Sinclair C5 Restoration - Part 1

[@RetroWorkshop]

In this video I look at how to go about buying a C5, give it a basic check over, and take it out for a test ride. Information about each video will feature on the website at www.retroworkshop.uk and I'll compile some pages of useful info, links and photos as the C5 is restored.

[@DubiousEngineering]

Just stumbled across this channel on Twitter... loving the C5 ... I can help with 18650 lithium battery packs if you fancy!

[@RMCRetro]

Nice work. Looking forward to part two

[@MrButtonpresser]

Very nicely made and presented video. Nice C5 too.

[@andystratton8220]

Excellent work... a real breath of fresh air for Sinclair C5 enthusiasts such as myself. I can't wait for the next episode!

[@RetroWorkshop]

Great stuff thanks Andy!

[@themoog]

Brilliant stuff Dave! Nicely presented.. nice choice of retro music too!

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Neil. Glad you liked the music.

[@speedbird737]

Are you going to add mirrors and indicators (original accessories) and a battery charger (sinclair) ?

[@RetroWorkshop]

Nigel Harrison the accessories are sometimes available but cost a fortune, £100’s. I won’t add these. I’ve got the original charger but I’d rather use a modern charger with better battery monitoring circuitry.

[@speedbird737]

@@RetroWorkshop Understood, thanks for the reply. Brilliant channel!

[@bazza5699]

great first episode.. look forward to seeing how it turns out :) i've never owned one but i did get to sit in one once.. and as a 13 year old it made my day..

[@worldtramper]

Brilliant video Dave. I work in MK and would love to see your C5 if you still have it? Alsn

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Alan. Funny enough I’m taking it to TNMOC tomorrow where you can see it from around midday to 4pm although the room it is in will be closed for a talk from 130-3pm.

[@worldtramper]

@@RetroWorkshop Well if you ever get a free half hour I’d love to pick your brains and get advice on buying one

[@worldtramper]

Just joined the Facebook page 😁

[@jean-pierrejipi5720]

Good job !😁👍 .The English, I love you, you are crazier than us, the French😁👍. Sorry for my english 😱

[@cassius2k]

The motor sounds really fast and not been used often - got a good one there.

[@RetroWorkshop]

Cassius2k Good news! It is in pretty good condition and clearly been kept under cover with little use. Still a few issues to sort but nothing too major.

[@cassius2k]

Don't know if you a had moved the motor but it was in the wrong position. The bottom of the polymotor label should be level with the join on the motor housing.

[@alfiebennett6961]

PLEASE POST MORE RETRO STUFF. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED. Great videos.

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks Alfie. New video coming very soon. Completely random retro tech from the 90’s. Clue - Bruce Forcyth.

[@alfiebennett6961]

@@RetroWorkshop That's great, looking forward to it!

[@oliverpolden]

I could see this being a great project for a donor electric bike.

[@davidnorman7948]

Could you please tell me where you obtained the two washers the crinkle one and the flat one thank you.

[@RetroWorkshop]

david norman the crinkle one came from a user on the C5 Facebook forum. The flat one, some one measured and I got one on eBay. Email me and I’ll try and dig out the dimensions or see if i have a spare one you can have. Email address on my website.

[@microcamping9025]

hello, what are the dimensions of the bottom bracket shell? I could imagine eun bafang bbshd to assemble.

[@Yogurt1701]

Excellent video. Well done. Subscribed.

[@samjackson661]

I myself have a c5 in a similar sort of condition as the one in the video. I can never find the time to restore it. Would you be able to name a price for me to give it to you to restore possibly ?

[@RetroWorkshop]

Hi Sam. I'm afraid I don't have the space for another C5! I'd suggest joining the Facebook group "Sinclair C5 Owners" where someone may be able to do this for you. There are some highly experienced C5 owners on there. Worth noting that I spent far more on this than it is actually worth - I reckon including all tools, battery, charger and all the bits and pieces I spent over £900 (including the original £450 purchase price). It is probably only worth £700. If you don't have Facebook, email me (via my website).

[@Rapscallion2009]

Just realise - no rear differential! I wonder if you could drift it on ice?

[@markuscloot452]

I got V10051001229 yesterday for 25 €! In much better condition than yours! Unforunally, the controller is done. And i´m also missing the security top of battery. By pressing the engine Button, the 1A fuse is done. 5A Fuse stays and lights are still working.. I tried to start the relais, it worked, but i tried it without engine power. Any suggestions?!? If i can´t fix the controller, is it possible, to ride the engine gentle with a 36V Controller? Don´t wanna be fastest, but riding with brake stop and pedal sensor, maybe. THX for reply.

[@RetroWorkshop]

Our machines came off the line in the same month. For troubleshooting advice I’d suggest the Sinclair C5 Owners Facebook group.

[@martinwashington3152]

I'm in Northampton, do you still have the C5 in question.. Love to see it sometime as I'm after one myself :D

[@rodrigolindemberga]

Muito bom! Obrigado por compartilhar. Vou tentar importar um aqui para o Brasil. Abraço!

[@teresasnarski9027]

Great video waiting for part 2 Bye chas (JORDAN8ISH) and Teresa

[@RetroWorkshop]

Thanks both. I’ve been pouring over Chas’ “taking the c5 apart” video. Great tips and advice, many thanks.

[@BababoiiTM]

Interesting

[@didierluthi]

Great !

[@331whf9]

The music was the only good thing about the video during his test drive...