1972 pv1800es

[Othen]

With respect to the seat belts

- if the webbing is damaged or the retractor is damaged, it is technically easy (although a bit fussy) to transfer the existing hardware over to a new belt and retractor. The same level of effort is required regardless of what sort of mix and match you want to do - new belt / old hardware / new retractor, old belt/ old hardware / new retractor .... . The driver's side belt on my 1971 142E was frayed and needed replacement. I wanted to retain the original buckle (which looks like yours) and mounting loop with a new belt and retractor. I detailed the process of disassembly of the old and new belts and exchange of hardware on my Sweedspeed thread.

Hi again,

I’ve enrolled on Swedespeed (not Sweedspeed - but I’m guessing that was just a typo) - but I can’t find a thread about disassembly of seat belts. If you had me a moment would you post a link so I may look up your thread? It sounds like exactly what I need.

Alan

Addendum: perhaps this is the right project thread:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/w....201780/page-2

… I’ll scan through to see if I can find the right item.

Addendum #2: found it:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/s...1#post-2270921

[Othen]

Hi again,

I’ve enrolled on Swedespeed (not Sweedspeed - but I’m guessing that was just a typo) - but I can’t find a thread about disassembly of seat belts. If you had me a moment would you post a link so I may look up your thread? It sounds like exactly what I need.

Alan

Addendum: perhaps this is the right project thread:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/w....201780/page-2

… I’ll scan through to see if I can find the right item.

Addendum #2: found it:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/s...1#post-2270921

Hi again 142 Guy,

Continuing from the above. My seatbelts seem to be the same as in the attached drawing (borrowed from your Swedespeed thread).

My driver’s (RHS) seat belt has the really nasty repair to the webbing in the attached photo. I have no idea what has happened, but I’m not happy with either the function or the aesthetics of the repair.

I’ve found a company in Chesterfield that claims to able to dismantle, replace the webbing and reassemble seatbelts, and does it by mail order. I have emailed the company for a quote - that might be a good solution.

https://www.kolourkoncept.co.uk/seat-belt-re-webbing

Whilst I’m sure I could follow your guide, I’m not sure where I’d get a ready-made belt web in more or less the right colour here in the UK.

As always, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Alan

[Othen]

Sound Deadening Material

I’ve just started checking Delores over, having not seen the motorcar for over a year. Under the bonnet looks to be in pretty good order, but the appearance is let down by the pretty scabby sound deadening material you may see in the attached photo.

Does anyone know whether this same material is available anywhere? If not I’m sure I’ll be able to find a modern alternative.

Alan :bricks:

[Othen]

I can see from the specification plate that Delores is in colour 111-2, which the VOC website tells me is:

Volvo Paint Code 111-1
111-2
111-3 Alpine blue metallic/Light blue metallic 1800E 1972
1800ES 1972–1973
140

… the motorcar has obviously been (very well) repainted during its restoration, and I’m delighted to discover it is still in its original hue.

I charged the battery overnight, and I’m happy to report it is in very good condition. That does tend to point the finger at the starter motor for the relatively slow cranking speed (although the motor does start very easily, so I must have set the FI and ignition up pretty well previously).

I can see the starter motor is more difficult to get to than on GAM’s B18 motor, because if the D-Jet and the brake servo (this motor car has servo assisted brakes - wow!). I think that is enough of an excuse to by myself a scissor jack - I’ll start looking today and see if I can get one by the weekend .

Alan

[Laird Scooby]

I’ve just started checking Delores over, having not seen the motorcar for over a year. Under the bonnet looks to be in pretty good order, but the appearance is let down by the pretty scabby sound deadening material you may see in the attached photo.

Does anyone know whether this same material is available anywhere? If not I’m sure I’ll be able to find a modern alternative.

Alan :bricks:

Try Woollies or Martrim Alan.

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/

https://www.martrim.co.uk/

I'm not sure you'll find exactly the same replacement but fairly certain you can find a modern item that is either similar in appearance or close enough that it will be acceptable.

[Othen]

Try Woollies or Martrim Alan.

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/

https://www.martrim.co.uk/

I'm not sure you'll find exactly the same replacement but fairly certain you can find a modern item that is either similar in appearance or close enough that it will be acceptable.

Thank you Dave, I think that is the sensible answer - many thanks for the links.

I’ve got the old material looking a bit less shabby with a bit of aerosol contact adhesive. That will do for now, in slower time I’ll look through the two suppliers stocks and find something similar.

[Othen]

Hi again 142 Guy,

Continuing from the above. My seatbelts seem to be the same as in the attached drawing (borrowed from your Swedespeed thread).

My driver’s (RHS) seat belt has the really nasty repair to the webbing in the attached photo. I have no idea what has happened, but I’m not happy with either the function or the aesthetics of the repair.

I’ve found a company in Chesterfield that claims to able to dismantle, replace the webbing and reassemble seatbelts, and does it by mail order. I have emailed the company for a quote - that might be a good solution.

https://www.kolourkoncept.co.uk/seat-belt-re-webbing

Whilst I’m sure I could follow your guide, I’m not sure where I’d get a ready-made belt web in more or less the right colour here in the UK.

