Clio 182 - road car / track car / race car

[william...]

Hi mate,

where you got this stickers from? Self made?

 

[botfch]

Turns out you can order the OEM brake lines from Renault and they arrive the next working day for a reasonable price. Not bad for a 15 year old car.

Also ordered the short braided rear lines from KAM. The only place I found that sells the rears on their own with next day delivery.

View attachment 1436768

Time to get them fitted and then tackle the front of the car......

Enjoying the thread very informative photos!

Don't suppose you remember the part number for the oem lines?

 

[Hyperhatch]

Enjoying the thread very informative photos!

Don't suppose you remember the part number for the oem lines?

The one I used is this one -

Renault Clio 172 182 Brake Pipe OSR | Renault Parts Direct

Renault Clio 172 182 Brake Pipe OSR | Renault Parts Direct | Products in stock for various models with secure payment.

www.renaultpartsdirect.co.uk

The one for the other side is this one -

Renault Clio 172 182 Brake Pipe NSR | Renault Parts Direct

Renault Clio 172 182 Brake Pipe NSR | Renault Parts Direct | Products in stock for various models with secure payment and fast delivery.

www.renaultpartsdirect.co.uk

 

[Hyperhatch]

Hi mate,

where you got this stickers from? Self made?

My mate Dan does the stickers. Has also did the blue one I raced with. He’s based in Bedford. The one on my car was harder to do as the yellow/grey colours are blended so it was printed.

 

[william...]

So from the silver one too...could he offer me the same like from your silver one and send it by post to Germany?

 

[Hyperhatch]

No, mean that one from silver one!

He did them both and made them both

 

[Simon1975]

Amazing read. Just sat and read the whole thing from start to finish some good mods. Also realised I was on track at brands when you did your Ards test was a cold day but the track warmed up nicely

 

[Hyperhatch]

Finally I had some time with the Clio today. The good news is i’m finally going ahead LSD so I pulled it out the garage.

In preparation for the gearbox removal I took the bonnet and the bumper off....... and the wings........ and the side skirts! It’s fair to say I got carried away but the reason for this is I want this to be the last time the car comes apart except for routine maintenance. Once the diff is in I just want to use it.......... and then finally get a 996!

Some areas of concern showed up. I need to rebuild the jacking points and remove and paint all the rust areas.

I also want to sort this area out around the battery.

Parts are arriving ready for when it gets put back together. I now have OEM service parts and gaskets for the inlet. Santa also bought me a proper cover for the inlet cone.

Now it’s time to book a weekend in and get that gearbox’s out at last

 

[Hyperhatch]

I've had time today to remove some more bits ready for the gearbox to come out. Hopefully this is happening tomorrow but I think my mate/mechanic has got the man flue so we'll see.

The cars up in the air now so I've removed the front wheels, arch liners, radiator and ECU bracketry. To be honest there's a lot of corrosion about so whilst the gearbox is away I'll tackle this as best as possible.

I've also been spending! First up was a new off side side skirt as I damaged the current one when the car slipped of the jack many years ago. £30 delivered in the same colour, not bad. Next up was a second hand KTec induction pipe in black. This is no show car but I thought this would compliment the powder coated inlet bits when cleaned up.

Last up was a big surprise...………...EPAS


I've never had an issue with my standard hydraulic power steering, in fact I liked it! But I've seen many play up so I'm probably on borrowed time, After seeing the oil on the outside of the pipes today I now know I was on borrowed time!

I did want manual steering. Remember the blue race car has this and I hated it. So whilst everything's out I'll convert the column and rack. Problem now is do I pull the subframe out and refurbish/paint this?! The list goes on and on and on and on...…...…...…...............….

 

[Hyperhatch]

Sad news - the gearbox is in the car due to illness

Good news - I’ve invested in an engine hoist.................... to remove the engine and gearbox this weekend

The more I looked at it the more I wanted to do so taking the engine out seems the simplest solution. I’m not going proper OCD with it but whilst it’s apart I can tidy a lot of bits and also remove a lot of bits I no longer need.

 

[Hyperhatch]

Today we finally removed the engine and gearbox from the car. I’ve never done this before so it was interesting. Shame it’s so cold outside today the frost never went away!

The gearbox is off to Mark to work his magic on it. It’s a bit wet inside but apart from that seams fine.

The gearbox actually works fine with no crunching etc but I’ll get anything and everything changed if it’s needed as I don’t want it out again.

Time ran out to take the subframe off. Once it’s off it’s time to start getting the rust and crud off ready for when the gearbox comes back. All in all a good days work

 

[Hyperhatch]

More ‘progress’! I think. I removed the subframe and then all the bits that bolt to it ready for cleaning/painting.

