Le Petite Van Gris Part 9

 

Le Petite Van Gris 9

 

It has been a long time since I have done anything on or for the van. I have been told more than a year. It started with the question “Are you going to the World meeting in Slovinia this Year?” The answer was no. I had been out of sorts not fussed about doing anything. I did not have the drive. Where had my Mojo gone? But there was a spark. Some parts were coming by friends who I did not know yet. Little parcels, and some bigger ones found their way to me as if by magic. I had travelled around the country picking up parts and delivering them. They have their own stories but the thought of movement on the parts front galvanised me into action. I progressed on making contacts to obtain other parts I needed and successful purchases ensued. Although not ideal they got me to where I needed to be. Some were found for me and I picked them up the suspension cans from Martyn at Cotswold Classics. They are Ami eight and the right size and useable but the spring tension was not high enough but it would give me useable system until I could get the right ones. Some suspension is better than none. I will leave them in the cans for now and not use the naked fitment supplied by Louis Barbour in the 4X4 set up. The suspension cans are in quite good order and I am loath to destroy them for appearances. Progression on finding a suitable GSA gearbox took a little longer meant a trip to Kenilworth to pick it up then delivered to ECAS in Stoke where a member of the racing team was going to deliver it to Louis at the 24 hour 2CV race in Francorchamps, Belgium. The next stage in my 4X4 transmission was taking shape. I suspect it will be a few months before it will be ready. I have now collected my 2CV gearbox from Ric Pembro with the transfer box attached.  Watching Ric do the last piece of assembly was enlightening with much valued information. It is now sitting in my garage ready for fitting. It is now April 2026.

 Moving on to summer and the heat of July and waiting for the rear differential which is the last major part. I thought I could use the suspension cans on the chassis. I tried it and after about a week and much faffing about I found there was a disproportionate weight distribution with the front sticking in the air with no height at the rear. I had to go to Louis set up and cut the end off the can, using an angle grinder removing just the weld, and just use the springs and pullers. All this being done while under the van. I still have to find the correct adjustment and I have the feeling I will need to shorten the rear pull rods to get the right height at the rear.