Dolomite Sprint (RNK 957W)

[RSi]

A boot clean and everything back in, there wasn't much to do, I gave it a good polish. The spare wheel has never been used, I had Aldridge Trimming make the new mat, which is in the original material - they made a perfect job.

There is one thing annoying me, when the spare wheel is in it does raise the wooden cover slightly, and I can't work out why, any ideas?

[Carledo]

It's because the spare wheel well was designed to accomodate a 4.5" wide wheel exactly! They weren't going to redesign the boot floor and retool to accomodate the 5.5" Sprint alloy wheel, the accountants would have a fit!

I suppose, thinking about it, the clever thing to do would be to have made a Sprint fuel tank that was an extra inch taller, that would give a longer range to the flagship model too! I guess the purse strings wouldn't even stretch that far!

All Sprints are like this!

Steve

[RSi]

It's because the spare wheel well was designed to accomodate a 4.5" wide wheel exactly! They weren't going to redesign the boot floor and retool to accomodate the 5.5" Sprint alloy wheel, the accountants would have a fit!

I suppose, thinking about it, the clever thing to do would be to have made a Sprint fuel tank that was an extra inch taller, that would give a longer range to the flagship model too! I guess the purse strings wouldn't even stretch that far!

All Sprints are like this!

Steve

Thanks Steve, that explains that then.

[RSi]

I need a new battery, it's not keeping the charge now with the trickle charger connected to it.

This one is 4 years old, but has never really had proper use, most of the time on a tickle charger, so maybe that's not so good for it.

What battery would folk recommend?

[James467]

Standard is an 038 best bought from Tayna.

A Varta B12 or 23, I can't remember which, also fits. Have a look at Project RUK or DTR.

A CTek charger is the best to go for, it will cycle the battery or something, it simulates the car running and keeps the battery good. I use it on the Discoverys battery, that gets a hammering with the pre heater.

[dollyman]

What trickle charger are you using Murdo?

Tony.

[RSi]

This is the trickle charger I've been using Tony.



I've looked at the Tanya site and it's given me 4 options, is there are particular make that's better, it's the Banner one that's on it just now.




Is this the trickle charger you mean James.



It's the Varta B34, but does the clamp fit properly onto it.

[James467]

That's the charger, yes!

Thinking about it, the varta fits an 1850 but the airbox on a Sprint is bigger so although it just fits the clamp I'm worried that it may hit the air box.

Not sure about the batteries I think the Numax and Enduroline ones are supposed to be good.

[RSi]

That's the charger, yes!

Thinking about it, the varta fits an 1850 but the airbox on a Sprint is bigger so although it just fits the clamp I'm worried that it may hit the air box.

Not sure about the batteries I think the Numax and Enduroline ones are supposed to be good.

Thanks, I can get both off Tanya

[dollyman]

Not seen that charger before Murdo, i have a C-Tek and two of the Aldi ones as i have a few batteries to charge. I have found that the C-Tek when left on permanent does not leave enough power in the battery and the Aldi one dries out the cell's so it's over charging or charging to fast So i now swop them about and the Aldi ones are on timers 3hrs a day, and normal service has resumed

Tony.

[RSi]

Has anyone fitted a new seal to the boot with the boot in sittu?

I don't want to take the boot off and crack the new paint on the nuts, and realignment etc - but not that confident fitting the seal without taking the boot off either.

Any help or suggestions, has anyone done it without making a mess with adhesive?

[Matt Cotton]

Hi Murdo.

mmm, tricky one. I think it is easier with the boot off, so as you have gravity on your side to hold the seal in place.
However, I understand where you are coming from with the paint.

I guess a brushable contact adhesive would be best to try and keep mess to a minimum, could you use some masking tape or similar to try and hold it in place while it cures? Clamps would help, but obviously extreme care would be required to not damage the paint - touching up your nuts would be easier, ahem!!

MC

[marshman]

Use a contact adhesive. I use Evostick 528, usually hidden under the counter so the glue sniffers cant get it - . Brush on a thin layer around the boot where you want to put the rubber and another thin coat on the rubber itself. Wait 5 mins until touch dry and then carefully press into place. I used it on the door rubbers of my old Standard 8 (restored in the 80's), on my Standard Vanguard I did in the 90's and on a couple of other cars since. Sticks on contact and stays in place - not affected by the weather, water etc. Also it is possible to peel excess adhesive off of the paintwork after it has properly dried. No need to try to clamp the rubber or hold it in place. The only issue with rubbers is making sure the fit and you don't stretch them as you go round sticking it on.

Make sure it is Evostick 528 in the green tin and marked "trade only" - the non smelly stuff in the red tin is no good. Most builders merchants stock it or get it off of Fleabay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOSTIK-EVO-S ... Swnklay0Rl

One last thing, garage and bootlid need to be fairly warm, don't do it in a really cold garage as there is a risk of condensation on the surface of the metal. Wait for an nice warm sunny day!

Roger

[James467]

I agree with Roger.

If you have let it cure enough then it should just be a case of sticking it to the boot then leaving it, it is a contact adhesive after all. Some yellow Frog tape would help, it's the delicate one I think.

Once it is set then just close the boot and let the boot clamp it, that should set it in place.

[RSi]

Thanks guys, that's a great help!

I'd never seen, or heard of the green Evostik before, that's it ordered now though.

I'll get some frog tape too, just to be sure.

I've been staring at this seal for months, but going for it now.