“Held by a split pin which I managed to drop - which was hilarious, obviously!” 😂😂😂 Motoring / hobby TV gold! So much better than mainstream offerings. Ian, you’re the perfect video host. I really love Hubnut, even if I prefer my cars comfy, modern and reliable these days.
No need to apologise for having a moment, been there and done it and as people say it would not be hubnut if it does not go to plan. You got there in the end and I do love a tinkering video
I've learned if you wake up on a day and don't feel like doing owt, do nowt, whatever your best efforts that day will only turn out a shambles anyway and cheese you off even more 👍 Top job in the end Ian, loving the spacious work bench 😂
Totally agree. I did field service on multi million dollar machines and had days where nothing went well diagnosing a "complex" problem. I figured out it was better to go back to my hotel, have a beer and some food. I almost always figured out the solution at the hotel bar, and the next day performed an easy fix in a couple of hours. I later became head of service and put that advice into our training manual for new service guys (who were very happy to expense their drinks as "research").
@@tonythemadbrit9479 you absolute legend :D I do hope that's still in the diagnostic manual... nowadays too many businesses in the supposed pursuit of "efficiency" completely block out all rest times, or almost all of them. I reckon your "go back to the hotel and have a drink and food" advice might not be well received by them! Even though, as someone with some electrical engineering experience (nowhere near as much as you though) I 100% agree that you just can't force progress on some days. These impatient managers really need to re-learn that - their efforts are definitely harming overall productivity, despite short-term appearances of getting more done.
@@kaitlyn__L Thank you Kaitlyn. I think too many MBA programs ignore human needs, and produce managers that only care about making one more dollar at the expense of their employees. Just leads to stress for the employees who quit and move on. Very short term thinking that costs money in the long term.
Had that problem on my 2CV. Eventually ended up replacing the switch with a better one. Not fun on a dark country road when you flick to high-beam and all your lights go out. Incidentally, the switch originates from the Traction Avant and was first used in about 1938.
Thanks for showing us the human side of old car ownership! I think we've all had the 'it'll only take 5 minute' jobs that have dragged on over days and caused hospital visits. In fact, I think there's more of my DNA from scraped appendage's in my cars, than in my kids!
I once finished a fuel pump installation on my MG, and noticed that there was blood on it. Hose clamp ends are sharp... reinforcing my observation that no job is complete until blood has been drawn.
Over forty years in electronics has taught me the value of just putting something to one side and returning to it another time - or even asking a mate to take a look at it. I dread to think what kind of fearsome electromechanical wizardry went on in my Renault 16's light switch because when the sidelights were on, it flashed the dipped beams rather than the main beams... but with the dipped beams on, it returned to flashing main beam. An interesting watch!
Total & pure HubNut video. Total empathy for having a sweary moment. Things can get very frustrating. But very true words towards the end about walking away. Done that many times over the years working on my own cars. I think my bleep machine might be broken though!
11:23 I’ve had the same thought working on my brother’s Chrysler 300C here in the states. The brake/shift interlock plastic piece (known as the pink thingy here lol) broke, making it impossible to shift out of park, and it was an absolute pig getting the shifter out of the car and an even bigger one getting it back in once we replaced the pink thingy with a metal one. We did get it in the end, though, and it’s been fine ever since!
I had a similar problem on our old 2010 Saab ng9-5 auto. It wouldn't got into park enough to allow the doors to lock. Stripping it down at midnight on the drive I found a plastic part that sort of slides over a metal bit (what a fantastic idea for a gear lever that gets used every drive )
bryan that’s classic General Motors for you. Cheapen out wherever you can to save money per car. Chrysler does the same. My 2011 Ford Edge SUV even has a dead Sync 2 module, which killed the entire stereo and most other features, due to Ford cheapening out on it. Going to try to upgrade to Sync 3 once I get the parts, which requires tearing the center dash apart. Wish me luck!
We've all been there Ian, and if you think letting that wee swear word out when under pressure, you want to spend some time with me when I am working under pressure - the air is blue.
Surprising thing is we all think it's only us when things go wrong nice in a way to know other people feel the same great fix on the lights Ian glad you came back after walking away to try again like you said often the best way Rob
So reassuring to see that even Mr Hubnut (seemingly a very patient man) can lose his rag with these things. I spend at least 50% of my time throwing things around and cursing “The guy who decided to put that bloody thing there”. I swear I enjoy it really
Being humble enough to walk away from a problem in order to return later in a better frame of mind is so wise. As Robert M Pirsig said in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, "On any mechanical repair job ego comes in for rough treatment. You're always being fooled, you're always making mistakes, and a mechanic who has a big ego to defend is at a terrific disadvantage."
Such wise advice about packing up and walking away. Some days the 'muse' just doesn't visit and it's pointless carrying on. Glad you got it fixed. Cheers
How many times have I seen this very story played out in my own garage... the frustration of a dirt-simple component that just refuses to work, for some unfathomable reason, all the while knowing that it’s probably my own fault anyway. Ah well, now I know that French electrics are no less frustrating than the British variety. RE: your closing comments, I agree with adding simple improvements to our classics if we intend to drive them regularly. I installed a PerTronix ignition module in the Midget, and haven’t looked back. Away with points and condensers, although I certainly respect the purist standpoint as well. I was just tired of scratching my head at the roadside due to yet another bad condenser.
