Bracket

The part arived this morning in the post. Rimmer Bros have gone up in my estimation especially since they had the open day last October for the Triumph Dolomite Club. Just need to fit it and then I'm sorted! I'm in 2 minds whether to fit it while I'm at home (got the tools here) or do the job at Anita's where I can paint the bracket and keep my hands clean. (got the gloves there along with my paints)
I've also sent off a form to the DVLA requesting the keeper history. I've been wanting to find out who had the car before me. At £5 it is worth a try. I might get a Heritage certificate as well but they cost a bit more so I've been loath to do so.

I don't believe it!

Without wishing to sound like Victor Meldrew, no sooner than I get the clutch fixed something else breaks. The exhaust tailpipe bracket decided to make a getaway last night. When I get back to base I had a look around, found a length of washing line and used it to tie the tailpipe to the rear bumper bracket. I've ordered a replacement from Rimmer Bros so my repair will do until the replacement part arrives.

Clutch replacement.

I managed to get the clutch done on Snowdrop. While I was at it I decided to paint the front floorpans. This what they looked like before:

This is what it looked like after painting. Not pretty but hopefully it will help to preseve the car. It is a definite improvement. One I got the gearbox and clutch off I found out what the problem was.The clutch plate had quite literally come apart and it was no wonder I'd lost drive quite suddenly. Once again I struggled with getting the gearbox back on and I managed to get it done with the help of an extra pair of hands. Unfortunately, I had damaged and engine mounting when jacking the engine up but fortunately I had a spare in the glove box and that was fitted. I've put some exhaust putty on the exhaust quieting it down. It will do until I can fit a replacement. I'm still looking at getting a brand new stainless steel one from the Triumph Dolomite Club. After I'd finished I vacuumed the interior out and it looks quite tidy.

At last!

I've been paid out for the Sprint. As soon as the cheque arrived I hot footed it down to the bank and paid it into my account. I can now move on with my planned improvements to Snowdrop. Before I can do that I need to sort out the clutch. I'd ordered one from Champion Motor Spares and I picked it up after work costing me £45. I'm hoping to get it fitted over the weekend. Anita's landlord is getting funny with her saying I can't do repairs on the driveway. He thinks we're not looking after the place but it isn't a mess and if I don't fix Snowdrop it won't get done. He's not a classic car enthusiast which is no surprise as he drives a Bimmer and as some of you may know I don't have a high opinion of those who own the products of Bavaria Motor Works. I'm hoping to sort the clutch hydraulics out as well. I'm going to order a new clutch salve cylinder from the Triumph Dolomite Club in a bid to cure my low biting point.

Diagnosis & door problem

Last night I fired up Snowdrop and put her in gear. She was still the same (no drive) but when she was in gear I had a look underneath to see if the propshaft was turning. It wasn't so I've eliminated a broken half shaft in the axle. The problem is either a slipping clutch or a gearbox problem. I won't know until I remove the gearbox.

This morning the front passenger door wouldn't shut properly on Blue. I tried some penetrating fluid on the latch mechanism (made no difference) and then I loosened the striker plate, moved it out a bit and after it was tightened it cured the problem. Odd.

Disaster!

I went down to the Crich show in Snowdrop when the clutch went on the M1. It was the same as a slipping clutch but it happened suddenly. I rang the breakdown service and when they got be back I jumped in Project Blue (taking Anita with me) getting to Crich 3 hours later than planned. It turned out to be a great day and we went back the scenic route going up the A6. Sure beats the M1!
I'm still puzzled as to why my poblem occurred. I suspect a worn clutch plate but as I've been typing this I'm wondering if a broken half shaft in the rear axle could be the problem. I can eliminate that one easily enough. For now Snowdrop is out of action until I can solve the problem.

Rear light replacement

I've dug out my rear light units that came off my spares 1500 and I've just fitted them to Snowdrop. The left rear indicator lens was broken and I'm sure it is affecting the left indicator. It has been like this since I bought the car. Anyway, all is well with my rear lights. Next up will be a "1300 TC" conversion that's doing the rounds on the Triumph Dolomite Club forum. (http://forum.triumphdolomiteclub.co.uk) Basically this involves taking a standard Dolomite 1300 and fitting carbs, exhaust manifold, exhaust & rear axle from a Dolomite 1500. This will result in a small gain in power, smoother running and better motorway cruising. I also want to fit some better door mirrors as Snowdrop has an ugly aftermarket door mirror on the driver's door and there isn't one on the passenger side.

Sprint claim

I rang FJ today to find out what was going on with my claim. They said they'd now recieved all the documents from me and a cheque is on it's way and I should recieve it sometime next week. When the funds are cleared I'll be splashing out on a couple of goodies. I probably won't be buying another car unless it happens to be too good a bargain to miss. We shall see...