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-   -   1961 Volvo PV544 in Holland (https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=277319)

Army Jan 21st, 2018 13:01

1961 Volvo PV544 in Holland
 
3 Attachment(s)
G'day Folks,

I've recently bought something by accident.

I was looking for a MK1 Transit van but somehow or other I've ended up with a "Katterug" - Katterug is what the Dutch call the PV444 / PV544 models...

...'Cos I'm English I don't quite know why they hit upon that one (!)

Anyway - this ended up being mine because I jokingly asked if it was for sale - and then jokingly said "I suppose you want 10K for it". Unfortunately the answer to the first question was "yes" - the second answer was "no" - but even worse - the number that followed was so low I felt compelled to take on yet another vehicle.

It must be a sickness.

Well anyway 'ere it is.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

On the whole it is amazingly solid despite being left out side for so long that there's moss growing on the trim.

It is road legal.

It has got some problems that even a Volvo virgin like myself can see...

johnjb Jan 21st, 2018 13:08

Impressive car, i wish you many years of driving

Army Jan 21st, 2018 13:11

Known history of the car so far
 
It was born in 1961

Lived in Sweden until 1972

Lived in Denmark until 1999

Has been in Holland ever since.

############

I've been trying to find out more about the car and have started the the following newbie threads =>

1)

One about the colour - this red isn't original according to the Chassis ID tag

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=277289

If you can help identifying the colour code please help - I want to save the dull paint work and learn the martial art of colour blending. The "new" paint job has been done really well so for now I think it is worth trying to save.

Mainly this needs to be done to stop me from ripping the vehicle to bits (as I nearly always do) and return it to the original colour (!)

2)

Another thread about seats

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=277294

I've got me some Amazon seats it seems

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516474423

3)

Another thread about early Volvo chassis numbers

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=277287

^^^^^^^This seems to be a bit of a shocker^^^^^^^^^^

Army Jan 21st, 2018 13:23

External trouble - inital work req'd
 
2 Attachment(s)
I've already mentioned the moss on the trim.

This and other stuff needs to be tackled pretty quickly.

The current plan with the car is

a)
Remove the trim / repair and polish / replace.
b)
With trim off polish old paint work where it is good
c)
Small amounts of welding where necessary
d)
Treat rust + repaint + blend (I've seen a few yew toob videos on this subject so I now consider myself to be an expert...)
e)
Replace rubber seals

########

Example of trouble =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516472994

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516537181

The trim on the left hand side of the car isn't nicely aligned. I thought it might be accident damage - but - after making a few measurements it seems as though the trim on the A pillar (below the schuttle) bit looks like it has been fixed on too low at the front end. There could be a lump of filler where the hole should be of course...

...nasty bits of rust forming on the swimming pool type wing tops =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516537181

Derek UK Jan 21st, 2018 14:14

There was a brighter red used on PV and 1800 models from 61-64. Just called red, but it will be called other colours like carmine red I think. I think it is the one your car is painted in now and might be the original shade. The code is #70. The colour of the PVtrick PV is 46 which was used from 58 to 72 on all of the Volvo models in those years.
This bright red is often talked about by early 1800 owners as not that many cars were painted this shade.

John Crosskey please comment as I think you had a PV Sport in this shade.

kishor Jan 21st, 2018 14:20

Pv544
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Army (Post 2360160)
G'day Folks,

I've recently bought something by accident.

I was looking for a MK1 Transit van but somehow or other I've ended up with a "Katterug" - Katterug is what the Dutch call the PV444 / PV544 models...

...'Cos I'm English I don't quite know why they hit upon that one (!)

Anyway - this ended up being mine because I jokingly asked if it was for sale - and then jokingly said "I suppose you want 10K for it". Unfortunately the answer to the first question was "yes" - the second answer was "no" - but even worse - the number that followed was so low I felt compelled to take on yet another vehicle.

It must be a sickness.

Well anyway 'ere it is.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516535925

On the whole it is amazingly solid despite being left out side for so long that there's moss growing on the trim.

It is road legal.

It has got some problems that even a Volvo virgin like myself can see...

Hi

Well, if you thinking of selling it on, please contact me.
Ta
Kassie 078 2887 9494

Army Jan 21st, 2018 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by kishor (Post 2360198)
Hi

Well, if you thinking of selling it on, please contact me.
Ta
Kassie 078 2887 9494

You move too soon: There's more to come!

They also installed the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car - so driving in London is going to be a pain...

Army Jan 21st, 2018 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek UK (Post 2360196)
There was a brighter red used on PV and 1800 models from 61-64. Just called red, but it will be called other colours like carmine red I think. I think it is the one your car is painted in now and might be the original shade. The code is #70. The colour of the PVtrick PV is 46 which was used from 58 to 72 on all of the Volvo models in those years.
This bright red is often talked about by early 1800 owners as not that many cars were painted this shade.

