Uncle's C5 perhaps one or two of you remember me
Discussion
Hi folks,
Well years have passed since my uncle imported a 1998 C5, Pewter colour (I think it is called..), It's an auto with approx 70,000 miles. People here helped me SVA it away back around 2006/7. My uncle then didn't finish UK registration which was crazy. Didn't stop him driving it though..
..He drove it to southern Spain where it's sat very unused and very unloved for about 8 years. Sat outside getting fairly scorched..
Anyway, regrettably he passed away very recently and said to my mother I can have the corvette. I would certainly like it. I posted on general topic section on Sunday asking advice on trying to get it back here, ideally transported or trailer. On a fairly positive note (through contacting transportation guys) it's starting to look as though they will bring it here ok without registration documents, just ID for the person asking for it to be moved. That would be a bonus. I wish I had a note of it's chassis number. When it went through the SVA (and I maybe MoT'd it), this was just before electronic copies..
My next step will probably be trying to get out to his property where the car is sitting. I'm totally happy with the idea of spending money on it/working on it if it's salvageable. One of the main difficulties might be it's present resting place if brakes are seized and worst still I can't locate keys for it. It may not be an easy task. The car may easily have been broken into too for all I know as it's sat at a pretty remote location. I'm amazed it didn't get stolen years ago.
I'm posting because I'd quite like to ask advice here if there is a no keys scenario. What would be needed, would that be a complete nightmare?
Well years have passed since my uncle imported a 1998 C5, Pewter colour (I think it is called..), It's an auto with approx 70,000 miles. People here helped me SVA it away back around 2006/7. My uncle then didn't finish UK registration which was crazy. Didn't stop him driving it though..
..He drove it to southern Spain where it's sat very unused and very unloved for about 8 years. Sat outside getting fairly scorched..
Anyway, regrettably he passed away very recently and said to my mother I can have the corvette. I would certainly like it. I posted on general topic section on Sunday asking advice on trying to get it back here, ideally transported or trailer. On a fairly positive note (through contacting transportation guys) it's starting to look as though they will bring it here ok without registration documents, just ID for the person asking for it to be moved. That would be a bonus. I wish I had a note of it's chassis number. When it went through the SVA (and I maybe MoT'd it), this was just before electronic copies..
My next step will probably be trying to get out to his property where the car is sitting. I'm totally happy with the idea of spending money on it/working on it if it's salvageable. One of the main difficulties might be it's present resting place if brakes are seized and worst still I can't locate keys for it. It may not be an easy task. The car may easily have been broken into too for all I know as it's sat at a pretty remote location. I'm amazed it didn't get stolen years ago.
I'm posting because I'd quite like to ask advice here if there is a no keys scenario. What would be needed, would that be a complete nightmare?
Thanks for your reply. I can look myself obviously but if you were able to point me to a guide on the immo I'd appreciate it.
Unfortunately I just don't know at the moment. A fear about the keys is the possibility my Uncle lost them himself years ago, maybe stopping his own use of the car. The property is in a terrible mess as far as quantity of stuff/rubbish around so totally unorganised. It's come to light there's issues over there with the spanish authorities which have, in the meantime, deterred me from going over to investigate.
If the keys aren't around it'll be a horrible start to try and salvage the car. It'll be on flat tyres, it's not particularly near any local garages, it might be difficult to haul on to transporter etc. Could be a nightmare. Thing is, something will still have to happen with it at some stage. I'd like it to be me organising it if possible but it could prove a real headache.
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 10:48
It's in the Malaga region, in the hills 5/6 miles from the shore. I remember when my Uncle drove (many..) vehicles out there it was the port/ferry from Santander he used. I have had some prices from car transportation guys and it looks like around £1500 should get it back to Scotland.
I don't know any great detail regarding the authorites and problems but I think at the moment the property or perhaps the property on the property has sort of been seized, possibly until debts are paid. I think it's something along those lines. Feel fearful of getting grabbed by the authorities myself at the moment if I appeared there, particularly as a relative. Seemingly a court case at the end of this month about it looms. It's a pity it's not a case of jumping in the car and zooming back here in it!
Photo is from 5 years ago
I don't know any great detail regarding the authorites and problems but I think at the moment the property or perhaps the property on the property has sort of been seized, possibly until debts are paid. I think it's something along those lines. Feel fearful of getting grabbed by the authorities myself at the moment if I appeared there, particularly as a relative. Seemingly a court case at the end of this month about it looms. It's a pity it's not a case of jumping in the car and zooming back here in it!
Photo is from 5 years ago
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 11:19
Since you are obviously not your Uncle, and last time I checked Spain wasn't a third world African Dictatorship and is part of the EU, i don't see the problem?
