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Takata Airbag Recall Documentary

by GiveMeABreak » 06 Mar 2025, 17:55 » in Citroën
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Given the number of 'After-sales campaign' notices concerning Takarta Airbags I have been made aware of when looking up parts from PSA for members, I thought I would post a link to the following documentary that may be informative concerning the issue with these igniters.

According to Takata, the chemicals in the airbags’ explosive charge can...

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My DS5, VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff] should be eligible for recall, but my vehicle is in China and I cannot find the corresponding service provider. Could you please contact me officially and tell me how to handle this? ????_20251024002629_33_148.png
Replies: 28
Views: 74749

Last post by Wusw
23 Oct 2025, 17:32
PSA Electrical Diagrams - Wiring & Symbols Codes Index

by GiveMeABreak » 09 Dec 2023, 17:48 » in Diagnostics

PSA Electrical Diagrams - Wiring & Symbols Codes Index

The following will cover most basic equipment, but will exclude later systems & Tech.

PSA Electrical Diagrams Introduction - Function and Constitution of Codes
PSA Electrical Diagrams - Coding of Functions
PSA Electrical Diagrams - Component Coding
PSA Electrical Diagrams -...

Replies: 0
Views: 134458

Last post by GiveMeABreak
09 Dec 2023, 17:48
Citroen, DS Automobiles and Peugeot Official Part Number Requests

by GiveMeABreak » 15 May 2021, 13:55 » in Citroën
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Parts Service Announcement - 21st March 2025

Please note that there is a temporary disruption to our 'Parts Service', so we will be unable to provide any official parts for members at the present time. Please refer to the Post HERE for further info

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Disruption to Parts Service

As you may be aware, the consolidation of the old PSA to the Stellantis Group systems has resulted in both a merge of data tools and a requirement to migrate PSA accounts to Stellantis Systems.

This has caused some problems for organisations like ours and the Team are currently looking at the best way forward. This...
Replies: 3080
Views: 1007826

Last post by GiveMeABreak
21 Mar 2025, 10:53
Airbag, Dashboard, Seat Belt & Airbag ECU Repairs

by GiveMeABreak » 24 Jun 2020, 17:01 » in Useful links
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Just for members to be aware that airbagteam.com based in the UK are offering a 10% discount to FCF members on any of their services.

The FCF does not endorse any company directly, but thought this would be of use to members.

Full details of their services and the discount can be found here:

Airbag, Dashboard, Seat Belt & Airbag ECU Repairs

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I don't have knowledge of the Peugeot, but the issue of a loose connection is known with several makes of car.
I doubt the piece of plastic holding the cable to the floor will cause an issue with the air bag light, but an intermittent loose connection in the plug and socket almost certainly will. Check for a good electrical connection within. Look...
Replies: 78
Views: 378491

Last post by Stonehopper
14 Mar 2026, 06:55
New PSA Heritage Parts for Classic Cars

by GiveMeABreak » 11 Oct 2019, 16:18 » in Citroën

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Parts for Classic / Older Citroen, Peugeot Renault Vehicles

This may be of interest to Members with older vehicles where getting parts is a struggle and for those not already aware of the site.

PSA are embarking on a project to provide some supplies of original and re manufactured parts for older vehicles and classics, and have made it a...

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anti-virus is blocking.......

Replies: 7
Views: 106185

Last post by Stickyfinger
16 Sep 2024, 21:28
Revised Easydiagnostics Discount Procedure

by GiveMeABreak » 03 May 2018, 17:22 » in Forum News, Announcements and Issues

Please note that there is a new procedure in place for members wishing to take advantage of a 15% discount off products from Easydiagnostics.

The old discount code that was entered into the checkout is no longer valid, as a result of the code being propagated over the Internet.

After discussions with Jim from ED today, we have agreed a new...

Replies: 0
Views: 105799

Last post by GiveMeABreak
03 May 2018, 17:22

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Common Scams Section

by GiveMeABreak » 30 Oct 2018, 08:29
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We have created this section for members to post up their experiences of being scammed or warnings of potential scams.

Please do not post personal details or emails here, as these can often be hijacked / impersonations of real accounts. Try and keep posts focussed on the scamming element, otherwise the actual threat or scam can become lost in a...

