2CV Roadtrip - Elly's Progress to the North. Part One

Having woken my 2CV from its winter slumbers, I immediately thrash it across the country to visit 2CV specialist Peak 2CV, run by my good friend Jonathan Holmes in Wirksworth (www.peak2cv.co.uk). He is quite rude about my tinkering skills, but we manage to improve matters, before I drive to Bolsover (to collect some batteries) and then to Blackburn, where we will take part in an Autosolo - all the action from that will be in Part Two.
May contain jump starts and bump starts, loose bolts, crap wiring, a pair of 2CV barn finds, a first drive of a naked 2CV and lots of noise, variously.

[@kensherwood4866]

Lovely ride out and a visit to the sort of garage everyone likes, a bloke in charge whose an enthusiast, knowledgeable and has a humourous side (my sausage baps getting cold!). Loved the banter on your wiring/battery etc.

[@HubNut]

Thanks. Was nice to have a humorous sidekick! My wife is thankfully far less rude... ;-)

[@jonathanholmes6616]

It wasn't humorous for me: Ian's car is a chuffin' nightmare!!

[@xBelastianx]

You being roasted by your friend made this a lot of fun^^

[@frazzleface753]

Great to know that there are still 2CV specialists out there. My dad used to take his Type 3 VW to a specialist for periodic welding and fiddling around with the terrible heat exchangers. Brings back memories. :)

[@stephenshippam9374]

Another great video, nice to see her back on the road, maybe a new battery, and small service. Look forward to seeing your next video.

[@HubNut]

+Stephen Shippam Thanks!

[@martinsalisbury6463]

The D reg number plate style on the red 2cv was known as the Serck plate. They also made pressed ones prior to the acrylic type. I have the correct font and manufacture 80s and 90s 'Dealer plates' in a variety of styles. Keep up the good work Ian - always an entertaining watch!

[@jonathanholmes6616]

This is interesting. Do you have a website?

[@martinsalisbury6463]

Just in the process of looking at setting up a website Jonathan. It's all word of mouth at the moment.

[@jonathanholmes6616]

I look forward to hearing/seeing more. I need some plates making up for the cream-coloured car in the video, actually.

[@HubNut]

Doing it right! I approve.

[@martinsalisbury6463]

I'm in work at the moment. I'll Google Peak 2cv tomorrow and get in touch with my contact details.

[@garyfisher4155]

No we don't watch for repair tips, we watch to see what disaster will strike..again!

[@thecaptain7411]

If I see a successful video, I'll be un-subscribing.

[@mashedpot8er]

I watch because it's interesting and entertaining. Abilities are, and will always be relative. I know very little about fixing my broken cars. But, by necessity I have to try my hardest to fix them. I love it, but it's very, very.........................very, challenging most of the time. Others have years of Experience and training fixing cars. All car botherers, both proffessional and amateur can put in huge efforts though. Neither being more worthy of praise than the other. It's all relative. So 'Hats Off' and 'Tankards into the Air' for everyone who simply has a go.

[@HappyCamperTales]

"To think people watch this guy's videos for tips on how to repair cars" :-)

[@df6756]

good video. I could feel the tension during the bump start.

[@vampireechidna]

Poor earth or just a lightly under charged battery. Great video as always, I look forward to the next part. Hope you arrived safely

[@TheFurriestOne]

A day in the life, driving old cars and keeping them on the road, good fun!

[@dodgydruid]

Nice gratuituous shot of a BR liveried Pressed Steels DMU behind.... cars and trains always ticks my boxes yay :D

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

Oh....You drove Elly with road salts still on the road. You're a braver man than me. You've also got a classic, I can only dream. I wonder if Elly not starting is anything to do with those acorns...I will admit, Jonathan and you together was very amusing. Safe driving, as always.

[@HubNut]

I couldn't resist. I've missed my 2CV!

[@ginggur17]

That dolly is a story book in itself lol.

[@HubNut]

+ginggur17 Indeed. She's got some history.

[@andypsunshineisle5655]

I look forward to the next installment featuring a cloth cap and whippet at some point

[@HubNut]

+Andy P Sunshine Isle A day at t'autotest.

