| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 18 Feb 2015 : 11:34:31
Greetings.
I've just bought a sorry state of a 1964 Sunbeam Rapier. I need to do a lot of work to make it roadworthy and presentable. I wondered whether certain parts are readily available? For example a water control tap for the heater, a weather strip to affix to the door to seal against the opening windows. The two small badges that fix to the rear wings saying (I believe) "Rapier". These kind of parts do not seem to be readily available, and I will need a lot of bits!
Any advice, please, before I start rebuilding?
Jim in Redditch Worcs
jim |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tel |
Posted - 18 Nov 2015 : 00:11:02
Well done Jim , I did think about your car long and hard but after our phone conversation and your honesty , decided against it . I too am looking for a good solid Rapier . Mk111 onwards .. There must be some out there Jim . Cheers Tel |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 19:34:44
Well!..........After deciding that I'm too old, decrepit and tired to do so much work on a bad car, I've sold the car at a big loss. After exchanges with a couple of people on the forum, I'm now actively in search of an immaculate series 5. Wad of cash in my hand, and looking very keenly at everything on the market. At least this first attempt at Rapier ownership has educated me, and I know more about these beautiful cars than before. It's only in pursuit of a Rapier which has been my dream for many years.
jim |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 18 Aug 2015 : 10:10:07
Cracked engine was sorted, I was strongly advised by friends in the trade to have the block "stitched". What an interesting process! I then installed the engine, and guess what? It ran. With ongoing problems with various carburettors, I eventually located a new carb, it's off a Land Rover, but works well! I've since done several meetings, fairs and fetes etc. After around 1000 miles, it's just blown a head gasket, so I stripped off the head, and having a light skim, and exhaust valve seats replaced for unleaded fuel. While the head was off, I checked bore and stroke measurements. Using schoolboy maths I can now confirm that it is 1500cc. This car is such an experience, but I swear that I'll have it completely sorted within 40 years!
jim |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 10 May 2015 : 13:06:21
Thank you Derek.
I'm actually in Hanover at the moment doing a bit of a tour in my camper, not back in UK for a week or so yet.
I called on JohnC in France while over here, and have seen his car. I've joined the club and hoping to familiarise myself with the available parts from the club stock, as I'll be needing lots!!
At least the car is actually road legal, but hopefully nobody will examine it closely yet. I'm not proud of the poor old girl.(or the car)
jim |
| grumpy1 |
Posted - 01 May 2015 : 15:12:31
Has anybody got a good photo of the dashboard in an early series 4?
It would be so useful to see where switches should be located.
jim
[/quote]
Hi Jim. I have a S IV and if you email me as per the address in the club magazine (not sure if you are a member yet) I can forward a number of shots to you. Derek (Chairman)
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| bigt80 |
Posted - 20 Apr 2015 : 16:07:37
Yes, it maybe that. Let us know how you get on. G. |
| pruyter |
Posted - 20 Apr 2015 : 13:31:27
Thank you Glen for asking forum member to help me.
The Weber Conversion is the conversion as SAOC offers it and that includes a 32/36 Weber carburettor. Tomorrow I will investigate if there is an air leak at the intake manifold and/or the carburettor if so it will affect the operation of the carburettor in the way it does at my Rapier.
Regards,
Peter |
| bigt80 |
Posted - 20 Apr 2015 : 10:09:29
Hello Gents,
Firstly pleased to hear that 'jimlagos' is up and running after much hassle & that the car is running quite well with all things considered.
Secondly, sorry to hear that 'pruyter' has problems with the Weber conversion: usually these are an improvement on the Solex set-up. I've only heard of using a 28/36 Weber, rather than 32/36. I know from posts 'pruyter' that you are knowledgeable on mechanical matters, but are all of the jets correct? What are symptoms of poor running? Would a 28/36 help - I know of one for sale, or is there something more of a fundamental problem do you think?
We'll help on here if we can  G. |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 19 Apr 2015 : 19:33:22
Goodluck!
Now the car is mobile, several problems are coming to light. Wheel bearing is noisy and the rattles and various noises from inside doors etc is amazing. I think it will be a long time until I sort out these niggles. Even the stainless trims have been held on in places with two sided sticky pads and the occasional woodscrew straight through the trim.
jim |
| pruyter |
Posted - 19 Apr 2015 : 10:12:59
Hi Jim,
Congratulations with the result. Keep faith and you will succeed.
Yesterday after 1 year and 7 month's I have fetched my Rapier Series 4 from the garage ( 90 km from my house) after they have mended a lot of things. I have also to keep faith because a Webcon conversion was installed and the result is not very pleasing. The dreadfull Solex carburator did a much better job than the new 32/36 Weber plus new manifold. So I have to think what to do now: spend a lot of money on this conversion and I don't like the result at all! So I have to think about a solution, but so far I have no idea what to do.
Compared with your problems it is nothing, but still.......
Regards,
Peter |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 18 Apr 2015 : 18:14:32
Well, I've done it, and the car is running as of yesterday, and today it attended its first of many events! The new replacement (second hand) engine runs very sweetly, suspension and brakes checked out as fairly safe, although I had to change the pads and brake shoes.
I can now continue taking it out and about to events in the Midlands, and start doing the other 200jobs that it needs.The vendor must have had a lot of woodscrews lay about, as virtually every bit of trim etc. is held on with woodscrews!
jim |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 28 Mar 2015 : 00:05:52
Thank you Peter. I'm starting to make some progress now.
jim |
| pruyter |
Posted - 27 Mar 2015 : 13:31:09
This engine is from a Hillman Minx of the Arrow type (Hunter family) and has 1500 cc,to be precise it is 1496 cc.
Regards,
Peter |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 26 Mar 2015 : 21:44:45
Well, at last, I now have what should be a useable engine half installed. The engine number is B011049310, below that is H5 HSC.
Would this be a 1500 or 1750 engine? I need to inform the insurance and eventually the DVLA. Suppose it should be done to stay legal!
jim |
| jimlagos |
Posted - 20 Mar 2015 : 00:15:17
P.S
Don't tell my wife how much I'm spending, please.
jim |