As always, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Alan

Continuing: I’ve been checking Delores over today, and have come across a reel of seat belt webbing in about the right colour (as in the photo).

I’m wondering whether I could just dismantle the mechanism myself, just as you did 142 Guy, thread the new webbing through and cut it to exactly the same length, then take the whole assembly to some place that had a heavy dirt sewing machine - like an upholsterer or a sail maker?

Alan :bricks:

[Othen]

New to me - Delores

Continuing my check over the motorcar, I’ve found a few interesting things.

As you may see from the photo, the mileage shown is 74,170 - which means it has only done 152 mikes since I serviced it in April last year. The oil on the dipstick confirms that, it is glistening. Under the bonnet everything looks exactly as it should - and reasonably smart as well.

The small spares box in the hatch contained a couple of very good condition genuine Volvo door/wing mirrors, I have a feeling they came with a Delores when SW bought it. The car could really do with some door mirrors because visibility at the back and sides is terrible. It looks like Delores has never had them fitted though (at least not since its restoration) and the finish is marvellous throughout, so I’m very dubious about drilling holes. I’ll have to make a value decision between the utility of door mirrors and spoiling the almost flawless finish at some time :shocked:.

What looks like the original radio delete plate in still present, as is the fly lead for the aerial. It looks like Delores has never had a radio fitted, but as we discussed yesterday I think it would benefit from a modern spindle radio.

I’ve insured Delores today (only £86 for the year), so I’ll pop out for some gas this afternoon and see if everything is working as it should. After that I’ll sit down and make a plan to get all the loose ends fixed during the winter.

I’m happy with the P1800, it will compliment GAM very well.

Alan :bricks:

[Othen]

I took Delores out for a run - just into ‘Vegas to fill up with gas, then (deliberately) through town to get everything nice and hot. Everything seemed fine - the heater works - and it is nice to have servo assisted brakes. When I got home (and not until then) tickover speed suddenly increased from 800RPM to about 2,000. I feared the worst about the D-Jet system, but thought I’d try the easiest thing first: lubricate the throttle cable. I gave the cable and its return spring a liberal soaking in RP90, and started the motor again - tickover was back to normal. I’m fairly confident that has sorted the problem - phew!

Having had a look and drive of the motorcar today, I have formulated a plan:

1. Take the driver’s window regulator apart and come up with a method to repair it.
2. Dismantle the driver’s seatbelt and get the webbing replaced.
3. Replace the lumbar adjuster screw on the driver’s seat (I think it was removed when the leather seat covers were changed.
4. See if there is any way of increasing the resistance for the two door stops (it may be that they all slop around a bit).
5. Flush the cooling system.
6. Flush the brake fluid.
7. Change the gearbox oil.
8. Service the engine - in particular go through the D-jet system (it all looks okay).
9. Adjust the tappets (at least one is a bit noisy).
10. Investigate a couple of spots of oil I could see on the drive after parking it outside all day. I don’t think there is any serious problem, and on a 50 year old motor it might be a good idea to give it a good ignoring and buy some rubber garage mats.
11. Fit a modern spindle radio.
12. Maybe (if I’m brave enough) fit the door mirrors.

I think that is about it (although I suspect there will be a few more as I start taking things apart). Not much really - the good thing is no sign of rust and the mechanical systems all seem fine.

:bricks:

Addendum: I can’t be sure of the current mileage (74,170), but I do have a history file going back as far as a MoT on 28 September 1992, when the recorded mileage was 70,609. The history over the past 32 years is fairly continuous, which does suggest it has only covered 4,000 miles in those 3 decades. It sounds plausible that the motorcar might well have covered 70,000 miles in its first 20 years - so perhaps the current odometer reading is correct. We can’t be sure either way of course.

[hlp]

Hi again 142 Guy,

Continuing from the above. My seatbelts seem to be the same as in the attached drawing (borrowed from your Swedespeed thread).

My driver’s (RHS) seat belt has the really nasty repair to the webbing in the attached photo. I have no idea what has happened, but I’m not happy with either the function or the aesthetics of the repair.

I’ve found a company in Chesterfield that claims to able to dismantle, replace the webbing and reassemble seatbelts, and does it by mail order. I have emailed the company for a quote - that might be a good solution.

https://www.kolourkoncept.co.uk/seat-belt-re-webbing

Whilst I’m sure I could follow your guide, I’m not sure where I’d get a ready-made belt web in more or less the right colour here in the UK.

As always, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Alan

I had arranged to have my seat belts refurbished with the following people, but Covid got in the way and I haven't sent them yet. They sounded OK on the phone and might be worth contacting.
'Safety Belt Services' <sbsbedford@aol.co.uk>
Safety belt services
Unit 1
Old mill
Mill lane
Keysoe
Bedford
Mk442hn

Best of luck. Regards, David.

[142 Guy]

Hi again,

I’ve enrolled on Swedespeed (not Sweedspeed - but I’m guessing that was just a typo) - but I can’t find a thread about disassembly of seat belts. If you had me a moment would you post a link so I may look up your thread? It sounds like exactly what I need.

