172 Cup refresh

[02teasda]

Back in a Clio 172 Cup in Mondial Blue, 9 years after my last Clio. I guess it’s true what people say, you always come back!
Picked it up on Friday night and drove back 125 miles, didn’t miss a beat.
Car has done 54k miles, 2 owners from new and is in fairly good condition. It has been in storage unused for 2 years, rear arches look to be free from rust, all original interior, original glass, original splitter (afaik) but with a few minor niggles here and there for me to put right.

Belts were last done in 2016 at DTM Cars in Newcastle, the car hasn’t covered many miles since but is booked tomorrow in with my local Renault specialist Andy Harland to have the belts, water pump, pulleys, tensioners etc. as well as all fluids and filters flushed/replaced. I’ll ask them to give the car a once over and make a note of everything they find so I can put a bigger list together.

The car is in need of a good refresh and I am constantly finding little bits to order or put right as I hope to get the car back to a factory standard over a period of time.

The car has a SERV light on the dash but with no other lights? The precious owner said this came on after being with the garage who did the MOT and he was going to ask if they knew, still waiting for a reply...
Also the front headlights are Depo units but don’t appear to fit very well? Are these original lights or replacements?
I also found this plug not connected to anything at the front by the fan, does anyone know what it’s for or if it should be connected?

If I can get the car even half as good as some of the examples I’ve seen meticulously restored on here I’ll be happy. This is a runaround to be used mainly on weekends as a toy and second car so I’m in no rush to get things done and like I say will take my time going through it with a fine tooth comb.
Look forward to speaking with people and gaining a wealth of knowledge from people on here. Appreciate any help anyone can give me

 

[dave120]

Car looks good, will be interesting to see your progress. You have done well to find such a low mile original car.

The plug is for the Accoustic valve I think mate. It is part of the air intake system and is located just above the passenger front wheel arch.

I actually have Depo lights on my car right now and they fit pretty well in my opinion.

 

[imprezaworks]

What a buy. Was it sensible money.

 

[dave120]

With regards to the SERV light, it should only be on in combination with another warning light such as Airbag etc. My advice is dont waste your time guessing and changing parts to try and get the light off. Take the car to someone who has CLIP and they will be able to diagnose properly and quickly.

 

[RustyMojo]

I recon that plug is off the bonnet switch....does it have one fitted?

 

[VXR killer]

plug is for the bonnet switch, may have to get it on clip to see why the lights on.

 

[Daz...]

That looks very tidy, nice purchase!

The DEPO headlights are aftermarket replacements - I have some on mine and they fit perfectly.

 

[dave120]

plug is for the bonnet switch, may have to get it on clip to see why the lights on.

So it is! The one for the Accoustic valve is further round.

 

[02teasda]

Fingers crossed it’s a good buy, don’t get me wrong I’ve already found loads of little jobs that need attention but only quick jobs. Haven’t had chance to have a good look underneath yet but the rear beam will definitely benefit from some attention.
Paid £3k for the car which I think is maybe top end? But I’m happy at that as I’ll be holding on to it for a good few years yet.
I’ll have a look to see if the bonnet switch is present and plug this back in then thanks!
Depo headlights, drivers side not too bad but the passenger side, not sure if one of the brackets on the wing is broken as it doesn’t seem to be sitting right and it’s rubbing against the wing.
I’ll ask the garage to plug it in tomorrow when they’re doing the belts and see what the light is. Thought it might have been the seat wiring but no airbag light accompanying it so maybe not.
It will be a long ongoing project as and when I get time around work and 2 young kids, also need to find a garage/unit to store it whilst doing some bits.

 

[dave120]

For 3k, If you dont find any surprises, you did well in my opinion. Prices only going one way for Cups.

 

[02teasda]

For 3k, If you dont find any surprises, you did well in my opinion. Prices only going one way for Cups.

Pretty much my thoughts exactly to be honest. The bloke has had it MOTd so it’s got 12 months test on, had 2 new springs and a handbrake cable to get it through, only advisory was a slight leak from the gearbox which is probably the selector seal?
Hopefully get a few hours on it tonight to get a few bits ordered and clean up the sticky interior trim

 

[dave120]

Pretty much my thoughts exactly to be honest. The bloke has had it MOTd so it’s got 12 months test on, had 2 new springs and a handbrake cable to get it through, only advisory was a slight leak from the gearbox which is probably the selector seal?
Hopefully get a few hours on it tonight to get a few bits ordered and clean up the sticky interior trim

As long as the gearbox isnt leaking oil all over your drive, id be tempted to leave it as is. I think the term is "They all do that Sir" ha ha. My gearbox is wet when I look under the car but it has never once dropped a bit of oil on my drive.

A nice unmolested Cup has the potential to reach double figures in value in the future. As Trophy's get more expensive, people start looking for the next best thing.

 

[02teasda]

As long as the gearbox isnt leaking oil all over your drive, id be tempted to leave it as is. I think the term is "They all do that Sir" ha ha. My gearbox is wet when I look under the car but it has never once dropped a bit of oil on my drive.

