Our car is a 1989 Skoda Rapid 136. The Rapid 136 was the last evolution of the rear engined Skoda's and featured an all-alluminium 1289cc engine producing a massive 61.5bhp. Rumour has it that Skoda had intended to change to a front-engined setup in the late 70s, however funding for the project was cut and they had to continue with the rear-engined setup. Of course, by this point they had already moved the radiator to the front and so became the stumbling block of many Skoda's - the cooling system. The shear capacity of the cooling system and distance between engine and radiator has led to many overheating issues over the years!
The Estelle/Rapid's saw relatively good sales success in the UK however lost residuals have seen many sent to an early grave.
Anyway, my example is from 1989 and is ermine white. Here it is:
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| My Rapid with a friend's Estelle |
But how has it got to that state?
Well I bought the car in 2005. I was 15 at the time and the whole ownership has been a complete learning curve!! The car came from the same family who bought it originally. The car had been kept in good condition and was totally original.
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| The day of collection in December 2005 |
Unfortunately the car's head gasket had blown; a common ailment on these cars. Initial investigation was slow but having stripped the engine down to the basics measurments revealed that the cylinder liners had dropped. This was the cause of the overheating. The problem is solved by placing copper shims under each liner to correct the dropping. Unable to carry out this work alone a kind-hearted Skoda owner (Dave "Rapid" Mckinney) offered to help me out. He traveled over 200 miles to work on my car and has been of massive help ever since, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his efforts.
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| Cylinder head removed revealing shunken cylinder liners |
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| The engine block and very little else! |
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| A liner with the copper shim required to compensate for the sinking |
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| Dave refitting one of the liners |
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| All back together the engine was now a runner! |
This completed the engine was put back together and the engine ran and the car was soon taking shape. Unfortunately I still hadn't passed my test so work progressed with smaller jobs.
The car passed its MOT in February 2007 requiring some welding on the sills. Still unable to drive the car recieved few outings.
Eventually in November 2007 I passed my driving test! Unfortunately, the car would have to wait until April 2008 as I went away to sea. It was now time to start the rear learning and the car performed excellently.
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| Me in Skoda shortly after passing my driving test |
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| Sophie & Skoda in April 2008 - my first day of driving |
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Gradually I got to know and understand the car. I began studying in South Shields and drove the Skoda 35miles each way everyday. The car only let me down twice and both times because of condensors. Though not neccessarily all that fuel efficient (35mpg) the car provided constant smiles!
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| Fording; the Skoda way! |
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| Still possibly one of my favorite shots of the car |
Unfortunately after a few months of abuse the Skoda began to show signs of it's age. Fearing structural failure I sent the car to Dave Mckinney at Royston MOT Centre for some new sills and front wings. Under further investigation it became apparent that the car was quite rusty and the decision was taken to renew all the rusty metal. The inner/outter sills, inner/outter wings and both wheel arches were replaced before a respray in original Ermine white.
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| New metal in - ready for paint |
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| As if by magic! |
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| Sills every classic owner dreams of! |
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| Collecting the Skoda - December 2008 |
2009 saw the Skoda continue in daily duties. Sophie had now started university in Aberystwyth so naturally the Skoda went to visit.
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| Not lost - honest! |
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| Painted floor and fitted new carpets |
In July an ongoing oil leak got serious enough to warrant repair. The rear crank seal had gone which requires removal of the engine to change. Not having a drive or a garage this work was carried out in the street over a long weekend in July.
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| Sophie displaying how sane we are... |
Once put back together the head gasket blew after a major over-heating (radiator cap fell off on motorway). This was replaced quickly by a garage as time was running short because I was due on ship again. With the headgasket replaced the Skoda saw little action before being put away for a several months. That said, she had provided sterling service throughout the first half of 2009.
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| Sophie & I on one of our many Skodaful Sundays |
I returned home for Christmas 2009. The Skoda was dragged out of storage for a month of service. This fell inline with the MOT which it initially failed. Time was still of a premium but another helpful Skoda owner came to the rescue - this time Ronnie. He replaced the steering rack gaitor and made the neccessary adjustments to get through the tests.
Despite providing reliable transport for the previous year the Skoda really didn't do well over Christmas. We took it to Dorset and had several overheating issues - utilizing the hard shoulder many more times than I care to remember.
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| Skoda on Christmas day |
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| Skoda in Dorset |
With me being sent away to sea again in January the Skoda went back into storage admist much confusion. Just what was wrong with the engine and would it be fixed in time of the summer trip? If only we'd known then just what work would be entailed...!
