The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi guys, I thought I'd quickly introduce myself on this forum - I'm the guy who has bought Nico's \ mx5 turbo Dolly's car. It's a bit rough around the edges, but that suits me down to the ground because so am I

I've had a fair bit of experience with cars - I'm coming towards the end of a Haynes Roadster build (with a 3.0 Jag V6 in it instead of the Pinto, because I never make life easy for myself ), but none with Dolomites specifically, so am hoping I can get a bit of initial guidance from you all As a bit of prior warning, I'm one of those guys who doesn't really care about originality, just practicality - probably for the best considering what I've just bought!

I'm intending her to be a rolling restore at this point, eventually becoming my main car. Unfortunately my garage time is limited to weekends (garage is in Bristol, work is in Reading), and since there's a few things I want to sort before getting her into full use she's under cover back there... I guess that's a long winded way of saying I don't have any pictures at the moment! If there's interest I'll start a project thread somewhere when I've got some.

There's a couple of things I'd specifically like some info on if possible (a quick search hasn't turned up what I'm after) :

- The car doesn't have a working mechanical handbrake - has anyone got some pictures of the compensator and rear section? I'm planning on reinstating that part, but because of the MX5 gearbox being awkward I'm either going to relocate the handbrake lever rearwards or further forwards (I have an old MX5 lever I'll probably use), so joining the two will be some good old fashioned British Original Design and General Engineering

- Has anyone got thoughts on replacing the lower steering UJ - any wrinkles to that job?

- The horn doesn't work, and I couldn't find it. That either means it doesn't work and it's hidden or it's not there! Where abouts is it meant to be?

Finally, some pictures blatantly ripped from Nico's sale thread:

I have an original handbrake lever spare, including compensator and cables (all 2nd hand obviously) if that helps.

Changing the lower column coupling should not present any major problems since you have the adjustable column in your car. A few quick hints though, beware of poor quality OE type replacements, they are out there, sometimes even from reputable dealers. Or you can upgrade with a UJ'd coupling from a manual steer Triumph 2000 or similar in 2 different specs (pressed or cast) for Escort MkI. Changing yours may be a little more complicated than on a standard car cos yours has a lot more plumbing in the way, but basically, get the steering centred, remove all 3 pinch bolts from the column couplings under the bonnet and spray thoroughly with WD40 or similar, it may also pay to open up the pinch clamps with a small chisel/big screwdriver as well. Next release the steering column adjuster inside the car and tap/prise/wiggle the column up into the cabin an inch or so till it disengages from the underbonnet section. Then you can either remove the 2 lower bits together or separate them and remove them individually. Replacement, as the good book says, is a reversal of the above procedure, though it does pay to have a second pair of hands when putting the upper column back into the lower as the task requires someone inside the car and another under the bonnet to hold the lower column in line at the same time. Whilst doing this, it's a good idea to change the lower column bush (in the plate bolted to the bulkhead) at the same time.

Horns, the stock horn(s) are fitted to the inner front panel, either side of the radiator and approximately below the bonnet hinges. This has probably been changed on your car to allow the bigger rad and intercooler to be fitted. So it may have none, or it/they may be elsewhere.

Finally, welcome to the Forum, we are a pretty friendly and knowledgeable bunch and you won't get a lot of grief for a non standard car. I too prefer function over form and run the Carledo, a Toledo 2 door with a Vauxhall Carlton engine which, at the moment, is my daily driver.

Steve

_________________
2 door '73 Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine OWF 797M (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine EGP 247T (The Dolomega)
'91 Cavalier 2ltr 8v auto
'95 Cavalier 2ltr 16v auto
Spectrum Auto Services, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 45 years and home of Maverick Triumph.PM for more info or quotes.

if that's your idea of 'rough round the edges' i'd like to see your 'perfect'. Looks good, and welcome.

Haha, unfortunately it's not quite so good up close, and requires a couple of patches with the sticky metal gun in the near future. It is very fun though

Thanks for the heads up Steve, I've sent you a PM regarding the handbrake stuff.

Thanks both for the welcome

Saw this for sale, wanted it so much as a previous MX5 owner and currenty Dolly Sprint owner! Looks awesome in the photos, but as with these frankenstein cars they often need alot of finishing touches and I imagined it would be the same for this.
Plus my wife wouldn't let me have another project car anyway

Good luck with it, and keep us in the loop!