The Triumph Dolomite Club - EzBoard Archive

Hi, <br>
<br>
I have recently found myself really wanting a triumph dolomite S.E and i have found one listed on the for sale area of this site. Unfortunately it has been standing for some time. It has been garaged and the seller reports little rust. When i go and view it what should i be looking out for in a car of this type and this age.<br>
<br>
Any help at all would be appreciated.<br>
<br>
thankyou

<p></p><i></i>

Hi. Nice cars the SE. The main things to check on the bodywork side of things would be:<br>
<br>
Rust around the rear roof section (just above the rear screen)<br>
Rear wheel arch rust (many of the cars go there but you can get repair panels)<br>
Rust along the sills, especially at the front and rear<br>
Rust along the rain channels each side of the roof<br>
Rust along the nose of the car<br>
Rust at the bottom of the front wings<br>
Check the boot floor<br>
The boot lids also rust but plenty about.<br>
Check underneath if you can<br>
<br>
Interior should be as complete and as tidy and unworn as possible as the SE was a special edition with different wooden trim, etc. If I remember rightly all the 1500SE's were black with grey trim.<br>
<br>
Not overly mechanically minded but here goes:<br>
<br>
check the clutch is working properly and the gears engage and disengage without any horrible noises or the gear stick jumping out of gear. Check all the lights work and any other electrical bits n pieces function as they should.<br>
<br>
Make sure there's coolant and oil at the right levels. Check there isn't any white sludge in the oil (like mayonnaise) which would indicate a knackered head gasket. Check the car doesn't overheat. make sure the brakes are functioning and aren't siezed.<br>
<br>
Can't think anymore as I'm way too hot - phew.<br>
<br>
I'm sure others will fill in the gaps. Good luck with the car and let us know how you get on.<br>
<br>
Ken

<p></p><i></i>

Ok i was thinking of getting this thing because it is cheap and i want to learn how to mend cars. Now my garage has just been filled by my other housemate who has a hideous vauxhall victor lowered to look like a muscle car with a confederate flag on the roof. Don't ask me why he bought it but he needs to do all the electrics. So, i won't have a garage to store it in and work on it in. Would it be sacriglige to store it on my drive and if this is an acceptable option how should i go about protecting it from degrading whilst i work on it.<br>
<br>
Any suggestions, my logic is say leave it but my heart is saying buy it because otherwise it is going to be scrapped.<br>
<br>
Chris

<p></p><i></i>

Hi Chris, how bad is the bodywork? In this weather it should be ok. You could always buy a cover which would keep the worst of the elements at bay. If the panels are ok, it might be worthwhile buying a couple of cans of Dinitrol cavity protector and use it at the front end in the 'nose' and in the sills. If the paint is decent then a good old wash and wax can really help too. Mechanically, an oil and filter change is a good idea as well as plugs and an air filter. All parts are cheap to buy and readily available from the Club or various Triumph friendly supplier such as Rimmers, Mick Dolphin and Quiller.<br>
<br>
My 1300 needed work on it and most of that was done at the kerbside. 1500SE's are getting rarer and it would be a shame to see one go to the breakers. These cars are a pleasure to work on as they are a relatively simple design. Joining the club is a good move as you'll get to meet a great bunch of folk at various events around the country. Whereabouts are you located?<br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
<br>
Ken

<p></p><i></i>

Hi Ken<br>
<br>
I went to see her last night, body work is good, few rust patches here and there but nothing too major and the interior was beautiful. It didnt even have that musty car smell. Under the hood and the under crriage it was a different story. I think the shell seems fine but the all the parts attached to it look very rusty. I have some pictures if you want to take a look.<br>
<br>
My friend Dan is going to give it a once over mechanically and let me know what he thinks, and how much work it will be. But the owner all but confirmed to me that if he doesnt sell it then he is going to scrap it and i don't think i would be very happy about that.<br>
<br>
In answer finally to your question, i live down in Southampton and if i do i get it i will be joining the club. I need all the help and encouragement i can get.<br>
<br>
Thanks for your advice yesterday it realy helped me.<br>
<br>
Chris

<p></p><i></i>

Hi Chris,<br>
<br>
You say you need encouragement .......... so ....... buy it, buy it, buy it <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> If it turns out to be too much of a daunting project for you though, there are plenty of other Dollys around, you just have to be patient. I joined the club in Feb of this year, and I'd brought my 1500HL Dolly by March out of the local Freeads! I was lucky, I didn't have to wait very long at all.<br>
<br>
This forum is a super mind of information, the guys are really great on here, full of extremely useful info on anything Triumph related, so you cerainly won't be alone<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Oh by the way, I live in Gosport (near Portsmouth), and a couple of the guys (Justyn - aka 1300dolly, and Chris - aka Tangocharlie) live in Southampton. Our area rep is Len, who also lives local and Alan who lives over Winchester way (I think). So we are certainly going to encourage you, as we need some more enthusiasts down this way <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p>Debs</p><i></i>

Hi Deb<br>
<br>
Its good to hear from you and to know that the help is around. Just been mining the internet today and found myself a couple of manuals and books about the dolomite to try and get my knowledge up to speed. I'll let you all know how it goes with my purchase and will be joining the club as soon as i can. I really want to have this thing on the road for my graduation next July!<br>
<br>
Do you or the rest of the hampshire "dolly" set know of any cheap garaging facilities around the area. Specifically in Southampton.<br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
<br>
Chris<br>


