NUMBER: 67-44
DATE: 3-31-67
GROUP: Engine
SUBGROUP: Oil Pressure Relief Valve

MODELS: Alpine V, Minx VI & Arrow
SUBJECT: New Oil Pressure Relief Valve

A new steel relief valve assembly was introduced in production from the Chassis Numbers shown below, having a thick fibre sealing washer under the head of the relief valve.

Alpine V – B.395 012220

Minx VI – B.006 045731

Arrow – B.051 006069

Should you encounter complaints of oil leaks from this fibre washer, it is recommended that the existing washer, approximately 1/8″ thick, is replaced by a thinner washer, 1/16″ part number 5058200. After fitting new washer, tighten relief valve to 15 ft. lbs. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

Check for any signs of damage to the threads of the relief valve and body; replace where necessary. This new washer will be introduced in production in the near future.

The new valve can be installed on up-to models by including the filter base, part number 5058202.

T. H. BULLARD
Manager – Service & Parts

Rootes and Chrysler U.K. Passenger Cars

A new vehicle identification format was introduced in July 1970.

Download a pdf of this document here.
Download an MSWord document here.

New chassis plate example:

Breakdown of details shown in Chassis No. box:

1st digit is the Plant Indicator (one letter)

• L = Linwood
• R = Ryton

2nd digit is the Series Year (one letter or figure)

• H = H Series
• G = G Series
• 3 = 3 Series

Next 3 digits indicate Product Code (group of three numbers)

IMP RANGE	G SERIES	H & 3 SERIES
Hillman Imp Basic	423	423
Hillman Imp De-Luxe	413	413
Hillman Imp Super	443	443
Sunbeam Sport	593	593
Singer Chamois	543	-
Sunbeam Stiletto	302	302
Hillman Husky	482	-
Hillman Imp Van	463	-

ARROW RANGE	G SERIES	EARLY H SERIES	LATER H & 3 SERIES
Hillman Minx	012	-	-
Hillman Minx Estate	082	-	-
Hillman Hunter	053	-	-
Hillman GT	041	-	-
Singer Vogue	353	-	-
Singer Vogue Estate	383	-	-
Hunter De-Luxe Saloon	-	063	064
Hunter De-Luxe Estate	-	085	160
Hunter Super	-	074	075
Hunter GL Saloon	-	058	059
Hunter GL Estate	-	087	150
Hunter GLS	-	-	040
Hunter GT	-	830	031
Humber Sceptre	112	112	090*
Sunbeam Alpine	389	389	100
Sunbeam Rapier	342	342	190*
Rapier H120	391	391	120

* On cars for France these numbers are replaced by L2S (Sceptre) and LSR (Rapier) for H Series and AAE (Sceptre) and AAD (Rapier) for 3 Series.

AVENGER RANGE	G SERIES	H & 3 SERIES	3 SERIES
Avenger Basic Saloon	-	201	-
Avenger De-Luxe Saloon (Export – Sunbeam 1250/1500)	211	211	-
Avenger De-Luxe Estate	-	280	-
Avenger Super Saloon (Export – Sunbeam 1250/1500 De-Luxe)	221	221	-
Avenger Super Estate	-	283	-
Avenger G.L. (Export – Sunbeam 1250/1500 Super)	231	231	-
Avenger G.T. (Export – Sunbeam 1500 G.T.)	251	251	-
Cricket Sedan	219	219	-
Cricket Sedan (with options)	239	239	-
Cricket Wagon (Estate)	-	289	-
Sunbeam 1250 S.C. (E.E.C.)	-	-	226
Sunbeam 1250 T.C. Saloon (E.E.C.)	-	-	236
Sunbeam 1250 T.C. Estate (E.E.C.)	-	-	286
Sunbeam 1500 T.C. (E.E.C.)	-	-	256
Avenger G.L.S.	-	-	252

Next group of six numbers is the SERIAL No.

• Commencing 000001 = Ryton
• Commencing 600001 = Linwood
• Commencing 900001 = C.K.D.

The letters and numbers from the SERVICE CODE box reveal the following:

1st letter is the ENGINE CODE and tells you which engine is fitted.

