I have restored 2 of these cars and can help on a lot of stuff and where to get it. Fan belts to use are Gates 20A1175 (metric size in Canada which translates to a 7/8" x 46.5" or equivalent. Radiator hoses you can likely buy locally by going by size as there are no listing in old catalogs for them. You can get new BFGoodrich or Firestone tires 5:50x16 WW (don't use 6:00x16 as it is too close to the rear wheel openings) from Coker Tire in Chattanooga, TN, Phone 1-800-251-6366. These are made using the old molds. I have the BFG and they work fine.
Another point to note is the gearbox (transmission) uses SAE30 NON Detergent engine oil (available at auto supply stores) and nothing else. Check to make sure that someone has not put 80-90 Hypoid oil in it as this will shorten the life considerably. I have been using SAE30 for the past 36 years in my drophead coupe. The various lubricants to use in the car are listed on the vehicle information plate (VIN) on the firewall above the battery. BTW, if the engine has not been replaced, the VIN on the plate should match the engine number (on the block just under the head gasket beneath No. 1 cylinder.
Later, Bob
At 05:13 PM 8/16/1998 -0700, you wrote:
>Hi, everybody: In about a week I'll be actually getting my new (53
>talbot 90) Sunbeam to a place where I can work on it, and I'm thinking
>about some of the stuff I should do right off. I'll need to replace all
>the belts, ducts, hoses, etc. Does anyone know if I can just pick up a
>set up these things? If so, where? Would STAR be my best shot, or is
>there someplace local?
>
>There is also the question of tires. The car still has tires from the
>60's on it, and while they may be admirable museum pieces, they
>obviously need to be replaced. Since they aren't radials, I was
>wondering if there were any problems lurking about. Will the radials
>fit on the wheels comfortably? Can anyone tell be a good source for
>REAL white walls?
>
>TIA
>
>Irv
>
>
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Robert (Bob) A.C. Hamilton, Waverley, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Man of Many Sunbeams - Alpine, Drophead and Saloon 1953-1954
Home Page: http://www.navnet.net/~hamilton/index.html
E-Mail: hamilton(at)navnet.net
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