Hello, everybody. I'm about ready to start working on my 130 which has been standing outside for more than a few years. Of course, the front wheels are stuck. Any advice about the best way to get them moving. George Downs some years ago suggested just driving a car in that situation and letting people laugh as the car screamed. It's not gonna move unless I can push or pull it. I really miss George's posts. Good guy.

well i'm no george but the pads are probably seized on the discs so if you have aa working hand brake and clutch and everything else is functional you could try driving it to get some friction and heat to free them up. it really depends on why you have an old car....if you like rebuilding the brake system do that....if you would rather drive try that first....if they won't free up you canalways rebuild them later.....fwiw last year i put new pads on my eurovan......for some reason they kept dragging intermitently..very irritating....then they freed up and havent acted up since.

well i'm no george but the pads are probably seized on the discs so if you have aa working hand brake and clutch and everything else is functional you could try driving it to get some friction and heat to free them up. it really depends on why you have an old car....if you like rebuilding the brake system do that....if you would rather drive try that first....if they won't free up you canalways rebuild them later.....fwiw last year i put new pads on my eurovan......for some reason they kept dragging intermitently..very irritating....then they freed up and havent acted up since.

Thanks, for the advice folks. I've had the car since it was a baby. My plan is to work it over in detail. It doesn't run, so driving it won't work. If it doesn't rain tomorrow I'll check the brakes, take steps to free them up and get the car into my garage to begin the process. I plan to replace hydraulics where necessary as part of the restoration. First business? Getting it into my garage. I'm gonna have to push, pull, drag, whatever it takes. It's a project I've been trying to get to for some time. I'm excited to finally get started. I've been retired for a couple years but nobody around here seems to realize it. If anyone's interested I'll apprise occasionally as I proceed. As soon as I get my 164 out of the garage this car goes in.

You should probably first figure out why they are not moving.
Although George may have said "just drive it", I don't think he'd recommend that without knowing what was wrong and what could be or not be damaged by driving.

It probably is as simple as the brake pads are rusted to the rotors which isn't a big deal and can be driven out carefully and followed by a thorough going through of the brake system.

But yes, figure out why they won't move first.
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"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

Yes, consider this to be normal after sitting for a while. You may well be able to prise the pads back to get you moving but as a priority, remove and rebuild the callipers. Expect stuck and rusty pistons.

Can you pull off the wheels and check out the front brakes?

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Eric

Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)

Torrance, CA 90502

I would guess that the back of the wheel are stuck to the caliper surface??If its disc brakes?/I would douse it w wd40?/ for a day....then take a 4x4 & wack it little by little w the end,,,to work it loose..