oldcar Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 (edited) Hello Frank I do have trouble getting my mind around the fact that despite Renault being one of the most successful car companies in France the number of surviving Renault Monasix/Monastella are so small! They were after all made over a five or six year period. Just the one here in Australia and a small handful in England where Renault had an assembly plant by the 1920s. Even in France the numbers of this one model are amazingly small. That they are such an individual, perhaps even "quirky" design cannot have helped their survival rate. This probably says something about the people who want to "rescue" the few survivors? The word "insane" is one that comes to mind. Bernie j. Edited September 3, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Tate Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Oh no! Not insane!! Perspicacious perhaps. 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 5, 2020 Author Share Posted September 5, 2020 Thank you for your confidence Frank. Perhaps today's photographs will change your mind. All is revealed, well almost all. I would not want to frighten you. No matter which way you look at it despite being missing one or two small parts, the carburettor is ?. There must be a better word for it other than "scary". . . . . No wonder some people run a mile, just to getaway from it. I admit that there are times when I too scratch my head but somebody has to do it. . . . . . . . Just in case you are wondering, Yes it is an "up-draft carburettor". I probably need to get another one just to be sure I have all the parts. It is always a problem when someone else takes something a part and then loses a couple of parts. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 6, 2020 Author Share Posted September 6, 2020 Having gone so far I think that I may as well finish assembling the engine. but first I have to "clear the decks". I am now almost back to the starting point. I will have to see if there is another carburettor available possibly in France. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 7, 2020 Author Share Posted September 7, 2020 Good afternoon. Or it is atleast for me., The sun has continued to shine all afternoon which means thgatr I have been able to remove the motor out of the Renault notthat there was anything wrong with it otherthan it has stood for some years priuor to it's return to my ownership. Havingfinished the cosmetic details of the car's interior to the point where I can now turn my back on it andnow concentrate on the engine. Now I know that I am notsupposed to swear on this forum BUT it really does make me cross. I am now only weeks away from my 84th birthday and am supposed to be slowing down. What a JOKE ! I had placed this Renault for sale on a European website sait to specialise in PreWarCars. This was done about a month ago and I have not had one reply Perhaps that I was offering the car at such a LOW price put people off. I had explained that the motor was only part assembled that the valves were out and needed grinding in. and then the tappets adjusted so the motor would run nicely and very quietly. This relatively small job obviously terrified any possibly potential buyer. Bullshit! As I have been brought up with the idea that "IF the job is worth doing then it is worth doing properly. So now I will further dismantle the motor prior to rebuilding it back to as near to perfect as is possible! I had thought that IF I could have sold the Renault there is just one more of my "Stalled Projects" that I sold "almost finished" over twenty years ago. It has stood in a garage with the doors locked since the day I sold it. I really did think that I should offer to buy it back and finish it. OH WELL ! ! ! I will enjoy rebuilding the Renault's engine and having the car drivable. Just one thing! With it in driving condition with both a rebuilt engine and gearbox I will not be selling it for Aust $15,000 or about US $ 7,500! Think more than double that! If there is some one who would like to buy a REALLY INTERESTING Pre 1930 FRENCH CAR for a bargain price they had better be very quick. Send me an email within the next 48 hours or miss out. twooldlags@gmail.com NO! I will NOT be polishing the blades of the Aluminium Flywheel Fan to a mirror finish. While it is standing upside down and with the sump removed, just take a look at the really solid "Balanced" Craknshaft for a Vintage 1.5 litre engine. Bernie j. Now 24 hours later I have the box with piston rings and another with valves and valve guides out on my bench and the motor on an engine trolley all set and ready to go. Now is the time for someone to put their hand up before I spend any more time on this. Please remember even my time will cost money! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Tate Posted September 7, 2020 Share Posted September 7, 2020 Slowing down because you are getting older is like saying sleeping is necessary......totally overrated. You can sleep when you are dead. At least that is what I was always told. 