Hi,
Some progress with Olga.
She is still in the previous owner's garage in Prestatyn. I went for a day last week to start the recommissioning, by removing parts to be replaced or repaired at my workshop.
The engine looks clean inside, virtually no condensation rust.
I put some freeing-off oil down the bores and lifters, and left it to soak. The engine isn't siezed, but I won't try to start it until we have the preparation done.
I changed the oil and filter. I am using 10w40 for the initial start-up - a little thinner to help oil get around the engine and to wash out any sludge that may be in there. Having said that, the old oil which I drained out looked fairly good, so I am optimistic that the oil ways are ok.
Once the engine has been run up to temperature I'll change oil and filter again, swapping to 15w50.
I removed the carbs for cleaning and new seals
I have refurbished the carb heat shields
I removed the rubber fuel pipes (all will be replaced) and drained all the old fuel from the tank and pipes. It was clean looking with no debris.
I brought home the fuel pump for cleaning and testing. It's very healthy so will be refitted.
With the addition of a couple of in line fuel filters, a non-return valve and some fresh petrol, the fuel system should be good.
I'm replacing everything on the ignition system except the distributor.
As yet, I can't get access to the left rear wheel, but for the other three wheels, I removed the calipers (siezed), discs, pads and flexi-pipes. I also removed the master cylinder. All will be replaced.
There is some surface rust in the engine bay from leaked brake fluid below the master cylinder
I painted the non-wearing parts of the new discs to reduce rusting
The car was driven to a show 10 years ago, after it had been standing 5 years. This seems to have been done with no preparation, because it looks as though binding front brakes have burnt the grease in the hubs and damaged the bearings. I'll replace the bearings before we drive her.
The radiator is currently being re-cored. I have cleaned out the expansion bottle and fitted a new cap. I'll fit a new thermostat.
The water pump sounds and feels alright. I'm hoping it will last a few weeks, until I do a refresh on the front of the engine. I want to fit new oil seals and an alloy timing gear, new bottom pulley (see below) as well as a new water pump.
When I was working on Olga, I took some more bodywork photos. The usual 140/164 rust spot behind the bonnet hinges seems really good
The rear wheel-arches and spare wheel wells are amazingly good for a 47 year old Volvo
The sills are fairly good, but a couple of the doors have some rust on the lower seam
There is some evidence of a front-end bump early in the car's life. I'll investigate that more when she is home.
The rear shock absorber mounts seem good (although I think the left side reinforcing plate might have some rust on its front edge).
In general, Olga seems to have lovingly cared for, but in contrast there are a few examples of very shonky work.
She had three different types of spark plugs fitted, and a random selection of plug leads
The fan-belt fitted was too short, necessitating the alternator being pressed against the block. Of course. this would make the fan-belt very difficult to fit. Rather than get a longer belt, someone has butchered the bottom pulley to get the belt on...
Finally someone has tried to make a new exhaust, but it's a poor effort. It should last long enough to get the car MOT'd, but it will have to go pretty soon. The pipe over the axle is too low and will hit it on speed bumps.
While I was there, Jeanette (the widow of the original owner) dug out some photos of Olga on family holidays in the early 70's. Very nice to see this history
Jeanette remembers this photo, on Skye, very clearly because the fire brigade were on the way. If you look closely you can see the chimney of their holiday cottage is on fire!
That's all for today.
I am going to refit all the parts, and hopefully bring Olga home, on the weekend of 24/25th June, with friends Ellis and Ryan (HemiHusky on here) coming along to help.
Before then, there will be more preparation work to report on
Cheers
John