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Very good idea if they want it that bad they will collect
Replies: 363
Views: 94887

Last post by Huskyxantia
21 Aug 2026, 08:06
Funny pictures and videos

by Xaccers » 02 Apr 2010, 23:15
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Lets see what you've found, but as always, keep it family friendly :)

Optical illusion

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./download/file.php?id=85978 , so, is it true :rofl2:

:lol: There's some truth in that :twisted:

If it is I've not got there yet!! :-D

Lucky you!
Replies: 1616
Views: 198535

Last post by CitroJim
12 Aug 2026, 05:16
Sending Parcels (May 2013)

by Old-Guy » 02 May 2013, 17:33
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Strictly speaking, this isn't specific to French Cars, but as members often need to send 'bits' to one another, the following may be useful.

To send a Xantia radio, which is just a bit too large to be a Royal Mail 'small' parcel, the cheapest my local Post Office (very obliging) could do it for was £8 :shock: second class parcel post.

However, I...

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Is that a pup socket?

And they are no longer posties, they are both on the rattlers now.
Thought she had been promoted when I saw her in her new, posh uniform then saw it says LNER or somesuch on it.
Replies: 33
Views: 22881

Last post by myglaren
18 Jul 2026, 08:51
Bah humbug! A retreat for those lacking in Xmas spirit

by Xaccers » 07 Dec 2013, 00:46
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One for Jim this time of year

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what's wrong with the petrol station on Xmas Eve I want to know? :-D

Nothing says 'I love you' more than a gift or flowers purchased from a petrol station... :lol:

I suppose for the love that surely won't last much longer....
Replies: 309
Views: 96946

Last post by CitroJim
15 Jul 2026, 05:36
Lidl and Aldi Car accessories

by Hell Razor5543 » 04 Oct 2012, 20:24
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Hello all,

You might want to check out Lidls' website. Next Thursday thay are doing car accessories, some of which you might find useful. I have got a set of the axle stands and they have not let me (or Gracie ) down!

onclick= window.open(this.href);return false;

It is worth going back to their site regularly, as they have special offers (on...

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I have been away helping my Mum move her boat from Rugby to Reading, which is why I did not notice this until now

Couldn't help but wonder
have you got one of these to help?

horse_pic_07-Enhanced.jpg
(Picture borrowed from:

:-D
Replies: 1214
Views: 206468

Last post by MattBLancs
13 Jul 2026, 06:51
Joke I found funny...

by MikeT » 26 Sep 2010, 20:14
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A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said,

'Jesus knows you're here.'

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze.

When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could...

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Nice one James :lol: That would be my son/grandson if I had one ;) My daughters and granddaughters are far more subtle...
Replies: 2685
Views: 696184

Last post by CitroJim
12 Jul 2026, 05:22
Spotted Xantias! (and other French stuff)

by Sid_the_Squid » 09 Jul 2010, 10:02
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Hi All,
Seems I have a new neighbor with a lovely silver Xantia with personalized reg plate.

Have not seen up close yet, so not clear on the specifications, also due to vague parking arrangements I don't know exactly which house is theirs either.

Is this anyone on here living in HP1 area with a Silver Xantia on a personal plate?

Admins, sorry...

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A very interesting French car seen at the CCC D Rally on Sunday...

2026-06-23-0008.jpg

The paintwork was very interestingly and rather nicely patinated :)
Replies: 2215
Views: 225390

Last post by CitroJim
24 Jun 2026, 05:44
French cars in films

by Napoleon » 13 Nov 2008, 21:14
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Just casting my my mind around the various films in which I've see French-built cars. Comes to mind:

2 CV in Pink Panther with old Peter Sellers

Then only vaguely are the cars in the Day of the Jackal, but there have to be some in Manon des Source, Les Regles du Jeu (sp?), but I don't recall any in The Duellists.

Any more/amplification?

Anyone...

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In a couple of street shots we see a red and white 2 CV Dolly. in 1973....really? 12 years too soon.

A bit like in a scene where a scruffy old Jag, missing a headlight, is motoring along what was supposedly the M6 (I think) in the film 'Withnail and I'... The scene was filmed on a yet to be opened stretch of the M25. That was proved beyond...
Replies: 498
Views: 133423

Last post by CitroJim
24 Jun 2026, 05:35
Meeting arrangements

by mickthemaverick » 28 Jan 2023, 18:19
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Michel suggested we have a dedicated thread for meeting arrangements so here it is!!
Please use this for anything to do with plans to get together so everyone knows where to look.

