The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - September 1999

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BITS AND PIECES:

Walk to Metro, Shopping, Free Local Shuttle Service, and Easy Access to I-270 and the Beltway… By Charlene Colon

Does convenient access to highways, shopping, local shuttle service and the Metro, make your neighborhood very attractive to potential homebuyers or renters?. It is this very same accessibility and convenience that can make any location, and nearby shopping areas, an attractive target for car thieves.

This article contains events that really happened. I say now to myself, "If only I had known…" The events are real… as are the lessons and it can happen to you, regardless of the value or age of your car.

What makes your car just like the 3,200 stolen in Montgomery County last year?

Car thieves are very active in Montgomery County according to Montgomery County Police. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they will steal your car. The Montgomery County Police are aggressively working to reduce car theft, but they need our help.

The Montgomery County Auto Theft Unit has an excellent Internet website that provides a current listing of preventive measures to protect your car. Log on to their site on the Internet at http://www.co.mo.md.us/services/police/autotheft.html

Is your vehicle adequately protected?

According to the Montgomery County Crime Clock in 1997, every 2 hours and 49 seconds, a car was stolen in Montgomery County. While this is well below the national average of every 23, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), nearly one-third of the stolen vehicles are never found, and those vehicles which are recovered are often stripped, vandalized or destroyed.

According to Montgomery County Police, most cars stolen in Montgomery County are by males ages 16 through 25. Mostly just for fun also known as "Joy Riding". There are no known operating "Chop Shops" in the county, that are in the stolen car parts business, however county police, indicate there is an increase in car thefts, just for a car’s Air Bag. Once an Air Bag is deployed, it cannot be re-used, nor can the computer that operates the Air Bag be re-programmed. A stolen Air Bag sold to replace one that has been deployed can bring as much as mowing lawns all summer.

Will your car be next?

Take the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) Theft Prevention Checkup to determine the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen. The results will determine how many layers of protection the NICB recommends for your vehicle. You may be surprised at the results. Log onto the National Insurance Crime Bureau's Web site for a Theft Prevention Check-up at

http://www.nicb.org/cgi-bin/vehicle/theft-prevention.cgi

If winning the Lottery only had such odds…

NCIB statistics for the Washington metropolitan area cite that Washington DC had the 57th highest vehicle theft rate in the United States in 1997, the most recent year available. One of every 119.8 registered vehicles in the Washington metropolitan area was stolen. In all, 26,559 vehicles were stolen in the Washington area in 1997, 20.8 percent increase from the previous year.

The Baltimore metropolitan area had the 45th highest vehicle theft rate in the United States in 1997, the most recent year available. One of every 105.1 registered vehicles in the Baltimore metropolitan area was stolen. In all, 16,217 vehicles were stolen in the Baltimore area in 1997, a 19.7 percent increase from the previous year.

#1 "Hot Wheels"

Honda Accords were the 1st most commonly stolen vehicle in the United States in 1997. In all, 23,580 Honda Accords were reported stolen to the NCIB by member insurance companies in 1997. In the DC metropolitan area, Toyota Camrys and Acura Legends, regardless of age follow Honda Accords. Older models are actually preferred, since they most often lack Anti-Theft deterrent devices and are not as "Visible" as newer models.

• Cars not protected with anti-theft devices.
• Leaving your keys in your car or a spare key hidden on the car.
• Leaving your car unlocked or the windows open.
• Leaving packages, clothes, or other valuables in your car.
• Leaving your car running unattended.
• Parking in poorly lit places with low visibility
• Parking at the very end spaces in mall parking lots.

Here are 6 ways to make life tough for car thieves:

• Using visible anti-theft devices, including alarms, kill switches, security system window stickers, and locking devices on steering wheels. Current recommendations include a layered approach of deterrents.
• The "Watch Your Car Program" is FREE national program to help deter car theft. Our Security and Transportation Committee has the form to enroll in the program that permits the police to stop your car during the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Some GV residents have enrolled in the program, and have the program stickers affixed to their front and rear windshields, but many are concerned about being stopped by the Police, if they are out late.
• Using tracking devices, to assist police in locating your car. The sooner that your car can be recovered, the sooner your life can back to normal and also possibly reduce the amount of damage to your car.
• Having your vehicle identification number etched in the window glass. You can even order the etching service over the Internet at http://www.vicescript.com/benefits.htm
• Keeping doors locked, even while driving, however, the Volvo Safety Manual recommends that for highway driving, your car doors should remain unlocked to permit easier access in case of an accident.
• Removing all registration and identification, so thieves don't have legitimate documents if stopped.

