240 General: A free plug for Rob at Amazon Cars

[Leatherland Andy]

I have recently been off the road for three weeks. One week to realise the clutch parts I had were incorrect, (and additional ones required), one week to source and have delivered a clutch fork, and an agonising third week because my garage was booked solid and couldnt turn away work already booked in just because my parts had arrived.

This is a public thank you to the ever pleasant and knowledgable Steve at Braydon Motors, (who correctly staked his life on the part number I required), Simon at Brookhouse who got the coarse splined clutch to me asap, and Rob at Amazoncars.co.uk who was the only UK vovlo specialist to be able to source me the clutch fork from Sweden. I have put this on the forum in case others find they need a part now (thanks to Ford), listed as "expired". Rob admitts he is not a 200 specialist but he does have volvo contacts in Europe who may be equally able to source 200 parts as Amazon ones.

Just finally, Rob really wanted my vin number, and all parties agreed that it should begin with a couple of letters. Without that he took a gamble that the part I requested was the right one. My Vin plate does not appear to have these letters. It is a strange model supplied to British Forces in Germany in 1978 and re registered when arriving in the UK in August 78.

It is a 1978 car as the door key is the same as the ignition key, though the gear box seems to be earlier hence the need for a 10 spline clutch plate when everyone in the parts world reckons that model should be 22 spline. I have just spoken to the original owner who is adamant that it never had a change of gearbox and I can now be confident that it is as fitted in 78 as I am the third owner and I know the 2nd one as well.

Any technical folk out there who could comment?

[revolvor]

You mentioned Braydon Motors !

I purchased 2 items through Steve at Braydon's last week "for the first time" and the service was beyond excellent, I have been searching for a good original fuel tank for a while and was quoted £30 plus £15 for a complete steering UJ shaft (with both UJ's) Postage was quoted at £10, all plus the VAT as expected.

Items arrived "Next Day" and are in great condition, Braydon's will be my first choice for spare parts in the future.

[revolvor]

Hi Leatherland Andy,

Your pics came up when I signed in, that's a very nice Wagon, love the grille mounted lights, they must be mega rare ? as you know I am in Swadlincote (PMd you about local stove enameller's) so we will no doubt have a headlamp flashing session very soon

You may be interested ?
TRI automotive paint supplies in Hawkins Lane, Burton have a great deal on Mercasol underseal right now, they had a pallet of it for one of the the local rail companies but the order was cancelled, it is in a shultz type tin and is being sold at approx £4 at tin, thats almost cost price to clear, just done my 4x4 in it and last week bought 2 more cases of 12 for other jobs including my Wagon, it is top grade stuff PLUS it's made in Sweden !

[Leatherland Andy]

Thanks for the kind comments about the car. Bit like placing an old photo of yourself on a dating site.......the picture was taken after its last trip to the Beauty Parlour". Five years on it still looks that good ............from 15 ft away!

Probably due another £800, bodywork and part respray.

Sometimes I think about giving up on the ownership, but I actually like dealing with the specialist suppliers........makes it a challenge. Cant rate Steve at Braydons high enough for pleasant outlook and excellent knowledge. He has been breaking and working on 200 series since the 70s.