A nice unmolested Cup has the potential to reach double figures in value in the future. As Trophy's get more expensive, people start looking for the next best thing.

Well I’ve yet to notice any so fingers crossed. I’ll get them to change the gearbox oil tomorrow and have a look but if it’s not loads then I might well leave it alone until it becomes a bigger problem.
Bonnet switch is completely missing presumably removed due to an alarm fault? RPD lists 2 parts on their website but it’s not clear which is for my car? Can anyone advise? I’ll be placing a rather large order with them in the coming days I think [emoji23]
Yes I’m keen to keep it as clean and original as possible, still finding out what is correct and what needs changing but apart from a ktr stealth cat back exhaust and a panel filter I think it’s completely standard and original.

 

[imprezaworks]

£3k is a bargain imo. I wouldnt have been shocked if you had paid double.

 

[02teasda]

£3k is a bargain imo. I wouldnt have been shocked if you had paid double.

If you’re offering I could be tempted to sell [emoji6] haha no I’m in it for the nostalgia it was just a bonus to pick it up relatively cheap I guess

 

[imprezaworks]

At 3k, message me lol

 

[dave120]

At 3100 message me ha ha


Renault Bonnet Switch 7700422637 | Renault Parts Direct is the part I ordered and it fits my 52 plate Cup.

 

[imprezaworks]

Too much for me. I'm out 🤔

 

[02teasda]

Haha I think it might take a bit more than that! IF I ever sell it it will be on here no doubt but I certainly don’t have any plans this time around, I regretted selling my last one 9 years ago and to think I sold it for £1k [emoji24]
Thanks [mention]dave120 [/mention] I’ll order that one then.
Hoping to get the trim off and cleaned tonight if the kids ever go to bed... might try and have a look at the rear panels behind the door cards as well.

 

[Armchairracer]

You must've been quick to get this as I know a few people messaged him ..he originally advertised this a couple of yrs ago( for 3k) iirc ...Great buy with the low miles , I was tempted myself , but stuck with the original ( ph1) ..looking forward to seeing progress on this .

 

[Greeny.]

I have those depo lights on my track car and no mine don’t fit that well, had to slightly butcher the top bolt to get it to line up, but for what I paid for them I’m more than happy with them.

Decent looking car btw, got it for a bargain but the sounds of it, good work!

 

[02teasda]

[mention]Armchairracer [/mention] I believe I was on it within 32 minutes of him posting the ad haha! Just right place right time I guess. Wasn’t sure if I should try and chip him but i figured I was happy at 3k and didn’t want to miss it. Seems spot on so far, it’s with the garage getting the belts done atm and I’m itching to get it back to I can crack on with little jobs.
Managed to get the door pulls off and scrubbed of all the sticky rubber. Found that the cigarette lighter/ashtray bulb was out so another little job for the list.
[mention]Greeny. [/mention] yeah I’ll be taking the front end off to clean up and check for corrosion at some point anyway so I’ll be removing the lights and might try and get a replacement set. Are the OE headlights on the cup the same as standard 172/182? Obviously with the exception of xenons

 

[imprezaworks]

Are you using @then thr username btw?

 

[02teasda]

Are you using @then thr username btw?

Yes, does it not work?

 

[imprezaworks]

Nope

@02teasda

 

[dave120]

[mention]Armchairracer [/mention] I believe I was on it within 32 minutes of him posting the ad haha! Just right place right time I guess. Wasn’t sure if I should try and chip him but i figured I was happy at 3k and didn’t want to miss it. Seems spot on so far, it’s with the garage getting the belts done atm and I’m itching to get it back to I can crack on with little jobs.
Managed to get the door pulls off and scrubbed of all the sticky rubber. Found that the cigarette lighter/ashtray bulb was out so another little job for the list.
[mention]Greeny. [/mention] yeah I’ll be taking the front end off to clean up and check for corrosion at some point anyway so I’ll be removing the lights and might try and get a replacement set. Are the OE headlights on the cup the same as standard 172/182? Obviously with the exception of xenons

Any headlights from a base model Clio will be perfect for your Cup.

 

[02teasda]

Ahh fair enough, thanks for letting me know.
New plates and wipers arrived today, first of many parts to come I’m sure. Done a few jobs on the F10 tonight whilst I’m waiting to get the Clio back otherwise the boss will accuse me of neglecting it haha

 

[02teasda]

Got the Clio back today, belts and dephaser done, oil and filter, gear box oil, coolant change.
The garage plugged in to try and find out what was causing the SERV light on the dash and found the following codes.
DF071
DF072

They put it down to a faulty steering wheel/column squib and said it would be £272 for a new genuine replacement and fitting. I’m quite happy to try a second hand one and fit it myself but has anyone had any experience of this? And are they interchangeable or does anyone know the part number?
They also said it looks like someone has covered up the airbag light or removed the bulb as this does not come on at all.

