BX Club Forum

Find below a picture of my old friend.
I have owned him since 1988, done over 230k miles and still going strong. (OK did have a makeover in 1992, but hides the wrinkles well)



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Engine has had minor work, (took head off as some exhaust manifold bolts missing, suspect snapped and didn't want to try and work on the head at awkward angles). But turned out to be missing studs!
I was surprised as I didn't even have to do a decoke, all I had to do was reshim a valve.

Tyres are the Metric 175/65 x 365 TRX and wear well.

I do any work myself as I don't trust any garages.

That's really nice. That's amazing that you've had it since 1988! Full respect, especially in our disposable times when people change cars like their clothes.
You must be the person who's had his BX the longest in the club? Is it your only car?

What year is it by the way? And have you had to re-pipe it or has it been waxoiled every year? It certainly looks well cared for.

The BX was in full service until 2001, then went on to summer only use. (insurance limit 6K miles per year and I make sure that it is worked up to 6K per year). The summer only use is also due to Scottish weather, they use hard road grit in Strathclyde and did cause some rust and the reason for the 1992 makeover.

I have owned a couple of Xantia's and presently a C5 II. But the BX rides better and much more of a pleasure to drive.

The BX was re-piped in 1992 for the coated pipes.

It was first registered on the 15th Aug 1983 and is one of the first BX demo, hence the Reg number. I was friendly with the garage that had it as a demo and they gave me advice on any work that needed to be done.

It has been reliable with only 3 minor breakdowns. Two suspension pipes, (one corrosion and one me not fitting right) and a damaged thermostat. Apart from that it is a gem.

1983! Blimey that is really early. How did you fit a pipe wrong? I'm interested to know as I've just re-piped my BX and I'm quite boring on that subject now!

One more question is the GP after your name because you're a doctor? A BX doctor

No, I'm not a Doctor, the GP is my middle and last name as initials. (to many NeilP in the world and cannot think or any other name).

The pipe that I had done wrong was the big bore pipe from the Accumulator to Brake Dosuer. This runs under the engine and strapped to the sub-frame running between the engine and gearbox. I had not secured it properly and the engine/gearbox movement was rubbing against it.

My advice if you are changing pipes to to buy a "Metrinch" style or no-corner spanner or socket set. This does not round the edges of the unions but operates on the flats. This allows you to get the union unscrewed with damaging or shearing the existing union. (If you are replacing the pipe, but off the pipe and use one of these no-corner sockets, this does save a lot of grief).

Rear struts can cause issues with the pipe connections. If you do damage these struts I have used Xantia rear struts (mine failed due to leaking from the sphere due corrosion, now protected with Waxoyl)

The only other place to be careful is the front to rear pipes. The pipe retailer clip can be well rusted and will not lift the pipes clear of the trailing arm. I ended up adding a metal plate to runs the pipes and protect them from the trailing arm.

Hi Neil

Nice to see you on here!

Sorry, misread you last post, I thought you WERE going to repipe.

Hi Tim,

I called Medway Citroen yesterday and the girl (forgot her name) said that she loved the BX and I thought I had posted a picture of my BX before. I hadn't, so I have now.

Lovely car Neil, i've seen it at a few shows. I think it was you that i sold some headrests that matched your interior exactly, so now you have a full set

Neil, your re-piping comments are very interesting. I just looked up Metrinch, not knowing what it was. I could've used one of those, what a great invention!
I used a pair of fine nosed adjustable grips to undo the unions after I learnt the hard way by ringing one off.

Neil a beautiful looking car, I deliver to Morrisons Bellshill on a regular basis so i will keep an eye out for you. Regards Mark.

Nice car, reminds me of my old mark 1.
I think your the man i sold a load of NOS Switch gear to at the huntingdon rally one year.
i do like the mark 1 for its original ingenious interior.

great to see there is a few still out there.

toddao wrote:... I've just re-piped my BX and I'm quite boring on that subject now!

Boring...pipe..boring Pipe, bore? Geddit?

(I'll get my coat)

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That is a seriously pretty BX Neil.

Here it is at the BX Challenge (25 year anniversary) in 2007...