[@RETROCAM73]

Another great episode I think I may be in trouble I've got a craving for a 2cv now I've had a Dyane long gone I think VAC 719X where are you now I love the sound of a air cooled engine 😊

[@HubNut]

+CAMPBELL NUTTING I like the sound of an air-cooled engine up to a point. More sound deadening needed...

[@1Leyland]

" Hurray up me sausage baps getting cold " :)

[@Robutube1]

I note that Jonathan commented on what he regarded as the mare's nest of Elly's wiring whilst ignoring the fact that his own wiring on the skeleton 2CV he took on a sort of brief shakedown tour of the yard, was not exactly short of a bit of knit one, purl one in that department either ;-). As always, a thoroughly enjoyable vlog - you'll make a petrol head of me yet. PS: Welcome to the wild and woolly north - here be dragons!

[@jonathanholmes6616]

True. But that car is some way off road-ready at the moment, I assure you it'll be much tidier before it goes anywhere near the open road!

[@kevat310]

I have been using Howard Leight Laser Lite LL-1 ear plugs at work for some time now. Definitely the best in terms of comfort and sound suppression.

[@zakywolf1926]

the wires where a mess lol great video

[@HubNut]

Yeah, I need to sort the wiring out.

[@astront917]

another top video,where do you find the time ?? enjoyable stuff as always

[@mehrzahl2219]

Very entertaining. Can you measure the current drain by undoing one battery terminal and connecting a multimeter between the battery pole and the loose terminal? Then, by pulling the fuses one by one you could locate the source of the drain. And if the alternator is working well, you should see something like 14.4.V across the battery when the engine is running. I don't think it has anything to do with the bad cold start though.

[@ianallen2]

I have wanted one of these 2CV for a few years now. Of all the cars I have had, I never did manage to get one. Had a Renault 4 given me in 1985 and it was running on 2 cylinders. Number 1 cyl was completely gone ans only half of number 2 was there. lol

[@redsorgum]

Sorry, I drooled a little seeing that garage with 2cv’s and parts.......😁

[@stephencresswell4760]

Treat her to a new battery. Should make a world of difference. Enjoyed the video. Pete Rosenthal says hi (Practical Classics and Camper mags).

[@terryatkinson899]

Had a scenic 1.4 that flattened 2 new batteries on me so mechanic said put a new starter in it so I got a 1.6 laguna starter from scrappy and never had anymore starting issues. Bigger starter spun the engine like the clappers...

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Ian,it may be a alternator issue it’s not keeping the charge on the battery.great video.

[@HubNut]

Charging is fine. Checked it with a multimeter before I set off.

[@callumk5]

There are noises, and there are sounds. I’ve missed that 2CV sound over the winter.

[@bextar6365]

Enjoy your videos, looks like you have a terrible climate there in Whales. Rainy dreary damp and gray days.

[@HubNut]

Apparently it's going to be sunny tomorrow...

[@oilburner225]

I was told that 2 years ago when I moved to Wales, I'm still waiting :)

[@ghiaxmanford533]

I presume Elly is fitted with an alternator. If so it is possible that one of the diodes in the rectifier pack has gone short circuit. This would allow the battery to slowly discharge through the alternator. It would also explain why the battery is not charging as well as it should. I have found this fault on at least two cars, a fork lift and a boat over the years. Put a multimeter set to Amps (start on the highest range) in series with the battery positive and take out all the fuses from the fuse box to eliminate any other possible fault. If disconnecting the main cable to the alternator stops the drain, there is the fault.

[@HubNut]

Last night, thinking there might be a drain, I disconnected the battery. No difference. Pretty sure it's a fuel or ignition issue.

[@radionutio81ij79]

You will have to do a drop test on the battery, but I suspect it's the starter motor, bad commutation possible worn brushes as it starts without problem when it's warm but is a bitch when it's cold nice upload in the 2cv.

[@kd5byb]

Can you really ever have too many bonnets? I'd say no! :) Keep up the cool videos - my wife and I would love to own a 2CV but they are pricey here in the states...

