Sinclair C5 finally bought one (two)

[Caddyshack]

I had always liked the idea of buying a C5 ever since seeing them in 1985. I was keeping an eye out but most were ooop north for some reason.

I then saw 2 for sale for £1000 in Bognor so bought them blind as they were cheap….

One has had a 24v conversion and the other stored from late 80’s all standard.

The stored one had been used and needed a clean up.

[Caddyshack]

The one above is the 24v

Here is the strip down of the 12v:

The tyres are original and skid n slide everywhere and had splits, the frame had some surface rust so I have stripped to individual components and sent the frame for a dip, blast and then high zinc powder coat in original (ish) colour.



The bearings were not rusty inside but the grease was dry and gritty so I have cleaned and re greased then fitted new tyres.

Edited by Caddyshack on Wednesday 12th June 19:42

[Caddyshack]

Tiny drum brake works on one rear wheel, they are fairly known for doing nothing, nothing then lock up so I have ordered a disc conversion for front and rear. The fronts do not much then overheat and melt the wheel.



I have have snow foamed the shell, then steam cleaned on a warm setting and low pressure then warm soapy water and a mild scotch brite plus more washing.

[Caddyshack]

Stripped the axle ready for clean, grease and bearing refresh.



Frame and forks pulled out ready for the strip and recoat

48v battery on charge as I have some ideas but anything I do will be 100% reversible to standard with no holes cut or drilled.

2nd C5 in background.

Edited by Caddyshack on Wednesday 12th June 19:52

[Caddyshack]

On the road these feel quite twitchy over 15mph and with 24v you could do 30mph I expect. The key is to relax and not over correct, just gentle inputs and it all then makes sense.

They are not particularly rattly and quite comfy.

You only need the pedals to move off and on steep hills. You can then put your legs out straight with the feet in the foot wells and off the pedals.

I think these were released when battery tech was rubbish and it’s a shame as roads were quieter, you do feel quite exposed so low. I will add the optional rear flag and some flashing bike lights.

[Caddyshack]

Yes, I think there is a place for the C5 now. If we had pedestrianised areas or more cycle areas they could be very useful transport, they just don’t mix with lots of traffic well.

The range could now be very good.

[Caddyshack]

The Iris e trike is a modern take on it by one of his close relatives.

C5 alive face book group is probably the best place for info.

Sam Rowell runs C5 depot and is great for tip, advice and he sells repro and orig parts on eBay. He also take on motor rebuilds etc.

There is a surprisingly large community


My 48v motor mount and disc brakes are about to ship and I have ordered a motor and controller. I plan to gear this as low as possible for torque at the wheels more than huge top speed and I think you could roll it if you corner too fast. I have a tow bar coming too so plan to make a clever trailer of some sort.

[Caddyshack]

New tyre and brake disc conversion. I used a 45 degree inner tube for the air valve.



Disc brakes on the back and lashings of new bearing grease.



Bracing and tow bar fitted along with plates for the 48v motor.

[Caddyshack]

[Caddyshack]

JQ said:

It’s looking great, cheers for the updates. Popped into see mine yesterday, but didn’t manage to bring it home.

Not sure if it counts as a barn find:

Looks very complete.

[Caddyshack]

TheDeuce said:

Caddyshack said:

JQ said:

It’s looking great, cheers for the updates. Popped into see mine yesterday, but didn’t manage to bring it home.

Not sure if it counts as a barn find:

Looks very complete.

That's no way to park though.

The standard brakes are not great, if you come in too fast you end up like that!