BBC conference notes of 28 February 1963: suspension, AFC body, steering and gearbox

In this document

These handwritten notes, taken on grid paper, summarise a technical conference dated "Thursday 28.2.6[3]" p. 28, linked to BBC meetings as indicated by the red annotation "BBC" at the top of the page.

Suspension

There is mention of an arm with a removable ball housing and a new link rod, with a 24mm ball, presented as a "resistance improvement" deemed "Indisp[ensable] by AFC" p. 28.

Bodywork and AFC

A bodywork modification is planned "with a view to mounting the AFC", at the same time as a "rear reinforcement", also described as indispensable by the AFC p. 28. The acronym AFC itself is not explained in the text.

Gearbox and clutch

A re-engagement corrector applied to the DS is mentioned as "valid for N[ew] GB" p. 28. A synchronised first gear on the DS is discussed, with a "2nd solution" potentially applicable to all gears of the new gearbox "if good results" p. 28. A hydraulic control ("electro-hydraulic") is noted for "the DX Gearbox" p. 28.

Steering

The text provides for power-assisted Rayzol steering, initially reserved for the DS ("or option with rayzol"), while the current steering would be maintained on the ID. A "chain necessary for PTD" is mentioned, with the cross-reference "See planning – 5° caster ?!" annotated in red p. 28.

End-of-travel shock absorber

An end-of-travel shock absorber is planned for "small series start-up", intended for ambulances p. 28. Another line mentions a "shock absorber with..." (word uncertain) "→ Customers", with the breakdown "100% Estate / the rest / Repair" in annotation p. 28.

Oil and field feedback

There is mention of a mineral oil for taxis, and the reported visit of "Mr Kevern" (Castrol HF), whose "findings should be explained" — a note specifies that "Mrs BT3 had Mr K. after Monday" p. 28.

Context

In 1963, Citroën was preparing the replacement for the first DS automatic gearbox (Citromatic) and working on various developments of the hydropneumatic suspension and anti-roll system, continuing the research conducted by Paul Magès since the 1950s. The acronym AFC could refer to a project or a bodywork development linked to these developments, but its precise meaning is not provided by the source.

Archivist's perspective

This dense sheet, with its rapid and abbreviated handwriting, clearly illustrates how BBC conferences functioned: several technical projects were dealt with in a few lines, without elaboration, as a memory aid for decisions or points to be settled.

It seems to follow on from work mentioned in the BBC meeting summary of 22 February 1962, which already covered suspension, transmission and gearbox, and complements the Note by Paul Magès on the AP suspension of 22 February 1963, written a few days earlier.

The allusion to customer feedback via Castrol (Mr Kevern) shows, probably, the attention paid by the team to field reports on fluids and shock absorbers, echoing the reliability surveys conducted by Magès a few months earlier.