I had an interesting question in a comment to an article about the Renault 16. As that article was one of my earliest back in 2014 I thought I would repeat what I said here where it is more likely to be seen. The question was whether the spare wheels in the Renault models was removable.
I assume that, as the Whizzwheel was rather wider (deeper when horizontal), it would not have fitted under the bonnet of the #202 version without costly changes to the casting and so Corgi just left the old one in place and hoped no-one would mind too much. However, that's nothing to do with the question.
I hadn't thought about this before so got out the two models and took a closer look. From what I can tell they have been pushed down onto a small vertical post which is an element of the under-the-bonnet casting. I did try tugging and even a little gentle leverage at one side but nothing moved and I am always very worried about damaging the paintwork. Both the burgundy and blue are wonderful colours and a great finish but one that is all too easily separated from the mazak below.
There appears to be some space all around the tyre and the person asking the question thought that maybe only the tyre could be removed. I am not sure I see the point of that but I suspect that the tyres could be taken off in either instance but, again, I am not inclined to attempt this with either of these particular examples.
Perhaps someone out there has an old one that they might care to make a stronger effort with? Or one that has already been taken to bits. I imagine that they will come off and making the post a little narrower would enable the wheel to be taken off and replaced quite easily. Again, I am not entirely sure why we would want to do that but I guess it adds a little more play value!
Whilst on the subject of these Renaults, let me remind those who like to collect variants that there are different base texts for the #260 and these are different again to the #202 and also there are two different colour tow hook attachments.. All quite remarkable when one appreciates just how short the production period was for the #260 model. No sooner had #260 been issued in February 1969 when, just a few months later, Whizzwheels started to be fitted to many existing models. The Renault gets issued with these in May 1970, with a new catalogue number #202.
We don't know how many #260 models were sold or produced but over what was probably just a year it wouldn't have been many.
Hello, I can confirm that the spare rubber tyre on this model can be removed - however, it is easier with the earlier smooth style tyre than the later ribbed and stamped 'Corgi Toys' style tyre that this later model came with. The wheel itself is somehow very securely attached inside the engine bay - I have just double checked.. I own two metallic red copies, one, play worn, came without a spare tyre so I simply replaced that myself with the earlier non 'Corgi Toys' non tread tyre. I think from memory, the previous owner had used that tyre to replace the later style original on one of the rear wheels so I carefully removed it and placed it on the spare wheel and replaced the tyre on the axle with one of the correct matching tyres as originally issued. Before doing so, I did try removing the entire wheel but it will not budge. Having looked again, I do wonder if the spare wheel hub itself is a separate piece or cast as part of the engine bay - if it is a separate part, it also looks much smaller than the actual cast hubs on the other four axles and is perhaps very securely wedged into place on a ribbed notch to create enough secure friction perhaps with some glue. The other model I own is in near mint loose condition - and the spare tyre, now clearly a tad hardened over the decades so without much pliability, matches the other four later style treaded, 'Corgi Toys' stamped on the walls tyres. I would suggest that anyone who is conducting a full strip down / restoration may be able to shed further light on this part - as they would be less fearful of causing any damage given everything would be bare Mazak awaiting respray and rebuild.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your observations as to whether the spare can be removed. I did not check the size but will do so and report further on that.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the tyres, however, it is my understanding that all the #260 issues will have been fitted with the branded variety, none having the earlier type, and so all the tyres on the spare would be the same.
Further to my initial comments, I have subsequently found out that the spare metal wheel under the bonnet can be removed with flat nosed pliers. I also am well aware that all #260's came with the branded / treaded type tyres including under the bonnet - I referred to how I replaced the spare on my playworn model - using an earlier type tyre.
DeleteSo it can be removed - but is it a normal cast wheel or something made to look like one? It certainly looks like a normal wheel and I can confirm that the size is identical to the other four so I am pretty sure it will be.
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