R5GTT Project - Off the road since Sept 1998

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Well, I've finally got round to it. Lurking in my garage for the past 15 years,
almost to the day is my old R5GTT. It had served me well for several years
before I bought myself a brand new Megane Alizé in September 1998.

Of course, the intention of keeping it on the road was always there, but I got
overtaken by events, not least with my health, progress of my disability, etc.
Anyway, after a very long while of not even setting eyes on the car, simply
because the path was overgrown on the garden side and an old tree stump
blocking the outside garage entrance, I finally regained access.

What I found was relatively surprising! The car was in far better shape than I
had imagined it might be. The restoration will be done by the guy who looked
after this car for me when it was on the road. He came round to give the car
a quick survey today and he even got the engine turning over.

The oil was still remarkably clean and the coolant was still bright green! It
seems that I've been hugely lucky that the car hasn't just disintegrated. I
guess that was partly because it was well looked after when it was road
worthy. It looks like that's paid-off handsomely for me!

Now that the thread has grown to such a size, you might prefer to watch
these compilation videos of the restoration progress. They should look quite
good full-screen..

This is part #1. So pour yourself a suitable libation and enjoy...


http://youtu.be/CgcfNB-OVHs

This is part 2 which takes us up to 20 January 2014

R5GTT Restoration Part 2 (http://youtu.be/s9veq1pbp3o)

...and this is part 3 which brings us to 24 April 2014

R5GTT Restoration Part 3 (http://youtu.be/Y52CalQAeHg)

... Part 4 sees the engine started for the first time, the revamp of the car's home
and its triumphant return complete with brand new MOT :niceone:

R5GTT Restoration Part 4 (http://youtu.be/WJO3ocqXP7g)

Part 5 sees the car get a basic detail, visit Snetterton Racecourse and get taken
back into the workshop to get its glass and body-trims removed...

R5GTT Restoration Part 5 (http://youtu.be/F5UhiSyMfFM)

Otherwise, I'll let the photos take up the story...

http://s5.postimg.cc/lvz5vtwzb/r5gt1301.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/n61komg53/r5gt1302.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/z6n0pcnjr/r5gt1303.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/9y26voilz/r5gt1304.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/yjo3ztqnr/r5gt1305.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/g09tm671z/r5gt1306.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/bn6oq08xj/r5gt1307.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/nqc0dkjzr/r5gt1308.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/wwywelelz/r5gt1309.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/vfdg319vb/r5gt1310.jpg

So, that's the body not looking in too bad shape. The main worry was the
scuttle below the windscreen, but that only seems to be showing light
surface rust. We'll be taking the screen out to have a better look in due
course, but there's no cause for concern :thumb:

The wheels will want a refurb...

http://s5.postimg.cc/tz1xkw6yf/r5gt1311.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/pwfhzk27r/r5gt1312.jpg

The biggest surprise was under the bonnet! That completely belies 15years
of neglect. I suppose that betrays me as a long-term detailer :)

http://s5.postimg.cc/cobisvfav/r5gt1313.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/60ex69vsn/r5gt1314.jpg

I could not believe how clean the battery terminals were! I was expecting
them to be furred-up completely...

http://s5.postimg.cc/thbdis6rb/r5gt1315.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/i7innu1pz/r5gt1317.jpg

Something decided to nest in the sound dampening pad below the bonnet,
though not much damage caused...

http://s5.postimg.cc/5jyaxkxfb/r5gt1318.jpg

Here's the scuttle close-up! That's probably the most expensive bit to get
repaired if the tin-worm gets its way - phew!!

http://s5.postimg.cc/g5i69l3qv/r5gt1319.jpg

It looks like a cat has been after the nest-building mice...

http://s5.postimg.cc/dx8l5zm0n/r5gt1320.jpg

So, now to the clean-up. The following photos are showing nothing more than
a very quick clean, using ONR from the QD bottle, some Serious Performance
cleaning QD and a half-bucket of water with 2 capfuls of CG Hose-Free Eco
in it. A noodle mitt and a small selection of MF cloths for wiping and drying.

http://s5.postimg.cc/ckmaqcz7b/r5gt1321.jpg

The door window cleaned for a first glimpse of the interior in I don't know
how long...

http://s5.postimg.cc/8hv9ra52v/r5gt1322.jpg

Then 4 views of the interior. Not bad, bar the few cobwebs :thumb:

http://s5.postimg.cc/yav4nn393/r5gt1323.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/64dc09qnr/r5gt1316.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3og405xyv/r5gt1324.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/me83gwqpj/r5gt1325.jpg

Now 3 views of the passenger side door-shut. Some minor tin-worm evidence!

http://s5.postimg.cc/hbm68ds1j/r5gt1326.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/d55x6shtj/r5gt1327.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/h6n0cga47/r5gt1328.jpg

The bit that I'm still very cross about. I parked the car in a council car park
and when I reversed out caught part of the footing of an ancient ice-cream
stall. WDC denied all knowledge!:wall:

http://s5.postimg.cc/43rdt6jw7/r5gt1329.jpg

So, I've got the door clean...

http://s5.postimg.cc/yazq1dsmv/r5gt1331.jpg

Now the front wing. Thats just an ONR / HFE combination clean - honest!

http://s5.postimg.cc/fu5bakcon/r5gt1330.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/f8gceghmf/r5gt1332.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/c0bv1evcn/r5gt1333.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/h1nugis6v/r5gt1334.jpg

A cheeky 50/50 :lol:

http://s5.postimg.cc/achb0i6uv/r5gt1335.jpg

...and now the bits I was really dreading. Of course, the exhaust system is
going to need replacing, but otherwise, things under there don't look too bad.
Nothing was falling off when the door got closed. The floorpan is remarkably
solid, so it's not going to be an horrendously expensive restoration.

http://s5.postimg.cc/adr8tx8on/r5gt1336.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/prkxhd9o7/r5gt1337.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6jxskrrcn/r5gt1338.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/k24ox23hz/r5gt1339.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/lemdyy0xj/r5gt1340.jpg

I'll be updating this thread over the coming weeks. The next stage is to put
in a new battery, plugs, some new petrol etc., and get the engine started.
It'll then be moved to a new location for work to begin.

If anyone can help, I'm looking for a genuine front air-dam to replace the
broken one and a driver's side door...

Regards,
Steve

[robx1r]

jammy git! i can hadly get away with a car layin up 1 year! this will be another one to watch! :)

[mingblus3]

Excellent thread. So original.

[Flight666]

That's pretty cool seeing the car as it was after being stood after 15 years as you say doesn't look bad at all the underside looks very good especially. love the 50/50 shots where you have cleaned parts of the bodywork..Nice to see the engine bay looking tidy and original and complete.will check out your progress nice to see another original GT uncovered and brought back to life :) cheeky little red pin stripes as well ;) best of luck looks a nice project especially as you owned the car beforehand sure that will be very rewarding for you when she's all done and you are boosting along on a summers evening....

[jesus in the seat of a 5]

That's pretty cool seeing the car as it was after being stood after 15 years as you say doesn't look bad at all the underside looks very good especially. love the 50/50 shots where you have cleaned parts of the bodywork..Nice to see the engine bay looking tidy and original and complete.will check out your progress nice to see another original GT uncovered and brought back to life :) cheeky little red pin stripes as well ;) best of luck looks a nice project especially as you owned the car beforehand sure that will be very rewarding for you when she's all done and you are boosting along on a summers evening....

totally agree with nic.... love the stereo tooo...:cool:

[Lowiepete]

...love the stereo tooo...:cool:

It's a pure 1980's Philips tape deck and I still have the tape box that jams twixt the
front seats, with its fold-down flap...

http://s5.postimg.cc/64dc09qnr/r5gt1316.jpg

You might guess I have a Bose sound system in the 205GTT Coupe :yeah:

[fat roofer]

How jealous am I!!!! It really wouldn't take much to make this such a lovely crispy oe minter! I hope it gives you as much joy as it did the first time round!

[Chris Beer]

I dream of finding something like this one day and getting hold of it ...

Yours has aged remarkably well :smokin:

Look forward to seeing it live again, whats it's mileage?

[Pigsnake]

Love this thread.:agree:.Looking forward to keeping an eye on this project.:agree:

[LeeR5GTT]

This is fantastic :D

[Lowiepete]

Look forward to seeing it live again, whats it's mileage?
69K in 8 years. I only took it off the road because I fancied the Megane
and its much smoother ride. Being disabled, the R5 was jarring on longer
runs. I do feel very lucky though; None of the rubber pipes look to have
perished, though that might become a different story once the engine
starts and things warm up again.

I'll be replacing the braking system. New lines, disks and pads, etc. I've
been looking at various options, as I guess the Renault originals are long
gone, or hugely expensive. The EBC brakes with greenstuff pads work out
at about £166 with the RTOC discount. As the car won't be tracked, are
the GS pads overkill? Should I go for Brembo's instead or are they overkill + ?:scratch:

I'm guessing that I'm gonna have loads of questions like this. Has anyone
else done a similar resto? If so, do please point me toward your thread.
Cheers :study:

Regards,
Steve

[Nunnsy]

New poster! (less than 10 posts)

Excellent project. Looking forward to seeing this progress :)

[TNT ANDY]

Steve - I popped some EBC yellows up front and Exeleiums at the rear and both grip well. If you're not tracking her I'd go with the exceliums all round, cheap and effective stopping (too effective in my case :sad2:)

[Trevhib]

:popcorn:

[Lowiepete]

Hi Andy,
Cheers for your reply. :agree:

Steve - I popped some EBC yellows up front and Exeleiums at the rear and both grip well. If you're not tracking her I'd go with the exceliums all round, cheap and effective stopping (too effective in my case :sad2:)
Do you have a link?

Someone on the Detailing World Forum suggested that I get _all_ my spares from Mike
at GTTS, including the brake parts. Sounds like a simple solution. It would certainly save
me hours and hours of chasing my tail on t'interweb...

Regards,
Steve

[scratcher]

Good to see you and the project on here Steve :yeah:

I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

[Lowiepete]

Good to see you and the project on here Steve :yeah:

I can't wait to see how it unfolds.

Well, it's gonna be expensive! :eek:

Regards,
Steve

[Mattv6]

Watching this closely. Great project,

Link to my thread here if its any help

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=27070&highlight=Johnny

[Mr Raider]

Great thread Steve, looks in good shape after a 15 year rest! :)

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

As November 1st approaches, the day the car gets moved, I'm quite quickly
building quite a cache of parts. So, my first haul was a carb kit and a couple
of OEM oil filters...

http://s5.postimg.cc/t5tgmn9dj/gttspares01.jpg

The next challenge was an exhaust system at a reasonable price. For a mild
steel OEM I was quoted £450 :dearme: - so I set to and scoured t'interweb
to find this in stainless steel for just £175 delivered...

http://s5.postimg.cc/5u5cxjv3r/gttspares02.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/orkzasyt3/gttspares03.jpg

Yeah, you _can_ laugh! 3.5" bore, while not OEM it _was_ all the rage in the
early 1990s - that's my excuse anyway!

Then it was a trip to an Alladin's Cave down south to purchase lots of little
niggly bits, various cables, OEM fuel filter, dizzy cap, rotor arm etc. The
braided cables were a group buy on RTOC for £35 delivered.

http://s5.postimg.cc/6yzf2xhkn/gttspares04.jpg

What's not pictured is the replacement front bumper, in tungsten, and a
complete set of brake disks with new rear bearings. That lot came to £370.
The remaining brake parts will be ordered once we remove what's presently
there.

As the suspension is being fiddled with, I've decided to replace the shocks.
No point in doing a similar job in two parts if the existing bits decide to fail.
Finding front shock absorbers at an affordable price was quite a task. Found
these for £52 delivered...

http://s5.postimg.cc/iclye4s3b/gttspares05.jpg

There will be another instalment later in the week. I've now assembled most
of the replacement bits that are needed. Including the bits ordered today,
the parts bill so far comes to over £870 :doublesho

A bit more to add to the haul...
http://s5.postimg.cc/4bek6bdx3/gttspares06.jpg

took that picture and remembered that I should have added the wipers. I
got some proper retro ones, as I'm not counting on using them too often...
http://s5.postimg.cc/3vyozk2lz/gttspares07.jpg

With the cost of the battery, I've now got no more than a few pence change
out of a grand :doublesho With luck, the car should be getting moved this
time next week. I can't wait!

Even though I've spent so much so far, I've got some bargains. I have some
Bougicord HT leads coming from France, £18 instead of £87! I can barely
believe I paid the same price for the front suspension bearings as I did on the
surplus stock front shock absorbers - all de Carbon products.

The other savings have been in sourcing a front bumper. I remember my local
Renault dealer quoting me the best part of £400 +vat, unpainted. The 2nd
hand one, painted in tungy grey, cost me £150 :thumb:

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, for the first time in 15 years, the car has moved. Most pleasing of all was
to see all 4 wheels turning within inches of its first movement by the winch.
So, at least the handbrake hasn't siezed.

http://s5.postimg.cc/ynvplb0af/r5gt1341.jpg

How about this for security? That stump came from a huge eucalyptus tree
that got brought down in the 2001 storm and was pulled out of the ground
earlier this year...

http://s5.postimg.cc/4kh6tcx13/r5gt1342.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/vwcfup1rr/r5gt1343.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/uwqqcqbzr/r5gt1344.jpg

The pattern of rust left off the exhaust...

http://s5.postimg.cc/lhauzityv/r5gt1345.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ns8x3p4qf/r5gt1346.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/grkxax2yf/r5gt1347.jpg

Once cleaned, this car looks like it'll come up a treat. This photo is almost a
bit of a cheat...

http://s5.postimg.cc/5ujlm5g6v/r5gt1348.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/tx0fh0wtz/r5gt1349.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3tt21bk1j/r5gt1350.jpg

With the front tyres almost flat, the front bumper took a bit of a beating.
Luckily, there's a new one to fit in its place. Indeed, most of the parts are
now to hand, other than fiddly bits for the brake calipers.

http://s5.postimg.cc/knyrdthdj/r5gt1351.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/p60jz03zr/r5gt1352.jpg

As you can probably imagine, the excitement is growing! :buffer:

Regards,
Steve

[mingblus3]

This is such a good post. Well done mate.

[Dre5gtt]

that has aged very looks solid underneath to :agree:
look forward to the progress :cool:

[Lowiepete]

Hi Folks,

Here's an image of my expenses so far. Have tried exporting this
to a .csv file but it still looks untidy :(

http://s5.postimg.cc/3jx2lv9dj/r5gt1353.jpg

Regards,
Steve

[Gttnutter]

Before the front bumpers became obsolete they were around £120 from Renault. If costs like £400 were out there for 1 body part then there must of been a fair few gt turbo's scrapped/not worth the repair after having an prang.

[gtmatt]

Epic thread love it , good work all round

[Mr Raider]

Great thread mate, nice stash of all the essential replacement parts for the project jigsaw. Car originally from Norwich with 'PW' on the reg :) :agree:

[Trevhib]

A great read. Keep this thread flowing! :)


Judging by some of your posts, it looks like you're doing the same thread on another forum?

[Lowiepete]

Hi Trev,

Thanks for your kind words.


Judging by some of your posts, it looks like you're doing the same thread on another forum?

I've been a member on the other forum a long time and spend much more
time there than I do here. Is there a problem with that?

Regards,
Steve

[Goobie]

http://files.myopera.com/Peter_LT/albums/14821422/r5gt1316.jpg



Got to love the 80's design on the tape slot flap. :laugh:

[Trevhib]

I've been a member on the other forum a long time and spend much more
time there than I do here. Is there a problem with that?


