New, unregistered Irish-bought car from 1976 - where do I start?

09-01-2020 10:36am

Were test drives not available in 1976?
Surely there were yokes pottering about with Perkins diesel engines in the 70s and the Transit was available back then with Ford's York engine ........... there must have been some of them about.

pablo128 · 09-01-2020 10:44am

Augeo wrote: »

Were test drives not available in 1976?
Surely there were yokes pottering about with Perkins diesel engines in the 70s and the Transit was available back then with Ford's York engine ........... there must have been some of them about.

That York engine was a desperate yoke to start. My dad had an 81 transit with one when I was a child. He got used to parking it on a hill facing downwards.

He also had a Peugeot 404 diesel 7 seater estate when I was even younger. They were fairly loud alright.

kadman · 09-01-2020 8:17pm

:eek::eek::eek:Yorkie engines.......... Family had a couple of them.

God himself would be well tested to start one:D:D

welder · 10-01-2020 12:25am

pablo128 wrote: »

That York engine was a desperate yoke to start. My dad had an 81 transit with one when I was a child. He got used to parking it on a hill facing downwards.

That brings back some memories ! My dad had one too, it was my job to spray the easy start into the air filter in the mornings.... Luckily We lived but a short push to the top of a big hill, even so I remember my uncle who had borrowed it only barely got it started by the bottom. The same yoke, when bought second hand from Archers in Stillorgan, had had the vinyl seats shone up with son of a gun and boy did they look great. First corner and the 'oul lad and myself slid off the seats. Another day He had 2 heavy pallet loads in the back and had to brake hard, pallets slid forward and hit the seat, He drove home with the steering wheel bet into his chest ! Great memories !!

pablo128 · 10-01-2020 12:30am

welder wrote: »

That brings back some memories ! My dad had one too, it was my job to spray the easy start into the air filter in the mornings.... Luckily We lived but a short push to the top of a big hill, even so I remember my uncle who had borrowed it only barely got it started by the bottom. The same yoke, when bought second hand from Archers in Stillorgan, had had the vinyl seats shone up with son of a gun and boy did they look great. First corner and the 'oul lad and myself slid off the seats. Another day He had 2 heavy pallet loads in the back and had to brake hard, pallets slid forward and hit the seat, He drove home with the steering wheel bet into his chest ! Great memories !!

Oh Jesus I can still smell the easy start 30 years on! That was my job aswell!:D

ArielAtom · 15-01-2020 5:09am

I had given the OP the benefit of the doubt, but he was online posting in the weather forum on 13-01. So a simple visit here would have been easy. Pity, this had the potential of a great thread.

alfa beta · 15-01-2020 10:04am

iamtony wrote: »

If I had to guess I'd say the op is uncomfortable just going out and taking pictures of the car in his mother's shed as it's possible an inheritance issue with the passing of his father.

Sorry folks. I've just read through the thread and now I feel like a right prat.

Thing is, iamtony above is close to the truth. I'm not the owner of the stuff in the shed (incl the cars) and the rightful owner (my mother) has sorta said 'no' as regards taking pics and posting them here. It's probably nothing more than a distrust of the dreaded interweb on her part and, to be fair, I've spent the past few weeks trying a softly softly approach but unfortunately I haven't got anywhere.

Thanks again to everyone who offered advice/views regarding the VRT/registration status of the 504 and where to start in that regard. I really appreciate that. I will get pics up here when I can, as I'd love to share them with people like yourselves who would genuinely be interested. I just need to convince herself that putting a few pics online doesn't automatically mean she will then be instantly broken into and all her worldly possessions will be stolen by a bunch of lunatic hooded boardsies.

Sorry again - I should have posted sooner.

Isambard · 15-01-2020 10:35am

welcome back.

at the back of my mind I recall stories of people keeping tabs on a desired stored cars for years only to call one day and find they all been cleared out and gone. All you can do is impress on her that the vehicles have a value above her expectations and well above what a local scrappie might tell her

jonski · 15-01-2020 12:44pm

alfa beta wrote: »

the rightful owner (my mother) has sorta said 'no' as regards taking pics and posting them here. It's probably nothing more than a distrust of the dreaded interweb on her part and, to be fair, I've spent the past few weeks trying a softly softly approach but unfortunately I haven't got anywhere.

How would she know ? does she have an account on here ?

Throw up some pics , we won't tell a soul, promise .

Leo Demidov · 15-01-2020 1:07pm

jonski wrote:

How would she know ? does she have an account on here ?

Fictional car. Fictional mother with notions. Well played Mr Mitty.