You're totally right. The current remanufactured capacitors are of abominably poor quality. Two 2CV of my friends broke down due to the failure of their "new" capacitors which had barely been used. I put an ignition module on one, a full electronic ignition on the other and we never had any more problems.
and that's the reason that I love HubNut. It's inspired me to work on my car (2005 Volvo S60 2.0T Auto) and after a moment of madness a few weeks ago, an MGF for high days and dry days! If it wasn't for Ian, I wouldn't be tinkering with my fleet! Keep up the good work Ian!
That was the best video of yours that I’ve ever seen! The rant just before lunch had me spitting out my tea as I realised your day was like so many of my past days 😂👍🏻 Well done for sorting it out in the end
That is the best advice, if you’re not in the mood, leave it to another day. Just don’t keep saying that to yourself, otherwise nothing gets done! By the way, the HubNut garage is looking remarkably organised these days. I thought I’d tuned in to the wrong channel for a minute 😁 Glad you got Elly sorted in the end. Lights are definitely a good idea this time of year!
After a couple of warm days in Melbourne, we too are having a couple of Welsh days. I was inside a switch myself a few days ago - broken return spring on a Vanguard ignition switch, which is now like your switch, fixed!
My wife worked out a long time ago that when I’m having serious problems and the air is exceedingly blue , the best thing to do is to keep well out of my way and let me get over it . She on the other hand hardly ever looses her temper and when she does it’s so rare that I find it hilarious and have a hard time not smiling , she really is a treasure .
I've always thought that Mr. Bean was a really clever comedy. Now I understand it was nothing more than a slightly dramatized documentary about a somewhat confused but typical English man, exactly like Ian :)
Hey Ian, pleased you won in the end . . . lol . . . so pleased I am not the only one who packs a paddie !! It is certainly a heck of a lot less expensive to walk away !! . . . Cheers as always
This was a classic Hubnut tinkering video and I enjoyed the mini strop in the middle. I had a very similar experience on my Pony (2cv) switch, suddenly plunged into inky blackness at 60mph. Your recommendation about fitting relays and a fuse will be followed.
I find the more foolish I think a design aspect of the car I am working on is, it ultimately provides me with a very clear picture of where the foolishness actually resides . . .
I forgot to mention Ian, did you notice that your cool 😎 little Toyota Starlet from New Zealand had a DUDE I LOVE MY RIDE feature on TFL CLASSICS in America this week. Looks gorgeous and does some doughnuts for the camera. Hope you enjoy it and get a chance to reconnect with your Legendary Trip. Thanks again Buddy for sharing New Zealand with all of us in a way that pushed you well past the limits. Absolute dedication.
It's ok when you have a few cars to use but when you've only got one and you need it for work it's a different story, I have been there many times in the past. Thanks again Ian for a good video of your stress our entertainment.
Older Renaults used a weird system that did a similar function. Twist the stalk once, and select between dip and sidelights, and twist again, and select between main and dip. If the lights were off, the headlamp flasher worked on main beam, but if sidelights were on, it'd only flash dipped beams! And, apparently at one stage it was illegal (in France!) to sound the horn after dark, so once the sidelights were on, sounding the horn simply flashed the headlights! :-O
Unfused headlight switch without relay, because French! Simca did it the same way. Good move to replace it with relays and fuse it, but take care to clean the switch contacts regularly and check the fuse and relay contacts. Use a glass fibre brush or some very light sandpaper (just enough to get the oxidation off) and apply contact cleaner. At least that kept the lights on in my Talbot-Matra Murena.
Not just the French! Pretty much every European car (and I include British in that category, I'm not familiar with American) designed in the 'fifties incorporated minimal, if any, fuses.
@@saxon-mt5by the Simca's I was talking about were designed in the 1970s. Apparently they had exactly the same design column stalk as the 1950s 2CV (push in = horn, turn to sidelights, turn to dipped beam, push down for main beam). Now Matra did a good thing by putting a relay in (still unfused though in 1981), but failed to design proper connectors, so instead of a burnt switch you'll end up with a burnt connector. Ugh. matramurena.net/pics/relayrepair.jpg
Ask the farmer for some green 'stretch net' to cover the vent slats in the shed , its used to keep the weather off the cows but allowing ventilation.. we use it on the farm
Had similar problems fitting new switch in my 602 on holiday in south of france. Interestingly my 6v ripple has town and country horns with two stage contacts 😊
Well done. You are better than I am at this kind of stuff. And yes, I have been known to have lost screws, tightened them, etc., and a simple job taking much longer than it should have. Lately I haven't taken anything apart, which most likely is a good thing!
A great video :) Very brave to leave the Hubnut frustration in. Others would have edited that out, thereby reinforcing the myth old cars are easy and simple. Thanks for the "warts and all". :)
You can lower the current further by driving the relay from a FET. FET's only require the presence of voltage to switch on. A FET wih high enough current capacity andcooling might even be able to replace the relay Just bear in mind you'll need a pull-down or bypass resistor to make sure the FET switches off when you switch the lights off.
The 'on' resistance of said FET would need to be very low in order not to dim the already dim lights on a 2CV, and I don't think you would get away with passing 10+ Amps without a heatsink. A relay would be cheaper ,and as its coil only requires about 20mA to switch the contacts, it wouldn't stress the switch contacts too much anyway. Using FETs is a great idea if you have some experience constructing, and soldering electronic circuits.