 

[dave120]

Sounds like the Airbag light is the problem and the SERV light is just the secondary issue.

I had the Airbag and SERV light on, in my car and a new Rotary switch on the steering column resolved the issue.

Personally, I’m not very mechanically minded so I was happy to let the professionals diagnose the issue, fit the parts and resolve once and for all.

Im not sure how much a second hand part is but if you are guessing with these types of things then you can end up throwing good money after bad.

 

[02teasda]

Couple of little jobs done in the last couple of days.
Put new 3/4 plate on the front and fresh plate on the rear. However i found some bubbling around the holes where the old plate was screwed into the body work. Seems daft that Renault fitted plates like this in the first place as surely it was only going to end in corrosion. Hoping it can be taken back to bare metal and treated before painting but if it needs cutting out it’s very localised so only a small patch and will be hidden behind the plate in future.
Also tried (and failed) to replace the bulb in the cigarette lighter surround. A pig to get the bulb holder out and impossible to get the bulb out the holder! Broke both in the process so another part to order...
On a positive note I found that the luggage light in the boot that wasn’t working wasn’t even plugged in, nice easy win to end the day.

 

[02teasda]

Sounds like the Airbag light is the problem and the SERV light is just the secondary issue.

I had the Airbag and SERV light on, in my car and a new Rotary switch on the steering column resolved the issue.

Personally, I’m not very mechanically minded so I was happy to let the professionals diagnose the issue, fit the parts and resolve once and for all.

Im not sure how much a second hand part is but if you are guessing with these types of things then you can end up throwing good money after bad.

You’re right the airbag light is causing the SERV light but someone has either covered it,removed the bulb, or had it coded out? Not sure if this is possible? Second hand only seem to be about £30 so I’m tempted to take a punt on a used one providing the seller can confirm no lights on the car it was removed from. I’ve changed squibs on other cars so I’m confident it won’t be a difficult job.
Going to take the dash out when I get chance to see what’s going on with the airbag light.

 

[02teasda]

Had the dash out this afternoon to see why the airbag light wasn’t illuminating despite the fault codes.

As suspected someone had put black tape over the light to stop it showing, so that has been removed and I can now try and get to the bottom of the fault which is a suspected steering wheel squib fault.
Also noticed the radio display was dimmer on one side so replaced the bulb in that side with the one I bought for the ashtray except now the other side looks dim [emoji2357] so I haven’t replaced the dash yet until I get another bulb.

And finally attacked some more of the sticky trim on the dash so the interior is slowly starting to improve!

 

[Mbeau]

Nice project and bargain price you got it for, even with the small little issues. Squib is much more simple on the Cup as no cruise control and much cheaper!! I have a couple of working ones I would sell if that is the issue. Easy to swap over. I am assuming the garage was quoting to fit a brand new one?

 

[02teasda]

Nice project and bargain price you got it for, even with the small little issues. Squib is much more simple on the Cup as no cruise control and much cheaper!! I have a couple of working ones I would sell if that is the issue. Easy to swap over. I am assuming the garage was quoting to fit a brand new one?

Thanks, so far it seems to be a good buy so fingers crossed it stays that way.
Is the stalk for the radio controls transferable as most of the squibs I’ve looked at only have the two stalks? I’ll send you a PM as id be happy to take one off your hands [emoji1360]
Quote was to fit a new genuine replacement yes

 

[02teasda]

Couple more little jobs ticked off the list today. Correct aerial fitted to replace the existing one that has 2 adapters fitted in the middle [emoji848]

Fresh number plate light fitted to finish off tidying up the rear

And flushed the power steering fluid with some fresh Dexron II to replace the old fluid which was a little low using the guide on here.

Refitted the number plates as the double sided pads I used were terrible. Took a couple of photos of the corrosion around the old number plate screw holes, not sure how best to tackle this as the rest of the paint on the boot lid is in perfect condition so I’d rather avoid getting the full boot lid resprayed.

 

[Cup1/2Full]

Ideal place to experiment with rust repair.
I follow this guy on Youtube, he is by far the best automotive "how to" guy I've found so far. Link below. Good luck.

 

[t90_lle]

Fresh number plate light fitted to finish off tidying up the rear

Was this direct from Renault?

 

[RustyMojo]

Ideal place to experiment with rust repair.
I follow this guy on Youtube, he is by far the best automotive "how to" guy I've found so far. Link below. Good luck.

Hmm, i mean that’s a reasonable guide for using filler on your drive and how to paint, but that rust will be back in months. He hasn’t repaired it at all

 

[02teasda]

Was this direct from Renault?

No I got it off eBay but it was a brand new genuine part paid about £12 for it. Part number 7700410754

 

[02teasda]

I think with regards to the paint I’ll probably just take it to a proper body shop to get done. There will be a few bits like front bumper, wing mirrors, possibly bonnet, and any rust spots I find when I get chance to take the bumpers and side skirts off