Renault 4 F4 1987 Ancienne EDF GDF

[yusufpreece]

Good day folks!!

I've recently purchased a 1987 Fourgonnette "Quatrelle" in EDF Bleu which I think was a fairly good deal. I'm not your go-to guy for any auto repairs or mechanics nor do I have any background experience with automobiles but I'm a big fan of learning on the job. Prior to making my purchase, I'd done some research and inspection to the best of my knowledge and capabilities,

From my deduction, I think it was a pretty damn good deal. especially considering the fact that I was just looking for a runaround vehicle to get to work and back. When my eyeballs laid upon this beauty, it was love at first sight.

With a bit of introduction to the 4L, the milage is clocked at 239,877, previous owner was a motorcycle enthusiast fixing and restoring old motorcycles for breakfast and dinner. He had this vehicle for 3 years, which was bought out of a whim. His friend was buying a yellow La Poste version and he bought the blue EDF GDF version just for the fun of it.

When he posted the vehicle for sale, it was really nice of him to make some repairs to make it roadworthy. He added new shock absorbers, an electric ignition starter, new headlights, indicators, and a few other important details which I'm just gonna have to get the invoice if you really want to know what he has done. but nothing major that's for sure.

I know ahead of me lays a long journey to learn service, maintain and restore this vehicle, I didn't know where to go other than seeking help and advice from Quatrelle enthusiasts that can hopefully direct me in the right direction.

Up to this point, I'm aware that rust is one of the biggest enemies that will be an ongoing battle to slowly restore to how it(she)he used to be.

Before proceeding any further, I have a couple of questions, which id appreciate if someone can help answer.

1. What service and maintenance do I need to carry out and do to keep this vehicle healthy and smooth running?
2. Where can I seek service manuals and which do you recommend?
3. For a start, should I mainly focus on the engine or the exterior (rust and seals)?
4. Where can I outsource parts?

Im currently residing in Limousin, France. If anyone happens to be within reach, do send in a message and ill be more than happy to meet up!

Bonsoirrr folks!!

 

[Azazello]

Personally, I started from learning to do an oil change. Now i can figure out quite easily where to put oil and where water.
Out of this site, one of the most sourceful is https://www.la4ldesylvie.fr/
Congrats for your purchase, it will grant you years of joy!
Good work!

 

[Andy McGhee]

These sites will be useful for spare parts (before you order anything, make sure you check the identification plates under the bonnet/on the engine - it's easy to end up with the wrong parts):

Secondhand:

https://www.palace-de-lancienne.com/

4L-LAND (4l-land.com)

https://www.leboncoin.fr

New parts:

https://www.mister-auto.com/

https://vehicules-anciens.fr/fr/

https://www.melun-retro-passion.com/fr/24-r4

https://www.oscaro.com/

https://www.4lparts.com/

Renault / R4 / All (franzose.de)

Renault 4 y 6 - piezasautosclasicos.com

 

[quatrelle87]

Hi there
I too am in the Limousin (Eymoutiers). As "Azazello" says above, the tutorials and information on https://www.la4ldesylvie.fr/ are an absolute gold mine. I'm very similar to you when it comes to mechanics, however, with these tutorials, I've been able to do quite a few jobs. The more I do, the more I get to know the car, and the more confident I feel about tackling small issues.
The list of sites Andy gives above have all proved useful to me when buying parts, especially 4L-LAND, oscaro, 4lparts.com, franzone.de. You will certainly find all you need on any of these sites, but do your shopping around first - some parts are cheaper with one place than the other, some charge more for postages, etc.
Let me know where you are and perhaps we can hook up for a mutual appreciation of our 4Ls at some point.
Happy motoring

 

[yusufpreece]

Wow!! appreciate your recommendations! will get my reading glasses on and let the learning commence.

A little update with the latest on Mr. EDF Bleu, there's a slight hiccup regarding paperwork. the previous owner initially stated that the vehicle wouldn't have to go through a CT (Control Technique) until about 2.5 years from now. since it's a 30+ years old vehicle, it's classed as a vehicule du collection. therefore, I wouldn't have to do a CT when changing ownership on the Carte de Grisse and I have to do it only every 5 years.

He was wrong, I still needed to do a CT within 1 month of changing ownership. What's nice of him is he took responsibility for his mistake and offered to take back the vehicle and get the CT done and return it back.

Recently observing my Quatrelle, I did notice rust points needing some attention around the vehicle. in my thought process, correct me if I'm wrong, my first step to restoration will be to replace new rubber seals around the front of the door and back to stop water from entering. And then locate all the rusts and get it sanded and protected.

I was initially thinking to focus on learning to service and maintain the engine, but perhaps this saying is true (again, correct me if I'm wrong), "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

will be interested in what your thoughts are on this.

 

[yusufpreece]

Hi there
I too am in the Limousin (Eymoutiers). As "Azazello" says above, the tutorials and information on https://www.la4ldesylvie.fr/ are an absolute gold mine. I'm very similar to you when it comes to mechanics, however, with these tutorials, I've been able to do quite a few jobs. The more I do, the more I get to know the car, and the more confident I feel about tackling small issues.
The list of sites Andy gives above have all proved useful to me when buying parts, especially 4L-LAND, oscaro, 4lparts.com, franzone.de. You will certainly find all you need on any of these sites, but do your shopping around first - some parts are cheaper with one place than the other, some charge more for postages, etc.
Let me know where you are and perhaps we can hook up for a mutual appreciation of our 4Ls at some point.
Happy motoring

Hey, nice to know a 4L enthusiast in the neighborhood! the good news is you're not too far, the bad news is you're not too near. I'm in Chateau Chervix. We should definitely have a meetup one of these days. perhaps after I've learned to talk a bit of Quatrelle, we can speak the same language >.<