Vic,
Thanks so much for the fabulous letter. I really appreciate your helpful
advice, and I'll be sure to keep these issues in mind as I look for a car.
One of the most pleasant aspects of my Sunbeam search has been the steady
stream of friendly, helpful emails I have received from so many different
people. I look forward to buying my first Sunbeam so I can join the ranks
of such a great group of people!
Regards,
Laura
>From: "V.Hughes" <v.hughes@student.canberra.edu.au>
>To: lborns@hotmail.com
>Subject: California Girl Needs Alpine
>Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 15:55:01 +1000
>
>Laura
>
>I admire your taste in cars but please be aware that Alpines can be a
>bit hard to find parts for. Not impossible, but sometimes you'll have
>to search. There are some good suppliers in the US and the UK listed on
>the website (http://sunbeamalpine.org), and if you ask on the list you
>should also get some good advice from owners.
>
>Some advice from me....
>
>1 Steer clear of the Series 3 - nothing wrong with them (I have one)
>except they are the rarest model and they do have some parts unique to
>them - I just had to seach the World for a speedometer part because mine
>is different to all others.
>
>2 See if you can find an owner in your area and try and get their help
>in looking at anything you might be considering buying. They will
>probably also be able to advise on a mechanic who knows what they are
>doing around these cars. Sunbeams are not particularly complex cars but
>they do have some quirky little English traits.
>
>3 Be prepared to hunt around a bit and buy the best car you can find.
>
>4 Try to find one as standard and original as possible. If you watch
>the email coming through you will see owner after owner trying to sort
>out problems caused by non-standard engines etc - even an apprently
>similar motor from another Rootes group car can give you troubles. The
>website will give you lots of info on how to figure out if something has
>been changed. For example the engine number should be the same as the
>chassis number, and the chassis number will tell you exactly which
>series you are looking at, and when it was made. Make sure the chassis
>number matches the features of the car (eg if it has big fins, it can't
>be a Series 4 or 5, if it has a single fuel tank in the trunk floor,
>it's a Series 1 or 2 regardless of what the chassis no says).
>
>5 Watch out for rust - a dry climate car is worth looking for!
>
>6 Check everything on the car eg if your looking at a roadster with a
>Hardtop fitted, get the owner to take off the hardtop and erect the soft
>top. Alpines are now at an age where almost anything could be expected
>to have worn out.
>
>7 If you see or hear something that doesn't seem right, don't accept
>the sellers word that "they are all like that" Check it out with an
>owner or on the list.
>
>
>
>Good Luck with you search, and enjoy your Sunbeam
>
>Vic Hughes
>Australia
>
>
>
>
>
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