R9UKE's French Car Blog...

[R9UKE]

Yup! This one starts and drives though!!

[KP]

Is this under its own steam without a booster pack or Renault towing it

[CitroJim]

Ahh well, at least it has a proper engine in it

I thought it was a converted 306 at first I know they exist and I bet they're a bit of a hoot....

[R9UKE]

I've seen a few of those 306s Jim. I'd like to try one!

No, this one is perfectly drivable. In fact, it's an absolute cracker! The photograph was taken while I was working on the battery terminal, which was a bit of an issue. The positive has the stupid screw on connector, for which half the adaptor on the terminal of the battery has disintegrated. I've bought a regular terminal connection today and I think I may have just about enough wiring to crimp and fit. Will attempt it tomorrow!

Other than that just a few little jobs to attend to. ABS light is on, quelle surprise! I think one of the front springs may be broken judging by the knocking this afternoon, didn't get time to investigate. Also the outside temperature indicator isn't reading - does anybody know how big of a job it is on the 406? If it's the same as Renault, the automatic climate control works off knowing the exterior temperature, so I'd like to get that sorted.

[bxzx16v]

I've seen pics of a Zx16v which had a V6 fitted , it was later transplanted into a pug 206 ( crackpot )

Mark

[CitroJim]

transplanted into a pug 206 ( crackpot )

Utterly bonkers

It may be an apocryphal tale but there's rumours of the V6 going into a 106

Franklin knows, I believe, of a attempt to put one in a Visa...

[Citroenmad]

That is a very nice model of 406 Luke, is it manual? I hope so!

It may be an apocryphal tale but there's rumours of the V6 going into a 106

No doubt insured as a 1.1

[KP]

Nah it would be insured as the 900cc variety surely or a 1.5d

[R9UKE]

It's an automatic estate, Chris - with a tow bar! I finally have a V6 that can be put to practical use

Spent the day with it today. First job was rewiring the positive terminal. There wasn't a millimetre of wire to spare, but it's doing the job until I get time to extend it. The exhaust is in a pretty bad way, a new back box and a few repairs are required. The front suspension spring is broken, new one being fitted on Saturday morning.

On the plus side, the trip computer and exterior temperature reading have sprung into life. The automatic wipers work brilliantly (that first sensor they fitted was definitely the best), the cruise control and headlight washers work and the sound system is superb. The seats are even more comfortable than the Vel Satis, despite the heat not working

Phoning around for parts today was great fun. "A 3 litre 406 Estate?? Are you sure it's not a Coupé???"

Pictures to follow at the weekend. I have an exam tomorrow which I really should have been revising for today.

[KP]

Iirc the heater pads/sheets can be ordered as a separate part on some models or go after market

[R9UKE]

Ah good to know

[Citroenmad]

It's an automatic estate, Chris - with a tow bar! I finally have a V6 that can be put to practical use

Excellent, will it be towing poorly Renaults to your heaven in a field?

Will this be a daily driver for a while then Luke?

Best of luck with your exam I had one yesterday which I thought was going to go badly but it was much better than expected

Looking forward to the pictures!

[R9UKE]

Thanks Chris, the exam went well! One more and a dissertation to go now

Time for an update now. The 406 is settling in well, the aim is to MOT it and have it ready to work whenever needed. Check out the spring that was replaced this morning.
















Elsewhere, something, dare I say it....economical has joined the family.

A 1996 Renault Clio 1.9 RT-D, now wearing Baccara alloy wheels. A real gem of a little car which was a bargain with the amount of tax and test it has. There's a slight performance dip from the V6s but it really is quite a novelty not seeing the fuel gauge move with every small journey. The cold starts in the morning are also quite the contrast to a petrol V6.

The sunroof, surprise surprise, gave way to a Niagra Falls like feature last night and drenched the remote locking receiver in the process, which has since failed to work. Hopefully it'll dry out and work when refitted after I seal the sunroof tomorrow



I had my first spring snapping experience with the Mégane Convertible. Started it up, reversed back and the noise of the tyre being taken out had me thinking the auto box had met its grizzly end. Opened the door and looked under the car expecting to see ATF and cogs everywhere. Thankfully just another tedious job for the never ending to do list.



Elsewhere very little to report. The black 2.0 16v Mégane is taking the daily grind in its stride and crossed 47k miles last week. Got my private plate transferred off the blue Meg onto this, so it's very official.

Roll on summer, when I can start actually maintaining everything, as opposed to careless hoarding

[bxzx16v]

Quite a collection there now Luke , I see the C5 is still lurking

Mark

[R9UKE]

Still lurking, not running! Motivation is zero when the weather is so, it'll see life before 2013 is out