May/June 2017 Contents Editor’s Epistle Honorary Life Members of the Traction Owners Club Well here comes my magazine Dave Shepherd number two. Thanks for all of Peter Riggs the good wishes received from various members after the John Gillard previous issue popped through Tony Hodgekiss your letterboxes.

Chris Treagust Now this is an odd time of year really to be reporting club activity, since our deadline is of necessity before both Published bi-monthly since 1976 Easter and Drive it Day, which tend Floating Power is the official magazine to mark the opening of the season of the Traction Owners Club Limited. for classic car driving. As I write this, those of you who aren’t in the throes Registered Office: of repairs and restorations in a freezing cold garage, are probably quite sensibly 58 St. Augustine Road, Griffithstown, still sat in the warm, hoping for a balmy driving season ahead. Pontypool, Gwent, NP4 5EZ VAT Registration No. 993 2444 92 Still, there are quite a few things to think about and plan for and we have what I hope will be an interesting series of items for you in this Floating Power.

Did you know that this has a The opinions expressed by contributors are Traction gearbox inside it? not necessarily those of Floating Power or the TOC. The TOC is not responsible for the Yes, things are looking a bit gearbox results of following contributors’ advice, nor shaped in this edition, which includes does it necessarily endorse the products or an item about the history of the services of any advertiser. Traction gearbox, an account of my own experiences with a higher ratio The submission of material for final drive, and a piece about Chris publication is deemed to include permission for it to be presented in other Bailey and friends’ initial exploits with formats and media such as a scanned their gearbox strip down. In a forthcoming magazine, I am hoping that they will be image on the TOC website. producing a similarly authoritative article on putting them back together again!

The editor reserves the right to subedit Originality submitted material as deemed necessary. A question that is always a bit of a hot potato, is that of originality, and that is going This publication may not be reproduced to become of even more significance in coming years. We are currently reviewing in any form or part without the written as a club, the potential hazards of upgrading your car, and will be looking in depth, permission of the editor. with your help, at the consequences of modifications , any health and safety issues, and the potential consequences to your insurance bill….er….you did tell them about the twin carbs, didn’t you? Missing Magazine? The whole issue is now also potentially affecting the legal status of your car. DVLA advise that they will be contacting certain owners of cars perceived to Please contact John Oates be rebuilt, and will question their historic status. They say that they are not 01629 582154 particularly targeting Classic Car owners, and one wonders how they will initially [email protected] select car owners to question. My guess is that anyone registering a ‘barn find’ car that has been off DVLA radar for a few years is most likely to be interrogated, and my nasty suspicious mind also wonders if someone at DVLA will be watching the Classic Car press for articles on cars that have been heavily rebuilt with Be a part of modern gearboxes and other non original modifications. Floating Power... Be careful all you hot rodders! Vive la Difference The closing date for input for the July/August Floating Power is Elsewhere in these pages, is an introduction to our new Slough Champion, John Moon. John will be asking for your advice on the more subtle differences between Sunday 11th June French and English Tractions, and how you have got around any problems arising. To submit your articles, photos and This is a very important role, and one day could make the difference between your letters to the editor, email Slough built car being a usable vehicle and becoming a static exhibit in a museum, Bryan Pullan on: as spares stocks for those different components dry up. It is in all our interests for [email protected] us to support him in this.

Finally:

Spring has sprung! Time to enjoy some Tractioning and don’t Cover Image forget to renew your subscription! Memories of Summer 2016 at Mawdesley Cricket Club, Lancashire

2 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 Editor’s Epistle Contents

Editor’s Epistle 2 FBHVC News 22

Contents / Committee 3 Bailey’s Banter 23

President’s Ponderings / La Société des Taxis Citroën 26 New Members 4 Gearbox History 29 Chairman’s Chat 5 Slough Champion 32 Section News 6 Events Diary 33 Your Letters 10 Rally News 34 Modernised Your Car? 15 Classified Advertisements 35 A Trip to Citroën Classics 18 Display Advertisements 38

Committee

The members of the committee of the Traction Owners Club are all volunteers. Please be considerate when contacting them and in the demands you make on their time. They are happy to help you but may not always be able to do so immediately.

PRESIDENT Bernie Shaw CLUB SHOP Vanessa Plumpton Silvertrees, 2 Hardwick Close, Wellingborough, 98 First Avenue, Batchmere, Chichester, PO20 7LQ Northamptonshire, NN8 5AE Email: [email protected] 01933 274382 • Email: [email protected] EDITOR FLOATING POWER Bryan Pullan CHAIRMAN Chris Bailey 4 Camwood Fold, Clayton Le Woods, Chorley, PR6 7SD 1 Kingfisher Way, Horsham, RH12 2LT 07513 362202 • Email: [email protected] 07768 325924 • Email: [email protected] MARKETING & PUBLICITY Bev Oates SECRETARY Ian Harvey 55 The Knoll, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FP 77 Church Street, Shillington, Herts, SG5 3LJ. 01629 582154 • Email: [email protected] 01462 711248 • Email: [email protected] REAR WHEEL DRIVE Martin de Little TREASURER AND COMPANY SECRETARY Tony Malyon CALENDAR GIRL Martin de Little 58 St Augustine Road, Griffithstown, Pontypool, Gwent, NP4 5EZ 13 Grasmere Close, Merrow, Guildford, GU1 2TG 01495 763239 Email: [email protected] 07951 417148 • Email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY John Oates NON-DESIGNATED 55 The Knoll, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5FP Colin Gosling 01629 582154 • Email: [email protected] Peter Riggs SOCIAL SECRETARY Laurence Acher Julian Pratt 71 Burnham Way, London, W13 9YB Paul de Felice 07828 241877 • Email: [email protected] Cleve Belcher

HELPLINE Steve Reed COMMITTEE ARCHIVIST John Ogborne 1 Terwick Cottage, Rogate, near Petersfield, 4 Whitegates, Bath Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3LP Hampshire, GU31 5EG 01749 675312 0115 911 0960 / 0044 115 911 0960 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA Dylan Harvey CLUB SPARES Chris Treagust Email: [email protected] 98 First Avenue, Batchmere, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7LQ 01243 511378 • Email: [email protected]

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 3 President’s Ponderings

For various reasons, mostly personal, my contribution this month is brief (I can hear the sighs of relief already) ...

The ACI AGM was held in Paris during Retromobile. The full minutes can be found here: https://www.amicale-citroen-internationale.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/20170211-ACI-AGM-2017- Minutes-of-Meeting.pdf

However, I think the main point of interest for the majority of TOC members will be the plans to celebrate the centenary of Citroen in 2019. pair. Unfortunately, I cannot remember who had asked for them so, if it was you – and you still want one or two, Marc-Andre Biehler , a member of the Board of please accept my apologies and contact me again. Automobiles Citroën France has been designated to support the anniversary celebrations from within ACF. All the best. Clubs will be represented by Alain Thuret, (Head of Amicale Citroën & DS France) and a formal association will be formed in the near future. After several site inspections, the Michelin proving ground near Clermont- Ferrand (which hosted the 1995 ICCCR event) has been selected as the venue. Membership A little more detail can be found here: Renewals https://www.amicale-citroen-internationale.org/2017/100- years-citroen-2019-centennial-event/ Membership Renewals. With this issue of Floating Power you have received your Meanwhile, the ACI AGM agreed that this French letter detailing that annual subscriptions are celebration should be given a dedicated status and thus now due. Please try and pay as soon as allow a 2CV World Meeting in Croatia to become the possible. Please note you can pay by Bank official ACI “Event of the Year” for 2019. Transfer, Cheque, PayPal or Direct Debit but, unfortunately, we are unable to accept credit Back home I have little progress to report as far as the cards at this time. Please see ‘Chairman’s 15/6 is concerned but I did get (most of) the engine Chat’ for an explanation. components back from the reconditioner at the very end of March so, with luck and a following wind, I may yet be roadworthy for Drive-it-Day. Meanwhile I was very pleased to learn that the film company that bought New Members Welcome to our new members who have recently joined the TOC. my Légère have finished using it and it is now back in circulation and with a TOC member. 2570 Mr John Fletcher Bosham, West Sussex Finally, my stock of parts is diminishing daily but I still 2571 Mr Laurence Coburn Fakenham, Norfolk have some stuff including a couple of engine blocks if anybody is looking for one. I did receive a recent enquiry 2572 Mr Ross Barrett Parkgate, for clip on mirrors and, at the time, I said I had sold them Southampton, Hampshire all – but I have now found two more albeit they are not a 2573 Mr Alexander Paton Stirling, Scotland

4 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 Chairman’s Chat

are quite difficult for membership services and, given the alternatives available, we (I) have decided it is just better to stop taking cards directly. If you can only pay by card, then I strongly recommend you use PayPal* – the whole point of which is to provide the security for your card details that small outfits like us cannot. For renewals I would encourage you to set up a direct debit so you never have to think about it again (note to self, set up direct debit).

For spares and the shop, we recognise that PayPal is not the solution and we need to be able to accept card payments directly over the phone. This does require us to make a couple of changes to demonstrate compliance – and you can imagine how excited Chris T is about that.

I chaired my first committee meeting in February. Not surprisingly it overran due to intensive discussions about not just payment cards but also the clubs’ insurance cover. I’m sure Ian enjoyed writing the minutes for all that lot. More exciting though was the discussion about the upcoming events which hopefully will include as many members as possible.

Well the last two months went by fast. We’re rushing At the next meeting I must try harder to keep the meeting towards drive-it-day, rallies and shows and I for one am to time. More extensive use of the gavel might help – but not ready. Well I am but my car’s not. probably won’t as I think it might have been me talking You are now reading the second issue of Floating Power too much. produced under Bryan’s editorship. I know you’ll agree There is some discussion about the safety and legality that he did a fine job of the first one and I’m sure this one of the range of modifications that people make to older is also excellent – although, for obvious reasons I haven’t cars. I suspect Tractions are less prone to that than some read it yet. due to their advanced and innovative design when new. You will have received with this issue a renewal form. Nevertheless, we do modify our vehicles to a greater or You may have noticed that we can no longer accept lesser extent and there probably should be more sharing credit or debit cards for membership. Please accept my of what we learn from our experiences – both good and apologies for any inconvenience this causes you. It was bad. Bryan is hoping that you will provide him with some not a decision taken lightly. Any merchant (that’s us) stories from which we can all learn. who accepts payment card details needs to demonstrate The new website development is progressing well with compliance with certain standards at every point those today being admin training day for the Web project team. card details are received or stored. This is necessary Next step is to finalise the last details of what goes where to prevent your card details being used by people you and then add content prior to launch. have never met to purchase things you wished you could Vive la Traction afford in countries you have never been to.

Over the years, card fraud has increased and, recently, so have the security procedures. Compliance is a good thing but also quite onerous on everyone involved. The changes we need to make to systems and procedures *I have no connection with PayPal, other brands are available

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 5 Section News

TOOLS The tools sign indicates which sections hold specialist tools. A deposit is required.

The next event in our local firmament is theBath Scotland Festival of Motoring on the 17/18 June. I have signed Northern Scotland us up for a club space on the Sunday. However if you want to come you need to sign up your individual car at: Hi, folks, basically - nothing new to report!! Wife Sheila www.bathfestivalofmotoring.com/individual-entries/ ‘Tis still in hospital, so half of every day taken up visiting her, a jolly day out, as is the Saturday if you wish. she continues to improve and hope she will get home very shortly. All other time available taken up with sorting The deadline for free registration, entry and inclusion in out the masses of Traction and D spares amassed over the programme is 19th May 2017 after that you can still the past near 60 years. Club have shown an interest register your car using the online registration form but in buying the Traction stuff, so busy cleaning, spraying, there is a charge of £5 per car payable in cash at the gate on the day. The entry fee will include entry for the packaging and listing all. The stuff the club would not be driver and 1 passenger for 1 or 2 days, a free programme interested in am selling on separately, (Chris has only a and a commemorative plaque. finite space down there and old seating, panels in need of repair, etc is not what he would want!) So life goes Be good if I wasn’t eating my picnic on my own! on at a rather lost pace at the moment, Smithy not doing The next event after that is the Cotswold Steam that well with an inner ear problem - aye, think we are all Fair on 4/5/6 August (or to give it its proper title: the moving all too quickly to the knackers yard, unless things “42nd Annual Gloucestershire Vintage and Country improve!! Only Joking!! Andy Extravaganza”). For this, I need to send the organisers Smithy/Andy a list of exhibitors (car model, reg. no, year, owner) so can you let me know if you are coming, and on which Ian Smith and Andy Burnett days, by the 25th May. They will then send me passes to For details of future planned activities contact: distribute. This is where we had the annual rally 2 years Ian Smith Tel: 01224 715221 ago, and is another jolly event. Email: [email protected] Thornfalcon is still on Aug 20th. Southern Scotland When you are reading this, I should be on the way to Holland. Inshallah! Just a reminder that TOC members, together with Citroen Car Club – Scottish Section and 2CV Ecosse members Cheers, meet up on the last Thursday of every month at ‘The Terence McAuley Stables’ Kirkintilloch, just north of Glasgow and blether on Tel: 01225 466939 about all thing Citroen for a couple of hours. And a host of Email: west-england@traction-owners.co.uk group activities are arranged such as visiting car shows throughout the summer and a ‘Concrete Camping’ hotel weekend in November. Please ask me for further details. North East England So pleased to hear that both Andy and Sheila Burnett For details of future planned activities contact: are making good progress and are now booked in for the Graham Handley Trossachs Rally in June. Tel: 01661 843493 Email: [email protected] For details of planned activities contact: Peter Fereday. [email protected] Tel: 0131 4494449 NORTHERN SECTION This report covers a quiet time of year so not a lot to say, West of England really. Copy deadline has to be pre Easter so is too early First off, you should, if you are part of the local flock, to capture the events of Drive it Day, hence we are really have received an email or two from me. If you haven’t reporting the still rather wintry days of late February and and think you should or would like to, please let me know. March as I write this. The emails listed on the membership files have gaps and After the brief flurry of activity at New Year, many cars the “West of England” is in any event a vague term. locally have gone back into hibernation, so most of the If you were there, I hope you enjoyed the lunch in Wells. activity to be reported tends to be either forward planning I’m sure I did. or repair sagas.

6 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3

Northern

This report covers a quiet time of year so not a lot to say, really. Copy deadline has to be pre Easter so is too early to capture the events of Drive it Day, hence we are really reporting the still rather wintry days of late February and March as I write this. Section News After the brief flurry of activity at New Year, many cars locally have gone back into hibernation, so mostHowever, of the the first activity Corner toHouse be breakfastreported event tends of to benever either had the forward necessary planning support, and or anotherrepair winter sagas. the season took place on April 2nd, very succesful project has been fitting a replacement with the necessary Northern too, with all sorts of cars present, encouraged by a additional mounting. I also installed a heater tube, and However,warm sunny morning.the first Two Corner Tractions House showed breakfastthe flag, evlookent forwardof the to season some warmer took feet place when on out Apriland about. 2nd, very This report covers a quiet time of year so not asuccesfulbut lot unfortunately to say, too, really mine with wasn’t. Copy all sortsone deadline of them,of cars having has present, to be pre encouragedI haven’t Easter run over by the a warmdog, incidentally, sunny morning.he was having Two a Tractions experienced battery failure and not having had chance nap on my old overalls! showedto get a replacement the flag, fitted! but unfortunatelyThese Breakfast events mine will wasn't one of them, having experienced battery failure and so is too early to capture the events of Drive it Day, hence we are really reporting the still ratherDrive it Day plans have changed slightly. As you may carry on now for the first Sunday of each month, through not having had chance to get a replacement fittedknow we! These were invited Breakfast to join the events Morris Register will carry drive on now for the wintry days of late February and March as I writeuntil this.October and are well worth the trip. first Sunday of each month, through until Octoberto Morecambe, and are but well this particular worth runthe has trip fallen. by After the brief flurry of activity at New Year, many cars locally have gone back into hibernation,the wayside so due to the inability of the Midland Hotel to accommodate us. Plan B has therefore come into force most of the activity to be reported tends to be either forward planning or repair sagas. which involves a start at Turbary House Garden Centre Northern in Whitestake, just south of Preston and a run thereafter However, the first Corner House breakfast eventThis of report the covers season a quiet took time place of year on so notApril a lot 2nd, to say, very reallyup . theCopy Ribble deadline Valley has to to the be Clitheroe pre Easter area. succesful too, with all sorts of cars present, encouragedso is too early by to capturea warm the sunny events of morning. Drive it Day, Two hence Tractions weHopefully are really we reporting will get thebetter still weather rather than in 2016. wintry days of late February and March as I write this. Pictures in the next FP. showed the flag, but unfortunately mine wasn't one of them, having experienced battery failureThe Mawdesley and Cricket Club show is the next formal After the brief flurry of activity at New Year, many cars locally have gone back into hibernation, so not having had chance to get a replacement fitted! These Breakfast events will carry on nowshow for on the the agenda, on May Bank Holiday (see events most of the activity to be reported tends to be either forwardlist planning for details), or repair followed sagas. the next weekend by the Steam first Sunday of each month, through until October and are well worth the trip. Rally down the road at at Heskin. However, the first Corner House breakfast event of the season took place on April 2nd, very succesful too, with all sorts of cars present, encouraged by a warmHoghton sunny Tower morning. are having Two Tractionsa Sunday morning meet at the Tower on June 25th. This follows the demise of their showed the flag, but unfortunately mine wasn't one of them, having experienced battery failure and I have now fitted an alternator to my Light 15,regular with show a view for two to years maybe on the upgrading trot due to weather the h eadlights and not having had chance to get a replacement fitted! These Breakfast events will carry on now for the adding a couple of electrical accessories at some and poor point, ground most conditions immediate on the field project that they being use for an auxiliary first Sunday of each month, through until October and are wellevents. worth They the trip are. hoping to make this a regular monthly socket so that I can charge up my phone/satnav when out and about. morning meet if there is sufficient interest. It is a beautiful venue, perched on top of a hill on the edge of the Ribble We will see how it goes. Valley, and well worth a Sunday morning drive. Details on http://www.hoghtontower.co.uk/ Recruitment for cars forI the bought Manchester a starting Classic Car handle from James Show in September is hopefully now sorted, although I have still yet to find out Geddeswhether we some have a timepitch for ago, four but the steel I have now fitted an alternator to my Light 15, with a view or five cars. I have carsmounting from Mike McDonald, for my frontBill Dyke bumper has I have now fitted an alternator to my Light 15, towith maybe a viewupgrading to themaybe headlights upgrading and adding the a couple headlights and andIan Gardner thus far, plus my own, and George adding a couple of electrical accessories at someofI have electrical point, now fitted accessoriesmost an immediatealternator at some to point, my project Light most 15, immediate beingwith a view an toauxiliary Halsallmaybe upgradinghas offered the his h eadlightsalso.never hadand the necessary support, and projectadding beinga couple an ofauxiliary electrical socket accessories so that Iat can some charge point, up most immediate project being an auxiliary socket so that I can charge up my phone/satnav when out and about. It would be useful if we couldanother have someonewinter preparedproject has been mysocket phone/satnav so that I can when charge out upand my about. phone/satnav when out andto about. stand by as a reserve in case one of the cars is not We will see how it goes. available on the day. fitting a replacement with the We will see how it goes. We will see how it goes. Incidentally, George stillnecessary has a few bits additional of his scrapped mounting. I also LightI bought 15 available, a starting including handleinstalled from a complete James a heater roof, so ittube, is still and look I bought a starting handle fromworthGeddes James a call some if you time need ago, anything but the steelfor your project. See Geddes some time ago, but theclassifiedmounting steel ads for formy frontcontact forwardsbumper details. has to some warmer feet when Anyway,never had I think the that’snecessary it. outI hope support, and that about. youand have had a good mounting for my front bumperEasteranother has and winter I look project forwards has to been seeing some Tractions on I haven' t run overnever the dog,had theincidentally, necessary he support, wasthefitting havingroad aand on replacement Drive a nap it Day. on with my the old overalls! another winter project has beennecessary additional mounting. I also Drive it Day plans have changed slightly. As youBryaninstalled may Pullan knowa heater we tube, were and look invi ted to join the Morris fitting a replacement with theEmail:forwards [email protected] to some warmer feet when Register drive to Morecambe, but this particular run has fallen by the wayside due to the inability of necessary additional mounting.Tel:out (mobile)I and also about. 07513 362202 theI haven' Midland t run over Hotel theinstalled dog, to incidentally, accommodate a heater he was tube, having us. Plan anda nap Blook on has my oldtherefore overalls! come into force which involves a start at Turbary House Garden Centre in Whitestake, just south of Preston and a run thereafter up the IDrive bought it Daya starting plans havehandleforwards changed from James slightly. to Geddessome As you warmersome may know fweeet were when invited to join the Morris time ago, but the steel mounting for my front bumper has RibbleRegister Valleydrive to Morecambe,to theout Clitheroe and but about. this particular area. run has fallen by the wayside due to the inability of the Midland Hotel to accommodate us. Plan B has therefore come into force which involves a start I haven' t run over the dog, incidentally, he wasHopefullyFloatingat having Turbary Power House a we –nap Volume Gardenwill on 41get my IssueCentre better old 3 in overalls! Whitestake weather , just than south in of 2016.Preston Picturesand a run thereafter in the next up the FP. 7 Ribble Valley to the Clitheroe area.

Drive it Day plans have changed slightly. As youHopefully may know we will we get betterwere weather invited than to in join 2016. the Pictures Morris in the next FP. Register drive to Morecambe, but this particular run has fallen by the wayside due to the inability of the Midland Hotel to accommodate us. Plan B has therefore come into force which involves a start at Turbary House Garden Centre in Whitestake, just south of Preston and a run thereafter up the Ribble Valley to the Clitheroe area.

Hopefully we will get better weather than in 2016. Pictures in the next FP. ContentsSection News

Surrey, Hampshire & Sussex Borders South Midlands Our last monthly meeting was on Sunday 19th March at The Fairmile, Cobham and was very well attended. These Candidate needed for Section meetings are a very relaxed affair, after a good lunch the Representative ladies catch up with what has been happening and the Please contact Bernie Shaw, President, if you are men talk cars! Everyone welcome. interested in filling this role. There was no meeting in April as it falls on Easter Sunday so Drive it Day will be our next gathering. Our Mid shires next meeting at the Fairmile will be on 21st May, 12.00 For details of future planned activities contact: onwards. Stephen Prigmore & Tina O’Connor Coming up in June on Sunday 4th is a Classic Car show Mobile: 07759 372242 and Auto jumble at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. For Email: [email protected] more information on any of these events please contact me. eastern Please find below the calendar of events for 2017, the Regular Social Meet Up functions highlighted in red are to draw your attention to The Compasses, Littley Green, Essex CM13 1BU May 2nd an event that is not on the regular Sunday. Please also – June 13th – July 25th note the two cancelled Sundays, Easter and Father’s Day. The Angel Inn, Larling, Norfolk NR16 2QU May 23rd – July 4th All welcome with your car on the road or not, we join up Classic Vehicle Show and Auto Jumble, Sunday 4th June with the Eastern Section of CCC and talk all things Citroen, This event is being co-ordinated by Steve and Julie well us girls normally expand on that one. No need to book Reed and is at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near if food required the pubs are always very accommodating Petersfield. Guest vehicle application form attached. so just suit yourself, a chat and cuppa, drink or meal if required.

Brewery Visit and Pub Lunch, SATURDAY 17th June. Looking Forward The brewery is situated near Basingstoke and we hope to On Sunday 3rd September 2017 the annual Classic & have lunch at the Pub in Rotherwick which was the venue Sports Cars by the Lake in Fornham St Martin (just outside we used for the Bombay Sapphire visit. This visit will Bury St Edmunds) is taking place. This event grows year on include breakfast at the Brewery if required. year over 5000 visitors attended last year and it is a major fund raising event for St Nicholas Hospice. Nic Burton of French Picnic and Boat Trip, Sunday 17th September CCC East has kindly organised a slot for 10 cars in the showing area, please let me know if you would like to take This event is by kind invitation of David and Margaret Kerr part, you will find more info on the St Nicholas web site. at Netley Abbey. The format for the day will be a French picnic which will be organised by Phil and Sue Allison and a small charge will be made to cover the cost, you will For details or suggestions for future activities need to bring your own picnic baskets, tables and chairs contact Jasmin Gagen etc. After lunch David has kindly offered to take 12 of us Tel: 01284 827039 out on the river on his sailing boat. This is not compulsory [email protected] and will be weather dependent! peak

For details of future planned activities contact: Christmas lunch Sunday 10th December Bev & John Oates This will be held at the Barley Mow and is kindly being Tel: 01629 582154 Email: [email protected] organised by Helen Shelley. london . For more details or information please contact: For more information please contact me on 01256 Pete & Sue Simper on: 01784 559867 after 8pm or 761444 or email, [email protected] [email protected]

8 Floating Power – Volume 3841 Issue 3 Section News

KENT/E SUSSEX rest of world (row) For details of future planned activities contact: For details of future planned activities, contact Adrian (Phillips) Walter & Noëlla email: [email protected] Section Co-ordinators - Rest of the World Traction Owners Club SOUTH WEST Tel: 0032 471 860 979 email: [email protected] For details of future planned activities contact: Howard Speirs - Tel 01872 862386 Wales [email protected] Candidate needed for Section Ireland Representative For details of future planned activities, contact Please contact Bernie Shaw, President, if you are Richard Sheil interested in filling this role.

Tel: 00 353 87 656 9928 ireland @ traction-owners.co.uk Lakes and Borders For details of future planned activities, contact Bob Cuppage 01539 433 391 [email protected]

Do you have a Magazine Article bursting to get out! If so, Floating Power wants to hear from you.

Ideally this should be in Microsoft Word format, but if you don’t consider that you have any computer (or literary) skills, then by all means send in your notes and pictures, and we will try and knock them into shape for you. We are particularly interested in a Buyers Guide, either for FP or for the website.

Please send all submissions to [email protected], or to the address elsewhere in this magazine.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 9 Your Letters

Woodruff Key Warning

Hi Bryan their tapers. In both cases, removal, cleaning and refitting with a Welcome from Down Under ! new key cured the problem. I moved from UK in 2010 to Adelaide with my 1952 Slough I am issuing this warning because none of these arms appeared Traction, which I have owned since 1982 loose on inspection and were not noticeably loose on removal. As these arms move it affects the wheel alignment causing erratic In addition to being a TOC member since then, I joined the steering symptoms, so if you are restoring or just servicing your Citroen Classic Owners Club of Australia (CCOCA). This covers Citroën, these arms should be on your checklist. all makes and models of Citroens throughout Australia Neither of these cars had been fitted with a power steering Tractions are well represented!! modification, but highlights the need to carry out checks on all The most recent CCOCA Magazine (Front Drive) contained the steering components before doing so. I have highlighted the attached article, which identified a problem that has had me need for this in the fitting instructions, but have not specifically perplexed for quite a while mentioned these steering arms as it is only recently that the The symptoms I had were exactly as described in the article, second case has come to my attention. and on removing the arms from the hubs, I found that the NS In the parts diagram enclosed the steering arm nos. are woodruff key had sheared allowing the ‘vague’ steering to occur In the parts diagram enclosed the 427189RHsteering arm and nos. 427190LH. are 427189RH The and Woodruff 427190LH. key Theand Woodruff retaining keynut intermittently and retaining nut are clearly visible.are clearly visible. I have asked Rob Little’s permission to reproduce this article in Rob Little Floating Power, if you so wish. Rob Little I am sure other Tractions may be similarly affected! Regards Loui Burke (Member 328)

We have heard of this in front driveshafts, (see Martin de Little’s letter elsewhere in this magazine) but this is the first I have heard of it on a steering arm. Have any other members experienced this? Rob Little’s article runs as follows (Ed)

I have had warnings over several years of erratic steering involving Tractions. The first was described to me like this. ‘ The car steers fine until I hit a bump, then it pulls to the left. I hit another bump and then its fine again. what do you think was wrong with it?’ The second case was a newly restored car that had not long passed a roadworthiness test but described similar symptoms. In both cases the problem was traced to a loose steering arm where it passes through the front wheel hub. These arms which connect to the steering rods are fitted to the hubs with a taper and a woodruff key, secured with a castellated nut and split pin, and over the years had worked loose to the extent that the woodruff key had worn very badly and the arms could move in

10 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 More Woodruff Key Woes Your Letters A further heads up on the perils of the Woodruff key, this time within the drive shaft/hub assembly.

Aha.... M ore Woodruff Key Woes The Woodruff key A further heads up on the perils of theon Woodruff the drive key, shaft this ; time within the drive shaft/hub assembly.this is a recurring Aha.... topic and patently not one well The Woodruff key on the drive shaft ; this is a recurring understood . I have topic and patently not one well understood . I have written written on this on this subject at least twice before now - mainly on subject at least twice forums. before now - mainly on forums. In short the key on the taper drive shaft onto which the front hub fits apparently serves no particularIn short thepurpose, key on and it is most certainly not there or strong enoughthe taper to transmitdrive shaft the drive/torsional loads. onto which the front hub fits apparently serves no particular The front drum/hub units are made frompurpose, two distinct and it piecesis of metal and for a reason. The drummost proper certainly will be madenot from something like malleable grey castthere iron. or strongIt is tough (will withstand shock) but can and willenough ultimately to transmitcrack if abused. the drive/torsional loads. The hub part will be something like drop forged steel (hard -can withstand indentation) but is heat treated to give it a certain elasticity (within limits it can stretch and will return to itsThe original front drum/hubshape when units the areload made is removed) from two . The distinct two parts pieces are of held metal together and for with a reason. rivets and The the drum wheel proper will be made from something like malleable grey cast iron. It is tough (will withstand shock) studs. They were machined as a concentric whole back in the factory and should never be separated. but can and will ultimately crack if abused. Within the tapered hole in the hub there can be seen and felt two slightly raised areas - one at each end of the hub. Each is about 8 mm - 10 mm wide. The hub part will be something like drop forged steel (hard -can withstand indentation) but is heat treated to give it a certain elasticity (within limits it can stretch and will return to its original shape As the hub is tightened onto the taperedwhen drive the shaft load isthe removed) two raised . The points two of p artscontact are (withheld togetherno oil or grease with rivets anywhere and the near) wheel on studs.the hub They slide up the shaft and the entire hub is causedwere to machined stretch as as the a concentricnut on the endwhole of theback shaft in the is donefactory up andtight. should never be separated. shear. To thoseWithin people the tapered jumping hole up in theand hub down there on can scaffolding be seen and feltpipes, two slightlyyou might raised wantareas -to one consider at each investing in a decentend of the torque hub. Each wrench is about (e.g. 8 mm Norbar) - 10 mm beforewide. calamity strikes. With a torque wrench set to 300 NM (or about 220 ft lbs) the friction between the two raised areas at each end of the hub and the tapered shaft (stub axle) is now sufficient to Asconvey the hub all the is tightened torsional forcesonto the from tapered the engine drive to shaft the thewheels two and raised from points the wheels of contact to the (with engine no .oil or grease anywhere near) on the hub slide up the shaft and the entire hub is caused to stretch as the nut on the end of the shaft is done up tight. Traction owners who rely on lengths of scaffolding and or gas piping to tighten their front hubs will never achieve the correct torsional value

and may well suffer Woodruff keys and or stub axles that shear. To those people jumping up and down on scaffolding pipes, you might With a torque wrench set to 300 NM (or about 220 ft lbs) the friction between the two raised areas want to consider investing in a decent torque wrench (e.g. Norbar) before calamity strikes. at each end of the hub and the tapered shaft (stub axle) is now sufficient to convey all the torsional forces from the engine to the wheels and from the wheels to the engine . Photos: Stub axle has Traction owners who rely on lengths of scaffolding and or gas piping to tighten their front hubs will sheared, most never achieve the correct torsional value and may well suffer Woodruff keys and or stub axles that of the torsional loads seemingly went through the outer end of the shaft (because of incorrect torqueing of the shaft nut) and after a while the outer end of the shaft took off !!

M de L.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 11

Photos: Stub axle has sheared, most of the torsional loads seemingly went through the outer end of the shaft (because of incorrect torqueing of the shaft nut) and after a while the outer end of the shaft took off !!

M de L.

Update From Cornwall.

The last article I wrote about my Slough 12 FCV 61 appeared in Floating Power, August 2000 under the title “Click Clack No More” a follow on from January 2000 “Click Clack They All Do That”. I am now 70 and look back on 41 years of Tractions from1964 to the present day. FCV is the longest I have owned a Traction, 16 years. In that time she has been re-sprayed in her original beige colour, been fitted with new pistons and liners. Had an ID bottom half, thanks to Walford Bruen. A gear box rebuild care of Johnathon Howard. She has covered approximately 63,000 miles since I bought her. 2000 saw us at the Annual Rally at Wells and again as part of the Cornish Team at the Annual Your Letters Rally, Float in Power to Cornwall in 2009. I attended The ICCR at Harrogate in 2012 with my good friend Howard Spiers who drove his ultra reliable 11B up there. It was a great rally, caught up with many old friends and new friendships made. Update FromUntil my Cretirementornwall in 2013 FCV was my daily transport to and from work with only two break The last article I wrote about my Slough 12 FCV 61 appeareddowns. Onerebuild inner of BSP carda 384n fromU/J failure a total basketand petrol case topump. a show Not bad for a car 77 year old car. in Floating Power, August 2000 under the title “Click ClackShe nowstopper, has a peaceful I helped inretirement a small way with with the research odd outing into the to cars local rallies and drive it days. No More” a follow on from January 2000 “Click Clack TheyCongratulations history and to odd Tim parts. and Lesley Newing on their rebuild of BSP 384 from a total basket case to All Do That”. a show stopper,Special thanks I helped to Chris in a smallTreagust, way the with spares research expert! into Nothing the cars history and odd parts. I am now 70 and look back on 41 years of Tractions from Special thanksis too much to Chris trouble Tre foragust, this topthe man. spares expert! Nothing is too much trouble for this top 1964 to the present day. FCV is the longest I have owned a man. Best wishes to all at the T.O.C. Long may it continue. Best Traction, 16 years. Best wisheswishes to toall all at members the T.O.C. too. Long may it continue. Best wishes to all members too. In that time she has been re-sprayed in her original beige

colour, been fitted with new pistons and liners. Had an ID Martin Vickerstaff. bottom half, thanks to Walford Bruen. A gear box rebuild Martin Vickerstaff. care of Johnathon Howard. She has covered approximatelyFounder Founder member member.. 63,000 miles since I bought her. 2000 saw us at the Annual Rally at Wells and again as part of the Cornish Team at the Annual Rally, Float in Power to Cornwall in 2009. I attended The ICCCR at Harrogate in 2012 with my good friend Howard Spiers who drove his ultra reliable 11B up there. It was a great rally, caught up with many old friends and new friendships made. Until my retirement in 2013 FCV was my daily transport to and from work with only two break downs. One inner cardan U/J failure and petrol pump. Not bad for a car 77 year old car. She now has a peaceful retirement with the odd outing to local rallies and drive it days. Congratulations to Tim and Lesley Newing on their

A Worthy Cause Controle Technique Greetings Traction Owners Club Hi Bryan. Members Back in France and catching up on the more urgent/immediate emails Having seen your display at Event City in that I have put to one side over the past couple of weeks of travelling. September I’m sending this invitation to ask if you or your North West Members I simply pass this on from Martin Nicholson, here in France, with his may be interested in attending our Car query/suggestion that a small mention might be appropriate in FP for Show at Littleborough Sports Club in the French readers. I’ve taken the relevant bit from the newsletter below beautiful Hollingworth Lake Country Park and translated it, plus adding my own comment about the fact that a on July 16th and thereafter as an annual event on the third Sunday in July. Traction is already tested on the basis of the rules that applied when it was produced. The show is also designed to be a family fun day with a live music stage, children’s As from the end of February 2017 the Controle Technique (French entertainment plus Craft, Gifts and MOT test) is no longer legally required for vehicles built pre-1960. Artisan food stalls as well as a cafe and However, the FFVE (French equivalent of the FBHVC) is working bar. with the chain Autosur to offer an equivalent to the UK Certificate Organised by the Rotary Club of of Roadworthiness. For French readers, they should search for a Rochdale all funds will go to support local branch of AUTOSUR Classic, which can provide this service. Prostate Cancer Care in the UK and Medic Malawi overseas. (My own understanding of the French Controle Technique system For more details and to register to is that the rules currently in place make allowance for the age of attend the show please visit www. the vehicle, so I don’t think this change to the rules will prevent you rochdaleclassiccarshow.org.uk. continuing to take your vehicle for a standard Controle Technique). With Best Regards, Kind regards, Mike Tomkinson (Rotary Club of Bob Street Rochdale)

12 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 MORE FEEDBACK ON 'TRACTION CURIEUSE'

More feedback on Walford Bruen's original letter in the March /April FP regarding the 'Curieuse Traction' that MORE FEEDBACK ON 'TRACTION CURIEUSE'was mysteriously auctioned by the French police earlier MORE FEEDBACK ON 'TRACTION CURIEUSE'this year. Martin Vickerstaff has written in with a bit More feedback on Walford Bruen's original lettermore in the history and some photographs of the car in its MoreMarch feedback /April on FP Walford regarding Bruen's the ' Curieuseoriginal letter Traction in the'earlier that life. (Ed) MarchMOREwas /April mysteriously FEEDBACK FP regarding auctioned ON the ''TRACTIONCurieuse by the French Traction CURIEUSE' poli' thatce earlier wasthis mysteriously year. Martin auctioned Vickerstaff by the has French written poli inc ewith earlier aDear bit Bryan More feedback on Walford Bruen's original letter in the this moreyear. historyMartin andVickerstaff some photographs has written in of with the cara bit in its March /April FP regarding the 'Curieuse Traction' thatWith reference to Walford and Andy's letters in FP, March/April, I have more information on the moreearlier history life. and (Ed) some photographs of the car in its was mysteriously auctioned by the French police earlier'mystery car' . earlier life. (Ed) LSK 145 arrived for a gearbox rebuild by myself and Geoff Brooks around 2002, we worked on thisDear year. Bryan Martin Vickerstaff has written in with a bit Dearmore Bryan history and some photographs of the car in itsTractions for many years down here in Cornwall. LSK had been bump started after a long time in earlierWith referencelife. (Ed) to Walford and Andy's letters in FP,storage March/April, with usual I have results. more information on the With'mystery reference car' to . Walford and Andy's letters in FP, March/April,We sorted it I andhave returned more information it to then onowner the Karol Klimet. Some time after this, Karol asked if we 'mysteryDearLSK Bryan145 car' arrived . for a gearbox rebuild by myself andcould Geoff sell Brooksthe car aroundfor him. 2002, we worked on LSK 145 arrived for a gearbox rebuild by myself and Geoff Brooks around 2002, weYour worked Letters on WithTractions reference for many to Walford years downand Andy's here inletters Cornwall. in FP,I LSKput March/April, hadan advert been bump Iin have FP andstarted more Andy information after replied. a long After on time the assurances in as to its rust free condition Andy came down Tractionsstorage for with many usual years results. down here in Cornwall. LSK andhad tookbeen her bump back started up to afterScotland. a long time in storage'mystery with car' usual . results. We sorted it and returned it to then owner KarolAndy's Klimet. letter Some explains time after the thinexts, Karolbit of askedhistory if onwe the car. MOREWe FEEDBACKLSK sorted 145 arrivedit and ONreturned for a'TRACTION gearbox it to then rebui owner ldCURIEUSE' by myselfKarol Klimet. and Geoff Some Brooks time aroundafter thi 2002,s, Karol we asked worked if we on could sell theMORE car for him. FEEDBACK ON ‘TRACTIONI notice that Karol KlimetCURIEUSE’ has rejoined TOC, membership number 2150, so may still be around to couldTractions sell the for car many for him. years down here in Cornwall. LSK had been bump started after a long time in More feedbackMoreI put feedback anon advertWalford on Walford in Bruen'sFP Bruen’s and originalAndy original letterreplied. inletter the MarchAfter in the/ assurances supply more as to history.its rust free condition Andy came down I putstorageApril an FP advert regardingwith inusual theFP ‘Curieuse and results. Andy Traction’ replied. that was After mysteriously assurances as to its rust free condition Andy came down and took her back up to Scotland. Enclosed are some photos both pre and post Andy receiving the car. March /AprilandWeauctioned took sortedFP herregarding by theitback and French up returned the policeto Scotland.'Curieuse earlier it thisto year.then Traction Martin owner Vickerstaff' that Karol Klimet. Some time after this, Karol asked if we was mysteriouslyhasAndy's written letterauctioned in with aexplains bit more by history thethe Frenchandnext some bit photographspoli of historyce earlier of theon theGood car. luck as the new editor. Andy'scouldcar in letter itssell earlier the explains life. car (Ed) for the him. next bit of history on the car. I notice that Karol Klimet has rejoined TOC, membershipKind Regards number 2150, so may still be around to this year.I notice IMartin putDear an Bryanthat advertVickerstaff Karol in Klimet FP hasand has writtenAndy rejoined replied. in withTOC, After amembership bit assurances number as to its 2150, rust so free may condition still be around Andy came to down supply more history. Martin Vickerstaff more historysupplyandWith and took morereference some her history. to back Walford photographs up and to Andy’s Scotland. letters of the in FP, car March/April, in its I Enclosed are some photos both pre and post AndyTOC receiving membership the car. num ber 1400, originally member number 9 earlier life.EnclosedAndy'shave (Ed) more areletter information some explains photoson the the ‘mystery both next car’ pre bit . andof history post Andy on the receiving car. the car. LSKGood 145 luckarrived as for the a gearbox new rebuildeditor. by myself and Geoff Brooks GoodI notice luck tashat the Karol new Klimet editor. has rejoined TOC, membership number 2150, so may still be around to Dear BryanaroundKind Regards2002, we worked on Tractions for many years down here Kindsupplyin RegardsCornwall. more LSK history. had been bump started after a long time in Martin Vickerstaff MartinEnclosedstorage Vickerstaff with are usual some results. photos both pre and post Andy receiving the car. With referenceWeTOC sorted membership to itWalford and returned and numit to then Andy'sber owner 1400, lettersKarol originally Klimet. in SomeFP, m March/April, ember number I have 9 more information on the TOCGood membership luck as the num newber editor. 1400, originally member number 9 'mystery car'time . after this, Karol asked if we could sell the car for him. Kind Regards LSK 145 arrivedI put an advertfor a in gearbox FP and Andy rebui replied.ld After by assurancesmyself and as to Geoff Brooks around 2002, we worked on Martinits rust free Vickerstaff condition Andy came down and took her back up to Tractions for many years down here in Cornwall. LSK had been bump started after a long time in TOCScotland. membership number 1400, originally member number 9 storage withAndy’s usual letter results.explains the next bit of history on the car. We sorted I itnotice and that returned Karol Klimet it has to rejoined then TOC, owner membership Karol number Klimet. Some time after this, Karol asked if we 2150, so may still be around to supply more history. could sell the car for him. Enclosed are some photos both pre and post Andy receiving the I put an advertcar. in FP and Andy replied. After assurances as to its rust free condition Andy came down LSK prior to its move to Scotland (above) and whilst still with Andy (below) and took herGood back luck as up the to new Scotland. editor. Andy's letterKind explains Regards the next bit of history on the car. I notice thatMartin Karol Vickerstaff Klimet has rejoined TOC, membership number 2150, so may still be around to supply moreTOC history. membership number 1400, originally member number 9 LSK LSKprior prior prior to to its its to movemove its moveto Scotlandto Scotland to (right)Scotland and (above) whilst (above) still and with whilstandAndy whilst still withstill withAndy Andy (below) (below) Enclosed are(below) some photos both pre and post Andy receiving the car. Good luck as the new editor. Kind Regards LSK prior to its move to Scotland (above) and whilst still with Andy (below) Martin Vickerstaff TOC membership number 1400, originally member number 9

Iconic Cars Hello Bryan iconic cars in the history of motoring. However you settle Congratulations and good luck in your new role. Here’s an it, Citroen is (by my record of statistical judgement) the only item that must have been in FP in the dim and distant past manufacturer to have three models in the list. I don’t need - though I don’t remember ever reading it. I was reminded to name them, nor which is chronologically the first to be by Tony Hodgekiss’ letter in the March/April issue. While included in the list. his theme treats the Traction Avant’s place in the landmarks Best wishes of car design, mine is the - perhaps lesser - one of iconicity. David De Saxe, member no. 1499 LSK prior toWe its have move all played to Scotland the game of (above)selecting the and top tenwhilst most still with Andy (below)

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 13 In Need of TLC? In Need of TLC?

Fellow Tractionistes,Fellow Tractionistes, Thought these photosThought might these be of photos interest. might be of interest. They were taken aThey couple were of weekstaken aago couple while of I wasweeks touring ago while Vietnam I was in touring a small Vietnam town called in a Muismall Ne. town called Mui Ne. The wheels have beenThe wheelsfitted with have 15inch been tyresfitted andwith the 15inch usual tyres monocoque and the usualrot spots monocoque had been rot spots had been repaired along timerepaired ago. along time ago. All four doors wereAll in four excellent doors nick were too! in excellent nick too! Lifting the bonnet Liftingrevealed the a bonnetfew surprises revealed showing a few surpriseslocal ingenuity showing , converted local ingenuity to 12 volt , converted with an to 12 volt with an alternator fitted andalternator a vacuum fitted servo and for a thevacuum brakes servo but forthe the best brakes thing butwas the the best air conditioning thing was the air conditioning pump! pump! Good job this townGood was atjob sea this level, town not was sure at seahow level, much not of surethe original how much 50 odd of the horses original would 50 oddstill behorses would still be Your Letters there when the airthere con kicked when in!the air con kicked in! Tried a couple of timesTried to a couplefind the of owner times butto find the theLunar owner New but Year the festivities Lunar New were Year in fullfestivities swing sowere the in full swing so the story stops there forstory the stops meantime there atfor least. the meantime at least. Best wishes, Best wishes,

John WhiteI n2069 N Johneed White 2069 of TLC?

Fellow Tractionistes, Thought these photos might be of interest. They were taken a couple of weeks ago while I was touring Vietnam, in a small town called Mui Ne. The wheels have been fitted with 15inch tyres and the usual monocoque rot spots had been repaired along time ago. All four doors were in excellent nick too! Video from America Lifting the bonnet revealed a few surprises showing local ingenuity , converted to 12 volt with an alternator fitted and a vacuum servo A brief offering from Mark Gluck over in the States. Type the Youtube link into Internet Explorer for the brakes but the best thing was the air and enjoy the trip, most of which is filmed from an equally tasty classic Alfa. conditioning pump! Good job this town was at sea level, not sure how much of the original 50 odd horses Homme Et Sa Reine: A drive in my 1951 Citroen Traction Avant 15-Six to Lake Hopatcong, in would still be there when the central New Jersey. air con kicked in! Tried a couple of times to https://youtu.be/Y0bAhqdAorg find the owner but the Lunar New Year festivities were in full swing so the story stops there for the meantime at ______least. Dr. Mark A. Gluck, Professor Best wishes, Co-Director, African American Brain Health Initiative Editor, Brain Health & Aging John White 2069 Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University — Newark 197 University Ave. , Suite 209 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Video from Web: A merica www.gluck.edu, www.brainhealth.rutgers.edu

A brief offering from Mark Gluck over in the States. Type the Youtube Email: [email protected] link into Internet Explorer and enjoy the trip, most of which is filmed Ph: ( 973) 353-3298 from an equally tasty classic Alfa. Homme Et Sa Reine: A drive in my 1951 Citroen Traction Avant 15- Six to Lake Hopatcong, in central New Jersey. https://youtu.be/Y0bAhqdAorg Dr. Mark A. Gluck, Professor Co-Director, African American Brain Health Initiative Editor, Brain Health & Aging Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Rutgers University — Newark 197 University Ave. , Suite 209 Newark, New Jersey 07102 Web: www.gluck.edu, www.brainhealth.rutgers.edu Email: [email protected] Ph: ( 973) 353-3298

14 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 MODIFY YOUR CAR? Modernised Your Car?

The classic and vintage car world is split broadlyModernised Your Car? into two camps, those who prizeThe classic originality and vintage car above world is split broadly into two camps, those who prize all else, and those who are notoriginality averse above to all else, and those who modernising certain aspects ofare their not averse cars to modernising to suit certain aspects of their cars to suit current current driving conditions. Theredriving areconditions. obviously There are obviously various shades of grey betweenvarious the shades extremes of grey between at the extremes at each end of the spectrum, each end of the spectrum, andand we we will will all have all come have across classics with more modern engines, come across classics with moregearboxes, modern suspensions engines, etc. This gives gearboxes, suspensions etc. Thisrise to thegives matter rise of originality, to the and there are a couple of significant issues matter of originality, and thereconnected are witha couple that. of significant issues connected withFirstly is that. the question that arises, is Upgrades to lighting and electrics are common, as your car still an historic vehicle if you have altered are alterations to transmissions to provide fourth it by grafting in various modern components, which gears, higher ratio final drives, modern CV joints Firstly is the question that arises,is something is your that is currently car still under andiscussion historic in vehicleto drive ifshafts, you etc. have There are altered companies offeringit by grafting in various modern components,Government which circles. is Thesomething second is that of that the safety is currentlyelectric power under steering discussion solutions, improved in braking, Government and legal implications of any upgrade that you might and so on and so forth. Many upgrades will have circles. The second is that of thhavee putsafety into your and car, and legal it is the implicationslatter that concerns ofminimal any orupgrade zero implications that to the you safety mightof your car, have the series of articles which will be appearing in the but the key to making sure, is thinking through your put into your car, and it is thenext latter few issues that of Floating concerns Power, hopefully the withseries of proposedarticles modification, which and will its implications, be appearing and what in the next few issues of Floatingyour Power, own input ashopefully readers, expressing with your your own own impactsinput that as it might readers, have on other expr areasessing of the car your experiences with upgrades on your Traction. that may then also need updating to cope. own experiences with upgrades on your Traction. This will aim to provide a compilation of the The most obvious example is that if you upgraded experiences of a substantial number of people and your engine to deliver more power than was ever This will aim to provide a compilationmay ultimately be of incorporated the experiences into the club database of a substantialenvisaged by Citroën, number then it is logical of people to think that and may as required reading for anyone who contemplates you ought really to upgrade your braking system ultimately be incorporated intoupgrading the theirclub car. database as required readingto cope. But forrealistically, anyone how well who proven contemplatis that es proposed brake modification, especially under upgrading their car. Of course, the Traction, being relatively advanced extreme conditions. If you tinker with your brakes, in technology terms in its day, does not readily lend add a servo, say, then what happens in an emergency itself to major upgrades, in the way of engine swaps Of course, the Traction, being relatively advanced in technologystop terms situation? in Is itsthe rest day, of the systemdoes up not to it? Forrea dily or other substantial alterations, at least not without the a start the standard setup has no brake limiter valve lend itself to major upgrades, sortin ofthe extensive way surgery of enginethat would certainly swaps destroy or other substantial alterations, at least to stop the back end locking up prematurely…..and so its identity as a historic vehicle, and possibly even as on. not without the sort of extensaive Traction, surgery and although that there wouldare a couple certainly of diesel destroy its identity as a historic vehicle, and possibly even as conversionsa Traction, knocking and about althoughout there, (knocking, there ha areFinally, a couple having fitted of servo, diesel indicators, conversions seat belts -ha! ….Chairman) and the odd V8, most modifications and an alternator, did you tell your insurers? You knocking about out there, (knocking,are relatively subtle.ha -ha! ….Chairman) and thecan potentially odd V8 spend, most a lot of money modifications on upgrades are relatively subtle. and the final nail in the financial coffin could be an

Upgrades to lighting and electricsFloating Power are – Volume common, 41 Issue 3 as are alterations to transmissions to provide15 fourth gears, higher ratio final drives, modern CV joints to drive shafts, etc. There are companies offering electric power steering solutions, improved braking, and so on and so forth. Many upgrades will have minimal or zero implications to the safety of your car, but the key to making sure, is thinking through your proposed modification, and its implications, and what impacts that it might have on other areas of the car that may then also need updating to cope.

The most obvious example is that if you upgraded your engine to deliver more power than was ever envisaged by Citroën, then it is logical to think that you ought really to upgrade your braking system to cope. But realistically, how well proven is that proposed brake modification, especially under extreme conditions. If you tinker with your brakes, add a servo, say, then what happens in an emergency stop situation? Is the rest of the system up to it? For a start the standard setup has no brake limiter valve to stop the back end locking up prematurely…..and so on.

Finally, having fitted servo, indicators, seat belts and an alternator, did you tell your insurers? You can potentially spend a lot of money on upgrades and the final nail in the financial coffin could be an unexpected hike in premiums to cover a non standard specification and there are cases of insurers declining cover when discovering that cars have non standard specifications, even down to cosmetic alterations. Modernised Your Car?

unexpected hike in premiums to cover a non standard Electrical systems: Upgrade Options specification and there are cases of insurers declining Generally: with any electrical modifications there are cover when discovering that cars have non standard certain commonsense precautions to be observed. specifications, even down to cosmetic alterations. Assess the existing wiring and fittings to make sure This all sounds rather alarmist, and it has to be said that it is up to the job. Your car will be upwards of that most owners will get by quite happily with a few 60 years old, may have had a whole host of odd simple modifications, some of which, such as proper modifications carried out and could have poor flashing indicators instead of semaphores, are, in fact, connections, damaged or degraded insulation, a very sensible upgrade in terms of road safety and possibly no fuses, etc. Carry out a full appraisal and should not attract the ire of your insurer. However, it upgrade as a necessary part of the works. It obviously cannot be emphasised enough that you should check follows that you should not carry out any work on a with your insurer over any non standard innovation to car unless you consider yourself competent and have your car. the right equipment.

Just to start the ball rolling, we have put together • The main risk to all electrical work is fire, due some thoughts on the pros and cons of upgrading to undersized wiring, damaged and degraded your electrical system, in safety and insurance insulation, etc. Make sure that your system is up to terms. This is not a detailed and exhaustive ‘how scratch, insulation is in good condition, wires are to do it’ guide, but rather a series of pointers / sufficient for the load proposed, that penetrations risk assessments that you should consider when through panels and bulkheads have grommets embarking on the work in hand. For future editions fitted to avoid abrasion and that the loom is we would like your input on any experiences that you securely tied back away from chafe points and hot have had with upgrades to your own cars, with a view spots. to conducting similar review articles. • 6v to 12v conversions: As above, is your system In particular we would like to hear about the following, up to the change? Most conversions seem to retain any safety or fitness for purpose issues that have the 6v starter motor, which may overheat if used to arisen, and any problems arising from insurance excess when starting up. Windscreen wiper motors notifications. seem to be an issue and correct operation may

• Brake upgrades, for example the sleeving of rely on resistors or converters being inserted into worn wheel cylinders as opposed to replacement, the circuit to reduce voltage. Make sure that you addition of servo assistance. understand about the need for any associated heat sinks, etc. and ensure that your wiring is in good • Electrical upgrades, e.g.: 6v -12v conversions, condition. alternators, LED lighting, etc. • Alternator: Often also part of the above • Any performance upgrades that have been fitted modification. Check your main charging circuitry, that increase the power output of the car. under certain conditions you will be putting way • Any issues arising from the fitting of non standard more than the 20 amps or so that your standard components generally, eg: fuel pumps, non dynamo can put through the system. Consider standard wheels and tyres, seat belts, accessories, replacing the charge wires with new heavier wiring etc. and connecting an additional charge wire direct to the battery supply side of the solenoid rather than • Power steering. relying totally on a connection using the existing • Engine/transmission changes. wiring back to the now defunct regulator.

16 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 the solenoid rather than relying totally on a connection using the existing wiring back to the now defunct regulator . Modernised Your Car? • LED lighting. There is a lot of smoke and mirrors about all of this and the legality of fitting LED• LED bulbs lighting. in There place is a oflot ofthe smoke originals. and mirrors FHBVC haveSubject a tovery the above, useful Tractions item therefore in their can February letter pagesabout from all of this the and MG the legalityclub ofabout fitting thisLED bulbsin relation, be inlegally their fitted case, with suitableto MGB's, LED bulbs but directly just as pertinent in place of the originals. FHBVC have a very useful substituted for OEM bulbs. to our cars. item in their February letter pages from the MG • Headlights: LED headlights are tempting due to Theclub law about states this in thatrelation, cars in their with case, E tom MGB’s,arked fittings have to have correspondingly E marked bulbs. their efficiency and low power consumption, but but just as pertinent to our cars. If a car is post 1986, fitting unmarked LED lightsthere isn't are issues. legal Many unless bulbs it on is the a marketvery newdo not model with LED The lights law states as original that cars with equipment. E marked fittings E marking wasdip properlyintroduced when replacing steadily a dual through filament thebulb late 1970's andhave early to have 80's, correspondingly the bulk Eof marked units bulbs. being If a finally anddrawn create in dazzle during to oncoming 1986. traffic As a because rule of thumb, pre car is post 1986, fitting unmarked LED lights isn’t of discrepancies with their relationship to the 1986, OE light fittings are not E marked and so can have modified bulbs fitted, and our cars, legal unless it is a very new model with LED lights standard reflectors. whichas original cannot equipment. be later E marking than was 1957, introduced are therefore in the clear….but: The LED and the electronics associated with them steadily through the late 1970’s and early 80’s, the − Wattages etc. still have to comply wialsoth need Construc a fairly largetion heat and sink. U Itse doesn’t regs take with regard to bulk of units being finally drawn in during 1986. As maximum outputs, dazzle, etc. much imagination to guess what might happen a rule of thumb, pre 1986, OE light fittings are not inside the enclosed bowl of a Traction headlight. E −marked Certain and so cankinds have of modified LED bulb bulbs dofitted, not give out an all round light and your reflectors may and ournot cars, work which cannotas intended. be later than Therefore 1957, are rear lightsOther headlight and indicators conversions usingin particular very high may not be output bulbs may also be dubious due to heat thereforeproperly in the clear….but: visible from the side in the way that they would be with a conventional build up, incompatible wiring and headlamp switch − Wattages etc. still have to comply with bulb. loads, plus, if you haven’t upgraded your charging Construction and Use regs with regard to Subject to the above, Tractions therefore can besystem, legally its ability fitted to cope. with These suitable should all LED be bulbs maximum outputs, dazzle, etc. directly substituted for OEM bulbs. viewed with caution. − Certain kinds of LED bulb do not give out an • Any non original and modern auxiliary lights (eg: • Headlights:all round LED light headlights and your reflectors are tempting may not due to their efficiency and low power consumption, reversing lights) fitted, have to be located and work as intended. Therefore rear lights and but there are issues. Many bulbs on the marketoperated do not in accordancedip properly with Construction when replacing and a dual indicators in particular may not be properly filament bulb and create dazzle to oncoming trafficUse regulations. becau seDependant of discrepancies on whether this withis a their visible from the side in the way that they relationship to the standard reflectors. period fitting, then inserting a none E marked LED would be with a conventional bulb. bulb to a modern light unit may well technically be Theillegal. LED Driving and lights the electronicsshould be supplied associated via a relay to prevent withoverloading them and also need a fairlyoverheating large of theheat sink. It doesn'tswitchgear takeand the much imaginationrisk of fires . to guess what mightNow let’s happen hear of your inside the experiences. enclosed bowl of a Traction headlight. BP Other headlight Typical H7 LED headlamp bulb kit with associated electronics conversions using very and heat sink. Compare to high output bulbs may the standard bulb, top left. also be dubious due to heat build up, incompatible wiring and headlamp switch loads, plus, if you haven't upgraded your charging system, its ability to cope. These should all be viewed with caution. Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 17 • Any non original and modern auxiliary lights (eg: reversing lights) fitted, have to be located and operated in accordance with Construction and Use regulations. Dependant on whether this is a period fitting, then inserting a none E marked LED bulb to a modern light unit may well technically be illegal. Driving lights should be supplied via a relay to prevent overloading and overheating of the switchgear and the risk of fires .

Now let's hear of your experiences. A Trip to Citroën Classics

The one thing that had always slightly frustrated me with my Traction was the gearing. Although the car would almost drive up the proverbial house side in top gear, the downside was that revs became so frantic after about 45 mph, that progress had to be steady, to say the least, and although this was not a terrific problem for many of my meanderings around country lanes locally and the nearby town, which has its speed limits well screwed down to 30 and 40 mph, I was left reluctant to commit to some longer and more adventurous journeysA Trip dueto Citroënto the potential Classics stress on both myself and the car engine. ResearchThe one thingand that discussionshad always slightly frustrated with me othewith myr Traction local was theowners gearing. Although suggested the car would that I oughtalmost to drive investigate up the proverbial house a sidehigher in top gear, ratio the downside final was that drive, revs became and so frantic I aftersoon about 45 discoveredmph, that progress that had tothis be steady, was to say an the least,established and although this upgradewas not a terrific and problem that for many higher of my ratiomeanderings crown around wheel country and lanes locallypinion and the setsnearby town,were which available. has its speed limits wellThis, screwed of down course, to requires30 and 40 mph,a complete I was left reluctant gearbox to commit to stripdown,some longer and more since adventurous the journeys pinion due to the is potential part of the stressgearbox, on both myself this and the being car engine. a transaxle type of assembly and this wouldResearch undoubtedly and discussions withreveal other local otherowners suggested shortcomings that I ought to investigate in bearings, a higher ratio final seals, drive, etc whichand Iit soon woulddiscovered bethat thissensible was an established to upgradedeal andwith that higher at ratiothe crown same wheel andtime. pinion sets were I wasavailable. tempted This, of course, initially requires a complete to have gearbox stripdown,a go myself. since the pinion I is partam ofa the veteran gearbox, this beingof a transaxle type of assembly and this would undoubtedly reveal other shortcomings in bearings, seals, etc which it several classic car restorations, and have a number of engine would be sensible to deal with at the same time. rebuilds under my belt. However, gearboxes were outside my comfort I was tempted initially to have a go myself. I am a veteran of several classic car restorations, and have a number zone,of engine and rebuilds I knew under myfrom belt. However, previous gearboxes experience were outside my comfort tha zone,t a and successful I knew from previous gearbox overhaulexperience required that a successful an gearbox experienced overhaul required aneye experienced to determine eye to determine thethe level oflevel wear on of wear on componentscomponents and special and tools special to set up the diff,tools etc. to set up the diff, etc. I decidedI decided that that discretion discretion was the better part ofwas valour the and emailed better Darrin Brownhillpart atof Citroën valour Classics forand advice emailed Darrinand an Brownhillestimate of likely costs.at Citroën Classics for advice and an estimate of

likelyCitroën costs. Classics were, at that point, booking up into August and after a short dialogue, we agreed that I would book Citroënin my Light Classics 15 on November were, 1st. This wouldat thatgive me thepoint, rest of the bookingsummer driving upseason into to enjoy August the car, and and afterwould a also short enable it todialogue, be on the TOC Standwe atagreed the Manchester that Classic I Carwould Show in midbook September. in my Light 15 on NovemberI wanted to meet 1st. Darrin, theThis proprietor would of Citroën give Classics, me the rest of the summer driving

seasonrather thanto justenjoy ‘post’ my the car down car, to him, andso October would 31st also enable it to be on the TOC Citroën Classics was set up by Darrin Standsees atme onthe a chilly Manchester and misty Autumn morning,Classic with my CarLight Show in mid September. and Kristina15 strapped Brownhill onto a flatbed trailer in hooked2006, onto the back of my I wanted to meet Darrin, the proprietor of Citroën Classics, rather initiallySkoda in Yeti, a setting shared off onto theworkshop M6 for a steady in drive south. than just 'post' my car down to him, so October 31st sees me on a Brentford,The journey West went London, well, even the andM25 was moved fairly peaceful to and chilly and misty Autumn morning, with my Light 15 strapped onto a its currentmy satnav premises took me without at hitch, Tim's into Staines Boatyard on Thames. flatbed trailer hooked onto the back of my Skoda Yeti, setting off in Staines, in 2009. onto the M6 for a steady drive south. The journey went well, even Citroën Classics was set up by Darrin and Kristina Brownhill the M25 was fairly peaceful and my satnav took me without hitch, in 2006, initially in a shared workshop in Brentford,In West intoLondon, Staines and moved on to itsThames. current premises at Tim’s Boatyard 2010, in Staines, in 2009. they expanded and moved their stores to 18 another unit on theFloating site, Power – Volumefreeing 41 Issue 3 up more workshop space in the original building and allowing a bay to be dedicated to bodywork restoration. The approach to Citroën Classics is a little unusual, being down a residential road with a selection of quite smart houses and bungalows, lining a street which terminates in what was originally a boatyard on the banks of the Thames. Turning the corner into the site, which is occupied by a cluster of workshop type buildings of various sizes and vintages, you are faced at its centre, with a white painted double fronted workshop building, usually surrounded by a selection of classic Citroens. On the day of my visit there were a couple of DS models, an H Type van and an extremely sad looking CX, which was about to donate vital organs for transplant. Plus, of course, my own Traction, perched on its trailer after a long trek down from Lancashire. Darrin and Kris are originally from New Zealand , where Darrin had spent 14 years working on French cars and eventually had decided that a spell in England might be interesting. Darrin says that they had several points at which they had thought that they might return to New Zealand, but that it never happened and , of course, they are still here, and Citroën Classics is now an established provider on the classic Citroën scene. Both are active in the Citroën Car Club, Darrin's original interest being in D series cars, but he says that he is now increasingly involved in working on their older siblings, the Traction Avant series, and of course, Citroën Classics will also look at other classic Citroën models. Darrin runs a queue system for both his workshop and the adjoining body shop, whereby customers book in advance for the work to their car. This allows him to plan work on customers' cars reasonably well in advance and aims to avoid the situation whereby customers 'lose' their cars for several weeks or months, whilst other jobs in the workshop are completed. He still allows some capacity for emergencies, but generally this forward planning also enables the pre-order of parts to facilitate a prompt start to cars already

Citroën Classics was set up by Darrin Citroën andClassics Kristina was Brownhillset up by inDarrin 2006, and Kristinainitially Brownhill in a inshared 2006, workshop in initiallyBrentford, in a shared West workshop London, in and moved to Brentford,its West current London, premises and moved at Tim's to Boatyard its currentin Staines,premises inat 2009.Tim's Boatyard in Staines, in 2009. In In 2010, 2010, they they Citroënexpanded Classics and movedwas set their up bystores Darrin to expandedand Kristinaanotherand moved Brownhillunit their on storesthe in site,2006, to freeing anotherinitially upunit more onin workshopthea shared site, space workshopfreeing in thein up moreBrentford, workshoporiginal West spacebuilding London, in theand and allowing moved to a bay originalits currentAtobuilding Tripbe dedicated topremises andCitroën allowing toat ClassicsbodyworkTim's a bay Boatyard to bein dedicated Staines,restoration. toin bodywork2009.

restoration.The approach to Citroën Classics is In 2010, they expanded and moved their stores to In a little unusual, being Thedown approach a residential to Citroën road Classicswith a selection is of another unit on the site, freeing up more workshop 2010, a little quiteunusual, smart being houses down and a residentialbungalows, liningroad with a street a selection which terminatesof inspace what in the originalwas buildingoriginally and allowing a abay boatyard to on the banks of the Thames.they quite smartbe dedicated houses to bodywork and restoration.bungalows, lining a street which terminates Turning the corner into the site, which is occupied by a clusterexpanded of and moved their stores to in what wasThe approachoriginally to Citroën Classics a boatyard is a little unusual, on the banks of the Thames. Turning theworkshop corner type into b uildingsthe site, of whichvarious is sizesoccupied and byvintages, a cluster you of are another faced unit on the site, freeing being down a residential road with a selection of up more workshop space in the workshop attypequite its smart b uildingshousescentre, and bungalows, withof various lininga whitea street sizes painted and doublevintages, fronted you areworkshop faced original building and allowing a bay at its centre,building,which terminates with inusually whata waswhite originally surrounded painted a boatyard double by a selectionfronted workshop of classic Citroens. On to be dedicated to bodywork building,the onusually the daybanks ofof thesurrounded Thames.my visit thereby a selectionwere a couple of classic of DS models,Citroens. an OnH Type van restoration. the day ofandTurning my an thevisit cornerextremely into there the site, sadwhichwere islooking occupieda couple CX, of which DS models, was about an Hto Type donate van vital and an extremelyorgansby a cluster offor workshopsad transplant looking type buildings CX,of. variousPlus, which of was course, about myto owndonate Traction, vital perchedThe approachon to Citroën Classics is organs foritssizes transplant andtrailer vintages, you after. are Plus, faced aat its long ofcentre, course, withtrek a awhite downlittle paintedmy own fromdouble unusual, Traction, frontedLancashire. workshop being building,perched do usuallywn ona residential road with a selection of quite smart houses and bungalows, lining a street which terminates its trailer surroundedDarrin after by and a selectiona longKris of classic trekare Citroens. originallydown On thefrom day of myLancashire.from visit there New were Zealand a couple of DS , models, where an H TypeDarrin had van and an extremely sad looking CX, which was aboutin to donatewhat vital was organs originally for transplant. Plus, ofa course,boatyard my on the banks of the Thames. Darrin andspent Kris 14 areyears originally working onfrom French New Zealandcars and , eventuallywhere Darrin had had decided own Traction, perched on its trailer after a long trek downTurning from Lancashire. the corner into the site, which is occupied by a cluster of spent 14 thatyears a workingspell in on England French mightcars andbe eventually had decided Darrin and Kris are originally from New Zealand , whereworkshop type buildings of various sizes and vintages, you are faced that a spellinteresting. in England Darrin might says be that they Darrin had spent 14 years working on French cars and interesting.had severalDarrin sayspoints that at theywhich theyat its had centre, with a white painted double fronted workshop thoughteventually had that decided thatthey a spell might in England return might bebuilding, to New usually surrounded by a selection of classic Citroens. On had severalinteresting. points Darrin saysat thatwhich they had theyseveral pointshad at thought thatZealand, they butmight that return it never to New happenedthe day of my visit there were a couple of DS models, an H Type van which they had thought that they might return to New and an extremely sad looking CX, which was about to donate vital Zealand, andbutZealand, ,that butof that course, it never never happened the happened andy , areof course, still they here, organs for transplant. Plus, of course, my own Traction, perched on and , of andcourse,are still Citroën here, and the Citroën yClassics areClassics still is now is an hereestablishednow ,an its trailer after a long trek down from Lancashire. and Citroënestablishedprovider Classics on the classic provider Citroënis now scene. an on the classic Darrin and Kris are originally from New Zealand , where Darrin had establishedCitroënBoth areprovider active scene in the Citroënon. theCar Club, classic Darrin’s original Citroën sceneBothinterest .beingare in activeD series cars, in but hethe says thatCitroën he is spent Car 14 years working on French cars and eventually had decided Both are Club,activenow increasingly Darrin'sin involved the inCitroën workingoriginal on their Car older interest that a spell in England might be interesting. Darrin says that they Club, Darrin'sbeingsiblings, thein Tractionoriginal D series Avant series, interest cars, and of course, but Citroën he says Classics will also look at other classic Citroën models.had several points at which they had being in thatD series he is cars, now increasinglybut he says involved in working on their older Darrin runs a queue system for both his workshop andthought that they might return to New that he issiblings, now increasingly the Traction involved Avant inseries, working and on of their course, older Citroën Classics the adjoining body shop, whereby customers book in advanceZealand, for the workbut to theirthat car. This it allows never him to planhappened siblings,will the alsoTraction look Avantat other series, classic and Citroënof course, models. Citroën Classics Darrinwork on customers’ runs cars a reasonablyqueue wellsystem in advance for andand aimsboth , to ofavoid his course,the situationworkshop whereby the y customersand are the still‘lose’ adjoiningtheir here, will also carslook for several at weeksother or months, classic whilst other Citroën jobs in the workshop models. are completed. He still allows some capacity Darrin runsbody a shop,queue wherebysystem forcustomers both his andbook workshopCitroën in advance Classicsand thefor adjoiningtheis nowwork an to their car.for emergencies, This butallows generally thishim forward to planning plan also establishedwork enables onthe pre-ordercustomers provider of parts to' facilitate cars on a thepromptreasonably classicstart well body shop,to carswhereby already booked customers in. Of course, asbook a famous in Prussian advance general once for said, the no battle work plan ever to survives their first car. Thisin allows advance him andto planaims workto avoid on Citroëncustomers the situation scene' cars. wherebyreasonably customers well 'lose' contact with the enemy, and most classics have a trickBoth or two upare their sleeveactive once the in strip thedown begins.Citroën However, Car in advancetheir and cars aims for to severalavoid the weeks situationDarrin orhas amonths, comprehensive whereby whilst store ofcustomers parts, other and contacts job'lose' whos canin the Club, Darrin's original interest their cars for several weeks or months,workshopat short notice, whilst sourceare items completed.other not held job in stock.s Hein stillthe allows being in D series cars, but he says workshop someAnyway,are completed. tocapacity work! We had alreadyfor He agreedemergencies,still that weallows would take but that he is now increasingly involved in working on their older some capacitygenerallyadvantage for of the engineemergencies,this being forward out, to unblock butplanning the cylinder block also generallyenablesdrain tsiblings,his plug, checkforward the and replaceprethe planning- ordertheTraction timing chainof also and partsAvant to retro fittoseries, and of course, Citroën Classics will also look at other classic Citroën models. enables thefacilitatea tensioner. pre -Ratherorder thana promptdismantleof parts and start upgrade to theto existing cars already box, DarrinDarrin had obtainedruns an a overhauled queue gearbox system with the for10:31 both his workshop and the adjoining facilitate a prompt start to cars already pinion/body crown wheelshop, fitted. whereby Over the first customers48 hours, I had received book in advance for the work to their a seriescar. of emails This from Darrinallows about myhim Traction. to Heplan had work on customers' cars reasonably well removedin theadvance engine and box, and and hadaims assessed to the avoid remainder the situation whereby customers 'lose' of thetheir car transmission. cars Myfor drive shaftseveral joints were weeks worn and heor months, whilst other jobs in the workshop are completed. He still allows some capacity for emergencies, but Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 generally19 this forward planning also enables the pre-order of parts to facilitate a prompt start to cars already booked in. Of course, as a famous Prussian general once said, no battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy, and most classics have a trick or two up their sleeve once the strip down booked in. Of course, as a famous Prussian general once said, no begins. However, Darrin has a comprehensive store of parts, and battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy, and most contacts who can at short notice, source items not held in stock. classics have a trick or two up their sleeve once the strip down Anyway, to work! We had already agreed that we would take advantage begins. However, Darrin has a comprehensive store of parts, and of the engine being out, to unblock the cylinder block drain plug, contacts who can at short notice, source items not held in stock. check and replace the timing chain and to retro fit a tensioner. Anyway, to work! We had already agreed that we would take advantage Rather than dismantle and upgrade of the engine being out, to unblock the cylinder block drain plug, the existing booked in. Of course,box, asDarri a famousn had obtained Prussian general once said, nocheck and replace the timing chain and to retro fit a tensioner. an battle plan ever survivesoverhauled first gearbox contact with with the enemy, and mostRather than dismantle and upgrade the 10:31 classics have a trickpinion/ or twocrown up wheel their sleeve once the strip downthe existing box, Darrin had obtained fitted. Over begins. However, Darrinthe first has 48a hours,comprehensive I store of parts, and an overhauled gearbox with had received contacts who can ata seriesshort notice,of emails source from items not held in stockthe. 10:31 pinion/ crown wheel Darrin about Anyway, to work!A Trip Wemy hadTraction. to already Citroën He agreedhad Classics that we would take advantagefitted . Over the first 48 hours, I removed the of the engine beingengine out, andto unblockbox, and thehad cylinder block drain plug,had received a series of emails from assessed the check and replace remainderthe timing of chain the c arand to retro fit a tensioner.Darrin about my Traction. He had transmission. My drive Rather than dismantle and upgraderemoved the engine and box, and had shaft joints were worn and he recommended replacement with some more modern items with CV the existing box, Darrin had obtainedassessed the remainder of the car recommended replacement with some joints. He had also noted that the timing chain was fitted one tooth an overhauled gearbox with transmission. My drive more modern items with CV joints. He had also noted that the timing the 10:31 pinion/out, and was crown assessing wheel the shaft various joints replacement clutch components were worn and he chain was fitted one tooth out, and was assessing the various fitted. Over thethat Ifirst had bequeathed 48 hours, upon recommendedI him. He also observed that the engine replacement with some replacement clutch components that I had bequeathed upon him. He had received a series of emails frommore modern items with CV joints. He had also noted that the timing also observed that the engine appeared to have a Perfo head, but an appeared to have a Perfo head, but an 11D bottom end. Darrin about my Traction. He had chain was fitted one tooth out, and was assessing the various 11D bottom end. removed the engineAnd so toand the clutch.box, Itand is logical replacementhad that one should clutch take advantagecomponents of that I had bequeathed upon him. He And so to the clutch. It is assessed the remainderthe engine and of gearbox the c aralso observed that the engine appeared to have a Perfo head, but an logical that one should take transmission.split to overhaul the My drive 11D bottom end. advantage of the engine and And so to the clutch. It is shaft jointsgearbox split to overhaul the wereclutch, worn even thoughand he it recommended replacement with some logical that one should take clutch, even though it was in was in apparent decent advantage of the engine and more modernapparent items decent with CVworking joints. order He .had I also noted that the timing chain was fitted one tooth out, and was assessingworking the order. various I had gearbox split to overhaul the had considered an upgrade early clutch, even though it was in replacementin 2016 clutchconsidered and componentshad an upgradepreviously earlythat in I2016 had and bequeathed had previously upon accumulated him. He apparent decent working order. I also observedaccumulatedvarious that modern thevarious engine parts modern based appeared on parts information to have gleaned a Perfo from the head, technical but an 11D bottom end. had considered an upgrade early based pageson information of TOC, and I reviewedgleaned the from possible use of these with Darrin. in 2016 and had previously the technical pages of TOC, Andand soI to the clutch. It is It appears that since the Citroenlogical engines rotatethat inone the oppositeshould take accumulated various modern parts reviewed the possible use of based on information gleaned from direction to many modern cars,advantage many of the diaphragmof the engineclutches thatand these with Darrin. It appears the technical pages of TOC, and I that sinceare substituted the Citroen are actually engines workinggearbox in the splitopposite to direction overhaul to their the clutch, even though it was in reviewed the possible use of rotate in the opposite direction to many modern cars, many of the original design intent. these with Darrin. It appears diaphragm clutches that are substituted are actually working apparentin the decent working order. I had consideredThis means an upgrade that the early that since the Citroen engines opposite direction to their original rotate in the opposite direction to many modern cars, many of the design intent. This means that the in 2016 andstraps had thatpreviously handle accumulated various modern partsdiaphragm clutches that are substituted are actually working in the straps that handle the torque on take the torque on take up, are oppositein compression direction rather than to tension their as original up, are in compression rather than based on information gleaned from intended. The general viewdesign is that the intent. Traction isThis not powerful means that the tension as intended. The general view the technical pages of TOC, and I straps that handle the torque on take is that the Traction is not powerful reviewed theenough possible for this touse be anof issue and there is no actual record to up, are in compression rather than enough for this to be an issue and these with date,Darrin. of one Itfailing. appear Interestinglys also, I received an article earlier that since the Citroen enginestension as intended. The general view there is no actual record to date, of in the year, extolling the virtuesis that of a Peugeotthe Traction clutch cover, is using not powerful one failing. Interestingly rotatealso, Iin Spring, the Spring,opposite I had I direction muchhad muchthe sametothe many samethoughts. modernthoughts. Acars Ford A, FordmanyPinto Pintoof cover the cover was was diaphragm clutches that are substituted are actuallya homemade working spacer ring. in enoughHowever, the forDarrin this has lookedto be at anthis andissue and received an article earlier in the better,better, but whenbut whenassembled, assembled, Darrin Darrin was stillwas still sceptical sceptical inthere that in is thatit no actualit record to date, of opposite direction to their original doesn’t think that it works with a spacer of the thickness declared year, extolling the virtues of a apparentlyapparently gave gavea very a verypoor poorfeel feelto the to clutch,the clutch, so, weso, bitone we thefailing.bit the Interestingly also, I design intent. This means that the Peugeot clutch cover, using a homemadebullet bullet and andfitted fitted the purposethe purpose made madeclutchand believesclutch kit. that kit. it would slip!received When I hadan triedarticle to mock earlier it up on thein the straps that handle the torque on take spacer ring. However, Darrin has lookedAnother atAnother thispiece andpiece of doesn'trestoration of restoration think was thatwas bench thatof sleeving lastof Spring, sleeving the I had gearbox muchtheyear, gearboxthe extollingsameoutput thoughts.output the A Ford virtues Pinto cover of a up, are in compression rather than that it works with a spacer of the thicknessflanges.flan ges.Asdeclared is As usually is and usually believesthe case,the case, these these become become pitted pitted andPeugeot eroded,and eroded, clutch and andcover, using a homemade tension as intended.was better, Thebut when general assembled, view Darrin was still sceptical in that it apparently gave a very poor feel to the clutch, that it would slip! When I had triedfail to mockfailto mate itto upmatewith on withorthe even benchor evenabrade last abrade the seals,the seals, causing causing oil spa leakoilcer ageleak ring.. age .However, Darrin has looked at this and doesn't think is that the Tractionso, we bit theis bullet not and powerful fitted the purpose made clutch kit. This Thisis a isquick a quick and effective,and effective, good goodvalue value for moneyfor money repairthat repair using it worksusing with a spacer of the thickness declared and believes enough for this to be an issue and SpeediAnotherSpeedi Sleeves piece Sleeves, of seerestoration, beforesee wasbefore and that ofafterand sleeving after images the imagesgearbox below outputbelow. flanges.. thatAs it is usuallywould the slip! case, theseWhen becomeI had tried to mock it up on the bench last there is no actual record to date, of pitted and eroded, and fail to mate with or even abrade the seals, causing oil leakage. This is a quick and effective, one failing. Interestingly also, I received an article earlier in the good value for money repair year, extolling the virtues of a using Speedi Sleeves, see Peugeot clutch cover, using a homemade before and after images spacer ring. However, Darrin has looked at this and doesn't think below. that it works with a spacer of the thickness declared and believes that it would slip! When I had tried to mock it up on the bench last So two weeks later, with two new drive shafts, a

refurbished gearbox, a new

timing chain and tensioner, So tSowo weekstwo weeks later, later, with withtwo newtwo drivenew drive shafts, shafts, a refurbished a refurbished and the valve timing on the gearbox, a new timing chain and tensioner, and the valve timing on gearbox, a new timing chain and tensioner, and the valve timingcar corrected, on the Light 15 is the carthe correctedcar corrected, the, Lightthe Light 15 is 15 back is backon my on drive my drive and readyand ready for afor a test backtestdrive. on drive. my drive and ready for a test drive. Of course,OfOf course, course, being being being Lancashire,Lancashire, Lancashire, it is raining, it is butit rain thereis ing, rainis a lull ing,but just thereafterbut thethere is transporter a islull a lorry lull has gone, and I am into just thejustafter driving after the seat transpo andthe away.transporter It was rterlorry late inlorry thehas afternoon gone,has gone, andand would Iand am be Iinto getting am intothe dark drivingquitethe soon,driving and so I limited myself seat seatand away.and away. It was It latewas latein the in afternoonthe afternoon and wouldand would be getting be getting to a quick run around the village. The engine is smooth and quiet, and the gearbox is definitely quieter too, with dark darkquite quite soon ,soon and, soand I solimited I limited myself myself to a toquick a quick run aroundrun around the the village.village. The engineThe engine is smooth is smooth and quiet,and quiet, and theand gearboxthe gearbox is is definitelydefinitely quieter quieter too, too,with withmuch muchless lessof a ofwhine a whine in top, in top,and aand much a much firmer20firmer change. change. The clutchThe clutch feel feelis great, is great, and isand more is more like likethat thatofFloating a of Power a – Volume 41 Issue 3 modernmodern car, carwith, withthe drythe whirrdry whirr of the of oldthe releaseold release bearing bearing banished banished. . AlthoughAlthough the speedthe speed limit l imitstops stops me doing me doing a proper a proper test test and openingand opening it up it to up sample to sample the delightsthe delights of the of higherthe higher ratioratio diff, diff, the carthe iscar clearly is clearly revving revving a lot a lesslot lessand and secondsecond is now is anow more a moreuseable useable intermediate intermediate gear. gear.

What Whatdoes doesthe futurethe future hold holdfor Citroënfor Citroën Classics? Classics? Darrin Darrin feelsfeels that ththeat localthe local marketplace marketplace back backin New in ZealandNew Zealand wouldwould possibly possibly not benot large be large enough enough to support to support a full a full time timebusiness business of the of sortthe sortthat thathe currently he currently enjoys. enjoys. He He says saysthat thatwith witha family a family and establishedand established business, business, he he thinksthinks that thatit is it unlikely is unlikely that thatthey theywill willconsider consider a a returnreturn to New to ZealandNew Zealand now untilnow until retirement retirement beckons. beckons. However,However, a more a morelocal local move movemay bemay on be the on cardsthe cards in a in a couplecouple of years of years when whenthe currentthe current lease lease expires, expires, and Darrinand Darrin feels feels that thatthe businessthe business could c ouldbenefit benefit from froma relocation a relocation out ofout London, of London, possiblypossibly into inOxfordshireto Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, or Buckinghamshire, where where he could he could take take advantageadvantage of lower of lower rents rents and obtainand obtain larger larger premises. premises.

For myFor part, my part, I am Ilooking am looking forwards forwards now tonow some to somelonger longer Summer Summer drives drives withoutwithout the needthe needfor earplugs!for earplugs!

BryanBryan Pullan Pullan

Spring, I had much the same thoughts. A Ford Pinto cover was better, but when assembled, Darrin was still sceptical in that it apparently gave a very poor feel to the clutch, so, we bit the bullet and fitted the purpose made clutch kit. Another piece of restoration was that of sleeving the gearbox output flanges. As is usually the case, these become pitted and eroded, and fail to mate with or even abrade the seals, causing oil leakage. This is a quick and effective, good value for money repair using Speedi Sleeves, see before and after images below.

So two weeks later, with two new drive shafts, a refurbished gearbox, a new timing chain and tensioner, and the valve timing on the car corrected, the Light 15 is back on my drive and ready for a test drive. Of course, being Lancashire, it is raining, but there is a lull just after the transporter lorry has gone, and I am into the driving seat and away. It was late in the afternoon and would be getting dark quite soon, and so I limited myself to a quick run around the village. The engine is smooth and quiet, and the gearbox is definitely quieter too, with much less of a whine in top, and a much firmer change. The clutch feel is great, andA Tripis more to Citroënlike that Classicsof a modern car, with the dry whirr of the old release bearing banished. Although the speed limit stops me doing a proper test and openingmuch less ofit a whineup toin top, sample and a much the firmer delights change. The ofclutch the feel ishigher great, ratio anddiff, is more the like thatcar of ais modern clearly car, with therevving dry whirr ofa the lot old releaseless bearing and secondbanished. is now Although a more the speed useable limit stops intermediate me doing a proper test gear. and opening it up to sample the delights of the higher ratio diff, the car is clearly revving a lot less and What doessecond theis now futurea more useable hold intermediate for Citroën gear. Classics? Darrin feels that the local marketplace back in New Zealand What does the future hold for Citroën Classics? Darrin feels that the local would possibly not be large enough to support a full marketplace back in New Zealand would possibly not be large enough to support a time business of the sort that he currently enjoys. He says thatfull time with business a of family the sort that and he currently established enjoys. He says business, that with a family he and thinksestablished that it business, is unlikely he thinks that itthat is unlikely they that theywill will considerconsider a return a to returnNew to Zealand New nowZealand until retirement now beckons.until However,retirement a more local beckons. move may be on However,the cards a morein a couple local of years move when themay current be leaseon expires,the cards and Darrin in feels a that couplethe of business years could when benefit the from acurrent relocation outlease of London, expires, possibly into andOxfordshire Darrin feels that theor Buckinghamshire, business wherecould he couldbenefit take advantage from ofa lowerrelocation rents and obtain out larger of premises. London, possiblyFor my in part,to I amOxfordshire looking forwards nowor toBuckinghamshire, some longer Summer drives where without thehe need could for earplugs! take advantageBryan Pullanof lower rentsFootnote and obtain larger premises.

Are you thinking of having your final drive altered? In my view it is For myFootnote part, I am looking forwards now to some longer Summer drives without the need fora worthwhileearplugs! modification, certainly on a Light 15/Legere. It cuts Are you thinking of having downyour final some drive of the altered? frantic In revvingmy view of it theis a engineworthwhile at middle modification, and

Bryan certainlyPullan on a Light 15/Legere.higher It cuts speeds down and some improves of the franticthe capabilities revving of of the the engine car as ata long middle and higher speeds and improves the capabilities of the car as a long distance distance machine, although things still get noisy at motorway machine, although things stillspeeds get noisyby modern at motorway car standards speeds byand modern down changescar standards on hills and come down changes on hills comeup upsooner. sooner. However, However, th ethe latter latter for for me me is is a a small small price price to to pay pay for for an an overall more relaxed experience,overall more both relaxed for car experience,and driver. bothCosts for for car my and conversion driver. Costswere for around the £4k plus vat mark, but that also included two new drive shafts with modern CV my conversion were around the £4k plus vat mark, but that also included two new drive shafts with joints at £975 plus vat for the pair, the reconditioned gearbox and a new clutch. modern CV joints at £975 plus vat for the pair, the reconditioned gearbox and a new clutch. The following is an extract from an article originally published in Floating Power in April/May 2003 and which can be found in its entirety on the TOC website.The It following explains theis an final extract drive from situation an article that originallyshould prevail published in a ‘standard’ in Floating Traction, Power although,in April/May of course, 2003 you may not have the appropriateand whi gearboxch can be if atfound some in timeits entirety in its long on history,the TOC your website. car has It explainsbeen the therecipient final driveof a box situation from a that donor car such as, say, a Commerciale,should prevail as in parta 'standard' of a rebuild. Traction, (Editor). although, of course, you may not have the appropriate gearbox if at some time in its long history, your car has been the recipient of a box from a donor car Crown wheel and Pinionsuch as, say, a Commerciale, as part of a rebuild. (Editor). Most Tractions ( Legere andCrown Normale) wheel have and a Pinion pinion with 9 teeth driving a crown wheel with 31 teeth, giving a ratio 0f 3.4444r. Original Familiales and Commerciales would have had a pinion with 8 teeth driving the a crown wheel with 31 teeth, giving a ratio of 3.785. This lower ratioMost was Tractions thought ( moreLegere appropriate and Normale) for the have much a pinion heavier with bodied 9 teeth cars. driving It was aalso crown the wheeloriginal with fitting 31 for the 7A and 7B cars which hadteeth, smaller giving engines. a ratio 0f 3.4444r. Original Familiales and Commerciales would have had a pinion with 8 For these there was a specialteeth Montagne driving the option a crown of even wheel lower with geared 31 teeth, pairing giving with a pinionratio of with 3.785. 8 teeth This driving lower aratio crown was wheel thought with 35 teeth giving a very morelow ratio appropriate of 4.375. for the much heavier bodied cars. It was also the original fitting for the 7A and 7B There was also a much highercars gearedwhich had Economique smaller engines. pairing with a pinion with 10 teeth driving a crown wheel of 31 teeth giving a ration of 3.1 precisely ThisFor pairing these wasthere tried was briefly a special on Montagne7C cars in 1939,option but of is even now loweravailable geared as newlypairing made with replacement a pinion with parts 8 at this moment. (this beingteeth the combination driving a crown fitted wheel to my withown 35car teethby Citroën giving Classics.)a very low ratio of 4.375. The early ID 4 speed box used a pinion with 9 teeth driving a crown wheel of 35 teeth giving a ratio of 3.8888r. Later this was changed to 8/31 giving a rationThere of was 3.875.* also a much higher geared Economique pairing with a pinion with 10 teeth driving a A considerable number of Tractionscrown wheel have of been 31 teeth modified giving to a useration higher of 3.1 final precisely gearing This particularly pairing wasthe tried10:31 brieflypairing on on 7Cthe carslighter in cars and the 9:31 pairing to1939, replace but 8:31 is now on availablesome Commerciales, as newly made Familiales replacement and 15 parts Sixes. at this moment. (this being the (*The article later points outcombination that the ID fittedboxes toand my 15 own sixes car had by Citroën a higher Classics top ratio.) which gave them the edge in terms of overall reduced rpm/mph. A Legere/LightThe early 15 ID Traction 4 speed with box the used 10:31 a pinion final withdrive 9will teeth do 19.456mphdriving a crown /1000rpm, wheel a of ‘standard’ 35 teeth 9:31giving will a doratio 17.511mph/1000rpm, The ofTraction 3.8888r. with Later an ID this gearbox was changed will do 23.172mph/1000rpm. to 8/31 giving a ration This of 3.875.*latter figure sounds impressive for longer distance cruising , but arguably requires more work with the gearlever, to maintain progress in traffic. The article does go on to discussA considerable the rolling number diameter of ofTractions various havetyres beenthat were modified and are to usecurrently higher available, final gearing which particularly are 165R400 the for the lighter cars, or 185R40010:31 for pairing 15/6 andon the big lighter15.and cars these and sizes the were 9:31 takenpairing into to considerationreplace 8:31 onin thesome calculation Commerciales, of the above final speeds per 1000rpm.)Familiales and 15 Sixes. (*The article later points out that the ID boxes and 15 sixes had a higher top ratio which gave them Floating Power – Volume 41the Issue edge 3 in terms of overall reduced rpm/mph. A Legere/Light 15 Traction with the 10:31 final drive21 will do 19.456mph /1000rpm, a 'standard' 9:31 will do 17.511mph/1000rpm, The Traction with an ID gearbox will do 23.172mph/1000rpm. This latter figure sounds impressive for longer distance cruising , but arguably requires more work with the gearlever, to maintain progress in traffic.

The article does go on to discuss the rolling diameter of various tyres that were and are currently available, which are 165R400 for the lighter cars, or 185R400 for 15/6 and big 15.and these sizes were taken into consideration in the calculation of the above final speeds per 1000rpm.)

FBHVC NEWS FBHVC NEWS

Due to our early copy deadline this edition precedes the next issue of the FBHVC newsletter. However, there are one or two things out there that are still worth drawing to members’ attention. DVLA SCAM (verbatim) DVLA warns the public of scams asking you to provide your personal details and confirm credit card details. ‘We’re aware that some members of the public are receiving emails, texts and telephone calls claiming to be from DVLA. Links to a website mocked up to look like a DVLA online service are sometimes included in the message. We don’t send emails or text messages with links to websites asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information. We strongly advise anyone who receives such a request not to open the link and delete the item.’ ‘The government, led by Cabinet Office’s Government Digital Service (GDS), will continue to investigate reports of organisations which may be actively misleading users about their services or acting illegally, taking swift action when necessary. By using the online driving licence or vehicle tax transactions on GOV.UK you can be sure that you are dealing directly with DVLA.’ FBHVC/DVLA: More about Reconstructed Classics A deal has been struck between DVLA and the FHBVC whereby classics with ‘authentic’ replacement bodies will now be acceptable to the authorities. A glossary of terms is being developed. However, DVLA has confirmed that it is still writing to owners of cars that it believes should be given Q Plates owing to doubts over their age and authenticity. Their media relations department states that: ‘Where a vehicle is built and presented for registration as a new entity using a mixture of old and new parts, it would be inaccurate for these vehicles to be registered as historic vehicles. Likewise where the parts are from a multitude of sources.’ DVLA apply the following points system. Failure results in an IVA and a Q plate. • Chassis/Monocoque body: 5 • Suspension front and back: 2 • Axles (both): 2 • Transmission: 2 • Steering assembly: 2 • Engine: 1 You must have eight points or more from the above list, to retain your car’s historic status. Obviously compliance is extremely difficult with a non original body shell, although it is not impossible to transfer the running gear etc. from (say) a rotted out car into a decent secondhand shell, but evidence would have to be presented that an appropriate amount of the original works in the recipient shell had been retained. Generally this means that two of the following must be retained, complete suspension, both axles, transmission, engine, steering assembly. If you are modifying your classic the same applies and you must retain the same proportion of new or original parts as you would during a rebuild. If evidence suggests that two shells have been merged to create one (cut and shut) an IVA will automatically be required. There is obviously scope for a lot of mischief here with definitions and there must be many classics around that are borderline in terms of this. Several decades down the line, how would you prove that your car was in a suitably original state? (Ed)

22 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 Bailey’s Banter

The Traction gearbox self-help group has met. To protect their down there in the ‘50s. He was quite keen on modifications identities I shall refer to them as Martin, Laurence and Mike. We which extended to a shortened wheelbase fastback-style Bailey's Banter met in a shed – which is actually Martin’s very well equipped Traction of which, sadly, I have found no photos. He even workshop on a farm in darkest Surrey. It has a wood burning designed and built a car which he entered into the 1960 New The Traction gearbox self-help groupstove and has a kettle met. which To is a good start and a sturdy workbench Zealand Grand Prix with a rear mounted, supercharged Traction protect their identities I shall referfor hammering to them gearboxes as apart. When the smell of burning wood Avant engine and gearbox. According to Lance Cole’s “Citroen gets too much you can stick your head out of the door and take the complete story” “with stronger bearings, pinions and Bailey's Banter Martin, Laurence and Mike. We inmet the smell in aof shedthe countryside. – There are cowsheds on two sides casing, and an internal redesign, Weaver’s gearbox stopped which is actually Martin’s very wellwhich equipped are full of cows, or bulls, so there’s plenty to smell. the Traction gearbox from self-destructing”. Again, I have found The Traction gearbox self-help group has met. To no photos of that car but I do know that he didn’t qualify and workshop on a farm in darkest Surrey. It has a therefore did not actually take part in the race. But I like the idea protect their identities woodI shall burningrefer to themstove as and a kettle which is a good of the gearbox not self-destructing. Martin, Laurence and Mike.start Weand met a sturdy in a shed workbench – for hammering It’s quite possible you don’t remember but last time I ended which is actually Martin’s very well equipped on something of a cliffhanger. Would I find the bushes in my gearboxes apart. When the smell of burning wood gearbox had been attacked by EP90 gear oil? workshop on a farm in darkest Surrey. It has a gets too much you can stick your head out of the Well I can now tell you, and I hope you are sitting down, the wood burning stove anddoor a kettle and takewhich in is the a good smell of the countryside. answer is no. The bushes were worn on the wearing surfaces start and a sturdy workbenchThere arefor hammeringcowsheds on two sides which are full of and need replacing but the other dimensions and features were gearboxes apart. When the smell of burning wood not eroded. The ends and the oil grooves are the places where cows, or bulls, so there’s plenty to smell. you would expect to see any effects of a chemical reaction gets too much you can stick your head out of the corroding the yellow metal of the bush. I didn’t see any of that. door and take in the smellThere of theis a countryside.process to stripping the gearboxes which, as well as hammers, requiresThe reason spanners, you might be sockets interested in this is that there is some There are cowsheds onand, two whensides which it comes are tofull the of circlips, quite a lot of swearing. Martin had alreadyconcern stripped that the his additives box used and in some gear oils to make them suitable for hypoid differentials attack the yellow metals from cows, or bulls, so there’swe plenty got the to othersmell. three apart quite quickly which allowed enough time to go whichto the the bushespub for are made.lunch. We now know which bits are required to put them back together and those are being procured. There is a process to stripping the gearboxes which, as wellThere asis a hammers, process to stripping requires the gearboxes spanners, which, as sockets well as Some gear oils are now marketed as “yellow metal friendly”. hammers, requires spanners, sockets and, when it comes to the My gear box has certainly not seen anything marketed as such and, when it comes to theNow, circlips, we are quite not aall lot doing of swearing. the samecirclips, Martin thing. quite a had lotContro of swearing.alreadyversially Martin stripped had I havealready his decidedstripped box and his that during since its time I know with me the – just bog standard EP90 from Castrol, we got the other three historyapart quite of most quickly of the which bearings allowed inbox enoughmy and gearboxwe got time the other andto three go most toapart the quiteof pubthem quickly for whichare lunch. fine,allowed We I am Halfords only and replacing Comma and the I would say it seems it’s none the enough time to go to the pub for lunch. We now know which worse for that. now know which bits aretaper required roller tobearings put them on back the outputtogether shaft and which those haveare being not beenprocured. tracking properly. I have also decided bits are required to put them back together and those are being Now of course we don’t have hypoid diffs in Tractions and the to invest in something called a Jackprocured. Weaver plate which the Traction Avant Netherlands club (TAN) Now, we are not all doing the same thing. Controversially I have decided that since I know the concern about EP90 and phosphor bronze has mainly come offers. This effectively ties the twoNow, taperwe are not roller all doing bearing the same thing.supports Controversially together. I have Otherwisefrom attack of theyworm wheels can have– and we a don’t have those either. history of most of the bearings in my gearbox and most of them are fine, I am only replacing the tendency to splay apart as a resultdecided of thatthe since forces I know between the history of mostthe ofpin theion bearings and in the EPcrown oils originally wheel. used None lead additives of to cope with extreme taper roller bearings on the output shaft which have notmy been gearbox tracking and most ofproperly. them are fine, I have I am only also replacing decided the pressures. This had to be replaced with something less toxic to invest in something calledour boxes a Jack had Weaver failed platethis way, which but taperthe last rollerTraction time bearings around Avant on the output Netherlandsthat shaft is exactly club what (TAN) happened to mine. and phosphorus was chosen which have not been tracking properly. I offers. This effectively ties the two taper roller bearing supports together. Otherwise they can have a to minimise wear. Active Who is this Jack Weaver? Well hehave was also decideda New to Zealanderinvest in something sulphur was added to enable tendency to splay apartwho as a racedresult aof Faux the forcesCoupe between down therecalled the a Jackinpin the ionWeaver ‘50s.and plate the He which crownwas the wheel. None of the phosphorous to form a our boxes had failed this way, but last time around that Tractionis exactly Avant whatNetherlands happened club (TAN) to mine. protective layer on the metal. quite keen on modifications whichoffers. extended This effectively to ties a the two taper Then it was found that the roller bearing supports together. Otherwise Who is this Jack Weaver?shortened Well he waswheelbase a New Zealanderfastback-style Traction of which, active sulphur was causing they can have a tendency to splay apart as corrosion. This was replaced who raced a Faux Coupesadly, down I havethere found in the no ‘50s. photos. He was Hea result even of the designed forces between and the pinion by “inactive sulphur”, meaning quite keen on modificatibuiltons awhich car which extended he entered to a intoand the the 1960crown wheel. New None Zealand of our boxes a stabiliser has been added had failed this way, but last time around shortened wheelbase fastbackGrand Prix-style with Traction a rear of mounted, which, supercharged Traction to the sulphur to prevent the that is exactly what happened to mine. corrosion. From what I have sadly, I have found no photos.Avant engine He even and designed gearbox. and According Who is this to Jack Lance Weaver? Cole’s Well he was a read this has been in most EP built a car which he entered“Citroen into the the complete1960 New story” Zealand “with New Zealander stronger who bearings,raced a Faux Coupe gears for over 25 years now. Grand Prix with a rear mounted,pinions and supercharged casing, and Traction an internal redesign, Weaver’s Avant engine and gearbox.gearbox According stopped to Lancethe Traction Cole’s gearbox from self-destructing”. Again, I have found no photos of that “Citroen the complete carstory” but “with I do know stronger that bearings, he didn’t qualifyFloating Power and – thereforeVolume 41 Issue did 3 not actually take part in the race. But I like 23 pinions and casing, andthe an ideainternal of the redesign, gearbox Weaver’s not self -destructing. gearbox stopped the Traction gearbox from self-destructing”. Again, I have found no photos of that car but I do know that heIt’s didn’t quite qualifypossible and you therefore don’t remember did not actually but last take time part I ended in the onrace. something But I like of a cliffhanger. Would I the idea of the gearboxfind not theself -bushesdestructing. in my gearbox had been attacked by EP90 gear oil?

It’s quite possible you don’tWell rememberI can now tell but you, last timeand I I hopeended you on aresomething sitting down, of a cliffhanger. the answer Would is no. I The bushes were worn on find the bushes in my gearboxthe wearing had been surfaces attacked and needby EP90 replacing gear oil? but the other dimensions and features were not eroded. The ends and the oil grooves are the places where you would expect to see any effects of a chemical Well I can now tell you,reaction and I hope corroding you are thesitting yellow down, metal the ofanswer the bush. is no. I Thedidn’t bushes see any were of wornthat. on the wearing surfaces and need replacing but the other dimensions and features were not eroded. The ends and the oil grooves are the places where you would expect to see any effects of a chemical reaction corroding the yellow metal of the bush. I didn’t see any of that. The reason you might be interested in this is that there is some concern that the additives used in some gear oils to make them suitable for hypoid differentials attack the yellow metals from which the bushes are made.

Some gear oils are now marketed as “yellow metal friendly”. My gear box has certainly not seen anything marketed as such during its time with me – just bog standard EP90 from Castrol, Halfords The reason you might be interested in this is that there is someand concernComma thatand theI would additives say it used seems in it’s none the worse for that. some gear oils to make them suitable for hypoid differentialsNow attack of course the yellow we don’tmetals have from hypoid which diffs in Tractions and the concern about EP90 and phosphor the bushes are made. bronze has mainly come from attack of worm wheels – and we don’t have those either.

Some gear oils are now marketed as “yellow metal friendly”.EP My oils gear originally box has used certainly lead additivesnot seen to cope with extreme pressures. This had to be replaced with anything marketed as such during its time with me – just bogsomething standard lessEP90 toxic from and Castrol, phosphorus Halfords was chosen to minimise wear. Active sulphur was added to and Comma and I would say it seems it’s none the worse forenable that. the phosphorous to form a protective layer on the metal. Then it was found that the active Now of course we don’t have hypoid diffs in Tractions and thesulphur concern was about causing EP90 corrosion. and phosphor This was replaced by “inactive sulphur”, meaning a stabiliser has bronze has mainly come from attack of worm wheels – and beenwe don’t added have to thosethe sulphur either. to prevent the corrosion. From what I have read this has been in most EP gears for over 25 years now. EP oils originally used lead additives to cope with extreme pressures.Bailey’s This Banter had to be replaced with something less toxic and phosphorus was chosen to minimise wear. Active sulphur was added to We don’t need the extreme pressure performance and Whilsttherefore looking for information don’t aboutneed Mr Weaverthe phosphorous.I visited the Synchromesh probably enable the phosphorous to form a protective layer on the metal. Then it was found that the active website of the Citroen Classic Owners Club of Australia (CCOCA)benefits and noticed from an articlenot about having fitting a thedoor open EP additives but I don’t notice any sulphur was causing corrosion. This was replaced by “inactive sulphur”, meaning a stabiliser has warning light. The author had experienced one of his suicide been added to the sulphur to prevent the corrosion. From what I have read this has been in most EPfrontbenefit doors opening in the at speed gearcha and thoughtnge he should of do my current box. something to prevent it happening again. He fitted switches gears for over 25 years now. whichSo –trigger my a warningadvice light whenis to one relax any of the and doors don’tis not worry about it. You don’t fully shut. I was driving to work the other and noticed a draught We don’t need the extreme pressure performance and upneed my left legan indicating EP oil that in I had your not shut gearbox my driver’s door but based on what I’ve seen, properly.whichever I had no passenger you’ve with gotme so wouldin your have had gearbox no such is going to be fine and therefore don’t need the phosphorous. Synchromesh probablywarning on the other side. Such a light seems like a good idea. benefits from not having the EP additives but I don’t notice anyMywhen own Traction it breaks is a regular itvisitor will to our be company for acar different park reason. That is of wherecourse colleagues just tend my to take opinion, an interest as others’it rather stands may out differ. benefit in the gearchange of my current box. from the crowd. Just this week one of them noticed the green painted gearbox behind the grille and realised it was front wheel drive.That Is it reasonmy imagination may is the Traction’swell be grille due rather moreto the failure of a bush. In the So – my advice is to relaxWe don’t and need don’t the extreme worry pressure about performance it. and You therefore don’t nd open than on other Citroens? I wonder if there was a deliberate 2don’t /reverseneed the phosphorous. gear Synchromesh cluster probablythere benefits are two bushes which are supposed to have a gap between them but need an EP oil in your fromgearbox not having butthe EP basedadditives but on I don’t what notice I’veany benefit seen, in intention to draw the eye to the unorthodox location of the havethe gearchange a tendency of my current box.to move towards eachgearbox other to show. That off its advanced is unfortunate technology. When I ashave it rebuilt has two consequences. First – whichever you’ve got in your gearbox is going to be fine and mine I am going to paint my gearbox bright yellow. That’ll save So – my advice is to relax and don’t worry about it. You don’t the gap between them for the oil feed,me soworrying it gets about matching the green colour; it might show the when it breaks it will beneed for an EP a oil different in your gearbox reason. but based on That what I’ve is seen, of My own Traction is a regular visitor to our company car park where colleagues tend to take an dirt though. I hope, however, I never have to fit it. course just my opinion,blocked.whichever others’ you’ve Themay got in yoursecond differ. gearbox isconsequence going to be fine and is thatinterest the as gear it rather has stands out from the crowd. Just this week one of them noticed the green painted lesswhen it supportbreaks it will be on for a thedifferent shaft reason. Thatand is ofwobbles course more. My bushes gearbox behind the grille and realised it was front just my opinion, others’ may differ. That reason may well be due to the failure of a bush. In the wheel drive. Is it my imagination is the Traction’s grille hadn’tThat reason maymoved well be due and to the I’m failure a of little a bush. Insad the 2n thatd/ I’ll have to replace nd rather more open than on other Citroens? I wonder if 2 /reverse gear cluster there are two bushes which are supposedthem.reverse gear Theto cluster have bushes there area gaptwo in bushes betweenthe which others are supposed them boxes to but had moved and have a gap between them but have a tendency to move towards there was a deliberate intention to draw the eye to have a tendency to move towards each other. That is unfortunate as it has two consequences. First – thateach other. was That probablyis unfortunate as theit has twocause consequences. of one of the failures. We the unorthodox location of the gearbox to show off its the gap between them for the oil feed, so it gets can introduce a little modification which puts a spacer advanced technology. When I have rebuilt mine I am blocked. The second consequence is that the gear has between the bushes but we need to be careful it does going to paint my gearbox bright yellow. That’ll save less support on the shaft and wobbles more. My bushes not block the oilway. me worrying about matching the green colour; it hadn’t moved and I’m a little sad that I’ll have to replace might show the dirt though. I hope, however, I never have to fit it. them. The bushes in the others boxes had moved and Whilst looking for information about Mr Weaver I visited the website of the Citroen Classic Owners that was probably the cause of one of the failures. We Club of Australia (CCOCA) and noticedI havean article this vague about notion fitting that I cana door justify open having warning a fleet of light.old cars. The I tell author myself (actually I tell my had experienced one of his suicide frontwife)I have doors this that, vague if opening notionI have that several I can a justifyt speed cars having they a fleetand back of thoughtold each other he up. should Together do th ey can be as reliable as a can introduce a little modification which puts a spacer cars. I tell myself (actually I tell my wife) that, if I have several something to prevent it happening again.modern He car. fitted The flawswitches in this argument which trigger comes whena warning you forget light that when not only one do you need to keep the between the bushes but we need to be careful it does backcars they-up back car each working, other up. Togetherits back they-up can car be asneeds reliable to be functional too. At this point, with my DS away for a any of the doors is not fully shut. I wasas drivinga modern car. to The work flaw in this the argument other comes and when younoticed a draught up my left leg not block the oilway. bitforget of that bodywork not only do you the need Traction to keep the has back-up been car in working, regular use for the past several weeks. In my mind, if the First – the gap between them for the oil feed, so it gets blocked. indicating that I had not shut my driver’sits back-up door car needs properly. to be functional I had too. At no this point,passenger with my with me so would have The second consequence is that the gear has less support on Traction fails to start, the Chrysler is there if I need it and the Traction has not let me down. All good DS away for a bit of bodywork the Traction has been in regular Whilst looking for information about Mr Weaver I visited thethe website shaft and wobbles of themore. MyCitroen bushes hadn’t Classic moved and Owners I’m a so far but I have been noticing an increasing grumbling sound from the Traction’s front end. Nothing had no such warning on the other side.use Suchfor the past a severallight weeks. seems In my mind,like if thea goodTraction fails idea. to little sad that I’ll have to replace them. The bushes in the others Club of Australia (CCOCA) and noticed an article about fitting a door open warning light. The authoralarmingstart, the Chrysler – but is there turning if I need the it and music the Traction up no has longer not let covers it up. I know it’s not the wheel bearings boxes had moved and that was probably the cause of one of becauseme down. All I goodchecked so far but them I have recently.been noticing A an poke increasing around confirmed that the inner UJs are not at all well. This the failures. We can introduce a little modification which puts a had experienced one of his suicide front doors opening at speed and thought he should do grumbling sound from the Traction’s front end. Nothing alarming spacer between the bushes but we need to be careful it does not is frustrating as I had the gearbox out only a few months ago – I couldn’t feel any play in them then – but turning the music up no longer covers it up. I know it’s not something to prevent it happening again. He fitted switchesblock which the oilway. trigger a warning light when one butthe wheel there bearings certainly because is I checkednow! them recently. A poke any of the doors is not fully shut. I was driving to work the other and noticed a draught up my left leg Having recently read of catastrophic UJ failure, which didn’t sound good something must be done. indicating that I had not shut my driver’s door properly. I had no passenger with me so would have Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 24 And soon and we have some long trips coming up.. had no such warning on the other side. Such a light seems like a good idea. There are no clonks on full lock, but the outer UJs are showing some movement too. If they had been ok I would have “just” replaced the inner UJ’s in the existing cardans. But I cannot face struggling with all 6 UJs – especially as all I hear about the outer double joints warns me that they are a nightmare to change. So – off to the TOC Spares emporium (in a rental car) with my credit card and back I came with two complete drive shafts fitted with inner and outer CV joints.

