New Series “Retro Electro Workshop” on the Yesterday Channel features the restoration of a Sinclair C5. The show follows Shamil and Rob, respectively the Buyer and Restorer of retro electronics, no surprise given the title. Rob runs the “Vintage TV and Wireless Company” in Norwich so wasnt far away. Initially contacted through the C5 Owners group, C5 Depot was tasked with locating a C5 for the film work. A job lot of two was found which hadnt seen the road whilst in possesion of their then owner. In fact the owner had already sold several parts including rear axle and motor from one of them to generate funds for other projects. The complete C5 would be the subject of the show.
Following a 100 mile round trip to collect, the two C5s arrived back at C5 Depot on Sunday with filming being the next Tuesday. Tuesday arrived along with wind and rain, which held off just enough for filming. The location was pre-arranged as The Depot and Felixstowe Promenade with the production company being concerned about the unbarried promenade and potential danger of non-existant cliffs on “Undercliff Road”.
Filming on the promenade actually came first due to the break in the weather and limited amount of January day light available. Two recomissioned C5s were provided for the promenade work complete with Blue and Red Side panels to add some colour to the shots. The C5 Weather Cheaters (Rain Jackets) unfortunately werent chosen to appear on film. Joe and I rode the C5s down to meet the crew and hung around, later appearing in some of the shots. Now the panels and hi vis masts just needed to not fall off. In true C5 fashion the rear drum brakes decided to squeak and go into “binary mode” locking up at the slightest touch. Some prewarning to Rob and Shamil mitigated the issues but of course gave them a true sense of the trials and tribulations of true C5 ownership.
Returning to the Depot with the light dying some quick outside shots were done of Shamil and Robs arrival. “Do you think we’re in the right place?” as they come across several C5s stood up on storage stands on the drive way. Pleasantries over their C5 was finally revealed, having being pulled out from the transport trailer only minutes earlier. A general overview of the C5, its electronics and motor setup were given with the basics being filmed and used in the programme. Also discussed was the requirements to ride, being minimum 14 years old and no helment being required due to being a tricycle. Those 1985 rules still stand for unmodified C5s. Being heplful for the production company I had been through the C5 previously and created a list of parts needed along with the wider belt and a fan kit to keep the motor cool. Parts were provided at additional cost to the purchase price of the C5 itself (£550).
The C5 was in original condition minus the motor sensor clip for which a spare was provided. The front headlight was chipped in one corner whcih remained unreplaced. It was left uncleaned with real barn find dust, exactly as it had been found the days prior. I felt this important to reflect the real authenticity of it being unused for the past 25 years.
To close the filming there was some B-roll of random parts and tools around The Depot. I was a bit worried about what tat they would find but thankfully the shots have come out well and I couldnt be happier. Thats a wrap!
The C5 and parts weren’t taken away on the day, but collected a week later by the production company’s courier who had also been collecting other large items for the show.
Following the filming I had a few emails and calls with Rob to discuss the recommisioning. As part of the collection of parts I provided wiring diagram for how to install a safety loom for the connection of a modern battery. The relay and battery connectors were provided too to save time for the build. Budget didnt stretch to lithium so a car battery is fitted which isnt the right choice these days. The C5 Depot stickers are seen later on the Chain bag and on the pot of Gearbox Grease.
Rob services removes the gearbox using the match stick method and adds some grease. I say some, I think those gears saw the pot of grease from across the room. Half the pot is the C5 Depot standard, but hey anything is better than no grease. The planetary gears are also seen to have some wear on their faces but ultimately useable. Rob cleans the wheels and adds the new Continental Ride Tour tyres that we provided. Narration covers bearings being greased although we dont get to see that or any brake setup.
The C5 sees the light of day in a local park. The rear wheel caps are missing but it now works! Rob calls Shamil to confirm they can now sell it for millions, although he would rather keep it. Something which Rob actually wanted to do when I caught up with him on the phone. Behind the scenes I think they had a puncture as you can see the rear left tyre is pretty deflated, unlike me finally making my TV debut…
Shamil receives the C5 back in East London and throws some standard disses of no reverse and the steering being beneath you. Into his cafe it goes with a £1100 price tag. I was contacted after the show asking if I wanted to purchase it back, however being capable of my own work I politely declined but did promote the sale of it as much as possible and gave them some guidance on what it should be listed for and ultimately what price they should actually be willing to sell it for to get it moved on quickly. Sold to Kevin in Essex for £925. Bargain!