I'll start it off by copying my post from the other thread inviting fcfers to a lunch meeting on Tuesday. So far we have 3/4 attendees so I'll amend the booking to...

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I have deleted the last few subject posts which were off topic and to avoid an unwanted precedent on the forum. :)
Replies: 896
Views: 439847

Last post by mickthemaverick
20 Apr 2026, 09:57
Member-Posted Discounts & Offers

by GiveMeABreak » 13 Nov 2020, 14:41
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Member-Notified Special Offers & Discounts

Bobins suggested a thread for members to share their car-related discount codes / vouchers / notifications of offers etc. for mutual benefit, so I've created this thread for that purpose.

So if you want to share any offers you may have received or are aware of, just stick them up here.

Please don't...

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Up to 15% off Continental and Hankook tyres. Details in the image and at Blackcircles.com

black15jan.JPG
Replies: 33
Views: 16931

Last post by bobins
22 Jan 2023, 18:54
Miscellaneous Auctions and Sales

by mickthemaverick » 04 May 2025, 11:24
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I do spend time following the auction world other than motoring and sometimes a sale comes up which I know will interest some members. I have found it difficult to decide where to post those in the past and so have resorted to 'fitting them in' where there might be a link. So I have decided the simple answer is to create this thread for all such...

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That looks to be a good one. Doesn't look expensive to me.
Replies: 185
Views: 19749

Last post by xantia_v6
Today, 21:39
DIY with function over finesse!!

by mickthemaverick » 27 Apr 2021, 15:18
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I decided to start a new thread for this post on the OTCL as I think it may get more contributions than a personal blog in the members area!!
Today I ran out of excuses to avoid the last job on my to do list (There will be another soon no doubt as they are entered by SWMBO :-D ) and had to knuckle down and get on with it. 'Rotting shed floorboards...

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Well with the aid of the spray and the tools removing the old seal from the tiles was pretty simple and now its ready for the new bath:

Clean tiles.jpg

While I was doing that job I noticed that the hot isolation valve had a pool of water in its end. I know it was dry last night so the isolator must have the tiniest leak. Obviously I don't want...
Replies: 864
Views: 261227

Last post by mickthemaverick
Today, 21:22
Picture(s) of the day....

by NewcastleFalcon » 02 Oct 2015, 18:39
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Heard this on the radio this morning, and thought it must be April fools day. Ponies to be painted in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents involving collisions with the ponies roaming free on Dartmoor.

Well here's the evidence

Apparently taken from an idea in Finland where Reindeer antlers were similarly painted to reduce accidents....

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IMG_20260826_164624582.jpg
I went for a walk down 'CitroJim Way'; the cycle path that Jim ran when he and Mick stayed in Barley Mow.
Had intended walking to Barley Mow and taking the bus home. No bus for an hour so shanks's it was. The bus passed me as I was 100 yards from home.

The item pictured way laid in the road on the way home, picked it...
Replies: 13771
Views: 1523721

Last post by myglaren
Today, 20:11
On your Bike

by NewcastleFalcon » 06 Feb 2019, 20:48
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A thread to mop up your two-wheeled activity inspired by Citro Jim's fine example., pictures, rides, purchases, renovations, anything goes. Anyone got a french bicycle for starters, just to keep things marginally connected to the French element of the FCF? Must be someone with a Peugeot!

In How many miles have you done this month , I have...

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Me in action in the final round of the Team MK 2026 Evening 10 TT series of races on Monday evening :-D

6V0A2639.jpg

And this time I did not finish last!

Sadly, I have to wait until 2027 before I can do this all over again but for now, I have a duathlon to look forward to :)
Replies: 1495
Views: 360723

Last post by CitroJim
Yesterday, 07:52
Open-Top motoring....

by NewcastleFalcon » 06 Jul 2019, 18:11
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I am quite virginal in this respect as reported in todays POTD but others may over their motoring years have owned/desired a convertible/cabriolet/roadster/décapotable/drop-top/rag-top.

Plenty on offer at the classic sales, always tempting.

So at the risk of a zero participation thread but never afraid to miss, your contributions are invited!...

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That open-top P6 is a thing of beauty :cool:
Replies: 460
Views: 42603

Last post by CitroJim
22 Aug 2026, 05:09
Pickled Egg Jukebox-Your Selections

by NewcastleFalcon » 26 Dec 2014, 20:43
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The FCF used to liken itself to the friendly atmosphere of a good pub, and there's none better than The Pickled Egg which appears once a month in a Magazine called Cheers which is distributed free in North-East Pubs. Its the work of Cluff (John Longstaff) and consistently makes me chuckle.

