The new adventures of Brownnova. “Dreadful” 2CV 14-2-25

[brownnova]

My brother in law has had his Kangoo van for years and years. It’s. WAV from back when the MiL was very poorly before she sadly passed. All this was before I met the present MrsBN. However they hung on to the van, but its MoT expired nearly 18 months ago and a few faults means it’s never acquired a new one. Last week he had a yellow notice of doom put on it stating that it needed moving in 7 days or the crusher beckons.

So, having off the road parking it’s ended up on my drive.

It’s now our problem apparently. Currently it definitely appears to want a spring, some exhaust hangers and is misfiring like a bastard, there’s something up with the coil as it seems to keep clicking after it’s been turned off. I’m 50/50 whether I can be bothered to fix it, or if it goes for sale as is (we’ll after a quick clean and spruce up) or goes for scrap. 

[hairnet]

@beko1987s new fod camping palace right there

 

[Floatylight]

If you're still struggling for time to get the Nova, Yugo and Green 2CV sorted there's only one solution..

[brownnova]

15 minutes ago, Floatylight said:

If you're still struggling for time to get the Nova, Yugo and Green 2CV sorted there's only one solution..

This is almost certainly the most sensible approach. But you know when you think… maybe I could fix it… 

I might well bung it in for test, see how that goes and then take it from there. 

[Mr Pastry]

7 hours ago, brownnova said:

I might well bung it in for test, see how that goes and then take it from there. 

Well worthwhile, imo.   I have had an almost identical Kangoo WAV for about 10 years, and though not very exciting it has been fairly reliable and it's a very adaptable, sensible, multi purpose vehicle.  The low floor and ramp is handy for moving furniture, bikes, etc. and with a bit of improvisation it is just about practical as a micro camper.   On the other hand, the ramp prevents fitting a tow bar.  The council tip thinks it's a car, not a van, which is useful.  It is decent enough to drive and goes well despite a small engine - mine is the 1.2.   It is quite well built and doesn't seem prone to rust.  By modern standards, relatively simple and not too bad to work on, although the clutch is a major job which needs the subframe removed.  Look after the exhaust system - the rear section is a special unobtanium thing because of the lowered floor.   

[beko1987]

8 hours ago, hairnet said:

@beko1987s new fod camping palace right there

 

I've been feeling a bit bored of the Xsara recently it has to be said, but this would be more of a sideways step than anything wildly different I think! 

[brownnova]

59 minutes ago, Mr Pastry said:

the clutch is a major job which needs the subframe removed.

Clutch was done just before it came off the road!

1 hour ago, Mr Pastry said:

Look after the exhaust system - the rear section is a special unobtanium thing because of the lowered floor.

I think it’s being held together with hopes and prayers at the moment… this could be an issue to fix. 

[Mr Pastry]

8 minutes ago, brownnova said:

Clutch was done just before it came off the road!

I think it’s being held together with hopes and prayers at the moment… this could be an issue to fix. 

The clutch is a biggie, so you are winning already.  The exhaust is all stainless if it's the same as mine, but I had a lot of trouble with the joint between centre section and cat - badly designed and the correct clamp didn't seem to exist.  I have a modification to cure this.

The misfiring may just be due to old petrol it it's been standing, but I have had to replace coil pack, plugs and an injector on mine -all fairly easy and cheap although the plugs are a silly Renault-specific size which will need the correct socket.

[artdjones]

10 hours ago, brownnova said:

My brother in law has had his Kangoo van for years and years. It’s. WAV from back when the MiL was very poorly before she sadly passed. All this was before I met the present MrsBN. However they hung on to the van, but its MoT expired nearly 18 months ago and a few faults means it’s never acquired a new one. Last week he had a yellow notice of doom put on it stating that it needed moving in 7 days or the crusher beckons.

So, having off the road parking it’s ended up on my drive.

It’s now our problem apparently. Currently it definitely appears to want a spring, some exhaust hangers and is misfiring like a bastard, there’s something up with the coil as it seems to keep clicking after it’s been turned off. I’m 50/50 whether I can be bothered to fix it, or if it goes for sale as is (we’ll after a quick clean and spruce up) or goes for scrap. 

These are good (whisper it, but in petrol form probably better than the equivalent Berlingo). A 1.2 is surprisingly durable, lively, and economical, returning around 40mpg. The interior is huge. The car people in the country need, although probably not the one they want.

 

 

[Zelandeth]

What's the rear seat arrangement like in this one?  It got actual seats or something just wedged in place so it can hypothetically carry four people?

[brownnova]

I think it’s three seats and space for the chair. 
 

To be honest I think it being such a capable thug was why it states with him for years. I need to ask him which bits he changed for the misfire cure, as I remember buggering about with spark plugs on it when it was still on the road. 

[Mr Pastry]

Mine has provision for a single seat in the rear on the nearside, but I think the full width seat from the car version could be reinstated, possibly with a bit of welding, as there is a substantial cross member and much of the original floor remains in place.  

[brownnova]

Those at Shitefest may remember that once the Pontiac took residence in its parking spot for the weekend it did not move again until I went home.

This was due to a battery issue. It died on the one time my wife had used it in months, typically,  I just thought a few short journeys weren’t providing enough juice, but on the way to shitefest I stopped for fuel and had to jump it at the petrol station.

Battery swap, easy… 

I’ve never seen a so well buried battery… So according to the Haynes, simply remove the washer bottle, remove the brace by undoing three bolts and lift it away and then undo the clamp and voila.

