The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - October 1998

October 1998 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 too soon by letting it blink for 20 seconds or so! 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 still VOLVODC@aol.com . The ‘mailbox’ is checked periodically and replies are sent ASAP. If you have a classified ad, use VOLVAMUS@aol.com only. You will notice that the "URL" for the Page is in this issue. Visit the Page, ‘bookmark’ it, come back often, 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 275 ‘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. If you’ve dropped in within the last month, you will have discovered that the central section of VOLVAMUS has been included on the Page, including the Classifieds, so don’t be surprised if somebody from very, very far away responds to an advert!!! This is being done as a service to visitors to the Page from overseas; hopefully, they will find it of interest.
• Congrats are due all around to Kurt Linder, David Udit, and Rajiv Prasad, who survived the 5649 miles of highway driving through 19 states to finish 70^th in the 1998 edition of the ‘One Lap of America’ in their 1983 245 wagon. See the October ‘98 issue of CAR & DRIVER to see what they went through! An event not for the weak of heart. And, no, they weren’t last!
• According to the FIA Web Page, no 700 or 900 series Volvos are listed as "homologated vehicles", but the 244 B23E 2316 CC Volvo is. Interesting. If you follow the Formula I circus, the FIA prints very complete details on each race meet on the schedule. Go to WVC links "RACING" and check it out.
• Who is Richard Penniman? If you know the answer, e-mail ‘switzarch@aol.com’.
• "There is a certain Buddhistic calm that comes from having money in the bank" Ayn Rand
• Martin Stickley sent a clipping from the October 4 issue of the London Times that he thought might be of interest back here. The headline reads "Staid Volvo turns into sex symbol". The article, by Chris Dignan, describes the influence that British designer Peter Horbury has had on the current Volvo offerings. It appears that Mr. Horbury has helped revolutionize the perception that people have of Volvos. To quote Trinny Woodall, a television presenter [reporter?], "I would never have bought one of the old models but this one [her C70 coupe] is sleek and sexy as well as being safe." I’m sure that that reaction is precisely what Volvo loves to hear! And it does confirm that they are on the right track.
• I wonder if Norbert G Lyssy of Utopia, Texas still has his 1965 P 1800S. He had 774,000 miles on the car as of 1978. Isn’t it interesting that both he and Irv Gordon own[ed] red P1800 series cars. Was it something in the red paint Volvo used back then that made these two cars last so well? Time for an in-depth study, I’d venture. Sure am glad the Toad is red!
• Rally? Really! There will be a TSD Rally on November 8, 1998: The Lord Calvert Memorial Rally (follow this link for general info and the results of last year's event ppro). It will take place on the back roads of Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties in Maryland. It will start in North Beach, MD at the Town Park on Bay Street, be there around 10AM. Cost is $20, length of rally is 90 miles, and duration should be about 3 hours. All driving will be at legal speeds on public roads. [If you run a ‘perfect’ rally, you might never see another entrant on the road!] The event is sponsored by the rally club BRANDED, which means that it should be a good one. For more info about this event, contact the Rally Master, Richard Romer, at 410.257.6947 or you can e-mail to ‘racebeat@aol.com’. A rally is a perfect way to exercise your car, increase your appreciation for mathematics, and to have a good time. And meet some interesting folks.
• If you would like to emulate the adventures of Jim Stem, you need to attend an SCCA Drivers School. To find out what you need to do, contact Rod Larson at 703.830.1512. Mr. Larson is in charge of Competition Licensing and can direct you as to how best to go about obtaining a Competition License. There shall be a Drivers School at Summit Point on Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 1998. It is too late for this one, but you can find out the spring schedule, etc. And, if you are interested in learning what steps you must take in preparing yourself or your car for such an adventure, talk to Jim Stem about the process. It does require BST, but I think Jim would tell you that the rewards far outweigh the hardships.
• Pleased to be able to report that Dick Johnson has returned to the Parts Department at Don Beyer.

