Starting a 1957 Citroen DS 19

[grandcarriage1]

That is truly one of the most elegant looking cars ever designed.

The dashboard is just a symphony of curves.

[philcaron]

Very well put. Thank you!

[ColinPRS]

Lovely to see and hear one othe most beautiful cars ever made, coming back to life. Are you going to restore it? I hope so.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Yes, but it is a long process since I don't have deep pockets. The car is drivable now and I am planning to register it soon and use it.

Cheers,

Phil.

[bonsema1]

isn´t it great that from the obvoius respectful and gentle touch of the starter controls , Mr. Caron expresses true love for his Citroén. There are a few books , many stories and several full  length films on this subject.

[philcaron]

Thank you for the kind words. I can see in you a true Citroen lover.

Take care,

Phil.

[Tyfben]

Quel magnifique son !!

[philcaron]

Merci. Video sur la route a venir.

:o)

[mickeybaumann]

great sound ! 10 years i drive 3 ds !

[Joeldoguincho]

Por favor, tirem uma dúvida, meu pai conta que alguns modelos de ds e id, tinham apenas um parafuso para prender a roda, ao invés de cinco. Pelo vídeo, parece que este modelo é de apenas um parafuso, o chamado cubo rápido. Há meses, procuro vídeos na internet onde apareça a troca de pneus, ou ao menos detalhes desse cubo... Por favor, mandem mais vídeos, de preferência com as imagens da troca de pneus, inclusive os trazeiros, onde se faz necessária a retirada do paralama. Obrigado.

[Joeldoguincho]

Please take a doubt, my father says that some models ds and id, had only one screw to secure the wheel, instead of five. For video, it seems that this model is only one screw, called the cube faster. For months, I look for videos on the Internet where there's a tire change, or at least details of this cube ... Please send more videos, preferably with images of new tires, including the hindquarters, where it is necessary to remove the fender. Sincerely ...

[philcaron]

Hi,

I have responded to you but youtube did not post my response. I have added my email address on the description. Send me a note and I'll can forward a doc on the procedure to change a wheel.

Best regarDS,

Phil.

[bide777]

I am sad to see her :'(

It's necessary to repair it !

[philcaron]

I'm waiting fro some parts to get her going again.

[redrusty]

What Serial number is this car?

I have a 1957 that is #8069

[philcaron]

Hi,

You car was probably made in '56.

The serial # is 12059 and was officially released from Citroen on January the 23rd 1957.

[crispiegee1]

One of the things that's cool is that old cars had industrial sounding starters. *Churuhruhruhruh-vroom!*

Nowadays, everything - even big V8's - have those really fast spinning starters that seemed to originate with the Japanese subcompacts of the 1970's.

My favorite starter sound was the Chrysler gear reduction unit of the 60's and early 70's.

[crispiegee1]

LOVE IT! :-)

[philcaron]

Thanks!

[geokkito]

Great car, thank u my friend :) !!

[philcaron]

My pleasure! Thanks for your comment!

[geokkito]

I have one DS 73 model, but i'm looking for one like yours to buy :)

[philcaron]

Cool! My first DS was a 1973. Good luck on finding an early model. They are a little trickier to work on and tune up, but once you know it, they give you a really smooth ride :o)

[kenmtb]

fantastic car! Thanks :)

[philcaron]

Thank you.

Hopefully, I'll be able to make a video soon while driving it...

[shawklet344]

Very nice motor mate my dads got one back in th uk he imported it from france about 10 years back and got it on the road about 4 years back keep at it

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks, I would love to see it. Send me a pic.

Happy New Year in your DS!

Phil.

[Spule4]

Phil, what is the current status of this car? Hope you have it on the road already, if not soon.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Sorry, I have added a reply and just found out that it disappeared. I am in the process of finding a head now. It cracked last winter due to my stupidity. She was drivable and should be drivable again soon. I have to make an exhaust line and install the new tires. As far as the body restoration, the wallet is the one dictating the time frame. The economy in the US doesn't help me very much :(

Take care,

Phil.

[artofwheels]

classic masterpiece! 5 stars

[philcaron]

Thank you!

[abcdefghiklmnop12345]

That thing has a awesome futureistic dash!!! TOTALY AWESOME FOR A OLD CAR!

[kortedfranela]

this makes me want to cry

[temelon]

What was that left switch on the dashboard, I believe that the right switch was choke? I noticed that the exhaust pipe goes a bit to front of the car?

[philcaron]

Hi,

The left knob is the manual advance. The right one is the choke, you are correct.

The muffler is in the front of the car behind the bumper. Later on, it moved under the front seats.

Cheers,

Phil.