• A = Imp, 875 c.c. Low Compression
• B = Imp, 875 c.c. High Compression
• E = Avenger, 1250 c.c., twin carb. High Compression
• F = Avenger, 1250 c.c., single carb. High Compression
• G = Avenger, 1500 c.c., single carb. Low Compression
• H = Avenger, 1500 c.c., single carb. High Compression
• K = Avenger, 1500 c.c., twin carb. High Compression
• L = Avenger, 1500 c.c., twin carb. Low Compression
• M = Arrow, 1500 c.c. Low Compression
• N = Arrow, 1500 c.c. High Compression
• P = Arrow, 1725 c.c. Low Compression
• Q = Arrow, 1725 c.c. High Compression

The 2nd letter or number is the TRANSMISSION CODE and tells you which transmission is fitted:

• A = Automatic transmission with standard axle, Avenger H Series
• B = Manual transmission with 3.70 : 1 axle, Arrow
• C = Automatic transmission with 3.70 : 1 axle, Arrow
• D = Overdrive with 3.70 : 1 axle, Arrow
• E = Manual transmission with 3.89 : 1 axle, Arrow
• F = Auto transmission with 3.89 : 1 axle, Arrow
• G = Overdrive with 3.89 : 1 axle, Arrow
• H = Manual transmission with 4.22 : 1 axle, Arrow
• J = Automatic transmission with 4.22 : 1 axle, Arrow
• K = Overdrive with 4.22 : 1 axle, Arrow
• N = Manual transmission with standard axle, Avenger H Series
• S = Standard transmission, Imp
• W = Manual transmission with non-standard axle, Avenger H Series
• X = Automatic transmission with non-standard axle, Avenger H Series
• 1 = 4.37 : 1 axle with Manual transmission, Avenger 3 Series
• 2 = 4.37 : 1 axle with Automatic transmission, Avenger 3 Series
• 3 = 4.11 : 1 axle with Manual transmission, Avenger 3 Series
• 4 = 4.11 : 1 axle with Automatic transmission, Avenger 3 Series
• 5 = 3.89 : 1 axle with Manual transmission, Avenger 3 Series
• 6 = 3.89 : 1 axle with Automatic transmission, Avenger 3 Series

The 3rd letter is the OPTION CODE and indicates the vehicle was fitted with the following:

• A = No other option
• B = Servo brakes
• C = Servo brakes and radio
• D = Servo brakes and heavy duty suspension
• E = Servo brakes, heavy duty suspension and radio
• F = Radio
• G = Radio and heavy duty suspension
• H = Heavy duty suspension

The 4th letter is the MARKET AREA the vehicle was intended:-

• H = Home, R.H.D.
• E = Export, R.H.D.
• X = Export, L.H.D.

Paint Codes

The PAINT CODE box contains a group of three numbers which refer to the colour of paint used on the vehicle. (a full list of the colour codes will be added at a latter date).

The TRIM CODE box contains a group of three numbers which indicate the colour of trim used in the vehicle and they are as follows:

• 000 = Non-standard
• 701 = Black
• 707 = Eucalyptus Green
• 708 = Saddle
• 709 = Red
• 713 = Light Blue
• 714 = Vellum
• 715 = Green Opalescent
• 716 = Pewter Opelescent
• 717 = Tan Opelescent
• 718 = Blue Opelescent
• 719 = Olive Opelescent
• 720 = Turquoise Opelescent
• 721 = Block Opelescent
• 722 = Beige Opelescent
• 724 = Vellum Print

The TYPE CODE box repeats the Product Code, and Engine Code, with the addition of transmission alternatives:-

• 2 = Manual
• 3 = Overdrive
• 4 = Automatic

Rootes and Chrysler U.K. Passenger Cars

Download MSWord document of this file here
Get a PDF of this file here.

Engine
Gearbox
Rear Axle
Propeller Shaft
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension
Steering
Brakes

ENGINE

GEARBOX

Back to the top

REAR AXLE

Back to the top

PROPELLER SHAFT

FRONT SUSPENSION

Back to the top

REAR SUSPENSION

STEERING

Back to the top

BRAKES

Back to the top

All Rootes Show and Concours D’Elegance

TE/AE invites owners to display their Rootes vehicles in the All Rootes Show for everyone to enjoy and experience. For those who wish to present their cars to the scrutiny of a judging process, we invite you to participate in the Concours d’Elegance.

