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promilly
Ireland
2 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Apr 2014 : 17:59:48
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Hi All
New here, and very new to all things Sunbeam. Although I did drive a Singer Chamois about 25 years ago (not a fan). And my Grandfather had a very nice Humber Super Snipe. (Can still recall the smell of leather and pipe smoke!).
I am thinking about buying a 1968 Rapier fastback, and, before I take the plunge, have a couple of very basic questions.
I have owned a Morris Minor, a Sprite, a Midget and an MGB V8 and had friends who had minis and Triumphs. Very much enjoyed the whole experience but know nothing of the Rootes group.
Are Sunbeams, specifically the 1725cc engine, a) reliable and b) as easy to work on and get parts for as most BMC engines? Where do I get mechanical parts, even simple things like filtres - Unipart? Do I need to worry about unleaded fuel conversions?
Thanks in advance. |
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retro68
United Kingdom
70 Posts |
Posted - 07 Apr 2014 : 22:04:28
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| Hi, i dont pretend to be any sort of expert and most of the guys on here are alot more knowledgable but i have owned a 1970 fastback rapier for over 8 years. During this time the car has been on the whole reliable but i have replaced various wear and tear parts over the years but no more so than any other car,service parts are pretty well catered for by the club or by companies such as Speedy spares and Alpine West Midlands. The fastback Rapiers came with 1725cc engine, single carb on the Alpine, twin stromberg carbs on the standard rapier and twin webbers on the holbay tuned h120, hope this is of some help, Andy. |
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mytocon
United Kingdom
22 Posts |
Posted - 09 Apr 2014 : 13:29:00
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Not as easy to get bits for as the BMC, Triumph or Rover engined cars you've had, but that strangely can be an advantage when you do need something as there's less demand, the prices can be lower ;-) Knowing what parts are shared with other vehicles is a useful skill, and the Rapier Fastback is based on the Hillman Hunter (specifically an estates platform) so there are a lot of other "donors" for mechanical parts. Rear lights are famously, identical to the Hunter Estate. 
Unleaded is a tricky one:- in my experience the alloy headed cars are tough enough without work to use unleaded, and cast iron heads often have enough residual lead on the valve seats to go for many years at the low speed, sedantry pace a classic does nowadays. That said, I have done a few motorway miles in my (iron head) Vauxhall and put some additive in from time to time just in case. My (alloy head) Jaguar I don't bother and that MIGHT be a mistake... |
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JPSH120
United Kingdom
1180 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2014 : 12:44:13
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Generally mechanical items are easy to get hold of, the club has decent stocks of parts and there are also a couple of specialists that can normally help. It is structurally where it gets difficult!!
The alloy head has hardened valve seats so no issues with using unleaded. Additive is a good idea to combat the octane drop and side effects of modern fuel.
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mytocon
United Kingdom
22 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2014 : 13:21:47
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[quote]Originally posted by JPSH120
It is structurally where it gets difficult!!
As in both finding it AND affording to buy it. 
It seems rocking horse manure is plentiful compared to NOS panels for Rootes/Chrysler products and if experience of other makes is anything to go by, pattern parts are usually made by describing it over the phone to someone with some tin and a hammer.
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mytocon
United Kingdom
22 Posts |
Posted - 10 Apr 2014 : 13:23:07
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quote:
Originally posted by mytocon
[quote]Originally posted by JPSH120
It is structurally where it gets difficult!!
As in both finding it AND affording to buy it.
It seems rocking horse manure is plentiful compared to NOS panels for Rootes/Chrysler products and if experience of other makes is anything to go by, pattern parts are usually made by describing it over the phone to someone with some tin and a hammer.
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promilly
Ireland
2 Posts |
Posted - 11 Apr 2014 : 10:57:18
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Thanks for the guidance.
Just waiting for the cash to arrive in my bank, then I will pick up the phone.
I may be back (a lot).
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bigt80
United Kingdom
1052 Posts |
Posted - 23 Apr 2014 : 19:40:28
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| Not been on for a while, but I would concur with those comments members have made. Simple to work on, most mechanical's available. Trim & panels very difficult. I would say interior is most critical now as s/hand parts are getting so hard to find . e.g. Seats, dash, any soft trim. Stick with it though Promilly as they are great cars & have a small enthusiastic band of owners. |
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Newbie. Totally lost.
