GS interior trim screw

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Cullifer
Posts: 8
Joined: 20 Jan 2014, 08:30
Location: Castlequarter
My Cars: XM 2.0CT Estate 1992

GS interior trim screw

Post by Cullifer »

Hello all,

I'm going to gradually try and get an old GS (78 Pallas) back on the road. This is likely to be the first post of many. I am inexperienced mechanically but now have some time and enthusiasm.

I'm going to remove the interior trim as car is outside and I want to get a full respray in next 1-2 years. I'm saving for an outdoor carcoon.

To remove door trim, you have to remove armrest. The screw heads seem a bit different. Straight notch, but with an apparent little circle dimple in the middle. See attached photos. I don't want to strip the bolt. Can you just use a thicker straight head? Or is it a more specific tool?

Thanks
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Stonehopper
Posts: 340
Joined: 24 Feb 2012, 16:10
Location: Shropshire
My Cars: 1975 GS Pallas
1967 2cv AZAM
Previously;
1982 Acadiane
1990 BX TZD turbo
1982 2cv Charleston
1971 AK 250
1978 AK 400
1982 Ami 8 break
1971 Ami 8 break
1979 CX Familiale
1960 2cv AZL (Belgian built)
x 115

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Stonehopper »

You should be able to use a standard screwdriver for slotted screws, that's all I have ever used. It just needs to be narrow enough to fit in the recessed slot. It will not be a perfect fit, but should be enough to turn the screw. The 'tricky customer' will be the window winder. There is no pin or metal clip retaining same, it takes two flat screwdrivers to lever them off. Take precautions to avoid damage to the cloth fabric. Also, when popping the door card from the door, use some plastic from a discarded milk bottle or some such to save paint being scratched. The door opening/locking mechanism is simple enough, just prise the plastic cover off to reveal the fixing screw. You will have to 'unhook' the tang from the rod within the door.

PS: If you are taking the velour from the door cards, be aware that they are heat glued (by some process) onto the cards to achieve that lozenge pattern. It's one swine to get them off, and they will never look the same once returned - unless some specialist method is applied (whatever that might be!!).
Derek
Cullifer
Posts: 8
Joined: 20 Jan 2014, 08:30
Location: Castlequarter
My Cars: XM 2.0CT Estate 1992

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Cullifer »

Thanks so much for your comprehensive answer, and the other tips.
Gsbx1220
Posts: 25
Joined: 17 Oct 2016, 22:26
Location: Cumbernauld
My Cars: 1978 GS Pallas
1988 BX 16RE
2023 Alfa Giulia Veloce
x 3

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Gsbx1220 »

Yes, just a normal flathead to remove. As also stated above, the winder handles are a real pain to remove. Just be very careful as plastic can go brittle through age. Getting them back on is fun!

The lozenge pattern has gone awol on my front door cards, but is still present on the rears. Wonder what happened there!

Good luck with your project!
Richard
Cullifer
Posts: 8
Joined: 20 Jan 2014, 08:30
Location: Castlequarter
My Cars: XM 2.0CT Estate 1992

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Cullifer »

Thank lads. Next step is getting the ignition barrel out. Had keys cut according to the cars original logbook but unfortunately don't work. They found blanks and all, and said that if I got the barrel to them they should be able to do it. The lock says "Simplex" on its black plastic rim. Have the Haynes manual on order!
Gsbx1220
Posts: 25
Joined: 17 Oct 2016, 22:26
Location: Cumbernauld
My Cars: 1978 GS Pallas
1988 BX 16RE
2023 Alfa Giulia Veloce
x 3

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Gsbx1220 »

Removing the ignition barrel is not an easy job. The steering column needs to come out and access is pretty tight at best. I think the official line is to take the dash out. The problem is that there is no removable lower steering coupling cowling. It is all the one moulding with the dash. https://keysinthepost.com/ Can cut from a photo. Worth a shot to save yourself the aggro.

Yes, I had to remove mine as the switch part went faulty on mine.

Image
Richard
Cullifer
Posts: 8
Joined: 20 Jan 2014, 08:30
Location: Castlequarter
My Cars: XM 2.0CT Estate 1992

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Cullifer »

Sacre bleu Richard. It's never easy is it?

