Project R5GTT Completed...

Project R5GTT Completed...

Author
Discussion

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Saturday 14th October 2017
quotequote all
...well almost

Hello Folks,

Well, there were periods when I thought this day would never come. There
were some high points and, sadly, some very low points. The highest was
probably the return of the gearbox as almost a work of art thumbup

There's still a bit of a snagging list; the biggest hurdle being why it still wants
to jump out of 5th gear so easily when it didn't do it during the break-in runs
and to cure the gearbox leak caused by one of the brand new driveshafts and
its faulty seal. It looks like paying premium prices to specialist suppliers has
not necessarily been a wise move toward securing reliability.

With the car being locked away on my detailing day and a couple of people
asking about it, here goes with a few pictures. Revel in the ones that show the
new bumper inserts, and also the replaced side decals. The 3-stage ceramic
9H coating give plenty of amazing reflections...







I know how to put on a good scowl!! biggrin









See the green tinge in the fleck?



The new bumper-strips really set the finish off thumbup







Home Once More



Missing from the rear door is the spoiler and rear badges, both being at the
paint shop awaiting their own tickles,







This has been a 4 year adventure that took double the intended timetable and
was kinda over budget. Two things occur from this. First, if I were to attempt
to make a start from scratch today, I'd definitely not be able to afford it!
Second, is the almost meteoric rise in the value of standard cars. Quite where
that will plate out is anyone's guess.

From a cosmetic point of view, the ADS Octagon Kit gives me probably 4 years
of good protection, though I am tempted to enquire about a little more work
on the bonnet to reduce the orange-peel a tad further. The decals on the hub
caps will also need to be re-done, they are wrongly placed.

Regards,
Steve

Edited by LowiePete on Tuesday 17th October 14:03

DoctorJ

6 posts

153 months

Saturday 14th October 2017
quotequote all
HI Steve,

I spend a lot of my time browsing various forums (usually between Different R5 GT Turbo ones and Pistonheads), but imagine my surprise when I spot this topic on my local PH Forum!

Browsing few the pics I thought that's a damn clean car you have there.

Then I noticed a refection in the pics and thought I recognize him! I believe the spoiler you currently have in paint is the one purchased from me (In Diss?)

If so how did straightening it out go? As I have the same predicament with the one im wanting to fit on my 5.

will have to meet up in the cars once mines done (although mines far from standard, more of a fast road/track car)

PS where did you get the side decals?

Cheers Dave

Liquid Knight

15,754 posts

190 months

Saturday 14th October 2017
quotequote all
Glorious. Great work.

bow

Wish I never sold my Raider. rolleyes

crankedup

25,764 posts

250 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
Simply terrific looking car.
I'm sure I saw your car at Ufford earlier this year?

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
DoctorJ said:
I believe the spoiler you currently have in paint is the one purchased from me (In Diss?)

If so how did straightening it out go?
PS where did you get the side decals?
Hi Dave,

The spoiler is currently at the paint shop to deal with its cracks.
They're going to make the new paint a bit stretchy to cope with
the way the compound moves.

Straightening it was very simple. I wrapped it in a black bin liner,
placed it on a dark blanket with 3 bricks spaced around the hump
and left it in the suntrap that is the path to my back door. For
the 2nd afternoon I was able to concentrate the weight on just
one small area. Job done.

Side decals are genuine Renault ones that I bought about three
years ago. I've no idea where I could buy them now, and even
back then they were not cheap!

All going well, like if the weather has not got so chilly they need
gritters, I'll be taking the R5 to the RTOC curry night on 24 Nov.

Regards,
Steve

PixelpeepS3

8,600 posts

149 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
bookmarked smile

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
Hello Folks,

An absolutely gorgeous day by the beach at Great Yarmouth seafront, to join
an eclectic mix of ancient and modern American cars, a couple of supercars
and be more or less the only hot hatch on display. The R5 kinda stole the
show, with so many people being quite bowled-over by it. As ever, I'll let the
pics do the talking...















I have one remaining ambition and that is for one of the previous two owners
to present themselves at one of these shows, not only to meet them but to
see the expressions of probable disbelief at their sighting. I live in hope...

Regards,
Steve

Aphex

2,160 posts

207 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
You can be proud of that one, time well spent thumbup

iluvmercs

7,541 posts

234 months

Tuesday 17th October 2017
quotequote all
She was looking utterly wonderful earlier in the year when I've seen her, but those final details really do set it.
You should be justly proud of that stunning example!

Well rescued Steve!
Enjoy her driving

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Tuesday 17th October 15:32

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Thursday 2nd November 2017
quotequote all
An Interesting Dilemma

Hello Folks,

Access to the PDF brochure for the new Alpine A110 came through today and
a fair bit makes very interesting viewing, especially the power diagrams!

However, once in the "stable" I'll have a rather interesting dilemma. It is known
that owners of "projects seen to completion" do tend to be quite easily
persuaded to sell their rejuvenated steed, usually in pursuit of other challenges.
With the value of the OE standard R5GTT cars rising by 86% in the past 12
months alone (that's roughly £7k to £12k) it looks like I'll have one appreciating
vehicle keeping company with another doing its depreciation thing. Whether
one will balance the other is moot.

So to the dilemma. With two pretty toys to choose from and no projects that
worry the heck outta my brain, which one will have to go first, before the
boredom sets in?

Regards,
Steve

iluvmercs

7,541 posts

234 months

Sunday 26th November 2017
quotequote all
Keep the 5 for shows, high days and a sunny evening B-road blaster.
Alpine for daily service, road trips, *cough* PH Runs *cough*, and faster B-road blasting.

This is PH.......there simply is no dilemma ;-)

Darren

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Wednesday 24th January 2018
quotequote all
It's Complete Now...

Hello Folks,

I'm pleased to report that the tailgate is now all spic and span and complete
with its spoiler and insignia in place...





The first clean of 2018. Even though it has its own cover, it was surprising
just what muck came off. The ADS Octagon Kit surface has had time to fully
harden and it was rejecting the ONR with all it could muster. The smoothness
and slickness had to be felt to be believed.







Regards,
Steve

iluvmercs

7,541 posts

234 months

Wednesday 24th January 2018
quotequote all
The lovely finishing details on a fantastic project.

I can't wait to see it again thumbup

Darren

LowiePete

Original Poster:

497 posts

145 months

Thursday 25th January 2018
quotequote all
Darren, its first 2018 outing will be to take it back to Holdens, who
bought out Reliance, for its 28th birthday on 9th March.

I'm on the lookout for an original rear window sticker - basically to
take a picture to make repros from. So, if anyone knows of a car
with its original Reliance Garage sticker, do please let me know.

Regards,
Steve