Cheap SM Daily Driver Challenge Part 5!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.พ. 2018
- Hi! Thanks for checking out this installment on our series about putting together a reliable daily driver out of one of these amazing and somewhat complex cars! The Citroen SM is a 70's icon; a car that can never be repeated... Superbly stylish, with an interior among the best ever done and the growl of a Maserati v6 - 5 speed combo!
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Two of the reasons I love to watch your video's are the girls Stella & Francine and the dry sense of humor you and your agents have. Keep up the great work, thanks.
I love the self pep talk aspect of this. " It's just a car"......
As I watch you guys disassemble the SM, the expression "daunting task" rings in my ears. You're a braver (or possibly higher) man than I, Agent 1.
That thing, at least her front end so far, looks way better than any SM I serviced or owned to date, fenders excluded. Her previous owner(s) kept her well. Hydraulique and transmission oil as a sort of surface preserving coat might have helped locally. The European front You showed in the vid might be beyond patina though. And You'd still need all niveau and steering regulators to make it work properly European style.
Lucky man with such a good SM!
You plan flushing the hydropneumatique? I'd recommend it even with no hydraulique transmission (the gear changer cylinders in the DS are the first to "show" bad oil/dirty systems by nasty sudden non-changes of gears).
We used a juice called hydraurincage for the green (LHM) system, comes from Citroën and was still in use later for XM, Xantia and C, so should still be to get even in Canada with Citroën. Works well with all rubbers and cleans fluid distributor blocs and regulators better than just new green liquid. In stubborn cases You can even drive 1000 to 1500 km on it to enforce inner cleaning.
Watch filters and meshes while driving on flushing fluid meticulously and change/clean early.
Not specifically SM but still citroen.cappyfabrics.com/flusha.pdf (only english version I have found so quick, everything else German on paper in basement)
Mind the LHM-part only. Cheers from Europe M.
Absolutely my favorite show on TH-cam. While watching this episode, I could not help but think that everything that you have accomplished before has served to prepare you for this project. Your subtle sense of impending doom is compelling, and I cannot wait for the next episode to see what happens. Excellent stuff.
Thanks for the note and for the kind words! That is exactly how I am viewing this project: the payback for spending my whole life learning about cars. This is my "final exam" haha! I am still at it, and enjoying the process with much anticipation of the first drive! Cheers from us here...
Dam ,,, it looks like your working on a Space Ship Dude ! . your work is precise & entertaining . I am not used to seeing the type of car your working on . this is what makes TH-cam so enjoyable . Thank You Agent's . Ray in Pa U.S.A.
I’m amazed at the shape that thing is in. You really know how to do some nondestructive “ tidying”. BTW go euro lights man. Stay classy Canada!
If nothing else the European front end, then if you can’t drive it much, you can still look at the front ends beauty. My dad and his mate, Ken had some interesting cars in the 1970,s. Ken drove an SM and got to know the breakdown man on a very personal basis, dad drove an NSU RO80. Loving the videos , though our border collie Pup , Ernie , is confused by your dogs barks. Best wishes Mark in England
Hey thanks for the note and for watching this stuff! An Ro80! Cool; I don't think I've ever seen one on the road here in Canada. More soon on the SM project...Cheers from Canada!
Love the Time Team reference. You guys are doing the vehicle equivalent of that, and just as fascinating :D
'Citroen Suicide Hotline'...lol - great humor
This is a real treat and an education as well. Never had the occasion to tear into Citroen SM . Clearly an under appreciated vehicle !
You are a man of patience. I wouldn't know were to start.
The SM looks like a snap to get back into shape! Looks like simple French engineering at its best! I am sure that Stella and Francine love and understand the SM!
Keep the videos coming I love them!
It is a daunting task. But. The payoff for completing it is having one of the truly great cars ever made. Courage, mes amis.
Another gem of a quote. Scott (deadpan): "Only on the SM do you get a horn that requires monthly servicing." !!!
You made my morning brighter. Thank you! Carry on, it will drive!
Thanks for checking it out... Will do!
I experienced missing time while watching this video. Good stuff!
Uuuh, I feared that it would be a "grand complication". But the SM seems to be in a way much better condition than thought!? I can hardly wait to watch the next part.
I watch and have watched a lot of this car- and technique- stuff. Still I like your videos the most! Thanks to you and the agents and please give Stell and Frankers a hug from me. Good luck to all of you.
You know by far... the best guys. On you tube....I LOVE THEM. YOU Rock. Men. 😁
you Guys are cool, keep up the great work
Enjoying learning about a car I know nothing about. Good stuff.
Hey, thanks for saying so and for checking out the vid...Cheers!
