#2 is complete!

"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
06/08/2020 at 10:25 • Filed to: Inkscape, RedBubble, Art, Gauges, Citroen 2CV, Citroen, 2CV, Dash

No, not THAT number two...

I finished the second design I was !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ! :D

As per my prior post about doing up gauge cluster designs for fun to put up on a RedBubble store, my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and my freshly-completed second attempt is none other than the more basic cluster from the Citroen 2CV (it had a fancier cluster as well, but I went with this one!)

The reference images I used:

Video of the layers I used:
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Fun fact! That model of 2CV cluster is the AZ 01 - and can either be labelled as an AZ 01 M or AZ 01 K...anybody know what the difference is? :P

I learned a lot about using Inkscape while using this one as it was a bit more complex. I also did it at a larger resolution, so it can scale more easily. It’s always to learn new things! :)

I made the number on the odometer on this one mean something as well...anybody know the significance? :P

On to the next one! I need 5 designs uploaded before the store can go public...

DISCUSSION (26)

. . > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 10:32

I assume the difference between K and M clusters is the units?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 10:32

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

My standard announcement around this time every morning.

punkgoose17 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 11:45

Very cool. I am looking forward to seeing the other ones. I am guessing a 126p ST and 126p FL will be included.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > . .
06/08/2020 at 11:49

Looks like the M has dual units has while the K has kph only.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 11:52

Ah! The onl y 2CV I’ve been in had been heavily modified and I don’t recall the gauges looking like that.

Why is the fuel gauge on empty in both your reference photos and as a result your finished piece? I think that might bother me.\

Hmm, 2-1970? February 1970? May be 2 -19-’70 so the 19th of February (not in the Euro format, so probably wrong guess) in 1970.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 12:24

You’re both correct! :P

Citroen went super complicated on that model name scheme, haha! K was for metric units (just kms) and M was for Imperial units (including kms).

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
06/08/2020 at 12:25

Mine is usually in the evening...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > punkgoose17
06/08/2020 at 12:28

For sure! I might do the 126p EL/ELX as well because they use slightly modified FIAT Cinquecento clusters....because then I could make slight alterations to it and put it up as a Cinq cluster as well :P

That being said, I’ll probably start with more ‘popular’ cars first, i.e. the FIAT 500, the 2CV....thinking I might do the Trabant next as they have quite a following. I’ve been sortof doing a theme of basic, ‘cheap’ classics so far but will likely switch it up . Not 100% sure what I’ll do for #4 or #5 yet...might do a classic Porsche 911 cluster set....should do something American at some point as not to be biased :P

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 12:33

So the M model was more like a KM model . Huh.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 12:35

Haha, I could modify them so it wasn’t, but I imagine it was on E as the ignitions were off when the pics were taken? :P

Earlier 2CVs had a slightly different cluster layout, but a similar cluster:

Kinja'd!!!

The EARLIEST 2CVs had no ‘cluster’ in front of the driver but instead had a little speedo at the top-left of the dash and very minimal switchgear...Chris Harris did a video a few years before he was on Top Gear on his 2CV. The video is really hard to find now as it was taken down (for some reason?) when he joined TG, but you can still find it in a few places...I love his enthusiasm for it, and he gives a good overview of the interior of those early ‘ripple-bonnet; cars like his. :)

http://videos.sapo.pt/84zjVpwOeVPfmsQfiuIP

Some later 2CVs had a more fancy gauge layout as well:

Kinja'd!!!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 12:39

Sortof, haha!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 13:01

How did you find that random ghetto Portuguese language site? It had some long ads, but it was worth it to watch that video. That pretty much sums up all the reasons why the 2CV is easily in my top 3 of cars I have to own someday. Unfortunately, they can be a little pricey in the US because of the necessity of importing them, but I doubt they will ever get to ludicrous amounts of money, so there’s hope. I’ve given it much thought and I would probably find the extra hp of the later models useful for not being run over, but those early ones do just have so much character.

Surprisingly comfortable to sit in. You don’t feel too cramped and the picnic benches don’t feel like you are sitting on a trampoline like you might imagine. Excellent visibility all around too and the flat floor is unexpected.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 14:24

That’s the only place I could find the video, haha —-> Google search for ‘Chris Harris 2CV’ select Google Video search only :P

Yeah, their prices have gone up a lot....one option is to take the same route I am taking with the 126p!

I LOVE the classic FIAT 500 and originally wanted to import one (still do!) but saw that their prices were skyrocketing...so I got onto the 126p by learning it’s basically a 500 floorpan/drivetrain, so, despite the different looks, it’s the same driving experience/driving character . The looks have grown on me to the point I like them just as much as the classic 500...as with the 500's round styling being a product of the ‘ 50 s, the 126p is unashamedly boxy, which was a ‘70s thing.. .both products of their time. :)

SO, you could look into something like a Citroen Ami, or Dyane which have 2CV underpinnings for the most part, and the same engines, so the styling is different, but they have similar character (I quite love the look of the Ami, personally!) - BUT, they are not quite as well-loved as the 2CV, so their prices remain lower! Could also look for something more uncommon with a similar Citroen air-cooled Boxer twin engine, like Jonee’s imported like-NONE-at-all-in-North-America Citroen LNA that he got for a very fair price (and turned into an adventure)... or even something, how do I say...common-but-not? Like...a car that was once common, but there are now not as many left because they were just considered basic, cheap transport in their day (like my Accent would be today) so most were used up and thrown away.....i.e one of the base model Citroen Visas like Hubnut reviewed which has a 2CV-derived engine ?

