 |
RENAULT 4 FAQ |
|
|
RENAULT 4 FAQ |
|
I wrote this page before the forum on Clementine's website had developed, and a search on that forum can reveal answers more comprehensive than those listed here.
Are Renault 4's expensive to buy?
What tools should I buy for maintaining my R4?
What are the main differences between driving a Renault 4 and a modern car?
I've heard that spare parts for Renault 4s are very hard to find, is this true?
Are modern garages capable of working on my Renault 4?
Can I fit a larger engine and more modern brakes to my Renault 4?
What cosmetic alterations can I make to my Renault 4?
Which are the best verions of the Renault 4?
Where should I check for rust when buying a Renault 4?
Can I use unleaded petrol in my Renault 4?
1. Are Renault 4's expensive to buy?
Usually they are not, but it all depends on which variant you want. Rusty old wrecks can be yours for next to nothing, but roadworthy motors. For example a presentable an post '82 Renault 4 could be had for anywhere between €400 - €2,000, or if you want something a little more unusual you could go for either an older example and/or one of the numerous special editions. Usually to be found in good condition for anywhere between €1,500 - €3,500 for one thats seen some useful restoration work in its time
I have come across people paying way huge amounts of money on absolute wrecks because they think they are rare and valuable. Renault 4s are not rare yet, even if they seem to be. Therefore rusty Renault 4s are not worth much, and they are often not worth wasting time on at all. Only very little should ever be paid for them unless they are an extremely rare version.
Open models and sunroof models are generally more expensive. The best example is that of the Plein Air. A 1968-1975 R4 in tidy condition could be yours for €1500-€3500, whereas it's open equivalent, the Plein Air (whose mechanics are identical) could be anywhere from €3500-€7500 upwards for a car in similar condition. Bearing in mind that they often get wet inside, which will lead to corrosion later in life (if not already), it's often wise to buy the best example of an open topped car that you can. A basket case of any Renault 4 could be purchased for a very little as demand for rebuilt projects of this type of car is not high. Unlike other cars, largely due to the lack of demand for rebuilt Renault 4s, there is not an industry in restoring them as exists in the cases of 2CVs, Morris Minors, Minis and Beetles. This is because the cost of intensive restoration can rarely be recouped with the value of the finished article.
LA QUATRELLE: LES PETITES ANNONCES
2. What tools should I buy for maintaining my Renault 4?
Pick up any catalogue from a tool supplier and the range of tools available is vast. However 95% of these you'll probably never need, or may need once during your ownership of the car (so hiring or borrowing may be your best option). Stuff I wouldnt leave home without must include the following: A range of screwdrivers, both flat and cross headed in a variety of sizes (but a reasonable quality set too, the cheaper ones just snap when you lean on them), a set of spanners suitable for your particular car (metric and imperial). A tin of oil is always a good thing to have kicking around in the far reaches of your boot in case of emergency, as is a towrope and quality set of jump leads (proper ones).
3. What are the main differences between driving a Renault 4 and a modern car?
Well, just about every aspect of motoring has been developed beyond all recognition over the last couple of decades. Drive a reasonable modern car, and you'll find electric windows, central locking, safety features, comfy seats and a decent sound system. Jump out of your hermetically sealed modern into a Renault 4, and prepare for a shock. Gone are electric windows, so sit back and enjoy the experience of sliding windows, usually in runners that are gunged up, comfy unsupportive seats. Braking is another area where you'll notice a significant difference, requiring a great deal more forward planning than is often the case in an ABS-equipped modern steed. The lack of ABS requires cadence-braking, which means put your foot on and off the brake rhythmically while steering. Steering too, is another area where the R4 may well feel a little less communicative.
This is discussed in further detail in Owning a Renault 4 today, which is linked below. If you can't put up with the compromises involved in using a Renault 4 as transport, you can always buy its lookalike, the Ancel Lapin. This is a Suzuki Lapin made to look like a Renault 4, linked below.
Not nearly as safe as new cars. It was penned on the drawing board long before much thought was given to what happens to humans should the unfortunate happen and you find yourself driving into something solid. Airbags, crumple zones, anti lock brakes and all the rest were but a distant dream, as were things such as seatbelts until 30 or so years ago.
There is an argument that modern cars are so safe now, and the chances of you walking away from a shunt are that much greater, that many push the limits of the car more in daily driving, knowing that its less likely to wipe them out completely should things get exciting. It could be this reasoning that means insurance policies for old motors are (assuming you're over 25) that much more affordable - drivers of preserved cars, where there is less built in safety, are more likely to drive carefully, knowing that any contretemps with a large tree will no doubt do them some serious damage. However careful you are, you are at the mercy of other drivers, who can be more careless and cause you to be involved in an accident. There is more on Renault 4 safety in the following pages:
RENAULT 4 PRIVATE CRASH TEST (Slovenia)
The locks were a lot more primitive when the Renault 4 was new, and it is highly recommended to apply some form of extra vehicle security, whether it's investing in a simple steering wheel lock or sticking it in the garage. You might think that your shabby Renault 4 would appeal to no-one, but the truth is that the simpler older cars are often targeted by scum as they're known to have pretty dire door locks, as opposed to pricier machines which may have seen some money invested in security measures. If possible, immobilise the car. Common sense indicates that its not a good idea to leave contents in view, or inside the car at all. The stereo system (partially) removed from the car (not just hidden).
