The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - October 1999

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. 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 .   Use your car phone intelligently! Stop and make the call whenever possible.

• 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!!!! 
  • Did you send your pictures in yet??? Why not?

• Jerry and Darlene Sira made it down to the VSA Meet in Ashville, NC. The Concours was held at the Biltmore estate, right on the front lawn. Great location! WVC-er Boyd Swartz’s parents won the 200 series class; Ernie Williams took the modified 122 class; David Culpepper took ‘Best in Class’ and ‘Best in Show’ with his 1800ES; Boyd Swartz drove Garland Culpepper’s PV-544 down and it won ‘Best in Class’. A fine showing by the WVC Virginia contingent. Jerry didn’t take his 122s, he had to drive a new RED C70 coupe, courtesy of our friends in Rockleigh! Tough!

• Duane Matejka reports in the latest issue of S-E-ES that Jim Stem had a spot of bother in the Volvo Historic Series races at Pocono back in June. His 142E was ‘pranged’, but only bodywork was damaged and Jim was Okeh. Part of the ‘learning curve’.

• "Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug." Eli Gold

Martin Stickley and his wife, Dottie, made a vacation run over to Sweden from their temporary London digs. And, of course, Martin made Volvo part of the trip. In late August they attended a Volvo Owner’s Meet in Goteborg. Next issue, there will be a spread of photos. Suffice to say, there are some truly interesting Volvos out and about in their country of origin! They had a wonderful time, thanks in no small part to the generosity and friendship of the Volvo owners that they met from all over Europe. Martin does make it obvious that this annual event should be on every Volvo nutz ‘to do’ list!!

The 745T has been giving trouble recently, a hesitation has appeared between 2000 and 2500 RPM. I drove the dear beast over to MartinMotorSport in Alexandria to let Gary and the boyz have ‘a go’ at it. It was there for a bit and many of the original components had reached the end of their useful life, as they say, so these bits were replaced. Still hesitated, despite a dose of 44K. Much head scratching, but Gary is like a bulldog. He didn’t want to hear the word ‘can’t’ spoken around him. Drove it some more and discovered that the hesitation occurs most readily when the gas tank has less then 5 gallons in it. So, the in-tank pump, which is original, will be replaced. Car runs GREAT, except for that.

I also took the car over to a shop in Easton and got a 2.5" exhaust, cat back, with no mufflers except for a resonator tip for the price of $163.00. Noise is NOT excessive. People do not turn around and point at you. But, it does have a pleasant drone at highway speeds in overdrive. That’s probably the last ‘major’ engine modification. The only overall modification in the planning stages is to install the 4.11 rear axle from a 760TD to replace my stock 3.54 rear axle. In overdrive the final ratio will still be lower then the old rear in fourth direct. It’s a math thing.

On the 23^rd of October, the Toad will have his debut in a Car Show at the Inn at Perry Cabin, over in St. Michael’s. He can’t win a trophy, but what the heck [Modified, no trophies awarded]. An A.A.C.A. event, there should be some fine cars there, if the rain stays away.