KB22 · 15-01-2020 3:26pm

I had a 1986 tranny with the single glow plug, it had a pump in the cab to inject easy start, I never used the easy start because of the danger of engine damage. In cold weather I used a blowlamp under the sump, then went and had my brekkie. I eventually solved the problem by fitting a second battery. They were a great engine unlike the rustbucket of a body.

Isambard · 15-01-2020 3:31pm

random

KB22 · 15-01-2020 3:58pm

Isambard wrote: »

random

Who are you replying to? Could you give a more detailed response!

15-01-2020 4:39pm

Isambard wrote: »

random

I mentioned the York engine a few post back

Interesting post by KB22.

alfa beta · 25-01-2020 1:18am

Hi again

I uncovered the car to the extent that I could earlier this evening - it's jammed up against a wall at one side, a boat to the front and a rusty old volkswagen variant to the other side so unfortunately its very innaccessible at the moment.

I did take a pic of the back - the paintwork and chrome look like they need no more than a good polish. (Unfortunately there's no light in the shed and the flash on the phone is not very complimentary)

I also managed to open the rear door just enough to squeeze my hand in and take a rather random pic of the interior (again the flash is not at all flattering). The leather looks like it needs a good clean but nothing more. (The door opened and shut very smoothly, so I guess that's a good sign as regards rubber seals etc!)

Anyway, here are the pics I managed. If I get more time on my hands and even the possibility of moving the car out from its current position I'll try and post something better.

swarlb · 25-01-2020 1:28am

alfa beta wrote: »

Hi again

I uncovered the car to the extent that I could earlier this evening - it's jammed up against a wall at one side, a boat to the front and a rusty old volkswagen variant to the other side so unfortunately its very innaccessible at the moment.

I did take a pic of the back - the paintwork and chrome look like they need no more than a good polish. (Unfortunately there's no light in the shed and the flash on the phone is not very complimentary)

I also managed to open the rear door just enough to squeeze my hand in and take a rather random pic of the interior (again the flash is not at all flattering). The leather looks like it needs a good clean but nothing more. (The door opened and shut very smoothly, so I guess that's a good sign as regards rubber seals etc!)

Anyway, here are the pics I managed. If I get more time on my hands and even the possibility of moving the car out from its current position I'll try and post something better.

Snazzy.... but to be honest I'd prefer the Variant

BonnieSituation · 25-01-2020 1:34am

That's in scarily good nick. Would actually be a shame to see it out driving.

Maybe Gowan or even Peugeot might be interested in it considering it is legitimately a new car.

road_high · 25-01-2020 1:42am

I love those old Peugeot’s. They were serious war horses at the time. Especially the diesels. A marque I really love and great to see them back on top again and well in the top ten in Ireland. Any Peugeot dealer or Peugeot Ireland would love that. My local dealer has a few heritage ones including 205 Gti they use

road_high · 25-01-2020 1:44am

I love those old Peugeot’s. They were serious war horses at the time. You can see the high quality of the paintwork and interior in the pics. Much better than the crap BL were flogging at that time. Especially the diesels.
A marque I really love and great to see them back on top again and well in the top ten in Ireland. Any Peugeot dealer or Peugeot Ireland would love that. My local dealer has a few heritage ones including 205 Gti they use

con747 · 25-01-2020 3:11am

alfa beta wrote: »

Hi again

I uncovered the car to the extent that I could earlier this evening - it's jammed up against a wall at one side, a boat to the front and a rusty old volkswagen variant to the other side so unfortunately its very innaccessible at the moment.

I did take a pic of the back - the paintwork and chrome look like they need no more than a good polish. (Unfortunately there's no light in the shed and the flash on the phone is not very complimentary)

I also managed to open the rear door just enough to squeeze my hand in and take a rather random pic of the interior (again the flash is not at all flattering). The leather looks like it needs a good clean but nothing more. (The door opened and shut very smoothly, so I guess that's a good sign as regards rubber seals etc!)

Anyway, here are the pics I managed. If I get more time on my hands and even the possibility of moving the car out from its current position I'll try and post something better.

I apologise for my last post which a Mod gave me a good kick up the arse for, hope you can get more pics and even get to get it running.

SmartinMartin · 25-01-2020 3:28am

That is very exciting. What a find.

25-01-2020 3:33am

time machine stuff.

the black exterior paint and tan interior works well - nice colour combo choice at least!

it's actually quite a handsome car imo

Car99 · 25-01-2020 5:21am

What's your plans for the car OP ?

