All

At long last, I found one! 1968GT. German delivery. Rough shape but it exists! And it's in my garage.

I am thrilled.

What is the latest on clutch and brake fluid? I've always used plain old dot 3 (or at least never used anhydrous (dot 5?)? But I have ruined plenty of paint with old style fluid.

I am replacing master, hose and slave on my 1968. I want to keep them in good shape with the right fluid. Also would love to keep paint nice.

After clutch I'll move to brakes (car been sitting in barn for 17 years)
I expect I'll need a complete replacement of most brake components. Dot 5?

Any opinions or facts appreciated!

Keep on Rollin' !

Thanks,

The guy at the AutoZone near me said "they are all the same, they all eat paint, and it makes no difference. Just a matter of how much you want to pay."

I walked right out the door. I liked your answer s better.

I routinely work on cars that are not Volvo.
One is a 1998 Lexus GS400, 300hp V-8, and the biggest master cylinder I've ever seen that incorporates ABS, hydro-boost power brakes, and the traction control - a $2000.00 part. Says on the filler cap "Use Only DOT 3 Fluid".
One of the others is a 2004 Corvette ZO6, which has the biggest front brake rotors and calipers I've ever seen on a car. Filler cap says "Use Only DOT 3 Fluid". It has a hydraulic clutch as well, also DOT 3.
Between them the two cars have over 700 horsepower, and either will top 150 mph. DOT 3 is fine according to the manufacturers. I think it's fine too in your GT. Just flush it every few years and all will be well.

Look into DOT 5.1. Even though the .1 makes it seem like it's pretty similar to DOT 5, it's really just 'super' DOT 3/4 style fluid. Completely compatible with those types, but with the boiling performance of DOT 5.

It's just generally not available in corner parts shops for whatever reason, you'd have to mail order it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5.1
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'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 (now w/16V turbo)

All,

I'm sure dot3 would meet the driving performance requirements of my car.
Mostly interested in the preservation, durability, maintenance, and safety pros and cons. Sounds like dot 5.x could be a useful evolution.

Thanks

Hello,

Referencing old Volvo owners manuals and Volvo repair manuals, the recommended brake and clutch fluid was "SAE 70 R3".

And as far as I can find, the equivalent is DOT 4 and that is what we normally use in all Volvo brake and clutch systems.

Dot 4 is a higher quality brake fluid than DOT 3.

In our experience, DOT 3 brake fluid causes original Girling rubber seals to deteriorate faster.




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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502

I'm happy with DOT5, used it in 122s and a 164 for almost 30 years.
Be sure all your parts are clean and dry and fill it slowly so you don't make bubbles.
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George Downs Bartlesville, Oklahoma