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Missing SAL plate. What's my number???
- Thread starter forrest39
- Start date
Forrest, I don't think there is any way to correlate your reg number with the SAL number. The B395xxxxxx number should be your VIN number. You should also find that number stamped on your engine block- on a flat, sloped area above the fuel pump. If that number does not match, then you have a replaced engine- no big deal.
You might find it useful to read this section of this SAOCA site:
http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=83
By the way, color code 88 is Forrest Green and code 39 is Carnival Red. Strange to have a forum name Forrest 39
Welcome .
Tom
You might find it useful to read this section of this SAOCA site:
http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=83
By the way, color code 88 is Forrest Green and code 39 is Carnival Red. Strange to have a forum name Forrest 39
Welcome .
Tom
forrest39
Donation Time
Thanks for that Tom,
The engine does have the same number as the VIN. I can't seem to find any images of what a SV SAL number would look like or what a ballpark number might be. If anybody has any images they could post I would appreciate it!
Cheers! -Kevin
Ironically I had a paint code 86 hunter green Alpine in college. I wanted to convert it to a Tiger but didn't want to destroy it as it was in such original condition some sold it. 25 years later I have found an Alpine (much assembly required) that is worthy of a V8. I'm just not smart enough to go the V6 route.
Forrest is an old nickname and 39 is my lucky number so no correlation in the Sunbeam world!
The engine does have the same number as the VIN. I can't seem to find any images of what a SV SAL number would look like or what a ballpark number might be. If anybody has any images they could post I would appreciate it!
Cheers! -Kevin
Ironically I had a paint code 86 hunter green Alpine in college. I wanted to convert it to a Tiger but didn't want to destroy it as it was in such original condition some sold it. 25 years later I have found an Alpine (much assembly required) that is worthy of a V8. I'm just not smart enough to go the V6 route.
Forrest is an old nickname and 39 is my lucky number so no correlation in the Sunbeam world!
RootesRich
Donation Time
Kevin,
It does not appear that the SAL number was in any chronological order in regards to VIN numbers. Therefore, you will not be able to deduce the SAL number. Take a look at the Registry tab at the top of the screen and see what I mean.
The only option I know of is to contact the Rootes Archive Center in the UK and see if they have a record of the SAL number based on your VIN. Most likely you will have to pay them for this information. (EDIT: I see Steve beat me to the post by a minute)
On the SV's, the SAL number was stamped on a thin sheet of metal and located on the pax side of the engine cowl. You may still see the rivet holes if they have not been filled during a respray, etc.
I'm sure someone will post a pic of a SV SAL plate as I'm unable to. My pre-production SV did not come with a SAL number and like you, my late SV is missing it. I still have the rivet holes though.
It does not appear that the SAL number was in any chronological order in regards to VIN numbers. Therefore, you will not be able to deduce the SAL number. Take a look at the Registry tab at the top of the screen and see what I mean.
The only option I know of is to contact the Rootes Archive Center in the UK and see if they have a record of the SAL number based on your VIN. Most likely you will have to pay them for this information. (EDIT: I see Steve beat me to the post by a minute)
On the SV's, the SAL number was stamped on a thin sheet of metal and located on the pax side of the engine cowl. You may still see the rivet holes if they have not been filled during a respray, etc.
I'm sure someone will post a pic of a SV SAL plate as I'm unable to. My pre-production SV did not come with a SAL number and like you, my late SV is missing it. I still have the rivet holes though.
I assume the SAL numbers were at least in approximately sequential order. So this may help. My VIN # is B395008939 and my SAL # is SAL607971 , and that's how the number is embossed on the plate which is about 4" long and about 7/16" wide with rounded ends. Maybe a few other guys can post their numbers ( both VIN and SAL) and we can see how closely they track. Maybe you could then come up with a good guess for your SAL number.
I'll be interested to see how close they track.
Tom
I'll be interested to see how close they track.
Tom
Kevin: I don't want to insult your intelligence, but for the record, I feel compelled to point out that going the V6 route is infinity easier and more manageable than the V8 route. A little surfing on this site will tell you more than you could ever want to know, but the factory did a considerable amount of brain surgery to make the V8 fit and many Alpines have been hopelessly ruined in an attempt to duplicate that work. Putting in a V6 is like pulling out a splinter in comparison.
