Alpines List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Jan Eyerman <(email redacted)>

Jon,

If I were considering using a '57 Minx as a daily driver in Omaha for the
winter, I would consider moving the radiator INSIDE the car! Actually, I
would start looking for a "South Wind" heater. I'd also start looking for
engine block heaters. Actually, here is my thinking....


1. Replace steering box with recirculating ball unit from '59 or later Minx

2. Replace carb with one with accelerator pump (Series IIIA or later)

3. Install some sort of engine heater

4. Order 4 real snow tires, with studs.

5. Install Pertronix in distributor

6. Add fuel line filter

7. Install new VW coil (can be any US brand or Bosch)

8. Install the biggest, most amp hour battery you can find

9. Install battery heater

10. Install seat belts or, if possible, shoulder belts

Optionals:

1. Install larger front brakes (from later Minx-IIIA or Rapier)

2. Install alternator (and convert to Negative ground)

3. Convert to floor shift

4. Install 2 speed wiper motor

Just my thoughts,

Jan







"jon" <(email redacted)> wrote:
This sounds like one of the craziest things I've ever said, but
unfortunately, I'm not going to make the St. Louis United, because I have to
work on my car!

With my recent job change, I lost my company car. That means my other cars
have been pressed into service for my trip to work. That's no real problem,
as the trip is quite short, and the parking is secure. The Humbers have seen
the most use, but the Funwagon makes the trip every now and then, too.
However, winter here in Nebraska is quite severe, and here in the "urban
center" of Omaha, they use salt PROFUSELY. Therefore, I won't drive my
"nice" cars during the winter months, which are fast approaching.

After shopping around a bit for a "beater" winter car, and finding only so
much cr*p, I decided I had only one choice. I have a 1957 Minx saloon that I
was planning on parting out to supply spare parts for my 1958 Minx
convertible. Well, that '57 is to be my winter car.

So, for the past week or so, I've been busting my butt putting everything
back ON the car that I'd taken OFF. This will put my convertible project
behind a little, but since it has no top at the moment, it was going to
spend the winter in the garage, anyway. Now, it'll be spending the winter on
jackstands instead of wheels.

I've already appealed to some listers for bits that I'm missing, and as I
progress, I know I'll need more. I'll keep you all informed, and scream for
help when needed. But hopefully, not very often!

Wish me luck!

Jon Arzt
Omaha , NE USA

"Midwest Rootes Refuge"
1957 Hillman Minx
1958 Hillman Minx convertible
1961 Humber Super Snipe saloon
1966 Humber Super Snipe estate
1966 Sunbeam Alpine
1967 Sunbeam Funwagon
1974 Commer AutoSleeper


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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Jan Eyerman <(email redacted)>

One of the best winter cars I ever owned was a 1961 Hillman Husky Series II.
It had been owned by a builder who went some pretty rough construction sites
and it had the most aggressive snow tires I had ever seen (they were either
600x15 or 650x15). They almost went "clunk" every time the wheel turned. But
man that car could go through snow. I bought it for $215 and sold it years
later for $100. The new owner did some work and drove it for several years.


I think a well set up Minx will be a goer in the snow provided you use "real"
snow tires or chains.

Jan








(email redacted) wrote:
I'd actually recommend a Honda Civic as a winter "beater". They're cheap, go

good in the snow and are dead reliable. I love my Sunbeams, but these are
just not good winter cars (at least here in Chicago)... Sorry guys/gals.

Gary Strom


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