Here's a little selection-couple of technology...
Replies: 5685
Views: 834898

Last post by myglaren
21 Aug 2026, 20:40
I'm planning a trip to French Polynesia—do you have any tips?

by Ornela » 21 Aug 2026, 05:34

First post

Hi, I'm trying to plan my trip to French Polynesia for next year, and honestly, I'm overwhelmed by all the information. The thing is, I’m torn between going in March or September, opinions are really split depending on the sites I’ve read. And then there’s the budget issue I was thinking of going for three weeks, but between the flights from Lyon...

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Should've said first post in this thread. But the link is also a strange post.

Replies: 4
Views: 58

Last post by Paul-R
21 Aug 2026, 09:05
DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse!!

by mickthemaverick » 23 Jun 2022, 21:22
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I am starting this thread for contributers to document details of jobs they carry out on their cars rather than the more general DIY with function over finesse thread which was intended to be non motoring projects. Thus hopefully it will serve as a resource and guide for members tackling jobs for the first time :-D

So whatever tinkering you are...

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Power tools, perhaps I need to invest in them with Einhell I guess being a good choice.
Replies: 827
Views: 358849

Last post by PaulC5
20 Aug 2026, 13:42
Dangers of relying on AI

by xantia_v6 » 10 Oct 2025, 08:14
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A true story:

A friend recently learned that an ex-colegue had been diagnosed with a degenerative disease with no hope of a good outcome. She decided to send an E-card to the unfortunate person, but could not think of what to say on the card, so she asked ChatGPT to write a suitable sympathy message. The result was a well written, sensitive...

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On BBC 2 Newsnight the other day it was reported tech companies are borrowing huge sums of money to develop AI being scared of being left behind. This as well as USA/Iran is pushing up interest rates and causing problems for governments with possibly taxes needing to go up to pay the interest.
Replies: 80
Views: 7479

Last post by PaulC5
20 Aug 2026, 13:34
Anyone want a laugh?

by mickthemaverick » 16 Aug 2026, 15:17

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I have two friends who are both scared of spiders, so when I saw this come up at auction I couldn't resist the chance of a prank. (As Ryan observed the other day, I have too much time on my hands!) Anyway I put a £3 bid on and won the remote controlled tarantula!! Sadly when it arrived I was a bit disappointed in the reality. Ever seen a tarantula...

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I doubt if anyone will be surprised to know that SWMBO actively feeds our spiders!! She puts mealworms into their webs when most people, including me, would just brush the webs out of the way! :-D

Good for her :D

Replies: 14
Views: 266

Last post by CitroJim
19 Aug 2026, 05:11
Honest John website RIP now Drive.com

by Skull » 16 Aug 2026, 14:10

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HonestJohn.co.uk now Drive.co.uk :oops:

One of my favourite websites for reviews has now lost forever :yikes:

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No Citroen classics on there

Citroen Relay van from 2006 the oldest review I can find :evil:

Replies: 2
Views: 61

Last post by Skull
16 Aug 2026, 14:41
NEW ANNUAL IDIOT PARKING AWARDS.

by Huskyxantia » 08 Jun 2026, 17:49
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A 168 mile round trip today resulted in me having to snap shot this idiot , I , like many other normal motorists was parked up in a bay all normal as you do then was greeted by this as I was coming out of a bakers with my lunch , ham n cheese salad bap decafe tea and bread pudding ( well it contains fruit) then as i was walking back to my car saw...

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It was still there an hour later aswell , he'd just finished loading the chips ,

:-D
Replies: 73
Views: 2397

Last post by CitroJim
16 Aug 2026, 05:24
That's that for another two years

by Vic Evans » 06 Jul 2026, 20:02

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Mme's 12yo C4 today passed it's 2 yearly Controle Technique with zero faults except for the obligatory advisory that a front fog light is out of alignment. Gotta find something I guess.
I can't take the credit for this success as the car is looked after by our very reasonable & helpful local Citroen agency.
CT cost 87 euros/£75 for two years. How...

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There was similar, but opposite, talk a few years ago in the UK of going to biannual tests but that went away. At the same time it was suggested that, as cars were much more reliable nowadays, the first test could take place after four years instead of three. That also went away.

