The QMG Citroën Classic Challenge 2012

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:49 am

Don't forget that for the BXagon, I purchased a random BX on the internet the month before the event started. It got a service and that was about it.

During the event, the only faults were that a rear disc shroud fell off (sounded bloody horrific!) and a coolant pipe got eaten (which meant we had to top the water up a lot before eventually buying a second-hand replacement in a scrapyard for 8 Euros). We got a lot of help from others when we needed it and covered over 3000 miles in a fortnight. We even clambered up a 2000m tall mountain in the snow with that leaky coolant pipe. Was a bit unpleasant trying to top up the coolant in a howling blizzard, but we discovered a cafe at the top and had a nice hot drink afterwards!

Cease worrying (citsandcycles aside!) and get your ferry booked!

Sorry I can't make it. Very sorry in fact. It'll be a lot of fun.

Post by **mat_fenwick** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:58 am

Your tale about the coolant pipe reminds me of something....

I'd brought with me an old antifreeze container (well washed out!), which I'd planned to use for cooking, cleaning teeth etc as I was camping in the car a lot. After their leak was discovered they needed a container for the frequent top ups, so I let them have mine. Once the pipe was replaced then I asked for it back.

Not realising they'd been topping up with coolant (I'd simply have used plain water until the leak was fixed) I got a slightly unpleasant surprise when I came to brush my teeth that night

I don't think it was an especially strong mix, as I'd previously managed to have a shave without noticing, but it took a good while to get rid of the taste!

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:07 am

Yeah, sorry about that! Matt thought it'd be a good idea to pre-mix. Given the altitude and snow we ended up encountering, I was very glad that we were keeping the anti-freeze levels up!

kermit the frog · Post by **kermit the frog** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:23 am

Tim
As Mat say's if anything goes wrong we will be able to fix it as we did on the BXagon.
Remember the self amalgamating tape repair on the Green Tiger's bottom hose in a car park at the hotel in I think Alberville.
That was fun and me fitting new front brake pads to the Green Hornet so we didn't run out of brakes in the mountains.
I think we can cope with most problems and as Mat also say's we are going to be in the best place for spares.
Can't wait to get going I am sorting out tools and thing's ready to be packed when Phil C gets here on the 8th.
And getting thing's ready to do the final fettling and packing
See you all in Calais or before

.
Bon Voyage.
It IS GOING TO BE FUN.
Kermit

kermit the frog · Post by **kermit the frog** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:26 am

Sorry about my last post being out of sync with the rest but so many post have been added since I did the draft and didn't post it OOPS!!!!!!!!!!!
Kermit

Caffiend · Post by **Caffiend** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:14 pm

mat_fenwick wrote:
Caffiend wrote:just over a week to go
*hastily checks ferry tickets in a blind panic*
I'd say just under 2 weeks personally!

Wishful thinking on my part (as in wish we were closer to the weekend!)

Ooh, and good stories too. Yes, we'll have lots of those as well please

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 12:38 pm

Ooops lot's of us on here at once. Sorry about the repetitiveness lol!

13 days and 20 hours to the start.

I would say that if there's one thing we learned from the BXagon, it's that most of the 'emergency' gear/tools we took weren't needed. We did use Kermit's trolley jack when we changed the brake pads so we'll be carrying that

Just in case.

Matt's right, it's not as if we're doing a cross-country event, with all the hazards that would include. I woud just use common sense when it comes to what to bring. Obviously, some essential bits (including the mandatory warning triangle, hi-vis vests, bulbs etc. which are well documented) plus a torch, RHD BX-specific things - clutch, throttle cables - and a first aid kit, spare specs (if appropriate), travel plug(s), charger(s) for phone etc, toolkit, wheel brace, gloves, WD40, circuit tester, cloths, some duct tape, cable ties, oil, LHM, coolant, water and basically leave it at that. Make sure the spare wheel/tyre is good too. If you have alloys make sure you have bolts for the spare if different.

In addition we are also taking a rubber-backed mat in case it's necessary to get under the car, plus some Swarfega wipes (hardly optimistic, I know, but don't take up much space

)...

