Regained youth?

[Chris Field]

Well here goes with my first post to the board.... Be gentle with me<br>
Many years ago I had a succession of Dolomites - first was an 1850 followed by two Sprints (NXC 822M & MJW6P where are you?) Both Sprints were used in competition - club rallies and sprints but sadly made way to company cars etc as time went by <br>
However, I recently found myself gazing at old photos and thinking... why not? It was thus that I found myself here last week having a browse and being reminded of some of the quirks that make a Sprint the car you love to hate on occasions.<br>
I fear therefore that the inevitable is around the corner... Sprint ownership 25 years on! Only problem is I dont think I fancy lying on me back with a welding torch anymore. Happy with mechanicals etc ... So, if anyone knows of a sound car looking for a new home in the west midlands let me know. Great board - nice to see witty yet sensible contributions, keep it up.<br>
<br>
Chris

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[Dave]

For some reason early ones are best, I have been told that in 1976 leyland et al changed to an eastern block steel supplier who used a lot of scrap in producing their product . This lead to the inclusion of small nodules of iron in the sheet I seem to remember a post where somebody was going over a car looking for these and punching them out where found. Or maybe I was dreaming? If not have you finished yet?

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[alun n]

I'd heard that '77/'78 saw low grade Spanish steel being used, backed up by most I've taken apart (all but one infact) due to terminal rot have been on 'R' plates?<br>
<br>
Chris, welcome! Where abouts are you in WM? I'm in Stourbridge!<br>
<br>
Keep your eye on eBay as a couple with 12 months ticket are due to appear on there soon <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> . You are welcome to come and look at them first if you wish.....

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[Chris Field]

I have certainly heard this over the years and my instinct is to go for 75 /76 - hopefully thereby getting the benefits of the slightly later models - (eg head restraints etc) over the very early cars.<br>
<br>
My office is in Sutton Coldfield and home is nr the NEC. Give me some details of these two little 'minters' then Alun - I get the impression you tend to 'deal' in Sprints somewhat? - I would be interested to have look pre ebay! If you prefer to e-mail me chris@percivalfield.co.uk should do the trick!<br>
<br>
Chris

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[simonwood48msncom]

<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Yes welcome<br>
<br>
You will get all the advice you need on this site.<br>
Try and get to a display or even if you are not far away get to a club meeting. You will be welcome.<br>
<br>
PS. Mine is a 1977 and solid as a Rock.

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[Chris Field]

Thanks Simon et al.<br>
<br>
I must say I am rather looking forward to reliving the joys of Sprint ownership. <br>
<br>
I remember on one occasion returning from holiday in Italy 4up when, somewhere around Luxembourg a core plug gave out and I lost all coolant so quickly that by the time I noticed at least one piston had picked up and that was that. A really friendly guy and his girlfriend stopped to help and eventually towed us all the way back to Calais. Remarkable ... but made more so by the fact that he was driving a Rolls Royce ShadowII ! - just tied the rope onto his bumper! - fatses tow I have ever had.<br>
<br>
Anyway, as I said earlier, my main concern is to avoid any major structural surgery... I never was any good with a welding torch and I have no reason to believe that I would be any better now.<br>
<br>
However, I am sure I will not be short of advice from this board so thanks guys. <br>
<br>
Just got to find a car now!

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[magatsu1]

Hope you find one soon. Most of the e-bay regulars seem to have buggered-off ! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :( --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

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[alun n]

Chris, <br>
<br>
Things have been a tad hectic at work (again) recently, but will drop you a mail shortly - haven't been leaving the office until 11pm so haven't been inclined to do ANYTHING else as a result!<br>
<br>
Alun

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[Neil Russell]

I have a Bargain 1850 Auto in Russett if you want a couple of weekends work and a show car at the end??<br>
sale due to severe madness with a Speed Six Tuscan engine and a TR6.<br>
<br>
If you want something in keeping with your age e-mail me<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Neil Russell<br>
heightswitch@supanet.com

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[Chris Field]

Not ready for a cloth cap and string back gloves yet I'll have you know!<br>
<br>
A kind offer but I think I will pass on 3 counts:<br>
1) 1850<br>
2) Auto <br>
3) Russett<br>
<br>
Thought - is it me or do old people always seem to have have mint humbugs in their pockets?

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[Dave]

1850, auto and a trilby on the back shelf. These are all useful protective colouration

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[Neil Russell]

I thought that a body beautifull was your overiding desire.<br>
You cannot have everything??<br>
<br>
Neil

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