====== Boot clip ======

^ System | [[preview:parts:body:start|Body and boot]] |
^ Handbook item | //Not listed separately in the 1985 handbook// (see below) |
^ Sinclair part no. | Sold as "Boot clips" under **C5674 317** on later spares lists |
^ Hoover factory no. | //not yet identified// |
^ Quantity per vehicle | 2 |
^ Fits to | The [[preview:parts:body:boot|boot]] pivots, inside each rear wheel arch |

===== Description =====
Holds the boot in place.

The boot pivots on two moulded bosses, one inside each rear wheel arch. A **black C-shaped clip** on each boss stops the boot sliding off its pivot. The clips are the only thing holding the boot on, and they're needed every time the boot comes off. Most rear-end work needs the boot removed: the [[preview:parts:drivetrain:drive_belt|drive belt]], motor, rear brake, [[preview:parts:pedals:chain|chain]] and control box fuses. So clips are easily lost, and many C5s are missing one or both.

===== Removal and fitting =====
From the Owner's Handbook, p. 26, "Boot removal":
  - Open the boot.
  - Release the two retaining clips by **pulling them downwards**, away from the moulded boss.
  - Spring the wheel arches outwards until the boot bosses are clear. The boot can now be removed.
  - To refit, reverse the procedure and push the clips back onto the bosses.

C5Alive's fitting guide adds that once the pivots are free, the boot slides **downwards towards the ground** to come out. The clips simply pull off like circlips.

===== Maintenance =====
No maintenance needed. Keep the clips somewhere safe whenever the boot is off.

===== Known problems =====
  * **Lost clips.** They're small, loose once removed, and easily misplaced. Original clips are scarce.
  * Some C5s have had the clips removed by previous owners. A boot without clips can slide off its pivots.

===== Repairs, replacements and reproductions =====
==== Original part, then and now ====
^ Source ^ Date ^ Price ^
| ESG (Ellar Surplus Goods), Liverpool | Dec 1991 | £3.52 + VAT |
| MATCH, Rotterdam (code 18.317) | 17 Jan 1991 | ƒ25,- excl. BTW |

On these later spares lists, item 18 / C5674 317 is "Boot clips". In the 1985 Owner's Handbook, item 18 / C5674 317 is the **decal kit**. The number appears to have been reused by the post-1985 parts sellers.

==== Reproductions ====
  * I've made a recreation which you can download here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5341404
  * C5owners.com also produced 3D-printed boot clips (sold in pairs) from 2013.

<WRAP info>**Diagram wanted:** boot pivot and clip location, viewed from inside the wheel arch (source: Owner's Handbook fig. 42). See [[preview:wiki:diagrams_wanted]].</WRAP>

===== Related parts =====
[[preview:parts:body:boot|Boot]] · [[preview:parts:body:boot_lid|Boot lid]] · [[preview:parts:body:boot_lock_set|Boot lock set]] · [[preview:parts:body:boot_liner|Boot liner]]

===== Sources =====
  * [[preview:docs:owners_handbook|Sinclair C5 Owner's Handbook]] (1985), p. 26 (Boot removal, fig. 42) and pp. 30–31 (parts list)
  * [[preview:docs:esg_price_list_1991|ESG parts and price list, December 1991]]; [[preview:docs:match_price_list_1991|MATCH parts price list, January 1991]]
  * C5Alive.co.uk, //QR Power Wiring Fitting Guide//, step QR1 (v2, 24 Feb 2006)
  * c5owners.com forum (closed to new posts, still readable):
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/136/wanted-c5-boot-clips|Wanted: C5 boot clips]]: C5mick, 2013
    * [[https://www.c5owners.com/sinclair-c5-forum/topic/187/boot-clips|Boot clips]]: Dan, Oct 2013