Gypsy Dyana Agricultural Vehicle

The Gypsy Dyana is a modified Citroen 2CV or Diana that the Roma people convert into a tractor-type vehicle, because it better suits their purposes and also because that are hoping that, as a tractor, they can get away with not registering the vehicle.

They use these vehicles to drive around looking for scrap that they can sell for a little money, and they also charge various batteries from the electrical system of the vehicle, as they drive. This gives them electricity to use later at home, for powering a TV and/or radio and perhaps a few lights. I can imagine also charging the batteries for cordless power tools which can be used for repairs and to help disassemble items for scrap.

As many of the removed parts as possible are re-purposed for other uses, while anything for which no use can be found is sold for scrap.

The bodywork removal not only makes the vehicle more useful, it also reduces weight which increases payload, and improves fuel efficiency when unloaded.

You know, a lot of people look at these Roma and feel sorry for them because they are so poor. I don't. Sure, they have suffered persecution and racism throughout the centuries, and they continue to be persecuted for their lifestyle. Most of those who claim to want to "help" them in reality just want to shove them into a more "approved" lifestyle, while profiting from doing so.
I sympathize with them because of the persecution, because anyone who tries to live a life of freedom will be persecuted and taken advantage of.
I think the Roma are quite happy with their lifestyle, and I wish them continued success in avoiding "the man" and living life on their own terms.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING DYANAS

1. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Find an abandoned 2cv or Dyana on a parking lot, a car depot or in the ads.
   
   
2. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Trick the owner by saying the car is garbage anyways and that s/he will eventually end up having to pay the recycling service to tow the old wreck away.
   
   
3. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Check that the chassis is not cracked or broken.
   
   
4. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Turn the engine on and check that the crankshaft doesn’t make noise.
   
   
5. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Start removing surplus material in the following order:
   a) tear up the hood and save it for rainy days
   b) cut off the wires from the electric installations
   c) remove the front lights
   d) cut and bend away the fenders and mudguards
   e) break/cut/destroy the side and rear doors so that the chassis remains bare
   (save the roof for the outdoor toilet)
   f) take out the seats and the floor
   
   
6. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Repatch the Dyana as You wish:
   > install new floor, new seats, a plastic bottle or canister for fuel
   > strenghten the wheel and the gearshift by welding them onto an iron frame
   > use an old vacuum cleaner tube for the exhaust pipe
   > construct a recycling bin in the back out of iron sheets and wood or knit one up
   > add a heavy-duty bag for iron and aluminum scrap
   > attach as many lights and rearview mirrors as possible
   > paint the Dyana in bright colors (at least 3 different ones)
   > sport a funny slogan, imperatively mispelled
   > add in extras: a radiocassette or cd player, loudspeakers, a cigarette lighter, an alarm – anything that works on 12V
   > exchange the carburator with a FIAT 600 to reduce fuel consumption
   > install a truck battery to increase power and subsequent electricity reserves
   > in wintertime, cover the engine with a washing machine cover and build in a roof
   
   
7. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Attach two wires to the starter and hotwire the engine on
   
   
8. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Beware of the cops.