[@HubNut]

+kd5byb Thanks! US prices are indeed scary. Have a 2CV friend in Michigan.

[@cibie01]

I like Jonathan he seems a top bloke , fancy Rachel forgetting to tighten that exhaust like that?. only joking great video Ian looking forward to the rest of your adventure.

[@HubNut]

I can't let Rachel take the rap for this one. These clamps do seem to have a habit of coming loose. May need to add shake-proof washers.

[@s1914]

Lazy/tired fuel pump for the poor cold starting, as opposed to ok warm starting when fuel is already 'in the system'? Have diagnosed mine is totally dead, new one on way from ECAS 👍

[@HubNut]

Certainly possible. I plan a jump start straight away tomorrow. If she fires straight up, then battery is suspect. If she STILL takes ages to crank, then fuel supply is the suspect. Modern fuels seem to kill pumps like never before.

[@HubNut]

Yes, very merry. My plan tomorrow is a jump start to see if she catches more quickly.

[@thesunreport]

dude if you get one of those pound-shop ice-scraper/squeegy combo things and use that to squeegy off the excess water from the inside of the windscreen as your heater is blowing it...it will work a lot lot quicker/better. :)

[@crashbox7130]

Wish I'd worn a hat to protect my ears when watching this. ;-)

[@nw8000]

You went from Derby to blackburn via wakefield??

[@HubNut]

Yes. And also via Bolsover and Worksop. It wasn't a very direct route...

[@RichieRouge206]

Seems odd if there’s an electrical drain in Elly as there’s virtually nothing electrical on her. Great video and fun times!

[@radionutio81ij79]

It could be the internal regulator in the alternator battery back feed would give this problem, but I go with a defective starter motor, as it starts OK when its hot but won't start when it's cold, typical starter commutator and brush fault.

[@twocvbloke]

Could be carburettor issues, if there's a slight blockage in there, it could make cold-starting hard, so, another reason to buy an ultrasonic cleaner... :D

[@carllawrence7617]

He needs to press the pedal harder!

[@terryatkinson899]

I noticed when the revs dropped it nearly stalled. Is that normal on a 2cv??

[@jonathanholmes6616]

It was just cold, and I'd not given it enough choke.

[@jeffreyplum5259]

Dynamat, that's the thing. Sound / heat insulation in one. You might want to add battery Isolating switch. It would also provide kill switch function for free..

[@HubNut]

Disconnected the battery last night, no improvement. Think the battery may be struggling full stop, allied to a fuel or ignition fault.

[@DrFruikenstein]

Hard to start, and the same when bump starting? Makes me wonder if the spark isn't fully retarding the way it should be. Although, I think Jonathan may be on to something with the wiring as well, even if that's not the cause of the starting issue.

[@dombooth86]

Blackburn is my neck of the woods

[@JamesAllmond]

Fix cars? We don't have any of that stuff here in the states. but entertaining as hell!

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

My parents had a van version of Ian's 2CV a Fourgonnette. My father made some seats in the back for me and my sister, that thing was hilarious!

[@piperdoug428]

If only i had extra play funds to have your "friend" restore and ship one of those fine ladies to me. has anyone ever electric converted one? might be the only way for a quiet ride, lol. great vlog bud.

[@HubNut]

Yes, electric has been done. I do like the idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/en3XnaeMe7OMqqs

[@piperdoug428]

Hahaha!! "That thing moves baby" not normally heard while watching a 2cv drive away (unless it's astonishment) lol. cheers Ian.

[@simonrawle7885]

Have you checked the valve clearance can cause cold stating problems

[@HubNut]

Yes, valve clearances ok.

[@kay110]

Wakefield - Very close to me !!

[@ianallen2]

Usually the starter motor drains the battery. Had this a few times on cars in my time. So frustrating when you want to go somewhere and cant.

[@HubNut]

The battery isn't much cop, I must admit. But, she should (and used to) start pretty much instantly, so something is wrong somewhere.

[@ianallen2]

Hopefully, it is just the battery that is duff.

[@roberthorn1381]

Brilliant comedy double act!!

[@ANDREW-oy2vh]

Those look like 6x9 car speakers on the passenger seat of Jonathan's Blue 2cv.

