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140/164 Series General Forum for the Volvo 140 and 164 cars |
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Say hello to Olga the 144Views : 9203 Replies : 40Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Jun 14th, 2017, 16:56 | #11 |
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Hi, a little more to report
I fitted the new master cylinder with new seals, and replaced the original reservoir, cleaned thoroughly The mounts for the air filter box had become bent over time, so I made a simple tool to allow me to press them back to the right shape in the vice without crushing the lip around the edge I am fitting period Volvo accessory wheels, made by ATS. They've been refurbished by the company Ste work for; I'm pleased with the result. (I have the correct centres on order from VP in Sweden) Modeled on James's 164! I wanted to stay with 165/80 tyres. Various reasons, but I wanted Olga to have nice steering feel - and the 'tall and spindly' look which always makes me smile when I'm driving in convoy with with Ste's 164. Also, my partner (not a car person at all) has shown more interest than usual in this one, so I want him to be able to drive Olga without being put off by super heavy steering. I researched what's available in 165/80 15 - obviously much less choice than with with modern sizes. The vintage pattern Michelins and Pirellis are nice, but hugely expensive. I was leaning towards Continental, when I found these Vredestein T-trac 2. The size, speed and load ratings are right, and they have a B grade in the wet grip testing - much better than any other 165/80 15 I could find available. (I find that most reputable tyres can do a reasonable job in the dry; it's wet grip where the big differences between good tyres and rubbish show up). I'm also encouraged by their fairly poor economy rating, which in my experience tends to mean a softer, gripper compound. Price was reasonable at £43 each. I'll see how they perform and report back. More updates soon John |
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Jun 15th, 2017, 10:04 | #12 |
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Last Online: Apr 30th, 2023 15:34
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The bonnet hinge areas are incredibly tidy, as are the wheel wells....interesting that the original owners preferred the (recently introduced?) black on yellow rear plate.
Great project....well done!!
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just the one - 1970 144DL Auto |
Jun 15th, 2017, 10:47 | #13 |
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Last Online: May 31st, 2021 12:28
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Agree Billy: the first thing I did when I bought my '70 144 was bin those most-inappropriate plastic number-plates and get some period ones. Whilst I agree with those that go on about "see and be seen" one never sees a proper vintage or veteran car wearing plastic. Totally spoils the originality IMO.
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Jun 15th, 2017, 11:07 | #14 |
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I can only imagine an over-zealous MOT tester failed the period plates and modern plastic was the cheapest option...
Of course, in France (and I dare say other countries) you have to change the plate depending on where the car is registered, so often you'll have a beautifully finished Citroen DS for example with a hideous EU flagged plate....they don't even have the department flag on them now...
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just the one - 1970 144DL Auto |
Jun 15th, 2017, 11:35 | #15 |
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The number plates on Olga now are not plastic, they're aluminium with riveted on plastic digits.
I think the original owner fitted reflective plates as a modernising upgrade early in the car's life. The later holiday photo, with the reflective plate, was taken in the very early 70s. The front plate is damaged, so as a temporary measure to get her legal and mot'd, I have ordered some cheap pressed black plates from eBay. Eventually I will fit the riveted type, but as yet I haven't decided whether to go for black or reflective J |
Jun 15th, 2017, 13:24 | #16 |
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mine are mirror line and are probably on the border of legal; the rear one is perished and the front one is held together with pop-rivets....it's passed MOT at several strict testers
personally I like the look of a well restored / polished classic with it's original knackered plates....
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just the one - 1970 144DL Auto |
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Jun 15th, 2017, 21:41 | #18 |
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Any photos of yours Will?
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Jun 17th, 2017, 17:02 | #19 |
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Nov 25th, 2017, 16:15 | #20 |
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