SixasStandard

Hello Pete, Thanks for the information. Do you know if this bolt is currently available? and if not then what the thread size is? I'd rather do a 'proper' repair, but this early in my ownership I'm a little hesitant about taking the gearbox out. Graham's suggestion of jacking the gearbox up sounds interesting.........this is probably a stupid question, but would I need to disconnect the gearbox mountings and the prop first? (I can just imagine the number of eyes rolling at the moment!). Thanks, Ian

Thanks Clive, reassuring to know that the OD is the correct type. I assume that the bolt locks onto either a flat or dimple machined into one of those bushes shown in the diagram? and that to resolve the issue would be a 'gearbox out' project? If so that explains why a previous owner chose to adopt this 'Heath Robinson' solution. Never a dull moment with old cars!! Ian

Hello All, Just thought I'd share this little gem.........discovered when I removed the gearbox cover of my '68 Vitesse 2L Mk1 for the first time. Something tells me this isn't an OE fitment! The whole speedo drive assembly is loose in the housing, and this wire appears to be the only thing holding it in. Any thoughts???? Also, my O/D was a retrofit......so can anyone identify its origins from the data plate? Thanks, Ian

Thanks Richard, I'm going to be living with the OE seats for the time being.........recovering the MGF seats in Shadow Blue is a project for when the bank balance is a bit healthier........at that point I'll be implementing a more robust mounting along the lines that you have suggested. Regards, Ian

Thanks guys, FQ3406 now ordered from Canley Classics. Regards, Ian

Hello All, Spent an immensely entertaining few hours this afternoon removing the front seats and carpets in preparation for the installation of my new moulded carpet set. The most fun was had with the removal of the rear bolts holding the seat runners down to the floor. These should have a metal clip that holds the nut inside the floor box section, but a previous owner of my car had presumably lost these and simply used the nuts without the clip. This made it a bit of a chore to get the bolts out, so I'd like to source a pair of the required clips. I've attached some pictures, and just wondered if anyone had some of these sitting in a drawer in the workshop going spare. Any help or advice greatly appreciated. Ian

Sorry Andy, but we'll have to agree to differ. The comments from a fellow Sunbeam owner that I referred to were quite clear.......that the the gauge of the steel used in the Vietnamese offering was a lot thinner than OE items, so damage will be greater to an S/S version in comparison to an OE bumper subjected to an identical impact. Damage can happen from a whole host of causes, not least the tow bar of other vehicles whilst parking........so as I said previously, you have to make your decision based on what's important to you personally, and the usage profile of your classic. I'm glad that I made you smile though.......we all need a bit of that at the moment don't we? Ian

The 2 comments that I've heard from the Sunbeam Alpine community on this issue are that the Vietnamese bumpers are thinner gauge than the originals and that the shine looks different. The thinner gauge issue would be the one that would worry me more, potentially making them more prone to damage from road debris whilst driving. There are so many potential factors here that could colour your decision: cost; originality; quality; strength; aesthetics...........and each of us will give each of those different weight.........so there's not really a right or wrong decision, just your own particular decision! Unless the cost was really prohibitive I personally would opt for rechroming original items. Ian

Thanks chaps.........all comments appreciated. Ian

Hello All, As part of my interior refurb on the Vitesse I'm going to replace the carpets. The existing carpet set is well past its sell by date, and is black, whereas my car came originally with a Shadow Blue interior. I see that Rimmers are having a Triumph sale at the moment, and have both moulded and stitched sets in Blue at 270 and 186 quid respectively (incl of VAT). Looking at the Newton Commercial website they have Blue moulded sets at 309 quid (incl of VAT). The carpets make such a big difference to the quality look and feel of the car's interior that I don't wish to spoil it for the sake of a 100 quid, so does anyone have any recommendations regarding the comparative merits of moulded versus stitched carpet sets, and of the two suppliers mentioned? Any help greatly appreciated. Ian

Just as an addendum to this thread, I got the spanners out this afternoon and adjusted the steering column. I was surprised how easy it was, and positioned the steering wheel 2 inches further away from the dash, which has made a big difference to my driving comfort. For those contemplating this job I can reassure you that it is very straightforward and worthwhile for taller drivers. Ian

Thanks guys........all good advice. Ian

That wheel looks superb in the GT6 Colin, it just looks right doesn't it? The Vitesse is going to need a slightly different approach though, as a more traditional wheel will fit in better with the general aesthetic. Following on from Clive's comments I've now started to consider trying to revamp the original wheel, which is an approach that hadn't occurred to me before starting this thread. How difficult can it be??........I have some black leather knocking about the workshop, so perhaps I'll have a go at re-covering the original wheel myself. Ian

Thanks Johny, I'll actually be moving the steering wheel away from the dash to improve knee room, as it's currently set quite close to the dash.......so that shouldn't be a problem. Ian

Thanks Clive, those are all useful points to take note of........particularly the telescopic column, for some reason I thought the column was fixed. The original wheel is definitely terminal, but your comments regarding the feel and safety of a wood wheel have given me pause for thought, as I've never actually had a car with a wood wheel before. I'll definitely broaden the search based on your feedback. Thanks, Ian

Hello All, My new '68 Vitesse Mk1 has a rapidly decomposing steering wheel which I'd like to replace with a nice wood one. I find that knee space is a bit tight whilst driving the car, even with the seat right back, so wondered what other Vitesse owners would recommend as regards wheel diameter and the dish/no dish option etc? With wood you obviously need to think about the match with the dash as well, so any thoughts on the best suppliers who provide lighter colour versions would be helpful. If any of you could attach a picture of your wheel that would also be great. Many thanks, and stay safe out there. Ian

Just to polish this thread off......and just in case any further evidence was required...… a superb White Sunbeam Tiger Mk1A with Dunlop D1s...….the defence rests m'lud!!

Don't you think the couch would look better in white?

You are a man of learning and conventional discernment Richard...…..but as a visionary Umberto Eco would almost certainly have favoured the permutation of D1s on a White Vitesse. Regards, Ian

"Everything is repeated in a cycle. History is a master because it teaches us that it doesn't exist"

This is spooky!...…...after doing an online search of my new Vitesse's registration number, I have found a picture of my car whilst in previous ownership...…..and don't they look like 5.5Js it's wearing?? Now this has got me thinking...…...maybe (and I can't believe I'm saying this)…….maybe Clive has got something here!! Ian

Carlos Fandango Superwides?...…...AWESOME!...…..anyone know of a stockist in Lincolnshire??……….now where did I put those furry dice? Ian

I think they'd look good on any coloured car. My Vitesse is white and sports Minilites at the moment, but I hope to swap to D1s at some point in the future. My imaging software is pretty basic, but I've done a 'virtual wheel change' to see what it would look like...…...ooh!, suits me sir!! Ian

I would recommend that you include an 'agreed value' policy clause, if not then if the worst happens you'll get 'market value' as defined by the Insurance Company at the time of settlement. No prizes for guessing how accurate that market value will be!! Ian

The Missus will be coming along to the 'All British Day' Richard...…..in fact we're being taken there in a pair of Sunbeam Alpines by some very generous local enthusiasts (me in a Series 1, Shirley in a Series 5)……...but she drew the line at the Australian National Motor Museum!!!...…...so I'll be tackling that one single handed. Ian