Dollywobbler's BX. (Hard) Working vehicle.

[dollywobbler]

Clutch doesn't seem too bad at all. Certainly compared to a Land Rover. The original handbook folder is in the glovebox. I shall dig it out.

 

I did pop out to see which dash lights don't work now it's dark. None of the 'satellite' switchgear lights seem to work, and a few of the binnacle ones are out. It's a sod to remove the binnacle though, so I might not bother. Not sure I'll be using the part that goes beyond 100mph somehow...

[catsinthewelder]

Two more things I forgot to mention there,  the light on the 'fast' part of the speedo and the service book,  it's the one from the white BX as I didn't get one with this one.

 

 

Those switch's supposed to light up eh,  everydays a school day.

[dollywobbler]

I'm off out later, so could only satisfy myself with menial tasks this morning. Job one was the rear screenwash. Pump's knackered. That'll be an easy fix. Getting the bottle out revealed no rot beneath it, which is extraordinary. It's a common rot spot. I've cleaned the area out.

 

Then I quickly went around it with the touch-up paint I had for the Bluebird. Not an exact match, but covers tiny rust spots up for now. The final, hugely important task was to realign the rear wiper, as it was sitting about 1cm too high. Oh, and I adjusted the striker on the driver's door. Shuts more sweetly now.

[dollywobbler]

Tanfield Citroen is still operating in Horsham. May have to pay a visit.

 

Interior has had a good clean and has come up nicely.

 

Sadly, this sort of thing is often necessary with Citroen BXs. And Jaguar XJ-Ss.

 

Seats are starting to fray. Rare trim, so not sure what I can do about that really. Covers perhaps?

[Junkman]

I knew it was just a question of time until you'd be bixed again.

[tooSavvy]

 

TS

[dollywobbler]

Aye. Maybe I should try and tackle some of the reasons I don't like then. The gearchange is one. It feels like a bleedin' coach compared to the Sirion's deliciously slick effort. Maybe a quick-shift kit would sort it? It'd also make the car at least 20mph faster too.

 

I've got a top engine mount on order, a new washer pump and new wipers blades. Hoping they all arrive before the Kent trip. Will hopefully be getting the flatulent exhaust sorted on Friday.

 

Savvy - just, NO.

[dollywobbler]

Only just over the border from Sussex. Kent is a surprisingly big county!

[Shep Shepherd]

Only just over the border from Sussex. Kent is a surprisingly big county!

 

Indeed! I grew up in a village near Dover and didn't really go further west than Canterbury until I passed my driving test, as everything I could reasonably need was located in East Kent

[darkfour]

Pretty sure Tanfield Citroen in Horsham has since disappeared, at least it's no longer where it was when I was a nipper. Streetview (look for 26 Guildford Rd) has a image of said location complete with original signage but its now being used as a charity shop.

[dollywobbler]

Bother.

 

In other news, new washer pump fitted, and new wiper blades. Judder and smear issues they be gone. I did make a start on trying to remove the stereo. It looks right at home, but apparently the tape player doesn't work. Catsinthewelder warned me that he'd tried removing it and failed. At the moment, I also am fail. I have pinged off the end pieces of the head unit and found some tiny torx bolts though. Too tiny for any of my bits. Frustrating.

[catsinthewelder]

I looked on the bright side,  at least it won't get stolen

 

I was thinking of rigging up one of those FM transmitter devices in it but then I'd have spent journeys listening to the same music my family play in the house so I stuck with radio only. 

[dugong]

That looks very smart.

I find the only n/a diesel disadvantages are long steep hills and long overtakes.

And working accelerator pedals.

[dollywobbler]

Ah yes. I must check the pedal box. I haven't yet...

 

Last night, driving around in the dramatic mist, the alternator light began to glow, adding even more drama to the scene. Only did it with everything going full pelt, but I suspect the brushes have seen better days. I'll whack the multimeter on it later.

 

First though, off for minibus duty. Immediately after that, I'm getting my 'local' garage to see what they can do with the exhaust. Hopefully silence it.

