06 Albi Blue 197

[FlashBastd]

From around Oct 08 to June 10, I was running a Ford Puma, which I did loads with, before one day just deciding that it was time to call it a day. I was about to embark on more spending, one a new LSD equipped gearbox, some paint, alcantara trimmed wheel, etc. and came to the conclusion that unless I was going to keep it for some time, then I should just put it back to standard and sell it, then use the cash for something newer and more potent.

Highlights included retrimmed Recaro's, FRP engine, 300mm front brakes, 270mm rear disc conversion, Milltek 4-2-1 with sport cat, and various detail improvements.

Fortunately my mother decided she fancied it, so I didn't put it quite back to standard, and before I knew it, I didn't have a car, other than a 1995 Clio 1.9D Bebop (with PAS!).

While the Bebop is a great little truck, it isn't exactly an object of desire. Within about 48hrs I was desperate for something more interesting. On Monday I missed out on a Focus RS (by about £1,500) and a 53 plate 330d (by £350), which I wasn't that disappointed about as it was dark green with cloth, and while it would undoubtedly have been a great car, it just didn't excite me. I managed to avoid the bid button for a couple of days, in the hope of borrowing a '99 306 GTi-6 for a few months from my best friend who is a trader, but the rotten sod sold it last night. I really want a Z4, but it is totally the wrong time of year, so I told my friend that I wanted something I could smoke around in for 3 months or so that wouldn't loose too much cash, and he suggested this 197, which he had just bought. Before I committed, I had a punt at a well spec'd 05 plate MCS, but it went for silly money, so I figured I might as well have a punt at this.

I bought it unseen, 06/56, 80k, 1 owner, in need of 4 wheel refurbs, various marks around the bodywork, some wear to the drivers seat, 1 key, part SH.

When I collected it, I discovered that actual spec as follows;

• Cabasse
• Auto climate
• Xenons
• Smoked rear windows

On the plus side, in addition to spec.

• 4 x matching nearly new Yoko's
• RFT to 9/10
• Full SH, inc. belts
• 2 keys (one needed a new battery)
• Bodywork better than described

On the down side;

• Keyless locking button on drivers door doesn't work
• Steering wheel very worn
• Star in n/s headlamp ("oh, cool, I've got xenons; oh, I have a hole in one of my xenons")
• Thermostat stuck open
• Slight blow on exhaust
• Rattle from boot
• Couple of clips broken on rear diffuser
• A/c was ineffective
• Missing wheel brace

My plans are really just to smarten the car up during my tenure with it, before possibly passing it back to my friend to retail for me, when I decide I fancy something else. In addition I will be fitting a bluetooth and iPod interface, and may do a few minor mods, bit of personalising, etc.

As of Saturday, I had sorted the second key with a replacement battery, had the A/c regassed (in case you go non-franchise, 510g of refrigerant - Autodata doesn't have that info for the 197), and started to clean up the interior - the rear seat bases, parcel shelf and boot carpet were all in the house waiting to be refitted the following morning.

I also had cause to discover the very cool "target" warning light, I clearly didn't drive the car hard enough yesterday, as I only found it today. Very cool. Made a flying visit to see some relatives this afternoon, and yes, this is a quick little car, and the press' fascination with it's handling seems fully justified. Not 101% sold on the fuel consumption just yet though!

So, to my shopping list;

On order;

• Parrot MKi9200 phone & iPod kit
• 2.5m twin ISO extension loom
• Brodit dash bracket
• Brodit Blackberry cradle
• RenaultSport floor mats
• Albi Blue touch up
• Clio luggage compartment storage tray
• Silver indicator bulbs
• Renault TIS & EPC
• N/S/F xenon headlamp
• Thermostat
• Drivers side door handle (I hope these aren't expensive!)
• Wheel brace
• ITG panel filter
• Used low mileage interior
• Spare steering wheel (so I can get this one retrimmed)

Wanted;

• Rear diffuser
• Possibly a spare set of wheels, so I can get these refurbished

The wheel refurb, exhaust blow, and a couple of dentmaster type repairs will need to be taken care of soon, any recommendations for the wheels or smart repairers would be gratefully received.

