I'll AX this only once... though there is an Echo in here
Discussion
I had one of these (AX) for a couple of weeks.
The body roll through bends was hilarious - but the most amusing part was trying to close the plastic tailgate with the car parked on sloping ground - there was so much chassis flex we had to move it to level ground before the tailgate would close lol.
The O/H who usually likes small cars hated it though.
The body roll through bends was hilarious - but the most amusing part was trying to close the plastic tailgate with the car parked on sloping ground - there was so much chassis flex we had to move it to level ground before the tailgate would close lol.
The O/H who usually likes small cars hated it though.
Spinakerr said:
Looks great - and nice to hear a firm took them back for a refurb - far too many threads over the years of places washing their hands of it as soon as the car rolls off down the road.
A resprayed bonnet will also add 5bhp.
Absolutely. If I polish it up as well, it might even make an extra 6…. A resprayed bonnet will also add 5bhp.
Yes, it is nice to find a good, honest firm like that. The quality of the refurb they did on the Corrado wheels was very good too.
The refurbished engine continues to surprise with just how much better it feels! Valve lapping really can make a difference (and fixing the head gasket)! Quieter, smoother and it pulls better. All round result!
Thanks for the kind words all, the paint is on the way (code is ENU - Bleu Saphire) and for the sake of £20, I’m going to give it a go myself first…..
Time for a slight alteration to the ICE, and as with most cars I've had, I like to regress towards something a little closer to period correct.
Actual Citroen branded Clarion tape players were very expensive though, but I bagged two working Clarion Radio Cassettes from ebay for a tenner plus postage. Bargain.
It will look better when (if) I can find the plastic surround that was in the car originally.... Time to check the bits box.
Then, for no really reason, just went to find some b roads... Splendid.
Actual Citroen branded Clarion tape players were very expensive though, but I bagged two working Clarion Radio Cassettes from ebay for a tenner plus postage. Bargain.
It will look better when (if) I can find the plastic surround that was in the car originally.... Time to check the bits box.
Then, for no really reason, just went to find some b roads... Splendid.
Bobberoo said:
You probably already know this but, there are units available which look retro but give you all the modern connectivity, yes some are stupidly expensive for what they are but the Chinese stuff is ok if you're not looking for audiophile levels of sound.
I didn’t know that, thanks. Audiophile levels of sound in the AX are….unlikely….. I was looking at some slightly better speakers recently though!I’ll stick with the £9 cassette player for now though (I’ve started putting together the list for the next mix tape to make already.
Ive looked at the windscreen seal, and concluded that the bonding holding it in place is shot. Fixing it would mean the windscreen out and back in job. The silicone sealant might have to make an appearance first to see if that makes a difference.
The slight rattle following the engine refresh is (I think) coming from the alternator, so that will need looking at too. Aside from that though (touch wood) the engine work appears to be bedding in nicely.
darkyoung1000 said:
Bobberoo said:
You probably already know this but, there are units available which look retro but give you all the modern connectivity, yes some are stupidly expensive for what they are but the Chinese stuff is ok if you're not looking for audiophile levels of sound.
I didn’t know that, thanks. Audiophile levels of sound in the AX are….unlikely….. I was looking at some slightly better speakers recently though!I’ll stick with the £9 cassette player for now though (I’ve started putting together the list for the next mix tape to make already.
Ive looked at the windscreen seal, and concluded that the bonding holding it in place is shot. Fixing it would mean the windscreen out and back in job. The silicone sealant might have to make an appearance first to see if that makes a difference.
The slight rattle following the engine refresh is (I think) coming from the alternator, so that will need looking at too. Aside from that though (touch wood) the engine work appears to be bedding in nicely.
Bobberoo said:
Laugh away but many, many years ago there was an AX GTI in Romsey with a serious system in it, I know because I supplied a 4 channel amp for the door components!!!
Wow! That is serious levels of commitment to sound quality. More that I have in me I'm afraid.... I've worked out that the car weighs around 700kg (I keep meaning to go to a weighbridge and check) so I'm trying to keep the weight down where possible. That said, I did add some today be reinstalling the heat shield and warm air take off from the exhaust manifold today. Took a little fettling with the new manifold...