Rockleigh Open House

The annual pilgrimage to Rockleigh, New Jersey for the VOLVO Open House at the Volvo Cars of North America headquarters was everything it had been advertised to be! All manner of activities, displays, clowns, jugglers, food, and people to visit and enjoy. Many new S80 sedans were displayed, as well as C70 coupes and cabriolets. Even trucks, construction equipment and a bus were available for close inspection. You could live in the cab of the Volvo tractor! I’ve seen new condos that didn’t seem as posh! Bertil Roos had an autocross demo that you could run and test your skill.

Over 3000 people attended, not counting the myriad of Volvo personnel that seemed to be everywhere making sure that everyone had a great time. There was a fine assortment of owner’s cars on display with no series left out. From a 445 flatbed truck to S70s. Something for everyone.

Mitch Duncan of ‘Genuine Classic Parts’ was in attendance and giving out copies of the list of parts now available for vintage Volvos. 12 pages, two columns wide, things are looking up for owners of mature Volvos! Also had a change to speak to Scot Hart from IPD, who was there with a beautiful 850 decked out with IPD signage. IPD is also busy with new items to improve your Volvo, just stay tuned!

The Friday night Welcome Party at the Orangeburg Holiday Inn was a good beginning to a fun Volvo weekend.

This was the eighth Open House and one of the best. The weather stayed good all day, cloudy with a hint of sun. I’m already looking forward to the 1999 edition! The ‘centerfold’ in this issue has just a small number of the photos taken by Larry Franklin so that you can get a feel for how the Saturday went.

Webmaster P.S. Jerry Sira and Paul Provencher (and others?) in WVC won People's Choice awards for their cars - click here to see the rest of the Open House Write-up and copious photos courtesy of Larry Franklin...

SPEAKER in October!!!

There shall be no guest speaker in October in order to concentrate on the business of elections!

ELECTIONS!!

The November Meeting must be devoted to nominations for Club Officers. The current group of Officers has been in place for several cycles, and while they have all done splendidly, it is truly time to try and see if new Officers can be elected. Therefore, I urge as many as possible to attend the October and November Meetings so that discussions can take place about potential candidates. For the most part, the ‘work’ involved in carrying out the duties of the various offices is not difficult and most of those serving had never held such posts before. Most importantly, it’s fun. After all, this is a hobby-related group, there are no goings on within it that bear on the future of the world as we know it. But, we do have to face the fact that some changes are inevitable and, after all, change is healthy. So, come out and speak up!

