Stu_Rock Posted June 25, 2011 Report Share Posted June 25, 2011 Hi everyone! Rabin asked me to write an introduction. My name is Stuart, and I live in the San Francisco Bay area, though I am originally from Wisconsin. I have a 1984 Peugeot 505 turbodiesel. I had wanted an older RWD manual transmission Peugeot for a few years, and one showed up on Craigslist at the end of January. The car was in pretty rough shape, and I felt like it was either going to come home with me or go to the crusher. But it was exactly what I was looking for--and considering how rare these cars are on the used market, I decided I couldn't let it go. It took a lot of work to get my 505 to a roadworthy state, but it's been pretty easy to work on and it drives great. The car remains a beater--every panel has some sort of dent--but it's mechanically sound with only 119,000 miles. Despite its relatively low mileage, it was severely neglected. A list (probably incomplete) of the work I have done is an "appendix" to this intro. It's a long list, but I think it's a testament to the ruggedness of these cars that they can keep running despite so much neglect. I am now sold on the awesomeness of the 505. My intention is to keep mine running well for a few years at least. It is still a beater and I don't view it as restoration candidate, but I could imagine it ending up as a parts car for a better-condition replacement someday. As far as other automotive interests, I tend toward domestic vehicles. Currently I also have a somewhat rare 2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra "Special Edition," which was one of 176 commemorative vehicles built at the end of the model's production run. I love it--GM used all the sportiest bits from hi-po Bonnevilles and Sevilles of the era, but only tweaked the conservative, comfortable Buick design with a special paint job. I also have a 1998 Dodge shorty window van as a utility vehicle. It's also great at what it is. The original owner ordered it exactly how I would have--completely stripped down with only four options: V8 engine, the windows, a sliding door, and a limited slip differential. I look forward to hearing more about everyone's experience with 505s. Stuart Work I have done on the 505: rebuilt shift handle from bushings up to knob new brake master cylinder new clutch master cylinder new rear wheel cylinders new drum brake shoes all new brake/clutch hoses front vented brake conversion with new/reman parts new power steering lines fabricated new ball joints new strut inserts one new front wheel bearing cleaned up lug nut and stud threads new tie rods and boots many flaky electrical contacts cleaned or replaced rebuilt front turn signals all new light bulbs in gauge cluster windows de-tinted new thermostat and pressure cap many new hoses for vacuum, cooling, and boost tachometer pickup replaced replaced fuel filter housing (previous mechanic wrenched on it) fixed leaky fuel injector unclogged windshield washer tank and nozzle new radio with rear speakers new radio antenna (non-retracting) rebuilt both dome light assemblies installed trunk light fixed fuel filler overflow drain hose trans fluid changed gear oil changed intake oil vapor catch can installed repaired boost gauge installed by a prior owner door stop link replaced rebuilt window crank handles stabilizer bar bushings replaced Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N9TE Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 Welcome here. That's quite a list. Keep it up. So many seem to start like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bean Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 Quite the list indeed! Awesome seeing some of the new owners of these old cars really putting in the time and effort in saving a few of these cars. They really are fantastic cars, and with a proper budget and some time and effort - the reward is usually in the process in addition to ending up with a nice driving unique car. I ALWAYS enjoy when I get to spend a few hours sorting something out on my 505 turbo, and then taking it for a drive to confirm the fix is always such a nice feeling. BTW - best thing about a beater is never having to worry about any additional dents or scratches! There's a wonderful peace of mind that comes with that... I'm always fretting about my newly painted bumpers, and denting my freshly painted trunk was devastating... lol Rabin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peugeottogo Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 Welcome Stuart, great to see another Peugeot saved in the bay area. Isn't it great to realize the unique experience with a Peugeot? With dwindling numbers of these cars, not many will be able to experience them today! I've owned my share over the years and sold many to keep the population going. I tend to enjoy the TD's myself, simple to maintain and adds a little more quirkiness! Happy motoring and post some photos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norcal505 Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 Welcome aboard! Where about the Bay Area do you live? haha, with the other Peugeot people that I see around, I drop them a note about our forum, but they never actually join. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrethx Posted June 26, 2011 Report Share Posted June 26, 2011 welcome stu! looks like you've done a lot of work on your car, that's great. please post pics when you get a chance, especially of the radio install... andré Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu_Rock Posted June 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2011 Thanks for the welcome, everyone. Indeed, I have done a lot of work on the car. It seems like I have been lucky in that it's a whole bunch of small stuff. The big items (engine, transmission, clutch, driveline) seem all to be OK. Norcal505, I am near Redwood City. It's North Fair Oaks, to be specific. I'll be impressed if even any of the locals know where that is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peugeottogo Posted June 29, 2011 Report Share Posted June 29, 2011 Stu, I've heard of Fair Oaks but not been there. Was close last Friday, took my son to do some Go Karting in Redwood city! No other Peugeot's seen going or coming back Heck, feel like a single car parade on the highway! Not like that's a bad thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norcal505 Posted June 29, 2011 Report Share Posted June 29, 2011 Haha, Jeff..Malibu Grand Prix, am I right? I used to love that place as a kid. OP - I'm originally from San Mateo, so I know exactly where you're talking. I live in Alameda though (for another two months), before I move to SoCal. My 505 was wrecked back in May, but when its back in the right shape, I'd love to take it out for a Crystal Springs - Woodside drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohms Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 welcome to the club man and good job saving a 505 from the crusher - old girl is grateful for the extra lease on life, im sure. take her round a bend at a slightly spirited speed, and you'll be able to hear her say "oh, if only you knew me years ago..." haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peugeottogo Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 Haha, Jeff..Malibu Grand Prix, am I right? I used to love that place as a kid. OP - I'm originally from San Mateo, so I know exactly where you're talking. I live in Alameda though (for another two months), before I move to SoCal. My 505 was wrecked back in May, but when its back in the right shape, I'd love to take it out for a Crystal Springs - Woodside drive. Rob, your right about the location! What 11 year old wouldn't want to go? So, when you get your car back into shape, let's finally put a 505 rally together and meet at Crystal Springs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norcal505 Posted June 30, 2011 Report Share Posted June 30, 2011 Rob, your right about the location! What 11 year old wouldn't want to go? So, when you get your car back into shape, let's finally put a 505 rally together and meet at Crystal Springs? Most definitely! Sounds like a great idea, there are really a lot of us in the general vicinity, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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