Volvo Enthusiasts Club

[Chris Wickers]

As a driver of a 17 year old car I am also a member of the 'Enthusiasts Club'!

I haven't received a magazine since before the summer, and more surprisingly no renewal for membership! On contacting a fellow member, he too has not had any communication. I was particularly looking forward to the details of who was now making rear wheel arches for the 480.

I have left a message as requested on their answerphone but to date no reply. I also know of at least one other member who has had no contact.

Does anyone know what the situation is?

Chris

[Peter Milnes]

Have you tried contacting Kevin Price or is he no longer Secretary/Chairman?

All the best, Peter.

[JOHN 850]

This club has been in difficulty for a while due to the idiot in charge aka Mr Price PLC. He seems to think he's accountable to nobody especially the membership & refuses help from members as he thinks they want to take the club away from him !!

I was the 300 series keeper for a while & in the end had enough of him. The only thing you got out of the club was the pathetic 'school' mag & a meet which he had the cheek to call an 'International Gathering' held in an unkept field.

Sorry, rant over, but I cannot understand what people got out of the club in the first place - he even disbanded the Regional Section due to his control freek nature & wouldn't pass on membership details to anyone wanting to start a Regional Section back up. I came to the conclusion that the subs went on his on fleet of 35 cars or so !!

Sorry for 'semi' hijacking your thread Chris, but it possibly means that it has folded altogether now !

John.

[Chris Wickers]

Thank you for the information and it certainly wasn't hijacking it!

Kevin Price's answerphone just tells you to call Christina Stadden(?) which is also an answerphone.

Even if there were/are difficulties it surley would be possible to send everyone notification?

I would be interested if anyone has actually heard from them!

Chris

[don kalmar union]

They had a small stand at the Autosport show at the NEC two weekends ago!.


Don.Norchi.

www.kalmar-union.com

TME engineered software UK distributor.

[bobcat]

"""""I was particularly looking forward to the details of who was now making rear wheel arches for the 480."""""

When i had a 480 the guy used volvo 240 arches. sounds silly i know but they didnt look any different to the original when finished.

[davebslater(uk)]

ITs me whos making rear arches for the 480 ! done two cars already who will testify to their originality .

email me if you want some more details .

[Chris Wickers]

Thank you for the information regarding the wheel arches - I have passed your details on to several people already!

I have just received a 'phone call from Christina Stadden who has assured me that the Club is still thriving, and that the reason for no magazines is Kevin Price's ill health.

There will be letters and 'magazine' going out to members in the next few days.

[Alasdair Mackay]

Lets start a new Club. We can call it.
VOLVO ENTHUSIASTS CLUB TWO UK
All replies welcome. and also new ideas for a working
comittee of non commercial members.

[VolvoFan]

Are you serious?

[Alasdair Mackay]

No not really just having a bit of fun to try and liven things up a bit. These forums are getting very boring of late. I use my pc for work so always connected.
Regards

[Chris Wickers]

Have just received my renewal at £18, and a letter informing me that there will be a 'year book'.

[classicswede]

You'r not the only one. I am a long term member of the club and dissapointed by what has happend. Do you think another club is needed or are there way to improve the OWNERS CLUB to cater for people from the enthusiasts club. Any ideas?????
All the best Dai

[Bob]

Some of the VEC members are also in the VOC. What improvements do you suggest.

Bob
_____________________________
Robert Isaac
Volvo Owners Club
Director and Web Admin

[classicswede]

Right Bob you've asked for it!!!
Here goes, not wanting to offend anyone I'll start with the BKV not all of us want a best kept volvo we are too busy driving thrshing them working on them and making them work. I'd like to see used cars or in use cars & restoration projects(Ive always found a car in bits is like a cowpat is to flies) encouraged and proudly displayed at the shows with the opportunity to exchange experiencies. To some people like us when we see people spending copious hours polishing cleaning and the causing a hazard to the wagons on the motorway en route to a show we say 'how sad' as perhaps they say about our well used and abused cars that probablly flew past tham en route with trailer in tow and loaded up with whatever working for their living.
Our daily drivers are classics often covering many more miles per yaer and working harder than many peoples main car. We respect the time and effort and attention to detail that these people put into these cars. However, we put time and effort into ensuring our cars are in the best possible mechanical condition to survive our monster hard working, hard driven miles. Any car of ours is likely to cover 30,000+ miles per year and the family volvos (all pre 1990) probablly cover 70,000+ miles between three cars.
What we like to see is ALL Volvos on show i.e.everything from the best BKV down to one possibly on its last MOT. The club and show should be about all Volvos and keeping them going in any form. It's great to see the show at good venues for a full weekend.
Regards mag - just looking at current Driver there's nothing for the older Volvo (tax free) cars except regular register reports and comp section if that's your thing. It's not just our opinion - other local members have said exactly the same. We are also very much into 2 series and to an extent 7 series as well. It would be nice to see either another mag or at least a seperate section for the classic Volvos preferablly containing driver experiences, people's restoration updates, possibly selected items off the forum and also a new products update page - dealers are always going to provide you with information as its free advertising! For the newer vehicles the mag is quite good but would be great if it could be the same for the classics.
I'm disappointed nobody else has resonded to this yet. Get your thoughts out here - it doesn't matter what they are!
I realise you can only publish what peoploe will write for the mag so I'm putting my keyboard where my mouth is and will offer to write
at least one article per mag if required. Let's have some other offers please!
I hope this will stir things up a bit even if only to slag me off!
I don't mind really nobody will find me - I'm a major expedition from London (only a day trip for me)!
Bob - thanks for asking what can be done - lets hope others give there view on how the club can improve and grow - this is vital.
All the best - Dai