A marvel of excess engineering. And that's exactly why you are the chosen one...to do this. Into the breach once more. You got this. Thanks for the vids!
Hey, thanks for watching them...We're definitely having some fun with this one! Cheers...
I love the Canadian-speak I am learning from this channel!
this is Alberta speak, dialects change across the country
Ya hey!
ANOTHER great video! I'm looking forward to the tiding-up metal work of the fenders videos....Please continue ta' entertain us repair junkies!
Thanks! Will do; metal work starts next episode...
"Only on the SM do you get a horn that needs monthly servicing" haha! Pretty much sums up the design of the whole car I think.
Greetings from a Canadian living in Norway. As a somewhat of a Citrophile ( Have owned 2CV, GS, BX, CXs, DSs ( 5 at once)) and currently driving a XM, I'm impressed with your find! Your car is WAY better then I think many of us that are following your channel thought! Score! Makes me what to restore an SM as well.. :)
By the way, my first ever TH-cam comment goes to you guys! Hehehe
Looking forward to the next episode.
Wow , ancient tech,yet so advanced, what a cool machine
Another great episode. As a Citroen fan I really am loving this series. THANKS for all the detail and explanation. You can see what an engineers car this design as you strip it down. I am so surprised at the limited rust and damage, its a credit to the past owners and to Citroen's quality control. Stripping it back also accentuates just how far behind the axle line the engine and gearbox are. Cheers Keep up the good work, just wish I could be there in person, even if my only contribution was to keep Frankie from ripping up her bed
Hey thanks for the note and for checking it out; always a treat to hear from anyone else who appreciates these rare and interesting cars... Cheers from us here!
That is one seriously over complicated car to work on. You're insane to be taking this on, but I sure as hell love watching it so keep going. Cheers to you, Stella, "Frankers", and your assistant agents. *:D*
Damn, that SM is in better shape then what I was thinking it was going to be, looks like a pretty solid car still (other then the fenders and few other things).
The car seems to be in far better condition than I thought it would be. Congratulation for that!But I agree: This car is really complicated!I would panic just thinking about working on any mechanical.But it is really fascinating to see.
Gawd. First I always thought that these cars were aluminum, not steel, for some reason. What a project, even for a driver!. Everything is complicated or times two redundancy. Thank the LORD all of your air and hydraulics seem to be in good shape so far. Too bad you had to disturb your hay field growing behind the fender apron.
this is an older episode but still relevant. these cars are so interesting but strangely complicated
“Fascinating” truly does sum up this French marvel. Imagine being a dealer mechanic on these models
Makes working on my friend’s 1979 Rolls Royce, look like a walk in the park..eh
Great commentary as usual. Thanks
Hey thanks for the note and for checking it out! The Rolls would have some of the Citroen Hydraulics for the rear suspension, no? Cheers from us here!
First!!!! Love the odd ball builds you do! Hai Stella
Considering how much dirt and debris came out of that fender they look amazingly well preserved. Even more so considering the climate it has lived in for so long. I love the way you go about preserving the car, rather than (over) restoring. I share the same train of thought. It feels more rewarding trying to breath life back into something that came that way from the factory rather than going all out and replacing it all. Other than the obvious fact that it's cheaper there is also something in the way of trying to relate to the way it was build when new. Thoroughly trying to understand the original intent of the builder. Although in this case one can only assume that parts of it will always remain a French mystery..
It’s like some engineer at Citron said: “Tabernac we’re falling behind ze germans, we need to rethink EVERYTHING!”
That looks like a lot of work just to get to the battery-whew! But that SM seems to be in good hands...good luck!
Yup, I remember well my first SM engine R&R, because the lower timing chain adjuster (early spring loaded mechanical type) shit the bed, and tangled the valves... Book time just to R&R engine - 24.5 hr's. ... Ahhhhh, good times....... Got me ready for the two Merak's that came in on flat beds, the next week as two Kuwaiti students @ Syracuse Un., blew up the toys their parents bought 'em as daily beaters... The SM was a wonderful car to drive when back together though... Just a bit of gettin' used to, as the brake pedal pushes back, as ya push down..
Excellent build, Citroen, aluminum, discussion priceless...S.O.S. but with a gigantic P.O.S....Wtf? Why bother?
kewl video ..the citioen was way ahead of it"s time..
Cant wait to see her up and running!
Thanks! I am very excited for the first test drive! Cheers...
what a beautiful machine, classic "Sit Ron" engineers locked up the cost accountants and made something more complex than the technology needed to put men on the moon. in fact that SM as clean as it looks would drive a rocket engineer insane. Great work :D By the way I think the airhorns were known as Parisian horns
Hey thanks for the note and the info on the horns...makes sense to me! Cheers...
post patina lmao! masterful. thanks to all, 2 legged, 4 legged and 4 wheeled as well. wow is Stella shrinking or is Frankers on hydro formula, dang!
