The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - '66 Sunbeam Minx Project

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'66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Edit* If/When my photobucket bandwidth limit is exceeded here's a direct link to the PB: http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...20C%20Install/

I found this car on Portland Craigslist by searching for the word "Classic" in the cars for sale section. I saved the original ad in a word doc and have attached it to this post.

Long story short: The brakes didn't work so I ended up trailering it home:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279501

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279501

I got it home, cleaned it up, rebuilt the master cylinder and started driving it (ditched those cook-top burner beauty rings, curb feelers, and aftermarket bumper mounted antenna too):
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236279702

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

After going through the documents the seller provided I found that the car had been driven less that 600 miles in the last 20 years!

As much as I was diggin the white walls, those bias plys were ridiculous to dive on so I threw some new radials on there and took it to the PIR cruise-in:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280642

For my tastes the car sat way too high. So I made 2" lowering blocks for the rear and removed one coil from the front. I added a roof rack and she made her second appearance at PIR:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280962

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236280993

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

That is fitting of "other" projects ! Pretty darn cool FF .
Maybe I will start a few "other" projects , Oldsmobile, V8 Volvo Hmmmm?

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

In the following months I drove it as a daily driver. The 1725cc I4 did OK at best (for my tastes). I rebuilt the carb, added a petronix ign and flame thrower coil, adjusted timing and fuel curves, plugs, wires, used an assortment of internal cleaning products, etc. but it just wasn't peppy enough for me after driving a big block 476 as a daily driver. Since then I have read that much of the power loss was likely due to the inefficient Borg-Warner Auto...

All of those facts combined to motivate me to look for an alternate powertrain. I thought about the Buick/Rover V8's (all aluminum), but they are actually wider than an SBC. I heavily considered a GM 60 degree V6. Specifically the 3.6 from the Caddy CTS (all aluminum). But in the end there was not much aftermarket support and I could not find a single documented swap (I'm not looking to be a complete pioneer on this one). Looking for something that had at least been done with success lead me to the F20C and 6sp from the Honda S2000. It's all aluminum, small, light, and powerful (240hp with a 9000 RPM redline), with an abundant aftermarket. The 2800 LB S2000 gets closer to 30 MPG hwy so my car should be at least there or better.

A couple months later this found it's way to the shop. You can see the car already being prep'ed in the background:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236282362

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236282362

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236282362

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236282362

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236282362

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

now that sure is another "other project" to be working on...

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

That's going to be a fun car!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

that motor is gonna turn this car into a rocket. uphill will still be problem... when you get to the top you just might take off for flight. :)

dig the ride man. these "you don't see them every day" projects are the best IMO.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

What? I thought this thing was done already? LOL...I got to see this one in person. Its going to be a cool ride.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Thanks guys! It's a fun project. I'm happy about the idea of NOT doing any external body work. It will appear factory from the outside with the exception of the wheels. I'm keeping all the trim and chrome bumpers.

At about this point I was searching craigslist for various parts when I came across a guy parting one out. It had a complete front and rear suspension plus several other items I needed/wanted. After looking it over and taking measurements I decided I could make the front suspension work by using the S2000 frame rails and shock towers.

So I ended up with this for a couple months (gone now):

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

In order to make the S2000 suspension work three things will have to happen:
1)Install S2000 frame rails and shock towers
2)Narrow S2000 crosmember and use a shorter rack
3)Fabricate shorter control arms

So here's progress toward step 1:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236359488

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Though from the pics that appears to work, the tunnel was just too small, so...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236360658

Removing the tranny tunnel gave me good access to both sides of the firewall for installation of the pedals. Here the firewall is center marked for the brake master cylinder (no room for the booster). You can see the old MC hole bellow it:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

From the inside; the section of the Sunbeam brake pedal bracket I will incorperate into the S2000 assembly:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

Drilled/cut the firewall and the bracket at the same time with the appropriately sized holesaw and mounted the MC:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

I positioned the pedal where I wanted it and made it perminent. Not shown is that I moved the push-rod hole on the arm up 1/2" to reduce pedal pressure required with manual brakes. This was done after calculating the effect on stroke (still plenty)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

Brake and throttle pedals installed (throttle uses part of the S2000 bracket too):
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236362225

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Next up was the clutch pedal assembly and MC. This was more of a challenge than the previous two. You can see in this pic that the firewall has odd contours and a fresh air vent right where the clutch pedal and MC need to go:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

And on the inside I had this to work with:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

You can see right above where the clutch pedal needs to go in the above pic is a reinforcement and some bolts/nuts in reddish/brown primer. That is the underside of the hood hinge (strong). A little tweaking/drilling and I came up with this:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236363275

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Great work. Thats a very cool little car.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

That's pretty amazing.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

I think I'm more thrilled by this build than you are! I'm definitely going to watch and take some notes. Looks like it would be one heck of a fun build to do some day! Got any plans to beef up that motor? Also anything in mind for paint?

