1978 - Triumph Dolomite 1850HL - Back in the game

[hoopsontoast]

Well its been almost 10-years since my last 'classic'and 12-years since my last Triumph but I have finally found one after on/off searching for the last couple of years. I had put it off due to the simple fact we did not have a garage and did not want to have one just sitting outside, even in a car cover.

So since we moved 2-years ago, I have found this lovely 1978 Dolomite 1850HL, courtesy of an 'inspection' from ChasR and although the drive home was not ideal, only made it 10-min down the road and had a lift on the back of a transporter, I'm very happy!

It needs a few bits doing, handbrake was seized so that's the first issue and then there is some odd engine running issues which I need to troubleshoot, at least now I have a dry, bright and 'warm' area to do the work with tools on hand etc.


Triumph Dolomite 1850HL by Robert Seymour, on Flickr


Triumph Dolomite 1850HL by Robert Seymour, on Flickr

Safely tucked up in the dry


Triumph Dolomite 1850HL by Robert Seymour, on Flickr


Triumph Dolomite 1850HL by Robert Seymour, on Flickr

[zeberdee]

Looks like a good base for a very nice car .

Also , loving your garage/work space .

👍

[hoopsontoast]

Aug 27, 2024 5:41:49 GMT zeberdee said:

Looks like a good base for a very nice car .

Also , loving your garage/work space .

👍

Thanks, yeah its pretty solid all over, just some work at some point on the front footwells as they have been repaired poorly in the past.

Lucky to have the double garage, it was a big selling point for me on the house!

[Macleesh]

I'm the Dolomite Club 1850 registrar. Looks like a sound buy. The club do footwell repair sections if you're looking to improve that area.

Watching with interest.

[hoopsontoast]

Short term plans:

-Diagnose and fix rear right drum brake
-Investigate poor running (suspected fuel supply issue)
-Fit new replacement rear brake flexi-pipes (supplied by previous owner)
-Order and fit new hoses (fuel tank breather, Servo-Head Breather, vacuum advance pipe and elbows etc)
-Order and fit new thermostat and gasket
-Investigate faulty rev-counter
-Experiment with the suspension, it has adjustable GAZ shocks and 1" lowering springs so needs a little tuning when I get it moving again.
-Fit new windscreen seal & trim (supplied by previous owner) as well as new window weather strips
-Refurb interior wood cappings and dash (I can do this bit by bit over the winter)
-Prep for an MOT (hazard/indicator relay has gone for a start, tyres are old and too smaller profile, look at replacing with 175/70R13 as original)

Long term plams:
-123ignition after very good results with an older 123 Delco conversion in my previous 1850HL, although appears there is a full 123 Delco unit now that was not available previously www.123ignition.de/123-ignition-en/ignition-distributor-triumph-tr-7-bluetooth.aspx
-New coil/Leads and Plugs along with the 123.
-Wheels, I like the idea of the MGF spare 14" wheels and then painted White or Silver www.mgobsessionparts.co.uk/product/spare-wheel-orange/

[v8ian]

Well done that man, got to love the Dolomite platform, Choice of wheels is a different route that I had explored on my Toledo, and saw the MGF space savers, but at stupid EBay prices. so avoided those because of cost, good find.....

[ChasR]

I was glad to be of service. It's a shame that getting it back wasn't a simpler deal, but I have confidence it will be sorted.

I'm a little busy these days, but I'd be happy to help out (y).

[hoopsontoast]

Well some progress over the last few weeks (and a weeks holiday away):

New rear brake cylinders (inc clips & Gaiter) and a new set of pads
New engine breather hoses and Vacuum hose/elbows
Fuel tank breather pipe (half installed)
New Suppressor, Condenser & Spark Plugs
Ctek MX5.0 charger
Rear Securon 254 seatbelt kit

Couple of bits I have bought but not fitted, a few fuel hoses and a new thermostat & gasket. Also some trim including new window waist seals.

After doing all the rear drums and bleeding the system, brakes working fine but handbrake did not click on unless you manually pulled the lever on the back of the drum, cable already at the end of its adjustment on both sides so ordered a pair of new cables as well. Took far longer to remove the old ones, a full morning compared to the same time to strip, clean and refit both rear drum assemblies.