Even if you're insured, car theft WILL cost you!!!

• What is the amount of your insurance deductible? $250 . . .$500?
• What about the deductible on your Homeowners that might cover stolen property?
• How much more than "book value" does a comparable car really cost? $500 . . .$1,000
• How much do you still owe on the car? Sometimes the depreciated value is less than the amount you may currently owe.
• What items left in your car are not covered? leather jacket? . . .cell phone? . . .laptop?
• What effect will a car theft have on your insurance premium?
• What about the cost of a rental car? (Most policies have a Rental Amount Cap) 30+ days at 20.99 per day adds up fast. You get to drive a $20.99 per day economy rental, while the thieves enjoy your car.
• How much time will you lose? Time lost from work…and precious free evening and weekends to file insurance claims against your car and homeowners insurance policies… Change your home locks (if you kept a spare house key in the car…) Recovering your car at the Police Station (if it is recovered)… Driving cross-county to the towing lot to pay the $75.00 Towing Fee (cash or credit card only) - before the Police can release your car… Appear in court - possibly multiple times (if the suspects were apprehended)… Purchase another car … stand in line at the MVA (if you purchase a used car from other than a dealer)… Notify the three Central Credit Bureaus to place a Fraud Alert on your credit identity (if your identity was also possibly compromised)… Report your credit card(s) as stolen (if you left a credit card receipt for the new tires you just purchased, in the car)… the list goes on…. And if the Police do recover your car, you may need to continue to drive the rental, until the necessary parts are available and repairs are completed…

What’s in Your Glovebox?

The most important documents relating to your vehicle after the title are the registration and insurance card. The registration cards contain important information about you and your vehicle such as your full name, address, co-owner’s information, vehicle identification number, and driver’s license number (social security number in some states). The insurance cards contain policy numbers that may be used to acquire additional information about a victim.

Other documents people leave in their vehicle include receipts for tires, brakes, radios, and other valuable equipment. These receipts often contain the purchaser’s full name, address, home and work phone numbers, and credit card information. A thief would be able to use the information to charge expensive items on a victim’s account without their knowledge.

By leaving important documents in a vehicle, a victim of auto theft is helping a thief elude authorities. If pulled over, a thief has all the necessary documentation to justify the vehicle and any accessories in it are his. Most importantly, do not leave the title in the vehicle. Doing so is similar to handing over the keys to a new owner. The bottom line is to clean out your vehicle and store in your house all documents that could potentially assist a thief in keeping your vehicle.

Epilogue

My car was one of the 70% of cars recovered by the Montgomery County Police, after 26 days since realizing and reporting the theft. It was recovered as the suspects (two juveniles and one adult) ran when confronted by a near-by shopping area security patrol officer, due to their suspicious behavior. They left my car running near the one that they were apparently attempting to steal. They dropped evidence (a knife and a screwdriver) often used to steal a car, as they fled. My car was nearly out of gas, all contents of any monetary value were gone and damages both interior and exterior totaled over $3,000. It is not possible to assess how my car was driven or road-raced, but somehow it will never be or feel the same.

I thank the Montgomery County Police for their efforts to "get the word out" via their web-site to and the presentations they provide at new car buyers seminars that are held monthly at local dealerships, to help me protect my next car.

After checking the theft statistics for Volvo, I am now the very proud owner of a new Volvo . I have gone from having the #1 stolen car to #322. My insurance premiums are now also lower.

For additional information contact Montgomery County Auto Theft Unit at 1-800-997-1133.

Thanks to Charlene Colon for this article!!! Read and Heed!!

