This Section contains a rich selection of Restoration Tips contributed by your
friends who have done it. It will continue to grow as new information and
articles are added to the site. The set of 'hot links' Tables of Content will be
updated on this page as Articles are added.
As a general precaution, the comments
contained herein are the sole opinions of the original contributors, and should
be used with appropriate consideration of possible errors of omission,
commission, or lack of sufficient information.
Table of Contents
Restoration Tips Section
A Tiger Rotisserie Design
Wally Menke, our correspondent in OZ,
has prepared an excellent article on his "Tiger Rotisserie Design, complete with
drawings dimensioned in English and Metric units. We think this will be of help
for those wanting to rotate a body shell for restoration. Thanks,
Wally.
Temperature and Fuel Gauges for Dummies!
Stu Brennan does his
very best to explain "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Temperature and
Fuel Gauges, But were Afraid to Ask."
The Restoration of Prrrowl
A superbly detailed article by our good contributor John Crawley. The efforts he has made in restoration of B382000221, and the
innovative solutions he has found, are detailed in his significant contribution.
Read it!
Installing a New Carpet
Dave Johnson and Frank Marrone write an illustrated article detailing the
installation of new carpet into their Tigers. If you have never done this job,
it may seem to be easy. Read this, and it just might make it so. Thank you, Dave
& Frank.
Keeping Your Cool in a Tiger
Dan Walters, President
of CAT and renowned Tiger/Alpine mechanic and racer, has prepared a
comprehensive article on cooling a Tiger. A not insubstantial concern for many.
His article will shed new views on this oft discussed issue
Cool It, Buddy!
Steve Laifmanhas finally written his
own article, instead of beating on others. The subject of cooling a Tiger is
detailed with part and source information, design drawings, and many photos of
the finished installation. "Cool It Buddy!" Is a "must
read", even if your Tiger is stock, as mine is (mostly, or at least Factory
Option). While all may not agree with the methods, those that have used them are
ecstatic with the results, and have posted so on the Tiger List.
Repairing Jaeger and Smiths Speedometers
Tony Rhoades has agreed to the
publication of his exhaustive treatment of the Smith/Jaeger's mysterious innards
in his profound coverage of this arcane subject, covering the changes in design
over the years as well. For the curious and the serious, this is a great
article. A PDF version is also available for download. If you have changed your
tires, rear end, internal mainshaft speedometer drive, end cable gear, or your
speedometer/odometer is just not correct, this is a "must
read".
Interpreting "The Book"
Your Editor has liberally "adapted"
work from another source (accredited) to help those involved with restoring or
repairing the Sunbeam Tiger with the use of the "Good Book", the Rootes
Factory Workshop Manual. Learn what the arcane meanings behind these profound
and comprehensive Rootes instructions really mean.
Tiger Fuel Gauge Restoration or "Put on a happy face!"
Joe Parlanti provides detailed
pictorial guide for the refurbishment of the fuel sender. The technique can
apply, with variations, to the other gauges as well.
Speedo Rebuild or "You were going HOW fast?
Larry Paulick has a profusely
illustrated article on rebuilding your delicate Tiger Smiths Speedometer. If you
really do NOT want to know your gasoline mileage, how far it was on that last
trip, or how fast you really are going, you would still want to see these
amazingly detailed photographs.
Complete Tiger Fastener List
Kirt Jenssen has put together an amazing list of EVERY fastener used
on your Tiger, ordered by location, and neatly delivered in tables. Even a Excel
Spreadsheet is downloadable from this article. Not being satisfied with just an
amazing amount of effort, Kirt has even located 2 vendors willing to sell
complete 18-8 stainless steel fastener kits at very reasonable prices. These
exclude Grade 8 bolts and studs, of course, as stainless is not made at those
strength requirements.
Tiger Dash Restoration
Joe Parlant has added more to
his dashboard (fascia) restoration project documentation. This time it is an
excellent article on how to refinish the wood surface and lettering of the Tiger
wood dashboard. If your dash is faded, scratched, cracked, or otherwise in need
of a "fresh face", here are the recommendations for which you have been
looking.
Windshield Washer System Upgrade
Stu Brennan has found a way to keep your dash and underhood looking stock,
yet still have a functional windshield washer. His approach, using readily
available electric pump and switch, will certainly make your driving chores
easier. Who knows? It may even save your thumb from putting you on the disabled
list.
3 Point Seat Belts
A collaborative article by Larry Paulick and Steve Laifman on the use of two
different types of "3 Point" seat belts in Tigers and Alpines. These approaches
use differing designs and features, and are fully illustrated to aid the Owner
in making a selection. Other options, such as 4, or 5 point racing belts are not
covered, but any contribution would be welcome
Lucas, Prince of the Intermittent Windshield Wiper
Ed Esslinger has developed a variable intermittent
windshield wiper that, unlike the original, is intended to be adjustable and
intermittent. Aside from the normal advantages of this small "hide-away"
package, it also provides insurance against turning the engine on with the
wipers on. When you start up again, all kinds of disagreeable things can
happen.
Selecting a Professsional Restoration Shop - Lessons Learned
Stephen Waybright has had a lot of
experience with professsional automobile restorerers. Some of it was good, some
was not. Stephan shares with us his advice and recommmendations concerning what
to look for when choosing a pro shop. Read his valuable
advice in making a good decision.
The Handy Home Restorer's Guide to Workshop Tools
Mark Rense has accumulated a lot of practical
definitions on shop tools for the Tiger home restorer new to this activity.
Practical advice that should be reviewed before the project is started..
Fair warning: Do not read this article with a mouth full of food.
Restoring My 1965 MKI Tiger - A Guide to a Project
Larry Paulick has had a lot of experience in Tiger
restoration, which he is continuing to share with us frequently. In this short
article, he tells us THE most important detail of this project, how to plan
and execute it. Save yourself a lot of pain and suffering. Read the map from
someone who has already BTDT.
If you can't find the information you're looking for please email us at editor@tigersunited.com.