Also stripped out the old non-connected electric fuel pump in the boot, the positive lead was 'nibbled' which I did not like the look of so all taped up and safe.

Also a few little bits like removing the old stickers including the front 'Triumph' Roundel which I am not a fan of.

Rear Drums all done


Back together including shot of shiny GAZ shocks


New Hoses and Ctek charger doing its thing


Rear seatbelts done


Roundel and windscreen stickers removed



Where we are at, waiting for handbrake cables to install next Tuesday.

[ChasR]

It's good to see you are making some progress.

Regarding the thermostat, I'd be a little careful. Ideally, it needs a foot on the bottom, so as the block off the bypass part of the cooling setup when the radiator is in play for cooling the car. The Bypass foot is there to regulate the bypass cooling circuit in the water circuit (i.e it bypasses the radiator).

What is a nice to have is to have a jiggle pin in the thermostat, since it can help with bleeding the system.

This one is akin to what you want (y).

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-Stag-Thermostat-75-degrees-GTS119-/353668054712?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=EAIaIQobChMI0NDGrr7MiAMV7pxQBh3ArSRvEAQYBSABEgJxPPD_BwE

[hoopsontoast]

Sept 18, 2024 12:31:12 GMT ChasR said:

It's good to see you are making some progress.

Regarding the thermostat, I'd be a little careful. Ideally, it needs a foot on the bottom, so as the block off the bypass part of the cooling setup when the radiator is in play for cooling the car. The Bypass foot is there to regulate the bypass cooling circuit in the water circuit (i.e it bypasses the radiator).

What is a nice to have is to have a jiggle pin in the thermostat, since it can help with bleeding the system.

This one is akin to what you want (y).

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-Stag-Thermostat-75-degrees-GTS119-/353668054712?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=EAIaIQobChMI0NDGrr7MiAMV7pxQBh3ArSRvEAQYBSABEgJxPPD_BwE

Well, in the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' mantra, I've left off that job as so far, the car has kept temperature (in my one and only drive in it) really well so I've not done anything as yet!

Once the handbrake is working again, I can get it out of the garage and have a little drive around to see what's up with the poor running. One other job I have found is the Hazard lights don't come on (light up or flash) and indicators do not flash (but do illuminate), so guess its a relay behind the dash.

It also has a dead cheap headunit and pretty terrible speakers, I'd like to get something to replace it sometime, no point spending too much as its always going to be a nosiy car but maybe a nice set of S/H 6.5" Components would do the trick. The modern 'Blaupunkt' retro headunits look nice but spendy, not sure if they are actually any good or just go for an older Apline HU as you know, I've had good experience with them in the past.

I'm not too worried about it being 'original' as it never will be with the black roof anyway.

Interior also showing the addition of a fire extinguisher, a birthday present from the Wife

[mrbig]

I had one of these about 20 years ago, absolutely loved it. Bought as a project which was misfiring like hell from a previous owner who has been told the carbs needed completely rebuilding due to using unleaded petrol.

I coaxed it home noticing the rev counter was all over the shop and seemed to coincide with the misfire. Wouldn't you know, it was the points and condenser. Fixed for about £20 and then ran like a dream. Wish I'd kept it.

Best of luck with yours, looks fabulous in that colour.

[motardman]

That back bench looks SO comfy. I love this car. Would really like a sorted one to keep for pub runs and fun days out.

[hoopsontoast]

Sept 18, 2024 14:17:03 GMT mrbig said:

I had one of these about 20 years ago, absolutely loved it. Bought as a project which was misfiring like hell from a previous owner who has been told the carbs needed completely rebuilding due to using unleaded petrol.

I coaxed it home noticing the rev counter was all over the shop and seemed to coincide with the misfire. Wouldn't you know, it was the points and condenser. Fixed for about £20 and then ran like a dream. Wish I'd kept it.

Best of luck with yours, looks fabulous in that colour.