The All Rootes Show

All Rootes vehicles are special. Therefore we will provide a windscreen placard for the owner to list some characteristics about the car and its usage. Examples include: original owner; miles driven to the United, per year, since new and since the last United; awards won; unique features or uses; years owned. Even though vehicles on the show field are not formally judged, they are eligible to be selected by popular vote as the most desirable Alpine, Tiger or Rare Rootes vehicle at the Sunbeam United or as the Diamond-in-the-Rough by those in attendance. Enjoy and share your experience with others.

The Concours D’Elegance

While it is recognized that the largest quantity of Rootes vehicles preserved are Alpines and Tigers, TE/AE strives for the uniform recognition of ALL Rootes vehicles. Two distinct classes have been established: Stock for those owners whose intent is for their vehicles to represent the appearance and functional characteristics as produced at the factory and personalized for those owners whose intent is to enhance factory appearance and function (performance).

Class Descriptions

Stock

This class recognizes those vehicles that are intended to represent an “as manufactured” condition. Vehicles in this class were produced by Rootes manufacturing or an authorized coachwork company for sale to the retail public for use on public roads. Excludes Rootes race prepared and promotional vehicles.

Personalized

Vehicles in this class incorporate modern quality and engineering enhancements to the original appearance and functional items. Changes are typically considered as upgrades to factory offered appearance and functional items. Includes non-factory prepared race prepared vehicles.

Vehicle Categories

• Stock Alpine -1959 through 1968 roadsters
• Stock Tiger -1964 through 1967 roadsters
• Personalized Alpine – 1959 through 1968 roadsters
• Personalized Tiger – 1964 through 1967 roadsters
• Rare Rootes, Stock -For all Rootes vehicles other than 1959 through 1968 Alpine and Tigers. Includes Sedans, Roadsters, Estate wagons, Utility, Caravans, etc., Rootes authorized or factory prepared race and promotional vehicles and custom coachwork vehicles.
• Premiere Rootes – For vehicles that have won first place in their class in any national Sunbeam Marque club event during the previous thirty-six months. This category is intended to set a higher standard for concours presentation and as such will be a Judges vote based on a comparison of vehicles present with consideration given to the class and category the vehicle represents.

Guidelines for Determining Classification

To help you determine if your vehicle should be considered Stock or Personalized, identify modifications below that have been incorporated. These are guidelines. Not rules. It is in your best interest to place the vehicle in the class where it will be compared to other vehicles for similar characteristics. Please contact the Concours d’Elegance chairperson if you are uncertain.

1. Custom paint, different than factory code # (excludes “hue” differences)
2. Non-factory or non-LAT wheels
3. Non-stock appearing interior, upholstery, rugs
4. Chrome and trim changes
5. Custom steering wheel
6. Deletions of significant trim (i.e. bumper over-riders, grille bars, badges, etc.)
7. Non-stock appearing dashboard or crash pad
8. Non-LAT scoop or louvers
9. Non-factory lighting accessories
10. External engine performance modifications (non-LAT bolt-ons)
11. Engine compartment alterations (cooling louvers, etc.)
12. Roll bars
13. Obvious suspension modifications
14. Trunk modifications (Fuel cells, etc.)
15. Radical exhaust or side pipes
16. Different type engine (e.g. rotary, Toyota, V6, non-small block Ford V8)
17. Non-dealer installed tape players, radios, accessories, etc.

Showing Instructions

Questions on classifications must be settled prior to judging. Consult the Concours d’Elegance Chairperson if assistance is desired in determining classification. Contact information on registration form.

Your car will be judged as presented on the field and you should be present to open the doors, hood and trunk and to start your engine when asked or provide permission before judging starts for your car to be judged unattended.

Ashtrays and glove box should be empty and clean. Console may contain functional items such as registration, sunglasses, etc. The car’s (hard or soft) top must be on/up to receive full judging credit.

Any car found to be misclassified by its owner(s) will be significantly downgraded in the evaluation. Classification decisions of the Chairman of the Concours d’Elegance are final.

Judging Criteria

The major categories in which the each car will be judged are listed below. The points associated with each category and specific judging criteria vary by the judging class and are listed on the associated Judging Criteria Sheets.

• Exterior
• Chassis
• Engine Compartment
• Interior
• Trunk
• Function Test

Teams of judges will do the judging, each team scoring one or more particular classifications (exterior, chassis, etc.). In addition to the judges, advisors will be appointed to provide classification/expertise as necessary. Resource information available from acceptable recognized Marque experts will be used to train judges and settle conflicts. The Concours Chairman will resolve conflicts. An appeal may be submitted in writing to the TE/AE Board of Directors.

