The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi. Im a first time Triumph owner, after having a fair few Rovers and Land Rovers (still have some of each) and always wanted a Sprint. A friend had this Toledo for sale and after 6 months of negotiations I collected it today. I know it will offend some due to its stance, and believe me I dont want to run it this low so something needs to be done. I really am a complete novice to these cars so I need to research some info. Apologies if I ask questions that most will think are obvious/stupid etc.

So as I wanted a sprint, is it possible to fit the twin lamps from one to a Toledo? Are the two cars even the same size? I dont know what the two cars share etc. Im no novice to mechanics, which is obvious when you run land rovers as you kind of have to be but ive not seen the two cars side by side.
My first priority is suspension. I believe it has herald stuff on it hence why its pretty much touching the floor. Is there a coilover type kit available or a common lowering technique. I want it lower than standard but this is clearly too much.
Any other help/links to sites/pointers on what to do id be grateful.
This car hasnt been on the road for 17 years so it will need some recommissioning too so a place to get parts and recommendations on what parts to get will be gratefully welcomed.

Thanks in advance, and here she is:

The dolomite shell is about 6" longer, but just in the boot. All the drive train can be swapped if you are so inclined. (not a popular choice with some!) You need to change the whole front subframe, the gearbox tunnel, fit sprint diff etc. The headlamp mounts are different, but you can fit them instead if you want to.

Blimey I thought this was larger than a Dolomite!

Welcome to the forum.

It is indeed shorter than a Dolomite. You've come to the right place for help and advice. The first question you should ask yourself is what you want out of the car. You already know that you want it lower than standard but not as low as it already is so that's one thing already. Getting the car road legal should be your first priority.

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Toledo Man

West Yorkshire Area Organiser & forum moderator
Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm at The Old Brickworks, Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1EA
1972 Dolomite 1850 auto (NYE 751L - The rolling restoration)
2008 Citroën C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi Exclusive (MA08 WCL - the workhorse)
1995 BMW 318i (M265 PNC - Project Bimmer, the weekend car)
1991 Toyota Celica GT (J481 ONB - the new project car)
Former stable of SAY 414M (1974 Toledo), GRH 244D (1966 1300fwd), CDB 324L (1973 1500fwd), GGN 573J (1971 1500fwd), DCP 625S (1977 Dolomite 1300) & LCG 367N (1975 Dolomite Sprint) plus 5 Acclaims and that's just the Triumphs!

Check my blog at http://triumphtoledo.blogspot.com

"There is only one way to avoid criticsm: do nothing, say nothing and BE nothing." Aristotle

This car has been in here before, some pictures survive on its thread;

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=23918

Please check, if you're keeping the TR7 wheels (which look awesome), that they have been drilled out to nut/lug centric as in their standard form they are meant for hub centric fitting only. See here;

http://www.auskellian.com/paul/links_fi ... wheels.htm

It's a route I have looked into before. All the best with this car, it should be great when done.

Thats great info thanks! Obviously getting it road legal is my main concern hence having to sort the suspension first!

So update from today. Had a few hours tinkering once id replaced a rear wheel bearing on my Disco so had a better look round her.















Then had to concoct some ramps to get it on the lift:







Had a ganders underneath:










Can see where its been hitting:








Noticed its missing a washer from here:







Should be like this:







Also needs some track rod ends which ive ordered. Also needs some bushes but Euro Car Parts dont list those so I need to find someone who does so I can replace them once the arms are clean and painted:







Started wire brushing it ready for the underseal:







Now as far as the wheel debate goes. Mine has hubcentric for the centre bore, and the wheel studds are very tight on the wheel. There is zero movement. Look perfectly safe to me or am I wrong?











So next is to carry on cleaning underneath and paint it up, I will be raising the engine and box an inch to clear the subframe then make some more adjustments to try and keep a similar stance without hitting the tarmac as much! Also want to basic wheel nuts, not the large chrome ones it has. Tested a 2002 MG wheel nut and was exactly the same so hopefully I can use some steel wheel nuts from a Rover 25/45 as long as they are flat and not pitched. Otherwise ill need to find something else. Then more to do but ill do a bit at a time!

Hiya. Nice looking Tolly. These are nice old things and are pretty easy to work on. Almost as easy as a Landie.

Rimmers, Fitchett, Mick Dolphin et al can supply bits.

Lovely colour too but feck, is that one low car or what. Lucky not to have scraped more lol.

Look forward to hearing and seeing more about it!

Cheers

Ken

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2011 Hyundai i10, 2001, Cowley built Rover 75 1.8, Dolomite 1850HL auto, the LWT,
Ford Galaxy 2.0

Thanks, much appreciated
I presume as Rimmer dont list Toledo I can go with the Dolomite section?

Looks like it could be a fair amount of work. Because of that, just wondering why you went for this car if you were after a Sprint? It could be one of those situations where holding out for a Sprint could end up with less hassle, and end costs will likely be comparable.
I prefer the Toledo rear end personally but I also know I like a car that is a bit nippy, so I looked for a mongrel.

Why is it a lot of work? I wont be restoring it to new, itll be motd and used regularly

I think that from your initial post, we were under the impression that you were going to Sprint the Toledo , If so, as Al says the end price could be comparable.
Have to say that interior looks very tidy!

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1971 2 door Toledo aka Chuckie (porsche orange)

Oh I see. No i meant ill make do with the Tolly. Thanks for clearing that up, I was confused LOL

Sorry, didn't mean to come across as challenging your decisions.
Good luck with the car.

No not at all, I just misunderstood. Crossed wires thats all. No its staying as a Toledo. My plan is to restore the underside and keep the body as it is......