Hi there, I was fortunate enough to recently receive a whole C5 for my 44th birthday and this is how I've arrived here!
A friend had been at a customer's property and spotted the C5 in their garden, knowing that I like a project, (and at some point in time I must have expressed my interest in C5's) he called me up and asked me what it was worth. I honestly can't remember what I told him, as this was all back in November and it was never mentioned again. Anyway, a deal was done and my wife and pal craftily went halves on the purchase. The C5 was hidden away in his garage until last weekend when it arrived in the drive complete with document pack, press cuttings charger, key & a bow!
I don't know where it had been stored, but the body was very green in places and the footwells were home to large amounts of leaves (& wood lice). Some of the exposed metal parts and fixings are quite corroded (parking brake lever looks a problem?), so all things that should move have been liberally sprayed with lubricant and penetrating oil squirted on seized parts. Underneath, the body is quite scratched (from going over kerbs I presume?) and the chain is looking rather sad, but it is all there and luckily the chassis looks solid with just surface rust and a few flaky edges.
Having given it a hoover out and scrub up, I'm pleasantly surprised with its appearance and completeness - just one rubber grommet missing from a mast socket and the headlight lens is cracked. The charger looks like it has been rather damp though, so I shall put that aside for testing. With the boot removed, it would appear the motor is seized solid and perhaps this could be why it was retired from use? I will take it off now I have found the information within the forum – I didn’t want to disturb the control box initially, but that seems the only way to disconnect the motor power feeds. Leaving it a few more days will allow the oil to get to work anyway.
I have been looking for a serial number for the C5, but can’t see one – any clues? The battery has one though, 000383 and was manufactured in 1983.
So I’m going to order up the tyre set first and at least I will then be able to move it around. Am sure I will be back in touch soon for advice – are there any other members in the High Wycombe area?
Andy.