Wow. I wouldn't know where to start. In the engine compartment, I have never seen so many wires, tubes and tennis ball holder looking devices. The car is in great shape.
It's really pretty good, right? I certainly have seen a lot of "regular" cars of this era with way more structural rust and mechanical wear...Cheers!
Yes, those forged suspension arms are pivoted on tapered roller bearings. no rubber donuts anywhere. One time I bent an arm by skidding sideways into a curb (Canadian winter hazard). Disconnected the ball joint and put an iron pipe about 1 metre long over the end. On the other end of pipe we placed a 2 x 4 at 90 deg.between it and a niche in the side wall of the garage. The 2 x 4 had an angle of elevation from the floor, so by stepping down on it the arc described a forward push, which straightened the arm.
Still another cool video.Have fun,CHEERS All Agents,and Stella and Francine. Bye.
The pups are adorable, the humor is charmingly irreverent, and the SM is hilariously complicated.
Hey thanks for the kind words and for continuing to endorse this channel and the nonsense therein...Cheers!
FRANKERS! (Well, he spoke first....) and STEL!
This episode features some unique terminology you just won't hear elsewhere in the auto hobby:
1. That fender is "knackered".
2. Inner fender is from the "Time Team" episode entitled "Terrarium"!
3. Niveau voir notice LHM!
4. Jerry Springer...
(pauses to go wash ears out with soap)
Ok, I'm back.
5.Something about soul searching European front ends (Elizabeth Hurley comes to mind).
6. There's not only apparently a Citroen suicide hotline, but one that specializes in SM's! Who knew?
7. Ceeee-tro-eeen.
8. Aluminium!
9. Them bearings resist STICTION!
10. Citroen engineering was "unconventional". Well, if that's one way of saying "Citroen engineers were
constantly half in the bag", sure...
11. Bonus points for the ROADKILL reference.
Happily following along from the southeast end of Yakima (ok, the WAY southeast end)..... :-)
Good luck.
On a Mercedes of this time period those are "town and country horns" LOL. Worked at a dealer that took a couple of these when new to sell as an experiment. You couldn't get parts when they were new. The dealer principal sent them back (thank God)!!
Apart from the fact that this is a car, technically very evolve, I see that the engineers had a maxim "why do simple when we can make complicate"!
I love to laugh. Thank you
Lol. Love the gloves ,4 count., works for me
Francine seems to be growing rapidly!
She'll be running the show in no time!
I noticed that too but, these are videos with more spacing.
so the major systems and the bones are good that's great
Can't have too many horns if you've ever driven in Paris. Looks like she's got good bones.
Ya gotta love any car that comes with a totally free Chia Pet..
Keep it up:-)
The automotive equivalent of the "Jerry Springer Show".... HAHAHAHA.. your f*cking KILLIN me!!
I'm all with you guys on the general theme of "keeping the old stuff going" as well as "they don't make them like that any more", but for the love of all that's rusty, you gotta ditch that old burn scar inducing shop light and get yourself a good quality LED shop light for poking around in and under things. Otherwise, good luck with the SM!
That SM is in Smithsonian quality condition right there.
One name kept popping up in my mind when I saw all those spaces and overlapping panels in the fenders, Fluid Film...
I suggest getting a bottle of 303 aerospace protectant and use it on all of those nice rubber parts. It'll keep them from deteriorating in the future.
Francine is growing so tall! Glad the car doesn't have mechanical problems-- yet.
Too much fun alert
It would be cool to hang out with you guys (I could bring some beer) LOL
I'm just now watching Stell's last video, if I'm correct. It's 03/09/18. When I saw the video about Stell , I hadn't seen this one yet, and didn't want to until the time was right. She will be missed.
LOL@ Time Team...if you find a piece of rock in there and claim it's a piece of Roman pottery you'll have it man!
Never thought I would be learning about Citroen. If I ever see one I will surprise the owner and tell him about the interchangeable front suspension. Ha, when the car is done it would be great for someone like regular car reviews to make a video on. Or Doug Demuro, cheers from Connecticut.