Alan

Addendum: perhaps this is the right project thread:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/w....201780/page-2

… I’ll scan through to see if I can find the right item.

Addendum #2: found it:

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/s...1#post-2270921

Yes, spelling error.

Yes on that second link starting on page 3. Unfortunately the pictures from user Brandom showing the R&R of the belt on the retractor reel have broken links. Earlier in the thread on page 2 there is a photo showing the attachment on a more modern reel; but, as I recall the replacement reel and belt that I acquired (and the original Volvo reel and belt) were essentially the same.

Since Brandom originally posted photos of the retractor reel attachment I didn't bother including any in the above thread. However, now that I know the date I can search my laptops (I have three) to see if I have any photos I took when I threaded the belt back on my retractor. When you have the belt fully extended on the retractor it is rather obvious how the belt is held on the retractor. The creativity occurs in how you keep the retractor mechanism in the retracted position while you remove the belt and thread in a new / different belt.

[Othen]

Yes, spelling error.

Yes on that second link starting on page 3. Unfortunately the pictures from user Brandom showing the R&R of the belt on the retractor reel have broken links. Earlier in the thread on page 2 there is a photo showing the attachment on a more modern reel; but, as I recall the replacement reel and belt that I acquired (and the original Volvo reel and belt) were essentially the same.

Since Brandom originally posted photos of the retractor reel attachment I didn't bother including any in the above thread. However, now that I know the date I can search my laptops (I have three) to see if I have any photos I took when I threaded the belt back on my retractor. When you have the belt fully extended on the retractor it is rather obvious how the belt is held on the retractor. The creativity occurs in how you keep the retractor mechanism in the retracted position while you remove the belt and thread in a new / different belt.

Thank you.

I had a look today. I’m thinking it would be best done with the whole unit on the bench as access is a bit limited on the P1800ES. I think I could probably hold the fully extended retractor in place with some Mole grips whilst swapping it over.

If you found the photos that might be very useful.

Alan :bricks:

[142 Guy]

Hi again 142 Guy,

Continuing from the above. My seatbelts seem to be the same as in the attached drawing (borrowed from your Swedespeed thread).

My driver’s (RHS) seat belt has the really nasty repair to the webbing in the attached photo. I have no idea what has happened, but I’m not happy with either the function or the aesthetics of the repair.

I’ve found a company in Chesterfield that claims to able to dismantle, replace the webbing and reassemble seatbelts, and does it by mail order. I have emailed the company for a quote - that might be a good solution.

https://www.kolourkoncept.co.uk/seat-belt-re-webbing

Whilst I’m sure I could follow your guide, I’m not sure where I’d get a ready-made belt web in more or less the right colour here in the UK.

As always, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Alan

Indeed, that repair looks nasty and I expect that the lapping of the belt at the repair probably compromises retraction.

In my case I purchased a complete new belt & retraction reel and just transferred the existing shoulder loop and buckle to the new belt and reel. The only thing you have to 'match up' when doing this is the total belt length. I expect the 1800 may have a rather long belt; but, a lot of the on-line seat belt vendors provide length options for the belts. From one of the pictures, it appears that your belts are blue. That may complicate things in terms of finding a new belt and reel from a lower cost on-line vendor like I did (you can have any color as long as it is black). If you want to color match then you may have to deal with one of those custom seat belt specialists. If you are prepared to switch to black then I expect that this is a moderately easy / low cost fix. In that post on belt repair I see that I noted that once the belts were out of the car it took me about 45 minutes to do the switch.

With the exception of the carpet and headliner everything in my 142 E is black and toasty toasty hot on a sunny day.

[142 Guy]

I’ve just started checking Delores over, having not seen the motorcar for over a year. Under the bonnet looks to be in pretty good order, but the appearance is let down by the pretty scabby sound deadening material you may see in the attached photo.

Does anyone know whether this same material is available anywhere? If not I’m sure I’ll be able to find a modern alternative.

Alan :bricks:

I don't think that sound absorber mat is original. My friend's 1970 1800 E does not have it. Dynamat sells hoodliner

https://www.dynamat.com/products/hoodliner/

There are other vendors around if you search for hood liners or hood insulation. I don't think they do very much in terms of noise reduction. However, in your case if it was glued on it may be easier to rip off and replace / cover up rather than try for complete removal which would require cleaning off the glue residue.

On my 142, which has a significantly wider hood, the hood sheet metal was bonded to the center reenforcing ribs with adhesive. That adhesive had completely failed with the result that in the center the hood skin was unattached and would vibrate like crazy at idle. I ended up reattaching the hood to the ribs with clear seam sealant. That is something you might want to check; however, with the narrower hood this might be less of an issue on the 1800.

[142 Guy]

Continuing: I’ve been checking Delores over today, and have come across a reel of seat belt webbing in about the right colour (as in the photo).

I’m wondering whether I could just dismantle the mechanism myself, just as you did 142 Guy, thread the new webbing through and cut it to exactly the same length, then take the whole assembly to some place that had a heavy dirt sewing machine - like an upholsterer or a sail maker?

Alan :bricks:

Theoretically yes; but, in North America, most upholstery shops will not touch a seat belt because it is a safety device.