7. I've heard that spare parts for Renault 4s are very hard to find, is this true?
Almost all Renault 4 parts are easily obtainable. They are available from Renault dealers still, though this can sometimes be quite expensive. You are unlikely to find a Renault 4 in a scrapyard, but there are plenty around the place for sale 'for parts'. Also, the first generation Renault 5 shares many Renault 4 parts. Many people consider that buying a trashed R4 is a worthwhile proposition, as it can be an excellent way of providing yourself with a lifetime of spares at very reasonable cost.
However, if you want something really obscure like an 'Parisienne' badge or dual headlight grille or Gordini alloys, then scouring the internet is a very worthwhile pastime as unusual parts can often be found using this method, and old parts are there aplenty and useful leads and contacts can be made with knowledgeable owners and suppliers alike. A lot about finding spares for your car can rely on you networking with fellow owners and getting to know less obvious ways of finding rare parts, without relying on specialist parts suppliers unless absolutely necessary. The two best sources for cheap and obscure parts or here:
8. Are modern garages capable of working on my Renault 4?
Many of the mechanics to be found nowadays will know the Renault 4. However, your best chance of finding the best garage that you can trust to work on your R4 is probably through word-of-mouth recommendation. Of course the best bet is to try and do as much work as you can yourself, then you really get to know the workings of your Renault 4, which will hold you in good stead should you get a breakdown at any time. Invest in copies of the original workshop manual and handbooks if you can and check the internet as there are many discussion forums and message boards for the R4, where other owners are usually only too pleased to help out in some way if they can.
There is an R4 specialist in London, called Derek Flavell who runs a garage called Renospeed.
9. Can I fit a larger engine and more modern brakes to my Renault 4?
Many owners of Renault 4s do this. Fitting more modern running gear can transform the behaviour of a Renault 4, especially if a lot of journeys are made on fast primary roads and motorways. But while they can make the experience more modern in feel, many argue that part of the charm of R4 is the way it drives, the roll and gearchange. Renault 4s have received all manner of engine modifications over the years.
Renault 4s have always been fair game for tuning or engine upgrade, simply because there are so many variations of the Cléon engines were made. For instance, derivatives of the Cléon engines fitted to the GTL and post '86 TLs were used in the legendary Renault 8 Gordini, and Renault 5 Alpines to name a few, whereas the transverse installation was used in all variants of the Super5, including the GT Turbo models, for which a vast market of aftermarket tuning accessories were also created, many of which can be fitted to humbler machines. These require a huge amount of work, and it is just as possible to install any engine that will fit. Here are a few sites featuring modified R4s
10. What cosmetic alterations can I make to my Renault 4?
The possibilities are obviously endless, as can be seen on R4 sites on the internet. However it is probably a good idea not to make changes that cannot be easily reversed.
The aluminium grille of the second series R4 (1968-1975) is very popular and sells for high prices on ebay. This can be fitted onto any R4 made after 1968. They are available at Reno4er (link below), as are numerous other parts. The huge variety in interesting wheels produced for other Renault models especially the R5 and R8 mean that there is no shortage for R4 owners who want to personalise the R4.
Below is Iguana kits, a site which sells kits to transform the appearance of the Renault 4. Also below is a site which sells wings for the R4 with flared wheel arches.
11. Which are the best versions of the Renault 4?
This is down to the intended use and personal taste. From a collector's perspective, the most desirable Renault 4s are the Parisienne, Plein Air, Super, R3, 4 X 4 and Safari models. The series 2 model seems to be the most popular in terms of aesthetics. The later versions of this are better, as they contain a 12 volt electrical system, radio console and other improvements. The version with the small aluminium grille is perhaps the most characterful of all the R4s due to its unusual gear change (even for a R4), its hammock seats and tendency to roll on corners even more than later R4s.
From a practical point of view, the GTL is probably the best. Of the GTLs, the version produced from 1987 to 1994 is the best. This is because of the more attractive upholstery, improved dashboards and lack of exposed door hinges, and the fact that the registration plate was placed back on the bonnet. However, these are not found in right hand drive. The early GTLs have front drum brakes and earlier dashboards. It has been observed that the R4 was better rustproofed at certain stages of its run than others. In pratice, there are good examples and bad examples of every type of R4.
12. Where should I check for rust before buying an R4?
The best places to check are the innermost boot floor and wheel arches, the meeting of the inner and outer wings under the bonnet, and the floor inside the car. Also the rear chassis, as this is the hardest and most expensive part to fix. The bodywork should also be checked thoroughly.
13. Can I use unleaded petrol in my Renault 4?
Yes, but additive is recommended for motorway driving.