Hello Restoration Nation!
It been a while since my last post. Now I have THE CAR.
For future reference, if you are considering using ShipMyCar.co.uk I would not recommend them. As far as it was all OK on beginning (they subcontract big shipper - CFR Rinkens). Once car arrived to UK to their warehouse, I had bad experience. There was no damage to car during transportation, but as a car was non runner and neglected, it required some protection for transport on trailer. I asked them to seal windows (they were stuck open) and doors with tape as all seals were falling apart. Also some parts were loose so I asked them to remove and put inside. I was assured by one of directors of the company that it will be done. I requested that in my e-mail as well when paying.
Nothing was done... plus guy who delivered car to my garage didn't secure it on trailer properly (strapped only by one wheel to trailer) and was in such rush to leave, he didn't even give me documents for it....
Luckily, car survived, but when you are buying your D after 15 years of saving... it is really making me angry as those people charge you premium money for their service and you getting nothing in exchange.
AVOID !!!
back to car... I stripped down the engine first to check why it is a non runner. Fuel Distributor piston was stuck and cooling system completely blocked. Lot of crap in water pump. Car still had stock air and oil filter.
It turns freely, but for me it requires total rebuild, so as planned I'm putting L7X (3.0 V6 24V 210HP from Laguna2). Stock engine will be refurbished and available for grabs on exchange basis.
I'm not pioneer in putting this engine as there is guy called Chris in Germany that is doing same thing for his customer. Looks promising. You can find photos here : https://photos.app.goo.gl/8ZfIHxE1QklG54S02
There will be some challenges, but hey, that is something I was looking for, for last 15 years!
Last weekend I manage to divorce body from frame. Frame looks really good, so it will be easy job. First I need to fabricate engine mounts and adapter for transmission. After that I will strip epoxy, hot zinc dip and powder coat/paint. I would appreciate any recommendations of companies and cost, I'm based in Banbury OX15.
Meanwhile, I will be removing engine from Laguna and designing necessary parts. Body is unfortunately outside due to storage space inside garage, but it is on nice wooden frame with wheels and secured from rain with brand new, high quality cover.
All photos can be found in my google album :
https://goo.gl/photos/MyUhSJogzmvQLfYR7
My thoughts so far... Strange feeling when all bolts on your car ale loose - frame bolts, seatbelt bolts, seat nuts, literally every single bolt is loose. Engine was torqued properly, but it came assembled from Renault...
I'm not sure of history of the car as even Delorean museum in TX didn't know it existed until I contacted them asking for history. I will send letter to person from title I received from US. Maybe somebody still lives there and know history of the car. It seems to be one owner only!
cheerios!
Marek "Reinsch"