They aren't posting armed guards outside his villa waiting to arrest anyone who may show up. Unless there is a lot more to this story than you are telling!
Just rock up, see how much drama it is to move the Vette, and either bring it home or not. Just because the car is on his property, doesn't mean it belongs to him necessarily.
After all, you might have driven it there some time ago and are now looking to retrieve it before it gets stolen.
They aren't posting armed guards outside his villa waiting to arrest anyone who may show up. Unless there is a lot more to this story than you are telling!
Just rock up, see how much drama it is to move the Vette, and either bring it home or not. Just because the car is on his property, doesn't mean it belongs to him necessarily.
After all, you might have driven it there some time ago and are now looking to retrieve it before it gets stolen.
That's a fair point re actual ownership of it but of course it isn't actually mine to take, not until such time as his estate is sorted out. I would've got going on this now if it weren't for the "issues".
No, there's not more to it than I'm telling but I don't know the details. A mutual friend contacted my father about the state of things out there and the fact the authorites are/were (in some capacity) after my uncle or after payment. He seemed to feel anyone's presence might not be a great idea probably because they have been looking for my uncle. A person or other persons beside my Uncles property are also potentially a problem. They're grossly unhappy about the state the place is in so any opportunity for them to stick the boot in would be taken.
It is all a bit tricky. I ideally really need keys, some time out there to try and get the car running/moving then another trip out to meet a transportation person. It appears at present the transportation people don't need documents for the car which surprised me but it's a massive bonus, mainly because there isn't much. I probably mentioned in my first post above the car wasn't actually registered in the UK nor was it registered in Spain. And yes there are UK plates on it. A registration bought at a DVLA auction but it's not actually assigned to the car, or any car, he nonetheless just drove it anyway, insured on the chassis number originally. He didn't have massive respect or regard for the law but he wasn't a dishonest person.
No, there's not more to it than I'm telling but I don't know the details. A mutual friend contacted my father about the state of things out there and the fact the authorites are/were (in some capacity) after my uncle or after payment. He seemed to feel anyone's presence might not be a great idea probably because they have been looking for my uncle. A person or other persons beside my Uncles property are also potentially a problem. They're grossly unhappy about the state the place is in so any opportunity for them to stick the boot in would be taken.
It is all a bit tricky. I ideally really need keys, some time out there to try and get the car running/moving then another trip out to meet a transportation person. It appears at present the transportation people don't need documents for the car which surprised me but it's a massive bonus, mainly because there isn't much. I probably mentioned in my first post above the car wasn't actually registered in the UK nor was it registered in Spain. And yes there are UK plates on it. A registration bought at a DVLA auction but it's not actually assigned to the car, or any car, he nonetheless just drove it anyway, insured on the chassis number originally. He didn't have massive respect or regard for the law but he wasn't a dishonest person.
I wouldn't worry about making it run whilst out there, provided it will roll your transporter will get it moving.
If you really wanted to get it running you'd want to drain the oil, probalby the fuel tank & filter too. Check condition of aux belts and any hoses, possibility of an animal having damaged wiring too. It'd be much easier to get the thing back here and take it a step at a time.
Hopefully your uncle parked it without the handbrake on. Shift linkage (assuming it is auto) is still mechanical on a C5 I think, so I think you can make it roll without electrical power. I would jack up each corner, and see if each wheel rotates (remember, rears won't if its auto and in park). If it doesn't, release the brake caliper and see if it does then - if so try and push the piston back in the caliper to provide some clearance.
In terms of getting access, the C5 has frameless windows, so if you can get something past the seal (like a piece of wire) you can pull a door catch. To help with this you can get a small bladder which you insert between the glass and seal and then inflate, this gives you a bigger gap to poke something through. This is the interior door catch:
you need to push the lever forwards and then pull the catch. Looks like the catch hinges at the back, so you might need to reach across the car to get the leverage. Once you are in there are cables you can pull to get the rear catch open.
In terms of the legal stuff - if the authorities really are "after" your Uncle, they aren't going to get far, the most they can do is seek whatever monies from his estate - are the matters being dealt with here or by a Spanish lawyer ? I'd be tempted to go out and get the car anyway - if its not registered authorities can't really be aware of it ?
Keep us updated, it'd be good to see it bought back to life.
1998 owners manual : https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/1998...
If you really wanted to get it running you'd want to drain the oil, probalby the fuel tank & filter too. Check condition of aux belts and any hoses, possibility of an animal having damaged wiring too. It'd be much easier to get the thing back here and take it a step at a time.
Hopefully your uncle parked it without the handbrake on. Shift linkage (assuming it is auto) is still mechanical on a C5 I think, so I think you can make it roll without electrical power. I would jack up each corner, and see if each wheel rotates (remember, rears won't if its auto and in park). If it doesn't, release the brake caliper and see if it does then - if so try and push the piston back in the caliper to provide some clearance.
