Zel's Motoring Adventures...Volvo, Renault, Rover, Trabant, Invacar & A Sinclair C5 - Updated 13/11.

[Zelandeth]

15 hours ago, Dick Longbridge said:

I wonder if that's a genuine 12k from new... I can't imagine the average mileage during the life of these would have been much - similar to a scooter I'd have thought?

I imagine so.  While there are a few out there which seem to have seen more normal car mileages, the vast majority tended to see pretty light use. 

The drivetrain in here is actually nearer the 30K mark as KPL who the engine and gearbox came from had 29K on the clock as I recall.

Just had a look back, and my starting mileage for TPA was 11353 miles, so we'll have to try to capture 12353 miles when it comes up.

She's come a fair way since then!

[dollywobbler]

I'd certainly agree!

https//hubnut.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/blog-2-e1511815968855.jpg

[Zelandeth]

With the Trevi whose adventures were documented over on Six-Cylinder's thread having returned home for now (we hopefully will see it back when a carb kit and a new/better radiator have been sourced for a bit of further fettling), I've returned home with his 2CV. 

Firstly because I really wanted a shot of one again as it had been about fifteen years since I last drove one and I wanted to see if they were as much fun as I remembered.  Yes - and then some - is the answer.  A car which has definitely jumped back onto the very real wish list.

The second reason was that I had been wanting to expose my husband to one of these cars as he'd never even had a chance to sit in one before.  The weather has co-operated so I have been able to expose him to 2CV motoring at its best.

I've not actually been instructed to do anything to this car, but as with any car that I borrow a list of observations etc will be made up.  She's also in pretty serious need of a good old fashioned polish and wax, so that will definitely be happening before she's dropped off back home.

This takes a bit of stress off me as I'm currently waiting for the Xantia to come back from the garage with a fresh MOT.  At least we've now sorted out the situation there - Just an old school communications breakdown.

It always surprises me how much room there is inside one of these cars given how tiny they are and how narrow the actual body is.

Still breaks my brain a little that this instrument panel is from a late 80s car...

Also surprises me that there's no charging/ignition light.

Have a couple of photos snapped at my usual photo spot, the car park by the Linford Wood BP Garage.

Such a lovely design, especially from a low angle like this I think.

I'll return here once she's had a polish and been drowned in wax.
 

 

The only thing I've really done so far cleaning wise was to give the steering wheel a clean.  As seems to happen a lot to cars which aren't used regularly it was quite sticky and quite unpleasant to hold.  Not really a visible difference, but this is far more pleasant.

Fun fact: Steering wheels are gross.

This isn't actually that bad...It's scary what comes off sometimes, it just always seems to go noticeably sticky and horrible on cars that don't get used regularly.

The interior in general isn't bad at all, so it won't need too much attention.  The bits of field will be vacuumed out, surfaces given a wipe down and the glass given a clean.  The seat covers are suffering slightly from the long term effects of sunlight, so I'll be VERY careful while around those.  Glass is definitely next on the list as when the sun is low it's honestly difficult to see out of currently.

It was mentioned that there had been some issues with the air filter housing on this car causing the lid to pop off.  I did notice yesterday that the induction roar was rather loud, even by the standards of a 2CV which I always remember as being pretty rorty at the best of times...so seemed worthwhile checking.

Yep...That would do it!  I thought the BrrrrRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHHH! from up front seemed a little excessive!

One screw was missing entirely, there were a couple of issues with the lid where the screws have pulled through, and one had stripped out the housing.

One beefy screw to deal with the stripped out hole, one replacement and some nice big washers later...

Sorted!  I checked it again after a run out today and it's just fine.  The owner has recently picked up a new air filter housing for it so it will be changed soon, but as this repair took all of about a minute I don't consider it wasted effort.

The whole driving experience is just utterly addictive.  The mechanical growl from the engine, proper old school gearbox whine, a gearchange which despite what people will tell you is actually a joy to use, comfy seats, and of course the ability to roll the roof back.  Oh and the ride.  The ability this car has to smooth bumps out on even the most knackered of surfaces is mind boggling.  Definitely back on the wish list.