Litigation Settlement

Lionel Fernandez sent a copy of the Court Settlement regarding the Class Action taken against VOLVO relating to problems in certain tires used on certain Volvo models. The gist of the ruling is that Volvo of America, Inc. will offer monetary incentives to cover the defective Michelin tires used on certain cars it delivered. The models affected include its 1994 and 1995 850 sedans and wagons [16" wheels with 205/50 tires] and also the 1995 to 1997, inclusive, 850R series cars [16" or 17" wheels with 205/50 tires]. If you have one of these cars and you have NOT received an Official Notice, call the office of the Settlement Administrator in Garden City, NY at 1-8888-811-0386 for further information.

NOVEMBER 6, 1999 is the final day to redeem a certificate with significant cash value! The three choices are

1: replace all four tires, about $230 each, plus mounting, taxes, etc.;

2: $500 cash; or,

3: $1000 toward the purchase or lease of a new Volvo

The Court settlement took place on February 18, 1999. Don’t forget to call that number if you haven’t gotten any word on this issue. If you are the second owner of an affected car, you might be missed.

• 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. Allow a ‘merger’ in if you can, it doesn’t cost that much time. 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 . You can’t read other driver’s minds and they can’t read yours! Think about it! Do NOT ‘over drive’ your headlights! Don’t forget to have your airbags checked if they [it] is over 10 years old. Most if not all manufacturers make that stipulation. It makes sense and the cost of performing the test is well worth the attendant piece of mind.

  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!!!!

• As of this date, the SAAB/Volvo Picnic has been scheduled for September 25, 1999 at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Fairfax, VA. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!!

• Non-Volvo item: Visit http://www.tray.com if you would like to see a run down on how money and politics interact. As Arte Johnson observed, "Very interesting!"
• Please note the change of address for Alan Marsh on the ‘masthead’.
• I see that SAAB has started to offer a line of items for those that travel with pets in their car. Pet restraints, etc. Excellent idea. I’ve seen to many cars and trucks running around with a dog just standing there in the rear. That’s too dangerous to even discuss!
• We are trying something new! A printer in Easton printed this issue. Cost is about 40% less then our normal cost per issue. If successful, we might be able to keep dues at their present level for a bit longer.
• To go along with the excellent article by Charlene Colon in this issue, Michael Ward’s 740 sedan was stolen on August 2, 1999. Michael lives in Takoma Park section of NW, DC. He sent an e-mail stating that the Police and the Insurance representative both indicated that they’ve seen an increase in the number of Volvos being stolen. He is looking for info about security systems for his remaining 740. You can contact him at DUKE50@aol.com. That’s a fairly ‘bittersweet’ story. Looks like Volvos are moving up from # 322 on the ‘hit list’. One list where it is not good to be #1. Charlene’s article is about the Montgomery County area, but I’m sure that similar services are available in most jurisdictions. Check it out and act accordingly.
• Wedding Car Wanted! Chris Doyle is a member now living in California. On October 16, 1999 he and his fiancée are getting married at the Walter Reed Medical Center Chapel. Since he’s leaving his ’67 1800 in Ca., he would like to know if there is a local member who’d lease him [for the day] a suitable vintage VOLVO! He’d like to find a PV-544, 122s, or even a 164 [Lou]. If you think you’d have the ‘perfect’ car, please e-mail him at Cdoyle@sag.com.
• Tech question: What are the differences between and the respective benefits of tubular versus solid sway bars? Query taken from an e-mail of NASA-VA, an avid racing group with a chapter down in Richmond. Any answers?
• The October 1999 issue of CAR & DRIVER has a photo on page 33 of the new V80 Cross Country due here in about two years. Very SUV-ish. I’ll reserve my opinion until I see one ‘in the flesh’! And, on page 94, there is an abstract of what’s expected from VOLVO in this coming year. Good read and an interesting issue overall. The Editorial about ‘HOV’ lanes is excellent!
• Page 186 of the September issue of "Deals on Wheels" has an ad for a company selling HC12a and HC22a, a substitute [?] for Freon. Has anyone every used this material touted to be 30% more efficient then Freon and that a ‘license not required to purchase or use’. The company is called COOL-TECH, 502.825.1151. I have asked them to send info; will report when have something worth while.
• At the most recent U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Joe Amato turned in an et of 4.52 seconds at a speed of 324.2 mph. Not too shabby!
• Please note the number of Classified ads with e-mail addresses included. If you don’t got one; maybe it’s time to consider getting a computer!