[hestiathegreek1]

Very nicely done. I applaude your tenacity. There's a small car from the late '50's on the back side of a garage on the property where I live that I wish were mine. I'd love to have it restored. I think it's a Citroen but am not 100% positive. It's been there for at least 20 years. What a waste to just sit there. You've done a great job with yours.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks for the kind words. I hope you'll get the car; keep us posted...

Good luck.

Best Regards,

Phil.

[cxman29820]

pourquoi le moteur fait du bruit comme ca parce que l'embout de pot d'échappement a été enlevé ou c'est tout simplement normale ?? merci de votre réponse dés que possible

[philcaron]

Le pot était en très mauvais état et le tuyau allant à l'arrière était manquant. Ces DS sont très silencieuses d'habitude. En plus une soupape était tordue. Maintenant elle tourne mieux et sur 4 cylindres.

A+

[cxman29820]

c'est un des premiers modéles non 1957 ?

[philcaron]

Elle a ete fabriquee en janvier 1957. En France la DS etait fabriquee en serie fin 55 ou debut 56, par contre c'est sans doute une des premieres importees au EU.

[cxman29820]

c' est un modéle export? as tu une adresse messenger pour que nous parlon tous les deux ??

[ocsdct]

I'm an argentine Citrön fan, mostly the big ones: DS, CX, the underated XM and of course the fantastic C6...but, in your expert opinion, which one do you think is better, which one represented more in their own time? Thanks!

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks for your comment. It is hard to say which one is the best; they are all great. Personally, I prefer the DS since she was the first one of her kind. She was an OVNI next to the other 1955 cars.

If you buy one, let us know.

Best RegarDS,

Phil.

[ocsdct]

I'm an agentine Citröen fan, mostly the big ones: DS, CX, he underated XM and of cours the fantastic C6...but, in your expert opinion, which one do you think is better, which one represented more in their own time? Thanks!

[subtheo]

I am absolutely impressed by your work, Phil!

I got a look at your website, and I could not believe how much work and love you put in these cars.

Sorry to hear you had to go through so much recently, but here's something to cheer you up - next time you travel to France, go to a Citroen store and ask for a C6 test drive. I'm pretty sure you'll love it as much as I did.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks a Lot! I do appriciate your comment.

I sat behind the wheel of a C6 and like it a lot; can't wait to drive one.

You take care,

Phil.

[dstealth]

How's the restoration coming along? How solid is the body?

[philcaron]

I did a lot since this video. I have redone the hydraulic system from the front to the back, including suspension cylinders, swivels, brakes cylinders and shoes. I had the radiator completely redone also. I've rebuilt the high pressure pump, the height correctors, low pressure pump and water pump. The car is drivable now.

In the mean time I went through a divorce and the refi of my house, so the money is tight and the DS has to wait a little :o(

Cheers,

Phil.

[dstealth]

You've been up to quite a lot then! I'm busy restoring the boot area in my D. I'm puttting a brand new boot floor panel in as well as taking the inner walls down to bare metal, layering them in zinc rich primer and repainting them. I've got a new boot lining kit sitting here as well ready to be installed. Are you a member of the Citroen Car Club?

Chris.

[philcaron]

Hi Chris,

Good luck with your D!

I belong to the Citroen car club of North America. It is inexpensive and a good club. Let me know if you want info.

Best RegarDS,

Phil.

[filmnut1969]

simply beautiful - my father's first car ever back in 1970, I wish he would have kept it

[philcaron]

Thank you. My father's '56 was an exact replica of this one.

[twining58]

The knob with the crescent shape symbol that is adjusted just after the car is started advances and retards the spark from the electronic ignition, which was very handy given the lack of octane consistency in the French gasoline at the time.

[zincdustdust]

i see a 3 cell battery, were these only 6 volt electrical system?

[philcaron]

Yes, they were 6 volts up to mid '59, if I'm not mistaking (At least in the US).

Phil.

[twining58]

My parents also purchased a new 1956 Citroen DS19 when we lived in Chateauroux, France. It was pink white, with a turquoise top, and a royal blue and black leopard print cloth interior. They went on to purchase two more Citroen DS19s, a 1959 and 1963.

[moondayglo]

Wow man, that engine sounds magnificent. I drove gs/gsa's and cv's way back. Am driving a C4 coupe now 'cos I like the way it slightly resembles citroens of old. Hope you're gonna post a vid of the finished product. Cheers.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks for your comment. I'll keep you posted.

Good luck with the C4; Unfortunately, we cannot get it in the US :o(

You take care,

Phil.

[hillwills]

Nice one Phil. Good luck with your project. I used to be a member of the Citroen Car Club in England and went to all their meets. I owned an '87 2V6. Since coming to the US I haven't seen a single Citroen. I miss the classics - and even the modern ones.