If your going to sell it , dont do anything to it , dont even start to clean it.

iamtony · 25-01-2020 9:03am

Great to wake up to these pics, it's amazing how well preserved it is. Cant wait for future updates on where it will end up etc.

iamtony · 25-01-2020 9:19am

Car99 wrote: »

What's your plans for the car OP ?

If your going to sell it , dont do anything to it , dont even start to clean it.

If I was the op I dont think I could sell it. Would this get 201 plates if it were registered today?

Seweryn · 25-01-2020 9:31am

iamtony wrote: »

If I was the op I dont think I could sell it. Would this get 201 plates if it were registered today?

Yes, that is unfortunate. And meeting NCT emission standards may be tricky.

macplaxton · 25-01-2020 11:12am

I think I gave the example early in the thread of the Mercedes-Benz truck that got a ZV plate having been used for years unregistered.

alfa beta · 25-01-2020 11:37am

Car99 wrote: »

What's your plans for the car OP ?

If your going to sell it , dont do anything to it , dont even start to clean it.

Immediate plan would be to get it running - but I need to do some research first as I've no idea what needs to be looked at in an engine that's been sat there unused for 40+ years - and obviously I don't want to do any damage.

Also I don't know anything about cars myself so I've gotta find someone I can really trust to bring it back to life in the 'as new' condition it merits.

I don't think I'll worry about the registration/taxation side of things until after that. I'm sorta thinking it might be nice to leave it unregistered and display it as a 'new' car, but have it in pristine running condition.

Definitely not gonna sell it though - it's very existence reminds me so much of the likeable eccentricities of its former owner that it's really gotta stay in the family

pablo128 · 25-01-2020 12:08pm

https://youtu.be/ToZn6kU_0pU

25-01-2020 12:27pm

pablo128 wrote: »

https://youtu.be/ToZn6kU_0pU

Fascinating on lots of levels. The stiff upper lip car exec only briefly stuttered before going on to say the the Diesel engine was less harmful than petrol... the only thing I can think of is that maybe in comparison to leaded petrol he may have been right. In which case apologies to the Free Mason

alfa beta · 25-01-2020 12:29pm

something strangely Monty Python-esque about that man!!

Odyssey 2005 · 25-01-2020 1:10pm

alfa beta wrote: »

Immediate plan would be to get it running - but I need to do some research first as I've no idea what needs to be looked at in an engine that's been sat there unused for 40+ years - and obviously I don't want to do any damage.

Also I don't know anything about cars myself so I've gotta find someone I can really trust to bring it back to life in the 'as new' condition it merits.

I don't think I'll worry about the registration/taxation side of things until after that. I'm sorta thinking it might be nice to leave it unregistered and display it as a 'new' car, but have it in pristine running condition.

Definitely not gonna sell it though - it's very existence reminds me so much of the likeable eccentricities of its former owner that it's really gotta stay in the family

There was a fella who lived opposite irish helicopters at the back of the airport who had/has a brand new Morris minor, unregistered and never saw the road. He trailered it to car shows.

SmartinMartin · 25-01-2020 1:58pm

He still has it. Last one made in Ireland.

25-01-2020 3:19pm

I do wonder what the hypothetical value of such a find is though even if the OP does not wish to sell it.

If there is a mega wealthy person out there who has some nostalgic memories of the family car as a kid or something like that then that is the dream customer.

I imagine that the fact that the diesel is so noisy and slow (55bhp, 22 seconds to 60) would put people off even if it would be only an occasional use / classic car?

some asking values here

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/87/504/

£20k sterling?

kadman · 25-01-2020 3:56pm

Cars left undriven for a long number of years, often require more work and expense to re commision
than originally thought.

25-01-2020 4:13pm

kadman wrote: »

Cars left undriven for a long number of years, often require more work and expense to re commision
than originally thought.

yes. can accept that. what are the main issues usually - perished rubber tubing and seals etc must be a big issue?

kadman · 25-01-2020 4:47pm

Main issues is what has moisture done to all the components of a stored car.

Rubber tubing and seal replacement, in all the components that may have deteriration,
nclude a huge number of components.

You have all the brake components like, master cylinder, wheel cylinders. Possibly
clutch hydraulic components, maybe power steering components too.

These alone are labour intensive to check and replace. And thats just for starters.

The engine itself in a laid up car, may not now be what it was when it was parked in there.
Unless it was consistently started over a period of time, it may need more than a battery.

No oil splashing around an engine means bits and pieces may now well be coated in a fine layer of rust,
which has tendency to cause parts to stick to each other, like rings to pistons, and pistons to liners.
Siezing an engine, means an engine stripdown.

