My First Post - I've been offered an 1850HL

[Bumpa]

Hello everyone. I'm not new to classic cars, but am new to the Dolomite. My brother-in-law has a 1977 Dolomite 1850HL. Up until 1992 it was in regular use and he looked after it well, Waxoyling the body etc. I believe it has only covered about 45,000 miles. Since 1992 it has lain in his garage. The garage is dry but cold, as he lives in the NE of Scotland.

When we were visiting him last week I went to have a look at the car. It is in absolutely original condition with no mods from standard at all. The body appears to be in good condition, as much as I could see by crawling around with a torch. The rear arches aren't rusty, the doors appear sound, as do the sills. I know it has never seen a welding torch. Some of the bright trim on the sides is off, but he has the pieces.

It is filthy dirty and it is hard to tell if there are any rust bubbles on the top of the wings for example. The interior is all intact but in need of a good clean. The seats are not ripped or worn and are surprisingly comfortable. It has a period radio/casette with a speaker on the back shelf!

I'm told that there is an issue with the gearbox in that it jumps out of gear. It doesn't have an overdrive, which is a shame. The engine is not seized but shows signs of having some fairly major oil leaks and I would want to strip it and check it over. Obviously all the brakes would have to be renewed, hydraulics and pads at least. The tyres would also need renewing.

The thing is, he is willing to let me have the car for nothing - that's right, nowt. What pitfalls can I expect if I decide to take it on? I am well experienced in old car rebuilds having done my MGB GTV8 from a wreck, a Midget using a new shell, and recently a Lotus Elan Sprint from a pile of parts. So there aren't many jobs that would faze me.

What should I look out for? How tricky would it be to find and fit an overdrive?

[Jon Tilson]

Welcome....

Have it....

Overdrive box is a doddle mechanically, in that you just need the box and a cross member. Trouble is they are no longer that common and could cost you around 450 quid.

If the engine is toast get a TR7 one. Plenty about.

Nothing we cant guide you through on here. Start a resto thread and have a look at some of the threads already there.
I guess your first steps are a clean and see if the engine is seized. Then maybe try and get it running from a gallon can, clean out the
fuel system, replace rubber joining sections on the fuel pipe, sort out the hydraulics and get it moving.

Jonners

[triumphdolomiteuk]

Never mind wasting time asking questions, just take it home and have some fun with it! It sounds like it wouldn't take much effort/money to recommission.

[Mahesh]

Sounds like a bargain, and with your previous experience and the forum, shouldn't be a problem.

Seen people pay a lot more for a lot less.

[GTS290N]

Do not under any circumstances go near that car.
Tell me where it is and I'll take it.
Enjoy, it's much better than an MGB.

[tamtrucks]

go for it and welcome to forum

[Toledo Man]

Welcome to the forum. You should definitely take it. The mechanicals are easy to sort and all perishable items will need replacing so you will need to overhaul the brakes, clutch and fuel systems.

Don't be afraid of asking any questions. You've come to the right place for help and advice. Don't forget to join the Club. It is worth every penny of the membership fee. I'm looking forward to seeing your "resto" thread. There is also a Dolly Wiki which answers some questions that are asked a lot. Don't forget to put up some photos.

[AndyJ]

Grab the car and join the club too! As you are probably already aware a good body is the best possible starting point for entry classics such as the Dolomite, the mecahnicals being relatively cheap and only rarely costing more than a decent car is worth. Not sure where you are but the chances are there's help nearby if you can't solve problems you encounter on here. Dolomites drive very well and keep up with modern traffic too, especially the larger engined ones.
What's to lose?
Andy.

[tamtrucks]

any dolomite is worth saving

[tractor boy]

Go for it and enjoy the fun I have an 1850hl but with overdrive definitely a worthwhile mod. Join the club and the forum they are great and have been a great help to me. A smashing set of guys. Tractor boy. NCB 128R

[Lee1500]

Definitely go for that! The layer of dust has probably helped protect it. 1850s drive really nice. The lack of overdrive isn't the end of the world. It would be worth just getting the engine running before diving in to dismantle it. Good luck.