The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - January 2000

Bits and Pieces | Classifieds | Schedule | DIY Programme | Current Events | Back Issues | Officers

BITS AND PIECES:

• Don’t forget: Stay Right, Pass Left, Buckle Up and WATCH THOSE MIRRORS! And adjust the mirrors so that you don’t have to lean way over to make sure of what you are seeing and stop watching the road ahead! Be smooooth! Many drivers don’t understand how a merge lane is supposed to be used; you don’t HAVE to stop. Keep your wits about you. Stay alert! Don’t watch just the car in front of you, look as far down the road as you can--- ANTICIPATE—try to see if something is developing way up ahead that you might have to avoid. PLAN AHEAD. A 900 series Volvo with a bad headlamp is not amusing! Nor is an 850 in similar straits! Wonder why driver wasn’t embarrassed! Make sure ALL your lights function correctly!

• Yes, I do know that the previous section has gotten a tad extended, but the propositions it embodies are reasonable and prudent. And, remember, regarding drivers of other cars: you can’t rely on them to do the right thing! Many other drivers have a tendency to ‘drive stupid’, so to paraphrase what the old sergeant used to say," Be vigilant out there".

• Don’t forget [or if you’re new to the Club]: We have a good selection of Regalia available to help you show your fealty to the Club and your ebullience for your Volvo. Check with Ray Parsons or Frank Mackison for availability and prices of the sundry items.

• Our E-mail address is now VOLVAMUS@volvoclubdc.com. The ‘mailbox’ is checked periodically and replies are sent ASAP.  You will notice that the "URL" for the Page is in this issue. If you come across a site that you think would be of interest to everyone, e-mail Paul M. Provencher, da WebMeister, and let him know. He can link us to it so that everyone can visit. And, of course, if you try an existing ‘link’ on da Site and discover that it is ‘gone’, let him know. Over 17000 hits in 17 months, not a bad average. We have a ‘GuestBook’ feature that has gotten some visitors from some very interesting places with some neat Volvos. Next time you visit the Page, visit the GuestBook. Say ‘hello’ to the visitors!

• Speaking of visits---it would appear that, unless otherwise noted, you might plan on attending Club meeting at Martens Volvo most months. Exceptions, when taken, will be announced early enough [hopefully] to help you adjust your compass. If you have the web access, check the site. Paul posts the info about a week or so ahead of the printed ‘hard’ copy in your hand that you are trying to read without spilling coffee on it.

• Volvo is compiling a collection of ‘family photos’ of Volvos with their owners. The photos will be placed in a time capsule that will be buried at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden and then be opened in the year 2100. So, if you’d like to take part, just send your car’s photo [you should be in the photo also, of course] to VOLVO PHOTO ALBUM, POB 205, Stratham, NH, 03885-0205. Don’t forget!!!! 

• I guess the 2000 300M indicates that we’ll never see a 300Q or 300S. Too bad, I’d like to have seen the ad campaign.

• My apologies for the timing of the last issue of VOLVAMUS. For those of you that missed the last DIY of 1999, I promise to try and get my **** in gear and do better.

• Darlene and Jerry Sira took "IMA 67", their 1967 122s coupe, up to the VCOA Fall Foliage event and won FIRST in Modified Class and the lovely 122s was voted "People’s Choice". Ernie Williams won for Long Distance Traveler after making the trek up from Virginia Beach, VA. Excellent! Ernie also has a very ‘trick’ 122s coupe.

• And speaking of over due ‘Kudos"---congrats to the VSA group for their choice of The Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC for the last VSA Meet! Superb choice! And to the following for doing so well at the Concours. David Culpepper took ‘First Masters’ with the beautiful 1800ES; David and Lloyd Swartz took ‘Best of Show’ in their red PV-544; Ernie Williams took ‘First’ for his modified 122s; Boyd Swartz’s 240 sedan took ‘First’ in 240 Stock class; and, Geoff Riehl took a ‘Second’ with his stock 1800. My favorite winner was Tammy West with an ‘extended cab’ 240 pickup! You have to see it!

