The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - March 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 therefore stop watching the road ahead! Be smooooth! ANTICIPATE! 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. Beware of 10 year old Lincolns being driven like sprint cars on a Pennsylvania dirt track!

• Yes, I do know that the previous section has gotten a tad extended, but the propositions it embodies are reasonable and prudent. 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.  These items will also be available, in limited quantities, at most meetings and at other slyly selected venues.

• 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. 23000 ‘hits’ and counting!  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 Service Center in Bethesda, MD most months. Exceptions, when made, will be announced early enough [hopefully] to help you adjust your compass. If you have Web access, check the Site.
• eBay is like ‘Alice’s Restaurant’! You can find ANYTHING you want! Ray Parsons sent over an item: Fellow is auctioning off a ‘tubbed’ 200 series wagon [item # 228994740]! Can be street driven, but turns 10.7 in quarter mile if the Nitrous is activated! Chevy 355, complete with full roll cage, automatic tranny and 4.88 rear. Hubba Hubba!! If you want to pursue it [HA], the phone number is 561.781.1598! (I checked out the pics. OUTRAGEOUS! Except for the rear tires, looks ‘normal’ JES) [Update—as of 1/12/00 it had NOT gone—they didn’t meet his reserve. High bid: $8600] I also found a 1959 Volvo Pickup truck [item # 232000107] in California on the eBay site. When did you EVER see one of those? And, if you want something slightly different, look up item # 232250363. That’s the MG-TD with the B-18 engine. By the time you get this copy, the trio could be in new homes. Maybe. It does indicate that a stroll through the VOLVO listing can reveal more then NOS wiper blades for a PV-50!
• Neat Site for history and racing addicts! Take out your computer and go to ‘www.spiritofspeed1937.com’. The site is dedicated to Grand Prix racing, pre-war variety. You can drive a variety of pre-war cars around the major racetracks of the 1930’s. Really trick and visually a #10!
• Has anyone noted the error in last month’s effort? I guess not, there are no villagers at the door of the castle with torches! Phew! Always good to get one past your eagle eyes!
• Mark Hawkins of Village Volvo up Baltimore way promises a new edition of their parts book for ‘mature’ Volvos. Some editorial coordinating to be done, but he is hoping for a summer printing. Village is also going to be constructing a new facility in downtown Baltimore. Looks like 2000 will be a busy year for this very active dealership! Call Mark at 1-800-501-0403 and check out how it’s going. Always support any dealer eager to stock parts for mature Volvos!
• My friend Ashley passed away on 2/24/00. A great German Shepherd and a good friend. She’ll be missed!
• This issue is ‘late’ in order to get you the necessary info about the FIRANDE 2000 plans and the DIY 2000 schedule. Sorry for any confusion that might have resulted.
• Understand from Will Van Allen’s latest column in ROLLING that VOLVO might relocate their offices from Rockleigh, NJ to California! No final decision has been made, as yet! This move, if it occurs, would put an end to the annual October Open House event. At least in our part of the woods. Bummer! Don’t panic yet. Have already started to get e-mails about this item----none happy. MOVE CONFIRMED! WILL OCCUR IN 2001! ROCKLEIGH LOCATION WILL REMAIN FOR TECH. TRAINING/SUPPORT! ABOUT 150 WILL MOVE, 140 WILL STAY IN NEW JERSEY! STAY TUNED!!
• Who is credited, together with a relative E.G. Kingsford, with developing the charcoal briquet? From the December 1999 issue of Car & Driver. That should prove it’s a car-related question!
• "Manufactured in a facility that uses peanuts" Notice found on the side of a food box. Can be applied to many activities. Not all of them have to include foodstuffs! [NOT an ‘Upton-Webber’ product]
• Steve Seekins, as part of his ‘Shade Tree Mechanic’ column in ROLLING, has done a very extensive test on a new set of upper and lower braces for his 700 series wagon. A Canadian company makes them called CHERRY TURBOS [http://www.cherryturbos.com], based in Ontario. He showed me the set up during a visit to Gary Martin’s shop and I was most impressed. Steve has been as well and these two braces, working together, just might be the best system yet to help your Volvo maintain its poise, according to Steve. Cost? About $220 for the two braces and they even include a small bar that helps keep the under hood insulation from drooping on cars built prior to 1989. They also offer a powder-coated refinish for your B230 valve cover, but cost for this item has not been finally determined.
• Hope everyone survived the various New Year’s fetes and is now ready for an active 2000. No computer glitches? Looking forward to seeing everyone at the March 28, 2000 meeting. I have a feeling this will be a VERY good year! Eventually!

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

Final [?] Modification______________

Maybe. As of the January meeting, the black 745T will have the 4.11 rear axle installed and a cold air induction box from MVP Performance fitted. Will take a bit of time to re-train myself, particularly regarding the axle ratio, so when I have enough experience with it, will do a follow up on this modification. One thing is for sure: no more lagging at the line! HA! It also means that when I pick up the boat and trailer, towing should be easier. And, obviously, changes performance but does not affect the emissions [bless them] results!

Be advised, if you do consider exchanging axles to affect your rear ratio, whether higher or lower. It is IMPERATIVE that you do a complete and thorough review of EVERY part of the donor axle to verify, WITHOUT A DOUBT, that it is TOTALLY compatible with your car and to do this BEFORE you pay for it. If you don’t have enough experience to be sure, make sure your technician does! Time taken for this numbing exercise will save you much angst and anguish [and $]! This can not be stressed enough! In a phrase----not for the faint of heart!