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

Classifieds

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. 1980 244DL 140K, runs good, body in good shape for an ’80. $250 Contact Gary in Falls Church, VA at 703.237.0066 [10am to 7pm] or e-mail minis4u@crosslink.net
3. 1979 242Dl stick shift, second owner, needs a little work, little rust, 87K Contact Carol McGuinn in Wash. DC at 202.362.5843 [h] or 202.663.5032 [w]
4. THIRD SEAT for 1987 740GL Wagon. Fits all 700 series wagons from 1985 to 1992. Lists new for about $900 according to Don Beyer Motors, yours for $400 OBO. In great condition, with all hardware. Contact Jess Johnson, Sr in McLean, VA at 703.356.2545 [h] or at 703.536.3900x203 or e-mail jess@evd.com
5. WANTED: Roof rack for an 1800ES. Good condition with all attaching hardware. Contact Ola Svensson in Sweden at e-mail address ksdsisol@algonet.se
6. 1967 1800S Excellent mechanical shape with some $4000 worth of recent work; from engine to suspension. Interior is rough, but body is solid. Faded red paint. Daily driver. $4250. Contact John H. Sheally II in Suffolk, VA at 757.5544.7525 [pager] or at 757.255.0215 [home] or by e-mail jsheally@pilotonline.com
7. Nice variety of NOS and used OEM bits for 140 and 240/260 Volvos. Not large list, can fax if interested! Contact Dennis McGee in Annapolis, MD at 410.757.1998.
8. 1982 GLT Wagon Red with 112K. Power locks, mirrors, and windows. Leather interior, fold down rear seat. NEW: Turbo, neutral safety switch, and fuel pump relay. Interior is excellent, new front tires. Asking $2000 W/MD. Inspection, $1800 W/O MD inspection. Contact Adam Mickey in Easton, MD at 410.476.4322 or e-mail thelizard_1979@yahoo.com
9. PARTING out 1984 245DL diesel, five speed trans, 160K. Engine not working. Contact Roger Anderson via e-mail at rqajpa@erols.com.
10. 1983 DL 223K, tan, 29MPG, manual trans with OD, every thing works properly, minor cosmetic problems [missing knob on radio, etc], finish in good condition, always garaged. Asking $1200. Contact Lewis Arrington in Barnesville, MD at 301.972.8001 or e-mail to lewisrajr@email.msn.com
11. 1984 DL 156K, needs electrical work. Open to offers, original owner with service records, no accidents, clean. Contact Sharon Nowfel in Wash, DC at 202.434.3461 [days] or e-mail to snowfel@aol.com
12. 1963 P1800 Needs total restoration, estate sale, have extra parts that will go with car. Contact Lil Gibson in Bristol, Tenn. at 336.855.5471
13. 1978 B21F engine W/M46 trans Comes with all accessories, except AC compressor. Contact Jim Whalley in Reston, VA at 703.777.3563 [home] or at 703.453.1282 [work] or e-mail to WHALLJI@mail.northgrum.com
14. 1983 TURBO wagon Restoration Project, stored in barn for about 3 years! Needs to go. Contact Gerard King at 703.467.4055 [pager] or e-mail to rainri@earthlink.com
15. 960 Wheels four black rims with Volvo hubcaps from 1995 960 wagon. Used only one season. $200 OBO Contact Susan Blankenheimer in Wash. DC at 202.874.5326[o]
16. 1983 245DL Original owner, 201K, Burgundy with tan interior. Automatic. Car has been extremely well cared for with IPD sway bars, IPD overload springs, and IPD heavy-duty 3-row radiator. In the last 10K and 20K, major preventative and maintenance work was performed: new injectors, fuel pumps and filters, air mass meter, KYB front struts, belts and a rebuilt alternator, among others. Run DEXCOOL in radiator, use 44K and MOA regularly, changed oil every 2-3000 miles. The A/C isn’t working and some paint cosmetics are called for. Engine runs strong, doesn’t burn oil. Asking $1700 Contact John Meredith in VA at 703.356.7130 or e-mail Jmeredith@neh.gov
17. VOLVO RIMS AND TIRES 15" steel rims with original Swedish snow tires. Fit 850, S70 or C70 series Volvos. Contact J Ansin at 905.646.7014 or e-mail jansin@ibm.net
18. NEW B-18 Engine Still wrapped in plastic! Asking $600. Also, 1965 MB 190D four door, stick on column. Solid car, needs paint, runs well with excellent interior. 42MPG possible. $1650. Contact Darryl Johnson in Chesapeake, VA at 804.745.9176
19. GARAGE SALE! Large amount of parts for 164 series cars. No body parts, but includes 2 engines, a tranny with OD. Call with needs, wants,etc. Call 410.997.5562 in Columbia, MD or e-mail to ABYRUM@aol.com.
20. 1983 turbo wagon needs restoration, but from California. Original owner. Asking $2000 OBO. Could be good winter project. Contact Gerard King in Lovettsville, VA at 540.882.4091 or e-mail rainri@earthlink.com
21. 1967 P1800 California car [NO DETAILS-Email AD] Contact John C. Joulakian in CA. At 818.956.3775 or e-mail mail16079@pop.net
22. 1986 245DL recent tune-up, inc. timing chain. Recent tires. Great dark red exterior with camel interior. 182K miles. Price negotiable! Contact Sarah at 617.623.4755 in Somerville, MA or e-mail ssteinheimer@hotmail.com
23. Various Volvos