First after 4 years here then every 2 years except for commercial...

Replies: 10
Views: 178

Last post by Vic Evans
15 Aug 2026, 16:03
Worms.🪱

by Sloppysod » 14 Aug 2026, 09:06

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Is it me or are there less worms around than there used to be, after all we used to build worm houses!

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SWMBO shops twice weekly and this is typical of her haul, + some milk and salad bits in the fridge. :-D

Supplies.jpg

Tiger.jpg

Replies: 4
Views: 77

Last post by mickthemaverick
14 Aug 2026, 16:58
Some different views of the Eclipse

by mickthemaverick » 12 Aug 2026, 20:37

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I thought I'd do a 2 minute interval freeze frame from the sun facing CCTV camera, this was the result: :-D

Eclipse -1 hour.png

Here we go:

7.10pm.png

7.12pm.png

7.14pm.png

7.16pm.png

7.18pm.png

7.20pm.png

7.22pm.png

7.24pm.png

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7.32pm.png

7.34pm.png

7.36pm.png...

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But the clouds helped me a little.

The top one's a staggeringly good photo Stu 8-) Somehow the clouds really add to it and gives it a great atmosphere :-D

Replies: 13
Views: 219

Last post by CitroJim
14 Aug 2026, 05:14
If you could have any one , which would you pick?

by mickthemaverick » 05 Oct 2024, 10:56
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A new thread to encourage participation, each weekend I'll post up an auction catalogue from somewhere and all you have to do is say which ONE car would you have if you had a bottomless pocket and a free choice. :-D

To get us going here is the first catalogue:

and my choice from it:

HFTurbo.jpg

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I like that Richard, handy for all sorts of high jobs, I wonder what weight it will lift? :-D
Replies: 345
Views: 23803

Last post by mickthemaverick
11 Aug 2026, 20:11
Some folk never learn

by Vic Evans » 09 Aug 2026, 14:52

First post

We were invited to our farmer neighbours birthday bash to be held today in a marque at a local church field.
The bash was a joint affair to celebrate his plus daughter & sister's birthday & was to be a pig roast (he's a pig farmer amongst other things) done by Eric le Sausage the local meat entrepreneur for about 100 guests.
The invite was to be...

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You wanna see what they do over here starts off with a rag soaked in foxes urine , where would they get that from ive often asked myself, amd them involved with it only to get told to p**s off ... then it ends up with the animal being mauld to bits by the dogs , I look after 15 achers of small hold the damage ive had to sort out over the past 15...

Replies: 7
Views: 153

Last post by Vic Evans
10 Aug 2026, 18:44
Elevating Wheel Jacks/Dollies...

by CitroJim » 27 Jun 2026, 06:06

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One reader of one of my recent columns in the Citroenian magazine spotted these wheel jacks/dollies in use on a project AX...

elevatedax.jpg

Her's keen to acquire some of them. I must admit they do look very useful and practical.

All his (and my) Internet searches have drawn a blank as to any further details.

Can anyone help find a...

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Yea, but it's a C1, a child can lift one of those up ;) :lol:

Got to be ever so careful undoing hubnuts on those with a rattlegun - so easy to flip the car on its roof...

Replies: 12
Views: 417

Last post by CitroJim
10 Aug 2026, 05:38
The P.E.Video Show

by mickthemaverick » 25 Sep 2020, 16:45
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As we have such a successful Picture of the Day thread and an equally well supported Jukebox I thought it might be handy to have a place where we can post up videos which may be of interest to members. Obviously there are thousands of videos out there so please try and be a bit discerning and only post those which relate to the FCF or threads on...

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Posted on POTD as part of a series but will stand alone here: :-D
Replies: 324
Views: 54505

Last post by mickthemaverick
07 Aug 2026, 20:02
Trivia Investigation Team

by NewcastleFalcon » 17 Oct 2020, 09:13
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Case number 1.
Can you dig out any information on this type of telephone box :?: (type/date/original maker etc)

Did a bit of an internet search which I thought would be easy to identify this telephone box (type/date/original maker etc) and could only find one image other than the one I took and posted on remember these all our yesterdays ....

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Nice to see the Trivia Investigation Thread being brought back to life Bobins! Always interesting reading for me.

I suspect few will have delved to find out more but here's what may be the chapter and verse, inspired by your post in an easy to click link but very likely a TLDR account of the goings on!

