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DS/ID

Our current standard workshop hourly rate is £75.00 +VAT

Citroens, since 1934 are not like other old cars. They are complex pieces of precision machinery which we are privileged to have the temporary care of before we pass them on to their next custodian. They require care that cannot be provided by general garages, or indeed even by general classic car garages. Click on the model headings above for information specific to the more common models we care for.

Citroen DS's are known as being quite complex cars, due to the centralised hydraulic system which can power the steering, brakes, gear change, clutch and suspension, depending on exact model, plus they are put together in an unconventional way. They require care that cannot be provided by general garages, or indeed even by general classic car garages. That’s where Citroen Classics comes in. We have over 35 years experience in repairing, restoring and maintaining Citroen D models and have the special tools and expertise to properly look after your car. From basic 6 monthly / 6000mile (whichever comes first) servicing to more complex maintenance tasks such as a Major Service, adjusting the valve clearances or suspension ball joint adjustment, you can be assured that Citroen Classics will do the job right first time. A well maintained car is a reliable car and reliable cars get used with confidence. After all, what use is a car that doesn’t get used for fear it might break down? Some of the more common jobs we do on Citroen D models are:

Hydraulic System:

Fluid changes (either LHM or the earlier LHS2 fluid - we keep both in stock), accurate diagnosis of Citroen hydraulic problems including short pump cycle times and fast sinking of the suspension, we manufacture and fit new hydraulic pipes, semi-automatic gear change adjustments and diagnosis / repair of problems, replacement of perished and leaking rubber components such as hoses, seals and gaiters, sphere replacement and in fact any problem at all concerning the hydraulic system.

Engine:

Whether you have a DS or an ID or any of their derivatives, we can do anything from changing the oil and filter to a high quality engine rebuild. Running problems? We can diagnose, service, adjust and repair the ignition system and fuel system - carburettor or Bosch fuel injection. We can also supply and fit electronic ignition for smoother, more economical motoring. Noisy tappets, engine mountings, timing chain, clutch, water pump and hoses are all common jobs we do to D models. We have the knowledge and experience to quickly diagnose and repair your car.

Gearbox:

We do anything from adjustment of controls and linkage, oil changes, bearing and seal replacement to full gearbox rebuilds. We have rebuilt many DS gearboxes over the years, preferring to do these ourselves rather than farming them out.  We do not usually keep rebuilt exchange gearboxes in stock as we would rather repair the faults in your gearbox and refit it.

Suspension and Steering:

Ball joint adjustment and replacement, track rod replacement, steering rack leaks, wheel bearings, steering relay repair / adjustment / replacement, suspension cylinder, pushrod and gaiter repairs, height corrector repair and replacement. Suspension height setting and correct linkage adjustment.

Brakes:

Pad and disc replacement, machining of shuddery discs, brake shoe replacement, adjustment and centralisation, park brake adjustment and cable replacement. Delay between applying the brake and the car braking? No problem, we can easily fix this.

Remember, Citroen DS's and ID's are complex pieces of precision machinery which we are privileged to have the temporary care of before we pass them on to their next custodian. They deserve to be preserved and maintained for the next generation to enjoy, so don't let them down. Need advice, technical or otherwise? No problem, we are happy to help - just call or email.

We have plenty of experience with other Citroen models too, but as our name implies, we only work on what we call the classic ones. We define the classic Citroens as models that existed in 1985 and later variants of those models.

Citroen DS23 cylinder head replacement
D Super5 gearbox removed for clutch replacement
This DS21 brake pad has seen better days! The lining has come unstuck and has turned around at jammed at the bottom. The car came in for something else and the driver hadn't noticed anything wrong!
Replacing the main wiring loom on a 1969 model ID20