A. 1984 240 Turbo with intercooler. Needs turbo, 5 spoke alloys, auto/AC, 112K $700 OBO
B. 1984 760 turbo. 97K, four door $1800 neg.
C.1980 GLE excell. Body, 4 door, V6 good cams, needs some induction work $500 nego.
D. 1980 GT needs restoration 2 doors $300.
E. VOLVO 700/900 rims 16" 5 slanted spokes, set of four $500
F. Also call for 200/700/850/900 parts, third seat for 245, various rims, etc.
Contact David Hagemeier in Fairfax, VA at 703.764.8819 or at 703.612.2628

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

 WVC Schedule

WVC Business Meeting
September 28, 1999
Bethesda Import Specialists, Inc.
5440 Butler Road
301.656.0056

PICNIC! With the SAAB Club!
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly, VA
25 September 1999
More info below - click here

Contact Steve Judge @ 703.481.3276

WVC Business Meeting
October 26, 1999
Martens Volvo Service Center
Costume Optional

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

The Current Schedule!

Once again the Washington area Volvo dealers have provided great support for this year’s DIY program. The new Don Beyer Alexandria location, on Route 1 near Hybla Valley, has joined our program, and we thank them very much. We hope to attract our members in the Alexandria area, which has a very large number of happy Volvo owners.

Our two remaining 1999 DIYs are:

October 9: Herb Gordon Volvo, Silver Spring

November 20: Martens Volvo, Bethesda

Officer of the Day [OD]: This year we are spreading the work and the glory to additional Club members. We’ve instituted an OD concept, in which an individual WVC member will be in charge of [only] one specific DIY session and will be responsible for all the details for that DIY. I remain as the overall DIY Program ‘czar’, and will be available as much or as little as needed. We still need volunteers, so please let me know if you’re interested in serving as an OD, can assist, or have a great idea. The best way is to call me evenings at [202] 966.6487 or e-mail Alan Marsh at DIY@volvoclubdc.com.

Thanks to the local Volvo dealers and their staffs for inviting us to hold these events at their shops and for their assistance to those who attend.

 

‘First Timers’: Clearly we want to encourage our members to use these sessions to learn how to take care of their Volvos. We’ve also succeeded in attracting an average of three First-Timers to each of our 1999 DIYs and we hope to see this trend continue. We also want to attract more of our women members.

WVC Do -It -Yourself Session at Don Beyer Volvo, Falls Church by Jim Pope

Don Beyer Volvo, Falls Church hosted the most recent Do -It -Yourself Session on 14 August. The session was originally scheduled for 7 August but had to be postponed due to Don Beyer Volvo personnel wedding plans. The session got off to a good start with sweetrolls, donuts, orange juice, coffee and free rubber gloves. After a short safety review and instructions on how to properly use the electronic car lifts, 11 WVC members got to do some dirty work and fix their cars.