[@HubNut]

They could well be.

[@ANDREW-oy2vh]

It's good to see coverage of peoples Businesses/Companies on your channel Ian. I work in Electronics/ Manufacturing this and peoples's Businesses interest me, especially when they start off/set them up.

[@mondodaftasabrush]

Feel as I need to go and get my Peltor earmuffs out the shed for next video Think you should display a health warning at start of video After watching I felt deaf that's just ten minutes with commentary Respect to all 2CV owners risking there health just to get to a to b I would definitely look into soundproofing Elly Cannot believe mot man didn't tell you about the loose clamp maybe that was the advisory blow Nice to see you have put your hand in your pocket and bought some new battery power Another video in the making soon Elly locating the parasitic draw spaghetti wiring and starter motor inspection An apple a day ....... No team Seabrook maybe Rachel needs a rest too and ears

[@HubNut]

Thanks. 2CVs did have more soundproofing when new. Mine got stripped out back in 2002 during the first rebuild, and never really got replaced...

[@jonathanholmes6616]

I think Ian's car is especially noisy. That said, I always find fitting a big fat stereo works wonders drowning out the engine and wind noise!

[@philpaxton2078]

I thought you'd applied soundproofing at one of the shows last year?

[@HubNut]

That was more an anti-drum coating. It did help, but she's still pretty loud.

[@philpaxton2078]

Well if you discover some material that makes a noticeable difference, do share. I could do with some for the ForFour.

[@blackvanandrobin6413]

I am having the same starting issues with my 1978 mg b . I wounder if it is down to a bad earth?????? Either that or its some virus going around

[@HubNut]

Still investigating my issue. No earth problems on mine as far as I'm aware, but points/plugs may be worth changing as a first step.

[@nofuture6881]

Ellie is jealous of the invacar...she is being fussy..lol.

[@HubNut]

+No Future 68 Entirely possible. Invacar currently has the garage to itself...

[@Phil-1969]

Afternoon Ian I’m sure back in 1989 my that was then girlfriend had a B reg 2cv in red and I could rattle that up to 82mph on the M40 heading down hill past High Wycombe, what fun I had , cheers Phil

[@kraljmatjaz7668]

xantia 1998 i had one over 10 years ago, now C3 2016

[@blobby273]

Does she have a dash clock they are very draining specially if a bit knackard

[@HubNut]

+frustratednomad Nope. No such luxuries in a 2CV.

[@woofusdad]

Looks like Ellie's electricity is leaking out. Check underneath for puddles of DC voltage.

[@DrFruikenstein]

woofusdad Electricity... That's what I call "Blinker Fluid". Now they make cars that use blinker fluid for fuel.

[@wikkadoo]

Does the crank handle kick back?

[@HubNut]

Nope.

[@brmelectric]

Elley did not want to be smug in front of other 2cv's in that garage, maybe.

[@AlabamaShrimp]

If you'd said you were going past you could have come and had the Fiesta and Frontera for a review.

[@HubNut]

Ah, not to worry. Problem is, on my trips, I rarely have much spare time. Didn't get to drive Cobblers' Talbot Express due to time constraints. Fail!

[@AlabamaShrimp]

I'm not surprised times shirt with the number of trips you do and all the car fixing I know I couldn't do half of it. Anyway if you're ever about again with time they're there if you want them :-)

[@charitycharity3316]

going up the A1 Past wakefield to blackburn from bozer, why not take the m1

[@HubNut]

Because I also had to go to Worksop.

[@charitycharity3316]

HubNut oh poor you, and I thought you having to go to Blackburn was bad enough

[@HubNut]

It was quite pleasant! Well, went near Worksop rather than into it...

[@samfallow18]

Wirksworth? Why didn't you say you were coming past my house. Let me know next time, kettle's always on.

[@markgreen5200]

Can you pull a 2cv with an A frame

[@HubNut]

Yes. I have done. Not really a fan of A-framing, but can be done.

[@juicebox-autoworks4996]

Might have to replace the starter just to be safe

[@HubNut]

Have a few other things to check first, but it's on the list.

