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Hi everyone,

This has probably been asked a thousand times, so forgive me, but I can't find any clear answers after searching...

I have an original 30 year old C5 with white boot (totally unmodified) I'm looking to get running..

Questions..

1) Battery Replacement: It needs a new a 12V battery. Can I just source any 12V lead acid car battery of the same (or higher Ah rating) and similar dimensions to original? And is it just a case of connecting the two wires, or is there more involved and some electrical conversion needed to make the C5 run off a modern car battery? If anyone can recommend a specific battery size/make or source even, that would be great. There's tons on eBay new cheap but I have no idea what I need!

2) Replacing inner tubes and tires. Are these just regular 16" for the front wheel, or do I need to source something specific for the C5? And how about the rear 12"? I've never seen 12" inner tubes or tyres, so anyone could recommend a source for these or give some info on what kind of tyre width and size is needed, I'd appreciate it!.

3) Indicator lights. My C5 has them, but all the inners (bulb, any circuit? silver backing etc) have all long since gone, so all I'm left with is the amber plastic cover and the black plastic mounting base part. To repair the indicators, am I correct in assuming just need suitable 12V bulbs and the flashing part is done via the C5's own circuitry? I'm considering putting some high intensity 12V flashing LEDs I have inside instead of bulbs, due to the silver backing missing and normal bulb not being bright enough. Any thoughts on this?

Finally, quick question about the 24V dual battery conversion kit I know this site offers and some have opted to install to add extra power and range to the C5. Is this worth doing and is it a fairly easy mod to do? I can solder and know basic electrical stuff, but wouldn't want to get into any heavy duty work changing the C5's wiring loom and/or circuit board etc.

I'm restoring an old 30 year old C5 (which i all complete and very clean) I inherited with a view to selling it on, so this is not for my own personal use and hence I want to keep costs low and just do the minimum to get it working again, but if I can add value for the next owner, then I might do the 24V mod. Do owner-collectors prefer that 24v mod done, or things kept original?

Thanks in advance guys for your answers and any tips you might have to share!

Paul

#16

C5 Faults & Solutions / Flashing POD lights!

Last post by AndyH - 10, September, 2016 - 20:00:40

Hey everyone, I have been lucky enough to acquire a C5 which seems to work fine except that the lights on the left side of the pod flash on/off with the amber LED's either end steady (the LED's on the right hand display are constant which I think is normal).

I don't think it's supposed to do this ... can anyone help? The motor & everything else all work fine.

Really keen to have a go in it but don't want to damage it if this is some kind of warning signal ... always wanted one of these as a kid but my parents wouldn't let me so really want to get it going

#17

Welcome To The Forum / Re: New owner

Last post by Ton C5 - 10, September, 2016 - 18:04:18

Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of the C5.
it is getting quiet here, but if you need any help just ask.

Ton

#18

Welcome To The Forum / New owner

Last post by martinp - 05, September, 2016 - 14:43:36

Seeing as I now have a C5 in my garage, I figured I should introduce myself!

My name is Martin and due to a stroke of good luck, I was given a C5 that had been sat in storage for the last six years. It had been bought via ebay as needing a battery, but the purchaser had never got around to even doing that before it got shoved in a corner and left, so by the time I got it, it was looking a little sorry for itself.

I have the keyswitch, but no key and so I popped some quick release clamps on instead, bought some new inner tubes online, acquired a 75ah leisure gel battery and started having fun. Already it's proven to be a huge hit with anyone who has had a go!

It has all sorts of extra bits and bobs stuck on it and so the next step will be to remove those and give it a good clean. Unfortunately there are some deep scratches where it has been moved from one storage place to another over the years.

Next job is to actually take it out on a measured run and see how far the battery will take me. Even though it's a new leisure battery, it seems to run down relatively quickly so I will have to look into why that might be.

Ironically, I work for Classic & Sports Car magazine and so will be writing about this in the 'Our Classics' reports in the back of the mag, starting with the November issue. Will be an interesting counterpoint to the £million classics that it will have as company in print!

#19

C5 Support / Re: New Owners Quick Start Gui...

Last post by Lancealot - 02, July, 2016 - 22:18:37

Yes always best to do a full strip down and restore especially as they are 30 years old

Chas is the master.....

ta Lance

#20

Wanted - Sinclair C5 Parts & Accessories / Handle bar cover

Last post by aceofhearts - 16, June, 2016 - 12:42:40

Looking for a good(ish) condition handle bar cover. Mine has been half eaten by mice

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