[Peter Milnes]

The problem arises when there is absolutely no response to adverts offering restoration projects to VOC members. I have a 164 and a 66 both very worthy of restoring and with a load of spares to go with them. Do you think anyone is interested enough? Are they heck! Not a peep. Not even from the VEC. As for my up-and-coming classics (two 480s) again, not a peep! Here I am willing to let an enthusiast get a foot on the rung of restoration and nobody wants to commit themselves. Both 480s will pass an MOT, the 164 only needs front bottom ball joints and the 66 only needs steering gear adjustment to pass the MOT. Where are the restoration enthusiasts? Probably down the pub bemoaning the very small ampount of projects that they can get their teeth into. I have three 164 manuals and a DAF/Volvo factory workshop manual for the 66 and numerous spares including engine and gearbox for the 66.

The general apathy of the UK has even pervaded the ranks of the enthusiasts.

If there are no projects to enthuse over how can there be articles to support the projects.

All the best, Peter.

[stuart131]

I think what it is Peter is that most peoples time is now so tied up with trying to earn a living that a lot of us just dont have any spare any more .Years ago I used to spend most Saturdays in my mates workshop improving my car of the time .
Gradually since then it seems I have to do more and more work just to earn the same ,also in the mortgage industry in which I work ,since last year there has been so much regulation brought in that I have practically no spare time at all now
Luckily my Amazon is in fine fettle ,thats why I got one ,I needed a solid reliable older car that wouldnt be forever in bits .
I would love to spend hours improving and restoring the car myself ,but no time .I wonder how many cars there are around the country where a restoration is well intended but will never happen due to the pressure of earning a living dominating peoples lives ?
Its a shame
best regards

[stuart131]

Morning Dai up there in Yns Mon!!

Quite agree ,Ive not renewed the magazine as there was very rarely anything in it re the older Volvo /amazons /p1800 s. It would be great to have a mag for the older volvo enthusiast and Im sure many people would contribute .
In the meantime thank God for the Forum ,Ive had more help and advice from the guys on the Amazon forum in the last 12 months than in 6 years with the Ford club with my previous classic I had before I saw the light .
It seems a shame to me that there are so many "lone wolves " out here who quietly use their cars ,look after them ,suffer the disasters and enjoy the successes of old car motoring and arent able to share the experience .
Locally here in Northampton ,we used to have a club for pre 1975 cars of all makes called the Kam club.This was because there were loads of classics being used daily but none of us knew each other untilthe club made contact .We had some excellent meets where we would all descend on local steam fairs ,airshows etc but sadly this died out about 2 years ago when the mags stopped arriving ...what happened to them who knows?
These little multi marque meets work as you tend not to get the show and shine brigade(but they were welcome ) ,just average people with old motors that loved driving them .....it was a nice time ,we all helped each other as much as poss and you didnt feel so isolated .

Idont know ...perhaps its time to revive the club

best regards

[don kalmar union]

Well, I have to say that from when the 120's were discontinued up to the emergence of the 850 in the mid '90's there was little of interest to me...barring maybe a 264 for a quirky example and again for me of course the magnificent homolgation special the 240 turbo with which Volvo one the ETC.

I really doubt that there are many out there with an interest in labouring over the preservation, let alone restoration of those remaining examples of Volvo's mediocre output for so many years.

Don.Norchi.

[mike gilbert]

Its all very well moaning about whats not in this or that issue of the magazine and saying that there would be more response from people if there were a seperate branch of the club specialising in the older models - but where do you get that idea from? The reason there is nothing for the older models is precisely because nobody can be bothered to submit anything for the current publication and I'd lay quite a few quid on that remaining the same regardless of any changes the club made. Many is the time people have phoned me to moan about the lack of 1800 articles. I ask how long they've had their 1800, the answer is usually in years. I then ask what they've submitted to either magazine since owning their 1800 and the answer is always bugger all. My third question is "so where do you think these interesting articles are going to come from then", which either stumps them completely or gets them to agree to submit something and not be such a hypocrite. However I have NEVER seen these promises result in anything being submitted. I personally have no interest in modern Volvo's and would love to read more about the older cars in our magazines, but the membership gets what the membership deserves and if no one can be bothered to put pen to paper - or finger to keyboard - themselves why should they expect other members to miraculously produce articles for them to read.
Mike Gilbert 1800 Register Keeper.