Also I quite fancy getting the interior trim done in vinyl, I think either in a bright metallic blue, or perhaps in high gloss black? Suggestions, and recommendations gratefully received. I like the idea of blue as I fancy getting the steering wheel retrimmed in alcantara, with a blue leather marker band; I was going to do something similar with the Puma before I exited it.

I had my Scangauge plugged in today, and it would appear that the water temp isn't really getting above around 75C, which I think suggests that the thermostat is stuck open. Not a huge prob, but something I would like to get sorted.

I also seem to have a rattle from the tailgate which needs a bit more investigation.

I had meant to have a look at the car on a ramp this morning when I was down at the garage for the A/C regas, but just didn't get chance, so it was sods law that I would notice the blow this evening. Hopefully I will get it looked at soon; could be an excuse to go for something more interesting - though I did get thoroughly bored of noisy exhausts with the Puma, so perhaps not.

Sunday saw the car move about 15' forward, vac'd out, then driven 15' back. However, I have ordered the ITG panel from Camskill, finished cleaning the interior, and investigated the exhaust blow. Looks like the car has had a replacement mild steel cat back fitted relatively recently, the clamps look quite substantial, suggesting reasonable quality, but the blow is coming from the rear join. Cleaning it up and resealing it should sort the prob. I suspect that it was in fitting the replacement exhaust that the rear diffuser got damaged, which is annoying, but not a huge prob.

Haven't done anything to the exterior yet, but here are some pics anyway, just in case anyone has forgotten what an Albi blue one looks like...

The bodywork has worn really well (hopefully I won't come to eat my words when I wash it...), but the interior fabrics seem very prone to pulls. Also the bolsters aren't as durable as they might be, but that seems to be the case with the Recaro's too.

Today I found out out the car had a new mid section last year, work done by a Renault dealer, so assume it is genuine, hope to get that sorted this week, along with new 'stat. Also I have ordered a used interior, used standard Clio steering wheel (so existing one can be sent off for retrim), new thermostat, new wheel brace and new o/s door handle.

Once that is done, and the various parts fitted, there will just be a couple of minor dents, the wheel refurbs, and a good polish, and we should be about there.

Anyhow, that is my not so brief introduction, I am quite taken with the car at the moment, and am looking forward to improving it's condition.

Comments and criticisms all welcome, thanks for reading.

 

[Naith]

nice welcome, enjoy the 197... some darkened alloys, clear indicators and a good wash and she'll be right as rain

 

[Gally]

Flassssshhhhhh!!!!!

Leg-end!

Welcome over to this side of the fence mate!

Have you sold the Puma?

 

[FlashBastd]

Cheers guys, and hello again!

Sold the Puma to my mum, so it is still about.

I was thinking about darker wheels, but I like the way they go with the silver badging on the wings. Not made my mind up yet though, and still need to work out where exactly to have them done. Wheel Specialist do a good job, but they are expensive.

I really like this car, it goes like a bloody rocket, soooo much quicker than my Puma, even with the FRP engine mods. Never felt like mine was making all it's power though.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I have the minor niggles sorted out, and can just get on and enjoy owning it.

 

[FlashBastd]

So, quick trip to the garage this morning saw the exhaust joint repaired and the thermostat replaced. However it still doesn't seem to go over around 85C; I doubt it is doing any harm though, so will probably just leave it for the time being, and see how things go.

Also fitted a boot tray, used boot mat (old one had oil on it, and I could not stop it feeling greasy, no matter what I did), and a used low mileage gear knob (stitching was coming out on the old one).

In addition I collected another drivers seat, silver indicator bulbs, spare plain steering wheel, ITG panel filter, Parrot kit, phone cradle, RenaultSport number plates and a minature 197 in blue for my daughter.

Still waiting for the headlamp, and dash bracket.

