My wife and three of her roller derby friends decided to take a roller derby road trip from Austin to Nashville this weekend.

Envision four well-built women (all between 150 and 200 lbs) and their gear stuffed into our 1987 245. It's a 1000 pound payload.

They left behind a Toyota Prius and a Honda Accord coupe--in other words, they picked a 30 year old station wagon over the more modern options.

I spent the day yesterday going over the various systems--brakes, tires, engine, transmission, electrics--and I gave the car a thorough cleaning. So much glass--but it's beautiful when it's clean and clear.

Years ago I installed overload springs and Bilstein HD shocks on the Volvo, but I haven't always enjoyed the harsher ride. As they drove off this morning, packed with full bags and full women, any doubt of the wisdom of that suspension upgrade was erased.

They are out there now, on the interstate. I hope they make it. I thought this community would want to know that there's still folks out there who are making intrepid journeys with their old Volvos. When I'm driving across America I keep my eyes open for the old Volvos and I smile upon them. I'll update this thread later with a progress report.

kourt
87 245
austin, tx