@@toppledgod I agree. I just pointed out that it's not a very practical idea as it would take someone who knows how to solder components and it would be more expensive than a relay, which doesn't draw much current. As someone who designed one of the first generation of remote control car alarms which used FETs instead of relays, I'm all for using these components where it makes sense.
Oh Ian, I know it was frustrating. I’ve been there. I laughed out loud when you lost it over the camera angle (not shaudenfreude, just recognized myself in your reaction). The problem with not being in a mental state to work on something is never fully recognizing or accepting it until much failure has happened and time has been wasted. Thanks for bringing us along, though.
Cut yourself some slack Ian. Many are like me, I imagine and watch you because it's the closest thing to real life we know. If you ever get all slick and professional I will probably loose interest immediately. So waffle on to your hearts content, fluff it freely and boldly bodge where no other will admit to having bodged it before. We love it. 😆
Having only used the 2cv headlight switch at the annual m.o.t. I have never been able to remember the switch sequence. During lock down I have now fitted toggle switches, the stalk is now horn only. Next job for winter is 652 kit, more is more!
Congrats on persevering and making it work. It is definitely good to walk away at times. That reminds me of my Ducati motorcycle. The Italians make great motorcycles but the electrics are a bit sketchy. I was riding home one night, hit the high beam switch, and the headlight went out. Just like yours. Fortunately low beam still worked so I got home OK. I was ticked so I took a toggle switch and made a bracket to mount it on. That was my beam switch for years. It never failed me. I did finally install an aftermarket switch, wasn't inclined to install a crappy OEM switch again.
My first car , Citroen Dyane had the same problem. Also the screen wash bulb used to come off every time you put your foot on it . And the roof leaked . My Mum had extra driving lights fitted to it for my birthday, I really wish I hadn’t got rid of it !!
Nice piece of advice if in doubt and you feel the rage! walk away and come another washing day. Weird analogy I know but look it works! Glad you fixed it, all the frustrations were well worth it. Love this channel and thanks for not editing the rage moment out makes for real on the job shenanigans. You must have plenty of outtakes of this kind of thing or does this not happen very often :¬)
I have had lots of fun with these switches. If you take it fully apart for cleaning and polishing, they can be a bit of a nightmare to assemble properly. Last time I assembled one of these it took me 3 hours just trying to get it back together properly so that all the contacts work.
sometimes ian, it is best to walk away and come back to it later with fresh eyes. my mate and I did that when overhauling his morris minor rear leaf springs, the bugger wouldn't go in, so we left it and came back in the morning, and it went in first time!
Hi Ian firstly well done for persevering, and getting to the bottom of the problem, don't worry about having a paddy it's the joy of the home tinkering, but you got ther and that's what matters, and you are quite right to go away and come back fresh and have another go. Like the old saying try, try try again. All the best.
That strange headlight system sounds like the Dim/Dip we had here in the U.K. for a very short time in the late 80’s. A strange setting in between sidelights and headlights.
I had a 425cc Belgian LHD, which had 6v electrics. It must have had, but I don't remember, lights. I do remember most of the way to Bristol at 40mph in third, because there was a headwind.
Totally agree - when things go pear-shaped, it is usually things and just not one thing. Certainly 'sleeping on it' also works a dream - is that a pun ? I've had instances where I've gone to bed with something not working and the following morning it works as if there was never anything wrong with it. That's life!
19 minutes of HubNut moment's 👍 I too had to walk away from my car, as I was getting nowhere. I will return to it this weekend and have hidden all my hammers!
I might have cleaned those contacts with some fine grit applied some flux paste and tried to run some solder into the worn parts finishing with a fine file to take away any surplus solder. I might have, on a good day. Anyway, you won in the end. I'm actually missing the sandals and the knees, variously. Roll on the carefree days of spring/summer..
Just put a see thought covering up over the holes to stop the rain coming in that keep the in side dry or don't that's up to you. Great video can wait to see more off little Ellie.
You're a genius! A see through covering to cover up the holes. If only there was some kind of material that's see through and waterproof. I was inspired by studying my beer bottle to construct such a portal from glass and it seems to work! Surprisingly the major benefit is keeping the wind out, not the rain out. And on the basis of that, and the fact that it hurts when you drop it on your toe, I propose we call it a 'wind-ow' (Sorry got a bit carried away)
Hi Ian did I hear you right when you said we will go over to the workbench ! and don't worry about the little odd swear word it happens to the best of use at some time, I know it can get very frustrating when what looks like a small simple job can turn into a big job that takes longer than you thought.
Very well said, that man. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, stuff just goes wrong. My theory is that it’s not always your fault, shit just happens, and it has to happen to someone, today may just be your day. No point getting angry about it, just come back when the shit has gone away. That’s my 2 pence worth anyhow.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one that has childish strops over jobs I should have never started...This weekend for me was a classic example of "I should know better" !! 😣😣
Great confirmation that you are human Ian. I thought brightening up the contacts with a bit of emery paper might have been a help. Hard to walk away sometimes but it usually works.
I've watched all of your videos , some of them more than once, but this is by far my favourite.If i had a quid for every time i've thrown stuff about in a childish fit i'd be a wealthy man.Thank you for posting.