I then got carried away again and removed as much as possible from the engine bay so it can be tidied up as best as possible before paint. I think I'm at the paint prep stage.

I need to sort the brake servo/master cylinder out as its looking pretty ropy. I think some people running the 4 pot Brembo's upgrade to 197 version so I might look into that. If anyone has then please let me know.....

Both front shocks, brakes & hubs were also removed so I can paint and treat up inside the wheel arch as well

In the other news, after along drive last night the gearbox is now up with Mark. After a chat I've changed my mind and I'm going with a gripper diff. Exciting times but there's so much to do before that engine/box can go in. I did find myself standing in the engine bay zoned out thinking why, why, why..........

This makes me laugh when I see it.......

 

[Hyperhatch]

I’ve made a start on the rust removal. Although I have zero time for this in a weird way it’s actually enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the end results.

Gearbox update - turns out it’s not to bad which was unsurprising as its worked fine since I’ve had it. It’s going to have -

Selector shaft seal
Diff seal
End cover seal
Synchro rings x3
Selector hub for 3rd/4th gear
Input shaft seal/bearing assembly.

I’m still spending money. This week I’ve purchased a Megan 5th gear and another set of TD1.2s

So much for the cheap track car

 

[Hyperhatch]

Many many hours have gone into getting to today but at last the rebuild begins!

Over the past couple of weeks every spare moment has gone into removing rust and crappy paint. As I don’t want to do it again I ended up doing the whole engine bay and both wheel arches. I etch primered everything in the end. The wheel arches had a couple of of layers of stone chip protector as well.

The fun bit came today when I sprayed it all silver again. I’m really happy with how’s it’s come out. I just need to clear coat the engine bay.

Gearbox update - it’s ready!! Work commitments stop me from getting it atm but i’ll get it shortly. I still need to get all the subframe etc powder coated which is the next phase of works.

This also turned up in the post

I’m spent, it’s been hard work especially in a single garage

 

[David172]

Results look amazing though, like its rolled out the factory. Worth the effort imo

 

[dann2707]

Disappointed by the lack of replies in here. Massive hats off to you dude it looks amazing. The engine crane will come in handy too, it's such a worthwhile investment if you have the space. Lost count on how many times I've used mine

 

[Nafoff]

100% worth the effort. I know exactly how you feel after stripping back the whole underside and arches of mine but it is so worth it to know that it is done.
looks like a great job too.

 

[Hyperhatch]

Cheers for the comments 👍

Went and checked on it today, it’s still looking good! There’s one bit I wanted to keep so I covered it in masking tape before I painted it .........

 

[Mbeau]

The bay looks to have come out really well. I am envious of your EPAS as would really like to o this on my track car. Gets rid of so much from the engine bay. The less the better I think!

What did you prep and paint it with? Looking great.

 

[Hyperhatch]

The bay looks to have come out really well. I am envious of your EPAS as would really like to o this on my track car. Gets rid of so much from the engine bay. The less the better I think!

What did you prep and paint it with? Looking great.

Cheers, I’m unsure on the EPAS as i’m still to drive one with it on. But there’s definatly a lot of bits that get removed!

As for the paint, I used a grinder with a knotted wire wheel brush on it. I must have taken over 75% of the paint off. All the chassis legs, turrets etc. The bulk head was ok as it had been covered up so I just gave it a key so the paint would stick.

With the wheel arches I only grinded a couple of areas with rust on them. I mainly used a battery drill with various wire wheel attachments on it so not damage the textured projection as it was in good order.

As for paint I used the following. I still need to clear lacquer the smooth engine bay bits.

Topcoat is my trusty favourite.............. Hammerite smooth silver

 

[Mbeau]

Excellent. I love hammerite 😂

 

[Usr117063]

The bay looks to have come out really well. I am envious of your EPAS as would really like to o this on my track car. Gets rid of so much from the engine bay. The less the better I think!

What did you prep and paint it with? Looking great.

Mark the epas is spot on, you can have a go in mine if you want. The quick rack and alignment really helps with the feel/feedback, it also self centers just fine, I know people said that it didnt.

 

[Hyperhatch]

Last weekend I managed to clearcoat the engine bay ready to start bolting some bits back in

Found a bit of time at the weekend to run up and pick up the gearbox. On the way up I stopped at the Silverstone experience. It was nice to see one of the cars that got me into ‘cars’ again.....

@NorthloopCup rebuilt the gearbox and fitted the gripper. I finally got to meet him after years of messages. He’s shared a lot of knowledge over the last few years with me re setups etc with the bump and roll centre kit. I’m definatly looking forward to trying the gearbox out👏👍

I managed to find some time to clean up the box and paint it. Looks spot on!

