New member, new car

[Tamworthbay]

Just joined up as about to get my hands on a Toledo. I am not new to old cars and have a mk3 Capri project nearing completion and have had loads of minis, escorts, MGBs, T2s, kit cars and loads of British bikes. Fairly clued up mechanically so hope to be able to contribute as well as asking a few stupid questions. I am lucky to have a four post lift at work as well as a well kitted out workshop including lathe and milling machine (and an ex BL toolmaker to work them). I have always fancied a sprint but as prices have gone skyward I have settled on a nice Toledo (when I say nice I mean borderline project really). Will post up more details when I get it.

[GTS290N]

Welcome
That all sounds great, looking forward to seeing pictures, progress and innovations.

[Toledo Man]

Welcome to the forum. I've moved your thread here because it IS Dolomite-related. How about starting a thread in the "resto" section.

[Tamworthbay]

Quick update, I was unaware that the seller had promised first refusal on the car to someone else. So when I said I would have it I was greeted by a 'you're second in line' but that the other guy hasn't got back to him for a couple of days. Personally when I am selling a car its first money in hand buys it but it's nice that the guy is old school in that respect. I have told him that I will have if it's available and can send the deposit over immediately, he has said that he will give the other guy until close of play tomorrow to decide so either way I will know by Monday. It's a pain as I have been looking for one for ages and when one came up in my price range and close enough to do something about I thought all was sorted. Hopefully it still will be.

[GTS290N]

Good luck, I hope you get it.

[Tamworthbay]

The seller has just got back to me, he seems a really very genuine guy and has held the car for an age but it seems the other guy wants it. He plans to drive it with no mot and a leaking rad from the south Midlands to the north of Scotland to a prebooked mot, and it hasn't been on the road for several years. Not the greatest idea to me buy hey ho. Really thought I had finally found one but these things happen. So the search continues...........

[Mahesh]

That's unfortunate, from what you wrote I thought you would have done the car justice.

Hope you find another soon, wish you well on your search.

[triumphdolomiteuk]

The seller has just got back to me, he seems a really very genuine guy and has held the car for an age but it seems the other guy wants it. He plans to drive it with no mot and a leaking rad from the south Midlands to the north of Scotland to a prebooked mot, and it hasn't been on the road for several years. Not the greatest idea to me buy hey ho. Really thought I had finally found one but these things happen. So the search continues...........

This wouldn't need much doing to it to make it a very desirable classic; viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30534

[Tamworthbay]

The seller has just got back to me, he seems a really very genuine guy and has held the car for an age but it seems the other guy wants it. He plans to drive it with no mot and a leaking rad from the south Midlands to the north of Scotland to a prebooked mot, and it hasn't been on the road for several years. Not the greatest idea to me buy hey ho. Really thought I had finally found one but these things happen. So the search continues...........

This wouldn't need much doing to it to make it a very desirable classic; viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30534

it looks a bargain but is a little out of my price range. The Toledo needed a fair bit of welding and was very scruffy, not a quick MoT as the buyer seems to think, but was only £400. From what the seller has said he plans to do a very quick job on it, get and mot and give to his daughter. It sounded like a filler and paint bodge from the way he described but I really hope I am wrong as too many of these cars have died due to that sort of treatment.

[Tamworthbay]

That's unfortunate, from what you wrote I thought you would have done the car justice.

Hope you find another soon, wish you well on your search.

Thanks, I would like to think that when I get one it will be done well. I tend to get cars thinking I will do a light touch but I can't bear them not to me mechanically and structurally perfect so usually end up doing a full job sooner or later. My Capri was supposed to be a quick job and is now 18 months in and another day will see all the welding finished. Then just the long slog of getting ready for paint. My mate and I and planning to spray it, it will be the first full car we have done but we have a big double width and height garage where I work to use as a spray booth. It should be fun!

Something will turn up, and having found this forum I will keep an eye on anything that comes up. I have a spare mini turbo set up that I planned to put in a hill climb project but may sell to make some more funds for the dolly pot. The SE looks perfect if I had a bit more money and the Capri was a bit more finished, until then I really need something that moves on its own.

[Tamworthbay]

I have had another look at that SE and it does a cracking car for the money. The head is only a few hours work so should be able to get it moving quite quick which would work. I am sure I could find some extra funds if need be for the right car. Do any of you know the car at all?

[Carledo]

I've not seen it for a couple of years, that being the last time I was over at Richards place. A bit untidy but basically sound, it was running, driving and MOT'd then. And it's an SE, so worth the extra mile.

Steve

[Tamworthbay]

I've not seen it for a couple of years, that being the last time I was over at Richards place. A bit untidy but basically sound, it was running, driving and MOT'd then. And it's an SE, so worth the extra mile.

Steve

Thanks for the reply. By untidy do you mean flat paint work, rusty, tired interior? Or just generally scruffy? I have PMed him and the more I look at it the more I like it. I have never seen an SE in the flesh. It's more than I was looking to spend but it's sometimes worth stretching a bit to get the right one.

[Carledo]

It was just generally scruffy the last time I saw it, no bad rot that I remember and the interior was ok but by no means pristine. The term "well used" comes to mind.
But, as I said, this was at least 2 years ago, its probably best to go and see for yourself. Certainly, from what I remember, it would make a decent "improver" and the price is not excessive for what it is. It should be fairly easy to get it running and MOT'd and having the head off is a good opportunity to convert for unleaded.

Steve

[Tamworthbay]

It was just generally scruffy the last time I saw it, no bad rot that I remember and the interior was ok but by no means pristine. The term "well used" comes to mind.
But, as I said, this was at least 2 years ago, its probably best to go and see for yourself. Certainly, from what I remember, it would make a decent "improver" and the price is not excessive for what it is. It should be fairly easy to get it running and MOT'd and having the head off is a good opportunity to convert for unleaded.

Steve

Thanks, sounds perfect for me. I have PMed him and will have a look if I get the chance.