Great video, You mentioned putting relays on your headlights, A video showing how to do this and other little jobs to improve your CV And stopping it going up in flames 😀
Those switches can be a pain sometimes as my wife's Uncle asked me to put a new stork he got from the wreckers into his car ,so half an hour later he came to see how I was doing but I was having trouble getting it off the steering column but I got it in the end
Ian, I'm 75 years old and spent many a long hour tinkering with cars old and new and I know that you 'can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear'. You have 2 very old and worn out switches there that you are trying to cobble together to make one decent switch and, even if you succeed, it probably won't last long. Sorry. Give yourself a break and buy a new one which I know will cost you over £50 but it will be worth it in saved frustration and swearing. Keep your videos coming - they are really enjoyable.
Hi Ian ,Just received the calendar today, looks great , unfortunately the post have bent and creased it. Not too bad however can I suggest it sent out in a card back envelope also writing 'Please do not bend' .
Reminds me of a joke: A postman has a large envelope to deliver with "calendars do not bend" printed on it, so he writes "yes they do" on it, bends it in half and puts it through the letterbox.
Yes, i do need to put relais in my Citroën C35 camper. I've burned out the 2nd switch already... And i agree with your advise, just walk away if work doesn't go as planned. I too have the luxury of a garage, so i can and will drop everything if my brain doesn't want to cooperate...
That switch does look very agricultural, compared to modern stuff. Almost bakelite and knife switch territory, like Frankensteins lab. A shame the replacement stalk was more rusty than the old one. I would have tried switch cleaner, emery cloth and a little judicial bending of contacts, first.
' Why the F### am I even doing this? '. Ha, This is why I love this channel :) If it's possible to remove the whole switch from the wiring loom, it's better to check that the switch positions are working using a continuity meter, on the bench, before you refit it.
You can use plumbers silicone grease on sliding contacts, its none conductive, works fantastic on pivot points and control cables as well, incredibly slippery stuff and won't degrade plastic or rubber. Cheap from your local plumbers merchant.
I had a '71 Avenger once and every time you went over a big lump or trench in a road the lights all went off - they were restored by hammering on the binnacle on the dash. Mucho fun was (not ) had going down dark country lanes when it all went dark and driver and several ( drunk ) passengers assaulted the dashboard to restore the lights. I feel looking back that these type of assaults made the loose connection more prevalent and harder to restore but hey we were all young....
My 1974 2CV/6 headlights stopped working( maybe they never did). I removed the switch, cleaned it and tested it via a multi-meter on the bench. Worked fine, installed it and now it energizes all the contacts, sending power to all three contacts in the light bucket. I guess a new switch is the only answer. Would like to see how to install a relay.
Hi Ian, ive always found these electrical switches on cars can be so fiddly that i just buy a replacement part, had the same sort of problem with ignition switch, in the end i got a new one.....loving the tinkering good or bad, this is the video that may have not happened.
As an amateur auto-electrician and professional electronic engineer my advice is always: work systematically, rule causes out step by step and use a multimeter to verify. It's a good thing if you just can leave it, have tea and come back if your mind is at ease. Once again, work your way systematically through the system.
Have we just witnessed Garage Rage and there is no point in blaming Paddy because, to be fair, poor Paddy wasn't even in the garage. Looks like Ellie's wings were blushing at the language. Glad persistence brought success. 👍
Amazingly never had a switch or stalk go wrong on any vauxhall in over 30 years of owning vauxhalls. About 18 in all. Mainly chevette's, mk2 & mk4 astra's & mk2 cavaliers.
I feel we now have a true taste of 2CV ownership and repair. For all their simplicity and charm they have a certain Gallic character that makes them just that little bit different.
Ive had nuts and bolts that wouldn't shift for love nor money...sprayed them, heated them up....nothing. Then came back next day and they have undone with no trouble. I think they do it deliberately.
“Held by a split pin which I managed to drop - which was hilarious, obviously!” 😂😂😂
Motoring / hobby TV gold! So much better than mainstream offerings.
Ian, you’re the perfect video host. I really love Hubnut, even if I prefer my cars comfy, modern and reliable these days.
Top tip if something is pissing you off, just walk away and come back to it another day!
Can you email my boss?
3 years later...
Life pisses me off ...
“I’ve got the horn’ Hubnut quotes just get better 🤣
Well he does love his 2CV.
And not forgetting the all-purpose innuendo of "I went home for lunch and had chocolate...well I had something else as well"
No need to apologise for having a moment, been there and done it and as people say it would not be hubnut if it does not go to plan.
You got there in the end and I do love a tinkering video
When did Ian have a 'moment' ,I didn't notice ?
@@ASH.......................1976 just when he swore at the camera.
@@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain getting annoyed when working on cars is normal for me ,it's all part of it 😆👍
I've learned if you wake up on a day and don't feel like doing owt, do nowt, whatever your best efforts that day will only turn out a shambles anyway and cheese you off even more 👍
Top job in the end Ian, loving the spacious work bench 😂
I agree totally.
Try and build in some more breaks if you can.Ian
Totally agree. I did field service on multi million dollar machines and had days where nothing went well diagnosing a "complex" problem. I figured out it was better to go back to my hotel, have a beer and some food. I almost always figured out the solution at the hotel bar, and the next day performed an easy fix in a couple of hours. I later became head of service and put that advice into our training manual for new service guys (who were very happy to expense their drinks as "research").
@@tonythemadbrit9479 you absolute legend :D I do hope that's still in the diagnostic manual... nowadays too many businesses in the supposed pursuit of "efficiency" completely block out all rest times, or almost all of them. I reckon your "go back to the hotel and have a drink and food" advice might not be well received by them! Even though, as someone with some electrical engineering experience (nowhere near as much as you though) I 100% agree that you just can't force progress on some days. These impatient managers really need to re-learn that - their efforts are definitely harming overall productivity, despite short-term appearances of getting more done.