Also managed to replace the broken interior light, so it no longer hangs from the headlining
I also added some additional sealant to the windscreen bond, but I'd really like to take the panel underneath the screen off (and possibly the wing) so that I can see what else might be going on....
The good thing about washing an older car is spotting emerging issues. The good thing about washing the AX is that at least the washing part doesn't take long, even if the defect list you compile does....
This is the worst one that will need sorting, at the bottom of the nearside front door. There's another forming on the other side though....
Add to that the bonnet and the various scratches,and I'm suddenly wondering if I've bought enough paint....
Still need to sort out where the water is getting into the cabin as well, as the addition of sealant to the windscreen surround hasn't solved it....
The rattle is coming from the alternator, so I need to check the belt tightness, and see if that bracket that I couldn't work out where it had come from has a place there.
Still, it was a satisfying couple of hours,and the first opportunity I'd had to do it after the engine work.
I really like the stamp on the wheels too!
The Corrado is still elsewhere, and hence I might get the chance to spend some more time sorting out the AX.
This is the worst one that will need sorting, at the bottom of the nearside front door. There's another forming on the other side though....
Add to that the bonnet and the various scratches,and I'm suddenly wondering if I've bought enough paint....
Still need to sort out where the water is getting into the cabin as well, as the addition of sealant to the windscreen surround hasn't solved it....
The rattle is coming from the alternator, so I need to check the belt tightness, and see if that bracket that I couldn't work out where it had come from has a place there.
Still, it was a satisfying couple of hours,and the first opportunity I'd had to do it after the engine work.
I really like the stamp on the wheels too!
The Corrado is still elsewhere, and hence I might get the chance to spend some more time sorting out the AX.
No sorting opportunities, as the car has been on loan to the in laws while theirs gets repaired.
However, I got it back today, and inspired by last week's SOTW, I decided just to take it out round some b roads. Hilarious fun just hustling it along!
Also, thought I'd take a picture of the pedal box, as it's never seemed that narrow to me. I have size 10 feet, and it's never felt cramped.
Perfect for 3 pedal action!
However, I got it back today, and inspired by last week's SOTW, I decided just to take it out round some b roads. Hilarious fun just hustling it along!
Also, thought I'd take a picture of the pedal box, as it's never seemed that narrow to me. I have size 10 feet, and it's never felt cramped.
Perfect for 3 pedal action!
A few AX related updates, in part prompted by a weekend trip to visit my Mum down south. For the first time ever actually being in good time, rather than arrive busting for a pee, we stopped at Peterborough services to relieve ourselves - dog and humans feeling much better, we returned to the car to find it had decided to join in....
Ah well, old age gets us all I suppose. A quick investigation revealed that fortunately, it wasn't the water pump, but the bottom hose, that had pinhole in it and was spraying water onto the bottom pulley.
Unfortunately, the hole had been caused by the clip holding the hose in place having broken, and the pulley taking a chunk out of it.... We limped to Oundle where Pick Arthey garage were very helpful in providing gaffer tape and cable ties to try and stem the flow. Must put that aspect of the tool kit back in the car....
The next day, after cooling down, a more permanent repair was undertaken....using Duck Tape and more cable ties! It wasn't leaking when cool without the engine running, and the loss had fortunately only been a litre or so, so we went for the patch with frequent checking, rather than get recovered back to York.
This repair proved that 'racing tape' can indeed do most things, as we barely lost any coolant on the way home. A new hose is £25-odd, but will involve my favourite pastime of bleeding the AX's cooling system.... I did look at the silicone hose kits, but they're mostly for Saxos and 106s, and spending £150 for some hoses that might not be correct doesn't seem sensible.
To add slightly to the issues, the O/S/F tyre had developed a slow puncture and while the tyre weld is doing a good job of holding it up, I wanted a slightly more permanent fix! Looking closer at the fronts, the wear pattern is pretty uneven, there's plenty of tread left on the outside, but the inside is almost at the wear indicators.
No complaints about the Falken Sinceras since fitting them 4 years ago, super grippy and the only tyre available in that size with A rating for wet grip. The E for economy and quick wear rate really isn't an issue - given that it's not a commuter, I'd rather wear out softer tyres through use than have them perish with age and make the car skittish.... It's now booked in for a pair of front tyres and 4-wheel alignment to try and get more even wear out of this set.
