The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - 9/1998

LAST MONTH:

We had a good crowd for a meeting in the middle of August. Including some new faces, which is always a welcome condition!

Everyone got a copy of "The Volvo Magazine", thanks to Ree Hartwell. There was a scheduling problem, so Greg Smith of ‘Colors on Parade’ was not able to attend [see next section], but Switzer promised to get him in for the September Meeting.

Ray Parsons reviewed the two National Meets, scheduled by VCOA and VSA for the month of September. Steve Seekins spoke on the anticipated activities of the Knoxville event for VCOA. Ray spoke on the VSA event up at Elkhart Lake. Both [or either] events will be well worth the effort. Both sponsoring groups do excellent jobs at running Meets, you won't be disappointed if you can only make one of them. Trouble is: which one!!

The VOLVO Open House is, as noted last month, scheduled for October 3, 1998. [This issue should have maps and other details about the Saturday activities.] This is a ‘must do’ event. Volvo Cars of North America does a great job of making sure that no minutes are wasted through out the day on Saturday. And there will be a Welcome Party on the Friday night at the designated hotel. Therefore, most people come up Friday afternoon and head back late Saturday afternoon. You might consider making it a long weekend and coming back Sunday morning. The drive to Rockleigh, New Jersey, takes about three hours, so it could make for a loooong Saturday, especially if you leave Rockleigh around 5:30 or 6:00 PM.

The DIY session planned for Herb Gordon on September 19 was discussed. It was highly recommended that people send in the form ASAP to assure availability of a ‘bay’ and that new members visit Herb Gordon, during the session, to meet members and see what’s going on. And to help, if they were so inclined. Come and get dirty!

Balance of the meeting time was consumed by our traditional exchange regarding tech topics, with a short discourse from Switzer on the adventures experienced while living on a street where a new plastic liner is being put in the gas main. Switzer did ask that everyone consider volunteering and helping out at various Club functions. PLEASE!

We finally decided to let Richard Moak close up and go home around 9:30 PM. Thanks again to Richard for his infinite patience and to the Martens organization for letting us meet at their digs. We do appreciate it!

NEXT MONTH:

Greg Smith and Mike Quinn of ‘Colors on Parade’ will attend to discuss what services the firm provides, do a demo or two, and answer questions. We should also get first reports back on the VCOA Knoxville Meet, on the VSA Elkhart Lake adventures, and on the Herb Gordon DIY. Switzer might even have an unofficial report [inc. pictures?] on the Reno Air Races! Could be an interesting meeting. Final details of the Rockleigh Open House should also be on hand [if not included herein]. Further adventures of the ‘gas line saga’ can’t be guaranteed, but who knows? Elections are coming up soon—hint! Let’s get busy!

Martin MotorSports, Inc.

From PV-444s to the latest V70 ‘Cross Country’, they can offer any assistance you might require. Martin MotorSports is also a stocking dealer in the 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.