• Latest issue of "SMOKE SIGNALS" had a mention of just the place for that budding restorer of automotive art in your family. McPherson College [Kansas] is the only college in the country offering an accredited associate degree in Automotive Restoration Technology. Interesting. The school does ‘hands on’ work as an integral part of the curriculum. Check it out if your child has shown an interest in the field and a talent for the work. There’s good money out there: graduates of the program are in heavy demand! Edward Tonat, Editor, found this gem in an article in ‘AutoWeek’.

• Thanks to the generosity of Craig Hughes, we now have a start for the Door Prize cache at FRIANDE 2000. Craig sent a copy of "The Volvo Performance Handbook" by Paul Grimshaw. The book is an in-depth study of the various aspects to be considered when attempting to squeeze a bit more performance out of your Volvo. Very well written, you can really learn how ‘to do it’!

• Elsewhere in this issue is an ad for an ‘Open House/Car Show/Parts Sale’ to be held at AUTOSCANDIA [703.471.4494] in Herndon on January 8, 2000. Based on early word from Mark Bredesen, owner of AUTOSCANDIA, this could be the Sale of the Century. As a bonus for your viewing pleasure there will be three very special cars on display: Duane Matejka is bringing his very successful P1800 race car; a SAAB Sonnet race car will attend; and, Mark will polish up the IPD race car that he purchased some time back. You have been warned! A very full day is planned.

• "The book CAR CRAZY says that from 1982 to 1992, the average American family spent $8910 on auto insurance, but during those 10 years filed just one claim that averaged $600." From the December 1999 issue of CAR & DRIVER, page 82.

• "If the driving experience isn’t fun, why not buy the cheapest beater you can find and be done with it?" Ray Thursby, feature editor of EuropeanCar, in the Jan 2000 issue. This issue also noted that California has deemed diesel exhaust a ’carcinogen’. I wonder what that tidbit will do the future of diesel engines in the United States?

Dale Strickler

The Washington Volvo Club would like to extend its condolences to the family of Dale Strickler, a resident of Mt. Joy, PA., who passed away a short while ago.

Mr. Strickler was a long-term Volvo fanatic and attended most of the major Volvo Meets and Shows. His Volvos included a superb 122 wagon, a 145 with a stage IV engine and a PV-544 with a 16-valve engine.

Bits and Pieces | Classifieds | Schedule | DIY Programme | Current Events | Back Issues | Officers

745T Adventures continue

Did I mention the exhaust work??? The Black Beauty now boasts a 2.5-inch, free flow exhaust, sans mufflers, from the catalytic converter back. There’s a small Borla resonator tip, that is all. And it’s NOT loud. A shop in Easton, Grant’s Automotive at 410.822.8465, did it [ask for Jeff] and they did a superb job for a very reasonable amount of money: well under $200. Now it sounds as fast as it is!

If you are going to open the exhaust, you should attempt to assure that the intake side can do its job as well. To that end, a new Cold Air System from MVP of Portland Oregon is now on hand awaiting installation. This kit utilizes a cone-type air filter by PIPERCROSS to replace the original air box. The extra touch is the sheet aluminum baffle they supply that assures that only cold air reaches the filter. Very trick. Interested? Their phone number is 1.877.MVP.CORP or visit WWW.MVPRD.COM and check them out.

And in addition:

I want to take this opportunity to let everyone know that if I mention a shop or individual in a write-up, that is not to be considered a blanket endorsement to the exclusion of any other shop or individual. They say to ‘write about what you know or are familiar with’ and that’s what I have tried to do. The Washington D.C. area is blessed with many extremely competent Volvo Service venues [both independent and Dealer]; my experiences are only based on my history with my Volvos. Take them, like most other things, with a ‘grain of salt’ and verify for yourself. If any reader/member has a similar positive story to relate, I would be VERY pleased to include it in an issue. Negative stories as well. Consider this YOUR invitation to tout a shop or Dealership you have had experience with. Drop Switzer an article!

