Grizz' Prozac for the Soul 🚙 Berlingo Multispace 28/01/22

Renault Laguna splitters were popular back in the Max Power days - easily modded to fit anything IIRC.

I'm liking the progress on this.

There doesn't have to be a reason for the Chevy badges - if they were ill-fitting then I think it would look odd but the sizing and positioning on front and the concept rear positioning photos make it look factory almost as it's a rare badge-engineered version that was licensed and released in America.

For front splitter you've got the option of a mk2 golf gti splitter too, they're pretty flexible and can be cut shorter or spaced out with a piece of plastic or metal in the middle to suit bumper width...

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401201888967

Thanks for the offer mate.

That's very generous of you.

I will have a dig around here first, and also look to see if there is not something I can repurpose for the same function.

great stuff, Grizz

very familiar with GM brakes...and yeah, those brake lines can be a curse word to get off...Line wrenches a must and uber amounts of penetrating fluid...if all else fails, cut the line back and put new fitting on.....


I was wondering if there was a way to add some color to the bumper to break it up somewhat visually.

JP

Take two.......

Not what I like to do when the iPad deletes a long winded write up just as I want to post it, especially after another bad night not sleeping.

So yesterday I took advantage of Eurocarparts' "Up to 55% St Patric's Day Discount" to buy the rear brake parts I needed, shoes and wheel cylinders. I decided to replace the lot, rather than just one side which some people would do. The passenger side shoes and wheel cylinder are fine, so if someone needs them, collection and a cuppa tea.

Back to the discount, so despite these mostly being predetermined and not really affecting profitability of companies, the counter price for the parts was £79.88 or something like that, while the click and collect price is £54.88 so technically I saved some money, and of course when I got there, the wrong parts had been picked..... oooopps.




What I got for my money.




I had been lubricating the brake line nuts and bleed nipples for a week, as they are known to be a problem.

When I tried to undo them with my normal tools, it became clear that I was headed for a heart ache.
So I popped around to my neighbour a few houses down to see if he had advice, he is a mechanic. Spent 90 minutes chatting to him while he finished off some work and then he grabbed a few tools and came around, open ring spanner, vice grips and not very long......



This lot was ready to be replaced with new parts.



All 6'7" of him crouched in front of the job. I did help a bit.

Copper grease going in everywhere appropriate so next time could be a bit easier.



I had also had to remove the centre console to release the handbrake cables so that I could get them off the rear brake shoes.
This was a good thing as I managed to set it right after my test drive once everything was reassembled.

While I was under the car, I tried to offer up the Corsa Combo towbar I got given, but it was not going to fit.

I noticed the spare wheel condition and decided to replace it with the spare, spare that Laurence had given me when I bought the car.



After cleaning, washing and then prep n prime, I gave it a few coats of satin black and refitted it under the car.



With much light under the car, it became apparent that the bias valve return spring was rusted off and needed replacing as it is an MOT fail if not correctly in place.
So it seems I will be spending another £22.00 on a spring as well.
But it needs to be done.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Berlingo-Brake-Compensator-Load-Proportioning-Sensing-Valve-Spring-/222428030061?hash=item33c9be646d:g:GKwAAOSwepJXWmtn

Ebay ad for the very overpriced bias valve return spring



Once I had reassembled the wheels, put away my tools etc, I took the car for a drive up to the farm and bedded in the brakes as well as using the handbrake repeatedly to stop or slow down the car.

When I got back home I readjusted the handbrake some more and refitted the centre console etc.

The brakes are now really great and I feel confident to use the car fully in any traffic.

It still makes me smile and as I said to a mate who asked if I would sell it, the. Reply was a definite yes, and I would replace it with another the same.

I really like the simple lines of the Mk1 model, and specifically the Multispace with its rear door that creates such a great overhang.

Lastly, a photo I took yesterday of one of the alloys just put in place on the hub.

I like it and am certainly looking forward to getting the tyres switched over.



Not as far out as it seems.

Spot on.

Exactly what I did.

Slack removed. And they work now.

Braking massively improved now.

I believe there is rear braking. The bias valve is more about distribution of braking bias if you have the rear loaded up with 500kg in plasterboard of render.

Thank Pete,

Your Saxo was very pretty. I like the detail.

That wing and colour patch works for me.

Clearly lowered on a car like that suits the whole style of it.


I suspect the Berlingo will get loads of people outright hating it, and some just laughing at it.


May have to change the name from Prozac for the Soul to Marmite for the Soul.

Mate CraigRK was baby sitting this weekend with his wife out in the Canary Islands getting pampered and eating salad.

I had made good progress with Prozac for the Soul and decided to take in the alloys to and get the tyres to be switched over this morning.

I always use KwikFit in Stroud as they have always treated me well.

While I went there, Craig and his daughter drove over and let themselves in at my place.
The wheels took a bit longer than planned, but I got home by 12.15 and then we had a good time, garage and other stuff.



Sticking the standard 175 tyres on the VTR rims meant a bit of stretch, that actually looks good to me.



Came home via the carwash, weather was a bit dull, but very pleased with the outcome.



We also removed the side strips with the intention to add the checkered stickers down the side but found that it is only red and blank, so I need a strip of white to add under the checkers.

Also found some great repairs under the side trim...... part of the cars history and the signature of a top flight body shop.
It really is quite rough.



Craig left early by 4pm as he had a viewer coming over for his ML that is up for sale.

So I went to the garage later to gloat as I am still pleased with the car and the change appeals to me. Minus side trim and with the wheels.



I am looking forward to the rest of this coming together.

It will certainly be a Marmite car once done, some of you will laugh, some cry and some will outright hate it.

Weekend over again.........

Thanks for looking in.

Well, if they're laughing at it then I'd consider it: Job Accomplished.  As it's all for a bit of fun anyway. Life is far too serious nowadays to not have a bit of fun.

And provided you have some French Cheese to go with that Marmite then it's all good! I know someone who makes a mean cheese and Marmite sandwich!

And thanks for putting up with me and little Miss Can't Sit Still!

PS:  The ML has been sold, but for a lot less than planned as it turned out to have mayo in the oil filler, somehow, with checking everything else, I never checked that, duh!! But at least it has gone to a good Polish home.