😄 Fix the engine and make those big bucks Bernie! Then you can bring the Lagonda to the US and do the Route 66 run with Helen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 7, 2020 Author Share Posted September 7, 2020 Thank you Frank, I do not know about you but I do need my four or five hours sleep. The nearest we have been to Route 66 is it's starting point and I really cannot see us going back to the USA any time soon. Much as I would really like to meet up with you all in person. For me these days visits are all about people. At present here in Victoria, Australia, we are all under a Covid "Lock down" and are prohibited from venturing more than 5 Kms from our homes. The other day I actually started the Lagonda just to be sure that the battery had not gone flat. I let it run until it had warmed up then turned if off again. Re the Renault, it is keeping me amused but somehow I don't see it making "Big Bucks". Renaults are such "quirky cars" it takes a special kind of madness to even be interested in them. Even more so, working on them. The best way to store all the pieces is to put them together, that way they are unlikely to get lost or damaged. Right now I am fitting rings to the pistons, then I have to replace all the Valves. I hope to find 12 usable one out of the 24 I have in a box of valves, springs and guides. Even them the motor will not be perfect but it should at least run. Bj. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 (edited) Surprise surprise I have now decided the Renault really must be sold! It really needs a complete Francophile to finish it. Interested potential purchasers can contact me here for more details and photographs. Oh yes that Aust $15.000 will buy it. A real bargain for someone more enthusiastic (younger) than I am. Bj email twooldlags@gmail.com Edited September 9, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 Re:- The above, I know that this is absolutely crazy but now that I have decided, the Renault must be sold! Please do not let the asking price put you off, have a good look at the various photographs, if you would like to see more detail all you need to do is ask. If you think I am asking too much do not feel shy about making an offer, provided it is 1. Genuine & 2. Sensible. Thank you Bj. NB, In less than 2 months time I have my 84th Birthday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrData Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 Bernie, I thought the engine looked like it was in rather good shape. Obviously, you must have found something very disheartening to decide to sell, once again. Either that, or another bad day. I know the feeling well. And, no, I do not wish to purchase your Renault. For some reason I have never been a big fan of French cars, other than the Talbot Lago and certain Bugattis, all of which are WAAAY above my pay grade. I am glad you cranked up the Lagonda. If it were me, I would have tootled around 6 km before switching it off. While we are not as locked down as you are here in Northern California, we have been experiencing record (for us) heat...in excess of 110 F. Today the heat has abated but we are experiencing orange overcast skies as a reult of all the smoke and ash from wildfires. We are staying inside because of the air quality so the TD is on a battery charger. Which of your other "stalled projects" are you considering for resurrection? Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 As I have not even spoken to the current owner, I should not mention which one, about all I can say is that it is a "Lagonda". As it is outside our current Covid permitted zone there is nothing I can do for the time being. It is a VERY LONG TIME since I sold it but I do have a friend who lives in the same locality and he is able to show me where it is hiding. Fingers crossed Bj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 10, 2020 Author Share Posted September 10, 2020 Meanwhile I still have to sell the Renault before I can do anything about replacing it. Yesterday I fitted the pistons. Today will start on re-installing the camshaft and grinding in the valves. Bj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 10, 2020 Author Share Posted September 10, 2020 (edited) Now! It is officially for sale, offers are invited, I have told you what I think it should be worth. Now is your chance to tell me how much you are prepared TO BUY IT FOR ? Make me an offer? Bj. Edited September 10, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 10, 2020 Author Share Posted September 10, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 11, 2020 Author Share Posted September 11, 2020 (edited) I will continue on assembling. Next step, (above) is to fit the timing gear, then to install the valve guides, valves and tappets. The front camshaft bearing is an unused new one that I had in "stock". I also need to organise a new (rubber) front Engine support that will sit on the second cross member, under the timing case & between the two front engine mounting bolts. I have it