The final problem? The exhaust sounded a little fruity and I thought we might be developing a blow before we set off. 300 miles later, and the 'bit of a blow' had got louder.... All that extra flow from the four branch manifold had clearly had an effect....
That or old age and corrosion.
I'm calling the factors tomorrow for the hose anyway, lets see if I can find a back box too. Online, they seem to be about £40, however, if I order from the factors, when the part is invariably wrong because Citroen decided to fit a different part from the shelf that day, at least I can take it back more easily..... I did look at a full cat back stainless system (£250....) but reason prevailed!
Hopefully get something fitted this coming week to get the car slightly more roadworthy.
Ah well, old age gets us all I suppose. A quick investigation revealed that fortunately, it wasn't the water pump, but the bottom hose, that had pinhole in it and was spraying water onto the bottom pulley.
Unfortunately, the hole had been caused by the clip holding the hose in place having broken, and the pulley taking a chunk out of it.... We limped to Oundle where Pick Arthey garage were very helpful in providing gaffer tape and cable ties to try and stem the flow. Must put that aspect of the tool kit back in the car....
The next day, after cooling down, a more permanent repair was undertaken....using Duck Tape and more cable ties! It wasn't leaking when cool without the engine running, and the loss had fortunately only been a litre or so, so we went for the patch with frequent checking, rather than get recovered back to York.
This repair proved that 'racing tape' can indeed do most things, as we barely lost any coolant on the way home. A new hose is £25-odd, but will involve my favourite pastime of bleeding the AX's cooling system.... I did look at the silicone hose kits, but they're mostly for Saxos and 106s, and spending £150 for some hoses that might not be correct doesn't seem sensible.
To add slightly to the issues, the O/S/F tyre had developed a slow puncture and while the tyre weld is doing a good job of holding it up, I wanted a slightly more permanent fix! Looking closer at the fronts, the wear pattern is pretty uneven, there's plenty of tread left on the outside, but the inside is almost at the wear indicators.
No complaints about the Falken Sinceras since fitting them 4 years ago, super grippy and the only tyre available in that size with A rating for wet grip. The E for economy and quick wear rate really isn't an issue - given that it's not a commuter, I'd rather wear out softer tyres through use than have them perish with age and make the car skittish.... It's now booked in for a pair of front tyres and 4-wheel alignment to try and get more even wear out of this set.
The final problem? The exhaust sounded a little fruity and I thought we might be developing a blow before we set off. 300 miles later, and the 'bit of a blow' had got louder.... All that extra flow from the four branch manifold had clearly had an effect....
That or old age and corrosion.I'm calling the factors tomorrow for the hose anyway, lets see if I can find a back box too. Online, they seem to be about £40, however, if I order from the factors, when the part is invariably wrong because Citroen decided to fit a different part from the shelf that day, at least I can take it back more easily..... I did look at a full cat back stainless system (£250....) but reason prevailed!
Hopefully get something fitted this coming week to get the car slightly more roadworthy.
A few hundred miles, a few running repairs... about fair for the AX? Always running and giving you plenty of notice that something needs doing - I always appreciate that in a car.
I can't believe you resisted the stainless! I held off for 5 years on the 164, then when I actually had some money no one would take the job on.
Hope you get it sorted.
I can't believe you resisted the stainless! I held off for 5 years on the 164, then when I actually had some money no one would take the job on.
Hope you get it sorted.
I've just read this thread from start to finish and really enjoyed it, great work, and looks like you've had a lot of fun along the way.
The engine removal and rebuild does look a little bit more involved than I'd feel comfortable doing on my 205 though
You also have some very unusual footwear on show ...
The engine removal and rebuild does look a little bit more involved than I'd feel comfortable doing on my 205 though
You also have some very unusual footwear on show ...
Thanks for the comments all, nice to see some love for the AX 
Anyway, a few positive updates as I had Friday off to try and fix the AX and run a few errands... Picked up the bits from the motor factors and then went to get tyres. I was sharing the fitting bay with some high powered company (although at £240 a corner, I was glad I was in the AX):
Much better!
