The Washington Volvo Club Washington, DC

Volvamus Excerpts - November 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. 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. A 900 series Volvo with a bad headlamp is not amusing! Nor is an 850 in similar straits! Wonder why driver wasn’t embarrassed! Make sure ALL your lights function correctly!

• 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!!!! 

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

• Please note the change of address for Alan Marsh on the ‘masthead’.

• Noted that the latest edition of the ‘Jeopardy’ Teen Tourney gives away a Chevrolet now, not a Volvo as before. A ‘Cavalier’ at that! Bummer! How’s that for incentive!

Last month’s back cover contest car was a bit too esoteric for our readers. No one came close. Even Maxwell Smart would have been stumped! The subject car was a 1968 Facel III convertible, built by Facel Vega. Based in France, Facel Vega is best known for huge four place coupes with large Chrysler hemi V8s. A French Thunderbird, if you will [think of the four place t-birds, 1958-1967]. Toward the latter days of the company, they built small two seat convertibles. Initially these cars had an in-house four-cylinder DOHC engine. When finances got strained, Facel began to buy engines from various European companies and Volvo was one. It's a beautiful car, well proportioned, but it just never ‘caught on’ and eventually, the company folded. I was tempted to buy this particular example, but wiser heads prevailed! My Insurance agent thought I was being droll when I mentioned it to him.

Webmaster note:   I disqualified myself since John and I had discused this marque on several occasions.  To claim "cognescienti" status with insider knowledge (albeit 5-years old) would have been thin.  ppro

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 $250 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. 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.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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]
11. 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
12. 1983 turbo wagon needs restoration, but comes 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. 1982 GLT wagon RED, 112K, Power locks, mirrors and windows, leather interior, THIRD SEAT, NEW: Turbo, neutral safety switch, fuel pump relay, and front tires. Excellent interior. MD Inspected. Asking $2000. Contact Adam Mickey in Easton, MD at 410.476.4322 or e-mail thelizard_1979@yahoo.com
19. FOUND! In junker 144 at junkyard. Various body repair pieces inside the car, not Volvo, but J.C. Whitney. For info on location of this find, Contact Jack Riehl in Northern VA at 703.526.2231 or e-mail to JAR@imd-net.com
20. WANTED!!! Tail gate assembly for +/- 1984 245DL wagon. Contact Joe Friebele in Bethesda, MD at 301.341.5722 [h] or e-mail friebele@erols.com
21. C70 Series! Four new Pirelli 245/17 tires on BBS rims for any C70 series! Cost new: $2600. Lets talk! Contact Harry Zagami Sr. at 301.261.3333 or at 410.320.5209 or e-mail HZAGAMI@webtv.net
22. 1978 B21F/M46 from 1978 245 in good running condition. Engine comes with all accessories except AC compressor. Cost open. Contact Jim Whalley in Northern VA at 703.777.3563 [h] or at 703.453.1282 or e-mail WHALLJI@mail.northgrum.com
23. 1988 780 Black with tan interior. 138K, very good, but not excellent, condition. MANY NEW PARTS: exhaust, AC compressor, shocks, front end bushings, ball joints, battery/starter cables, front brakes. VG Goodyear ‘AQUATRED II’ tires. Maintained for last two years by CEDAR GREEN Automotive in Sterling, VA. Fun to drive and a classic! $7000 OBO. Contact Bill Kolster in Northern VA at 703.858.2459 or e-mail wkolster@erols.com Digital pics available.
24. ALLOY RIMS FOUR 25 spoke 14" alloy rims, PN 1128730, will fit any 240 series. No tires. All four for $300. Contact Rex Brown in Wash. D.C. at 202.332.2306
25. Parted Out 760DT wagon parts! Include NEW third seat in Black leather, Fenders, Hood, Tailgate and misc. other items. Your offer, my price. Contact Howard Wetzel in Rockville, MD at 301.929.1604
26. WANTED M41 transmission for the ‘Toad’. Contact John Switzer in Tilghman, MD at 410.886.2555 or e-mail switzarch@aol.com
27. 1982 VOLVO GL excellent condition, four door, silver with blue interior, 4 speed w/OD, AC, many factory/Volvo options, garage kept, serviced at WB Motors in Fairfax. $3000 Contact Lois Spratt in Fairfax VA at 703.978.2382

 

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

WVC Schedule

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

Thanks to ALL those persons, dealerships and shops that helped make our 1999 DIY program such a success. The DIY program is one of the most anticipated and attended we have had in our 24 year history. It will continue into 2000, with your help and support, and be even bigger! Kudos to ALL!!!

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

Current Events

We welcomed Ray Parsons back from another of his trips last month! He had been over in England once more.

Alan Marsh reported on the status of the DIY program, which is winding down for 1999. The last event, on Nov. 20, will be at Martens. He is planning to try to maintain the same basic schedule in 2000 with some additions.

Alan also reported that a search for the site of FIRANDE 2000 is in process and that several locations have been penciled in. If you have any suggestions or would like to volunteer to assist, please give Alan or Ray a call. He also tested the crowd on having a ‘winter’ Firande. If you like the idea----send him a card.

The January 2000 meeting will have, as the guest speaker, an attorney specializing in ’Lemon Law’ cases. The Meeting Date is January 25, 2000. Location to be announced.

