August 8, 2026
I haven’t been able to do anything on the Renault for the past two weeks. Today I can, and I’m looking forward to it!
Today I want to try to close up the bulkhead. First, I fill a hole in the remaining part of the bulkhead with a piece of sheet. I don’t know exactly what this hole was for; I guess I don’t need it anymore.
Next, I focus on the large hole in the bulkhead. As always, I start with a template made of thin cardboard. I transfer that onto a piece of sheet metal, and then I tack the sheet into place.
Next, I weld the sheet all around and finish the welds with a flap disc. Finally, a layer of Inox spray over it, and this is done.
As you might recall, I had to grind away the front crossmember to replace a rotten section in the box beam. So, this needs to be repaired.
I make a new piece in the crossmember in the manner described above.
With this, the bulkhead is finished. I am very satisfied!
Monday, August 10
The rally car has a black rubber near the door opening button. This rubber is not on my doors. Not all Renault 5s had these rubbers. I understand that German cars did have these rubbers, apparently due to regulations regarding protruding parts. I find an STL file of these rubbers on the internet. Using my 3D printer, I make a complete set in a few hours.
Next, I want to attach the steering rack. To do that, I need to have the suspension on the car. I already have all the parts complete for the right side, so I mount those.
Saturday, August 15
I Continue with the suspension. I wonder about the double bump stops on my shock absorbers. If I mount both bump stops, I do not achieve a ride height that comes close to what it should be. Maybe I should just mount one? If I do that, I’ll get the ride height right.
Monday, August 17
Now that the suspension is on the car, I can make the mounting points for the steering rack. I start by determining the center of the steering rack and establishing the lowest possible mounting position. The steering rack mounting will be adjustable to compensate for bump steer.
The steering arms will need to be shortened somewhat.
Tuesday, August 25
Before I can place the steering rack in the exact correct position, the old mounting points of the Renault steering rack must first make way. The angle grinder makes short work of that.
Now I can start thinking about a mounting. That isn’t exactly easy. I start with two pieces of 25 x 25 square tubing. It isn’t very pretty.
