So it continues 0385

[northy]

looking good. where did you get the bonnet from in the end??

[Lew]

Hey Northy, bonnet came genuine from local dealer Arnold Clarke in Hudds. £170 inc vat which I didn't think was too bad.

The guys tell me they're gonna have a bit of a push this week to get it closer. I'm off come Thursday to Goodwood FOS and then a tour of Cornwall and the Sarth generally.
Hopefully be looking good upon my return. Will keep y'all posted.

[Lew]

Hi all, sorry it's been so long.
Car got finished, but work took over and hey presto, a year got by.
I got the car back and had a few weeks shaking him down.
Gave rise to power steering leaking and needing the rack removing and remanufacturing. Did it once but it only lasted a few weeks before it did it again.
So removed it again and had it re-done, seems ok so far.
Ran it a few more miles but discovered coolant hose that feeds oil cooler was spraying red coolant all over my immaculate engine bay.
Replaced hose and all seems well.
Fitted new tyres. Had new Thatcham Cat 1 alarm fitted and a new Bluetooth head unit.
I think the whole process has left me a little cold to 0385
The Resto took more time and money and friendship testing than I would have wanted.
I didn't end up with that feeling that makes you want to finish every last detail inside and out and show it people.
Had more the feeling of "what the f**k, why did I spend best part of 10k on a 24 year old Clio."
If I'd have thought it would of cost this much and proved so much hassle, I probably wouldn't have.
Anyhoos, too much moaning but I mention it to excuse the lack of photos as I haven't ended up in love the car.
Having said that, I am satisfied that it's had a successful rebuild and nice to think it didn't end up scrapped.
i did intend to try and get some before and after pics side by side but couldn't be arsed at the moment.
I've put it into storage for the time being at my mothers (she has an empty garage doing nothing)

Anyhows, a few pics (not particularly good ones showing true condition)

Will probably take some more as weather improves etc. (now lets see, how do I upload pics)

[fresh]

Awesome job. Well worth the money

[Ayli Carper]

Speaking as the owner of 0395 I'd say you were at least 10 ahead of me and not 10 behind.

That looks very nice take it for a long drive and enjoy the comfort of the seats!

[Lew]

Thanks for kind and encouraging comments. I think it helps restore my faith in the car (a little)
I do enjoy driving it but insurance runs out next week and I'm not going to renew this year.
Trouble is, the Mrs has a Clio 200 lux Cup EDC and compared to that, the Frank feels slow and agricultural
but it does redeem itself to some degree by feeling very communicative and visceral.
Will post some pics of both side by side at some point.

[Winters01]

Unfortunately every model of Clio released after the 182 has gone rapidly downhill... the latest model been a prime example.

But that's just my opinion of course.

[LeeB]

You've done a great job and I think it would be worth getting that insurance and using it this summer to help retiurn your love for the car. It can't be compared to newer cars, as that's not the point of owning a modern classic, love it for all its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I reckon that if you drive it around a bit, the comments you'll get from strangers about how 'cool' and 'retro' and reminiscing of how good they are will give you the much needed boost. Enjoy!