There were eight 240’s, two 740’s and one 940T. Kathleen Trainor replaced a brake junction box, Chris Reddish replaced the exhaust system, belts and brake fluid, Dan Miller and his wife changed the oil and filter in their 940 Turbo and learned how to drain another quart of oil out of the turbo. Robert Noe brought a complete workforce, 2 sons and a female friend, to help him change his exhaust and front end McPherson Struts.

First Timer Chuck Augustine changed power steering fluid, brake fluid and differential fluid. He learned that, if your 240 does not have a differential drain plug, you can find it as the bottom differential cover plate bolt! Tom Conti changed his oil and spent the rest of the time trying to fix rattles in his wagon. Jim Pope unexpectedly found that his radiator needed to be replaced. James Todaro replaced a complete brake system from master cylinder to rotors, calipers and disc pads. John Kupiec got started changing his exhaust manifold gasket but found out that the entire turbo system would have to come off and it was going to be an 8-hour job and could not be completed by the 2PM closing. John had to button it back up for a later attempt.

President Ray Parsons came to offer his help and was in demand. He also brought along the full supply of WVC Special Tools. These tools are super in making a lot of the repair jobs within reach of DIY’ers.

Special Thanks go to "Master Mechanic" Richard Torres (recently promoted to Assistant Service Manager) and Parts expert Dick Johnson of Don Beyer Volvo that hosted and personally assisted us in accomplishing our tasks. We couldn’t have done it without them.

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

Current Events

While President Ray Parsons was away on another trip, John Switzer was drafted to conduct the August Meeting at Martens.

Sans a true agenda, the meeting revolved around the upcoming SAAB picnic [details elsewhere in this issue] and how much enjoyment we got from such events in the past].

Switzer had talked to MonacoUSA about coming to a meeting and although schedules could not be amended for the August meeting, word has arrived that the September meeting ‘would work’. Monaco is a manufacturer of ‘after market’ car seats. Could be interesting so all are urged to come to the September meeting.

Lionel Fernandez brought up the settlement that Volvo has just made regarding certain Michelin tires they’ve supplied and how there is a final date for making a claim against this settlement [see elsewhere this issue]. If you are affected, ACT quickly.

There was a good attendance at this meeting and we soon settled into our traditional exchange of technical questions. A highlight of any meeting is the chance to ask about problems one has been having and getting good input and advice.

Out of kindness, we finally let Richard Moak close up around 9:00 PM or so. But, as usual, some additional discussions were held in the driveway!

NEXT MONTH:

As noted on the Schedule, next month we shall be at Mike Cunningham’s shop over at 5440 Butler Road, just around the corner from Martens.

With luck, the representative from MonacoUSA will attend, with samples, to discuss the topic of aftermarket seats, sports seats and racing seats. Should be interesting. Volvo seats are excellent, by and large, but in some instances, a different seat, tailored to your specific needs, is called for.

The SAAB/Volvo picnic is the weekend before, so some feedback might be expected?

One of our members has just done ‘Pebble Beach’! Hoping for some stories and maybe a photo or two about his visit to this magic event!

Martin MotorSports, Inc.

From PV-444s to the latest C70 and S80, 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.
460A S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
703.823.9735 telephone
703.823.9737 fax line

SAAB/VOLVO Picnic

The SAAB/VOLVO picnic will be a most informal affair. It will be on Saturday September 25, 1999 at the Ellanor C Lawrence Park in Fairfax County, VA. You can get to the Park thusly: Take I-66 west to EXIT 53; enter VA Route 28 [Sully Road] heading north toward Dulles Airport. Approx. 0.1 mile Route 28 intersects with the WALNEY RD. entrance to the park. Turn onto Walney Road, heading east, proceeding about 0.4 mile to the GAZEBO on the left, which is the site of the picnic. Try and time your arrival for about 10AM. Everyone is urged to bring sufficient food and drink for their own group and a bit more to share. NO ALCOHOL, please!

But reservations are necessary so call Steve Church, Activities Chair for the SAAB Club, at 703.481.3276 by Sept. 22 if you’d like to attend. The picnic is just a good excuse to meet some other car enthusiasts, enjoy a nice park area, and dine ‘alfresco’. So, check your calendars and carry on!

Past Volvamus Excerpts

August 1999 | July 1999 | June 1999 | May 1999 | April 1999 | March 1999 | February 1999 | January 1999 |  November 1998 | October 1998 | September 1998

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