Looking forward to getting a bit of a shine back on the paintwork.  Reckon it's going to be the classic white car situation where you won't realise how matt it's become until it's shiny again!

[LightBulbFun]

your making me already miss my time driving her around the FoD, I do hope some day I have an opportunity to drive one on some roads  

a truly fun and confidence inspiring car to chuck around the place  

[dozeydustman]

You and hubby look like you enjoyed your jolly out and glad to hear he’s getting better.

[Zelandeth]

Finally got an hour and a bit this afternoon to get some cleaning work done.

Windows all cleaned and the polishing has begun. First pass done on this side and the front now. Will want a bit more detail attention in a few spots and a load of wax, but we're getting there.

At least the roof doesn't need to be polished because it's not metal!

Oh...and both the driveshafts and suspension tie rod shackles were greased yesterday.  Forgot to mention that!

[egg]

I don't think there is any vehicle that could land on your driveway that wouldn't leave in someway improved!

[Six-cylinder]

4 minutes ago, egg said:

I don't think there is any vehicle that could land on your driveway that wouldn't leave in someway improved!

I hear my cars arguing who is next to Zels drive! 

[LightBulbFun]

10 minutes ago, Six-cylinder said:

I hear my cars arguing who is next to Zels drive! 

the JCB?

"yeah park across my driveway now I dare you!"

[richardmorris]

It’s worth noting that the air filter shouldn’t actually have any screws holding it together. Just that the lugs on the bottom often snap off. It should be held in place with a simple push and twist to lock.

[Zelandeth]

32 minutes ago, egg said:

I don't think there is any vehicle that could land on your driveway that wouldn't leave in someway improved!

Well it is kind of what I do.  I'm not a professional mechanic or detailer, but it's a hobby I've had for many years and enjoy.

27 minutes ago, Six-cylinder said:

I hear my cars arguing who is next to Zels drive! 

Well any and all are welcome.  They'll all see exactly the same level of attention.  Whether it be a routine service, fixing dash bulbs or just a clean and polish.

11 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

It’s worth noting that the air filter shouldn’t actually have any screws holding it together. Just that the lugs on the bottom often snap off. It should be held in place with a simple push and twist to lock.

It looked like that was the original intention...those tabs are long, long gone though.  There's a new filter housing waiting to go on though so it's not a huge issue.  The lid is secured properly for the time being at least.

[dollywobbler]

Good to see. The steering wheel should be matt, like the spokes, but it breaks down on the rim, and goes very bitty and nasty. Problem is, my wheel is now entirely smooth and it's a bit of a game to hold the steering wheel, especially with suncream on! My observations on this one - which I apologise for not making to Six Cyl yet- the floor has been welded in a rather odd method, making it humpy around the clutch pedal - which was catching on the mat when I drove it. It also feels a little skittish around the back end (sorry, I'm a 2CV hooner...) but I'm not sure if that's tyres, dampers or ride height related. The engine is deliciously smooth though. By 2CV standards.

[Zelandeth]

Spot the difference...

[Six-cylinder]

1 hour ago, Zelandeth said:

Spot the difference...

Wow!

[richardmorris]

Can you take a photo of the gear lever in neutral? It may help us work out what’s what. Mine today is basically pointing to 10 o’clock when in neutral. As to the shine - when can I leave mine?

[Zelandeth]

44 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

Can you take a photo of the gear lever in neutral? It may help us work out what’s what. Mine today is basically pointing to 10 o’clock when in neutral. As to the shine - when can I leave mine?

It sits at 9 o'clock in neutral.

1 hour ago, Six-cylinder said:

Wow!

The photos flatter the finish a bit but she's come up pretty well.

Annoyingly I've completely and utterly lost track of any of my wax.  So I'll need to pop out to get some more tomorrow.  I suspect I know where it is, under the landslide that happened a week or so back in the garage...so I'm not going digging for it in there just now!  Buying new is the easiest option.

In other news, think I've picked out the carpet which I'll be using in the Invacar.