So it looks like from your photo I'll have to remove the "top panel" of the steering area covering panel and then remove the steering wheel.
sonoramicommando
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Location: Nouvelle-Zélande
My Cars: 1991 Citroen XM 2.0 carb manual
x 5

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by sonoramicommando »

There should be a factory service manual, if you don't have it - better than Haynes in some respect.
here https://sites.google.com/site/citroenpublicationslist/
I haven't looked at the GS manual personally but GSA one was very handy.
2006 C6 Exclusive 2.7HDi
1982 GSA Pallas
A couple of bikes
A boyracer car ;)
Gsbx1220
Posts: 25
Joined: 17 Oct 2016, 22:26
Location: Cumbernauld
My Cars: 1978 GS Pallas
1988 BX 16RE
2023 Alfa Giulia Veloce
x 3

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Gsbx1220 »

Yes. The top panel has to be removed to access the bracket that secures the upper part of the steering column. Steering wheel cannot be separated from column.

Haynes manual does not cover this job as such, but from memory does cover dash removal. Steering column and wheel will need to be removed to get the dash out.

The factory manual is quite comprehensive.
Richard
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Stonehopper
Posts: 340
Joined: 24 Feb 2012, 16:10
Location: Shropshire
My Cars: 1975 GS Pallas
1967 2cv AZAM
Previously;
1982 Acadiane
1990 BX TZD turbo
1982 2cv Charleston
1971 AK 250
1978 AK 400
1982 Ami 8 break
1971 Ami 8 break
1979 CX Familiale
1960 2cv AZL (Belgian built)
x 115

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Stonehopper »

Just a 10mm (spanner size) to undo the pinch bolt on the column UJ and wheel an upper column will withdraw. Insert ignition key to unlock the column lock, and take a visual note on whereabouts the spoke is before removing. Straight ahead it should be around 8'o'clock.
Derek
Cullifer
Posts: 8
Joined: 20 Jan 2014, 08:30
Location: Castlequarter
My Cars: XM 2.0CT Estate 1992

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Cullifer »

Thanks Sonorami, that is a great resource. Some serious reading to do.

Unfortunately ignition key not working Derek! I'll give it a go anyway- have to get this lock out, thanks for the heads up
User avatar
Stonehopper
Posts: 340
Joined: 24 Feb 2012, 16:10
Location: Shropshire
My Cars: 1975 GS Pallas
1967 2cv AZAM
Previously;
1982 Acadiane
1990 BX TZD turbo
1982 2cv Charleston
1971 AK 250
1978 AK 400
1982 Ami 8 break
1971 Ami 8 break
1979 CX Familiale
1960 2cv AZL (Belgian built)
x 115

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by Stonehopper »

Aah - Touché! That might prove interesting.
Derek
macplaxton
Posts: 168
Joined: 08 Jun 2011, 18:09
Location: Ireland
My Cars: 1978 GS X2

Re: GS interior trim screw

Post by macplaxton »

Stonehopper wrote:Straight ahead it should be around 8'o'clock.


It does vary though. Mine is fitted at 4 o'clock because it is RHD.

"30° below horizontal towards outside of car." (Rep Man 810, Vol 1 - April '74)
"the arm should be on the left-hand side, at an angle of about 30° below the horizontal ( the << twenty to >> position)." (Rep Man 810, Vol 2 - undated)
"30° below horizontal towards outside of car." (Rep Man 614/4, 1972)

My suspicion with the second quotation is that the advice for RHD cars has been lost in translation. I'm also suspicious of the Book of Lies quote:
"Position the spoke of the steering wheel 30° below the horizontal towards the outside of the car (early models), 30° below the below the horizontal towards the inside of the car (later models) or with the spoke pointing vertically downwards (latest models)."

The last bit refers to the GSA of course. The middle bit, I don't know. I've not seen many wheels pointing to the inside of the car. Any pictures with the spoke pointing downwards at 6 o'clock seemed to be later handbooks probably for clarity of switchgear.
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