RUK - Project Recommission 1972 'Dolomite' Auto

[new to this]

James

What was wrong with the original headlamp blows, when setting them up,turn the lights on up against the garage door or a wall,then your see which lamps are high or low and adjust as necessary

Dave

[James467]

Thanks Dave, the original ones were rusted around the mountings where the light panel was rusted away.

Decided to go for the plastic ones just for longevity really.

[James467]

Oh and Steve, I screwed the headlamp bowls in, didnt rivet them!

[SprintMWU773V]

As you're getting it MOT'd you might as well come clean with the tester and ask them to adjust them before doing the test, won't take more than a few mins.

[Carledo]

What Mark said^^^^^^^^

Leave the bezels off when you go in, for access, take the appropriate screwdriver. most testing stations will do adjustment like this for free if you've done the groundwork (ie removed the covers and freed off the adjusters, or in your case replaced them)

I always do mine with the testing station beamsetter, it's more accurate than any other way.

Steve

Oh and well done for NOT pop riveting the pods in!

[new to this]

Thanks Dave, the original ones were rusted around the mountings where the light panel was rusted away.

Decided to go for the plastic ones just for longevity really.

James

funny you say that ive been welding mine up ready for powder coating

Dave

[James467]

Thanks Dave, the original ones were rusted around the mountings where the light panel was rusted away.

Decided to go for the plastic ones just for longevity really.

James

funny you say that ive been welding mine up ready for powder coating

Dave

I'm not worried about originality though, well I am on NWL but not on RUK.

[James467]

What Mark said^^^^^^^^

Leave the bezels off when you go in, for access, take the appropriate screwdriver. most testing stations will do adjustment like this for free if you've done the groundwork (ie removed the covers and freed off the adjusters, or in your case replaced them)

I always do mine with the testing station beamsetter, it's more accurate than any other way.

Thanks chaps, I'll be honest and admit that I didn't even think of that.

This mornings jobs were, fit new rear subframe bushes, bleed the brakes again, tune, fit the doors properly and basically finish her off.

The old subframe bushes came off easily, no problems with seized nuts etc and both sides were fine requiring no welding.





New bushes fitted with new cup washers, nuts and bolts.





The old ones were past their best.



I then bled the brakes again and fitted the wheels, the pedal feels much better now, they may need another bleed but should be fine. Hmmm I think there's something missing?



Ahhh that's better! Wheel trims and a bonnet make a huge difference!



and with that we are done! I moved her forward to clear the scrap from under her.



Ready for her MOT on Saturday



I even have time to give her a good wash and hoover out tomorrow!

[markas]

I then bled the brakes again and fitted the wheels, the pedal feels much better now, they may need another bleed but should be fine. Hmmm I think there's something missing?

Driver's side window?
Sorry James, I couldn't resist that!
I've followed this recommissioning thread with great interest having seen the car on a trailer at Stoneleigh in February. Just amazed at how much you've done in just a few weeks to bring her back to life.
Good luck for the MOT!!

[Carledo]

Haven't you got the little bit of Honeysuckle paint left to blow in that bit on the drivers door?

Looks fab otherwise!

Steve

[James467]

Haven't you got the little bit of Honeysuckle paint left to blow in that bit on the drivers door?

I didn't think there was much point Steve, the bottoms shot to the point where the repair over the repair has blown the frame. I've got a door from Barry waiting for me so I thought I'd just rattle can that.

I was going to cut the wings in properly and do the front of the bonnet but then I thought bugger it, I'll just get her resprayed fully at some point.

[SprintMWU773V]

Everything crossed for the MOT.

[James467]

It's going to be a nervous morning! All polished up and ready for the MOT.

Just needs a hoover and wipe down inside.

[SprintMWU773V]

You've either been busy with Photoshop or you've blown that door in too!

Incidentally I keep meaning to thank you (and others) for your excellent photos in your threads. They are invaluable when it comes to trying to remember how things go together. This weekend's project is to strip and rebuild a brake load sensing valve and your pictures and diagrams from your other project are particularly good so I shall make use of them I'm sure when doing the job.

[James467]

You're welcome Mark!

Haven't blown the door in, I just removed most of the red oxide when I machine polished it!

At least Steve will be happy!

It does look better though. The paintwork on the wings isn't great, the waters left some marks in it. Bit of a bugger but I think with a bake in the sun it will harden up nicely and I'll be able to flat it off and polish it out.