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

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. 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. 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
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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
7. PARTING out 1984 245DL diesel, five speed trans, 160K. Engine not working. Contact Roger Anderson via e-mail at rqajpa@erols.com.
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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]
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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.
17. 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
18. 1967 P1800 California car [NO DETAILS-Email AD] Contact John C. Joulakian in CA. At 818.956.3775 or e-mail mail16079@pop.net
19. 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
20. 1962 P1800, serial # 1942 In great shape, ready to have restoration completed. Repainted to original gray color recently, 15K on rebuilt engine, rebuilt front end. Many new and recently replaced parts. A western car most of its life, in storage last 6 years. Asking $6000. Contact Michael Blenis in Reston, VA at 703.391.8494 or e-mail mrblenis@west.raytheon.com
21. Tires and Wheels: 185/65+R15 Gislaved M+S NORDFROST tires, two new, two slightly used, on VOLVO steel rims with wheel covers. $1000 for all four. Contact Kristen Lundeberg in Alexandria, VA at 703.333.5328 or e-mail kirsten1972@yahoo.com
22. Wheels and tires: four Goodyear Eagle Snows 195/60x15 tires on Volvo alloy wheels for 850 series Volvo. About 17.5 K on tires. $1000 OBO Contact John Soma in Fairfax Station, VA at 703.643.2249
23. Tires and wheels: Four snow tires, wheels and wheel covers. Used on 850 wagon. GISLAVED, 185/65Rx15, plenty of tread left. Cost new $ 765, will sell for $200 OBO. Contact Jim Byers in Alexandria, VA at 703.768.9361
24. FOUND! I found a 144 series Volvo in a junkyard, it was pretty much junk, but, inside the car were 6 to 8 new body parts, All appear to be in good condition and appear to be from J.C. Whitney. Receipt found with them is dated 1992. I can lead you to this location, if you could use the parts. I can’t use them, maybe YOU can. They look like rockers, floorboards and wheel wells. Interested?? Contact Jack Riehl in Alexandria, VA at 703.526.2231 or e-mail JAR@imd-net.com
25. 1972 Volvo 164E (white) for sale. Only 48,600 original miles. Engine runs great. Looks good - needs a little bit of refurbishment, but not a  great deal. A classic. Contact MCM@email.com, or 202-237-7337. Ask for Robert or Mike.
26. 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

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

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 joined our program in September, 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.

The remaining DIY for 1999 will be at:

November 20: Martens Volvo, Bethesda

Officer of the Day [OD]: This year we spread 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. We still need volunteers for the 2000 series, so please let me know if you’re interested in serving as an OD, can assist, or have a great idea for a topic or location. The best way is to call me evenings at [202] 966.6487 or e-mail me at ‘alan.b.marsh@worldnet.att.net’.

‘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.

Don Beyer Alexandria DIY_ _by Alan Marsh

On Saturday, September 11^th Don Beyer Volvo Alexandria hosted its first-ever Do It Yourself session for the Washington Volvo Club. Even though they have regular Saturday service hours for their customers, they made space on one side of their shop for eight enthusiastic WVC members and their Volvos.

We performed a variety of maintenance work on four different series. 940 : Wren Sigrest changed a tire, balanced two wheels/tires, inspected his front brake pads, and changed his oil & filter. Berneta Spence changed her oil & filter, checked for the source of a vibration in her steering column, and replaced her front rotors & pads. 850 : Chris Herrmann changed his oil & filter, changed his transmission fluid, and replaced his distributor cap and his PNP switch. 760 : Cameron Herrmann changed his oil & filter, changed his transmission fluid, and replaced his rear brakes. 240 : Jim Pope repacked his front wheel bearings, flushed his power steering fluid, and cleaned his throttle plate. Bob Noe learned nearly everything there is to know about a burned out air mass meter. Alan Marsh replaced his timing belt and accessory belts, replaced the three front engine seals, and replaced his air filter.

Among the lessons learned : (1) When changing front brake pads on a 940, don’t remove both slide bolts, just remove the bottom one and rotate the caliper up and out of the way. (2) It is very important to torque the wheel nuts to the correct torque for the alloy or steel wheels – check the manual for torque value. (3) The power steering flush can be done several ways – Jim likes disconnecting the return hose to the pump, starting the engine, and pumping a couple of quarts of new fluid through the system. Then he reconnects the return hose and refills with new fluid.

Virtually every member commented on the friendliness of the Don Beyer Alexandria staff. We also liked the clean and well-lighted shop, and the well-stocked parts department. There was lots of teaching, not just doing, and we learned a lot, especially about brakes, pads, and rotors.

We thank Patrick Brooks, Service Manager, and the rest of the Don Beyer Alexandria staff for a great day. Master mechanic Bill Blackwood did an excellent job of giving all of us guidance on our many different tasks, and Carlos Castro and Nick Horak in the parts department provided topnotch attention to our needs for our different Volvo series, years, and models.

We hope that we were on our best behavior, so that we may be invited back, and more of our Alexandria area members can experience this newest Don Beyer Volvo location.