As many as possible are urged to attend. It should be an interesting evening!

Many of those present suggested that Club memorabilia be available at all meetings. Good idea and it shall be done.

The need for members to attend the next meeting and ‘get busy’ with Nominations was encouraged. Don’t stay away and let ‘someone else’ take care of things and then complain about how things are. As Phil Silvers might have said, "Harry, Speak Up!"

NEXT MONTH:

Main topic on next month’s agenda will be nominations for the Club Officers for 2000. Ballots will be in the issue of VOLVAMUS that comes after this meeting. As we start into the last year of the Second Millennium, we need to make sure we have positioned ourselves to go forward.

We should also celebrate our 25^th year in some unique, yet tasteful, way. [No party hats] Maybe that should be the theme for our Firande 2000 get-together?

All are encouraged to wear their WVC ‘Name Tags’ at this meeting. If you’d like one, come to the meeting and you will get one.

Volvo issued an information bulletin in October 1999 regarding a program for reconditioning parts for out of production 200/700/900/850 series models.

A reconditioned exchange genuine part is a part that has been removed from a customer’s vehicle or from an end-of-life Volvo and returned to its original condition. The process will take place under Volvo quality control, which will enable a full, 1-year VOLVO warranty on the reconditioned genuine part.

There will be no core charge on any of these new reconditioned parts. The new range of parts [the parts numbers will range from 8250000 to 8250999] is a mix of pedals, brackets, ventilation ducts and internal engine components [low wear items].

These reconditioned new parts will replace parts now in the active inventory, over time, as those stocks deplete.

This sounds like a good effort by Volvo to help owners of the specified cars keep them running and on the road. It’s one of the problems they have: the cars are so good, people keep them for a long time! Many Volvo customers keep the ‘old’ Volvo when they buy a new one. The ‘old’ one is passed along to the newest drivers. This program should make keeping that ‘older’ Volvo easier and, with the warranty, let you relax about the quality of using a ‘reconditioned’ part.

They are indicating that prices of these reconditioned new parts will be lower then the prices of original parts. Another plus where so many of us appreciate it—the wallet!

The underlying reason for this new program is also environmental. Re-utilization of an item means that no new, raw materials must be used to create it. If a bracket, for example, only needs a bushing replaced to be made ‘good as new’----why make a new bracket and waste the steel, etc. needed to produce it.

A program where everyone saves. What a concept!

The blessed, black 745T has been over at Gary Martin’s shop several times over the last month or so. First, it would hesitate and die when starting in the morning, then it developed a hesitation between 2000 and 2300 RPM. Well, Gary and Pat and Steve and Angel and Ivan analyzed and tested every system in the car that seemed a potential source for the problems. Many of the car’s component were original [it’s an ‘88] and had just come to the end of their trail. The distributor cap fell apart when it was removed to be examined, for example. But, thanks to the bulldog-like tenacity of Gary, the starting problem was sorted out. And the cause of the hesitation has been narrowed down to the in-tank fuel pump and the sending unit and the hose that connects them. The hesitation does not occur when the tank is full, only after it is down about 6 gallons or so. The 745T will be going back to Gary’s on November 6 to see if these components are at fault. Steve Seekins handled the exchange, in went a new in-tank pump, out went the old pump! As of two days later: NO hesitation. Yea, Steve! The hose between the in-tank pump and the sending unit had failed and it was ‘gulping’ air. And NO leaks! Perfect!

I really like Gary Martin’s approach to solving problems: Never give up! My lesson learned is a simple one: Components wear out! They need to be checked on a periodic basis to verify that they are still functioning as designed. Read and Heed!

The car is also scheduled to visit Martin MotorSport for one final ‘enhancement’. We [!] are going to put the 4.11 rear axle from Howard Wetzel’s 765DT on the car, replacing the 745T’s original 3.54 rear axle. THIS should make an enormous difference in the car’s performance, but the overdrive will still allow me a 3.288 cruising gear for highway usage. Details to follow.

This year has turned out to decision year for the 745T. It began to require some major repairs, prompting the ‘Do I keep it?’ question. Obviously, I have decided to keep it. It’s too rare to just get rid of! One of 988 or so and very well sorted out; it was a ‘no brainer’!

Speaking of cars [!], the Toad visited TALBOT AUTOMOTIVE [410.745.6006] back in October. Paco cleaned up the left rear fender and did some general cosmetic work on the paint. All for a very reasonable price and quite quickly too. The Toad now shines from ALL sides.

As the Year 2000 approaches, it is time for our last Election of the 1990s. The NOVEMBER Meeting has always been our Nomination Meeting, so as many members as possible are encouraged to take the time to attend. The Club could use your input as we make the transition into the year 2000! Those who have participated in the various Club events, the DIYs, and Meetings are especially asked to come. Nominate someone you feel deserves recognition, volunteer to run for an office, etc.

In the past, I’ve used the phrase "it’s your Club". That is still germane. We need YOUR input, let’s keep it Goin’!

---

Martin MotorSports, Inc.

From PV-444s to the latest C70 and S80 and V70, they can offer any assistance you might require. Martin MotorSports is a stocking dealer for the fine 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

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

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