Hey thanks for the note! I think I'll make my own video when it's done though, since I actually restored it. Besides, this is absolutely the polar opposite of a "regular car", no? Cheers from us here!
coldwarmotors yes it is not regular that’s the point it’s ironic. Take the car to car max and see how much they will offer for it. If Carmax is even a thing in Canada?
hi to Scott and the Agents and Stell and ( getting very big, very fast ! ) Frankers ! Those Citroen ( say Citroen however you want btw ) engineers were smoking some serious Galouis smokes at the time of designing this engine bay ! Sacre bleu, lets make this as tough as hell for any sane man to fix in the future...lol ! Cheers from Australia Scott, the Citroen Suicide line only ever gets one caller i'm betting :)
Hey, thanks for the note... Yeah, we're having fun now for sure...Can't wait to drive it! Cheers...
All the wiring and vacuum lines laying all over the top of the engine makes the visual effect look a little " busy " I had a friend of years ago talk me about the car, I never took in rest until I started watching you guys. Pretty cool car really. Jay Leno has a primo example. No worrries, you guys drink beer and swear. Jay ain't got nothin on you ✌👍
Looks no more complicated than a millenium falcon starship.
Mike Goodman actually I think the falcon would be simpler.
...But the Millenium Citron flies smoother.
Hey, don't laugh. That baby did the Kessel run in less than 12 Parsecs.
I don't remember you mentioning the cup holders. I hope there are enough cup holders. The airhorn compressor on my XK120 DHC was the size of a big starter motor. Nice little unit there.
Hey thanks for the note! XK120 hey? Niiiiiice... Always a treat to hear from anyone else with the serious car sickness...Cheers!
I'm old from California and we pronounced it Sit Tron. I've been watching some videos about restoring old fancy hi-fi amplifiers, and the ones before the invention of the circuit board were a ton or resistors and capacitors and tubes and everything was connected by many, many soldered wires thrown here and there and that's what the SM in this state reminds me of. There are so few right angles in this machine. In the movie _French Connection_ instead of using a Lincoln Continental to smuggle heroin, they should have used a Citroen.
'We have to decide what is patina and what is post-patina...'
Great episode, keep up the good work on the SM! It seems very challenging, to drive and maintain one over there. In Amsterdam (Netherlands) we have at least 3 garages specialized in classic Citroën DS. And that's only in the city of Amsterdam... Parts are also easy to get, NOS, used or new production. When looking for parts in Europe, try the Netherlands. We have more DS-es than in France these days. Good luck with the SM and please continue with this great YT channel. Any plans on fixing another DS in the future?
Hi, thanks for the note... I am actually working on a DS for my friend, and another one for myself right now. The one for my friend will be the subject of a series of videos here soon, too! Cheers from us here...
7:29 Wow, fascinating stuff !The wheel lug bolts/studs are at the edge of the plates?!? The lug nuts look odd!? What are those strange flanges? A sort of locking design? Also, this is like looking at an aircraft structure with the colors and lines that run about. Most fascinating to me are the pin bearing bushings for the suspension components. Everything else on the market was rubber bushings, and still are! How unusual!!
I immediately perceived the man to be a mechanic, as he had one dirty thumb.
Cool :)
Yes, pronunciation is interesting. I've noticed that in your part of the world Citroen is pronounced 'Sit Row An'. In mine it's pronounced 'Sit Ron'. Probably the French would pronounce it the way Maurice Chevalier used to say 'Honh Honh Honh'. Nissan is another case in point. 'Neice Anne' is what you hear over there. Over here it rhymes with 'Piss An'. Brake pad sensors also feature on P6 Rovers (look 'em up) which are my main contribution at present to keeping the roads to a small degree not totally full of modern cars. That Citroen will be brilliant when you get it done! Cheers.
had one of these on the lift once for free inspection pro mo at bob sharp ferrari back in the 80s blew my mine then as now crazy cars. well ahead of there time like the tucker. neighor had one rember didnt need jack if susp worked rite.could lift tire by hydro?ithink?
Well considering the age of the car it really is in pretty good shape. The rust is minimal and Im sure repair will not take all that long.
Are you done with this car? Geez this is something.
Complex design, what an amazing piece of technology.... It's a beautiful complexity.
Built by French brains, :-) when Mathematics were at the core of our education system.
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Do you need the "Revue Technique Automobile" for this car? They have one for the SM, It's pretty detailed, you would have all electric circuits as well.
What an absolute engineering nightmare! Why would you do this to yourself?? I love it.
This is only in comparison to "Cold War" era cars. When most cars went to front or all-wheel drive, transverse engine, and electronic controls, simplicity and ease of maintenance went out the window. I have a 5000 page factory service manual for 2009 Dodge Caliber. There is a very large section with electronic schematics. And just try replacing a front or rear subframe. Requires undoing much of the suspension before you get there.
