Uncle's C5 perhaps one or two of you remember me
Discussion
Hi folks,
Well years have passed since my uncle imported a 1998 C5, Pewter colour (I think it is called..), It's an auto with approx 70,000 miles. People here helped me SVA it away back around 2006/7. My uncle then didn't finish UK registration which was crazy. Didn't stop him driving it though..
..He drove it to southern Spain where it's sat very unused and very unloved for about 8 years. Sat outside getting fairly scorched..
Anyway, regrettably he passed away very recently and said to my mother I can have the corvette. I would certainly like it. I posted on general topic section on Sunday asking advice on trying to get it back here, ideally transported or trailer. On a fairly positive note (through contacting transportation guys) it's starting to look as though they will bring it here ok without registration documents, just ID for the person asking for it to be moved. That would be a bonus. I wish I had a note of it's chassis number. When it went through the SVA (and I maybe MoT'd it), this was just before electronic copies..
My next step will probably be trying to get out to his property where the car is sitting. I'm totally happy with the idea of spending money on it/working on it if it's salvageable. One of the main difficulties might be it's present resting place if brakes are seized and worst still I can't locate keys for it. It may not be an easy task. The car may easily have been broken into too for all I know as it's sat at a pretty remote location. I'm amazed it didn't get stolen years ago.
I'm posting because I'd quite like to ask advice here if there is a no keys scenario. What would be needed, would that be a complete nightmare?
Well years have passed since my uncle imported a 1998 C5, Pewter colour (I think it is called..), It's an auto with approx 70,000 miles. People here helped me SVA it away back around 2006/7. My uncle then didn't finish UK registration which was crazy. Didn't stop him driving it though..
..He drove it to southern Spain where it's sat very unused and very unloved for about 8 years. Sat outside getting fairly scorched..
Anyway, regrettably he passed away very recently and said to my mother I can have the corvette. I would certainly like it. I posted on general topic section on Sunday asking advice on trying to get it back here, ideally transported or trailer. On a fairly positive note (through contacting transportation guys) it's starting to look as though they will bring it here ok without registration documents, just ID for the person asking for it to be moved. That would be a bonus. I wish I had a note of it's chassis number. When it went through the SVA (and I maybe MoT'd it), this was just before electronic copies..
My next step will probably be trying to get out to his property where the car is sitting. I'm totally happy with the idea of spending money on it/working on it if it's salvageable. One of the main difficulties might be it's present resting place if brakes are seized and worst still I can't locate keys for it. It may not be an easy task. The car may easily have been broken into too for all I know as it's sat at a pretty remote location. I'm amazed it didn't get stolen years ago.
I'm posting because I'd quite like to ask advice here if there is a no keys scenario. What would be needed, would that be a complete nightmare?
Thanks for your reply. I can look myself obviously but if you were able to point me to a guide on the immo I'd appreciate it.
Unfortunately I just don't know at the moment. A fear about the keys is the possibility my Uncle lost them himself years ago, maybe stopping his own use of the car. The property is in a terrible mess as far as quantity of stuff/rubbish around so totally unorganised. It's come to light there's issues over there with the spanish authorities which have, in the meantime, deterred me from going over to investigate.
If the keys aren't around it'll be a horrible start to try and salvage the car. It'll be on flat tyres, it's not particularly near any local garages, it might be difficult to haul on to transporter etc. Could be a nightmare. Thing is, something will still have to happen with it at some stage. I'd like it to be me organising it if possible but it could prove a real headache.
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 10:48
It's in the Malaga region, in the hills 5/6 miles from the shore. I remember when my Uncle drove (many..) vehicles out there it was the port/ferry from Santander he used. I have had some prices from car transportation guys and it looks like around £1500 should get it back to Scotland.
I don't know any great detail regarding the authorites and problems but I think at the moment the property or perhaps the property on the property has sort of been seized, possibly until debts are paid. I think it's something along those lines. Feel fearful of getting grabbed by the authorities myself at the moment if I appeared there, particularly as a relative. Seemingly a court case at the end of this month about it looms. It's a pity it's not a case of jumping in the car and zooming back here in it!
Photo is from 5 years ago
I don't know any great detail regarding the authorites and problems but I think at the moment the property or perhaps the property on the property has sort of been seized, possibly until debts are paid. I think it's something along those lines. Feel fearful of getting grabbed by the authorities myself at the moment if I appeared there, particularly as a relative. Seemingly a court case at the end of this month about it looms. It's a pity it's not a case of jumping in the car and zooming back here in it!
