Another one takes the plunge..

[2cvhound]

Collected our first ever Cali today! It's a 2010 180Bhp 2WD with 118k on the clock, one owner, full VWSH! One of the sales team remembers selling first time around 15 years ago! Lot's of things to learn - I'm reading through the manuals tonight! As well as a camper it will have to be the main transport for my double bass which doesn't fit easily into the other two cars (BMWi3 and a 44yr old 2CV!) Here's a pic! Slightly sad to see my 2013 Octavia estate go after 175K of trouble free miles and 65mpg average! I'll need to try and source a mattress topper to start with!

 

[pchmlk]

Looks great, exciting times!!
I’ve got a similar vintage and absolutely love it, any immediate plans?

 

[2cvhound]

Looks great, exciting times!!
I’ve got a similar vintage and absolutely love it, any immediate plans?

Apart from working out how best to secure the double bass for travel without resorting to the case which is 7'6" I will be giving it a first run to Somerset next week and will start camping in Feb I hope! I think wind deflectors will also be essential! Luckily I don't need much camping gear after years of 2CV touring and camping around UK and Europe.

 

[WelshGas]

Apart from working out how best to secure the double bass for travel without resorting to the case which is 7'6" I will be giving it a first run to Somerset next week and will start camping in Feb I hope! I think wind deflectors will also be essential! Luckily I don't need much camping gear after years of 2CV touring and camping around UK and Europe.

Put the rear bench seat in bed mode. Large flat , padded area, then a padded strap to limit forward/ backward and sideways movement.

 

[2cvhound]

Put the rear bench seat in bed mode. Large flat , padded area, then a padded strap to limit forward/ backward and sideways movement.

That is one of the options but would probably need the case as it doesn't travel well on its back. In the skoda it fitted perfectly on it side secured with a bungee to the 1/3 folded seat catch and the added bonus of having one rear seat useable. To transport a third person in the Cali I am thinking of a simple padded frame that could secure to floor rail easily and allow the bass to travel at 45 degrees on its side with upper rib cage over the seat edge and headstock over the top of the seat! All hypothetical as it was dark by the time I got back with it after 3hrs of battling the M25 and A12, so I though I would try instrument fitting another day. The vehicle is in lovely condition for a 15 year old and has clearly been cherished!! SMG of Tonbridge were really helpful in the selling process.

 

[2cvhound]

Can anyone recommend a garage for servicing and good Cali knowledge/experience in the Stowmarket / Ipswich / Suffolk area? I've done nearly 10k since Jan. Also need to look at water leak above windscreen (sealant?) and water pump intermittent (limescale suspected!).

 

[Drpps]

Can anyone recommend a garage for servicing and good Cali knowledge/experience in the Stowmarket / Ipswich / Suffolk area? I've done nearly 10k since Jan. Also need to look at water leak above windscreen (sealant?) and water pump intermittent (limescale suspected!).

No advice for garages but check on here for threads on roof drains as that may be the source of leaks. Pictures would help give some idea of cause.
Water pump -as in sink, or coolant?

 

[2cvhound]

I will check the roof drains - we have a lot of tree debris from some poplars. The water pump is the sink - I have tried to get into the water tank through the wardrobe but was defeated as the cap seemed to move but not undo. I was using theadjustable wrench which could be set to just the right gap to get purchase. Perhaps making a bespoke tool out of wood might be better! Pump does click but sometimes nothing comes out. I have checked the circuit breaker.

 

[Drpps]

I will check the roof drains - we have a lot of tree debris from some poplars. The water pump is the sink - I have tried to get into the water tank through the wardrobe but was defeated as the cap seemed to move but not undo. I was using theadjustable wrench which could be set to just the right gap to get purchase. Perhaps making a bespoke tool out of wood might be better! Pump does click but sometimes nothing comes out. I have checked the circuit breaker.

You can buy or make a tool. It is very hard to open first time but needs the full width of the spines on the cap for purchase. Open the fresh water drain valve or take the fuse out (under passenger seat) for the tap and leave it open, to depressurise the water tank which can help too. Impeller can corrode if left for a while. Spinning it by hand once you are into the tank might well cure it. Can you hear the microswitch clicking but no whirring?