The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

The Number One Club for owners of Triumph's range of small saloons from the 1960s and 1970s.
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 9:15 pm 
Hey,

I'm looking at purchasing a Dolomite Sprint as my next car, I was hoping some of you could impart a little valuable knowledge to help guide me through the process and end up with a Sprint rather than a walk!

When looking at a Dolomite Sprint, what are the key things to check? Common issues? It will be handy to have a check list so to speak.

Also I'm planning to use this daily (well almost daily), mostly local and to work etc. From what I can ascertain so far is they are a practical classic. I also don't currently have access to a garage so it would be kept on a drive, am I mad doing this? I should add though that I plan to underseal (or whatever is best) within a short time of owning the car to counter this somewhat.

Thanks.


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 4:22 pm 
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TDC Member

Joined: Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:52 pm
Posts: 2303
Welcome to the forum.
Yes, any Dolomite is a good choice as a drive-it-every-day classic.
And I wouldn't worry about being drive-way bound. That is all I have for my 1850 daily driver and it seems to work O.K. for me.
P.M. to follow.
Tony.


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 9:00 pm 
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TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7013
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Hi there and welcome to the forum!
What to look for when buying a Sprint!

1) RUST! anywhere and everywhere but particularly (but in no special order) front valance/nosecone, front wings, inner outer and centre sills, door bottoms, front and rear screen frames, rear of roof, "c" pillars, boot floor, rear wheel arches, front floor pans, front chassis rails where the subframe mountings go through, headlamp support panels and the bulkhead area where the flitches meet the heater duct.
Most of these problems are fixable but some, like the front wings and front panel are expensive/hard to get in steel and others like the screen frames, rear roof and bulkhead are tricky to repair and there are no cheat repair section available. The club supply to members a pretty comprehensive range of steel repair sections and GRP front wings and front panels which fit well and look good (I've used them and can vouch for this) Other body bits are available from Triumph specialists.
2) Mechanical, look for noisy engines, top end noise is common on Sprints but is not a good sign. Timing chain noise is bad news, inlet cam bucket sleeves can go oval and valve clearances go out. Water leaks are a perrenial problem and came in several flavours, also check for overheating, this can also have several causes but almost always leads to head gasket failure if not caught early. The clutch release mechanism can give trouble though the rest of the drivetrain is pretty robust as is the suspension. Sprint standard brakes are marginal at best but good upgrades are available.
3) Trim, Vinyl roofs are available but not cheap, likewise headliners. Expect the wooden dash and doorcappings to be a bit tired, new ones do turn up occaisionally but hard work will fix most and good used stuff or restored bits can be had. Seat diaphragms are weak and new ones are NLA but there are get arounds.The seat facing material tends to split in old age, a good trimmer will be able to produce a fair match in most colours but some, particularly blue and the rare grey are hard to get. Good used seats in the more common colours are fairly easy to source. The top of the rear seat is particularly prone to sun damage so look at this. Doorcards and (good quality) carpets are available but very pricey.

This is not intended to put you off and I daresay you could compile a similar list for almost any 70s British car. But be aware that you ARE looking at a 70s British car and use a suitably jaundiced eye! There are some rough ones out there but there are also some very nice ones and even more that are somewhere in between. Choose carefully and you will get a car that gives you a silly grin every time you fire it up and probably a lifelong love affair!

Cheers and good hunting! Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 5:25 pm 
Many thanks for all the helpful information you have provided. Unfortunately the one I had my eye on, in lovely brooklands green, had already gone. I will however be keeping my eye out and hopefully pick one up sooner rather than later.

Planning to attend the Hampshire Classic Motor Show tomorrow, so perhaps I will meet one or two off the forum while I'm there.


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