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Elusive
Spares
Sourcing parts for the older Trafic vans is getting to be more difficult, but not impossible. If you're struggling to find a part for an older Trafic, I'd suggest the following sources: This club. Several members, like myself, have some parts, left over from old vans, or kept for a rainy day. Contact the Technical Officer to see if the club has the part you need. Spares are reserved for club members, but it's quite inexpensive to join (you might get some free advice too). A
gentleman by the name of John recently contacted the club to say
that he was breaking 1.7 & 2.1 petrol and 2.1 & 2.5 diesel
Trafics, high and low roof, short and long wheel base models 91
- 98. Parts will be reasonable prices as John would rather see
them used than scrapped as parts get harder to obtain for these
vehicles. Mention the RTMR if you contact him Your local Motor Factor. These are the people who supply parts to garages, and are really good at helping you. You need to know what to ask for - remember to quote the year, size and engine capacity of your van. Ideally take the old part down with you to show them. Don't be put off by the lack of fancy premises (like Halfords) these guys know their stuff and can order you things you need usually by next day delivery. Your local Renault dealer. You can get a pleasant surprise from Renault that your parts are still available, and sometimes at not too extortionate a cost. You can help them a lot if you can quote the Renault Part number (usually beginning with a '7') that you need. That way, even if your vehicle itself is too old for their computerised system, the part may still be found. A
vehicle breakers, such as Vic Barlow (01302 846444) or a similar
place close to you who can supply you who breaks light commercial
vehicles. Yellow pages should help you find one (look under Vehicle
Dismantlers'). Again, same rules about identifying the parts apply
as in (1). Be aware too that second hand parts can suffer from
the same kind of wear and tear as the one you are trying to replace!
There are also some internet based vehicle breakers with useful
search engines. www.ebay.co.uk. Ebay has the possibility of being a very useful website for finding that elusive spare part. You do however need to be doubly sure that it is the right spare for your van, as with an internet auction, you can't take it back if it doesn't fit! I search for ren* traf* and check the results. This is because you'd be surprised how many people who list their spares can't spell 'Renault' or put 2 'f's in Trafic! By putting a * in the search it picks up all possibilities. The usual cautions about buying over the internet apply, but I've personally found that 9 out of 10 parts bought through ebay work out fine.
Best
Wishes |