advertised for sale but under todays difficult Convid atmosphere, I do not expect too much to be happening, so I will continue working away at it. Bj. Edited September 11, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 12, 2020 Author Share Posted September 12, 2020 (edited) Now it is Sunday here in Australia. It is damp and cool. Not really raining just the occasional light sprinkle, enough to be a nuisance. I need to be out in the garage doing some more assembly work on the Renault engine, but I cannot help thinking "Why am I doing this? No one is ever going to drive it." I just wish that someone would come and buy it, if only to proove me wrong. Of course the "dreaded Covid" will prevent anyone even coming to look at. Every thing will look so much better next week! Now BACK TO WORK ! Bernie J. Edited September 13, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 13, 2020 Author Share Posted September 13, 2020 It is now Sunday afternoon and I am well on the way to having the Renault motor out again. I have learnt (the hard way) that you cannot remove the sump with the motor in the car so it is back to square one! This time I will make absolutely sure that I have everything back in place before I lift it back into the car. Bj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 13, 2020 Author Share Posted September 13, 2020 (edited) Monday morning and by some miracle the motor is out and on my "trolley" so I can now relax for a moment. One problem that I do have is that during the nine or ten years since I first started to work on the Renault it seems that about half the (pre-war) metric nuts have disappeared. Todays task will be to discover the size and number of "turns" i.e. "Coarse or fine" thread. One problem is that pre-war metric nuts and bolts were different sizes to modern ones. Just ask any Bugatti owner? Better still ask any Pre-war or T type MG owner, most still do not know about "Morris Metric". Bj. Edited September 13, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 13, 2020 Author Share Posted September 13, 2020 (edited) This was "lifted" from the Morris Minor Forum. The early Morris motors were supplied by the Continental Motor Manufacturing Company of Detroit USA. Continental then decided they no longer wanted to supply motors to Morris so Morris purchased the drawings and tooling from Continental and engaged Hotchkiss to manufacture their motors. Hotchkiss had metric tooling and insisted on using metric threads. However upon the insistence of Morris the metric fastners were to have Whitworth/BSF head and nut sizes. The use of these threads continued until the release of the Series 2 OHV Minor which reverted to UNF/UNC fastners. All 10 mm. and 6 mm. threads are standard ISO metric coarse but all 8 mm. threads are metric fine - 1.0 mm pitch. If you were not confused already, you should be now. Just remember this when working on your pre 1950 MG Wolseley Morris etc BUT not Austins. Austin did not become absorbed by BMC until the mid 1950s. The arrival of the OHV engines in Morris cars heralded the advent of the BMC. British Motor Corporation..... Just to make things even more confusing. Up until some time in the 1950s Whitworth and British Standard Fine were used. UNC & UNF use different spanner (Bolt head and Nut) sizes to the pre 195? Nuts & Bolts. Today anyone working on pre WW2 cars really need four sets of spanners. One for early American, another for Early British, yet another for post 1950 English and finally Metric. Most early French, Italian and other European car makers used different metric sizes to post WW2. ie odd against even metric "numbers". Perhaps this explains the number of "rounded" nuts and bolts you can encounter while working on a variety of Manufacturer's cars. Of course there are some people who just use the same "shifter" for everything. This often includes taking the "Crown-seal" caps off drink bottles! Bj. Edited September 14, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 14, 2020 Author Share Posted September 14, 2020 (edited) Thank you Bernie j. twooldlags@gmail.com Edited September 15, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 16, 2020 Author Share Posted September 16, 2020 Today I finished checking the "bottom end of the motor and I am satisfied that all the con-rod and main bearings are in good servicable condition. All the nuts have all been done up to the required torque and "lock wired". I chose to go down the "Lock-wire" route as with the current "lock down" in force here in Victoria Australia the local shops are all closed and we have a restriction of a maximum of 5 kms travel outside our front gate. This meant that I was unable to buy "split pins" apart from mail order which could take several weeks before I saw them. My next step is to check my stock of valves and set about fitting them. This will involve giving them all a light grind prior to fitting them. Bj. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 17, 2020 Author Share Posted September 17, 2020 Hello Frank I must apologise I missed your Birthday 6/8/58 has to be a lucky combination of numbers. Having said that, it shows me that you are a mere boy when it comes to years. Just out of short pants as we used to say "once upon a time". Good luck and here is to many more years. Bernie j. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Tate Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Hello Bernie, No apologies necessary. So far, the birthday combo hasn't been very lucky for me, but I can't complain. You know what they say, it isn't the years, it is the miles...😂 As long as we wake up on the right side of the dirt, we are doing well! Best, Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 As long as you can remember to draw breath every now and then you will be OK. Right now I am busy sending a bundle of photographs of the Renault off to a potential new owner. Fingers crossed !. Todays pics include one of the new front mudguard (Fender) brackets. These include a conduit for the turn indicator wires. This also helps make them a little stronger and less likely to flap. Bj. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 19, 2020 Author Share Posted September 19, 2020 (edited) One way or another it would appear the Renault is about to change owner. I should know for certain later today. Bernie j. Edited September 19, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Tate Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Fingers crossed for you Bernie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 There are only two things certain in this life and neither have anything to do with buying or selling old motor cars. I think that you can safely uncross your fingers for the next little while. But thanks for the though Bernie j. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 (edited) Hello Frank et al It seems to happen every time, just when you think that a car is sold, the "buyer" disappears in a puff of smoke! Just what motivates some people to sit at their computers merrily tapping away wasting not only their own time but everyone else's as well, I do not know. So it is back to the "drawing board" as it were. Only one thing is certain, my 1927/9 Renault Monastella is still for sale! For the benefit of anyone interested, the Price is now a never to be repeated, rock bottom Aust $10,000.oo. That is at todays exchange rate, just $7,150. US.7,161.78 N.B.This DOES NOT INCLUDE DELIVERY to the other side of the world. The car is currently based in Victoria, Australia. where I just happen to live. In fact I have been here since 1936, which seems like a life time. Hopefully not yet the end of one! Life does go on........... BACK TO WORK ! Bernie j. Edited September 23, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 you are doing a great job, well done! This Renault will be very beautiful I wish you good luck for the future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrData Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 Bernie, Sorry to hear that the sale did not go through, you seemed anxious to close the Renault chapter and start a new one. It is, indeed, a frustrating experience. I hope work is going well on the valve train. How close are you to getting it assembled and running? We are currently enjoying clean air, for a change, here in Northern California. I, however, am stuck at the keyboard of this computer instead of behind the wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 23, 2020 Author Share Posted September 23, 2020 (edited) Good Morning The sale of the Renault has been temporarily held up. The (Potential) Purchaser is having difficulty arranging ( affordable) transport from LA. where the car would arrive in America travelling by sea, to his home near Chicago. Is there anybody reading this who may be able to help or make some useful suggestions? Unfortunately there is no room left in the price for me to assist him any further. Failing this I will be putting the Renault up for sale again at the new Record Low Price of Aust $ 10,000 that is at todays rate under US $7,250. Surely a gift in anyone's terms, especialy for such a rare car. There are less than 10 or 12 Monastella Renaults known to survive anywhere in the world and only the one Skiff Tail Roadster! It is not too late for another French Car ENTHUSIAST to put their hand up. At US$7,250 (plus shipping costs) it is an absolute Bargain! Bernie j. Bernie j. Edited September 23, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 24, 2020 Author Share Posted September 24, 2020 And surprise surprise! I now have a second potential "buyer" ready and willing to "steal" the Renault from me. I could let it go for a "Song" but neither of them seem know the right words to put with the music. Bj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 26, 2020 Author Share Posted September 26, 2020 (edited) Ok Ok it is now official I have sold the Renault and it should be picked up as soon as its new owner can travel. I cannot truthfully say that I am sorry to see it go only that I had hoped to get a little more for it. Too Bad! Once it