Right: a special bolt, part of the kit, replaces the. Redundant servo.

Dismantling Technique Looking beneath the bonnet of a Renault 5 can be a daunting sight for a novice dismantler. Under the spare wheel resides a plethora of plumbing conveying an impression that a laissez fare Frenchman has dropped the parts into place random. It's not a tidy sight. Added to the fact that its all back to front - although a forward mounted gearbox is the very reason why this is one of the few power units which could cower under a nose cone. Since the entire Renault body will be jettisoned, this was tackled first. Undo four bolts and the front wings fall off. Doors next, tailgate bonnet and so on. Bit by bit they went to the Council Tidy Tip in a camping trailer. Don't bother trying to recoup a few pennies at the scrap yard Renault panels are so light they. Scarcely cause a blip on the weighbridge scales. Compared to most build-up preparation, this project is unusually different because things like windscreen wiper assemblies, washer bottles, heater units, door catches, and interior fitments are alt chucked away. Admittedly I hoarded some of these gems, but they weren't really worth the garage space. For some of this controlled vandalism, you need specialist tools - like a bricklayer's club hammer and a bolster. You also need Sticky labels to mark connections on the wiring loom. In pleasant weather it's inexpensive entertainment. In order not to create an immovable obstruction, my donor could still be driven up and down the drive. Not on the road, of course. This proved handy whenever it needed shifting but eventually its heart had to be wrenched asunder and bits put into cardboard boxes. Renovating the Parts I'd strongly advise any builder to spend plenty of time cleaning and repainting all key components. In the case of the Kindred Spirit, many of its hitherto private parts - like the front suspension assembly we bodily exposed for all to see. So these need time and attention it you want the finished car to look its best. Since there's a waiting time for most kit cars, this all-important work can appropriately fill-in the delay period. In fact, the low price of the Hudson kit and its instant popularity has currently created an eight week delivery date In my case, I pottered about constructively for ten winter weeks getting all the parts ready. Some jobs were earmarked for indoor action if the weather turned bud. Moreover, things like the suspension arms were professionally bead blasted and stove enamelled. Most 'wear,' items were replaced and while the engine sits on your bench, you should consider titling a new clutch while everything is easily accessible. A Borg & Beck pressure plate, driven plate arid release bearing cost £39.27, which seemed reasonable. Factory Modifications Some of the original parts such as the steering column and the rear suspension arm needed to be modified. This work 5 included in the price of the kit and can be done during an /ranged Visit to the Norwich works. In fact, Julian Webb tilted the modified suspension bracket to the nearside trailing arm one Saturday morning. This is an ingenious modification and Inc bracket derives strength and locational accuracy by sitting directly on top of the former shock absorber spindle mount on the trailing arm. Once in place, the welds are added, The steering column modification takes a little longer, though it's planned to introduce an instant exchange arrangement in the near future. As an alternative, you can send things to Norwich for adaptation; the parts will be hastily returned to you by United Carriers. The Chassis The entire kit was collected on a camping trailer two days before heavy snow in February. Acting on Julian Webb's advice, and looking at the colour of the sky, I took a short Cu' and got the chassis professionally powder coated using a Yellow Pages specialist. I've never regretted the decision in spite of the bill for £138 the excellent in Henry Ford black gave a head start and encouraged me to match this standard of workmanship with everything which followed, It you can't find powder coating specialists near your own home, Hudson will get the work done for you in Norwich for around £130, you merely chose the colour The chassis itself is extremely well made. It is accurately drilled, professionally welded, and manufactured with tapped holes for body Attachment bolts and brackets. You can start where you like but I decided 10 build up the back end first so the whole lot could he wheeled around like a wheelbarrow. Meantime, to give a good working height, it was lifted onto the Renault wheels.