240 General: What to look for on an 89 240 est?

[hennabm]

Hi all

I have just purchased my first ovlov (
(see project Volvo thread; http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=226489 )

and have already identified several things to do. As it has stored for 8 years the cambelt, tyres and a service are first on the list.

What else do I need to check out specifically, if anything.

Many thanks in advance.

[Clifford Pope]

I've always found the brake caliper pistons very prone to seizing up, even in a car that is used daily. I'd certainly expect trouble here if the car has been unused for 8 years.

Remove each wheel in turn, remove the spring plates, and use a pair of plumbers adjustable pliers to push the brake pad back against the piston(s) to its fully retracted position. It should move fairly easily. Pump it back out again VERY GENTLY and move on to the next.

If any are stuck or a bit stiff you can generally free them up with a bit/lot of levering and pumping. If one is stuck fast get the pad out and temporarily replace with something thinner - eg an old worn out pad and then use pedal pressure to force it to move. Then repeat as above until eased.

I'd give the cooling system a good flush through and refill with new fluid. Any deposits will have had 8 years to consolidate and lodge in the water passages.

[heckflosse]

Clean the fuses. They go white and furry and can cause problems.
Otherwise, you have a good quality car that was made well and had decent electrics.
An 89 Ford or Rover would be a different story!

[hennabm]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies guys.

A (newbie) question - is this hole supposed to have a draw or something in it?



Cheers

[volvo always]

No It's just a storage bin. Check the chassis outriggers and floorpan for rust holes. My outriggers had a 50 pence sized hole so had both sides welded. Wheel arches suffer as well as the tailgate lip and behind the rear bumper.
The rubber hoses may be perished so check for cracks. Sounds a well worth project. I love my GLT, had it for nearly 6 years and now on just over 209,500 miles.

James

[hennabm]

Hi all

Some more newbie questions;

I have the original Volvo radio and the handbook speaks of 4 speakers. Mine only has two. Where (if at all) did the rear speakers go in an estate? Will the wiring be there if there is a place for them?

Secondly what colour are the sills. On mine they are a grey colour but is it obtainable and if so what is its colour name and/or number?

TIA

[classicswede]

You can add the rear speakers, not sure on the wiring but it could well be there.

Most cars have the sills painted black

[hennabm]

Originally Posted by classicswede

You can add the rear speakers, not sure on the wiring but it could well be there.

Most cars have the sills painted black

Hi

Thanks for the reply - I know it's a daft question but where do they go in the rear of an estate?

[gary austin]

hi they go at the bottom left of the doors below window winder .

[Beetledrive]

I have a white '89 estate, with the old style tailgate window, that's very similar to yours (but a GL), and the sills are grey. No reason to think they have been repainted at any stage.