[dollywobbler]

Garage was too busy, so exhaust problem remains. However, I have replaced the upper engine mount, which has made some improvement. It still shunts at times though, so I guess the bottom mount will be next. That one's less fun as there's always plenty of oil down there (one reason the mounts fail) and it's harder to get to. While I'd got the tools out, I adjusted the clutch, as the bite was right on the floor. It's nicer now.

[KruJoe]

You might have seen this useful* link Mat posted..?

 

 

It's all in foreign-speak, but the pictures tell the story...

(Bear in mind the bush itself costs around a fiver).

http://www.forum-auto.com/automobiles-mythiques-exception/section5/sujet114459.htm

[RobT]

Ian, I also replaced the brushes on the alternator as I was getting the light come on too. Solved the problem but I must say they weren't the best quality...

[dollywobbler]

Thought I'd seen a mention in the history. Presume that's your list of work done?

[RobT]

Yep that's it. Many a happy hour in a freezing cold garage was spent tinkering with this a few years ago!

[dollywobbler]

Major problem. The day started well enough. I successfully bodged the exhaust up with aluminium tape and exhaust paste. It's now much more respectful. I doubt it'll last, but I'm not going to get a better job done before Monday. Then I noticed that the rear tyres were worryingly low on tread. I looked at the tyres that came with the car, but they were a mismatch. I'll keep them as spares.

 

So, I went to A&D Tyres in Aberystwyth for a pair of Klebers.

 

These were fitted to the front, and the OK fronts moved to the rear. Yes, I know some will disagree with this, but it did mean getting all of the wheels off. That turned out to be a good thing, because we found this.

 

One of the brake pads is trying to escape! There should be a sliding locking thing to prevent this. It is entirely missing. At this juncture, I'd like to say I don't blame Catsinthewelder for this. Without getting the wheel off, there are no symptoms to let you know that anything is amiss. It was still stopping very well! I bought a cheap car - you takes your chance. I am bloody glad I discovered this before driving to Kent in it!

 

That may not happen though. I've raided my parts stash and I can't find a fitting kit amongst it. I'm desperately trying to find a solution as the Sirion is now out of action (also due to brake issues!) and as good as my ear plugs are, I'm not sure I'm happy to take the 2CV. I may be left with no choice though...

[320touring]

You need brakes on an NA bx dizzer?

 

Seriously though- local autospares place may have a generic kit or some ideas?

[dollywobbler]

The sliding piece is specific to the BX, and the local motor factors seem to be scared of Citroens.

[320touring]

The sliding piece is specific to the BX, and the local motor factors seem to be scared of Citroens.

That's a PITA- is the caliper specific to the bx too?

[brickwall]

Is it the metal springy bar thingy? If so the can wiggle loose, or not fitted correctly by some places as they pull it back into the wrong bit.

[dollywobbler]

That's a PITA- is the caliper specific to the bx too?

 

Yes. Front-mounted handbrake and all that shizzle. Not like a Pug 405.

 

 

Is it the metal springy bar thingy? If so the can wiggle loose, or not fitted correctly by some places as they pull it back into the wrong bit.

 

That's the one. Held by a tiny little springy clip, which I guess can easily go walkies. The wheel has stopped the pad falling out completely.

[dollywobbler]

YES!

 

Had a proper search of the garage. I KNEW there was a spare, complete caliper in there somewhere. It still has the pads AND the retaining clip present. Fantastic.

[320touring]

Happy days!

[dollywobbler]

Indeed. Got the sliding pin out, cleaned it up and it is now fitted. Discovered the strut return was leaking, so put another cable tie on it (they're a sod to seal if you don't use the correct metal clip, which itself is a pain in the arse to fit) and that the main clip was missing on the CV joint too, so grease was leaking out. I think that needs a metal clip but hopefully a cable tie will improve matters.

 

Looks like Monday is back on!

[catsinthewelder]

 

I'd like to say I don't blame Catsinthewelder for this.

 

You probably should as I changed the pads last year,  I'm sure that I re-assembled the first caliper to match the other one then did the same on the 2nd side so I take it you've checked that the other side is ok?

 

Glad you've got it sorted now.

[dollywobbler]

Yup. Other side is ok. Pretty sure I've got it wrong myself in the past. Don't worry though. Just part of the fun of old cars. It was still stopping fine. Handbrake is a lot better now though...