The Start Point
The renovation of any classic car starts by the complete dismantling of the car's interior and exterior panels.
The classic car windshield, doors and engine are removed as well.
This is for being able to inspect the chassis for corrosion, renew the electrical harnesses, rebuild the engine, renew the car seats upholstery, etc.
The classic car windshield, doors and engine are removed as well.
This is for being able to inspect the chassis for corrosion, renew the electrical harnesses, rebuild the engine, renew the car seats upholstery, etc.
Front suspension / Steering works on a classic Matra Rancho
The crossmember of this Matra Simca Rancho (Talbot Matra Rancho) has been replaced with a used one purchased in good condition and painted.The picture to the right shows the renewed crossmember and the new steering bellows as well.
The rack and pinion steering bellows have been replaced and a graphite grease has been used inside the bellows.
The Matra Simca Rancho lower arm's bushes (bushings) have been replaced and the suspension triangles (control arms, lower arms) have been brushed and refitted.
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Rancho corrosion protection, preparation for painting
The Matra vehicles were not galvanized and were therefore particularly prone to corrosion.
A good coat of underbody bituminous paint has been applied by brush.
The vehicle fenders and doors have been then assembled and adjusted prior to sending the vehicle to the paint shop.
A good coat of underbody bituminous paint has been applied by brush.
The vehicle fenders and doors have been then assembled and adjusted prior to sending the vehicle to the paint shop.
Peugeot Poissy Engine (1.5l Simca engine) rebuild
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Works on the reputed Simca engine included:
-Engine cleaning -Piston rings replacement -Crankshaft to links gap verification -Spark plugs seats threading -Engine cylinder head carbon deposits cleaning -Gaskets and seals remake or replacement |
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Engine components and accessories sorting
Matra Rancho engine refitting
The Rancho is lifted to the max and the Poissy engine brought under on a wheeled tray.
The car is then lowered on top of its engine until the engine supports can be fitted and their bolts tightened.
The car is then lowered on top of its engine until the engine supports can be fitted and their bolts tightened.
Buy your Talbot parts and T-shirts here:
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Matra Rancho disc and drum brakes rebuilding
The front brakes rebuilding consisted of the thorough cleaning of the brake cylinders and the replacement of their seals.
The rear brake drums have been thoroughly cleaned and the brake shoes and springs replaced and adjusted.
The rear brake drums have been thoroughly cleaned and the brake shoes and springs replaced and adjusted.
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Rancho interior: carpet and upholstery works
The renovation of the Rancho interior included the installation of an additional soundproofing and fire retardant carpet beneath the top carpet which color shall be of a matching beige to the original interior.
The door panels upholstery has been completely renewed using genuine leather on the upper part and leatherette on the lower part (right picture).
The door panels upholstery has been completely renewed using genuine leather on the upper part and leatherette on the lower part (right picture).
Electrical works on the Matra Simca (Talbot Matra) Rancho
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The various electrical harnesses have been rechecked for making sure they are safe enough and renewed as needed by refurbishing the harness external tape or replacing the aged connectors.
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Matra Rancho "découvrable" soft top renewal and repair
The soft top of this Rancho which is one of a few hundreds to have left the factory out of a total of 55,000 Ranchos manufactured has been repaired by partial leatherette replacement, zipper change, a thorough cleaning and the application of a silicone protective spray.
Final Result (2010)
The 1981 Matra Rancho Découvrable, one of the very first SUV's designed with a timeless elegance.
The original front bumper could not be found, thus the front has been redesigned using a Citroën Saxo bumper and a Mercedes ML bull guard. Other parts borrowed from different models are the servo-brake (Renault 12), brake pads (Series 7 BMW), Carburetor (Peugeot 405), turn signal fender repeater (Mercedes E-class) and window machines (Peugeot 504).
The original front bumper could not be found, thus the front has been redesigned using a Citroën Saxo bumper and a Mercedes ML bull guard. Other parts borrowed from different models are the servo-brake (Renault 12), brake pads (Series 7 BMW), Carburetor (Peugeot 405), turn signal fender repeater (Mercedes E-class) and window machines (Peugeot 504).
See also our DIY tips covering all repairs and maintenance for modern and older cars.
A complete guide for carburetor and distributor rebuilding for classic cars.
Other simple or more complicated do-it-yourself tips covered by detailed pictorials including direct injection engines.
A complete guide for carburetor and distributor rebuilding for classic cars.
Other simple or more complicated do-it-yourself tips covered by detailed pictorials including direct injection engines.
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