1998 XM - 2.1td - Steamy Windows!

[russ92xmsed]

Some very nice clay barring there James. it's looking very lustrous . Always wondered about clay bars. Must give one a go, if they are the results.

Stunning pics of the Toyota.

[Dieselman]

Clay bar just removes contaminants stuck onto the paintwork, polishing is what removes scratches and to some degree, swirls.

A rotary polisher is what you really need for a super shine finish.

Russ, your car has been machined.

[turbo_imp]

Oh and I really love the static steering wheel hub, it's oh so very Citroen

The clay bar removes all the surface contaminants, tree sap, tar, ingraned bird s*it incredible to use as it feels like it is not going anything at all, but after the paint is soooo smooth!

I could really do with a rotary or RO machine, would make my life easier and break down the polish a little further. I am only using megs ultimate compound, it could really do with a machine G3 or even some 2000grit W&D then the polish, I can only work with what I have though

[russ92xmsed]

Yes I know...got a small burn through the lacquer on the roof to prove it. Must get that sorted when the weather decides to stop SNOWING.

Well with it living outside all the time might invest in one. I have the polish, cutting compound and wax ect. Would love to have a machine polisher

Got to keep it looking good.

[Duke]

Oh and I really love the static steering wheel hub, it's oh so very Citroen

Whenever I give a mate a lift that's not been in it before, one of the first things they mention is the wheel! If I had a pound...

Would be rude not to post a link to a pic - Link

[russ92xmsed]

The fixed hub steering wheel is ingenious and all Citroens should have them. End of!

Why the C6 failed..didn't have one.

[CitroJim]

The fixed hub steering wheel is ingenious and all Citroens should have them. End of!

I quite agree and it's obvious really. No silly steering wheel rotaries to fail and bring up airbag warning lights and you always know exactly where the controls are...

[turbo_imp]

Been busy again

Today came with a visit from the post man (lady) with a thermostat, cam cover gasket, and a stereo

I got outside and it had stopped drizzling, so started to make progress with cleaning the interior, it was filthy

Looking like this in most places -





A clean toothbrush, cloth, lemon cleaner, and a vacuum were all utilised to free the velour and carpet from crumbs, tobacco, and other assorted detritus. The result is rather pleasing



I have yet to fit the stereo as the adaptor and link cable to connect the steering wheel control has not arrived, it should not be long.

The cambox gasket looked like a relatively straight forward job, just the inlet manifold off, socks in the inlet pipes, cam cover off etc. The bolts came out fine, it was clear that the gasket was at fault, can you tell which bolts came from the back!



Cover off -



The original gasket was heavily compression set, it was not proud of the surface at any point, rubber gaskets require 10-15% compression to seal effectively.



Everything was then cleaned and put back together, the new gasket was around 2-3mm proud of the surface, with a total depth of 6mm, the compression limiting bolts leave around 1mm between cover and head.

Next up was the thermostat, easy I thought, I pull off the hose undo the three bolts and, oh, no thermostat? I come on here and do a quick search, hmmmmmm looks like it is at the BACK of the engine not the front. And so the swearing started, that is a vile vile job, I have no photographs due to being filthly, cold and generally very bad tempered! After one and half hours of bending myself into more and more impossible shapes to reach bolts, the job was done.

I started the car back up,
No oil leak
No water leak
And temperature now rising up well past 60 degrees

Winner!

Hopefully tomorrow will bring the connector and I will be able to fit the stereo.

One more picture, I have only done half the paint on the car, but you can tell which side has been done



More soon

[russ92xmsed]

excellent proof that is a good idea to polish and wax your car.

Some great pics there, well done fixing all those problems. I know the thermostat is hidden away and not easy to do.

The interior is looking fabulous. Amazing what a Hoover and some elbow grease can do!

You must be towards the end of your snag list by now James.
Interesting you have wood covers for the cubby and ashtray....

[robert_e_smart]

Ahh! The good old thermostat!

Hateful job!