Two disappointments today; the mats I ordered are the 200 ones, with yellow stitching, so they will be going back, and I am missing an anti-rattle clip from the drivers side caliper. Hope to get these sorted on Saturday.

 

[FlashBastd]

Drivers seat out, Cabasse bracket drilled out and refitted to the replacement seat, Parrot kit (mostly) wired in, silver indicators all around, ITG panel filter fitted, boot net fitted, boot tray velcro'd, dents removed, Cabasse speaker grille's fitted in the rear, new drivers door handle fitted.

The replacement lamp cluster arrived on Thursday, only for me to spot that two of the mounting / locating clips are broken, so I am in the process of sorting that out with the eBay seller.

Apparently the 197 mats are no longer available from Renault, but I think I have found a new, genuine set on eBay at a good price.

Jobs still to do;

Fit Brembo anti-rattle clip
Refurbish / replace wheels
Replace n/s/f lamp cluster
Non-slip material to boot tray
Damn good polish
Wire in phone cradle, wiring for Origin and also for TPMS, to be fitted when wheels are refurbished.

Finally, a few pics;

Parrot kit display;

Controller;

Wiring into glovebox;

RenaultSport registration plates;

Cabasse rear speaker grilles;

Tidy boot!

Not achieved much else, need to find the time (and courage) to swap the steering wheel, but not sure if that will get done this w/e.

 

[FlashBastd]

I got the anti-rattle clip fitted to my drivers side Brembo last night, hammering out a retaining pin was a touch hairy, but job done. Only sickening thing is that it was around £25 for the clip and two retaining pins, all because someone forgot to replace the anti-rattle clip last time.

 

[FlashBastd]

Finally, the little car got a wash;

scrubs up quite well!

 

[Cookson]

Looks proper lush

 

[Gally]

Lovely my favourite colour of the 197's but only on the 27 with dark wheels and Brembos.

Oh you love tinkering inside cars with wires and shiz!

 

[Brookie.]

How much did you pick it up for mate if you don't mind me asking?
Looks great, I'd love a 197!

 

[FlashBastd]

Paid too much for it considering what needs(needed) to be done, but it will be in top shape when I have had the wheels done and the steering wheel refurb'd.

 

[danzel]

tidy wee motor! alot of miles for its age tho?

 

[FlashBastd]

Yes the mileage is strong, but it still drives and rides really well, and still feels quite tight. Full main dealer SH too, has got to help a bit.

 

[daydotz]

Interesing placement for the mki 9200 screen an remote


Nice bit of kit though I've got a 9100 my screen is on the center consol with the remote on the wheel I've been unable to find a better place is it not to low where you have it ?

Was it quite hard to fit as I lernt with my cabasse it's quite complex with it's wireing

 

[FlashBastd]

Remote location is fine, you rest your hand on your knee, or the gear knob, plus it is accessible by the passenger if necessary. I wanted the screen to be as close as possible to my eyeline, for minimal adjustment in focal length.

Fitment was pretty straightforward to be honest, though had I not removed the drivers seat, it would probably have been a lot more awkward.

The Cabasse is nothing to be afraid of, you just need to think about it differently.

With mine I have wired the line out from the Parrot directly into the red plug on the Cabasse, which seems to work quite nicely.

 

[FlashBastd]

Fitted the phone cradle last night, and got my RS mats in too.

The phone cradle needs to be hard wired, but in the meantime, because I didn't have the time last night to do that, and need to work out what else needs wiring in, I have just fitted it using a cigar lighter power adaptor, hence the trailing wires.

Phone cradle

Self-adhesive velcro on the rear of the drivers floor mat; if I was doing it again, the bit at the very end of the mat, near the pedals, would be put somewhere else - I had forgotten how far the plastic heel pad goes.

Interior, showing mats and phone bracket

 

[FlashBastd]

Ok, some useful info, and today's progress;

Just thought this might be some useful info for anyone with Cabasse, thinking about adding an external device.

