Citroen Specials Club - the club for all lightweight cyclecars

As the strip down of Mungo the 224 nears completion there are three things that I have queries about.

First there is a length of 25mm-ish equal angle iron down each side of the car that is welded to the suspension canister brackets, to say that this looks a bit crude would be an understatement; is this part of the original kit or is it a belt and braces job by the original builder?

Second if anything goes wrong with the rear suspension arm bearings it looks like the body will need to be removed to gain access. Is this area of the car bullet proof or does the body occasionally need to come off for maintenance?

Third Mungo has a steel fuel tank, I assume that a later plastic fuel tank will be a fairly straightforward replacement fit; is this correct or are any modifications required? Is it the same sender unit?

Alan

Alan,
The angle iron will be a builder "moment of inspiration".

To maintain the rear axle its easier to remove the axle than the body.

The original steel fuel tanks are prone to rust thro but beware of plastic fuel tanks now that fuel is E5 and about to be E10. It eats through many products so the plastic and its glue has to be compatible. St St replacement although expensive is the way to go.

Bob

Hello Bob

I think you must have a 223? I’ve had another look at my 224 and I don’t think it’s possible to remove the rear axle without taking the body off, mind you I have not tried to do it so I’m willing to be corrected if anybody has done it!

Alan

PM sent Alan.

think you must have a 223? I’ve had another look at my 224 and I don’t think it’s possible to remove the rear axle without taking the body off, mind you I have not tried to do it so I’m willing to be corrected if anybody has done it!

Yep -I've removed and replaced a rear axle on a 224 without resorting to butchery or removing the body.
From memory, I had to drop the steel tank and unbolt the two uprights that form the seatbelt upper mounts. After that, I was able to wriggle the rear axle out and replace all of the bearings. Wasn't hard in the end, and had it all done in a few hours.
Replaced the rear break curlies when I was at it with cupra-nickle alternatives.

Rgrds
Callum

Thank you Callum

Good to know but I’ll refurbish the rear axle before I put the body on.

Alan