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New Member across ye olde pond http://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=36326 |
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Author: | tr250 [ Tue Nov 24, 2020 5:31 pm ] |
Post subject: | New Member across ye olde pond |
Hi there While being overserved after a run in the states, I may’ve been talked into joining the group from the states endeavoring in the 10CR in 22. One of the cars is a Sprint converted from a 1500 front wheel drive that I’m considering (strongly) buying after the fun. I’m very familiar with the TR range as well as the 2000 mk1 saloon. Drove the 2000 all over the states until the tin worm did me in. What I don’t know are the differences between the 1500 & Sprint aside from the obvious drive line bits. I’ve seen pictures of the front & 3/4 shots. To me it’s Sprint all the way but I reckon there are plenty of other differences inside and out? If I can I’ll get pics and post them here. Naturally metal work is something to look at plus 2 of the guys in our group are Sprint owners but I’d like to get info before hand. Plenty of time of course Cheers Todd Bermudez United States |
Author: | Carledo [ Tue Nov 24, 2020 7:46 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Sprint versus any other Dolomite model (or Toledo) the differences are mainly in the drivetrain. Sprint has its own engine (obviously) gearbox, propshaft and rear axle. The axle swap means the rear brakes are different and the larger rear brakes necessitate a load sensing valve to get the balance back. Beyond that, there is a unique front subframe, gearbox tunnel and main wiring loom. There are also stiffer springs and a few other minor odds and sods. Otherwise the shell and all panels are the same and front and rear suspension, steering and front brakes are all the same between models. It's a relatively easy conversion to do, really just nuts and bolts. About like changing a 67 Mustang from a straight 6 to a V8. In the UK, only a Sprint is a "real" Sprint, one built and registered on a 1500 or 1850 base will always be a mongrel and the value will be lower, but the fun factor is just the same! Steve |
Author: | tr250 [ Tue Nov 24, 2020 11:29 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Thanks Steve great info and since I’m all about having Fun rather than worrying about concourse, I think this could be the car for me. Make it go AND stop faster. There is a Sprint over here that I drove. Was gonna trade for my TR6 but the car needed body & paint work. I’ve read Dolomites can suffer the same issues as my 2000. This one had the signs. Pudding in spots, rust bubbles (which leads to more) needed a vinyl top. Trade didn’t make sense So that brings an interesting question. How can I tell if a car is a converted 1500 or 1850? Commission tags will only get you so far. Could be there isn’t an easy way? |
Author: | tr250 [ Wed Nov 25, 2020 3:06 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Very tempting indeed. I do like the Webasto roof, but the autobox would have to go. We have an PI TR8 with the BW 3-speed Automatic. Also geared lower. Very ho hum to drive unless sitting in traffic or long TRips on interstates. Plenty of those here in the states. I’d change it to a 5-speed but it was the last one to roll off the line in 81. Completely against my philosophy, but it’s the wife’s car. The car I’m considering is substantially less, but I’ve not laid eyes, hands, & magnet on it yet. AND I probably won’t be for nearly 2 years. |
Author: | tr250 [ Thu Nov 26, 2020 4:17 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Verified it’s titled as 1500. At least I’ll have a story. I believe the color is Sienna. Of the browns, it’s the one I like the best. |
Author: | Carledo [ Thu Nov 26, 2020 8:53 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Quote:
Verified it’s titled as 1500. At least I’ll have a story. I believe the color is Sienna. Of the browns, it’s the one I like the best.
That would make sense and also account for the more reasonable cost. From your viewpoint it's a win/win, you get a great driving car with the power and fun of a Sprint without the snob value scene tax of the real thing.My first Dolomite, a '75 1850 was also Sienna brown, as you say, the best of the brown shades. I failed it on MOT and the owner offered it to me for the price of the test, £15 IIRC! Those were the days! One thing I would recommend if you go for this one, is make sure it has the "Trackerjack" vented brake rotor conversion, it's a must for those mountain passes! I use them on all my Dolomites, the weedy front brakes, which are effectively the same on everything from the humble 61bhp 1300 to the 127 horse Sprint (Only difference is the Sprint pad material is a tad harder - if you can get NOS Sprint pads, it's not easy!) are, in my opinion, the cars biggest drawback. Other than that they are like Mary Poppins, "practically perfect, in every way!" Steve |
Author: | Triumph1300 [ Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:57 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
I know the car concerned I believe. 1500fwd converted to Sprint, currently not in the UK after the last 10CR? |
Author: | tr250 [ Thu Nov 26, 2020 10:37 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
I do believe that’s the car. Engine done blowed up |
Author: | Triumph1300 [ Fri Nov 27, 2020 8:04 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
That's the one! |
Author: | tr250 [ Mon Nov 30, 2020 3:21 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Quote: Quote:
Verified it’s titled as 1500. At least I’ll have a story. I believe the color is Sienna. Of the browns, it’s the one I like the best.
