C70 Convertible

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by AJ56BUT

OK...update! I decided to hand the car over to Avalon Cars of Northampton - Independent Volvo specialists. They have had the car for 3 weeks now. They have been brilliant! However, a word of warning....we all know the attraction of an older low mileage car. Remember mine is 2002 and has done 32000 miles. So Avalon have been all over it! They even found that the fuel cap strap was broken! So far.....Cambelt/water pump change (what I originally asked to be done). New brake discs all round + callipers + pads+ hand brake overhaul. Gearbox mounting. Engine mounting. New alternator. Apparently the current alternator has the wrong bolts (not sure what difference this makes - but they must know what they are doing). ROPS warning light bulb removed (the dealer who sold me the car had solved the ROPS warning light problem - ha, ha)!. Historic fault codes on the roof. I have owned the car for just over a month and it has been in the repair shop for nearly 3 weeks now! Avalon assure me it will be good when all the jobs are done - oh yes....I forgot - inner wing under the battery needs welding/replacing - but I knew this already! Ho hum - happy days!

It should be good once it is all done.

Apart from the alternator, that list sounds like the bog standard checks and jobs that would be needed on any newly purchased car - no matter its condition or mileage. With low mileage the interior should be immaculate and that is much more difficult to restore than mechanical items.

Don't expect the scuttle shake to be gone completely - they are quite floppy - but it should be improved. Treat it as a grand tourer and enjoy.

[AJ56BUT]

Update.....just had the car in at a Volvo specialist. Had loads done but needed a new engine mount and gearbox mount. Scuttle shake is much better now.....bank balance is not!

[AJ56BUT]

New brake discs, pads, calipers, alternator, cambelt and associated bits, engine and gearbox mount. Brilliant job by Avalon Cars of Northampton. The bill was a bit of a shock! Ho hum!

[Baffler]

Originally Posted by ASt85

Easiest ways to reduce the skuttle shake
1) Check the wheel alignment
2) Make sure all 4 tyres are the same make/type and don't have flat spots due to standing unused etc and do check the wheel balance.
3) Invest in a front cross brace and make sure that the lower front brace bushes are not worn or perished. (a wishbone like arrangement that runs forward from the gearbox/auto housing)
4) Check the rear supspension spring do not have the top coil broken off - 2002 to 2004 manufactured models were fitted with a poor quality steel springs which often failed @ round 40 to 45K miles, but also prone to age related metal fatigue. Check the return rate/softness of the rear shock absorbers and the front suspension legs.
5) Fit a rear to bar bracket which acts as rear cros brace and really does stiffen the whole body up.
6) Check that the tyre to wheel arch clearances are both equal on the rear, the front clearance should also be equal - less cleance at the front than the rear - if either is different start looking for "tired springs". They do compress over time due to the dodgy steel used in the afore mentioned factory fitted batch.

As ASt85 says it would do no harm to double check all four tyres, their size and rating are correct for the vehicle. Recommended tyre specifications can be found in the owners manual.

[AJ56BUT]

Got the car back now and what a difference! Certainly the scuttle shake is better - I think a new engine and gearbox mount has made a huge difference....still a bit wobbly but I can handle that! The job sheet was extensive with many new parts mainly revolving around brakes, alternator and of course the cambelt which was the number 1 job. Avalon Cars of Northampton were fantastic. Event wash and valet included!

[Rich850R]

Ahhh good old Avalon