Battery Vehicle Society

Hi all.

I've just bought a nearly complete C5 (no battery), and a spare body / chassis with various bits missing. Golly! From the writing on it, the half-C5 appears to have been used for hire on the sea front, in Hastings I think.

I guess I will be after various bits before long, to make the good beastie work again. (And maybe find a new home for the spare chassis, to help pay for the bits).

What batteries does it use??? I'm a total newbie on C5s ...

That's so cool !

You've a couple of options open to you ;

1) Original (and expensive) restoration via Adam Harper ,he's a bit like a "main dealer", at www.sinclair-research.co.uk .Very thorough and has access to all the genuine parts that were left over when Sinclair folded. But you pay for the privilege


or

2) contact Mark at www.c5alive.co.uk , an unauthorised & much cheaper "aftermarket" specialist ( my preferred choice !)
He also has a C5 forum running via his website where we arrange to meet up, check out some of the threads on this site.

I now own four C5's , and have learnt some valuable and expensive lessons along the way. Drop me a line if you've any specific questions.

With regards the batteries, Adam will tell you to only use his genuine "Sinclair" batteries at about £90 each.

Mark has been using car batteries ,at £28 each, for years with no adverse effects. You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

If you opt for car batteries & your C5 still has the original keyswitch you can either adapt the wiring or fit an adapter onto the battery - either choice works . The adapter will only fit type 038 batteries though.

Any other snags drop me a line or give Mark a call, he is the friendliest C5 specialist out there !

Thanks booboo that's great advice. Mark sounds my-kinda-guy on this, as I have limited cash and just want a fun EV to trundle about in locally. You and I are not far apart geographically, and I will definitely be needing your guidance!! As soon as I get time I will go and look closely at what I have bought and what is missing! Great advice re batteries... Maybe you can come over for a cuppa and a look-see some time and tell me what a load of junk I've been landed with when you see them

I gota ask............how on earth do you end buying one and a half C5

ChrisB

Tam wrote:Thanks booboo that's great advice. Mark sounds my-kinda-guy on this, as I have limited cash and just want a fun EV to trundle about in locally. You and I are not far apart geographically, and I will definitely be needing your guidance!! As soon as I get time I will go and look closely at what I have bought and what is missing! Great advice re batteries... Maybe you can come over for a cuppa and a look-see some time and tell me what a load of junk I've been landed with when you see them

I will bring one of my C5's along for you to poke around and have some fun with......get a feel for what you've let yourself in for

My shift rota at work is four days on/four days off, I'm sure we can sort something out. Let me know when you have a spare moment.

Alternatively, you could pop along to my place and try out either a 12v or 24v C5, or even "the big C5" ...my Mini-el !

Drop me a "PM" when your're ready , if you want to make some arrangements ! It's all good

I gota ask............how on earth do you end buying one and a half C5

Beats me Chris... still puzzling over it.... wasn't even looking for a C5.... fate I guess. (Where's the other half...? )

Thanks booboo great offer. I work from home so very flexible - you can come and see my Enfield (in need of TLC and batteries....). I'll PM you.