120 Gordon Road

Falls Church, VA 22046

703.534.9860 telephone

703.534.9862 facsimile

Since 1997

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! Use your turn signals when changing lanes or when you want to merge—let those behind you ‘see’ the signal for a moment BEFORE you go. Stay alert! AWD does NOT help on ‘black’ ice! Bear in mind that sometimes people on pedal-powered machines feel exempt from the laws of applied mathematics because they have a helmet on. ‘Right on Red’ with caution—stop first and look, unlike some others! And if it says ‘No Right on Red’, you should presume to assume there’s a good reason for the sign! Always, always, let the dog beat you up or down the stairs! 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. Stay calm! Don’t change more then ONE lane at a time! PLAN AHEAD . You can’t read other driver’s minds and they can’t read yours! DO NOT LET THE DOG SIT ON YOUR LAP WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING!!! Think about it!
• Yes, I know the previous section has gotten attenuated, but the propositions it embodies are reasonable and prudent. Consider them carefully and follow them. Do NOT put packages on the ‘parcel shelf’ behind the back seat of your sedan! And, remember, regarding drivers of other cars: you can’t rely on them to do the right thing! If you are turning, let the turn signal do its job: don’t just let it blink once and assume everyone saw it! You won’t burn out the bulb by letting it blink! Many other drivers have a tendency to ‘drive stupid’, so as 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. For example, Grille Badges made in England; Key Fobs, Inside & Outside Decals, maybe even Tee shirts. Check with Ray Parsons or Frank Mackison for availability and prices of the sundry items.
• Our E-mail address is "VOLVODC@aol.com". The ‘mailbox’ is checked periodically and replies sent ASAP. You will notice that the "URL" for the new page is in this issue. Visit the page and ‘bookmark’ it, come back often and even if only for the pictures! And, of course, if you find a picture you like, it can easily become "wallpaper" with a click of da mouse! There have been over 245 ‘hits’ from Sweden alone! If you come across a site you think would be of interest to everyone, e-mail Paul Provencher, da WebMeister, and let him know. He can link us to it so that everyone can visit.
• From the New York Times, 27 August 1998, "The electrical system of Volvo’s new S80 is actually a communication network of 18 computers with central control units and at least 24 modules for most electrical functions. The network consists of two sectors with different data transfer rates: the engine compartment sector, which has a transfer rate of 250 kilobits per second [KBPS] and the passenger compartment sector, which has a transfer rate of 125 KBPS. The two sectors are joined by the Central Electronic Module" The accompanying article, on computers in modern cars, notes that the S80 has around 4000 feet of wiring, the PV-444 had about 300 feet of wiring. And, as you might guess, these computers control or regulate everything; from the radio to stability to restraint systems.
• Thanks to Craig Hughes for dropping a note volunteering his services at Club events. Craig lives in Boston, so he can’t make every event, but he has promised to be at the Herb Gordon DIY in September.
• As noted before, we’ve gotten word from Ree Hartwell and Dan Johnston at VCNA that the Open House at Rockleigh, NJ is scheduled for October 3, 1998. Start marking your calendars right away. You will want to be there. Always a good time! When more information is available, you’ll find it here. The 745T is planning to be there, how about you?
• This is an aside: The new Chrysler 300M is to the original letter series cars as a NASCAR Taurus is to a ‘street’ Taurus.