Not at all! I was just curious to know which one it was. :) Always good to see RTOC being mentioned in other places. :agree:

[Trevhib]

Got to love the 80's design on the tape slot flap. :laugh:

Reminds me of Mastertronic from the 80's :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Mastertronic.jpg

[TNT Tricky Nicky]

Not at all! I was just curious to know which one it was. :) Always good to see RTOC being mentioned in other places. :agree:

Second line of the first post, massive give away :laugh:

Nice to see another 'local' car pop up, good luck with the restoration :)

[phase i 16 v turbo]

Good to see it coming on Pete! :agree:

[Trevhib]

Second line of the first post, massive give away :laugh:


Grace without truth is foolishness, truth without grace is cruelty. Thanks :laugh:

[Coops]

great project and an awesome base to work from, will watch with interest :)

[Lowiepete]

Before the front bumpers became obsolete they were around £120 from Renault.
Wow, if I had been quoted that price, I'd have got it replaced. That of course was
their unpainted price; t'was the prep and painting that hit hardest. I think plastic
primers have probably come a long way since.

Mind you, the £400 quoted was cheap compared to £78 for a couple
of 4Control badges that go on the Laguna Coupé.

http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/testdrive/gallery/medium/renault-laguna-coupe-20-dci-180-4control-2011-medium-769_6.jpg?v=920

If anyone knows of a cheaper source, do please let me know. Apparently,
my GT missed the application of these badges by just a few weeks :(

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

The car hoisted in its temporary new home...
http://s5.postimg.cc/cb8otvi2f/r5gt1354.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/59ar7oegn/r5gt1355.jpg

Under driver's side rear arch. Any patches that look like oil leaks are just
where some WD40 has been sprayed. I cannot believe how good and solid
the fuel tank is.

http://s5.postimg.cc/5uzq3s9iv/r5gt1356.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3k1nzlyrb/r5gt1357.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4wernr6t3/r5gt1364.jpg

It's still a bit of a job for me to get photos of the underside, but the
omens look good...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ylwjtufcn/r5gt1363.jpg

Under front wheel arch...

http://s5.postimg.cc/lryi0i1x3/r5gt1358.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/dimmm386v/r5gt1359.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/f7r4geyif/r5gt1360.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/j9csztg6v/r5gt1362.jpg

I think that the rather rusty pulley wheel will need a visit to the powder
coaters too.

I can't wait to see this all cleaned up and painted...

http://s5.postimg.cc/fbpjaetdj/r5gt1361.jpg


The carburettor has been removed and dunked into a soak bath to help it
release. The coolant pipes to and from the carb are also in soak as they're
blocked by dried-up coolant.

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Good work mate, paint work looks in great order after a wash! gtt's have plastic fuel tanks ;) :agree:

[LukeRobbo]

Good project!

Im also restoring a G reg tungy on a budget thats been sitting a while.Check out my project.

[DaveL485]

Lurking in my garage for the past 15 years,
almost to the day is my old R5GTT.

Good luck man :)

If I can restore this

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/DaveL485/21t.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/DaveL485/media/21t.jpg.html)

You can restore your five LOL

[Alex]

Wow, how have I missed this thread? This is fantastic! :popcorn:

[gtmatt]

Great thread love it ,makes me want to restore another one

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

I went round to see Karl today, mostly to pay him some money for the work
he's done so far. We also discussed strategies for how the ongoing work
would be done. Earlier in the week, he'd taken the tyres off and brought the
bare wheels round for me to do some cleaning.

The upshot of that is that 2 wheels definitely need a refurb, so all 4 are going
off to AeroCoat, early next week. I've also placed an order for 4 ZIEX Falken
tyres. Unbeknown to me, Karl had made some further progress. The tell-tale
sign being this...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ez8phu4on/r5gt1373.jpg

Oh, what joy! For weeks, ever since that new exhaust arrived, I've wondered
what that tailpipe would look like in its bumper slot. I was a bit concerned
that it might be overkill, a tad "penile-extension" - thankfully not! To my
mind that looks the part. The remaining bits are not yet attached, hence it
being a tad off-centre.

Then came the bigger surprise. Being a man of few words, all I got from Karl
was: "You might like to look round here..."

...where I found this

http://s5.postimg.cc/69bmgzn7b/r5gt1365.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4vjzlonxz/r5gt1366.jpg

...and this

http://s5.postimg.cc/dt045ar07/r5gt1367.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/j5tjx64af/r5gt1369.jpg

The almost total absence of rust is just astonishing! One of the guys round
there said that if it had been a Ford Escort of that vintage, it would have
needed fully stripping back to bare metal, and he spoke from experience.
If anyone reading this has doubts about French cars...

A few more pictures...

http://s5.postimg.cc/gfk7zz7lj/r5gt1368.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/5iiwb7ktz/r5gt1370.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/87iaezfp3/r5gt1371.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6jj50c1tj/r5gt1372.jpg

Old versus new flexible brake pipes...

http://s5.postimg.cc/fwajcyqt3/r5gt1374.jpg

I'm just thrilled to bits. There's no question that Karl is putting a lot his own
personality into his work. I feel very privileged to have access to his craft :niceone:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Dre5gtt]

Great stuff :agree:

[Trevhib]

Exhaust looks fantastic. Hope it sounds as well as it looks :agree:

[Alex]

Brilliant work :agree:

[TNT Tricky Nicky]

It was a pleasure to meet you tonight lowie Pete Steve!
Thanks for the lift home.

If you have any question or need a hand with your build, feel free to drop me a pm and I'll try my best to help out :)

Nick

[Lowiepete]

Hi Nick,

It was a pleasure to meet you tonight lowie Pete Steve!
Thanks for the lift home.

If you have any question or need a hand with your build, feel free to drop me a pm and I'll try my best to help out :)
T'was good to meet you too:agree:

Once I get the wee beastie back home, there'll no doubt be the occasional question.

I enjoyed meeting the EA crowd too - it's been a long while since I curried the innards :D

Regards,
Steve

[gtmatt]

Wow wow ,great work again , where did yoy get rear shocks from ?? Thanks matt

[Lowiepete]

Wow wow ,great work again , where did yoy get rear shocks from ?? Thanks matt

From this Mr-Auto site (http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/rear-shock-absorber/renault-super-5-b-c40-1-4-turbo-c405-120hp_v1995_g900002.html) - great service and reasonable prices.

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

The speedlines are going in for refurb at Aerocoat this week. So, there's
a decision to be made over new tyres. I have quotes for Falkens @ £200
for 4 or Yokohamas for £268. I presently have Falkens on the Laguna
Coupé and they're much better than the Bridgestone Potenzas that they
replaced.

The 5GTT will be driven to shows and stuff, so I'm thinking Falkens. It
had Yokos on there until now, but my vague recollection was that they
were possibly not as good as the hype suggested.

Has anyone here some experience of Falkens on their R5?

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Brigsy]

What size are you gong for? 185/60/13? If you go for the original size 195/55/13 your probably limited to uniroyal.

I would pick yokohama over falken. What about toyo r888?

[Lowiepete]

I would pick yokohama over falken.
I'm looking for reasons to choose one over the other. I'm quite taken by the Falkens
on my coupé...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Firstly, can I just thank everyone for their very supportive messages here
so far. I've now settled upon the Falken tyres.

The Speedline wheels went off for refurb at Aerocoat today. The original satin
finish on the silver will make way for "titanium chrome" - more of a really bright
silver. Hopefully, they'll be back by the end of the week...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Trevhib]

:agree: So what size are they?

[Lowiepete]

:agree: So what size are they?

185/60/13 80H (http://www.camskill.co.uk/m73b0s374p97691/Falken_Tyres_Car_Falken_ZE912_Ziex_Falken_ZE_912_-_185_60_R13_80H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_G_Wet_Grip%3A_C_No iseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB)

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

A little ahead of schedule, this part was meant to happen when I got the car
back into my garage, it has been off with the tyres and down to getting the
wheels treated. Then came the agonising decision, if they needed to go to the
powder coater's what colour should I choose? However, I'm ahead of myself.

Karl brought the wheels round along with the centre caps. Here's one getting
a test bath of BH Autowheel...

http://s5.postimg.cc/gmimyfzg7/r5gt1375.jpg

When it came to examining the wheels themselves, it came to the need for 2
of then to go for refurb. So, who gets just two wheels done? The next pics
show two of the better wheels.

http://s5.postimg.cc/3jrlswylz/r5gt1376.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ppbpj7ol3/r5gt1377.jpg

Certainly some crud to remove from inside! One thing about my coating colour
decision was that there was no way I was going to repeat the OEM semi-matt
finish.

A little diversion while the wheels were away. Just a few more parts gathered
together...

http://s5.postimg.cc/3ovd2l5x3/r5gt1378.jpg

Having discussed this with Karl, in the absence of getting Red Stuff pads for
both front and back because they're unavailable, we've plumped for some
Green Stuff pads for the front, and standard pads for the rear. At least there
should be a lot less dust on the front wheels :niceone:

Especially as they now look like this...

http://s5.postimg.cc/mddepwwtz/r5gt1379.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/jxblc2erb/r5gt1380.jpg

They appear to be very difficult to photograph indoors with the flash, even
though I had another go...

http://s5.postimg.cc/uy6qh3707/r5gt1381.jpg

The finish, called Titatium Chrome, is just superb and out in the sunlight they
have just enough bling, without being overpowering. The guys at Aerocoat
in St Olaves have done me proud :niceone:

The next stage is get them coated with the ADS ArtDeWheel that came in my
Octagon Formula box (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=322930). I'll be posting pictures up in due course.

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[TNT ANDY]

Looking great Steve with seasonal greetings. Aero-coat do a mint job, they are the one's down near the Haddiscoe bends right?

you won't be dissapointed with the EBC's fella, they have given me a much improved braking performance over standard. Even on track with yellow up front and ultimax on the rear, they never faded and kept on biting. Why Red?

[Lowiepete]

Hi Andy,

Aero-coat do a mint job, they are the one's down near the Haddiscoe bends right?

Yeah, just before the bridge on the left as you head toward Great Yarmouth. They did
the Shadow Chrome on the Coupé GT wheels and I get nothing but complimentary
remarks about how well they suit the car :niceone:

http://s5.postimg.cc/4tb4vtut3/r1334coupe.jpg

you won't be dissapointed with the EBC's fella, they have given me a much improved braking performance over standard. Even on track with yellow up front and ultimax on the rear, they never faded and kept on biting. Why Red?
I have Red Stuff on the Laguna Coupé, which are excellent. I changed mainly to reduce
the OE pad dusting. It was horrendous! The R5 might visit a track or two, but I have little
intention of doing any circuits at speed. My disability would probably preclude me anyway :(

These Speedlines are notoriously difficult to photograph, but here's another go...

http://s5.postimg.cc/wkvy2bj1z/r5gt1382.jpg

and again...

http://s5.postimg.cc/o1ck4kapj/r5gt1383.jpg

I did have another two or three goes with the caps, but I've given up. Hopefully,
they'll look good once they're back on the car. Wheels now put away...

http://s5.postimg.cc/6msbwadkn/r5gt1384.jpg

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Trevhib]

Wheels look great. :agree:

Greenstuff - wait! Haven't EBC Greenstuff been given the absolute thumbs down over many years on RTOC?? Isn't DS2500's the tried and trusted upgrade on standard discs!

[Lowiepete]

Greenstuff - wait! Haven't EBC Greenstuff been given the absolute thumbs down over many years on RTOC??
Oh, I think they have outlasted that debacle! The EBC pads on the Laguna are A1 :niceone:

I've discussed this topic with Karl who is doing the resto work and he's fine with them.
I don't think that I'll be putting them through the same stresses that pads encounter
on track days anyway...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[TNT ANDY]

Wheels look great. :agree:

Greenstuff - wait! Haven't EBC Greenstuff been given the absolute thumbs down over many years on RTOC?? Isn't DS2500's the tried and trusted upgrade on standard discs!

Trev - I did this whole DS2500 / EBC thing about a year back. I went on the EBC website and had a good look around. It seems that they have changed there compounds / materials since anyone on here last used them. I have absolutely nothing but praise for them. for fast road and track days they haver never let me down or faded. I might not be using them as intensely as a hardened track beast, but imo - they are the tits. I can't compare them against the DS2500's as I've never used those pads.

[Mr Raider]

Good work Steve, coming on nicely - standard speedlines looking very minty fresh! more goodies for the resto too, bought a full set of EBC Green Stuff pads around 2006 I think, had the rears on for a few years and the front set are still in the box! :ashamed:

Seasons Greetings

Karlos :)

[DaveL485]

I bought Red Stuff for a 5GTT (to go on the Fuego) in July for the National Day so they are still available I believe.

I hammered the living crap out of them and they held up well, I must say....enough to make me go for reds in the 172 and yellows in the 4-pots for the 21 (which is going to be >400hp).

However....they dont last long if you drive like I do. Greens in general are worn out for me in 2500-3000 miles, Reds seem to fair better and don't need changing yet after 2000 miles and a 20min session at Mallory.

Greens do NOT like track abuse. I put a new set on (172) for 2012 ND, bedded them in on the way there and then the next 500 miles after ND the brakes were not good and I binned them at 50% wear. Changed up for reds.

Summary:
Greens: Normal to medium fast road, good at all temps.
Reds: Fast road to Track for lighter cars, Not great until warm, but not dangerous when cold.
Yellows: Hard track, Heavy cars on track, good performance pad but be aware when they are cold because they're rubbish. Coming off the motorway after a blat, on to the slip road be ready to brake EARLY.
Blues: Not used.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

When I first had this car on the road, it could have been called "Nell's Taxi",
and she travelled on the back seat. Oh, and she didn't appreciate having to
share it with a back seat passenger, oh no!

Anyway, Karl brought the seats round yesterday and seeing them out of the
car showed that they were going to take a little more than a wipe-down with
a damp cloth. With all the dog hair, it presented quite a cleaning challenge.
Having managed to gather a few worthwhile Nectar points over the past 8 to
10 years, I did some research, looking for a cheap steam cleaner.

I ended up buying a 1,300 watt Bush appliance, complete with all the tools,
for just £2.50 in cash - still a bargain at its 25 quid asking price. I had a look
for a review of cheap steam cleaners on here, but couldn't find one. I guess
that's my cue to write one about this little machine.