Stock Classes

Stock appearance should represent the original patina of the car as manufactured. The desired finish and texture of the paint, chrome, interior, engine compartment, trunk, chassis and other elements shall be as originally manufactured. This includes paint with some “orange peel”, grinding and polishing marks under chrome plating, original wiring harnesses and terminals, etc. High luster show quality paint and chrome is a deviation from stock appearance. Attempts to replace original equipment as closely as possible, such as upholstery and paint colors are acceptable and encouraged. Modifications and miscellaneous additions will tend to reduce total points in this class. Replacement service items will not be considered as modifications. For example, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap, coolant hoses and clamps, filters, bolts, etc. However, when scores are close or tied, vehicles with the most features (hardware, trim, etc.) accurately replicating factory conditions will achieve the higher score. These stock criteria are aimed at recognizing those cars/owners who strive for a true stock condition.

Personalized Classes

Personalized appearance represents visual and mechanical engineering changes to original interior, exterior, trunk, electrics, etc. that improve overall appearance and/or performance but retain the original design appearance and functional upgrades of existing factory features. Non-standard paint, top and interior colors are acceptable. Included in this class are vehicles with radical, non-typical, changes that depart from original visual and mechanical design. Examples include sheet metal alterations, different engine types (V-6, rotary, Toyota, non-small block V8, Alpines with a V-8), engine blowers, turbo chargers, fuel Injection, etc.), replacement or enhancement of the Sunbeam suspension with another type, non-stock engine position, non-stock drive-line, frame or body alterations for racing, elimination or replacement of a combination of original interior/exterior items with non-Sunbeam related items (different seats, dash, bumpers, gauges, fuel cells, roll cages).

Rare Rootes

Rare Rootes judging will be based on a comparison of vehicles present in class (Stock or Personalized) with consideration given to the class the vehicle represents. Vehicles campaigned solely in national or international sanctioned race organization events are candidates for this class. Vehicle results are compared to those in the Rare Rootes class to determine the class winner.

Premiere Rootes

Premiere Rootes judging will be by a Judge’s vote. Judges will base their assessments on a comparison of vehicles present in class (Stock or Personalized) with consideration given to the class the vehicle represents.

Award Presentations

Awards will be presented in the following vehicle categories:

Judged Concours d’Elegance (trophies awarded)

• Stock Alpine (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Stock Tiger (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Personalized Alpine (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Personalized Tiger (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Rare Rootes (Award(s) for all Rootes vehicles (Non-Alpine/Tiger) combined (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
• Premiere Rootes (Judges Vote) (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Popular Vote (For Vehicles in All Rootes Show and Concours d’Elegance)

The Popular Vote categories are open to vehicles in the All Rootes Show and the Concours d’Elegance. Individuals registered for the event will receive a ballot with which they can vote for their favorite cars. Vote for the most desirable vehicle in each category below from all vehicles entered in the Concours d’Elegance, including Premier, Personalized, Stock Class and the All Rootes Show.

• Most Desirable Alpine (Chosen from all 1959 through 1968 Alpine roadsters)
• Most Desirable Tiger (Chosen from all 1964 through 1967 Tiger roadsters)
• Most Desirable Rare Rootes Vehicle (Chosen from all Rare Rootes Class vehicles)
• Diamond-in-the-Rough (Any Rootes vehicle)
• The Most Desirable ROOTES vehicle (Any Rootes vehicle)

Popular Vote Guidelines

Most Desirable
Your choice of the vehicle in each category that you would like to own.

Most Desirable ROOTES
Your choice of each of the vehicle from all categories, that in your opinion, best represents the marque in appearance and condition.

Diamond-in-the-Rough
This class rewards the one car that is the most esthetically challenged vehicle which the owner has demonstratively and enthusiastically shown to be their “Personal Pride” by overcoming obstacles of sneering, jeering, and lack of apparent vehicle mechanical integrity and comfort. It is un-restored or unfinished, it is rough, it may even be ugly, but it has that operational and visual patina and quality that sets it apart from the others.

Long Distance Award
This award is given to the Rootes vehicle that was driven longest distance to the United. The winner will be determined by the mileage noted on the windscreen placard of the vehicles in the Rootes Show or the Concours d’Elegance.

