Sunbeam Rapier (III to IV) and Alpine (I to IV) Workshop Manual

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This manual covers the Rapier (Series III, IIIA, IV, IVA) and Alpine (Series I, II, III, IV), produced by the Rootes Group. These vehicles, manufactured in England, represent a classic...

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UGS: 146534

Mots clés: Alpine Alpine I Alpine II Alpine III Alpine IV Car Construction Dumpers Mk IV Muck Truck Rapier III Rapier IV Sunbeam

Variantes de produits

Description

This manual covers the Rapier (Series III, IIIA, IV, IVA) and Alpine (Series I, II, III, IV), produced by the Rootes Group. These vehicles, manufactured in England, represent a classic era of British motoring, with the Rapier offering a sporty coupe experience and the Alpine a nimble convertible. Known for their distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics, these cars were designed for spirited road use and achieved notable success in motorsport, including rallies and endurance races. The Rapier models typically featured inline 4-cylinder engines ranging from 1494 cc to 1592 cc, often paired with twin SU or Zenith Stromberg carburetors and a 4-speed manual transmission, with optional overdrive. The Alpine shared similar powertrains and chassis components, tailored for its open-top sports car configuration. This comprehensive workshop manual provides detailed technical information for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of your Rapier or Alpine. It covers all major mechanical and electrical systems, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, braking, steering, and electrical components. Within these pages, you will find step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic procedures for common issues, essential torque specifications, fluid recommendations, and clear wiring diagrams. This resource is designed to assist enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians in preserving the reliability, performance, and value of these iconic vehicles through accurate and thorough servicing.

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Sunbeam

Model:

Rapier / Alpine

Model Variant:

Rapier (Series III to IV), Alpine (Series I to IV)

Codes

Common Chassis Codes:

Rapier: HP5, HP7, HP8, HP33; Alpine: 26100, 26101, 26102, 26103

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional restorers, and owners of Sunbeam Rapier and Alpine vehicles.

Competitive Analysis

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, detailed technical information for maintenance, repair, and restoration, crucial for preserving the value and usability of these classic vehicles.

Key Features

Essential Resource:

Indispensable for ordering correct parts and performing accurate repairs, saving time and preventing costly mistakes.

Digital Convenience:

Instant download and printable pages offer flexibility and cleanliness compared to traditional paper manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Covered Models:

Sunbeam Rapier (Series III, IIIA, IV, IVA) and Sunbeam Alpine (Series I, II, III, IV)

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 300-600 pages for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era.

Manual Type

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, specifications, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Rootes/Chrysler 4-speed and optional 5-speed overdrive), clutch, gearbox overhaul, maintenance.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, differential, driveshafts, universal joints, maintenance and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (Dunlop/Girling), rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, brake shoe/pad replacement, bleeding procedures, specifications.

Steering:

Steering box, linkage, column, maintenance and adjustment, steering geometry.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator/generator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ignition system, troubleshooting.

Bodywork:

Body shell repair, panel replacement, doors, hood, trunk, trim, glass, convertible top mechanism (Alpine).

Heating And Ventilation:

Heater matrix, ducting, fan, operation.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (mechanical), carburettors (SU, Zenith Stromberg), adjustment and overhaul.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, maintenance.

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical fault finding.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Complete engine, gearbox, differential, carburettor, and brake system overhauls.

Specifications:

Torque settings for critical fasteners, engine timings, valve clearances, ignition timing, fluid capacities, wear limits.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Interpreting wiring diagrams, testing electrical components, identifying shorts and open circuits.

Chassis And Body:

Body panel alignment, rust repair considerations, door hardware adjustment.

Technical Depth

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop manual covering complete tear-down and rebuild procedures for all major mechanical and electrical systems.

Diagnostic Level:

Detailed troubleshooting sections and diagnostic flowcharts for identifying and resolving common issues.

Illustration Quality:

Includes numerous pictures, photographs, and detailed line drawings/diagrams to illustrate procedures and components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Format:

Adobe PDF

Print Quality

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital format, suitable for clear printing of all text, diagrams, and photographs.

Binding Type

Binding Type:

Digital (N/A for PDF, but printable).

Paper Type

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for PDF, but printable on any paper type).

Searchability

Text Searchability:

Typically searchable text within PDF for quick information retrieval.

Compatibility

Operating Systems:

Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV).