Neil
Replies: 942
Views: 88029

Last post by NewcastleFalcon
07 Aug 2026, 12:16
I-Spy Classic Cars/Bikes-What have you spotted?

by NewcastleFalcon » 11 Jul 2015, 19:26
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As we get out and about there's a few more classic cars on the road at this time of year. Classics are very much in the eye of the beholder, well evidenced in the current edition of I-Spy Classic Cars which has 120 selections including Morris Marina, Austin Allegro, Ford Sierra.

Here's my starter for 10 spotted in Manchester, and one of the...

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There is a link between your Pemberton caravan and the Pembleton car - Neil's link above your post explains all :)

Ahh, missed that fist time around :) Good use of a scrapped caravan!
Replies: 3304
Views: 295114

Last post by CitroJim
07 Aug 2026, 06:11
How long's a piece of string?

by Vic Evans » 03 Aug 2026, 16:16

First post

Mme is on one of her 'tidy up' sessions & going through two lounge cupboards putting aside anything I might have stashed to ask the inevitable can this be chucked?
One of the items was a programmable RF remote control which had become seperated from the relays I had used to switch some long since sold 2kW electric inertia radiators.
I asked her...

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I don't think its that they can't grasp technology but more likely don't need to or 'have better things to do' etc
Mme is far from stupid & since I've retired, controls all of our finances as I have better things to do :lol:
She's always shied away from the many mechanical things we have & need to manage our 3 Ha of garden & fields as I've always...

Replies: 3
Views: 88

Last post by Vic Evans
03 Aug 2026, 18:45
How many miles in the month?

by NewcastleFalcon » 30 Jan 2019, 08:58
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As trailed in Start a new thread in January here it is, includes any form of transport, (planes trains and automobiles but not excluding tractors, motorbikes, JCB's, Buses, ships) including human effort like walking, running, cycling, open water swimming, swimming bath swimming literally anything. Splatter it with some visuals, favourite journey,...

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On foot: 25
In car: 9
On the bus: 52
Total: 86
Replies: 598
Views: 71955

Last post by myglaren
01 Aug 2026, 10:28
Driving licence renewal not easy

by PaulC5 » 28 Mar 2026, 22:13
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My photo driving licence is due for renewal at 10 years so followed the letter sent to renew on-line. However, it needs my identity to be proved on the newish gov one site and an option is to use the photo licence. It then failed to prove so I had to print out a letter to take to a post office along with the licence where they take a photo and I...

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Mrs P is 70 in a few weeks so I did the licence renewal again and on-line without any problems using the existing photo they had. She will lose the C1 and D1 entitlement but she said she has no plans to drive a minibus or small truck, otherwise it needed a medical assessment with a doctor. It involved logging in to the gov one site but easy enough...
Replies: 24
Views: 1797

Last post by PaulC5
28 Jul 2026, 12:19
"Balcony" solar panels - any thoughts?

by Richard_C » 27 Jul 2026, 17:09

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In Europe, Germany in particular, so called Balcony solar panels have been around for a while. Essebntially a small (up to 800w) panel which requires no installation. It has an inverter and you simply plug it in to a ordinary socket, it senses mains presence and switches off if not so its won't work in a power cut nor will it electrocute people...

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Initial estimates are pay back c 4 years.

Any thoughts?

Is that an estimated 4 year payback in the UK, or an estimated 4 year payback looking at the UK purchase price but European/German levels of sunlight and an ideal installation ? :-k

Replies: 3
Views: 121

Last post by bobins
27 Jul 2026, 20:23
Big Brother is Watching You (your evidence please)

by NewcastleFalcon » 17 Apr 2019, 09:02
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Post your anecdotal evidence up here!

Another instance......Bob Ross.....Must have been a firestick thing...
Despite never having googled Bob Ross he appears in full technicolor on a Facebook news feed. We did watch a video of his on youtube via the amazon firestick previously that day, but it wasn't even at home but at our daughter's.

I am...

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Another video from the same source, it provides compelling reasons why I shall keep with pre 2005 cars for the rest of my driving time. :)
Replies: 165
Views: 24921

Last post by mickthemaverick
27 Jul 2026, 18:37
Energy Matters Global and Domestic

by NewcastleFalcon » 08 Feb 2019, 12:59
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Weighty matters indeed....news, views, information, and debate with random off-topic meanderings and humour if we are lucky, lets see.

