Events coming up

[harpgirl]

I did look in the events section but could see nothing.
Are there any events this weekend in the Midlands where I am likely to encounter an ES.
Ineed an injection of enthusiasm as I continue to cut away rot and multi-layer repairs from previous owners.
Cheers,
Ian

[harpgirl]

Decided to try show at Ragley Hall. Any 1800 owners want to own up to going? Would love to make contact.
Those of a nervous disposition please don't view the pictures. You will see why I need a shot of enthusiasm from being able to see a working vehicle or two.

[Groundes-Peace]

Hope Ragley Hall may have been a success for anyone attending.
The cutting job by Harpgirl may be a scare, but best to get the old rot out.
I have had a lot of help to sort rot problems on my P1800S. Over time the most serious area have been sorted.
My most recent issue has been the front end bodywork. Initially this seemed to be the corrosion visible under the paintwork along a top area of both front wings. Then more seriously corrosion breaking through around the indicator/front side lights. On investigation there was exposed large areas of filler and "bodge" in the front of both wings and the nose section of the car. As this was exposed it became clear it was not a case of having small sections of wing welding but replacement of both front wings and the nose cone of the car. Once these were cut off, serious corrosion was found along the top horizontal chassis members that are covered by the wings. The Volvo foam rubber filling that was inserted between the wings and chassis is a very compromised installation in the car's design!
Will send photos on here later.

[Groundes-Peace]

Initially this did not look too serious.
nearest 53rd bank

[Groundes-Peace]

But on investigation it got more frightening.....



pip boy thumbs up

the nearest chevron gas station

[Derek UK]

Looks like that was "restored" when the price of classics was rocketing. I hope that wasn't a recent find?

[Groundes-Peace]

I bought the car 7 years ago, and I knew it was rough. I paid a price that I felt was fair. I had some basic mechanical remedial work as well as tidying done at the time whilst I decided if I liked the car enough to have as a keeper.
Once I decided it was a keeper, I had the engine rebuilt, the interior re-trimmed, and then some bodywork tidied up further so it looked OK at 5 yards. finally I always thought these cars looked great on wire wheels, so that's what I went for.
I have held off getting the front bodywork attended to until, it became visually necessary, which was by the end of last year.
Having decided who would do this for me, I had to wait until the job could be slotted in, which was in early April.
The work was completed in the last week of April.
I know that in due course I will need the lower sills worked on, as well as some work on the rear wings, and the bottom of the passenger's door.
For me this is a rolling restoration of a car that I can enjoy driving for much of the year. It is garaged and so does not need to stand out in all weathers.
I have driven 2,000+ miles each year since 2012, and sometimes more. The car has been to France, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, plus two long trips all over Scotland. It has never let me down (touch wood!). Not bad for a car built 55 years ago!

[VolvoFan]

A very interesting read. Glad to know another 1800 owner who actually uses his car! The reliability you've experienced on your travels is a good testimonial for Volvos of that period.
Happy Volvoing!

[Groundes-Peace]

This starts to reveal where the problems were concealed inside the wings once they were cut away. The top chassis horizontal struts were also badly corroded.


and with a closer view. The corrosion on the top of the chassis member is quite deep. Also the damp penetration behind the splash plate was significant.



There was no real prospect to repair the wings or the nose cone.But the chassis bar could be repaired with new steel, once the "bad" was cut away.