BXProject

[Philhod]

That's the stuff Doc. We had to wear kid leather gloves (before plastic)to handle it after 1974............

........Before that nobody gave a shit really, but seeing as there were skull and X bones all over the cans, we handled it very carefully.

[docchevron132]

ahh yes, I had a fucking massive tin of that shit we used to use in the mobile rig. Made my fingers feel very, I dunno really, odd, for weeks...

[Fish_Botherer]

But that sounds too stiff and unwobbly! Seriously FB, that's a good point, I'd not thought of that TBH. But it's all return, low pressure etc, what could possibly go wrong!

Thinking back, I a may have got a mismatch between pipe size and connector size, though I did have all info at the time. All I remember was that what I did leaked.....

The plumbing fittings are OK - but using the original or replacement plastic or rubber piping rather than replacing with copper piping,(if that's what you thought).

Olives grip plastic, seal well. This was on someone else's car, and has lasted at least 2 MOTs. We repaired the rear struts t-piece between rear beam and underbody this way and also at least one octopus sub-assembly.

[Philhod]

nearly all the returns can be made from ordinary copper brake pipe. Using normal joints and elbows you can re route most of it to positions you can get at or see.
Always meant to do this but I still need to get a round tuit.

[Bx Bandit]

Well, I originally thought cunifer, copying the Xantia approach of using metal pipes to connect to the (Xantia style) octopus which is no longer that 30cm and thus a doddle to replace and of course the cunifer lengths would last a life time.

But Doc had the best idea of using plastic tubing and those push fit connectors - genius idea, but you had a good point about leakage FB. From what Doc has said it seems though they'll be oil proof too.

Another thing I'd do (and someone please correct me if this is wrong) but I'd fit a Xantia style strut leak off that only has one leak off pipe rather than two. I believe the two pipe system on the BX was a throwback to the Mk1 having a leak off and a breather with non return?

[docchevron132]

yeah pretty much, it seems to be overly complicated for no benefit as far as I can see.
ne pipes a breather, the other the return, but since both go back to the tank and there's no way of directing the flow since modern returns dont have valves in then removing the vent side of the return seems to be a good idea.

I'm still thinking about using Xanty front struts since BX units are NLA and rebuild kits scarce etc etc..

[Bx Bandit]

Can you put BX tops on them or do you have to convert the chassis to a four hole doobery?

[docchevron132]

I think I'll have to use Xanty tops TBH.
Cant see an easy way of attaching the Xanty stut to the BX mount, without some fabrication..

[Bx Bandit]

Good idea mate, the Xantia struts never creaked either..............which was nice

[docchevron132]

indeed, somewhat simpler in construction so they are...

[Bx Bandit]

are they indeed? Hang on a fucking minute, YOU, are going to put XANTIA struts on your BX?

Thud That was me, fainting

[docchevron132]

I know I know, I've searched my soul long and hard about it, but it makes the most sense really...
And since the early Xantia was just a BX in a shell suit then ya know....

[Philhod]

It's the only solution really and no the Xant leg won't go on the BX top.
Much easier to modify the top mount.

[docchevron132]

see there's issues either way.
If you use the xantia top mount as is, then it fouls the bonnet.

But, you'd need to modify the top mount of the BX since the hole is too big for a xantia strut.
Equally, you'd need to use the xantia sphere, erm, attachment casting thing since the bore of the xantia strut is less than that of the BX strut.
But then you need to make new suspension pipes, or use adapters.
Persoanlly I'd most likely replace the pipes complete end to end with appropriate xant related splitters etc.

[Bx Bandit]

good god I thought it was gonna be simplz! I bet Pleiedieaiiiediieieeededs will refurb the bastards?

[docchevron132]

if you mean paint them and return them after having arse raped you for a few sobs then yes, more than likely..

[docchevron132]

oh wait, but yes, you could just use the xanty return pipe on the BX strut like..

[Bx Bandit]

if you mean paint them and return them after having arse raped you for a few sobs then yes, more than likely..

Ouch! They not that bad, surely dude? My spheroids are pretty supple I'll have you know!

[docchevron132]

bit harsh may be, but they aint as good as they were

[Fish_Botherer]

I know I know, I've searched my soul long and hard about it, but it makes the most sense really...
And since the early Xantia was just a BX in a shell suit then ya know....

So in future, BXs will more and more consist of modded xantia bits in a proper body (e.g Xantia rear struts more available or cheaper than the BX ones). Until of course there's no legal obligation for Citroen to supply Xantia parts (still a few years off, but the cars themselves seem to be disappearing fast).