@@kaitlyn__L Thank you Kaitlyn. I think too many MBA programs ignore human needs, and produce managers that only care about making one more dollar at the expense of their employees. Just leads to stress for the employees who quit and move on. Very short term thinking that costs money in the long term.
Had that problem on my 2CV. Eventually ended up replacing the switch with a better one. Not fun on a dark country road when you flick to high-beam and all your lights go out.
Incidentally, the switch originates from the Traction Avant and was first used in about 1938.
Thanks for showing us the human side of old car ownership! I think we've all had the 'it'll only take 5 minute' jobs that have dragged on over days and caused hospital visits. In fact, I think there's more of my DNA from scraped appendage's in my cars, than in my kids!
I once finished a fuel pump installation on my MG, and noticed that there was blood on it. Hose clamp ends are sharp... reinforcing my observation that no job is complete until blood has been drawn.
Pure Hubnut!
You have my complete sympathy though, I've been an electrician for 38 years but auto electrics still drive me up the wall.
Over forty years in electronics has taught me the value of just putting something to one side and returning to it another time - or even asking a mate to take a look at it. I dread to think what kind of fearsome electromechanical wizardry went on in my Renault 16's light switch because when the sidelights were on, it flashed the dipped beams rather than the main beams... but with the dipped beams on, it returned to flashing main beam. An interesting watch!
Total & pure HubNut video. Total empathy for having a sweary moment. Things can get very frustrating.
But very true words towards the end about walking away. Done that many times over the years working on my own cars.
I think my bleep machine might be broken though!
11:23 I’ve had the same thought working on my brother’s Chrysler 300C here in the states. The brake/shift interlock plastic piece (known as the pink thingy here lol) broke, making it impossible to shift out of park, and it was an absolute pig getting the shifter out of the car and an even bigger one getting it back in once we replaced the pink thingy with a metal one. We did get it in the end, though, and it’s been fine ever since!
I had a similar problem on our old 2010 Saab ng9-5 auto.
It wouldn't got into park enough to allow the doors to lock.
Stripping it down at midnight on the drive I found a plastic part that sort of slides over a metal bit (what a fantastic idea for a gear lever that gets used every drive )
bryan that’s classic General Motors for you. Cheapen out wherever you can to save money per car. Chrysler does the same. My 2011 Ford Edge SUV even has a dead Sync 2 module, which killed the entire stereo and most other features, due to Ford cheapening out on it. Going to try to upgrade to Sync 3 once I get the parts, which requires tearing the center dash apart. Wish me luck!
We've all been there Ian, and if you think letting that wee swear word out when under pressure, you want to spend some time with me when I am working under pressure - the air is blue.
The ‘walk away’ advice is so very true. I’ve learnt that swearing does not in itself fix french electrics but may lead to smouldering or fire
Surprising thing is we all think it's only us when things go wrong nice in a way to know other people feel the same great fix on the lights Ian glad you came back after walking away to try again like you said often the best way Rob
So reassuring to see that even Mr Hubnut (seemingly a very patient man) can lose his rag with these things.
I spend at least 50% of my time throwing things around and cursing “The guy who decided to put that bloody thing there”. I swear I enjoy it really
Being humble enough to walk away from a problem in order to return later in a better frame of mind is so wise. As Robert M Pirsig said in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, "On any mechanical repair job ego comes in for rough treatment. You're always being fooled, you're always making mistakes, and a mechanic who has a big ego to defend is at a terrific disadvantage."
Such wise advice about packing up and walking away. Some days the 'muse' just doesn't visit and it's pointless carrying on. Glad you got it fixed. Cheers
How many times have I seen this very story played out in my own garage... the frustration of a dirt-simple component that just refuses to work, for some unfathomable reason, all the while knowing that it’s probably my own fault anyway. Ah well, now I know that French electrics are no less frustrating than the British variety. RE: your closing comments, I agree with adding simple improvements to our classics if we intend to drive them regularly. I installed a PerTronix ignition module in the Midget, and haven’t looked back. Away with points and condensers, although I certainly respect the purist standpoint as well. I was just tired of scratching my head at the roadside due to yet another bad condenser.
You're totally right. The current remanufactured capacitors are of abominably poor quality. Two 2CV of my friends broke down due to the failure of their "new" capacitors which had barely been used. I put an ignition module on one, a full electronic ignition on the other and we never had any more problems.
and that's the reason that I love HubNut. It's inspired me to work on my car (2005 Volvo S60 2.0T Auto) and after a moment of madness a few weeks ago, an MGF for high days and dry days!
If it wasn't for Ian, I wouldn't be tinkering with my fleet! Keep up the good work Ian!
That was the best video of yours that I’ve ever seen! The rant just before lunch had me spitting out my tea as I realised your day was like so many of my past days 😂👍🏻
Well done for sorting it out in the end
That is the best advice, if you’re not in the mood, leave it to another day. Just don’t keep saying that to yourself, otherwise nothing gets done! By the way, the HubNut garage is looking remarkably organised these days. I thought I’d tuned in to the wrong channel for a minute 😁 Glad you got Elly sorted in the end. Lights are definitely a good idea this time of year!
So glad you left that piece in Ian, I've had to walk away a few times or else the car would have been set on fire, so I know how you felt!!