Then you have the camping stuff too, tent, mattress, sleeping bag etc..

Importantly don't forget to have the route plan (version 4.0, the latest, http://freepdfhosting.com/10b37d1a83.pdf ), road map (include a print out of the Swiss portion of the route if necessary), satnav if you're using it, passport, health insurance card, car documents including insurance MOT and registration, travel insurance details, crossing tickets, Swiss vignette (if pre-ordered) and contact numbers for the other participants (to be supplied via e-mail).

Kermit and I are also taking a camping stove, pans, kettle, cups, utensils, some tins/packets of food, coffee and cleaning gear, so we can eat by the roadside or at the camp sites if we want to.

It's all part of the adventure. And in the case you need something that you aren't carrying, chances are that, unless its documentation etc. someone else will be able to help.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:56 pm

Ive got a travel bag, with first aid kit, triangle etc, a 1.9D clutch cable, LHM, jack, basic tools etc. Shall I Invest it another hydraulic pump belt?

Still not had chance to look at the heater or sticking trip meter (click click click)

citsncycles · Post by **citsncycles** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:24 pm

Been catching up while waiting for seam sealer to dry.

I'll be taking my tool box, a bottle jack, plus the following spares:
Full set of brake pads
Bulbs
Glass fuses (surprisingly difficult to find in France)
fuel pump
starter
alternator
regulator
CV joint (just in case)

All the belts and fluids have been done, and the pipework is all in good nick, so hopefully this'll be all I need.

As for the rest, tent, stove, food etc, to enable me to live out of the car for the time I'm away.

mds141 · Post by **mds141** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:51 pm

I'm just taking the regular spares:- bulbs, LHM etc. Did the alternator and HP belt last year. Had new discs and pads, fresh coolant and new thermostat done last week as well as a general health check at Dave Ashworth's. All hotels booked as well as eurotunnel crossing.Got AA European breakdown cover and AA travel insurance. Pre-paid € MasterCard and some €'s in cash, as well as Swiss francs. Swiss vignette in place. Tent, sleeping bag etc all sorted. Borrowed a stove and heater from a friend. Fairly well organised( which for me is a revelation!!). Still some apprehension, but on the whole I'm looking forward to it. Been trying to practice my French but not coming along very well!! Sacre Bleu!!

mds141 · Post by **mds141** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:17 pm

Anyone still considering taking part. It's still not too late. I have a spare co-drivers/navigator seat available if anyone can't afford to take their own car. It's going to be a fantastic trip, hopefully full of happy and memorable, erm, memories!

Post by **mat_fenwick** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:43 pm

Breakdown cover? Nah, won't need that!

Let's hope I don't regret those words in a few week's time...

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:24 pm

We've had one of the participants drop out this evening, due the his Visa proving impossible to get ready in time. That means that with the BXagon and this, of five Visas that were due to take part in these events.... PHAIL. (Get a BX and stop messing about

)...........

Still means about 15-17 at the end of event bash as some are joining part of the Challenge, with 10 cars doing the whole trip from Calais to Calais. That's a nice manageable number. It's a shame it was 14 cars a few weeks ago, but hey, that's recession for you.

Can't wait!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Wed May 02, 2012 1:23 pm

I just arranged 10 days European Breakdown cover through the RAC just in case, price £100.28, Citroen Car Club Member Price £52!

Bargain!

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Wed May 02, 2012 9:35 pm

I have a CB radio here available for rent.

You need an aerial though.

If you are quick, CPC.co.uk do a magmount for about £12.76, I ordered one for Mat today. Their delivery is fast, usually next day.

IT44632

MINI MAG MOONRAKER

MAGNETIC MOBILE CB ANTENNA
In Stock

Price For: 1
1+ £10.63 (£12.76)
5+ £9.84 (£11.81)

A high quality magnetic antenna with strong adhesion. Supplied with centre loaded coil, solid spring loaded base and 4m connecting cable with moulded PL259 plug.;

There is also a postage charge unless you spend over £45.

Mike