The Parrot kit has a line-out, in the form of four loose wires, representing right +, right -, left + and let -. When I fitted the same kit to the Honda, I was bemoaning the lack of plugs, but with Cabasse, it is actually handy as you can wire these (need to extend them first) directly into the red plug into the underseat stereo unit.

For reference, the rellevant pins are as follows;

27 ground
28 right
29 ground
30 left

If you remove the grey clip from the plug, you will see that one side is already partially populated. We are interested in the other side, where position 30 is the diagonally opposite the populated area, i.e. the opposite side, and opposite end.

Rather than cutting the plug, I cut up an PC internal audio cable, fitted insulated connections, and inserted the brass sockets from the PC cable into the red plug.

The parts that I used to fit the Parrot kit were;

Parrot Mki9200
2.5m double ISO extension loom
5m dual core wire (to extend line-out)
2.5m single core wire (to extend phone mute)
Various bullet type insulated closures
PC audio cable, with four pins populated
Stereo removal tools
Various cable ties

Disconnect negative terminal of battery
Remove & disconnect dash mounted head unit
Remove & disconnect Cabasse unit under drivers seat
Remove side access panel on drivers seat
Disconnect airbag plug
Detach seat wiring from rear of Cabasse mounting
Undo 4 x torx bolt securing drivers seat
Remove drivers seat
Remove interior trim at bottom of drivers door, to kick panel
Remove door rubber alongside drivers A Pillar

From the Parrot kit, take the microphone, remove the self adhesive mounting and instead fit the slide clip mounting, fit the mic above the rear view mirror, guide the wiring just inside the headlining, around the top of the A pillar (this is tricky) then down the A pillar and refit the door rubber here to secure. Run the wire down to the drivers footwell area.

Assuming you are going to fit the screen where I put it, this is also a great opportunity to do that and again guide the wiring, behind the door rubber, down to the drivers footwell.

Take the Parrot wiring loom and connect it to the ISO extension. The mute wire isn't populated on the extension, connect it to the the extra single core wire with an insulated closure, then along ISO extension to extend the phone mute. The line-out wires also need to be extended, so take the 5m of dual core wire, cut to 2 x 2.5m, and use to extend the line-out wiring. You can now fix these additional wires to the rest of the ISO extension harness. Take note of the mute wiring on the Parrot loom, the Clio (like most modern Renaults, I believe) uses mute position 3. Confirm which wire this is at the stereo end of the extension, and you will need to chop the existing wire (it doesn't do anything as that wire isn't populated on the car loom) and join to your extended mute wire, so it connects to the headunit.

Take your PC audio cable, chop the connectors out of the plug, join them to the extended line out wiring, and push into the respective positions on the unpopulated side of the red plug.

Connect the ISO extension to the car loom, run it under the carpet, along the bottom of the door aperture, and up the drivers kick panel. Secure using existing clips where possible.

Reach down through the stereo aperture, while reaching up from the footwell, and pull the Parrot loom into the stereo aperture. This is awkward, I cheated by pushing the cable for my Scangauge down through the hole, and taping it to the Parrot loom so I could pull it up. Do the same with the wiring for the microphone and screen. Connect up to the Parrot blue box.

Using a conical hole saw, drill a hole in the side of the glove compartment for the input wiring. Push the plug through and pull if from inside the stereo aperture. Connect to the Parrot blue box.

There is enough space to mount the Parrot box to the rear of the audio aperture, tuck it away, reconnect the head unit part, and refit.

Tidy up the excess loose wiring and secure to the bottom of the dash using cable ties, so it is all nicely tucked away.

Refit drivers seat, reconnect airbag (it is awkward to get the wiring back into place), push stereo wiring through the back of the Cabasse aperture, to the front, and reconnect Cabasse. Push Cabasse unit back into place, with a hand at the back to try to keep the wiring tidy. In all probability you won't be able to refit the rear cover on the Cabasse unit, due to all of the ISO plugs, etc. but this shouldn't be a problem.

Reconnect battery, enter radio code, pair phone, connect iPod, marvel at your success!

