Restoring Little Bluey - my 182 FF ClioSport in Racing Blue

[Mr Underhill]

Last few parts cleaned up for the final push tomorrow to get the car finished.

Air-box not the best condition but it cleaned up pretty well considering the age of it.

Best I could manage really, although the pipes are shot so on the lookout for some of those.

Cleaned the bonnet catch up and got a bit carried away with the Hydrate-80which spoiled the finish somewhat. Still, it won’t rust anytime soon. Had some Cold Blue left over so dipped the bolts in that to hold the corrosion back.

Big storm coming for tomorrow but come hell or high water, I’ll be out there getting this old girl back together 💪🏻😅

 

[ajracer]

Very much looking forward to seeing the results of all your hard work come together Jon.

 

[Twingo 1??]

Love all the attention to detail, you must have the patience of a Saint Jon.

 

[SharpyClio]

Looking good Jon. I find the small jobs to be so satisfying, most people wouldn’t even notice but you do and it feels good!


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[Mr Underhill]

And she’s done! Well the front end at least. It’s been some effort I can tell you, even for a workaholic like me, but so pleased with how it’s turned out.

I thought I wasn’t going to get it done because I’d forgotten to clean up and behind the fuse box 😂

Took her for a drive round to my sons house and it’s unreal to drive, so smooth, no knocking, steering precise and not bouncy at all. I imagine factory cars drive like this. Makes my BG seem like abs old shed, it’s that good to drive.

And that’s pretty much it for the next month or so as we get some work done on the house. The next plan is to get the Geo set up, air-con regassed and then into the bodyshop for some paint work.

I’ve really enjoyed this project and appreciate all the comments. Thank you for reading and maybe I’ll have some more updates in the spring.

 

[Stefan.]

Oh my, truely amazing work you've put into this. Should be chuffed with yourself.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Oh my, truely amazing work you've put into this. Should be chuffed with yourself.

I’ll be chomping at the bit mid-week as I’ll have now’t to do on an evening 😱 But yeah, it’s exactly how I envisaged it to be. The drive blew me away though.

 

[Rojer]

Looks amazing Jon, I'm sure you have some replacement stickers for the slam panel to finish it off?

 

[RustyMojo]

I’ll be chomping at the bit mid-week as I’ll have now’t to do on an evening 😱 But yeah, it’s exactly how I envisaged it to be. The drive blew me away though.

Jon I can fix those mid week blues for you! I’ll drop a silver ship box up to you.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Looks amazing Jon, I'm sure you have some replacement stickers for the slam panel to finish it off?

How did you know? 😂 Yeah I got some off a chap on here last year.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Jon I can fix those mid week blues for you! I’ll drop a silver ship box up to you.

How’s the rear beam coming on?

 

[RustyMojo]

How’s the rear beam coming on?

2 & 1/2 bolts removed at the moment mate. I’ll drop it tomorrow I think, depending on time. Been working on a few bits whilst I await my deliver from Bilt hamber. Once that’s here I’ll smash some evening in on rust removal

 

[Brigsy]

Looks class, done a great job on it

 

[ajracer]

Cant really add to what the guys have said. Hope you enjoy her for many years to come.

 

[Munday]

This thread is incredible and your car looks amazing!
I've had my RB since new and I wish I had the skills to do this to mine!

Enjoy!

 

[Mr Underhill]

This thread is incredible and your car looks amazing!
I've had my RB since new and I wish I had the skills to do this to mine!

Enjoy!

Nice of you to say fella, thank you very much 😊

 

[Louis]

Probably better than when it came out of Renault! Awesome work.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Probably better than when it came out of Renault! Awesome work.

I sent my mate, who has worked at Renault 30 years, some pics and he said exactly the same thing. Pretty pleased with it, but still someway to go before it’s perfect

 

[NickReilly063]

Looks fantastic - no money can buy the time/effort and love that has gone into that.

 

[SharpyClio]

I’m looking at this and thinking.. “that’s ridiculously good, I have a long way to go”.

That’s said it does show what can be done with some (lots) of love and attention. Would love to see it in the flesh. [emoji108]


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[Mr Underhill]

Looks fantastic - no money can buy the time/effort and love that has gone into that.

That’s said it does show what can be done with some (lots) of love and attention.

And money 💰 but only to a certain degree in this case. I had most of the paint/materials and some parts from my other Clio projects. Biggest expenditure were the new front & rear CUP dampers, front and rear ABS sensors and driveshafts.

I’m going to post an updated summary of work so far and stick a price against the new parts - might even surprise myself 🙈

But yes, unless you’re prepared to put unlimited hours in and avoid corner cutting, then the results will be average at best.

 

[NickReilly063]

Just Mega work and knowledge John - wish you could finish mine of to that standard.

Top Job

 

[SharpyClio]

Yeah that makes sense. I’ve mentally put a decent chunk of money (probably more than 100% of the purchase price) to one side to do everything I want with mine. If it gets it anywhere near this standard I’d be happy. I know I’ll probably not get that back but then I’m not planning on selling it and for my satisfaction it’s worth it, as I’m sure is the case with yours Jon.