Photo is from 5 years ago
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 11:19
That's a fair point re actual ownership of it but of course it isn't actually mine to take, not until such time as his estate is sorted out. I would've got going on this now if it weren't for the "issues".
No, there's not more to it than I'm telling but I don't know the details. A mutual friend contacted my father about the state of things out there and the fact the authorites are/were (in some capacity) after my uncle or after payment. He seemed to feel anyone's presence might not be a great idea probably because they have been looking for my uncle. A person or other persons beside my Uncles property are also potentially a problem. They're grossly unhappy about the state the place is in so any opportunity for them to stick the boot in would be taken.
It is all a bit tricky. I ideally really need keys, some time out there to try and get the car running/moving then another trip out to meet a transportation person. It appears at present the transportation people don't need documents for the car which surprised me but it's a massive bonus, mainly because there isn't much. I probably mentioned in my first post above the car wasn't actually registered in the UK nor was it registered in Spain. And yes there are UK plates on it. A registration bought at a DVLA auction but it's not actually assigned to the car, or any car, he nonetheless just drove it anyway, insured on the chassis number originally. He didn't have massive respect or regard for the law but he wasn't a dishonest person.
No, there's not more to it than I'm telling but I don't know the details. A mutual friend contacted my father about the state of things out there and the fact the authorites are/were (in some capacity) after my uncle or after payment. He seemed to feel anyone's presence might not be a great idea probably because they have been looking for my uncle. A person or other persons beside my Uncles property are also potentially a problem. They're grossly unhappy about the state the place is in so any opportunity for them to stick the boot in would be taken.
It is all a bit tricky. I ideally really need keys, some time out there to try and get the car running/moving then another trip out to meet a transportation person. It appears at present the transportation people don't need documents for the car which surprised me but it's a massive bonus, mainly because there isn't much. I probably mentioned in my first post above the car wasn't actually registered in the UK nor was it registered in Spain. And yes there are UK plates on it. A registration bought at a DVLA auction but it's not actually assigned to the car, or any car, he nonetheless just drove it anyway, insured on the chassis number originally. He didn't have massive respect or regard for the law but he wasn't a dishonest person.
Thanks for all the replies, especially info regarding door opening etc.
My cousin has made a start sorting at my uncles UK residence. I’m going to ask her to look out for any corvette related stuff. There might be keys there. What’s the situation with a 1998’s key/immobiliser fob? Do I recall a separate (from the car key) key ring remote fob?
The contact out there we know is a sound guy. I just don’t have a great grasp of why he felt keeping away in the meantime was best. My dad and I were going to make a trip, in part to see for ourselves what sort of state everything was in generally. Plan would’ve been to spend a few days. Maybe a few days to find the keys! It now feels like it could be a bit hazardous with unhappy neighbours and whatever else lurks.
I am keen though and I think trying to get the car back before we come out of the EU is almost vital. I will keep you all updated. As I’ve said before something will have to happen with this vehicle and others, though I suspect most others will be scrapped. Old smart car, 2x Nissan cabstar pick ups and an old hi-ace van. Oh and there was a Piaggio MP3 (two wheels at front) scooter
My cousin has made a start sorting at my uncles UK residence. I’m going to ask her to look out for any corvette related stuff. There might be keys there. What’s the situation with a 1998’s key/immobiliser fob? Do I recall a separate (from the car key) key ring remote fob?
The contact out there we know is a sound guy. I just don’t have a great grasp of why he felt keeping away in the meantime was best. My dad and I were going to make a trip, in part to see for ourselves what sort of state everything was in generally. Plan would’ve been to spend a few days. Maybe a few days to find the keys! It now feels like it could be a bit hazardous with unhappy neighbours and whatever else lurks.
I am keen though and I think trying to get the car back before we come out of the EU is almost vital. I will keep you all updated. As I’ve said before something will have to happen with this vehicle and others, though I suspect most others will be scrapped. Old smart car, 2x Nissan cabstar pick ups and an old hi-ace van. Oh and there was a Piaggio MP3 (two wheels at front) scooter
It’s a major major job to tidy the place up! Not got the time and certainly not the inclination!!
