Darren Sharp

Our cars are not renowned for being particularly waterproof so as it was chucking it down today preventing polishing or external fettling I’ve spent the one day off for the car testing it’s weatherproofness  ( is that a word?) . All seems well after a drive out ( filled it to the brim to check the new petrol sender - all good) . Wipers, washers, blower, heater all working perfectly. Heated rear window …. Nah but you can’t have everything can you , most importantly it’s dry inside with no leaks from the replacement screen rubbers and drain holes are clear . I’d forgotten how easy the Dolomite is to drive with excellent rack and pinion and its multi link suspension that was ahead of its time back when Ford were using Burman Worm and gear steering . Sticky throttle banished by fitting a powerful return spring linked onto an  exhaust bracket ala Spitfire 1500 . No longer have to lift the throttle after every manoeuvre. Very chuffed with how Marmite has turned out . 

Of Course Mike it is still a Triumph after all ! 

Weekend trials taking place in Lincolnshire for Marmite … a clean bill of health will see a Border’s Debut . Not as much room for tools in a Dolomite as there is in Olaf! 

So looking forward to this years event (as always) . It is likely to be the debut of ‘ Marmite ‘ my 1500 HL Dolomite  resplendent in its new coat ( with rather a lot of new steel beneath it ) . I’m disappointed that Wendy and I couldn’t get a room at the last hotel as it’s a fair journey home for us on Sunday evening but I do have the Monday off to recover . 

Pop off the fuel line make sure it’s got fuel by turning the starter ( should spurt as engine turns over) . If that’s ok check your spark by taking one plug out reconnecting the lead with the plug head touching the engine block and turn the starter . You should get a spark . 

When there is a gap in the summer schedule Wendy and I are hoping to have the big fit up on Mabel . Sitting ready are two new complete driveshafts , a prop shaft , a j type O/D gearbox , matching clutch a pair of fully rebuilt HS2 carbs on the correct inlet manifold and still to be sourced is a Mk2 spitfire manifold . These are available new so if we can’t find one there may need to be an early Christmas lol . Mabel is already transformed with the alternator conversion which has made starting and night running a whole lot easier . Before we embark on all these upgrades there will be a pause during which Mabel will be visiting the welders for a proper inspection of her chassis after investigating the drive shaft noises revealed some sub standard previous repairs . It is hoped that Mabel will then be suitable for longer trips and provide reliable transport for Wendy whenever required . This car generates huge smiles per mile from anyone who sees her and will remain in her patinated state . 

Check out that vinyl ! 

Well Marmite (AKA The flying Log) is back home dripping Waxoyl on my drive ! I’ve got two door  trims and a sill trim to fit plus the headlights , front valence , egg box grilles, drip rail trims , rear screen surround , vents  and the very shiny new front bumper . 

Ooh , couple of pictures of the vinyl roof going on … had a call earlier today from the fitter , he really didn’t want to fit this cover as it’s been in the box for two years and was creased . Top tip if you buy one unpack it  and keep the creases out of it . He has done a top job though . Ps … I have his number if anyone needs it ! 

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a set of good door cards in Chestnut brown for Marmite ( aka the flying Log) the current set are much the worse for wear . Also need a flat hardboard boot board as mine looks like the Alps ! Contact Darren and have your parts featured in the Mag … no not those parts .? Lol 

Thank you it’s getting there . Door rubbers and more trims back on this evening 

Gradually putting the Dolomite back together.. He’s looking ‘fabulous darling ‘ swanky new mirrors and front light assemblies . (Apparently on the wrong way in the photos but that’s how they were on the Log) new rear badges and struggling to get the door seals back into the grooves . Starting on the button with its new Bosch battery . 

All happening chez Sharpie . The log has been painted ! It’s VW AA Yellow ( The Modern One ) . All the door shuts are painted and the inside of the boot is Matt black stone chip . The under bonnet is staying Russet as a nod to The Log being born brown ! . This car is for using and although I’ve bought a lovely leather interior from a Rover 45 I saw the car in paint with the chestnut and it looks fab! So I might just leave it be and save myself a small fortune on carpets . 
doors are now done as are the boot and bonnet and it’s going back together at the moment . It will be transported to my home for reassembly. The Vinyl roof man is coming on the 6th June . I’ll keep you all updated … might yet make the summer runs and RBRR No 6 ! 

Seasoned campaigner now … me no 10 

Olaf No 4 

Well done Wendy 20 cars and 36 attendees . Where to next lol ? 

Olaf is RBRR ready now with new pads fitted , a recent tune from Mr Barker and new shoes in the rear . The flying Log is in the paint shop and is currently having sections bare metalled ready for filler and primer. All the doors are coming off one by one and will be painted all over . I’d like to use the Dolomite if possible in October as it practically knows the way round having already done five starting in 2008 . Olaf has done three . As for me I’m more knackered than both of the cars as I’ve done nine ! 

Cheap fix is to fit a bathroom cabinet lock . Let us know if it’s a convertible as the advice is different . 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/club.triumph/permalink/10160854725113729/
 

This event is on 2nd July 2023 . Burghley House is just off the A.1 north of Peterborough. If we can get 4 cars or more we can pitch a Gazebo to keep the sun off ! The house is Spectacular and so are the gardens and you can bring the car and as many occupants as you like for £13.50 which seems like great value compared to some other shows . 

That front wing graft Impressed the painter Sam .. thanks again mate 

The log is in the paint shop at the filler stage . Popped in today and took some pics .. OMG it looks better already and it’s not even in primer yet! 

West Mids Group organiser Wendy Dawes and I will be setting up for the Club at the Triumph Picnic this year . Please come along with the family or organise a local run to Warwickshire from your own groups

This event is free to Club members (and their families who are with them) .