[Citizen.Agfa]

Seems reasonable to me.

I shan't promise to write anything about my 'new' 144 then; that way I don't make myself a hostage to circumstance!

Nick.

[classicswede]

G-R-E-A-T at last some response and views - nice to get people talking. First let's have views over BKV who wants an area for non BKVs as mentioned in my last posting??? Does anyone else care about the other Volvos that currently hide away somewhere in the car park?
Keep your views coming in P-L-E-A-S-E!!!

Any ideas in how to get young people interested in older Volvos - I'm a very sad 22 year old coming on 50 with too many classic Volvos.
My brother has been earning a living fixing Volvos since he was about twelve and also has a large collection. I personally blame my dad making us help fix them!

Dai

Matt's 164 T(yres)E(xhausted)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/classicswede/Scannedat23-03-200520-06.bmp

[Peter Milnes]

Reminds me of the old Redex treatment, but we used to stick a wet sack over the exhaust to prevent the smoke from giving the game away!! What year is your 164 Matt and do you need another for spares etc.?

All the best, Peter.

[mike gilbert]

I agree that well used cars with a few battle scars are more interesting than the showroom condition examples, which are a bit sterile, though you have to admire the time and effort, if its the owners work and not a cheque book job. Trouble is there is already a working car class at the BKV and they also look like show cars to me, so how would you create a new class without the natural competetive element making it like every other class? How about the car at the show with the most character - thats one thing you can't build into a restoration.
Perhaps there should be a national gathering just for pre-1980 Volvo's which doesn't concentrate on concourse at the expense of real world cars. That might revive some interest, but I have to say the last meeting we had for the the 1800's - last summer and it didn't have a comptetive element - attracted only 9 cars including mine, which was also the only rough(ish) one there.
Certainly if there were one I'd bring one or both of my cars. Is there any interest out there?
Mike Gilbert.

[classicswede]

Matt's 164 is a 1974 TE. he also has a 1972 164 carb and two spares cars. What age is the one you have? any intresting bits on it?


On the subject of the lack of articles about classic volvos I can only see one thing to do, push every one I know to write something. hopefully the more people see in the mag the more willing they will be to write. I think Mike hit the nail on the head, if you don't see articles relating to your car you wont feel like writing one.
Dai

[Joe440Andrew460]

Hello All

Well a bit more of a slant towards Dai's comments (some sense from a fellow welshman - now that ought to stir things up at least!)

As a 24yr old I think we need YOUNGER people joining the club. It's been around for a while and could benefit from fresh ideas.

I fully agree that the National Rally (with BKV) should not be divided up into a field for the show cars and the car park for everyone else. How many of us who went to the National at Sutton Park went and had a wander round the CAR PARK to see a few more "real cars"?

My partner also owns an Austin A35, and their owner rallies of old (hasnt been for a couple) allow all the cars to "group" together by model with a simple register procedure if you want your car entered into the competition allowing visitors to enjoy the whole range of cars that have made it to the show. The best part being they hold a "heap of the year" award (adds a bit of humour and breaks up stuffy pompous ceremony), my other half felt left out with one example entered, by losing to a car that was TOWED there on a trailer!!

ALL examples of cars should be seen, they're still our beloved Volvo's after all - and it also helps you to meet people with the same car as your own to discuss experiences.

As for writing for the magazine, I have never done so myself, but perhaps a younger element could be brought in as there seem to be a few "youngsters" (by age only!!) who are members and contribute to the forum - perhaps that's our generation as we are better at keyboard and mouse than pen and paper...incidentally Can you email an article?

Well that's my rant out the way

Happy Ovloving!

Andrew

[Bob]

>My partner also owns an Austin A35, and their owner rallies of
>old (hasnt been for a couple) allow all the cars to "group"
>together by model with a simple register procedure if you want
>your car entered into the competition allowing visitors to
>enjoy the whole range of cars that have made it to the show.
>The best part being they hold a "heap of the year" award (adds
>a bit of humour and breaks up stuffy pompous ceremony), my
>other half felt left out with one example entered, by losing
>to a car that was TOWED there on a trailer!!

Nice ideas, I will pass it on. Any vehicle entered in the BKV must be driven there, or it will be disqualified.


>As for writing for the magazine, I have never done so myself,
>but perhaps a younger element could be brought in as there
>seem to be a few "youngsters" (by age only!!) who are members
>and contribute to the forum - perhaps that's our generation as
>we are better at keyboard and mouse than pen and
>paper...incidentally Can you email an article?


