Oh, then according to the Tiger folks, a huge number of them are driving around with V8's and chrome stripes, with more and more popping up every day.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 15:54:02 -0700 From: "Rich Atherton" <gumby(at)connectexpress.com> Subject: Re: Alpine Conversion ID's ...was Alger identification
Well, the Tiger has the JAL plate (Jensen Assembly Line), perhaps = the Alpine Conversions could have a OCA (Owner Custom Assembly), or APC = (Alpine Performance Conversion). personally, I like the APC plate idea. = It's non-specific, and obviously, and modification is going to be done = to aid in the performance of the car in some way. I know someone out = there works at some place the does engraving or at least that's where = their web page is..Anyway, I would suggest that these plates be = designed as follows....(Display this message in fixed sys font for my = text art work.
/----------------------------------------------------\
| |
| Alpine Perfomance Conversion |
| "S" |
| APC DATE __/__/____ | =20
| APC REGISTRATION # __________________ |
| APC BUILDER _________________________ |
| |
| |
| CONVERSION COMPONENTS: |
| ENGINE: __________________________________________ |
| BORE: _____ STROKE: _____ Compression Ratio: _____ |
| FIRING ORDER: __________ TIMING: _________________ |
| TRANSMISSION: ____________________________________ |
| STEERING: ________________________________________ |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: ________________________________ |
| REAR SUSPENSION: _________________________________ |
| REAR AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL: __________________________ |
| BRAKES: __________________________________________ |
| OTHER: ___________________________________________ |
| ___________________________________________ |
| ___________________________________________ |
| |
| CONTACT "organization" FOR COMPLETE DETAILS AND |
| ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES FOR THIS ALPINE PERFORMANCE |
| CONVERSION, OR IF ANY CHANGES ARE MADE. |
\----------------------------------------------------/
OK, well there it is. For my future car, the Engine would read "63 = BUICK 215 V-8, 65 BUICK 300 Heads" Bore 3.5" Stroke 2.8", etc....
The "S" at the top represents where the Sunbeam Emblem would be silk = screened on to this plate. This plate would be shiny Aluminum ID plate = style, with black lettering on bare aluminum background, and the areas = for the information would be bare aluminum as well, all other areas = would be black. A color Sunbeam emblem would be very cool, but probably = too expensive.
Some organization like CAT, TE/AE, PTC, or even TAC would keep the = records of these plates, and would do the issueing. And would keep = records so anyone interested in buying on of these cars could simply = make a call, and receive a fax of the complete details of the = conversion, including ALLmajor components used. This would include = anything that was not a stock component, or not a stock component of the = larger component. For instance...I I chose to go with a roller rocker = set in my BUICK 215, that would have to be listed in the complete = details, but not on the plate. Although, if I used a solid lifter cam, = the Valve clearances should be listed on the plate under "OTHER" to = allow normal rutine maintenance. These detailed records shuld include = EVERYTHING that was changed on the car...other than replacing defective = original equipment with working version of the same...Like replacing a = bad tach for a good one but it's still a original Sunbeam Alpine guage. = Might want to include the cars serial number on the plate and in the = records because the plate's registration number goes with the car. The = permanent details on record will not be modified, but only ammended to, = so there will be a traveling history of changes for any one car. I = think the Barnets (sp) record will be the size of "war and peace". 8-)
What does everyoe think of this idea? I like it, and would use for my = own conversion when I get to it. It will also be a FANTASTIC record of = things that work, and things that don't. Pictures "Should accompany the = records......I think that this would be great. Any comments?
>If I built an Alger I would want some way to "mark" the car in a =
standard,
>permanent, and definitive way. A "mark" that would clear my conscious =
and
>tell the world that when it comes to the value of my car; THIS IS AN =
ALPINE
>CONVERSION! If we made the means of "marking" the cars available at no
>charge through the clubs at least we could have people build Algers and =
not
>feel bad about it - or wonder if it will someday be passed off as a =
Tiger. =20
>
>Brad in Florida