Should look pretty understated once in place, especially once there's a little bit of wear in the picture.  These tiles are £1.99 each, so reckon I should be able to do the whole lot for less than £30.  Being in smaller squares should actually make getting things to fit easier I reckon, even if the finish won't be quite so seamless. 

[richardmorris]

That’s why all of us other 2cv drivers think it’s weird. I think that’s probably a LHD lever.

[Mr Pastry]

14 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

That’s why all of us other 2cv drivers think it’s weird. I think that’s probably a LHD lever.

I think that explains it.  Judging by the handbook photos, on the LHD car the gear lever tube is located further over to the left.  The LHD lever is near vertical in neutral,  so if fitted in the RHD location, assuming the gearbox end is the same, it would point to the left.  Or something like that.

[richardmorris]

1 minute ago, Mr Pastry said:

I think that explains it.  Judging by the handbook photos, on the LHD car the gear lever tube is located further over to the left.  The LHD lever is near vertical in neutral,  so if fitted in the RHD location, assuming the gearbox end is the same, it would point to the left.  Or something like that.

Having just watched @dollywobblerlatest vid I’m not sure any more. Pete sparrow’s is LHD but the gear change looked ok. I am pretty sure the gear change is the same location left or right hand drive. After all the gearbox is in the same place.

[Zelandeth]

Here's a crop of a photo I took a couple of days ago showing where it sits in neutral.

I wasn't really that aware of it because I last drove a 2CV about fifteen years ago and only briefly at that...No doubt it will totally throw me next time I get into a different one!

[Mr Pastry]

5 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

Having just watched @dollywobblerlatest vid I’m not sure any more. Pete sparrow’s is LHD but the gear change looked ok. I am pretty sure the gear change is the same location left or right hand drive. After all the gearbox is in the same place.

I am not totally convinced, but I cant see any other explanation.  The RHD gearchange is certainly to the right of centre,  I think the  LHD one is central under the vent knob. 

[richardmorris]

We will get to the answer- in fact I see a ccc column!

[Mr Pastry]

5 minutes ago, richardmorris said:

We will get to the answer- in fact I see a ccc column!

Knowing how these things go, this could run and run!  I suppose nobody on here has a LHD 2CV when we want one.

[meshking]

This is a lhd acadiane.

Edit : that's got one of ash carters fancy connectors betwixt box and lever 

[meshking]

Personally, I think someone has put the twisty connector the wrong way round on the connection between lever and box. As Richard says, the box is in the same place. 

The only time I've experienced difference is when I put a Dyane lever on a 2cv. That felt *very* weird. I think the bend is slightly different accounting for the different bulkhead shapes.

[Mr Pastry]

Having looked at a few more photos, I may well be mistaken and the gearchange may be in the same place,  But then it's hard to see why LH and RH gear lever would have to be different, and there certainly are two different assemblies according to ECAS.  

These are not conclusive and assume that both levers are in neutral but FWIW:  Gallic shrug at this point.

 

[Noel Tidybeard]

On 9/18/2020 at 6:19 PM, richardmorris said:

It’s worth noting that the air filter shouldn’t actually have any screws holding it together. Just that the lugs on the bottom often snap off. It should be held in place with a simple push and twist to lock.

after watching Wollydobblers latest video the air cleaner needs putting in the boot and a cone filter fitted instead 😮

[dollywobbler]

Not sure about that. The drone gets irritating after a while!

[Six-cylinder]

I love the 720cc engine and the much easier performance it gives a 2CV. Would it entice me to use my 2CV a lot more than the 925 miles in the last 5 years, probably not.

I would still love to see a HubHut side by side comparison of his 2CV 652cc and a Visa 652 cc.

[dollywobbler]

58 minutes ago, Six-cylinder said:

I love the 720cc engine and the much easier performance it gives a 2CV. Would it entice me to use my 2CV a lot more than the 925 miles in the last 5 years, probably not.

I would still love to see a HubHut side by side comparison of his 2CV 652cc and a Visa 652 cc.

That feels a lot more possible now my 652 is running better!