Going LOOPY

FFX-DM · Post by **FFX-DM** » 24 Oct 2002, 18:49

I have discovered an interesting feature of my ZX hatchback. When you close the boot, the two cords that lift the parcel shelf when the boot is open, flop down and dangle outside the car. As this happens on both sides, it is impossible to stuff back both back in and close the boot without a helping hand or by nutting the boot shut! <img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle>
I have noticed lots of other loopy ZX's, including distracting myself while driving up the M6 and a particularly fine example fluttered past.
As this is a standard thing, has anybody thought up any wizzard ways of solving it? I have considered simply unhooking the cords and folding them out of the way, holding them back with mini bungees, changing the points of attachment, or my personal favourite - replacing the cords with elastic, pulling them both back and letting go, slamming the boot shut before they have a chance to rebound.
I have been threatened with the Swiss Army Knife treatment by the Sad Corsa owner. Please help.
Edited by - FFX-DM on 24 Oct 2002 13:55:05

Chris_L · Post by **Chris_L** » 24 Oct 2002, 19:30

Hi,
I had the same problem with my ZX too. I think when the car gets to a certain age, the recoil mechanism fails. I solved the problem by building myself a wooden shelf to support my stereo then removing the mechanism all together! This probably doesn't help you, but I remember when I was using the original shelf, I used to disconnect the chords and just fold them out of the way then lift the shelf by hand. Not such a big deal and removes the annoyance!
Chris

Post by **Jon** » 24 Oct 2002, 20:27

Hi Alison,
this is a really common problem on the ZX parcel shelf, and its caused by the srtings stretching then fraying. If you lift the prcel shelf you will see that the cords run underneath it, and they will doubtless by caught up or frayed at some point.
The only real solution is to buy a new cord from Citroen. I could not tell you how easy it is to fit as I've never had the patience to do it.
I simply cut the old cord away. If I yank up the parcel shelf hard, it lodges either side of the car and holds itself there whilst I load things into the boot. Bit of an "animal" solution I'm afraid.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
Jon Wood
IT Supervisor
GSF t/as Andyspares

FFX-DM · Post by **FFX-DM** » 24 Oct 2002, 22:45

Animal solution? I like it, but it might terrorise Sean the (nodding) sheep a bit.
I will torment the Citroen boys on Saturday asking for a bit of string, and see what they come up with. I have to go in there to get a fascia adapter anyway.
I will report back on my stringy adventures after the weekend. <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Post by **Jon** » 25 Oct 2002, 02:56

Good luck at Roy Chapman's.
If they are still there?

Jon Wood
IT Supervisor
GSF t/as Andyspares

FFX-DM · Post by **FFX-DM** » 25 Oct 2002, 15:04

They are still there, just round the corner from my house. I drive past them every day but the spares dept is not open at 8.00am or 6.15pm, Bah!
They were good at supplying me with spares : the little posts and cups by which AX headlights are attached but were full of sh*t when I needed to get my speedo cable replaced. They assured me that it was an hour to take the steering wheel and surround off. Thank goodness I am just an ignorant girlie and not a skilled mechanic, because I did it myself in 15 minutes! <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>
Sean is currently gripping the loose ends of the detached strings in his sheepy teeth... seriously I had a look at it this morning and it looks like the string threads through the parcel shelf. I wonder if a couple of judiciously tied knots would shorten the string just enough?...

FFX-DM · Post by **FFX-DM** » 04 Nov 2002, 19:43

No progress made on this prob yet. Citroen shoppe had computer problems so could not locate the part so couldn't sell me one. I am thinking or replacing a section of the cord with elastic to make up for the softening of the existing recoil electic.

higgy · Post by **higgy** » 06 Nov 2002, 01:27

I had the same problem on my xantia, tie 2 fairly heavy nuts on the end of the chords underneath the shelf and the weight of these will pull the chords through the shelf. (worked for me)

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 06 Nov 2002, 16:11

I "solved" this one by threading a piece of elastic through the hole across the parcel shelf and attaching it to to the right hand cord (leave the left one off. A bit of experimentation with the tension of the elastic has sorted it out.
BTW one cord is aple to lift the parcel shelf with two hefty speakers fitted.
Ron

vanny · Post by **vanny** » 06 Nov 2002, 16:27

Be warned that only having one string on any shelf (heavy or not) will twist the tail gate and eventually cause it to sit so far off position, it will catch the rame on the way down, not good, and makes a hell of a mes sof the body work!!
Be interested to know what sort of support you used for the speakers, personally i used a piece of marine ply board and im very happy with the results, only problem being on the BX the shelf supports are hopeless and have had to be rebuilt!
Vanny
Merseyside, UK
Citroenbx19rd@hotmail.com
http://www.bxproject.co.uk

rabenson · Post by **rabenson** » 07 Nov 2002, 15:00

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Be warned that only having one string on any shelf (heavy or not) will twist the tail gate and eventually cause it to sit so far off position, it will catch the rame on the way down, not good, and makes a hell of a mes sof the body work!!
Be interested to know what sort of support you used for the speakers, personally i used a piece of marine ply board and im very happy with the results, only problem being on the BX the shelf supports are hopeless and have had to be rebuilt!
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Hmm, Good point, Vanny - Seems to be ok but I'll monitor the situation... I've bolted a piece of thinish MDF onto the underside of the shelf to improve rigidity and it seems fine - the ZX shelf supports are quite substantial.
Ron