After a couple of warm days in Melbourne, we too are having a couple of Welsh days. I was inside a switch myself a few days ago - broken return spring on a Vanguard ignition switch, which is now like your switch, fixed!
My wife worked out a long time ago that when I’m having serious problems and the air is exceedingly blue , the best thing to do is to keep well out of my way and let me get over it . She on the other hand hardly ever looses her temper and when she does it’s so rare that I find it hilarious and have a hard time not smiling , she really is a treasure .
I've always thought that Mr. Bean was a really clever comedy. Now I understand it was nothing more than a slightly dramatized documentary about a somewhat confused but typical English man, exactly like Ian :)
The fight with the electricity of a car, sometimes it is a small thing to find out what the problem is. But you made it, Ian.
Hey Ian, pleased you won in the end . . . lol . . . so pleased I am not the only one who packs a paddie !! It is certainly a heck of a lot less expensive to walk away !! . . . Cheers as always
This was a classic Hubnut tinkering video and I enjoyed the mini strop in the middle. I had a very similar experience on my Pony (2cv) switch, suddenly plunged into inky blackness at 60mph. Your recommendation about fitting relays and a fuse will be followed.
Simplicity is king. I should know being very simple myself.
I find the more foolish I think a design aspect of the car I am working on is, it ultimately provides me with a very clear picture of where the foolishness actually resides . . .
A deeply joyful video, Hubnut from start to finish, glad you got there in the end.
Oh bless you Ian, I think that's the first time I've seen you getting annoyed, fiddlely job but well recovered in the end. Hope your shin ok
Why does Elly remind me of Triggers broom......
I forgot to mention Ian, did you notice that your cool 😎 little Toyota Starlet from New Zealand had a DUDE I LOVE MY RIDE feature on TFL CLASSICS in America this week. Looks gorgeous and does some doughnuts for the camera. Hope you enjoy it and get a chance to reconnect with your Legendary Trip. Thanks again Buddy for sharing New Zealand with all of us in a way that pushed you well past the limits. Absolute dedication.
It's ok when you have a few cars to use but when you've only got one and you need it for work it's a different story, I have been there many times in the past. Thanks again Ian for a good video of your stress our entertainment.
Your saying "pung" at first instead of "pinged" reminded me that the past tense of "help" used to be "holp" instead of "helped" :D
Older Renaults used a weird system that did a similar function. Twist the stalk once, and select between dip and sidelights, and twist again, and select between main and dip.
If the lights were off, the headlamp flasher worked on main beam, but if sidelights were on, it'd only flash dipped beams!
And, apparently at one stage it was illegal (in France!) to sound the horn after dark, so once the sidelights were on, sounding the horn simply flashed the headlights! :-O
Grand stuff Ian, hearing you swear is a bit like hearing the vicar break wind in the pulpit... totally unexpected !
Oh man! We have all had those days but well done for getting in there in the end. You still have the satisfaction of a job (well?) done.
Unfused headlight switch without relay, because French! Simca did it the same way. Good move to replace it with relays and fuse it, but take care to clean the switch contacts regularly and check the fuse and relay contacts. Use a glass fibre brush or some very light sandpaper (just enough to get the oxidation off) and apply contact cleaner. At least that kept the lights on in my Talbot-Matra Murena.
Not just the French! Pretty much every European car (and I include British in that category, I'm not familiar with American) designed in the 'fifties incorporated minimal, if any, fuses.
@@saxon-mt5by the Simca's I was talking about were designed in the 1970s. Apparently they had exactly the same design column stalk as the 1950s 2CV (push in = horn, turn to sidelights, turn to dipped beam, push down for main beam). Now Matra did a good thing by putting a relay in (still unfused though in 1981), but failed to design proper connectors, so instead of a burnt switch you'll end up with a burnt connector. Ugh. matramurena.net/pics/relayrepair.jpg
Ask the farmer for some green 'stretch net' to cover the vent slats in the shed , its used to keep the weather off the cows but allowing ventilation.. we use it on the farm
A bit of dielectric grease on the headlight contact drum will help make it operate more smoothly, plus prevent corrosion and arcing.
Had similar problems fitting new switch in my 602 on holiday in south of france.
Interestingly my 6v ripple has town and country horns with two stage contacts 😊
Well done. You are better than I am at this kind of stuff. And yes, I have been known to have lost screws, tightened them, etc., and a simple job taking much longer than it should have. Lately I haven't taken anything apart, which most likely is a good thing!
The light stalk is not a very reliable piece - I changed it twice already over a 15 year period...
A great video :)
Very brave to leave the Hubnut frustration in. Others would have edited that out, thereby reinforcing the myth old cars are easy and simple.
Thanks for the "warts and all".
:)
You can lower the current further by driving the relay from a FET. FET's only require the presence of voltage to switch on. A FET wih high enough current capacity andcooling might even be able to replace the relay Just bear in mind you'll need a pull-down or bypass resistor to make sure the FET switches off when you switch the lights off.
The 'on' resistance of said FET would need to be very low in order not to dim the already dim lights on a 2CV, and I don't think you would get away with passing 10+ Amps without a heatsink. A relay would be cheaper ,and as its coil only requires about 20mA to switch the contacts, it wouldn't stress the switch contacts too much anyway. Using FETs is a great idea if you have some experience constructing, and soldering electronic circuits.
@Michael Craig Being as the subject was reducing the current at the switch nothing I said was out of order.
