Sinclair C5 Part 2 - clean (ish) and steering
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- čas přidán 22. 01. 2021
- The Garage find Sinclair C5 is getting some attention, last time I found the steering didnt work and it was a bit of a health hazard so today I fixed both of those problems!
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Great upgrade using the threaded bar. I would put a locking nut on each end for addition safety .☺
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
I have used ball joint things before they are good, but you should put some grease on the ball and you might want some nuts to lock it up against each joint ?
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts! It looked like they came with square of grease in there
@@furiousdriving Locknuts still might be a good idea to keep the threads nice and compressed so there's no slop and wear. You're likely to be racking up several thousand miles on this thing after all... Often with that kind of linkage one end is lefty tighty so you can adjust the length but obviously not in this case.
Turning the bar will just move it in one ball end and out of the other. Track rods have left and right handed threads. So you will need to adjust the length then clip it on the ball.
Also as other have said you will want lock nuts to stop the bar undoing itself and to stop the threads wearing.
I realised that later, and it cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
Oooh, I didn't think you could but ball joints like that. I wonder if ian could use the same idea to stop ellys wipers overreaching?
I made up new linkages for my Doblo wipers using the rose joints they sell for motorcycle gear lever rear sets. In that case I welded threaded bar to the existing pressed steel linkages.
It's quite interesting to see bits of retro-futurism like this not in a museum somewhere but out and about. Even though it was a commercial failure, like plenty of things are, I still think this Sinclair without RAM, microchips, or anything of that nature is a cool view into a future that could have been. That's not to say that this future would have been automatically better. It would have just been different. Props for another solid video! Also, here's the obligatory "first!"
wow you were first too! if this had caught on how different would cars be now?
Really enjoying seeing the C5 brought back to life. It’s like Tuc ok Ian’s channel, we petrol heads love the underdog who fights to live another day! Great video Matt
Thanks, I cant wait for the motor to arrive
No need for bike tyre levers. Spoons with round ended handles do the trick nicely.
Yep - my Mum taught me that one back in '78!
Only use if you don't mind being in the doghouse for a week or more, wives do not forgive easily when they find bent or scratched ones in the cutlery drawer.
Sir Clive certainly wasn't afraid of doing something different was he! Well done for saving the little C5 Matt.
Back in 85 we had one of these at work. We could pay 50p to hire it and go to the shops. It was really great fun driving through the traffic in the Park Royal area (not seriously not safe) I do not remember it having a padded seat. It had a sort of boot on the back but you would have to dispose of the body in 1kg portions during several trips. It definitely had the "Safety Kit" high level reflector thingy on the back. Phew that really helped you to get noticed by articulated trucks from the continent that were just getting used to the idea of driving on the left. Oh and the instruction manual was so helpful when it described how to use the pedals to ameliorate the power to weight ratio when trying to accelerate across busy streets. Now it is much easier to appreciate the thoughtful design feature of not having a padded seat but including drain holes! I still have no idea why Sir Clive was not hailed the Elon Musk of the 80s!
The only place I can ever imagine these would be safe is a supermarket aisle , but then risk being knocked unconscious by a 2 lt Coca-Cola bottle I guess.
You sound like you speak from experience.
I always found the baked beans the most dangerous.
@@benholroyd5221 I had a tape recorder fall on my head in my storage unit - one of the ones that takes open reels of tape. To this day I do not know how I didn't even get knocked out by it, unless my skull is even thicker than I thought.
This concept is still valid, way ahead of its time. 💐
I love this "light tinkering" between the car jobs 😁👍
TWC level stuff going on
Put a tube with 8mm inside on the treaded rod to make it more stiff, the treads makes for nice bending starts when the steering is used in push configuration turning to one side.
Good point! The threaded bar will be quite soft steel too, the original bar was likely heat treated or something.
it was a box section but very thin, the plastic ends would have been the weak point
I think this deserves its own sub-channel ... Furious C5-ing
Seeing the 4 pound adjuster hammer coming out gave me flashbacks to British Leyland. Haha
Love that wee throwaway joke about Mycroft Holmes...
Not sure if you or anyone else has spotted it, but the front tyre has popped off the wheel at 11:22. That normally means the tyre bead wasn't seated right before inflating.
