Renault 4cv

[olson]

The 4CV was originally conceived and designed covertly by Renault engineers during the German occupation of France during World War II, when Renault was under strict orders to design and produce only commercial and military vehicles. The first prototype was completed in 1942, and tested at Louis Renault's Herqueville estate. On the 4CV's launch, it was nicknamed "La motte de beurre" (the lump of butter); this was due to the combination of its shape and the fact that early deliveries all used surplus paint from the German Army vehicles of Rommel's Afrika Korps, which were a sand-yellow color. 750 cc, rear engine, water cooled.
I am replacing the engine with a Suzuki 3 cylinder 997 cc engine from a Chevy Sprint.

1. as dragged home

2. shade tree mechanic

[malcolmr18zoy]

Why did you even mess with it? It looks great in the as towed home condition.
Actually, It's not really clear how the front end is staying up in the air from the picture.
Malcolm

[Steve Simmons]

That isn't what I expected. It actually looks like a neat car!

[whitebuffalo]

I love those 4cv's. I saw a slew of them at the Unique Little Car show and now I want one!

[olson]

I have always thought the 4CV was very stylish. I never had one, but my first car was a Renault Dauphine- same running gear, just a little larger. Fun to drive, very light and responsive steering, goes off road pretty well; BUT- it is tail heavy in a hard turn, and the front end gets blown around in wind. I hope to make this 4CV a little canyon runner- hence the lighter engine.

Malcolm- Car was mostly there, but it had some rust through in the lower doors, floor, and the tops of the front fenders. i am welding in replacement patches. I am also moving battery, radiator, and gas tank to the front to improve weight distribution. I will paint it (in my back yard) but it will not be a show car.

[VWNate1]

PLEASE keep us posted on this ! .

I think they're very lovely but I had mixed results with Renaults in the 1960's and the Dauphine I owned ($35 , running) was a money pit in spite of overall VGC .

If you have anything left over , no matter how trivial , let me know as my buddy just bought one of these and is bringing it back to life as a survivor .

[olson]

Actually, It's not really clear how the front end is staying up in the air from the picture.
Malcolm

hanging up as a shadetree mechanic does it.

[olson]

If you have anything left over , no matter how trivial , let me know as my buddy just bought one of these and is bringing it back to life as a survivor .

I have another 4cv, but frame rails are too rusted for me to try to fix. has all 4 doors, dash, rear axle and transmission, etc.

[whitebuffalo]

I have another 4cv, but frame rails are too rusted for me to try to fix. has all 4 doors, dash, rear axle and transmission, etc.

Any pictures of the other 4CV?

[olson]

rusty 4cv is not worth restoring- serious rust in floors, including structural rails and fender tops. good for some parts.

[Jimmy]

You're spoiled, Gene.
That looks like a typical near-new car in Sweden.

[olson]

You're spoiled, Gene.
That looks like a typical near-new car in Sweden.

perhaps there is a reason we are not in Sweden

[Jimmy]

One of several, Gene.

[VWNate1]

Well ;

If Jimmy's here , maybe it's not all so bad now...... .

I know , that was a cheap shot but Jimmy is my friend and the worst he'll do is cut the roof off my truck whilst I'm off taking a leak .

[Jimmy]

Careful there, Nate.
There are other things I could cut off whilst you're taking a leak.

[VWNate1]