So two category on-topics to start from me

Carbon Capture at Drax B

Familiar face on the forum Drax B, (if you followed POTD thread in 2016 ) in the news this morning

This is the gist
The first carbon...

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When a Swiss startup announced it was installing solar panels between active train tracks and letting trains run over them all day, the critics said it wouldn't work. 14 months in and it's still working fine.

Sun-Ways installed 48 removable solar panels along a 100-meter stretch of working railway in Buttes, Switzerland in April 2025. More than...
Replies: 1744
Views: 192402

Last post by myglaren
27 Jul 2026, 15:35
Now that's something I didn't know!!

by mickthemaverick » 26 Jul 2026, 10:12

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I have set up this topic for posting items of interest but possibly not concerning, so that I can add a subject I just came across to get it going! Add in anything you find that had never occurred to you :-D

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The only thing I use is Soda Crystals, (Sodium Carbonate) with white vinegar as a fabric conditioner.

OIP-544866863.jpg

Replies: 6
Views: 173

Last post by myglaren
27 Jul 2026, 08:38
One for the train buffs.

by Gibbo2286 » 23 Nov 2020, 12:49
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No goggles hard hats or ear defenders. :)

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For those who may want a little more detail, the token the Secondman is holding out in my picture is a Tyer's No. 9 key and some detail of how the system works is well described here:
Replies: 523
Views: 114903

Last post by CitroJim
26 Jul 2026, 05:45
Car Games for children/adults

by Rp0thejester » 23 Jul 2026, 22:35

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Tomorrow I'm picking up a hire car to head to a wedding as mine is in the garage. My concern is my car has 12v sockets in the back so kids can be on their electronics. I don't know if this hire car will have the same ability. So..... What car games can i get the kids to play as it's a 2 hour journey. What did you old guys play before electricity...

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When I took the girls to Germany we played all the various 'follow me' games. Pick a topic, eg Towns and then player 1 names a town and player 2 has to name one beginning with the last letter of the first town. Player 3 again using the last letter and so on until a player can't give an answer and loses a life. Then change the topic and same...

Replies: 1
Views: 73

Last post by mickthemaverick
23 Jul 2026, 22:49
A nice 2-tone

by NewcastleFalcon » 12 Nov 2014, 23:40
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I do like a two tone, and the good old Vauxhall Cresta PA has been given a good airing on the I-Spy Citroen-H Vans thread.

But this is French Car Chat so might as well start off with a cute little Frenchie

rgeards Neil

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Nee-Nawww
Replies: 413
Views: 42580

Last post by CitroJim
18 Jul 2026, 05:54
Insurance Renewal Hiked

by BusybeasDS » 15 Jul 2026, 07:22

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Just had my annual insurance renewal ( Aviva) reminder pop up for our DS4. ( 1.2 petrol Auto, Fully Comp )
Its increasing by almost 25% over last year ! WTF
Max no claims and we average 4-5 k a year .. not happy bunny..

Just done a quote with LV, is about the same but with much bigger excesses... so they aint getting the business.

May I ask,...

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Well, I shan't get that part of my life back again.
Spent hours on this cr*p'

As mine is a Self Service ON LINE Portal , I can only make contact by phone should I wish to record a claim.
Found their blurb.. gives all the usual excuses for rising costs of pretty much everything... hmmm.

I am done... tried various comparison sites,( MSE, Confused,...

Replies: 9
Views: 149

Last post by BusybeasDS
15 Jul 2026, 17:19
Openable shuttered windows

by Vic Evans » 09 Jul 2026, 12:08

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Just posting on another thread reminded me of my houses when I lived in England where all hinged windows opened outwards.
It was a revelation when I moved to France , over 20 years ago to, find the windows opened inwards thus allowing all types of blinds/shutters to be fitted on the outside allowing the windows to still be opened.
When I virtually...

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... a very old house with deep set windows, but still the shutters are inside. If you watch the video that accompanies John Lennon singing Imagine you can watch Yoko Ono folding the internal shutters back to let light in.

Well spotted.
In very old 'old houses' there were usually internal wooden shutter boxes, built alongside the deep reveals,...

Replies: 3
Views: 135

Last post by Vic Evans
10 Jul 2026, 11:30
The joys of shopping online!

by MattBLancs » 05 Jan 2023, 08:56
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A blown fuse on the C5 prompted me to seek out a fuse kit - as I have plenty of full size blade fuses but none of the new smaller mini variety.

