2WD 2CV preparation for pistes
The 2cv is especially good for desert travel, being air cooled, simple, practical and amazingly strong for its size. It often rides over the sand but as power of the 602cc engine is low, you need to think like a biker when packing the car. The ACADIANE vans are the best, bigger wheel bearings, longer travel shocks at the rear and biggest strongest springs ,best of the engines/boxes and disc brakes. If the floor is at all rusty, weld in a new one.
They MUST have strengthening of the chassis by welding strips of plate along the chassis rails, the ride height is easily raised to increase ground clearance, by simply adjusting the tie rods going to the springs.
With the seats forward, theres room for a 1M wide full length bed inside, and its easy to hinge the side panels to make extra storage space. They have a perfect space already for a 2nd fuel tank (about 8 hrs driving) but the tanks must be protected underneath from stones.
A sumpguard or skid plate in 4mm alloy is easily bolted to the front of the chassis, to go back as far as behind the cross silencer, fit an extra support on the tailpipe of the exhaust.
We fitted a rev counter (frightening really often at 7000 rpm!) use 20/50 oil, and 2 power sockets for GPS and charger.
Cover the exposed brake pipes with rubber split tube, and tape round the rear arm to protect the pipes.
We fitted a safe under the passengers seat for valuables/money.
Make sure the cooling fan is protected with a fine gauze as stones entering will smash the plastic fan.
We completed 7500 kms in 16 days in the Sahara and High Atlas (8000 feet!) without any real problems, 1st gear for over an hour.
Tim Stiles
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