I can see the potential for this C5! Excited! Also excited for the Volvo. 😁👍
What a neat idea on the steering solution. Looking forward to next video.
cheaper and stronger! Jobs a good 'un!
It’s coming on a treat - well done. Have to say though that I was flabbergasted you didn’t release some of the moving parts before first using it. Interesting that other people have also mentioned this. Keep up the good work.
Hi. I'm Barry Scott...
lol
I would suggest using hardened threaded rod rather than the standard stuff you are likely to get from Toolstation. The standard stuff is actually quite flexible, especially when put under compression, so if you hit a kerb at an angle at above walking pace you'd be quite likely to turn it into a banana. You can get the hardened rod from most engineering companies and it isn't a lot more expensive than the standard stuff, which is perfect for making up a prototype...
I would also say that, if you get bathroom cleaner on any of your cars again, wash it off immediately with copious amounts of water as it will attack the paint extremely quickly and leave you with a discoloured and possibly flaky patch. Don't ask me how I know...
I wonder if the damage to the right rear corner is the reason why it went from being the boss's daily transport to being a rooftop ornament...
Unless one ball joint has a reverse thread and the bar matches, the rod will just move forward and backwards and make no difference to length. Also, locking nuts and grease are a good idea.
Nice to see you have a decent hammer now. 👍
I realised that later, which is why there are no lock nuts!
Fantastic video
Do enjoy your cleaning tips, definitely going to try one of those brushes on a drill next time I have a grubby car carpet to tackle.
Loving the C5 being reborn and what a great story of where it came from.
Good choice of company vehicle too, probably more reliable than a mid 80's Alfa 😂
Interesting little project I like it 😀.👍
I a friend used to say about me you are an expert on the art of coarse motoring. good to see the same can be said out others with a 4lb lump hammer
I wonder if a Magic Eraser would help too?
Hi Matt,the C5 looks alot cleaner now,the steering is now sorted,next video take it for a run😁,this is coming along nicely.
Good progress, it's taking shape nicely, R.E screw drivers on tyres, my dad always used spoon handles
Hehe the persuader is a good tool to have. Good to see the bodywork hasn't got brittle too and will happily still bend
Its that kind of plastic that stays bendy luckily
This is somehow my new favorite on the fleet..... Think it will look amazing with all the graphics re produced on it as well.
Its a bit good isn't it! Im wondering how hard it would be to do signwriting?
You should enter the Red Bull soap box race with this as team furious driving. We need some C5 t-shirts in the store now too. Good to see it cleaned up so well as i didn't think it would. Great video as always and cant wait for the next installment
Good Idea on the shirts! Is it cheating to have motor in the Red Bull?
@@furiousdriving yeah it probably would be cheating to have an engine but You could just take it off for the race
I would raise up the handlebars and add a radio and leg protection.
In the 80s, our local tailor "drove" his C5 to work everyday and he ran a successful and prestigious shop in the town centre, although many people said it made him the laughing stock, unfairly-probably.
Fairy Power Spray is also great for that scratchy plastic.
Get the white wheelcovers, if you laugh at it, then you got no idea how cool the C5 was in the 1980's! There is wrapping foil available today, wrap it and it will look brilliant.
Rover V8, naturally!
Great update!
im getting my c5 tomorrow !!
actually got mine now and its mint but boy it does not like hills its not usable in modern traffic in original form. twin batteries now on 2 chargers for the night.
You should also put lock nuts on the threaded rod ! Kewp up the good work
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
Interesting project and video with a funny back story. If the MD of the garage rode around in a Sinclair C5 what did the sales staff get about in maybe skateboards or a pogo stick.
Try using a magic eraser / sponge to get out the engrained dirt and muck, I reckon it would come up like new!
You're watching Ideal World, today we'll be cleaning our C5 with this.......😉
Great video. I would add some m8 nuts to that threaded bar to lock into the clevis joints though. That will stop it coming loose.
