BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by Justin on
Thursday, 29 January 1998, at 11:59 p.m.
A friend of mine told me he was looking for an old Volvo and had spotted one in the paper. it read "1965 PV 544. Runs rough. $800" Anyway, I was wondering what some of the specifications were. Mainly, the engine. I know the 1st 444's had a B16, but by 1965 did they have B18's? Also, did they have a 12 volt ignition by this time, of is it still the old 6 volt? Any suggestions? If he's bent on an old one, I think he should look at a 122 of the same vintage. What do others think?
Re: PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by Steve LeFever on
Friday, 30 January 1998, at 9:03 a.m.
1965 was the last year that PV 544's were imported into the U.S. They were all B-18 and 12 volt. In California, $800 will buy a 544 that runs well and has a decent body with moderate rust. This seems to me to be too much for a car that runs badly.
Nearly every PV 544 I have seen has been modified with parts from other models, jury-rigged repairs, or missing pieces. Your friend should take someone with him who is familiar with this model to look it over.
I have three 1965 PV 544's and I would definitely recommend them as equal to the 122 in reliability, plus lighter and faster. I prefer the classic lines of the 544.
Let us know how it works out.
Regards, Steve
Re: PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by Bill Odom on
Friday, 30 January 1998, at 9:12 a.m.
My first Volvo was a'63 544. Great car! The engine is a B-18 with twin SU's and it does have the 12 volt ignition system. Mine still had a generator, but it wouldn't be too hard to convert over to an alternator. The carbs can be problematic. I'd recommend either a professional carb rebuild ($$$) or converting over to a single downdraft carb (more$$$). The old SU's work pretty well when new, but with age and wear, they can be a nightmare to deal with. They tend to start pulling air in around the throttle shafts and running crappy. It makes them hard to start too. Be careful around them if you have the air filters off and motor running; with a blip of the throttle and a hiccup, they can do a pretty good imitation of a flame thrower!
Most of the running gear is also common to the 122's and even the 142's. Easy car to work on. If you find a one with a solid body, it'll make a good car.
The bolt circle on the rims was still at 4 1/2" so you can use Ford 14" rims for a wider variety of tire sizes.
Re: PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by Mark on
Friday, 30 January 1998, at 1:18 p.m.
I had a '64 PV 544 B18 and highly recommend it. Sold it to a neighbor who piled it up within a week. Car has lots of torque and will pass most everything going up the local mountain passes. Check the exhaust manifold, they crack, but this is probably the vehicle's weakest point and is a cheap, simple fix. If it has proper compression, then the rough running is also likely to be a cheap fix. If the body is clean and running is just carb adjustment, it's a fun investment. PVs are more fun than 122s because nobody expects a minature '48 Ford to have that much pep.
Re: PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by richard g. on
Friday, 30 January 1998, at 11:56 p.m.
Well, I can only endorse what has already been said the other 544 aficionados. My first Volvo was a `61 544(pretty tired by the time it came my way) but I owned several 544`s before I moved on to the 140`s. The `62 and `63 were absolutely wonderfull cars, lotsa` fun to drive and go like "stink". I drove them all over Canada and they just wouldn`t quit. If the car has a solid body I`d say go for it. maybe check out the kingpins as well.
Re: PV 544 specs.[ALL/1988] posted by Justin on
Saturday, 31 January 1998, at 12:06 a.m.
Thank you everyone for your input. I'll pass it all along.