The handbrake cables have arrived (Super fast from Robsport) so I might even get them fitted over the weekend then I can take it out and see what's what. I've not looked at the points yet so that could well be the issue!

I do love the colour, and the black roof is growing on me now.

[hoopsontoast]

Sept 19, 2024 11:30:27 GMT motardman said:

That back bench looks SO comfy. I love this car. Would really like a sorted one to keep for pub runs and fun days out.

Yeah its pretty comfy although quite noisy on the springs, compared to the front seats so might need some new foam/padding.

That's my plan for it, trips out, local shows in the summer and probably take it down to the shops once a week to keep it working.

[ChasR]

I'll try not to comment too much, as you know what I'm like! But I'll advise with restraint!

That's some great progress with sorting the interior and the brakes out! I do hear you about the cooling setup!

Regarding the flasher relay, modern versions of the classic relay are quite so so. One of these will set you straight. With it being a solid state flasher relay instead of the bi-metallic strip, the indicators will work as soon as you hit the indicator stalk, so they are safer as well.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183493511704

It will need an earth strap adding to it to be grounded somewhere (dashboard bolts are close and a good shout) but it should last a while

Regarding the headunits, getting rid of the cheapy thing is a good thing to do. I had one of those in the Merc W108, and did get glitchy, but then I was also running it with amps.

The Merc S124 had the Blaupunkt retro unit. For the price, IMHO, they deliver alot. They have the look for 80s cars, and are quite good to use. I've also had fancy one in the W108, which suited 60s and 70s cars more.

Both had DAB which worked well, even with an aerial adaptor in the W108. Controlling tracks etc. however was easier on the Blaupunkt and so was the quality of the build, albeit not by much. Both felt cheaper than the Alpine, and TBH, the Alpine had

-Better sound quality
-Superior processing power, which did make more a difference than I thought it would
-A much better noise floor. The Blaupunkt hissed slightly, but you'd be hard pushed to tell. The other one did hiss a bit. The Alpine was sient
-Easier usability, from changing tracks, pairing phones etc.

Anyway, keep at it, and it's good to see you back in step (y).

[vitesseefi]

There are two different flasher units, one for hazards and one for indicators. Where both hazards and indicators are not working, suspect the hazard switch as it’s part of both systems. Typically it’s dirty/corroded contacts, and quite often, just exercising the switch will resolve the problem, especially on the pull/push type.

[hoopsontoast]

Thanks guys, I did a bit of tuning on the engine to get it running better, just in the garage which seems to have worked. The handbrake cables are here but will be fitted on Tuesday then I can get it out for a drive.
The Indicators seem to be working better now I have sprayed some switch cleaner on the hazard switch itself and the indicator stalk/switch, still a bit slow but I'll do it again as well as checking the earths on the indicator lamps themselves.

[hoopsontoast]

Another development is speaking to Revolution direct, they can do the 4-spoke classic that I really like in an 13x5.5" and ET30, whch is closer to the ET35 of the standard Sprint alloys. The 'off the shelf' 13x5.5" ET25 alloys often fitted to TR7/Spitfire/Vitesse etc usually cause rubbing on the rear arches on the Dolomite, that 10mm really makes a difference. Hopefully the 5mm less offset will be fine...






They do it in a 13x6" option too, with a range of ET30-36 but that may well cause issues on the inner arches.








And some inspiration, I think it will suit it really well with the Red/Black colour scheme.

[v8ian]

OOOh the dilemma of Wheels for this car, been there and got the postcard,
found these on Facebook earlier this year, 6x15s.
Good luck with your search.

[jake899]

I've gone for the Lotus Europa wheels on my Toledo, I was lucky to find some in relatively good shape, though they needed a little machining to fit.
They're strange little cars, they seem to get under your skin despite not being particularly great at anything, other than putting a smile on your face!
My first two cars were dolomites, it was 1998, just passed my test, and wanted something different to the Nova boys. 1500HL did a wonderful job in the same colour as your 1850. Can confirm the rear bench is comfortable and excellent for teenage kicks. Now 20ish years later i'm still in a Triumph, but finally I found a two door Toledo.