Triumph Dolomite

Ebbs

Well im just about to invest in my first classic car It had to be a Triumph Dolomite. I have a nice one lined up but ive come across some various problems and i wonder can anyone help me

Its a automatic and in fear of losing the knack using a manual i want to change it to manual. Any idea on how much this would cost and any good dealers that could do it?

Also looking for a re-spray, ive got some prices but all from very old websites. Any one know the price for a 1 tonne spray.

Who does cheap vintage car insurance?

Thats really all for now, thanks in advance

Esel

Ebbs wrote: »

Its a automatic and in fear of losing the knack using a manual i want to change it to manual.

Unbelievable, tbh. You won't be driving it all the time, I presume. There is no way you'll 'lose the knack'!

Anan1

If you want a manual, buy a manual. And buy the very best one you can find. Dolomites aren't worth anything like enough to justify that kind of work. Just my 2c.:)

kadman

Anan1 wrote: »

If you want a manual, buy a manual. And buy the very best one you can find. Dolomites aren't worth anything like enough to justify that kind of work. Just my 2c.:)

Ditto

kadman

macplaxton

Like riding a bicycle, you don't ever forget.

The work involved in converting, it just isn't worth the hassle. If you hate the auto that much, sell it to someone who wants or needs one, and replace it with a manual.

Blue850

If you want a manual, buy a manual, to convert, your going to need a donor car in good running order so by the time you add up the price of the two cars plus the cost of transferring the bits over you'd be better off getting an original manual. I converted a Triumph 2000 a few years ago and it was a pain to be honest.

gfwd

As a Dolly owner myself I have to agree with the guys comments. Autos are a little rarer as far as I know and it's worth keeping it that way. I paid 1200 for my 1850 manual and it's a good car.

Unless it's a Sprint you're buying (they're worth considerably more than cars lower down the range) I'd find a manual to start with. Is it a Sprint you're buying? Engines and gearboxes aren't particularly expensive for a Dolomite. There are quite a few heads in the Dolomite club across the water who could supply you with what you need. Finding a scrapper with good mechanicals shouldn't be too difficult either. Check out the forum at www.triumphdolomite.co.uk/dolomite.html

As regards insurance, I recommend First Ireland. They're brokers and should get you a decent deal.

gfwd

And worth contacting the Triumph club here too. www.triumphclassicownersclubireland.ie

triumphs

The advice offered so far is very good although I use AXA Concourse policy and have for the last few years and it is about the best out there. It allows you up to four cars on the policy with a base cost for the biggest engine model and a little extra for the other cars.

I am also a member of the Triumph Classic Owners Club and can't recommend these lads and lassies enough, there is a great wealth of experince and knowledge available.

Dolomites vary alot in value from zero up to €4k approx depending on what has been done to a car, but generally you will pay between €1k and €2k for a very useable car. It is better to buy a car completely restored than spend the money yourself as it will always be cheaper than what it costs to restore one.

The Sprint is the most desirable of all the models having the greatest performance and as such commands a higer price. The most common Dolomite sold was the 18/50 HL, but I like the 1500 HL with overdrive, personal choice really.

Good luck with your purchase.

Dusty1609

Not sure if this one is still for sale but it's an Irish car which is a Plus.

Manual 1500. http://classiccar.ie/Car.aspx?AdID=146