 2013 14:19:14
Message:

Things have moved slowly since the last update as they have concentrated on finishing my 2 Audi's. One should be ready this week and the other shortly after.
Most of the welding is finished but I don't have any more photographs yet. I'm still spending a lot of time trying to track down some elusive NOS parts!

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 14 Feb 2013 15:44:31
Message:

What parts are you trying to find?

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 15 Feb 2013 23:43:57
Message:

These are some that come to mind...

Chrome sill trims.
Chrome bonnet trim.
Twin headlight surrounds.
Door handles.
Overiders (I may get these rechromed when I get the bumpers done)
GLS boot badge.
Door striker pin and plastic sleeve.
Drivers door, possibly

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 18:45:41
Message:

Quite a few of those items appear on eBay fairly regularly, although some of them could prove to be a challenge i agree!



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Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 16 Feb 2013 21:37:40
Message:

Here you go, a set of GLS doors and the guy is breaking another non GLS hunter;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/hillman-hunter-gls-doors-/140918133547?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20cf60132b

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Reply author: bigt80
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 20:40:18
Message:

quote:

---

Originally posted by HunterGLS

These are some that come to mind...

Chrome sill trims.
Chrome bonnet trim.
Twin headlight surrounds.
Door handles.
Overiders (I may get these rechromed when I get the bumpers done)
GLS boot badge.
Door striker pin and plastic sleeve.
Drivers door, possibly

---

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 18 Feb 2013 21:46:10
Message:

Some good NOS overriders on eBay at the moment...

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 19 Feb 2013 00:24:02
Message:

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 24 Feb 2013 13:33:21
Message:

I hope this is helpful:
The headlamp surrounds are also used on the MK3 humber sceptre albeit painted silver on the sceptre but easily resprayed. The chrome bonnet trim is also common to the sceptre and the centre grille etc.

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 24 Feb 2013 13:47:08
Message:

I am also in the process of restoring a GLS....
My problem is a little more of my own creating please don't laugh too much at my expense. Back in the 80s when I was younger and not so wise. I swapped the interior of my GLS with a mk3 sceptre that I was breaking. Anyway I would now like to put it back to standard (at least the dash anyway) so can anyone help with a complete GLS dash or the four gauges in the centre along with the panel, speedo and tacho?

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 24 Feb 2013 15:51:57
Message:

Hello Paul, thanks.

I'm afraid being the same parts used in the Sceptre does not make them any easier to find! especially the bonnet trim.

You should post some pictures of your restoration.

Daniel

1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 11:22:24
Message:

I used to be in the Humber owners club. I will if I can still find a phone number or two give a couple of the guys a call. Like most folks they do tend to hoard.......

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 12:21:40
Message:

Another thought....
I am currently in touch with a guy in Iran who is supposed to be finding a supplier of Peykan parts who will ship overseas.
If this comes to fruition then we may be able to get some of the bits we all need.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 25 Feb 2013 13:45:35
Message:

That would be great, If I hear of anyone with a dashboard I will let yo know.

The Iran idea is a good one, I'm sure there are lots of parts available there that are hard to find here.

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 11:34:26
Message:

I have had a reply from my contact in iran and he seems to think he can get the headlight surrounds but in his words the bonnet trim might be a problem.
The parts we are looking for are on the early model Peykans before they were given any facelifts...

he has located my guages for me but the facia is no use (as they are left hookers over there) so unless one turns up I will have to fabricate that myself.

My contact is over there up until the 6th of April so if you need me to ask for anything please get your requests in ASAP.
He will then be return ing to the US from where the parts will be shipped.

I am sure none of this is going to be cheap but will (or at least should) be cheaper than sourcing the parts over here (if you could find them anyway).

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 11:39:32
Message:

Forgot to mention - Please dont ask for an engine or gearbox etc.
The cost for excess baggage on the airline would be prohibitive.

I haven't looked at a fedex type option as the parts I require are all lightweight.

BTW panels should be easily sourced. Although they stopped making the saloon back in 05 the pickup is still going.

I for one dont want to pay £300 for a wing off ebay so you know here anything I need will be coming from.........

I hope fedex operate in Iran!

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 12:16:25
Message:

Hi Paul, have you any idea what the cost is for a rear valence?

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 14:25:10
Message:

All body panels in Iran would be Hunter specific and I do know the front wings of the Paykan were changed a little early in production.

This guy has a good selection of NOS panels, here is a wing for £120.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-hunter-Rootes-Humber-Sceptre-Front-Left-Quarter-Panel-Wing-N-S-Side-/281067373368?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4170ebc338

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 15:14:15
Message:

There is a rear panel on ebay at the mo.

Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-hunter-Rootes-Humber-Sceptre-Rear-Lower-Panel-Plate-Holder-/271159507243?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f225db92b

Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 15:53:21
Message:

Guys perhaps we out to move the spares parts dialogue to another thread.

One last post on this one though.

This company does quite a few panels including some for the fastback.

Now I really must stop googling and get back to my day job :)

http://www.steelpanels.co.uk/rootes-body-panels.php?listID=rootes

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 18:00:42
Message:

Most of the firms in the UK that supply panels are well known, I just wondered if your source had a less expensive option, always on the lookout for a bargain!