In terms of getting access, the C5 has frameless windows, so if you can get something past the seal (like a piece of wire) you can pull a door catch. To help with this you can get a small bladder which you insert between the glass and seal and then inflate, this gives you a bigger gap to poke something through. This is the interior door catch:
you need to push the lever forwards and then pull the catch. Looks like the catch hinges at the back, so you might need to reach across the car to get the leverage. Once you are in there are cables you can pull to get the rear catch open.
In terms of the legal stuff - if the authorities really are "after" your Uncle, they aren't going to get far, the most they can do is seek whatever monies from his estate - are the matters being dealt with here or by a Spanish lawyer ? I'd be tempted to go out and get the car anyway - if its not registered authorities can't really be aware of it ?
Keep us updated, it'd be good to see it bought back to life.
1998 owners manual : https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/1998...
Edited by Crafty_ on Sunday 21st July 14:36
Sounds like he thought he was above the law. That's not a criticism, just an observation. As in, as long as it's not hurting anyone, where's the harm.
I think you are going to have to get out there, try to dig what you can up and go from there. Too many ifs and buts at the moment. Obviously that plate is forfeit, having never been assigned to anything and with your Uncle's respect for authority, unlikely to have paid the annual retention fee.
You need to get out there and dig. What you really need is someone already out there who can take a look. Or, someone with a trailer and a bit of time to come out with you. With jump leads, a tool kit, something to free off the brakes, etc.
Otherwise you are going to have to do a recce, come back, gather what you need and then go and retrieve the car. At what point do you draw the line where the game is not worth the candle?
I think you are going to have to get out there, try to dig what you can up and go from there. Too many ifs and buts at the moment. Obviously that plate is forfeit, having never been assigned to anything and with your Uncle's respect for authority, unlikely to have paid the annual retention fee.
You need to get out there and dig. What you really need is someone already out there who can take a look. Or, someone with a trailer and a bit of time to come out with you. With jump leads, a tool kit, something to free off the brakes, etc.
Otherwise you are going to have to do a recce, come back, gather what you need and then go and retrieve the car. At what point do you draw the line where the game is not worth the candle?
^^ Agreed.
I'd be tempted to go out with a trailer / recovery truck, turn up, drag the thing on however you can and get out of there, take an air compressor for flat tyres and you could be out of there in an hour, if only to move the thing to a place of safety (the local contact you mentioned?).
Go back later to deal with the property/search for keys or documentation etc.
I'd be tempted to go out with a trailer / recovery truck, turn up, drag the thing on however you can and get out of there, take an air compressor for flat tyres and you could be out of there in an hour, if only to move the thing to a place of safety (the local contact you mentioned?).
Go back later to deal with the property/search for keys or documentation etc.
Thanks for all the replies, especially info regarding door opening etc.
My cousin has made a start sorting at my uncles UK residence. I’m going to ask her to look out for any corvette related stuff. There might be keys there. What’s the situation with a 1998’s key/immobiliser fob? Do I recall a separate (from the car key) key ring remote fob?
The contact out there we know is a sound guy. I just don’t have a great grasp of why he felt keeping away in the meantime was best. My dad and I were going to make a trip, in part to see for ourselves what sort of state everything was in generally. Plan would’ve been to spend a few days. Maybe a few days to find the keys! It now feels like it could be a bit hazardous with unhappy neighbours and whatever else lurks.
I am keen though and I think trying to get the car back before we come out of the EU is almost vital. I will keep you all updated. As I’ve said before something will have to happen with this vehicle and others, though I suspect most others will be scrapped. Old smart car, 2x Nissan cabstar pick ups and an old hi-ace van. Oh and there was a Piaggio MP3 (two wheels at front) scooter
My cousin has made a start sorting at my uncles UK residence. I’m going to ask her to look out for any corvette related stuff. There might be keys there. What’s the situation with a 1998’s key/immobiliser fob? Do I recall a separate (from the car key) key ring remote fob?
The contact out there we know is a sound guy. I just don’t have a great grasp of why he felt keeping away in the meantime was best. My dad and I were going to make a trip, in part to see for ourselves what sort of state everything was in generally. Plan would’ve been to spend a few days. Maybe a few days to find the keys! It now feels like it could be a bit hazardous with unhappy neighbours and whatever else lurks.
I am keen though and I think trying to get the car back before we come out of the EU is almost vital. I will keep you all updated. As I’ve said before something will have to happen with this vehicle and others, though I suspect most others will be scrapped. Old smart car, 2x Nissan cabstar pick ups and an old hi-ace van. Oh and there was a Piaggio MP3 (two wheels at front) scooter
OEM key should look like:
If you are going over, hire a trailer and bring it back now. Winch it on the trailer or even trays under the wheels to make it slide...
