The 1957 Dope Dauphine

[Adey]

You can probably buy the Diode pack for it fairly cheaply

If the ones on their way to me don't work ill give it a go, might even do it anyway to have a back up as the old alternators are starting to get thin on the ground anyway

 

[Adey]

Well that was a shitty day wasted on the Dope. The exhaust manifold had a crack in it so the plan was to replace it with a direct fit 4 branch manifold........ This was meant to fit with my stock inlet and carb. First issue it wasn't going to work with the stock inlet. once separated there's a big hole in the bottom of it. Not too much of an issue as I had a spare inlet suitable for a weber carb. It needed a few tweaks but nothing major. So I started bolting everything up only to find the centre exhaust runners wouldn't fit flush with the head. The whole thing was all twisted and bent out of shape so much so it wouldn't pull up on the studs. I even tried double layering the the gasket to take up the space but it wouldn't work. I've decided to cut the manifold up to release the tension and will hopefully be able to manipulate the pipe work and reweld it, possibly sleeve it where the new joints are. So what I expected to be a couple of hour job been a day messing about and getting no where. Pretty peeved. I also need to sort out a linkage out for the carb as it runs backwards to the current setup. Urgh just want to burn it now. Might just refit all the old stuff so the car is useable.

 

[andybond]

You know stuff isnt going to go well on an old renault, or a newer lotus. Its just the way.

Accept it and return another day

 

[Adey]

Decided to remove it all and slap the working (bar cracked exhaust manifold) parts back on. I've had abit of drag messing with the twingo and this was meant to be a quick job plus I didn't want to end up with the car unusable. So old carb and manifold slapped back together then fitted to the engine, spare alternator fitted back up and all working again test drive over to Ross for some shopping and seems good. Once back I modified some of the old heater channels to mate up with the diesel heater outlet. This now allows me to direct some heat up at the screen too if I should ever need too

 

[Adey]

What started as a quick rinse ended with a full clean and wax. Made use of the child free sunny day. Almost totally out of poor boys nattys paste wax now though, it has served me well over the years, so easy to apply and wipe back. Here have some boring pictures of it

 

[Adey]

FB memories has shown me how it sat 5 years ago, vs now looking a bit cleaner and a touch lower (Y)

 

[Adey]

So much win in Hayburner mag. Envious of how well its done and looks. Also up for sale last I heard if anyone's interested

 

[Adey]

Check this out Adey’s Renault Dauphine (1957) - Driveaholics

 

[Adey]

Dusted it off and started it up for a drive around the block. Need to get it out and use it some more or I'll sell it. With the wide angle view on the phone it looks super small next to the neighbours saxo

 

[Adey]

I've made an effort to get the Dope out over the last few days to make sure it gets some use. It still gives me a massive smile to jump in it and just cruise. Could definitely use a choke for them early morning starts though...

Anyway I've been using it for the commute again so I've pointed my phone at it and take more pics oh I also tried making a little video of it just cruising along from the window. Give us a subscribe if you can it would be appreciated

 

[Adey]

More commuting so more picture whoring

 

[DaveL485]

You and Brigsy should do a comedy small vehicle feature with this and Racevan3!

 

[Adey]

You and Brigsy should do a comedy small vehicle feature with this and Racevan3!

i could probably get this in the back of it

 

[Adey]

Another small addition to the Dauphine has been a PWM controller for the wipers. Wired into the original 6v wiper motor, I now have variable speed rather than the fixed double speed I did have since swapping to 12v. Probably wont get used much but something nice to have if I get caught in a rain shower whilst out and about.

 

[Adey]

Washed it down, took some pics, Really need to make some plans to drive it somewhere other than work.

 

[DaveL485]

Really need to make some plans to drive it somewhere other than work.

Weekday evening at C&M?

 

[Adey]

Weekday evening at C&M?

good shout, was looking over there calendar last night actually.

 

[DaveL485]

good shout, was looking over there calendar last night actually.

Wednesday evenings, Friday evenings and all weekends are now ticketed, so prob best a Mon/Tue.

 

[Adey]

A few days ago I caught my window winder and snapped the end off it I hadn't actually noticed that it was the wrong colour already so has been replaced at somepoint. Luckily retro renault services had one the correct colour as the rest of my trim and a reasonable price. Fitted that up today for the concourse oem vibe

 

[Duncan Grier]

Come across this and though of you @Adey