Then, out of curiousity, I thought I'd go to the local weighbridge with quarter a tank of fuel and the usual accoutrements in the boot (and a spare exhaust and other bits in the passenger footwell. Not much to them really, explains why it pedals along well (when there's only the driver in it at least.....)
Then onto the actually fixing stuff - just in time too as the idling until the fans came on finally proved too much for the gaffer tape and cable tie repair (to be fair it had lasted a good few hundred miles....)
Up on ramps to do the rear box first though to give the engine a chance to cool off... Nice to have a bit of a poke around as well and spot a couple of things that will need attention later (rear suspension and a couple of bits of underseal and painting).
Not too tricky, although the new box did need some fettling to get it to align properly. The old one was properly shot!
With the exhaust silencer on, I could actually flush the coolant properly and run the engine without deafening the neighbours.... So I got the hose swapped out and tied in place (to my great suprise, the part for the AX was actually correct) and got it flushed and refilled. The header tank isn't alway required, but does make it easier when bleeding.
Managed to properly secure the heat shield as well - all in all a productive day!
Took it for a run today, and all seemed OK - strange to have it running so quietly.....
Cascade360 said:
The engine removal and rebuild does look a little bit more involved than I'd feel comfortable doing on my 205 though
You also have some very unusual footwear on show ...
If you only need to do the head on yours, it's actually easier to do with the engine in-situ in many ways, especially when it comes to tighening the head bolts....! The foorwear was a gamble, but it's enormously comfortable and I'll generally wear it in preference to anything else now. Great for driving too!You also have some very unusual footwear on show ...
Anyway, a few positive updates as I had Friday off to try and fix the AX and run a few errands... Picked up the bits from the motor factors and then went to get tyres. I was sharing the fitting bay with some high powered company (although at £240 a corner, I was glad I was in the AX):
Much better!
Then, out of curiousity, I thought I'd go to the local weighbridge with quarter a tank of fuel and the usual accoutrements in the boot (and a spare exhaust and other bits in the passenger footwell. Not much to them really, explains why it pedals along well (when there's only the driver in it at least.....)
Then onto the actually fixing stuff - just in time too as the idling until the fans came on finally proved too much for the gaffer tape and cable tie repair (to be fair it had lasted a good few hundred miles....)
Up on ramps to do the rear box first though to give the engine a chance to cool off... Nice to have a bit of a poke around as well and spot a couple of things that will need attention later (rear suspension and a couple of bits of underseal and painting).
Not too tricky, although the new box did need some fettling to get it to align properly. The old one was properly shot!
With the exhaust silencer on, I could actually flush the coolant properly and run the engine without deafening the neighbours.... So I got the hose swapped out and tied in place (to my great suprise, the part for the AX was actually correct) and got it flushed and refilled. The header tank isn't alway required, but does make it easier when bleeding.
Managed to properly secure the heat shield as well - all in all a productive day!
Took it for a run today, and all seemed OK - strange to have it running so quietly.....
A long run down to Wales yesterday reveals a couple of niggles that need sorting.
The tiger seal repair on the off side headlight needs looking at, as the light pattern is a little low. I suspect it's reverted to 'broken'
The brakes, while OK, feel like they could be better. There's a judder too, which is either a warped disk (after 6 months I hope not....), or a wheel bearing.
There's a whine from the gearbox in 3rd while making progress. I'm hoping this is nothing, but, we'll see.
The engine is still a peach though, love these TU alloy blocks, they just keep on ticking!
The tiger seal repair on the off side headlight needs looking at, as the light pattern is a little low. I suspect it's reverted to 'broken'
The brakes, while OK, feel like they could be better. There's a judder too, which is either a warped disk (after 6 months I hope not....), or a wheel bearing.
There's a whine from the gearbox in 3rd while making progress. I'm hoping this is nothing, but, we'll see.
The engine is still a peach though, love these TU alloy blocks, they just keep on ticking!
Bobberoo said:
Love this description!!The fact that you made it to Wales and back proves the car is still reliable, top work!!!
Still, if you're on your way home, onward recovery will sort out the rest if it comes to it!
I've got a week off coming up in October, so will hope to sort out a few things and get a service done before winter....
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