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
I would’ve put lock nuts on the thread rod to the ball joints and a bit of grease in the socket of the ball
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts! I should have mentioned there was a square of grease supplied in the socket
Regarding the Volvo coolant burst. If you're planning on keeping a particular car for long term and it doesn't get much use, I must recommend Evans waterless coolant-to clarify, I have this in my daily classic (a '76 Opel Ascona) but haven't tried in modern cars-which will never need changing and can be left to sit in the system without degrading the internals. The temp gauge reads hotter, but it's actually not since it doesn't build up any pressure other than what the water pump provides and it doesn't vaporise around the cylinder coolant jackets. A burst coolant system is impossible with the Evans stuff and components last longer too. It costs about £100-£150 for the flushing agent and the coolant itself, but as one-off, it's worth it.
I've heard thats good, never tried it as none of my classics are water tight enough to keep it, this might be the one
You might find leaks stop with it because there's no pressure. If it's literally peeing out or entering the cylinders somehow, then yes, best avoided as it's expensive. Maybe the Rover 2000 could be a candidate eventually.
Hi Matt, good to see this coming along. Mer polish might brighten up the bodywork, followed by some Diamond Bright?
can you polish textured plastic? I dont know if you can?
Autosol chrome cleaner is good for cleaning fiberglass.
This is fascinating to watch. I'm totally hooked to seeing future videos of this to see if you get it going. I wonder if Retrobrighting the body could help restore the original colour and have it looking like new? Going by other videos on CZcams, it does an amazing job restoring old Apple Macs to their original colour :-)
I thought about retrobriting it but its hasn't really yellowed, just ground in dirt, and Ive heard it can accelerate yellowing on some plastics
The seat cushion was an option, but now very rare as it was basically a thin piece of grey foam, similar to a camping mat, but moulded into the shape of the seat. I think it came with double sided tape and you were supposed to stick it to the C5, which of course would reduce the chances of it staying intact as it would be completely destroyed if someone sought to remove it. However, I have one and can confirm that it does make a difference, especially on the spine and particularly whilst pedalling. I think now they are highly sought after and go for silly money, given you are not going for originality I would say just get a camping mat and cut to size - the original was the seat, back and also bent up to cover the sides, but tbh a piece on the bottom and the back stuck on would do the job.
Was anything not an option on these!
I like this.
We’re waiting for the burnouts... the wee C5 pirouetting in clouds of tire smoke, with Matt pedaling furiously. ;-)
ideally you need a nut at the either end of that threaded bar to lock it so it can't undo itself, just like a drag link on a car
I realised that as it winds out of one end it winds , and it cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
Best thing I have used to clean is a product called elbow grease best cleaner by far only £1 a bottle and better than any other cleaner I have used when you spray it on you can see dirt run off
If it's any use the 'Really Random Restoration' channel restored an original gameboy and he brought the plastic casing back to like new, can't remember the chemical he used but might be worth a look? Surprised you didn't put a locking nut on the threaded rod behind the rose joints as in track rods.
Always good to not need a Tetanus jab after sitting on it 😂. Looks way better. Cant believe the previous owner had used it in London. That sounds truly terrifying!
I dont know where Id use it, nowhere seems like a good idea!
How about using a magic eraser for cleaning the C5?
A rat look C5 would be novel especially with those original dealer logos...
Johnny 5 is alive!
Should have tried Fenwick's caravan cleaner
It's a long way down from Diamondbrite to Flash innit? Just kidding Matt - another great video!
If Flash want to sponsor a video they are welcome to!
I hope you got that Cillit bang off the Alfa sharpish it’s basically spray acid.
Some of the best cleaning products for white plastic are the ones window company’s use all available online but again quite strong.
it was just flash cleaner rather than Cillit, and it was wiped off
Nice Backyard engineering fix buddy,
Being a lifelong cycling enthusiast I have always wanted to try one of those...it's a shame they did not catch on back in 1985 as they looked pretty cool to the then 18 year old me.
Do you intend to do a full restoration or go the crazy modification direction with it?
Keep up the good work and stay safe.
modding it, theres nothing in the shell to save and its already scruffy
Does the C stand for commode? Well, it's got the hole in the right place.
Would only be for a number 1 though. Modification needed for anything else...
For all my life I used screwdrivers to change tyres and tubes on bikes. Don't think I've ever pinched a tube or damaged a tyre.