has gone I will be able to sort out my life or what ever is left of it. For further info see my Thread under British cars Lagonda Rapier Edited September 27, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 27, 2020 Author Share Posted September 27, 2020 (edited) Despite today being Sunday and officially the "Day of Rest" it is now 5.30 pm and I have just come in from the garage, I have spent most of today except stoping for almost an hour to eat lunch, out sorting out and dry assembling all the various loose parts. I will have to buy various nuts and bolts that I will still need to complete the job. The buyer can then see exactly where all the various things fit and that they all do actually fit and where they go on the engine. All this I must add is something I have never had a "seller" do for me. At least it has been a bright & sunny spring day which makes it all so much easier. I really will be glad when it is all packed up and on it's way. Bernie j. Edited September 27, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrData Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Bernie, I guess congratulations are in order as the Renault prepares to go to its new home. I hope whoever purchased it will continue the thread on its resurrection. I was really hoping that you would see this through to actually driving the Renault but, I understand how you roll with your projects. Looking forward to the next one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 29, 2020 Author Share Posted September 29, 2020 (edited) Hello* Dr Data, Please remember I am now just a few weeks from my 84th birthday. I know very well that "Comparisons are said to be Odious" but I do pride myself that for my age, I am travelling quite nicely thank you.... *Perhaps that should read "Hell No!". Even my devoted wife has said, "I told you not to buy that Renault again, thank goodness you are getting rid of it now". You will just have to be patient until our present "lock down" has come to an end. Only then can I even start to investigate its present location and current state. Not to mention if the present owner is interested in selling it. From what my spies report, nothing has been done to it in the Twenty-plus years since I sold it. It is so close but still too far away, if you can understand that. One of my oldest VSCC Friends lives quite close and claims that he knows which house it is behind. (Just around the corner!) All I can do is to wait until the current restrictions on our local travel are lifted or even changed from a Limit of 5 Kms from my front door to perhaps, Twenty five Kms. Oh Hum! Bj. Edited September 29, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted September 30, 2020 Author Share Posted September 30, 2020 (edited) Of course our other French car is my Peugeot, Not quite my daily driver these days wehave owned this one since it was nine months old. It is a five sped (overdrive) manual with a fuel injected two litre petrol engine. It still drives very nicely but only goes out once or twice per month. We have only had one mechanical problem with it when I neglected to change the cam belt and bent all the valves when it broke. Apart from that It only needs a drink of petrol once in a while and the radiator realy needs some attention. I just need to check the water level before I go out in it for now. Bj. Edited September 30, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted October 1, 2020 Author Share Posted October 1, 2020 Quite remarkably, despite having to live "outside" most of the time, there is absolutely no Rust in our Peugeot. It has never been involved in a major accident and as far as I know I am the only long term owner. It is totally original. The "wheels" were fitted from "day one". Everything still works, it will probably out-last me. Bj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcar Posted October 7, 2020 Author Share Posted October 7, 2020 (edited) The one "black mark" is the seal around the sun-roof This still leaks after a heavy shower of rain. I have "fixed it" once with some silastic but it needs to be done again. Every so often I have someone strange in the car and they just cannot resist fiddling with the roof controls above their heads. Why don't I just replace the seal? Simple! Because the "Sun Roof" is original equipment, this has to come from France and as an "Obsolete Part" this becomes a problem and even if I can find the correct part, the cost of importing just the one seal is prohibitive. In today's world you are not expected to even want to drive a 1997 car. Much less want to buy such an obscure part. Bj. Edited October 9, 2020 by oldcar (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastienbuick Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 This Peugeot was very solid, like the Peugeot 309 too. It was a good engine and there was no major repair to be done. If you want I can order the seal you want and send it to you by mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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