The rust-devil is seen many times at the Peugeot 204 and Peugeot 304, as with many French cars (and the Italian ones) out of this period. Some specialists say that rusting is common for the 304 than for the 204, but that can be a personel opinion. What are the the specific weak points of these cars?

Mechanics
The engine is relativily simple and that is the reason it is not really sensitive for all kinds of little 'problems'. The admittance to the engine is not very good, which results in the need of special tools.
Pay special attention, namely by listening, at the engine for all kinds of strange sounds. Especially the cylinder head gasket, the distribution-belt and the waterpump must be checked. The gearbox is not known as vulnerable, because of the limited power of the engine. If the gearbox is having difficulties shifting from third into second gear, it means a major repairs. The gearbox, together with the whole engine must be lifted out before any work can be done. Do not forget checking the clutch.....

Chassis
Pay special attention at the subframe on which the engine is resting. If this frame is rusting it means changing, because welding is forbidden. A new subframe will come down to about 400 pounds. Further more must de upper attachment of the shocks at the front be checked thoroughly. In case of a rotten attachment, a restauration will be very expensive. Last but not least you must check the box girders, for example with the screw-driver method.

Body
The splashboards at the back of the Peugeot 204 and 304 convertible and coup� are not available any more -not even at the factory-. Watch that this section of the car is OK or otherwise repairable. A very expensive bill will appear if the wheelhouses at the back must be repaired.
Also must the already known spots, as the undersides of the doors and the edges of the trunk lid obtain a thorough inspection.



Interior
The 204 and 304 have got 'skai'-upholstered seats, which is quite durable. The imitated leather upholstered seats of the Peugeot 304 S is much more vulnerable. New coverings cannot be obtained anymore, but mostly they are repairable.

Further more...
Off course the hood of the convertible must be checked for any kind of damage. The costs of a new hood will differ between 200 and 500 pounds.
Parts which are used specifically for the convertible and coupe are very hard to find, as well new as used parts. Some examples for these parts are show/damage strips, backlights (304) and parts of the dashboard.

Projects
Do you have any place in your garage for the next projects?

The '68 204 convertible on the left is a Dutch car with the first, original Dutch plates. It was driven into the garage and has ever since moved on about 6 square meters. The car has Campignolo-rims, an hardtop and was sold as a beige car originally.
The 304 convertible on the right is parked at a carcompany in the South of France. It is looking for a new owner, because is being mal-treated. This car has an hardtop as well but is not really comfortable: no seats are mounted into this car anymore. However, the price the current owner is asking is quite high: about 10.000 French Francs.