MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES

No. 191

June 30, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

SOFT TOP ASSEMBLY – SUNBEAM ALPINE

A number of instances have been brought to our attention where Dealers and owners have found the soft top assembly very difficult to erect feeling that the soft top assembly fabric has been cut too short and will not sufficiently reach the header panel and give sufficient compression at the header panel to ensure against water leaks at this location, not to mention the difficulty in fastening the hold down hasps on either side.
When cases of this nature are encountered it is suggested that the rivets in the secondary bow which attaches to the primary bow at the waist moulding be removed allowing the secondary bow to drop down. The Convertible soft top cover assembly should then be fastened properly to the header panel and the hasps adjusted for sufficient compression. The secondary bow then should be trussed back up to its original position when it can easily be seen new holes should be drilled in the secondary bow approximately 3/8″ above the existing rivet holes and new rivets should be installed. This action will give sufficient relief to the soft top assembly to facilitate relatively less difficult fitting, especially in the case of women drivers.

It should also be noted that the zippers as fitted to early production units should not be zipped or unzipped when the Convertible top cover is fastened to the header panel. Such action puts an undue strain on the zippers and readily tears them out. All owners should be fully instructed that the zipper should not be operated until the soft top assembly has been released from the header panel.

In cases where the zippers do become torn it is possible to effect a modification to the top cover assembly similar to our current production models which eliminates completely the zipper. This can be accomplished by:

1) Remove the existing zipper.

2) Sew to the existing zipper location a double-skinned piece of black vinyl cloth similar to the soft top cover color.

3) Install within the double-skinned thickness welting the length of the periphery of the belt rail rear quarter section, making certain the welting is sewn on either side as evidenced in the sketch attached in such a manner that when the soft top stowage panels are put back in place the side stowage panel top cover compresses against the welting making an adequate water seal at the belt rail periphery.

There is also sufficient material on the top cover assembly to install two (2) dot fasteners to the body at the suggested points indicated in the sketch attached which should then render the modification quite acceptable.

Should there be any question with regard to this suggested modification and you will contact this office we shall be pleased to give you the benefit of our thinking.

Kindly bring the foregoing to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

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SUNBEAM ALPINE SOFT TOP ASSEMBLY

SUGGESTED MODIFICATION – SECONDARY BOW
To Relieve Soft Top Tension for Easier Closure.

1. Remove secondary bow C to main bow D attaching rivets A right hand side and left hand side.

2. Fasten soft top cover assembly to windshield header panel and secure with attaching hasps making sure of adequate compression of soft top cover header weatherstrip to windshield frame.

3. Adjust secondary bow to approximately same location on soft top cover as before making certain maximum play is removed from cover assembly without being drum tight when it can be determined where the rivet relocation holes can be drilled in the secondary bow B using as a guide the existing rivet holes in the main bow, both right hand and left hand sides.

It will be noted the distance between centers of the existing and relocated holes in the secondary bow (A – B) should be approximately 3/8″.

4. Refit new rivets.

Approximate modification time 1.5 hours.

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SUGGESTED MODIFICATION REPLACING ZIPPERS
SUNBEAM ALPINE CONVERTIBLE
SOFT TOP COVER ASSEMBLY

1. Remove top cover.
2. Remove torn zipper sections from top cover as well as from periphery of belt molding.

3. Fabricate double skinned vinyl strips approximately 2-7/8″ wide and 20″ long and insert 5/8″ welting the length of the strips between the skins and stitch on either side of welting to assure positive location. Note: Welting should be so located that when the side hood stowage panels are pressed in the closed position the edge of the stowage panel that abuts the body waist molding will compress against and atop the welting at all points along the periphery of the body waist.

4. The fabricated vinyl panels should then be sewn to the soft top cover assembly in the same location as was the previous zipper.

5. To insure removal of all soft top cover wrinkles which may present themselves in the locations of the rear quarter and rear vinyl windows, two dot fasteners should be installed on each side of the soft top cover with the reciprocal portion of the fastener installed in the outer body metal – per sketch attached.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EASIDRIVE
No. 190
June 9, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

It has come to our attention that the special shouldered nut Throttle Spindle, Part No. P117796 has, in some instances, backed off its threads and can be lost through normal operation of the vehicle.