John Crosskey please comment as I think you had a PV Sport in this shade.

Sorry I'm really really new to this - what's the PVtrick PV?

I did think it might be code 70 from this site =>

https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.a...eference_volvo

Army Jan 21st, 2018 15:20

Some surprisingly good bits as well as some that aren't
 
5 Attachment(s)
Got a few spares - not sure if any of it will be useful just yet though

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

The radio got removed after agreeing the sale. Pain in the backside - I don't know why people are so petty...

...another not so great bit is the lip around the opening for the boot.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

I'm hoping this will be an easy fix - the rest of the structure has been treated =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

It looks like it was Hammerite - oh well - perhaps it is some Eastwood chassis black? Who can tell?

##########

Another question:- Would the inside of the boot normally be in the body colour?

##########

Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately depending on how you see these things the original B18 has gone AWOL. It has been replaced by a B20 from 1969. I'm assuming this is a low compression engine as there's just a single carb fitted at the moment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_B18_engine#B20

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

Amazing picture coming up next =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

No rust under the battery!

Army Jan 21st, 2018 15:25

Best saved until last!
 
2 Attachment(s)
Two really nice discoveries were

1)

Power brakes and front discs

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516544569

There's (currently at the time of posting) a kit sold for this retailing at about 1300 euros

(I'm sure you could find cheaper solutions but this is in my opinion is a really nice upgrade)

2)

This car is ahead of the times

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516544569

It is a plug-in hybrid!

EDIT:-

3)

Someone has also installed electronic ignition of some sort or other so I don't have to play with points. That's also quite a nice upgrade to have don't ya think?

arcturus Jan 21st, 2018 18:40

No other solid red, just the maroon red metalic, code 8 from 1953 to autumn 1955 (cellulosa) then code 21 up to model year 1957 was introduced in January 1957 (synthetic).

Mr O Jan 22nd, 2018 10:30

I love PV544. This is going to be a fantastic car. Best of luck with the rebuild.

Derek UK Jan 22nd, 2018 13:19

PVTRICK is the American PV on the other thread. Single carb is actually a Weber downdraught conversion kit. Engine you will have to check via the engine type numbers stamped on the side of the block above the fuel pump. Plug in is for a block heater for winter use. Discs good. Lots of potential here but quite a lot of rust to fix.

Example of Red#70 (Jensen build 61-62) http://volvo1800pictures.com/0_car_p...61_70_1948.php

From http://volvo1800pictures.com/PHPMake...hassislist.php

Army Jan 22nd, 2018 16:07

Had a vage wave with the polishing machine today
 
5 Attachment(s)
Today I decided that I wanted to see how bad the dull paint actually is.

Started off by cleaning off as much muck as I could before getting out the clay bar

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516633150

Then (because I'm lazy and I want to use a machine for the next bit) I taped up the edges of the area where the machine will be used. I'm using the gucci special masking tape sold for this purpose that is meant to leave as little residue behind as possible. Nevertheless I pulled it off the car ASAP as I hate having to remove adhesive from anything (!)

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516633150

Ignore the brands - I don't recommend that brand in particular - it is OK - I got it on special...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516633150

The obligatory half a bonnet done shot!

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516633150

The bit I did on the bonnet and the roof looks a whole lot better. I've only used cutting compound so far and it already seems like a different car.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516633150

Who ever painted this car in red did a stunning job. Really nice work - well worth trying to preserve (in my honest opinion as they say on the interweb as though you are expected to be dishonest about everything you post)

Army Jan 22nd, 2018 16:11

1 Attachment(s)
Oh yes - tomorrow I'm off to the paint shop to try and get a match so I can blend in the parts that need to be repainted.

The list of possibles so far are

70 - the lesser known p1800 red

155 - the blinking common late 1970s Signal Red

I've got a cover for the (badly cut) hole in the dashboard for where the radio was that has been painted the same colour as the outside - I'm hoping the paint shop has a detector gun...

EDIT

I also forgot to show something else I found today.

Took out the back seat base and found the original upholstery

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516634574

The interior code on the ID tag says it was factory fresh with 40-197

And that if I'm not mistaken that is indeed 40-197 albeit with what looks like blood stains on it (happy days)

Dirty Rooster Jan 22nd, 2018 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army (Post 2360227)
...
Amazing picture coming up next =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516543890

No rust under the battery!

That really is incredible!

Now spill the beans : in what broad pricerange was this purchase?

Army Jan 22nd, 2018 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Rooster (Post 2360644)
That really is incredible!

Now spill the beans : in what broad pricerange was this purchase?

Ummm: I'm a bit reluctant to do that. Car prices here in Holland do not compare well with those in the UK.

All I'm prepared to say at the moment is that I got a (road fund) tax free MOT exempt vehicle that is in a good road worthy state for a price that is usually associated with a project.