I’ve found all the bits around the garage ready to go away for powder coating. I think they’re all going to be anthracite unless I change my mind. The cast gearbox mounts will just be cleaned up.

I’m to tight to buy a cup bulkhead plate so i’ll add a cover plate to the current one and have it powder coated as well. I also need to repair the bracket that holds the ECU as i’m also to tight to buy a new one!

I can't get the camber bushes out of the wishbones easily so I'll paint the wishbones black once the strengthening plates are welded on.

I keep saying the rebuild begins but i’m yet to bolt anything back on......

 

[NorthloopCup]

Last weekend I managed to clearcoat the engine bay ready to start bolting some bits back in

View attachment 1456614

Found a bit of time at the weekend to run up and pick up the gearbox. On the way up I stopped at the Silverstone experience. It was nice to see one of the cars that got me into ‘cars’ again.....

View attachment 1456605

@NorthloopCup rebuilt the gearbox and fitted the gripper. I finally got to meet him after years of messages. He’s shared a lot of knowledge over the last few years with me re setups etc with the bump and roll centre kit. I’m definatly looking forward to trying the gearbox out👏👍

I managed to find some time to clean up the box and paint it. Looks spot on!

View attachment 1456606
View attachment 1456611View attachment 1456608View attachment 1456609View attachment 1456610
I’ve found all the bits around the garage ready to go away for powder coating. I think they’re all going to be anthracite unless I change my mind. The cast gearbox mounts will just be cleaned up.

View attachment 1456615

I’m to tight to buy a cup bulkhead plate so i’ll add a cover plate to the current one and have it powder coated as well. I also need to repair the bracket that holds the ECU as i’m also to tight to buy a new one!

I can't get the camber bushes out of the wishbones easily so I'll paint the wishbones black once the strengthening plates are welded on.

I keep saying the rebuild begins but i’m yet to bolt anything back on......

Nice to meet you too mate, and you’re more than welcome regards the advice 👍🏻
Gearbox looks mint now it’s painted!

 

[Hyperhatch]

This weekend I managed to complete the wishbone strengthening.

I was going to send this away for powder coating but I couldn’t get the camber bushes out of the wishbones without bending them so decides to tape them up and paints them in house. Of to my trusty mate for the welding. Today I cleaned them up and painted them. One side still needs a few more layers but rain stopped play

I’m dropping off the bits for powder coating tomorrow.

I hope they’re back in a week or so and then it’s full steam ahead.

 

[Chambers_RS]

Awesome work 👍🏻

 

[Greeny.]

Loving this, great work and im very jealous of the gearbox!

 

[Hyperhatch]

Had the call today to say the sub frame etc is ready at the powder coaters. I’m looking forward to getting the bits back as that signals the start of the rebuild.

Most of the other bits I’ve painted are now ready. Made a bit of a mistake with the wishbones. Thought they were dry when I turned them over but they weren’t so the cardboard stuck to them so I had to remove the crap and paint again

Before

After

Other bits on the washing line!

More bits have arrived. Plumbed in fire extinguisher came this week. More weight going in but it opens up the options of racing it at some point.....

 

[Hyperhatch]

With the upcoming COVID-19 isolation I've done my best to stock up...………………………………. on Clio parts to fit!

Firstly the powder coating is back. Most is grey but there's a couple of cleaned up cast items. Looks smart but to be honest I haven't taken the bubble wrap off as I don't want to damage them.

Next up I visited @AdamCup to collect various bits. Nice guy with plenty of bits to buy if you're looking! First up was EPAS with DCI rack.

Next up some second hand new brake discs

Then a battery relocation kit and light weight battery

A new radiator as my one is hanging!

And finally another set of TD1.2s for a set of wets once refurbished. These will not be staying black..........

So with all the above the rebuild starts. I was going to put the engine through the bottom but although (touch wood) work is ok at the moment I don't want to fork out £££ on the fancy clutch Mark has recommended ATM. So I'll build the bulkhead parts up and then mount the subframe etc up. If all this is completed I'll clean the engine up as its hanging!

I'm not going to lie i'm a little daunted ATM

 

[Nafoff]

Daunted at the amount of jobs in hand? Or the type of jobs you have to do?
I literally had no clue when doing my car but feel its turned out alright, if I can do it, you certainly can

 

[Hyperhatch]

Daunted at the amount of jobs in hand? Or the type of jobs you have to do?
I literally had no clue when doing my car but feel its turned out alright, if I can do it, you certainly can

Daunted as in there’s a lot to do and I don’t have much spare time, it’s hard to work in a single garage, there’s a lot of new bits going in that are different to before, I don’t want to forget one part and have to remove bits again to fit them, I want it back up together soon, I’ve been here before so know what’s involved, the list goes on.......

