Hi from Yorkshire

[Ian T]

Hello everyone, just joined and thought it more polite to introduce myself rather than just start posting requests.

Touring France last year on my motorbike fell in love with these wonderful machines. Now just moved to Yorkshire so settled and able to start the quest.

I have dabbled many years ago with spitfires and my TR7 but unsure on this one. Happy to try and restore or get a nice one but as usual with a new unknown marque confusion is abundant.

So that's me any direction would be wonderful or steers towards good car or project. Starting to research but can't seem to find and parts or panel suppliers that do microfiche diagrams or the like.

Am serious so hope to be part of the family soon

Kind regards

Ian

 

[Paul Narramore]

Ian

Welcome. I'm new to this forum too although without a Renault 4 at present. We did own a Renault 4GTL when the children were small (35yrs ago) but she was sold when I had too many cars. I know more about Citroen 2CVs that R4s, having owned five, but have decided I want a little more comfort now. What I hadn't appreciated was just how few R4s there now are even though more were built than 2CVs. 2CV owners are fortunate as for some years, replacement galvanised chassis have been available. In fact when I bought my present 2CV five years ago, I bought and fitted one.

As for R4s, all I can suggest is to do as I have done and that is to read every damn thing, especially the 'Guides' and 'Tech Tips' links, on the cars, read all the project posts you come across and realise that whilst these are lovely little cars, the chassis is just about everything. These cars are getting on now and were built from thin, thin steel, so like the original 2CV chassis, rust from the inside outwards. What might look fine is probably (definitely) rotting away as we speak.

I am currently looking for a car but and having to control my impetuosity and not jump at the first one which becomes available. LHD, possibly from a nice dry warm climate v RHD for a damp salty UK climate? R4GTL with 1100cc or R4TL with 850cc? Can you do the work yourself or will you need to farm out the major stuff? Can you weld? I thought I could weld my 2CV bodyshell but try as I might, I was useless. All things to consider,

Regards
Paul

 

[Eoynteenie]

http://www.franzose.de/en/

http://www.reno4er.de/nt_blech.htm

http://www.melun-retro-passion.com/pieces-occasion/renault/re_04-4l/idcat-RE.04.7.2.CAP.

http://www.r-quatre.nl/index.php

here are some helpful sites to buy parts.

http://www.renospeed.co.uk/ - Derek is useful to talk to and the people on this forum

I have myself a R4GTL which should be being restored but i have to work my arse off so i can pay others to do it but this is causing a lot of holds up (supricing its not the money flow that is the issue )

Now the 1108cc engine is loved for its power but people dream of putting the 1.4 in these cars, seen a few myself too

BUT the GTL bodies do indeed rot to and anything after 88 i believe is just a losing battle unless you want to strip and do a proper job then the factory were willing to pay for.

Inner wings are a major killer as well.

 

[Ian T]

Thanks much appreciated

The advice is great and thanks for the links. I like to see what has to come off and how. Just popped a wanted add in so fingers crossed

Ian

 

[John M]

Hi Ian,
I live in Wetherby. It would be great to meet when you get a R4 of whatever mark. I have thought about organising a Renault 4 run in the Yorkshire Dales taking in some of the Tour de France route as it is so scenic. I just need a few cars to meet at the Wetherby services on the A1 and then off we go.

 

[Ian T]

Ha

I was in those services yesterday about an hour from me. Would be good

Ian