The other vehicles are UK registered ones.I’ve no idea how readily a Spanish scrap car merchant would take them (without the right doc’s). I’d imagine that here, it wouldn’t necessarily be very easy. Rightly so too incase a vehicle had been used in a crime or something. Having said that, that does need to happen.
I’m definitely inclined to pay to have the car brought back here by someone who thinks they can do it ok with no reg doc’s. It does look like that’ll be ok but I suspect (perhaps more chance of questions if you DIY) that going through borders might be an issue, I wouldn’t want to risk the massive trip/cost incase it went wrong.
The other vehicles are UK registered ones.I’ve no idea how readily a Spanish scrap car merchant would take them (without the right doc’s). I’d imagine that here, it wouldn’t necessarily be very easy. Rightly so too incase a vehicle had been used in a crime or something. Having said that, that does need to happen.
I’m definitely inclined to pay to have the car brought back here by someone who thinks they can do it ok with no reg doc’s. It does look like that’ll be ok but I suspect (perhaps more chance of questions if you DIY) that going through borders might be an issue, I wouldn’t want to risk the massive trip/cost incase it went wrong.
Edited by scotshaggis on Sunday 21st July 17:24
Brief update. Good news and bad. Good news is keys with fob located in UK. Bad news is family wanting me to wait until estate/legal issues tidied up. I wanted to forge ahead having found transport people in southern Spain but have to put it on hold for the moment. Hopefully in upcoming months some progress can be made, particularly if I can get the chassis number, I'll try to get a copy of the SVA and proof import duty was paid here. Also of course some documentation may turn up in the upcoming months. If we go out of the EU hopefully that shouldn't affect getting the car back too much. If it's getting transported I don't think it should prove a huge issue. Again, some more time in the meantime may help matters regarding documentation.
Bit frustrating though, I was hoping to get on with it soon. Been eyeing up camshafts and exhausts!
Bit frustrating though, I was hoping to get on with it soon. Been eyeing up camshafts and exhausts!
There will indeed be a lot to eye up at some stage. I'm well aware I may be looking at some serious expenditure but I don't mind that at all if essentially getting the car for nothing.
What happens to the column lock that could be a problem? I suspect at some stage I could maybe do with a guru at the end of a phone if I find myself out in Spain and encounter awkward problems.
What happens to the column lock that could be a problem? I suspect at some stage I could maybe do with a guru at the end of a phone if I find myself out in Spain and encounter awkward problems.
Thanks Mark. If I’m honest I’ve read a bit more about it since your message last Sunday. I saw this for releasing the actuator directly but the website didn’t appear clear where you put the power to. http://www.complianceparts.com/lmc5unlocker.html
It’s this sort of thing I’d like to get my head around before I go to see/retrieve the car. My father may see it again in a few weeks. I’ll give him a little checklist away with him, including for example seeing if the column appears locked.
It’s this sort of thing I’d like to get my head around before I go to see/retrieve the car. My father may see it again in a few weeks. I’ll give him a little checklist away with him, including for example seeing if the column appears locked.
I was about set a couple of weeks ago but unless I want to cause family upset, I'm having to hold off in the meantime. I am itching..
My dad and cousin's husband go out soon to see a lawyer there. My Dad wants to see it happen soon so I'm hoping the visit helps get things going. He can have a better look at the car too. I wish I could go but it's bad timing for me here. I do want to go well prepared so it's maybe not a bad thing not rushing. It's easy to say just get it on a trailer but the last thing I want is someone I've paid a deposit to turning up and not being able to get the car loaded ok.
I'll probably turn up the info but would like to know where exactly you put 12V to try and release the steering lock if it's locked.
My dad and cousin's husband go out soon to see a lawyer there. My Dad wants to see it happen soon so I'm hoping the visit helps get things going. He can have a better look at the car too. I wish I could go but it's bad timing for me here. I do want to go well prepared so it's maybe not a bad thing not rushing. It's easy to say just get it on a trailer but the last thing I want is someone I've paid a deposit to turning up and not being able to get the car loaded ok.
I'll probably turn up the info but would like to know where exactly you put 12V to try and release the steering lock if it's locked.
Hi Yes got it back safely. Cost circa £1500 brought by a car trailer towed by ford ranger.
