where do I start?

[Fen-yak]

My 1974 Dolomite carmine red 1850 (Tutti Frutti) has been sitting in my garage for the past 6 years.
Before it was 'rested' it was used everyday for 6 months on a 38 mile round trip + extra's. Despite the usual one or two niggles it ran fine.

After 5 years of 'I'm gonna sell it, no I can't, I'll do it up type' dithering, I've decided to bite the bullet and try and get it back on the road.
Question is where do I start?

I know there's some nasty looking rust/holes on both sides of what I think is the front subframe ('scuse non-technical description).
I'll try and post some pics this week to guage opinion. But if this is terminal what's the best way forward? Can this part be replaced/safely welded?
If it can be repaired where do I go from there? Are there any guides?

[Fen-yak]

any advice greatly appreciated. Sorry to be rude, it's late.

Cheers in advance,

Nick

[Autonet7]

There's always plenty of repair sections available for most parts. Plus it's all down to your ability to repair it or the depth of your pockets to fund someone else doing it. Pics would be good for a more accurate diagnosis

Good luck with it

[Purplebargeken]

Well done for biting the bullet. There's plenty of examples where laid up 'work needed' cars have been brought back to life. Plently of panels, advice and often than not, practical help on offer too. Agreed that piccies would help guage the work needed. Well done and good luck. The Resto Show at Stoneleigh is on at the weekend, great opportunity to come and say hi and obtain some parts too.

Ken

[Fen-yak]

Ta for the encouragement.
Should be able to get some pics taken early tomorrow evening to post for advice. I get the feeling I'm going to be a regular visitor to this site over the next year.

When I did drive Tutti for 6 months from Ebbw Vale to Brecon everyday it was really enjoyable, not just for the view, but for the feel of the drive itself. Especially the section along the B4560 from Ebbw Vale to Llangynidr - if you're ever driving along the A465 a diversion at Ebbw is well worth the run (as long as your brakes are up to scratch).

Nick

[Purplebargeken]

Looking forward to those pics Are you anywhere near Richard, Adam or Ceri? Plenty of help, support and advice there. Try and get to the Resto Show if you can. Great day out.

Keep going!

Ken

[Toledo Man]

You missed out on the Rimmer's discount on Sunday. They break cars as well and they salvage as much as possible so you might pick up a few secondhand bargains. I was able to get a pair of grab handles for my Sprint for £5.

[David6214]

Has to be self defeating that doesn't it - the biggest supplier of parts for dolomites breaks the cars which it supplies the parts to and reduces its market share....they sell whole cars as well would be a better idea!

[Fen-yak]

Richard, Adam, Ceri? South Wales based I'm guessing?
How do I find out or is it just a case of trawling through posts.

[David6214]

yep, south wales port talbot would be a good approximation. look at the individuals profile page and see what they have put.

There is a button at the bottom of the post which will help, and location is under the avatar - is in mine anyway.

[Fen-yak]

I haven't had a close look at this rot for about a year. It looks pretty scary - honest opinions please I'm no car mechanic.
Driver side rot - it's right on the mounting point and its the same on the other side although not so bad. Apart from these bits, the rest of the car is in pretty reasonable condition compared with some pics I've seen on this site.
No pics uploaded yet - how do I that on this site?

Nick

[Fen-yak]

got it sorted, I think - drivers side just in front of wheel

[Fen-yak]

obviously not got it sorted...
I'll be back.

[Fen-yak]

thanks for the advice David6124 -will go and have a look

[Mad Mart]

Doesn't seem to work with [img] tags, so if you do it using tags at least you get a link to the pi ... 3Ig=_l.jpg