I have some conflicts about this – I would have preferred to stick with the original hook joint and splines formula, flawed as it is by not being a constant velocity design, needing regular greasing and My own Traction is a regular visitor to our company car park where colleagues tend to take an interest as it rather stands out from the crowd. Just this week one of them noticed the green painted gearbox behind the grille and realised it was front wheel drive. Is it my imagination is the Traction’s grille rather more open than on other Citroens? I wonder if there was a deliberate intention to draw the eye to the unorthodox location of the gearbox to show off its advanced technology. When I have rebuilt mine I am going to paint my gearbox bright yellow. That’ll save me worrying about matching the green colour; it might show the dirt though. I hope, however, I never have to fit it.

I have this vague notion that I can justify having a fleet of old cars. I tell myself (actually I tell my wife) that, if I have several cars they back each other up. Together they can be as reliable as a modern car. The flaw in this argument comes when you forget that not only do you need to keep the back-up car working, its back-up car needs to be functional too. At this point, Bailey’swith my DS away Banter for a bit of bodywork the Traction has been in regular use for the past several weeks. In my mind, if the

Tractionaround confirmed fails to that start, the innerthe ChryslerUJs are not is atthere all well. if IThis need is it andlast the replaced Traction mine. hasOnly notone haslet mea date down. code onAll it good– 1997, the sofrustrating far but as I Ihave had the been gearbox noticing out only an a fewincreasing months ago grumbling – I yearsound I bought from the the car. Tractio I thoughtn’s I had front replaced end. a Nothing couple of tyres alarmingcouldn’t feel – any but play turning in them the then music but there up certainly no longer is now! covers itsince up. Ithen, know but it’s maybe not not. the The wheel tread bearingsis fine on all the tyres, becauseHaving recently I checked read of themcatastrophic recently. UJ failure, A poke which around didn’t confirmedand there’s that notthe much inner visible UJs sign are of not decay at allbut, well. given ThisBob’s issound frustrating good something as I had must the be gearboxdone. And outsoon only and wea few have months experience ago – I couldn’tI’ve bought feel four newany tyresplay – in the them one with then the date butsome there long trips certainly coming up..is now! code will replace the spare which is seriously old. TOC Spares have had a bit of a run on tyres in the last few weeks – evidence There are no clonks on full lock, but the outer UJs are showing Having recently read of catastrophic UJ failure, which didn’tthat people sound read good the articles something in F-P and must take be action. done. Britain’s some movement too. If they had been ok I would have “just” And soon and we have some long trips coming up.. roads are safer because of Floating Power. replaced the inner UJ’s in the existing cardans. But I cannot face Therestruggling are with no all c 6lonks UJs – on especially full lock, as allbut I hear the about outer the UJs outer are showingIt’s not as someeasy as movement it was to get tyretoo. fitters If they to swap had tyres that they beendouble okjoints I would warns mehave that “just” they are replaced a nightmare the to innerchange. UJ’s So in thehave existing not themselves cardans. supplied. But IFurthermore, cannot face not all tyre fitters struggling– off to the TOC with Spares all 6 emporium UJs – especially (in a rental as car) all with I hear my credit about thehave outer the adapters double for join centrelessts warns wheels. me There that isthey one near us that is willing and able so I can look forward to a couple of hours arecard aand nightmare back I came to with change. two complete So – offdrive to shafts the TOCfitted Spareswith emporium (in a rental car) with my credit card in their waiting room reading out of date magazines. Maybe I’ll andinner backand outer I came CV joints. with two complete drive shafts fitted with inner and outer CV joints. be lucky enough to find a copy of the March edition of Octane.

I have some conflicts about this – I would have preferred to stick with the original hook joint and I have some conflicts about this – I would have preferred to stick splines formula, flawed as it is by not being a constant velocityPatrick Russell-Jones design, needing tells me regular he saw greasingit in his local and tyre fitter with the original hook joint and splines formula, flawed as it is by and it contained a couple of items of interest. The article by not being a constant velocity design, needing regular greasing Jon Pressnell about the French President’s DS would in itself and restricting the turning circle. Having just written that, I’m be a good way to pass the time, but there was also a list of the really not sure why I would prefer that at all, other than that’s how best cars to buy in 2017 and apparently the Traction was listed it came out of the factory and is part of the character of the car. second. Second? What came first? That we don’t know. Can you My reason for going to CV joints is purely that it takes the least think of a better car to buy this year? amount of time to do. It is certainly the most expensive option. If you are thinking of buying one this year, you might want Now – as I write this, I am half way through changing the first to study a buying guide. Martin Vickerstaff sent me copies shaft so I am somewhat behind schedule. Everything came apart a couple of buyers guide articles from September 1994 and ok and the new shaft is where it should be. But getting the upper February 2000 issues of Practical Classics. That’s the kind of and lower ball joint nuts to run up the threads is proving harder thing I’d like to see on the TOC web site for prospective new than it should. Some damage has occurred and the threads owners to look at before they invest. I don’t mean just identifying need attention. So I gave up and recommissioned the Chrysler all the problem areas but all the advantages and opportunities which needed a little work on the ignition and a couple of litres of too. Looking at the values, I don’t think they’ve gone up much gearbox oil before I could trust it. And then it sprang a leak from in the intervening years. Not a great investment so far, but that a rubber fuel hose which I didn’t think was that old. might explain why they’re tipped now. Speaking of old rubber, in the last F-P we read about Bob’s And finally, a quick update on my scuttle vent seal. I can report experience with his old tyres and we were shown how to decode that it has now been thoroughly tested by Doris and other more the age of a tyre. I thought I had better try and work out when I anonymous storms – and it does not leak.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 25

LaLa SociétéSociété desdes TaxisTaxis CitroënCitroën.. PartPart 2 2 Andre Andre Citroën Citroën and and his his Paris Paris Taxis. Taxis.

InIn P Partart 1 1 we we were were looking looking at at the the background background to to the the Societe Societe des des TaxisTaxis Citroën. Citroën. We We move move now now to to an an aspect aspect of of these these taxis taxis that that is is not not especiallyespecially well well known known; ; that that most most of of the the drivers drivers of of M.Citroën's M.Citroën's TaxisTaxis were were " "WWhitehite Russians Russians"" - -or or " "LesLes Russes Russes Blancs Blancs"". .These These were were RussiansRussians loyal loyal to to Tsar Tsar Nicholas Nicholas II II of of Russia Russia, , the the I mperialImperial R Regimeegime; ; whowho had had escaped escaped the the revolution revolution in in Russia. Russia. . .

La Société des Taxis Citroën LaLa SociétéSociété desdes TaxisTaxis CitroënCitroën.. InIn 1917, 1917, hundreds hundreds of of thousands thousands of of refugees, refugees, fled fled the the Bolshe Bolshevikvik PartPart 22 AndreAndre CitroënCitroën andand hishis ParisParis Taxis.Taxis. RevolutionRevolution, ,many many of of whom whom were were the the intelligentsia, intelligentsia, the the nobility nobility and and Part 2 Andre Citroën and especiallyespecially the the Russian Russian army. army. They They were were trapped trapped in in Russia Russia until until the the InIn PPartart 11 wewe werewere lookinglooking atat thethe backgroundbackground 1920'stoto1920's thethe Societe Societe and and thereafter thereafter desdes they they left left Russia Russia and and headed headed out out all all over over the the his ParisTaxisTaxis Taxis Citroën.Citroën. WeWe movemove nownow toto anan aspectaspect ofof theseworld.theseworld. taxistaxis As As many thatmanythat is isas as notnot 400,000 400,000 chose chose France France for for thei their r new new home home. . especiallyespecially wellwell knownknown;; thatthat mostmost ofof thethe driversdriversWhileWhile ofof many M.Citroën's M.Citroën'smany settled settled in in Paris, Paris, t heythey also also settled settled in in other other large large cities cities and on the French Riviera. Some were able to live in Paris with their TaxisTaxishome. werewere While "" WmanyWhitehite settled RussiansRussians in Paris,"" - - theyoror "" alsoLesLes settledRussesRusses in BlancsBlancsand on"". . the TheseThese French werewere Riviera. Some were able to live in Paris with their RussiansRussiansother large loyalloyal cities toto and TsarTsar on the NicholasNicholas French Riviera. IIII ofof RussiaRussia Some ,were, thethepersonal personal IImperialmperial fortunes, fortunes, RRegimeegime ;while; while others others had had to to work work in in the the factories factories of of whowhoable hadtohad live escapedescaped in Paris with thethe their revolutionrevolution personal fortunes, inin Russia.Russia. while . . RenaultRenault and and Citroën. Citroën. F Foror a a relative relative f ew,few, they they became became taxi taxi drivers drivers or or others had to work in the factories of Renault and Citroën.waiters.waiters. InInFor 1917,1917, a relative hundredshundreds few, they ofof became thousandsthousands taxi drivers ofof refugees,refugees, or waiters. fledfled thethe BolsheBolshevikvik In the late 1920's, of 3000 taxis in Paris something like 80% were RevolutionRevolutionIn the late 1920’s,,, manymany of of3000of whomwhom taxis in werewere Paris thethe something intelligentsia,intelligentsia, like In the the thelate nobilitynobility 1920's , andand of 3000 taxis in Paris something like 80% were especiallyespecially80% were owned thethe RussianRussian or driven army.army.by Russians. TheyThey Many werewere of trapped trappedthe ownedowned inin RussiaRussia or or driven driven untiluntil by thebythe Russian Russian ss. .Many Many of of the the drivers drivers were were former former 1920's1920'sdrivers andwereand thereafterformerthereafter military theythey people, leftleft among RussiaRussia them andand there headedheadedmilitary military outout people people allall overover, , among among thethe them them there there were were many many senior senior officers officers of of world.world.were many AsAs manyseniormany officers asas 400,000400,000 of the Imperial chosechose FranceFranceguard. They forfor hadthe theithethei Imperial rImperialr newnew homehome gu guard.ard... T Theyhey had had an an excellent excellent education, education, but but their their only only WhileWhilean excellent manymany education, settledsettled butinin Paris,Paris,their only tthey hey“work alsoalso experience” settledsettled "work "work inin otherother experience experience largelarge citiescities"" was was war war. . Th Theyey could could though though drive, drive, and and andwas onwar. the They French could though Riviera. drive, Some and thereforeweretherefore able the tothe live military in Paris (along with withtheir aristocrats and Cossacks) easily got their andAboveAbove on: :Therethe There French were were books Riviera.books about about Some weretherefore able to the live m inilitary Paris (along with their with aristocrats and Cossacks) easily got their personalmilitary (along fortunes, with aristocrats while andothers Cossacks) hadlicenses. to easily work got in the factories of personalthethe White White fortunes, Russian Russian Taxi Taxiwhile drivers. drivers. others hadlicenses. to work in the factories of RenaultRenaulttheir licenses. andand Citroën.Citroën. FForor aa relativerelative f few,ew, theythey becamebecame taxitaxi driversdrivers oror Thewaiters.waiters.TheThe job jobjob offered offered serious serious serious advantages: advantages: advantages: outside outsidetheir outside official their their off officialicial work; work; flexible flexible schedules schedules allowed allowed them them to to conduct conduct parallel parallelwork; flexible political political schedules activity activity allowed and and them attend attend to conduct at at any any parallel time time of of day day or or night night meetings meetings intended intended to to "save "save Russia" Russia" from from the the BolsheviksInInBolshevikspolitical thethe latelate activity 1920's 1920's and and and work attend,work, ofof 3000towards3000 attowards any taxistaxis time reinstating ofreinstating inin day ParisParis or night somethingsomething the the old old regime. regime. likelike 80%80% werewere ownedowned meetings oror intended drivendriven to byby “save RussianRussian Russia”ss.. fromManyMany the of of Bolsheviks thethe driversdrivers werewere formerformer TmilitarymilitaryTheandhese sework émigrés émigrés people peopletowards , also, reinstating also amongamong beca beca them themmetheme old conscientious conscientious there thereregime. werewere manymany seniorsenior officersofficers ofof pthetheprofessionals.Theserofessionals. ImperialImperial émigrés gu gu alsoTo ard.Toard. get becameget TT heytohey to know conscientiousknow hadhad ananthe the excellentexcellent streets streets professionals. of education,ofeducation, Paris, Paris, they they butbut theirtheir onlyonly built"work"workbuiltTo get a a experiencetomodelexperience model know sthes of of streets the ""the waswas capital ofcapital Paris,warwar .in. they in ThTh plaster, plaster,ey eybuilt couldcould models with with thoughthough of all theall the the drive,drive, andand therefore theprincipalprincipalcapital military in plaster,roads roads (along within in and andwithall the out out aristocratsprincipal . .They They roads learned learned and in and Cossacks the outthe . routes routes) easily by by got their AboveAbove:: ThereThere werewere booksbooks aboutabout therefore the military (along with aristocrats and Cossacks) easily got their licenses. circulatingThey learned small the routes cars by on circulating them - small compare cars on withthem your thethe WhiteWhite RussianRussian TaxiTaxi drivers.drivers. licenses. circulating small cars on them - compare with your averageaverage- compare minicab minicab with your or or average Uber Uber minicab driver. driver. or Uber driver. TheThe jobjob offeredoffered seriousserious advantages:advantages: outsideoutside theirtheir offofficialicial work;work; flexibleflexible schedulesschedules allowedallowed themthem toto conductconduct

In Partparallelparallel 1 we politicalwerepolitical looking activityactivity at the andbackgroundand attendattend to atat the anyany timetime ofof dayday oror nightnight meetingsmeetings intendedintended toto "save"save Russia"Russia" fromfrom thethe

SocieteBolsheviksBolsheviks des Taxis and andCitroën. workwork We towardstowards move now reinstatingreinstating to an aspect the the oldold regime.regime. of these taxis that is not especially well known; that mostTThehe ofse se the émigrésémigrés drivers of alsoalso M.Citroën’s becabecameme Taxis conscientiousconscientious were “White Russians”pprofessionals.rofessionals. - or “Les ToRussesTo getget toBlancs”.to knowknow These thethe streetsstreets were ofof Paris,Paris, theythey Above: In a quiet moment, a Russian Taxi driver Russiansbuiltbuilt aa loyal modelmodel to Tsarss ofof Nicholas thethe capitalcapital II of Russia,inin plaster,plaster, the withwith allall thethe Above: In a quiet moment, a Russian Taxi driver reads his Russian text newspaper. Imperialprincipalprincipal Regime; roadsroads who inin had andand escaped outout .. TheyThey the revolution learnedlearned in thethe routesroutes byby reads his Russian text newspaper. Russia.circulatingcirculating . smallsmall carscars onon themthem -- comparecompare withwith youryour In 1917,averageaverage hundreds minicabminicab of thousands oror UberUber of refugees, driver.driver. fled the Bolshevik Revolution, many of whom were the intelligentsia, the nobility and especially the Russian Above: A kindly caricature of army. They were trapped in Russia until the 1920’s and Above: A kindly caricature of a Russian Taxi Driver. thereafter they left Russia and headed out all over the a Russian Taxi Driver. world. As many as 400,000 chose France for their new

1 1 AboveAbove:: InIn aa quietquiet moment,moment, aa RussianRussian TaxiTaxi driverdriver 26 Floating Powerreadsreads – Volume hishis RussianRussian 41 Issue texttext 3 newspaper.newspaper.

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11

La SociétéLa Société des Taxisdes Taxis Citroën Citroën. . Part 2 AndrePart 2 Citroën Andre Citroën and his andParis his Taxis. Paris Taxis.

In Part 1In we Part were 1 we looking were looking at the background at the background to the Societe to the Societe des des Taxis Citroën.Taxis Citroën. We move We now move to nowan aspect to an ofaspect these of taxis these that taxis is notthat is not especiallyespecially well known well ;known that most; that of most the driversof the driversof M.Citroën's of M.Citroën's Taxis wereTaxis "W werehite "RussiansWhite Russians" - or "Les" - orRusses "Les RussesBlancs" Blancs. These" .were These were RussiansRussians loyal to loyal Tsar toNicholas Tsar Nicholas II of Russia II of, Russia the Imperial, the Imperial Regime R; egime ; who hadwho escaped had escaped the revolution the revolution in Russia. in Russia.. .

In 1917,In hundreds 1917, hundreds of thousands of thousands of refugees, of refugees, fled the fled Bolshe thevik Bolshe vik RevolutionRevolution, many ,of many whom of werewhom the were intelligentsia, the intelligentsia, the nobility the nobility and and especiallyespecially the Russian the Russian army. They army. were They trapped were trapped in Russia in untilRussia the until the 1920's 1920'sand thereafter and thereafter they left they Russia left andRussia headed and headed out all outover all the over the world. world.As many As as many 400,000 as 400,000 chose France chose Francefor thei forr new thei homer new. home. While manyWhile settled many settledin Paris, in t Paris,hey also they settled also settledin other in large other cities large cities and on andthe Frenchon the FrenchRiviera. Riviera. Some were Some able were to ablelive in to Paris live inwith Paris their with their personalpersonal fortunes, fortunes, while others while hadothers to workhad to in work the factories in the factories of of RenaultRenault and Citroën. and Citroën. For a relative For a relative few, they few, became they became taxi drivers taxi driversor or waiters.waiters.

In the lateIn the 1920's late, 1920'sof 3000, of taxis 3000 in taxis Paris in something Paris something like 80% like were 80% were owned ownedor driven or bydriven Russian by Russians. Manys .of Many the drivers of the drivers were former were former militarymilitary people ,people among, amongthem there them were there many were senior many officerssenior officers of of the Imperialthe Imperial guard. Tguheyard. had They an hadexcellent an excellent education, education, but their but only their only "work experience"work experience" was war" was. Th warey could. They though could thoughdrive, anddrive, and Above: ThereAbove were: There books were about books abouttherefore therefore the military the m (alongilitary with(along aristocrats with aristocrats and Cossacks and Cossacks) easily )got easily their got their the Whitethe Russian White RussianTaxi drivers. Taxi drivers.licenses. licenses.

The jobThe offered job offered serious seriousadvantages: advantages: outside outside their off theiricial offwork;icial flexible work; flexibleschedules schedules allowed allowed them to them conduct to conduct parallelparallel political political activity activityand attend and atattend any timeat any of timeday orof nightday or meetings night meetings intended intended to "save to Russia" "save Russia" from the from the BolsheviksBolsheviks and work and towards work towards reinstating reinstating the old theregime. old regime. La Société des Taxis Citroën

These émigrésThese émigrés also beca alsome beca conscientiousme conscientious In 1922- 1923 Paris effectively became the professionals.professionals. To get toTo know get to the know streets the streetsof Paris, of they Paris, they capital of the Russian diaspora. From 1919 built a modelbuilt as model of thes capital of the incapital plaster, in plaster, with all with the all the to 1939, there were nearly 45,000 Russians principalprincipal roads in roads and outin and . They out learned . They learned the routes the byroutes by settled in the capital.. circulatingcirculating small cars small on carsthem on - them compare - compare with your with your For the many Russian taxi drivers, the first of average minicab or Uber driver. many monthly newspapers in Russian was average minicab or Uber driver. published in Paris in May 1928. It was a trade In 1922- 1923 Paris effectively became the capital of the Russian diaspora.paper Frombut with 1919 a tostrong 1939, literary there contentwere as nearly 45,000 Russians settled in the capital.. well. It provided general advice along with For the many Russian taxi drivers, the first of many monthly newspapers in Russian was published in Paris in information on labour law, tax and technical May 1928. It was a trade paper but with a strong literary content as well. It provided general advice along with information on labour law, tax and technical advice. It also left advice.room for It alsoliterature left room with textsfor literature by well with texts known Russian authors and poets. Even now discoveries are regularlyby made well inknown French Russian university authors libraries and and poets. Even museums of writing and poetry by Russian emigrants that have lain unseen for years. Above: InAbove a quiet: In moment,a quiet moment, a Russian a RussianTaxi driver Taxi driver now discoveries are regularly made in French

reads hisreads Russian his Russiantext newspaper. text newspaper. university libraries and museums of writing and poetry by Russian emigrants that have lain unseen for years.

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1 1

Above: On the right the text is self explanatory; a garage with accommodation built by Citroën for Citroën Taxi drivers. The date of 1912 (as with all the other dates therein) is incorrect. Citroën did not begin making cars until 1919. The date of these garages is more likely to be the mid 1920's. It is perhaps the only structure of its kind that remains in Paris . Above, left is a view of the terrace and housing on top of the garages. Top left is what remains of the garage entrance. Now largely inhabited by an artist community, access for the public to these buildings is very limited.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 27

2

The reader may recall that in the previous article I observed that André Citroën expanded the Taxi business from the Quai de Javel to Levallois Perret. So far as I can tell these premises included accommodation as well as garages. With the business rapidly growing the company expanded yet further, this time to the small and dedicated area of La Butte aux Cailles - some 15 km south of Levallois (see the pictures above).

This was part of an emerging pattern whereby small "villages" were developed and populated by Russians, often with Taxi garages amongst them. As the taxis drivenThe reader by mayRussians recall thattravelled in the previous around article Paris I observed so it was that that André Citroën expanded the Taxi business thesefrom the "villages" Quai de Javel remained to Levallois in closePerret. contact So far as Iwith can tell one these premises included accommodation as well as garages. With the business rapidly growing the company expanded yet further, this time to the small and another.dedicated area of La Butte aux Cailles - some 15 km south of Levallois (see the pictures above).

MeanwhileThis was part ofCitroën an emerging, always pattern with whereby an eye small on how his products"villages" were were developed perceived and bypopulated the public, by Russians worried, that often with Taxi garages amongst them. As the taxis thedriven Société's by Russians reputation travelled around would Paris be sodamaged it was that if people observedthese "villages" a broken remained down in close Citroën contact Taxiwith .one Typically for him,another. he set up a Taxi recovery team and whenever one

ofMeanwhile the Société Citroën cabs, always "failed with to an proceed" eye on how the his 24 hr recoveryproducts were team perceived comprising by the apublic, Kegr esseworried and that a couple of Above: A Union card for a Russian Chauffeur. lorriethe Société'ss would reputation be quickly would despatched be damaged toif people get it back to the La Société des Taxis Citroënnearestobserved garage a broken. down Citroën Taxi. Typically for him, he set up a Taxi recovery team and whenever one

The reader may recall that in the previous article I of the Société cabs "failed to proceed" the 24 hr observed that André Citroën expanded the Taxi business recovery team comprising a Kegresse and a couple of In theAbove summer: A Union of card 1927 for a 25 Russianx fully Chauffeur. enclosed all steel (4x & 6x light from the Quai de Javel to Levallois Perret. So far as I lorries would be quickly despatched to get it back to the B14) cabs were tried out. The trial was a resounding success and can tell these premises included accommodation as nearest garage. very quickly the cab type that we see at the top of the page were The reader may recall that in the previous article I observed that André Citroën expanded the Taxi business well as garages. With the business rapidly growing the quickly scrapped or converted into flat bed lorries. In the summer of 1927 25x fully enclosed all steel (4x & 6x light from the Quai de Javel to Levallois Perret. So far as I can tell thesecompany premises expanded included yet further, accommodationthis time to the small as well as and dedicated area of La Butte aux Cailles - some 15 km B14) cabs were tried out. The trial was a resounding success and garages. With the business rapidly growing the company expanded yet further, this time to the small and By 1931 there were 20,000 Taxis in Paris of which 12,378 were of south of Levallois (see the pictures above). very quickly the cab type that we see at the top of the page were dedicated area of La ButteThe reader aux may Cailles recall that- some in the 15 previous km south article I ofobserved Levallois that André(see theCitroën pictures expanded above) the Taxi. business quickly scrappedthe Citroën or converted brand into and flat 2,498 bed lorries. belonged to the Société. from the Quai de Javel to Levallois Perret. So far as I can tell these premises included accommodation as well as By 1931 there were 20,000 Taxis in Paris of which 12,378 were of This was part of an emerginggarages. With pattern the business whereby rapidly growing small the company expanded yet further, this time to the small and Following the bankruptcy of the company Citroën, the Taxi dedicated area of La Butte aux Cailles - some 15 km south of Levallois (see the pictures above). the Citroën brand and 2,498 belonged to the Société. "villages" were developed and populated by Russians, company was sold to Peugeot in 1936 because Michelin

Following the bankruptcy of the company Citroën, the Taxi often with Taxi garagesThis amongst was part of them.an emerging As thepattern taxis whereby small considered that it was not making enough money. So ended La company wasSociété sold to des Peugeot Taxis in Citroën 1936 because. Michelin driven by Russians travelled"villages" aroundwere developed Paris a ndso populated it was that by Russians , considered that it was not making enough money. So ended La these "villages" remainedoften wiinth close Taxi garages contact amongst with them. one As the taxis Société des Taxis Citroën. another. driven by Russians travelled around Paris so it was that these "villages" remained in close contact with one another. Meanwhile Citroën, always with an eye on how his products were perceivedMeanwhile by the Citroën public,, always worried with an eyethat on how his products were perceived by the public, worried that the Société's reputation would be damaged if people AboveAbove: A: particularlyA particularly hot day hot in Paris.day in Paris. the Société's reputation would be damaged if people observed a broken down Citroën Taxi. Typically for In part 3 we shall take a close look at a 1926 B12 Taxi. observed a broken down Citroën Taxi. Typically for In part 3 we shall take a close look at a 1926 B12 Taxi. him, he set up a Taxi recovery team and whenever one him, he set up a Taxi recovery team and whenever one MdeL of the Société cabs "failedof the Sociététo proceed" cabs "failed the to proceed"24 hr the 24 hr MdeLIn the summer of 1927 25x fully enclosed all steel recovery team comprisingrecovery a teamKegr comprisingesse and a aKegr coupesse leand of a couple of AboveAbove: A Union: A Union card card forfor a aRussian Russian Chauffeur. Chauffeur. (4x & 6x light B14) cabs were tried out. The trial was a lorries would be quicklylorrie despatcheds would be quickly to getdespatched it back to toget theit back to the resounding success and very quickly the cab type that we see at the top of the page were quickly scrapped or nearest garage. nearest garage. converted into flat bed lorries. This was part of an emerging pattern whereby small In the summer of 1927 25x fully enclosed all steel (4x & 6x light By 1931 there were 20,000 Taxis in Paris of which 12,378 “villages” were developed and populated by Russians, In the summerB14) cabs of were 1927 tried 25 out.x Thefully trial enclosed was a resounding all steel success (4x and & 6 xwere light of the Citroën brand and 2,498 belonged to the often with Taxi garages amongst them. As the taxis driven Société. B14) cabsvery were quickly tried bythe Russians out.cab typ The travellede that trial we around seewas atParis thea resounding sotop it wasof the that page these success were and quickly scrapped or converted into flat bed lorries. very quickly the cab“villages” type remained that we in close see contact at the with topone another. of the pageFollowing were the bankruptcy of the company Citroën, the Taxi company was sold to Peugeot in 1936 because Michelin quickly scrapped orMeanwhile converted Citroën, into always flat with bedan eye lorries. on how his By 1931 there were 20,000 Taxis in Paris of which 12,378 were of considered3 that it was not making enough money. So products were perceived by the public, worried that the Citroën brand and 2,498 belonged to the Société. ended La Société des Taxis Citroën. the Société’s reputation would be damaged if people By 1931 there were 20,000 Taxis in Paris of which 12,378 were of observed a broken down Citroën Taxi. Typically for him, Following the bankruptcy of the company Citroën, the Taxi the Citroën brand heand set up2,498 a Taxi recoverybelonged team andto wheneverthe Société. one of the 3In part 3 we shall take a close look at a 1926 B12 Taxi. company was sold to Peugeot in 1936 because Michelin Société cabs “failed to proceed” the 24 hr recovery team considered that it was not making enough money. So ended La Following the bankruptcycomprising aof Kegresse the company and a couple Citroënof lorries would, the be Taxi Société des Taxisquickly Citroën despatched. to get it back to the nearest garage. MdeL company was sold to Peugeot in 1936 because Michelin considered that it was not making enough money. So ended La Société des Taxis Citroën. 28 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3

Above: A particularly hot day in Paris. In part 3 we shall take a close look at a 1926 B12 Taxi.

MdeL Above: A particularly hot day in Paris.

In part 3 we shall take a close look at a 1926 B12 Taxi.

MdeL

3

3 This is the first in our series of reprinted technical articles from the archives of Floating Power. This article was originally produced back in June 1977 and sets out to describe various adaptations and alternatives that were proposed for the standard gearbox that we know and love, including its use in various forms, as a racing car gearbox in the 1950's. Some of the illustrations are from the original article, but due to the poor quality of some of the scans, others have been substituted that are more recent. The originator of the original article isn't revealed in the TOC archive, but if anyone knows who the author might have been, then please let us know.(Editor) This is the first in our series of reprinted technical articles Boxfrom andthe archives Cogs of Floating Power. This article was originally produced back in June 1977 and sets out to describe various adaptations and alternatives that were proposed for the standard gearboxUnjustifiably, that we know perhaps, and love, the including gearbox its of usethe inCitroën various forms, as a racing car gearbox in the 1950's. SomeTraction of the illustrations has always beenare from regarded the original as its Achilles article, but due to the poor quality of some of the scans, othersheel, in have terms been of bothsubstituted its action that and are its more reputation recent. The originator of the original article isn't revealedfor in thefragility. TOC archive, but if anyone knows who the author might have been, then please let us know.(Editor) True there is one speed too few, the ratios are Box and Cogs widely spaced and the change baulky and slow, but the latter is probably as much due to the Unjustifiably, perhaps, the gearbox of the Citroën complex geometryGearbox of the selection mechanismHistory as Traction has always been regarded as its Achilles the box itself, and the former inadequacies are This isheel, the first in terms in our ofseries both of its reprinted action andtechnical its reputation articles from the archivesforgivable of whenFloating the Power. circumstances This article of was its originaloriginally producedfor backfragility. in June 1977 and sets out to describe various adaptationsconcept andion alternatives are remembered. that were True, proposed the relative for the standardTrue gearbox there thatis one we speed know tooand few,love, theincluding ratios its are use in varioussmoothness forms, as a ofracing new carboxes gearbox wears in off the after 1950’s. 10 -20k miles, but after that, if not abused, its durability is Some widelyof the illustrations spaced and are the from change the original baulky article, and slow, but due to the verypoor acceptablequality of some- we ofhave the neverscans, encountered others have been any troubles personally. substituted that are more recent. The originator of the original article isn’t revealed in the TOC archive, but if anyone but the latter is probably as much due to the That said, it is nevertheless understandable that tractionistas still have nightmares on this count knows who the author might have been, then please let us know.(Editor) complex geometry of the selection mechanism as simply because the spares are simply not available, and this probably accounts for the fact that most the box itself, and the former inadequacies are members are unwilling to extend their cars to any great degree especially in in the sort of small forgivable when the circumstances of its original events that we might organise. conception are remembered.Box True, the relative and Cogs smoothness of new boxes wears off after 10-20k miles, butAnd after there that, are if undoubtedly not abused, thingsits durability that one is must avoid, we used to push start our Light Fifteen Unjustifiably,very acceptable perhaps, -the we gearboxhave never of the encountered Citroën Traction any troublesfor a virtuallycouple personally. of every years morning before we for found a couple out that of years this was before the we found out that this was the way to split the differential casting. has alwaysThat said,been itregarded is nevertheless as its Achilles understandable heel, in terms that of tractionistasway to split still the have differential nightmares casting. on this count both its action and its reputation for fragility. This is the first in our series of reprinted technical articles fromsimply the because archives the ofspares Floating are simply Power. not Thisavailable, andin first this probably accounts forin the second fact that most members are unwilling to extend their cars to any great degree especially in in the sort of small article was originally produced back in June 1977 andTrue sets there out isto one describe speed too various few, the adaptations ratios are widely and spacede ventsand the that change we might baulky organise. and slow, but the latter is alternatives that were proposed for the standard gearbox that we know and love, including its use in probably as much due to the complex geometry of the various forms, as a racing car gearbox in the 1950's. SomeAnd of the there illustrations are undoubtedly are from things the that original one must avoid, we used to push start our Light Fifteen selection mechanism as the box itself, and the former article, but due to the poor quality of some of the scans, othersvirtually have every been morning substituted for a couple that of are years more before we found out that this was the way to split the inadequaciesdifferential are forgivablecasting. when the circumstances recent. The originator of the original article isn't revealedof its originalin the conceptionTOC archive, are remembered.but if anyone True, knows the who the author might have been, then please let us know.relative(Editor) smoothness of new boxes wears off after 10-20k in top in reverse Box and Cogs miles, but after that, if not abused, its durability is very The point is, of course, that the mechanism was never properly designed or developed. After the acceptable- we have never encountered any troubles proposed Sensaud de Lavaud automatic box had proved in practice to be worse than useless, the Unjustifiably, perhaps, the gearbox of the Citroën personally. design team were given a mere three weeks to iron out the problems of the gearbox that they had Traction has always been regarded as its Achilles secretly conceived, having realised the inadequacies of the former, to fit into the casing intended for the 'convertisseur' . This itself was a massive limitation, but they came up with a simple two shaft heel, in terms of both its action and its reputation affair to do the job. It was never properly tested, incredibly noisy, despite a theoretically silent for fragility. The point is, of course, that the mechanism was never True there is one speed too few, the ratios are The point is, of course, that the mechanism was neverproperly properly designed designed or developed. or developed. After Afterthe proposed the widely spaced and the change baulky and slow, proposed Sensaud de Lavaud automatic box had provedSensaud in practice de Lavaud to be automatic worse than box useless,had proved the in practice design team were given a mere three weeks to iron out the problems of the gearbox that they had but the latter is probably as much due to the to be worse than useless, the design team were given a secretly conceived, having realised the inadequacies of the former, to fit into the casing intended for mere three weeks to iron out the problems of the gearbox complex geometry of the selection mechanism as the 'convertisseur' . This itself was a massive limitation, but they came up with a simple two shaft that they had secretly conceived, having realised the the box itself, and the former inadequacies are affair to do the job. It was never properly tested, incredibly noisy, despite a theoretically silent forgivable when the circumstances of its original inadequacies of the former, to fit into the casing intended for the ‘convertisseur’ . This itself was a massive limitation, conception are remembered. True, the relative but they came up with a simple two shaft affair to do the smoothness of new boxes wears off after 10-20k miles, but after that, if not abused, its durability is That said, it is nevertheless understandable that job. It was never properly tested, incredibly noisy, despite very acceptable- we have never encountered any troublestractionistas personally. still have nightmares on this count simply a theoretically silent second and top, difficult to change That said, it is nevertheless understandable that tractionistasbecause the still spares have are nightmares simply not available, on this andcount this and prone to seizure due to disintegrated bearings. The simply because the spares are simply not available, andprobably this probablyaccounts for accounts the fact that for most the members fact that most life expectancy on the first 7’s was between 500 and 1500 are unwilling to extend their cars to any great degree miles with 50% of the cars. members are unwilling to extend their cars to any great degree especially in in the sort of small especially in in the sort of small events that we might events that we might organise. As with almost every other part of the car, it was subtly organise. and continuously modified until an adequate compromise And there are undoubtedly things that one must avoid,And we there used are undoubtedlyto push start things our that Light one Fifteen must avoid, we was reached. virtually every morning for a couple of years before weused found to push out start that our Lightthis wasFifteen the virtually way toevery split morning the differential casting.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 29

The point is, of course, that the mechanism was never properly designed or developed. After the proposed Sensaud de Lavaud automatic box had proved in practice to be worse than useless, the design team were given a mere three weeks to iron out the problems of the gearbox that they had secretly conceived, having realised the inadequacies of the former, to fit into the casing intended for the 'convertisseur' . This itself was a massive limitation, but they came up with a simple two shaft affair to do the job. It was never properly tested, incredibly noisy, despite a theoretically silent second and top, difficult to change and prone to seizure due to disintegrated bearings. The life expectancy on the first 7's was between 500 and 1500 miles with 50% of the cars.

As with almost every other part of the car, it was subtly and continuously modified until an adequate compromise was reached.

Oddly enough these modifications included a completely new housing, one wonders why advantage wasn't taken of this necessity to introduce a totally different design. The original casting was devoid of two horizontal strengthening ribs, the lay shaft bearing cap has only four bolts, a little square headed bolt lurks in place of the big filler tunnel on the later version. Because the car's suspension arrangements were different, so too was the design of the gearbox lid, both at the rear end where it was bolted to the cradle cross member, and the top, where only one selector shaft is evident from the outside. The bellhousing differs substantially too and there was no clutch lock-out.

There were eventually several alternatives open to the customer. The factory offered differing final drives, according to specific requirements.

A ratio of 9 x 31 was standard on the 2 litre cars, although the Familiale and the Commerciale had 8 x 31. The Economique version of the 7CV had a very tall 10 x 31whilst at the opposite end, the Alpine version was equipped with an 8 x 35 crown wheel and pinion. We owned one of the latter for some time and although it had quite startling initial acceleration, it sounded as if the engine was about to burst at 55mph. It would have been good for hill climbs though.

More radical alternatives were available too. The famous firm of Cotal certainly made a gearbox for Tractions, but it is not clear whether these were of the electro- magnetic pre-selector type. Another Gearbox History mystery is the auto box made by Chatelet-Michelet, this was very sophisticated and consequently astronomically expensive, and few were sold. The Traction was after all, a very middle market Oddly enough these modifications included motora completely car andThe principlewhilst ofit the might transmission have is been quite straightforward, feasible to equip a Delahaye or a Talbot, with such a device, new housing, one wonders why advantage wasn’t taken as an internally toothed annulus, either mechanically or of this necessity to introduce a totally differentits design. cost The would in this have case electrically,been disproportionate the planet wheels within to revolve the cost of a Citroën, for true aficionados only. original casting was devoid of two horizontal strengthening within the annulus and transmit drive to the carrier plate ribs, the lay shaft bearing cap has only four bolts,However, a little if andthe thence Chatelet out in the is conventional compared fashion. with Gear the changing standard box the neatness of the design is evident, as square headed bolt lurks in place of the big fillerwell tunnel as the littleis controlled extra by spacetwo solenoids required which lock to or house free the its complex innards. on the later version. Because the car’s suspension epicyclical gear trains. arrangements were different, so too was the designThe principle of the The of best the known transmission and most coveted is Tractionquite straightforward,box is the as an internally toothed annulus, either gearbox lid, both at the rear end where it wasmechanica bolted to the llyfour or speed in this unit made case by electrically, ERSA in Paris, of the the sortplanet that wheels within revolve within the annulus and cradle cross member, and the top, where only one selector transmit driveDr Sellers to the had carrier fitted to hisplate great andracing thenceroadster. Indeed out in the conventional fashion. Gear changing is shaft is evident from the outside. The bellhousing differs it is in the context of competition that that the unit was substantially too and there was no clutch lock-out.controlled bymost two successful, solenoids for in the which mid fifties, lock when or freea mid enginethe epicyclical gear trains. There were eventually several alternatives open to configuration was beginning to be accepted as the best the customer. The factory offered differing finalThe drives, best knownchassis and arrangement most forcoveted competitive Traction machinery, box it made is the four speed unit made by ERSA in Paris, of the according to specific requirements. sort that Drthe Sellers ideal transaxle. had fitted to his great racing roadster. Indeed it is in the context of competition A ratio of 9 x 31 was standard on the 2 litre cars,that although that the unit was most successful, for in the mid fifties, when a mid engine configuration was the Familiale and the Commerciale had 8 beginning to be accepted as the best chassis x 31. The Economique version of the 7CV had a very tall 10 x 31whilst at the opposite arrangement for competitive machinery, it end, the Alpine version was equipped made the ideal transaxle. with an 8 x 35 crown wheel and pinion. We owned one of the latter for some time I think that Fuzzi, the famous hill-climb special and although it had quite startling initial used it in this way in the early post war years , acceleration, it sounded as if the engine but its adoption by Cooper for their Sports was about to burst at 55mph. It would have been good for hill climbs though. racers and Formula one cars brought it into

More radical alternatives were available real prominence. too. The famous firm of Cotal certainly made a gearbox for Tractions, but it Fourth gear was inserted by substituting a is not clear whether these were of the ’Cooper Bobtail, circa 1955’ electro- magnetic pre-selector type. Another mysteryCooper Bobtail, circa 1955. is the auto box made by Chatelet-Michelet, this was I think that Fuzzi, the famous hill-climb special used it very sophisticated and consequently astronomically in this way in the early post war years , but its adoption expensive, and few were sold. The Traction was after all, by Cooper for their Sports racers and Formula one cars a very middle market motor car and whilst it might have brought it into real prominence. been feasible to equip a Delahaye or a Talbot, with such Fourth gear was inserted by substituting a gear for the a device, its cost would have been disproportionate to the synchromesh hub on the main shaft, therefore making cost of a Citroën, for true aficionados only. it into a crash box. Reverse is beyond first on the gate However, if the Chatelet is compared with the standard -surely a source of potential starting grid or traffic light box the neatness of the design is evident, as well as the disaster! little extra space required to house its complex innards.

30 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 gear for the synchromesh hub on the main shaft, therefore making it into a crash box. ReverseGearbox is History beyond first on the gate -surely a source of potential starting grid or traffic light disaster! By far the most sophisticated of alternate boxes was that whose specification appeared in the Automobile Engineer of 1947. Both four and five speed versions were made by the Kegresse- Hinstin concern, important innovators in the French industry whose connections went back to Citroën half-tracks of the late twenties. Although in in the the picture picture of of its its installation installation in a in Cooper a Cooper bobtail of circa 1955 vintage the standard lid seems to be retained, in other photographs of Formula one cars, a different top cover arrangement bobtail of circa 1955 vintage the standard lid seems to This entirely clutchless automatic had two lay shafts of selectors seems to have been used. be retained, in other photographs of Formula one cars, and relied on a couple of oil pressure friction clutches The Lepicard- Durlez four speeder was along similar lines to the ERSA. The layshaft, differential, a different top cover arrangement of selectors seems to alternatively in conjunction with hydraulically operated crown wheel, selectors and bearings were all retained from the standard gearbox, as was the lid. It internal tooth dogs to effect the changes., the dog for the havecomprised been a used.standard package of parts that could be assembled into the original casing in no more next speed being engaged before the friction clutch driving Thetime Lepicard-than it took Durlez to rebuild four the speeder factory wasunit. alongThe design similar is particularly neat, involving two sliding dogs for third/top and first/second which mesh as required with the appropriatethe previous driving gearone (whichhad been has fully released. lines to the ERSA. The layshaft, differential, crown wheel, internally cut teeth), and which in turn transmit the drive in the normal way to their layshaft via the This system minimised the pause between shift and any selectorsoutside teeth. and Top bearings gear on were this unit all retainedgave 65mph from at thea leisurely standard 3100rpm, compared to a 3650 for the gearbox,standard box. as was the lid. It comprised a standard package attendant jerking. A centrifugal governor driven by the output shaft operated the valves which controlled both ofA muchparts more that couldcomplex be four assembled speed arrangement into the original was offered casing by the Reda gearbox. This involved a incompletely no more different time than lid itcasting took to and rebuild selector the mechanism, factory unit. using The three shaftssets of in clutches, lieu of the and ERSA's the t wodriver could vary the speeds at designand a more is particularly complex shift neat, linkage. involving First gear two was sliding actually dogs lowered for by 5%which and hethird wished by 8%, gearand anew changes to occur by setting the overdrive top gear gave a theoretical 80mph+ at 40000 rpm. Though this latter feature has obvious third/top and first/second which mesh as required with the governor appropriately. advantages, the lowering of first and retention of standard second would seem only to exaggerate appropriatethe worst of thedriving features gear of (which the standard has internally box, that cutbeing teeth), the chasm betweenThis facility the two also speeds. allowed This the is driver to lock out the higher andsurely which one of in the turn weaknesses transmit the of the drive standard in the gearbox,normal waywhich to any redesigngears should to provide seek tothe rectify. engine braking which is often absent theirBy far layshaft the most via sophisticated the outside of teeth. alternate Top boxes gear was on thisthat unitwhose specificationfrom fully appeared automatic in the gearboxes. This surely represents gaveAutomobile 65mph Engineer at a leisurely of 1947. 3100rpm, Both four ancomparedd five speed to aversions 3650 werethe made sort by of the ultimate Kegresse Traction-Hinstin gearbox, an infinitely variable concern, important innovators in the French industry whose connections went back to Citroën half- for the standard box. and flexible four speed unit of great refinement, so great a tracks of the late twenties. A much more complex four speed arrangement was refinement, in fact, that production costs must have been This entirely clutchless automatic had two lay shafts and relied on a couple of oil pressure friction prohibitive, for none are known to have survived, if indeed offeredclutches byalternatively the Reda in gearbox. conjunction This with involved hydraulically a completely operated internal tooth dogs to effect the differentchanges., lidthe casting dog for andthe next selector speed mechanism, being engaged using before three the frictionany clutch were driving ever thecommercially previous available.(Ironic really that shaftsone had in been lieu fullyof the released. ERSA’s two and a more complex shift this was probably the sort of ambitious gearbox that Andre linkage. First gear was actually lowered by 5% and third Citroen had envisaged when he conceived the whole by 8%, and anew overdrive top gear gave a theoretical Traction project: Editor) 80mph+ at 40000 rpm. Though this latter feature has These gearboxes represent probably the most desirable obvious advantages, the lowering of first and retention alternative equipment one could fit to a four cylinder of standard second would seem only to exaggerate the Traction, obviating as they do in their various ways, the worst of the features of the standard box, that being the slow and awkward change we do otherwise have to chasm between the two speeds. This is surely one of the grapple with. weaknesses of the standard gearbox, which any redesign should seek to rectify.

