I last drove my white Renault 5 TL in May 2004. Since then it has been sitting in a lockup, gathering dust, and not moving an inch on four very flat tyres...

Fast forward to April 2007, when I found an insurance broker that would insure my Gordini Turbo and the TL for £250 - far better than the £400 or so I was used to paying for the Gordini Turbo alone. So, I thought - "why not get both on the road?". Good idea - let's do it!

Back in 1997, I fitted a weber dual choke carburettor and its associated manifold, etc. from a 1397cc Renault 5. It did seem to help with the acceleration potential of the car a little. However, I felt that overall it detracted from the car, introducing several flat spots into the rev range, and appearing to reduce, rather than increase, the top speed.

So I decided to return the car to its standard specification with the help of the manifold and carburettor from B246 NLM, which I had happened to purchase a year or so ago. Fitting the manifold and carburettor wasn't too tricky, but I did have to use the exhaust clamp from B246 NLM, as this was missing on the exhaust on my car.

I cut the exhaust on B246 NLM, spread open the clamp and then welded it shut again. You can see photos of this operation here: 

It was only the second welding job I've ever done (and I'm teaching myself). So don't be too critical of it! I just hope it will last the lifetime of the exhaust...

My wife refurbished a set of TX wheels for me (very kind of her - thank you). I got a brand new set of Pirelli P3000 (155/70R13) fitted.

After finishing putting the manifold and carb back together I turned the engine over without starting it, waited a bit then tried starting the engine. To my delight, it sprang in to life! This video here shows the first time the engine ran after 3 years: 

After that success, I tried driving the car round the local industrial estate. Didn't seem too bad, but was very slow, and reluctant to perform. The clutch was also  stuck, so I did the usual trick of starting the engine in gear with my foot on the clutch pedal.

I carefully drove the car home so I could finish it off there. I'd not gone more than a mile or so, before I could smell hot brakes. Oh dear... siezed caliper. When I arrived home, the front offside wheel (let alone the brake disc) was too hot to touch. A fun afternoon was spent dismantling the caliper, polishing away the small amounts of rust on the caliper body and piston, and reassembling, bleeding the brakes, etc. I also checked one of the rear brakes - upon removing the drum it seemed fine.

So, the car went for its MOT today - 22nd May. And passed! Without even an advisory. I was very pleased, to say the least. Looking forward to driving it at the Renault Owners' Club Run this weekend.