ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Aug 31, 2011 7:36:25 GMT
I am looking at a 1974 304 saloon at present with a view to buy as a project.The car is scabby in places but looks solid. It is French registered and has a steering column change. Can anyone tell me faults to look for before I buy. Thanks    |
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Post by kerrygill on Sept 8, 2011 8:31:08 GMT
I am no mechanic, but have some experience of the model having just got a 304 Cab on the road. I would get an experienced mechanic/body man to look it over, but the main area of rot seems to be at the rear corners around the stop lights and the rear sills, otherwise it is quite easy to tell if the body is saveable.
Mechanically, they are pretty robust. Mine sat for many years and is running (touch wood) okay after basic engine oil change and replacement of petrol pump, plugs, points and petrol feed. Biggest single expense was getting the brakes overhauled. The hand brake worked perfectly! If everything is there, it should be worth taking on. Check the radiator for leaks, mine had a few small holes which were patched by soldering. At least you won't have the expense of a new hood! Accessibility in the engine compartment - points and distributor, petrol pump - is better on the LHD models too, which I presume yours is. Floor pans can rot out from the sills, but this can be checked easily enough. Pedal box, too, is a area that catches a lot of muck and mine had to be patched. Electrics are very simple compared with today's nightmares and any good mechanic can fix anything easily.
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Sept 8, 2011 19:45:54 GMT
Thank you for your help the car looks solid I will have a close look again and then decide.
Geoff
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Sept 10, 2011 12:06:27 GMT
I went and had a good look all round and could find very little rust other than scabs on the panels.
Underneath looks very solid and I could not find any problems in that area.
The interior is rubbish so a full replacement will probably be the way forward
Net result I am now the owner of a LHD 304 saloon which will be awaiting a restoration when I finish my Renault 6.
While it is waiting I will gather up the parts required.
The car is French but has been here some years can anyone tell me how to identify if the headlamps are left or rhd from the markings on the lenses.
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Post by Dave45 on Sept 12, 2011 19:25:59 GMT
Hi Geoff! Nice motor! There should be a switch on the back of the lamps to adjust the kick up on the lamps from lhd to rhd.
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Sept 12, 2011 21:09:15 GMT
Thank you for that, it is the same as Renaults of the period then that should make life easier.
Although we have owned many Peugeots over the years they have always been new every day cars and I have no experience of classic Peugeots.
I have two Renault r6s and a Renault 8 and a 4CV but I fancied a change hence the 304.
The interior of the car is very poor but I have been lucky to find an good interior in the same colour for a reasonable price.
Thanks Geoff
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Sept 14, 2011 14:48:10 GMT
Went up to Dean Hunter's place in Yorkshire today to pick up an interior for my 304 saloon. It all cleaned up very well except the top of the back seat which was too sun damaged so that is off to the trimmer. While I was there I also managed to buy a factory workshop manual to help with the restoration. I was made aware of Dean by this forum so thanks guys it is always good to know a supplier who caters for the older car.  |
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Dec 12, 2011 22:40:19 GMT
Hi all I have not yet started restoring my 304 yet as I am still working on some Renault projects.
I have been collecting The parts I know I need and hope to start the 304 in the spring.
My first task will be to get an MOT before I start to enable a full assessment.
I have been told the car has lost a gear and that this is probably due to the linkage as the car was fine when laid up.
I spoke to the club chairman at the the NEC who suggested that there was a known fault with an aluminum part that fractures does anyone have more detail.
The car is column change.
Thanks Geoff
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Post by Dave45 on Dec 13, 2011 20:24:55 GMT
Would like to help but I've no idea on column shift models. Does the manual cover it at all?
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ggcton
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Post by ggcton on Dec 13, 2011 22:44:09 GMT
To be honest I have not looked into it much yet I have just been buying stuff it needs for the MOT and some nice parts as they have come up.
I am not familiar with Peugeot more Renault and I know that in the Renault circles there is usually someone in the club who has experience so I thought I would as the question in the hope of saving some time on the repair.
I want to start on the car but I am having to be strict with myself until at least one of my two other projects is finished.
One project only requires a couple of weekends to finish but it finding the time and the weather together.
I have just ordered a new wing and I know I will not be able to resist fitting that.
Geoff
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