Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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radio & head liner 444-544

I recently bought a 61 544. Best I can tell the car has not been on the road since the very early 90"s, my initial goal was to get it functional so it at least would move from point A to Point B. Inside the trunk was a mass of components, everything from transmissions, starters, brake parts and a Bendix radio. The radio is a push button am radio that the outer shell say's" made exclusively for Volvo. The only other stamping on the radio is 6BVO -014423, I have no idea if this was the original radio or even if it's a 6 volt set up. I tried to power it up with 6 volts but don't know if I even had the wiring correct. It has a black wire coming out of the case, and two, what appear to be speaker wires, also coming out. The black wire is soldered to the radio case. Using a 6 volt source I was able to actually get the radio light to come on, but not knowing what the wiring should be I stopped. Does anyone have the knowledge about what model the radio might be for a web site link that could provide me with more information? The head liner is also completely shot and I was wondering if anyone as done something different other that replacing the head liner with a stock replacement.








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    radio & head liner 444-544

    Often, pertinent information was on a paper label or sticker which obviously is long gone from your radio.

    If you really want to have this radio working, you will probably have to send it to an a qualified repair shop.

    I am pretty sure someone makes a 6 volt reproduction radio that looks like an old radio for less than what a repair shop would charge to fix your old Bendix.

    Most interior shops will either make their own headliner trying to use your old one as a template or order one from a shop that makes them and in both cases, they usually don't make an accurate replacement. Functional, yes, accurate no.

    One of my suppliers has accurate reproductions of the headliners made.

    The vinyl perforated version costs $126.00 plus shipping.

    FYI, you will probably pay more for labor for a professional headliner installation.

    You should have the windlace changed at the same time.
    --
    Eric
    Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
    Torrance, CA 90502
    hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com








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      radio & head liner 444-544

      A headliner is not all that difficult to make if you know how to use a sewing machine. I'd recommend a heavy-duty industrial type. I've made a few for myself in the past. After you remove the old one, number the panels & cut them apart with a razor blade. Cut the new panels the exact same size & shape as the old ones. I leave about an inch extra on the ends, which can be trimmed off when you install it if necessary. Above each seam you'll sew in a narrow piece of material, folded over to form a tube or sleeve (they're called "listings") to run the metal bows through. The 544 also has a narrow strip of heavy cardboard sewn in along the rear edge where it fits under a lip, around the rear glass. I've seen a very informative video on Youtube, which shows a 544 headliner replacement. They speak Dutch, but after you watch it a couple times it starts to make sense. Sorry I don't have a link to the video, maybe someone else does. You can always make a "practice" one out of cheap material just to see how its done, before investing in the proper material. I taught myself to do upholstery by watching Youtube videos & reading some books on the subject. So far, I've done a couple of my cars & some airplane seats for a few friends. Good luck.








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        radio & head liner 444-544

        Thank you both for the info. The radio isn't that important to me but I was just curios if someone had a similar situation where it powered up and just needed a electrical component. The old head liner is completely wasted so I'll call Eric to order a replacement when I get to that point. I've seen the video shot in Dutch and it looks like the installation is something I can handle.








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          radio & head liner 444-544

          A couple of tips regarding the headliner installation, be patient, Its not a 10 minute job. And do it on a cool day, inside, or at least in the shade. When I installed mine I made a tool out of a stiff putty knife, with the corners ground off to about a 1/2" radius, to stuff the edges up under. A credit card or a bondo spreader will work too, but the putty knife is easier to use.







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