Towbars for Xantia saloons

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 09 Jul 2011, 15:26

I'm looking for a s/h towbar for my MarkII Xantia saloon.

Will ones from a MarkI fit with no problems?

Any tips as to which types to avoid, please?

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 11 Jul 2011, 09:57

Hi, all the underbody parts of the Mk1 and Mk2 Xantias are the same so everthing interchanges, ergo, they both use the same towbar!

If you can find an OE one, they are really made for the job, but some of the other well-known makes are equally as good.

Have you got any good Auto-caisse near you? I sometimes find these wrecked cars parked up next to auto repair shops can be a good source of cheap spares, especially if you can speak French fluently and pay cash.

If you find a towbar that has been factory or dealer fitted, follow the lead into the body, as you may find the proper break-in connectors have been fitted rather than using the rather crude bodge of Lucas scotchlocks to connect the 'lectrics into the main harness. These connectors are really worth using but they are a kings ransom from dealers.

Bon chance!
Handyman

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 11 Jul 2011, 10:12

handyman wrote:...I sometimes find these wrecked cars parked up next to auto repair shops can be a good source of cheap spares, especially if you can speak French fluently and pay cash.

This bit kills me, having ability only in written French!

Then again, perhaps it stops me bankrupting myself on Leboncoin!

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 11 Jul 2011, 10:31

Addo, it gets even better if you can speak colloquially and swear like a Legionaire.

I have been give quite a few parts for nothing and been taken for drinks in local bars, all because they assume I am French and commiserate that I have to live in England!

H

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 11 Jul 2011, 11:13

Does that mean you can execute worry-free transactions with Sylvain Lambert (Brittany Cit parts fellow)? He's given a few Aussies grief, perhaps beause we're too polite and mild...

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 11 Jul 2011, 21:21

Unfortunately Addo, I do not speak Breton, as its too Gallic for me, but I can hold my own against most Frenchies, even though my accent is a bit hauty and my pronounciation is very correct.

I was once asked if I was a radio or TV announcer!

However, I will be venturing to our Gallic friends on a more regular basis due to family commitments, about every two months and I stay in Maine et Loire, so not for from the Bretagne border, should you require anything straightening out.

H

gadgetgricey · Unread post by **gadgetgricey** » 11 Jul 2011, 22:58

Posted a while ago, but still have it if you are interested.

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... highlight=

Get back to me.

Cheers

- Dave -