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[Mr Underhill]

Just Mega work and knowledge John - wish you could finish mine of to that standard.

Top Job

Much appreciated but 4 years ago I’d never done any mechanical work or restoration. And I mean none.

But thanks to this website and its members, YouTube and wrestling with my other 2 Clio Sports I’d gained enough knowledge to jump in. That and getting totally ripped by amateurs masquerading as “Specialists”.

I’m lucky in that my children have all grown up, my wife is very understanding (she knows I’ll ignore her anyway 😂) and the drive to know that no matter what I put my mind to, I’ll give it 100%.

I’ll definitely do other peoples projects in a few years time.

I still haven’t opened an engine or gearbox though, mainly because I haven’t had to, but it’ll happen. What could possibly go wrong 😑😂

 

[Mr Underhill]

Yeah that makes sense. I’ve mentally put a decent chunk of money (probably more than 100% of the purchase price) to one side to do everything I want with mine. If it gets it anywhere near this standard I’d be happy. I know I’ll probably not get that back but then I’m not planning on selling it and for my satisfaction it’s worth it, as I’m sure is the case with yours Jon.


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Yeah that’s pretty much it. If you can visualise it, you’ll get there eventually.

 

[NickReilly063]

Wow just amazing John - might hold you to a couple of year's time - my bodywork and interior are already done but what you have done to your engine bay and underneath really amazes me

You don't live near Huddersfield do you HaHa

 

[Mr Underhill]

Wow just amazing John - might hold you to a couple of year's time - my bodywork and interior are already done but what you have done to your engine bay and underneath really amazes me

You don't live near Huddersfield do you HaHa

😂 So pretty much the shitty jobs then 😂

I’m up in Normanby, North Yorkshire.

 

[NickReilly063]

At Least in Yorkshire - just not West.

 

[Bluebeard]

Mate that’s amazing. A real credit to you, even more so given your lack of experience.
bravo sir, bravo.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Mate that’s amazing. A real credit to you, even more so given your lack of experience.
bravo sir, bravo.

Thanks Daniel much appreciated. This forums really helped, best one out there and the knowledge base is second to none. I wouldn’t have attempted it otherwise. Best £10 or is it £12? I’ve spent.

 

[CFAB]

Credit to you mate, it’s nice to see some love going into these cars and doing it properly.

Look forward to seeing some more.

 

[Jekyll]

Fantastic work Jon. Amazing 👏 👌

 

[Mr Underhill]

Fantastic work Jon. Amazing 👏 👌

Cheers Mark

 

[Mr Underhill]

An update on work completed so far starting from the rear….

• Rear Beam Axle completely refurbished along with brackets, hubs and carriers
• Brand new Purple Powerflex bushes
• Brand new Genuine body to beam bracket bolts
• Brand new Genuine rear calipers and HEL stainless steel bleed nipples
• Brand new Genuine rear discs, Motrio pads and axle nuts.
• Brand new Genuine rear ABS sensors
• Brand new stainless steel braided lines inc rear axle lines
• Brand new 10.9 high tensile nuts and bolts in hubs, beam axle and lower damper
• Brand new Genuine ‘Cup” dampers
• Rear springs clean up.
• Complete restoration of the rear section, including chassis legs up to and in around the fuel tank. Descaled, degreased, application of DEOX-Gel, followed by several coats of Hydrate-80, followed by Electrox Primer then finally Epoxy-Mastic and undersealing.
• Cavity waxed with Dynax S80
• Rebuilt, repaired the two rear heat shields, Replaced missing and old heat shield screws with Genuine Renault ones.
• Removed, cleaned, polished and refit rear exhaust section
• Replaced rear exhaust hanger mounts with Pro-am Racing stainless steel versions and applied additional paint and protection for longer life
• Aqua blasted rear exhaust brackets and fit brand new Powerflex bushes
• Complete nut and bolt refresh and restoration of brackets
• Repainted the areas in Racing Blue where factory paintwork once existed

Drivers side rear to front wing

• Removed lower body kit, cleaned, repaired and applied some paintwork - these are getting completely replaced
• Removed old rusty screws and replaced with Black rivets
• Descaled, degreased, application of DEOX-Gel followed by several coats of Hydrate-80 along the sill and applied primer and paint to tidy up. These will be repainted when it goes in for some remedial work in the Spring.
• Checked the rear quarter - including petrol tank nozzle and lower sill area. All good. Then cavity waxed the inner sills and all vulnerable areas.