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. 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
3. 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
4. TWO 122 Sedans 1965 and 1967, with titles. One could be restored, other used for parts. Many other parts available. Best offer. Contact Dick Stilwell in Germantown, MD at 301.428.3558
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. REDSKINS [!] Not the best time to note this, but I have the sports sections from the Washington Post of Jan. 30 and 31, 1983 as well as from Jan. 31, 1988. Also Jan. 24 and 29, 1991. Long time fans will recognize these dates! They are in fair condition and complete. Asking $45 each set or all three sets for $100. 2 ’91 Redskins buttons, $5 each. Also: Two chests of drawers for garage storage use, decent and sound, $35 for the pair. Victorian chest, circa 1810, needs some refinishing, $75. ‘Wheel Dolly’, four, for easy movement of stored cars, good condition, $75 for the 4. 4 Jack stands, $25 the set. Twenty [20] small boxes, each contains about 15 to 20 automotive magazines, mostly Car & Driver and AutoWeek but with some Hot Rod, Road & Track, etc. thrown in for good measure, all in good condition $7.50 each box, all 20 for $100. NIMSLO 3D 35MM camera w/flash, NEVER used, original boxes $75 complete. Two AM/FM stereo receivers: KLH model 52 with 2 AR-7 speakers, $75; HITACHI model SR604 [class G] with 2 speakers, $75. Contact John Switzer in Bethesda, MD at 301.656.8053 or ‘switzarch@aol.com’
11. 1964 PV-544 Too rusted for restoration, but has many good parts. I also have a small assortment of 122 parts, the best being a hood in great condition, some front seats in very good condition, and some grill inserts in good condition. Contact Bruce Harmon in Arlington, VA at 703.522.9046 or at ‘BHARMON@bridge.com’
12. RADIO VOLVO model TD-6141, factory mounted in ‘89-’90 740 series cars. Amplifier is included. Fine working condition. I’ve upgraded to a CD player. $200 OBO Contact Kurt Runge in Leesburg, VA at 703.777.1447 or at ‘Krunge8202@aol.com’
13. TRANSMISSION from a 1965 P1800 $200 OBO Contact Bob Pellerin in Norfolk, VA at 757.481.3380 [H] or at 757.490.2017 [W]
14. 1966 122 fordor B20, new clutch, brakes, paint, interior. Drive anywhere. Need garage space. $3000 OBO Contact John Hamilton at 410.752.0173 [w] or 717.993.6657 [h] or at "hamilton@mail.nfdc.net"
15. SEATS for 1986 or later 240 but will work well in early 4-door 240 examples. Beige, nice condition. $200 for the pair. Contact Ray Parsons in Herndon, VA at 703.742.8274
16. Various Cars: 1983 DL wagon, white, 197K,B23, new engine + ignition harness, new impulse sender in dist., new idle motor, new tailgate shocks and hinges, auto trans, A/C, third seat, recent blower motor, resistor and switch. Asking $2200/ 1982 DL sedan, green with tan, 96K, B21F, good cloth interior, 4 speed+OD, sunroof and trailer hitch. Has sat for about 15 mo. $1000 OBO/ 1974 144GL, lt. Blue with black, 96K, sunroof and auto trans. Needs fuel system work. $500 OBO Contact Charlie in -------- at 540.436.3209
17. Various Cars: 1983 244 TURBO parts car, auto, alloys, white, 150K $500/ 1980 245 B21F, 5 speed, no rust, 245K, white, $1000/ 1984 244 B21FT 5 speed, alloys, recent head, water pump, timing belt, 225K, silver $2700. All prices negotiable Contact Todd Howes in Fairfax, VA at 703.759.4889 [H], 703.864.5415 [C] or at ‘thowes@osf1.gmu.edu’
18. Turbo Diesel Engine and Automatic from my 1985 740 sedan. Car was wrecked and I’ve stripped the power train and other goodies, and discarded the rest. One owner car well cared for. 145K on engine ran strong. Trans was rebuilt by ZF about 35K ago. Make offer, can deliver [within reason] Contact John Blazer in Fairfax, VA at 703.222.7547 [H] or at 703.591.3440 x222 [W]
19. 1967 122 Coupe California car, second owner, good driving condition, call for test drive. Tysons area. Best offer. Call 703.356.6091 or ‘aved1@aol.com’
20. 1968 145 white, engine and mechanicals excellent, inspected. Best offer. Contact Ron Lord in Fairfax, VA at 703.494.2101, after 6PM
21. 1973 1800ES Green with tan interior. PARTS CAR ONLY. Towed to Falls Church in early October ’98. Told the B20E engine ran when prev. owner let it go. Stored outside and not run for about 6 years. Front seats are gone and dash pads are ruined. Chrome very good; all glass and lenses, grill surround and bumpers are excellent. You remove the parts you want. Tell me your needs and let’s make a deal!! Contact Goeff or Jack Riehl in Falls Church, VA at 703.536.2231 or at Riehlgc@JMU.edu
22. 1800 PARTS: various 1800 series parts: doors, windshields, glass, chrome, gauges, wheels. Cheap! Tell me what you need, need to pay tuition!! Contact Goeff or Jack Riehl in Falls Church, VA 1t 703.536.2231 or e-mail me at "Riehlgc@JMU.edu"

I'm looking for a 240 DL Volvo station wagon (245) from 1982 - 1987 to be used as a picture car in a TV show. We need to do a shot in DC and I need to match the car they used on the stage in NYC. It has to be the TAN model and in good condition; and it either has to have a 'Rhees' tow hitch or be willing for us to install one. I'll need the car for a day in early Nov. for the shoot. Please contact me at JoKele@AOL.com or by phone at 410-233-7156 or 410-233-7148. Thanks for your help. Jo Keleher. Car was found by Pat at Martens, and the shoot has been done. No More notes to Jo please!

