Classic & Vintage - Looking for info about a recently purchased Peugeot

I know nothing about bikes, so when I bought this Peugeot from Goodwill I did so based solely on its aesthetic appeal and in hopes it can be made into a pretty sweet ride. First, though, I'd like to learn a little more about it.

https://mspace.utep.edu/tdentsminger/peugeot.jpg
Here's what I'm thinking of doing with it:
1. A nice simple restoration. I pounded out some dents in the rear fender, but I think I'd like to replace the fenders altogether. They're very flimsy and I'm not quite sure I trust myself to keep them in good shape. Anyone know where I can find the same style but a little sturdier?

2. On the other hand, why not take them off? There's not really much of a reason to keep them around from a functional standpoint, and I'd imagine the bike would look pretty sexy dressed down a little bit.
The chain is a little rusty, but otherwise everything seems tip top. I have yet to replace the tires and tubes (and raise the seat- it seems to be missing the clamp that holds the post in position) and take it for a spin, though.
How can I find out some more info about this beauty? I'm interested in knowing more about years of production, general consensus on build quality, and any recommendations anyone might have regarding it. I really appreciate the input.

Also, just parenthetically, I thought I'd include a picture of my Dad's old Sears & Roebuck. I think he put the handlebars on backwards (oi vey), but it's a lot of fun to ride and has proven itself to be a pretty solid steed.

https://mspace.utep.edu/tdentsminger/bike.jpg

Looks like a U-08. The ubiquitous entry-level bicycle from the late '60's, '70's, and early '80's. Yours looks like it's from the later '70's to me. Nice riding and well designed for an entry-level production model. Build quality on these (the aesthetics, not the safety) was inconsistent. Some were pretty nice, some were pretty awful. You can get an idea of where yours fits by looking at the lug joints and seat stays. If there aren't gaps or globs, you have one of the better ones.

btw - I'm looking for fenders like those. Perhaps we could work a trade if you're not going to be using them.

U08 or is it UE8 due to rack mounts, fenders with lights etc.
Great commuter, I'd keep the fenders etc. gives the bike a nice look atmo.

marty

It is indeed a UE-8 Caravan, early '70s and if you're going to remove the fenders, rack and lights I NEED THEM!!! I've got a '71 Caravan missing those pieces. E-mail me at mswantak@comcast.net.

UE8. Same basic build as the UO, with minor differences... yours is sometime mid-seventies, judging by the decals and stem mounted shifters.

Rims are prolly steel; if you wanna make it into a commuter I recommend alloy rims. Fairly easy to find as a take-off from another bike, IME.

Rims are prolly steel; if you wanna make it into a commuter I recommend alloy rims. Fairly easy to find as a take-off from another bike, IME.

I was thinking about doing the same thing with my old UE8, Poguemahone. I have a pair of 700c rims from a mid 80s Bianchi that are currently wearing 700x25 tires. However, I'd really like a larger tire for daily commuting. Any idea of the maximum tire size I could run under the fenders? Or would I actually have a wider footprint if I stuck with the 27x1/4? I want to put as much rubber on the road as I can. I've been commuting on a crummy LL Bean hybrid that I can't wait to ditch in favor of the UE8, but I must say I've enjoyed its 700x37s. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The 27 X 1.25 is a good compromise for pavement and potholes, gravel, et al.

A UE8 is just not the same without fenders. Tis true the originals were flimsy. Still, there are some nice replacement fenders. I found these at North Road Bike Co. when they were still in Raleigh. The rear fender bob was my idea.