Front end, engine and suspension

• Removed bumper and all inner wheel arch protectors. Cleaned up and replaced with new grommets, screws and u-clips
• Removed and fully restored subframe with Etchweld primer and Epoxy-Mastic
• Replaced a couple of dodgy subframe nuts with genuine captive ones
• Painted complete engine bay and treated any corroded areas prior to painting with Hydrate-80
• Removed engine, cleaned up and painted.
• Replaced upper and lower inlet, thermostat housing and exhaust manifold gaskets
• Replaced steering rack bushes with brand new Powerflex and repaired cross threading on the brackets
• Complete restoration of the inner arches, chassis legs, in and around headlamp area and pretty much everywhere else. Descaled, degreased, application of DEOX-Gel, followed by several coats of Hydrate-80, followed by Electrox Primer then finally repainted in Racing Blue.
• Aqua blasted cambelt cover, upper and lower inlet, thermostat housing bracket, alternator, power steering and ancillary brackets, gearbox mount bracket, engine mount bracket and replaced battery tray bracket then aqua blasted it
• Replaced upper engine mount and gearbox mount with genuine parts
• Replaced old expansion tank with brand new Renault parts
• Replaced old bonnet switch with brand new genuine version
• Replaced heat shield grommets in bulkhead
• Cleaned up and painted alternator, power steering pump and air-con pump.
• Replaced auxiliary belt with genuine part
• Replaced thermostat and seal with genuine parts
• Cleaned radiator and condenser.
• Cleaned lower heat shield below manifold, applied heat shield tape on power steering pipes as per factory as well as starter heat shield
• Removed and cleaned fuse box, cleaned all fuses and connections and earths and replaced/repaired any broken or torn tape on the engine loom
• Replaced slam panel rubber with brand new genuine part and painted slam panel after treating with Hydrate-80
• Replaced bonnet switch with brand new genuine part
• Replaced Map sensor with brand new genuine part
• Replaced oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and pollen filter with genuine parts.
• Temporarily replaced gearbox oil with non genuine parts as non available and replaced engine oil with genuine Renault oils
• Flushed out and replaced power steering fluid and cooling system with genuine parts. Bled complete braking system and replaced fluids with genuine parts.
• Refurbished and painted front calipers/carriers and rebuilt with new cylinders, sliders and rubbers. All bolts replaced
• Refurbished and painted hubs
• Replaced ABS sensors with brand new Bosch versions
• Replaced old brake pipe from calliper with stainless steel braided lines
• Replaced old driveshafts with Shaftec refurbished versions
• Replaced CV boots on steering rack
• Replaced discs and pads
• Replaced front dampers with genuine CUP versions and cleaned/painted springs
• Replaced every nut and bolt in and around the suspension and engine with either genuine Renault bolts, or brand new alternatives
• Replaced top nut kit including new spacers
• Cleaned, polished and coated headlamps
• Cleaned air box inside and out and then refurbished original screws with Cold Blue/Metal Blacking
• Cleaned, painted and greased bonnet stay
• Cleaned up and painted ECU brackets and associated parts
• Cavity waxed all vulnerable areas with B&H S50 and undersealed chassis plates

I’m still on the lookout for some airbox pipes, although I may be sticking an ITG air system on it later in the spring. I’m also going to replace the front engine lifter lug with a new one as I’m using the old one from my BG.

I’m sure I’ve missed some stuff but as you can see I was pretty busy. The car is literally brand new and the drives reflects it too.

Began putting prices of new parts against each item then scared myself halfway through. The wife might be watching too 😅

It’s a long list and a hard read but it’ll serve me well should I ever decide to sell the car on. And people can see the commitment and love that goes into my cars.

Still only halfway there.

Thanks for reading.

 

[ajracer]

First dibs on the car Jon if you decide to sell unless you fancy doing mine to stop you getting bored! Lol

 

[NickReilly063]

I’m first Andy

Very nice write-up Jon - it would have taken me longer to do write-up than it’s taken you to restore your car HaHa

Fantastic work 👍

 

[Mr Underhill]

First dibs on the car Jon if you decide to sell unless you fancy doing mine to stop you getting bored! Lol

You’ve already got 2 stunners

 

[02teasda]

Phenomenal work Jon, enjoyed reading each update and waiting for the next one. You’ve inspired me to tackle my cup or at least attempt the rear beam to begin with and see how I get on. Your posts will come in handy especially with regards to corrosion repair/protection as I’ve got absolutely no experience in that area.
Top work!
Sam

 

[Mr Underhill]

Phenomenal work Jon, enjoyed reading each update and waiting for the next one. You’ve inspired me to tackle my cup or at least attempt the rear beam to begin with and see how I get on. Your posts will come in handy especially with regards to corrosion repair/protection as I’ve got absolutely no experience in that area.
Top work!
Sam

Thanks Sam

If you need any advice just drop me a message. Have fun!

 

[Mr Underhill]

Did a pre-MOT inspection today as it’s due to go in for its test, air-con regas and geometry set up this week.

Everything looked spot on except the handbrake which needed taking down a couple of notches.

Pretty simple job as I managed to remove the heat shield without taking the centre section of exhaust off.

And that was pretty much it 🤞🏻

Took a few shots before tucking her away.