Webmaster's note: This sounds legit but do not make any assumptions. Make sure you get a written contract that specifies the condition that you expect your car to be returned and the contingencies if it is not returned as agreed. For those of you who saw the movie "Vanishing Point", just remember the scene where the Charger is racing the E-Type Jag. They get to a bridge, only one car can fit, so the Jag ends up flying through the air and landing in ruins on the creekbed.... The terms of that appearance most surely did not involve the car being returned in the same condition as supplied....

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WVC Schedule

October 27, 1998

WVC Business Meeting

Martens Volvo

November 21, 1998

Do It Yourself Session

Martens Volvo

November 24, 1998

WVC Business Meeting

Location TBD

Herb Gordon Report by Murray Loew

The DIY at Herb Gordon Volvo on September 19 was a great success. About 13 WVC members were there bright and early [though it was suggested that we start earlier] and were greeted by the enthusiastic parts and service team of Herb Gordon. Lots of oil and filters were changed, along with other fluids, hoses, brakes, water pumps, two steering racks, belts [inc. a timing belt] and miscellaneous other items. Technicians Nick, Don, and John, as well as Bill [Sawyer] from Parts were praised by all the WVCers for their knowledge, patience, helpfulness, and creation of a ‘low threat’ atmosphere. Ray Parsons, President, was making rounds also, offering additional help, suggestions, and words of experience. And the work bays were singled out by all concerned for their cleanliness. What more could we want? Well, the Good Guys at Herb Gordon also threw in a really nice lunch for those not too busy and/or greasy to eat!

Among the lessons learned by the members were "review the manual before the session", ‘check the safety latches on the lifts", and that "4 and 8 point sockets work well for the differential drain plug". All of those sound like good advice for everyone…

How old were you when you did your first oil change? What’s the age of the oldest person at a WVC DIY to do a first ever oil change by himself? Well, we are not absolutely certain, but it’s probably 66. That would describe Craig Hughes, Club member from Boston, MA., who came down for the DIY. He wants us to hold the next one closer to Boston!

Thanks to all involved at Herb Gordon Volvo who made did so much to make this a good event. We’re hoping to go back soon. And many thanks to Alan Marsh for making all the arrangements.

Beyer DIY Session _________ _By Tom Conti__

Tech. Rep. Richard Torres, once again, rose to the occasion lending his expertise to make October’s Don Beyer DIY another great WVC event. Don Beyer Mechanic, Pio Basio, and Parts people, Dick Johnson and Stephanie Nesci, also contributed to this successful DIY day.

Due to the perversity of inanimate objects, members worked at Don Beyerr until 5 PM Saturday and were not once reminded of the typical DIY schedule. Thank You, Don Beyer.

Club members moved from project to project exchanging ideas and techniques, while lending a hand where needed. Some of the work done included: replacing the universal joints and center support bearing on a ’78 244; replacing the AC compressor, receiver dryer, AC clutch, and expansion valve on an ’83 244; replacing ball joints, installing lower ‘stay’, and exhaust clamps on a ’88 765; timing belt replacement on an ’84 Turbo; and installing a new muffler and pipe, and removal of exhaust manifold to replace a broken stud on an ’81 245. This last car had to return Monday as additional studs broke. Maintenance included: transmission fluid change; overdrive filter screen cleaning; overdrive gasket replacement; under carriage inspections; bushing and steering rack inspections; valve adjustment; and, oil changes.

Some tips and lessons learned: using a hammer to loosen ball joints when a ball joint separator isn’t available and to mark the drive shaft pieces during dis-assembly so the marks can be used to ensure a smoother re-installation of the drive shaft.

On ways to improve our next DIY: Let’s all show up on time to repair, replace, and re-install. Thanks again to everyone at Don Beyer for allowing us to use the shop and for their patience!

[As indicated, this session went past our standard quitting time. We must make an effort to gauge what we plan to do and how much actual time will be required.]

October 1998 Volvamus

September 1998 Volvamus

This page updated 03/17/07 02:34:38 PM

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