Classifieds

Note:  Classified Ads are free for Paid-up members of the Washington Volvo Club.  Ads are accepted at the monthly meeting or may be e-mailed to volvamus@volvoclubdc.com.   Please include your membership number in your message so that we may verify your membership status.  The webmaster cannot accept ads for posting on the web site since they are prepared for and appear in the regular Volvamus publication.

1. WANTED: Tech. Articles! Include part numbers or sources and so on, what you considered the tricky part of the job, etc. Just make sure it is typed to reduce chances of Murphy’s Law coming into play. And no job should be considered too small for an article!
2. 1988 780 Black with tan interior. 138K, very good, but not excellent, condition. MANY NEW PARTS: exhaust, AC compressor, shocks, front end bushings, ball joints, battery/starter cables, front brakes. VG Goodyear ‘AQUATRED II’ tires. Maintained for last two years by CEDAR GREEN Automotive in Sterling, VA. Fun to drive and a classic! $7000 OBO. Contact Bill Kolster in Northern VA at 703.858.2459 or e-mail wkolster@erols.com Digital pics available.
3. ALLOY RIMS FOUR 25 spoke 14" alloy rims, PN 1128730, will fit any 240 series. No tires. All four for $300. Contact Rex Brown in Wash. D.C. at 202.332.2306
4. Parted Out 760DT wagon parts! Include NEW third seat in Black leather, Fenders, Hood, Tailgate and misc. other items. Your offer, my price. Contact Howard Wetzel in Rockville, MD at 301.929.1604
5. WANTED M41 transmission for the ‘Toad’. Contact John Switzer in Tilghman, MD at 410.886.2555 or e-mail switzarch@aol.com
6. 1982 VOLVO GL excellent condition, four door, silver with blue interior, 4 speed w/OD, AC, many factory/Volvo options, garage kept, serviced at WB Motors in Fairfax. $3000 Contact Lois Spratt in Fairfax VA at 703.978.2382
7. WANTED! VOLVO wagon needed for growing family. Condition important! Under $3000. Contact Wilson at 310.967.8791 or email tic2j@email.msn.com
8. 1964 122s Four Door Dark green with tan interior. 144 seats, IPD Weber conversion, very strong B-18, some small rust in usual places. Comes with 1964 2dr parts car, B-20 engine [apart] and a goodly supply of various Volvo parts! And some tools! All for $3500 OBO. Contact Strother Purdy in Conn. at 860.354.5608 or email annjeannette@earthlink.net
9. 1800ES Parts Have finished restoration of my 1800ES and have a supply of good parts from 8+ donor cars. I just might have that piece you need to complete your restoration! Contact Howard Silverton in Massapequa, NY at 516.798.3618
10. B-20 Fuel Injected head ISKY double springs correctly shimmed, IPD retainers, Ported and polished on a flow bench with 50% or better improvement intake and exhaust. Compression ratio 10.5-1, will run on pump gas. Pressure tested and magnafluxed. Pushrod holes chamfered. Fresh valve job. Scare the Porches for $500.00 plus shipping! Contact John Hamilton in PA at 717.993.6657 [h], 410.752.0173 [w] or email hamilton@NFDC.net
11. 1979 242 coupe 4 speed, strong engine, NO accidents, White with red cloth interior, Got a radiator about 5 years ago and a clutch about 9 years ago. No other major work. Odometer broke some time ago. Excellent first car Price open. Contact Dale at 301.840.2145 or email GingrichD@aol.com

Note:  Classified Ads are free for Paid-up members of the Washington Volvo Club.  Ads are accepted at the monthly meeting or may be e-mailed to volvamus@volvoclubdc.com.   Please include your membership number in your message so that we may verify your membership status.  The webmaster cannot accept ads for posting on the web site since they are prepared for and appear in the regular Volvamus publication.

