C5ALIVE Forum
C5Alive General Category => C5 Gallery => Topic started by: kamilb1998 on 11, September, 2011 - 18:56:36
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I've always wanted one, and finally one's come up fairly cheap so I bagged it! Its a 1985 Sinclair C5, been stood in a barn since 1988, and will need some work to bring it up to tip-top condition. The purchase of this, does, however mean that the quad's engine won't be getting rebuilt till about December-ish. But with it being fairly cheap I just had to buy it. I've already paid a deposit, and will be picking it up at the end of October. Can't wait!!
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0085.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0086.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0088.jpg)
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Fairy Power Spray will be your best friend I think :)
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Looks like a nice project , should scrub up well ;)
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Looks like a nice project , should scrub up well ;)
I hope it does! :D
Just looking at the pics now, especially the first one. It looks as if the body is slightly bent as if something had been stored on top of it? Anyone else see it or is it just me?
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i think it looks that way too, that can often happen if you lean on it/ put something heavy on it. i remember karl once told me "just prop it up in to the right position with a peice of wood and leave it outside on a hot day"
good luck with the restoration! i use the cif foam spray and a large scrubbring brush to clean my c5, works a treat! :)
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Use a heat gun, but be careful when you are doing it they are very HOT :'(
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Barn finds are the best, they look worst then they are sometimes as just really dirty, looks nice and original and will come up nice, I have seen some tips to re-align the the front by putting some supports up under it on both sides for about a month.
Retro Andy.
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Should be picking this up on the 15th.
Now I need a bit of advice from you all, what parts will I need to bring it back on the road? I could only think of tyres, tubes, battery & a re-grease. Any others?
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A good investment is the wiring kit to connect the battery, it will give reverse polarity protection as well.
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A good investment is the wiring kit to connect the battery, it will give reverse polarity protection as well.
I think I'll buy the leisure battery conversion kit, I like to keep things original. So I can then keep the Sinclair battery top & key setup.
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Keeping it original is no bad thing, but if you intend on using a c5 for the meetings or events then converting to a c5alive wiring kit could make more sense. The original keyswitch assembly is now 26years old and not getting any younger. They're known to get temperamental in use causing power cut-outs and the battery top needed to accommodate the keyswitch also restricts your choice of battery.
A c5alive power wiring kit is a simple "plug and play" conversion, meaning no permanent alterations. Most of the c5's at the meetings we hold are running on c5alive wiring kits mainly due to the ease of fitment, improved battery choice and added reliability.
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The reverse polarity protection is a must. I've already tried to connect mine the wrong way once. I've only had mine a few weeks and it's already saved it!
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Also on the leisure battery side - are you planning very long trips?
I understand that the leisure batteries are a lot heavier than the normal car ones and though I expect you are a bit lighter then some of us this put's me right off. I finding the cheapy battery I bought of Amazon hard to run out. I did about 8 miles yesterday using a lot of motor and still only used one bar from the indicator!
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I would check what voltage / current / battery % usage the battery has used as the POD may require re-calibrating...
Lance
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I'm not really planning on long trips. I got a bit confused (doesn't take much) and thought that you need a leisure battery conversion kit to connect a standard car battery to it. I am looking at buying a size 048 battery, I think I saw something on here saying that a Sinclair battery top will fit over a 048 size battery?
As to the C5 Alive wiring kit, I like the sound of it but i really would like to keep it original. Also I'm fairly skint at the moment having a quad engine to rebuild and a Jaguar restoration to finish in time for next summer (although this isn't all going out of my pocket money) and don't think I could afford a C5 Alive wiring kit at the moment.
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I would check what voltage / current / battery % usage the battery has used as the POD may require re-calibrating...
Lance
Hi Lance - I think that was aimed at me. How would I check this? I find the first bar goes quickly but haven't lost the second bar yet.
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Picking it up on Thursday the 8th! Can't wait!! ;D
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I wouldn't take a lot of notice of the readings on the POD for voltage, you will find if you remove the 12 volts and put it back again its back to fully display for a while.
