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NYE 751L - 1972 1850 auto
http://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=10202
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Author:  Toledo Man [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  NYE 751L - 1972 1850 auto

Since replacing the auto box on this car (the 1850) I've decided to make up a list of what will need to be done. So not in any particular order:

Replace the shock absorbers. (I want to use standard ones. A combination of worn suspension & a full load of passengers is my lowering kit :) )
Replace the springs (standard ones for the reason above)
Rebush the suspension. What is best for normal road use?
Clean and repaint the suspension components. (I might either fit some decent ones or usuable ones and refurb my originals at leisure so as not to have Brown out of action for too long.)
Rebuild or replace the carbs. My mate might be able to do something with them.
Replace the track rod ends.
Check the front wheel tracking. (after I've fitted new track rod ends)
Replace the front tyres. (this will be done at the same time as the tracking)
Replace the OSR bumper corner. (I might fit the spare 1500fwd bumper I've got but it needs the early type number plate light. Brown's has the later type)
Change engine oil.
Change oil filter (I'm considering a spin-on conversion)
Change the air filters.
Fit a "Dolomite automatic" bootlid badge. (I've got the "Dolomite" one fitted)
Replace the bottom balljoints.
Replace the OSR door locking button which has split. I've got a spare one somewhere.
Replace the wing mirrors or fit door mirrors. I've got a couple of driver's door mirrors.
Resparay the bonnet, bootlid and roof. The rest of the paintwork is fine.
Replace the Rimmer's sports exhaust with a standard one.
Clean the Sprint alloys.
Replace the brake hoses.

Some of these jobs won't need doing just yet. Money will be a deciding factor as well. I can do most of this work myself but as I don't have a garage (unless I take it to my mate's) I'm at the mercy of the elements. If anyone can supply me with the parts I need it'll be much appreciated. I'm already trawling eBay to see if I can find stuff cheaper. I'll get some pics posted as jobs are done.

Author:  Jon Tilson [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Okay here is what I've recently done to my Sprint that's really tightened it up...

1 Polybushes on front drag struts where they go through the sub frame

2 Replace one lower wishbone as its inner bush was a bit soft. Mick Dolphon supplied a wishbone cheaper than I could get the bush

3 replace steering rack mounting bushes with poly ones. The one under the engine regularly gets doused with oil come oil change time and goes soft...

Total cost was about 20 quid the lot...

Do this before fitting tyres. The giveway on the wishbone bush is if the old tyre is worn on the inside edge but tracking is right.



Jonners

Author:  Toledo Man [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

I forgot to mention that the front tyres are starting to wear on the inside edges no doubt caused by incorrect tracking which in turn isn't helped by knackered TREs. First up is to fit new TREs, new front tyres and get tracking done. That particular problem solved. I'll be adding rack bushes to the list.

Anyway, as promised here's some pics:

First up is the bootlid badge. The autos had "AUTOMATIC" beneath.
Image

This is OSR bumper corner with the hole.
Image

The rear bumper with the later type number plate lights.
Image

This is what the paintwork on the roof looks like. The bonnet & boot are in a similar state.
Image

Lastly, this is what is left of the wing mirrors.
Image

Author:  JPB [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

That is the correct boot badge for a pre-HL automatic, the "Automatic" script is a separate part that sits below the model identifying badge. :wink:
I'd nip out and take a close up of mine, but it's filthy and some rotten seagull just sh*t on that area. No, I couldn't figure out how he managed it either.... :evil:

Author:  Toledo Man [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

I didn't know that John. Another part to add to my wish list.

Author:  Toledo Man [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Rimmer's don't list it so I'll give him a try when I get paid on Friday. I'm just compiling a list of parts I need to do all the above jobs. This is it so far. I've included original part numbers.

624235 - "Automatic" bootlid badge
151594 - Rear number plate lamp assembly
TKC768/217989 - Front springs
GDA4012 - Front shock absorbers
218324 - Rear springs
GDA4010 - Rear shock absorbers
GSJ135 - RH bottom ball joint
GSJ136 - LH bottom ball joint
GFE147 - Oil filter
GFE1059 - Air filter (my local motor factor has already got these on the shelf)
Drag strut bushes & Steering rack bushes. Jonners, I shall take your advice and replace these. It should help tighten things up. If the BBJs and TREs are anything to go by then the rack & drag strut bushes will need replacing as well.

Any advice on rear suspension bushes? What's best for normal road use?

Author:  Toledo Man [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

When I fitted the orange Polybushes on Snowdrop the only thing I noticed was no horrible noises. (no more cringing whenever I hit a pothole or speed bump) If I do fit rubber bushes they'll be brand new ones. Isn't there some combination of rubber and poly bushes that's suitable for normal road use?

Author:  sprint95m [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  As Ben has said.............

There is an increase in noise with polybushes on the back. However the more positive axle location is of great benefit.
As a compromise, if you decide to use standard bushes, into the front of the rear lower arms fit the solid type bushes (as used at the back), in place of the void ones, as this improves axle location a bit.

At the front, in addition to Jonners' recommendations, I would definitely replace the subframe's rear bushes with polybush (and also fit new cup washers).

Author:  David6214 [ Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Quote:
I think mick dolphin may have the automatic badge in stock ?
Well if not, there's bound to be someone on here with one ;)

Author:  Toledo Man [ Fri Mar 27, 2009 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

I've made a start.

I got a couple of the smaller jobs crossed off my list. I picked up the air filters (got paid today) and fitted them. I also replaced the OSR door locking button with a decent one that was in my collection of spares. I turned up a BL wing badge so I've added another job to my list: Fit BL wing bages for that 1972 look. I'm moving in the right direction anyway. I think my rear springs and shock absorbers will need replacing soon so that'll be a bit higher in my priorities. With a full boot and full compliment of passengers the rear end is a bit low for my liking (told you I don't need a lowering kit :lol: )

I've also ordered that "automatic" badge from Mick Dolphin.

Author:  Jon Tilson [ Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Dont forget the older style number plate lamps...
Those newer ones are a reshell giveaway.

Jonners

Author:  Toledo Man [ Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

I've got a 1500fwd bumper I can use. Just need the number plate light. Rimmer's are asking silly money...

Author:  Dollyboy [ Fri Mar 27, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Quote:
I think standard bushes are ok for normal road use, i have my rear end poly bushed and i think its a bit too harsh and noisy now !!
no no no!!!

this cant be?!?

standard bushed cars on standrd springs n shox is like cruising a 30' norfolk broads holiday boat down the road, tyres squealing round hard bends if driving enthusiastically as the suspension geometry fooks up.

OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!!

(joking) :wink:

i guess ive got too used to moderns.

Author:  Toledo Man [ Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Even new ones will be an improvment over the tired items. The back end is seriously low with a full boot & back seat. Also, my exhaust is scraping on speed bumps and suchlike. With standard shockers, springs and new bushes I won't be cringing at the speed bumps and potholes.

Author:  Jon Tilson [ Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Project Brown

Soz Kev I dont agree...

Tyres make the biggest difference...

Even a Sprint is okay on 140lb springs as long as the shocks and bushes arent too tired...

You want a car to tell you when its about to let go...and dollies never lie (unless going down hill in the snow)

Jonners

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