So, to the task in hand - here's some pictures to show how much of a
challenge this was going to be. No light task!

http://s5.postimg.cc/sv1tpwugn/r5gtt14001.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/cdo0qi8tz/r5gtt14002.jpg

Some "during" pictures...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ks3nel9vb/r5gtt14003.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6kdypxx6f/r5gtt14004.jpg

These pictures show just how quickly the steam cleaner was working. Hardly
more than two quick strokes, working north to south. The steamer leaves
the surface rather wet, so I went straight in with a microfibre cloth, though
this wasn't hard work!

http://s5.postimg.cc/cvj66cyev/r5gtt14005.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3l722tnp3/r5gtt14006.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ukawxza5z/r5gtt14007.jpg

The bonnet on the steamer head was certainly picking up the grime!

http://s5.postimg.cc/6e09muo1j/r5gtt14008.jpg

One of the worst areas was those that are normally hidden from view...

http://s5.postimg.cc/udx7uw113/r5gtt14009.jpg

dealt with...

http://s5.postimg.cc/yuu67b4mv/r5gtt14010.jpg

The flash on the camera is highlighting even the smallest flaw. The seats
were being photographed between cleaning bouts, where the fabric hasn't
fully dried. This next photo shows the bits that were difficult to reach with
the steam pad...

http://s5.postimg.cc/egyfy68mv/r5gtt14011.jpg

Moving on to the smaller part of the split-seat. No less minging, with a lot
more fungal evidence. It looks like my choice of using steam is the right one.
The steamer has about a teaspoonful of ONR mixed with its water, so that
has limited the possibility of a dank smell filling my kitchen...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ua7zsdkxj/r5gtt14012.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/8ip81of1z/r5gtt14013.jpg

Now to the cleaning...

http://s5.postimg.cc/c8ouukqwn/r5gtt14014.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/e9fefen1z/r5gtt14016.jpg

...and cleaned

http://s5.postimg.cc/p9574r2uv/r5gtt14017.jpg

Another hidden edge...

http://s5.postimg.cc/6ab1kc7xz/r5gtt14018.jpg

...and cleaned

http://s5.postimg.cc/4nltz3vw7/r5gtt14019.jpg

Now the seat back, with its built-in 60/40 split, quite a job to manipulate.

http://s5.postimg.cc/f41y1fuwn/r5gtt14020.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/tr2wj3tiv/r5gtt14021.jpg

...and cleaned

http://s5.postimg.cc/ufbr21s8n/r5gtt14022.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/hrvzpjdbr/r5gtt14023.jpg

Well, that was a very productive hour! I had to refill the steam jug just once
and I'm very happy with the results. The seats have since fully dried and
they look really tidy. I'll be giving them a good hoovering to remove all traces
of fine dog hair before they go back into the car.

http://s5.postimg.cc/p07metq2f/r5gtt14024.jpg
The tiny circles are flash reflections from the wheels... grrrrr!

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

While I'm happy with the way that the back seats have cleaned up, it'll be
the front ones that will throw up the biggest challenge, especially the driver's
seat! However, let's start with the passenger seat. At first sight, it doesn't
seem too bad...

http://s5.postimg.cc/g7qnr54xj/r5gtt14025.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/h3rqkc3zr/r5gtt14028.jpg

OK, so the back seems fairly clean, but the squab is going to need some
attention.

http://s5.postimg.cc/5wiwc82lz/r5gtt14026.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/pi2ruofnb/r5gtt14027.jpg

So, the cleaning begins. This picture shows one of the drawbacks of the
steamer. To get into those vertical crannies, it's going to be necessary to
turn the seat on its side. Giving a good blast of steam is going to help deal
with any nasties in the crevices.

http://s5.postimg.cc/ywdas7l87/r5gtt14029.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ybtobs2lz/r5gtt14030.jpg

Seat completed. The steamer doesn't leave an even pattern of dampness
across the surface, so drying isn't even either. I was quite surprised at how
much dirt the separate microfibre towel was collecting as I tried absorbing as
much of the liquid as I could.

http://s5.postimg.cc/v7nlsqb7b/r5gtt14031.jpg

So, now we come to the driver's seat. When I first used the car, I found that
the seat wasn't properly supporting my legs below the lower thigh. I took the
car to a local upholsterers who specialised in boat outfitting. He was able to
pad out the front of the seat squab by about an inch without having to tear
or damage the fabric.

With my massive frame getting into and out of the car, the wings of the seat
squabs took a fair of stick and the "tide mark" of shininess gives this away.
I reckon that I'll be pleased if I can reduce this, I doubt very much if I'll get
rid of it altogether...

http://s5.postimg.cc/jjtjy6m2f/r5gtt14032.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/wqizxphrr/r5gtt14033.jpg

Compared to the passenger seat, this one is not in good condition, so it looks
like it will be quite a challenge!

http://s5.postimg.cc/nlan3ued3/r5gtt14034.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/qup2ab2gn/r5gtt14035.jpg

So, down to the clean. The steamer made short work of most of the base
areas. The raised area at the front had some shiny areas, where I have used
my hands to support myself getting in and out.

http://s5.postimg.cc/ju12hj0on/r5gtt14036.jpg

All clean, as this close-up shows...

http://s5.postimg.cc/cja5j59o7/r5gtt14037.jpg

The completed seat...

http://s5.postimg.cc/akyw7ersn/r5gtt14038.jpg

Now, more close-ups of the seat wings.

Before...
http://s5.postimg.cc/j5wtcbrcn/r5gtt14039.jpg

After...
http://s5.postimg.cc/z99ac4svr/r5gtt14040.jpg

There is still the vestige of a tide-mark. However, I'm delighted with this
cleaning result..!
http://s5.postimg.cc/64b4mh2yf/r5gtt14041.jpg

The seat squab on completion...
http://s5.postimg.cc/9mn4iv3uf/r5gtt14042.jpg

So, that's my first outing with a steam cleaner. I was quietly dreading the
prospect of dealing with whatever might be lurking in that fabric. However,
around 3 hours of work in total has produced results that really delight me!

One thing I don't regret is that I added half a capful of ONR to the 350 ml of
water the steamer took. I would not normally advocate doing this, in fact I
was reticent, but I didn't want my home smelling like a musty chinese laundry.
The seats, and indoors, now have that pleasant odour that comes from ONR
Wash and Shine :thumb:

I'm so pleased with the way the seats have come up, I've asked Karl to take
out the carpet, so I can give it a once-over with my floor-cleaning steamer.
Once that happens, I'll go round and take some photos of the car's floor. That
should be very revealing!

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Now that the wheels have been beautifully refurbished, I'm intent on keeping
them looking nice. So, the first coat of protection is ADS ArtDeWheel and it
needs a bit of preparation, not just for the surface, but for the operator too!

There are two vital pieces of kit to don before you open the bottle. Oh, and
it's _not_ a good idea to sniff it to check for perfume! Some protective gloves
and a face mask are basic PPE requirements. This is especially important if,
like me, you're working indoors.

Working with these things makes this not the most pleasant of tasks. What
makes it even more difficult is that you can barely see the coating on the
already very reflective silver. However, I'm ahead of myself, as usual.

The most vital aspect is that the surface is spotlessly clean! So, a proper
wipe over with the ArtDeParadise panel wipe ensured this. In common with
all the ADS products, less is definitely more, so while it took several drops
to prime the pad for the first wheel, it took no more than 6 to 8 drops more
when replenishing.

http://s5.postimg.cc/aqbu8kdvb/r5gtt14043.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/uie07upfb/r5gtt14044.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/r020bgojb/r5gtt14045.jpg

Out of the 20ml bottle, I ended up using just half. Yes, all four wheels coated
inside and out by just 10ml of product! Again, just as with the other coatings,
you can get in there almost straight away with the buffing cloth. The sudden
feeling of slickness is noticable.

Once you have finished, and put your disposable gloves and mask in the bin,
make a point to _go and wash your hands_!

As I write this, in another room, the wheels are drying. This will need a couple
of hours minimum. I'll probably follow this coating up with some ADS Obsidian
wax, as a belt and braces approach to the protection. That will be the
sacrificial layer.

The seats have now dried and it's probable that I'll have a second go with
the steamer on the 40% size seat squab. Otherwise, I'm thrilled with the way
that they have cleaned up :thumb:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

...and Enter the Sonic Brush!

Although the steamer has done some excellent cleaning work, it looks like my
gammy hands have let me down a bit. This was particularly noticeable on the
squab of the smaller rear seat, as seen in these two pictures...

http://s5.postimg.cc/6vhmxh9h3/r5gtt14046.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/b5wat2ek7/r5gtt14047.jpg

A friend of mine came round today to look at the progress, and I was able to
tap into his better knowledge of modern cleaning methods for cloth and
alcantra seats. Professionally, he'd be using G101, but in the absence of that
we tried some Flash All Purpose Cleaner, diluted at about 20:1 from a spray
bottle.

Initially, we just sprayed a little on and gave it a good scrub with a high
denier weave microfibre cloth. His biggest tip was to use short strokes in
just one direction, with a slight hand rotation, so that he used as many
clean fibres as he could. Sadly, his application force was one that I don't
have the strength to replicate :(

So, To A New Tool
Last weekend, Aldi offered a sonic brush set for a tenner, and I saw this as
an ideal tool for cleaning things like the outside of the carburettor and other
aluminium based parts. However, the biggest of the three brushes looked like
they might suit the purpose, showed it to my mate and got a nod of approval!

So, I got the seat squab in position, gave a small section a few sprays of
APC and set to with the brush. Like the cloth, straight strokes in just one
direction was doing the business. A quick follow-up with the MF cloth and
it was amazing just how much dirt had been left!

Here's a quick 50/50, though we need to see the seat dry before pronouncing
on how clean it actually is. The dirt on the cloth was giving good indicators
of dirt removal...
http://s5.postimg.cc/tvoa9t7av/r5gtt14048.jpg

...and here's the completed seat sqab
http://s5.postimg.cc/ee0s640tz/r5gtt14049.jpg

Before concluding that the steamer might not have worked as well as hoped,
we need to remember how these seats started out. Here's a quick reminder...

http://s5.postimg.cc/8ip81of1z/r5gtt14013.jpg

What pleases me about the steamer is that the heat will have killed off the
fungal spores without them being distributed far and wide. All this second
clean is really doing is helping to compensate for my lack of scrubbing ability.
Either way, the seats will come up like new by the time I've finished!

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Having seen these graphics, it set an idea in motion. I was not having the
wheels refurbed in the boring original satin finish, so how about a bit of
a 21stC touch? Having secured some correctly coloured graphics, it's time to
apply them. Obviously, I wanted them all to match, so a bit of preparation
work was needed. Here's the start...

http://s5.postimg.cc/tj6jehkqf/r5gtt14050.jpg

What I've done is to draw the cap outline onto two pieces of coloured paper.
The second is a spare, just in case. Fold the circle into half and ensure you
have a very sharp folded edge. This helps when you come to fold it in half
once more.

http://s5.postimg.cc/3l7im74mv/r5gtt14051.jpg

Draw a line along the entire way along one fold. Note that this is absent in
this photo! Cut out a quadrant and test out the position on the disc. Remove
and set aside.

Next comes the preparation of the decals. You need to decide on your centre
line. Note that I have lined up with the T edge, rather than guess where the
middle of the two letters comes. I'm working with a chunky biro, because my
hands cannot cope with a fine pencil...

http://s5.postimg.cc/8h6k05fef/r5gtt14052.jpg

Then underline each piece leaving about one millimetre gap below the letters.
Number 2 in this sequence is too close, so will become my spare if it all goes
wrong. The vertical line will be used to match up with the centre line on the
blue template, and the horizontal will be placed over another line on the
template, which is our next stage. First, measure the exact height of the
larger letters. Just 1cm.

Now carefully measure and draw a black line 6.5mm from one of the quadrant
edges. Cut away 6mm so that your black line is still visible on the template.
That will give you your base line.

http://s5.postimg.cc/f2j9zwv93/r5gtt14053.jpg

Remove about 10mm from the other quadrant edge, don't overdo this or you
will lose some of your centering that the tempate provides. Then cut away
in the centre so that the lettering can be placed freely, as this mock-up
shows. On the cap, the baseline of the decal will go over the line on the
template.

http://s5.postimg.cc/rsnid037b/r5gtt14054.jpg

Apply tiny dots of blu-tack to the template and place into position. The
height of the access curve on the cap is 2cm, so I'm placing the baseline of
the template about 4mm above the bottom of the curve.

http://s5.postimg.cc/fgklzifcn/r5gtt14055.jpg

Now, it's time to remove the backing paper. The trick here is to curve the
backing paper away from the decal paper, keeping that as flat as you can.
Hold the complete decal gently twixt thumb and forefinger in the vertical,
while bending the backing paper over the forefinger as you progressively feed
the decal. Take your time here!

Now place the decal into position, so that the vertical lines match and that
the drawn line on the decal paper rests over that on the template. Once in
position, give the decal a gentle but firm press into position with a microfibre
cloth stretched over the end of your forefinger.

http://s5.postimg.cc/gk4qbgzzr/r5gtt14056.jpg

Now, carefully remove the decal covering paper. You need to keep the lifted
edge at an open angle of greater than 140 degrees if you can. Once you
have peeled back, remove the template and gently firm the lettering with
the MF cloth.

http://s5.postimg.cc/vu4linvhz/r5gtt14057.jpg

The first cap completed...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ux2rnj9dj/r5gtt14058.jpg

For the subsequent caps, I found it easier to remove the template first. With
the slight overlap of the backing paper, I took my time so nothing moved out
of position.

http://s5.postimg.cc/xom1e57w7/r5gtt14059.jpg

All four caps completed...

http://s5.postimg.cc/hhfqy30vr/r5gtt14060.jpg

...and in position on the wheel

http://s5.postimg.cc/jainmem2f/r5gtt14061.jpg

Considering my gammy hands, I thoroughly enjoyed myself doing this! Who
cares if it divides opinion..?

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[smithyr5gt]

wow!!! thats it just wow!!!!

[gtmatt]

Nice work as per Pete ,have you link for steam cleaner

[Lowiepete]

Hi Matt,

Nice work as per Pete ,have you link for steam cleaner
In the absence of which, I have done a review on Detailing World (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=326399)

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[bood]

Great work its cleaning up nicely

[Matt Cole]

Nice one.ill have some seats just as bad to do eventually:agree:

[Trevhib]

Great work on the seats.

Thanks to those guys who brought us all up to date with the EBC pad range, very useful guys :agree:

[Alex]

A great bit of progress over the festive period! Good to see the seats have cleaned up well, I guess they haven't had THAT much use anyway.

I really like the the colour and finish of the Speedlines, not sure on the graphics mind. Different though :agree:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

After the Xmas break, and time to think through a forthcoming stategy, I
went to talk to Karl today. There was some more progress, with the front
bumper removed to reveal this...

http://s5.postimg.cc/co7zghp9z/r5gtt14065.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/vhtsdhnhz/r5gtt14066.jpg

So, part of the discussions for future work involved the hub carriers which
will be powder-coated in black. I've also ordered new front bearings and wish
bones. The springs, not seen here, will be powdercoated in red.

http://s5.postimg.cc/fi6jg722f/r5gtt14067.jpg

The front sub-frame is in excellent condition, with just odd patches of surface
rust. There is no steering play. Anyway, the plan of action is to restore all the
front suspension. Then we'll concentrate on getting the engine started to
have a listen. Once done, it's engine out with surface maintenance and clutch
and gearbox inspection.

http://s5.postimg.cc/gzrzrr6t3/r5gtt14068.jpg

The next 3 pictures show the restored rear suspension on the driver's side,
with views under the wing...

http://s5.postimg.cc/w0ua90piv/r5gtt14069.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/nxw3xp4xj/r5gtt14070.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/q3qes78dz/r5gtt14071.jpg

Now we come to the interior. Probably the biggest surprise of the whole resto
project. Basically, as the last three pictures show, there's only a small amount
of surface rust on the passenger side. Otherwise, it's all as sound as a bell!
On a scale of 1 to 10 of luck - guess where?

http://s5.postimg.cc/qdxxbjn07/r5gtt14072.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/lbl6ui33r/r5gtt14073.jpg

In the early pictures, the steering wheel looked like it had seen better days.
As this photo shows, that's been spared a replacement...

http://s5.postimg.cc/h16iywy0n/r5gtt14074.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/aftsz5i5z/r5gtt14077.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/tid6m2t6f/r5gtt14075.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/mvqiswbhz/r5gtt14078.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/7kgpsae5z/r5gtt14076.jpg


One other thing has been resolved. The bent driver's door is going to be
replaced with a brand new one - coming from France - the very last one?
By the time I pay a ton for second hand one, 60 quid plus for van hire and
80 quid or more in fuel, it works out at the same price.