Time to get my big boy pants on I guess!

 

[Hyperhatch]

Big day today - first bits went back in! Also painted the last few bits. Only posted as we’ll see how long it takes from today to getting it started and getting it running....

 

[JezzaMac]

Great thread! I’ve just read it from start to finish!

Your dedication to making things function well but also look well is very envy-able!

I wish I had the same dedication to making things look good!

Keep up the good work!

 

[Hyperhatch]

Great thread! I’ve just read it from start to finish!

Your dedication to making things function well but also look well is very envy-able!

I wish I had the same dedication to making things look good!

Keep up the good work!

Cheers for the comments

I try my best , sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t! I’m no mechanic and I don’t have the budgets of the fancy race cars.

This cars definitely become a labour of love

 

[Hyperhatch]

Had a nice evening with the car tonight. I've managed to build a few bits up but the nice bit is I wasn't covered in rust, crap or paint when I finished!

First up I fitted the bulkhead cover plate. I've adapted this to cover the old AC lines which I've cut back. I'll be changing a lot of the bolts out on the rebuild so here's the first of the shinny ones. I'm not going crazy with weight loss here so I'll be keeping the original fan for rainy days. Personally I'll sacrifice a few KGs to be able to see in the rain.

I've removed all the wipers and covers ready to fit the nozzles for the fire extinguisher. I'll post a thread but where's best to put them? Two at the front and two at the back?


Then I unwrapped the subframe. It's the first time I've properly looked at the powder coating and I'm impressed. The eagle eyed of you will notice its not the sparkly high gloss finish like the rear. It's the same colour but there was a little mix up so its a different finish. TBH I like the way it looks. Remember go car not show car as I keep saying!

I managed to bolt up the wishbones and will continue from there tomorrow.

All in all it brought a smile to my face today as we're finally moving forwards!

 

[Hyperhatch]

Momentum is good at the moment. Bits have started coming out of the loft!

First up was the ABS module. I forgot the case was in poor condition so had to clean it up and paint it. Its now silver as I've run out of black due to COVID-19. I also took time to put new clinch nuts and bolts that mount the module to the car as the old ones were in bad condition.

As mentioned before I want to upgrade the master cylinder etc to 197 and thought I had a bargain when I purchased a 197 servo for £18 delivered. Only problem is the servos diameter is a lot bigger so that ideas been scrapped as it doesn't fit. I'm now refurbishing the old one and I'll buy a 197 master cylinder which just bolts in.

Next up the I attached the DCI steering rack and the anti roll bar to the subframe. Then I bolted this all in but its not easy on your own! TBH the main reason for doing this down is I don't want it getting damaged as currently I have to keep moving it in and out every time I want to work on the car.

Again i'm happy its going back together now

 

[Hyperhatch]

Last night I removed the old steering column. No mean feat in a single garage at night time. This took a few hours to achieve . I didn’t make brum brum noises but it’s the first time I’ve sat in the drivers seat of the car for nearly a year and it felt good

Today I swapped all the stalks etc over to the EPAS column and re fitted it. I’ve tried to line it up as it was with the steering rack central but I imagine it going to set up for oval racing when I test it first time

Then I reassembled the servo & master cylinder. First the pedal box thing was re fitted. I painted this silver due to COVID-19 but I actually think it looks better for it. Then I built the rest up. Turns out I forgot to paint the bracket that goes on the front of it so that’s in paint ATM. Also the MC is in temporary as i’ll be getting a new 197 MC.

To be honest i’m impressed remembering this is how this area looked before...

 

[RustyMojo]

What a beautiful job you are doing, loving the rebuild and attention to detail. Just wish my wife hadn’t put the spending brakes on thanks to thurlough wages!

 

[Nafoff]

Its so satisfying bolting bits back up isn't it.... makes you properly feel like you are moving forward....
Feel your pain on fitting the subframe up by yourself... ha.... can remember doing it with the car in the air, the subframe on my chest holding it up to bolt in...

 

[Hyperhatch]

What a beautiful job you are doing, loving the rebuild and attention to detail. Just wish my wife hadn’t put the spending brakes on thanks to thurlough wages!

Cheers, TBH the spend is down ATM as I had all the bits or had already paid for them. The problem is the clutch I want is expensive so the build might be coming to a stop shortly. I have the £££ but COVID-19 makes it hard to justify the expense ATM. TBH there's so many bits I want to do I'll just try and stay busy. Things like repairing the sills etc