H Van

Citroen Classics can restore even the oldest, most neglected and tired Citroen H van back to peak mechanical condition. With access to a huge range of H van parts we can return your Citroen H van (often referred to as the HY, type H or H-Type) to its original condition, even improve it with modern technology and improved H van parts if required. Please note that we do not offer engine conversions. The original engines are very robust, reliable and perfectly suited to the van. Our view is that if you want a van that goes faster and more quietly than an H, there are plenty of options to choose from and perhaps an H Van is not for you.
At Citroen Classics we love the Citroen H van, and offer a wide range of services to keep your HY van on the road and in tip-top condition. The H van was very modern when it came out in 1948, but by the time it ceased production in 1981 it had a very vintage feel about it. Although being updated throughout it's life, it never really progressed beyond 1960's technology. Due to some of this older technology it’s imperative that the oil is changed and suspension greased every 6 months or 3000 miles (whichever comes first) due to the lack of oil filter, and to prevent excessive engine wear as a result.
From a straightforward oil change to a full engine or gearbox rebuild, we have many years of experience working on, in, and under Citroen H vans - helping H van enthusiasts to enjoy their distinctive vehicle whatever they use it for.
We’ve become experts in improving Citroen HY vans - and we’re able to get the best performance from the original engine and braking system. We believe our ability to source original and improved H van parts is unrivalled and we’ll be happy to discuss any request you have for even the hardest to find H van parts, just speak to one of our experts and they’ll be able to help you.
We’re sure you’ll save time and money with Citroen Classics - for example, many garages will use a modern GL5 oil in your Citroen H van’s gearbox, not knowing that this will ruin the bronze synchros - a problem that will be put down to age or normal wear and tear, leaving you to foot the bill. With our in-depth and expert knowledge we know the Citroen HY van inside and out, and offer first-class repairs and servicing. We can even provide a sympathetic upgrade to power steering and improve the driving experience significantly!
We regret that at the present time we are unable to offer anything but the most basic bodywork repairs to Citroen H vans due to space limitations in our body shop.
We have plenty of experience with other Citroen models too, but as our name implies, we only work on what we call the classic ones. We define the classic Citroens as models that existed in 1985 and later variants of those models.
H van front
Citroen H Van
H Van without front subframe
The main workings removed for major repair
H van front subframe
Here it is in the workshop

Citroen Traction Avant Repairs and Servicing

Whatever the model, age or condition of your Citroen Traction Avant, 11CV or 15CV, our workshop is equipped and ready to do whatever necessary to keep it on the road and enjoyable to drive.
We keep most service and repair parts in stock and what we don't keep, we order in prior to your car arriving, based on what we think you will need from your booking. From routine servicing to major mechanical work, we do it all. We have the special tools required for the suspension, brakes and steering - and have plenty of experience in using them. Traction Avants need to be serviced at least every 6 months regardless of mileage as there is no oil filter meaning the engine oil must be changed frequently, using the correct low detergent oil. The ball joints need frequent greasing too.
Although the Traction Avant family of cars are perfectly capable of being used on a daily or weekly basis, not many are and therefore spend a long time sitting still. This tends to make the brakes seize up and if they do, we can rebuild them, front or rear. Coolant pumps suffer from lack of use too and we can machine the seal surfaces and rebuild the pumps as good as new.
We have rebuilt many Traction Avant engines over the years, both 4 and 6 cylinder. From reconditioning the cylinder head with hardened valve seats to a full engine rebuild - nothing is too much for us. One aspect of rebuilding engines is balancing. I'm always amazed at how many engine builders do not balance the engine parts prior to assembling the engine, as the extra cost is minimal, but the engine runs so much quieter and smoother when balanced. This is especially important in a Traction Avant with little sound proofing and minimal engine / body isolation.
Traction gearbox noisy or not working as it should? No problem, we can repair or replace it. The gearbox oil is often not changed as often as it should be and when it is, a general garage will probably use a modern GL5 oil instead of the correct GL4 oil, thereby ruining the bronze synchros. A shuddery clutch will hasten the demise of a Traction Avant 3 speed gearbox, so if your clutch doesn't take up smoothly, do something about it before you have to buy a new gearbox too! Don't be tempted by the modern diaphragm clutch conversions. Nearly everyone we have spoken to that has had one, has been disappointed with it. There is nothing wrong with the original clutch that Citroen used for over 20 years, provided it is rebuilt, set up and fitted correctly.
All Tractions suffer from heavy steering by modern standards. The first and simplest thing to minimise this is to keep the tyres pumped up to the right pressure - we recommend 29psi (2 bar) all around. I know the handbook says less, but with 29psi the tyres will wear less and the steering will be lighter.The large diameter of the ball joints means that if they are not kept properly greased, the steering will be heavier too. If the steering is still too heavy for you with the tyres pumped up and the ball joints greased, we can supply and fit an electric power steering conversion. This is quite a simple fitment and as it is all hidden away under the dash, nobody need know it's there. The electric power steering completely transforms the way your Traction drives - just ask other owners who've had it fitted already. Whatever your Traction Avant needs, look no further than Citroen Classics for a top quality repair. Our workmanship carries a lifetime warranty!
We have plenty of experience with other Citroen models too, but as our name implies, we only work on what we call the classic ones. We define the classic Citroens as models that existed in 1985 and later variants of those models.
Busy day at Citroen Classics
A busy day at Citroen Classics
Left engine bay
Left side of 11BL engine bay
right side engine bay
Right side of 11BL engine bay
Rebuilt Legere front end going back together