[philcaron]

Hi,

Thanks a lot. Do you live in the US now? Hope you'll get another 2CV soon.

Cheers,

Phil.

[smiffy1071]

I was very lucky to have a drive in a 1959 slough built DS19, while I was on holiday in Australia. D-----lightful

[philcaron]

I am sure that you enjoyed the experience.

A little update on this car:

I have done the water pump, radiator, fast idle speed and CRC. The leaks on the brakes and accumulator are fixed. I actually drove this car yesterday. D---lightful as you say!

I will make a video while driving... Stay tuned.

Thanks,

Phil.

[dstealth]

Nice video and a nice car. It must be a nightmare having a DS in the USA. I have '74 DS23 but I live in the UK so there is a big club over here and there are lots of DS' and companies that restore them.

[philcaron]

Hello,

Thank you the kind words.

Actually, it is not that bad. Between eBay and several parts dealers in the US, it is manageable to maintain a DS. I also buy in France.

Good luck with your DS23. I never drove one but I know I will soon... :o)

Cheers,

Phil.

[philcaron]

Thanks again to all for your kind words and encouragement.

Phil.

[Grimper195]

Great car!!!Good luck

[philcaron]

Thanks a lot. I have redone the hydraulic lines from fron to back. I drove the car. She works great. Now I am waiting for a rebuilt radiator and I am rebuilding the water pump. After this, the car should reliable and safe to drive. I'll keep yuo posted.

Cheers,

Phil.

[Spule4]

I assume you are in the US, who is doing the waterpump? I had JBM do one about 15+ years ago for a 1911cc motor. But wait, on the early cars, isn't there a difference on the pump between ID and DS?  Maybe or maybe not, my memory is not so sharp....

[philcaron]

Well, you memory is very sharp. Yes there is a difference between the 2 pumps. The ID does not have the low pressure pump up front and the axle has the same diameter all the way to the impeller. I could not find a seal for a DS, so I have bought from Western Hemisphere (California) a seal for an ID and I will have the axle being machined to remove the shoulder near the impeller. Hopefully it is going to do the trick.

I am rebuilding the pump myself; BTW, I am in the US (Connecticut).

Phil.

[Spule4]

Neat on the pump, I remembered something, so it is the low pressure pump for the Citromatique? A shame your car is so far away from me in CT, here in Tennessee, the oldest ID I know of is from 1960/1 (6V system).

[philcaron]

Sorry for the delay of my reply.

Yes, the low pressure system is for Citromatique, clutch and clutch re-engagement control.

Too bad you are so far away, there are not too many early D's in the New York area. The only one I know is a 1959 DS19.

Cheers,

Phil.

[Pickinbuddy]

Thanks Phil! I'd always wished I could own one of these cars--but how in the world could one obtain the parts? Are they still made anywhere?

[majortom51970]

Yes! Try western hemispheres, retromobile, citron pieces etc. You could also try ebay.

[Pickinbuddy]

Very enjoyable video! Good luck on restoring this great car!

[philcaron]

Thanks a lot. The car will be drivable soon. I'll shoot a video for the occasion.

Phil.

[Spule4]

Please do Phil!

[philcaron]

I sure will Spule4. I have to edit one on the manual wiper subject... Stay tuned.

Phil.

[philcaron]

Thank you!

My show car is a '69. I love them all!

Cheers,

Phil.

[Spule4]

Great car, I had several bits of new and used early ID/DS parts, but had to sell them when I moved. I amost bought a 1961 ID19, but my two cars were 69 and 71. Congats on an early car in the US, or anywhere for that matter!

[z0Hunter]

Oh... I LOVE DS, especially early ones! :~) This is unreal car from another world. All this clear and cute lines of dashboard... oh...

[philcaron]

Thank you for your comment. I keep posting replies but they disappear. I hope this one stays.

Take care and keep driving these iDs,

Phil.

[perssonsjan]

Thanks for your very nice videos. You must be a great citroen supporter in USA. I am driving a DS20 here in Sweden. Would be nice to hear more from you.

[philcaron]

Thank you for your comment. I keep posting replies but they disappear. I hope this one stays.

Take care and keep driving these iDs,

Phil.

[benthead]

That was incredible. I've had one in storage for 15 years. This is very

encouraging. I need to replace the gas in the tank and fuel line first though.

Northern California Guy

[philcaron]

Hello and thank you,

When I've got the car, the gear box was cracked all around the clutch housing. The car was runing but on 3 cylinders. One valve was bent. I have replaced the head.

The problem with these early DS's is that most of the hydraulic lines are rusted, unless the car was maintained regularly.

Congrats on yours and best of luck.

Keep us posted,

Phil.