@@toppledgod I agree. I just pointed out that it's not a very practical idea as it would take someone who knows how to solder components and it would be more expensive than a relay, which doesn't draw much current. As someone who designed one of the first generation of remote control car alarms which used FETs instead of relays, I'm all for using these components where it makes sense.
Oh Ian, I know it was frustrating. I’ve been there. I laughed out loud when you lost it over the camera angle (not shaudenfreude, just recognized myself in your reaction). The problem with not being in a mental state to work on something is never fully recognizing or accepting it until much failure has happened and time has been wasted. Thanks for bringing us along, though.
Cut yourself some slack Ian. Many are like me, I imagine and watch you because it's the closest thing to real life we know. If you ever get all slick and professional I will probably loose interest immediately. So waffle on to your hearts content, fluff it freely and boldly bodge where no other will admit to having bodged it before. We love it. 😆
Having only used the 2cv headlight switch at the annual m.o.t. I have never been able to remember the switch sequence. During lock down I have now fitted toggle switches, the stalk is now horn only. Next job for winter is 652 kit, more is more!
Congrats on persevering and making it work. It is definitely good to walk away at times. That reminds me of my Ducati motorcycle. The Italians make great motorcycles but the electrics are a bit sketchy. I was riding home one night, hit the high beam switch, and the headlight went out. Just like yours. Fortunately low beam still worked so I got home OK. I was ticked so I took a toggle switch and made a bracket to mount it on. That was my beam switch for years. It never failed me. I did finally install an aftermarket switch, wasn't inclined to install a crappy OEM switch again.
@@paulmanning8897 Unfortunately, that is not me.
That was a very challenging procedure, although in true Hubnut style, at the end “we can call that job done”!!😂.
Happy times repairing cars. Thank you, Ian, for another fabulous video. Its another job done and we can move onto the next little job.
My first car , Citroen Dyane had the same problem. Also the screen wash bulb used to come off every time you put your foot on it . And the roof leaked . My Mum had extra driving lights fitted to it for my birthday, I really wish I hadn’t got rid of it !!
Nice piece of advice if in doubt and you feel the rage! walk away and come another washing day. Weird analogy I know but look it works! Glad you fixed it, all the frustrations were well worth it. Love this channel and thanks for not editing the rage moment out makes for real on the job shenanigans. You must have plenty of outtakes of this kind of thing or does this not happen very often :¬)
I have had lots of fun with these switches. If you take it fully apart for cleaning and polishing, they can be a bit of a nightmare to assemble properly. Last time I assembled one of these it took me 3 hours just trying to get it back together properly so that all the contacts work.
sometimes ian, it is best to walk away and come back to it later with fresh eyes. my mate and I did that when overhauling his morris minor rear leaf springs, the bugger wouldn't go in, so we left it and came back in the morning, and it went in first time!
Hi Ian firstly well done for persevering, and getting to the bottom of the problem, don't worry about having a paddy it's the joy of the home tinkering, but you got ther and that's what matters, and you are quite right to go away and come back fresh and have another go. Like the old saying try, try try again. All the best.
That strange headlight system sounds like the Dim/Dip we had here in the U.K. for a very short time in the late 80’s. A strange setting in between sidelights and headlights.
I had a 425cc Belgian LHD, which had 6v electrics. It must have had, but I don't remember, lights. I do remember most of the way to Bristol at 40mph in third, because there was a headwind.
Ian, PURE HubNut. please don't ever change.
Great video never seen you angry , I have French car when it rains the wipers go completely nuts...for no apparent reason.
Totally agree - when things go pear-shaped, it is usually things and just not one thing. Certainly 'sleeping on it' also works a dream - is that a pun ? I've had instances where I've gone to bed with something not working and the following morning it works as if there was never anything wrong with it. That's life!
19 minutes of HubNut moment's 👍
I too had to walk away from my car, as I was getting nowhere. I will return to it this weekend and have hidden all my hammers!
I am liking the new quality of montage and focus very much!
I might have cleaned those contacts with some fine grit applied some flux paste and tried to run some solder into the worn parts finishing with a fine file to take away any surplus solder. I might have, on a good day. Anyway, you won in the end. I'm actually missing the sandals and the knees, variously. Roll on the carefree days of spring/summer..
I like the sun coming through the slats, its like you are being timed by a sundial 😁
The bad days help to make us appreciate the good days.
Just put a see thought covering up over the holes to stop the rain coming in that keep the in side dry or don't that's up to you. Great video can wait to see more off little Ellie.
You're a genius! A see through covering to cover up the holes. If only there was some kind of material that's see through and waterproof.
I was inspired by studying my beer bottle to construct such a portal from glass and it seems to work!
Surprisingly the major benefit is keeping the wind out, not the rain out. And on the basis of that, and the fact that it hurts when you drop it on your toe, I propose we call it a 'wind-ow'
(Sorry got a bit carried away)
Hi Ian did I hear you right when you said we will go over to the workbench ! and don't worry about the little odd swear word it happens to the best of use at some time, I know it can get very frustrating when what looks like a small simple job can turn into a big job that takes longer than you thought.