In reality, remove washer bottle, then undo the first bolt, realise that you need to remove the headlight fixings too, then try to move all the wiring so you can get to the back bolt, but it’s square meaning it must be the top side maybe. Then find the bottom part is in the wheel arch so has been exposed to all kids of crud, close to one of the crusty bits of inner arch which you make worse by poking… bolt won’t budge, at all… so penetrating wd40 and leave for half an hour. Still no budge. Swear at it. Get breaker bar, manage to shift it. Then remove the brace. And the clamp. And then find that the battery won’t fit out of the available gap. So loosen the air filter housing too… and then swap the battery.

Refitting is the reverse of removal.

Car now works, starts and restarts. I’ll leave it a couple of days to check it stays charged. 

[Sunny Jim]

What an arse. Boink's Oldsmobile cousin was at FoTU.

[brownnova]

Nice clean pass for the XC90 this afternoon. 
 

 

[brownnova]

I went to Knutsford to do some charity shop shopping… but ended up coming home in a different car to the one I arrived in!

It was time to say goodbye to Bonk the magic wagon. A faithful and wonderful car, which I have genuinely loved owning. I’ve had many many adventures over the last two and a half years. This was a massive bucket list car for me, and one I’m so so glad I had the chance to own… more practical than any car I’ve owned, more individual, and the biggest displacement, however more shite is winking at me… and so it’s time to go to a new owner. 

But as I parked it in Knutsford I took a look back. Knowing I wouldn’t be going home in it… 

I returned from a fruitless charity shop haul, to find this parked alongside the Pontiac… 

 

Aha! The Highlander… 

A deal had been struck to swap Richard K’s highlander with my TransSport… values were equivalent, and I do love a Volvo! This is not my first 940… 

Handsome bastard.

A drive home and the following conclusions… Volvo cloth seats better than Volvo leather. Early 940 is more like a 740… and I like that. 2.0 NA is positively glacial compared to 2.3 turbo…  but that’s fine, I’m no boy racer.

Two 90s Swedes at home on the drive. Home safe and sound with the PC resolutely at zero, but a nice coffee and chat with @RichardKwas worth the drive in itself, the Volvo an added bonus!

I’n going to miss the Pontiac… but it’s gone to the right home. 

[brownnova]

Added bonus listening on the way home… was an experience.

[brownnova]

Pressed MacLeod the Highlander into front line action today. Today was nursery runs, shopping trips and the essential wife driving approval rating. I also spent a couple of hours washing, and going over the car.

It’s a great thing to drive, it makes a proper Volvo noise, and is supremely comfy! It ran really well for all the errands and drives today, cycling through the selection of Rick Ashley, Astley, Classical music and Spirit of Volvo cassettes. It drives more like a 740 than the late 940 I hd previously it seems to me.  I prefer that, slightly more old school. 

A good clean up shows that there are a few cosmetic matters one could attend to, namely scratches on the tops of the wings and down the side, as well as scuffed bumpers etc. However, it shines up well for a 30 year old, and from 10 foot at least it looks great!

Importantly, it scored the wifely seal of approval on her drive, and even more importantly the kids seem to love it! (Which considering how attached they were to Bonk was a worry) 

[Ghosty]

13 hours ago, brownnova said:

Added bonus listening on the way home… was an experience.

That looks supciciously like a Bremen
 

 

[Macscrooge]

Love the photo of the Volvo failing to hide behind a tree 😁

[High Jetter]

1 hour ago, brownnova said:

Rick Ashley

Who?

[brownnova]

1 hour ago, High Jetter said:

Who?

That well known Rick Astley tribute act 😂

[cms206]

9 hours ago, brownnova said:

That well known Rick Astley tribute act 😂

Rick Astley's '50' is one of the best albums I've heard in recent times. The man's got a fantastic voice.

[Ghosty]

His Glastonbury set where he was singing Smiths hits with Blossoms as a backing band was absolutely fantastic.

[brownnova]

Just been asking the kids what they want to do today: 

Me: “Would you like to go to the zoo?” 
3YO: “Yes, but can we go in the new Volvo” 
Me: “Maybe, ok, what about going to big car show” 
3YO: “In the new Volvo?” 
1YO: “Vovo!!” 
Me: “Or is there anything you would like to do?”
3YO: “Go to the park in the new Volvo” 
1YO: “Go Vovo” 
Me: “But I think we need to use the other car as it’s got more petrol in it” 
3YO: “But we can drive the new Volvo and buy some petrol to go in it”

I think they want to go in the 940 somehow… 

[RichardK]

*emotional response*

You know what, even if the Pontiac falls apart on the drive tomorrow that the Volvo is living this life is 100% best outcome!

[brownnova]

32 minutes ago, RichardK said:

*emotional response*

You know what, even if the Pontiac falls apart on the drive tomorrow that the Volvo is living this life is 100% best outcome!

Yeah, but I wasn’t supposed to like it all that much remember. 😂

[andy18s]

https://youtu.be/GTJZEK4JP0k

[cms206]

1 hour ago, brownnova said:

Yeah, but I wasn’t supposed to like it all that much remember. 😂

Just wait til the snow starts...

 

https://youtu.be/kUjGEMh4hHg

[hairnet]

5 hours ago, brownnova said:

 

Just been asking the kids what they want to do today: 

Me: “Would you like to go to the zoo?” 
3YO: “Yes, but can we go in the new Volvo” 
Me: “Maybe, ok, what about going to big car show” 
3YO: “In the new Volvo?” 
1YO: “Vovo!!” 
Me: “Or is there anything you would like to do?”
3YO: “Go to the park in the new Volvo” 
1YO: “Go Vovo” 
Me: “But I think we need to use the other car as it’s got more petrol in it” 
3YO: “But we can drive the new Volvo and buy some petrol to go in it”

I think they want to go in the 940 somehow… 

  does @cms206 have this trouble also

they like old shit - ALL your fault