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Reply author: Paul_White
Replied on: 01 Mar 2013 20:22:12
Message:

The problem is shipping costs from Iran.

I am still looking to see is there is a cost effective way of getting bits direct rather than via the US of A.

If anyone knows of an ecconomical shipping method then we are in business at the moment shipping of body panels although readily available out there is prohibitively expensive.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 12:11:09
Message:

The Hunter has been neglected of late due to other stuff so time for a small update.

New rear valance on so all the welding done.



Time to strip the rest of the soundproofing from the boot....





Oh dear.......







Not good. The chances of finding repair panels for this section are probably zero and it's an extremely awkward place to weld properly.



1972 Hillman Hunter GLS
1973 NSU Ro 80
1974 Fiat 130 Coupe
1973 Audi 100 GL
1979 Audi 100 Avant
1981 Audi 200 5T
1982 Audi 100 CS

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 13:37:05
Message:

You can get strut top repair panels but yours don't need doing by the look of the photos. Have a look at the start of my resto thread if you want to see what really bad ones look like!

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 14:01:01
Message:

Where did you get the panels?

It's hard to tell how bad they are until they strip it but the picture is probably the tip of the iceberg.

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 06 Jul 2013 21:08:54
Message:

I got mine on eBay but that was a few years ago. They do still come up on there and I think speedy spares or alpine West Midlands may sell them.

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Reply author: turbinecol
Replied on: 08 Jul 2013 21:13:19
Message:

Soundproofing or an MOT bodge? I'd wager the latter. Annoying when people do that sort of thing. Classic rot spot on Arrows of course.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 15 Sep 2013 01:10:53
Message:

Finally all welded up
Paint prep starts next week.



]

Reply author: turbinecol
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 08:10:38
Message:

excellent work, properly done.

Reply author: andyb
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 09:59:45
Message:

looking good :)

sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 19:05:07
Message:

I need to find a new washer jet, is this the same as the Rapier?

Reply author: bigt80
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 19:46:06
Message:

No parts book to hand, but pretty sure they are exactly the same as Rapier. Might have one about. They usually break when you take them out of the grille .
Great work too on the welding work: a lot of time and effort, but it will be a great car when done and last for a long time
All the best. G.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 16 Sep 2013 22:09:57
Message:

Thanks Glen

Hopefully the worst is over now, it will be nice to see it being put back together.

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 17 Sep 2013 21:21:02
Message:

Yes that is the same as the broken one I replaced recently. Are these available somewhere? The one I fitted is different.

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Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 22 Sep 2013 10:55:03
Message:

Almost ready for some paint.







]

Reply author: 1922
Replied on: 27 Sep 2013 18:16:39
Message:

Nice job!

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 27 Sep 2013 20:08:48
Message:

Today's update.



After several coats of tinted epoxy primer...

Reply author: steve wilkinson
Replied on: 27 Sep 2013 22:30:47
Message:

Awesome work well done

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 06 Nov 2013 13:31:34
Message:

Paint!

Reply author: JPSH120
Replied on: 06 Nov 2013 18:47:38
Message:

Oh yes very nice

I think you'll have something very special when finished and the envy of many (me included)!



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Reply author: bigt80
Replied on: 07 Nov 2013 00:42:43
Message:

Yes, that is very nice indeed
I can see why you need some first class top rails! I'll see what I can do at the weekend. . G

Reply author: janmarine3
Replied on: 08 Nov 2013 15:03:11
Message:

Nice ! Good job !

Reminds me of my first car in the 60's, a Hillman Minx - sprayed it Gunston with a wide white stripe through the middle front to back..d/d weber and Alfa rims...banana branch ..good old memories , tough as nails it was - refused to break .

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 02 May 2014 19:47:58
Message:

I've neglected this thread for a while but work has been ongoing.

Anyway, this is where we are at the moment. Just waiting for the rear bumper to come back from the chroming place, some interior odd and ends plus a new stainless steel exhaust and it should be ready for the road.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sejkVScuopk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJll1RZIl_E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Reply author: turbinecol
Replied on: 07 May 2014 10:26:17
Message:

this is looking really good. Thanks for the updates.
The brown cowled dash looks the part - cannot be too many left in that colour. Has this one got overdrive? - was looking for the relay on the RHS inner wing panel, but not sure if later cars have it on top of the steering column (there are a couple of holes there of the exact pitch which I bolted my own to when I did a conversion on my Hunter Super).
Must be exciting seeing this coming together.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 18 May 2014 16:47:18
Message:

This one does not have overdrive, although my other one does.

Reply author: HunterGLS
Replied on: 13 Sep 2014 09:58:17
Message:

Hunter has MOT!

Not quite finished but almost, still need to get a new stainless steel exhaust and sort some minor niggles.

Reply author: Wolfy
Replied on: 11 Jun 2015 10:33:17
Message:

Have you seen the scrapyard Hunter on the rapier Facebook page?

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=960600900627467&set=pcb.893778947351707&type=1&theater

Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club : http://www.sunbeamrapier.co.uk/forum/