Early report: WOW! What a difference! While mileage has dropped to the 23-24 MPG range, response and overall pick-up has intensified. The car is hitting about 3200 RPM at 70 MPH in overdrive and just plain pulls—regardless of gear. Very Pleased. But, as I’ve noted before: The swap only works because the car has a four speed + OD. Not sure if it would work as well with an automatic transmission. First of all, the automatic cars probably have a higher gear anyway to compensate for the automatic. Gary and the boyz did a fine job, natch, and I’m quite pleased. Paco was very impressed!

I have one sad side bar to add. I quashed the right front light and the fender not making sure of clearances in a parking lot! DUH! VERY stupid and totally my error. Didn’t even faze the pickup truck I brushed against, of course. Murphy’s Law at work! I put about 25K on the car last year and nothing. .5 MPH in a parking lot: crunch! Never let your mind wander. The Toad is being used while Paco performs his magic. It has sat since October, but started right up and ran like it was mid-summer. Not bad for a 36 year old! Still pulling at 100 MPH!

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. WANTED Early M41 transmission [with the smaller OD unit] for the ‘Toad’. Contact John Switzer in Tilghman, MD at 410.886.2555 or e-mail switzarch@aol.com
3. 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
4. WANTED! VOLVO wagon needed for growing family. Condition important! Under $3000. Contact Wilson at 310.967.8791 or email tic2j@email.msn.com
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 1966 122s Coupe Silver, family owned since new, driven daily, many new parts, rust in usual places. Asking $1200 OBO Contact GUMWAAH@aol.com or telephone in DC 202.342.0653
10. 1980 240DL four door About 300K, original owner, many, many new parts, serious engine problem, some rust around wheel wells, does not drive. ALL offers considered. Car is in Clarksville, MD Contact Charles Butler in Columbia, MD at either 410.626.0439 or at [voice mail] 410.715.0865
11. 1964 122s Excellent condition, over $8000 invested, new engine, etc. recently repainted, 4 door, stick, no rust. Asking $4900 [CDN] OBO. Contact James Riley in Vancouver, Canada at 604.215.1100 or e-mail to volvo1964@hotmail.com
12. 1988 245 Located in the Austin, Texas area. Two owners, 100% garaged and dealer maintained since new. True 5 speed, uses no oil. Very smooth, reliable, tight and fun to drive. An excellent family car! Very good cosmetically. Photos available via snail mail, Serious inquiries only. Taking bids over $5000 due to condition and extensive recent reconditioning. Contact Richard Winn in Austin Tx at 830.833.9045 [days-9-6pm] or e-mail to 4winns@moment.net
13. 1966 122s SEATS! Just the seats, From a coupe. I have a pair, in good condition! $60 each or $100 for the pair. Contact Bruce Harmon at 703.522.9046 or e-mail to harmonbruce@hotmail.com
14. 1985 DL ENGINE and Auto Trans. Only! No car, engine inc. alternator, water and power steering pump. Engine came from Brandywine 3 years ago. In good condition, I have records. The auto trans has been serviced. Call for details. Contact Karl Stevenson in DC at 202.388.3974 [h] or 202.727.2743 [w].
15. FREE 122s Body Parts! Hood, L&R coupe doors, trunk lid. You pay shipping. Contact leroy smith in Montclair, VA at 703.680.1890 or e-mail kwied@email.msn.com
16. Parting OUT Volvos---all models! Call with wants/needs, inc. an ’81 Bertone! I also have three late model cars for sale: 1991 740 wagon MINT condition, 2.3 4 cyl., 78K with auto OD, Burgundy/tan---6 month warranty/ 1991 940 wagon, turbo gas, 103K, white with grey, CD changer---6 month warranty/ 1993 240 sedan, 2.3, auto OD, Dark blue with blue cloth, 95K, all options, 6 month warranty. All cars are MD inspected. For further info, Contact Howard Smith in Mitchellville, MD at 301.249.0999 [h] or at 301.937.4541 [w] or e-mail SALVAGE4@AOL.COM
17. 1992 240 WAGON Ruby with biege interior, automatic, drivers airbag, third seat, roof rack, A/C, Very clean, garage kept. 148K.Asking $7000 OBO. Contact Joan or John at 301.774.1204 [after 6PM] or e-mail jevans@starpower.net

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

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

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

Current Events

LAST MONTH:

Small turnout for our initial 2000 meeting. The lack of a reminder from Volvamus could be blamed. But, Ray Parsons did hold forth to a responsive group at Martens. And Alan Marsh revealed the location and other information on FIRANDE 2000; Alan also gave a run down of the schedule for DIY events over the coming year. Both subjects are covered in this issue.

NEXT MONTH:

We will try again at MARTENS. With any luck at ALL, most of the wintry weather will be over or at least calmed down by then!

An Election MUST be discussed. Resolution of the matter has to be of the highest priority. We will also take a close look at the DIY 2000 schedule, as on the location for FIRANDE 2000. [There is a notice in THIS issue about those very subjects from Alan Marsh]

Those three items should be able to keep us gainfully occupied for an evening. You are most humbly urged to attend and bring along your 2 cents to put into the pot.

We will have a guest speaker: Steve Swann, who will discuss lemon laws. Postponed from January, this will be worth it, especially if you are getting ready to purchase a car. [Not that ANY of this applies to VOLVOs]

And Richard Moak has promised hot coffee! What more could you want?

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Past Volvamus Excerpts

January 2000 | February 2000 | March 2000

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

November 1998 | October 1998 | September 1998

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

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