Well, I hope this video has help you set up your car right. 1850's are getting on the rare side compared to Sprints, I raise a glass to you for keeping an 1850 on the road 🍺👍
Steve, great instructional video once again. I agree with you and Tush, only original once. If the car is road worthy and a nice 10 footer, leave it as is. These cars are not valuable, so don't over invest, just enjoy. I bought my Triumph to tinker with and drive. No computers, just wrenches and screwdrivers, timing lights and vacuum gages.
Cheers Graham, this is so true, there is a few things that do need to be sorted out though. The engine was taken apart by a previous owner and not put back together right, the gearbox needs new bearing, and the some of the front suspension bushes need replacing. But that all said, it's trying to preserve what I've got without destroying the history
Steve Denton Steve, it is just a pleasure to see "old" cars on the road. A trend in North America is to "drive em as you found them". Mechanical restorations, cosmetics left alone, or clear coat over the rust and patina. Some look quite good, especially old pick up trucks. May also have something to do with the cost of restoration!
That's the problem, restoring it will loose its sole. Its first owner had it from 1977 up until around 2003, and it was garaged for all that time. The interior is a time warp, never been touch or changed, and with only 43000 miles on the clock, its just something special, or at least it is to me
As it's original I would leave well alone for as long as possible - it looks in amazingly good condition - and only fix what is essential. We can all own fully reconditioned cars if we have the money (some more original than others !) but owning something that has genuine age all round is very special. Originals are always the ones I head for first at shows. Great video.
Cheers John, this has always been the issue with the dolly, if it was restored it would loose so much of its charm. There not many 1850s left, so I'd like to keep it original. It nice when so many agree with my thoughts on it
Great video! I didn't know that depending on the oil, it changes the speed the engine accelerates at, very interesting ! You explain stuff really well and are very knowledgeable 👍
That's a great video Steve, wish I could have seen something like this back in the 80's Lol!!. All those hours of guessing and cursing! I noticed a cardinal sin mate, driving whilst raining haha
Cheers mate, it's one of them things with living in the UK you just never know what to wear and can never trust the weatherman when he says it's going to stay dry lol
Cheers David, its about patience and taking your time. I learn about SU carbs because I had to. My daily driver some 15 years ago was a Triumph Spitfire. I use to mess about with the carbs to get a little more out of it. My dad an ex Triumph mechanic taught me a fair bit, but when it comes to it, I had to teach myself to get them right or I won't be about to go to work
Steve, that was a very informative video and I can't fault any of the techniques. With some things, there are more than one way and none of them are wrong. You said the old carbs were off a TR7. The TR7 had HS6 carbs but most of the 1850s had HS4s. My 1850 had HS6s on a TR7 inlet manifold which is different to the 1850. I've long since reverted back to HS4s. You'll be glad to know that there will finally by some more Dolomite content on my channel very soon (at the time of writing).
Great video as always, I've always liked SU carbs but never had any! My opinion on the car is, there is usually a time where it becomes obvious that some restoration is necessary, if it's not there yet then leave it and look after and service it when things are needed 👍
Yeah, I can see what your saying, its at that point with the dolly where I don't want to loose the history, but things like the gearbox are wining, the engine is tired, and it needs a good going over. It's all about being careful with this one not to loose the charm of what the car is
HI Steve.You do know that "officially " Sprint wheels should "never" be fitted to any other Dolomite. That was a memo sent to all dealers in the '70's. Apparently the studs could shear. I think this is 'Billy bol***s" . They just didn't want the lower specification Dolomites to look as cool as the far more expensive models. You should have done this last year, it would have saved me £700 quid! ( not true) these were for my "e"type! Your knowledge is scary! I suppose my metalwork skills are equally scary to you. Thanks Steve. Your the tops! I had a Sprint in Tahiti Blue . Fantastic in the dry, undrivable in the wet! One of the most underrated cars ever!
