F388 DSM -V6 turbo

I'm hoping to get this one up and running, she's been on Sorn since '06. Bought as a project, calipers and wipers seized and requiring turret repair.
I am hoping to do most of the work myself,........
Calipers and wipers now sorted........ I need to remove the engine from the car to repair the rear turrets (or do I?). What's the best way?......"Underbody lift"? ..........I have the workshop manual but that specifies several 'tools' required. Are they all essential? (like tool 1028 axle holding bar)
I have removed and fitted engines in things like VWs and V8 lumps in Cobra replicas so consider myself reasonably able with coaching! Would appeciate if someone who has done this job could manoeuvre me through the proceedure and pitfalls
While I have the lump out anything else 'body' wise I should be thinking about?
Appreciate all contributions, thanks!!

and what are those rectangular 'blocks' that the body appears to sit on under the rear arches? Are replacements available or need to be made up locally...they certainly look 'shot' on the old girl!

Hi Trev .
No special tooling required really .A 4x4 fencepost, few noggins of wood ,two high lift jacks and a bit of care will get it up and out .
Rectangular bits are very important and I can supply new ones .Loads of build threads on here if you want to trawl through and see all that is required .What's your location ?
Here's one to get you started and shows the importance of the blocks
http://www.renaultalpineownersclub.com/ ... php?t=5452

Hi,

As Clee says, no special tools required, I just removed my engine with a fence post, 1 trolley jack, 1 engine crane and 8 concrete blocks

check my post http://www.renaultalpineownersclub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6087&start=45

For me and my engine removal operations, I made up a smaller wooden block to be screwed onto the wooden beam which located into the jacking point.
Looking at Cedrics picture....... you dont want the car or the wooden chock to slide forwards and off the beam/fence post.

Good luck, and what is your location?
Glad to see that you have joined the club too.

Hmmm..thanks Clee....mine is already showing inch long cracks in the areas shown on your link, so I def need new pads. Will be in contact.
We are near Colchester, Essex. Thanks for your imputs so far..Am away on holiday but will start the job on my return...thanks for the replies and help so far.....if I knew how to upload a pic I would!




Cheers[/list]

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After a lot of inactivity I've dropped the offside rear suspension upright to check the degree of rot in the turret from under the wheel arch. Some kind soul had filled the area with filler!!!! The photo shows the extend of the rot. The rest of the turret looks fine. I have not looked at the other side yet!
I plan to get a shot-blasting mobile firm come to strip the rear sub frame/suspension. Hopefully the turret bottoms can be repaired by welding a patch in from the outside from under the wheel arch. I would prefer not to drop the engine/gearbox on the sub frame as the bolts look as if they will be hell to remove! The pockets also need removing/replacing...is it best to try to 'grind off' the holding bolts and pry out?
Does this look like a reasonable/feasible course of action? Comments gratefully received.....

[mettersl]

Hi Trevor,
I've just given up alpines (for now) and have a pair of wheel arch pockets if you are looking for some (I'm also close to you if you pass this way, you could collect?? or I can drop them off). Unlike Clees mine are stainless, made by another club member and then modified by Clee to fit.., a long story.
Let me know if you are interested.

Lee

I'd be dropping the subframe and doing it all .I've seen 'patches' a few times now and you can very rarely get to all areas properly .
You need to unscrew the bolts that hold the arch pocket if at all possible .
I wouldn't be letting anyone with a shotblast gun anywhere near it ....well not all in-situ

Sorry Trev. I'm with Lee on this. Patching is only a temp fix and potentially storing up more grief for later.

Dropping the subframe is the only way to be sure of a long term fix.

Sorry Trev. I'm with Lee on this. Patching is only a temp fix and potentially storing up more grief for later.

Are complete turrets available?..Where please and cost?

You're not going to need complete turrets, those should repair nicely once you have access.

Any tips for removing the bolts from the wheelarch pockets??? Other than copious amounts of plusgas, 'gentle' heat??

......................and I presume there are 4 bolts in each turret pocket - 2 onto the turret with captive nuts on the pocket and 2 that locate forwards towards the passenger compartment????

.....and how about the 6 cradle fixing bolts?..Is the long upper one into a captive bolt?. Huh?