Let's talk about the exciting progress of bringing a classic Citroën 2CV back to life. This particular car has an incredible story, having been rescued from a decade-long neglect in a field, riddled with bullet holes. It's a testament to the resilience of these iconic vehicles that it's now on the road to restoration.
My personal goal is to make this 2CV my daily driver, despite its modest 29 horsepower. But before that, I have a special milestone in mind: driving it to the upcoming 24 Hours of Lemons race. It's a challenging task, but one that will truly test the car's capabilities.
The Restoration Process
In this final push, I tackled a series of essential tasks. One of the key challenges was finding the right transmission oil. The 2CV requires an API GL-4 rated oil, which is quite rare these days. It's a reminder of the unique needs of older vehicles and the importance of getting the specifics right.
The oil change process was an adventure in itself. Citroën's thoughtful design, with a dedicated drain hole, made the job easier. But filling the transmission required some creativity and a vertical filler, which was a unique experience.
CV Boot Replacement: A Temporary Fix
I opted for a universal split CV boot kit, knowing it's not the ideal solution. But sometimes, in the face of time constraints, good enough is good enough. It's a temporary fix, but it beats the torn boot that was previously there, spewing grease all over the place.
Fenders and Visual Transformation
Adding the fenders back to the 2CV was a game-changer visually. Without them, the car looked like a strange, exposed hot rod. But with the fenders, the 2CV's iconic chubby-cheeked look returns. It's a testament to the importance of even the smallest details in automotive design.
Improvised Solutions
One of the most fascinating aspects of this restoration is the resourcefulness it requires. From using Diet Coke cans to create washers for missing hardware to making a heat shield for the exhaust manifold, it's a testament to the ingenuity of the restorer.
The Final Stretch
As the car comes together, the excitement builds. I can't wait to take it on longer drives and truly test its capabilities. But with that comes the realization that there's still work to be done. The rattling noise during my test drive was a reminder that restoration is an ongoing process, and there's always something new to discover and fix.
Conclusion
This restoration journey is a fascinating blend of mechanical knowledge, creativity, and a deep appreciation for classic cars. It's a labor of love, and I can't wait to see this 2CV on the road, fully restored and ready to tackle any adventure.
