Virgin needs help! newbie

[redfoot]

Hi everyone

I am serious Renault convert - after buying my first Renault in 2009, I am hooked! I remember always wanting a R5 after my school teacher had one all those years ago and I fell in love with the car ..... or was it the teacher? :roll:

Therefore, I am seriously looking into bringing back to life a R5 - restoring it to glory and living together for ever! (as my second Renault)

but..... I don't know which one to aim for. I love the early R5s with the gear stick in the dash but I feel I would appreciate a dini with the extra power and better suspension etc. I am not a "master restorer" and have never done this before but am good mechanically and willing to learn and take my time to get it right - I am particualrly fussy!

Any recommendations on what to go for, easier to restore, parts availability.

I am preparing now to buy in 2011 when I will get my new house and a hut for the R5 to live in. However, I would buy sooner if the right car comes up - anyone selling? ......

Nice to meet you all and no doubt will share experiences - phildini you are a dini god

 

[Mark]

Welcome, whats your current driver?

Ref a R5 make sure you get a chance to see/drive one before you buy, it has been said before, at the end of the day the Mk1 is small, unrefined and maybe just not quite as good as it once was compared to modern cars. This is why that some cars have a high turn over, the owners buy, then realise thier mistake and sell on again. Probably a good chance to see some cars at WSR?

If i haven't put you off, :wink: this could be a good car at the right price

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1879986.htm

 

[redfoot]

Hi Mark - thanks for the reply

Yes I am expecting hard steering and slow braking! But you are quite right and I do need to try one ..... rather than win a bid on ebay and find out I hate it. The problem is that I am used to modern cars - I drive a Laguna Coupe - fantastic car! But a R5 is supposed to be my project and weekend car - local journies and road trips etc.

I have got tickets for WSR but am now out of the country :cry: so unable to attend - is there much R5 activity at these events?

I have seen the dini on your link but not really keen on a race car with a cage.......

Maybe the turbo will be a better option?

Cheers -John

 

[ceebdub]

My beautiful Goldini will be at WSR on one of the days. Although a piece of wood fell on it yesterday and dented the roof
Remember the Renault line 'Its more fun in a five' .

 

[phildini]

It all happens at PHILDINI LAND when it comes to 5 being driven, broken, slagged etc.......

 

[r5gordini]

Hi redfoot (not sure what your real name is),

I can speak from experience. I am the site owner (so, welcome!) - I got my first 5 when I was 15. I have a modern BMW as my main car and do mainly local journeys in my 5s.

The 5s are not refined at higher speeds. They get rather noisy above about 60mph. However, they have quite soft suspension (except the Gordini models) and so have an amazing ride quality. They ride smoother than my BMW and most other "moderns". I dislike harsh suspension and the 5 is definitely not harsh. Trundling round town, the cars are lovely and smooth and easy to drive. Now that they are a rare sight on the roads, I get admiring glances all the time, and people talk to me about the cars (even the base TLs). I paid £350 for a TL recently and told myself I wouldn't get emotionally attached to it. Erm... I have now decided I love it, and would be disappointed if anything happened to it! I've loved every 5 I've owned. Even different examples of identical models seem very different in character and I appreciate them all for their differences.

The seating position is not the best, but can accommodate even a fairly tall driver. My dad is 6 foot 4 and he fits in (albeit with his knees up around the steering wheel).

The Gordini and Gordini turbo versions are full of life and pretty exciting to drive. They are challenging and rewarding to drive fast. They have responsive engines and good brakes.

The Renault 5 handles pretty well, considering its vintage. It will roll an alarming amount, even at low speeds. However (if it's set up properly), it will go exactly where you point it (unless you're being reckless with a Gordini/Gordini T).

Good luck with your search and let us know how you get on!

Andrew

 

[redfoot]

Thanks so much Andrew - my name is John by the way!

This was the sort of reply that I was hoping for....... and you have given me a bit more inspiration to own a 5 - some good points to think about.

I am learning quite a bit now about the 5 and it can get a bit overwhelming! So much to take in and think about - sometimes though it might be best to just take the plunge and buy one..... but I must be patient!

Its very exciting and I will keep you updated with my search. I am finding lots of websites from all countries who can help with parts and I am even thinking of a left hand drive 5 from France as an option - quirky!

Thanks again - all help is appreciated

John

 

[tony`mac]

Welcome, whats your current driver?

Ref a R5 make sure you get a chance to see/drive one before you buy, it has been said before, at the end of the day the Mk1 is small, unrefined and maybe just not quite as good as it once was compared to modern cars. This is why that some cars have a high turn over, the owners buy, then realise thier mistake and sell on again. Probably a good chance to see some cars at WSR?

If i haven't put you off, :wink: this could be a good car at the right price

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1879986.htm

Hi all, as a fellow `newbie` to the site, also looking for a car. I noticed the above one for sale, I also noticed it was for sale in November last year at £2,200.00 Is this a sign of how prices are, or just the most recent owner trying to recoup what they`ve spent in the past 12 months (cage etc). Not the car for me, but if a nice standard(ish) turbo came up, I`d have a go.

Tony

 

[redfoot]

Thanks Tony

Have spotted this one but not keen on a cage. I am sure I can take it out but really looking for a project - is this too perfect,I ask?.....

Welcome to the site!

John

 

[tony`mac]

Prices are going up quicker than I can save !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2099003.htm

 

[redfoot]

Wow! This car is not selling and the price just keeps on going up and up! :?: