How to Make Sure Citroën 2CV is Trip Ready

Just had a question from a gentleman who is traveling to the Citroën Rendezvous in Saratoga Springs, NY on Father’s Day weekend. He wanted a list of everything he should do to make his Citroën 2CV safe for the trip. This is my advise… a list of thing to check and do.

Electrical:

• check all lights and signals and make sure they all work

• head lights, hi and low beam

• signals

• brake lights

• flashers (if you have them)

• marker and plate lights

• check wipers

• check horn

Tires:

• check for wear

• check pressure (also spare)

Suspension:

• lubricate knife edges

• jack up front of car

• grab front wheels at 9 and 3 positions and check for play (tie rod and steering rack wear)

• grab front wheels at 12 and 6 position and check for play (king pin wear)

• jack up rear of car and turn rear wheels and check for any strange noises (wheel bearings and brake drag)

Body:

• check that all body panels and make sure that all fasteners securing them are tight

• make sure top is secure when it is attached at windshield

• check tightness of wheel lugs (check owners manual for torque)

Under the hood:

• check engine oil level

• check transmission oil level (should be right up to side fill plug)

• check air cleaner (make sure all is snug secure)

• check the belt for wear and tightness

• check battery connections and make sure posts are clean

• check brake pad thickness and parking brake adjustment

• check all cables and linkages for clearance and wear

• check to make sure there is good clearance between the fuel line and the exhaust pipe and manifold. (this can often be very close and even dangerous.)

• make sure hood secondary latch lines up and hood completely closes

• check under car for exhaust leaks with the engine running

Pack the following tools and parts:

• small socket or wrench set containing 8mm to 21mm  sizes

• screw drivers both Philips and straight blade

• wire connectors and crimper

• some extra wire

• electrical tester

• electrical tape and duct tape

• extra fan belt.

• proper brake fluid for vintage of car ie: brake fluid or green fluid

• 2 spark plugs and a set of wires

• set of points and condenser (unless you have a 123 ignition installed n the car)

• spare light bulbs for every light on the car

• jack,

• lug wrench,

• flashlight

• nitrile  or vinyl gloves and cheap pair of coveralls.

That should probably do it without bringing the kitchen sink. Hope this helps.

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