So, that was last week, today's progress has centred around the steering wheel. As you can just about see in the pic above, my wheel has gone a bit nasty, which I think is typical of RS wheels, from what I have read. I had found someone to retrim my Puma wheel, but sold the car before getting around to it, so clearly he was my first thought when I first got the 197, complete with nasty wheel. With this in mind, I hunted out a plain rubber wheel, to use while mine as being retrimmed. This evening I finally got around to swapping them over, so I could get the original retrimmed. Thanks to Ryan197 for his info.

Disconnect negative terminal of battery (I actually just disconnnected the two wires going to the negative, rather than disconnecting the bracket)
Wait 20min or so
2 x torx under the steering column, then tug down and remove, carefully, lots of wiggling necessary.
Using a large flat screw driver, poke into the bottom hole of the wheel, and lift the metal retaining bar, while pulling sharply on the airbag
Disconnect the plugs to each side, and the rear of the airbag, the side ones have a retaining clip which needs releasing before they can be disconnected. There is also an earth to the back of the airbag.
Disconnect the CC buttons (small black plug on the right) and horn (larger grey plug on the left).
Undo retaining bolt using T50 Torx
Remove wheel, guiding wires through the top hole.

Refitting is the reverse

Pics! Not necessarily in a good order;

I haven't swapped the cruise switches over as that would necessitate removing the horn switch, and I couldn't work out how to get them off!

Any questions, please shout!

 

[FlashBastd]

Oh, and note the logo on the black cruise control plug;

 

[FlashBastd]

So, today's progress...

I had purchased a new replacement n/s headlamp, unfortunately when it arrived, two of the clips had broken; I did a deal with the seller and bonded them back on this morning, before swapping the headlamp earlier this evening.

So, n/s arch liner off (struggled with some of the clips), bumper off, so far, so good, headlamp out, still looking good, swapped the height adjust motor, feeling very proud of myself, swapped over bulbs, etc. then took it back to the car, and spotted that I had managed to scratch the new headlamp while changing everything over. To say I was cross, was an understatement!

Anyhow, I plugged it in, and everything worked, which was a plus. Then spotted that there is a bumper support fitted to the original headlamp, which was riveted on. Riveted on? Did Renault not expect the headlamp to have to be changed at some point? Anyhow, drilled out the two rivets, swapped them over, refitted bumper, struggled with the o/s arch mounting bolt, but got it all sorted eventually. What a lot of work just to change a damn headlamp!

Rant over, any tips for getting scratches out of headlamps gratefully received, I have some Meguiars PlasteX which I am hoping might work, but any advice would be great.

 

[Daniel]

Have a read here dude. . .

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=461306

Nice project thread btw.

 

[FlashBastd]

Cheers, sounds like PlasteX is the way.

 

[FlashBastd]

Scratches can't have been that deep, barely waved the Plastex bottle at them and bingo, it actually looks like a brand new headlamp, rather than a brand new scratched headlamp. Huge sigh of relief!

 

[FlashBastd]

Ok, just got the new wheel today, and fitted it earlier this evening;

Overall I am really pleased with it, there are a couple of small creases, but for £145 I am not complaining. If nothing else, it is unique!

Comments, questions and criticism always welcome!

 

[FlashBastd]

Nothing exciting, but gave the car a wash - the rear diffuser is massive! Also cleaned the engine bay;

Engine bay is by no means perfect, but looks a lot better than it did. If only I could find my ITG stickers - I put them somewhere safe when I fitted the filter, I just don't know where!

 

[Gally]

Looks great Flash!

You're Puma was an electrical masterpiece and I can see this is going to be the same!

Has the steering wheel been re-trimmed to your spec?

 

[FlashBastd]

Cheers, I am pondering on what to do about an auto-dim mirror, I have a spare one, but it is black, and I am not sure if the ball joint thing is the same size as the Clio. Also plan on adding some kind of camera detector, and TPMS, all in good time!