<p></p><i></i>

I don't know of any cheap garages in Southampton I'm afraid, as I don't really know the area. Chris (Tangocharlie) has used a place somewhere in the Southampton area (I think). Unfortunately he works away during the week, so he only goes on the computer at the weekends, but I'll send him an e-mail and tell him about you.<br>
<br>
Justyn (1300dolly) is a super whizkid when it comes to Dollys, as he is an ex-mechanic! He frequents the forum on a regular basis, so I'm sure he'll see this posting soon<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p>Debs<br>
Custodian of "Molly the Dolly"<br>
1300 FWD - Future purchase for Molly so she doesn't get lonely!</p><i></i>

howdy<br>
<br>
give me a call chris as my email is donald ducked at the mo. i have a two friends who owns garages in empress road and they are a top blokes. i can turn my hand to most things when i have time and have a welder and a mate who welds for a local small goods van manufacturers. <br>
i can look at the dolly for you any evening or sunday if you want.<br>
<br>
mobily...0797 418 <br>
56 68<br>
<br>
debs.. where is the fwd coming from??, if you are having kens i will take the spares car.<br>
<br>
Justyn

<p></p><i></i>

I wish I was having Gigi, but unfortunately not, as I said to Ken "No room at the Inn". But I will get one one day, but it will be several "light" years yet <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
Good Luck with getting the SE Chris, but remember, there are lots of other ones about for very reasonable sums, if this one turns out not to be suitable.

<p>Debs<br>
Custodian of "Molly the Dolly"<br>
1300 FWD - Future purchase for Molly so she doesn't get lonely!</p><i></i>

yum... a potential buyer!<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
I have an SE, I may have shifted her tho, have a sneaky feeling its going to fall thru.<br>
<br>
keep you posted...<br>
<br>


<p>project orange - slow progress<br>
project black - coming on, could be sold...<br>
project white - pimp my tolly, next year!</p><i></i>

email now working, thanks debs.<br>
<br>
link to email on my ezboard profile.<br>
<br>
debbie i know someone who might sell his 1967 1300fwd for about £500 with mot.<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :hat --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/pimp.gif ALT=":hat"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
kev, you said 'yum... a potential buyer!'<br>
should the correct term be victim<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
that was a joke by the way chris, i can vouch for mr dollyboy being a honest, trustworthy, and caring person, think arthur daily and thats your man<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
Justyn

<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... 00dolly</A> at: 19/6/06 8:06 pm<br></i>

Hey dollyboy (arthur)#<br>
<br>
Sorry to be a bit to the point, just about to start work. You say you an SE for sale, whats its condition and how much are you looking for.<br>
<br>
Chris

<p></p><i></i>

chris, please call me cos if you don't buy the s.e. it will be going in my lock up, i will quite happily give him the scrap value for it even if its only worth salvaging (and the v5, cough)<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :hat --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/pimp.gif ALT=":hat"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
<br>
Justyn

<p></p><i></i>

Hi Chris, its kev actually, justyn is after my king of comedy crown, gota give him 10 points for that though <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
SE is currently being checked over by a guy who may take it off my hands, will find out tomorrow.<br>
<br>
THE FULL DETAILED RUN DOWN:<br>
<br>
64k miles. twin HS4 carbs (debate over whether SE meant to have twin carbs or not, think some did and some didnt). approx 500 SE's produced, approx 25 left, small handful of completely mint ones, rest are about like mine or worse, so very rare !!!<br>
<br>
As it stands, she needs an MOT. Failure report says excess corrosion on sills and 'subframe' (rubbish, they meant chassis legs), passnger seatbelt. she also needs a plate on the boot floor, but not a MOT fail point, not structural. apart from that shes solid although the paint is tired, not really surprising as shes all original. <br>
<br>
THE FULL LIST OF DEFECTS - screen delaminating at the bottom, clutch slips, passenger seatbelt inertia reel doesnt 'inersh', n/s headlight starting to rust through, door cappings have flaked their butts off, and drivers door trim (the rubbing strip one) is dodgy. the front panel has a small dent in the top and is showing minor signs of rust, and the lower valance has a small hole. She's had a virtually insignificant shunt back n/s which is noticeable if you look under the bumper if shes on a ramp, but cant tell from behind.<br>
<br>
HOWEVER: I have a new clutch. I have a new headlight. I have a new seatbelt. I have the sills. I have a spare door trim. Ive stripped and re-varnished the door cappings (unfortunately the varnish pulled the burr veneer off the front ones, so they've been fully stripped, stained and varnished). I have a new screen, rubber and finish strip. i've taken the seats, carpets and front parcel shelf out, cleaned, they've come up a treat. dash is v good, door cards v good, headlining v good, all the electrics are sound including battery, rest of the panels are good including arches, rear quarters, wings etc etc. engine runs nicely, fairly clean under the bonnet, no smoke, recent replacement zorst fitted. Can get the stripes, not confirmed order for those yet though.<br>
<br>
SO: if the deal falls through my plan is to get the welding done and sills replaced, clutch replaced, light and seatbelt replaced, front panel repaired, new stripes and a respray... (i know a man with a spray booth... <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> ), MOT, and put it all back together so she's beautiful again... <br>
<br>
interesting? car 'as is' with all parts currently owes me £250, offers invited for whatever stage of the project you may be interested in taking her on at, with or without the bits required, bearing in mind with all work complete with paint and 12 mth ticket she'll have to be a min £1000 car. speak now before work gets done!<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
<br>
PS - car is currently in Hinckley<br>


<p>project orange - slow progress<br>
project black - coming on, could be sold...<br>
project white - pimp my tolly, next year!</p><i></i>