The POD is not that accurate 8)
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Got home with it at midnight last night. Its a grey boot model (Serial no. 100050201245). I am amazed with the way its turned out, the chassis only has a couple of rust spots and the rear 'hoop' is mint. Took about an hours work to get it cleaned with two of us scrubbing away. It also came with the original toolkit, Owners Manual, C5 charger & even the rear Customer Quality Assurance Inspection Check Point sticker which I took off carefully and stored safely.
Coming home;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0155.jpg)
Accessories;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0160.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0158.jpg)
Before;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0164.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0163.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0165.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0156.jpg)
After;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0166.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0168.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0167.jpg)
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Awesome! nice work so far :)
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That looks like a superb little project mate, should come together nicely 8)
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I put a new tyre on the front (rear ones were in good nick), new inner tubes all round, greased the wheel bearings and went for a quick pedal up & down the close. This was fun, I can't wait to try it when the battery arrives.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0171.jpg)
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Looks like a really good C5 you picked up. Good luck with the rest of the restoration and we look forward in seing more photos.
Lance
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Keep up the good work ;)
Retro Andy.
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Well, I was desperate to get out on it but I don't have a battery for it yet. So I phoned the local non-emergency number and asked them if an under 14 yr old is allowed to ride a C5 on the road without a battery. They didn't know but said they would call back, about 30mins later I got a call saying that it is legal as long as I don't use battery power before I'm 14. :D I did about 7 miles on it today, everyone loves it, it gets loads of thumbs up from people, and I've had some people even asking me if they could have a go. I may ride it to school tomorrow.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0177.jpg)
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............I phoned the local non-emergency number and asked them if an under 14 yr old is allowed to ride a C5 on the road without a battery. They didn't know but said they would call back
I'd love to have been working in that control room when your call came through ;D Can't imagine the thoughts of the operator taking the query :D
Some useful info to know though 8)
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............I phoned the local non-emergency number and asked them if an under 14 yr old is allowed to ride a C5 on the road without a battery. They didn't know but said they would call back
I'd love to have been working in that control room when your call came through ;D Can't imagine the thoughts of the operator taking the query :D
Yup, she was probably a little surprised. I'm not even sure the lady operator knew what a Sinclair C5 was because she sounded a little confused.
I had a bit of a bored moment last night and worked out I'd managed to pedal it around for 9.4 miles yesterday, and a further 6.2 miles today to and from school.
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i use to use that loop hole all the time before i was 14 :)
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And me ! ;D
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And me ! ;D
..didn't think c5's were quite as old as that :o ;D
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It lives!!!!!
The keys came through the post today along with the original invoice, Safe Driving Guide and various letters. Not knowing the paperwork will be in there I wripped the envelope to get to the keys and accidently ended up wripping all the original paperwork :(. Then I spent half an hour carefully sellotaping all the paperwork back together.
After this I went and wired up a battery direct to the keyswitch and the pod lit up and when I pressed the motor switch, the motor burst into life! I think I really have bought a good 'un, especially at the price I got it at!! :D
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Well done ............................great
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Good stuff, I bet you had that C5 grin we all have had several times :)
Retro Andy.
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Good stuff, I bet you had that C5 grin we all have had several times :)
Retro Andy.
I haven't been out on it yet, I only connected up a battery with two wires going directly to the keyswitch and therefore couldn't take it out.
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I dragged my brother in to get a picture and a video while I hold the wires to make it go, so coming up one out of focus photo of the pod and one dodgy video of the wheel turning, and one that I took of the paperwork (which isn't much better)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0183.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0185.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/th_IMG_0184.jpg) (http://s839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/?action=view¤t=IMG_0184.mp4)
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Went into town on it today in search of a bolt for the Jag's camshaft sprocket and wasn't expecting it to attract so much attention! I had people coming up and saying how it takes them back to when they were first launched, coming up for a general chat about it and giving me the thumbs up when I drive past. I've never been in anything that draws so much attention :D
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I've been and bought a 048 size (fits within the battery top) Yuasa battery for it with a 2 year guarantee for £40, and have also placed an order for the leisure battery conversion clamps, a key ring & some spare fuses from the C5 Alive shop :D.
