Clio 197 Cup project (Racing Blue).

[Duli]

wow looks lovely. very nice..

 

[detail1]

Not really much to report this month, had the all important cambelt & aux belts replaced at 41K, this ate into most of my available funds.

I did however purchase the worthwhile Sprintbooster from a forum member, got to say it's awesome and makes such a difference.

 

[Gez]

Only now seeing the polishing pictures. Outstanding!

 

[detail1]

Not had much spare time from work since the last upgrades, managed a day off yesterday to do a few bits.

Old skinny Cup wheel removed and replaced with the chunkier version, this replacement has had the skin peeled off, will do for the time being until it goes off for a re-trim, but certainly feels nicer than the other wheel.



Renault Sport trim added.



Renault Sport gear knob.



New drilled front discs courtesy of MTEC brakes.



Masked up ready for the housings to be painted.



Graphite metallic.



New design Brembo pins from @mrpink



All fitted with Mintex pads.



Wheel bolts torqued up to 130NM.



All finished and looking box fresh, and yes those terrible tyres will be going!!



Just got to find time to do the rear discs and pads now.

 

[Chris]

Nice looking car mate.

Let me know how you get on with those discs, they are quite a good price

 

[detail1]

Nice looking car mate.

Let me know how you get on with those discs, they are quite a good price

Thanks Chris, will do mate and at £98 discs and pads delivered it is excellent.

 

[Dawesy0712]

Great thread. All the subtle changes add up and make a big difference. What else have you got planned?

 

[detail1]

Great thread. All the subtle changes add up and make a big difference. What else have you got planned?

Thanks mate, I'm trying keep any changes fairly subtle I suppose. I'm aiming to sort all the mechanicals first, it need a lower ball joint replaced, possibly a slight stance tweak with some Eibachs and spacers but I'm undecided yet. Considering an induction kit, but definitely not changing the exhaust.
Calipers are to be painted Porsche Speed Yellow, and mirror caps, door handles in anthracite to match the alloys and interior trim.
Finally and in no particular order finish machine polishing and detailing, currently driving around with a half machined car

 

[Leethelips]

Some nice work there

 

[Jactopher]

As someone who is about to get their first 197 this thread is a great guide to the little cheap bits that can be done to make a massive difference! Thank you.

 

[detail1]

Purchased some K-tec racing 19mm spacers from one of the forum members, little bit of cleaning required.



Top edges and bolts painted Graphite to match the brake housings.







Before and the wheel looking a little lost in the arch.



After and looking a whole lot better.



Lower sill edges protected using SunTek film.



Looking a whole lot more purposeful, might be my imagination but feels really planted now on the road.

 

[Kazumz]

Are they the Cup Springs?

 

[detail1]

Are they the Cup Springs?

Yes mate, standard cup.

 

[Luke_197]

Car looks ace mate. The paint comparisons results look great too. You have inspired me to tackle my paint work as mines a swirly mess atm. I have experience using a DA polisher but noticed you said the paint was very hard. Seen as your a detailer would you recommend I invest in a rotary? I was going to buy in a rupes big foot random orbital as its quite safe, but not so sure now.

 

[detail1]

I carry out most of my correction details with the Rupes, is hugely capable with the right pads, polish and technique.. downside for an enthusiast is the price.
There are a few online sites now that do a copy of the Bigfoot, think they may even be made in the same factory, but cost a fraction of the Rupes BF.
I have 13 years experience with a rotary, it is a powerful machine and can do damage if you don't practice and hone your technique, my recommendation would be a more powerful orbital with a big throw, much like the Rupes or Das21.

 

[Luke_197]

Thanks for the advice mate.

I think I will go for a Bigfoot Rupes LHR15ES, along with there range of pads/compounds and see how I get on. Once I have more experience I will look into getting a rotary.

Have been reading through. your website earlier, your work is very impressive.

 

[detail1]

Thanks for the advice mate.

I think I will go for a Bigfoot Rupes LHR15ES, along with there range of pads/compounds and see how I get on. Once I whave more experience I will look into getting a rotary.

Have been reading through. your website earlier, your work is very impressive.

Thanks Luke, appreciate your kind words.

You will probably find you wont want or need a rotary after you have got used to the Bigfoot, I rarely pick up my rotary anymore. Slow passes and light pressure are key to getting the best from the Rupes.

 

[Luke_197]

Your welcome, do you do detailing training courses by any chance?

Ive heard other say this about the Bigfoot which is why I'm so inclined to buy one. Thanks I will keep that in mind, I've also have been watching lots of video on YouTube.

 

[detail1]

Your welcome, do you do detailing training courses by any chance?

Ive heard other say this about the Bigfoot which is why I'm so inclined to buy one. Thanks I will keep that in mind, I've also have been watching lots of video on YouTube.

I dont offer any courses Luke, but more than happy to spend a few hours with you and give you some guidance when I'm a little quieter workwise.

 

[detail1]

Not much to announce, been really busy with work so any upgrades have been limited.

Wrapped the fog lights with a yellow tint to capture that old school Renault look, inspiration from Luke_197





Some Team Heko wind deflectors fitted, now I'm still undecided on these, I bought them more because I like the window open a little, and during the winter to stop the glass fogging up. So more a practical choice opposed to aesthetics.



Rear brakes to do next, and some new Fulda ZE914's for the front.