Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I'm sorry?

• The fibreglass roof has signs of rust
  
  

From: https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1972-citroen-ds21-super-5-electronique

Are you thinking of getting a DS?

That car is pure filth.

The idea is buy an injector that has been replaced/new ish

What car and engine? Got a photo of the injector, where it leaks from.

Might be cured by an oil change - could be due to it being low on oil. Or it could be worn synchros. Probably worth treating it to an oil change before resorting to open box surgery.

Are you thinking of getting a DS?

For years now!

Duuude.

Problem is, given that I'm me, it would turn into an epic money pit in pico-seconds.

For e.g. I saw that one on Collecting Cars and immediately started Googling "Tesla conversion".

The fibreglass roof is set into the metal roof rails / frame which is a rust trap so probably that...
My DS is costing me £4K within a month of buying it but should be sorted then...
They’re such a great thing to drive- feels like you’re in a different era instead of 2020

What does your expert eye tell you about the one on Collecting Cars?

I get that. At least you could enjoy it for a bit and get to know what it's like before commiting to make such a big modification. With a car like that I think the long journey of modifying is part of the ownership enjoyment. What a great classic to own though, I know they're not cheap but the shape is so iconic you can imagine prices only climbing over the next few years.

Also this

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Looks odd with minilite wheels.

First time I’ve ever written LOLZ on the internet! I’m expecting a few more grands expenditure in years to come no doubt but all the big issues are getting done- steering rack, brakes, spheres, tyres, etc!

Bubbling under the paint, photo 16?

Will have a good look tomorrow- looks like a fair bit of welding might need doing though

But it's worth it on that car. Also sounds like a realistic approach to maintenance getting things sorted before they get worse so you can enjoy it for years to come.

If you are lucky gearbox rubber mountings broken allowing it to shift and pull out of gear, if not it sounds like the gearbox first gear has gone :(

You need to call up the fault memory to confirm the fault to see exactly what it is, usually a new seat mat and sometimes the small matchbox sized control box under the passenger seat.

I have heard of aftermarket resistor kits to plug in that people use when fitting non standard seats that don't have mats try googling them. :)

For e.g. I saw that one on Collecting Cars and immediately started Googling "Tesla conversion".

Dude, I 100% support this idea. The DS was always meant to have a Maserati derived engine, never the 4cylinder tractor engine. So a swap to a superior electric drive train would make that the perfect DS electronique. As long as the oleopneumatics are kept in place. Imagine - silent, futuristic and floating around in that!

I think the Tesla drive train would be a mismatch in some ways- just too powerful. I doubt the rest of the car could cope. I do love the idea though.

There's a place in Elephant & Castle that does electric classic conversions.
https://www.londonelectriccars.com

Sounds like it needs a custom fully carbon fiber roof.

If only there was someone with a passion for over engineering who could take on the challenge of having custom moulds made.

Also very much this :

Imagine - silent, futuristic and floating around in that!

A sometime dream would be helping my dad to build an electric 2CV (his first car). Wouldn't need anything crazy in it. Just enough to hit 50mph and range to drive around locally.

I guess the DS is one that I don't mind being turned into to a milk float. (Jetsons worx)

Classic cars being converted however is something that doesn't appeal.

Call me a ludite, but the heart is the engine.

Bit like classic watches, they shouldnt be altered.

Imo.

I wouldn’t call a Tesla a milk float- I got out dragged by one over the weekend in the 911.