Finally picked up the Renault 17! (Repost)

"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
11/02/2019 at 03:25 • Filed to: Renault, Renault 17, project cars

Stoked to finally pick the Renault 17TS Découvrable up. It was a bit of a hassle as the rear drums were seized. However, the tow truck driver gave it a few taps, and it started rolling a bit. When we wanted to roll it off the truck using gravity it didn’t get very far though...

Besides the fun picking it up, I learned some interesting new facts about it:

-The colour is way nicer than I thought, much more of a blue instead of a grey

-It might be a TS as it has TS badges, which means (slightly) more power from a larger 1647cc engine. However, it is/was registed as a TL with a 1596cc engine, so I guess I need to find out via engine block codes.

Anyway, enough words, on to some pictures:

Next step will be to make a list of what needs fixing, and start sourcing parts. Luckily a few fellow R17 owners have already offered me to help with looking for parts. Also a hat tip to our own chinny raccoon for helping me to get a Haynes manual for the R17, so I can actually fix it.

DISCUSSION (14)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/01/2019 at 18:14

That color looks very nice actually....looking forward to hearing more stories on this! :D

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
11/01/2019 at 18:19

Yeah I was surprised when I saw it in the sun for the first time.

If oppo keeps existing, I’ll try to document the steps of bringing it back to life

DutchieDC2R > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/01/2019 at 18:31

As far as that registering thing goes, I’ve noticed our RDW tends to not really give a damn what designation/type they put next to the modelname of a car. You should check how they register Civic EG’s that have a ‘special’ designation (like the Ferio). Hint: They register a lot of those under type ‘Civic 4-door’.

It might very well be a TS and the RDW just being lazy.

Cé hé sin > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/01/2019 at 19:38

It seems in very good condition for a car more than forty years old. It won’t be easy to keep it that way!

Not many automatics were made so you have a rare one. The automatic had (on the 17: there was a 1289cc 15 automatic) either the 1647 or the 1565cc engine so that doesn’t help in identification.

There’s a list here of the models available which may help as later ones usually had the 1647 engine.

I think I see a Bedford CF van beside it.

ranwhenparked > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/01/2019 at 21:01

So pretty, congratulations

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > Cé hé sin
11/02/2019 at 04:06

It is indeed. To preserve it further, I’ve decided to store it inside, and to give it a good underside coating once I’ve finished it. The only non-surface rust I could find was on the leading edge of the bonnet, and a bit of bubling paint on the A pillar. Nothing too bad really.

It might indeed be a rare one! As far as I know there are 3 automatics in the Netherlands, but I’m not sure if that’s counting mine, as it has been hidden for so long.

Thanks for the link, looks like a handy site.

Yes it is, there was also some kind of american landbarge, a landcruiser and a very early golf in an amazing state.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > DutchieDC2R
11/02/2019 at 04:08

That could very well be the case. Being a TS Découvrable Automatic is one of the least produced trims, which fits with the RDW being too lazy to add it

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > ranwhenparked
11/02/2019 at 04:08

Thanks!

Cé hé sin > DutchieDC2R
11/02/2019 at 09:01

Not just your lot. My last car was a Mitsubishi Other. I now drive a Smart Other.

DutchieDC2R > Cé hé sin
11/02/2019 at 09:53

Ah yes, Smart Other, thats the one with the velours interior, right?

someassemblyrequired > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/02/2019 at 12:47

Congrats - that looks amazing. Always liked these. Hopefully should be pretty straightforward to get it going again.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > someassemblyrequired
11/02/2019 at 14:47

Thanks, I hope so too! At least it’s way more solid than most Renaults from this era.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
11/04/2019 at 04:29

I’m not gonna do that obvious trailer hitch/Netherlands joke, but I sure hope you remove it.

Anyway, congrats! It looks as if it’s been taken care of.

If you need some help getting parts from France, don’t hesitate :)

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
11/04/2019 at 05:13

I’m still on the fence about that. It would be handy to carry my mountainbike around, but realistically it can pull nothing.

Thanks! It sure looks like it lives a privileged life. When I need a French address or some help sourcing parts I’ll let you know :)