That would make sense and also account for the more reasonable cost. From your viewpoint it's a win/win, you get a great driving car with the power and fun of a Sprint without the snob value scene tax of the real thing.My first Dolomite, a '75 1850 was also Sienna brown, as you say, the best of the brown shades. I failed it on MOT and the owner offered it to me for the price of the test, £15 IIRC! Those were the days! One thing I would recommend if you go for this one, is make sure it has the "Trackerjack" vented brake rotor conversion, it's a must for those mountain passes! I use them on all my Dolomites, the weedy front brakes, which are effectively the same on everything from the humble 61bhp 1300 to the 127 horse Sprint (Only difference is the Sprint pad material is a tad harder - if you can get NOS Sprint pads, it's not easy!) are, in my opinion, the cars biggest drawback. Other than that they are like Mary Poppins, "practically perfect, in every way!" Steve What about rear brakes? Any bigger wheel cylinder options or alloy drums or dare I say caliper conversions for rear brakes?? |
Author: | Carledo [ Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:05 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Quote: Quote: Quote:
Verified it’s titled as 1500. At least I’ll have a story. I believe the color is Sienna. Of the browns, it’s the one I like the best.
That would make sense and also account for the more reasonable cost. From your viewpoint it's a win/win, you get a great driving car with the power and fun of a Sprint without the snob value scene tax of the real thing.My first Dolomite, a '75 1850 was also Sienna brown, as you say, the best of the brown shades. I failed it on MOT and the owner offered it to me for the price of the test, £15 IIRC! Those were the days! One thing I would recommend if you go for this one, is make sure it has the "Trackerjack" vented brake rotor conversion, it's a must for those mountain passes! I use them on all my Dolomites, the weedy front brakes, which are effectively the same on everything from the humble 61bhp 1300 to the 127 horse Sprint (Only difference is the Sprint pad material is a tad harder - if you can get NOS Sprint pads, it's not easy!) are, in my opinion, the cars biggest drawback. Other than that they are like Mary Poppins, "practically perfect, in every way!" Steve What about rear brakes? Any bigger wheel cylinder options or alloy drums or dare I say caliper conversions for rear brakes?? Trackerjack is still around, though easier to get hold of these days on the Dolomite Club Facebook page under his real name of Jonathan Alastair Jackson. He's built more than 150 kits to date, it's a proven conversion, i'd certainly never go back to stock and I don't know of anyone else who has fitted them who'd revert either. On rear brakes,the jury is still out. Whilst it's possible (barely) to get harder linings, most people don't bother, even with that much. The simple fact is that Sprint rear brakes are already too good for the rest of the system. An advisory when fitting TJs is to fit the SMALLER bore 1850 wheel cylinders and delete the load sensing valve for the rear brakes. This makes the brake balance just about perfect and helps to defeat the slightly "long" pedal that the bigger Ford calipers give the conversion. Several folk on here have made up disc rear conversions of their own, there is a thread currently on Dolomite Related on how this can be done, but even the guy who did it says it's probably not needful and he did it "because he could" I trackday my own car which has TJs and stock Sprint rear brakes and it's absolutely fine. No overheating or fade problems whatsoever. Steve |
Author: | tr250 [ Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:39 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
One of my downfalls or is it upsides...I’m not on The Facebook. When time grows nearer I’ll have someone get in touch |
Author: | Carledo [ Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:09 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: New Member across ye olde pond |
Quote:
One of my downfalls or is it upsides...I’m not on The Facebook. When time grows nearer I’ll have someone get in touch
I'm not a big fan myself and I don't live my life on facebook like the younger generation seem to. But it's a useful tool for staying in touch with people, especially in these troubled times - so long as you don't let it take over!I do have more prosaic methods for contacting Jon, with doing conversions for people professionally, I know him quite well! I'm up to 10 done now and counting. For the sake of his privacy, I don't pass out his phone or email without his consent, but it can be arranged! Cheers, Steve |
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