144s, I'm actually putting it back together!

[940_Turbo]

I got a bit done on the reassembly; The first task was to get the new instrument cluster ready to be fitted. This is one of the rare Volvo Rally clusters, the 5 dial, not the slightly more common GT cluster which has 4 dials. To that end I made the two looms for the new instrument cluster It needs one for the rev counter and one for the oil pressure gauge which are not in the factory loom. I also fitted the oil pressure gauge sender.

Those done I fitted the cluster itself. I couldn't resist also adding the new steering wheel. The wheel comes from a Ferrari Testarossa and is similar to the early Volvo R sport wheel. It is also an appropriate diameter for the 144.



Before I could fit the wheel I took all the switches out of the dash so I could change the dashboard face trim. The old one had holes in it where the wood trim used to be fitted. I think it looks good. Mark and I took the deliberate decision not to restore the gauge panel. We;'re not trying to create something that looks completely new, rather it has to look all of a piece and purposeful.

I also dragged some bits off the shelf Mark has bought for the car, the IPD roll bar will go on imminently. Just the front bar, I don't like the handling with an overly stiff rear bar.



The heater valve is leaking, It must be the original so Mark dug deep and bought a new one, I know there are work around solutions but we want the car just right. Waiiting in the wings there is also a 123 electronic distributor to complete the oily bits.



Mark and I thought long and hard and we’ve decided the car will wear Volvo 760 Turbo alloys; the tyres are fitted!



We did t test fit the Kronprinz steels, but we’ve decided not to use them on this car, they’re waiting in the wings for a 133 project...



As you can see the glass is also mostly in. All the drop window carriers have been replaced. They’re easy to fit once you get your head round them. You simply stand the glass up on end, put the carrier with its rubber clamping trip in the other end, but a length of wood on the metal channel and tap it on. If you hit the metal locally you’ll just end up with a C shaped channel.