Steering wheel was nasty, so yes, had it trimmed to my spec - I had planned on getting a Puma wheel done exactly the same way, but didn't get around to it before I decided to change. The blue marker band would have gone really well with the trim on my Recaro's. The alcantara wheel is great, but does make me more inclined to drive like a hooligan!

 

[FlashBastd]

Little bit of progress over the last few days;

• RenaultSport tax disc holder
• Repaired o/s headlamp wash - the valve inside had blocked, but I didn't find this out until I had put the airline on it, and split part of the hose - d'oh!
• Replaced all three wiper blades with new Valeo parts, same as OE
• Fitted ITG stickers on the air filter housing and battery cover
• Fitted a set of used anthacite wheels, with Conti tyres, they are by no means perfect, but now I have a spare set, so I can get the others refurbished - just need to decide if I want them silver or anthracite; I liked the way the silver went with the trim, but the antracite wheels do look that bit more mean!

The car is a bit grubby at the moment, but I will try to get some pics when I have next given it a wash.

 

[FlashBastd]

Pics, as promised, anthracite wheels and stickers;

Comments welcomed on the wheels especially

 

[FlashBastd]

Received a bag for the spare wheel today, it is a touch big, but was quite cheap and looks quite tidy.

Very little room in the boot with the storage tray and the full size spare wheel;

Apologies for the rubbish pics, camera on my blackberry isn't that bad, except in low light.

 

[Tyler@Ultimate]

Brilliant thread, a lot of detail, which made it a good read.
Nice car, I can see you looking after it very well.

 

[Tyler@Ultimate]

Oh and the wheel looks so much better.
Good choice in colour.
Black would probably look good as well

 

[FlashBastd]

Cheers, I need to do something about my calipers, they are looking a little tatty, just need to decide what colour would go best with the anthracite wheels.

 

[Tyler@Ultimate]

I tend to normally go for red to match the rear lights. Or a colour that you can match with something on your car. So Red or Blue I think on yours.

 

[FlashBastd]

Quite fancy red, but don't want it to look too much like I am trying to make it look like a cup.

 

[Tyler@Ultimate]

go for red.

 

[FlashBastd]

At a bit of a loose end on Saturday, so I decided to remove my diffuser and try to repair the clips; when I got the car, the diffuser wasn't level, and it appeared that some of the clips on one side might be broken.

Found the guide, removed the two torx screws, then proceeded to shear off one of the captive retaining bolts at the front, which then meant that I had to get the other one off two so I could actually remove the thing, so that one got sheared off too.

Removed the diffuser and found all of the clips at least partly intact, but many were folded down, suggesting that the previous effort to fit had been a bit half arsed. Cleaned up the diffuser and took the car to the garage this morning, where I also had some chromed slash cut tail pipe trims fitted.

I think I quite like them, but it would appear that the back box needs adjusting slightly to level them out, which I guess will have to wait until I am brave enough to remove the diffuser again. I wanted something to draw a bit of attention to the exhaust, but was reluctant to go for the RS trims as they aren't cheap, and some have suggested "wheel barrow handles", so I figured some slash cut trims would look ok.

Also this weekend it got it's first polish in my care, just a quickie with SRP, mostly just to get rid of tar spots, but it came up well. Also had another small dent removed that I had noticed last time it was on the lift.

Any comments or criticisms always welcomed, especially with regard to the exhaust.

 

[Christopher]

Great effort with the thread, lots of detail!

I prefer the pipes being flush, if I'm being critical. The wheels however, trasform the car!

Nice work.

 

[FlashBastd]

Cheers, I know what you mean with the exhaust, I just wanted them to be a bit more noticable. Had these been the same profile as originals, that would have been ideal.

It's funny about the wheels, I am still not 101% convinced! I must be getting old, I really like silver wheels on a car, but that seems to be at odds with pretty much everyone else!

 

[Gally]

The wheels make the car now mate, the standard ones don't do the car any favours and i'm a silver wheel fan these days!

If it's half as sorted as that Puma it'll be one of the best.

Any more plans afoot?