1967 Commer Funwagon

[absunbeam]

Recently a 1967 Commer Funwagon came available. Funwagon’s are campers sold I believe in the US market maybe in Britain also. This was in storage from 2001 or maybe longer. Made trips to Fla in the 70’s odometer shows 38K but might be 138K according to the Mn title. Was used as a meeting point during rallys in Mn Sunbeam club. Former owner decided to let it go because of health issues. I have not ever seen one ether at Sunbeam events or shows. Hope to change that! Camper was filled with about 25 bags of packing peanuts for future sales of his train collection on ebay. Creatures tore the bags open so a mess ensued. Gave it a wash and cleanout, seems to be in great shape. should be a “Fun” project. Power is from a 1725 cast iron head single barrel carb changed over to an aluminum head webber 2bbl which might get it to 60 mph! Vehicle weight is around 4800 lbs GVW plate shows 5200lbs. Being 8’6” tall the height might exceed the wheelbase. Uses 15” truck tires and look to be a project to change, has the same inside the body turning as a 50’s Nash bathtub sedan. Owner claims it swayed in cross winds found a rear sway bay which might cure some of that. Enough parts inside to tackle any road issue that might have come up. Definite a rare Rootes class of vehicle. Will see how the mechanics are next!

 

[studmobile]

What a great find! Was wondering if it would fit into the garage- last photo shows it does, at least height wise. Think of all the hotel bills you will save in the future! Hope to see it in Charlotte/Concord nest year.
And if it sways in crosswinds when driving- how did it do on the trailer? That is some sail

 

[absunbeam]

It was being pushed around on the trailer got 10mpg coming home.

 

[absunbeam]

Pictures are on TEAE Facebook page, cannot get pics on here unless change to another format.

 

[DanR]

Al, from the PIC's that looks like a solid vehicle. Wish you well with that project.

 

[absunbeam]

Thanks Dan, mechanics looks interesting. At least it is Rootes 1725 running gear. Motor turns over and wheels turn not locked up. Smokey had all the replacement parts even valves and springs, ready for any breakdown it seems. The packing peanuts are everywhere and will still show up in odd places even after cleanup!

 

[absunbeam]

Got the Funwagon cleaned out and aired out. Got a box from Smokey market camper with the Funwagon plate! The peanuts were stored in the camper, varmits chewed on the bags. A little before and after. Smokey had manuals for it which helps. Next in queue is the 66 Sunbeam minx.

 

[alpine_64]

Fwiw ... It might be better to put the iron head back on it but do the mods vizard had for the iron heads.. and port match manifolds and do a rally cam ( torquey grind) the iron head motors don't have the head gasket issues of the alloy heads... And if you add valve seat inserts will probably be a very reliable motor

 

[absunbeam]

The motor had an upgrade with a solex and reringed 14k ago in the 80’s will see how all that goes when I get it started. Not sure of longevity of the setup.Motor has 130k which is a lot for a beam!

 

[Bill Blue]

Going to be a great little ride. Looks like you lucked out, the peanuts kept the rodents distracted so that your upholster and wiring survived.
Bill

 

[absunbeam]

Thanks Bill- they certainly helped but now I find peanuts in the nooks and crannys, the shop vac is at the ready!

 

[absunbeam]

1966 Minx California Courtesy Car San Francisco Autocenter is painted on the front doors. Rear Qtr has “All New Sunbeam Minx for 1967”. Good candidate for a clay bar/compound buff and a going over by my Dent Guy. Motor is a 1970 Hunter 1725 with an aluminum pan. Going to need a replacement, rear #4 cylinder had ether a head gasket failure or leak. Was locked up and the rodents managed to infest the head via the exhaust manifold.
Smokey had gotten this from an estate in Palo Alto Ca and pushed it into the pole building where it remained for 30 years! He did not know of the Autocenter markings since being in the dark most of its storage life. Milage shows 107K going by the oil change stickers. Needs all the brakes gone through and trim rubber replaced (order placed to Frank Schoenburger in AU). front & rear seats need work,
Body is rust free and the wheel wells have no undercoating just factory paint. Also in the deal was a complete library of Rootes manuals even covers the Funwagon Commer!
This will keep me or someone else busy for many years. I am still trying to get the V6 alpine project back on track! Barb has mentioned that we need to get he car count down but keep going the other way.
Still have to address the S4 Alpine that Smokey had for 53 years and the parts collection of NOS stuff!