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Volvo restoration[ALL/1988] posted by Kris Amundson on
Wednesday, 28 January 1998, at 5:09 p.m.
I own a 1978 Volvo 244DL 2.1L 4-cyl. I'm driving a newer car due to the fact that the transmission in it is shot. My question is wether it is worth it to replace to transmission (very pricey), do a little part replacement and upkeep here and there, and get it up to a working/selling point. The engine seems to be fine, the suspension is like riding a roller coaster, the A/C works as far as I know, I just put new tires on the damn thing before the tranny crapped out, it has some belt squeeles and the like. The car has been through hell and back, but it runs fine, except for that damn transmission problem. This thing was used for pizza delivery for 3 months. Something like 150,000 miles on it.
Are the 2.1L reliable? If I plug say, $1500 total to fix this thing up ... is it worth it? Can I do most of the engine work myself not being an expert at engines? I know regular maintanence (spark plugs & wires, oil, fluids etc.). I could probably due carb. adjustments and gastget replacement (head cover, etc.). Any help, tips, tricks, suggestions would be appreciated. Oh, one other thing. Down here in Klamath Falls, Oregon, there are no Volvo part shops anywhere in town (there is a Volvo Semi-Truck shop, but I doubt they carry parts for cars). If anyone knows where I can get parts mail-order or the like, drop me a #/Web-Site/Address. Thanks.
Because I'm full time student/part-time job, I cannot read this forum on a regular basis. If convienent, please forward or directly write to my email address (krisa@optec.com). Again, thanks for any help you volvo-experts can give me.
Re: Volvo restoration[ALL/1988] posted by Paul S. on
Wednesday, 28 January 1998, at 5:43 p.m.
Klamath Falls.....hell I used to live in Grants Pass!!!
Two places: ipdusa.com in Portland, OR and rprusa.com in Albany, Ca have great mail order.
First advice: Join VCOA (Volvo Club of America)....good discounts, ads for all kinds of mail order Volvo stuff in a great mag.
Second: How much did you pay for the beast? 150K miles...low miles really, my 1981 262C has 172K. Is it a manual or auto? You should be able to get a used tranny.....if you can afford it, you can't afford it..really a personal decision...cars are very rarely a good investment, but if you can get over that hurdle you should be able to make this beast run a while longer,
Clean the living sh*t out of everything. Buy several gallons of Castrol super clean and Simple Green. Get everything spotless under the hood and chasis. Only then can you begin. It may be psychological but a clean engine makes problems easier to diagnose and work on.
Replace the shocks and belts. Properly tension the belts. Watch for leaks, squeaks, rattles and clunks. On your low budget you can't just replace parts for sport (as in my case - I mainly update all borderline parts). You must be fairly certain the part is shot. Make a friendship with a beer drinking mechanic.....sometimes I get free advise and do the work myself.
Clean it, tune it and drive it!! (Once you score a tranny)
PS Any rust?
Paul Seminara
1996 855
1981 262C