Bits and Pieces | Classifieds | Schedule | DIY Programme | Current Events | Back Issues | Officers

 WVC Schedule

Open House/Car Show/Parts Sale

January 8,2000

WVC Business Meeting

January 25, 2000

Bits and Pieces | Classifieds | Schedule | DIY Programme | Current Events | Back Issues | Officers

Thanks to ALL those persons, dealerships and shops that helped make our 1999 DIY program such a success. The DIY program is one of the most anticipated and attended we have had in our 24 year history. It will continue into 2000, with your help and support, and be even bigger! Kudos to ALL!!!

MARTENS VOLVO DIY, November 20, 1999 By BERNIE SPENCE

The Martens ‘last of the nineties’ DIY proved to be one of the best DIY sessions ever. More than twenty members arrived before 8:45 to tackle various repairs.

Volvo mechanic, Rick Dietz started the day with a brief demonstration on the operation of the lifts. After that, we were ready to rumble. As we prepare for the winter season and lower temperatures, members Alan Marsh (244O), Millie Adams (244A), Tom Conti (245), Dan Miller ‘61 (P210), and Bernie Spence (940), all changed oil and filters and flushed out the radiators on their Volvos. John Gott replaced the upper strut mounts on his 240; while Frank Mackison replaced the fuel injector seals & checked the fuel rail base connections on his 164. Roger Baker (740), Ken Brown (850T), Bob Noe (244), and Gene Abravanel (164), all tackled brakes and or rotor replacement projects. Bob Hunter successfully replaced the engine-timing belt on his 945, and Bob Kaylor replaced the windshield wiper motor on his 244. Constantine Seremetis performed a scheduled tune-up on his 245T, and John Binford replaced the center driveshaft bearing on his 740T. Andrew Pilipchuk checked and adjusted the valves on his 244, and Richard Moak replaced the universal joints on his 240. All in all, a busy shop!

Great teamwork by Jill & Charley Vest, who together replaced the ball joints and bushings on their 760. Charley had recently injured his shoulder so Jill was there to replace, tighten, and do the heavy lifting that need to be done. Great job, guys!

Also Chris Herrmann recently had surgery on one of his wrists, but it didn’t stop him from doing a quick oil/filter and coolant change on his 850. Thanks also to Chris for his advice to rotate and re-torque my tires, this problem developed after I had changed my rotors at the last DIY session.

Special thanks to Millie Adams for her assistance with the basic oil change and coolant replacement on my 940. Millie and I were able to talk to another Volvo Club member who arrived late to perform several task on her 240. We empathized how important it was to arrive early for the sessions. Some tasks could take a while to accomplish while others can be solved by referring to her Volvo manual.

The highlight of this final DIY session had to be the work preformed by Jim Pope. Jim’s 245 was towed to Martens with a possible faulty fuel pump. Jim consulted the mechanics and received a series of test he should run to pin point the problem. After performing a series test Jim consulted with mechanic Ray Lotier, who advised Jim his problem could be as simple as his fuel system relay plugs. I left Jim to finish his testing. Moments later, I heard the roar of Jim’s wagon, I made my way to the other side of the bay only to find Jim with both arms in the air screaming YES! Jim didn’t stop there, he proceeded to replace the rear transmission seal & bushing. I am sure I speak for Jim and for all the other members at Saturday’s session that we all left with a great sense of accomplishment, and even more, we had fun doing it!

Thanks to Alan Marsh for your guidance in helping me be the Officer of the Day. I enjoyed meeting all the club members and enjoyed the networking. I hope to participate more in the DIY sessions as we enter the new millennium.

Kudos to the great staff at Martens Volvo, all of whom were available to answer questions and give advice to our members from 9:00 to 2:00. Thanks, Guys; we appreciate your help!

