This is my first posting on Brickboard. I would like to thank Brickboard and its contributors for filling many of my idle hours with engaging discussion about their Volvos, in particular, their 1980-era 240s.

As my nickname implies, I am very concerned about the future of our ailing national passenger railroad and dedicate countless hours to educating people about its importance. (I gave up flying 7 years ago and don't miss it a bit.)

I don't work on my car for the most part. I let the boys at Independent Volvo, in Albuquerque, NM sort out my problems and they always do an excellent job, at a very fair price.

I own a 1984 Volvo 244 GL and it serves me well. I have named her Stella II and she is the successor to Stella, the 1980 brick I once owned. I have come to respect and love my Volvo because she has never, ever let me down. Even when it lost its ground on the freeway recently, she had the decency to drop dead at the end of the exit ramp.

The only car that I hold in higher esteem than a Volvo is a 1965 Ford Falcon, but that is because it was the very first car that I ever owned.

OK, now you know a little bit about me and my car, let me explain why I am posting here. I am due to bring my car into the shop on Friday and the guys at the shop like it when I make a "list." But before I make a "list" I was wondering if I could bounce a few things off you guys and get your opinions.

First off, I noticed that the rubber "boot" (I guess you'd call it), that surrounds the base of the gear shifter has disengaged from its footing. Without a proper footing, the air from the engine pours into the passenger compartment, and lets in a bit of noise. Since the clutch assembly was replaced only a couple years ago, I was wondering if you think the rubber boot was defective or improperly installed. Or is this just a basic maintenance issue? (i.e. Just one of those things...)

Second, I think the blackstone radiator has about 20 years on it and was wondering if you think it might be a good idea to replace it with a new or refurbished 3-core unit? 20 years seems like a long time to me and although I have read postings that say the Blackstone is a good, sturdy radiator, it has been my experience that all automotive parts eventually fail.

Third, the air conditioner does not work. Well, it worked for about a week after I bought it but then it seemed to release all its Freon and has not worked since. I am wondering what success you all have had with making that R-whatever transformation in the system. Wouldn't it make more sense just to replace the compressor than to try to rebuild it?

Thank you for reading this long, drawn-out posting. And next time you are thinking about taking a long trip, consider climbing aboard Amtrak!