Basic servicing / Free motoring?

[scooters]

R19,

 

If you have no access to finding a mentor to help show you how to do things then you could do a lot worse than register for an evening course at your local college - most run basic car maintenance courses and some do some excellent ones if you are lucky.

 

I would also join a renner forum online (sorry renault forum) it will be an invaluable source of free expertise and will help you find out the jobs that you can tackle from those that are best left to pros.

 

As suggested get a Hayes manual - they are pretty clear and grade jobs by difficulty and also list essential tools to get - you will need a set of sockets and some spanners as well as screwdrivers at a minimum.

 

Avoid Halfords for parts - it is expensive and often not great quality - instead use a local motor factor - they often sell tools as well.

 

You might want to think about buying an older car as a project vehicle to learn on - whilst the R19 will have fuel injection and electronic ignition, older vehicles usually will have carbs and points - and are ideal places to learn the basics of mechanics - if you have the space buy yourself a 400 quid Allegro or Maxi - simle BMC Engines and tru shite value as well - use the 19 as your daily and the other car as a toy to learn on - as you get more confident with the toy you can then tackel the more complex vehicle.

 

Home mechanics is fine but if you rely on your car for daily transport it is a good idea to have more than one vehicle - most of us have at least 2 and some (you know who you are) have dozens! This takes the pressure off as all will invariably be in different stages of restoration!

 

BTW ignore the boys I think that a couple of das ago they mistook your OP as a spammer - we have had quite a lot of spammers recently and I suspect they maybe didn't read the thread very closely.

 

anyway a warm welcome to the world of shite Renner 19s aren't often featured here so some ore pics would be welcome - splendid early 90's froggy shite - I love it!

 

anyway - my advice - get an allegro - you can get a good one from ebay for a few bob and learn your fettling on it

[R19dude]

It's a real problem - easy to forget that there's a generation that's grown up without family servicing their own cars, without manual chokes, without gaskets made out of cereal packets (reminder - still need to fix the BX...).

 

I am no troll, Im look for advice but no longer know what to believe, since buying my renner I started out hating it being embarrassed, heck the day I got it I need help to start it twice since it was the first time I had seen a manual choke let alone driven one.

 

(when I got it, matey left the engine running so I drove it to the petrol station went to start it again and did not have a clue, just by luck my dad happened to pull in and gave me a quick lesson on choke's) (I was insured) but since then I found this forum and a whole wealth of advice (I was going to scrap it when the mot run out in may) and decided to keep it going....

[scooters]

Keep it - if it works then its cheap reliable motoring -

 

What I like to do is to have a couple of pretty basic reliable cars as dailys - like your renner for instance

 

then, because they cost you tap all to run you can save your money and by somthing uber cool for the weekends -

 

for instance - your mates would be less cheeky if you had a really nice Capri or a Scimitar in the garage for weekends - ok cars old enough to be your dad but wonderful 70s sporting models

 

Last year I had a boring old Volvo estate during the week and at the same time had a 6litre V12 Daimler Double 6 - basically a gentleman's club which does 0-60 in about 7 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph

[Angrydicky]

I've been there dude - Scooters knows what he's talking about. Boot sales can be a good source of cheap tools if you're on a budget as well. Local motor factors and Ebay for parts.

 

Good luck! The last Renault 19 I saw was a white J reg 1.4 'Energy' owned by a neighbour circa 2003 - I haven't seen one since!

[R19dude]

Is this mercedes 500 sec classed as autoshite? my neighbour has one thats been sat up for ages, Ill get some pictures later

[dollywobbler]

Exactly my point. I think colleges need to start doing courses in maintaining OLDER cars. They are generally simpler than moderns, so you can do much yourself. I wasn't very mechanical when I got my first car (1995) and looking back, I'm amazed that it lapped up the abuse that it did (I adjusted the ignition timing by ear as it started cutting out, and drove for quite a long time with a completely worn out clutch!).

 

As you're so new to it, it's hard to try and tell you what you need to do in just one thread. I found a great garage in Birmingham, became friends with the mechanic and spent many hours watching him at work, on my cars and others. Learnt a HUGE amount. Sadly, small 'one man bands' like that are hard to find. Still friends with that chap now.