Paul Heister, Service Manager

Wayne Mayhew, Parts Manager

Richard Moak, Parts Manager II

Patrick McNeil, Parts Clerk

Rick Dietz, Mechanic

Ray Lotier, Mechanic

Bits and Pieces | Classifieds | Schedule | DIY Programme | Current Events | Back Issues | Officers

Current Events

LAST MONTH:

The last Meeting of 1999 was held at Martens and due to the proximity of the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend attendance was lower then normal. Alan Marsh conducted the festivities. Ray Parsons was out and about and Switzer was over on the Island.

A discussion was held on the FIRANDE 2000 timing and format. Some interest has been expressed in holding this annual event closer to the holiday season. Remember that the Firande is our ‘Holiday Fiesta’ in lieu of a Christmas meeting in the middle of all the other events you have to attend around this time. Alan reported that research has started to narrow down the potential sites. He has also asked for volunteers to assist him in ‘the search’.

The weekend before saw the last DIY for 1999 at Martens. It was a good session and should help us glide into 2000 with a good head of steam. Alan is hoping for the same list of participating shops and is looking for additional locations to take part in the DIY 2000 series.

No progress was made regarding nominations. It is essential that we make an effort to prepare a ballot for mailing prior to the Firande. All are urged to attend the January 25, 2000 meeting and participate!

The attendees finally took pity on Richard Moak and let him close up shop.

NEXT MONTH:

The first meeting of the New Year will have a guest speaker. The topic: Lemon Laws. An interesting and very involved subject. If you plan to buy a car anytime soon you should plan on attending. Or if you have bought a car recently. As they say, "knowledge is power". Your first line of defense in protecting yourself is your own knowledge of your rights and how to recognize a potential problem BEFORE it becomes a problem! As noted: ALL are urged to attend!

The second MAJOR topic must be nominations for Club Officers! While the dictum ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ seems apropos, it doesn’t always hold. So, come to the Meeting, state your interests and let’s get on with it!

Tech Tip

Albeit an informal one. If you ‘show’ your pride and joy at the various Volvo and otherwise events, out and about, consider typing up a short, one page synopsis of the car’s history. The work you’ve done or had done, past ownership, etc. What shops or individuals worked on the car. Just a quick background abstract on why YOUR Volvo is so darn unique. Then, to make it really last, have the write-up laminated. This will help it stay in place and prevent damage if it falls to the ground. A quick wipe and it’s as good as new. Very minimal cost, for those of you that want to reduce your costs, but very effective!

Tech Tip #2______________from John Binford

Is your Volvo vibrating like a cheap ‘magic fingers’ mattress? Do folks complain about having to ride in the back seat? Well, there is a simple solution to this situation. VOLVO has issued a bulletin about the problem. The driveshaft center bearing might have gotten out of position, that affects the rear u-joints when under load.

The quick fix: Get under the car [on a lift at a WVC DIY, of course] remove the two 8x1.25 MM bolts that hold the center bearing support. Rebolt, but add one or two washers per bolt to adjust the relationship between the center bearing and to reduce the angularity of the rear u-joints. Use slightly longer bolts to compensate for the new washers. Bear in mind that the amount of shimming [the washer’s job] is dependent on your particular car’s requirements. Get with your service tech and get a copy of this bulletin so you can be sure of exactly what you need to do.

---

Martin MotorSports, Inc.

From PV-444s to the latest C70 and S80 and V70, they can offer any assistance you might require. Martin MotorSports is a stocking dealer for the fine products of IPD, Inc. From Tune-Ups to Window Tinting, from Suspensions to ‘Stage III’ engines, and for any thing in-between, call Gary Martin for advice.

The Shop is open from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday and from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Feel free to drop in anytime for a chat and a cup of ‘Java’, but an appointment is heavily suggested for any work you may want performed.

Martin MotorSports, Inc.

460A S. Pickett Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

703.823.9735 telephone

703.823.9737 fax line

Since 1997

To appreciate it!

Past Volvamus Excerpts

November 1999 | October 1999 | September 1999 | August 1999 | July 1999 | June 1999 | May 1999 | April 1999 | March 1999 | February 1999 | January 1999

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