BonnieSituation · 25-01-2020 4:49pm

alfa beta wrote: »

Immediate plan would be to get it running - but I need to do some research first as I've no idea what needs to be looked at in an engine that's been sat there unused for 40+ years - and obviously I don't want to do any damage.

Also I don't know anything about cars myself so I've gotta find someone I can really trust to bring it back to life in the 'as new' condition it merits.

I don't think I'll worry about the registration/taxation side of things until after that. I'm sorta thinking it might be nice to leave it unregistered and display it as a 'new' car, but have it in pristine running condition.

Definitely not gonna sell it though - it's very existence reminds me so much of the likeable eccentricities of its former owner that it's really gotta stay in the family

Honestly I think with something like this if you got onto Gowan or Peugeot themselves they'd be more than willing to assist you getting this going again. Car heads love this stuff and this has practically just rolled off the factory floor. Bound to be someone in their that would be intrigued by it.

Charles Babbage · 25-01-2020 4:59pm

Production of this model continued in Nigeria until 2006, so also driving on the left. consequently, there might still be reasonable supply of parts there for hoses etc.

carchaeologist · 25-01-2020 8:08pm

Truly wonderful stuff! Such a car is probably unique today. If it is to stay in the family I would say it needs to be kept unregistered and undriven really to keep its 'new' status. It would be a great exhibit in a Peugeot dealers showroom. A car like that needs to be seen.
Stories like this are great, what a man your dad was!

w124man · 25-01-2020 9:05pm

BonnieSituation wrote: »

Honestly I think with something like this if you got onto Gowan or Peugeot themselves they'd be more than willing to assist you getting this going again.

This is assuming that they would know what to do! I dropped my 300SE into an MB dealer in the UK and they didn't know what it was!

25-01-2020 9:08pm

Yeah I’d say it’s unlikely anyone in a Peugeot dealers these days would have a clue about them. A few salesman and apprentice mechanics.
I don’t know how you’d do it but maybe if you found a retired Peugeot mechanic or specialist, something like that.

junkyarddog · 25-01-2020 9:16pm

Amazing to see this car!

Personally I wouldn't put it going,or change anything on it,tyres included.
Just preserve it as is.
It's totally unique,and that's where it's value lays.

Thank you for sharing the pics of it,it's a privilege.

That looks like an early VW type 3 squareback beside it too

John_Rambo · 25-01-2020 9:17pm

Following!! Nice back story alfa beta. Best of luck.

Odelay · 25-01-2020 9:31pm

Fcuk the money, keep the car and drive it. You're not a museum curator. Its meant to be driven, the next man to buy it will do so. Enjoy the car.

harr · 25-01-2020 11:15pm

Odelay wrote: »

Fcuk the money, keep the car and drive it. You're not a museum curator. Its meant to be driven, the next man to buy it will do so. Enjoy the car.

This would be my thinking as well ... nice way to spend the weekends traveling to various car shows . Hopefully it doesn’t require to much work to get going.

alfa beta · 26-01-2020 12:06am

junkyarddog wrote: »

That looks like an early VW type 3 squareback beside it too

yep - VW Variant type 3 - mid 60's i think - must check reg tomorrow to see exact year

The old man only kept the VW coz it was the car he and his missus headed off on their honeymoon in, sentimental value I guess :-).

As far as I know they headed up through the country and across to Scotland, then toured the highlands before driving back down through England and Wales. The car itself broke down in Pembroke but they managed (with some help) to push it onto the car ferry and then off at the other end in Rosslare, at which point my father managed to get his hands on another car with which he (rather unceremoniously) towed his new bride back home!! .... I'm never sure if my mother really knew what she let herself in for when she said yes to that man, but to be fair, I think she enjoyed the adventures that followed!!!

swarlb · 26-01-2020 3:24am

w124man wrote: »

This is assuming that they would know what to do! I dropped my 300SE into an MB dealer in the UK and they didn't know what it was!

What did they think it was ???

wmahcm · 26-01-2020 3:29am

Charles Babbage wrote: »

Production of this model continued in Nigeria until 2006, so also driving on the left. consequently, there might still be reasonable supply of parts there for hoses etc.

Ordinary Africans don't waste much money and know the real value of something. A neighbor of ours kept one on the road for years until he eventually wore it out. He still talks about it being the one of the best ordinary cars ever made.

wmahcm · 26-01-2020 3:36am

Odelay wrote: »

Fcuk the money, keep the car and drive it. You're not a museum curator. Its meant to be driven, the next man to buy it will do so. Enjoy the car.

Agreed, it would be a real shame if this car ended up in some rich guy's glass case.

New, unregistered Irish-bought car from 1976 - where do I start?

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