The original roof supports were delicate as was the side intrusion protection. I've added this roll structure. It will be buried in the ceiling liner when finished. Since it follows the lines of the existing pillars it won't be particularly noticeable from the side view either. It is not super robust with alot of bracing because I didn't want it to show. But it will help some.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Roll Structure
Front Bumper Mods
This engine will require much more cooling than the original so more air is being provided. The slot in the bumper has been opened up to allow more air to enter. The brake ducts near the headlights will also be routed towards the radiator. The original duct on the belly pan (not shown) is also going to be modified.
You can also see the beginnings of an engine shroud in this picture.
It Makes No Sense For Me to Change The Suspension Now
The estimate to remove the live axle and install one of the independent suspensions below is about $8,000. The suspension parts alone are $2,950. The rear frame would need to be modified as well as the wheel wells and trunk areas. With tax and labor it would come to $8,000.
I got a quote of $10,000 to $30,000 to install citroen hydropneumatic springing with height correction and roll correction. That assumes that the independent rear is already in place.
The total change would come to somewhere between $18,000 and $38,000. It would be crazy to make the change when you consider that I could buy a DS in good condition from Citroen Concourse of America, EBay, or similar for $15,000 to $20,000. I could even buy the most expensive Citroen on offer for the top end of that range. For example, there is what appears to be a pristine chapron available for $45,000 (which seems high to me.)
I took a ride in this 'Cuda that Kevin has built and it handles very well. 
It has the same suspension that is in my Citroen. The 'Cuda weighs alot more, too. The Citroen will be alot of fun to drive. (The 'Cuda won best of show at the recent San Francisco Rod & Custom Show).
I know many of you Citroen purists will still complain that I have desecrated a valuable masterpiece. But, tough luck. If it was such a valuable piece of machinery, why was I able to buy it for $600?
I think Pablo said it well on one of the German websites linked to this. (My translation) "How many DS/ID have already been restored in the world? In France there are millions. Where is the sacrilege? It is not a cult object since umpteen have been built. It is only revolutionary. Now here is an amateur handicraftsman who builds with admirable professionalism and care a 2006 variant. It’s his personal vision. It speaks of his creativity, humor and individuality. Does one have to see everything by the 'Oldie eyeglasses'? You should have tolerance instead of the narrow-mindedness of a garden dwarf. (Thank you anonymous for the translation help.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Suggestions Wanted
A number of viewers have commented on the various websites linking to this that it is a shame I have abandoned the Citroen hydropneumatic suspension. I agree, it is a shame. However, because my car is rear wheel drive, the original rear suspension was entirely unsuited.
As I said on a prior page, if I use an independent A-arm type rear suspension, then maybe I can still use the citroen hydropneumatic springing. The idea would be to replace the coilover springs all around with pushrods and pivots that lead to the original Citroen pneumatic spring spheres. I would also need the hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, main accumulator and height correctors.
Here are two available A-arm rear ends:
I would appreciate any comments about the technical pitfalls I might encounter making this change. I realize the change will cost money.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
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