It was also found that in order to properly adjust the Throttle linkage a certain binding is incurred when this special shouldered nut is properly torqued.

We have now been advised by our factory that a change in the manufacturing limits on the Outer Washer, P85994, Actuating Lever 1203133 and P117796 Spindle Nut, shows that Lever End Float can be .016″ clearance to .002″ interference.

In cases where the Spindle Nut cannot be tightened without causing binding of the Actuating Lever, the Outer Washer P85994 should be replaced by one of smaller dimensions but of .028″ thickness. If this thinner washer is not available the existing Outer Washer P88994 is to be removed. This will give end float in excess of requirements but does ensure that the Actuating Lever is free on the Throttle Spindle Nut with the latter fully tightened.

Kindly bring this to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

COOLING

No. 189

June 9, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

ANTI-FREEZE

With the approach of summer, we would remind all Dealers that anti-freeze should be drained from the cooling system of cars during the summer months, otherwise fouling of the cooling system and overheating are liable to occur.

In cars which have been sold this is, of course, the owner’s responsibility, but it is possible that you have new cars in stock and also that cars may be in transit to you from our Depot. It is with particular reference to those cars that we are issuing this bulletin.

Will you please ensure that all cars in stock and received from us are checked and if they have anti-freeze in the cooling system it should be drained by opening the drain cocks on the radiator and cylinder block, flushing out the system and refilling with water.

We do know, however, many owners are successfully using the newly introduced DOWGARD and TELAR year-round coolant fluid and in this particular situation it may well be that your location will want to actively merchandise this material which can be procured through your local DuPont or Dow Chemical distributor.

We do know however the installation of this material does increase the boiling temperature limits of the cooling system which does in many instances forestall overheating and lack of performance in highly congested metropolitan areas, more especially when overheating is encountered in connection with air conditioners, particularly on Humber Super Snipe models.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F. J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES
No. 188
June 9, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

1,000 MILE INSPECTIONS

It has come to our attention that a number of transient Servicing Dealers are performing 1,000 Mile Inspections on Rootes Group owner vehicles.

While this practice is encouraged to ensure owner’s satisfaction with the vehicle, we feel we must draw to your attention the instances where 1,000 Mile Inspection Coupons are received here which are definitely carbon copies.

It must be remembered that the 1,000 Mile Inspection Coupon holds the same value as does a check or money order with a bank. Obviously, these institutions will not accept carbon copies and certainly the selling Dealer, whose responsibility it is to provide the 1,000 Mile Inspection service and who is debited in the case of transient 1,000 Mile Inspection services, is entitled to be charged on a valid coupon.

Until further notice, this office will not accept any 1,000 Mile Inspection Coupons from transient Dealers for 1,000 Mile Inspections if the Coupon is not the original, which would include signatures.

It should also be remembered that the 1,000 Mile Inspection should be accorded owners as stipulated on the owner’s 1,000 Mile Inspection Coupon, within the first 1,500 miles of driving. We do not think it reasonable that an owner be tendered a 1,000 Mile Inspection at excessive accumulated miles within the Warranty period.

Kindly bring this to the attention of all personnel at your location.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

LUBRICANTS
No. 187
June 2, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

FACTORY-FILL BREAK-IN LUBRICANTS

A number of instances have come to our attention where owners have not returned to the selling Dealer at the first 500 mile interval to have the original factory-fill break-in lubricants drained and refilled with the proper viscosity replacement oils.

Due to close machining tolerances in the engine, gearbox and rear axle assemblies, break-in oils are a necessity. In the process of running in, however, there is always some possibility of some metallic particles and foreign material, the resultants of running in, contaminating the major assembly lubricants as well as the oil filter cartridge.

Retention of contaminated oils in the major assemblies can over extended periods be detrimental tn the life and/or economical operation of the vehicle.

Prudent judgment for the continuation of owner satisfaction without a serious or even costly mishap suggests that all Dealers advise new car owners of the importance of having the original factory-fill oils in the engine, gearbox and rear axle assemblies drained and refilled at the first 500 miles of running in.

By adhering to this recommendation all Dealers will be offering their new car owners one more preventative maintenance service in the owners’ interests, not to mention the increased service shop revenue through the sale of these lubricants to owners.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

NUMBER:60-185

DATE: June l, 1960

GROUP: STEERING

MODEL: SUNBEAM ALPINE

SUBJECT: MUD AND WATER ENTRY INTO FRONT HUB BEARINGS

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

This may be caused by a defective hub oil seal or by a damaged `O’ ring seal (Part No. 9107088) on the conical seat of wire wheel type hubs.