[@HARRYBURNLEY1998]

Get Ellie a fresh new battery and a bit of a TLC treatment don’t forget she has been stuck at the back end of a garage for a month

[@Mrflash222006]

Peak 2cv maybe onto something, lol

[@alandeacon6568]

This bloke has your number

[@Baerchenization]

Is that an Ariel Atom at 5:30 ? ;)

[@HubNut]

No, I think it was a Locost or something of that ilk. Had a V6.

[@matthewcallaway9228]

Get the Bluebird back that was a nice car

[@HubNut]

Sorry, I rather like the 2CV. She just needs a bit of love.

[@jaggass]

That's Mecca for 2CV's.

When it comes to demisting the windscreen, there is an alternative. It's called a cloth...

[@HubNut]

Yes, true, but I find they smear a lot. I do need a new demisting pad.

No, no, junk those bloody fake chammy pads - they're awful. I use one of these* even in my C3 Picasso. I find they're much better even than the cloths. www.amazon.co.uk/Veewon-Microfiber-Kitchen-Household-Cleaning/dp/B01IP0WO5U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519057051&sr=8-4&keywords=microfibre+glove * I have no affiliation to this seller an other microfibre gloves are available.

[@niallsommerville9941]

Pádraig Floyd No good, I'd have to hide it in the boot with colours like those.

[@HubNut]

Thanks for the tip!

Put it under the seat.

[@ginggur17]

Lmfao, but at least the clamp is cheap. Free fixes are cool.

[@HubNut]

+ginggur17 Indeed.

[@MrScotttraynor]

if you have a short, just disconnect a battery lead when not using vehicle....

[@HubNut]

I did last night. Made no difference.

[@MrScotttraynor]

:(

[@mikestinyshedofdreams]

tbf the battery you have on there looks tiny

[@HubNut]

It's a li-ion one. Was up to the task last year.

[@gib112]

Slightly the same sound isolation as the Lexus

[@HubNut]

It isn't quite as peaceful...

[@spainter1985]

This is doing nothing for my want for a 2CV. Enjoying the abuse Jonathan is giving you... I hope he got back to his sausage bap shortly after. Priorities.

[@jonathanholmes6616]

Indeed I did:-)

[@carllawrence7617]

Give the 2CV to John. And you don't need ear defenders.

[@HubNut]

I'd never sell the 2CV, let alone give it away!

[@carllawrence7617]

I'm only teasing you lol, its a joke mate.

[@ctmac9404]

an AK400 in the yard!

[@HubNut]

+CT Mac Actually an Acadiane. One of his daily drivers.

[@sim6699]

Peltor ear defenders

[@uralrider88]

The dark cold north , nasty.

[@HubNut]

I like The North!

[@jonathanholmes6616]

Though this video was shot almost entirely in the East Midlands!

[@HubNut]

That's a fair point. The North is mostly in the next video.

[@ginggur17]

Wire routing lol.

[@finleyplympton]

#keepcalmandwatch@hubnut

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

Experts eh? All they do is give you grief about your wiring.

[@niallsommerville9941]

Be honest, do 2CV owners do anything that isn't silly? Good luck tracing leakage in that rats nest.

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Sounds good Ian...Almost like a Porsche. Did you not get Jonathan to have a look at your parasitic draw, power drain??....Obviously not...... Ear defenders???Try Amplivox..

[@HubNut]

To be fair, Jonathan had plenty to be getting on with. Exhaust was the main concern. Battery was disconnected the other night and she still struggled, so I'm ruling out a drain.

[@jonathanholmes6616]

If he'd managed to arrive earlier in the day that might have happened. But he arrived mid-afternoon and by the time we'd done the exhaust (and Ian had drunk most of my tea and milk) the pub was beckoning. #priorities

[@AndrewBryantPianoTuner]

Your public schoolboy attitude to doing any so called repairs is not! helping matey.

[@HubNut]

Hey, it's all about having a go, and learning along the way. No-one is born an expert. I share the reality of DIY. It doesn't always go to plan!

[@AndrewBryantPianoTuner]

And you do a bloody good job :) just getting you going a little :) love your videos