The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hello all, long time since I've been on here!

Some of you will have met my Father and I when you came to stay at his campsite in Keld, Swaledale, a few years ago. He and I both had Dolomites.

I sold mine shortly afterwards, and he has recently given me his 1850 HL since he has been diagnosed, sadly, with Alzheimers.

I found the car for him, and it was, and is, a very solid, low mileage, and original car. However, the paint is utterly dead. He has always washed his cars with washing up liquid (!!!!) and even then it was a rare occurrence for it to be washed.

I am considering getting the car resprayed and using it for a summer season, and then potentially selling it on as we are looking at moving house and will need the capital.

So, 3 questions:

1) has anyone got a ball park figure for a GOOD QUALITY full outer respray (i.e. not under bonnet, etc) on a Dolomite that I should be looking at (based on no prep being done by me; I've got two slipped discs!).
2) has paying for such work on a car ever increased the value of that car (real resale value) more than the cost of the work?
3) does anyone know anywhere they'd recommend within 50 miles of Leicester for such work?

Cheers,

Jake

It is sad to hear about your father Jake. I know of another local TDC member who is going the same way. I remember you both at Keld. It was Northern Dolly Day in 2008. I'd just got my 1850 on the road and the autobox was leaking transmission fluid on to the exhaust which made for an interesting journey on that day.

A decent respray won't be cheap. I fear that you might just be able to recoup the cost of the respray when you come to sell unless you can get "mates rates" for the job. Also, there might be hidden rot in places such as the headlamp panels. Are you sure the paint can't be revived? If the car was washed as infrequently as you say it was then the washing-up liqud shouldn't have done much harm.

Sorry I can't be of much help.

It does depend on how much scope there is to maximise what you've got. Some photo's would be helpful but a thorough clean, T cut and polish including the chrome really can make a difference. I'd then get a quote from a local body shop for the respray and then concentrate on a new MOT before a repaint. Then you can sell it as a solid honest car with a full MOT but needing paint with the quote and if you can't get a good price you've still got the option to paint it and try again.

Andy.

Thank you for two very helpful replies. Will try and post a picture.

I tried using some polish and some t-cut on a small part of the boot lid to no avail. It is utterly dead in the sense of being heavily oxidised and completely matt in finish! It has also faded badly and so is orange rather than red!

The car has been pampered mechanically (including full engine rebuild) and the interior is immaculate (including rear seat squab!). As such it would be much more than an "honest" car if resprayed, it would be up there with the best non-concourse cars (in my view, and I've had lots of Triumphs!).

Jake

Three pics uploaded here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/128163549 ... 322236236/

It's a credit to your dad Jake and as you say more than just an honest car. If you can't actually do the prep yourself could you remove bumpers, trim etc yourself? The respray with windows out I'd estimate £1200 to £1500 if you don't need any welding or panels (there's still so many clips and seals you might have to buy). That would be for a proper job and you'd have a very nice 1850 to sell. I don't know what the top end of prices is for an 1850 buy I'd think much more than £3k might be a struggle. Unless there's unforeseen problems you'd probably break even or possibly make a bit getting it painted but the bigger buzz for you and your dad might be seeing it at it's very best again.
Andy.

Untitled by jaked258, on Flickr

Untitled by jaked258, on Flickr

Untitled by jaked258, on Flickr

I would pay someone very good pocket money to t-cut and polish the car and use it as is, I wouldn't consider a respray on it. Looks great!

Worth an all over machine polish to start with.

Resprays are cheap, you pay for the time prepping for the respray. As a general rule you get what you pay for,

As others have said, I would have a go at cutting it back and polishing.

I have been told by a local Classic dealer that Marshalls in Forest Town are first class. I have seen some of their work and it looks excellent. I'm going to give them a try in the summer.

http://forest-town.cylex-uk.co.uk/compa ... 93468.html

There is also Douglas's in Northampton. I had the back end of a Spitfire done there to a very high standard.

http://www.dmsport.co.uk/

Both not really near to you but may be worth trying for a quote.

Cheers people, you've given me the necessary inspiration, and as said it'd be great for my Dad to see her in all her glory.

I had the Alfa "detailed" a few weeks ago and I'll ask him to give me a quote for a paint refresh as suggested.

Ta!

Here are the photos of the same car at NDD 2008

And my old green 1850, Elly! Now in Ireland.

Your car looks either pimento or flamenco red originally.
I have had both, and when flat neither will polish up that well.

It has to be wet flatted down and resprayed. It will cost you around £1000 to have it done well. If you pay any less it won't be done well.

I doubt you will get your money back, so if it were mine I'd do it myself....aerosols or hire a spray gun. Its amazing what you can achieve a panel at a time...

Jonners

Bring it to Coventry, and we'll have a go at machine polishing it. BUD looked far worse than that, but was recovered.

Sounds like a candidate car for a Restoration Show...