Very well said, that man. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, stuff just goes wrong. My theory is that it’s not always your fault, shit just happens, and it has to happen to someone, today may just be your day. No point getting angry about it, just come back when the shit has gone away. That’s my 2 pence worth anyhow.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one that has childish strops over jobs I should have never started...This weekend for me was a classic example of "I should know better" !! 😣😣
Great lunchtime entertainment. Not sure we needed to know you’d got the horn though 😉😁
The joys of classic motoring, we all have days like these but you got there eventually, well done 👍
Great confirmation that you are human Ian. I thought brightening up the contacts with a bit of emery paper might have been a help. Hard to walk away sometimes but it usually works.
I've watched all of your videos , some of them more than once, but this is by far my favourite.If i had a quid for every time i've thrown stuff about in a childish fit i'd be a wealthy man.Thank you for posting.
Great video, You mentioned putting relays on your headlights,
A video showing how to do this and other little jobs to improve your CV
And stopping it going up in flames 😀
Those switches can be a pain sometimes as my wife's Uncle asked me to put a new stork he got from the wreckers into his car ,so half an hour later he came to see how I was doing but I was having trouble getting it off the steering column but I got it in the end
Ian, I'm 75 years old and spent many a long hour tinkering with cars old and new and I know that you 'can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear'. You have 2 very old and worn out switches there that you are trying to cobble together to make one decent switch and, even if you succeed, it probably won't last long. Sorry. Give yourself a break and buy a new one which I know will cost you over £50 but it will be worth it in saved frustration and swearing. Keep your videos coming - they are really enjoyable.
Hi Ian ,Just received the calendar today, looks great , unfortunately the post have bent and creased it. Not too bad however can I suggest it sent out in a card back envelope also writing 'Please do not bend' .
Oh no! Not a problem we've had before. If it's badly damaged, email hubnutmerch@gmail.com
Reminds me of a joke:
A postman has a large envelope to deliver with "calendars do not bend" printed on it, so he writes "yes they do" on it, bends it in half and puts it through the letterbox.
Yes, i do need to put relais in my Citroën C35 camper. I've burned out the 2nd switch already...
And i agree with your advise, just walk away if work doesn't go as planned. I too have the luxury of a garage, so i can and will drop everything if my brain doesn't want to cooperate...
Nothing prepares you for the instant and abject terror caused by the headlamps suddenly going out on a dark road.
All i want for Christmas is for Big Edd China to make a Guest appearance to assist your Tinkering...Enjoyed this episode.
That switch does look very agricultural, compared to modern stuff. Almost bakelite and knife switch territory, like Frankensteins lab. A shame the replacement stalk was more rusty than the old one. I would have tried switch cleaner, emery cloth and a little judicial bending of contacts, first.
The design and operation of that switch is fascinating, very Citroen but very interesting.
' Why the F### am I even doing this? '. Ha, This is why I love this channel :)
If it's possible to remove the whole switch from the wiring loom, it's better to check that the switch positions are working using a continuity meter, on the bench, before you refit it.
@@paulmanning8897 LOL
You can use plumbers silicone grease on sliding contacts, its none conductive, works fantastic on pivot points and control cables as well, incredibly slippery stuff and won't degrade plastic or rubber. Cheap from your local plumbers merchant.
Some days you are the pigeon, but some days,you have to be the statue.
I had a '71 Avenger once and every time you went over a big lump or trench in a road the lights all went off - they were restored by hammering on the binnacle on the dash. Mucho fun was (not ) had going down dark country lanes when it all went dark and driver and several ( drunk ) passengers assaulted the dashboard to restore the lights. I feel looking back that these type of assaults made the loose connection more prevalent and harder to restore but hey we were all young....
My 1974 2CV/6 headlights stopped working( maybe they never did). I removed the switch, cleaned it and tested it via a multi-meter on the bench. Worked fine, installed it and now it energizes all the contacts, sending power to all three contacts in the light bucket. I guess a new switch is the only answer. Would like to see how to install a relay.
swore, blew a fuse, banged your shin 😂
most addictive youtube channel ever ❤️
Hi Ian, ive always found these electrical switches on cars can be so fiddly that i just buy a replacement part, had the same sort of problem with ignition switch, in the end i got a new one.....loving the tinkering good or bad, this is the video that may have not happened.
In this video....HubNut gets rid of his old cars and buys modern !!!
Great video Ian... always funny to hear a bleeped out expletive 👌
As an amateur auto-electrician and professional electronic engineer my advice is always: work systematically, rule causes out step by step and use a multimeter to verify. It's a good thing if you just can leave it, have tea and come back if your mind is at ease. Once again, work your way systematically through the system.
This is good advise⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
I like to use a multi meter just for a reasuring continuity beep,when I work on micro switches on vending machines.
Have we just witnessed Garage Rage and there is no point in blaming Paddy because, to be fair, poor Paddy wasn't even in the garage. Looks like Ellie's wings were blushing at the language. Glad persistence brought success. 👍
Amazingly never had a switch or stalk go wrong on any vauxhall in over 30 years of owning vauxhalls. About 18 in all.
Mainly chevette's, mk2 & mk4 astra's & mk2 cavaliers.
I feel we now have a true taste of 2CV ownership and repair. For all their simplicity and charm they have a certain Gallic character that makes them just that little bit different.
Ive had nuts and bolts that wouldn't shift for love nor money...sprayed them, heated them up....nothing. Then came back next day and they have undone with no trouble. I think they do it deliberately.
The comments about chocolate for lunch was very Alan Partridge! Quality 😁
I actually like the edited swears 😂😂 clown horn noise was great
Hilarious! The antidote to those slick videos where everything works....But yes, relays for high current items are a great idea.