Based on the registry right here on this very site, I'd guess that your SAL number is around 609XXX, probably in the 609400 range.
http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=32
P.S. Any Alpine worthy of getting a V8 stuffed into it is worthy of NOT getting a V8 stuffed into it.
http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=32
P.S. Any Alpine worthy of getting a V8 stuffed into it is worthy of NOT getting a V8 stuffed into it.
unfortunately, I am about 600 miles away from my Alpines at the moment.
forrest39
Donation Time
Excellent feedback!
Thanks All!
I will definitely contact the Rootes Archive Center and see what turns up.
No offense taken Jim - if I were smart I would ignore that passion to have a V8 British roadster. My first Alpine was too perfect to ruin so I sold it rather than cutting it. I have found a project Alpine that's close enough to stock to make work for a V8 conversion, but fairly far off to restore to original.
There's no doubt in my mind that the smart money would go into a V6 and it would probably out handle a V8 if done properly.
But... I know a Tiger is out of my reach. I'm not getting any younger and my bride has given me the nod to build my dream car. I have absolute confidence in my abilities to do so and with the advice and support that I have received so far from various groups in the Sunbeam community I know I can do it!
Sorry for the long-winded-ness... I'm gonna be up all night and started into the monster drink a little early!
Cheers, -Kevin
Thanks All!
I will definitely contact the Rootes Archive Center and see what turns up.
No offense taken Jim - if I were smart I would ignore that passion to have a V8 British roadster. My first Alpine was too perfect to ruin so I sold it rather than cutting it. I have found a project Alpine that's close enough to stock to make work for a V8 conversion, but fairly far off to restore to original.
There's no doubt in my mind that the smart money would go into a V6 and it would probably out handle a V8 if done properly.
But... I know a Tiger is out of my reach. I'm not getting any younger and my bride has given me the nod to build my dream car. I have absolute confidence in my abilities to do so and with the advice and support that I have received so far from various groups in the Sunbeam community I know I can do it!
Sorry for the long-winded-ness... I'm gonna be up all night and started into the monster drink a little early!
Cheers, -Kevin
jdoclogan
Platinum Level Sponsor
Kevin, I'm not certain where you are located, but, you should try and make it to one or more of the Sunbeam or ABFM car shows this Summer/Fall. Since this is the 50th anniversary year for the first production Tiger, most likely there will be numerous Tigers at these shows. Nothing like face to face conversations with a Tiger or Algers (Alpine conversion with a V8) owner to gain considerable understandings for your dream project. Also, you will have many personalized Tiger examples for photo opportunities.
At the top of the SAOCA site there are two great Sunbeam/Rootes shows with links: Sunbeams International VI and United XXXIII.
At the top of the SAOCA site there are two great Sunbeam/Rootes shows with links: Sunbeams International VI and United XXXIII.
RootesRooter
Donation Time
I've read that the SAL's and VIN plates were attached at different stages of production, which is why the last five numbers almost always differ. But if you compare the two numbers on any one car on the SV registry, as production progressed, the numbers steadily diverge, with the SAL's falling behind. It looks as if HRO (home market) cars were the main, if not sole reason, since they appear to have been assigned a completely different range of SAL numbers. If that's the case, then home market SV's can be estimated by simply looking at the final 'spread' between VIN and SAL at the end of production, or about 2,800.
And who is it that claims a SV VIN ending in ...19314 ?!?
And who is it that claims a SV VIN ending in ...19314 ?!?
jdoclogan
Platinum Level Sponsor
You might try the Redding, CA British Car Club http://www.reddingbritishcarclub.com/
forrest39
Donation Time
I couldn't agree more. I thought it would be one of the parts about the car that I would like to have correct. If I can't determine the actual SAL number, I will not make one up.
I finally squared things away with the DMV today. The title was missing and the last owner could not be determined. A royal PITA to endure, but finally concluded.
Cheers, -Kevin
George Coleman
Gold Level Sponsor
I have some early Alpine V SAL number plates if you just need one.
forrest39
Donation Time
I have some early Alpine V SAL number plates if you just need one.
Thanks George,
Are they about the size that Tom describes?
Even if I can't find the correct SAL number, I'll just put a blank one there in the event I can find history of it somehow.
Cheers, -Kevin