Hi John, yeah I've heard of this memo, and yeah I agree, it's bol****s. That said my dolly been reto refitted with the larger sprint wheel studs on it anyway, so it makes no odds. I think the memo was more to do with that. When the the car was first built they had 2 types of studs, they changed them a larger type later in production. And I completely agree the dolly is a massively underrated car. Especially when you compare the dolly sprint with the Ford Escort Mk1, there's not much between them. OK Ford is better developed, and I won't say no to one being in my stable, but it still shows how underrated the dollys are
Well, if the car is serviceable and it’s safely on the road, then just drive it and look after it. There are not too many survivors left...I can certainly appreciate a survivor as much or more than a pristine show car.....
Yeah that's what I keep telling myself, its a fine balance between restore or survivor. The interior has never been touched from new, other than a new rear parcel due to a previous owner sticking speaking in it and a duel oil/temp gauge for sensible reasons. As for the bodywork, it tired and someone between me owning it the first time then the second time has put a plastic wing on the passenger side. I've never been happy with that, I have got a new metal one to fit at some point. Its like you said just keeping on top of it
The flat one with the thermometer on the side is cheaper to buy, the downside is you have to turn it's back to get a reading. With the cone type one, you can just put it straight on any engine without having to adjust it to get a reading. However as I said in the video with the cone type one, if you do buy this, don't pay too much attention to the numbers on it. The lower you can get the numbers the better, but what you have looking for is a balance in air flow between the two carbs. So you need to get the numbers on the cone type exactly the same and as low as you can to the desired engine idle speed 👍
Very nice 1850 but the top end sounds pretty tappy.... not like a sewing machine ? Drive it when you can... these need to be seen on the roads, even if then are slightly faded.
Realistically it needs an engine rebuild, as its been messed around with by previous owners. Since buying it back I've just kept putting it to the back of the restoration queue, I'll will do it one day 👍
Steve, it was an eye opener when you mentioned John Twist and to blow the carbs out. I live in Grand Rapids and have owned an MG for just over 30 years. Consequently I have known John that long. I was never more than 15 minutes from his shop and he has been a wealth of information. I know he did some technical seminars for the MG Owners Club 4 or 5 years ago. How did you come to know about John?
That’s awesome, John Twist is a guru with MGs and British car, what John doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. I don’t know John personally, it was more a case when I was doing my apprenticeship some 15 years ago and RUclips was a new thing, John did some really helpful videos. I’ve followed and admire him ever since 👍🏻
@@SteveDentonClassics He has since retired from running his shop and one of his employees has taken over the business. John worked at University Motors in London in the early 70's since he wanted to learn from the bottom up. He had to jump through some hoops to get there, but he learned from some who were extremely experienced. John was always ready to pass on the knowledge and each winter he sponsored tech seminars to learn about engine, gearbox and carburetor rebuilding. When ever I have and issue I am having trouble with John is only a text away. Keep up with the videos and your business. Best of luck.
Cheers Andy, whatever I've done with the dolly has always been done with great care not to kill its history, but its nice when you hear others say do that too. 3.0S Capri, now that's a car with some poke!!
Hi Steve great video. Would you consider doing a set up of a Tr6 injection based on your car or preferably a CR version Tr6. I have the delorto unit and are yet to give it a go.
Cheers mate, it is on my list of jobs to do, to make a video on CP and CR throttle linkage set ups, but its a case of watch this space, it will be made but I can't say when
just spent the day doing this on my 1850, to find you posted this yesterday... DOH!!
Well, I hope this video has help you set up your car right. 1850's are getting on the rare side compared to Sprints, I raise a glass to you for keeping an 1850 on the road 🍺👍
Steve, great instructional video once again. I agree with you and Tush, only original once. If the car is road worthy and a nice 10 footer, leave it as is. These cars are not valuable, so don't over invest, just enjoy. I bought my Triumph to tinker with and drive. No computers, just wrenches and screwdrivers, timing lights and vacuum gages.
