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Billm

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I purchased a 67 Sunbeam Alpine/tiger several months ago. It has 260 v8 and a 4 speed. The previous owner had it stored for about 10 or so years. The engine runs great and the trans leaks oil. I am planning to pull the engine to replace the seals and rebuild the shifter if it needs it. The car has a SAL number on it. Itnhas a hardtop, which I have replaced the seals on it. The windows will be replaced next winter. I tried to put up the top, it has never been up. The top appears to have dried out in the boot! I can get it within an inch of the windshield header!. The top looks like new. A new top is probably needed. I have to replace dash bulbs and already replaced the turn signal gizmo. The car is quick! It is next to my 65 Mustang fastback which I am replacing some sheet metal, floor, radiator support, aprons etc. The Sunbeam is going to be my driver. I will be asking everyone for help as I go forward with this Sunbeam. I have enjoyed Dukes video for engine removal. Wow! I'll finish with this, I was about 19 years old or so and I had 1963 Alpine, tan with wire wheels. The car was fun. When I needed tires put on it no tire shop would put the new tires on. A friend of mine and i did them with some tire irons and a jack on my Dads truck to break the bead. Bill
 
Top

Welcome and please try.
On the sunniest day put the top up as far as it will go and let it bake in the sun with whatever rubber or armor all stuff you have.
Put on several applications of the juice while pulling the top tightly closed. Maybe use a zip tie or two to pull it closed with. As the top gets warm go back and cinch up the zip ties. Do not use or break the mirror holding bracket its weak pot metal. Maybe using a eyelet zip tie in a screw hole in the screen surround is the ticket. Keep the rear window covered out of sunlight and nothing but water on it.
Good Luck and Welcome
 
Bill welcome,

The advice about leaving the top in the sun is good advice.. also using a hair dryer on it can also help make it softer. I wouldn't use armour all as that stuff can make rubber and vinyl "require" it and if you dont they dry and crack. At the moment try heat to allow it to stretch and dont be to rushed.. it might take a few goes.

I'm sure we would all love to see some pics of the new toy. Does th car use a tiger trans tunnel and front end?
 
member

I had the same problem with the top on the wife's car last fall. it had been down all summer and I wanted to have it up over the winter but when we pulled it up it missed touching the windshield by 3 or 4 inches. I turned the shop heat up and left it for about a week and it settled down. the sun would probably do the same in an afternoon. don't try to force the top until the window warms up or you could break it.
 
Welcome to the club. I decided to leave the top off, too much trouble. haha. Post some pics for us to see, always like looking at cars.
 
Top tips

Thanks for the tips on the top. Tiptop tips? I will post some pics soon. It is time to take off the hard top.
 
Michael the trans tunnel is very wide but it flexes. The front end has a rack and pinion steering. The car has beem worked on by a Tiger Tom in Ohio acording to a receipt I have. when I pull the engine and trans, I am going to take a closer look at the trans tunnel. it may need some reinforcment. I had problems with the steering wheel adjustment. I thought the large collar on the column was stripped but it wasnt. when I got it loose I could move the wheel in and out after I sprayed some WD 40 on the splines.
 
Bill,

Nice toys!

I see from the pics you have Illinois plates on the cars. If you are in the Chicago area, there are a few of us Tiger owners near by. I for one would be happy to be a resource to you if ever you think a local contact could be helpful. Feel free to send me a PM. :)

Gene
 
member

tiger tom was a sunbeam parts supplier in Harrisburg,pa. it may have been tiger auto in Dayton that worked on your car.
 
Bill,

Nice looking toy! seems to have some original Tiger parts from the pics, if you can shoot a pic of the tunnel we can probably tell you if it's tiger or not.. you say it has "flex" it in? how so?

It looks to be a reasonable Alger conversion, it was probably built from a rust/wrecked tiger, and the good thing is they have kept the SAL on it, so it is a nice honest car.. am sure you will have a ball and dont hold back on asking any questions :)
 
member

no one has mentioned the vin number so why is there an assumption that it's not an original tiger? he did say tiger/alpine but what does that mean?
 
cadreamn67 said:
Bill,

Nice toys!

I see from the pics you have Illinois plates on the cars. If you are in the Chicago area, there are a few of us Tiger owners near by. I for one would be happy to be a resource to you if ever you think a local contact could be helpful. Feel free to send me a PM. :)

Gene
Click to expand...

Always regret selling my MK1 in Peoria, IL i(1973). Ever see a Midnight Blue MK1, with a white stripe on a black hardtop?. Lat 70 wheels.
 
member

Michael,
that doesn't mean much. I could put the JAL tag back on our alpine if I wanted. there are only two screws. someone may have picked up the wrong tag after a paint job or it could have had a front clip or partial clip installed.
 
Thanks for the pics--great looking pair you have there. We visit the Champaign area often to see family--hope you're a Bears fan!! :)
 
TAH_Tiger said:
Always regret selling my MK1 in Peoria, IL i(1973). Ever see a Midnight Blue MK1, with a white stripe on a black hardtop?. Lat 70 wheels.
Click to expand...

I cannot say I have, but I will definitely keep an eye out for it. Hopefully it has not been repainted red...:)

Gene
 
Cobrakidz yes I am a Bears and now a Hawks fan! I seem you on the Vintage Mustang Forum too. Bill
 
Vin numbers

I have the vin #B 395013298 LRX 108 SAL #612086. I have pulled the front crossmember off in preperation of removing the engine to replace trans seals. it appears to have not been reinforced. I also found what I think is panhard bar in the trunk and a bracket on the axle but none on the body and brakets on the rear spring plates for traction bars. engine comes out Sun or Mon. moving right along....
 
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