scmick
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Have had dozens of mainly 70's SIMCas over the years but now have my first 50's car from the range. Saved from being scrapped it is the Grand Large 2 door cupe version of the 1290cc Aronde. LHD, it was imported late 90's and was parked up by the second owner over here some 12 years ago. The years in the weeds in his garden haven't been kind to the floorpans and interior but most bits are there. It's currently at brother Kev's so we can se what works and how bad it is.... Then we can decide what's worth keeping original and what we could transplant into it. Mick  |
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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 Has now joined part rebuilt SIMCA 1204 Special, MATRA-SIMCA Bagheera project in garage and nearly complete modified SIMCA 1000. Mick |
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Looks like a reasonable project there Mick. Keeping it original -or modding?
(I've a 59 break sitting in my garage- in the queue...)
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scmick
Posted a lot
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We're going to try to get the engine going. It was supposed to have been a runner when parked up 12 years ago and, in its short time on UK roads had a recored radiator and various new parts. 12 years standing in the weeds with one door partly open has meant the rear footwells have filled with water and rusted through....very much 'Fred Flintstone' spec now. The sills are also rotten but I'm sure I can find/fabricate something to fit. The rust repairs should present not greater challenge than the SIMCA 1200S bertone coupe I'm workin on at present.
If the engine/box prove OK, I'll keep it original for now allthough the low C/R and space under the bonnet suggest a home for the aton supercharger I have in the garage. Otherwise a FIAT twin cam would keep to the FIAT heritage of these earlier SIMCAs..
Your break sounds interesting. I'm the editor of SIMCA Club UK's magazine L'Aronde and I'm sure our members would like to hear about it. I notice you have a SIMCA 1100 van... I have an 1100 pickup which is currently waiting in the queue for 'rust surgery'.
Mick
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Mar 10, 2013 15:01:45 GMT
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The green & white one-I suspect?
Not much to say on either of mine -both awaiting treatment.
The van could be roadworthy relatively easily -but I've no current need for it.
The Break was a Parisien bargain when I had an under used A frame in the boot. Seemed daft not to. Had it running but a silly brake issue thwarted me. Very minor accident damage & tatty sills keep it off road.
I'll watch yours develop,with interest.
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 10, 2013 15:16:40 GMT
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The pickup is the green & white one (the original SIMCA colour is in fact a very light beige & I added the green bit). I had it on the road a few years ago and investigating a bit of rust bubbling I found some serious structural rot. I've collected a fulll set uf NOS outer panels, just need to find time to weld the vital bits. It's a last of the line 1100 so is badged Talbot. I must get it back on the road soon as it's so useful for Autojumbles and parts collecting in general.
Mick
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 16, 2013 23:27:40 GMT
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 16, 2013 23:34:54 GMT
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 Priority has been to strip out rotten trim and carpets most of which has served as 'mouse fodder' for the last 12 years. Footwells have obviously stood full of water until they rusted through. Worry was that pillarless construction and the rust would lose all rigidity but, so far seems reasonably OK. Column change and steering seem free whereas window winders and door locks had rusted solid. rear quarter window now operates with its winder.  Mick |
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Bit of welding & freeing off needed there, Mick! But it still looks reasonably sound/original.
Love the Bagheera!
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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 Bagheera is brother Kev's which he's had since '88. It's a series 1 'S' with the the 1442 engine from the Alpine. It's had at least two total rebuilds since '88 and is still going strong. Group photo with Kev's SIMCA 1100, my 1000 Rallye 2 and a one owner Rancho from here in Chesterfield (currently for sale) was for a Classic & Sportscar article by Richard Bremner entitled 'Whatever happened to SIMCA?' Mick |
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 20, 2013 22:29:23 GMT
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![]() Another shot of the scale of the footwell repairs needed, If 'new improved.  ' Photobucket will transfer my pictures. Mick |
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scmick
Posted a lot
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Mar 20, 2013 22:34:22 GMT
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 try again...!!! |
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Davenger
Club Retro Rides Member
It's only metal
Posts: 7,272
Club RR Member Number: 140
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1956 SIMCA Aronde Grand LargeDavenger
@dminifreak
Club Retro Rides Member 140
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That's a stunning car.
Doesn't look any worse than my 71 Avenger.
Keep at it mate, it's only tin, it can be fixed
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79cord
Posted a lot
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Love it, still remember a rusty white/burgundy saloon of this series I used to see occasionally driven by an old couple. Suitably amazing interior door trims.
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 21, 2013 15:38:52 GMT
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After a thorough 'dig' to find the extent of the rust... There's plenty of it but we've recreated worse SIMCA 1000's and MATRA Bagheeras (where everything steel just completely dissolves under the fibreglass panels). The bonus with the Aronde is the outer panels were made from thicker gauge metal than the later SIMCAs so the wings and doors (except for the bottom edge) have survived well. The boot lid (bottom edge) and bonnet (hole in O/S front) need a bit of welding and floors are mainly flat sheet and easy angles.
A check round the rear leaf spring hangers showed everything's attached to something solid...same with the front chassis legs.. It's now a case of finding some sills vaguely similar to adapt (As I managed to find for the 1200S coupe) or bending some sheet steel to suit...then finding the time for a 'weldathon'
Mick
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 21, 2013 16:05:59 GMT
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 The only other Aronde Grand Large we know of in the UK. The yellowy green SIMCA 1000 in the background is my '75. Rallye 2. Mick |
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It was going to take something special to beat the Simcas of yours I've already seen but you've only gone and managed it. What a lovely thing that is and I hope you find the time to give it some much deserved attention.
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Shame you're not here in Australia, I have a stack of P60 parts to sell which might have been of use to you in this project
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Remade In Australia
thereimaginarium.com.au
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 22, 2013 11:35:11 GMT
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I regularly get the magazine from the Australian SIMCA club in exchange for our UK mag. Do you know of the club over there..?? If not, I'll pm you their details... they may be interested in your P60 parts.
Mick
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scmick
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,494
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Mar 22, 2013 11:55:29 GMT
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[imghttp://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i347/wardsim/101_8264_zps055d1930.jpg][/img]
photo of pickup version of later P60 Aronde taken by one of our club members at a French SIMCA meeting.
Mick
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