Also arrived are new floor mats, matching the carpet grey, with red banding.
Tia has also had a new travel pod ordered so she can travel in similar style
to that to which she has become accustomed in the Coupé. That'll also help
protect my beautifully cleaned seats.

Talking of the seats, the Scotch-Gard treatment tins arrived today and I'm
already half way through giving the seats a good coating. It looks like a wise
move because I may have dispersed the ghosting left behind by the mould.

Oh, and one last thing to report. I've managed to secure a full set of body
decals, so when we get to the point of re-spraying, the biggest onward cost
hurdle will have been jumped :thumb:

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Coming along really well, the shell is certainly in good shape, even still got the renault headlight protectors on :cool: :agree:

[DaveL485]

Godd progress, and a good base for Resto. Careful though the GT might get jealous!

[Lowiepete]

Careful though the GT might get jealous!
No No! The Coupé will be used as support car for the first few trips - just in case :cooter:

Regards,
Steve

[Pigsnake]

Loving this thread, always loads going on.:agree:.
Really coming along nicely.:)

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

It's getting to look a lot like... it's my birthday - all over again :)

http://s5.postimg.cc/4q4u6qe5z/r5gtt14079.jpg

More parts have arrived and a load more spending done too. The brand new
driver's door has arrived, with hinge kits and is all paid for. The brake calipers
have come back from blast-cleaning looking brand new and ready for primer.

I'm dead pleased with the wishbones purchase. It worked out that just the
two main bushes on their own would cost £24 a side, that's without the third
one that joins to the hub. Yet, for £65 I could purchase complete wishbones,
and these are the OE TRW ones to boot! Much appreciation from Karl too as
getting the old bits out requires much obscene language; allegedly...

I've also taken delivery of OE side panel graphics at slightly less than cost of
copies. This means that when the time comes, I'll be ensuring that the paint
will be getting some special attention.

I'm almost done with cleaning the carpet. Will give it another go before a final
clean with the Scotch-Gard foam. Speaking of which, the seats have now had
their SG treatment and have come up like new. All the ghosting marks from
the mould have totally disappeared :niceone:

For my next pics I'll be doing a mockup of the interior with seats in position
and the new floor mats in place. I just need to source some locating buttons
for the new mats. (Anyone?) There is a single set supplied with the mats I
bought, but they don't look too sturdy, especially considering how I'm likely
to shuffle about with my unsteady gait.

I'm really getting quite cheesed-off with the flash on my camera! No matter
what I do, it either makes the seats look completely filthy when they are
really clean and sweet-smelling, or the pictures get covered in various size
reflection dots of indeterminate cause, or of course, both! Grrrrrrrrrr...

My lounge faces North so it's impossible to take photos in there without the
flash. If the weather is fine enough tomorrow, I might try again in the garden.
So, here's some pics, despite my cussin'...

http://s5.postimg.cc/f412m89iv/r5gtt14080.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6j7qv1zcn/r5gtt14081.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/wg1f7o307/r5gtt14082.jpg

Even the new mats look blue when they are very definitely grey!!

Passenger side of the carpet has yet to be finished with the steamer and
then all of it will be treated with Scotch-Gard... The 1980's style Renault
diamonds will go over the carpet locating clips.

Regards,
Steve

[TopCat]

Great job there fella.

Love the finish you done on the wheels. Very nice touch.

[TNT ANDY]

More awesome work there Steve, and I can vouch for the seats, those pictures do not do them justice. Can't wait for the final assembly and looking forward to taking a peak if I may on Saturday.

The restored wheels are epic also - this will be one very nice example once done - not bad for a Grandad ;)

Can't wait for the 4 day exterior detailing on this beasty

[Slammed 66]

Steve, you're like an obsessive 'cleaning pervert' :laugh:

I honestly don't know how you have the patience for it but it certainly seems to pay off :agree:

I'm more of a 'bucket of soapy water' kind of guy which shows really.

Great work on ressurecting this car. It'll be something special when it's completed.

I may have just missed it but what size and brand tyres did you opt for in the end? And as for the stickers on the centre caps, they look great. A real nice touch I think.

Top work dude

Ross

[Lowiepete]

Many thanks for the generous comments guys :niceone:

More awesome work there Steve,...looking forward to taking a peak if I may on Saturday.
Hi Andy.
Yeah, that's if Karl or Jason are working on Saturday - car isn't on my premises atm.

Can't wait for the 4 day exterior detailing on this beasty
+1 - but that probably won't be until after I take it off the road again next September.


Steve, you're like an obsessive 'cleaning pervert' :laugh:

I honestly don't know how you have the patience for it but it certainly seems to pay off :agree:
Hi Ross,
Don't knock it - it's a combination of that and a dry, but well ventilated, garage that
means I have the car in such fantastic base condition. I've no doubt that you have some
similar patience - I reckon that's a given with these cars :)


I'm more of a 'bucket of soapy water' kind of guy which shows really.
Believe it or not, that's where I started too. Only thing is that I've always tended to go
for that "looked-after" look. If people didn't utter words like immaculate when I'd done,
then I'd not done the job properly. Old habits really do die hard, even when you have
disabled hands...

In its day this was a top of the range motor, so it isn't too difficult to restore it to its
former glory. At least, it defies all the nay-saying badge-snobs... :D


Great work on ressurecting this car. It'll be something special when it's completed.

I may have just missed it but what size and brand tyres did you opt for in the end?
Thanks. I wish I could take a much more hands-on approach, but Karl is doing me proud!

I settled on Falkens size 185/60/13 which loses 10mm of overall tyre width, but only
about 6mm of tread from the standard tyres. I'm hoping that they'll be as good as those
I've fitted to my Coupé; I'm so glad to see the back of the Bridgestone Potenzas. :dearme:

Regards,
Steve

[TNT ANDY]

"Steve, you're like an obsessive 'cleaning pervert' "

You're not wrong there Ross LOL, he tries to clean Fluffy when I popped over to sort an electrical problem out for him. I ran away.

Just to say - I had a quick butchers at Steve's 5 and I have got to say, this is a work of art, he's sparing no expense and it's coming along nicely.

You're a credit to the Club Steve.

Please don't park your car anywhere near mine when it's done please. ;)

[Dre5gtt]

Loving the dedication mate, great work :agree:

[TopCat]

Awesome awesome car.

Are the red stripes original?

[Lowiepete]

...it eventually turns out like this :niceone:

Actually, it has been a fascinating afternoon! After a few false starts, thinking
that I might need to send my carburettor away somewhere for cleaning, I
eventually landed upon Suffolk Blast Services, or better put, Darren. After an
initial enquiry when I had intimated that I'd rather like to witness the process,
an appointment was made for this afternoon.

Remember this..?

http://s5.postimg.cc/tgkv9oxtj/r5gtt14062.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/apixzj393/r5gtt14064.jpg

Well, that won't pass muster will it?

Having chatted to Darren, with me not really understanding the processes
involved, I had imagined that he was going to blast the outside clean first
and then take it apart for treatment in the ultrasonic machine. I did get a bit
confuzzled, but then that easily achieved by me just lately :)

Actually, no. We would need to completely disassemble the carb because he
needed to ensure that the water would flow freely through every tiny orifice
once he got it into the vapour blaster. Curiouser and curiouser...

So, the dismantling began

http://s5.postimg.cc/fmf24f9kn/r5gtt14083.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4vrfiqvxz/r5gtt14084.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/o78dvljqv/r5gtt14085.jpg

All a tad grotty, both inside and out n'est ce pas?

Then came something that was a complete revelation to me. Looking a like
a green robot with a glass screen, complete withwiper blade, the key machine
hove into view. I've managed to get one picture of the process...

http://s5.postimg.cc/me5h79yk7/r5gtt14086.jpg

That's the underside of the main body, which came out looking like this, once
it had been thoroughly dried...

http://s5.postimg.cc/c6mxuvcc7/r5gtt14087.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6894kmtdj/r5gtt14088.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/uapyfia0n/r5gtt14089.jpg

This is the accelerator jet assembly now cleaned...

http://s5.postimg.cc/g6u3742t3/r5gtt14090.jpg

Top and bottom now reunited...

http://s5.postimg.cc/yoyfrckl3/r5gtt14091.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/qbxcafarb/r5gtt14092.jpg

From that point, we both got a bit confused over which spring went where,
so all the remaining pieces were packed securely in the box I'd taken for the
purpose. The last thing I wanted was either a bit left over, or worse a
completely missing piece.

The remaining pictures show the fully reassembled carburettor. I'm completely
thrilled with the result. My thanks to Darren for his forebearance. Allowing me
to be involved meant a great deal to me :niceone:

http://s5.postimg.cc/uh3nilj5j/r5gtt14093.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/uz3ec6y47/r5gtt14094.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4a720dq9j/r5gtt14095.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/vm2b1pv07/r5gtt14096.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/in0hypa9j/r5gtt14097.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/9qppurjnb/r5gtt14098.jpg

OK, am I allowed to get excited yet? You know that I am already, don't you? :burnrubber:

Regards,
Steve

[Hoolio]

Just water? Pretty amazing that, though the zincs now deserve to be re-plated.

[Matt Cole]

Excellent that is. So how much was that process Steve?

[Lowiepete]

Excellent that is. So how much was that process Steve?
Extraordinary good value really - just £40 :niceone:
If you have it already stripped down and can ensure that there are no blockages for the
beads to gather in, then it'll be cheaper. Prices start @£25 in that case (http://suffolkblastclean.com/price.html).

It's water, high-pressure air and tiny glass beads. I might enquire about the zinc replating...

Regards,
Steve

[TopCat]

Extraordinary good value really - just £40 :niceone:
If you have it already stripped down and can ensure that there are no blockages for the
beads to gather in, then it'll be cheaper. Prices start @£25 in that case (http://suffolkblastclean.com/price.html).

It's water, high-pressure air and tiny glass beads. I might enquire about the zinc replating...

Regards,
Steve

Steve it's attention to detail like this, that has made me re read this thread time and time again. That carb looks a million bucks again! The only thing I might suggest to you is use a high pressure air gun (from an air compressor) over each piece before you reassemble, just in case there might be any small foreign bodies of glass.

What's the next step?

[Lowiepete]

I might suggest to you is use a high pressure air gun (from an air compressor) over each piece before you reassemble, just in case there might be any small foreign bodies of glass.
Absolutely, that's why I was happy to pay Darren for his work. His attention to detail
was very self-evident! All the parts were blown through twice, once before a spell in
the drying oven, and again afterward.

What I've found is that it's the bike restorers who go with the specialist services.
Aerocoat I believe are #1 for them and Darren is well into 1950s scooters, as original
as possible!

What's next? Well, it's a refurb of the front suspension and brakes. Last time I went
round to see the car, the brake calipers were hanging out to dry in all their bright red
repainted glory. :niceone:

There are bits off to Aerocoat, pulley wheel, springs and rocker box cover to do in red.
Tops off the suspension mounts are going too, to be done in black.

There's plenty yet to keep me poor - resto cost comes out at £3K so far...

Regards,
Steve

[Goobie]

Great carb refurb, good resto price so far to considering the amount of effort and detail on everything that has been touched to date. :cool: Your going to feel like your missing a limb once this is finished as be nothing left to clean. Your have to go off roading in mud just so you can get back on the OCD watch list at the local hospital. :laugh:

[Lowiepete]

You'll have to go off roading in mud just so you can get back on the OCD watch list at the local hospital. :laugh:
Heheheheh, I did laugh out loud, but...
:confused: You've given yourself away... do you only do your own restorations half-ar5ed?
Shall I start a book? :D

As for the mud, I have my own source - the track to and from my garage. Puddles and mud
on wet days and a good'ol dust-bowl on dry ones. I was only thinking the other day... :coffee:

Oh, Tia's transport arrangements arrived today. She's already commandeered it...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ibj1lxttj/r5gtt14099.jpg

Regards,
Steve

[TopCat]

That's awesome Steve. :yeah:

Another awesome restoration! You'll be scared to drive the old girl at this rate.

Did you know if that red stripe was original from the car showroom?

[Lowiepete]

Did you know if that red stripe was original from the car showroom?
No. What happened was that the car was keyed - like no panel inc roof, back door and
bonnet left untouched, just weeks after I bought it. The car was resprayed at insurer's
cost, and they asked me if I'd like a coachline. Seemed to be all the rage of the day. The
red was selected to pick up the red motif from the colour combo of the seats. It'll be
replaced when I get the car repainted this coming October. I've already bought the tape :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[TopCat]

No. What happened was that the car was keyed - like no panel inc roof, back door and
bonnet left untouched, just weeks after I bought it. The car was resprayed at insurer's
cost, and they asked me if I'd like a coachline. Seemed to be all the rage of the day. The
red was selected to pick up the red motif from the colour combo of the seats. It'll be
replaced when I get the car repainted this coming October. I've already bought the tape :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

:agree: it really suits it mate

[Pigsnake]

I reckon this will be one nice 5 when finished.:agree:Look forward to seeing it in the flesh.

[Junglist]

Great work m8. Great thread. :)

[gtmatt]

Amazing work again

[Lowiepete]

LOL, he tries to clean Fluffy when I popped over to sort an electrical problem out for him. I ran away.
Tsk... I was only going to show you how easy it is to use a clay cloth on the roof. Whatever
you do, don't go anywhere near that paint with a machine until I've shown you how easy
it is. Machining paint is darned hard work and if you don't know how much clearcoat you
have, you could do more harm than good.

Just to say - I had a quick butchers at Steve's 5 and I have got to say, this is a work of art, he's sparing no expense and it's coming along nicely.

You're a credit to the Club Steve.
Cheers, kind words indeed :niceone: With the car being in such good original metal, I
believe that it's well worthwhile spending some hard-earned on it. However, it's not
going to look like the finished article until after I've had my summer fun it...

Once the weather warms up, and you've rewired the garage for me, we can have a
detailing meet for the East Coast massive. Starting with a certain black R5 as the test
mule... :laugh::wasntme:

Regards,
Steve

[TNT ANDY]

Sounds like a plan.

Put it in the event section and call it 'TNT Turd polishing'

I'll be there.

And Steve I honestly value your opinion where paintwork comes in, I'll be speaking to you before attacking any paintwork with a machine. :agree:

Obviously, the nearside will need re-spraying before any of that milarky.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

With it being wet and windy, I've been playing with MS Movie Maker and
compiled what will become a series of movies covering this restoration.

This is part #1. So pour yourself a suitable libation and enjoy...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgcfNB-OVHs

It looks quite good at full screen :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[bood]

great video, its fascinating to watch the transformation and i must say you are doing the car proud!

[Nad-5GTT]

Great video and a cracking car :)

[Mr Raider]

Great video Steve, not seen many of them on resto threads! Nice work, caught a glimpse of a new heater matrix in the video, wise move getting that replaced :agree: ;)

[LiamR]

A good little video. Quite enjoyed watching that!

[Lowiepete]

Great video Steve, not seen many of them on resto threads!
Thanks Karl. It helped while away a drizzly afternoon. I've got the bug now,
so here's Part 2, which brings us up to date...

Renault 5GT Turbo Restoration Part 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9veq1pbp3o)

Regards,
Steve

[Nad-5GTT]

Loving the effort that's gone into centering the badge on the centre cap.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Another small update...