Army Jan 23rd, 2018 17:09

Chasing after paint codes
 
3 Attachment(s)
This is turning into a bit of a ball ache.

I went and saw a really nice lady who spent flipping ages scanning and reproducing the colour for me. She did a good job - I just bought a tester for 10 euros only to find that she can not mix automotive paint that does not need a clear coat...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516723366

The picture above shows the under colour she mixed. When / if you clear coat it, it goes a bit darker which would be about right.

Unfortunately she wasn't able (or perhaps willing?) to transpose her recipe values back into the nearest original Volvo code so I'm no further with finding out what exactly the new red colour is called.

Bummer.

I've had to do what I didn't want to do - order four different Volvo reds - lucky dip - from the online paint place I usually use.

40 Euros lighter in the pocket - and - it might not come good. Even the Dutch National Lottery doesn't have as bad odds as that! (Well actually they do - but hey spend a certain amount and they give you a tenner back which the paint shop most certainly does not)


########


Another subject:


I noticed this =>

Left hand side

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516723366

Right hand side

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516723366

I hope there's enough wiggle space to get the gaps between the lights and panel edges a bit more similar (!)

Army Jan 25th, 2018 15:16

2 Attachment(s)
After a few days of cutting compound (less than an actual working day of effort - just spread out 'cos I'm Part Time Pete) the car almost looks like a different vehicle =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516889598

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1516889598

I'm happy with that!

I'm now going to get another vehicle out of the back of the workshop so I can hide the Volvo out of harm's way and set out trestles to hold the panels I'm about to remove.

(It is about to look a whole lot worse than it does now - so prepare yourselves!)

Mr O Jan 25th, 2018 15:22

Wow, that paint looks incredible. What a transformation. Keep up the good work. This is a really interesting build.

Army Jan 25th, 2018 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr O (Post 2361732)
Wow, that paint looks incredible. What a transformation. Keep up the good work. This is a really interesting build.

Thanks

'Cos I'm not very "Volvo" yet I'm looking for some opinions / advice here =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...wpost&t=277486

If you can help that will be great

Army Jan 27th, 2018 10:54

A repeated post from the colour ID thread I started
 
Here's a few things I've learned so far =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517046415

The two samples on the left are custom made efforts that for different reasons can't be used (one for a very obvious reason)

Then the third from the left code 70 which is often called red turns out to be an orangey gold!

Code 46 as shown in the pictures on the previous page is a deeper red - almost burgundy

Code 155 signal red is a bright bugger and could very well be the original colour my PV was repainted in but after being left outside for a few years may have changed shade a bit.

I'm being sent another red for testing - I'll add that to the metal scrap later on

SimonJessop Jan 27th, 2018 22:11

Awesome Car, look forward to following your progress.

Army Jan 28th, 2018 16:31

With a little more elbow grease =>
 
3 Attachment(s)
Started to clean up the bumpers today.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517153174

^^^^ It nearly always looks worse than it is!

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517153174

^^^^ After a bit of hand polishing with old fashioned (automotive) metal polish (Not Brasso household stuff or equivalent - I think it was Autoglym)

There's still quite a rough surface where the rust has pitted the surface. Feels like sandpaper. Not nice.

I'm going to try and reduce that sandpaper effect by using this rust eating stuff =>

http://www.rustyco.co.uk/10/0/Removing_rust

(I'm using this because it is easiest to find in Holland. I think Evaporust is similar stuff found elsewhere on the globe)

#############

Please note I could have taken the fake news shot and pretended all was well!

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517153174

(Classic car selling tactics - in a certain light - squinting of the eyes - once owned by a Nun - only went to church on Sundays etc etc)

Army Jan 29th, 2018 16:26

I forgot to show this in this thread
 
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517152894

It might be a future upgrade - not sure just yet.

Army Feb 2nd, 2018 16:54

Well I said it was going to look not so good didn't I?
 
4 Attachment(s)
Had fun today

(Mainly with pants wiring that really needs a good sort out after I've done some repairs)

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517586660

As expected there's a bit of trouble =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517586660

^^^^^^
I expect to find a hole under that - angle grinder and wire brush at the ready

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517586660

Both the wings and inner wings came off fairly easily. Nasty mixture of different sized bolts of course. That will be improved in the hopefully not too far future.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517586660

With all the front end removed I might as well get the engine out...

Army Feb 2nd, 2018 17:00

Rust damage report
 
2 Attachment(s)
All in all I'm quite happy with what I have found so far.

There is a bit of rust damage but it isn't utterly dreadful. I'm most concerned about the body rust under the front right hand wing - but there' no point sticking your head in the sand about it...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517587013

^^^^
The front cross member has rusted through on one corner and there's a fair amount of rust on the inside of the tube. It has to be replaced. Whilst I've seen a replacement part for sale I'll probably just go and find a bit of 2 inch tubing and weld the old mounts on that and save some money.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517587013

^^^^
The front panel has a bit of rust on the lower edges in the corners. I reckon I can repair that quite easily. I'll weld in new metal.