HUB OIL SEAL

From Chassis No. B9006126 onwards a double lip oil seal has been fitted. The Part No. of the seal is 1206002 and it must be very carefully pressed into position as shown in the adjoining illustration. Before replacing the front hub ensure the distance piece on which the seal rotates is free from burrs. An end float of .000″/.004″ (0/.11mm) must exist after replacing the front hub.

‘O’ RING

Care must be taken to ensure that when removing or fitting wire type road wheels that the `O’ ring is not damaged. The slightest damage to the ‘O’ ring requires it to be renewed.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts

NUMBER:60-184
DATE: May 31, 1960
GROUP: TRANSMISSION & OVERDRIVE
MODEL: SUNBEAM RAPIER AND ALPINE

SUBJECT: “D” TYPE OVERDRIVE OIL LEAKS

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

For some time we have investigated a few cases of overdrive failure due to oil loss which became associated with sustained high speed driving.

It is felt that to overcome this condition it is prudent judgment to re-introduce the exterior air balance pipe which our overseas production has adopted from Chassis No. B3005253 Rapier and B9005038 Alpine.

An additional suggestion is to blank off the overdrive breather with a plug, Part No. 9804020.

In known cases of customers who are habitual sustained high speed motorists it is suggested that the overdrives on these vehicles be inspected for the balance pipe and blanking plug and if not already fitted, to install these items to eliminate the possibility of oil leakage from the overdrive unit coupled with a possible subsequent failure of the unit due to the lack of lubricant.

The forementioned balance pipes and blanking plugs are available through our Parts Depot under the respective corresponding Part Numbers.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

May 17, 1960
TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS AND WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS
SERVICE ADVICE LETTER NO. 181

WATER LEAKS
SUNBEAM ALPINE

While investigating a number of complaints received here from Dealers and owners relative to water leaks in and around the windshield area we have found a number of instances where three (3) of the seven (7) windshield-to-cowl mounting bolts were missing.

Since our vehicles are shipped without the windshields in place they must be refitted immediately the vehicles are received by our Dealers or at warehouse locations.

The windshield installers have neglected to install the center and two corner windshield mounting bolts, Obviously, a lack of compression of the windshield-to-cowl is experienced with consequent water leakage into the cubby boxes, etc.

We are also advised by our overseas associates that the windshield assemblies are mated to the particular chassis. It is therefore important that windshields are not transferred between vehicles.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

F.J. McGettrick
Manager
Wholesale Parts & Service Depts.

May 10, 1960
TO ALL ROOTS GROUP DEALERS
SERVICE ADVICE LETTER NO. 179

HUMBER SUPER SNIPE SERIES I & II
SUMP OIL LEAKS

When investigating cases of oil leaks at the sump area the following points should be noted:

1. Oil leakage can occur from a number of points above the sump face joint and may give the impression that the flange joint is leaking. Oil can run on to the sump flange edge and flow along between the flange edge and stiffener to the small gaps between the stiffener ends, and then down on to the bottom face of the sump.

2. Attention should be given to the fuel pump flange joint, tappet chamber covers or their bolts and oil filter and joints.

3. On cars fitted with Power Steering a check should be made to ensure that oil is not leaking from the Power Steering oil pump.

4. Oil leaks do not occur at the sump flange provided that the sump joint is correctly fitted and the fixing bolts properly tightened.

Will you please bring this to the attention of all concerned at your location without delay.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED

March 15, 1960

TO ALL ROOTES GROUP DEALERS

SERVICE ADVICE LETTER NO. 165

HILLMAN MINX WITH EASIDRIVE

CARBURETOR SETTINGS

It has come to the attention of our factory during certain tests, a few EASIDRIVE equipped cars have been found to show a slight hesitancy in pick-up after the Low-Intermediate gear change.

A 105 compensator jet is now specified and will shortly be available through Parts for Easidrive models in place of the standard size to counteract this tendency, and may be fitted to earlier cars in service if necessary.

Kindly bring the above to the attention of all concerned.

ROOTES MOTORS INCORPORATED