More parts gathered. The new bodywork graphics in store for when the car
gets repainted later this year...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ste5et0zb/r5gtt14101.jpg

...and more goodies, including locking wheel bolts and expansion tank.

http://s5.postimg.cc/dtlsqyk3b/r5gtt14100.jpg

The bolts come at the right time because the back wheels can now go back
on the car...

http://s5.postimg.cc/tqkknochj/r5gtt14103.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4ffv763w7/r5gtt14104.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/b76aa0svr/r5gtt14105.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/lva18v2uv/r5gtt14106.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/jmvurivqv/r5gtt14107.jpg

I'll be returning the wheels for refitting tomorrow.

There's a question mark hanging over the radiator. Should I be looking
to replace it..?

http://s5.postimg.cc/egkpghgzb/r5gtt14102.jpg


Regards,
Steve

[Andy M]

There's a question mark hanging over the radiator. Should I be looking
to replace it..?



For the time, effort and money put into this so far why risk it?? Bosh a new rad on it :)

[TNT Tricky Nicky]

Not that you would but don't get a cooper core rad, more trouble than they're worth. A new rad would make sense :agree:

[Jonny5]

Bottom right hand corner looks shot, id change it.

[TopCat]

Bottom right hand corner looks shot, id change it.

The fins perish over time mate. They rot on coils all the time on condensers (which are a lot like rads) I'm forever changing condensers because of age. For the sake of a radiator I'd just change it, your car is too good not to :)

[Mr Raider]

Definitely worth getting a new rad on there Steve as can get rather hot in summer. Not sure if oe valeo rads are still available, have seen a few people buy some recently or a really good second hand one with no signs of corrosion. I see theres a new heater matrix to go on so worth it for piece of mind. What was hiding under the new parts, see a fair few wires? :scratch:

[Alex]

That needs changing for sure. Valeo don't make them anymore so you may need to find an aftermarket item. NOS are pricey if you can find one.

[B18ftMOJO5]

:agree:
The fins perish over time mate. They rot on coils all the time on condensers (which are a lot like rads) I'm forever changing condensers because of age. For the sake of a radiator I'd just change it, your car is too good not to :)

:agree:

[Lowiepete]

That needs changing for sure. Valeo don't make them anymore so you may need to find an aftermarket item. NOS are pricey if you can find one.
Cheers Alex,
There's a Valeo NOS one on ebay for £75 - so that's a goer :niceone:


What was hiding under the new parts, see a fair few wires? :scratch:
You're far too observant Karl :eek: I'm hoping to fit some DRLs. Don't worry, I'm insisting
on making them as stealthy as I can. I just want to be seen...

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Lol attention to detail Steve ;) you're certainly on it :D

[Lowiepete]

There's a Valeo NOS one on ebay for £75 - so that's a goer :niceone:
Seems not - it doesn't have the oil cooling :(

Looks like I'll have to scour Mr. Auto once more...

There's a few sur le continong - anyone going to Calais (http://www.webdealauto.com/fr/radiateur-du-moteur/valeo-883852.470.87869.1995.html)?

Regards,
Steve

[martynp]

Where did you get your Renault 5 gt turbo badge stickers from?

[Bigfoot]

Seems not - it doesn't have the oil cooling :(

Looks like I'll have to scour Mr. Auto once more...

There's a few sur le continong - anyone going to Calais (http://www.webdealauto.com/fr/radiateur-du-moteur/valeo-883852.470.87869.1995.html)?

Regards,
Steve

That hasn't got an oil cooler either. You are after :eek:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/VALEO-SERVICE-810926-Service-Radiator/dp/B00D0DBQWK

Though can get from work place under half that price.

[Lowiepete]

That hasn't got an oil cooler either. You are after :eek:
...but this one has (http://www.webdealauto.com/fr/radiateur-du-moteur/valeo-810926.470.87896.1995.html) :niceone:

Referenced on that page is the NRF alternative (http://www.webdealauto.com/fr/radiateur-du-moteur/nrf-52033.470.39878.1995.html)...

...which is available from Mr. Auto for £129 delivered (http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/radiator/nrf-52033_g470_a20552033.html). Pricier,
but better than Valeo?

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Where did you get your Renault 5 gt turbo badge stickers from?
They came from eBay France (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Monogramme-Super-5-GT-Turbo-/281047527099?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160) - same guy supplied my R5GTT Fruit of the Loom Tshirt

Regards,
Steve

[martynp]

They came from eBay France (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Monogramme-Super-5-GT-Turbo-/281047527099?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160) - same guy supplied my R5GTT Fruit of the Loom Tshirt

Regards,
Steve

Cool thanks

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Yet more supplies...

http://s28.postimg.cc/pouvkvrb1/r5gtt14108.jpg

The rear wheels temporarily in place...

http://s28.postimg.cc/qd3q3tq0t/r5gtt14109.jpg

http://s28.postimg.cc/sk7yrqvb1/r5gtt14110.jpg

http://s28.postimg.cc/bz0cc3471/r5gtt14111.jpg

...and more dismantling, getting parts ready to take for powder coating

http://s28.postimg.cc/slhwl5x4t/r5gtt14112.jpg

http://s28.postimg.cc/orogc0fst/r5gtt14113.jpg

It looks like I have sourced a replacement radiator - should be here at the
end of next week. It's sometimes useful to have relatives abroad :niceone:

I cannot believe Mr-Auto.co.uk!! Most of the (expensive) parts I have bought
from them have been despatched from, wait for it, France. Mr-Auto.com
(same company, but in France), who also sell on ebay France, steadfastly
refuse to despatch to the UK from there. Indeed, their ebay listing insists
that this is impossible!

Considering my previous purchase history, I think it's astonishing, especially as
they could offer me no proper reason for their decision. It's making me think
twice about buying more stuff from them :(

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

More goodies Steve, keep buying stuff myself although most of it hasnt made its way onto the car yet! :ashamed:

See you've got a headgasket set, are you planning on running standard boost only? ;)

Cant wait to see this in the metal :) :agree:

[Lowiepete]

See you've got a headgasket set, are you planning on running standard boost only? ;)
Well, the seller had a rocker box gasket @ £9 or complete set @ £35 - spoke to
Karl about it and although we'll need to change the rbg this time round - the
box is going for powder coating in signal red - it should come off once more
without gasket replacement if we need to delve deeper. The car is staying as
standard. I'm looking for similar reliability as I had when it was first on the road.

Regards,
Steve

[andybond]

Love the updates Steve. Keep them coming.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

The very last brand new R5GTT door in the world...

http://s17.postimg.cc/4bdjmsf67/r5gtt14114.jpg

Curious though that it has a 2013 stocking code...

http://s17.postimg.cc/n69ad7f7z/r5gtt14115.jpg

With some of the wrapping peeled back...

http://s17.postimg.cc/4cnhg7gzz/r5gtt14116.jpg

Preparation for the Powder Coaters

This is the spare wheel carrier. It's amazing that it's so solid! I'm looking at
getting this coated in signal red...

http://s17.postimg.cc/z9em0rqa7/r5gtt14117.jpg

More bits that will be coated black, except for the springs which will also be
coated signal red. Missing from here are the rocker box cover and the bottom
pulley wheel, both of which will also end up red...

http://s17.postimg.cc/4zme5qdvz/r5gtt14118.jpg

The garage is also getting some love. Pics to follow later today.

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Are you powder coating the topmounts allover? Only say that as be handy to know which is which when refitting :)

[Lowiepete]

Are you powder coating the topmounts allover? Only say that as be handy to know which is which when refitting :)
Heheheh, I suspect that Karl could pick out which is which blindfolded. The man, and his
knowledge, are full of surprises...

Regards,
Steve

[Markey Mark (BD)]

Are you powder coating the topmounts allover? Only say that as be handy to know which is which when refitting :)

The top mounts are handed so should be able to tell which is which

[alpina]

Hello Folks,

Another small update...

More parts gathered. The new bodywork graphics in store for when the car
gets repainted later this year...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ste5et0zb/r5gtt14101.jpg

...and more goodies, including locking wheel bolts and expansion tank.

http://s5.postimg.cc/dtlsqyk3b/r5gtt14100.jpg

The bolts come at the right time because the back wheels can now go back
on the car...

http://s5.postimg.cc/tqkknochj/r5gtt14103.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4ffv763w7/r5gtt14104.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/b76aa0svr/r5gtt14105.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/lva18v2uv/r5gtt14106.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/jmvurivqv/r5gtt14107.jpg

I'll be returning the wheels for refitting tomorrow.

There's a question mark hanging over the radiator. Should I be looking
to replace it..?

http://s5.postimg.cc/egkpghgzb/r5gtt14102.jpg


Regards,
Steve

Epic thread!

Btw, where did you get the side decals from?

[mingblus3]

How is your spread sheet looking now in terms of expenditure lol.

I started one and a week later realised is was not a good idea :eek:

[Dre5gtt]

How is your spread sheet looking now in terms of expenditure lol.

I started one and a week later realised is was not a good idea :eek:

Lol I went through all my receipts and added up, was a big shock to tell the truth :eek:

Keep up the good work 5 is looking great :agree:

[Mr Raider]

[quote=Dre5gtt;365612]Lol I went through all my receipts and added up, was a big shock to tell the truth :eek:

Dont mate, I just get a folder and chuck all receipts in there, never bothered adding them up for my raider after 10 years, the 11's pile of receipts has got considerably thicker too :scared:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

I can't believe the replacement cost of the rear number plate light
inserts - no less than £19.99 each plus delivery! So, when this 2nd
hand one came up for a fiver delivered...

...it was in fairly good order, but not fit for muster

http://s5.postimg.cc/cnwi04xtj/r5gtt14120.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3u5lj1auv/r5gtt14119.jpg

So, some APC and a sonic brush cleaning, followed by a couple of goes with
Xerapol, aided the first time by the sonic brush, here we have something now
awaiting its new bulb...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ugi280f1z/r5gtt14121.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/du53cobhz/r5gtt14122.jpg

The ones on the car looked a bit delicate, so if we break one, it can be
replaced, else I will have a spare :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[phase i 16 v turbo]

£19.99 where did you get quoted that???

[Johnp]

I just paid 26 inc vat for a brand new Renault pair ?

[Lowiepete]

£19.99 where did you get quoted that???
CGB (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-5-GT-TURBO-REAR-NUMBER-PLATE-LIGHTS-PAIR-NEW-/400256551039?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5d3126487f) has been the only online seller I've seen have them.

Regards,
Steve

[Trevhib]

http://www.gt-turbo-spares.co.uk/?page_id=26

[Lowiepete]

http://www.gt-turbo-spares.co.uk/?page_id=26
Which, when you add postage is more or less similar price...

Regards,
Steve

[phase i 16 v turbo]

Which, when you add postage is more or less similar price...

Regards,
Steve

For RTOC members I did a group buy for always worth sending me an email.

[Lowiepete]

For RTOC members I did a group buy for always worth sending me an email.
Yeah, I realise that Mike. However, the existing ones are not broken, so I had only noticed
the prices in passing, compared to the front indicators which I bought from you. When we
looked at removing the number plate lights, they looked a tad delicate. However, for a fiver
delivered, I do now have a spare...

Regards,
Steve

[phase i 16 v turbo]

No worries.

[Trevhib]

Which, when you add postage is more or less similar price...

Regards,
Steve

Yeah but you said CGB were the only online retailer you'd seen who stocked these, it's just info.

The point being here though that if you haven't checked Mike's site then you haven't looked very hard for online retailers for GTT bits. It might help you in the future.

[Lowiepete]

The point being here though that if you haven't checked Mike's site then you haven't looked very hard for online retailers for GTT bits. It might help you in the future.
Oh really, that's the point is it? Is everyone here so darned argumentative? If you read my
intitial post properly, you'll see that the replacement I bought was presently a spare. I
repeat, I wasn't actively looking to replace these unless there was a problem removing the
existing ones. Whether they are £17 or £20, they don't present themselves as cheap!

Sometimes I can barely believe this site. Someone else claims they bought some cheaply,
and very helpfully supplied a link so others could too. Oh no, scrub that, they didn't! What
is the point of a post like that?

I don't think I'll bother updating this thread further...

Regards,
Steve

[1988cab]

Well I hope you update this thread as I have really enjoyed reading it and seeing your project move forward:) (unlike mine ha) you have also helped me out finding parts for my project and saved me money!:agree:

[mingblus3]

Trev, do you own a 5?

Are you currently having to buy parts?

Here is the truth not everyone agrees with paying rip off prices.

[Guybrush]

Trev, do you own a 5?

Are you currently having to buy parts?

Here is the truth not everyone agrees with paying rip off prices.

Parts price comparison you say?
http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=34916 :smokin:

[Trevhib]

Ming and Steve. My post (and my point) was in reference to availability, I never made any assertion about value or price. In this case though, what price constitutes a 'rip-off' or cheap when it comes to new parts that have low supply and low demand? The price is much more likely to be high, what can the consumer expect suppliers to do? Of course, I can see that if £35 for two new numberplate lights turned out to be the cheapest available then it's a lot of money for a small detail but it's the buyer's prerogative based on what's available. Additionally, it's this kind of market action that contributes to second hand prices of classic cars increasing. If the value of GTTs does not improve then we'll see the remainder disappear very quickly as the cost of keeping them maintained far outstrips their re-sale value.

Steve. Please don't let my posts put you off updating the thread for the benefit of everyone else. :agree:

[LiamR]

Def keep posting. I love reading other people's project threads! Gives me inspiration and ideas for mine.

Re other people's posts- you need a bit of a thick skin on here. Some people post, not meaning to be offensive but come across as rude. Others post just meaning to be rude so ignore them. Others try to be helpful and it gets misinterpreted. Just ignore the posts you don't like :)

I am not incinuating by the way that Trev is any of the above :p

[Trevhib]

I'm probably all of the above at one stage or another Liam ;)

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, while I await the return of the powder coated items, I asked Karl to
remove a few more items from the car. So, the rear light clusters, boot vent
covers and boot carpet came home with me. Some APC in hot water in the
sink, agitated well with the sonic scrubber removed a fair bit of dirt. I had to
replenish after doing just the vents!

Some befores...

http://s5.postimg.cc/vmr43x9o7/r5gtt14129.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/l6b01lanr/r5gtt14130.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ulqvesson/r5gtt14131.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/feavug0tz/r5gtt14132.jpg

...and afters. These black plastic covers treated with ADS Nano Gloss Paint
Sealant, also applied with the sonic scrubber.

http://s5.postimg.cc/jast46b7b/r5gtt14133.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ppn8n3sjb/r5gtt14134.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/b6kozfos7/r5gtt14135.jpg

This is a poor attempt at a 50/50. The cleaning done with some Xerapol also
applied with the sonic scrubbing tool. Getting into the deeper crevices was
with a paint brush, part of a recent Aldi offer. I'm quite impressed with the
latest synthetic bristles, which made cleaning a breeze!

The nearest aperture has yet to be treated...

http://s5.postimg.cc/v2c318gfr/r5gtt14136.jpg

Some afters...

http://s5.postimg.cc/rla0y9hdj/r5gtt14137.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4vfhj0njr/r5gtt14138.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/y9b7ylq9j/r5gtt14139.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3vkl9kj07/r5gtt14140.jpg

The lenses were finally waxed with ADS Obsidian Wax applied by fingers.
Apart from the indicators, all the replacement bulbs will be LED based.

The carpet I have yet to tackle. For some reason it presently stinks! So, it
will go for a good soak before I put it into the washing machine.

Regards,
Steve

[Hoolio]

When you say sonic scrubber do you mean Oral B electronic tooth brush?

[Hoolio]

Ah, just googled it, and it is! Was kinda tongue in cheek comment but that is what I used my GTT mats, badges etc etc.

