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View Full Version : thinking of buying a estate,whats spares like?


pip
May 25th, 2004, 06:10
had my eyes on a amazon estate,whats the good points also bad points to look at,plus what spares like to buy and source,the cars on the road but a bit scruffy,lowered,from what i can see winder machinism on passenger door needs replacing,just walked past it not drove it,but would love to get the lowdown on points to look at from someone cheers!
Drive Safe,Cruise Hard!
Pip
Newquay,Cornwall,U.K

222s
May 25th, 2004, 14:50
Pip,

Here's a list of a few areas to check carefully:

(where there is a link, click on the pic again for a higher resolution image)

1) Roof gutters, along the whole length - see the gutter above the rear door in these pics of my spares car (which has since been cubed, otherwise I'd take some close-ups). The rust hole goes through all the layers of metal, and I could touch the top of the passenger door through it. Using a sharp screwdriver, I found that it had also weakened the metal along the gutter for several feet either side of the hole. If it's rusty here, walk away!
http://x-files.serveftp.com/paulharkerdesign/personalgallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Amazon&id=IMGP0402
http://x-files.serveftp.com/paulharkerdesign/personalgallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Amazon&id=IMGP0401

2) Top half of tailgate - these are notorious for rotting out from the inside. If you see any bubbling, especially up around the hinges, it's scrap, although it may still be useable for the short term. See also Amazon tailgates thread - the tailgate from this car will be used to make a set of GRP moulds, when I get around to it.... Also check the rear edge of the roof (especially where the seal attaches) and around the hinges.

3) Below the rear loadbay side windows - this area is prone to rotting from under the seal due to condensation.

4) Front bulkhead, especially the screen surround and at the base of the screen pillars. If rusted, I'd walk away, and try and find a better car. (see link: http://x-files.serveftp.com/paulharkerdesign/personalgallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Amazon&id=IMGP0400)

5) The sills will usually be ok (galvanized), as will the floor, unless there have been waterleaks - my spares car had perfect sills, and the floors were only damaged where it had been moved with a forklift, but it was badly rusted elsewhere.

6) Front wings, especially around the headlights - it's about £400 for new ones :-(

7) Front inner wing tops (repair section available). Apparently also an MOT fail point.

8) Rear arches (repair section available). There should be a seam, as visible If not. it's been filled / badly repaired already. This is shown clearly in on eof the roof gutter pics.

9) Door bottoms - rust isn't usually visible from outside the car when the door is closed, so check carefully.

10) The padded dash top - splits, and unavailable new in right hand drive. (Most of the rest of the interior trim is available from Holland).

Best to contact a specialist regarding parts availability, but it's generally good news, especially for mechanicals:

Brookhouse Volvo Parts: http://www.classicvolvoparts.co.uk/

Amazon Cars: http://www.amazoncars.co.uk/

South Service (Tony Barrett): http://www.amazon.uk.com/

However, here are many good points!! If it has twin carbs and overdrive, it will make a great motorway car, even more so with a B20 - I've seen an indicated 115 (on an Autobahn, not in the UK!!), which is about 5750 rpm. The boot is huge (perfect for trips to Ikea), and the seats are very comfortable, even over long distances - I drove mine to Germany last year. The handling and roadholding is very good for its age, and the brakes are very good (assuming it has disc brakes). The later ones had servoes, but mine is (still) missing, but they are still very powerful. Don't swap the steering wheel for a smaller one - it isn't power assisted, and you'll really appreciate the big wheel when parking in a tight space - due to the tight turning circle, I find that it will fit into spaces only two foot longer than the car.

Hope this helps - if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! (Apologies for the length of this post...)

Paul

1967 Amazon 122S B20 Estate
(Half of 221 spares car now in boxes...)

pip
May 25th, 2004, 19:15
Very helpfull,as ive had dubs most my life,but just seen this slammed and dammed volvo and just is the style im into,but just frightened of getting it and finding out its a nail,so at least ive got some idea what to look for so thanx again very gratefull!
Drive Safe,Cruise Hard!
Pip
Newquay,Cornwall,U.K