Warren and Scott Candy, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, USA
Hi Remember us? We are the two fellows from the United States who just happen
to be Renault enthusiasts and who also just happened to be at one of the
Registers first social events. A great coincidence, l might add! Warren
works for an electrical utility and Scott is a college student.
Our latest Renault purchase is a R5 GTL with body and engine modifications.
It has apparently been set up for racing. It cost a mere 50 dollars and
we were able to start it and move it under its own power within a couple
days. We hope to race it in the future. But, this is the 15-17 Register
after all, so l'll talk about that.
We own not one, but two R17 Gordinis. The blue one has recently got back
on the road after a very long hibernation. This is the one l get to drive.
Most of my friends say it is weird, but what do they know?. The most semi-serious
work on the blue beast has been the front brakes, the pistons were both
firmly seized. The second time they went faster. (Disassembling the caliper,
pulling the piston, refitting the bloody seal, and persuading the piston
back in.) We got better at it after the first trial. I surmise that the
seizure was partly due to some of the cold weather we've had. (-20s below
0 F) Also one by one, l am replacing the tires. The tires are Michelin XZX
and l have just bought the last two in existence around here anyway. They
are very hard to find. For the most part the Blue is healthy and is soon
approaching 90K miles on the Odometer. Now on to the special silver!
This silver 17G is one of a kind. It was used to promote the 17 Gordini
here in America. Tommy and Bobby Archer's father bought as a Renault marketing
experiment in 1978. The car was forgotten about and several months later
showed up on their doorstep. We acquired this rare car by word of mouth.
There are no mechanical problems with this one. It is quite solid. This
car has a black bonnet, rear wing and also a front spoiler. Other features
include Bilsten shocks, BWA mag wheels and a red interior. The marketing
scheme failed but the silver Renault lived on. There are small cosmetic
problems, like common bubbling of paint on the bonnet and around the wheel
guards. The silver bullet doesn't go out on the road often. At the moment
it is sleeping on the hill, but will be ready to come out of hiding when
the snow melts.
The blue 17 is running happily. The only problems at the moment are the
steering and small rust areas. The trouble with the steering is that it
enjoys gradually drifting left while in motion.
I have to gently persuade it to return to normal driving direction. (Any
hints on this one, anybody?) We don't know how to fix it as the toe has
minimal adjustment, and the camber is non adjustable. Also, the heater fan
died. (Great timing) We quickly rigged in a small fan for the time being.
A gruesome task of removing the whole dash lies ahead. Just to fix the fan!.
Thats all for now from us the Renault fans in America. Keep up the good
work everybody.
We are quite impressed at your undying enthusiasm for these great cars!.
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