Displacement Rapier:

1494 cc (91.2 cu in) for Rapier III/IIIA; 1592 cc (97.1 cu in) for Rapier IV/IVA

Displacement Alpine:

1494 cc (91.2 cu in) for Alpine I/II; 1592 cc (97.1 cu in) for Alpine III/IV

Performance

Horsepower Rapier 1500:

Approximately 70-75 bhp (Gross)

Horsepower Rapier 1600:

Approximately 80-85 bhp (Gross)

Horsepower Alpine 1500:

Approximately 70-75 bhp (Gross)

Horsepower Alpine 1600:

Approximately 80-85 bhp (Gross)

Torque Figures:

Refer to manual for specific torque figures for each engine variant and application.

Fuel System

Carburettors:

Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., HS2, HS4) or Zenith Stromberg CD series, depending on model and year.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded petrol (for later models/conversions), leaded petrol (original specification) with appropriate octane rating (e.g., 95 RON).

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual synchromesh (Rootes/Chrysler gearbox).

Optional

Overdrive:

Optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive, typically on 3rd and 4th gears, often available on Rapier models.

Features

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios provided within the manual for each transmission variant.

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate, hydraulically operated.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Body Styles:

2-door coupe (Rapier), 2-door convertible sports car (Alpine).

Wheelbase:

Approximately 86 inches (2184 mm).

Length:

Approximately 157 inches (3988 mm).

Width:

Approximately 60 inches (1524 mm).

Height:

Approximately 50 inches (1270 mm) for Coupe, slightly lower for convertible.

Weights

Kerb Weight:

Approximately 1900-2100 lbs (860-950 kg) depending on model and equipment.

Payload Capacity:

N/A (Passenger car).

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings from modern agencies as vehicles predate standardized testing.

Active Features

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (typical for the era). Effective for the vehicle's performance envelope.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering system.

Passive Features

Seatbelts:

Lap belts typically standard, three-point belts may have been optional or fitted later.

Body Construction:

Body-on-chassis construction (Alpine) or unitary body construction (Rapier), typical of the period.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Radio:

Optional factory-fitted or dealer-fitted radios, typically AM broadcast band.

Driver Assistance

Braking Systems:

Basic hydraulic braking system without ABS or power assistance.

Connectivity

Charging System:

Lucas dynamo (generator) or alternator, depending on year and model.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months. Consult manual for specific intervals for engine oil and filter.

Grease Points:

Regular greasing of suspension, steering linkage, and driveshaft UJs is critical. Refer to manual for specific points and intervals.

Tune Up Frequency:

Recommended annually or every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) for spark plug check, ignition timing, carburation adjustment, and valve clearance check.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (for higher mileage engines) API SF/CD or equivalent. Consult manual for precise recommendation.

Gearbox Oil:

e.g., GL4 Hypoid gear oil SAE 80 or 90. Specify for manual transmission and overdrive unit if fitted.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid (check manual for specific type).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (50/50) with corrosion inhibitors.

Known Issues

Rust:

Common issue in sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and chassis outriggers due to age and materials.

Engine Wear:

Piston ring wear, valve guide wear, oil consumption, and potential bearing wear with high mileage.

Carburetor Issues:

SU carburetors can suffer from worn throttle spindles and incorrect jet centering, leading to poor running.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring looms, corroded connections, and Lucas electrical components can lead to intermittent faults.

Suspension Wear:

Worn bushes, ball joints, and kingpins can cause steering vagueness and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Manufacturer:

Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe).

Model Evolution

Rapier Development:

The Rapier was a sportier, more luxurious version of the Sunbeam saloon range, evolving through several series with engine and styling updates.

Alpine Development:

The Alpine was a stylish, small two-seater convertible developed for the North American market, enjoying significant success and several iterations.

Production

Production Years Rapier:

Rapier III: 1959-1963; Rapier IIIA: 1963-1964; Rapier IV: 1964-1965; Rapier IVA: 1965-1967.

Production Years Alpine:

Alpine I: 1959-1960; Alpine II: 1960-1963; Alpine III: 1963-1964; Alpine IV: 1964-1968.

Manufacturing Location:

Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, England.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Motorsport Success:

The Sunbeam Alpine achieved notable success in rallies and endurance races, including class wins at Sebring and Le Mans, highlighting its robust design.