Herb Gordon DIY by Wren Sigrest

Saturday, 9 October 1999, was another successful DIY at Herb Gordon Volvo in Silver Spring, MD. Vehicles present ranged from a 1978 244 to a hot rod, red, 1998 V70 AWD – 20 years of Volvos! Work performed included: brake inspections, brake pad changes, brake system flush, and an ATE flush. DIY-er of the day (author proclaimed) goes to Jim Pope who balanced four tires, changed a thermostat, performed a before/after tailpipe emissions test, and replaced the CAT on his 200k mile, ’84 245. All in attendance praised the courteous and friendly help of the knowledgeable Volvo technicians, Steve Stagcavage and Donnie Swecker, who chose to spend their Saturday with us. Also present from Herb Gordon was Joe Devlin (Service Manager), Bill Sauer and Keiron Meghoo (Parts), Rich Tomlinson and Dana Axtell Bill Sauer and Keiron Meghoo (Parts), Rich Tomlinson and Dana Axtell.

Several WVC participants noted how beneficial and economical it was to have a Volvo tech available to walk around our cars and provide an expert evaluation of the car’s condition. This alone is worth the $10 registration fee! Since only six WVC members took advantage of this DIY, WVC would like to encourage all members to participate in future events. The environment is always friendly and inviting. The atmosphere is always courteous and helpful. Come on down!

In addition to the fantastic help by the Herb Gordon team, we were provided with a delicious lunch and an impressive display of the C70 "one button" convertible top operation. Thanks to everyone from WVC and Herb Gordon that participated in order to make this event possible.

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

Current Events

If you haven’t visited Mike Cunningham’s shop, "Bethesda Import Specialist" [301.656.0056], recently you are in for a real treat. Mike’s new shop is quite impressive—and he has parking! Undercover or on the upper deck. Yep, that’s right, he even has an upper deck. Impressive!

Two representatives of MonacoUSA, Valerie Nahmani and Malita Mayers attended the meeting and brought along a fine example of the seats that their firm produces. Very similar to Recaro, but at more reasonable prices. MonacoUSA has a range of styles for most any type of installation. Well worth consideration if you want to go that extra step in creating YOUR own Volvo. MonacoUSA makes installation brackets for Volvos from the 122/1800 up to the latest 800 series. Or, if not on the fitments list, they can fabricate brackets. The Club is considering a discount program, for members only, that could be quite attractive. Our thanks for their participation and for their kind offer to give our members this discount program. If you like to contact MonacoUSA directly, 301.654.4522 or go to HTTP://WWW.monacousa.com

Our second guest was Scott Martindill, owner of MOBILE ONE DETAILING [301.229.3285]. Scott sub-leases space from Mike. This is a full service detail shop---he even makes ‘garage’ calls! Scott gave us the 50-cent tour of his shop and answered questions about waxes and cleaners. Scott was asked to host our visit by Mike at the last minute and he was kind enough to do so. Many thanks to Scott!!

The Club side of the meeting included a report on the DIY program by Alan Marsh. Steve Seekins then spoke on a do-it-yourself brake bleeding system that he has been checking out. This new system appears to be an improvement over several of the current gadgets now available.

We let Scott close up around 9:00 PM and called it a night. Thanks, Mike and Scott!

NEXT MONTH:

We’ll be back at Martens for the October 26 Meeting. As noted in the Schedule last month, costumes are optional. It’s Halloween, after all! Just don’t go nutz!

[We are hoping to have a guest at an early 2000 meeting who shall talk to us about the various ‘LEMON LAW’ aspects of car purchasing. How to protect yourself, etc. Could be interesting!!]

We have to prepare ourselves for the Election of Officers, scheduling nominations for the November meeting and voting over the Christmas ‘break’.

Very early planning for FIRANDE 2000 might as well be brought up as well. It’s never too early!

With the last DIY on the Nineties fast approaching, we might as well begin to think of the 2000 schedule. Let Alan know if you know of any interested shops!

So, October should be a busy meeting. We can’t say you’ll be nominated for an office if you don’t attend, but you can never be too sure! Hint!

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
Since 1997

Past Volvamus Excerpts

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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