If you wanted to appease the neighbours either scrap the other vehicles or if they are halfway decent flog them to a local dealer ? maybe tidy the front fo the propery up a bit too ?
If you are going over, hire a trailer and bring it back now. Winch it on the trailer or even trays under the wheels to make it slide...
If you wanted to appease the neighbours either scrap the other vehicles or if they are halfway decent flog them to a local dealer ? maybe tidy the front fo the propery up a bit too ?
It’s a major major job to tidy the place up! Not got the time and certainly not the inclination!!
The other vehicles are UK registered ones.I’ve no idea how readily a Spanish scrap car merchant would take them (without the right doc’s). I’d imagine that here, it wouldn’t necessarily be very easy. Rightly so too incase a vehicle had been used in a crime or something. Having said that, that does need to happen.
I’m definitely inclined to pay to have the car brought back here by someone who thinks they can do it ok with no reg doc’s. It does look like that’ll be ok but I suspect (perhaps more chance of questions if you DIY) that going through borders might be an issue, I wouldn’t want to risk the massive trip/cost incase it went wrong.
The other vehicles are UK registered ones.I’ve no idea how readily a Spanish scrap car merchant would take them (without the right doc’s). I’d imagine that here, it wouldn’t necessarily be very easy. Rightly so too incase a vehicle had been used in a crime or something. Having said that, that does need to happen.
I’m definitely inclined to pay to have the car brought back here by someone who thinks they can do it ok with no reg doc’s. It does look like that’ll be ok but I suspect (perhaps more chance of questions if you DIY) that going through borders might be an issue, I wouldn’t want to risk the massive trip/cost incase it went wrong.
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 17:24
Brief update. Good news and bad. Good news is keys with fob located in UK. Bad news is family wanting me to wait until estate/legal issues tidied up. I wanted to forge ahead having found transport people in southern Spain but have to put it on hold for the moment. Hopefully in upcoming months some progress can be made, particularly if I can get the chassis number, I'll try to get a copy of the SVA and proof import duty was paid here. Also of course some documentation may turn up in the upcoming months. If we go out of the EU hopefully that shouldn't affect getting the car back too much. If it's getting transported I don't think it should prove a huge issue. Again, some more time in the meantime may help matters regarding documentation.
Bit frustrating though, I was hoping to get on with it soon. Been eyeing up camshafts and exhausts!
Bit frustrating though, I was hoping to get on with it soon. Been eyeing up camshafts and exhausts!
scotshaggis said:
Been eyeing up camshafts and exhausts!
I'd be eyeing up the battery, which is mounted directly above the ECU and is notorious for leaking on C5's of this vintage. I would also be prepared for a column-lock issue, if it's been standing around for a while. If it's on it's original EMT run-flats and they are flat and have been for some time, they're buggered. There will indeed be a lot to eye up at some stage. I'm well aware I may be looking at some serious expenditure but I don't mind that at all if essentially getting the car for nothing.
What happens to the column lock that could be a problem? I suspect at some stage I could maybe do with a guru at the end of a phone if I find myself out in Spain and encounter awkward problems.
What happens to the column lock that could be a problem? I suspect at some stage I could maybe do with a guru at the end of a phone if I find myself out in Spain and encounter awkward problems.
scotshaggis said:
What happens to the column lock that could be a problem? I suspect at some stage I could maybe do with a guru at the end of a phone if I find myself out in Spain and encounter awkward problems.
The column lock works by utilizing a small electric actuator that moves the lock pawl in and out when the ignition is switched on and off. Unfortunately that actuator has a nasty habit of failing with the pawl in the locked position - particularly if it's been left for a lengthy period of time - rendering the vehicle un-drivable, without totally dismantling the steering column.The fix is a column lock bypass (Google Corvette C5 CLB) - which isolates the actuator in the "out" position, so that it cannot disable the car. The trade-off is that you don't have a column lock anymore.
Thanks Mark. If I’m honest I’ve read a bit more about it since your message last Sunday. I saw this for releasing the actuator directly but the website didn’t appear clear where you put the power to. http://www.complianceparts.com/lmc5unlocker.html
It’s this sort of thing I’d like to get my head around before I go to see/retrieve the car. My father may see it again in a few weeks. I’ll give him a little checklist away with him, including for example seeing if the column appears locked.
It’s this sort of thing I’d like to get my head around before I go to see/retrieve the car. My father may see it again in a few weeks. I’ll give him a little checklist away with him, including for example seeing if the column appears locked.
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