Hi Matt how about trying some G101, Ubiks 2000 or even Unger Rub Out to get it up better.. Also I'll put some locking nut on the tread rod better to be safe than sorry, that was a brilliant idea better than the plastic one. From Richard
thanks, I realised later when looking for some nuts that as it winds out of one end it will go into the other so wont alter the steering, and doesn't have enough space to wind all the way out
Gotta get me one of those 4lb adjusters Matt, was it custom made ? Or off the shelf , the adjuster weighs more than the C5 😂👍🏻
Special Sinclair accessory, very rare
cant wait for the next episode surely a suzuki or honda powerplant !
rear tyre pressures should be 35 psi according to c5 alive site
No back nuts to tighten against the socket joint Matt...?
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
Prob do with a back nut on the bar to tighten against the ball joints
I thought that but realised later when looking for some nuts that as it winds out of one end it will go into the other so wont alter the steering, and doesn't have enough space to wind all the way out
Cilit Bang is a funny name, it sounds like a bad translation, The actual same product is branded as Easy-Off Bam here in Australia.
I think it was Civit at first then changed, but that was stupid as well
, 'Bam' in the UK means a crazy guy, a nutter or a guy with a screw loose! 😂😅😂
@@antonioercolino6087 Cilit bang is one letter away from an act of self amusement.
Use a bit of grey scotch on it with the flash
Don't need to strip the axle if you buy chain link splitter tool and I'd be tempted to fit a couple of lock nuts on the threaded bar to stop it coming loose mate 👍
I dint mean to strip the axle for the chain, just to get to the bearings! wouldn't hurt I didnt have any M8 nuts to lock it with, but I realised that as it winds out of one it will go into the other so wont alter the steering and doesn't have enough space to wind al the way out
Oh right I see, you want to service the bearings, the chain might get away with a good lube if it's not too worn out or any seized links, I understand what you mean about the steering rod floating between the joints, you could put some lock nuts on at a later date, have you located a motor etc etc or will you have to get it made from scratch or rob it all off a mobility scooter or electric bike ?
A Mk2 Prelude featured in a Dutch children's television show called "Bassie en Adriaan" where a clown and an acrobat travel with a car and a caravan for their adventures. They've put eyelashes on the popup headlights, a very silly sight. Their previous vehicle was no less than a Matra-Simca Rancho in a sponsor deal with Chrysler-Simca, which made the Rancho actually very unpopular because of the association with the TV series! One of the original cars in the series (a 1984 Prelude EX 1.8) has survived and was sold for 24.000 euro last year to a fan of the series.
There are very few left of the Mk2 Prelude anyway as they are very much prone to rust, but in their days they received much praise. ALB is a quite rudimentary ABS system, it didn't work so well as their European competitors at the time (for instance the ATe ABS system used by Jaguar, Saab and Volvo)
I heard about that show after the Prelude video, not the name though, I need to find that on CZcams
@@furiousdriving I'm not sure how this comment ended up at the C5 video, it was meant for the Prelude video but you've read it anyway :)
Compressor to blow up a bicycle tyre! a foot pump or hand pump will do, you must have one stashed somewhere. 40 to 50 psi is normal for a bicycle tyre, usually moulded on side of tyre, the lowest rolling resistance possible will help your legs in peddling.
I had bike one once, no idea where now and the jump pack battery compressor is worse than useless
You should had use c3 on a 3" polish pad . On the panels not that brush thing and any reason you didn't put lock nuts on the bar
I realised that as it moves out of one end it winds into the other and cant move far enough to come out which is why there are no lock nuts!
Did u use the tea shelf?
the tea wheelie bin
No diamondbrite products suitable?
Good point ☺
No since end of sponsoring
DOnt think they do bathroom cleaner
Clive was nearly there. The problem of visibility could be solved by having people upright. Could he have built an elec scooter back in the day? Would the tech have been possible?
I'm sure an electric moped would have been possible, indeed Clive's followup, the Zike, was pretty much that, except in a folding form with tiny wheels. You've still got the problem though of who would buy it. There's certainly a perception that travelling on 2 wheels is inherently less safe, which BSA tried to overcome with the Ariel 3, but it turns out people generally don't want to give up the comfort of a car for a weird underpowered 3 wheeled moped, and people who want to ride a motorbike don't want to ride a weird underpowered 3 wheeled moped. So you're only really selling to people who don't have a driving license or can't afford the cost of a more conventional form of transport, but if that's the case, £4-500 for a C5 or Zike is quite a large outlay vs. a bicycle, or getting the bus.
sir clive sinclair is proud of you......................but still C64 is better than a spectrum (rubber keys) 48K!!!
