Amazon: Garage Find

[Ronkey]

I am always a bit suspicious of barn finds. They seem to be everywhere and usually seem to have been left to rot outside then dragged inside for a few months before being offered for sale. Add to that that it was on Ebay and I was doubly suspicious. But curiosity got the better of me and I decided to have a look.

On arrival I was met by a 1965 122s which hadn't moved from a dry garage in 30 years. Yes, there was rust and a poor respray but this car had been loved so much that the previous owner couldn't bring himself to part with it. Unfortunately the car has outlasted him and his widow reluctantly decided to sell it.

The appealed to me and a bid was placed. And I won. Oh heck.

Any interest in the story?

[Steve 940]

Hi Ronkey,

Definitely interested,in your story/project, as I too also ‘just went to look’ at a ‘70 145 in September, that comes with rust and a quick shiny blow over re spray. Currently offsite, as I need to finish workshop build first.

Cart / horse and all that, but then that’s part of the fun…. Hopefully 😀

Cheers
Steve

[Moomoo]

Good luck with it mate.

A bit of luck can go a long way!🤔👍

[john.wigley]

That has the makings of a fine story, 'Ronkey'.

I'm sure there will be much interest in your progress with the car, and you will find a wealth of collective wisdom and willingness to help among members. Several have chronicled their experiences in these forums - always a good read.

I've never had the pleasure of owning an Amazon myself, although I did once come close, but I have owned most other models since , including 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 series cars, over the years and now run a Phase 1 V70.

As 'Moomoo' said, the best of luck with your 'new' car!

Regards, John.

[Ronkey]

So here it begins.

A few general shots. They really are a smart looking beggar although the respray is poor. The colour chosen is a brighter red than the original which does suit the car. I will go back to the original red and am considering a white/cream/grey roof. Long way from that though now!

The interior is very good and I even have the original radio blanking plate. The seats will need new webbing and a repair piece to the side of the driver's seat bases for which I'll have to match the material.

I found some great stuff from when the car last put in the garage too: last fuel receipt dated Sept 1993.

[Ronkey]

The V5 lists the engine as a 1.6: is this an error? A B18 is fitted: I didn't think that a 1.6 was offered in 1965. Hmmm

Any ideas on what unit is fitted here?

[Derek UK]

It's a B18B. Engine number and type are stamped onto the machined flats just above the engine breather. Mud flaps are correct. Big plain ones for the front and Volvo for the back. You may need the matching brackets for them. Brookhouse has them. They also have seat webbing kits if you don't want to go the DIY route. Seat belt webbing works well but seats can be hard if you overtighten it. Driver and passenger weight is relevant if you use that.

[Ronkey]

As always there is more rust than expected, but a systematic approach has yielded results. Work has been needed to the boot floor, rear wheel arches, sills, front floors and inner front arches. I certainly didn't notice all of this when I bought the car but on balance I think I bought a generally solid car. It certainly is now! Photos attached for interest.

I am planning to repair the front doors next. The passenger door has accident damage and I have sourced a replacement, but the replacement and the existing driver's door need a new part skin and lower inner repair. I would welcome advice on this before I start.

[Ronkey]

Hi have some genuine Volvo mirrors to add to the car too but I do not have serviceable base sections. Can anyone advise where I might source these?

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by Ronkey

As always there is more rust than expected, but a systematic approach has yielded results. Work has been needed to the boot floor, rear wheel arches, sills, front floors and inner front arches. I certainly didn't notice all of this when I bought the car but on balance I think I bought a generally solid car. It certainly is now! Photos attached for interest.

I am planning to repair the front doors next. The passenger door has accident damage and I have sourced a replacement, but the replacement and the existing driver's door need a new part skin and lower inner repair. I would welcome advice on this before I start.

Redhill , eBay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225154468...temCondition=4