what car have i bought

[ade]

having looked in the guide on this forum, it seems like the car i just bought, pic attached,( i hope), doesn't fit the descriptions: it is supposed to be a 1967 car, but has 6V electrics and 4 speed box, and R1123 on the chassis plates....what actual model have i bought?

a few quick questions: the front seat runners had the rearmost fixings (into the cross member) missing: when i replaced them, the seat position could not be adjusted, because the rear outer stabiliser had bound on the floor support, and also the rear inner stabiliser doesn't sit properly on its support (see pic): have i got the wrong seats (see pic)?

one other question, is it possible to convert to 12V? (i would like to fit some sort of electronic ignition).....ade

 

[ade]

i meant to also ask, are the door cards original?.....ade

 

[ggcton]

Looks to me like you have bought a great car.
Renault Classic car club are negotiating with one of the electronic ignition suppliers to produce electronic ignition for the 4cv/dauphine. (similar engines to the earlier 4s) and 6Volt,so you may be able to have electronic ignition without the 12v conversion.
Gary Chairman RCCC

 

[jacktherev]

4tl

Adde
It looks to me that you've just bought a 4TL. It's exactly the same as the one I had in 1968.
Enjoy
Jack the rev

 

[mike4gtl]

Hi, Its an original car, last of the 6 volters hence why its 4 speed (that came in abound 66/67. Yes the trim is all original

 

[ade]

thanks for all the replies, much appreciated....ade

 

[clasicmfb]

ade

I had an electronic ignition set up custom built for my 6v 4 three years ago using components intended for motorcycles so it could all fit under the titchy distributor cap.

The firm I used is Jolley Engineering (www.classicheads.com) and the kit cost me £183 back then, including a matching coil. The system has worked reliably but I still carry the points etc in the toolbox, just in case...

Although contactless ignition has to be better at staying in tune than mechanical points, there is one drawback that wasn't brought to my attention until after I'd got the kit; electronic ignition either works or it doesn't, so if it's not receiving sufficient voltage, no spark at all is produced. When the starter motor is turning, there isn't enough 'oomph' left to energise the electronics so I could churn away to my heart's content, but the engine will not fire.

So how do I start the car? Well, it fires up the instant the key is released and the starter motor stops drawing current. There is a very brief moment when the starter isn't actually being powered but is still turning the engine - that's when it catches and runs. It sounds like a bit of a hassle but in practice, I don't give it a second thought now. I do have to remember to brief the MOT man though, or he might not be able to test the car.

By the way, the seats in your 4 are the same as those in mine and, if you're planning to have any work done to them, I can heartily recommend a man in Eastbourne who made such a good job of renovating my front seats that most people think they're entirely original. I'll dig out his details if you'd like them.

 

[angel]

It should be one of the very early 4 speed cars. They were first available in August 1967. According to the French "milessime" it is called a 1968 model. They are 4-speeders but have much more in common with the 3-speed ones than 70s R4s (6V electrics, early front suspension). Can you attach a picture of the oval plate, too?
These door cards are also original, they had been introduced one year earlier.
It should normally have round front indicators, too.

 

[ade]

ignition etc

thanks very much clasicmfb for the info, do you use your R4 in winter, and do you have problems starting it?....i'm still thinking about a 12V conversion, but there are quite a few bits to change...it may not be worth it
did you have the problem with the seats that i mentioned above?
looks like the bonnets been changed on mine, then angel, although it looks very original, but definitely has rectangular front indicators
angel, the oval plate reads: R1123/100/525639
one other thing, does anyone know how the chrome waist trims and the chrome cill trims are held on?
thanks, Ade

 

[angel]

It should have been one of the last R4s built in 1967, as the first R1123 for that model year (August 1967) had oval plate number 471377.

Both sill and waistline chrome trims are held with clips...they can be removed by simply pulling them out.
The sill trim clips are made of wire and can well be reused, these on the wings and doors are plastic and need a little more care if they are to be reused.

 

[clasicmfb]

I have to own up to being a bit of a lightweight when it comes to using my 4; it only comes out of its dehumdified garage if the roads are dry and never if there's any danger of there being any salt out there. Cold weather isn't a problem though - the car starts OK for a 6 volt vehicle and it has a volcanic heater.

6volt electrics aren't a good idea but if you do decide to change to 12volts, not only are you giving yourself work to do, you'll also be taking away just a little bit of the car's originality and character.

I have the same problem with the seat runners but I'm working on a solution using bits of plastic to prevent the seats from rocking and binding. The upholsterer I mentioned was only called upon to deal with crumbling foam padding and splits in the covers.

 

[ade]

indicators etc

thanks again for the replies
its funny you should mention that mine should have round indicators, angel, because the wires to the side repeaters have been cut through, for some reason..and there is a separate indicator warning lamp dangling below the dash.....obviously some sort of indicator problem
do you both have any favourite spares supplier?
also, any idea what paint colour mine is (i'd describe it as a mid blue, a bit like BMC Island blue)....thanks again, Adrian