Additional Resources

West Coast autocross and classifications and rules

West Coast Tigers United Workbook

updated 6/21/05

General Dimensions

Weight (approx.) with fuel and water

Add 20 lbs. (9 kg.) to these figures if an overdrive is fitted

Towing capacity (MAX)

Capacities

NUMBER: 68-12
DATE: 6-27-68
GROUP: Cooling
SUBGROUP: Temperature Sending Unit

MODELS: Arrow & Alpine V
SUBJECT: Corrosion Of Temperature Sending Unit

Since the introduction in approximately mid-January 1967, of a steel temperature sending unit, fitting into the thermostat housing a number of complaints have been received of corrosion of the unit together with difficult removal.

In some instances, corrosion may take place due to poor electrical contacts between the sending unit threads and the body of the thermostat housing; to overcome the problem the existing fiber sealing washer should be replaced with an aluminum washer, part #5059482.

In an effort to minimize sending unit failures, it is recommended that the washer be replaced when your customer comes for routine service. Effective chassis number is B081000100, B051010000 and B395014000.

J. J. Rivers
SERVICE MANAGER

NUMBER: 68-3
DATE: 2-28-68
GROUP: Engine
SUBGROUP: Cylinder Head

MODELS: Alpine, Imp, Minx, and Arrow
SUBJECT: Cylinder Head Bolt Tightness

Effective immediately, the cylinder head bolt torque loading figure has been reduced from 48 ft. lbs. to 45 ft. lbs.

Please correct the appropriate Service Manuals.

NOTE: Check tightness of bolts:

1. Cast Iron Head – HOT

2. Aluminum Head – COLD

J. J. Rivers
Manager – Service & Parts

NUMBER: 67-9
DATE: Jan 23, 1967
GROUP: Transmission
SUBGROUP: Adjustment

MODELS: All Models
SUBJECT: Borg Warner 35 Transmission

It is very important that correct adjustment of the downshift cable and the selector linkage be carried out when servicing cars fitted with the Borg Warner ’35′ Automatic Transmission.

Unless correct adjustment is carried out, severe damage may occur to the unit together with rough gear change characteristics.

1. The Downshift Cable must be carefully adjusted as described on pages 9 and 10, Part 1, of the Workshop Manual 139. This adjustment must be checked using a TACHOMETER AND PRESSURE gauge, as this will ensure that the crimped stop on the cable is correctly positioned. Incorrect adjustment will give incorrect gear change speeds, excessive slip on take off and in some cases severe downshift.
   • Excessive slip may also burn out the front clutch with subsequent failure of the complete unit.
2. The Selector Linkage must be adjusted correctly to allow full hydraulic pressure to operate the various clutch plates and brake bands as and when required.

Incorrect adjustment can again result in excessive slip and eventual failure of the unit.

On part throttle acceleration, gear changes are difficult to detect, especially intermediate to top, consequently it is essential that this check is carried out.

NOTE: To correctly diagnosis complaints, it is important where possible to carry out the full road test procedure as described on page 4, Part 3, of the WSM 139. This is the most important phase of complaint diagnosis on automatic transmission.

T.H. Bullard

NUMBER: 67-6
DATE: Jan 23, 1967
GROUP: Borg Warner 35 Transmission
SUBGROUP: Front Pump

MODELS: All Models Equipped With Borg Warner 35 Transmission
SUBJECT: Front Pump Oil Leak

A number of cases have been reported where the front pump assembly is replaced to correct an oil leak, when actually only the oil seal was effected.

Where complaints of this nature are encountered, it is recommended that the following action be taken.

Remove transmission.

Remove front pump assembly referring to Service Manual #139 part 4 (Front Pump Assembly) disassemble, noting carefully the position of the oil pump gears, so that on re-assemble they are returned to their correct location.

1. Be sure the convertor rear support bushing is in good condition and is not turning in the case.
2. Replace oil seal, part number 9102114 and pump body “O” ring part #9107128.
   NOTE: After fitting oil seal, be sure that the oil drain hole located between the oil seal and convertor rear support bushing is clear, as this drain relieves excessive oil build up at the seal.
3. Re-fit pump assembly using new gaskets.
4. Road test to be sure of correct adjustment of the downshift cable and selector linkage as described in Service Manual 139. Check for oil leaks.

T.H. Bullard
Manager – Service & Parts