Off to eBay. Best price seemed to be a 344 item selection box, so add to basket and problem solved.

Next morning a message:
Screenshot_20230105-084704-381.png

Oh well, these things happen. Refund...

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My first thought is that it's simply a demo of two different spacings available to suit different lock mechanisms.

Yes, think this is most likely explanation :)

These locks are quite common on new builds. The handles are on separate spindles but not interlocked. I had them on a new build I bought in 2008, they were a pain in the proverbial...
Replies: 99
Views: 13785

Last post by MattBLancs
10 Jul 2026, 06:56
Vintage Audio Activities...

by CitroJim » 05 Sep 2020, 16:12
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To keep me occupied and stimulated during the days of tight lockdown and my accident recovery when I could not leave the house nor move around it very freely I rediscovered my love of vintage wireless and audio, something I'd not touched for as long as I'd not done anything with cars. A long time in other words :roll:

After fixing two duff amps...

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Yesterday saw me visiting the radio museum in Watchet :)

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There's a huge number of exhibits all laid out in chronological order from the very early days until the 1970s. Every inch of space is well used! The photos only capture a small section of it. Due to the bijou nature of...
Replies: 427
Views: 257230

Last post by CitroJim
09 Jul 2026, 06:24
A collection of interesting/awful campers & motorhomes

by NewcastleFalcon » 19 Jun 2015, 13:37
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Here's a starter for 10, bonus points if you can identify the base vehicle!

regards Neil

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Possibly the road is their camp site.

Arguably cheaper than the one I'm staying on Paul :wink:

The vehicle had moved on yesterday...
Replies: 453
Views: 69236

Last post by CitroJim
09 Jul 2026, 06:08
What annual expense surprised you the most after buying your car?

by Kelly001 » 04 Jul 2026, 11:19

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I hope to be at the right place to ask this.

I read a lot about it. Most people think about fuel or insurance, but I've heard that things like road tax, maintenance, and depreciation can be unexpected too.

I don't actually own a car in my name yet. I currently use my partner's car, and I don't really deal with any of the running costs. I'm...

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Or lack of

Replies: 6
Views: 186

Last post by Huskyxantia
05 Jul 2026, 19:29
How much does a hotel in Paris cost for a weekend with the C5 Aircross?

by Cally » 05 Jun 2026, 06:37

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Hi, I'm planning to drive up to Paris next month in the C5 Aircross, just a 3 day weekend trip to test out the car on a longer drive than my usual ones. The thing is, I have no idea what prices are like there, and honestly, how much does a hotel in Paris cost in a decent neighborhood... because I’ve seen prices ranging from 80 euros to like 300 a...

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Am I the only one that thinks the title should of been worded definitely? I had to read it a couple of times, I'm all for loving cars but jeez....

Replies: 5
Views: 539

Last post by Rp0thejester
19 Jun 2026, 21:24
Used Renault Zoe-can a case be made to buy one?

by NewcastleFalcon » 25 Jan 2020, 09:26
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Below £10,000 if you want to buy a used electric vehicle the choice is a 24kWh Nissan Leaf, or a 22kWh Renault Zoe...................you may find a Peugeot Ion/Citroen C-Zero, Mitsubishi i-miev but more of a rarity.

The Bargain basement Electric thread covers the Leaf but have Renault effectively killed the second-hand market in the Zoe with...

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Really interesting breakdown, the battery lease transfer issue is exactly the sort of thing that'd put me off a used Zoe if I'm honest. Even on a battery-owned one, you're still relying on it being one of the good ones, rather than one closer to your Leaf's wear. No way to really know going in. Given how cheap new EV leases have got recently (I've...
Replies: 163
Views: 16987

Last post by lucasb5696
18 Jun 2026, 15:50
Toolbag Tales-Homemade and improvised tools

by NewcastleFalcon » 27 Feb 2017, 18:01
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..or alternatively what could I make out of this....

goldbar.jpg

Its a piece of Key Steel about a foot long 8mm x 8mm and by hook or by crook its going to turn into the perfect timing belt tensioner adjuster for a 2.0hdi 8 valve engine, as fitted to my Citroen Xsara Picasso.

Suggestions welcome...with the restricted space, and air...

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That's a proper job Pete!
Replies: 372
Views: 37091

Last post by CitroJim
16 Jun 2026, 04:30

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