Sunbeam 2000 build

[Gordon Holsinger]

It has been too cold and wet to do any more body work (working outside) but managed some time to get the side markers welded in and installed. The panel is roughly done for now and primered. Finally got the smog cetificate SPCNS so I can make an appointment with the state BAR refferee and hopefully get it smog exempt. View attachment 18566 View attachment 18567

So glad I didn’t have to go through all of that. Antique plates permanent, 25 tears and older no emissions no inspection, owners are required to state that their cars comply with state safety inspection, lights, brakes and so on.

 

[belmateo]

I hear you Gordon and have seen for myself how much the east coast lets owners of classic cars enjoy them properly. Here in California, it is the price we pay for some of the best weather in the world.
I am thinking I should put the original tail lights back on the car for the inspection so there is no doubt that it looks like a Sunbeam. The ones in the garage have the amber turn signal with red brake lens.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

I hear you Gordon and have seen for myself how much the east coast lets owners of classic cars enjoy them properly. Here in California, it is the price we pay for some of the best weather in the world.
I am thinking I should put the original tail lights back on the car for the inspection so there is no doubt that it looks like a Sunbeam. The ones in the garage have the amber turn signal with red brake lens.

I think that would be a good idea.

 

[belmateo]

Stopped by Sunbeam Specialties yesterday and bought two new red lenses for the tail light assemblies and got them mounted. The original ones looked very dark and one had a hairline crack on the face which would have failed the inspection. In the afternoon took it to get the brake and lamp inspection and passed with flying colors. This was a good chance to drive the car a bit, was stopped at a red light and dropped the top while waiting, took all of 7 seconds to retract, got many looks and thumbs up.
I will feel better after the BAR inspection and final stop at the DMV to complete the registration and get my license plates. Also need to call Hagerty and get it insured, WoooooooHooooooo!

 

[belmateo]

Had an extra set of wide 19" alloys (Genesis coupe 3.8 R-Spec) that matched the bolt pattern. They look good on the car but too wide, so put them away and got the Cragar style 5 spoke Mustang wheels to give them a try and they fit perfectly. Just need to order a set of tires and will be good to go.

 

[belmateo]

Here is a shot of the car with the standard Tail lights and a good view of the back up lights and JDM tow hook (red).

 

[belmateo]

Here are the wheels I will be using.

 

[belmateo]

The tires are on their way.
Finalized the registration process, now waiting for the personalized plates to arrive.

 

[belmateo]

FedEx is a P.O.S.
They can never deliver anything on time or even to the right address. It takes 3-4 days to fix their screwups as well. NEVER do business with FedEx!

 

[belmateo]

I managed to fit 255/40r17 tires up front and 275/40r17 in the back. The wheels really make a difference, need to wash all the tire mounting lube off and post some car porn for you pleasure.

 

[belmateo]

Good news, Bad news. Unfortunately I was not able to successfully title it as a 1968 under SB100 rules to avoid biannual smog inspections. Got the registration finished and title in hand, the new tires interfere with the fender a little bit so I am going to give this roller a shot to try to get more clearance.

 

[SoCal'beaming]

WOW! ... That's some serious rubber to stuff under an Alpine .. ... Looks absolutely fabulous Guy .... More Pic.s and maybe a video so we can hear the purrrr?

..... David

 

[belmateo]

Thanks David
I tried to fit as much as possible and very happy with the look. Update on the fender lip roller, thumbs down. This thing is designed to roll cars made from recycled beer cans if you know what I mean. A majority of the clearance was gained using a BFH, little more to go. In the meantime waiting on Hagerty to issue insurance so a video can be shared with all of you to get a feel for the car. It truly handles like it is on rails and so far no issues with ground clearance.

 

[belmateo]

Success! Got the tire clearance issue resolved. On another note, the headlights on Toyota and Honda use a negative trigger and on top of that came with HID systems from the factory. I first tried LED bulbs and they are outright dangerous. Since H4 headlights use a common ground for both low and high beam, it was quite a challenge to convert both low and high from A) negative trigger and B) a shared ground. The solution wiring two relays, one for low and one for high and make them negative trigger with 12 Volt + output. Went with 90 watt low beam and 100 watt highs.

 

[65beam]

Toyanvil,
You along with many others know what it's like to build a car your way. You have an Alpine body that looks close to original until you look at the big picture. You have a drive train that is very updated and still retained the original look of the car. I would like to see your car in person. Better yet,drive it! I know of several Beams that have modified bodies and drive trains but are built to be what suits the owner, no one else. I make changes to our cars that others may not like but as I have said before I know what it takes to lead a happy life. Some have questioned the interior of this car due to the cloth interior and things like the hidden radio, etc. The drink holder was a temporary thing and has gone away and the car now has built in holders in the console. This Honda will draw quite a crowd where ever he shows it. Has anyone heard of the Alpine that was widened a few years back? It seems to have faded from view.

 

[Toyanvil]

I like this build and I am not sure were my last post went, I was replying to Limey who's post is also gone. I don't think people will know what you are talking about without it.
65 beam if you are ever in Bakersfield let me know, we will go for a drive.

 

[65beam]

I know what you're saying. I wonder if Limey has been having some bad days with the bomb cyclone storms. The last time I passed thru Bakersfield I was on my way to pick up an Alpine the wife bought in Los Gatos. I'm hoping she doesn't run across another Sunbeam that she wants. The 69 shown above was in Washington, D.C. so that was only a day each way. Pulling an empty closed trailer to California isn't fun.

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

Thanks David
I tried to fit as much as possible and very happy with the look. Update on the fender lip roller, thumbs down. This thing is designed to roll cars made from recycled beer cans if you know what I mean. A majority of the clearance was gained using a BFH, little more to go. In the meantime waiting on Hagerty to issue insurance so a video can be shared with all of you to get a feel for the car. It truly handles like it is on rails and so far no issues with ground clearance.View attachment 18802

I like it There was a post that was rather critical but can’t find it now. I think it is a matter of what the owner wants.

 

[belmateo]

Thanks for understanding guys!
Another update, Hagerty came through today and the car is now fully insured. Boy these winters are rough as we have very little rain in the forecast which means it is time to get back to doing the finish body work and prep for paint. Still waiting on my personalized plates from DMV. I am also looking into changing the rear axle ratio. This motor has a redline of 9,200 and on the freeway at about 70 mph the engine is turning 4,000 rpm. I have my eye on a ring and pinion with a 3:30 ratio compared to the stock 4:10's, pricey thing to change but it does not make any sense for the motor to be revving that fast at a cruising speed. Other than that it is truly a blast to drive.

 

[65beam]

Thanks for understanding guys!
Another update, Hagerty came through today and the car is now fully insured. Boy these winters are rough as we have very little rain in the forecast which means it is time to get back to doing the finish body work and prep for paint. Still waiting on my personalized plates from DMV. I am also looking into changing the rear axle ratio. This motor has a redline of 9,200 and on the freeway at about 70 mph the engine is turning 4,000 rpm. I have my eye on a ring and pinion with a 3:30 ratio compared to the stock 4:10's, pricey thing to change but it does not make any sense for the motor to be revving that fast at a cruising speed. Other than that it is truly a blast to drive.

How about Ohio sends you some rain? We've had close to 4 inches so far this month.