• It looks like a major move is eminent. Have been looking to move the operational base of Switzer & Assoc./AIA over to Tilghman Island, on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Lower taxes, much more relaxed life style and good food. Found a nice house on Dog Harbor for well under $125K. Walk to marinas, etc. Time for a change. Think Jimmy Buffet. Thanks to fax machines, e-mail, etc. access will remain strong. Only 97 miles away---1.5 hours by 745T. Less if the Escort is working! Move will probably occur no sooner then October. So, if you know of anyone looking for a three-car garage that comes with a three-bedroom house, ten minutes away from Metro have him or her give Switzer a call!
• It would appear that the V10 that Cosworth did for Volvo a while back might wind up in a Rolls Royce model some day, according to a snippet in Car & Driver. Interesting! All a result of the recent case of acquisition fever exhibited by Volkswagen, one of the more convoluted episodes in automotive history. I wonder what Churchill would think?
• Don’t forget to mark your calendar, the 34^th Annual John R. Syme Laurel Lions Auto Show, Flea Market and Auction will be held on September 26, 1998. With classes for almost every variety of cars, you’re bound to find something to tweak your interest. Call 301.483.9807, mailbox 3, for further information.
• And if you live too far away from any of the Volvo National Meets that are scheduled for this September, but do want to peruse some wonderful old cars, trek over to New Braunfels, Texas on September 19/20 for the 48^th Semi-Annual South Texas Classic Car Auction. From General MacArther’s 1942 Packard to a 1998 VW ‘BUG’, something for everyone. Over 300 cars total! Call 210.495.4777 for additional information
• If you live on the West Coast, within driving distance of Palm Desert, CA., call Cal Terry at 818.344.9420 for info about the 1998 National West Coast Owners Meet, scheduled for October 16/18, 1998. Good excuse to "go West, young man", to borrow a phrase from somebody famous.
• Another mod for the 745T. A new bottom cross brace, Volvo PN 3526694-9, has been installed. The brace, called a "stay" by Volvo, ties together the lower suspension at the front and reduces chassis flex during cornering. Don’t forget to get the screws and nuts that will be needed. The overall cost of the parts: well under $55.00. Similar to pieces sold by some aftermarket shops for about $200.00 and it is an official VOLVO part! Pat McNeil at Martens put me on to it. An upper cross brace is ‘still in the works’, but there have turned out to be logistical complications, slowing down its availability. Hopefully, all involved will be able to sort out any hang-ups and get on with the business of selling parts. I’ve also added the rear wiper from the late 965 series to spruce up the rear ‘elevation’.
• "Do not refuel with the engine running. After refueling, close the fuel filler cap by turning it clockwise until it clicks in place. If the fuel filler cap is not closed tightly or if the engine is running while the car is being refueled, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may indicate a fault after several weeks, due to leakage. Use only Volvo original or approved fuel filler cap." Bulletin being issued to customers at Martens.
• Recommended Reading! Tom and Ray Magliozzi, a.k.a. "Click and Clack", have put out a clever little booklet called ‘Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!’. Send $3 and a SASE [52 cents] to CLICK & CLACK/Ruin #1, POB 6420, Riverton, NJ 08077-6420 Thanks to Sedge Moss for the tip!
• Applied Technologies & Research, Inc. has just introduced a T-304 stainless steel exhaust system for 1994 to 1997 850 Turbo Wagons. 2-1/2" mandrel bent system, including full flow muffler. 50 state legal. Sounds promising. If you’d like to explore the system further, call Rod McGinley, Director of Sales, at 864.972.3800. They are located in Fair Play, South Carolina.