Different cars I know with different styling to the 2CV , but they would at least offer a bit of the 2CV’s quirk and charm at a cheaper price. :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 14:36

I appreciate this take. I also like the Ami a lot. There is something to be said for the minimalist interior of the 2CV though, which is part of the appeal. There are so many different ways to get that drivetrain at a smaller price, but they made them for so long I don’t think they’ll get crazy expensive. Then again, the same could be said for the 500.

If I had to go for a different one, the Ami is my favorite. Does it still have the floppy sloppy tippy dippy tastic suspension?

I haven’t quite finished reading that link, but taking a road trip a cross Europe is like my number one feasible bucket list item behind owning a 2CV. Perhaps the Ami will stay lower in price than 2CVs. If hip breweries don’t snatch them all up, that is.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 16:05

Borsuq, who just bought the FSO Polonez Caro is planning on road-tripping it across Europe from his home in Poland next year to the Festival Of The Une xceptional in the UK next year! :P

It’s a dream of mine as well! I’ve talked with him about buying a 126p and flying over and road tripping it to the UK to be shipped over to Canada.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 16:37

I always read that username like Boats suck. Maybe they do, maybe they don’t.

Ah, are those his plans? What is this festival of the Unexceptional? Really rare but formerly common mundane cars?

Yes, that is just about my dream: driving a car across Europe and importing it to the US. Good thing I live in a lax state with a large port . Makes it so much easier.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 17:08

I live an hour from Halifax which is the major port on the East Coast in Canada, so that’s helpful...and everything I want to import is older than 15 years, so I am good!

The FotU is a car-show in the UK for now uncommon ‘everyday’ and quirky cars from back in the day. Hubnut tries to go every year. I think he took his Reliant Fox or his Invacar the other year? I forget!

AFAIK his username is pronounced ‘Boar-soo-k’ :P

Forgot to mention - yes, the Ami uses the same ingenius and wacky suspension setup as the 2CV! :D

Hubnut has an old video on his channel of an Ami as well if you wanted to see what they were like! :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 17:19

I may have to do some looking into on the FotU. Sounds like something right up my alley. It’ll definitely be a while before I go traipsing across Europe, but I might do some study abroad in college. They’ve got some very good programs that my scholarships should cover.

punkgoose17 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 17:53

Cheap classics makes sense. The 911 was one of the first more expensive classics I thought of. I think the cheap classics are good because the clusters are simple and interesting, it makes for a good graphic.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/08/2020 at 18:42

Wait...if you don’t mind my asking, how old are you, haha? I always pictured you in my head as being my age (I’m an old geezer at 34 ), but from your college comment you are a lot younger than me, despite our similar tastes :P

As a teacher, this means I am now making it my mission to turn you into my weird car loving protege, you’re welcome :P

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2020 at 20:06

First off, the haha was before the question mark so I take that to mean you are surprised. Everyone here does seem to think I’m way older than I am. I’ve halfway through circumnavigating the sun for my 20th time. I somehow pictured you as being younger than that for me at least. What subject do you teach?

I can be your protege as long as I get a voucher for a Fiat 126P ride on the off chance I decide to conquer wait I mean explore Canada.

Awesomeaustin is at nearly the same point in the walk of life but he was also very surprised to discover that. We also joined Oppo with a few weeks of each other.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/09/2020 at 07:51

:P

I will take you up on your 126p voucher, minus the conquering!

As for teaching, I am a substitute, sadly - no permanent position yet, but my Bachelor of Arts degree has an Advanced Major History/Social Studies and a Minor English, with my Bachelor of Education degree being the same - trained to teach Secondary History/Social Studies and English. :)

Ah, neat about Awesomeaustin! Are you folks friends IRL, or just a coincidence? :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/09/2020 at 09:40

Very much a coinkydink. I think it is funny though how people always mistake me for being older, since my profile picture has been of me this entire time. Sure, it’s abstract, but you can tell somewhat.

I asked because I thought you said you were a substitute. History, social studies, and English are basically my favorite subjects. I like art as well, but history fascinates me on many levels.

Sorry, you can't opt out of the conquering.

Kinja'd!!!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/09/2020 at 12:41

I think my love of history is partially why I love the type of cars I do...supercars an d muscle cars I respect for the capability, sure, but I love the history of cars...

I love the 126p as it was the People’s Car of Poland...it was all most people could afford, so it was used as/morphed into a truck, a camper, a family station wagon on long trips, a police car, an offroader, a snowplow....you name it. It was what you had and you used it as such. :)

The Trabant was the same....it was the People’s Car of Eastern Germany, all most people could afford if they were lucky and they took care of them because they had nothing else. I love the cleverly simple engineering (first use of a recycled material in vehicle body manufacturing? That’s a cool historical turning point!).

The 2CV? The history of it’s development pre-WWII and it’s story of being hidden from the Nazi’s throughout the war, brought back and produced until 1990 is amazing! I mean....technically a partially pre-war design, produced almost until the new millennium is nuts and awesome! It had some amazing engineering (the ingenious suspension setup!!!) and was a ‘People’s Car’ of France post-war, plus a part of early ‘eco’ movements due to it’s basic/simple nature and fuel efficiency...

Those are some examples, but you get my point :)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/09/2020 at 12:51

Those same reasons are part of why I love them. I like cars in context so I can appreciate them for what they are. If I saw a Versa 50 years in the future I could appreciate that it survived at all because they were the lowest common denominator of the automotive landscape, since you have to be a bit strange to buy a Mirage.

The cars you named above transcended their role as transportational and entered the zeitgeist of the culture. You are bringing out your inner Frenchman when you drive a 2CV.

Modern supercar's performance is so extreme you can only appreciate it in the abstract while you can experience the same thing hundreds of thousands of people spanning generations experienced when you drive a Trabant. You feel connected to the multitudes that came before you.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
06/09/2020 at 21:01

Well put good sir! :)