The wings also have a few moth eaten edges that also need new metal.

Long live TIG!

Army Feb 5th, 2018 15:30

Today - looking at the front end damage
 
5 Attachment(s)
Just wazzing it with an angle grinder and wire brush attachment

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517840632

Someone liked filler somewhat!

For user survival necessity I had to get the hot air gun out and put the angle grinder and wire brush away - the filler started to smoke and went everywhere - nasty plastic dust...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517840632

Need to do the top too.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517841072

Paint stripper next stage I guess before a final polish off with the sand blaster


######


On other parts of the car the holes on the RHS lower A post section turned out to be a lot smaller than I was expecting.

I will be welding these holes - I want metal especially on an important part of the car. No filler for hole filling here!

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517840632

Thing is - this hole's pretty close to the pretty paint (that's not normally under the front wing) - I suspect I'll be stripping more paint than has been done so far because the plastic filler that the whole cars seems to have been dipped in will melt and de-laminate after welding heat...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517840632

Army Feb 5th, 2018 15:36

Inner wings
 
3 Attachment(s)
The inner wings - facing the heat and oil of the engine bay have seen better days =>

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517841218

Really bad cracks that were holding water behind them

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517841218

I´ve done what I can with the angle grinder and wire brush for now...

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517841218

...there is a lot of oil contamination on these panels (or it is really strange old fashioned heat proof paint gone wrong) that calls for chemical stripping...

tt82 Feb 5th, 2018 17:15

Thread moved to PV section on request of OP.

Army Feb 5th, 2018 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by tt82 (Post 2365934)
Thread moved to PV section on request of OP.

Brilliant - thank you very much - this might help cut down on the random threads I have been starting in this section!

The plan is - I will ask here instead

Army Feb 5th, 2018 19:25

What to do about the grill?
 
2 Attachment(s)
This is one of those lucky : unlucky things. The outer part of the grill is in good condition but the insert is a mess.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517854956

It looks like someone has already painted it in a silver grey

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1517854956

What would you do?

1) Pay two hundred euros for a new stainless steel one
2) Spray it silver grey again
3) Try that gucci bling bling spray chrome in a can stuff...

Derek UK Feb 6th, 2018 13:28

Careful bead blast, spray dull or satin silver and you will be very close to original. Cheapest option.

Army Feb 6th, 2018 18:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek UK (Post 2366268)
Careful bead blast, spray dull or satin silver and you will be very close to original. Cheapest option.

Have you done this yourself? In which case perhaps you have a picture?

What was the original finish like - was it chrome?

Derek UK Feb 7th, 2018 14:03

No I've not done it but it has been documented a few times in various restorations. You could get it powder coated in satin silver grey at extra expense. No need for the job to be high on the list at the moment, there are more serious things to attend to.

old fart Feb 7th, 2018 14:32

1 Attachment(s)
When I got my 544 there was no paint at all on the grill, it was just rusty metal, so I wire brushed and sanded it off, then treated it with Jenolite, then gave it 2 coats of silver paint, and it looks fine.

Army Feb 7th, 2018 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by old fart (Post 2366652)
When I got my 544 there was no paint at all on the grill, it was just rusty metal, so I wire brushed and sanded it off, then treated it with Jenolite, then gave it 2 coats of silver paint, and it looks fine.

It looks just right

Do you know if the grills were ever chromed?

Army Feb 7th, 2018 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek UK (Post 2366640)
No I've not done it but it has been documented a few times in various restorations. You could get it powder coated in satin silver grey at extra expense. No need for the job to be high on the list at the moment, there are more serious things to attend to.

Nope - not involving anyone else in the project - Dutch labour rates are not reasonable when I can do most things myself.

I have to think ahead a bit because I want to sand blast the grill on top other parts like the inner wings so I get the maximum effect of the sand shooting through those holes!

Then of course once that layer of rust is gone I need to think about protecting it before it needs to go back into the sand blasting cabinet (!)

Army Feb 7th, 2018 16:40

Today got some holes filled in...
 
4 Attachment(s)
...in the front end panel.

Starting with a scrap piece of 1mm Zincor

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1518017786

Bent it into shape

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1518017786

TIG welded into place

(Make sure you clean off the galvanised layer from the Zincor before welding - fumes from that can kill ya deed)

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1518017786

Turned out alright - it is a bit low so needs a bit of bashing wit ammer

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/attac...1&d=1518017786

Moth eaten edge (shown in picture above) next then other side...

old fart Feb 7th, 2018 20:30

That's a good start. You'll make a car of it yet!


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