Cheers Graham, this is so true, there is a few things that do need to be sorted out though. The engine was taken apart by a previous owner and not put back together right, the gearbox needs new bearing, and the some of the front suspension bushes need replacing. But that all said, it's trying to preserve what I've got without destroying the history
Steve Denton Steve, it is just a pleasure to see "old" cars on the road. A trend in North America is to "drive em as you found them". Mechanical restorations, cosmetics left alone, or clear coat over the rust and patina. Some look quite good, especially old pick up trucks. May also have something to do with the cost of restoration!
That sounds very much like my MGB, however with what I'm spending on it lately its looking more like its going to restored
Patina is a wonderful thing, history lost when restored!
That's the problem, restoring it will loose its sole. Its first owner had it from 1977 up until around 2003, and it was garaged for all that time. The interior is a time warp, never been touch or changed, and with only 43000 miles on the clock, its just something special, or at least it is to me
As it's original I would leave well alone for as long as possible - it looks in amazingly good condition - and only fix what is essential. We can all own fully reconditioned cars if we have the money (some more original than others !) but owning something that has genuine age all round is very special. Originals are always the ones I head for first at shows. Great video.
Cheers John, this has always been the issue with the dolly, if it was restored it would loose so much of its charm. There not many 1850s left, so I'd like to keep it original. It nice when so many agree with my thoughts on it
Great video! I didn't know that depending on the oil, it changes the speed the engine accelerates at, very interesting ! You explain stuff really well and are very knowledgeable 👍
Cheers mate, yes the grade of oil affects the rate the dashpot moves, and will affect how the car will perform 👍
Brilliant video, lots of great information, I have a lumpy feeling and I think it's my carburettors.
Cheers mate, glade you found it useful 👍
That's a great video Steve, wish I could have seen something like this back in the 80's Lol!!. All those hours of guessing and cursing! I noticed a cardinal sin mate, driving whilst raining haha
Cheers mate, it's one of them things with living in the UK you just never know what to wear and can never trust the weatherman when he says it's going to stay dry lol
Great video Steve, I've never really worked much on SU carbs, it was very interesting to get an idea how to set them up.
Cheers David, its about patience and taking your time. I learn about SU carbs because I had to. My daily driver some 15 years ago was a Triumph Spitfire. I use to mess about with the carbs to get a little more out of it. My dad an ex Triumph mechanic taught me a fair bit, but when it comes to it, I had to teach myself to get them right or I won't be about to go to work
Steve, that was a very informative video and I can't fault any of the techniques. With some things, there are more than one way and none of them are wrong. You said the old carbs were off a TR7. The TR7 had HS6 carbs but most of the 1850s had HS4s. My 1850 had HS6s on a TR7 inlet manifold which is different to the 1850. I've long since reverted back to HS4s. You'll be glad to know that there will finally by some more Dolomite content on my channel very soon (at the time of writing).
Cheers David, as they say more than one way to skin a cat. Be good to see your Dolly back up on the tube 👍🏻
Great video as always, I've always liked SU carbs but never had any! My opinion on the car is, there is usually a time where it becomes obvious that some restoration is necessary, if it's not there yet then leave it and look after and service it when things are needed 👍
Yeah, I can see what your saying, its at that point with the dolly where I don't want to loose the history, but things like the gearbox are wining, the engine is tired, and it needs a good going over. It's all about being careful with this one not to loose the charm of what the car is
@@SteveDentonClassics absolutely man, keeping it mechanically good but preserving the years it's been original and survived is a great thing.
HI Steve.You do know that "officially " Sprint wheels should "never" be fitted to any other Dolomite. That was a memo sent to all dealers in the '70's. Apparently the studs could shear. I think this is 'Billy bol***s" . They just didn't want the lower specification Dolomites to look as cool as the far more expensive models. You should have done this last year, it would have saved me £700 quid! ( not true) these were for my "e"type! Your knowledge is scary! I suppose my metalwork skills are equally scary to you. Thanks Steve. Your the tops! I had a Sprint in Tahiti Blue . Fantastic in the dry, undrivable in the wet! One of the most underrated cars ever!