All the best from Lower Canada. eh
14:45 goodbye beautiful lady. Sorry Scott didnt realise Stel wasnt well. In hindsight i think she did allow Frankers to step up for the limelight. Time may make it easier but even years down the track you will feel a twang in your heart when you see her. She had a good life with a great Dad and an awesome group of agents. Peace.
Well that was a real eye-opener. Even inboard discs on the front!!! That low unsprung weight has to really help with the legendary ride quality. Watching this vid has rendered my planned suggestion of throwing a Chev 216 in there laid over "Slant 6" style for hood clearance and running dry sump lubrication kind of uncool and inappropriate.
Hey thanks for checking out the vid... I hope a few people will gain some appreciation for these often-misunderstood cars if we have a close look at one...Cheers!
Scott,
Thanks for the tour. This will be fun (at least for me) to watch as you get your latest treasure up and running. How did you get the transmission so spotlessly clean when it's in such an awkward position? It almost looked like it was steam cleaned!
Best, Tom
THOMMGB ‘69 MGB 👍
1968 and 1977 MGB which I've had for many many years. :-)
THOMMGB sweet brother mine’s primrose yellow with the optional hardtop and aftermarket dealer installed A/C. I have a video of it on my channel I think lol. Was my fathers
17:10 Worn brake pad indicator?? That's actually a pretty decent idea, thinking ahead!
19:49 Nice and clean! What chemicals and process do you use to clean it up so nice!? I use a "purple cleaner" degreaser to clean things like that up. I put it into a compression pump-sprayer that's used for weed spraying you can buy from local stores, let soak for a bit, then use toilet/kitchen brush tools to scrub things clean.
Oh! I use a combination of detergent, steam, and / or varsol depending on the surface I'm trying to clean. Cheers!
So you have to remove the front end to change the battery? Great engineering
Neoprene, synthetic rubber likes WD-40 very much and can actually add life to and revitalize when dry and hard.
The engineering complexities on this car is jaw dropping! Did they really make any money on it?
Oh! No, they lost a ton on these babies! It was a flagship car and an engineering statement, but lost money like crazy despite a very high price tag... Cheers from us here!
coldwarmotors ROTFLMFAO
Shit, slap some Bondo on that fender and it’ll be good as new. ;-) I know you can do it. I’ve seen y’all do it to a truck door. Rebuilt entirely out of Bondo. Great stuff! :-)
*hypnotic voice* ... You want to put the Euro headlights on there... You want to put the Euro headlights on there... You want to put the Euro headlights on there... You want to put the Euro headlights on there... You want to put the Euro headlights on there... ;-)
YAY!! Euro headlights!!
Haha yeah, I had to put that in because so many people were asking if i was gonna do the conversion. It is adding a tremendous amount of effort to the job though, and considerable expense. Nevertheless, i wanted the car to look like the ones in the factory photos...Cheers!
Greetings and salutations from Halifax. That Canuckistan dialectic is so very pleasing to the ears. The Citroen is very solid and should make for a fine daily driver. Thank the Great and Lofty One for beer and smokes or else our winters would be totally unbearable. We'll see you all soon. Thank you.
P.S. Putting the Euro front on it would look so right but then there is something to be said about export market gems.
Stephen, thank you for that great tip! Had been thinking about applying for a Coldwarmotors internship, however, that option carries with it the risk of being rejected on grounds of my alien citizenship (i.e., south of the border in Trumplandia). Safer to attempt to infiltrate, unnoticed, speaking Canuckistanian, and posing as a Coldwarmotors Agent. Will work on the dialect (Hey, eh! Hey, eh!, Hey, eh!.........).
We Canucks always welcome those who truly have a 'Hoser' heart. In your case, nobody's perfect, and I'm sure you'll eventually blend in and accept normalcy. Where there's a will there's a way. Eh?
P.S. Canuckistan Kopeks are only worth about 30% of inflated Trumplandia Shekels. You'll adjust. We offset that with REAL BEER! So buckle up, partner!
So the transmission is in front of the engine? Never knew these were fwd until I saw a front axle here
this car is worth saving
Agreed! Cheers...
Important question: Which came first, the French cars or the French dogs?
That stuff you took out of the fender. Did you save it?
Could make a great soup (ala bird's nest soup!!).
Hey I just bought a 83 dodge ram d100 custom with slant six I know you have a bigger old dodge truck you have any experience with the slant sixes though wondering how hard it is to change the lean burn shit if possible without having issues
Where does one aquire one of those fancy patented Alberta hood props?
Mustie1, would have told you to leave that oil on there that you cleaned off the other side around those brake lines, that's what kept them from rusting. He uncoats or rust proofs with bar and chain oul
How or what do you use to clean all that grease?