 

DO ask stupid questions. DO NOT flush the engine oilways with a hose after removing the oil. DO buy some cheap tools (I've still got the first socket set I bought from Halfords back in 1995!). DO spend time Googling for answers. I get stumped a fair bit when working on cars and the internet often delivers (though I usually try and find two sources for info, as there's a lot of crap out there too!).

 

Merc SECs are probably old enough to count as autoshite, even though they're wonderful.

[scooters]

Merc 500 definate Luxobarge shite indeed - could be a good project for you - robust engines - drink petrol and cool as you like once polished up

 

getting insurance at your age for such a vehicle could be a challenge though!

[barefoot]

I remember the last 19 I overtook a 1.4 'energy'

- that's it,

the following story would be far too long to post here

[Station]

I saw a G reg 19 in maroon getting a service in the Renault dealer's on Woodchurch Road today. Yer!

[peter9000uk]

Has anyone actually asked this lad where he is located? One of us may be local enough to give him a few pointers

[R19dude]

Im based in dibden purlieu near Southampton. im going to get some better pics of my car and next doors merc, I asked him last night its up for grabs , I might take your advice and use it as a project car.

[trigger]

I've seen a couple at shows, and i sometimes see them about but they are a rare sight nowadays.

 

1989 Renault 19 1.7 TXE by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr

 

1991 Renault 19 1.4 Prima by Trigger's Retro Road Tests!, on Flickr

 

As for the Merc, I'd be cutting my teeth into something a bit more shitter first like a old Fiesta or even your own car, You must know someone who can teach you how to service a car.

[R19dude]

just looking at those pictures, mine seem to have a tricolour flag and the words tricolour written on the paint work, is that a special edition?

[chaseracer]

Always open the fill plug before you open the drain plug.

And always replace the drain plug before you use the filler. Ask me how I know this...

 

[eddyramrod]

just looking at those pictures, mine seem to have a tricolour flag and the words tricolour written on the paint work, is that a special edition?

 

Very likely; also likely to be one issued by a dealer rather than the factory. I've never seen one made up as you describe, or at least never noticed.

 

Re the Merc: that's going to be heavy and complex, not exactly suitable for a "learner-project" car. Trust us: you will learn more immediately-useful stuff from something like an old Metro, Allegro or even Marina than from the Merc, which will just swallow your cash and end up on a beavertail as you cry in frustration. You don't want that to be your memory of shite-driving. Trust me, I've been there. Buy something ridiculously simple and you'll learn in easy stages, and within weeks you should have a cool old car that's cost you next to nothing. And with a low-powered 1.3 engine, or possibly even less, insurance won't cost an arm and a leg either. Meanwhile the 19 will give you months of perfectly adequate service until you're ready to start tackling it.

 

If possible, make friends with a local one-man garage. I don't know any in your area but if you can find one, and maintain the friendship, you will have access to all kinds of help when you need it. Show him you're genuine about keeping your old car(s) alive, chances are he will be an enthusiast himself and delighted to help you (although he WILL charge; it's his business, remember).

 

Watch the ebay threads on here, all sorts of old tat turns up. An early-70s Vauxhall Viva, for example, will be pretty easy to tackle and should be cheap too. Over here in Cyprus I'm helping a lad who is restoring exactly that as his first car. He knew nothing, but I gave him a Haynes and a few words of advice and now he's actually entering the reassembly phase already!

 

In a couple of years you can come back to something like the Merc, when you feel more confident, and maybe have more cash. You'll need it!

 

Best of luck.

[imothepixie]

Six years ago I new nothing about cars... Having last owned a 2cv ten earlier and then swapping it for a push bike when I couldn't fix it! (and soon after had the bikes wheels nicked!)

 

Then I got another 2cv and the bug hit! I realised it was oh so simple, I could take it to bits with not much more than a cheap socket set, was able to weld to my own craftsman's bodge standards (Yah seen wot sum so called pros do!... and charge for it!) and for the last five years I've done all the work for the MOT and such myself!...... not to mention low low price fully comp classic car insurance

 

There's some less tongue in cheek advice on dedicated marque forums (perhaps a bit to old fart worthy!) (Thankfully not much dull banter on the 2cv type!(unless you count Dollywobblers time running one ))

 

I still think all cars are shite!... but it should be uncomplicated shite! (and not some bling penis replacment )

[pogweasel]

mine seem to have a tricolour flag and the words tricolour written on the paint work, is that a special edition?

