It didn't go according to plan, but all is well now.
Eventually M. Wallon drove up to Boulogne to demand the Right Parts in person; he was unsuccessful and returned with the news that the parts could be another fortnight in arriving. He was due to take his annual holiday the following week, so it would mean at least another four weeks before the car was ready!
M. Wallon is a star. He went round the local breakers' yards and found almost all the necessary bits (though not a hubcap), and built it all. He also attempted to charge the battery three times, but it was dead; a new battery was obtained. He checked all the other wheels carefully and tightened up the other rear wheel which was also a bit loose (eek! doesn't bear thinking about), and pumped up the tyres which he said were very low. So much for getting the wheels and tyres checked in a tyre-place before I left England, eh?
He finished the repairs on the Friday evening before closing the garage until September. IMA called me to say they would book a flight to Paris for Monday, which I declined because it's a long way to Stanstead at this end and a long way from Paris at the other, and we agreed Tuesday by train. M. Wallon, fortunately for me, was holidaying at home. He came out to open up the garage specially. What a lovely man.
If you are ever in the southern Pas-de-Calais/Somme area and need some garage-y work done, it's SARL GUY WALLON, Agent Station Renault Elan, in Wailly-Beaucamp on the RN1. Say hello from me.
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