Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

[marshman]

My father used to use it back in the 1970's, mainly for gluing Formica on kitchen worktops when he was fitting a kitchen (ready made kitchen worktops weren't available then like they are now - anyone remember Hygena QA kitchen units?). He had a big gallon can of it, used to love the smell. We used it for all sorts of other jobs - including sticking on rubber trim and seals on cars - as well as other upholstery jobs. As I said not so readily available these days and it is rarely if ever on display.

Roger

[RSi]

My next job on the Sprint is going to be cleaning the underside, 40 years of grime off the running gear, which I'm really not looking forward to, a very messy job and I like clean jobs... I'm also going to clean the floors too and put a fresh coat of Dinitrol over the Ziebart.

I'm getting too old to spend days on my back underneath the car getting covered in dirt, the thought was delaying the start so I'm going to invest in something that'll hopefully make it something close to enjoyable, a ramp.









Any advice before I start this.

[dollyman]

Don't bother with a single post ramp Murdo You will be always changing your undies..... and that cross bar is right in the way if you want do anything. Do you have access to 3 phase or just single?

Tony.

[James467]

That thing looks sketchy!

[James467]

One of those chassis tilters that bolts to the hubs would probably be better.

[RSi]

They come highly recommended, more expensive than 2 posters by almost 100%, they actually do mobile ones which I would agree James is sketchy - a local garage has one and uses it daily. I would lose too much off my garage with a 2 poster, so that's why I've opted for this one.

No single phase Tony, why.

[RSi]

One of those chassis tilters that bolts to the hubs would probably be better.

Don't think I've seen them.

One of the reason's I went for the ramp too is in case the engine needs to come out at some point, which is highly likely.

[dollyman]

Hi Murdo, single phase electric is the standard one, three phase gives more options. Single post ramps scare the hell out me Murdo, i know they have been tested but having spent most of my life under ramps.... I would never go near one. Have a look at what these guy's have to offer https://cjautosheywood.co.uk/product/2- ... ift-cl07h/ They do have some great stuff and resonable. There is another company but my grey matter what let me know who it is at the moment That single post lift with the bar in the middle? you will find it is always in the way
When i remember the other guy's i will let you know

Tony.

[RSi]

Hi Murdo, single phase electric is the standard one, three phase gives more options. Single post ramps scare the hell out me Murdo, i know they have been tested but having spent most of my life under ramps.... I would never go near one. Have a look at what these guy's have to offer https://cjautosheywood.co.uk/product/2- ... ift-cl07h/ They do have some great stuff and resonable. There is another company but my grey matter what let me know who it is at the moment That single post lift with the bar in the middle? you will find it is always in the way
When i remember the other guy's i will let you know

Tony.

How does that 2 poster support itself, that looks scary Tony. I've no option but single phase as it's in a domestic premises, and space is at a premium.

[James467]

This is what I was talking about Murdo.

https://cjautosheywood.co.uk/product/ba ... -4-5-stud/

Drain the fluids first!

If you are only using it to clean the bottom of the car then this is more cost effective.

Personally with the number of sills I have replaced I have always worked with a dolly (dolly, not Dolomite!!) raised at its highest level, that puts the car about 800mm off the ground. But like you I'm fed up with laying on my back on a cold garage floor. A two post lift won't cut it for me I just don't like them, I'm making a rotisserie!

[dollyman]

Hi Murdo, single phase electric is the standard one, three phase gives more options. Single post ramps scare the hell out me Murdo, i know they have been tested but having spent most of my life under ramps.... I would never go near one. Have a look at what these guy's have to offer https://cjautosheywood.co.uk/product/2- ... ift-cl07h/ They do have some great stuff and resonable. There is another company but my grey matter what let me know who it is at the moment That single post lift with the bar in the middle? you will find it is always in the way
When i remember the other guy's i will let you know

Tony.

How does that 2 poster support itself, that looks scary Tony. I've no option but single phase as it's in a domestic premises, and space is at a premium.

It bolts to the floor like the others, but having wheels on it can be unbolted and put in a corner when not in use. I see James likes the CJ Auto's stuff as well They have the diy man in mind when designing their stuff.

Tony.

[dollyman]

This is what I was talking about Murdo.

https://cjautosheywood.co.uk/product/ba ... -4-5-stud/

Drain the fluids first!

If you are only using it to clean the bottom of the car then this is more cost effective.

Personally with the number of sills I have replaced I have always worked with a dolly (dolly, not Dolomite!!) raised at its highest level, that puts the car about 800mm off the ground. But like you I'm fed up with laying on my back on a cold garage floor. A two post lift won't cut it for me I just don't like them, I'm making a rotisserie!

If had four and two post ramps in my place James each had their own merits for different jobs. I used to think the same about two posters, but if you saw the abuse they got They are very safe. The trouble with the rottisserie, is you still have to get under somehow to drain the fluids. Great for a restoration though

Tony.

[RSi]

The main reason I'm investing in a ramp just now James, is so that any job that requires access from underneath can be done by myself, I'm particularly thinking about the engine, it's likely to need to come out at some point, and it'll make life so much easier, and any other job too - and too old for lying on a cold garage floor.

I'm thinking of the single poster as the 2 poster just about cuts off access to half the garage, where as the single makes little difference to the space, doesn't affect the garage. I've used a 2 poster loads of times in a mate's garage, and I think they're awesome and was the obvious choice but just not practical for my garage.

The bar that goes across underneath, do you really see it being that much of a pain Tony, there's nothing there but the prop and exhaust.

[dollyman]

The bar that goes across underneath, do you really see it being that much of a pain Tony, there's nothing there but the prop and exhaust.
[/quote]

Exactly Murdo, if you are lifting the engine out sometimes its easier to take both out together it will be in the way. same thing with exaust or speedo cable h/brake cable etc you will always be banging your head and cursing it. The thing is Murdo it's your garage and your choice, i can only point out what i would do. That CJ two post at least you could move one post if was in the way and you can choose the spacing between the post. The best ramp i had was a Tecalamit four post wheel free absolutley brilliant you leave the car hanging in mid air with little in the way.
Just give it some thought Murdo as you will (i hope) be working with it a long time.

Tony.

[RSi]

I know someone who's got experience of one posters, and for my needs it should be fine - lets face it, I'm not going to be doing anything dramatic or innovative like modifications where it could be a problem, these days are long gone for me . If I was 20 again with years of restos ahead of me, then I would be thinking differently.

I'm going to do a wee bit more research this evening though and sleep on it, then bite the bullet and make a decision.

Thanks Guys.

Any advice for cleaning up the underside, although that's a few weeks away yet, until I get the ramp fitted, my plan is to put Dinitrol over the Ziebart. There's areas where something has caught the Ziebart and taken it off and some steel exposed but clean steel, small patches about 50p size - how will I go about those bits?