The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi All
Ive just joined and thinking of getting a Dolomite.
Mechanics are to going to be much of a problem as i can do these myself, but bodywork is not my strong point
I have been looking but is there any common place i should look for rust and are most or all relair panels available?
What will i need to make or get made myself?
Im after either am 1850 or 1500SE
Thanks for any info you can give me.
Adam

Hello and welcome!

Both cars you mention sound fine choices.

Now, bodywork...

Firstly, I think I am on safe ground when I say that all repair panels are now available (from the club) to deal with the really common areas, GRP replacement panels are also available for the front end (which is the place where the cars suffer the most), these panels are of extremely good quality. They (along with the repair panels) are available to club members.

Places to look for rust is:

Sills.

Door bottoms (particualry the rear doors).

Chassis rails (you need to remove the front wheels to examine these properly).

Boot floor.

Lip of both the bonnet (leading edge) and the boot's vertical panel (where the lock is).

Windscreen corners.

The vent panel (above the rear screen).

But that said rust can break out anywhere, take a magnet to check for filler.

New NOS metal panels are becoming very rare (and very expensive), Also on the rare list is the interior seat coverings so please check the seats are in good order (especially the back of the rear seat as this is very prone to sun damage).

I am sure there is something I have missed, so if anyone could add anything else please?

Hi Alan

Thanks for that, you info will be a great help
I think i need to get out there and have a look to get an idea what im looking for and what to avoid.

Adam

You are welcome Adam .

Please feel free to ask any questions at all here about the cars, no matter how daft a question you may feel it is - we don't bite and love to impart our combined knowledge.

Happy hunting!