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I'm sure you figured I'd chime in on this one, Chris...and...
I hate to break it to you, but...you're nuts. I am too. Best I can tell, there are perhaps 4 folks in the country that really like Volvo 145s. You make five. I count as one of these weird type folks as well...
Firstly, by now you should know better than to start a project with a (even minorly) rusty shell. They just ain't worth fixing. Keep in mind, bodywork is the most expensive thing to do on any car... You could spend a grand to have a good body shipped from anywhere in the USA, and you'd come out ahead. The California black plate is cool I'll admit, but when it comes to post 122 Volvos, it ain't worth a whole lot...
Mechanical stuff...that's all easy. Any shop should be able to do that....regardless of what they usually work on. There is nothing (NOTHING) easier to fix than a Volvo 140...'specially an early one with carbs. These cars are nothing but luxurious tractors. You can fix it yourself. Or pay someone $50/hour to do it for you. What is your time worth? Personally, I'd rather do these things myself even if it costs more, and I get teh education.and familiarization with the car. And the "bonding".
Personally, I got an "almost free" 145 which I thought would be a good builder. It was exactly the car I was after...that being, a rust/wreck free pre 1971 (rear quarterlight window) car. And it was red. Very faded. Still is. But it had absolutely nothing else I wanted. It had a worn out engine, and automatic. Had never seen much work at all.... everything needed (still needs) attention. So far, I've traded (it was a good trade...thanks again Justin!) the best Volvo I've ever had (also a 145, but...too good and one year too new for me), and about $1500. And perhaps a total of 150 hours (some fun, some not so fun).
The car now runs decent and has a 4 speed, overdrive, spiffy engine... and all that...but it still ain't running great. The heater fan only works when its warm out (and it barely cleared 10 degrees today...not warm enough), it needs some serious tuning still. And it's finicky about starting cold.... Jeez. The body still needs some attention and the interior ain't great. Here I've got all this time and money invested in a car thats currently worth no more than $600.
Now don't get me wrong...I ain't saying you shouldn't build a good 145. Like I said...I love 'em, and I ain't fixin' to sell or swap mine any time. But....do keep in mind that they aren't worth much. And they aren't going to be. But as with any classic car, you should keep in mind the value of the finished project. In my case, I figure with all the stuff I've done to the car, and the stuff I plan to do...it might be worth about $3k. And I'm not willing to have a whole lot more than that into it...though I know I will after the paint job....
What year is the wagon anyhow? How 'bout some more details and we can sympathize together :-)
Oh...and damn good choice on avoiding the honda dealership. That would have been a HUGE mistake.
Love your Volvo(s)!!!!
-Matt
project 145
'72 164
'65 1800
other silly stuff
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