[Pigsnake]

They have come up really nice. Good job:agree:

[bood]

i find cleaning car parts quite therapeutic, you must be thoroughly satisfied with your efforts. Great job :agree:

[Goobie]

Those side grills look brand new. :cool:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Well, I guess that I'm being led by photos as I have decided to have a second
go at those rear light clusters. The one on the left of the last photo didn't
quite hit the mark. In the meantime, I've replenished my stock of Xerapol
which comes with 2 small sheets of 1,500 grit wet & dry paper.

Trying to get a decent shot during the process, without the camera flash
getting in the way, proved quite difficult. So, this is one of the units having
been gently rubbed back using some ADS Nano Gloss Paint Sealant (diluted
5:1 with water) as the lubricant.

http://s5.postimg.cc/tms4tjltj/r5gtt14141.jpg

This is a different kind of 50/50 - only one of these units has been through
the wet sanding process...

http://s5.postimg.cc/u3dcfz9kn/r5gtt14142.jpg

This is both units now completed and rewaxed with ADS Obsidian...

http://s5.postimg.cc/7sphg0caf/r5gtt14143.jpg

Now to the Boot Carpet

After 15 years of standing, this carpet was in quite a state! The biggest of
the problems being that it stunk - the pong was was going to be a bit of a
challenge to nullify. This is the first task for my £19.99 wet/dry vac that had
arrived in time for the weekend...

http://s5.postimg.cc/s1hwyuhx3/r5gtt14144.jpg

This is another casualty of the camera flash, with it highlighting the pile with
a false impression of the dirt. While there are some stains, they are nowhere
near as bad as indicated!

http://s5.postimg.cc/udkuzbo6v/r5gtt14145.jpg

These two photos show the results. What I did was to use the wet/dry vac,
then my normal machine with a beating action just to see what else could be
removed - more or less nothing - then I sprayed it with Scotch Gard. I then
worked that in well, then used the wet vac to remove the foam...

http://s5.postimg.cc/gl6g3oxfb/r5gtt14146.jpg

The colour differences are where the carpet follows the currugation of the
boot floor...

http://s5.postimg.cc/v72ip20jb/r5gtt14147.jpg

Only a few more days to go before the powder coated parts come back. Time
for a little more excitement. Everything will be in place for reassembling a
rolling vehicle, so we can then concentrate on the engine and getting it
started. :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[GTphil]

Ace project! Your very own barn stash (sort of) :D

Is the engine seized or does it turn over?

I wouldn't be surprised if you can get it moving and some fresh fuel/oil in if it started up:smokin:

Looking at the rest of the project I'm guessing your going to re-build it?

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Guess who's a happy, but poor, bunny? Thanks to Phil & Ann "sur le continong",
this arrived at lunchtime today...

http://s5.postimg.cc/g64tlj77b/r5gtt14149.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4iarqzi2f/r5gtt14148.jpg

I'm rather amazed at its small size. It's no wonder that people avoid copper
varieties of this rad, 'coz it gets too warm...

Regards,
Steve

[Slammed 66]

Mmmm that's nice :)

Where did you find that?

[5teve L]

Good effort, keep it up. :agree:

[Mr Raider]

Wow must be Christmas again! lol Rad looks great, where did you source it from? hope there wasnt too much 'wallet damage' :agree: :)

[LiamR]

I will def be borrowing some of these techniques when I give mine the pre summer clean :agree:

Top job.

[Lowiepete]

Wow must be Christmas again! lol Rad looks great, where did you source it from? hope there wasnt too much 'wallet damage' :agree: :)
I had to be bought in France, it was then brought over to the UK for me. That bit
is priceless because while I could find plenty of stockists, even one in Calais(!),
no-one would ship one to the UK. The rad was actually made in Spain!

Bits should be back from the powder coaters early next week.

Regards,
Steve

[Bigfoot]

I had to be bought in France, it was then brought over to the UK for me. That bit
is priceless because while I could find plenty of stockists, even one in Calais(!),
no-one would ship one to the UK. The rad was actually made in Spain!

Bits should be back from the powder coaters early next week. I'll update this post
in a few minutes as I have pics of under the driver's side front wing...

Regards,
Steve

Out of interest what was the cost of it all in the end?

[Lowiepete]

Out of interest what was the cost of it all in the end?
About £150...

More Work Done

So, in preparation for the front suspension and hubs to be rebuilt, Karl has
been busy tidying up under the front wings...

http://s5.postimg.cc/4awblylvb/r5gtt14150.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/rnud4h1yv/r5gtt14151.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3u6ils8qf/r5gtt14152.jpg

The strap in which is looking a bit iffy is going to get sorted...

http://s5.postimg.cc/dg0322zw7/r5gtt14153.jpg

Hopefully, the car should be back on its wheels next week. Two jobs will get
priority - getting the engine started, just temporarily for a listen. We'll then
decide from there what the next stage will be. The other job will be very
much scarier!

While there are lots of small and annoying spots of rust all over the place,
most are just surface rust. However, we've taken a sneaky peek behind the
rubber holding in the windscreen and the news there might not be quite so
good. It's by no means clean, so the screen is going to come out so we can
properly assess what's going on.

This might be a time needing a sharp intake of breath...

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Good work Steve finding the rad, new oe valeo aswell! not cheap but piece of mind that the cooling system will be in good order! fingers crossed for when the screen comes out that its not too bad :) :agree:

[Trevhib]

If you're not seeing a lot of bubbly rust poking out beyond the windscreen rubber currently, then I'd imagine the damage lying behind it wont be too severe. That is, it will most likely only need zapping off/protecting/repainting, rather than having to chop new bits of surround/scuttle in, or worse, replacing it fully.

I would have the rear screen out and have a proper look there too (much easier than the front). They can often hide a fair a bit of rot. Same goes for the side windows, along the bottom towards the front is a typical place for rust.

[Lowiepete]

From another thread (not wanting to hi-jack it...)

I've been meaning to ask you if you can get me a more modern and more efficient version of the o.e fan?
Yes mate. Im best mates with the uk dealer of Comex. They're the rival of spal, better quality and cheaper. Proven better airflow on tests we made last year.
This interests me too, please Davo, details of supplier, costs, linky perhaps?

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, a trip to Aerocoat today and some more superb work from them.
First the red bits...

http://s5.postimg.cc/plbyqmref/r5gtt14154.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6vjz9vynr/r5gtt14155.jpg

Karl was a bit surprised at my choice of red for the rocker box cover, which
should be black, but with all that pipework under the bonnet, the engine
does get a bit lost :)

http://s5.postimg.cc/i6mmy95iv/r5gtt14156.jpg

...and then to the black bits.

http://s5.postimg.cc/avr4m4p4n/r5gtt14157.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/42qrpuybb/r5gtt14158.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ri8ov7i2f/r5gtt14159.jpg

I'll be taking some photos of the re-assembled suspension units before they go
back on. We're now all systems go with getting the car back onto its wheels :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Wow, they really do look the business in black and red! Are you keeping oe black hoses in the bay? Nice work again Steve :) :agree:

[Lowiepete]

Are you keeping oe black hoses in the bay? Nice work again Steve :) :agree:
Cheers Karl, everything else under the bonnet is remaining as close to standard as
I can possibly get it. Another reason for going for a red rocker box is that it'll show
its cleanliness, or not. Same principle as having lights that show up every mark...

I'm thrilled with the finish that Aerocoat have given these bits. They even gave the
inside of the rocker box a bead blast. Can't recommend their work highly enough :niceone:

I'm making good progress with the internal works of the garage. It should all be
tidy ready for the electrics re-install in about 10days time...

Regards,
Steve

[Matt Cole]

Excellent this. Sometimes powder coating can be hit and miss but the finish looks awesome.:agree:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, back to getting the garage ready for the car's return. I was quite surprised
by just how many coats of paint it would take to make it look like I meant it...

http://s5.postimg.cc/67u0gtmwn/r5gtt14160.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/efvy1tet3/r5gtt14165.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/549w4v29j/r5gtt14161.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/v4xdxqbef/r5gtt14162.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/pqylq6lo7/r5gtt14163.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/k6m4fjmt3/r5gtt14164.jpg

There's a small hint of green into the white. It's possible that I'll need to put
yet another coat on the ceiling. Nevertheless, I'm now looking forward to
seeing the replacement lights in place. :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[Matt Cole]

Looks a good size garage. Is this the same garage the 5 was stored in for all those years?

[Lowiepete]

Looks a good size garage. Is this the same garage the 5 was stored in for all those years?
18' by 9' - Yeah - this is its "reward" :)

I've been looking at possible solutions for protecting the doors, and after having
a good look on eBay, I suddenly had a bit of a brain-wave. These are the surplus
pieces from the floor mats threaded together, so I have 12 strips to glue to the walls...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ewlr1zrxz/r5gtt14166.jpg

Regards,
Steve

[Trevhib]

My mate affixed some carpet to his garage side walls in order to protect his VX220 door edges. Cheap and fluffy.

[Lowiepete]

My mate affixed some carpet to his garage side walls in order to protect his VX220 door edges. Cheap and fluffy.
I decided to avoid carpet as it can be a source of damp and mustiness. That's why
the original surplus Axminster that was under the car was dumped, otherwise it
would have stayed in place, with a good clean...

Regards,
Steve

[Trevhib]

My mate's garage is attached to a new-build house and is very dry and so the carpet has been there for years and is perfect. Some garages can be really damp though so I could see it being a smelly problem used in the wrong situation. :agree:

I think having something damp underneath the car is the biggest issue as it can accelerate chassis rot. I once parked my old GTT on open ground for a year and was advised to cover it over with plastic sheeting first in order to stop the damp getting up into the car's bodywork. I also jacked it up to stop the tyres getting flat spots. When it came to putting the car back on the road I realised how valuable that advice had been.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, the front suspension is re-assembled. I'm really pleased that I've been
able to source some de Carbon shock absorbers, even if I haven't stayed
standard with the spring colour. They do look good :thumb:

http://s5.postimg.cc/6rr4jx3jr/r5gtt14167.jpg

The car should be back on its wheels this week. I cannot wait!

Regards,
Steve

[mingblus3]

Renault still sell the OE shocks. Not cheap but I guess these were cheaper than Renault?

[Lowiepete]

Renault still sell the OE shocks. Not cheap but I guess these were cheaper than Renault?
Like £52 the pair - delivered... :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[JP Racing]

Its all coming together really well and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished car now :) keep up the good work Steve as we will get some more local meets together so you can show it off ;)

[Matt Cole]

Like £52 the pair - delivered... :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

Steve,

I could be wrong but looking at the pictures they may be for a Ph1 or possibly a campus? The mounting hole centres (attach to hub) appear to be in line and not off centre as standard Ph2.

Hope im wrong though.;)

[Mr Raider]

Front struts looking fresh Steve. Where did you get the shock absorber boots/covers from? or did you re-use the existing ones :) :agree:

[Brigsy]

Steve,

I could be wrong but looking at the pictures they may be for a Ph1 or possibly a campus? The mounting hole centres (attach to hub) appear to be in line and not off centre as standard Ph2.

Hope im wrong though.;)

Agreed the shockers in the pic are ph1. You need ph1 top mounts if your using them, or the camber will be miles out.

[Trevhib]

Steve,

I could be wrong but looking at the pictures they may be for a Ph1 or possibly a campus? The mounting hole centres (attach to hub) appear to be in line and not off centre as standard Ph2.

Hope im wrong though.;)

Great spot. They are either Ph1 GTT or non-GTT struts. With the Ph2 top mounts, the geometry will be messed up! :(

Edit - Brigsy's msg came in just as I posted. :agree:

[Goobie]

Steve,

I could be wrong but looking at the pictures they may be for a Ph1 or possibly a campus? The mounting hole centres (attach to hub) appear to be in line and not off centre as standard Ph2.

Hope im wrong though.;)

I think you could be right. :crap:

http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg509/Goobie_Ali/RTOC%20Stuff/e018bebf5c128ab3663e7243d4d40717.jpg

[Lowiepete]

Hope im wrong though.;)
Sadly, you aren't, but good spot though :niceone:

I've managed to source a pair of de Carbon DG5848 (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/2-AMORTISSEURS-AVANT-RENAULT-SUPER-5-DG5848-/271324959653?pt=JG_FR_Auto_Pi%C3%A8ces&hash=item3f2c3a53a5) from France for £82 delivered.

The existing ones seem OK so are going back on so we can get the car back on its
wheels for the time being. The existing ones were made by Allinquant. Not much
response from searches in France :(

Renault Part # 7701478479 - £108 each + delivery + VAT from Endon (http://www.allcarpartsfast.co.uk/renault/renault-7701478479-shock-absorbers/)

Anyone interested in the DG1159 pair gimme a shout.

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

After many false starts in getting photos transferred, here are a selection
taken by Karl during the restoration.

This is the remains of the exhaust as collected from the trailer...

http://s5.postimg.cc/4ih8xrfp3/r5gtt14k01.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ebygakhtj/r5gtt14k04.jpg

The car given a quick wash...

http://s5.postimg.cc/mlex2q0xj/r5gtt14k02.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/enfwnby9j/r5gtt14k03.jpg

The remainder at various stages of the rebuild...

http://s5.postimg.cc/c8o12wi0n/r5gtt14k05.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/m78zpdrg7/r5gtt14k06.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ewi2r00fr/r5gtt14k07.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4wikxczsn/r5gtt14k08.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ge3j2k56f/r5gtt14k10.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6cu3fi2pj/r5gtt14k09.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/cgg9d5id3/r5gtt14k11.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/burah1nav/r5gtt14k12.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/glr5z2g53/r5gtt14k13.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/5fs9kdgl3/r5gtt14k14.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6kmbpr31z/r5gtt14k15.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/bxb63vqyf/r5gtt14k16.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/s4m1xoncn/r5gtt14k17.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/bsc07y913/r5gtt14k18.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/f7zj3rgvr/r5gtt14k19.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/c2jirannb/r5gtt14k20.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/62vrnn2uv/r5gtt14k21.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/yani4fh9z/r5gtt14k22.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/r3lt8k6d3/r5gtt14k23.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/p457h5c1j/r5gtt14k24.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/5v84r4rw7/r5gtt14k25.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/b7wz59fsn/r5gtt14k26.jpg

The correct replacement shock absorbers have arrived today and been
delivered.

http://s5.postimg.cc/sy3941irb/r5gtt14168.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/c6hxlaiif/r5gtt14169.jpg

With us not knowing how long these would take to arrive from France, and
the release of the ramp getting more urgent, we decided to re-install the
originals on the basis that it would not be too much of a job to replace them
later. So, on that basis, these pictures are a bit of a cheat, in that they
show the original, rather than the new shocks in place...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ffwcrr6lz/r5gtt14170.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/da21x935j/r5gtt14171.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/pkv0hbp6f/r5gtt14172.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/s3gpi0awn/r5gtt14173.jpg

Luckily, only one side had been done. The other strut will have "new wrong"
replaced with "new correct" shock absorber. Car will, come what may, be
back on its wheels by the end of the week.

When I visited yesterday, Karl was balancing the wheels and it was quite
surprising just how much weight he was having to add. The problem was
that being placed out of plain sight meant they were fouling the calipers.

Once the car is running, I think this will be revisited with a view of taking the
tyres off and adding balance weights inside the wheel. It looks like the
blasting part of the refurb process may have upset their balance more than
what was first apparent.