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 31 SloughSlough Champion Champion It has been increasingly apparent that we need to direct some renewed attention to the needs (both short and long term) of JohnSlough Moon car owners in order to help keep their cars usable. There It has beenhave increasinglybeen a lot of apparent changes that since we the need Club to started direct some over renewed40 years attentionago to when the needs probably (both the short majority and long of Tractionsterm) of Slough in the UKcar wereowners in Slough built; but one of the reasons the TOC was formed then was order to help keep their cars usable. There have been a lot of changes to safeguard the availability of spares. since the Club started over 40 years ago when probably the majority of

TractionsThe in spares the UK position were Slough for the built; French but onecars ofis quitethe reasons reasonable the TOC with was formedthe Club’ thens wasown toshop safeguard in addition the availabilityto several ofgood spares. suppliers in mainland Europe. Of course, many parts are common to Slough cars, but there is a significant The sparesproportion position of for non the-common French carsparts is as quite a result reasonable of being wit RHD,h the the Club’s need own to sourceshop in parts addition locally to several for import good suppliersduty in reasmainlandons, and Europe. also to Of make course, the many cars moreparts attractiveare common to theto Slough British cars, market. but thereThe Club is a shopsignificant does proportionhave of quite non-common a good supply parts ofas Slougha result specific of being parts, RHD, particularly the need to for source commonly parts locally needed for items import such duty as reasons, many electrical components. However, it is by no means comprehensive and some owners have and also to make the cars more attractive to the British market. The Club shop does have quite a good supply of been reporting difficulties as established sources (such as parts from scrapped vehicles and Sloughremaining specific parts,stocks particularly of new parts) for commonly gradually dryneeded up. items such as many electrical components. However, it is by no means comprehensive and some owners have been reporting difficulties as established sources (such as parts fromIn a scrappedmoment ofvehicles weakness and Iremaining gave in to stocks our persuasive of new parts) new graduallyChairman dry and up. agreed to make a start on this issue with the intention of reducing the risk of Slough cars being off the road due to spares In a momentavailability of weakness problems. I gave Our in first to our thoughts persuasive are that new we Chairma need ton andcompile agreed a list to ofmake those a start Slough on Tractionthis issue with the intentionparts whichof reducing are not the common risk of Slough with French cars being cars ,off and the for road these due answer to spares the availability following questions:problems. Our first thoughts are1. thatIs therewe need a source to compile, perhaps a list by of commonalitythose Slough withTraction another parts popular which are classic not ?common Articles with in FP French have cars, and for these answergiven some the following advice on questions: this over the years and there may be a need to discuss availability with the relevant owners clubs. 1. Is there2. a Cansource, a French perhaps part by be commonality adapted? with another popular classic? Articles in FP have given some advice on3. thisIs overthere the already years aand source there of may any beparts a need from to an discuss enterprising availability owner with who the has relevant established owners a clubs. 2. Can a Frenchsupply part route? be adapted? 3. IsI theream hopeful already that a source the accumulated of any parts wisdomfrom an enterprisingof TOC members owner will who make has thisestablished series of a actions supply aroute? relatively short term task, which will be of immediate benefit to all Slough owners, even if it isn’t I am hopefulabsolutely that thecomprehensive accumulated at wisdom first. of TOC members will make this series of actions a relatively short term task, whichThere will will be then of immediate be a residual benefit list of to partsall Slough which owners, require evensome if itconsideration isn’t absolutely to comprehensiveform a plan of action.at first. There willIt is then possible be a thatresidual for some list of essentialparts which parts require the Club some may consideration have to consider to form the a plan feasibility of action. of arranging It is possible manufacture. The TOC has limited resources so such cases will need strong justification. However, that for some essential parts the Club may have to consider the feasibility of arranging manufacture. The TOC we have already made a start. It is believed that (unless someone tells us differently) that the has limited resources so such cases will need strong justification. However, we have already made a start. It is availability of clutch and brake pedal return springs, which are the “other hand” to French items, is believedbecoming that (unless critical; someone so the tells Club us is differently)exploring thethat possibility the availability of getting of clutch a batch and brakemade, pedal a task return made springs, more which arecomplex the “other by the hand” fact tothat French there items, is more is becomingthan one standarcritical; dso. the Club is exploring the possibility of getting a batch made, a task made more complex by the fact that there is more than one standard. I am certain that some members will be able to supply their own list of critical parts, thus saving time I am certainand effort. that some members will be able to supply their own list of critical parts, thus saving time and effort.

Finally, there are, of course, other tasks which could be addressed by a Slough champion, such as Finally, there are, of course, other tasks which could be addressed by a Slough champion, such as compiling compiling a sort of workshop manual complementary to that covering French cars. The recent a sort ofarticle workshop about manual the pre complementary-war sunroof is toa goodthat covering example. French However, cars. we The can’t recent do everythingarticle about at the once. pre-war sunroof is a good example. However, we can’t do everything at once. In summary, the Club needs your help for the benefit of current and future Slough built owners. In summary,Please the contact Club needsme at: your John help Moon for (theslough benefit@traction of current-owners.co.uk) and future Slough built owners. Please contact me at: John Moon ([email protected]) John Moon

32 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 Events Diary

EVENTS DIARY For up to date information on events – including all overseas events - please check out the Events Page on the TOC web site. www.traction-owners.co.uk

2017

May Mawdesley Classic Car Show & Local Villages Classic Bank Holiday Monday . Free entry at gate for cars, please pre-book for local 29th Car Run villages morning run (£10) Mawdesley Cricket Club, Rectory Field, School Lane, Mawdesley, nr. Ormskirk, Lancashire , L40 3TE. Contact Rob Hales at [email protected]

June CLASSIC TRANSPORT PICNIC The annual transport picnic of the Letchworth Garden City Classic 3rd & Vintage Car Club will take place on Saturday 3rd June. Veteran, vintage, classic and modern thoroughbred cars will be on display along with classic motorbikes and vintage bicycles. The Picnic takes place at Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Herts, SG4 7DP. Full details: www.lgccvcc.co.uk or email [email protected]. Or call 01462 674347 for further information.

4th Classic car show 350 vehicles Queen Elisabeth Country Park 3 miles south of Petersfield on A3 in Hampshire PO8 OQE details www.shvps.org.uk or email Steve Reed at [email protected]

11th Crich Tramway Museum Classic Transport Gathering Booking form is available, downloadable from the website (www.tramway.co.uk) or booking can be done by telephoning Crich Tramway Village office (01773 854321).

13th – 16th CTAB Rally, Brittany The rally will be visiting ‘La Côte d’Émeraude’ in north Brittany. That is the area from Cancale in the east to Cap Fréhel in the west. ‘At present a record 19 cars from the TOC have already registered. The total number of entries (TOC + CTAB) is limited by restaurant capacities in the area and demand this year is such that the event is already full, with a waiting list in operation. TOC member Martin Nicholson liaises with CTAB on behalf of the TOC. Any members interested in joining the waiting list should e-mail him as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Contact Martin Nicholson: [email protected]

23rd – 25th 41st TOC Annual Rally TRACTIONS IN THE TROSSACHS The 2017 Annual Rally will be in the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Details and booking form in January issue. See also further details elsewhere in this magazine

25th Vintage and Classic Car and Coffee Meet at Hoghton Lancashire. This year Hoghton Tower invites Classic Car owners and clubs Tower to join us once a month to show off your cars with the backdrop of one of Lancashire’s grandest historic homes. No need to book a slot for your car. Will become a regularly monthly meeting if there is enough interest. Cars can start arriving from 10am and end at 1pm. http://www.hoghtontower.co.uk/event/cars-and-coffee/

27th Bredgar and Wormshill Railway Classic and Vintage Contact : Cars Day BWLR The Warren, Swanton Street, Bredgar, Kent ME9 8AT Telephone: 01622 884254 Internet: www.bwlr.co.uk Email: [email protected]

July Chateau Impney Hillclimb Nr Worcester. www.chateauimpneyhillclimb.com please see announcement 8th-9th elsewhere in this magazine.

16th Rochdale Classic Car Show Charity event at Hollingworth Lake Country Park in aid of Rotary Charities including Prostate Cancer. website: www. rochdaleclassiccarshow.org.uk email: [email protected] Tel 07582 954 228.

August South Cerney show Details Terence McAuley email [email protected] 4th, 5th, 6th

19th Capel Classic Car Show Nr Dorking Surrey 12-5pm details www.capelcarshow.com

27th/ 28th Crich Tramway Museum Classic Transport Gathering Booking form is available, downloadable from the website (www. tramway.co.uk) or booking can be done by telephoning Crich Tramway Village office (01773 854321).

September Angoulême Circuit des Remparts As always, this will take place the third weekend of September 15th – 17th

16th – 17th Manchester Classic Car Show

November NEC Classic Car Show 10th – 12th

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 33 Rally News

The grand Chateau Impney Hotel & Exhibition Centre, Droitwich Chateau Impney Hillclimb 8th/9th July, 2017

Following the Stop Press announcement on page 29 of the last edition of FP, I can confirm that there will be a club display at the Chateau Impney Hillclimb. This will be a joint display with the Citroen Car Club and 2cvGB and replaces the event that we have held in previous years at La Vie en Bleu at Prescott.

It will be an open air display in an area designated and marked out for our own use.

If you would like to attend and be part of the club display please would you let me know in advance so that I can tell the organisers approximately how much space we will require. This is not intended to discourage unannounced arrivals, all are welcome.

The Chateau Impney is located on the A38 one mile south of the M5 junction 5 and 7 miles north of Worcester. Postcode WR9 0BN

Details of the hillclimb event can be found at their website www.chateauimpneyhillclimb.com

Tickets can be purchased on line or by phoning 0845 017 0637

I look forward to seeing some of you, don’t leave me there all on my own!

Simon Saint 01905 454961 or [email protected].

TOC National Rally ‘Tractions in the Trossachs’ 23rd-25th June 2017 Update

As the vast majority of members took advantage of the ‘Early Bird’ offer, numbers booked for the Rally have hardly changed since the beginning of February. We now have 43 cars including 41 tractions which cover the whole spectrum of pre and post war models, 4 and 6 cylinder, English and French including no fewer than 4 roadsters. I am currently in the finl stages of organisation – stuff like rally plates, the rally book, service car, helpers, gazebo and risk assessment (sob). Probably loads of other things that I haven’t even thought of yet. Oh yes, if anybody would like to donate a raffle prize for the Saturday night do, that would be most appreciated. My daughter, who is a professional marketing officer, has managed to ‘persuade’ quite a few local companies to supplying foc items with the theme ‘A taste of Scotland’. Suffice to say , without spoiling the surprise, that the ‘Goodie Bag’ for each car will certainly be worth having. Full joining details for the Rally will be emailed to everybody coming. Basically I am hoping that the Reception Gazebo will be set up in front of the Rob Roy Hotel, which is on the roundabout junction of the A81 and A821 just outside Aberfoyle, early afternoon on Friday 23rd June. See you then. Any queries: [email protected]

34 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 Classified Adverts

CARS FOR SALE FOR SALE: André is our much loved UK Classified Adverts – registered French built Traction, acquired Members FOR SALE: 1955 Paris built Commerciale 18 years ago and regularly used for touring in black with cream side panels. Well known in France. Born in Paris in 1950, he is our Small adverts are free and are for the in the TOC. The car has been upgraded to lovely small boot Onze Normal (11BL) and disposal of vehicles and parts that are their an ID engine block with DS head and four is very original, although the engine was personal property. speed gearbox and has 12 volt electrics. It refreshed by Traction Renaissance Services, Adverts for accommodation are charged at is fitted with an electric fan to the radiator including new shell bearings, lead free head £7.20 including VAT and there is an internal heater to the cab. and a brand new ‘old stock’ carb some years It has a bespoke stainless steel exhaust ago and was always maintained by them. Advert submission needs to include system. The present Insurance agreed He also has a stainless steel exhaust and membership number. valuation is £15,000. Offers around this the rear seat re-trimmed in correct fabric. figure please. For more information The pilote wheels are shod with Michelin Adverts may be edited or refused, and X rubber and we have another unused the Editor cannot guarantee insertion into please ring 0115 0115 9118218 or email [email protected] refurbished set if desired. Bodywork is any specific issue although every effort really good, rather than completely perfect will be made to publish in the next issue of and there are a lot of new spares and a Floating Power. large history file. The car is currently in The Editor does not accept liability for France (49260) and will be available near printers’ or clerical errors although care is Southampton from November. André is taken to avoid mistakes. the perfect touring saloon, having drop dead gorgeous French small boot looks ‘Members’ advertisements will be inserted and massive rear cabin space. This very for two issues only. If the advertisement reluctant sale will provide many years of is still required beyond this point, then it wonderfully happy classic motoring for must be resubmitted to the Editor. Please £8695. Email any questions to longchap@ notify the Editor if you wish to delete the FOR SALE FROM CLASSIC hotmail.co.uk. Thanks for reading, Bill & advertisement prior to this. RESTORATIONS. 1953 11BL LHD Blue Letsie Tilley. Adverts can be emailed to the Editor at Nuit Big Boot. Comprehensively rebuilt by the address below. For members sending us 20 years ago. Well maintained and little adverts by post, please check current used since. 12V converted with alternator, editor’s address on page 3. heater, CV drives, stainless exhaust. £9,500 Tel John Gillard 0207 358 9969 (24 hours) Classified Adverts – Non Members £20 inc VAT per insertion. Trade Display Adverts From 2015 trade adverts will be available FOR SALE: French built 1956 BL Traction in colour or black & white at 1/4 page only. Limo, in perle cream used as wedding car. I am selling this car because of old age and Cost of £60 plus VAT per issue. illness. Beautiful red leather interior, body FOR SALE: 7c Traction, Paris built. Reg. good for year. New battery, hub remover Please note number. ESK518 LHD, 63000km, Restored and a few bits and pieces. New front tyres. Has an electrical problem, but for someone All Cars and Parts for Sale adverts appear 18 months ago. Black, chassis number with knowledge of these cars shouldn’t be a on the TOC website approximately one 089944 believed to be 1936, new 6 volt week after Floating Power is posted to battery, MOT, bought by present owner in problem. Taxed Tel 07596829209 Antonio members. 1990. Very good condition £11000 ono [email protected] - contact Lloyd 07989 622520 Dorset. Please email adverts to: [email protected] FOR SALE: 1950 Lt 15, RHD, Slough Built, Small Boot. Black, Sun Roof, Wood Dash, Restored 20 years ago. Solid and good chrome, 12v. Reluctant Sale. East Surrey. £10500 Text me with your email address on 07834 392765 for more details and photo file.

FOR SALE: Traction 11BL LHD Black. Barn find after 25 years rest. Very original and in good running order. Lots of new parts to get the French control technique passed. French carte grise. Good original interior I want a RHD classic and could P/X a suitable car. INFO ring 01298 71058

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 35

Classified Adverts

on a 6 volt solenoid push button instead of FOR SALE: : I have a very the pull start. It has a stainless steel exhaust nice set of spats for post war and unleaded head and also has a tow bar cars for sale. These spats fitted. are in excellent condition The starter handle tube is not original as the and recently polished. Price old one broke years ago. It has been well £100 for the set. Would used and well loved, as you can imagine really prefer you to collect there’s loads of history, more pictures (Redditch, Worcs). available. Contact David Boyd 01527 894599 or £12,500 ono E Mail [email protected] FOR SALE: 1954 Slough built Light Please phone for details on 01284 828563 Fifteen, Suffolk [email protected] for FOR SALE: Due to the arrival of my new toy I great condition inside and out £12,250 for more photo’s have for disposal at very competitive prices a stock more details phone 01932 226372 (Surrey) of used (and a small amount of new) 4-cyl parts accumulated over 50 years of Tractioneering. The s/h bits include one complete Perfo engine (offered REAR WHEEL DRIVE for parts but had been designated to be rebuilt as a spare for the Légère) plus several other engine FOR SALE: C6F 1929 Reg number DS blocks and components, brake drums gearbox 7678. Car has been kept in garage for parts, a m/s silencer and a host of odds and sods. the last 10 year and previously used as a The new bits are mostly small items including wedding car. Needs some minor work to get clip-on door mirrors, gaskets etc. I shall attempt to it back up and running. catalogue the main items for a future ad but I have a pretty good idea of what is there so, if you need something now, please ask and I shall be happy to look and confirm. FOR SALE: Citroen Big 6 Contact: 01933 274382, - the car lived in Wales until 1995. In [email protected] my ownership since then. Unfortunately just not being driven. Registered as an FOR SALE: STILL A FEW PARTS LEFT I have historical Vehicle in North Germany since scrapped a badly corroded Light 15, circa 1950, 1996, original British plates available. bought for its engine and gearbox, which I am Offers over 20K. Jon Gillard helped in retaining. There are no body panels worth saving 1996 with Pilote Wheels, Kenwood fan apart from the roof, but there are numerous parts and electric fuel pump. Lots of additional Offers please to Steve White 020 8244 2374 which are salvageable, including the following: Photos available. The car is presently in Seats, wheels, instruments and switches, dynamo, Oldenburg, 55km from Bremen. German radiator, sundry electrical parts, a very good and English Spoken. Contact 0049 441 FOR SALE: chrome radiator grille assembly, bonnet panels, 74028 or email: [email protected] Selection of various some window glass, window winder assemblies, wheels for 1920’s hub and suspension parts, plus other items. Parts RWD Citroën are located in South Lancs area. cars with beaded George Halsall 01744 895393/ edged tyres and 07921 480130, [email protected]. also many Bi Bendum wheels, ie: for B2’s , 5HP Cloverleaf, AC4’s. Please call for FOR SALE: I have a large pile of FPs, pretty well measurements and details 01305757518. every issue from the mid-1980s. Malvern, Worcs area. Contact Mike Tebbett m.tebbett@tiscali. co.uk FOR SALE: Normale 11b. 1955. LHD. Big TRACTIONS WANTED Boot. Black WANTED: by new member. I’m looking for FOR SALE: now surplus to requirements: During the last seven years the engine my first Traction. Would love small boot but! Complete BL bodyshell(1957) bought, totally has been rebuilt and reconditioned (now LHD or RHD. Must be in good mechanical stripped,sandblasted, and self-etch primed. runs on unleaded fuel), a reconditioned and cosmetic condition. Cash waiting for the Undamaged, good roof, etc., but usual weak points on sills and floor joints etc NOT repaired. Bought gearbox has been fitted, the electrics right car. as a donor to repair a rotten BL or to convert to have been converted to twelve volts (with Please contact Justin on 07974 177350. RHD. alternator), a stainless steel exhaust has 2 complete side “fillets” (R/H and L/H) from a small been fitted, an electric cooling fan added boot BN Normale. Approx a foot wide,full sides, and the interior has been re-trimmed. The scuttle, A

36 Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3

Classified Adverts

FOR SALE: Set of 4 FOR SALE: Traction FOR SALE: Set of 5 x rare pre-war steel no 15” steel wheels for Diff + bronze bush wheels – fitted to my Traction when I bought Traction. Originally fitted and output shafts to it, but originally believed to be from an early to my 1953 South African convert 4 speed ‘D’ Peugeot. These are twelve-hole dish wheels import Light 15, these have Slough centres, will box + another slightly ( easy cleans ) with rolled rims. All in good take a modern tyre (and Slough hubcaps) and rusty diff £20 order: sand blasted and sprayed black with are currently fitted with a set of TOYO 165 80 Trying to clear out 2-pack paint. No trims available - sorry R15 radials. which have hardly any visible wear some unwanted £ 400.00. but probably should be replaced. The wheels are items! Also an early Steve Reed tel: 01730 821792, rust free and painted in mid grey. D head complete I email: [email protected] Not strictly for the purist, but might suit someone think, valves etc + early D discs. Pre-War Wheels intending to rally, for example, since it would Tom Evans, Norwich 07808335123 increase tyre fitment options. Would also suit [email protected] someone using their car for higher mileages, again enabling more economical tyre choices to FOR SALE: Pair of complete headlamps PARTS WANTED be made. fitted with modern reflectors and TH lamps. Just cluttering up my garage at the moment so These are a pair of post war steel headlamps WANTED: for my Big 15 small boot (Onze please make me an offer. Wheels are currently which I had chromed to fit on my pre-war Normale Malle Plate). I need the bodywork in Central Lancs, but I can probably organise a Normale. I fitted a pair of modern reflectors, from below the back window to the rear handover somewhere in between, if you are out so I could fit modern tungsten halogen lamps. bumper including the boot lid and the spare of the area. Hubcaps not included. These are 12volt H7 type. They have the side wheel cover. Buyer, armed with a hacksaw, [email protected]/ 07513 362202 lamp built into the side of the reflector. can collect from anywhere or can take the The chrome is starting to ‘pit’ a little, but still complete shell. Telephone Gerry on 01455 FOR SALE: Set of 4 Doors to suit Big 6 or Big looks good when polished up. 844648 or Email [email protected] 15. Good condition no welding needed £1200.00 £ 200.00 ono the pair Big 6 Radiator re-cored but not with sloping fins Steve Reed tel: 01730 821792, £500.00 email: [email protected] WANTED: A Solex 26 MHD Bronze Open to offers on both of these items. carburettor in good condition, suitable for Contact Derek Fisher 01225 864570. a Citroën 5HP. Ask for John or Helen on [email protected] 02083307216. Open all hours.

WANTED: I would like the bonnet emblem for my Light 15. Don’t mind if its broken, as plan to have a macquete made. Contact [email protected] 01493 750818

WANTED: for French Traction 11 Normale, rear cloth seat squab in any condition . Would consider buying complete seating if necessary. Tel 01600 775544.

WANTED: four speed manual gearbox from early D series car for conversion and subsequent fitting to my Light 15 . Andrew Tweed 07891870499

WANTED: I am looking for an advance/ retard dashboard mechanism, complete, for my 1952 Slough built Lt 15 small boot. If you are able to assist please send details to Paul: [email protected] or Whatsapp, +263772513884. Shipment would be to a UK address. Paul Domoney Membership 2413 P O Box CH168 4 Star Close, Chisipite, Harare Tel: +263 (0)4 490130 Mobile: + 263 (0) 772 513 884 Email: [email protected]

MEMBER SERVICES Traction bodywork and servicing/ repairs Club member. Newcastle. James Geddes 07783 259874 [email protected]

Traction bodywork and paintwork. Club member. Hull area. Steve Thompson 01964 533433 [email protected]

Floating Power – Volume 41 Issue 3 37 Headline sponsors UP TO 25% DISCOUNT FOR CITROËN TRACTION OWNERS CLUB MEMBERS

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