TR: [urq] A new project : a 5000TD !

[Louis-Alain Richard]

Just saw the car tonight. It is indeed in very good shape, virtually no rust, it is Zermatt silver with blue cloth interior. It is a Typ 44. The car has 222 000 km, which is 140 000 miles and is in a garage since 2004.

I brought the urQ key just to see, and if fits 5 out of 7 tumblers perfectly (the driver’s door lock cylinder is still not reinstalled ). So making a rough key should be relatively easy, but I will try the 3 mm hole too if need be. 

Now the big question is : is that car worth the amount of time and money I will spend on it, even if it’s free ? 

It will need, just to get it on the road once we have the key : 
- a new big diesel battery, 
- all fluids, 
- a power steering hose (or brake booster hose, or both…), 
- 4 new tires (185/70R14…) 
- or 4 used 15x6 and 4x108mm wheels (I have 16x 205/60R15 tires here but all on 5 bolt wheels), 
- parking brake cables, 
- probably new front rotors and pads,
- new belts, maybe a used alternator too (aren’t alternators prone to seize when stopped for a long period ?)

I think it is a lot of job for a “lot car”, a car I will use only each Monday morning for 40 miles when I switch between press cars. It will then sit for the remainder of the week awaiting my return.  And whose value will never reach a substantial amount. 

What do you think ?

LAR