Replacing the chassis of a Citroën Mehari

A rusted chassis usually means a red inspection certificate during the annual MOT. But don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your Mehari has come to the end of the road. It’s worth noting that welding rust holes is not always an option. The chassis may have already been tainted by rust to such an extent that it may have seriously degraded, meaning it is at risk of creasing or even breaking. Caution is therefore required.

CQS Classics has the expertise to make a professional evaluation of the state of the chassis of your Mehari. Where necessary we can also replace it. The relevant Belgian legislation is very strict, however. In fact, it is even stricter than in the neighbouring countries. When a chassis number of a Mehari is incorrect or incomplete, the car may be rejected or even banned from driving after an MOT.

You can avoid this risk by purchasing a new chassis from CQS Classics. Citroën and the Belgian Ministry of Transport have given us a mandate to engrave chassis numbers in a new chassis. This is done based on your vehicle documents. You then receive an engraving certificate from us, which you must keep with your vehicle documents. While we can install the chassis for you, you are of course free to install it yourself. Regardless of your preference, you can always make an appointment with CQS Classics for a chassis change. Or you can visit www.citroparts.com, where you can buy a chassis online.

Rust is quite possibly the greatest enemy of any classic car and your Citroën DS is no different in this respect. Unfortunately desperate situations call for desperate measures. Sometimes minor welding is sufficient, such as welding a new inner panel or part of the underbody. But sometimes more radical interventions are necessary, such as the replacement of the sills or the entire underbody. The kind of job that is best left to professionals.

CQS Classics always uses the same method. Together with you, we take a critical look at the car, after which we send you a quote of the parts that need replacing/welding.

Then our experienced welders set to work. They use top-class parts and the right materials. And they take the original welds and spot welds into account. This is the only way you can avoid situations such as doors that no longer seamlessly close after a restoration.

CQS Classics can also give your car a thorough anti-rust treatment, ensuring it can withstand the test of time in all weather conditions.

CQS Classics has years of experience working with classic cars, especially post-war classic Citroëns. This means that CQS Classics can advise and assist you every step of the way, with minor or major bodywork.

Here is what CQS Classics can offer you:

1. We have colour cards and the codes of all the original paints used by Citroën. That way you can be certain that your DS will be repainted in the right colour of your choice. You can also choose another, non-original Citroën colour.
2. To avoid differences in colour during partial repaint jobs, we always start by checking a painted part, to determine the exact composition of the paint.
3. We can also paint parts that you can then assemble yourself. E.g., parts that need replacing because of rust or damage.
4. Naturally we only use top-class products to guarantee a top-notch result.

Are you interested in a free quote or do you want to review the different options with us? Contact us for an appointment. CQS Classics is at your service.

CQS Classics gives you the option to restore your Citroën Mehari to its original condition in various phases.

You can choose to bring your car to CQS Classics during the winter months. We take advantage of this ‘hibernation’ to perform the necessary repairs and restoration so that you can enjoy your old-timer again during the summer months.

How we proceed:

1. You make an appointment and bring us your car.
2. We look over your Mehari with you and discuss your wishes. After a thorough review by our specialists, we can assist you in a professional manner to determine the priorities.
3. We draw up a phased plan in consultation with you, taking into account your budget and timing.

All work is done in consultation and in accordance with your wishes and specifications.

CQS Classics can fully restore your Mehari to its glory and this completely according to your wishes.

Doing a total restoration we take care of the entire car: mechanics, electricity, the chassis and tubular frame and of course the mass-painted ABS body.

Our method:

– We make an appointment for a first visual inspection. Preferably in our own workshop, but this can also be done on location if necessary.

– Together we view the car and listen to your wishes. We advise you on what we consider necessary to get the car back to its best shape

– We prepare an indicative offer for the works discussed.

– Once you have approved this offer, we will prepare a restoration agreement, in which all works, budgets and agreements are summarized.

– During the execution of the works, we ensure that we document every step with photos so that you can follow the entire restoration process via a personal link on our website