Have you thought of adding Demi Tasses, (coffee cans) to the mug range for us Espresso lovers?
I wish I could but Im limited to what Redbubble stocks until I move it in house, but thats a massive outlay. Id like a range of different cups and Im looking at other things as well
nice to see the c5 coming on well, but would a nice tesla motor fit in it matt? ;-)
I think thats about the same size as this!
How dull is this?
Clive invented the electric-assisted commuter bike 35 years ago. Did it actually have a boot?! I'd rather be in one of these than a scooter, until a Range Rover Evoque didn't see me...
yes, the missing back panel is a hinge out boot! Ideal for shopping!
Wondered when you notice getting the car lol
if you had some spare clay bar I would give that a go
The threaded rod is too flexible for that job. I would rather see a piece of tube with
thread welded at each end. Much more sturdy. Better still would be opposite handed
threads at each end, with lock nuts. Easier to adjust.
I can help thinking you should ditch the current graphics and get some bespoke Furious Driving decals made up. That would make it look awesome on the roof of the Volvo and might even encourage some extra views and subscriptions.
I might add the FD logo, I dont want to lose the history
@@furiousdriving You do what you makes you the most satisfied. Watching your Back to the Future promos I'd love to create a Flux capacitor or a time zone thingummyjig as well. I need my own fleet of them to play with I think.
Sold by comet 1986
Three nylon tyre levers in Wilco will set you back 99p
but means going to Wilco
You may want to put some lock nuts on the ball joints so the steering does not adjust on its own...... you have them on your track rod ends on a car for the same reason. And will stop the bar falling out the threads and you having a MASSIVE unintended accident 🤣🤣
I thought that but realised later when looking for some nuts that as it winds out of one end it will go into the other so wont alter the steering, and doesn't have enough space to wind all the way out
@@furiousdriving actually good point 🤪😂 so used to working on cars the same rules for steering may not apply! 😂 I’m gonna be intrigued what your gonna use to power the beast. I hope it’s gonna be a Tesla like power 😂 be nuts
I'm still awake.... damn it's late
Did you see that drew know it all bloke from salvage hunters doing one of these its a pit car 🚗 na 😳
😂 I find that guy a bit of a know it all too!!
@@adamfry1125 I've seen him for a few minutes, and "Berk" came to mind - an expletive that isn't as innocent as it sounds.
No but Ive just seen your email!
Never ridden one of those, but I'm absolutely certain that one of the biggest problems with them is the fact that the handlebars were placed underneath the legs. I'm sure this exacerbated the sensation of vulnerability people felt when riding it. Because it must have felt rather like you were sitting on your hands, in the middle of traffic, rather than having your hands out in front of you (a naturally defensive position), like on a traditional motorcycle or scooter. Feeling like you were sitting on your hands, when you were being overtaken by huge artics cannot have helped sales! Seems like a really stupid design decision by a someone lauded as a "visionary" designer. A truly dreadful, flimsy design all round, very glad they didn't catch on!
that does feel weird, and its just so low around cars
Honda Fireblade engine?
road tax
You let the air out of the tyre? All of it? And you don't have any means of pumping it up other than an air compressor? I think I smell a manufactured cliff hanger 😉 Am I being a bit mean? All in fun. 😊
He doesn’t seem to own a Hacksaw either, who cuts a small threaded bar with a angle grinder 🙄
I smell a slow puncture caused by a screwdriver nick..............🤣😂🤣
It came out very fast. It was rubbing the bent corner so I let it down, then saw it was the bodywork. I have a hacksaw blade, no handle and (for Nathan) without drilling a hole in the wall I couldnt move the cut any nearer the vice
Mat, you should have rinsed the thing with soapy water first, rather than use the dirt as an abrasive & scratch the plastic even worse 😱
Have you seen this? Its been dragged across every car park in London for 30 years, its not an issue, plus its been rinsed before and nothing came off
Watch out Tesla. Sinclair by FD is on the horizon. No power to weight figures yet but sounding competitive.
and better reliability/build quality!