Racing blue-R27-F1-restoration

[Justmatt]

Hi guys! This has been a long time coming, I’ve been searching for a racing blue 197-F1 with cloth recaros for a while now, very specific I know but to me it’s the perfect spec! I’ve not owned a Clio before but have read up On what could possibly go wrong with them and after seeing that pretty much everything can be a problem I have taken the plunge and bought this one after only seeing a handfull of what can only be described as crap pictures I’ve bought this one pretty much blind and got a mate to pick it up today with a car transporterbecause of the current rules in my area (lockdown), anyway I’ve bought it cheap with a suspected head gasket gone, it’s smoking badly when you rev it, milky oil on dipstick!, it needs a few other bits and pieces tidying up also, basically it’s been neglected and needs reviving!
let me know what you think

 

[Justmatt]

Also could do with a Rb front bumper if anyone has one for sale, this one has been cable tie stitched back together!

 

[SRray]

Best of luck with the project,in the middle of a similar task lots to do over this lockdown

 

[Justmatt]

Bit more progress, front end is coming apart nicely, head gasket is defiantly gone just doing a parts list for cambelt water pump, head gasket,bolts etc! also contacted snappy for a steering wheel refurb, will post up progress on the engine build once it’s out, it’s just going back standard, will also be checking the gearbox synchros over and Clutch as it’s out of the car and I’ve not actually driven it yet!

 

[Yiannis197]

Nice one, welcome along. I love restoration projects so I'll be watching this one closely

 

[Justmatt]

Progress update! engine is out of the bay, both scuttle drainage holes were blocked and it all looked fairly neglected under there! Manifold flexis are buggered so ordered the bosal flexis and getting a mate to cut/weld the new ones in for me also a spruce up of the bay is badly needed whilst the engine is out!, dropping engine off to have head pressure tested and skimmed if needed, also checking bottom end rings/bearings/hone as compression was down due to headgasket but worth checking as it’s out! Also going to strip gearbox and check synchros

 

[Justmatt]

Got a few little jobs done on the Clio, standard manifold has been welded with the bosal 265-567 flexis, although the flexis do just touch each other, threw a bit of silver high temp paint on to protect the ground back areas.
also sprayed up the door handles as they were a little worse for wear

next up will be respray the spoiler as the paint reacted slightly, cleaned with paint prep not alcohol so will rub that down and try again! Annoying as it came out well until it reacted!, also waiting on re-trimmed steering wheel to come back, cup springs to go back on as it has H&R lowered springs at the moment, also waiting on the engine coming back from having work done will update once that Saga is complete (pic of cracked head that I wasn’t anticipating!)

 

[Justmatt]

A few more little jobs ticked off, rebuilt struts with cup springs, new top mounts and new shocks, also bead blasted the swivel hubs and painted the spolier. Still quite a few jobs to do, the engine is on its way to be completed so fingers crossed it will be back on the road soon ready to enjoy the spring

 

[lewishunter98]

Got a few little jobs done on the Clio, standard manifold has been welded with the bosal 265-567 flexis, although the flexis do just touch each other, threw a bit of silver high temp paint on to protect the ground back areas. View attachment 144059
also sprayed up the door handles as they were a little worse for wear
View attachment 144060
next up will be respray the spoiler as the paint reacted slightly, cleaned with paint prep not alcohol so will rub that down and try again! Annoying as it came out well until it reacted!, also waiting on re-trimmed steering wheel to come back, cup springs to go back on as it has H&R lowered springs at the moment, also waiting on the engine coming back from having work done will update once that Saga is complete (pic of cracked head that I wasn’t anticipating!)
View attachment 144061

Those handles look mega mate. How did you do it/what paint did you use!? Would love to do the same with mine

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

 

[Justmatt]

Those handles look mega mate. How did you do it/what paint did you use!? Would love to do the same with mine

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

cheers, yeh they came out pretty well, basically I followed the thread on removing the door handles (it’s in the how to guide section and is invaluable) stripped the handles down and sanded with wet and dry,
primed with plastic primer Then sprayed with the correct shade of silver, Renault paint code ( ted69) then lacquered them ordered the paint from Auto-paint.co.uk after seeing recommendations from guys on here! Very quick delivery and good quality paint.

 

[lewishunter98]

Thanks mate, I'll get some paint ordered! [emoji23]

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

 

[Justmatt]

So it’s been a while since I last updated my build thread, list of bits done so far:

wheels refurbished
new Michelin PS4’s in 225/45/17
rocker cover painted crackle vht black
new dipstick tube
cambelt kit (gates)
Depaser pulley from Rpd
auxiliary belt kit (gates)
oil pump
bores honed
valve stem oil seals
valves seats re-ground
polybushed engine mounts
original manifold welded new flexis in
new clutch & clutch slave
flywheel refaced
gearbox stripped and replaced a failing bearing on the reverse shaft and new gearbox oil
full service using genuine Renault from RPD







Engine all back in and running now! just waiting on my steering wheel and gearknob back from the trimmers and then I can book in the Mot and focus on tidying up a Few other bits but looking forward to actually driving it now!

 

[Justmatt]

i usually Post up on Instagram if You want to follow progress on my little rebuild
I'm on Instagram as _mattchapman_. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1lzooo1x5nhql&utm_content=5d0edz

 

[burrellbloke]

Very tidy.

 

[Justmatt]

Very tidy.

cheers! It’s getting there now

 

[Justmatt]

Good progress Again yesterday, all back together and runnin sweet! Next task is to sort the front bumper out and it’s been repaired previously and has cracked in The same spot, I may just source a straight bumper and have that painted rather than trying to repair this one!, replica f1 door stickers went on but will be replaced with genuine ones as the quality just isn’t there on these unfortunately, also need new front grilles as mine have been painted and look crap and a new set of headlamps due to fogging plastic on the inside!