Hi John, yeah I've heard of this memo, and yeah I agree, it's bol****s. That said my dolly been reto refitted with the larger sprint wheel studs on it anyway, so it makes no odds. I think the memo was more to do with that. When the the car was first built they had 2 types of studs, they changed them a larger type later in production. And I completely agree the dolly is a massively underrated car. Especially when you compare the dolly sprint with the Ford Escort Mk1, there's not much between them. OK Ford is better developed, and I won't say no to one being in my stable, but it still shows how underrated the dollys are
Well, if the car is serviceable and it’s safely on the road, then just drive it and look after it. There are not too many survivors left...I can certainly appreciate a survivor as much or more than a pristine show car.....
Yeah that's what I keep telling myself, its a fine balance between restore or survivor. The interior has never been touched from new, other than a new rear parcel due to a previous owner sticking speaking in it and a duel oil/temp gauge for sensible reasons. As for the bodywork, it tired and someone between me owning it the first time then the second time has put a plastic wing on the passenger side. I've never been happy with that, I have got a new metal one to fit at some point. Its like you said just keeping on top of it
Brilliant so helpful and i was going to buy an air mixer didn’t no which one
The flat one with the thermometer on the side is cheaper to buy, the downside is you have to turn it's back to get a reading. With the cone type one, you can just put it straight on any engine without having to adjust it to get a reading. However as I said in the video with the cone type one, if you do buy this, don't pay too much attention to the numbers on it. The lower you can get the numbers the better, but what you have looking for is a balance in air flow between the two carbs. So you need to get the numbers on the cone type exactly the same and as low as you can to the desired engine idle speed 👍
Very nice 1850 but the top end sounds pretty tappy.... not like a sewing machine ?
Drive it when you can... these need to be seen on the roads, even if then are slightly faded.
Realistically it needs an engine rebuild, as its been messed around with by previous owners. Since buying it back I've just kept putting it to the back of the restoration queue, I'll will do it one day 👍
Steve, it was an eye opener when you mentioned John Twist and to blow the carbs out. I live in Grand Rapids and have owned an MG for just over 30 years. Consequently I have known John that long. I was never more than 15 minutes from his shop and he has been a wealth of information. I know he did some technical seminars for the MG Owners Club 4 or 5 years ago. How did you come to know about John?
That’s awesome, John Twist is a guru with MGs and British car, what John doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. I don’t know John personally, it was more a case when I was doing my apprenticeship some 15 years ago and RUclips was a new thing, John did some really helpful videos. I’ve followed and admire him ever since 👍🏻
@@SteveDentonClassics He has since retired from running his shop and one of his employees has taken over the business. John worked at University Motors in London in the early 70's since he wanted to learn from the bottom up. He had to jump through some hoops to get there, but he learned from some who were extremely experienced. John was always ready to pass on the knowledge and each winter he sponsored tech seminars to learn about engine, gearbox and carburetor rebuilding. When ever I have and issue I am having trouble with John is only a text away. Keep up with the videos and your business. Best of luck.
Looks a nice car Steve, keep it original as best you can, I had a 3.0S Capri at R reg, great car but love the Triumphs.
Cheers Andy, whatever I've done with the dolly has always been done with great care not to kill its history, but its nice when you hear others say do that too. 3.0S Capri, now that's a car with some poke!!
I need a Dolomite.
Next car David, import one 😉
Hi Steve great video. Would you consider doing a set up of a Tr6 injection based on your car or preferably a CR version Tr6. I have the delorto unit and are yet to give it a go.
Furlough Project I ave set myself
Cheers mate, it is on my list of jobs to do, to make a video on CP and CR throttle linkage set ups, but its a case of watch this space, it will be made but I can't say when