SPEAKER in September!!!

Have been talking to Greg Smith of ‘Colors on Parade’ about a visit to our next meeting. They repair rubber and plastic bumper housings, repair paint finishes, etc. for various dealers. Matt Smith of EuroMotorCars Rolls Royce gave me the lead. While their primary work is with dealers, they could do private vehicle work at the dealership, by appointment. Sounded like an interesting topic. Martens is one of the dealers that use their services.

Race Results!

On August 14-16, Jim Stem participated in his first Mid-Atlantic Regional Road Racing Series [MARRS VII] event at Summit Point Raceway, WVA. His 1972 Volvo 142E was prepared to Improved Touring Class B specifications, otherwise known as ITB. Jim finished the 15 lap [30 mile] race in 14^th place in a 36 car Sunday final with a best lap time of 1:35.23, and still on the lead lap! He started from 27^th position on the grid based on a Saturday qualifying time of 1:37.62. Jim reported no sheet metal damaged or parts broken! Photos taken by Ray Parsons, showing Jim at work, are in this issue. Way to go, JIM!

Classifieds

1. Bad Power Window Switches in your 200 series or 700 series VOLVO? Send us your complete switches and we will rebuild them. $6.00 per switch and $6.50 per package. Contact Dwayne Siever, 618 California Road, Quackertown, PA. 18951 or call 215.538.3886.
2. Misc. Parts!! A long list of NON-VOLVO manufactured parts for PV-544 and 122 series cars was received, via e-mail, from Denmark. Switzer has the list and will fax it to you, as received, if you’d like to see it. Or, you can Contact Frank Kiessling in Denmark at +45 55 530100 or e-mail to ‘frank.kiessling@get2net.dk’
3. 1967 123GT Family owned since 1972, red and black with black interior. B18 30 over, FI head, many new components installed. Also have many spare parts. Rare Volvo. Asking $5000[cdn] or $3500 [usd]. Contact Gordon Matthews in Canada at 905.372.2591 or e-mail ‘spedee@eagle.ca’ for more info.
4. 200 series parts for sale: 6 alloy wheels [25 spoke style] with tires (4 Michelin XZX; 2 Kleber snows, good condition)--$60 each or $300 for the set; Front and rear thermoplastic floor mats, good condition $50; Front and rear cloth floor mats, fair condition $20; Compact spare tire $20; IPD overload rear springs for 245 wagons $50;Plastic housing for instrument cluster $5; side panels for center console $5. Contact Walter Crawford in Northern VA at 703.471.1350during the mornings or e-mail [bawacra@internetmci.com]
5. VOLVO PV-53, original condition, car is in Sweden. For additional information, Contact T. Kjellsson at E-mail ‘fmt.hbg@swipnet.se’
6. Wheel Caps Still looking for TURBO center caps from a 200 series Turbo wheel. Need four, must be very good or excellent. If you can help, Contact John Switzer in Bethesda, MD at 301.656.8053 [e-mail:switzarch@aol.com]
7. Car Cover for your P1900. Not impossible! Thanks to some checking by Martin Stickley! Just Contact Covercraft Industries at 1.800.221.9872
8. 1966 122 Two Door Tuned B-18, 125 BHP, Needs engine and exterior body work. MUST be towed to its new home. Excellent winter project car. Price open Contact Bob Silverthorne in Washington, DC at 202.363.9454
9. 1984 242 TURBO Silver metallic, 117K, good condition, no rust, great interior, new tires and exhaust, needs brake work, all records. Asking $1800. Contact Brian or Sherri O’Mara in VA at 703.378.1637
10. VARIOUS ITEMS + 3 CARS: M46 w/OD from ’86 740-----$125/ 245 third seat [brn] with mounting hdware-----$85/ assorted alloy rims from 200’s-900’s-----$25 to $125 each. Also have ‘80 242GT, restorable, as is----$450/’83 240 Turbo, Tudor, restorable, as is----$550/two ‘84 245 wagons; stick or automatic-----$1100each. Have other parts for 200-700 series. Contact Dave Hagemeier in VA at 703.612.2628
11. 1972 142E brown, runs good, lowered, BILSTEINS, anti-sway bars, fairly new brake lines and calipers. Excellent for restoration. Best offer-must go-need garage space. Will exchange for motorcycle. Contact Herb Jackson in Annandale, VA at 703.354.5913
12. 1965 122 two door four speed, original California car, parked at least two years, some deterioration, but in good condition. PLUS, two 2 door 122s parts cars [one IS restorable], both have good B-18s. Many extra parts. $2300/BO for all three! Contact Al Doktor in Manassas, VA at 703.791.5900
13. 1981 DL two door new exhaust, 3 tires like new, stick, interior trashed, front end dented. $150/BO Contact Al Doktor in Manassas, VA at 703.791.5900

WVC Schedule

Sprint & Enduro/WDCR

September 26/27, 1998

Summit Point, WVA

1.800.927.7431

WVC Meeting

September 29, 1998

Location TBD

ROCKLEIGH OPEN HOUSE!!

October 3, 1998

Rockleigh, New Jersey

1.800.458.1552

Do It Yourself Session

Don Beyer Volvo

October 10, 1998

1998 National

West Coast Owners Meet

October 16/18, 1998

Palm Desert, California

Cal Terry: 818.344.9420

WVC 1998 DIY Program

Alan Marsh has set up a comprehensive schedule of Do It Yourself [DIY] technical sessions at Washington area Volvo dealers for calendar year 1998, and as of publication date, only the following DIYs have been scheduled. These dates are as firm as he can project them, but exigencies may arise to cause rescheduling. Therefore, please use the ‘outer’ dates for longer term planning and check with VOLVAMUS or your DIY coordinator for specifics on the next DIY. Listed below is our schedule as of September 22, 1998.

October 10 Don Beyer Volvo, Falls Church, VA

November 21 Martens Volvo, Bethesda, MD

Alan had asked for volunteers to assist him in finding new locations for the DIY events, but no one has been willing to come forward. His work schedule and other obligations have made it quite difficult for him to devote the time necessary to do this work alone. Therefore, unfortunately, these listed DIY events might be ‘it’ for 1998 or possibly even canceled. That’s the reality of the current situation; if you want to help, please call Ray Parsons or Alan Marsh.

This page updated 03/17/07 02:34:27 PM

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