Just thought I'd also ask how likely am I to get done for riding one on the road with the motor at 13?
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extremely extremely unlikely. if you get stopped by some jobsworth community support office just tell them you didn't know and are very sorry.
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extremely extremely unlikely. if you get stopped by some jobsworth community support office just tell them you didn't know and are very sorry.
..and deny all knowledge of this site ;D :D ;)
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Some recent pictures of it;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSC_9349.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSC_9347.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSC_9345.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSC_9342.jpg)
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Looking good!! 8)
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Good to see you are using the original ignition key switch :)
Retro Andy.
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I got a quick iPhone video of me on it today :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpUjLzirBQU
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I've bought an indicator kit for it (Christmas present :D). Should be fun fitting it!
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Instructions can be found here ...
http://sinclairc5.com/ Look in "document library" and then "Accessory Fitting Instructions"
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Instructions can be found here ...
http://sinclairc5.com/ Look in "document library" and then "Accessory Fitting Instructions"
..it may also be worth viewing this link as well ;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1815.0
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I got a new Brake Shoe Kit off Karl at Brooklands on Sunday and fitted it today. The pin/spring that holds the shoes together was extremely fiddly but I persevered and all in all the job took me about 1 1/2 hrs (mostly trying to fit that pin/spring thingy) and now my brakes work again and they don't squeak. They originals worked well until I greased the wheel bearing and they got contaminated with oil.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0401.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0400.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0399.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0398.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0397.jpg)
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I know the fitting of the rear brakes shoes are not that easy of a job, I have a new set, but will fit them only when the old ones are worn out ;D
Retro Andy.
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I know the fitting of the rear brakes shoes are not that easy of a job, I have a new set, but will fit them only when the old ones are worn out ;D
Retro Andy.
...it isn't too difficult, just a very fiddly job .
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I might wait until the royal run when your at hand Karl ;D
Retro Andy.
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Suggest you strip that thing to the chassis and thoroughly derust it.The metal was, of necessity,only thin to start with.
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Suggest you strip that thing to the chassis and thoroughly derust it.The metal was, of necessity,only thin to start with.
It is on my list, just haven't got round to doing it yet.
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Well, I've been putting it off for a while but I finally took the plunge and bought some paint for the chassis. Put the heating in the garage on at 4, started working at 5 and have the chassis off. Just needs the forks removing and wire brushing before primer, paint & lacquer tommorrow.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0430.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0431.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0432.jpg)
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More from today;
Chassis completely stripped before rubbing down
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0437.jpg)
Painted & Lacquered
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0439.jpg)
Close-up of new paint finish
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0440.jpg)
Turned out rather well I think, and if all goes to plan re-assembly should start this evening.
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Can't beat a newly painted chassis - looks fab - keep up the good work :) :)
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Looking good, Take the smile of your face............. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
It will get even bigger when you finish................. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Lance
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It's back together but has developed a probelm where the belt comes off and it becomes very difficult to pedal if the motor belt is connected.
Here's a video;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/th_IMG_0457.jpg) (http://s839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/?action=view¤t=IMG_0457.mp4)
ETA pictures;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0452.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0454.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0455.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0456.jpg)
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And here's some pictures of the build up;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0443.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0444.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0446.jpg)
What are these for?
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0447.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0448.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0449.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/chassis%20repaint/IMG_0450.jpg)
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Having taken a look at the piccies you have the large white cog on back to front, the lip goes on the outer edge....looking at the piccies always helps !
With the cog repositioned (lip outermost) then it should sit further along the axle with the recess towards the motor mount. This will allow everything else to sit further along the axle curing the drivebelt alignment problem and allowing the clutch mechanism to work so should solve the "tight" running issue as well.
Let me know how you get on
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Take a look at page 2 of this topic;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=156.0
...should help explain what I'm trying to say ;)
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Just went out and swapped the cog over and it's fixed it! ;D Thanks Karl.