Regards,
Steve

P.S. Davo, if you're reading this, can you possibly reply to post #177 above? Cheers :niceone:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, after a lot of work, the electrics are all installed with some snazzy LED
lights, though still one missing. The cut-out in the first picture awaits the
arrival of a 21W warm white LED working light...

http://s5.postimg.cc/qh1lr0bhz/r5gtt14174.jpg

The main reason for revamping the electrics, the originals were chewed to
heck by my kitchen extension builders, is so that I can trickle-charge the
car battery. These modern devices make that very much less risky than
hitherto. So that I don't have a tripping hazard, the unit is screwed to the
ceiling...

http://s5.postimg.cc/p5tuijfw7/r5gtt14176.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/s7kmsht13/r5gtt14177.jpg

There are just 6 downlights that are concentrated upon the area that the
car will occupy. I still have to erect the work bench which will have its own
lighting, probably on flexible arms.

http://s5.postimg.cc/sa4ifbwon/r5gtt14178.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/klc9hclkn/r5gtt14179.jpg

There's still one thing missing though - the car - won't be long though :)

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

This is a big picture update, though not too much progress on the car. There's been
a bit of an unexpected delay, which means that it'll probably be in May that I tax it.

This first picture is a continuation of the progress of decorating the garage. I'm
looking at ways that I might back-light this sign...

http://s5.postimg.cc/z08l5nuif/r5gtt14183.jpg

What I hadn't realised was that I'd not taken any more pictures of the garage since
the 21W LED light has been installed. It's on the list.

Having been moved out of the workshop, the car is presently in a lock-up on site.
Here's some first pictures of it back on its wheels....

http://s5.postimg.cc/g47hzki0n/r5gtt14184.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/elc3ulbg7/r5gtt14185.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/i3o3qzcc7/r5gtt14186.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3ujvv68fr/r5gtt14187.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/fkxtck187/r5gtt14188.jpg

Then the bonnet got removed to reveal this muddle...

http://s5.postimg.cc/yh83a4shj/r5gtt14189.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/mgmn9el2v/r5gtt14190.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/xvj4e0xfb/r5gtt14191.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/v3zuneywn/r5gtt14192.jpg

Although not pictured, it was a good job that I managed to source a replacement
radiator. The existing one was in far worse condition than originally thought. While
the header tank was still fairly full, the remainder of the system was entirely dry,
with a lot powdery flakes inside the pipes. I'm currently giving these a tidy up.

Some More Cleaning

Two pieces for my attention, the air box cover and the carb lobster cover. At first
sight, not looking too filthy. Not what the Surfex APC dunking revealed! The colour
of the wash water was pretty grotty.

http://s5.postimg.cc/uh0xxw20n/r5gtt14193.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ftzzg83ef/r5gtt14194.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/frkp74p4n/r5gtt14195.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/p70kkc75j/r5gtt14196.jpg

A rather poor attempt to show the difference diameter holes in the lobster vents. One being
4.2mm interference fit, the other being just 2mm.

http://s5.postimg.cc/idvmabqyf/r5gtt14197.jpg

...and cleaned. Both parts were given a coating of high-temp wax, applied by finger tips.

http://s5.postimg.cc/8kj0b9e7r/r5gtt14198.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/r1df22u5z/r5gtt14199.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/cm03gx6if/r5gtt14200.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/rfer1oe9j/r5gtt14201.jpg

The air-box cap is pencilled-in for further treatment at a later date to deal with
the light coating of rust. The next job is flushing out all the muck from the myriad
pipes that Karl has brought round. Once cleaned, they'll be treated with some Finish
Kare #350 which should help keep them supple for a while.

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

There's been a bit of an haitus in the progress of this resto of late. It has been
slowed up because of the state of the cooling system. The existing rad was
totally knackered, way beyond its initial presentation.

Then it came to removing the water pump. After a bit of a clean on the outside,
it didn't look too bad...

http://s5.postimg.cc/wwm9lsyt3/r5gtt14202.jpg

However, it was a bit of a fight to get it off without breaking bolts, and in the end
just one broke. That was simply down to Karl's patience, there should have been
more than one. Anyway, here's the reason...

http://s5.postimg.cc/489bikwmv/r5gtt14203.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/oib8bgn5j/r5gtt14204.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/h120w8xmf/r5gtt14205.jpg

So, it has come down to seeing just how much residue can be removed from the
rest of the cooling system. I ordered some Bars powder, which can be mixed up
with boiling water once the crystals have been dissolved. One other benefit being
that you can regulate the strength of the mixture.


Otherwise, all the pipework has been cleaned, the carb has been refitted and some
progress made toward getting the car started. Hopefully, that should happen by
the end of next week.



Regards,
Steve

[Nad-5GTT]

Nice update, I'd forgotten about this one :cool:

[B18ftMOJO5]

Good progress, quality work. Im looking forward to you getting it started:agree:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

More bits gathered. The 2 dishwasher tablets were also a bit of a surprise
to Karl when I took them round. They nevertheless got an instant seal of
approval...

http://s5.postimg.cc/g4dz6cfnb/r5gtt14206.jpg

Some other good news. One of my previous lodgers came to visit at the
weekend, saw the rear door badges and said: "You know that I've got
the originals off your car, don't you?". Well, seeing as I had hunted high
and low in every possible corner, knowing that I had not thrown them
away, this reminder came as a welcome surprise. They will get returned
to their rightful place :niceone:

I did mention that I'd post more pics of the garage lighting in operation.
Here they are, but first, a couple of pics showing the door bump strips
in place....
http://s5.postimg.cc/6ikeq1ohj/r5gtt14207.jpg

Loking into the garage with the lights off...

http://s5.postimg.cc/mczazxd87/r5gtt14208.jpg

...and then on

http://s5.postimg.cc/beo1hqomv/r5gtt14209.jpg

...and a close-up of the 21W LED

http://s5.postimg.cc/j8on34wfr/r5gtt14210.jpg

I had my mate Steve's black Honda under the "lights of doom" and they found
something that he wasn't aware of. So mixed feelings about finding the paint
looking a tad fragile along behind the top of the windscreen rubber :(

However, the clay cloth and some ADS Obsidian Wax on the rest of the roof
was very pleasing!

Just a quick reprise, how the garage used to look...

http://s5.postimg.cc/9rytwicl3/r5gtt14211.jpg

Regards,
Steve

[phase i 16 v turbo]

Nice 1 Steve, like the old style Renault banners :agree:

[Matt Cole]

Great update steve. Loving the garage. Wish I had that amount of space! :crap:

[Mr Raider]

Love the garage Steve, dishwasher tablets FTW ;) :agree:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

So, another quick consultation with Karl today. Car should be ready for MOT by the
end of next week. That's the aim anyway. Bits under the bonnet are slowly being
reassembled. The water pump facing is next on the list. One stubborn bolt now
removed...

http://s5.postimg.cc/rq2e2nm7r/r5gtt14212.jpg

Note the use of the original style pipe clips... :niceone:

http://s5.postimg.cc/9yqro76t3/r5gtt14213.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/d856unuwn/r5gtt14214.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/5tfv2a913/r5gtt14215.jpg

A while back I bought a set of Bougicord leads from France. Turns out that
the king lead is 6 inches too short and missing its bung that goes through
the forward bulkhead. So, not quite the initial bargain :(

Following a long discussion, we've decided that the car won't be going back
on the road until 2015. Once we have heard the engine running and know it'll
pass an MOT, the car will be stripped down, everything above axle level.
We'll be taking engine and gearbox out, removing all the glass and returning
everything to mint.

Body will receive a complete repaint. Engine will be overhauled and new
clutch installed. Being as we have restored everything that's mostly hidden
underneath back to mint, there's no point stopping half way.

The painting will be done by Jason on the same site. He's just completed a
Mk.2 Cortina with a finish that looks like it has been enamelled. If he gets a
similar finish on the R5, I'll be a very happy bunny!

Regards,
Steve

[Nad-5GTT]

Excellent thread. Another year isn't going to make much difference. Looking forward to the updates :)

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

For those who enjoy these things, I've placed links to 3 of my youtube videos
about this restoration into the OP of this thread (http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?p=347683#post347683)

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Before I upload a movie of the car coming home, with an MOT(!), I think
I need to bring things up to date.

There were a couple of reasons why it has taken this long to get to the
MOT. Mostly it was down to the cooling system being in quite a state,
though that was exacerbated by the carburettor flooding, meaning that
we could not get it running for long enough to properly flush the system.

I managed to secure another carb, though despite more cleaning out with
dishwasher tablets and rad cleaner, the system is still pretty murky. The
replacement carb was actually in better condition than my existing one,
although not quite as shiny.

Anyway, I've been pondering making a few further small modifications to the
car. Somehow, the existing parcel shelf got thrown out. However, I've
decided that I'm not going to replace it with one out a GTT. Thinking laterally,
when the car is out on parade in the future, it'll be standing in full sun on a
show field, with very little to shade the rear window. Being as it isn't fitted
with air-conditioning, the black shelf will act like a fantastic heater, when it's
least needed.

So, what's my solution? Well, many R5GTTs have a red carpet, mine has grey,
so there's room for a little more red inside the car. So, I bought a standard
R5 parcel shelf and I'm going to get it upholstered. However, quite by chance
there was an interesting sample in the swatch.

As you know, the red in the seats is not solid. The fabric I'll be using is almost
identical, so the red will be mottled with grey, an effect which tends to make
the overall colour lighter still. Even better!

So, here's the replacement parcel shelf. It's interesting that it is built much
more strongly than the GTT one. As you can see, it needs a bit of treating...

http://s5.postimg.cc/f7jjkqp13/r5gtt14228.jpg

during...

http://s5.postimg.cc/g79ugg46v/r5gtt14229.jpg

...and after

http://s5.postimg.cc/tpgqsqgc7/r5gtt14230.jpg

I'm not stopping with the parcel shelf. I'm intending to do the front door cards
too. Before all the purists start screaming. I'll have standard door cards on
standby, just in case that day arrives.

Another Rare Find

Rummaging through eBay one evening, I came across a seller offering some
pieces that I've not seen before. Being as there isn't a made-up road twixt
my garage and the highway, whether or not these were fitted to the GTT is
quite frankly immaterial - they are going to serve a purpose.

What made this sale a little different was that the seller wasn't just offering
splash-guards for the front, he had some for the back as well. Anyway,
here's the goods (seller did warn that they were in a bit of a state)...

http://s5.postimg.cc/cwibchg6v/r5gtt14231.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/494lrk8xj/r5gtt14232.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3kw9fj3nb/r5gtt14233.jpg

However, the real value of the deal was in these...

http://s5.postimg.cc/ea9y7sfg7/r5gtt14234.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/u4ouho46v/r5gtt14235.jpg

If the track to the garage happens to be a bit muddy at either end of a trip
out, it's going to be the work of moments to give these a wipe over, and
all that beautifully clean underneath will stay that way too.

Apart from the video (coming soon, I promise) I took 2 other photos today.
Just as we got the car home, we found a loose clip on one of the hoses.
That's Karl's hand in there, pushing it back on...

http://s5.postimg.cc/mei2cj1vb/r5gtt14236.jpg

Then, if the day couldn't get any better, my mate turned up with my original
rear door badges. Yay!!

http://s5.postimg.cc/pcf1689iv/r5gtt14237.jpg

Anyway, that's enough excitement for one day. Oh, I also got a reasonably
good result from the quack today, as my own MOT results came through. Looks
like there's a reasonable risk that I'll be around for a bit longer.

Regards,
Steve

[Adam gt E]

Absolutely love this thread

[Mr Raider]

Niceone Steve, great it has an Mot. Must be time for a catch up soon, love to see the car too :) :agree::agree:

[rabbitstew]

A while back I bought a set of Bougicord leads from France. Turns out that
the king lead is 6 inches too short and missing its bung that goes through
the forward bulkhead. So, not quite the initial bargain :(


Sounds like they are for the phase 1 rather than the phase 2, which has the ignition pack inside the engine bay, hence the kingpin lead is 6 inches shorter than the one which goes in the scuttle pannel and no bungl.

Excellent progress though, most of what you are doing is exactly the same as I am doing to mine, which has been off the road for about 11 years. Although, rather than replace bits with OEM parts, im replacing most of the bits with performance parts, so my build costs are about 3 times the price. Still be worth it when its all finished!!!

My next job is the cooling system and i dreading getting that water pump off. :(

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Part 4 sees the engine started for the first time, the revamp of the car's home
and its triumphant return complete with brand new MOT:niceone:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJO3ocqXP7g

Regards,
Steve

[LukeRobbo]

Brilliant work as usual you I always enjoy seeing your progress

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Well, it has been an interesting and not uneventful day! Karl came round at
lunchtime to fit the new clip over the leaky coolant pipe. The other objective
for the day being to sort out the dreaded yellow bung in the fuel tank. So,
it would be back to the workshop for it to be filled with some Milliput.

I just get about 100 yards from my garage, just round the corner and run out
of fuel. Got that replenished, and the wee beastie would not start. It plain
refused to respond to any throttle. So much for my first drive in it for nigh on
16 years! :(

So, we decide to push it back along the lane, getting my foot run over in the
process. Once back in my garage, it would be a case of checking over the
carburettor. Maybe I'd dragged up some muck from the empty tank. Half
way back, we decide to take a rest - remember I'm not too nimble on my
pegs - so Karl tries the starter again. Well, I be damned, the thing fires up
first time - what a relief..!

So, back to the workshop, filled the problematic bung, which was looking
quite sound, so any future problem averted. Got some proper coolant
added to the system too. Apart from one, possibly two, slightly loose
tappets the engine sounds sweet. The temperature guage is registering a
well cooled engine, though at this point the fuel and oil pressure guages are
not responding. That's a job for another day.

Off to the filling station for a tad more fuel, just in case. The car turns heads;
just that burble giving its approach away as something unusual. I get home
and decide that I'm going to do some cleaning. Considering the length of time
since the car was last waxed, I'm amazed at the condition of the paint. There
is hardly any swirling, and no more than about 4 fairly serious water spot
etches. Here's some before photos...

http://s5.postimg.cc/kmu5eqotz/r5gtt14238.jpg

The bucket contains a clay cloth soaking in a mix of ONR and car shampoo.

http://s5.postimg.cc/cmfuq97w7/r5gtt14239.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/7rhke8k6v/r5gtt14240.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/uvmmkkcvr/r5gtt14241.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/o17qh4uuv/r5gtt14242.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/3q52mbh9z/r5gtt14243.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ql7yoz7sn/r5gtt14244.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/52mro7epj/r5gtt14245.jpg

The door shuts are seriously filthy. I'll be having a good go at them tomorrow!

http://s5.postimg.cc/49er9by2f/r5gtt14246.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/666w05zcn/r5gtt14247.jpg
This photo was taken to try and pick up the two water spot etches on the
bonnet. Looks like that wasn't successful. :(

With the car going back in October, I'm not going to be treating this paint to
any long-lasting potions. The last thing I want is for Jason, the painter, to
encounter bonding problems. So, my work today was to get the paint as clean
as I can and to really inspect the bodywork. Some of the rust spots are just
surface, though some look potentially more serious.

Now to some after photos. I gave the door glass a really good clay cloth
and polish clean, just to make life easier for the electric motors, which are
working fairly well.

http://s5.postimg.cc/etk3e6d6f/r5gtt14249.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/96nqgpanr/r5gtt14250.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/itvu45t13/r5gtt14251.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/i6wxemw53/r5gtt14252.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/qnwfpk0tz/r5gtt14253.jpg

I'm still blown away by how well the ADS clay cloth works. The smoothness
of the fnish just has to be felt to be believed.

http://s5.postimg.cc/gixrzzi9j/r5gtt14254.jpg

Now we come to a couple of areas where there's going to be some serious
restoration work to do, by comparison with what's gone before, anyway.

http://s5.postimg.cc/dz255vupj/r5gtt14255.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ghnu6kgfr/r5gtt14256.jpg

When I first got into the car, I found myself banging my head against the
edge of the sunroof surround, being a 6 footer doesn't help. Managed to
adjust the seat back a tad, then after a little while realised that I had
forgotten just how comfortable those seats actually are, but then I
should not be surprised, Renault have always known how to craft a
very comfy seat!

