The Baron

Hi, I thought I'd better offer this out here before calling the scrappers in. I've got a 1989 136 Rapid in black which was involved in a front end collision about a year ago which I could do with being moved. I used quite a few bits and pieces to restore a tatty replacement Rapid so I'm not Skodaless. The engine has been removed along with front screen, seats (which I still have so can go with the car) and assorted bits and bobs. Dash, and gearbox are still present too. Drivers door is good, passenger door less so. No V5. It's fairly bent so not really suitable for rebuild, besides it's a write off. Front suspension is all there but disassembled. Free to a good home provided you can collect although if anyone has a bonnet scoop and rear louvre out there they'd be gratefully received! If you're interested then email me on [email protected] and I'll sort out a few pics Thanks, Dave

I'd love an S110R to go with my Rapid but I haven't seen one for sale in ages. A few Cz folk have dropped in the power train from late Rapids too which would be interesting.

A VW super beetle box which is similar to the older Transporters will handle up to 150bhp. After that you are pushing your luck. Renault used to do a few gearboxes that will do a job, if you can find one Renault 16 and 17 boxes should fit with a little persuasion, they use them in Lotus Europas with Renault engines. Again 150bhp is about the limit but you get a 5th gear I think. 200+ bhp in a Rapid may be a little intimidating though, absolutely everything will need strengthening and uprating including the bodyshell to handle that sort of power.

Anyone got any contact details for Boroskoda and any English speaking Czech parts people? Jorily I fing to be a bit hit and miss to be honest.

I ended up buying a low mileage but bodily rough Rapid as a donor car. It's heaven, when I need a part I just take it.

My Rapid 136 has been lowered a little, has adjustable dampers and Yoko sprint tyres in 185 section. It'll outcorner almost anything provided you keep it smooth. While it's at it, it gives lovely steering feel, decent brakes (totally standard but well maintained) and is a wonderfully involving car to drive. My daughter drives it every day but soetimes I manage to nick it back off her and drive it purely for fun, leaving my Cooper S in the garage. RWD Skodas are the most underrated car in the universe, which is great. It means they are equally undervalued.

The Rapid is just about to go in for paint and I could do with one of those dotty Skoda decals that go on the rear panel just below the rear lights. You know, the full width black and white one made up of dots with a big 'SKODA' in the middle. Anyone know of one anywhere or someone who could make one up?

I'm getting confused here. Presently my rapid's running 165/80 13's on 5.5 J wheels so I reckon that 186/65 R13's would be the ticket to keep the rolling radius the same, if anyone made decent ones that is. 175/70's would also do the job Ideally I want plenty of grip so my daughter doesn't spin out on a daily basis and they don't have to last forever and ever either. Anyone got a tried and tested recommendation? EDIT: I notice you can get 185/60R13 Yokohamas and Toyos for sensible money online too

Ta Kieran, I've emailed them. Edit: They are a special order item with 2 weeks lead in time but they are available, £20 to you sir.

I fancy fitting a Mountney classic steering wheel to my Rapid 136 but Mountney don't list a boss kit. Anyone know whether a boss kit from some other car will do the job?