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And Something so simple and looking nice ,Nice paint job on the chassis... and quick as well. 8)
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And Something so simple and looking nice ,Nice paint job on the chassis... and quick as well. 8)
I had managed to do it extremely quickly, never thought I'd be able to remove, paint & re-install a chassis in a weekend :D. Managed to get a very shiny finish with the lacquer too, shame no one will ever actually see it though ;)
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Looks like you've done a really good and quick job, looks nice.
Retro Andy.
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I have recently ordered a second battery fitting kit from Karl which arrived through the post today. I went out and bought a second battery one of these (http://justcarbatteries.co.uk/index.php/ducellier-car-batteries/ducelier-d037-car-battery.html). It appears to be a lot lighter than my Yuasa battery and hopefully will double the range.
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My eBay seat cushion arrived in the post and I fitted it when I got home, makes a massive difference!
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0635.jpg)
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I've also just bought a set of new & unused side panels for it & will fit them when they arrive in the post.
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I've also just bought a set of new & unused side panels for it & will fit them when they arrive in the post.
I just love the way this "new old stock" stuff keeps on appearing 8)
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Hi I have also just received a seat cushion (Thanks BooBoo).
Now were did I put that double sided tape.
Lance
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Hi I have also just received a seat cushion (Thanks BooBoo).
Is this the other eBay one? I got outbid on that one!
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New side panels fitted;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/637df5de.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/6973af1c.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/df67a7e5.jpg)
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You got the sidepanels I got the seat cushion.
Lance
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My vintage computer sales this weekend have funded a replacement front wheel trim which arrived in the post this morning, with enough left over for a service on the Jag ;D
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/IMG_0760.jpg)
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Looks much better with the front wheel shroud bud - enough money to service the jag too sounds like you did very well with the vintage gear - what did you sell ? :) :)
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Looks much better with the front wheel shroud bud - enough money to service the jag too sounds like you did very well with the vintage gear - what did you sell ? :) :)
Bought a job lot of vintage computers and game consoles off eBay very cheap and re-sold the whole lot separately.
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Fitted new side stripes this morning;
Before;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSC_0238.jpg)
After;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/e40903aa.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/e0fec412.jpg)
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Kamilb, looking good mate...............................
Lance
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Good to see the transformation mate , you've been busy :D
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It's featured in the June 2012 issue of Practical Classics;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/ScannedImage.jpg)
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Great article Kamil.
Retro Andy.
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My eBay tonneau cover arrived in the post today, below are some piccies;
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSCF0003.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/DSCF0002.jpg)
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Very nice, must get me some new side panels and a tonneau cover, looks really good when you get caught out in the rain.
Retro Andy.
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Looks great, i saw the cover on ebay too and i was thinking of bidding but i dont use my C5 daily so i wouldnt really have to worry about be caught in the rain
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Were do you leave it at school so no one messes with it..........
Lance
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Were do you leave it at school so no one messes with it..........
Lance
I've been given permission to leave it in the staff car park.
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I managed to lose the chain tensioner Y-clip yesterday, and buggered the spring too when removing the chain tensioner. I have now e-mailed Chas and hope that he has some left from the ones he made. Until that arrives, I have to take it very easy when pedalling to minimise chain slip.
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Paid Chas for a new chain tensioner today, will hopefully be back to normal soon.
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Hi there chain tensioner posted thanks Chas
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Hi there chain tensioner posted thanks Chas
Thank you very much mate! ;)
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Hi there you are welcome but you may need a set of long nose pliers to fit it...Bye Chas
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but you may need a set of long nose pliers to fit it
Would that be to fit the spring?
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Hi there yes also when fitted to close the spring ...Chas
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It arrived today and I got it fitted - very fiddly but doable.
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Well done ....bye Chas
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I acquired a hi-vis mast for it off eBay for £35, below is a piccy of it fitted. Since last updating this thread it's also had a new set of Schwalbe City Jets fitted at the beginning of September.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/F901E253-570B-450A-8C96-42C17FA38A91-2190-000000E2AE64DDB0.jpg)