If the weather behaves, there will be more fun to be had tomorrow. I may
well take a ride out to Beccles and back. So far, I've not got it up into 5th
gear on my short travels. Oh dear, all this excitement!! :niceone:

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Do you know, I'd quite forgotten just how much fun it is to drive a Renault
5 GTT - I'm now quite cross with myself for letting this car lie low for such
a long time!

This post is a mixed bag of bits. First off a bit of cleaning...

http://s5.postimg.cc/9pk3hv48n/r5gtt14257.jpg

New 10w H3 LEDs are now fitted, and given back to Karl for testing out. I'm
guessing they should be bright enough for the show ring, which is about the
only use they will get.

More LEDs fitted into the number plate lights...

http://s5.postimg.cc/4x5osok6v/r5gtt14258.jpg

The car has now been almost entirely clay clothed, still a bit more to do. It'll
be the engine bay next. Not until later in the week though, I've got a Ford
Granny to revisit for the next couple of days.

http://s5.postimg.cc/qiargagxj/r5gtt14259.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/h49fa8q47/r5gtt14260.jpg

Don't You Just Love Careless Couriers? NOT!

http://s5.postimg.cc/jj1auo6d3/r5gtt14261.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/texsgkmrb/r5gtt14262.jpg

Pressed plates came from Elite Car Care. Alex was soon on their case and I now
have nice flat ones still wrapped up, ready to apply at some point.

Another, "I Just Knew It" moment...

If you've been following this thread, you'll know that I spent loadsamoney on
a replacement front bumper. When the car came back from Karl, there was
this lower hole in that bumper...

http://s5.postimg.cc/bin066pfb/r5gtt14263.jpg

Boy, has that been jarring me..! However, in the back of mind I had this nagging
suspicion that I didn't need to purchase another. We've had some problems with
the engine idling when it gets warm, so I've been scouring my premises and both
cars to find the carburettor kit I bought, in the hope it contains a new idling screw.
Lo and behold, at the back of the R5's glove box, what do I find...?

http://s5.postimg.cc/8xhfio01j/r5gtt14264.jpg

:smokin:

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Well, 95 miles covered today, almost faultlessly. :niceone:

However, one or two little jobs to complete first. Like the hot air feed pipe
which had disintegrated...

http://s5.postimg.cc/l964v3fav/r5gtt14270.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/mqw6ke9fb/r5gtt14271.jpg

...and replaced with a silicone re-inforced one. It'll be trimmed to proper
length once the engine is replaced after the re-spray...

http://s5.postimg.cc/3n2v41wl3/r5gtt14272.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/77yqna14n/r5gtt14273.jpg

The anti-percolation fan also replaced. I had hoped to repair the one that
came out, but it looks like it has been knackered for a very long time :(
Making enquiries about buying new, only available "sur le continong", with
prices starting at Euro: 210 :eek::eek:

http://s5.postimg.cc/mmxrqeek7/r5gtt14274.jpg

Two other jobs done. The fog lights have been temporarily replaced, looking
better than blank holes :niceone:

http://s5.postimg.cc/h1fy03393/r5gtt14275.jpg

...and the towing-eye blanking plate also re-inserted...

http://s5.postimg.cc/7yrgt23hz/r5gtt14276.jpg

So, now we come to its first proper trip out in 16 years! A 46 mile run up to
Snetterton for the Novice Track Night. Here's my proof that the car made it...

http://s5.postimg.cc/6kztxr48n/r5gtt14277.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ibdrf4x13/snett01.jpg

It's amazing how other drivers react to the car, especially people who don't
know what it is. The number of drivers on my way home who saw an old car
and thought: I better get in front of that else he'll be holding me up. Would
have loved to see the expressions on their faces as I not only chased them
down, but left them for dead...

I laughed out loud today as I did one of my traffic light party tricks. The
BMW driver didn't know quite what to do :confused: Anyway, it has been an
eventful and exciting day all rolled into one. I've just got to get the exhaust
rattle sorted and give the cooling system another flush out. This trip has
blown out more than just a few cobwebs...

Regards,
Steve

[Dave Reed]

I bought a brand new perc fan back in the day and that was like 200 odd notes, doesn't surprise me they are that price.

I think I've still got it too if you want me to look?

[Lowiepete]

I bought a brand new perc fan back in the day and that was like 200 odd notes, doesn't surprise me they are that price.

I think I've still got it too if you want me to look?
Oh my, for the size of the thing, how did they ever justify it? Did you buy one
and never fit it? It would be good to have a spare, though I'm wary of any
big outlays before the car goes back in October for the engine and glass out.
I'm a bit fearful of what we'll find when the windscreen comes out...

Regards,
Steve

[Lowiepete]

Well, doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself? Seems a while since I last
posted, but the car isn't forgotten! It's had a few outings since passing its
MOT. On Friday this week it goes back to being SORNed and into the workshop.

First on the agenda is to remove the glass. So far, I've been very lucky with
so little tin-worm activity. I'm hoping to be present when the guy comes to
remove the windscreen. The scuttle panel below does have some surface rot,
but it'll be interesting to see what's below. Sharp intake of breath time??

Has anyone here replaced an R5 windscreen? Will I need to replace _all_ the
surrounding rubbers? If so, then November is going to be an horrendously
expensive month...

After Some Research
With the windscreen to come out any day, I've been exploring the cost of its
replacement. With the rubbers, I costed them at about £260, not counting
either fetching the glass from Southampton, or the cost of fitting, which I
gather takes about 2 hours, allowing for adhesives to set.

So, being that it's chilly out, I went to the Autoglass web site to take a bit
of a look-see. In the hope of getting a quote, I found the only way was to
pretend to book an appointment. Having very carefully read the screen before
"proceeding" I eventually gave in. Well, almost...

I spotted an on-line chat button and gave that a go. Chatting to a guy called
Andrew, very personable chap with a sense of humour, his initial quote, after
discount was around £140 inc VAT, fitting and car lifetime guarantee. That
was about £70 off "list price".

It gets better. I then enquired about which replacement rubbers were to be
included, and the price if not... Back came the list price (sharp breath intake)
quote of £347, which after a bit of haggling came down to £244, depending
upon price of the rubbers (suppliers' prices dependent) at the time of ordering.

So, that's the trip to So'ton put on hold for a bit...

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Hi Steve, remember my windscreen was about £100 from Direct Windscreens on Vulcan Road Norwich, they put one in my raider, then in 2012 a new one in my 11 turbo ;)

Regards

Karl. :)

[Lowiepete]

Hi Karl,

Hi Steve, remember my windscreen was about £100 from Direct Windscreens on Vulcan Road Norwich, they put one in my raider, then in 2012 a new one in my 11 turbo ;)
We've got a Windscreens Direct in Lowie...
Did those prices include any / all replacement rubbers?

Update
Just given them a call...
£150 for the screen replacement
+£55 if outer seal needs replacing

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

On the raider price included newer style rubber & fitting, on 11 re-used existing rubber as they supplied screen only. Let us know how you get on :)

Regards

Karl.

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

Well, the screen is out. It also came out in one piece! However, that's not the news...

The good news is that apart from a few patches of surface rust, the metal behind is
just as sound as a bell. Even the two drain holes at the base of the screen, although
surrounded by surface rust, were not blocked!

To say that I'm ecstatic does not come close. I even warned Karl to keep his distance
lest I kiss him :eek: Yeah, I know, the post is useless without pictures. I will go armed
tomorrow afternoon. It means that funds can be spent in places elsewhere. I'm not
going to be spoiling this ship for a ha'porth now...

Regards,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

Great to hear Steve, looking out for those all important pictures! Did you find a replacement windwscreen and rubber ok? :)

Regards

Karl.

[Matt Cole]

Excellent. Another good bit of news. Goid luck steve.;)

[Lowiepete]

Here are the pics...

http://s5.postimg.cc/hx7nlllmf/r5gtt14283.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/y6xtohwaf/r5gtt14284.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/9k1yqxmev/r5gtt14285.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/cw09k8e5z/r5gtt14286.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/v3x3l4hbr/r5gtt14287.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/r8tpijy5z/r5gtt14288.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/53e75zxkn/r5gtt14289.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ek40cmhfb/r5gtt14290.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/gd6x0y2lz/r5gtt14291.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/s3kuibvef/r5gtt14292.jpg

Regards,
Steve

[mingblus3]

that's all light rust. Looking good. Have you taken the skirts off yet?

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

I went round to the workshop today to drop off a door card for strengthening
before it goes to the upholsterers. What I found was a hive of activity around
the R5 with Karl preparing the front bumper for its primer.

http://s5.postimg.cc/v1mv959dj/r5gtt14294.jpg

That's not all! We've removed the near side side-skirt and most of the wing
trims as well, came the triumphant call. There was no echo of this being bad
news, so I dared to ask the question: "What's it like?"

I'll let the pictures do the talking. Here's the car in its new home...

http://s5.postimg.cc/l31wmnzxz/r5gtt14302.jpg

...and closer inspection revealed this...

http://s5.postimg.cc/6nol1icaf/r5gtt14295.jpg

The car started first time and was driven out for me to take these pictures...

http://s5.postimg.cc/woc2udlfb/r5gtt14296.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/rfh1wi307/r5gtt14297.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/lngxpct6f/r5gtt14298.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/sghalmjzr/r5gtt14299.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/wyezzzanr/r5gtt14300.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6otxh6oqf/r5gtt14301.jpg

I got the impression that the guys were pretty impressed with what they
found, leaving out the car's age and history! Of course, I'm beyond thrilled!

Regards,
Steve

[jamie_clioGTT]

what a great example of an un molested 5 you have. well done for bringing it back to its former glory, its certainly worth it!

[Mr Raider]

This is the fantasy/dream that 99% of 5 gt turbo owners are hoping for on removal of the kit! Very solid indeed and good for another 25 years, keep the the good work Steve :agree: :cool:

[Matt_S]

Good going.

I need to pop my skirts off over the winter. I'm dreading it. :rolleyes:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

With Karl coming round with a stack of internal plastics yesterday, came a
suggestion that I go round today with my camera. On arrival, the car is out
of the storage garage and moved into the studio. As ever, I'll let the pictures
do their bit...

http://s5.postimg.cc/z94bw1nlj/r5gtt14303.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/6i7i5zhrr/r5gtt14304.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/dk5fs6ldj/r5gtt14305.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/hkcl4fbuf/r5gtt14306.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/exx2nhkmv/r5gtt14307.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/anierwfjr/r5gtt14308.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ypun916t3/r5gtt14309.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/m9xxfadh3/r5gtt14310.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/whggrozp3/r5gtt14311.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/swkl8gv5j/r5gtt14312.jpg

Apparently, the driver's side front wing has had some work done to it and
there's some filler around the rear wing too. Quite why hasn't been determined
and there's no clue in any paperwork I hold.

http://s5.postimg.cc/jm8h4xkfr/r5gtt14313.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/y6pjzrfef/r5gtt14314.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/x896xh22f/r5gtt14315.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ez2f35x2v/r5gtt14316.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/clfvyet9z/r5gtt14321.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ggja0zcfr/r5gtt14322.jpg

...and with most of the interior now stripped, here's some inside views

http://s5.postimg.cc/klys0mzlj/r5gtt14317.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/z3vz8mqwn/r5gtt14318.jpg

Sorry, a bit of camera shake on this next one...

http://s5.postimg.cc/3visxkbsn/r5gtt14319.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/od3r97nw7/r5gtt14320.jpg

There was also a bit of a surprise, with Jason saying I might like to follow him
into the painting booth, where some priming has started...

http://s5.postimg.cc/w0qnrimk7/r5gtt14323.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/g1807yqif/r5gtt14324.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/d5ux13mif/r5gtt14325.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/s0jif9w3b/r5gtt14326.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/w89paa853/r5gtt14327.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/us2s5vulz/r5gtt14328.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/d1wi73rnb/r5gtt14329.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/i87ni56ev/r5gtt14330.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/czcmk9nzr/r5gtt14331.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/4skmsoxx3/r5gtt14332.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/ajat6f5x3/r5gtt14333.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/msttx2q47/r5gtt14334.jpg

http://s5.postimg.cc/fgsz59x9z/r5gtt14335.jpg

You might notice that the front bumper isn't pictured. That's been held back
for the DRLs to be set in place. Before I get heckled, the idea is to install
these as stealthily as possible, where their presence will only be felt when
they're illuminated...

All of this is getting far too exciting for an old man - I need to lie down in a
darkened room for a while :rolleyes:

Regards,
Steve

[Matt Cole]

Its hard to believe how good that shell is after all that time in storage!:D

[Bubblebagmagic]

Yep looks mint another great read, just got mine checked all original sills still mint apart from the lip that meets the inner were thesissor jack goes 👻

[Mr Raider]

Very solid shell, all that time in the garage has preserved it well. Looking forward to the next installment as this has come such a long way :agree::agree: :cool:

[Lowiepete]

Hello Folks,

How have you guys resolved the swelling problems associated with the seals around
the front windows? Mike only has one, not sure which side. Seems I need to replace
both of them...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Bigfoot]

Hello Folks,

How have you guys resolved the swelling problems associated with the seals around
the front windows? Mike only has one, not sure which side. Seems I need to replace
both of them...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

You talking about where water has got caught in there and swelled them up? I don't know of a way apart from trying to find a replacement set. Are they not available from Renault anymore then?

[Lowiepete]

Are they not available from Renault anymore then?
I had assumed not, but that is an avenue I'll explore in the New Year...

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

They should be available, they corrode & swell up. Got part no.s if thats a help? Fitted my new ones earlier this year ;)

[Lowiepete]

Got part no.s if thats a help?
Yes please :niceone:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Mr Raider]

77 00 758 100 - LH Outer window door seal
77 00 758 101 - RH Outer window door seal

Roughly £80 the pair when I got mine from Holden Renault Norwich last year.

Seasons Greetings

Karl.

[Lowiepete]

Hi Karl,


Roughly £80 the pair when I got mine from Holden Renault Norwich last year.

Job, jobbed. £83 the pair. Many thanks! :niceone:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Matt Cole]

Hi Karl,



Job, jobbed. £83 the pair. Many thanks! :niceone:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve
Make all the difference these when new!;)

[Junglist]

Hi Karl,



Job, jobbed. £83 the pair. Many thanks! :niceone:

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

Something I need to buy soon. Great thread m8

[Mr Raider]

No worries Steve, I wasnt far out! ;) where did you get them from in the end? Some dealers say they can not get them and the reason for that is they got fed up ordering them, upon delivery found they got bent in transit and had to return them to get some more!. They do make alot of difference and once lubed up with a little silicon grease, make it slightly lighter work for the window motors.

Season Greetings

Regards

Karl. :)

[Lowiepete]

Ta for the kind comments guys. It'll be details like this which will properly make the
finished product complete.

I got them from Mitchells, just around the corner from me. They reckoned there was
little or no trouble getting them; there was even UK stock. :niceone: These came in
flat boxes with not a mark on them.

With Season's Greetings,
Steve

[Scoobykilla]

What an interesting read it has come far in such a short ish time frame cant wait to see the finished product :)