Yes you can email an article to Dave Ovenden. He is now on Broadband so you can email pictures without his computer falling over.

Regarding your point about needing younger members, I agree, that is why some years ago a special trophy was introduced for those members under 25. But most people didn't read the entry form properly and each year the winner was (usually) well past 25. The T5 and R's have brought a lot of younger folk in and that is why I started the Performance Section, run by Phil Wright initially and now Iain. There is also a resurgence of interest in the Amazon and 1800 by younger people. The main problem is getting members to contribute something; anything. For most of the time it is the same group of people going through the same routine as last year, because changing the routine is time consuming, and we are mostly all working folk running the club in our spare time.

Here is a good example. I run the Concours section and have a stand at Alexandra Palace in early spring and the NEC in late autumn. Can I get nice cars to put on the stand? No. The NEC is a particularly enjoyable few days and you get free entry and some expenses.

It's your club and it is only as good as you make it. To end, I must thank all those that do support us.

Bob
_____________________________
Robert Isaac
Volvo Owners Club
Director and Web Admin

[Al115]

And on that note - the Performance section definitely feels quite "buoyant" at the moment, due no doubt to the hard work put in by Iain (and Phil before him, and others...)

As one of the younger members of the Club and a T5 driver, I definitely feel that the Performance section is a good fit for my interests. Of course the exhaustive knowledge of the 850/70 section is a real benefit as well.

I would personally be happy to be more involved with the Club. What chance is there to set up an email newsletter, perhaps initially based around an e-version of the paper magazine? Would be happy to look into this if no-one has already.


Alastair
----------------------------
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopost/data/500/357v70-sig.jpg

[Bob]

An e-version of the club mags is not really a viable option, as Driver's size in unedited format (with all ads) is around 4Mb. I think all the Performance folk are online so it may be possible for them. This will need to be discussed.

Bob
_____________________________
Robert Isaac
Volvo Owners Club
Director and Web Admin

[Joe440Andrew460]

Could the e-zine be put into an adobe format?

I dont know if that makes any difference to the size or not - being the complete know nothing of pc's!

[Al115]

I was presuming we would distribute the newsletter by HTML email with JPEGs inline... for example, as Sainsbury's do with their Nectar newsletter.

PDFs are great functionally, but result in large file sizes.

Maybe we could do something just on the "performance" side then. Still thinking...


Alastair
----------------------------
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopost/data/500/357v70-sig.jpg

[Joe440Andrew460]

Tell me more about the performance side of the club as we'll be owning a T5 next week, finally got a deal from the local dealer so I'm currently grinning like a cheshire cat!!

[Al115]

Monthly meets to swap war stories - rolling-road sessions - the occasional trackday / 1/4 mile strip gathering - and more...

Why don't you come along to April's meet at the Crooked Billet? Details in the Performance Forum, Iain C's your man.


Alastair
----------------------------
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopost/data/500/357v70-sig.jpg

[JOHN 850]

Bob,

I am quite surprised re: your comment about getting people to show their cars at the NEC, or lack of. I verbally said you at last years National that I would be willing to come with my 360GLT (that got runner up there) to the NEC. I heard nothing from you & rang you in Aug/Sept to again make you the offer & you never returned my call !! I have also sent photos' + an article to Jack Cluer, again none of them have been used. What else can us members do !!

I was also VERY upset with Dave Ovenden, as I emailed him a very good photo of Ted Browns 360 & mine, which were the winners of last years National for the Driver front cover. This 'shoot' took time & effort to setup & wasn't used on the cover or ever since. This sort of attitude doesn't really make members fell that their contributions are wanted. In Dave's words when I spoke to him over sending the photo, "I haven't got a clue really over photos or much about computing" Well if that's the case, for Christ's sake, get somebody in the job who DOES know about digi photography, email etc etc & perhaps we would have better quality photos' & a better mag.

John.

[K966PLF]

Hi!

See site www.volv-480-europe.org and use search function.Dave Slater of DBS Motorsport makes fibreglass rear arch replacements and as youll see on Wayne Laserowls white L plater they look pristine.

Dave DBS is on 07779 456209 and is based at Fiskerton near Lincoln.

Good Luck!

Steve Catgroom :-)

[Bob]

Sorry John, I had obviously filed this in a part of my brain that does not function too well. How are you fixed for the NEC this year. I will email you direct.

I will be in France over the next week and will speak with Dave about your photograph.

Bob
_____________________________
Robert Isaac
Volvo Owners Club
Director and Web Admin

[Bob]

This thread has gone off topic. Please start a new one in the appropriate forum and only post to this one if it refers to this topic.

Bob
_____________________________
Robert Isaac
Volvo Owners Club
Director and Web Admin