** 204 Cabriolet - New Member, New Car - Need a Rebuild **

[jeanmi]

Hello - Firstly, thanks for taking time to read my post - I hope you can help. 

Sorry I couldn't make it out to Bicester last weekend - If dogs were allowed, I'd have been there! 

A little back story first - I bought a 304 Cabriolet KYU 874K back in 2012 or so - ran it for a few years before the engine died (by my mother using it) and rust ultimately meant a rebuild wasn't worth the rebuild - It was sold onto Elo @ London motor museum and horribly butchered for their show "Ultimate wheels" It now lives in Italy I believe - and has a horrendous price tag on Car & Classic. 

After 2 years searching, at the weekend I picked up a 204 Cabriolet NOP 252F with a recent paint job, and recent engine rebuild (250 miles ago!!)  - time didn't allow me to go and see before putting my bid in, but i think i got it for a fair price... I think i still would have bought it even if i knew what i was getting into! 

I've now got the car in my possession and it's quite apparent that the big end is knocking, there's oil leaking through a gasket or piston ring somewhere. when I picked up the car, the radiator was half empty, so I'm thinking the guy who had it before didn't look after it properly - probably drove it too hard and let it run too hot! 

ANYWAYS - I'm now looking for someone or somewhere reputable to rebuild the engine and thus my first reach out to you guys here on the forum. 
I'm not liking for a cheap job, I'd looking for a reputable and recommended person to do this. 

I believe the body work is sound enough - and it seems most other parts of the car are working as they should! 

linked is a picture for your reference: www.dropbox.com/s/wjwhomjg9v5qxw1/IMG_2691.JPG?dl=0

If you know of any history on this car, or indeed are the one other 204 Cabriolet I'd love to hear!

Jean-Michel 

[jeanmi]

Ok - I'm going to rephrase this slightly - has anyone used Steve @ SFM Automotive in Halifax? he seems decent on the phone after calling around some.

[oldpug]

A 204 Cabriolet is a very rare beast,so if the bodywork is sound its worth considering an engine rebuild. I`ve never heard of SMF Automotive but after a quick online check they certainly tick all the boxes.This is a job for an old school Peugeot expert,who is familiar with these XK engines.Be prepared for a big bill though,it will be expensive ?
I suppose SMF have advised you,it will be impossible to estimate the cost until the engine has been stripped to find out how good or how bad it is.

The other "Old School" Peugeot man in Yorkshire is Dean Hunter www.peugeotparts.co.uk/ may be he has a good engine in stock?

[jeanmi]

Thanks oldpug

The body work seems really good, just hoping there isn't something ugly under the fresh ish coat of paint!

Indeed I know a rebuild can cost a fair bit, but now I own one of two UK rhd cars, it's my duty eh!

I used peugeot parts for my 304, it seems they always have what you need, I think even if they had s complete engine, I'd have it rebuilt so I know it is solid!

Good news on my 204 is the gearbox seems really nice and there's a spare new clutch in the boot!

I'll let you all know how it goes with Steve, car is heading there on Wednesday.

Look forward to meeting some or all of you at the next meet!

Apr 24, 2017 16:36:58 GMT oldpug said:

A 204 Cabriolet is a very rare beast,so if the bodywork is sound its worth considering an engine rebuild. I`ve never heard of SMF Automotive but after a quick online check they certainly tick all the boxes.This is a job for an old school Peugeot expert,who is familiar with these XK engines.Be prepared for a big bill though,it will be expensive ?
I suppose SMF have advised you,it will be impossible to estimate the cost until the engine has been stripped to find out how good or how bad it is.

The other "Old School" Peugeot man in Yorkshire is Dean Hunter www.peugeotparts.co.uk/ may be he has a good engine in stock?

[miketippett]

Lovely car, and surely worth rebuilding the engine on. I didn't know that Dean Hunter did mechanical work. I have bought parts from him in the past though, for my 404C.

[nick67]

I shall be keeping an eye on this thread, as my 304 has done nearly 100,000 miles and the cam is starting to knock a bit and am thinking about rebuilding it. I see a few piston/liner kits are floating around ebay, as are various crank bearings.

[jeanmi]

Hello Again, Just over a year later - I thought I'd update those interested. ..

The car is still with Steve at SFM, yes, it's been a labour of love for him to fix it - But we're getting there. The whole engine has been stripped, and is being rebuilt, the cam was knackered, but has been rebuilt with some form of a shim as I understand - Steve said he's done the same with the same engine a few years back. He found a load of silicone in the block, meaning either some cheap silicone was used during the last rebuild which was done in Scotland, or a silicone additive was used to try and cure a problem. we're feeling hopeful that we'll have the car back on the road in a month or so when we'll head down through France for a road trip. I'm hoping to visit some shows this year too. if all is working well mechanically, next year will see the restoration continue with the coachwork and subframe as required. Let me know if you recommend anyone for this!?