Car has had rodents in and around it for some time. Astonishingly very little damage done by them but I've done a lot of arduous cleaning. The leather on the seats cracked due to going hard but other than some sun scorched paint the condition is good. I've got the interior totally stripped out for cleaning but it's been good to see more and delve around the car. I've done a lot of engine bay cleaning too. Had rocker covers off to lube/check/inspect and I've the engine turning nicely by hand. Discovered fuel pump shot which was a pest because I'd hoped to run the pump to drain fuel from the fuel rail. Got a new pump sitting here now.
Hoping that soon I can get on with trying to get it running. Hoping that goes ok so as can then order brakes and tyres etc etc as well as changing fluids. I've not been rushing at it as there isn't any great pressure.
Thanks for asking how it's going. To sum up I would say fairly well so far.
Car has had rodents in and around it for some time. Astonishingly very little damage done by them but I've done a lot of arduous cleaning. The leather on the seats cracked due to going hard but other than some sun scorched paint the condition is good. I've got the interior totally stripped out for cleaning but it's been good to see more and delve around the car. I've done a lot of engine bay cleaning too. Had rocker covers off to lube/check/inspect and I've the engine turning nicely by hand. Discovered fuel pump shot which was a pest because I'd hoped to run the pump to drain fuel from the fuel rail. Got a new pump sitting here now.
Hoping that soon I can get on with trying to get it running. Hoping that goes ok so as can then order brakes and tyres etc etc as well as changing fluids. I've not been rushing at it as there isn't any great pressure.
Thanks for asking how it's going. To sum up I would say fairly well so far.
It wasn’t all that easy to take many pictures as in Spain everything was a bit fraught. I was frantically pumping up half knackered tyres and trying to get the car to roll on arrival to meet my transportation man!
On return home, before car going into garage, it was similar. Blocking my street and extra bodies needed to push!! Of course in a garage it’s not great for photographing much. I’ve tried to chart some of it on the US corvette forum. People there have been helpful. In fact one member is about to send me 3 GM service manuals.
I certainly like the look of the C5. I’m hoping this goes to plan as the part I’ll enjoy more is doing body work and some mods, and I’d like to change the colour. Maybe likes of Nardo Grey or a Porsche/Audi sporty blue. I’m still a bit away from that but you’ve got to have an end goal in mind (especially when cleaning rat pi*s)! Unfortunately the DVLA aren’t letting me have any entitlement to the reg number. It was only bought by my uncle (DVLA auction) but never actually assigned. I knew this because I knew he never finished registering the car after I got it SVA tested. Didn’t stop him using the car for a couple of years before he took it to Spain.
I’m just laughing to myself about it. He was a character!
!
On return home, before car going into garage, it was similar. Blocking my street and extra bodies needed to push!! Of course in a garage it’s not great for photographing much. I’ve tried to chart some of it on the US corvette forum. People there have been helpful. In fact one member is about to send me 3 GM service manuals.
I certainly like the look of the C5. I’m hoping this goes to plan as the part I’ll enjoy more is doing body work and some mods, and I’d like to change the colour. Maybe likes of Nardo Grey or a Porsche/Audi sporty blue. I’m still a bit away from that but you’ve got to have an end goal in mind (especially when cleaning rat pi*s)! Unfortunately the DVLA aren’t letting me have any entitlement to the reg number. It was only bought by my uncle (DVLA auction) but never actually assigned. I knew this because I knew he never finished registering the car after I got it SVA tested. Didn’t stop him using the car for a couple of years before he took it to Spain.
I’m just laughing to myself about it. He was a character!
!
Edited by scotshaggis on Monday 6th January 10:37
Edited by scotshaggis on Monday 6th January 10:40
Edited by scotshaggis on Monday 6th January 10:44
Cheers, yes the back end/rear glass is reet smart. There’s LED halo tail lights that look great on the C5. I believe someone in the US can do you euro compliable ones, they look great on those four round lamps.
I’ll try to update from time to time. Just taking it one step at a time but must try to get it fired up soon with new fuel pump and some fresh fuel. The basis of the car seems fine but it’s still difficult to know if and how many gremlins might need worked through. On the same basis I’d like the project to be quite enjoyable and not be a costly hassle. Hopefully the former.
I’ll try to update from time to time. Just taking it one step at a time but must try to get it fired up soon with new fuel pump and some fresh fuel. The basis of the car seems fine but it’s still difficult to know if and how many gremlins might need worked through. On the same basis I’d like the project to be quite enjoyable and not be a costly hassle. Hopefully the former.
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