 

The R19 TRICOLOUR was a special edition vehicle paying homage to the GCSE french textbok of the same name. Orignal equipment include an odometer that read in both miles and kilometers and a special dash-mounted phrasebook including important imformation for the young french traveller.

E.G

Je'mappelle [Jean Pierre]

[J'suis 18 ans.

J'abite an angleterre.

J'aime jouie le babyfoot et j't'adore orangina.

[ChinaTom]

^^

 

I used to deface my Tricolore by redrawing Inspecteur Laloupe as a stalker. Each episode ended with a very childish but obscene conclusion.

 

Inspecteur Laloupe vide son sac sur la poitrine ample de la jeune femme

 

etc etc. Cue lots of detention and the chance to do more obscene editing.

 

Thanks for jogging that memory.

[Negative Creep]

We just drew big cocks on everything

[trigger]

A Tricolour edition sounds like one of the most wankiest special editions ever.

 

"Hey I'm going to buy this model over the standard one as it has a really helpful french phrasebook on the dash and that interchangeable miles/kilometers speedo will be really helpful on the M11 to London".

 

I can't imagine they sold many when new, and i bet there's even less left now then there are FSO's.

[RoadworkUK]

There's always the slim chance that, y'know, he was making it up...

 

I'll stick with my Escort Usborne Choose Your Own Adventure special edition. Their Best seller in 1986, according to Wikipedia...

 

[trigger]

I'm such a nob at (most) times.

[RoadworkUK]

I'm such a nob at (most) times.

 

Ha! I wasn't sure if you were actually doing a sort of ironic double bluff. I was prepared to embarass myself with you coming back saying "I KNOW. DURR!!"

[Parky]

R19Dude,

 

Well done on keeping your car, I always liked these. I vividly recall going to the local dealer on the day these were launched!!

 

My advice for what its worth:

 

1)- Haynes manual is absolutely essential, as mentioned by many of m'learned shiters.

2)- As its an older car, it wont need mega pricey lubricants - supermarket stuff will be just dandy

3)- Renault tended to use various suppliers for things like brake pads and often they arent compatible so if doing brakes make sure you have the correct replacements! I have been caught out on that on more than one occasion.

4)- Digital camera pics as you go. Haynes books have photos but occasionally they dont have the one you need. At least if you know what something should look like, you should be able to put it back together again properly.

5)- If doing a coolant change, make sure you have all the air out of the system! I have cracked a head on a Renault 5 because of this!

 

Most stuff is relatively straightforward provided you are methodical and have the right tools. Get a Haynes book first and have a read, that will give you an indication of anything that is beyond you.

 

Remember if you have problems, we are all on here with varying degrees of knowledge and someone will be only too happy to offer advice and/or sympathy! Good luck!

[chaseracer]

Remember if you have problems, we are all on here with varying degrees of knowledge and someone will be only too happy to offer advice and/or sympathy! Good luck!

At the very least, we can pass a virtual mug of builder's tea while we look at a picture of the Dix-Neuf's open bonnet, shaking our heads and sucking our teeth...

[eddyramrod]

In fact my virtual kettle is on right now... how many sugars, dude?

[R19dude]

2 please ta,

 

As promised some pictures of my shite

 

a rear view

 

 

The special "GCSE" styling

 

 

A front view.

 

 

and next doors merc.

 

 

I got a haynes book online for £3 delivered, more pics to come when I service it,

[trigger]

This is a Pagani Zonda Tricolore, You can now pretend your car is a Pagani! (tricolore is the french name for the French flag btw, drapeau tricolore)

 

[Shep Shepherd]

I'm fairly certain I've seen another R19 'Tricolore' at some point, as the striping looks familiar

[scooters]

nice merc but judging by the wing I would steer well clear of it unless you are an experienced shitter

 

your renner looks well neat - love the special edition trim - under no circumstances be tempted to stick crap halfrauds body kit all over it - one day it will be appreciated for its originality and whilst slammin a car is amusing - it also looks bloody stupid on the wrong type of car and the novelty wears off after about 10 minutes of driving the fekkah