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Dang! Never heard of one of these. I cant wait til its done, I love watching these sweet build! We'll need videos when your done!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

I am truely impressed. I saw the first pic and thought rover v8 then the Honda curve came in never would have thought of that. Next thought was will he have to run the MGB V* suspension and brakes to get it to handle and stop right then the honda frame came in. Let me tell you you are doing one heck of a job on this I had crazy dreams on my MGB but never would have thought of anything this cool. Keep up the good work.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

I see why you can say "IT'S ONLY METAL" you are truly an artist with the steel, it looks like you can do any thing with it. That little car is going to be one heck of a sleeper! That kind of HP and breaks too. Also your documenting of the build is fantastic , I can almost smell the cutting, welding and grinding. Thanks!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Great project and outstanding execution.Looks like an extremely fun little ride when you're done.One of the neatest things about it is you will be able to wait for the Honda at the stoplight and then blow his doors off with your antique.He'll never know what hit him.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

My cousin used to do that....Race go carts that is !!!! That will be unbelievable when done are you sure your not related to a guy named Shelby?

I like custom/restored cars, but over the years it has gottten pretty boring seeing every single car or truck with an 350 with an Edelbrock intake, 17" Torque thrusts and bunch of stuffed animals laying around there "Build Book" I know that having a classic is great and very few are going to do something really different.

Well you have...my hats off to you, not just on the build, thats nice, but on the b@!!$ to do something different, something that 99% of the people are going to scratch there heads and go HUHH, about ? Very nice.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Thanks guys! It's truly rewarding to share this kind of stuff with others who "get it" too.

Here's all three from the front side. The throttle cable I'm using is actually the Honda cruise control cable (shorter). Not shown is the bracket welded on the inside of the firewall to allow the throttle cable to lock in place (sourced from the S2000 too).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236484350

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236484350

Better cooling for the bigger engine (brackets to be shortened):

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236484554

Here's the designer of the lower radiator brackets (no joke).
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236484798

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Though I was tempted to use the IRS from the S2000 it is way too wide (64"). I could have narrowed it but in the end I decided I want this thing done sooner than later so I stuck with a solid rear.

This little beauty is a Dana 44 from a 1970 Jeep DJ-5. Yes DJ as in 2wd Postal Jeep. It's 49" flange to flange and a 3.73 with Trac-Lok.

CG brought it down all the way from the Olympia WA area. :metal: CG (he donated some drywall to the project along with it :lol:)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Drums off:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

I had the axles reworked at Dutchman's to fit the S2000 rotors. They are 5x4.5" and just happen to be the same pattern as the wheels you may have noticed in some of the previous pics. While at Dutchman's I had new bearings and retainers pressed on.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Pics of the old rear setup:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

...and the direction it's headed:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

I'm trying to get away with using the factory front leaf hangers for the lower links and it looks like it's going to work out for the ride height I want.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

For mock-up I'm using the 255/45/17's that are already on the wheels, but ultimately I will go with 235/40/17's all around. So I'm making room for the mock up wheel/tire combo so that I will have more than enough room for the final set.

Next step was to trim the fender lips:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

This bulge extended into my tire space and was flattened out (later more drastic measures were taken...)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

i'm speechless man. awesome work with this thing.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry (Post 3185635)

CG brought it down all the way from the Olympia WA area. :metal: CG (he donated some drywall to the project along with it :lol:)

Hey now dont go disrespecting my hood here in Monroe. We be 70 miles north of dem peeps down in Olympia. *folding arms across chest and tilting to the left* :lol::lol::lol:

Glad I was able to help out...I picked it up when I had a load of scrap drywall in the back of the truck. =)

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns (Post 3185784)

i'm speechless man. awesome work with this thing.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG (Post 3185799)

My Bad :lol:

Here's more:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558513

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558513

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558513

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558513

I went with a Tri-4link from Art Morrison. The upper links wanted to go right where the rear seat pan resided... So something had to give:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

This is just tacked in for now until I get the rear positioned exactly where it will go. Part of the delay on that was getting new rear rotors and drilling them to 17/32" to fit my studs:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236558691

I can't tack the DS upper link to the frame yet either due to final rear positioning and diff location, so I moved on to making more room for the rear meats.

With this pic I tried to show how the rear wheel wells quickly taper in limiting tire space. It may not be easily seen from the pic without having seen it in person.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236559266

This is my solution. I call it a "micro-tub."
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4494Large.jpg

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4495Large.jpg

This shows the difference between the piece that came out and the one going in:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4496Large.jpg

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4499Large.jpg

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4500Large.jpg

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

Last ones for now and we're caught up to the current status. New rear rotors are here and on:

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...G4492Large.jpg

...and this is the cluster I'm going with. A lot of these swaps (F20C's) go with the S2000 cluster, but I like the more classic style of this one from an RSX-S. I guess I'll have to do something about that redline...
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...tch33Large.jpg

http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...tch34Large.jpg