garyf

This looks very nice indeed, presumably 124K Miles but it looks lovely, a club members car too. https://www.mathewsons.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-655---1980-triumph-dolomite-1850-hl/?lot=26205&so=0&st=dolomite&sto=0&au=68&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=48&pn=1&g=1

Phil Are you sure the registration number isn't UBP 841 that does come up on the M.O.T. Trace as a White TR2 and the tax trace also shows its currently taxed too🙂 Gary

Hi Wendy Thanks for the info, I've made my mind up on a Mk2 Convertible though. Regards Gary

What did everyone think to the show? I enjoyed it apart from the queuing to get in I thought it was busy, but maybe not as busy as last year. I was hoping to see some cars for sale, but with the exception of the Modified Spitfire, the TR250 and the TR3A In the Main Entrance Hall I didn't see any others, did I miss anymore? Gary

It does sound a bit ridiculous I know!! This car Bodily, Paintwork and Interior wise is one of the best ones I've seen so far though? I'll sleep on it I reckon Gary

Colin You are probably right, I'm very fussy anyway so the chances of me finding one that ticks all the boxes is very remote. Most of the cars I've considered buying recently (around 80%) have no current M.O.T. The trouble with this one is the amount of work required to get it up to scratch mechanically is quite extensive and I know when I start stripping things I will get carried away and want to refurbish/improve things! I'm still considering making him a better offer but there is a chance the Engine Block and crank may be scrap if the thrusts have fallen out. Gary

The thought had crossed my mind too🤥 He did state when I first contacted him he was going to try and sell it in the Spring, which makes sense. I just hope any potential buyer takes it for a test run to discover the issues with the engine, brakes and steering. Gary

Wendy Good idea, just done it and thanks. Gary

I'm after a mint original or fully restored Vitesse, a later convertible model with overdrive is preferred, but will consider any car if in excellent condition. PM me if you have one for sale please. Regards Gary

I've made what I thought was a realistic offer for the car but had a very negative reply, so the search goes on. How much is it these days for a decent, road worthy Vitesse convertible?

It's hard to be precise on how much play there is, it might be less than 3/16", my mate spotted it. The funny noise when depressing the clutch was worrying too I've told the guy I will make a decision by the weekend, the engine issue is the worst, the car also as other issues mechanically which although none are major will all need time and money spending to put right I'll keep you posted on what happens Gary

I have no idea, he purchased the car around 2013 and as only done a couple of thousand miles in it according to the M.O.T. history? I'm currently in discussions with him about the price, when I get a feel for how much it will cost to rebuild the engine and sort the other issues (Steering play, brakes pulling to one side and a new soft top needed) I'll make an offer and see what he says. I've been looking for a decent one since last July and I'm getting a bit fed up tbh, I suppose if I get this one I've got a few months before spring to hopefully sort all the issues ready for summer?

The owner isn't that mechanically minded I'm afraid. I do know that the car was owned for around 40 years or so by a Lady who lived in the same village as the current owner, he purchased the car off her Husband when he passed away, he inherited the car. My mate thought she may have been a driver who rode the clutch a lot at junctions and the car had done a lot of local journeys stopping and starting frequently, this would cause wear eventually I suppose. I've got to make a decision by the end of the week. I just hope the Block isn't ruined, only a strip down will confirm that Gary

I've read if the thrusts are very badly worn or have dropped out it can ruin the block and it would be scrap though, can a Triumph 6 Block be repaired after thrust washer fall out damage or is just the bearing cap and crank that get damaged? Gary

The engine definitely has issues, the oil warning light was on whilst it was ticking over and there was around 1/8" to 3/16" movement on the front pulley when I depressed the clutch, with a strange rattle from the front as if something was catching, the timing chain on the tensioner or cover maybe? The engine was very quiet otherwise though no knocking or rattles at tick over or even when revving it which I found strange. Gary

Hi All I'm after a bit of advice, as anyone recently rebuilt a MK2 2000/Vitesse Engine I've got the chance to purchase a nice Vitesse Mk2 but the engine I believe needs rebuilding with low oil pressure and thrust washer issues I have rebuilt one in the past but it was 20 years ago, I don't think a rebore or new pistons will be needed but I'm assuming everything else will need replacing or reconditioning I know its a bit of a vague query until the engine is stripped for inspection, but approximate minimum/maximum cost for the parts and machining would be appreciated Thanks Gary

They look a good fit, a good price and period too, I must get some when I finally get another Vitesse. Gary

They look great🙂, is that an original Triumph Footwell rubber mat? Regards Gary

Mike Time does fly, yes I keep in touch with Martin the current owner of my Old Vitesse, as far as I'm aware he doesn't want to part with it, it still looks good. Gary

Mike I sold the 5 back in 2018 to finance the purchase of a Sunbeam Tiger. I've subsequently sold that one as well back in the Summer and I'm now hankering after another Vitesse Convertible I would prefer a low mileage 1 owner original condition car (If there are any left?) alternatively a fully restored to an excellent standard car. The search continues Gary

Mike I have been in touch with Tony about possibly purchasing one of his reconditioned O/D Gearboxes. I need to get a car first though. Gary

Hi Pete Not sure of the exact MPH per 1000RPM but the 3.27 GT6 Differential is nearer the 3.89 Overdrive top gear, its something like 21.3 MPH per 1000 RPM in OD Top with a 3.89 Diff, direct top and a 3.27 diff is just over 20 MPH per 1000 RPM I would guess the 3.63 Diff is about 18.5 MPH per 1000 RPM in direct top, so only a slight increase in gearing. Gary

Clive I will bear that in mind if I end up purchasing the 47K car and I need an O/D Box. Thanks

I had an hybrid Dolomite type gearbox with the 'J' Type Overdrive and the larger mainshaft tip in my last Vitesse, this was installed and built up by one of the previous owners who I know well in the 1980's using a lot of N.O.S. Parts, that also had the 20 spline TR7 (I think) Clutch plate. I'm hoping to find a decent low mileage one owner original Vitesse already fitted with Overdrive (A rare beast these day, are there any left?) I have got another one to view over Christmas hopefully, a Mk2 Convertible in White with a Black interior 47K miles from new, with M.O.T's to prove and only 3 owners from new, but again this is a none overdrive car (I believe most Vitesse's 80% didn't come with overdrive) I'll keep you posted how I get on. Gary

Yes, that didn't take long at all? It was the best one I had viewed too😞