Prestige Restoration Update

[jwalshe]

The strip-down commences! Spent all weekend pulling the old girl apart and it looks like a bigger job than planned... (isn't this always the case?!)

A few small holes in the sills, beautifully hidden by Citroen's exceptional rust trapping skills. All those bits of trim are perfect for sealing in the moisture eh!

Had the seats out, the carpet up and all the doors off. Fortunately discovered the structure is really sound - but we're heading in the direction of a complete rebuild to ensure it's ready for a new life.

It's gone from a minor effort to get it back on the road to something more serious... Well I guess if you're going to do it, it should be done correctly!

Whilst my friend does all the welding, the next job on the list is to have the rear bench sorted - some of the stiches have burst, annoyingly. Anyone good with a needle and thread?

Here are some pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwalshe/se ... 729280595/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mirafioriman]

Lovely project. Must keep popping by to see how this is going. Only owned a BX and now a Xantia so far but was lucky to drive a few CXs when I worked for a Citroen dealer. Always brought a to my face!

[jwalshe]

Another day in the barn and a few more holes to sort out... What's surprising is how solid much of it is. Just a few VERY poor sections of previous welding work to the sills. Looks like they'd just stuck a bunch of plates over the rust. Dreadful.

Car now stripped down to the basic body and being expertly sorted, soon ready for a full respray and rust treatment! Should be back on the road for summer!

Stood there just gawping at it - a bit depressed - today. Wishing I could just get in the thing and drive it. Not keen on all this waiting around!! Anyone willing to let me have a go in their CX in the meantime? It's been almost ten years now since I drove one...

[Citroening]

Good good James - chop it all out and weld some proper stuff in there!

Will be good to see it back on the road! Do you reckon you'll have it all done and dusted for the X Rally? http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 24&t=38234" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jwalshe]

I doubt I'll have it back on the road - taking time over it due to funds (or lack of!) Having to save up bit by bit to ensure it's all done properly - I refuse to do it on the cheap!!

But... I reckon I might just come up for that! I just hope nobody minds a Smart Roadster invading the field!!!

[jwalshe]

Hello all! Since January, we've chopped all the rust out and replaced with replacement CX sills and so on. What began as a minor restoration became a complete strip down so it's all taking a while. Looking to respray in the next few weeks and then it'll be time to bolt the whole thing back together again!

Some photos of the recent work here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwalshe/se ... 729280595/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to those of you who've been so helpful with your wisdom and advice. Couldn't have done any of this without you. Anyone who sold me stuff on Ebay or gave me advice automatically qualifies for a beer at the next rally!

James

[robert_e_smart]

I look forward to seeing pics of your new sills. I have new sills to fit to my Athena.

Keep us updated with progress, its nice to see a project go through the motions.

[jwalshe]

Here you go Robert! An original CX Prestige Sill...! " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the only part missing now is that rear bulb holder and I'm struggling to find the slatted front undertray (under the front bumper).

[robert_e_smart]

Wow that is a nice job! Where did you get your sills from? Mine are Warny re-manufactured items.

I'll have a look in my parts hoard James, as I have a suspicion that I might have one of those solid under bumper grille sections. I will have a look and get back to you.

[davetherave]

Think i may be able to help, was going to list the undertray on ebay, ill stick a pic up

[davetherave]

Is this what your after?



Dave

[jwalshe]

That's the one Dave! Mine is... well... rusty. Was thinking about restoring it but some of the slats are missing so it'll be a fiddle to repair. Depends on the cost as the money is beginning to run dry - this project has cost me my entire savings!!!! How much were you after for it? I have simply no idea for a part like that! :/

James

[davetherave]

Im not after Cx-basis money for it! Make me an offer, or if you have any bits that could be used in my eventual restoration we could do a swap!
And if you havnt got it ready by the Cx rally your welcome to have a ride in my shed/cx!
Dave

[DOMW]

Looking excellent James, should be one of the best Prestiges around when its finished.

[jwalshe]

First stages of the respray...

By the way: wanted to say thanks to anyone here who has sold me a part via Ebay or otherwise. You know who you are - thanks!