|
Citroen has used many different moulds and grades of steel for the production of the 2CV chassis, making it difficult to judge the (lack of) originality of the chassis. On the picture at the right, you see a rotten chassis of an Acadiane and a brand new chassis for a very early 2CV, both of which, coincidentally, can NOT be used to build a Burton.
What is rather special about the different versions of the chassis is that the earlier versions were far less prone to rust than the ones from the eighties. In the latter period Citroen unfortunately used the so called “crisis steel”, often resulting the chassis to rot within 5 years.
The chassis of a 2CV is always the first item to rot. Moisture will cause rust to appear from the inside. This makes it difficult to judge the quality of the chassis from the outside. If you spot signs of welding on the chassis or if any of the many rims are swollen, it may indicate that the chassis is beyond repair.
Always check the chassis number, even if you intend to replace the chassis. If the chassis has been replaced earlier, the number sometimes is left out or an illegal number has been used. An original chassis number can be recognised by the “double chevron” (=Citroens trade mark) in an oval at both sides of the number. A thick layer of under body coating may indicate that the car has been well maintained, however it could also be used as a camouflage. Always try to poke around with a screwdriver to find weak spots.
In reality most Burton builders may like to opt for a new chassis. It gives the certainty that the basis on which you are going to build is sound and of good quality. Once again, check with the authorities in your country what the implications are when you decide to replace the chassis and remember to stick to their rules. No greater disillusion is to find out, that your completed Burton cannot be made legal to drive, because you did not adhere to the relevant rules. |
Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
